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missadangel · 3 days ago

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MAKE HIM DISLIKE LOVE YOU

Harry Castillo x Reader (The Materialist)

Chapter 1: Blind Date

series masterlist

Summary: You work as a housekeeper in a rich family's mansion and often have to deal with their spoiled daughter. One day, she asks you to pretend to be her on a blind date with a guy her dad picked out for her. Your mission is to make him not like you so he won't want to marry her. But here's the twist: will Harry end up hating you, or could he actually fall for you? That's the real question. Warnings: 18+ (smut, MDNI) kinda romantic comedy stuff, fluffy, angst, lying, soft and caring Harry Castillo, wealth, expensive gifts, drinks, money, cars, language, sexual tension, piv sex, kissing, Word Count: 4.8k for now, There will be a part two if you guys like it, but I'm not sure about the rest. Sorry for the poor writing; that was quick. authors note: I am not sure about his name. If there's any update, I will edit. English is not my native, so please be nice; this is my third fanfiction. Thank you for the reblogs, comments, and likes. Love you all!

"Ugh, this dress is so last season! Are you serious? Everything here is out of style—get rid of them! Call Elliot and have them send me another dress, or I'm going to be really pissed!"

As if tossed at you like a used handkerchief, another dress worth thousands of dollars—perhaps only worn once—landed in your hands. You sighed as you looked at the elegant dress you were now holding, the Gucci label glinting under the light.

"Story of my life," you mumbled.

Working as a housekeeper in a millionaire's house was hard enough, but dealing with his spoiled and ill-tempered daughter was exhausting. Yet you were determined that it would soon be over. You could no longer endure this physical and psychological torture. With the money you had saved, you planned to open your own restaurant—fulfilling your dream. You just needed to save a little more and hang in there a bit longer.

Your boss was a decent, kind man, but his daughter was so unbearable that every housekeeper assigned left the next day.

How do you even tolerate her?

Because you didn’t have the luxury of quitting and waiting for a new job. You were still young and trying to establish yourself in the business. The extra pay you received was simply to endure her antics. Your kind millionaire boss had even promised you all the support you needed, suggesting you could quit your day job and focus solely on managing his daughter’s affairs. But how could you have known it would be so challenging? Still, you managed to get through each day and believed you could endure this for just a little while longer. After all, you had survived three challenging years already, right?

The mansion was enormous, and everything inside was meticulously organized. Everyone—housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, and even the owners—followed a disciplined daily routine.

Except for the young lady of the house.

You never knew when she would wake up or come downstairs to join her family at the dinner table. She was stubborn, mean, and unpredictable, and you had to manage her behavior just as you managed her dresses, her dates, and her friends. Because you were responsible for her, there were times when you wished you could handle all the housework yourself and let someone else take care of her demands. Despite being just an ordinary housekeeper, your name was the one that echoed the most throughout this vast mansion.

Why?

Because the young lady constantly called on you to fulfill her never-ending requests. And it was one of those moments again. Since it was evening, you guessed she was probably getting ready for a night out at the club, and you felt a surge of annoyance as you rushed to her room.

"I can't believe I was a size 8 before starting this job; now I'm down to a size 6," you mumbled to yourself, quickly making your way up the stairs.

One of the cleaners dusting the vases in the hallway shot you a wink and let out a sigh. Man, you’d do just about anything to be in her shoes, just taking care of that vase!

As soon as you knocked on the door, the young lady Melanie opened it, pulled you inside by the arm, and slammed the door shut behind you. You were taken aback—had you made a mistake? It had only been two hours since you last saw her; you had picked up her clothes off the floor and taken them to the laundry room. She had seemed content, busy texting on her phone. What could have possibly happened in such a short time?

“Is something wrong?” you asked, your eyes wide. For some reason, she looked super tense and nervous.

“You’ve gotta help me,” she said almost desperately, which caught you off guard; it was pretty rare for her to ask for help like this, very rare.

“Of course, if I know what’s going on…”

“Remember that thing we did with the senator's son? I need you to do something like that again.”

You froze for a moment. She was referring to something you had helped her with before—something you weren't very proud of.

“Oh, but—” you frowned. “You said I’d never have to do anything like that again.”

Years ago, you had done your best to disguise yourself as Melanie to turn off the senator's son and prevent him from marrying her. It had worked, but lying to someone was a real headache. Thankfully, Melanie's father hadn’t suspected a thing, but the thought of risking it again felt scarier than anything else.

“I know, I know, but I’m in a tough spot. My dad has been speaking with a matchmaker again to arrange a match for me. After the scandal at the club last time, he's determined to marry me off for sure. Please, I need your help.”

How could she still act so childish in her late twenties? As she looked at you with those pleading eyes, memories of all the times she’d yelled at you and scolded you flashed in your mind. It was fine when you were more like her special assistant instead of just a housekeeper, but now it feels like you’re just a toy to her. When she wants to have fun, she plays with you—almost like you’re her little slave or something.

“I’m not here for that,” you said firmly. “That is not my job.” Your patience was running thin, and this was just too much.

“But you’re supposed to help me,” she shot back, stubborn as ever. “And it’ll be easier this time, I promise.”

You narrowed your eyes and said, “We got caught last time when the guy found out and cursed both of us. Do you have any idea how hard that was for me? And if your father discovers what we’re up to this time…”

She replied with a grin, “We won’t get caught this time because I already sent them my photo instead of yours. Besides, you know how my father is strict about always having my picture removed from newspapers and magazines.”

“You did what?” you wailed.

“Chill, it’s all figured out. I’ve been working on this since last week. You’ll have dinner with the guy, pretend to be me, scare him off, and boom! He won’t want to hear my name again. Easy peasy!”

You rolled your eyes. “But he’s surely seen your photo somewhere; he can’t be that clueless.”

“No, he’s a very busy businessman. He has lived abroad for years and has just returned from France. He’s looking to set up his business here in New York,” she said as she opened her laptop and pulled up a webpage with information about the man. “It seems he’s also looking for a suitable match,” she continued, glancing at his photo and pursing her lips.

You froze when you looked at the photo; he wasn’t at all what you expected. He appeared to be a mature, charismatic, and intelligent man. But how could you sit opposite this man and pretend to be someone else? The thought made you shudder, raising the tiny hairs on the back of your neck.

“As you can see, he’s much older than me. I don’t think he’ll tolerate disrespect. If you’re disrespectful to him, he might get annoyed and just leave the table,” she said with a chuckle.

You laughed too, but for a different reason. You were sure that if she went to the meeting herself, he would get up and leave when he saw her personality.

“I think you should go; maybe he won’t like you,” you suggested.

She narrowed her eyes at you like she'd just caught you saying something crazy. “He won’t like me? Seriously?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder with a cocky grin. “Anyway, I can’t risk it. I don’t want to marry him or anyone else, and I definitely don’t want to be stuck in the same room with that old man.”

As if I want it so much, you thought.

“Come on, please do this for me! I promise I’ll be good; I won’t make you work too hard. I’ll ask Dad to give you a nice raise,” she said, clasping her hands together and trying to look cute.

Well, good raise would mean you could quit your job and bail out of here earlier, right? You crossed your arms and glanced back at the laptop screen, staring at the photo of that guy—Harry Castillo. You made a decision that you had no idea would change everything in both his life and yours.

“Fine. When’s dinner?” you said, feeling a bit anxious.

“Oh, you’re the best! I knew you couldn’t say no!” she said excitedly. “This Saturday.”

“But that’s only two days away,” you pointed out, feeling even more nervous.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you all set. Just make sure you displease him,” she grinned.

You sighed deeply, already sure you’d regret this choice.

“Don’t you think this dress is a bit… exaggerated?” you muttered, looking at yourself in the mirror.

It was an elegant burgundy dress—strappy, satin, and adorned with pearl details—the kind of designer item you could never afford, even if you worked your entire life.

“Am I trying to make him hate me or make him fall for me?” you asked, frowning.

Melanie rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry; he’ll never fall in love with you,” she said arrogantly. This was typical behavior for her, so you chose to ignore it. “As much as you want to annoy him, remember that you represent me. I don’t want anyone gossiping that Melanie Johanson is wearing a lame dress,” she continued while picking out a matching purse.

“But everyone knows I’m not you, except that poor guy.”

“I don’t suppose you were planning to wear one of your own skimpy outfits,” she remarked. “Do you want our game to be exposed?”

That was too much—being scolded and being forced to do something so ridiculous for this spoiled girl.

“Fine, go to that dinner yourself then,” you said, slipping off your heels.

She grabbed your arms. “No, no, no, please. Okay, I’m sorry I was rude. But I need you; no one else would do something like this for me.”

“It’s good that you realize that,” you muttered.

“Here, take this; it’s time,” she said, giving you a smile.

Honestly, putting up with Melanie’s constant demands, cleaning up after her, and covering for her felt like child’s play compared to what you were facing tonight.

A nice raise, you keep telling yourself trying to soothe yourself. I’m doing this for my restaurant; I’ll get it started someday.

The restaurant was one of the most famous, expensive, and luxurious places in New York—somewhere you would never normally set foot in. But tonight, thanks to Melanie’s name, you could easily get in. You were overwhelmed by the incredibly polite behavior of the restaurant staff.

Melanie may have been extravagant and reckless, but she had thought of almost everything for tonight—from the driver who brought you here to the all restaurant staff.

All this effort was for one purpose: to rid herself of the matchmaker’s match.

When they took your fur coat at the entrance and told you that Mr. Castillo was waiting for you, you took a deep breath. After one step inside, when you saw him, you nearly backed away. Harry was busy on his phone, scribbling notes in his small notebook. He looked really sharp and stylish—way more handsome and appealing than in the photo.

Damn.

You wanted to escape; you wished to put an end to this nonsense before it even began. Without realizing it, your feet started to move backward. Just then, you turned around and accidentally bumped into the waiter behind you, causing him to drop the champagne glasses he was carrying on his tray. The glasses shattered, and champagne spilled all over his outfit. You cursed yourself for the mishap.

Before you could even respond, the waiter apologized. “No, it was my fault; I’m sorry,” you said nervously, trying to wipe off the champagne from his clothes.

The other waiter and the staff stared at you in shock.

Yes, you were a wealthy lady now, but what harm was there in being polite?

"No, ma'am, I should have been more careful," he said before turning and walking away.

"Miss Johnson?" said a soft, deep voice.

You turned around to meet him and felt almost breathless. There he was, few inches taller than you, with broad shoulders, curly hair, deep-set brown eyes, a sharp nose, and an attractive appearance.

"Melanie, right?"

"Y-yes," you stammered, batting your eyelashes.

And that smile! For a moment, the world seemed to stop; all the sounds in the restaurant faded, and you almost forgot why you were there.

"I'm Harry," he said, holding out his hand. It took you so long to look at his face that you nearly forgot to acknowledge his hand. He laughed again, that wonderful smile lighting up his face. "My hand has been waiting for a while," he said teasingly.

You felt your cheeks flush as you realized what he meant. "I'm sorry," you replied, quickly reaching out to shake his waiting hand. His hand was big and warm. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," you mumbled, feeling embarrassed. You knew you needed to work up the courage.

“Not really,” he said with a grin. “Shall we head to our table? Or do you want to stay here all night?”

“S-sure,” you said sheepishly.

Well, there wasn't much you could do about it. This wasn't just about him being wealthy or handsome. Even if it was a fake date, it had been years since you'd been on a date, and you didn’t know many men in your life.

Dinner was harder than you expected. Even though you and Melanie had practiced what you should and shouldn't say, your fears came to light. Harry seemed kind and understanding, and it was difficult to lie to him, which made you hate every minute of it. It got worse when he started grilling you with questions, and you weren't sure how much longer you could keep up with this silly game.

When you excused yourself to go to the restroom, you called Melanie.

"What do you mean he hasn't left the restaurant yet?"

"I don't know; the conversation got a little long, and he kept asking questions about me, I mean you."

"Do something to make him hate you already!"

“But how? Throw wine at him? This is all ridiculous. I think we should just tell the truth.”

"Don't you dare!" she barked.

Her voice was so loud that you had to smile apologetically when the other women in the ladies room looked at you strangely, hearing your end of the conversation.

"What am I supposed to do? Our plan isn't working."

“What's up with this guy? He should’ve bailed by now.” Melanie grunted.

“He seems nice—I doubt he’d be rude like that.”

“Rude! That’s the ticket; just be rude enough that he can’t stand it.”

“What? Seriously?”

“Yep, you heard me. Just be as rude as you can.”

You let out a sigh, really wishing you could just bang your head against the wall right now.

“I said do it, or you'll ruin everything. Call me when you’re done.”

“But what am I gonna— Hello? Darn it!”

Beep… Beep… Beep…

She hung up.

You’ll have to be rude, how wonderful! But she was right; you needed to get rid of this man for the night to end and for you to return to your normal life. Why did he have to be so nice and kind? If he could ever act like a jerk, you would have done it by now, but he was just too sweet. As you looked in the mirror, you thought of all the rude things a lady wouldn’t normally do. Ah, that sounds familiar; it reminds you of Melanie herself. The very thought of her actions made you smile nervously. You took a deep breath and left the restroom.

Encouraging yourself, you gazed at Harry's handsome face from afar.

You can do it, you can do it...

Your first move: act indifferent.

You changed your facial expression as you approached the table and deliberately looked away from his face. He was smiling warmly at you. No, you couldn't look at him; it would only complicate everything. You were about to apologize for being late, but no, you can’t. Instead, you pulled your chair noisily on purpose, scraping its legs on the floor to create an annoying sound. You sat down and crossed your legs, positioning your body so it wasn't fully facing him. Harry seemed surprised by this sudden shift in your mood, but he didn’t comment.

A little later, as your desserts were served, he looked at you, “I like chocolate cake too, especially with pistachio sauce. We have similar tastes,” grinning at you.

You looked at him and then at the waiter. “I don’t want this,” you said angrily.

“But ma'am, you ordered it,” the poor man replied sheepishly.

“I’ve changed my mind,” you said. “I’ll go with the tiramisu,” you added after a quick look at the menu, making sure to glance away casually.

“Sure, I’ll change it right away,” he said, taking your plate and walking back.

“Are you all right?” Harry asked, concern creeping into his voice.

“I’m great,” you lied, forcing a fake grin.

He didn’t ask any further questions, but he seemed to suspect something had changed. When the waiter brought your dessert, you decided to eat it rudely. You were sure Harry would be disgusted as you devoured your dessert quickly and rather rudely as if you were starving. You didn’t look at him again until you finished your plate. When you finally glanced up, your stomach feeling a bit nauseous, the look on his face was not what you had expected. He was smiling at you admiringly.

What the hell was that?

Shouldn’t he have shown disgust or displeasure, just like the people at the next table who were staring at you with disdain?

But not Harry, not him. Why, God, why?

As if teasing you, he laughed and reached for a napkin on the table, wiping the remnants of dessert from the corner of your lips. “You’ve got quite the sweet tooth, don’t you, sweet girl?”

How could he be so nice, even after everything?

“Want to eat mine too?” he joked again. Clearly, you were amusing him instead of grossing him out. Ugh, just what you needed. Why was this so hard?

“It’s the cream in it,” you said, a bit defensive. If you were going to get into a battle of words, you might as well dive in.

When he looked at you, confused, you thought you saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe you could annoy him with your gourmet knowledge.

“The Marsala wine is in the cream; it’s a secret recipe,” you said, trying to sound smart.

Harry paused eating his dessert, rested his elbow on the table, and gave you an admiring look. “Interesting. I didn’t know you were into cooking. That wasn’t in the info.” That familiar warm smile was back.

Crap. Another mess-up.

“I get it—you’re keeping it under wraps from your dad. I want you to feel comfortable talking about your hobbies when you’re with me.”

When you’re with him? Damn, that was supposed to be the first and last time you saw him. You started playing with your fingers in your hair out of nervousness.

Think, think, think. All you had left was to use the only card you had.

“Look, Harry, I’ll be frank. I don’t plan to see you again.”

Suddenly, he stopped. “Didn’t you like me?” he asked softly.

Was it possible not to like this man? But damn it, you had to lie. You looked away; it was hard to read his expression.

“You’ve probably heard about me from the tabloids. I’m not the type of woman to get attached to just one man. My father put me up to this matchmaker thing; I didn’t intend to.” You admitted this indirectly. He deserved a little honesty, didn’t he? “I’ve had and will have many men in my life. I don’t plan to get married. I mean, you’re not special. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”

When you looked at his face timidly, you realized you got the reaction you had been waiting for since the beginning of the night. His smile vanished; his expression hardened, and the color of his eyes darkened.

But why did your heart squeeze when you should have felt relieved?

When they brought your coat, you thanked them and turned to Harry for the last time. You would probably never see him again. You felt fortunate to have had the chance to meet and get to know this man, even briefly. He would probably forget you anyway; why would he remember you?

“Can I give you a ride home so we can end things on a good note?” he asked, sounding a bit unsure.

You definitely didn’t see that coming. You paused, trying to figure out what to say. It would’ve been easier to just say no, but his eyes were so mesmerizing that if he’d asked you to spill all your secrets right then, you might have done it without even thinking.

“Sure,” you replied, feeling shy.

When the valet brought Harry's car around, your jaw dropped. This black, late-model Mercedes Benz S was probably worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your interest in cars stemmed from your childhood; your mother always complained that you didn't like dresses and jewelry like other girls—rather, you liked cars. It was clear you were different, and you had always been that way.

Just like the situation you found yourself in now. Maybe there was something wrong with you.

The two of you were silent the entire ride. You didn’t look directly at him, but you could feel his gaze on you out of the corner of your eye. However, you were more captivated by the interior of the car. When would you ever get to ride in such a luxury vehicle again? It wouldn’t hurt to take a closer look. As you glanced towards his side to check out the control panel and see how much horsepower the car had, he caught your eye, causing you to quickly turn your head away. You had to suppress your curiosity.

"We’ll turn right here," you said as you approached the junction. Down the street, the giant mansion loomed, so close to your destination. You stole a quick glance at him, realizing this might be the only time you would see this man in person. You wanted to remember his handsome face.

Suddenly, Harry slammed on the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt. Your eyes widened in surprise as you looked at him, startled that he had stopped so abruptly near the mansion. What had caused him to suddenly halt? He didn’t say a word, just stared at you, and his eyes seemed to communicate something intense. Was he angry and no longer wanting your company?

You unbuckled your seatbelt and reached for the door handle, only to find it locked.

“Stay still,” he said as he unlocked the car doors.

What was he implying? He walked around the front of the car, reached your side, and opened your door.

Was this chivalry? If so, why did he stay away from the mansion?

“Aren’t you getting out?” His voice was kinda cold.

You didn’t know how to respond. You stepped out of the car without saying a word.

“Thanks for the ride—”

Suddenly, he grabbed your arm—not roughly, but with a firm, questioning grip. His gaze was intense, but why did he look that way? Had he figured it all out? Maybe he was about to confront you for making a fool of yourself. After all, you had been willing to be open, and now you felt you deserved it. But you didn’t have the courage to meet his eyes, so you lowered your head.

“You were lying, weren’t you?”

Shit.

You swallowed hard; this was the moment you had dreaded.

“I-I…”

What were you going to say? How would you even say it?

You were fucked.

Suddenly, Harry pinched your chin with one hand, forcing you to look at him while his other hand rested on your waist. He tilted his head toward you, his hot breath brushing against your face, making your heart race. His lips were dangerously close to yours, and you could feel your throat going dry. What the hell was he going to do? Kissing you or scolding you? After what felt like an eternity, he pulled you closer by the arm around your waist and kissed you.

It had been a long time since you kissed someone, so you were almost shocked by his sudden kiss. No matter how hard you tried to stop yourself, you finally closed your eyes and surrendered to him completely. Your surrendering gave him courage and he deepened the kiss, his hot tongue licking your lips and forcing them apart. While his expert hand lingered on the swell of your breasts teasingly, you moaned and opened your mouth for him and when his tongue touched yours, you could still taste the chocolate from the dessert he had just eaten.

But suddenly, Harry pulled his head back, breaking the kiss and all contact. Instinctively mesmerized, you leaned forward, eyes closed and mouth agape. When you finally opened your eyes, you caught him snickering, and as the embarrassment of the situation hit you, you wished you could disappear. You instinctively pressed your hand to your burning lips and pressed hem together. Harry licked his lips and grinned. "Just as I predicted. You lied to me. There's no way another man has touched you recently."

For a second, your mind went blank, and you just stared at him, blinking in confusion. What the heck did he mean by that? "Y-you... w-what..." Great, now you couldn't even put together a simple sentence.

What next?

Just then, your phone started ringing. When you opened your purse to get it, Harry reached for it before you could. Fortunately, you had saved Melanie in your phone under a special nickname, not her real name. Harry laughed, raising his eyebrows in surprise and amusement. "Trouble?"

Yes, you had saved her as trouble.

"Can you hand my phone back, please?" you said, holding out your hands, but he caught them with one hand and gently pushed them away.

“Your trouble can wait,” he said, rejecting Melanie’s call. He dialed a number on your phone, but realized what he was doing when his own phone started ringing.

“There, now you have my number,” he said, handing your phone back to you.

You frowned and grabbed your phone angrily, "What makes you think I’d actually call you?"

Harry shrugged, pursing his lips. “Shouldn't I call you before I come to pick you up for our next date? I guess I could just come by your house and honk the horn instead.”

“What?” you exclaimed.

He grinned.

You took a deep breath to release some of your tension. “Harry, why are you doing this? There won’t be a next date; I told you that.”

“One chance,” he said firmly.

“A chance of what?”

"I want you to give me a chance. A real date. If, at the end of the night, you still feel the same way, I promise you’ll never see me again."

You shook your head. "But why? You’re a man who can have any woman you want. You’re rich, handsome, and kind—why waste your time on someone who doesn’t want you?"

You saw something in his brown eyes, something you couldn’t quite identify, but it was intense. “Because you're different from others,” he said sharply. “True, women are not unattainable for me; they are always around. But what I want is someone special, and I feel that you are the one. There’s something about you that has ignited something in me I haven't felt in a long time. I must admit, I'm surprised; I never thought I’d be attracted to you after reading the news about you, but it seems I was wrong. Can you give me a chance? Please?”

Oh, Harry, there’s so much you don’t know, you thought. Your heart was fluttering at the thought of saying yes, but how could you? How dare you? You weren’t Melanie, the daughter of a wealthy businessman; you were just an ordinary girl.

“You know I won’t leave without hearing your answer, right?” He grunted.

Just then, you heard a car approaching, and you freaked out. That was Melanie’s dad’s car. Your heart nearly stopped.

“You have to go, like, now!” you yelled in a panic.

“First, say yes,” he replied, frowning.

"Si, yes, okay, alright! But please, go now!" you urged, pushing him toward the back of his car. He chuckled in response.

You crouched down to hide your face as the other car drove toward the mansion and pulled him down with you.

“I want you to know I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” he admitted, snickering.

“Is that so funny?” you snapped.

"Okay, I get that you don’t want your dad to see us like this, and I’m curious why, but since you said yes, I’ll be a good guy and leave."

“Yes you do that,” you said with a sigh.

Harry took his phone out of his pocket and waved it before getting into his car. “You’d better answer it when I call,” he said, getting inside. He winked at your puzzled expression and started the engine. His car quickly disappeared from sight along the road. You turned toward the mansion, exhaled deeply, and murmured to yourself.

“I'm so fucked.”

thanks for reading, likes, comments, reblogs are appreciated ❤️

#fanfiction #fanfic #pedro pascal fandom #pedro pascal #pedro pascal gifs #pedro pascal fanfiction #the materialist #harry castillo #materialists #harry castillo x reader #randy castillo

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persevereforahappyending · 1 day ago

Text

A Legacies Regret |11|

Pairing: Tara Carpenter x Reader

Summary: You were living in New York with your girlfriend, trying to forget about last year and just enjoy life, but that was easier said than done. (Sequel to A Legacies Secret)

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Attempted Murder, Stabbing, Shooting, Violence

Word Count: 3.6k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist | A Legacies Secret Masterlist

You rode all the way to Gale’s place in silence. You felt Gale constantly glancing at you out of the side of her eye, but you refused to acknowledge it, you just kept your eyes focused straight ahead. When you finally reached Gales’ place you couldn’t help the way your mouth hung open. You knew Gale lived on the upper west side, but it seemed you didn’t realize how well off she truly was.

You couldn’t help but press your head against the window, trying to look up at the building. You furrowed your brow as Gale pulled down into a garage under the complex. Your eyes widened, it was a struggle finding parking in New York and yet Gale had an entire parking garage under her building. You didn’t even have a car anymore, you and the others walked everywhere and where you couldn’t walk you rode the subway.

You followed Gale out of the car, clearing your throat to try and hide just how impressed you were. The two of you entered the elevator, Gale swiped a card then hit the button for a floor near the top. Your eyes widened; she wasn’t at the very top of the complex, but she was pretty close.

Some soft music played in the elevator to fill what would have usually been an awkward silence. The elevator dinged as you arrived at the floor in no time. You stepped out into a small hallway that had less than a handful of doors in it. You had your hands shoved in your pockets as Gale step up to one of the doors and pulled out her keys. You glanced around as she unlocked the door, if there was less than five condos on each floor that meant the space had to be rather large.

“Make yourself at home,” Gale said, holding the door open for you.

Your mouth once again fell open as you stepped into Gale’s condo. It was an open floor plan with the door opening up right into the living room. From where you stood in the doorway you could see the kitchen, a long hallway that probably led to the bedrooms, and a balcony that stretched the length of the kitchen and the living room.

“Damn,” you couldn’t help but whisper.

You could barely afford the one-bedroom crappy apartment you had in Woodsboro to begin with. New York was another monster all together, you made more money bartending than you ever did back home, but rent was also more than triple what you paid. The only reason you were able to afford the current place was because you, Sam, and the money Bailey paid for Quinn’s share helped divide things up. You weren’t sure what would happen now, a Ghostface attack happened, meaning the apartment was no longer safe, meaning Sam would want to move again. Quinn was also murdered in said apartment, which definitely didn’t help, and a roommate, along with you, Tara, and Sam was the only way you could afford the place.

“Didn’t know a reporter’s salary could get you all this,” you mumbled to yourself.

“Helps when you’ve written several bestselling books,” Gale said.

You couldn’t help but scoff. Those books she wrote, though based on real events, tended to paint everyone in a bad light, except for herself of course. Sam got the worst of it but even Sidney was never portrayed the best.

“Profiting off others pain,” you commented. “Definitely something to strive for.”

Gale let out a sigh and when you turned around, she at least had the decency to look at least a little be ashamed. “I know you weren’t a fan of my interpretation from last year’s events,” Gale said calmly, like she was trying to choose her words carefully.

“It was a bunch of bullshit,” you snapped. “What you said about me, about Sam,” you started gesturing with your hands. You and Sam might not have been friends and only really tolerated each other because of Tara but she didn’t deserve all the crap Gale said about her. “The only one portrayed decently was…” your words quickly died, and you had to look away. You quickly tried to blink away the tears.

“You weren’t portrayed bad by any means.”

“No!” You snapped, the anger coming back to you in full force. “You just used me as a prop to make you look better.” Gale physically flinched at your words. “Abandoning your daughter to keep her away from the horrors of Ghostface,” you mocked. “How honorable.”

“I-I’m sorry,” Gale whispered.

“Well, at least our fictional relationship is better than our real life one,” you shrugged. “We really get to bond and reconnect.” You saw the tears in Gale’s eyes, but you didn’t even so much as begin to back down. “To bad in real life our relationship is nonexistent.”

You turned away, no longer able, or wanting to, look at her. You were the reason the two of you didn’t have a relationship. A part of you wished things could be different, you didn’t regret your decision though, maybe if Gale was different, if she had proven she could be different. In her book she made it seem like she did you a favor, giving you up. She went on about how you reunited, how the two of you grieved Dewey and despite how hard it was you found yourself able to forgive Gale for what she did. The thing about fiction though, it had a habit of being better than real life.

“I know,” Gale whispered. “When I got to writing I…” you glanced back to see her shaking her head as she tried to figure out what she wanted to say. “I got carried away; I started fantasizing about how I wish we could be. Meeting for lunch regularly, getting to know you,” she began to list off. “Being a part of your life.”

“Well, none of that is true,” you snapped.

“No,” Gale whispered sadly. “I’ve tried to respect your decision, in wanting nothing to do with me.” You were thankful she couldn’t see your face as a lone tear escaped your eye. “And I apologize for any pain my writing might have caused you.”

“Whatever,” you shook your head, your voice hardening. “I didn’t come here for apologies, I meant what I said,” you turned to face Gale again. “There’s safety in numbers. So, let’s just keep this simple.”

Gale’s eyes fell to the floor, but she didn’t argue, she just nodded her head. “Make yourself at home,” she said again, gesturing to the living room.

You opted to sit on the couch, stretching out your leg just enough to give your knee some relief. You checked your phone, making sure Tara hadn’t messaged you. The last text you got from her was her replying to you telling her to be careful. Nothing good ever came from you and Tara separating but you couldn’t just let Gale go off on her own.

Gale grabbed her laptop and set up next to you on the couch, though she made sure to leave plenty of room between the two of you. You glanced at her out of the side of your eye when you heard her mumbling to herself, it sounded like she was complaining about Kirby. You glanced at her laptop screen and saw she was still researching Jason and Greg, she was still investigating, trying to figure out who this new Ghostface could be.

“Jason and Greg weren’t involved,” Gale mumbled. “They were just in the way.”

“Meaning whoever this asshole is,” you said. “Doesn’t just want us dead, they want to be the one to do it.” Gale looked at you, you could see her clench her jaw before she nodded.

If this Ghostface just wanted, you guys dead they could have just hung back and let Jason and Greg try to fulfill their plan. You doubted it would work, you didn’t think the boys would have taken down any of you. That wasn’t the point though, Jason and Greg weren’t a real threat, they were just in the way of what the real Ghostface was planning.

“I’m hungry,” Gale said. “Are you hungry?” she was already getting up as she looked at you. “I have takeout menus in the kitchen.” Before you could even open your mouth, Gale was already walking away.

You watched Gale disappear into the kitchen and grabbed your phone when you felt it vibrate. You furrowed your brow at Tara’s name popping up. “Hey,” you answered, a slight frown on your face. It was a little early for them to already be done, that was unless something went wrong. “What happened?”

“Ghostface is there!” Tara shouted.

“Wait, what?” You sat up straighter. “What are you talking about?” You were already moving, intending to find Gale. “What…” your words died in your mouth as you turned around, Gale was standing there, phone to her ear and tears in her eyes.

Gale’s eyes widening was your only queue. You turned around, raising your arm just as Ghostface brought his knife down. You kept him at bay, but he used his other arm, pushing the knife closer to you. In the process of trying not to get stabbed you dropped your phone, you just hoped Tara wasn’t freaking out too much.

“Hey!” Gale shouted right before smashing her phone into the side of Ghostface’s head.

Gale yanked you to the side when Ghostface stumbled away. You didn’t know the layout of the penthouse, so you were really relying on Gale. She dragged you to the kitchen, rounding the enormous kitchen island. Ghostface recovered and now stood on the opposite side of the island.

You were at a standstill, the only potential place to go was out onto the balcony. Ghostface could easily block your path to the front door, as soon as you went one way he’d know where to move. The only options were to wait for Ghostface to get impatient and move first or to split up. If you went one direction and Gale went the other Ghostface would have to choose who to go after. You weren’t willing to take that risk, the odds were never in your favor it seemed when pertaining to Ghostface.

Ghostface rocked back and forth, their patients clearly waning, though they didn’t seem anxious about it. Finally, Ghostface moved, opting to take the side that would block the front door. You spun around, giving Gale a gentle shove as the two of you made your way to the balcony.

Gale flung open the door, not hesitating to rush out into the cold. You were right behind her, but Ghostface was right behind you. He jumped on your back, slamming you into the doorframe before you could actually get outside. You yelled out in pain as you felt the knife pierce your shoulder, just barely missing your neck.

The two of you tumbled out the door together. Ghostface was still on top of you, straddling your waist as you managed to turn around. Your hands shot up, catching Ghostface’s hands just as he brought down his knife. You gritted your teeth, trying to hold him back as best as you could but he had the advantage.

You couldn’t help but notice how familiar this position was, the first time you were ever attacked pretty much the same thing happened. You had been alone in your apartment when Ghostface attacked, managing to get the jump on you. You had turned the tables on them in the kitchen, and you had been the one pushing the knife towards Ghostface’s chest though.

Another key difference from last year was that you weren’t alone. You were reminded of that when Gale seemingly came out of nowhere smashing a potted plant over Ghostface’s head. As soon as you felt his grip loosen, you shoved him to the side, instantly finding Gale’s hand as she yanked you to your feet.

The two of you rushed to the other door. If you could just make it there, then you could lock Ghostface out. On the balcony he’d have nowhere to go, he’d be trapped for once. Just as you were about to run through the door someone grabbed you by the collar of the shirt and yanked you back. You were pretty sure you heard Gale call out your name, but you were too busy catching yourself on the railing of the balcony.

You groaned when your back hit the railing, you looked up to see Ghostface slamming the door closed in Gale’s face. You didn’t even have time to push yourself off the railing before Ghostface was on you again. They leaned all their body weight on you, forcing you to lean over the railing as much as possible. You held them by their wrists, trying to keep the knife away from your eye.

You glanced back, your eyes widening at the city below you. You weren’t sure which would be worse, falling to your death or Ghostface gutting you. Your breath caught in your throat as the knife came down, inching closer while you were distracted. You did your best to wiggle your body to the side, using enough leverage to get Ghostface stumbling forward.

The two of you went back and forth fighting over the knife. Ghostface kept trying to stab you and you did everything to keep that from happening. You weren’t sure when the two of you started moving, you were so busy focused on trying not to go over the balcony that you weren’t ready when the two of you crashed through the door.

You rolled over with a groan, glass crunching beneath you. Gale didn’t waste time asking if you were okay before she yanked you up and began dragging you down a hall. You furrowed your brow, it seemed going out the front door would be the better play but when you looked back you saw Ghostface already on their feet, though a bit disoriented.

Gale dragged you into a room, quickly pushing you to the back and slamming the door closed just as Ghostface got to it. She clicked the lock and ran to her closet. It wasn’t the time, but you couldn’t help the way your eyebrows raised at the closet, it was more than half the length of the room. You and Tara were supposed to share a closet, which was still mainly filled with Tara’s stuff, while yours was all in the dresser, which Tara also took over half of.

“Are you okay?” Gale asked. She looked over from what she was doing but quickly dropped her attention back to trying to open a silver case. “Fuck!” She smacked the case when the lights lit up red, rejecting whatever code she punched in.

“Are you okay?” she asked again.

“I’m fine,” you said.

Gale punched in the code again and finally the lights lit up blue. She grabbed the gun and was already aiming it at the door even though it sounded like Ghostface stopped slamming his body into it. Gale didn’t wait though, she fired a few rounds into the door, if Ghostface was still on the other side he surely would have been hit. Your entire body went rigid when a phone ringing shattered the already uneasy silence.

Gale picked up the phone and by her irritated tone you knew it was Ghostface trying to mess with her again. She walked closer to the door, firing two more rounds into the door. You moved to follow her but let out a hiss as you winced. You looked down to see spots of blood staining your shirt. You flicked your eyes to Gale; her attention was fully on the door and talking to Ghostface. You gritted your teeth as you gently lifted your shirt, getting a good look for the first time at the bit of glass stuck in your side.

You rolled your shirt back down as gently as possible, then powered through the pain as you came up behind Gale. She flung open the bedroom door, her gun steady in her hands as she held it out, moving and checking every potential place Ghostface could be hiding before passing it. You made sure to stay close, you had nothing to defend yourself with and you were sick of Ghostface catching you off guard.

“Hold please,” Gale said. You furrowed your brow and watched as she clicked a few buttons on the phone and redialed the number Ghostface had used to call her.

The two of you whipped around when ringing started coming from the closet you had just passed. Gale set the phone down, allowing the ringing to just continue as she gently nudged you back and stepped in front of you. She fired a couple rounds into the hall closet and the two of you heard a thud.

Gale inched forward, still making sure to keep the gun raised. Just because you both heard what sounded like a body falling to the ground didn’t mean Ghostface was actually down. Ghostface had faked being down plenty of times, he could have also stashed some random person in there to use them as bait. You didn’t think that last one was likely, but it definitely wasn’t insane to think about.

Ghostface launched out of the closet before Gale could react, knocking the gun out of her hand and shoving his knife into her shoulder. He pushed her back until she hit the stone column in her living room. He gripped her by the hair and began slamming her head against the stone. You didn’t think as you charged forward, tackling him off her like as if you were a football player.

The two of you rolled around on the floor, both of you fighting for control of the knife. Ghostface reached up and clawed at the stab wound on your shoulder. Pain seemed to radiate through your entire body, forcing you to instantly release Ghostface. Ghostface tackled you, your head smacking back against the hard floor. Ghostface seemed to like bashing someone’s head because he gripped you by the hair and slammed your head into the floor until you were seeing spots.

You were sure you had a concussion, again. When the image above you began to clear you were left frozen as Ghostface hovered above you, holding his knife high. You wanted to move, you kept telling your body to move, to roll out of the way, to fight back, to do something, but you just lay there. Ghostface brought his knife down but before it could get to you Gale tackled him off you, sending the two of them crashing into the glass coffee table.

You rolled onto your stomach; through blurry vision you could see Gale get up first. You couldn’t help but let out a relieved breath. She approached Ghostface, stepping on his wrist before yanking the knife out of his hand. She turned the knife in her hand before kneeling down next to Ghostface.

“Wait,” you gasped.

You reached out with your hand, as if you had any of hope of reaching Gale. Before Gale could bring the knife down, finally ending Ghostface, his hand shot up, impaling her in the side with a shard of glass. Gale collapsed, managing to drop the knife as both her hands went to her side. Ghostface rolled over as if none of what had happened had phased him.

“Don’t take it personally,” Ghostface said, taking the knife back. “A legacy character was never going to make it out of this.” He stood above Gale as she continued to gasp for breath.

You managed to use your forearms to push yourself up and began crawling towards them. You didn’t know what you were going to do, you stood no chance against Ghostface, you were probably only going to just get yourself killed quicker. Ghostface looked over at you, tilting his head before giving it a shake in disappointment.

“Look on the bright side,” Ghostface said. “At least you don’t have to see your child die.” He looked back at you as you continued to crawl towards them. “But they do get to see me gut you in their last moments,” he chuckled, his laugh sounding more sinister through the voice changer.

Ghostface brought up his knife, finally ready to end things once in for all. You heard someone shout, Ghostface looked up from Gale and dove away as whoever yelled came running into the room. The person grabbed the forgotten about gun on the floor and instantly began firing as Ghostface ran through the penthouse.

“Oh my god,” someone said, dropping down next to you.

You blinked several times and could finally make out Tara’s face in front of you. You let out a relieved breath that turned more into a sob. “I’m fine,” you tried, Gale was in worse shape than you, she should be the priority.

“Shut up,” Tara snapped, but she cradled your head as gently as possible and helped ease you back until you were laying on the ground again. “Just, stay awake,” she ran her hands through your hair.

Your eyes drifted past Tara to Gale. Sam was on her knees, trying to stop the bleeding. “G-Gale,” you rasped out. You even attempted to reach out with your hand again.

“Focus on me,” Tara guided your chin until you were staring up at her again. “Just focus on me.” You weren’t sure if it was your concussion or what, it was hard to tell, everything was still slightly fuzzy, but it looked like Tara had been crying.

You did as Tara asked, you stayed still and focused on only her. Even as the medics came in, you focused only on Tara. Even as you saw them loading Gale onto the backboard out of your peripheral you only focused on Tara. You never lost consciousness as the medics checked you out, you figured that was a good sign.

Taglist: @mamas-evil-hag @thatshyboy1998 @btay3115 @idontliketoread2137 @nwestra

@honorarysimp @canyonyodeler @chxrryxcx @aceofspades190 @worstendingever

@riyaexee @gayandfairycore

#tara carpenter #tara carpenter x reader #tara carpenter x you #tara carpenter x fem!reader #tara carpenter imagine #jenna ortega #jenna ortega x reader #scream #scream vi #scream 6 #a legacies regret

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written-in-flowers · 13 hours ago

Text

The Places Between Us: Prologue (OT8 X Fem!Reader)

Pairing: Kim Hongjoong x Fem!reader | Side pairings: Fem!Reader x ATEEZ

Word Count: 7k

Genre: Smut, angst, slight fluff | AU: fantasy!au

Summary: Afflicted by a terrible curse, YN must travel through the vast kingdom and suffer through eight lords of the north to reach her destination: the demon who created in the first place, Lord Kim.

Overall Tags: dub-con, mind control, enslavement, kidnapping, forced breeding, monster fucking, sex work, mentions/implications of abuse, mentions/implications of SA, public sex, exhibitionism, humiliation, degradation, breeding kink, bigdick!Seonghwa, bigdick!Yunho, undead sex, sex w/ undead, belly bulge, anal sex, anal fingering, vaginal sex, multiple positions, multiple orgasms, squirting/vaginal ejaculation, slight size kink (height wise), overstimulation, facials, cum swallowing, choking, dom!ateez, sub!reader, tit fucking, sex toys, bondage, multiple partners, threesome, orc!jongho, naga!seonghwa, demon!hongjoong, dragon!yunho, undead!mingi, goblin!yeosang, lycan!san, lycan!wooyoung.

Note: if you choose to ignore the red tags, don't cry to me about it.

Disclaimer: These works are completely fictitious and for entertainment purposes only. They are not meant to reflect or label the members of ATEEZ in any way. The events within never took place. Thank you.

Part 1: The Naga King >

****

At the Rooster’s Nest, there are two types of clients: single clients and married ones. A lot of the workers there, whether they be “entertainers” or barmaids, tend to steer clear of the married customers. They don’t mind pouring them drinks, sitting on their laps as they gamble, or give them a private strip tease, but a personal session? Never. The last thing an “entertainer” needed was an angry wife bursting through the door and throttling her for doing her job. So, a good portion of them stayed away from customers with spouses at home.

Except you.

You didn’t mind customers who had someone waiting on them. In fact, you preferred them. You told others that it gave you an excuse to charge an extra fee, your ‘hazard pay’. If a man wanted you badly enough, he’d have to pay extra for the pleasure of your company. Your colleagues laughed at your boldness, often giving words of caution, but you told them the money was worth it. They weren’t surprised, of course. You became notorious for it.

“You can charm the pants off anyone, YN,” Hyunjin told you in the dressing room. The silver-haired siren sat at his vanity, combing out his long strands, as he spoke. “I thought I could seduce someone, but you have me beat, I must say. I don’t know how you do it, but you do it.”

“What’s your secret?” a woman with sleek brown hair came walking out of an adjacent room, half-dressed with her hair tied in a high ponytail. Chorong leaned against the wall next to your table and crossed her arms. “Love potion? Special pheromone perfume?”

You shrugged, “I just know what men like, that’s all. They’re not hard to read, especially after they've had a few drinks.”

Dabbing blush onto your cheeks, you smirked to yourself. It came naturally to you, you supposed. Since you grew up without parents, you’d started caring for yourself at a young age. You aren’t particularly big or strong. You might be clever and cunning, but you have no head for numbers or reading. You only had your looks and charm. If you were short of money in the market, you batted your lashes and budding breasts at the merchant and he gave you what you wanted. Whenever you’d been caught stealing, a few whispered promises and sweet words enchanted the sheriff into letting you go with a warning. People can be quite easy once you understand them. All the men who came into The Rooster’s Nest only wanted two things: booze and women. You provided both.

Fixing up your eyebrows for a final time, you checked out yourself in a mirror. Tonight you wore the red and gold halter top, and the long skirt that hung low on your hips. A tantalizing outfit, the two slits in the skirt left a bit for the imagination and the vibrant color drew the eye. The golden bangles on your wrists, and the necklace draped between your breasts added another layer of regality. In the mirror, you transformed from a country girl to a seductive goddess. You’d have no trouble alluring the right men tonight.

One man in particular stuck out in your mind.

“Are you seeing Him tonight?” Hyunjin asked, a knowing smirk on his face.

You couldn't suppress your smile at the question. A pointed face with dark round eyes came to the forefront of your mind. The thought of his wide, gummy smile only broadened yours. Your stomach filled with butterflies as his laugh echoed in your head. You hadn't seen or heard from Hongjoong in several weeks, but you knew he had not forgotten you. The numerous trinkets and love letters in your bedroom told you so. He never said when he'd arrive; he simply showed up and spent the night before leaving again. A situation like this might bother some women, but for a woman in your profession, it worked out well.

“I don't know,” you answered. “He hasn't said if he'd come by or not.”

“He's probably with his wife and kids right now,” Chorong joked, earning giggles from the people around her. “A good looking guy like him is definitely not single.”

“No,” you shook your head, “Hongjoong isn't like that. I can tell.”

Memories of your last night with him came flooding back. Eyes landing on a crystal necklace hanging from your mirror, you admired the white raw moonstone on a silver chain. The silver circled it as if encased in ice, gleaming in the light of the dressing room. You picked it up and clasped it around your neck.

“Do you really think it’s a good idea to wear that?” Hyunjin asked, tying a glittery sash around his hips. “Vernon might show up.”

“I don’t care,” you admired the stone laying on your chest. It stood out against the gold and ruby necklaces you wore. Hongjoong might come tonight and see you wearing his gift. “If he doesn’t like it, he can go with somebody else.”

“Ha, I doubt he’ll do that.”

Chwe Vernon was a walking money bag with a pretty face. Son of Gold Rush’s mayor, he also ran the largest farm in the area. He comes into The Rooster’s Nest with pockets full of gold and silver to spend on ale, gambling tables, and pretty girls. A lot of your coworkers didn’t mind humoring him whenever he came into the tavern, but they never went past a kiss or a feel. Vernon might be handsome and rich, but not enough to risk running into his wife.

He didn’t hold a candle to Hongjoong. Not by a long shot.

“You’re playing with fire, girl,” he chuckled. “Haeyoung isn’t one to be messed with.”

“Oh, what will that little rat do? Squeak at me?” You said, a bit annoyed thinking about Vernon’s jealous wife.

More people might pursue Vernon if it weren’t for the rumors that spread about Haeyoung. The rumors that she was more than a mere apothecary and healer. One of the church women claimed they once saw Haeyoung performing dark magic rituals in the forest while another claimed she’d set a curse upon her daughter. Witches are not well liked in the smaller country towns, where prejudice stemmed from fear of the unknown and unfamiliar. You found this to be hypocritical since your local priest, Father Moon, wielded what people called ‘Holy Magic’. But then again, he claimed his powers came from a high being, so people accepted him. The only reason Haeyoung never stood on the gallows was Vernon and his family. An upstanding family like the Chwe’s wouldn’t let a witch into their clan, so it must be a rumor. Still, people remained suspicious. That suspicion turned into caution. Cross Chwe Haeyoung, and become cursed.

You found this to be utter nonsense. The only beings with any real magic are the non-humans, or ‘magicfolk’, like Hyunjin, who was a Siren from the Northern Sea. You saw glimmers of his “unnaturalness” in the shimmery contours of his face, a light aqua against fair skin and the dark blue hue of his full lips. Aside from him, a good chunk of the people who lived in Gold Rush are also magicfolk. Some of your best and favorite regulars are not human; you had many elven, goblins and were-people as friends. You doubted Haeyoung, with her mundane humanity, was anything close to magical.

“Well, I’m off,” you concluded, slipping into a pair of sandals. “I’ll see you two on the floor.”

You walked out into the tavern’s main room. Several gambling tables took over the large hall, while a band played music in a nearby corner. Behind the bar, you saw Yoongi wiping down pint glasses while Namjoon served beer from the barrels. You gave him a wink, which made him smile brightly. You never could resist a handsome face. Men are a weakness of yours, especially the particularly handsome ones. It’s why you’d become so interested in Vernon initially. His looks drew you to him, but it was his purse that kept you around. Sauntering by the bar, you gave Namjoon a flirty smile.

“Evening Joonie,” you said, making eye contact.

“Evening YN,” he breathed, passing out a pint of ale while looking you over. “You look sensational.”

“Don’t I always?” you approached the bar, taking in Namjoon’s muscles and broad shoulders. “Busy tonight?”

“Not busy enough to ignore you,” he winked, then turned away.

You left the bar for the stages on the other side. The sensuality going through the room slipped into your body, and controlled your swaying hips as you walked. A young woman in nothing but a golden chain harness and mesh underwear contorted herself into complicated positions for a group of men near the stage. A tall, lavender-skinned she-elf danced provocatively on one of the smaller stages on either side of the area, golden coins in pails at the corners.

Standing near the area, you searched for Hongjoong. He liked sitting at the back tables, where he could watch in private. He always came alone; he hardly spoke to anyone except the occasional “business partner”. Hongjoong never said what he did for a living, but you knew it must be profitable. The man’s pockets never seemed to empty. Your heart weighed slightly when you did not see him at his usual spots. Perhaps he’ll come later on in the night.

You took your place on the opposite stage, and started swaying and whirling your hips. It didn’t take long for customers to gravitate towards you. You gave your flirtatious winks, your sly smirks, and sultry responses. You showed glimpses of your breasts and backside, knowing how it made them drool. Their attention fueled your movements; their desire to touch you sparked a similar arousal in you. Hongjoong said he loved watching you dance. His eyes followed every movement, glued to your body and already planning what he’d do with you later.

“Namjoon!” Vernon waltzed into the tavern, giving the bartender a wide smile as he put a coin on the bartop. “One pint, please. I’ve built up a thirst tonight.”

This was your chance. Hongjoong won’t be upset if you took up with someone else before him. A girl needed to eat after all. Hopping off the stage, you made your way over to Vernon through the crowd.

“Hello, handsome,” you said with a smile, taking the spot next to him.

Vernon’s eyes glued to your body the second he saw you. They drank in your scandalous outfit, focusing on your chest a bit longer before meeting your eyes. “YN…” he said, “You’re a sight for sore eyes. I bet people have been drooling over you all night.”

“They have,” you admitted, walking closer, “But there’s only one person I want drooling over me.”

Make him feel special. Even if it’s for an hour or two, your job was to make an everyday man feel like a king. You took the ale Namjoon placed on the bar and sipped it, keeping your eyes on Vernon as you did so. Pointedly, you let the top foam slide down the sides of your mouth before wiping them away.

“Trust me,” he smirked, pulling you by the waist and taking the beer, “I’ll be doing more than drooling by the end of the night.”

“Oh?” you teased, “And what about Haeyoung?”

“She’s out of town,” he said. “Something about meeting a friend up north. I don’t know, but she won’t be coming here.”

“Good,” you said, hands on his chest, “I don’t want her to spoil your good time.”

“Neither do I,” he replied, hand on the small of your back. “Come sit with my men and I,” he insisted, “I could use a good luck charm at the tables.”

You let him lead you to an open table and sat in his lap. ‘Good luck charm’ was Vernon’s way of saying he needed an accomplice. You’d distract his opponents with your tits or a compliment whenever Vernon switched cards up his sleeves or stole chips from them. Being a rich man who surrounded himself with desperate men, they didn’t dare speak out if they did catch him cheating.

“This is real silver and moonstone,” Vernon asked half way through the game. He lifted the moonstone from your neck, “Where did you get this?”

“It’s a gift,” you saw his jealousy rising, and you felt annoyed.

“From who? Nobody around here can buy this kind of thing.”

“He’s from out of town. He comes here sometimes, and he usually gives me nice gifts. Sometimes it’s rare flowers, other times it’s things from exotic places.”

“So, he’s got money?”

“I guess? He travels a lot.”

Vernon nodded, then dropped your necklace. “I don’t see why he bothers,” he said, “Why would any man spend money on a whore?”

You wanted to slap him. You almost did before you remembered his fat coin purse. Hongjoong would’ve punched him. Rich man or not, Hongjoong feared nobody. You knew this from the time you watched him square off against a large farmhand who’d insulted you. The man stood several inches taller, and much wider, yet Hongjoong did not back down. They didn’t come to blows, but just seeing him defend you when other men didn’t strengthened your feelings for him. Vernon would be no match.

After a few rounds of watching the same outcome, you gave a small pout. “This is starting to bore me now. Why don’t we go play our own game upstairs?”

“And what game might that be?” he questioned, pushing hair from your face and letting his fingers trail to your bare shoulder.

You pretended to give it a thought, then picked up a black gambling chip. “Find the Chip,” you winked, already standing with the chip between your teeth.

“My favorite.”

You led him upstairs by the hand, anticipation burning down your body. You knew you’d make a killing tonight. Men like Vernon never went only one time; they had the money, and they’d spend all they had. The moment he shut the door, you began slowly undressing. Vernon’s eyes stayed on you as you removed it piece by piece, unbuttoning his own shirt as he did. Soon, you were naked and pulling back the bed sheets.

“You’re incredible, you know that?” he marveled at your nude form, watching you throw the chip onto the bed. “I’ve never been with a woman as beautiful as you before…”

“I’m sure you haven’t,” you said, crawling into the bed and putting the covers over yourself, “Haeyoung isn't a great beauty.”

“Nor as erotic.”

He settled between your thighs and immediately started feeling up and down your body. You giggled every time he brushed a ticklish spot, and gave a soft sigh or two when he moved over a sensitive area. You knew the circular chip was right underneath you, and so did he, but he didn’t go there just yet. Vernon captured your lips in his as he “searched” your breasts. Cupping and squeezing them gently, you felt small sparks of pleasure when he rubbed over your nipples. Your hands roaming down to his waist, you slid them into his pants and squeezed the firm cheeks there. It earned you a low rumble that filled your mouth. Vernon let you massage them while he started grinding against your bare sex. It never took much to warm your clients up, particularly because they come to you already aroused. You simply drew it out of them in every kiss and touch.

Your head turning to give him more access, you happened to glance out the window. On the sill, illuminated by the lantern on the low side table, sat a black bird. You couldn’t make out the breed until it bounced a little closer. A crow. You have never seen one on its own before. The bird stared into the room as if watching you and Vernon. You amused yourself by thinking it’d come to peek in on you.

When he finally found the chip, Vernon received his reward.

“Yes,” he exhaled deeply, feeling your lips finally wrap around his tip, “Just like that.”

You gave the pulsing head a soft lick before sliding it into your mouth. The salty precum threw you off a moment, but you’d grown used to it right away. Sucking firmly, you bobbed your head gradually up and down while keeping your eyes on him. His whines and whimpers made your sex throb; you watched the powerful, influential Chwe Vernon slowly submit to you. You stopped sucking and jerked him as you kissed his thighs, knowing the move arched his back. The pleasure radiating from him brought life into your worn out body; it replaced the emptiness that filled your insides. Whenever you began having sex, Vernon became a man possessed. He suddenly didn’t see sense, and did whatever you wanted him to do. You immediately became his world, which you basked in gladly.

As you went back to sucking his cock, tasting the smooth skin and feeling the veins pulsate against your tongue, the door flew open.

“Vernon! What the hell are you doing?!”

Haeyoung’s howl broke Vernon from your spell, and he bolted upright. You smoothly moved away from him and faced Haeyoung. A sliver of a woman with black hair and dark eyes, Haeyoung’s glaring face irritated you. She always acted so surprised when she caught him with someone. You snatched up your skirt from the floor and started sliding it back up your legs.

“Haeyoung?” Vernon said in disbelief, using a pillow to cover himself, “Wha-What are you doing here? You said you were coming back tomorrow!”

“I came back early,” she said, not looking away from you, “Because I knew you’d take the opportunity to see your whore while I was gone.” She stalked into the room, not bothering to address her husband. “So, you’re the one he’s been seeing. Huh, I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve always been the type to take things that aren’t yours, YN.”

“It’s nothing personal, Haeyoung,” you admitted. “Vernon’s just a client. Nothing more. If you’re gonna take it out on anyone, it should be him.”

“It’s not his fault you’re an evil temptress,” she hissed. “You’re a deceitful, greedy whore. You only became a brothel worker so you have excuses to sleep around and feel important, because you know deep down, you’re nothing. It’s probably the reason your parents abandoned you. They knew you’d grow up to be a no-good, worthless whore and didn’t want anything to do with you.”

This insult would’ve brought you to tears when you were ten. Now, as an adult, you felt your rage boiling.

“I wouldn’t know, Haeyoung, they abandoned me, remember?” You remarked, pulling on your top and clasping it behind your neck. “You two can work this out up here,” you tied your skirt around your waist and put it in place, “Goodnight to you both.”

Haeyoung stood between you and the doorway. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“Out of my way, Haeyoung, before I call the bouncers.”

“You and those harlots down there,” she growled, “Are going to finally see what happens when you mess with what’s mine.”

“Haeyoung, please!” Vernon called out desperately, “Don’t!”

You saw the look in her eyes, feeling the rage burning within her and boiling to the surface. She did not frighten you. She was a puny little woman angry at the world.

“Goodnight, Haeyoung,” you said firmly, pushing her aside and leaving the room.

“Don’t you walk away from me, you slut!”

“Namjoon!” you called out from the loft above the main room, “Haeyoung’s at it again.”

“I’m on it.”

You’d started walking down the stairs when you heard her from the top landing. “You’re going to regret not curbing this appetite of yours, YN YLN!”

You’d only just turned around when something hit the lower part of your back. Hot, stinging pain paralyzed you, causing you to fall down the rest of the stairs. Your jaw clenched as you restrained a scream. White hot pain shocked your muscles and seeped deep into the area around it; you slammed into the bottom landing as the pain burrowed inside and started spreading. It slowly crept through your veins, starting on your back where it rolled against your spine. The pain came the worst here. You would’ve thought someone tried splitting you in half or swung a burning blade up your back. Your fingers dug into the carpet as your arms started trembling. You swore it went into your fingernails, causing you to curl your fingers into your palms until they bled.

“What the…” Namjoon’s voice sounded closer, “YN!”

“Oh my god, YN!” you heard Hyunjin from nearby.

Their voices barely reached you. The sensation moved from your back to your chest, which burned hotly. It went up into your throat like bile, acidic and viscous, but nothing came up. Only more horrific screams tore through your throat, calling into the air like a banshee. In the blurriness, you made out Haeyoung’s shadowy figure. When she bent down over you, you saw her wicked smugness.

“Haeyoung, what’s happening? Is she alright?” Vernon called from somewhere far away.

“You crazy bitch!” Hyunjin shouted, “What the hell did you do?!”

“You should've kept your legs closed, YN,” she smirked. “Now, you're gonna do anything but close them.”

You clawed at her, but the pain kept you in place.

“Witch!” a voice called out from nearby.

“She really is a witch!”

“Get her!”

Haeyoung yelped when a pair of strong arms lifted her away from you. The self-satisfied smile she’d worn vanished the instant she saw the people around her. “Wait! Wait, no! Vernon! Vernon!”

“Get the sheriff!”

“I got the rope!”

You wanted it to stop. You wanted to die.

“Namjoon, please help!” Hyunjin sobbed. “Please, don’t let her die.”

“A witch! She’s a real witch!” Somebody cried from nearby.

“Get the rope!”

“Let her swing!”

When another person bent over you, you flinched away from their touch at first. It was Namjoon. His hands pressed to the spot on your back, and it felt like fire on your skin. You couldn't hear what he was saying, but he murmured a low incantation in a strange language. Namjoon’s spell soothed the engulfing flames while relaxing the torturous pain.

“Namjoon-” Hyunjin’s whimper interrupted.

“-Hush!”

Namjoon continued chanting, his voice drowning out the commotion going outside. Someone screamed, but you couldn't place the precise location it came from. All you comprehended was your pain and Namjoon's steady, gentle voice. When the sensation slowly dwindled to a dull ache, your brain became fuzzy from the combination of the two.

“Just sleep, YN. Just sleep.”

And so you did.

****

Someone broke all your bones and put them back together with glue. At least, that was how you felt when you woke up the next morning. Laying face down in a soft bed, the faint scent of lemon and lavender filled your nose right away. It had a strangely calming effect on you, as if the scent itself clung to your skin and nostrils to heal you. You didn't know where you were at first. Your brain pieced together what happened the previous night, and all you mustered was Haeyoung’s gloating face. Haeyoung. You thought of the calls for a rope and cries of witchcraft.

“Did they hang her?” Came out of your throat hoarse and cracked.

“Not right away,” Namjoon answered from nearby.

Opening your eyes fully, you saw him crouching by the fireplace. He appeared to be stirring a small pot on the cracking wood. You curled, stretching your aching bones, to get a better look at him. The friendly bartender had shed his persona to reveal the simple man underneath. Gazing down his neck, you noticed his broad shoulders that led to lean arms. Free of his jacket, you saw the swirling black tattoos around his shoulders and wrists. They appeared to be in the shape of runes, at least you guessed. You’d never seen them in all the time you’ve worked at the Rooster’s Nest. When did he get them? What did they mean? It brought attention to his firm, toned body. For a brief moment, you saw yourself kissing down his smooth chest to his navel before slowly tugging his pants to his thighs.

You shook the thoughts from your head.

“Someone dragged her outside while Yoongi got the rope,” Namjoon explained, crushing herbs between his palms then adding them to the pot. “I managed to stop them before they yanked her up the tree.”

“She’s alive, then?”

“No. I only stopped them to question her.”

“About?”

“About where she learned demon magic.”

“Demon magic?” your eyes widened.

“The spell she casted last night can only be casted by a demon,” he nodded, stirring the potion which turned a bright green once the leaves touched the surface. “They're the only beings strong enough to wield them. If she’d been a mere mortal, it meant a demon taught it to her or she stole the magic from one of them.”

“I’m going to take a guess that she wasn’t human?”

“Oh, she was. She was a witch,” He sprinkled a few sprigs of herbs into the potion next, and you saw the green hue turn a murky jade. “Witches can consort with demons. When I asked her, she said a powerful demon showed her things that no mortal ever could. It took me a while, but I learned where she got it from.”

“Are you a demon then?”

He laughed through his nose, “No. You’d know if I was.”

“Then, what are you?”

“Warlock,” he tapped one of the runes on his shoulder. He stirred the green potion in the fireplace, taking a whiff before adding more herbs. “These are protection runes. If Haeyoung tried cursing me, it would have bounced back on her.”

“Wish I had some protection runes,” you muttered. “Where is she now?”

“Six feet under in an unmarked grave,” he said, “What they do to all witches.”

“What happened after they hung her?”

“Haeyoung’s neck broke the second they hoisted her up the tree. Of course, the death of his wife riled Vernon and his boys up so they started fighting the other patrons in the bar. Two men had been shot by the time the sheriff and deputy rode up to the place with their boys. It took them a while to settle everything up and get tempers cooled again, and when they did, the law took in two of Vernon’s gang, a dwarf who’d tried coming at him with an ax, and Yoongi. Don’t worry,” he said at your sudden gasp, “He’s out. They let him go when it was confirmed that she had, in fact, attacked you.”

“Vernon must’ve been pissed about that.”

“He was,” Namjoon nodded.

He ladeled some potion in a pint mug, then came back to your bedside. You forced yourself to sit up despite the tenderness in your limbs, and took the warm mug in your hands. In a few tentative sips, the potion started relaxing your sore muscles. Namjoon watched you drink as he continued.

“Though, I don’t get why. It’s not as if he was a faithful, loving husband.”

“He’ll be glad to be rid of her, I suspect.” You scowled over your drink, taking another sip before saying, “Wish they’d waited until I woke up so I could watch her swing.”

Your upright position stretched your back, and brought focus to the slight stinging coming from where the pain originated. Reaching behind your back to the left side, you felt several raised welts underneath a thin gauze bandage. The sizzling, scorching pain that initially shocked you faded into a faint stinging whenever your fingers brushed it. The patch itself felt wet, but when you brought your hand to your nose, you smelled the earthy scent of witch hazel.

“Is it bad?” you winced over at him.

“It was awful,” he confirmed, “But Healer Yang and I were concerned about the mark itself. It can get infected if left alone for too long. I applied some witch hazel to relieve any inflammation or irritation you might get from it.”

“Mark?! She marked me?!”

Namjoon sighed, then said, “She cursed you, YN. Minor to mild curses don’t typically come with any sort of mark to signify it, but the major ones definitely do.”

You furrowed your brow in thought. Haeyoung had said something as she watched your suffering, but you couldn’t recall it.

“I imagine she thought it’d be ironic,” he said. He went through his satchel nearby, retrieving a small leatherbound book with a strange symbol on the cover. “She already believes all brothel workers are sex-driven animals. It only makes sense that she’d curse you with the Hand of Lust.”

“Hand of Lust?”

He turned the book around on your lap. On the page, the author illustrated a realistic disembodied hand coming out from flickering flames, a bleeding heart inches above the fingertips. Aside from that, they’d written ‘The Hand of Lust’ and a description of the curse.

“‘Those cursed by The Hand will suffer unimaginable lust,” you read out loud. “‘A lust so powerful that it shall drive the cursed to pure madness within several days.’ Wait,” you paused, rereading the sentence, “Pure madness? I’ll go insane?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “You’ll lose your mind and become a zombie basically. I’ve seen it, and it’s not pretty.”

“I mean, I have sex loads so it can’t be that bad…”

“Yes, it can and it is. It’ll start with just being horny a lot but you'll be able to manage, then it’ll turn into an obsession. The slightest suggestion will have you dripping for it,” he explained. “Then, it’ll slowly turn into an addiction. You’ll want it all the time, and probably do crazy shit trying to get it. By the end, you’ll want nothing but sex. You won’t know anything. You won’t be able to think straight, and you’ll never get your senses back. You won’t eat or sleep. You become a shell of who you were before.” He saw the dread filling your eyes, and said, “But, luckily there’s a cure for it.”

“And you happen to have it on you right now?”

“No, sadly not. Demon magic can’t be undone the normal way,” he said. “You’ll have to go to the demon who created the curse. Only they know the secret to lifting it.”

“Great,” you huffed, drinking more of the herbal potion, “Just great. Where would I even find them?”

“You’re in luck. Haeyoung told me everything she knew, since she hoped it might save her. He’s in The Crescent Mountains,” he answered. “She wouldn’t give me a name, but she told me they call him ‘The Dark Lord’.”

“The Dark Lord?” you scoffed, “Really? That’s what he calls himself?”

“It’s what people who’ve met him call him. She said nobody knows his real name.”

“A demon who lives in the coldest mountain range in the north? Oh yes, Namjoon, I’m so lucky. They’re on the other side of the damn kingdom. It’ll take me ages to get there! I’ll be a zombie by then!”

“Two weeks,” he said, “Which is more or less how long the curse takes until it consumes you. But, I found a captain that’ll take you straight there by boat. No detours. You’d be there within a week.”

“And this demon will just lift it for me?”

“Oh, no, he’ll definitely expect something in exchange. That's why I packed this for you.”

He placed a rucksack in front of you. When you opened it, you saw the usual supplies: packets of food, a water canteen, a first aid kit, matches, and a small lantern. But, you also found something large wrapped in velvet. Removing the black cloth, you realized it was a large grey stone. About the size of a baseball, you saw the crimson rune etched into the sides.

“It’s a runestone,” Namjoon explained as you studied the stone. “Demons collect these so they can improve their skills and weapons. This ‘Dark Lord’ will have a hard time saying no to this. Plus,” he smirked, “It might only sweeten the deal if you offered yourself up to him afterwards.”

“I think sex will be the last thing I want once he removes it.” You wrapped the runestone back up, and put it in the bag.

Namjoon hesitated, “Yeah, you’re right.”

Even after hearing his explanations, you still couldn’t fathom your fate. As Namjoon started ladling the rest of the potion into small vials, you played with the crystal still around your neck. Touching it brought a strange kind of comfort. You wished Hongjoong had been there last night. You wouldn’t have bothered with Vernon at all if Hongjoong had been there. You rubbed your thumb along the icy design, you envisioned the end result. You saw yourself walking slowly, groaning and moaning as you searched for any sort of stimulation. The curse itself made sense when you thought about it. Haeyoung already saw you as a worthless sex addict, so she picked a curse that would make you regret every decision you ever made.

“The boat leaves in an hour, so I suggest getting ready to move out,” he said, putting the vials in a small pouch. “I’ve packed some medicine for you. You’re going to feel a lot of the curse’s physical effects, and these can at least alleviate that.”

“Wait, you’re not coming?”

“I can’t,” he said. “I have a business to run and The Dark Lord will probably smite me the moment I get near his palace. You’ll be safe, YN,” he said gently, sitting on the bed next to you. “Captain Jin is a good guy. He won’t take advantage of your mental state like other men might.”

“What if I don’t make it in time?”

“You will. Just follow the directions on the map, and you’ll make it there in no time. Jin’s boat goes straight to the northern port, so you could just go through the little town there until you reach the mountain. Trust me, it won’t be hard to find. It’s pretty big.”

This didn’t make you feel better. As you started changing, you thought about this demon lord. In your head, you saw a massive, hulking figure with big black horns, red skin and sharp fangs. He’d find your predicament funny, no doubt, since he was the curse’s creator. He’d be sitting on some kind of throne, wearing nothing but a pair of pants to show off his bulging muscles, and expect you to “offer yourself” to him.

Perhaps by the time you meet him, you would.

*****

The little port town near Gold Rush sat on the eastern coastline. According to Namjoon, the mountain port was just upwards from there and would take at least a week. You hoped his timeline was correct as you said your farewells and made your way to town in a wagon. As you rode there in silence, fear started filling your stomach and twisting it around. You’d never left home before; you never had a reason. It’s the only place you’ve ever known, and now you are leaving to somewhere foreign and new. What if you didn’t make it to the port? What if the captain did take advantage of you? The thought of being underneath a sweaty, flabby figure made you gag.

However, Captain Kim Seokjin was anything but sweaty or flabby. He was tall with wide shoulders a girl could hang onto in any position; brown hair swooped over his dark eyes, which gave you a friendly glint when you approached.

“You must be YN,” he grinned, coiling rope around his large hands. “Namjoon told me you’d be joining me.”

His boat was a small, rickety thing with a canvas sail and fishing equipment. You guessed you’d be sleeping below, since you didn’t see anywhere else.

“Yeah,” you nodded. “I need to get up north, and he said you’d be taking me there?”

“Yup,” he answered, holding out a hand, “Come aboard. I just finished getting stuff ready for our trip.”

As you stepped onto the boat, a loud ‘caw’ caught your attention. A crow sat perched on the cabin in the middle of the boat. Black eyes gazed at you from above, slightly flapping its wings as it moved around. It drew up a memory as you stared back. You’d been underneath Vernon, you think, enjoying his soft lips when you’d looked out the window. There’d been a crow there too. It didn't appear different from any other crow you'd seen, but the longer you looked at the bird, the more ominous it felt. The soothsayers who used to come through town during festival season said that crows were dark omens. Considering your upcoming trip, seeing the bird only worsened your feelings.

“Is he yours?” You asked Jin.

Jin looked up from the side of the boat to see the bird nearby. “Nope,” he answered, though seemed delightfully surprised nonetheless. “Crows aren’t really native to these parts. They’re more up north. You mostly get seagulls around here. Strange,” he dug into a sack nearby and fished out a small portion of sunflower seeds. “Here, buddy,” he said gently, cautiously putting the seeds down, “Have a snack.”

The bird did not flutter away or snap its beak at him. It only stared, then started pecking at the seeds. “He doesn’t seem…scared?” you said curiously. “Aren’t birds usually fidgety?”

“He might be domesticated,” Jin said, getting inside the cabin. “Now, let’s get going. The waters can get choppy around the northern parts, so we gotta tread carefully.”

You set your bag down by the crow, and watched him eat. From what Namjoon said, you expected to feel the urge to hump everything in sight. You thought you’d be aroused non-stop from the jump. That should’ve been the desired effect, surely. Yet, you felt nothing of the sort. For some reason, that worried you more. The sensation circled you like a shark looking for its prey. The thought taunted you in the back of your mind. You expected it to hit you at any moment.

It did hit you.

As day grew into night, Jin’s boat sailed past the coastline onto open water. He’d let you have the captain’s cabin, which was really just a small cot with a wash basin and dresser. The rocking waves moved the boat side to side, and it cradled you to sleep.

His hands were on you before you could comprehend anything. Soft fingers kneaded the flesh of your thighs, thumbs pressing to the inner sides as they slid to your center. You let out a faint gasp when one digit rubbed along your slit unexpectedly. Opening your eyes, you saw nothing in the cabin’s pitch black darkness. You could only hear his low, steady breaths as he continued feeling up your sex and thighs. He parted your legs easily, settling down on top of you as if you were made of glass. It couldn’t be Jin. This intruder was far slimmer, and his voice sounded higher. You smiled right away.

‘Hongjoong,’ his name fell from your lips in a soft breath.

‘I can’t wait to have you,’ he breathed in your ear, hands going from your thighs to your breasts. ‘To really have you.’

Warm lips caressed your neck, hot breath ghosting over your skin, and you melted. Your body suddenly became hypersensitive to his touch. Every light caress ignited the fires stirring inside your panties. Each kiss and lick brought out mewls that pleased your visitor. A sudden heat flared up around your neck to your cheeks as he kissed down to your chest. You realized then you wore nothing but your underwear. Smooth leather, crisp linen and rough denim brushed against your bare skin, creating a new friction that you needed. Thumbs rubbing over your nipples, soon he used his tongue to tease more cries out of you. No man ever took this much time with you. They always wanted to jump to “the best part”, which was you pleasuring them instead. Hongjoong never did that.

‘The gods really smiled on me when fate led me into that little brothel,’ he said in between soft suckles. ‘I’d never be here otherwise.’

Suddenly, his face was between your thighs and his tongue lashing your bare clit. You never felt anything like it before. His warm, slippery tongue easily circled your hard clit, flicking it until your back arched. He didn’t restrain you, only holding your thighs as you wriggled about on the bed.

‘So delicious,’ he groaned against your slick folds. ‘Exactly as I remember it. I can never get enough of you.’

Your mind spun with pleasure coursing through your body. Your fingers slipped into soft, silky waves and curls as you brought him closer. The lewd slurping sounds of him sucking your juices joined your constant moaning.

‘Hongjoong…’ his name escapes you in a soft sigh.

‘Be a good pet for me, and indulge in your mark. It’ll be worse for you if you don’t.'

“YN! YN, wake up!”

A pair of rough hands shook you awake, and reality broke through your dreams. The slight rocking that had lulled you to sleep had turned more violent. You noticed the porcelain wash basin laid on the floor in pieces, and your overheard lantern swung side to side in every wave. Jin stood above you, fear and panic widening his eyes, and he continued shaking you.

“Wha-what’s happening?” you asked groggily, rubbing sleep from your eyes.

“You gotta come help me,” he insisted, tossing your clothes at you. “This storm’s come out of nowhere. It’s bad. It’s…Just, come up and do what I say and we’ll make it out of here. Storms don’t last forever.”

Dressing proved to be difficult as the ship moved to the crashing waves. Through the small window, you saw nothing but the darkness and raindrops pounding the glass. Flashes of lightning were followed by roaring thunder, almost piercing your ears and making you tremble as you pulled on your jacket. Coming outside, Jin gave you a yellow raincoat to shield you from most of the pouring rain. It came down in hard sheets, filling the wooden boat before spilling out through holes in the sides. Boots sliding over wet floors, you followed Jin’s instructions to the letter. You knew nothing about boats, but you understood “pull that rope” and “push that lever”. It was harder than you imagined. The harsh waves and rain made it impossible to see. You couldn’t see anything past the dangling lights of Jin’s boat, the world around you shrouded in darkness. Only the lightning briefly illuminated the dark clouds rolling over you. It was hard to imagine an end to the madness.

“Brace yourself!” Jin called through the loud thunder, “A big one’s coming!”

You didn’t see the wave, but you certainly felt the boat tip upwards at a ninety-degree angle. Gravity pulled you downwards, and you grabbed tightly onto the main mast. A scream escaped you when you realized your feet left the ground and you dangled in the air. The sensation of falling backwards brought out more terror as your body and the boat capsized, plunging you into the icy cold water. Instinct told you to hold onto whatever oxygen you had as the rolling waves tossed you this way and that. You’d die like this. You were going to drown. Your eyes opened, and you sorely wished they hadn’t.

In the darkness of the sea, you saw glowing eyes. Bright gold, they blinked at you from the abyss. You screamed, desperately trying to get away to the surface. The figure swam closer, unbothered by the water as something slimy wrapped around your ankles and dragged you-not down-but sideways. You continued kicking and grasping at the water, your chest caving as your last breath left you. The creature carried you along gently, its tentacle keeping a firm grip but not so much it broke bones. Instinct kicked in once more and your mouth opened. Gallons of water filled your lungs as you soared through the ocean, salt burning your throat and tongue.

Namjoon never said elements might kill you before the curse did.

Though, right before you reached death, the creature flung you out of the water. Your body carried weightless through the air, more rain pelting you, and you crashed right onto something solid. Then, everything went black.

****

A/N: ooof, YN's going to be going on a very interesting journey! Hope you all stick around for the ride!

#ateez #ateez fanfiction #pirateeznet #ateez x reader #ateez fanfic #ateez smut #kim hongjoong #hongjoong ateez #ateez hongjoong #hongjoong x fem reader #hongjoong x yn

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writteninthesewalls28 · 3 days ago

Text

Racing Psychology

Summary: Josie comes to Lando's race in Miami and the tension between them becomes undeniable.

Warnings: not proof read, passionate kissing, curse words, I don't know anything about racing, please don't take it personal if something is not described how it actually is in real life (Remember: this is pure fiction)

Part one Part two

Lando held his promise and had sent me a VIP ticket with which I would not only have an exceptional view of the entire race track and especially the pit stops, but I could also witness the exclusive backstage interviews after the race.

When I would finally meet him again, I definitely had to thank him for arranging this ticket for me so last minute. I don’t even want to know how much money such a ticket would cost if someone buys it without knowing any of the drivers personally.

But when I stood in the VIP stands and looked around, I could already answer that question myself. The only people sitting and standing, some of them not even slightly interested in the race right in front of them, were wearing the most expensive brands you could think of: Gucci, Louis Vittons and however the list goes on. Everything in the room only screamed money and wealth and as much as I felt uncomfortable and not welcomed here with my normal jeans and shirt, the excitement of getting to meet Lando again even made me forget about the elite crowd that I found myself in at the moment.

Because I simply knew nothing about Formula 1, I had spent my Saturday evening researching the procedure of a regular Grand Prix and had read several articles about racing terms and when what takes place.

My brain was still a bit overwhelmed with all the new information I had gained in the course of just 3 hours, but at the thought of simply standing here and having absolutely no idea of what was going on in front of me, made me shiver.

But standing here now, I realised that my insecurities were totally unfounded. For most of the people in the VIP area, this event was a chance to show off the expensive dresses and watches and eat exclusive food like caviare and the main race was something that came second or wasn’t even interesting at all. Seeing this type of wealth with my own eyes, it made me feel unwanted and somewhat less important even though it was just a number on a bank account and a better ecological footprint that made me different from these people. I tried shutting these thoughts off, especially when my brain tried telling me that Lando is one of them and has a higher salary than I will ever have once I finished my studies and work as a psychologist.

This had no impact on me liking him or vice versa, so I should not think about it and instead enjoy the cars passing me with 315 km/h so that you could barely see who was in front and who chased a driver ahead of him.

Thanks to the commentary through the speakers and a big scoreboard at all corners of the room, I could see that Max and Lando were constantly fighting over P1 and changed positions constantly.

Right now, Lando was the one leading the race. “Norris overtakes Verstappen!” the commentator shouts over the speaker above me. “Two laps to go, can Red Bull catch up with Mclaren or will Norris win his fourth Grand Prix of the season?” As more and more people noticed the energetic voice of the commentator as there was only one more lap to go, they rushed to the windows that I had been standing at for the entirety of the race, not eating a single thing because it felt like betraying my own values.

Then you should leave and tell Lando to fuck off.

I ignored my inner thoughts and instead focused solely on the two cars coming closer and closer to the finish line. Lando was still in front, but only less than two meters behind him followed the dark blue car of Max. The tension in the large room was almost palpable and it was as if every person next to me held their breath seconds before Lando’s orange car crossed the checkered flag first and the tension left my body as fast as it came.

He won. I felt beyond happy to have witnessed this special moment for him and now the excitement inside of me grew even more to see him for a second time.

Some people in the VIP area cheered because of his win, others seemed rather disappointed by the outcome of this race and the majority of people simply didn’t seem to care and quickly focused back on either their food or their conversation they had with the person in front of them before Lando’s win interrupted it.

I was happy that I could finally leave this room and the negative impact that it had on my self-confidence.

When Lando sent me the ticket, he told me he also reserved a spot for me in the Mclaren paddock so I could go there once the race was over and congratulate him in case he had won the race, so I followed the signs through the hallways until I saw a door to the Mclaren paddock. I slowly opened it and found myself in an ocean of papaya-colored shirts and hats and felt incredibly lost by the big number of people.

Everyone was rushing outside, so I followed the crowd like a shadow until I blinked into the bright sun and only seconds later caught a glimpse at Lando who had the biggest smile on his face as he ran up to his team. Too many people walked up to him at the same time and congratulated him on the magnificent win and Lando seemed to be enjoying the attention like it was the best thing to ever happen in his life.

He walked around the paddock, shaking hands, smiling and hugging people, before his eyes unexpectedly met mine. The surprise to see me here was written all over his face, before he shot a smile at me that made my stomach twirl in a way that it never did when Lukas did the same thing.

The magical moment only lasted a few seconds and then Lando had to break our eye contact and continue to hug more team members.

That was, when his teammate Oscar Piastri walked into the paddock and first of all wrapped Lando in a short hug and then walked over to the side, which unfortunately was right next to me. He looked at me irritated, obviously noticing that I was not wearing anything papaya-colored. “Are you even allowed to be here?” he asked and I tried not to judge him for the arrogant tone in his voice, I understood that he didn’t want anyone in the paddock who did not belong there.

“Yes, I think so.” I gave him a soft smile, not sure if I was allowed to expose Lando inviting me here.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me. “That’s what they all say.”

“No, really.” I point towards Lando. “He invited me.”

His eyes grew wide for a short second. “Who? Lando?” He chuckled. “Yeah, no way. You better leave right now or I’ll make sure you never step a foot in here ever again.”

My temperature repeatedly changed from ice cold to standing in a bonfire every two seconds. What should I do now? I was only moments away from getting to speak to Lando again, waiting two entire days before getting to hear his voice again were the longest days in the entire universe. Thankfully, I did not need to worry a second longer because a familiar voice reached my ears and suddenly Lando stood next to me, his eyes wandering from me to Oscar.

“Good to see you here.” Lando said to me and gave me an innocent, nervous smile. “Congrats on the win, Mr. Racing-is-more-my-thing.” Were my first words I said to him and for a second forgot about Oscar standing right next to us still thinking I am a liar because I got lost in Lando’s appearance. The racing helmet messed up his dark curls and a few pearls of sweat ran down his face, but he was still looking as amazing as when I first met him.

Oscar then pulled me out of my immovability by clearing his throat. “You know her?” He asked Lando awkwardly, his gaze nervously wandering between the both of us.

He nodded. “Yes, I met her at a bar the other night and invited her here.” For a short moment, his eyes met mine again before he looked over at his teammate.

Oscar focused back on me. “I am sorry for addressing you like that.” He let out and I only shrugged.

“I understand. I wouldn’t want someone spying on me as well.” I smiled at him and he nodded before walking away to talk to other members of the team.

“You already met Oscar?” Lando rhetorically asked with an ironic tone in his voice. “Seems like it.” I laughed.

A silence built between us when Lando talked again: “So, how was your first Formula 1 race besides nearly getting thrown out of the paddock?” He asked.

I let out a sigh. “Good, I guess… I still don’t really understand much about the sport, but the speed y’all put on is pretty impressive.” I laughed and stared at his eyes covered in amusement.

“Sounds like the average first impression that a newby has at a Formula 1 race. You’ll get used to it, promise.” The knowing look in his face made my heart rate rise to an indescribable level. That sounded as if he wanted to see me at more than one race.

Not knowing what to say, I simply grinned at him again. “Looking forward to that.” I breathed out and suddenly the eye contact got more and more intense and the atmosphere between us changed rapidly and all I wanted to do was press my lips onto his.

He seemed to be feeling the same tension, but was better at resisting the urge. He quickly stepped a few steps away from me and the warmth in my body cooled back down.

“Thanks for inviting me by the way.” I then said to fill the sudden silence. “I don’t think I want to know what that ticket must’ve cost you.” Or do the drivers get them for free? “Again, no need to thank me, Josie. I love helping you out.”

“But giving me a VIP ticket is not exactly helping me, so–”

Lando interrupted me. “Shut up and just accept it, alright?” He told me and had to laugh at his own words.

“Yes, Sir.” I responded ironically.

Lando’s gaze suddenly focused on the team behind me and the professional look on his face already told me that he had to leave to do his after-race job.

“I have to go and celebrate. Meet me in the private parking lot when I am done here?” he asked and I nodded, looking forward to being alone with him. “I’ll send you a message when I am coming.”

While Lando followed his duties as an f1 driver, I silently admired him during his press interviews and later on the podium at the champagne shower and could not not-notice how hot his racing suit looked on him and that the papaya-orange actually suited him rather brilliantly.

It was three hours later after our interaction in the paddock that he sent me the long awaited message of meeting me at the parking lot. I walked up to my car and sat down on the hood of my little, red golf that I have been driving for the past 5 years while waiting for him.

When he walked up to me, now dressed in a team hoodie and a big grin on his face, it felt like something straight out of a romance book. The rich man secretly meets up with the middle-class student at college at night. Just without the night sky and he was rich, but had no problem with introducing me to Oscar.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” He sat down next to me and his leg brushed against mine which made my stomach jump up and down like a little child who was desperate to get that one specific chocolate at the supermarket.

“Great interviews.” I said and looked at him from the side.

He shrugged. “Definitely not my favorite part of the job though.”

“I could tell.” I smiled and loved to play my psychologist-student card on him for the second time.

“Right. I always forget I am talking to a psychologist.” His eyes met mine. “If you don’t mind me asking, what gave it away?” Again, the pure interest in his face for my specialty nearly made me giggle like a little child but I could keep it to myself. The least I wanted was to embarrass myself in front of him. “You looked down on your hands a lot and I saw you fidgeting with your fingers more than once.” I slowly touched his hand to prove my point and felt something similar to an electric shock running through my body as if I touched an electric fence.

Lando looked down, laughing. “Thanks, Sherlock. You really do notice everything. Is that something you only learn through studying psychology or is it like a talent of yours?”

His words surprised me in a positive way and I felt weirdly appreciated and valued. I didn’t know what to say and simply stared at him in awe. “What’s wrong?” He quietly laughed.

“Nothing. I just–” I let out a sigh. “I don’t think anyone has ever cared about my talents before.” Atleast not in the way you do, I silently add, too scared to ruin this moment with too much vulnerability too early.

Lando tilted his head. “Then you never met anyone who truly cares about you.” It seemed that the realization of what he just admitted only reached him after the words had already left his mouth, but he did not care for long. “So, please answer my question?” “I think it’s more of a natural thing to be honest.” I said, doing him the favor. “As far as I can remember, I had always been good at analyzing people and their behavior, especially towards me.” I explained this talent a bit further.

“What do you know about me then?”

I hesitated. The tension that had been boiling between us at the paddock seemed to be coming back and now that we were alone, I wasn’t sure if I could resist his perfect eyes staring into mine as he watched me closely, waiting for my answer like it was the last thing he would be doing.

“That you care about me. And that you like having me around, even when we are not alone. I don’t know why, but I think you are yourself around me.” Just realising what I had just said, I cut myself off before hectically trying to explain what I meant by that. “I mean– It’s not like I know you or anything or have the right to just assume these things about you, but–”

With every word, I felt more embarrassed and simply did not notice Lando moving closer and closer to me and now staring at my lips instead of my eyes. It was only when I could feel his breath on my skin that I realised how close he really was to me. “You’re right. I am myself around you, Josie. And that is why I cannot resist the spell you have on me.”

Without much hesitation, he lightly pressed his lips onto mine, trying to find out if we are on the same page here. I gave him a very obvious answer by letting my hand slide up to his neck and pulling him further down to me. He moaned into my mouth and his tongue met mine in an eager play of passion and lust.

Quickly, a simple kiss turned into so much more. The soft smell of vanilla and something so indescribably Lando-like was mixed with sweat from his race and I didn’t think I have ever loved a smell more than this one. My hands moved up to his hair and I gently drowned them in his curls that really did feel as good as they look.

Landos hands slid under my shirt and softly ran over my back, giving me goosebumps and only increased the feeling of wanting to be impossibly closer to him. He must’ve had the same desire because he pulled me on his lap in a swift motion and I let my hips roll against his body which made us both moan loudly into each other's mouths.

This kiss felt like my very personal heaven. He felt like heaven, his body so close to mine. When I slowly let go of him and his eyes displayed the same begging for more that I felt in every inch of my body, I knew I was in trouble. I’ve fallen for Lando Norris.

#maddys writing #my work #writing #writers on tumblr #lando norris #lando norris fanfic #lando norris x reader #f1 #f1 fanfic #f1 x reader #lando norris fluff #lando norris series #lando norris x oc

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appellatedefender · 2 days ago

Text

Some thoughts about Matt’s client, Leroy Bradford. I did appellate indigent criminal defense work for 20 years and had quite a few clients like Leroy (except that most of them were long-term guests of the state, unlike Leroy, who is facing a misdemeanor theft charge).

Matt gets an early morning phone call from Kirsten, asking him to cover an appearance in Leroy's case. So Matt puts on his suit and heads downtown. If anyone was wondering what a lawyer's life is like, this is it. Having to scramble to cover an appearance or a deposition or a meeting for a partner or associate at the last minute is part of the job. Very realistic if you're a criminal defense lawyer or a civil litigator.

Leroy has a shitty life and has had a shitty life since day one: absent/addicted/incarcerated parent or parents, bad neighborhood, bad housing, bad schools, bad diet, bad or no healthcare, no job, no money. Maybe it was even worse, and he grew up in foster care. The system that is supposed to help him is difficult or impossible for him to navigate and sometimes makes things worse instead of helping him. You want to empathize with him, you do empathize with him. But he’s not a likeable guy (and not only because of his ableist comments about Matt’s blindness), and you have to admit he’s brought a lot of his troubles on himself. Matt’s comment about not thinking about the consequences of his actions is right on the mark.

So what do you do as his lawyer? You can’t fix his shitty life. You’re his lawyer, not a social worker. So you put aside his unlikeability and, in Matt’s case, his ableist comments, and you do your best for him. In this case that means getting the best possible deal for your client. Which Matt did.

It’s a little unrealistic that Leroy would be pissed off at Matt when he comes back to tell Leroy about the offer. He’s been through the legal system enough times to know that it’s a very good deal. Finally he shrugs and says it doesn't matter.

On a happier note, Matt’s negotiation with the ADA is a delight. In real life, there probably would be a line of attorneys waiting to talk to Sofija, and little or no time for flirting, but who cares about real life when you can get a scene like this?

The scene takes place in the misdemeanor arraignment courtroom. Sofija has a whole stack of cases she’s handling. The goal is to “dispo” (get a disposition in) as many cases as possible so they can be removed from the court’s docket. So she’s negotiating with Matt to try to dispo Leroy’s case. As has been suggested elsewhere, maybe she didn’t get the DA’s memo (after the Ayala trial) instructing her not to cooperate with Matt. Or maybe she's just doing her job. Or maybe flirting with him is too much fun to pass up. Whatever the case, she and Matt negotiate at the same time as they are flirting and eventually strike a deal. Priceless.

One final thought about Leroy. Sadly, our society considers people like him disposable and begrudges every penny spent on them. Yet as Leroy correctly observes, feeding him would be cheaper (and more cost-effective) than incarcerating him.

#daredevil born again spoilers #daredevil born again #matt murdock #lawyer matt murdock #legal issues

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jeonjayykkayy · 2 days ago

Text

Her

pairing: Jungkook x reader

Genre: Romance/ Angst/ Drama/ SlowBurn

Words- Approx. 3500

Chapter 0.1

Author's perspective

The air inside their small apartment was thick with humidity, the summer heat suffocating, but Jungkook had long stopped noticing it. His mother lay on the old mattress in the corner, her frail body curled up beneath a thin sheet.

Her breathing was steady, but he could hear the slight wheeze in her exhales, a painful reminder of her worsening health.

He crouched beside her, adjusting the damp cloth on her forehead. She stirred slightly, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.

He knew what she would say if she had the strength.

"Eat, Jungkook. You haven't eaten."

But he had nothing to eat.

Jimin’s voice broke the silence.

"The job is real. They confirmed it."

Jungkook exhaled, standing up.

"When do we start?"

"Tomorrow."

Tomorrow.

A chance to make money. To keep his mother alive.

But at what cost?

*--------------------------------------------------*

Y/N’s Perspective

The scent of jasmine and expensive perfume clung to the air, thick and suffocating.

The grand chandelier above me cast a golden glow over the massive entrance hall, where the final preparations for the evening were being made.

Staff hurried about, their polished shoes tapping against the marble floors, voices hushed but urgent.

The entire mansion was buzzing with energy, yet amidst the chaos, I felt nothing.

Tonight was supposed to be special.

A celebration.

A grand announcement of my wedding to Kim Namjoon, a man who was perfect in every way except the one that mattered—he wasn’t the man I loved.

Not that I had anyone else in my heart. But love had never been part of this equation.

I stared at my reflection in the towering mirror across the hall.

The dress my mother had chosen for me was breathtaking, its silky fabric flowing like water against my skin.

The shade of deep navy was meant to highlight my elegance, my status, and my worth.

I was a jewel—ornamented and displayed for the world to see.

My mother stood beside me, fixing the bracelet on her wrist, her expression calm, and pleased.

“You look stunning, my dear.”

I turned my gaze to her, searching for something—anything—that might show an ounce of genuine concern for me.

But she was unreadable, her carefully maintained face betraying nothing.

“It’s just one night,”

she continued, her tone light as if we were discussing a dress rather than the rest of my life.

“Smile. Enjoy the attention. You’re about to become the envy of every woman in Korea.”

Every woman except me.

A sigh slipped from my lips before I could stop it.

“I don’t see why this has to be so extravagant. A simple dinner would have been enough.”

My father, who had been adjusting his cufflinks near the entrance, turned his sharp gaze toward me.

“You underestimate the importance of appearances, Y/N. This isn’t just about your wedding. It’s about legacy, business, power.”

He buttoned his suit jacket, his tone firm.

“You will be marrying into the Kim family. A small dinner is not enough for a match of this magnitude.”

Of course. It was never about me. Never about what I wanted.

It was about power. Business. Legacy.

I pressed my nails into my palm, holding back the sharp words that threatened to escape.

There was no point in arguing. My parents had never listened before. They weren’t about to start now.

A butler approached, bowing slightly.

“Sir, Madam, the cars are ready.”

My mother smiled.

“Good. Let’s not keep our guests waiting.”

I followed them outside, my footsteps silent against the polished floors.

The air was crisp, a gentle night breeze swirling through the grand estate.

The line of sleek black cars waited for us in the driveway, their tinted windows hiding us from the world.

My father took my mother’s hand and led her into the first car. I was expected to follow, to step into this night like a willing participant in my own fate.

Instead, I hesitated.

Just for a second.

The thought of running whispered through my mind, a fleeting fantasy.

What if I just… left? Disappeared into the night, away from the suffocating expectations, away from a marriage built on greed?

But reality crashed down just as quickly.

Where would I go?

I had never been alone. Never been without the careful watch of my family’s security.

Even now, I could feel their eyes on me, waiting for me to move.

My mother’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“Y/N, get in the car.”

I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the ache rising in my throat.

And then I stepped inside.

The leather seats were cool beneath my skin as I settled in, my hands twisting together in my lap.

My parents sat across from me, their conversation shifting toward business, numbers, and connections.

They didn’t speak of love.

Didn’t speak of happiness.

Because those things didn’t matter in this world.

The car pulled away from the mansion, gliding smoothly through the city streets.

My mother was checking her reflection in her compact mirror, making small comments about how important tonight was for our reputation.

My father was on his phone, murmuring in low tones to some business associate.

I sat in silence, watching the city blur past the window.

Seoul had never looked so foreign.

The bright lights, the towering buildings, the streets filled with life—none of it felt real to me anymore.

I was being driven toward a future I didn’t choose, wrapped in luxury that felt like a chain around my neck.

The closer we got to the yacht, the heavier my chest felt.

I didn’t love Namjoon.

I didn’t hate him either.

But the idea of standing beside him, pretending to be a woman in love, smiling for cameras, accepting congratulations for a fate I had no control over—it made my stomach twist with unease.

The car finally slowed as we neared the harbor. From the window, I could see it.

The yacht.

Massive. Blindingly elegant under the golden lights. A symbol of excess, of wealth, of the life I had been born into.

A life I could never escape.

As the car door opened and my parents stepped out, I forced a breath into my lungs, steadying myself.

One night.

Just one night.

And then I would return to pretending I was fine.

I lifted my chin, stepped out of the car, and walked toward my fate.

*----------------------------------------------*

Author's perspective

The following evening, Jungkook and Jimin stood at the docks, staring up at the massive yacht that would soon be filled with the richest people in the country.

He had never been this close to something so extravagant.

The sight made something twist inside him—resentment, maybe. Or exhaustion.

Jimin nudged him.

"Don't mess this up. We can't afford to get kicked out."

Jungkook rolled his shoulders.

"I know."

Their employer, a middle-aged man in an expensive suit, eyed them critically before handing them their uniforms.

"You’re here to serve, not be seen. If I hear even one complaint about either of you, you're out."

Jungkook said nothing. He had learned long ago that silence was a safer weapon than words.

As they boarded the yacht, stepping into a world so far from their own, Jungkook told himself that this was just another job.

Another means to survive.

He had no idea his life was about to change forever.

*--------------------------------------------------------*

Y/N’s Perspective

The golden glow of the setting sun melted into the endless ocean, casting long shadows over the luxurious yacht.

The cool breeze danced across my skin as I walked along the polished wooden deck, the gentle hum of laughter and conversations floating from the main hall behind me.

Inside, my parents were busy entertaining Korea’s elite, basking in the limelight of their perfectly crafted world.

But out here, away from the weight of expectations, I could finally breathe.

I let my fingers trace along the sleek railings, staring out at the vast expanse of water.

The deep blue stretched on forever, reminding me of something I had longed for but never reached—freedom.

A small sigh escaped my lips.

I should be inside, smiling, playing the role of the perfect daughter, the perfect fiancée.

But I needed a moment, just a little bit of time to myself before the night swallowed me whole.

As I turned to explore further, my hand instinctively went to the ring on my finger—the engagement ring. The symbol of my future.

And then—

It slipped.

I felt it before I saw it. The cool weight disappearing from my finger, a glint of gold tumbling down, down, down—

My breath hitched.

The ring hit the deck below, bouncing once before coming to a stop near the feet of a man dressed in a white uniform, his sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing strong forearms.

My heart lurched.

Without thinking, I stepped closer to the edge, gripping the railing tightly as I leaned over, eyes wide in horror.

No, no, no.

That ring—it wasn’t just any ring. It was my engagement ring, the very thing my mother had made sure was designed to perfection, the very thing that symbolized my fate. If I lost it…

Panic rose in my chest.

The man below bent down, his fingers brushing over the ring before he picked it up.

He stood slowly, the sun casting a golden halo around his figure.

And then, he looked up.

The world—everything—stilled.

His gaze met mine, dark and intense, holding an unreadable depth that sent a strange shiver down my spine.

Though I didn’t know his name yet, I knew—something had changed in that moment.

The way he stared at me, as if I were something delicate, something mesmerizing, something he wasn’t meant to see but couldn’t look away from.

Time seemed to stretch between us, the distance no longer just a physical space but something far deeper. I could feel his stare tracing the curves of my face, lingering on my lips before flickering back to my eyes.

I swallowed.

A soft gust of wind blew a strand of hair across my cheek, and still, he didn’t move.

Still, he held my ring.

I took a sharp breath, breaking the spell, and without a second thought, I ran.

Jungkook’s Perspective

The weight of the ring in my hand was nothing compared to the weight of her gaze.

For a man who had spent his life struggling to find stability, to find a way to survive, he had never believed in fate.

But now, holding this small piece of gold, watching the woman above look down at him with those piercing, desperate eyes—he wasn’t so sure anymore.

She was breathtaking.

The kind of beauty that wasn’t just seen but felt.

Jungkook had never been the type to lose focus during work, but at that moment, everything else faded into the background.

He didn’t know her name.

Didn’t know her voice.

But for the first time in his life, he wanted to.

His fingers tightened around the ring as he felt his heart pound against his ribs.

The way she leaned over the railing, the way the sunlight kissed her skin, the way her breath hitched—it did something to him.

And then, she was gone.

He blinked as she disappeared from the deck above, and before he could even process it, he saw her—running.

Towards him.

Y/N’s Perspective

My heartbeat was erratic as my heels clicked against the polished floors, my dress swishing with each hurried step.

I had to get my ring back.

I didn’t know why my hands were slightly trembling. Was it because of my mother? Because if she saw I lost it, she’d lash out? Or was it something else?

Something about the way he had looked at me.

I pushed the thought away and focused on finding him.

The lower deck was quieter, reserved for staff and workers, but I didn’t care. I followed the path down the steps, my breath uneven.

And then—

There he was.

Standing near the edge of the deck, the wind tousling his dark hair, the ring still between his fingers.

He looked just as surprised to see me as I was to be here.

I took a step closer, clearing my throat.

“That’s… my ring.”

His fingers twitched, as if he had forgotten he was holding it. His lips parted slightly, but he didn’t speak.

Why was he staring at me like that?

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

“Can I have it back?”

Silence.

He still didn’t move.

A part of me wanted to snap my fingers in front of his face, but for some reason, I didn’t. Instead, I watched as something flickered behind his eyes—something unreadable, something I wasn’t sure I wanted to understand.

And then, after what felt like an eternity, his lips curved.

A small smile.

Almost… amused.

As if he knew something I didn’t.

As if he had just discovered something precious.

His fingers finally loosened, and he extended the ring toward me.

But the moment I reached for it, our fingers brushed.

A spark shot up my arm, and I immediately pulled back, my breath hitching.

His eyes darkened slightly at the reaction, as if he had felt it too.

I quickly snatched the ring from his palm, curling my fingers around it.

“Thank you,”

I murmured, avoiding his gaze.

But he was still smiling.

A knowing, unreadable smile.

And just before I could turn and leave, he finally spoke.

“You’re welcome.”

His voice was deep, smooth, laced with something I couldn’t quite place.

I glanced at him one last time, a strange feeling settling in my stomach before I turned and walked away.

But even as I left, I could feel it.

His stare.

And for some reason, I knew—

This wouldn’t be the last time we met.

Jungkook’s Perspective

She left.

The sound of her footsteps faded into the chatter and laughter of people dressed in expensive silk and diamonds.

Yet, even as the crowd swallowed her presence, she remained with me—like a lingering scent, like a whisper of something I shouldn’t reach for.

I looked down at my palm, the warmth of her fingers still burning against my skin even though she was gone.

The ring.

She had snatched it back the moment I handed it to her, but the imprint of it—of her—stayed behind.

I could still picture her face, the slight crease in her brows, the way she had parted her lips just slightly before she spoke.

I should move. I should get back to work.

But for the first time in a long time, I found myself frozen in place.

“Jungkook!”

The sharp voice jolted me back to reality. A staff member stood a few feet away, an impatient frown on his face.

“Stop standing there. You’re needed back on the main deck.”

I blinked, shaking off whatever trance I had fallen into.

Right. Work.

With a sharp breath, I turned away from the spot where she had stood just moments ago and forced my feet to move.

By the time I found Jimin in the storage room, my thoughts still hadn’t settled.

He was leaning against a crate, rolling up his sleeves as he worked through a pile of wine bottles.

The dim yellow lighting cast a glow over his tired face, but he still managed to look at me with an unimpressed expression the moment I stepped inside.

“You look weird.”

I frowned.

“What?”

Jimin grabbed a bottle, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.

“I said, you look weird.”

He twisted off the cork and took a deep sniff.

“Your face is all tight. You look like you either saw a ghost or fell in love.”

I scoffed.

“Don’t be stupid.”

He smirked.

“So, which one is it?”

I exhaled, rubbing a hand over my face. “I just… ran into someone.”

Jimin stilled for a moment before setting the bottle down with a soft thud.

He turned to me fully, crossing his arms.

“And?”

I hesitated. And what? And I suddenly forgot how to breathe? And for a split second, I felt something I haven’t felt in years?

Instead, I shook my head.

“Nothing. Just a guest.”

Jimin studied me, eyes sharp.

Then, without warning, he reached out and grabbed my face, squishing my cheeks together like I was a damn child.

“You’re making that face.”

I swatted his hands away.

“What face?”

“The one you make when your brain is running a hundred miles per hour.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Did you get yelled at or something?”

I exhaled.

“No, I—”

I paused.

“It was her.”

Jimin frowned. “Her?”

“The bride-to-be.”

His entire expression dropped.

“Oh, shit.”

I looked away.

Jimin groaned, running a hand through his hair.

“Jungkook, no.”

I sighed.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Yet.”

I shot him a glare, but he only threw his hands in the air.

“She’s getting married. You know she’s getting married, right?”

I clenched my jaw.

“I know.”

“Then don’t look at me like that,”

he muttered.

“Like you’re already gone.”

I exhaled, feeling the weight of his words settle in my chest.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,”

I admitted, my voice quieter.

“It’s just… she’s different.”

Jimin narrowed his eyes.

“Different how?”

I shook my head.

“I don’t know. It wasn’t just her face, or the way she moved. It was the way she looked at me.”

Jimin sighed.

“Jungkook…”

“She didn’t look at me like I was a nobody.”

Silence.

Jimin’s shoulders tensed slightly, but he didn’t say anything for a moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter.

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

I swallowed.

“I know.”

“People like her and people like us…”

He exhaled.

“We don’t belong in the same world.”

I knew that. I had always known that.

But then why was my heart still beating like this?

Jimin’s expression softened, but his voice remained firm.

“She’s going to marry a man with power. A man who can change lives with a single word. You… you’re just trying to survive.”

I let out a humourless chuckle.

“Thanks for the pep talk.”

He rolled his eyes.

“I’m just telling you what you need to hear.”

I stayed quiet.

Jimin let out another sigh, rubbing his temples.

“Jungkook… listen. I know how you get when you want something.”

I looked up at him.

“You start believing in hope.”

His voice was softer now.

“And I don’t want to see that hope crush you.”

I clenched my fists.

He wasn’t wrong.

Jimin reached out and clapped a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

“Just… promise me something.”

I swallowed.

“What?”

He met my eyes.

“Don’t fall for her.”

Silence.

I didn’t answer.

Because we both knew I already had.

*------------------------------------------------*

Y/N’s Perspective

I walked away, my fingers curled tightly around the ring as if it would slip away again. My heart was pounding—faster than it should.

It didn’t make sense. It was just an accident, just a moment where I had to retrieve something that belonged to me.

But why did it feel like I left something behind instead?

I tried to shake off the feeling, stepping past the staff moving around the deck.

The scent of the ocean mixed with the faint aroma of champagne and expensive perfumes, a reminder of the world I belonged to.

A world where emotions like these had no place.

I pressed the ring back onto my finger, staring at the diamond that sparkled under the sunlight. This was real.

My engagement, my future—everything had already been decided. I had no right to be distracted by a man whose name I didn’t even know.

And yet…

His eyes.

The way he had looked at me.

It wasn’t admiration, nor was it the kind of shallow interest I was used to. It was something else—something that made my stomach twist in ways I didn’t understand.

I reached the main deck, where the sound of laughter and conversation grew louder.

My mother was speaking to an important guest, her voice smooth and practised, her smile carefully measured. My father stood nearby, discussing business with someone equally as wealthy.

They hadn’t even noticed I was gone.

I exhaled slowly, trying to steady myself. This is where I belong. This is the life I was meant to live.

“Y/N.”

I turned at the familiar voice.

Namjoon.

He stood there, dressed in an elegant suit, his presence as composed as ever.

There was something comforting about him—something safe. And yet, even as he smiled at me, a small part of me hesitated before returning it.

“Where were you?”

he asked, his gaze briefly dropping to my hand, where the ring now rested securely.

I hesitated for only a second before lying.

“Just getting some fresh air.”

His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded and offered his arm.

“Come. The announcement is about to begin.”

I took his arm, allowing him to lead me forward.

And yet, as I moved through the crowd, surrounded by everything I was supposed to want…

My mind was still somewhere else.

Author’s Note ✨

💬 "Their meeting was just the beginning. But fate isn’t always kind. Chapter 2 coming soon...💜"

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slimeypaws · 21 hours ago

Text

blow your fuckin’ mind.

pairing — director! ted nivison x actor! reader

summary — after years of struggling in their acting career, the reader gets their big break when they’re cast in ted nivison’s latest film.

warnings — none except reader’s depressing life i guess?

acting was never meant to be easy. you knew that. everyone did. but knowing something doesn’t make it any less miserable when you’re living it.

it started small—background work, commercials, the occasional student film. you spent hours in waiting rooms with other hopefuls, all pretending not to size each other up. you got close, sometimes. callbacks that led nowhere. roles that got cut before filming even began.

for years, your life was a cycle of almosts. almost booked a lead. almost had enough money to quit your part time job. but almost doesn’t pay rent, and it sure as hell doesn’t make you feel like a real actor.

so you adapted. you took whatever you could get, no matter how humiliating. you played a mascot in a local car dealership ad. you got screamed at in a prank video that turned out to be staged. you even did one of those true crime reenactments where they blurred your face like you were in witness protection.

people back home thought you were making it. every time you posted anything remotely related to a film set, your relatives flooded your comments with hollywood star! and remember us when you’re famous! you never corrected them. it was easier to let them believe you were doing better than you were.

your agent hardly called. auditions dried up. you told yourself you’d give it one more year. then another. and another.

you started noticing how different it felt walking into casting rooms. at first, you were fresh, excited, brimming with hope. now, you were tired. not just physically, but deep in your bones. casting directors didn’t smile as much when you walked in. they didn’t say, we’ll be in touch.

you tried not to resent the ones who made it. the actors who booked their big break on their first try. the ones who got handed opportunities you’d kill for. you told yourself it was just luck, timing, connections—things you couldn’t control.

but it still stung.

you kept going because you didn’t know what else to do. you weren’t sure who you were outside of acting anymore. it had become everything—your dream, your identity, your reason to keep pushing through every rejection.

the door sticks when you try to open it.

you shove your shoulder against it, and it finally gives way, swinging open with a groan that echoes through the tiny apartment. the air inside is stale, warm from a broken heater you haven’t figured out how to fix. the single window in the living room barely lets in any light, the glass warped and streaked from rain that never quite washed away.

you don’t bother turning on the main light. instead, you drop your bag by the door and toe off your shoes, stepping over a stack of unopened mail. bills, probably. maybe another rejection letter, though those usually came by email. casting directors never called anymore.

the weight of the day sits heavy on your shoulders. another audition, another wasted train fare, another afternoon spent in a room full of people who looked just like you but better.

the script had been generic. a few lines, a fake smile, a persona you could slip into without thinking. it was an audition you should have nailed. but the moment you stepped in front of the casting panel, something in you cracked.

you said the lines. you smiled. you pretended you weren’t already bracing for the inevitable sorry, you’re not what we’re looking for.

they barely looked at you. barely acknowledged you were there.

you could tell from the moment you walked out that you weren’t getting a callback. maybe they didn’t like your delivery. maybe they already had someone in mind. maybe you just weren’t good enough.

you sink onto the couch, letting your head fall back against the threadbare cushions.

the ceiling has a stain shaped like a handprint. you don’t know how it got there.

you used to imagine that, one day, you’d move out of this place. that you’d book the role, and it would change everything. you wouldn’t have to work dead end jobs just to keep the lights on. you wouldn’t have to ration groceries at the end of the month. you wouldn’t have to sit here after every failed audition and wonder why you were still trying.

your phone buzzes.

you don’t check it right away. you already know what it’ll say.

casting for [redacted] has decided to go in a different direction. we appreciate your time and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

you read it anyway.

the words don’t hurt as much as they used to.

you toss your phone onto the coffee table and stare at the ceiling again.

you don’t cry. you should, probably. but you’re too tired for that.

outside, a car alarm blares, cutting through the thin walls like a siren. someone yells for it to shut the fuck up.

you close your eyes and exhale.

maybe next time.

your phone rings late in the afternoon, just as you’re considering whether instant ramen counts as a proper meal for the third time this week. the number flashing on the screen is familiar—your agent, alex.

you hesitate before answering. alex doesn’t call unless it’s important. most of your communication is through short, clipped emails that all amount to no news yet.

“hey,” you say, shifting the phone to your ear as you sink onto the couch. “what’s up?”

there’s a brief pause, then a sigh. “look, i won’t waste your time,” alex says. “something came across my desk, and i wanted to run it by you before i submit your name.”

you sit up straighter. “what is it?”

a beat of hesitation. “ted nivison’s new film.”

you almost drop the phone.

your mouth opens, then closes. your brain stalls, struggling to process the words.

ted nivison.

you’ve never auditioned for something that big. theoretically, anyone can land a role in one of his films—he’s known for discovering fresh talent. but the reality is different. you need a strong agent, an even stronger resume. neither of which you really have.

“you still there?” alex asks.

“yeah,” you manage. “…you serious?”

“dead serious.” alex sighs again, like they already know where your thoughts are going. “listen, i won’t lie to you. this is a long shot. a really long shot. the competition is ridiculous, and you’re gonna be up against people with ten times your experience.”

you swallow. “so why are you telling me this?”

“because,” alex says, “i think you should try.”

you go quiet.

it’s not like you haven’t heard those words before. just try. put yourself out there. you never know. but this is different. ted nivison’s movies matter. they don’t just fade into the background.

this is the kind of audition that could change everything.

or remind you exactly how small you are.

alex clears their throat. “i won’t submit your name if you don’t want me to. but if you’re in, i’ll do everything i can to get you in that room.”

you close your eyes, inhaling slowly.

“send me the details,” you say.

#— fox tales .ᐟ #this isn’t nearly as long of a prologue as tntm but wtvr #was this really worth posting #lmfao #i went with this reader #you’ll never know what the other option was #my lips are sealed #teddy knows though #ted nivision x reader #mdni

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wake-me-up-inside-imagines · 1 day ago

Note

I’m so very madly in love with Charlie rn.

Could you pretty please do Charlie with a dancer reader who’s very passionate about dance. When they’re first kidnapped obviously they’re scared but are quick to get used to it, except for when they find out they can’t dance anymore and they completely shut down. What would Charlie do?

Sure thing! I hope you enjoy!

Yandere Mafia Boss With A Dancer Darling

Gn! reader

Warnings: Kidnapping, break downs, unhealthy relationships, yandere character, surveillance

Divider credit goes to @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

-When Charlie first kidnapped you, he expected you to be afraid at first. He was fully prepared for your fearful reaction, and he did his best to accommodate your needs in hopes you would calm down sooner, hopefully becoming more receptive of his love over time. But as the weeks passed and you began calm down, Charlie allowed to let his guard slip a little, believing the worst of your struggles adjusting were behind you now.

-So imagine his surprise when he finds you hunched over yourself one day, curled up in your bed while tears streamed down your face. Your sobs were breaking his heart, what could possibly be wrong?

-It's hard to make out your words through your hiccups and gasps for air, but Charlie gets the gist. You miss dance. You miss your studio, you miss preforming. Apparently you had been so focused on acclimating to your new environment that you hadn't had time to focus on dance, but one of Charlie's flippant reminders of your confinement finally reminded you of what you had lost. What you needed, yet could no longer have.

-Now, Charlie knew about your love from dance from the minute he began looking into you. He'd have been a fool not to, with how high you regarded the sport. But he figured that once he “transferred” you, you would be so wrapped up in your new relationship with him that you wouldn’t care about such a trivial sport! I mean, isn’t he enough?

-He doesn’t get it. He’s never really been able to engage in hobbies, so he doesn’t understand why something like dance is so important to you. You aren’t getting paid for it, nor are you gaining any power, so what’s the point? Couldn’t you just replace it with a hobby you could do around the house?

-Charlie will wait a couple of days for your grief to die down, certain it’s a fickle, passing feeling, but to his dismay, it never does. You fall into a depression before his very eyes, worsening the longer you’re unable to engage in your favorite hobby, and nothing Charlie does makes you feel better. Why? What’s so important about this sport that he can’t see?

-As little as Charlie understands, he knows he needs to find some sort of middle ground between you two, before you get significantly worse. He doesn't want you to hate him for stealing your joy away, but he also doesn't want to let you back into the cruel world he's sheltering you from, so he'll offer to set up a semi-functional dance studio in one of the spare rooms of his house, purchasing all the material needed to make it look just like a regular studio's practice room. It's expensive, but he has money, and he'll do anything to bring you back to your normal, chipper self.

-It'll probably take a while for the room to get fully set up and it kills Charlie to see how depressed you are in the room's absence, but eventually the room is fully set up, and he couldn't be prouder. He's no dancer, but he thinks the room looks pretty good, all things considered. He's quite excited to show you his little surprise, hoping you'll finally perk up now that you have space to dance.

-Charlie thinks that might be the end of your depression, and for a while, it is. You have a space to move around and dance as you please, creating your own choreography and practicing to your hearts desire. And the best part is, you don't even have to pay to use the space! Charlie's house is your house, and the dance studio was built with you in mind. No payments, no time limits, no limitations. You have everything you want, so you should be happy now, right?

-...Unfortunately, there's more to the joy of dancing than just movement. A big part of dance is learning and sharing the experience with peers and audiences, which is hard to do when your confined to the house. So after a while of having the studio room, you feel as if you're stuck in a rut, talented enough to create your own dances, yet unable to teach others or learn any new dancing skills. You've tried youtube videos and dance websites, but it's just not the same as dancing with others, nor as effective.

-When you bring this up to Charlie, he's frustrated, angry even. Why? Why isn't the studio he spent so much money to build you not enough? No normal person would have the funds to do such a thing, and he did it without hesitation! Can't you appreciate all he's done for you? Can't you be content with your own studio, solely for you to use? Isn't having a studio to yourself a good thing? He doesn't understand, why are you so stubborn?

-You can try to explain your longing all you like, but it'll take a little while for Charlie to process and understand. Slowly his anger will fade, especially when he remembers that he did take you away from your normal life unexpectedly. He'll never understand why you need anybody but him in your life, but... if you plead enough, he'll consider letting you go back to your old studio.

-This agreement comes with some stipulations. For starters, you're always gonna need bodyguards with you, if not Charlie himself. You'll also need to let Charlie know every time you go to the studio so he doesn't rip the city apart looking for you. He'll also have a word about your safety with the owner of the studio, which goes his way almost immediately. He's extremely hesitant to let you out of his sight and the house, but if it means you'll be happy, he'll begrudgingly do it. Rest assured, you will be monitored every second you're away. He'll get used to the new schedule eventually, however upset he is about it.

-Once you get into a decent routine, Charlie calms down. When he isn't working, he loves to watch you dance. Whether in your studio at home or the public one. He thinks it's so cool that you can move your body in such mysterious ways, he's absolutely enthralled. He'll go to all your concerts and recitals if you do them, anything to support his baby (and keep you safe of course). He'll buy whatever you need to keep dancing, outfits, shoes, lessons, whatever you need, he'll get. He wants to support you in the hobby that means so much to you, even if he doesn't completely get the appeal.

-Just don't expect him to stop surveilling you anytime soon. he may trust you, but the world is a cruel, cruel place, one not suited to someone as amazing as you. One wrong step from the people around you, and he won't hesitate to pull you away from the studio.

You're his to protect, after all.

I hope you enjoyed!

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seitmai · 3 days ago

Text

Many thoughts

Ari: it could be cute, like we’re fated to be together or something

Y/N: that doesn’t happen in real life

It would be cute though!

Especially since you had spent the last week trying to get him and that damn kiss out of your head. That kiss haunted you. Not because it was a bad kiss, no it had been the best kiss you’d ever had. Every time your mind wandered it would go back to that moment, it even invaded your dreams except in your dreams it lasted so much longer.

There are worse things to overthink about 🤷🏻‍♀️

It didn’t help that you had spent part of your workday planning strategies for this fake relationship. A fake relationship where you shouldn’t be thinking this much about a kiss. You tried to rationalise it. It was practice just like he said. Intimacy had been lacking with Dan for a while before you found out he cheated so it was probably just your body reacting to something it had been missing. It meant nothing. It was nothing.

It's a lot at once 🫣

Chris and Elena looked amazing in their couple's costumes. They’d gone as Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and you heard Elena mutter something like ‘save a horse, ride a cowboy’ when you complement it as you got in their car.

That's so them 😅

“Storm” Chris warned. “She’s with me,” Elena said as she linked her arm through yours. “Well if you ever want a bit of fun you can always call me, I know some great-“ Johnny smirked before a deep voice warned him again. Except this time it was Chris, it was Ari that practically growled “Storm”

Oh we are already full territorial 😅🤭

You turned around to scold Ari because this was not part of the plan at all, you were supposed to mingle first and then ‘meet’. But just as you opened your mouth he held out his hand “Hi I’m Ari nice to meet you” he winked

Good save Ari 😅

“Uh a bunch of teens who are Greek demigods and have to go on quests and save the world, they’re all dyslexic and ADHD, the author originally came up with the main character as a story for his son who was dyslexic to show him that heroes could be just like him”

Ahh a demigod, I see you 😌

That really seemed to pique Ari’s interest, you could see a spark as he nodded his head “Well I guess we kinda match then” he smirked.

He go his wish 🤭

I know Elena is a fellow Ilona Maher fan 😌🫡

“Nope, went straight into playing rugby, although I did do a semester in International Politics when Barber made us all take a class to ensure we had something to fall back on” Ari explained with a casual shrug of his shoulders.

Totally valid Andy made them do this, good thinking ahead 👏🏻

Ari chuckled, the warm sound of it sending chills down your body “Yeah they’ve always wanted to travel the world, experience different cultures so when they retired they sold up and started travelling, they’ll visit a country, rent a place for a few months and do a bit of work to get some money before moving onto the next place, I get postcards from them when they get to a new country" You shook your head in disbelief “That’s incredible” you muttered in amazement.

That truly is incredible

You also didn’t own any jackets, you didn’t need cold-weather clothes back in LA which meant you had none now.

Fair and if you don't need them, why bother? That stuff takes up a lot of space

Ari shifted closer to you, the heat from his body doing enough to warm you up “Take it” he pressed, wrapping it around your shoulders before you could protest again “Think of the pictures” he added quietly.

He says it's good for the pictures but I have a sense that's not his true intention 👀

That was Ari’s favourite photo from the night, you were mid-chuckle as you looked back at him. His purple cape wrapped around your body. He’d saved it to his phone so he could look at it whenever he wanted.

That is adorable 🥹🥰

He was just glad you warmed up to him again. He could tell you were pissed at him when he went all caveman over you but he couldn’t help himself. Ari was an impulsive man at the best of times and when it came to you that impulsivity increased by a million.

👀

Chris hummed and nodded his head “So it’s got nothing to do with the crush you have on her” Ari let out an unconvincing snort “I do not have a crush… crushes are for children” he huffed.

Suuuure

Chris chuckled and shook his head “Fine but you were definitely into her back in LA, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment you got shot down, it so rarely happens” “Nope” Ari lied “we’re just friends who are helping each other out”

Sometimes you have to lie to yourself to make yourself believe it lol

“Glad to hear it man because honestly, I don’t think I’d win the fight” Chris chuckled as he slapped Ari on the shoulder.

He definitely wouldn't 😅🤭

“Hockey player? I thought you didn’t like athletes” Ari asked arching a brow. “Where do you think that dislike came from?” you retorted, making his look with your own.

Fair 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

“We both had to shave our heads, I didn’t mind it to be honest it was easier to manage” Chris said as he ran a hand through his hair. Elena pouted “Please don’t shave it again, I like your fluffy hair”

She definitely has a clear preference 😅

You looked back at him horrified “god no! We actually took it to the ASPCA, it was in awful conditions the poor thing” you pouted “A bunch of their players got suspended because of it”

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

“Wow so you’ve been pulling the strings behind the scenes for a long time” Ari noted with an impressed nod. “There’s a reason I’m so good at what I do” you smirked.

Period 👏🏻😌

“Let me keep you warm in the meantime,” Ari said softly. “But what about you?” you asked as you pulled his large jacket around you more. “I run hot” he shrugged. You looked down bashfully as you carried on walking “Thank you” “It's nothing, and you can keep it until our next date” Ari winked. “Are you sure?” you asked surprise clear on your face, pausing and turning to face him. “Never been more sure sweetheart” he smiled as he leant down to press a kiss to your cheek.

Omg I would already be head over heels in love with him when he acts like that as a fake boyfriend on the "first meeting"

🥰🥰🥰

He glanced around and noticed how sparse it was. It had all the necessary furniture and a few things like a rug, but there was nothing specific to you. It looked like a showhome rather than an apartment that had been living in.

That's so sad but I have a feeling the gears in Ari’s head are already turning

“Like Instagram stories?” you asked as you climbed into his jeep, Ari putting his hand on your hip to help you up. “Yeah nothing crazy” he nodded “and trust me you’re gonna love it, I have good intel that girls love this sort of thing” he winked before shutting the door.

He is so casual and sweet about it 😍

“Yep, you said you needed a winter wardrobe but didn’t have time, we also needed a solo date so two birds, one stone” Ari grinned and he killed the engine. “Yeah but the date should be a dinner date or something” you argued, shaking your head. Ari shrugged “There’s a food court, why do you think I picked you up before lunchtime?” he offered with a lopsided grin “If you want something fancier I’ll keep that in mind for next time, I just didn’t think you were that kind of girl”

What a great date idea, he is good at this fake boyfriend stuff 🥰

“I don’t dislike fancy restaurants” you supplied as he held out his hand to help you down. Ari grinned “Noted, now c’mon sweetheart as much as I love seeing you in my jacket… let’s get you a winter coat”

She is making sure to plant the idea of fancy food in his head 🤭

You rolled your eyes but took his hand and let him help you out of his jeep. Once you were on firm ground Ari shut the car door but didn’t let his hand drop from yours. He loved the feeling of it, your hand was so much smaller than his. The feeling of your soft skin against his callused palms felt magical and he wondered what they would feel like on other parts of his body… his chest… his thighs… his cock.

🥰🥰🥰 and a litte 🥵

“I don’t mind, what fits with your diet plan?” you asked looking up at him. Ari smiled softly, he found it cute that you cared enough about that, most people didn’t “None” he answered honestly “but one meal won’t hurt, I’ll just have to pump more iron in the gym” he winked not missing the way your cheeks pinkened as you looked away quickly.

He truly is a shameless flirt 🤭

“You get it for your first meal after the season ends?” you asked turning your attention to him. “Yeah, look forward to it every season” Ari grinned. “You don’t go for something more fancy?” “Nope, what better to celebrate or drown your sorrows with than some greasy, unhealthy food” he smirked, “what do you go for?”

Totally fair

“There’s nothing wrong with it” Ari reiterated firmly “Why mess with perfection?” Your lips parted in surprise before you looked down at your feet “Plus the orange chicken is iconic”

Absolutely

“This okay?” he asked quietly, “Steph said she’d position someone in the food court” You turned to look at him, your eyes widening as if you only just noticed how close he was, these booths weren’t really meant for two people to sit together, especially not a rugby player “Yeah” you muttered breathlessly.

I would love to share a tiny booth with a big beefy rugby player 🤭😌

“Yeah let's go, it shouldn’t take too long” “It’ll take however long as you need or want” Ari smiled as he stood up from the booth and held out his hand to help you up.

He is so dreamy

“We’ll see about that” Ari grinned “I save money for situations like this, so let me spoil my girlfriend” he said we you walked out of the food court.

🥹🥹🥹

“No, no it's fine” you muttered looking down and clearing your throat. Ari grinned “Good” he lifted your hand up so he could kiss your knuckles.

I can't with him 🥰

His favourite moment though was when he took you to buy a proper winter coat suitable for heavy snow. He made sure to get you the best one possible and when you tried it on he grabbed a bobble hat and scarf to go with it. Laughing when you were all bundled up and your beautiful eyes were the only part of you visible. It was such a cute sight that he had to take a photo which he saved so he could look back at it later.

Oh he is making a foolder total fake boyfriend behavior 🤭

Once you were done Ari carried all the bags out while you carried the pretzels, the only thing he had let you buy “Thank you for doing this Ari, you really didn’t need to” you said softly, tearing a piece off your pretzel as you both sat in his jeep. “I know but I wanted to” Ari smiled softly as he tucked into his own pretzel, the perfect after-shopping trip treat. “Well at least you can have your jacket back” You nodded down to his jacket that you were still wearing. “You can keep it, it looks good on you” Ari winked, not missing the way you blushed and looked down at yourself.

What a great date 🥰

Boston Bears: Fake Out - Rugby Player! Ari Levinson x Reader (Part 3)

Summary: It's time to get the fake relationship underway and straight away you realise it's going to be harder than you thought.

Word Count: 7.5k words

Warnings: Language! Angst! Sexual Tension! Fluff!

Rugby Explained

Dividers by Me!

Fake Out Series Masterlist /Boston Bears Masterlist / Masterlist

Chapter 3

Ari: what are you planning on dressing as for Storm’s party

Y/N: I don’t know yet

Ari: do you think we should go in matching costumes?

Y/N: no we’re supposed to ‘meeting’ at this party

Ari: it could be cute, like we’re fated to be together or something

Y/N: that doesn’t happen in real life

Ari: and this isn’t a real relationship remember

Ari: at least give me a hint

Y/N: no.

Ari had been pestering you to find out what your costume was going to be all week. You hadn’t actually given him your number, he must have gotten it from Elena or Chris. It made sense to have his number so you could plan ‘dates’ but if he was gonna keep pestering you it wouldn’t be long until you ‘accidentally’ lost it.

Even if you wanted to tell him what your costume was you couldn’t because you had no clue what you were gonna go as. You had been so busy with work too that you hadn’t had a chance to go shopping for one until the evening before which was a bust. The only costume left were the god-awful ones or slutty ones and while you were supposed to ‘attract’ the attention of Ari at this party you didn’t want to do it in a way that wasn’t you.

You had to slump for a homemade costume instead, one that was pretty obscure too. If it wasn’t for the sharpie on your tee it would look like you hadn’t bothered at all. You tried not to feel self-conscious but you were sure that everyone was gonna have amazing costumes and you’d stick out like a sore thumb.

You hadn’t spent much time with Johnny, only the odd occasion that the PR team turned up at training. You only really knew what Elena had told you which was that he was the stereotypical player but also a secret softie. You had only seen the player side so far and when you walked into his apartment it definitely screamed bachelor pad. It wouldn’t have surprised you if he had customised it like Barney Stinson.

“Hey, who’s this that you’ve brought along” Johnny smirked as he walked over to greet the three of you.

“Johnny this is my best friend Y/N, she just moved from LA she is working with the media team at the Bears” Elena said introducing you.

Johnny flashed you a charming smile and held out his hand “Ah yeah I’ve seen you around” he lifted your hand to his lips and kissed your knuckles “Pleasure to finally meet you, are you here alone?”

“Storm” Chris warned.

“She’s with me,” Elena said as she linked her arm through yours.

“Well if you ever want a bit of fun you can always call me, I know some great-“ Johnny smirked before a deep voice warned him again.

Except this time it was Chris, it was Ari that practically growled “Storm”

It was like he appeared out of nowhere. One second there was just space behind you, the next here was there. You looked over your shoulder as Ari towered over you, he was dressed in some sort of Greek armour costume which showed off his biceps which were bulging as he clenched his phone in one hand. You guessed he must have just gotten off a call and walked back into the party.

You turned back to Johnny who looked up at Ari and then you and then back at Ari before chuckling and shaking his head “Sure thing, let me know if you guys need anything” he said before turning around and leaving the four of you.

You gaped up at him completely taken by surprise, it took you a second to recover and reach out to shake his hand “Y/N”

“Ah yeah I’ve heard a lot about you from El” Ari smiled, you blinked a couple of times because he was a natural at this and you were a floundering idiot. You were supposed to be the expert here.

“Only good things I promise” Elena played along “Um do you want me to grab you a drink?”

You stuttered slightly which must have sounded like a yes because Elena looped her arm through Chris’ and the two of them walked off leaving you with Ari.

“So what are you dressed as?” He asked nodding down to your homemade costume which consisted of jeans with a Yankees cap tucked in the back pocket and an orange tee with Greek writing across it.

“Oh um I’m a book character from one of my favourite series, I doubt you’ve read it,” you said glancing down at your costume “It was the best I could do at short notice”

“What’s the series about?” Ari asked seeming like he was actually interested.

That really seemed to pique Ari’s interest, you could see a spark as he nodded his head “Well I guess we kinda match then” he smirked.

“Let me guess Hercules,” you asked, you wondered how this could have happened because you hadn’t told anyone what your costume was, not even Elena.

Ari smirked as he posed and showed off his very impressive biceps “the one and only”

You rolled your eyes and decided to scan the room. You spotted Elena near the kitchen holding up an alcoholic drink in your direction, you smiled grateful for the escape.

“Well it was lovely to meet you but there’s a drink with my name on but I’ll see you around maybe” you said taking a couple of steps back.

Ari gave you a lopsided smile “There’s no maybe about it, enjoy mingling and I’ll see you in a bit” he agreed.

You nodded before turning on your heel. You felt his gaze on you as you walked away, your suspicions confirmed when you glanced over your shoulder and caught him looking at your ass.

Over the next couple of hours, you somewhat successfully managed to mingle and avoid Ari. You stuck by Elena’s side most of the time, letting her introduce you to other players on the team and friends she had made over the past few months. You could feel Ari’s gaze on you most of the time, catching him looking over at you as he spoke to others at the party. On the occasions you didn’t feel his gaze you found yourself distracted and looking around the party, your eyes catching on him every time.

You were currently sat on a couch next to Elena who had discarded her own hat and replaced it with Chris’. She was caught up in a heated debate about women’s rugby so you once again found yourself looking around the party. Except this time you couldn’t spot Ari at all, your initial reaction was concern. What if he was off flirting with another girl, there were plenty of bombshells walking around, you wouldn’t blame him but it would jeopardise the whole plan.

Your eyes then zeroed in on a closed door for some unknown reason but a second later Ari stepped out, holding his phone to his ear. You watched as he nodded and said one last thing before letting out a long sigh and hanging up. His expression seemed unguarded for a moment, he looked exhausted from that call. It made you wonder what it was, maybe his parents? He said they were travelling maybe they got into a bit of trouble somewhere.

You watched as he tapped away at his phone for a moment before looking up, his eyes met yours and the tired expression shifted to a charismatic smirk. You quickly adverted your gaze and tried to look like you were involved in the debate when you saw him walk over towards you.

It didn’t work though as you felt the couch cushion sink next to you and heat enveloping you as he rested his arm on the back of the couch behind you “Hey”

You bit your lip to hold back a curse as you shifted to turn to him, forcing a smile “Hey”

“Thought you could do with some company, us Greek heroes need to stick together” he tapped your shoulder with his finger and you tried to ignore the sparks of electricity that you felt when he did “So how do you know El?”

“We were roommates in college, been best friends ever since,” you told him unable to stop the smile that grew as you recalled your college days with Elena.

She had been the best friend you had needed your entire life. She really helped pull you out of your shell and become much more confident. Thanks to her you got up to so much stuff that you wouldn’t have dared to do before.

“Nice, what did you major in?”

“communications, did you go to college?” you asked him, you were pretty certain that he was one of the popular jocks that everyone wanted to hook up with.

“Really?” your eyebrows rose in surprise, you hadn’t expected that answer.

“Yeah his career got cut short due to injury so he’s been really on at us to be careful with our money and have something to fall back on because even if we don’t get injured we typically retire at around 35 and there’s a lot of life left to live after that,” Ari said with a deep sigh.

“What do you think you’ll do? When you retire?”

Ari let out a long sigh, his gaze shifting to the distance as he thought. It gave you an opportunity to study his face in better detail. The freckles that poked out from beneath his beard and the way his eyes were the same colour as a tropical ocean.

“I don’t know” he finally said with a small huff of a laugh “might just see where my life is when it comes to it, if I have responsibilities to take care of”

You tilt your head, curious as to what he meant “like what?”

A small smile tugged at his lips as he looked back at you “I’m not sure” There was a long pause where it felt like neither of you knew what to say until Ari finally spoke “You moved from LA right? Is that where you’re originally from?”

You shake your head “East Coast girlie, New York to be specific”

Ari’s smile perked up “I’m from New York too, which part?”

“Upstate, didn’t actually get into the city very often, we lived closer to Canada than the city,” you said.

Whenever you told someone you were from New York they always assumed the city and would ask you so much about it and most of the time you didn’t have an answer because you’d only gone into the city a couple of times in your whole life.

“Ah nice upstate is really beautiful, I’m from Queens” Ari smiled “If you ever want a tour guide the next time you go to the city”

You chuckled “I’ll hit you up” You smiled “Do you go back often?”

Ari’s smile seemed to falter for a split second, you weren’t sure if it even did or if you imagined it “A bit, not as often as I’d like but it’s difficult with my schedule” he said with a small shrug.

“I guess with your parents travelling there’s less of a reason too” you add, Ari hummed in response “Are they away long?”

“Two years so far”

Your eyes widened “two years!”

You shook your head in disbelief “That’s incredible” you muttered in amazement.

“Yeah I have no clue when they’ll be back, probably when they get a bit too old but they also might just find a remote tropical island to live on” Ari chuckled.

“What about you though?” you frowned. You didn’t particularly like living so far away from your parents but at least they were in one place, it’s expensive but not impossible to visit them.

Ari tilted his head slightly like he was surprised by that question, like no one had thought to ask him that before “I’m okay with it, they deserve it, they did so much for me growing up and to help me achieve my dream of playing rugby professionally, I can’t not let them have their dream” he smiled “and maybe when I retire in a few years I’ll just join them on the island” he chuckled.

“That does sound like a good retirement plan” You smiled, you then felt a blast of cold air from where someone had opened a door to step out onto the balcony. It instantly made you shiver, your costume wasn’t great for New England fall temperatures.

“You cold?” Ari frowned as you wrapped your arms around you, goosebumps appeared on your skin.

“Just a little, thought a jacket might ruin the look” you tried to joke.

You also didn’t own any jackets, you didn’t need cold-weather clothes back in LA which meant you had none now. Elena had lent you a few jumpers and coats, like the red one you’d worn the day Ari came to your office to apologise. You’d promised that you would go out and buy a proper coat and warmer clothes but hadn’t found the time, you also worried about how expensive it would be.

Ari sat forward and tugged at his shoulders, the purple cape that was attached coming loose “Here, it's not thick but it's an extra layer” he said as he offered it to you.

“Oh no it's okay I’m fine,” you said shaking your head.

You blinked a couple of times. Right. Yes. The pictures. It would look good for the ‘relationship’ if there was a picture with you wearing his cape. There would be no explanation as to where else you got it from, no one else here was wearing a bright purple cape. It would be the perfect crumb to lead people to believe this relationship.

You nodded and wrapped and cape around you “Thank you”

Ari gave you a lopsided smile “Not a problem sweetheart” he grinned leaning back into the couch, except this time there was less than a couple inches between you.

Ari didn’t really know much about PR, he typically just did whatever he was told by the team to fix whatever mess needed fixing. But if he had to guess how well the Halloween party went he would say it went really well.

He’d seen a few photos circulating online and all of them looked good. There were a few where both you and him were in the photo either in the background or in the group shot. Not all of them had you standing or sitting close to him, but someone had taken a photo of you and him chatting on the couch.

Johnny Storm was notorious for being a playboy, often seen at parties with multiple girls hanging onto his every word. It was surprising that he got away with it some much, but it never seemed to affect how well he played and he hasn’t gotten into serious trouble so maybe the coaches were happy to turn a blind eye. Ari and Johnny got on well enough on the pitch and at training but he still didn’t trust him with you. He wouldn’t trust him with anyone.

Ari was looking forward to today, it was the first official fake date. The team had the morning off so the plan was to go to brunch. Ari had met the three of you a short walk away from the bunch spot that you and El had picked.

He was currently walking a few paces behind with Chris, watching as you and Elena walked ahead chatting and laughing with each other. You were wearing that red sweater again, but this time you’d paired it with a pair of black jeans. You’d tucked the sweater in giving Ari the perfect sight to behold. He couldn’t help but smile as you threw your head back and laughed at whatever El had said.

“I’m surprised you agreed to all this,” Chris said as the two of them walked, his pace slowing so that the distance between him and the girls grew.

Ari shrugged as he matched his pace “Want to make the team, I’d do anything”

Chris hummed and nodded his head “So it’s got nothing to do with the crush you have on her”

Ari let out an unconvincing snort “I do not have a crush… crushes are for children” he huffed.

Chris chuckled and shook his head “Fine but you were definitely into her back in LA, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment you got shot down, it so rarely happens”

Ari took a deep breath, recalling the moment he saw your engagement ring “Yeah, that lunch was a bit of fun” he agreed “but this is just a deal so I have my best chance of getting called up and if it means her asshole ex doesn’t rock up and try and win her back then it's a win-win”

Chris hummed and glanced back over at you “So you don’t still have feelings then?” he asked.

“Nope” Ari lied “we’re just friends who are helping each other out”

“Good” Chris nodded “I don’t know Y/N very well but she means a lot to El which means she means a lot to me too so I don’t want to see her getting hurt because you lead her on or made her uncomfortable”

Ari swallowed and nodded his head “You don’t have to worry about that at all, we’ve got clear boundaries and we’re not gonna cross them” he promised as he looked back over at you.

Ari cared a lot about you and the last thing he wanted was to hurt you or for you to get hurt more than you already have been. If that meant pushing his feelings aside then he’d do it. At least he was getting a taste of what it would be like.

“Glad to hear it man because honestly, I don’t think I’d win the fight” Chris chuckled as he slapped Ari on the shoulder.

Ari smirked over at him “You right about one thing”

When they turned the corner onto the street that the restaurant was on, Chris changed the topic to the league and how he thought the other teams were doing. Ari wasn’t paying much attention though, he kept his sights on you. He knew there were some paps across the street, the plan was to tip them off so they could capture everyone arriving and leaving together.

The girls both paused when they reached the restaurant waiting for Ari and Chris to catch up. Chris opened up the door and gestured for everyone to go ahead, Ari followed closely behind you resting his hand on your lower back. He flashed you a smile when you glanced over your shoulder at him.

At the table Ari pulled out the chair for you, making sure to be the perfect gentleman “Thank you” you muttered as you sat down.

The two girls ordered mimosa while Ari and Chris settled for coffee “To brunch” Elena grinned “And new friendships” she winked over at you and Ari.

You chuckled lightly as you lifted your glass “to brunch”

The conversation quickly returned back to rugby, Chris continuing what he’d been saying to Ari outside. This time Elena joined in with her own inputs as they discussed the Bears' next opponents and how well they’d been so far this season.

Ari glanced over to see you sat back in your chair your gaze set on the plate in front of you as you absentmindedly twisted your glass of mimosa around. Ari wondered why you weren’t participating before remembering that you weren’t a fan of rugby so you had nothing to add.

“Why don’t we talk about something other than rugby?” Ari interrupted “I think Y/N might fall asleep if we carry on” he added with a smirk.

You rolled your eyes “I was not about to fall asleep, if you guys want to talk about rugby you can talk about rugby” You waved your hand dismissively.

“No it's fine, I’m sorry that was my fault” Chris apologised “What would you like to talk about Y/N?” he asked with a sincere smile.

“Oh um” you muttered shrinking back into your chair. That made Ari frown because it was not like you to shrink away, he expected you to come back with some witty response. “I don’t know, I don’t mind” you shrugged.

“Why don’t you tell us some wild college stories, I bet you two got up to a lot of trouble” Ari smirked, nudging you in the side.

Elena snorted into her champagne glass “We were the perfect citizens”

“Bullshit” Chris laughed “You’re trouble, trouble” he grinned as he looked lovingly over at Elena.

“We had a lot of classwork, didn’t leave much time for antics” You shrugged, you were trying to look innocent but Ari could see the smirk playing on your lips.

“There might have been a few dares here and there when we went to parties” Elena shrugged her shoulders taking a sip of her mimosa.

“Now we’re getting there” Ari smirked twisting in his seat to face you more “What kind of things did you have to do?”

“Y/N usually went for truth” Elena supplied, ignoring the pointed look you gave her.

“That’s not true, I did dares” you argued.

“Only when that guy on the hockey team called you out, you know the one you had a cru-”

“Sh-sh-sh” you interrupted flapping your hand in an attempt to silence her, your cheeks turning a cute shade of pink.

“Hockey player? I thought you didn’t like athletes” Ari asked arching a brow.

“Where do you think that dislike came from?” you retorted, making his look with your own.

“Well don’t worry sweetheart, I’ll change your opinion” he winked, the roll of your eyes he got in response just made his smile grow wider. Seeing that feisty side of you seemed rare now but Ari wasn’t gonna give up on it.

“Well I’m sure whatever you had to do wasn’t as bad as what we all had to do during our first pre-season with the Bears,” Chris said, shaking his head as a shiver ran through his body.

Ari felt the exact same, he’d been with the bears for a few years but the memory of his initiation was still fresh in his mind. He hadn’t looked at a pint of milk in the same way since.

“What did you have to do?” you asked sitting forward, intrigue clear in his voice.

“We have to down a pint of milk and then run the full length of the pitch and back, if you puke you have to spin a wheel to decide your punishment” Ari explained, unable to hold back the smile when he saw your horrified reaction.

“Does anyone ever succeed?”

“Nope, Curtis came close though, kept it down until the next newbie started chugging the milk and that's when he went” Chris chuckled “he had to shave his eyebrows”

Your jaw dropped as Elena threw her head back laughing loudly “Wait is this where Jensen got his frosted tips?” Elena asked in between breaths.

Ari nodded his head as he laughed along “Yeah that one didn’t really end up as a punishment”

“What did you two have to do?” You asked nodding to Ari and Chris.

“We both had to shave our heads, I didn’t mind it to be honest it was easier to manage” Chris said as he ran a hand through his hair.

Elena pouted “Please don’t shave it again, I like your fluffy hair”

“Don’t worry trouble, it's staying” Chris grinned as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Wow stealing a pig doesn’t seem so bad now” you muttered under your breath but Ari heard it.

“You stole a pig?” he huffed in surprise.

“Yeah that hockey guy convinced me to help steal the rival team’s mascot” you said with an embarrassed wince.

“That’s amazing” Chris laughed his hand slapping his chest as he leant back in his chair.

“They sent her in the distract the team while our guys took the pig” Elena recounted.

“What did you do with it after that? And please don’t say bacon or sausages” Ari asked.

You looked back at him horrified “god no! We actually took it to the ASPCA, it was in awful conditions the poor thing” you pouted “A bunch of their players got suspended because of it”

“Meant our team went ahead in the division” Elena smirked victoriously.

“Wow so you’ve been pulling the strings behind the scenes for a long time” Ari noted with an impressed nod.

“There’s a reason I’m so good at what I do” you smirked.

Ari smiled back at you glad to see you feeling far more comfortable. It was almost like the lunch back in LA all those months ago. The rest of brunch was great too, Ari just enjoyed sitting there and watching you open up more and more. The dynamic you had with Elena was like two sisters who were also best friends. He was happy for you that you were back with your best friend.

Far sooner than Ari would have liked brunch came to an end. He wanted to stay longer but he had to get back to the training facility for afternoon training. This time though he made sure to walk out next to you. Chris and Elena walked a few paces ahead.

When you stepped out of the restaurant Ari noticed you shiver and wrap your arms around yourself “You cold?” he asked.

“Yeah still used to LA weather” you explained as you hugged yourself closer.

“Not used to needing a coat” Ari added with a playful smirk.

“I don’t actually have one” you admitted.

Ari paused and turned to face you “You don’t own a coat? Like at all?”

“Not a winter one no” You went to walk off but Ari held out his arm to stop you.

“Why not?” he asked unable to wrap his head around it.

“I didn’t need one in LA, my closet is full of summer clothes, this jumper is El’s not mine” you explained gesturing down to your sweater. Ari noticed how it was slightly too large for you and it wasn’t a design choice. Elena had a much broader and more muscular frame than you. “I just haven’t had the chance to go out shopping yet, that and money is tighter now, I can’t really afford a whole new wardrobe”

“You need to get a coat at least, it's only gonna get colder, especially when the snow finally arrives” Ari pointed out.

You shot a glare up at him “Yes I am aware of that” you huffed spinning on your heel and speeding off away from him.

Ari cursed under his breath before shrugging off the jacket he was wearing. He jogged to catch up with you and draped the jacket around your shoulders. You startled slightly and looked up at him in confusion.

“Let me keep you warm in the meantime,” Ari said softly.

“But what about you?” you asked as you pulled his large jacket around you more.

“I run hot” he shrugged.

You looked down bashfully as you carried on walking “Thank you”

“It's nothing, and you can keep it until our next date” Ari winked.

“Are you sure?” you asked surprise clear on your face, pausing and turning to face him.

“Never been more sure sweetheart” he smiled as he leant down to press a kiss to your cheek.

Ari: I want to plan our next date

Y/N: Oh okay, yeah sure what do you want to do?

Ari: It’ll be a surprise

Y/N: But I need to know so I can tip the right people off

Ari: I’ll get Steph to deal with it

Y/N: I don’t know, how am I supposed to make sure this works if I don’t know what we’re doing

Ari: just trust me, it’ll be fun and will work perfectly

Y/N: Okay fine

Ari: Great I’ll pick you up at 11

Ari jogged up to the front door of your apartment block and pressed the button for your apartment “Hey c’mon up I’m not quite ready yet” you said through the intercom.

“Sure, see you in a second sweetheart” Ari grinned as he pushed open the door and made his way up to your apartment.

You greeted him at the front door, a smile growing on Ari’s face when he saw you were wearing his jacket. It was definitely too big for you but it looked adorable so Ari had no intention of taking it back. Plus it meant you hadn’t had a chance to go shopping yet which worked perfectly with his plan.

“I just need to grab my bag,” you said as he stepped inside the apartment.

“Had El moved all her stuff out?” Ari asked glancing over at you as you sorted through your bag. While he never visited he knew this used to be Elena’s place but moved out when you turned up so you could have your own apartment.

“Uh yeah, she left things that she didn’t need any more,” you said as you shouldered your bag “Once I get the rest of my stuff it’ll look less barren”

Ari hummed and nodded his head, maybe after today it’ll be less barren. He made a note of that for later “Let’s get going, I’ve got a lot planned” he grinned as he moved to head back out.

“You gonna tell me what we’re doing now?” you asked as you shut and locked the door behind you.

“Nope that would ruin the surprise” Ari grinned as the two of you walked down the stairs together.

You groaned in annoyance “Have you at least let Steph know?”

“Yeah she’s sent someone from the media team to take the odd photo of us while we’re out and she suggested that we post a couple things to social media ourselves” Ari explained as he opened the car door for you.

“Like Instagram stories?” you asked as you climbed into his jeep, Ari putting his hand on your hip to help you up.

“Yeah nothing crazy” he nodded “and trust me you’re gonna love it, I have good intel that girls love this sort of thing” he winked before shutting the door.

It wasn’t a long drive to get where Ari was taking you and he was relying on you not knowing Boston very well. The drive was pretty quiet which Ari didn’t mind, it didn’t make him feel uncomfortable and he was just happy to be in your company.

When he pulled up in the parking lot you looked up from your phone and frowned as you looked around and realised where he’d taken you “A shopping mall?”

“Yep, you said you needed a winter wardrobe but didn’t have time, we also needed a solo date so two birds, one stone” Ari grinned and he killed the engine.

“Yeah but the date should be a dinner date or something” you argued, shaking your head.

Ari shrugged “There’s a food court, why do you think I picked you up before lunchtime?” he offered with a lopsided grin “If you want something fancier I’ll keep that in mind for next time, I just didn’t think you were that kind of girl”

Your mouth opened to argue but you didn’t say anything, which told Ari that he’d gotten that assumption right. He grinned to himself as he got out and rounded the car to open your door.

“I don’t dislike fancy restaurants” you supplied as he held out his hand to help you down.

Ari grinned “Noted, now c’mon sweetheart as much as I love seeing you in my jacket… let’s get you a winter coat”

Ari shook that thought from his head. As much as he wanted otherwise, this relationship was fake. There would be no sex at all and once this was over you would be leaving Boston for bigger and better things. He had to make do with and make the most of this time he had with you, at least that way when it came to an end he had something even if it wasn’t real.

“So do you want to get some food first or straight into shopping? I know they say it’s bad to shop on an empty stomach” Ari asked as you walked into the shopping mall hand in hand.

“That’s food shopping” you pointed out making Ari snort with laughter “but I guess it would be a good idea energy wise”

“Good plan, what would you like?” Ari asked as you rounded the corner towards the food court.

“I don’t mind, what fits with your diet plan?” you asked looking up at him.

Ari smiled softly, he found it cute that you cared enough about that, most people didn’t “None” he answered honestly “but one meal won’t hurt, I’ll just have to pump more iron in the gym” he winked not missing the way your cheeks pinkened as you looked away quickly.

“Okay well, how about Panda Express?” you suggested pointing over in its direction.

“Perfect, that’s actually my favourite” Ari grinned as he started walking over it.

“Me too” you hummed quietly as Ari led you through the crowds.

He arched a brow and looked over his shoulder “Really?” he asked surprised.

“Yeah me and Elena ate way too much of it during college” you chuckled softly.

“I’m jealous, I rarely get to have it, mostly during the off-season,” he told you as he reached the back of the line.

“What’s your go-to order?” you asked as you looked up at the menu.

“Never the shrimp” Ari snorted shaking his head, he’d had a bad experience with the shrimp before, it wasn’t bad enough to put him off the chain but he learnt never to get seafood from a fast food chain “I go for the shanghai Angus steak and brown rice if its during the season and white or noodles for my end of season meal”

“You get it for your first meal after the season ends?” you asked turning your attention to him.

“Yeah, look forward to it every season” Ari grinned.

“You don’t go for something more fancy?”

“Nope, what better to celebrate or drown your sorrows with than some greasy, unhealthy food” he smirked, “what do you go for?”

You let out a bit of a dramatic sigh “I’m basic and I love the orange chicken and noodles and extra fortune cookies”

Ari chuckled “Nothing wrong with being basic” he smiled warmly down at you.

“I beg to differ” you snorted shaking your head, Ari heard the hint of self-consciousness in your voice and immediately knew you were referring to what happened with your ex.

“There’s nothing wrong with it” Ari reiterated firmly “Why mess with perfection?” Your lips parted in surprise before you looked down at your feet “Plus the orange chicken is iconic”

“I guess” you mumbled still looking down at your feet.

Ari squeezed your hand a couple of times before stepping forward to place the order, making sure to order extra fortune cookies for you. He didn’t miss the small smile that you tried to hide when he did so.

Once he had the food he kept hold of your hand and carried the tray over to a free booth with his other hand. He placed the tray down and gestured for you to slide in, he slid in next to you and rested his arm behind you. You were so close that Ari could smell the scent of your shampoo and he loved it.

“This okay?” he asked quietly, “Steph said she’d position someone in the food court”

You turned to look at him, your eyes widening as if you only just noticed how close he was, these booths weren’t really meant for two people to sit together, especially not a rugby player “Yeah” you muttered breathlessly.

A smile twitched at Ari’s lips “Let's tuck in then, we’ve got a lot of shopping ahead of us”

You flashed him a smile before turning your attention to the food. As the two of you ate Ari asked you more questions about your life before moving to Boston. He tactically avoided anything that involved your ex since you always closed in on yourself when that happened so he focused on your life back in upstate New York.

“I’d say that’s given me enough energy to do some shopping, without filling me up enough that I can sneak a pretzel later” Ari smirked as he stacked the empty containers “Can’t forget these though,” he said pushing the multiple fortune cookies your way.

“I can’t have all of them” you argued pushing some back towards him.

“Of course you can, I brought them for you” Ari pushed them back to you with a smirk.

“You have to have at least one,” you said grabbing one and holding it out to him.

Ari grinned and took the cookie from you “Deal but you have to tell me your fortune”

You rolled your eyes but didn’t argue, cracking open a cookie and munching away as you read out the fortune “Be curious. Be present. Embrace uncertainty”

“That sounds like good fortune” Ari hummed as he rested his arm behind you again.

You hummed in agreement “Guess so, what’s yours?”

Ari opened up his cookie and smirked to himself “You will place your trust in others and be rewarded… in bed” Ari said wiggling his eyebrows.

You laughed and threw your fortune at him “You added the in-bed bit”

Ari shrugged “Maybe, maybe not… maybe in bed is where I want to be rewarded” he winked.

You rolled your eyes and gave him a playful shove which made Ari laugh, he dropped his arm around your shoulder and pulled you into his side. His smile turned warm when you didn’t pull away from him.

“Should we get shopping?” you asked looking up at him.

“If you’re ready” Ari hummed as he collected up all of the leftover fortune cookies and put them in your bag for you for later.

“Yeah let's go, it shouldn’t take too long”

“It’ll take however long as you need or want” Ari smiled as he stood up from the booth and held out his hand to help you up.

You smiled softly and took his hand “It’ll take however long as my bank account can handle” you said with a pointed look.

“Don’t you worry about that” Ari winked.

You frowned over at him “You are not paying for my clothes” you stated.

“We’ll see about that” Ari grinned “I save money for situations like this, so let me spoil my girlfriend” he said we you walked out of the food court.

“Fake girlfriend” you corrected quietly.

“Shush, we’re in public” Ari whispered as he leant in closer to you and pressed a kiss to your temple.

Your head snapped in his direction, your eyes wide like saucers.

“Sorry should have asked” Ari apologised, squeezing your hand.

“No, no it's fine” you muttered looking down and clearing your throat.

Ari grinned “Good” he lifted your hand up so he could kiss your knuckles.

Over the next few hours, Ari took you into every shop that sold warm clothes. You were pretty reluctant at first but after the first couple of shops, where Ari practically had to block you from the card machine so he could pay, you started to warm up to it and have more fun. Even Ari was enjoying it, he didn’t mind sitting in the designated chair outside of the fitting rooms especially when you came back out to show off and get his opinion on a few things.

“I know but I wanted to” Ari smiled softly as he tucked into his own pretzel, the perfect after-shopping trip treat.

“I promise to pay you back”

“It's okay, I had the money and you’re helping me get onto the national team” Ari shrugged as he demolished the last of his pretzel, he wasn’t going to admit that he would have done it anyway, he did it just to see you smile and to make sure you were warm.

“Well at least you can have your jacket back” You nodded down to his jacket that you were still wearing.

“You can keep it, it looks good on you” Ari winked, not missing the way you blushed and looked down at yourself.

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