#he asks Nina to check on her

[fanaddicted2000]

Kaz’s a mess when Inej gets a cold

and it's both adorable and heartbreaking.

Imagine a slightly feverish Inej, bundled up under an obscenely large pile of blankets, trying to get some sleep, but next to her Kaz is buzzing around, getting her tea, asking about Suli soup and do you want another pillow? He doesn't dare take off his gloves, afraid her skin will drown him, nor does he dare leave her room, afraid of the state he'll find her in. He's ashamed of how scared he is. Her pale skin makes him nervous, and every time she coughs, his heart stops. When he blinks, her figure is blurred by a sea of corpses and nausea rises in his throat, forcing him to exhale slowly through tight lips. He's dipping a clean cloth in cold water for her when a pillow hits him square in the head. He's too stunned to glare at her, and he couldn't, not with the tired love in her eyes. It's just a cold, Kaz, I need to sleep it off. He shakes his head, But - she doesn't let him finish. When I wake up, I'll appreciate some soup, she says with a gentle decisiveness. He nods once with a sigh and decides to check on the Dregs, maybe find some Black Tips to beat up. He's being ridiculous, he knows it, but... he turns back to her, catches her sleepy eyes following him. Better not leave me, Wraith, he says seriously, but it comes out like a plea and she nods, her eyes closing. The deal is the deal.

[writersdrug]

Training for Two

Chapter 3. New Trails

Masterlist

Summary: You and Riley take the beaten path to defeat boredom. Simon realizes that the seed of his new obsession has been planted.

Warnings: mild cursing, obsessive behavior

Simon had never told you how long he'd be gone - which was fine, your flat was only a twenty-minute drive from his home, should you need to do laundry or get more soap. You had some freelancing logo-design work you could focus on in your downtime, and Simon had been gracious enough to leave a note on the coffee table with the wifi password. Truth be told, you imagined this would feel like a holiday: no more shitty bosses. You were your own boss, here. You could make your own schedule, as long as you made time for Riley.

You soon discovered, after moving into Ghost's house, that it was very much not a vacation. The interior of his home was so barren that it made you feel like you had been sent to an asylum. On your first day there, you managed to get a bit of freelance work done; after that, you tried watching the telly, but you couldn't drown the heavy restlessness in the back of your mind.

You decided to phone a friend.

"What's Riley like?" Leslie said through the phone, which was tucked under your ear.

"Military dog." You replied. You were lying on the floor next to Riley, stroking her fur as her head rested on your stomach. "So proper, I've never seen anything like it. You know- when I made breakfast today, I dropped some food on the linoleum- she didn't bat an eye. Girl just watched."

"That's amazing... you know Donald would have run to it like it was the first meal he'd been fed in years."

You laughed, making Riley's head bounce on your abdomen. "Mum has got to stop feeding them real food..."

"What about the client?" Leslie said, changing the subject. "Simon, was it? What's he like?"

"Honestly?" You began, scratching between Riley's ears. "A decent guy, don't get me wrong - but bland. Gruff. His apartment is, too."

"Just like ya mum always said." She snickered. "Can I see?"

You sighed. "Nah, I never checked if it was ok to bring people over. Not sure if he'd appreciate me giving you a tour. But I'll ask next time if you can visit."

"That's fair..." You heard her shuffling around on the other end of the line. "Well listen babes, I should get back to work. Got five left on my lunch break."

You groaned at the prospect of having to be alone in Simon's barren home again. "Alright... still on for this Thursday?"

"You know it! Nina's coming too."

You grimaced. "Whoop-tee-doo..."

"Oh, c'mon, I'll make sure she's civil. Love ya."

"She'd better be. Love you!"

The call ended with a click, and you let the phone slide from your shoulder with a sigh. You stared at the ceiling, running through what you could possibly do. You'd already had a shower at your flat before coming here, you'd done plenty of work...

Riley tilted her head up to look at you, sensing your frustration. You looked back down at her.

"What d'you and Simon do all day?" You asked.

She sighed and looked away.

Maybe it was time for a walk.

"Alright, Riley!" You said, pocketing your phone and sitting up. She scrambled up at the sudden movement; her eyes followed your every move as you stood, her stare expectant and excited.

"Fancy a walk?" You asked.

She whined and yapped, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

You chuckled. "C'mon, then - before you and I both start going insane."

On your way to the closet to fetch her leash, she had nearly knocked you down to beat you there. You huffed, leaning down to grab your shoes and tug them on. She sat (im)patiently and watched, her tail slapping against the wooden floor.

"Alright, alright..." You laughed, grabbing her leash and latching it onto her harness. She obediently trotted to the front door and sat, waiting for you. You opened the door and stepped outside, confused when the leash tugged in your hand. You looked back inside and saw that Riley hadn't moved from her seat on the floor. She looked at you, ears forward and eyes eager as she waited for... something.

You looked at her, puzzled. "What's wrong, girl?"

She whined, pointing one foot up and thumping her tail against the floor.

Oh, right. Military dog.

"Okay, Riley." You said clearly, and she happily trotted out the door. You chuckled, locking the deadbolt behind you and beginning the much needed walk. She stuck right by your side, never passing you nor falling behind.

For the kind of gruff, admittedly shady man that Simon was, you noticed that he lived in a pretty nice area. If you told your mum where he lived, she'd blow a cap out of jealousy - the houses were neatly lined down the street, each one with a driveway and a small garden bed underneath the living room windows. Simon's was noticeably bare - Christ, even his grass was thinner than the other neighbors', how does one manage that?

You eyed his empty garden bed as you passed it. You wondered if he would let you plant a few things... just to liven up the drabness. A couple of Hostas, maybe some African Violets... you knew he wouldn't want too much colour, but he definitely needed something to brighten his home. Currently, it stuck out like a sore thumb against the other houses. Not to mention, it would give you something to slice through the boredom of staying here.

Eventually, the sidewalk led to the edge of a small patch of woods. A bridge stretched over the creek, which then led to a longer, winding path through the trees. You came to a halt, reading the sign next to the trail.

"Po-wee-hee-co park..." You mumbled and Riley stared at you with her tongue hanging from the side of her mouth. "Poeheko Park? You ever been here?"

She looked between you and the trail, sniffing the air. She licked her lips and whined.

"Suppose not, Simon's only ever dragged you around the block a few times, huh?"

She eyed the trail warily, but you could see her eyes brimming with eagerness and interest. You chuckled, reigning in her leash and starting over the bridge. "Time for an adventure!"

Simon sat stoically on the heli, eyes fixed on the wall across from him. His palms rested on his thighs, fingers splayed. He appeared calm and collected, focused on the mission that Priced had debriefed not too long ago.

Except, the mission couldn't have been further from his mind. He was thinking about you and Riley. We're you giving her enough attention? That was a dumb question; clearly you knew how much attention a dog needed. You'd done this before... but had you ever worked with a dog that had certain needs and medications? You never mentioned it during the interview, and he didn't remember to ask. What if you couldn't see the signs when Riley's pain was flaring up? What if you had forgotten that she needed pain medication?

He thought about texting you - but he quickly shut the thought down. He'd reserved texting for emergencies only, and he knew you were good at your job. There wasn't a moment of your life you hadn't spent around dogs, of course you would take perfect care of Riley.

"Honin' in, LT?" Soap's voice echoed through the coms as he took the seat opposite from Simon. He was relaxed, as if this was just another Friday for him - well, Simon supposed, it was.

"Always." Simon replied gruffly, focusing back on the mission at hand. He cleared his throat and flexed his fingers, trying to keep a cool composure.

"How's Riley doin'?" Soap asked. "Know I jus' seen 'er a few days ago, but- ye finally cave n' get someone to pet sit?"

Simon grunted. "'Course. Not gonna leave 'er alone that long, it'd be torture."

"Who'd ye get?"

"What's it to you?"

"Secret service? Ye snag one of the Royal Guards fer the job?"

"Jog on, Soap." Simon warned with a serious look, and Soap raised his hands in defense.

He couldn't tell Johnny about you. A fierce, possessive feeling in his chest told him not to. He knew Johnny had a thing for young, pretty things like you, and he refused to let you fall victim to his desires. In fact, he hated the thought of it.

But- who was he? Why was he being so protective over someone he barely knew? You were an adult, perfectly capable of making your own decisions. Why should Simon cockblock you and Johnny? So what if he wanted to shag you?

Mentally, he shook his head. No. Never. He'd lock you in his house if it meant keeping Jonny away from you. Even if Simon wasn't anything more than your client, he wasn't going to allow Johnny to get close to you. It would be too weird. You're his, after all.

...

Fuck.

He sighed and adjusted his position in his seat. You and Johnny didn't even know each other, for Christ's sake. He was overthinking all of this. You'd probably never even meet his team, why would you need to? You only ever have reason to spend time in his house, not on base. You just watch Riley, make breakfast in his kitchen, sleep on his couch, maybe his bed, if you're with the dog... using his bathroom, his shower...

He scowled at himself. Maybe hiring you was a huge mistake. You were too distracting.

Next ->

Taglist: @my-queen-rhaenyra-targaryen @jisungswiftie @sweet-tooth4you @kennyis-aloser @hyyyxr @lahniu @dory-98 @naradae @cum-tea-and-towels @boystepper @definitelynotaclown @your-wifes-boyfriend @ghostslittlegf @bossva @poppingaround @yannvi @katzykat @mileyraes @chocolate-noodles @jupiternighties @sadlonelybagel @rorysbrainrot @identity2212 @pricescontroversiallyyoungerwife @reevesdriver @kingshitonly @ghost4love @lilyofhoon @xxkay15xx @cosmic-nuisance4 @danielle143

[mercurial-chuckles]

HIS FIORE - PART 1

Summary: Steve smexy Rogers moves into the neighborhood, and one evening, he catches you sneaking into the building opposite his through the fire escape. He watches curiously, slightly amused and, quite frankly, amazed by you. Guess what he does next? He writes a note, signs it with his middle name, Grant, and slips it under your door. How will you discover that Grant is none other than Captain America? Series Warnings: Language | Eventual smut | Mature content (minors DNI) | Steve’s naughty thoughts | Steve in-love Rogers | Steve possessive jealous Rogers | Drunk Steve (adorable, hot mess) | Neighbors | Secret identity | Steve watching the reader from a distance (slightly stalker-ish…ish) | A smidge of angst | Overloaded fluff | Happy happy ending

Chapter Warning: Language | Steve watching the reader from a distance (slightly stalker-ish…ish) | Good ol' fluff

A/N: Finally finished writing this! Originally, I wrote two parts as connected prompts for Steve Rogers Bingo Round 3, but I've decided to revamp the entire piece. Also, I'm going to try sticking to a schedule--wish me luck! 😉 Banner credits: Me | Photo credits: The internet | Divider credits: @buck-star (Sydney, thanks a trillion ❤️)

Note: Do not Steal, Copy or Plagiarize any part of my work! Check out my other works: Masterlist

His Fiore Series Masterlist

Indulge Away!

Steve was happier, much happier now that the excruciatingly long recruiting was done. It was a nightmare to have Tony during the recruiting, and now that it was all over, Steve would get a good night's rest.

"Maybe you should try asking that nurse from the med-bay...Nina, I think her name is," Natasha had suggested casually as they walked toward the compound's parking garage after the painstakingly long day.

Steve groaned, running a hand over his face. He shot her a sharp look, trying to convey just how disinterested he was in this line of conversation. If Steve could, he would have sprinted away, but with Natasha, there was no escaping a conversation, especially this. She'd been too interested in his personal life or lack thereof.

He was happy with his hobbies: sketching and visiting museums. In fact, he could take up a side gig as a virtual museum guide.

"Look, can we drop it? I'm really not interested," he emphasized firmly as he approached his bike quickly.

Natasha smirked, undeterred. "Might be time to find someone to keep you in check, old man," she teased, climbing into her car.

Steve rolled his eyes as he swung his leg over his bike. Natasha had been relentless about his lack of dating life, going so far as to learn the names of agents and acquaintances she thought might catch his eye.

But she never understood that Steve didn't believe in casual flings or whatever the modern dating concept was. He was a man from another time, one where courting had a clear purpose, and the idea of dating left him uneasy. Maybe he just couldn't shake the insecurity of the scrawny kid from Brooklyn who barely mustered the courage to speak to a girl, let alone charm one.

"You need help setting up your place?" Natasha asked, snapping him out of his thoughts as his bike roared to life.

Steve grinned, slightly grateful she decided to drop the discussion. "I've got a duffel bag of stuff, Nat. I think I can handle it." If he was being honest, he was simply glad he found friends and family, which was more than he could ask for.

She huffed, shaking her head. "At least buy some furniture, Rogers."

"Don't need to. Sam helped me find a furnished place," he countered, his grin widening.

With a quick goodbye, Steve sped off toward his new apartment in Brooklyn.

'This place is a steal,' Sam had told him, a one-bedroom unit with just enough space and a cozy little balcony. Located in a six-story building with five units per floor, Steve's apartment was on the corner, offering a decent view of the street below and, if he leaned far far enough over the railing, a glimpse of Hamilton Park.

Sam, ever resourceful, had pulled some strings with the building's owner, a friend from the VA, to ensure Steve's identity stayed under wraps. Not that most people cared to look twice at the guy in glasses, a baseball cap, and loose clothing. Steve made a point of blending in, and it worked mostly.

By the time he arrived, the neighborhood was bathed in the warm glow of a quiet evening. Steve parked his bike in the designated cellar spot and headed upstairs.

His stomach growled as he stepped into his apartment. The serum gave him an insatiable appetite. Despite the hearty meal he'd had at the compound earlier, he was hungry again.

Making a bowl of soup and a few store-bought dinner rolls that tasted appetizing enough, he stepped out onto the small balcony that connected to the living room while balancing his plate in one hand and a water bottle in another.

Steve's unit was on the 5th floor, and his towering frame made the modest space look smaller, but he was still grateful to have it. On his left, there were two more units.

The view from the balcony stretched over the nearby intersection. A small window beside the balcony door allowed light to stream in. Framing the balcony were sleek black railings, their design simple, providing a clear boundary without obstructing the scenery. Thankfully, the balconies for each apartment were independent, offering a sense of privacy rather than being connected.

Modestly furnished with two petite metal chairs, a small table arranged neatly near the center, and a compact two-seater bench sat at the edge, positioned to take advantage of the view, Steve's balcony was more functional in comparison to his neighbor's, which looked cozy and inviting in the faint glow of series lights and vibrant looking furniture.

Settling into a chair, Steve let out a content sigh. The sounds of the city filtered out, and he felt a rare moment of peace. This was good, Steve thought. Perhaps he could get a larger chair.

The evening air was warm, and as the sky darkened, he finished his meal, settling back in his chair to enjoy the peacefulness of the moment.

He was about to head inside to play some music and sleep off the day's stress when he noticed a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye.

Curiosity piqued, Steve leaned forward, glancing toward the source. You were pulling down the fire escape stairs in the opposite building.

The stairs were only five feet from the ground, but you struggled to grip the first one and had to fight to get your footing on the next. With surprising speed, you managed to steady yourself, though nearly slipping. You quickly hugged the metal stairs, and Steve's heart raced, expecting you to fall at any moment.

You mumbled something, then began climbing.

Steve initially thought you might be up to something…a thief maybe, albeit a beautiful one.

Despite the precariousness of your situation, there was something undeniably intriguing about you. Steve was grateful for his enhanced vision because he almost had a clear view of you. Your silhouette in the dim light revealed a lithe figure, and the determined expression on your face only made him more curious.

Steve instinctively moved closer to the railings, ready to intervene if necessary. Either you were up to trouble or were going to hurt yourself, and it didn't seem like a good idea to let you keep going.

Just as he was about to call out, you jumped onto the balcony and, with a proud little flourish, did a victory lap.

Steve couldn't help but smile, silently chuckling at the sight. You wore shorts and a simple T-shirt with an angry dog saying, 'Bite me,' and a huge band-aid on your left knee. He knew this was going to be etched in his memory.

He decided to wait a moment, intrigued by what you would do next. If you gave him any reason to act, he was ready--but he watched in silence for now.

To his utter shock, you pulled a water jug from somewhere behind you on the balcony filled with plants, and you began watering them, which was when Steve's focus shifted to the balcony opposite him. It was beautiful. The garden was full of various plants and creepers, flourishing vibrant flowers.

Steve leaned forward, utterly captivated. You moved with such care while watering, gently wiping away the remnants of old leaves and tenderly touching the plants. At one point, you even blew a flying kiss to a few of them. And then, were you… talking to them? His surprise deepened, and he instinctively ducked behind the railing, hoping to remain unnoticed as he observed the scene.

After a while, you carefully descended from the fire escape, moving toward the edge. You hesitated, looking down at the ground with a mix of apprehension and determination.

From his vantage point, the height was nothing when he was so used to jumping from the buildings, and you looked adorable, silently praying before jumping.

But you miscalculated and landed hard on your butt with a loud thud.

"Every fucking time," you muttered to yourself, loud enough for Steve to hear.

He couldn't hold back a laugh at the sight of your disgruntled expression, utterly charmed by everything you did.

Steve bit his lip, trying to suppress a laugh. He didn't want to be too loud, though he couldn't help it. Watching you rub your ass and mumble about the pavement, he couldn't help but notice. You had a sexy ass.

What the hell? He was horrified at where his thoughts were going, shaking his head to clear it. No. Focus.

He watched as you crossed the street, disappearing into his building as you entered the main door and out of his view. He stood there, staring straight ahead, his mind caught in a swirl of thoughts about you. A small, uncontrollable smile crept onto his face.

You lived in his building.

He glanced across at the beautiful, tiny garden where you had just been and felt an unexpected warmth bubble up inside him.

Minutes later, he heard shuffling from the balcony next door. His heart raced. He quickly retreated into his apartment, hoping--praying--that it was you. And yes, there you were.

With the light still turned off in his unit, he opened the small window to the balcony beside the door, leaning out slightly, not wanting to be seen.

You had a tube of what looked like ointment in your hand, your smile bright as you gazed at the opposite balcony.

You sat down and removed the band-aid on your knee. Steve winced as you hissed in pain, muttering a string of profanities. He rolled his eyes, tempted to step outside and tell you off for your language, but his thoughts quickly turned to something else. I could totally spank some manners.

His mind immediately snapped back to focus. His thoughts had never jumped in that direction before. Never. He shook it off, blaming it on the fact that he'd not been so attracted to someone so quickly.

He focused on the injury you were tending. What appeared to be a small scrape was a large bruise, and Steve could feel a sharp pang of concern for you as you winced, applying the ointment carefully.

You disappeared inside, leaving him with a sense of disappointment. He peeked out, checking to see if you had gone to bed. To his surprise, you came out again, this time with a book.

Steve watched you for what felt like hours, a smile never leaving his face. He felt content, oddly happy to have moved here, and it was not just because it was a decently prized single-bedroom apartment with a balcony. It was more to do with you being his neighbor.

~

This continued for the next few days, and Steve wasn't proud of it. He had become that guy--watching his neighbor like some sort of creep. But he couldn't help himself. It was therapeutic, in a way, watching you.

You moved with such care. Steve could see you filling a watering can, tending to the plants with such gentleness. There was something almost reverent in the way you whispered to them.

He found himself wanting your attention and the need to know you, hear you talk, feel your touch, and hold him the way you did with the plants so tenderly grew in him every second of the day.

And he needed to hold you as tended as a flower. His flower. His Fiore. Delicate and beautiful.

~

Two weeks had passed, and Steve couldn't stop thinking about you.

With his hectic schedule and sudden missions, he hardly had a fixed schedule. He had to leave early and return late at night, and though he tried to adjust his schedule, it was no use. He had no idea where you worked, either.

'Maybe I could ask Nat for help,' Steve thought, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Getting Nat involved would be a disaster.

It was a catastrophe in his head anyway because the thought of you consumed him, and as the days went by, he decided to act. He'd leave you a note just to see what would happen. A way to break the ice, if nothing else.

He slipped a note under your door.

Was it creepy? Maybe.

Could he help himself? No.

Maybe, just maybe, you'd see it as romantic.

Dear Fiore,

I must say, the garden looks beautiful. Your nightly rescue missions seem to pay off.  Keep up the good work. This is your next-door neighbor.

–Grant

He'd changed the note a dozen times before settling on that, trying to keep it casual and sound cool, not revealing who he really was yet being somewhat truthful.

Steve hadn't felt that anxious outside of missions in his modest existence except when he got the serum, his palms were sweaty, and his nerves were dangling tenuously by a damn thread as he waited for your response.

The whole night, Steve was hyper-focused on every tiny sound around him. He slept in the wee hours of the morning, cursing his enhanced senses, worried sick if you'd knock on his door to tell him off, to mind his business.

The next morning, he found a note from you and finally could breathe again, a smile tugging at his lips when he read it. No one could dampen his mood all day, not the stubborn ass SHIELD secretary, not the stick-up-their-butts agents, and not even Tony calling him Cap, Capsicle or whatever the hell he seemed to come up with.

Hey Grant,

Welcome to the apartment, neighbor! Terry, from the third floor, told me someone had moved next door to me. You know about my secret plant ops! I'm not sure whether to be flattered or annoyed that you were watching me. But thank you? The plants need all the love they can get. I've seen those people bring tons of plants, let them die and replace them with new ones. Can you believe it? I couldn't just leave the plants to die now, can I?  :(

PS: Love the name Fiore! Name's Y/N, BTW.

–Fiore

If you wanna be tagged in my works, add yourself here. <3 Please send me a message if you wanna be removed from the Tag list. :)

Tag list: @nekoannie-chan @salvatoreitmeanssaviour @bitchy-bi-trash @theallknown213 @tripletstephaniescp @rogerscut @greatenthusiasttidalwave @zaraomarrogers @shadowrose13-blog1 @king814318 @yiiiikesmish @steviebbboi @bernelflo @saiyanprincessswanie @blushingrn @looking1016 @jvanilly @mimisweetz @navyhua23 @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @shadyloveobjects @alexxavicry @astheskycries @inlovewiththefictionalcharacters @patzammit @soelstress @8crazy-freak8 @stellar-solar-flare @stuckysgal @bval-1 @slowlyshycomputer @rogersbarber @avengersfan25 @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @thiquefunlover63 @blackhawkfanatic @notsostrangerthing @awkwardgiraffe726 @iamtamera @pebbles20

[uzumaki-rebellion]

Choose One (Chapter 3) by Uzumaki Rebellion

Characters: Elijah "Smoke" Moore and Elias "Stack" Moore (characters in the Michael B. Jordan movie "Sinners"). Lena Blackwell (OC).

Warning(s): Mentions of Hoodoo, Explicit Sex, Romance, Adult Language, and Angst. Pre-Sinners movie.

Summary: Lena Blackwell works in an illegal after-hours Black & Tan club in Bronzeville where she seduces twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Each brother has qualities she likes and she embarks on an illicit affair with both. All is well until one of the twins starts catching feelings.

Word Count: 4K

Masterlist HERE.

"See-line woman (see-line)

Black dress on (see-line)

For a thousand dollars (see-line)

She wail and she moan (see-line)"

Nina Simone—"See-Line Woman."

On the third day, just like the Jesus in the bible that Bernice loved so much, Lena rose from her respite. She bathed, perfumed her body, and curled her hair perfectly. She caught a cab to the club, picked up her favorite roasted peanuts to share with her co-workers, and strolled inside to find Smoke waiting for her at the bar.

"Lena. Good to see you again. Are you feeling alright?"

The concern in his voice touched her.

She put her peanuts behind the counter and took off her coat and hat. He checked out her hair and the new black work dress that was tighter than usual. It revealed more of her figure, especially her behind. She handed him brand new pre-rolls inside another cigarette case.

Dimples.

"Shall I bring your drink to your table?" she asked, already mixing dark rum and orange juice.

"Nah, I'll have it here. Thanks."

Max raised an eyebrow at her.

Lena handed Smoke the drink, and he stroked her finger gently while taking the glass. He enjoyed the opening floor show from the vantage point of the bar. It made some staff members nervous to see him hanging out there. Smoke wasn't the fun twin. Stack was.

Caroline fumed all night, upset that someone hadn't seated him at his regular table where she could monopolize his attention. During the headlining band's break, Lena joked with the bass player and the drummer who requested whiskey shots from her. They were guys she knew from her time as a waitress at a port diner where she served sailors, hookers, johns, and flamboyant pimps.

She forgot about Smoke being there and shared bawdy jokes and sordid tales about the wharf, cracking the men up. The drummer tapped a beat on the counter, reminiscing about the good times on the wharf, and the bass player started singing an old song about prostitutes working tricks. Lena got to bobbing her head and swiveling her hips behind the counter as she walked seductively like the streetwalkers did.

"Shake it Lena!" the drummer said.

She waved her hand dismissively at him and stacked shots of whiskey on a tray for Bernice. The bass player kept singing to her.

"See-line woman…dressed in green…wears silk stalkings…with golden seams…sing it with me, Lena!"

Smoke stood from his seat.

"Alright now. Let the lady work in peace. Break time is over. These people need music on the bandstand, not here."

Smoke's tone was firm, but there was a gleam in his eye. He enjoyed seeing the playful side of her. She also sensed that he didn't want other men taking her attention away from him in the club. The bass player and drummer slinked away.

"See-line woman…see-line…she drink coffee…she drink tea," Lena sang.

"A woman shouldn't be singing a song like that," he said.

"A woman can sing anything she wants," she countered.

The lilt in her voice worked magic on his lips. He smiled at her in a way he hadn't before. It lit a fire in her to be a little extra that night. Smoke took his half-finished drink back to his regular table and Lena chased after the bass player and drummer headed for the bandstand. She whispered in the drummer's ear and he drew back from her with uncertainty in his eyes.

"Don't worry, just do it," she said.

They took their positions back on the bandstand. Lena fluffed her curls and waited.

The bass player spoke to the bandleader, and he glanced over at Lena with curiosity. She waved her fingers at him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to do a song for you…it's an oldie, but a goodie. This one is going out to Mr. Smoke Moore."

Smoke stared at the bandleader with a crease on his forehead. Caroline lit his cigarette for him and he puffed away, waiting to see what the band would play. The music came out fast and spicy.

"Girl, what are you doing over here?" Bernice asked.

"Catching a bee with the honey he likes."

Lena strode over to the mic stand and looked in Smoke's direction. Her voice matched the raciness of the bands' playing. The serving staff stayed rooted in place, their mouths open, watching the bartender sing instead of the male vocalist on the piano. She flicked her hands like she was clucking juicy gossip to her girlfriends at the hair salon for her weekly pressing. The band members backed her up by repeating 'see-line' after each line she belted out.

"See-line woman…dressed in red…make a man…lose his head…"

The crowd reveled in the vulgar connotations, and the flute player punctuated her seductive tone with bright accents. She rolled the words off her tongue sensually. People jumped up to dance. Lena gave them the raunchy song they needed to get laid that night.

"See-line woman…black dress on…for a thousand dollars…she wail and she moannnn…."

Lena ran her hands along the sides of her hips and thrust her pelvis three times toward the crowd on the dance floor before twirling in a circle, leading the audience into a lustful frenzy of release.

"Purr like a cat…wink at a man…and he wink back…fuck that man good…and he fuck ya back…."

She stroked the mic stand like it was a long, hard dick and the audience went crazy, repeating the chorus after her like they were her back-up singers. Lena sang the most vulgar version of the song she knew, drawing out shocked and delighted gasps from the crowd. The dancing became frenetic, primal…transcendent. She let the band play, gyrating her hips slowly in such an erotic way that she aroused herself.

Stepping away from the mic, she let the band finish for her.

She walked past Smoke.

His eyes had a shine in them that gave her goosebumps. He called out to her.

"Lena."

She ignored him, returning to the bar where it grew hectic because customers and staff wanted to flock to her with praise.

"Girl, you are so nasty! I can't believe you got up there and sang that!" Bernice cackled.

"My, my, my," Frank said, "Who knew that type of filth could come out of your mouth?"

Lena accepted the compliments with the chiding and finished her shift.

Smoke stayed away from the bar.

At the end of closing, she sighed and rolled her stiff neck. Max put the day's take in the safe and they both snuck a drink of rye whiskey together.

"You were something else tonight, Miss Lena," Max said, clinking his glass with hers. "They ought to hire you for an engagement here at the Sunset Café. Where you learn to sing like that?"

"Hanging with sailors."

"You too young and pretty for those uncouth ruffians down there."

"I'm not that young," she muttered under her breath so Max couldn't hear.

She was neither young nor old. Timeless. Perhaps eternal if she thought about it more.

"Night, Max. Frank," she said.

"Want me to see you out?" Max asked.

"No, go 'head and finish up."

Lena grabbed her hat and the fur coat that Stack bought her and pulled it on. She stuffed her bag of peanuts in the pockets along with her tips for the night.

The air felt crisp and cool against her face. She inhaled, plopped her hat on her head, and headed left.

Smoke leaned against the building with one foot pressed against it. His blue flat cap was pulled low, nearly hiding his eyes.

"Mr. Moore."

"Headed home?"

"Yeah."

He stared at her. She pulled her coat tighter around her middle.

"You have a nice voice. How come you don't sing instead of working behind the bar?"

She sighed and propped herself next to him on the wall.

"That's not the type of life I want to have."

"What kind of life you want?"

"Not sure. But I enjoy working at the bar. I meet all kinds of interesting characters. It's easy. I hear great music for free. I can watch pretty people in their pretty clothes have fun."

"You got a man?"

She blinked and darted her eyes toward the street that stayed active with night owls. He chuckled.

"What, you married or something?" he said.

"No. Nothing like that. Besides, no man would want to marry me, anyway."

"Why not?"

His probing eyes had an earnestness in them that was refreshing.

"I can't have children. A man doesn't want a woman that can't have his babies."

Something flickered behind his eyes and he glanced down at his shoes.

"What about you?" she said.

"What about me?"

"You with someone?"

He shook his head.

"The life I lead ain't got time for a woman in it."

"So why are you asking me if I have a man?"

She turned in toward him. He leaned a shoulder on the wall and faced her.

"Just curious."

"Why?"

"Cuz if you were my woman, you wouldn't be working."

"What would I be doing?"

Lena stepped closer to him. He lowered his head, and she held her breath, waiting for him to kiss her. Although he had the same face as Stack, Smoke carried a maturity that was beyond his age. He gazed at her lips and she puckered them.

"Let me give you a ride home."

He pulled back and Lena stared at him, miffed that she couldn't taste his lips.

"Okay," she said, once she realized he wasn't going to kiss her.

He opened the passenger side of his red roadster and she climbed in. She gave him her address, and they rode in silence.

"Wait, this isn't my place," she said.

He pulled in front of a building that was fancy and exclusive.

"I know. It's my place."

He climbed out of the car from his side and opened up her passenger door. Helped her out.

The distinguished-looking Black doorman tipped his hat at Smoke and opened the door for them. Lena didn't say a word as Smoke clasped her hand in his and took her toward the elevator.

"Evening, Mr. Moore," the elevator operator said.

Smoke nodded and Lena stood next to him. Her hands shook slightly, and a light sheen of sweat dampened the back of her neck and her thighs. There was no playful banter between them, like Stack would've been doing to make her smile or laugh. Smoke stayed solemn as they stepped off the fifth floor.

At his door, she stopped him from turning the key by placing her hand on his chest.

Something changed within him. His heart beat beneath her fingers. He placed his hand softly over hers, keeping it near his heart.

"Why did you bring me here, Smoke?"

"Because you want to be here. With me."

She swallowed hard. Butterflies danced in her belly.

"How you know that for sure?"

"You been tryin' to get my attention for weeks. Now you have it all."

Her eyes welled up.

He tilted his head.

"Why the tears?"

"I didn't think you wanted me. Just about gave up until tonight."

"I'm glad you didn't. I haven't been attracted to anyone like this in a long time."

He kissed her then…so unexpected…so delicious.

His tongue delved inside her mouth and she let go of any need to control the outcome of their encounter.

He pulled away to finish opening the door.

His apartment was neat. Spacious. The furnishings were brand new. It smelled like pipe smoke and expensive cologne.

"Would you like a drink?"

"Please," she said.

She needed time to get her bearings with him.

He went into his kitchen, and she looked around. The view from his livingroom window overlooked another classy apartment building. There were three bedrooms, a pool table, and a card table in a corner. A nice fireplace with a wide mantel showcased the front room. She took off her coat and hat. Placed them on the couch.

"Big place," she said after he handed her a glass of white wine.

"Courtesy of Al Capone," he said.

"Cost you a lot?"

"Cost me nothing," he said with a wink.

He looked around his place as if seeing it for the first time, too.

"I share this spot with my brother—"

Lena coughed, and the wine went down the wrong pipe.

"You okay?"

"Yes. Excuse me. Wine is so good I drank it too fast."

She coughed a few more times to clear her throat and put her glass on his coffee table.

"I kinda miss his noisy ass. He'll be back in another week. Lotta shit happening…some expansions coming up."

"Glad to hear things are going well. The stuff I read in the papers is kinda scary…"

He stood in front of her with an intense look in his eyes.

"You're different," he said.

"I'm sure you say that to a lot of women."

She moved around the coffee table to look at the art on the wall. He hung up his coat and put his hat on a rack near the front door.

Lena noticed a phonograph in the room near the fireplace and went to it. She looked at the considerable record collection they had in a box and picked out a Bessie Smith record. Piano chords punctured the stillness of the room and Bessie's mournful voice sang of wanting a little sugar in her bowl.

"You tryna tell me something?" he said.

"Maybe."

Smoke grinned and his face lit up.

She snaked her hips over to him and they slow-danced.

"You're so much better looking when you smile, Mr. Moore."

"Smoke."

"Smoke."

He kissed her forehead before seeking her lips. His kisses were unhurried, and he nibbled on her neck between moments of using his wide tongue to explore her mouth. They kissed and danced to the music, stretching out the foreplay, learning what type of pace they wanted to have for the night.

Lena unbuttoned the first four buttons of his shirt while he pulled down his suspenders.

"What's this?" she asked.

She touched a small leather bag hanging around his neck. Above it sat a necklace made of two silver coins. He touched the coins first.

"This is a necklace me and my brother made when we were in the war together. He has one too. It makes us feel connected when we're apart, y'know? He's the only family I have out here."

"Are your parents still alive?"

He shifted his gaze to her lips again. Evasive.

"My mother is still in Mississippi. My father…he's dead."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. He was mean… some folks say evil. He wasn't always like that. This right here is my mojo. Been wearing it for seven years. My old lady said it's supposed to protect me while I'm away."

"You're married?"

"I was. Common law. Not anymore."

"What happened? To you and your wife. Why didn't it work?"

Smoke fondled his mojo.

"Me and Annie…that was her name…she and I grew up together. She was a Creole from Louisiana. Her folks came out to Mississippi for work when she was little. We had a baby girl together who passed away real young. Almost two months after she was born. That was a tough time for us, and then the war came and…me and Stack…we went overseas. Never went back."

"She still down there?"

"Yeah."

Lena kissed his hand while it still held the mojo bag.

"I think I would've died had you left me," she said.

"That's all in the past."

"I'm sorry about your baby girl. I bet she was a real pretty little one."

He grinned at the memory.

"She was."

"What was her name?"

"Selah."

"Forever."

"Huh?"

"Her name. Selah. It means forever."

"I didn't know that. Forever…"

"Smoke…"

His lids spilled over with tears. Lena tried to wipe them away.

"I didn't mean to make you sad, I'm sorry Smoke…forgive me…please…forgive me."

He sought her lips and kissed away his sorrow. She gave him the passion she held for him and he groaned with the relief at letting go. Sliding her hands around his neck, she held him close. His hands roamed, learning her curves and soft places. Their body heat grew as passion rose higher.

Lena reached down and squeezed his dick. It throbbed in her hand and she groaned.

"Smoke!"

They both moaned between kisses and he fumbled with the button and zipper of his trousers. He threaded his fingers in the back of her curls and forced her to face the mantel. She spread her arms wide and placed her hands on the surface to steady her body for what was to come. He shoved her dress above her hips. Smacking her ass once through her satin panties, he watched it jiggle.

He was an ass man, for sure.

Yanking down her panties, he pulled down his underwear to free his dick. She gasped when he lowered himself and bit both ass cheeks tenderly, then kissed them before dragging his tongue across the cleft of her backside. He kissed the back of her neck, and then whispered in her ear, "Do you want me?"

She shuddered at the heat in her ear as he plunged his tongue in and out.

"Tell me you want me."

"I want you…I want you Smoke!"

She began mewling as he fingered her clit.

"So wet…dripping…Lena…"

The breathiness of his voice had her stomach flip-flopping.

"Fuck me, Smoke. I want your dick!"

He dragged the head against her pubic hairs, parting the center until he reached her slick labia.

"What do you want me to do again?" he teased.

He nibbled on her ear and fingered her, dipping a tentative index and middle finger inside of her. Wiggling his digits, they both heard the gushy sound of her pussy…so ready for him.

"Make love to me."

"Maybe I wanna fuck instead."

She turned to look back at him. The words out of his mouth said one thing. His eyes said another.

"We can do both," she said, pouting her lips, the red lipstick seducing him more.

He entered her slowly, keeping one hand on the arch of her back and the other squeezing her ass cheek. Those needy eyes stayed on her ass. His thrusts were even, and like his brother, his dick tugged on her clit, giving her the friction to keep her overly aroused. She watched his face while he took her. So intense. His mouth parted as she squeezed his dick, sending tight pulses along his erection. He froze up and let her throw it back on him. By then, his hands hovered above her ass, slapping each orb, thrilled to listen to the loud smacking sound. He grunted, then gripped her hips to control the rhythm. Ecstasy lit up his face. Any thoughts of using condoms didn't matter. The man was in there deep and clapping her cheeks with the care that only an ass man could give.

Lena gave him a show, making her cheeks bounce.

"Fuck girl…dassit…give that shit to Daddy!"

She laughed, and he showed all his teeth with his lascivious smile that revealed gums. His lips bunched up when she hit his spot. She moved forward until she was just fucking the tip and he nearly lost his damn mind. He pulled down the top of her dress, trying to hold a breast, and she got off his dick.

Undressing, she took everything off except for her garters and stockings.

Smoke lusted at her nudity. She trembled. So much desire poured out from him through his eyes.

"Damn, you got some beautiful titties. They just stand up high. And your nipples are perfect. You look like one of them statues in a museum."

Her face warmed up from the compliments.

His eyes dropped to the damp hairs hiding her sex.

He took off his clothes and just let them fall to the floor. His dick was a solid mass of pleasure.

"You like what you see?" he said.

He grabbed his dick and fisted himself for her, letting pre-cum drip onto the floor.

Lifting one of her legs, he plunged back into her and fucked the shit out of her while standing up.

He pulled out of her pussy and threaded his fingers with hers, pulling her toward the back of the apartment. They passed two bedrooms. At the third, he picked her up and gently placed her on his enormous bed. She let him feel all over her body, and she did the same to his. Despite having the same physique as Stack, Smoke had pleasure areas that were distinct. Knowing all of Stack's erogenous zones, Lena had fun discovering all of Smoke's.

"Climb on top, yeah…the other way baby, I want to look at that ass while you bounce on me…damn…Lena…"

Glancing back at him again, she took joy in watching the contortions on his face. She gently rubbed and squeezed his nutsack. It felt heavy and so warm in her hand. Stopping her bounces, she let her pussy cradle his dick in wet warmth. His eyes rolled back, and he luxuriated in the feeling of connection.

Lena turned back around to face him, wanting to kiss him while she made love. They entwined fingers, and she held his hands down on the bed.

"You're riding me like you've been wanting this dick," he said.

"I have. As fine as you are, I'd be crazy not to want all this."

He thrust up, and her clit throbbed. Smoke rubbed gentle circles on it, pulling out soft sighs from her lips.

"Can I cum inside you?" he asked.

"Yes."

Her sweat dripped down on him and mingled with the sweat on his skin. She admired his chest and his mojo bag. Touched the silver coins necklace.

"I can make you feel good all the time, Lena. If you let me."

"I want you to. I want you."

"Yeah? I'm a lot to handle."

"I can handle you."

He thrust up and touched a part of her that brought an explosion of stars into her eyes. The slow rotation of his hips felt like the motion of water. It captivated her. She touched his lips. He kissed her fingers. His hands roamed over her breasts, and he pinched her nipples, making her laugh again in delight. His eyes latched onto hers and they remained quiet, staring at one another and mutually rocking against their hot, sweaty flesh.

The sex was slow. Gentle. Freeing.

Her orgasm rippled in strong steady throbs that knocked the breath from her.

"Smoke! Oh…I'm cumming on your dick…you're making me…ooh…ooh…"

The release stretched across her stomach and brought tingles to her nipples. Her toes bunched at his thighs, and Smoke kept pumping into her, thrusting his hips, stretching her walls…capturing her heart. When her mouth fell open, letting out a groan as the next wave of another orgasm exploded out from her, Smoke's body went rigid and he ejaculated. Her insides throbbed with his dick and it was the perfect start to their night together. Glancing at his face, there were shiny tears in his eyes.

They matched the ones that fell from hers.

Chapter 4 soon come...

Taglist:

@marley1773

@amethyst09

@mitruscity

@readingaddict1290

@issimplyaamazinggg

@eyeknowmywrites

@kitesatforestp

@fd-writes

@soufcakmistress  

@cherrystainedlipsbaby

@tclaybon  

@thadelightfulone

@allhailqueennel

@bartierbakarimobisson

@cpwtwot

@shookmcgookqueen

@yoyolovesbucky

@raysunshine78

@the-illlestt

@terrablaze514  

@l-auteuse

@amirra88

@jimizwidow

@janelledarling

@chaneajoyyy  

@sweetestdream92  

@purple-apricots

@blackpinup22  

@hennessystevens-udaku

@scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade

@bugngiz

@stariamrry  

@honeytoffee

@meilintheempressofdreams

@tyees

@eye-raq  

@writerbee-ffs  

@chocolatedream30  

@childishgambinaa  

@mygirlrenee

@thewaysheis—awkward

@tchallasbabymama

@lahuttor

@goodieyaya

@post-woke

@soufcakmistress

@yomiloo

@goddessofthundathighs

@nahimjustfeelingit-writes

@retroxvailles

@cydneyrenee4

@nizzle-mo

@cecereads209

@childishgambinaax

@gopaperless

@bombshellbre95

@tchallasbabymama

@musicisme333

@sister-winter73

@nccu-rnc

@sj206260358

@blmcd57110

@griot-of-wakanda

@xsweetdellzx

@nayaesworld

@carlakeks

@anaiyaflys143

@klutzylaena

@christinabae

@writerbee-ffs

@novahreign

@cosmicautomatonshark

@thedondada05

@wheresthecaptaincrunch

@pocahunatt

@blackgaladriel

@chrisevansmentee

@jackierose902109

@iheartamora

[moonstruck-poet]

The Confrontation

Pairing - Kaz Brekker x reader!

Summary - three times where the Crows find you two in suspicious situations leading them to conspire and the fourth time when they learn the truth.

Warnings - Assault, Harrassment

1. Nina

"You ready?" Nina Zenik questioned, quickly giving the surroundings a scan before pinning her eyes on you. "The minute Kaz joins us, you have to leave".

You exhaled and nodded, trying your best not to wince at the obnoxiously tight corset and trying to breathe properly. "Was this the only available option?"

"Thr most suitable option," she corrected and smirked after looking at you.

"Stop checking me out when I'm literally struggling to breathe, Zenik. Remind me why is it not you instead of me? Saints know you're better at this," you grumbled and shivered as the cold hair brushed against your off shoulder gown.

"Because unfortunately I'm the Heartrender here, aren't I?" She grinned and you glared, understanding that this was quite amusing. "Ah! There's your ticket," she nodded towards Kaz who was stumbling his way towards you, slightly out of breath.

"Here it goes," you sighed, smoothing your outfit. Somehow this simply seemed a much difficult job that gutting someone in the right place. Using a knife was just easier.

Kaz, now much closer gave you a nod, his eyes glinting as he gripped his cane tightly and you understood. You merely smiled softly before shooting Nina a wink and entered the club, your eyes immediately narrowing down on the target.

Your brain was replaying all of the tricks that your dear friend had so graciously shown. You weren't dumb of course, you knew the basics but she had a degree in flirting.

And so you braced yourself and appeared in front of the man, trying to hide a cringe when his gaze instantly swept over your physique shamelessly. A small flame of anger burned internally and you would be sure to use your favorite dagger very soon.

Meanwhile Kaz and Nina were sneakily observing from the window while also keeping an eye on the environment.

"She seems to be getting the required information," Nina exclaimed but her smile soon fell upon seeing the scene. "Oh Saints no," she whispered and Kaz, who had his back to the window whipped around.

His dark, dangerous stare found you with ease and his body tensed at your uncomfortable face that you were trying so desperately to hide.

He saw the way that man pulled you closer with every passing second until you were pressed flat against him, his foul breath staining your bare shoulders as your body shook with contained fury.

His fingers skimmed your skin while his lips brushed against your cheek and all Kaz wanted to do in that moment was to stride inside and take you out of his grasp.

But he was still talking, his lips moved and so did yours. You were still trying to wrangle every little piece of information you could possibly get while also trying to keep yourself safe.

"Kaz," Nina said urgently upon seeing the malicious smile on the stranger's face. "That's enough she needs to come out".

"I can't do anything," he said bitterly. "It'll just give out our position and put everybody in danger and I cannot have that," he finished, hating every part of himself.

"I like you, sweetheart," your target whispered, his face inches away. His breath fanning you, reeking of alcohol. "I wish to see you again. Please?" He asked, his voice manipulative and he dragged his lips from your shoulder to your neck.

"Of course," you murmured back, your tone deadly which he didn't seem to notice. "You'll see me soon. Very soon indeed".

"Perfect," he grinned against your cheek before kissing the skin and you stepped back with a smile, not breaking eye contact until you exited the door.

And immediately your flirty facade shattered and your were consumed by a dark energy as you rounded the corner, your pace increasing with every step.

"Oh Saints," Nina said as soon as you reached the meeting spot. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I am," you teased, a wicked smile but Kaz wasn't fooled, not at all.

He looked at you, trying to pick up every noticeable change and he sae many. The twitch of your eyebrow, the small frown appearing on your lips which was quickly replaced with a grin and the slight shudder of your shoulders.

He didn't think of anything at all as he removed his coat. "Here," he offered, his dark brown eyes burning into yours.

"It's okay, Kaz, I'm alright-"

"-Take it," he said firmly and when you didn't move, he put it over your shoulders and you almost sighed at the warmth. His touch was so gentle, so secure, a constrast to the emotions plaguing you moments before. "Are you okay?" He asked again.

"I want to go home," was all you could reply as you looked longingly at him, hoping that your eyes were enough to convey all of your feelings. "Please".

Kaz nodded, looking down as pain struck his chest. He could handle numerous difficult situations, but when it concerned you, he was always vulnerable.

"I'm sorry," he said lowly, his voice barely heard as he scanned your face, having an intense urge to place his palm on your cheek but the mere thought made him flinch. However he remained rooted to the spot, not backing away because he knew that you needed him at the present, and he wasn't leaving you.

Someone cleared her throat and that was what made him pull away.

"Extremely sorry but we have to move," she said softly and he nodded, his jaw clenching as he gave you one last, tender look before walking away.

The two of you followed and you clutched the coat around you tightly, a small smile threatening to break out on your face as you replayed the interaction with your dearest.

Meanwhile the Grisha was observing her friends quite eagerly, her eyes switching from one to the other. She had her suspicions from the minute she saw Kaz's panic-stricken face, and then the said person lending his coat confirmed it.

She saw his face contorting in sadness upon seeing your highly uneasy figure back at the club, saw the way his fingers fidgeted constantly because he felt helpless. In conclusion, she saw him lose control.

Kaz Brekker never lost control.

She should feel guilty for using her abilities on her boss, but how could she not? When a particular heart was thudding unbelievably as soon as his eyes fell onto someone else's. The beating had only seemed to intensify when he had put his coat around your shoulders.

The trip to the Crow Club was spent in silence. Everyone's mind being occupied by very different thoughts.

"There you are!" Jesper's cheery voice snapped them from their daydream. He slowly jogged over to you, excitement evident on his features. "Want to play a round of cards?"

All you gave him was a small, forced smile. He just looked so happy and you didn't want to be that person, "Let's go then".

"You don't have to," Kaz suddenly spoke making everyone stare in surprise.

"It's fine," you replied but he still gave you that look. The one where his eyes were just a tiny bit wide, eyebrows slightly raised to wordlessly ask if you were sure.

You nodded offering him a twitch of your lips before joining Jesper, Wylan and Inej at the table, helping yourself to some bread.

Nina had of course watched this soundless interaction quite seriously, and now she had some very interesting points that would definitely be shared with the other Crows; minus you two obviously.

"Now this seems fun," she said to herself, smirking at the way Dirtyhands had his eyes glued to you the entire time.

===============================

2. Wylan & Matthias

Having a lazy day at the barrel was something that happened once in a blue moon, because Mr Brekker made sure to always keep everyone on their toes. Today was one of those rarest days that the Crows actually had no job and so naturally they were lazing around in the club.

Jesper and Nina were gossiping, holding a small muffin in their hands as they whispered amongst themselves, probably sharing the headlines of all that had happened in the Barrel.

"You're sure? Our Kaz? Kaz Brekker losing control like that?" Jesper asked, double checking to make sure they were talking about the same person.

"Yes Jesper!" Nina sighed. "His heartbeat seemed to skyrocket the minute his eyes fell on her. I wss actually worried that he might have a cardiac arrest or something.

"Djel help me," Matthias muttered. "She's too good for him to ever say yes".

"Oh come on," Nina insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They're made for each other!"

"I don't know about that but they do make quite a pair," Inej added, her face screwed up in concentration.

"There's definitely something going on," Wylan whispered, putting on his scheming face as he analysed his thoughts.

Meanwhile Nina was now feeding another round of conversation to her gossip partner who was enjoying it very much indeed.

"No way he went over to the Dime Lions!" Jesper exclaimed mid-bite, his mouth opening as he registered the statement.

"He did indeed Jes," you walked down the stairs interrupting their conversation. "Rumour had it that he was paid handsomely as well".

"Of course he was," the gunslinger snorted before shaking his head.

"Where were you?" Nina asked, her eyebrow raised in question and all four heads turned to hear your answer.

"Kaz's office," you said and sat down on one of the couch, not noticing the small smirks painted on everybody's faces.

"What's he doing in there anyway?" Inej asked, having sharpened her knives and taking yours making you shoot her a highly grateful look.

But before you could reply, the said person called from from above, "Love! Have you seen that Kerch document that I had shown you? Where did you keep it?"

Silence. Complete and utter silence followed his statement as the Crows glanced at each other, their expressions the epitome of flabbergasted.

"Check in your bottom right drawer!" You shouted unaware, standing right below the floor so your voice could be heard better. "I've kept it along with other related files".

The minute you went back to your previous seat, you felt eyes staring at every inch of your face making you suddenly look up. "What the hell?" You asked, being startled at seeing every gaze pinned towards you.

"Did he just-" Jesper began but Wylan elbowed him harshly.

"Nothing," he answered sweetly, ignoring the sharp glare thrown his way. "How about we go visit the marketplace? You said you'd show me some firing powders".

"Yeah let's go," you nodded, putting your gun in the holster and donning a black leather jacket over your shirt. "Anybody need anything? I'm not going to get you fruit loops, Jesper," you narrowed your eyes before the boy could even utter a word.

"But you told me that-"

"But you also happened to have eaten three packets yesterday. So no. Absolutely not".

Inej and Nina snickered at the banter which was surely an everyday occurence. Jesper always being the hopeless little kid and you unintentionally acting like his older sister.

The said boy was looking at you with wide eyes and a small pout and you groaned in exasperation. "Fine! I'll get you some stop looking at me like that!"

"I love you so much," he grinned and shot a wink your way.

"Whom do you love?" Kaz Brekker asked, walking down the stairs and towards him with a raised eyebrow. Everybody fell silent at his impeccable timing to arive during the most unwelcoming moments.

"Her of course!" Nina butted in, pointing towards you before Jesper could reply and Matthiss noticed the way the Demjin's face contorted and tightened.

Kaz shot the Zemeni a small glare, not knowing himself that he was actually doing it before turning to look at you and all of the other crows saw the way his gaze softened considerably.

"Should we leave then?" Wylan broke the silence and tugged at your sleeve and your attention snapped to him.

"Yes yes let's leave," you followed him, almost at the door when Kaz called your name and you halted. "What's wrong? You need anything?" You questioned softly as he walked closer.

"You forgot this," he merely said and handed you a necklace that you had forgotten on his desk. It was only Wylan who actually saw the pendant and his mouth hung open.

You took it from his hands, fingers gently brushing against his gloved ones and he instantly felt a small amount of warmth seep into his very soul.

You lit a spark with only your touch.

You ignited him.

"Thank you," you smiled and quickly clasped it around your neck, tucking it inside your shirt so it would be hidden from privy eyes. "See you later, yeah?"

He nodded, hands tightening on his cane as he watched you leave. He never got round to telling you that he had wanted to spend this day with you and you only. But unfortunately you had plans and so he remained silent. Not wanting to be a hindrance.

He couldn't even remember the last time he had spent some quality time with you. Being too busy finding new deals and searching for missions that he couldn't properly acknowledge the best thing in his life.

When did he last take you out somewhere except for sneaking around to gather valuable information? You loved having hot chocolate late at night, when had he ever bought it for you despite knowing that the drink was your favorite?

You deserved so much better, his mind kept telling him. He couldn't even bring himself to give you the comforting touches that he knew you longed for. You never said a word but he saw it in your eyes. Whenever a plan had gone too complicated and particularly difficult, all you needed was a good embrace. But he could only ever bring himself to hold your hand. Nothing more.

And he hated himself for it. Despised every inch of his self because of his inability to provide for you. It killed him inside.

You were lovely and brave and better than anything he deserved. And he was twisted, crooked, wrong but not so broken that he couldn't pull himself together into some semblance of a man for you.

He was so lost in his thoughts that his sharp instincts failed to notice the stares that were currently burning holes in his face. "What?" He snapped and was on his way back to his bedroom when they stopped him.

"Goodness Kaz you actually look sad," Nina concluded, fighting the smirk that was quick to spread on her face.

"I have no reason to be upset," he rolled his eyes and started climbing the stairs slowly, his leg throbbing with slight pain.

"Wylan's right," Matthias said lowly. "The demjin is infatuated".

Wylan on the other hand was busy geeking over the chemicals that were presented in front of him. "How did I never know about this!" He said in delight and you chucklef at the way his eyes lighted up. "These are so much cheaper too".

"Get whatever you want," you squeezed his shoulder and he nearly jumped in excitement. "I'll just quickly go and get something from that shop, yeah?"

He nodded and you crossed the street to enter the clothing shop, smiling to yourself upon seeing beautiful coats lining the walls.

"Can I see some black shirts and vests, please?" You requested the man who nodded and placed numerous boxes on the table. "I'll take these three," you smiled, selecting two dark grey shirts and a gorgeous black vest that you knew would suit your man well.

"Oh hey! Didn't see you coming in".

Wylan simply laughed and examined the clothes that were being folded neatly and transferred in a bag. "For you?"

"Oh no," you shook your head and paid the kruge, it was a little expensive but it's fine. You could give him a gift every now and then. "It's for Kaz".

His eyes widened in surprise just a tiny bit and his lips stretched wide as the two of you exited the store. But then he suddenly grabbed your hand and pulled you towards an artefacts shop.

"How would this look on Jesper?" He said and pointed at a hat which was exactly what the gunslinger preferred.

"Absolutely perfect".

"Hey take a look at this," he directed your attention towards a few bracelets kept neatly in a box, making sure to keep his trained on you to pick up on every little change.

Your hand instinctively flew towards a handmade one woven with black thread. It was quite simple but had an intricate design. You loved it immediately and wasted no time in purchasing the little present.

"Let's go?" You asked, almost forgetting for a moment that you weren't alone. While the boy had his arms crossed and a knowing smile on his face as he followed your lead. Having an intense conversation with himself in his head.

It was almost night when you entered the Slat again and two of the Crows were lounging in the basement itself with the exception of Inej and Nina.

"I'll be back in a few," you whispered to Matthias who nodded and you climbed up thr stairs, eagerly wanting to give Kaz the gifts you had brought.

He waited until the sound of a door closing was heard before looking at Wylan who had a cheeky grin on his face.

===============================

3. Inej & Jesper

"Look at his hand!" Matthias whispered under his breath and nudged Wylan whose eyes shot towards Kaz Brekker. And indeed, a black bracelet was clasped onto his left wrist. Not that noticeable but nowadays nothing could ever escape their sharp stare.

"I've never ever seen him wear anything synonymous to jewellery," Matthias muttered and passed the message to Nina who perked up with a bright grin, as though struck by an inspiration.

"Watch me," was all she said and the the two boys glanced ahead in apprehension as she neared your location and bumped into you quite harshly.

"Saints!" A small shout escaped your lips as you were thrown backwards onto Kaz who was right behind you.

"Goodness I'm so sorry," Nina immediately apologised, not being sorry in the least as she rather scanned the couple's reaction.

Your back was pressed against Kaz's chest while his gloved hand, the one wearing a bracelet was wrapped securely around your waist, holding you against him. You placed your palm on top of his in reassurance, and your heart started taking up its pace.

"You okay?" He murmured in your ear and helped you stand up straight as you nodded; and he shot a deathly glare towards the heartrender, who gave a grin and sashayed her way back to the boys.

"I'm fine, thank you for that," you whispered before returning to the documents that were scattered on the table.

"You saw that?" She joined the duo with an excited expression, her hands flapping in front of her. "He didn't even flinch at her touch! It was almost like-"

"Like he's used to it!" Wylan completed her sentence and she nodded enthusiastically.

"Usually he'll push the person off for even invading his personal space, much less someone actually falling on him," Matthias added and she agreed.

"Ghezen this is going much better than I expected. Fifty kruge that they're already together since the past few months".

"Oh yeah?" Jesper interrupted the conversation with the biggest smirk on his face as he sat down, joined by Inej who was shaking her head with a smile. "Hundred kruge says that they've been married already".

"You do know that you're horrible at betting, don't you?" Matthias asked, raising an eyebrow at the large sum.

"But I think Jes is right on this one," Inej supported him making the said person's grin widen if that was even possible.

"What's making you so sure?" Wylan asked, quite suspiciously.

"Let me ah- tell you a little something I saw," his brown eyes glinted as he recounted the miracle that he and Inej had seen.

Jesper was walking on his usual route that led him back to the Crow Club with the Wraith beside him. They had both finished their parts of the job and had met on their way home.

"You got some intel?" He asked, his eyes scanning the various treats that were covering the shelves of stalls.

"Nothing," she answered with a sigh. "It is the same. He comes in everyday sharp at 7 in the morning and leaves exactly at 5. There has been no change at all".

"I think I'm going insane," he suddenly whispered and stopped dead in his tracks making Inej tense up immediately as she looked around for any threat.

"What's wrong?"

"That- That's Kaz isn't it?" He questioned, unable to believe the words that were on their way through his mouth. "In a- a goddamn flower shop?"

"Don't be ridiculous," she scoffed lightly but her she too froze upon seeing a familiar figure standing merely a few metres away. "Saints that is Kaz!"

"Let's go," he nudged her and she hesitated, not really wanting to pry but curiosity certainly gets the better of everyone. They walked closer silently, hiding behind another store which gave them the perfect view.

And there he was, the bastard of the barrel holding a beautiful, red rose in his bare fingers. Yes, he did not have his gloves on. Something that was noticed by the two.

They saw as he paid the small amount of money and began trodding down the road, his cane held tightly in one hand and the rose was held in the other that was hidden behind his back.

"Breadcrumbs," Jesper smirked at her and she let out a laugh as the two followed their leader, becoming increasingly suspicious. They didn't have to wait for long as the person that they had expected arrived soon enough making the two Crows grin.

"Nina was right after all," Inej muttered as she watched you waving at Kaz to gain his attention and the spying people stepped closer, wanting to hear the conversation that would surely grant them something.

"Hey," they heard you whisper, sounding slightly breathless.

"Hi," Kaz replied and took a tiny step closer so that his shoes were touching yours making you bite your lip. "This is for you," he added and presented the rose, his eyes hungrily scanning yours for every little change that he itched to see.

And you rewarded him with the grin that he oh so loved. When your mouth fell open slightly in surprise before morphing slowly into a gorgeous and breathtaking smile.

"For me?" You asked despite yourself, gently taking the flower from his hand and twirling it in your fingers. "Are you sure?"

A small frown marked his face, "Of course I am. Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Is it not for someone else? Maybe a pretty girl that you're thinking of wooing to help you get whatever information that you need," you teased, your lips pressed together.

"Darling," was all he said. His voice low, deep as he stared intently into your eyes, tilting his head to look even deeper. "There is no one like you," he finished and let a small smile form on his hardened face.

Jesper who had been listening with every ounce of concentration had to slap his palm over his mouth to prevent a squeal from escaping his feeble clutches. It was only for Inej roughly smacking his arm and dragging him away that he managed to not give away their position.

"Hence proved," he concluded his story with his arms extended to the present crowd who were utterly and completely shocked.

"No way that actually happened," Matthias grumbled, muttering to himself while Nina looked like she'd just received all of the available waffles for free.

"I'm a genius," she laughed heartily and chugged down a shot of whiskey in celebration of her matchmaking skills.

"I'm so going to win that bet, Zenik".

"Don't count your pigeons before they're killed, Fahey. We can't be so sure that they're actually married".

"We have to ask them!" Wylan urged, sitting up straight and looking at them for their opinions.

"We will," Nina nodded firmly while the rest appeared unconvinced. "Tomorrow".

"Let's hope that we're not murdered in our beds later that night then," Jesper sighed but he too couldn't contain his excitement.

===============================

4. The Confrontation

"Kaz," Nina said in delight as soon as the man climbed down the last step.

"Never thought I'd live to see the day when you're actually looking happy to see me," he retorted making her roll her eyes.

"We need to talk," Jesper elaborated making him raise an eyebrow as he took in all of his Crows minus you and Inej sitting with their arms crossed and heads held high.

"Does it concern me?"

"Of course it does that's why we're asking!"

"Saints give me the strength," he muttered under his breath before looking at the lot. "Go on then I don't have all day".

That's when Inej entered the scene, dragging you along with her and making you stand next to Kaz. "What's going on?" You questioned, heavily confused and looking around for an answer.

"We need to ask you something," Wylan answered your request.

"I gathered just as much".

"Are you going to ask or not?" Kaz growled in annoyance, his patience running thin.

"We just wanted to know-"

"I've been wanting to ask-"

"We had a feeling that-"

They all began together but not one could complete their sentence until Jesper was the one to blurt it out.

"You're married?"

Kaz and you stood still, dumbstruck before visibly relaxing and you chuckled, "That was quicker than I expected".

"I don't think four years is quick, love," Kaz responded, his lips stretching just the slightest making the crowd explode.

"FOUR YEARS?!"

"YOU TWO ARE ACTUALLY MARRIED!"

"WHEN DID YOU EVEN START DATING?!"

"HOW ON EARTH DID YOU EVEN MANAGE TO PULL HER OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE??"

"Ask him about it," was all you said and sat down on a chair with a very obvious smile adorning your pleased face. Everybody fell silent at once and you knew you had said the right thing. Nobody sensible would ever dare to question Kaz.

Jesper glanced nervously at him, "Can I atleast see your ring? Just to you know, have some confirmation?"

You laughed and pulled the necklace out from under your shirt, revealing a thin but elegant silver band encrusted with a small diamond at its center.

"K- Kaz?" Wylan asked, or rather pleaded.

To their surprise, he took off the glove of his right hand to reveal a similar ring resting beautifully against his pale fingers.

"Saints I win!" Jesper said in disbelief and stood up straight, slowly turning his head to look at Nina. "GIVE ME MY KRUGE!" And all watched as the girl slowly backed away, probably hatching an escape plan and ran swiftly with him hot on her heels.

"That was something huh?" You grinned and looked at your husband, slowly leaning over to intertwine your fingers with his.

"Quite," he huffed lightly but couldn't stay annoyed for long and alas, he too smiled. Not a particularly big one, rather a small, gentle twitch of his lips. One that was only ever displayed for you.

His eyes held the entire universe as he admired you from the side, looking at you as if you had hung those few stars that formed his constellation.

===============================

Taglist :-

@phoenix666stuff

[bckwardsfrwards]

Can you write more Dr. Phosphorus 🙏 the amount of fics he has is criminal, I think I've read all of them available-

Can do Anon, there's a reason I finally picked up the metaphorical pen and started writin again. Not enough content for the Skeleton Doctor.

GN Reader, no specifications but they are a meta human.

No TW, not beta read, I try to use as little (y/n) as I can, crossposted to my ao3 account!!

Word count: 1k

Sing your song Jailbird

(Doctor Phosphorus x Reader)

Getting yourself thrown into Belle Reve was never in your plans. You hadn't intended for things to go down the way they did but that's all it took. One little slip up left you tossing and turning in a cold dank cell.

You couldn't sleep, but that was most nights. Although you had no actual proof it was nighttime. You hadn't seen the outside world since before your incarceration. The guards had kept you in solitary for the first few days, giving some of the more… Animalistic inmates time to grow accustomed to your scent. Kind of like introducing two cats through a closed door so that they don't try to kill each other. Not that you were too worried about actually getting hurt.

You weren't really introduced to your fellow inmates so much as you were shoved into the open common area. Some douchebag guard yelling your last name as a means of identification before slamming the metal doors shut. You grumbled, more annoyed than anything before dusting yourself off and taking in your surroundings.

There weren't really that many other prisoners. Those that caught your attention being a giant shark man that was pointing and laughing at you. An enormous robot sipping from a can of gasoline. And a green skeleton? Rather a skeleton with a green fiery body.

Most of them turned their attention away from you shortly after glancing your way. But the Skeletal man tilted his head at you seemingly curious before going back to his game of solitaire.

You felt like a kid at a new school during recess. No idea who anyone is or how to talk to them. The decision was made for you as the robot drinking diesel made his way over to you. Each step shaking the floor a little.

"Hello new inmate, you seem to be a little disoriented. Could this be, G. I. Robot wonders, because you are secretly Nazi scum?" The robots arm transforms into a giant canon as he speaks, his red eyes glowing a little brighter.

"Woah! Absolutely not what the fuck?" You ask with a mixture of disbelief and disgust, your hands raised in surrender.

"Relax G.I. I don't think this is really Nazi material do you?" The skeletal man asks looking you up and down skeptically.

"Perhaps you are right, Doctor Friend." The robot apparently called G.I. says. Disarming himself and going back to sipping on his oil.

"Why don't you go check on Nina, I'm sure she'd appreciate the company." The irradiated man says, gently patting the metal giant on the back.

"That is a wonderful idea! I will go and check on Friend Nina and her Bride." The robot says cheerfully. You swear you can see a smile on his face as he walks away.

"Sorry about that, he's uh. Not too keen on Nazis."

"I couldn't tell." You say with an unamused roll of your eyes. "I'd rather there be a Nazi killing robot than a killer Nazi robot though." You murmur with a Huff of laughter.

"Yeah, you got that right." He says with a dry chuckle. "I'm Doctor Phosphorus." The strange man says after a beat of silence, turning his head to face you.

"(Y/n)" You say, reaching your hand out to shake his before glancing at his radioactive flesh. You withdraw slightly unsure if you can or should shake his hand.

"(Y/n… Well it's a pleasure to meet you but I wouldn't recommend shaking my hand unless you want to get radiation sickness." He says with a sigh.

You furrow your brow and before you can stop yourself you shake his hand anyway. Surprised at the heat radiating off of his palm. It's warm like when you hold your hand over a pot of boiling water just to feel the steam. You can hear a subtle buzz, a stream of quiet bubbling coming from his body.

He withdraws his hand first looking at it as if he had been burned, before looking back at you.

"Are you stupid or something?"

"Little bit." You say with a wide grin.

"You can't tell but I'm scowling at you with disapproval." The doctor says with a slight shake of his head.

"Well you're a doctor right? You can just fix me up if I get sick."

"I don't know if you can tell but I haven't exactly been a practicing physician recently." He says as he crosses his arms, looking you over again with a tilt of his head.

"How long has it been?" You ask, your brow raised in question.

The doctor sighs, "15 years give or take?"

"Goddamn. Guess I'm never getting out of here huh?" You ask with a dry chuckle.

"You ask a lotta questions (Y/n)."

"Who's Nina?" You question, despite the Doctors complaint.

He chuckles slightly before answering, "She's another inmate here, got hurt on a mission a little while ago. She's in the Med bay with Bride. Which is where you'll end up if you hang around me long enough." He says somewhat dejected.

You laugh lightly not taking his words too seriously. "Who's Bride?"

"Your leader on the field if you ever get picked for a mission." He says as he walks back over to his game of solitaire.

You follow after him with a skip in your step. You were already warming up to this guy even if he wasn't 100% sure about you. He takes a seat and glances obviously at the chair beside him, silently asking if you're going to take it.

You sit down and fold your hands in your lap, twiddling your thumbs. You expect him to keep playing his game of solitaire but you're surprised as he shuffles the cards carefully. You wonder how he isn't burning them.

"You know how to play go fish?" He asks as he starts dealing the cards between the two of you. Not bothering to wait for a response.

"Yeah, it's been a while though." You say, glancing from his hands to his face and back.

"That's just fine with me Jailbird." He says as he picks up his cards, rearranging his decks order.

You smile at him with a little mirth in your eyes. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

I'll write a part 2 if anyone really likes this! cheesey little ending but i figure its better to leave it open ended :) It's just the basic reader is an inmate in Belle Reve au. Although I am including Nina surviving and being nursed back to health while Bride watches over her.

[dissvicious]

Alone in Wano - 2 / 2

A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH for how y'all welcomed the first part of this little flic, I was SO nervous about it and I'm really really happy that it made you feel things! here is the second & last part, thanks again @a-killer-obsession for beta reading, platonically kissing you on the mouth buddy ♥ No content warning but maybe don't read if you're not comfortable with pregnancy & delivery stuff, and KidLaw is mentioned as a joke, maybe light Wano spoilers too

Part 1

“NO FUCKING WAY IN HELL. I'D RATHER DELIVER ALONE BY THE RIVER AND LET MY NEWBORN DRINK WATER FROM KAIDO'S FACTORIES THAN LETTING YOUR EMO-ASS FINGERS ANYWAY NEAR MY CUNT SO BACK OFF.” 

Law looked up at the ceiling, passing a hand on his face and taking a huge breath. He pondered for a moment if he could just leave the abandoned house and leave Nina on her own without checking her up. He rubbed his temple, looking down at the small woman in front of him, and tried to calm his nerves.

“Stop acting like a moron, Pinky-ya. You've lost a lot of blood, and I have more important business to attend. Just let me check if the baby's doing well, and I'll leave you alone.” 

Nina pouted and crossed her arms - a face she used to make to wrap men around her little finger. However that somehow had no effect on this stupid depressive doctor. Maybe her big pregnant belly blocked her cuteness aggression abilities? Maybe he was just an ass. She tilted her head, studying his face. By some ways he reminded her of Wire, which made her nostalgic.

That's not how things were supposed to happen. When Killer - at least the man she'd mistaken for Killer - hit her with his scythes, she lost consciousness and barely remembered anything then. She woke up in the small cabin she shared with Hiyori and Toko, curled in her bed, an immense pain radiating from her lower half. Hiyori did what she could to stop the bleeding but it was clear she needed a doctor to check if the baby was alright. By chance, running to the flower Capital, they bumped into Law, who was looking for his crewmates. Roronoa pushed her against the black haired guy like some kind of heavy packet with a mumbled “needs a doctor for pregnancy shit, Torao” before walking away, leaving both of them flabbergasted, and here she was. 

However, she quickly made clear that in no way Law could approach her, let alone touch her or look between her legs. Each of his attempts to do so ended up with him being hissed at and insulted, her nails threatening to claw his eyes out. There was a persistent rumor running through the new generation that Law and Kid had a quick fling at Sabaody, and even if it was long before Kid and Nina met, even if she never met Law before and even if Kid always denied it, it was enough to fuel her jealousy and hate towards this stupid ass doctor and his stupid ass poseur tattoos and his stupid ass spotted hat. 

“Come on, Pinky-ya,” Law insisted, looking at her with all the softness he was able to gather - which wasn't a lot, “just let me do a quick check up and I'll leave. I'll use my power, I won't have to touch you. Let me check if the baby is ok, at least.”

Nina hesitated, nipping her lips. She caressed her belly and thought for a moment. As much as it cost her to admit it, Law was right. She was worried sick about her unborn child. Since the attack, she suffered from heavy cramps, and she had lost a lot of blood. Tired and worried, she decided to put her ego aside and gave up. She lied on her elbows, uncrossing her arms, silently agreeing to let him do so.

Law closed his eyes and mentally thanked whatever god was listening to him for her cooperation, impatient to be done with this feral girl who seemed to hate him for no reason - not that he cared a lot. He conjured a room and used Kikoku to inspect Nina's body. Immediately, he frowned. 

“What? Something's wrong?” Nina asked in a surprising soft voice.

“How far along are you in your pregnancy, Pinky-ya?”

“About 7 months, why?”

Law put down Kikoku and looked down at her, understanding at the moment that he was far from being done with this girl. 

“You're in labor,” he said bluntly, looking her in the eyes. 

Nina sat up immediately, gritting teeth as she felt an intense pain in her lower abdomen. 

“No,” she cried, “he's too small, he wouldn't survive.”

Law sat on his heels, pondering his options. They were alone, in an abandoned house. With his devil fruit he could stop the labor, but he wasn’t experienced enough with pregnancy to trust his abilities to do so safely. Not to mention the mother lost a lot of blood, and the probable placental abruption the hit induced. There wasn't any good choice in this situation.

“7 months, he has good chances to survive,” Law said, trying to be reassuring.

Nina shook her head, putting her hands on her belly as to protect it from him, tears flooding down her cheeks. “No, no. You’re a doctor aight? And you have some shitty doctor power, so use them to stop the labor, I can’t deliver now, I can’t do it.”

As Law looked down at her, he suddenly felt a wave of pity for Nina. With her hands on her belly and the mix of anger and fear in her eyes, she looked like a feral creature protecting her cub. At this moment, he understood that behind all this though girl attitude and aggression, she was probably deeply scared and anxious.

“Pinky-ya,” Law said with a stern voice, looking right in her bright green eyes, “right here and now the best option for you and your baby is to deliver. If he stays in, with the blood loss and without any good hospital around, I can’t ensure his survival. I’m not sure, but I think your placenta broke. If you deliver, though, I could use my ‘shitty doctor power' to check for any issue and heal them if necessary.”

Nina shook her head again, closing her eyes as tears flooded down her cheeks. She was terrified at the idea of delivering alone without her lovers, without her family, on a dirty floor in an empty house. “I … I can't do this I need Kid and Killer, I can't -”

Law grabbed her knees and looked down at her with a stern glance. “You can, and you will. I won't let you nor your baby die.” 

Nina held his glance, and something in his face provoked a change in her. For the first time she felt that her anger toward him might have been misplaced. It was clear that he wanted to do everything he could to save her baby, and that’s what mattered. She nodded weakly, tears flooding down her cheeks.

“Alright Trafalgar. I trust you.”

Next hour felt like a torture for both of them. 

Nina was lying on her back, gritting teeth and crying, following Law's instructions as he was trying to help the labor, looking between her legs, trying to fight the urge to run out of the house and vomit on the ground. He saw a lot of body horror in his life but it was the first time he helped with birth giving and to say the least, he wasn't comfortable with the whole thing. If it wasn't to save an innocent baby's life he would have left this shit behind him. 

After trying different positions to help the labor, he gave up and looked at her. “It won’t work. You're too weak after bleeding this much. We need to do a C-section”

Nina whined and looked down at him “Again?!”

“You already had a C-section?”

“Not much of a choice when you're 5’0” and have to deliver a 16 pound baby…”

Law winced. Two C-sections, in a short amount of time… that was risky. But with his powers, he could manage to make it safe for her and her baby. “Pinky-ya, do you trust me?”

Nina surprised herself when she realized the answer was yes. They didn't appreciate each other, that was clear. However, he still went out of his way, stopped as he was going to look after his men, because she needed help and he was the only one able to provide it. Her eyes met his, and a silent comprehension passed between the two of them. Law stood up and raised up his hand.

“Room,” he said with his deep voice, the house around them suddenly glowing in a blue light. He looked down at her, trying to locate her womb and the baby in it with as much precision as possible, using both his devil fruit and his Haki to help him do so. It was the first time he had to do something like this, and he was a bit nervous. 

He took a deep breath to steady, before turning his hand, fingers pointing up. “Shambles.”

What happened next mesmerized both of them. Without any pain or suffering, a round hole opened in Nina’s belly. Her baby, wonderful, amazing, the size of a regular baby despite being preterm, flew up from it, umbilical cord still attached to both of them as Law created a protective bubble around him to replace the amniotic bag. 

For a moment, the whole house went silent, Law and Nina both transfixed by the sight in front of them. The baby already had a mess of blonde hair on his head, leaving little to no doubt to who his father was. For Law it conjured bittersweet images, images of someone he used to know and loved like a father, in another life.

After a few moments, Law snapped back to reality, and used his powers to cut the umbilical cord, proceeding to check for any issues in the newborn before giving him to Nina. 

“I did everything I could,” he whispered, a hint of worry in his voice, “now, he has to scream.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Nina held her baby against her, cradling him softly. 

“Please,” she whispered, “please sweetheart please. Please scream. Please.” 

After what seemed like an eternity, loud screams and cries echoed in the house. Nina burst into tears, hugging her newborn baby, holding him carefully as if afraid to break him, humming the scent of his head, peppering kisses on his little face. 

She looked up at Trafalgar, who was sitting on the ground, catching his breath as well.

“Thank you” she whispered.

“No problem” he answered, and Nina could swear she saw him smile.

[paperbackpanic]

Good deeds the pastas do

A/n: inspired by @milkycarnations post :) most are a "living together" type of good deeds bc I assume they're kinda of hermits because of the nature of their "job"

🪷 Eyeless Jack homeschool the child pastas, the pastas that are in highschool and the ones who didn't conclude the basic education level on the "right time" (idk how to explain it better). He might be a bit rusty with English and history but other than that he's the perfect teacher. His patience is not usually that high but when he's teaching he turns into a saint.

🪷 Jane will clean people's clothes without them asking, she'll even patch them if there's holes. She also makes people new clothes when she gets her hands on fabric, usually they're practical and simple (something like gym clothes, easy to run with) but super well made

🪷 Hoodie will take pictures of whoever asks him, and he'll go above and beyond for them. Think throwing himself on the ground to get a good shot, huge lights, all that. Heck he'll even make a physical photo album with edited photos if it's a person that he's able to communicate more often than just a stranger asking him for a favor.

🪷 Toby will return shopping carts that he encounter scattered around parking lots, and if they see a person not returning them he'll put the cart behind their car so they'll have to keep getting out of the car to push it way. He'll do it until the person loses their patience and return it. He'll also make sure that the person doesn't see that it's him putting the cart behind the car so the person has no idea why it's happening

🪷 Laughing Jack will put people's favorite candy and snacks in their rooms if he notices that they're feeling under the weather, sick or anything like that. He'll deny it but he does it pretty often. Also makes an effort to know the top 5 snacks because he knows that someone's favorite can be hard to come by.

🪷 Masky will fix people cars if he notices that's something wrong with it. Scratches? No problem he knows how to fix, sometimes even if there's no paint. Bumps? Fixed. Need to change the oil? No you don't, he already took care of it last week. He also checked the antifreeze, the water and the gas. If he's with the energy he'll clean it too.

🪷 Cody will make sure that there's no cross contamination in the food you consume if you have any allergies, both inside and when you go out to eat. Someone is cooking shrimp and you're allergic to shellfish? He's making that person disinfect every corner of the kitchen. Going out to eat? He'll make sure the cooks make your food correctly, if you have Celiac disease or something like that that's "harder to see" he'll order the same food as you to make sure they were prepared differently (like he'll order the same burger as you to look if it's made with different bread). Also he always has at least 2 EpiPen in his pockets.

🪷 BEN will always play with you when you ask him. Even let you win if he knows you're feeling bad that day. Videogames? Deal. Board games/card games? He's making at least 2 other people play with you too to make it more interesting. Children games like house? Hell yeah. Just not ask him to run around that much, like when playing tag or something, he will do it but he also will complain a lot about it.

🪷 Jeff will always speak for you in public places if you can't do it yourself. He'll also complain for you. Need to order something in a restaurant? He got it. Your burger came with pickles when you ask for no pickles? Bet he's already on the counter asking to switch the order. Your AACC device is out of battery? Write down what you want to say and he'll do it no hesitation.

🪷 Nina will always do your makeup, hair and nails. Her room is basically a saloon for when y'all go out and is super fun! Loud music blasting, chatter, dancing all that! She'll even make an effort to learn other alt makeup (she already knows emo/scene) if you're in some alternative subculture. Gyaru? She's getting those huge press on nails and fake tan. Goth? She already has white foundation and black lipstick. She'll spend a good amount of time learning techniques that she knows you like to use just to guarantee that you're feeling 100% hot.

[system-network]

Creepypastas with a reader who has asthma

Characters included: Ticci Toby, Jeff the Killer, Jane the Killer, Nina the Killer, Clockwork, Eyeless Jack

Mainly for fun because I have HORRIBLE asthma :)

'Ticci' Toby

• I feel like he would also have asthma to a degree

• His isn't bad enough where he needs an inhaler on him though

• If your asthma is really bad, he will carry one on him, just in case

• He loves giving you a head start if you guys wanted to race

• He won't let you win, but he thinks it's funny to see you run as you're wheezing

Jeff the Killer

• "Just breathe pussy"

• Definitely is an ass about it

• Instead of getting your inhaler if you need it he'll just laugh, like, bro is GIGGLING

• You'll be on the floor and he's just pointing

• He'll try to not laugh if it seriously pisses you off, but no promises

• He'll ask if he can have a "hit of your vape" when you pull out the inhaler

Jane the Killer

• Takes no chances with you

• You HAVE to bring your inhaler, your breathing machine, and any other medicine you have in a bag before you leave for a mission

• She just doesn't want you to get out of breath :(

• Definitely the most understanding, but the most overbearing when it comes to your asthma

• Has a timer for every 4 hours when you're supposed to take a treatment and will remind you to do it on the DOT

• She'll definitely tone it down if you tell her it makes you feel shitty about yourself

Nina the Killer

• She has asthma and carries around her inhaler in her hoodie

• She's hype when she sees you pull out your inhaler

• "OMG ME TOO!"

• She will give you stickers to decorate your inhaler with

• If you're embarrassed to pull out your inhaler in front of people if you need to take a puff, she will do it with you

• she doesn't care if she's wasting it, as long as you feel comfortable :)

Clockwork

• She doesn't have asthma, but she knows what it is

• She will carry you if you start wheezing

• like, if you breath as you're walking up the stairs and she hears you- you're suddenly off the ground and over her shoulder

• Definitely forces you to do your breathing treatment every morning

• she'll get it ready for you too

• when you say it's done she taps on it to make sure

• She isn't as overbearing as Jane, but she will check up on you if she just feels like it

Eyeless Jack

• He's probably the one writing the prescriptions for you so you can pick them up

• He will make sure you don't forget your inhaler when leaving

• like, he's at the door with it like a mom with a kids lunchbox

• Depending how severe your asthma is he'll also keep timers for every 4 hours

• Unlike Jane though, he won't force you to take your breathing machine if you don't need it

• Definitely checks how many puffs you have left after each day so he can get a new refill

[the-s1lly-corner]

Crps but you're all having a sleepover

thats right baby we're returning to the 2010s creepypasta fandom for this one, where everyone lived in the slender mansion and shit obvious hc derailment from my normal posting but im feeling a little nostalgic </3 the way i portray characters is the same as i usually do it, theyre all just roommates now notes: reader is gn, platonic post really since its just talking about what everyone is doing in the mansion, admin is attempting to catch the energy of 2010s quotev/wattpad creepypasta x reader fics/quizzes... including only characters that were a "standard" for the mansion stuff, at least with the stuff i looked at! splendorman and nina are here though even though they dont fall under that, a LOT of parts are connected with each other and reference one another cws: none

SLENDERMAN

he usually doesnt like getting wrapped into the chaos that happens when everyone decides to spend the night in the common area of the mansion- and he never quite saw the appeal in sleepovers

if you need a break from the chaos inside, you can find him holed up in his office or out in the woods

if hes out in the woods and you go searching, it doesnt take you long to find him

or rather, it doesnt take him long to find you- he knew you stepped out the second your feet touched the grass

you keep each other company... its a quiet night out..

he wrongly assumes everyone is going to behave and that he doesnt need to check in on them

SPLENDORMAN

looooooves sleepovers, acts as a sort of "supervisor" to make sure no one gets hurt and nothing gets set on fire... hes... not very good at it since theres so many people and theres so much going on

attempts to orchestrate games so everyone can have fun together- and while some people do form a small group to play, most of everyone else is doing their own thing throughout the night!

hangs around you if you need a break from the chaos, talks to you to pass the time

checks in on you and everyone else to make sure everyone is having fun

he kind of gives off those "are you winning son?" dads but hes asking everyone is theyre having fun

JEFF THE KILLER

throwing knives into the fireplace trying to hit the same spot over and over, he offers you his knife to let you give it a try! nina might come by and join you two at some point!

loudly talks shit about some of the other people in the area... cough cough jane cough cough

its a miracle a fight hasnt broke out yet... but its definitely very likely

hes the one responsible for the music, and of course, its all his personal taste... but if you ask nicely and if its a good enough suggestion he might just let you play a couple songs!

at some point you two decide to go help laughing jack make snacks... more on that in his part!

JANE THE KILLER

doing her best to ignore the chaos around her as she sits with sally and plays with her... there arent many other creepypastas around that are in her age group, and jane doesnt want to make her feel left out

she does end up spending most of the night downstairs with everyone else but she does take breaks to step outside to clear her head, its way too loud and theres way too much going on

offers to let you come outside with her, if you want

you both kind of just end up talking outside on the porch before heading back inside

you try to help convince nina and sally to go upstairs to play, you both might just be successful!

wont be sleeping with everyone else downstairs, shes probably going to retreat to her room at some point to sleep

NINA THE KILLER

also sitting with sally, theyre making friendship bracelets! if you want you can join in and make some with her!

ninas an absolute pro at making bracelets, they easily outdoes everyone sitting in your group!

offers to paint your nails or experiment with some makeup on your face! doesnt push too hard though because shes all for a good time, doesnt want to make you feel uncomfortable

playing music against jeff's music, total genre clash that hardly sounds pleasant- perhaps the four of you can retreat to sallys room?

joins in on the snack making at some point in the night, and while she doesnt start a fire she does make something diabolical

think the monster and sour airhead strip thing

LAUGHING JACK

he does NOT know how to cook but he wants to give it a shot now that no one is in the kitchen

you guys probably start a small fire while trying to make popcorn, absolute chaos breaks out- jack is eating burnt kennels, you're trying to whack the flame out, jeff is cackling, and splendorman is rushing in to see whats going on and he nearly has a heart attack

prior to that jack is passing out candy and doing his own thing, you might be able to convince him to wind down and watch a movie with you and some of the others!

last one to fall asleep, if you can call what he does sleep... he... doesnt need to sleep, he just pretend sleeps

will instantly rush over if you offer him to join in on an activity youre doing, whether youre by yourself or with someone else

EYELESS JACK

pretty tame, all he's doing is streaming movies in the living room so theres something to watch- or more sound to add to the background

has enough sense to turn on subtitles so you know whats actually being said against whats going on around you

he would sneak you snacks if he had them, but he didnt think to grab anything thats friendly for you- that sort of thing doesnt cross his mind that often since he doesnt... eat normal people food

pro at tuning everyone else out, he might just end up tuning you out because hes so used to things descending into chaos

you both might end up having a conversation about anything at some point, really any topic is on the table

BEN DROWNED

one of the rare occasions where hes out and about rather than being confined to his devices- surely he will use his limited time to hang out with everyone in bulk!

right..?

you thought! sure he might come down every now and then to hang out- namely hang out with jeff or sally for a few minutes, but hes going to be spending a lot of his time in his room upstairs playing video games

and youre more than welcome to join him! just be aware that hes likely going to be using cheats and hacks!

love the idea that ben is friends with a lot of the other gaming creepypastas so theres a chance theyre also going to be playing with you guys, even if theyre not there in person

absolute insanity ensues, mostly due to all of the cheats

SALLY

wants to hang out with everyone and while shes not totally dismissed, she ends up spending her night on the floor drawing- but jane and nina do join her at some point to keep her company

over the moon when you come over and sit with her!! shes already made you a friendship bracelet, nina showed her how! in fact shes already made one for everyone!

do ghosts sleep...? if so youre probably going to have to take her to bed at some point, whether it be at her bedtime or if she simply falls asleep while you hang out

as soon as nina offers to do your hair or makeup, sally is immediately jumping up and offering to help

will probably ask for her hair to be done as well

MASKY

its either him or hoodie, but one of them is going to end up being the one to put out that fire laughing jack starts in the kitchen

cannot stand the excess noise so hes probably going to step outside to clear his head or go upstairs

its best to give him a few minutes before offering to join him, he needs that window of alone time to depressurized

basically plays babysitter next to splendorman, basically making sure nothing gets wrecked inside or outside

you guys dont really talk out on the porch, there isnt much to talk about

offers to walk with you through the woods before returning inside

you both kind of just hang around in the corner keeping an eye on everyone

one of the last ones to fall asleep as well

HOODIE

similar to masky in the "hes making sure nothing is getting too insane and nothing is being damaged", he might default to the couch with eyeless jack

switches between watching the movie thats being played and scanning the room to make sure everyone is mostly behaving

unlike ej, he did think to keep some small snacks on him and hes willing to share with you if you ask

will keep the good stuff/his favorite stuff for himself though

doesnt sleep in the living room, will eventually go back up to his room at some point to go to bed... with the exception of characters who outright dont sleep, hoodies 100% the one staying up the longest

asks you about the movie when it ends, if you know sign or have some way for him to communicate with you

TICCI TOBY

probably gets caught up in the energy- in multiple ways! i do think at some point hes going to get overstimulated and need a step back but for a while hes hanging around with everyone else and kind of leaning into the chaos

briefly joins jeff in the "weapon throwing" activity, naturally wants to use his hatchets

at some point you both kind of just sit on the floor in a corner and just talk about- literally anything

you look through stuff on your phone, probably leads to introducing him to a lot of internet stuff... he uh... isnt on the internet all that much

oh you guys are definitely taking random quizzes and stuff

nina might join you guys for a bit at some point- leads to you guys taking quotev quizzes and things get more... silly

[fallstaticexit]

Prev / Next / Beginning

DJ plays- Color Me Badd - I Adore Mi Amor

Transcript under the cut

Geoffrey: Hey! Check out this little guy.

Bob: Probably one of the cats they let in the church to keep the mice out. Wonder what’s he doing all the way out here.

Geoffrey: We can’t leave him out in the cold. It’s starting to get cold soon.

Bob: There’s no way you think we can sneak a cat in the dorms.

Geoffrey: I’m pretty sure people have snuck in worse. Besides, we’re doing an act of kindness, right, little guy?

Bob: Does Nancy like cats?

Geoffrey: [nervously] W-why?

Bob: I saw you two being all cozy at the game the other day. Care to share?

Geoffrey: She was just being nice, that’s all...

Bob: Popular girls aren’t just nice for no reason. Actually...popular girls aren’t nice at all.

Geoffrey: She’s different. She’s still the same Nancy Landgraab I knew when we were kids. Kind. Smart. Um, really pretty...

Bob: Oh, boy. Do you hear yourself! You my friend are in l-o-v-e and you should talk to her! Ask her out!

Geoffrey: Ask you Nancy Landgraab? How do I do that?

Bob: Glad you ask. I am a certified ladies man. You just gotta- you know, talk to her! Listen to her when she talks. Ask about her day. Compliment her brain, not just her looks, trust me.

Don: [snorts] You listen to this dickhead and you’ll never get laid, Osteer. If you want to hook up with Blondie, I can help you out. It’ll cost you, though.

Geoffrey: Like what?

Don: Room swap. It’ll be easier for my girl to come over without getting caught if I have your room. Dina is friends with the hot blonde chick and she’ll put in a good word. Don’t worry, you can tap that before we swap. Deal?

Geoffrey: I don’t know... shouldn’t I get to know her better?

Don: We’re saying the same thing, dumbass! I’ll let you in on a secret; Tonight, a couple of us cool kids are sneaking out to a college party. Blondie will be there, and you two can get your freak on. How’s that?

Geoffrey: I-

Don: Atta boy, Osteer! Don’t dress like a dork virgin either.

Bob: [in a baby voice] I think this is a bad idea, Geoffrey! Yeah, couldn’t have said it better myself, little guy.

-

Geoffrey: Hey, Nancy. Um. Thanks again for helping me the other day. The only thing that’s bruised is my ego, honestly.

Nancy: Yes, of course. I’m glad you’re okay. Sorry about your ego.

Geoffrey: [chuckles] It’s ok, it should be used to this by now. What are you reading? Can I sit with you before class?

Nancy: Yeah, sure.

Vanessa: She has a crush on Geoffrey? Why didn’t she tell me?

Nina: Apparently, they’re childhood sweethearts. We need you to play matchmaker. If anyone can hook them up, it’s you, VV.

Nancy Narrates: [Ever since that night in my room, Vanessa has been noticeable distant from me. The only thing reaching me was that lost, faraway look in her eyes]

Cassie: Guys...I don’t know. What if Sister Agnes decides to do another room check? What am I supposed to say?

Cassie: I’m just gonna say it- I don’t think you should do this. Feels wrong. Lying? I wouldn’t even know what to say if someone asks. Nancy, say something-

Vanessa: Jesus fucking Christ, figure it the fuck out! Come on, Nancy.

-

Geoffrey: Do you want to da-

Nancy: Getting a drink.

Vanessa: Hi.

Nancy: Are you mad at me about something?

Vanessa: Why would I be mad at you?

Nancy: I don’t know..

Vanessa: Put that down and come dance.

DJ plays- Color Me Badd - I Adore Mi Amor

Dream on, dream away I think I'm gonna have to stay Stay forever I adore mi amor

You want to take her place You say you'd treat me better Better I know for sure

You see she loves me And I could never leave her

Nancy Narrates: [There it was, that feeling again. Only this time, I did fall completely apart]

Nancy: [panting]

You're the one that I adore (I adore) I'll be forever your love (mi amor)

[thebestofoneshots]

Gilded Constellations | (wolfstar x reader)

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 6.4 K Warnings: none Prompt: Potions and plans. Proofread by sweet @daydreamandforget Richard's photo on header by: @holdmymallowsweet

Chapter 76: She's Got A Way

Wednesday, 26 January 1977

“What’s that?” Sirius asked as he sat beside you in the common room. You had skipped the study club in the end. When students found out you were part of it, they started to crowd around the library with the sole purpose of asking you questions. The regulars found it harder to actually concentrate, and by Tuesday, you decided it’d be much better to stop going, at least until ‘the fresh paint dried’ and people got bored of asking questions you would not answer. 

Not to mention how eerie it felt to be there without Nina sitting either next to you or a few seats away. On Monday, you had seen her wand and absentmindedly called her name aloud, intending to ask her to pass you some parchment, only to remember that she was no longer there, and you were the owner of her wand now. You got a few pitiful looks from some of the other club attendees, a short leg squeeze from Remus right under the table, and a chorus of hisses and tuts from the stubborn onlookers. 

“Potions journal,” you answered Sirius’ question, as you opened it a little wider for him to see. “Wolfsbane.” 

“Wolfsbane Potion? I don’t think I’ve heard of it.” 

“You haven’t,” you said confidently. “It’s just been invented.” 

Sirius frowned and looked at the pages again. “Is that the potion you helped Damocles Belby with?” 

“The very same.” You leaned down, opened your rucksack, and handed the potion to Sirius. “I think Slughorn already gave a vial to Remus as well.” 

“Mhm?” Sirius asked as he examined the bottle. The contents looked thick and syrupy, like Luminhoney. 

“Yeah, and I’m sure Belby thoroughly checked the ingredients and the process, but… I want to make sure,” You added as you pulled out a smaller notebook that you’d filled with your own notes regarding the process used to make the potion. You also had several books that you’d borrowed from the library scattered around the table in front of you, and you were cross-checking every single step and ingredient to make sure nothing would be poisonous or toxic, especially the wolfsbane.

“Well, if it’s called Wolfsbane after the plant then?” 

“Yes,” you said. “Aconite is very poisonous. In theory, the process we put it through to make this renders it harmless, but it’s extremely delicate and depends on exact measurements of several of the other ingredients.” 

“You think Belby could have made a mistake while preparing it?” He wondered, rolling the bottle around his hand.

“I don't think so, no,” you said and then sighed. “But I’m not letting Remus drink this until I’m sure.” 

“And how are you planning to do that? Feed it to rats?”

“Kless did that already,” you said as you shook your head. You scratched something in your notebook and then allowed it to fall on your lap as you turned your body towards Sirius. “That book there mentions a stone,” you said as you pointed at the largest book in your stack. Sirius raised one of his eyebrows. “An Italian alchemist called Andreas Berlusconi discovered it while trying to create the Philosopher’s Stone. He named it Scopritore di Veleni, but most people know it as Berlusconi Stone. Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire confiscated the stone. It’s rumoured that it was stolen shortly after his death.”  

“Was it ever found?” 

“No,” you sighed. “But according to this book,” you pointed at a small red book on the corner of the table, “Berlusconi’s writings were found in a lost archive in the late eighteen-hundreds, and guess who was made responsible for safekeeping them? Percival Dumbledore!” 

“Didn’t he end up in prison?”

“He did,” you said with a small nod. “But it was for something else. The thing is, when he was thrown into Azkaban and Professor Dumbledore started working here, his entire book collection was donated to the school,” you said with a smile and leaned back, feeling very proud of your findings. 

“Which means Berlusconi’s notes are somewhere in the library.” 

“My bet is on the Restricted Section,” you said with an air of absolute certainty. 

“And now, what?” 

“Well, we get his notes and try to recreate the stone, of course!” 

“Won’t they be in Italian?” 

You shook your head and smiled, evidently showing that you had done your research, “The official language was Latin, but Berlusconi’s mum was from Burgundy and there are rumours that he used to write his notes in French so people wouldn’t easily understand them.” 

 Sirius’ smile mirrored yours. “If that’s true, he did us a favour... When are we going to start?” 

“Has to be tonight,” you said. “I’ll ask Richie to go and check if the book is there. If it is, we'll try to collect it tomorrow. I don’t know how long the process to make the stone will take, but I hope we can do it before the next moon.” 

“Why?” 

“Remus told Slughorn he’d try the potion then.” 

“So… are you sneaking out tonight?” he asked with a pointed look. 

You shook your head, “Those nosy gits are probably still waiting for me there, because of the study club. I’ll just try and find Richie before curfew.” 

“And what are you doing… after?” he added, wiggling his eyebrows. “You know, it’s close enough to the moon for us to use the ‘smell of the pack’ excuse.” 

You laughed. Since the day in the bathroom, you had been sort of avoiding the boy’s dorm, at least when you knew Peter was going to be around. And you assumed he was thankful for it, since you were sure he’d have a hard time seeing you and Sirius all over Remus’ bed after what he thought had happened there, without Remus’ consent or knowledge. And while James hadn’t noticed your absence in their dorm much – being too preoccupied with the upcoming Quidditch match (even though Gryffindor wasn’t playing), Sirius and Remus had, and they missed you. Besides, they didn’t have much of an excuse to be close to each other without you around.

“Do you think Pete is ready?” 

“Who cares if he is,” Sirius said dismissively. “He can act all sanctimonious all he wants, like he’s not fucking Annie around every broom cupboard in this school; we all know he ain’t a saint. And we’re talking about necessary cuddles here.” 

You coughed out a laugh. By now you had to admit to yourselves that most of the time you three had spent cuddling had been anything but necessary – at least not for the safety of Vixen during the moon.

“I guess I could try,” you said, becoming softer all over. “We’d have to wake up for practice tomorrow either way.” 

Sirius groaned and laid his head on the sofa dramatically, “James’ obsession with the Slytherin vs Hufflepuff game is doing my head in.” You sighed and nodded. “Last night he kept me up because he thought it was important to analyse Imogen and Henry's technique. He said she was ridiculously good now because she went into a Quidditch Winter Intensive with the Cannons, and she’d trained for hours every day there.” 

“Huh, I had no idea,” you said with an interested frown. You hadn’t really had much time to catch up with Imogen, and while you had seen her in your shared classes, everyone who knew you well – and wasn’t the boys or your roommates – seemed to avoid the Christmas subject as much as they could. 

Sure, the entire school kind of knew (or puzzled out) by now what you had done at Christmas, but you had no clue what those two had been doing. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Imogen play.” 

“She’s good,” Sirius said. “But not good enough for Prongs to make me analyse old games that he stole from the fucking Hogwarts Quidditch Archive from last year.” 

“There’s a Hogwarts Quidditch Archive?” 

“Never ask him that question,” he warned. “But yes, there is one. They record all the commentary from the games and add some of the pictures taken to the files. I think they’re somewhere in the library, hidden behind a portrait or something.” 

“Is that how James became obsessed with Minnie’s lost Quidditch career?” 

“Yep,” Sirius said with a nod. “He found the records and read through almost every single one of her games back in third year. Lily was thankful for not being bothered by him for about an entire month. But hear this out. Everyone called Minerva Minnie in the games, so he had no idea it was the same person until he was called to her office due to a prank and noticed that she had a few pictures of Minnie. Naturally, he asked her about it, and she told him they were her old pictures. I don’t think Prongs has been that shocked since.” 

You laughed, imagining a younger James putting together that his idol turned out to be one of his most strict teachers. You were about to say something else when you spotted Tom walking in through the portrait. 

“Shit, what time is it?” you asked. 

“They’re still in the study club,” Tom responded, walking towards you and sitting on the armchair to the right. “I promised to meet with Minho today, so I left early.” 

You breathed and turned to the clock. “Did you by any chance see Richie on your way here?” 

“Richie?” he asked with a frown. 

“Richard Jackdaw,” Sirius explained. “The ghost.” 

“Oh,” Tom said with a frown, remembering him from the Hallowe’en Party. “No, sorry.” 

“No problem,” you said with a shrug. “I think I might know how to find him.”

“You do?” Sirius asked. 

“Yep,” you said with a nod. “I’ll stop by the kitchens before meeting him; you two need anything from there?” 

Tom shook his head, but Sirius’ eyes widened mischievously as he smiled, “Oh yeah, definitely bring us some snacks. For later.” 

Tom looked in between the two of you, narrowing his eyes at the seemingly hidden message, and then smiled complicitly. 

“Okay,” you said with an amused smile as you shook your head. “But there might still be no plan.” 

Sirius pouted. “You wouldn’t dare deprive us of your delightful company, would you?” 

“Dunno… perhaps I should,” you teased and leaned down to give him a quick peck on the lips just before walking towards Lady McDougal's. 

“I reckon she’s feeling a lot better then,” Tom said with a thoughtful soft smile as he saw you disappear through the portrait. He hadn’t seen you so determined in a while. It was as if you somehow had been searching for a purpose, or a distraction, or perhaps both. Whatever helped you escape the pressure of the myriad of students chasing you about, digging for information. 

“She is,” Sirius responded with a similar softness. Not because he thought you were over it; part of him suspected you would never really get over what had happened to you, but you were learning to deal with it in a way that wasn’t destroying you, which is what really mattered. 

You popped your head from behind one of the statues and looked around to make sure there wasn’t anybody lurking, stepping out of the hole in the wall as quickly as possible and legging it towards the kitchens. You were quick with your spell on the ticklish pear and walked inside. It was weird to be sneaky at such a relatively early time. The kitchens were filled with busy house elves working on supper. They turned to look at you as the portrait closed behind you, and then went back to their tasks. 

Nimbletwist was the first one to approach you. “Mistress is here again!” she said with her squeaky voice and a toothy grin. 

“Yes I am,” you said, returning her smile.

“What’s you been needing today?” she asked. “More meat for small creature in your chambers?” 

“Actually, I require some rotten meat,” you replied.

“Rotten, Mistress?” 

“It’s for a friend of mine, yeah. He’d been trying to tell me something and I ignored him. Turns out he was right all along.” 

“Mistress is planning a revenge then?” 

“Not at all,” you said with a giggle, although you did wonder if Nimbletwist would have been willing to help had that been the case. It seemed like she really would, which was quite useful to know. “My friend is a ghost. I’ve been told they rather like the strong smell rotten meat has.”

“Of course,” Nimbletwist said with a nod. She had often chased ghosts out of the kitchen bins when stinky leftovers were present. She walked towards the far end of the room and placed something that looked rather dreadful onto a brown bag before closing it tightly and walking towards you. “The bag is charmed, Mistress,” she explained, “So the smell makes you not sick.” 

You smiled, “That's so thoughtful, thank you.” You hadn’t even considered that you’d have to smell it all the way to the meeting place, and yet, you were still immensely thankful that she’d worry about something like that. She smiled proudly in return. 

“Mistress needing something else?” 

“Yes,” you nodded. “May I have some snacks? I think I might skip dinner today…” 

“Those nosy kids still follow Mistress around, don’t they?” she said knowingly, as she shook her head and snapped her fingers, a basket started filling itself with a rather excessive amount of food. You didn’t even tell her you’d be eating with the boys, she would have given you enough food for an entire army. 

When she was done you thanked her and asked her about her day. She said she’d been working in the kitchens the entire time, and that Peblier was on cleaning duty. “He seen those kids following you in the morning, Mistress.” 

You sighed, remembering recent memory: a young and rather inquisitive Ravenclaw girl found you after Quidditch practice with James and Sirius, and sat right behind one of the doors to intercept you. She had planted herself right in front of you and was looking at you rather nervously. 

“If this is about Christmas, you better get out of my sight before I hex you,” Sirius had said in a rather impassive tone. The small girl had looked quite terrified, you assumed it was due to the way both James and Sirius towered over her. You were a few inches taller than her as well. 

“Well?” James said, his broom resting on his shoulder. He sounded a little more polite than Sirius, but he was just as fed up as him (and the rest of your friends) with all the outrageously harassing questions. 

The small girl hiccuped, looked around, and stepped out of the way. 

“You don’t have to be so mean, Pads,” you said as you walked along with them. 

“Yes, I have to,” Sirius replied. “Last time I allowed them to open their mouths they asked about Regulus, and if you were cheating on me with him, and if that was why he was so insistent on helping you. Twats, the lot of ‘em.” 

You’d cringed at the memory. It had been a pretty nasty assumption. Not to mention, some even had the nerve to insinuate something about you and Arkalis fucking Rosier, which you thought was both gross, and ridiculous. The man was older than your father! 

Besides, hiding your new relationship had turned out a lot harder when all eyes were on you. You had to be careful when you were with Remus, or you’d end up creating even more rumours. At least nobody knew where you had been during the winter holiday, and most assumed you had been at the Leaky Cauldron the whole time, since someone claimed to have spotted you there at some point.

You were drawn back to the present by Nimbletwist handing you the basket. “I can trip them, Mistress. While they follow you, so they stop.” 

“I don’t think that’s–“ 

“Or Peblier and I could add laxative potion to their food at breakfast, they’d have to leave ye alone, then.” 

You tilted your head to the side, considering the option and then shook your head as you sighed. You could not do that to them. “They’re curious about… the events. It’s the biggest drama of the last few years and a welcome distraction from the war, I think. The Prophet needed news and so they've been exploiting the thing everyone was talking about. It’s understandable that they would have questions… they’re curious. We cannot punish them for it.” 

Nimbletwist blinked, as if considering your words, and then shook her small head. Her big blue eyes shone. “Me sees it differently, Mistress. Curiosity is good if it does not affect others, but it’s bad if it does. Think about it. Curiosity must not be punished, but what if it becomes invasion?” 

You were at a loss for words. Nibletwist’s thoughts were wiser than they let on. They didn’t just make sense, she worded them so brilliantly that it even got through you. “We’re still not going to hurt them, even if you have a very good point.”

“If ye change yer mind, Mistress. Nimbletwist and the elves are more than willing to help.” 

“Thank you,” you said with a smile. “For everything.” 

“Always joyous to help.” She smiled and walked back to the spot where she had been cutting carrots for a stew while you took the brown paper bag and the basket in your hands. “Have a good evening, everyone,” you said to the rest of the elves. Some replied politely, some seemed overly focused, and a few of the more grumpy ones looked pleased that you were finally leaving.

Once you were outside, the portrait closed right behind you and you took out the magic hairpin you’d gotten at Knockturn Alley out of your bag, and put it on. You had tried to use it as little as possible in Hogwarts since you knew how precious it was and you did not want people to recognise your secret identity, but you did not want to risk anybody finding you before you found Richie. Besides, at this point, a completely unknown and new student had higher chances of going unnoticed than you did, for better or worse.

You sped through the halls gripping the bag and the basket, with your head down; your steps just quick enough to avoid people looking at you for too long, but slow enough so it seemed like a natural pace. You found the right corner of the castle and rubbed the frog. In a matter of seconds, you were burped out inside the secret hiding spot. It was empty. 

Not that you were expecting your ghostly friend to be here; to your knowledge, he didn’t really spend that much time here in general. What you did know is that he had spent a lot of time here when he was alive, and you were going to bank on that. You took off the hairpin and then placed both the basket and the paper bag onto the counter, while looking around the place. You were sure you’d find something that had belonged to Richie if you dug deep enough. 

You opened some of the cabinets and dug through some of the books, opening the covers to see if they had a name tag on them. Most of them were library books, but once you had reviewed everything, you noticed there was something rather weird with the cabinet, the top shelf section seemed a lot deeper than the bottom. You raised one of your eyebrows before pulling enough books so that your hand would fit in. You knocked on the wood, and a hollow sound reverberated back to your ears. 

“You sneaky little bastard, a hiding nook within a hiding spot,” you whispered as you pulled the rest of the books out. You then placed your hand back inside and started looking for the way to open the secret section. You slid your hand inside, brushing your fingers near the corners and feeling the wood’s grain as you did. You felt a sharp puncturing pain and pulled your hand out quickly. You had gotten a small splinter stuck in your index finger. 

“Fuck,” you whispered and took your wand out and pulled the splinter out with a small and quick summoning charm before dragging your finger to your mouth and sucking the drop of blood that had spilt from it. You looked at the cabinet again and leaned your head down using Lumos to see what was in there. There was no button, no ribbon to pull, no door to slide, nothing. There had to be a way to get in there. But how?

You looked around the room, trying to dissect the problem into smaller bits, when you realised this wasn’t another one of your dad’s tests where there was only one solution, and it was typically his solution. You took your wand out again and pointed it straight towards the cabinet. “Accio wooden plank!” you said. The plank flew out of its way and crashed onto you sharply. 

“Fuck!” you said again, now a tad angrier than when you got the splinter, but it was quickly dissipated when you realised there really had been something hiding inside the secret compartment. You smiled, discarded the wooden plank to the side, and pulled out an old-looking journal. 

You opened the first page, and there it was, written in neat cursives: Richard Jackdaw. 

Got you! You thought as you opened a random page of the journal. It started with a date and it was followed by a rather boring retelling of his day, ending with an interesting conclusion to a Defense Against the Dark Arts class that explicitly spoke of the Unforgivable Curses. 

Of course, you knew what they were, but you had never seen such a thorough explanation of what they did and how to cast them properly. You eyed the journal a little bit more. The handwriting seemed slightly different at the beginning from the end, which you found oddly interesting. But the second part seemed to be written in more of a rush than the previous one, and you knew from experience how your own handwriting was remarkably different when it was written with care or when it was scribbled hastily. The writing spoke of a beautiful girl named Apollonia, another one named Anne, and later of a boy named Sebastian, who seemed to be the one that had taught him the Unforgivables. 

You frowned but stood up, carelessly waving your wand over the floor so the wooden plank would go back to its place, and then placed the journal on top of the table. You picked a parchment and a charcoal pencil from your bag and started drawing a symbol with runes on the sides. Old magic, you had used it before in Potions, and it was often the main source in Divination. You had read a lot about it lately, and apparently there was a spell that could summon ghosts. 

You had your doubts, of course. You had never heard of such a thing before the book you were currently reading. But if there were spells to repel them, why not some that could summon them instead? You added the last detail of the Antropos symbol and placed the journal in the middle. 

“Kaleí Fantasmae,” you said as you pointed your wand towards the goblet with dried mugwort and sage leaves. “Faté Richard Jackdaw.” 

You waited, looking around to see if he had arrived, and when nothing other than the room getting colder happened, you sighed. If you left through the Honydukes passage, you might arrive at the Headless’ Hunt reunion by the time– 

“What in the name of Salazar is this?” You heard a bewildered voice from behind and smiled when you spotted him. 

“Bloody hell, it actually worked!” 

“You did this?” He asked as he pointed an accusing finger at you. “Of course you did this!” 

You smiled apologetically at him, “I didn’t know it was going to work.” 

“You wench!” he said. He looked quite offended, so you decided to just let him let it out of his system. “Did you at least consult whichever cursed book you got that spell from? Did it say how ridiculously disturbing it would be for a ghost?” 

“I’m afraid the book did not really take into account the feelings of ghosts. It’s more about trapping them, and banishing them than anything…” 

“Can you credit it?” he retorted, his cheeks blowing out some non-existent air before he turned to look at you again. “It was like apparating for the first time! And I’m not supposed to feel any pain or nausea!”

“I’m really sorry,” you said honestly. “I didn't mean to hurt you.” 

“And yet you summoned me anyway.” 

“I actually brought you something,” you tried appeasing him, taking the bag of rotten meat and pushing it toward him as you opened it, a peace offering. 

He looked at the bag and opened it to examine its contents. His cranky expression started to fade before turning back to you, his frown deepening again. “Oh… Oh. You want something.” 

You left the bag on the furthest edge of the table and sat on the other one, moving the sage goblet in between you and the meat. Turns out it's useful for more than one reason. 

“Well, maybe I just want to have a meaningful conversation.” 

“And I had a marvellous time getting here for it,” he retorted sarcastically. 

“Enjoy your meat,” you smiled, and then spotted the journal again. You tapped your fingers over it. “By the way… I knew of Apollonia and Anne but, who was Sebastian?” 

He turned back at you with a shocked expression. “You read my diary?” 

“Well I needed something of yours to summon you,” you said with a shrug. 

“How did you even find it?” 

“With determination,” you responded as you shrugged. “I even got a splinter,” you said and showed him your still red finger. 

“And you called me because?” 

“Don’t make this sound so transactional!” you chided. “I actually did want to talk to you. And was planning to do it as soon as I bumped into you, so to speak… But I’ve been staying at the Gryffindor Tower a lot, and, well… The reason for which I summoned you came up.” 

Richie’s annoyance seemed to dissipate again, his face turning into one of understanding. “Myrtle mentioned something about Christmas, the portraits have also been whispering things.” 

You sighed and allowed your back to fall on the chair with an almost dramatic flare. You were still staring at the ceiling when you spoke again. “You’re not gonna tell me to talk about my feelings and share an emotional moment, are you?” 

Richie straight up laughed at that, shaking his head as he looked at you. “I’m just happy you seem okay.” 

You turned your head towards him. “Though you’d be better off without the pesky little human friend that summons you?” 

“Perhaps, but I’d miss your nonsense,” he said with a shrug.

Now it was your turn to laugh. At least the ghosts didn’t pity you. Perhaps it was because they themselves had already died, and more often than not in terrible ways. If you were alive, then you were already winning. There was a comfortable silence as laughter died out and you turned to him with a cheeky smile. “So… who was Sebastian? Another conquest?” 

“Ugh, not mine, no. I was never really into gentlemen if you know what I mean.” 

“Best friend?” 

“We weren’t even alive at the same time.” Richie laughed. “He was remarkably talented, though.” 

“Why do you speak so often of him then?” 

“I did not write that part of the journal. A really good friend of mine did. I once told you that you reminded me of them, remember?” 

You frowned, you had a vague memory of it. “So he was their friend, not yours?” 

“Indeed,” Richie nodded. “How are your boyfriends, by the way?” You laughed. He continued, “What? No correcting me this time? What about ‘Oh, Richie, but I only have one boyfriend!’ ” 

“My voice isn’t nearly that high pitched, or annoying.” 

“Would it make you feel better If we pretend it isn’t?” 

You rolled your eyes. “They’re all right.” 

“So you just gave up? You’re gonna let me call them your boyfriends?” 

“I’m not giving up,” you said, leaning up, sitting up again and then shrugging. “You were right about the whole thing, turns out.” 

“I was right? Of course I was right! You’re dating both of them now, aren’t you? Minx!” 

“It's not public knowledge, and I’d rather it stayed that way,” you looked pointedly at him.

He hummed. “I’ll take it to the grave.” 

“You must think you’re hilarious,” you said, even if you were shaking your head in amusement. 

“Drop-dead funny,” he retorted. 

You scoffed and shook your head with a faint smile on your lips before turning back to him. “Actually, I wanted to ask how you dealt with your relationship with Apollonia and Anne.” 

“It’d be more like, how not to handle a relationship like that,” he said as he shook his head. “At the beginning everything was perfect. Llonie and Anne seemed to really be into each other, as much as they were onto me. But then I became obsessed with a puzzle I found on some pages of an old book and tried to decipher them with Llonie. Well, she found them an incredible bore, and told me to occupy myself with something more useful. Told me she could not marry a nobody who was stuck in his dreams–“ 

“Ouch,” you said with a small frown. 

“Well, she was a Black,” he shrugged. 

“Sirius is not like that.” 

“Must be the Potter and Lupin influence then,” he said with a shrug. You were about to argue that Reggie wasn’t like that either, but that was another friendship that couldn’t be made public knowledge right now, for his safety. 

Richie continued, “Anyway, Anne really liked puzzles and so we started spending time together for longer periods, trying to sort it all out by ourselves. Llonie then turned jealous because I was paying a lot more attention to Anne, and asked me if I would end up marrying her instead, and if that had been my plan all along, and I told her that I was happy with the relationship we had, that I wanted the three of us to be together…” 

“But that didn’t appease her,” you guessed with a sad sigh. 

“Right,” Richie agreed. “Eventually, Anne helped me solve the puzzle and I wanted to go into the cave. She said it was too dangerous, and that we should bring Llonie along – since she was remarkable at Defense Against the Dark Arts when we were in school, but I told her that she wouldn’t come, that she hated us now…” 

He had a forlorn look in his ghostly face as he continued, “I should have gone to her, though. Anne was supposed to meet me at the gates. I left a puzzle to show her the way, but she didn’t come, I thought she had decided to leave me too and I went inside, alone. I found several treasure chests, small ones, but I was so sure there would be something big at the end of the map. When I arrived at the centre, I was suddenly beheaded by a massive stone statue.” You gulped, you had no idea Richie would actually tell you the story behind his death, since ghosts rarely talked about it. “To be honest, I barely even felt it. It was a sharp pain that lasted only for a split second. Somewhat of a… whooshing breeze? But when I came back as a ghost, I was disorientated and had no idea how I’d died.” Richie recounted with such a heartbreaking resignation, you almost wished you could hug him.

“I appeared on Hogsmeade and the only thing I could remember was that the two loves of my life had abandoned me, and that I had died because of it, so I left.” He sighed. “But people had seen my ghost and they started talking about it. Turns out Anne had gone to Llonie, trying to convince her to come along, but Llonie had refused. When she later heard of my death, she instantly blamed Anne for it and lied, saying that she had been the one to murder me.” You were horrified and felt great sympathy for Jackdaw, at his vulnerable revelations to you.

“You know, I found out too late that Anne hadn’t even managed to solve the puzzle I gave her, and that was the reason she’d gone to Llonie instead of me. She then spent years in Azkaban, convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.” 

“That sounds horrifying.” 

“It was,” Richie said with a nod. “But my friend, she found out, went to the cave, and solved the mystery of my death, returning something I had stolen and eventually – after I gave my testimony – absolving Anne.” 

“But Apollonia had already died,” you said with a frown. You knew that part; you’d read the article about the solved mystery written by Auror Ominis Gaunt. 

“Belladonna,” Richie said with a nod. “I have plenty of regrets, but my biggest is not talking it out with them and rushing into danger alone. It created a rift that ultimately destroyed us. One in Azkaban, the other alone, and me, a ghost.” 

“I’m sorry Richie,” you said honestly. “I didn’t mean– I mean, I wanted to– Thanks for the tip.” 

Richie smiled, “I like to imagine they’re both happy together someplace else.” 

“But what about you? Have you never thought of… crossing the veil?” 

“You can’t do that after you’ve rejected death. It won’t take you.” 

“So, you’re stuck?” 

Richie nodded with a small, almost regretful smile. “But it’s alright. I enjoy this place, the adventures and puzzles hidden in this castle and beyond have always been fascinating, I’m sure you’d agree.” 

“Was Anne’s puzzle really hard?” you asked with a frown. 

“I’m not sure she tried to solve it before going to Llonie, she wanted an excuse to convince her to come along. She loved her too, and Llonie loved her back. It’s ridiculous how such a strong love can turn into hate and resentment in seconds… Talk to your boys, always.” 

You nodded, taking his words to heart. You would not make the same mistakes, you could not make the same mistakes.

“But hearing a sad ghost story is not the reason you summoned me here, is it? I’d believe it if you hadn’t brought the meat, but this,” he pointed at the paper bag “smells like good old bribery.”  

You sighed, “There might be another reason I called on you.” 

“If you want me to convince the Headless Hunt to do another one of those prank things, then it’s out of the question. Dumbledore was so angry he threatened to speak to the Spirit Division. They forced Myrtle back into Hogwarts, you know?” 

You had heard of that story. Myrtle had crashed her brother’s wedding and made a fuss, and they called the department on her. Apparently, she wouldn’t be able to leave Hogwarts until all of her relatives had passed. “It’s not for a prank. Promise.” 

“Oh?” 

“It’s actually for information,” you explained. “I need you to go to the Restricted Section.” 

“You’ve snuck in there already, why do you need my help?” 

“I don’t know where the book I’m looking for is, or even if it is still there.” 

Richie made a slightly disgruntled expression. “What are you on about now?” 

“You could maybe ask the help of the ghost lady that haunts the Restricted Section… White-Haired Ellie?”  

“Eleanor Atkinson,” he said. “We tried dating back in the nineteenth century, you know. It ended quite badly.” 

“You’ve tried dating? As ghosts? How does it even–” 

“Well, one has to keep himself busy after death,” he said with a small shrug. “I’m not really eager to see her again, though.” 

“Please?” you said with a small pout. “I’ll get you more rotten meat…” 

“How much more?” 

“I’ll send my owl with a pack every fifteen days for 2 months, straight to the Headless Hunt Headquarters.” 

“Six months.” 

“I have things to do, Richie,” you said with a sigh. “Four is the best you’re gonna get.”

Richie gave you a pointed look, but acquiesced, “What book do you need then?” 

“A journal – may be an annotated book – by Andreas Berlusconi.” 

“Andreas Berlusconi?” Richard said with a frown. “Why does that name sound familiar to me?” 

“Maybe you’ve read the book?” 

“No, Llonie was the swot who knew about writers, not me. Andreas… Andreas… Hang on! I know him!” 

“You what?” 

“He’s a ghost! An honorary member of the Headless Hunt! I must have seen him last about… seventy years ago I think.” 

“Honorary member?” 

“Yeah, well, because he’s headless, but not from England. I think he’s often a substitute teacher at Durmstrang.” 

“That means… we could possibly get in touch with him if we don’t crack it with his notes!” Your speech started speeding up, you were getting quite excited about new possibilities.

“And what do you want to crack, pray tell?” 

“The Scopritore di Veleni,” you said with a smile. 

“Am I supposed to know what that is?” 

“The Berlusconi Stone, a magical item that helps you detect poisons.” 

“Do you feel like you’ll get poisoned soon?” he asked with a frown.

“Huh?” you asked with a small frown of your own. “Not at all, it’s to help a friend.” 

“One of your boyfriends?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Maybe,” you replied with a sheepish smile… “Is it all right if I meet you tomorrow in my common room? At about six-thirty?” 

“Sure,” he said with a shrug. “Why the urgency?” 

“I can’t really tell you,” you responded. “But I have to replicate that stone before a deadline.” 

“The stone that was lost and nobody’s ever managed to replicate?” 

“Well, nobody’s ever had Berlusconi’s notes,” you said with a confident smirk.

For a second, Richie wondered if you were going on a wild goose chase to try and get your mind off things, but your words rang true as well. Perhaps the Berlusconi Stone wasn’t that hard to replicate. After all, Berlusconi hadn’t come off as a remarkably brilliant ghost when they met. 

Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

TAGLIST: @rayrlupin @callmelovergirl @warcelia @ireneop @endversewinchester @moonyunebi @smuttysluttybitch @mazzymoons @drugs-for-memes @sofiacblair @vmpir3lvr @remuslupinisbae @rabluver @willgrahamisalesbi4n @thatobsessedreader  @itskailey24 @hell0-kittie @belovedmoony @blacksgarden @loving-and-dreaming @cassie-love20 @starchaser-lily @zucchini-queenie @springflwer07 @sseleniaa @cometsghost @orkwardx0 @imdoingbetternow  @sbrewer21 @remuslupinsbae @maxinehufflepuffprincess @wifiatthetrainstation @unstablereader @msblacklupin @oliversaurus @jaylienpotter @remussbitch @hermionelove @izuoyarmin @themarauderswife7 @keira-kaz2y5 @lampthemacarenagod @bugg06 @a-n-1-m-3-f-r-3-4-k @darlingeels @kissmeunicornbaobei @xluansstuff @boo8008 @angelmixer @voteforintensedreams @allons-y-molly @aremuslupinsimp @imaginexred @writingshae @nyanwyn @poetrypirate @crazyhorseforgot @saturnhas82moons @ryeyeyer @mothraantics @maqqiekwon @desikudisworld @pastelorangeskies @barking4you @profoundpidgeon

A/N: Hi guys! Im really trying to keep up with GC but life has been getting on the way. Hope you're having a great time. How have you been? <3

Leave a comment telling me if you wanna be tagged on Gilded Constellations

Want to support me? Like and reblog this post (reblogs are extra nice since they help me get my work to more people), also guys, I absolutely love reading your comments, so do throw them my way if you have any!

[padfootagain]

Love in Verses (XXIII)

Chapter 23 : ‘Even the dearest that I loved the best are strange – nay, rather, stranger than the rest’

Hi! Here is a new chapter! One of my favs, to be honest, it’s one of the first chapters I wrote for this fic, so it had a special place in my heart.

Also, Saoirse and Sean are back! I’m also making a reference to a documentary in this chapter, I was thinking about Brainwashed directed by Nina Menkes, you can check it out if you’d like!

I hope you like this chapter! Tell me what you think!

****

Pairing: Hozier x fem!reader (professor!AU)

Warnings: slow burn, angst, hurt, hurt/comfort, tooth-rotting fluff in later chapters, some scenes in later chapters will have heavy sexual themes even if it’s not explicit nsfw description, so minors here

Summary: Your life seems perfect. You're engaged, your career is thriving as you become an assistant professor at Trinity College, and this Andrew Hozier-Byrne you're sharing an office with seems to be a nice guy you hope to call a friend soon. Life seems to be smiling at you... until everything goes sour. When your fiancé breaks up with you, your perfect world shatters. And when your colleague also gets his heart broken soon after, your shared office seems to be a curse rather than a blessing. But Andrew seems determined to mend your broken hearts... Will things finally go according to plan?

Word Count: 3694

Masterlist for the series – Hozier’s masterlist – Main masterlist

I am

I am—yet what I am none cares or knows; My friends forsake me like a memory lost: I am the self-consumer of my woes— They rise and vanish in oblivious host, Like shadows in love’s frenzied stifled throes And yet I am, and live—like vapours tossed

Into the nothingness of scorn and noise, Into the living sea of waking dreams, Where there is neither sense of life or joys, But the vast shipwreck of my life’s esteems; Even the dearest that I loved the best Are strange—nay, rather, stranger than the rest.

I long for scenes where man hath never trod A place where woman never smiled or wept There to abide with my Creator, God, And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept, Untroubling and untroubled where I lie The grass below—above the vaulted sky.

John Clare

Andrew was fucking panicking.

Bloody panicking.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it had to be useful at one point to have an older brother… right?

Andrew would never admit that he needed reassurance, that he needed guidance, a protective figure to pat him on the back and tell him what to do next, and that it was the reason why he had driven to his brother’s on that Monday night. Of course not. Jon was his brother after all. Andrew would never admit any of that out loud, even if it were true.

The hike had happened the day before, that moment he had realised he was falling in love with you. That he was in love with you.

Bloody hell…

“So, let me get this clear…” Jon spoke with his elbows resting on his knees, bent over and leaning towards Andrew, struggling to gather his thoughts. “You thought you were still in love with Sam. Who left you for your colleague’s ex. And you thought ‘hey, what dumb idea could I bring to the table today’ and it led you to try to get back with the woman who cheated on you…”

“She didn’t cheat on me, she left me before she got with Frank.”

“How do you know that? Did you ask her?”

“Frank told Y/N he broke up with her before anything happened with Sam.”

“And she dumped you two weeks after he dumped her. You don’t know what happened.”

Andrew felt a lump creeping up his throat again, and he averted his gaze, rubbing roughly at his collarbone.

“Anyway, let’s move on…” Jon brushed the argument away with a quick gesture of the hand. “You tried to get back with Sam and to help Y/N get back with Frank… and then you fell in love with Y/N. Your colleague. Whom you share an office with.”

“I mean… yeah, kind of… I guess…”

Jon buried his face in his hands.

“I swear to God, Andy… it looks like you purposefully want to ruin your own life.”

“I can’t control the way I feel, Jon!”

“This is madness! She’s in love with her ex!”

“I know!”

Andrew’s voice was shaking more than he wanted it to. Jon looked up at him, reading him like an open book, and Andrew hated it.

“I know, okay?!” Andrew went on, voice still shaking while his throat tightened. “I know! I know I’ve fucked up everything with Sam! I know she got better than me! I know I’ve never stood a chance at getting her back! And I know Y/N is too good for me! I know we’re colleagues and that would complicate everything! And I know, I fuck… fucking know that she’s in love with someone else! I know! I know but I don’t know how to fix this! So can you, for once, be useful and tell me what to do now? Cause… I… I don’t know… Jon, I don’t know…”

God, Andrew hated himself for breaking in front of his brother, for letting the tears escape, but he couldn’t help it. This was too much. He simply couldn’t handle this…

Before he could add anything, Jon had stood up from his armchair and was sitting next to his brother on his couch. He didn’t say a word as he pulled him into a hug.

“Come on, Andy… it’s gonna be fine. You’ll be just fine.”

“Christ… I’m so fucking lost… I don’t know what to do Jon…”

“Do you truly love her? Y/N? Or is she just a rebound.”

“I don’t know…”

He was lying. Of course, Andrew was lying, because he couldn’t say it out loud, how could he? He couldn’t say it to himself… he couldn’t feel like that again…

“Say it. Say it out loud.”

Jon would get it out of him, and Andrew knew that he needed to let it out, to embrace the feeling, but it was so painful… pulling on a knife stuck in a bleeding wound…

“Andy… say it. Answer me.”

Andrew closed his eyes, resting his cheek on his brother’s shoulder, looking across the room. There were posters in black and white of old movies on each wall, and across from Andrew, James Dean was staring at him, a cigarette in his mouth. And Andrew stared at those eyes in black and white, and they stared back. Unwavering. Immortalised on paper and ink. Young, free, rebellious, without a cause…

“I love her,” Andrew whispered. “I love her, Jon. I’m falling more and more every time I see her.”

“Is it serious? Or just a crush?”

Andrew shrugged.

“I’m in love. I feel… like I could love her more than I’ve ever loved Sam… How can I feel like that? I thought Sam was the one! I thought we would stay together, I… I thought about marrying her at one point!”

“She wasn’t good for you, Andy.”

“You sound like mom. And dad.”

“When were they ever wrong? About anything?”

Andrew sniffed, knowing damn well the answer, refusing to admit it.

“She was nice enough,” Jon conceded. “She was smart, beautiful, successful… but she didn’t care enough, Andy. She didn’t care enough about you. She was selfish, in her way of loving you. You deserve better than that.”

Andrew pondered these words, wanted to believe them, couldn’t…

“What do I do now? It’s a mess…”

“Yeah, it’s messy… But you’ll be fine. You need to do whatever makes you happy.”

“What a shitty answer. Did you find it in a bloody fortune cookie or something?”

“Do you still want to be with Sam?”

Andrew took a moment to think.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so… I don’t know…”

“Do you want to be with Y/N?”

“She doesn’t want that…”

“That was not my question.”

Andrew struggled to swallow, but nodded.

“Yeah… yeah, I want her.”

“Then, love her. Maybe, with a bit of time, she’ll love you too.”

“What do I do to make her love me?”

But Jon chuckled.

“I’m single, remember? How am I supposed to know that?”

Valid point. But Andrew reckoned that he could at least try. He could find the things you didn’t like, he could change… maybe… be better for you…

There was silence for a moment, Andrew sniffed, looking at James Dean still. It was raining outside, as per usual. On the windowpane close to the poster, raindrops formed lines that turned the world into a blur. Dublin was but rough shapes and patches of brown, grey and white.

“How did you realise?”

“What?” Andrew croaked.

“That you love Y/N.”

“I won’t tell you. You’re gonna laugh at me.”

“I won’t laugh. You’re crying.”

“Like that has ever stopped you before!”

“Come on, I know you’re truly upset, I won’t take the piss. Tell me.”

Andrew heaved a sigh.

“We went hiking yesterday. And the day was so great, she was so funny… and then we took a break and she had brought snacks, and… she had all my favourites. Like… it was so fucking sweet…”

Jon started chuckling.

“She brought you snacks, and you fell for her?”

“You don’t understand.”

Andrew broke their hold, got up in a jolt. He was rubbing at his collarbone again.

“She… she did that for me. And she… she knows me… like… she knew what I liked. That’s… I don’t know how to explain it. I felt so… understood… like… Like I wasn’t on my own for a moment, you know? Like there was actually someone who cared enough about me to go through all the trouble of learning what I like and showing it… just to make me happy. Like…”

Andrew heaved a sigh.

“Anyway… I knew you’d laugh at me.”

“If I give you a cracker, will you declare your undying love for me?”

“Fuck off!”

Before he could tell his brother another insult, Jon was throwing a cushion at his head, making Andrew huff as he lost his balance for a second.

He was laughing again as he picked up the cushion and threw it back.

But that didn’t answer his question.

What would Andrew do now?

When he eventually got home, he wasn’t sleepy at all. Instead of going to bed, he scrolled aimlessly on his phone, wasting his time on social media. Once he had enough of it, he decided to organise his photos on his phone. He put them into files, kept some messily saved without any home.

And then he reached the pictures he had taken the previous day, of your hike. Landscape, trees, clouds, and you… you standing on top of that hill, while the world laid at you feet. Your red scarf, Elwood sitting by your feet. Your beanie, your warm coat. You were a silhouette on this picture, and yet he loved it, loved that feeling that you were towering over the world. His world.

He pressed his thumb on his screen a few times, and then admired his work. When he unlocked his phone again, instead of seeing Sam’s smiling face, he was seeing your frame among the Wicklow Hills.

He heaved a sigh.

What would Andrew do now?

Saoirse was fucking panicking.

Bloody panicking.

Essays were piling up and it was a bloody nightmare. A FUCKING NIGHTMARE.

She was going to fail. She was going to fail all of her exams, and especially the one about 20th century literature, because… who the fuck was mad enough to make a class about the fucking modernist avant-garde, huh?

Professor Hozier-Byrne was, of course. Of bloody course. It had to be the nicest of them too, and the hottest, and the one who actually gave two fucks about his students… which meant that she couldn’t even be mad at him and curse at him for the suffering she was enduring as she struggled with this James Joyce novel… For Christ’s sake…

She heaved a painful sigh, hitting repeatedly her head against her table. Sean merely laughed at her.

“Come on, it’s not that bad.”

“It is that bad. It is worse. It is DEATH! I don’t understand a bloody thing about that fucking novel.”

“It could be worse, we could be studying Ulysses, it’s only The portrait.”

“Yes, and I could catch the plague and meet my certain death, but I can still die if I catch pneumonia.”

“You’re exaggerating. Wait until we switch to Beckett. And apparently we’re gonna study The Third Policeman as well…”

She let out a long moan, faking a sob, her forehead pressed to the table, where her notes and books were scattered. She looked up at her computer screen.

“As if Woolfe was not enough already… Please… kill me… death will be a sweeter fate than this torture…”

She didn’t notice the way Sean smiled, with something tender tugging at his lips. But he did. He did, because warmth was spreading across his chest at her antiques, and he thought about how adorable she looked like this, being silly while studying and being ten times smarter than him.

“I’ll help you with that essay if you give me a hand with Y/L/N’s… Oscar Wilde is kicking my arse.”

“Ha! That I understand!” she sat up, happy again, and speaking a little too loudly in the busy but quiet library.

She mouthed a silent sorry as a couple of students glared at her.

“Y/L/N’s class is so much easier to me,” she went on. “I can’t with this bloody… stream of consciousness and whatnot.”

Sean was about to answer when he noticed that Saoirse wasn’t listening anymore, looking over his shoulder.

“What…?” he made a movement to turn around, but the girl stopped him with a hiss, reaching across the table to grab his forearm, and the contact dazzled him too much to allow him to move again.

“H-B and Y/L/N are right behind you.”

“And?”

“And… I want to listen on their conversation, obviously. Don’t you want to know the tea?”

He rolled his eyes, but focused to catch their words too anyway.

“Mr. Darcy? The Jane Austen character? Really?” Andrew said in a whisper, clearly unimpressed. “You’re saying that the perfect man, the fictional character that sets unreachable standards… is a guy from the 19th century? That’s not very modern of you…”

You turned around, eyeing him up and down in a judgemental way.

He was following you across the library, the book he wanted to borrow tucked under his arm. He didn’t need to go through the 19th century section, he wasn’t working on that. But you did. So, Andrew followed you around, just to keep you close for a moment, just to keep talking to you for a little longer than your impromptu encounter in the hall of the library about fifteen minutes ago, when you entered and he was about to reach the counter to borrow his book. You didn’t know that though. He had pretended that he had another book to look for but had asked for help. You had believed him, of course, why wouldn’t you?

And now you were giving him a lecture on the female gaze in literature, apparently…

“Mr. Darcy is the perfect example of the use of the female gaze, as opposed to the male gaze.”

“I mean… he’s kind of a jerk at the beginning. He fixes his mistakes, but he started as a gobshite.”

But you shook your head, scanning the shelf while you kept on talking.

“But that’s the point. He fixes his mistakes thinking it will change nothing. He doesn’t improve and changes because he thinks it’s going to lead to Elizabeth loving him. He changes because she makes him see how much of a jerk he can be, how he acted from only his point of view, without taking her into account. And her rejection makes him reevaluate his decisions. He fixes things because he realises he hurt her and those she loved, but his intention is not bound to have what he wants, only to stop her suffering. Female gaze, versus male gaze. And that is, obviously, without mentioning the treatment of female characters in Austen’s novels. Characters with minds, and feelings, and wants, and wills… who make mistakes, and take decisions. Instead of a passive vessel under a male gaze, either to project a want, a longing, lust, love, fear, morals… ”

You were expecting Andrew to argue, because men always did. No matter your degree, and your expertise on the female gaze, on this very question, they always did.

Female gaze versus male gaze. Bloody misogyny…

But Andrew merely stared at you, and you could see in his slight frown that his brain was working at full speed. And when he spoke, it was to ask a new question, not contradict you.

“So… the fact that Darcy acts in a self-sacrificing way is what defines the female take on a character of his type?”

There was no judgement in his question, you were surprised by it.

“You can put it like that. It’s more… the fact that after being rejected for good, he steps back. Yes, you can see it as something like sacrifice, or genuine altruism or compassion. He still loves her, but he understands that she doesn’t, and instead of showing off and trying to make her change her mind, he steps back, accepts it, and reassesses his choices accordingly, without the occasion of winning her heart by doing so. He fixes his mistakes and keeps on protecting her because he loves her, not because he can get her back that way.”

Slowly, Andrew nodded.

“I think I get it. And that’s… unreachable for any real man for you?”

His tone was less serious again, drawing the conversation towards something less theoretical. You scoffed.

“Well, I haven’t found a counter-example yet.”

Andrew seemed to hesitate before speaking again, but he couldn’t hold back his question.

“Do you think Frank would have failed that test? That he would have disappointed you in that situation?”

You scoffed again.

“Like he hasn’t already disappointed me…”

You heaved a sigh, picking up a book and checking the summary on the back.

“Anyway, it’s alright. That’s why Mr. Darcy is fictional.”

Andrew gave you a smile, nodding and deciding to stir the conversation away from Frank again. It was making his heart ache a little too much…

“I saw yesterday that there is a documentary on TV on Sunday afternoon, about the male gaze in cinema. It seems very interesting. Would you like to watch it with me? I could cook us lunch too.”

You looked at him, blinking in surprise.

“Yeah, I… I saw that but… you want to watch that?”

He frowned a little, tilting his head, puzzled by your surprise.

“Yeah, totally. It seems to be very interesting. And… I mean… you’re literally an expert on the subject, even if you’re specialised in literature rather than cinema… So, it would be nice to have your input on that.”

You blinked, still surprised.

“I… yeah… yeah, that would be great.”

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Andrew chuckled to hide his burning cheeks. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No! That’s… surprising, that’s all.”

“How so?”

“You… never mind.”

“No, tell me. How is it surprising? I think your research is very interesting, and very much needed. I… I genuinely want to hear your take on this.”

“That’s…” you heaved a sigh, but gave him an earnest answer. “It’s just that… coming from a man, it’s pretty surprising.”

His face fell.

“Oh… I see.”

“Misogyny in the academic world is more common than feminism…”

“Yeah… yeah, I understand. I get it.”

“It’s just… usually men try to pretend that they are the expert on the subject I study for a living. So… that was impressive enough to hear you recognise that I’m the expert here. But then you’re even curious about women’s point of view… yeah, surprising, to say the least. I shouldn’t react like that though. I know you’re a feminist, I’m sorry. It’s just… a biased reflex.”

“I’m sorry you have to go through that. What a band of fucking pricks…”

You raised a surprised eyebrow again.

“Wow… he can curse like an actual sailor!”

Andrew rolled his eyes at your teasing, an amused smile on his lips still forming.

“Right… so, are you coming over on Sunday? Or am I making you work extra-hours and you’d rather just sleep and eat your weight in ice-cream?”

“I’ll come. And if you’re nice to me, I’ll even bring dessert.”

“Deal. Can’t wait.”

You opened your mouth to speak again, your eyes glimmering happily, but Andrew shut you down.

“No, you can’t buy a new toy for Elwood! My dog will end up loving you more than he loves me.”

“That has been my devilish plan from the beginning.”

You tucked the book you had been looking at under your arm.

“Okay, I’m all set.”

But Andrew had one more question, another one that he hesitated to ask, but he took the risk anyway, nervously rubbing at the back of his neck as he spoke again.

“Y/N?”

You turned to him again, silently inviting him to continue.

“If you were Elizabeth, and Frank was Mr. Darcy, what would you ask him to change for you?”

You blinked, surprised at his question, and you pondered on his words for a moment. But your answer was still earnest.

“Not breaking my heart.”

“Fair enough,” he smiled.

“And just… I don’t know… to…”

You hesitated, but answered anyway.

“To ask me about my day. I would have really liked it if he had asked about my days when we were together.”

You exchanged a sad smile. And Andrew spoke his next question the final one, the most important one too, the one that made him truly scared of your answer.

“And if you were Elizabeth, and I was Mr. Darcy… what would I need to change?”

You frowned at his question, and opened your mouth to answer, before closing it again.

“I… I don’t know. Honestly, I… I don’t know. I can’t really think about anything. I mean… you were never a jerk to begin with, so…” you added with a warm smile.

And at first, he smiled back, but then you turned around and he clenched his jaw. He tightened his hold on his book as you moved along the shelf. He couldn’t help the longing in his eyes.

Despite that answer, despite having nothing to change in him at first sight… you still wanted Frank, instead of him… God, he wished you could have told him what was wrong with him. What had made him unworthy of Samantha, but most importantly… what made him unworthy of you.

Andrew heaved a sigh, followed you with his head and shoulders bent, and he tried to hide his feelings when you turned around again, stirring up a new topic of conversation while you exited the room.

Meanwhile, Saoirse and Sean had listened to the conversation. When she focused on him again, Saoirse grabbed both of his arms and energetically shook him, shouting in a whisper.

“OH. MY. GOD!” she whispered, her voice made raspy by the cry she was refraining. “DID YOU HEAR THAT?! DID YOU SEE THAT?!”

“Huh… yeah, they… were… talking…”

“Talking? TALKING?! Sean! THEY ARE IN FUCKING LOVE! H-B is at least. HEAD OVER HEELS! Did you not see that longing in his eyes when she answered? AND THAT FUCKING QUESTION?! WHO ASKS QUESTIONS LIKE THAT?! WHO IS READY TO CHANGE FOR THE WOMAN HE IS FUCKING PINNING OVER?!”

“God’s sake, stop shaking me!”

She let go of him, out of breath.

“Oh my God, they are so CUTE! Do you think they will end up together? I hope so, they seem so cute! They would be so cute! And they’re both so nice, they totally would make each other happy! I hope he’ll make her change her mind, cause the girl seems fucking oblivious…”

“Don’t you think that you’re… overreacting? Overreading into this?”

She rolled her eyes, slapping her palm against her forehead.

“Men are so fucking stupid,” she complained.

Truer words were rarely spoken…

[yvaineseleneposts]

Crossing the line

Requested: no

Pairing: Nico Hischier x reader

Words: around 1k

Warning(s): none

It started out like any other summer. Warm evenings with long sunsets, lazy afternoons that stretched on forever. I’d always thought that nothing could change the way things were between us—me, my best friend, Nina, and her older brother, Nico. We were always just friends, after all. But as I sit here, looking out the window, I realize that something inside me has shifted.

Nico wasn’t supposed to be the one. He wasn’t supposed to be the one to make my heart race when I saw him, the one to fill my thoughts when I should be focused on something else. He was Nina’s brother, the guy who always teased me about the dumbest things and acted like he didn’t even notice how cute he was. In my world, he was just Nico—the quiet, kind of mysterious guy who always had a smile that made girls swoon. But I never thought he could be anything more.

Until he became more.

It was a Friday afternoon, the day before the big summer party Nina had been planning for weeks. She was in the kitchen, bouncing around like a kid in a candy store, while I sat on the couch in her living room, trying to get through a book that I barely understood. Nico walked in, the door creaking behind him, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

“Hey,” he said casually, his voice smooth and deep in that way that always made my heart skip. "You’re still reading that book?”

“Yeah, I’m trying to get through it. It’s not going well,” I answered, my voice betraying me with the nervous laugh I didn’t mean to let out.

He grinned, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I don't get how you can read stuff like that. You need something more exciting."

I rolled my eyes, though my lips couldn’t help but twitch into a smile. “Exciting, huh? Like what?”

He dropped his bag onto the floor and sat down beside me on the couch, leaning back in that way that always made him look like he owned the world. “Something with, I don’t know, actual action. Maybe I could recommend something.”

My heart did that thing again. The thing where it beat just a little too fast, and my thoughts scattered. It wasn’t like Nico was suddenly a different person. He was still the same Nico I’d known for years, but now... now there was a new layer to him I couldn’t ignore.

“Sure. What do you recommend?” I asked, trying to sound casual even though I was suddenly hyper-aware of his closeness.

His eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief second, I saw a flicker of something deeper than the usual teasing. Something that made the air between us feel charged, electric.

But then it was gone, replaced by that familiar smirk. “You’ll laugh at my suggestions. But, hey, at least you’ll have something to complain about.”

“Probably,” I teased back, but I couldn’t shake the weird flutter in my chest.

As the days passed, it became harder to ignore the small moments—the little gestures that I had always brushed off before. The way he’d drop by just to check on me when Nina wasn’t home. The way his hand would linger a little longer than necessary on my shoulder when he passed by. The quiet conversations that felt like they meant something more than just idle chatter.

It wasn’t like I was in denial. I knew what was happening. I was falling for Nico Hischier. And it terrified me.

He was Nina’s brother. The guy I’d grown up with, shared jokes and memories with. The guy I was supposed to be comfortable around, someone I knew like the back of my hand. So how could it have happened? How could he go from being my best friend’s older brother to... something more?

It was the night of the party. Music was blaring in the background, and people were scattered around the yard, laughing and drinking. I was sitting on the porch, feeling like I needed a moment to breathe. The party was fun, but my mind kept wandering back to Nico.

Out of nowhere, I felt a presence beside me, and I looked up to see Nico standing there, his eyes soft in the moonlight.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice low.

“Yeah, just... it’s a lot,” I said, gesturing vaguely to the chaos of the party. “I needed a little quiet.”

He nodded, sitting down next to me. We didn’t speak for a moment, the sounds of the party filling the space between us. But then, out of the blue, Nico turned to me, his expression unreadable.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” he said, his gaze intense.

My heart skipped a beat. “What?”

He took a deep breath before speaking. “I don’t know what this is... or if I should even say it. But I feel like you’ve been avoiding me lately.”

I blinked, stunned. “I’ve... I haven’t been avoiding you.”

“Are you sure?” Nico said, his voice soft, but there was a sharpness behind it. “Because it feels like you’ve been pulling away, and I don’t know why.”

The air between us thickened, and suddenly it was like I couldn’t breathe.

“I don’t want things to be weird between us, Nico,” I admitted quietly, my heart pounding in my chest. “But they are, and I can’t... I can’t ignore it anymore.”

His eyes searched mine, and I could feel his breath catch in his throat. “What are you trying to say?”

“I... I don’t know.” My hands fidgeted in my lap, and I glanced away. “I think I might like you. More than I should.”

Silence stretched on between us, heavy and full of unspoken words. Nico’s gaze softened, and I could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“I think I might like you too,” he said, his voice quieter now, a warmth in his words that made my heart ache.

And just like that, everything shifted.

From that night on, things between Nico and I were different. In a way, it felt like we were finally being honest with each other, even if it was messy and complicated. We weren’t just the best friend and the brother anymore. We were something new, something exciting and terrifying.

Maybe falling in love with Nico Hischier wasn’t part of the plan. But in the end, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

[cherriegyuu]

asellus australis | jww | part 1

pairing: wonwoo x f!reader genre: fluff, romance, idiots to lovers word count: 6k summary: Wonwoo couldn’t possibly be the only person living in Sydney who didn’t know how to swim, so he reluctantly says yes to the lessons his friends signed him up for. When he learns that you are his instructor, he figures learning how to swim as an adult isn’t all that embarrassing after all warnings: fear of water, mentions of drowning a/n: this is part of the @svthub 2024 world tour collab. please head there to check out other fics under this collab. if you enjoyed reading, please reblog and leave a comment, it really does mean the world to me and i would love to know your thoughts. thank you! 💕

It was the kids' laughter that brought your mind out of its newest daydream. It was hard to keep yourself focused on what was happening right in front of you rather than on what had already happened. It was a new feeling and so completely out of character for you. 

A couple of weeks had gone by since you attended a certain party, one you didn’t want to go to. You were too tired from the week and there was a little hint of emotional exhaustion to put yourself through a situation where everything would eventually turn out to be too much. 

It had been so easy to find a quiet place further in at the back, away from all the people and their noisiness. There was only so much music and chatter you could block out just by standing away though.

You sipped your drink, something sweet and fruity Kira had gotten you before drifting off to wherever she wanted to go. It was somewhat frustrating to have gone there because of her and having her pull away from you the second you got there. But at the same time, you understood why she did it. Whoever her new crush was, he was at the party, which meant that she saw an opportunity. Kira was never one to be at a party by herself, and unfortunately, Nina had a better excuse to not be there than “I’m tired”, so you had to be the one to tag along. Though it wasn’t entirely too bad, it was a little boring. 

And then he showed up. 

You had never seen him before, which considering that you didn’t know a single person at the party wasn’t surprising at all. You knew Kira and maybe a couple of others in passing. You made a mental note to ask her how she found out at that party. 

There was no way for you to look away from him. It was like there was this spotlight on him, just on him, making everyone else around pale. 

Somehow he had ended up by your side, claiming to also be running away from his friends and the noise. 

“This isn’t really my scene,” he said “I don’t even know how they managed to drag me out here, to be honest”

You blushed a little when he looked at you, a smile wide on his face. It was enough to make your heart skip a beat. 

“I’m Wonwoo”, his hand stretched out while his left one adjusted the glasses in his nose. 

“Hi”

You let your hand be wrapped by his. You had never felt quite that shy before while meeting someone. Usually, you were the talkative one. 

“I wasn’t supposed to come out tonight” you admitted “but I’m kind of glad I did”

Was that possibly crossing a line? You weren’t sure, it probably was but early that morning you read that you should be more open to relationships in whichever format they came from, the reason why you didn’t even try to stop Kira from dragging to the party. 

A long time had gone by since you felt anything similar while talking to someone — especially since using the word talking seemed to be a little much considering you had barely exchanged a few words. Wonwoo had your undivided attention from the moment he walked in. 

Wonwoo simply smiled at you again and looked up at the sky. The sun had long set and in its place the most beautiful full moon lit up the sky, accompanied by the countless shining stars. 

“There’s so many stars tonight,” you said and almost kicked yourself for it. 

It was probably the worst way you could have started a conversation with a guy. You half expected him to answer you at all, a nod or a hm, at best. 

“Did you know,” his words were almost shy, his delicious low voice dropping even lower, almost as if he was telling you a secret “that the stars have colors?”

His voice was so quiet while he spoke, his eyes still focused on the sky above. Wonwoo clasped his hands together, his knuckles turning white while he put way too much strength into something that needed none.

“Really?” you looked up for a second before turning your full attention back to his profile “I thought it was just some sort of optical illusion”

He turned to you then, his full attention on you as you waited for him to speak again. It was an odd feeling, for him to have someone interested in whatever he was saying.

“Yeah, there’s a few. Blue, white, yellow, orange, and red” he made a fist between the two of you, raising a finger every time he said a different color “The color depends on the temperature and life cycle”

Maybe you didn’t mean to, or perhaps you did, but you leaned your body a little to the left, your knee touching his.

“I had no idea”

He looked at you, slightly surprised that you were suddenly so close to him but smiled at you all the same.

“You can’t see the colors when you look at the sky?” his eyebrows were slightly raised, lips in a mix of a pout and a smile. 

You pulled your bottom lip in between your teeth in hopes that it could make you stop from inching forward and pressing them against his. If you were in his place you’d probably run away screaming “crazy” at the top of your lungs”

“I mean, I can, I just didn't think the star had actual colors. I guess I just always assumed it was all silver”

Wonwoo laughed, his nose wrinkling in the most adorable way possible. 

You were talking with him for a couple of hours, the most casual kind of conversation and it was probably the most fun you had in a long time at one of those parties. Not that you didn’t have fun. Nina and Kira were always fun to be around and it was something you always said yes to, being around them. But with Wonwoo it was just a different kind of fun. Usually, when guys approach you at parties the conversations always remain the same, and it was always made to make them look larger than life. 

Wonwoo however seemed to be much more interested in talking about the sky and the moon and the stars — “did you know that the moon moves away further from the earth every year? — and while you were aware that some of it was just to prove himself as smart, you found it cute and at times, even endearing. 

He seemed somewhat passionate about what he was talking about to the point where you could just stand there and look at him without ever getting bored. His voice, low when he had first sat by your side, had gone up a few notes, maybe partially because of the music around you, but you had a feeling that it was because he was just getting excited about what he was talking about. 

“I never saw you before at one of these,” you said

Wonwoo took a long sip of his drink, you weren’t sure of what it was but it wasn’t the cheap beer that was in your cup. 

“I don’t come to these often, my friends” he pointed at where the rest of the people were and you had no real way of finding out who his friends were “finally managed to drag me out. I would have stayed at the office if they didn’t”

It was a redo of the conversation you had before but you didn’t mind in the least, not when you could feel his warm breath at the top of your cheeks as he leaned down to talk to you. Slightly, you turn your head to him and for a moment you thought about just typing your head up slightly, just enough to reach his lips. 

“What do you do for a living?”

Wonwoo cleared his throat, his eyes moving from your eyes to your lips. He did that maybe a couple of times before he finally, finally, leaned in. And it was like little bells of you started to play inside your head. It was perfect for all of two seconds, his lips pressed over yours, soft and warm, his hand at the back of your neck pulling your face closer to his before someone screamed your name at the top of their lungs. 

He pulled away from you immediately and you honestly wanted to cry. The kiss had only lasted a brief second but you didn’t want it to end.

Kira was suddenly by your side, a look of complete desperation in her eyes. 

“We have to go… Nina…”

Before she even finished her sentence you were already up. You looked at Wonwoo quickly, hoping that he could see how sorry you were when you ran out. 

Looking back you wished you could have remembered to ask for his number before you left, or for him to ask for yours. But all of it had happened way too quickly that it had never crossed.

Ever since that night had been stuck in your mind, you couldn’t stop thinking about Wonwoo or the kiss. It was like your mind was in this infinite looping playing that one moment.

“The new guy is here,” Jinah said, Laughing a little.

You looked where she was pointing and couldn't help the low laugh that escaped your lips. Three guys were walking towards you. Maybe walking was a bit too strong a word, one of them was being pushed by the other two.

“We're already here,” the shorter one said, exasperated “You just have to go there and learn”

“You know, this is a terrible idea” the one who was being pushed said.

It was as if you had been transported back to that day at the party. It was precisely the voice you wanted to hear but had no real way of hearing.

“Wonwoo?”

Your voice was one that Wonwoo didn't expect to hear any time soon, or maybe ever again. After that day when he left the party in a hurry, without giving the slightest explanation, Wonwoo was sure he would never see you again. Sydney was far from a small town and he wasn't the biggest party-goer who had ever set foot on this earth, he knew that the chances of running into you again were slim to none.

But somehow, you were right there in front of him.

He had thought many times about what he would say if he saw you again if he was that lucky. Everything that had gone through his head had seemed wrong and now that you were in a place where he could see you, nothing came to mind. It was as if he had momentarily forgotten all the words he had learned throughout his life. That all the years he had spent trapped in an educational institution hadn't taught him anything.

Ever since that night, Wonwoo couldn't stop thinking about you. It didn’t matter what he did, however, he tried to think of other things or other people and focus on work. You were always there, in the back of his mind. He had never done anything quite like that before. 

That wasn’t to say that he had never had a girlfriend. He had, a few of them throughout his life but it never happened quite that fast and it was never quite life-altering. Sure, he had met a girl once at one of the many events he attended as part of his job and she had stayed in his mind for a couple of hours, but never days like it happened with you. 

And when he started to babble about the moon and the stars, because he had gotten nervous, you didn’t seem to mind. Instead, you gave him your full attention, seemingly inserted in what he was saying. But then suddenly you were gone and he didn’t even have the chance to ask for your number or anything that he could use to find you again. 

Wonwoo had been certain that you would, somehow, be the one who got away and yet there you were, in shorts and a black swimsuit with the logo he saw outside. 

He hated the word destiny, but maybe there was some of it sprinkled in seeing you again. 

“Hi!” 

Wonwoo’s voice came out a little louder than usual, making his friends turn to him with furrowed eyebrows. Soonyoung looked utterly confused while Jihoon just did his best to suppress the laugh that was bubbling inside his chest. 

“I didn’t think I’d see you again,” you said, smiling brightly at him. 

Wonwoo was completely caught off guard when you took a step forward and wrapped your arms around his shoulder. It only lasted a second and it wasn’t enough for him to react and hug you back. 

Your cheeks had a light pink on them as you stepped back. He smiled once he noticed that your hand was balled into fists. 

“Sorry, my mom is a hugger so I just sort of hug people sometimes” you were quick to explain, waving your hands in front of yourself. 

You closed your eyes tightly, your cheeks getting even redder. Wonwoo thought that you looked cute that night at the party, but this version in front of him was much cuter. He pressed his lips together, trying not to smile too big. 

“Do I get a hug too?”

Soonyoung took a step forward, arms wide open, smile so big that Wonwoo wasn’t even sure his friend could see anything at all. Thankfully Jihoon was quick enough to pull him back and angry enough to hit him in the back of the head. 

“No…”  

You took another step back and raised your index finger at him. Your reaction alone was enough to pull an honest laugh out of Wonwoo. You seemed horrified by the idea which made him think that your earlier allegation of being a hugger was probably a lie. 

“How dense are you?” Jihoon whispered and shouted at Soonyoung. 

You lightly shook your head, maybe trying to shake off any sort of dizziness, before smiling again. 

“Which one of you is the one taking lessons?”

In the queue, Wonwoo felt two sets of hands at his back, pushing him forward. Both of his friends were holding back giggles. 

He had hated the idea of taking swimming lessons as an adult. His friends were irreducible in his learning though so he eventually just caved and did as they wanted. However, all of the cells in his body that were against it dissolved the second he saw you. Now, learning didn’t seem all that bad or all that weird. 

“Great! I need you to follow me to the back if that’s okay?” you pointed over your shoulder with your thumb “You need to fill out a form before we can get started”

Wonwoo nodded and followed you. He was naive enough to look back at his friends once and he was glad that you didn’t do the same. Jihoon was giving him a thumbs up, a weird-looking smile on his face, while Soonyoung would be screaming if he could, if not for the hand covering his mouth. 

He loved his friends, he really did, they were one of the reasons why Wonwoo even had any kind of social life, and they were there for him whenever he needed them, even if he just wanted to complain about something — Soonyoung was especially good at hating someone he had never met before just because Wonwoo complained once about said, person. 

In silence, he followed you to the back, eyes focused on your back. He had to force his eyes to stay on the back of your neck and not on the way your hips swayed deliciously from side to side while you walked. 

You sat down on one of the tables and smiled sweetly at the receptionist who handed you a sheet and a pen. You slid the paper across to Wonwoo, followed by the pen.  

“While you fill that out, I’m going to ask you a couple of questions”

Wonwoo was never that great at multitasking, so he was sure that he would either write his information down or he would talk with you. If he did do two things at once, most likely both of them would be half-assed. 

“Why are you taking swimming lessons?”

He paused writing and looked at you. It made sense that that was your first question, he would just like it if it wasn’t on the list. 

“I don’t know how to swim, so my friends thought that it was good a idea to sign me up for lessons”

You smiled and nodded at him, not a hint of judgment in your eyes. It was new. When he told people that he didn’t know how to swim people usually looked at him like he had four sets of arms, it was almost like the look one got when one heard that they could ride a bike. 

“Can you float on your back?”

He simply shook his head and kept writing his information down. It didn’t go unnoticed to Wonwoo how you pursed your lips together and tilted your head to the side. 

“Do you feel comfortable in the water at all?” you asked, slightly confused. 

Wonwoo set down the paper and pen, now fully looking at you. He wanted to avoid the conversation, yes, but he knew if there was one place he had to be honest, it was there, with you. 

“I’m not the biggest fan of water,” he said, voice low matching how his eyes were kept on the table the entire time. 

When Wonwoo was a kid, while on a trip to the beach with his parents, he was playing in the water when a wave forcefully took him away. He had tried to scream for help but instead of pushing his voice out, all he did was pull water into his lungs. According to his parents, the moment didn’t last for more than a few seconds but it was enough for him to never want to do anything with the water again.

It wasn’t a problem to be at a pool, like the one he was in, as long as his feet could touch the floor and he had enough space between where the water ended and his head. But he had never been to the beach again. Not that his friends hadn’t tried to convince him to go to the beach, just to feel the sand between his toes, they never even mentioned the idea of getting in the water. But Wonwoo refused every single time. 

Why would he go to a place that only brought him bad memories when he could simply pretend that synch place didn’t even exist in the first place? Of course, living in Sydney posed as a minor problem to that plan, but it had never stopped him before. 

And yet, somehow, he found himself in front of you, asking for swimming lessons. The fact that it was you made him somehow calmer if such a thing was even possible. 

“Can you get into the water or is that something we need to work on?” Wonwoo looked up at you, eyebrows furrowed “Some people come here and they have a rough time getting into the water, so it’s something we have to work slowly on. Is that the case with you?”

“Oh, no” he shook his head “I can get into the water just fine”

You smiled at him while you looked at his information. Wonwoo felt his insides twist a little when your smile slowly dropped. 

“Is everything okay?”

Your eyes left the paper for a second and you smiled again.

“Everything is fine” you put the paper on the table again, now fully ignoring it “Should we get started?”

“He is a cancer!” you wailed, dropping your head on the back of the couch. 

Of course, it made absolute sense that the most dreamy and perfect guy you had ever met, was a cancer. Of course! 

“What is she on about?” Kira asked, making a weird face. 

Nina simply sighed and nudged you, placing the wine glass into your hands

“It’s the guy from the party,” you said, sipping the wine “He came in today to take lessons and I saw his birthday. He’s a cancer”

Both of them nodded as if understanding what you were saying, but you knew that they couldn’t care less about it. Between the three of you, you were the only one who cared about star signs. You were always one to simply look into it once and let it go. It usually gives you a way to understand someone better. And while it could just be some harmless fun, you know yourself well enough to know that something you let get a little too much into your head. 

And you see, Wonwoo is a cancer, which in itself it’s not a real issue. Cancer men are known to be caring, loyal, and protective, all of which are great treats when you are in a relationship with someone, their groundedness is highly incompatible with Sagittarius women. They usually enjoy their time at home and are more on the introverted side. 

“Are you going to treat that as a problem?”

Nina had her eyebrow raised so high you were sure that if she pushed up a little more she’d be able to touch her hairline. 

“We are incompatible!” you cried, drinking the rest of the wine.

Both of your friends looked at you, knowing that the conversation would probably lead you to drink a little more than you needed, which in return would cause them problems. Truth be told you weren’t the best drinker out of the three of you. You were the worst of your group, to the point you avoided drinking out, but in the comfort of your home — or this case, Kira’s home — all bets were in and you could be as much of a bad drinking as you wanted to be. 

“You can’t let sun signs, moon signs, whatever it’s called, rule your relationship, babe,” Kira said, her voice sounding a lot like the one she usually used on the kids she teaches.

Kira was a kindergarten teacher, a real hero if you knew what one of those looked like

“Remember how you were over the moon after the party? You couldn’t stop talking about him and we all know that if you can’t stop talking, it also means that he was constantly in your mind as well”

Her tone was almost mocking you. The thing is your friends knew you, sometimes, better than you knew yourself.

“Do you remember Ben? He was a cancer” you said trying to prove a point, but knowing fully well that it meant nothing at all. Wonwoo and Ben couldn’t possibly be more different, even just at first glance. 

“Ben stole money from your wallet, used your card to his heart’s content, and then fled, making you pay for everything he ever bought. I’m sure Wonwoo is nothing like that”

You narrowed your eyes at her. She was defending Wonwoo a little too much. You knew Kira’s thoughts on your zodiac obsession and she was always quick to shut it down, but this time around, the way she was defending a man she had maybe seen for 5 seconds was a little suspicious.

“I agree with Kira,” Nina said, eyes still on her phone “Ben was a dick but Wonwoo might not be one. You said he was sweet at the party. Sorry I sort of ruined it for you that night”

Your friend smiled at you, her eyes a little sad. Nina had been the reason why Kira pulled you out of the party that night. She had been traveling for work and was in a car accident on the road on her way back to Sydney. She was fine, with no life-threatening wounds, but she was very nervous, understandably so. She was still insecure about being on the road again, but you were sure that she just needed a little more time. 

“It’s fine” You wrapped her shoulders with your arms, pulling her closer to you “No boy in the world is more important than you”

Your mind went back to the party and the way you felt that night, how you’d have stayed there the entire night with him unless you were pulled away — which eventually happened. Wonwoo talked about the moon and stars and you were that if he ever told you that he was the one responsible for hanging them up in the sky you would have probably believed him. 

“You’re so corny sometimes” She pushed you with her shoulder but made no real attempt to move away from you.

“You love me, so…”

“I guess the swimming lessons are much more interesting now, right?” Soonyoung teased Wonwoo.

Wonwoo simply rolled his eyes and kept his focus on the computer in front of him, making Jihoon snort by his side, which in return only made Soonyoung wine as he sat on the couch in the back of the room. Under normal circumstances, Wonwoo would probably already be home at such an hour but there were things that he needed to do if he wanted to have a truly off weekend. One when he could just focus on the lessons he was bound to have on Saturday. 

He was never one to anxiously wait for things, especially when those things had a lot to do with the water and yet there he found himself, wishing that Saturday morning came just a little faster than it usually did. 

For him, Saturdays mostly meant trying to come up with reasons as to why he wouldn’t be able to go somewhere with his friends. That was mostly Soonyoung, to be fair. His friend enjoyed being out and about, going to new places, and having new experiences. From time to time Wonwoo did too, but he liked his time alone time a little too much when it was just him and his stars. 

“It pains me to say this” Jihoon said with a sigh, almost as if he didn’t believe those words were coming out of his mouth “I agree with him. It looks a lot of fun now”

Jihoon and Soonyoung were a weird duo, that was for sure. They spent half of the time bickering like old men who have nothing else to do and the other half they were either in agreement or just pretending that the other didntdidn'tt. Somehow, it worked.

“I mean” Jihoon continued “She’s the girl from the party”

Wonwoo turned around in his chair, giving Jihoon a look with eyes wide. There was a reason why he didn’t mention you to Soonyoung, and it was quite simple: he would never hear the end of it and Soonyoung would, at the very least, contact every single person he knew at the party and ask if they knew you. His friend would stop until he found you and though seeing you again was something that he wanted, Wonwoo didn’t want to come across as someone who was desperate and maybe a little bit of a stalker. 

“What girl?”

He let his body slide down on the chair and closed his eyes. Wonwoo would never hear the end of it now with Soonyoung. 

“The party we managed to drag him to a couple of weeks ago? He met a girl there and she had to leave before he managed to ask for her number”

Another thing about the Soonyoung and Jihoon duo is that they like to gossip like teenagers. It’s the very stereotypical image of highschoolers whispering to each other in the hallways, except for the fact that they gossip about Wonwoo right in front of his face and there is nothing that he can do to just make them stop, and they haven’t been to a high school hallway in years. 

“Why didn’t I know about this?”

“Probably because you were too busy with whatever it is that makes you disappear at parties?”

The two of them exchanged a look and Wonwoo knew that they were talking without ever saying a single word. 

“So” Soonyoung turned to him again “you went to a party and talked to this girl”

“Kissed her, actually,” Jihoon said

Soonyoung’s body almost vibrated at the news and he was clapping his hands, making sounds that no human should ever be able to make. 

What is the closest emergency exit from here? Wonwoo couldn’t help but wonder. 

“This is the greatest day of my life” he laughed hysterically “You went to a party, something that on its own is already very out of character to you, you kissed a girl and now she’s your hot swimming instructor?”

He turned to Jihoon for approval, who simply nodded. 

“You should ask her out, she looked interested earlier  at the pool”

The image of you looking over his information and your smile slowly dropping came across Wonwoo’s mind and he couldn’t help but think that Soonyoung was wrong. Whatever it was that you say written there, which Wonwoo couldn’t possibly even phantom what it was considering that it was his most basic information, was enough to make you rethink something. 

“And she listed to you nerding out and still wanted to kiss you”

His mind drifted back to the night of the party. Wonwoo was certain that if you had stayed for a little longer he would have probably gotten your number and asked you out on the very next day and with some luck you would have said yes and who knew where it would go from there. 

“Oh, this just keeps getting better” Soonyoung clapped his hands.

“Again, this is very painful to say but I agree with Soonyoung, you should ask her out”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. Jihoon talked a big game about not agreeing with Soonyoung but he always did. They were always in the same frequency of decisions and Wonwoo was usually the one who had a different opinion. 

“And maybe, who knows, she might have thought about you as much as you thought about her these past few weeks?”

Soonyoung grabbed Jihoon’s arm, his eyes wide with uncontrolled excitement.

There was something different about the way Jihoon said it as if he was in some sort of secret that Wonwoo had no idea about. Of course that was the entire purpose of a secret but it felt different. 

“If I promise to think about it, will you” Wonwoo pointed at Soonyoung “stop this weird, whatever it is?”

Surprisingly enough, the pool was mostly empty during the weekends, hence why they usually closed at noon on Saturdays. Parents usually sent their kids during the afternoons and most adults preferred either early mornings or after hours so the weekends were usually pretty low and you’d rather be anywhere else than at work but Saturdays started to look so much better once Wonwoo’s name was written on the board, right under yours. 

After the initial minor breakdown

You sat down on the edge of the pool, your feet on the water while you waited for him. With each passing second you grew more anxious, your heart beating rapidly inside your chest in anticipation of what would happen. 

A part of you expected it to be just a regular class, with normal small talk. The other part, this one much more hopeful and highly unrealistic, hoped that you could pick up where you left off the night of the party. But the truth was that you had no idea what was about to happen. You were certain that there was a secret third option that you couldn’t see or even think of. 

You turned around when there was the distant sound of a door closing and a few seconds later Wonwoo walked in, in black swim shorts and a black t-shirt, a towel on his shoulder. He smiled at you while pushing his glasses back. 

For a moment it was like you were back at the party that night and he was all that you could see again. There wasn’t anything or anyone else there but even then the space seemed to disappear.

“Hi,” he offered once he stopped next to you. 

“Hey”

You got up and walked to the other side, removing your shorts and folding them over the side of a chair. Wonwoo followed suit, dropping his towel on the chair and then taking off his glasses and shirt. It took everything in you to keep quiet and not just fully ogle him. You almost had to hit your face to make yourself remember how to breathe properly again. 

"You ready?" you said without turning to him. 

The only answer Wonwoo had to give was a small ruff, in exchange for making you chuckle. Though it was funny, it was not the ideal. 

“Listen,” you turned to him, hands on your hips “If you’re uncomfortable we can reschedule or maybe not even do this at all”

Wonwoo looked at you, his eyes going a little soft as he sat down on the edge of the pool, mimicking your early stance. His eyes were focused on the water in front of him, unblinking. 

“I’m tall enough that my head will stay above water, right?” 

“Yes, you’re good until halfway”

He nodded his head, eyes until in the water. If the situation was any different you’d have cracked a joke or anything else that could somehow lighten up the mood but there was no room for that. 

“Let’s just get this over with”

Most of the hour you spent with Wonwoo in the pool was silent. It was mostly you talking and him listening, trying — and failing — to follow your instructions. You tried to crack the occasional small talk, but he was having none of it. You couldn’t help but wonder if his lack of enthusiasm, or interest, was because he was still uncomfortable or if it was because of how you had acted when he first came by to sign up for lessons. 

It took you a few hours, and three glasses of wine, to realize that you had made a face when you saw his birthday written. And it wasn’t a nice face, you were sure you scowled at the paper. Maybe it was that moment you ruined it all between you and Wonwoo. Or maybe, he was just really unhappy. 

“Are you okay?” you asked him once again, hand on his shoulder. 

You were honestly so worried about him that it was hard to ogle him. 

“Yeah, I’m just not a big fan of water, that’s all”

This time you put both of your hands on his shoulder, turning his body fully to you.  God, he is too handsome. Forget the whole “too worried to ogle” thing. His chest, his very naked chest, was right in front of your eyes. You were only human, a human that had dreamed of the man in front of her a few too many times and none of them had been pg-13. It was fine to appreciate someone’s beauty. 

“Listen to me, you don’t need to do this, okay?”

“This is Sidney,” he said as if that was enough explanation.

The only possible reaction was to roll your eyes at him. 

“Who gives a fuck where we are in the globe? Do you go to the beach? The pool? Boats? Loves to be on airplanes who happen to fly across oceans?” when his answer to all of your questions was no you shook his shoulders a little bit “Then you have no reason to learn how to swim. Right now you’re just torturing yourself”

Wonwoo sighed and nodded, but he still looked sort of weird, if you were one to tell considering how little you knew him. You raised your eyebrows at him, hoping that it was enough to get him to talk. 

“It’s just…” he seemed to struggle to get the words out “I want to see you again”

This time you didn’t even try to suppress your smile or the butterflies in your stomach.

“You could ask for my number and ask me on a date, you know?”

taglist: @wonwooz1-blog, @ryuwonieebae, @sobun1est, @mirtaspace, @ho34gojo, @feat-sun , @wonvsmile , @belladaises , @mhlsymlysn, @swinterr , @immabecreepin , @uniq-tastic , @miriamxsworld , @aaniag , @byunparklimchoi , @k-drama-adict, @maiamorrrrrrrrrr, @yeeyoo0206, @tomodachiii, @ignoretheskies , @roguesthetic , @sofix-hc7 , @scarlet789 , @pluviophile-xxx , @moonlightgleric, @r6njunlv, @mixling-blog , @cinnamongirl127, @haowonbins , @valgracia , @slut4donghyuck , @manutuankim , @shuabby1994 , @anthropologymajorkpopmultistan , @sukiscones, @plumings, @shuasdrafts , @aaa-sia , @bouclesdefeu , @dreambloomout, @hyangg11, @maewhore , @blurr3db3rry, @sea-moon-star , @roguesthetic , @writingbarnes , @strawberryroseee , @lovely-ficsfor-me, @lixisoul99, @jjeongddol , @whoa-jo , @poiibbtt , @seokqt , @itsmeaudrieee, @palmsugr , @hyneyedfiz , @babybae-shisui , @wmewtew

again, if you enjoyed reading, please reblog and leave a comment, it really does mean the world to me and i would love to know your thoughts. thank you! 💕

if you want to be tagged in my next fics, please fill out this form

if you no longer wish to tagged in my fics let me know!

[lillaydee]

I'm Right Here Part 5

BFF!Joel Miller / F Reader

Sometimes the person we've been looking for has been right there all along.

@copperhalfcent, @demonsasss, @bergamote-catsandbooks, @peelieblue @liciafonseca @ultra-nina-bella @joelmillerpascal @kirsteng42 @heartpatch

Let me know if you want to be tagged or removed from the tag list

WARNINGS: BFF Joel Miller, Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Good Parent Joel (The Last of Us), Angst, Love Triangles, Miscommunication, Past Child Abuse, Alternate Universe - No Cordyceps Outbreak (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Joel is a Clueless Idiot, Jealousy, Minor Character Death, Implied/Referenced/Supposed Sexual Assault

SERIES MASTER LIST

Part 4

The whole place went even quieter. You didn’t think it was possible. You could see Jen’s face light up, while Anita openly gaped at the back of Joel’s head, looking at him as if he’d gone crazy. Aunt Tina nudged her with her elbow, snapping her out of her shock. She corrected her expression to a neutral one, picking up a plate and placing it next to Joel’s.

Jen sat down, smiling at everyone, still actively avoiding your eyes. No one spoke to anyone after that. What was supposed to be a joyous, happy occasion turned to an awkward one instead. Jen fussed over Joel as if she was his designated caretaker, serving him, handing him the napkin, offering him more food. The man, in your mind, was looking like someone who was regretting his life choices. But what did you know? They probably were a couple at this point. He did, after all, spend the night at hers last night. You heart ached all of a sudden, your appetite for Anita Miller’s excellent cooking simply gone to pot.

Every time Jen simpered at whatever the fuck she found funny despite Joel not saying anything, you wanted to throw a plate her way. But who were you to do so? He must be interested in her or at least showed her that he was in one way or another. Otherwise, why would he invite her to stay? You suffered through the silence and the rest of your plate before excusing yourself, taking your plate to the kitchen.

“Who is she?” Anita’s voice interrupted your thoughts beyond the sounds of the water, her hand gently leading you to one side of the sink, handing you the rinsed plates. You didn’t even argue, simply taking them and putting them in the dishwasher.

“She was our junior I think, we ran into her last week.”

“Have they been seeing each other?” she asked, not looking at you, her voice stoic.

“I don’t know. Maybe,” you managed, trying not to let any feelings whatsoever escape from your chest.

“Well, that was awkward,” Aunt Tina interrupted, placing more plates into the sink. “What was Joel thinking? He didn’t even talk to her. Why did he ask her to stay?”

“I don’t know,” you told her, “But you should talk to her. Maybe get to know her. She’s his friend,” you said, the words tasting like vinegar in your mouth.

Even without looking, you could see Anita and Aunt Tina staring into each other’s souls.

“So… that’s his new girlfriend?” Aunt Tina hesitantly asked. Funny how you could practically see her eyeing Anita, even with your back to them. You shrugged. You couldn’t look. If you did, you would bawl your eyes out.

Aunt Tina sighed. “I guess I’ve always thought…” she stopped talking. Once more, you could see Anita stopping her with her eyes.

“So,” Anita changed the subject. “You and Eric… what’s that all about? You guys back together?”

You turned around this time, shaking your head. “No, Anita, we’re just friends. We dated ages ago, but we have remained friends. That’s all. We are friends,” you said, placing the rag you were holding on the edge of the sink and going back outside, bracing yourself for the sight you were about to see. You ran straight into Joel, who was carrying more empty plates from the table. Fuck, he looked a bit pale. Was he sweating?

“Hey, you okay?” you whispered, your hand going to his forehead, checking if he had a temperature, taking half of the plates off his hands. He gently wrapped a hand around your wrist, smiling, nodding at you. “I’m fine, just a bit of a headache. Didn’t get much sleep…”

“I’ll take care of him, Dahlia,” Jen suddenly said, suddenly appearing, holding out her empty plate at you. Joel’s head snapped towards her, “What are you doing? She’s not here to do your bidding,” he protested. “And her name, is Daisy.”

“It’s okay, Joel,” you said, placing your hand on his shoulder before taking the plate off her hand. “She’s your guest.” You didn’t miss the small smirk forming on her lips.

“Everything okay?” Anita asked, intently watching Jen, as if trying to decipher her. “Yeah,” you easily replied, going back to the kitchen. Jen asked Joel if he was going to pass the plates in his hands off to you, but Anita asked her to come outside with her, Aunt Tina quickly following. Joel followed you into the kitchen, placing the plates in the sink, rolling his sleeves to help you with the dishes.

“It’s okay, Joel, I’ve got it,” you said, gently pushing him out of the way, taking the top plate and rinsing it. He didn’t move. “Go, Jen is out there alone. You shouldn’t leave her alone like that.” You could feel your heart cracking as the words came out of your mouth.

“So is Eric, you left him alone, so why can’t I leave Jen alone?” he whispered, his eyes finding yours.

“Eric’s got Will and Tommy and Benny as company. He’s known them for years, your parents and Aunt Tina too. Jen doesn’t know anyone. You invited her here.”

“You invited Eric.”

“No I didn’t, Will did.” You promised Benny you wouldn’t tell, so you didn’t, thankful you remembered Will’s quick thinking about Eric’s sudden appearance.

He was quiet, but his eyes bored into yours, shocked at your revelation. “Why didn’t you invite him?”

“Why would I?” you asked, almost laughing at the absurdity of the question.

“I thought… The two of you went out on a romantic date. Didn’t he spend the night? I thought…”

You laughed, pushing him out of the way one more time. He relented this time, eyes still on you. “It’s not a romantic date, Joel. I told you that. He just wanted to make up for the cheap high school dates he took me on, he could afford more than a shared milkshake now, that’s all. He felt bad about how he ended things with me back then. We went out as friends. A friend-date. His truck broke down. He slept on the couch. I told him to go sleep on my bed when I left this morning. You know that couch is no good for sleeping.”

Joel closed his eyes, rubbing his temple with his hand.

“Go, it’s not nice to leave a girl alone with your family like that,” you repeated, eyes focused on the plates you were rinsing. You could not look at him. You would turn to stone. He just stood there, unmoving. “Go, Joel,” you said one more time, bumping his hips with yours.

“I didn’t invite her,” he muttered, regret clear in his eyes.

“Yes you did, I heard you.”

“I just felt bad she came all this way. I couldn’t just send her away. But I didn’t invite her over here. I have no idea why she’s here.”

“Damn Anita and Jake Miller, teaching Joel Miller manners so well he couldn’t chase a gorgeous woman away,” you teased, and his lips broke into a smile. “You took something for the headache?” He nodded. You wanted to tease him about whatever it was that he did last night to the detriment of his sleeping time but resisted. You were sure your heart would stop beating if you heard such details emerge from those supple lips.

“Daze,” he began, “Jen and I…”

“Hey Joel? Dad needs help with something. Will you come?” Tommy appeared out of nowhere, “The tree stump,” he explained. Joel nodded, looking back at you. “Talk later?”

You nodded, relieved that Tommy had come at that exact moment. You released the plate you had been clutching in your hand, shocked at how numb your fingers were from grasping it so hard. What was he going to tell you about him and Jen? He said he didn’t invite her over. But… she was here. Surely someone couldn’t be so shameless they invited themselves over? And he did invite her to stay. You heard him. Everyone heard him. Sure, he said he did it to be polite, but that didn’t change the fact that he did, in fact, invite her to stay. And he sat next to her throughout that awkward lunch.

You busied yourself with the dishes, Olivia coming in to help after a few minutes, asking you about your job search. That distracted you for a while, your mind going other places other than Joel and Jen and whatever happened between them the night before.

Once the dishes were done, though, that distraction was immediately replaced by the sounds of Jen’s cooing to Anita and Aunt Tina, dreamily regaling them the story of how Joel saved her life at the pool. How thankful she was for Joel. How brave and heroic he was. She told them how gentlemanly Joel was to come over to help her with her stairs, and how he didn’t ask for any payment in return.

“I asked him out to dinner just to pay him back, and he wouldn’t even let me pay! Your son is such a great man, Mrs Miller. You must be very proud of him. I consider myself a lucky girl he found me deserving of his company,” she had simpered, looking as if she was talking of some swashbuckling hero who rescued her from a band of pirates.

Anita and Aunt Tina was staring at her, their faces unreadable. Jen stopped talking when she saw you. Both older ladies took a deep breath when she stopped, Anita finally realizing you and Olivia standing behind them.

“Oh, Daze darling, can you go find Joel? I think it’s best if we send Jen on her way. Tell him to call her a cab, won’t you?” she asked, rubbing your arm. You saw Jen’s expression change into one of disappointment. “Oh, I’m not in a hurry,” she quickly said. Aunt Tina immediately chimed in, “We mustn’t keep you here too long. We have a lot to do. We’d invite you to stay, but it’s family stuff, you know how it is,” she told Jen, who nodded, taking more sips of her wine. You muttered something about going to find Joel, turning around to go to the stump that had been on the property for ages.

“I’ll go find Joel. I think he might want to drive me home himself,” Jen said, standing up.

“No, you sit down, Daze will find him. Livvie darling, come sit here. Did you know Jen before?” Anita countered. “Go ahead darling,” she gently coaxed you, “They’re at the stump.”

You went to the stump, now freshly upturned, the area a mess. Jake, Will, Benny and Eric were there, sweating their asses off, making plans on how best to cut it into pieces, the stump too big to move as it was. Jake told you Joel was at the shed, getting the chainsaw. You went over, just rounding the corner when you heard Tommy’s voice.

“So… we’re right? This is for real?”

“I can’t stop thinking about her, Tommy. She’s all I think about. I find myself planning my life around her. I’ve never met anyone like her. I kept waiting for something to happen to change my mind, but it’s like… she’s here and I can’t stop making plans about her. This past week has been… magical,” Joel’s voice was clear, full of emotion, sincere.

“You like her, huh?” Even without seeing Tommy’s face, you knew he was smiling at his brother, teasingly so.

“Like her? Fuck, Tommy. I think… I’m in love with her. I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”

“So tell her!”

“You’re joking, right? Why the fuck would she want me? Look at her! Look at me! She’s way out of my league!”

“Well… if you’d brush your hair every now and again… maybe shower…”

“I’m serious Tommy. Look, I don’t even know if she likes me the same way, okay? But let’s be real. What are the odds here? What if I tell her and she rejects me?”

“Come on, Joel, she won’t… it’s so obvious…”

“And then there’s the matter of…” he paused, lowering his voice a little, “You know who… I don’t know how to get rid of her. I’ve been… nice… accommodating… but I want to start my life with the woman I love and I don’t know how to tell her I’m only being polite. That I’ve only been entertaining her out of my own loneliness. That I need her to go away and leave me alone so I can be with the woman of my dreams. I just… fuck!”

There was silence. Tommy then whistled.

“Damn brother, you’ve got it bad. Just tell her. The sooner you find your balls, the faster you could be with her man. Go for it.”

Joel’s phone rang, his Mom, apparently, telling him he was needed. He and Tommy hurriedly located the chainsaw and walked out of the shed. You quickly hid behind it, waiting as Joel and Tommy walked out, Tommy yammering on and on about some game he was looking forward to watch that night.

Even after their voices long disappeared, you found yourself still frozen. You couldn’t move, your mind processing what you’d just heard.

He’s in love.

With someone he’d spent a week with.

Jen.

He wanted to spend more time with her. But someone was in the way. Someone he was polite to, someone he entertained out of loneliness. Someone who was currently overstaying her welcome, perhaps? Someone jobless who should look into moving out of his space so that he could start the rest of his life with Jen?

You felt stupid. Your mind went back to your hesitance at his invitation to stay over at his place when discussing Eddie’s death anniversary, how you were worried you might be taking his space, his freedom, his life, and yet, two weeks passed and you were still there, unashamedly living rent-free in his house. And Joel was a polite man, a gentleman. He was never going to kick you out. Of course he wouldn’t.

You wanted to laugh at yourself. Why the fuck didn’t you think of things this way? Oh, that’s right. You were too embroiled in the stupid fantasy that he might be in love with you too, that he would swoop you off your feet and declare his love for you if you waited long enough. You were so deep in that line of thought you didn’t see that you were now an unwanted guest. A ‘you-know-who’, not even important enough to be given a name.

You stopped wallowing when your face was dripping with your tears. Stupid, stubborn tears you shed from your own fantasies. Get real Daze, look at you, look at Jen. Why the fuck would someone like Joel Miller want you over her? You came to the lunch in flip flops, jeans and some old shirt that used to belong to Eddie. She came in fuck-me heels and a summer dress. She looked like someone polished her entire body top to bottom just before she got there. Everything just so, perfect in every way. You owned exactly one tube of lipstick that your roommate gave you a couple of years ago because her stupid boyfriend missed the colour chart by one number when buying it for her. Heck, you didn’t even know if that shade suited you. it was a free lipstick. So, yeah, what man would date you over her? Get over yourself.

You just felt exhausted. You wiped your face dry and got back to the house, only to find Jen still chattering away to Anita and Aunt Tina, Olivia running towards you when she spotted you. “God,” she said, “Please tell me you could drag me away from here, I cannot listen to her anymore. I mean, Joel is nice and all, but that girl just bored his own mother with stories about him. Can we please go take a walk?” she pleaded. You were about to answer when Joel appeared, Anita and Aunt Tina immediately getting up, offering their hands to a still chattering Jen, shaking it pointedly, causing her to stop mid-sentence, awkwardly getting up. Aunt Tina picked up her purse and gave it to her.

“Can you call her a cab, Joel? It’s getting late. Plus, we have more to do around here. It’s nice to meet you, Jen,” Anita said, turning around to go inside.

“Uh, actually, would you mind driving me, Joel? I’ve had a couple of glasses, I don’t feel safe taking a cab,” Jen said, eyes wide, looking at Joel.

“I don’t know… I’m not feeling very well,” he said, rubbing his temple. “I don’t think I should drive right now.”

“Please? It’s not far, please?” she coaxed. Joel sighed, finally nodding, telling her to hold on. He turned towards you and gently pulled you aside. “You’re okay to wait here a while, right? I’ll come back, we go home together? I have… things… I need to talk to you about.” His eyes searched yours, hope in them.

You felt a lump in your throat, nodding. He smiled, before leaning in and planting a quick kiss on your cheek. “Drive safe,” you managed to croak.

Jen waited for him, taking a bottled water from the side table. “Hot today,” she simpered, taking another for Joel. He walked past her, getting his keys from his pocket. You watched as the two of them got in his truck, Joel pausing to rub his neck and shoulders, probably strained from working on the stump. He wound his window down and told you one more time to wait for him – even told you to get as much leftovers as you could for dinner and possibly lunch the next day.

For a moment, as he winked at you when reversing the truck, you forgot about what you heard and felt special again.

That’s the magic of Joel Miller. He made you feel special. You should really wear one of those shock collars that would give you a jolt back to reality every time you felt your face go hot under his gaze. He probably was gonna tell you that it’s time you move out. So he could be free to date without worrying about you sleeping next door. Wake the fuck up already!

You helped the ladies clear up, chattering and laughing with them through it all. Anita packed so much food for you and Joel, even gave you some frozen focaccia dough to bake the next day, making you so happy you practically straddled the woman in your glee. You were about to steal some of her home made butter when Olivia and Will came in announcing that they were leaving.

“Everything done?” Anita asked, swatting your hand away from her precious tub of butter. “Where’s Joel?” she asked Will, taking a container to fill some butter into, smiling at your eager face.

“I thought he was here with you guys, he didn’t go back to the field. He had a headache, and I think he pulled a muscle with the stump just now. I thought he was sleeping it off or something,” Will said, grabbing the paper bag full of food Aunt Tina offered to him. You looked at your watch and realized that Joel had been gone for over two hours.

The kitchen suddenly went very quiet. All eyes were on you. You could feel it, even if you were facing the fridge, clutching the tub filled with butter.

“Maybe he went to the ER or something,” Eric’s voice filled in the silence. “Come on, Daze, I’m driving Benny home. I’ll take you too,” he offered, thanking Anita as he took the bag she had prepared for him, Benny taking his from his mother.

Anita and Aunt Tina hugged you goodbye, telling you to come over the next weekend for lunch. “You’re always welcome, remember. You’re family. So the weekend lunches involve you too now that you’re back,” they said. Aunt Tina hugged Eric a bit far too long, telling him he was too, smirking at Benny, who was now looking at everything else with interest except for his mother.

The journey home was quiet on your part. Benny was going on and on about how everyone thought Jen to be an odd duck, who comes over uninvited like that, he had wondered. Joel had better not bring her over again, no one wanted to see her, he told you, earning him a smack on the arm from Eric.

Joel’s truck was already at home when you got there, parked rather haphazardly in the middle of the driveway instead of the end of it as he usually did. Your heart went cold – oh God, was he alright? Was he that unwell? Even Eric and Benny seemed taken aback, both quickly jumping out of the truck to check on him. You got to the front door, quickly unlocking it.

Your heart filled with ice the moment you stepped inside. Eric and Benny froze. You wanted to disappear.

You heard her.

Moaning Joel’s name in sync with the squeaks of his mattress, so loud that even the closed door couldn’t contain them. Her voice rang throughout the house, straight into your crushed heart. As if that wasn’t enough, the sounds of slapping skin was ringing throughout the space, giving you whiplash, Benny gently pulling you outside, passing you to Eric, who tried to pull you into his truck. But it was as if you were superglued to the spot, your heart leaking through your eyes. Benny took the bags of food with him inside, running to the kitchen and then your room, coming back out with your smallest suitcase in record time, literally sprinting his way through the house.

Just not fast enough for you to miss the crescendo of Jen’s climaxing voice, telling Joel how big he was, how amazing he was making her feel, how lucky she was to be his.

How in love she was with him.  

More sounds of slapping skin followed, and just as you thought you couldn’t take any more, you heard him, grunting and moaning before everything stopped, the house quieter than a graveyard then.

Even Benny and Eric was rooted to their spots, both eyes on you, hands gently trying to pull you outside. The door to his room opened, and Jen walked out, all pink and sweaty, wearing the shirt Joel was wearing to the lunch, shocked to see you there.

“Oh, God, did you hear us? I’m so embarrassed!” she simpered, excusing herself to the bathroom.

You watched her go with tears in your eyes, only looking away once you felt Eric’s gentle hand pulling you away one more time. Benny joined in, his hand on your shoulder, pulling the door closed behind you. The two guided a catatonic you into the truck, Benny lifting you up since your legs seemed to have ceased to function. You didn’t even question where they were taking you, riding in the back of Eric’s truck silently, tears pouring down your face all the way back to his place.

Joel opened his eyes, his head thumping, his throat dry. He felt hungover. The worst hangover he had ever experienced. He laid there, trying to gather his thoughts. What happened? Where was he? He felt as if something was off. Like he forgot something. What was it?

Fuck, his head was spinning. Was he drunk? Did he drink? He didn’t think so. He had taken some painkillers. He made a conscious decision not to drink. So why was he so hungover?

He was in his room. He at least recognized that.

Wait.

How did he get home?

Fuck, how did YOU get home? He was supposed to go back and pick you up after he dropped Jen off.

Did he drop Jen off?

He sat up, trying to minimize his movements. He needed water. Tylenol. Something. The heavy smell of coffee lingered in the air. He threw the blanket off himself, realizing for the first time that he was naked. Stark naked.

Wait. What?

He looked around the room, a bra on his dresser, a summer dress on the floor. His door creaked open, and in walked Jen, wearing only his shirt from yesterday, holding a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Morning handsome,” she cooed, coming around the bed to give him a kiss.

Joel shrunk back, covering himself with the blanket. “What are you doing in my house? In my room? In my shirt?”

Her face fell. “You don’t remember?”

“What the fuck Jen?”

She took a deep breath, depositing the coffee on his nightstand. “You drove me here. We made love. You don’t remember?” she fussed, trying to take his blanket off his lap. He pulled it back, shuffling away from her.

“How could I ‘make love’ to you when I don’t even like you?”

“Joel!” she exclaimed, shocked and hurt at his revelation.

“I’m serious Jen, what the fuck happened?”

“Well,” she said, taking his shirt off. Joel looked away, pulling the blanket with him to the other side of the bed, standing up, wrapping the blanket around his waist. “You wanted me. You were feeling me up in the car and your house was closer than mine so…”

“No,” he said, “That’s impossible. I would never do that, not with you.”

“Well, you did,” she snapped, getting up, picking up her dress off the floor, pulling it on aggressively. “And now you want to act like it didn’t happen? I guess what they say about you is right. You use women and throw them away.”

“I have been honest with you from the get-go, Jen. I told you I don’t see you that way. I do not want a relationship with you. I said yes to one dinner, and you show up at my parents’ house like some kind of stalker, and now you claim we had sex? What are you playing at?”

For a split second, her eyes flashed with malice towards him. But it quickly disappeared, replaced with sadness. “You invited me to stay, Joel. I only wanted to thank you for helping me out, for saving my life,” she said, her lips trembling. She picked up the coffee cup and handed it to him. “I made you coffee. You’re hungover. Maybe if you sober up you would remember?” she coaxed.

Joel took the cup, bringing it to his lips, but the look in Jen’s eyes as he did so made him uneasy. He left the room and drained the cup in the kitchen sink, so too the rest of the pot.

“What the fuck, Joel? Why would you do that?”

“Seriously Jen, what the fuck did you do?”

“Joel, this is your hangover talking. You’re not thinking right…”

“What hangover? I didn’t drink!”

“But you took painkillers. That could have…”

“I have taken those painkillers before. They don’t have this kind of effect. I lost an entire evening, Jen. What did you do?”

She avoided his sharp gaze, looking at her feet. “Maybe your perfect Dahlia did something to you,” she mumbled.

“Her name is Daisy!” he screamed, going to your door, knocking on it. He opened it when you didn’t answer, his eyes went straight to the open top drawer on your dresser, clocking the fact that one of your suitcases was gone.

“Come on, Joel, give me a chance. You really did seem to be enjoying yourself last night… I can be whatever and whoever you want me to be,” she tried once more, coming closer to him, raising her hands to cup his face. He slapped her hands away, checking the bathroom, the backyard, looking for any signs of you.

“I told you, Jen. I am not interested in any relationship with anyone, least of all you!” he reiterated.

“Stop lying Joel. You want Daisy. Everyone can see it. She’s not here by the way. I don’t think she’ll be back anytime soon. She didn’t seem too happy to see me here yesterday, she left with that boyfriend of hers. I think she heard us. Ask her, if you don’t believe me,” she said, smirking.

Joel felt his entire being turn cold. Fuck. Did he really have sex with this woman? And you heard them? FUCK! Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

“Get out of my house,” he seethed, going to the front door and opening it.

“How am I going to get home?”

“Not my problem. Leave. And never call me again.”

She went into his room, snatching her purse and bra, storming out. “I can’t believe I worshipped you, Joel Miller. I thought you were different from the rest. But you’re just like the rest of them. Fuck ‘em and leave ‘em huh, Joel?”

“Leave, Jen, before I lose my mind. Leave, before I hurt you,” Joel gritted, his hands shaking. She walked meekly towards the door, stopping in front of him.

“You’ll regret this, Joel. I will make sure of it,” she warned, before pulling his face down and aggressively kissing him. He pulled away from her, refraining from raising a hand to her, and slammed the door in her smirking face.

Fuck. Daisy.

He searched for his phone, dialling your number, his heart already at an unease from the fact that you did not contact him at all. No missed calls, no texts.

“Come on, Daze, pick up, pick up, please pick up.”

You stared at your phone, his name flashing on the screen. He had called you repeatedly this morning, text after text chiming in, none of which you bothered to read.

You were glad yesterday happened. Really, you were. At least you were snapped out of your stupid delusion that he might ever feel anything for you.

And to be honest, it wasn’t even that. Even if you didn’t feel anything for him, it’s the disrespect. He told you he was coming back to pick you up. Instead, he brought the woman home and fucked her, knowing he was making you wait, knowing that there was a possibility that someone would drop you off, that you could come home at any moment.

Maybe this was what he meant when he said he needed to get rid of you. So he could have a fuck-fest without you being in the way. Still, you would think he’d at least respect you enough to wait until you actually moved out before doing that. You would never disrespect him like that.

Around the tenth time he called you switched your phone off and went into the kitchen to make coffee. You had slept on the couch, dressed in a ridiculously short pair of shorts and one of Eric’s shirts, seeing as Benny only packed your underwear in his panic to get the fuck out of the sex fest that was happening in Joel’s room yesterday. Eric and Benny tried to get you to sleep in his bedroom, but you felt bad. You were imposing. Eric’s apartment was a one bedroom, so on the couch you stayed. At least his couch was a nice one. No lumps. And unlike a certain someone, Eric and Benny were respectful enough not to make loud, lewd noises while you were in the living room. See? It’s nice to know some people have the common sense to be respectful.

You had just put the pot on, looking at the contents in the fridge to see what Eric had available for breakfast when someone banged on the front door. Eric’s bedroom door flung open, he staggered out looking dishevelled, disorientated as fuck, wobbling over to the front door in his boxers.

“Where is she?” Joel’s voice barged into the small home.

“Morning to you too, Joel.”

“Where is she Eric? I know she’s here. Daze!”

You peeked into the living room, confused as fuck. Oh shit, he looked horrible. Did he even sleep? Was he hungover? Too much sex perhaps?

Joel stopped when he saw you, his eyes roved all over your body, taking in what you were wearing, turning around to see what Eric was wearing. His eyes flashed with anger, starting towards Eric.

“Did you fuck her?”

Eric looked scandalized, but remembering what he heard from the living room yesterday, the tears in your eyes, the look on your face made him angry. “So what if I did? At least I’m not some desperate, crazy, shameless stalker!”

Joel turned to look at you. You avoided his gaze, your heart aching at the memory of what you heard.

“Go home to your stalker, Joel. Leave Daze alone. She’ll be fine here. At least no one would disrespect her here,” Eric seethed, reaching for the door.

Before he could even swing the door open, Joel had pulled him away from the door and punched him squarely in the face, knocking him onto his back. Before he could even register what happened, Joel had straddled his torso, beating the crap out of him.

Part 6