#fun fact ​i thought people were exaggerating about getting sweaty palms

[dragon-spaghetti]

Who let me have a job that requires phonecalls

[abundanceofnots]

Prompt! After seeing that ball gag in the basketball hoop in their room, I’m hilariously imagining Franny wandering downstairs with it during breakfast or something and everyone freaks out about it, or something similar lol

Forewarning: As you could’ve guessed, this one is pretty dirty. In fact, I’ll probably never recover from writing some of these words. You’ll know which ones I mean. Damn it, Shameless, why are these things canon?!

---

They were talking again. Loud, like they didn’t give two shits who could hear them, even though the house was full of people.

Lately, it’d become almost nonstop, and Debbie had just about enough of it – and them.

“Take it, you insatiable slut!” 

“Yes, fuckin’ impale me with your monster cock!”

As she stood behind the closed accordion door, which frankly did nothing to silence all the bizarre exclamations and assorted sex noises, she scrunched her face in disgust. Thankfully, her ears only felt like they were bleeding, and the real damage was happening just to her inner calm.

This time, Ian and Mickey were going at it at half past seven on a Sunday, throwing around words that would make even the creators of bad pornos cringe. 

They’d been on her shitlist ever since she found several dried come stains on her lilac bath robe, and really, her frustration with them only grew stronger from there. It was one thing that they apparently made sex into a full-time hobby; sounding like absolute perverts throughout their daily (and nightly) numerous rounds was another. 

Debbie could take it no more. She was long past the point of finding it funny. There were now very specific, lewd details about her older brother forever embedded in her mind – and she fondly looked back at the days when Ian was still behind bars and dearly missed.

Checking that her palm was covering Franny’s eyes, she squeezed her own eyes tightly before getting a blind hold on the accordion door. She yanked it open, immediately causing the verbal vomit to stop.

“The actual fuck, Debbie!” 

She heard scrambling and annoyed groans and, eventually, to what sounded like a fight over the comforter, the bed creaked as someone got off it. She took that as her cue and secured her hold on Franny, who started to dig her little fingers into Debbie’s palm.

“I’ve had it with you two assholes!” she raged, using her free hand to gesticulate wildly. “I was fine with the exaggerated moans and the fact that seeing your ugly naked asses around on a daily basis was now a given, but if I have to hear the words uber-masculine slut and dom top daddy one more time, I’m gonna make sure you won’t be able to stick your dicks anywhere. For a long time.” 

She paused, becoming faintly aware that someone was hurriedly trying to get dressed somewhere to her left.

“Now, I’m gonna go back to bed,” she continued, much calmer, satisfied that her case was being heard without protests, “and you’re gonna watch Franny because you both owe me. Big time.”

The room was silent, the atmosphere tense. Debbie let out a frustrated huff. 

“Just tell me when,” she prompted, too scared to open her eyes. 

For a second, it seemed like Ian and Mickey argued without saying a thing out loud. Then, settling on whatever, Ian cleared his throat. 

“Yeah.”

Debbie immediately regretted not leaving without sparing them another glance. Because while Ian was at least dressed, standing in front of her in his boxers and a T-shirt that was both too tight and inside-out, Mickey sat on the bed only with the comforter bunched in his lap. 

They were both sweaty and out of breath, and Debbie felt herself flush when she noticed the visible handprints on Mickey’s neck. 

Still, she recovered fast, piercing them both alternately with a hard stare. “Can’t believe I even have to say this, but no fucking in front of my kid!” she warned, pointing her finger at them.

---

The slam of Debbie’s bedroom door successfully burst the strange bubble they got themselves caught up in. Their eyes instantly snapped to each other. 

“I call shower,” Ian announced plainly.

“Fuck you, I call shower first,” Mickey countered. “I was about to bust a nut anyway.”

“What’s bustanut?”

It was the first thing they heard Franny say, and, yeah, Debbie was definitely going to break both of their dicks after this, wasn’t she?

“Well, Franny,” Ian started as he leaned down to her, maneuvering her a little so that she wouldn’t catch a glimpse of Mickey’s naked form as he untangled himself from the comforter, “that’s a thing adults say when they have to brush their teeth. And your Uncle Mickey has a really stinky breath this morning.”

“Like you’re one to talk, bitch.” 

Ian looked up to Mickey poking his tongue in his cheek, his loosely curled fist moving in front of his face in a rather obvious motion. He shot him a glare, but Mickey just pulled his boxers up and left the room, chuckling.

The good news was that Franny seemed content with that. Shrugging her shoulders, she hopped on their rumpled bed and started jumping on it. Ian decided it was better than having to crack the ol’ concept of male ejaculation to her on an early Sunday morning and went about his routine as usual. 

It didn’t take long until something else caught Franny’s attention and she started making low frustrated noises.

Putting on his deodorant, Ian watched in the mirror as she struggled with the cap of their lube. 

“Is this a special sauce?” she asked, all bright-eyed and curious.

Ian snickered. Franny knew all about special sauces ever since Liam started experimenting with making his own in the kitchen a few weeks ago. 

“Yeah, I guess it kinda is a special sauce, in a way,” he replied amusedly. “Uncle Mickey says he doesn’t like it, but he’s a filthy liar.” 

“Smells like strawberries.”

“Yeah, it does.” He turned, grinning at her. “Nice, huh?” 

She held the tube out for him. “Can I try?”

Instead of opening it for her like she probably expected, Ian took it from her and shoved it in the closest drawer.  

“Maybe in a few years.” 

Franny sighed dramatically, and Ian observed in real-time as he started losing his fun uncle points with her. But it didn’t matter how pouty she got; he couldn’t actually let her play with their lube. Mickey was right – that shit was expensive.

It only took about a minute this time before she got bored again. Kicking the bed involuntarily with her feet hanging over its edge, she scanned the messy room. Finally, her eyes fell on a black leathery thing laid on top of the laundry basket by the bed. 

“What’s that?”

Ian pursed his lips as he thought of the best answer, but before he could give her any, he got interrupted.

“It’s a ball gag,” Mickey supplied as he strode into the room with only a towel around his hips. His hair was wet, and the unashamedly self-satisfied smirk on his face had Ian roll his eyes.

“What’s a ball gag?”

“It’s—”

“A toy!” Ian said, a little panicky. “A toy that Uncle Ian and Uncle Mickey like to play with. Especially Uncle Mickey.”

Pausing on his way to their closet, Mickey smacked Ian’s ass. Waggling his eyebrows, he then leaned in to lightly peck his cheek.

“You betcha.” 

Franny’s eyes widened with excitement. “Can I play, too?” 

She got her hands on the contraption at the same time as Ian, who at first tried to scare her off with a stern look. Failing that, he started pulling on the strap, giving out a somewhat tentative laugh.

“Really not a good idea.”

“I wanna play, too! Please!”

“Franny—”

With an ear-splitting screech, she slipped the ball gag from Ian’s grasp and set off running out of the room.

“Crap,” Ian muttered, slapping hard at Mickey’s arm when he had the nerve to chuckle. “Dumbass, your dick’s on the line here, too, you know?”

In the kitchen, he found Franny making rounds around the table; the sex toy held over her head victoriously like a golden trophy. Thankfully, the only person sitting there was Lip, who seemed genuinely entertained by the sudden spectacle.

“Uncle Lip, Uncle Lip, do you wanna play with my ball gag?” Franny asked mid-run.

“Uh, maybe later?” Still smiling, Lip shot his brother a look, pointedly raising a brow.

“Franny?” Ian tried playing nice with a sing-song voice. When the kid slipped past him over and over again, he decided to change his tactics. “Franny! Gimme that!”

“No!” she yelled stubbornly as she took off toward the living room. Unluckily for her, that’s where Mickey, having come down the other set of stairs, caught her. 

As he walked back with her, he held her under his arm so that her tiny legs kicked the air behind his back as she tried to wiggle free. “Sorry, kid, but Uncle Mickey doesn’t share his toys,” he told her as he settled her down in the kitchen. 

Lip sniggered into his mug. 

“So, breakfast?” Mickey suggested after he passed the ball gag to Ian. “I’m fuckin’ starving.”

While Ian hid the sex toy upstairs, Mickey made Pop-Tarts. And Franny, being the good girl she was, sat there through all that and quietly sulked. 

Then, after nibbling on her breakfast for some time, she stood up resolutely.

“I’m gonna go bustanut,” she stated loudly, nearly prompting Lip to choke on his coffee.

He watched as Mickey cackled, and shook his head.

“Debbie’s gonna kill you both, you know?”

Mickey just smirked. “Can’t wait to see her try.”

[queen-scribbles]

Meet the Family

Mass Effect Relationships Week Day 3: Missed Opportunities

The second I saw this one, I knew I had to fill it with the what-if of Gabe not being KIA pre-trilogy so Lisa actually gets to a) keep her surrogate brother and b) introduce him to Kaidan. This is immediately post-ME1, and for people unfamiliar with Lisa, she didn’t sleep with Kaidan before Ilos, even though she really, really likes him, so they’re still figuring out Them as a Couple(?). Fun time to meet the family :D

------

Lisa paced back and forth along a small section of the cafe’s outdoor seating, never far from their table, and picked at the edge of the bandage around her left arm.

“Shepard, if you peel that off, it’s gonna scar,” Kaidan reminded her for the fifth time in two days, barely looking up from the menu.

“Scars are badass,” she countered with a smirk. “And I-”

But the rest of her comeback was aborted when she spotted an approaching figure and hopped the patio railing with a whoop to charge toward him.

Fortunately Gabe saw her coming, so her enthusiastic tackle-hug didn’t send them tumbling into Citadel foot traffic. He laughed as he hugged her back, hard enough some of her bruises complained(she ignored them). “Hey Lise! Long time no see.”

Lisa’s only reply was a happy grunt, muffled against the side of his neck as she held tight. It had been pure chance after the battle she’d noticed one of the Alliance ships that went against Sovereign was his, and she was still relieved she hadn’t lost him without even knowing he was there.

When they finally let go, Gabe caught her injured wrist in a loose grip and shot her a significant look. “What have you been doing with yourself, Lisa?”

Lisa snorted and gestured at the damaged Citadel around them. “Playing the hero, of course.”

He shook his head with a wry laugh. “Of course. You never could help yourself.”

She snorted and lightly poked the scars that cut through his eyebrow and across the bridge of his nose. “You’re one to fucking talk, Palléon.”

“Language, Lisa Anne,” Gabe chided with exaggerated affront. He slung an arm around her shoulders. “C’mon, didn’t you have crew you wanted me to meet...?”

“Oh, yeah. That,” Lisa drawled, shifting his arm so it wasn’t resting on the glass cuts peppering the back of her neck. “Turns out only Alenko could make it, so he’ll have to do for now.”

She left off he was the one she most wanted Gabe to meet, but from the look she got, he at least suspected. “Mm-hm.”

“Behave, Gabriel.” She wasn’t sure if it was a warning or a request, but it set mischief dancing in his dark grey eyes either way.

“Yes, ma’am, Commander Shepard, ma’am,” he teased.

Lisa rolled her eyes and tugged him toward the cafe entrance. “Y’know, for bein’ like my big brother, you sure can be a little shit sometimes.”

“That’s my job,” Gabe said cheerfully. 

She lightly bopped the back of his head. “Please, Gabe.” This is important to me.

Something in her tone made him sober and he nodded as they stepped on to the cafe patio, letting his arm drop from around her shoulders. “Sure, Lise.”

“Thanks.” She was grinning as they closed distance to the table she and Kaidan had staked out. Kaidan pushed to his feet just as they got there and Lisa took half a step back to  not be in the way as she made introductions. “Staff Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko, Major Gabriel Palléon.” (Why were her palms sweaty?) “Gabe, this is Kaidan.”

Gabe held out a hand to shake. “Good to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, sir,” Kaidan said, smile warm but posture military-stiff as he shook Gabe’s hand and Lisa bit back a giggle. Bless him for wanting to make a good impression. (It was cute. When did she start thinking things were cute?!)  “L-Shepard’s talked about you quite a bit.”

“Likewise,” Gabe laughed. “But we can save the formality for on-duty, huh? Gabe’s fine.”

Kaidan chuckled as the three of them sat. “Fair enough. Though since Shepard and I serve together, I’ll probably stick to it with her.”

There was also the--probably vain--hope a semblance of formality would help mask whatever was between them until they sorted it out themselves. Which would hopefully be soon. She’d promised they could figure it out later, and she’d never made a promise she wanted to keep more. But for now, better to focus on the fact Kaidan was getting to meet the closest thing to family she had left in the galaxy. She wanted (needed) them to hit it off.

“So I hear you’ve been largely responsible for keeping Lisa alive the past several months,” Gabe said, taking the menu she nudged him with a nod of thanks. “She hasn’t been able to mention all the details, but that one’s come up a few times.”

“Oh, she’s plenty good at keeping herself alive,” Kaidan demurred with a small smile. “I just tag along to watch her back. In case she needs me.”

Lisa snorted and shook her head. “He’s bein’ modest,” she informed Gabe as she nudge Kaidan’s shoulder. “If it wasn’t all classified to hell and back, I could spend at least an hour filling you in on all the ways he’s saved my neck. And he brews the best damn pot of coffee--sorry, Gabe--I’ve ever had in my life, which has saved everyone from me on more than one occasion.”

“Better than mine?” Gabe asked in a faux-injured tone, but she could see the corners of his mouth twitching and almost kicked him under the table.

The only reason she didn’t was the server showing up to take their orders.

After they’d finished and the server headed off, Gabe sighed dramatically. “At least I know she’s in good hands.”

Kaidan chuckled, rubbed the back of his neck. “I do my best.”

“So, Gabe,” Lisa interjected, “one thing I’m dying to know; your unit’s always been out toward the edges of Council space, lots of groundside assignments. What the hell were you doing on a ship so close to the Citadel, anyway?”

Gabe shrugged apologetically and shook his head. “Sorry, Lise. Classified.”

She waved it off. It had only been 50-50 odds he could tell her anyway. “S’alright, I know the drill. What’ve you been up to that you can talk about?”

He pursed his lips in thought. “Supervised a couple clean up ops, but the last few months have been mostly ferreting out a pirate cabal that started getting a little bolder around some of our colonies and outposts than Command’s comfortable with. But I don’t want to waste time talkin’ about work.”

Lisa arched a brow. She had a sneaking suspicion she could guess the...  membership composition of this cabal if he was changing the subject so quickly. But she let him get away with it. “Okay, but work’s almost all we’ve been doing the past few months,” she pointed out, jerking her thumb at Kaidan. “So unless you got a new girlfriend an’ wanna enlighten me, there won’t be much else to talk about...”

“You didn’t have any downtime?” Gabe prodded, shaking his head in silent answer to her half-joking needling. “No time for fun shit on the Normandy?”

“Talking, card games, playin’ with my omnitool...” Lisa shrugged. “The usual in-between missions shit.”

“You and that omnitool,” Gabe teased.

This time she did kick him under the table. “Hey, you’re the one who gave it to me.” She smiled sweetly. “Thanks for picking a model that plays nice with upgrades and tweaks.”

“I created a monster,” he lamented theatrically, and moved his leg when she went to kick him again. “What about you, Kaidan, you do anything different than my favorite tech nerd, or do you have roughly the same idea of fun?”

Kaidan laughed. “Same, I’m afraid. Chatting, playing cards, tweaking omnitool functions.”

The server came back with their  drinks and assurance the food would only be a few more minutes.

“You have a favorite when it comes to cards?” Gabe asked as he took a drink.

Kaidan shrugged and shook his head. “Anything’s fun. I guess if you made me pick, probably poker.”

Gabe’s eyes lit up and he leaned forward, “Tell me you cleaned her out,” he said, leveling a finger at Lisa. “Please.”

Kaidan grinned and held up two fingers. “Twice.”

“Excellent.”

“Hey!” Lisa protested, fighting a grin.

“Your reign of terror needed to end, Lise,” Gabe returned. “You’re just lucky it wasn’t me.”

She snorted. “Like that would ever happen.”

“That’s hurtful,” he grinned.

“Gabe. I love you like a brother, and you’re very good at many things,” Lisa said with a matching grin, “but poker isn’t one of them.”

“I can help you work on that if you want,” Kaidan offered, ignoring the ‘Traitor!’ look Lisa sent him.

“And I might take you up on that,” Gabe said, smirking at her. Clearly he had caught the ‘Traitor!’ look.

“I’m feeling ganged-up on,” Lisa groused, still grinning.

Kaidan took pity on her and changed the subject as the server reappeared with their food. Gabe--still smirking--played along. It came out in the ensuing conversation they rooted for the same hockey team, though Kaidan was decidedly less... intense about it, and it was not Lisa’s team of choice.

There was no overlap in movie genre preference between the three of them, which turned into a spirited, good-natured debate that consumed almost a whole hour before Kaidan steered them to a different topic. Lisa gave his shoulder a grateful nudge for that; it was one thing to get stuck in sibling-loggerheads with Gabe when they were sprawled on the couch just shooting the shit. This was different.

All told, it took them almost four hours of friendly conversation--and frequent teasing--to start winding down. Lisa had a sneaking suspicion if she wasn’t the Savior of the Citadel they would have been asked to leave much earlier. The cafe was very busy, despite the damage surrounding it. She made sure to leave the server a large tip when she paid.

Kaidan and Gabe where shaking hands farewell when she rejoined them, Gabe just finishing a comment she didn’t catch that had Kaidan nodding with a small smile.

“Good to know,” he said, darting a glance at her. “And, again, good to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Gabe said, clapping him on the shoulder before he turned to hug Lisa. “Glad I got to see you, Lise.”

“You, too,” she replied, returning the hug with matching fervor. (He still gave the best hugs) “Hopefully we can get together again before going our separate ways, but for now, Alenko an’ I have a meeting to get to.”

“I’ll make sure to bug ya about that,” Gabe promised with a wink.

“I’m sure you will,” Lisa grinned. “See ya round.”

They headed off in their respective directions, and Lisa barely waited until they were safely out of earshot to ask, “What’s good to know?”

“Huh?” Kaidan shot her a bemused look.

“What Gabe said,” she clarified. “Or is that some guy thing I don’t actually wanna know?”

“Oh.” He smiled sheepishly. “Quoting him: Not to pry, but I think you’ll be good for her.”

Lisa huffed and twisted around as if she could glare at Gabe’s back, but he was already lost to view. “He- part of me wants to smack him for meddling in my love life.”

Kaidan hit the elevator call button, a curious smile just tugging at his lips. “And the rest of you?”

The laugh underlying his words nearly undid her. Lisa winked. “The rest of me agrees with him, so I’ll let it slide for now.” She arched a brow at him. “After all, we gotta figure out my love life b’fore I can get mad at him for meddlin’ in it, huh?”

Kaidan chuckled and let her step into the elevator first when it arrived. “Looking forward to it, Shepard. But lets focus on the meeting for now and us later.”

“Right. Later.” She bit her lip to hold back the flutter in her chest at his tone.

They rode in warm silence, hands so close their knuckles brushed, but neither said a word.

[lygerastia]

1. Introduction (Takamaki Ann)

You're a model that just got the best gig: working with the famous Ann Takamaki! You didn't know what to expect; certainly not love at first sight. And she might be interested in you too.

Warnings: none

Chapters: 1 [completed] 

Words: 1536

READ IT ON AO3

***

You step on the set as confident as you could. Never mind that your nerves were high, your heart beating fast in your chest, palms sweaty. This was your first model job, and you were afraid you’re going to screw things up—despite all the training you went through to get here. It has been a painful and frustrating journey, but finally, you’ve been accepted in the big leagues. Today, you had a photoshoot with a   huge  fan favorite, so the stakes were high. One wrong move and you’ll be the laugh of everyone. You didnțt want to give a wrong impression to your coworker, the famous blonde superstar. You knew  of  her, even followed her on social media (she didn’t follow back). She looked gorgeous in the pictures, some showing delicious skin and others putting her in an innocent light. You could understand why she had a cult worshipping her; she was a natural at modeling.

You usually don’t care what people think, but you care what your partner will feel when she meets you. Which should happen soon if you decided to move out of the way. People were starting to stare at you, standing secluded in front of the exit.

You took a deep breath—

“[name]!” the voice scared the hell out of you, and you were embarrassed that you jumped a little at that. You turned towards the person that called you and then let out a sigh of relief. It was your manager, Tanaka-san, even if she looked rather annoyed. “I told you not to be late!”

“I’m sorry, I—” you steady your nerves; Tanaka-san was your friend, and she  liked  you. It said a lot judging by the fact that she disliked everyone else. But she seems interested in you as a person. She’s not here just for the money. “I wanted to calm down before the big meet.” You put on your best charming smile, which earned a huff from the fussy old lady.

She crossed her arms over her chest, “Alright. Let’s say I forgive you—”

“Thank you, Mi—”

“But—” she stops you with a hand; never use her real name when others are around, “—you have to get it together. We rehearsed this before.” Tanaka-san put her hands on your shoulder, squeezing them motherly. Her gaze softened. If someone saw her, they might say she was possessed. But this was your  real  manager. And you were grateful for having her here. “You can do this.”

You nod, “Yeah. Let’s go.”

She quickly adopts her professional persona again and signals for you to follow her. You walk with her into the set, where people are flocking around  someone.   You assumed it was your beautiful partner. The scene today was a beach:   go figure.   Of course, they wanted to show off your colleague’s body  again —what leeches. Then again, this meant that you had to be exposed too. You wished that your first job would be more professional, but what can you do? Just endure and move on. Something better will surely come sooner or later, especially if you do a good job.

Tanaka-san doesn’t hesitate to push through the crowd, packing elbows left and right. You follow her, muttering apologies with a smile. You finally reach the one you were trying to meet, and for a few precious moments, time seemed to stop.

Because you’ve never seen anything like her before. She was gorgeous in pictures, but she was even more rapturing in real life. Your heart seized, and your breath halted, staring at her beauty. That long and wavy blonde hair, so natural and unusual in Japan. That flawless face with perfect skin, those lips painted with an innocent rose tint, and those eyes… You could get lost in them for an eternity. As bright and blue as the summer ocean. You barely even gave attention to her body, which was a favorite among her fans; but you could see why everyone was going crazy. She was slender and curved in all the right places, her long legs so enticing. She was just  perfect , the proportions just right.

Simply enchanting.

“Close your mouth, you fool,” Tanaka-san chastises you with a whisper, and you wake up from your reverie. This was no good; if you got this distracted by her, you wouldn’t be able to get  anywhere.  You won’t be considered a professional, and that was a big no-no. ‘Focus, [name]!’ you shook your head just as Tanaka-san opened her mouth, “Excuse me!” Everyone turned around to watch her, even the blonde beauty. You tried to hide behind your agent, afraid to say or do something wrong in front of your partner. But Tanaka-san was sharp; she elbowed you hard in the stomach, and you took the cue to come up with a huge smile (and hopefully charming) on your face.

“Hello, everyone,” you say in your most persuasive voice, just like Tanaka taught you. It was always good to be polite and friendly.

“This is [name], here to be your model,” the old woman says, smiling widely. Another agent, a male this time, approached Tanaka and shook her head respectfully. A surge of pride went through you, knowing that your agent was talented and respected in the modeling world.

“Welcome, welcome,” the other agent shook both of your hands, bowing. “It’s so good to meet you. Here,” he invited you over, “let me introduce you to our star.”

This is it.   Despite yourself, you gulp nervously. This was the moment that will change your life. The male agent guides you towards your partner, and,   finally , your eyes meet. A spark went through your body, and you saw on her face that she felt it too. The undeniable attraction was there, and it caused butterflies in your stomach, the old cliche syndrome.

And she—

“This is Takamaki Ann,” her agent introduces her.

Then, just the two of you were left. Neither seemed to make a move; a surprised expression painted on her face. Her pink lips parted as she checked you out, just like you did earlier. You felt your cheeks redden at the attention, but you also wanted to show her the best in you. She was already splendid and you—you were magnificent in your own way, but compared to her, you paled. Ann—her name  oh, so sweet  —was like the sun.

“I—” she finally moves to speak, but it was unbecoming to let her do it first.

You jumped in eagerly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Takamaki-san.” Thoughts ran inside your head about what you should do now. Should you take her hand and shake it or not? The decision was made by the blonde herself, taking the first step in meeting you halfway. She was also unsure whether to shake your hand or not, but the temptation was irresistible. She extended her hand at the same time you did, and your palms met. Hers was warm and smooth, yours cold and sweaty. But, at that moment, it did not matter. You’ve connected, and it was a wonderful experience.

Ann smiles brightly, cheeks tinting pink, “Likewise. It’s nice to meet you, [name].” She let go of your hand, and you felt longing. You did not doubt in your mind that Ann was your soulmate, but it embarrassed you to think that. You felt like you were exaggerating, but this was something you’ve never felt before.

You sigh dreamily, “Looking forward to working with you.”

The blonde model wants to say so much more, her blue eyes sparkling with an unknown sentiment; you felt your heart leaping in joy. “I am sure we’re going to have a lot of fun!” she adds, giggling cutely while twirling a strand of her hair flirtatiously. But before you can go ahead and say something stupid (like ask her out all of a sudden), someone else captures her attention. She turns around, but not before she waves at you, a gesture that  promised  a lot.

After she was gone, you stared after her like a fool; but you knew for sure that you were done. Irreversibly, you were  in love.

**

After so much time, she was your  introduction  to everything. And you were glad that she was there for the ride. Your first secret kiss behind the stage, when the emotions before a big show got too high. Your first time in your new apartment after you moved together. Ann stayed by your side no matter what—and you wouldn’t trade her for anyone else.

“I love you,” she whispers on your lips, and you laugh sweetly. You embrace her tightly, picking her up and twirling her around. Years have passed since you first met—and now, at the peak of your careers, you both felt happy. She giggled happily and, as you put her down, the blonde girl kissed you passionately. You’ve been through a lot, through adventures, but you overcame everything. As you stared into her blue eyes, you knew you made the right decision in asking her out.

It has been a cliche, the idea of soulmates, but it worked out in the end. So you leaned into her, your heart singing:

“Love you too.”

–

[masterlist]

[nicolasnelson]

Benlos fic - Can’t Run From the Fun Tonight

Title: Can’t Run From the Fun Tonight Relationship: Ben/Carlos, side of Mal/Uma Additional Tags: Halloween, Masquerades, Fluff, Carlos's POV Words: 4,015

Carlos is nervous about being Ben's date for the Halloween masquerade party. Thankfully Ben has a pleasant surprise for him.

[AO3 LINK]

Carlos didn’t know whose idea it was for Auradon’s annual Halloween gala to be a masquerade, but he owed them a huge thank you. He never would’ve had the courage to go to the party otherwise. Halloween wasn’t really a thing on the Isle of the Lost. In fact, the villains were offended that the Auradon heroes would dress up like them once a year, a whole night to make fun of the people King Beast had imprisoned.

But in truth, the event wasn’t as bad as they said it was. Sure some people dressed up as villains, but most had fun with their costumes.

“Everything okay?” Jay asked, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror in their dorm room.

“Yeah, I’m pumped.” Carlos gave him a thumbs up.

Jay laughed. “Dude, you’re shaking.”

“Sorry.” Carlos rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants. “Just nervous about going with Ben. I still can’t believe he asked me.”

Jay nudged his shoulder. “Why wouldn’t he? You guys are dating. Besides, you’re a total catch.”

“We’ve only been together a couple months. What if he changes his mind about me? What if he thinks my costume is too much and I’m a total weirdo? Oh, no. I should have gone with the prince costume instead.”

“Hey.” Jay grabbed his shoulders. “It’s gonna be okay, Carlos. Ben likes you for you. You don’t need to dress like a prince to keep his attention. He likes that you’re different.”

Carlos nodded. “You’re right. I just need to relax. It’s going to be a blast, and all our friends will be there. It’ll be nice to hang out with everyone.”

Jay grinned, showing off his sharp veneers. He had four of them, one over each canine tooth. His hair hung in loose waves down his back, mostly brown with a few strands dyed maroon. After he attached his wolf ears to his head, he asked Carlos to help pin his tail on the back of his suit.

A sophisticated werewolf. Carlos wished he had thought of that.

A knock sounded at the door. Carlos jumped, for a moment fearing it was Ben, but he reminded himself they had agreed to meet at the party. Still Carlos was relieved to see Mal and Uma at the doorway, arm in arm.

Jay greeted them with a bow, his wolf tail swishing. ���Evening, ladies.”

Mal scoffed, flicking her sleek green hair over her shoulder. “What are you supposed to be?”

“Sir Wolfington the Third at your service.”

Mal pursed her black painted lips, unimpressed. Her green velvet dress draped over her slim frame, the pointy witch hat and black wedge boots making her appear taller than usual. She towered over Uma, who was dressed as a sea goddess in a shimmering blue jumpsuit and seashell sandals, a gold crown rising from her head like antlers.

“What is taking so long, Jay?” Uma asked, crossing her arms. “Harry and Gil have been asking about you for an hour.”

Jay laughed and ran a hand through his hair, nearly knocking his wolf ears out of place. “Hey, perfection isn’t easy. I’ll be down in two shakes of a tail.” He wagged his fake tail back and forth for emphasis.

Uma rolled her eyes, scowling. “Whatever. We’re heading to the party.” She grabbed Mal’s arm.

“You both look nice,” Carlos said, holding his cloak closed so they couldn’t see his outfit.

“Thanks,” Mal said. “I was tempted to just wear a shirt that said ‘costume,’ but Uma convinced me it would be more fun if I dressed up.”

Uma scoffed. “Convinced? You jumped at the chance as soon as I said you’d make a cute witch.”

Mal laughed, draping an arm around Uma’s shoulders. They headed down the hallway, arguing playfully.

Carlos closed the door and leaned against it, relieved to have peace and quiet again. He just needed a moment to compose himself before he finished getting his costume together.

Jay adjusted the ripped sleeves on his jacket. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“I just need a minute,” Carlos said, twisting his charm bracelet. “Still need to do my eye makeup. You can head over to the party if you want.”

“Nah, it’s cool. Take your time.” Jay leaned against the desk and pulled out his phone, presumably to text Harry and Gil that he was running late.

Carlos focused on breathing in and out slowly. Tonight was going to be great. He wasn’t going to let his anxiety get the best of him. And if he did get overwhelmed, Jay said he would walk him back to their dorm room. Everything would be fine.

He pulled out his makeup kit and worked on applying his eye makeup in front of the mirror. It took a few minutes longer than he thought it would, but he wanted to make sure it was perfect.

“Okay, ready,” he said at last.

Jay hopped to his feet, sliding on his gray silky mask. “Great, it’s gonna be a howler.” With that, he threw back his head and howled like a wolf.

...

Carlos took a deep breath, adjusted his mask, and stepped into the ballroom of Auradon Castle. The Auradon kids weren’t dressed in their usual bland pastels. Tonight everyone went all out with an explosion of vibrant and dark colors.

He recognized several people through their masks. Chad was dressed as a king, to no one’s surprise. Lonnie wore a split costume: half knight, half princess. Doug was dressed as Peter Pan, and his girlfriend Jane was Tinker Bell, her hair tied up in an adorable bun.

From what Carlos had seen last year, Auradon kids tended to dress like an exaggerated version of themselves. Only a few dared to wear the costumes of the dangerous villains Auradon still very much feared.

Jay patted Carlos on the back and headed off to greet his boyfriends. Harry was dressed as a vampire, fake blood dripping from his lips, and Gil was a witch, complete with a lacy black dress, pointy hat, and replica wand. Whoever had done his makeup did a phenomenal job: a vibrant, smoky eye look. His blond curls bounced across his shoulders as he ran to embrace Jay.

Carlos slipped through the crowd before the guys could see him. He was still hoping not to be recognized, at least not until after he found Ben. The plan was to meet him under the balloon archway, but dozens of people were gathered there to chat away from the dance floor.

He texted Ben and stared at his phone for several minutes, but no reply came. Carlos walked over to the drink table, hugging his cloak to his body so no one would step on it. He was relieved to see they had a stack of straws on the table. That would make it a lot easier to drink with his mask on.

The DJ killed the music to introduce a live performance. Mal and Uma walked onto the stage, waving to the crowd. The iconic intro music of “I Put a Spell on You” played across the speakers, and the girls started to sing. Carlos had been offered the chance to perform with them as the third witch, but he’d turned it down because he wanted this night to be about Ben.

Everyone cheered for Mal and Uma. Carlos could hardly believe that just six months ago most of the Auradon kids still sneered at them. So much had changed since they saved Auradon. Carlos and his friends were heroes now. The barrier was still up, but Ben had invited all the VKs from the Isle to attend Auradon Prep, with the option to visit their families on weekends.

Mal started singing “Keep Your Head on Halloween, ” which was ironic since Carlos felt like he was doing the opposite. He took a sip of his punch, soothed by the sugary taste. To distract himself from worried thoughts, he looked at the other costumes around the room. Lots of people were dressed as fairies, royalty, and animals.

A deep chill ran through Carlos as he saw a dalmatian fur coat and frizzy black and white hair. No, she couldn’t be here. His mother was still on the other side of the barrier. Ben had made sure of it.

On closer inspection he discovered it was Audrey’s grandmother wearing a costume. (Still the most frightening person there.) She was chatting with Ben’s parents, who wore their usual regal attire.

Carlos had half a mind to go over there and ask if they’d seen Ben, but he was way too nervous and they’d know who he was the moment he talked.

He checked his phone again. Still no reply. Ben wouldn’t have stood him up, would he? Man, Carlos just wanted to go back to his room and stay there forever. So many people were pressed together dancing and talking far too loud, excited by the live music. Carlos was sweating, and he felt like he could barely breathe.

Uma was singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and several of Carlos’s friends had joined her onstage to play her minions. Jay was one of them unfortunately so Carlos couldn’t ask him to walk back to his room with him. Maybe if he just went outside to get some air. Yeah, that sounded like a good idea.

Carlos weaved his way through the crowd and ran out into the cool night air. The music and sounds from the ballroom faded to a slight hum. Carlos leaned against the castle wall, feeling like he could finally breathe again.

He would go back into the party whenever Ben texted him. He just had to be patient. Ben wouldn’t stand him up. Absolutely not. He’d texted that he was there an hour ago and where to meet him. Carlos was the one who was running late.

He fiddled with the charm bracelet Ben had given him for his birthday. The charms included a dog, his signature crossbones, a beaker, a laptop (that even opened and closed!), and the crown crest of Ben’s family. Carlos treasured the gift since it was clear Ben had put a lot of thought into it.

His phone dinged and Carlos was relieved to see Ben’s name across the screen. His text said to meet him by the staircase. Carlos headed back inside and down the hallway.

...

A lone figure was leaning against the staircase. He had his back to Carlos, so he could only see a long black cloak and slicked back brown hair.

Doubt started to creep into his skin. What if this wasn't Ben at all and he made a total fool of himself by tapping on his shoulder? He wished once again that he had agreed to meet Ben at his dorm room earlier instead of at the party. It would’ve been so much easier.

Carlos walked up to him, nervously clearing his throat. “Hey.”

The stoic figure turned to him, immediately breaking character when he saw him. “Carlos, there you are!”

Carlos’s jaw dropped. Ben had a white mask over the upper portion of his face and a black cloak draped over his elegant suit.

“You watched it?”

Ben laughed. “Yeah, you’ve been telling me the Phantom of the Opera was your favorite musical for months. I actually watched it a couple weeks ago with Chad, but I wanted to surprise you.”

Carlos couldn’t stop smiling. He had surprised him all right. “You look, you look really good.”

“Not as good as you. Your costume is amazing.”

“If we hadn’t agreed to meet here, would you know it was me?” Carlos asked curiously.

Ben tilted his head, considering him. “I don’t think anyone else would recognize you, but I would know you anywhere.”

Carlos felt like he would melt on the spot. “Oh, that’s, uh, that’s great.” He was so glad he was wearing a mask to hide his blush.

“So are you some kind of nature spirit?” Ben asked.

Carlos beamed. He couldn’t believe Ben got it right away. “Yep, I’m the king of the forest. Bow before me.” He gripped the edges of his cloak and held his arms out to show off the inside of the cloak, which he had painted with trees, foliage, and forest critters.

His costume consisted of tight green pants under brown boots, a green formal vest painted with light green swirls over a black collared shirt, and a wooden mask painted to look like tree bark. He wore a long black wig that Evie’s girlfriend had helped him find and a necklace with a gold leaf at its center. The space around his eyes was visible so he had on thick black eyeliner with eyeshadow in gold, green, and silver. Like he was the magical embodiment of a tree.

“You look...breathtaking.”

Carlos felt like his heart would burst. How did Ben always manage to make him feel so amazing?

“You’re not so bad yourself,” Carlos said, twirling the soft curls of his wig.

Ben pulled Carlos close, his lips inches away from his. “Sing to me, my angel of music.”

Carlos shivered, his heart thundering in his chest. “Isn’t it ‘sing, my angel of music’?”

Ben laughed. “I was trying to be romantic.”

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to mess you up.” Carlos wanted so badly to kiss Ben to make up for it, but his wooden mask covered too much of his face.

“Don’t worry about it,” Ben said with a reassuring smile. “I’m sure I’ll have plenty more opportunities tonight.”

“Yeah, definitely.” Carlos was eager for Ben to sweep him off his feet. It wouldn’t take much to make him swoon.

“Now may I have this dance?” Ben held out his hand to him, the perfect gentleman.

“Of course.”

Carlos took his hand, and they made their way to the dance floor. They picked a spot at the back of the ballroom, away from the crowd. The live music had ended and the DJ was playing a nice slow song.

Ben placed his hands on Carlos’s waist, and Carlos wrapped his arms around Ben’s neck. They started off simply swaying back and forth before Ben transitioned the dance into a waltz, leading him with ease. Carlos felt more and more confident with each step.

“You know,” Ben said, “I’m completely in awe of your costume and makeup skills. You really did all of that yourself?”

Carlos ducked his head, pleased. “Yes. Last year I didn’t really do much since it was my first Halloween, so I wanted to go all out this year.”

Ben laughed. “And here I was worrying I would be overdressed.”

“You were worried?” Carlos asked, surprised.

“Of course. I didn’t want you to think I was a fool for dressing up, so I thought if I picked a character from something you liked, you would at least appreciate that.”

“Wow.” Carlos knew Ben was human, of course, but sometimes with him being the king, he forgot that Ben had normal worries too.

“Is that a good ‘wow’ or an I’m a total idiot ‘wow’?” Ben asked, his gaze focused on Carlos. His steps had become less confident and he missed a beat of the dance.

Carlos squeezed his hand. “It’s a really good wow. I love that we both dressed up, but I would’ve been happy even if you didn’t. Just the fact that you showed up means the world to me.”

“I wish I could kiss you right now.” Ben smiled shyly, biting his lip.

He was so adorable that Carlos couldn’t wait a moment longer. He untied his wooden mask and hung it from his belt loop, then wrapped his arms around Ben’s neck and pulled him in for a long kiss, no longer caring that people would recognize him.

Ben’s lips were soft, tasting of his favorite chapstick. Carlos bumped his nose into Ben’s mask, so he angled his face a little better and deepened the kiss. He heard whistling and a wolf howl in the background.

When they finally parted, Carlos saw everyone was cheering for them. Warmth flooded his face, but he didn’t feel the need to put on his mask again. Being with Ben made him feel fantastic, and he was so glad Auradon accepted them. Cruella De Vil never would, but he had a new family here.

They continued dancing, and most people went back to what they were doing. It was a relief not to be the center of attention anymore, though Carlos still caught some people sneaking peeks at them.

Jay gave Carlos a toothy grin. He was wrapped between his boyfriends in a slow dance. Mal and Uma were laughing by the refreshments table, oblivious to everything going on around them.

Evie and Audrey were locking lips in the corner, both dressed as pop stars. Celia and Dizzy were chatting at a table with plates stacked high with candy, clearly excited to be at their first Halloween party.

Everyone just looked so happy tonight, and it made Carlos feel like he was home. He could have never had any of this on the Isle. Sure maybe Mal and Uma would’ve made up and found each other. Jay could’ve reconnected with Harry and Gil. But for Carlos, and Evie too, true love could only be found in Auradon.

...

After the song ended, Carlos and Ben made the rounds, catching up with all their friends. Ben spent a long time talking with his parents while Carlos watched Harry attempt to start a dance battle with Uma.

Jay saved him from an embarrassing defeat by literally sweeping him off his feet and carrying him out of the ballroom. Carlos laughed as Gil ran to catch up with them.

“Smart boy,” Uma said, observing her nails. “I would’ve crushed Harry like a bug under my boot.”

Carlos chuckled. “No doubt. I think Harry added a little something to his punch.” He’d definitely seen him with a silver flask earlier.

She sighed. “I’ll let it slide for tonight since it’s Halloween, but I am definitely giving him a stern talking to tomorrow. I’m not gonna let him become a pirate stereotype.”

“Oh, looks like your boyfriend’s looking for you,” Mal said, nodding towards the dance floor.

Carlos whirled around to see Ben trying to make his way through the crowd. Everyone wanted to get in a few words with their king, it seemed.

“Sorry to cut this short, but I’ve gotta go rescue him.” Carlos gave Mal and Uma quick hugs before rushing into the crowd.

He wrapped his arm around Ben and started spouting a nonsensical story about a chinchilla he saw outside the dorm rooms. He was able to pull Ben out of the crowd. The DJ abruptly changed the song to an Auradon favorite, and the crowd rushed towards the stage to watch Mal and Uma lead the Enchantress Slide dance. Carlos sent them a wave of thanks.

“Can we get out of here?” Ben asked.

“Of course,” Carlos said.

“Fancy coming up to my room for a bit?”

…

Carlos always felt guilty when they had to leave early because he was anxious, but this time they were leaving to take care of Ben. It felt good to have the roles reversed for once, and he was looking forward to cheering his boyfriend up.

Ben plopped down on the couch in his room, setting his mask on the side table. Elbow on the arm rest, he leaned his head in his hand. “I like people, but not when they swarm me like that.”

“Oh to be famous and loved by everyone.” Carlos gave him a playful smile and pulled a glass jar from the shelf. “Hot chocolate?”

“Yeah, sounds great.”

Carlos plugged in the electric kettle and clicked it on. He sat down next to Ben and took his wig off. It was getting hot under that thing.

Ben let Carlos’s head rest on his shoulder and laced his fingers through his. “I love being with you, Carlos. You just get me. I like that I don’t have to explain myself to you all the time.”

Carlos hadn’t thought about that much. It didn’t make sense that the son of a villain would understand a king and yet, he did feel like he understood Ben very well. There had always been an unspoken connection between them, from the moment Ben helped him get over his fear of dogs to the moment Carlos helped remove the thorn in Ben’s paw when Audrey cursed him. They had always been there for each other as friends, and it made a lot of sense for them to be together now, despite their obvious differences.

“I’m lucky that I have such good friends,” Carlos said, “so I can’t say you’re the only person who really gets me. But you’re the only person who makes me feel this way.” He clutched his chest, comforted by the fast thrum of his heartbeat.

The electric kettle clicked, and Carlos rushed over to pour boiled water over the chocolate powder. He mixed them with a spoon and dropped a few mini marshmallows into the mug.

Carlos set Ben's hot chocolate on the side table. "Here you go, Mr. Phantom."

Ben laughed, grabbing Carlos's hand and pulling him onto his lap. "You even remembered the marshmallows. Gosh, you really are the sweetest." He wrapped his arms around him and squeezed tight.

Carlos found himself wishing he would never let go. "Thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun at the party."

"I'm glad." Ben kissed his shoulder. "I was worried it might be too soon to go to a public event together. You know how my people can be."

Carlos snorted, remembering the elaborate signs the Auradon girls made supporting Ben and Mal when they were together. They did seem way too invested in their king's love life. "Only a matter of time before our faces are plastered in a heart on someone's T-shirt."

Ben chuckled. "I wouldn't mind that so much. It's the paparazzi that worries me."

"Yeah, me too," Carlos said, frowning. He had agreed that their relationship should be public because he didn't want to live with the fear of waking up to a magazine article exposing their secret. It was better this way, but Carlos missed the days when he could go anywhere with Ben and no one paid it any special attention. Now eating lunch together in the cafeteria was considered a date by the press.

"Are you okay with it? With me?" Ben asked, his voice soft. "I know I come with a lot of unwanted attention. It was too much for Mal, which I completely understood, I don't blame her at all. But...is it too much for you?"

Carlos squeezed his hand. “Maybe sometimes, but it’s worth it since I get to be with you. My life will always have ups and downs. But being with you makes the bad days bearable and the good days even better.”

“Are you sure? I really like you, Carlos, and I want to be with you, but I don’t want to ruin your life.” He turned his head away, eyes downcast.

Carlos gently guided his chin so Ben was looking into his eyes. “You aren’t ruining my life, Ben. Far from it. You’ve made it so much better.”

Ben’s shoulders went slack. “Good. I’m sorry I’m so tense tonight. Chad and Doug said some things which made me worry.”

“Forget them. I’m here with you right now, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” Carlos leaned in to press his forehead against Ben’s, taking comfort in being so close to him.

Then Ben’s lips found his.

“Your hot chocolate will get cold,” Carlos said, breathless.

“I don’t care.” Ben kissed him again. “You made it to cheer me up, but this is working much better.”

His fingers wound through Carlos’s white curls, pulling him deeper into the kiss. Carlos leaned into his touch, happiness bubbling up inside him. This was where he belonged, right here with Ben by his side.

[flying-nightwing]

Dark Fox (5/7)

Yoooooo I love this chapter, I think it’s my favourite so far. 

Previous - Next 

Pairing: Jason Todd x League!Reader

Word Count: 5836

Warnings: same as previous

Your eyes were closed but you could feel Jason growing restless. 

It was already the middle of the day and you had not gone out once to train. He kept shifting his position, crossing and uncrossing his legs, and opening one eye to see if yours were still shut. He would also occasionally let long sighs of impatience, like a child stuck inside on a sunny summer afternoon. 

It wasn’t that far from the truth, actually.

“Alright” He spoke up, slapping something on his skin. probably a fly. “This is pointless”

You slowly opened your eyes and stared at him. He was sweaty and swatting away bugs around him, and an all too familiar frustration was growing in his eyes. Although you didn’t do this exercise to spite him off especially, you had to admit you did enjoy to rile him up that way. 

“I know that face” He grumbled, and you raised an eyebrow. “You’re enjoying this too much. Is there even a purpose to this?”

“Yes” 

“Then what is it?” He yelled, throwing his hands in the air. “We’ve been sitting here in silence for more than two hours!”

“Should I make it two hours more?” 

“You are evil”

“I’m making you do this because” You began after an over exaggerated eye roll. “This kind of meditation, when done well, allows you to take control of everything in you. When you feel conflicted, angry or need to find strength, you can tap into that power. But you need to find it first”

“Yawn” He pretended to sleep. “When I made the joke about making tea, I had no idea you’d take it literally”

“Don’t act so smug, you could use it” You replied. “And the tea technique as well”

He gasped.

“Now get back in position, palms up resting on your knees” You instructed, and he only crossed his arms against his chest in defiance. “Jason”

“I’m not doing it anymore” He shook his head like a toddler. “It’s as hot as the devil’s asshole and your little bowl of water is turning this hut in a sauna. And how the fuck are you not dying?”

He gestured wildly at your short sleeve base layer and tactical pants, which you thought was already a wild improvement from what you usually did. In fact, winter or summer, you had always worn your full League suit no matter how uncomfortable it could get. You had learned to ignore it a long time ago.

“Because I’ve been dead since 2004” You deadpanned.

It took him some time to react. “Sorry did you just make a joke?”

“No. I’m always serious” You didn’t concede, but you did suppress a smile. “Now focus”

“C’mon” He groaned. “For once let’s do something fun! I’ve earned it, don’t you think?”

You held his stare that had become wide and almost… Pleading? In a puppy-that-wants-treats kind of way. And thinking of it, he did work all for almost a year without really choosing what to do. You guessed you could make an exception for this once.

“What did you have in mind?” You asked tentatively.

“Let’s go swimming” He grinned, and it sparked an idea in your head. 

“Swimming you say?”

--------

“What do you think they’re doing?”

“I don’t know” Dick muttered, glancing at Tim with a bewildered expression. “But I’ve never seen Jay sitting so still for so long before”

“Do you think they can hear us?” Tim asked, eyes still on jason and you. “Pssst, Jason”

“Hey Jason!” Dick called, louder this time. Still no reaction.

“Jaybird!”

“Earth to Todd?”

“What are you idiots doing now?” 

Both men turned around at Damian calling them out.

“Jason and Foxy are sitting face to face on the floor like statues” Tim replied, crossing his arms against his chest. “It’s kind of freaking us out. There are herbs burning or whatever”

“If you call her that to her face she’ll kill you” Damian pointed out, pushing off the wall he was leaning on. 

“I know, she already pushed me out of a window” He sighed as Damian walked past him to look into the room. He noticed the positions, the shallow bowl of water and the sage burning next to it. It clicked in his head it was something his mother had taught him years ago, still the never ending sitting session in silence were hardly forgettable. You? He wasn’t surprised to see you do it from what he had gathered about you so far. Jason, however, he was surprised he would even considering let alone last so long. He was impressed.

“They’re meditating, you morons” He rolled his eyes. “League stuff. Lets you in into your own soul so deep you can tune out the exterior world”

“Sounds freaky” Dick hummed.

“I’m going to test that theory” Tim smirked, taking a few steps in the room.

“And if you do that it’s Jason that’s gonna kill you” Damian shouted as he walked away. 

“Can’t be worse that being thrown out of a window” 

“I swear one of them is actually going to kill you sooner than later” Dick sighed as he followed his brother nevertheless. He figured Tim would stand better chance at living with backup.

Tim tiptoed to Jason, taking good care to stay far away from you and your range. He had no idea if you had a blade hidden somewhere--you probably did--and exactly how fast you would hurl it at him. He needed to give himself a margin of manoeuver. He extended his finger and slowly, so slowly got closer to Jason.

“Don’t. You. Dare” 

He froze mid air, eyes widening. Jason’s eyes were still closed, but apparently he was aware enough to know he was close. He shared a glance with Dick, not willing to run away just yet even though Jason had quite literally blindly deducted his intention. He moved a bit closer again, and just before his finger came in contact with Jason’s ear, he snapped his eyes open and glared so hard at Tim it made him and Dick scatter out of the room. He help his glare a little longer on the room’s threshold before sighing. 

“I kinda miss the quiet of the hut”

You slowly opened your eyes to meet his stare. You would have given him a smile if your mind wasn’t so far away of your head. 

“Found anything?” 

You shook your head at his question, looking away from the concern that was growing on his face. You had tuned into your mind to find how in the hell and back you didn’t just let the arrow fly and ended it for Luthor. You had hesitated, something you didn’t even know was possible for you. Moreover, you had deviated from the only personal goal you ever had, for what? For the lives of people that didn’t matter to you. It was a good thing you didn’t work for the League on that one, because you wouldn’t have made it out alive. 

It was also a miracle Tim hadn’t ratted you going outside of the plan to go after Luthor. You had fully expected a fight when you met with the rest of the group, but he had kept his mouth shut after what went down. It worried you, because the only reason you could think for him doing that was for leverage, and well, you certainly didn’t like the idea of any of these people here having leverage on you. And with the warning Jason gave you about his detective skills, none of this settled right within you. 

“You’ll get another chance”

It was like he was reading your mind. It wasn’t like he didn’t know you better than anyone, and it was not like you were well guarded right now. You were too distracted to hold up your defenses. Still, you were angry at yourself.

“I let him go” You mumbled through gritted teeth. “I’ve never…”

“I know” He breathed out. “Are you okay?”

“Yes” You snapped. You didn’t need his pity. “I just need to remind myself of who I am”

He held your stare for a second, betraying no emotion. “And who is that?”

You gulped, hesitating despite your better judgement. “I am Thaelib fi alzalam, child of the darkness and servant of the demon”

His jaw clenched ever so slightly, but he didn’t say anything more.

--------

“Am I the only one who noticed Jay’s been… Different ever since he brought back the ninja here?” 

Dick looked up from his paperwork and grinned at Tim. “Right? He’s around all the time now”

“Do you think they’re together?” He asked in between two glances at the files in front of him. They were still on the Luthor case, and he had his own side quest to figure out. “She would seem like his type. Cold, snarky, slightly to very murderous, you know”

Dick laughed. “I mean something definitely happened between them, especially since they allegedly spent all this time together. But actually together? Meh”

“Don’t you have anything better to do that gossip about me?”

Both men’s eyes snapped up at the voice that joined the conversation. Jason was standing in the doorframe of the cave, arms crossed against his chest and a scowl on his face. A steaming cup of coffee was rested on his bicep, but he didn’t seem bothered by the heat of the ceramic container.

“Absolutely not” Dick sniggered, making Jason scoff. “So, you two together?” 

Jason’s eyes went from his older brother to Tim, whose head was cocked on the side. He was watching intensely for a reaction, and it made Jason shift on his feet. He did not like when Tim went all detective on him, especially since he had no idea of the reason why he would do it. It was creepy and invasive, and even him wasn’t immune to Tim’s hyper perceptiveness. Jason cleared his throat.

“You think I’m going to answer this?” He challenged Dick, doing his best to ignore Tim’s weird as fuck behaviour.

“Oh come on Jaybird, do a girl a favor and spill the beans!” He pleaded. “We barely know anything of what went down with you two”

“And I intend it to stay that way” He replied, walking to Dick’s rolling chair. “Now move. Alfred sent me to replace you. You’ve been here for hours and he wants you to take a break”

“Aw, okay” He complied as he stood up. “Can’t say no to Alfred”

“What about me?” Tim finally spoke with a small pout. Jason rolled his eyes and walked to his desk, putting down the steaming mug of coffee in front of him. Everybody knew it was pointless to try and pry Tim away from his work, so Alfred had instead sent him down with about seven shots of espresso in a mug. That was enough to change his expression from betrayed to content. 

Jason waited for Dick to leave and propped down in the seat, keeping watch on Tim from the corner of his eye. His fingers skimmed over the paperwork left behind, but he wasn't very interested in it. He only agreed to replace Dick because like his older brother, saying no to Pennyworth was not an option, not a moral one anyway. 

“So” Tim began nonchalantly, pretending to be interested in whatever was in his face at the moment. Jason braced himself for more invasive questions he would not answer. “How did you not kill each other in the first week of training?”

Jason blinked in surprise at the question. He did not expect something so… Impersonal? He seemingly referred to his and your character, which he must have witnessed while being paired with you the previous night. However, he still remained on his guard, because Tim was being weird. Well, weirder than usual that is.

“I guess… We tried?” He said carefully, frowning. “Didn’t work”

“Interesting” He nodded, taking a sip from his coffee. “I’ve noticed her fondness for violence, which makes sense why you would get along”

“Okay just say what you want to say” He sighed, making a vague hand gesture. 

“No it’s just--” He paused and took a breath. “Something weird happened the other day, after she pushed me out of the window”

Jason raised an eyebrow.

“She landed after me and then she just took off” He said with a shrug. “Naturally I went after her because nobody walks out on me. And imagine my surprise when I saw her facing off with none other than Lex Luthor”

Jason’s muscles tensed, but he gave no other reaction. Fuck. 

“I mean she could have killed him, she seemed pretty obsessed with going there or whatever” He kept talking, obviously noticing his brother’s subtle change of attitude. “But then they just held the stare off until the explosion went off and she instead saved a bunch of people that would have otherwise been crushed to death by concrete. Anyway. Now tell me if I got it wrong, but she doesn’t seem like the type to just hesitate, or care about the others, right? I tried to piece it together, the obsession, the hesitation, her weird knowledge of Luthor’s modus operandi, her whole involvement in this for that matters, but I still come short of the little missing piece to the puzzle. It bothers me”

He watched Tim with his mouth slightly agape. He knew it had been a bad idea for you to go after Luthor with Tim nearby, but he didn’t think he’d put the pieces together that quickly, or rather, that you’d let such a slip go noticed. Nonetheless, he wiped away his astonishment away and replaced it with yet another scowl.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I don’t know, I’d believe you know more than anyone about her”

“I think you’re looking way too much into this, Drake” He dismissed, going back to his papers. “She was raised by the League. Going after a target is her basic instinct, and are you really going to judge her for doing the right thing and saving people?”

“Mhhh” Tim simply hummed, also going back to his own work. Jason gave him one last glance, knowing his deflection wouldn’t hold him back for long. The truth was about to come out, and he feared it wouldn’t be pretty when it did.

--------

“Go on”

Jason narrowed his eyes, his glance slowly going from you to the plank you had lowered above the water and to the post farther into the middle of the river. It rose about seven feet above the surface, and Jason didn’t trust it or your intentions for that matter.

He adjusted the quiver strap and the bow on his shoulder and began carefully reaching the post. Nope, he definitely didn’t trust that setting at all. However, as much as he was mad you had twisted his swimming idea, he was also curious as to what hellish stunt you would make him do this time. He knew you by now, so whatever it was, it would be both dangerous and entertaining. 

He grabbed the post and hoisted himself up by the only step that was carved in the middle of it. He stood up on the small surface, barely large enough to stand comfortably on both feet. He looked at you, and you had already pulled back the plank.

“Hey!” 

You smirked and brought the plank to the other post about twenty feet further down the river. You climbed on it and faced Jason.

“So what now?” He called from his position. “We shoot each other?”

You grabbed an arrow and nocked, but left your bow aimed down at the water. Even from the distance you could see his face drop.

“You’re fucking crazy!” He shouted. “How is this not ending in one of us being dead?”

“You found static meditation too boring” You shouted back. “This should do it to find your balance and inner strength”

“What the fuck am I supposed to do?” 

“Dodge the arrow” You said, lifting your bow and shooting straight at him.

The arrow flew at him, and in his attempt to dodge it, lost balance and landed in the water. He came up with a gasp, and swam back to the wooden post before the strong current could drag him away. He climbed again, all drenched and glaring at you.

“Or fall and get wet”

“Oh, because you’re so good at dodging arrows from a upright tree trunk without falling” He snarked back as he took off his tank top and threw it on the shore.. “I’d love to see you on the other end of these”

For emphasis he raised his own bow. You shrugged and slipped your bow through your arm and head to rest it on your back, and waited for him to shoot. In a blink he nocked his first arrow, aiming from your left shoulder. You leaned out of the way, stable on your post, then slowly returned to your position. You raised your eyebrow in challenge, and oh did he not like that. The next arrow went to your feet, and you simply jumped, landing back solidly on your feet. He shot at the same place again, you jumped, then aimed for your mid section rapidly after. You landed on your left foot and crouched so your right slipped along the post, resting on the step in the middle. Jason paused a moment, eyes wide, before shooting straight at you. You propelled yourself up, then saw a second and third arrow coming your way before you had the time to stabilize yourself. You saved your eminent fall with a side vault and landed gracefully.

“Oh you must be kidding me!”

“Don’t act so surprised” You teased. “You can do that too, Jason. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, don’t think about it too much. Empty your mind and trust your instinct”

You waited as his shoulders went up and down, and his eyes slowly opened. Without waiting you shot an arrow, an easy one to dodge and he did, seemingly on instinct. You shot another, he jumped over it. His landing was wobbly, but he didn’t fall. His eyes lit up like when he found out a game he liked, and he began shooting back at you. You exchanged hits, not once falling, well, until one of you did. 

Two quick arrow of yours managed to make Jason land a bit too far to the right, and he fell in the water. However, he didn’t resurface immediately, which made you lower your bow and search the water for him. You frowned, and only noticed too late the wave of water coming on your side. Jason then climbed on your post and tackled your waist, throwing you straight into the water with him. You hit the water on the side, and swam back to the surface with a gasp.

Jason stared at you with a devious grin, daring you to do something about it. You hooked your bow on your shoulder and lunged. 

You had to admit, sparing in water wasn’t something you had ever done, and the resistance was getting to you. Jason was already better at hand to hand, but now he had the absolute advantage. His longer limbs allowed him to move better and to pull himself up on the river ground if you were to push him down, and the fact that he was only in shorts didn’t impede his movements as much as your heavier clothing. The current was rolling you down the river, and when you hit a shallower part, you couldn’t see the posts anymore. 

You now had water to your midsection, and Jason took the opportunity from your stumbling on the higher river floor. He caught you in his classic headlock, pressing your back against his chest. You stopped struggling then, knowing it was over for you. But he didn’t release you, and you didn’t move either when he slightly loosened his hold.

Both of you were panting from the effort, his chest was heaving quickly on your back. The water made your and Jason’s skin cold, but his breath was warm on the crook of your neck. Usually you would have tapped out, or flipped him over. But you were like in a trance, and you didn’t understand why you couldn’t move away.

Why you wouldn’t move away.

“Gotcha”

His voice sent shiver down your spine.

“Fuck, Jay”

It took you a moment to realize what you said. His breath stilled on your neck, and you gulped. You had never called him just “Jay” before, you didn’t do nicknames. And especially not with that voice, and in that kind of circumstance. You cleared your throat, and he dropped his arm and took a step away.

"I'll…" You trailed off. "I'll go change"

“Sure” His voice wavered in a weird way. “Uh, go on, I’ll catch up later”

You turned around, raising an eyebrow. “Is... Everything alright?”

“Yeah" He said. “I’m just, uh, going for a swim real quick. Another one”

Without another word, he submerged himself in the water.

---------

You had Damian in a headlock when the trail of bat family rushed down the batcave in a hurry, Jason trailing behind seeming way less bothered than the others. You looked up, and this moment of inattention gave Damian the opening to send you flying over him. Your back hit the ground flat, and your confused stare at your own distraction was met by a grimace of disbelief from Damian. Okay, you were truly out of it. 

“Luthor has devanced his plan, we got intel he would move tonight”

You pulled yourself to your feet, suddenly interested in the rush they seemed to be into. You followed Damian out of the cage and met the group halfway, glancing at Jason. He only briefly met your eyes, returning his attention on Bruce afterwards.

“He is going to move the weapon in an underground facility just outside the city, which means we will lose the signal from the tracker” He briefed. “The classic, three vans, only one carrying the package”

“Do we know what it’s even for?” Jason asked.

“I found something about yersinia pestis being injected in certain areas of Gotham” Damian stepped up. “So basically, a plague weapon”

“A plague weapon?” He frowned. “Why would Luthor would ever be interested in bringing back the plague?”

“Wait” Dick perked up, running to the working tables and looking around for something specific. He grabbed a stack of papers and came back. “Here, I saw he made the recent acquisition of a pharmaceutical company that produces, wait for it, gentamicin. It’s a plague treatment”

“So he’s gonna drop the virus on Gotham with that little device?” Jason raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t know--”

“Last year Luthor made the acquisition of a low income housing company mostly operating in the Bowery, Crime Alley and Otisburg” You spoke up, a wary look on your face. “My bet would be that device is to slip the bacteria into the ventilation systems, or the pipes”

“... He did” Dick confirmed, looking through the papers. “That would make sense. He spread the plague at a little scale, he provides the medicine, he wins at every steps”

“He IS trying to slither in the city council” Bruce hummed. “Trying to steal Wayne Enterprises’ seat”

“We need to go now if we don’t wanna miss our shot, Bruce” Dick warned.

“Yes” He snapped out of it. “Three vans. Nightwing, Red Robin, you’ll be assigned to the car that will go down through City Hall District. Robin and I will follow the car going through Gotham proper” He paused, looking at you and Jason. “You two work better together. You’ll go North. I’ll send Dick and Jason the trajectories. Gear up”

Wordlessly, you all went to your own dressing area. Yours was simply a plastic box in a corner with your suit folded, and your weapons on a nearby table. You took a moment longer than usual at the black uniform, but nevertheless put it on piece by piece. The tactical pants, the gloves, the undercoat and the protective layer on it, the belt and the spiked arm bracers. Then the belt, your sword on your back and the arrow quiver crossing above it. You reloaded the shooter on your arm and strapped the sheath on your thigh with your blades, then put on the comm in your ear. 

You grabbed your bow and returned toward the others, who were finishing gearing up as well. Jason came and stood beside you, an unreadable expression on his face. Well, it could be, but you refused to look at him in the face. You instead put on your helmet, the black visor hiding your face. 

“There’s no time to waste, let’s go” Bruce called. “Whatever team finds the van, you stop it and bring back the weapon here”

And with that, you went out. Bruce took the batmobile, while the rest were all on bikes. You and Jason left the cave last, shooting out on the road like two blurs in the night. Your comm was on, tuned on the channel with him only. It took him about five minutes to start talking.

“Tim knows” He said. “Or at least he is close enough to know”

“Doesn’t matter” You clipped back, swerving easily around cars on your way. “This will end soon enough one way or another”

“And you’ll go back to the league?” His voice was bitter, and you could only imagine his expression.

“... Yes” 

“Whatever”

You rode in silence until you reached your hideout point. There was still five minute before the van was scheduled to turn the corner and engage on the one way avenue, and you would execute the plan from then. You both turned different directions to hide in alleys, turning off the lights of your motorcycle. You put one foot down, leaving one hand on the handle. The engine was purring softly under you, warm and ready to take off.

“We’ll attack from the sides” Jason spoke again through the comm. You could see his red helmet on the other side of the street. “We take off the doors quick and clean, if it’s not there we lose them. If it is, I take the van and you cover me”

“Copy that” 

“They should be there in one minute, get ready” 

You adjusted your helmet and readied your explosive arrows. You then crouched on the bike and waited for the van to pass in front of the hideout. You counted the seconds in your head, five, four, three, tw- 

“What the fuck?” You frowned when not one, but three vans heavily escorted with motorcycles sped past you. You and Jason engaged on the road nevertheless, coming up side to side at a safe distance from the vans.

“That wasn’t supposed to happen” He mumbled. “Alright, change of plans. Keep your distances behind them without being seen, I’ll cut them upfront. When I start drawing the escort, blow the doors of each vans. Fuck being subtle”

With that, he parted ways into a smaller street on his right. You remained hidden into traffic, making sure the bikers did not spot you. Not long after, you heard gunshots and they all were drawn at the front, like Jason had planned. You accelerated closer of the last van at the tail. With one hand, you grabbed your bow on top of the handle, waited for the bike to get back straight and slowed down a bit. In a quick movement, you grabbed an explosive arrow and shot on the van doors, immediately regaining your grip on the handle afterwards. The doors flew open, revealing it empty.

You cursed, but swerved nonetheless around the slowing down van and paused in the driver’s blind spot. You knew they’d look for you to pass them, so you got ready with a blade in your hands. You waited a bit more before rolling up to the window and throwing the blade in the guy’s throat before he could shoot you. You repeated the same operation with the next van, also taking down two rogue bikers that had left Jason’s distraction to get to you. That van ended up empty as well.

“Two down, one to go” 

“Alright, hurry up, those fuckers just keep coming from I don’t fucking know where-- FUCK”

“Hang on, I’m almost done”

Nothing in the last van either. You frowned, thinking how easy it had been for you to bust the vans. The bikers guarding the vans surely couldn’t be that stupid to still hover around Jason while you were clearly open, even if there was nothing. But you chased the doubt aside, and instead tuned in the frequency with everyone else

“Our vans are empty”

“So are our” It was Tim who replied a few seconds later. “Wait, vans in plural? B, did you get more vans too?”

“Only one, empty too” 

“Where did your intel come from again?” Tim asked. A moment of silence followed. 

“You and Jason should get out of there, something’s not right on the monitor--”

You lost contact when you were violently hit from the side by a black car. You were projected off your bike and sent rolling down several meters away. Your suit and helmet took most of the fall, ripping and breaking with the rough friction on the asphalt. You visor cracked and the protective plastic lining broke at the base. Your vision was blurry for a second, and your muscles barely responsive. You pushed through the pain anyway and carefully took off your helmet, throwing it away. You looked up and tried to focus on the figure in black coming toward you, and when you did, you gathered your remaining strength and managed a kneeling position. It was Luthor. 

You were about to shoot one of your dart when he shot first, sending  a shockwave through your already weak muscles. You fell forward on all fours with a barely contained scream tearing through your throat. 

“We meet again” His voice was deeper than you expected, and way too calm. You didn’t like it. “I knew if I organized this little parade, you’d come back out there following the masked clowns”

So, it was a setup.

“Where’s the weapon?” You rasped.

“Safe in my underground storing since this morning” He replied smugly. “Don’t beat yourself up, you had no chance. You came too close last time at the lab”

“Kill me now and get over with it”

“Now why would I want to do that? I just wanted to see you from up close” He smirked. “I knew those eyes the second I looked at you the other day. And now that I have you here without that stupid mask, I can see you took more after your mother than I had planned”

You gritted your teeth, panting from the pain of the electrical shock that had gone through you. Hairs were falling out of your braid and sticking to your forehead, yet you didn’t care. You could only glare at him.

“But you’re still my daughter. You belong to me” 

You lunged, but another electric shock sent you back on your knees with a strangled cry. It had been a reflex on your part, since you were usually pretty good a pushing your pain aside. But you had been off ever since your last encounter with him. He got in your head so easily, and now he wouldn’t leave. 

“I am Thaelib fi alzalam” You rasped out. “And I don’t”

“Ah yes, I figured you would deny your name when we finally met” He seemed amused. “And you do, legally speaking. Your mother were under contract to deliver you and walk away. Instead she stole you from me. She stole years of work, for what? So you could become no one”

“You killed her!” You belted out, eyes wide with rage. “You forced us into hiding, she sent me to the League to protect me from you”

“Is that what you think? Or what she told you?” He was becoming impatient. “You were special. You were my first successful genetic clone, but her own selfishness got in the way”

“She wasn’t selfish” You tried to reach for a blade on your thigh, but another shock forced you on your hands. “You were”

“I was?” He put a hand on his chest. “I gave you your superior skills, I gave you your speed, I made you like this. I gave you that gift, that power, that strength, all of it so you could make it out in this world. I did it for you, from a father to his daughter”

You lifted your head a frown on your face. You skills? What was he talking about?

“You didn’t think the League’s training gave you those skills, did you?” He scoffed. “As I told you, you’re special, my girl. I only wished for you to thrive”

“No” You mumbled, narrowing your eyes. Your mother never specified you were enhanced. Did she even know? All that time you thought your successes were from your hard work, but they were really from a genetic modification. You always knew there was something peculiar about you that made you feel like you didn’t exactly belong with the others, and it had just been revealed to you. And what else could he have put inside of you, you weren’t aware about? It made your head spin.

“You’re not one of them, you realize it now” He stalked toward you. “Not the League, not the vigilantes either. Your mother stole you away from what you were made for, and the League merely repressed it. But you can’t fight your nature”

You didn’t look up when he stooped in front of you. You only glanced at your black gloved hands, realizing that all you had suffered only delayed the inevitable. If your mother hadn’t ran away, maybe all of your struggle and pain would have never happened.

“Come with me” He offered. “This internal conflict you have will subside quickly enough once you’re back home, you’ll see”

You ears were ringing as his proposition replayed in your head in loops. Maybe if you agreed he’d stop tormenting you then, maybe he’d leave your head and you could finally rest without obsessing over him. You slowly looked up, but something coming on your side made your eyes widen. Only then the sound reached your ears, and in a quick reflex movement, you rolled away.

Jason was walking toward you, shooting his bullet in rapid fire in Luthor’s direction.

Luthor noticed him half a second later and jumped away, running away and climbing in his black car. He drove away as Jason reached your, his eyes trailed on the retreating black cadillac. Then, he turned to you, the glossing red of his helmet staring back at you.

“You okay?”

You shook your head no.

[artificialqueens]

Malibu (Trixya) - DenDenMonMon

Of Lovers, Friends and Everything in Between. Part 4.- Picnic

Title: Malibu Category: F/F Summary: You’ll be fine, when you learn to move slow. Notes: If you are anything like me, you have had Malibu on repeat ever since Trixie released the single, and, since I can’t get it out of my head, well, this story came to life lol Written: Feb 2nd-3rd, 2020.

Malibu

Trixie hated Tinder, or any dating app for that matter.

Being a gay woman turned her into a target in those platforms. She’d lost count of how many men had offered to ‘change’ her, or the amount of couples that wanted to ‘spice things up’ in the bedroom. Those were the kind of comments that made her leave the app, and forget about it for months, until loneliness hit her again. It usually happened during a Friday or Saturday night, when most of her friends were out having fun, and she found herself eating cheese curds alone in her living room, with nothing good to watch on TV. That was when she would go through the cluster of apps she had labeled as ‘useless’, and click on the infamous flaming icon.

When she promised to take care of her family’s beach house for the weekend, she thought it was going to be so much fun. LA people had proven to be wild, and everybody was supposed to be beyond beautiful in Malibu, but, either her standards were too high or she had been lied to her entire life. Profile after profile and she couldn’t find a single soul that called her attention.

Just when she was about to close the app and maybe take care of herself out of pure boredom, an image appeared.

The blonde girl smiled widely at her with insanely white teeth. Her blue eyes pierced Trixie’s, making her feel as if she were drowning in their depths. There was only one picture, and the obligatory name at the bottom said Katya next to the number thirty-four, stating the girl’s age. Trixie didn’t remember having changed the age range on the thing, she never dated anybody more than five years older than her. Everything seemed off, a bit too suspicious. Nonetheless, she clicked the space that would tell her more about the person. Laughing, she finally swiped right when she read the bio, which could be called anything but that.

Take me to the beach somewhere so I can meet my dead dad.

It was a match. Trixie’s first message had been a joke about absent parents and her being alone in the beach house. Katya replied right away. The string of laughing emojis had seemed a bit of an exaggeration but, after a short exchange, Trixie was already inviting her for lunch the next day.

That was the reason why she was preparing a picnic basket, for them to eat out on the sand. Her favorite pink gingham cloth was folded and placed on top of cucumber sandwiches and fresh fruit. Right after she put a bottle of chilled wine in the basket, the doorbell rang.

With a deep sigh, Trixie rubbed her sweaty palms on the skirt of her dress, and checked her hair on the distorted reflection of the fridge. The heels of her sandals resounded loud in the open space of the living room, she liked that, it made her feel extra feminine. As if the pink flowy dress, the many layers of makeup, and the styled curls were not sufficient statement of that.

Even when she had seen the one picture of the girl, she had not been expecting the person that showed up at her front door. Katya was an unconventional kind of absolute gorgeous. She was shorter than Trixie, and her black chucks didn’t help to increase her height. She wore matching black jeans and an oversized gray t-shirt, the round neck of it was slightly darkened with sweat.

“I just drove forty-five minutes on the Pacific Coast Highway, so this better be a good lay,” were the first words Katya pronounced.

Trixie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, wow! I–”

Before she could continue, the girl burst out laughing. Her hand reached to get a hold of Trixie’s forearm as she shook her head. “I’m joking!” Her face suddenly turned serious as her grip turned tighter. “It can be medium good, I’m not picky.” Without giving Trixie a second the reply she was laughing again. “No, I’m just kidding.”

“You are, like… a lot, aren’t you?” Trixie struggled to find words to describe the ball of energy slightly bouncing in front of her. For a moment, she was afraid her unfiltered mouth had insulted the girl she had just met, but luckily it wasn’t the case.

“Oh, Momma! You haven’t seen anything yet,” the girl promised as she let go of Trixie and extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Katya.” The smile that she shot Trixie was brighter than the sun burning above them, and warmer too.

Chills ran down Trixie’s spine as she took Katya’s hand, feeling electricity running through her veins as she shook it. “I’m Trixie. Hello.”

“Oof,” Katya winced, shaking her head and physically taking a step back, away from Trixie. “You need to work on your greeting. That was way too aggressive.”

A scream left Trixie unannounced. She threw her head back in joy as a small ‘you bitch’ left her mouth. She wasn’t complaining, though. Their interaction had been entertaining, to say the least. Trixie could already feel herself liking Katya right from the intro. She invited her in with a smile nailed to her mouth, and a giddy feeling invading her body. It was unlike anything she had felt before, never in her twenty-seven years on Earth had another human made her feel so nervous, yet incredibly comfortable. She was really good at reading people, she could quickly put them in categories and know if they were gonna click or not. Katya was in a category of her own. Trixie, as much as she wanted, couldn’t find a mental compartment where she could place Katya.

The blonde wavy hair bounced with Katya’s steps as she moved around the house. “So, you are rich. I mean, like, Richie Rich rich, huh?” She looked at the expensive furniture, extending and retrieving her hand, almost as if she were scared to touch and ruin anything.

“Not even,” Trixie answered with a roll of her eyes. “My family is, but they always made it very clear that it was their money, not mine.”

Katya nodded, her lips pursing slightly. “Alright. I respect that.” She stopped her examination of the room to look at Trixie. “You’ve got any plans for today?” She stuffed her hands in her pockets, fully indicating she had no idea what to do next.

“I thought we could have a picnic, outside by the water,” Trixie replied proudly, she had thought things through carefully. She started walking, making her way towards the kitchen, wordlessly asking the girl to follow her. “Hopefully, you will like what I made.“ She picked up the basket and looked over her shoulder, just to confirm that Katya was indeed walking right behind her.

“Do-do you have any water?” Katya seemed almost anxious as she asked. “I-I don’t drink,” she said pushing her chin towards the basket, where the neck of a bottle stuck out from.

Trixie quickly apologized for not asking, taking the wine out and putting it on the table. She opened the refrigerator and leaned forward. Her short dress was sure to ride up at the position. She could only hope Katya liked what she saw as Trixie pretended to find something else to drink.

“Would you like some kombucha?” She asked as innocently as possible, noticing how Katya’s eyes bolted back to her face.

“Absolutely not,” Katya spoke punctuating her words. It sounded like she was approving of the beverage until the last word was spoken. “I would rather drink the salt water straight from the ocean than that hipster excuse of a drink.”

With a roll of her eyes, Trixie put the glass bottle back to its place. “It’s really good for you, FYI. It has all these–” she turned around, and stopped midsentence when she noticed Katya was no longer in the room. Stretching her neck, Trixie saw that Katya had walked out through the sliding doors and was impatiently waiting for her.

“Come on!” She encouraged as she started walking, the basket dangling in her hand as she easily carried it with her.

Despite the small shake of her head, Trixie found herself smiling. She followed Katya’s path and reached her just when Katya was done setting the sheet down. Trixie dropped next to her on the pink and white piece of fabric, removed her sandals and extended her legs, hoping to get them at least a little bit tanned. Her hand dug into the basket and took out a small container with grapes, offered them to Katya, who gratefully took a handful, before relaxing on her spot.

“What is it that you do, then?” Katya asked around a mouthful of fruit. “How do you make your own money?”

“I’m a hair and makeup artist,” Trixie said with a smile. She loved her job and could talk about it for hours. Katya, however, didn’t seem like the type of person that could hear about hair and makeup for hours. “What about you? You have like zero information on your profile.” Trixie rested her chin on her own shoulder, squinting to get a better view of Katya, who sat on her heels next to her.

There was a sigh and a groan as Katya physically deflated, before she uttered an actual reply. “I just hate those things, you know? I never know what to say. Like, I can’t say I’m a good person. Good people don’t say they are good people! Honestly, I just wanted to put actual facts like: I’m this old, this tall, I weigh this much, and I’m in this area.”

Trixie tilted her head in wonder. “Are you a kitten up for adoption?”

The sounds that came out of Katya were frightening and charming, all at the same time. It was a genuine laughter that sounded more like an old squeaky toy. She spotted a napkin and tried to throw it at Trixie, but the wind pushed it to land on Katya’s lap instead. They both laughed openly, freely, happily. The conversation flowed easily from that point on. They touched on the most basic topics, from immediate family to likes and dislikes. They ate with the sound of the crashing waves as background noise.

It didn’t take an expert to notice they were complete opposites, but it didn’t bother Trixie. She liked the simplicity with which Katya talked about complex subjects. She would quickly jump from one thing to another, seemingly unrelated, but Trixie was sure there was some connection between topics that only Katya understood. If she could have one wish granted, Trixie would like to see inside of Katya’s head, witness how the information bounced off of the walls of her skull, tangled with the wiring of her brain, before coming out of her mouth at a rapid speed.

Something warm filled Trixie’s chest. She had no idea what it was, but it was a nice feeling. She liked the sense of comfort and instant connection she had with the girl bending in laughter next to her. Trixie wanted to run her hand through Katya’s hair, let her fingers caress those sharp cheekbones, touch every single one of her soft curves and create a mental map of her body. Katya was so beautiful, so smart, so out of her league.

“Why did you agree to meet me?” Trixie suddenly asked without even thinking about it. She sat up straight, realizing she really wanted to know the answer. “Like, I’m clearly not your type, why did you even swipe right?”

The question took Katya by surprise. Her eyes opened wide as she stared at Trixie intensely. Although, Trixie had to wonder if there was anything about Katya that wasn’t intense.

“Okay, first of all, you don’t even know what my type is.” Katya pointed an accusative finger at Trixie before continuing. “I don’t have a type. Never had. I like people, and I like sex even more, preferebly with people.” She extended her hands in front of her, as if highlighting the relation between the two. “Now, about you. I don’t know. I liked your tits, and then you got my Contact reference… I knew I had to meet you after that.” She punctuated the end of her speech with an approving nod.

Trixie’s nose scrunched up. “What reference?”

“The dead dad on the beach one?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Katya’s mouth opened in surprise. “Contact? Jodie Foster?” She asked, getting a head shake in return to each of her questions. “Didn’t you message me about wanting to meet your dad, who was dead, at the beach somewhere?”

“Yeah, ‘cause I never met my dad, so he’s probably dead, and I’m currently staying in Malibu.”

“Oh, my God!” Katya brought her hands to her hair as she yelled. “I can’t believe this. It’s all a lie. I’ve been tricked. When were you planning to tell me? When–” The rest of the question died on her lips as Trixie’s mouth crashed with her.

It was clumsy at first, Katya wasn’t done ranting, and Trixie was only trying to shut her up. Their faces bumped into each other a couple of times before they both relaxed and finally kissed. Trixie sucked Katya’s bottom lip, biting slightly. The sound that came out of Katya was so sexy that Trixie had to press her thighs together, putting pressure where she needed it the most. The moment didn’t go unnoticed by Katya. Her hands landed on Trixie’s hips, pulling her to a kneeling position. Their torsos pressed together, breasts rubbing to the erratic movements of their heavy breathing.

Trixie felt turned on beyond knowledge, all she knew how to identify were Katya’s lips wrapped around hers. Katya tasted sweet and salty, like the fruit they had shared mixed with the breeze of the ocean. There was an almost unidentifiable flavor, a strong aftertaste that lingered in Trixie’s tongue after it ran against Katya’s.

“Do you smoke?” Trixie asked against Katya’s lips, not breaking the kiss, but pulling away enough to speak.

Katya’s hand ran up Trixie’s thigh, squeezing slightly. “Would you mind if I said yes?”

Gasping to the touch of Katya’s cold hand, Trixie threw her head back. “As long as you don’t…” She lost her train of thought as Katya’s hand went higher. “If you do– oh!” She yelped as a finger ran against her underwear. “God, just fuck me, okay?” Her knees spread, giving Katya better access.

“Not here, though,” Katya spoke as she kissed Trixie’s chin. “This is not exactly a private beach.”

Trixie opened one eye, among the fog of desire she could see the figures of a family playing ball. “Fine. Let’s go inside.”

Taking Katya by the hand, Trixie stood up and started walking towards the house. She didn’t care about the stuff they were leaving behind. Nothing really occupied her mind other than having Katya on top of her, inside of her, all around her. She could feel her legs shaking with expectation. It had been a long time since she last had sex, but she wasn’t nervious. She, somehow, knew she could trust Katya. They seemed to have some sort of astral connection, and Trixie wondered how they could apply that nonverbal communication in the bedroom.

Unfortunately, the bedroom proved to be too far away. As soon as they entered the kitchen through the glass doors, the kissing restarted. Trixie pushed her own back against the nearest wall and allowed Katya to press her entire body on top of hers. It was all too much. The heat emanating Katya tickled her skin, making Trixie shiver. Their mouths attacked each other as hands landed on every spot of uncovered skin.

Katya snaked her hands under Trixie’s dress and squeezed her ass, forcing Trixie to release her mouth as she gasped in pleasure. Katya caressed the soft skin of her butt lovingly, taking her time to enjoy the feeling of the fleshy cheeks under her fingers.

“I’m gonna eat you out now, is that okay?”

Trixie could do nothing but nod at such formal request. Still in disbelief, she saw how Katya dropped to her knees. Her big smile was the last thing Trixie saw before her eyes shut by themselves. Katya’s hands found the hem of Trixie’s dress and lifted the skirt, before disappearing inside and pulling the small thong down slowly. Trixie felt a finger running up and down her entrance, circling around where she so desperately needed to be touched.

“Katya, please,” Trixie shamelessly begged, and it worked.

She felt the wet tongue pushing flat against her most sensitive spot. Her knees bent slightly, she extended her arms and tried to find support between the glass door and the cabinets next to her. Katya licked her skillfully. Her lips sucked and released her just right, her tongue flicked at the perfect pace. And as if fucking her with her mouth wasn’t enough, Katya pushed a finger inside without warning. Trixie screamed loudly, thankful that the houses were fairly far apart so the neighbours couldn’t hear them. Her sounds only grew higher in pitch as another finger was introduced, and then a third.

Time fully stopped as Trixie sunk down on Katya’s fingers, pleasuring herself at the rhythm she wanted. Her senses felt on the edge of an overload as Katya ate her out simultaneously.

“Pluh-please, stop,” Trixie asked, panting.

In a quick move, Katya removed the dress from around her head with her free hand. “What? What’s wrong?”

“I’m gonna cum.”

“Then why you asked me to stop, bitch?”

Trixie looked to the side, almost shying away from the question. “I don’t wanna… not like this, not without you.”

Sighing deeply, Katya removed her hand carefully, and stood up. “So you are one of those lesbians, huh? You don’t wanna fuck, you want to make love.” She drawled the last word, making fun of the concept.

“Excuse me?” Trixie didn’t try to hide the annoyance in her voice.

Katya took the short sleeve of her shirt and tried to dry her chin as she spoke. “C’mon. You know what I mean. I thought we were just gonna get laid, and you put together a-a stupid picnic date? For fuck’s sake. Who does that? Gross.”

“Well, I’m sorry if I wanted to do something nice for us.”

“For us?” Katya spun around with her hands in the air. “There is no us, Brenda! We literally just met. We talked once, on a hook up app. We were not even having the same conversation! I thought it was all about Contact and you were spilling your childhood trauma. What the fuck! How did you even get picnic from that?”

Crossing her arms on top of her chest, Trixie distanced herself from Katya. It took every cell of will power to step away from her underwear without picking it up, and Trixie still didn’t know if leaving it there was less shameful.

“You need to leave.”

“Oh, but we were just gonna make playlists that reminded us of our first date.” Katya pouted theatrically, stomping her feet hard on the ground.

Trixie didn’t appreciate the sarcasm. “Now!” She shouted, pointing towards the door.

Without another word, Katya stormed out, slamming the door behind herself. Trixie stared at the piece of wood, expecting something from it without knowing what it was. She breathed deeply once, twice, the third time never came. A sob cut through her chest, coming out in a guttural scream. Katya was right. Trixie was smitten since the moment she laid eyes on Katya, and not even in person, just one look at the single picture and she was gone. She understood then that the first step of being let down was getting her hopes up. It had to stop.

One day. Trixie allowed herself one day to wallow. It wasn’t even about Katya, she reasoned. She needed a moment to analyze her motives, then she would pick the pieces back up and move on with her life. Her mind was blank for the entire day. She turned off her phone, put on some baking show on Netflix, and ate microwave popcorn straight from the bag. It had been a day of nothing but self pity and indulging in all the things she knew were bad for her.

Monday came and reality kicked back in. She went to her job at the studio and tried to entertain conversation with B-list celebrities as she got them ready for their low ratings shows. That was something she was good at, something she was confident about. Just like that, she fell back into a routine and the pity party was left behind. At least for the rest of the week. Once Friday reached her again, and she was in no mood to look after her drunk friends, she felt loneliness wanting to creep back in.

Her fingers found the useless folder and clicked on the app by themselves. Between the many unread messages sitting on her inbox, the red bubble next to Katya’s face called her attention. She opened the conversation, just to make the notification go away, but what she saw was something she hadn’t expected. There was a string of messages from Katya asking her to talk, the last one left her phone number, notifying Trixie that would be her last attempt and she should call her if she felt like it.

It took less than a minute of pondering before the call was already connecting.

Katya picked up on the third ring, just when Trixie was about to hang up.

“Who is this? I don’t have this number saved. Are you a scammer?”

Trixie had to laugh at Katya’s words, that were in no shape or form a greeting. Apparently, her laughter worked as an introduction because Katya’s voice immediately changed.

“Trixie, is that you? Fuck. I didn’t think you were gonna call.”

“Hello,” Trixie said as softly as possible, remembering what Katya had said about working on her greeting.

“Hey, that’s so much better! Hi. Listen, I want… please, don’t hang up. I will go straight to the point. I’m sorry. I was rude and mean, and you didn’t deserve all the fucked up things that I said to you.”

A small smirk was slowly forming on her lips. “Go on,” Trixie encouraged her.

Even when she couldn’t see her, Trixie could tell Katya was also smiling by now. “I like you, I like you a lot. This is just so new to me. I’m used to, you know, using the hook up app to hook up. I went there looking for a one time thing, not to, like, stay. Never expected to find… you. I’ve never been with a type like you before.”

For a moment, Trixie wished she was using a land line. She so desperately wanted to twist her finger around the phone cord. “And what is my type?”

“You know, pretty girls who are out of this world funny. All the hyper-femmes I’ve found are hot on the body but empty in the head; and boring. God, you have no idea how boring hot girls can be.” A frustrated groan escaped her, but she recovered right away, as if the actual reason for the call had suddenly hit her. “I just… could you, maybe, give me another chance? It’s stupid but all I can think about is being in Malibu with you again. I’ll prepare the dumb picnic this time. Although, I can’t promise we won’t be eating, like, old batteries and drinking Red Bulls. That’s probably all the things that can be found in my bag right now, but–”

“Oh, my God! Stop!” Trixie shouted between giggles. “If what you wanted was to annoy me into accepting, you can stop now.”

Katya’s whizzing laughter travelled through miles and miles until it digitally filled Trixie’s ears.

“So, is that a yes? Can we give it another go?”

“Yes, you idiot. I’ll go out with you again.”

“Marvellous, darling! Pick you up tomorrow, same place?”

On her end of the line, Trixie shook her head. “I actually live in Century City. You can pick me up here and we’ll go to Malibu. We can even work on those playlists on our way.”

Loud laughter was heard before Katya spoke again. “Deal. Bring the Red Bulls, I’ll bring the batteries.”

Trixie smiled, pressing her cheek against the cold glass of her cellphone. “Please, don’t feed me batteries. We can go to a restaurant or something.”

“No,” Katya stated solemnly. “We’ll have a picnic. That’s gonna be our thing, I’ve declared it. See you tomorrow, then?”

“See you tomorrow. Good night.” Just before she hung up, Trixie heard Katya calling her name. “Yeah?”

“We’ll be fine. Let’s just take it slow, okay?”

“Okay,” Trixie agreed. “We’ll be fine,” she repeated, more to herself than the emptiness coming from the device, indicating that the call had ended. “I’ll be fine.”

[i-see-thevision]

Distortion (M)

Part of ‘Heaven or Hell’ my Stray Kids Demon/Angel!au Series

Name: Lee Minho

Status: Demon

Abilities: Amokinesis; Telepathy

Summary: As an Amokinetic Demon, Minho always gets what he wants. And what he wants is you, the only person he can't seem to control.

Word Count: 6.2k

Warnings: Explicit Sex; Blindfolding; Light Bondage; Mentions of Violence; Very Brief Mentions of Death; Idk it gets a little kinky too look what can I say i’m a hoe for Minhoe. 

plz forgive me for i have sinned.

• • •

Perfect.

That’s what was running through Minho’s head as he observed his next potential play toy for the night. Like he was the cat and she was the mouse.

Well, anyone could be the mouse really. It’s not like he had to pick out the easy targets. That was one of the perks of being Amokinetic, Minho could control and manipulate the emotion of lust and desire in anyone. Meaning everyone was an easy target for him.

He was leaning against the wall, his eyes trained on the girl maintaining his focus at the moment.

She was a cute blonde, clad in a very tight red dress that accentuated her form. She most definitely gained her entrance with a fake ID. Minho watched as she swayed her body to the beat of the overplayed song that sounded throughout the club. His mind not into the moment as much as he wanted it to be.

It’s been like that a lot recently. Lately, Minho has been feeling this unfamiliar feeling in his chest whenever he went on his ‘hunting’ endeavors.

And he has no idea why. He would almost say he felt empty, but that’s impossible. He could have anyone he wanted. There is not a single person that he couldn't have in the palm of his hand, what could he possibly be missing?

Minho sighed heavily, pushing himself off the wall and to his desired target for the night.

He approached her slowly. He took his time observing her movements as his hand reached for her wrist. But, as soon as he had his fingers wrapped around her tiny little wrist, he tugged her towards him. Her body fell against his chest rather softly considering the amount of force he pulled her with.

“What the fuck?” She yelped, her head whipping to face Minho. Immediately her eyes met his.

That was her first mistake.

Minho didn't even need to say anything. All he had to do was maintain eye contact and he could feel her stop resisting. A dark smirk played on his lips as she slowly began to smile, her eyes batting like she was the one trying to seduce him.

How ironic. Minho thought.

Speaking of thoughts, actually. He could also read anyone’s thoughts. So he knew damn well that she now wanted him as much as someone could lust for someone.

But just as he was going to suggest they leave (to which he knew her reply already so it wasn't really much of a suggestion...)

He felt her be tugged away from him.

• • •

You didn't even want to be here.

The music was too loud, the club was too hot, there was WAY too many fucking people. (No pun intended.)

“Don’t look so repulsed, y/n.” Your best friend pleaded as she watched you grimace at the alcoholic drink she handed you.

“This place is a cesspool for STD’s, Jihyo.” You deadpanned, taking a quick glance over the crowd of sweaty bodies grinding on each other. “I have a right to be repulsed.”

Jihyo rolled her eyes as a smile tugged on the edge of her lips. She knew you hated this scene, but loved dragging you along on her clubbing adventures anyways. She even got you a fake ID, insisting that you guys would be “twinsies.”

“At least have a little fun!” She yelled way too loud for her proximity, causing you to cringe.

You watched as she started walking backwards, dancing as she made her way into the crowd of people. You sighed and rolled your eyes, turning around to face the bartender.

“Ah, I miss those days.” She sighed, a fond smile on her face.

“Did you also suffer from having way too eccentric friends?” You chuckled, liking the idea of engaging in a conversation with the pretty bartender rather than watch your best friend grind on random people.

“Actually I tended to be the over eccentric one.” She laughed back, wiping a wet glass with a towel before placing it on the counter in front of you. “Care for a drink?”

“Water would be great.” You hummed, decidedly. She chuckled, before filling the glass with water. You gingerly took a sip after she handed it back to you, then placed back on the counter.

Unfortunately your nice escape from the situation was taken from you by a very loud “What the fuck?”

You immediately recognized the voice to be Jihyo, your head snapping in the direction it came from. Quickly finding her form.

She was being held against some guy, who was staring at her way too intensely. You immediately jumped down from your seat at the bar and sped to your best friend’s side, tugging her away and out of the douchebag’s grasp.

“Hey asshole, keep your filthy hands to your fucking self.” You yelled as you moved Jihyo to stand behind you.

This was another reason Jihyo brought you along to these things. You tended to protect her from guys like this. You just had no patience for people who pushed others around and tended to stand your ground in such situations.

Minho was surprised by the audacity you had to speak to him like that. In a way, he was almost impressed. He can't think of a time a girl spoke to him in such a manner. He chuckled to himself as he stared into your rage filled eyes. It’s been a while since he’s had two girls.

“You say that now.” He smirked at you, ready for you to turn into putty.

But the rage in your eyes only seemed to grow.

“And I’ll be saying it forever, you dick.” You spat, tugging your best friend, his initial target, along with you. And just like that you were both gone.

He stood there, completely dumbfounded. And Minho was rarely surprised.

“What just happened?” Minho questioned, aloud to himself. He shook his head in an attempt to understand the situation.

You didn't even soften for a second. It was like his power had absolutely no affect on you at all. You completely resisted him.

Minho had never encountered someone who could do that.

He left the club that night without a girl. He couldn't focus, couldn't make another attempt after your encounter. He was off his game entirely. 

Part of him wanted to go after you, find out what you were. How could he not manipulate your emotions? How could you be completely immune to his power? He thought for a moment that maybe you weren't human. But he felt that you had to be because he would know if you were anything but human, he would have sensed that. And he didn't so, you must be human. Just... a human immune to demons? That doesn't make any sense. 

Minho shook his head again, still trying to make sense of this situation. 

He wandered the city until he reached his apartment building. Taking a moment to look up at the building, his thoughts still reeling. An exaggerated sigh left his lips as he took a few more steps forward to reach the entrance, the glass doors opening automatically. 

Minho lived in one of the nicest apartment buildings in the city. Another perk of being an amokinetic demon. He walked to where the elevators were and waited for what he felt was way too long to have one open. And the wait to reach the 13th floor seemed even longer. 

Finally entering his apartment, Minho trudged into his bedroom and let himself fall on top of his bed. 

“What. Are. You.” He groaned, his voice muffled by the pillows. He didn't bother moving.

Minho just laid there like that, laid there with you on his mind. He thought more about what you looked like rather than your actions. How your hair framed your face seemingly perfectly. How ‘fumingly angry’ was a good look on you. How-

Woah woah woah. What are you doing, Minho? This is not how that works. You do not... fall... or whatever for anyone. You’re a demon. Get yourself together.

Minho audibly sighed. Turning himself over to lay on his back and face the white ceiling. He wanted to fall asleep. Regardless of the fact that he, being a demon, didn't need sleep. He still wanted to sleep and escape the thought of you. And eventually he did fall asleep, not waking until nearly afternoon the next morning. 

He went about his day as normal, except he avoided the club. He didn’t go home with any girls, didn't manipulate anyone’s feelings. This continued for almost a week. A week of what Minho can appropriately call Hell.

It was ridiculous that Minho was allowing you, a mere human, to throw him off his game, off his normal habits. 

He was allowing you to control him, and that was not going to happen any longer. He was going to find you, and he was going to either find out how to get you to fall under his spell, or if that doesn't work, kill you.

Those were the only two options.

• • •

“Who’s ready to go clubbing tonight!” Jihyo yelled from across the room. 

You and Jihyo have been dorm mates at the same college for about a year now. However, it feels like you live there by yourself with how often she's ‘out on the town’ as she likes to put it. You're not sure how she's passing her classes.

“Yeah that’s not happening, I have an 8:00am tomorrow.” You scoffed, playfully rolling your eyes at your free spirited best friend. Then her circumstances for tomorrow dawned on you. “Actually, you do too. So you're not going anywhere tonight either.” You advised. 

Jihyo sighed audibly, plopping herself down on the couch. “You’re no fun.” She whined, kicking her heels off and making herself comfortable. 

“Hey, are you hungry? I’m thinking about getting takeout.” You pondered, looking around the kitchen for an alternative. Finding none, you head turned toward your best friend. 

“Actually yeah, I’m pretty hungry.” She said, flicking through the channels on the tv.

“You feeling porridge? Because I’m feeling porridge.” You inquired, hopeful. Jihyo’s face lighting up as her head snapped in your direction was enough of an answer for you. You chuckled at her excitement, grabbing your keys and purse.

“Alright I’ll run over to Bonjuk. I should be back in like 20 minutes or so.” You waved before leaving the dorm to sneak out to the parking lot.

You weren't supposed to leave campus after 10:00pm. But that didn't exactly stop anyone, it wasn't a very strictly enforced rule. But none the less you’d be reprimanded if caught leaving your dorm, so caution was still necessary. 

You unlocked your car once you reached the parking lot and hopped inside. It didn't take long to reach the city but when you got to Bonjuk there was literally no parking. So you opted for parking in the municipal parking lot a couple blocks down and walking.

You pulled your jacket closed as the fall weather was a bit chillier tonight than usual. The breeze causing goosebumps to form on the surface of your skin. A shiver ran through your spine when it occurred to you just how dark it was. You were a bit weary about walking alone in the city at night, but you shook the feeling and continued on your trek.

You could see Bonjuk now, and a smile graced your lips. But before you could reach your desired destination, a hand grabbed your arm and pulled you into a nearby alleyway. 

You had intended to scream but the impact from the brick wall behind you prevented you from doing so. You were disoriented for a moment before the feeling of a cold sharp blade against your throat caught your attention.

“Please-” You tried to whimper out, but you were cut off by the blade pushing into your skin harder.

“Now, here’s how this is gonna go...” His voice was deep, gravelly, and it terrified you to the bone. “...you are going to keep quiet or I’ll slit this pretty little throat of yours. Simple, right?” He chuckled darkly. 

One of his hands moved down to your hip and his thumb pushed into the skin there, likely creating a bruise. 

But just as the tears began running down your cheeks...

The man grunted and fell to the ground.

• • •

He did it. He finally did it. 

Minho finally figured out what you were. Albeit, he stumbled upon the answer on accident but he won't admit that. 

He had shifted back to Hell, a place he used to call home. But that was before he had a disagreement with the Devil himself. But that’s besides the point.

The point is, he went there to search the catacombs. That’s where they kept record of every supernatural creature that has ever been, and was currently on earth. And he was determined to find out if you were human or not. Maybe you were sent to Earth to mess with him. 

Whatever it was, he would know soon enough.

He felt like he had been reading for hours and had gotten absolutely no where. That’s when he kicked the bookshelf, causing a book to fall out of it and land on the floor. 

Minho groaned before bending down to pick it up, but stopped when he was what page it was opened to.

BLOCKS:

Supernatural creatures that are immune to most other supernatural creatures. Blocks are technically human. Born from human parents, their DNA is morphed during the growth process. It is still unknown how or why that occurs. More often than not, they are unaware of their own abilities. However, supernatural abilities Blocks are not immune to include: Telepathy; Kinesis of The Elements

Current Number of Known Blocks on Earth: 1

“Of fucking course.” Minho groaned loudly. “Of course I ran into the only Block on earth.”

He shut the book rather forcefully, and shoved it back in its spot on the shelf. Sighing to himself, he tried to focus and shift back to Earth. Hoping he would be back in his apartment, he sighed again when he realized he was in the city. 

“For fucks sake.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and furrowed his eyebrows. He was frustrated beyond belief. 

He was frustrated because he somehow managed to run into you, the only Block on earth. He was frustrated because the thought of you distracted him and now he was in the city and not his apartment. But he was mostly frustrated because you wouldn't leave his head. And he didn't even want you to leave his head. He liked thinking about you, he liked the thought of you.

Fuck, he liked you.

This didn't happen to Minho, he never started liking anyone. Why did you have to do this to him? Why did you have to-

His thoughts were cut off by a small yelp. He turned in the direction of the sound and could not believe what he was seeing.

It was you, being dragged into an alleyway. And Minho can’t even begin to describe the anger that flowed through him at the sight of this. He immediately reacted, sprinting into the alleyway.

The man had a knife held to your neck and his hand placed on your hip. Minho growled before clenching his fists, his eyes turning black. He tilted his head and watch as the man’s breathing constricted and he fell to the ground. Minho then picked him up by the collar of his shirt and threw him against the wall beside you. 

Finally you were able to let out the scream you've been holding. 

And when you did that, Minho’s gaze shifted to you. He threw the man on the ground who proceeded to scuffle off in the opposite direction. Minho ran to where you were, trying to regain your breathing.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Minho rushed out, trying to assess your condition.

You couldn't speak, you were too busy trying to wrap your head around how he was even here. 

“H-how did you find me?” You stuttered out, trying to catch your breath. 

This took Minho aback. He scanned you for a minute, trying to figure out what you meant by that. 

“You’re that guy right? The guy from the club a couple weeks ago?” You asked, your breathing steadying while stabilizing your movements with a hand on the wall next to you.

Minho just stared at you, his features confused. You remembered him?

In his silence, you found your composure. You knew exactly who he was. And that’s because you knew exactly what you were. 

A Block.

You have been aware of this ability of your’s since you could talk. Your grandfather was a Block, himself. And he explained to you everything about yourself and the supernatural world before he was killed by a Pyrokinetic. Leaving you as the only known Block on earth.

You looked at the boy in front of you. A little amused by his confused state. You knew he wasn't human that night at the club. You could sense the kinetic energy on him. You just didn't know exactly what he was.

“So what are you? Pathokinetic Vampire? Mentokinetic Lycanthrope?” You mused, having pretty much met them all.

“Amokinetic Demon.” Minho stated, straight faced. He was gauging your reaction.

You'd be lying if you said you weren't a little nervous. You've never met a Demon before. In fact your mother had always told you to stay away from them if you could help it. Mostly because almost all of them were Telepathic and that was something you were not immune to.

So you were a little nervous, sure. But for some reason you weren't afraid. 

“Oh. I’ve never met a Demon before...” You admitted, rather hesitantly. 

Minho chuckled, not realizing just how cute you were until now. He didn't really get a good look at you that night at the club. But now, even in your slightly messy state, he realized just how attracted he was to you.

“No? Well I’ve never met a Block before.” He told you, taking a step closer to you. You took a step back out of instinct but still, you weren't afraid of him. You were curious. You could also make out his features now, in the dim moonlight mixed with the lights from the nearby buildings. He was really really attractive, you're not gonna lie. But he was a Demon. He was the epitome of ‘bad news’ right?

“So you’re aware of what I am then?” You inquired, already knowing the answer. He continued taking steps closer to you, to which you would take another step back. That is, until your back made contact with the brick wall you were previously being held at knife point against.

“Mhm.” Minho hummed as a reply to your clearly rhetorical question. A smirk forming on his lips as he placed his hands on the wall behind you, caging you in.

“So you also know your Amokinesis won’t work on me then.” You had to lean your head up a little to look at him now. He was incredibly close to you, only a few inches between your lips and his. It wouldn't take much effort to stand on your tiptoes and closed the gap. The thought making you heart rate spike. You were afraid he could hear how fast your heart was beating. 

Then it occurred to you that that’s not what you should be afraid he could hear...

Minho chuckled at this.

“I can still hear those pretty little thoughts of yours, though. You want me as badly as I want you, and I know it.” His voice got noticeably lower. And you tried to turn off your thoughts but you just couldn't. You thought about how it would be if you just leaned only a couple inches closer and captured his lips in yours. How it would be if he took you against this wall right here right now.

“Naughty, aren't we?” He mused, his hands moving to you your waist. 

You didn't know how to respond. But, you wanted this, you knew that. He knew that.

Minho wanted to kiss you right then, but something was holding him back. He pondered over the feeling before he realized exactly what it was.

Your consent.

He’s never needed that before. He’s always just manipulated girls into wanting him. But he couldn't do that with you. And what freaked him out the most was that he knew he wouldn't do anything to you if you said no right now. That he sincerely... cared about you. And that’s why he wanted to protect you and why he can't stop thinking about you and why-

His rambling thoughts were cut off by you, pressing your lips to his.

This caught him by surprise at first but he recovered quickly, taking your face in his hands and pulling you closer. His lips felt slightly cold, but in a good way. It was like his kiss was almost refreshing. Something about the fact that you were told to stay away from Demons, drew you further in. You’ve always had a thing for danger. 

“Since that night at the club...” Minho said in between kisses. “... I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

You pulled away to look at him. “Really?” You said, incredulously. “This isn’t you just fulfilling your Demon-y desires?”

Minho chuckled. “You have a lot to learn about Demons, hun.” Then his eyes grew more serious, almost nervous.

“This is new for me... I’ve never felt like this toward someone before.” He said, his chest rising and falling as he waited for your reaction. A smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you brought your hands to the sides of his face. 

“Well normally, the guy takes the girl on a date first.” You giggle softly. Minho’s chest constricts as the sound of you giggling. Thinking to himself that he wants to hear that from you more often. But he also then starts imagining the other sounds he could be making you make. And that he’d much rather hear those sounds right now.

“Really? Cuz that’s not what I had in mind right now.” He smirked, hopeful. But his smirk slowly faded as you glared at him. The exasperated sigh that left his lips causing you to chuckle. 

“Sorry hun, but a date comes first.” You say, his hands leaving your waist and instead grabbing one of your hands. 

“Alright fine. Then we’re going on one right now.” He began tugging you out of the alley way. But he didn't get far, only making it to the sidewalk before you stopped him.

“Woah there, lover boy.” You chuckled at his eagerness. “I have a roommate I’m supposed to be bringing food to.” You smiled apologetically.

Minho groaned again. “You’re really going to make me wait until tomorrow aren't you?” He looked down at you, the look in his eye made you want to forget about Jihyo and go with him, but you stopped yourself because you realized that he now knew you were thinking this. That thought being confirmed by a sly chuckle from him.

“You're only making this harder for me, you know?” He sighed, a smile growing on his face. He pulled you closer to him by the hem of your jacket. “I’m staying with you until you get back to your car, I don't want you walking around by yourself after what just happened. Prior to me saving you, of course.” He smirked.

“Right, that was actually terrifying. I never actually thanked you for that, so thank you-” You paused for a moment when you realized that you didn't actually know his name. 

“Minho.” He smiled, slipping his hands under your jacket to rest them on your hips. Your heartbeat quickened at his subtle actions. 

“Y/n.” You introduced, reluctantly pulling away from his grasp to instead take his hand and pull him toward Bonjuk.

• • •

“So there’s a book... In Hell... That I’m in?” You ask for clarification. Minho and you were at a nearby cafe, enjoying your fifth date. He was reluctant to wait for a second date, but soon began enjoying simply spending time with you. But he was also determined to bring you back to his place after this one.

“Well, it doesn't say your name. But it does record your existence.” He confirmed, taking a sip of his coffee. You hummed in understanding, taking a sip of your own coffee.

“You know, it just occurred to me that you haven't seen my apartment yet.” He smirked, looking up at you from his mug. You knew where he was going with this, and you also felt like you had made him wait long enough. To be honest, you were just making sure he really wanted you. And if he was willing to wait this long, than you were sure he did. So you were ready to give him what he wanted. 

“You know, you're right.” You smiled innocently, wishing you could play dumb but you knew he knew exactly what you were thinking. 

“We should go there now then, you think?” He said standing up from his chair, beyond ready for this. You didn't even respond verbally, he knew you wanted this as much as him.

The walk more like run back to his apartment wasn't long. And when you got there, you had to force your mouth closed when you saw where he lived.

“Oh my god.” You gawked. Minho chuckled from beside you, his hand still firmly holding yours.

“I’m a Demon y/n, what were you expecting?” He smirked, tugging you into he building. He sighed internally at the sight of other people waiting for the elevators. Nonetheless, he waited for them to open with you holding his arm. He looked down to see you fiddling with the sleeve of his jumper, a smile forming at your sudden nervousness. He was going to take care of you, Minho thought to himself. 

As soon as the elevator doors opened, he pulled you in to stand in the back corner with him. He smiled as he realized you two would be in there the longest as his floor was the highest out of everyone in there.

An idea popped into his head at this thought. 

Minho smiled to himself as he pulled you against him, your back against his chest. You didn't think anything of it, just him keeping you close to him. But that was until you felt his hand slide to your front. His hand moving further down, to the waistband of your jeans. 

Your breath hitched as he slipped his hand into your jeans. His hand dipped further until you felt the pad of his middle finger slide up and down your clothed slit. Your head fell back against his chest when he pulled your panties aside to coat his finger in your wetness. A gasp left your lips when he inserted a finger into you, slowly dragging it out only to push it back in. Your hand flew to your mouth, hoping no one heard you. You bit down on your palm as Minho kept up with his ministrations and added another finger. Minho chuckled, enjoying seeing you like this. 

You better keep quiet, babygirl. Someone might hear you.

You heard him say. Until you realized that you didn't hear him say that out loud... You heard it in your head. 

Yes babygirl, I can talk you like this. Minho smirked against your neck.

As the last three people left the elevator, Minho pulled his hand from your jeans, eliciting a whine from you as you turned around to meet his lust filled gaze.

“Don’t worry babygirl, I’ll take good care of you.” He whispered before taking his fingers into his mouth, licking them clean of your essence. The sight immediately reheating your core. 

The elevator doors opened and Minho took your hand, leading you to his apartment. Quickly pulling out his key, he opened the door. You only had a few seconds to gawk at his apartment before you were pushed against the door you just walked through. 

His lips crashed down onto yours in a frenzy while his hands pushed off your jacket. You barely even heard it hit the floor as Minho gripped your thighs and picked you up. You wrapped your legs around him as he began walking backwards toward his bedroom. 

His lips remained on yours, tongues entangling, as he laid you down on his bed, rather gently. His hands reached back to grab his jumper and pull it over his head, tossing it on the floor. His lips reattached to yours as he followed you, crawling backwards towards the headboard. When you reached his pillows, Minho pushed you back against the mattress. 

“Do you trust me?” He whispered looking down at you. You were a bit surprised by his question but nevertheless, you nodded without hesitation.

“I need to hear you say it, love.” He smiled softly, leaning down closer to you, his lips hovering over yours.

“I trust you, Minho.” You breathed against his lips. And that’s all it took for him to stop hesitating. 

He took the hem of your shirt and pulled it up, you lifted your arms so he could take it all the way off, tossing it on the floor next to his jumper. He smiled at the light pink lace bra you were wearing. 

“How can you be sexy and cute at the same time?” Minho shook his head, bringing his hand to your back. “As much as I love this on you, I would much rather have it off of you.” He smirked before unclasping your bra and tossing it to the floor. You felt your cheeks heat up as it occurred to you your chest was completely naked to him now.

“They’re perfect, babygirl. Don’t be shy.” He whispered against your ear, slowly dragging his hands up your sides, brushing gently over your sensitive nipples in the process.

He kissed your lips softly before taking both your wrists and crossing them above your head against the headboard. You looked at him slightly confused but the confusion faded when you saw the silk tie he suddenly held in his hand.

The thought of Minho tying you up immediately sent a wave of heat between your legs. You nodded at him softly, yet eagerly, and soon your wrists were delicately tied to the headboard. You tugged a little just to see how secured you were, and Minho chuckled slightly when you concluded that you would not be getting out without him untying you.

“You have nothing to worry about, babygirl. I am going to make you feel so good.” Minho assured, his voice was intoxicating. You felt like you could cum just from his voice. In fact you were so distracted by his voice that you didn't notice the silk blindfold he had placed over your eyes. You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth as he finished tying it behind your head. 

“Is this okay?” Minho asked, concerned with making you comfortable. You nodded your head, but Minho tisked again.

“Use your words, babygirl.” He said softly. And suddenly you had the urge to live out one of your sexual fantasies. 

“Yes, daddy.” You answered in a soft voice. A grin broke out on Minho’s face at your use of that name. He’s not gonna lie, that instantly made him hard. 

He leaned his head down to the crook of your neck and kissed your skin softly. “That’s a good girl.” He praised, bringing a smile to your lips. 

He began kissing down your neck, nipping at your skin every now and then. He soothed every bite with his tongue, alternating from licking to sucking as he left a bloom of purple flowers in his wake. Your breathing picked up and small gasps left your mouth as you felt him make his way further down to your breasts. He kissed each one softly, mumbling something about them being beautiful. You were too distracted by his mouth to really hear him clearly. 

His lips kissed down your stomach, until he reached the waistband of your jeans. You could feel him unbutton them and tug them down your legs. With your lack of sight, the only sign that your jeans had reached the floor was the sound of denim hitting carpet. 

Minho took your panties between his fingers and pulled them down your legs and off as well, tossing them haphazardly on top of your jeans. Anticipation killed you as you waited for him to touch you again.

“Spread your legs, Babygirl.” He asserted, tapping your thigh gently. You did as told and widened your legs for him. His lips met your lower stomach, just beneath your belly button. You shivered in excitement as his lips dragged down further. You then felt his breath fanning against your core, his tongue coming out to kitten lick your slick folds. Your hips bucked up involuntarily, but Minho was quick to pin your hips back down. A moan escaped your lips as you felt him begin sucking on your clit. 

You tasted like heaven, Minho thought ironically. That’s what you were like to him, a little slice of heaven. Nothing has ever compared to the sight of you writhing under his touch, like this. He just couldn't get enough of you.

Your head fell back against the pillows as his finger prodded your entrance. Your moans increased as he began to guide his finger in and out of you, fast. His mouth continuing its works on your now sensitive bud as he added a second finger.

You could feel your impending orgasm coming on, Minho already knowing via your thoughts. But before you could climax, you felt his fingers and his mouth leave your core. You gasped in response.

“Daddy~” You whined at the loss of contact. This elicited a soft chuckle from Minho. 

“Patience, little one. Daddy wants you to cum around him.” He cooed, grabbing a condom from his bedside drawer and tearing it open with his teeth. He wasted no time in tugging his jeans and boxers off, finally releasing his hard on. 

He rolled on the condom, pumping himself a few times before placing himself at your entrance. Your lack of sight enhanced your other senses, making you hypersensitive to his touch. You felt him slowly slide his cock into you, a long drawn out moan leaving your lips at the feeling. He pulled out just as slowly before slamming back into you, full force. Your mouth fell agape and a choked moan escaped your throat. Minho reveled in the sound of you moaning. Each sound you made encouraging him to thrust faster. It was like he was meant to be inside you, he fit you perfectly. His thrusts were like magic and it had your mind spinning. 

Minho moved his hands to your wrists, untying them with the need of feeling your hands against his skin. As soon as your wrists were free, you gripped his shoulders. Minho growled when he felt your nails dragging down his back. He continued rocking his hips into yours while a string of moans and profanities left your lips. 

You were so close to reaching your climax, Minho was close too. The lewd sounds of squelching and skin slapping skin only bringing you both further to the edge. 

And that’s exactly what this felt like. It felt like you were dangling off the edge of a cliff. And at the bottom of that cliff was Minho, holding out his arms to catch you when you fell. The only thing you had to do to reach him was let go. 

Minho grabbed your thigh, pushing it further up his waist, achieving a new angle in the process. He now reached deeper inside you and you could barely verbalize that you were going to cum. But you didn't need to, he knew. 

He always knew.

You felt Minho quickly take off your blindfold, now making eye contact with him.

“Cum for me, Babygirl.” He whispered to you. Immediately at his words, you let go of the cliff, plummeting down to be caught by him. Your eyes squeezed shut, your back arching off the bed, your bottom lips between your teeth.

It was a gorgeous sight, Minho thought. And that’s all it took for him to climax as well, a moan of your name falling from his lips as he released into the condom.

He collapsed beside side you, catching his breath. His head was spinning. This was the greatest he has ever felt in his entire existence. He was positive you were meant to be his. He was positive he would never let you go.

He was positive he was in love with you.

Minho sighed in content before disposing of the now used condom in the wastebasket beside his bed. 

Your chest heaved, body slightly sticky from sweat. Minho turned back to face you, loving how fucked out you looked. His eyes traced from your messy hair, to your slightly damp forehead, to the bouquet of purple hickeys he left on your chest and neck. A satisfied smile graced his features. You were the one.

“We should get you cleaned up, love.” Minho advised, tracing circles softly against your hip. You sighed at his gentle touch. Nodding your head softly.

“Round two in the shower?” You suggested, grinning to yourself at the idea. Minho laughed before standing up and tugging you with him to his bathroom.

“That’s my girl.”

• • •

A/N: Thank you for reading the second installment of this series! This had me sweating and I hope you all look at Minho now like the dom he is. A n y w a y s . . . Next Monday will be Jisung’s! And I literally can't wait. Back to my angsty/fluffy roots. Hope you’re all doing well! <3

[goodeveningtowrite]

Like Hell

So, a few weeks ago, I had this little plot bunny that wasn’t quite big enough to do anything else with, but it was big enough to do this (and a bit more!) with. Happy reading! x

Warning: Mature content ahead.

It was supposed to be a relaxing holiday with a dash of European culture, but when Lucie and her friends had agreed on the cozy little ski chalet tucked away in the Austrian Alps, she hadn’t known about him.

Him, who’d cut in front of her when she was loaded down with two carry-ons and a large suitcase to take up the last bit of free space in the elevator with a roguish wink of one cerulean blue eye, cheeks pink from the whipping wind and dirty blond hair peeking out from underneath his beanie.

Him, who was at breakfast the next morning and stole the last danish from underneath her nose without the tongs that were in her hands.

Him, who was chatting up her friends after a long day on the slopes when she wanted to chat to them and not listen to his obnoxiously extroverted regaling of his university life or his plans for the next day with his ass just about next to her face from where he was perched on the arm of the overstuffed sofa.

Him, who, if she allowed herself to admit it -- in an objective way, of course, with no personal feelings on the matter whatsoever -- was ridiculously attractive. He carried every air she found made a person unattractive -- arrogance, entitlement, inconsideration for others -- but he had a warm voice, and his lanky frame easily towered above her average height, with blond hair that looked as golden-red as hers in the firelight and a sharp jaw that got sharper when he smiled.

Him, who if he didn’t already have more than three strikes against him, would have been type to she’d pick if she were to have a fling on holiday -- someone to be reckless with, because feelings weren’t part of the equation when she’d never have to see them again.

His eyes twinkled when he knew he was being a nuisance, though, and that made whatever physical appeal he held vanish into smoke. Like hell was she going to get anywhere near him.

He had a name, but despite how many times he’d introduced himself to Lucie and her friends, she refused to use it (as if it wasn’t on her mind when she tossed and turned with a scowl). Doing so might give him a feeling of self importance, and he seemed to have enough of that to go around. All she could say was she was glad it was just one week, or however long he was staying for.

“Biscuit?”

The lilting question accompanied the treat waved in front of her face, wrapped in a napkin and pinched between long fingers that always had a way of grabbing up the sweets.

“No, thank you,” Lucie said stiffly, pulling the knit blanket up closer to her chin where she was curled in front of the sofa. She’d gone out for a solitary ski earlier and by the time she got back it was getting dark and exponentially colder, and a cozy evening by the snapping, crackling fire had been in order.

He grunted when he landed on the couch, squeezing into the tight space and barely leaving her any, and she scowled at him out of the corner of her eyes. He had a thick, maroon sweater on that was rolled up around his neck, and his floppy, blond hair was over his eyes before he pushed it back. “Sure?” he asked, waving the treat in front of her.

“Yes,” she said. “Where’d you get it from, anyway?”

Crumbs fell off onto his sweater when he bit in, and he brushed them away poorly while saying, “Just put them out by the front desk. Complementary,” through a full mouth with one puffed cheek. “Good day on the slopes?”

She grit her teeth but nodded once out of politeness.

“Saw you out there,” he said.

“Sorry?”

His smirk was infuriating when she turned to him, one dark blonde eyebrow arched annoyingly high. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t watching you,” he said. “Was on my own way. Thought about saying hi, but decided not to. You looked like you were kinda into it.”

“Oh?” Lucie asked dryly. “Shame. You should have,” she said, adding a silent prayer that he hadn’t. “Next time, maybe.”

“Don’t think so,” he said. “You don’t really like me.”

Instantly, she felt her cheeks burst into flame, and she could only hope the fire disguised the fact that they were probably redder than her hair.

“What gives you that impression?” she asked.

“What doesn’t?” he laughed. “First time I saw you, you gave me the nastiest look when I got on the lift.”

“I had three bags and you cut in front of me,” she said curtly. “Think I had every right to be pissed at you.”

“I felt badly about that -- I did!” he insisted when she scoffed.

“Oh, yeah,” she said. “Because this--” she gave an exaggerated wink, “really says, ‘Sorry for taking up the last spot in the elevator.’”

“Well, it was meant to be a little cheeky,” he admitted, and she swore she saw a tinge of pink in his otherwise pale face. “But I thought the intent was clear.”

“You stole the last danish the other day,” she said.

“That one was on purpose,” he said, shrugging when she rolled her eyes. “I like danish.”

“You’re a showoff.”

“How’m I a showoff?” he asked, brow furrowed with insult for the first time.

“All your stories about what kinds of jumps you’ve done or who you trained with and how you could have championed England at the Olympics but chose to pursue your education instead.”

"It's only conversation, innit?" he asked. "Shooting the breeze, trying to get to know people. Only get to see each other for as long as you were here, don't we? Little cultural exchange?" "I've got my cultural exchange," Lucie said. "I've lived in London for the last year, and I’m glad most of the people I’ve met have made a better first impression than you have." "Oh, yeah?" he asked. "You've got a job?" "School," she sniffed. "Mathematics." "Impressive," he said, eyebrows rising to the point she almost believed him. "I never could put two and two together."

She blinked and he grinned more toothily than the Cheshire Cat.

“That was clever,” he said. “Admit it.”

“And what did you study?” Lucie asked. “Law?”

“Why do you say that?” he asked.

“You look the type,” she said. “And I was right.”

“You were,” he said. “I studied law.”

She smirked, chest puffing some.

“Until I switched to English.”

The fire snapped aggressively behind them and he picked a crumb off his maroon sweater. “Go on,” he said. “Ask me what I'm going to do with it.”

She stared, silent.

“The answer is, ‘I don't bloody know’, but I hope I'll be happy with it,” he says. “What are you going to do with maths?” he asked.

“Why are you asking?”

“Never going to see each other again, are we?” he asked. “That's the fun about holiday -- meet new people, tell them anything or the truth, and whatever they think of it--” he shrugged, “doesn't really matter, does it?”

Lucie narrowed her eyes. “So, is anything you've told me true?” she asked.

He grinned and she scowled.

“Oh, take a joke,” he said.

“You haven’t offered one,” she said and he threw his head back with laughter.

“You’re funny,” he said, the ghost of his humor still on his face.

“I’ll work on that,” she said, skin prickling. “Is there anything else you want?”

A pregnant pause followed, and the shadows of the flickering fire in the darkened room played over his face like a shadow lamp.

“Yeah,” he said and she bit her lip. “But I think you’d like me even less if I told you the truth.”

For all intents and purposes, it was an invitation to walk away, but walking away felt like defeat, and he’d beaten her enough these past few days.

“Never going to see each other again, are we?” she echoed him. “So, you can tell me whatever you want as long as it doesn’t put me at harm, and who cares.”

He lifted his chin and his lips thinned a bit.

“Right?” Lucie asked, heart thrumming to the tick of a clock in her ears. It skipped a beat, though, when he edged closer, decreasing the already minimal space between them. Underneath the blanket, she balled her hands up into fists and her nails bit into her sweaty palms.

“I want to kiss you.”

She gulped and he cocked his head, that infuriating smirk back on his face.

“Well?”

Her laugh was reminiscent of a gasp. “‘Well’ what?” she asked. “What am I supposed to say to that?”

“‘You're mental’, for one,” he suggested. “You've all but told me you’d use my guts to string a violin. I'd expect a little repulsion.”

So would she, and as nettled as she was with him for suggesting it, she was more angry with herself for not stalking away from his arrogant suggestion.

“Never have to see each other again,” he said just under the roaring fire.

“Why do you want to kiss me if I don't like you?” Lucie asked.

“Why aren’t you saying ‘no’ if you don't like me?” he asked and she gulped. “Thought I’d like to kiss you for a bit now. But every time I try to start a conversation, you ignore me. This is this is the first time you've bothered to give me the time of day,” he said.

“And if I don't kiss you?” she asked, heart speeding up. “What happens then? You find the next person’s bed to move into on holiday? Do you even have a room?”

He chuckled, and he was so close that this time she could catch a waft of the treat he'd had. “Yeah, I've got my own room,” he said. “And if you don't kiss me, then you don't kiss me. It'll be your loss, though -- I'm an excellent kisser.”

“Arrogant,” she breathed.

“Confident,” he said. “But I'm not doing it unless I have your permission. So, have I got it?”

He was mental, but so was she for considering it -- and she was. It wasn't that she just wasn't saying no, it was that she was thinking of it.

He annoyed her, but she’d never have to see him again.

When she gave her agreement by way of a short bob of her head, he leaned in slightly, wetting his lips briefly, gaze flickering between her mouth and eyes. He slid his hand over her cheek, and she swore she nearly blacked out when her eyes rolled up just before he closed the final distance.

Lucie sucked in a sharp gasp when it wasn’t his mouth, but his tongue to touch her lower lip first. Just after that, his lips locked with hers, gentle yet firm, and she parted her mouth under his when he sucked slightly. Not too much, just enough, and Lord help her he was an asshole, but his kiss was making her dizzy, and she’d blame that on her submission.

He tasted minty, and cool -- a strong contrast to the crackling fire behind them -- and she shivered when he dropped his hand from her face to her arm and he slid it up the soft wool of her sweater, squeezing, drawing himself closer and pulling her in.

The first tentative touch of her palm to his warm cheek, just starting to lose whatever smoothness his fresh shave had given it, drew a groan that echoed in his throat, and the guttural sound made her tingle from the rush of power.

“Hang--” he panted and her stomach twisted from how deep and breathless he sounded. “Hang on, let’s get this….”

The blanket pulled across her lap when he tugged on it before he sat up a bit and yanked the edge out from underneath him, draping it over his lap when he sat down again, closer, blazing like a furnace.

With his arms around her shoulders and her fingers pulling at the neck of his sweater, she had to admit in all her hazy impairment that this was slightly more than a kiss. Indeed, it seemed like for his part he was fighting to hold some line of decency with every pulsing squeeze of his hands on her, and she should have been able to push him away a few nibbling sighs ago. Each time she tried, though, and  wound up leaning back in, she had the drugged up thought of well… while he’s here…. Just one more couldn't hurt, but one more required one more after.

The worst part was she wasn't even angry with him about this, and she ought to be. She'd held her ground for how many days and crumbled like this? She'd have to have a word with herself.

Later, though. Much later.

Even without his body heat, the chill that had settled into her bones from the slopes was long gone, and if they weren’t where anyone could find them….

She’d no sooner had that thought when she felt his fingers pulling at the button on her jeans, and she froze in place from the delicate insistence before the pressure around her waist released.

Never had she ever done anything like this.

“Is this okay?”

The inquiry startled her out of her skin and brought her slamming back down to earth. This, she knew, was the point of no return. Whatever was or wasn’t going to happen, it was her call, and she could walk away from it right now.

“Yes,” Lucie breathed against his mouth, and she heard the teeth on her zipper unlocking, muffled by the thick knit blanket, barely a second after she gave her consent. “Oh!” she sucked in a sharp gasp when his fingertips grazed over her underwear, and he pulled back slightly.

“Shh, shh,” he whispered. “It’s alright, promise. Won’t let anyone see, just have to stay good and quiet,” he said, stroking her through the cotton. “Don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

Maybe it was reverse psychology, but him actively not pushing and his assurances that they didn’t have to, that she didn’t have to, made her want to more. She was in control, and as much of a thorn in her side as he’d been the past few days, he felt safe now.

“Ok,” she said. “Wait!” she said, grasping the blanket and pulling it higher when it slipped, and he laughed under his breath.

“Hold it nice and tight, yeah?” he said, and her abdomen tightened in conjunction with her abdomen when he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her underwear. She held perfectly still as he fit his hand between her thighs, mind racing and fists wrapped in the blanket for dear life. Her toes curled in her thick socks when pushed the pad of his finger to her clit, and she could feel the throb increase from the pressure as he stroked, slow and firm, in upwards motions.

“Try not to… be so tense…” he mumbled against her motionless mouth. “Looks funny. Don’t want to give people a reason to look, do you?”

She sighed when he stroked a little lower, and he nodded a bit, nose brushing her cheek.

“There we are,” he said between kisses. “Nothing to be nervous about, is there?” he asked, fingers dipping just inside of her. “That’s easy, innit?”

Not three days ago he’d made her skin crawl, and now he had his hand down her pants and she was letting him, and worst of all it felt good -- thrilling, even. Forget the Olympics, this was what he should’ve been bragging about, whether or not it made her hate him more.

“Promise I won't let anyone see,” he said. “This is just for me, innit?”

She nodded quickly, feeling like her heart might burst right out of her chest.

“Yeah,” she said, nodding, forehead pressed to his. “Yeah…!”

“How’s it feel?” he asked under his breath. “Is it good?”

She nodded again, mouth open in awe and he smashed his to the side of hers.

“Shh,” he reminded her when a choked sound echoed in her throat. “Have to go somewhere else if you want me to hear you like that,” he said. “Fuck, you probably sound even prettier, don’t you?”

Just kissing, just fingers, just body heat and the snapping fire, but even with just a little more than heavy petting she was starting to tense in all the right ways. He hooked his fingers up inside of her when she bucked and he grunted some when he twisted his wrist to try to catch her clit with his thumb, and somehow her leg wound up across his lap under the blanket to give him more room. Above the knit, they looked for all the world like they were getting caught in an intense kiss, but underneath his fingers were starting to press, and push, and and twist more frantically. Her sweater was starting to cling to her back and shoulders from sweat, and if they didn’t need the blanket for coverage, she’d have thrown it off by now.

“Give--” He swallowed hard and let out a breath so long his teeth practically rattled. “Give me your hand,” he said. “It’s alright, nobody’s here, I’ve got the bl-blanket.”

Still holding the knit blanket with one hand, Lucie allowed him to take her other one, which felt stiff from her hold on the cover, and he pressed it down over his lap. It took her a moment to realize where exactly he’d placed her hand, but when she opened it wider and pushed down, rubbing slightly, he inhaled sharply.

“Fuck…!” he said under his breath and her lips trembled with a smile before her legs jerked and she let out a pitchy sigh that made her hair stand on end.

“Be quiet!” he said, short of breath and barely audible over the drum of her heart in her ears. “Close, aren’t you?” He pressed a smacking kiss to her mouth to cover her answering moan. “Gotta….”

Whatever he was going to say, he either didn’t finish it or she didn’t hear it. All she knew was that she became aware of how her muscles trembled and the pulsing between her legs before she went lax against the cushions. Spinning untethered through space, she closed her eyes against the reeling room, his hand still down her pants and wedged between her thighs and his breathing heavy in her ear as he ghosted kisses across her cheek.

“Not so bad, am I?” he asked, dragging his nose over her temple, and she wished like hell she could disagree.

That’s all for now! Look for the next part in approximately 2 weeks with plenty of other activity in the meantime. Coming up: we learn Casanova’s name. ;) x

[imfreefallinall]

Dear Friends (Fake Friends part 2)

2,2k of angst, sad but strong reader. (A lot of) swearing but also a lot of empowering words.

I know this isn’t really an imagine related to Shawn but I wanted to give Fake Friends a fair sequel- and end- because I feel like it is an important topic. Everyone feels lonely sometimes but we react in different ways. I hope that this writing can help you to see a lighten future where you leave back all the toxic people in your life.

Please know that feedback (as reblogs, likes, grammar suggestions and messages) are super appreciated. If you want to slide into my dms to talk about everything, I’m B and I’m here to help.

Also, I recommend you to listen to “Real Friends” by Camila Cabello. I really like it and it suits the imagine.

Love ya, enjoy.

B

part 1

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

(two days after Y/N’s birthday)

They were right when they said we wouldn’t stop partying for a second. In fact, we didn’t. We went to Milan and Verona, where Shawn and I shared a sweet kiss under Juliet’s balcony while he was humming “Love Story” by Taylor. One night we went to a local club and came home at six, after eating hot croissants for breakfast.

So today, the last day of my crazy long-weekend birthday celebration, we voted for staying here and visiting the little city I grew up in. We are strolling around, looking at the shop windows (not really interested in buying anything) when I see one of my old classmates with a baby in a stroller. I feel my lungs contract, gasping for air for a few seconds; probably even my heart misses a few beats. Then I feel all the anger, humiliation and sadness I repressed for years coming back to surface. My heart then starts so race quickly, palms getting a little sweaty while they close into tightened fists. I take a deep breath, trying to come back down to Earth. I’m not like that, like them. I am smart and I’m going to behave accordingly.

“Guys, give me a minute” I say smiling a little and starting to go toward her but a big hand gently wraps around my arm.

“That’s Sophia, right? You sure you want to go?” asks Shawn, looking into my eyes to let me know he really was concerned.

“Yeah, I wanna fix this. Sooner or later I’ll have to..go on with my life. I guess sooner is now and I really need to understand why they acted like that” I reply giving him a soft peck on the lips to thank him

“Why don’t you guys go sit in that little bar? I assure you it is super comfy and we’ll have a super tea break with a lot of cookies and stuff” I add, looking at them, waiting for a confirmation. They all nod in response and start to make they way to the tempting showcase full of Italian desserts.

“I’ll go with them but please call me if you need anything,” asks a worried Shawn and I laugh

“Babe she’s not a monster, she’s just a girl”

“A girl who made you suffer for years without any apparent reason. I’ll be your knight in shining armour and I’ll save my mistress” he smiles proudly, making me burst into laughter.

“Gosh, you’re so stupid. You can save your mistress from eating too much sugars later, now go”

“Yup. Just remember that I love you and you’re amazing and everything we talked about, okay?” he pecks me on the cheek and follows the other dudes.

As soon as he’s past the door I move closer to the girl, smiling a little.

“Ehi, Sophia!”

“Ehi Y/N, haven’t seen you in a while! How are you doing?” she asks, hugging me for a few seconds before distancing herself to look at me “You look amazing! look at that body of yours” she smiles again.

“I’m good thanks and you?” I reply kindly “is he yours?” I add, looking at the sleeping baby.

“My brother’s newborn, Luca. He’s cute, isn’t he? I’m fine anyway. Actually, I am engaged!” she exclaims excitedly.

“Really? Wow! It’s amazing, congratulations” I hope I sounded happier than I actually am.

“And I see you’re with Shawn! I still remember when we were talking about him back in 2018, loving his music and his naked torso also” she winks but I don’t actually share a bright smile with her since she’s talking about my amazing boyfriend and not about an object.

“How did you end up together?” what a nice way to ask how we met.

“We met in a library in London. I was there to buy a book and he needed to hide for a few minutes since too many fans were following him. And, yeah, we just started to talk.  Guess he found something special in me” I smile at the memory of that cloudy and ordinary-not-so-ordinary afternoon.

“Yeah, my fiancée is so special. You would have met him, Giorgio, if you came at the dinner. Why didn’t you come again?” she questions as she already didn’t know the answer.

“I wasn’t invited but I’m sure you knew it since you were one of the organisers” I answer directly. Her eyes go a little wider and I could even trust her surprise if I didn’t know she was such an actress.

“Oh, I am so sorry! I thought you were in the Facebook group chat, we sent the invitation there. I’ve lost your number so I assumed Marti would text you or call you” she sounds so fake.

“So there’s even a group chat? Listen, honestly I don’t wanna argue with you but why do you have to be such a bitch?” I wonder, sounding strangely self-conscious.

“Sorry?” she looks at me surprised.

“You heard me. Why do you have to cut me off like that? Why did you even need to cut me off back then?” I continue, now waiting for her to answer.

“I don’t know what are you talking about, we were friends. Yes we didn’t invite you but it was a mistake” she tries to explain but I can see the cruelty patiently waiting behind her big, brown eyes.

“Listen, none of us here is an idiot. Friends do not act like you all acted back in high school. Friends are meant to support each other when one of them falls but even when they succeed. You had never supported me, on none of these occasions. Friends are supposed to be kind to each other, caring and present in every moment, not just when they need something from you. How many times I drove forty minutes on dangerous streets just to come and give you help? And how many times did you do the same for me? Let me tell you, not once. Friends should push you over your limits, make you better; but you always told me I was exaggerating when I was just growing and you continued to declare that I was being bossy while I was just trying to help you through projects and homework because you sucked, mostly because you chatted during class, however, I didn’t want you to fail. Friends talk to each other whenever they do something wrong because they care and they don’t wanna lose their friendship. They don’t smile at your face and then go talk shit behind your back, making you feel bad because of course I found out, every time, what you were saying about me, how you were telling everyone to stay away from me because I always wanted to rule. Friends don’t come around only when they need your help, only when they realize you’re good to them; friends stay by your fucking side, even if you’re being bitchy or bossy or whatever because they know you and they know that if you act like that its because you’re suffering. Friends do not go around, spilling someone else’s secret. I confided to you all of my deepest fears and brightest dreams and you mocked me. I revealed to you all the problems my family was going through and you had the strength to tell me I was just blowing everything out of proportion because I wanted to be pitied. I wanted a sister, a partner in crime, not someone looking at me like I was an oily stain on their favourite sweatshirt. For two years you all came to my birthday parties without a small, insignificant present! I would have loved even a stupid t-shirt. Did you remember how much money we spent every year to buy you expensive presents? And I have never received one! You were so...selfish. How come that this year you sent me a letter to London to wish me a happy birthday? Maybe because now that I’m with Shawn I could be useful?

I have been a friend to you, to all of you. I was always ready to wipe your tears with my fingers while I was still trying to get mine to dry. I let you copy my homework whenever you couldn’t make yours and you wouldn’t even share your snacks with me. To you, I was good only when you realized that no one could give advice like me or that no one would drive in the rain with hot Mc Donald to cheer you the fuck up. And, for sure, friends don’t want to catch up when you happen to have a famous boyfriend they want to impress. So yeah, I guess we weren’t friends and we surely aren’t now.”

“I didn’t know you felt like this, you never told us”

“You never asked! I always shared my happy moments with you. All of those summer nights, when I was on vacation and fell in love with different boys and made such cool experiences and memories you wished you made because you only saw them in movies. You told me I was a bitch because every summer I kissed a different guy while I was just experiencing life, I was being normal. And when I got stuck with one guy in particular you told me I pissed you off because I could only talk about him. You even had the courage to say that I was out of control when I described all those summer nights when I went to that small lounge bar by the seaside and danced the life out of me. You even indicate my parents as crazy because they would let me stay out with my friends to see the sunset and to have breakfast together! For two long years, I stopped having fun with my other friends because I had your voices on replay on my mind, telling me how to behave. You ruined me and it took me so long to get back on my feet, you know?”

“We never told you what to do, we were just being honest” she declares, almost looking offended.

“Yes, you did. You made me feel wrong for a very long time. My light shut down because of you. Fuck, I even gave up on singing because every time I was humming you told me to shut up because I was out of tone” I finish, suddenly feeling exhausted. I have just blurted out all of the scars and pain I had in my body. Now it is a weight she has to share too.

“Well, you don’t seem pretty sad now, do you? You have your beloved Shawn so I guess you’re still a bitch and you’re treating him right, if you know what I mean” she complained harshly. My right hand flies and lands hard on her cheek.

“Don’t you ever talk to me again like that. I wanted, needed you to be my friend. I trusted you. I was fragile and you took advantage of that. But now I’m not fragile anymore. I am strong and happy and most of all I am loved. I hope one day you’ll feel loved too so, maybe, you’ll realize how much of a desperate, lonely woman you are.” I declare emotionless, looking for the last time at her scandalized, silent face.

As I walk in the bar, I realize how broken and unhappy Sophia must be. How insignificant and unsuccessful she must feel. Because as soon as I sit on my boyfriend’s legs, with his arms lovingly wrapped around me and our friends laughing for something stupid Geoff said, I understand that people like Lucie and Sophia, people who act like bullies, just feel alone. They feel like they’re not great and, since they aren’t, you don’t deserve it too. This is what crosses their minds. They do not feel better or superior, trust me. They all feel like they are drowning and they want to drag you down with them. Do not let them.

You need to surround yourself with people who know how to appreciate you, how to treat you at your worst and how to laugh with you at your highest. People who are not afraid to love and to show love. People who spread kindness and who praise happiness at its purest form. I can assure you, the world is full of amazing people who know how to be friends because, yes, everyone is different and we surely are different types of persons and friends but, let me tell you: we, as humans who cherish love, know how to treat each other right and we know how to make each other feel loved. Allow yourself to break free from toxic people, even if its hard, even if you see them every day: distance yourself from them and be happy with new people who treasure you for who you are and not for what you have to offer.

Masterlist

[nosafetynetunderneath]

Dear Friends (Fake Friends part 2)

2,2k of angst, sad but strong reader. (A lot of) swearing but also a lot of empowering words.

I know this isn’t really an imagine related to Shawn but I wanted to give Fake Friends a fair sequel- and end- because I feel like it is an important topic. Everyone feels lonely sometimes but we react in different ways. I hope that this writing can help you to see a lighten future where you leave back all the toxic people in your life.

Please know that feedback (as reblogs, likes, grammar suggestions and messages) are super appreciated. If you want to slide into my dms to talk about everything, I’m B and I’m here to help.

Also, I recommend you to listen to “Real Friends” by Camila Cabello. I really like it and it suits the imagine.

Love ya, enjoy.

B

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

(two days after Y/N’s birthday)

They were right when they said we wouldn’t stop partying for a second. In fact, we didn’t. We went to Milan and Verona, where Shawn and I shared a sweet kiss under Juliet’s balcony while he was humming “Love Story” by Taylor. One night we went to a local club and came home at six, after eating hot croissants for breakfast. So today, the last day of my crazy long-weekend birthday celebration, we voted for staying here and visiting the little city I grew up in. We are strolling around, looking at the shop windows (not really interested in buying anything) when I see one of my old classmates with a baby in a stroller. I feel my lungs contract, gasping for air for a few seconds; probably even my heart misses a few beats. Then I feel all the anger, humiliation and sadness I repressed for years coming back to surface. My heart then starts so race quickly, palms getting a little sweaty while they close into tightened fists. I take a deep breath, trying to come back down to Earth. I’m not like that, like them. I am smart and I’m going to behave accordingly.

“Guys, give me a minute” I say smiling a little and starting to go toward her but a big hand gently wraps around my arm.

“That’s Sophia, right? You sure you want to go?” asks Shawn, looking into my eyes to let me know he really was concerned.

“Yeah, I wanna fix this. Sooner or later I’ll have to..go on with my life. I guess sooner is now and I really need to understand why they acted like that” I reply giving him a soft peck on the lips to thank him

“Why don’t you guys go sit in that little bar? I assure you it is super comfy and we’ll have a super tea break with a lot of cookies and stuff” I add, looking at them, waiting for a confirmation. They all nod in response and start to make they way to the tempting showcase full of Italian desserts.

“I’ll go with them but please call me if you need anything,” asks a worried Shawn and I laugh

“Babe she’s not a monster, she’s just a girl”

“A girl who made you suffer for years without any apparent reason. I’ll be your knight in shining armour and I’ll save my mistress” he smiles proudly, making me burst into laughter.

“Gosh, you’re so stupid. You can save your mistress from eating too much sugars later, now go”

“Yup. Just remember that I love you and you’re amazing and everything we talked about, okay?” he pecks me on the cheek and follows the other dudes.

As soon as he’s past the door I move closer to the girl, smiling a little.

“Ehi, Sophia!”

“Ehi Y/N, haven’t seen you in a while! How are you doing?” she asks, hugging me for a few seconds before distancing herself to look at me “You look amazing! look at that body of yours” she smiles again.

“I’m good thanks and you?” I reply kindly “is he yours?” I add, looking at the sleeping baby.

“My brother’s newborn, Luca. He’s cute, isn’t he? I’m fine anyway. Actually, I am engaged!” she exclaims excitedly.

“Really? Wow! It’s amazing, congratulations” I hope I sounded happier than I actually am.

“And I see you’re with Shawn! I still remember when we were talking about him back in 2018, loving his music and his naked torso also” she winks but I don’t actually share a bright smile with her since she’s talking about my amazing boyfriend and not about an object.

“How did you end up together?” what a nice way to ask how we met.

“We met in a library in London. I was there to buy a book and he needed to hide for a few minutes since too many fans were following him. And, yeah, we just started to talk.  Guess he found something special in me” I smile at the memory of that cloudy and ordinary-not-so-ordinary afternoon.

“Yeah, my fiancée is so special. You would have met him, Giorgio, if you came at the dinner. Why didn’t you come again?” she questions as she already didn’t know the answer.

“I wasn’t invited but I’m sure you knew it since you were one of the organisers” I answer directly. Her eyes go a little wider and I could even trust her surprise if I didn’t know she was such an actress.

“Oh, I am so sorry! I thought you were in the Facebook group chat, we sent the invitation there. I’ve lost your number so I assumed Marti would text you or call you” she sounds so fake.

“So there’s even a group chat? Listen, honestly I don’t wanna argue with you but why do you have to be such a bitch?” I wonder, sounding strangely self-conscious.

“Sorry?” she looks at me surprised.

“You heard me. Why do you have to cut me off like that? Why did you even need to cut me off back then?” I continue, now waiting for her to answer.

“I don’t know what are you talking about, we were friends. Yes we didn’t invite you but it was a mistake” she tries to explain but I can see the cruelty patiently waiting behind her big, brown eyes.

“Listen, none of us here is an idiot. Friends do not act like you all acted back in high school. Friends are meant to support each other when one of them falls but even when they succeed. You had never supported me, on none of these occasions. Friends are supposed to be kind to each other, caring and present in every moment, not just when they need something from you. How many times I drove forty minutes on dangerous streets just to come and give you help? And how many times did you do the same for me? Let me tell you, not once. Friends should push you over your limits, make you better; but you always told me I was exaggerating when I was just growing and you continued to declare that I was being bossy while I was just trying to help you through projects and homework because you sucked, mostly because you chatted during class, however, I didn’t want you to fail. Friends talk to each other whenever they do something wrong because they care and they don’t wanna lose their friendship. They don’t smile at your face and then go talk shit behind your back, making you feel bad because of course I found out, every time, what you were saying about me, how you were telling everyone to stay away from me because I always wanted to rule. Friends don’t come around only when they need your help, only when they realize you’re good to them; friends stay by your fucking side, even if you’re being bitchy or bossy or whatever because they know you and they know that if you act like that its because you’re suffering. Friends do not go around, spilling someone else’s secret. I confided to you all of my deepest fears and brightest dreams and you mocked me. I revealed to you all the problems my family was going through and you had the strength to tell me I was just blowing everything out of proportion because I wanted to be pitied. I wanted a sister, a partner in crime, not someone looking at me like I was an oily stain on their favourite sweatshirt. For two years you all came to my birthday parties without a small, insignificant present! I would have loved even a stupid t-shirt. Did you remember how much money we spent every year to buy you expensive presents? And I have never received one! You were so...selfish. How come that this year you sent me a letter to London to wish me a happy birthday? Maybe because now that I’m with Shawn I could be useful?

I have been a friend to you, to all of you. I was always ready to wipe your tears with my fingers while I was still trying to get mine to dry. I let you copy my homework whenever you couldn’t make yours and you wouldn’t even share your snacks with me. To you, I was good only when you realized that no one could give advice like me or that no one would drive in the rain with hot Mc Donald to cheer you the fuck up. And, for sure, friends don’t want to catch up when you happen to have a famous boyfriend they want to impress. So yeah, I guess we weren’t friends and we surely aren’t now.”

“I didn’t know you felt like this, you never told us”

“You never asked! I always shared my happy moments with you. All of those summer nights, when I was on vacation and fell in love with different boys and made such cool experiences and memories you wished you made because you only saw them in movies. You told me I was a bitch because every summer I kissed a different guy while I was just experiencing life, I was being normal. And when I got stuck with one guy in particular you told me I pissed you off because I could only talk about him. You even had the courage to say that I was out of control when I described all those summer nights when I went to that small lounge bar by the seaside and danced the life out of me. You even indicate my parents as crazy because they would let me stay out with my friends to see the sunset and to have breakfast together! For two long years, I stopped having fun with my other friends because I had your voices on replay on my mind, telling me how to behave. You ruined me and it took me so long to get back on my feet, you know?” 

“We never told you what to do, we were just being honest” she declares, almost looking offended.

“Yes, you did. You made me feel wrong for a very long time. My light shut down because of you. Fuck, I even gave up on singing because every time I was humming you told me to shut up because I was out of tone” I finish, suddenly feeling exhausted. I have just blurted out all of the scars and pain I had in my body. Now it is a weight she has to share too.

“Well, you don’t seem pretty sad now, do you? You have your beloved Shawn so I guess you’re still a bitch and you’re treating him right, if you know what I mean” she complained harshly. My right hand flies and lands hard on her cheek.

“Don’t you ever talk to me again like that. I wanted, needed you to be my friend. I trusted you. I was fragile and you took advantage of that. But now I’m not fragile anymore. I am strong and happy and most of all I am loved. I hope one day you’ll feel loved too so, maybe, you’ll realize how much of a desperate, lonely woman you are.” I declare emotionless, looking for the last time at her scandalized, silent face.

As I walk in the bar, I realize how broken and unhappy Sophia must be. How insignificant and unsuccessful she must feel. Because as soon as I sit on my boyfriend’s legs, with his arms lovingly wrapped around me and our friends laughing for something stupid Geoff said, I understand that people like Lucie and Sophia, people who act like bullies, just feel alone. They feel like they’re not great and, since they aren’t, you don’t deserve it too. This is what crosses their minds. They do not feel better or superior, trust me. They all feel like they are drowning and they want to drag you down with them. Do not let them.

You need to surround yourself with people who know how to appreciate you, how to treat you at your worst and how to laugh with you at your highest. People who are not afraid to love and to show love. People who spread kindness and who praise happiness at its purest form. I can assure you, the world is full of amazing people who know how to be friends because, yes, everyone is different and we surely are different types of persons and friends but, let me tell you: we, as humans who cherish love, know how to treat each other right and we know how to make each other feel loved. Allow yourself to break free from toxic people, even if its hard, even if you see them every day: distance yourself from them and be happy with new people who treasure you for who you are and not for what you have to offer.

masterlist

part 1

[xiaobaemoon]

Key Chains~ A Doyoung Soulmate AU: Part 4

A/N: Like I said in the last post, here is the new part! Happy new year to everyone who is celebrating it´right now. I hope you all stay safe and have a wonderful week. You can talk to me any time about literally everything that’s on your mind!Love you

Word Count: 1.054 Words

“I can’t believe the great Doyoung is afraid of heights” you laughed before taking a sip from your soda. Since he begged you like crazy you had no other choice than to have a date with him in the amusement park and that was exactly where the both of you were standing. It was actually a wonderful day. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the park was not as packed as expected, so the both of you could ride every ride you wanted to. However, your partner was not as keen as you were as you asked him to ride the rollercoaster with him. “I’m not afraid of heights” he pouted, kicking a small stone form one foot to another. “This rollercoaster just looks boring. Let us do something different or grab something to eat!”

This was a lousy white lie and you knew it. Without hesitating you grabbed the pale arm of your potential soul mate and dragged him all the way to the line of people. The ride was space themed, who would not like it?

As soon as both of you put on your seat belts you could literally feel his nervousness. Not only because the air around him felt thicker than before, but also because he decided to hold your hand. You loved being on a rollercoaster. There was no better way to feel free and to get a good endorphin rush. “Just relax” you winked into the direction of Doyoung. He was trying to act calm, yet his sweaty palm and his trembling legs told another story. “I am by your side. It will be fun.”

The ride started and you leaned your head back, looking at all the lights around you. They were looking like a night sky filled with stars. You wanted to suggest to him to watch the stars with him in the future, yet before you could open your mouth Doyoung was screaming like there was no tomorrow. The rollercoaster was driving down a hill right now and you actually missed it because you were fantasizing about a future date! This boy had a talent in making you forget about your favorite things.

Out of the ride he seated himself on the floor, covering his eyes with one of his hands. “This was terrible” he sighed, making you giggle. Doyoung also had a talent for exaggerating his every move which you found really funny. “I can’t understand how people actually like those kinds of things! I felt like dying!” The sun was slowly going down. While your partner was laying on the floor, complaining about the ride, you were watching the now golden sun reflecting on his pale skin. It made him look especially stunning, a fact you would never admit. From the first second you saw him you knew that he was good looking, but his visuals were really growing on you. You also watched his chest moving underneath his white T-Shirt. For some weird reason the both of you were actually wearing the same things: A white T-Shirt and black pants. You really looked like a couple and you were sure that everyone around you thought you are one. Was this a bad thing?

“Let’s get something to eat and watch the stars afterwards. I’m gonna treat you, my brave knight” you suggested before helping him stand up. You did not want to end your date like this. For your surprise you actually were having a lot of fun and what was even more surprising for you was that you enjoyed being together with him.

It was finally dark outside and both of you seated yourself on a lonely part of grass somewhere outside of your city. You have never really been there before. Of course, you sometimes saw this place while driving with your car, but you never spent any time there. It was a truly magical place with a beautiful view into the sky. It was quiet,  a small wind was blowing and even a few flowers were growing. “I actually like looking at the stars” Doyoung said, ripping you out of your thoughts. “It is something very peaceful and very soothing isn’t it?” You nodded. That is also the reason why you enjoyed it. It had something which helped you to heal, which made you forget about loneliness and everything bad about the world. “You can see the stars from my room” he continued “I watch them a lot. Whenever my heart is filled with loneliness or confusion it makes me feel better. I know that somewhere out there is someone who is doing the exactly same thing and that is a wonderful thought.”

You could not have said it better. After hearing those words he looked at you with a strange look. It seemed like he was hurting, but also like he was happy. You nodded again. You wanted to say something, but you were so captivated by the beauty of space and by his look. Your eyes were wandering to his lips and there was no way you could look away. His lips were perfectly shaped; there was no other way to describe it. They looked soft and made you feel all warm inside. Without actively doing anything your body started to lean in. You were now pretty close to him. So close that you could feel his warm breath against your skin. “Doyoung” you whispered before your lips met his.

His hand was holding your head as you kissed him again and again. The warmth of his lips made you feel at ease and you could feel that he was feeling the same about you. It was like something inside of you exploded. You wanted to kiss him until the end of time. His hand was now grabbing your hair as his kiss got more confident. The moment you grabbed his head as well and wanted to open your mouth slightly for him, you realized that you needed some air and turned your head away.

After taking a few breaths you looked at Doyoung again. He was doing the same with a huge smile all over his face. “So are we a couple now?” he asked while reaching after your hand. “Yes” you answered, leaning in for a new kiss, this time fully active.

Part 5

[arigathanksgozaimuch]

assumptions.

genre: fluff. character/s: mark tuan | oc. overview: she assumed he was mute. he assumed he was deaf. assumptions are said to be dangerous things, but assumptions are precisely what will bring them together. word count: 5139.

As soon as her last class for the day was dismissed much later than usual, Jieun quickly stood up and hurried to leave the lecture hall.

"What- you forgot to turn the faucet off in the bathroom, or what?" One of her friends, Yugyeom, said. With his long strides, he was able to keep up with her hurried pace.

"I was supposed to pick my brother up from school, like, thirty minutes ago," she replied agitatedly, without even so much as glancing at him. "I really have to go, Gyeom. If you want to talk to me, just send me a text, okay?" And, with a final wave goodbye, she disappeared from his line of sight.

She wasted no time and flagged down the first cab she saw once she exited the university premises. It wasn't like her brother was a toddler who needed constant attention. He could very much go home by himself, like he had argued with their parents before. But today was his eighth birthday, and she had promised to take him to the arcade.

Their age difference wasn't much of a hindrance. She loved the boy dearly. She remembered nights when she had prayed long and hard, kneeling by the floor with her palms pressed together and her eyes tightly shut, for a sibling. As a child, she had envied her classmates who had siblings. "Permanent playmates", she had thought back then. Thirteen-year-old Jieun was still very grateful for Jisoo when he arrived, even if she was not anymore at the stage where she enjoyed playing, and even if he was born mute. They didn't notice it at first, though. She and her parents and the rest of their relatives only thought his speech was delayed, and would naturally come as he grew older. Their parents had thought it was just him being extremely shy, and so they brought him to a daycare where he could meet other kids and possibly learn how to speak. He never did. In fact, he became even more shy and introverted, being surrounded by people who kept pressuring him to start talking. To help him overcome his shyness and to be able to communicate with him, Jieun joined him in his classes, until the both of them could communicate through sign language. Soon enough, their parents also learned, and the happy family she had envisioned slowly but surely became a reality.

Jieun was pulled back from her reverie as soon as the cab came to a halt. She paid the driver before hurrying out of the car. Jogging towards the entrance, she caught sight of the boy playing soccer by the fields. She exhaled loudly, glad he found a way to pass the time while she was on her way. The girl walked towards the first row of bleachers without tearing her gaze away from him. She lifted her arm up above her head to wave as soon as their eyes met. Toying with the straps of her backpack, she flashed him a grin as he jogged his way towards her.

Did you win? she gestured, nodding towards his group of friends who were also starting to pack up and get ready to go home. She waited until he had chugged down enough water before he could nod, flashing her five fingers up on his right hand and two on his left.

Her eyes widened as she grabbed a towel from his backpack and proceeded to dab it against his sweaty forehead. In just less than an hour? Even Messi couldn't score that fast, you know.

The boy beamed proudly, and swung his backpack behind him. I still have enough energy for the arcade, though, he signed, reaching for his sister's hand as they walked towards the exit.

--

The boy couldn't speak, that much was certain. Laughing, on the other hand, was a different matter. He and his sister caused the loudest ruckus in the arcade that afternoon. They have tried out all the games in the arcade not just once, but twice (except for the claw machine – it wasn't until the fourth try that they have managed to get one of the Gudetama plushies), saving the basketball hoops for last. After playing air hockey for the second time with Jisoo winning by landslide, the two proceeded to buy refreshments. She held him by the hand and led him towards the nearby store. Once they've placed an order for two bubble teas, the two waited by a two-seater table.

Do you have homework to do? she asked him, choosing her words carefully so as not to seem like she was spoiling his birthday fun with continuous nagging about his studies.

To her surprise, he gave her a firm nod. I have to do a single-page essay about one of my memorable moments.

She reached over the table to poke his nose gently with her forefinger. Then write about today.

As soon as their orders arrive, the two wasted no time in walking back to the arcade for the main event of the evening. If their parents were with them, they would have been more competitive - with Jieun pairing up with their mom and Jisoo with their dad. But since it was only the two of them, they decided to step the competition a little higher up. The winner gets to dare the loser whatever he or she pleases, although since it was his birthday, Jieun decided to let the kid win. Given her abilities, or the lack thereof, it wasn't hard to lose to her brother when it came to basketball, even if his smaller height gave her a greater advantage.

Jieun swore she could see stars in her brother's eyes once they came face to face with the machine. There were a rowdy group of boys playing hoops when they arrived, which meant they had to wait in line. The girl laughed as her brother practice his hand gestures as he shoots an imaginary basketball.

Ya, practicing before the game isn't allowed! she quipped with fake anger, placing her bubble tea down the nearby vacant air hockey table.

As if to tease her, he even exaggerated his movements, pretending to throw the imaginary ball directly towards her face as he laughed. From the corner of her eyes, she could see the group of guys getting rowdier and wilder as the game counted down the last twenty seconds. Two of the boys already stepped back from their group, probably trying to let the others have their fun. One of them even looked around the arcade as if to check if their noise was becoming a nuisance to the rest of the customers. Only the four boys were left to argue among the balls that rolled down the slope and within their reach. It got even noisier once only ten seconds were left. One of them, a guy in a pink sweater, had the last ball. He blindly stepped a few feet backwards, as if he was in a real NBA playoff about to shoot the free throw, until he was only one step away from the siblings. He even dribbled the ball on the floor for added effect. When he lifted the ball up to eye level and threw, the ball made a satisfying swish as it went through the hoop effortlessly. As his friends cheered for him, the forward motion of his arms caused his torso to surge forward, unconsciously colliding with Jisoo's shoulder as the small boy was in the middle of a sip. The cup tumbled out of the boy's grip and spilled the rest of its contents onto the older guy's sweatshirt, which turned into a darker hue from the wetness.

Although it wasn't entirely his fault, Jisoo gestured a quick apology towards the man, as if out of instinct. And, to his surprise, the stranger responded back. It's alright. It was my fault too.

In the short span of time that it took Jieun to throw away the empty plastic cups and grab a wad of napkins for the stranger, Jisoo and the older guy have already introduced themselves to each other.

He tugged at his older sister's arm to call for her attention and before pointing to the man. Mark hyung said I could play with them before he'd get me another drink in exchange of my other one.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise as she handed the napkins towards Mark. It's okay. No need. We were just about to go home, anyway.

But noona, the boy gestured with a frown. We can't go home without playing basketball!

Jieun turned to the older boy, flashing him an apologetic smile. It's okay, you really don't have to. We just went here for his birthday.

Now, it was Mark's turn to be surprised. He paused for a few minutes, as if mulling over something in his mind, before flashing his palm up towards them and jogging over to where his friends are. The boys huddled together by a corner, with Mark only gesturing towards where the siblings were standing.

Jieun was taken aback. She tapped her expectant brother by the shoulder. Is he a guy from your school?

He always took a long time to warm up to strangers, so she had no idea how he'd suddenly become acquainted with Mark. Jisoo shook his head. The truth was, he didn't care if Mark was deaf or mute. The important thing was that someone understood him without her sister or their parents having to explain his condition. He liked how normal it had been to communicate to someone similar to him. He seems kind of nice, though.

Jieun sighed, glancing towards Mark as he began to make his way back towards them. She had to admit though, that even for someone who couldn't speak, and for someone with a silly big wet stain down the front of his shirt, Mark was cute. Mark stared at her while pointing towards Jisoo, as if asking for permission to take her brother. Although she nodded, which caused the younger boy to yelp in glee, she followed close behind them just to be sure Mark wouldn't run off with her brother. With Mark's friends out of sight, the arcade became entirely filled with the two boys' laughter as they played, shooting hoop after hoop. During the last ten seconds, though, Mark lifted the boy up and sat him by his shoulders so Jisoo could shoot the balls easier.

As soon as Mark placed him back down on his own feet, Jisoo was smiling so widely that Jieun was scared his cheeks would split. Ready to go home?

The boy shook his head. You're supposed to play too and then compare scores with me! Hyung and I got a 66!

The girl sighed, her shoulders slumped. Can't I just concede defeat? I'll never be able to beat that score.

Then that means I get to dare you! Jisoo clutched at both his sister's hands. I dare you to go on a date with Mark hyung!

She pushed the boy's arms away. You're crazy. I don't even know him. And she spared a glance at the aforementioned guy who was standing a few feet from them. He had his hands in his pockets as he watched the siblings. He could clearly understand what the two were talking about, which caused a small smile to flash across his lips.

As Jieun turned to him, about to thank him for his efforts of playing with her brother, she saw him grinning to himself. Looking around, she couldn’t quite pinpoint where he was looking at. Tugging her brother behind her, she hurried up to Mark. Thank you for today, she said quickly. It’s my brother’s birthday and he really enjoyed playing with you. But we really have to go now.

Before Mark could reply, however, the girl already scurried off, her brother behind him. She kept glancing at him warily, as if scared he might be following after them. In the end, he just scratched his head and went to the fast food chain where the rest of his friends were.

“Did you at least get her number?” Bambam asked, his mouth stuffed with fries.

Sighing, Mark shook his head. “That would’ve been weird, you know.”

“Was she…” Jackson started, and attempted to use sign language when he actually just ended up gesturing gibberish.

“He meant to ask if she was deaf,” Jinyoung interpreted with a roll of his eyes. “Either that, or she’s mute.”

Mark nodded, reaching out in front of him to take a handful of fries before shoving them into his mouth. “Yeah, I think so. I’m just not sure whether it’s her, her brother, or the both of them.”

“It’s not like it matters, anyway,” Jaebum interrupted as he leaned back in his seat, placing both his hands behind his head. “Mark can sign. They can understand each other.”

--

“That’s so weird. What if he was a pedophile?!” Yugyeom screamed, and it took Jieun a few jumps to be able to reach his loud mouth and clamp a hand over it.

She eyed him warily, and eventually removed her hand as soon as she was sure he had calmed down from his outburst. “That’s what I was thinking, but you didn’t have to shout it, you know.” The girl returned her textbooks back into her locker before walking with Yugyeom towards the cafeteria for lunch. “And I couldn’t tell Jisoo to just stay away from the man just because I thought he was a pedophile. I don’t have the heart to explain to my brother what that is, yet. So, I just try to look at the bright side and try to convince myself that he really just wanted to make up for spilling my brother’s drink.”

“I mean, I guess that’s what I would do too if I spilled someone’s drink.” The other man just replied with a shrug. “But what if he asked Jisoo where his school is just so he can go there and pick him up from school and then lure him with candy and then take him to his house, and then—“

The girl took a muffin from the food stall and shoved it into Yugyeom’s mouth to shut him up. “I said not to worry anymore, you dumbass. You’re making me think things.” She sighed, shaking her head. As she filled up her tray with different food for lunch and waited in line to pay, she caught a group of rowdy boys from the corner of her eye. And just when she was about to dismiss them as another group of college boys fooling around, she caught sight of Mark sitting by the corner and laughing at his friends’ antics. Without taking her eyes off them, Jieun took Yugyeom’s arm and shook it wildly to catch his attention.  

“What?!”

“It’s him!”

“The pedophile is here?!”

She was about to shush Yugyeom up, but she looked down at the tray in her arms and decided against it. Instead, she waited until he had paid for his food and led him to sit just within Mark’s vicinity. As soon as the pair had set their trays down on a vacant table, Yugyeom took his phone out from his pocket and proceeded to text the rest of their friends.

“Are you sure you’re scared of him doing something bad to your brother or you really just find him cute now?” he asked without looking up from his phone. Once he had sent the text, he glanced up at her, unamused.

She snorted, starting to peel the wrapper off her yogurt. “Please. Who has the time?” Scooping a huge dollop of yogurt with her spoon, Jieun could see the rest of their friends approaching. “And besides, I think he just saw a younger version of himself with my brother, being mute and all.”

“How could you be sure he’s mute?” Yugyeom asked in between chewing. “Just take yourself, for example. You know sign language and you’re not mute or anything.”

Jieun rolled her eyes and glanced at the other table where Mark and his friends were. “Just look at him. You can’t be part of a noisy squad like that and be as tightlipped as he is, unless you really can’t talk.”

“Whatever,” the guy countered. “All I’m saying is you can’t assume people to be a certain way until you get to know them. This university is small, Jieun. You’ll run into him eventually, whether you like it or not.” And with that, the conversation was cut short as their friends piled up into the seats and engaged them in a new conversation altogether.

--

The guy sitting beside her let out a yelp as soon as she set all her books down on the vacant spot in the library. Immediately, Jieun moved the pile a good distance away from the man’s hand, which he clutched to his chest. It was her fault anyway for gathering almost all the books about basic Greek architecture available, leaving the shelf bare afterwards. Just as she was about to mumble her apologies, she realized it was the man she was hoping to avoid in the remaining year she had left (hopefully) in the university.

It’s you, hey. I’m sorry I didn’t notice, she immediately gestured, sitting down beside Mark.

No worries, he replied, taking one of the earbuds from his ear after flexing his fingers. And, he nodded towards the stack of books on her desk. Doing research, huh?

She shook her head. Homework, actually. I’m taking architecture, though, so it’s nothing new. What about you? I didn’t know you studied here.

Oh, I’m taking social work. Closing the open notebook in front of him, he asked, How’s your brother doing?

He’s doing fine, she said. He wouldn’t stop telling us about his Mark hyung until he fell asleep that day, you know.

Really? He shifted in his seat to fully face her, a wide grin across his face. We could play actual basketball if he wants. I could teach him.

Her small smile tugged at her lips as she imagined how excited Jisoo would look like once she actually told him about Mark’s offer. Sure. I’d tell him.

Would you text me if he agrees? he asked slowly and carefully, as if he was gauging how she would react. As soon as she nodded, Mark slid his phone across his desk to hers, letting her punch her number in so he could save it. He almost pumped his fists in the air when she added her name by herself on the blank where it was required, saving him the embarrassment of having to ask her. You can join us too, if you’d like, he added. And almost slapped himself for gesturing it impulsively. He was going forward too fast.

Please, you’re just asking for trouble. She waved her arms dismissively afterwards, accompanied by a soft chuckle.  But I’d text you once he agrees.

Contented with himself, Mark plugged his earbuds back into his ears and let her do her homework in peace. When he was sure she wasn’t looking, he scrolled through his contact list to check for the newly added number.

‘Hwang Jieun’, he repeated to himself quietly. Now, he thought, he could put a name to the face.

--

Jieun clapped her hands once Jisoo was able to successfully shoot. He had a bit of a hard time adjusting from arcade hoops to the real thing, but the boy was able to adjust with Mark’s help.

The boy dragged himself doggedly to where his sister was sitting under the cool shade of a tree. He was greeted by Jieun’s open arms as she hurried to hand him a cold bottle of water, which he downed while she busily wiped away his sweat. Jisoo sat down beside his sister and laid down with his limbs spread over the picnic mat they had laid out over the grass. Mark approached the two of them slowly, his shoulders heaving as he tried catching his breath, until he eventually plopped down beside the younger boy.

Jieun laughed at the sight, knowing that the two of them enjoyed playing together, despite the obvious exhaustion. Unzipping her backpack, she pulled out the containers of snacks she had prepared, opening and laying them out in front of her. Catching the smell of food, the boys immediately sat up and began munching on the snacks.

After taking a snack break, the two proceeded to play another round, with Jisoo becoming a better playmate after having been taught the basics. Soon, however, it was time to go. They packed up their stuff and prepared to walk their way home, with Mark offering to accompany the siblings.

Jieun felt her cheeks heat up as her arm accidentally brushes up against Mark’s, although she was thankful that the other was oblivious, too preoccupied with fooling around the younger boy. She wasn’t able to communicate with him that much all day, and she hated herself for feeling disappointed about it. ‘But of course he only really wanted to play with my brother,’ she thought, rolling her eyes, feeling silly that she even thought about him actually wanting to see her. The girl shook her head, as if dismissing her feelings, and proceeded to thank him anyway as soon as they arrived home.

Are you joining us for dinner? Jisoo asked, his small hands wrapping around Mark’s wrist after.

The older squatted down to level with the boy’s face and flashed him the best smile he could muster. I don’t think I can, though. I still have school work to do. But once we play again soon, I’ll be sure to join you for dinner.

Although disappointed, the boy overlooked the subtle rejection and instead rejoiced at the prospects of having to play again. Jieun shooed the boy to enter the building as Mark stood up, dusting his basketball shorts. You sure you don’t want to join us for dinner? She asked, nodding towards the apartment complex.

I’m a little behind on schoolwork, Mark admitted, shyly scratching the back of his head afterwards. He looked like he had fun today, though.

He did, I’m sure, she replied with a small smile. He probably wouldn’t stop telling our parents about it over dinner.

What about you? Mark asked, tilting his head to the side. Did you… did you have fun?

Jieun nodded, shifting her weight from one foot to the other nervously.

You should probably go ahead and have dinner with your family now, but, Mark started, stopping midsentence before proceeding to gesture slowly. Would you have dinner with me too? Not tonight, of course, but on Saturday, maybe?

Without thinking twice, the girl nodded. She would have to beat herself up over the fact that she didn’t even hesitate into having dinner with him, but she knew it would be even worse if she rejected. Of course. Saturday it is, then.

And, before the blush in her cheeks turned her ears equally red, Jieun hurried to enter the building, only looking back at Mark only once to wave goodbye.

--

You look beautiful, Mark greeted as soon as he had taken a seat across her.

She rolled her eyes, although she gestured a quick, Thank you.

Over the course of a few days they had spent greeting each other in school whenever they would meet and texting late at night, the two of them were less awkward and more comfortable around each other. Jieun had found it a little weird, however, when one of Mark’s friends – Jackson, she was sure – used sign language to greet her. Although she was confused and was absolutely sure the guy was just doing it to make fun of Mark being mute, she greeted him back in sign language, anyway.

Before the server could approach their table, the girl let her eyes scan the surroundings. Judging from Mark’s personality as she had observed so far, Jieun thought it was only appropriate that they were having their first date in a family diner. The diner had a warm, relaxed, and homey atmosphere – just like Mark.

As soon as the server arrived with a menu for each of them, Jieun eyed the different choices available, with Mark doing the same. After a few minutes, the waiter produced a small notepad from the pocket of his apron together with an uncapped pen. “So, what are you guys having?”

They weren’t sure who the man was referring to, and so the both of them responded, “Uh, I’ll have the—“ at the same time, which caught each of them off guard.

Mark let the menu fall from his grip as his eyes were fixated on the girl in front of him. It was as if he was sitting in the same table with a stranger. He opened his mouth to speak, but decided against it. Instead, he mustered a smile and turned to the server who was waiting for their answer. “Can you give us a few more minutes? We can call you once we’re ready.”

As the waiter turned to leave, the girl blinked for the first time since she had heard Mark speak. She was perfectly sure it was his voice she heard. Jieun closed the menu and set it down the table slowly before clearing her throat. Reaching for the fork that was set on her right, she let her fingertips run over the intricate design on the silver.

“So…” Mark was the first to break the silence by speaking. “This isn’t to offend you, but… you’re not deaf?”

Jieun tilted her head to look at him so fast he was afraid she might get a whiplash. “I’m not deaf! How can you say that? I thought you were mute!” she replied almost incredulously.

“Well, obviously not,” he said, clearing his throat afterwards. “I just thought you were because you knew sign language.”

“It’s for my brother,” she defended quickly. “He was born mute. It’s the one of the few ways I could communicate with him.” And, realizing how her voice had increased in pitch and volume, she paused. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to burst out on you like that. But what about you? How did you know sign language?”

“My mom teaches in a special school for the small kids with the same condition,” Mark replied, reaching out for the glass of water and taking a small sip to moisten his suddenly dry throat. “She used to bring me with her sometimes. That’s why I started to learn. And that’s why I’m taking up social work.”

She nodded in understanding, and drummed her fingers quietly on the edge of the table. As she looked up and locked gazes with him, they couldn’t help the outburst of laughter that erupted from them, as if they had just realized how silly their situation had been. Mark nearly doubled over his seat while he clutched his stomach, and Jieun felt tears pooling in the corner of her eyes from laughing so hard. The pair was only able to calm down as soon as the same server appeared by their table. Mark took three deep breaths to calm himself as he scanned the menu once again, hurrying to say his order before he burst out laughing once again. The girl was left to just order the same thing as he did, because she had a hard time concentrating with Mark laughing in front of her.

As they ate, they had engaged in mindless chatter, soon after they had calmed down. Once in a while, however, one of them would suddenly start laughing after remembering their foolishness.

Mark was quietly thankful they had chosen to go out for dinner on a Saturday, which meant they could stay up late at night to talk. Just before midnight, however, he offered to walk her home, although he himself didn’t want to leave just yet.

He let out a loud sigh as soon as they arrive in front of her building, to which she just laughed. She reached out to bop his nose gently. “You know, now we can start calling each other over the phone and talk more, if you want.”

Mark nodded with a chuckle, reaching for both of her hands. “Does this mean you’ll be my girlfriend now?”

Jieun cupped a hand over her ear and tilted her head to the side. “What’s that? I didn’t quite hear you. I’m deaf, you know.”

He rolled his eyes before letting go of her hands to be able to sign. Will you be my girlfriend?

I’ll think about it, she replied with a smug smile, before noticing his sullen expression and immediately shaking her head. “I’m sorry, I was kidding! Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

“Why did it sound like you were just forced?”

Now, it was her turn to roll her eyes. “So dramatic.” And she reached out to take one of his hands to squeeze gently. “I’m going inside. You’ll tell me when you get home, right?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He used his free hand to tilt her chin slightly upwards before dropping a kiss on her forehead.

--

“Babe.”

“…”

“Baby.”

“…”

“Sugar plum.”

“Mark, please.”

“But I’m hungry.”

“…”

“Sweetheart.”

“…”

“Princess.”

“…”

“Honey…?”

“Oh my god, why did I even think you were mute when you’re so noisy.” Jieun slammed her laptop shut as Mark only grinned triumphantly. As soon as she had put her laptop back into her bag, he set the tray down in front of her and focused his attention on his own. “You could have just started eating while I was studying.”

Before the man could retort, his friends arrived, sliding into the seats beside them. Jackson, in particular, started making loud, kissy noises. “Get a room, you guys.”

“You’re just jealous,” Mark argued, before eating mouthfuls of his lunch.

He was nudged under the table with Jieun’s foot. Actually, she signed as subtly as possible, he asked one of my friends out for a date and got turned down. Go easy on him.

“Wait— what are you guys talking about?!” Jackson alternated suspicious glances between the two.

“Nothing, just how much we love each other,” Jieun defended quickly, flashing the widest smile she could.

Yugyeom shook his head, unamused. He had started hanging out with Mark’s group of friends as soon as he was introduced to them. Bambam was glad he was no longer the youngest in the squad, and found someone with the same age.

“They could be planning a massacre and we would still be clueless.”

“Damn right.” Mark lifted his right hand up as she reached out to slap it with hers for a high five.

[perfecttoaster]

I remember being nervous.

 I remember sitting on the train that Sunday afternoon, with my palms sweating and my heart pounding out of my chest. It’d already been a very busy day for me; I left my hometown at about 10 A.M. to go to Antwerp, studied for a bit as my exams were coming up, and then left to take the train to Lier a few hours later.

 There were only 5 minutes left before I’d arrive at the train station. My mind was racing, and my hands were shaking so bad that I couldn’t even open the bottle of water that I brought. I’d never been so nervous before, at least not that I could remember.

 I got off the train and immediately received a message from you, saying that you parked the car somewhere and that you’d wait for me in front of the station. Smiling, I walked down the stairs to pass under the train tracks. Was this really happening? Did I, out of everyone, really have the privilege to spend this time with you? It really started to look like I did, even though I still couldn’t believe it. I walked up the stairs leading out to the front of the station, and looked around to see if I could find you.

 And then, there you were.

 I could see you in the distance, walking towards me. The butterflies in my stomach were going absolutely mad once I laid eyes on you, and with every step we both took it only got worse. But it was what followed that surprised me the most.

 You see, I’m a really nervous person, especially around people that I don’t know. I’m not easily comfortable around strangers, and I tend to get very quiet in situations like these. It’s not that I prefer not talking, it’s just that my mind can’t think of a single thing to say. But with you, oh, with you it was different. I was so nervous, but then you leaned in and you kissed me on the cheek and I swear I’d never felt more calm in my entire life. I know it sounds cheesy and I always thought people exaggerated when they’d say this, but it felt like coming home. You felt like coming home.

 The walk to your car was really short, and you talked all the way there. Maybe you were nervous too? At least that’s what you told me. Hearing that was actually very comforting, although I don’t really understand why anyone would ever be nervous to meet me. It’s not like I’m famous or anything, unlike you.

 You opened the door of your beautiful white Mercedes for me to get in. It was at that moment that I remembered that you didn’t really have your driver’s license yet, so what we were doing was kind of illegal. But you didn’t seem to care, and I was too distracted by every little thing you did to give a shit either. So we sat there, while you were trying to enter the address in your GPS, accidentally erasing it a few times. (Again, nervous?) Then we took off. You let me be in charge of the music, and I tried to impress you with the best hip-hop tracks I knew, going from Post Malone to Jaden Smith to XXXTENTACION to Lil Peep. You seemed to be enjoying this a lot, and immediately told me about you upcoming festival plans. You were going to Woo Hah this year, as hiphop is your favorite genre of music.

 We arrived at the venue where our date was going to take place. I suggested we’d do glow in the dark mini-golf, and you seemed really excited about it. It was something you hadn’t done before, so hooray for me for being original. You opened the door for me, and we walked up the stairs to find a lady standing behind a bar. She smiled and started giving instructions on how the golf course was to be completed.

 When we were given the chance to pick the color of our golf ball, you immediately went for pink. It was really cute, the woman who was explaining the golf course to us hadn’t even finished her sentence and you’d already made up your mind. I took the green ball, the lady gave us our score sheets and off we went, into the darkness.

 After 2 holes, you were so certain of your upcoming win that you wanted to make things a bit more interesting, so you decided that, at the end of the course, the loser had to chug a whole bottle of white wine in 5 minutes. And that’s when the competition really started. You know, if you want to get to know someone really fast, go mini-golfing with them. You’ll see them happy, frustrated, angry even. I remember you were trying so hard to get the ball in at the 15th hole and it just wouldn’t work. It was as if the ball didn’t want you to win the game. I had a good laugh with how worked up you were getting, only to have the same thing happen to me at the next hole. Then I suddenly didn’t find it so funny anymore.

 At the end of the course we sat down for a moment to count the scores. We were pretty eager to find out who was getting fucked up drunk that night, so imagine how it felt to find out that we both had the same score. Yes, we both scored 75, and decided that it meant that we were both losers this time. Fun right?

 Then we left. You paid the nice lady behind the counter, she wished us a good evening and we descended down the stairs to walk back to where you parked your car. We then drove to your house, in the center of Herentals. I got to pick the music once again, and decided to switch it up with a little drum & bass.

 Pulling up at your house, you opened the gate and immediately your dog came running towards the car. I had to hold him, as he was so excited to see you that he’d jump on top of the dashboard if I didn’t. You parked the car, we got out and walked up the stairs leading to your apartment. That’s where I met your mom for the first time. She smiled, a genuine smile for as far I could tell. She shook my hand and I introduced myself for a bit. I think she liked me? Even if she didn’t, I did like her. A couple minutes later she was on a skype call with your dad, and she even told him that you’d brought a girl over. I waved at him, he waved back at me. We’d known each other one day and I’d already met your family, apart from your brother that is.

 We then decided to go out to eat. You took me to this great sushi place in the city center, and ordered a boat and a bottle of white wine. It didn’t take too long before our food arrived. I sucked at eating with chopsticks, and you couldn’t hold in your laugh when I accidentally dropped my sushi. I never really feel comfortable eating around other people, maybe because I’m a bit self-conscious like that. But around you, I felt fine shoving all of this food in my face. And you did the same.

 Then after dinner you decided it’d be a great idea to go to a cocktail bar. I remember you grabbed my hand like it was the most normal thing in the world. Like we were just 2 normal people on a Sunday afternoon going out for a drink. I guess that that’s the moment I started falling for you. And to make it even worse, you stopped in your tracks, turned me around and kissed me and I swear that’s the moment I lost it. 

 You pulled away, looked at me and smiled. I turned red and couldn’t help but to look away.

Sitting down at the bar, it immediately started to rain. Luckily, there was some sort of cover over our heads. Sitting there, we talked about a loooooot of things. We talked about past relationships and the people we’d dated, about why things didn’t work out with them. You were very open about everything, which is something I absolutely loved. You told me that It’d been a while since you went on a date with someone, because there hadn’t been anyone to spark your interest in a long time. I felt so happy in that moment, it must’ve been written all over my face. There was no such thing as an awkward subject to talk about, you made everything feel so comfortable and okay. Sometimes I caught you staring at me with a look in your eyes that I can’t even begin to describe.

 When our glasses were finally empty, we stood up and left for the night store. After all, we still had to drink those bottles of wine, right? On the way there we crossed paths with some of your friends. I don’t know if you go on a lot of dates, but I’m pretty sure that kissing a girl that you’ve met over the internet on your first date where your friends could see you do that is not something that people usually do. But then again, nothing about you was usual.

 With the wine in my bag and the leftover sushi in yours, we started walking back to your house. We immediately put the wine in the cooler and I went to put my bag upstairs. That’s where it all started.

 I’m not going to go in detail here, because you’d maybe feel embarrassed if you ever read this and that’s the last thing I want to achieve. But my God, sex with you is like I’m dreaming. Everything was so sweaty and disgustingly good like… I remember your bed (and one of your pillows especially) being soaking wet after. And we weren’t even done. We had sex about 6 (?) times that evening? I know that I’ll never forget about it. There were a lot of firsts happening there. Even thinking about it now makes me a bit light-headed.

 When we went back downstairs, your mom was just getting ready for bed. We wished her a good night and decided to watch a movie. Downsizing. Or you know, we didn’t really watch the movie. We just had sex again. In the living room of your mom’s apartment. Your fault for being able to turn me on so goddamn quickly.

 Afterwards you seemed to be getting really tired. You went out for a smoke, and I followed you to the balcony thingy, where I hugged you from behind and you just held me close. When you were done we sat at the wooden table and looked at the stars, contemplating life and human existence, talking about our hopes and dreams an deepest secrets. Oh, the things you’ve told me, I swear I’ll never speak a word of them. I was so happy that you trusted me enough for all of that.

 We then went to bed. Or you know, not really. But after that we went to bed. We talked a bit before going to sleep, mostly joking about conspiracy theories. You introduced me to the stuffed animal that you’d had since you were born. Asked me if I snored, then informed me that you, in fact, did. But I could care less about that, because at that moment I already thought of you as the most beautiful being I had ever seen. And there was nothing you could do to change that.

 I woke up early in the morning with your arm wrapped around me tightly, just moments before you woke up from a loud sound outside and rolled over to the other side of the bed. I looked at you and Jesus fucking Christ. I don’t think you knew how beautiful you were in that moment, and still are. I touched your face with my fingertips as to somehow capture this moment and keep it as my own. Then you opened your eyes a bit and smiled. You turned yourself around and I wrapped my arm around you. You grabbed my hand and life suddenly seemed perfect.

 Then, when we woke up in the moment, well I guess you know what happened then. Again. You horny son of a bitch.

We got up to get breakfast. You gave me some sweatpants and a t-shirt, then we went downstairs. Your mother was already awake, and she was just heading out to go to the bakery for us (God I love that woman). I could tell you’re really not a morning person, as you were very quiet for a long time. Even while the three of us were having breakfast at that wooden table on your balcony. And after that, you brought me to the train station. I kissed you one last time and boy do I wish I had kissed you longer. But I guess I always think of those things when it’s too late.

 I wondered how many girls you’d already done this with. How many girls had already met your mom before me. How many girls had swiftly met your dad through skype. I wondered how many girls you’d already taken out for sushi at that place you really loved. How many girls you’d taken to drink mojito’s outside that bar at the church. How many girls you’d told all those secrets to.

 And that’s when I realized that none of this mattered to you. While I’m here writing this 3 page story about our date you’re in Spain doing God knows what.

 I’m never in luck.