#fic: all's fair in love and war

[neallo]

near getting angry at mello hits so different imo because of how patient / understanding he is overall with mello,,, like. this is the most obvious statement in the world given the actual text [gestures vaguely toward all of near's Mello Apologism in canon] but it DOES get me. near is not a doormat in the slightest but he does allow mello a lot of grace, and it is extremely fun to consider & determine what near's breaking point / limit would be in any given universe.

[okiedokrie]

All Is Fair In Love And War Pt.1

Summary: Joshua is nothing if not determined. If he wants something, he'll get it; not that he even had to try before. But sometimes, like Icarus, he flies a little too close to the sun. But hey, all is fair in love and war!

Characters/Pairing: Aphrodite Incarnation!Joshua x Fem!Detective!Very Mortal!Reader

Genre: smut, fluff, crack, angst if you really squint

AUs/Trope Info: Greek God!AU, Partners In Solving Crimes, Strangers to Lovers, "time isnt linear" trope, "holy shit im kind of obsessed with you" trope

Word Count: 3,194 (Full fic is around 10k)

Warnings: Depiction of a crime scene (gore, blood, gun, conspiracy), depiction of drug use, character death (major and minor), smut warnings in the next part

Rating: 18+

A/N: I decided to split this into parts since I'm not confident ill be able to finish this within the deadline, this is part of the The 13 Gods of Olympus: A Seventeen collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions! This is just the first part, so if you enjoy it, please consider signing up for the taglist. Thank you!!

In the summer of 2000, Joshua Hong was almost five years old. People always commented on how pretty he was for a kid, that he’d surely grow up to be a very handsome man.

Which is why it was a tragedy when he died from a freak truck accident.

Yes, Joshua Hong died at the age of five. For like, 10 minutes.

The doctors called it a miracle - a small child should not have survived a whole six of the twelve truck wheels, but somehow he was resuscitated, much to his parents’ delight.

This incident caused two things to change dramatically - Californetherlands now has stricter trucking laws and Joshua woke up to memories of literally being Aphrodite.

Throughout the years, from that fateful summer day to the present day, Joshua flopped back and forth between believing that the memories were just fever dreams and genuinely considering that he may be a reincarnation of the goddess. But ever since he got to hone his powers, he’s been more inclined to believe the latter.

By the age of 28, he has mastered the art of seduction. No, not sleeping with people constantly. It was more so the art of getting people to say ‘yes’ to everything he asked of them.

This made Joshua a very powerful and influential figure in Los Amsterdam; You see, the way he dealt wasn’t by out-witting people or being richer than them. He dealt in favors. If you wanted to be a popstar, he’d introduce you to a famous producer, and get you a record deal that would solidify your career - all for the low, low price of free.

In turn, you’d owe him, like the many powerful people who owed him large favors.

Joshua found himself in downtown LA, in the club that he owned, just under his penthouse. He enjoyed playing the guitar and performing for his patrons, everyone seemingly captivated by his voice, or his beauty, whichever one caught their attention first. He finally strummed the last chord of his song, enjoying the applause of the crowd as the DJ started to play the usual club music. Just as he was about to retreat to the bar, a feminine voice stopped him.

“Joshua! Hey!” She said, hair bouncing over her new fur coat, jumping excitedly, calling him over.

Joshua smiled widely at her - she was one of the people he had helped start her career as a singer. He didn’t do much other than introduce her to the CEO of her current label, it was her natural talent that got her this far.

“Ah, Diana, good to see you!” He said, going over to meet her in a friendly hug, the kind that didn’t touch at all. “How has being a singer treated you? Any good news?” He said, making small talk with an old acquaintance.

“Oh please,” she started, her new haughty attitude showing, “It’s all over the news! I just got nominated for a Grammy!” She said in a sing-song tone. Joshua just nodded Truth be told, he didn’t really have much interest in pop music, but he did try to match her enthusiasm.

“That’s great! I knew you’d make it big.” he said, remembering the first time she came to him, a girl in clothes that almost looked like rags, now decked out in every designer brand you could think of. “So, what brings you back here then? Surely you already have everything you ever wanted?” He said lightheartedly. Even if all of Joshua’s connections owed him favors, it was quite uncommon for them to come back to him after having achieved their dreams.

“Well,” She said, her old, meek bashfulness coming to the surface. “I just wanted to see you again, to thank you for what you have done for me.” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “And I know no matter what favor I do for you in return, I could never break even for just how much you’ve impacted my life. So, thank you, Joshua.”

Joshua genuinely felt relieved to hear her say that - usually, people’s pride and greed got in the way of them acknowledging those who truly helped them along the way, but as he suspected, this girl still had a soul so pure. “Let's get some drinks by the bar and chat some more, yeah? My treat.” He offered, which she gladly took, the conversation between them flowed naturally, Joshua enjoying her tales of success.

It was an hour after the club closed that Diana decided it was time to head home. Joshua offered to see her off, like the gentleman he was, and so they walked to the sidewalk, her hand around his arm.

Joshua opened the taxi door for her, offering her a few bills in cash to cover the fare, “It was nice seeing you again, hopefully, you’ll make time to catch up with me in the future.” he said through the taxi window.

“Yeah, I hope I get the chance to see you again soon. Goodnight Joshua.” She said as she rolled up the taxi window.

Joshua watched the taxi drive until the end of the block, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then, another car intercepted her in the intersection.

It happened so quickly, too quickly for Joshua to even register the new car’s window sliding down, holding a gun out to the taxi Diana was in. Gunshots echoed through the street, the sound of tires popping and glass shattering but all Joshua could make out was the sound of two sets of four tires screeching against the concrete. Diana’s taxi collided with a nearby lamppost, the taxi flattening and curling around it.

That was the last time Joshua saw her alive.

It was all over the news “Beloved Grammy-nominated rising star, Undyne, passed at a downtown intersection in a successful assassination.” Headlines went crazy with her story, telling her life before her short-lived success as a pop star.

The police were on her case, and the street cameras identified a black car with a non-existent plate number. they couldn’t find the people who owned it, but they did have enough evidence to call it a homicide.

Joshua, being close to the scene at the time when it happened, was one of the key witnesses to the whole case.

Currently, Joshua is in the waiting area of the police station, waiting for the detective on the case to lead him to the interrogation room where he will give his statements. He was just mindlessly scrolling through his phone when a voice snapped him out of it.

“Mr. Hong? Correct?” One of the officers asked him. He nodded to confirm it, repeating his full name. The officer just nodded too, “Okay, please follow me. Detective L/n will be there to ask a few questions.” He turned to the direction of the interrogation room, Joshua trailing behind him quietly.

The officer stopped in front of a door, “Here we are, just head on in.” He said, nodding at him. He walked into the interrogation room, the chilly air making goosebumps rise on the surface of his skin, the thin cardigan he wore did nothing to shield him from the cold. He took a seat at the chair facing the door, poking at the cold metal table as he waited.

“Good Morning Mr. Hong, I’m Detective L/n. I’m here to ask you a few questions, everything said here will be transcribed as evidence for this case, do you consent to this?” You started, taking the seat in front of him, your tone was very professional, as he expected, you didn’t even bother with pleasantries other than introducing yourself, which didn’t bother Joshua. He confirms his consent verbally, politely smiling at you with his hands clasped over the table.

“Great, I’d like to ask a few questions about you first.” You said, taking out your folder for the case, “You’re Joshua Hong, born on the 30th of December, 1995. You own the club downtown where your place of residence is also. Is all of that correct?” Joshua confirms all of the information is correct.

“You can just call me Joshua, by the way, Mr. Hong makes it seem like I’m someone important.” He said bashfully, scratching the back of his neck.

You just nod, writing something down in your notebook, “What was your relationship with Diana Kamatayan?” You asked, reviewing the official file which states that she is one of Joshua’s ‘clients’.

You were well aware of how the king of Los Amsterdam does his business, favors for favors. That’s how he got this far, and if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, he’ll take away everything he gave you. You knew asking for Joshua’s help would make this investigation go quicker, but that would mean you’d owe him.

Owing Joshua Hong anything is a dangerous position to be in.

So while you have him in this interrogation room, you’re going to try to milk every bit of information out of him while it’s free.

“Well,” he started, getting comfortable in his seat, “She was one of my clients, I’m sure your file on me already knew that. Other than a professional relationship, I don’t really have one with her. That night was the first time I’ve seen her in a little over a year, actually.”

You nod, the timeline matches up, “And why did you meet her that night?” You ask next, trying to get more out of the nature of this last meeting.

“She approached me while I was in my nightclub. I was just about to turn in for the night when she came up to me to catch up. She thanked me for introducing her to a producer and wanted to catch up.”

Joshua really wasn't giving any information for free, as the interrogation went on you could only collect information you already knew. He didn't reveal any more than a simple google search did.

You drop your file folder onto the table, where Joshua's posture remained calm, cool, collected across from you, the small, charming smile still on his face.

“Did you get what you needed, Detective?” Joshua asks politely, tilting his head with his query.

“All I got was everything we already knew.” You sighed, rolling your shoulders in your seat. You turn in your seat, facing Joshua head-on once more. “Joshua, you are one of the most powerful and influential men in Los Amsterdam. We need your help in solving this case. All our leads have gone cold. We need your connections.”

Joshua smirked, the only time his expression changed from the relaxed and polite smile he had for the rest of the interview. His posture relaxed, leaning forward over the table, he placed his palms down on the cool metal surface, and said, “You do know what that would mean, right? The price you’d have to pay?”

You nodded, “I know all too well.”

“Asking me for a favor would mean that you’d owe me, do you think you can afford to pay that price?” He raised his eyebrows, you’d think your eyes deceive you when his irises glowed a soft gold—tilting his head in an almost teasing manner, taunting you.

Your breath hitched as you looked back at the one-way glass, knowing your co-workers were watching every detail of this interaction. “I promise I’ll deliver what I owe you. Just- please help us.” You said, not being able to look at him directly in the eyes.

He straightens his back once more, his polite smile returning to his face. “It’s settled then, I look forward to working with you Miss.”

Driving through the streets of a somewhat more affluent neighborhood, you stop in front of a well-known party den. There are plenty in Los Amsterdam, but this one was popular because of their ‘free-love’ policy.

Essentially, if you want to fuck, every surface is available to borrow for the duration.

You don’t look forward to entering the den, especially since you don’t know which surfaces are good to touch, but your partner beside you seems to be relaxed and content to visit such a place.

“God, I haven’t seen Jackson in forever. I hope he’s still having the time of his life here.” Joshua said with his bright eye-smile. You turn back to him, eyebrows furrowing in disgust. How could he find a place like this enjoyable? You don’t understand how the minds of party-goers work.

“Okay, how exactly is visiting a party den supposed to help with our investigation?” You finally ask him, he refused to elaborate on how relevant this location was when you met up with hiim, or during the entire car ride to said location.

“Well, Jackson still owes me, and he’s Diane’s ex’s first producer. If there’s anyone with a motive to get her killed, it’s her ex. I asked him to get Johnny drunk enough to pass out in one place. Now you have the perfect stage to corner and investigate him!” He said, with a smile on his face as if his plan didn’t just open up a whole new can of worms for you.

“You do know it’s illegal for me to just interrogate him without a warrant right? He might lawyer up if he figures out we’re onto him.” You said running a hand through your hair.

“Which is why I got you this,” he pulls out a skimpy party dress and matching heels from his duffle bag, “We blend in with the party-goers, that way you’re not interrogating him, you’re just having a conversation.”

“Joshua Hong you are insane.” You said, tone raising, “I’m not walking into a sex den looking like a hooker!”

“Don’t worry, we’re just trying not to stand out, please, just trust me.” He said handing the outfit over to you. You think over his words, it would be wise not to draw too much attention to yourself. If you made it obvious that you were a cop you’d have to resort to improvising.

You were never good at improvising.

Joshua gave you the decency to turn away while you changed, he was already in his usual relaxed suit that already made him look like a pimp, so he was already dressed for the occasion.

You both step out of the car, your heels clacking on the pavement below you. How Joshua managed to find your shoe size is in itself impressive, but you don’t have the time to dwell on that.

You both enter the bustling house filled to the brim with people indulging in their vices, whether it was alcohol, drugs, the ‘free-love’. It was a mess of bodies and fluids that you’d rather not inspect closely.

Joshua expertly weaved through the crowd, parting it like Moses did to the red sea. He didn’t have any difficulty locating Jackson Wang, the host of these parties.

“Jackson!” Joshua called out, the man was sitting in one of the many loveseats, a can of beer in hand and two ladies under his arms, giggling and getting very comfortable with him.

Jackson squints over the flashing lights, eyes widening in recognition after seeing Joshua. “Joshua! My man! Glad you finally made it! Got to say though, that favor of yours was an odd one. But you’ll be able to find him in my room. You know the way.” He waves him off, resuming to talking to the women clinging onto him.

You follow after Joshua, quickly climbing a few sets of stairs to get to the third floor, the entirety of the third floor was just Jackson’s room. He made sure to lock the door behind the both of you when you guys arrived.

The floor was far quieter than the floors below you, and less of a mess than them too. This room felt like Jackson’s actual home, and not like a party den.

Joshua spots Johnny stumbling around the room, nursing a liquor bottle- a few of them.

“Joshua we can’t interrogate him when he’s like this, he can barely even stand!” You said, waving your arms in front of you to point at the inebriated man.

“That’s not a problem, watch this.” Joshua takes long and purposeful strides toward him, once he finally reaches him, he takes his face in his hands and stares directly into his eyes.

You watch in awe and slight confusion, until Joshua speaks up, “You want to tell us everything we want to know, and you will be sober as a priest while you do so.”

Suddenly the haziness in Johnny’s eyes faded in an instant, his brown eyes now have a golden ring around the irises, like a puppet on a string.

“What did you need to know?” Johnny says, no longer under the influence of alcohol.

“Joshua, what did you do to him?” You ask in slight horror.

“Nothing illegal, don’t worry about it.” He said, “Continue your questioning on him, detective, if we spend any more time here Jackson’s gonna think we’re having sex here.”

Not wasting any more time you ask Johnny, “Are you aware that Diane Kamatayan had been assassinated? Do you know any information about that?” Johnny squints before his eyes widen in recognition, “Diane, yeah, her, we dated a bit. I was obsessed with her. But she broke it off when she got big. Yeah, I’m pissed, but instead of doing anything healthy with my time I just chose to shit-talk her on Twitter and drown in alcohol. When I heard the news about her passing, I lost it, went straight here where Jackson just kept handing me bottle after bottle with no questions.”

You look at Joshua, raising an eyebrow, not much of a motive if he didn’t even contact her directly in the entire duration of their time as exes.

You shake your head, back to square one then.

“It didn’t help that she started dating the old geezer of a producer of hers.” Johnny said, eyebrows furrowing in frustration, “That whore, she probably got big because that sleaze of a producer gave her banger after banger for sucking his dick or something, tch.” he said, clicking his tongue and crossing his arms.

“I’m pretty sure it was him who killed her too.”

You and Joshua look at each other in shock, eyes meeting for a second, almost as if communicating telepathically.

“Why do you think that?” You ask, cautious around the increasingly irritated Johnny.

“He’s always been a greedy bastard, worked with him before. Wanted to claim all the royalties of my song, so I sued him. Pretty sure he got threatened by how rich Diane was getting for that hit.” Johnny spat, distaste seeping into every word he said, “Now Diane is dead, and the bastard is getting married to some Slavic model, most likely cashing in all those royalty cheques.”

You and Joshua nod at each other. Joshua snaps his fingers, it’s almost as if snipping a puppet off its strings, the glow around Johhny’s eyes dims and disappears, suddenly slumping over the seat, stumbling drunkenly like he did when you found him.

“Okay, we have a lead.”

[lotsoflola]

all is fair in love and war [1] - s. johnny

summary: you hate johnny suh, you absolutely hate him, but when you're forced to spend time with him on a mission, your passionate hate becomes a different sort of passion genre: gang au, enemies to enemies with benefits to lovers warnings: mature themes, smut, angst, reader is a smoker (projection), TENSION!!!, hate fucking, heavy heavy heavy degradation, johnny's not very nice, the dirtiest fucking talk, dom!johnny, brat!reader, thigh riding, johnny gets head, johnny keeps fucking her despite threat of death, choking, wrote this at 2am lets be nice with my grammar word count: 6.6k author's note: welcome to part one of my baby!! this is the first chapter of all is fair in love and war and trust me, it just gets better...

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neo city was a complete and utter shithole.

it had always been like that, at least as far as you were aware. you had lived here for the past five years, getting yourself a cheap starter apartment for half the price of anywhere else. it was a culture shock at first, being scared just to walk through the streets to your job, but you assimilated quickly, finding a job as a bartender in the inner city, in a cosy bar called the 'urban oasis'.

it was there you first had an interaction with gang life. it was a quiet night at the bar. you were practically dosing off, only a few regulars in the far corner playing darts, and everyone else had been sent home, leaving you to close alone.

a man walked into the building, and as he did so, the other men seemed to quieten down, stiffen slightly, stop playing their game. you were confused, but truly didn't care enough to question anything. instead, you turned to the man, and prepared to take his order.

he looked like neo city, if that was even possible. green neon hair, matching the fluorescent lights that covered the city, with tattoos up his neck and arms and a leather jacket to complete the look.

"whiskey on the rocks," he stated, voice harsh.

you rolled your eyes, hating rude customers like him. "what type of whiskey? we've got jack daniels, jamesons-"

"just give me your top shelf," he snapped again, and you gave him a pointed look before going to fulfil his request.

it didn't take you long, and when you passed him the chilled glass, you also handed him a receipt.

"that will be $45, would you like to pay cash or card?" you asked, watching as his face grew clouded.

"i'm sorry," his tone was almost testing, as if he was giving you a chance to take back your statement.

"i said it will be $45, you got our top shelf of whiskey," you repeated, going to wipe some glassware, but were met with a firm grip on your wrist. "what the fu-"

"leave it, honey," one of your regulars, a man called sooman, shouted across to you, fear lacing his voice.

"no, he got a whiskey, he'll pay for his fucking whiskey- let go of me," you tried to squirm, but his grip was harsh, and you truly couldn't escape.

"do you not know who i am?" he sneered, face dangerously close to yours.

you sighed. "i don't care who you are, i'm not getting fired because some dickhead wants to get away without paying."

and with that, you swang at him, your fist colliding with his head as he let go from the impact, giving you a chance to swing at him again. he jumped over the bar, and grabbing your arms, pinning them against your side before pushing you up against a wall, leaving you completely unable to move. it was only then you noticed the gun in his belt, and the tattoo at the base of his neck, one that had three letters.

n. c. t. the name of the most dangerous gang in neo city.

"fuck," you whispered to yourself, practically convincing yourself that you were about to die.

"recognise me now?" he almost joked, and you gave him a look. a look that said if you're going to kill me, might as well kill me now. "i'm not going to kill you."

that took you by surprise, and he must have been able to tell, as he carefully let go of your hands. "scram."

the rest of the customers ran out of the bar, leaving just you and the man alone, and he gestured for you to sit. you refused however, instead grabbing a bottle of tequila and pouring it into your own glass, waiting for him to make the first move.

"my name is taeyong, i'm the leader of nct," he spoke calmly, and you tried to not show your immense anxiety pumping through your veins. "and judging by what i've just seen, i think you would make a good addition."

you could have laughed, instead taking a swig of your drink, the bruning sensation grounding you to this unbelievable reality. "me? in a gang?"

"it's not all killing, and drug dealing, and all the other things everyone thinks it is. you've got bite, got drive, and we need someone like you," he took a sip of his drink, leaning closer towards you, "and you'll make more in your first week than you would in a month here."

and hearing his words, though you wanted to deny, you found yourself accepting his offer.

~~~

four years later, here you were, high in the ranks of the most feared gang in neo city, a force to be reckoned with. the bar you once worked for minimum wage at you now owned, and nct used it for meetings and to unwind.

no one could touch you know, instead of fearing the streets people now crossed the road for you, and you felt untouchable. you had honed your craft, mainly in charge of wooing policemen and being eye candy during meetings. you didn't care, you didn't want to be making all the decisions, it was the sense of community you cared about more.

so here you were, ten pm on a monday night, a group of you playing snooker in the bar. a cigarette held loose in your fingertips, with a fellow member jaemin lying with his head in your lap, playing with his hair with your other hand.

"do you ever think that this is all a simulation and we're all actually fruit in a fruit bowl?" the boy in your lap mumbled, the alcohol obvioudly affecting his thoughts.

jeno, another boy with you, chuckled slightly, finishing putting a pool ball. "shut up, jaemin. i always forget you're such a lightweight."

"now, now, he's not that bad," you hummed, taking a drag from your cigarette.

"stop playing nice, cherry. he's had about three shots and is contemplating life on this earth," haechan sneered, and you stuck your tongue out at him.

cherry was the nickname you had earned yourself, due to the amount you ate the fruit around the members. you preferred it to your own name at this point, making it easier to seperate your personal life and, well whatever this life was, life.

"he's not as bad as jisung though, remember that night after the bank heist," chenle joked, earning a slap from the youngest member.

"it was a celebration, god, leave me alone," jisung mumbled, as the older members ruffled his hair.

it was at this point haechan fell over attempting to put the ball, collapsing into renjun as they both fell on top of each other, roughly slapping each other as they rolled on the floor. the group erupted into laughter, only stopped as a knock was heard on the bar door.

"who's that?" jeno asked, and you shrugged, taking another hit.

"bar's always closed on a monday."

"well, go check it out."

"why don't you check it out, haechan?"

"it's your bar."

"nct owns it. that means we all own it."

"you chose to buy it."

"suck my dick."

"oh my god, you have a penis?"

mark, the oldest of all the members, cleared his throat. "jesus christ, stop bickering, cherry, go get the door."

you flipped haechan off, but stood up nonetheless, causing jaemin to pout against your thigh.

"i'm just going to the door, jaem, don't you worry?" you patted his cheek, before wandering over to the door, and opening the peep hole.

"bar's closed," you sung, "get fucked."

the man sighed. "it's me, open the fuck up."

you recognised that voice. of course you fucking recognised that voice. the one member of nct who you loathed, who for some reason you couldn't stand.

"gonna need the password, i'm afraid," you teased, mouthing to a confused mark who was at the door.

"let me in or i will blow this bar to the fucking ground," he spat, and you oblidged, however much you didn't want to.

johnny suh was a tall man, towering over you as you opened the door, with washed out jeans and an oversized hoodie, with a beanie on his head do deal with the cold winter weather. he was handsome, but you would never admit that to him, because his personality made him completely insufferable.

"hi cherry." god, you hated the way he said your nickname, almost with a twinge of disgust behind it.

"what do you want?" you asked, hand still firmly on the door, not letting him enter just yet.

he smirked. "play nice, need to talk to jaemin about something. and a drink wouldn't hurt, go get us a jack and coke, huh?"

he was insufferable, the way he spoke as if you were nothing, just a pretty thing to run and make drinks and flirt. even the non-affiliates got treated better than you, and you had been here for four years now.

"go fuck yourself, john," you spat, wandering back over to the boys and shaking jaemin awake. "someone's here to speak to you."

"is it the fruitbowl?" he asked, and you sighed, placing his head back down in your lap.

johnny wandered over, and you watched his face drop as he noticed jaemin's state. "why would you let him drink?"

the question was targeted at you, for whatever reason, and you fought back. "i'm not his mother, john. what did you want anyway?"

"don't be snappy, cherry," his voice was laced with venom, a patronising tone irritating you entire being, "it concerns you as well. it was meant to be you and jaemin, but someone's going to have to step in."

you hummed as you realised what he meant. a group of four of you had been working on stealing money from a large formal dinner happening at the mayor's house tomorrow night. that was partly why you and jaemin were drinking, courage needed for tomorrow. it was the two of you, johnny, and another member jungwoo, but the entire thing was already planned out. it was weeks in the making, so you didn't know what johnny was talking about.

"what do you mean?" mark spoke your mind, being somewhat in the know about the situation. he was selected before you were, when they decided they needed a girl to step in.

johnny sighed, palm stroking down his jaw. "you know how we were going to use that catering company, sneak in as waiters for the evening."'

you nodded, resisting the urge to role your eyes at him. you obviously knew this, you had gone over it again and again and again until you could recite the entire thing like the back of your hand.

"well, the numbers have dropped, and therefore we've been dropped from the waiting staff."

you tilted your head. "can't we demand they let us in?"

"they don't know we're nct, that was the only way we could get in," johnny groaned, once again looking at jaemin's drunk state, as if affirming that he was knocked out cold. "cherry, i need you not to freak out."

this startled you; sentences that start like that don't normally end well, especially when someone like johnny suh was saying them.

"there is another way we can get in though, through the hwangs."

haechan wandered over, perching behind you on the armrest of the sofa, grabbing the cigarette from your hand and taking a hit. "they're the businessmen, right?"

"yeah, very quiet, keep to themselves a lot of the time," johnny stated, copying haechan's actions as he settled behind jaemin's feet, "they're also with us, we do a lot of their dirty work."

"but how does that help us?" you jutted in, grabbing the cigarette back from haechan, almost burnt to the filter.

johnny tuts. "i was getting to that, sweetheart."

sweeheart was arguably worse than cherry.

"the hwangs have two children, hyunjin and yeji. but they've never been seen, both of them are off at school in a different part of the country. the plan was that jaemin would go in as their son, and infiltrate that way, but obviously he's not prepared to be briefed tonight."

your hand found it's way to jaemin's hair, your acrylic nails gently massaging his scalp. "so what else can we do?"

"well, there's another option. you," he gestured loosely, and you flipped him off before taking your final hit of the cigarette, putting it out in the ashtray as smoke filled the room. "you're going to go to the event as hwang yeji and represent your parents."

it wasn't that absurd of an idea. you could spend tonight learning some family history and dropping the rough slang you had learnt.

"that doesn't seem that bad," you hummed, grabbing your bag and pulling another cigarette out. "hyuck, have you got a lighter?"

he passed it to you, and you ignored johnny's judgemental stare of your brought the stick to your mouth, the low light of a flame illuminating your face. you took a long drag, head leaning back against haechan's thigh as you exhaled.

"well, i'm not sure whether you know, but for formal events like these, girls cannot attend without a male escort," johnny informed you, and you stopped in your tracks, understanding the implication. "no, no, johnny no."

"there's no other option, cherry," he groaned, and you took another hit.

haechan started laughing behind you, the vibrations travelling through his legs to your head. "you've got to go with johnny, cherry that's absolutely brilliant."

"fuck you, haechan," you spat, eyes locked onto johnny's. "why can't i do it with jungwoo?"

"he's a kim, he can't get away with that."

it was true. the kim's, despite many of them now turning to the crime world of neo city, used to be a very influential family. there was no way jungwoo could walk into the ball pretending to be someone else."

"and there's really no other way," you asked, desperation in your tone, taking another hit before haechan took it from your hands.

jisung wandered over to you. "come on, it's not that bad. johnny's supposedly a gentleman."

"ji, i love you, but there is no way johnny fucking suh is anything resembling a gentleman," you spat, making grabby hands towards haechan, wanting your cigarette back. "come on, hyuck, give."

"smoking's a vice, cherry."

"so's being a dick, give it back."

you could hear johnny tut, but chose to ignore it, instead trying to comprehend the situation. "can i get a makeover?"

haechan scoffed. "really? that's what you're after?"

"i'm just a girl, hyuck."

"yeah, she's just a girl," jaemin stirred, and you gave him a loving pat on the head.

johnny quickly checked his watch. "come on, we've got a fuck ton of backstory to get through."

"is there really no other option?"

"trust me, sweeheart. if there was, i would have found it."

and with that, you gently slid jaemin off your lap, placing a kiss on his forehead, before standing next to the tall man.

"come on then john. i need to get my nails done."

~~~

soft rnb music filled your apartment as the sun set over the skyscrapers, perched in front of your mirror as you carefully applied your eyeliner, ensuring they were equal either side. you had barely slept, spending the entire night with johnny and jungwoo, learning everything you would possibly have to know about the hwangs, and for a rich family in neo city, there was a fucking lot.

you had managed to convince taeyong to get allowance for your makeover, heading to the salon today to get a new set of nails, long and red to match your dress. your hair was in loose ringlets, fingers dripped in expensive rings, wrists the same with bracelets. a diamond hung around your neck, sitting way above your low cut dress. the hwangs were known for being scandalous, despite their quiet nature, so to fit the part, your dress was a low cut v, the back hollow crosses of loose satin, sitting halfway down your thigh.

with a swipe of lipgloss you were finished, packing a small clutch with perfume, lipbalm, and your gun. maybe the gun wasn't necessary, but it wouldn't blow your cover, so you though it better to be safe than sorry. half the people in neo city carried guns, and the other half walked with people who carried them/

you checked the time quickly. 5:57. johnny said he would be at your flat at 6, so you quickly checked through your phone. you had a few texts from mark, asking about the new show you guys had been watching, and a few from jungwoo, wishing you luck for tonight. it wasn't a scary thing anymore, you had done so many of these tasks that they felt like second nature. you were one of the few girls in nct that didn't mind going out, which made you incredibly useful for situations like this.

the doorbell rang just as you finished texting jungwoo, and you groaned, wandering through your kitchen before opening the door, seeing the man himself on the other side.

fuck. he actually looked good.

he was in a black tuxedo, bowtie tight around his neck. he was a tall man, that much was obvious, but with dress trousers he somehow look taller. his hair was in curtains, a deep brunette that hung just slightly over his eyes. not that you would ever say it out loud to him, but jesus fucking christ.

"you ready to go?" he asked, not even acknowledging your outfit.

you rolled your eyes. you knew you looked good, there was no way that he didn't realise how fucking good you looked. "nice to see you to. i just need to put my shoes on, calm down."

the set of red louboutin heels fit you perfectly, sliding into them with ease. you stumbled just after putting them on, but quickly grabbed your bag, a packet of cigarettes and a lighter off the table, before meeting him at the door.

"ready," you hummed, placing your key in the lock and shutting it behind you, before placing them in your bag.

he scoffed. "you really need the cigarettes?"

"you really need that terrible attitude?" you shot back, following him into the lift and pressing the ground floor button. you checked yourself out in the mirror, cleaning up the lipstick that had somehow escaped your lips.

"terrible habit," was his only reply, one that you didn't think needed a response, though you did notice the slight flick of his eyes to your boobs as you leant forwards slightly, an action that led to a smirk on your lips.

you quickly noticed that johnny's car outside, not a limo like you presumed. he seemed to notice your confusion as he deliberately didn't open the door for you, waiting for you to climb in yourself.

"ever the gentleman," you teased, watching as he started the engine, pulling away gently.

"we're driving to the oasis, that's where the limo is," he explained, not even given you a glance.

"why didn't you just ask me to walk to the oasis then?"

johnny scoffed. "like you would have walked through neo city in a slutty dress and high heels."

you flipped him off, but he did have a point. you would never do that anyway, least of all neo city. instead, you pulled out a cigarette, rolling down the window and lighting it, the bitter taste a comfort on your tongue.

"i'm serious when i say you shouldn't smoke."

"i'm serious when i say you have an attitude problem."

he rolled his eyes, eyes darting towards you as you tapped the ash onto the road. you could see the oasis in the distance, the familiar comfort of the bar calming you slightly. all you wanted right now was a drink, just a little bit to calm your nerves.

"fancy a shot?" johnny seemed to read your mind, pulling into the carpark quickly.

you both made your way into the building, the bustle quieting down as they noticed you and johnny walk in. you smiled as you saw jaemin behind the bar, the hangover evident in his eyes. his arms enveloping you in a tight hug.

jaemin was like a brother to you. he had taken you under his wing very quickly when you joined nct, but unlike a few of the other guys, he genuinely had no ulterior motives. he saw your beauty, understood why guys like haechan and jeno were so into you, but that just wasn't him. he was one of the few people you knew would always be there for you.

"fuck, cherry, you look gorgeous," he breathed out, and you planted a soft kiss against his cheek.

"thanks, jae. how's the hangover?" you chuckled, grabbing a bottle of tequila and two glasses, pouring two glasses for you and johnny.

he groaned. "how do you think? i am so sorry though, it should be me there right now."

jaemin had spent half the morning apologising over the phone, saying how you've taken his place and if only he hadn't drank so much. you appreciated his efforts, but you both knew you were more than able to do what needed to be done. despite all this, he paid for your lunch today, and that was a win.

"don't be stupid, besides now there's two of us going. even if one is practically incompetent."

johnny didn't like that, finishing the shot before turning to you. "watch yourself, sweetheart."

"bite me, john."

jaemin seemed to sense the tension, pouring you guys one more shot before leaving you to it. your rivalry was well known throughout nct, even some of the runners knew how much you loathed each other, and most people understood it was better to leave you guys to it, let you fight it out, and hope neither of you killed each other. or that whoever was your favourite made it out alive.

"you're insufferable, you know that," you spat, downing the second shot in quick succession, needing the alcohol to settle the violence in your gut.

"rich coming from you, can't even stand being in your presence."

"you're lying to yourself, suh. saw you checking me out in the mirror," you teased, leaning in closer to him.

he matched your energy, face bending down slightly saw your eyes were almost even. "i was not checking you out, i can assure you of that."

"tell yourself whatever you want, if it helps you sleep at night, but your eyes don't lie."

"half the guys in nct want you," johnny's voice was a low growl at this point, face so close to yours basically all you could see was him. "and do you know what? i don't fucking get it. you're a bitch-"

"lovely choice of words-"

"you think you rule the world, you think you're better than fucking everyone, but you're not. there is nothing special about you, and the sooner you realise that, the better."

"do you know what, suh?" you could feel the anger running through your veins, nails digging into your palms to stop yourself planting your fist into his face, leaving shallow crescents in your skin. "you think you're so smart, so precious. oh, johnny suh, johnny of nct, the johnny- no one can fucking stand you. god knows why taeyong keeps you around, half the young guys don't even want to know you- ever wonder why it's the same two guys who volunteer to be with you? because no one else even wants to be near you."

johnny opened his mouth, probably to insult you even further, smirk creeping onto his lips, but a notification on his phone went off, and he pulled away from you quickly.

"limo's here," was all he could say, and you pushed your anger back down inside you.

you were hwang yeji. be hwang yeji.

and ignore the weird feelings going on in your chest right now.

~~~

"hey, cherry, how's it going?" jungwoo asked, robotic voice over the phone as you pulled out a cigarette, locked in the guest bathroom at the mayor's house.

you sighed, taking a deep hit to calm your nerves. "all good so far, no one suspects anything. you and jae should be all good to hack the system come 12."

all jungwoo did was hum in response, and you hung up accordingly. you couldn't do anything suspicious at all, there was too much on the line. you took another hit, the smoke fogging the room as you took a moment.

you had spoken to about half the city elite, acting like the prestine proper girl you were supposed to be, but it was taking it's toll. you and johnny had been here for about four hours, and that was four hours too long of pretending to be enamoured by johnny suh. he was disgusting, hand settled in the small of your waist as he laughed at your occasional jokes, planting soft kisses into your hair.

it made you feel sick, sick to your core, sick enough that not even the cigarette was calming you down. johnny suh was an unbelievably irratating individual, one who made you genuinely revolted as his eyes locked on yours, and it took every morsel of self control not to announce to the whole room that you were hating every second of it, that you hated him.

you finished the cigarette, spraying some perfume in the bathroom before leaving the room, walking back over to your 'boyfriend'. he was with another two couples, not sure who, but he quickly introduced you as you slid under his arm, his hand resting against your side, thumb rubbing against your ribcage.

"this is hwang yeji, my girlfriend," god, how his voice made you feel ill. he sounded so in love, and the way his thumb felt against your body just added to it. some part of you felt confused, he definitely did not need to be doing so much, and yet he still was.

stop thinking about that. focus on what you need to be doing.

"yeji, my darling, gosh how you've grown," the woman, moon bora, planted a cheek on either cheek, hand cupping your jaw. "i bet you don't remember me, i haven't seen you since you went to boarding school."

"i know, it's been so long since i've been back here," you hummed, body tensing as johnny gently guided you over to a small table, where bora and her husband jinhyung followed you. he sat next to you, arm over the back of the chair, as you continued on the conversation. "i do miss it, yeah, though there are definetly benefits to living by the coast."

"oh, i can only imagine. do you get to go to the beach regularly, i know college can be quite intense," jinhyung asked, voice full of curiousity.

you went to respond, but your voice was a sharp choke as you felt johnny's hand on your thigh. "sorry, but no we do make time to go. it's beautiful in the morning, watching the sunrise over the ocean, it's really something."

bora and jinhyung kept their questions coming, and you could barely focus and johnny's fingers travelled higher and higher up your thigh, crawling underneath the silk of your dress, gently massaging the soft skin of your inner thigh. you squeezed his hand, a warning, a 'stop this', a 'what the fuck are you doing?'.

his hand got dangerously high, to the point where you could feel him just against the lace of your panties, before you heard an alarm on johnny's phone. 11:45. you needed to get a move on.

"god, i'm sorry," johnny broke the conversation, hand finally leaving your thigh to turn of the ringtone, "that's my medicine alarm. sweetheart, will you come with me to the bathroom to take it."

johnny excused himself, but you were convinced if you went with him now you would genuinely kill him. "let me just say my goodbyes, i'll meet you in a moment."

he shot you a look, but you gave him one back, and he dropped it. you turned back to the couple, with bora giving you a knowing look.

"gosh, you guys are so in love," she sung, and you resisted the urge to spit out your drink. "it reminds me of us when we were younger."

you smiled at her, lying through clenched teeth. "i'm glad you can tell, he's honestly incredible."

"don't think i didn't notice the way you were flirting under the table," she gave you a suggestive wink, and you swore then and there you were going to kill johnny. "young love, how much i miss it?"

you couldn't wait any longer to kill him, so you quickly excused yourself, and travelled through the mansion, past the toilet to the computer room, in charge of the entire house's security, one you had previously mapped out in the planning stages.

"what the fuck?!" you exclaimed, entering the room where johnny was sat on a desk, laptop open with a download completing sign on the front. you locked the door behind you, securing it with a desk you pulled across the front. "what the actual fuck?!"

johnny payed no attention to you, keeping his eyes on the laptop as the percentage went up and up.

"fucking answer me you dick, what's your game?" rage coated your voice, your hands gripping his dress shirt and pulling him out of the chair, forcing him up looking at you.

"whatever do you mean, sweetheart?" he cooed, and the fake loving tone drove you crazy, crazy enough that you brought your hand up to slap him across the cheek.

the action through him back, surprise across his face quickly turning to anger. "you have issues, fuck."

"i have issues?!" you were seething, anger clouding your vision and your hand gripped his shirt tighter, pulling his head down so you were opposite him again. "you've been touching me all night, fucking groping my thigh, grazing my waist, are you mental?"

"do you not understand the concept of fake dating, sweetheart?" his voice was low and dangerous and, however much you wouldn't admit it to yourself, sexy as fuck. "we have to pretend to date-"

"dating does not include groping me."

"i didn't fucking grope you, calm down cherry," johnny sighed, and you pushed him away ever so slightly.

your hand ran down his body, tracing a line down the centre of his abs, watching his muscles contract as they tensed under your touch. "so this doesn't bother you?"

"not in the slightest," he tried to keep it calm, but the way his breathing shortened told you the opposite.

but you kept going, you were fucking fuming. "so if i touch you here," you hand trailed further down, running over the waistband of his trousers, your long nail circling around the hem, "that doesn't bother you."

"fucking stop," he ordered through gritted teeth, but of course you didn't instead keeping your descent until you were over were he did not want you to be, pushing just enough to push johnny over the edge.

and he snapped.

his hands came to grab your wrists, his physical strength easily overpowering yours as he pushed you up against the wall behind you, vaging you against the wall, the paint cold against your open backed dress. your hands were pinned above your head, and legs forced still by johnny's thigh in between your own, body pressed up against yours.

"i thought i told you," he spat, mouth so close he genuinely filled all your senses, "to fucking stop."

you hadn't lost your fight yet, though. "i thought you knew, that what you say means nothing to me."

"do you know what you are?"

"please, do enlighten me," you fought against his grip, but you couldn't escape. johnny was told and strong, and however much fight you had, you could not beat that.

"you're a slut."

those words were unexpected, causing you to gasp as they went straight to your gut, weird butterflies emerging in your chest.

"you're such a fucking slut. act all you want but i saw how your body acted when my hands were on you, when i looked at you like that. like a bitch in fucking heat."

you were genuinely gobsmacked. no words could come out of your mouth to defend yourself.

"but do you know what, sweetheart?" his teasing was endless, however, not letting up despite your lack of retaliation. "i think you like this, i think you like me calling you what you are. a desperate little whore-"

"i don't," you're voice was nowhere near as strong as you wished it would be, because deep down you knew he was right. the butterflies in your stomach were definetly telling you that you were enjoying this, and the way your core was aching.

"tell that to your thighs squeezing around mine," his lips were centimetres away, "because i've realised what you need. you need someone to put you in your place, to remind you of what you are. a needy, desperate, slutty little bitch, don't you sweetheart?"

all you could do was whine at his words, your hips rutting against his knee without even thinking. his words were doing wonders, you could feel how soaked you were without him even really touching you.

"grinding against my fucking thigh, you really are a bitch in heat," he practically scoffed, a hand travelled down from your wrists to wrap around your neck, squeezing enough to cut off your airflow slightly, the feeling making your head spin and vision dizzy.

"i know you've fucked hyuck," he stated the words so nonchalantly, like they weren't personal details you had never told him, "and i know you've fucked jeno. i'm pretty sure you've fucked jaemin as well, but they obviously didn't fuck you good enough for you to still have this attitude, huh, sweetheart?"

you couldn't fathom the words to respond, overwhelmed by the pleasure between your legs. your breathing got shallower and shallower and your air was cut more and more, rings indefinetly causing dents against your soft skin. johnny tensed his thigh, and you couldn't hold back the whine that escaped your mouth, the feeling just too good as your clit rubbed against the fabric of his trousers.

he could only scoff, his hand dropping your wrists and instead sliding down to your hip, kneading the skin as he manouvered your body, sitting down and pulling you down onto his lap, or more specifically his thigh. he finally let go of your throat, grabbing the other side of your hip, and you let out deep breaths, trying to gain back some sense of clarity.

"if you want to be a pathetic little thing," his tone was almost teasing, his large hands beginning to rock you back and forth, "then go ahead. get yourself off on my thigh."

and you followed his instructions, swinging your hips and getting into a steady rhythm. johnny's eyes dropped to where your body met his own, one hand sliding under the soft satin of your dress and feeling the lace panties you had on underneath.

"god, you're dripping, you're actually dripping against your thigh," he practically laughed, your wetness sticky on his fingers as he pushed the lace to the side, and the pleasure was just too much to contain, a moan leaving your lips. "shut the fuck up, cherry. don't want anyone to see how much of a whore for my thigh you're being right now."

you dived into his shoulder, biting down on his jacket to stop the sounds he was practically forcing from your throat. his hands sped up your pace, forced you to keep going as you felt the knot tighten in your gut.

you panted out, the sound of your wetness filling the room as he leant up, looking into his eyes with a sense of desperation. "gonna cum, john, need to cum."

"oh, you need to cum, do you?" he sneered, leaning back against the desk chair, feeling a sense of gravity as he watched the girl he hates fall apart on his thigh. "you need to cum."

"need it- need it so bad," you whined, biting down on your lip hard enough to draw blood.

johnny tilted his head, a mischevious glint in his eye. "stop moving."

"what?" you panted, confused by his words but not stopping your movements. "no, no, i'm so close."

"i don't care, stop fucking moving," he spat through gritted teeth and his lifted you off his thigh, your hips moving in mid-air as you groaned, feeling the pleasure leave your body as your high left your body.

your eyes locked onto his, tongue poking your cheek. "what the fuck!"

"needy sluts like you don't get to cum," he said as if it was the most obvious thing ever, sliding back from the chair and spreading his legs, placing you down on the floor. you didn't even have the strength to hold yourself up anymore, collapsing against his leg, the cold concrete floor a shock to the system.

however much you hated to admit it, johnny looked majestic. with his legs spread, eyes glaring down at you, hair messy as his tongue ran over his bottom lip. you couldn't tell what he was thinking, and that worried you. you were on your knees in front of the man you hated, and for whatever reason you were actually excited about what was going to happen next.

johnny didn't say anything, but his actions spoke a thousand words, his hands going to his belt and undoing it with ease. you felt your mouth water as he slid his trousers down, revealing his hardening cock from his underwear. you leant forward, hands ready to grab it, but one of his own hands nestled itself in your hair, pulling it into a makeshift ponytail as he pulled you back.

"here's what's going to happen, sweetheart," he shuffled forward on the seat, tempting you to just have a look. you could tell from the bulge that he was big, and all you wanted at this point was your mouth around him.

god, how were you having these feelings about johnny suh.

"you're gonna let me fuck your face like the slut that you are," your thighs rubbed together as he returned to the degrading words, "and then i'll decide whether you deserve to cum."

his other hand pulled his now hard cock out of his pants, and your eyes widened at the sight. he was big, he was so fucking big, and there was no way that he could fuck your throat without cutting off your air supply.

"john, i can't-"

"you can, just open that slutty little mouth for me," his tip poked against your lips, and you complied, hesistantly parting your lips as he slid between them, the stretch agony at first. "there you go, relax your throat. don't want to hurt you that much, cherry."

those words were different, they were softer in a way. they were johnny being sincere, not 'putting you in your place' or 'teaching you a lesson'. and they relaxed you, enough that he slid even more into your mouth, tears building in your eyes, threatening to spill over.

"god, you have no idea how good that feels," he groaned, seemingly not to you, but just to the world. "tap my thigh if i'm good to move."

you followed his order, typing his thigh twice before he started to move back and forth. you tried your absolute hardest not to gag around him but it was so hard when he was practically stopping you from breathing, hitting the back of your throat over and over again until you physically had to gag around him.

johnny hummed, a pity hum, seemingly back to his old self. "what's wrong? thought you would be used to dick in your throat."

you took a deep breath as he pulled out, gasping for air as drool dripped down your chin, his dick hanging in front of you.

"don't tell me hyuck never fucked that pretty little face of yours?" he voice was playful, hand sliding from your throat to cup your jaw, thumb roughly dragging over your bottom lip. "look at how messy you are, sloppy little slut."

you took a deep breath, looking up at the tall man towering over you. "they weren't as big as you."

"aww," his tone was so patronising that if you weren't so dick whipped you would have slapped that expression off his face, "am i too big for you?"

you didn't resond, feeling like you were stuck in a trap, but that wasn't good enough for johnny. "i said, am i too big for you? because if you can't suck me off, you haven't done enough to cum tonight."

those words went straight to your desperate core, and you leant straight back to his dick, letting him back in as he pounded even harder and faster than before. you braced it, trying your hardest not to gag around him again. johnny's groans filled the room, and you just prayed you were doing well enough to get to cum later.

sa johnny's thrusts began to get more sporadic, he pulled out, hand leaving your head to jerk himself off. "open your mouth, tongue out."

you did as he said, sticking your tongue as you patiently awaited his cum, eyes glaring up at him as he kept his wrist moving at a quick speed.

"god, you're such a fucking slut, aren't you?" his words were said between low grunts and groans, obviously needed to get him over the edge. "tongue stuck out, drooling over my cock, thighs squeezing together at the idea of getting my cum in your mouth. fuck- cherry- fuck-"

and with that he came, most of it landing straight on your tongue, the salty taste filling your mouth. a small bit coated your lips instead, but johnny was quick to scrape that onto your tongue as well, before leaning down and spitting in your mouth. his saliva mixed with his cum as he barked out a 'swallow', and you did as he said. the action was so dirty, so vulgar, he was treating you like a messy, slutty object, and for whatever reason you were loving it.

"you did good, sweetheart," he cooed, thumb rubbing over your cheekbone, "i guess now it's your turn."

his hands settled under your shoulders, pulling you up from the group and back onto his lap, this time legs over his hips as you collapsed against his chest. you were fucking exhausted, head pounding from the pleasure coarsing through your veins. you could only imagine how you looked right now - mascara undoubtably smudged from the tears dropping from your eyes, lipstick removed from your lips and displaced onto your cheeks and chin, hair no longer its perfect ringlets and instead messy curls.

"god, you're still so fucking wet," he almost gasped, pad of his middle finger drawing a line through your folds. you could almost hear his actions, the squelching of your wetness deafening as your cheeks reddened with embarassment, your face hiding in his shoulder. "i bet you're so fucking sensitive- ah, yes you are."

your hips bucked as his finger pushed against your clit, so worked up from the lack of your last orgasm that you barely needed anything to become putty in his hands. he chuckled as he kept up his pace, other hand settled on your hip, rubbing up and down as you whined into his shoulder.

"still so needy, i wonder what would happen if i just...?" and with those words, a finger entered your pussy, curling up against that spot inside of you that caused your entire body to tense. "god, you're so fucking tight, would have thought this slutty cunt would be more used to cock than this, don't know how i'm ever going to fit."

you couldn't even understand the words coming out of his mouth. your orgasm was approaching so much faster due to how sensitive you were. and when he added another finger, the stretch just adding to the euphoria you were feeling, he could tell you were close. you just begged he would actually let you come this time.

but of course, he didn't. pulling them both out of you when you started to clench around him, and the denying pleasure for the second time made you absolutely crazy. your body was drained, completely drained of energy, and you didn't know how much more you could take.

"please," you sounded pathetic, most likely looked pathetic, and all you wanted was to cum. you sounded like the desperate whore he made you out to be, but at this point you couldn't even dispute it. "i can't take it, please."

johnny hums, as if considering your proposition, but really he knew your time was up. "need me to fuck you, sweetheat?"

"need you, john," you panted, using the last of your strength to push yourself up off his chest, to finally look him in the eyes, "please, wanna feel you in me."

that was all he needed, grabbing your hips and aligning you with his cock, and you were suddenly very aware of the position you were both in. there was absolutely no way you could ride him, you were far too out of it for that, but the way you were sat on top of him meant you couldn't think of another option.

but of course johnny was prepared, grabbing onto your hips and completely controlling your movements, sinking you down onto his cock for him and oh my god was he big. your mouth unknowingly feel into an 'o' shape with the stretch, feeling so so good as he bottomed out completely.

"pussy feels so good wrapped around me," johnny groaned, moving your hips up and down for you, so you were riding him without having to do any work. "dripping all over my cock, aren't you, my pretty little whore."

you couldn't even process the fact that he had called you both 'his' and 'pretty', instead trying not to scream and alert the entire house of the fact that you were locked in a room that you were definetly not meant to be in. your orgasm was incredibly fast approaching, the knot getting so unbelievably tight as you clenched around johnny.

"gonna cum, gonna cum," you repeated it like a mantra, until you heard a voice just outside the room. your hand flung to your mouth instantly, biting down on the flesh to stop any sound you were making.

johnny kept going though, despite the glares you were shooting him, to the point where you had to slap his chest in an attempt to stop him.

"fucking stop," your voice was a whisper, as quiet as you could muster while you could still hear voices outside. "i'm serious."

"you want to cum, don't you?" he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, and there weren't people outside who would definitely kill you if they found anything out. "so just keep quiet, and then you'll get what you want."

so you tried your hardest not to make a single sound, but johnny's pace was relentless, pounding into you at an angle that hit such a good spot inside of you, and you had to bite down into your hand to stop yourself moaning as you released all over his dick, the feeling so much better after your denied orgasms earlier.

but johnny kept going, still chasing his second orgasm, and you just let him use you as he thrusted up, soft grunts after every buck. "gonna let me cum inside of you, like the whore you are?"

"yes, please," you didn't even know what you were saying anymore, now chasing your own second orgasm while the voices outside grew louder and louder. "want your cum, johnny."

"of course you do, fucking slut," he spat, through gritted teeth, "i can feel you clenching around me, you close again? am i fucking this messy pussy so good that you're gonna cum again?"

you nodded against his skin, and you both came at the same time, and the feeling of him filling you up was the cherry on top of this entire experience. you couldn't move, you felt numb with pleasure as johnny lifted you off his softened dick, placing you on the chair as he ran over to the laptop, and a smile creeped onto his face.

"download complete," he smiled, voice low as possible, "let's get out of here, cherry."

you span around in the chair, looking at him like he was stupid, becuase that's how he was acting. "there's people outside, dumbass."

"then we'll have to climb out the window," he spoke in the same stupidly obvious tone, and you actually accepted his suggestion. you could see jungwoo's car from here, and a quick dash would mean no one would see your escape. "come on, let's go."

you tried to stand up, but your legs gave up straight away, causing you to collapse straight back into the chair. johnny chuckled slightly. "i fuck you that good, huh?"

"you mention anything that happened tonight ever again i will kill you, i promise you," you swore, voice low and serious.

johnny tilted his head. "so you didn't just beg for me to come inside of-"

"just carry me out of here," you snapped, and he oblidged, arms behind your shoulders and knees and he walked through the floor to ceiling windows, and wandered through to where jungwoo was parked.

"never mention it again," you repeated, "tonight never happened."

"tonight never happened," he agreed, but turned to look at you again, "but you better drop that attitude, cherry."

"or what?"

"or i'll have to fuck it out of you again."

[tessa-liam]

Two 2 Tango

All is Fair in Love and War, part 2

Two 2 Tango >>>mini-series

Book: Choices, The Royal Romance, The Royal Heir Book 2 AU

Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x F! OC, Daniella Gandi

Summary: Maxwell is invited to take part as a tango dance partner in an upcoming tango festival in Italy by Daniela Gandi. A dance instructor that helped Liam and Riley win a competition in Auvernal 5 years previously, felt sparks fly between herself and her assigned partner, Maxwell Beaumont.

◇Mini-series inspired by the one-shot: All is Fair in Love & War ◇

Warnings: none

Category: fluff, mini series

This story has not been Beta'd, please excuse all errors.

Series Rating: Adult, 18+

Word Count: 1483

🎶 🎶 💃 🕺 🎶🎶

Turin, Italy

Daniella stood and stretched her long, tanned legs, her lithe figure moving with practiced ease. She ran her hands through her long, brown hair and pulled it into a ponytail, tying it back.

Daniella is wearing a black sports bra and matching leggings. Her toned muscles ripple beneath her taut skin, and her blue eyes twinkle with excitement as she started her morning routine in the dance studio.

Her dance studio.

With a generous donation by a Cordonian King in his appreciation of her participation with his queen’s quest to learn how to dance the tango years ago, she was able to realize her dream.

To have her own dance studio.

Daniella was excited for today's event, the grand opening of her dance studio. It was a big moment for her, and she could not wait to share it with her friends and family.

Finished with her morning stretches, Daniella headed upstairs and into her loft overlooking the dance floor below. She started a pot of coffee and then grabbed a granola bar and an apple from the pantry. Reaching for her phone, she sent a text to Maxwell Beaumont, inviting him to dance with her in an international tango competition next month.

Maxwell's reply came in less than five minutes later.

Dukedom of Ramsford, Cordonia

Maxwell was enjoying the morning Mediterranean sun, lounging poolside at the Beaumont estate in Cordonia. He was sipping on a fruity drink and listening to music on his ear-pods. The atmosphere around him was calm and peaceful. Maxwell was lost in his own thoughts when his phone vibrated with a new text message. Maxwell picked up his phone and read the text from Daniella. She was inviting him to attend the opening of her new dance studio. Maxwell smiled as he remembered the time he spent dancing with Daniella at the palace 5 years ago. He replied to the text at once, accepting the invitation.

After replying to the text, Maxwell put his phone down and laid back on the lounge chair. He closed his eyes and let the warm sun soak into his skin once more. His mind wandered back to his days of dancing with Daniella, and he couldn't help but smile. He had really enjoyed spending time with her, and he hoped that maybe there could be something more between them one day.

Maxwell: Yes!!! I'd love to. I'm free this weekend, if you want to practice. 😍🫶

Daniella smiled as she read his message. She quickly replied, setting up a time for them to meet, inviting him to her dance studio in Turin.

Daniella's heart beat faster in her chest as she thought about spending the upcoming weekend with Maxwell.

It had been a while since they last danced together, and she could not wait to see his handsome face again.

Maxwell: See you soon, tango-rina girl! 🥰❤️

Daniella giggled at his use of her nickname that he gave her and sent him a heart emoji in return.

With the time for their reunion set, Daniella placed her phone down on the counter and took another sip of her coffee.

Turin, Italy - 10 days later

As Maxwell arrived at Daniella's dance studio, the doors opened to reveal her smiling face.

"Ciao, tangorina girl." he chirped as he walked into the studio, embracing Daniella with a hug.

"Ciao, Maxxie! Grazie per essere venuto qui! " [Thanks for coming, here!]

Daniella replied, blushing slightly.

"It's fantastic to see you again," Maxwell says as they pull apart.

Daniella led him into the studio and gave him a tour. They walked through the large, open room where the classes will be held, and then headed upstairs to the loft.

Daniella pointed out the different rooms that they will be using for private lessons, saving the best for last --

The rooftop patio.

"Wow, this is an incredible view!" Maxwell gasped, looking out over the city.

Daniella nodded, leaning against the railing. "I'm so glad that we will have the chance to work together again."

Maxwell smiled and reached for her hand. "Me too... I can't wait to dance with you again, tangorina girl."

Their eyes locked, and Daniella felt her heart start to beat faster. Maxwell leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Let's dance," he whispered, and they spent the rest of the afternoon practicing their tango routine.

Maxwell and Daniella's dance moves were seamless and in sync, as their chemistry on and off the dance floor was undeniable.

Maxwell found himself falling for the gorgeous dance instructor.

They spent the rest of the day together, and by the time they returned to their homes, they were both exhausted but content.

As Maxwell lay in bed that night, he thought about Daniella and how much fun they had dancing together.

He couldn't wait to see her again and hopefully make their dance partnership more than just professional.

The International Tango Competition was being held in Venice, and Maxwell was determined to win.

He had never won a tango competition before, but this time was different. This time, he had the most amazing woman by his side.

Dancing with Daniella was effortless. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, and Maxwell knew that he was in love.

🎶🎶🕺💃🎶🎶

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents

[heardsomedickwasbeingmeantoyou]

Eddie thought he understood fire, as much as a person who didn't have a degree in fire science could. Reckoned he'd been in enough of them, been surrounded by enough blazes enough times over the last almost seven years, which was more than enough in his book to be pretty intimately acquainted with their nature and effects.  

The various classes. The differing ways they move. The way smoke chokes and tastes and smells, how it gets into the fabric of your clothes and up your nostrils, the way it clings to absolutely everything, lingering like a bad tattoo. The devastation fire brings; what it does to a building; to living things.

You learn all that fairly quickly, being a firefighter, tucking the technical stuff under your belt in training and discovering the other stuff as you go, the realities coming thick and fast on the job and getting under your skin—and your nerve, if you let it. Getting to know fire just becomes a part of you. Indelible. 

Turns out Eddie didn't actually know shit about fire, though.

Least not till he was making his way back from the bar through the sea of drunk patrons—wallet between his teeth and hands kept busy with three sweating IPAs—and looked up to see Buck's new boyfriend leaning in to kiss Buck. 

Eddie was going in blind, didn’t have the correct equipment or expertise or backup to contain the molotov explosion that went off deep inside of his crêpe paper gut as his wide-eyes watched Brent's big hand cup the back of Buck's neck to pull Buck right into him, the flames licking at Eddie and rising higher, higher within in him at the sight of Buck recognising what was about to happen; burning hot, hotter, hottest, when Buck smiled like danger and angled his face to slot it into place next to his boyfriend's so that he could shamelessly fuck a glistening, so-pink tongue right into Brent's waiting, open mouth.

The five-alarm fire of pure desire was like nothing else Eddie had ever felt.

When a sudden and searing burst of jealousy stoked the flames like a gurgling fountain of gasoline, it was the first time he had ever really thought about the term 'fighting fire with fire'.

Oh, he thought. Okay. Alright then. Okay.

Then he inexplicably found himself silently howling he's mine, like a battle cry, as he made his way back to the table with a fire born from the very pits of hell burning hot and bright in his belly. 

And for the first he in his life, Eddie just let the flames burn.

[rose-of-oz]

OC HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE 2024 — Day Twenty-Nine: Couple’s Costume

Show us what matching costume your oc and their love interest would wear! Peanut Butter & Jelly? Morticia & Gomez? Bert & Ernie?

Arabella Larson & Noelle Perez (Percy Jackson) as a knight and a princess

General Taglist: @hiddenqveendom,

@auxiliarydetective, @foxesandmagic, @artemisocs,

@reyofluke-ocs, @endless-oc-creations,

@stanshollaand, @ginnystilinski-reblogs,

@luucypevensie, @ginger-grimm, @oneirataxia-girl,

@arrthurpendragon, @surebrecs, @gabbysdawsons,

@dancingsunflowers-ocs, @eddysocs, @stelstellakidd,

@manyfandomocs, @lapinaquarelle, @partiallypearl, @welcometotheocverse,

@juliaswickcrs, @ocappreciationtag. (Also tagging @bibaybe.)

[florestalio]

Don't freak out but I changed the plan. You're dating Jungwon in the fic—and yes, Heeseung hates you (frenemies sort of) 😃

no idea what is going on BUT I LOVE THIS!!!!!

[violetsareblue-selfships]

for the ask game: blue salvia!

❀ blue salvia (i think of you) — “here. this made me think of you.” hi mika!! thank you <3 WC: 373 | F/O: Ambessa | Kind of pre-relationship; it's like a summer fling when they're younger

"There you are," Ambessa murmurs as she feels a soft hand settle against her arm. "What sort of trouble did you get yourself into this time?" She asks, raising an eyebrow at the sheepish look on April's face.

April's too sweet for this country. She always manages to get herself into situations that Ambessa has to rescue her from. Anything from getting persistent merchants to leave her alone (or other persistent individuals who want her attention) to rescuing her when someone's trying to scam her. She's just too polite, even when the situation doesn't call for it.

Not that Ambessa minds being her protector. But she'll need to grow a backbone eventually.

"Nothing this time. Just… hold out your hand?" April asks.

With the question, Ambessa realizes April's clutching something in her hands, and so, she opens one of hers for April to drop something onto her palm.

"Here," April murmurs. "This made me think of you."

Ambessa's heart does an odd little flutter in her chest as she hears that, bringing the piece of jewelry up to her eyes to inspect it. It's a gold necklace with a very pretty ruby pendent in the shape of a crescent moon.

It really is fitting. A moon for the wolf that she's always striving to be.

Her eyes flicker to the nervous anticipation on April's face. She really does wear her emotions so plainly for everyone to see. Yet it makes Ambessa soften further. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

April relaxes and the awed look in her eyes makes Ambessa's heart clench. "Put it on for me?" Ambessa asks, leaning down enough that April can reach. She resists the urge to tease her for how her hands tremble as she clasps the necklace. She also ignores the way April's eyes flick to her lips before she pulls back. There'll be time for that later.

The pendent settles perfectly in the center of her chest. "Come on," Ambessa murmurs, her voice a little softer. "I'm in the mood for a snack."

April nods eagerly, her hand curling around Ambessa's forearm in a silent signal to lead off.

In this moment, both of them wish that this summer would last forever, so that they'll always be together.

[bromfieldhall]

All's Fair in Love and War - Chapter 3

All's Fair in Love and War

Read from the start on AO3 or the rest of the chapters on here:

Prologue

Chapter 1, 2,

When the wind catches the Hawkins balloon, Penelope is distracted and hesitates a moment too long before trying to run away. Colin is devastated that he wasn't able to save her from being injured and grows increasingly upset the longer she remains unconscious.

When she finally does wake up though, he finds his problems may have only just begun...

Chapter 3 - Combat Strategy

Colin stormed into Bridgerton House seeking the sanctuary of his study. He needed some time to calm down and take stock of everything that had just happened. Penelope’s revelation combined with Debling’s audacity had left him reeling, scrambling to find purchase in a myriad of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him.

He was not prepared, then, for Eloise to be standing in the hallway almost as if awaiting his return.

“How is Penelope?” she asked, before the door had barely closed behind him.

She tried to sound uncaring, but he saw right through it and that knowledge only fuelled his ire further.

“Perhaps you should visit her yourself and find out,” he snapped. She looked suurprised at his response but then her face hardened into one of annoyance at his tone, but he’d not finished. “Her injury was serious, Eloise, and could have been a lot worse. Would whatever has caused this rift between you two have really been worth the regret if there had been a less favourable outcome?”

Eloise paled considerably at that, his meaning hitting home.

“But she is well, is she not? So, your reasoning is for naught,” she retorted curtly. “Do not worry yourself, I shan’t ask you again.”

She turned and quickly walked away but not before he caught a glimpse of tears glistening in her eyes. Guilt sliced through him and he called out after her, but she completely ignored him.

He stood in the middle of the hallway a moment contemplating whether to go after her and apologise, but decided against it. He wasn’t in the right frame of mind to have the kind of conversation he knew he’d have to have with his sister. It would be best if he calmed down first.

He headed towards his study, thankful that no one else was around to waylay him and slipped inside, locking the door behind him. If it weren’t for the fact that he knew it would bring servants running from all parts of the house, he would have happily let out a cry of frustration so loud he was certain that the whole of Mayfair would hear. As it was, all he could do was stalk over to the desk and rearrange anything that wasn’t nailed down very loudly indeed. His final act was to close the well-worn journal he’d left open to one side and slap it down onto the desktop with a mildly satisfying thwack that echoed faintly around the room.

He let out a huff of annoyance. Outrage still ran strong through his veins as he sat down heavily on the chair and leaned back, a deep frown marring his features.

Looking briefly over the disarray on his desk, his gaze was drawn to the candle that sat on the corner and he absently rubbed the palm of his right hand. The glass had been replaced now but he could still remember the way Penelope tended to his cut as if it were yesterday. The way she’d looked at him. Her gentleness. Her heartwarming praise of his writing. How her hand had felt in his when he’d slyly curled his fingers around hers and she’d held his back in return.

He sighed. He remembered everything she did and said as if it were yesterday if he was completely honest with himself. That alone should have woken him up to his feelings long before the kiss they’d shared.

He shook his head and let out a derisive snort. He still couldn’t quite believe how stupidly blind he’d been all this time. He’d become far too accustomed to dismissing his actions around her as nothing more than ‘friendship’. As if that alone were excuse enough to behave as he had done all these years when, in reality, he had been openly courting scandal all along.

He thought back over the time he’d known Penelope and wondered if there had been a small part of him that had always recognised his feelings for what they really were and had acted accordingly – however improper.

Really, the list was endless.

Taking hold of her hand whenever he got the chance. Calling her by her first name and affectionately shortening it. Writing letters to her while on tour – initiating it, in fact. Not to mention that he’d been alone with her on more than one occasion with the door shut.

He grimaced slightly as he opened one of the desk drawers and picked up a small package nestled there. It was wrapped in paper and tied with string.

The last memento from his tour.

One that he, an eligible bachelor, had brought back for an unmarried lady. A lady with whom he had no understanding, secret or otherwise and he’d done it, simply, because they were friends.

He almost laughed. What a buffoon.

He put the present back into the drawer and slowly closed it. Anger was still simmering away within him, but a healthy portion of it was now directed firmly at himself.  

If only he’d seen her sooner, how very different this would all be.

She certainly wouldn’t be sitting at home in pain and, knowing Lady Featherington, likely alone. She wouldn’t have even been hurt, because she would’ve been with him that day, standing right beside him and not with a man who didn’t even try to protect her even though he should.

He got up, then took a couple of steps to the window behind him and looked over at  Penelope’s house. He hoped she was feeling better or getting some more rest at least. She’d looked in considerable pain when he’d left and he wondered if was to do with more memories returning.

Would she even tell him if they did? He wasn’t so sure. She’d been so adamant in not revealing what it was she had already remembered, that it had left him in no doubt that it was to do with him. Her blush and inability to meet his gaze had been rather telling.

Was it their kiss?

Their lesson?

Her tending to his wound?

Whatever it was, now that she’d had one recollection, surely the rest were likely to follow? He very much hoped they would. Despite the guilt that still plagued him about her accident, he wanted her to remember because then he’d know that she hadn’t forgotten their kiss.

The kiss that had been torturing him every night.

The kiss that had been one of the most profound experiences of his life.

The kiss that had opened his eyes to the woman who had always been there right in front of him.

He froze, a sudden thought striking that sent a chill down his spine.

What if she never remembered?

Worse than that, what if she fell for Debling and he never got to kiss her again?

“No. She won’t,” he muttered grimly to himself.

Amongst Penelope’s many attributes was the fact that she was a very clever woman. Memories or not, she would see exactly the kind of man Debling was, he was certain of it.  

And Colin would be only too happy to help in that regard, as well.

Penelope needed a man who could match her wit and lively nature. One who appreciated every smile and the way her eyes lit up when she talked. One who could make her laugh as much as she made him. A man who would cherish and love her completely. Wholly. Without reservation.

And that man was him.

As he continued to stare out of the window, he gave a little nod of decisiveness.  First things first, he needed to make certain that he was kept abreast of what was happening in the Featherington household. He’d need to bribe Penelope’s maid again for that. Rae, he believed, was her name. She had helped him before, so he was confident in obtaining her loyalty - and her silence. A decent sum would be needed and he was more than willing to pay. Plus, he rather thought that she was on his side which was more than could be said for anyone else in that household.

Lady Featherington was likely going to be an obstacle. It was just a case of how much of one? She was clearly going to push Debling at her daughter and as the man himself had annoyingly pointed out, on the surface, the Lord was the more advantageous match. For Lady Featherington as well as Penelope.

He would have to tread carefully there. He did not want to completely alienate the mother of the woman he hoped very much to one day call his wife.

His wife.

He liked the sound of that. Very much.  

He smiled softly and allowed himself a moments grace to imagine what a life with Penelope might look like, then he took a deep breath and turned away from the window.

Sitting back down at his desk, he pulled out some paper and picked up a quill. He wrote a note for Rae and, if it was received how he hoped it would be, then he would decide his next course of action from there.

A footman appeared at his call and took the letter to deliver it right away per Colin’s instructions. Alone again, he went back over to the window and watched the servant walk hurriedly across the square towards the Featherington house.

All he could do now was wait.

~~~

Eyes closed, Penelope lay on her bed and muttered a grateful thank you to Rae as she placed a cool, damp cloth on her forehead. Her maid closed the curtains then quietly asked if there was anything else she needed.

“No, thank you. I think I’m going to try and get some sleep,” she replied.

She heard the door shut as Rae left and let out a soft groan. Her head was pounding. It seemed that she wasn’t quite as well as she’d thought.

Or maybe it was because she’d just sat through one of the most uncomfortable visits of her life. Not that she’d ever had one herself, but she’d seen her sisters and Marina deal with them and they’d never been like that.

Lord Debling had been…different from what Penelope had expected. A slightly older gentleman, not unpleasant to look at, but it was his character of which she wasn’t certain. Understandable since she did not know him or remember anything about him.

That had been the first thing that had caused her some uncertainty. Surely if she was considering this man then she should recall something of him?

The next thing of concern had been the way he’d greeted Colin. Although genial to her, when he’d turned to him there had been a sudden frostiness in his demeanour. It didn’t endear him to her that he’d put emphasis on his title of Mr when addressing him either.

Character made a man, not his titles.

Then her mother had not stopped extolling the virtues of the Lord. That’s when the pain in her head had started to increase. She’d talked long and often and ever louder about his ‘saving’ her and how pleased she was that he had taken an interest in her ‘darling girl’.

Penelope had no idea when that compliment had begun to fall from her mother’s lips so readily, but she supposed it was likely about the same time a man had shown a modicum of interest.

Debling, in the main, had been modest in his role of hero. He’d accepted the praise with a polite smile and a self-deprecation that had actually warmed her to him a little. He’d seemed passionate about his work and was very open about the length of time he’d be away. It was a fact that appealed to her immensely. It would allow her time to herself. In truth, she would have liked more of a chance to speak directly to him but with her mother monopolising much of the conversation it had been difficult to say the least.

The one thing she did gather from their meeting, though, was that he wasn’t quite the ardent suitor her mother had made him out to be, of that she was almost certain.

He’d seemed interested, but not overly so.

She would need to find out more from Colin when next they spoke - if he would speak about him that is, because Penelope could not remember a time when she’d seen him so out of sorts.

It was the tension she could feel emanating off him that had actually fuelled her headache. His veiled animosity had reached out to her across the room making her feel uneasy. Anxious.

He had hidden it extremely well though. His charming veneer firmly in place as he’d smiled pleasantly and offered the odd comment to the conversation, mainly directed at her, sometimes to her mother, but, tellingly, never to Debling.

Penelope had seen through it, however. She knew Colin well enough to know when he was irked. She had watched him for years. She knew his tells.

She also understood her comments about him in the Whistledown sheets much better now. He had put on an act that she’d not seen from him before and he’d done it exceedingly well. And that had only added to her unsettled feeling.

From their initial greeting it had become apparent very quickly that the two men did not get along. She couldn’t imagine why. She rather thought that they had a great deal in common, both being worldly travellers.

And yet, neither of them went to great pains to be sociable beyond the most perfunctory of interaction.

It was odd considering that Colin had made the rather impudent point to stay.

She sighed. Perhaps that was where the problem lay. Debling thought him a rival, whereas she knew that wasn’t the case, and Colin was simply responding in kind to the Lord’s stiff manners.

It had truly been the most awkward half an hour or so of her life and as the conversation inevitably became more stilted, so her head had begun to ache even more.

Colin had been the first one to notice her discomfort of course. He’d also been the one to suggest that he and Debling cut their visit short. It was her mother that had objected, naturally, but in fairness to Debling, he had readily agreed with Colin and the two men had taken their leave.

That had been twenty minutes ago. It had taken ten just to leave the room, her mother had been so intent on scolding her for not keeping her suffering to herself for a while longer.

She knew it would be her fault somehow.

She let out a soft sigh and tried to relax more so that she might get some sleep. The cool cloth was starting to work and she could feel some of the tension begin to ease.

She didn’t want to think anymore. It had been a taxing day in many ways and trying to make sense of it would be better served when she wasn’t in so much pain.

At least she could draw comfort from the knowledge that her memories were not lost to her entirely as she had feared.

And despite Colin’s obvious disapproval, Debling had seemed a decent man for the most part. She could picture a life with him where she would be…content. It was more than she could hope for in her third season out.

Ignoring the pang of melancholy that echoed through her, she let out a heavier sigh, her decision made.

She was going to do everything she could to ensure that Lord Debling would be her husband before the season was out.

END CHAPTER 3

[quotergirl19]

Penelope meets a young lady who is new to society this season, the girl is very beautiful and kind and Pen takes an instant liking to her. She asks if Penelope has any advice for her since she’s not new to society so Pen warns her to be cautious of certain gentlemen because many see courtship as sport and don’t actually care about whether or not they are toying with a young lady’s affections or distracting her from more sincere and serious suitors.

The girl thanks Penelope and mentions that she has her eye on two particularly handsome gentlemen, one of whom is Colin and Penelope tells her that she has excellent taste because she has known Mr. Bridgerton for years. That he is undeniably handsome and charming and his family is wonderful but she warns that Colin has sworn off women and only sees fit to flirt and dance but he mocks the idea of actual courtship and is unlikely to marry for years.

Turns out the young lady has heard about what Colin said about Penelope and was surprised that Penelope was so honest about her experience with Mr. Bridgerton. The girl turns out to be quite sharp and popular and she spreads the word about Mr. Bridgerton so rapidly that it was overheard multiple times even by Penelope’s own sister and mother. So many times in fact that Pen simply had to make note of it in her latest Whistledown column. Just like that the word is out that Colin Bridgerton has sworn off women and only flirts to entertain himself but pursuing him for a husband is a waste of time and a risk because he will disparage a lady to make clear that he does not wish to wed.

Later when Colin tries to flirt with a number of pretty young things, they seem wary and uninterested, and knowing how he disparaged Miss Penelope Featherington, a longtime friend of the Bridgerton family, most mamas have warned their daughters to stays far away from the 3rd Bridgerton son. Colin is determined not to let anything undermine his confidence so he steps up his game, earning himself quite the reputation as the most dangerously charming man in London. Colin is annoyed by this, because where he once found flirting to be light hearted and fun, it has become a bit of a chore now and what he really wanted was to have some genuine conversations with someone who he could just be normal with. But the one person who he could always turn to for a bit of actual conversation was Penelope and she was avoiding him like the plague.

Even worse, when Colin did manage to get a moment alone with Penelope, she appeared just as wary of him as women who didn’t know him at all. She even expressed fear that if they were discovered they might be forced to marry as if she could think of no worse fate than being tied to such a known flirt. When Colin is insulted because Penelope of all people should know that he would never disrespect his wife, she tells him that what she knows is that he would likely never be satisfied with the attention of only one woman and being his wife would guarantee she’d be subject to constant mockery while he charmed every beauty he encountered. Because all he really cares about is himself.

Insulted, Colin reminds Penelope that he cares for her enough that he stepped in to save her family from her cousin Jack’s ruby scheme and maybe she should be a little more grateful to him. Penelope silences him instantly by telling him that he probably only got Jack to leave town because he didn’t want the ton to know he’d been fooled once again because the last time he tucked tail and fled to Greece for months only to return and still be exactly what Marina said he was, an eager boy. Then Penelope leaves but not before telling him not to corner her alone again, because when she does marry, she wants a man who values her, not the fickle sort of person who claims she’s special to him only to make her look ridiculous because men who don’t know her worth, don’t envy his choice.

[kayedium-writes]

The hiatus is over!

All's Fair in Love & Politics - Ch. 20!

United States Senator Padmé Amidala has her eyes set on the presidency. After altercation in the Senate causes a media disaster though, she's forced to return to Boston for her summer. Back in her old neighborhood, her life is once again intertwined with her ex, Anakin Skywalker, after more than a decade apart. For years, she'd focused completely on her career, and duty to her constituents. Now, she wonders if that's all her life has to offer, or if it's possible to 'have it all' including another shot at love.

Chapter preview:

She, regretfully, left Anakin in Boston two days ago and as soon as she touched down, ‘the swamp’ awaited her again.

She should’ve known things were going too well with her perfect getaway. The audacity to think she could have it all, have it in private, and cherish something for one, solitary goddamn moment before it was all blown to hell… And now there were a mix of headlines, flooding the newsstands she’d been pretending didn’t exist. The internet articles plastered her face all over them like she was a celebrity and not a fucking US Senator. And as if her being a senator meant she wasn’t entitled to have a life that didn’t involve standing on the floor in chambers!

This had to be one of the few times in her life she wished to be living in a different decade. Or galaxy.

Chapter 20 is up now, and you can read it here on AO3!

[neallo]

no one kill me bc im NOT here im just logging in on mobile quickly to say something really important which is. okay hold my hands and look me in the eyes while i tell you this information. internalize it. unreality cw but to be so clear im asking you to internalize this information in the context of a fic specifically so i don't have to completely rewrite everything in the final chapter bc if i have to do that i will have a full scale meltdown and not finish this ever. my announcement is:

thursday november 15, 2007 happened two times.

thanks for your time, goodbye

[okiedokrie]

All Is Fair In Love And War (TEASER)

Summary: Joshua is nothing if not determined. If he wants something, he'll get it; not that he even had to try before. But sometimes, like Icarus, he flies a little too close to the sun. But hey, all is fair in love and war!

Characters/Pairing: Aphrodite Incarnation!Joshua x Fem!Detective!Very Mortal!Reader

Genre: smut, fluff, crack, angst if you really squint

AUs/Trope Info: Greek God!AU, Partners In Solving Crimes, Strangers to Lovers, "time isnt linear" trope, "holy shit im kind of obsessed with you" trope

Word Count: 900+ for the teaser, est. 10k≤ for the full fic

Warnings: Depiction of a crime scene (gore, blood, gun, conspiracy), depiction of drug use, character death (major and minor), smut warnings under the cut when full fic is uploaded

Rating: 18+

A/N: This is part of the The 13 Gods of Olympus: A Seventeen collab hosted by @beomcoups and @wooahaeproductions! This is just the teaser, so if you enjoy it, please consider signing up for the taglist. Thank you!!

In the summer of 2000, Joshua Hong was almost five years old. People always commented on how pretty he was for a kid, that he’d surely grow up to be a very handsome man. 

Which is why it was a tragedy when he died from a freak truck accident.

Yes, Joshua Hong died at the age of five. For like, 10 minutes.

The doctors called it a miracle - a small child should not have survived a whole six of the twelve truck wheels, but somehow he was resuscitated, much to his parents’ delight.

This incident caused two things to change dramatically - Californetherlands now has stricter trucking laws and Joshua woke up to memories of literally being Aphrodite.

Throughout the years, from that fateful summer day to the present day, Joshua flopped back and forth between believing that the memories were just fever dreams and genuinely considering that he may be a reincarnation of the goddess. But ever since he got to hone his powers, he’s been more inclined to believe the latter.

By the age of  28, he has mastered the art of seduction. No, not sleeping with people constantly. It was more so the art of getting people to say ‘yes’ to everything he asked of them.

This made Joshua a very powerful and influential figure in Los Amsterdam; You see, the way he dealt wasn’t by out-witting people or being richer than them. He dealt in favors. If you wanted to be a popstar, he’d introduce you to a famous producer, and get you a record deal that would solidify your career - all for the low, low price of free.

In turn,  you’d owe him, like the many powerful people who owed him large favors.

Joshua found himself in downtown LA, in the club that he owned, just under his penthouse. He enjoyed playing the guitar and performing for his patrons, everyone seemingly captivated by his voice, or his beauty, whichever one caught their attention first. He finally strummed the last chord of his song, enjoying the applause of the crowd as the DJ started to play the usual club music. Just as he was about to retreat to the bar, a feminine voice stopped him.

“Joshua! Hey!” She said, hair bouncing over her new fur coat, jumping excitedly, calling him over.

Joshua smiled widely at her - she was one of the people he had helped start her career as a singer. He didn’t do much other than introduce her to the CEO of her current label, it was her natural talent that got her this far.

“Ah, Diana, good to see you!” He said, going over to meet her in a friendly hug, the kind that didn’t touch at all. “How has being a singer treated you? Any good news?” He said, making small talk with an old acquaintance.

“Oh please,” she started, her new haughty attitude showing, “It’s all over the news! I just got nominated for a Grammy!” She said in a sing-song tone. Joshua just nodded Truth be told, he didn’t really have much interest in pop music, but he did try to match her enthusiasm.

“That’s great! I knew you’d make it big.” he said, remembering the first time she came to him, a girl in clothes that almost looked like rags, now decked out in every designer brand you could think of. “So, what brings you back here then? Surely you already have everything you ever wanted?” He said lightheartedly. Even if all of Joshua’s connections owed him favors, it was quite uncommon for them to come back to him after having achieved their dreams.

“Well,” She said, her old, meek bashfulness coming to the surface. “I just wanted to see you again, to thank you for what you have done for me.” She tucked a hair behind her ear. “And I know no matter what favor I do for you in return, I could never break even for just how much you’ve impacted my life. So, thank you, Joshua.”

Joshua genuinely felt relieved to hear her say that - usually, people’s pride and greed got in the way of them acknowledging those who truly helped them along the way, but as he suspected, this girl still had a soul so pure. “Let's get some drinks by the bar and chat some more, yeah? My treat.” He offered, which she gladly took, the conversation between them flowed naturally, Joshua enjoying her tales of success.

It was an hour after the club closed that Diana decided it was time to head home. Joshua offered to see her off, like the gentleman he was, and so they walked to the sidewalk, her hand around his arm.

Joshua opened the taxi door for her, offering her a few bills in cash to cover the fare, “It was nice seeing you again, hopefully, you’ll make time to catch up with me in the future.” he said through the taxi window.

“Yeah, I hope I get the chance to see you again soon. Goodnight Joshua.” She said as she rolled up the taxi window.

Joshua watched the taxi drive until the end of the block, everything seemingly going smoothly, up until another car intercepted hers in the intersection.

It happened so quickly, too quickly for  Joshua to even register the new car’s window sliding down, holding a gun out to the taxi Diana was in. Gunshots echoed through the street, the sound of tires popping and glass shattering but all Joshua could make out was the sound of two sets of four tires screeching against the concrete. Diana’s taxi collided with a nearby lamppost, the taxi flattening and curling around it.

That was the last time Joshua saw her alive.

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[lotsoflola]

all is fair in love and war - s. johnny

series masterlist

you hate johnny suh. if there's one thing you're sure of it's that you hate johnny suh. of course, it doesn't help that you're both members of nct, the largest and most dangerous gang in all of neo city. or that he always seems to single you out, poke fun and tease you. or that he looks so damn good all the time...

warnings: gang au, mature themes (violence, death, gore), gang life, reader is a smoker and sleeps around, smut, angsty, like really angsty, the rest of nct are painted as gang members, the smut is like hardcore smut, individual chapter warnings, enemies to enemies with benefits to lovers

part one - the first time [s, m] summary: you hate johnny suh, you absolutely hate him, but when you're forced to spend time with him on a mission, your passionate hate becomes a different sort of passion word count: 6.6k

[tessa-liam]

Free Falling

All is Fair in Love and War, part 3

Two 2 Tango >>>mini-series

Book: Choices, The Royal Romance, The Royal Heir Book 2 AU

Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x F! OC, Daniella Gandi

Summary: Maxwell is invited to take part as a tango dance partner in an upcoming tango festival in Italy by Daniela Gandi. A dance instructor that helped Liam and Riley win a competition in Auvernal 5 years previously, felt sparks fly between herself and her assigned partner, Maxwell Beaumont.

◇Mini-series inspired by the one-shot: All is Fair in Love & War ◇

Warnings: sexual innuendo

Song Inspiration:

Category: fluff, mini series

This story has not been Beta'd, please excuse all errors.

Series Rating: Adult, 18+

Word Count: ~1600

A/N: All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except for Daniella Gandi, who belongs to this alternate universe.

A/N2: submission for: @choicesmonthlychallenge Prompt- Lust

A/N3: submission for: CFWC Valentine's Day 2025 Prompt- Romance, a secret couple tries to celebrate the day without getting caught

❤️‍🔥Turin, Italy

Maxwell stood on the balcony of his hotel room, gazing out over the city below. The sky was a bright blue, and the sun was shining brightly as he slid his shades on, to block the brightness. He sipped his espresso as he felt the warm breeze on his skin.

His phone chimed, and he looked down at the screen. A smile spread quickly across his face as he saw the text from Riley.

Riley: 'Buongiorno, é San Valentino 💘'

[Good morning Max, It's Valentine's Day]

Maxwell: 'Hey, Ri🥰 Yes, I'm planning a late dinner in the piazza downtown for Daniella.'

Riley: 'Sounds romantic.' 😘

Maxwell: 'Yeah ...tks'

Riley: Thank you again for taking part in the competition

Maxwell: It is my pleasure, and I'm having so much fun dancing with Daniella.She's such an amazing woman, we are having a blast😁

Riley: You really like her, don't you?

Maxwell: I do😍.

Riley: Then, go for it, Max!

Maxwell: What?

Riley: You're crazy about her, and you should tell her how you feel.

Maxwell: No way.

Riley: Why not?

Maxwell: Well, first off, she's my partner, and we need to stay focused on winning this competition.

Second, we only just got back in touch, and I don't want to scare her off.

Third, I have no idea if she even feels the same way.

Riley: Well, you won't know unless you ask her.

Maxwell: I can't.

Riley: Why not?

Maxwell: What if I tell her and she says no?

❤️‍🔥Tango di Daniella Dance Studio

Walking into the studio, Maxwell swiftly climbed the stairs up and into the exercise room and stopped suddenly. The view from the upstairs balcony was breathtaking, with a beautiful panoramic view of the city skyline. The exercise room itself was spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in natural light. A variety of exercise machines and equipment scattered around the room; including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.

In the corner, Daniella was effortlessly completing a series of provocative stretches, that showed off her toned legs and arms. She was wearing a pair of tight leggings and a sports bra, and her long, dark hair was pulled up into a ponytail.

As she stretched, she turned to face Maxwell, a smile playing on her lips. "Hey, Maxxie! Avanti, non essere timido!" [Come on in, don't be shy].

Maxwell nodded and stepped into the room. He took another moment to admire her figure, noting how fit and lean she was. "You look amazing, Daniella," he said, his cheeks flushed slightly.

Daniella smiled demurely and shrugged. "Grazie, Max. I try to stay in shape." [Thanks]

"It shows," Maxwell replied, unable to take his eyes off her.

Daniella chuckled softly, a hint of pink appearing on her cheeks. "Well, thank you. Shall we get started?"

Maxwell nodded, taking a deep breath. He was not sure why he was so nervous. The fact that he was about to dance with the woman he'd fallen in love with made him a little bit jittery.

Daniella straightened her body and moved into the starting position. "All right, Max, let's start with some basic steps. Just follow my lead," Daniella instructed, her tone confident and assured.

She started with a simple walk, and Maxwell tried to follow along, but his steps were a bit clumsy. Daniella gave him an encouraging smile. "It's okay, Max. Don't be afraid to be a little bit awkward. That's what makes it fun."

Maxwell took a deep breath and tried again, this time managing to keep his steps in line with Daniella's.

Daniella smiled and nodded, clearly pleased. "There you go! Now, let's try a little turn. Just follow my lead, and I'll show you the steps."

She demonstrated the move, and Maxwell followed along, albeit a little awkwardly. But he started to get the hang of it after a few tries, and Daniella was quick to praise him.

"You're a natural, Max! Keep it up, and we'll be winning this competition in no time," she commented, grinning broadly.

As the morning wore on, Maxwell felt more and more comfortable, and his steps become more fluid and confident.

"That's it, Max! You've got it," Daniella encouraged him, her eyes sparkled with pride

Daniella, in a blur of motion, her lithe body moved effortlessly through the steps, demonstrated s new routine.

Maxwell tried his best to keep up, but she is simply too fast for him.

She grinned as she finished the routine, and Maxwell could not help but feel a bit impressed.

"Wow, Daniella, that was incredible," he said, a little breathless.

"Thanks, Max," she replied, flashing him a smile.

"I'm a little worried about adding the more risque moves though," Maxwell replied. "What if I can't keep up?"

"Don't worry, Max," Daniella reassures him. "I'll go slow, and you can take your time learning the steps. And if you're really stuck, we can always stop and work on them some more."

Maxwell took a deep breath and nodded. "All right. I'm ready."

"Okay, let's try it again," Daniella said, getting into position.

She walked him through the steps, and this time, Maxwell managed to keep up without too much difficulty.

"Perfecto!" Daniella exclaimed. "You've got it, Max!"

"This is going to be amazing," Daniella said, her eyes twinkling.

Maxwell nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I hope so."

"Don't worry, Max, I know you'll do great," she replied, and squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Now, let's practice those sexy moves," her voice dropped to a sultry purr.

She showed him how to move his hips, his body curving sensually as he does.

"Like this," she whispered, her eyes locked on his.

Maxwell's heart was racing as he followed her lead, their bodies moving in perfect sync.

"Good," she murmured, her hands trailed over his chest.

Maxwell's forbidden thoughts and desires took center stage in his mind.

"Let's take it up a notch," she said, a wicked grin on her face.

"Oh, yes," he replied, his voice low and husky.

The air was charged with electricity as they move closer, their bodies pressed together.

Daniella's lips were inches from his, and Maxwell could not resist any longer.

He closed the gap between them, his lips meeting hers in a searing kiss.

Daniella gasped, as Maxwell deepened the kiss, his tongue slid into her mouth. Her hands tangled n his hair as their bodies meld together.

The heat between them was scorching, and Maxwell knew that there's was no turning back now.

A loud cough interrupted the air.

Maxwell's body tensed at the sound as he turned his head and saw her.

"Daniella," her mother scolded. "Dovresti insegnare al tuo partner i passi di danza, non pomiciare con lui." ["You are supposed to be teaching your partner the dance moves, not making out with him."]

"MI dispiace, mamma." [I am sorry, mamma."]

Her mother shook her head, a stern look on her face.

"Tornate tutti e due al lavoto," ["Get back to work, both of you,"] she said, before leaving the room.

Maxwell and Daniella exchanged glances, a smile played on his lips.

"We'd better get back to it," Daniella said, her voice still breathless from their passionate kiss.

Maxwell nodded, trying to compose himself.

"Right," he replied, his pulse still racing.

"So, where were we?" Daniella asked, her eyes locked on his.

Maxwell grinned, his thoughts full of forbidden desires.

"Let's get back to those sexy moves," he says, his voice low and husky.

Daniella smiled demurely, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I thought you'd never ask," she purred, her body moved seductively against his.

Maxwell can't help but feel like the luckiest man alive as Daniella's arms wrapped around him, her body pressed against his.

He knew that they had a dance competition to win, but right now, the only thing on his mind was her.

❤️‍🔥Piazza di torino [Piazza of Turin]

"You did what?" Maxwell exclaimed, his eyes widened with shock.

"I know, it was crazy," Daniella replied, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "But I had to do it."

"You didn't have to marry him, though," Maxwell pointed out, still trying to process her revelation.

"I know," Daniella admitted, her smile faded slightly. "But he's a good man, and I really like him and I think you're the one for me, too."

Maxwell remained in stunned silence, thinking to himself, 'stop looking at me like that - I can't guarantee for anything right now.'

@choicesficwriterscreations @choicescommunityevents @choicesmonthlychallenge

[lunaeclipse1057-ao3]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60719089/chapters/165829750