#fuck high drama. i want good cheese and red wine

[profanetools]

The older i get, while i still i want to imagine my OCs have this cool but complex tragic backstories and stories of overcoming hardship, the more i just want... my OCs to hang out at a wine and cheese bar together and eat a fucktonne of good bread. That is what life is about.

[anabsolutetrainwreck]

she plays songs i’ve never heard || h. styles

warnings: references to sex, swearing, mentions of alcohol, harry gets a lil pervy (pls don’t watch your neighbours get dressed), kissing, not proofread properly

word count: 1.8k

summary: when you get a new neighbour and his dog breaks into your garden, it sets off a chain reaction of events that might change your life...

The day he moved into the house next door seemed like a normal day for you. Sure, the sound of him actually moving in had woken you up early. The furniture being moved in through the small front door and the busy workers he’d hired banging about as if it wasn’t 8 in the morning. Begrudgingly, you had pulled yourself out of bed, poured yourself a glass of orange juice and buttered some crisp toast. Toast in hand, you watched from your kitchen window as grumpy Mr Bennet from across the road came out to shout at the new man and the workers. You’d managed to make out something about ‘too early on a weekend to be making that kind of noise’. Rolling your eyes, you went back upstairs to get dressed. 

And that was that. You’d ordered a pizza for lunch and your mother had rung you during the afternoon to catch up. You told her about your new neighbour. And that was that. 

It was, in fact, the day that the tattooed man’s dog broke into your back garden that your life seemed to change. You had been sat in your living room, watching The Sound of Music - a personal favourite of yours. Just as you were preparing to invest three hours of your life into the lives of the von Trapps, there was a loud bang on your door. Huffing quietly to yourself, you climbed off the sofa and left to open the door. And there, on the other side, was the tattooed neighbour. However, his tattoos were covered by a black hoodie but you could see a couple poking out beneath the hoodie’s cuffs. He was wearing shorts, exposing you to the tiny doodles of ink along his legs. His brown curls were hidden beneath a baseball cap. His features were hidden almost entirely in the shadows as it was dark outside and his cap sheltered him from whatever light there was. “Hi?” you said awkwardly. 

“I’m so sorry, but my dog got into your backyard. Do you think you can go and get him for me?” he asked.

You were almost taken aback. Though not entirely sure what you’d expected when being confronted with your tattooed neighbour outside your house, you definitely didn’t expect him to be searching for his dog. You didn’t even know he had a dog. 

You nodded slowly, “Sure. Come in, if you want.”

He thanked you, stepping in before you closed the door behind him. He shuffled awkwardly into the hallway, knocking your coat off the rack. It landed in a heap on the floor. “Shit, sorry,” he said quickly, bending down to pick it up. “Fuck! Sorry for swearing!”

“It’s okay, we’re both adults,” you smiled softly. You moved forward through the house, unlocking the back door. And there, chasing a wasp around the garden, was a small black dog. He wiggled in your arms as you picked him up carefully. You carried him into your house and back to Harry, who you found in the living room. 

The dog licked your face before you place him in his owner’s arms. “Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience - I know it’s late. I’m Harry by the way.”

He extended his hand for you to shake. “Y/N,” you replied, smiling up at him. 

His grip on your hand was strong and firm. While you’d been away finding his little treasure, Gabriel (named after Peter Gabriel), he’d had a chance to explore your living room. The first time Harry saw you was when he happened to catch a glance of you reading in your back garden in your green shorts and sweater. It had been a hot day and you had a pair of sunglasses pushed up over your head. You looked ethereal with the sun highlighting your skin. From then, he’d tried to time his dog walks perfectly so he’d ‘accidentally’ bump into you on the way out. But, his attempts had come with little success. It was rather fortunate that Gabriel had escaped into your garden. 

He’d actually jumped at the opportunity to come round and meet you in person. After all, he only knew your name because his other neighbour, Edna, had told him a bit about you after he asked. And when you’d invited him in, he was ecstatic. He couldn’t help but wander into your living room. He noticed The Sound of Music paused on your tv, wondering if he’d get to watch it with you one day. Maybe you’d exchange favourites -  he’d watch The Sound of Music and you’d watch The Notebook. He then noticed a stack of books on the coffee table, with everything from Cervantes’ Don Quixote to Murakami’s Norwegian Wood. Your current read, Sally Rooney’s Normal People, was being held open by the tv remote. He wanted to ask what you thought of Norwegian Wood, after all, it was one of his favourites. But he refrained. 

There was a glass of wine on a coaster, a half-eaten bowl of cheese pasta beside it. The room was littered with lovely plants -  some were hanging down from shelves and others were standing up high beside the sofa. The walls were a soft grey, but they were drowned out by the green of the plants and the subtle pink tones littered throughout the room. “What’s this little guy’s name?” you asked, tickling behind the dog’s ear. 

“His name’s Gabriel.”

“As in Peter?” you asked.

“Yep. You a fan?”

“Who isn’t?” you grinned in response. He knew you were a fan of Peter Gabriel. He’d seen your rack of records in the corner and he’d been gardening a few weeks ago and heard you listening to one of his albums in your own backyard. Upon examining your record collection, he’d noticed some Beatles albums, a bit of Lionel Richie, some Taylor Swift, a few ABBA albums, a sprinkle of Bee Gees and a plethora of Elton John albums. Relatively mainstream, but a mixture nonetheless. 

“Exactly,” he agreed, before gesturing to the wine. “Special night?”

“Huh?” you’d replied.

“The wine?” he responded. 

“Oh,” you laughed, “that’s cranberry juice.”

He flushed bright red as you laughed quietly. You placed a comforting hand on his arm, guiding him out of the room. “I think you’re a bit tired. I guess I’ll see you around then?” you offered a hopeful smile. 

“Yeah,” he nodded, holding Gabriel at arm’s length as the dog tried licking his cheek. “I’d like that.”

“Great,” you smiled, closing the door. “What an odd man.”

You couldn’t help grin to yourself. He was strange, yes, but very kind. You resumed your position on your sofa, taking a sip of cranberry juice, and pressing play on The Sound of Music. What a bizarre evening… 

Come a few days later, Harry found himself busying himself in his bedroom. Gabriel was sat on his bed, barking at Harry as he worked away at his computer, sending emails back and forth to his boss. It was only when he saw your own bedroom light flick on in the corner of his eye. You wandered in, throwing your phone down onto your bed. A white towel was wrapped tightly around your body and your hair was wet and your skin glistening. 

He knew he shouldn’t look. He knew he shouldn’t stare. But he couldn’t help it. He watched as you pulled a silky pyjama set from your dresser. You seemed to examine it briefly before deciding it was good enough. And when you dropped the towel, he knew he was wrong for staring. He knew you’d never speak to him again if you caught his gaze on your naked body. But he couldn’t tear his eyes away. 

You sighed as you stepped into your silk shorts and slipped on the matching shirt. As you finished doing up the buttons, you happened to glance up and catch Harry’s gaze. He’d been staring. Once he realised you’d caught him, he went bright red; redder than when he’d mistaken cranberry juice for wine. You smirked, challenging him to look away. 

When he didn’t avert his gaze, you leaned over to grab your notebook from your desk. Embracing your 2009 Taylor Swift moment, you scribbled down: wanna come over? You laughed as you watched him scramble away from the window and out of his room. 

It was thirty seconds later that you heard his knocking on your door. You dashed down to open it. There he was. Grabbing his hand, you pulled him into your house and up the stairs. And there you were, standing in your bedroom with your tattooed neighbour. “That was super pervy, you know?” you whispered, your faces inches apart. 

“But you’re so beautiful,” he choked out, revelling in the feeling of your hands dancing up his arms. 

“What if I told you I did it on purpose?”

“What?”

“Yeah, what if I left the light on so you could see me? What if I wanted you to stare?”

He couldn’t resist you any longer. He pressed his mouth to your own, pushing your wet hair out of your face. He slipped his attractively large hands under your thighs, lifting you into his arms, only to drop you down onto your bed. You squealed as you hit the soft mattress, laughing as he buried his face in your neck, his fingers fiddling to undo your buttons. And that was that. 

Before you knew it, you were lying beside his naked figure, panting loudly. Both of your bodies were covered in a thin layer of sweat. “That was amazing,” he whispered, rolling over to face you. “You’re amazing.”

You smiled, kissing his nose, “Thanks. I think you’ll find you’re pretty sensational too. I need another shower now, though… wanna join?”

It was just after 11 when Harry left. The night had spiralled in the most perfect way. You switched off your bedroom light, slipping under your soft bedsheets. You were excited for the day to come - you’d asked him if he wanted to come over for a date. He agreed ecstatically. 

The following morning, you woke up as you usually did. You were groggy, unexcited for the uneventful day to come. That was until you remembered your date that night with your tattooed neighbour. Up until 7, you had nothing to do but wait. You watched some episodes of a drama your mother had been raving about. You made yourself a sandwich for lunch. But finally, 6.30 rolled around and you peeled yourself off the sofa to get ready. At 7.02, Harry arrived. He knocked on your door and when you answered, his smile was bright and his eyes were alive with excitement. “Hello,” you grinned until you noticed something behind his back. “What’s that you’ve got there?”

He held out a bouquet of roses, “I got you some flowers… and I brought round a bottle of cranberry juice.”

[taestefully-in-luv]

The Island | KTH (Four)

Summary: You’re just two strangers waking up in a room on a lonely island where a company in the business of love has placed you. They believe that thanks to their in depth research you two are destined soulmates. What happens when your ‘soulmate’ and you want nothing to do with each other but falling in love is the only way to leave?

Pairing: Taehyung x Female reader

Genre: strangers to lovers, very slight enemies to lovers, soulmates au, roommate au, slow burn, fluff, smut, angst, slight crack, and drama.

Word Count: 11k

Warnings: swearing, sexual tension (?) implied sex

Notes: this is not a reflection of Taehyung’s art! Just saying lol But anyway, hope you guys like this chapter. Tae and oc sure have a lot of moments huh. let me know if you want to be added to the taglist, or send an ask if just want to chat about the stories!:)

Taglist: @ggukkieland @707sblog @peacedreamer14 @dopedreamfireparty @everythingnamjoon @taebae19 @typicalgenzworld @mooniyooni @getmemyfries @helenazbmrskai @justinetingball @jpeachytaev

© taestefully-in-luv

Previous --- Next

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Month 4

“What the fuck is that?” You point accusingly towards the paper Taehyung is excitedly holding up.

“What do you mean,” he grins. “It’s you!”

“…throw it away.”

“What?! No! I worked hard on this!”

“I look like a god damn frog.”

“In the painting or in real life becau—"

“THE PAINTING!” You leap towards Taehyung and reach for his atrocious artwork. Can he even call this disaster art? No offense, no actually, full offense but its ugly as hell. Taehyung lifts it high above his head.

“Listen, listen…don’t you think this hurts my feelings a little y/n? I worked hard on th—”

“I swear to God Taehyung…if you don’t burn this—"

“OKAY OKAY! No need to put out threats!” he pouts almost theatrically. You eye him up and down, waiting for him to make a move towards a trashcan but he just stands here.

“Well? Go throw it away.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Yeah, no.”

You close your eyes, pinching the bridge of your nose, “What do you mean no?”

Taehyung narrows his eyes at you and laughs under his breath as he steps closer to you.

“First of all, you don’t tell me what to do. I prefer if it’s the other way around.” He smirks, “And second, I am still going to keep it. For the memories.”

You chew on your lips for a few moments, letting his words sink in. But for the memories?

“For the memories? Why would you want to remember any of this?”

Taehyung frowns at your words, he looks genuinely offended.

“I might not like our situation but…”

“But what?”

“Fuck, don’t make me say it.” He says while turning red. “You know, I still want to make good memories with like, you.” He admits softly.

You finally give in, gently reaching for the awful artwork. Don’t get it wrong, Taehyung’s art is usually so beautiful. He does landscapes and abstract pieces and they absolutely blow you away. But his portraits of people? Disgusting.

“Fine…” You smile down at the painting in your hands then look back at him, “But if I see this hung up anywhere I am burning it myself.” You smirk. “And I will take great pleasure in that.”

“Oooooh please tell me more about your pleasures.” Taehyung wiggles his brows at you.

“You’re the worst.” you smile, “Anyway, do we have a deal?” you stick out your hand for him to shake.

“Deal!” Taehyung cheeses, slapping your hand down and going in for a quick hug instead. You’re surprised to say the least, you kind of guessed Taehyung was the affectionate type but you didn’t expect to be on the receiving end of it. “I’ll be in my art room most the day. Movie night though?”

“Yes, movie night.” you oblige.

“Yay.” He chirps happily, skipping off to his art room down the hall. You can’t help but smile as he disappears from your sight.

But then your heart pinches in your chest. You want to feel happy. Are you just ungrateful? You should be happy. Taehyung is finally being himself around you and you finally feel like you aren’t as alone. But it’s all a façade technically…he’s got no one else, just like you have no one else. In the real world…if you two met would you become friends like this? Or is this all forced? Is your entire friendship fake? You feel your heart sink to the bottom of your stomach, you hate these thoughts.

He’s so different than you thought he would be…he’s lighthearted, he’s funny, he’s silly, he’s talented, he’s human. And don’t even get started on flirty Taehyung…You really thought he was some closed off asshole but as time goes on and he becomes more and more comfortable you see the real him, and you really enjoy it. And you hate that you enjoy it. What are you like? Are you still a brat? Does he still think that? You chuckle to yourself, he probably does. Has he grown so comfortable with you that he’s not as angry about being stuck here with you? No, you imagine he’s still really upset about this whole thing. He just doesn’t voice it to you as much anymore. Maybe he’s avoiding the subject. You can understand why. It’s awkward. This place wants to get you two together but neither of you are interested in the other romantically. You just don’t see it happening.

~~~~~

Taehyung is just relaxing in his room on the verge of a glorious nap, he is finally dozing off, eyes slowly closing when his head snaps up in reaction to a loud crash coming from downstairs. Now what the hell could that be? Panicked, he rushes to his feet. He flies down the stairs in record time trying to find the source of the loud bang. He stands in the living room, glancing around the area for any sign of you. Are you okay? Where are you? Shit. Frustrated, he runs his fingers through his hair and as calmly as possible calls out for you. But nothing. Fuck. Your name slips past his lips in growing panic.

He decides he is going to charge each room in search for you, when he reaches the door to his art studio. He can hear muffled words on the other side of the door.

“Shit. Damn. Fuck.”

He instantly roll his eyes to the back of his head, literally so far back all that’s seen is the white of his eyes.

“Such foul language for such a pretty mouth.” He whispers to himself, slowly creeping the door open, exposing a distracted and distraught you.

“Motherfucker!” you huff, your hands on your hips, eyeing the mess you made. God damn did you make a fucking mess. On the floor is a canvas, brushes scattered and a rainbow of colors splattered all around.

“What. Are. You. Doing.”

Your head whips in his direction, your face turning many shades of reds. He stands at the doorway making his presence known, looking at you expectantly, judgement in his eyes. At least he hopes you can see the judgement in his eyes. Because he is definitely judging like hella hard.

You continue to stand here, your blush deepening. He is too frustrated to find it anything but annoying. You begin to stutter out words he can’t make out. You are trying your best, that much is obvious. You’re trying to explain yourself but he can tell you’re only becoming more and more flustered at the situation. He is sure his annoyed expression doesn’t help your ability to speak. Whoops.

“I-I was…well, you said, well remember you said…” You try. You really try. He almost wants to laugh, but not quite.

“I-I said? I said what?” He keeps his stoic demeanor intact, just stressing you further. He’s almost having fun with this. Almost.

“Well, Taehyung…listen,” you try again. “You said,”

“I said?”

Your eyes scan the room as if there’s something here that will help you.

“Words y/n. I need you to use your words.” He demands, maybe having a little fun stressing you out. He sees your blush become such a deep shade of red that even he feels embarrassed.

Finally, you releases a long breath and words begin spilling out of your mouth.

“You said you wanted to keep that frog picture—“

“Your portrait, you mean.”

“Yes, yes whatever. Anyway, you wanted to keep it for the memories, right? You…you…you’re sentimental like that or whatever.” You pause to take a breath. “And and…”

He raises a brow at you, taking a few steps forward, mindful of the mess you made.

“And?”

You raise your head to look into his eyes. You’re staring so intensely that he wonders where you got this wave of confidence from. He stares back just as seriously. Your eyes are the same as usual, dark, plain, boring. For the most part.

“And…I decided that maybe, that maybe I want to…paint you…too?” you step forward. “You know, for the memories.” You tear your eyes away from him. But he sort of wishes you didn’t.

His brows pinch together at your little idea. You want to paint him ? He studies your face seeing if maybe there’s anything else. You look tense under his gaze, he admits that makes him feel kind of good. Is that mean? You look so incredibly shy, and it is so fucking...something, he doesn’t know what but it’s something. He continues to observe you and your shy expressions.

He looks down at you and breaks into his best shit eating grin, his hand reaches down to ruffle your hair.

“Yes!” he lightly chuckles, “Let’s make lots of memories!”

It looks like you’re in a daze, his reaction catching you off guard, he guesses. Taking a moment to collect yourself, you look up into his eyes again.

“Yeah, lots of ���em.” your smile slowly begins to fade, “We won’t be here forever, so we have to leave with lots of memories.” you mutter.

Taehyung feels himself go soft at your words.

“y/n…” he slides his fingers down to cup the back of your head, fingers gently massaging your scalp. “When this is all over…we can still be in contact, you know?” Your eyes travel to the floor, eyeing the mess you made. He’s still getting over that.

“I know…but Taehyung, I still feel like I don’t even know basic things about you! Like what even is your favorite, uh, I don’t know, animal? I can’t tell you how long I have been wondering that and—”

“Then let’s have a whole night dedicated to that. Let’s drink some wine, paint some pictures and learn everything there is to know!” he moves his hand forward, his fingers playing at the ends of your hair, “Like, what shampoo did they give you because your hair is soft as fuck.”

You give him an unimpressed look,

“I know you steal my shampoo sometimes, I’m not dumb.”

“Don’t know what you are talking about.” He cheeses.

“But okay,” you grin at him, “Let’s do that.”

“I love Koalas and sloths!” You’re laid out on your stomach, swinging your legs above you while sipping on your red wine.

“You can’t choose two!”

“I just did.”

“Fine. Mine is…drum roll…its…” he pats the floor repeatedly.

“Oh come on! Tell me! I’ve been dying to know!”

“Its…lion!” he lays next to you, resting on his side. He eyes the painting you are working on. It’s supposed to be him…supposed to be.

“I like lions too.” You add more color to the background of the canvas. He can hear the smile in your voice.

“Sheesh…and you think I am bad at drawing people…”

“Stop being a hater!”

“ME?” he stares at you incredulously.

You and Taehyung are a few glasses of wine in already. He can tell its hitting you harder than its hitting him, you’re extra talkative and all giggly. He’s painted a picture of the beach while you’ve worked on a portrait of him, it’s amusing to say the least—the portrait. Pretty quickly glasses turned into bottles. Bottle number 3 has been opened and now he is also talkative and all giggly. He’s a giggly lil thang when he’s drunk, and he is drunk.

“Okay,” he sits up, sitting on his legs. “First impression of me, go!” he laughs, for literally no reason.

“I thought you kidnapped me.” You state plainly, “So like, a creepy person.”

His jaw drops.

“I’m offended!” He lays his hand over his heart. “You thought I was creepy?! And there I was thinking you were just some hot chick I hooked up!” Yes, he called you hot to your face. He is drunk, he is allowed to do that. Yeehaw.

“Okay to be fair, that thought crossed my mind too.”

“That I was some hot chick you hooked up with?”

“I never said hot.”

“But you were thinking it, right right?” he wiggles his eyebrows in the most exaggerated way.

You smirk before chugging back the rest of your wine, reaching for a new bottle.

“Okay, maybe I thought it.” You admit, your sly smile growing.

“Want me to open it?” he gestures towards the wine bottle.

“Please.”

He reaches for the bottle of wine, his hands brushing against yours. He hates that he feels a quiet fire in his insides when he touches you. He hates how when his skin makes contact with your skin there is an automatic heat that lights up and warms him, burns him almost.

“Do you have someone? That you like?” You slur out, curious about Taehyung’s love life.

“…Yes.” Taehyung admits softly.

“I am what they call a ‘Dilf’” Jin states confidently. The rest of the boys share a look of confusion.

“You literally aren’t a dad?” Jimin looks at Jin with a puzzled smile.

“But you can’t tell me I am not a ‘dilf’ though.”

“Okay Jin, you’re a dilf.” Namjoon rolls his eyes, going back to his book.

“I wanna be a dilf too.” Jungkook whines and Taehyung nods his head in agreement. Jin shakes his fingers at the boys and speaks up.

“You have to earn the title.”

“Yeah, by being a dad.” Jimin deadpans.

“Let the man have his dreams.” Yoongi says before putting his ear bud back in his ear and nodding along to whatever song is playing.

“My dream is to finish this assignment.” Hobi groans into his pile of papers on the table.

“This is your fault for going back to school for your masters!” Taehyung teases. He has just recently dropped out of school and he is loving it. He watches as his friend works night after night on paper after paper and Taehyung no longer has to worry about things like that. He can just focus on the music.

“Are you guys using this chair?” Taehyung hears a sweet voice cut off all their chatter. He looks up to see this gorgeous girl with light brown hair that reaches her waist and eyes as bright as the sun.

“Uh, no.” Taehyung clears his throat, “You can take it.”

“Thanks.” She smiles at Taehyung and then at the rest of the boys before she’s dragging the chair to the table next to them.

“Holy shit.” Taehyung whispers to Jungkook, “She’s so pretty.”

“That’s Hana.” Jungkook looks over his shoulder at Hana and her friends. “I have a class with her.”

“Bro, introduce me!” Taehyung begs. “You literally owe me.”

“From what?!”

“I let you fuck that one chick like 2 years ago even though I saw her first.”

“Oh? You let me? Really?” Jungkook rolls his eyes. “But anyway, sure. I’ll introduce you.” He says nonchalantly, picking up his drinking and taking a sip.

“Taehyung?” you wave your hand in front of his blank face. “Taehyung?” “Huh? Yeah?” he starts snapping out of his memories, “what’s up? What did you say?”

“I asked her name.” you smile awkwardly, “The girl you like.”

“Hana.” He quietly clears his throat, “What about you? Do you have someone?”

“After my ex? I am staying away from men for a while.” You laugh, “Like, can you blame me?”

Taehyung can’t help by frown at your words.

“Don’t close yourself off…” Taehyung whispers to you. “You’re too pretty for that.” He slurs out and you blink at him repeatedly.

“I’m pretty?”

Taehyung scoffs and rolls his eyes playfully.

“Like you didn’t know.”

Hours pass you two by, more wine has been drank and you two are giggling like school children. Taehyung is folded over, laughing a storm as you do your best impression of a dolphin. You can’t help but fall over and laugh your head off as well, the alcohol obviously has made you two crazy.

Taehyung finally calms down and looks at you with soft eyes, “So, what’s your biggest fear?” he asks, leaning forward.

“No!” you laugh. Fucking laugh. “Listen, we can go back to our serious convos another day…right now I wanna…” you slur your last words, “wanna talk about fun stuff.” you give him the most sleazy wink he’s ever seen. It kind of works for him though.

“Okay.” He agrees easily, “Tell me the story about how you lost your virginity? Don’t leave anything out”

Your eyebrows shoot up, “Wanna know the dirty details huh?” you part your lips and smile.

“Dirty? I bet it was as vanilla as vanilla gets.”

You frown at his words, “I’m not vanilla. I’m fun, I swear.” you pout.

“I didn’t mean it as boring babe. I just mean you probably lost it to like your high school sweetheart, your first love, blah blah blah. The romantic shit.” You exhale a short breath…babe? You like the new friendly nickname, you admit.

“Actually it’s the opposite.”

“The opposite?”

“First year of college. Random guy from a bar. Total one night stand type of situation. I didn’t even tell him it was my first time. I think he probably just thought I was really inexperienced. “ You laugh to yourself. Sounds like a situation you might regret but there is no bitterness in your tone.

“Oh wow. y/n the cry baby can do one night stands?” he teases.

“I’m full of surprises you know.” The glint in your eye tells him he’s going to find out eventually.

“Well then what are the dirty details?” he pries further, leaning into your space again.

“Hmm, don’t think I am drunk enough for that.”

“Oh, I can grab another bottle of wine.” He teases, “But fine.”

“About your comment about me being vanilla…” you begin but Taehyung is cutting you off with the shake of his head.

“I didn’t mean it bad—”

“Are you into vanilla sex?”

Taehyung’s eyebrows crawl to the top of his forehead and his mouth falls open.

“Why are you asking that?” he breathes out, his eyes darkening.

“They paired us together, you know? We probably have more in common than you think…my guess that means sex too.”

“I know we have that in common.” He smirks, “I’m guessing you never looked in the other room?” he quirks a brow at you. “You might find it interesting.”

“The other room?” you tilt your head to the side, “Oh? The one upstairs next to your bathroom? Yeah, I stuck my head in there once…I saw it’s just another bedroom.”

“Is it really just another bedroom though? You didn’t have a look around?” his sly smile grows on his stupidly handsome face. “Like I said…you might find it interesting.”

“What are you talking about?” you slur, “Why would I…?”

Taehyung rises to his feet, walks towards you and leans down until he’s softly gripping your arm and pulling you up.

“Let’s go explore.” He chuckles, “I want you to see the room.” He’s guiding you out the art room, you two stumbling through the door.

You both begin to make your way upstairs, his hand never leaving your arm as you two walk. You keep bumping into him and he only laughs, squeezing your arm every few moments. You guys walk through the hall until you’re standing outside the bedrooms door.

“Go on.” He looks at you with a smirk, “I want you to explore this bedroom.”

“You’re being weird.” You giggle, opening the door.

And just like you thought, it’s just a bedroom. There’s a large bed in the middle of the room against the wall, and a couple of dressers, a closet, a huge ass mirror and other normal bedroom things.

“And?” You glance at Taehyung.

He looks at you with an amused smile. “Explore.” He commands.

You give him a weird look before walking through the room, your hand slides against the dresser that holds the extra large mirror. You catch your reflection and smile at how drunk you look. Taehyung walks behind you and eyes both of your reflections, he steps close to you and chuckles.

“I like this mirror.” He whispers. “Great view of the bed.”

“Uh yeah?” you look at him through the mirror, “I guess so.”

“Explore the drawers.” His evil grin makes you nervous…you look down at the drawers and open the first one on the left, there’s multiple things inside but you can’t tell what they are. You stick your hand inside and grab the first thing it can find. You pull this object out and bring it closer to your face, your drunken vision making it hard to identify what it is. Then your eyes are expanding and you drop the object in the drawer, the loud thud making you jump.

“What was that?” Taehyung whispers, “Something you know right?”

A dildo. Your eyes scan the rest of the drawer only to see more, along with other toys. You quickly slam the drawer shut and turn around to face Taehyung, who is standing so close behind you.

“What the hell?” you stutter out, turning red.

“That’s not all. Check the closet.” He says quietly, pointing towards the closet. And you listen, you walk forward until you’re standing beside the sliding door. You open it and see various articles of clothing.

Lingerie and outfits. Maid, nurse, etc. You stare at the clothes in disbelief.

“What is all this?” you turn to face Taehyung.

“You tell me.” He says chuckling, “Seems like we like the same stuff.” He shrugs. “Maybe you can,” he walks closer and is touching the maid lingerie, “wear this next you’re cleaning the house.”

He’s teasing you. Your stomach twists and turns, your heart is jumping out of your chest and you feel so fucking warm.

“S-Shut up.” You lean back on the door.

“Oh baby, I think you and I both know who tells who what to do here.” He breathes out, not looking at you as he still plays with the material of more lingerie.

“Taehyung,” you sigh, “The cameras can’t hear you in here.”

“Ah,” he turns to face you, “Right. Should we head back downstairs?”

“Yes.” You slur out, feeling quite dizzy.

Month 5

It’s the bright white screen you know all too well…it has you releasing a shaky breath as you wait for the black letters to eventually appear.

“Hey Taehyung…” you call out for you roommate who is making something to eat in the kitchen. “I think we have an incoming message from our,” You pause, huffing out. “Our little friends.”

“Oh. Oh shit.” You hear Taehyung whine from behind you. “I thought they were finally starting to back off…” he sighs out. “Let’s see what these fuckers want.”

Request:

Skinny dip for 1 hour. Must be within a foot of one another.

Ex-excuse you? Ex-fucking-cuse you? Skinny who what for when what? Your eyes bulge out of your head. This has got to be some sort of joke.

“Hell no!” you yell out, not even sparing Taehyung a glance.

Voice full of panic, Taehyung is quick to bring up the alternative.

“The penalty!” he rushes. “What’s the penalty? We will just do the penalty!”

Penalty:

No power or running water for 3 days.

“No pow—what the fuck?” Taehyung shakes his head, disbelief written all over his face.

“Wait! And no running water? Like, we can’t flush the toilet for 3 days? That’s bullshit!” you drag your hands down your face, “And wont the stuff in our fridge go bad?”

Several long moments pass between you two and not in a cool way. There’s nothing cool about this shit. There’s tension filling the air around you both. Awkward tension.

“Isn’t this too much?” Taehyung finally says, obviously not able to tolerate the silence any longer.

You both exchange worried glances with one another before Taehyung says some shit you don’t like.

“Let’s just do the request.”

Your eyes basically pop out of your head.

“Are you out of your mind—do the requests? How could you say that so easily!” you mumble, feeling your cheeks heat up.

“I feel like it’s the best choice.” He gives his honest answer. “Plus, you’ve never seen a naked man before? We will get over it y/n. Knowing me and you, we will be laughing about it in a couple days.” He finally turns to face you, throwing a wink your way, “You know it’s true.”

You mull over your options and hate that he’s right. You very timidly respond with a quiet ‘okay’ and avoid his eyes. His dark, intimidating eyes.

Your heart is racing, No, that is an understatement; your heart is on the verge of explosion. Your nerves are scattered and pounding from the inside out. You are freaking out. Naked with Taehyung? And he seems cool as a fucking cucumber.

“Let’s meet outside once it’s completely dark out.” You suggest.

“Read my mind.”

“…Of course I did, we’re” you roll your eyes. “Soulmates.” you laugh bitterly to yourself, “anyway, I’ll just see you tonight.”

“So you’re just going to avoid me until tonight?” Taehyung asks, “It’s not like they’re asking us to fuck.” He sways on his feet, “Just keep your eyes on my eyes and we will be fine.”

“Right.” You choke out, “Because it’s that easy.”

“Are you saying it’s impossible not to check me out?” he teases and you feel your cheeks heat up.

“Shut up.”

“Brat.”

Night fall approaches sooner rather than later. You wish it would have taken a million years to appear but nope, here you are. You stand outside with Taehyung in front of you. You’re in an oversized t shirt and loose shorts, keeping it simple since they’re coming off anyway. Taehyung wears his usual sweats and a white tee. You two are standing next to the pool, knowing the time has finally come. After leaving Taehyung earlier this afternoon, you took a much needed nap to clear your head.

“Don’t let your eyes linger.” You mumble, nodding your head in his direction.

“Ha, I was going to say the same thing to you.” He pokes his tongue out. Taehyung looks fucking comfortable as fucking always. Like, this doesn’t bother him in the least.

Luckily, the tension is tolerable. So you decide to make the first move. You begin unbuttoning your shorts—

“Woah! Woah! Woah! Wait!” he yells. His arms flailing, trying to stop you.

You scrunch your nose in annoyance, “What?” you ask, not too pleased since you are just trying to get this over with. If you got told 5 months ago that you would be in a hurry to get naked in front of this guy you would ugly laugh. Yet here you are.

“It’s just-it’s just…we should go at the same time.” Taehyung rushes to say.

“Oh, okay. Pants first, let’s go—”

“No! that’s awkward.” He shakes his head, “shirt first.”

“Okay, okay.” You oblige, “weirdo” You whisper loud enough that he can hear you.

The two of you begin with your tops, you try to focus your eyes elsewhere but they naturally skim the skin of his chest and abdomen as his shirt comes off quickly. Taehyung doesn’t even try to look away as you undress, his dark, intimidating stare causing you to feel chills. You slip off your pink t shirt, exposing your bare torso that is laced with a pretty black bralette. His gaze doesn’t waver.

“Okay, next is our bottoms right?” You gulp. He only nods.

You continue the job on unbuttoning your shorts, letting them fall to your feet exposing your matching black panties. Yes, you wore a sexy matching set on purpose. If he’s going to see you like this why wouldn’t you want to look good? You would do that for anybody. You can feel him eyeing you as he slips off his sweats, leaving him in nothing but a pair of blue briefs.

Finally, you are left in nothing but your underwear. You eye him over, his body is so fucking nice it makes you feel bad for even standing next to him. His briefs are a light blue, leaving little to the imagination. You can literally see the outline of his—you know what. Is he sporting a semi, right now? You do an up and down of your own body when you realize you have more clothes than him!

“Hey this is unfair!” You whisper, covering your chest with your arm. “I have to strip my bra off and you what, just get to watch?”

“Oh? So I am allowed to watch?” he responds playfully. It’s that same teasing tone you’re still trying to get used to.

“Well, you’re obviously going to see…” You grumble, lowering your arm. “Welp, here goes.”

Taehyung swallows rather hard, his eyes trailing your body pretty shamelessly. You reach in front of you, unhooking the bralette and letting the straps fall off your shoulders before letting the whole thing fall to the ground.

“Uh, okay.” Taehyung clears his throat. “Now our underwear.”

“Right.” You say while reaching for the band of your panties, pulling it back a bit and letting it go, the material slapping against your hips. You swear you see his dick move at that.

“Okay.” Taehyung’s breathing is heavier than before, “On 3? 1…2..”

“3!” you shout in unison.

You both begin stripping away your last piece of clothing. You’re the first to be fully undressed. You let your panties drag down leg by leg until they join the pile of clothes at your feet. It’s not that you’re trying to do this in a sexy manner, but if it comes across sexy—then so be it. Taehyung pauses mid action, his eyes scanning your body again. God, you are starting to get really nervous again. His gaze absolutely thrills you, you can admit that. You’d live a life of torture to have him stare at you like this all the time. You see him lick his lips then shake his head. You didn’t just imagine that right?

“Hurry up.” You plead.

Taehyung finally drags off his briefs. By the looks of it he looks mostly hard, as his cock springs free. Holy Fuck. Your last ex—Ben—was not this…blessed. Taehyung has every right to be as cocky as he wants, he’s earned it. His dick is long in length but he also seems to have girth. How is one man blessed this much? You would have to have your hand wrapped around it—or your lips—to really know how thick he is. Jesus fucking Christ, what are you saying? You think your best excuse is that you are dick deprived. Also…how long have you been staring? You will say long enough by the look Taehyung is giving you. It’s that shit eating grin that just screams he is one cocky bastard.

“Okay,” you clear your throat, forcing yourself to look into Taehyung’s eyes. “Let’s get in the pool.”

“You got the timer?” Taehyung chuckles.

“It’s laying on the ledge.” you point at it, walking closer to the pool. “Ready?” you look up at him, waiting for his response.

“You look beautiful by the way.” He says out of nowhere. “I mean, as always.” He winks.

You blush pretty fucking hard at that, you can feel all the heat rush to your cheeks, lighting you on fire.

“Are you-are you ready or what?” you grumble.

“Always.” He grins, reaching for you hand. “Let’s go.”

You two tip toe into the water, pausing every few seconds to get use to the temperature of the water. You stop once the water reaches your collarbones, you walk towards the wall, lean against it and face forward. You turn the timer on and you both exchange a few words but you remain mostly quiet, You don’t think either of you know what to say. Every minute that passes (about 15 to be exact) has your nerves spiking.

You hear Taehyung sigh deeply as he inches closer towards you. Now why would he do that? He inches so close that your shoulders are touching, he sinks a little further into the water and then surprising you, he rests his head on your shoulder. What the fuck is he doing?

“We can have a foot of space between us.” You remind him awkwardly.

Taehyung remains quiet, you only hear his soft breaths.

“Taehyung?”

“You know how hard it is going to be to get the image of you naked out of my head?” He whispers with a chuckle.

“Don’t start using me as masturbation material.” You joke, your eyes looking out at the water. It’s calm and bright from the lights inside the pool.

“Start? You think you haven’t entered my mind before?” he jokes back. At least you think he’s joking.

“Stop playing.” You laugh awkwardly.

Taehyung is quiet again and you can feel the tension that always visits you two starting to build.

“Do you…have you…have you thought about me before?” you manage to slip out, surprising yourself.

“You’re asking if I’ve—”

“If you’ve thought about me when you have ‘alone’ time’ ya know?”

“Do you think I haven’t?” he lifts his head and stares at you. “y/n…I’m a guy. And you’re kind of the only person I see.”

Oh. It’s not like I see anyone else. His last words repeat in your mind. Of course, that makes sense. He’s stuck with you, of course you’ve entered his mind, probably against his will or whatever.

“I see.” You say softly. You step to the side, getting further from him and he frowns.

You two stand here, barely speaking. Maybe another 20-30 minutes pass when Taehyung dramatically huffs out.

“Listen y/n…about earlier.” Right earlier. When you made a fucking fool of yourself. Asking your friend is he has ever jacked off to you before! Before he can continue you slap a finger over his pouting lips, shushing him.

“Do you really think now is the time?”

“We have time to kill—”

“—okay! So let’s talk about something else!” you happily offer.

But you guess Taehyung isn’t having it, he steps closer and rests his head on your shoulder again, his breathing picking up. Why is he breathing so hard?

“Just hear me out, okay?”

You only stare ahead, exhaling deeply. What to do…maybe there’s no harm in hearing him out, right? Oh wait there is harm! The feeling of fucking rejection. Why does it feel like rejection? You don’t know. Why the fuck you care? You don’t know that either. But he’s fucking sulking, like a baby. You thought you were the baby here? You guess he needs to have a turn every now and then…

“fine.”

“You probably,” he sinks in the water just a little deeper, “hate me, right?” you don’t hate him…”Me, your friend, has had dirty thoughts about you, yada yada,” he closes his eyes.

“ wait what—” This is because he has had dirty thoughts about you?

“So about what I said…I’m sorry…”

“Taehyung it’s fine,” you rush to say in embarrassment, “I don’t know why I asked! Seriously, it was stupid. I crossed a li—”

“Wait why did you ask?” That’s when you freeze. Yeah why did you ask?

“Uh…”

“Why?” he stands up straighter, his head tilted towards you.

“I was just curious Taehyung.” you defend. “It’s not that deep.”

“Curious? About me?” he raises he brow, he pauses while thinking over his words. “Like, sexually?” he finishes, caution in his voice.

Fuck. What did you get yourself into?

“Taehyung…I already said it was stupid. Plus,” you decide to be bold again, “Hearing it was only because I’m the only one here or whatever didn’t do great things for my ego.”

“Wait—” you hear him stifle a chuckle. “That’s what you’re mad about?”

“Well…” you drag out the word with a pout. You don’t mean to be such a baby yet here you are.

“Wow! I thought you were mad because I’ve thought about you impurely, not because it wasn’t a good enough reason why…wow.” He laughs! He’s basically laughing at you!

“Well?”

“Oh my God, y/n. You’re joking right? I can’t just say I have the hots for my friend now can I? That’ll just—”

“Do you?” your voice is much smaller and quieter than you anticipated, like it barely escaped. Taehyung stays quiet for a second too long that it makes you ten times as nervous.

“Are you…” Taehyung looks at you with a look on his face you can’t quite place, “I’m naked in a pool with you right now and I am going crazy. Absolutely crazy.” Taehyung sighs out heavily, a frown taking over his face. “You’re ability to be so naïve just…baffles me.” He admits, defeated.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a beautiful girl y/n. Of course my mind has wandered. It doesn’t mean I—fuck. It doesn’t mean anything deep or anything like that. But yes, being with you and your fanfuckingtastic tits is giving me some trouble.” He says darkly. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed you checking me out either.” He smirks. “We are human.” He finishes.

A long, deafening silence accompanies you both. Its sitting in the water between your bodies. Just lingering, waiting for one of you to break it in half and drown it in this very pool. But no, it remains. And that person won’t be you. But several minutes have passed by and he is still fucking quiet. Maybe you should be the one to say something? You’re about to you swear , but you hear Taehyung grumble something under his breath.

“What’s that?” you say.

“I said, it’s only fair if I ask too.” Ask what? Oh. Wait. That?

“Ask what?” you ask, pretending you don’t know.

“You know what.”

“Nope.” you say, popping the ‘p’.

“y/n.” “I’m not answering that.”

“Come on.” He leans his face towards your neck, his breaths hitting your wet skin. “It’s only fair.”

“Okay.”

“Okay what?” he pushes on. “Come on y/n, have you thought about me when you get yourself off or not?” he asks, his voice really low. How does he get his voice so deep? Fuck, it sends a shiver down your spine.

“Maybe once or twice I have thought about you too.” You admit, feeling a rush of adrenaline as the words leave your mouth.

“Once or twice?” he repeats lowly, “What did you think about?” his words crawl on the side of your neck as they leave his mouth.

“I’m not answering that.”

“I want you to tell me.” He sounds so breathless while being so demanding.

“Nope.”

“You’re no fun.” He chuckles. “Aren’t you curious about what I think about?”

“Not really.” You lie. “Don’t worry about my imagination. It’s the only action I’m getting anyway.” You laugh.

“When’s the last time you had sex y/n? Please tell me it wasn’t with your ex…”

“Yeah it was.” You admit and Taehyung pushes his head back, not liking you admission.

“Why haven’t you?” he asks.

“I felt so betrayed Taehyung…it’s sort of hard to trust anyone after that.” You sigh, “He hurt me bad. I’m…”

“You’re what?”

“I just don’t feel comfortable.” You say softly, “I don’t think I will for a while.”

“I see…I’m so sorry. I wish that didn’t happen to you.”

“It’s in the past now.”

Ben holds you close as he comes, his hands leaving behind their marks on your body from how tightly he holds you.

“Fuck yes.” He groans, “Did you come?” he asks quickly, breathing hard into your neck.

“It’s okay.” You sigh out, “As long as you feel good.”

“I felt amazing honey.” He kisses the side of your neck over and over. “Shit, we gotta get going. We’ll be late for work.”

“Do we really have to take separate cars?” you whine.

“Just for now babe.” He promises, lifting himself off your body, leaving your pussy aching for more.

“Okay…”

~

“He look so handsome today as usual…” you hear Layla talking to some of the other girls. “I’m telling you…he’s going to ask me out. He’s been eyeing me lately and complimenting me.” She gushes, catching your interest.

“Who?” you ask, setting your belongings down on your desk.

Layla turns to face you, waves her hand and smiles.

“Ben.”

Ben? Like your Ben? Her boss Ben?

“Ben who?” you blink at her and the other girls laugh.

“Obviously the only Ben we know!” Layla giggles and you feel your chest tighten.

“You think he’s going to ask you out?”

“Yes girl! He comes to my desk a few times day, calls me gorgeous, so on and so forth.” Layla says quietly so only you girls can hear. You feel your heart drop.

“I don’t think so.” You speak up. “Ben wouldn’t. He’s already seeing someone.”

“Oh really? Who?” Layla scrunches her brows together, “Because—”

“Me.” You blurt. “He and I are…”

The other girls stop their giggling and look at you with shocked eyes.

“There’s no way.” One of them says.

“y/n, are you serious?” Layla blushes, feeling a little embarrassed now.

“Yes, for months now.” you admit. “But we weren’t telling anyone…yet.”

“Wow! I can’t believe this!” another girl says, her hand coming to her mouth.

You then in a hush hush voice tell the group of girls yours and Bens story. You tell them how he pursued you, you finally agreed and how you two have been dating for over 6 months. They gush and gasp and giggle. It feels good to finally tell people, you think.

But unfortunately for you, it wasn’t good at all.

“y/n?” Taehyung knocks you out of your daze. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Fine.” You sigh, feeling weak. “I’m okay.”

Taehyung looks at you with pity, his eyes full of it. He stands tall and floats until he’s standing in front of you.

“I’m going to hug you.” He states calmly, “I really need to hug you.”

“Taehyung…” you step back until your back hits the ledge. “Now isn’t really appropriate.”

“I don’t care. I’ve already seen you naked.” He says nonchalantly. “C’mere.” He opens his arms wide for you and you shake your head.

“I said, c’mere.” He inches closer and closer. “Or I’m coming to you.”

“Taehyung.” You whine, but you let him get closer to you.

His wet arms reach out for you, he’s gripping your shoulders first before his hands easily slide down your arms until they’re under water holding on to your waist.

“C’mere.” He repeats. And you slowly inch closer towards him, your arms hesitantly circling around his middle. And then he’s pulling you in to his chest…he sighs when he feels your budding nipples graze his skin, he sighs when he feels the fullness of your breasts being pushed into him, he sighs when he feels you.

You release a long breath as you hug him, maybe you needed this. This type of human contact. You pull back and look up into Taehyung’s dark eyes, he’s already gazing at you.

“Thanks.” You mumble.

“I think of you because you’re cool. And really pretty.”

“Huh?” Why is Taehyung suddenly complimenting you?

“When I’m—you know. I think of you because you’re cool and really pretty. I could think of anyone ya know? That’s how an imagination works. But I still think about you.”

You’re sure your face is a dark crimson, with how hard you are blushing. How are you supposed to take this new information?

“W-Well,” You find it hard to look into his eyes. “I guess, same.”

“Because I’m pretty?” his tone is lighter all the sudden, you roll your eyes.

“What do you think? Timer should be going on any minute now.” Taehyung throws a glance over his shoulder towards the timer.

“Hmm…” You turn, reaching for the timer, your wet hands getting ahold of it. “Less than 5 minutes.” You read it.

“Oh.” He sings, “If you have a secret, share it now!” Taehyung chuckles into the water, his lips creating bubbles on the surface.

“You want to know even more about me?” You stand a little taller, the water reaching the tops of your breasts. You see Taehyung’s eyes linger for a second before meeting your eyes again. “If you wanna know anything, just ask.” You reach your arms over your head, releasing a yawn.

“Okay…” He places his fingers on his chin, “It’s about me though.” He stops, his fingers dragging down his neck. “Ah, never mind.”

“What?”

“No, it’s weird.”

“Aren’t we passed weird?” you giggle.

“No, it’s really weird.” He sighs out, sinking down into the water until his head is fully under.

You watch as he rises back up, the water cascading down his golden skin, the water from his hair dripping onto his shoulders.

A few moments pass, Taehyung stands here thinking to himself while you just shamelessly watch. You watch as he chews on the inside of his cheek, his eyes upward, scanning the stars. He hums some tune to himself, deep in thought. Honestly, you love when he does this. He looks so…good. Not in a sexual way, you swear. He just looks so him. So Taehyung. He goes from chewing on his cheek to his bottom lip, his teeth digging into the plump flesh. You gulp, God he has no idea how good he looks like this.

“Well?” You ask impatiently. Trying to wave away any more of those thoughts you were just having.

Taehyung releases his bottom lip from his teeth as his lips form into a pout, his eyes closing.

“I’m thinking…”

“Less thinking, more asking.” You feel way too curious about whatever it is he wants to say. And the minutes are passing you by.

Taehyung opens one eye to look at you, he exhales, and faces you.

“Does it sound like I’m in love with Hana?” he says quietly.

“W-What? You’ve only really brought her up once…”

“But when I talked about her did it seem like I have deep feelings for her?”

“She thinks I only like the idea of her” Taehyung mumbles to Jimin and Namjoon. “She doesn’t think I like her as much as I say? Which is so stupid!”

“Isn’t she right though?” Jimin asks with a frown, “You only ever talk about how pretty she is…”

“Jimin means you don’t really have that much in common with her, do you?” Namjoon questions softly. “You don’t…you don’t seem as into as you have been in the past. Are you sure you actually like her?”

Taehyung stares at his friends in disbelief, not believing his ears for one second.

“What are you guys talking about? I fucking like her.” He grits out.

“Are you sure you aren’t just lonely—”

“I don’t want to hear this.” Taehyung stands up from the couch, “I’m going to go see her.”

~

Taehyung makes it to Hana’s apartment but her roommate answers the door and frowns when she sees Taehyung,

“Yes?”

“Uh, I’m here to see Hana.” He gestures inside the apartment.

“Right…” the roommate stands off to the side and lets Taehyung in. “She’s in her room.”

Taehyung walks through the apartment and down the hall until he’s knocking on Hana’s door. She opens it quickly, hugging him and pulling him inside.

“Hey you.” She smiles at Taehyung and he smiles back with his teeth.

“Hi.”

“What brings you here?”

“Just came to hang out, maybe watch a movie?” Taehyung sways from side to side, trying to not make this awkward.

“Sure, you can choose the movie.” She goes to her desk, grabs her lap top and gestures towards her bed. “We can watch in my bed.” She says shyly.

“G-Good idea.”

~

“So how did you like it?” Taehyung asks excitedly. ‘Castaway on the Moon’ just finished and he is so happy he got to show her his favorite movie.

“Honestly?” she chuckles awkwardly, “I didn’t really like it.” She admits. “it was weird.”

“It’s not weird! It’s amazing,” he pouts and she giggles.

He does feel really disappointed that she doesn’t like his favorite movie…is that a red flag? No, he’s just being dramatic, he thinks.

“Next time I’ll choose the movie.” Hana cuddles closer to Taehyung. “Okay?”

“Sure.”

“Taehyung…” you begin, “Where is this coming from?”

“She doesn’t think—my friends too—don’t think we have a lot of chemistry. That I’m forcing myself to like her, but that’s not true! But sometimes I feel confused. And I thought I could get an outside opinion.” He admits, “But this was stupid you don’t have to answer.”

You can tell him you believe in his feelings or you can tell him you don’t think he’s even talked about her enough that you take his feelings seriously. But will that hurt him?

“I—”

Beep beep beep beep beep beep.

The fire place is turned on, creating a safe and cozy atmosphere. The gas lit flames burn a hole in the tension that fills the room. What sort of tension? Not sure.

Taehyung and you are sat comfortably on the sofa, sitting with crossed legs facing one another, your knees just barely touching. A bowl of popcorn rests between you and blankets wrapped around your bodies. Separate blankets, of course.

Taehyung and you have decided to move the party inside (with clothes: on) and continue talking.

The ringing of the timer didn’t completely ruin your conversation only delaying it.

“And I don’t know,” he takes a handful of popcorn and stuffs it in his mouth. “I think we would make a cute couple.”

“Yeah but like I asked, what sorts of things do you two talk about? Not if you guys are a cute couple.”

“We talk.” He states.

“Okay…about?”

“Stuff.”

“You aren’t helping your case.” You sigh out, biting your lip. “I want to believe in your feelings Taehyung but…”

“I know.” He cuts you off, “I know.”

“So why are you forcing it?” you reach for some popcorn yourself, “Why do you want to like her so bad?”

“I don’t know….” He admits softly, “I really don’t know.”

“You’re unsure of your feelings.” You say bluntly. “That’s what it seems like.”

“Maybe I am.” He wraps the blanket around his shoulders tighter. “I’m like you…I don’t know what love is.”

“And just like me, you’ll find it someday.” You promise him with a sweet smile. “Right?”

“You will for sure.” He breathes out, “I think I’m a ….”

“A?”

“God, I don’t even want to say it.” He throws his head in his hands. “But I think I am a hopeless romantic.”

“I just want some cute love story with a cute girl. And Hana is perfect.”

“But does she thrill you? Challenge you? Make you laugh?”

“She’s…” fuck, he doesn’t even know. Does he even know Hana that well?

“Hey y/n…” Taehyung looks up at you, his eyes finding yours and you shrink in your spot.

“Yes?”

“Can we watch my favorite movie? I’m curious what you might think about it.” He gazes at you and you nod your head slowly.

“Sure Taehyung.”

“Also, you can call me Tae.”

~

“Holy fuck.” You sob into your hands. “The fucking noodles.”

Taehyung looks over at you with a soft smile as he has his own tears falling down his face.

“I know right?”

“He finally felt like he had purpose Tae,” you look at him with a pathetic scrunched up face, tears still leaving your eyes.

“EXACTLY!” Taehyung wails, “EXACTLY!”

“This movie was amazing, and how everything turned out...wow…and how she…and he…my goodness. I’m still crying.”

“I told you!! I am so glad you enjoyed it.” He moves closer to you on the sofa without thinking.

“Only lame people wouldn’t like this movie!” you basically yell out and Taehyung scoots even closer, his shoulder bumping yours. But you barely notice, still too invested in the movie.

“Yeah.” He agrees with a smile. “You really must be my soulmate.” He jokes with an awkward smile. “No one else really likes this movie.”

“Ha-Ha.” You roll your eyes, “But anyway, that’s crazy since it was so good.”

“Stop praising it or I’ll have to marry you.” He jokes again and you start turning a rosy pink.

“Stop.” You whine, swatting his shoulder.

“Let’s call it a night, yeah?”

You and Taehyung clean up the kitchen and living room and head upstairs for the night, he walks you to your bedroom door and lingers.

“Tonight was crazy. I saw you naked.” He brings up the request and you go redder than red.

“We can literally never talk about it again…”

“Am I allowed to think about it at least?” he winks, his voice low and making you feel tense.

“Goodnight Taehyung.”

~~~~~~~~

Month 6

Today is one of those days…Taehyung is in a bad mood and you’re being a brat. He hates how much you’ve been teasing him today…he is sorting through his feelings for Hana but you insist on walking around with small shorts and low cut tank tops, claiming it’s ‘hot’. He finally has you cornered though, he’s finally had enough. He’s got you pushed up against a wall, his face so close that your breaths mingle with one another.

“You’re really pushing me today…” Taehyung leans closer, his warm breath fanning over your face. “Today’s not the day y/n.” he warns.

“How am I pushing you? I’m literally not doing anything.” You jut your bottom lip out and look to the side.

“You’re being…such a fucking tease.” He decides to say, “Which is giving me a real headache.” He leans down, his arms on either side of your body.

“So I give you a headache?” Your eyes look up into his and you smirk. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“You are real annoying, you know that?” he can’t help but chuckle, but then he’s exhaling a deep breath and rolling his eyes. “Ask for forgiveness.”

“Ask for forgiveness?” you scoff. “Seriously? And what am I asking forgiveness for?”

“You’re lucky I’m not telling you to beg.”

“Beg?” you scoff again. “Who do you think you—”

“y/n.” his dark eyes gaze into yours. His hand slides down the wall and then it’s at your waist. He pulls you in and leans his head down closer to your face, you feel the lump in your throat grow as you ty to swallow it down.

“Y-Yes?”

“Ask for forgiveness.” He tells you again, this time much more softly.

“And if I don’t?” You stare up at him and he chuckles.

“Do you really want to find out?” his gaze doesn’t waver as he looks at you…the way he stares at you makes you feel bare in front of him, like he’s stripping you of your clothes, of your skin, everything.

“And if I do?” you whisper. “What happens if I do?”

Taehyung narrows his eyes at you as he licks his lips repeatedly…you’re really testing him aren’t you? He can’t tell if you’re toying with him because of the cameras or if it’s because you’re a brat.

“y/n.” he says your name like the sound of a slow breath. It feels intimate, the way he calls out for you. You can’t help but gulp as you blink up at him.

“Y-Yes?”

“You want to beg, don’t you?” he smirks, he pokes his tongue out as he eyes you. You can see the amusement in his eyes. “You want to…” the words are dying on his tongue because what can he say? Everything he wants to say would probably be deemed as inappropriate.

“I want to what?” you tilt your head up, your eyes scanning the entirety of his face and he leans further into your space.

“Just do as I say, tell me you’re sorry and we can move on.”

“Do as you say?” you lean back until your head is lightly hitting the wall, “You think I would really listen to you?”

“Such a brat.” His hand doesn’t let go of your waist as he leans back as well. “Why do I deal with this? And yes,” he rolls his head back. “I think you would very much enjoy listening to me.” He pauses and bites his lip. “If this company really thinks we’re a match made in heaven then I am sure you can assume what I mean.”

You silently gasp, a blush painting itself brightly on your cheeks.

“Ah,” he leans in again, “So you do know what I mean.”

“Taehyung,” you mumble, “Sometimes your flirting for the camera is too much.” You whisper quiet enough the cameras can’t hear.

Taehyung leans down until his mouth is at the shell of your ear and you can hear the smirk.

“Who says it’s for the cameras?” he leans away from you again, he finally drops his hand from your waist and is about to turn to leave when your hand flies to his shirt.

“Wait.” You blurt out, “I’ll…” you look off to the side. “I’ll say sorry”

“Oh?” Taehyung looks amused to say the least, “Go ahead, then.”

“Only if you tell me what’s wrong today.”

“It’s nothing.”

Your hand goes from the middle of his shirt to his shoulder and you look up at him with big, doe eyes as he blinks down at you over and over.

“What?” he whispers.

“Please.” You whisper back, “I’ll be good,” you promise in a low voice.

Taehyung feels his chest get warm, the heat traveling from there to his toes. He looks at you with his serious expression and softens.

“You are good.” He breathes out. His gaze intense as he stares into your eyes.

“Then…” you pause. Taehyung keeps his eyes on your eyes until he’s not. His eyes slowly travel down your face until he’s staring at your lips. He notices how plump they look, how your tongue darts out to wet them. He feels himself being drawn closer to you, leaning in further and further.

“…Taehyung.” You say breathlessly and Taehyung blinks repeatedly, clearing his throat as he leans back again.

“Fine, don’t apologize. Brat.” And he’s stepping away from you and you watch his back as he walks away.

Taehyung. Is. Such. A. tease. And it drives you absolutely insane. You’re sure the company that watches you is having the times of their lives as you suffer. Why does he have to go this far? It only makes you want to challenge him and go even further yourself. There was a moment, right? Where he acted like he was going to kiss you? Of course he wouldn’t actually do that. This is just for show but god, it still drives you nuts.

Taehyung rushes to his bedroom, slamming the door shut as he rests against it. What the hell is wrong with him? He’s just frustrated. He misses Hana. But why do you have to be so infuriating and you know, hot. And it makes him angry. He wasn’t actually going to kiss you, of course. But there was a moment of strange tension that he…he can’t describe. Taehyung slides down the door, falling to the ground. He remembers his first kiss with Hana, it was sweet and nice but like, he doesn’t remember it being intense not like how it feels when he gets close to you.

“Taehyung!” Hana giggles as she pats his back as she’s thrown over his shoulder. “Put me down!”

“Never!” Taehyung laughs just as much as he runs around in circles. “Ugh, so heavy though.” He jokes.

“Hey!” Hana hits his back, “Come on, put me down.” Her giggles softly relax and he’s setting her down back on the ground, her feet finally planted on the ground as she keeps her arms loosely thrown around his neck.

“You really love carrying me.”

“Holding you is fun.” He smiles, “And you’re not actually heavy. Actually you weigh nothing.”

“Yeah, right.” She playfully rolls her eyes.

“So.” Taehyung chuckles awkwardly, looking into Hana’s eyes.

“So…” she steps closer to him, tightening her hold around her neck. “We’ve been hanging out a lot …” she flutters her lashes, “And..”

“And?”

“I kind of want you to kiss me.”

“Oh.” Taehyung’s eyes widen. He was not expecting that. He smiles at her and nods his head. “Yeah, I can do that.” He teases, leaning in until his lips are against hers. He pulls back but she pushes herself forward to kiss him more and he sighs in her mouth, loving the feel of her lips.

“We should do that more often.” Taehyung breathes out and Hana giggles.

Taehyung groans into his hands, recalling his memories. He does miss Hana but he feels like every time he thinks of her…he somehow is also thinking about you too. But it’s not like he’s thinking of you like that but yeah, you’re on his mind. And he’s got to chill out. He stands up from the floor and walks to his bed, throwing himself on it with a bounce. He’s still so frustrated. He recalls dinner yesterday, how he…

“I’m staring at you because you have sauce on your lips.” Taehyung says from across the dining room table.

“Should I get it for you?” he teases, standing up from his chair, the sound of it screeching against the floor makes you flinch.

“No, no.” you shake your head, “I can do it myself.”

“What if I want to help you though?” Taehyung tilts his head with innocent eyes. “I’ll clean you up.”

“Tae—”

Taehyung walks to your side of the table and bends down until his face is level with your face, he smiles at you and raises his thumb up to your lips. His thumb brushes across your bottom lip slowly, the heat of his finger making you sigh out. He leans in closer as he finishes wiping the sauce off your mouth. When he finishes he takes a moment to look into your eyes like he’s searching them for something. He’s not sure what though. You feel yourself being hypnotized by his gaze, you, yourself stare back at him just as deeply…you think he’s going to lean away any second but instead he brings his hand between your faces and brings his thumb to his mouth. His thumb pushes past his lips and he’s licking it clean, the action purposely agonizingly slow.

“There. Got it.” He breathes out, “All clean.”

Your eyes widen just the slightest…he’s a tease. A fucking tease.

Taehyung’s eyes light up in amusement when he watches how you flush under his hard stare and he starts laughing.

“W-What?” you spit out, your embarrassment has you stabbing your food with your fork. “What’s funny?”

“You.” He says with a grin, the air is starting to thin out as he laughs. “You make me laugh.”

“Glad I can entertain.” You roll your eyes.

You’re so…fuck, you’re so sexy. Taehyung has been wanting to admit that for a while, but god, he has to really fucking control himself. But he’s trying to keep these thoughts at bay because he needs to figure out what he’s doing about Hana.

He lays here thinking of all the moments he has flirted with you for the camera, he groans into his pillow when he has the hardest realization. Is it really for the camera? The tension between you two is so fucking thick, the air is suffocating, making it hard to breathe. The intensity…the thrill. You are the only one who makes him feel like his world is burning with a passionate fire. Hana is nice but you? You’re you and he’s realizing how much he likes that.

He’s realizing a lot. It’s been 6 months and he thinks he is ready to admit that this is beyond what he signed up for. He signed on to get along, but this? This is a whole other journey he’s going on.

Taehyung sits up in bed, his face gone pale as he makes his realizations. His mouth hangs open as his mind races. Does Taehyung just want to fuck you? Or….does Taehyung like you?

Suddenly, there’s soft knocking on his bedroom door, his head snaps in that direction and he knows it’s you—well duh, who else would it be? He scrambles off the bed and he’s opening the door. You’re wearing yoga pants and a long sleeve shirt now with an innocent smile on your face.

“I turned the AC down.” You say. “Now I won’t make your life hard by wearing hardly any clothes.” You’re teasing him and he’s going wild for it.

“Oh really?” he breathes out, “Are you going to say sorry?” he teases back, his breathing picking up.

“Should I ask for forgiveness?” you mock him and he raises a brow at you.

“I’m going to make you beg y/n.” he says lowly, “Keep this up and I’ll be carrying you to the other bedroom.”

Your smile drops at his words. What does he mean by that? He’s taking the acting too far…

“You ever begged before baby?” He walks closer to you, making you uneasy. You step backward further into the hall and sigh out.

“Maybe.”

“From now on, you’ll only ever do it for me.” He says so low, that you barely hear him. But you do hear him and you shudder.

“Taehyung.” You warn softly, you push him by the shoulders, backing him into his bedroom. Once inside you close the door and look at him expectantly.

“What?” he rolls his eyes at you.

“You’re being too much…” you whisper. “But fuck, I gotta admit you’re good.” You breathe out roughly, “It almost feels real.”

“I wasn’t kidding earlier.” Taehyung walks towards you, his hand reaching out to touch the ends of you hair, “Who says this is for the cameras?”

You glance up at him, clearly confused.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh y/n.” Taehyung feels his heart start to race. “This just got a lot more interesting.”

[itsapapisongo]

animam agere*

Pairing: JohnTen

Genre: Angst (sort of) | Fluff

Tropes: Character Death | Established Relationship | Non-Idol AU

Word Count: 2K

Warnings: Character death, profanity

Summary: In a single blink, a normal day turns to tragedy. With a snap, everything turns to ashes.

Notes: * To have one’s last breath. | Once again, as it often happens, the despicable fiend known as Writer’s Block as arrived at my doorstep. Since I’ve been listening to Infinity War’s and Endgame’s soundtrack and planning on writing something involving the Infinity Stones and loss, I thought writing about the Decimation—or the Snap, if you prefer—was an interesting way to practice the Art of Angst. 

Warning: This is completely unedited mess. ‘Nuff said.

“WHERE’S THE bottle opener thingie?”

Johnny closed his eyes and sighed, but he couldn’t quite conceal the small smile that spread across his face. He shook his head gently, chuckled, then turned to his boyfriend. Ten stood in their apartment’s small kitchen and titled his head in a this shouldn’t be this hard yet it is sort of way. A bottle of wine was in his left hand, the right gently placed on his waist as he read the label then glanced over his shoulder, toward the counter, as if whatever he was looking had magically appeared there. He bore a look of confusion in his face that Johnny found both adorable and amusing.

“You mean the corkscrew?”

Ten frowned, glanced at the bottle, then back at his boyfriend. “That’s what it’s called?” He asked, his voice laced with disgust. “Cockscrew?”

“Cork—“ Johnny enunciated slowly. “—screw.”

“Whoever named it that needs a swift kick in the ass.”

“Without them we wouldn’t be able to enjoy wine, though.” Johnny shrugged as he walked over and joined Ten in the kitchen. “So be thankful for it having a name.”

“Yeah, but ‘bottle opener’ works just fine.”

“It sure does.”

Ten clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, giving his back to Johnny. Though he did this quickly, Johnny caught a glimpse of that half-smile his boyfriend often had whenever he was being playful.

“So, Mr. I-Know-Big-Words . . .“ Ten placed the bottle on the counter and leaned on it, tilting his head to the side. “Where’s the damn bottle opener?”

“It’s in one of the drawers.” Johnny idly gestured towards the counter’s drawers behind Ten’s lower back. “Don’t know which one but it’s in there.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am.”

“Cool,” Ten exclaimed, clapping loudly. He leaned forward then, though he didn’t need to, stood on his tiptoes to gently peck Johnny’s lips. “Look for it then.”

“You do know that you’re abusing your power?” Johnny stood there, smiling and not entirely surprised. “You can’t do that every time you don’t wanna do something.”

“You wanna bet, Chicago?” Ten raised an eyebrow, smirking.

Johnny blinked and opened his mouth to respond but relented, smiling so wide that his eyes were crinkled and barely visible. He looked away, unable to contain his laughter, shaking his head and rubbing his forehead. He opened the drawer, found the corkscrew—pardon, bottle opener—and proceeded to open the bottle. He could hear Ten chuckling behind him then heard the faint but distinctive sound of phone’s camera.

“You look so whipped,” Ten said, his voice dripping with smugness. “Oh, wait—you are whipped.”

Johnny threw his head back, groaning then laughing. He glared at Ten for a second before softening and chuckling, eyes crinkled, smile wide. Ten leaned in, kissed him in the cheek, slapped his thigh, and took the bottle away as soon as it was uncorked. Before he could protest, Ten was pouring the wine on two glasses. When their eyes met, his boyfriend winked and blew him a kiss.

What little shit, he thought as clenched his jaw and bit his lower lip. His boyfriend sure knew that smirks and kisses often won him over. He know how to abuse his power well.

AN HOUR or so later, the bottle was empty. They had opened another—Ten had reluctantly done the favor—and sat on the living room, not quite watching TV yet not quite ignoring it. They were too involved in a whispered conversation to care about the drama flick Johnny had insisted they watched. Tom Hank was putting on a damn good show and that for the most part was going to waste.

It had been a while since they had found time to just unwind—to be in each other’s arms or kiss or tease each other—because with Johnny working long days at the studio and Ten interning at the art gallery they rarely conceded these days. But these moments mattered and they were meant to be cherished and they had promised each other that they would do whatever it took to enjoy them. These moments were rare and neither of them was about to let them slip through their fingers.

The relationship had started behind everyone’s back—with only Kun and Yuta being in the know—and they had taken steps to solidify what had started as a leap of faith into the unknown. Having been pretty certain about his sexuality then suddenly feeling like he was still learning about himself, for Johnny it was uncharted territory. For Ten, on the other hand, who knew what he liked and disliked since puberty, this wasn’t exactly new but it wasn’t exactly something he had experienced in. Flings were nothing when compared to a committed relationship.

Almost a year had passed since their first date. Neither regretted their midnight escapades. Neither regretted holding hands in public, passing it off as friends being friendly and indulging in “skinship”. They knew who they were, where they stood, and who they loved. Once, during their fifth date, when a woman on a nearby table gave them a judgmental look and harrumphed at them, Ten smiled and waved at her. Through gritted teeth, he mumbled, “fuck this, fuck that, fuck it, and fuck the rest.”

And so they did. Why lose time and wallow in pity when you knew who you were, when you had embraced who you were? Love is love is love is love. That’s all that mattered.

FUCK THIS, fuck that, fuck it, and fuck the rest.

“Why?” Johnny asked, doing his best not to look at the woman without feeling a mix of annoyance and delight.

“Because I love you,” Ten whispered, shrugging. “That’s why.”

“Oh.”

His boyfriend shrugged again, unfazed. “You feel me?”

“I feel you.” He chuckled sheepishly. When Ten reached out and intertwined his hand with his, Johnny couldn’t help but feel loved. “I just feel you.”

“Good to hear, Chicago.” Ten half-smiled, caressing Johnny’s chin.

TEN HAD laid his head on Johnny’s lap, his body sprawled across the couch. He was on his phone when he spoke up, a worried tone in his voice.

“New York is a mess,” he whispered.

“I mean it’s a big city and—“

“Not like that, you himbo.” Ten sat straight and showed him a video of Central Park. A figure clad in metal tones of red and iron fought a giant brute. A good chunk of the park was made a disaster in a matter of seconds. The video ended abruptly as though the phone had fallen to the ground. “Mark had mentioned a good part of Manhattan had to be evacuated but, shit, I thought he was exaggerating.”

Johnny frowned. Manhattan evacuated? Aliens in New York? It wasn’t exactly strange but it was surprising. Still after six years had since the Battle of New York, it was oddly and eerily surprising. Since then everything had drastically changed—the world had expanded and everyone was forced, one way or another, to forget what they knew yet ignored two truths: humanity wasn’t alone in the universe and something or someone out there was certainly watching.

“Is Mark okay?”

Ten shrugged, though the gesture was small. “He hasn’t responded in the group chat since, wow, almost six hours.”

“Should we worry?”

“I don’t—“ Ten paused, unsure. “Maybe. Let me just call him.”

Johnny nodded, offered a thumbs-up, and stood up. He took the empty wine bottle and walked to the kitchen, humming a tune that was familiar yet eluded him. He left the bottle on the sink, washed his hands, and opened the refrigerator. Something to eat would be nice, balance the alcohol high, keep things flowing, so he pulled a small cheese tray Taeil had given him the day prior. He glanced over his shoulder, saw that Ten was making the call, sheepishly opened the tray and popped in a grape.

“Hey,” he mumbled, his mouth full, “want a grape?”

“Yeah, sure,” his boyfriend replied, though it was clear he was distracted. He perked up, disgust in his voice. “Wait—did you just offer me grapes?”

“Oh, right.” Johnny nodded. “Fruits are a big no-no.”

“You better wash your teeth. I’m not kissing you with—shit, Mark, are you okay?” Ten stood up so fast he felt nauseous. “I just saw something online. New York’s a fucking mess. Where are you?”

A strings of impatient ‘uh-huh’s and worried ‘okay’s echoed in the apartment’s living room. His pacing was faint but Johnny could still hear it. For about a minute, there was silence. Though Ten had stopped moving, Johnny could hear his breathing. He heard in his boyfriend’s voice relief as he assumed that Mark told him he was safe, probably away from all the danger and the destruction that had been unleashed mere blocks from where Mark had been.

“Call me back as soon as you get to the airport.” Ten sighed. “Well, fuck, at the very least text me.”

Johnny popped in another grape, frowning. “Everything okay?”

Ten nodded, but it was an apprehensive nod. The kind of gesture that said yeah, for now. He raised a finger that said one second, nodded again, then hung up. He sighed and looked ashen but definitely relieved as he threw his phone on the couch.

“He’s getting on a flight back to Seoul.” Ten rubbed his left temple with his thumb. “Says it’s best if he enjoys the rest of his vacations here.”

“That’s good, right?”

“Better here than the super dangerous capital of the world.”

Johnny nodded. He reached for something on the tray and offered it. “Cheese?”

Ten scoffed. He walked to the small coffee table between the couch and the TV and picked up his glass and the second bottle of wine. “No, wine,” he said. “Now pour me another glass.”

“As you wish.” Johnny winked, taking the bottle. He popped in the piece of cheese his boyfriend had neglected and munched on it, humming that familiar yet elusive tune again. As he poured the wine, Ten held his glass and bit his lower lip. “Bottoms up.”

“And tops down.” Ten nodded, winked, and took a sip.

Johnny turned, smiling, feeling a bit better. A frowning Ten required cheering up. And he was up for the challenge of turning that frown upside down and what better way than to—

Something fell—glass shattered on the ground, wine splashing behind it—and Johnny whirled, worried and ready to help. Ten was frowning, his entire face contorted with confusion and uncertainty. Johnny blinked and saw that Ten’s right hand, up to his forearm, was gone . . . but that couldn’t be—or could it? Where there was once fingers was replaced by empty space and—were those ashes or was it dust? Ten looked up, the frown replaced by fear, sudden, real, overwhelming.

“Johnny?” He asked, his voice trembling. “What is—“

“Ten?” Johnny reached out for his left arm but it crumbled into dust—no, ashes—in his own palm. He tried to grasp him by his forearm but only managed end up with handful of ashes. “What is—no, no, what the fuck is going on?”

“I don’t—” Ten gasped.

Johnny reached out and pulled him close, felt his weight against his chest for a second—felt his breath, felt his warmth—until he didn’t anymore. He closed his eyes and was washed, head to toe, in ashes. He was grasping at nothing but air and a cloud of grayish-brown ashes. Johnny stood there, eyes closed, trembling, unsure of what had happened. 

He felt numb as though someone had thrown cold water over him; his legs gave out and he collapsed, his back and head sliding against the small space between the counter and refrigerator. He could only hear his breathing, uneven and loud, and the faint rumbling of thunder outside. The thunder echoed like the dull roar of a beast that had been awakened.

“I feel you,” Johnny whispered between sobs and sniffs. “I feel you, Chittaphon, I feel you.” He hugged himself, hyperventilating. “I only feel you.”

All he could think of was the look of terror in Ten’s face.

[hookedontaronfics]

Honky Dancer series - Chapter 5

Chapter title: Lazy Sundays and difficult choices Read the previous installments here: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3  | Chapter 4 Rating: M Pairing: Taron x OC Warnings: Cursing, brief mentions of sex but no actual smut A/N: Mostly just some fluffy fluff [daddy Taron feels, yes please] and more relationship drama in this chapter. More mature themes will develop, so be warned! Enjoy! X

I was awoken the next morning by a cold, wet nose pressed against my arm. It took me a few seconds to process where I even was, crashed out on my own couch in last night’s dress. Again.

Troy whined at me slightly, having waited as long as he possibly could before waking me to be let out. He whuffed at me slightly, looking at me with those deep brown puppy eyes of his.

“I’m up, I’m up,” I groaned as I pushed myself back up to sitting and wiped my hand over my face, smearing the remnants of makeup. I reached over and scratched Troy on the head, and he wagged his tail at me. “You’re a cute boy, yes you are,” I said in that special voice I reserved just for him. I spied a bottle of ibuprofen and a glass of water on the coffee table; Taron must have done that before he left last night, when I was dead to the world.

I got up and let Troy out to do his doggy business before finding my phone still nestled in my purse where I’d left it. <I am NEVER drinking again I swear to God> I texted Madison.

<What, why? What happened?> Madison instantly texted back, and I could just imagine the worried expression she was making.

<Nothing but I am an absolute IDIOT when I drink, Mads. I have got to stop just throwing myself at guys> I responded.

<Did you and Taron … ?> she texted, waiting for my reply.

<No because he’s a gentleman unlike Markus but the point is I totally would have if he’d taken advantage. But he walked away and now I feel like absolute trash. We had an amazing dinner together and I almost threw the night away. I’m a total moron. Please tell me to never leave this house again.>

<Okay well you’re being a bit ridiculous, for one. It’s a good thing Taron is a gentleman, that means he cares for you more than just physically. I’m sure you being a bit drunk did NOT ruin anything with him. Do you remember what he said, at all?>

<Of course, I wasn’t THAT trashed. He said he didn’t want to take the choice away from me, that he wanted to know it was me and not the wine making me want him…>

<Holy shit, Juliette! So he’s totally into you!>

<When I’m not being a drunk idiot. But in all seriousness, I’m not touching another drop of alcohol for a long time.>

<Until your wedding, eh!!> Madison sent back with the waggling eyebrows emoji, making me blush and squeal out loud at the same time. Troy just looked at me with a concerned expression; he probably thought his human was absolutely mad.

<Oh stop. I can’t think like that and you know it> I texted, blushing hard.

<Yeah I know it, but you should probably stop texting me and start texting Taron … Make sure his ass knows sober you still wants him too> she replied.

<You are too damn much, Mads. What has even gotten into you, giving me all this advice.>

<Look, I’m not blind! The man is fit as fuck and I’m only a little jealous that he’s all heart eyes for you. Don’t blow your opportunity, is all I’m saying, cause there’s about a million fangirls lined up behind you waiting their turn.> Woah, I thought, staring at my phone for a long minute. I had never really thought about it that way. To me, he was just Taron; yes, Taron who could afford nice things and Taron who could act brilliantly and Taron who was impeccably handsome, but he was still just the Taron I’d gotten to know on a very human level. He was kind and sweet and lovely and I fancied him a lot, but a small part of me still wondered why he paid me any attention at all. If it had been any other girl that had bumped into him in the hallway weeks ago, would he be taking them out to expensive meals instead of me?

<Well thanks for the dose of reality. You’re always good for that> I sent back before calling Troy back inside from where he was sniffing along the fence line. I decided to take a shower before doing anything else, turning the water as hot as my skin could take it. Once I felt clean and refreshed, I wrapped myself in a bathrobe and left my hair wrapped up in a towel and walked over to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. I grabbed my phone while that percolated and finally decided to text Taron.

<Good morning! I’m alive, I promise. Also, thank you for dinner last night, it was lovely. I can’t remember if I managed to say that or not but I don’t want to be rude.> I made myself a cup of coffee while waiting for Taron to reply.

<Good morning, love! How are you feeling?> he responded.

<Surprisingly pretty well for how much of that expensive wine I drank last night> I wrote cheekily.

<Would you require sustenance in the way of food? Because I’m completely lusting after those Tongue and Brisket salmon bagels and I could bring some over if you’d like.> Of course Taron would use the term “lust” instead of “crave” and of course my brain would go to thoughts it shouldn’t be thinking, on a Sunday morning no less.

<Yes of course, that’d be lovely> I texted back quickly, trying to calm my whore brain down.

<Should I order something for Clara too?> he asked, being considerate of my daughter.

<She’ll still be at her grandmum’s until afternoon> I wrote back.

<Ahh> was Taron’s simple response. Did I detect a note of disappointment there? I wondered.

<I suppose I could arrange to have her brought home earlier… If you’d like?>

<That’d be brilliant. I’ll be over in an hour or so> he responded. Clara must have made quite an impression on Taron if he wanted to spend more time with her. I texted my mum and made arrangements for her to bring Clara back over early and then quickly got myself ready, slipping into a simple dress and leggings and making sure the house was as clean as it was going to get in an hour. Troy let me know when Taron had arrived before the doorbell rang, prancing excitedly in front of the door, the entire bottom half of him wagging excitedly.

“Out of the way, boy,” I laughed, having to use my leg to try and scoot him back enough so I could get the door open.

“Hi!” I said, answering the door and trying to keep Troy from excitedly attacking Taron with all his doggy love at the same time, so I must have looked slightly flustered. Taron managed to take all of this in stride, of course, and I greeted him warmly once he managed to squeeze inside. I ended up putting Troy outside in the backyard so he wouldn’t be slobbering over our bagels, earning myself a look of betrayal until I tossed him a treat.

I rejoined Taron on the couch, and he had already pulled out our bagels and set them out carefully on the coffee table. “These look amazing,” I smiled and Taron grinned at me.

“Oh, they are amazing,” he grinned, handing me one with the wrapper carefully pulled back. I’d had many good bagels in my life, but the ones he had chosen blew me away. The bagels themselves had the perfect chewy but still moist texture, and the sweetness of the cream cheese balanced the smokiness of the salmon. For a long moment all you could hear were the sounds of our chewing because those bagels were that good.

“I think this bagel may have just changed my life,” I joked around a bite, making Taron chuckle.

“You sure it’s not the company?” he asked with a wink, making my heart stutter slightly in my chest. I tried to recover by taking a massive bite of the bagel so I wouldn’t have to immediately respond, but then I nearly choked and Taron ended up having to thump my back while I coughed, my face red and my eyes tearing up.

“Hey, easy there,” he said, making sure I was okay.

“Hi, have you met me? I’m always awkward,” I said once I could manage to talk again.

“Yeah, I kind of got that,” he teased me lightly. “And yet somehow you’re a brilliant dancer.”

“The world works in mysterious ways, T,” I laughed at that. We chatted a bit longer before my mum arrived with Clara. My mum seemed surprised that Taron was there, raising her eyebrows at me and giving me an “oh?” Clara had gravitated right to Taron, and I saw him giving her a high five, her laughter bouncing off the walls of the house and making me grin.

“Be right back,” I said, grabbing Clara’s bag from my mum and nodding toward the bedrooms so she followed me. “Before you judge anything, no, he didn’t stay the night,” I said in a rush as soon as we were out of ear shot. “He offered to bring bagels this morning and I figured, why not?”

“Dinner last night and breakfast in the morning, dear?” my mum asked, with that tone of voice that meant she thought a lot more than she was saying.

“He’s exceptionally thoughtful and has deep pockets?” I tried as I unpacked Clara’s bag, feeling myself blushing despite myself.

“Oh that boy fancies you so much. He just plays by the old rules of courtship, which is a fat lot better then these young kids who roll up thinking cat-calling a young lady from their car is going to do them any favors,” my mum huffed, and I couldn’t help but laugh at that.

“Seriously, mum?” I giggled. “They don’t really do that either. They buy you a drink and expect to get laid and there you have it.”

“Your pappi was a gentleman, through and through. Rather swept me off my feet back in the day,” she said with a far-off smile.

“Why did Pappi leave then?” I asked softly, gently setting one of Clara’s stuffed plushies on her bed and smoothing out the comforter.

“He had his own demons to reckon with, dear. It had nothing to do with how much he loved you or me.”

“I just don’t think I have any of this figured out, mum,” I sighed softly. “I’m more confused now than I ever was. Taron is amazing and every kind thing I could say about him but I don’t feel like I deserve this kindness at all. I feel like we’re from very different worlds.”

“Oh honey, don’t you ever close that door on yourself,” my mum said, crossing the room over to me and placing her hand on my cheek. “You are every bit deserving to be loved and cared for and if that means belonging in Taron’s world, then don’t you dare count yourself out of it. He clearly wants to be here for a reason. And you might even have more in common than you’re aware of right now.”

“Yeah, okay,” I said, giving her a small smile. “I just don’t want to bring him into a world that is messy and imperfect as much as mine is.”

“The world is messy and imperfect, dear. No one can avoid that. But maybe he sees who you are beyond that.”

“I just don’t know,” I said after taking a deep breath.

My mum just smiled knowingly and headed for the door. “Listen to your mum, she knows a thing or two,” she said before returning to the living room again, leaving me to my thoughts. I quickly finished unpacking Clara’s bag before going to let Troy back inside. He excitedly bounded his way to the living room, adding his happy energy to the scene in my living room, Clara squealing and hugging Troy as Taron seemed captivated by them both.

“I will get out of your hair but, it was nice seeing you again, Mr. Egerton,” my mum said, the absolute picture of poise and grace.

“Taron, please,” he smiled, offering to shake her hand but she just gave him a hug instead, which he cutely returned.

“Have a fantastic day, loves,” she smiled before seeing herself out the door.

“Mummy, can we go to the park now?” Clara said in her eternally enthusiastic way. “I want to throw the ball for Troy!” she said, and Troy perked his ears up at the recognized word.

“That’s a fantastic idea,” Taron grinned, looking to me, his face alight. I couldn’t say no to that, so soon enough we were out the door and heading for the park, Clara insisting on taking Troy’s leash and walking ahead of us as Taron and I enjoyed the nice weather of the day.

We let Troy off his leash as soon as we got to the park and took turns throwing his ball for him, which he thoroughly enjoyed retrieving and dropping at our feet.

“I wish I could throw as far as you and mummy!” Clara sighed dramatically to Taron.

“Well, you just need a little practice is all!” Taron grinned, picking up the ball and showing Clara how to step forward and follow through with her arm so the ball would gain some air. She improved a bit, Troy ever faithful in retrieving it no matter how far it did or didn’t travel, but eventually Taron scooped Clara up onto his shoulders and grinned. “Now try it!” he chuckled, and Clara squealed happily at being so high up.

“Watch, mum!” she said, tossing the ball and watching it soar before bouncing a fair bit away.

“Hey you did it!” Taron grinned at me, the whole interaction sending feelings through me that I was still having trouble trying to place. The way Taron was with Clara was just absolutely so sweet, and it really had me swooning. Eventually Troy gave up the game, landing in a fluffy pile and panting heavily, and Taron gently set Clara back on the ground.

“Tag, you’re it!” she said, patting him on the arm and then squealing and running away.

“Well I have to give chase now,” Taron grinned at me before running after her, easily catching up to her and wrapping his arms around her, their laughter traveling to me. I pulled out my phone and snapped that photo too, the joy so evident on Clara’s face it made my heart ache. I only ever wanted my child to know this kind of happiness, and I’d realized long ago I couldn’t provide that joy to her alone.

We wrapped up our time in the park and made the tired walk home, Clara still chatting our ears off about whatever it is that came to her 7-year-old mind. It was so easy to feel like a family at that moment, but I knew that was also dangerous. If Taron didn’t feel the same about any of this, I was setting myself up for a lot of heartbreak, and even more so, I had to protect Clara’s feelings as well.

We made it back to the house and Taron decided it was probably time for him to go so he didn’t wear out his welcome (as if he ever could), so Clara gave him a sweet hug and told him how much fun she’d had, and Taron of course agreed. I let her and Troy into the house to go play before turning to Taron.

“Thank you for today, it was really great,” I said as I faced him, now suddenly level with him as I was on the raised stoop.

“You know, I couldn’t have imagined a better way to spend a lazy Sunday,” he smiled at me, making my heart flutter yet again. “So, see you at rehearsal tomorrow?” he grinned that megawatt grin of his at me.

“Yes you will. It won’t be too long before screen tests and filming,” I said, my voice betraying the nerves I felt over that. It was one thing to rehearse in a studio room; it was another to realize I was actually going to be on film soon.

“It will be great, you’ll see. You’ll be with me and Rich, nothing to worry about,” he grinned.

“Yeah, nothing to worry about at all,” I said sarcastically before he took my hands in his.

“You’ll be as brilliant on screen as you are breathtaking in real life, I’m sure of it.”

“Oh Taron,” I said softly, having to stare at the ground until he gently tilted my chin up to gaze in his eyes. They were so light today, nearly peridot in color and sparkling in the sun.

“You’ll see what I see some day,” he smiled, leaning in and kissing me gently. I didn’t realize until that moment that I’d been waiting for him to do that all day. I could feel him smile against my lips, and then I kissed him back, my arms wrapping around his neck and not caring if my nosy neighbor next door, Mrs. Burnham, was watching through her blinds.

We kissed like that until we were both out of breath and giggling. “You take my damn breath away, Juliette,” he whispered sweetly, his breath tickling my skin.

“I’m sure it’s quite the other way around, Taron,” I whispered back.

“Then we’ll just stay breathless together, eh?” he grinned.

“I guess so,” I hedged, not sure I was totally understanding what he was implying.

“I want to keep having these moments with you,” he added, such softness in his gaze that it made something open up in my chest, a place where I had once been loved and yearned to be again.

“I do too, of course I do, but I have to figure some other things out first,” I said uncertainly, as Taron took a small step back from me.

“Like Markus?” he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you still seeing him?”

“I…Tomorrow, after rehearsal. But that’s not your business really,” I replied.

“You’re right, it’s not, but please let me know when you’re done playing this game with him. He can never give you what I could,” Taron said, and I swore I could feel the jealousy under his words as tiny pinpricks in my skin.

“Um Taron, that’s not-” I said but he started walking away from me, cutting off my words.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Juliette. Good day,” he said over his shoulder, as if I was just another acquaintance and not the person I’d spent my entire morning and day laughing with. I stood on the stoop feeling confused as he got in his car and drove off, but he at least waved and I raised my hand too, completely unsure about my own feelings or his for that matter.

I closed my eyes for a moment and tried to steady myself before returning inside, intending to have a good rest of the Sunday with my daughter. And we did have a good day, playing video games and Barbies and unicorns and god knows what else she came up with. She wanted me to help her paint a picture of Elton, so I did my best to help draw an outline of Elton at the piano, though the face came out wonky but she loved it and we hung it up on the fridge when she was done painting. Her love of Elton always made me feel happy inside, like I’d done something right in parenting her at least. The evening flew by and soon I was tucking my daughter in bed and crashing myself, having mixed feelings about rehearsals the next day, especially because I’d agreed to have another date with Markus that evening.

The night passed and soon enough I found myself getting Clara off to school and myself across the city to Paramount, where we’d be setting our choreography on the actual massive set piece they’d built, which was a bunch of steps leading up to what looked like a record. Working the stair steps was its own sort of challenge, but eventually we felt as comfortable dancing on the platform as we had been in the studio. Taron was cordial to me but I felt the coldness behind his demeanor and it hurt me slightly. I knew he was probably just trying to protect himself but I craved the sort of warmth he had brought into my life. But I still felt like I owed Markus one last chance before I “made my choice,” if that was even real. I think it was already clear to everyone but myself who I gravitated toward the most.

When rehearsals were over, Taron brushed past me, saying in a low voice “I should say enjoy your date tonight but I really hope you don’t.”

“Taron, please. This jealousy doesn’t look good on you,” I said.

“How else am I supposed to feel?” he asked, his dark green gaze searing straight into my soul until Richard came by, putting his hands on Taron’s shoulders and laughing about something. I think he realized he’d just interrupted a moment, but Taron just shrugged and smiled at me. “I’ve got to go, later,” he said before excusing himself and leaving with Richard. I felt my a pang in my chest but had to shrug it off.

I made it home in time to shower and slip into a pair of skinny jeans and a blouse and flats, checking in with my mum to make sure Clara was getting her homework done while on the tube back across town again to meet up with Markus. We’d agreed on a low-key pizzeria this time, just wanting a nice sit-down restaurant to try and get to know each other better.

And it actually was a good time, despite my misgivings about how our first date had gone. Markus even apologized for what had happened, saying he should have taken more responsibility and had been incredibly drunk himself.

“I hope you don’t think that I’m just this kind of asshole,” he said gently, his fingers pressed against my knee and his steel grey eyes soft in the table’s candlelight. “We got off to the wrong start and I want to make it right again. I’m not some ‘bro’ trying to get laid. I think you’re gorgeous and smart and incredibly talented and I was swept off my feet when I saw you dance,” he said.

I’d heard those words before but somehow coming from Markus it didn’t quite hit me in the heart the way it had coming from Taron, and I sighed at that.

“Thank you, that’s very kind,” I replied, staring at my hands folded primly in front of me on the tabletop. Markus was kind and lovely so why did he not stir my heart? He was the sort of person I could relate to - the kind of person who I deserved to be with. To think I deserved Taron at all was humor at its highest mark.

“What are you thinking?” Markus asked me, reaching over and wrapping his hands around mine. The gesture was meant to be sweet but I had to fight my initial reaction to jerk away.

“You’re a really sweet guy, Markus,” I smiled at him lightly, obviously unable to tell him I was actually thinking about Taron.

“We have a lot in common, don’t we?” he grinned beatifically at me. I suddenly had the urge to run my fingers through his brunette curls, to see if they were as soft and fluffy as Taron’s hair. My god, I chastised myself, what is my problem?

“We do, but there’s something else you should know,” I said softly, taking a deep breath before delivering the news about my daughter. I waited for Markus’ reaction, scared and anxious that he’d hate that idea and then it would make my choice so much simpler.

“Well, I’d love to meet her some day,” he replied sweetly, and then ended up spending the next half-hour asking me questions about Clara and wanting to see photos of her. I very nearly accidentally showed him the picture of Clara and Taron in the park, and the picture made my heart skip an extra beat when I saw the pure joy on their sweet faces. “What’s that?” he asked, obviously having seen my expression and trying to maneuver himself to look at my screen.

“Uh, nothing,” I said, but he’d already caught a peek at the picture. 

“I could do better, if you’d give me the same chance you gave him,” he said, practically spitting out that last word.

“Do you even want to have a family, Markus?” I asked, a bit exasperated. “Nothing about our conversations has made me believe you’d suddenly want that responsibility. Clara mostly stays with me, you know. This wouldn’t be a part-time position and I have to do what’s best for her.”

“So you’ve already decided then?” he asked, grimacing slightly.

“I never said that,” I sighed, running my hands through my hair, which had dried into its natural soft waves.

“I know you don’t feel the same way about me, but he’s not the one in front of you right now. I am. So give me that chance to try and be that for you, because I think this could be really, really great,” he pleaded with me, making me once again feel guilty for the thoughts I’d been having. Had it really been that obvious? I wondered.

“Markus, I …” I started, not really sure what to say.

“Just don’t shut me out, okay? Let’s go on more dates. Hell, go out on dates with whats-his-face too. I’m not even jealous. All I can be is here for you. And may the best man win anyway, right?” he asked, making me sigh heavily. A battle of the boys was not even remotely what I had signed up for.

“It’s Taron. His name is Taron,” I said a bit weakly.

We wrapped up our meal soon after, mostly because I needed to go retrieve my daughter from my mum’s but also because the conversation had suddenly dried up. He kissed me on the cheek and wished me a good eve and I had far too much time to think as I rode the tube alone across the city. What the hell had I just gotten myself into? 

I was so relieved to find myself distracted with my daughter for the rest of the evening, trying to leave thoughts of Taron and Markus both out of my mind. I was crap at matters of the heart and I knew that; I hadn’t grown up seeing a loving relationship between my parents so knowing what to choose now just made me feel anxious and overwhelmed. Markus was sweet and kind and understood me, but I didn’t exactly have deep feelings for him. Taron, on the other hand, took my breath away but was so beyond me it hurt to acknowledge. What would he even be able to make out of my chaotic life? He didn’t need me bringing him down, that was for certain. But oh, how he could make me feel, and I hadn’t even slept with him.

These thoughts lingered in my mind through the entire night and well into my classes the next day. I at least could forget my troubles in 45-minute intervals, fully focused on my students as I led them through chasses and adagios.

I had a fun surprise for my 5-year-old class, gathering them around me to read a ballet storybook I’d found at the Waterstones a few days before. They were all so cute, their little eager faces turned to me as I read to them, and it reminded me how much I truly did love teaching. I dismissed my class, accepting their hugs and calls of “Thank you Miss Juliette!” before spying Taron haunting the doorway, remembering that we’d practiced here before so of course he knew where I worked. One little girl cutely stopped in front of him, and I couldn’t hear what either was saying but she giggled and her mum smiled appreciatively at Taron.

He walked in the studio, holding a small bouquet of flowers and handing them over to me. “What are you doing here?” I asked, accepting the flowers and honestly a bit surprised to see him.

“I just needed to apologize for being a basic asshole to you yesterday, and the day before that. You were right, I was acting jealous and had no right to be, and I hope you can accept that I’m completely sorry for my behaviour,” he said, biting his lip slightly. “I knew we wouldn’t see each other again for a few days, and I didn’t want this to wait so…”

“Thank you, of course I accept that apology but you didn’t really need to,” I said softly.

“I just want you to know that I want you to be happy, whoever that ends up being with. And if it’s not me, I can accept that. I’m your friend first, and I want you to know that I’m here for you and that’s not contingent on a relationship.” He fidgeted with his jacket sleeves slightly, obviously nervous about what he was saying and I felt the urge to just give him a hug.

“Taron, I … I do like you, a lot,” I said softly, about to tell him how much I didn’t belong in his world when he just kept talking through me.

“And the thing is, I mean, if Markus is your guy, then I’ll step away from this and respect that. Or… or if you can’t make up your mind, then I guess I’d be okay with you seeing both of us until you could decide, you know, who made you happier,” he said, stumbling slightly over his words and staring at the ground the whole time.

“Seriously?” I said, mostly in absolute shock but I think Taron misread it as eagerness.

“Is that palatable?” he asked, finally looking up at me. “Because I really don’t want to lose a chance with you,” he said softly, his face looking as though he was about to crumble.

“Taron, you’re not going to lose me,” I said, instantly going over to him and cupping his face with my hands. “We work together, remember?” I teased, earning a small smile out of that. “I’m trying to be as fair as I can and I never expected myself to be in this situation.”

“Right, I get it,” he said quietly, the vulnerability clear on his face. “Or at least, I’m trying to understand it.”

“I just find it hard to believe that you’d choose someone like me to want to be with. There have to be other girls, better women who are more in your world, you know?” I finally admitted.

“Better than you?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Juliette, there is no one better than you in my world. This is where I want you to be and where you deserve to be.”

I couldn’t speak for all the emotions his words drew to the forefront. Doubt, disbelief, shock, love, vulnerability, yearning and passion, maybe even a little bit of fear coursed through me as he wrapped his arms around my back and pulled me in to him, kissing me without holding anything back this time. If I thought that man could make me feel before, that was nothing compared to getting lost with him now.

“Gross, get a room,” Madison joked, having barged in the studio thinking it was just me there. Taron and I broke apart instantly, and I couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed.

“Uh, Mads, this is Taron. Taron, my best friend Madison,” I said, trying to recover by introducing them.

“Oh, I know who Taron is,” she smirked, offering her hand to him but getting a cute hug instead. Oh my god, she mouthed to me over his shoulder. We chatted briefly but I had an incoming class and Taron knew he couldn’t really take up much more of my time, but he gave me another, much sweeter kiss and cupped my chin with his fingers. 

“We’ll talk about this later, yeah? Call me,” he smiled, giving me the now-familiar phone gesture, and I nodded.

“You’ve got it,” I said, watching him go as he cutely waved at the both of us.

“Oh. My. God!” Madison squealed at me as soon as the door had swung shut behind Taron. “So are you together now?” she nearly screeched.

“I...uhm… I think so? It’s complicated, but I think I definitely need to let Markus down now,” I said, my lips still tingling from kissing Taron.

“Yeah, I’d say,” Madison snorted. “You were practically melting into him. You can’t tell me Markus sweeps you off your feet like that.”

“Or kisses like that, definitely not,” I mused slightly.

“Are you even going to survive sex with Taron?” she asked, making me blush a deep red.

“Holy shit, Mads, you can’t go around saying things like that to me!” I said as she cackled, giving me a wicked grin as my next class of students started filing in.

“Oh, I can, and I did. Have fun with your class!” she giggled, leaving me to it as I desperately tried to recover my composure. 

I tried with some difficulty to keep my mind from wandering to what Taron might look like naked as I led my class through warmups and floor exercises. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit I had maybe fantasized about it before. If he hadn’t walked away Saturday night, if he hadn’t been the gentleman he was, I wouldn’t still be wondering this at all. But I knew the answer was no, absolutely not; I definitely wasn’t going to survive sleeping with Taron if just kissing him made me feel this undone.

Will Juliette be able to break things off with Markus? And will her relationship with Taron continue to grow? Find out in Chapter 6 HERE.

[krismusings]

The beginning. | Ro & Landon

Discord thread featuring: Roman, and @davieslandon

Where: London, Roman and Landon’s shared flat.

When: Nearly a decade ago.

Description: Roman gets his first directing job, and runs home to tell his boyfriend.

Trigger Warnings: too much cuteness.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

“LANDON!!! LA—“ Roman started yelling as soon as he entered the door of their tiny flat to slam right into his boyfriend, who clearly Ro had not been expecting to be so close to the entrance. What was he even doing?? He’d like to think the young male was just waiting by the door for Ro to get home like a longing dog, but maybe that was a little too romcom. “Christ, sorry.” He quickly apologized, and reached to straighten out Landon’s clothes like a fussing mother. They were so young, only eighteen, but it felt like they already knew what they were doing in life. It was easy to think they’d figured it all out at eighteen, out in their own, trying to make it in the big world! “I got it. They’re letting me direct the fall production at the local theater downtown. Youngest person to ever direct a play in the history of the company.” Ro mused with the back of his hand pressed to his forehead, as if he were about to passout like an overwhelmed southern belle. “Better get used to the spotlight baby, because you are now dating a celebrity.” Roman reached to act out a hair flip while brushing past the smaller to slink over to the couch.

LANDON

Landon lost count of how many times he turned to look at the clock hung by the kitchen window. Roman should have been ready by now but he was yet to receive a phone call or text. Shit. What if this meant he didn’t get it? His boyfriend was going to be crushed and Landon wasn’t sure what the right thing to say was in that situation. The tension was killing him so he got up and walked to the door, pacing up and down in front of it. He jumped a foot in the air when the door burst open and Roman walked in, yelling his name. They ended up bumping into each other and Landon almost lost his footing if it wasn’t for his boyfriend’s hands keeping him upright. Roman’s words finally registered in his brain and he threw his arms around the other boy, pretty much screaming in his ear. “Ro! I’m so proud of you! I knew you could do it, I just knew it.” He was rambling at this point but he couldn’t find it in himself to care; he was so proud. “I’ll make sure to get my outfit ready for your first red carpet”, he said, following his boyfriend and sitting down next to him. “You better not forget about your unpopular boyfriend when you make it to the top though.”

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

They were both being overly dramatic, which seemed highly appropriate right now. Truly though, Roman had never been more excited about something in his life, and he really wanted to prove himself here. He could do this, he could fly above expectations!!! It really fucking helped that he had someone so supportive at his back though as well. Landon had been that one consistent in his life for almost as long as he could remember. He was that first light in the middle of a tunnel of darkness, and Roman was thankful. “Whatever, you’re essential to the formula.” He smirked, and threw an arm around the smaller’s shoulders. “Seriously - I couldn’t have done this without you. How many hours have you put in to listening to all my theater rubbish?”

LANDON

Landon had always known his boyfriend was destined to do great things. It was hard not to notice when he was watching him practice at every hour of the day. It was so rewarding to know other people were finally seeing what Landon had known all along. He couldn’t keep his smile at bay at being told he was essential and he cuddled closer to his boyfriend. “Too many to count. It was nothing special though, you know I don’t really get any of it so all I was doing was listening. This is all on you; on all the days of practice and of constantly trying so hard.”

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman just shook his head while Landon spoke, because he knew the boy was going to be humble, and give all the credit to Ro. Roman knew better though, he knew that Landon had spent countless hours listening, and doing his best to help and support Ro in any way he could without making him feel like he was wasting his time. If he hadn’t had that behind him, he didn’t foresee himself ever getting to this place. “Listen, I jus’ - I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad I have you.” Roman reached to grab his boyfriend’s hand, weaving their fingers together before pulling Landon’s hand to his lips. “I love you.”

LANDON

Hearing his boyfriend say he loves him was never going to get old, no matter how many times it happened. It felt so good to be with someone knowing you love them unconditionally and they feel the same way. They didn't have any of the drama and complications so many of their other friends had and Landon was proud of it. It's not like everything was perfect all of the time, they were only human after all. They argued just like any other couple but he was confident in the knowledge they could work everything out. At just eighteen, Landon lost count of how many times he was told they were too young and what they had wouldn't last but he never believed them. What was so wrong about falling in love at a young age? "I love you too. And I'm so happy I could be here to support through this. You know there's nowhere else I'd rather be."

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman scrunched his nose at the smaller, feelin’ the cheese with his sweet words, but fuck if he didn’t love it. Ro leaned in to place a quick peck on Landon’s scruffy jaw, and then one to the corner of his mouth with a shit eating grin. He was being a kissie monster, yes, I said kissie monster, which was only distracting for a split second before he realized he was starving. “You know what we should do?” He asked while jumping up off the couch despite having just sat down on it. “We should go out and have dinner, to celebrate!” He expressed with hands gesturing in the air, his eyes on his Chelsea boots that he’d kicked off at the door. “My parents wired me some money from Italy, why not spend a little on ourselves?”

LANDON

Landon bit his lip, a little unsure. The idea of going out for the dinner to celebrate was nice, especially since it wasn't something they got to do very often. Not to mention that Roman deserved it after his great success today. He just wasn't sure if they should be using the money sent to Roman by his parents to get food from an expensive restaurant when they could save some money by going somewhere cheaper. Maybe it was time he stopped worrying so much and kicking his pride over money to the side. After all, his boyfriend deserved this and more. "Sure, going out for dinner sounds like a great idea. Let me just change real quick and we can go, I look like a mess", he said, giving Roman a little peck on the lips before he made his way to their bedroom.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Ro knew how Landon worried, especially about their expenses, and at times Roman found himself right there with the other. The thing though was, they’d never really been able to do much celebrating, not in the traditional meaning anyway. Ro’s usual go to was baking Landon a box cake with the intentions of cutting, and shaping it into something ridiculous like they enjoyed on food network. For Roman, it had always been about getting creative, and finding his own way to make a moment special, but maybe tonight he wanted something a little different. He wanted to sit across the table from his gorgeous boyfriend, wine and dine him a bit, show him off. There wasn’t anything wrong with that, was there? When they were finally seated, Roman felt the need to reach for the table cloth, feeling of the edges like the nosy little shit he was, even after the waitress had come to get their drink order. “Not used to eating at restaraunts with table coverings that aren’t meant to draw on.” Ro cracked a joke with a slight laugh, and then picked up a menu, which was what he should have been focused on from the start. “Please, relax and get whatever you want.” Roman advised while reaching across to grab Landon’s hand, able to sense that he might be freaking out a bit at the prices. “Mum and dad sent us plenty. They snagged a large bonus from the excavation site, and wanted us to spend some on us. So, no pressure, yeah?”

LANDON

Even though it was true that Landon was internally panicking after looking over the prices in the menu, he couldn't stop himself from smiling at the other's words. He knew him so well that he didn't even have to say anything before he was trying to reassure him. He let out breath he didn't even know he was holding and nodded. Landon wasn't about to ruin his boyfriend's night by giving in to his panic and, if it was true Roman's parents sent him so much, then there was nothing wrong with enjoying himself, right? He made a mental note to still be a little careful over what he ordered but he nodded and smiled at the other boy. "You know this is our first proper fancy date? You shouldn't spoil me like this, I might just start getting used to it", he teased with a little laugh. "Don't forget to thank your parents for me, by the way. I appreciate that they thought of us."

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Landon was so adorable, and angelic, like a little piece of heaven in an overly expensive chair. You could practically see the halo around his little perfect head. Sometimes Roman thought Landon was too good for him, that he’d finally see through to his deep seeded flaws, and issues of the past that he chose not to talk about. Ro’s adoptive parents were amazing - I mean, who could say their parents were historical researches out digging around in the lost city of Pompeii? They were kind, and thoughtful, and had tried their best to give Roman a new life, and what he needed from the moment they took him over. But, there were still the years he’d endured with his birth mother, the woman who didn’t quite put Ro as high on her list. He saw things a child never should, and he’d be lying if he said it didn’t mess with him sometimes. “I did know this is our first proper fancy date, and if you must know, I plan on spoiling your flawless arse until we’re old and soggy. There! I said it!” He held up his hands, and then sat back in his chair. He knew what he would be ordering, and was now looking around for their waitress who should be able to read his mind with these prices. “I’ll tell them, they’ll be glad to hear it I’m sure. They like you more than me anyway.” He joked.

LANDON

"Now that you've said that I am most definitely going to hold you to it so there's no going back." The thought of growing old together scared Landon sometimes. He didn't doubt that they loved each other and would do their utmost to stay together but sometimes his doubts were too loud to ignore. It was clear that Roman's career was just getting started and Landon was taking a gap year before he tried to apply to a few universities, even ones outside of the UK. What was going to happen if he got accepted and had to move all the way to America? He couldn't ask his boyfriend to move with him at the risk of affecting his chances at getting more important jobs. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of these thoughts. This wasn't the time to be panicking over the future of their relationship. Today was all about celebrating Roman's success and getting to enjoy a nice dinner together. "Oh please, your parents adore you. They only like me because I keep them updated on everything you're doing when you're too busy becoming famous to let them know what you're doing." Landon looked at the menu one last time to confirm what he was going to order. Worries about the price aside, he was excited to get to taste their fancy food. Usually, his idea of eating out consisted of getting a burger from McDonald's or something so this was something very new for him.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman gave his boyfriend a cheeky grin when he called him on his word, feeling ridiculously giddy enough to make his knee bounce below the table. This was so out of their element, and different from anything they could have pictured doing together, but they deserved it. That was that. Ro gave the boy a playful eye roll when he spoke about his parents, knowing they did like the way Landon kept them updated. Roman was just a busy guy, he didn’t text his parents like he should. But in a way, he’d still kind of always felt a slight disconnect there, knowing they were good people who were kind enough to give him a good life, but they weren’t his parents really. “I wanna try the duck, but I’m scared.” Ro admitted while leaning back in his seat dramatically with one leg over the other. “What if i hate it, and cause a scene?” Of course they both knew Roman was worried because it would be money down the drain, but he decided to go with a ridiculous reason instead.

LANDON

Landon could totally imagine his boyfriend acting dramatic if he ordered the dick and didn’t like it but he knew that wasn’t what he was really worried about. “I think I’ll play it safe with some pasta. So if you get the duck and you don’t like it we can always switch?” he offered. At least that way they wouldn’t be wasting anything. This might not be something they did everyday, but now that they were here Landon was determined to make it worth it. He wanted it to be special, after all they were celebrating Roman. So if his boyfriend wanted to order duck, that’s what he would have. “If both of us hate it we’ll share the pasta and get the duck as take away. I’m sure we’ll find someone who likes it.”

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman had to smile when his boyfriend tried to weigh out the pros of ordering duck, and how the could deal with it if he didn’t like it. Landon was always so good with that, taking issues, and turning them around into working solutions. It’s what made them such a good combo, they balanced eachother out, and fit like puzzle pieces. Aww. “Okay, you’ve convinced me.” Roman pointed at the smaller, and then proceeded to order the duck along with Landon’s pasta. “Okay. So. I know that tonight is to celebrate the directing thing, but it’s also officially thirteen years since we met. Did you know that?” Of course he didn’t know that, only Roman would be particular enough to remember a date like that. However, to be fair, it was the day after he’d been adopted officially. He’d always remember that.

LANDON

With everything going on lately, the date completely slipped Landon’s mind. His only focus was on Roman’s upcoming audition and helping him out as much as he could. The reminder of the special occasion made Landon bite his lip, feeling bad that he didn’t remember on his own. “Oh shit, that’s today? Now I get why you wanted to come to a nice restaurant so much.” Roman brought him to a nice dinner to celebrate their first meeting anniversary and Landon didn’t even get him anything because he forgot; he definitely wasn’t going to win any perfect boyfriend awards any time soon. “Thirteen years is a really long time. I cannot believe you’ve tolerated my ass for all this time,” he joked. “Can you believe we were only five years old when we first met? School would have sucked without you there.”

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

“Thirteen years is a long time. Most of our lives.” Ro nodded, letting out a small snicker at Landon said he couldn’t believe he’d tolerated him so long. “I could say the same to you, maybe even more so.” He said honestly, his fingers spinning his wine glass around by the stem of the glass. “You were there for me during the hardest, most confusing time of my life. You made me feel like a kid again, which sounds dumb, but I was a five year old boy who’d seen things no adult should even see. You brought me so much joy.” Ro was getting corny, but he couldn’t help himself. It was a romantic night, and you can’t spell romantic without Roman, right??? “I got you something. It’s - jus’ a promise.” He muttered while digging in his pocket for the small box, pushing it towards his boyfriend. “It reminded me of your eyes, and I want you to think about me when you see it.”

LANDON

Thirteen years. Wow. Hearing it out loud finally drove home the fact that they'd known each other for most of their life. Roman was his first ever friend at school and it was both a amazing and surprising that there friendship was still going strong. Stronger than ever actually, considering they upgraded to even more than friends. The others in their little friend group were always jealous of what they had together and now Landon was starting to understand why. What were the chances of finding your soulmate at five years old and be lucky enough to fall in love and be together thirteen years later? Landon wasn't really sure where his boyfriend was going with his little speech. It kind of sounded like- but no, surely Roman wasn't thinking of proposing. When the other said he got him something Landon fought not to let his jaw drop to the ground. Shit. So many thoughts were running through his head in those few short seconds. They were eighteen, everyone would say they were crazy if they got married now. But, they loved each other so it couldn't be that crazy. He was shaken out of his thoughts when he realized Roman was still talking and saying something about a promise. Oh. He picked up the box the other boy pushed towards him and opened it up. It was beautiful. Taking it out of the box, he was quick to put it on and tried to hold back his tears when he realized the inside was blue, just like his eyes. "This is stunning Ro, I don't even know what to say. God, I didn't even get you anything." The beauty of the ring was enough to distract him from his surprising disappointment over it not being a proposal.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman watched his boyfriend closely when he opened the box, Adam’s Apple bobbing from nerves, worrying that this was a bit much. It wasn’t a hugely expensive ring, but he’d thought of Landon when he saw it, so he had to have it. He shook his head immediately when the smaller said he didn’t get Ro anything, because that definitely was not why he’d made this purchase. “No, I mean, it’s not like it’s our actual anniversary. I don’t want anythin’, I jus’ want you. That’s the point.” He smirked, and chewed on his lip the second their waitress decided to bring their food. Odd timing, but at least it was quick. “So. You do like it, really?” Roman pressed further, just wanting to make sure.

LANDON

The more he looked at the ring, the more he fell in love. It was simply beautiful and he was definitely going to be wearing it with pride. Landon wasn't expecting their food to be placed in front of them while he was still in shock over the gift he received. As if he was going to be able to eat after such a surprise. He looked up directly into his boyfriend's eye, wanting him to see just how much he meant it. "I love it Ro, this is the best gift you could have ever given me. Thank you so much, I love you." Even with the food right in front of them, Landon got up from his seat and pulled Roman in for a quick kiss. It wasn't anything too heavy, considering they were still in a restaurant after all, but he needed to do something to show him just how much he appreciated it.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Roman watched his boyfriend with an adoring smile while he just stared at the ring, taking it in, and seeming to love it as much as he hoped it would. Roman was actually shocked when Landon got up to round the table, and give him a kiss, but he returned it with vigor, his cheeks slightly blushed when it was done. He was over the moon at this point, even happier than he had felt to get his new directing opportunity. In fact, he’d forgotten about that for a moment, and that was a big ass deal. “Good - I’m glad you love it. And, I’m glad you love me. Thank you for always loving me.” Roman said, cheesy as Wisconsin cheddar covered heartattack. What?? “You’re the most important thing to me. I jus’ don’t want you to forget.” He muttered before slicing up the meat on his plate, and taking a bite without even looking at what he was eating. “I forgot I got duck, and was expecting something else, and was very taken off guard.” He snorted at himself, and then chewed the rest of what he’d chipmunked in his cheek. “S’not bad though. How’s yours?”

LANDON

Landon got back to his seat and dug in to his pasta, although his eyes kept drifting down to his new ring. He was never going to get used to having a promise ring on his finger, and one given to him by Roman. He couldn't wait to get home and call his mum to let her know. She was going to be even more excited than him, judging by how much she loved his boyfriend. His sisters would also be over the moon and insist he recount the whole story to them, although maybe he should leave out the part where he thought he was being proposed. That would just embarrass him in front of his siblings and they had more than enough stories to make fun of him with. They didn't need one more. Landon burst out laughing at Roman's reaction over the duck. Of course he forgot all about their agreement in case he didn't like it. "I'm glad you like it. Mine's amazing. Switch?" It was a thing they did when eating out by ordering different dishes so they could try out something different.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Ro loved Landon’s laugh, so of course he smiled wide when the boy responded to his over dramatic reaction, easily pushing his plate towards the smaller when he asked to switch. They did this pretty much anywhere they ate out, used to sharing more than maybe other couples did. Kinda came with being a bestmates/boyfriends combo. “Mmmm this is good.” Ro groaned as soon as he tried a bite of Landon’s pasta, and then grabbed his wine to take down a few hearty gulps. “Are you happy, babe?” He felt the need to ask, not because he wasn’t sure, but because he just...really wanted to hear it outloud right now.

LANDON

Some of their friends from their usual group sometimes made fun of them for the way they behaved. They said there was no need to share everything and, while Landon was sure that was the case for other couples, it was different different when you happen to be dating your best friend. You don’t just stop doing things you did as friends just because you’re in a relationship. Besides, anyone who didn’t agree with their sharing system was stupid. They got to taste two dishes at the same time. Landon called that really smart thinking. He looked up at Roman’s question and smiled. “I don’t think I could be any happier right now.”

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡

Landon's response, although he'd practically expected it, made Roman's face break out into possibly the widest grin he'd ever managed in his short eighteen years of life. All he'd ever really wanted, even above directing his first play, was to make this boy happy - from day one. They were just kids when they met, and had developed an instant bond that never wavered, not once. Where Roman went, so did Landon, so naturally Ro only assumed that this would be the way things worked from here on out. "Good. Me, too." He nodded, cheeks now sore from his intense smiling, even reaching to rub his cheeks, and stretch his jaw. "Making me smile so bloody much, I'm sure to pull summat in m'face." Roman eyed his boyfriend, and then reached for his hand. "As long as I've got you, I don't need anythin' else."

[intelsafaust-blog]

»  CHARACTER  INTERVIEW !   /   repost. don’t reblog. TAGGED BY: @litfcse TAGGING: @brainwrangler , @cdenamehades , @nigellecter , @tracybcnd & anyone else 

NAME:   “ ILSA FAUST ” // name changed legally years ago all records of any previous identity, name or names wiped. NICKNAMES:  been called angel , Lise , kid and Ilsa is listed as a nickname for Elizabeth but what AGE:  forty two  (  42  ) SPECIES:    is she reeally human though?  

PERSONAL ! MORALITY:     lawful   /   chaotic  /   good  /  neutral  /   evil   /   true RELIGION:   Atheist? Remembers going to church maybe twice during her childhood.   SINS:  greed   /   gluttony   /   sloth  /   lust   / pride  /  envy  /   wrath VIRTUES:    chastity   /   charity  /   diligence /   humility  /  kindness   /   patience   /  justice KNOWN LANGUAGES:   English , French , Portuguese , Japanese , Russian , and German to name a few. SECRETS: has faked her death to her family , changed her name and destroyed all public documentation of any previous paper footprint to her old identity , unable to have children after undergoing tubal ligation years back , widower , was Lane’s ‘keeper/right hand’ carried out his orders and killed innocents for him and his Syndicate --- dreams about the horrific years she spent deep undercover in that organization and has developed mental blocks as a result. On a positive note loves cats , feeds two strays affectionately nicknamed ‘Bastien and Deja Blue outside her townhouse in London and leaves the neighbors with instructions when she’s not physically there. Tea , wool socks and a good book are the way to her heart .

PHYSICAL ! BUILD:    scrawny   /   slender   /   fit  /   athletic  /   curvy   /   herculean   /  pudgy  /  average HEIGHT :  5′5″ SCARS   /   BIRTHMARKS:  has collected a few scars over the years , one at her calf , another on the underside of an arm and one just at the underside of her left breast/ribcage courtesy of her fight with Vinter a la MI Rogue nation.  ABILITIES   /   POWERS:   weapons training particularly that of sniper proficiency --- she can put one together in her sleep and break it down as quick as can be and ghost. She has very accurate aim but prefers hand to hand combat as she’ll only kill if she must and it’s less bloodier to kill that way. She’s comfortable with dangerous physical contact and has learnt through various fighting styles to develop her own version of mixed martial arts combining dance like capoeira , krav maga and other forms to suit her opponent. She’s fast and agile , fierce and unrelenting and can run full tilt with even the big boys. Do not be on this lady’s bad side yo.

FAVOURITES ! FOOD:   thai spicy yessness . Anything stirfry . Berry garden salads , she grows her own vegetables and herbs in a miniature garden she cares for so anything fresh and green and healthy and good . Not so much of a sweet tooth but she does like dark chocolate and caramel . Blueberry or strawberry anything she will eat it . A proper british breakfast , high in protein to ready her for her morning run.    DRINK: Coffee or tea . But when she has time her steeped looseleaf teas ohmygod this girl loves teas . Sink into a chair , hold the cup beneath her nose , close her eyes and relax . Prefers red wine to white . Will drink beer ; Guinness , Stella , belgian/german lagers . Protein shakes and pre-workout .  PIZZA TOPPING:   Vegetarian or plain cheese upon preference . She’ll eat the meat if the boys order it but I think she tries to keep them somewhat healthy? xD COLOUR:   yellow , green , blue , silver , magenta . MUSIC GENRE:    classical/operatic , old time rock and roll , anything that’s catchy .  BOOK GENRE:  non fiction mostly , playwrights , if she does divulge in fiction it’s a romance. She’s a Jane Austen girl at heart though . I won’t say she’s memorized every line of pride and prejudice but maybe she has. MOVIE GENRE:  film noir , Casablanca is actually her favorite film and the heroine Ilsa gave her the inspiration for what to change her name to and what kind of a person she wanted to be. Again, documentaries and drama’s are a big yes point of interest. CURSE WORD:   damn , twat , shit , sod off and bloody hell if she’s really pissed off cause that’s when her accent sneaks through a lot too along with those British roots. If she’s past the point of no return angry fuck . SCENTS:    peonies , newspaper , mint , fresh laundry , campfire , cucumber & coco shea , Ethan , crisp snow .

FUN STUFF ! BOTTOM OR TOP:  a Lord have mercy and give me strength kind of top . She’ll wreck you for anyone else, just sayin’. You’ve been warned . SINGS IN THE SHOWER:    more like humming? Like she has a pretty, natural voice but I can’t see her being confident enough in it to belt it out even when she’s alone she quietly sings to herself. LIKES PUNS:  in a roll your eyes and tries not to judge you’re adorkable kind of way. Basically she’d never admit to liking them. 

[sarahsadventuresineurope-blog]

4/8/2017

ugh so much to write!!

okay first: spring break! amsterdam, vienna, and barcelona.

so me and david flew to amsterdam on thursday right after class. we had an earlier flight than rae and jessy. our flight actually ended up getting a little bit delayed though. so we got to amsterdam and took a bus to our air bnb. so many tesla taxis! that was weird to see. we got there around sunset so it was so pretty to walk around :) our air bnb was in a really cool spot. got there and settled in. got into a fight with jake because he was upset i didnt message him right when i landed. it was weird but whatever haha. david and i went to a burger place right next to our place before the other girls arrived. the burgers were decent, but pretty pricey. jessy and rae arrived so we got settled then went to find a coffee shop! we found one called katsu that was pretty close so we went there and went inside and got some weed hahha it was so crazy. rolled some splifs and then smoked outside the shop. after, we walked around and went to a couple bars! the first one we went to had a soccer game on so it was exciting to be in that atmostphere. then we went to a couple other bars after. at one, david went to get drinks and came back with vodka shots haha we died. after we went to mcdonalds lol it was on the way back to our place. then we smoked a little and then passed out. the next morning we had a slow start bc of staying out the night before. we finally left the place around 11 and headed to get brunch. we decided to walk instead of using public transit because it wasnt too far. we went to metropolitan and it was SO FUCKING GOOD. i got an avocado eggs benedict and it made me so happy ahah. also we all got mimosas. we finished our brunch then walked around to find a place to buy shrooms. we ended up at the magic mushroom or something like that and they all bought shrooms. after we went to a nearby coffeeshop and smoked more. met up with dedrick there! that was crazy to see and meet up with dedrick in amsterdam. after that we walked because we wanted to find this popular park, and there we separated ways. we couldnt find the park so we were kind of just wandering for a while and we found a canal tour so we bought that. i bought a space cake for me to eat while they were tripping on shrooms. we took the shrooms and edibles then went on the tour. that was pretty cool. it hit them while on the tour haha. after we just wandered around for hours hahh. went to a park, found a cool art gallery and then ended at a thrift shop. all were super cool. after we headed back to our place to relax. then we went to dinner right under our air bnb and i was soooo high i ate everything haha. after that we went back to the place and relaxed before we made the trip to the red light district. that was pretty crazy to see and experience. we walked around it for awhile then went into a bar and had a drink. it was pouring rain so we took a taxi home. then just smoked more and hung out. a very chill time in amsterdam but it was super cool. then we just flew back to berlin!

we got back to berlin and had a day before we flew to vienna. so on sunday we went to maurpark and explored. the weather was super shitty though so we didnt spend much time. then i just went home and packed for the week!

our flight to vienna was around 11 so jessy and i headed to the airport in the morning. everything went smoothly, and we arrived in vienna in the late afternoon. we took a train to david’s cousins place, then walked there with the directions he gave us. we dropped off our stuff and explored vienna! we walked through this really pretty park, then found our way to this beautiful cathedral. then we got schnitzel because we were starving. after, we walked more through places i dont know the names of haha. one cool building was where hitler gave a really famous speech. after, we went to the 25 hours rooftop bar for a drink. we went right around sunset so it was beautiful. we spent some time there just having a drink and talking. after that we headed back to his cousins. got there and met sebastian! he was so nice hahha david had talked him up so much too. we just hung out with him and that was fun. drank some beers and got to know each other. then me david and jessy went to david friend’s place, timmy. we went over there expecting to go out but we just stayed at his friends place and drank beers and smoked haha but it was chill meeting autrian kids our age. i felt bad for making them speak english but they were all super nice. at one point a couple of them snorted molly so that was crazy haha. but yeah! then we left and got doner, which was so fucking shitty hahah and then we got back to sebastians and slept. the next day we went to the train station to go to david’s aunts place in the countryside. took the train there and his aunt picked us up. got back to their place, had some tea, then we all went out on a bike ride. the bike ride was amazing! we were out for a couple hours, just riding around to different spots throughout the village. then we got back to his aunt’s place and they took us out to dinner in a nearby town! i had a really really great glass of red wine, and this chicken dish with spinach spatzle (?) its kinda like dduk but like tiny balls haha then we went back home and just hung out and drank beers and talked. jessy and david smoked but i just went to sleep. the next morning we woke up pretty late lol but we had bread cheese meat and coffee for breakfast. david’s uncle drove us to david’s cousins city, just the next town over. we went to the school where his wife and kids were. then we met them and went on a walk through the city. first we got super yummy ice cream, then walked to a park, then to this palace thing, and then finally to their house. we played with the kids for a few hours and then the mom cooked us dinner and we ate with their family and their sister and her bf. that was really nice. then played with the kids more, then the sister and her bf drove us to the train station to go back to vienna. this was the night me and jessy had booked a hostel, but we ended up just staying another night with sebastian haha. so yeah we went to sebastians and brought him a bottle of wine as a thank you. so we drank wine, more beer, and talked and hung out before going out to the club. we even got to drink their grandfather’s schnapps! ugh forever will remember “auf opa” and how i almost cried. got pretty drunk that night haha. finally left at like 12 to meet timmy at this club. right when we got there we just went in to pee then we left to go somewhere else. got to the second club and it was pretty cool but real ratchet haha. the guys were extra creepy. bought some weed off of a guy trying to hit on jessy lol and rolled some splifs and smoked and drank more. was there until like 3-4am lol then finally took a taxi home. went to bed, pretty sure i heard jessy and david fucking lol it was nasty. anyways, woke up the next day and got ready for our flight. jessy and i were super super hungover, it was terrible. but got our flight okay and we were on our way to barcelona!

arrived in barcalona and took a bus to our air bnb. got there and got settled in and met kash. dropped our stuff off and got food nearby. gothic quarter is super super cool and pretty hehe. went to this yummy pasta place, 7.50 for a beer, pasta, and bread. just talked and hung out then just went back home and slept. next morning jessy woke up and threw up :( she felt better so we went to brunch nearby, it was pretty good. then she threw up at the restaurant so we just headed back to the air bnb after brunch. we both took naps but then i got up and wanted to do a little exploring but it was raining so that was shitty. met up with jazmin for coffee! that was nice to see her hehe. then walked home in the pouring rain haha. got back and jessy was feeling a lot better so we went out to eat ramen. she threw up while at ramen LOL so we just went back home after and slept more. this was when kash’s dog came and peed on our bed UGH WORST THING EVER. we moved to the room next door lol. the next day we had booked tickets for the sagrada familia and park guell so we started the day with brunch at a different place. jessy felt a lot better this day and didnt throw up! had brunch, then took the subway to the sagrada familia. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. i found the inside much more amazing than i expected. spent a solid hour there. then we walked to park guell! on our way we stopped for gelato haha. it was such a beautiful day, which was a nice change from the night before of thunder and lightning. the park was on a hill so basically it was a hike haha. got to the park, then entered with our tickets. took a bunch of pics and walked around for like an hour. then we left and took a bus to a main shopping center and shopped a little. found a sephora so jessy was able to buy her concealer! then we headed to the tapas dinner we booked. it was so good!!! pretty pricey but it was fine for a nice meal in barcelona. then we went back to the air bnb and hung out and relaxed. then we decided to go to a bar that was recommended to both of us and we were told it was pretty american, we walked there. got there and got a g&t and just hung out and watched the soccer game on the tv. it was kinda lame bc no dance floor, but they played good american pop music so that was nice haha. didnt stay there too long. left, went to burger kind, ate some food, then went back to the air bnb. went to sleep, woke up, and headed to the airport to fly back to berlin.

oh i forgot to say we never met up with our friends in vienna and it caused drama it was dumb lol

anyways, that was my spring break! sucks that jessy got sick but it wasnt the worst thing ever. the next two weeks were very anticlimactic haha um last week i got sick so that sucked. we went to stammi last week and kevin was still here so that was fun to go out with him. one weird thing was on the way back from stammi on the u bahn a strange man randomly spit on thomas when he said a sentence in english. that was weird. the next night was super fun tho, i went to troyboi with diane marie gus jonathan and madeline! it was so so so fun! we were trying to find e the whole night but couldnt find any hahahah so we just drank. he was suck a sick dj to see live. and we were right in the front! one thing i didn’t appreciate was the mosh pitting lol. me and jc headed back to the apartments after his set bc it was already 3 but the rest stayed out haha. i dont remember anything interesting from this past week... tuesday i went to kimchi princess with alex then we studied after. it was nice to have korean food haha. had a presentation on wednesday that went okay. thursday me and chan and grant stayed in a watched lemonade which was fun haha. friday i had class all day which was annoying but then came back, ate, and then went out with everyone. chan wanted to go to an event at afroclub so we all went but we ended up at watergate because amelia sucks at navigating and none of us wanted to pay $15 to get in lol so we left and walked to suicide circus, then chan made zach trip on accident as we walked in so the bouncer was like you guys are too drunk when we def werent lol. so after that quinn jessy and amelia just went home bc jessy was pretty drunk. but me chan zach and grant tried to go to afroclub. we found it, especially since there were posters literally everywhere ugh. so we go in and get drinks and what not. it was pretty cool but very ratchet lol. chan ended up losing her phone :( so that sucked. me and chan took a taxi home but grant and zach stayed out with other girls in the program. woke up this morning (sat) thinking i was gonna die lol. grant came over and we just talked for a few hours and at random snacks lol. then i watched some netflix, showered, and we went out to get ramen for dinner. just me and grant went. grant wanted to buy new shoes so we did a lil shopping after, and then just came home. its saturday and i think all of us are just staying in tonight haha. okay well thats all!! bye bye