#he carved those buttons into him after all

[sisislair]

Continuing my TGCF re-listen/read, and fuck. Shit.

The first time we encounter Jun Wu after now knowing everything that happens is so sickening. There's this obvious camaraderie and banter that they have, it reminds me a lot of how I acted with some of my favorite teachers in school. The ones who were in charge of clubs I went to, and would sometimes give me a pass on assignments being late because they knew I did good work. I still had to be respectful, but there was a little of the backtalk that was acceptable from being a favored/gifted student.

(just realized Xie Lian gives me a lot of gifted student burn out feelings, aughhhh.)

Like, I can feel how even with the banter, Xie Lian really respects Jun Wu and wants him to be proud of him. He's so eager to do any task that Jun Wu asks of him. This is someone who supported his first ascension after all. Especially in the face of his father's wishes for him to remain crown prince at the time, I know that he must have latched onto Jun Wu as being one of the only authority figures in his life who he trusted.

The first thing he does is apologize for the wounds he inflicted on Jun Wu during the mock battle of his second ascension. One of the first things Jun Wu does is chide him for not keeping contact. When we know that Xie Lian did cry out for him, but he ignored him in order to try and mold him.

With reflection, you can definitely tell that he's trying to steer Xie Lian away from Hua Cheng, and there's something about the way that he recreates and gifts and exact replica of Xie Lian's old palace to him without asking him first that sits wrong with me. Maybe it's because it's in tandem with a dig about Xie Lian's living situation at Puqi shrine.

It makes my skin crawl, because he definitely feels patronizing, enough so that Xie Lian comments at least once that he's not nearly as naive as Jun Wu seems to think he is. He's lived through a lot of suffering, and has 800 years of experience and decisions behind him. It's uncomfortable how Jun Wu treats him. Especially with the foreknowledge that so much of Xie Lian's initial suffering and hard learned life lessons where at Jun Wu/Bai Wuxiang's hands!!! How dare he act like Xie Lian is still that boy of 17, when he is the one directly responsible for most of Xie Lian's suffering?

Just reading through it that first time and thinking, wow, it's nice that someone in the heavens from Xie Lian's past seems to genuinely care about him, even if they don't seem to understand his current self all that well vs listening to it now, and knowing exactly what this man has done to Xie Lian. My heart kind of leaps out of my throat everytime he touches Xie Lian.

Like I remember reading through the first time and thinking that something about this conversation and the way he treats Xie Lian/the way Xie Lian reacts to him makes me feel uneasy. And to be right about that at the end was still way more horrifying than I thought it would be.

[casuallyanidiot]

Yandere knight who wants you instead of the princess.

Dead dove Do not Eat Tw. For noncon, MDNI, Fem pov

Yandere knight who has been training in the palace for a very long time. It's an honor for a commoner like him to even set foot into the castle walls, so he works earnestly.

Yandere knight who's been catching glimpses of not only the lovely princess throughout the years, but her handmaidens as well. You're a daughter of a somewhat lesser noble house, and therefore you have essentially been given to the royal family until you're eventually married off to another courtier.

But of all the noble ladies, who often ignore him, he finds you to be the most approachable and kind to him and the other squires. He's developed a bit of a crush on you over the years, and he eventually found it in himself to express his feelings. They were innocent and pure then, and he stood there blushing and awkward waiting for you to accept or deny. He would've taken a no from you. Really, he would have.

But then that pompous bitch got in the way.

The princess had you pulled away by her other attendants before you could answer, and she all but sneered at him.

"My maids are not for common rife like you to sully," she spat, a look of disdain carved on her delicate features.

Yandere knight who was deployed to the battlefront soon after. He spent years in misery knowing it was that royal woman's meddling that had both sent him here and stopped him from knowing how you truly felt.

Yandere knight who carved through foe upon foe with the flash of his sword while thinking of you. He would wipe blood from his face and wonder what it would take to have you. He resolves to become so renowned that he could have you and the respect he deserved all those years ago anyways.

Yandere knight who comes back as the hero of the nation. A parade is thrown for him upon his return, and flowers are thrown at his feet by the masses of people. He is awarded a noble title, a duke (impressive), a territory of land to manage, and the blessing to have the hand of any eligible lady in the land from the king.

The implication was for him to go for the princess, sitting there in a gown befitting of an engagement party. She wasn't the heir to the throne, and having a young, impressionable Duke to have and father a potential crown prince or princess was certainly a draw for her to act so sweet and lovely despite her previous attitudes. He had to use all the will in his body to hide his disdainful glare towards her. Instead, he strode up with a near giddy grin, breezed past the waiting royal, and knelt before you.

"[Name], I shall have you as my wife," He says with a beaming smile. You try to protest, but he's already sweeping you into his arms. The king seems surprised by his choice, but as he stares between Yandere Knight, lovestruck and beaming, and you, squirming and utterly shocked, he realizes that he cannot simply go back on his word. The king waves his hand, and your fate is sealed.

Yandere knight feels bad for not giving you a proper wedding. In fact, he feels bad about not taking you to your new home before he's pulling up your skirts. He's a dog, he knows, but you're just so tempting now that you're all his. He shoving you down onto the plush upholstery of the carriage seats, and you let out a startled cry.

Yandere knight who cannot claim he's chivalrous. He wishes he could, but he loves the way your breasts look pushed up so tightly in the laced bodice of yours. He lets out a groan, petting your hair and shushing you as you whimper under his wandering touch. Button after button becomes undone.

"Love, you'll never wear such stifling clothing again. You hear me? All robes and lace from now on. None of this nonsense," He murmurs into your skin. He pulled your corset and chemise from your body, and he pressed fervent kisses to the crook of your neck. He grasps at your breasts, kneading them experimentally. He's had time to experience women on the battlefield. A fling or two in some field on the outskirts of a freshly liberated village. He would think of you the whole time and imagine what he was latching his lips around the stiff peak of your nipple while a random girl cried out underneath him. But this was real. Your warmth beneath his much heavier form was on of the most beautiful feeling he had ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

He parted your legs, and he could feel you shy away from him. He laughed. As if you had a choice. He knew you would love him eventually, but for now you can't blame him for how ravenous he was as he felt between your shaking, parted legs. He smirked as his lips met yours. His fingers slid against your folds, gathering slick arousal on his digits with a curious hum. He grinds his thumb against your clit as he slowly pushes his way into your warm, spongy walls.

"Oh? Is it good there? Or here? Where, love? You gotta use your words," He teases and licks the tears rolling down your cheeks, peppering your soft skin with kisses. He feels you pulse and stretch around his hand, and he relishes the way your back arches when he curls his fingers just right against that sweet little spot. Desperate noises tumble out of you, and he smiles.

He pulls his fingers out, and you cry out at the sudden sensation. Your chest is heaving with small moans, and your pretty pussy is drooling onto the carriage cushions. He pushes your legs up to your chest for a better grip, and his shudders at the way your twitching feels against the head of his cock.

Yandere knight knows that, as he thrusts into you, he's going to enjoy the luxury of finally having you both under his body and under his control.

[red5tars]

cw brief mentions of pregnancy

hook-up culture was one of the only ways you could get your fix without commitment. it’s hard to maintain any real relationships now, especially as a full time student (and slut). but you’d always been careful, having taken contraceptives, keeping condoms on you, etc etc.

though, none of them are 100% full proof.

you stare at the pregnancy test, wide-eyed. someone bangs on the bathroom door of the gas station, urging you to hurry up. but you can’t, the implications of those two little lines keeping you stuck to the seat.

when you ask your friends, they dismiss you, saying “you’re a smart girl, you’ll figure it out.” and when you call your parents..

you block out the interaction from your memory.

with no financial or emotional support, you are forced to scour the internet for a solution. an abortion is too expensive, and you can’t raise this thing when you’re about to enter your junior year of college.

all hope seems lost, till you find the shadiest ad on craigslist;

Looking for Baby to adopt. Surrogate or already pregnant. Will provide care for entire pregnancy.

it seems like a scam, even more so as you open it and skim through the benefits (a roof over your head, food and water, nearly $25k to start). everything about this seems too good to be true. after all, can you really trust something you saw on craigslist?

still, your eyes find a phone number and email address at the bottom of the ad, belonging to some guy named johnny mactavish. the foreign name throws you off even more, surely a name like that isn’t located in the united states of fuck all. though, it seems like you have no other solutions.

hesitantly, your mouse hovers over the ‘reply’ button, the clicking sound ringing in your ears, settling your fate.

——

johnny knew it was futile to post an ad looking for a surrogate on craigslist, but he didn’t see any other options (or rather, he ignores them). simon and him have been retired for some time now, settling in some small state. the woods offer some sort of privacy, a silence that comforts them rather than makes them shake in their sleep.

it seemed natural that having children would be the next step after living here for so long. johnny thanks tommy for finding a pretty bird and producing a nephew since it would’ve been harder to convince simon otherwise. the riley’s don’t seem like family men, yet simon is carving a little bear to send back to manchester, congratulating tommy on the announcement of his baby girl.

it makes johnny warm, but he can’t help but feel jealous. sure, simon is everything to him, his whole world, but it’s hard to procreate when all you got is a prick and shitter.

so he set up his little offer, though he might as well be suppressed with how nearly no one has reached out to him.

johnny’s about to take down the ad, ready to talk to simon about doing things a different way, when he suddenly gets a reply.

> this isn’t a joke, right?

johnny raises a brow at this, swiveling back to the computer and typing up his response.

< would nevr joke bout smth srs

and when five minutes passed, he presumed that would be the end of this little interaction, fueling johnny’s desire to take down the post.

that is, till he gets another response.

> well, is the position still open then?

he feels his heart stop, eyes widening as he reads the phrase over and over. a certain excitement wells in his chest, and he gets back on the keyboard before he can run out the room and tell simon the good news.

——

his last reply consists of a time, date, and address.

[jeonginsleftcheek]

Work of art

pairing: sub!hyunjin x dom!afab!reader

genre: smut

word count: 7.3k

warnings: masturbation, foot job, degradation, body hair(does that need a warning), spanking, butt play, sex toys, hyunjin is called 'slut', ruined orgasm, pegging, restraints, hair pulling, overstimulation, cock milking, slapping, dom/sub dynamics, reader is called 'boss', light bdsm, praise(lmk if i missed something)

a/n: i need subby hyunjin like i need air to breathe, no joke! plus he said he hates shaving so i had to incorporate that fact into my fic🫣

~check out my: Masterlist

The first time Hwang Hyunjin walked into your studio with his hair tousled, sunglasses almost falling off of his nose, a coffee cup in his hand and a walk full of sass and confidence, you knew he was different.

In your line of work, you've met many different models, your specialty being erotic photography, you've captured many beautiful people of all shapes and sizes but no one was as captivating to you as Hyunjin was.

He was full of sex appeal, even when he was dressed, something about him excited you so much that you wished you could cross that line between work and pleasure and indulge in your fantasy of absolutely ruining the man smiling cheekily at you.

It wouldn't be the first time you crossed that line with your models, it's hard to stay desensitized while capturing the naked vunerability of someone. It's exhilirating to command a person's movement, have them in all kind of positions, especially if you're attracted to them.

You appreciated the beauty of a human body, any human body for that matter, you loved encapsulating all the little details in your work. Freckles, grey hairs, spots, knuckles, tummy folds, stretch marks, body hair... You found beauty in everyone. And sometimes you just wanted to give special appreciation to those bodies and those people.

Today is already the third time Hyunjin came to your studio, and even though you've already seen every part of him, you are always in awe of how beautiful he is, like he was carved out by the hands of a god.

"Hi, boss."- he smirks, jokingly calling you silly nicknames is always fun to him.

"Oh, hey there."- you whip around to look at him, and he looks effortlessly handsome, like he got up and put on the first things he found though you know he actually made an effort with his outfit.

You can see the details, the rings adorning his long fingers, the necklace framing his neck and the black cashmere shirt, two of the buttons undone revealing his prominent collarbone. The shirt is slightly crooked, sliding off of his left shoulder, revealing his smooth skin.

He takes you in too, your hair in a half updo held by an oriental looking hair pin, the black eyeliner on your eyes, making them look even sharper, and your black top, loose around your frame, your perky nipples on display since you hate wearing bras, your pants also flowy and your feet bare.

You hate being restricted while you work so you always dress as loose and casual as you can, unkowingly turning Hyunjin on as he takes mental notes and pictures of you.

"Brought you coffee too."- he says as he comes closer, and your nose is filled with his intoxicating scent mixed with the comforting smell of coffee, making you dizzy.

"Thanks, Jinnie."- you take the cup from him, your fingers grazing against each other's, sending a wave of electricity through your body.

"Why don't you go get comfortable while I prepare my camera?"- you say after you take a sip of coffee.

"No foreplay? No how are you, how's your week been?"- he jokes around, placing his stuff on the side and you look at him, your eyes narrowed and a smirk on your lips.

"We're gonna be here for hours, there's time to talk. Besides, you've done this before, you don't need foreplay."- you chuckle as he takes his shoes off.

"Maybe I like foreplay with you."- oh you know he's a flirt, he does it every time he comes here, taunting you and testing your patience.

If only he knew that he was playing with fire.

"Hm, maybe I won't give it to you for that exact reason."- you smirk and he clicks his tongue, shaking his head at you.

"Wow, you're mean."- he chuckles.

"Oh, you have no idea, pretty boy."- you say and the nickname goes straight to his dick. He got called a pretty boy many times by many different people, in more lewd situations than this one but hearing you call him that in your sultry voice thrilled him like nothing else.

"Where do you want me?"- he asks, dressed only in his shirt and his boxers, his long legs looking delicious.

"On the bed. We're doing a bed shoot today."

"Straight to it. I like that, boss."- he smirks and climbs onto the bed as you chuckle, adjusting some settings on your camera.

"Alright, let's warm up. Just do what naturally comes to you first."- you say, bringing your camera up.

And Hyunjin is a natural, he flirts with the camera easily. As soon as it's on him, the look in his eyes changes and it makes your core throb, the way his eyes stare at you hungrily through the lens.

Hyunjin is propped on his elbows and he throws his head back, revealing his long neck. He spreads his legs a little, looking absolutely delectable as he stares up at you.

You take a few photos as he gives you a few different versions of that pose, his hand coming up to undo another button of his shirt.

"Is that The Cure?"- he asks as you hum along to the music playing.

"Yeah."- you nod. "That's the mood for today."- you add and Hyunjin chuckles.

"Are you depressed or deeply in love?"- he jokes as you come closer to him and take a few close-ups.

"Neither of those. Not that it's any of your business, Hwang."- you smirk, and he cringes.

"Ew, don't call me by my last name."- he recoils as he changes positions, kneeling on the bed and sitting on his feet.

"What do you want me to call you? Pretty boy?"- you taunt, your hands on his thighs, spreading them apart. Hyunjin visibly gulps, his eyes boring into yours as he looks at you sweetly.

"That's much better."- he says, his breath short as he lets you adjust his hands so that they're in his lap, one wrist over the other, like you were gonna tie him up.

Your hand comes up to touch his chin and you lift his face up, your thumb pressing into his plushy lower lip. His lips part as he looks at you like he's mesmerized.

"Stay like that, pretty boy."- you smirk as you grab a chair and bring it closer to the bed.

You get up on it as Hyunjin looks at you wordlessly, his eyes following your movements.

You reach towards him and slide the shirt off his shoulder before you get into a position so you can snap a few photos looking down at him.

"Looking good?"- Hyunjin asks after a few more positions.

"Need your shirt off."- you say as you look through the photos, your brows furrowed in concentration.

"Your wish is my command, boss."- Hyunjin smirks, slowly unbuttoning the rest of his shirt as you look up from your camera.

The shit eating grin he has on his face as he undoes and slides the shirt off as slowly as he can, lets you know he's teasing you.

You stare intenly at him as he leisurely slides it off, the sleeves pooling around his wrists as he leans on them, his legs still spread, head lolled to the side. You can see the outline of his semi hard cock, and his happy trail disappearing under the top of his boxers. It's nothing new, you've seen him naked and fully hard already, taking pictures of him in the most vunerable state.

"Don't move."- you say and bring your camera up as Hyunjin gives you a sultry look and you snap a few more pictures.

"I want a few shots of your back and shoulders."- you say and Hyunjin nods, a smirk on his lips.

He gets rid of his shirt completely and turns his back to you. Your hand comes up to touch his hair as you play with it, making it look even more tousled than it was before.

You can hear Hyunjin's breath getting caught in his throat whenever your fingertips brush against the back of his neck, goosebumps rising on his skin and you're so close to him, he smells so good and you just want to lean in and leave kisses on his neck.

Your hands slide down his shoulders and arms and he leans into your touch, shivering a little as you run your fingertips on his upper back.

"Keep doing that and I'll lose my concentration very quickly."- Hyunjin whimpers quietly and you laugh at him, squeezing his arm a little.

"You're not that easy, are you?"- you smirk, removing your hands off of him and grabbing your camera.

"You wanna find out?"- he flirts again, looking back at you with a smirk.

"Stop flirting, we're working."- you tease as you get ready to take more pictures.

"Alright, I'm serious now. So serious."- Hyunjin smiles and you chuckle, shaking your head at him before he stills so you can do your job.

After some time, he gets turned towards you again and your eyes fall down between his legs immediately.

Hyunjin smirks as you eye his erection that's bulging and straining in his boxers.

"I didn't shave."- he whispers. "But it's trimmed. Is that okay?"

You look up, your eyes slightly widdened, the thought of his pretty cock framed like that made you so unbearably aroused, your pussy throbbing.

"More than okay, Jinnie."- you say, leaning closer to him without even realizing it, and your knee brushes against his bulge.

"Ah..."- he moans a little, his head falling back, eyelids droopy as he looks at you.

"Sorry, didn't mean to do that."- you swallow.

"I don't mind."- he says quietly, legs spreading more as he moves his hips up, brushing against your knee.

"Hyunjin."- you say in a warning tone but his hands grip at the sheets as he starts slowly rutting against you.

You want to stop him but he looks so freaking hot with his lips parted, knuckles white and pupils blown as he ruts against you like a desperate dog.

"You can't cum Hyunjin, I need more pictures before that."- you warn him, your hands on his hips, pressing down to stop his movement.

"S-sorry. I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."- he looks pathetic and embarassed as he tears his eyes away from you.

You chuckle, arousal dripping on your lace panties as you grab your camera.

You stand up on the bed, balancing for a moment before you speak up.

"You look really pretty when you're pathetic like that."- you smirk, snapping a few pictures of his already fucked out face.

"Yeah? You wanna make me more pathetic then?"- he taunts.

"Don't challenge me, pretty boy."- you say.

"Why not?"- he bites on his lip, you can see he's so desperate for you to do anything, touch him in any kind of way and though you always flirted with him, you never went this far before.

Your mind is getting a little cloudy at the sight of Hyunjin under you like that, like he's giving himself to you on a silver platter.

"I don't know if you can handle it."- you whisper.

"I can."- he's sure of himself and you know you're going to have so much fun with him.

You've noticed he always stares at your feet and you smirk, your eyes getting hazy as you find your balance on the bed again and place your foot on his thigh.

Hyunjin jerks under your touch immediately, leaning into you. You slide your foot towards his cock before you press into his erection.

"Ah!"- Hyunjin whimpers, his back arching on the bed as you start slowly moving your foot on his length, his cock twitching every time you touch his head.

"Y/n... fuck."- he whines and you use that moment to take more pictures of him.

His eyes snap open as he looks up at you, his vision blurry from the pleasure you're giving him, your toes circling his head that's leaking pre cum, forming a wet patch on his boxers.

"You really are pathetic, Hyunjin."- you chuckle lowly. "This is what you get off to?"

"Mm, yes, yes!"- he whines, his hips lifting up into your touch as you speed up and press harder into him.

His cock twitches violently against you, and he looks more beautiful than before, his face and neck flushed, his nipples perky, face fucked out and hair messy, his legs spread for you.

You use that moment to take more pictures of him, ones you will keep only in your private collection.

"Say it, pretty boy. Say what you are."- you demand.

"Pathetic! I'm pathetic!"- he whines loudly, face scrunching up in pleasure and you know he's close. His thighs shake and you smirk evilly.

"Yes, you are. A pathetic slut."- you say and he whimpers your name loudly before you remove your foot, leaving him hanging on the edge, ruining his orgasm.

"W-why'd you stop?!"- he gasps, fisting the sheets in frustration. You snap a picture as you laugh.

"I told you not to challenge me. And we're not done with work."- you say, kneeling down between his legs. "I need your cock to be wet and hard for the next pictures."- you caress his thigh and he moans, tears of frustration gathering in his eyes.

"Will you let me cum after that?"- he asks and he looks so fuckable in that moment that you just want to put away your camera and fuck his brains out but somehow you manage to calm down.

"Maybe."- you say and he sighs, wiping at his eyes.

"You really are mean."- he pouts.

"Just take those off and shut up."- you pinch his nipple quickly and he gasps, his eyes widdening and cheeks becoming even more flushed.

He obeys your command and slides his boxers down, throwing them somewhere on the side.

His cock slaps against his stomach, it's painfully hard and throbbing, the tip is red and angry, pre-cum oozing out of it, the vein running over his length is prominent. But what grabs your attention most is the neatly trimmed bush framing his cock so perfectly and you can't help the gush of arousal pooling on your panties.

Hyunjin shrinks a little under your eyes as you keep staring at his cock.

"I-is it okay like that?"- he asks, his voice wavering.

"It's so fucking hot."- you lick your lips.

"Really?"- Hyunjin shivers when you look into his eyes darkly.

"Really."- you whisper, hand reaching towards him. He thinks you'll wrap it around his cock, instead you place it on his navel, fingers gently running down his happy trail to his bush, playing with the hairs and lightly pulling on them. Hyunjin jolts, his cock twitching as electricity runs through his body.

"Oh... oh that feels good."- he whines as you play with his hair.

"Touch yourself for me, will you?"- you say, smirking as you move your hand away again and he whines in frustration again.

"Anything for you."- he says and the look in his eyes confirms his words, he would really do anything for you.

His long thin fingers wrap around his swollen cock as he starts stroking it.

"Slower."- you order and he obeys, hand moving painfully slowly as little moans spill from his lips. His eyes are trained on you as you keep taking pictures of him.

"Spread your legs more. Let me see everything, pretty."- you smirk and Hyunjin spreads his legs, bringing them up as he leans down on his elbow.

"This good?"- he asks, his voice breaking and lower than usually as he struggles not to jerk off faster.

"So good."- you chuckle and keep snapping pictures of him. Hyunjin's going crazy, he wants some kind of release but you have different plans for him.

"Stop now."- you say and he whimpers but moves his hand to the side, gripping at the sheets again as you snap photos of his pretty cock.

"Are those for work or for you?"- he smirks, almost breathless.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"- you smirk back at him and he sits up, his face close to yours.

"I can give you even better pictures for your private collection."- he whispers lowly.

"Oh yeah? What do you get out of it?"- you ask with a smirk.

"You."- he says.

"You want me?"- you chuckle, placing your hand on his chin and holding his face firmly in place.

"I want you so bad."- he whines.

"If you want me, Hyunjin... You're gonna have to be a good boy and take what I give you without complaints."- you warn, your voice sultry and low, your camera forgotten on the side.

"Okay, I can do that. I can be good for you."- he says quickly and you chuckle at his eagerness.

"We'll see about that."- you say and before he can answer you grab him and easily turn him on his stomach as he shrieks and scrambles to grab at the sheets.

Your hand wraps around the back of his neck as you push his face into the bed, your pelvis colliding with his ass. You lean over him, your other hand slowly running down his spine as Hyunjin shivers, his eyes wide and breaths ragged.

"You think you can take me, Jinnie?"- you chuckle lowly, blowing at his ear as your hand comes down to grip his asscheek and he mewls under you, scratching at the bed.

"Y-yes."- he whispers.

"Are you sure? This sweet hole looks so very tight."- your fingertips press into his fluttering entrance, just to tease him a little.

He gasps, leaning into your touch as his eyes roll back.

"I- yes, I can take it! Please!"- he whines desperately, dragging the tip of his cock against the satin sheets.

His eyes close in anticipation but you move away completely, leaving him bare and he hears the clicks of your camera before he can even open his eyes and look at you.

He starts getting up, but you're quick to place your hand on his back and push him down.

"Did I say you could move?"- you snap at him and Hyunjin shivers.

"N-no."- he gulps loudly and you tower over him.

"Then why did you move?"- you ask, pinching his butt and he jolts and whimpers.

"I won't do it again, I swear!"- he cries out as you smack his ass and watch as it jiggles deliciously.

"Good slut."- you smirk and leave him on the bed as you put your camera aside and go to your table. There's a drawer in the table, holding all kinds of fun things and Hyunjin breathes deep as he kneels on all fours.

It wouldn't be the first time he got fucked in the ass but no one was ever this demanding and degrading towards him and he was so excited that he felt like could cum untouched any moment now.

You found a bottle of lube and an unused butt plug, your feet padding on the floor and you get back to Hyunjin as he eagerly awaits for you.

"Eyes up front."- you say as you kneel behind him, placing the stuff on the side. You spread his legs more with yours and he whimpers a little, his hands gripping at the sheets above his head.

You practically drool at the sight of him, face down and ass up, his pretty hole on display just for you, the muscles on his arms flexing as he grips and releases the sheets.

You decide to take your sweet time with him, knowing how hard he is and how close to his release he is, the sadist in you loving the power you have over such a beautiful man.

You run your hands down his back to his dainty waist, grabbing it and caressing his soft skin. Your hands slide down to his ass and the back of his thighs as you explore his body, squeezing, slapping, fondling, worshipping.

Hyunjin keeps shivering and breathing hard as he leans into your hands, hungry for more, like he's never been touched before.

"P-please..."- he begs and you chuckle, spanking him lightly.

"You're gonna have to do better than that, pretty boy."- you click your tongue, grabbing his ass harshly and he moans, fingertips digging into the matress.

"Please, y/n, please touch me!"- he whines.

"You want me to touch you?"- you smack his ass again.

"Ah! Yes, please touch me!"

"Where? Where do you want me to touch you?"- you smirk, your hands massaging his asscheeks, fingertips close to where he needs you the most.

"My- I want your fingers inside me, please!"- he begs and you chuckle.

"Was that so hard to say?"- you tease him.

"N-no, it wasn't."- he stutters as you grab the lube and pour it all over your fingers, warming it up a little, before you place two of them on his fluttering hole.

Hyunjin's thighs shake in anticipation as you press on it and start moving your fingers in a circling motion.

"Ah, mm..."- Hyunjin melts instantly, leaning into your touch. What was it about you that made him surrender so easily?

You keep massaging his hole, circling it slowly as it pulsates and opens up under your touch, and you lean down pressing your lips into his upper back.

"Ahh!"- Hyunjin whimpers, enjoying the attention you're giving him.

His cock hurts so bad by now, he hopes you'll let him cum soon before he loses control and cums untouched.

Your lips keep worshipping his back as you slowly push your finger into him. He tenses for a moment and you bring your other hand up to caress his lower back while you keep pushing into him.

"Y/n"- he whimpers your name as you wiggle your finger inside him.

"So tight. Just for me."- you smirk against his skin, leaving another kiss on his spine.

"Yes, just for you."- he whispers, his breath getting caught in his throat when you start sliding your finger inside him slowly.

"But I think you can take more."- you say, slowly pulling out to add more lube before you push two of your fingers inside him.

"Ah, fuck!"- Hyunjin's body jerks forwards as he whimpers loudly.

"Look at that. Such a slutty hole, taking my fingers so well."- you say, and Hyunjin hears the camera click.

"A-ah w-what-" - he stutters as you push your fingers as deep as you can.

"Private collection."- you chuckle as you curl your fingers and start fucking directly into his prostate, making him moan loudly and claw at the sheets, his cock dragging against the bed and leaking onto it, and he feels like exploding right away.

"Please don't stop, please don't stop, please..."- he keeps repeating, his body shaking as he gasps and moans.

You sneak your hand around him, sliding it against his navel, until your fingertips reach his bush and you start playing with it again, pulling on the hair. Hyunjin falls apart, moaning loudly, not even caring how pathetic he looks and sounds as he pushes his ass back into you and ruts his cock against the bed.

"You wanna cum, slut?"- you ask, running your fingers through his pubic hair and pressing them into his skin as you keep abusing his prostate.

His cock throbs and he can't hold it in anymore, his body shakes violently, sweat sliding down his forehead.

"P-please I wanna cum."- he cries and you laugh, you got him exactly where you want him.

"Pretty boy wants to cum."- you mock him.

"Yes, please y/n! Please!"- he begs again.

"Will you let me do whatever I want with you?"- you smirk as you keep fucking into him fast, your other hand grabbing his balls and massaging them.

"Oh my fu- yes, yes you can do whatever you want with me!"- he whines and you smirk.

"You can cum."- you say and Hyunjin's whole body convulses as he explodes hard onto the bed, spurts of cum keep painting the sheets as he moans your name over and over again.

"Fuck, what a dirty slut you are."- you smack his ass hard as you pull out your fingers.

His hole flutters and he whimpers at the empty feeling.

"A pathetic dirty slut. Aren't you?"- you ask sternly, your hand tangled in his hair as you pull his head back.

"Yes, I'm a pathetic dirty slut!"- he cries.

You snicker, leaning away from him and he looks back at you, his eyes teary, sweat on his forehead.

"Wh-what are you doing?"- he asks, straining his neck and trying to look at your hands.

"See this pretty butt plug? I think it'd look even prettier inside you."- you say. "Don't you agree?"- you ask, teasing his entrance with it.

"Mm, yes. Put it in, boss."- he whines and you chuckle as you push the butt plug inside him slowly, watching his sweet hole swallowing it greedily.

When it's pushed all the way in, you caress his ass as you grab your camera.

"Be sweet and stay like that."- you say and Hyunjin just whimpers, the butt plug designed specifically to stimulate his prostate and his cock is getting hard again, twitching against the bed.

You snap a few pictures before you stand up and grab your shoes.

"Where are you going?"- Hyunjin shivers, still not moving from the position you ordered him to stay in.

"We are going to my house, pretty. Get dressed."- you say and Hyunjin's eyes widden as he scrambles to get up, his legs like jelly from the orgasm before and the toy inside him, stimulating him constantly.

You only ever brought one of your models home before, Nelle, and you had so much fun with her but Hyunjin was something different, he was captivating to you like no one else and a small part of you hoped this wasn't the last time you'd be going home with him.

Hyunjin barely managed to get dressed, having to somehow tuck his semi hard cock back into his boxers, whimpering while doing so and you enjoyed watching him struggle, he looked good enough to eat in that moment.

You practically dragged him to your car after locking up the studio and he sat in the passenger seat with a loud whimper, the butt plug pressing into his prostate harder.

The whole drive to your apartment, Hyunjin was tortured, he tried to get off somehow, gyrating his hips and palming himself but you slapped his thigh every time he did that, warning him to be good.

"Stop that or I won't let you cum all night."- you pinch his plushy thigh and he whimpers.

"S-sorry."- he apologizes, sweat trickling down his forehead as he breathes hard.

He almost fell apart by the time you arrived at your building and you had to help him walk to the entrance.

When you enter your apartment, Hyunjin looks around, trying to take in the modern art that was displayed everywhere in your space, the smell of you mixed with remnants of some kind of spicy scented candle was overflowing his senses and his body was buzzing.

"Want something to drink?"- you tease and he whines.

"Y/n please..."

"Please what? You have to use your words, pretty. Tell me exactly what you want or I won't do anything."- you smirk, pushing him against the wall, your thigh lodged between his legs, your hand holding his face firmly.

His eyes roll back as he whimpers and tries to rut against you.

"You can form a sentence, can't you?"- you say in a mocking tone, your hand sliding down to wrap around his neck.

"Y-yes... I-I want you to fuck me, please."- he whimpers and you laugh, stepping back from him.

"Oh you're gonna have to work hard for that."- you say, grabbing his wrist gently and leading him to your room.

"I'll do anything! I swear!"- he scrambles behind you.

"Strip."- you order as you push him into your room, closing the door with your foot.

Hyunjin obeys quickly, peeling off his clothes and throwing it aside.

"You're making a mess, Hyunjin."- you warn and he gasps, grabbing his clothes from the floor and placing it on the chair next to your table.

"Sorry."- he mutters, his face is flushed as he looks down, avoiding your eyes and awaiting your next order.

"Kneel."- you say and his eyes widden a little before he falls on his knees, hitting your carpet with a muffled thud.

"Hands on your back, head down."- you order and he does everything you say.

You can see his breathing is becoming ragged, his pretty cock twitching and leaking down onto your expensive carpet.

"You're gonna wait like that and I don't want to hear a peep from you, understood?"

"Yes, boss."- Hyunjin whimpers quietly, eyes glued down to his body.

You leave the room and a few moments later, Hyunjin hears the shower running.

He curses under his breath, you're really enjoying torturing him. But, he knows he wouldn't be here if he wasn't enjoying it.

His mind keeps making up scenarios of what you would do to him, he wondered if you're even gonna let him taste you or fuck you.

His cock was getting painfully hard at the image of you riding his face, making him suffocate on your sweet pussy as your plush thighs frame his face perfectly.

He wanted to touch himself so bad but he knew you'd punish him for that, even though he would take your punishments happily, he'd rather you reward him for his good behaviour so he stays still.

You come back some ten minutes later, refreshed and naked, the only thing you have on is a strap on and Hyunjin dares to look up at you, his eyes bulging out of his skull as he whimpers.

"Pretty boy, is this what you want?"- you ask, strolling closer to him.

"Y-yes, please."- he whimpers again.

"Cock slut."- you snicker at him, hand in his hair as you grip him and pull on his head harshly.

"Ah!"- he moans loudly, his fingertips digging into his palms, his thighs and biceps flexing and straining as his hard cock twitches.

"Suck."- you simply order, pressing the tip of your cock on his plump lips. Hyunjin's eyes get hazy instantly as he wraps his pretty cherry lips around your tip.

He looks so sweet as he keeps his eyes on yours, sucking eagerly on the head of the dildo, getting it wet with his spit as it drips down his chin.

"You can take more."- you say lowly, pressing his head towards you and pushing more of it in. He moans around you, swallowing around your cock as his eyes roll back.

You fuck his face slowly and Hyunjin keeps moaning, taking more in, the gagging noises he makes as he chokes on the dildo get you extremely wet and horny.

"You look so pretty with your mouth full of cock. You were made just for this."- you smirk, reaching towards the table you were near to and grabbing your camera that was left there.

Hyunjin whimpers around you, choking on your length again.

"I'm gonna take a few pictures of your pathetic face, slut. Stay just like that."- you say as he swallows as much of the dildo as he can.

Hyunjin tries to breathe through his nose so he doesn't gag while you take pictures and his cock keeps leaking and throbbing painfully, begging for any kind of release.

You put your camera aside and start fucking his face, Hyunjin whines around you, his hands coming up to grip at your thighs so he doesn't fall from the sheer strength you're moving your hips with.

"Why are you touching me?"- you slap his cheek with two of your fingers lightly before you pull out of his mouth.

Hyunjin coughs, eyes fluttering as he grabs at his throat and looks up at you.

"Fuck, I'm sorry!"- he whines and you smirk, circling around him. He tries to turn around but you place your foot on his upper back and force him down into the carpet, his cheek leaned on it and his ass lifted up.

"You wanna be fucked, slut?"- you ask, holding his head down with your foot.

"P-please..."- he whimpers.

"Let me see you fuck yourself with the butt plug. I wanna see how much you want it."- you say with an insidious smile.

Hyunjin's hand is shaky as he reaches behind him and grips the base of the toy. He mewls as he starts moving it in and out of his hole slowly.

"Do you even want it? Try harder."- you press your foot between his shoulder blades, holding him down as his eyes wander and look at you.

He whines and starts fucking himself faster, his free hand gripping at the carpet as he tries his best.

"Faster, slut!"- you lean down and spank him hard making him jolt and whimper loudly.

"F-fuck!"- he swears, moving his arm faster, fucking the butt plug right into his prostate. His eyes are shut tightly, his cock is constantly twitching and he's close to his release.

"Faster!"- you smack him again.

"M-my arm hurts."- he whimpers and you chuckle.

"You're acting like a little princess, Hyunjin. You want me to lay you down and do all the work?"- you ask, moving your foot away and leaning closer to him, your hand covering his and helping him fuck himself.

"N-no! I want what you want!"- he cries.

"No, you don't. You don't get to want anything. I told you not to taunt me, didn't I?"- you smirk, pushing the butt plug deep inside his hole.

"I'm sorry, boss. I'm so sorry!"- tears gather in his eyes and you smirk, slapping his hand away and pulling the butt plug out.

"You're gonna do all the work."- you chuckle lowly, sitting on the bed as Hyunjin kneels and looks at you.

"I am?"- he asks, confused as to what you're asking him to do.

"Yes. What are you waiting for? Come and sit on my dick, slut."- you order and Hyunjin gasps, scrambling to his feet and almost running to you.

You have your camera with you and a bottle of lube which you hand to Hyunjin.

"Make me wet."- you say and he whimpers as he spreads the lube on his hands before he grabs the dildo and starts jerking it off.

His eyes fall to your breasts and he wishes he could suck on your sweet nipples and lay his face on them but at this point, he's sure you wouldn't allow that.

Hyunjin straddles you, hovering over your cock and you watch him with a smirk.

He grabs his asscheeks, spreading them apart and slowly sliding his hole on the wet strap-on.

The tip catches his pulsating hole and he mewls loudly as he slowly brings his hips down on yours, taking the whole thing in one slide, filled up to the hilt.

The way he looks in that moment is worth thousands of pictures and you grab your camera. Hyunjin stays still as you take pictures of him, his hole clenching around you, his cock twitching constantly, the pre-cum dripping down and pooling on your stomach.

"Come on, fuck yourself pretty boy."- you smirk and Hyunjin starts slowly sliding up and down on your cock, his dick jumping up and down with every move he makes, his thighs flexing from all the hard work he's doing.

"S-shit, ahh!"- he moans, beads of sweat already covering his forehead and sliding down the side of his face.

Your eyes roam all over his frame and you can't believe you have a man this beautiful falling apart on top of you.

Your eyes keep falling down to his cute bush, wanting to touch him again and pump his pretty cock, milk him dry until he cries for you to stop.

But you're patient and you let him set the pace for a little while as he gradually keeps speeding up, his hole hungry to be filled.

His eyes are closed and you smirk as you grab his hips and start fucking up into him without warning.

"Ah! Fuck!"- he almost screams, his eyes snapping open and finding yours.

You're fucking up into him fast and hard, using all your strength to abuse his prostate and he keeps moaning loudly, fucking himself on you like a feral animal.

"Look at you, taking my cock so well."- you praise him. "You were made for this."

"Yes, I was made to take your cock!"- Hyunjin moans, his mind completely gone as he chases his high.

"You're not allowed to cum yet."- you say and he whines.

"P-please, please, I need to cum! Please, I wanna cum for you, show you how good you make me feel."- he begs, his eyes glassy, the look in them like a kicked puppy and you adore him so much in that moment.

"Fine, but there will be consequences."- you smirk but Hyunjin just thanks you over and over again as he lets go, his cum shooting out and covering your stomach in it, a few drops reaching your breasts.

Before he can even come down from it, you manage to flip him over with your cock still inside him.

He gasps, grabbing at your sheets as you hover over him, pulling the dildo out of him only to push it back in harshly, bottoming out inside him.

"Fuck!"- he curses, tears and sweat mixing on his face and you grab his sensitive cock and spit on it.

"Y/n..."- he cries as you start jerking his soft cock, moving the dildo slowly inside him.

"It's not y/n to you!"- you warn him with a slap on his cheek and Hyunjin gasps, his cock twitching in your hand from the pain you gave him.

"Boss! I'm sorry!"- he apologizes for the nth time tonight and you push in deeply, placing your hand on his stomach and pressing down.

Hyunjin moans, his legs jerking up and you chuckle.

"See how deep inside you I am? You love being filled up like this cause you're just a little cock slut. My cock slut."- you run your hand down and pull on his little bush.

"I'm your cock slut!"- Hyunjin whines, arching into your touch as you keep stimulating him both on the outside and the inside.

His cock hurts and he thinks he can't take anymore but you know he can. You keep jerking him off, running your fingertip on his slit, your other hand playing with the hair framing his dick, your cock deep inside him, the tip pressing into his sweet spot.

Hyunjin has completely surrendered to you, his head lolling to the side as he lets you torture him.

When he's fully hard again, you slide your cock out of him and he looks up at you, his eyes almost crossed from the pleasure running through his body.

"Get on all fours."- you order and he slowly turns around, his face smushed in your pillow and ass up in the air. You stand up and Hyunjin's eyes follow you as you open up a drawer. His heart beats fast as he wonders what you'll pull out of it this time.

"Close your eyes and put your hands above your head."- he obeys, his forehead pressing into your pillow as he breathes hard.

You place one handcuff on his wrist, putting the chain around the headboard of your bed before you snap the other handcuff closed around his wrist. Hyunjin whimpers, looking up at his restrained hands.

"Spread your legs more."- you say and he does as he's told. He looks down between his legs and sees you grabbing more restraints. His heart skips a beat when you secure the bar between his legs, keeping them spread apart for you.

"Oh god..."- Hyunjin whimpers loudly, trying to close his legs just to test it but he can't.

"This is to make sure you don't try to close your legs on me."- you smirk, your hands roaming on his back, ass and the back of his thighs.

"I would never!"- he says and you chuckle.

"Good boy."- you praise him, hands on his asscheeks as you spread them apart.

You slowly push inside his little hole, stretching him to adjust you again and Hyunjin grips at the handcuffs, moans spilling from his pretty lips as you bottom out.

"Since you wanted to cum so badly earlier, you will cum now. As many times as I want you to."- you snicker and grip his hips, fucking into him harshly.

"A-ah!"- Hyunjin's voice breaks as his eyes widden.

Your hips keep slapping into his as you fuck his ass, his cock brushing against your sheets contantly as he drools on your pillow, little moans and groans spilling out of his lips, making your pussy throb with arousal.

Two orgasms later, Hyunjin is constantly trying to close his legs and move away but you keep pushing him back on your cock, you know he's okay unless he uses his safeword.

Your hand tangles in his hair and you grip it, pulling his head back, your other hand wrapping around him to grab his tortured cock.

"I- I can't..."- he's crying and drooling, his body sweaty and his muscles aching.

"You can give me one more, I know you can."- you coo at him and he whines, he will try for you. "Yours is a greedy little hole."- you smirk.

You fuck into his prostate, jerking him off at the same pace and Hyunjin's whole body shudders violently as he moans so loudly that you know the neighbours can hear him.

"B-boss ahh, it hurts!"- he moans.

"You love that, you little slut. Come on, give me one more!"- you order, smacking his ass hard.

Hyunjin chokes on his spit as he spasms, coming all over your hand and the sheets and you milk him dry as he shakes.

"No more... please no more..."- he cries and you finally release him and slide out of his abused hole.

"Wow."- you grab the camera and snap a few pictures of his ruined body as he shivers.

"P-please, untie me."- he says and your eyes soften as you put the camera on the night stand.

You remove the restraints slowly, removing your strap too before you put your arms around Hyunjin and pull him into your body. Both of you are sweaty and gross and the bed is a mess but neither of you care as you cling onto each other.

"You okay?"- you ask, running your hands through his damp hair.

"Mhm. So good."- he whispers, the side of his face smushed into your breast.

"I'm gonna run us a bath and you wait here, okay?"- you say and Hyunjin looks up at you with a dopey smile.

"You forgot something, boss."- he says.

"What is it?"- you ask and he sits up as best as he can, his face close to yours.

"You never kissed me."- he pouts and you chuckle as he leans in.

"Can I?"- he whispers on your lips.

"I think we're way pass that."- you say and press your lips into his.

The kiss is heated and messy like both of you were thirsty and couldn't get enough of each other, teeth nipping at your lips, your tongues dancing together, spit dribbling down your chins.

"I- I didn't get to make you cum."- he pouts at you sweetly again.

"That is something you need to deserve, darling."

"I will work extra hard for that, I promise."- Hyunjin's hand is on your cheek and your heart stirs awake at his touch.

"I believe you."- you whisper, leaning in to kiss him again.

"By the way, I was gonna ask you something before all this happened."- he says as you get up to prepare the bath.

"Yes?"

"What are you doing tomorrow at 7pm?"- he smirks.

"Depends on what you're offering."- you smirk back.

"I was gonna ask you out on a d-date."- he stutters shyly and you almost melt into a puddle. "There's this gallery I wanted to visit and we could grab some dinner too?"

His eyes are big and pleading as he stares up at you and the small part of you that hoped to take Hyunjin home more than once, grows bigger.

"Alright, it's a date, pretty boy."

✨Taglist: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz

[moonstruckme]

hello mae! you said that you’re tentatively thinking about doing poly! jily? how about them x shy!reader who is used to spending holidays alone but now that she’s in a relationship, James and Lily wanna give her experiences of like carving pumpkins, baking cookies, or something like that.

just cute and domestic fall activities!! I hope that’s enough.

Thank you for requesting lovely!

poly!Jily x shy!reader ♡ 845 words

You smile, and James plants his lips on your cheek just before the flash. 

“Perfect,” Lily says while the camera whirs. She takes the photo it spits out, going to stow it in a shady corner of the porch. 

“Now one with you,” James urges. 

“No.” Lily waves him off as you second James’ request. “How would we get all of us and our pumpkins in it?” 

“James has long arms,” you say.

"Yeah, Evans." James grabs you roughly around the shoulders, making your face heat even as you smile. "I have long arms. Give it here."

After some debate Lily hands over the camera. James holds it out as far as he can, waiting until you’re all holding up your jack-o-lanterns before pressing the button. 

It goes beside the other photo, waiting for the film to develop. You know as soon as it does, both photos will be clustered in with the others on James and Lily’s fridge, held up by magnets beginning to lose their strength under the weight of so many. Lily has always liked to take pictures, and ever since you got together she’s been cramming ones of you into every empty space. This relationship is relatively new for you, and most days you’re still trying to figure out where you fit, but Lily and James do everything to make you feel welcome. In a million tiny ways, they show you all the time that they care just as much for you as they do for each other. 

James looks between your pumpkins pridefully. “Whose do we think turned out the best?” 

“Lily’s,” you say at the same time as Lily says, “Mine.” 

James’ mouth falls open. “Mine was good too!”

“Sorry, Jamie.” You give his shoulder a consoling pat. “Hers is just better.” 

The fact of the matter is, your girlfriend was simply patient where you and James were not. She outlined her jack-o-lantern’s face beforehand in marker, used a small knife to achieve the curvatures of one heart-shaped eye and one winking one, and took the time to make the edges of her cuts look nice and clean. James and you, however, tried to freehand things with much larger knives; it had not gone quite so well. 

“I think there should be points for creativity,” says James, frowning at his botched pumpkin. He’d tried to give it round eyes, and in the process accidentally cut more than he meant to. The result is jagged and vaguely upsetting, so eventually he decided it was an ill pumpkin and trailed its entrails out of its mouth so it looks like it’s vomiting pumpkin guts. 

“It was a very creative solution,” Lily tells James. And to you, “You did really well for your first time, too, sweetheart.” 

You snort. Yours is nearly as bad as James’. Both of your partners had to show you how to saw through the pumpkin flesh more than once to keep you from yanking the knife out and stabbing yourself. After many tutorials, you’d managed two triangle-shaped eyes, but the teeth you’d tried to put in your jack-o-lantern’s mouth had fallen out, so now it just looks like a rather simplistic, very upbeat face. 

“You did,” Lily insists, but she’s repressing a laugh too as she looks down at your pumpkin. “It’s cute.” 

“It looks like something a five-year-old could have done,” you acknowledge. 

“You and a five-year-old have about the same amount of experience carving pumpkins, so that’s not really so bad,” says James. He reaches for the polaroids Lily took. “Let’s see how these turned out.” 

“James Potter,” Lily’s voice goes sharp, “don’t you dare touch those with your slimy hands.” 

“Okay, alright.” James holds his hands up in the air. He stands instead, backing away slowly like Lily has him at gunpoint. “C’mon, lovie, let’s go fish the seeds out in the sink.” 

“What for?” you ask, following him as he carries your large bowl of pumpkin entrails inside. 

“If you separate the seeds and roast them, you can eat them.” James raises his eyebrows at you. “Don’t tell me you’ve never had pumpkin seeds before.” 

“Nope.” 

“Ugh. You poor, deprived girl.” James takes your face in his hands, and you smile despite the slick feeling of his pumpkin-y fingers on your cheeks. His eyebrows scrunch pityingly as he kisses above your nose. “We’ll right that wrong today, sweetheart, don’t you worry.” 

“You haven’t been missing out on much,” Lily says, slipping past the two of you with your photos. She wedges them underneath a magnet on the fridge. “It’s a lot of effort for a snack.” 

“She only says that because she can’t stand the guts,” James tells you conspiratorially. 

“Really?” You mash your hands into the stringy pumpkin bits. “I kind of like them.” 

Lily makes a face. “They’re all slimy and weird. And sticky.” 

“Wimp,” James teases. 

“You’ve just called them guts, James. In what world does that sound appealing?” 

“Angel,” James says in a quiet voice, “you’ll protect me, won’t you?” 

You frown at him. “Why?” 

He picks up a small mass of pumpkin guts and lobs it at your girlfriend. 

“James!”

[anonziesssz]

Exclusive Scoop: Love on the Grid

✦- Authors Note: isaw this in my drafts and decided to post it, might also be my last fanfic on tumblr cuz i js dont rlly like tumblr anymore idk but i'll still be posting blue lock fanfics on ao3 ig...

✦- pairings: Carlos Sainx jr x Journalist!reader.

✦- summary: After interviewing him for so long, carlos dcides to take the reader for a date, finally confessing his feeling for the journalist.

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─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

You had always felt that the interview was much more than asking questions; it was a dance of finding a balance between curiosity and rapport. It was your mantra as a motorsport journalist, and it worked quite well. From coverage of Formula 2 to interviews with world champions, you had carved yourself a little nook within the paddock.

Among the many faces you’d come to know in the sport, Carlos Sainz stood out. From your first interaction during his Toro Rosso days to now, as Ferrari’s pride, he’d always been gracious, witty, and effortlessly charming. Over the years, your interviews with him had evolved into something more. Something that felt personal.

But it was still work. That's what you kept telling yourself as you navigated your way toward the Ferrari hospitality area on a steamy Saturday in Singapore.

The paddock was alive with energy, the air alive with the purring of engines and the chatter of fans and teams. You spotted Carlos leaning against the railing, his red Ferrari cap slightly askew as he laughed at something said by an engineer. 

"Carlos," you called, stepping closer. He turned, his grin widening as he spotted you.

"Ah, mi periodista favorita!" he exclaimed, pushing off the railing. "Here to ask me why I'm so good around street circuits?"  

"Maybe I'm here to ask why you're so insufferable," you shot back, smirking as you adjusted the strap of your bag.  

He clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me. I thought we were friends."

"Pals who pose the tough questions," you shot back, digging for your recorder.

The interview flowed as smoothly as ever, with Carlos giving thoughtful answers to your questions while sprinkling in his usual humor.

He spoke of strategy, his confidence in the car, and the challenges of Singapore's grueling track. But there were the moments his gaze would land on you, his tone softening as if this conversation meant more than just a headline.

You always ask good questions," he said out of the blue, and he caught you by surprise.  

"Thanks," you said, blinking at the sincerity in his voice. "I try to keep it interesting."  

"You do," he said, his lips curving into a small, almost shy smile.

It was one of those moments that just hung in the air, making you slightly flustered and scrambling to wrap up the interview. As you were about to leave, Carlos seemed to have hesitated. 

"Do you have plans tonight?" he asked casually, though looking uncharacteristically nervous. 

"Just editing this interview," you said with a tilt of your head. "Why?

Carlos shifted, scratching the back of his neck. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me. Not just as a journalist," he added hastily. "As you."  

Your heart skipped a beat. It wasn't every day that a Formula 1 driver- Carlos Sainz no less-asked you out.  

"I'd love to," you said, a smile spreading across your face.  

Back in the hotel room, one could not help but have the evening weigh upon their shoulders. Was this dinner? Or was this something entirely else? Carlos was being friendly, always, but this felt very different. A hesitant kind of nervousness in him all that evening betrayed something deeper.

You dismissed the thoughts and began to get ready. You put on an outfit that was just right-balanced between chic and casual enough to feel confident with but not overdone. 

Then, when Carlos texted to let you know he was downstairs, you grabbed your bag and began to head toward the lobby.

He stood waiting beside the car, his caramel skin set off by a crisp, white button-down shirt. He grinned when he caught your eye and opened the door with a flourish.  

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice husky.  

"Thank you," you said, your face warming. "You clean up pretty well yourself."  

The restaurant Carlos had selected, La Perla, was tucked away from busy thoroughfares in Singapore-a little jewel of a place. Darkened light and soft live guitar music playing made the setting intimate.

Carlos pulled out a chair for you; his hand brushed against yours as you sat down. "Hope you like Spanish," he said with a grin.

"I'd be worried if you didn't take me to a Spanish restaurant," you teased, drawing a laugh.  

The meal was a real culinary masterpiece: plates of jamón ibérico, perfectly cooked seafood, rich paella -all shared between you as conversation flowed effortlessly.  

"So," said Carlos, leaning back against the chair, "tell me something about yourself that I don't know."

An eyebrow had arched. "That's a tough one. You've asked me a lot of questions over the years." 

"Exactly," he said, eyes shining with play. "Now it's my turn to be the journalist." 

You'd considered for a minute before responding with, "Okay. I never actually planned on being a motorsport journalist. I went to school for literature." 

"Literature?" Carlos leaned forward, interest piqued. "How did you end up here?

It was a sideline, you continued, "Doing a few local races for this little magazine, and then I was hooked. The energy of it all just drew me in. The rest is history."  

Carlos nodded thoughtfully. "You're good at it. Really good."  

"Thank you," you said softly, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks.

He leaned across the table, his fingers brushing yours. "I mean it. You're more than just good-you're one of the best."  

After dinner, Carlos suggested a walk along the waterfront. The city's lights reflected from the water, making a shimmering backdrop as the two of you strolled side by side.

"Do you always sweet-talk your way through interviews?" You asked, looking up at him.  

"Only when the journalist happens to be someone special," he returned, smooth and low, sending your heart fluttering for cover.  

You rolled your eyes, though couldn't suppress the smile tugging at your lips. "Is this your way of saying I'm the favourite?"  

"Absolutamente," he replied deadpan, though with a naughty glint in his eye.

You laughed, shaking your head. "Careful, Carlos. People might start talking."  

"Let them," he said, stopping in his tracks.  

You turned to face him, your breath hitching as his gaze locked onto yours. "What is it?" you asked softly.

"I've been thinking about this for a long time," he admitted, his voice steady but quiet. "Every time I saw you in the paddock, I wanted to say something, but I didn't know how. Tonight, I realized I didn't want to wait anymore."

Your heart pounded as he stepped closer, his hands gently cradling your face. "Life's too short not to take a chance," he murmured, before leaning in.  

The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but as you responded, it deepened, filled with all the emotions words couldn't express.

When you finally pulled away, Carlos rested his head against yours, the tiniest of smiles on his lips. "This feels right," he whispered.  

"It does," you replied, your voice not much above a whisper.  

As you sat reviewing your interview notes the next morning, you just couldn't help but smile. The professional line you'd always maintained had blurred, and for the first time in your career, you didn't mind. 

It was as if Carlos had changed something inside you-he had reminded you that it wasn't just the stories you told, but those you lived.

And as your phone buzzed with the new message from him, that is when you realized this was only just the very beginning of your own inspiring story.  

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

[sserpente]

Bite Me (HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 🎃)

A/N: Happy Halloween everyone! I’m dressed as a kitten tonight because…well. ;) This year's Halloween Imagine simply had to go to Sylus.

Words: 2029 Warnings: semi-public smut, biting

“Pleeeeeease?” You drew the word out, putting on your best puppy face. Sylus was a hard one to convince. But if there was one opportunity to spend time with him in public, with your friends, it was Halloween.

Tara and Simone had invited you to a party on the 31st, a costume party you desperately wanted to go to with Sylus. It would be the perfect chance for him to dress up and remain undetected. Besides, the idea of dancing with him, grinding against him on the dance floor surrounded by strobe lights and fog…it was on occasion you both knew would lead to sex sooner or later.

“No, kitten. You go and have fun with your friends. I’m not the type to play dress up and get drunk on cheap party alcohol.”

But Sylus was a tough nut to crack. He really wasn’t the type for parties like that, you knew him well enough by now to know that. Still, you’d hoped he’d make an exception for you. After all, it was Halloween! The best time of the year!

The connection of the video call wavered for a moment.

“Sylus, pleeeease? You don’t have to do anything crazy. How about we just smear some fake blood all over you? Then you can say you’re dressed as a serial killer. That should do it!”

“A serial killer? That’s what you think would suit me?” He didn’t sound offended, instead he gave you a low chuckle. “Go to bed, kitten. I still have work to do and you will complain to me in the morning that I kept you awake.”

“Well, you are keeping me awake! Just say yes and I can go to sleep peacefully!”

“No. Good night, sweetie. Sweet dreams.”

He hung up before you could prepare a comeback. You growled. Damn it. But for what it was worth…at the very least, Sylus had just given you the perfect idea for your Halloween costume this year.

You were a little irritated when you got ready for the party the following evening. Applying your make-up meticulously, you eyed your outfit. A black bodysuit, a black skirt, black tights, high boots you normally wore for hunting, glued-on fake whiskers, and adorable cat ears made you absolutely certain that Sylus would have loved your costume of choice.

As you drew on a little button nose with your eyeliner, you debated whether you should send him a picture. But he didn’t deserve that, really, right? You could respect him not wanting to go to a party with you but you couldn’t help but feel bitter he’d turned you down regardless. He knew you loved Halloween!

You sighed, glancing down when a message from Tara popped up on your phone.

Are you ready, friend? We’re outside!

You nodded at your reflection. You were ready. With or without Sylus. Tara’s friend would drive you tonight so you could drink. And you were just on time too, arriving just before midnight.

The building where the party took place was decorated brilliantly. There were spiderwebs in the corners, garlands and pumpkin string lights lining the walls, and orange and purple strobe lights illuminating the dance floor. Fog wrapped around the ankles of the people dancing.

Pumpkins with spooky faces carved into them laughed at your face, and the selection of snacks and drinks was phenomenal. The bass of the music reverberated in your chest the more you mixed in with the crowd, with Tara holding your hand so she wouldn’t lose you.

You went with a Dracula shot for your first drink—vodka and cranberry juice—before hitting the dance floor. It’s just that someone was missing for this to be truly fun. God damn it.

You didn’t want to be one of those girls who couldn’t enjoy themselves without their boyfriend anymore. You could and you would. Still, it was alright to wish Sylus was here, right?

With a sigh, you nodded when Tara gestured she would get another drink and kept on spinning around on the dance floor—and rolled your eyes when a stranger placed his hands on your waist from behind.

“Go away! I have a boyf—” You flipped around only to be met with a very familiar figure. Your heart skipped a beat. Sylus.

“Sy-Sky! You…you’re here!”

“And you look absolutely ravishing. My kitten is a kitten. How adorable.”

Heat crept up your cheeks. Sylus didn’t exactly look bad either. A small trickle of blood decorated the right corner of his mouth, and his black shirt wasn’t buttoned up all the way. A pair of fake fangs completed the look when he flashed you a mischievous grin.

“You…you’re a vampire!”

“Let’s just say our conversation inspired me. Besides, I wasn’t keen on the idea of smearing fake blood all over myself.”

Oh, but I would have loved to roam my hands all over your bare chest, Sylus. You cleared your throat.

“But…you’re here! I thought you didn’t want to come…”

“I changed my mind. You seemed rather upset when I declined.”

You smiled. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Tara returned with your drinks before you could say anything else. You passed the one she handed you on to Sylus and leaned against him, careful not to smudge your makeup on his shirt and ruin it.

“Oh hello! Sky, right? Lovely to see you again! So you’re a vampire?” Tara began.

“And you. I am indeed. And you’re a…”

“A werewolf-zombie-witch!”

You chuckled. “Tara couldn’t decide which of the three she wanted to do so she combined all three of them.”

“I see. Very creative.”

“I’m sure you two want some alone time. Here, take my drink, I’ll meet you later!” She left with a wink before you could protest—not that you had any. You all but longed to throw yourself into Sylus’s arms. Which you immediately did as soon as she was out of sight.

“Kitten, you’re going to spill our drinks.” But instead of pushing you away, his arms wrapped around you even tighter.

“Let’s get rid of them then.” You downed your little cocktail way too fast for it to be healthy and put the plastic cup on a nearby snack table. Sylus took his time with his drink before doing the same though. You almost started tapping your foot impatiently—and you were certain he was doing this on purpose because the amused expression on his face spoke volumes.

God, he looked so handsome tonight. Your mind drifted back to that conversation you’d had with him, back when he’d taken you to this old castle and you’d slept in front of the fireplace. You’d told him he resembled a vampire…and right now, you wanted him to bite you so badly you could already feel yourself getting wet. Fuck.

“Dance with me!”

“Are you tipsy already?”

“That first shot was strong. And I had two glasses of wine prior to coming here so… probably yes.”

He shook his head, smirking.

“Now dance with me!”

“So demanding, kitten.” Sylus wrapped his arm around your waist and flung you around so your back was pressed against his chest. He moved you both to the rhythm of the music, his face buried in your neck.

“That’s a new perfume,” he muttered.

“Should the fact that you can tell concern me?”

“You tell me, kitten.”

You grinned and kept on dancing, your behind grinding against his crotch in the process. Again, and again and again…for what felt like an eternity, ignoring the rest of the crowd as if you two were the only one who existed.

“I can’t guarantee anything if you keep rubbing yourself against me like that, kitten,” he murmured with a start.

“Maybe that’s the plan,” you whispered back.

Sylus’s gaze darkened. Challenge accepted. He didn’t need to say it out loud. Still, you were unprepared for when he wrapped his hand around your wrist with a start and dragged you out of the main room into the hallway, crimson eyes darting around in an attempt to find...somewhere private, assumingly.

You laughed, the sound echoing through the building. Out here, the music was duller, the bass more bearable. Your eyes were ringing from the noise inside and you registered a little too late what was happening when Sylus tried for a broom closet and pulled you inside without any forewarning.

“That’s not very romantic!”

He huffed a laugh. “Romantic is for when we get home and I can make love to you in my bed. Be glad we’re gonna be here for a while longer or else I would have ripped those clothes off of you already. This…will have to suffice.”

With but one swift motion, he hooked his index fingers under your tights and pants and pulled them down to your knees before you lifting you up and against the wall, forcing your legs apart to accommodate his body.

You bit your lower lip, your pussy pulsing with need.

“S-Sylus,” you choked out, “c-condom?”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head, kitten. I have some with me.”

Your breathing was heavy by the time he nestled with his belt and eventually, freed his erection. You understood now why he’d been so eager to drag you off now. He was hard. He was struggling to roll the condom over his length while refusing to let you down. But as soon as he managed…you did not receive a forewarning before he buried himself inside you to the hilt, growling against your neck.

“F-fuck, Sylus!”

His hand came up to press against your mouth, keeping you from making a sound. “Quiet, kitten. We don’t want anyone to hear us, now do we?”

“T-the music is t-too loud a-anyway…” you said, muffled because of his palm.

Sylus chuckled, his lips ghosting over your neck as he thrust up into you, hitting your sweet spots with every single stroke.

But instead of giving you a hickey like he normally did (and then watching your reflection in the mirror afterward, smug and amused as you tried to cover it up with make-up when you had to get back to work)…he bit down on your neck. Hard.

Whatever fangs he was using, they held onto dear life as if he’d superglued them on. They were pointy, painful…but not painful enough to seriously cause you any distress. If anything… fuck, this was so hot…

You moaned, throwing your head back to give him better access. At this point, you didn’t even care if he drew blood. Would he drink it? If he broke the skin and a few droplets sneaked their way past his lips?

Sylus fucked you like the filthy girl you were being, teasing and riling him up like that, and much to your luck, it had worked. He knew. Of course he knew. This man was always in control, and you would be lying if you claimed you did not love it.

“Sylus…” You repeated his name over and over again against his mouth as if it were a prayer that would bring you salvation. It would. Oh, it would…for with every single thrust, you felt yourself creeping closer and closer to an annihilating abyss of pleasure. If you hadn’t been pressed up against the wall, legs wrapped around his hips, your knees would long have given in.

“I’m…I’m gonna come…” you whispered out of breath.

Sylus released your neck, the wound pulsing with a dull pain as he licked over it with relish and then released your mouth to capture your lips in a passionate kiss. His strokes grew more frantic, more eager. And it drove you straight over the edge.

You came with a grunt, moaning into his mouth. Pleasure rippled through you as you squeezed around his cock repeatedly, triggering his own release.

Sylus’s heavy breathing turned into a carnal groan as he came, his length jerking against your slick walls gripping him tightly. He slumped against you once he came down from his high, cradling you in his arms.

“Sylus…”

“Yes, kitten?”

“Take me home?” There was no way you were going to return to the dance floor. Not after this. Oh god…

He chuckled. “I was hoping you’d ask.”

[sashi-ya]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ エロチックトバー２０２４> MDNI / EXPLICIT CONTENT

STICKY HONEYMOON 🍼 SABO X F! READER ＫINKTOBER DAY 9: CREAMPIE

🐙 requested by: Anonymous. Hey! 🎀 May I request Sabo(OP) x female reader for the 9th day, please? I'm not sure if I can ask for this, but let it be in the style of Fluff with a bit of spice, just like our blond. Thank you and wishing you inspiration! ⚠️ tw: mdni. explicit content. as requested it is fluffy and smutty 💕 a couple of newlyweds enjoying their honeymoon with loads of sex. cream pie. masturbation. and so much lovemaking. 🐙 wc: 1,1 k // kinktober 24 masterlist // join the taglist

Arms like snakes all around your body. Sabo’s golden locks grazing your nape, his nose buried on your spine. Warm breath wetting the space in between your shoulder blades. His fiery hands hanging on your belly, hardness against your ass… 

���Nmhg…” Sabo mutters, as he inhales the scent of your skin. It is late, very late. Night has fallen some hours ago,  with bodies sore from the day… you’ve chosen your honeymoon to be an adventurous one. 

“Mh? What is it, babe?” you ask, lifting your ass a little bit more so that you can feel his erection growing bigger against you. Being the little spoon with your now husband, is all you want for the night. 

Sabo knows, exactly, what you are doing. And excitement, lust and need turns a little flame into a big fire… 

“I love you…” he murmurs, planting a peck on your shoulder. His hips begin to move; it feels as if he was dry humping on against your buttocks. “I still can’t believe you have finally become my wife…” 

You smile against the pillow, a beam so big can’t even fit your face. Sabo can be this and even more romantic when it comes to you. 

“I love you too, my sweet husband…” you whisper back, passing your hand to the back, caressing his hip side with a loving sexy graze. Such graze, then, turns into your nails clawing into his milky skin… and that, to him, it only means one simple thing; go ahead Sabo-kun, fuck me! 

Needless to say, both lay naked on silky sheets. Already sweat imbued fabric, as it’s been putting up with nights of hot love making sessions. And tonight, it won’t be the exception.

“What you want, mh? You want me deep inside you again?” Sabo asks, whispering right into your ear, biting your lobe right after. 

You giggle, once again your nails carve marks on his flesh. Pulling him even closer to your ass, you can even feel how his hard sex slides in between your cheeks. 

“Deep, yes. Very deep, babe… plus, this time, I want you to fill me up with your cum” you request; the intimacy of your relationship has stripped you from any shame whatsoever. 

Sabo grunts, there is only so much a man can take. He can be strong, but those words are simply a detrimental move you have just made. 

 His right hand slides down your waist up to your lower belly and then to your sex. His fingers wander through your anatomy, separating your folds just enough to reach your clit. Sabo finds those lands as expected; wet, more than dampened. He gloats, he knows his dick will slide so deliciously in and out, and the sound of every ram will be music to his ears. 

He begins tracing circles on your pleasure button, as his free hand reaches for your left breast. Erect, hard, sensitive, that’s how he finds it everything he touches on your body. 

You react to his pinching and massaging, whimpering low, jolting every time he stimulates it all at the same time. His sex, as well, hasn’t been left out of this intercourse prelude; it, by itself and powered by increasing hardness and throbbing pulses, moves in the search of your entrances. Coated by your honeys, that have already wet the inner side of your thighs, and mixing with his own precum, finds enough lubrication to finally meet with your fleshy folds. 

“Fuck me, please…” his masturbation can be perfect, but the heat growing stronger inside you and walls that ache to be stretched get the best of you. “Fuck me, Sabo… I want you so deep inside of me…” 

You didn’t need to ask, and still Sabo enjoys such pleading like a trophy, like a medal. Ego bursting; ego and shaft exploding. 

“Are you sure you want me inside you, my sweet wife?” he asks, enjoying a little bit more how your hips move on their own, desperate to feel him pumping into you. 

“Dear husband, if you don’t fuck me right now…” you playfully -and perhaps even a little cranky- threaten him. 

The blond revolutionary laughs sweetly; there is nothing more he could ever want now than to fuck you as you ask. And so, he does… 

On its own, with a simple forth hip movement, his sex finally penetrates you. It takes him no effort, as it seems your body has been made for his, and his has been made for yours. Truly soul, mind and flesh mates. 

He hugs your waist from behind, ramming into you so deeply and violently, exactly as you like it. 

The back of your head fall on his shoulder, reaching with your mouth his. Million kisses that deepen the more the in and out rhythm increases. It lets the commissure of your lips shiny, erratic tongues sometimes can’t be precise, and the need for oxygen also makes it even more messy. 

And just as predicted, your juices both mix and let him move so perfectly in sync with you, and the sound of the slapping skins play a sinful ambrosial melody. But it is what abandons your lips from time to time what makes it even magical; whispered, breath, inhaled “I love yous” fill the room, the love nest you both chose to consummate your marriage. 

Your milking walls, your spasming muscles, your moans and whines… 

“Don’t stop… don’t… stop… I’m close, please-”  “ngh… not… stopping….”

Your pleads. His grunts. The scent of sex... 

“Were… you- for real? Inside?”  “Fill me the fuck up Sabo, I beg you please… I am… about to… fuck…” 

Sabo takes a deep breath; he needs to get ready; he is about to burst and your core to be flooded with his relief. Sabo is desperate, your climax keeps milking him with no mercy, it feels like you are going to drown his cum from him and he can’t stop it…

“Take it all inside babe… I want to make you so fucking full” he grunts, giving the final thrust to reach for the deepest possible spot.

You can’t even talk, you are just still orgasming, still trembling, savouring the incipient pulses of Sabo’s climax. His belly becomes hard, his arms lock you against his dick; there is no scape now, you are trapped there to be overfilled with his seed. 

Seed so hot it feels like a burning fire taking over your womb, getting to every little corner of your anatomy, going in with pressure as Sabo pushes your lower belly down… oh, Sabo-kun… it feels like fire, it fills so good. 

“I love you, my sweet husband… thank you for the treat�� “We are just starting, babe… you are still not even remotely full of it” 

Taglist of amazing babes: @kwnblack @terrabear2003 @eyes-ofhell @votaeto @cokou @seoul-is-a-dream @tinydonkeysforlife @appalost @themessedupsonata @adamsfanficstash @ariesbbytings @animesnowstorm @lenablack9919 @anothersoulless 💖🍓

[prythianpages]

Like An Angel | Eris x Reader

summary: Eris is dancing on the edge of despair when he finds you. The one person who reignites the flickering flame within him, breathing life back into his weary soul.

warnings: angst, slight mentions of abuse/burn marks

a/n: this is purely inspired by Kali Uchis's song Igual Que un Angel. I've been listening to it all day on repeat, it's sooo good! Eris came to mind when I thought of which ACOTAR male to pair to this song and I have been wanting to write something for him for awhile now 🥰

Eris slumps into an intricately carved chair, sore and bruised body sinking into the softness of the cushions. He hastily undoes the top buttons of his white dress shirt, wincing as he catches a glimpse of the maimed skin below. Exhaustion tears through his mind, body and soul. He tilts his head back, a silent effort to contain the tears that sting at the corners of his eyes, despite being in the privacy of his room. He refuses to let those tears cascade down his cheeks. He refuses to let his father’s cruelty win.

Sensing the weight of his pain, the oldest and leader of his hound pack slowly approaches, emitting a soft, empathetic whine. Ember, her dark fur tinged with the wisdom of seasons, brushes against his trembling hand. The remaining hounds, still and watchful on their plush cushions in front of the fireplace, pivot their heads towards their master, their sharp eyes mirroring her concern.

A gentle lift graces the corner of Eris's lips as he strokes Ember's fur. He then eyes the other hounds and notices there is one missing. “Where’s Clover?” He quietly asks Ember.

As if answering his question, Ember nuzzles him once more before pacing toward the window. Intrigued by her behavior, Eris follows suit. He pulls back the heavy curtains and a panorama of gloom unfolds before him. The sky is laden with heavy gray clouds that hang low, concealing any glimpse of the sun. Raindrops compose a melancholic symphony, mirroring his inner turmoil, as they tap rhythmically against the window.

In the midst of the rain-soaked courtyard, he easily spots Clover–the youngest but fiercest of his hounds. She’s prancing around one of the court’s magnificent fountains, tail wagging happily behind her. Eris feels the beginnings of a smile forming on his face. It falters when his eyes catch the movement of another presence outside with Clover.

You.

You’re like a burst of sunshine on the gray canvas of the day– like an angel sent from above to shine light into the darkest corners of his soul, reigniting the flickering flame within. Your soft pink dress molds to your skin, yet you remain indifferent to the elements. As Eris marvels at your beauty, he thinks heaven must be your residence because not even the pouring rain can bring you down.

He blinks sharply, snapping out of his trance, as he hears the echo of Clover’s bark. His eyes widen when your laughter follows, and he watches as Clover chases after you. It's not the usual chase he sends his hounds for. This one is rare, playful, and Eris finds himself at a loss for words when Clover licks your arm and nuzzles against you. Such a tender gesture from one of his fiercest hounds. You must be the Cauldron’s favorite, he thinks as he feels a gentle stirring within him, awakening something deep in his chest.

**

Eris can’t bring himself to care for the way the cold rain stings at his fresh wounds nor the way his shirt and pants drenches immediately along with his hair. Clover’s ears twitch at the approaching footsteps but you don’t seem to hear them. You’re lost in your own world, eyes shut as you tilt your head up toward the sky and embrace the cool touch of rain against your burning skin.

Clover nudges at the hand at your side, alerting you of the new presence behind you, before happily darting toward Eris. He can sense the way his beloved hound holds back, as she must smell the injuries hidden beneath his clothes. She licks at his hand instead of jumping on him.

Eris wonders if he should wait to see how long it takes for you to finally notice him but he’s much too impatient for that. He clears his throat, and at the sound, you gasp, spinning around to meet his gaze. His amber eyes pierce through you, delving into the very depths of your soul, causing you to falter and instinctively step back.

A fleeting frown threatens to mar his features. He banishes it, concealing any vulnerability behind a stoic mask. "Who are you?" he questions, his voice sharp, the intensity of his gaze unwavering.

"y/n," you respond, blinking at him, your eyebrows furrowing at the abruptness of his tone. Your own voice carries a softer, much lighter tone and it’s as if the sky responds to your warmth, the rain slowing to a mild drizzle. Definitely the Cauldron’s favorite. "And who are you?"

Eris, with a taunting scoff, asserts himself as he takes a step forward. Closer to you. "You enter this court without knowing who I am? Has your mother neglected to teach you any manners?"

A downpour of regret engulfs him, more turbulent than the relentless rain from earlier, as he witnesses the glistening in your eyes and the subtle downturn of your lips into a frown.

“My mother is dead,” you say quietly, more to yourself than him, as you drop your gaze.

“I’m sorry,” his tone carries a genuine sincerity, and for a fleeting moment, his impassive mask wavers, the amber gaze softening. It invites you to meet his eyes once more. “I’m Eris.”

“Eris,” you repeat, eyes widening in recognition. There’s no hint of anger or guilt in your eyes at his earlier harsh demeanor. He finds a rare softness instead, the corner of your eyes crinkling as your lips form a small, welcoming smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, Eris.”

There’s a gentle fluttering, akin to the delicate wings of butterflies, awakening in the pit of his stomach because now that he’s up close and the rain has stopped, he can appreciate the depths of your beauty as you smile at him.

Clover nudges at Eris’s waist, eliciting a wince from the male. Your gaze swiftly descends, settling on his exposed chest, where a glimpse of red and irritated skin meets your eyes.

"Are you hurt?" you ask, and Eris is unexpectedly comforted by the genuine concern etched across your face over him. Someone you just met.

Engrossed in observing every little subtle shift in your expression, Eris fails to notice the hand you extend toward him. Delicate fingers graze against his skin, tender and cautious to avoid causing further harm and his breath catches in his throat. He’s almost certain you can feel the rapid heartbeat beneath.

“y/n! I’ve been searching everywhere for you! What are you doing out here? Are you mad? You’re going to catch a bloody cold and–” Sawyer, one of Eris’s younger brothers, voice wavers, prompting you to take a couple of steps back and put as much distance between you and Eris.

“Brother,” The younger Vanserra greets Eris as glances between you two. With his hands behind his back and shoulders held high, he approaches Eris. Fear flashes in his eye and he comes to an abrupt stop when Clover lets out a deep menacing growl, baring her sharp teeth at him. A striking contrast to the way she regarded you.

“I see you’ve met my future bride.” Sawyer steps closer to you instead, lips curling up into a smirk as he wraps an arm around your shoulder, forcing you closer to him. Eris doesn’t miss the way your body tenses at the possessive gesture.

Future bride. As the words sink in, Eris feels a rage of distaste simmering beneath his skin. No.

“Your father and mine are asking for you.” Sawyer says to you, brown eyes taking in your drenched form. His nose crinkles in disgust. “Gods, you’re a mess. Let’s hurry and get you changed. My father does not take lightly to those who make him wait. ”

Sawyer doesn’t bother to spare his brother a glance as he pulls you along with him, missing the way Eris fists clench at his sides. Even Clover’s gaze darkens, not liking the way Sawyer speaks to you in a condescending manner.

Eris hears you reply quietly as you struggle to keep up with Sawyer’s longer strides and the burn marks marring his skin are nothing compared to the burning ache set alight in his chest. Clover nudges his hand, sensing his distress the same way Ember had earlier.

“Heaven must’ve sent you, love,” he murmurs softly, his voice full of longing, as he recognizes the magnetic pull, akin to a golden thread, in his chest the further you walk away from him.

It’s as if you feel that pull too. You’re turning back to steal one more glance at him and in that moment, a myriad of emotions floods your wide eyes. Yet, there’s a purity that remains in the depth of your eyes, mirroring the innocence of heavenly beings and bringing life back into his weary soul. If only you had a halo and wings, the image would be complete…

Eris was aware of Sawyer’s upcoming arranged marriage but he never fathomed for someone as sweet as you to be his bride. People like you are a rarity, the subject of fervent prayers. A heart like yours is precious and on the verge of extinction in a brutal world like this.

You’re pure light, a beacon of goodness. One that the Cauldron favors but how cruel, he thinks, that the Cauldron does not favor him. It’s a bittersweet dance of fate because though you are close to him, you remain just beyond his grasp…promised to another.

a/n: if you'd like to read more about soft reader x Eris, you can find the masterlist for it here (:

[autumnalsteahouse]

thinking about how after a night out with your friends, you couldn’t get Hanta out of your head. before you left, he looked so hungry.

“baby…” it was like he couldn’t decide which part of you was calling his name the loudest, his eyes were slowly shifting down each inch of your body, “looks like you’re on a mission to get free drinks tonight.”

The blush warmed your cheeks a little too quickly, just like the smile that you were trying to push down.

It’s been a little over two years since you’ve first gotten together, so when he looks at you like that… you know it gives you the slightest glimpse into later tonight. The thought has you shifting, clenching under his weighted gaze— something that doesn’t go unnoticed.

hanta pulls his lips in before his skilled tongue darts between them and licks his bottom lip, “or is this for me?…” he draws out, wandering gaze leading back up to your weakening stare.

“Is this for me to peel off when you’re done with the club?” he mumbles, stepping towards you; close enough to where his toned front is against your back, the curve of your ass slots perfectly against his stiffened cock. “when you come home after being ogled at by strangers nd all you wanna do is feel how full I can make you?” his lips were ghosting the shell of your ear, raising goosebumps all along your skin. His hands, spread and open-palmed, cupped the fat of your hips as he presses impossibly harder against you. “This is a little reminder for you that no matter how bad those lame asses want you, they could never fit the print of my dick carved into that pretty pussy.”

you were close to salivating, the temptation to stay home was weighing heavily on the scale of options— you did promise your friends that you’d go out… but you didn’t specify for how long…

A couple of hours. That’s how long you could take before all thoughts led to the yearning of feeling just how full your boyfriend could make you. The way his dick perfectly curves to hit the gummy spot that makes you feel like you’ve melted into a puddle of warm wax, the way his toned arms hug you close— skin on skin, hot and sensual. In your semi intoxicated state, you needed it now more than ever.

“Hanta…” you whine uncomfortably into the phone, fiddling with your keys while trying to balance the device between your cheek and your shoulder.

“what is it, baby? Are you home?” his voice comes through the phone like velvet, warm and inviting, enticing the human equivalent of a purr out of you.

“‘Mm home but the keys are being so mean…” you trail off as the keys jingle in opposition while you sift through them.

It took no more than 3 seconds for the door to swing open with a shirtless and disheveled Sero Hanta to greet you. He was back-lit, mullet extra shaggy, his broad chest rising and falling as if to even out his breath— not to forget the grey sweatpants that hung low to expose the dark happy trail that guided your eyesight from his belly button to the fulfilling print that was teasing you with every passing second.

You felt yourself salivate.

“those clothes need to come off-“ he nearly growled before cutting himself off to pull you in by the waist.

You could barley gasp, there was almost no time before his lips were on yours.

Animalistic was how it felt, everything went by so fast— your shoes were scattered somewhere, bag dropped and so were the keys. Hanta’s hands were everywhere, feeling everything, all the while, you were reminded how fit the man before you was with every passing second.

“Were you stroking my pretty cock while I was gone?” you moaned, attempting to sound like syrupy honey as you watched him haphazardly kick off his sweats.

“fu… your cock?” he looked back down at you, almost rabid with his pupils so dilated, only making the thump of your clit heavier.

taking a few steps back, his calves hit the back of one of the seats in the living room, prompting him to fall back onto the cushion.

“that’s my cock, just like this pretty pussy is yours.”

the look on his face was that akin to a worshiper seeing the deity he’s placed all his faith into— eyes wide and jaw slacked. he followed your movements as you slip out of the base of your fit, leaving you in only your top as you go to straddle his bare lap…

tagging: @nkogneatho

[a-deep-ocean-of-secrets]

Home Is Where I Want to Be (But I Guess I'm Already There)

Summary:

The thing is, Buck didn't mean to move in with Tommy.

Read below or on AO3 (3.8k words)

The thing is, Buck didn't mean to move in with Tommy.

Those first few giddy weeks and months (like bubbly champagne buzzing through his veins every time he saw Tommy’s smile, kissed Tommy’s full lips, found himself tangled in Tommy’s bed sheets) of staying over in his boyfriend's cozy, Venice bungalow have him living almost exclusively out of his trusty duffle bag. Which isn't a big deal. He's used to lugging that ratty thing back and forth from the firehouse to his apartment. 

Can it be annoying sometimes? Sure. His clothes are constantly wrinkled (which majorly sucks when he's trying to dress to impress on date nights) and he's always forgetting or running out of one toiletry or another. If it’s not his deodorant then it’s his mouthwash. If it’s not his aftershave then it’s his moisturizer. Minor inconveniences, really, but worth it every time to wake up in Tommy's king-sized bed with Tommy's strong arms wrapped around him and Tommy's hot breath on the back of his neck.  

It doesn't take long for that to change. Like a seed beginning to take root, Tommy, as he’s done since the very beginning, makes room for Buck in his life. Just as he opened his helicopter to Buck and his friends and flew them headfirst into a raging hurricane on nothing more than an outlandish hunch. The same way he took time out of his busy schedule to grant Buck a private tour of Harbor Station and answered all his jumbled questions as Buck nipped at his heels like an overeager golden retriever, tail wagging a mile a minute, wanting nothing more than to be closerclosercloser to the cool guy with a megawatt grin, who called him ‘Evan’ and had his heart skipping a beat even if he couldn’t identify the why of it all at the time.  

So it’s not a surprise at all when he carves out precious space in his closet and lets Buck's colorful and patterned button-ups and polos blend in with Tommy's neutral henleys and shackets. They’re two big guys with a penchant for working out, so their wide array of tank tops, sweatpants, and basketball shorts become indistinguishable from each other. Their LAFD-issued shirts are so interwoven that they've given up trying to tell them apart and frequently go to work wearing the other's name branded on their backs, much to their coworkers’ loud and endless amusement. 

Buck’s grapefruit shampoo and citrus body wash relocate to the shower niche alongside Tommy's own sandalwood and frankincense-scented products. On the vanity, Buck's red toothbrush is a companion to Tommy's green one. 

All these minute modifications to Tommy’s home are simple and understandable ripple effects of Buck regularly spending a few nights a week there. 

The offshoots of that single seed deepen into winding vines without Buck even noticing. 

First, it's Buck's lucky set of boxing gloves hanging innocently alongside Tommy's Muay Thai gear in the garage. After a frustrating and tedious shift, he enjoys nothing more than a few vigorous rounds with Tommy’s punching bag. Then, Buck's large and varied assortment of books (ranging from biographies on famous figures such as Marie Curie to The Book of 10,000 Incredible Facts to the new YA fantasy series that is all the rage among Christopher and his friends) slowly but steadily find a home among Tommy's WWI & II aviation history collection on the shelves of the reclaimed redwood bookcase Tommy crafted by hand. 

His favorite cast iron skillet and Instant Pot take up permanent residence in Tommy's kitchen, alongside his garlic press and waffle maker. His 'Buck Off' coffee mug (a gag gift from the 118) is always ready to go for lavender and daffodil-colored mornings spent on Tommy's front porch overlooking the canal as kayaks and paddle boards drift by in the early morning light. The sinfully soft, ocean blue afghan Carla knitted for him during the pandemic is draped over the back of Tommy's unfairly comfortable sectional. Christopher’s US History textbook is lying open on the coffee table, left behind after a pizza and study session. The newest season of The Bachelor (the combined forces of Maddie, Chimney, and Josh got him hooked. What can he say? He loves love.) is TiVoed on Tommy's flatscreen TV. His Jeep has its own designated spot next to Tommy's ’71 Bronco. 

The roots of their budding relationship grow deeper and extend farther than the eye can see. 

Buck's most cherished brand of coffee is readily available in the kitchen cabinets. His all-time favorite blend just so happens to be named The Beast. A fun fact that never fails to stop him from leering at Tommy and waggling his eyebrows every time he brews a cup. His favorite cereal is stocked in the cupboards and his favorite yogurt is in the fridge. The same fridge that is currently plastered with Jee-Yun's vibrant crayon drawings alongside pictures of Tommy’s nieces and nephews in Chicago. A true collage of sparkly princesses and menacing dragons beside Polaroids of beaming faces on the sandy shore of Lake Michigan and sitting in the stands of Wrigley Field with messy hotdogs and giant foam fingers. 

Even food Tommy turns his perfect, aquiline nose up to but Buck loves (like quinoa and chirimoya) are now staples in his pantry. His most treasured cookbook, battered with stained, dog-eared pages with the margins filled in with his own corrections in his scratchy scrawl, holds a place of honor on Tommy's countertop on a wooden stand Tommy scrounged up at the local flea market. 

He has to rack his brain to remember the last time he spent a night at the loft. The last time he had been there, to pick up some clothes from his rapidly depleting wardrobe, it had looked even emptier and barer than usual with hardly any food in the fridge, the bed sheets stale and unloved, and a thin layer of dust on his kitchen island. The industrial, modern space had felt cold and clinical and nothing like a living, breathing home. 

It lacked the wooden floors Tommy had spent weeks refinishing as he lovingly sought out the perfect stain. It lacked the extra-long, extra-wide hammock hanging off Tommy’s back patio where Buck delighted in taking the occasional catnap on sunny afternoons. The loft hadn't inspired even a fraction of the warmth that Tommy's home did every time he walked through the door with the key Tommy had given him three months in, dangling from a helicopter keychain that made him grin like a dope whenever he pulled it free from his pocket. 

Buck doesn't realize any of these very important and essential truths until one morning when he nearly trips over his running shoe that was lying discarded by the front door. At the sound of his clumsy stumble, Baron, Tommy's five-year-old Shepkita ("That's not a word, Evan. He's an Akita Shepherd.”), raises his head from where he's lounging on his overstuffed dog bed, exhausted from their early morning run at the beach. 

At the sight of Buck being Buck, Baron lets out a jaw-cracking yawn and puts his head back down to resume his beauty sleep. Kicking the offending sneaker out of the way, Buck stops dead center in the living room, hands on his hips and wearing Tommy’s faded USC sweater that’s been worn soft from years of washings and smells tantalizingly of Tommy’s laundry detergent, and can't help but survey the terrain and take stock of how much of himself is residing in Tommy's space. He's visible in every nook and cranny. 

He has completely, and totally, infiltrated Tommy's home. 

The thought instantly fills him with indescribable joy that blossoms like radiant sunflowers inside his chest. For all of ten seconds. He then remembers the last time he unknowingly moved in with someone and the heartbreaking consequences of it.

Abby.  

She had been so terribly sad and broken in the wake of her mother's death. It had been as easy as breathing for Buck to step up, to prove himself, to try and do everything in his power to fix her with his love and devotion. So he stayed with her day and night, and his things had steadily trickled into her apartment. It had been easier back then to do, he had had so little to his name other than the Jeep and his clothes. And he can't lie, it was a relief to get out of that glorified frat house filled with Connor and the others. 

It had seemed natural to move in with Abby (even if she had been unaware of it). He thought they were building something special together, something made to last. He hadn't known at the time that while he saw a new beginning, she saw entrapment. For her, she would be trading one role of caretaker for another. Going from a sick mother to a young punk (at 26, he had still been a kid) who was stumbling like a newborn giraffe through his first serious relationship. Had she stayed, there would have been so much handholding on her part as he continued to figure out all the volatile nuances of life and commitment. And that hadn't been fair of him to ask that of her when she was so vulnerable, he understands that now with valuable time and distance. She had been so lost that the only thing she could do to find herself again was travel halfway across the world and leave him behind in the process. 

He had lived (however briefly) with Abby. He was living with Tommy, even if he hadn't clocked it until just now. 

And he wants it, he realizes with a jolt not unlike the bolt of lightning that had struck him. He wants to live with Tommy. He wants to wake up with him every morning and come home to him every night (demanding schedules permitting, of course). He wants their high-energy workout sessions that always turn into a different kind of workout and their sunset strolls through the canals with an enthusiastic Baron (complete with goofy selfies in front of David Hasselhoff’s house from Baywatch). He wants their weekends at the Venice Farmers' Market. He wants their monthly meetings of the LGBTIQA+ book club that Hen and Karen started and that Tommy and Buck have hosted twice now inside this very house. 

He wants Tommy. Plain and simple. He always wants Tommy. Tommy, who has the world’s worst fake mouth static, but jokingly brags all the same about winning a medal for it. Tommy, who acts big and tough on the job and up in the air, but he never fails to shed a tear whenever they watch the climax of a romantic comedy. Tommy, who always has a heating pad and massage waiting on standby for rainy days when the pain in Buck’s bum leg flares up like relentless flames. 

Tommy, who has no idea that they're living together. 

An icy sliver of fear sluices down his back at the terrifying thought that once Tommy learns they're essentially playing house with each other he might turn tail and run away, just like Abby did. Or, perhaps, even worse, he won't run, but he won't want Buck here anymore either. He can already see it in crystal clear HD: Tommy's handsome face shuttering to stone as it does when he's uncomfortable but doesn’t want to show it. His blue eyes darting away and his lips thinning into a brittle line as he tells Buck that this is all moving far too fast, that maybe they should take a step back and put some space between them, and then Buck will be banished back to his sad, pathetic loft that doesn't have Tommy waiting for him in it. 

He cuts the catastrophizing off at the knees before it can spiral into something far more treacherous. Tommy, for all his flaws — he drinks orange juice straight from the carton like a Neanderthal and he doggedly believes that his directions are better than the GPS ("I spend most of my time in the air, Evan. I know all the shortcuts throughout Los Angeles County.") — isn't the kind of man who runs away from a fight when the going gets tough. He's the kind of man who digs his heels in and comes out swinging the next round. And he's been nothing but kind to Buck the entire time they've known each other. He enforces tough love when he deems fit, but it always comes from a place of kindness and gentleness. 

They love each other. And they live together. It's time Tommy knows it. 

So, screwing his courage to the sticking place (Jee-Yun loves Beauty and the Beast), Buck shuffles his way into the kitchen where his boyfriend is manning the stove and making their breakfast. In the oven, a frittata bakes away in Buck’s cast iron skillet and on the stovetop, turkey bacon sizzles as it fries. Tommy, hair curly and wet from his earlier shower, flips crispy pieces while humming along to The National playing softly in the background on the radio. 

God, Buck adores this man with everything in him. 

Tommy catches him out of the corner of his eye hovering there like a massive dweeb and flashes a dazzling smile his way. 

“Hey, babe. What was that noise I heard?” 

He can feel an embarrassed blush rapidly bloom across his cheeks until his face is as pink and splotchy as his birthmark. “Oh. That was just me. I, uh, tripped over my running shoe,” he lamely explains. 

“They can be quite the menace,” Tommy says with his usual brand of wry humor. He chuckles quietly to himself as he turns his attention back to the mouthwatering bacon. For a tempting moment, Buck just wants to forget the stunning revelation he’s had and instead stay in this blissful, domestic bubble that seems to exist whenever the two of them are alone together. It doesn’t matter where they are or what they’re doing, there’s just an undeniable ease to the two of them existing in the same space, breathing the same air, hearts beating in tandem. 

But, alas, he’s a man on a mission. 

Reaching up and rubbing awkwardly at the back of his neck, Buck thinks through his options. He’s come to learn, through many a messy trial and error, that honestly truly is the best policy. The last time he had so thoroughly ignored the elephant in the room was when he had asked Taylor to move in with him for all the wrong reasons. 

That had been a train wreck of epic proportions, even for him. He had well and truly bucked that situation up beyond repair. 

But that was then and this was now. And the only things Tommy and Taylor had in common were their initials and their partiality to cruising around LA in helicopters. His feelings for them were night and day as well. He had loved Taylor, but by the exhausting end of their relationship, he hadn’t genuinely liked her anymore as a person. They were too different, their morals too misaligned to exist harmoniously together. It isn’t like that with Tommy. He both loves and likes practically everything about his fellow firefighter, even the traits and bad habits that annoy the ever-living shit out of him. 

“So, hey, I, uh, kinda just realized something…pretty important.” 

Smooth start. And to think, before he met Tommy he had honestly had game. But something about the self-assured pilot, from the moment they met on the tarmac at Harbor and he introduced himself as Evan instead of his standard Buck, had him tripping over his tongue in both the best and worst ways. His foot-in-mouth syndrome had ruined their first date and nearly all chances he had had with Tommy, but it was that same unfiltered nature of his that had Tommy granting him another shot and scoring him as his plus one to Maddie and Chimney’s wedding that never was. 

Which reminds him: he owes Tommy a dance. He files that tidbit into his mental to-do list for another day. 

Tommy looks at him with a quizzical raise of his brow as he lazily twirls the spatula in his hand. “What? Found some more facts about that jellyfish? What’s it called? The spotted—“

“Chriodectes maculatus,” Buck corrects automatically. “Or more commonly known as the spotted box jellyfish. Only the rarest jellyfish in the world, I might add.” 

The corner of Tommy’s lush lips curl up into a fond half-smile. “Yeah, that’s the one. I thought you exhausted all knowledge on it last night when we watched that documentary.” 

“In the words of Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou, ‘Life is finite, while knowledge is infinite.’ So, no, I’ll never know enough about jellyfish, rare or otherwise, to exhaust myself, Thomas.” 

Tommy mouths ‘Thomas’ to himself and looks to be gearing up a quippy retort of his own when Buck realizes with tightening dread that he’s on the road to derailing this potentially monumental conversation with talk of jellyfish, of all things. Honestly, he can’t even believe himself half the time. 

Time to pivot. 

“Forget about the jellyfish. They’re not important right now.” 

Swiveling his broad-shouldered body, Tommy gives him his full attention as his eagle-eyed gaze slowly sweeps over the entirety of Buck’s 6’2” frame. Buck, for his part, staunchly fights the urge to fidget as he knows it would give him away in an instant. There’s something almost surgical in the way that Tommy, without ever saying a word, can expertly peel back all the layers of bone and marrow of Buck’s psyche down to his bleeding center where his festering insecurities and crippling self-doubt reside. 

If it were anyone else it’d feel violently invasive. But Tommy has only ever treated these undesirable parts of him with the tenderest of care, delicately stitching up invisible wounds Buck hadn’t even known existed until the moment Tommy kissed him in his kitchen and completely shook the bedrock of all his pre-conceived notions about himself. 

“Sounds serious,” he says after a moment of contemplative silence. The only sound in the kitchen is the hiss of the bacon roasting away on the stove. Through the window over the sink, a beam of sunlight shines in and bathes Tommy in its golden rays. 

Buck heavily exhales a breath out between his teeth. “It is. Or, it could be. Maybe. It really depends on how you look at it, I guess.” 

“Look at what?” Tommy asks, even-keeled as ever. It’d be infuriating if it wasn’t such a damn turn-on. 

It’s now or never. 

“Look at the fact that… We kinda, almost…sorta, seem to be living with each other?” 

Tommy freezes to the spot, his eyes going wide as he blinks, coming off as a perturbed owl for a moment before he schools his features back into his usual calm facade. He looks back down at the bacon and quickly flips some pieces before they can turn into a charred mess of meat. 

Composure regained, he asks, “Was that a question or a statement?” 

He’s always lightning-quick to toss the proverbial ball back into Buck’s court. Always willing to let him take the lead in their relationship and set the parameters and boundaries. Without fail, where Buck goes Tommy follows. It had been a sweet relief in the early days of their relationship when Buck was stumbling around blind, but nine months in and Buck needs Tommy on equal footing with him. It’s the only way forward. 

“It’s, uh, a statement.” Damn. That didn’t sound convincing at all. Closing his eyes and centering himself the way Dr. Copeland taught him, he slowly takes a deep breath, and then another, and then one more for good measure, opens his eyes, and looks Tommy square in the eye. “It’s a statement. We’re, for all intents and purposes, living together. And I want, no, I need to know what you think about…that.” 

Tommy’s gaze slides away and catches sight of Buck’s mug already topped off with his second cup of coffee for the day as swirling mist rises off of it. He sees Buck’s LAFD hoodie hanging off the back of one of the stools situated at the island. He spots Jee-Yun’s drawings on the fridge, giving the stainless steel appliance so much color and joy. He spies the Fokker Dr. I triplane chew toy Buck specialty ordered for Baron lying on the floor near the dining table. 

Tommy’s home hasn’t just been Tommy’s home in quite some time. 

He spots every single change that Buck has brought into his house with his very presence, and he gathers them to him like they’re the most precious of jewels. He turns to Buck and smiles at him. 

It nearly stops Buck’s heart for a moment. 

He loves all of Tommy’s smiles. He loves his smirk when he’s said something particularly snarky or deadpan. He loves the closed-mouth grin he does when Buck is batting his eyes and pouting and Tommy is steadfastly pretending he isn’t endeared by the silliness. He loves the smug curve of his lips when Tommy moves just right inside of him, hitting that elusive, perfect spot that has him seeing stars and clutching Tommy tighter to him until he can’t tell one limb from another. 

But this, this is his favorite Tommy smile by a far-flung mile. 

It is simply radiant. His smile is wide and open, with his straight, white teeth brilliantly on display. It stretches broadly across his rugged face, exposing his deep-set dimples on either side of his ample mouth. His nose adorably scrunches and his eyes are squinty with unbridled happiness. At the corners of his eyes, his crow’s feet spread like tiny estuaries spooling into the grooves of his tan skin. 

He looks boyish and carefree. And so very in love. 

All because of Buck. He was the cause of such boundless euphoria. No one has ever loved him the way Tommy unashamedly does. 

“What I think is,” Tommy says clearly and concisely, “I think we should make it official. What do you say, Evan? Will you move in with me?” 

Buck feels like he was socked in the gut, but only in the very best of ways. His breath is stolen from his body and he doesn’t even know if his feet are still on the ground or if he’s simply floated away with how incandescently lighthearted he feels at this very moment. 

“Y-You really mean that? You want to live together?” 

It never hurts to double-check. He does that every time with his faithful clipboard. It is truly the only way to be efficient. 

Tommy’s smile only widens further. “Evan. You’re my favorite person in the world. Of course, I want to live with you.” 

The sunflowers inside Buck’s chest come to full bloom. 

He and Tommy live together.

[shogunish]

𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀.

synopsis. “you made me feel like i was a threat to you.”

contents. a bit of angst, comfort, miscommunication/lack of communication, implied friends-to-lovers, soft! satoru, takes place after the star plasma vessel incident, satoru's trauma response, unedited, something i whipped up on a whim lmao

wc. 1.3k

note. had a sudden urge to write this when i watched dazai edits and i hope i'll find more inspiration to write like..i just wanna be consistent for once 🥲

comments and reblogs are highly appreciated! <3

the inverted spear of heaven was no more.

the star plasma vessel incident — mainly toji fushiguro — had carved its mark into satoru’s flesh. after satoru had killed the man, he had made sure to destroy the cursed tool until not even ashes remained of the sharp blade that used to spill the blood of innocents.

it was almost like the sorcerer wanted to destroy the things that could destroy him.

however, he failed to notice how he had almost destroyed his relationship with you, too.

no longer did satoru wrap you up in his bear hugs. no longer did he let you rest your head on his shoulder on movie night. no longer were you welcome in his space.

always were you kept at an arm’s length. satoru was close enough to admire but so far out of reach like the constellation of stars dotting the night sky. what you thought was no more than a phase turned out to be so much more until, in the safety of your bedroom and underneath your blankets, your vision blurred with tears.

if the sun wasn't there, the moon would remain hidden in the vast void of space. and without satoru, you couldn't shine, either. in fact, your smile dimmed until it was almost extinguished by the pain satoru put you through — but it wasn’t his fault. or so you'd like to tell yourself.

satoru had danced with death when he was meant to only protect a girl.

you couldn't possibly blame him.

after all, you could neutralize the only thing that kept him safe.

the ability to nullify any cursed technique upon touch was as convenient as it was, literally, cursed. with zero offensive abilities, you always relied on satoru or suguru to cover for you in case your plans didn't work out. one miscalculation and your head would roll — that much you knew.

among every student attending jujutsu high, you were the weakest while satoru was the strongest.

it was enough to tie your fate to satoru, weaving a web of complicated feelings which usually tasted like those sugary gummy bears the sorcerer carried with him. it was sweet and warm like his embrace, but the blade of toji fushiguro had effortlessly cut through the fine webs. nothing but a cold void remained where laughter and silly inside jokes about digimon danced along the velvety threads.

almost like a black hole that swallowed the constellation in the skies, leaving behind broken galaxies and lonely stars that swallowed moons to fill the loss of their companions.

“he's so stupid,” you muttered to yourself, threw the teddy bear in your arms into the corner of your bed and sat up to blow your nose.

the teddy bear was a polar bear adorned with button eyes and a red bow tied around its fluffy neck. it looks like you, you had mindlessly said during last year's summer festival. satoru had spent the entire evening shooting little rubber ducks to earn enough points to win the silly bear, but it was worth it for your eyes lit up like the fireworks that followed soon after.

the clock read two am when you poured boiling hot water into a cup of instant ramen, ripped open the package of spice and stirred the meal with disinterest written all over your face. not even the scent of cheap cup noodles made your tummy growl anymore. how could it when it was so full of dread, guilt and worry for the sorcerer who stole your heart and refused to give it back? it was an unfair bargain, really.

just a moment later, you heard a knock on your door. you considered ignoring it and pretending to be asleep, but alas, the lights were on and likely snuck through underneath the crack of the door to your dorm. what kind of idiot knocked on your door at two am?

satoru — the only idiot who'd knock on your door in the middle of the night and look like a kicked puppy.

“satoru? it's two am..,” you spoke first, standing between him and the warmth of your dorm.

satoru didn't look like satoru. even through the pitch black glasses of his shades could you see the storm brewing in those sky-blues of his. with a sigh, he rubbed his neck. “why does everyone keep telling me how late it is? ah, no matter.”

you wanted to ask, but decided against it.

“look, i know it's late, but i can't help but think you've been avoiding me for the last couple of what? weeks? months?” satoru shifted his weight from one fuzzy slipper to the other. “was it something i said?”

in that very moment, you realized you were doing the same things as he was. as soon as class was over, you'd go home alone. you'd have lunch alone. you'd spend your weekends alone. all those things once were shared with satoru in your space, but as soon as he avoided you..you avoided him, too out of fear of getting hurt.

“satoru..don't you realize that you've been avoiding me first?” your voice was quiet as you hugged your middle. “ever since the incident and the destruction of that cursed tool, you always kept me at arm's length. you no longer let me get any closer nor do you spar with me anymore. nothing..”

“you made me feel like i was a threat to you.”

a painful epiphany coiled in satoru's stomach like a snake. was he so busy destroying the devil's tools and refining his technique that he..forgot about about you? the person who'd steal his fries and snore on his shoulder on movie night? no, no way. he would never see you as a threat even though your touch could dissolve his infinity like sugar when it touched water.

“[name], that's not..” the words got stuck in his throat. for the first time in his life, he was speechless. “you are anything but a threat.”

“then why..” tears brimmed your eyes until they overflowed, ran down the apples of your cheeks and met the warmth of satoru’s thumb. it was not his stupid infinity wiping the tears away, but satoru himself.

to be touched by satoru felt like the first sunrays of spring gracing your skin. warm, familiar and hinting at the end of a long, unforgiving winter that had taken root in your belly. soft sobs bubbled in the back of your throat, rocking your shoulders and interrupting every word you wanted to say; how stupid he was, how much you missed him, how much you needed him.

“shh..say no more,” satoru whispered and took you in his strong arms so you could sob into his chest all you wanted.

satoru didn't care about the tears or snot wetting his shirt. all that mattered was the feeling of you in his arms, and even though it pained him to know that he caused those tears, this was better than receiving your cold shoulder and dismissive smiles.

quietly, you and satoru went back inside the warmth of your dorm where both of you shared some cheap cup ramen which satoru spiced up with some peppers, egg and a conversation which neither of you would remember in the morning to come. no amount of time seemed to have passed between you as you both laughed, bickered and exchanged glances like lovers-to-be would.

“what are you doing?,” you asked, long comfortable underneath the sheets of your bed — or you would be if satoru didn't hold them up and almost looked offended by your words.

“sleeping with you, duh,” he said like it was the most normal thing in the world and maybe it was.

ignoring your protests and pouts, satoru crammed himself into bed with you, one arm around your waist and the other one underneath your head. his broad chest gently pressed against your back, his warmth enveloped you like a blanket.

“you're stupid,” you smiled to yourself while a blush as red as roses crept up your cheeks.

“and you're lucky i love you,” satoru grumbled underneath his breath, blowing some strands of your hair away from his nose and mouth so he wouldn't suffocate while holding you so tight.

taglist. @torusmochi, @cinnamonmon

[jenosbigtoe]

BIG FAN OF YOUR WORK do you mind maybe creating some sort of succubus type fic 🤭🤗??

mdni. nsfw 18+

pairing: mark lee x succubus!reader (office au)

warnings: manipulation, unprotected sex, creampie, breeding, reader takes control, mark is tied up

mark was in deep shit.

he didn’t mean to develop the hots for his hot coworker in the cubicle adjacent to his, alright? to a certain extent, you couldn’t really blame him. every day, you’d show up wearing a white button down, slightly unbuttoned just enough to remain professional but also show even cleavage to leave his pants tight. you would wear those black tights and a matching black pencil skirt that made your ass look amazing. red nails, red lipstick, and a cat-eye that could carve his heart out. and you always had those red bottom pumps that mark would definitely let you stomp on his throat with. you were literally a vision of sex, in your office work attire, to mark. he would let you ruin him.

you were so confident and a little sly too, which made mark so flustered around you. “hey, baby boy,” you’d say to him with a smirk on your face, as he walked over to his desk one morning. your legs crossed as you watched him spit and splutter at the nickname.

“b-baby boy?” he said, eyes bulging.

you rolled over to his desk in your rolly chair and pinched his cheek. “yes, baby boy,” you cooed. “you’re so cute. just like a baby boy.”

but mark didn’t want to be known as cute in your eyes. he wanted to be sexy. he wanted to be fuckable.

“m not a baby,” he’d grumble to himself, scooting away from your teasing grin and going back to (pretending to) work on his computer.

you thought he was just so adorable and you loved teasing him like this to get these cute reactions out of him.

mark was so frustrated. after all, his office crush just couldn’t stop teasing him for being “cute”. puppies are cute but you wouldn’t fuck a puppy. he didn’t want to be a stupid office pet in your eyes. he wanted to be a man, your man to be exact.

and on top of all your teasing, he’s been having these… dreams about you. for several weeks in fact. every night. his dreams would always center around you but in different situations. and they were always, always sexual. every dream was different. sometimes he would top, sometimes you. sometimes you would be sucking his dick and sometimes he’d be the one going down on you. and in those dreams, you have gone through every position imaginable. reverse cowgirl, missionary, doggy, 69, standing up, on the wall, in the shower. literally anything and anywhere, you have done it in mark’s dreams. mark would never remember what happened leading up to the sex either. he would fall asleep and next thing he knows, he’s balls deep inside you and you’re milking the hell out of his cock.

every morning, he wakes up hot and sweaty and panting, like he just ran a marathon. he’s normally an evening shower type of guy but now he has to take a freezing cold shower every morning in order to put himself in somewhat decent order before he has to face you at the office. and of course, you’d always be there, teasing the hell out of him. and them he’d remember those dreams… they feel so real to him. it frustrates him to no end how he has been plagued by these sex dreams with you when he isn’t even close to even asking you out in real life.

this night was no different. mark fell asleep and the next thing he knew, he was back sitting in his office chair but this time pants around his ankles and tie bound around his wrists behind his back. you had your tights ripped to shreds, skirt rolled up all the way to your waist, and shirt completely unbuttoned and hanging off your arms to show off your bouncing tits as you bounced up and down on mark’s painfully hard cock. fucking at work? this was a new one.

“fuck, mark,” you panted, tilting your head back and sighing in pleasure. you grabbed his waist with one hand for support and rested the other on his bare chest.

mark couldn’t move his arms from the tight knot his tie had around them but god how badly he wanted to touch and grope your bouncing tits right in front of his face. he growled and surged forward, grabbing one of your tits with his mouth.

your cunt felt so so warm and wet, he was about to lose it. then he felt your pussy spasm and clench around him, causing him to let go from licking and sucking on your breasts and groan in pleasure.

“fuck, y/n, you’re so fucking hot. you feel so good, sweetheart,” he hissed, bucking his hips into yours. “baby, i’m gonna cum.”

you felt his thick cock twitch inside you. you grinned widely and started bouncing your hips harder, faster against his. “cum, baby, cum inside my cunt,” you whispered seductively into his ear.

mark leaned his head back and let out a loud groan as he came deep inside your warm pussy. he unloaded right at the entrance of your womb, bottoming out so deep. every time he cums inside you in these dreams, he feels that he had never cum that much in his life, yet he could still feel your cunt milking him for more. you rocked your hips and grinded them against his, making sure to get every last drop.

he thought this was all a dream but you knew better. afterall, this was how you bound him to you and made him yours.

a/n: i intended this to be for jisung but i got carried away and wrote it for markiepoo instead whoops

[rafesapologist]

the setback ─ rafe cameron; part five

summary: it's been two years since your departure from the outer banks and rafe cameron has seemingly convinced himself that he can go on with his life as if you never happened, except now more than ever his addiction is at an all time high. whether he was snorting lines of cocaine at wild parties or drowning himself in alcohol to numb the pain, rafe couldn't escape the memories of you. despite his efforts to bury his feelings, your absence lingered like a shadow, haunting him at every turn. meanwhile, you've been navigating life outside the outer banks, trying to carve out a new path for yourself. but no matter how far you've traveled, the memories of rafe cameron still linger in your heart, leaving you with a sense of unfinished business. as you find yourself facing new challenges and opportunities, you can't help but wonder if fate will eventually bring you back to the place where it all began.

warnings: violence, swearing, angst

author's note: YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY FROM THE SOUND OF THE WOMAN THAT LOVES YOU

Rafe's thoughts raced like a whirlwind, his mind a tumultuous sea of uncertainty and fear. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him like a heavy cloak, weighing him down with its suffocating presence.

As he paced the living room of Tannyhill, his footsteps echoing off the walls, Rafe's thoughts consumed him. The news of Sarah's return had rocked him to his core, sending shockwaves of panic and apprehension coursing through his veins.

But amidst the chaos of his thoughts, one question burned brighter than the rest: If Sarah was back, did that mean you were too?

The mere thought of seeing you again sent a shiver down Rafe's spine, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within him. On one hand, there was a part of him that longed to see you, to be near you once more. But on the other hand, there was a deep-seated fear that seeing you again would only reopen old wounds and dredge up painful memories he had long tried to bury.

Lost in his own mind, Rafe found himself biting at his fingernails, a nervous habit that betrayed the inner turmoil raging within him. He knew he needed to make a decision, to confront the reality of Sarah's return head-on. But as he grappled with the weight of uncertainty bearing down on him, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held in store for him, and whether he was truly prepared to face it.

As the fiery liquid burned its way down his throat, Rafe felt a momentary sense of relief wash over him, numbing the edges of his anxiety and uncertainty. The familiar sting of whiskey offered a temporary reprieve from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume him.

But as the alcohol spread warmth through his veins, Rafe couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease that lingered just beneath the surface. The thought of you possibly being back on the island after two long years sent a shiver down his spine, stirring up a potent mix of longing and apprehension within him.

For so long, he had tried to push you out of his mind, to bury the memories of your time together deep within the recesses of his soul. But now, faced with the possibility of seeing you again, all those buried emotions threatened to rise to the surface once more, threatening to engulf him in a tidal wave of longing and regret. With a heavy sigh, Rafe set the bottle of whiskey back down on the coffee table, the liquid inside now significantly lower than before. He knew he couldn't drown out his nerves forever, couldn't outrun the inevitable confrontation that lay ahead.

With a sense of determination coursing through him, Rafe retrieved his phone from the coffee table and scrolled through his contacts until he found Barry's number. With a steady hand, he pressed the call button, the sound of the ringing tone echoing through the room.

After a few rings, Barry's voice crackled through the phone's speaker. "Countrt club, what's up?" he greeted, his tone laced with curiosity.

"Barry, it's Rafe," Rafe replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning within him. "I need to talk to you. Can I come over? I'll be there in the next 20 minutes."

Barry's response was immediate. "Yeah, sure, man. Everything alright?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

Rafe hesitated for a moment, the weight of his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. But he quickly pushed aside his doubts and replied, "Yeah, everything's fine. I just need to talk. See you soon." With that, Rafe ended the call and pocketed his phone, his mind already racing with the myriad of thoughts and emotions that awaited him at Barry's trailer.

｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ

"You sure she's really back? She could just be messing with y'all."

"I don't know, Barry," Rafe replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It just feels different this time. Sarah wouldn't come back for no reason."

Barry let out a dismissive snort, taking a drag from his cigarette before exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Ah, come on, Rafe, you know how she is. Always stirring up trouble just for the fun of it," he remarked, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation.

"I don't think she's just messing around, Barry," Rafe insisted, his voice firm as he locked eyes with his friend. "There's something going on, and I need to find out what it is."

"I'm going to find out what Sarah's up to," he declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning within him. "I need to know why she's back and what she's after. And if it means going back to the Cut to find out, then so be it."

Barry raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "And what about Y/N?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity. "You think she's back too?"

Rafe's jaw clenched at the mention of your name, a surge of emotion welling up inside him. He knew that seeing you again would reopen old wounds and dredge up painful memories, but he couldn't deny the pull you still had on him, even after all this time. Your name hung in the air like a weight, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Rafe's chest. He couldn't help but remember the way your laughter had once filled the room, the warmth of your touch, the way your eyes had sparkled with joy whenever you looked at him. But along with those memories came a tidal wave of pain and regret. The memory of the morning you left, the words exchanged in hurt and frustration, haunted him like a ghost. He couldn't shake the feeling of loss that gnawed at his heart, the gaping void left in the wake of your departure.

But the reminder hit Rafe like a cold wave crashing over him, jolting him back to reality with brutal force. You were a Pogue, and he was a Kook. No matter how deeply he felt for you, no matter the memories they shared, the stark division between their worlds remained. It was a bitter pill to swallow, the reminder of the gaping chasm that separated them, not just in status but in perception and expectation. The societal barriers that dictated their paths seemed insurmountable at times, casting a shadow over any hope of reconciliation.

Rafe clenched his fists at his sides, a surge of frustration coursing through him. It wasn't fair, he thought bitterly. Why did your backgrounds have to dictate your guys' fate? Why couldn't you be free to love who you chose, regardless of the expectations placed upon you?

But deep down, Rafe knew the answer. The world you two lived in was rigid and unforgiving, its boundaries enforced with an iron grip. And try as he might to defy them, to bridge the gap between their worlds, the reality of their situation remained unchanged.

Rafe shook his head, an unhumored, bitter laugh escaping his lips as he replied to Barry, "Knowing her, she probably is. Once a Pogue, always a Pogue, right? Where one is, another is lingering."

Barry's smirk widened into a mischievous grin as he leaned forward, fixing Rafe with an intense gaze. Sensing Rafe's bitterness, he couldn't resist prodding him further.

"Why don't you go find out for yourself?" Barry suggested, his tone teasing but edged with a hint of challenge. He knew Rafe well enough to recognize that beneath the bitterness lay a curiosity, a desire to confront the past and whatever it might bring.

Rafe's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing slightly as he met Barry's gaze. The suggestion hung in the air between them, a silent dare to take action. Despite the uncertainty and trepidation swirling within him, Rafe couldn't deny the flicker of curiosity that sparked to life at Barry's words.

With a resigned sigh, Rafe nodded slowly, a determined glint in his eyes. He knew that Barry was right. It was time to stop dwelling on the past and start taking control of his own destiny. And if that meant facing you again, then so be it.

"Maybe I will," Rafe replied, his voice firm despite the lingering doubt in his heart. As he stood up from his seat, a sense of resolve settled over him. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on.

｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ

"This feels so weird," Kiara remarked, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she glanced around the dock, her arms folded across her chest.

You glanced over at Kiara, noticing the unease etched across her features, and stepped closer to her side. "I know that feeling," you said softly, your gaze drifting towards the familiar sight of the chateau ahead. "But we were doing this for John B."

Kiara nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting a solemn determination. "For John B," she said firmly, her voice carrying a sense of purpose. "We'd do whatever it took to make things right for him." You shared a solemn nod with her, understanding the gravity of the situation. With John B's well-being at the forefront of your minds, you both steeled yourselves for the task ahead.

Turning to Sarah, you noticed the subdued demeanor that seemed to envelop her throughout the trip. Concern etched your features as you addressed her softly, "Sarah, are you okay?"

Sarah's gaze flickered up to meet yours, her expression guarded but tinged with vulnerability. She hesitated for a moment before offering a small nod. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. However, you could sense that something was amiss beneath the surface. Sarah's usual bubbly demeanor seemed to have been replaced by a quiet introspection, and you couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for your friend.

You gave her a sympathetic look, understanding the weight of her struggles with family dynamics and the challenges of being back in your hometown. Leaning in slightly, you spoke to her in a quiet, reassuring tone. "I understand how tough it must be for you, especially with everything going on with your family and being back here," you said softly.

Sarah's guard seemed to soften at your words, and she offered you a faint smile of appreciation. "Yeah, it's been a lot to deal with," she admitted quietly, her voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and vulnerability.

But Sarah paused and looked at you, a serious expression casting a shadow over her features as she leaned in slightly. "But are you okay?" she repeated, her voice laced with genuine concern.

You blinked, taken aback by her sudden inquiry. It was rare for Sarah to divert the conversation onto you, and her serious demeanor caught you off guard. Fumbling for a response, you met her gaze, trying to decipher the underlying meaning behind her question.

"What do you mean?" you asked, your voice tinged with a hint of confusion. The concern in Sarah's eyes prompted you to consider your own well-being, a realization dawning on you that perhaps you hadn't been as forthcoming about your own struggles amidst the chaos of the past few days.

"You know what I mean." Her words hit you like a sudden gust of wind, leaving you momentarily speechless. The mention of Rafe lingered heavily in the air, a reminder of the unresolved emotions that still tugged at your heartstrings. Despite your attempts to bury them beneath the surface, Sarah's astute observation cut through the facade you had carefully constructed.

A heavy silence settled between you as you grappled with the weight of her implication. You knew exactly what she meant, and the mention of Rafe brought a flood of emotions rushing to the surface. Memories of your tumultuous past with him resurfaced, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting feelings that you had long tried to suppress.

Taking a deep breath, you met Sarah's gaze, the unspoken understanding between you palpable in the air. There was no need for further explanation; she knew the turmoil that churned within you, the unresolved questions that lingered in the depths of your mind.

You offered Sarah a faint smile, attempting to downplay the significance of her concern. "I'm fine, really," you reassured her, your voice carrying a forced lightness. "There's nothing to worry about."

Despite your attempt to deflect the conversation away from your own struggles, Sarah's penetrating gaze remained fixed on you. It was clear that she saw through your facade, her concern unwavering despite your attempts to brush it off.

"Are you sure?" she pressed gently, her voice soft but insistent. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

You nodded, grateful for her offer of support but unwilling to delve deeper into the complexities of your emotions. "I know, Sarah," you replied, offering her a small but genuine smile. "And I appreciate it. But right now, let's focus on John B and what we need to do to help him."

Sarah regarded you with a lingering gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between you. Though she respected your desire to keep your feelings guarded, her unwavering support served as a comforting reminder that you weren't alone in your struggles.

As soon as John B and JJ finished docking the boat, you couldn't contain your excitement any longer. With a wide grin, you hopped off the boat and sprinted towards JJ, the rush of adrenaline propelling you forward. Without a second thought, you jumped into his arms, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck and your legs around his waist.

"JJ!" you exclaimed, unable to contain your joy at being back at the chateau.

JJ's laughter echoed through the air as he caught you effortlessly, his strong arms enveloping you in a tight embrace. "Hey there, beautiful," he said with a grin, his voice filled with affection.

You buried your face in his neck, breathing in the familiar scent of the ocean mingled with his cologne. "I can't believe we're back," you said, your voice filled with excitement and disbelief.

JJ held you close, his heart swelling with happiness at having you back in his arms. "Feels like old times, doesn't it?" he remarked, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

You nodded, a wide smile spreading across your face as you looked up at him. "Yeah, but this time feels different," you admitted, feeling a rush of emotions wash over you.

JJ's gaze softened as he met your eyes, his fingers gently brushing against your cheek. "Different, but in a good way," he reassured you, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

"Woah, looks like you two are happy to be here," Pope's voice pulled you out of your moment with JJ, and you turned to see him approaching, carrying some luggage on his back. His observation made you chuckle, and you exchanged a knowing look with JJ before responding.

"Yeah, can't you tell?" you replied with a grin, your eyes sparkling with excitement.

Pope shrugged, shaking his head slightly as he made his observation. "Seems like there's more than just excitement radiating from you two," he remarked, his tone lighthearted but curious.

Your cheeks grew warm as Pope's observation hit home, and you shot a glance at JJ, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Unsure of how to respond, you found yourself at a loss for words.

JJ chuckled, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you closer to him. "Guess we're not hiding it too well, huh?" he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.

Before you could reply, John B appeared behind Pope, joining in on the teasing. "Looks like you two are getting even closer these days," he remarked with a smirk, nudging Pope playfully.

You couldn't help but laugh nervously, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. "Uh, yeah, just happy to be back with the crew," you said, trying to play it cool despite the heat rising to your cheeks.

JJ nodded in agreement, shooting you a reassuring smile. "Exactly," he echoed, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before turning back to the group.

Pope's eyes narrowed slightly as he exchanged a knowing glance with John B, the smirk on his face growing more pronounced. "Alright, man, whatever you say," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of playful skepticism. With a shake of his head, he hoisted the luggage onto his shoulder and continued ahead, leaving you and JJ to share a sheepish smile before following after him.

JJ glanced around, taking in the familiar surroundings of the Cut. "Man, this place looks just like it did when we left," he remarked, a nostalgic smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

You chuckled at the remark, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, still looks like a junkyard," you joked back, the playful banter lightening the mood as you made your way towards the chateau.

The Pogues made their way into the chateau, their footsteps echoing through the familiar halls as they entered. Despite the passage of time, the place felt just as welcoming as it had before. With an air of familiarity, they began to make themselves at home, setting their luggage down in various rooms and taking in the familiar surroundings.

John B headed towards the kitchen, his eyes scanning the countertops and cabinets as he searched for any signs of activity since their last visit. Meanwhile, Kiara and Pope wandered off to explore the living room, their voices mingling with laughter as they reminisced about past adventures.

You and JJ made your way to your room, the anticipation of being back in the chateau palpable between you. The door creaked open, revealing the familiar space you had shared countless memories in.

As you stepped inside, a sense of nostalgia washed over you, mingling with the excitement of being back. You couldn't help but smile as you took in the sight of the room, every corner holding a piece of your shared history.

JJ followed close behind, his eyes scanning the room with a fondness that mirrored your own. There was a sense of comfort in being back in this space, a feeling of home that you couldn't find anywhere else.

You moved to the window, drawing back the curtains to let in the soft light of the setting sun. The room was bathed in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows across the floor as you turned back to face JJ.

He was standing in the center of the room, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. Without a word, he closed the distance between you, his hands coming to rest gently on your waist as he pulled you close.

As JJ's arms wrapped around you, you felt a rush of warmth and familiarity wash over you. It was as though no time had passed since the last time you were in this room together, and you found yourself sinking into his embrace with a sense of contentment.

"Feels good to be back, doesn't it?" JJ murmured, his voice soft as he pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

You nodded against his chest, feeling a sense of peace settle over you in his arms. "Yeah, it does," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, the two of you stood there in silence, lost in your own thoughts and the comfort of each other's presence. The weight of the past two years seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple joy of being together in this familiar space.

But as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the room, you couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered in the back of your mind. The return to the Outer Banks had brought with it a flood of memories and emotions, some of which you weren't sure how to confront.

As you and JJ settled into the room, you couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over you. Being back in this space with him felt like coming home in a way you hadn't realized you'd missed. JJ moved to sit on the edge of the bed, patting the space next to him invitingly. You joined him, sinking into the soft mattress beside him, the warmth of his presence comforting.

"So," JJ began, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between you. "What do you think about all of this?"

You glanced around the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the chateau. "It's surreal, to be honest," you admitted, your voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "I never thought I'd be back here."

JJ nodded in understanding, his gaze soft as he looked at you. "Yeah, me neither," he said quietly. "But hey, we made it. And we're stronger now, right?"

You smiled at his words, feeling a surge of gratitude for the unwavering support he had always provided. "Definitely," you agreed, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "And having you here with me makes it all a little less daunting."

JJ's smile widened at your words, a warmth spreading through his chest at the sincerity in your voice. "Glad I could be of service," he joked, nudging you playfully with his shoulder.

You chuckled, leaning into his side as you felt a sense of peace settle over you. For the first time in a long time, you allowed yourself to relax, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, you and JJ would face them together.

"Hey, JJ?" you quietly began, your voice barely above a whisper, the weight of your words hanging in the air between you.

"Yeah?" JJ replied, turning to face you, his gaze soft and attentive.

You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts before speaking. "I just wanted to say thank you," you said earnestly, meeting his eyes with a sincerity that spoke volumes. "For everything. For being here, for always having my back, even when things get tough."

JJ's expression softened even further at your words, a warmth spreading through his chest. "You don't have to thank me," he replied gently, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from your face. "You know I'd do anything for you, right?"

You nodded, feeling a lump form in your throat at the depth of emotion in his eyes. "I do," you whispered, your voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the evening breeze. "And I'm grateful for you, more than you know."

A smile tugged at the corners of JJ's lips as he pulled you into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around you protectively. "Anytime, Y/N," he murmured against your hair, the sound of his voice soothing in the quiet of the room. As you rested against him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your ear, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you would always have JJ by your side, a constant source of strength and support in a world that often felt uncertain.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, the tranquility of the room was shattered by the sudden clamor emanating from the front of the chateau. It was as if the peaceful atmosphere had been pierced by a sudden storm, pulling both you and JJ from the cocoon of warmth you had created.

You exchanged a puzzled glance with JJ, the unspoken question hanging in the air as you listened intently to the rising noise. For a brief moment, the only sound was the rustle of the curtains and the distant hum of the waves outside, before it was drowned out by the voices from the front of the chateau.

With furrowed brows, you sat up, your senses on high alert as you tried to discern the source of the disturbance. JJ mirrored your concern, his gaze locked on the door as if he could see through it to the chaos beyond.

"Should we go check it out?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper as you looked to JJ for guidance.

JJ nodded, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes as he pushed himself to his feet. He offered you a reassuring hand, and you took it gratefully, allowing him to help you up as you both prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

As you made your way towards the front of the chateau, the noise grew louder, a cacophony of voices mingling together in a chaotic symphony. With each step, your heart pounded in your chest, the sense of unease growing stronger with every passing moment.

You and JJ shared a silent exchange, a wordless acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Whatever was happening, you both knew it was bound to be significant, and you braced yourselves for whatever lay ahead as you ventured further into the fray.

As you trailed behind JJ hesitantly and slowly, he held up a finger to his lips, shushing you gently as he approached the side of the hallway wall that led to the living room. His movements were cautious, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger as he edged closer to the source of the commotion.

You mirrored his actions, your breath caught in your throat as you tried to suppress the rising sense of apprehension. The voices grew louder with each step, a jumble of sounds that made it difficult to discern what was being said.

Peering around the corner, you and JJ caught sight of the scene unfolding in the living room. The other Pogues were gathered there, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion as they stared at something you couldn't quite see from your vantage point.

JJ motioned for you to stay back, his hand squeezing yours reassuringly as he edged closer to the doorway. You obeyed, lingering in the hallway as you watched him disappear into the room, disappearing from view as he joined the others in their vigil.

Your heart raced in your chest as you waited, the tension in the air palpable as you strained to hear snippets of the conversation drifting out from the living room. Whatever was happening, it was clear that it was something significant, and you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over you like a heavy blanket.

As the seconds ticked by, the tension in the air became palpable, each passing moment feeling heavier than the last. You could practically hear the collective racing of hearts, the anticipation building to an almost unbearable level.

Then, like a thunderclap breaking through the silence, Sarah's voice erupted in a piercing scream, echoing off the walls of the chateau with a raw intensity. The sound seemed to reverberate through the very core of the building, filling the space with an electric energy that sent shivers down your spine.

For a brief, heart-stopping moment, time seemed to stand still as you strained to make out the words she was screaming. It was as if the entire world held its breath, suspended in a suspended state of anticipation.

As the standoff continued in the living room, your impatience got the best of you. The distant commotion outside the chateau only added to your sense of urgency, prompting you to barge into the room and demand answers from the other Pogues.

"Okay, what's going on?" you blurted out, your voice tinged with a mixture of concern and frustration as you scanned the room for any clues.

The Pogues turned to look at you, their expressions a mix of surprise and bewilderment at your sudden intrusion. John B opened his mouth to speak, but you cut him off before he could utter a word.

"Where's Sarah?" you demanded, your eyes narrowing as you realized that she was conspicuously absent from the group.

The tension in the room skyrocketed as the other Pogues exchanged uneasy glances, a palpable sense of unease settling over the room like a heavy fog. It was clear that something was amiss, and the feeling of dread that washed over you made your stomach churn with anxiety.

JJ's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, his tone gentle but firm as he addressed you. "Hey, just… stay out of it for now," he urged, his eyes meeting yours with a silent plea for understanding. "Sarah's handling something, but we'll figure it out." His words were meant to reassure you, but the underlying tension in his voice betrayed his attempt to conceal the seriousness of the situation. Despite his efforts to keep you from worrying, the gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, leaving you with a gnawing sense of unease that refused to be ignored.

But the reassurance did little to quell the rising tide of worry within you. You shook your head again, your eyes wide with fear. "I need to know," you insisted, your voice trembling. "Please, just tell me."

Kiara's sympathetic yet worried expression mirrored your own emotions, her voice carrying a sense of understanding as she spoke. "Listen to JJ, Y/N," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern. "Sarah knows what she's doing. We just have to trust her for now."

As the tension in the room thickened, you glanced around at the faces of your friends, their silence only adding to your frustration. Outside, the noises persisted, amplifying your worry with each passing moment. With a mixture of exasperation and determination, you scoffed and folded your arms across your chest, issuing a demand to the room. "Either someone tells me what's going on, or I'm going out there myself."

"Y/N, you're not going out there," JJ interjected firmly, his voice laced with concern as he stepped closer to you.

You frowned, telling him firmly, "You can't tell me what to do, JJ. So either say it, or I will."

JJ sighed, his expression reflecting the internal struggle he was facing. "It's not safe out there right now," he explained, his tone gentle but firm.

You were about to retort when a loud crash from outside the chateau interrupted the tense moment. The sound sent a shiver down your spine, amplifying your concern for Sarah's safety.

"See, something's happening!" you exclaimed, your voice tinged with urgency.

JJ's jaw clenched, his eyes darting between you and the door. "Y/N, I can't let you go out there. It's not safe," he insisted, his tone firm yet laced with worry.

Your frustration peaked, the need to know what was happening outside overwhelming you. "So you're letting Sarah face whatever's out there alone?!" you shot back, your voice rising with each word.

"No, Y/N, it's dangerous for you," JJ replied, his expression pleading for you to understand.

You paused, feeling torn between your concern for Sarah and JJ's protective instinct. The adrenaline pumping through your veins urged you to act, but JJ's words anchored you to the spot, reminding you of the risks involved.

The commotion outside intensified, the urgency of the situation weighing heavily on everyone in the room. You glanced around, meeting the worried gazes of your friends, each one silently pleading for you to stay put.

Despite JJ's attempts to dissuade you, your concern for Sarah outweighed any sense of caution. You couldn't bear the thought of her facing danger alone, especially when you could potentially help. Ignoring JJ's warning, you made up your mind to go outside and find out what was happening.

"Sorry, JJ," you muttered, determination etched on your face as you brushed past him towards the door. "I can't just sit here."

JJ's expression softened, a mix of admiration and worry crossing his features as he watched you go. "Y/N, wait—" he called after you, but you were already on a mission.

With a deep breath, you pushed open the door and stepped outside, the cool night air hitting your skin as you surveyed your surroundings. The commotion seemed to be coming from the direction of the dock, and without hesitation, you started making your way towards it, your heart pounding in your chest with each step. Your heart leaped into your throat as Sarah's shrieks pierced the night air, sending a jolt of adrenaline coursing through your veins. Without hesitation, you sprinted towards the source of the noise, every fiber of your being focused on reaching her as quickly as possible.

Your steps faltered, the urgency in your stride giving way to a sense of unease as you neared the source of the commotion. The air around you seemed to crackle with tension, a palpable energy that set your nerves on edge.

As you rounded the corner and caught sight of Sarah, standing face to face with someone, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of your stomach. Your mind raced with possibilities, but none of them prepared you for the sight that greeted you.

There, standing before Sarah, was Rafe.

His presence was like a punch to the gut, sending shockwaves of disbelief through your body. You couldn't tear your gaze away from him, his figure casting a looming shadow over the scene before you. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as you processed the sight before you. The air was thick with tension, and you felt as though you were walking into a storm, unsure of what awaited you on the other side.

Your breath caught in your throat as the gravity of the situation unfolded before your eyes. The sight of Rafe, waterboarding Sarah with a malicious glint in his eyes, sent a shiver down your spine. Anger and fear surged within you as you watched him mercilessly drag her in and out of the bucket of water, his grip tight around her throat.

"Rafe, get off of her!" You yelled instinctively to try and advert his attention away from Sarah, giving her room to get away.

The air seemed to crackle with tension as Rafe's gaze snapped towards you, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. For a moment, the world around you faded into the background as you locked eyes with him, a myriad of emotions swirling between you.

His grip on Sarah loosened slightly, his attention momentarily diverted by your unexpected presence. The horror etched on his face mirrored the turmoil within you, a stark reminder of the tangled web of emotions that still lingered between you.

"Rafe," you called out, your voice tinged with a mixture of concern and defiance. It was a desperate attempt to break through the darkness that had enveloped him, to remind him of the person he used to be before everything spiraled out of control.

But even as he turned to face you, the haunted look in his eyes spoke volumes. It was as if he were wrestling with his own demons, trapped in a battle he couldn't escape. For a fleeting moment, the weight of your shared history hung heavy in the air, the unspoken words echoing between you. But as the seconds ticked by, it became clear that this encounter would be anything but simple.

"Y/N, is that really you?" Rafe's voice was barely above a whisper, his tone laced with disbelief and a hint of desperation. It was as if he couldn't quite reconcile the sight of you standing there before him with the reality of the situation.

"What the fuck are you doing, Rafe?" Your words cut through the air like a knife, carrying with them a mix of accusation and disbelief. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon you, the sight of Sarah struggling against Rafe's grip searing itself into your memory.

Rafe's expression shifted, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face—shame, guilt, and a hint of defiance. "I..." he began, his voice faltering as he struggled to find the right words. But before he could utter another syllable, Sarah's frantic cries pierced the air once more, a stark reminder of the danger she was in.

You took a step forward, your gaze never leaving Rafe's. "Let her go, Rafe," you demanded, your voice firm and unwavering. It was a command born out of necessity, fueled by the need to protect your friend from further harm.

For a moment, there was silence—a palpable tension that hung in the air like a heavy shroud. And then, slowly, almost reluctantly, Rafe released his grip on Sarah, allowing her to stumble backwards, gasping for breath.

As Sarah retreated to safety, you stood your ground, your eyes locked with Rafe's. There were no words that could adequately capture the tumult of emotions swirling within you—the anger, the fear, and the lingering traces of a love that had once burned bright.

But in that moment, all that mattered was ensuring the safety of your friend, even if it meant confronting the demons of your past head-on.

"I didn't think you'd actually come back," he repeated, his tone tinged with disbelief.

You took a moment to steady yourself, the weight of Rafe's gaze bearing down on you. Memories of your tumultuous past together flooded your mind—the moments of passion, the heated arguments, and the painful goodbyes that had brought you to this point.

"I came back for John B," you replied, your voice steady despite the turmoil raging within you. "He needed us, and I wasn't about to let him face this alone."

There was a flicker of something in Rafe's eyes—regret, perhaps, or maybe a hint of longing—but before you could dwell on it, Sarah's voice broke through the silence, a stark reminder of the danger that still loomed over you all.

With resolve coursing through your veins, you moved closer to Sarah, keeping a wary eye on Rafe. His presence was an unwelcome complication in an already tense situation, but you pushed aside the torrent of emotions threatening to engulf you.

"Sarah, are you okay?" you asked, your voice laced with concern as you reached out to steady her.

Sarah nodded weakly, her eyes wide with fear as she clung to your arm. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly.

You shot Rafe a pointed look, silently daring him to make a move. Despite the turmoil swirling within you, you refused to show any sign of weakness in front of him. Rafe held your gaze for a moment, his expression unreadable. There was a tension between you, an unspoken history that lingered in the air like a palpable force.

As you kept your gaze on Rafe, you suddenly felt a large hand wrap around your bicep and spin you around, much to your surprise. "Y/N, what the hell were you thinking?" JJ's voice was low, his eyes dark with concern as he studied your face.

You swallowed hard, the gravity of the situation sinking in as you met JJ's gaze. "I-I don't know," you admitted, your voice wavering slightly. "I just... I had to do something."

JJ's expression softened, his fingers brushing against your cheek as he searched your eyes. "You could've gotten hurt," he murmured, his voice laced with worry.

"Well look who it is, JJ Maybank," Rafe's voice cut through the moment, causing JJ to snap a look his way.

JJ's jaw clenched as he turned to face Rafe, his expression hardening with a mixture of anger and frustration. "What the hell do you want, Rafe?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

"Heard the Pogues were back in town. Had to check it out," Rafe smirked, his tone laced with a hint of arrogance.

JJ's expression hardened at Rafe's words, his grip on your hand tightening almost imperceptibly. "You don't belong here, Rafe," he replied sharply, his voice laced with a warning.

Rafe's smirk only widened at JJ's response, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about you," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

You could feel the tension crackling in the air between them, the animosity palpable as they faced off against each other. It was clear that there was no love lost between Rafe and JJ, and the presence of the Pogues in town only seemed to exacerbate their rivalry.

Rafe's smirk widened as he found amusement in the rise he was getting out of JJ. "Aw, don't tell me you're still clinging onto her, Maybank," he taunted, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Thought you'd have moved on by now." He leaned back, crossing his arms confidently, clearly reveling in the tension he was causing.

Rafe's smirk slowly faded, replaced by a flicker of hurt and anger in his eyes as JJ's words hit him. His expression became a battleground of conflicting emotions, each vying for dominance. Hurt pierced through the facade of indifference he tried to maintain, while anger simmered just beneath the surface. His gaze darted between you and JJ, his mind racing to process the revelation. For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable as Rafe grappled with his emotions. His jaw clenched tightly, knuckles whitening as he fought to regain his composure. It was as if time itself had slowed, each heartbeat echoing loudly in the silence that enveloped them.

Rafe's voice dripped with disbelief as he muttered, "No fucking way." His words were laced with incredulity, his eyes darting back and forth between you and JJ. It was evident that JJ's assertion had rattled him to the core, piercing through his façade of nonchalance. The hurt and anger simmering beneath the surface erupted, seeping into every syllable he uttered.

"Is that what you came for, Rafe? To see her? I bet it is," JJ's voice cut through the tension, his words laden with accusation.

"I bet you spent every day the last two years hoping she'd come back for you, but the whole time she was with me," JJ spat out, his voice laced with bitterness and defiance.

Rafe's expression twisted into a mixture of disbelief and rage as JJ's words sunk in. He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, his jaw working as he struggled to find a response. Finally, he managed to choke out, "You don't know what the hell you're talking about, Maybank."

But JJ wasn't finished. "Oh, I know exactly what I'm talking about. And she knows it too," he retorted, his gaze unwavering as he stared down Rafe.

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with animosity and unresolved emotions. Sarah, still recovering from her ordeal, watched with wide eyes, silently pleading for the confrontation to end.

You stood by JJ's side, your heart pounding in your chest as you watched the exchange unfold. Despite the fear and uncertainty coursing through you, you felt a sense of solidarity with JJ, a shared determination to stand up to Rafe and protect each other.

Rafe's fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, his gaze flickering between you and JJ, his mind undoubtedly racing with conflicting emotions and thoughts. But before he could say anything else, JJ stepped forward, his voice low but firm.

"Stay away from her, Rafe. She's mine now," JJ warned, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Your heart sank as Rafe's gaze pierced through you, his eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and betrayal that cut deep. Despite everything, you couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that washed over you, knowing that your presence had ignited this confrontation between two people you cared about deeply.

For a moment, you were paralyzed by the weight of Rafe's stare, feeling as though you were the one responsible for causing him pain. But as the seconds ticked by, you forced yourself to look away, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze any longer.

Rafe's bitter laughter echoed through the tense atmosphere, his gaze flickering between you and JJ with a mix of disdain and resignation. With a scornful shake of his head, he pointed accusingly at the two of you, his voice laced with venom.

"You know what? You two deserve each other," he spat, his words dripping with bitterness and contempt. It was clear that the sight of you and JJ together had stirred up a storm of emotions within him, and his resentment was palpable in every syllable he uttered.

The sting of Rafe's words cut deep, igniting a surge of conflicting emotions within you. His accusation hit a nerve, dredging up memories of the tumultuous history you shared with JJ during the turbulent times of your breakup with Rafe. Despite the hurt and anger simmering beneath the surface, there was also a pang of guilt and regret as you grappled with the complexities of your past. Flinching at Rafe's anger and the implication behind his words, you felt a knot form in the pit of your stomach. His comment struck at the heart of your insecurities, leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable in the harsh glare of his judgment.

"Fuck you, Rafe. You have no right to be mad that I'm with JJ now," your words cut through the tension like a knife, laced with defiance and frustration. The pent-up emotions simmered beneath the surface, boiling over in a torrent of raw honesty. With each syllable, you reclaimed a fragment of your shattered resolve, refusing to be reduced to a pawn in Rafe's game of manipulation and guilt. The anger in your voice mirrored the intensity of your inner turmoil, a fierce declaration of independence against the shadows of your past. In that moment, you drew a line in the sand, daring Rafe to cross it and face the consequences of his actions.

"You ruined my friend's life and you ruined mine. You're the fucking reason I left this place in the first place! Everything would've been fine if it wasn't for you." Your words were like daggers, cutting through the air with a ferocity that left no room for ambiguity. Each accusation carried the weight of years of pain and resentment, a damning indictment of Rafe's role in the chaos that had engulfed your life. The force of your shove mirrored the intensity of your emotions, a physical manifestation of the pent-up anger and frustration that had simmered beneath the surface for far too long. In that moment, you refused to be silenced, your voice a defiant cry against the injustices of the past.

As the echoes of your words faded into the silence, you stood your ground, your chest heaving with the effort of holding back tears. You refused to be cowed by Rafe's presence, your gaze unwavering as you met his eyes with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. For a fleeting moment, you saw a flicker of remorse in Rafe's expression, a shadow of the boy you once knew hidden beneath layers of bitterness and regret. But you refused to let his momentary weakness sway you, your resolve unyielding in the face of his deception and betrayal.

Rafe's whispered words hung heavy in the air, carrying with them a raw vulnerability that cut through the tension like a knife. "I knew you'd be back here," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had to show myself that you were still real."

His admission struck a chord within you, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions that you struggled to contain. "Why does it matter to you if I'm back or not?" you challenged, your voice tinged with a mixture of defiance and uncertainty.

Rafe's gaze softened as he peered down into your eyes, his expression a tumultuous mix of regret and longing. "Because… because you were the only good thing in my life," he confessed, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

As Rafe's words washed over you, a wave of conflicting emotions threatened to engulf your senses. You shook your head in disbelief, your eyes tightly shut as you fought to keep your composure. The weight of his confession bore down on you, threatening to break through the walls you had erected around your heart.

"I can't do this," you whispered, your voice barely above a breath as you struggled to keep your emotions in check. The pain of the past, coupled with the raw vulnerability of the present, was almost too much to bear. But you refused to let Rafe see the depth of your turmoil, steeling yourself against the onslaught of emotions threatening to overwhelm you.

With a heavy heart, you turned away from him, unable to meet his gaze as you took a shaky step back. "You need to go," you said, your voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and resolve. Deep down, you knew that confronting the ghosts of your past would only reopen old wounds, wounds that had yet to fully heal.

As Rafe stood before you, his expression a mirror of your own inner turmoil, you felt a pang of regret tugging at your heartstrings. But you knew that for both of your sakes, it was better to leave the past where it belonged and move forward, even if it meant walking away from the one person who had once meant everything to you.

Rafe nodded in acknowledgment, his expression reflecting a sense of resignation. "Okay. Just... don't leave again because of me," he responded, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

You swallowed hard, your throat constricting with emotion as you struggled to find the right words to respond. "I won't," you promised softly, your voice barely above a whisper. It was a vow made not just to Rafe, but to yourself as well—a pledge to confront the demons of your past and carve out a new path forward, one untainted by the shadows that had haunted you for so long.

With a heavy heart, you turned away from him once more, the weight of his gaze lingering on you like an invisible tether binding you together. But as you walked away, a newfound sense of determination welled up within you, propelling you forward into the unknown with a courage you hadn't known you possessed.

With a heavy heart, Rafe turned away, his steps weighted with the burden of his past and the uncertainty of the future. As he walked away from the scene, the echoes of the confrontation lingered in his mind, haunting him with the knowledge that some wounds may never fully heal. Despite his efforts to bury the pain, it seemed to follow him like a shadow, a constant reminder of the choices he had made and the consequences that ensued. With each step, the distance between him and the chateau grew, but the memories remained, etched into the fabric of his being, serving as a constant reminder of the tumultuous journey that had brought him to this point. And as he disappeared into the night, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the moonlit sky, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and whether redemption was truly within reach.

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[sheerfreesia007]

Brave Girl

Pairing: Changbin x Reader

Word count: 7,227

Content warnings: Arranged Marriage, Angst, Verbal abuse, toxic relationship, Changbin is cruel, mention of sickness, mention of medical procedure, mention of recovery

Summary: Changbin is a family man and would do anything for his family. But when his mother needs a medical procedure done that only your family can help facilitate is he able to set aside his pride to take you as his wife?

Eomeoniga apeuda: Mother is sick, Yong-gamhan sonyeo: brave girl, Eomeoni: Mother, Agi sonyeon: baby boy

Changbin felt his heart come to a standstill as he sat at the dining table in his normal spot in his family’s home. His mother sat across the table from him with his sister next to her while his father sat at the head of the table on his left while his brother in law sat on his right. He couldn’t believe his ears as he sat there staring down at his dinner plate feeling his appetite suddenly disappear on him. His once eager stomach now twisted and turned as he tried to mull over the words his father had just spoken. Eomeoniga apeuda, mother is sick. 

“What do you mean she’s sick? As in a cold? That’s nothing, she’s strong and she can get over a measly cold.” Changbin scoffed softly as his head lifted and he stared across the table at his mother. He wouldn’t admit it to himself but he had noticed that her complexion had been growing paler and paler each time he saw her. He had unconsciously thought she had just been spending more time indoors and not out in the sun like she normally would but now he could see how sallow her skin tone looked.

“It’s not just a cold Changbin.” his father said softly, looking stoic as he watched his son quietly.

“How dire is it?” asked his sister and Changbin’s eyes darted over to her to see her frowning softly as she gently held their mother’s hand in hers giving her silent comfort.

“There’s a procedure that could help with her illness. It won’t remove it but it will make it easier for her in the long run and will give her a better way of life than not having it done.” their father admitted and sighed softly as he turned his head to his wife and daughter.

“Then she’ll have it done.” Changbin said confidently and without any room for argument as he looked to his father and then to his mother for reassurance. His mother smiled softly at him and dipped her head slowly as her eyes watched him with love radiating through them.

“It’s not that easy. The procedure is only done by a select few doctors and they all have very packed and busy schedules right now. We don’t have the connections to make this happen quickly unfortunately.” their father explained.

“Well how do we make those connections?” Changbin asked hurriedly as he looked to his father with hopeful eyes.

“There is a way but you won’t like it.” their father said softly as he turned to look at Changbin with a soft frown.

*-*-*-*

You sat on the stiff uncomfortable couch in your father’s study with your knees together and your legs crossed at the ankles while your hands lay in your lap clutching each other. If you clenched them tightly enough you felt as if you could feel the tightening sensation throughout your whole body as you tried to keep yourself grounded. Your father sat behind his desk looking as closed off and cold as ever as his eyes focused on the other powerful man sitting on the opposite couch from you.

The head of the Seo clan sat on the couch opposite from you dressed in a neatly pressed dark navy expensive looking suit with a black button up shirt and black tie that got lost in his shirt. His face looked as if it had been carved out of marble as he looked towards your father with a slight furrow to his eyebrows. He sat there with his left ankle perched on his right right knee. His slender veined hands lay almost lazily on his bent knee and his raised ankle but you knew better he may look nonchalant and unbothered but that’s how he wanted to look. After all these years of being the daughter of one of the most powerful men in your city you knew better than to accept someone at face value. You only hoped he was much more approachable than the man sitting next to him.

Seo Changbin, the only son of the Seo Clan, sat on the couch next to his father leaned back into the cushions with his muscular legs spread wide as his arms crossed over his wide chest and a dark scowl on his face as he openly glared at you. His dark angry eyes held you pinned in your spot and you felt the sweat begin to prickle along your hairline as you avoided his eyes at every cost. You felt like prey under his gaze and you had a feeling that if you moved even just a toe out of line that he’d explode in anger. Your eyes dipped to the hardwood floor trying to make sure you look as small as you possibly could under his gaze as your fingers twisted around each other again and tightened.

“The wedding ceremony will be held within a month. But you will be married by the end of this week.” your father stated uncontested and you felt your ears begin to ring in the silent room. You knew eventually you would have to marry for your family but you had at least hoped that it would be with a slow lead up that you’d be able to get to know your future husband; hoped to at least become friendly with him before getting married. You had no misconceptions about marriage, you knew it was only a means to further your family’s position in the world but you had hoped to be at least amicable with him. But now as you realized that this situation wouldn’t allow that hope you felt your heart start to wilt inside your chest like dying flowers.

Sneaking a look across the room at the still glowering man you knew without a doubt that he hated you and wouldn’t be open to any type of relationship with you. Feeling tears begin to rise up and prick the backs of your eyes you quickly blinked the sensation away before raising your head regally, you steeled your heart to the sorrow of the knowledge that this would most likely be how the rest of your life played out. Tied to a husband who absolutely abhorred your existence, it wasn’t going to be easy and you knew he wouldn’t make it a pleasurable experience but it would be your burden to bear.

“While my daughter and her mother will take care of the wedding plans I will have the procedure scheduled for your wife this Friday.” your father said and you felt your body slowly become a hollow shell as you tuned out your Father’s words as he began to talk to your future father in law about the procedure and everything that needed to be scheduled.

“Why wait?” asked Changbin suddenly in a low tone that had your eyes immediately drawing to him. The hair on the back of your neck rose in cautionary alarm as your eyes darted over to your father whose nostrils were flaring with irritation as the younger man interrupted him and upset his plans.

“Changbin.” warned his father in a low tone but the younger man scoffed softly as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees as he slowly turned his head to glare at you.

“It’s only a marriage of convenience. Why wait?” Changbin asked honestly, you felt his eyes drag up and down your body with disgust and you tried to stop the flinch but only just barely tampered it down. Everyone in the room was silent for a moment not wanting to voice the actual reason for the wait, you smiled bitterly at your future husband and his eyes suddenly narrowed at you in suspicion.

“Because darling, we have to keep up appearances.” you said boldly into the room. “Wouldn’t want others to think that your mother’s sudden procedure is in exchange for our sudden marriage or vice versa.” you said bitterly having a hard time swallowing that knowledge. There was a sudden shift in Changbin’s eyes at your honest bold words before they shifted back to glowering at you, you didn’t know what that meant but at this point you didn’t care as you felt emotionless to everything now. You were being shackled to a man who viewed you as nothing more than a means to save his mother, you would have to get used to his sour attitude and the sooner you came to terms with that the better.

“That’s enough!” snapped your father and you shrinked back slightly in your seat as your head turned to him quickly. “Tomorrow we will draw up the marriage contract between both of our lawyers. You will both be there to sign the contract. And then my daughter will move into the Seo family home before the procedure on Friday.” he commanded firmly and while your head nodded obediently you were screaming internally at the fact that it was all moving so quickly. Changbin shifted back into the couch and your eyes darted over to him once more, the man glowered at you and sighed quietly realizing that he was to be your husband starting tomorrow.

*-*-*-*

You were back in your father’s office standing to the side of his massive oak desk silently watching as both your family lawyer and the Seo family lawyer read over the contract before mentioning certain items that they found questionable. Your mother stood next to you with a soft arm wrapped around your stiff shoulders trying to reassure you that everything was going to be alright. That nothing bad was going to happen, this was all just so normal. Maybe for your family it was normal, your parents’ marriage was arranged and an exchange for more power on either side; even your brother’s marriage was the same. So now it was your turn.

The room is quiet as the lawyers look over everything written and you silently take in everyone that is standing in the room. Changbin and his father are standing to the far side of the room silently conversing, you can see Changbin frowning darkly at his father as he speaks to Changbin no doubt telling your future husband something that he doesn’t want to hear. His mother, sister and brother in law are sitting on the couch together with their mother in between them. Changbin’s sister is resting her head on her mother’s shoulder and you can see their mother trying not to shift on the uncomfortable couch. She looks frail due to her condition and you silently thank your father for helping her with getting the procedure she needs. At least something good will come from this marriage.

Turning back to the desk you stare at the stack of papers in the middle of your father’s desk, you watch as the lawyers finally look up at each other and nod their heads in agreement. They then turned and looked at both your father and Changbin’s father with smiles on their faces before nodding their heads. The room grows eerily quiet and you take in a soft shallow breath not looking at anyone or anything besides the papers.

”Come sign the marriage contract and marriage certificate.” Your father said sternly as he turned his head to look at you as you felt your stomach start to roll and twist. Your mother squeezes your shoulder and presses a kiss to your temple before you take a step towards the desk. Changbin meets you at the desk and you look over to him with a quiet look and he avoids your eyes at all costs with a soft sneer on his face. He steps up to the desk first and quickly signs his name on both the contract and certificate causing you to sigh softly. You step up to the desk once he’s moved away to the side and you sign your name in a flourish as you feel the imaginary shackle close around your ankle.

When you turn from the desk your mother is standing next to Changbin’s mother, both are wearing soft weary smiles on their faces as your mother gestures for a professional photographer to step closer. You’re thankful that you had dressed up for the occasion as you step closer to Changbin and slip your arm around his before smiling prettily for the photographer who quickly snaps a few pictures.

Changbin’s father steps over to the two of you and presents a dark maroon velvet box that he opens slowly. Your eyes widen as you spot the pretty array of rings that are stored in the box. They’re all gold and some of them had detailed carvings or gorgeous gemstones set in the bands.

”Wedding rings for the happy couple.” He says softly and you want to cry at his words, it’s all just a farce and you have to bite your tongue harshly to stop the bitter laugh that wants to burst from your mouth. You watch silently as Changbin picks the simplest rings in the box before handing them both to his father. The flash of the camera makes black spots dance in front of your eyes. “We will have them resized to fit each of you. They should be done in a few days.”

You nod your head at his words with a soft smile feeling the coldness of your new husband as he stands stiffly next to you. You knew nothing good would come from this marriage but the detachment that he’s showing you right now is shocking and throwing you off. But you take in a soft breath and straighten your posture just as Changbin rips his arm from your grip and begins to walk to the office door.

”Changbin!” Calls out his mother in a distressed tone and he turns to look at her worriedly but then scowls softly when he sees her gesturing towards you.

”I have work to get to. If you need anything please let the house staff know and they’ll be able to help you.” He says emotionless to you and you stare at him with blank eyes before you nod your head once. He frowns softly as his eyes dance up and down your body before he’s turning from everyone and walks out of the office.

”I’m so sorry dear.” His mother says softly as she walks slowly over to you and gently grips your hands in hers. You look down at your connected hands that hang in between both of your bodies before you look up at her with a soft smile on your face and shake your head gently.

”You have nothing to apologize for.” You tell her reassuringly and she looks at you with soft sorrowful eyes. It’s almost as if she understands everything with just hearing your words and one of her soft frail hands comes up to cup your cheek.

”Such a yong-gamhan sonyeo.” She praises softly and you suddenly have to blink the tears away that have sprung to your eyes before looking away from her sweet face.

*-*-*-*

Friday morning rolled around and you awoke in the large comfortable queen size bed in your new bedroom within the Seo family home. You groaned softly as you turned your head to the side and looked at the bright neon red numbers adorning your alarm clock. Five am. Sighing softly you turned to face the ceiling in the dark room, every morning since you moved into your new home you had woken up at five in the morning without fail. You didn’t know the significance and after the first two mornings you refused to try and figure it out.

Groaning once more you slowly sat up in the large bed and slid your legs to the side of the bed before shimming your way out of the bed. You shivered when your feet touched down on the cold hard floor before your feet sleepily found their way into your house slippers. Standing you stretched your arms out to either side of your body and felt your bones popping more than you heard them. You walked over to your bureau and pulled your long silk robe over your shoulders before cinching the belt around your waist. Silently making your way out of your bedroom you made the trek down to the kitchen hoping that the family chef wouldn’t be here yet so that you could surprise Mrs. Seo with a light breakfast before you had to get her to the hospital for her procedure.

It had only been a few days and already you had grown closer to the older woman. You had come to view her as almost like an Aunt to you and with every interaction that fondness that you had started to form was growing and growing. She was the only one in the home that looked at you with a kind eye and normally would be your only companion since both of the Seo men in the household were busy with the family business. 

Every once and awhile Mr. Seo would join you and Mrs. Seo for dinner but usually it was just you and Mrs. Seo. Since you had moved in you hadn’t seen much of your new husband, only seeing him in passing when he came in late from work and he would normally only greet his mother when he came in while you were spending time with her before bed. He would glare at you as you sat on the couch next to Mrs. Seo while the two of you watched a new drama on the television before bed and when he would come in to greet her you would quickly excuse yourself so that he could have some time alone with her. Often Mrs. Seo would protest and try to get you to stay and spend some time with Changbin but when you noticed the look of disgust on his face at her suggestion you reassured her it was fine and to enjoy her evening with her son. It has become something of a routine for you now to just avoid being around Changbin in his own home.

But now as you walked into the kitchen yawning widely behind your raised hand you came to a halt in the doorway. There he sat at the kitchen island eating a meal of eggs and sausage with a mug of coffee in front of him. You contemplated turning around and going back to your bedroom but the smell of coffee lured you in. Lifting your head to give yourself a burst of confidence you boldly walked into the kitchen to the cabinet over the coffee machine and pulled down a mug that you had commandeered as your own since moving in. You could feel his eyes boring into you and you knew you would have to greet him in some way. 

”Good morning.” You greeted him softly without looking at him and heard the answering grunt from him. You didn’t bother to turn to him for any further interaction as you began making your own cup of coffee for the morning before grabbing another familiar mug from the cabinet and began preparing tea for Mrs. Seo. You were so focused on your task of making coffee and tea in the quiet kitchen that you didn’t hear or notice Changbin getting up from his spot and walking to the sink to place his dishes in there. But dread and trepidation filled you when you felt his breath ghost against your neck as it stood close to your back.

“Don’t become too comfortable here in my home. You are only a means to help my mother, nothing more.” he hissed softly into your ear and your body froze in self preservation as your mind mulled over the words. You stayed as still as you possibly could not letting your breaths to completely fill your chest with air in case that set him off. “Do you understand?” he asked darkly and you quickly nodded your head not willing to make a sound.

Only when you heard his receding footsteps did you let out your breaths in a heavy sigh as your body released itself from the frozen lock his actions had placed you in. You blink owlishly for a few quiet moments before you hear the soft sluggish footsteps of Mrs. Seo, you shake your head quickly to clear it before turning and smiling warmly at her.

“Good morning.” you greet her kindly as you step to her side and guide her over to the dining table to have a seat. “I’m making you tea before we need to get ready to go. Did you see Changbin before he left?” you asked kindly and she beamed up at you happily.

“I did, he wished me well and said that he’d see me when I was done with the procedure.” she said softly, still beaming. You nodded your head at her with a soft smile before turning back to the coffee pot to finish making both of your drinks.

*-*-*-*

The soft beeping of the heart monitor had become your background noise as you quietly sat in the uncomfortable chair next to Mrs. Seo’s hospital bed while working on your laptop. While you didn’t have an actual career to your name you did have stocks and bonds that you liked to play around with on the stock market to further grow your savings, it was a pleasant reassuring fact that you had savings that were only in your name that no one would be able to touch besides you. Even in the marriage contract you had asked your father to always keep your savings and stocks strictly for you and not something you would have to share with Changbin, he had understood your request and made sure to keep that clause in the contract for you.

There was a soft knock on the hospital room door and you easily closed your laptop to stow it away before rising from the chair and opening the door slowly. Your eyes landed on a scowling Changbin and you sucked in a harsh breath before stepping to the side and pulling the door open wider as you schooled your features to a neutral mask. He watched you silently with that scowl darkening before he turned his face to look over at his mother. She was lying in the hospital bed resting peacefully with her eyes shut, you had managed to gently clean her face and body after the procedure was over and the nurses had left you with her instructing you that she needed to rest. The doctor had come in after you were done cleaning her and advised that she wouldn’t be able to leave until she woke up causing you to nod along to his words before taking notes on all the medications that she would need to take during her recovery along with any precautions that you should be on the lookout for.

“How long ago did the procedure end?” Changbin asked in a dark growl and you were jolted from your thoughts turning to face him after you slowly closed the door.

“They wheeled her back in here about five minutes after I texted everyone that she was out of surgery.” you responded dutifully as you walked to the end of her bed and stood there watching her quietly.

“You should’ve let us know ahead of time. We would’ve been able to get here sooner.” he snapped angrily at you and you stared at him quietly before turning back to Mrs. Seo. You knew he had been worried about his mother so you didn’t blame him for lashing out but that didn’t mean that you had to react or respond to his words. “I said-” he began angrily when Mrs. Seo hummed softly as her hand came up to rest gently on Changbin’s forearm causing him to turn to her immediately. “Eomeoni” he greeted softly and you watched Mrs. Seo smiled softly up at him as her eyes fluttered open.

“Agi sonyeon.” she rasped out softly and you smiled softly before ducking your head and moving to the far chair in the corner of the room to give them some privacy. You tuned them out so that they could talk freely before Changbin stood up from the chair next to his mother’s bed and glared at you for a quiet moment before he nodded his head to the door.

“Can I speak to you outside?” he asked in a low growl and you nodded your head before standing up to walk to the door.

“If you need anything I’m just outside the door.” you told Mrs. Seo with a slight head nod and she nodded her head easily in response to you. You then took in a breath and walked out of the hospital room before turning back to Changbin who followed you out quietly with a scowl on his face.

“I need you to do better with giving us updates on Eomeoni’s progress.” he said darkly and you looked up at him with a furrowed brow. He stood so close to you that he towered over you intimidating you to press your back up against the wall to try and give you any space to breathe. “Don’t say a word and just listen.” he hissed and you quickly nodded your head as your eyes darted around his angry face. “Your only job in this family to help Eomeoni recover and heal, that’s it. That is your only purpose in life right now and if you don’t do a good enough job I will have shipped off to somewhere no one can find you. Is that understood?” he berated you in a low tone that had the hair on the back of your arms standing up in warning.

“Yes, understood.” you whispered softly in response, keeping your eyes trained on the ground as you tried to regulate your hurried breaths. You hated how he made you feel like nothing with his cruel words but there was nothing you could do about it. He was your husband now and he held the power. A pit formed in your stomach as you tried to breathe slowly as your mind raced with the knowledge that this man could make you disappear without even blinking. You didn’t see Changbin nod his head as he glared at you but you did hear his retreating footsteps and when you looked up to see his back walking away from you the breath finally left your body as you slumped against the wall in relief.

His presence was so suffocating when he was around you, it made it hard to breathe, hard to think clearly. It pressed against your body with an unrelenting force that made your world tilt and your brain go foggy with fear. Taking in a shuddering breath you felt your mind clear and you raised your head confidently before walking back into the hospital room letting a soft slightly broken smile grace your face when you locked eyes with Mrs. Seo.

“Did you have a good talk with Changbin, Yong-gamhan sonyeo?” she asked in her raspy voice and once again at her sweet nickname for you tears sprung to your eyes that you had to quickly blink away. Were you ever going to live up that name she had decided on for you?

*-*-*-*

After Mrs. Seo had been released from the hospital into your care you had formed a very busy routine for yourself. Your mornings started at five in the morning when your eyes would pop open as if your internal clock was blaring with an alarm. You would give yourself a half hour to quietly reflect on your upcoming day before you would get dressed and make your way down to the empty kitchen to make yourself some coffee. From there the chef would arrive for the day and you speak with him about Mrs. Seo’s diet and meals for the day before having your own breakfast.

You would then wait for her meal to be prepared before bringing it up to her with a single cup of tea, she would already be awake and greet you kindly as you placed the food tray over her lap. Her medications would be divvied out by you and you would bring her water to be able to swallow the pills, once that was completed you would send out a text to the family group chat about her morning update, receiving responses from Mr. Seo and Changbin’s sister but never from Changbin. 

The next few hours depending on the weather for the day would be spent either out walking in the garden with Mrs. Seo or in the library where you two would browse the shelves while walking slowly. Mrs. Seo always preferred being outside since the garden was her pride and joy. She could spend hours out there with you just walking and talking about anything that came to mind. It was during those walks that you learned so much about the Seo family, how she had met Mr. Seo through her father’s company, how they had fallen in love and gotten married before having both of their children. You learned how close the family was and how family meant everything to them, which was ironic to you since Changbin was literally your husband now but would never accept you as such. But you knew it was all because of his deep hatred for you and you knew that was a battle that you couldn’t win.

“I worry about Changbin sometimes.” Mrs. Seo said softly as you both walked slowly through the rose section of the garden, you had your arm looped around hers to help steady her if she ever felt off balance and to keep her close since you enjoyed her presence so much. Your head turned to look at her quietly as you shuttered your face of any emotion so that you wouldn’t upset her. You knew she loved her son and only wanted the best for him but there was a soft sadness in her eyes whenever she looked at you; you knew it was because of the situation that you found yourself in, a loveless marriage with a man who despised you. “He’s always been very headstrong, always needing to do things his own way. He’s the strongest man I know, always willing to help anyone out and never knowing how to ask anyone for help in return.” she explained softly and you mindlessly nodded your head along with her words. You knew this all to be true and stayed silent so that she could speak whatever truth she felt she needed to without interrupting her. But then her words started to filter through your brain and suddenly understanding hit you and you felt your whole body sag with sadness, Changbin hated you only because he had to rely on your family to help his mother. Sorrow suddenly filled your body in waves and you felt as if you were drowning while standing in the middle of the rose garden.

“I worry because even if he doesn’t want the help he has it in the form of you and he doesn’t see it. I worry because I can see the harsh words he hisses at you and I can see their effect on you. I worry because I want you to be happy and I can see you slowly shrinking away.” she lamented softly in a sorrowful tone that pulled at your battered heart and sucked in a harsh breath trying to subdue the drowning sensation trying to consume you. You softly patted her hand that sat perched on your forearm with a soft smile on your face as you masked your pain and sorrow of your broken marriage.

“I’m happy when I’m with you.” you tell her honestly and she beams prettily at you. You soak in her light and just take a moment to feel her warmth infuse your body. She has quickly become your life preserve and you try to soak up as much of her existence as you possibly can to stay afloat. The two of you grow quiet then as you continue walking through the garden before Mrs. Seo grows tired and you bring her back inside to rest before you start your afternoon routine with her.

*-*-*-*

The next time you see Changbin it is at a social party that one of the Seo clan’s family friends is hosting and it’s the first time Mrs. Seo has felt well enough to attend. You are stuck close to her side as her and Mr. Seo mingle and greet their friends. Mrs. Seo tries to include you in the conversations but you’re soon disregarded and you quietly just blend into the background of the party. You’re keeping a watchful eye on her as she smiles and laughs softly while holding her husband’s arm close to her body. She looks well rested and doesn’t show any strain and stress on her face, you’re so proud of her recovery and her regaining health.

But just then you hear Changbin’s loud laughter behind you and you freeze in your place. You knew he was going to be here but you had hoped that he would attend much later when it would be closer to when you could escape. You haven’t seen much of him lately which you’re thankful for but the few times that you have seen him have been nothing but cruel harsh words spat in your face.

”And she’s your wife?” Comes a curious question from someone with a high pitched tone and you feel your back straighten as your ears perk up. You can only guess it’s one of Changbin’s friends asking about you and while you don’t want to hear what he has to say your curiosity is a hungry beast.

”Unfortunately.” Changbin grumbles and you feel the barb land it’s hit on your armored heart. You focus your eyes on the family member talking to Mrs. Seo but your ears are traitorous and still listen to Changbin’s conversation.

”Is she any good?” Asks a lower toned voice and you feel your cheeks flush with embarrassment hoping that your husband in name only won’t entertain the question.

”The only thing she’s good for is her family’s connections.” Changbin says darkly and you gasp silently as your mouth falls open slightly at his words. You feel tears burn at the back of your eyes and you quickly blink as your fingers twist together and tighten trying to pull you back from the brink of an emotional breakdown. He’s reducing everything that you’ve done for his mother to just your family’s connections, the opinion that he speaks out causes an inferno to start forming in the pit of your stomach and you feel a dangerous darkness start to consume your soul.

”Pity, that her looks are wasted on such a useless woman.” Scoffs out the higher pitched voice and suddenly you feel a snap within yourself. Your ears ring just like on the night you signed your freedom away back in your father’s office and you feel everything going numb. You’re no longer paying attention to the room around you as it all grows muffled in your ears. Your surroundings grow blurry and unfocused while the sound is muffled to the point that you no longer hear any conversation, it’s got a peaceful quality to it all suddenly and you let yourself mellow in this unfocused world for a moment.

But then suddenly a soft fragile hand lands on your twisting fingers and your eyes suddenly focus on the soft smile of Mrs. Seo. She’s staring at you with soft concerned eyes as yours focus on her face. She furrowed her eyebrows softly before suddenly her face clears and her eyes grow misty with an understanding that is speaking to your soul. You smile softly at her and her eyes dance around your face before they focus on your own eyes, she nods once and lifts a hand to hover over your cheek and speaks a soft phrase that makes your soul cry out silently.

“Yong-gamhan sonyeo.” she says in a soft sweet tone causing you to feel tears flood your eyes at an alarming rate and you don’t understand fully but there’s an urge to move within your whole body.

You shouldn’t be here, the thought whispers through your mind and suddenly it’s the only thing in your head. The words bounce around your mind and grow louder with each bounce until it’s the only you hear. Your eyes blink slowly and Mrs. Seo’s face comes into focus once more. She’s staring at you with a quiet sorrow that holds a profound understanding underlying it. But soon she blinks and turns her head to look at Changbin who’s come to your side to see if she was alright. You don’t hear the conversation between mother and son barely paying attention to Changbin’s curious look that he throws your way, you’re staring into space as everything happens around you and the numbness within your body turns into a resignation that builds quickly. You shouldn’t be here.

*-*-*-*

The church looks absolutely stunning, Changbin has to admit as he looks around the sacred building while standing up at the altar. You hadn’t done a great job of picking out all the decorations for your wedding ceremony choosing a soft color palette of pastel pinks and purples that looked pretty against the white gauze hung everywhere. He hates to even think it but you had been showing him over the last three months that you were a good choice in a partner although an unwanted one at first. 

The wedding ceremony had been pushed back by yourself twice because you hadn’t been completely happy with his mother’s recovery and that fact alone showed him that you cared for his family as if it were your own. You had grown closer to both of his parents and his sister within the time you had spent living in the Seo family home but the relationship you had nurtured with his mother had left him speechless this past month. There was a softness between the two of you that spoke volumes to him when he was witness to any interaction the two of you had. It actually made him a little jealous of how close you were to his mother, but he was mostly happy about it all.

You had fallen in with the family so easily and the staff all regarded you with respect. There was a quiet command about you that they all seemed to respect and adhere to. It didn’t hurt that everything you did and every choice you made was to benefit with the family. You had made small changes to the way things run in the household and while Changbin had at first rebelled against it because it was you making the changes he had to admit that the changes made their lives so much better.

And then there was his mother’s recovery. You had gone above and beyond what he thought you would do for his mother. Being her constant companion, making sure that she was taking her medications, allowing her to go at her own pace but still fussing when you felt she was growing complacent, updating the family on her progress, and bringing out her inner happiness and never letting it darken. He was grateful to you for all of your efforts to heal his mother and take care of her, he hoped after the ceremony that he would get to spend some time with you and convey his gratitude with the words that he held in for so long.

He knew he hadn’t been kind to you during the three months you had been living with his family, he admittedly had been downright cruel to you at times. It had taken him much longer to accept that you were a part of his family now and his wife. But he had planned to finally confess to you that he was happy with your marriage even if it was unconventional and hadn’t been an actual marriage as of yet. He wanted to start anew with you now that he had come to terms with your union. Once the two of you pledged yourselves to each other in front of everyone he planned to whisper sweet apologies to you before promising to make things right between the two of you.

Shifting on his feet he turned to gaze down the long aisle as the pianist began to play a soft sweet hauntingly beautiful tune. His eyes darted over to his parents who both sat proudly in the front row on his side of the church, his father looked stoic but with a hint of pleased happiness. Changbin smiled softly at the image, his father had been delighted by all the changes in the home by his new daughter in law and had grown softer since she had started living with them. And then there was his mother sitting strongly next to his father as her head turned to gaze down the aisle with a soft sad smile gracing her lips. Changbin frowned at the saddened air that she held about herself, shouldn’t she be happy?

There was a clearing of someone’s throat and Changbin whipped his head up to look at one of your bridesmaids. She stood in front of him in her pretty pink pastel gown holding her small bouquet of flowers in one hand while holding out an envelope in the other outstretched to him. Frowning softly Changbin took the envelope from her hands and slowly opened it before darting his eyes up towards the aisle to see the other bridesmaids standing at the far end of the aisle watching trepidatiously. Looking back down at the envelope he slowly pulled out the folded pages of paper and opened them just as slowly. His eyes widened and his breath came out in pants while his heart plummeted into the pit of his stomach with despair. His fingers went numb and the papers slowly fluttered to the ground falling to land face up for everyone in the front row to be able to read the large bolded letters at the top of the page, Divorce Agreement.

*-*-*-*

You slowly shimmied along the seat aisle until you came to the window seat and sank down into the chair. Turning your head to stare out of the small window you smiled bitter sweetly feeling your heart shattering in your chest for a completely different reason than it had three months ago in your father’s office. Today your heart was shattering because you were finally free to be a Yong-gamhan sonyeo.              

SKZ Taglist: @intartaruginha, @kayleefriedchicken, @babigriin                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

[katyawriteswhump]

Can I help you? (steddie holiday drabble, day 10)

For @steddieholidaydrabbles day 10 prompt, shopping; and @whumpcember day 10 prompt, “Let me help you.”

WC: 985 Rating: M; CW: self-harm (wall punching); Tags: Angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, established steddie, sexual content. Summary: After a crappy day serving holiday shoppers, Steve is gonna explode… or curl up and cry. Fortunately, he’s also got the best boyfriend ever.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

As the final customer left Scoops, Steve balled his fists. He was already late closing and still they’d been a dick about it. He hauled down the shutter, muffling the chaotic din of late-night-shoppers and the jangling hell-loop of holiday music.

Festive shoppers were fucking feral. And when Robin was off sick, work sucked.

He bagged the cash from the register, dumped it in the box, worrying about Robin, though she swore it was ‘only a super-disgusting cold.’ Plus, it was Hellfire night. His dream of catching five-minutes with Eddie beforehand was dead. It’d take hours to finish up without Robin, and… Fuuuuuck!

His foot flew from under him. He crashed backward, elbow whacking the counter. Pain bloomed then screamed, and worse…

…he’d dropped the cash box.

Coins rolled off toward every corner of the store, while Steve gawked at the villain of the piece—a banana skin. Like in a dumb cartoon, which figured. He was dressed like Popeye.

He slid down onto his butt, dumped his face into his hand, non-bruised elbow supported on one bare, hitched-up knee.

How did my shitty life come to this?

He’d worked non-stop for ten hours. He trembled with exhaustion, felt bruised inside and out—like he’d been repeatedly punched in the gut. Astonishing how many ‘merry’ customers proved hellbent on making him feel like dirt, and he shouldn’t care. He didn’t want to care, and yet…

…now he had to get up, collect the cash. Tough, when all he wanted was to curl up and cry.

The unlocked shutter creaked up. Steve’s chin snapped up with it. Dustin ducked under first, then Eddie, both in their Hellfire t-shirts.

“Woah!” said Dustin. He wasn’t pissing himself laughing. Yet. Steve figured he must look fucking hilarious, slumped against the counter. He didn’t even say ‘hi,’ instead scrunching his face against a snarling sob.

“What the hell happened?” Eddie rushed over, crouched beside him.

Steve’s sweary rant only made him feel dumber and more inarticulate, self-loathing skyrocketing till he smacked his fist into the nearest hard surface. Would’ve done it again, wrecking his knuckles, had not Eddie caught them—gently yet somehow inarguably, stroking with his thumb. “Steve, you’ve done amazingly. It’s gonna be okay. Dustin?” The kid zigzagged the store like a pinball, collecting scattered coins. “Call Gareth. We’re postponing Hellfire.”

“No way! I’m being a fucking muppet. You never postpone—”

“Tonight, the schemers of Baldor’s Gate will remain unprobed by bold adventurers!” boomed Eddie, those darn chocolate-button eyes managing to laugh and be soul-destroyingly sincere. Eddie jumped up, offered a hand: “Let me help you.”

Steve slipped his fingers into Eddie’s warm clasp, mouth quirking toward a ‘screw-it-all’ smile.

Dustin counted the float and takings. Eddie handled the paperwork, being used to similar crap at the bar where he worked. Steve left them to it, mopping the floor, rolling his eyes at himself when his bruises bitched.

After Dustin scooted off, Steve eased himself into a seat beside Eddie, who’d finished the banking. “Nice job,” Steve swept gross sweaty hair from his brow—Ugh, he was wrecked. “That could really be my handwriting.”

Eddie pulled a face, daftly adorable. “Forgery is, tragically, carved deep as metal into my bones.”

“You’re a fucking angel,” whispered Steve, suddenly unable to meet Eddie’s gaze. “I feel shitty. You shouldn’t have postponed Hellfire.”

“Yeah, I should. I have zero doubt you’d roam waaaay farther from your plotted route for any of your friends. Tho’ half of them are snot-nosed brats who’d never thank you.” Eddie rose and started massaging Steve’s shoulders, heels of his hands working the meat of Steve’s tension, thumbs tenderly caressing his nape. Steve’s snarled-up muscles didn’t exactly turn to putty. Still felt so nice.

“Anyhoo, I got me a shady ulterior motive.” Eddie’s breath drifted balmily across Steve’s cheek, sending a delicious shudder down his spine. “Not gonna miss out on an evening when my boyfriend is literally screaming-out to be dragged to bed.”

Steve’s smile spread slowly. This time, he felt it, warming his heart and the pit of his belly.

My boyfriend. Hearing that never got old.

“And… hark!” announced Eddie, in his best Dungeon-Master tones, “there’s also the not- insignificant-fact that I love you.”

Now, Steve was genuinely laughing, then sniffling, because he was choking up. He grabbed Eddie’s hand, bringing it to his lips. “Love you too.”

Soon, they huddled nose-to-nose under the tepid trickle of their shower. “Showtime,” beamed Eddie, as he glided his fingers up through Steve’s hair, lathering up the bubbles. Steve’s scalp tingled and he sighed, shivered. The graze of Eddie’s fingernails, even the slight burning-tug of the snags…

“How the hell do you make this feel so sublime?”

Eddie answered by brushing Steve’s parted lips with his own, then repeating over and over—which managed to be stupidly erotic—and their tongues tangled and touched.  Eddie’s relentless kisses sent Steve’s blood rushing south. On cue, Eddie’s sensual hands traced down Steve’s flanks, arrowing towards Steve’s needy dick.

It was a wonderfully lazy hand-job, but Steve couldn’t quite relax—this was too one-sided! He kinda squirmed, reaching for Eddie’s dick. Eddie batted him away, growling jokily into Steve’s mouth. “What do you not get about me taking care of you?”

“Whatever… fuck… you slay me, man… Gnnng!”

Steve flopped back against the tiles, arms flailing, knees turning to jello. Eddie flopped into him and stroked them both towards super-hot-messy orgasms.

“Hey, Eds,” Steve murmured, later, after they crawled into bed. The live-wire hum in his brain had faded, for sure, but he still wasn’t sure he’d sleep. “I wanna make up for Hellfire. Let’s fu—”

Eddie’s soft snore ruffled through Steve’s still-damp hair. Steve smiled tiredly. He had to face christmas shoppers again in eight-and-a-half hours. Life still kinda sucked… tho’ not all of it. At least Robin called, to say she’d be back. He watched Eddie sleep, until the entire crappy world crumbled to dust.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

tags: @wheneverfeasible 💚 My stranger things fic on AO3