#he sneaks in to visit his brother and hopes that maybe today is the day he'll escape with him.

[pianokantzart]

Thinking of an AU where Luigi was never rescued from Kamek during the events of Yoshi's Island, and as a result Luigi and Bowser grow up together and end up forming a bit of a Kronk/Yzma sort of relationship.

There's a power imbalance and their moral alignments don't match up and Luigi is a bit of a screwup, but darn it he's so congenial and helpful that Bowser can't help but have him as his closest confidant for reasons that even he doesn't fully understand.

[akutasoda]

bittersweet memories

brothers ver

synopsis - they tell a story/ remember about their fondest time with you but they realise yet again you're no longer there

includes - lucifer, mammon, leviathan, satan, asmodeus, beelzebub, belphegor

warnings - gn!reader, mc died au, angst no comfort, maybe ooc for some, alcohol mention in lucifer's, wc - 1.9k

undateables wave 1

lucifer ★↷

lucifer normally doesn't get drunk. sure he drinks quite a bit of demonus but he has restraints. and this evening it was just him, diavolo and barbatos. diavolo had invited him around for a small catch up which ended with demonus being passed between them like water, not without barbatos small look of concern.

and it was getting rather late as lucifer rolled his eyes at another supposed 'absurd' story as diavolo phrased it in a drunken slur, he felt the need to tell a rather funny but fond story he had of you. the one time you had simply suggested you two go to a 3d latte art café that recently opened up near RAD, he thought it was absurd but one look at you and he knew he couldn't say no.

so after a long day at RAD you two made it to the café and sat down, order your drinks and some small pastries and engaged in simple idle chit chat until your drinks arrived. lucifer had gone for a simple choice of one based of the little d's and you had gone for one of your choice. but as you went to put your cup down after taking a sip, not before taking an photo, some of the foam lingered on th tip of your nose. as lucifer stared longer you thought something was wrong so you asked and he simply smiled leant forward with a cloth and wiped it off your nose. it was simple yes. but that memory alone could make him smile anytime and definitely made his day.

he smiled and mumbled about taking you there again but through his drunken haze remembered that you weren't going to be there when he got home. barbatos immediately picked up on the drop of pressure in the room and quickly offered to take lucifer home as he was in no condition to go himslef, not before sorting out diavolo.

lucifer woke up with a surprisingly bad headache and quickly remembered the accounts of last night and felt a wave of embarressmemt and noted to apologize later before the wave of sadness replaced that. maybe he would visit your grave again today.

mammon ★↷

mammon had managed to sneak out yet again to go to yet another casino. he had high hopes this time! he could face the wrath of lucifer later... if he was caught that is. perhaps he got a bit too carried away and ending up spending more money than he should and got caught trying to sneak back in, but that was just his string of bad luck.

now that his bad luck has rubbed off he's certain to win this time! and win he did! he was so excited he hastily grabbed his dd from his pocket and immediately scrolled down his contacts to you and hit call. 'this user is unavailable'. the message felt like a painful reminder, because it was. yet again it felt like he was being stabbed right in the heart. he slowly put his phone away.

normally whenever he would win big he would try to call you, sometimes you were still asleep, but he would tell you as soon as possible and then he would proceed to take you out for a day out with him, be sure to thank him cause he doesn't do this for anyone!

now that wont happen. he trudged back home, uncaring if he got caught(he did again but lucifer recognised that look and let him off slightly easier). he laid in bed for the next day. maybe he would go drop off another gift at your grave.

leviathan ★↷

leviathan was never one to open up about his feelings to many people. especially not normies. but there were two people he would. well one person and one fish. henry and henry 2.0. and thanks to one of those he was starting to slowly open up to hos brothers slightly more. but he still needed time to tell them about everything.

he laid on a pile of pillows next to henry's tank as he started telling the fish about whatever was on his mind until something slowly started reminding him off you. a convention he wanted to attend was coming up soon but he had yet to decide what cosplay to go as, mainly because the one he really wnated to do was a duo but who could he ask? the only person he could think of was you. but would you really wnat to do that woth him? maybe you would think it's a gross yucky otaku thing.

but while he was lost in thought he had failed to hear you knock on the door and failed to hear you step in until you spotted the costumes laid out infront of him. he noticed you when you ran over and started gushing about how cool they looked and if he made them by hand. and in a confused blur he started explaing what he was doing, how could he not want to talk about his proudest cosplay he's made yet to someone who seemed genuinely interested, and without realising asked you if you wanted to go as his pair in the duo and only realised what he said when you said yes. thats when he started short circuiting.

but eventually you two went, and it was the best con he ever went to in his life. thats when he slowly realised that would never happen again. slowly getting up he decided he needed to talk to someone else. you were always a good listener, even if he knew you weren't there it still felt like you were listening. maybe he would talk to your grave for a bit.

satan ★↷

satan was often found in few places. RAD's libraries, his room or wherever cat's were. and he used to do most of those alone, and still does to this day. but there was a time where someone had managed to get into his heart and did alot of his activities with him. someone that calmed that constant raging inferno in him as the avatar of wrath. you.

well, there was someone else that happened to want to join satan and you in one task. the anti-lucifer league. the three of you would often engage in finding new ways to prank lucifer. it was normally combined with sifting through cursed books trying to find the best way to 'prank' lucifer. while you were slightly more hesitant and tried to stop some of their more.. extreme plans. you enjoyed it none the less.

you often also helped get them out of punishments, not that it worked but it did slightly decrease the harshness. but sometimes it was just the two of you. not planning to prank lucifer, just reading books and enjoying each others company. satan knew you're favourite books off by heart and kept them in a special place. he knew you would never read them again and he wanted to keep them safe.

he often read them himslef if he missed you particularly bad. but sometimes he couldn't bring himself to read them, it would make him feel nothing but remorse. maybe he would go read to your grave again or maybe he would tell your grave the new plan to prank lucifer.

asmodeus ★↷

asmodeus often found himself out shopping. alone or with company it didn't really bother him. it just meant he would shop and go home. sometimes when he was out with others, mainly you, he would make more effort to stop at cafés or various other places not just shops. make a day out of it.

but in all honesty, he was just going out to grab a few new items that were currently trending on devilgram. but as he was passing by a particular shop. he noticed an item he had brought you on a whim but he was confident you would love it. and you did! it very quickly became one of your favourite things you owned. so much so he had to go out and get you another.

it seemed almost impulsive how at that memory he walked into the shop and bought yet another one. in hopes of goving it to you when he got back. but right as he walked into the house of lamentation, he remembered how slightly more lonely it felt now that you weren't there. guess he would have to hold onto the item he got you. not that he minded.

he got back to his room and started putting stuff away and proceeded to then scroll on devilgram for a while. just browsing old memories of you and him. soon enough he felt the need to do something about his sorrow, it was bad for his complexion. he normally would make an effort to keep your grave clean and tidy, it seemed odd sure but you deserved this. maybe he would go polish your grave again.

beelzebub ★↷

beelzebub had just finished up a fangol game and seeing as it was kind of later than normal, belphie offered to wait behind and walk home with his twin, he had stayed through the entire game might as well wait. so he patiently waited for beel to finish before they began walking home.

most of the walk was spent in a comfortable silence. with beel snacking on some treats belphie had brought with. but eventually, and inevitably, they walked past a small restaurant. it was closing up for the night and beel glanced over feeling a fondness spread in his chest. he then proceeded to start telling belpie that that was the restaurant you took him to for your first date. and how that became the restaurant you two would visit for special occasions for that reason, and even now he could remember the exact order you two would always get.

while he was lost in his memory of you, he suddenly snapped out of it and remembered that you weren't there anymore. you two would never visit that restaurant again. belphie tried to console his twin but he knew it was pointless and he could only offer his support.

when they got home beel was still feeling a bit somber and decided to try and just sleep it off, after having the leftover portions of dinner. but all that could occupy his mind was you. he decided that tommorow during RAD he would go off. maybe he would eat lunch at your grave.

belphegor ★↷

belphegor slept practically non stop. not that that was not to be expected from the avatar of sloth. and a small while ago he was trying to fix that, but now he didn't really bother.

he could always remember how once you two became a thing, he always slept better with you. which eventually, much to lucifer's dismay, lead to you developing a slightly similar sleeping pattern to belphie's. most of your naps were spent up in the attic, and at night you two indulged in the youngests hobby of stargazing. he treasured those moments dearly.

as he turned over in his trance, he felt the need to go find you and drag you up into the attic for a sleep and then, if you manage to wake up in time, do some more stargazing. however as he slowly started getting up, he felt the shocking cold reminder run through him. he no longer could go drag you somewhere for a nap, stargazing or anything else.

you were gone permanently. and he missed you dearly. but sometimes stargazing is better outside. maybe he would go stay at your grave a while.

[mymultiverse00]

Left Behind

This is my first ever Twilight story. I hope you like it!

There are no hiding spots for humans in Volterra Castle, especially when considering its residents. Oh, I can find a dark corner to huddle in for a little while or even go outside to bask in the blazing hot sunshine, but no matter where I go, someone will always find me. They follow my voice, or my scent, or the sound of my wheelchair on the ancient stone floors, and like magic, any hope I had for some blissful solitude is completely shattered. But today is different. Today there are visitors in the castle from far away covens, and suddenly, no one around me can spare me a second glance, not even my mate. That part hurts the most.

I met my mate only six months ago while working in town at the old Volterra library. At the time, I had no real home, no living family, and really, no hope. I was barely eking out a living, limited by both my mobility and my inability to speak the local language. I was depressed and crippled by low self-esteem and severe anxiety. I barely had the will to go on, but then I met Marcus, and everything changed.

Every day for three months the tall, somber man visited me at the library, and slowly the two of us developed a relationship that blossomed into love. He confessed his feelings and his secret one rainy night in my tiny apartment and offered me a future I couldn’t possibly turn down. He moved me into his home and introduced me to his family, and never once was my disability an issue for him. In fact, he went out of his way to make things easier for me. Every day he told me he loved me, and brick by brick, he helped me rebuild my self-confidence and push the depression away.

As soon as I agreed to move in, Marcus started renovating and redecorating his rooms, adding low-profile furniture and other accessible fixtures. He remodeled the bathroom completely, adding grab bars and a roll-in shower with a sturdy teakwood bench across the back wall. He brought in a new bed that had the ability to be raised and lowered at will, along with a mountain of pillows designed to take pressure off my back, hips, and knees, and never once complained about his own discomfort.

He also considered my other human needs, expanding doorways and lowering work surfaces, creating unobstructed pathways to the garden and conservatory, and even convincing Aro to hire a full-time chef to cook my meals. He made it very clear that he wanted to make the remainder of my human life as simple as possible and would stop at nothing to make me happy.

There was only one thing he couldn’t change, however, and I have a hard time holding it against him: the stairs. Volterra Castle is full of ancient stone staircases everywhere you look. Stairs going up to Athenadora and Sulpicia’s rooms; stairs going down to the kitchen and the activity room for the lower guard; stairs keeping me firmly planted on the first floor of the castle at all times.

Normally, stairs are not a huge issue. Marcus took great delight in lifting me up into his strong arms in order to ferry me anywhere I wanted to go. He would loop my arms securely around his neck and pick me up like a bride, sneaking kisses and snuggles all along the way. I would giggle girlishly at his roguish behavior, and he would smile, and maybe we would be late to our destination if we ever made it at all. Today, however, the stairs won.

——————

The morning had been a busy one, with everyone buzzing around the castle, preparing for the arrival of some very important guests. Marcus and his brothers were holding a summit of sorts, and covens from all over Europe would be arriving at noon for two days of festivities. There would be a grand reception this afternoon and evening, and after the meetings ended tomorrow, there would be a lavish ball. This was the first time I would be introduced to such a large group as Marcus’s mate, so I was extremely nervous, but my love had assured me that I would be welcomed by all.

Or at least I would have been, had I been in the throne room with the rest of the group. Somehow, in all the excitement of handshaking and backslapping during the arrival of our guests, everyone forgot about the half dozen steps required to enter the gathering hall, subsequently forgetting about me too.

After 45 minutes of rolling back and forth in front of the doors and occasionally speaking Marcus’s name out loud, hoping to catch his attention, I decided to give up. Obviously, he was too busy to miss my presence, as were Aro, Caius, my sisters, or my friends in the guard. My feelings were hurt, undoubtedly, but seeing no other option, I decided to return to my room and wait for someone to realize I was absent.

No one noticed.

Hours went by without a peep. No one came to look for me, and no one brought me dinner either. I couldn’t get to the kitchen myself because of the goddamned stairs, so there was nothing left for me to do but stay exactly where I was, hidden in the furthest corner of my room’s veranda, trying not to be hungry and trying not to sob out loud as I cried. My heart was aching as the heavy feeling of abandonment settled over me, and my old friend, self-loathing, started creeping in. The next several hours were filled with ugly thoughts and horrible sadness, and though I wanted to resist that darkness, it completely overwhelmed me once more.

——————

It was nearly midnight when I finally heard my mate’s frantic voice calling out for me from our shared bedroom.

“Y/N!” Marcus called, a hint of desperation in his tone. “Y/N? Where are you my love?”

“Out here, Marcus,” I replied listlessly, barely raising my voice as I knew he could hear me. I was mentally and physically drained from the emotional upheaval of the day and made no real effort to emerge from my safe little hiding spot. I could hear how upset I had made him, and I was unsure if I could face him just then.

“My darling!” He cried, finally spotting me and speeding quickly to my side. His eyes quickly scanned me for injury. “Where have you been, little one? I couldn’t find you.”

I looked down at my hands as I answered him, too afraid to look into his eyes. “I’ve been here, Marcus. All day.”

“But why, tresoro?” He took my hands in his. “Did you not want to meet our guests? Many of them came here just to see you.” I could tell he was disappointed in me and my heart broke just a little bit more.

“I-I-I… did want to…” I stammered, “But I couldn’t. There was no way for me to get into the throne room, Marcus. I was left behind,” I concluded quietly, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.

“Left behind?” He questioned.

“Yes.” I paused. “How long, Marcus?” I asked dejectedly.

“How long for what, Y/N? I don’t understand.”

“How long did it take for you to realize I wasn’t there with you, Marcus? 2 hours? 4?”

He closed his eyes as it finally started to sink in. “Y/N, I’m…”

“Disappointed in me?” I whispered. “I understand. I’m sorry, Marcus. I have not been a very good mate to you today, and I have shamed you. I understand why you and the others did not look for me. I have not been an asset to the family.” Tears streamed freely down my face as I tried to apologize for my shortcomings.

“Y/N, no. Please don’t cry.” Marcus begged, crouching down to my level as he tried to comfort me. “It is I who should apologize. It is my duty to look out for you and to protect you. I have failed in that today; I should have remembered you needed help with the steps. There were so many people, and I got caught up….”

“I thought you didn’t want me anymore.” I interrupted with a sob. “No one came for me all day, and I thought I had done something wrong! Maybe I have become too much of a burden on you..”

“Never, amore!” He said with conviction, bending his head low to kiss my hands.

“But it’s true, Marcus! I know it is! Every day you are forced to do things you would never typically do, all because of me,” I said sadly. “You’re the King of Volterra, Marcus! And I have you spending your days babysitting me. You help me in and out of bed; you help me dress; hell, you’ve even had to help me in the shower a time or two! You’re forced to carry me around this castle all day long - and my wheelchair - because I can’t even get myself to the kitchen to feed myself. I’m asking you for too much, and I don’t want you to resent me for it.” My tears were hot and burned my cheeks as they continued to fall. “I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

“Oh, Y/N,” he soothed. “Come here, darling.” He scooped me out of my wheelchair and into his arms, hugging me tightly to his chest. “Y/N, my heart, I love you! More than anything in the world. You are my mate, and I do all of those things you mentioned before because I want to. I am honored that you allow me to help you throughout the day, and you could never be a burden to me. If anyone should be apologizing here, it should be me! I disappointed you today, and I am sincerely sorry for that. I never want you to feel left behind or unwanted again, and I will spend the rest of our eternity making up for my error today. I will also speak to our contractor about adding some wheelchair ramps where we can and an elevator as well. I should have done so long ago.” He wiped my tears away with the sleeve of his robe. “Can you forgive me, sweetheart? I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I nodded slowly against his chest, taking in deep, ragged breaths in an attempt to calm my feelings. I love him so much that not forgiving him was never really an option for me. After a long time, I spoke to him again.

“Marcus?” I asked quietly. “Do you think things will be different… after you change me?”

He smiled at me, gently moving some stray hair out of my eyes before he spoke. He sighed softly, resting his forehead against my own. “I don’t know for sure, my precious one. We have seen vampire venom heal a number of injuries and ailments in the past, sometimes even snatching someone back from the brink of death, like dear Jane and Alec. Every change is different, darling. I want you to know, however, that no matter what the outcome of yours, Y/N, I will always love you and will work to keep you by my side forever.”

“The world’s first vampire in a wheelchair.” I scoffed. “Some claim to fame.”

“How about ‘Queen of Volterra, Mate of King Marcus’ for a claim to fame?” He suggested, gazing at me adoringly.

“That could work,” I giggled, moving to bring our lips together in a tender kiss. “I’m sorry I let my anxiety get the best of me, Marcus.”

“And I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me, my darling girl. Now, I know it’s late, but we need to get some food for you, and then I believe I can come up with some more… creative ways to apologize to you. Interested?”

“Always.”

The end

[magicshopaholic]

Kiss and Tell (Hoseok x OC)

Summary: During an impromptu game of truth or dare, Hoseok discovers something important about your past.

Pairing: Hoseok x OC

Genre: brother’s best friend; humour, banter, mild angst

Word count: 5.2 K

Rating: 18+

Warnings: language, alcohol, peer pressure, shady characters, making out, allusions

A/N: Takes place around a month after New Year’s Eve Eve.

Tagging: @bbl32 @quarter-life-crisis2 @meirkive @faearchives @margopinkerton @purpleseoul7 @dreaming-with-happiness @xjoonchildx @tarahardcore @infinitehobi @handfullofcandids

Listen to: “stuck on the puzzle” by alex turner

hoseok masterlist | main masterlist

When Chaeyoung turned eighteen years old, she hosted her first birthday party without a grown up in charge.

Of course, her father and stepmother were right next door at the Jungs’ and Chanyeol had no doubt been enlisted to supervise the party in any case, but it was still a huge step up in terms of attendants; now, it was no longer just a birthday party, but a party.

It hadn’t taken place on her actual birthday, for that usually fell during finals. No, to ensure it would be as party as possible, Chaeyoung decided to push it by a month to summer vacation, the last time she and her classmates would be together before they all dispersed to different colleges around the country. With the added emotion and nostalgia, her party eventually became the party of the year, with lifelong memories being created for years to come.

For Chaeyoung, it was the first time she was treated like an adult; by her parents for finishing high school, by her brother for the easy confidence he showed in her while he chaperoned - and by his best friend Hoseok, who not only attended, but also seemed to have a lot of fun.

Hoseok had been visiting Chanyeol, naturally. Chanyeol was in the service at the time, having joined the moment he’d finished college. He was on break and despite Hoseok’s busy schedule, he’d taken a couple of days off to return to Gwangju for his best friend, even if it meant spending a night with a bunch of kids who’d barely entered their teens when he’d graduated high school.

Chaeyoung had been pleased to see him, but more out of the joy of seeing an old friend. Hoseok was a man grown, and the novelty of having two seniors in their twenties at her party only increased its coolness factor.

She half-expected him to show up in leather pants, as seemed to be his group’s look at the time, before she remembered that he didn’t live in a BTS music video. He looked tired and handsome and happy and mature all at once and when he came to the poolside to wish her a happy birthday, she truly felt as though they were all growing up, their shaky past forgotten.

It was a memory she cherished even today, the sight of him on the plastic deck chair by her parents’ pool, the light from the water reflected on his face, his easy smile as he joked with her and her friends and didn’t rat any of them out for sneaking in alcohol. In fact, he joined them, and Chaeyoung discovered with amusement that Hoseok was a complete lightweight. For a little over an hour, she and Hoseok hung out without incident, at the end of which she even wondered if they were maybe, possibly becoming friends.

Maybe. Possibly. It was one night among hundreds, but Chaeyoung chose to look back on it with hope and relief that they had both grown out of their childish rivalry that subtly revolved around Chanyeol. The party ended late and the night was a bass-induced haze of teenage freedom, and after the amount of alcohol that was passed around the little group by the pool, Chaeyoung didn’t know what Hoseok remembered the next morning. 

She remembered, though. She was older and so was he, and the cautious seeds of hope that were sown that night felt like the beginning of something new. Unfortunately, Hoseok left Gwangju the next morning and Chaeyoung left for college a week later, and the next time they saw each other was years later, when they reached for the last bottle of Absinthe at the same time.

—

Hoseok squeezes his way in between two dancing groups and bps his way over to Chanyeol, who is leaning against the balcony door and chatting with a vaguely familiar girl from their high school class.

She spots him before Chanyeol does. “Hey, Hoseok! Hayoung,” she reminds him good-naturedly when he opens his mouth.

“Of course!” He remembers now. “You look different without…” He hesitates, thinking twice lest the alcohol make him say something stupid. “... your Class President badge.”

“And you look different without the hoodie tied around your waist,” she replies cheerfully, throwing an arm around his shoulder and squeezing it. “Cheers!” She raises her glass and both men with her clink their bottles of beer.

“Dude, where were you?” Chanyeol asks. “Chae said she saw you, like, half an hour ago.”

“Got cornered by Joonho and his cousin who offered me a joint and wouldn’t let me leave unless I had a couple drags,” mutters Hoseok. “Remind me why we ever hung out with him again? Guy’s a pain in the arse.”

Chanyeol chuckles and shrugs while Hayoung, her hair a trendy burgundy, laughs. “You know he’s been telling everybody who will listen that he was best friends with J-Hope?”

“What?”

“Oh, yeah,” she nods, grinning. “I think you might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him. You remember Eunbi from our junior class? He tried to get her to make out with him by saying that the car she was sitting in was the same one that J-Hope-from-BTS sat in.”

“No way,” breathes Chanyeol, while Hoseok chokes on his drink. “You’re kidding.”

“Nah, she told Jaehyun who told Mina and Seulgi, and Seulgi got totally drunk at Seokmin’s engagement party last year and told me and a bunch of others.” Hayoung nods knowingly. “He’s kind of obsessed with you.”

“That’s perfect,” he answers weakly.

“To answer your question, though, I haven’t the faintest idea why he’s here,” says Chanyeol, looking in the direction Hoseok came from. “I didn’t invite him. I think he came with someone. Maybe he heard you were here,” he suggests nonchalantly.

“I honestly can’t recall having a single conversation with him that didn’t end with me wanting to hang myself.”

Just then, the song changes and someone else joins them.

“I think the Kangs can rest in peace knowing they can still throw good parties,” says Chaeyoung, holding a glass with a dark drink in it. A faint flowery scent accompanies her that smells like summer in January.

“I agree, Chan,” says Hayoung. “I think you peaked with our graduation party but this is pretty close, too.”

“Except for whoever is playing Pitbull in this day and age,” mutters Chaeyoung, peering between their shoulders and wrinkling her nose. “Ugh, it’s Joonho. You know, I can’t believe you guys were ever friends with him.”

“We were never friends with him,” say Hoseok and Chanyeol in unison.

“Not in the actual sense,” adds Chanyeol.

“Did you meet his cousin?” Hoseok asks Chaeyoung. “Doesn’t he remind you of Ice?”

“Who the hell is Ice?”

“Oh, he’s Chae’s best friend.”

Chaeyoung slaps his shoulder. “He is not. And Ice isn’t a bad guy, he’s just… an acquired taste. Joonho was an asshat. He creeped out everyone, even the girls in my class. And some of the boys,” she adds in disgust.

“He had a really nice car, though,” says Hayoung fairly. “Even if you don’t count the celebrities that sat in it.”

“More importantly, though,” points out Chaeyoung, while Hoseok makes a face at Hayoung, “he’s using one of dad’s vintage collectible bottles to peer pressure a bunch of people to play Spin The Bottle with him.”

Chanyeol’s eyes widen and his head snaps back to look at where Joonho is. “Asshat,” he swears, downing the rest of his beer and striding away from them.

“I should probably go with him,” suggests Hayoung, taking a more appropriate sip of her drink. “He might just kill Joonho if he’s not careful and then what will you do when your biggest fan is dead?”

“Very funny,” retorts Hoseok, loud and disgruntled as their erstwhile class president leaves with a laugh. “What the hell is wrong with that guy?”

“I dunno.” Chaeyoung shrugs. “You’re the one who was friends with him.”

“I was never friends with - okay, I’m not doing this again.” He shakes his head and rolls his eyes at her amused expression. It’s only slightly strange to see her in the midst of his high school classmates, a group she was explicitly discouraged from hanging out with when they were actually in school. She seems almost their age now, though, drink in hand, stockinged legs and woolen dress, a sparkly blue snowflake clipped in her hair that makes her look like a modern-day winter wonderland Barbie.

“You look nice,” he says when he realises he’s been silently observing her for a few seconds. “Cute.”

Her smile widens. “Thanks. So do you.”

“I look cute?”

“Yeah. Isn’t that what your group is going for these days?”

“No. We’re going for dangerous.”  

“Your last music video was all pastels so I might be losing track. Anyway,” she adds, changing the subject, “as pseudo-host, it’s my duty to ask: Are you having a good time?”

“If you don’t count the half hour I spent trying to get away from Joonho, then, yes.”

Chaeyoung smiles in satisfaction. “Good enough.” She bites her lip. “Do you remember the last time you were at a party in this house?”

“Uh…” Hoseok frowns and squints. “No? I mean, I can’t place it. I must have been to, like, a dozen of Chan’s parties in this house.”

“Well, the party I’m talking about isn’t Chan’s party,” she says lightly. “It was my party.”

He doesn’t know if he’s imagining the meaningful edge to that clarification. “Oh, yeah,” he remembers, chuckling a little. “You did have a party.”

“I did. And you attended.”

“Yeah. It was fun, I remember.” This time, he knows he’s not imagining her face lighting up at the compliment. 

“Good. It meant a lot to me,” she says after a moment.

An old, ancient dread begins settling in his stomach and before he can begin to dissect it, he changes the subject.

“Fun for other people, too - especially your brother.”

“What do you mean?”

Hoseok chuckles again, hearing the words come out of his mouth before he can stop them. “I mean that his bedroom door was locked for a really long time with just him and one lucky lady in there with him.”

Chaeyoung’s jaw drops open. “What? He hooked up with someone at my party? He - he was supposed to be chaperoning!” she exclaims while Hoseok groans.

“Oh, man,” he sighs, running his hand over his face. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that.”

“He made out with one of my classmates! Wait - did they have sex?” Her eyes widen in horror.

“Oh, calm down, it wasn’t anyone from your class. It was some girl he was dating from his old coaching class. Kind of,” he amends. “Her name was Chaeyoung, too, actually, which probably explains why that relationship didn’t go anywhere.”

“This story is just getting better with every new detail,” she mutters, closing her eyes.

“Don’t worry, she went by something else. Something that sounded like Chae but wasn’t - I want to say Chi? Or something to do with her last name -”

“You are the worst best friend ever for telling me this, by the way,” she interrupts.

“I am,” he admits sombrely. “I don’t think she liked me much, anyway.”

“Or she was just intimidated,” she points out. “You were his best friend. It was kind of a joke back in the day, that no girl Chan dated could ever compete with you.”

Hoseok laughs. “I don’t remember much from that night at all, but that’s pushing it a bit, maybe. Although, I suppose no girl I dated could ever compare to him either,” he jokes as someone shouts his name from the crowd and he turns, not noticing Chaeyoung’s smile fade slightly.

He rejoins the party, turning around briefly to see Chaeyoung following him as well. There’s some commotion around what cheesy party game to play next, with people throwing around suggestions and shouting their preferences. Despite everyone here being in their mid-twenties, it feels more like a high school party than when Hoseok was actually in high school - or maybe it’s the fact that they’re so much older that it feels like it.

There’s nostalgia in the air, so much of it that it stirs up feelings of his youth in a way he hasn’t remembered in a very long time. The moment he left for Seoul, everything changed. He was a trainee, but there was no childhood in boot camp. He was training to be employed, and then he debuted and he was officially a working adult. His friends were getting high on college campuses while he worked to the bone twenty hours a day and while he can’t find it in himself to regret his path at all, he finds himself embracing his eighteen year old self with open arms the first chance he gets.

“Okay, truth or dare it is! We’ll start with J-Hope!”

“No!” He blurts it out instinctively and a few people snicker at Joonho’s dumbfounded expression. Across the living room next to the bookshelf, Hayoung, still standing with Chanyeol, catches Hoseok’s eye before snorting into her drink.

Fortunately, someone else volunteers to go first, there’s some jeering, and a dare starts being formulated. Hoseok uses this opportunity to cross the living room and stand next to Hayoung, whose cheeks are still flushed with laughter. 

“I’m going to kick his arse,” he mutters in a low voice.

“I don’t blame you,” she says immediately, still giggling as she places a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. She takes another large sip of her drink - a glass of deep red wine - and swallows it in one go. “But you don’t really strike me as the arse-kicking type.”

“If he calls me J-Hope one more time, I’m going to trip him.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She cheers along with everyone else as one of their classmates downs an entire jug of beer in under a minute and emerges red-faced, looking as though she’s going to throw up.

Hoseok watches as the truths immediately start getting personal and dares get more juvenile, with everybody - including him - enjoying it despite themselves. He’s had enough to drink that his inhibitions are lowered and his tongue can’t be trusted, but it’s a happy buzz for now, watching his old friends stay the way they were, every one of them reaching for the vestiges of their teenage years for one night before returning to their adult lives.

Across the living room, he spots Chaeyoung where he’d left her. She’s standing a little away from the group, not really a part of the circle of people playing. Hoseok is glad for that; he’s not exactly sure why, but he knows he doesn’t want her getting caught up in this game, where standing up to peer pressure is the real challenge.

She’s leaning against a wall and watching the game, looking mildly amused as the people she used to look up to possibly seem so much more human now. She looks in his direction and catches his eye the moment someone calls his name.

“Okay, Hoseok’s turn now!”

“You know, I really don’t -”

“No, no, you have to play now!” Joonho takes over and adjusts his legs on the couch so he’s kneeling, looking far too eager. “Truth or dare?”

Next to Hoseok, Chanyeol and Hayoung are barely holding it together. Giving them a stony look, he sighs. “Truth,” he answers, knowing there’s no way in hell he’s going to be caught doing the kind of dares being thrown around here; the last thing he needs is someone filming him choking on a dozen marshmallows and going viral right before their new album drops.

Joonho claps his hands, as though he’s been waiting for this moment his whole life. “Name every girl you have ever hooked up with!”

There’s a momentary confused silence where everybody frowns and little and even Hoseok is a bit stumped. This was the super scandalous question he’d been frothing at the mouth over this entire time?

But when no one proposes to change the question and everyone simply sort of shrugs and begins nudging him to answer, Hoseok shakes his head.

“Oh, I - I can’t answer that,” he starts to say, but he’s drowned out by some sarcastic booing which makes him realise his mistake.

“No, no, we need names,” pipes up Joonho, seeming almost gleeful at Hoseok’s hesitation. “Including the famous ones!”

“I can’t -”

“We probably won’t know most of them,” reasons another girl in their class, in what sounds like a reassuring tone. “And the ones from school… well, I think everyone here knows everyone’s hook-ups,” she adds reasonably.

“Use stage names!” Joonho chimes in loudly, still on his own trip.

“No,” says Hoseok firmly, wishing he could punch him. How were they ever friends? He runs through the names in his head frantically until he’s convinced there’s nothing problematic there. There’s no proof being asked, only names. Worst case? He can just lie.

“Just - okay. Okay. So, there was, um, Hwayoung, Eunji, Yeonjin…” He trails off briefly as no one really reacts, for this information has been public for years.

“And?”

Hoseok isn’t sure who asked that, but makes no effort to identify them either. “Um… Jia, Jieun…” He clears his throat and looks up, meeting Chaeyoung’s gaze. It startles him for a moment, but he can’t decipher her expression. It’s not quite curious, but she’s definitely listening intently. 

A voice in the corner of his mind tells him to stop before it gets worse, but not only is there no clarity to that thought, but Hoseok isn’t even sure that he can stop now.

“And Youngsoon,” he finishes, holding her gaze for a moment before looking back at Joonho, silently daring him to ask him something else.

Joonho seems to deflate slightly at Hoseok’s withering expression and nods, clapping and immediately changing the subject. Hoseok stares at him until he can’t anymore and finally forces himself to turn to Chaeyoung, only to see her walking away in the direction of the kitchen.

No one else seems to have noticed, probably because she wasn’t even playing. Hoseok has an inkling of why he noticed and something tells him he needs to go after her, except he’s quite sure she doesn’t harbour the same feelings she did when she was a kid. Or he was, before this reaction.

Could it be? Could talking about girlfriends from a hundred years ago have brought her feelings from the same era back to the surface? Or did they never really disappear, and she’s been hiding it from him this whole time? Both possibilities worry him equally, but he’s unsure if he wants to find out the truth at all.

Hoseok’s feet stay planted on the floor as the game continues around him, all the way until the end. Chaeyoung returns after a while as well, taking a different seat at the edge of the couch, still outside the game but an active spectator. She doesn’t seem any different, even momentarily catching Hoseok’s eyes and giving him a non-committal smile, leaving him to ponder if he’s been imagining everything and that he’s probably had enough to drink tonight.

They say nothing to each other until the game ends and people begin dispersing, a few deciding to call it a night and head out. Hoseok goes to the kitchen to hydrate - if Jimin has taught him anything about the holy principles of drinking, it’s this - retrieving a bottle of water and chugging half of it when Chaeyoung enters.

“Hey,” she says, giving him the same vague smile. “How’s it going?”

He swallows uncomfortably. “Hey,” he replies, cringing a little at how fake it sounds. “I’m good. You holding up okay?”

“Uh-huh.” She nods and places her empty glass on top of the microwave. Somehow, even at the end of the night, her outfit and hair look untouched. He’s struck, once again, by how much older she looks among his high school classmates. 

“We were talking about my party earlier,” she reminds him, leaning against the doorway with her arms folded across her chest. “Do you remember when we were outside by the pool towards the end of the party? I was drinking and trying not to let Chan find out? Although, now I know he was busy with other stuff.”

Hoseok chuckles, albeit a little belatedly. This wasn’t what he was expecting. “Uh, yeah. Of course. It was some truly crappy vodka but it definitely got the job done.”

Chaeyoung laughs. “It did. And then that guy from our chess club - Eunwoo - he stumbled outside and -”

“Walked straight into the pool!” Hoseok snorts, the memory coming back to him all of a sudden in perfect clarity. “It took him, like, ten whole seconds to realise what had happened.”

“And then two of us and Sora tried to pull him out -”

“- but he was too heavy.” He shakes his head. “What chess player needs that much muscle, anyway? Didn’t he pass out after that?”

“Yeah, on the deck chair. We force-fed him some water and Sora ran inside to look for some food but he was out like a light by then.” She grins. “We kept using dog commands to try to get him to wake up.”

“Shit, we did.” Hoseok turns and leans back against the kitchen counter, feeling oddly cheerful at this random shared memory. “What were we thinking?”

“I don’t know.” She’s looking at the floor, a smile still lingering on her face. But she seems far away. “Do you remember what happened after that?” she asks after a moment.

Hoseok frowns slightly, nodding. “Yeah… he didn’t wake up so we put a towel over him like a blanket. You kept telling me I was doing it wrong, I think… you told me I wasn’t making hospital corners or something?”

Her expression doesn’t change, and the answer feels within reach. She bites her lower lip and it suddenly hits him.

He remembers - and so does she.

It’s like a black and white movie slowly being infused with colour, the shapes blurry and only disjointed sounds of drunken laughter remaining of the moment Chaeyoung had demonstrated the correct way to tuck a person in, watched in satisfaction as Hoseok humoured her and copied her, said good job, oppa with a flip of her long hair that smelled like summer, moved towards the bottle of vodka the same time that he did, and got kissed by her brother’s best friend.

Hoseok has to remind himself to breathe, knowing that the realisation is clear as day on his face. Chaeyoung doesn’t seem to know what to say either, but it’s obvious this is the answer she was looking for. She swallows and her gaze falls to the floor again, her jaw moving as though about to say something but thinking the better of it.

Hoseok had counted on her not remembering. All these years, in the absence of any acknowledgement of it, he thought the universe had possibly worked a miracle and erased her memory of his lapse in judgement. But even thinking it, he realises how ridiculous it sounds. Of course Chaeyoung would remember. She was no longer the annoying kid that worshipped him at her birthday party, but feelings like that didn’t just disappear without a trace. 

They are interrupted by a couple of people who barge into the kitchen, talking in loud, slurring speech and making a beeline for the carton of beer at Hoseok’s feet. He jumps out of the way and almost trips, but in the momentary commotion, Chaeyoung leaves the kitchen.

It takes Hoseok a while longer to do the same, emerging when the decibel level of the house is down to only a handful of voices. He doesn’t bother looking for her in the living room; instead, he goes straight to the French doors and opens them a crack to slip out to the poolside, the cold January air engulfing him like a straitjacket. He pulls his bomber jacket closer around him and raises the collar and jogs over to the deck chairs where Chaeyoung is seated, a pearly white woolen coat over her dress.

She turns and spots him just before he reaches her and gives him a slightly knowing look. He raises an eyebrow and she sighs, but moves the pile of towels from the neighbouring chair to make space for him. He sits and she changes her orientation so that they’re facing each other.

It takes her a few moments to meet his eyes, but he doesn’t start speaking until she does.

“Before you jump to any conclusions,” he begins, “I didn’t forget. I didn’t,” he repeats when Chaeyoung says nothing. “You know why I couldn’t take your name in there.”

It takes her a moment, but she gives him a single nod.

“Chanyeol doesn’t know - and he can never know. You are so far out of bounds that I - I can’t ever tell him.” He sighs and drops his head into his hands before raising it again. “And I don’t think you did either.” It sounds more like a question.

“Well, you’re still alive, aren’t you?” she murmurs sarcastically. “I don’t keep my brother updated on the boys I’ve kissed.” The word lingers in the air between them and for a moment, a summer breeze from years ago seems to premeate the frigid air.

“Well, thanks. I’ve always felt horrible about it.”

Chaeyoung scoffs quietly. “Wow.”

“No, not - not like that.” Hoseok sighs, sounding a little exasperated. “You know that’s not what I mean. I just… I know you felt… I know you had a thing for me,” he says quickly. “And I didn’t want to lead you on. And you were Chan’s sister and you were a kid…” He swears under his breath, as though reliving something all over again. “I felt like I was taking advantage of you.”

Despite her complicated feelings towards him right now, Chaeyoung can’t help but feel a little sorry for him. “Hoseok, I was eighteen - and one month,” she reminds him. “And we were both pretty drunk. You don’t have to feel guilty about that. Honestly, I’m surprised you even remember.”

“Of course I do,” he admits in a low voice. He bites his lip, not sure how to explain to her the extent to which he remembered, including the moment he ran into her at the liquor store, when she came over for a movie with  Chanyeol present - how every time he was around her, his jitteriness driven by an ancient guilt always threatened to make him blurt it out and apologise.

“I do remember,” he repeats. “And even though this may be long overdue… I’m sorry. I’m sorry I never talked to you about it and… I’m sorry if I ever led you on. I never forgot. The only reason I haven’t said anything the last year is because… well, it seemed like you were okay. That maybe you forgot.”

Chaeyoung purses her lips, looking deep in thought. Then she opens her mouth, looking a bit hesitant. “Well… actually, I did forget.”

Hoseok stares at her blankly for a few seconds before shaking his head as though hoping to get water out of his ears. “I’m sorry - what?”

“Well, I didn’t forget like I erased it from my memory or anything,” she amends, rolling her eyes. “But I didn’t really think about it. I know it didn’t mean anything.”

“You -” He frowns. “But then why - I mean, it seemed like you were mad. Or - or hurt. Inside. Before.”

She cringes a little at how transparent her feelings apparently were. “I wasn’t mad that you didn’t count me in your little list back there,” she clarifies pointedly. “Because you’re right - Chanyeol won’t be thrilled about it. It’s not worth getting into that mess.”

“But you were mad because… you thought I forgot?” 

Chaeyoung takes a deep breath, the night coming back to her all over again. “I didn’t care that you forgot about the kiss, Hoseok. I cared that you seemed to forget everything else.” When his frown only deepens, she rolls her eyes again but much more self-consciously this time. “That night was the first time we ever… chilled. We just hung out, without Chan, without fighting… we just had fun. It felt a little like you’d forgiven me for being such a pain in the arse when we were kids,” she adds with a small shrug. “That’s why that night meant a lot to me. And why it bothered me when you said you didn’t remember it.”  

Hoseok’s eyes soften a bit as he processes this, and his apologetic, puppy dog expression almost makes her want to give him a hug.

“Oh,” he murmurs after a moment. “I had no idea.”

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago.”

He nods, still watching her. The light from the pool reflects in waves across his face, making him look years younger - or maybe she’s simply imagining it.

“So, um -“ He clears his throat. “Coming back to the kiss… you really didn’t care about it? At all?”

“Not really. Come on, oppa, you never really made it a secret how you felt about me - and I don’t blame you,” she adds, shuddering a bit. “So, yeah, I get it. We had a bit to drink and kissed in the moment. It was an accident.” She tilts her head, hoping he believes her. “Don’t worry. You didn’t give me any wrong ideas. It meant nothing.”

Hoseok stares. “Nothing,” he repeats.

“Mm, no.”

“Not a thing?”

Chaeyoung blinks. “What’s happening right now?”

“Nothing,” he says immediately. “I know it didn’t mean anything. I was just checking that it didn’t mean anything to you, which, obviously… it didn’t.” He busies himself with a loose thread at the bottom of his jacket.

There’s a few moments of truly awkward silence during which Chaeyoung is too confused to move a muscle, until she spots him glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

“Okay,” she says loudly, standing up. “I think the party’s over. I’ve to go clean up before my parents get back home in the morning, which is in…” She checks her phone. “Five hours. Perfect.” She tucks it back in. “Do you know where Chanyeol is?”

“Uh, yeah… I think he went to drop Hayoung home,” answers Hoseok absently, still frowning.

“Cool.” She moves to go inside the house, hearing him follow her.

“I’ll help,” he offers when she gives him a questioning look.

“Thanks,” she says, pleasantly surprised. “Garbage bags are under the sink. I’ll go change and then I’ll start straightening the living room. I spent two weeks’ salary on this coat,” she explains sheepishly.

Just as she’s about to ascend the stairs, Hoseok calls her name again.

“Yeah?”

He observes her, looking somewhat troubled. “Was I… was I your first kiss?”

It’s not the question Chaeyoung was expecting. “Why?” She half-chuckles. “Would it make you feel better?”

“No,” he admits. “I don’t want to have taken your first kiss from you. I mean, that stuff… it should be with someone you actually care about.”

Always an open book, Hoseok’s conflicted feelings are as transparent as ever on his face. Chaeyoung is glad they’re a distance apart so she isn’t tempted to hug him again. 

“I was eighteen years old. Don’t most people have their first kiss way before then?” 

“That’s not an answer.”

Chaeyoung bites her lip, knowing he’s not going to let this go.

“No, Hoseok. You weren’t my first kiss.” She waits until he nods, looking only slightly placated. “I’m going to change now. I’ll be right back.” Without waiting for a response this time, she goes up the stairs, leaving him alone in the living room among the remains of Chanyeol's party.

—

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to drop a review :)

[another-lost-mc]

your posts make my day better :)) can i humbly request some tenebris crumbs 😩😭 he's my baby fr

I had a very random idea to write something about TenTen's friendship with Bathin that leads into...other things later on. Here's a sneak peek of their BFF dynamic and some of the family drama they had to contend with.

CW: Family dynamics, social drinking. Word count: 0.7k.

Tenebris glanced up from his book when Bathin strode into his home office and slammed the door closed a little too loudly behind him. As close as they were, it wasn't unusual for his friend to come over uninvited or unannounced. However, Bathin's foul mood followed him like a cloud and Tenebris closed his book knowing his attention was needed elsewhere.

Bathin dropped onto the sofa in front of the fireplace with a heavy sigh with barely a glance in his friend's direction or even a hello. His head fell back against the plush couch cushion and he exhaled sharply through his nose.

“Uh oh.” Tenebris stood up and walked over to the side cupboard where he kept his modest supply of booze. The chances of him finishing any more work today seemed slim judging by the state his friend was in.  “Did the talk go that badly?” he asked, pouring the deep amber liquid into two glasses.

Bathin rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands and groaned. “My father is a selfish fool.”

"Like I thought," Tenebris murmured. He handed Bathin a glass and lowered himself into the empty seat beside his friend. “I warned you it might not go well,” he said, taking a sip of the bittersweet drink and savouring the tingly burn as it went down and warmed his chest.

“Yes, you did.” Bathin tipped his head back and took a generous sip of his drink. “I tried to be reasonable. I didn’t want to accuse him of being a bad father, because he’s not, and I know Mephisto is only my brother and not my son, but…” he sighed warily. “I don’t know, Ten. It’s not right, the pressure they put on him. All these expectations, and he’s so young. I know it’s not right.”

“You’re doing the best you can do.” Tenebris stood to fetch the bottle of Demonus now that both their glasses were nearly empty. “Be there for him, speak up if your father keeps pushing him too hard. I'm sure Mephisto will appreciate it when he’s older, even if he doesn’t understand now.”

“I hope so.” Bathin didn’t sound convinced, and he took the refilled glass Tenebris offered him with a grateful tilt to his lips. He stared into the fire for a few moments and hesitated to speak. “Is this what it’s like when you and your father argue? I know you two have had your own share of disagreements recently.”

Tenebris stared into his glass while he swirled the liquid around slowly. While most of his problems with his father were about his own leisurely activities in the human world, more often not lately, their arguments centered around Diavolo's upbringing as well.

“Both our fathers have ridiculous expectations of their sons.” He glanced at his friend. “Diavolo has so many fascinating ideas: the way he sees the world, the things he dreams about achieving one day.” A small sip of his drink, a heavy sigh. “He’s very much like our mother, and I think that’s Father’s problem. I'm not sure Diavolo is old enough to understand that yet.”

After a moment, Bathin's expression perked up slightly. “Speaking of which, weren’t you supposed to visit him today?” Even though Tenebris didn't live at the castle with him anymore, he knew that he was there several times per week to spend time with the young prince.

“I wanted to take him to the market but Barbatos said they had already gone earlier this morning.” Tenebris nearly spat the demon butler’s name, and Bathin raised his glass to his lips to hide his amusement as he listened to his friend.

“We still had a visit but it wasn’t what I hoped it would be." Tenebris grumbled and glared at his drink as if it had personally slighted him the way Diavolo's new butler had. "Maybe next time I’ll go over in a butler’s uniform and see if he finds me more interesting then.”

Bathin nudged Tenebris with his foot. “We make a fine pair, don’t we? Two meddlesome older brothers, thwarted at every turn by stubborn fathers and the world's most inconvenient servants.”

“Brothers helping brothers, sons disappointing fathers,” Tenebris joked. “But I’m glad we have each other,” he added sincerely, raising his glass up. “To brothers.”

“To brothers,” Bathin agreed, clinking their glasses together.

"But Jes, I thought Bathin was Luke's age! How can he be friends with Tenebris too?" Hm, I wonder. 🤭

Read more: OC Masterlist | Obey Me Masterlist

[edupunkn00b]

The Uses of Adversity, Ch. 18: Under the Greenwood Tree

Prev - Under the Greenwood Tree - Next - Masterpost - [ AO3 ]

Janus and Remus meet Logan's boys. WC: 2260 - Rated: T - CW: swearing, mild innuendo, hidden angst (if you know, you know) - and a whole lotta fluff -

“Okay, then it’s a left at the intersection,” Roman said from the backseat.

Janus leaned over the steering wheel, frowning at the faint white line a hundred yards ahead. That’s an intersection? “Right here? You’re sure? The GPS says to go further up,” Janus asked but still flicked the turn signal.

Roman laughed, “Lo had to give me real directions the first time I visited. Google hasn’t caught up with the street change by the park. You’ll hit a dead end if you don’t turn here.”

“Mmm, Ro's got the inside track!" he grinned at Janus. "It sounds like he could drive here in his sleep.” Re turned and waggled his eyebrows. “Do you sneak out after curfew to see your boyfriend?”

“Lo’s not the only reason I come to Kirkland,” he muttered. “And he's not my—”

Re cackled as Janus shifted gears and cut the engine. “Maybe he’s just the only reason you come in—”

“Re, I swear to god if you say shit like that in front of his kids, I’ll—”

“Down, boy,” Janus purred, patting Roman’s knee as he leaned over and kissed Re’s cheek, leaving it ambiguous which of the twins he was chastising.

“Aw, Ro Bro, you know I’ll keep my teasing positively G-rated in front of the little mini-Logans.” He tried but with Janus’ hand on his cheek, he couldn’t quite manage to put on a pout. “Fuck, what do you take me for?”

“My beloved brother who has zero filter and even less experience with children.”

“Hardly my fault,” he rolled his eyes, grinning. “Besides, they’re kids. It’d go right over their…” His voice faded at Janus’ little chuckle and he shook his head. “No?”

“Patton is thirteen, Muse,” Janus laughed, lifting his hand for a kiss. “You remember being thirteen.”

“And Remy is about to be married,” Roman said, tapping out a message on his phone. “And all of them are as sharp as their dad. They could teach you a thing or two.”

“Fuck, I hope not,” Re chuckled. He raised both hands at Roman’s scowl. “Okay, okay, I promise. I’ll challenge my assumptions,” he grinned. “I’ll be good.”

“We all will be,” Janus murmured. He popped the trunk, then stepped out of the car. They’d parked a few hundred yards from the big castle-shaped playground. Off in the distance, Logan sat on a blanket under a big, shady tree. He happened to look up and Roman waved with both arms.

He might’ve poked a little fun at his brother-in-law’s oh-so-cool demeanor, but Logan stood and waved back just as excitedly. Janus grinned, shaking his head. Dorks. He winked at Re and laughed. “Remy’s the same age I was when we met, Muse.” Nodding to Roman, he pulled out a cooler of drinks and passed it to Roman.

“Ugh, don’t say that,” Re laughed. “You make us sound so old.”

“Don’t worry, my dear,” Janus murmured, hefting another tote bag from the car before closing the trunk. “You two will be the third youngest adults in attendance.”

~

“You’ve found such a gorgeous spot here!” Remus’ hands twitched at his sides as he took in the trees and flowers edged along the big grassy field. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, dancing over the grass. A giant playground bursting in primary colors, complete with a castle-shaped tower and big, winding slides filled the center of the park. Janus could practically hear his husband’s thoughts, planning out what to sketch first.

The art supplies he’d snuck into the big tote would certainly come in handy today.

“The park’s remarkably quiet for such a nice day,” Janus added. He’d been privately bracing himself for a loud, chaotic park with dozens of children running about and screaming. But this was… this was pleasant.

“There are no sports fields here,” Logan looked around, smiling at Roman as he set down the cooler. “No soccer, no softball. The parks with the fields get swarmed during Little League season leaving this one…” He chuckled and gestured to where Patton and… Janus guessed the young man with pink hair must be Emile had teamed up against Virgil and Remy. “It leaves this park nice and peaceful.”

“It’s truly beautiful here, Lo,” Roman smiled, stepping closer. “No enemies but winter and rough weather,” he sang quietly.

Logan laughed, reaching up and presenting the leafy, forked branches overhead. “It’s an oak tree, not a greenwood, but come hither!”

“Ro!” Patton shouted and barreled into Roman, knocking him closer to Logan and wrapping his arms around both of them. “You’re just in time for the next battle!” The other three soon followed, granted, at a more measured pace.

To his credit, Logan managed to keep his footing despite the energetic greeting, and held on to both Roman and his son to keep them steady. Janus wouldn’t put big money on it, but he swore he saw the kid smile up at each of them when he did. Sneaky little thing.

“Before you run off, I’d like you to meet my friends,” Logan said, ruffling his sunny blond hair. The boy nodded and, one arm still wrapped around Roman, reached with the other to shake. “This is Janus, and his husband Remus,” he smiled.

“Hello,” Patton smiled. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said, mostly addressing their shoes. 

“Hello,” Janus said, laughing. “You must be Remy,” he said, winking when Patton looked up, stifling a giggle. He gently clasped his hand with both of his own and shook vigorously. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.”

At that, Patton broke, laughing. “I’m Patton! He’s Remy!” he pointed at the young man with a bright pink streak through his nearly black hair. “And Emile’s going to be his husband.” He laughed again. “And Virgil’s hiding behind them.”

“I’m not hiding, Pat,” Virgil huffed, tugging the cuffs on his hoodie. “Hi,” he said, reaching first for Remus’ hand, then Janus’. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

“Virge is the one I was telling you about, the new sound director at Nate’s place up in Bellingham?” Roman cut in, his proud grin only outdone by Logan’s. With the two of them standing next to each other, each of them still with their arms loosely wrapped around the other, Roman looked and sounded like he was talking about his own kid.

Remus caught Janus’ eye and smiled. He saw it, too.

“It’s just a title,” Virgil demurred, shaking his head.

“What?” Emile bumped his shoulder, smiling. “You mean we’re not going to get the Sound Director from Bellingham Blue’s for our wedding?”

“No, of course, I—” His nervousness cracked under the exaggerated puppy dog eyes his older brother and future brother-in-law gave him and he grinned. “Well—I—”

“Brothers, am I right?” Remus murmured with a little grin, reaching out to shake Emile’s, then Remy’s hands. Then he turned to Patton. “What is this about a battle?” He looked down at the toy lightsaber hooked on his belt. “A duel of the fates, perhaps?” he grinned and Patton’s face lit up.

“So which one of you’s older?” Patton asked the twins.

“I am,” they said together.

“Perfect! I have my team!” he cried, grabbing Roman and Remus and dragging them over to the remaining lightsabers and Nerf swords strewn across the grass.

“Ha! He picked me first!” Remus laughed, waving over his shoulder as he followed Patton’s lead.

Janus waved back and started to settle on the blanket. “‘Have fun storming the castle!’”

“Oh, I don’t think we’re getting off that easily, Jan,” Logan said with his own laugh.

Remy tilted his head at him and grinned, and Janus’s memory flashed back to Logan in law school. He was the spitting image of his dad from back then. But so much happier. He glanced over at his friend. Logan looked happier now, too.

“So, Ro says you know krav maga…” Remy began. “With you and Emile, I think we have our secret weapons.”

Emile shrugged, “I learned a little at summer camp.”

“Where the hell—sorry,” Janus interrupted himself, grateful his slip wasn’t in front of Patton. Or Roman. “Where did you go to summer camp?”

“Jewish summer camp up north,” he shrugged. “Half the counselors were Israeli. Army service is compulsory there.”

“We’ll have to go easy on them, then,” Janus laughed. “C’mon, Lo.” He tugged Logan’s sleeve. “We’ll psych ‘em out and say we’re the old folks’ team.”

~

An hour later, Janus lay panting on the blanket. “Oh, it’s been too long.” Remy had also tapped out and he passed him a cold soda from the cooler. They sat together in the growing shade and watched the rest of the battle slowly devolve into an impromptu fight choreography session. Remus took great joy in following the exact opposite of each of Roman’s instructions, but they made it work somehow without any bloodshed.

“So… You’re the Janus from Dad’s work I’ve heard about.” Remy kept his voice low and, face turned to where Roman stood close to Logan, slowly working through a pivot, hands linked together on a nerf katana. 

Still, Janus didn’t miss the way Remy watched him from the corner of his eye.

“Why, yes,” Janus murmured with a small smile. “I am. I see my reputation precedes me.” Remy bit his lip in a remarkable imitation of his father and Janus raised an eyebrow. “I see perhaps not all in a good way, though.”

“Oh, no!” Remy shook his head. “Not—not at all, Dad’s told us how awesome you are, I… But you’ve worked with Dad a long time, like…”

“We went to law school together,” he nodded. “And joined Q-Law the same year, right after graduation.”

“It is you.” Remy said it more to himself and Janus sipped his soda, waiting him out. They watched the others play for a long moment. Finally, Remy looked back at him, eyes cautious. “My parents used to fight about you, well…”

“I’m aware how unidirectional those ‘fights’ were,” Janus said quietly and Remy’s eyes lost their guardedness.

“I wasn’t supposed to listen,” he whispered. “But I’d hear them… hear her at night sometimes and I’d go sit by their door. And…”

Janus nodded slowly.

“My mother used to say stuff about Dad cheating with someone named ‘Janice’. I thought… I’d thought Janice was a woman.” Remy winced, looking up like he expected him to be angry. “I shouldn’t’ve assumed.”

“Hm,” he nodded again. “Your dad’s never mentioned that. And I take no offense for a ten year-old’s—”

“Five,” Remy murmured without looking up.

Janus sighed and squeezed his shoulder. “I take no offense,” he repeated. “And it’s more than understandable, given the circumstances,” he added. They both looked up when Logan’s laughter rang out. Patton was holding him, arms pinned at his sides, and he playfully struggled, laughing, while Remus and Roman circled each other, lightsabers drawn and feinting hits with mock seriousness.

“You and your brutish henchman will never get away with kidnapping the King!” Roman cried, his voice carrying over the distance. Said brutish henchman giggled, hiding his laugh against his father's back.

Remus parried and cackled in his best evil villain voice. “It seems we already have!”

“But circumstances change," he nodded, smiling at the joy on their faces. Remy laughed when he noticed Emile holding up his phone, clearly recording. Virgil stood behind him, one hand over his mouth, muffling his own laughter.

Janus reached over and tapped their soda cans together. “They certainly do.”

~

“And did you see the way Virgil broke out of a hold!” Remus buzzed in the passenger seat, turned to talk with both of them as Janus drove back to Capitol Hill. “He was watching you during the first battle and picked that shit right up! And Remy and Emile are just too cute with their pink and black streaks. Oh," he grinned, squeezing his thigh. "We should do that again, Jannie!"

“I don’t believe I can carry off a green streak in court, Muse.”

“Ah, then another tattoo! You can be boring and get it under your sleeve,” he laughed, winking at Roman.

He knew he was being baited, but he played along. “Need I remind you, Muse, that I am the one who needed to convince you to get your first tattoo?”

“Oh, details,” Remus laughed, stroking Janus’ forearm over the pride flag etched into his skin. 

“You really looked like you were hitting it off with Remy, too,” Roman said from the back seat. His phone buzzed and Janus caught his blushy little smile in the rear view mirror when he checked the message.

“Yeah, and Patton was so sweet.” Remus’ voice, still excited, had grown… soft. “I thought he was gonna fall asleep on you, Ro Bro.”

He chuckled. “Wouldn’t’ve been the first time.”

“He’s a good kid,” Janus nodded. “They all are.”

“Yeah," Remus said, nodding. "We should get one.”

“I think they’re out of stock at Target, Muse.”

“I’m serious,” he laughed, reaching over to play with the edges of his hair. He moved his hand away when the light turned green. “We have space.”

“For what it’s worth,” Roman murmured. “I think you two would make good parents.” 

“I don’t know if that’s really how it works,” Janus stalled. Before today he’d never considered children as any part of his life. He’d been a child, but then he’d grown up. He’d expected that to be the extent of his involvement in children outside of any incidental work from his cases.

But Janus would be lying if he said today hadn’t left him imagining otherwise.

“That’s not a ‘no,’” Remus said, turning again to face him, eye wide.

“You’re right, Muse,” Janus smiled back at him. They were at another red light, so he reached for his hand and slowly kissed each knuckle. “It’s definitely not a no.”

-

Under the greenwood tree who loves to lie with me, And turn his merry note unto the sweet bird's throat, Come hither, come hither, come hither: Here shall he see No enemy But winter and rough weather. - As You Like It, Act II Scene 5, Shakespeare

-

taglist: @crossiantgay @emoprincey

[kannymaei]

The Perfect Girl - Chapter 9 (Kamisato Ayato x Reader)

Author’s Note: All characters are OOC! Please be reminded that this fanfic is Modern! AU and Highschool! AU and none of this are canons to the actual lore of Genshin Impact. I do not own Genshin Impact or the characters in the game!

Synopsis: You were a graduating high school student who somehow got involved in unfortunate events and transferred to Teyvat International School. Due to your “complicated” physical features, you became the main target of the school’s “bully”, Kamisato Ayato! Together with his friends, Diluc Ragnvindr, Tartaglia, and Arataki Itto.

Word Count: 3.7k

Taglist: @frieschan @nejibot ​​​

Masterlist

Next -> Chapter 10

It was already 8 pm when Kamisato Ayato came home, he willingly fell asleep next to you and wasn't aware how many hours had passed since he left. 

"What are those looks for?" Ayato entered the living room quietly with his friends staring at him as if they saw a ghost. 

"Where have you been?" Miko asks, it is seen in her eyes that she was worried. 

"I went for a stroll and bought dinner for everyone" Ayato replied and showed the bag packed with Japanese food. 

"Let's go to the table then" Ayaka grabbed some of the bags from her sibling and hurried to the dinner table followed by her other friends.

Diluc sneaked up behind Ayato and slightly smelled his clothes. He knew the smell that stuck to his clothes he was very familiar with this smell. It was the smell of the ICU in the hospital. 

"Liar" Diluc whispered to him. Ayato felt cold air straight down his back followed by his friend's gaze

"You went to the hospital didn't you?" He added. 

Ayato was stunned by how his friend guessed correctly that he visited you.

"I heard something from an old friend." Ayato stared at his neutral face. 

"Alright, then that settles it. I thought you were visiting Y/N" Diluc grinned at him and followed their friends to the table. 

— 

"We've been worried sick about you" 

"He probably felt sick inside the house that's why he went out to stroll for a while." 

"Hey, Ayato…" 

Ayato never had proper sleep for days ever since you were put into a coma. Every day, every night, the memory of you bleeding on the floor has been haunting him and he still blames himself for it. 

"So where did you go Ayato?" 

"Hey Albedo, can you teach me this lesson I didn't understand?" 

"Sure!" 

Today, he slept peacefully next to your hand holding his. Even if visitors have a limited time of visiting, the nurses didn't disturb him that his time was up already when they saw him sleeping peacefully. He felt warmth around you.

"Why didn't you tell us that you were going to go out? Ayato?" 

"Is he hearing us?" 

"He's… just eating his food…" 

"I think he's thinking something very deep that he remained unbothered even after we called him." 

What's even weirder is that Ayato seemed to lose his feelings for Miko because she gradually changed when you came. She wasn't sweet and compassionate like she used to be, maybe it was her true colors. Then why does it feel like he likes someone other than Miko? Was Ayato in denial? He wasn't sure about his feelings whenever he was around this someone.

(No, I only love Miko… and it will always be here.) He said to himself while chewing on his food quietly. 

"Why don't we visit Y/N?" Ayaka suggested, this set the mood of the table from something quiet to something full of hope and excitement. 

*Chopsticks dropped* *choke* *cough* *cough* *cough* 

Ayato quickly grabbed a cup of water and drank it to prevent himself from choking. He was wondering who that person might be and who knew that hearing your name would skip a beat of his heart. 

"Brother? Are you okay?" Ayaka offered her sibling some tissues and fetched more water for him. 

"Y-yes I'm alright. Thank you. It's just, this is too peppery" He replied while wiping his mouth with a tissue. 

"Peppery? You're eating sashimi… there are no peppers in sashimi and you're not eating those pepper-crusted tuna or salmon" Childe said, he wondered how could Ayato choke on sashimi alone and said it was too peppery? If it's wasabi, he would have said the food he was eating was a little spicy or minty. He couldn't have mistaken it for pepper. 

"Maybe he added more wasabi…" Ayaka embarrassingly replied to his friend. Even his sister doesn't know what happened to her brother. 

"Miko, you don't have to come if you don't want to," Diluc suggested, he only thinks of your safety. Who knows if that girl unplugs your life support, after all, this is her best chance to end you if she wants to. 

"I don't want you to come with us at all" Lumine said and just like Diluc, she has the same reasons for your safety.

"I don't care because I'm not going to volunteer to visit her." Miko placed down her chopsticks and then rolled her eyes while crossing her arms. 

Ayato quietly finished his food. He wasn't talkative as usual, his mind was somewhere else while his friends continued talking about their school work. He must have missed a lot during his suspension. 

…

The night has ended peacefully, fortunately, nothing bad has happened. Everyone decided to visit you tomorrow morning before they bid their goodbyes and gratitude to the Kamisato Family. 

— The Next Day — 

"Brother, are you going to join me in going to the hospital?" Ayaka knocked on her brother's room but no one seemed to answer her back. 

"I'm going inside now." She said and slowly twisted the doorknob of his bedroom. A few walks in revealed a sleeping Ayato, he was tired from yesterday. 

(Maybe it's best if I don't wake him up now, I'll just text him.) Ayaka thought to herself while she fixed the bed sheets for her brother before she closed the lights that were left open and left him alone. 

Ayaka texted her friends that were already at the hospital waiting for the Kamisato Siblings. She informed them that Ayato would be joining soon since he was fast asleep. 

She bid the maids and servants goodbye before going inside their private car where the driver would bring her to the hospital where they were confined. 

— 

"I hope Y/N's finally awake!" Lumine said she's so excited to see you even if there's no update about your condition. 

"Hopefully she's… awake…" Diluc softly said. 

"I'm here!" Ayaka opened the door of her car waving to her friends. 

"Hey!" Childe waved at her. 

"So is your brother coming or not?" Diluc casually asked if Ayato went out to visit you and not just some of his old friends. 

"Oh yeah, I forgot to leave him a text message!" Ayaka quickly grabbed her phone from her purse and texted Ayato whether he was awake or not. 

"Let's go in shall we?" Diluc suggested and his friends followed him inside. 

—

"We're here to visit Y/N L/N," Diluc said to the nurse. 

"Ah, we only allow two visitors at a time inside the ICU. What's your name? So I'll write it down in the visitor's list." The nurse replied. 

"Diluc Ragnvindr," Diluc said while glancing towards his friends who seem busy talking to each other. He walked up to them, mainly Childe.

"So we're up first in visiting her, the nurse said two visitors are only allowed at a time" He smiled. 

"Let's go then!" Childe stretched his arms around before preparing to enter the ICU. The two men were helped by the staff in wearing their gowns before entering.

They slowly walked up to your room and as expected you were still fast asleep in a coma but you looked so much better than when Diluc first visited you. However, there is something very odd, something that doesn't belong.

—

"Oh shoot, I forgot my handkerchief in Y/N's hands…" Ayato quickly stood up from bed when he received his sister's text message. 

He dashed through the bathroom to take a bath not minding where his dirty clothes would be, he'll fix them later. 

He opened the shower as cold water streams down from his toned body while he brushes. Even if he's already awake, he still feels like his whole consciousness is asleep. 

Ten minutes after he goes out of the bathroom, he wraps his bottom with a towel while checking for something to wear. 

"What should I wear?" 

"Should I bring her flowers?" 

"Why would you bring her flowers?" 

The man started to speak to himself. Thoughts about something that would make you happy but he shouldn't care right? 

"What am I doing?" 

"Ugh, I hate you so much Y/N, you're making me talk to myself like I'm crazy." He rolled his eyes while he finally found something to wear, it was a long-sleeved sky blue polo and black slacks together with some necktie and cost. Ayato looks like he has a formal party to attend.

He goes down from his bedroom and informs Koharu that he'll be leaving for the day. 

"You're going on a date, my Lord?" Koharu asked and hid her laugh. 

"Yeah… I mean no! Take care everyone." Ayato walked outside the house to his car while covering his reddened face because he suddenly said he was on a date but the date was going to visit you. 

Before starting the car, he texted Ayaka that he was already on his way to the hospital.

—

*ding*

"O-oh! My brother just replied to my message. He said that he's on the way now." Ayaka said to Lumine who's currently sitting in the waiting room of the ICU. 

"I wonder how's Diluc and Childe doing inside. I hope they don't cry out loud for her." Lumine laughed thinking about Childe since he's a bit panicky about his friend's safety. 

…

"I knew that son of a b- lied!" Diluc whispered to Childe while looking at you. 

"Lied? Who?" Childe faces Diluc whose face is quite… irritated. 

"Ayato, he went visiting Y/N yesterday. That's why he's been acting all odd and quiet. Look at the handkerchief in Y/N's hand, I wouldn't mistake that for another person. He even left a Sakura petal and his omamori" Diluc said while pointing at your hand. 

"Wait you're right, that is his handkerchief. That man is like walking art. He has his cup, own style of clothes, whatever." Childe said while pointing at the piece of white cloth with a thin sky blue border.

"Do we leave it here on her hand?" Childe's face showed a look of puzzlement. 

"He left his omamori or the good luck charm… he probably wished for Y/N's recovery… so we should let it be." Diluc was convinced that he shouldn't return it to Ayato since he probably left it there for a reason. But he's more curious about why didn't Ayato just tell the truth right away yesterday. 

Diluc's eyes wandered around the hospital and noticed that Ayato changed the red roses he brought last time to blue stargazer lilies. 

(Could it be that Ayato? No that's not possible, he doesn't remember.) Diluc shook his head. It's not likely that Ayato is starting to have feelings for you as well because that would mean there are three of them wanting you to be their girlfriend. 

"Hey Y/N! Once you wake up and the doctor says you're free to go. I'll bring you dates every day or every week!" Childe said to your unconscious body. 

"That's if she wants to go out with you." Diluc teasingly replied to Childe which made Childe's face frown a little bit. 

— 

While patiently waiting for her brother, Ayaka recalls a memory from more than 10 years ago right after the accident. Coincidentally, you were having the same memory from your dream.

It was a memory about how Ayaka was ordered by her parents to stay quiet or have her lips zipped for her entire life not unless Ayato remembers it himself. 

Kamisato Ayato truly loved you even if he was young, he knew that you were the one for him. 

His feelings all started back then when you accidentally pushed him down the stairs during the Kamisato Annual Celebration. 

"Hey watch where you're going! You're destroying my handsome face…" Ayato looked up at you. 

You were panicking because you accidentally pushed downstairs the heir of a prestigious family and from the look of it, he looked really mad at you. You covered your mouth with your hands while looking around if anyone saw you but fortunately, no one was there. 

Ayato scanned your face, there stood a drop-dead gorgeous young lady. 

"There you are Ayato, we've been looking for you." A large man came up to him, you assume that it was his father. 

(So his name is Ayato…) You thought to yourself.

"What happened to you, my child?" The man asked his son who has a small bruise on his arm. 

"I… I'm so-" You were cut off by an answer that you didn't expect to hear. 

"S-she was so beautiful! I didn't notice where I'm going and I fell off" Ayato lied and covered for you. 

You were blushing when you heard what he said. Your heart was pounding, how could someone you just met would lie and cover for your own mistakes. 

"Her?" The man looked up at you. 

"She is Lady Y/N of the L/N Family. The main purpose of this party is for the collaboration of their family with ours and you are supposed to meet her later but it seems like fate was on your side. The two of you already met." The man laughed while he helped his son stand up. 

"D-dad I want to marry her!" Young Ayato tried to convince his father but all that he got was his father laughing again.

"You can but for you to do that. You're going to court her since these kinds of things shouldn't be forced. You must know if she would reciprocate your feelings or not. You're still young, my child." The man explained to him. 

You're too far from them and you can't hear a single thing so you decided to come downstairs. 

"I was about to help him b-but- he's so handsome. I was too stunned to move" You went with the flow with his lie but little did you know how much this affected Kamisato Ayato's heart. 

His heart was racing and it was obvious from how red his ears and cheeks are. 

You came up to him to hug him but what caused a little… commotion is when you kissed his cheeks because you thought, as a child, that kissing cheeks are normal things to do because your parents often do it to shower you with their love. 

"D-DAD! S-something's h-hard!" Ayato immediately spoke after kissing his cheeks which shocked his father. 

"I'm taking him away from you now, I'll see you later Lady L/N" The head of the Kamisato Clan pulled his son away from you and walked away. 

You wonder what you did wrong. 

But now that you see this memory, you knew that you gave Ayato his first boner and he was panicking about what was happening.

Kamisato Ayato can't get you off his mind that after the party he requested that the two of you meet more often whether it's at your residence or his. 

"Is your brother here yet?" Ayaka snapped back from reality when she saw  Diluc walk out of the ICU with Childe following him. 

"Not yet, let's go. It's our turn to check up on Y/N" Ayaka replied and signaled Lumine to enter the changing room so they can wear proper gowns for protection. 

Just like Diluc, Ayaka was quick to notice the items that his brother left inside the room.  

Lumine was busy talking to your unconscious body which left Ayaka reminiscing before your family disappeared from the public after the accident. 

— 

Ayato arrived at the hospital with his two friends staring at him because he looks so formal while they only wore their casual clothes. 

"Where's my sister?" Ayato asked. 

"You know where she is right now, you probably won't need a guide from the nurses either." Diluc calmly said before saying his next sentence that might make Ayato fall to his knees. 

"The next time you lie, you shouldn't leave evidence. It's alright, it's our little secret, no one's mad. Pfff, but your sister is very sharp, she'll know it too." Diluc laughed which made Ayato cold sweat. 

Ayaka and Lumine walked out of the ICU. 

Ayaka handed out in secret to Ayato the handkerchief he left on your hand but she didn't bother bringing back the omamori he left for you. 

"Just in time, I guess…" Ayato scratched the back of his head and quietly walked inside the ICU after. 

—

"My lady is going on a trip!" Ayato happily sings inside the car with you. 

"Calm down Ayato, you're too excited" You slid closer to him from your chair which frightened Ayato because behind his pocket, he hides a special necklace specifically made for you. 

"My Lady… Y/N L/N… I love you with all my heart. I swear by my name that I will always be your Knight in Shining Armor, your only prince who will protect you from danger." Ayato held your hand and placed it on his chest, you felt his heartbeat racing for you.

It's been an hour already since you left the Kamisato residence, the driver was different and the two of you thought that your family hired a new one so you had your guard off around him. 

"Children like you are very annoying…" The driver said but wait, that doesn't sound right. 

You looked at the driver in the mirror, it revealed a creepy creepy-looking predator. 

"I'm just following orders… at least my family wouldn't be poor now…" The driver continued and drove the car at more than 100mph. You immediately knew that this man was going to kill both of you, even himself. 

"Ayato- he's going to crash the car! We're going to get killed." You said to him, you could see it all from his face. Regret, anger, and sadness. 

"Don't worry my lady, I'm going to protect y-" The car suddenly made a turn making you two thrown off to the other side of the seat, in a matter of seconds before the car crashed. 

Ayato didn't make it to protect you but ins, but it was you who tried to shield him but your body is too small for him. All you heard was the sound of a crash with your arms wrapped around him before everything turned black. 

Luckily, Ayato was still conscious right after the crash, thanks to your protection. 

"I… I'll get us out of here Y/N!" Ayato tried to get outside the car by crawling through the broken window and pulling your body too. Even with a bleeding head and a broken leg, Ayato successfully got out of the car with you. He got burns on his skin due to everything that felt hot around him, he didn't recognize what fire was since all he had in mind was to get out with you no matter the danger surrounding you. 

Ayato knew he had to crawl far away from the car since it was going to explode sooner or later due to the fire, there, he managed to crawl a little before the car exploded. He looked at you completely bleeding with broken bones, he placed his head on your chest, and he cried because of the low pulse he felt. It was a miracle that you were still alive but he's still worried. 

When Ayato looked back at the car there was another explosion with flying debris hitting him on the head, knocking him unconscious on top of your body that barely survived. 

…

…

…

…

The next thing you know is you're in a white room with a lot of beeping machines. Your vision is blurry and hazy but you tried to look around to look at your mother. 

Your head felt light, you tried to recall what happened but your mind went blank. You no longer remember anything and your parents are very well aware of this which is why they decided to move to another state far away from the Kamisato Family and from there you grew up with the feeling that you were always forgetting something very important, something you didn't want to forget but you did. 

On the other side of the country where Ayato resides was Ayaka being ordered by her parents. 

"My dear, Ayaka, you must never bring up this incident again with your brother. I'm ordering you to zip your mouth and keep quiet with all of these. Your brother has lost a part of his memory and it would be most likely about the Lady of the L/N household. Her family has decided to disappear from the public after the attempted assassination of their daughter and our son and who knows if you reminded Ayato, he'll be angry at us because no one knows if the Lady is still alive and you know your brother. He doesn't give up and will not believe until he sees Y/N in the flesh." Ayaka's mother said to her, she is tearing up already but she was glad to know that her brother is alright. All these years she has been keeping it to herself that deep inside her heart she was happy seeing you alive when you first entered the school and somehow… fate reunited you again with your lost lover. 

Maybe you and Ayato were truly meant for each other no matter how long and even if people tried to separate the two of you. 

You'll always find a way back to each other. 

…

…

…

…

"You're the perfect girl I've met."

…

…

…

…

Your eyes open, you wake up from your comatose. Tears were streaming down your face and as soon as your vision began to clear you looked at someone who looked like they'd seen a dead person who resurrected from the dead. 

What is he doing here? Is he still apologizing to you but you already forgave him a long time ago. (A/N: Y/N doesn't know that Ayato apologized the other night since she doesn't have a perception of time while she was in a coma so she thought that was a long time ago already.) 

"Y/N…" He softly said while tightening his hand around yours with the omamori in between. 

"Ayato…" You whispered to him, feeling the warmth of his hand. There was a long silent pause between the two of you, only the sound of the machines beeping. 

No words were said, he let go of your hand and wrapped his arms around you. 

"I'm sorry…" He said to your ear, you could feel his tears from your neck and shoulder.

[kittyt-hexxed]

The One That Got Away

Vi x Fem!Reader Arcane AU

Word Count: 4.6k

Warnings: Vi beating people up, nervous flirting, teenage crushes, Loving someone even when they’re gone, Vi leaves Caitlyn for you, sensual sex, strap-on use

Summary: You had a crush on Vi as teens, but you’re forced to move away the night before your date. Years later, you run into each other again and feelings return.

You’re perched on a balcony railing watching as a group of guys get their asses handed to them. Your older brother - Mike - was one of the guys down there. He was supposed to be at church with the rest of you, but you noticed that he would sneak out when the sermon would start. Your parents were sailors and took turns going out on ships so that one of them was always home. They attended church to pay their respects to the Goddess of the Winds, Janna, who protected all sailors from death at sea. So, you decided to follow him one morning and found out that he joined a gang. You couldn’t tell your parents until you knew which gang, because your brother knew how to lie to them and make it seem like you were the liar. And you hated that.

So, you watched with great amusement as this pink-haired girl gave him a black eye and a bloody nose. You were given the name of the gang by her when she shouted it out in anger. When you saw her approaching the group of ten guys, you got worried for her. She had clearly come looking for a fight, but you hadn’t seen any weapon in sight. Then, the fight started and you were concerned for the guys instead. She was quick with her fists and she fought with no reservation.

“Next time you assholes want to mess with my little sister, remember this.” Pink spits, before turning and walking away. You let out a squeak and scramble after her, running along the railing and sliding down a rooftop.

“Hey!” You call out, “Hey! Pink! Wait!” Your feet hit the ground as she stops and turns to you. There’s an annoyed look on her face but you didn’t care.

“What?” Pink huffs, crossing your arms.

“I wanted to say thank you. You totally just beat up my brother and gave me the chance to tell our parents he’s been lying about being in a gang.” You grin, starting to back away, “Also, you throw a wicked punch!” You call, waving at her before you turn and start sprinting home. Your parents are going to have a heart attack when they find out, and you were excited to finally see your brother get grounded.

Today was a slow day at Gretchen’s but you didn’t mind. Your family has been tight on money lately after your dad broke his leg. There was an accident and his leg got caught in the rigging. You decided to get a job to help out and Gretchen - who’s a family friend - asked you to work in her bakery. So, you jumped at the chance and were actually making decent money. Most of the time the place was packed with customers who came in for fresh bread or sweets. But, today you haven’t been seeing as many people. Normally that wouldn’t worry you, but you were hoping a specific person would come by today.

Pink. You ran into her a few times before you started working at the bakery. There was something about her that got you all flustered. Maybe because she was a really cute girl who actually talked to you? After you got the job, you found out that she was a regular along with her siblings. Gretchen told you that they came in once a week. You nearly burned yourself the first time you saw her walk in, happily chatting away with a blue-haired girl and a large smile on her face. She seemed similarly surprised when she saw you, and that’s when you learned her actual name. Violet.

That once-a-week visit eventually turned into every day. Every time she came in, you could’ve sworn that she was flirting with you! She would ask you what you recommended to try or if you had a favorite flavor or sweet. If she came in before closing, she’d playfully complain that you needed to stay open longer so she didn’t have to run here. You thought you might’ve been reading into it because you were crushing on her, but part of you hoped that you weren’t. You finally got confirmation one afternoon when Vi came in with her siblings.

The bell above the door rings announcing that someone has entered the bakery. You put up the tray of cupcakes and head to the front while your co-workers continue baking. When you get a peek at who’s at the counter, you feel your pulse pick up slightly. You take a deep breath before walking into their view, “Afternoon, guys!” You chirp, putting your hands on the countertop, “What can I get for you today?”

“Do you guys have any jelly tarts?” Powder questions, giving you puppy eyes.

“We have some ready to come out of the oven. Luckily for you, it’ll be a two-minute wait.” You wink at her, making her cheer. You look to Vi who shakes her head and motions to her brothers. Claggor asks for a bear claw pastry and Mylo grabs a few cookies. They go and sit down with Powder to wait on the jelly tarts, but Vi stays standing at the counter. ‘Why is she still standing here? Did she change her mind about ordering?’

“Did you find something you’d like?” You ask, nervously drumming your fingers on the countertop. ‘Why am I so nervous around her? I see her every day.’

“Yeah, actually. Can I get one of the strawberry brownies?” Vi points to it in the window.

“Sure thing.” You smile before opening the window and grabbing one, hesitating briefly before you put a second one in the bag. Vi raises an eyebrow when she sees you do that and you put a finger to your lips, “I’ll pay for that one.” You giggle. Vi hands you the money for the one brownie and you blush when your fingers touch. You count the money, avoiding Vi’s gaze before giving her the bag.

“Thanks.” Vi flashes a smile, nervously shuffling her feet. You two sit in silence for a minute before you remember to respond.

“You’re welcome.” You nod, “I uh… should go get that tart for your sister.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’ll wait here for you.” Vi clears her throat. You nod and whirl around, hurrying to the back to grab a few of the jelly tarts. ‘Oh my Janna, that was awkward. What’s going on?’ You sigh and head back to the counter. You swallow when you see Vi, noticing that she looks nervous which is an expression you’ve never seen on her face before.

“Powder!” You call, “Here are your jelly tarts!” Powder jumps out of her seat, running up to the counter and snatching it from your hands. As she does that, Vi puts the money on the counter and you tuck it into the register. They get ready to head out, and Vi comes back up to the counter as her siblings step outside.

“Hey, uh… Y/n?” Vi messes with her wrappings, “Are you free anytime this week?”

“Free?” You parrot, your heart racing, “Y-Yeah, I am. Why?”

“Ah… Would you like to go on a date with me?” Vi meets your eyes. ‘She’s serious? Is she serious right now? Did she just ask me out?!’ You think you might faint.

“I-I would love to. Yes!” You grin excitedly, making Vi grin as well, “I’m free tomorrow afternoon. I work the morning shift and get out at lunchtime if that’s okay with you?”

“Yeah! Yeah, that’s okay with me.” Vi nods, “I’ll um… come and get you after your shift?”

“I’ll be waiting for you.” Your cheeks hurt from how hard you’re smiling.

“Great!” Vi looks outside to see her siblings still waiting, “I’ll see you tomorrow!” She leaves the bakery, glancing behind her one last time to give you a silly grin. You squeal happily, jumping up and down before rushing into the back to tell everyone the news. ‘I have a date with Vi!’ You couldn’t be happier.

Unfortunately, that same night your parents announced that you were leaving Zaun in the morning. Your brother had gotten into trouble with another gang - even though your parents forbid him from getting involved - and they had enough. Gretchen had been informed and stopped by with your last paycheck and a sad smile. You were heartbroken that you were forced to leave your home behind, especially after Vi had asked you out. So, you begged Gretchen to tell her what happened and she promised to. It was with a heavy heart that you left Zaun before the morning sun came up, getting onto a ship and going who knows where. Your parents wouldn’t tell you or anyone, fearing they’d chase down your brother. You hated him more than ever, and you didn’t know if that would ever change.

“We’ll be stayin’ here for two weeks until all of the cargo comes in!” Your captain shouts from below you, “You’re in charge of findin’ your own place to stay!” She continues, making the crew groan. You snort, nudging your crewmate in the nest and sticking your tongue out. He snickers as you jump off the edge and slide down the ropes. With a grin, you kick one of your friends before you hit the deck and start running for the gangway.

“Y/N, YOU FUCKER! YOU SCARED THE SHIT OUTTA ME!” They holler after you, making you laugh. You weave your way through the crew, ducking underneath wooden beams and heading for the intake gate. You hand over your ID form and it only takes a few minutes for them to give you the go-ahead and cheerful “welcome home”. You take a deep breath and make your way to the drop into Zaun, knowing that your old place should still be there. It was an apartment building owned by your family so it was always available to stay in. You stare at the city you used to live in, taking in all of the changes as the bathysphere brings you down. You’ve been gone for years, and in your absence, Zaun has changed… in some ways.

As you make your way to the apartment, walking through a back alley, a guy rushes at you with a switchblade and you kick him in the throat. He chokes and wheezes, eyes going wide right before you stomp on his wrist and nab his knife. You whistle a sea shanty as you continue your way to the building, twirling the knife in your hand. Not bothering to unlock the gate, you carefully parkour over it, breathing a sigh of relief that the razor wire doesn’t catch your skin.

“Y/n?! Is that you, child?” You hear someone shout as you come around the front.

“Auntie R?!” You laugh incredulously, seeing your aunt and her friend hanging out, “I didn’t know you were still living here!” You embrace her and her friend.

“Where else would I have gone?” She snorts, “I’m not adventurous like your parents. No, sir, I stayed my ass right here.”

“Did those guys ever come by for Mike?” You ask curiously.

“They sure did. That very morning ya’ll booked it. I told them if they didn’t get their asses off of my property, I was going to throw my grenades at them. They never came back after that!” She laughs. Your aunt was a woman you admired greatly. She was the one who taught you how to parkour and would share stories about how she lost two of her teeth in a gang brawl as a teenager. Auntie R was the wilder one in your family and you loved her a lot. It makes you happy to see that she’s still hanging around Zaun.

“I’m glad that you’re doin’ good, auntie. I’m going to head inside and shower 'cause I’m tired of the smell of salt water after tw’nty-three days at sea.” You laugh. You were one of the few on the ship that wouldn’t be caught dead sticking to high hell. During the straights, you and a few others would hoist up a bucket of saltwater and scrub yourselves clean at night. Your Captain joined you as well, saying that she loved the sea but she’d rather not have people cringing away from her.

“You can borrow a pair of my clothes until you get some. Let me give you a crash course on what has changed, yeah? You’ll be surprised.”

“Sounds good.” You nod.

Your aunt told you about all of the new changes, giving you money to get more clothes even though you wouldn’t be staying long. You couldn’t believe what she was saying, but as you made your way through Zaun, you could see it. People looked like they were doing better and clothes seemed much cleaner. The clothing stores had a lot many different styles of clothing and you were happy about that. Living in Bilgewater had opened you up to a lot of things that you didn’t have in Zaun, and being a pirate had helped with that, too.

And like any ol’ pirate trying to wind down after a long month at sea, you headed to where the alcohol was. Even though you’ve been gone for a while, you’d never forget the way to The Last Drop. You were playing with that switchblade you had nabbed, idly wondering if that guy would come looking for it. You raise an eyebrow at the two bodyguards standing outside the building, but you shrug. Slipping the switchblade into your pocket, they only glance at you as you stroll past, pushing the door open. The loud chatter in the Drop makes you feel at home, and you grin when you see your Captain and a few other mates around a table.

“Y’all are over here drinking and you don’t even have a pint for me?” You shake your crewmate’s chair, making him choke on his beer. The others laugh and you plop yourself into the empty seat, putting your feet onto Captain Andi’s lap. The two of you have a little thing going on and keep each other company during the long journeys you make. It was no secret among the crew, especially because you’re not quiet about it.

“Don’t worry, the next round is coming.” Andi snorts, “I see you got new clothes.”

“Zaun was my home before Bilgewater. I’ve got family in the city.” You shrug, “Besides, we’re here for two weeks. I had to get a new pair anyway after someone dropped my bag into the sea as an offering.” You glare at Hector.

“I didn’t want to drop my things in!” Hector protests, “I didn’t have anything else, and you can’t go through Siren’s Keep without an offering!”

“Watch. Y/n is going to be blessed with an amazing love life because it wasn’t your stuff. The sirens know the difference.” Jayla snickers.

“W-wait, hold on!” Hector sputters, making your group crack up. You all start teasing him, telling him that he could offer his own body and at least he’d die by a siren’s hands. The next round of drinks comes over and you down your pint of beer, sighing in relief at the cold drink. A few people come by to flirt, offering to buy drinks or boldly requesting that one of you come to keep them company. The conversation rolls easily, more drinks are brought to the table, and you finally get to decompress. Your stomach was growling, dying for a hot meal that wasn’t soup and something more solid. As if everyone else had the same idea, you all ordered burgers and you nearly cried when you took the first bite.

After eating, the rest of the group gets up to play a couple of rounds of pool, while you choose to stay seated. Your gaze wanders around the bar and you find yourself pausing as a group of people walk in. A little tipsy, it takes your mind a moment to process who you see, “Oh.” You blink watching them walk towards the bar. Powder - who else has such vibrant blue hair - meets your gaze from across the bar and you get to witness her face go from confusion to excitement. “OH, MY GODS! Y/N?!” She screams, drawing attention to her as she races your way, making you panic. You jump up from your chair in time for her to crush you in a hug. You yelp as you stagger back a bit, but you catch yourself from falling.

“Powder!” You gasp, surprised by her reaction and that she recognized you.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Powder grins, hopping from foot to foot, “VI! VI, Y/N’S BACK! SHE’S BACK!” She screams at the group she came in with, who’s a lot closer than they were a few seconds ago. You feel speechless. Vi was attractive when you were teenagers, but now? She’s handsome as hell. A few scars on her face, a nose piercing, and a tattoo on her neck. Vi seems as shocked to see you as you are to see her. Claggor and Ekko give you a hug like the sweethearts they are, while Mylo nods at you. The woman with them is someone you don’t recognize. ‘She’s probably someone they met after I left.’

“Y/n.” Vi says in disbelief, lips twitching into a smile, “I-I didn’t know that you were back in Zaun. When did you get here?” She steps forward to hug you, and you think you might melt in her arms. There’s something off about her hug that you can’t put your finger on. ‘This is nice. Her hugs are nice… Oh shit, right, she asked a question.’

“Today, actually. My crew and I are in the city waiting for a trade-off of some cargo.” You step away from her, thinking you drank too much when you feel your cheeks warm, “I’ll be here for a few weeks before heading back out.”

“Crew?” The unknown woman speaks up, “What crew?”

“Pirate crew, miss…?” Hector tosses his arm over your shoulder, making you scowl.

“Caitlyn.” The woman introduces herself. You pick up his half-finished pint and shove the glass into his chest. He winks at you and stumbles back to the pool table. ‘Nosy ass, urchin.’

“You joined a pirate crew?!” Powder gasps, hitting her sister on the shoulder, “Vi! Date a pirate instead! Even better, date Y/n!”

“Ha ha, Powder. Very funny. I’m not breaking up with Caitlyn.” Vi rolls her eyes, “For the thousandth time.”

“Oh, you two are together?” You feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach for some weird reason.

“Yup! Weird, right?” Mylo laughs, “Vi’s dating a Piltie- OW!” He clutches his head as Vi’s fist drops back to her side.

“Why don’t you come and hang out with us?” Vi suggests, “Unless you want to stay with your crew?” You glance at your friends and Andi waves you off. ‘I can hang out with them another time. I’m stuck with them at sea for days anyway.’ You snort.

“I’ll join you, but I’ll warn you that I’ve had a bit to drink.” You chuckle.

“That’s fine.” Ekko grins, “We were going to have a few drinks ourselves.” Powder squeals, grabs your arm, and starts dragging you to the back. You end up spending a long time with the group, talking and catching up on things that have happened. Hearing about what happened in Zaun a few years after you left was appalling. Especially when you found out that Vi got arrested and sent to Stillwater! Then came your time to share what happened when you moved away from Zaun. You talked about the reason you left and how you haven’t talked to your brother in years. You were so pissed that you were forced to leave your life behind because of him that you never forgave him. Eventually, it was only you and Vi awake after everyone drank too much and passed out. The two of you sat in a corner and talked, the only two who can hold their alcohol. You found yourself really falling back into conversation with her before you fell asleep.

You’ve been back in Zaun for a week and a half and it’s been more stressful than you thought it would be. After you ran into Vi and her family, you spent a few more days hanging out with Vi. The two of you spent hours talking and running around Zaun together, trying to catch up while sober. Ever since you left Zaun, you hadn’t been able to successfully date anyone. As a result, you stuck to regular hookups or one-night stands. After a while, you stopped thinking about Vi and you thought that you had gotten over her. It was during these moments with her that you had a terrible realization… You’re still in love with Vi.

It felt like you were back to being a teenager when you were around her. You giggled at her jokes, got flustered when you couldn’t think of what to say, and you even pinched her at some point! One night as you tried to sleep, you ended up wondering what would happen if you hadn’t left. What would that date have been? Would you have gone to the school brawl together? Would the two of you be together now or would it have been a short fling? Those thoughts buzzing in your mind had you returning to the one place you went for some privacy. It was a rooftop near your apartment that had a perfect view of Zaun and Piltover.

You were sitting at the edge, resting your chin on one knee as you stared out at the scenery. ‘I can’t believe I’m still into Vi. It’s been years! I should be over her by now. I mean… I was only crushing on her back then… How could that turn into love without doing anything? Ugh, this is so frustrating. It’s a good thing I’ll be leaving in a few days.’ You sigh to yourself.

“What’s got you sighing so heavily?” You hear Vi say from behind you. You turn your head as she sits down next to you, nudging your shoulder as she does.

“Ah, something on my mind.” You shrug, trying not to show any telling emotions on your face, “I couldn’t sleep and I used to come here to clear my mind.”

“Really? I’ve brought Powder up here a few times growing up. We usually have our important conversations here.” Vi sighs, leaning back on her hands, “I came here because I have something on my mind, too.”

“You can talk about it if you’d like. It might help.” You offer. ‘Even though Vi is currently the one haunting my thoughts, it feels good to have her next to me.’

“Alright, well… I’ve had this woman on my mind for a while. It made being in long-term relationships hard because all I could think about was her. I kept asking myself “what if” and eventually I managed to stop thinking about her. I got into a relationship and imagine my surprise when I see her again after eight years.” You meet Vi’s shaded gaze with wide eyes as she continues talking, “And the more I talked to this woman, I realized that I am irrevocably in love with her… So, I broke up with Caitlyn and decided to try and find you. I gave up when I couldn’t and came here to think and found you.”

“Y-You’re in love with me?” You stutter, staring at her in disbelief, “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Vi nods, caressing your face in the low light, “I was heartbroken when I came to get you for our date only to find out that you skipped town. I honestly couldn’t move on from that and seeing you again reminded me that I never did.”

“That’s-” You laugh joyously, “I feel the same way about you. You’ve been on my mind for years. I-I came out here tonight because I realized that I love you, and with you being in a relationship… I thought I didn’t have a chance.”

“I left her for you… I’d really like to take you out on a date.” Vi smiles, “And hopefully you don’t run away from me before I can do that.” She jokes, making you giggle. You look up at the sky and realize that it's around two in the morning. ‘I should be getting back to bed… but I don’t have to go alone.’ You peek at Vi in the corner of your eye. You stand up and hold your hand out to her, Vi taking it and letting you help her up.

“It’s late. My apartment is nearby if you want to spend the night.” You offer, “I don’t want you to fall off a rooftop from exhaustion.” You say teasingly.

“Lead the way.” Vi grins, making you smile.

The moment you close your apartment door, Vi’s lips are on yours and you have to blindly feel for the lock. You kiss with your back pressed to the door, before you break it to push her towards your bedroom. Not wanting to lay in bed dirty, you invite her to take a shower with you. Vi’s eyebrows shoot up, but she joins you in the shower where you end up against the cold tile. Slow, unhurried kisses are exchanged that increase the intimacy.

Vi surprises you by gently toweling you off, leaving soft kisses along your body as she does. Her care of your body has a warmth rising between your legs. You return the favor, drying her off and letting your fingertips caress her body, especially her back. There’s an unspoken agreement between you two as you watch Vi put her strap on, laying down on the bed for her.

Not a word is spoken as she settles between your legs. You were almost afraid to speak, not wanting to break whatever spell you two were under. All you know is that you want her, so you spread your legs and Vi takes the cue. The soft groan that leaves your lips as she slowly slides into you is what breaks the spell.

“I want to worship your body.” Vi whispers, fingertips pressing into your hips, “Is it okay if I go slow?”

“That’s okay with me.” You whisper back, relaxing in her arms. Vi’s careful with you. Touching your body as if you’ll break underneath her if she’s rough with you. Her thrusts are slow and methodical, making you gasp every time her hips meet yours. You’re holding her to you, legs wrapped around her waist as moan into her ear. Just because you were taking it slow didn’t mean that you weren’t desperate for each other.

“I’ve thought about this.” You breathe out, letting your eyes slip shut as you enjoy it, “You touching me like this.”

“I have too.” Vi mutters, kissing your temple, “My guiltiest pleasure has always been you.” Her thrusts are consistent and it feels as though she’s caressing you from the inside. It doesn’t take long for your orgasm to teeter on the edge, and when it happens you’re holding her closer in a tender embrace.

Vi takes off the strap and lays with you, snuggling under the covers as you bask in the bliss she brought you. This was the intimacy you craved. The intimacy you couldn’t obtain from anyone else because of your love for this woman.

“I genuinely thought I’d never see you again.” The words come out of your mouth before you can stop them, “I was heartbroken that I lost you.” Vi kisses your cheek, pulling your body closer to hers.

“You’ll never lose me. My heart has been yours from the day I met you, and it always will be.” She leans in and kisses you deeply, chasing away all of the doubts of your youth. Vi was right, after all. You were hers forever and always.

[ssaeri]

crushing popcorn beneath my feet

☆ tags: mammon x gn!reader, y/n is a carnival booth worker, mammon keeps spending money on their booth to spend time with them, mini-series, ft. asmo ☆

Mammon likes to gamble on a lot of things. The chance that Lucifer won’t catch him sneaking back into the House of Lamentation past curfew, for example. The one card game that he can’t figure out in the underground casino, for another. The weather whenever stormy, grey clouds hang low and he doesn’t feel like carrying an umbrella because he’ll definitely forget it somewhere. He’s the Avatar of Greed, but maybe his greatest sin is never learning his lesson.

Right now, he’s gambling on—

“Love?” Asmo’s voice cuts in, way too smug for Mammon’s liking. “You're in love, aren't you? Ooo, do you need any help?”

Mammon shoves his brother’s face out of the way. “Quit yer yappin’!” he snaps. His wallet, bursting with newly procured Grimm, sits heavy in his pocket. He has a goal, yes, but it's not love. It's victory. Technically. “I’m just tryin’ to beat this stupid game.”

“Oh yeah?” Asmo cooes, prancing by Mammon’s side as he huffs and puffs towards a familiar booth. He doesn’t have anything better to do today? A spa trip, perhaps? Or a drinking party with his friends? “The fact that you keep visiting during a certain someone’s shift has nothing to do with you having a little crush on them?”

“No, it doesn’t.” Mammon pauses and then repeats for good measure, “No.”

He just happens to be free whenever you’re working, and it’d be creepy if he walked up and talked to you, but if he makes casual conversation as a paying customer, then it’s just him being polite. That’s all it is. The smell of popcorn is thick in the air, and annoyingly loud pop music blasts from the nearby go-kart rink. He pays them no mind, not when he turns the corner to approach your stand and your face brightens. Grinning, he’s about to greet you when Asmo flounces forward with a call of your name.

What the hell? He knows you?

“Is that the Asmo?” you ask, bracing an arm against the booth’s wooden frame as you lean forward. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting my favorite worker, of course!” he says with a wink. Mammon’s scowl deepens. “And accompanying my favorite brother. He said he’s feeling lucky today. Maybe he’ll finally win me one of the stuffed dragons hanging from the awning.”

You laugh at that. “I wouldn’t bet on it if I were you—he’s sunk so much money in the past few days without getting anything, but maybe that’ll change today.”

“I didn’t know we were all friends here,” Mammon finally says before Asmo can poke fun at his throwing skills. He looks between the two of you. He’s not bitter, no. It only took him a solid week to get your name, knowledge that Asmo already had apparently. And the ease in his brother’s voice is something he still hasn’t mastered.

“We’re not! Yet. We could be.” He leans close to Mammon and murmurs. “Their name’s on the side of the booth, silly. They paste the workers’ names there to signal shifts.” He leans back with another disarming smile.

“I hope so!” you say, no sign of having heard their exchange. “Asmo’s pretty well-known around here, but I only know him through Devilsgram.”

Right, he forgot Asmo’s a mini-celebrity.

You pick up three balls from your basket and hold them up to him. “Another round, pretty boy?” you tease, and as always, he stammers out something resembling a yes before forking over the Grimm. This time, he has to ignore the delighted look on Asmo’s face and hopes to Hell that it won’t be used against him later. You drop the money into the black apron tied around your waist and step back to give him space.

“I want that one,” Asmo says, latching onto Mammon's throwing arm and pointing towards the biggest stuffed toy. “What does he need to knock over to get it?”

A common question. You take out a long stick and gesture to the front row of boards to knock over. “These get you the little ones at the bottom. The second row get you the toys in the middle section. The next row gets you the bigger toys. And this last level, the Hell Challenge level, gets you the biggest things. Or really, two or three of whatever you want in this booth.”

And that’s the level Mammon’s been gunning for. Because technically, you’re in this booth, so if he knocks over one of the Hell Challenge boards, he can ask you…ask you on a date…listen, the plan sounds cooler in his thoughts, okay? He shakes his head, loosening the tendrils of doubt at the edges of his heart, and prepares to throw.

.

.

Asmo walks away with two small newts and a star-shaped sticker.

PT. 2 : here

[i-cant-sing]

Promise: Yandere Godfather Hawks x Todoroki reader

This is a side story takes place in the YRHR series, after part 1, when the reader returns home, blind.

Check out my MASTERLIST for more!

"Y/n... Come on, wake up. Its 9 already." You heard him say, feeling the bed dip as he sat on it, gently touching the back of your shoulder. "Aren't you hungry? Mom's making your favourite."

When you gave no response, Shotou pulled the covers away from your face, his brows furrowing at the bandages around your eyes that had loosened up. You had did that, clawing at the meticulously tight knot Natsuo had done; you didn't like how it settled on your eyes.

"You're awake, right?" The only answer he got was you turning your cheek further away from him when he tried to caress it. Shotou didn't like your silence and he missed it when you used to ramble about almost anything to him. He missed when you were happy.

The door bell rang.

Shotou looked at his watch confused. Wasn't Natsuo supposed to come around at 11? He could hear Enji walking to the main door, and after a few seconds of silence, he heard footsteps coming towards your room. But then he heard some scuffling, and people talking- he recognised Enji's and Dabi's voices, his brother's getting louder by the second.

"I'll check who's there. Stay."

Stay? You would've rolled your eyes if, you know, you still had them.

A few more minutes passed and you could hear Dabi arguing with someone, and you think that Shotou is trying to calm him down. Deciding to take advantage of the situation, you got up from the bed. For the past whole month, Shotou would come to wake you up everyday, carrying you in his arms to the bathroom, never letting you walk on your own, claiming "you'll get hurt".

Idiot.

Taking one small step at a time, you stretched your arms out trying to reach the wall. Once you felt the cold, smooth surface, you used it to guide you towards the door.

No matter what you did, or how many times you told them to back off, that you can do this on your own, they wouldn't let you. Hell, you were pretty sure that if they could, they would breathe for you too. As if trying to instil in your mind that you're helpless without them, incapable of making your own decisions.

I'll show them how fucking capable I am.

After stubbing your toe only once, you finally reached the door, your hand gripping the metal knob. You placed your ear on the door, trying to figure out who and where everyone is standing. The corridor seemed empty and you think everyone is downstairs.

Opening the door, you used another wall to guide you towards the stairs. You hoped Shotou doesn't see you; he'd throw a hissy fit at you attempting to walk down the stairs.

As you took one careful step at a time, you heard the commotion grow louder. You could hear Dabi yelling profanities at the other person, certainly not Enji because Rei or Fuyumi would've stepped in by now to stop him. You used to stop him too, but ever since what happened, you don't really care anymore.

"Why the fuck are you even here?! She doesn't fucking want to see you!"

"Dabi-!"

"And who is gonna stop me? You? I'd be happy to knock you down on your ass- its about goddamn time!"

"Hawks!"

Hawks?

Hawks.

Hawks!

You almost stumbled down the last few steps, but you needed to know- was he, was he really here?

"K-Keigo?"

You heard his wings flap before you felt him, the wind gushed at your body strongly, making you lose your balance. But muscular arms wrapped around you before you could fall, and the winged hero lifted you up and spun you around, making you burst into laughter.

Rei was the first one to cry.

You laughed.

Not a bitter, sarcastic one.

A genuinely happy laugh.

And she missed her baby's laugh so much.

Dabi's eyes widened slightly. His heart clenching up a bit as he realised how he missed that beaming look on your face. He realised how fucking naive you were, how you were his little sister that he needed to protect.

Shotou felt envy. Why- why didn't you laugh like that with him? Why didn't you laugh for him? Was he... not a good brother?

Fuyumi actually rushed out of the kitchen when she heard you, her hands coming up to her mouth to suppress the sob that was building up. Too long. It had been too long since you were happy.

Natsuo smiled. He smiled as he saw you chortle when the hero's feathers tickled your cheek. He wished you would smile more often.

Enji's breath hitched as he saw you chuckle into Hawk's shoulder. It was so natural, so lively, so radiant. He had been dying to hear that sweet sound again.

Your heart was beating fast and your stomach was doing somersaults as you felt the air rushing through your hair and cooling on to your neck, the soft feathers brushing across your skin.

He really was here.

But so were they.

And you could feel their eyes on you.

Keigo frowned when he saw you curl yourself into him, as if trying to bury yourself into his chest. When he looked around, he saw them glaring and that's when he puffed out his wings before curling them around you; shielding you.

"I'll be spending time with my goddaughter. Do not disturb us." And with that, Hawks flew you up to your room, locking the door before they could sat anything. He could hear Dabi arguing, but he trusted Enji to handle him.

He set you on your bed, chuckling as you didn't let go of his collar.

"Its okay, dove. I'm here, now- ow!" You cut him off by punching his arm.

"Where were you?!"

"In your heart- ow! Stop hitting me!" He caught your wrists.

"You said you were gonna visit me at home! Its been a whole month-"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry but believe me, I really was busy!" Sighing, he continued. "The hero commission sent me to Europe for a mission and things got a bit messy, so I got caught up."

Yanking your hands out of his grip, you scowled. "Would it have killed you to call?"

"I mean I wouldn't say kill, but I probably could've lost a limb or two-" He started laughing when when you began getting up to walk to the door.

Keigo wrapped his arms around you, smiling cheekily"Y/n- I'm sorry, I'm just kidding. Come back-"

"No, let go! I don't have time for your bullshit" He continued laughing, easily picking you up and dropping you back on your bed.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Come on, now. Stop being mad." You heard him shuffling. "Besides, I've got something for you!"

He dropped something in your lap. You picked an item, your hands feeling around it, trying to figure out what the rectangular shaped box was.

"Whats this?"

"Oh, here. Let me help you." He lifted the lid of the box and you were immediately hit by a familiar smell.

"Chocolate?"

He hummed in confirmation"Your favourite ones too! They were always sold out! Luckily, I was able to use my charm on the owner."

"Charm? Oh, you mean where you pull that ugly smirk and do that half lidded look with your eyes, and you think that you look hot but you actually just look creepy?"

"Yeah- hey!"

And then the next 3 hours were spent like that, Hawks telling you about Europe and the bad guys he caught, you telling him about the way your family had been treating you.

"They don't let me do anything, they don't give me any privacy! Its like- its like they want me to be a doll!" You gave an exasperated sigh. "They- they act like they are being so generous. Like it was somehow my fault that my eyes got fried!"

"Oh come on. They can't be that bad-"

"They are! So much worse than before. Look, I'm a grown up- I need my space too! You know what Shotou said when I asked him to get me a walking stick? He said I don't need one since he can carry me everywhere. Do you know how embarrassing it is to get carried to the toilet every single day? Do you?!"

"Well, no-"

"And then Fuyumi cuts up my food and spoon feeds me herself! I know I'm blind but its not like I'm gonna stuff the food up my nose or something!"

The hero snickered at that.

"And then Enji reads me these novels or the newspaper and he skips over the parts he thinks I'm too "young" or "immature" to understand! They even monitor what I listen to! Fuyumi or Shotou would be quick to change the channel if something above pg 10 comes on!" You ran a hand through your hair frustratedly. "I asked Enji to get me a Braille and the first few time he pretended like he didn't hear me, before finally saying that I don't need one!"

"Don't worry, I'll sneak in a Braille for dummies the next time I visit."

"Hey-! Wait... what do you mean "next time"?"

"Oh come on! I promise I'll come earlier next time. Maybe in like 2 weeks-"

"No."

"What-"

"No. I want to leave this place today. You promised."

"Y/n-"Keigo reached to place a hand on your shoulder but you pushed him off.

"You. Promised. You said you'll get me out of here when I leave the hospital" You inhaled deeply. "Well, guess what, Hawks? Its been a whole month."

"I know but you're not well enough-"

"I AM! If anything, staying here is harming me more!" Your tone was getting angrier. "You said- you said you would take me away from them."

"I can't do it right now. The hero commission needs me-"

"I need you! Or am I just not worth your time?"

"Please, dove- try to understand. How will I take care of you if I'm out at the agency?"He tried to pet your head but you smacked his hand away, snarling at him.

"You're a liar. A big fucking liar! Was this the plan all along? To give me hope that you'll save me, only to fucking crush it?!" The hero managed to dodge the box of chocolates you threw at him. "I don't need fucking chocolate or your stupid presents. I need to get out of this goddamn house!"

The hero began walking towards the door. "You're not thinking rationally- I'll- I'll leave." But before the hero could manage to take another step, you were leaping towards him, but since you couldn't see, you only managed to fall near his feet. When he grabbed your shoulders to help you up, you were quick to latch onto him, wrapping your arms around his torso tightly.

"No- no! Don't go. Please, I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that. Please, don't be mad. I swear I'll behave, just don't leave me here!" Your hold onto him was becoming painfully tight.

Keigo felt like someone was breaking his heart piece by piece as he looked at you. The way your body shook from your pitiful sobs, the way you held onto his jacket as if your life depended on it- he was forced to remember how vulnerable you looked the night he brought you back to the this house. The same night when you begged and begged him to fly you away, that you'll do anything as long as he didn't dropped you back at the Todoroki estate.

"Y/n- darling, love, listen to me. I promised you that I'll keep you save, didn't I? I promise I'll come back soon-"

"YOU BROKE YOUR PROMISE! CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT SHE'S DONE TO ME! SHE BURNED MY FUCKING EYES HAWKS! I'M FUCKING BLIND! DO I NEED TO LOSE A LIMB FOR YOU TO GET ME OUT OF HERE?! DO I HAVE TO SUFFER FROM ANOTHER "ACCIDENT"?!"

Hawks knew that bitch Rei did this on purpose, he knew and it killed him that he couldn't save you from her. He wanted to tell you that he believed you, and he was preparing a place for you. But the hero knows your siblings were eavesdropping, right on the other side of the door.

He had to be careful and play the fool if he wanted to get you out of this hell hole.

"Y/n please-"

You shook your head repeatedly, pulling him closer to you as you shrieked at him. "No. NO! I wont let you go! I WON'T LET YOU LEAVE WITHOUT ME! Keigo, I'm begging you! Take me with you, please! I'll die! I'll die! I'LL FUCKING DIE, KEIGO! PLEASE!"

Your loud screams had your siblings bursting through the door, obviously using a spare key. "Y/n, whats wrong-" You jumped away when they touched your shoulder, giving Hawks chance to slip away.

You instantly reached out for him, flailing your arms around to get a hold of him again. But the hero was already out the door and your siblings quickly pulled you back into their arms, shushing you, trying to calm you down.

But you were inconsolable. Thrashing around in Shotou's arms, you kept begging for Hawks to come back. "HAWKS COME BACK! LET ME GO! HAWKS, PLEASE! I'LL DIE! I'LL DIE! I'LL DIE!" It pained them to see you like this, so hysterical; Shotou and Fuyumi whispered sweet nothings but you payed them no mind. Natsuo knew you were going to hyperventilate soon, but he was more worried about you bursting a vessel in your head.

Thinking fast, he quickly brought up a tranquilliser- and the moment the sharp smell of the alcohol swab hit your nose, you were wrestling harder to get out Shotou's and Fuyumi's arms.

"Y/n, please calm down-"

"FUCK YOU! LET ME GO! KEIGO! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! COME BACK- STOP! STOP TOUCHING ME! STOP!" You screamed louder than before when you felt her cold hands gripping your arm, holding it still so that your brother could administer the dose.

As the drug began taking effect, your thrashing slowed down before you finally slumped into Shotou's arms. The tranquilliser numbed the headache that was forming, and you felt Fuyumi use a tissue to wipe the snot and the spit off your face.

"I'll die... I'll die... And you won't be there. And I'll die..."

Hawks was in a trance like state as he watched Shotou tuck you under the covers. He wanted to use his sharp feathers to slice off that cold bitch's hand that brushed the hair out of your face, before pressing a kiss to your forehead. Your daunting screams rang through his ears; his chest felt like some was shoving a knife through it slowly as he played back the image of you trying to wring yourself free from their arms, one hand still reaching out for him. It took everything in him not to grab it and pull you away from those monsters, but he had to remind himself of the bigger picture.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even notice the pyromaniac standing next to him until he spoke.

"This is all your fault."

Hawks looked at Dabi. His fault?

"You shouldn't have come here."

"She's my goddaughter-"

"Shut the fuck up." Dabi narrowed his eyes at the hero. "She's like this because you gave her false hope. Hope, that one day she'll get away from us. You and I both know that's not gonna happen." He sighed before continuing. "You call yourself a hero, but in reality, you're no better than us."

As Hawks turned to leave, not willing to let the villian get on his nerves, Dabi spoke again.

"Dont bother coming back. She won't forgive you. She'll never forget this betrayal."

Hurtful as they were, he knew the words he said were true.

Hawks was almost out the gates when he saw Enji sitting in the garden, looking at the koi pond. He should've left, should've flown away but there was something in Enji's eyes that had the winged hero walking towards him. He recognised the emotion as soon as he got close.

Sorrow.

Or was it guilt?

Perhaps a mixture of both.

"Endeavour, are you... alright?"

The number 1 hero looked away from the fish and blinked at him.

"Hawks? What are you still doing here?"

The blonde chuckled nervously. "I was just on my way out." He gazed at him. "Are you okay? You seem to be in deep thought."

Enji only stared at him. Taking his silence as the answer, Hawks turned to leave.

"Why did you come here today, Keigo?"

Keigo.

He suppressed the urge to shudder the way his name rolled off his tongue.

"She's my goddaughter too. Why? Do you think it was a bad decision to come?"

"No." Enji sighed. "I just- she hadn't laughed like that in a long time."

Hawks stood beside him. "She's still traumatised from the kitchen accident. Its understable-"

"No. She hadn't laughed like that for a long time, even before this happened." Enji's eyes moved towards the night sky. The stars were twinkling extra bright tonight. How he wished you could see it. "Before she lost her sight, she used to look out the window, her eyes searching sky." He gulped. "She was looking for you, Keigo. You- you made her happy, you make her laugh. I don't."

Hawks placed his hand on Enji's shoulder. "That's not true, Enji. You do make her happy. She loves you. She feels safe with you. She sees you as her protector."

"She does?"

He nodded. "Of course. If you want things to return to normal, you need to treat her normally too. Just- just talk to her. Sort out the issues and wash away whatever fears she has." Hawks wanted Enji to listen to you, to really listen to you and protect you from Rei. He could only hope that Enji understood what he meant.

Hawks was right, Enji realised. Whatever delusions you have of Rei wanting to hurt you on purpose, of being the "bad person", they can all be cleared up if he just talked to you. Ever since the incident, the family avoided talking to you about Rei or the events that had occurred that day.

If he just talked to you, things will return to normal. You'll become happy again.

"Thank you, Keigo."

Hawks only smiled in return. "I'll be leaving now."

"Okay. When will you visit again?"

"I'll be gone for longer now. The hero commission is sending me on another mission again."

"Oh. Safe travels, then."

As Hawks flew away, he began thinking about the house.

The house where he was going to take you to soon. He just needs to add a few finishing touches before he sets his plan in motion. The plan to rescue you, and eventually Enji, from those sadist that call themselves your family.

He will not let his dove get hurt again.

He'll save you this time.

He promises.

Thoughts?

Idk how this turned out, angst wasn't the plan initially. Guess I'll write godfather Hawks fluff for another day.

Anyways, now that this is done, I'll start working on RE 8 fic now.

[lovelybarnes]

dad- l. laufeyson

pairings: loki laufeyson x doctor!mom!reader, mentions of tony stark, natasha romanoff, steve rogers, oc, and thor odinson warnings: a child, y/n is a mom, dad!loki who is probably a little ooc but i hope that’s okay, y/n is a doctor but there’s no real detail, it’s just alluded to, mentions of an absent father, mentions of adoption about: requested! They’re dating and she has a toddler from a previous relationship that ended badly. Loki treats the baby like she’s his own and brings her to the compound once in a while to show off ‘his’ baby. The little one adores Loki and started calling him dada, making the soft side of him comes out. And also the very protective side. He eventually asks reader if he can officially adopt her to be the father figure. Since reader never put down the fathers name on the birth certificate, they put Loki’s down. a/n: thank you so much for requesting! i hope you liked this!!

tiny fingers splayed your cheeks wake you up, wet lips pressing continuously on your nose as familiar laughter rings in your ear. your nose scrunches, prying your eyes open to meet the mirror image of them in front of you. at the grin that splits daisy’s face, a smile sneaks up on your lips, too, “hey honey,” you say quietly, brushing away a strand of hair that falls in her eyes as your daughter’s warm hands hold your face.

“hi mama,” daisy replies, snuggling into your side, “pancake day,” she informs happily, a chubby finger reaching to trace the slope of your nose.

you tilt your head at her, raising an eyebrow, “really? who says?”

daisy doesn’t get a chance to reply, the crack to your door widening when loki steps through it, balancing a large plate stacked with pancakes and fruits in one hand. “loki!” daisy cheers, sitting up to reach for the food. you sit up, too, cocking your head at your boyfriend as you observe the platter.

“you made food?” you ask, eyes scanning the little cubes of cut-up strawberries and bananas before looking back up at him in pleasant surprise.

loki ducks his chin, “you were asleep. and today is pancake day. i simply could not disappoint daisy,” he explains, letting daisy take a piece of banana to shove in her mouth.

you gently run your fingers through her hair, a soft smile tugging at your lips, “hey, dais, let’s go eat at the table and watch some cartoons, hm?” at the sound of cartoons, she nods quickly, bouncing off of the bed to tug at loki to follow her, the god not making a peep when her grubby hands leave a smear of banana on his wrist. you watch as they head to the kitchen, listening when loki turns on the television and flips it to her favorite show without her needing to tell him. you take a second to remind yourself that the god in your house, sneaking homemade whipped cream--because store-bought whipped cream is not fit for her--to your daughter, is the same god who, not too long ago, physically recoiled at the mere mention of midgardians. you stand when you hear daisy’s voice calling you over when you take too long to follow, peeking around the corner to see loki cutting her chocolate chip pancakes into little squares. “any left for me?” you ask, your body burning hot when loki turns to look at you, a twinkle in his clear sea glass eyes.

“good morning, darling,” he greets, his lips kissing your cheek when you come closer to him, an arm wrapping around your waist. “pancake?” he offers, showing you a plate with two perfectly shaped pancakes, whipped cream piled high just the way you liked it and berries surrounding it in the way you always tried to do but were never able to. you pecked his lips, smiling against him when you heard your daughter protest loudly.

“what are we watching today?” you ask her, fingers taming the mess of bedhead that sits atop her head. she turns to the television after shoving pancake into her mouth, pointing at the image, “clifford,” she says simply. you sit next to her, exhaling, “that’s a good one.” daisy nods, “i want a dog,” she states after a second, “like clifford.”

you glance at loki, “finding a big red dog is going to be a little hard, sweetie--”

“i’m sure there’s one in asgard, if not, there must be one somewhere else,” loki shrugs, squinting at the show, “i’ll find one. worry not.”

you shake your head, chuckling, “maybe a normal-sized dog, daisy.” daisy pouts but nods.

the sounds from the television are the only ones for a few moments until you speak up, “oh, i completely forgot, i have to go meet with some big shot hospital reps for almost the whole day today, do you mind taking care of daisy?” you ask loki, an apologetic look on your face.

“of course not, she can accompany me to the compound today,” loki reasons, not missing the excited look that crosses daisy’s face.

you brighten, “that’s a great idea!” you turn to your daughter, who has smeared red on her cheek and a strawberry in her fingers, you huff a laugh, wiping it away with one of your fingers, “what do you think, dais? wanna go visit the other avengers with loki?”

she nods immediately, hurrying to swallow the fruit in her mouth before turning to loki, “can i wear your cape again?” she asks enthusiastically, patting wildly at your arm, “loki lets me use his cape!”

your eyebrow raises as you look at loki, “does he, now? i thought no one could even touch it?” you tease, appreciating the pale blush that takes over the snow of his cheeks as he shrugs, clearing his throat.

“there are always exceptions to rules,” he states.

-

“i love you,” you say, pressing a kiss into daisy’s hair, she parrots the phrase back to you, leaning further into loki’s arms when you pull away. “i love you,” you continue, kissing loki’s lips, “thank you again,” you whisper, feeling him chuckle against you.

“it is my pleasure,” loki assures before kissing you again. you pull away after a second, smacking your lips on daisy’s forehead as another goodbye.

“i’ll be back later, have fun, okay?” you request before finally walking out the door to head to work. you don’t see daisy’s pout as she lays her head on loki’s shoulder, balling her hand in his shirt. a soft smile tugs at loki’s lips, looking down at her to ask her if she’d like to go to the compound now.

a little while after she nods at his, he finds himself clicking her seatbelt in, making sure she’s safe in her booster seat before he begins to drive. he knows he could easily go there with a flick of his hand, but the travel makes daisy nervous, and, besides, she prefers to ride in the car with him, singing along to the playlist of the songs loki found himself liking in midgard.

daisy squeals when loki pulls into the driveway of the compound, jumping out of the car when he unbuckles her to hurry loki up. she pulls at his pant leg, growing more excited by the minute when she sees the red white and blue of steve’s shield flying behind the compound. “i do not understand why you like that thing so much. so boring,” loki grumbles, grabbing her hand and opening the door.

“ah, there she is!” thor’s voice booms nearly the minute loki and daisy step in, daisy’s grin grows wide, looking back at loki before running to thor. “uncle!” she squeals, oblivious to the way loki freezes when she says the simple word. thor carries her in his arms, holding her up like simba.

“my favorite niece! i brought the hammer for you today!” thor exclaims, sitting her down on one of his arms before holding his other hand out. loki looks to the side, realizing his brother is calling for the hammer with his daughter in his arms, quickly stepping over to him to take her away just as said hammer flies into his open hand. he twirls it, before handing it to daisy in loki’s arms, still keeping a hold on it as she wraps her small fingers around the hammer.

“brother…” loki hisses quietly, refusing to upset the little girl in his arms but wanting nothing more than to knock some common sense into his brother. “i would like to remind you to not do that while daisy is near you.”

daisy barely looks up at her name, too entranced with the intricate carvings in the hammer, “oh, she’ll be fine,” thor shrugs, clapping loki hard on the back, “i am very careful, brother.”

loki purses his lips, “yes, i remember how careful you are.”

“hey! reindeer games and little grey!” tony cheers from around the corner, natasha catching his words from the kitchen and heading for loki. loki can spot the captain in the hallway. “haven’t seen you in a while, kid,” tony tells daisy, ruffling up her hair, “thought you ditched us.”

loki rolls his eyes, concentrating on daisy, who reaches for the electric blue in tony’s chest, murmuring “pretty.”

“isn’t it?” tony brags, tapping a nail on his arc reactor, “built it myself. you want one?” daisy agrees enthusiastically, but loki makes sure to send tony a glare that tells him if he even dares. loki will finish the job in new york.

“how’s the doc?” natasha asks, coming cilently from the kitchen with a bag in her hand.

“y/n is good, she’s at the hospital right now.”

“hey, dais,” natasha starts, her green eyes sparkling, “you remember the toys you wanted from the mall last time we went?” daisy nods. natasha holds up the bag in her arms, “you wanna go see what’s in the bag?”

daisy’s eyes go wide, and she turns to loki, “can i dad? please?”

loki chokes down the uncharactersitic lump in his throat so he can nod, putting daisy down so she can grab natasha’s hand. when they’re out of hearing range, steve raises an eyebrow at loki, “‘dad’? that’s a big one.”

“yes,” loki clear his throat, “she had never called me that before.”

the other men exchange looks, before thor claps loki on the back with a beamng grin, “congratulations.” loki has never felt luckier.

-

it’s a few hours later, when you’re back at home, exhausted and sprawled on the couch next to loki with daisy sleeping on your and loki’s lap. “how was your day?” you ask quietly so you don’t disturb daisy.

“as excellent as a day with the avengers can be. i took daisy to the compound, everyone adored her, natasha spoiled her…” loki trails off, the clear cut reminder of the events of that day bright and new in his mind, “she called me dad,” loki finishes, allowing himself to look into the deep nooks and crannie of his brain that urges him to tell you what he’s been thinking about for far too long. there’s a second of silence.

“she’s never said to you that before,” you finally say softly. loki shakes his head, “she’s slipped up before, though. sometimes she calls you papa when she talks about you.” loki turns to you, searching your features for a lie he won’t find. “you are her father, loki. you’re way more of a father than her biological dad ever has been. you’re her dad, she loves you.” there’s more silence, the question you’re implying hanging in the air, waiting to be grasped and asked.

“would you adopt her?--” you grasp.

“i would like to adopt daisy--” he grasps.

you stare at each other before quiet laughter bubbles from your mouth, a nod tilting your chin, “you know, i never put her biological father’s name in her birth certificate.”

“we could go tomorrow,” loki offers, admiring the beaming smile that brightens your tired face.

“we should,” you agree, staring at loki for a few more moments before connecting your lips, looking down at daisy and brushing away some strands from her face when you pull away. you nod, meeting loki’s eyes again, “tomorrow.”

[wlwmarvelenthusiast]

Can u write an au where carol’s cat (goose) keeps sneaking into fem!reader’s apartment and so carol and reader communicate with each other thru notes they put on goose’s collar and they eventually fall in love (((:::::::

Goose's Best Friend

Summary: After a stranger's cat injured in your apartment one night, you decide to attach a short note to its collar to give your apologies. They lead to something you could have never expected.

Pairing: Army Pilot!Carol Danvers x Reader

Warnings: language

Word Count: 2,792

It was the middle of the night, 2:57a.m., to be exact, when a loud crash shook you from the clutches of sleep. You sat up with a groan, rubbing your eyes to clear your vision enough to look at the clock on your nightstand. You swung your legs off the bed, eyes catching the shattered lamp on the ground. Fighting off the temptation to leave it on the ground for tomorrow, for fear that you might forget about it and slam your bare feet into the shards scattered around the floor, you slid your legs into some sweats and stood up.

You weren’t expecting, when you turned on the light, for something to move. When something darted around the corner you actually let out a high-pitched yelp, flying backwards and hitting your elbow hard off the corner of the nightstand. You felt tingling rush into the tips of your fingers as you tried desperately to comprehend what had just happened. Your breathing had already increased, and your heart was racing inside your chest. You took a hesitant step forward.

Despite being alone in the apartment, you flushed beet red in embarrassment when you found the creature you’d been so terrified of. The orange tabby cat stared up at you with wide eyes, letting out a quiet mew. Immediately your heart softened, its beat slowing down to a normal pace. When the cat made to step toward you, though, you immediately noticed the limp. Your eyebrows furrowed and you knelt down, letting it come to you. You reached out for its front leg, and it let you take it into your hand.

“Oh, sweet baby,” you muttered softly, wiping a bit of blood out of its fur with your thumb. “Come on. I think I have a first aid kit in the bathroom.”

It surely didn’t understand what you said, but it followed you when you stood up. It limped into the bathroom behind you, settling once it reached the tile floor. You reached into the cupboard under the sink and pulled out the red case, propping it up on the countertop and opening it up. Quickly, you located the roll of bandages and the scissors that came with it. You pulled it out and got some wet paper towels. Once more you knelt down on the ground next to the tabby.

A black collar around its neck caught your attention. You reached out for the silver tag that hung from it and spoke aloud. “Goose. Well, Goose, there’s no phone number here for your owner. Guess I’ll have to fix you up and trust you can find your own way home, huh?”

He meowed in response.

You continued to wrap up his leg. When you finally finished, you tucked the first aid kit away again. You clicked your tongue a couple times in an attempt to get him to follow you again. The both of you headed toward the kitchen, where you rummaged through the fridge for the leftover chicken from dinner the night before last. You pulled some out and set it in a small dish on the floor, a sort of apology for your lamp having done such damage to the poor animal’s leg. He helped himself quickly. Meanwhile, you dug through one of your drawers.

You popped the cap off a pen and cut a small strip of paper, struggling to keep your writing small enough to fit.

There was no number on the collar, so I opted for this. Goose found his way into my apartment and had an unfortunate mishap. I patched him up and gave him a treat. I hope that’s okay. He should be alright.

Hope he feels better soon.

You rolled the note around the tabby’s collar and taped it in place. He’d finished his treat by now, so you led him back to the apartment door. When you opened it, he cast one glance back at you, eyes shining as if in gratitude, then scurried down the hall. Just as he turned out of sight, though, someone else moved into your peripheral vision. You could have scoffed when you saw who had wandered into the hallway. She spoke before you could close the door.

“Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

“Fuck off, Danvers.”

“Captain Danvers,” she hummed, a wide smirk on her face as she twirled her keys around her finger.

“In your dreams,” you scoffed. “And next time you’re using your stripes to get random women in bed, be a little quieter, would you? Some of us around here have self-respect.”

You closed the door before she could respond to that.

You and Carol Danvers had hated each other for as long as you’d lived there. The two of you were like hot and cold, or night and day. She liked loud music and late nights whereas you liked a nice book and an early night. You were quiet and soft-spoken, and Carol was a bully. In fact, she was your bully. You’d never endured such teasing and taunting from anyone else before. It wasn’t her harsh words that got to you, though. In fact, you weren’t entirely sure what it was that got to you. Maybe it was her arrogance, or maybe it was her ignorance for anyone around her. It didn’t matter.

Carol Danvers brought out a side of yourself that you didn’t know existed. You’d only have to hear a single word fall from her lips or see a glimpse of her from the corner of your eye, and instantly any semblance of a good mood would dissipate and fade into annoyance. The hatred you held for her made your blood boil in your veins at the mere sight of her stupid, cocky smirk. You sometimes wished you could just reach out and slap that stupid smirk off her stupid face.

You pushed the blonde from your mind, heading back to bed. Hopefully, the coming day would be one that didn’t involve the blonde captain.

*

It was three days later that a quiet meow caught your attention. It tore your gaze from the TV, and you glanced toward the source of the sound. The face that was watching you immediately brought a smile to your face. You pat the couch beside you and the tabby jumped up, settling onto the blanket. You ran your hand across his head, watching his eyes close in content. You were about to turn your gaze back to the TV when you noticed the paper around his collar. It wasn’t the same one you put there. You reached out for it and removed it, careful not to rip it, and unrolled it. You flicked on the lamp.

Sorry about him. He wanders around the building. This isn’t the first time he’s gotten into someone’s room. If you fed him, he’ll probably come back to you (which I don’t mind, so long as you don’t mind that he’ll keep coming back). That’s how I know you’ll get this. So, thank you for patching him up. The vet would’ve cost more. You were right. He was just fine.

Rolled up with it was a twenty-dollar bill. You chuckled, immediately standing up off the couch. You pulled a small treat out of the fridge as you passed it, Goose trotting into the kitchen at the sight. You handed it to him and he took it happily, chowing down as you stood up straight again and continuing on your journey toward the notepad on the counter. Once again you ripped a small piece of paper out of it, ripping the cap of the pen off with your teeth and holding it there as you brought the pen down to meet the paper.

It seems so. You were right. He came back. He’s a sweet boy. I truly enjoy his visits. I don’t get many of them, so he’s welcome here whenever he pleases. And I don’t need this. Keep it.

You knelt down on the ground to Goose once again. He sat still for you as you wrapped the bill around his collar, wrapped the note around it, and then taped them both in place. Once more, you led him back to the apartment door, opened it up for him, and let him into the hallway. He rubbed his head against your calf once more before dashing out of sight. You shut the door behind him.

*

You huffed as you stormed into the lobby of the apartment building. Work had not treated you well that day. All you wanted was to head upstairs, put on your coziest pyjamas, order takeout, cuddle into the couch, and watch a movie or two. It was all you needed to wash away the horrible day and ease the stress that was weighing so heavily on your chest. You only wanted to pick up your mail before you did, but apparently, the universe had other ideas.

“Looking for some mail from your mommy?”

Danvers was the last person you wanted to deal with today. You didn't even bother to grumble a response to your neighbour, who was still in uniform as she stepped up beside you and unlocked her own mailbox. You were going to step away without a single word, but once more, you didn’t get your wish. Carol snickered at something, making you slam your box shut with far more force than necessary.

“What, pray tell, is so fucking funny?” You snapped.

“Oh, nothing. Nothing. Nice keychain.”

The keychain was a souvenir one you’d gotten from your trip to Disney with your family a few years ago. It was a picture of you and your brothers all wearing Mickey Mouse ears and sticking your tongues out at the camera. If anyone else had said the words, you would have blushed and thanked them. When Carol said the words, you shoved the keys in your pocket and shot a glare so harsh that it would have killed if it could have.

“You’re a dick, Danvers.”

“Captain Danvers,” she corrected once more.

“Look, this whole army pilot thing might work on those girls you pick up from god knows where, but I’ve met you,” you sneered. “You use this uniform for detestable things, Danvers. It’s disgusting.”

You stormed away.

When you unlocked your door and stepped into your apartment, however, you found that you wouldn’t need pyjamas or takeout or movies to make you feel better. Your new best friend was sitting on your couch as if he had been waiting for you to arrive home. You dropped your bag at the door and moved to sit with him immediately. After stroking his head absentmindedly for a bit, you noticed the new note.

Take it. Please? Come on, you’re going to make Goose sad if you don’t. You’re going to make me sad if you don’t.

Attached with the note, again, was that same twenty-dollar bill. You rolled your eyes as you moved into the kitchen once more, handing Goose a few of the cat treats you’d bought for him. He accepted them happily as, for the third time, you prepared to write a note for Goose’s mystery owner. You didn’t even bother to sit down, hunching over the counter in a way that your back probably wouldn’t have thanked you for. You scribbled on the paper.

I’m sure Goose won’t mind at all. As for you? Well, I don’t really know you, do I? Just keep the damn money, will you? You know, Goose is going to gain a few pounds if you keep sending him back here.

Sincerely, Goose’s new best friend

After a few pats to the head, you sent Goose off with that. He was back later that day.

Goose’s best friend,

Goose does mind. He wants you to keep it. Please? Besides, if we keep attaching it with scotch tape to a wandering cat, it’s going to get lost. You wouldn’t want that, now, would you? I sure wouldn’t. As for the treats, I’ll make sure to walk him a bit more. Wouldn’t want to lose my new favourite pen pal over a couple extra pounds on the cat.

- Goose’s mom

This time, there were two twenties attached. You chuckled at that. Goose was gobbling down his treat as you wrote.

Goose’s mom,

I think that’d be quite a sight to see, you walking Goose down the street. Guess if I ever see Goose leashed and with some random woman on the street, I’ll know what you look like.

- Goose’s best friend

P.S. Just donate the money. Seriously.

As if it were habit by now, you reattached the bills, added your note, and sent the tabby out the door once again. You headed back to what you’d been doing.

It wasn’t long before the next reply.

Goose’s best friend,

Here, I’ll help you build the image. I��m 23, blonde, and about 5’6”. I’m in the army, so I’d probably still be in uniform after work. Oh, and Goose’s leash is blue, and he has a grey harness for walking.

- Goose’s mom

P.S. I split the $40 between the humane society and the local shelter

You once more had to laugh at the stranger. Of course, you immediately moved to respond. As much as you didn’t want to kick Goose out, you wanted her to get your answer as soon as possible. You grabbed your notepad.

Goose’s mom,

You sound cute.

- Goose’s mom’s best friend

It was a short note this time. You were having fun, though, and you wanted to tease your new friend a little. You attached the note to Goose and let him run off.

Once more, Goose returned with a new reply.

Best friend,

You didn’t give me anything in response. I’m offended.

- Goose’s mom’s best friend’s best friend

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at the way she’d signed her newest note. A pang of confidence hit your chest. You scribbled on the note.

Goose’s cute mom,

Let’s go for coffee then. 2B. I’m free when you are.

- Girl with a crush

*

You regretted sending that last note. You’d never gone more than 12 hours without communicating with the mystery note sender. You’d grown quite fond of the little pieces of communication you’d exchanged with her. It was actually the highlight of your day, on most days. Since sending that last one, though, you’d yet to hear back from her. It’d been four days now. You were quite upset about it, and decided the best way to fix that was some loud music. Maybe it’d piss Danvers off as much as she pissed you off.

When there was a loud knock on the door, you immediately assumed that you’d sure pissed someone off. Of course, they’d complain about you and not her. Everyone loved Carol fucking Danvers. You wished you could whirl the door open and shout at whoever was on the other side, but knew yourself better than that. You’d probably open it up and apologize, then turn the volume down and wallow in your misery to the sound of softer music.

That is, if it were anyone but Danvers.

“What? Just now realizing how damn annoying it is to hear loud music blaring from the apartment directly below yours?” You rolled your eyes. “Fuck off, Danvers.”

You went to slam the door, but she stuck her hand in. It must’ve been a little harsher than you meant to, because she shook her fingers out when she retracted them. You didn’t apologize, because you didn’t even feel bad. She deserved it after giving you two years of hell having to live in the apartment below her. You’d not have been surprised if one day she invited an elephant into her room just so she could make as much noise in your apartment as possible.

As you were about to make another snarky remark, though, you noticed something. That cocky glint that was usually shining in her brown eyes was missing. She wasn’t even meeting your eyes. Her gaze was cast to the door beside your head, locked to the bronze numbers that were screwed into it. You raised a single eyebrow, waving your hand in front of her face to get her attention. She blinked as if coming out of a trace, looking back to you.

“What do you want, Danvers?” You snapped when she wouldn’t speak.

She didn’t answer. She only held out a small piece of paper. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, but took it from her. The handwriting was one you’d seen so many times.

Goose’s best friend,

Coffee it is. But I’m paying. I still owe you.

- A girl who also has a crush, Carol Danvers

[ljxlj48]

My duty, as princess

Chapter 10

Lee Jeno x fem reader

preview, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10

Genre: arranged marriage au! royalty au!

Warnings: explicit language

Word Count: 7K

Authors Note: This was gonna be the end, but I think I'm gonna have to write an epilogue of just cute moments of the couple lmaooooo. Happy New Year, hugs and kisses to anyone reading <333

-----------

There was a week left until the wedding, the princess’ parents arrived last night, Christmas Eve is tomorrow, there’s also the Christmas Day ball and now the princess decides to sleep in her own chambers. She slept in my bed for less than two weeks, but it was enough time to fuck up my sleep schedule. All I did was toss and turn all last night, barely able to remain asleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. She said it was only until after the wedding, but I don’t know if I can do this for six more nights.

The phone read 6:15am, and I finally gave up on trying to sleep. I dragged my feet into the shower, turning the shower cold hoping that would wake me up enough. One night down six more to go.

Today was Christmas Eve, in the morning I was set to go to the royal orphanage in the city with the princess. Every year on Christmas Eve me and my brothers would go to the orphanage as a sign of good faith to the people. The orphanage visit was through and through a PR stunt, but I think me and my brothers enjoyed it. Something about giving hope and joy to little kids warmed our hearts or maybe it just fed our egos. Nevertheless we always went, I tried to bring Jisoo along when we were together but she always had plans with her friends.

This year though, would be the first year that my brothers aren’t coming, but the princess instead. Taeyong was with war veterans, Mark and Haechan both had other orders from father, so it was just me and the princess.

-

Here you sat in one of the chairs at the orphanage, ready to pass out. You were the one that suggested going back to your own chambers instead of remaining to stay with Jeno, and oh how you regretted that decision so much. You couldn’t even get an ounce of sleep, tossing and turning, every little creek had you on edge. By the time you gave up on trying to sleep it was already 5:45 in the morning.

Nevertheless, here at the orphanage, listening to Jeno read to the children about how the grinch stole Christmas, you couldn’t help but close your eyes. Listening to Jeno’s deep voice, it was better than any type of music. The way he spoke with an air of confidence that couldn’t be faked, the clear and concise enunciation of his words, the tone he used, it was so much of him and so pleasing. You missed it.

“Princess?” The same voice that put you to sleep, pulling you out. “Are you sleeping?”

“No,” you stood from your chair, afraid to fall asleep to the sound of his voice again, “of course not, I just closed my eyes for a second.”

Jeno smirked down at you, “alright,” he stood in front of you so beautifully, his eyes filled with pure love. “The children look ecstatic,” Jeno turned, looking at the kids as they all talked and observed the gifts, “we do this every year, and I never get tired of it.”

“It’s really beautiful, I wish my family had something like this.” You spoke nothing but truth, the little smiles on all the children made your heart churn. You loved it, loved seeing the joy, being here, loved giving little pieces of hope, but you wished you did something like this back home. You can’t even begin to remember when you were last let out of the palace, always having to sneak out instead.

“Prince Jeno, Princess (y/n),” one of the keepers, an older woman, grabbed your attention, “we cannot thank you enough for everything you do. Coming out here, bringing gifts for the children is really wonderful.”

“Auntie, please I do this every year, it’s just Jeno,” the older woman shook her head.

“Your highness should always be addressed by his proper title and nothing less,” the older woman spoke almost in a scolding tone.

“She used to teach me and my brothers etiquette,” Jeno leaned over to inform you.

“Yes, and his highness was a terrible student,” Jeno’s jaw dropped, as you covered your mouth to stifle a giggle.

“I was a great student, but anyway, auntie hows Dasom doing?” Jeno questioned, he stepped away from you taking the older woman as the two began to speak about the little girl.

You walked around observing the orphanage some more. “Did you see the prince?” you overheard one of the older girls speak.

“He’s very handsome,” another spoke.

“The princess is too lucky,” another said, eavesdropping on all of this.

“And can you believe it, she's only a year older than us,” the first girl spoke.

“If the prince wasn’t engaged I would’ve worked my charm on him, and I would be the new princess,” the second girl spoke, you had to stop your from giggling.

“Please you say that every year, Prince Jeno and his brothers come by and every year you chicken out” the third girl spoke. You felt this overwhelming sense of love, and pride, and joy and a whole bunch of other emotions all mixed into one. All those emotions being tied to the prince, you began to search for him.

Finally finding Jeno in a corner, holding a little girl up in his arms, placing a fallen ornament back on the tree. You made your way to the prince, as he saw you approach, he opened up his free arm for you. Wrapping it around your waist, when you were close enough, you heard him take a deep breath. You looked at the prince and you have never felt more in love.

-

Christmas morning, you woke up rather late this morning, staying up until you practically couldn’t keep your eyes open anymore. You probably finally fell asleep around two in the morning after taking a normal dosage of sleeping pills.

“Sleep in, princess?” Jeno questioned just as you opened your bedroom doors to the seating area of your chamber.

“Just a little,” you gave a soft smile at you being caught.

“I have a gift for you,” Jeno said, holding out a small box.

“Jeno, you shouldn’t have, I didn’t even get you anything,” you were flustered.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jeno pushed away your worry, “open it.”

You unwrapped the box to see an ornament, “It’s nothing special,” Jeno remarked as you pulled the ornament from it’s box. “Just something to mark our first Christmas together.”

“I love it,” you pulled Jeno in for a kiss, the two of you sharing a cute moment together before leaving the comfort of your chambers.

The two of you were able to catch breakfast with both of your parents, Jeno’s brothers and the noble Na family. After breakfast Jeno’s family had a gift exchange, to which you and your parents observed. It seemed as if Queen Jaeyeon got each of the princes and her nephew new suits, while King Donghae just slipped all of the boys an envelope with some cash. Lord and Lady Na got each of the boys something a little more personal, for Taeyong it was a new pair of headphones, for Mark it was a new hat, Haechan was new shoes, and for Jeno it was a new wallet. Queen Hye-young didn’t disappoint though, she gave each of her grandsons and Jaemin, brand new laptops.

You were staring in awe at the gifts Queen Hye-young hadn’t gotten the boys, when Queen Jaeyeon pulled you aside. “I have something for you dear,” she beckoned a maid holding a box forward. Queen Jaeyeon carefully took the box from the maid, “for you dear,” she pushed the box towards you.

Taking the box in your hands, you sat on a couch, carefully placing the box in your lap to open it. Once open, you were overwhelmed to see a magnificent tiara. It was beautifully crafted, a row of rich blue sapphires lined the bottom, toppled with white diamonds, curved into points, on white gold. You felt the straes of everyone in the room, “it’s beautiful.”

“Mother,” Jeno called out, grabbing all of your attention, “are you sure?” Jeno didn’t look happy, he looked rather displeased at you receiving such a gift.

“I can’t accept this,” you quickly said, closing the box backup to hand it back to Queen Jaeyeon.

“Nonsense, I insist you have and you wear it on your wedding day,” Queen Jaeyeon spoke dismissively.

“Was that supposed to be hers? Supposed to be Jia’s?” Queen Hye-young spoke, you were at a lost as to who Jia was.

“Yes,” King Donghae answered. You looked at Jeno for answers, but he refused to meet your eyes.

“I never got to see it,” there were tears in Queen Hye-young’s eyes, it appeared as if there were tears in everyone’s eyes. “Princess (y/n) should have it, she is the princess.”

“I agree, there’s no sense in it collecting dust anway,” grandmother Na spoke up. You stared at Jeno waiting for him.

“I insist you have it,” Queen Jaeyeon repeated once again. Jeno finally met your eyes, giving you a soft sad smile and a gentle nod. You opened the box back up again, Queen Jaeyeon pulled the box from your lap, and ushered you to stand. In which you did, King Donghae took the tiara from the box, and began to carefully place it on your head. The room stared at you, watching the act in amazement. When you finally stood straight, there was an applause, the blush of embarrassment dancing across your face, and gave the room a gentle bow.

That night was the Christmas day ball, in which thousands of others, diplomats, royals, politicians and more attended. Queen Jaeyeon insisted you wear the tiara she had gifted you to the ball tonight, but you still had no idea who Jia was or is. Jeno was sitting on your bed, as Fei and Mei worked seamlessly doing your makeup and hair for the ball.

“Tell me, who is Jia?” you questioned the prince.

“She was my sister,” Jeno started off, you peered into your bedroom, leaning away from Fei and Mei. Jeno looked to be deep in thought, as if he was elsewhere in his mind, “she was a year older than Mark, and she was absolutely perfect in almost every way.”

“Why haven’t I heard about her until now?”

“We make our debuts at 16 in Northcy, in Modia it’s 13 right?”

“Yes, but we’re kept secluded 100% until our 13th birthdays, you guys have been in public since primary school.” The culture of the two countries are more similar than different, you often forget that yours and Jeno’s childhood was not the same.

“Yes, nevertheless, Jia passed away before she could make her debut. She was 12.” There was pause, you wanted more. More information, more about this mysterious sister that no one ever talks about, you wanted more. But at the same time, you didn’t want to pry, although you and Jeno were together that didn’t mean he was required to tell you every personal thing about him.

“How, how did she pass?” You were met with silence, unsure if you should have even asked about Jia.

Jeno’s voice got caught in his throat, you left your seat in front of the vanity, moving to sit next to the prince. You placed your hands around his, he peered up looking at you now, the tears on the brim of his eyes. “Heart failure, she was born with a heart failure, after the second heart transplant, we knew she wouldn’t live a full life. Mother took it really hard, she confined herself to her chambers for almost 8 months after Jia’s passing. We were forbidden from talking about her just up until a few years ago.” Jeno paused in his story, you wanted to comfort him, to tell him you understand, to ease his pain, “I had forgotten her, I hadn’t thought of her in months, I had forgotten her, forgotten I had a sister, I forgot her voice, her face, her touch. How could I forget her?”

Jeno was crying now and you were at a complete loss for words, how do you forget a sibling? Jeno leaned down on your shoulder, you felt the tears roll off his cheeks onto your skin, “Jeno, you didn’t forget her, you will always remember her,” you moved Jeno’s head so he was looking at you now, “you won’t ever forget her, you will always, until the day you see her again, you will remember her.” Jeno gave you a sad smile, mourning a loved one never ends, it just becomes a part of us that we continue to learn to live with.

-

After calming Jeno down, and finishing getting ready myself, it was finally time for the Christmas ball. You wore the tiara gifted, along with a floor length dress, that hugged every curve of your body, the jewelry you wore was minimal but enough to make a statement, while you adorned a fabulous pair of jimmy choo’s.

“You look,” Jeno started off, standing outside your chambers, in a prestin black suit, he looked perfect, “there’s no words, that would do you any justice.” Jeno gave a small chuckle, “Shall we?”

Jeno offered his arm to you, which you accepted, “we shall.”

The two of you made your way down the steps, to the ballroom, the butlers at the door, announcing the two of yours arrival at the door. When you entered the room you looked around to see all the noble families, some diplomats, a few public voted politicians, and several other royal families from neighboring countries.

Immediately after making it to the room, you and Jeno were pulled apart.

“Your highness,” a guy had stepped in front of you grabbing your attention, “my name is Lucas, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” you were taken aback, the man in front of looked like he stepped out of a movie.

“A dance, please your highness,” Lucas offered his hand, you hesitated for a second, there wasn’t anyone dancing but he was so charming that you didn’t want to tell him no. You placed your hand in his, he pulled you in close, wrapping his other hand around your waist. His hands were so much larger, he pulled you towards the middle of the classroom, the music was playing ideally in the background, but he swayed perfectly in time.

As the two of you danced the music grew louder, “to what do I owe this dance?”

“I just wanted to see you up close, your highness,” Lucas said, “tell me your highness, are you excited to be married?”

“I am, excited,”

“Are you sure your highness? No thoughts of anyone else?”

“None whatsoever, I love the prince,” Lucas had this mischievous look, that would make anyone’s heart race yours included.

“Then just dance with me tonight, your highness,” Lucas pulled you closer, swaying with the music. You became lost in beat, allowing Lucas to pull you, letting all memories fade away. You can’t even begin to recall how many songs played, Lucas didn’t let you go, even if the music stopped and no one dared to interrupt.

When it finally came that Lucas pulled away from you, it was time for dinner. Lucas walked you to the table, pulling out your chair for you, “I must take my seat elsewhere your highness, thank you for the dance.”

“It was a pleasure,” You smiled, as more people began to take their seats. Jeno took his seat next to you, watching the exchange, his Jeno looked cold.

After a moment, when the majority of the people took their seats, “had fun?” Jeno whispered, his voice laced with venom.

“I did,” you almost snapped at his tone.

“Just a reminder you’re mine,” You couldn’t help the blush that came across your cheeks.

“Is someone jealous?” you teased the prince.

“No,” Jeno smirked at you now, the glint in his eyes was devilish, “just reminding you, you’re my fiancee.”

“Of course your highness,” you smirked back at the prince.

After dinner, you were pulled away to more dancing, with different men each time. Every now and then you would feel someone’s gaze on you, looking back to see the prince staring you down, his possessive gaze staring daggers into the men you danced with.

When the night was finally over, Jeno walked you back to your chambers just like he did before. The walk back was quiet, but peaceful, you stole glances at Jeno every now and then, as he lead you back to your chambers. You wondered if he would mind you sleeping in his chambers for tonight, just tonight.

“Have fun tonight princess?” Jeno asked, interrupting your thoughts.

“I did, it was a beautiful ball.”

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Jeno said, stopping right in front of your doors.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” you repeated back, Jeno came up to you and placed a small peck on your cheek before leaving you for the night. You knew you weren’t gonna get any sleep without him by your side, but you didn’t call out for him to come back.

-

As each day passed it seemed the princess’ duties only increased, while mines decreased, but it’s really only been two days. Father said that the wedding was a woman thing, and that they only needed us to attend. With the princess and I not sharing a chamber the time that we did see each other became less and less, I spent more time with Hades than ever. Apparently, Hades is becoming a good guard dog for the stables.

Once again I laid in my bed staring at the ceiling, it has been like this for the past three nights. Tomorrow being the last night I have to sleep alone, and then finally I’ll be able to get some sleep. Tomorrow is also the rehearsal dinner. Five nights down, one more to go.

I took everything in me, to pull myself out of bed this morning. Cold showers stopped working two days ago, but I still turned the handle and awaited the freezing water to pour over me. The maids started to bring coffee instead of tea in the mornings, they even started to open the balcony doors, the extra cold helps to stay awake.

-

I had just finished getting ready, I took my seat behind my desk, all but chugging the cup of coffee that was set for me. The chamber doors open to reveal Mark, Haechan and Jaemin once again.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Jaemin questioned, as he began to shiver.

“Yo seriously?” Haechan made his way to the balcony doors to close them.

“Trouble sleeping?” Mark chuckled as he took a seat on the couch.

“You have no idea,” I think I could pass out against this desk with how tired I am.

“Well rest up, we are going out tonight,” Jaemin announced, all I could do was groan at the idea.

Being tired apparently makes me very irritable, who knew?

“Jaemin, I thought I said no to that.”

“Correction, you said it was unfair," Jaemin had a smug look on his face, "but the princess’ friends are in town now and they are taking her out tonight, so we will be taking you out tonight.” Jaemin declared, and once he declared things, there was really no getting out of it. The three of them finally dragging me out of my room to, as they put it, ‘energize you.’

I was able to spend my morning with those three, then I had a lunch meeting with the King of Modia. We ended up at the gym, Haechan explained that it was because ‘you love to workout.’ Which is not really a lie, but not today. I just want this day to be over already.

-

After spending nearly 3 hours in the gym, I made it back to my own chambers to change before going downstairs to meet the princess’ father for lunch. I'm not going to lie, the gym made me feel a bit better, but I think it was just because I was with Mark them. Just before I could make it into my own bedroom, there was a knock at my chamber doors. Opening it to see the King standing there, two maids behind him with trays of food. There isn't a mask big enough to cover the shock on my face.

“Let’s eat,” the king said, as he made his way into the room, taking a seat in front of my desk. I stood there unsure what to do, I was sweaty, inappropriately dressed, my hair was a mess, I looked nothing like how I wanted to.

“Of course sir,” I said, taking my seat behind the desk, the maid placing a tray of food in front of me. The king began to meticulously cut the piece of meat on his plate, not paying much attention to me. I don’t know if I’m grateful or fearful of this.

“My daughter is truly a beauty, right?” The king asked, staring back at me, I felt the fear run down my spine.

Sitting up straight, I answered, “yes she is sir.”

“Intelligent too, yes?” He began to tap the knife against the plate.

“Yes sir,” I felt the sweat sliding down the side of my head, I don’t know if it’s from the gym or the anxiety.

“Kind as well.” The king finally brought a piece of meat up to his mouth to eat.

“Very sir.” He had all week to sit and eat lunch with me, but he chose today of all days. Mark them, had all week to request we go to the gym together, but today of all days, really?

“My daughter says you guys love each other, is this true?” The king was looking down at his plate instead of at me.

“It is true sir,” I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to this man. I am going to marry his daughter, he agreed to the union, he was even the one that suggested the alliance be tied by hand.

“Crown Prince Lee Jeno, top ranking in all your studies, excellent at sports that include archery, basketball, soccer and more. You enjoyed history and science but hated mathematics, it said you wanted to pursue a career in music or car design but given your title you’re not allowed to. You did the studies for high school but due to the fact that you weren’t allowed to go to any classes you got a GED instead. You had LASIK surgery just the other year. You like to cycle, and to play games until midnight, but you have a strong dislike towards plums.” This man was listing off facts about myself that any normal person wouldn’t know. I was at a complete loss for words, unsure of what to do, while the princess’ father sat there, talked and ate like it was nothing, like he was just explaining the weather. “Your cousin, Na Jaemin, is considered your best friend, he knows everything about you, as well as your brother Lee Donghyuck, better known as Haechan, which makes sense considering the three of you being the same age. There’s also that Lord, Huang Renjun, he is also the same age, good friends with you too. Correct?”

“Yes sir,” what the hell am I supposed to say?

This man knew enough about me that would put fear in my parents' hearts if he was still an enemy. “I know everything there is to know about you Crown Prince Lee Jeno,” the King continued to say, confirming what I was just thinking, “I can not kill you because you are a royal, the heir to the throne,” I guess I should be grateful for that, I don’t want to know if I want to hear what else he’s gonna say though. “But if I so much as hear a rumor of you intentionally hurting my daughter,” I would never, “you will yearn for your end.”

After that the King went back to his meal finishing up, while I barely started mine. He wiped his mouth with the napkin before throwing it back onto the plate, he stood up making his way to the doors. “Oh, one more thing,” he said, turning back around to look at me, “It was an honor to dine with you.” He smiled and bowed to me, I couldn’t move, I froze in my seat, mouth open with no words falling out. He turned back around and left me sitting there. I always had trouble breathing when the princess wasn't around but right now I can’t breathe at all.

-

You were turning down the hall, you couldn’t find something in your chambers and you were wondering if you left it in Jeno’s chambers. There you saw your father walking out of Jeno’s chambers, “daddy,” you called out to him.

“Darling,” your father opened his arms wide to welcome you.

“What are you doing leaving the prince’s chambers?” you asked practically side eyeing your father while you hugged him.

“We had lunch,” your father answered, too easily for your liking. Your father, the Modian King, is always strong but never innocent.

“Daddy,” you raised an eyebrow at your father, “what did you do?”

“I only talked with the prince,” your father was beginning to dismiss your accusations.

“Like when you ‘talked’ to Chan?”

“Me and Chan just talked,” your father said, getting defensive, as he recalled that night almost two years ago now.

“Telling someone ‘if you hurt my daughter I will reinstate the death penalty,’ is not just talking to them,” you shot back.

“Well the death penalty wasn’t reinstated now was it?” Your father gave you a look that told you that he felt he had done nothing wrong, "must be getting on my way dear, have a good day.”

You watched your father walk back down the hall, to wherever he pleased. Jeno's parents wanted to ensure your parents felt welcomed, so the were given access to roam the palace freely. You shook your head as you entered Jeno’s chamber, you saw him sitting behind his desk. His plate was still full of food, he looked up at you like, words couldn’t even describe. Jeno pushed himself out from his desk, off his chair taking long strides toward you. He picked up into a hug, taking a deep breath like he was coming up from water. He stayed quiet burying his head into your neck. “Jeno,” you whined out, he was all sweaty and rubbing it all on you. You opened your mouth to whine at him, but you bit your tongue when he didn’t initially respond to you. “Your highness?” you softly questioned now, wondering what had Jeno such in a daze.

“I’ve missed you,” Jeno said, finally putting you down.

You smiled up at the prince, “I saw you last night at dinner.” How badly could he miss you when he still sees you everyday?

“I know,” Jeno looked so fondly at you, it made your nerves calm, “but it feels like I can’t breathe without you.”

For the first time in a long time, you actually felt like you had something to live for other than your title. Something personal, and completely your own. You smiled at Jeno taking his face into your hands, “can you breathe now your highness?”

“Yes, yes I can,” Jeno smiled down to you. You offered Jeno a different type of peace, one that he didn’t realize he was longing for. The two of you take a moment to stare back at each other. All the two of you needed was a moment.

-

Sadly you couldn’t stay with Jeno like you wanted to. You felt like this week you barely got to spend any time with him. You were beginning to regret moving back to your own chambers, longing for his arms wrapped around your waist at night. Longing to feel his breath fan across your neck, longing to be the first one to see his sleep ridden face, longing to bask in the sunlight of his bedroom. Longing for just him. You were meeting with your mother and Queen Jaeyeon, in your own chambers. Your mother wanted to see you in the wedding dress before tomorrow.

After changing and standing in front of them, your mother was brought to tears at the sight of you, her crying almost made you cry. “My pretty pretty girl,” your mother spoke, coming up closer to you. She hugged you whispering in your ear, “thank you.” She pulled away before you could ask what she was thanking you for. Seeing the look she gave you questioned if you wanted to know why she was thanking you.

“We best be preparing for the rehearsal,” Queen Jaeyeon said. You nodded beginning to undress from the dress, your mother and Queen Jaeyeon left you to change. You looked in the mirror, the bruises were mostly healed that you didn’t wear makeup over it but you could still tell they were there. The sight no longer makes you shudder, instead making you feel nothing but pity. Pity for the girl, pity for Park Jisoo. Obviously you didn't agree nor understand her actions but you understood her anger. She had known Jeno since they were children, she dated him for years with the idea that they were going to be married. She was raised, born to be the princess and future queen. Yet here you were standing in what should have been her spot.

‘I’m the princess, I wear the crown, I have the power,’ and maybe in another life, Jisoo would be saying that to herself. The wedding rehearsal went by smoothly, Jeno had Taeyong, Mark, Haechan and Jaemin for the groomsmen. Your mother had some of your friends from home and other countries flown in to be bridesmaid, Jaemin seemed to be getting along well with Princess Chaerin of the Peshington Empire. You guys were standing around the cathedral having just finished going through the ceremony, Jeno holding you close. You looked up at the prince as he was talking with Taeyong, while having an arm wrapped around your waist pressing you up against him.

“Jeno,” you whispered softly, you wanted his attention but didn’t want to interrupt him.

Jeno looked down at you, almost like he could hear what you were saying before you said it. He turned back, ending his conversation with Taeyong, “yes princess?” He smiled down at you, and now you were at a loss for words.

The prince's kind smile, his soft eyes, the light reflecting perfectly on the bridge of his nose. You were at a loss for words, “hi,” being all you could come up with.

Jeno chuckled a little before he let out a breathy “hi.” A moment being all you needed, you and him stared at each other just for this moment.

“Get a room,” Haechan groaned looking at the two of you, causing the rest of the group to giggle.

Jeno looked back at you smirk, lacing your hands together and pulling you away to leave. Walking away from everybody, your face making an O-shape, while everyone else just gasped. Making it halfway down the aisle. Then both of your parents walked in, telling you all they were moving to dinner now. Jeno was wearing a smile for his parents and you, but you heard the little groan he let slip past. You giggled at the needy prince.

After dinner Jeno walked you back to your chambers, and bid you a goodnight. “No kiss goodbye?” you questioned the prince as he walked away.

Jeno turned back around, walking backwards now, “don’t tempt me princess, if I kissed you right now I wouldn’t be able to stop myself.” You smirked at the prince as you walked into your own chambers. Making your way to your bedroom, you couldn’t help but feel absolutely giddy. You never thought you would be so happy to be getting married.

-

The next morning you weren’t woken up but rather dragged out of bed and into the shower. Fei and Mei said that you need to shower, then eat some food then brush your teeth and then move to the queen’s drawing room to prepare for the wedding. When you made your way to the queen’s drawing room, there was already a swarm of people. You were pushed into a seat, as someone started to do your hair.

“Mei,” you whispered hoping she would hear you.

“Yes, your highness?” Mei bent down so you could whisper into her ear.

“Can you check on the prince for me?” Mei looked at you and smiled, she nodded her head and you watched her slip out of the room quietly. “Fei.”

“Yes, your highness?” Fei laughed a little when you called her.

“Where’s Chan and Hyunjin?”

“Right outside, standing guard, just like old times.” You smiled at the thought of Chan and Hyunjin being near.

“Thank you.” your nerves calmed a little. More people moved around you, Queen Jaeyeon directed the room, and your mother sat back on the couch enjoying the scene around her. You decided to take a deep breath and just let everyone do their job.

It took your hairdresser about an hour to do your hair, when they finished, they set your tiara on your head. You heard your mother and Queen Jaeyeon whispering out a ‘perfect.’ You were moved to change into proper undergarments for your dress. Which was nothing less than white lingerie, you covered up with a silk robe, before exiting again to be seated for someone to do your makeup.

“Your highness, how are you feeling?” The makeup artist asked before starting.

“I am just fine,” you felt a million and one things right now, none of it was fine though.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, your highness, but,” they looked down, not meeting your gaze,

“do you want me to cover those up?” They pulled up a hand mirror and showed you your neck.

You had completely forgotten about the altercation, not even having a moment to think. Most of the bruising had healed already but there were certain areas that were still obvious. “Yes, please,” you said, no longer looking at your reflection, “I don’t want anyone thinking about that today.”

“Of course your highness.'' The artist got straight to work, making light conversation here and there. You were grateful that they didn’t push on about the topic of your neck. You enjoyed the feeling of the makeup brushes moving across your face, the sound of people rushing back and forth, the peace you got. You couldn’t move a single face muscle, so no one bothered you to ask anything which was the best part of getting your makeup done.

It took about an hour and a half for the artist to do your face. “Dear,” Queen Jaeyeon called to you, “with everything that happened, you didn’t get your nails done, so sit here.” you sat and had two people come up to you. One girl worked on your hands, and the other did your feet. It seemed as if they set up a mini nail salon, while your makeup got done.

You were amazed at how fast the two girls moved to do your nails, your mother was getting her makeup done, while one of your bridesmaids was getting her hair done. You watched the two girls work on your nails, they moved back and forth in sync almost communicating telepathically. It took them nearly an hour to finish your nails, you peered at your phone taking note that the time was 2:34pm, the ceremony was due to start at 4pm.

After your nails, Fei and Mei helped you into your dress. The two of them went around, buttoning all buttons, tightening the corset, tying whatever needed to be tied, clipping any loose string. The wedding photographer entered just as you finished getting yourself set in your dress. The photographer snapped a few photos, while the hairdresser pinned your veil in your hair, then while your makeup artist touched up your lips. Then your mother came up to you, kissing your cheeks, there were tears in her eyes.

“My pretty pretty girl,” she smiled such a prideful smile at you, “I have something for you.” She summoned a maid, holding a box forward. She opened the box, to showcase a stunningly diamond necklace. The necklace had to be worth more than a single family house, “your great-great-great grandmother had it custom made for her wedding.”

Your mother personally placed it around your neck, you heard the click of the camera from the photographer. “It’s beautiful,” you told your mother, feeling at the necklace that weighed on your shoulders.

“And you will give it to your child or whomever your child marries, just as your grandmother gave it to me.” You hugged your mother, her embrace reminding you of all the times back home when you sought her comfort.

“I don't mean to interrupt,” Queen Jaeyeon interrupted, “but we must be getting on princess.”

“Of course,” you smiled, feeling overall giddy about the event to come.

-

Here I stood in the cathedral, wearing my white dress uniform with a cape that hemmed at my waist, crown on my head. The seats were all but empty, I couldn’t find a single empty space in the area.

“You ready?” Taeyong leaned in to ask.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Are these butterflies? My stomach twisting and turning in delight, no rest. I kept reminding myself to take deep breaths, just like all the times before she wasn’t here and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Just this time it was much worse, I felt like I was constantly gasping for air.

“Breathe, in through your nose, out through your mouth,” Jaemin said, hand on my shoulder, “she’ll be here before you know it.”

“Thanks.” Jaemin’s reassurances allowed me to breathe a little. I thought the princess was supposed to take my breath away when I’m with her, not take it away when I’m without her? Father Madrona, the new high priest, came up from behind me.

“It is an honor, your highness,” he shook my hand.

“Father, thank you for taking the position of high priest, I know you weren’t keen on how the job became available,” I responded back, Father Madrona didn’t like that I physically had the old high priest removed from his position.

“I don’t agree with your actions, but it would be dishonest of me to say I don’t understand,” Father Madrona reasoned, making his way back up the altar. “Everyone please take your seats, we are about to begin,” he announced.

Music began to play, in came the bridesmaids, several of the princess’ friends. Then came the princess’ mother, Queen of The Modia Kingdom, after her the music changed.

“Everyone please rise,” Father Madrona spoke out, every hundred or so people rose from their seats watching the doors.

In walked the flower girl, Kim Chaerin’s younger sister, Chaeyoung. After her the princess, with her father. I took one look at the princess, in her wedding dress, veil over her face, but still the most beautiful woman ever. The mere sight of her settling all butterflies, returning the oxygen to my lungs. I watched her every movement down the aisle, I wanted to cry at the thought that I would get to be married to her. There is no one in this entire world that I would rather spend my life with.

I shook hands with her father, accepting her hand, as she passed her bouquet to her maid of honor. I heard the priest speaking, I heard all the words, but nothing had my attention more than the princess.

“We are gathered here today to join the Crown Prince Lee Jeno of the royal Lee family of the kingdom of Northcy and the Princess (y/n) (l/n) of the royal (l/n) family of the Modia Kingdom in holy matrimony. Should anyone object to this union speak now or forever hold your peace.” Father Madrona spoke and I could’ve sworn I saw the princess’ parents give her a look.

“Do you Crown Prince Lee Jeno of the royal Lee family, take thee Princess (y/n) (l/n) or the royal (l/n) family, to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do,” I shall, and I will, forever, even beyond death.

“And do you, princess (y/n) (l/n) of the royal (l/n) family, take thee, Crown Prince Lee Jeno of the royal Lee family, to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do,” her voice sounded like honey silk.

“By the power vested in me, by the decree of this nation, I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.” That’s all I needed, I moved the veil away from the princess’ face, pulling her into a kiss. I felt her arms wrap around my neck going into my hair, having to pull away to breath. I leaned my forehead against hers and she smiled, that smile, that could conquer nations.

-

“Just now Crown Prince Lee Jeno, and his wife, the now Crown Princess of Northcy, (y/n) (l/n) have just been married, the two can be seen exiting the cathedral, hand in hand, wearing happy smiles. Everyone here at channel 6 news wishes the newlywed couple a happy and prosperous future. Back to you Daniel.” the news anchor spoke, reporting about the prince and princess’ wedding.

10 > epilogue

-------------------

Taglist: @floweronacloud @cookydream @nctstrawberrycow @marklexleaf @jvjsssnaa @thejeongjaehyun @thejungjaehyun @jackyeongljin @terjeno @tyongf-sunflower99 @tgnctzen131 @gooreumic

[julek]

julek… for the prompts, 15) things you said with too many miles between us……could it be geraskier modern AU *pleading cowboy emoji*

a sequel to this one | read on ao3

things you said with too many miles between us

“Hey,” Jaskier says to the tiny Geralt smiling at him from his phone. “Can you see me?”

“Yeah,” Geralt says. “Can you see me? Hear me fine?”

“Yeah,” Jaskier nods, and raises the volume a little bit more. “I miss seeing you and hearing you in real life, though.”

“This is real life, Jask.”

Jaskier rolls his eyes. “Is it, though? Wasn’t it Freddy Mercury who first doubted it?”

“Quite sure he wasn’t the first,” Geralt counters. “Ancient Greece philosophers, and all.”

“Mm. Anyway, I miss you. In real life.”

Geralt shifts in his spot. “I miss you too.”

This time, it’s Jaskier sitting in their half-lit living room, socked feet dangling from the dark green couch. Geralt is back in his hometown, helping Lambert finally pack his things up after years of him and Aiden trying their hardest to make long-distance work while Lambert’s job kept him from moving to the city. Now, he’s jobless, but free to finally move into his boyfriend’s house downtown, and Geralt’s been texting Jaskier pictures of Lambert’s definition of packing — which resembles trying to fit an ongoing tornado inside a cardboard box with a FRAGILE stamp on it — and documenting his increasing distress after realizing he has too much shit and that he needs to Marie Kondo the hell out of it. Lambert’s messy curls and Geralt’s laughter in the background as he lifted none of his fingers to help his little brother had kept Jaskier company for the weekend.

But Sundays always hit the hardest.

“How’s packing going?”

Geralt’s lips stretch into a grin. “We’re halfway done. Lambert keeps trying to steal things from Vesemir and hoping he won’t notice.”

“And has he gotten away with it?”

“Vesemir caught him sneaking his bedside lamp into a box,” Geralt says. “And also a whole set of glass Tupperware.”

“Oh, Lambert,” Jaskier says sympathetically. “Never go for the Tupperware.”

Geralt laughs. “That’s what I told him—”

“Whatever he’s telling you is a lie!” Lambert’s voice calls in the background, and Geralt rolls his eyes. “This fucker came all the way to just sit on his ass and take Vesemir’s side. I’m sending him back.”

Jaskier laughs, even though it squeezes at his heart a little bit. “I’ll gladly take him.”

“Sorry,” Geralt says, apparently waving Lambert off. “He’s just missing Aiden. It brings out the asshole in him.”

“Hey! I heard that.”

“You were supposed to, genius,” Geralt sneers, and turns to face Jaskier again. “Anyway— how was your day?”

Jaskier’s smile turns into something a bit softer, no longer hurting his cheeks. Sundays are always slow days for him — the impending start of the week looming over him, even more so now that Geralt won’t be there to start it with him, and the utter lack of inspiration for anything that isn’t laying on their bed and watching old reruns of his favorite sitcoms.

“Didn’t do much,” he admits with a small smile. “Went for a walk around midday — and I managed not to freeze my fingers off this time — and just stayed in bed until you called.”

Geralt hums. “Did you have anything to eat?”

Jaskier looks at the discarded Chinese food container on the coffee table. “Some of that leftover soup for lunch, and some takeout a while ago. I’m thinking of maybe baking some brownies.”

“Now?” Geralt asks with a chuckle.

“Yeah,” Jaskier replies. “I know it’s late, but I don’t know if I’ll be getting much sleep tonight anyway.”

Geralt’s face falls a little, and Jaskier immediately regrets telling him — he doesn’t want to make him feel bad for deciding to go and help Lambert, for visiting his dad for the weekend. He doesn’t want to be selfish like that.

“I mean,” Jaskier says quickly. “Because I took a long nap today. You know, a good old-fashioned three-hour nap in the middle of the afternoon, like a responsible, functioning adult.”

“Mm,” Geralt says, and his unconvinced tone reaches Jaskier’s ears despite the miles between them, despite Geralt’s spotty internet connection. “Maybe I can keep you company.”

“Oh?” Jaskier says. “How so?”

There’s a fond, heavy sigh on the line. “Well, Lambert here” —he points the camera to a Lambert-shaped lump hunched over a box on the floor, bright curls in a messy bun— “read an article somewhere—”

“I told you it was on a scientific journal!”

Geralt mouths whatever at Jaskier, making him giggle. “Anyway— he read that packing at night is more efficient. Because your mind is clearer because of the moonbeams, or something—”

“Don’t make it sound like it’s a whacky astrology thing. It’s not, Geralt. It’s— there’s proof. People packing in the woods at night took less time than people packing in broad daylight, and I think there’s something to be said about circadian rhythms and hibernation—”

Lambert’s voice fades out as Geralt moves to another room, carrying his phone so close to his face Jaskier can almost see the honey melting in his eyes. Gods, he misses him too much.

“So, anyway,” Geralt says, setting down on his childhood bed, the one with the soft mattress and the maroon quilt (Eskel’s first knitting project — a lovely disaster that Geralt treasures) on top of the covers. “I’ll be up. Maybe we could put a movie on, or something, and I can keep you company.”

Jaskier feels his chest fill with warmth at the gentle suggestion. Fuck, he loves Geralt too much — Geralt, who learned how to share his Netflix screen so they could still have movie night even on their nights apart; Geralt, who slowly but surely opened up to him, started sharing more of his life with him; Geralt, who takes pictures of road signs he finds funny just because he knows Jaskier will enjoy them; Geralt, who sends him videos of himself telling dad jokes but never getting to the punchline because he’s laughing too hard. Geralt, who is wearing one of Jaskier’s old shirts and has his hair up in a bun secured by the gummy-bear hair tie Jaskier got him for Valentine’s day; Geralt, who is so close Jaskier could feel his breath on his face, but so far that Jaskier has to yearn for his touch a little longer.

Geralt, who has a Jaskier-shaped room in his heart. Who fits the Geralt-shaped room in Jaskier’s.

Jaskier’s cheeks hurt from smiling again. “I love you a lot, you know that?”

He sees a faint blush on Geralt’s face the minute he turns shy. “I love you too,” he murmurs. “Can you turn on the lamp next to the couch?”

Jaskier does, smiling at his phone as golden light fills the space, the pink of his cheeks shining brighter. “There. What for?”

“Just wanted to see you.”

Jaskier’s heart does a little flip in his chest, and sets his phone a bit further away so he’s at the center of the frame. The frayed collar of his old t-shirt is peeking out from underneath his — Geralt’s — sweatshirt, an old one that used to be white but that is now a cream-colored beige thing, the block letters at the front faded with use and cold wash cycles. He’d washed his hair earlier, simply brushing his fingers through it, and it looks soft and fluffy in the golden light, falling in his eyes a little bit.

He wonders what it is Geralt sees, with that soft smile on his lips, that crinkle at the corners of his eyes.

“‘S not much,” he jokes, running his thumb on the cuff of his sweatshirt. “In all my Sunday evening glory.”

Geralt gives him a small smile. “My favorite.”

Jaskier ducks his head, embarrassed. He knows Geralt isn’t lying, and he knows Geralt loves him in every shape, shade, or color, but there’s something about seeing Jaskier in his clothes, looking comfortable and slightly rumpled that he knows Geralt just loves.

(He can’t hold it against him. He loves getting to see Geralt all disheveled and lazy, lounging around in nothing but a pair of sweatpants and maybe one of Jaskier’s crop tops).

“So,” Jaskier says, getting up and taking his phone with him. “I will go see about those brownies. Do you wanna choose a film?”

Geralt hums in agreement. “Anything you’re in the mood for?”

“Here’s what I’m not in the mood for: happy couples being in love and being happy. Together. Happily.”

Those he can only see tucked into his boyfriend’s side, laughing at the cheesy dialogue and the cliché of it all.

“Got it.” The Netflix da-dum booms in Geralt’s background as Jaskier starts gathering ingredients. “So… baking competitions?”

Jaskier pauses, cocoa powder in his hand, and smiles down at Geralt.

“You know me so well, love.”

[lubdubsworld]

The Devil’s Own.

Jungkook x OC

Mafia Au!

Warnings : Non-Con ! Manipulation, Degradation, Shitty hero with no redeeming Qualities you have been warned. ( i mean he does get better but not much.) 

Summary : Just Mob Boss Jungkook doing mob boss things. 

Chapter 1

“ Sign it. ”

I glared at him, feeling sick at the tone. The entitlement.

“No.” I said sharply and I could feel his anger swelling, morphing into something dangerous and deadly but I couldn’t care anymore. I was tired. Exhausted. This cat and mouse game had gone on , long enough. It wasn’t an even playing field, in any sense of the qword.

If today was the day I died, so be it. I would accept it. I would even welcome it.

I was done.

He had everything : an empire at his beck and call , enough money to pave the streets of Seoul in gold and an army of loyal associates behind him. His face was plastered on Billboards across the country , the President posted pictures of him on his fucking SNS and delegates from other countries had to wait weeks , just to get an appointment with the youngest billionaire South Korea had ever seen.

And yet none of those white collared dignitaries saw this side of him. The dirty, violent ruthless man who had more blood on his hands than anyone else in the country. My father’s. My brothers’.

Jeon Jungkook was both the most revered business man in the country and the undisputed king of Seoul’s criminal underbelly.

“You defiance only makes me want to break you in other ways Elena.” He said warningly and I felt my throat go dry. I stared at him, wondering how someone could look so expensively gorgeous and yet, like a hardened criminal.

The expensive silk shirt, the fitted slacks and the handmade shoes ought to clash with the dark ink that covered his entire arm and neck, the piercing on his eyebrow and the glint of metal on his tongue but it didn’t.

It just all came together to make him the most attractive man in existence.

I took a deep breath. Perhaps begging was the way to go?

“ You have my father’s company. You have my brother’s Hospital and you have the family mansion. It’s all yours. This bakery belongs to my mother. It’s all I have left of her. My sister in law is pregnant , due any day. She needs a place to stay and I don’t… I don’t have money to rent anywhere else.” I said desperately, thinking of the paltry wage I earned waiting tables. I could barely afford food for myself let alone for Jisoo and the baby on the way.

The bakery was abandoned but it had a roof. The furniture was crumbling but I could fix that. If I didn’t have to worry about rent, I could save up enough to make it livable. At least till I got a better job.

“I’ve offered you solutions for all of that.” He reminded me softly, eyes trained unblinkingly on me and I stared at him.

“I’m not going to be your whore.” I felt my voice shake.

He grimaced.

“You aren’t qualified to be my whore. And I don’t need one either. Whores are not my thing. I have a beautiful fiancée, don’t you remember? ” He grinned. I felt my heart ache because that fiancée was once my best friend. The only person I had trusted with my entire life. Lisa had betrayed my trust, had spied on my father’s operations and brought him down and I had the horrible, horrible inkling that she had also had something to do with my father and brother’s untimely death in a car crash.

But I couldn’t think about that. Every time I thought about her my heart broke and head spun, and I had to be at my maximum mental capacity if I was going to deal with her heartless fiancée.

“ If you ask me, you’re not fit for anything more than a back alley blowjob for a couple bucks. But Hoseok thinks you have potential. Join his agency, there are a lot of very wealthy men who have a bone to pick with your father. He made a shit ton of enemies. Most of them would love to fuck the defiance out of you. ”

His words felt like worms crawling all over my skin and I could feel the nausea churn inside me.

“I’m not signing the bakery over. You can call the creditors. I still have another year and half to pay the one remaining loan and they won’t come for me till then.” I felt my head begin to throb and Jungkook sighed.

“Suit yourself.” He stood up and I stayed still, watching his tall frame tower over me with ease. He gave me a small bitter smile. It was fraught with hatred and I stared back at him, knowing the emotion was probably mirrored in my gaze.

“Beautiful Elena. As pretty as the day you left me at the altar.” He smirked and I flushed.

“Your vengeance is petty and pointless and unfair…just like you.” I said angrily, frustration building u at his words. The way he talked about our broken engagement like it even mattered. It hadn’t even been real. We had hardly spoken and my father had called the wedding off at the last moment. But apparently, that had been the last straw for the Jeons. They had come after my father’s entire existence with a single minded intent to destroy him and they had succeeded. The man was dead . His two sons were dead.

But apparently it wasn’t enough.

Jungkook stared at me, slipping his hands into his pockets.

“Maybe. But it’s also deadly and potent. And it won’t rest until I see you reduced to nothing but a whore on the streets, spreading your legs for every man who can afford you.” He laughed. “ Saying no is a luxury , one that you’ll soon be unable to afford.”

I refused to be cowed, refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that his words scared me. Because they did.

They scared me so damn much.

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

“This bed is so lumpy… I’m so sorry, unnie..” I said apologetically but Jisoo shook her head quickly, palms cupping my face as I held her elbows, gently lowering her to the bed. I stared at her feet, feeling my heart race at how swollen they looked. That can’t be normal, a voice whispered and

I didn’t know if that was normal and I had no money to take her to a clinic. The social center we usually went to only allowed three visits per month and we had used it all up. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and spend the thirty thousand won it would take but that would mean no groceries for a week and surely bread and eggs wouldn’t stretch that long, even if I could sneak meals in the restaurant for myself.

“I’ve been feeling a little dizzy…I’ll just sleep.” She said tiredly. She was thirty six weeks along, not due for another four weeks but her blood pressure was erratic. Her lab numbers were oscillating and there had been talks of an emergency c section. Even with insurance it was way more than I could afford but I had my own jewelry, a few expensive trinkets from my teenage years. I’d been obsessed with diamonds and my father had indulged me and I had a pair of earrings left. I’d already sold the rest but this would take care of the medical bills for the birth itself.

“My shift starts in ten minutes. I have to go. Give me a call if you need anything…” I said softly and I saw the familiar blank and listless look come into her eyes. I knew she was depressed, dealing with grief and pregnancy and loss but there was nothing I could do for her. Nothing. I had applied for a bunch of other jobs but they never wrote back. It wasn’t easy, being rejected over and over again but it wasn’t like there was much else I could do. And the truth was I was resigned to this, accepted that at some point I would have to take more loans and be stuck in an endless cycle of debt for the rest of my life.

And I had made peace with that.

There was no future for me. And I was okay with just surviving.

If only Jungkook would let me.

Apparently, watching me wipe down greasy tables and mop up floors and toilets trying to earn just enough to get a few square meals didn’t soothe his anger. It only fueled it. Jungkook couldn’t fathom that it had been six whole months of me on the streets of Seoul and I wasn’t completely destitute yet. I’d kept myself and my sister in law alive, safe and it pissed him off.

He wanted to see me broken and on my knees, begging him for help. The idea of me somehow surviving despite him taking everything away from me, it just didn’t sit well with him.

I couldn’t afford to have him as an enemy so all I could really hope was that one day he would wake up and give up. One day he would just wake up and decide that I wasn’t worth it.

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

When I walked into my shift and noticed a familiar pair of high heeled Louboutins , completely out of place in my seedy place of employment, I knew I was in trouble. Lisa sat against one of the booths and her gaze was fixated on the door which meant she was waiting for someone. And when her eyes narrowed at the sight of me, I just knew I was the someone.

She wants to get me fired.

It wasn’t rocket science and I felt the urge to turn right back around and leave.  But I tamped down on it. I could get through this. I would get through this. Lisa and Jungkook got off on invoking reactions and I wouldn’t give them that.

Except it wasn’t that easy.

It was a nightmare, watching her demand and reject and walk all over me but the sleeplessness from the past few days made spacing out easier and I just stared away at the wall as she yelled and complained and made a scene.

“You’ve stopped fighting? Finally giving up? Good…” She hissed when the manager apologized to her and told me to meet him after my shift and I felt myself tremble in indignation.

“I won’t fight you or Jungkook, you and I both know I can’t afford to.” I said quietly and she went still, something flashing in her eyes for a second. It was gone before I could fully process it but it had been there. Guilt.

Lisa wasn’t a terrible human. She had been a dear friend. We had grown up together and she had even hugged and teased me when I’d been betrothed to Jungkook, all those years ago. I had been twenty back then, naïve and spoiled. While Jungkook had taken my father’s entire legacy apart, piece by piece, Lisa had been nothing more than a pawn. I remembered all the times I had let her home, how she would disappear for lengths of time.

Planting bugs all over the house. All over his office. Jungkook had been smart. Someone like Lisa, so fascinated by thr wealth she had grown up around would naturally jump at the idea of more. It wasn’t greed. It was human nature. And with her help he had destroyed everything my father had built over decades.

I shuddered. My father hadn’t been a good man. He had been greedy, yes. But he hadn’t deserved to die. And Jungkook would have to pay for that sin, someday.

“There’s a job waiting for you in Hoseok’s club.” She smiled cruelly , “ you don’t need this one.”

“The fact that you want to take it away from me, tells me that maybe there’s nothing left in you save.” I said blankly and she turned her nose up at me.

“I have Jungkook. I don’t need to be saved.”

I shook my head. She was so naïve. Men like Jungkook cared for nothing but themselves. But I wondered if women like her didn’t care for anything but the money that came with being his. Money was precious, I thought bitterly. I’d never realized how privileged I had been until I’d had it all ripped away.

“He’s the one you need saving from. And one day you’ll realize that.” I shrugged, not in the mood to offer her anymore life advice.  If she was alright with being a trophy wife in exchange for a few pretty shoes that was her prerogative.

Before she could reply,  my phone rang.

“Hello?” I asked nervously and I felt my heart drop to my knees when I heard who it was.

I turned on my heel rushing inside and my manager gave me a look of surprise.

“ My sister..she’s… she’s sick. I need to go.” I said desperately and his eyes narrowed. It was the worst timing. He was already annoyed because of Lisa and I stared in disbelief as he quickly shook his head.

“No. I’m sorry Elena…I just can’t let you leave like that…” He said sharply.

It was so unfair.

“I haven’t taken a single day off in five months…” I said desperately..” Please, she’s pregnant..She needs me, she-“

“If you leave, you won’t have a job to come back to. I can’t do this.. First you make trouble with a customer and now you just want to walk out in the middle of your shift without any notice…”

“Fine. Fire me.” I snapped, because I’d just had enough of it. I was exhausted, and tomorrow I’d go knocking on some other tore and I’d get a job. I lived in Seoul …How hard could it be? For now, I had to get to Jisoo. I had to get the hospital and things would be okay.

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

It wasn’t okay.

“I… You want to keep her in? So soon?”

“Her blood pressure is through the roof. There are signs of severe pre eclampsia and we want to get her started on a magnesium drip. Steroids to help the baby’s lungs incase we need to deliver…”

“Deliver..?” I couldn’t breathe.

“Yes, I’m sorry…. If her blood pressure doesn’t come down we’re going to have to deliver.”

I nodded, glancing at the bed where Jisoo was sleeping, her face swollen and I knew that she was sick. Really sick. She looked pallid and ill.

“Is she going to be okay?” I asked hoarsely.

“We’re going to do what we can… But I’m going to be honest, we’re looking at a c section, a lot of meds and also some time in the NICU for the baby…. Can you afford it? Your sister’s insurance only covers 80% .”

I blinked, completely thrown. White noise rushed through my ears,  a dull throb settling right at the base of my skull and beginning to spread all the way to my arms and back. It was panic mixed wth anxiety mixed with despair and I couldn’t quite cope. The earrings wouldn’t cover all that.

“Oh… Oh..yeah.” I said dully, “ Of course I can… Let me just…. Can I have a moment? There’s somethings I need to do.”

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

I carefully slipped the cash into the envelope, swallowing as I sat on the pavement. I’d got another call from the hospital, they had administered the steroids but Jisoo’s condition seemed to be worsening. They wanted to try inducing labour soon but they wanted me to pay for the room and for the medicines, and apparently, the earrings weren’t as valuable as I thought they were.

I fought nausea wrapping arms around myself as I stared at the cars whizzing by, the putrid city air clogging my lungs as I tried to come to terms with what was happening. Jisoo needed help. She was the only one left and she carried my brother’s son. I felt my throat clog when I thought of Daehwan. He had been a good guy. I had loved him. It wasn’t fair, what Jungkook had done to my family, I thought miserably .

And the only reason I wasn’t driven by vengeance or anger was because I was nothing like Jungkook. I hated him. I didn’t want him to live in my head, didn’t want to waste any part of myself on him , not even my anger. But it was hard when he wouldn’t let me breathe, always at my heels like a wolf : jaws snapping and blood thirsty eyes trained on me at all times. I couldn’t fathom his obsession sometimes. Surely, his hatred was uncalled for now? He’d taken everything from me anyway.  

There was a dull roaring in my ears, one that said that this was not really a surprise. I’d thought about it way too often, had considered it countless times. Had even spent one absolutely horrifying evening scouring the streets of Seoul’s red light district just to see how sex workers behaved.

I’d also realized that in the face of desperation, dignity didn’t hold much value.

You are going to pay your debts on your back and on your knees.

The first time Jungkook had thrown it at my face, eyes glinting with glee, my stomach had rebelled so hard. I’d been absolutely infuriated, had thrown a vase at him. And it had been awful,  watching him catch it out of the air with ease, his mocking laughter making my bones rattle as he shook his head, “ That’s how this ends, Elena. Mark my words.”

And it was pitiful ,  that he went through life so consumed with hatred and vindictive cruelty that he couldn’t leave me alone . He was pathetic. That’s how I saw him. A pathetic child who refused to stop tormenting the helpless ant on the floor although it was no match for his cruelty.

At some point Jungkook was going to win. And his idea of winning was seeing me stripped bare of the one thing that kept me alive : my freedom.

It had just happened sooner than I’d thought.

Because I knew what it would mean, to go to Hoseok. He would own me. Hoseok’s whores were all slaves, tangled in his web so badly that there was no hope of escape. He wasn’t cruel but he was smart. No one left the his ‘ agency’ once they went in. I would be lost, forever. And I couldn’t stomach it.

I stared at my knees, fists clenched on the fabric of my skirt. I grabbed my phone, scrolling through the contacts. I considered it carefully. I had to do this on my terms. Had to make sure I retained some sort of control here.

And I knew just how to do it.

Hoseok picked up on the third ring.

“Hello.”

“I need help.” I croaked out.

The deep chuckle made my skin crawl.

“Elena Gong. What a wonderful, wonderful surprise. What can I do you for?” He drawled.

“Well sweetheart, I’m all out of charity so you’re going to have to make it worth my while.”

I took a deep breath.

“I’m a virgin.” I whispered.

The line went completely silent.

“What?” The amusement in his voice died.

“You heard me and I’ll let you cash in on it. I’ll let you auction it off…” I tamped down on the burning protest in my lung, the screaming inside my head that said it was horrifying, that I was considering this. “ But only if you keep my terms.”

“What makes you think you have a say in that.” He said sharply and I laughed.

“I belong to your world, Hoseok. Did you forget that we were friends, once.” I whispered and he didn’t reply.

Laughter, kindness, a big brother I could always count on, hobi oppa, nine year old me with my fingers curled around his wrist as we ran all around the gardens , a smile so wide that he could spread sunshine on the gloomiest days. Different from Jungkook and Namjoon and Yoongi and the others. Willing to include a ‘ girl’ in his playtime. Lisa and I the only girls, not even fazed watching as the rest of them wielded toy guns and mock interrogation scenes, pretending to kill and maim and torture because that was the world we were born into.

“We’re not friends, Elena. Let’s get that straight. The only part of you that holds any value to me is th part between your legs. So tell me, what do you want.”

“When was the last time you auctioned off someone’s virginity? You know how much money you can make off something like that. Not just from the sale itself but from the entire night. Your club… Your gaming hell…. All of it.”

“You expect me to believe you’re a virgin. At twenty seven.” He scoffed.

“Put the word out, everywhere. If you find one man who says he’s slept with me , I’ll back off.”

“That would require me to tarnish your  family name. And you’re alright with that?”

I smiled biotterly.

“Isn’t that what you and your precious Jungkookie want? To see the last living Gong, be labeled as a whore and a slut.”

He didn’t reply.

“I’ll give you that. You can do it… You know that will only interest more people. As Jungkook so eloquently put it, most of them would love to fuck the defiance out of me.”

“What’s the catch. What do you want. ”

“2 billion won.”  I said firmly “It will be one night. One night only and I want enough money to pay off every one of my father’s debts, to get me an apartment for my sister in law and to support her and her baby for a year at least.”

“Done.” He said without missing a beat and I went still. What must it be like, to throw around money like that without a care in the world. And it sickened me that Jungkook was probably ten times as rich as Hoseok , the money my father owed him and his associates not even pocket change in comparison to his gargantuan wealth and yet, he stayed on my heels, snapping his jaws like a dog with a bone.

“And Jungkook doesn’t get to watch.” I said softly, knowing exactly what Jungkook would get off on.

That made Hoseok laugh.

“You know him too well. I keep forgetting he was madly in love with you once.”

I resisted the urge to vomit. Jungkook didn’t know love. He knew ownership. He didn’t love me, he thought he owned me. That I was his to play with…. For the rest of his life. And when my father had denied him that, just like a toddler in a toy store being denied a shiny toy to break and trample on, he had thrown a temper tantrum.

Except his tantrums always ended in death and destruction.

“That’s the deal. He doesn’t turn up there to gloat.”

“He’s heading out to Switzerland for a week , two days from now.” Hoseok said evenly.

“Good then. My sister in law…she “ I swallowed. “ She’s in a hospital in Yongsan. I’ll send you the address.”  

“I’ll take care of it. But I want you here tonight. I’m not going to drop a couple billion won on your head without making sure I’m getting my money’s worth. And I can’t have you changing your mind and bolting either. My reputation is on the line here. If I put out the word that I’m serving something so fucking delicious and then back out, they’re not going to want to buy Hobi’s wares anymore. You understand what I’m saying darling?” Hoseok drawled and I knew exactly what he was saying. If I agreed to this, it was blanket consent for him to whatever he wanted.

“I won’t back out. I can’t. But this is one night. One night with whichever bastard you choose and that’s it. I want out.  I don’t want you or Jungkook hounding me again. Ever.” My voice shook as I dug my fingers into my knees.  

“My men will be there in ten minutes. Sit tight, princess.”

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

I stared at Hoseok as he carefully poured me a finger of whiskey, neat. He gave me a smirk and I shrugged.

“you remember.” I said casually, throat itching because it had been way too long since I’d had quality alcohol. I missed the burn,  the warmth , the numbness that followed.

“Of course I do. You could drink all of us under the table with little effort. It was spectacular.” He laughed and I leaned back against the couch, letting my head fall back.

“I was half certain that you would have a doctor around to make sure I’m a virgin.” I stared at him and he shrugged. “ Pointless. You’re twenty seven, you’ve probably had stuff up there anyway… Not like your hymen’s still going to be intact.”

I thought it was rather horrifying, that I didn’t feel nearly as mortified as I should. This was how Hoseok talked, matter of fact and open and that was why he was so popular. Anytime an important person came into the country, Hobi was the one who offered entertainment for the night. Hobi’s girls were always the prettiest, most well behaved and perfect. They were educated, knew what they were talking about and he didn’t force them into the life. They loved it, enjoyed it and it showed.

Not to say he was a saint.

Far from it.

Hoseok knew how to dine with kings in castles  but also how to wrestle with  swine in the gutter. The seedy brothels in Seoul’s back alleys were his as well, and he ruled his kingdom with an iron hand. The prostitutes there feared him, one look or word enough to silence any rebellion, any thought of escape.

He was called Hope. And yet somehow that was exactly what he denied the women under him. There was no hope here. There was only lust and power and money. You came to Hobi…. You never left .

I took the glass he offered, taking a small sip, savoring the taste.

“But you believe me. I wonder why.” I watched him closely and he scoffed.

“Between your father and Jungkook, no one ever really had the pluck to come anywhere near you  did they?”

Undisputable.

I sighed, leaning back to stare at him.

“Do you think dying hurts?” I asked softly.

It was frightening, how his entire body went stiff, eyes wide and jaw dropping.

“Elena, what the fuck-“

“Its just a question. You’ve killed people. You’ve watched them die… how do you think they feel?” I asked , curious.

“None of them wanted to die. If that’s what you’re asking.” The look in his eyes made me nervous.

I stared at him and the question was obvious. None of them wanted to die, but do you?

I didn’t.

“I’m not thinking of killing myself , oppa.  Stop looking so horrified.” I laughed. He shook his head.

“ Don’t joke about that. It’s not fucking funny.”

I sobered up, remembering with a jolt. Ah, of course.

“I’m sorry. I forgot.” I said quietly.

Hoseok’s little sister had killed herself when I was seventeen. She was a year older than me and her father had lost her in a wager to a seventy year old man, known for torturing his bedmates. She had heard the news, taken a deep breath and taken a deep dive off the seventeeth floor of the condo where she lived with her mother.

I’d been engaged to Jungkook by then. And I had almost wanted it. Jungkook wasn’t old at least… twenty one to my seventeen.

“Just so you know, he’s going to find out. And he’s not going to like it.”

I shrugged. Three years is a long time to be preyed upon and now my mind was resigned to a life of being hunted. Hoseok was right. Jungkook would find out and he wouldn’t like it.

Good.

“I don’t care what he does anymore. All I care is that Jisoo and the baby are left out of whatever plans he has…. If you promise me you’ll keep them safe , I’ll cooperate.”

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

It was a baby boy.

I stared, fingers itching to hold the baby but it was impossible, the little one whisked away to the NICU right after with respiratory distress and Jisoo had gone into a seizure, eyes rolling back into her eyes.

She as alright now, resting in a VIP room with the best care money could buy. Hoseok had asked me if I was happy with the arrangements, and if I would name the boy after him.

I stared at the room, large and breezy and filled with flowers and gifts, toys and baby stuff and I knew right then that I had sealed my fate. I was going to have to go through with this. I could imagine how much Jisoo would protest when she came to her senses. The only relief was that it would take her a few days to be good enough to fight or protest. But then this would all be over and done with.

Jungkook would leave this afternoon. His flight was at three.

I would reach the club at five. The patrons would arrive at seven.

One night, I reminded myself , staring at the gentle rise and fall of Jisoo’s chest as she slept, my fingers playing with the soft skin on her wrist. The IV line went through her veins and I watched the gentle drip of it.

One night.

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

I didn’t know how auctions happened and while I’d been prepared for the worst kind of humiliation,  Hoseok assured me that he wasn’t going to make me stand naked on some podium or something.

“Generally, I would do something like that simply for the flair of it but consider this a favor ….a respite because you were, as you said, once a friend.” He gave me an even smile and I could only nod in mute relief.

I was grateful. Beyond grateful.

And what was more, he hadn’t told anyone, who I was.

That stunned me. Because wasn’t that the selling point? The murderous, greedy mob rat Gong Hyo Suk’s only daughter forced to spread her legs for one lucky stranger? If Hoseok had cashed in on that he would have made a fortune. But he hadn’t. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Would , whoever it was be upset if he recognized me?

I was led to a bedroom, large and tastefully decorated with silky satin sheets and dark curtains and dim lighting that lit up parts of the room and left other parts plunged in darkness. Hoseok had told me to wear whatever I wanted and I realized with a pang that he really didn’t see this as some sort of transaction. He was trying to make it as easy as possible without making any decisions for me. Offering me choices and options and some illusion of being in control.

I didn’t have anything fancy so it was just a dress shirt that I borrowed from Hoseok. I’d left the underwear off, eager to merely get the whole thing over with. I felt a sudden overwhelming urge to laugh out loud.

If Jungkook were here he really would have lost his damn mind, simply because of how little this whole thing affected me. And that was it, really. He was always desperate for a reaction.

Earlier when this whole thing had started, I’d obliged him with that. I would scream, rant and yell….launch myself at him like a wildcat, scratching at him , fists flying  and it was obscene, how much he seemed to enjoy that. He would press me up against walls and tables , fingers choking the breath out of my lung, just so he could see me struggle and push back.

He fed off from every negative reaction I offered him and it had taken me a long long time that the way to beat him was to become passive, unresponsive. I would go limp in his arms, stare at him blankly as he tried to manhandle me and that…that had pissed him off. Because that meant I wasn’t playing his game anymore.

If the prey wasn’t playing, the game wasn’t fun anymore. It was drab.

Boring.

And I knew that Jungkook kept raising the stakes, kept tightening the noose around my neck….just to bring that girl out again. The one that had wanted to put up a fight . The one that wanted to mouth off even with the muzzle of a gun pressed against her head. The one who would spit in his face in front of all his associates, even if it earned her a vicious strike of his hand across her face.

I shuddered. They weren’t memories I liked reliving.

Well, if that was who he wanted, I’d make sure he would never see her again.

The door opening made me jump and Hoseok came in , with a wide grin on his face.

“Baby…. Your guest for the night.” He said softly and I peered over his shoulders, my heart and mind grinding to a halt when I caught sight of what had to be the most breathtakingly beautiful man on the face of the planet.

I felt my heart begin to pound, fear taking over because this wasn’t okay. Not really. I was okay with old, creepy and disgusting , not able to get it up for more than ten minutes.

I wasn’t okay with someone who looked like they stepped right out of the latest issue of GQ.

Hoseok left quickly, closing the door behind him and the man stepped into the light, the brightness lighting up his perfect features even more. I felt my throat go dry, and fought the urge to get up and run. Growing up as the daughter of a mobster , I’d learned how to trust my instincts over appearances.

And right now, every single one of those instincts screamed at me that this man was absolutely dangerous.

“Well, you are beautiful. I’ll give you that. “ He said casually.

“Thank you.” I said stiltedly, watching as he tugged on his tie, pulling it off his neck deftly . Instead of tossing it aside , he wrapped it a bunch of times around his wrist over and over as he smiled at me.

“Don’t thank me yet. The only reason I like beautiful things is because of how easily they break.” He smiled.  “ I haven’t been with a virgin in a while…. I miss the screams.”

And there it was the full blown panic that came with stark terror. I crawled back on the bed, staring as he moved closer and there was no mistaking the look on his face, the harsh grip of his hand on my ankle telling me that I was going to regret every one of the choices that led me here.

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

“Hoseok wasn’t at the airport.” Jungkook observed casually, glancing at Yoongi as the latter finished cleaning his gun carefully, eyes fixed on his weapon with utmost concentration.

“He’s holding some sort of auction tonight. Some chick …” Yoongi said casually and Jungkook hummed. It was not the kind of thing he was interested in. Anonymous bids were often boring : actresses or female idols past their prime, desperate to make some money to survive. He had no interest in those but he was a little peeved that Hoseok hadn’t told him anything about it.

Hoseok was one of Jungkook’s most trusted friends. He was almost as powerfully rich as Jungkook and the only reason Jungkook reigned supreme was because Hoseok had no interest in challenging him for the throne. Hoseok was dangerous and cunning and loyal and Jungkook was grateful to have him on his side and he had hoped to see him before leaving. Just to ask him to keep an eye on Elena.

He grimaced, hating himself.

God, he couldn’t go two hours without thinking of her. It fucked with his head, the amount of space she took up inside him. Jungkook , for all his wealth and power, was driven solely by his need to prove himself. He wanted to be powerful and terrifying yes, but more than that , he wanted people to know.

He wanted people to look him in the eye and acknowledge him for what he was : the most dangerous man in the country. He liked seeing that fear, that worship, that admiration. He got off on it. He wanted it , craved it and for some reason he craved it more from her , than anyone else.

And instead of giving him what he wanted, instead of begging on her knees for mercy, instead of licking his shoes and begging for him to let her live….she ignored him. She looked at him with defiance and pride, her chin straight and her back unbending, her gaze locked right on him like she was his fucking equal….

And Jungkook, he’d taken a lot of insults. Taken more than his fair share of hits in life …..

But when she looked at him like that , like he was something stuck to the bottom of her shoe….

Fuck it drove him wild with fury.

It made him want to teach her a fucking lesson, to remind her that he owned her because he owned everything. To break her down, snuff out the flames of defiance that burned so bright in those ember eyes… Take her into his bed and brand her with his body. Till she was on the floor, on her knees covered in his spit and cum begging for mercy….

Because no one looked at Jeon Jungkook like that and lived to tell the tale..

“Seokjin’s here. Landed in Korea a couple of hours ago. ” Yoongi said casually and Jungkook smiled a bit at that. He loved his older brother, technically a step brother and growing up he had only saw him when he visited his mother in China. That meant a couple of months a year and now as adults,  a bit more often because Seokjin loved Jungkook and liked to visit him often.

Seokjin was a celebrity trainer, working with actors and athletes and he did a good amount of modeling as well. He was rich,  handsome and well liked and the only thing that gave away the Jeon blood in him was the fact that he was a sexual sadist.

The face of an angel with a devilish streak, he had a penchant for sadism and inflicting pain on his partners and while Jungkook didn’t particularly enjoy indulging him, he knew there were women who were into that and usually had them arranged for when Seokjin dropped by in Korea. His hyung’s visit seldom lasted more than a few weeks at a time and it was a pity that he would miss out one whole week of it .

But the issue in Switzerland was a little pressing and Jungkook had to be there in person to sort it out.

He leaned back against the seat, staring out of the window, sighing.

“An unsullied dove ….What the fuck is this shit..” Yoongi muttered and Jungkook turned, curious.

“What?”

“Hoseok’s been hyping up some new girl for the auction and Seokjin hyung’s bidding on her.”

Jungkook laughed at that.

“Jungkook…..” Yoongi’s voice is completely stunned, his eyes confused as he looks up at Jungkook.”  Its Elena.”

Jungkook’s thought process came to a grinding halt.

There’s a sound between his ears, a dull rushing sound like the wind in a storm and he can’t quite comprehend what he just heard. Even Namjoon who had been buried in his laptop , looked up then, tugging an airpod out of his ear.

“Wait…did you say Elena?” His eyes were wide , lips parted in shock. Yoongi and Namjoon exchanged glances, no doubt bracing themselves for the explosion that was to follow.

Jungkook took a deep breath.

“Turn the fucking plane around.”

That jolted Namjoon out of his stunned stupor..

“Turn-? Jungkook what…. We’re on a fourteen hour flight-“ Namjoon began but the look on Jungkook’s face made him stop.

“DID I FUCKING STUTTER?”

Namjoon swore.

“Fucking hell… alright just calm the fuck down, Jesus…just put a fucking bullet in that girl’s head and spare us all the headache fuck…” He growled, unbuckling his seat belt and rushing to the cockpit and Yoongi groaned.

“ Let me guess you want me to get in touch with someone in Seoul and ask Hoseok to hold off on letting Seokjin near her…”

Jungkook glared at him.

“If you already know that why the fuck are you still here…” He growled and Yoongi gave him a look.

“Just tell her you’re in love with her and let us live, Jeon Jungkook.”

In love….. what the fuck….

He glared at Yoongi’s back, his asinine words making him madder. God he wanted to crush someone’s skull into dust with his bare hands.

And right now, in his head , that skull belonged to Jung fucking Hoseok.

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

 “What just happened?” I asked, frantic staring at the door as Hoseok’s men casually led a fuming Seokjin away while the man himself stared at me, looking pale as parchment.

“ Jungkook found out.” He said shortly and I felt my heart drop although I was half relieved because there had been something insane in Kim Seokjin’s gaze when he’d reached for me , a cruel glint of hunger that told me he would have hurt me really badly if Hoseok hadn’t barged into the room , frantic and worried.

He had given Seokjin a wide smile and then, “ I’m so sorry. We were waiting on her blood results and turns out she has a…. well, certain occupational disease that is very infectious.”

Seokjin’s mouth had dropped open even wider than mine.

“I thought she was a fucking virgin.” He had snapped, and I flinched at how cold and furious he had sounded.

But apparently there was a reason this whole thing had happened.

“What do you mean Jungkook knows? What does that mean?” I asked frantically, fear taking over.

“ He’s heading back here… He wants to see you.”

I felt my entire body go ice cold as I shook my head…

“No…fucking no bring Seokjin back here , he can fuck me that was the fucking deal, Hobi, please don’t../…”

“Elena , I’m so fucking sorry.. Seokjin…he’s fucked in the head…. He likes hurting his whores, likes making them bleed and he would have fucking destroyed you…”

I gaped at him horrified.

“What?!” I hissed shaking my head in disbelief.

“He’s Jungkook’ stepbrother. I’ve arranged whores for him before, I knew he was a little crazy but I’d never seen him before and I didn’t know he was the Kim Seokjin…fuck he outbid everyone and fucker looks like a fucking angel, how the fuck was I supposed to know he’s unhinged? Thankfully, I messaged Yoongi and …. Fuck… Listen… I know I paid for your sister’s surgery but you’re going to have to pay me back….”

I felt my body convulse in rebellion.

“I can’t.. You know I fucking can’t…”

“I can’t make an enemy out of Jungkook…. I can’t.” Hoseok shook his head. “ You can get out of here now if you want but I’d advise you to stay. If you run it’s only going to make Jungkook angrier.”

“WHAT DID I FUCKING DO TO HIM?!!!” I screamed, feeling my composure crumble into smithereens. “WHAT THE FUCK DOES HE WANT FROM ME?!!”

Hoseok flinched, stepping back and holding his hands up.

“Whether I want to or not, I answer to Jungkook.  I shouldn’t have done this in the first place , I’m sorry Elena.” He shook his head and stepped back like the coward that he was and I wanted to hurt him. To shake him and ask him to fucking remember who I was. That I had nothing to do with my father’s sins . That I had been a fucking marionette in his hands, had wanted nothing more than to be left alone.

I stared at him in disbelief.

“So much for being a friend…” I whispered.

His jaw tightened. But he didn’t look guilty. None of them ever did. It was like guilt didn’t exist in their world. They did what they wanted to whoever they wanted , whenever they wanted and they got away with it because that bastard’s word was law. What Jeon Jungkook wanted, he got.

“I’ll get your clothes sent in.”

I watched him leave, the door slamming shut behind him and sagged against the bed, staring at myself. What had just happened?

Was I born to endless misery and misfortune?

Couldn’t I catch a fucking break?

I’d agreed to sell myself hadn’t I? Would have even let Seokjin hurt me if that was what he wanted. Because it was one night. It was one night of this…whatever the hell this was and then freedom. That was the deal.

The door opened again and I stared as a young girl brought me a pile of my clothes neatly folded.

“Do you work here?” I said sharply.

She blinked before bowing her head.

“Yes, mistress.”

I scoffed.

“Don’t call me mistress , I’m here to get fucked, just like you. Tell me does Jungkook ever use the women here.” I demanded.

She looked trapped, glancing at the door, clearly wanting to run .

“Tell me.” I snapped and she flinched.

“I..uh..yes. Sometimes.” She said softly.

“Can you tell whoever fucks him next to kick him in the fucking balls?”

The girl bowed deeply and all but ran out and I sighed, feeling myself shaking. Jungkook was on the way here and I wanted to yell and scream and rave at him but I knew that was exactly what he wanted. I wanted to deny him the satisfaction …wanted to act all cool and composed in front of him but it was impossible…

Because I hadn’t realized just how tired I was of this whole thing, till right this moment, when the end had been in sight. I was supposed to get my two billion won pay off all the debt , give Jisoo the rest of the money and disappear. I was so tired, so tired of this life I’d gotten trapped into, slaving over for hours on end just to afford a couple of meals a day. No friends, no boyfriends, no hope of a future …..

The door banged open and I jumped, crawling back when I recognized the man who had just entered.

“Yoongi-“

“Jungkook wants to see you.” He ground out and I swallowed.

“I need to get dressed. Please just wait outside.” I said shakily.

And then the door opened further and a tall looming shadow stepped in familiar and vomit inducing.

Jungkook looked livid, piercing glinting through the dimply lit room and I stared at him. He was dressed in a tight black t shirt, he sleeves stretched thin over his biceps and the tattoos stark against his skin.

“Leave us.” He said softly and Yoongi moved away to the door leaving me alone with the devil himself. I cursed myself for not putting at least my panties on, I was naked underneath this shirt and although it was big it left nothing to the imagination.

Jungkook’s eyes raked over my form before resting on my face.

“You think you’re smart enough to outsmart me, Elena?” He whispered softly.

I swallowed.

“Send you brother back in. He can fuck me and I’ll pay you back.”

Jungkook hummed, stepping closer and grabbing my clothes from the bed, he grabbed the plain white bra and the pastel pink underwear and then to my complete and utter mortification he brought the clothing up to his face, breathing in .

“Fucking pervert!!!” I screamed, feeling the action like a physical touch and wanting to claw his eyes out and the smirk on his face told me that this was exactly what he wanted but I was too fucking gone to care.

“If you want me to be a whore, fine. I’ll be a whore. But on my terms…” I spat out and he shook his head, laughing.

“I don’t just want you to be a whore, Elena. I want everyone to know that you are one…” He dropped my clothes and moved closer, holding a hand out. “ Come here.”

I stared at the inked fingers, adorned with sterling silver rings and bracelets with the motifs of his gang. I shook my head.

“No. I’m not playing this game with you.” I turned my face away.

His hand shot out gripping my upper arm with enough strength to bruise and I screamed, agony shooting up my arm and shoulders as he dragged me off the bed and onto the floor. I landed hard, hips and elbows bruising from impact and I stared at him in disbelief.

“I’ve been to gentle with you. You’ve forgotten your fucking place.” He bent over and grabbed me by my hair, yanking me to my feet so hard that it felt like my scalp had been ripped away from my skull.

“Okay…okay…Okay Jungkook..just…!!” I said softly, flinching because my pain tolerance was almost zero and Jungkook’s grip was so hard that my eyes were beginning to water now. He let me go, grabbing my panties off the floor and tossing them at me.

“I’m going to count to five. Put those on and get out.”

He walked out of the door and I stumbled a little fumbling with the fabric before quickly, slipping my legs in and yanking it up to my waist. I made to put on something else but his voice came, loud and impatient.

“Get the fuck out here.”

I walked out of the door and he was standing there next to Hoseok. I couldn’t meet either of their gazes , hating how they had so much power over my life. I stared at the floor. It was tempting to yell at them and scream but that never led anywhere.

“ I’ve asked them to stop the payment on the Hospital bill. Seeing as Elena hasn’t kept her end of the bargain.”

I felt my breath hitch at that, willing down the tears as I glared at him.

“What do you want?” I snapped. “ Tell me who you want me to fuck…. I’ll do it. Let’s get this over with so you can go back to whatever sewer you fucking climbed out of. ….”

Hoseok’s breath caught like he couldn’t believe what I’d just said and the look in his eye was a warning but I was sick of this. Sick of them all.

Jungkook turned to Hoseok with a laugh.

“You see hyung? See why I can’t let her go? If I let her scot free, everyone’s going to think I’m a pushover….that any worthless bitch can talk to me any way she wants and get away with it….” He shook his head, staring at me with a glint in his eye. “ I’m not going to choose. They are. You think you can charm your way into Hoseok’s heart and get special treatment? You think you’re ready to be a whore, Elena? Let me show you how a real whore gets treated in Hoseok’s club.”

He gripped my wrist, yanking me behind him as he stalked off down the narrow corridor that opened up into the club. I let myself get dragged out into the club dismally aware of the fact that I was wearing nothing but Hoseok’s shirt. I could feel eyes on me but I kept mine on the back of Jungkook’s head as he dragged me all the way to the front. I knew what he was going to do and at this point I was just numb.

There was no point reasoning with the devil.

I glared at him as he pointed at the stage. “ Get up there.” He whispered harshly.

I stared back at him, not moving. I saw Jungkook’s jaw clench.

“Either you go up there by yourself, with your clothes on. Or I carry you up there, after stripping you naked. What’s it going to be? ”

I glared at him, pursing my lips before climbing up using the small stair in the side. I moved to the center, right in front of the stage lights, so the rest of the room would disappear. I had no wish to see any of the bastards in the room.

“I think all of you recognize this little beauty here, don’t you?” Jungkook’s voice was cheerful, friendly even and I bit my lips, fists clenched. “ Well, if you don’t let me tell you . This is Gong Hyo Suk’s daughter. Remember that bastard? He put a hit out on my father. Killed him and my mom on the night I was supposed to be marrying his fucking daughter. A daughter who later called off the wedding, because I was too poor now, to give her the life she deserved. ”

I felt the familiar ice cold guilt in my vein. I was seventeen, I wanted to scream. I was seventeen and all I did was say what my father asked me to say, do what my father asked me to do.

“ That was nine fucking years ago… and you know what I told myself…. I told myself, that a greedy little bitch like this, doesn’t deserve shit.” He laughed. “ If money’s what she values the most, then the only thing she deserves is to be treated like the whore she is.”

“Why don’t you guys tell me, how much money you’d be willing to spend, to fuck her? Come on, Hobi’s been treating you guys so well lets help him make some money tonight… be generous. ”

I could barely hear what they were calling out but when Jungkook climbed onto the stage next to me, I jumped. Moving back instinctively, I winced when brought a forearm around my throat nearly choking me as he dragged up against his body.

“90 million won….That’s a lot.” He grinned. “ Jihan hyung….. that was you right? You’re gonna pay 90 million won for her?”

I felt my heart race, it was a lot. More than enough for the Hospital Bills, would even leave extra to get a decent apartment somewhere... I grabbed his wrist as it pressed into my throat, trying to pull his hand off me but he just wrapped his free hand around my waist, wrapping his entire body around mine and chuckling into my hair.

Jungkook pressed his head against mine and I froze, hating the close contact.

“Okay…but since I’m feeling a bit left out here…Why don’t I pitch in… 500 Won.” Jungkook said loud and clear.

I froze. An eerie silence fell over the club, laughter stilling and the clink of glasses slowing down.

What.

I struggled to get away from his but his hold tightened.

“Anyone else?” He called out. “ Come on… Not even thousand? Surely you think this one here’s worth a thousand won? Aren’t you going to outbid me?”

No one responded of course they didn’t. Jungkook’s anger was palpable and no one was going to get on his wrong side …..

“Ahh… is that it then? Bid’s going to close for 500 won then…. Hear that baby?” He whispered against my ears and I swallowed. “ 90, million won to five hundred won in a few seconds… What does that tell you?”

“It tells me you’re a fucking psychopath in love with your own voice… Get off me.” I hissed.

“No. What it tells you is that only I get to decide how much that body of yours is worth, not you. . You don’t get to go sell your fucking body behind my back for two billion won and then pay off all your debts and ride off into the sunset, that is not how this works….”

I went limp in his arms fighting tears because he never played fair. Never.

“Hear that Hoseok-ah… I win her for the night for 500 won…fair and square…. Is that alright?” He called out into the darkness and I felt the first inkling of dread begin to seep in.

“No.. No… get off me.” I hissed and he laughed, dragging me off the stage with ease. I screamed, kicking out in disbelief.

Jungkook grinned at me, before grabbing both my arms and yanking them behind me, and I whimpered, unable to move as he easily pulled me along to the door that opened into the hallway. Behind us I heard Hoseok’s voice.

“Jungkook, don’t be impulsive. Think about whatever you’re going to do.”

I flinched at that, panic building.

“He’s not going to do anything. I’ll fucking kill him if he touches me , I-“

“Shut the fuck up, you little bitch.” He shook me hard till my teeth rattled and I sobbed out.

“Jungkook…” Hoseok warned but he merely snarled.

“I know what I’m doing hyung, just…. Don’t disturb us. And make sure everyone here knows that she’s open for business.” It was loud enough to carry through the club and I felt humiliation burn my throat, acrid like acid.

I froze in disbelief.

“Jungkook …” Hoseok’s voice held a tone of reproach.

“ And tell them that her body is amazing. Tell them she spent the night with me , the best fuck I’ve ever had , mouth made for cock.”

I stared straight ahead as he pulled me all the way to the room we had left earlier and I tripped when he shoved me inside, landing on my hands and knees . I quickly rolled back around to land on my ass, crawling back as he slammed the door shut and locked it from the inside.

He stared down at me, mouth grim.

“You do owe me a wedding night. I was so ready to fuck your tight cunt, nine years ago… I think I’ve waited long enough yeah.”

I stared at him in disbelief. I knew exactly what he wanted me to do, to yell and scream and protest and fight so he could get off and forcing me…. Fucking psychopath.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

“If you pay for my sister in laws bills, and give me an apartment sure. “ I shrugged. “You’re not any different from any of the bastards here. I don’t give a damn which one of you idiots wants to rut into me like the absolute animal that you are…. I don’t care…” I said softly.

“you don’t? Really? You want me to tell you what your brother said when one of my men put a gun into his mouth…. He begged for his life…said he had a kid on the way….” Jungkook laughed, shaking his head. “I told him it was better than what his father did…. My sister was six months pregnant when his lieutenant gunned her down on the streets.”

I shuddered, wrapping my arms around myself.

“Why are you telling me this…” I snapped.

“Because she didn’t deserve it did she, Elena? She didn’t fucking deserve to die like that , like a dog on the street when she had nothing to do with any of this…. She didn’t deserve it.” He growled, bending down and gripping my chin hard.

“Maybe she did deserve it.” I spat out. “ If I deserve to be here, maybe your sister deserved to die too. “

He snarled, hand flying to my hair and dragging me up off the floor in one sharp yank. I whimpered as he pushed me on the bed, before climbing on top of me. I felt like every bone in my body was about to snap in two, the weight of him unbearable on me.

“I won the bid tonight…. I won it fair and square… You signed the waiver didn’t you…that you agreed to the auction…I won and I’m going to fucking collect.” He growled, and I kicked out, trying to buck him off of my body.

“Get off me.” I hissed. “ I’m not letting you fuck me for 500 won.”

“How about for your Jisoo then?” He whispered and I went still.

“What?”

He chuckled, reaching down and I felt my pulse pound as he pulled his phone out, dialing quickly and turning on the speakers.

Yoongi’s voice made me go ice cold. Everyone knew what Yoongi did for Jungkook.

“Daehwan’s wife is in a hospital room in Yongsan. Hobi’s got the details. I think she’s served her purpose.”

“No!! JUNGKOOK NO!!” I  screamed , thrashing so hard my head began to spin but he grunted pressing down into me harder.

“Are you serious? I’m not home yet… I can take care of it tonight.” Yoongi said, voice casual and I sobbed, shaking my head in sheer terror.

“Okay… I’ll behave.. I promise.. please just don’t…”

Jungkook hummed.

“Well, that was easy… Yoongi-yah… why don’t you stay on the phone yeah…. Going to get that wedding night I’m owed and if my baby doesn’t co operate you know what to do, yeah?”  

I bit my lips, glaring into the sheets as he gripped my waist, pulling me up.

“Ass up like the bitch that you are, baby.” He whispered and I felt my entire body shudder in disgust. It was worse because I hadn’t done this before. Didn’t know what to expect. But I couldn’t let him know that. If Jungkook knew that I was a virgin, I could just imagine how much fun he’d have with that info.

Hands gripped my wrists, pinning them to the bed and I turned my face away when I felt the press of his lips on my cheeks. He gripped both my wrists with one hand, keeping them pinned over my head and I flinched when I felt his fingers pulling the fabric of my panties aside, just enough for the blunt head of his cock to press against my slit.

“Yoongi, you there?” Jungkook said softly and Yoongi grunted over the phone. I felt my face flame in embarrassment.

“You’re a sick bastard but I’m used to it. What’s up?” he said casually.

“Remember how we used to wonder just how tight Elena’s cunt was… back when we were in school.”

Fucking monster, I thought in disbelief. I hate him I hate him I hate him….

“Good times…” Yoongi chuckled lightly .

Jungkook pushed into me in one hard thrust and pain shot straight up my spine, my insides burning like he’d fucked me with a knife and not his body. I couldn’t stop the cry of agony that got torn of me, my eyes tearing up and tears spilling over onto my cheeks.

“Damn Jungkook, she okay?” Yoongi’s chuckle made me want to claw his face off, and just the urge to kill was growing inside me.

“Well, I can confirm that it is, in fact just as tight as we thought…” He grunted, thrusting into me at a pace that was inhumane, every push and drag of him rubbing my insides raw and I bit down on the sheets under me, afraid that I would do something absolutely humiliating, like beg him to stop.

“Good, you should let me take that tight ass for a ride someday then. With her permission of course…. I’m a gentleman after all. Big on consent.” He laughed and I swallowed the urge to tell him that I would puncture his balls with a switchblade if he came anywhere near me.  

“Oh, she’s going to do whatever I ask her to….aren’t you baby…” He grunted, “ Turn around so I can see you.”

He pulled out of me, his weight lifting off my body as he moved away. I couldn’t move, limbs numb and insides throbbing in pain . His palm landed on my thigh, hard and the sharp sting of it made me jump.

“I said turn around, I want to see your face when I fuck you.” Jungkook growled. I stayed limp, breathing hard and he grunted impatient, fingers sinking into my hair , yanking me to my knees and the movement made my legs scream in protest.

“How’s she so quiet? You fucked the voice out of her, kook-ah?” Yoongi asked amused and Jungkook pulled me by the hair, dragging me to the center and pushing me down till my head landed on the pillow.

“Hyung you should see her right now, all fucked out …. Like she’s never had a dick in her before.” He shook his head, “ Fucking slut. Take that off and hold yourself open for me.”

I stared at him, uncomprehending and he grabbed both my hands, placing them on my knees.

“Grab your knees and pull your legs back… So I can fuck that tight cunt the way I want to.” He said slowly, like I was a dog he was trying to train and I stared at him , defiantly.

“ Go to hell.” I whispered.

Yoongi’s laughter came from somewhere to the right.

“Your dirty talk needs work, Kook ah… Tell her she’s a precious little kitten and she makes you feel really good…. Bitches love that shit…”

Jungkook hovered over me, grabbing the back of my thighs and spreading them wide enough to make me whimper in pain.

“Is that so babygirl? You want me to tell you that? That you make daddy’s cock feel good?” He cooed, nudging the tip against me again and I had never hated anyone so much in my life. I stared up at his face, and he smiled at me, a cheeky little grin that made his bunny teeth stand out and for a second he looked so deceptively angelic and the glimmer of his piercing caught my eye.

I couldn’t help but swallow, gaze trained on the glint of metal on his tongue.

“You like that?” He grinned suddenly, sticking his tongue out for me to see, I felt my eyes widen at how sinfully good he looked .” Hyung she likes my tongue piercing.”

“Show her how it feels on her clit.” Yoongi laughed and I could barely fully process what I heard before Jungkook was crawling down my body, arms, curling on my thighs and yanking me onto his tongue .

I felt the press of his tongue on my slit, licking right into me and the jolt of pleasure was so unexpected, the pleasure so unwanted and yet so overwhelming and I couldn’t stop the way my body thrashed against the streets, lips parted as I practically mewled out in pleasure.

“Definitely a kitten…” Yoongi called out and I shuddered as Jungkook slipped two fingers into me , the ice cold press of his ring inside me making me jump. I wanted to pull away, grab his hair and yank him off but I couldn’t because it was

“Next time I’ll put the dick piercing in too, yeah? Fuck you with a bit of metal on my cock so you can feel that up there…. ” He laughed into my thighs and I screamed when he bit into the flesh there , hard.

“I’m getting bored… Either turn on facetime so I can at least jerk off to this , or I’m hanging up…” Yoongi called out .

“Hyung she clenches down on me every time she hears your voice… Just stay on for a few more minutes yeah, she tastes so fucking good, I’m gonna cum soon….” Jungkook added another finger, slipping in deep before spreading them apart inside me. I whimpered when he pushed his tongue in between the wet digits, licking into my walls and I could feel the ball of his piercing drag against my walls, ice cold and hard.

Was it fucked up that I did clench down on him again, my body apparently a slave to my base desires even as my mind screamed that he was the absolute worst bastard on the face of the planet.

“Elena, you owe me a blowjob at least for this…” Yoongi called out and I glared at the phone.

“I’ll bite your fucking dick off if you come anywhere near me.” I snapped.

“Fuck, I could get off just to that mouthy fuckhole of hers…..” Yoongi grunted.

Jungkook pulled away, climbing back up over me and lightly slapping my breasts.

“Now, how about you open that mouth and let me fuck it?”

Yoongi snorted from behind us and Jungkook glared at the phone before glaring at me again.

“Well?”

“You want to know how hard I can bite?” I said sharply, the pleasure ebbing away into nothing and resentment taking it place, the momentarily physicality of the situation fading and the reminder of who he was and who I was entering my sex addled brain.

“No.. You’re right…. But you know what, I’m not feeling it anymore. I was right.. you really aren’t qualified to be my whore. Your body…it’s frigid like a fucking popsicle…such a fucking turn off. ” He reached over and hung up on the phone.

“Now…”he whispered, leaning in closer and I yelped, when his fingers closed over my throat..” Shut your mouth and take what I give you like a grateful bitch.”

I swallowed when he pushed into me again, his pace steady as he fucked into me, eyes closed and I realized that he was almost fully dressed having just unbuttoned himself enough to get his cock out.

When he stiffened, spilling into me his eyes blew open and he locked eyes with me, wide eyed and for one horrible second he looked young and vulnerable and hurt.

I blinked as he pulled out, the sticky warm mess of his cum dripping down my inner thighs and onto the sheets.

“Well, that was much worse than I thought it would be.”  He said and I stayed on the bed as he grabbed his phone and buttoned himself back up.

He smirked at me and then reached into his pocket.

I quickly pulled myself together, ignoring the aches and pains and getting to my knees before reaching for my dress on the bed. it was kind of pointless because I still had Hoseok’s shirt on and I wasn’t going to take that off in front of Jungkook.

“Well, I’m a man of my word , Elena so…here you go..just as we discussed.” He tossed a coin on the bed and I stared at the engraved 500 on the shiny surface, feeling my rage swell inside me.

“If you still want to work out a payment plan for your sister’s bills …. Why don’t you come to my office tomorrow?” He tossed his card on the bed before  moving away to the door.

Fucking bastard.

Author’s note : My whole life is filled with regrets . 

[junghelioseok]

clandestine. | 06

↳ forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.

◇ jungkook x reader ◇ smut | fluff | brother’s best friend!au ◇ 7.4k [6/6]

notes: we’ve reached the end at last!!! thanks for sticking around through all the sporadic updates, and i hope you enjoy this final chapter!

warnings: some soft, soft smut.

⇢ 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 

The day before your scheduled return to Seoul, your parents decide to throw a joint party with the Jeons. From your bedroom window, you can see the plastic tables and chairs scattered across your adjoining lawns, the tarps and poles that will soon become makeshift pavilions lying in the grass. Though a row of low bushes divides your property, a small stone footpath weaves between the green leaves. You watch Mr. Jeon make his way into your yard, joining your father to unfurl a sign that’s emblazoned with Bon Voyage, {Name}! in bright blue print.

“Noona!” Jimin bursts into your bedroom with zero preamble, the door slamming into the wall behind it. You jump at the sudden intrusion, and flinch when he bounds across the room in two steps and grabs you by the shoulders.

“Ow, Chim,” you grumble, trying and failing to push him away. “Knock much?”

“Help,” he whines, trying to pull you to your feet. “I put too much salt in the marinade, and I just spilled Coke all over the counter. Please come help me.”

You sigh as he casts you the most pathetic look he’s capable of mustering, complete with a quivering bottom lip. Wiggling out of his iron grip at last, you grab him by the wrist and drag him out of your room. “Fine,” you tell him as you pull him downstairs. “You’re lucky I like you sometimes.”

“Love you too!” Jimin singsongs. He swoops in to plant a too-wet kiss on your cheek, and when you squirm in disgust he just giggles and blows you another.

The kitchen, upon your arrival, is empty. “Where’s Mom?” you ask as you grab a rag, tossing it over to your brother so he can clean up the spilled soda.

“She left a few minutes ago,” he replies, sopping up the mess and flinching when some splashes down from the counter onto the linoleum floor. “I think she went to the store to pick up a few things.”

“Food things?” you ask dubiously, eyeing the sizable pile of vegetables and meat on the counter. “Is this not enough? Is the entire neighborhood invited to this thing?”

“You know Mom,” he replies, shrugging. “Just let her have this. She misses having another girl in the house when you’re away. Says Dad and I gang up on her.”

You chuckle. “That sounds about right. On the bright side, though, she only has to deal with you for a few more months.”

“Jeez, that’s weird to think about.” Jimin sidles up behind you and settles his chin on your shoulder. “We’re going to be at the same university soon.”

“Yeah, because you’re a little copycat,” you tease, reaching back to flick him on the forehead. “What’s next? Are you going to start following me around the sandbox again? Come crying to me when someone’s mean to you?”

“Yeah, right.” Jimin steps back and puffs his chest out dramatically. “I’m going to protect you from all those weird college guys, remember? Who else is gonna do it if not me?”

In an instant, your mind goes to Jungkook. Your throat goes dry, and thankfully the jingle of keys in the front door saves you from needing to respond. Jimin’s attention is diverted when your mother steps through with an armful of shopping bags, and you take a moment to shove away all thoughts of your neighbor before following after your brother to help her unpack.

You haven’t seen much of Jungkook since your impromptu sleepover in his room. As your time at home winds to a close, your parents have been increasingly adamant to spend as much time together as possible. Family game nights became routine, and although Jungkook has joined you on a couple occasions, Jimin has seemingly made it his personal goal to ensure that you don’t spend a single second alone with your dark-haired neighbor. Certainly, you’ve texted a bit, but Jungkook’s been picking up more shifts at the restaurant lately and you often see him through your bedroom window returning home after a long dinner shift.

Jimin’s voice draws you out of your thoughts. “Huh?” you ask, blinking, and your brother shoots you an unimpressed look.

“I said, I’m going out back to help Dad with the grill,” he repeats. “Can you bring the cooler out?”

“Oh!” You glance over at the cooler on the ground, filled to the brim with beer and soda. Jimin has a bag of ice in his arms, and you quickly follow him out into the backyard, wheeling the cooler behind you. Together, the two of you push it into an unobtrusive corner of the back porch, and Jimin curses when he upends the bag of ice into it and spills nearly a third in the process.

“Smooth,” you remark.

“Like you could do any better,” is his reply.

It’s just after one o’clock, the sun beaming bright in the cloudless blue sky, when people begin trickling into the backyard where your father and Mr. Jeon have started grilling. You spot Taemin and Minho from where you’re perched on the porch steps, and grin when they wave and begin heading in your direction.

“Heading back to the big city so soon?” Minho asks as he comes to a stop, slinging an arm around your shoulders. “We’re gonna miss you around here.”

“You know you’re always welcome to visit,” you tell him with a smile. “Besides, I’ll be back. I do like to see my family every now and then, you know.”

“When exactly are you leaving tomorrow? Taemin asks curiously.

“Bright and early in the morning,” you reply. “I want to have plenty of time to get settled before I start interning on Monday.”

Minho gives you a squeeze. “You’ll kill it. I know you will.”

“Thanks,” you tell him. You’re about to say more—ask about the rest of their summer plans, maybe—when you spot a familiar dark head of hair exiting the back door of the Jeons’ house. Jungkook is wearing a collared shirt the color of sunshine, the sleeves rolled to his elbows to expose vascular forearms and the silver watch on his wrist. His faded jeans have a rip in the left knee, and you swallow when your gaze automatically trails down to the defined muscle of his thigh, a peek of skin visible through the denim.

Across the yard, your eyes meet. He raises a hand in greeting, his watch glinting in the sun, and you wave back. Everything else seems to fade into the background—Taemin and Minho, the hubbub of the partygoers, even the sizzle of the grill. Jungkook is walking in your direction now, and your throat goes oddly dry at the thought of talking to him face-to-face after nearly a week of intermittent texts and occasional glimpses. Your fingers itch to run through the soft hair at the nape of his neck, and your body craves the feeling of his skin against your own. You’d even settle for a simple kiss—the press of his mouth and the slick of his tongue, his palms settling on your hips or looping around to the small of your back to pull you in close.

Needless to say, it’s been far too long since you and Jungkook last slept together. You wonder, vaguely, if there’s any way the two of you might be able to sneak away from the party and head somewhere a little quieter. One last handsy makeout session in his backseat, and one last chance for him to breach your walls with his cock. One last fix of the drug called Jungkook, before you return to your life in Seoul and try to forget the boundaries you’ve crossed in the last few weeks.

Because at the end of the day, Jungkook is your brother’s best friend, and therefore is off-limits. And as if Jimin himself is listening in on your thoughts, your little brother comes bounding out of nowhere, intercepting Jungkook on his path to you and dragging him away to help make more meat skewers for the grill.

The party continues. More people arrive, and you do your best to converse with everyone between bites of food. Many family friends have come out to wish you well, most of whom you haven’t seen in several years, so you put on your best smile and weather the innumerable comments about how much you’ve grown up since you last met. Off in the distance, you spot Jungkook chatting with Junghyun, who has driven in from downtown Busan. The elder Jeon brother has already wished you good luck with your internship, pulling you into a friendly hug when he first arrived, and you would’ve had to be blind to miss Jungkook’s penetrating stare as you hugged him back.

You’re returning from a bathroom break, easing the back door shut, when you are assailed by a tangle of limbs and excited cries. You end up with a faceful of strawberry blonde hair, and laughingly groan as you extricate yourself from the hug, offering a beaming Chaeyoung, Jisoo, and Lisa a grin. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

“What’s up?” Lisa grabs you by the shoulders and gives you a little shake. “You’re leaving tomorrow! When will you be back again?”

“Winter, definitely,” you promise. “Maybe the summer too, if I don’t have anything else going on.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Jungkook again. He’s looking in your direction, his gaze flitting between the half-eaten burger in his hand and where you’re standing on the back porch with the girls, as if he doesn’t want to get caught staring. The party has been underway for nearly two hours now, and you haven’t even come close to having a conversation with your dark-haired neighbor. It seems as though anytime Jungkook comes within speaking distance, he’s interrupted by friends, family, and at one point, even his family’s dog. Gureum has been a part of Jungkook’s family for as long as you can remember, and though he’s getting rather old, he’s still happily meandering around the yard today. You’ve already given in to his pleading face twice and offered him a bit of food from your plate, and you’ve watched plenty of others do the same. A quick scan of the yard reveals that the little white dog is now fast asleep in a sunny patch of grass, and you chuckle to yourself before your gaze finds Jungkook again. Your eyes meet, just for a second.

“{Name}, honey, can you come here for a second?”

You turn at the sound of your mother’s voice. “Sure,” you tell her, excusing yourself from the group of girls to follow her inside to the kitchen. “What is it?”

Your mom hands you a pile of small paper plates and plastic cutlery. “I’m bringing out the cake,” she says. “Can you put those out for me?”

You nod, watching as she picks up the cake. It’s an impressive two-tiered confection, frosted pale purple and decorated with pink cherry blossoms and the words Bon Voyage! in flowing white script. You make sure to hold the door open for your mother as she exits the house on your heels, and duck your head in embarrassment when a few of your neighbors start clapping at your arrival.

The cake is cut and distributed, and you take your piece over to a shady spot beneath the awning of one of the pavilions your father has assembled. Jimin joins you, wiping a frosting-covered finger on your nose, and you squeal and wipe at it furiously with a napkin before taking revenge. Slowly, the afternoon progresses into early evening, and the party begins to wind to a close. Friends and neighbors begin to trickle out, wishing you well before taking their leave. At the far end of the yard, you see Jungkook talking to Chaeyoung, and wonder what the two could possibly have to say to each other before Taemin and Minho draw your attention away.

“We gotta head out,” Minho says, coming to a stop before you and pulling you into a hug.

Taemin nods, tugging you into an embrace as well. “We’ll see you again soon though, yeah? We’re definitely going to come up to visit you guys at some point.”

“Sounds like a plan,” you tell him. “You’re crashing at Jimin and Jungkook’s though. I’m not taking you in.”

“Cruel, but fair,” Minho says with a laugh. “See ya then, Noona.”

“See you.”

The two depart, and you begin gathering up your used utensils and plates, seeking about for a trash can. You smile at your dad as he walks by, and scratch a sleepy Gureum behind the ears as you pass him. Just as you’ve finally found a trash can and dropped your garbage inside, however, a voice stops you in your tracks.

“Hey, Noona.”

Your heartbeat quickens. Slowly, you turn around, coming face to face with none other than Jungkook himself. His dark hair is ruffled by the breeze, and his silver hoop earrings glint in the late afternoon sun. Tentatively, you offer him a small smile, and he hesitates for a moment before smiling back.

“Hey.”

“You said that already,” you point out, trying to quell the sudden nervousness in your belly and swallowing down whatever moisture is left in your mouth. “Fun party, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Jungkook nods. “Really fun. And the food was great.”

You chuckle. “Yeah. We have our dads to thank for that.”

“Definitely.”

A beat of silence passes, and then two. Jungkook is scuffing his heel against the grass, one hand darting up to scratch his ear, and you are just beginning to wonder at his uncharacteristic awkwardness when he suddenly pulls a bag from behind his back.

“Here,” he says, practically shoving it into your hands. “I—I mean, we—got you a gift. From my family. And me.”

Blinking, you peer down at the green tissue paper peeking out of the top of the bag. “Oh, wow. You… you guys really shouldn’t have.”

“It was my mom’s idea,” Jungkook mumbles, looking anywhere but at you. “You can open it now if you want, though.”

You do. Peeling back the tissue paper reveals two items inside—one of which is a lovely leather-bound planner, complete with a calendar and to-do lists and pages for notes. The other is a small canvas, and your mouth falls open when you see what’s painted across the surface.

It’s the lake house. Behind it, you can see lush green hills and trees, all bordering the rippling expanse of blue water. Jungkook has captured the scene at high noon when the sun is at its peak in the sky, glinting off the lake like diamonds. Off to one side, you spot the canoe roped to the dock.

“Wow,” you breathe, awestruck. “Jungkook, this is beautiful. I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s no big deal,” he says, shrugging and scratching the back of his neck. “I had to rush it a little, between work and all. It could’ve been better.”

“It’s perfect,” you tell him, running a fingertip across the canvas. You’ve always known that Jungkook has a talent for drawing, but you’ve never seen him use paint as his medium of choice until now. “Really. I love it, Jungkook. I’m going to hang it up in my dorm as soon as I get back.”

“Back,” Jungkook echoes. “Right.”

And before you can reply—before you can even inhale to speak—he’s pulled you into a tight embrace, his arms looping around your waist and settling there.

“Good luck with everything,” he says once he’s pulled back. And then he’s turning on his heel and walking away, and you’re left to wonder whether these past few weeks were simply a passing tryst after all.

///

As it turns out, your internship is more than enough to keep your mind from straying toward a certain dark-haired young man. Two months after Jungkook left you high and dry, you’re working harder than you ever have in your life. Your mornings are early and your afternoons run into evenings more often than not. “At least you’re getting paid, though,” Namjoon points out, glancing up from where he’s sitting on the couch when you stumble into your shared dorm one particularly late night. “You could’ve been one of the unlucky bastards who got stuck doing unpaid labor at their internships.”

“Oh, good. At least they’re working me to the bone ethically,” you snort, accepting the wine he hands over. Trust Namjoon to have an extra glass at the ready. Your suitemate, despite his flaws, always seems to know when you need a pick-me-up, and you suppose you can forgive his clumsiness and messiness for that. If he keeps it up, you may even start looking past the heart attacks he causes you every time he enters the kitchen and so much as looks at a knife.

Namjoon chuckles and tops off his own wineglass. “So now what? You hungry?”

“Starving,” you admit. “What are you thinking tonight? Pizza? Chinese?”

“Thai? I’ve been craving it lately.”

“I can do Thai.” You lean in closer as he pulls up the delivery menu on his laptop, pointing to what you want before sitting back and letting him place the order. “Can you get me an iced tea, too?

“Two iced teas, coming right up,” he replies. “You wanna start thinking about tonight’s feature presentation?”

Flopping onto your side, you reach into the bag you dropped on the floor and fish out your own laptop. You select a film from Netflix as Namjoon fetches his wallet to pay for your food, and the two of you settle in to wait as the opening credits of Disney’s Hercules roll.

“I’m not a good singer,” Namjoon cautions as the Muses begin their introductory monologue. “I just want you to know that beforehand. But out of all the Disney films? This soundtrack is unmatched.”

“Damn right,” you reply, clinking your glass against his. “Best soundtrack ever. We’ll both sound like dying cats, and I for one can’t wait.”

Namjoon laughs and leans over to flick off the lights. The room goes dark and the music begins, and you’re both singing along before you even hit the chorus. Spending time with Namjoon is comfortable, and though you’ve already lived together through the entirety of your first year of school, these past two summer months have strengthened your friendship tenfold. He’s almost like a brother by this point, and you wonder, vaguely, whether Jimin would get along with him anywhere near as well as you do.

As if summoned, your phone goes off. Jimin’s name lights up your screen, and you frown curiously at it before unlocking the device and swiping open the message.

[7:56pm] Chimchim: miss me yet? 😚

[7:56pm] You: no way, weirdo

[7:57pm] You: what do you even want anyway? sure you’re not the one missing me?

Immediately, your phone buzzes with a response.

[7:57pm] Chimchim: seriously? offensive

[7:57pm} Chimchim: orientation’s in less than a week or have u forgotten already?? good thing i’m reminding u

Your heart skips a beat in your chest when you realize that you had, in fact, forgotten. You remember your own college orientation vividly—a jam-packed weekend filled with building tours and ample opportunities to talk to current students. Several of your friends, you’d first met that weekend as you all tried to navigate a new chapter of your lives—Namjoon included. It’s how the two of you ended up living together—jammed into a suite with two others who thankfully meshed perfectly with the both of you. Neither Hoseok nor Jennie are here for the summer, but you’ve kept in touch while apart. Both of them poke relentless fun at Namjoon for opting to take summer classes, and you never hesitate to join in on the lighthearted teasing.

[7:58pm] You: oh yeah lol

Your response is casual and calm, but your heart rate is anything but. Jimin coming to orientation means Jungkook is coming too, and the thought of seeing him sends an anxious flurry of butterflies aflight in your stomach. You remember texting him the day after you came back—just a simple photo of his painting, hung proudly on the wall above your desk. He responded with a string of thumbs-up emojis, and that had been that. You’ve barely heard a word from him since, and Jimin’s occasional texts and social media posts are the only reason you know he’s still alive. Hesitantly, you type out another message, thumb hovering briefly over the send button before hitting it.

[7:58pm] You: you and jungkook are driving up, right?

[7:59pm] Chimchim: yep! road trip

[7:59pm] Chimchim: still not convinced jk’s car will make it all the way tho lmao

You think back to Jungkook’s beat-up sedan with its sputtering engine and scratchy seats, and the ominous way the passenger side window sometimes rattled if you slammed the door too hard. Can’t blame you for having doubts, you write back, earning yourself a hearty LMAOOO in response. And then:

[8:01pm] Chimchim: i’ll probably have to do most of the driving anyway

You frown, brows furrowing. Why’s that?

[8:02pm] Chimchim: just a hunch. jk’s been weird lately

[8:02pm] You: …weird how?

[8:02pm] Chimchim: just weird. a little distracted, maybe? he doesn’t answer me when i ask him whats wrong

[8:03pm] You: how long has he been weird?

[8:03pm} Chimchim: idk 🤷‍♂️

[8:03pm] Chimchim: 2 days, maybe 3? i think he might be worried about orientation or college or something. either way i don’t trust him to operate a motor vehicle rn

Your bottom lip finds its way between your teeth as you consider your brother’s revelation. It’s perfectly natural to be nervous about something new, but you still can’t help but wonder if Jungkook’s strange behavior might have anything to do with seeing you again. But before you can dwell on it more, your phone buzzes again in your palm.

[8:04pm] Chimchim: i mean srsly he didn’t even hit on mina when we ran into her at jin’s the other day. do u remember her? the girl from the bbq place we went to for grad dinner??

[8:04pm] Chimchim: but on the bright side, it looks like he and chae made up. about time, tbh. things were really awkward for a while

[8:05pm] Chimchim: wait u knew about them, right? they dated for a while?

You take a deep breath before responding, the gears of your brain whirring as you fight to process all of the information he’s dumped on you. Yeah, you write back. Chae told me. They’re okay now?

[8:06pm] Chimchim: yeah. i think they talked at your going away thing

The memory of them chatting in your parents’ backyard resurfaces, and a rush of relief follows it. Even though your conversation with Chaeyoung at the mall confirmed that she was no longer angry with Jungkook, the guilt of sneaking around with him continued to linger in the back of your mind. You’re definitely going to buy her a box of cookies from Kim’s Kitchen as an apology the next time you see her. Maybe even two.

After a few more texts, your conversation with Jimin peters out. He signs off, citing a house party he has to start getting ready for, and you settle back in to watch the rest of the movie with Namjoon, smiling reassuringly when he shoots you a curious look and mouths, everything okay?

Everything is okay, you decide. Jungkook’s weird behavior isn’t your problem, and there’s not a whole lot you could do even if you wanted to, considering how little you’ve spoken in the last eight weeks. That doesn’t stop you from opening up your messages and scrolling down to Jungkook’s name, though. It doesn’t stop you from opening up the last conversation you had—something about a particularly annoying customer at Jin’s restaurant—and scrutinizing every word.

Later that night, just as you’re brushing your teeth and getting ready for bed, your phone buzzes again. The name attached to the text immediately sends your heart into your throat, and you shakily towel off your hands before swiping it open.

[12:25am] Jungkook: i mis s yuo.

Drunk, the little voice in your brain whispers. He’s drunk. Belatedly, you remember the party Jimin had mentioned, and realize that Jungkook must be there as well. Alcohol has clearly loosened him up, enough to instigate this unexpected sentiment, but you are painfully sober. At a loss, you stare at his message until your screen goes dark. Irritably, you wake it up again, unlocking the phone so you can stare some more, and after what feels like an eternity, you type out a response.

[12: 28am] You: drink some water, jungkook

He doesn’t respond. You wait for five minutes, and then ten, but your phone screen remains obstinately dark and devoid of new notifications. Climbing into bed, you check one last time, but there’s still no response from him.

A resigned sigh leaves your lips as you turn off your bedside lamp and plug in your phone to charge. Sinking down into the mattress, you push away all thoughts of Jeon Jungkook as you close your eyes and wait for sleep to come.

///

On Friday night, you once again find yourself working late. Thankfully, Jimin and Jungkook aren’t due to arrive until later in the evening, so you still have plenty of time to change into comfier clothes and eat something before you have to play host.

Or at least, that’s what you thought. When you swing open the front door of your home, however, you’re greeted by two extra pairs of shoes—one of which is a certain individual’s signature black Timberlands, scuffed and worn from years of use. “Joonie?” you call cautiously, toeing off your loafers and skirting around the corner to poke your head into the kitchen. “Are you home?”

No reply. You wander a little further, entering the living room, and that’s where you’re greeted by the sight of your suitemate, his sheepish grin flanked on either side by two very familiar faces.

“Noona!” Jimin is grinning from ear to ear, and immediately skips forward to smoosh your cheeks between his palms. “We got here early!”

You slap his hands away and poke your fingertips into his ribs. “I can see that,” you retort. “What I don’t get is why you didn't bother to tell me.”

Jimin shrugs. “Surprise?”

You sigh and turn instead to Namjoon, who’s watching your exchange with an amused smile. “Thanks for getting them settled in,” you tell him gratefully. “You should’ve called me, though. I would’ve tried to get off work early if I’d known.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” Namjoon waves you off. “They got here about half an hour ago, so it wouldn’t have made much difference, anyway.”

“Still, let me thank you,” you insist. “Dinner’s on me tonight, since I have to feed these heathens anyway. Do you want to order something in? Go out?”

“I’m okay either way,” Namjoon says, shrugging, and you turn to Jimin and Jungkook questioningly.

“Doesn’t matter to me,” Jimin says. “I think we’re both pretty tired from the drive, so staying in might be nice.”

“Anything’s fine.” Jungkook is staring down at his right hand as if he’s trying to crack a secret code etched in his fingerprints, and when he speaks, his voice is soft. “Whatever you want, Noona.”

You haven’t forgotten about his text from a few days ago, and judging by the way he can’t even look you in the eye, neither has he. It’s strange seeing him here now—wearing ripped jeans and a black t-shirt like he so often does, his feet encapsulated in plain white socks. His hair has grown out since you last saw him, leaving only the barest glimpse of his silver earrings visible beneath the dark, shaggy locks. You can’t help but wonder what it would be like to run your fingers through it, but quickly quash that train of thought before it can progress any further.

The group eventually settles on ordering pizza, which you order and pay for on your phone. Conversation flows easily as Jimin, Jungkook, and Namjoon get to know each other, and when the food arrives, Namjoon pulls out his collection of board games. The remainder of the evening passes in a haze of pizza and game tournaments, and it’s only when midnight has come and gone that you decide to call it a night. Jungkook and Jimin settle into the two empty bedrooms—Jungkook in Hoseok’s and Jimin in Jennie’s—and you bid everyone goodnight before retiring to your own bed.

You don’t miss the way Jungkook’s gaze lingers on your retreating figure, but he doesn’t say anything and neither do you. He’ll be busy with all the orientation events scheduled tomorrow, and you’re planning to spend a good chunk of the day running errands that you don’t have time for on weekdays. The question of why he’d texted you that night remains on your mind, but you don’t want to ask. And you especially don’t want to ask why he’d never responded after that first message. Confrontation has never been your style, and with any luck, you’ll be able to avoid spending extended periods of time with him altogether.

With any luck, this weekend will pass with no further incident, and you’ll be able to spend the remaining few weeks of your summer in peace.

///

It’s just after two o’clock in the afternoon when you return to your dormitory, a grocery bag clutched in each hand and a tote bag draped over one shoulder. You’ve finished up with all your errands for the day, and even managed to get some reading done for one of your upcoming fall classes. Dropping your bags in the kitchen, you stretch your arms overhead lazily before starting to unpack your groceries. Namjoon is holed up in the library working on an essay, and Jimin and Jungkook don’t appear to be around either. A moment of rare quiet is welcome in your normally hectic life, and you take the opportunity to put some music on and change into your comfiest shorts and a tank top.

You’ve just finished popping some popcorn and are settling onto your bed to watch some Netflix when someone clears their throat from your doorway. Startled, you look up, your eyes locking on Jungkook standing there. He’s wearing a loose gray sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, and you swallow when you see the way he’s rolled up the sleeves to expose vascular forearms and the silver watch on his wrist. Jungkook blinks at you silently from behind his dark fringe of hair, and a beat passes before he clears his throat and speaks.

“Hey.”

You straighten up into a seated position, crossing your legs and plopping the bowl of popcorn in your lap. “Hi.”

Jungkook hesitates, then shoves both hands into his pockets. “Can… can we talk?”

“Sure.” You incline your head. “Talk.”

Your curt tone doesn’t go unnoticed by him. Awkwardly, he shuffles his feet for a moment before scratching behind his neck and ruffling his already tousled hair further. “My phone died,” he says, and you blink confusedly at him, twice, before responding.

“What?”

Jungkook winces but presses on nonetheless. “My phone,” he explains. “It died the other night. I was going to charge it before the party, but I forgot to plug it in and then it was too late. I didn’t—” He sighs. “I would’ve texted you back, otherwise.”

Belatedly, you realize he’s talking about his text from a few nights ago and why he never responded. His reasoning is relatively sound, at least, but you still have an unanswered question. “Why?” you ask, your voice soft. “Why did you text me that night? I don’t hear from you for weeks, and then you message me that out of the blue? Why?”

“Fuck, I know.” Jungkook takes two steps into your bedroom, before he seemingly thinks better of it and takes a step back. “I shouldn’t have done it. I should’ve texted you more, or earlier, but—” Another sigh, and this time he rakes his hands through his hair and sends his dangling earrings tinkling. “I’m sorry. I really am. I was being a coward, and…”

Jungkook trails off, and you see that his attention has flitted elsewhere. He’s staring at the painting of the lake house, still displayed prominently above your desk, and you see the gears in his head whirring before he speaks again.

“You… you still have that hanging up there?”

You glance at the painting before looking back at him. “Well, yeah. Of course I do. It reminds me of home.”

It reminds you of him, too, but you don’t voice that particular thought aloud. Instead you turn your attention back to your increasingly fidgety companion, leaning back on your hands and regarding him with your head tilted curiously.

“What were you saying about being a coward? What are you afraid of, Jungkook?”

Jungkook rubs his jaw and sucks in a deep breath. “You,” he finally answers, after several beats that feel like several lifetimes. “I’m afraid of losing you. And I feel like I already might have, especially since we left things so weird at the party. I should’ve…” He shakes his head. ”I should’ve said something sooner. I should’ve told you how I really feel, but I was stupid and scared and I just couldn’t find the right time to do it.”

Your breath catches. Your mouth goes dry and your chest feels tight, and when you try to speak, your tongue feels like sandpaper. “I—” you begin, and it’s all you manage to get out. Jungkook is murmuring your name in a voice so gentle that your heart skips two whole beats, and when you look at him again he is much, much closer than before.

“But I guess late is better than never, right?” Jungkook breathes. Stopping at the edge of your bed, he drops to his knees, and you don’t protest when he takes your hands and cups them protectively between his own. “It’s you, {Name}. It’s always been you. I tried to forget about my feelings when you left for Seoul—tried to convince myself that it was just a stupid crush—but nothing I did worked. I couldn’t forget about you. And then you came back, and I just knew.” Gently, he traces a fingertip across your knuckles before looking up and meeting your gaze in earnest. “I’m in love with you, {Name}. I’ve been in love with you for years, and I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. And… and I really hope that I haven’t fucked everything up by telling you this now.”

“You—” Your voice sticks in your throat, and you swallow thickly before trying again. “You haven’t. I… I like you, Jungkook. I like you so, so much, and I think I owe you an apology for trying to push you away so much. It’s just that these feelings… they’re so new. And I—well, I don’t know if I love you yet, but I think that I definitely could.”

“Then that’s good enough for me,” he replies, his face stretching into a wide, crinkly eyed grin. “As long as you agree to be my girlfriend, and let me have the chance to make you fall for me.” And when you nod, giggling, Jungkook leans in and presses his mouth to yours.

The kiss is soft and sweet, and lasts several moments before a sobering thought enters your head. You break away, frowning, and Jungkook’s brow furrows as he takes in your expression.

“What’s wrong?”

You bite your lip, worrying at the delicate skin. “This… thing. This relationship—what if it doesn’t work? I mean, god, you’re Jimin’s best friend in the entire world. What if we have an argument? What if—what if we break up?”

“We won’t,” Jungkook replies confidently, lacing his fingers with yours before leaning forward to nuzzle his nose against yours affectionately. Instinct has you leaning into him, seeking out proper contact, and you feel his lips curl into a smile as he indulges you with yet another kiss.

“You can’t know that for sure,” you murmur when you break apart, but your voice is readily lost in the huff of laughter that escapes your companion.

“Maybe not for sure,” he says. “But I’ve loved you since I was about eight, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon.”

This time, when your lips meet, there’s a bit more heat behind it. Jungkook curls a hand around your nape to draw you in close, and licks sweetly into your mouth when you part for him. He’s quick to press you down onto your mattress, and you sigh as he trails down your body and takes the straps of your tank top with him. The material falls off your shoulders, leaving just enough room to tug the rest of the shirt down to your waist, and he groans when your bare breasts are freed.

“No bra? Fuck, you’re killing me.”

You arch beneath him, huffing out a breathless little laugh when he seizes the opportunity to envelop a nipple into his mouth. His fingers find the other—squeezing and rubbing and tweaking until you’re quivering in his grasp. “Jungkook,” you breathe, waiting until he lets out a soft hum of acknowledgment. “Jimin—he could come back any minute. Maybe we shouldn’t do this right now.”

Jungkook glances up from where he’s exploring the underside of your breasts, tracing the soft swell of delicate skin with his lips and tongue. “Jimin,” he says, “is at a special session for his major. He won’t be back for hours, so why don’t you relax and let me make you feel good, hmm?”

And, without even waiting for an answer, he drops down to his knees and digs his thumbs into the waistband of your shorts. Your legs are dangling off the edge of the bed, and Jungkook easily tugs the material off them, taking your panties right along with it. Tossing them aside, he doesn’t hesitate to spread your legs and slot himself into the newly created space. His tongue darts out to moisten his lips, and your breath hitches when you glance down the length of your body and see the ravenous glint in his eyes.

There’s no doubt in your mind that you’re wet enough to take his cock right now. You can feel the slick gathering between your legs, and the smirk on Jungkook’s face tells you that he’s noticed it too. Teasingly, he presses an experimental fingertip to your clit, watching in satisfaction as your hips buck off the mattress at the flare of pleasure. Then he’s sliding down, sinking a lone finger into your entrance and curling upward to find the soft spot that he knows will unravel you in a matter of minutes. A gasp escapes you when he finds it, your hips rising again, and he soothes you with a warm palm on your thigh and a sweet kiss to your hipbone.

It’s almost embarrassing how quickly Jungkook is able to build up your orgasm, but then again, you suppose you shouldn’t be surprised. He’s always been a quick study, and you’ve never been sure whether it’s stubbornness or determination that drives him to excel at his passions. Here and now, with two of his fingers buried inside your cunt and a third teasing its way in, you don’t even care which it is. All that matters is the pressure building in the pit of your belly, and the way Jungkook keeps murmuring your name and encouraging you to cum for me, princess. It’s enough to push you over the edge, your back arching off the bed and your lips parting in a moan as you ride out your high.

“So pretty.” Jungkook circles your clit with his thumb, his fingers still sheathed within your walls. “You always take my fingers so well.”

“Think I’d rather take your cock instead,” you reply breathlessly, sagging back against the mattress and reaching for him. Jungkook takes the hint, gritting out a hoarse curse before crawling up your mostly bare body and crushing his mouth to yours in a searing kiss. You grab the hem of his gray sweatshirt, pulling it up and over his head, and are more than pleased to discover he’s not wearing anything underneath. His sweatpants soon follow, Jungkook impatiently kicking the material off his ankles, and you sigh out his name when he wraps you in his arms, skin against skin.

“I’m not going to last very long,” he warns you, his breath a puff of hot air against the shell of your ear. “Promise I’ll make it up to you later. Just wanna feel you right now.”

“Go on, then,” you murmur, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “How do you want me?”

Jungkook groans, no doubt having a furious internal debate with himself, before reaching down and taking his cock in one hand. “Just like this,” he decides, gazing down at the way you’re spread out on your back for him. Deliberately, he settles between your thighs, giving himself a few pumps before positioning himself at your entrance. “Wanna kiss you while I fuck you. Wanna kiss you for the rest of my life.”

He’s pushing forward then, stealing the breath from your lungs along with any thoughts that may have crossed your mind at his last sentiment. Jungkook sinks into you until you’re gasping at the fullness, his hands grabbing at the meat of your hips and pulling you against him with every thrust. He fucks into you with reckless abandon, hoarse praise and gritted curses falling freely from his lips as he uses your body to seek out his own high. Every now and then, his mouth seeks out yours in a sloppy kiss, which you happily indulge as his rhythm falters and becomes increasingly erratic.

Jungkook floods you with his warmth, his arms gathering you up tightly as his cock slowly softens within you. His lips find yours, and this kiss is a simple, tender one—an affectionate press and a crinkly eyed smile that has you automatically smiling back.

“I don’t know why you’re so happy,” you tease, poking him in his slightly sweaty chest. “Jimin’s going to throttle you for this, you know.”

“Worth it,” he replies cheekily. “Anything’s worth it as long as you kiss me better afterward.”

“Gross,” you tell him, laughing. “You’re so lame.”

“But you still like me,” he says with a shrug. Then he grins. “The real question, though, is whether you like me enough to help me move in the fall.”

You hum, hiding your smile. “Depends. What’s in it for me?”

A positively wicked grin spreads across his face and settles there. “Why don’t I give you a preview?”

///

A few weeks later -

Jimin hums softly under his breath as he strolls into his new dorm, a cardboard box cradled in his arms. There’s a growing pile of boxes in the middle of the living area already, and he’s only just found an empty spot to drop the latest when he hears an odd noise coming from the bathroom. A wet, smacking sound, kind of like—

“Jungkook, you dog,” he snorts, throwing the cracked door open. “Get your ass out here and help me unpa—“ He stops in his tracks.

The scene before him doesn’t make sense. Jungkook is standing in front of him with wide eyes and fear in his expression, but that doesn’t make sense. At least it doesn’t until he sees you in the reflection of the mirror over the sink, your clothes disheveled and your lips swollen.

“Wait, we can explain,” Jungkook begins, following the trajectory of Jimin’s gaze and waving his hands in a fluttery panic. “I swear, Jimin, it’s not what you think—“

“That’s my sister,” Jimin says, his voice dangerously calm.

“Yeah, but—”

“You put your hands on my sister,” Jimin continues matter-of-factly, as if Jungkook hadn’t spoken at all. “I’m going to fillet your dick with a dull knife and serve it over rice.”

And before you can catch your breath and open your mouth to stop him, Jimin leaps forward, his fingers aimed directly for Jungkook’s throat.