#gotta do my girl right if the packaging doesn’t

[fulgurbugs]

maaaan i’m scared my monster ball draculaura is gonna get delivered and have just ratty matted hair… seems to be a common occurrence from the reveiews but her stock photo hair is just gorgeous and i really want mine to look like that. might have to learn how to do a boil wash and curl cuz i don’t wanna have her looking yucky next to my other girls

[witchwyfe]

care for you - brb

I pairing: bradley (rooster) bradshaw x female reader

I précis: bradley loves taking care of you, so you take care of him<3 4 +1 ways bradley shows you he cares, and one extra for him.

I word count: 1,388

I content + warnings: mentions of alcohol, mentions of food

also tagging @familyvideostevie i'm so glad you're a rooster gal now<3 welcome

one

You hadn’t even asked him to. You’d mentioned it in passing, more as a reminder to yourself. The tire pressure light on your dashboard is something you can and have easily taken care of before.

When you leave for work the next morning, Bradley’s already gone. You plug your keys into the ignition and wait for the light to glow. It never lights up, your brows furrowing in confusion. 

You mean to text Bradley about it, about how strange it was. The weather hasn’t been particularly cold so there’s no reason your tire pressure light should turn on and off like that. But once you get to work, you’re bombarded with things to do, and the busyness of the day pushes the thought from your head. 

Bradley is on the couch when you get home, and he jumps up when he hears the key in the lock.

“Baby!” He coos, drawing you into his arms and against his chest. His lips are at the crown of your head, dragging his hand up and down your back. “My sweet girl, how was work?”

“It was fine.” You pull away to smile at him. “What about you? Everything go, okay?”

He nods fondly, reaching to trace the apple of your cheek with his thumb. 

“Oh!” You exclaim, as the thought of your car just pops into your head. “My car light was off babe.”

“Hmm?”

“It was on yesterday, but this morning it was off.” You furrow your brows until it clicks.

“Wait, did you put air in my tires?” You wonder, looking up at him.

Heat rises on his cheeks as he gives you a sheepish grin. “I took your car this morning before I left.”

“I could’ve gotten it!” You say softly, enthralled by him. 

“I know darlin’, but I wanted to do it for you, so that you didn’t have to worry about it.”

“Bradley,” You groan, letting your head fall against his chest. “You’re way too sweet to me.”

“No such thing.”

two

You don’t always realize it, but Bradley is always paying attention to what you’re drinking. He likes to make sure that you always have what you need.

Whether it’s refilling your wine glass when it gets low or picking up a package of Gatorade when you’re sick, Bradley wants to make sure you’re drinking something.

He has a half day today and doesn’t need to leave until about noon. You lined up your work so that you could work from home and spend a little extra time with him in the morning. So, after sleeping in with your body pressed against his, you’d been woken up to coffee—made just how you like it—and a plethora of kisses from your boyfriend. 

Now, in your pajamas, you’re hunched over your laptop while Bradley rushes around to get his things together. He’s been eyeing your water bottle all morning, after he filled it with ice water and handed it to you. According to his observations, you’ve had more coffee than water and he doesn’t want you to get a headache later.

“Hey sweetheart?” He calls, earning your attention. 

“Yeah?”

“Can you do something for me before I leave?”

“Yes, what do you need?”

He comes over to stand over your desk, fingertips digging softly into the back of your neck, massaging gently.

“Finish your water for me.” He says, nudging the bottle over to you.

“Seriously?” You scoff. “That’s all you needed?”

He nods, a smug grin on his face. You keep eye contact while you take the last few sips before smiling. 

“Happy now?”

“Very.”

He takes it and walks right over to fill it with more ice and water. When he sets it right in front of you, he presses a kiss to the top of your head. “I want that finished by the time I’m home today.”

“You got it.” You salute at him, watching his cheeks flush pink as he ducks down for another kiss. 

“I gotta keep my girl hydrated.” He murmurs against your hair, sliding a warm palm down your shoulder.

“If I’m doing it, you have to, too.” You say, pointedly looking over at his empty coffee mug. “Is that all you’ve had to drink this morning?”

He looks sheepish as he goes to get and fill his own water bottle. 

“Now, I want that finished by the time you get home today.” You use his earlier words, but there’s such a fondness swimming in your eyes that Bradley can’t even find it in himself to tease you.

“Thanks baby, I’ll see you later.”

three

When you get to work and open your laptop, a tiny sticky note flutters out. The yellow paper falls into your lap and reach for it with a smile on your face.

In Rooster’s familiar scrawl, you read the note:

You shoot him a text, telling him you can’t wait with a smiley face. Ever since you told him early in your relationship that you like when he plans dates, he’s been going all out. Your favorite is the notes he leaves you, or the Google Calendar events he sends you to RSVP. 

And sometimes when you go out, he comes home with flowers and nerves of a first date, smiling as he kisses your cheek.

He’s so cute.

four 

Bradley, to your surprise, is an excellent cook. He loves to find new recipes—and learn ones you love—and cook for you. You cook as well, but if he’s home and has time, he usually wants to do it.

You’re always there to “help” him, which usually consists of stealing ingredients to snack on, and wrapping your arms around his waist.

But one thing Bradley always does, no matter what, is the dishes. Even when you claim, “you cooked, so I clean up!” He brushes you off, usually telling you to pick dessert and a movie to watch. 

As far as you can tell, he doesn’t love washing the dishes, but he always does it without complaining. And you don’t remember the small comment you once made about hating to wash dishes, but he remembers, and that’s why he makes sure that you don’t even have to go near the sink after a meal.

 + one extra

In the early hours of the morning, you can’t fall back asleep, and you don’t want to, not until he’s gone. You want to soak up every moment with him. You’re on the bathroom counter, watching as he runs through his morning routine. After he washes his face, he pulls out his shaving cream and razor. He sets it on the marble counter with a light tap, rubbing his hand comfortingly, up your thigh.

There’s sleep still prominent on his face, and in the corners of his eyes. You reach up to cup his jaw, studying his peaceful features.

When he reaches for the razor, you grab his wrist. “Can I do it?”

“You wanna shave my face?” He wonders, lips quirking up in an endeared smile.

You nod. “You’re always doing things for me, so let me do this for you.”

His heart leaps in his chest. “Go ‘ahead baby.” 

You set the razor down, using the legs you have wrapped around his waist to tug him closer. After squirting a generous amount of shaving cream into your palm, you carefully spread it over the lower half of Bradley’s face—careful to avoid his mustache.

You’re over careful with the razor, taking firm but slow strokes of the blade down his cheeks and chin. You use a warm washcloth to wipe the residual shaving cream and then lean back to admire your work. Fondness dances in Bradley’s eyes, his hands on your waist, and he doesn’t even notice that you’ve finished.

Once he’s collected himself, he makes eye contact, raising an eyebrow.

“You missed a spot.” He jokes, gesturing to his mustache.

“That’s not even funny babe,” You give him a stern look. “You can’t shave that off.”

“Ever?”

You shake your head. “If you lose the stache, you lose me, sorry stud.” You giggle at your joke, watching his warm eyes dance with amusement.

He gasps, feigning shock as he hits his hand to his heart. “Guess I’m keeping the mustache.”

“Yeah, you are, baby.” You lean forward to peck his lips.

© witchwyfe 2022. absolutely no reposting, translating, or modifying, even with credit.

[sweetaliencheeks]

M A S T E R L I S T

JUST THE TWO:

THE ONE WHERE THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL Rocket had developed a habit to point out things that remind him of you.

THE ONE WHERE THEY EAT CEREAL Rocket felt lonely and woke you up to have a midnight snack.

THE ONE WHERE SHE HELPS Definitely not a qualified nurse, but love can heal, too.

THE ONES THAT ARE SILENT 1 & 2 Sometimes words aren’t necessary.

THE ONE WHERE SHE DANCES Got some units to spare?

THE ONE WHERE SHE KEEPS A DIARY

There’s an unexpected package at your door.

THE ONE WHERE SHE GETS OLDER Honestly, I just hate my birthday.

THE ONE WHERE SHE FALLS IN LOVE Sometimes you can just pinpoint the right moment.

THE ONE WHERE HE’S BABY I mean, that was literally the only option.

THE ONLY ONE WHERE HE’S TALL Please, I don’t know exactly what this is but I was force fed Tall Girl and thought this was a good idea… Also, kinda naughty.

THE ONE WHERE THEY CUDDLE Sometimes all you need is the right person to bring out the best in you.

THE ONE WHERE THEY GET ENGAGED Honestly, the plan wasn’t bad, but you had to have sausage fingers, didn’t you?

THE ONE WHERE THEY RUN AWAY Based off of a weird dream I had, gotta love a Runaway Bride moment…

THE ONE WHERE HE COMES BACK Slightly angst, I guess. But always with a sweet ending.

THE ONE WHERE THEY SHARE A BED Obviously a mandatory fic, and also a self explanatory one.

THE ONE WHERE HE TELLS HER Alcohol makes you say things you don’t wanna say, and do things you don’t wanna do. Like betting with Ravagers!

THE ONE WHERE HE LOSES

Gotta keep your eyes on the prize.

THE ONE WHERE HE’S COLD I know that global warming is fucked up, but how cold can it be during summer?

THE ONE WHERE THEY MEET Needed to write something that took place during those five years. Those were lonely times, we could all use a drinking buddy…

THE ONE AT THE MARRIAGE Admit it, we’re all suckers for the “I’m going to my best friend’s wedding to watch him marry somebody else while being hopelessly in love with him” trope. And come on, who doesn’t love a wedding?

THE ONE WHERE HE KNOCKS Post GOTG3. had many complaints about crying. But happy tears only!

THE ONE WHERE HE SAVES HER

Julia Roberts would be so jealous…

THE ONE AFTER THE NIGHTMARE

After you’ve died, any moment is good.

THE ONE WHERE THEY DANCE

What song are you?

WITH THE GUARDIANS

THE ONE WHERE HE BETS Peter bet he could get a secret out of you, and he’s very bad at keeping secrets.

THE ONE WHERE THEY’RE USELESS Just a little everyday struggle when your friends aren’t that good with feelings.

THE ONE WHERE THEY COMMUNICATE Maybe next time try to be a little bit more literal…

THE ONE WHERE SHE ADMITS IT

You tell Peter how you feel while waiting for

Rocket to come back to the living (gotg3)

So I followed the advice of my lovely readers and finally got around to do a masterlist so it’s easier to find everything! Let me know if I forgot anything. I was actually surprised by how many fics I have written over the years, and I want to say how grateful I am for your support and kind words 🤍

Also, I want to precise that although some of the titles contain the pronouns “she/her”, the fics are mostly gender neutral. I’ll get around to fix the titles eventually!

Keep rocking you beautiful space babies

[141goblin]

Soft: Chapter Four.

—> Chapter three

CW: Slightly suggestive. Hangover.

A/N: I posted the wrong chapter by accident🤦🏼‍♀️my bad. This chapter is a little short but I promise, it’ll get juicy soon :3

I wake up the next morning to find Amelia already gone and a little note laying on my bedside table, scrawled in her writing.

“Early shift at work, gotta go. Love you x”

The second I make any attempt to sit up out of bed, my head begins pounding, a cruel reminder of the sheer amount of alcohol I consumed last night. Yet another stupid decision that’ll make me waste another day lazing around and not doing anything productive. I somehow manage to stumble out of bed and into my bathroom. Because i’m an idiot, I slept in my makeup, breaking one of the most important rules I ever set for myself; never ever sleep in makeup. Crumbs of mascara descend down my dehydrated cheeks, lipstick clinging to the dry parts of my lips.

I wash away the remnants, praying that a bit of cold water and soap will help me to feel a bit more like a human being, rather than a zombie. It does, but not by much. The next thing on my list is to eat something, a proper meal, rather than just bits and pieces of random things laying around my cupboards. I usually opt for what known as ‘girl dinner’, a random assortment of little snacks. My go-to has been pickles with some tortilla chips, and apple slices with peanut butter. Instead of my usual ‘girl dinner’, I make myself a small bowl of pasta with some leftover sauce I have. Carbs will soak up the alcohol, I think.

Once I have something substantial in my stomach, the hangover is slowly starting to fade. It’s still there, but it’s gone from unbearable to just unpleasant. My head still hurts, but the spinning has subsided, luckily. I open my curtains and the windows, letting in some air to rid the smell of wine and takeaway food from my flat. It doesn’t take me long to clear up, putting the empty bottles and packages into the bin and the dirty clothes into the laundry. Now, my flat actually looks somewhat homely, rather than a biohazard. Look at me go, I think.

It’s well into the day, almost 3pm when I decide to reward myself with some well-earned phone time of scrolling on the same three apps for longer than i’d like to. I get into position on the couch, legs sprawled out and open tik-tok, scrolling endlessly on silly videos of cats that warm my heart and stupid memes. I make a mental note to look into getting a cat after I’ve learned to take care of myself. Id love a cat right now, but the poor thing wouldn’t last long. I can’t even look after myself most of the time, let alone another living thing.

The ‘ding’ of the washing machine interrupts my phone time and forces me to get my arse up and finish my chores. I drag the wet clothes out and carry them over to the dryer, turning it on and letting it run. After that, I scoop up the warm, dry clothes off the floor and carry them into my bedroom to fold and put away, like the responsible, functioning adult i’m pretending to be. I’m stopped in my tracks when I plop down on my bed and see a suit jacket hanging up on the drawer of my dresser.

Price’s jacket. Shit, his text.

The laundry gets completely forgotten and I pull up his message from last night.

Unknown: Lovely seeing you tonight, dove. Think you still have my jacket. -JP

My brain begins spinning again as I try to formulate some sort of answer that will make me seem like a normal human being. It takes me a good few minutes of typing and then deleting, but I get there in the end.

Me: I apologise for my rant, I was a bit of a mess. Let me know when you’re free and we can arrange getting your jacket back to you. P.s. the party wasn’t that bad.

I hit send on the message and eagerly await his response, like a teenager with a crush. Fucking stupid, I think. The first time a man has shown me attention in a few weeks and here I am, waiting with baited breath for him to-

Unknown: I told you, dove, no apologies. There’s fire in you, I like that. And as for the jacket, there’s no rush. Hope your head isn’t too sore today. -JP

I giggle like a schoolgirl as soon as I read his text. My brain is screaming because the handsome man with the broad shoulders is texting me, but I take a deep breath to calm the giddiness. He hasn’t exactly left it open-ended so I decide not to reply and wait for him to text next, not wanting to get too ahead of myself, only to be let down because I jumped to conclusions.

I finish the rest of my chores, his texts pinging in my brain. I start to imagine what it’d sound like in his voice as i’m doing the dishes from tonight’s dinner. I imagine his deep, rumbly voice, the voice that makes my fucking bones tingle and brain shake in my skull. I imagine pressing my face against his neck as he talks, feeling the vibrations against my lips. I imagine his voice calling me that stupid nickname, ‘Dove’. I’ve never been called that before, by anyone else, but it’s fast becoming my favourite nickname. It’s better than ‘hot tits’, anyway, the name my ex-boyfriend used to call me when he’d try to be smooth. When I think about it, my ex is nothing compared to Price. Sure, he’s tall and conventionally attractive, but he doesn’t have the same attitude he does. He doesn’t exude masculinity and confidence the way he does.

For fuck sake, I’ve only met the man once and here I am fantasising about him while I pretend to watch yet another rerun of gilmore girls, my attention on him rather than the screen.

I know i’m getting ahead of myself, getting too excited, but I can’t bring myself to care. For the first time in a long time, I let myself indulge in the thoughts and fantasies about the handsome man i’ve only met once. The thoughts continue well into the night, from when I curl up on the couch, to when I settle into bed, hand between my thighs and mind full of his voice. My sticky skin shines with sweat and my moans echo off the walls of my bedroom. I’d normally worry about being heard by the neighbours, but my mind is too full of Price to give a shit.

tags: @izziyuwh @a66-1 @jenniferpendragon @girl-of-multi-fandoms

[avalonia320]

'...I fucked up two daughters...'

Switching a chapter to Daniel's POV is doing wonders for my writing motivation, plus playing with canon is always fun. I didn't expect a storyline from The Vampire Armand to show up in my head but here we go. I'm hoping to have the chapter up in a day or two; here's a scene with Daniel and his daughter, Kate.

***

“A few messages before I go,” Maia handed him his iPad. “Your daughter called again. Kate said to tell you specifically that if you keep avoiding her she’s going to give a tell all interview to Megyn Kelly. She wants to hear from you tonight;  she doesn’t care how late,” she grinned at his look of undisguised horror.

“Megyn Kelly?” He didn't try to hide his disgust. God, Kate was absolutely diabolical.

“I’d do it if I were you. She said she had one finger on speed dial. Also Dan Rather called again. Said you need to stop fucking around and schedule a sit down with him. He wants me to remind you that -”

“I owe him. Yeah. Not wrong, I’m working on it,” he reached out for the printout she had lying on the counter. “Is this my schedule for tomorrow evening?”

“Yep. Pretty jam packed. Too bad we can’t shift some things to daytime hours,” Maia smiled a little too brightly.

“I told you. I gotta match Lestat’s schedule when the tour kicks into gear, or I’m never going to get any footage for the documentary. Might as well try to change my sleeping schedule now, right?”

“Of course,” Maia’s placid smile wasn’t fooling him at all.

After Maia left, Daniel sat down on the counter to drink his coffee. Before he perused his schedule, he picked up the phone and with a deep breath, dialed Kate’s number.

“Dad!”

“Hey sweetheart!  How are you?”

“Absolutely pissed that you’ve been ducking my calls for the past year, that’s how I’ve been,” Kate was never one to beat around the bush. It was one of his favorite qualities about his eldest.

“I know. I’ve been busy with the books and the media blitz has been crazy. I’m sorry, kid. I was thinking of you though. Have you been getting the deliveries and the-”

“Yes, Dad. We got the new SUV. The vacation packages. The college accounts and trust funds you’ve set up for the kids, not to mention their Christmas shopping spree to Harrod’s. And I don’t know if it’s your new assistant’s doing or not, but I’ve been quite impressed with that fact that you’ve remembered the girls’ names for the first time ever and actually seem to know how old they are and what hobbies they’re into. It’s nice. But what I really need is for you to show the fuck up. You owe me a hell of a lot of explanation about what's going on with you.”

“OK, look, I’ll talk to Maia about scheduling-”

“Whatever,” Kate sounded more resigned than angry. “We’ll circle back to that. Right now, we need to talk about Sybelle.”

“Sybelle,” Daniel said the name of his youngest daughter quietly. “I just spoke to her doctor yesterday. He said she’s doing as well as can be expected, considering her condition, but no real improvement.”

“Yeah, same thing he tells us every month. Fox isn’t letting us see her anymore.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ryan and I haven’t been able to visit Sybelle for two months now. Fox won’t let us any more. He says the visits are making her worse. That’s absolute bullshit. She loves seeing the kids. I don’t trust him, Dad. And I think he’s paying off Dr. Reeves. That guy says the most generic bullshit whenever I talk to him. He just parrots whatever Fox wants in therapy speak. Can’t answer a specific question, it’s like he’s never actually been to see her. I finally threatened to call the cops and since then Fox has let me talk to her on the phone sometimes but she sounds out of it.”

“Well, honey, this is Sybelle we’re talking about.”

“Shut the fuck up!” he was not prepared for the near scream from his normally tightly controlled daughter. “I’m telling you something is wrong! I’m telling you we need you! Are you going to listen for once? Because I swear to God, if you put me and Sybelle on the bottom of your to-do stack again, this is it. You’ll be dead to me from here on out.”

**

(yes, for the Vampire Chronicles readers, Sybelle is exactly who you think she is. 😉)

[musings-of-a-rose]

More Like Home

Pairing: Benny Miller x f!reader

Word Count: 1300+

Rating: Mature - 18+ ONLY!

Warnings: Fluff. Pure Benny fluff. Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story. 

Notes: This is entirely @wyn-n-tonic ‘s fault. I told her I was in the mood to write fluffy Benny spurred on by a picture posted by Garrett himself (I’ll share below) and she came up with this prompt. 

The song is a legit song, performed by Garrett Hedlund himself. “More Like Home” is on Spotify and iTunes and I’m sure YouTube!

**If you want to be added to the taglist, join here or let me know!

Main Masterlist

Benny Miller Masterlist

Benny had met his girl nearly 1 year ago at a New Year’s Eve party. No one thought it would work out, considering they met on a holiday where typically people already have someone or it’s just a quick thing.

Yet here he is, December of the following year, with the same girl that spilled her drink all down the front of him and proceeded to unknowingly feel him up while desperately trying to dry off the alcohol from the front of his pants. Benny loves her. Completely head over heels and can’t believe she feels the same way, even after learning about all the shit he’s done or been ordered to do in his life. She strong willed, smart, hot as hell, the total package. There’s just one problem.

Benny has no idea what to get her for their first Christmas. 

She’s the kind of person who buys it if she really wants something, which makes her impossible to shop for. Of course when he asks what she wants, she waves him off saying he doesn’t have to get her anything. And she truly means it - means it when she says that Benny is all she wants for Christmas. But Benny can’t accept that. 

She deserves the world.

Benny sits across from his best friend, Frankie, at the bar that night, always the first two to show up for their regular hangout night with the group. Frankie watches his friend from over the top of his frosted mug, taking a swig of beer before setting it down, crossing his arms in front of his broad shoulders, and giving Benny a look.

“What’s wrong?”

“Huh?” Benny was completely distracted thinking about the gift debacle.

Frankie shifts in his seat, his dark eyes taking in his friend. “You’ve barely said 2 words to me this entire time and normally I can’t shut you up.”

Benny gives a dry chuckle. “Nothin’ man. Just…got a lot on my mind.”

“Your girl giving you trouble?”

Benny shakes his head. “Not in the traditional sense.”

Frankie uncrosses his arms and sits straighter, leaning his arms on the table. “The traditional sense? Ben, what’s up?”

Benny traces patterns in the condensation on his beer glass with the pad of his pointer finger. “Nothin’.”

“Ben.”

Benny sighs. He knows that tone. Frankie won’t let it rest.

“I don’t know what to get her for Christmas.”

He mumbles it, nearly embarrassed to admit to his friend that he has zero clue what to get this girl that he hasn’t shut up about in nearly a year. 

Frankie chuckles, turning it into a fake cough when Benny looks at him. “I uh…sorry man. That’s gotta be…hard?”

Benny laughs this time too. “I suppose there’s worse things in a relationship.”

Frankie takes another sip, scoffing. “You got that right.”

“It’s just…she has everything she wants. Says she doesn’t want anythin’.”

“She doesn’t mean that.”

“Actually, she does. But that’s not the point. I have to get her something. What the fuck do I get the woman who has everything?”

“A new boyfriend?”

Benny throws some peanuts from the bowl on the table at his friend, pelting him in the face with a couple that Frankie couldn’t dodge. “Ha-ha. I’m serious, man.”

Frankie pauses for a moment, thinking. “I don’t know, man. Sing to her or some shit.”

Benny looks at his friend, trying to see if he was joking. “You’re..serious?”

“She know you sing and play?”

“A bit but nothing major.”

Frankie smirks. “Write her a song and play it for her. Chicks love that shit.”

“She’s not just some chick, Frankie.”

“I know. Which is why you gotta write a good one.”

Just then, Will and Santi walk up to join the group and the conversation shifts to sports and which girl they bet Santi will take home that night.

-------

He’s been quiet for a few weeks and his girl has definitely noticed. She keeps asking if he’s ok and while he assures her he is, she looks at him as if she doesn’t believe it. But how can he tell her he’s preoccupied writing the perfect song for her in time for Christmas?

Finally, Christmas arrives and she’s there, all dressed up and ready to head to his parent’s house for Christmas. He wouldn’t have cared if she simply wore sweat pants, and he told her as such, earning himself a smirk and a look. 

“I can’t wear sweatpants to your parent’s house, Benjamin.”

He loved when she used his full first name teasingly. Or in bed.

They had agreed to exchange gifts when they got back, but Benny couldn’t wait. There was no way he would make it through dinner and presents with Will’s kids there. It would take forever.

Shoes on, but as she goes to open the door, he gently takes her arm, pulling slightly back to get her attention. She pauses, hand hovering above the handle as she turns towards him.

“Everything ok?”

He’s sweaty, nervous. Blood pumping through him so fast it’s making his head spin slightly. 

“I..I am. I just…I have to give you your gift before we go-”

“Ben. I told you you didn’t have to get me anything. I have all I need right here.”

She turns fully and closes the distance between them, touching her lips to his while she stands on her tiptoes, fingers twisted slightly in the front of his shirt, just enough to pull him down to her. Benny wraps one arm around her, holding her to him while the other comes up to cradle her face. When the kiss breaks, his eyes, full of love, meet hers, seeing the same in her eyes.

“Please, sweetheart? I don’t think I can wait.”

She sighs playfully. “Oh alright. But if we’re late, don’t blame it on me.”

He smiles as she moves to sit on the couch. He disappears down the hall, grabbing his guitar and heading back out to the living room, sitting next to her on the couch as he picks at the strings for a moment, adjusting and making sure it’s in tune.

He clears his throat, suddenly unable to meet her curious gaze. “I..I wasn’t sure what to get you. So I wrote you somethin’.”

Taking a deep breath, he starts to play, a light melody for a few measures before he starts to sing, his eyes closing so he could feel the music, pouring himself into it.

But you feel more like freedom

Than barefeet in my backyard

You feel more like heaven

Than my bedroom window stars

And I guess it doesn't matter

If you can't go back again

'Cause you feel more like home

Than the house I grew up in

The song ends, his eyes opening slowly as his guitar becomes quiet. He finally looks at her, finally gathers the courage, and to his surprise, he sees tears streaming down her face, her makeup smudging as she tries to wipe them away.

“Sweetheart?”

“That…that was the best gift I’ve ever gotten. I…I don’t even…” Tears fall harder now and he’s not sure what to do. He expected her to just say thanks or a small smile and a hug. But this? Did he hurt her feelings or?

She gently takes his guitar from him, setting it on the coffee table in front of them. She shifts her body towards him, taking his large, warm hands in hers, her thumbs immediately rubbing the back of his on instinct. She takes a few breaths before looking up at him through wet eyelashes, black circles appearing under her eyes from her makeup. 

“I fucking love you, Benjamin Miller.”

He pulls his hands from hers, placing them on either side of her cheeks, using his thumbs to wipe away the mascara and makeup that have settled under her eyes. She’s the most beautiful anything he’s ever seen.

“I fucking love you, sweetheart. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Ben.”

They ended up being late to dinner, showing up with smiles on their faces.

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[latibvles]

27. boxed for harriet morgan

##27 — BOXES

harriet morgan u are a national treasure and the whole of the bomb group adores you (literal). that's all the notes I have for this one. send me a prompt for the bomber girls!

—

Airmen were superstitious by nature — Harrie was no exception to that.

She knew she had a package or two waiting for her this morning. Her ma made it a habit to send her a plethora of things: books she left at home, hair ribbons, and some type of snack, too. Enough to share with the rest of her crew and still have leftovers. And her ma always wrote too — testifying that she prayed over them too, sending her love and blessings with all the pastries and articles of clothing.

Harrie made a point to never open these packages before they took off. She’d always pick them up from the post, set them gingerly atop her cot like she was setting the table back at home, but she’d never opened them.

She figured if they had something to look forward to on the way back, then it’d help them beat the odds. That, and gorging themselves on her mom’s homemade cookies and blessings seemed like a hard earned reward. Harrie made a point to send back the tins they were sent in, often with some type of trinket for her little cousins to fawn over.

Word traveled fast in Thorpe Abbotts — not so much about the blessings, but definitely about the treats.

“Anybody seen Juney?” Harrie asks, turning her head this way and that in the armchair. “Don’t want her missin’ out this time.” Fern waves her hand dismissively from her spot perched on the arm of the chair.

“We’ll just save her one. She’s got a grandpa’s bedtime anyway.” Fern explains, which makes Harrie laugh quietly under her breath. Of course, this corner of the front room had garnered its fair share of curious eyes. Fern perched on the arm chair, Carrie by the fireplace and Inez returning from the snack bar with napkins — likely to run Viv and Willie their hard-earned luxury rations, straight from the kitchen of Mary Morgan herself.

There were also a couple editions, men trying to stake their claim on the inevitable leftovers: Harper, from DeMarco’s crew, sat right across from her, burning a hole through the packaging. And although Blakely was keeping his distance, Harrie didn’t miss the way the pilot’s curious eyes would drift to the boxes balanced delicately in her lap every now and again — she makes a mental note to run one to him when she’s handing them all out.

There’s a whistle behind her, the soft thump of hands smacking the hard leather of the chair. She turns around to grin up at Douglass, who’s grinning right back at her, all teeth and mischief as he eyes the packages.

“Another package from my best girl?” he drawls, which has Harrie groaning and batting at his hands as he reaches over to pick at the packaging.

“Quit talkin’ like that ‘bout my ma, Dougie,” Harrie huffs, knowing he doesn’t mean it. “And lay off, we got manners ‘round here. Gotta read the card first,” Douglass’ hands retreat, but he sits on the opposing armrest. Part of Harrie feels like she’s ten years old again, and all her cousins and her brother, too, are watching her open up all the presents or blowing out candles. She takes the envelope too and tears into it, clearing her throat. “Dear Harriet…”

She goes through the typical stuff — local baseball scores, church gossip, how the animals were fairing. She skips over the more personal stuff for the sake of not dampening the room with her at-home worries. That was to be further looked into in the barely-there privacy of her cot, not read aloud among her friends.

“Send your friends ma’ love. Prayin’ over ya always, I hope these treats do somethin’ to make ya’ll smile a bit. Love momma. P.S, Pa sends a welcome gift for your new Commandin’ Officer,” Harrie wraps up, smiling by the end of it — an ear-splitting thing that makes her face hurt as she pockets the letter and then tears into the first package, undoing its wrapping.

The box is a well-polished wood thing with a gold latch, and Harrie recognizes it immediately as her pa’s cigar box. She can’t help the small gasp as she pops it open. Covering the cigars, however, was a small stack of photographs that she’s quick to snatch up before shutting it quickly, shuffling through photographs. She’s never been more happy she committed to not opening up her packages until after today’s flight.

“Look Carrie, s’that calf I was tellin’ you about. Nervous Nellie,” Harrie beams, extending her arm to give her friend the picture. “N’ these are the baby chicks. Well… I guess they ain’t babies no more, but they was when I hatched ‘em.” She points to the one still tucked under their hen’s wing. “I named that one after you Dougie, that one’s Hammy n’ that one’s Juney. Oh! There’s Harper.” Harrie points out each chick named after a bombardier in the company, and although his eyes roll at first, he starts chuckling as she goes down the line.

There’s a few others in there, some with her cousins and all the animals Harrie doted on at home. She pockets the pictures too, closes the cigar case and sets it before her on the coffee table. Then, she gives her small audience a sweeping look.

“Now don’t ya’ll go grabbin’ at me. ‘Specially not you two,” she points to Harper, who makes a noise of half-hearted offense, and then Dougie. “Rules are rules. Ladies first, then you can go callin’ dibs and what-not.”

With that in mind, she opens up the second, smaller box, and lets out a disbelieving laugh.

“Thank you, Mrs. Morgan,” Fern declares as Inez passes Harrie a napkin. She takes out one of the apple turnovers delicately packed into the metal tin and immediately passes it to Fern, who passes it to Carrie, until they’ve gone around their immediate circle. Then Inez plucks two to run to Viv and Willie, and Fern takes another for June. Harrie rises with the tin, laughing at the prolonged stare that the guys are giving her.

“Alright, alright, one each — Blakely!” The pilot, who was now making conversation with Kidd, snaps to look at her. “Quit actin’ polite and come over here ‘fore the rest are gone.”

As Blakely makes his way over, Harrie does the quick mental math to save enough for Jo, and one for Colonel Harding, to go with the box of cigars. And she silently prays that the blessings her mom sent with the turnovers will last to the next flight, the next package. But when they approach — she doesn’t admit to that. She just smiles and continues to hand out the extras, more than happy to share all of her gifts.

[jjtheresidentbaby]

hi hi hi i’ve recently found your little jj stories and they make me happy stim so much 🥺

a request is maybe jj is poorly on a case? she has a headache or a cold and stuff and all she wants to do is curl up in emily’s arms and rest bht it’s a kidnapping case and they have limited time.

maybe she ends up falling asleep at the table? maybe like with a drink in her hand or whilst eating and the group find it super cute then emily gets her settled down somewhere to sleep whilst they keep working on it??

i really wanna start writing agere criminal minds fics but idkkk🥺

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ sickness & sleepiness ໒꒱ ⋆ﾟ⊹

|| jennifer jareau x emily prentiss

a/n: I’m so glad you like my writing!! and you should totally start writing, my dms are always open if you wanna talk concepts <33

warnings: Jj being sick, pet names, mentions of a case

-

The whole team could tell Jj was feeling sick today, her flushed cheeks, constantly sniffling nose and drooping eyes gave her away, although the sweatshirt and blanket draped over her despite the dry Texas heat definitely made it extra obvious. Emily’s tried to help the most she can, as has Hotch who graciously put Jj on map making duties with Reid as they try to track down a kidnapped little kid.

There isn’t much anyone can do to help Jj, Emily’s already given her medicine and a package of saltines for when she feels ready to eat something. It doesn’t help that Jj’s headspace has come on unexpectedly because of the sickness, Hotch has locked off the room they’re all in for Jj’s sake, but Emily is still full of worry.

She knows Jj doesn’t like regressing while at work nor does she like having a lot of people around while she’s small. She supposes maybe Jj being so caught up in her constant shivering switching to overheating state is helping her distract herself from the teams hovering, which they’re all doing. Everyone’s aware that Emily’s is Jj’s main caregiver, and to get Hotch if she isn’t available, but that isn’t stopping them all from doing what they can to help Jj.

“Honey we gotta go to a warehouse where the suspect might be, are you going to be okay here? We can have Rossi stay back if you need.” Emily’s hand pushes the hood off of Jjs head so she can reach to feel the back of her neck, it’s still warm as it was earlier, she hopes the medicine has kicked in and that’s just from the blankets.

“I’ll be okay.” It’s barely a mumble, an attempt at a smile on Jj’s lips that eases Emily the slightest amount. No crying is a good sign.

“Ok darling, we’ll be back.” Emily dashes out to the svu’s after that, pushing all her worry for Jj down, as best can at least, and starts to listen to Morgan’s ramble of how they’ll be entering the building.

-

The warehouse stunt goes over a little longer than Emily was hoping, though she’s happy the little kid was able to be reunited with their mom with only minor injuries. She’s ready to get back to her own little.

Entering the room the Texas police have allowed the BAU to overrun for the past week instantly brings a warm smile to Emily’s face. Jj’s in the same seat she was in before they left, the package of saltines loosely in her hand as her head lays against her arm on the table. There’s a small pile crumbs and a few crackers look ready to slide right into the floor, Prentiss quickly picks up the package before turning to where Jj’s still dead asleep. Not even a twitch at the team entering the room.

“Jj? Darling?” Emily rubs her hand up and down Jj’s arm, careful not to jostle the girl too much in hopes of avoiding her waking up panicked.

“There you are, we finished the case, we only have paperwork to do.” A lazy smile and a slow blink of half-awake-ness is all Emily gets in reply, she’s okay with it, Jj needs her rest and she has a hard enough time sleeping anyways. Prentiss can’t imagine it’s any easier while sick.

“Hotch said I could take you back to the hotel and Reid will catch up on our paperwork.” Another nod and Emily decides she’ll have to do this the hard way.

She comes to pull Jj to her feet, allowing the blonde to slump into her side with almost all her weight. Emily brushes the blanket off Jj’s back so it falls into the chair, despite the protesting groan Jj let’s out, if it wasn’t the stations blanket she’d have taken it with them. Instead she grabs Hotchs suit jacket that he holds out knowingly, pulling it over Jj’s shoulders and leading her out to the svu that she’ll be able to sleep in the backseat of.

Jj lays down with a few grunts of displeasure at being in the car, and that Emily can’t stay back there with her as she has to drive. Emily’s just happy she’ll be able to watch over her little girl in full focus tonight.

-

[lila-lou]

I loooooved this new chapter, it’s always so fun when more other people are thrown into the mix. But I gotta say, I’m kinda getting more and more sad for the reader 🥺

Like, I know the situation is complicated and everything but it feels a bit like it’s always her having the short end of the stick? She’s always the one that has to be understanding and okay with everything. And it’s just like the little things? Like Jensen could’ve put on the ring in the car instead of right in front of her. But he did that and just tells her that’s how it has to be. And then after the convention, he doesn’t even make sure she gets home safe and just kinda left her on her own to get home and idk it just makes me feel a bit sad for her 🥺

I hope Jensen actually puts in effort to further their relationship and puts in effort to work this situation out. Of course it’s hard with divorce stuff, especially with kids around too. But jeez man just get a good damn lawyer and do something about it!

But I still love this chapter, grumpy Misha is funny! It’s gonna be hilarious once he eventually finds out lol

Can’t wait for more! This is one of my absolute favourite series!! :)

First of all, thank you very much for your feedback! I'm always really excited about feedback, especially when it's so detailed!

I'm totally with you. I understand you 100%. But honestly, most men don't think that far 😂 sad but true. I actually try to package the story (of course everything is just fiction) as realistically and logically as possible. Although I also have to say that I write Jensen definitely nicer and more sensitive than I think of him 😂 I think that guy can be a real asshole and is absolutely not as emotional as I'm trying to make him seem here.

Back to the point, well "close to reality": let's assume it were true, I think the whole thing would be sooo much more complicated and difficult for "the new girl". I actually have to stop myself again and again and remind myself: come on, this is supposed to be a romantic story with a touch of drama and not the other way around 😂

So far, just a little glimpse into my head 😅.

But, for a “simple reader POV”: fuck, absolutely! He should get a fucking lawyer and leave his shitty wife. The reader is already having to endure a lot and it's only going to get worse, so yes, believe me, I feel sorry for her too. (The ring scene stung 🥲) Oh, and the scene with misha finding out is one of my favorites 🙈 just because of the little glimpse of Jensens feelings about that 😂.

There will be a lot more situations where I would like to take Y/N in my arms while beating up Jensen 😂.

Thank you soooo much🩷

I hope you’ll keep enjoying the story 🩷

[empyrangel]

Finally got around to doing the new event and I gotta say it’s pretty good. Have a few thoughts about it.

Very Kaveh centered (almost like a Kaveh story quest) of course and I think he deserved it. I think it was executed very well. Alhaitham is important to anything Kaveh related, they’re a package deal, and his parts seemed pretty good too. Even though Kaveh was the main character I think they did a good job of incorporating most of the other Sumeru characters.

Layla had a nice arc and it was good seeing her interactions with the other characters like Tighnari.

Tighnari and Cyno didn’t have a huge role, but I think the screen time they did have was sufficient. They had some nice scenes and got just as much attention as they needed, especially considering that they were already significant characters in the last event.

Faruzan was great as always. Loved her dynamic with Kaveh! Seeing her appreciate someone instead of always looking down on everyone was refreshing. Their interactions might have been the best part of the event.

Wanderer had a nice role. Enigmatic background work suits him. The reveal at the end about him having been entered into the championship by Nahida was anticlimactic and underwhelming since that was already obvious from the beginning, especially since he even told us she was the one who enrolled him in Vahumana. The concept of him being sentenced to something like that as like community service or something is kinda funny. But also imagine being a top Vahumana scholar and you’re favored to be picked to represent your darshan in the championship and then Lesser Lord Kusanali herself picks some stranger who wrote a few essays and on top of that he doesn’t even try at all until the final round. Your darshan would be a laughing stock and have the worst performance of any darshan in any championship ever. Vahumana must be in shambles right now.

As for Nahida herself, I think only including her at the very end was a good move. Everything even remotely Sumeru related for the past like 8-9 months has been about her. This event can stand to not be about her. She fulfilled her purpose and her inclusion didn’t feel forced or contrived, that’s good enough.

Dehya and Candace didn’t have a lot of screen time but I think it worked for them. Their purpose was casual appearances as tourists in Sumeru city and to advance the plot line about the eremite assassins. While I inwardly wish that Candace had been there more, I understand that this wasn’t about her and she didn’t need more screen time than she got. Fingers crossed she’s the next four star to get a hangout event so she can finally get more attention.

Dori also had a minor role, one which was mostly confined to side quests. Still, I think it went pretty well. Her purpose was to introduce information which would give us context about the main plot line of the event. I’d say that was executed good enough. My only criticism would be that her giving us free information multiple times felt contrived and out of character, but it’s such a trivial detail that I guess it doesn’t matter.

Collei and Nilou are where you can tell that they really just tried to squeeze every playable Sumeru character into this event no matter how it turned out.

Collei was there for two seconds no joke. I thought for sure that she would come back to help Tighnari in the other two rounds but that didn’t happen. She was so insignificant that I almost forgot she was even in the event at all. I don’t feel too sorry for her though, and I don’t really care much about this because Collei hogged over half of the screentime in the last Mondstadt event and I think she deserves a taste of her own medicine.

But Nilou. Oh Nilou. They did her dirty. They did her so dirty. I came into this event thinking that surely they’d half-ass it and only portray her as this shallow, ditzy, nice girl- I really didn’t expect much for her, but I still did not expect that they simply wouldn’t portray her at all. Genuine question; Why the hell was she even there? She did absolutely nothing. She had like three lines and two of them were like “let me go get the paper for the lots” or something. All of the commentary and announcer stuff (and literally anything else) that she could have done was done by Alhaitham. If one announcer was all they needed then why pretend that Nilou has any business being there, she was just there for no reason. If she’s not needed then don’t give me false hope just to not incorporate her into the event at all, what a waste. I heard that Alhaitham and Nilou were going to interact and I was excited to see their dynamic. I think he acknowledged her maybe once and that’s it. They could’ve had their conflicting personalities be used as a source of comedy, or as foils to one another. So much potential and nothing came of it. Giving Nilou literally anything to do wouldn’t have distracted from the rest of the event in the slightest. I’m so disappointed at that.

[kiranerysismyhero]

Why do there have to be girls?

For the @startrekwintergiftexchange

This is for @rrr-nightingale​ from the prompt of Tom Paris/Harry Kim pre-slash. I went with a personal log from Harry's perspective. It's my first time writing for this pairing so I hope you like it!

Personal log, ensign Harry Kim, stardate… I’m not sure, actually. It’s been a couple weeks since we destroyed the Caretaker’s array. I haven’t had a great sense of time since we ended up here. Maybe there’s something the Ocampans dosed me with that’s still working its way out of my system. Maybe it’s just because nothing about any of this has felt real. 

Spending so much time in the holodeck probably doesn’t help with that. I don’t know, I guess it’s just what Tom always seems to want to do. He seems so… glib about everything that’s going on. Already settling in on the ship we’ll be on for the next 40 years, drafting his own holoprograms and making himself at home. I get the sense he doesn’t have so much to want to get back home to. Real home I mean, the Alpha Quadrant. Earth. Tom is no worse off out here than he was back in Federation prison I suppose. 

I guess that’s why I hang around him. When I’m alone, all I can think about is how vastly far we are from… from everything. From Federation space, from my parents and… but Tom’s right here. He stays in the here and now, even when we’re technically in a historical program. Ha. He’s in the moment, I mean. Focused on what’s going to bring him a little fun in the near future. He brings me into it, drags me out of my own head. Keeps telling me that worrying about the distance isn’t going to get us back any faster, that there’s no use in being miserable in the meantime. I do appreciate that. 

I wish… I question his methods sometimes, though. I mean, I have a girlfriend back home! I’m not going to start dating one of the Delaney sisters for him just because they’re a “package deal.” Ugh. I don’t care for the way Tom talks about women sometimes. It’s like he’s trying too hard, covering for something, just… too much. Why do we have to bother with all the pretense of setting up a whole romantic charade with a couple of women that even Tom would admit he knows little about? 

I gotta say, I much prefer when we’re just… together. Like, like when he roped me in to “tuning up” one of the shuttlecraft without authorization. It was exciting, that feeling of not wanting to be caught before we could prove that the new manifolds were an improvement. I wasn’t thinking about the journey ahead of us. Just focused on the task, on the moment. Keeping an eye on the door, watching him work, passing him a different tool every once in a while. He kept talking through what he was doing, all that bravado and pride in his work. It rubs off on you a little bit, that confidence. Er, no, I can be confident! I don’t need help being confident. Tom’s got a, uh… an assuredness. I mean he was laying on his back and he still had this sense of standing tall. It’s not always there, looking at Tom, but it is when he’s in pilot mode. I was kind of studying him I guess, the way he held himself as he shifted position beneath the engine, the way his chest rose and fell as he breathed harder with exertion, the way his sweat made his undershirt cling a little… 

He did catch me staring, heh. He had something clever to say about it, but I can’t remember what it was. Too flustered to listen, I guess. Heh. Hrrm. Anyway. I didn’t have to come up with a retort or anything because B’Elanna walked in on us messing with the shuttlecraft. I guess I hadn’t been paying attention to the corridor while I was… distracted. 

…ugh. Great personal log, Harry. Fine example of a Starfleet officer, Harry. 

I’ll record a better one later. Tom’s shift at the helm only barely overlaps with my time on the bridge today, so I want to get there early. I mean, punctuality reflects well on… *sigh* Who am I kidding? Computer, end personal log.



[dreamwritesimagines]

It’s CMA-

Dream do you watch TTRPG’s at all? Specifically I’m thinking of a court of fey and flowers on dimension 20 because the regency vibes are just MWAH and I was wondering if you were at all familiar with it.

Either way, getting on with it and taking notes as I read as usual:

Awww Lottie!! Love her and I love that we’re activity the entire support system for this. Also Lottie promising to always be with her??? I love her your honor

Wait is Lottie either going to tell Benedict off or does she know what the secret is????

“I’m quite familiar with that concept” BEN NO omggg that’s so sad 😭

Plot twist teddy has a crush on Ben now not Lottie lmao /j

OH I bet lady Margery was helping him get that rose middlemist or something??? That’s why they’re in the greenhouse???? Right???? Please dream let that be the reason

Fuck clover did u rly have to do him dirty like that??? I know ur insecure but damn lmao

Also yayyy I’m glad I was right!! And that’s so sweet of him to prepare all this for her

Lmao I feel like the house staff would’ve known that Ben was preparing a surprise for clover or at least seen the packages of plants and gardening supplies being delivered so like why they gotta be spreading rumors and saying stuff like that lmao.

Ur telling me the gardener kept this 100% secret… sure jan /j

Also I bet she’s going to say ily but I lowkey kind of want Ben to not reply right away because what she said was so hurtful. Like damn clover every time ur a little bit stressed you say the meanest shit /hj

Girl he literally sketched the flower for you when you fainted. He had to look that shit up in a book so he knew what to draw and ur saying he doesn’t remember ur favorite flower??? Have you forgotten how down bad he is for you??? Facepalming all over the place lol

Fuck ben that’s so much work and he got this plan started before they were even married or if he knew she liked him back

This is like the greatest gesture of love of all time. And like even him continuing it by having it so that he can have the other greenhouse set up so that she never has to be without her garden even though she’s not even using it right now and I just-

Thank god she finally got her head out of her ass lmao. Finally clover, it’s a long time coming

Lmao thinking of flowers even when they’re about to fuck like yeah that tracks. I wonder if Ben is offended tho lol

Oh I forgot! This is in the rain! (Sort of. They’re wet is my point). It was a dark and stormy night… v romantic haha

Awww well I’m glad they’re happy at least. I hope her parents don’t ruin it…. (To which I’m sure Dream’s reply will be ‘😏😈’)

Awww sweet chapter; good job gang it all worked out.

CMA hi my love! 🥰

I don't watch them actually but they look so much fun😁 I'd love to get into it sometime ❤️

Lottie immediately turned overprotective just like Anthony 🥰 They both care about her a lot ❤️

Oh Lottie had no idea what the secret was ❤️ She just went there to tell Benedict off and also forgive him loll😂

Omg 😁 Oh Teddy just looks up to Benedict so much, he's his role model ❤️

Asdfghjkl an air raid siren started going off in Clover's head the moment she heard Benedict and Margery were alone in that greenhouse at night 😈 While she wasn't homeeee😈

I feel like people knew for sure, but they were told to not tell anyone, especially Clover 😁

I don't think Clover realizes just how in love with him he is 😂 THE DRAWING YES! 😁

Fuck ben that’s so much work and he got this plan started before they were even married or if he knew she liked him back THIS! ❤️

Exactly, he started on that after they talked at that flower exhibition, while she was still being snarky with him whenever they had a conversation 😂 Like, they weren't even courting! ❤️

Loll I think Benedict found that amusing 😂 Her thinking of flowers even then 😁

I love rain scenes so much! ❤️

Awww well I’m glad they’re happy at least. I hope her parents don’t ruin it…. (To which I’m sure Dream’s reply will be ‘😏😈’)

😏😈

Thank you so so much for this my love! 🥰

[goatskickin]

Welcome back! When we last left, our heir Faith and her roommate Bettina were in competition over the bigger bed, and their moms were seeing them off to Brainia U.

How have the girls been doing away at college?

      After Bettina and Faith got settled into their charming ramshackle student house, the only thing left to do was get used to living with each other.

“Bettina, shut the computer off. Let’s go out.”

“Just a minute! I only have until midnight to submit this response for class.”

“So? You’ve got hours then! Let’s go!”

“I am trying to get ahead here. I am doing homework. Ever heard of it?”

“Don’t be an asshole. My homework is just different than yours.”

“Oh sure, I forgot…don’t you like have to pretend to be an orange or something? Do a monologue about fading beauty or some crap?”

“I need to print off my monologue for class actually, so let’s go! Let’s go to campus!”

“Fine.”

Faith has tried to make the most of Brainia U’s many student centers, as well as every local hangout.

The actual students at Brainia U are a mixed bag however.

“O, what a noble mind is here o'erthrown! The courtier's, soldier's, scholar's, eye, tongue, sword; The expectancy and rose of the fair state, The glass of fashion and the mould of form, The observed of all observers, quite, quite down! And I, of ladies most deject and wretched, That suck'd the honey of his music vows, Now see that noble and most sovereign reason, Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh; That unmatch'd form and feature of blown youth Blasted with ecstasy: O, woe is me, To have seen what I have seen, see what I see!”

“Wow, nothing? That’s the best Ophelia I’ve done all week.”

“Everyone’s a critic.”

“People are idiots Bettina.  Doesn’t anyone know anything about art around here?

…

Aren’t you going to have any chili? I mean, if you want to have some tomorrow once the flavors have melded that’s totally fine…”

Bettina quickly finds out just how often her roommate cooks. Maybe it’s a comfort thing.

But it is almost constant. Bettina never goes hungry.

Bettina approaches college life a little more quietly than her roommate. She has never been away from home, and she’s also never lived without her twin, Wade.

Now that she is living (almost alone), she’s found that she’s the kind of person who finds quiet, solitary activities to be stimulating.

How they spend downtime is not something that Bettina and Faith agree on.

“HEY! It’s 8pm! What the fuck is that noise! I’m reading!”

“Well, in Act 3 of the play I am auditioning for –“

“YEAH maybe you don’t need to do that right now! Thanks!”

Bettina does have her own connections on campus outside of Faith.

“Yah gotta come over. My roommate, she’s kind of a lot to handle, but she makes this bomb vegan lasagna! It’s way too much for two people.”

Given that Brainia U had been isolated for decades, its population has subsisted off the left-behind non-perishables for the college-aged set. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a thing that only Pitstop Valley locals have. There are no resources or plan to get produce to Brainia U.

Thankfully, Faith has brought enough spices, vinegars, tomato paste and nutritional yeast to make any food taste homemade. Or at least less like packaged ramen noodles and canned vegetables.

“Bettina! Where is my microplane!”

“Your what?”

“My microplane! With the green handle? Did you put it in a funny spot?

“What?! You…something about a tiny plane?”

“What?! No, a microPLA – oh, found it.”

“Bettina. Guess who I talked to at the quad today. Guess.”

“Uh, I don’t know Faith. You’re kind of keeping company with a few different dudes right now.”

“Ah, ahHA! HA! You’re so funny. Like, hilarious. But no, guess.”

“Uh…”

“John Choi.”

“Oh my gosh, fuck you! No, you didn’t!”

“I did!”

        Yes, John Choi. This pink-hatted, monocled man is a high-value slice at Brainia U.

“So, John, why pink? Such a powerful color.”

“Pink speaks to me, you know? And I guess it’s speaking to everyone else too.”

“I mean I also saw your friend Skylar on campus, later on.”

“Oh, he’s cute! Why don’t you ask him out?!”

“Oh, I dunno…”

“He likes you Faith! He’s totally smart, and he’s in our history lecture – “

“Oh man, that professor has such a droning voice I fall asleep every time! Why have a lecture right at 2pm? That’s nap time.”

“Ask Skylar to take notes for you! That’s how you can start talking to him!”

“Well, then why don’t you date him, if he’s so great?”

“He likes you Faith! You’re gonna scare him off by being – “

“By being what, Bettina!”

Faith’s keeping her options open. As a Family sim, the end goal is marriage. Obviously.

  “So, you’re not worried about prolonged hot tub exposure and your future sperm production?”

“My…my what?!”

“What do you mean you do use your laptop right on your lap?! Don’t you know that’s a recipe for low-yielding baby gravy?!”

Faith has many options.

All she has to do is choose and make her move.

Provided that all parties agree to the arrangement.

“You calling me a hoe Bettina? Because that’s fine! At least I am putting myself out there.”

Even so, Faith’s not much of a charmer.

So, it remains to be seen if Faith “putting herself out there” will produce any worthwhile relationships.

“Faith you are impossible. I love you. Dumbass.”

“Of course, you do. What about you? What about your dude, that guy from your biology lab? SeaBass?”

“Can you not call him that?! His name is Sebastian.”

“I’m working on him, okay?”

“He’s a warlock, you know? Him and his twin. Like, my mom is kind of old fashioned when it comes to magic stuff, but male witches do exist, they are just like, more rare? And his twin – “

“Ooh, a twin? Should we double date? OOH! Double wedding ceremony?!”

“Listen! I haven’t even like…like, okay I am working on it. I think Seb knows that I like him.”

“He’s just like, shy or whatever. Maybe they do things differently in Pleasantview.”

“Or he’s some kind of freak. Or his dick doesn’t work. Or he’s blind.”

   “My focus is on school. If something happens with Seb, so be it.”

“Okay, sure grandma. But like, have fun and look around. What’s the harm?”

“It’s a numbers game, babes.”

“You failed our 11th grade math class.”

“It’s simple numbers. You cast a wide net and you pull some back. I’m being economical.”

“Um, how? And didn’t you fail economics too?”

“Fuck off! I got a C-.”

“Maybe you should be a little more…selective? Like, I get wanting to see what’s out there, but there’s some real duds dudes Faith. Why waste your time?”

“What do you mean? Like who?!”

“Like that guy you saw at the park on campus? Komei?”

“Ehh…shut up…”

“HA! How did that go down exactly?”

“He was nice enough! But he moved way too fast for me.”

“But! I also saw this other guy. Leo?”

“The guy with the shitty beard?! EW! Faith!”

“What! You are so judgmental!”

“I’m not committed to anyone right now. I have lots of options.”

“Marriage is the goal, though.”

Talk of boys aside, there is only one boy who has all the girls on campus losing it: John Choi.

No one can resist him, and boys want to be him. For some reason.

John Choi is more than “kinda okay”. He’s hot stuff!

Faith wants to talk to him.

As do all the other ladies on campus.

Fortune favors the brave!

“Gosh *blushes* I wish that were me!”

“Gosh, John Choi is so smooth.”

“Gosh…I wanted to hit on that blonde girl…”

No luck for Tempe. John Choi has claimed yet another First Kiss from a lucky dormie.

Faith is not deterred; she’s a practical gal and takes the opportunity to chat with the competition. She finds out from Blonde Dormie the coffee shop Mr. John Choi frequents and takes Bettina along for a scouting mission.

“Shit, she was right, he’s here!”

“Shh! Let’s get an espresso.”

Bettina ends up having a front row seat to this scene, however. John Choi to the rescue.

“Balls. Look at that. We will never have a chance with John Choi now…”

“Lucky bitch.”

Tina Sell is the lucky bitch in question.

“Well, we still got coffee and the day is young. What next?”

“Don’t you have to like, go to class or something Faith?”

“So…your hair feels like wool, right? Can I touch it?”

“Never mind Bettina. Let’s fucking leave.”

      Luckily, Brainia U is full of marriage prospects for Faith. Like Skylar here. He and Bettina are pals. They met engaging in some after class activities. 

Somehow, against all odds and logic.

Faith nabs a First Kiss from Skylar!

Skylar’s a pragmatic guy, it turns out.

“So, your plans after school are to try and make it as an actress?”

“Or a singer. Or both! I could always fall back on modeling too, I suppose.”

“Hm. So, what’s Pitstop Valley like? I’ve never left Bluewater Village until I came to school.”

“Uh, I don’t know it’s fine, I guess? Small town, nothing to do, but my parents live there.”

“Hm. So kind of a landing spot until you figure things out, yeah?”

“What’s with all the questions, Skylar?”

“Just thinking about today’s history lecture. I mean, we are the first class that Brainia U has had in 65 years. That’s only because of the work that your mom and your aunt Mercy did. Getting the school set back up for students, getting the students here, getting faculty – “

“What the fuck? Did you just come over because you wanted to kiss the girl with the semi-famous mom? That’s kinda – “

“Don’t you worry about the future? About the future of Pitstop Valley? You guys have an active militia, everyone can go to school, you have an athletic team! You guys have actual fruit and vegetables – you know not everyone has that, right?

I’m just saying, Pitstop Valley has the potential to do even more. Don’t you think about that? Don’t you want to be a part of that? I would.”

“Uh, I’m going to dance class. See ya Skylar.”

“I don’t think that Faith likes me, Bettina.”

*zzzz* - “..wha? Oh, she does Sky, she just has a funny way of showing it.” *zzz*

     Faith is a complex young lady. She spends a lot of time on campus husband hunting, but she also is a huge fan of the campus Cinema. She considers it research, but also a way to meet people.

“Hey, can I sit here?”

“No.”

“What I am saying, is if multiple scenes in a row are shot at Dutch angles, doesn’t that defeat the purpose of what a Dutch angle is supposed to mean? If it’s all Dutch angles, then is the spooky and unsettling tone of the scene actually the ‘norm’ of that universe? You know?”

“What do you mean! Give me an example.”

“Well, like in Battlefield Earth – “

“What, that piece of trash! You can’t – “

“Just because a piece of art is bad, does not mean it can’t be a part of a discussion about how an art form is portrayed. Like, if – “

“Faith, what about – “

“Shut up Tempe. Anyway – "

“What, so we should take a critical lens to every romance novel and kids movie? Is that what you’re saying?!”

“No. What I am saying is that movies, books, plays, whatever – it doesn’t have to be ‘art’ to be viewed with a critical lens.”

“That’s bullshit!”

“I can’t say I agree. Art reflects the time it was made in. Pop culture is important.”

“Yeah right!”

Not everyone likes healthy intellectual debate.

“Ugh, is this a commercial for perfume or a new Terrance Malick movie?! Someone get me the remote.”

Bettina has a weekly call with her mother, on Tuesdays after her Biology lab.

“Hey ma! This is Brainia U calling.”

“Hiiiii baby! HI! Oh, it’s so good to hear your voice! What’s new? How’s the semester?”

“Oh god, I adjusted my microscope too fast in my biology lab today and totally cracked the cover slip and the slide beneath it. Total rookie mistake, so embarrassing.”

“Aww, well I am sure you didn’t mean it!”

“I sure did not! Embarrassing though…anyway, can I ask you a witch-related question?”

“Baby, of course! Are you finally thinking about following the family tradition?!”

“Haha, maaaa, when you say it like that it makes me not want to tell you about this, haha.”

“Oh! Ha, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’ll shut up. What is it?”

“Well, I know that you know that clean up spell? For cleaning? I’d like to learn it.”

“Oh of course hun! But you know, it’s really more for water-based messes. Can I ask why?”

“Well, I wanted to know about that spell kinda for selfish reasons.”

“Faith makes a lot of food in our house, but she leaves behind hella dishes! And I’m tired of it, sometimes I don’t want to have to wash a fork, you know?”

“I mean, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the food. Like, who makes pancakes that as leftovers that taste good! I’m not complaining.”

“Good! You’d better not complain. That’s my grandpa Patrick’s Crème de la orange pancake recipe. You’d be some sort of tastebud-less freak if you didn’t like it.”

“Is that Faith? Tell her I said hi! Gosh, she still has quite the mouth on her. Has she heard any news from her mother?”

“…wait, what? What do you mean ‘news’?”

“Well, I love our weekly calls, I just love hearing from my baby girl! But you know, I don’t know what the relationship is like with Faith and her mother? So, I was just wondering, since she’s left, if Faith has heard from her at all?”

“Ma, what are you talking about? She left? What do you mean ‘left’?

“Oh! So, Faith doesn’t know about this. I’m sorry Bettina! I thought that Faith knew! Does she not know?”

“MOM. What are you talking about? What happened to Genesis?”

“Well, you know I got in the helicopter with Mercy after we left Brainia U, and Genesis was not in the helicopter with us! Mercy said that she’d decided to do some on-campus research.”

“Uh, okay, so she’s here at school then?”

“Well, that’s the thing – we aren’t really sure? I mean I talked to Mercy about it, and – well you know I just adore her, but something seemed off, you know? Like, she seemed a little shaken up, and I asked her about this on-campus research that Genesis would be doing, and Mercy was pretty tight-lipped about it. And the other day, I was visiting Cheyenne – oh! They took Binx’s last kitten, the one with the orange ears! So cute! She’s got –“

“Ma. Ma! About Genesis?”

“Ah? Oh! Yeah, so, anyway, so it seems like Genesis didn’t tell Justice she would be leaving? Justice is all alone in that house.”

“Oh. Um, weird. Like, is he okay to be alone? I know he’s kinda loopy and whatever.”

“Well, you know as resident ‘Good Witch’ I am checking up on him, but I can only do so much, you know? Actually, the intern at Pitstop Radio, she’s well uh, I’ll need to talk to her again, but she – "

“Mom, so like, Mr. Springs-Eternal is all alone and like, Genesis is here at campus?”

“Yes, I think so! It’s just that it doesn’t seem like she let Justice know ahead of time? I was concerned, and Mercy doesn’t seem to know a whole lot about the situation either. I was wondering if it was something that was discussed with Faith and Tempe.”

“Um, like, I don’t think so…I’ll talk to Faith about it.”

“Hey Faith? I –“

“It’s whipped chickpea tofu in the pancakes, if you were wondering.”

“…wha? Oh, okay that’s…no, I wanted to talk to you about your mom.”

“Ha, what? What about my mom?”

“Well, I had my call with my mom and…did you know she’s not at home right now? Like, your dad is alone at home?”

“What do you mean she’s not ‘at home’?”

“Well, my mom said that your mom hasn’t been at home, she’s doing some on-campus research, but like, it doesn’t seem like she told your dad? Or like…did you know about this?”

“Oh what, so she’s been here, and she hasn’t told me, or paid me a visit? Ha! Sounds like something she would do. She’s like, obsessed with work. Whatever.”

“So…that doesn’t bother you? You didn’t know that she wasn’t at home?”

“Um, no? Like, she’s obsessed with the whole thing of like ‘educating the future’. And like, liking human beings as a concept but not like, in practice ya know? No wonder she got abducted.”

“Jeez Faith, that’s kinda harsh.”

  In addition to feeding her roommate, Faith is a natural teacher. Though she would not admit to following in her mother’s footsteps.

Specifically, she wants to teach Bettina how to kick some ass. Because guys like buff girls. According to Faith.

“Okay now reach back and STRIKE! Don’t twist at the waist and don’t lean in too far. We need to develop your weak right hook.”

“Oh, um…hi-YAH!”

“Yes! Now, less floppy with the wrist. Again!”

A little self defense could come in handy at Brainia U.

“Howdy-hey! Are you able to support our team this Saturday?! It’s the quarter finals! How are you not totally pumped about this?!”

“Hey, no offense, but you’re being kind of distracting. We need to finish up this lab report.”

“Babba chooda rum, Babba chooda Ka, Veedum adda beedum adda bonk bonk bonk! Verbits, Verbits, VO GERBITS!”

“Uh, heh, yeah, yeah…okay? We uh, we taking a break? If that’s the case, I am going to play some SSX 3 dude…”

“Hey, Bettina, come sit. Sit! You’re working too hard on that report…

…where did you get that sweater? It’s nice and all, but like…it doesn’t show off your figure? Just saying…”

“…I’m going to make myself a sandwich…you can go…”

Babba chooda rum, Babba chooda Ka, Veedum adda beedum adda bonk bonk bonk! Verbits, Verbits, VO GERBITS!

*zzz* “Huh? EH?! God, you’re still here?!”

Luckily, Bettina’s roommate has a more direct way of getting rid of unwanted guests.

“Hey! Vo Gerbits! Excited for the quarter finals?”

“Well yeah! I’ve got a new routine and me and the other mascots – “

“Hey so…you seem like a man who knows what he wants. And I know what I want.

You know, most fragrances cover up a man’s real smell, you know? I’ll bet you don’t mind working up a sweat. A man’s sweat. I’d love the opportunity to – “

“Whoa, heh, okay, heh, okay! Um, I um, I – you know, I think I’m late for practice?”

…

“You are literally a psycho.”

“Well, it worked, didn’t it? That guy was being a total creep.

…

You want tofu bahn mi? I’m starving.”

Faith continues ponder the husband question. Serdar aka Fancy man is interrupted by her on his way to class.

Faith knows an interesting prospect when she sees one. She takes the opportunity to get to know him better.

“Hey! Serdar, right? You’re in my costuming class? Man, when are we going to actually move on to using sewing machines, you know? I’m sick of mending. If I have to fix another buttonhole, I’ll die.”

“No kidding! I’m not an infant, I don’t need to go over how to do a blanket stitch.”

“Hah, right?!”

Serdar proves to be quite the interesting person. He and Faith share a love of fashion. And Faith’s other favorite hobby, cooking.

“Why not become a chef, Faith? Those were some awesome peanut noodles! What was that acidic element…champagne vinegar?”

“Oh, you’re too sweet! But, no, just regular sherry vinegar. I’d never be a chef though. Late hours, burns on my arms all of the time…not to mention, dealing with all of that kitchen machismo. No offense.”

“None taken!”

“Though you know, I could always put out a cookbook myself! Later on, after I’ve had my acting career? Plus, what I really like to do is cook for friends and family, not like, the masses.”

Serdar turns out to be more friend material than anything. Faith does not mind, however. She’s in need of positive friends who build her up.

“Okay…least favorite fake blood in a movie. Go.”

“Oh! Um…Taxi Driver. It’s awful. It looks like liquid strawberry jelly. Maybe they did that for the rating.”

“Naw, Taxi Driver got an R. But good pick!”

“Thanks! Okay…what’s the best fake blood you’ve seen in a movie Serdar?”

…

“12 Monkeys.”

“REAlly! It’s…oh yeah, at the end, the scene in the airport! Shit, good choice.”

“Have you thought about what you want your short play to be about for your capstone project? I think a riff on a scream queen thing could be totally doable.”

“Well, I am really considering like a Southern Gothic, Tennessee Williams thing, but I’m worried that that would be too ambitious...”

“No, that sounds awesome! You could totally pull that off. Would it be a spoken word thing?”

“Bettina, move, I gotta shower.”

“You have someone over last night to play chess? Huh, looks like a good game.”

“Yeah, Serdar, you know him? He’s pretty cool actually.”

“Oh, you mean Fancy Man? Reallyyyy. So, you’re interested in him then?”

“No no, not like that. We’re just homies.”

“Plus, I think Serdar is gay.”

“What, just because the guy has a kooky sense a style?! That’s kind of close-minded Faith.”

“No, it’s not because of that! I think he is though. I have a feeling he is, even if he doesn’t know it.”

“Uh huh, sure. “

“How’s it going with your dude?”

“Ugh, nowhere?! He’s like, I don’t know what to do…he’s shy and I’m shy! I want him to make a move…but only if he likes me back. It’s hopeless.”

“Bettina, I have an idea.

Let’s invite our History lecture out to the Culinary Arts building, and I’m going to make some food and you are going to invite SeaBass and he is going to fall in love with you.”

“Don’t call him – wait…yeah, no, yeah! That’s a good idea. It will be like, low-key, low-pressure group hang thing, yeah?”

“Exactly.”

            While the girls can’t have parties (Show Business restriction), there’s no rule against to going to  community lot to hang out with whomever is there.

Especially if a certain young Pleasantview warlock is there. 

Faith breaks out her grilled kim-cheese sandwiches, naturally.

“Sebastian! H-Hey! Can I ask you a magic-related question? I think you’d know more about this than me.”

“Hi! Sure!”

“Ha, heh, okay! So Aqua Deletus – can that spell apply to more things other than just puddles of water? I am curious. And what would I need exactly?”

“Oh, sure! Really, you just have to adjust the end incantation and make sure you have more Eye of Newt than you’d think you’d need.”

“Wow, sounds easy! Like um, could you like, help me out with that? I don’t have a cauldron. Could…do you have one? Could you show me how to use it?”

“You…would want to come over? So that I can show you?”

Yes. That is indeed what Bettina was hinting at.

“Kim-cheese sandwiches get it done! It’s the husband maker.”

“I think that other than being famous, that this is what I want to do with my life. Throw parties where I cook for people.”

“Um, I’m sorry, who are you?  I don’t like spicy food.”

“I think that other than being famous, that this is what I want to do with my life. Throw parties where I cook for people.”

“Uh, yeah! Thanks for the sandwich, Faith.”

Faith’s really into anyone who likes her food.

“Gosh, you know Sean – “

“Um, my name is Shea?”

“You know Steve – I could get used to this. I just love entertaining! What better way to spend an afternoon than being with people you want to have around, eating, drinking and being merry?”

~~~

That will do it for this chapter!

Who will Faith choose for a future spouse? Will Bettina get to learn some magic? Will ‘magic’ happen between her and Sebastian Dreamer? Is Faith going to share her grandpa Patrick’s Crème de la orange pancake recipe?

Until next time, Carry On, Woman!

[lcfthaunted]

It’s been about a month since Mazie’s decided to stay in the desert, become a permanent fixture in the Haven. She’s sitting near the front doors, sketchbook (a gift from Aiden) in her lap as she captures the landscape outside.

At least, she had been, until she noticed the truck. She closes her sketchbook and sets it and her pencils on the floor next to her, standing when the truck draws closer. She doesn’t get a good enough look at the driver before the truck turns and reverses towards to doors, revealing a bed full of furniture. The driver’s door opens, and the driver swings around so his right foot touches the ground first. Mazie gasps in surprise, recognizing him immediately. She tosses a glance at Jack, as if to make sure she’s not imagining things.

A black lab jumps out of the cab after him. Zach reaches back into the cab for a backpack, slings it over one shoulder, and the pair head for the doors. He’s only got eyes for his sister when he enters, a warm smile lightening his features. “Hey, Zee. Sorry it took so long.” He drops the backpack to pull her close, wrapping her in a tight hug.

Mazie buries her face in his shoulder, almost immediately overcome with tears. Zach gently rubs her back, letting her cry. He presses a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re always gonna be my little sister,” he promises in a soft murmur. “I’m sorry if I didn’t make that clear enough before.”

She just shakes her head and clings to him for several long moments, trying to wrest her emotions back under control while enjoying a hug from her brother for the first time in over thirteen years. She doesn’t pull away, just shifts to she can wipe at her face, giving an embarrassed little laugh. “Sorry.”

“Nothin’ to apologize for, baby.” He tips her chin up enough to press a kiss to her forehead. “I woulda come by earlier, but a little mouse wanted me to get this to you.” He starts to bend to grab the bag, but she’s faster, releasing him to drop and grab the bag, straightening again just as quickly.

“Is this what I think it is?” she asks, grin spreading across her face, bag handle in both hands.

He grins back. “I didn’t check, but knowin’ our mouse, probably.”

She tears the backpack open and squeals in delight, snatching a blue lace object out of the bag and clutching it to her chest. “I have,” she declares, “the best little sister in the entire world.”

“I’ll tell ‘er you said that,” Zach laughs.

“Do.” She shoves the lace back in the backpack and digs through it, making delighted noises at Mallaidh’s care package. She sighs, holding the bag to her chest, and gives Zach a sad smile. “Tell her thank you for me.” She hesitates a beat, then starts, “Is she…?”

“She’s fine, Maze,” he assures her immediately. “Glad you stayed out here, actually.” his voice quiets; the next is for Mazie alone, not any nearby ears. “Glad you figured out how to choose yourself. She was worried she’d watch you die, in there.”

Mazie’s expression twists in remorse. “I don’t like leaving her behind,” she whispers.

He pulls her into another hug; she goes easily. “I know, little one. We’re tryna convince her to come out here, but you know our little mouse.”

She chokes on a laugh. “Don’t I ever.” She drops her head against his shoulder again. “She’s doing good in there,” she mumbles miserably. “I just wish she didn’t have to be in the belly of the damn beast to do it.”

“Yeah.” Zach slings his arm across her shoulders. “Alright, little girl. Show me where you’re stayin’ so we can get you set up proper.”

Mazie leads Zach to the unit she’s been using; she’d chosen one of the smaller vacant ones to avoid taking up more space than necessary.

Zach takes one glance at it and declares, “No.” He sets off down the hall in search of another vacant unit.

Mazie gawks at him for a moment before starting after him. “Zach—”

“Look, if we’re gettin’ Mallaidh out to you, gotta be ready for her, yeah? Ain’t squishin’ the two’f you in that teeny thing.”

“Oh, she’s coming to me?”

“She sure as hell ain’t stayin’ at my place’a work.”

Mazie frowns hard at him. “And where do you work?”

Zach tosses her a grin. “The Tavern.” He says it like it should mean something; to anyone else, it probably does. “Here,” he decides, before Mazie can protest any further. “Now, I’m gonna need help unloadin’ the truck, an’ I don’t have all day if I’m gettin’ back to the Tavern before dusk. Think your Jack’ll lend a hand?”

Mazie glowers at her brother. “Jack’s probably busy,” she says, a dangerous edge to her voice. “I’m sure I can scare up some other free hands for you.”

Zach just grins at her.

[xo-boudless]

Dec 6 2022 page 2

"they're all watching my computer." "What do you mean." "Like Dan and Jennifer." I was thinking about this whole thing about how to become famous and it takes a lot of work. There are a bunch of social media sites that you'd need to be connected to because people need to know where your train of thought is going in order to do it. They have to gauge what type of person you are whether you're a good guy or a bad guy. They really need to get in your head to do it. Because anybody can be famous. Just because you see rappers that are famous and actors that are famous, doesn't mean that it will just be they that are famous. There are a bunch of different types. Not all of them are flashy and in front of a camera. Some of them are in their rooms battling so called mental illness and only a handful of people know about them. "I smell like piss." "We know Abram." It's disgusting. Can you believe what they do? What the police do? They gather up all the criminals and make them sleep in the same bed. You realize that most of them still wet the bed? And it's not like you're sleeping on a bed with a bunch of girls that shared it. You're sleeping in a bed with the same sex. Damn, I just got a random box in the mail and I don't know if it's mine or not. The job did say that we'd sometimes get packages that aren't in the system yet. It's crazy though. No matter how hard I try I still may not get what I want. I didn't get what I wanted. I tried sass and I got the world and everything after has been hell. But if Belinda shuts down this job, I know what they want. They want me to make it with just my skills. They don't want any help from anyone else. That's how i feel because i'm just figuring out this whole writing thing so it's gotta mean something. I don't get it. Why does Belinda have to govern everything in our lives. "You think that job is going to work? Belinda is going to scream scam until the pigs come home. Ain't no way she's going to let Abram do something on his own. Not with the way she's been herding him. His life is in the palm of her hand and there's no getting out of that." "Guys? What the hell?" "It's what happens when you try to control other people's lives. We've seen this happen. It's an old story. It's a tale as old as time. She thinks she knows everything and everybody thinks she does too since she makes the most money in the house. But Abram sees right through her facade. He's ready to face this next one with his head held high." I always spend my advance Yeah, but if Belinda says no I'll quit and I'll focus hard on my art because that apparently seems to be the only thing that will help me make it.

[kooktrash]

never again | jjk

summary | jeon jungkook is just your nosy neighbor who can’t seem to be anything less than a selfish, heart breaking, prick in your eyes. yet somehow he manages to wiggle his way into your life but is it enough for him to change your mind or will he prove your judgements right?

warnings | 14.8k words, smut, neighbors to friends to lovers to strangers, mild angst, jk is a fuckboy, jk is arrogant, unprotected sex, semi-public sex, oral (f and m), heavy petting, heavy make out, Jk is insecure and an asshole, mean tae for only a little bit, slow pining, oneshot

runaway — kanye west

save your tears — the weeknd

When you first moved into apartment building eleven, floor number five and unit fourteen, you did not expect to be neighbors to the most annoying little fuck you’ve ever met.

The man behind the door of unit fifteen, floor number five in apartment building eleven, Jeon Jungkook, was nothing short of a cocky asshole. He think he owns the building. He fucks whoever he wants and is as loud as he wants without care about any of the other tenants. He plays music at the crack ass of dawn. He leaves his packages to pile up outside his door. He nails holes into the walls when you’re trying to sleep.

You’ve been putting up with it for six months already since you’ve moved in. You haven’t complained about it [though you know others have] and you’ve tried to be as little of a nuisance as new neighbors can be. But tonight? Tonight you really couldn’t handle it anymore.

It’s been going on for over an hour! And okay yeah that’s a little impressive considering the guys you’ve slept with don’t last more than a few minutes, you were annoyed. You needed to sleep and with the constant bed hitting against the shared wall of your bedroom you simply couldn’t.

So all the stuff you’ve been holding for the last six months finally surfaced as you hurried out of the comfort of your bed angrily and stormed right to the next door neighbor of yours. You didn’t even care if your insistent knocking woke the floor up you just really needed to give this guy a piece of your mind. All you knew was that your knuckle was not letting up on this door knocking for at least a minute straight until the door swung open before you.

The guy you’d seen barely in passing or when mail was delivered to the wrong door stood in front of you now. He wore a bed sheet loosely around his waist, hair laying down over his forehead, muscles taut and bare to your eyes but you refused to look at anything but his face. Unlike you though, he made sure to look at everything before him. From the fluffy pink slippers on your feet to the toned muscle in your calves and thighs. The off season halloween shorts and the fitted shirt that did very little to hide the small tips of your braless assets. To be fair you were trying to sleep and weren’t wearing a bra for that. Feeling his stare trail up to your face you crossed your arms over your chest and hands tucked in your underarms you tilted your head looking up at him, “Do you know what time it is?”

He looked down at his bare wrist for a moment before shrugging, “Not sure, my watch is missing. What time is it?”

“It’s 1:30am,” you said, “And I’m not sure if you know this but some of us have jobs in the morning that requires us to go to sleep. It’s really hard to do that when your bed is banging up against the wall and the person you have in there with you doesn’t know how to shut the fuck up.”

His brow raised in amusement as he looked back toward his open bedroom where he’d abandoned the girl he’d been sleeping with to see who was pounding on his door this late at night. But he’s gotta admit he’s not mad about the sudden eye candy before him for interrupting his groove. He licked his lips as he nodded, “Yeah alright, I’ll tell her to shut up.”

You couldn’t resist the roll of your eyes, “And stop hitting the wall with your bed. I’m sleeping just on the other side of it.”

He smirked a little leaning against the doorframe, “Really? I’ll have to come over some time and see for myself if that’s true.”

“Ew,” you cringed. He was hot, especially now that he was barely covered in a bed sheet and all his tattoos and piercings just added to his good looks, but clearly he was a flirt and that was not your vibe. You began to turn away, “Just please let me sleep. That’s all I ask.”

When you were back in your own apartment you felt even more drained than before. You crashed down on your bed ready to finally be able to sleep when it started again. The pounding against the wall at least. You let out a groan in frustration as you covered your face with your pillow and hit back on the wall. The least he could do is move the bed away even an inch!

You slept with the pillow over your face the rest of the night.

The lack of sleep throughout the night made the next day a living hell for not only you but those around you too. You were the physical embodiment of ‘I’m mad so I’m making it everyone’s problem’. Thankfully, you didn’t have any close coworkers to feel the heat of your exhaustion but all the different companies you negotiated with over the phone definitely did.

Your neighbor kept it up for another half hour before calling it quits and by 6:00am he was playing music way too loudly. Whatever, he wanted to be an asshole and get under your skin. You weren’t going to give in again.

When you got home later that night carrying a large felt board with you pushed through your front door and dumped all of your stuff down on the coffee table. You fished your laptop out and set in front of you before heading back into the kitchen for a drink.

It had to have been about seven now and you have yet to eat anything but a plain sandwich and drank a bottled water. You came back to the living room turning the tv on to find something as background noise so you could finish your work.

You didn’t get much work done when a sudden pounding on your window scared you enough to spill water down the front of your shirt. In clear annoyance and fear you looked over to the small window opening to the fire escape. A figure crouched down under the steps.

Immediately you grabbed one of the fat textile books in front of you and pulled the curtain fully. The small scream you let out might’ve been a little too dramatic but why the fuck was that piece of shit neighbor of yours at your window? How’d he even get over to this side?

You barely put a hand to the window only to be stuck watching him immediately open it wider and try to step inside. You drew the book back before bringing it down hard on his back.

“Ow! Stop!” He yelled as you did it again. Fuck no. You’ve seen movies like this where the creepy neighbor breaks into a single woman’s house and tries to do bad stuff. You were not about to be another statistic.

“Stop! Stop!” He flailed his arms as he stumbled in, “Time out! Let me ta-Ow! Let me talk!”

“No you fucking freak, get out!” You said ready to deliver another smack when he swatted the hardcover out of your hands leaving you weaponless. He looked at you waiting to fight off your next move.

“Look I need your help,” he said peaking out the window again, “That girl from last night is still here and I can’t get rid of her.”

“I really don’t give a fuck,” you told him simply pointing to your window, “You’re a little shit who deserves whatever shit happens to him so go deal with your mess on your own.”

He groaned loudly, “Listen lady, if you help me get rid of her I’ll never be loud again.”

You didn’t say anything. He took your silence as a cue to keep negotiating, “I’ll move my bed. I’ll stop leaving my trash near your door. I won’t play music loud. Come on I seriously need your help. I’ll stop taking your food deliveries when they send it to the wrong door.”

Your jaw dropped, “That was you? Oh you’re a piece of shit, I’m not helping you for you to learn to be a decent neighbor.”

His phone rang making his eyes widen. Suddenly he dropped to his knees, “Please! I’m begging get this crazy chick out. I told her she can head out whenever she’s ready this morning but she never left! I went to work and when I came home she was sitting on my couch eating my fucking cereal in my bathrobe!”

“And what does that have to do with me? Tell her to get out or you’ll call the cops,” you shrugged still not caring.

“I tried! She didn’t budge and said if I called the cops she said she’d show them the bruises of me hurting her,” he told you. You took a step back at that making him shake his head, “Okay yeah I hurt her but it was during sex and she was begging to be marked up. Please neighbor? From the kindness of your heart?”

“I’ll help, but if you don’t keep up your end of the deal what do I do with you?” You asked making him smirk suddenly.

“Anything you want.”

Your unamused expression made him gulp, “I’ll move out. The first complaint you’ve got and I’ll move out.”

“Damn she must really be scaring you,” you laughed as you walked over to your door slipping some shoes on. He nodded, “She is. She’s already talking about kids. I barely met her last night.”

“What do I even say?” You asked with a sigh combing your fingers through your hair. He bit his lip, “Say you’re the landlord and heard commotion. No! Say you’re my girlfriend and just caught me cheating. I don’t know just sell it so I’ll never have to see her again.”

“This is so stupid,” you mumbled to yourself as you drifted into the hall closing the door as quietly as possible. His door was slightly ajar so you let yourself in.

“Jungkook?” You heard the girl call out and immediately felt your anxiety spike. She ran out of the bedroom in a black night robe. She stopped in front of you glaring, “Can I help you?”

“I can ask you the same thing,” you cleared your throat, “What are you doing in my boyfriend’s house?”

“Boyfriend?” She shrank back looking at you in confusion, “Jungkook has a girlfriend…”

“I’m sorry but do I know you? What are you doing here?” You asked carrying on the act as you moved around the apartment that strangely mirrored yours. The girl was fumbling around already as she raced around gathering her own clothes. Taking your improv a step higher you made a loud sniffling sound, “Oh my god. You slept with my boyfriend.”

You covered your face with your hand letting a fake cry out, “How could he do this to me?”

“Look I’m so sorry,” she rushed out as she changed stumbling a little trying to put her shoes on, “I swear I didn’t know he was taken. I’ll leave, I’m so sorry. If it makes you feel any better we only fucked. We didn’t kiss, he didn’t want to.”

You cried harder turning away from her until you heard the sound of her heels clacking against the tile floor in the hall. Waiting a moment to make sure she was gone you pulled yourself together and walked back to your own place. He doesn’t kiss his hook ups or something? That’s weird and strange. Whatever, you opened your door.

He jumped back clearly alarmed when you snatched the folder out of his hand. He’d been snooping so hard he didn’t even hear you come back. He smiled sheepishly flashing his teeth as he scratched the back of his neck, “Is she gone?”

“Yes, so get out,” you said making sure he didn’t do anything with your work folder when he was looking through it. He nodded his head cheering, “Yes! Wow you’re amazing, so scary. Y/n, right?”

You crossed your arms over your chest and put more weight to one hip tilting your head as you looked at him. He ignored the unamused look you gave him, “I’m Jungkook, officially.”

Your brows furrowed but before you question what he meant he was walking toward your window, “I swear I’ll hold up my end of the deal Kay?”

“Jungkook,” you called out to him with a huff. He turned abruptly, leg mid swing already. “The door.” You pointed to it and he looked down at his current circumstance. This window opening barely fit one person but it was the easiest access to his apartment aside from the front door. Why hadn’t he thought about the front door now that the threat is gone?

He managed to convince the chick to wait outside while he showered and then ran to his window and hopped onto the wide fire escape that your window shared with his. He couldn’t use the door then but he was definitely able to use it now. He stumbled back into your place and shuffled over to the front door, “Once again, means a lot. You’re super helpful. We should get some drinks some time, you know? Get closer even.”

“Have a good night Jungkook,” you grumbled as you shut him out. Your stomach seemed to agree as it growled abruptly. Fuck, all this and you still haven’t even had dinner yet.

You were pleasantly surprised at the fact that it’s been a week and your neighbor has kept his promise. He’s not playing his music at the crack of dawn or leaving his trash bags by your door. He’s even moved his bed off the wall a little and though it still squeaks you’ve definitely heard him hush a partner once.

“Is he hot?” Your friend, Leehi, asked with her feet up against the wall as she laid on your bed. You were currently trying on different ‘night out’ outfits for tonight. You thought back to what your neighbor looked like.

There was the shirtless, bed sheet look of his. There was the just off work look. There was the casual look in the elevator.

“Yeah,” you answered pulling a top on. You were currently filling her in on what happened a week ago. She found it hilarious that your annoyingly hot neighbor tried to break into your place and beg for help apparently. You ignored her laughter, “But whatever, at least he’s chilled out on being annoying.”

“That’s cute,” Leehi said pointing to your top. You matched it with some pants and went to put some jewelry on, “Are we still meeting Taehyung there?”

You nodded, “Yeah he said he’ll text us when he’s on the way.”

“More like text you,” Leehi rolled her eyes as she rolled off the bed fixing her outfit and walking over to your mirror making sure she didn’t ruin her look, “He’s got a thing for you, yknow?”

That made you laugh shaking your head in disbelief, “No he doesn’t. We’re just friends.”

“Because you friendzone him.”

You didn’t say anything as your phone dinged, a private message from your friend Taehyung saying he was leaving his place now.

Leehi and Taehyung were your closest friends and they have been since your first year in college. You and Taehyung got close from the beginning and your friendship was just natural. There was no awkwardness, no second guessing, nothing. It was effortless and he was one of the only guys who made you feel comfortable.

You’ve never really seen him as anything more than a friend since he had a girlfriend three out of the four almost five years you’ve been friends. He got a girlfriend a few months after you became friends and she was wonderful. She fit right in with all of you and was nice. They had a long term relationship only five months ago when they broke it off.

Taehyung’s joined you and Leehi now more consistently and though he’s very open to you that does not mean he’s into you. Leehi is probably just confusing his newly single behavior for having a thing for you when that’s not it.

Now that he is single you and Leehi get dragged out to clubs and hang out with him. Sometimes you’re lucky finding someone to take you home, sometimes you and Taehyung cuddle on your couch after a night of drinking. Nothing serious.

All the complaining you do mentally about your neighbor’s obnoxious rendezvousing keeps you from bringing your own partner for the night. It didn’t mean you didn’t have fun you were just more careful about it. It’s been about a month since the last time you slept with someone and it was an awful Tinder date who surprisingly was not shit in bed.

And since Taehyung’s never made any verbal signs of being into you, you don’t pay attention to Leehi when she tells you he is.

You two got to the night club a little later than him. When you met up with him inside he was already a couple shots in. He threw his arm around your shoulders, “You’re here! Finally I’ve been waiting up.”

“How much have you drank already?” You laughed as he led you over to the bar. He ordered the shots for you and Leehi as he tapped anxiously against the counter. You took the shots and ordered another round for the fuck of it. It didn’t take long for you to at least get a little tipsy.

You stuck to Leehi mostly until she was whisked away by some hot guy and left you alone with Taehyung. He swept over to you with a gentle smile, “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“You look really good tonight,” he cleared his throat awkwardly, “Seriously.”

You smiled teasingly, “Don’t I always?” He chuckled nodding his head, “Yeah. You do.”

You hadn’t expected a 20 to 100 situation to hit quickly but it wasn’t until you felt the weight of his lips on yours that you jumped back. He seemed a little drunk and by this sudden show of affection you were left very confused. Weren’t you just talking? Why did he try and kiss you?

He groaned, “Come on Y/n. Can’t you see how much I’m into you?” His words sounded a little slurred as he reached out to hold your waist, “Won’t you give me a chance? I can make you feel good.”

That had you laughing uncomfortably, “Tae I think you’re drunk.”

“Don’t be a bitch about it,” he said coldly. Your brows furrowed at the change in behavior. Under the flashing blue light you could barely make out his features. You noticed the redness in his cheeks from the alcohol that matched the tint of red in the whites of his eyes. He was acting different. Was it because of the alcohol?

“We can talk when you’re sober,” you cleared your throat looking around for Leehi. He scoffed, “I’m t—telling you ho…how I feel and you’re brushing me off?”

His words were muffled, “You think I’m jush…just waiting around for you? It’s been years Y/n, can’t you see it?”

“What are you talking about?” You asked, “You had a girlfriend.”

“Yeah and she dumped me!” He said cutting through the crowd toward the bar to order another drink, “Wanna know why? Because she thought I was in love with you. I mean I am but crazy, right?”

It didn’t make any sense. Taehyung started dating her after you became friends with him. They dated for three years so what was going on? He had said it was a mutual break up because they drifted apart. She was always so nice to you too. You didn’t say anything letting the loud music consume the both of you and it only seemed to annoy him more, “I’m admitting to loving you and you’ve got nothing to say?”

“Taehyung I—“ you bit back your tongue. How were you supposed to respond? He’s clearly drunk and you doubt he even realizes what he’s saying. He’s been a little harsh and he’s not usually like that.

“What? Huh? Whatever,” he scoffed, “You’re just a stuck up bitch who thinks she’s too good for anyone.”

Your jaw dropped. No he didn’t just say that. You took a step back, now you really didn’t care if he was drunk. How is he supposed to be confessing to you and insults you when you don’t respond the way he wants you to? You turned without saying another word as you looked for Leehi. She was leaving with some guy but you pulled her back, “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah, you’ve got my location right?” She asked as the guy waited patiently by her side, “I’ll send you address and call you when I leave.”

With a sigh you nodded your head following after to make sure she was safe. You quickly read over the cab’s plate number and went to your app to track her. Once you assured yourself of her safety you worked on yours. What would be the safest way home this late at night?

Jungkook has had the most boring Saturday he’s had in a while. He didn’t even go out tonight. He didn’t text some booty call, nada. He just spent the night at home because he wanted to. He hadn’t been in the mood to do anything other than watch movies on his couch so that’s what he did. The only time he got up from his spot was to use the bathroom and get food. That’s it.

It’s now been the third movie he’s watched tonight and he just knows he needs some fresh air. He walked over to his window propping it open and sticking his head out. A little smirk appeared on his face at the sight before him.

“Howdy neighbor,” he said teasingly as he made his way through the window opening onto the fire escape. He had to pass the metal staircase to get to you and he sat down in front of you. You barely glanced at him, “Hello?”

“Needed some fresh air,” he said as if you’d asked him and made himself comfortable with his back against the railing. You still wore your going out clothes and he checked you out real quick, “Did you go out tonight?”

“For a little yeah,” you shrugged with a sigh. You leaned against the brick wall of your building turning to him. Damn, if he was gonna be out here might as well try at a conversation. He nodded pulling his knees to his chest, “What’s wrong?”

“Huh?” Your brows furrowed in confusion. He pointed at the smudged mascara under your eye, “Looks like you’ve been crying.”

You rubbed at your eyes checking your reflection against your phone screen, “Nothing just got into an argument with someone.”

“Ah,” he nodded looking up at the moon, “Boyfriend?”

That made you scoff remembering what Taehyung told you, “He wishes but he ruined his chances tonight.” It was quiet between you two and Jungkook had time to drift off into his own mind before his eyes widened, “My ramen!”

He crawled back to his window and disappeared leaving you out alone. You didn’t move from your spot assuming he’d just gone back inside but it was only a couple minutes alone before he was pushing two bowls out the window and onto the fire escape before climbing out. He carried a bowl to you, “Hungry?”

“Not reall—“ “I think you are,” he pushed it to you urging you to eat. Not wanting to be rude you thanked him and took the bowl, “So what about you?”

“What about me?” He asked slurping up some noodles. He looked at you expectantly waiting for you to continue. “No party tonight or something?”

“Nah, everyone’s lame and that girl from the other night scared the hell out of me,” he said honestly, “I’ve been trying to cool it.”

When he brought up what happened a memory resurfaced making you laugh a little. His brow quirked in curiosity, “What?”

“Nothing,” you played with some noodles, “Okay, when I tried getting her to leave she got super apologetic. But then she said that if it made me feel any better you two only hooked up but that you didn’t kiss her.”

“Yeah no I didn’t kiss her,” Jungkook shrugged like it was nothing, “I don’t just kiss anyone.”

“But you’ll sleep with anyone?” You asked how. He shot you a wary look before answering, “In my head, kissing is pretty intimate. I know it doesn’t make sense but when I bring a girl home I’m not looking to fall for them. I’m just looking to get laid and you gotta be clear about it. By saying I won’t kiss them or some shit is already drawing a line don’t you think?”

“No, I think I’m the opposite,” you laughed a little, “I’ll kiss someone for the fuck of it but I won’t just sleep with anyone.”

“So wait, when’s the last time you kissed someone on the lips then?” You asked suddenly, confusion mixed with curiosity written all over your face. He thought back on it.

Let’s see. He broke up with his long term girlfriend about a year ago and she’s gotta be the last person he kissed, right? He doesn’t kiss his hook ups on the lips. Maybe some neck kisses or down south kisses but eh nothing else. He shrugged, “Uh about a year ago? The last person has to have been my ex.”

You didn’t say anything for a minute giving Jungkook time to decide if he wanted to keep talking. He didn’t really know you but you were here right now and for some reason sitting under the moonlight with a stranger at midnight made it a little too easy to open up to someone. So he did.

“ We didn’t even date that long but it really made me think about who I was as a person and I realized relationships aren’t for me,” he told you as he set his bowl of ramen down that was now empty, “I can’t take the intimacy for too long not even during sex so I just decided to ditch that whole side of me.”

“But why?“ you asked a little curious on what he meant by that, “I mean you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“Oh uh,” he scratched the back of his head, “I don’t know actually. It’s like I could have the perfect partner, someone I genuinely care about but the thought of loving them is scary. Don’t you think? Like giving yourself to them, losing your independence. I always find a way to fuck it up because the thought of being vulnerable to someone is unbearable.”

“Okay yeah I get that,” you agreed feeling your phone buzz by your thigh. Your eyes rolled as Taehyung’s name lit up your screen drawing Jungkook’s attention to it but you rejected the call in order to talk, “This is going to sound random but I’m really happy I got to know you better Jungkook. Seriously, you’re different than what I thought.”

He smiled at that. For some reason that made his heart stop for a second. But then he heart the buzzing again. Your phone rang once more making Jungkook bring it up, “You need to get that?”

“No,” you said. You didn’t want to hear what Taehyung said right now. If he wanted to talk it could be another day when he’s not being a douche. Jungkook’s brows furrowed and you let out a sigh, “He’s a friend of mine but tonight he was like a totally different person. I’ve known him for four years and I’d never seen him act like that.”

“Like how? Come on you gotta tell me. I just opened up to you,” he pointed out before waving his arm around the space of the fire escape, “This is a safe space.”

You laughed a little and nodded, “Okay well basically he told me he’s into me but then he said he loves me. But get this, he was super drunk and kissed me. It wasn’t a big deal but then when I told him we can talk about it when he’s sober he flipped out on me. He called me a stuck up bitch and was just mad. Like he just got out of a three year relationship and he expects me to believe him?”

“Do you feel something for him?” Jungkook asked. Surprisingly, he liked talking to you. If he hadn’t annoyed you so much all this time you might’ve done this sooner. At first he just thought you were hot, wouldn’t mind hooking up but now he’s not sure. He always fucks it up with the people he’s intimate with and maybe he’d rather talk to you than make you hate him.

“I don’t know, I mean I don’t but I also never really thought about him like that,” you told him honestly. It quieted down between you.

He checked the time and released a sigh, “It’s late.”

“Yeah.”

“This was a nice talk, we should do it again sometime,” he cleared his throat grabbing his bowls, “If you ever need someone to talk to I mean. Sometimes it’s nice to talk to someone different.”

“Yeah, and Jungkook?” He turned to look at you one last time, “I’m happy I got to know you better.”

You’ve never considered yourself a nosy neighbor. Okay sure, you’ve definitely been the type to eavesdrop but not to this extent. Not with your head practically out the window listening in on the conversation next door with Leehi as Taehyung distracted himself with his phone.

Yes, you and Taehyung have made up. He sent you this super long paragraph the day after your weird incident at the club. He apologized and said he came off too strongly and that if it was okay he’d like to start over. You asked him about what he meant by what he said and if it was true. He told you he was into but might’ve exaggerated a little and that if there was a possibility for you two to get closer he’d take it in baby steps.

“You guys are gonna get caught,” he said clearly disinterested in what had you and Leehi snooping. To be fair Leehi was snooping first and made you curious enough to do the same. It didn’t help that Jungkook’s window was open leaving you to hear the argument happening just next door.

“I can’t believe you’d do this to me. I thought you liked me!” Some girl’s voice shouted. Leehi turned quickly, “Tae make us some popcorn it’s getting good!”

He nodded his head hopping off the couch and making his way to the kitchen as the two of you listened in on the argument. Next was Jungkook’s voice, “I told you from the beginning I’m not looking for anything serious. It’s not my fault you played yourself.”

“God you’re such a dick!” She cried, “So what? You just use me for sex and then throw me away?”

“Pretty much.”

You and Leehi looked at each other in surprise before you heard the door to Jungkook’s apartment slam shut. Suddenly, his head peaked out the window making you and her duck into your apartment at lightning speed. It doesn’t matter though, he caught you.

Taehyung handed the bowl of popcorn to you as he ate a handful of it. Not even a minute later Jungkook was letting himself into your apartment through the fire escape. “Caught you eavesdropping,” Jungkook said as he looked around your apartment eyes spotting the two strangers. He was halfway inside when he stopped, “Is this a bad time?”

“Of course not! Hi I’m Leehi,” your friend jumped to introduce herself, “And sorry, I’m nosy and you’re loud.”

“Taehyung,” Taehyung told him nodding his head at him. Jungkook looked to you before shifting back to Taehyung, “Taehyung? Er, I’m Jungkook.”

Taehyung as in the guy you’d been telling him about a few days ago? You took a few pieces of popcorn and popped them in your mouth, “Another broken heart?“

“Nah,” Jungkook shrugged it off as he looked around your apartment poking a plant or running his fingers over picture frames, “She’ll get over it.”

“Also next time use the door,” you told him not caring that much that he just invited himself over. Your interactions with each other have significantly increased and you didn’t mind it. He shook his head, “Where’s the fun in that?”

“I thought you hated your neighbor,” Taehyung piped in as he slumped back on your couch again, “Didn’t you say he was annoying and an asshole?”

“And she’s right,” Jungkook said not taking offense to it even if that’s what Taehyung wanted, “But we’re practically besties now. Right?”

“Oh! Since you’re here let’s get drunk!” Leehi said as she checked the time. It was a little after eight but none of you had to work early the next day anyway.

“I like that idea Leah.” “It’s Leehi.”

“Right,” Jungkook nodded sitting a couple feet away from Taehyung. She ran into your kitchen looking for your liquor cabinet and bringing out a couple bottles of Soju. She grabbed glasses and water too as she brought it over to where you all were. You took a pillow off the couch and sat on the floor with Leehi plopping down next to you.

“I wanna play the whisper game,” she said looking at all of you, “Is that okay?”

“Run me the rules again,” Jungkook cleared his throat as his foot touched your leg playfully under the coffee table. You looked up, “You whisper a question to someone about someone else playing and you can answer with a name or a yes or no answer. If you weren’t one of the two involved you can take a drink and find out what the question was.”

“I’ll start,” Taehyung cleared his throat leaning forward, “Y/n come here.” You sat up on your knees leaning over the table as he brought a hand to his face to whisper to you. Quietly he asked, “Did I completely ruin my chances with you?”

You had to think about it for a second just cause it took you by surprise. You looked back at him ignoring the other two who watched with curiosity. Biting your lip in thought you answered, “No.”

That made him smile as he leaned back. Leehi didn’t hesitate to take a shot, “Tell me I wanna know.” You leaned back to her and whispered it in her ear. She rolled her eyes looking at Taehyung before turning to Jungkook, “Do you wanna know it too?”

“No,” he shook his head. He kind of had an idea of what it was from your reactions but he didn’t care enough to ask. Leehi clapped, “My turn. Jungkook!”

Once again another question was asked. Jungkook listened patiently as she asked him and you could see his gaze shift to you. Leehi whispered in his ear, “If you had the chance to hook up with Y/n would you take it?”

He leaned back in thought as he looked at you not hiding the fact that the question was about you. You fidgeted a little hearing his answer, “No.”

It’s not that he didn’t think you were attractive. Truthfully he thought you were really hot but he didn’t want to sleep with you. If he slept with you he’d find some reason to push you away and he really enjoys your company even if it’s just friendly.

Taehyung took the shot, “Tell me.” Jungkook leaned over and whispered it to him. Taehyung’s widened in surprise before quickly changing to express confusion and distaste even. Leehi looked at you, “Do you wanna know?”

“Yeah fuck it,” you said letting her whisper it to you. You weren’t surprised at all by the question and though his answer did make you feel weird you weren’t bothered by it. Even if he did make a move on you, you probably wouldn’t take it.

“Only because I think we’ve become somewhat of friends and I value friendship over anything else,” Jungkook cleared his throat as he looked at you to explain why he said no, “Plus I’m definitely not her type.”

“You’ve got that right,” Taehyung snickered making you shoot him a look. Jungkook just smiled, “I mean… are either of us her type?”

Oof. A jab.

“You know when I gave you my number it wasn’t for you to be blowing up my phone all the time,” you told Jungkook as you two got into the elevator together. He shrugged, “So?”

You rolled your eyes, “Where are we going anyway?”

“To my friend’s place. He’s throwing a party and I wanted you to come,” he says simply, “You remind me a lot of one of my friends and I think you two would get along.”

“Right,” you leaned against the back wall, “How do you have all this free time?”

“I work when I want to,” Jungkook shrugged, “Freelancer things yknow the drill.”

Jungkook was currently bringing you along with him to his friend, Hoseok’s place. All his friends would be there plus some others too and he knows for a fact some girls he’s hooked up with before will be there. Hence why he wanted to bring you to fend them all off. He opened the door to his car for you and drove off.

“I hate meeting new people,” you groaned staring out the window, “Can’t you tell by the fact I only have two friends?”

“First of all you have three, second, I don’t care it’ll be fun,” Jungkook said, “And if we’re lucky we’ll steal someone’s bottle and have our own little party back at the apartment.”

“You mean fire escape?” You asked teasingly and he laughed a little nodding his head. That stupid fire escape has become a staple in your growing friendship.

When you arrived to the building the little party would be at you kept to yourself. Jungkook let you both in and pushed you inside, “Get a move on. I promise I won’t leave your side.”

“Oh God I’m gonna be sick. I don’t know anyone here,” you groaned already debating if you should get an Uber home. Jungkook turned to you abruptly, “You know me. Come on I see my friend.”

You let him introduce you to some guys. Hoseok was the host, Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jin were some of his other friends. Jin threw an arm around your shoulders, “Let’s get you a drink. I promise we don’t bite.”

You had no chance to react before you were being pulled away. Jungkook stuck an arm out to Jin, “Where are you taking Y/n?”

“To get a drink don’t worry we’ll be right back,” Jin sent him a wink and you just went along with it. The apartment wasn’t too big and you could see him from the kitchen anyway.

“Is that your girl for the night?” Hoseok asked checking you out as you left with Jin. They all caught Jungkook watching you a little too closely now. He shook his head, “She’s just a friend.”

“What?” Yoongi chuckled, “Since when are you ‘just friends’ with the girls you screw?”

He rolled his eyes, “We’re not sleeping together. We’re just friends. Y/n’s my neighbor.” Yoongi’s eyes lit up, “I knew she looked familiar. Yeah she’s hot.”

Jungkook didn’t say anything letting a smile appear on his face as you came back holding two drinks. You handed one to him and he thanked you. Once you’d gotten yourself used to being around these strangers you drifted off on your own. Jungkook still stuck close by like he promised but he let you go off and talk to other people.

The only time you came back to him to actually talk is when you asked him where the bathroom was. He led you to the one in Hoseok’s room that would be less occupied and waited for you on his bed.

You finished your business and washed your hands. When you came back out he stood in front of you, “How are you doing?”

“Good,” you told him honestly, “It’s not so bad.”

“You see, and I told you I wasn’t leaving you,” he chuckled, “But I’m not gonna lie I’m ready to leave.”

“What?” You asked furrowing your brows in confusion, “Why? Aren’t these your friends?”

“Yeah but my social battery has ran out and I’m just ready to go. But if you wanna stay we can,” he told you leaning against the doorframe now as he propped it open. You checked the time, it was a little after 11:00pm now so it was a pretty okay time to be heading out. You shook your head, “Let’s go. Maybe we can still steal a bottle or would your friend get mad?”

He smirked, “Nah this is a BYOB so none of it is his anyways. Come on let’s go see what they got.”

The two of you joined everyone else again and Jungkook began making his rounds of goodbyes to his friends. “Leaving already?” Namjoon asked looking between you too. He nodded his head giving him a bro hug, “Yeah I’m tired.”

“Oh? Is that it?” Hoseok smirked looking at you, “You too? Just tired?”

You weren’t sure if it was an actual question or if he was being a little sarcastic so instead you just shrugged. Namjoon smiled, “It was great talking to you Y/n. Hopefully we’ll see you again and then we can finish our conversation about movies.”

Jungkook turned you away by putting his hand on your back, “Yeah yeah, we’re heading out then.” The two of you passed by the countertop of liquor. You scanned over the various bottles acting like you were gonna serve yourselves some when someone passed. Finding one fully shut you nudged Jungkook pointing at it. He nodded and when no one was looking you snagged it from the counter and shoved it under his hoodie.

The two of you tried to hold in your laughter as he adjusted it on his side to block it with his arm. You pushed him out the door and once you were out you broke out in laughter.

“We got the good stuff,” he chuckled taking the bottle out from under his hoodie. You nodded, “And it was $Free.99. So are we drinking when we get back or what?”

“Can we save it for another night instead?” Jungkook asked, “I don’t know why but I just feel off today.”

“Ugh lame, fine,” you rolled your eyes as you followed him into his car. The drive to the apartment was short and the two of you walked together to your floor and when you reached your doors you glanced at each other laughing a little before going inside.

You shed yourself of your shoes throwing your wallet down on the entrance table too. You gathered your hair up to get to your necklace and turned to leave to your room. You screamed in fear as a knock came from your window. With a sigh you walked over letting your hair fall back down and unlocked the window clasp.

Jungkook smiled pulling it open holding the bottle you’d just stolen. He brushed his dark locks out of his face as he squatted by your window, “I change my mind come on let’s drink.”

You crossed your arms over your chest in thought, “You already said no.”

“Y/n,” he lifted a brow, “Don’t make me go get you. Come out.”

“Fine but let me get a blanket or something.”

When you came out huddled in a thick blanket you looked at everything outside. Jungkook must’ve left while you were still inside because there was a blanket set out on the metal flooring and a few pillows here and there. His laptop was set out there too.

“Took you long enough,” he chuckled as he set two glasses down for you. You shrugged, “Had to find the right blanket. But anyways, why the sudden change? I thought you were tired.”

“I was but then when we got back I wasn’t anymore,” Jungkook told you opening the bottle, “So I figured just because we left the party it didn’t mean we had to stop hanging out.”

“I guess,” you said as he took a sip from the soda and alcohol before trying to pass it to you. You let out a dramatic gasp, “Oh my god no, I can’t. Your lips were on it.”

“So?” He asked pushing it more toward you smirking. “Just try it.”

“Jungkook that’s an indirect kiss,” you told him as if it were obvious, “Wouldn’t that be too intimate for you?”

When he finally caught on to you making fun of him he flicked your forehead, “Haha funny, just take it.”

You nodded taking the glass and trying it out, “Mm.”

“So how are things with you and Taehyung?” Jungkook cleared his throat as he leaned back against the space of brick wall between your windows.

“What do you mean?” You asked as he watched you tuck some loose hair behind your ears. Jungkook didn’t really drink tonight since he was driving not only himself but you as well back. So he couldn’t possibly be drunk or even tipsy considering he’s barely serving himself a full drink.

Even if he wasn’t drunk he strangely felt a similar buzz as being so. He feels almost light headed but in a good way. Like he’s in a good mood but he didn’t feel this way at the party. When he left with you he started feeling that way again but when he was alone in his apartment the feeling drifted. Yet here he is next to you again and he feels his heart race a little.

“Like, is he still trying to get with you? Are you still thinking about it?” He tried to elaborate without seeming too interested even if he’s been dying to ask for a few days now. He doesn’t even know why he’s so interested.

“No, we’re just friends. I think he realized that he really was just drunk that night and talking out of his ass because he’s definitely taken it back,” you told him as music played on the laptop quietly. You stared at each other, his eyes scanning your face for any sign of that being true. Thought he’s not sure if it should matter to him if it is or isn’t.

“What?” You asked laughing a little in discomfort. Why was he staring at you?

“Nothing,” he shook his head. He looked away shaking the thought away, “Just curious.”

“What about you? Any crazy girls knocking on your door lately?” You asked teasingly. He smiled, “Not lately no, only some crazy chick who knocks on my window now and then.”

You rolled your eyes hitting his arm, “You’re the one always knocking on mine.”

“Maybe I am,” he shrugged, “What are you gonna do about it?”

“Stop answering,” you told him simply. He licked his lips absentmindedly, “Ugh you’re too good for me.”

That made you laugh, “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you. You’re too good for me,” he confessed, “And I’ve been trying to deal with just being friends because of that reason but you make it really hard.”

You didn’t say anything furrowing your brows, “What?”

“I’m just feeling like… like…” he went on looking away from you up at the stars. You nudged him, “Like what?”

“Like I wanna kiss you,” he turned back to you, “But I can’t.”

“You’re not making any sense,” you tried to brush off what he just said. He’s probably drunk or at least just not thinking straight. What does he mean you’re too good for him? What does he mean he wants to kiss you?

That’s not like Jungkook at all. One, he didn’t sound like himself for saying he wants to kiss you. Second, why did he basically say he’s into you at least in some way?

“You trust me?” He asked glancing back at you. It took you a second to respond but you nodded your head slowly. Without wasting another second your jaw warmed with his touch. He was pulling your face toward his and your lips touched.

He breathed out through his nose humming at the feel of your soft flesh. His head tilted toward the wall making you lean forward more to angle yourself the other way. His hand found it’s way into your hair keeping you in place as he pulled away to catch his breath.

You looked at each other through glossed over lustful gazes. A lazy smile appeared on his face pushing his lip piercing out. Then, without further warning, he smashed his lips against yours again. He dipped his head lower to deepen the kiss, his tongue swiping against your lips. You leaned forward, back arching a little as you planted the palm of your hand flat on his thigh feeling the muscle underneath. He forgot how good it feels to kiss someone. The soft touches and the warmth. Oh fuck the warmth.

He could melt in it. He doesn’t think that kissing any of the other girls he’d hooked up with would’ve made him feel this way. He’s almost happy he didn’t do it because it made kissing you feel all the more better.

It took him a while to get what he was feeling but once he did it hit him like a fire truck. He realized that he had genuine feelings for you and though that scared him he doesn’t want to think about it right now. All he wants to think about is how good your lips feel on his. So good in fact that he was leaning up to press into you more. You knocked back on your hands trying to meet the greediness of his tongue by yours.

“Wait wait,” he pushed himself back abruptly, “Fuck I’m sorry. I just—You’re just, well you know. I know I joke around all the time and I’ve been pretty shitty but you’ve just really…. I don’t know man I think I’m falling for you. Like actually, no jokes no… lying. Genuinely falling for you.”

You didn’t say anything for a moment making him keep going, “Trust me I know it’s hard to believe because I’m such a piece of shit when it comes to girls but I’m serious. I’ve gotten to know you as a friend and I’ve tried to keep seeing it that way but like I can’t stop thinking about you now.”

“Jungkook, I,” you took a deep breath, “I don’t know what to say. What do you want me to say?”

To be honest, you’ve been feeling weird with Jungkook lately. Mostly because it’s crazy how your view on him has completely changed since getting to know him. He was oddly sweet and enjoyable to hang out with. Your view on him as this annoyingly cocky neighbor of yours who hooked up with girls and led them on was different.

He was considerate of you and he was attractive. Oh so fucking attractive that you could understand why he had a string of girls wanting to get close to him any way they could. So maybe hearing him say all this was getting to your head because for some reason you leaned back into him for another kiss.

You could barely see each other in the darkness under the stars. The fire escape and it’s railings provided you two with extra coverage so you didn’t question making out outside. You didn’t question when he pushed you to the floor gently under the soft blanket he’d only intended to use to keep you two from sitting directly on the cold metal floor. The blanket you’d had over your lap was being pulled out from between your pressing bodies and he put it over you both.

The kiss was getting messy now, a little too wet, too needy. He wasn’t giving you a chance to breathe and you felt light headed. You pushed at his chest gently and it took him a while to actually pull back. He held himself up by his hand flat on the blanket underneath you and the other was in your hair keeping you against him.

You looked at each other trying to catch your breaths and then in one swift movement he was dipping his head back down to kiss you again pressing his body closer to yours. His hands grazed over the fabric of your shirt letting his fingertips run against your skin. His lips stayed in yours kissing you heavily as his fingers tugged at the pants you were wearing. You matched his efforts yanking his shirt up watching him sit up to yank it off and pressing his lips to yours again. You lifted your hips enough for him to pull them down. He pushed your shirt up finally pulling away enough to kiss along your neck.

His hair tickled your nose when he traveled down to your collar home skipping over your shit and kissing between the valley of your breasts. They were covered by a bra but that didn’t stop him from pushing his face between them.

“You smell so fucking good,” he sighed bucking his hips up against your covered heat trying to relieve some of the tension building in his muscles.

He groaned at one certain grind of your hips and let his hand sneak under your underwear toward your core between your bodies. His middle finger dipped between your folds stimulating your clit in the process as he gathered your wetness. He pulled his hand back out bringing the hand that was just inside your folds toward your lips. You opened your mouth waiting to taste yourself on his fingertips but he took you by surprise when he traced your lips with the slick.

He cupped your chin in his free hand as his tongue stuck out licking your arousal off your lips in a messy kiss. Your back arched off the floor as he put his hand in your underwear again. You didn’t pull away from the kiss even as his other hand drifted to your breasts that jutted out in your position. He snuck his hand under your bra and cupped what he could of your right tit. He bunched your shirt up again and took it off you using the arch of your back to sneak his hands under to unclasp your bra.

“Jungk—“ you released a content sigh as he began to rub one of your buds. His middle finger dipped into your entrance feeling the warm constriction of your walls making him bite his lip.

“More,” You licked your lips as your mouth drew open in a light moan when he pinched a nipple between his index finger and thumb. He made sure to keep your legs spread wide around him as he rubbed against your left labia touching the pleasure spot you had there. Every touch of his finger on your core created an almost ticklish but pleasurable sensation to course through your heat.

He hissed when your nails scratched along his chest, leaning forward just enough to grind against his member a little more. He nodded his head in a late response to what you’d asked just moments before, “Yes, fuck, more.”

You could practically feel how worked up he was through his pants. He nuzzled his face against your shoulder, a hand on your tits and the other down your underwear. A second finger joined the first in stroking the walls of your cunt while his palm rutted against your clit. His hips thrusted into his the back of his hand as it worked in your pussy. Your hand was running down his chest feeling the muscle of his v-line and toned stomach. You unbuttoned his jeans pulling the zipper down with one hand and slipped it into his briefs.

He groaned in surprise. “Oh fuck” He said between baited breaths thrusting into your hand as you stroked him. He released a silenced groan when you bit into your bottom lip humping his hand while jerking him off in his jeans. You shook your head making him whine. Without thinking you lifted your hips enough to swipe your underwear down.

“Feels so fucking good,” he praised stopping his hand movement to relish in the feel of your hand spreading his precum around his thick member. His jeans felt too tight and he was stumbling to pull them down with one hand. He kicked them down to his knees trying to shake them off as he leaned forward to kiss you again. He licked his lips pulling away, “Ready?”

He reached into his folded down jeans pulling out his wallet and flipping through it to find a condom. He always kept himself stocked. When you have your sign nodding your head he gripped your hip softly and withdrew his hand from your cunt as it tore into the condom and rolled it onto himself when your hand moved back. He aligned his cock with your entrance swiping your hair to one shoulder. You turned your head to face him and your mouths came together in a string of moans as he sank into your heat. He gave you a moment to adjust to the stretch. Fuck, how could you feel so good

You brought your hand to the back of his head forcing him closer until your lips met in a greedy kiss. His hands were on your waist and like you weighed nothing, he lifted off your tight heat before sinking back down. He bucked upward every time he reached the base of his cock in your pussy and repeated the motion over and over again. He pushed his face into the warmth of your neck moaning softly in your ear.

“Ride me,” he grunted sneaking his hand under your back and rolled you on top of him. He hit the metal floor hard but he didn’t care as his hands found your waist again beginning to buck up into you. In one particular harsh thrust you almost fell forward, hands flat on his chest and his hand traveled down your thigh between your legs. He was rougher now, sweat collecting at the ends of his hair. He looked down watching the way his own veins that traveled down toward his cock protruded with each thrust. He held your hips up to keep you from falling over and the knot in his stomach tightened seeing the curve of your back arch.

All it took was for you to begin bouncing back onto him for him to let out a loud groan uncaring about the thin walls of your apartment complex. He hadn’t known that the grip on your hips tightened when he angled you toward his cock to reach even deeper.

“Fuck,” he muttered staring down at the way his cock disappeared in your folds only to come back out and push more slick and precum inside, “I’m gonna cum.” His thumb brushed over your clit collecting some of the wetness and without thinking he rubbed it into your nipple. Pushing himself off the floor he brought his lips to the bud licking the slick off flicking his tongue. Your hands were on his hair as he sucked harder guiding your hips over him

“Gonna cum,” you pushed your hips down urging him to do something. Feeling your walls attempt to constrict around his cock he sped up, “That’s it, so close.”

“Jung—fuck, I’m gon—“ you cut yourself off with a groan as he dipped his head lower to suck on your nipple again. Immediately, your body reacted thrashing for a short moment as you released around him. He grunted into your skin feeling your walls tighten and it felt so good. It took his a second before he was releasing into the condom.

You stayed like that out of breath trying come down as he hugged you. Neither one of you said anything as the cold night air began to cause shivers down your body now that the heat of arousal was gone. You covered your chest looking around for your shirt and sliding it on. Jungkook was quiet as he sat back fully looking for his own things. You looked at each other for a moment.

“It’s late,” you mumbled wrapping your blanket around your legs, “And cold.”

“Yeah,” his voice was hoarse as he looked at the space between you two. He can’t believe you two just fucked and it was probably the best he’s had in a long time. He cleared his throat, “We should uh, um, let’s talk tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

You didn’t message him the next morning but he didn’t reach out to you either. In all honesty he was a little weirded out. Not by you but by what he currently felt.

He’s not used to feeling this way for someone and it was kind of scaring him. He didn’t even feel like this with his last girlfriend. That’s probably why it ended with an entire milkshake dumped on his head after he told her he didn’t love her.

But what was this feeling he had for you?

You waited around for hours to see if he’d talk to you first but he didn’t. Considering everything he said last night leading up to sex you were confused. It’s what brought you knocking on his window and following him toward his bedroom.

“Can we talk about last night?” You asked. You just wanted to clear the air. If he actually meant it or if he was just trying to get in your pants.

“What’s there to talk about?” He asked pacing his bedroom before leaning against the wall, “What happened last night?”

You stared at him trying to see if he was pulling a prank on you. He nodded, “Oh! You mean that? Yeah sorry, I was drunk, wasn’t thinking straight. It won’t happen again.”

He hadn’t been drunk but it’s best to play it like he was. You sighed, “You kissed me.”

He visibly flinched at the reminder. He kissed you. He kissed you a lot actually and each time was better than the one before. His lips still felt numb from making out and he could still taste you on his tongue. Still, he shrugged, “Yeah like I said, I was drunk.”

“Okay,” you looked into his eyes trying to see if you can spot what he actually felt, “So just forget about it?”

He huffed, “Yes. Get over it. It was just sex. I said all that because I wanted to have sex with you, no other reason to it. So if there’s nothing else to talk about you can leave.”

He’s not sure what he expected but it definitely wasn’t the look on your face. The disappointment. There wasn’t an ounce of anger, it was just disappointment. It almost made him cry strangely enough. Why couldn’t he stop himself from being mean? He avoided your stare looking to the floor instead. He wants to tell you to trust him. That this is for the best because he’s not a good person deep down even if he acts nice to you.

It took you a while to react but when you did you just shifted your gaze to the floor. You sniffled a little fighting back a flood of emotions. The silence was eating at him but he held his ground. He kept the facade of being strong up and distanced himself from you mentally. Here it was, his final blow.

“You knew what you were getting yourself into with me,” he shrugged looking away from you too trying to come across like he didn’t care. He didn’t. He swears it. Last night was just a glitch in his system. He let his emotions get the best of him and actually told you about how much he liked you. That can’t happen.

“Yeah, I did,” you agreed with him. He leaned against the doorframe watching you gather your things. He was getting impatient almost, the sooner you’re gone the sooner he’ll be able to breathe. But at the same time he wants to take it all back. He wants to tell you that even if he’s not good at relationships he still wants to try with you.

Right now he was being suffocated by your essence and he needed you gone, for his well being and so these hopeful wishes will disappear. Truly. You brushed past him out the door of his bedroom. He watched you put your shoes on.

“And I know I said I was happy I got to know you,” you spoke as you straightened up, hand on the doorknob, “You can just forget I said that.”

“Forgotten,” he said in the most monotonous tone you’d ever heard. With a scoff in disbelief you swung the door open letting yourself out and slammed it shut. Not even two seconds later another door slams just feet away.

And that folks is why you shouldn’t screw your neighbor.

At once the breath he’d been holding in came out in jagged pants. He ran his hand over his face looking at himself through the entrance mirror. Jungkook didn’t like this. He took a step toward the door, he needs to apologize. He didn’t have to act like that but in his mind it’s for the best. He would never be able to be the guy for you even if he wanted to be.

He turned abruptly pacing back to his bedroom slamming his own door shut. He’s positive you’ll both get complaints tonight. Once in the comfort of his room without any other body occupying space he let it out. His hands tightened in fists as he covered his face letting anger seep into his expression. He was reckless, too reckless with you.

That’s why he slipped up. That’s why he let his emotions show too much. He was practically building himself up to be put down. He was setting himself up with you to be the vulnerable idiot you wanted him to be. You’re too good for him, he’s always known it. Ever since you knocked on his door for the first time telling him to shut the fuck up he knew it. He knew you’d have this hold on him without even knowing it and he didn’t want to ruin it. He got closer to you and fell for you hard.

Then, he did what he tends to do and that is fuck up. It was bound to happen and honestly it could’ve been worse. He could’ve played into this fantasy of being happy with someone. He could’ve acted like he’d never try and ruin it like he’s done with so many other people. But then when he’d start his journey of self destruction it’d be too late and you would’ve hurt him a lot worse. You didn’t even seem that mad about his crass behavior. You took it like a champ and walked out like it wasn’t a bother.

If you would’ve done that to him he’d be way more hurt. He remembers the first girl who broke up with him, the betrayal he felt that scarred him. Being constantly torn down by her only for her to leave him like he was nothing. It’s why it was so easy to do that to other people now. He learned to like being the one doing the hurting. Someone was bound to get hurt in a relationship and he just didn’t want it to be him. He didn’t care if he fucked with a lot of girl’s feelings. All he cared about is never feeling the way he felt the first time he got dumped.

Comparing you and what relationship the two of you had in such a short time told him what he didn’t want to hear. It told him he’d hurt a hell of a lot more by your hands than any other person’s he’s ever been with. He just knew if he tried it with you and it ended bad he wouldn’t be able to recover. And that pissed him off.

Like fuck, he’s the one who was an asshole and mean yet here he was throwing a fit about it. He regrets thinking the way he does because look at what he’d just done without even fully realizing it. He has never ever felt bad for being the way he is except right now. Right in this moment after you’ve walked out his door and made it known you wanted nothing to do with him. You walked out his door, not through his window but you actually used the door. He’s not sure if you’ve ever gotten to each other by using the actual door.

He’s never been bothered by the retribution of his actions but your response caught him by surprise. Why? Because you gave him nothing. No tears. No yelling. No tantrums. You just took it and gave him a look of disappointment instead. Though if he were honest he’s not sure if it was at him or at yourself.

He wonders if you were feeling anything similar to the way he felt. Though you should have nothing to regret unless it were ever getting involved with him. He’d understand if you regretted that now. It just won’t beat the regret he feels for pushing you away.

You didn’t feel regret. You felt anger, mostly at yourself. You let yourself fall for the playboy neighbor of yours.

For the same piece of shit thinking he’d change for you. For you? Yeah you definitely played yourself there. As if the selfish fuck Jungkook could change for anyone other than himself. As if he’d want to.

As if he wasn’t happy enough in this un-poppable bubble of self pity and insecurity.

You know what he’s doing and you’re not gonna give him the satisfaction of knowing he won. He proved you right when he said he wasn’t good enough for you. You should’ve honestly just believed him when he gave you those warnings. But if he hadn’t been so sweet… so gentle just to you, you wouldn’t have ignored the signs.

If he would’ve just treated you as badly as he treated every other girl who walked out his door you wouldn’t feel like this. You would’ve written him off as that asshole he so badly wants to be.

If he would’ve just never showed you the other side to him that made you think he’s not that bad. That he actually just needs someone to talk to and that he’s actually very caring and emotional. He had you fooled, you get it, and that just pisses you off.

You still refused to give in. You weren’t going to give him what he wanted. And you knew what that was. He wanted to hurt you before you could hurt him. He won’t admit but you both know that’s true. The time you’ve spent getting to know him, having intimate conversations late at night when it’s just you two told you a lot about him. The reason why he doesn’t just kiss anyone is because he’s scared to get close to someone. He’s so scared of being hurt that he shuts everyone he cares about out.

If he wanted to shut you out, fine. You’ll be out.

You’ll walk past him like you don’t even known him. You won’t look at him. You’ll force yourself to not even think about him because if he thinks he’s hurt you he’s dead wrong. You’re gonna show him he can’t treat you like shit and expect you to trail after him like a little puppy wanting to fix him. As if.

But truthfully, you could’ve fixed him. You were fixing him in his eyes and that scared him shitless. He hugged his knees as he sank to the floor wallowing in that self pity he’s practically addicted to. There is something seriously wrong with him for not wanting to be the guy for you. No, for not allowing himself to be the guy for you. He wants to be that person but he doesn’t let himself. Last night should’ve never happened. You should’ve continued on as friends but that high feeling he got around you made it so hard for him to respect any boundaries between you two.

He was already halfway there. You cared about each other, genuinely, and he felt it. He felt the validation and affection he’d so desperately tried to push away and it scared him. It showed him that he was changing who he was to be right for you. Or you were right for him. One of those two. He’s just never been into change.

He keeps thinking about the moment before everything changed last night. Just being outside in your spot together. Talking in hushed voices, hands brushing over each other, looking into your eyes and seeing the stars in them. Then the kiss, the kiss was mind blowing. He never wanted to kiss anyone so badly like he had with you. He couldn’t get enough. He just wanted to get closer and closer.

But it’s whatever. He’ll get it over it, right?

He didn’t think about it for a full 48 hours. In truth he just tried not to think at all. He busied himself with all these tasks so that he wouldn’t drift off into an endless stream of thought. He’d only think about how he fucked up and even if he wanted to take it all back instantly it wouldn’t matter to you.

“What’s up with you?” Jin nudged Jungkook’s leg off the coffee table. The younger of the two barely turned to look at his friend. He lifted his shoulders in a shrug and let his eyes drift back to the tv.

Even if he was bored of watching his friends go over the same movies as always he still put up with it. As long as it meant he’d stay out longer and return home later. That’s the only way he can ensure you won’t run into each other in the elevator when you’re off work. He, of course, knows your routine to the tee. He just never realized how much time he’s devoted to you lately except now that you’re not in the picture.

“How’s it going with your friend who’s not really a friend but you wanna lie and say is a friend, Y/n? You both still being little shits to each other?” Hoseok asked glancing over at him briefly. Of course they all knew about the times Jungkook would complain about you only to turn around and bring you to a party in front of everyone where he only paid attention to you. It had definitely left a lasting impression on his friends who’d only known Jungkook to have a different girl all the time. He’d only been talking about you these last few weeks and now he’s dead silent.

“Who?” He asked as if Hoseok hadn’t just said your name. That even made Yoongi pay attention now, “What do you mean who? Y/n?”

Jungkook didn’t say anything staring at the blank tv as if a movie would choose itself and he’d be ready to watch it. Jin shook his head, “He’s being weird.”

“Very,” Hoseok agreed before scooting closer to Jungkook, “So what? You finally scared her off? Finally found something to hate?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jungkook said pulling the hood of his hoodie up to block his face. He doesn’t want to talk about you. What he had with you was short lived and in the past now. It’s been three days so he should get over it.

“I liked her,” Namjoon shrugged dropping the book he’d been reading as he looked at everyone, “You two seemed to really hit it off.”

“We were just hanging out,” Jungkook tried to downplay it. He knew you weren’t just hanging out but if he called it like that then he wouldn’t think about it as much. It won’t make him think about those late night conversations, the laughs, the innocent touches.

The little sparkle in your eyes when he’d tell you something that made him feel like shit and you just listened understandably. It’s the same look you’d given him when he fucked up except with disappointment laced into it. Like you expected him to fuck up with you and he hated that. He hated how you judge him before knowing him. He hated that he proved your judgements right in the end.

“I, for one, am not surprised at all Jungkook did something to drive her away,” Jin said looking at him as he glared back, “No offense. It’s just what you do.”

“You always have to find something that you don’t like,” he went on when Jungkook didn’t snap at him, “There’s always gotta be something wrong because you don’t want to let yourself fall for someone. And I hate to say it but you fell for Y/n, fell for her hard.”

He couldn’t take it anymore. He jumped to his feet, the others looking at him now as he cut through the space between the couch and coffee table to leave. He heard Hoseok first, “Come on man where you going?”

Jungkook didn’t say anything as he put his shoes back on and got his keys. He left the place without a goodbye and stormed to his car. He wasn’t going to sit there and let everyone paint him as the villain over something so stupid. Okay, whatever, he probably ruined his chances but who cares. It happened. It’s done. Nothing will fix it now and honestly he doesn’t want to. He was bound to fuck up sooner or later, it’s better he did it now.

He got to his apartment complex a little after 10:00pm. He hoped you would’ve been home now and he wouldn’t have to run into you. He could only hope though and even that didn’t do shit for him.

Not when he stopped at his floor, one foot in the elevator and the other crossing the threshold into the hall. He spotted you the second he looked up. The cold gaze in your eyes as you walked past him like he wasn’t even there. It took him a total of five seconds to process your approach. The way your eyes refused to glance at him like he was nothing but invisible to you.

He didn’t hide the way he craned his neck following after you but even with his obvious attempts at catching your attention you still didn’t pay him any mind. Instead you reached for the button and let the elevator doors shut him out like the stranger he wanted to be.

You were dressed up in a fitted miniskirt and blouse like you were going out. At this time you probably were going out but to where? With who? Why was Jungkook still thinking about it as he unlocked his front door and stepped into his home.

He understands not wanting to be friends anymore but… But to pretend like there was never anything between you two? Now that was just cold. He had full intentions of at least offering up a smile in greeting when you ran into each other but to get the cold treatment? It was nothing less of what he deserved but still. It hurt.

He went to bed early tonight.

“So what happened then?” Leehi asked a few days later. She’s fully picked up on the fact that you and Jungkook aren’t talking. She sat on your couch watching you work on your next presentation.

“Nothing, we just stopped talking,” you told her. She didn’t say anything waiting for you to elaborate but you didn’t. She nudged you with her foot making you look up at her, “Let’s go out then. Let’s get really fucked up and find some cute guys to pay for our drinks. What about that?”

And you agreed. Anything to get out of the house. Living next door to someone you thought you were getting close to only to pretend like they never existed was hard. It was physically draining.

“No Taehyung tonight?” You asked later on when you and her were cutting through the crowd in the club. She shook her head, “No, he scares the guys away. Come on let’s get a drink.”

You let her drag you away, unaware of the man from your building coming in with his own friends.

“I’m telling you, you’ve just gotta get back in the game then,” Hoseok chuckled leading Jungkook inside, “Just your unapologetic self again. It’s what you’re good at.”

He didn’t say anything nodding his head, “But I need a drink first.”

“Care to dance?” Someone asked from behind you. You’d barely gotten your drinks and already someone was coming up to you. You turned around facing a guy with a bright smile and puffed cheeks. He looked at you before turning to your friend, “Or a group dance?”

“Fuck it,” Leehi pushed you toward the guy as the three of you went off, “What’s your name stranger? I’m Leehi.”

“Jimin, it’s nice to meet you,” he cleared his throat looking back to you, “What about you? You have a name?”

“No, I don’t,” you said lightheartedly, “It’s Y/n.”

“Y/n?” He repeated nodding his head as he turned to face you two with a little bump in his step, “So what brings you girls out tonight? Just some drinking?”

“It’s been a long week,” Leehi answered urging you to at least attempt to sway to the beat, “Y/n here needed to get out of the house.”

“Oh?” Jimin asked looking at you sideways. He was extremely attractive and you hated that you couldn’t appreciate it. All because you kept thinking about Jungkook and how he made these unknown feelings for him rise in one night only to destroy them the next day. You really were a fool. You weren’t going to let him ruin your night by thinking of him. So instead, you forced a smile and got closer to Jimin, “Yes, so let’s get drunk and see what happens?”

“Slow down Kook, we just got here,” Jin told him as he downed another shot. He whipped around to tell him to fuck off when he saw it.

In the mix of people illuminated by strobe club lights, there you stood—or danced. A smile on your face, hand holding some guy’s, and laughing. And he wished for you to turn and look at him, see him here and actually react instead of act like he wasn’t here. This time around you actually did look at him directly.

His breath hitched when your eyes met and it made him sick. Sick with the way your smile immediately vanished upon seeing him. Like just the sight of him was enough to ruin your day when before he’d make any excuse to see you.

You turned away leaving him to watch as you said something to the guy and Leehi. He watched you walk away and he couldn’t take it. Was seeing him really that hard for you when you acted like you didn’t care what happened between you two? You’d given him no sign of how you actually felt when he’d been so cold. You just shut yourself down. He didn’t like that. He needed to know what you thought of him.

It’s what had him storming off after you. He ignored his friends, he ignored Leehi when she spotted him following you but he didn’t stop. Not until he was outside the lit club looking past the line of people and drunks scattered around the street.

You turned the corner of the street to try and find a cab. It was dark and scary and not something you wanted to do. So dejected, you turned back to head back inside. Who cares if Jungkook was here? You’ve done good avoiding him and you live next door to each other. Who cares if he’s in the same night club as you.

You stopped mid step, Jungkook just a few feet behind you, lips slightly parted, hair out of place, hand reached out. Fuck him. Fuck him. Why? Because you feel like crying now and that’s not what you wanted. Why can’t he just leave you alone? Why does he have to look at you every time you pass each other in the elevator? Why does he have to still sit out on the fire escape?

You sniffled a little walking toward him to try and go back inside.

“Can we talk?” He asked suddenly stepping in your way, “Please Y/n, you have no idea how shitty I feel.”

“Move,” you said trying to step the side to pass him but he joined you. He shook his head, “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t know why I have to fuck every good thing that comes into my life, okay? I don’t know why I do it,” Jungkook confessed, “I don’t know why I was so cold last time. But—but you didn’t have to avoid me.”

You didn’t say anything feeling yourself close to tears and you weren’t going to break.

“I fucked up. I know I did. I knew it when you left but please, just please give me one more chance,” he begged, “You were right. I don’t just kiss anyone and I kissed you. And that might not mean shit to you but it means everything to me. It’s because I genuinely liked you, I fell hard for you and that was scary.”

“And I regret not telling you sooner,” he said, “But fuck Y/n, I thought you liked me too. Instead you just let me treat you like shit and say things I didn’t mean.”

“What did you want me to say Jungkook?” You took a step closer to him, “You wanted me to cry? To beg you to not be mean? Would that have even changed anything?”

His jaw clenched as you went on, “Or would I just have been like every other girl begging you to change for them? Because you ignore them all too.”

“I want to change for you if you just give me a chance.”

You scoffed brushing past him tired of hearing the same thing again, “I did give you a chance. It’s why we were friends, wasn’t it? And all you did was prove that you’ll never change.”

He winced at those words. Why were his eyes burning? Why did his heart beat so fast it was almost painful, “But you don’t have to act like there wasn’t anything special between us.”

“You’re the one who said you just wanted to have sex,” you reminded him.

He shook his head, “I lied. I was scared. I am scared, please just understand that. You deserve someone better than me and I know it but please just give me another chance.”

You looked at him, teary eyes as you didn’t say anything for a moment. Finally, you shook your head, “I’m sorry but no.”

He froze.

“And I don’t care enough to comfort you anymore,” you told him, “I just hope that the next time someone comes along and you feel for them what ever fucked up shit you felt for me, you won’t mess it up again.”

“Y/n—“

“And I’m ending my lease,” you cleared your throat, “It ends in a week and I’m not going to renew it. So don’t worry, you won’t have to see me again. I’ll get over it like you wanted me to.”

He let you leave. He let you leave him alone in this dark street corner processing your words.

You weren’t going to forgive him.

You weren’t going to give him a chance to prove you wrong again.

You were done with him like he’d been done with every girl whose heart he broke.

How could he love someone he’d never dated? Someone he didn’t know that long but impacted him heavily?

And how could he let himself ruin it again?

He fucked up with you and that was rock bottom for him. That was the final crack in his facade that would keep him together.

His final moment before he realized he needed to change for himself first.

Maybe he really won’t see you again.

Or maybe in a few months he’ll see you again. You’ll see that he’s changed. He’s not as immature. Not as cold.

He’s not sure exactly but from this point on he’ll never hurt someone with the words he says again.

Never again.

Not after you.

::.

request

a/n this literally took me a week to write but idk. I was literally listening to those two songs on repeat and

“Somebody that I used to know” by gotye and

“You get me so high” by the neughbourhood lol

also this isn’t a happy ending for y/n and jk bc he doesn’t deserve it lol

I think he needed someone he truly cared about to not put up with his shit for him to see that he fr has to change and that he can’t just act one way one minute and then get mad when it bites him in the ass.

NO PART TWO