#i can park turning right just fine but turning left near my driving side is so.. scary to me

[jrueships]

amazing options so far

[notsopersonalcharlie]

Work Divorce - The Interlude

Aaron Hotchner x BAU!Reader angst (with a happy ending of course)

Summary: The bridge of Work Divorce

Notes: I was feeling the angst. Obviously we all know how this ends, but enjoy! Gif is not mine

“I don’t want to talk to you right now, Aaron,” you repeated. Your said it what felt like a hundred times since you got off the jet. Aaron was driving, his knuckles white on the wheel, eyes straight ahead.

“We have to talk about this.” He was still just as angry as you were, his lips pressed into a line. Your arms were crossed over your chest, knees pointed away from him, eyes out the side window. It didn't take a profiler to figure that one out.

“No! I’m upset and I’m angry and nothing I say right now will be at all productive! Leave me alone!” Your nose tickled with the precursor to tears and you swallowed around the lump that had remained in your throat since Aaron helped you out of the cave. Your eyes stung with tears and you closed them, letting the little lurch in the road at the end of your street remind you that you were almost home.

“No!” Aaron could be difficult to argue with. He brought every lawyer skill he had to your screaming matches.

“Fuck you, Hotchner. You wouldn’t let me do something and it resulted in two people dying. I have every right to be fucking furious.”

“Yeah, but you don’t have every right to ignore me! We’re supposed to talk about things.” Aaron pulled the car into the driveway, parking outside the garage since your car was inside.

“That is not fucking fair right now and you know it. If we were supposed to talk about things you wouldn’t have shut me down at the station.” You slammed the door to the car, harder than needed but driving home a point. You stalked to the front door as Aaron locked the car and brought in your bags.

“You were putting yourself in danger.” You turned around once the door to your house was closed, trapping the sound of your screaming.

“That’s our fucking JOB Aaron. You have to deal with that. You put yourself in danger all the fucking time. I have to be able to do my job!” You snatched your bag from his hands and stormed upstairs, once again unnecessarily slamming the bedroom door shut. You stewed for a moment, taking deep breaths and staring at the bed the two of you had left unmade on the way to work almost two weeks ago. You heard Aaron's footsteps near the door and then they carried away into the house. You dropped your bag where you always did in the closet, tossing the dirty clothes into the laundry basket before heading straight to the bathroom.

Aaron finally came in when you were done showering and had laid down in the bed face first. You couldn’t get that poor girl off your mind. It was a process, you both knew it, but it took time.

“I don’t want to be near you right now,” you huffed when he sat down on the bed.

“Where am I supposed to go, huh?” His hand traveled closer to you on the bed, a peace offering. You tucked your hand under your chest, turning your head away from him.

“Jack has a bed.”

“It’s for a seven year old.”

“Go away.”

“Fine.” He got up and set down his bag beside your. He had packed the dirt stained clothes you were wearing in the cave into his own bag on your way out of town and he dropped it into the basket before taking it out to wash. You didn't move.

The laundry kicked on and Aaron returned, heading straight to the bathroom. He showered and put clothes on in the closet. As he walked out, he paused in the doorway, hand on the doorframe and muttered softly, "I love you."

You were laying on your back now, staring at the lines in the ceiling.

"I love you too." He tapped the doorway once, like he was deciding to continue, but thought better of it and continued out.

The sun had set a long while before when you got up to turn out the lights and get ready for bed. Your footsteps must have clued him in, because Aaron came up the stairs slowly and louder than normal as if to announce his presence.

"Can I come back now?" You turned from where you were moving the pillows around and fixing the blankets.

"Yeah... I guess." He let out a little sigh that made your lips twist into a small smile. He sat down on his side of the bed, plugging his phone in to charge.

"Can we finish fighting tomorrow? I'm exhausted." The tiny curve in your lips turned into a full smile and you snorted a laugh.

"Me too. C'mere." You flopped onto the bed, Aaron pulling the covers up around the both of you and pressing his face into your shoulder. He slept nuzzled into you like you were his missing piece every night he could, and he had never slept better before he met you.

"I'm still mad," you whispered into his damp hair.

"I know. Me too."

"We can fight more tomorrow." He nodded a little bit, his breaths already steadying. You thought he was asleep after a few minutes of quiet, your mind still replaying the case over in your head.

"I'm sorry." Your heart beat must have jumped because he ran a soothing hand over your waist where it was tucked under your pajama shirt.

"I know. I love you."

"I love you too."

-/-/-/-/-

You woke up after Aaron, as always. You were still mad, though now it was tamped down with layers of logic. You had known all along that this day was coming. There had been moments of it, when you were just getting together, and right before your wedding, but there had never been a time where it was solely up to Aaron to decide if you went into danger or not. It had been years, and you had let it go when he decided to keep you in the station or sent you to the crime scene instead of after an unsub. You knew it was coming all along though.

Aaron had already left for work, but your lunch was packed in the fridge and there was coffee left for you, but no note.

You arrived not much later than him, said a good morning to Reid, who was usually first in the office after the two of you. He looked as exhausted as you felt and you plopped down at your desk to complete your paperwork from the case.

The whole team had filtered in by the time you got through it. Not because it was actually difficult to complete, but because you were still replaying the girl's voice. 'Why didn't you come?' echoed in your head and your rage had returned. You stood up, maybe more abruptly than you needed to given Emily's little jump, and you took a deep breath before stalking up the stairs towards Aaron's office.

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see the whole team looking at you with wide eyes.

Aaron looked up from the files on his desk

"Wha- Oh." You closed the door behind you, crossing your arms.

"Back to fighting," you started, "Because I could have saved her, and I could have gotten him to turn himself in. He wa-"

"You have no idea if he would have stepped down. He could have tried to take you instead." Your cheeks heated up.

"I am not some precious little thing you have to keep safe! I have to be able to do my job just like you and all the rest of the agents on your team!" He stood up from his desk, leaning forward braced by his hands, his face drawn into a scowl.

"You are something precious I have to protect. There was no way of knowing if he was being serious about his demands and if you had gone in without a weapon and he had one..." He didn't deign the result with an explanation.

"This isn't working, Aaron." He stared at you, the sudden stillness in his limbs and chest only lasted two or three blinks, but you'd done it on purpose, remind him what he was actually fighting with.

"You don-"

"No. I don't." You wanted to kiss him for the relief that washed across his face, the relaxing of his shoulders, the slight shocked blinking.

"I do mean though that I can't stay on this team. I can't let you restrict my instincts and I can't tell you to fight yours."

"I was afraid you'd say that." He pointed to the chair across from him with his chin and you sat down at the same time as him.

"I think it's time to cash in that promotion I have been putting off." He nodded, leaning forward.

"I'm sorry. I know you love this job." You smirked, leaning across his desk till your noses were near touching.

"I love you more."

[reveluving]

graves trying to fuck his shy wife in the car somewhere but shes worried someone will see and all that so he has to assure her it'll be just fine

SHIET BARK WOOF WOOF BARK 🗣️🔊 BABY, YOUR MIND!!!! THANK YOU 🫶🏼

Includes: car s~mut (minors DNI!), teasing in public, praising, dirty talking, one (1) spanking

COD x shy!wife thots closed! Thank you, everyone, for your time & amazing minds! I sincerely hope I can do this again with y'all soon! 💌

Come & check out my COD m.list!

To say you looked ethereal in the dress he bought for you was an understatement.

“Phil–!” You stammered, digging your nails into his jacket as he thrust his hips upwards. One of his hands held the back of your head, bringing you in for a passionate kiss—your glossy lips sending him to a drunken haze, while the other gripped your hips, bringing them up and down at an animalistic pace.

You could only imagine how much the car was shaking from the outside.

He had brought you to a fancy restaurant for your anniversary—the kind that needed a reservation months prior. And on the day of your special dinner, he left you a little surprise on the bed. 

Inside the black monochromatic gift box was a long, luxurious-looking dress, plus some matching jewellery. As if he hadn’t bought you plenty already.

And he knew had made one of the greatest decisions in his life when he finally got to see you wear it. 

It began with romantic kisses; anywhere from your hands and even went as far as nuzzling your cheeks, listening to your giggles as his stubble tickled you.

And then, he took a few steps further. 

Your body never stopped heating up when he started leaving lazy kisses on your neck, sighing contently as your breath hitched each time. Nor did he ever stop staring at you even when your food arrived. You were lucky your table was far from the eyes of the customers, though you couldn’t say the same about the waiters and waitresses. The side split only gained his access for his naughty hands to roam and slide up your legs.

And yet he spoonfed you his food and even joked around about random topics as if one of his hands wasn’t squeezing and stroking your thigh—the coldness of his wedding band contrasting to the rising temperature of your own body. 

You couldn’t do anything about the smugness on your husband’s face, even teasing you by asking if you were alright—he knew you��d likely let out a cute moan of yours if you did attempt to answer him.

And as soon as he paid for the meal, he spared you the endless torture, partially because, he, too, couldn’t resist any longer.

Upon entering the car, he immediately pulled you to his lap. He didn’t waste any time, bunching up your dress to reveal your ass, then pulling your panties to the side.

“Phil—! Wait!” You squeaked, looking left and right in fear of anyone passing by in the parking lot. Your husband cooed almost condescendingly as you hid your face in his neck. 

“What’s wrong? Don’t y’want me to touch you?” His hand made its way under your dress, then past the crotch area of your damp underwear, biting down a smirk as your slick smeared his fingers. He hummed in approval, “I know I do. ‘Can feel this pretty pussy making a mess—fuck.”

You were mentally debating on begging him to take you this instant or to drive you home to be fucked. But your resolve was breaking, damn near disappearing, as if his indifference, or better yet, the thrill of getting caught in a public space was doing stuff to you.

He snapped you out of your thoughts real fast when he slapped your ass. Your yelp turned into whines when he began massaging them to soothe the sting.

“C’mon,” He assured you, though if you weren’t so lightheaded, you would’ve noticed the hint of desperation in his tone, “Need t’fuck my wife stupid in her pretty dress,” He pinched on the fabric of your dress for a moment, “So fucking beautiful f’me.”

You couldn’t help but throw your head back as he slid his hands up your back, watching your face contort with great intensity. 

It didn’t take long for him to convince you, and when he took his cock out of his pants—slapping against his stomach as he finally rid himself of the constriction, your self-control finally broke.

Just like he did.

˚ · . f i n . · ˚

[moonlightndaydreams]

The Country Club // MDNI

student (adult aged) Minho x older fem reader (age gap not specified). CW under the cut.

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4 // Part 5 // Part 6 // Part7 // Part 8

CW: creepy, stalking behaviour / unprotected p in v sex / biting,blood kink

Minho can’t believe how reckless he’s being right now. It’s beyond creepy, and he’s pretty sure he’s breaking some laws.

The thing is he can’t get his mind off you. It’s been weeks since the incident near the tennis courts, and he thinks about you more than ever.

He’s sure you’re thinking of him too. He’s noticed you looking at him when you think he doesn’t notice. He sees longing in your expression that mirrors his own feelings. He can see you’re unhappy. All he wants to do is keep you safe and make everything better.

He’s left you alone. Given you space. But now he is crouching in the shadows of your garage waiting for you to return home. Like an actual stalker. He’s pretty sure your husband is home, somewhere inside the house. Maybe he could strangle the fucker?

No. He shakes his head. That’s not why he’s here. He’s here to talk to you. Admit he has feelings for you. Fuck! This is crazy. You’ll probably call the police.

Rain beats down outside as he waits patiently.

A beep from the garage door alerts Minho of your return, and the garage motor churns as the door lifts and you drive into your parking space.

You take your time getting out of the car, and when you finally emerge, Minho gasps to himself when he sees the state you’re in. You’re soaking wet in your running clothes, and shivering.

“Noona,” he whispers as he steps out of the shadows.

You freeze. “Minho! ? What the fuck are you going here!?” You hiss in shock looking around to make sure no one is around.

“I needed to see you.”

“This is so fucking creepy. You need to leave!” You start pushing him towards the open garage door. But just as you do, a car pulls up into the drive.

“Fuck.” You whisper. “It’s his poker night. They’re all going to turn up.”

“What should we do? Get in your car? We could go somewhere…not here?” Minho suggests.

But you were parked in. Another car pulls up and a man gets out of the car holding an umbrella.

“Hi friend.” The men greet each other and then head towards the open garage door.

“Might as well go through here.” One of them suggests, pointing towards the garage.

“Fuck. Quick.” You whisper pushing Minho into the house through the internal access. You slip your wet shoes off so they won’t squeak on the tiled hallway. Minho does the same, but picks his shoes up and holds onto them as you carefully sneak him through your house.

He takes in his luxurious surroundings as you skulk past the room your husband and some of his friends are in, and steer him up the staircase and into your bedroom.

You push him against your door. “What the fuck do you think you’re going, Minho? Why were you in my garage?”

“I needed to see you.”

You stare at him blankly. “You really are fucking crazy.” You shake your head.

“And you’re freezing.” He whispers, stroking your cold, wet arm. A few moments pass where you just stare at each other.

You sigh. “Fine. Stay here. Don’t move. I’m going to have a shower to warm up. But then I’m getting you out of my house.”

“Hey! Wait! What if he comes in here?” He whispers looking around your bedroom.

“He won’t. We don’t share a room.”

————

You leave Minho sitting on your bed while you turn on your shower and peel off your soaking clothes.

Why the fuck is here? At your home? Your heart races, knowing he’s just on the other side of the wall. On your bed. This is so wrong.

You step into the shower and quickly wash yourself and try to warm your body. Just be quick. Then you can deal with this, you think, closing your eyes for a moment to compose yourself. He looks really good, even as a stalker hiding in your garage. Images of him taking you against the hood of your car makes your core ache. No! Stop! You shake your head.

“Noona?” Your eyes fling open to see Minho standing on the other side of your shower screen. Fucking naked.

“W-what the…” you start to shriek.

“Tell me you don’t want me and I’ll get dressed.” He says coolly.

Is he fucking serious? He waits expectantly for an answer, and when you don’t, he turns to leave.

“Wait.” Your hand reaches for his arm, stopping him in his tracks. “Stay.” you say softly.

He pauses momentarily, before turning back slowly. His expression is full of hope, and you nod. “Please. Stay.”

As he steps into the shower, your nerves skyrocket. You’re overwhelmed with so many feelings as he stands before you, the water streaming off his toned body, a look of pure need in his eyes.

“Y/n,” he says softly as he cups your jaw and gently presses your back against the tiled wall. “I don’t care if I’m just a toyboy or whatever to you. If I’m just some cock you wanna use… I really don’t care. I’ll be anything you want.” His lips ghost your cheek before leaning his forehead on yours. “I don’t care if I’m just your dirty little secret.”

He presses his erection against you.

“Min.” You sob, your hands roaming his bare chest. “Aren’t I just a conquest to you?”

He leans back and tilts your head so your eyes meet his. “You were never a just a conquest, Noona.” His tone is genuine.

He lowers his eyes to your lips and your core aches. He closes the gap between you, taking you in a slow, deep kiss. You melt against him immediately. His hands caress your body with a gentleness you haven't felt from him previously, before he eventually cups one of your breasts. He's so hard against you, but he isn't rushing things. He's moving so slowly like he's savouring every moment and memorising every inch of your skin.

You moan into his mouth when he squeezes your nipple, and he smirks against your lips. He peels his mouth from you to look into your eyes again and catch his breath, before he's kissing you again.

Minho's lips feel like heaven, igniting something deep inside you. A warmth spreads through your chest and you squeeze your legs together to seek some friction, because of the ache between your legs.

He lifts you up, holding your ass, and you automatically wrap your legs around his waist. He still doesn't try to slip inside you, instead he grinds himself against your clitoris. His lips kissing every inch of your skin he can reach.

You're on the verge of sobbing. You need him closer. "Please. Need you."

"Shh. Let me take my time. I wanna make love to you."

"At this rate I'm going to come before you've put in." You try to grind against him faster, but he holds you still.

"Noona, I'm gonna make you come all night long." He tugs your lip with his teeth.

Holding you in place with one hand, he uses his other to line his cock up with your entrance. "You ready?" he whispers. He's never asked you this before when he's fucked you.

You nod.

He slides in excruciatingly slow, while keeping his eyes fixed on yours.

"Fuck." you choke as he stretches you out.

"You feel so perfect for me, Noona." He slowly withdraws before pushing back in, making your head roll back against the tiles.

He fucks into you slowly, taking care to roll his hips at just the right angle. The way his cock drags against your walls has you mewling, and it isn't long until you're seeing stars and crying his name.

"That's it, come for me. So pretty. So perfect." he cooes.

Tears prickle at your eyes from how intense your climax feels, yet at the same time feels so delicate and tender.

"I've got you." he promises as he continues to thrust into you slowly. "Can I keep going? I don't wanna stop fucking you yet."

"Don't you dare fucking stop, Minho. Ever. Own me." You cry.

--------------

Minho can't believe how amazing it feels to make love to you. He's never made love in his life. It's always been fucking.

But he's got it bad for you. Breaking into your house, fucking getting naked and walking in on you in your shower, being balls deep inside you while your husband is downstairs with his friends.

He must be fucking crazy.

Except it feels so right.

He slams the water off, and with him still deep inside you, and your legs wrapped around him, he carries you to your bed. Your both still dripping wet, but that's of no concern right now. The only thing that matters is him worshipping your body and wishing that the night will last forever.

He fucks you harder now, chasing his orgasm. Your legs around his shoulders, the sound of your skin slapping together, your wet cunt allowing him to slide in and out at a fast pace.

He wants to get rough with you, but he's not sure if that's what you want from him. He wants to be whatever you want him to be. After seeing that fuck-head slap you, he's not sure what he should or shouldn’t do.

He remembers what you said.

"I enjoyed everything you did to me…you made me feel… alive."

He reaches up to grab a fistful of your hair and yanks your head back to expose your neck. You gasp in approval as he sucks the skin on your neck harshly. It's going to leave marks, but you told him to own you, and that's what he's going to do.

"Do it." you whimper. He looks down at your fucked out face. 'You wanna bite me again don't you? Do it. Do anything you want, Minho. I'm yours."

He kisses your neck, inhaling your scent, and when he feels the coil inside him about to snap, he holds his hand down over your mouth as he sinks he's teeth into your shoulder. He doesn't understand it, but he comes hard, painting your walls with his seed. Your body tenses and you cry out against his hand as you come around him for a second time.

He whispers words of praise and sucks over the skin where he bit you, and eventually collapses on top of you. You hold him against your body, stroking his damp hair.

"I don't know why I do that." he leans up on his elbow. "Biting. I don't und-"

"Shh." you bring a finger to his lips. "I like it too."

He inspects the wound. "I'll go get something to wipe it."

"Don't go." you whisper, not letting him move.

"Noona," he says sternly. "I said I was going to make you come all night, and I intend to. Just let me clean you up."

"Come back." you sigh.

I'm not going anywhere, Noona. I'm yours. He smiles to himself.

@channieandhisgoonsquad @noellllslut @itsseohannbin @kangnina @chuuchuu1224 @weareapackofstrays @xxkissesforchanniexx @enjaken @queenmea604 @queen-in-the-shadows @bethanysnow @vanillacupcakefrosting @straykidsholicleigh @fun-fanfics @number1chanstan @jisuperboard @3rachasdomesticbanana @newhope8 @palindrome969 @wolfennracha @rhonnie23 @thackery-blinks

[metalnecklace]

Forgive My Northern Attitude

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader

Words: 6298

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Blood and Gore, Minor Character Death, Smut, Unprotected Sex (p in v, wrap it up folks), Oral (f receiving)

Notes: Here’s a little something I wrote today to take a break from my Javi fic! I have a part two already planned but won’t get to it for a little while (who knows, though. This just happened on a whim). Title is inspired by Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan, he is also who inspired my other fic title. I was just listening to the song and this entire fic mapped itself out in my head.

Summary: Joel is a man of few words, with only so much room in his heart.

Masterlist

Part II

2003

Six thirty. It was six thirty and he was late.

I was exhausted, the sun was too much for me that day, and Joel was supposed to pick up his truck half an hour ago.

When I was about to reach for the phone to give him a call I heard the telltale rumble of Tommy’s truck. I rolled my eyes and walked out to the parking lot, waving my hand in front of my face to clear the dust his tires kicked up as Tommy rolled down the window of his truck.

“Hey there, darlin’,” he drawled as Joel got out of the passenger side. “How are you this fine evening?”

“I’d be much better if you assholes weren’t late!” I scolded, but the smile on my face betrayed my annoyance.

Joel sauntered over and clapped me on the shoulder. “Sorry, (Y/N). The job didn’t go as planned today, is all.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I continued to fake my frustration with the older man in front of me. “Just don’t let it happen again. You know I got a longer drive home than you.”

Joel laughed, and Tommy piped up, “that’s your own fault for wanting to live, how did you put it? ‘Among nature’?”

“Oh, screw off, Tommy!” I called out. “Beats living anywhere near your ass!”

I ignored anymore comments from Tommy and held Joel’s keys up for him to take. “How’s it runnin’ now?”

I shrugged. “Pretty smooth. I changed out the right front calipers and rebalanced the tires. Should feel good as new. If only it smelled like it.”

He smiled at me, my heart stuttering. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” I smiled back.

Tommy got out of his truck, fed up with us ignoring him. “How’s Freddy doing?”

My older brother, Freddy, was how I met Joel and Tommy. They had worked together for years after him and Tommy fought together. The three of them were quite close, and when Tommy’s truck broke down one day Freddy suggested they take it to me, a new up and coming mechanic in the town. I had just started my own business and although most men were too ashamed to bring their vehicles in for a woman to fix them, Joel and Tommy didn’t give a shit. It didn’t hurt that Joel was easy on the eyes, too.

The four of us had continued to grow closer through barbecues, broken down trucks, baked goods, and especially when Freddy was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago. I had moved him in with me so he was surrounded by fresh air and nature, and we took turns taking care of him when he needed it. Trips to the hospital, company on rainy days, walks when he felt up to it. Joel and Tommy were just as patient with him and his recovery as I was, if not more.

“Not too bad. He’s quite tired these days with the chemo, but he stays pretty hopeful!” I took a clean rag out of my back pocket and used it to wipe the sweat from the back of my neck. “I was actually wondering if you guys would like to come over for a barbecue this weekend. Freddy would love to see you.”

“That’d be great! We can do a belated birthday celebration!” Tommy exclaimed, clapping Joel on the back which caused him to roll his eyes.

I laughed at Joel’s exasperation. “That’s right. Any plans for the big day tomorrow?”

Joel shook his head, shooting his brother a glare. “Nah, I gotta work. Sarah wants to do something but you know how it is.”

“Sure do,” I said. “Well, we’ll have to celebrate more this weekend, then.”

We said our goodbyes and the boys left me to close up the shop. The thirty minute drive home was peaceful, my broken radio leaving me in a nice silence until I pulled into my driveway. My house was modest, a bungalow which was perfect for Freddy’s energy levels, but I had moved mostly for the scenery. There was something about being surrounded by trees that made me feel at peace.

Freddy was washing up a few dishes when I walked in. The house smelled strongly of fresh bread and my mouth watered immediately upon entry. Because of long hours of rest, Freddy had started baking to pass the time. He found it was low enough energy, plus he got a treat out of it when his appetite allowed.

“Wow, that smells amazing,” I sighed, following the smell to the oven.

“Don’t you dare touch a thing!” He turned, catching me before I could open the oven. “They’re still rising and I do not want you messing them up. If you’re lucky I’ll make you a sandwich for work in the morning.”

I rolled my eyes, a smile on my lips. “Thanks, Freddy. How’re you feeling?”

He turned back the sink and let the water drain out before shrugging. “Same old. Okay, not great.”

Freddy was four years older than me, and four years younger than Joel. Him and Tommy were the middle tether in our group, and they were the heart too. Even when Freddy wasn’t feeling his best he tried his hardest not to show it. I knew him well enough, though.

“Why don’t we put on a movie? I’ll go shower while you pick,” I offered, hoping he didn’t realize I just didn’t want him exerting too much energy.

He just nodded and turned to the living room. I caught the way his eyes were glassy but said nothing.

By the time I finished showering Freddy had fallen asleep on the couch. He had chosen a movie I hadn’t even heard of before, the title screen frozen on our television, but I didn’t want to wake him. I laid a blanket over him, tucking it around his frail shoulders, and went into the kitchen to find something to eat. I opened the fridge but after staring blankly at the leftovers inside I decided to just call it a night.

The next morning was a rush. I had slept through my alarm and was running late. Freddy was in his bed sleeping away so I left a note telling him I’d be back in time for supper. On the way to work I realized that I had forgotten to make myself a sandwich with Freddy’s fresh bread, and grumbled to myself about how stupid I was for the rest of the drive.

When I got to my work I saw Joel’s truck parked in the driveway. I marched over and opened up the back door, finding the key tucked away under the floor mat, and got into the front. A post-it note was stuck onto the middle of the steering wheel with his chicken scratch scrawled onto it.

Check engine light came on halfway home, figured you’d want to look at it.

I groaned and thumped my head against the horn, causing it to let out a pathetic beep.

The rest of the day went by smoothly, and I was true to my word, arriving home in time for supper. Freddy was in good spirits, and had spent his day making mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and chicken. We had run out of flour when he was making bread so he couldn’t make the gravy he had wanted to, but I reassured him his cooking was amazing no matter what.

We watched the movie we had planned to watch the night before, both of us surprisingly staying awake for it, and then got ready for bed. The phone rang as I finished brushing my teeth and I raced to the kitchen to get it before it stopped.

“(Y/N)?” Joel said before I could even say hello.

“Hey. What’s wrong, Joel?” I asked, leaning against the counter top.

“Are you and Freddy okay?” He sounded out of breath.

“Of course. What’s going on?” My brows were furrowed, which Freddy noticed when he walked into the kitchen. He was eating a sandwich with the leftover chicken.

“Listen to me very carefully.” His voice was shaky, but firm. I held on to every word. “Stay inside. Lock every door and window. Get into your basement if you can, into the room with no windows. Tommy and I are getting Sarah out of the city, then we’ll be back for you and Freddy, okay? If we aren’t back by this time tomorrow night then you need to get yourselves out. Got it?”

“Joel, what’s goin-“

“Got it?!” He growled.

“Yes, yes I got it.” The phone trembled in my hand.

“Good.”

Then he was gone.

“(Y/N)? What’s wrong?” Freddy asked.

I hung up the phone. “We need to get to the basement. Now.”

Freddy made his way to the basement while I ran around locking up the house. I also made sure to grab a backpack with a few extra clothes and toiletries just in case we’d be down there longer.

When I got to the basement I locked us into the one guest room we had. It was an unfinished room, with no windows, which made me feel grateful that there were usually no guests to stay in the room. Joel never stayed over because he didn’t want to leave Sarah alone, and Tommy usually passed out on the couch.

I looked at Freddy who was sitting on the unmade bed in the corner of the room. He was still eating his sandwich. I raised my eyebrow at him.

“What? I never have an appetite with the chemo, you know that.” He took a bite and proceeded to talk with his mouth full of bread. “I gotta take advantage when I’m actually hungry.”

I rolled my eyes and set my bag on the ground. “Whatever you say, Fred. You should get some sleep when you’re done, I don’t think I’ll be able to. Plus you need it.”

“Yeah, yeah, mom.” He grumbled, taking the last bite of his food. “You know, you should really start taking care of yourself the way you take care of me.”

My head snapped up as I focused on him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You work yourself to the bone, you never let yourself have a break, or any fun.” He laid down and grabbed a blanket that was folded up at the bottom of the bed to cover himself up with.

“Of course I work hard, I have to pay the bills, you know.” I felt bad as soon as the words left my mouth. I didn’t want him to feel like a burden, and never spoke about the cost of his treatment. I continued talking to get past it. “And I do have fun!”

He rolled his head to face me. “When?”

I thought for a moment. “Well… our barbecue is this weekend, that’ll be fun.”

“That brings me to my next point.” He continued on. “When are you ever gonna make a move on that man?”

My heart stopped. “What man?”

He snorted. “You know very well what man. I see the way you look at him, and he looks at you a little too often for my liking.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, he’s not interested,” I slid down the wall I had been standing against so I could sit down. “And he works so hard taking care of Sarah, I know that’s his first priority. I could never do anything to screw that up.”

He shook his head and turned so his back was facing me. “Whatever you say, (Y/N).”

I chuckled. “Good night, Freddy. Love you.”

“Love you too, (Y/N). Wake me if anything happens.”

As Freddy drifted off to sleep I found myself drifting off into my own dream world. My thoughts wandered to Joel, and I kept myself busy thinking about what life would be like if I allowed myself to indulge in this fantasy Freddy seemed to want me to.

My aching neck brought me out of my thoughts enough for me to realize I had fallen asleep. Freddy still laid on the bed, and I was still in my position on the floor but slumped over. I slowly stood up, stretching out my aching back and legs, then shivered. The basement had gotten cool in the night and my thin pajamas weren’t enough. I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a hoodie and jeans and changed, then decided to throw on the sneakers I had grabbed last minute too. I wasn’t sure exactly what Joel had been talking about, but I guessed I should get ready for anything.

I cracked open the door and noticed the sun had started rising outside. My stiff back and the new light confirmed that I had actually slept for quite a while. I turned to look at Freddy only to find him already turned over looking at me.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” I greeted. “Joel and Tommy aren’t here yet, hopefully soon.”

I looked back out, but when I didn’t hear a response from Freddy I turned back to him. He was still looking at me, but his eyes seemed different. I couldn’t tell if there was something wrong or if it was just from the dim light of the lamp we had on in the corner of the room.

“Freddy?” I stepped closer. “You okay?”

He moaned, his mouth opening at a weird angle, then his body twitched under the blankets. I jumped back.

“Freddy, what the fuck?!” I pushed the door open so I could keep putting space between us.

He leapt out of the bed faster than I had seen him move since before he got sick. I bolted for the door to the stairs and got out just before he got to me. I slammed the door and locked it, racing up the stairs as fast as I could while the door was getting smashed to pieces behind me.

I got up to the kitchen and paused, panting, trying to get my brain to stop spinning just enough to come up with a plan. My heart was pounding almost too loud to hear the door get obliterated as Freddy finally busted out. I ran to the stairs leading up to my room and climbed them as fast as I could. I was almost to the top when I was grabbed from behind and thrown down to the bottom. My head hit the floor hard enough to cause my vision to spin for a moment before settling on Freddy at the top of the stairs.

I didn’t recognize the thing that used to be my brother. My entire body ached and was frozen in fear as he came down the stairs and hovered over me. He screamed and moved toward me just as the front door was kicked in. The sound of a gunshot rang through my ears and I watched as Freddy’s blood splattered against the wall beside us. I turned to see Joel holding the gun, blood covering his hands, arms, torso, and face, as he stalked toward Freddy, who was still standing somehow and screaming at Joel.

Tommy rushed in and ran to my side, helping me off the floor. I limped beside him as he pulled me toward the front door. Before we left completely I turned to Joel.

“(Y/N)!” Tommy called.

“No!” I screamed at the same time as Joel pulled the trigger.

I watched as Freddy’s face was completely blown off and painted across the wall behind him. His body fell limp, and thudded onto the wood flooring. Tommy wrapped his arms around me and pulled me out of the house as I screamed and cried. My ears were ringing so hard I couldn’t even hear myself.

Joel turned around to face me, and the grief that was held in his eyes was enough for me to go limp in Tommy’s arms as he dragged me out to a car that they had running in the driveway.

“Tommy,” I managed to get out through my tears. “Tommy, who’s blood is that? On Joel? Who’s blood is that, Tommy?”

He helped me into the backseat, refusing to make eye contact.

I shook my head. “No, no, no, not hers. It can’t be.”

Tommy looked up at me, and I saw the answer in his face.

2004

“Joel?”

Tommy was still sound asleep in the passenger seat of our broken down truck, but I had been awoken from where I had been sleeping in the backseat by someone crying. The driver's seat, which had been occupied by Joel, was empty.

I opened the door and shuffled out quietly so I wouldn’t wake Tommy. My legs bent so I was lower to the ground just in case we weren’t alone, but a quick check around helped me see we were. I stood to my full height and searched for Joel.

Another sob broke through the night and I followed the sound to the edge of the woods. There, sitting against the trunk of a tree just out of sight from the truck, was Joel. He was hunched over himself, with his arms wrapped around his legs and his head hung down. His shoulders shook with the force of his tears, and all I wanted to do in that moment was wrap myself around him and protect him from the world.

“Joel?” I whispered, trying not to startle him.

He lifted his head and turned to face me. His eyes were bloodshot and puffy, and he looked exhausted.

“I-I’m sorry,” he stuttered, his voice absolutely wrecked. “I didn’t wake you did I?”

I shook my head. “No, you didn’t. I was already awake,” I lied. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I wasn’t the only one lying. “Just couldn’t sleep.”

I gestured to the spot on the ground, asking silent permission, and he nodded. It felt nice to sit next to him, his body warm compared to the hard earth underneath us. We sat for a moment in silence, though it wasn’t uncomfortable.

“I can’t stop seein’ her in my arms,” he said so softly into the night. “I close my eyes and it’s like a horror movie, this nightmare permanently playing behind my eyelids.”

“I know what you mean.” Joel and Tommy dealt with my nightmares for months, and even after they still knew to wake me before the screaming started in case I gave us away.

I leaned over and rested my head on Joel’s shoulder, and he rested his head on top of mine. I placed my hand on his knee, causing him to stiffen for a moment. Because of his reaction I pulled my hand away, only to have him reach out and grab my wrist. He clasped his hand in mine on his thigh and intertwined our fingers. I rubbed the back of his hand with my thumb and sighed.

The two of us sat out by that tree for the rest of the night, not saying anything, but understanding everything.

2006

“She just gets it,” Joel grumbled.

“And I don't?”

I stared at Joel who was refusing to look at me even though I had him cornered in his bedroom.

“You think I don’t get it? This loss that you’ve been dealing with? This fear?” I continued, hoping he’d at least look at me. “I watched you shoot my brother for fuck sake!”

He finally looked at me. It was the first time since I had caught him kissing Tess just moments ago in the place where he was standing.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice so low if I hadn’t seen his lips move I wouldn’t have thought he said a thing.

I shook my head. “I’m leaving, Joel.”

He furrowed his brows, taking a step toward me. I took one back.

“I can’t do this. All I’ve wanted was for you to let me in, especially since Tommy left. Now it’s just you and Tess. There’s no room for me anymore.” I turned to walk away but he reached out and grabbed my upper arm.

“Don’t, please,” he pleaded with me. “You can’t, you won’t make it. Where will you even go?”

I wrenched my arm out of his grip. “I’m going to find Tommy.”

“Please,” he whispered.

“Fuck you, Joel.” I snarled.

I slammed his door behind me and took off, hoping I’d never lay eyes on Joel Miller ever again.

2023

There was news of newcomers in Jackson, although the rumour was they weren’t staying long. I was still intrigued, since it wasn’t often Tommy accepted people in so easily when they weren’t in dire need of assistance. People were saying they were just passing through.

I wanted to know who would pass through freely without wanting to stay, and who Tommy would allow to come and go so easily. I should have stayed curious. Instead, I decided to check out who the fuss was all about.

What I wasn’t expecting was to see Joel traveling with a young girl. I walked into Tommy’s office expecting to greet strangers, only to be face to face with the one man I never thought I’d see again. Had hoped I would never see again. Had wished late at night, when my only company was my thoughts, that I would one day see again.

“Joel?” I asked, the shock on my face was enough to make Tommy chuckle.

Joel whipped around at the sound of my voice and his face looked like he saw a ghost. He looked good, but different. Broader, grayer, rougher around the edges. But he still looked tired and saddled with grief.

“(Y/N),” he said matter of factly, as if he was just stating that I was there in case he didn’t believe it.

We stood frozen in the moment, the air electric between us. The young girl’s eyes flickered back and forth until she stepped forward offering her hand to me.

“I’m Ellie,” she smiled as if she was harmless but I saw the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ellie.”

“I can’t believe you found Tommy.” Joel spoke again, his voice rougher than before but still him. “I thought I would never see you again.”

I shrugged. “Would that have been such a bad thing?”

Joel’s eyes darkened, his mouth set in a line. Tommy cleared his throat and explained what they were doing in Jackson. I was told that Joel would be taking Ellie to a firefly base. That Ellie was like cargo.

“She’s cargo?” I asked. “Why?”

“Long story,” Joel cut in, glaring at Tommy for telling me anything about their plans. “We’re headin’ out soon.”

“Where’s Tess?” I asked before thinking, even though I had a feeling.

Joel turned away from me completely. Tommy looked at me and I knew. My mouth formed a silent O. I felt bad, obviously. I really did like Tess even though Joel had chosen her instead of me. That wasn’t her fault and she was a strong willed woman who was full of heart. But I was also aware of the dangers that remained in the world, and the horrors that some people just couldn’t escape. No matter how tough they were.

Maria came in with some food for our guests. “Tommy there’s a commotion outside, you might wanna go deal with it.”

“Alright, I’ll be back in a bit.” Tommy grabbed his jacket and started to head out the door.

Joel took one look at me before reaching out to stop Tommy. “I’ll come with you, just in case you need some back up.”

Tommy laughed and shook his head. “Always the big brother, aren’t you?”

The two men walked out the room and left us alone. Maria was looking at me with her eyebrow raised.

“What?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “I won’t get into it, especially in front of Ellie, but you know what.”

Tommy was no fool, he knew how I felt about Joel, and he shared everything with Maria.

“Into what?” Ellie asked, looking between the two of us.

“Nothing,” I muttered. “You should eat, Ellie.”

They sat down to eat while I went to leave. Maria got up and walked over placing her hand on my shoulder. “Why don’t you stay? Talk to us for a bit. Then you can say goodbye to Joel before they head out again.”

The way she was looking at me told me I should stay, that he may not be back. I lowered my eyes.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea.” I called out, “it was nice meeting you, Ellie!” Then headed back to my house.

I had already said goodbye to Joel Miller years ago, I certainly didn’t need to again.

2024

He was back. Word traveled fast, and I made sure to stay hidden away. I was surprised that he had not only made it to his destination, but he also made it back. He had the girl with him too.

I was supposed to be on patrol that day but decided to get someone to cover me. There was no way I could even leave my house for fear that I may see him. When I told Maria she just shook her head and dismissed me, probably thinking I was no better than a child instead of a woman in her forties.

Not even a day went by before there was a knock at my door. My hands shook and my stomach was doing flips the entire walk to where my visitor waited, and when I opened the door I felt my heart stop.

“Joel,” I breathed.

“Hi, (Y/N).” His broad shoulders took up most of the light coming in through the doorway, and his face remained stoic through the relief in his voice.

“You made it.”

He nodded, a man of few words.

I stepped back, allowing him through the doorway. He made his way inside the living room and wandered around, looking at the pictures and knick knacks I collected throughout my time in Jackson. He came to a stop in front of a picture of a paint mare looking out at the desert landscape.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I asked, coming to stand next to him. His arms were crossed over his chest, the same as mine were, and when he shuffled to one side we bumped elbows, causing us both to stiffen.

“What’re you doing here, Joel?”

He sighed, turning to walk toward the couch, though he did not sit down. “Ellie and I are gonna stay in Jackson. Live here.”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” I walked to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses. “Still a whiskey man, I take it?”

He grunted in response as I poured two fingers each.

“I don’t have a lot to offer, but I raided an old shop about a month ago and found some liquor. I’m shocked it wasn’t claimed but I know better than to ask questions.” I put the jar of the amber liquid back in my cupboard and walked to where he was finally seated on the couch. “You’re lucky I’m even offering you some, I’d like to save it.”

“Well, thanks.” He took a sip and relaxed back into the cushions. His eyes closed almost involuntarily as soon as the alcohol touched his lips. He drained his cup and leaned forward to set it on the table.

“I was assuming you’d savor that a bit more but okay.” I shrugged and took a sip of my own drink.

“I fucked up.” He said, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. “With Ellie. I fucked up really bad.”

I went and sat beside him, placing my glass down next to his. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think, Joel. What happened?”

“I can’t tell you. Not yet, anyway.” He scrubbed his hands down his face, then turned to me. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes, hanging off his shoulders. “I’m just so tired of tryin’ to keep my head down and survive, only to mess things up and hurt other people. People I genuinely care about.”

“Is Ellie okay?” I was concerned, especially since I wasn’t exactly sure what happened to Tess.

“Yeah. Yeah, she’s fine.”

“Then that’s all that matters for right now.” I placed my hand on his knee and he melted into my touch. “You both survived, and you’re here now. You’re safe.”

Joel’s shoulders trembled, and I could tell he was holding everything in. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him close so his face was buried in my neck. He still didn’t let himself cry, but he let himself be held and that was good enough for me. For the both of us.

“Where’s Ellie now?” I whispered against his graying hair, scared of breaking the spell cast over us.

“She’s staying at Tommy and Maria’s. They have a room for the both of us, but I told them I was comin’ to see you first.” His voice vibrated against my neck, sending shivers down to my toes.

I rubbed my hand up his back and down again, repeating the motion until we had fully relaxed against each other. Eventually the room darkened as the sun set, and I pulled away from him. I stood and offered my hand out to him. He raised his eyebrow at me but slid his hand in mine, standing to his full height. We walked silently to my bedroom and I left him standing on one side of the bed so I could make my way to the other.

“(Y/N)?” He seemed so shy, so nervous. Not at all like the Joel I used to know before the outbreak.

“Just get in, Joel. You look exhausted.”

He sighed and did as I asked. Luckily he looked like he had showered and put on some of Tommy’s clean clothes before he visited. So I wasn’t worried about him getting my bed dirty. I chuckled at the fact that he didn’t take off his jeans, causing him to roll his eyes and slide them off under the blankets.

I went into my bathroom to put my hair up and change into a t-shirt and sleep shorts, and was pleased to see that Joel had taken off his flannel shirt so he was also in a t-shirt. I slid under the covers with him, and we laid side by side in the dark. It was awkward at first, until I rolled to face him and scooted closer.

“Hi,” I said.

He turned his head to look at me. “Hi.”

I smiled, causing him to mirror my actions. He stretched his arm up, helping me maneuver my head so he was my cushion, and he pulled me close. We fell asleep with our arms around each other, feeling like we hadn’t been apart for as long as we were.

The sun started to shine through my curtains in the early morning, causing my eyes to blink open. My back was facing Joel and his arm was still in the same place as before, his other draped over my waist. I felt at peace for the first time since the outbreak, and probably since before then too. For a moment I wondered if that’s what I had been missing all those years, if that was what it would have been like if Joel had let me in sooner. If I had admitted my feelings to him sooner.

He groaned and pressed himself against me. “Mornin’,” he said, sleep heavy in his voice.

“Morning.” I turned in his arms so I could watch him. His eyes were closed but the bags that hung down from them the night before seemed to not be as deep.

When Joel opened his eyes I felt my breath catch in my throat. The deep pools of them threatened to pull me under if I let them. And I wanted to let them so bad.

“Why are you here, Joel?” I asked. “What do you want?”

He sighed, his eyes flickering down to my lips before coming back to mine. Butterflies erupted in my stomach yet again.

I asked once more. “What do you want, Joel?”

“You.”

I didn’t even realize we had moved toward each other until our lips connected. His hand that was on my back came up to cradle the back of my head, moving me how he needed so our angle worked better.

His body weighed me down, keeping me grounded, as he slowly moved over top of me. My hands went into his hair, tugging him closer, causing him to moan in my mouth. I slid my hands down to his back and he pulled away so he could grab them and place them above my head. He kissed his way down my neck and chest, then helped me sit up so he could remove my shirt. The cool air caused goosebumps on my skin and pebbled my now exposed nipples, but he wasn’t looking anywhere but in my eyes.

“Is this okay? We can stop.”

I shook my head and pulled him in for a kiss. “Don’t you dare, Joel Miller.”

He smiled against my lips, kissing me once more before making his way back down my body. He pulled one of my nipples into his mouth, teasing the bud with his teeth, and then moved to the next one, repeating his actions. I moaned and writhed under his ministrations, wishing he’d move faster.

Joel’s lips mapped their way down my stomach, to my lower abdomen, and then skipped over my shorts to plant kisses on my thighs. His calloused hands slid up and down my calves, the heat from them warming my blood, a blush forming on my chest. He slid his hands up the inside of my thighs, and his thumbs brushed over where my shorts were covering my core. I bucked my hips slightly, making him hold me down.

“Patience, darlin’,” he drawled against my inner thigh. “Let’s get these off of you before they get ruined.”

I lifted my hips as he slid my shorts down my legs and threw them onto the floor, exposing me fully. My thighs tried to close but his strong hands pried them open.

“Let me see you, sweetheart. There we go.” He flattened himself onto the bed and gripped my hips with his arms, pinning me in place. “You’re so beautiful.”

His tongue parted my lips and swirled around my clit. His fingers brushed against my opening before he sunk one inside. I groaned at the feeling, his fingers thicker than mine, and they reached where I certainly couldn’t. My whole body felt like it was on fire as he made out with my clit, sucking it into his mouth and pressing the flat of his tongue against it.

“Joel,” I moaned into the air. He hummed against me, the vibrations making my eyes roll back. I gripped the sheets, feeling my orgasm approaching like a runaway train.

He slid another finger in, lowering his head so his tongue fucked into me between his fingers and his nose rubbed against my clit. The sounds were filthy as they reached my ears, and it took no time at all for my pleasure to rip through me. His name was a prayer that spilled from my lips over and over until my body melted against the bed.

I pushed his head out from between my legs, the sensitivity suddenly too much, and pulled him up so I could kiss him. The taste of me mixed with the smell of him was to die for, and we moaned into each other's mouths.

“I need you,” he panted once we broke apart. “I’ve needed you for so long.”

“I know,” I kissed him, “I know. I need you, too. I’ve needed you since I first met you.”

“Fuck, darlin’. You’re gonna be the death of me.”

I helped him out of his clothes, tracing over the scars that littered his torso and making him whine into my mouth when I stroked his cock slowly. It hardened even more under my touch, and precum beaded from the tip when I teased it over my soaking wet core.

Joel pushed himself inside slowly, so slowly I felt I would fall apart. When he was fully inside me I let my head fall back. He leaned down and kissed my neck, just behind my ear, and nipped the skin.

“Joel, I need you,” I nearly sobbed, using my hands to try and pull him even closer.

“I got you, sweetheart, I got you.” He buried his face even deeper into my neck and held me so close he was barely pulling out of me.

We moved together, moaned together, and finally, with a little help from his fingers wedged between us, we came together. Our names mingled with our breaths, and then we held each other in the fresh light of the new morning.

He held me in his arms, my back to his front, and he whispered sweet nothings into my ear until I felt sleep pull me under once more. After a little while there was a shift in the bed that caused me to start waking up again. My eyes opened when I realized Joel’s warmth was no longer behind me, and I sat up to see where he would be. His clothes weren’t on the floor, even his jeans and flannel, and there wasn’t any sound from the bathroom. My heart sank the more I realized where he was.

My worries were confirmed as I heard my front door close in the distance.

[aira-writes]

BNHA Boys as Normal College Students

Pairings: Dabi x Fem! Reader

Genre: one-shots, fluff, humor, crack, college au, sfw, bnha imagines

Warnings: language, suggestive (idk lol?), chaotic (i warned ya)

A/n: I was about to post this together with the first part but didn’t have time to edit it. It’s my first time writing a Dabi one-shot so idk if he’s OOC or not. Hope you like this one!

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

Today’s the time that you left school extremely late. You didn’t have a choice since you were the Glee club’s president—your classmates all voted you to be—so you and the other members of the organization had to stay up late and help decorate the gym for the fancy ball event that’ll be held this Friday. It was a bit dark when you left the schoolgrounds with your other members but they had to leave first because they were in a hurry.

         Jiro—your vice president—offered to take you home before she left but you declined since your boyfriend always takes you home, himself. Jiro was reluctant to leave you alone since the sun’s already about to set, but you reassured her that your boyfriend’s coming so she could just go ahead.

         So now, you’re alone in the parking lot as you waited for him. You were worried what’s taking Dabi so long. You even sent him a few chats asking him where he is. And him not being able to reply meant that he must be busy.

         10 more minutes have passed but you kept waiting.

“Want a ride, babe?” an unfamiliar voice spoke behind you which startled you.

         You shook your head as a reply. “No, thanks.”

         “Come on. It’ll be dark soon. Don’t want you alone and scared here all by yourself.” He took a few steps near you. This guy seemed like a junior—so he’s one year older than you. Seeing his face made you realize that he’s one of the members of the football team but you just don’t know his name nor are you even interested to.

         “Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine here on my own.” You forced a smile. You got a feeling that this guy isn’t taking no for an answer and you hated the fact that he’s kinda pushy and won’t leave you alone.

         “You sure?” He took another few steps so he was now a bit nearer than before, which creeped you out.

         “Def sure.”

         “It’ll be wrong of me to leave you here all alone, y’know. So I suggest letting me take you home. I have my car parked right here.”

         “I already said no. I can take care of myself. You can go.” You turned your back away from him as you pulled out your phone to try and contact your boyfriend again.

           “I’m being a good guy here, babe. You sure you don’t want a ride? I don’t bite, I promise—” You really hated pushy guys the most. And the fact that it seems like this guy isn’t going anywhere and keeps advancing towards you is making you feel extremely creeped out. “—well unless you wanted me to.” He chuckled.

         You were about to let out a snarky reply so he could leave you alone when a familiar voice beat you to it.

“The only thing she’ll be riding is me. Now get lost kid.”

 You had your back turned from the owner of the familiar voice but you didn’t miss to sense the scary aura that the voice emitted. It feels like it was laced with poison or something.

           “Oh—uh—Oops, I didn’t know you have a boyfriend. Sorry, I’ll go now.” The creepy guy almost bolted to run as both of you watched him walked towards his car—he even struggled a bit to insert his keys.

         You turned to your boyfriend who now has his free hand resting gently—protectively—on your waist.

         “Sorry I was late, doll. Had to do some errands.” He kissed the side of your head, still looking towards the guy who was now driving off. You didn’t have to be a psychic to sensed that he was giving sharp glares to the creepy guy who kept bothering you earlier. And the fact that the creepy guy almost looked white when he landed one more glance to your direction—was a dead give-away.

         You playfully pinched your boyfriend’s sides that earned a yelp from him. “You skipped school again, didn’t you?”

         “Hey—ow. That hurt.” He chuckled as he leaned away from your pinches, hand still on your waist. “I made sure to perfect the quiz before leaving, doll. So don’t worry.” He gave you a playful wink as you both started walking to where he parked his bike.

         You snorted. Dabi’s one smart student. Yeah, a lot of people would view him as the bad boy because he smokes, has a lotta tattoos, and skips school. His dad being one of the school’s stakeholders, and him perfecting almost all his quizzes and exams are the only thing that’s keeping the dean from kicking him out of the school amidst all of his rule breaks.

         “You still shouldn’t skip school.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mrs. Puff.” He teased.

“And it’s a good thing you didn’t smoke again.” You didn’t get a whiff of cigarette smell on him so he’s in the green. You don’t wanna be a controlling girlfriend but you’re just worried about his health.

Is worrying about your boyfriend’s health a sin?

“I told you, doll. No more cigarettes for me.”

“Don’t abruptly stop it!”

He got confused and chuckled. “You don’t want me to smoke but when I quit smoking you don’t want me to stop it?”

You rolled your eyes. “Don’t stop smoking abruptly or you’d get withdrawal symptoms!”

“Right, Miss nurse. Noted.” He winked for added effect.

You glared at your boyfriend. “And what was that earlier?”

“What do you mean?” He has this amused look in his face again like he always does.

You turned to him and crossed your arms, still walking towards Dabi’s bike. “That ‘the only thing she’ll be riding is me’,” you quoted.

 He chuckled. “Get your head out of the gutter, doll. I meant my bike.” You both stopped walking when you arrived in front of where your boyfriend parked his motorcycle.

“Of course I knew you were referring to the bike!” You whined and he let out another one of his amused chuckles. You felt heat rising to your cheeks and was irritated at the same time because he was again trying to tease you like he always does.

“Don’t even let me get started on that ‘Now get lost, kid’, Dabi.”

He handed you a helmet which you received but was still fuming and embarrassed. “You’re just a year older than him and I’m a year younger than him! Wdym ‘kid’? Then you’re indirectly saying I’m a kid too.” your brows were furrowed.

You knew it was petty to try to start a fight with your boyfriend but the way he was letting out only amused looks and chuckles made your blood boil.

“Stop pouting and get on the bike already, sweetheart.” He grinned.

You grumbled but still got on the bike and wore the helmet that he handed you. “Cute. Now hold on tight—”

“Ta-ta-ta! Not so fast. Where’s your helmet?” you scolded. You hated the fact that he would ride his bike without helmet on. He drives like crazy most of the time—you know that he’s decreasing his speed when you’re riding with him which you think is so thoughtful even when he’d deny it—that’s why you always remind him to have an extra pair of helmet on.

“Left it at home. Don’t worry, I’ll drive slo—”

“We’re definitely not leaving not until you wear a helmet on.”

“Sweetheart—”

“Helmet.”

“I only brought the helmet you’re wearing—”

“Wear this then.” You were about to take the helmet off when he stopped you. “Definitely not.” He shook his head. “—plus it won’t fit me since it’s meant for your tiny head—”

You ignored his teasing. “Then wear the other one. You brought it didn’t you?” You get off the bike to try and search the trunk for the other helmet.

“Nope.” He said, fast as possible which seemed fishy.

“I knew you brought it. Wear it now so we could leave already, Dabi.”

“Babe—”

“Okay then. We’ll just sleep here in the parking lot and—”

He groaned. “You’re so stubborn, sweetheart. Fine, I’ll wear it.” He took out the other helmet from the trunk and wore it. He raised the glass covering his eyes and grumbled. “Happy now?”

 “Yup!” You nodded and giggled, smiling in triumph and got on the bike again as you wrapped your arms around your boyfriend.

He stepped on the engine, and just before he drove off— “You look cute in that hello kitty helmet, baby.” Which earned you a groan from him. And before you even had time to say reply back with a witty remark—he already drove off.

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

Plagiarism is a crime. Please don’t steal my work!

aira-writes ©

Reblogs, comments, and likes are deeply appreciated! <3

[xarrixii]

Chapter_53 : "Parasite"

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CW: mention of negative side-effects scientific experiment archive masterlist | masterlist

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Alph wished they could’ve said they were looking out the window. That they knew where they were, knew the next highway they could cruise down without stopping for traffic.

They felt their hair scratch against their forehead. Could still see echoes of when everything had hit them like a brick, the recluse coming out of its shell.

The itch to call their dad formed a little too hard, and Alph turned their attention back to Afyer, who was humming the Kesha song playing on the radio and interrupted himself to cringe.

“You alright?” Alph lamented, hoping they could stop thinking for the next few hours at least.

Afyer turned the volume down as the song ended and an ad came on. “Yeah. Just this headache. Hasn’t let up yet.”

“You can pull over or park somewhere if you need to. We’re still near enough to the mall, right? We can always just have Mark walk some once he’s done and take over.”

“Nah, I’ll probably be fine. Think it’s just a pseudo-headache anyway.”

The first thing Alph thought of to say back was something they would’ve told Urban on one of his low days. But this was different. Alph wasn’t in the driver’s seat, and Afyer had a different tone.

Alph tried to squeeze out the thought. “What makes you think it’s fake?”

“It’s just a product of one of Storm’s experiments,” Afyer said without hesitation, sparkling with the same enthusiasm this music artist used talking about men and their fingers. “They’re trying to develop something more humane than the normal handcuffs used for kinetic users. You had a special name for them, right?”

“Hand binders?”

“Yeah, those.”

Alph’s heart panged. “What’s more human hand binders got to do with your headache?”

“Storm’s trying to make handcuffs, not binders. Maybe an ankle bracelet? I’m not sure, but they assured me it wouldn’t be like the rehab clinic I went to that one time. They handed me this metal block, and I immediately threw up when I touched it.” Afyer laughed at that, probably stealing a glance at Alph. Which only made Alph realize how agape they must look. “I don’t know what they did. Maybe it’s just a more concentrated version of the meds they give you after rehab when you keep touching the metal, maybe they found a new resource and have to tweak the alloy. Whatever it is, it seems, really cool, and the headache from not being able to connect to my pyrokinesis as long as I touched the metal is gonna be worth it in the long run.”

Alph was silent. Storm created something that blocked someone from their kinetic entirely? A physical thing?

“I thought kinetics were a genetic thing. Like, three genes involved in the process,” Alph said.

“That’s what I thought too. They haven’t told me how yet, probably because I talk too much, but they think they made the concentration too high on this first time, so they’re going to drastically lower it the next time I go in to help test it.” Afyer paused, listening to the radio for maybe five seconds. “Whoops, air quotes around concentration too high, there. I gotta start remembering that.”

“No, you’re good. But that’s…” Alph started thinking about all of the faces they could no longer see, the ones implanted in their brain for almost a decade. Children. Adults. Soup. The little boy who learned to stitch with his mouth. “That’s revolutionary, if they can get rid of the side effects but still have it work. Why wouldn’t Nacht tell me about that, because that’s—” Alph cut themselves off in their own bubbling excitement.

Afyer laughed with Alph. “Maybe he wanted to surprise you.”

Alph turned to stare at where Afyer would be sitting to the left, foot on the gas pedal and gazing forward into the colors Alph could barely make out. “You should probably pull over though. Headache and driving isn’t good.”

next chapter

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aaaawwaaaauuuuaa i'm running out of chapter ideas so it might start feeling rushed soon. sorry for my horrific schedule

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taglist: @lychhiker-writes, @madeoforgansandtissues, @fins0up

[pbandjesse]

We just left the movies. That was a bizarre film. I had fun though! And when we left I got a text that we get the day off tomorrow! Special day off for opening day. That's so nice.

I slept a little better last night but I was up to late so waking up was still tough. James apparently almost cried they were so tired. My poor husband.

It was going to be a very rainy day. But it didn't start until half way to work. When I woke up it was just grey. I got dressed and felt good. My hair was a little more dirty then I wanted but I knew I would wash it tonight so it was fine.

James and me left work at the same time. And there was a lot of traffic struggling to turn off our street so I went down the alley to get to the light. Which is a little silly but makes it so much less stressful so it's worth it.

It wasn't a bad drive. When the rain started I was not thrilled mostly be she it made me feel tired. But I got to work in one piece.

I would have breakfast and work on my lesson plans. I worked quietly by myself for an hour or so. Until Sarah came in and we chatted about stuff that needed to be done. And came up with a few things for her to do. And I got back to work. Everyone but Alexi would slowly come in. Even saw Lou today who is back to Florida.

Around 10 Heather was going over to the hacienda to give a talk to the group from yesterday about the YLP program. I offered to drive us in the gator so I could pick up the trash from them.

So we headed over. And it was misty raining. And it made my face all wet because the gator has no windshield. But it was fine.

I was shocked by how much trash there was. The boys helped load up the gator and then tried to convince me to let them drive with me to the dumpster. I told them to go ask an adult, because I knew they would say no but eventually one of their adults joined me and it would be two trips to the other side of camp and we were both soaked by the end. But I was glad to help, even if I was very very wet.

I drove the chaperone back to the hacienda. And then went to park at the office. Heather had walked herself back. I would have to spend some time drying off and vaguely complaint about how wet I was. Thankfully the rain has not come through my fleece so it was mostly just my hair that was wet.

I would spend the next hour working and having lunch. Eventually Ceila came in and we were able to talk about doing the lessons for nature. She would make them very detailed which was great. And I kept working on mine, which are less detailed right now but I can always add more.

Eventually I needed a break from the computer.

And would get my umbrella and take a walk around camp. Elizabeth wanted me to check on the cleaning supplies at the cabins so I did that and was surprised that there were tents set up near stockade? I knew that the other group was using the cabins but I didn't know they were sleeping outside.

But that was fine. I would have a conversation with one person from that group when I went to the lodge to drop something off. And helped them get a mop to clean up a spill downstairs. Happy to help.

I came back to the office and would work for a while. Celia was leaving as I was coming in again. And I would spend some time just playing on Pinterest and reading stuff but mostly I was working.

I did have some funny moments. Like when googles ai tried to give me directions to create tin can lanterns without filling them with solid ice. It's solution said "you don't need ice to create a ton can lantern! Just fill it with water and freeze it!" And it's like. Okay Google you tried.

But I worked pretty diligently until 330. Elizabeth and Sarah had just gotten back from the hacienda where they let me know I could have 3 gallons of ice cream that the group left. Sweet. I would stop and grab that on the way out.

I got two full gallons and three pints. The rain was still strong. But it was time to go home.

It wasn't a terrible drive but it was a little hard to keep my eyes open. I was very excited to go home and lay down.

Right before my exit I saw a single car accident. Someone took the turn to quick and smashed into the barrier. But the guy was now standing in the road. And like yes you should move away from your car but also you are in a blind curve and someone is going to hit you. Hopefully that didn't happen.

I got home at 430 and after putting some stuff away (and trying on the dyed dress which came out so beautifully) I got into bed. And waited for James. And once they were home and had put some stuff away they joined me. And we hung out in bed being sleepy until it was time to go meet their parents for dinner and a movie.

We went to a food court. Similar to R house and Mt Vernon marketplace. And it was good! I got pizza because I'm not sick of it yet. James got pad thai. Tucker got a BLT with crab and Anne got a fancy chicken pesto flatbread. And it was nice hanging out.

Soon we would walk to The Senator theater. Which is a historic theater and was super pretty. They had some of the original murals exposed and we got to sit in the main theater which was beautiful.

And the movie was. Fun? Weird? Honestly it wasn't good. It was Hitchcock' "Marnie" and it felt like a lot of scenes that were loosely tied together. It's based on a book and I hope the book was better. There were so absolutely hilarious moments. Like one Marnie's honeymoon where she is wear a high neck long sleeve fully buttoned nightgown and her husband says shes never been sexier and we all lost it. But there was also marital rape? And grand larceny? And just really terrible haircuts. The sister in law was adorable. Lill. Loved her whole look. It was fun though and I'm glad we went.

At the end of the film Tucker realized he lost his phone so we took a moment to look for it. I also apparently lost my wrist brace, which I had taken off half way through the movie. Disappointing but I'll replace it tomorrow. As we were looking for the phone I got the text that Alexi has given us all the day off tomorrow so I was pretty excited. And we all went to the concessions desk to see if they had the phone and they did!

Tucker wanted to give the guy a tip but none of us had money. So Tucker gave this kid a container of THC gummies. Which is hilarious. Like me and James were laughing so hard once we got back to the car. That is one to remember for sure.

We just got home a little bit ago. And I'm going to go wash my hair before we go to sleep. And now I don't have to wake up early! I hope tomorrow I can do some baking and go get a new wrist brace and maybe work on some sewing or at least cutting out my new pattern design. But regardless of all of that I hope it's just a really good day.

Sleep well everyone. And pray that the rain stops. Goodnight everyone!!

[canofspooks]

Phantom Goes Cross-Country (Chapter 2)

Summary: Danny and friends make a quick stop at a gas station. Surely nothing can go wrong there!

Words: 993

AO3 Link

"My turn to drive. Pull over." Danny could see Tucker's eyes getting heavier and heavier as the night drew on, and he wasn't too keen on getting into a car accident. Especially not in the middle of nowhere, in the dead of night, on a road they hadn't seen another car on in half an hour.

His whole time living in Amity Park, he never realized how isolated it was from the rest of the world. Maybe the ghosts had something to do with it. Maybe it was coincidence.

Tucker squinted at the fuel gauge for a moment. "Fine, we'll switch. What'd the sign back there say?"

"Next gas station's in 2 miles. So… quarter of a mile left?" A completely bullshit answer. It was less than 2, greater than 0. Tucker couldn't prove Danny wrong in his half-asleep state, and that's what mattered.

"Thank god. This baby needs fuel, and so do I. If I don't get a Red Bull, I'm gonna pass the fuck out."

Danny scoffed. "You need sleep, not caffeine."

He glanced down at the car's clock. Nearly 11 PM. If not for the fact that he'd been on a near-constant adrenaline rush for the last few days, he'd probably have fallen asleep by now. But here he was, in the car with his two best friends, going on a roadtrip and leaving Amity behind for the first time in ages. It wasn't permanent, as much as he desperately wanted to never step foot in the Nasty Burger again, but a break from flipping burgers and dealing with Dash was all he really wanted.

In the distance, the florescent lights of the gas station began to light up the side of the road. Danny basked in the unnatural glow as Tucker pulled up next to one of the pumps.

Tucker got out of the car and stretched with a long, exaggerated yawn. "Do you want anything?" He tossed the keys to Danny.

"Soda. Any kind. Which one of these is for the gas cap?" He held the keyring up to the light, as if that would help him distinguish the right key among what seemed to be every key Tucker had ever owned.

"The small one," Tucker said, as if it was obvious, and went through the glass doors of the convenience store. Danny got the right one eventually, after trying about twelve different "small" keys. He leaned against the car and waited for the tank to fill up. His eyes wandered over the advertisements for cigarettes, slushies, and bags of ice until the word "marlboro" stopped making sense.

Then he saw something move. Out of the corner of his eye, in the shadows of the building where the overhead lights weren't strong enough to reach. Something had moved. He'd been dealing with ghosts long enough to know that if he turned to look, all he'd see was concrete. Sure enough, this was the case.

No. He wasn't in Amity anymore. Not everything had to be a ghost lurking around the corner. He was probably just tired from staring at the open road.

His attention snapped over to Tucker leaving the convenience store with a bag in one hand and a can of Red Bull in the other. He paid for the gas and crossed his arms.

"You're not drinking that."

"Why not? You're gonna fall asleep too if you don't have someone to talk to."

"The radio can keep me company. Come on, you need sleep."

Tucker cracked the can open and lifted it up to his lips, challenging him to make a move. "I got a degree in computer science, Danny. If anyone here knows how to go without sleep for 48 hours, it's me."

Danny snatched the can out of Tucker's hands and bolted away, until there was a sizable distance between the two. Enough that he could keep his prize if his friend decided to chase after him. If Tucker wanted to crash and burn, he'd have to work for it.

"Yeah, well now you're an old geezer who works a 9-to-5. If I let you do this, you'll be cranky all day tomorrow."

"We're like a month apart!" Tucker threw his hands up. Their stand-off continued, but when neither of them made a move, Tucker opened the passenger-side door with a groan. "Fine. But don't waste it by pouring it onto the grass, c'mon."

With his victory secured, Danny walked back over and hopped into the driver seat. He set the can in the cup holder and pointed at Tucker. "You. Sleep. No energy drinks until you've had like at least an hour."

Tucker leaned the seat back and pulled his beanie down over his eyes. "I see mother-henning runs in the family," he mumbled under his breath.

He almost didn't hear it over the noise of the engine starting. Honestly, he wished he hadn't.

"Say shit like that again and I'm going to crash your car." He pulled out of the gas station and tried to remember how driving worked. He probably should've mentioned that he didn't own a car, and hadn't driven in what felt like forever. Oh well.

"Daniel Masters. Holy fuck, that would've been funny."

"You're delirious. Go to sleep."

"I'm hilarious is what I am." Tucker devolved into a fit of laughter in the seat beside him, and it took everything in Danny's power to just keep driving. Eventually, after he'd caught his breath, Tucker added, "Oh yeah. I was talking to the guy at the gas station and y'know what he said?"

"What, did he ask if you're a professional comedian?"

"He said not to pick up any hitchhikers, 'cause there's apparently ghosts around the area."

Danny raised an eyebrow. "Wait, really?"

"Yeah. Now, I didn't really have a destination in mind when Sam and I planned the trip, so if you wanted…"

"A good old-fashioned ghost hunt? For old time's sake?" he guessed.

"Exactly what I'm thinking."

[impish-crow]

[TRANSLATION] HIBIKI BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SS(Short Story) 🎉

Pushing open the studio door, the lukewarm heat from outside surged in all at once.

"Wow, it's so hot…"

Even my own voice escaping my mouth is irritating. Despite the fact that the sun has long set, the daytime heat lingers on, and not only that, it's carrying a dampness that hangs heavily in the thin evening darkness of summer.

(Truly unpleasant.)

I let out a sigh, not knowing how many times I've sighed since waking up today.

"Kouno, quit complaining all the time. It's annoying." "It can't be helped, it's hot." "The air is so muggy…"

"Shion." Toya, who was walking ahead, stopped and turned back with a concerned look.

"You really seem to be struggling. Shouldn't you let Sogo carry you?"

"I'm fine. I can manage. It's just to the parking lot, so I can do it somehow…"

Despite Shion's brave response, it's evident on his face that he is nearing their limit.

"I've always hated summer."

Muttering that, I noticed Endo glancing over in this direction for a moment.

But I pretended not to notice.

Intense heat. Right in the middle of August.

(It's hot and exhausting… so hot.) Nothing's going well. If possible, I'd want to pretend I'm dead and just get through this. While thinking that,

(Oh, not again.)

My phone is ringing.

(How many times since morning?)

I know who's calling without even looking at the screen.

Today is the day when once a year, I'm subjected to a one-sided confession of guilt and apologies for not being able to do anything. So, I'm not picking up. Absolutely not. (Mom, I've had enough of that.)

I'm not a kid anymore. I'm living on my own just fine. I'm not hurt anymore, really. (I've been raised well enough. I'm grateful. I don't want or need anything more from you.)

Please, I hope you understand soon. (… Ah, it got disconnected.) That's a relief. Explaining things is tiring anyway and it's hot.

"Hey, Megane.."

Shion raised his face slowly, and Endo continued.

"How about having today's drinking session at your place, after all?"

"…At Shion's place? Not Sogo's?"

Surprised, I asked again, and Toya nodded easily.

"Let's do that. Shion seems unwell since the morning, and it's worrying to leave him alone."

"I'm sorry, but my place is small."

"It's fine. As long as there's enough space for one person to sit, we're good." "Huh, Toya, you're coming too?" "Is there a problem if I'm there?" "There isn't, but you hardly ever come even if you're invited. And today, Shion doesn't seem well either, so there's no need to push yourself to drink on a day like this." "A day like this, huh?" "Kouno. Isn't today your birthday?"

All three of them looked at me simultaneously.

(Huh, no way… What? Is that so?)

They were looking at me with expressions that seemed like it should be obvious. I was surprised.

"Could it be that you forget it?" "Yeah, well… but so what?" "What do you mean? We're going to drink, it's your birthday." "I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what you're saying…" "Get it together, you fool. Oh, Sogo-saan!"

Sogo came running back from the parking lot.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting." "Whoa, you're all drenched in sweat!" "During summer, just lifting and lowering the drums is a workout itself. The inside of the car is ridiculously hot too."

"I'm really sorry, I had Sogo-san carry the keyboard too."

"Don't worry about it. I left the door wide open and turned on the AC, so let's go. It would be nice if our mood improves a bit while we're driving." "That's the thing, though. Is it okay to have it at Megane's place today?" "I don't mind, but is it fine for all of us to barge in? It's still an option to do it at my place as planned. I even aired out the guest room's futon the other day." "Home is where anyone most comfortable. Also, while we're at it, we can inspect Shion's room and buy anything necessary for his summer life. It's your first summer living alone, right?" "Yes… um, sorry." "Do you properly turn on the AC when you sleep?" "I set it on a timer." "Huh? You're gonna die, you idiot!" "Shut up! If I leave it on, I'll freeze to death!"

I'm living on my own just fine. I'm not hurt anymore. I still don't like summer, though. But…

(Since when did things become like this?)

At the very least, this year's summer is not the same as before.

"Hey, Hibiki, why are you smiling?" "Sorry. I just felt like, it's kind of fun."

Finding myself able to think like that was a bit refreshing. I couldn't help but smile.

[hinatastinygiant]

11 | Plaster

Pairing: Bokuto x Fem!Reader

Escapism Masterlist

Later that evening, you meet up with Kuroo in the school’s parking lot. With a wave and a hug, he greets you before guiding you toward his car. And when you approach it, he walks ahead of you just to open the car door for you.

“Thank you,” you smile as you step inside.

“Welcome,” he smiles back before gently shutting it for you.

Small talk ensues on your way to the diner, but when you arrive and he puts the car in park, a silence befalls the two of you.

“You think he’s alright?” you ask worriedly as you look toward the windows of The Jukebox.

“I think he’s going to try his best not to figure out how he’s really feeling,” he responds.

“Shit,” you mumble as you reach for the car door.

Together, you walk inside and take a seat in one of the booths near the kitchen.

“Should we say something to him?” you whisper to Kuroo as you watch Bokuto juggle three plates in his hands.

“Y/N, he doesn’t look so bad…” Kuroo replies. “Maybe he really is okay without you picking up any shifts.”

“Didn’t you just say he was going to hide how he’s really feeling?” you ask him.

“He hasn’t seen us yet. It just looks like he’s busy, but he’s not alone. He’s still got a couple of workers,” Kuroo shrugs as he looks toward the kitchen.

“Two,” you whisper. “He’s got two other people working with him. Who’s even in the back cooking?”

“I guess you’ve got a point then,” he finally agrees. “But don’t say anything right now. We shouldn’t stress him out any more than I’m sure he already is.”

“Okay, fine. You’re right,” you nod. “I won’t get up and say anything. But if he comes over here, there are no promises.”

“I doubt he will. Especially if he’s cooking, too.”

After your meal, you and Kuroo stay at the diner for a while longer until the diner is quiet and you’re the only two left. At that time, Bokuto finally notices you both and slides into the side of the booth you’re sitting in.

“Hey guys, how’s it going?” he says with an attempt at a smile.

“How’s it going?” you repeat, trying not to come off rude.

“Y/N…” Kuroo calls you softly, reminding you to keep your patience.

With a deep breath, you nod in Kuroo’s direction before meeting Bokuto’s confused gaze.

“What’s, uh, goin’ on you guys?” Bokuto asks almost nervously.

“We wanted to make sure you were alright, Bo,” you tell him. “I was worried. You never said anything about letting me pick up a shift today.”

“Y/N, you have school,” he shakes his head. “You should be focusing on that. I appreciate the thought but I’ll be okay.”

“No you’re not,” you reply with knitted eyebrows. “I’m sorry if that’s coming off rude but just last week you told me that you weren’t okay. I want to help. We both do.”

“Who was working in the back?” Kuroo then adds. “It wasn’t just you, was it?”

“Uh, well Marlene doesn’t know how to crack an egg let alone cook full meals and I don’t trust Al back there. He’d find some way to get hurt and my grandpa will kill me if I let his best friend get hurt when he isn’t around.”

“Seriously? You’re doing it all yourself?” Kuroo replies, looking astonished.

“I’ll be fine, really. My grandpa will get better soon and it’ll be okay,” he smiles.

“So what does that mean about a job?” you ask. “Do you need me to get a letter of recommendation or my high school degree?”

“No,” he chuckles softly. “You can pick up a few shifts… but that’s it! Only a few! You’ve got to focus on your schoolwork.”

“God, didn’t your grandpa used to say that to you all the time back in high school?” Kuroo laughs. “You sound just like him.”

“I feel like I’m turning into him sometimes,” Bokuto replies. “Now more than ever, too.”

The three of you then talk for some time until Marlene comes over, asking if she can go home since there are no customers and the diner closes in ten. After Bokuto agrees, he says his goodbyes so he can tell Al to head home, too, before closing up for the night.

Getting the hint, you and Kuroo wave goodbye and leave the diner. He then drives you back onto campus and walks with you toward the dorm building where you both live.

“Well that was an interesting night,” Kuroo smiles over at you. “I didn’t think I was taking you to a job interview.”

“Is that what it felt like?” you laugh. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s alright. I get it,” he shakes his head. “I’ve gotta admit he was in rough shape. I didn’t know it was that bad…”

“What do you mean?”

“Just that, I didn’t realize how much the diner depended on his Grandpa. I mean, I knew he owned the place and all, but that place is so different without him…”

“That’s why I was hoping he’d let me help him up,” you nod.

“And I’m glad he did,” Kuroo agrees. “It’ll be good for him that you’re around.”

Just then, you arrive at the door outside your dorm. Kuroo turns to you as he takes out his card key.

“Want to come over to my room?”

“I’d love to,” you smile back. “Kenma around?”

“He just left.”

“How romantic,” you grin as he swipes his card.

“Mhm,” he replies, copying your smile. “After you.”

Escapism Masterlist

[originaltyphoonkryptonite]

Chapter 16: The Drive to The Manor

Dick pov

I was driving the car since it was the day of the family dinner. I was not happy at all. I had Zell agree to press the button on her watch half-way there and to take the painkillers before pressing it. She didn't argue with me and said she would do as I asked. I still did not want her to do this but she is stubborn. Cippia was staying home with Gus and would bring Gus if the was an emergency.

"They know you own the bookstore."

"Anything else?"

"Damian knows about you renting my apartment to me but I don't think the others do."

"So do we tell them that?"

"It isn't really lying that we live with each other. It just happens to be as neighbors."

"True."

I glance over to Zell and the dress she picked for the evening. It was a dark blue lace dress with the shoulders slightly off and stopped at her knees. The sleeves are see-through and end at her wrists. Her hair was in a bun with a few black strands framing her face. She also wore dark blue heels and simple diamond studs. She had only put on natural make-up. On her ring finger, was the ring I got so we could pull this off.

"Where did you get that dress by the way?"

"Oh it was suppose to be for a date."

"Was?", I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Before I even put it on the guy calls and cancels.", she replies with a shurg.

"What? A guy canceled a date with you?"

"Yep, turns out he found a prettier girl to take to that restaurant."

"Wow. His loss."

"If he hadn't we may be dating now and if Damian still picked my name, this would be be very awkward."

"Still is."

"So should I mention the crime fighting?"

"I don't think so. I think they assumed I told you so they might not ask."

"I see..."

"Are you sure you can handle this?"

"Yes. I know I'm meeting Batman.....but I'm meeting his civilian side. Not the Bat side."

"You still scared?"

"Out of my mind but I said I would help you out and I will."

"Well Damian said you were shy around new people so you not talking much due to your fright and pain might make you seem shy."

"There is that."

"Don't worry I'll be right there and if the pain is too much we can leave."

"Thanks."

Half way there she takes the painkillers and is about to press the button. I take my right hand off the wheel and grab her left wrist since it didn't have the watch on it.

"Are you sure you have to press it?", I asked in a sad tone of voice.

"It's the only way. Unless you want my powers to go out of control and having the entire Batclan place me in Arkham?"

"No.", I reply as I let go of her wrist and return that hand to the wheel.

I sigh as she presses the button. I could see that it activated right away because she suddenly gave a a pained gasp.

"Do I need to stop the car?"

"No....the....meds....will....kick......in....soon."

I frown at her voice. It was so full of pain and she couldn't form a complete sentence. I grit my teeth as we continued on our way.

~Time-skip~

We made it to the Manor and the meds seemed to have kicked in. She seemed fine but from what I been told, she's good at making it seem like her pain isn't bothering her. I park the car and helped her out, so she didn't have to move as much. I looped an arm around her waist so she could lean on me as needed. I walk her to the door and knock.

"Greetings Master Dick. And this young lady must be Miss Duff.", he says as he opens the door.

"And you must be Alfred. Dick has told me wonderful things about you."

"Oh, has he now?", he asks with a smile.

"Yes. It must take a miracle worker to put up with him and his family.", she smiles back at him.

Alfred chuckles as he lets us in and after closing the door, lead us to the living room the rest of the family was in this time.  Bruce was sitting on the couch with Damian, Tim was in a chair and Jason was leaning near the fireplace.

"Hey guys.", I say with a semi forced smile. I was still seeing my family so I was happy about that just not the circumstances. We just stood in the doorway for now. Alfred left to check on dinner.

"Welcome home chum.", Bruce says as he gets up and walks towards us.

"Thanks Bruce." I reply. He nods his head and looks at Zell.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Duff.", he says with a smile and holds out his hand.

"I-it's a p-pleasure t-to m-meet y-you t-too, M-Mr. W-wayne.", Zell answers with a stutter and shakes his hand with a slight tremor.

I tighten my grip around her waist when I felt her body shake a little.

"Please call me Bruce."

"T-then call m-me Z-zella."

"It's good to see you again Duff.", Damian says as he gets up from the couch.

"H-hello Damian."

Jason gets up and heads over to us. "The name is Jason Todd. And I have got to ask: what is a girl like you doing being engaged to my brother?"

I was about to answer when Zell giggles and answered instead.

"S-simple. I-i b-believe it is c-called b-being e-engaged."

"I think she got you there Jay.", I said with a small laugh.

Jason glares at me while I smirk at him and hug her body closer to mine.

Tim walks over to us and shakes her hand as well. "I'm Tim Drake."

"H-hello T-tim."

We stand chatting a few minutes until Alfred reentered the room. "Sorry for the interruption, but dinner is ready."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bruce pov (A little bit before Dick and Zella arrive.)

While waiting for Dick and his fiancée to arrive, I was in one of my infamous brooding moods. I did a background check on her but nothing seemed out of place so I can't figure out what is bothering me. She seems like a nice young lady but for some reason I don't really trust her. Maybe I'm just overprotective over Dick. I consider all the boys my sons so maybe that is it.

They arrive and I stand up and greet them. "Welcome home chum."

"Thanks Bruce.", he says. I nod my head then look over at the girl.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Duff.", I say with a smile and hold out my hand.

"I-it's a p-pleasure t-to m-meet y-you, M-Mr. W-wayne.", she answers with a stutter and shakes my hand. I noticed she seemed to be shaking and that Dick tighten his grip on her.

"Please call me Bruce.", I reply.

"T-then call m-me Z-zella."

I watched as she greeted the rest of the family. The whole time, her eyes were hiding something and I couldn't see what. I also noticed that Dick seems reluctant to let go of her. Almost as if she would fall if he did.

Alfred came back in and said dinner was ready. So I guess the real meeting will begin.

[alx-magazine]

🌴☄️ 【ＯＣＥＡＮ　ＤＲＥＡＭＳ】 🪐🌊

It's about 8:00pm, I have my bags packed, sitting on the floor near the door. In front of my house there's a pretty big porch. Big enough for a few chairs, enough for a few friends.

I am sitting on this white pool-like chair with a small white end table to my left.. I place my lil Cheech n' Chong ashtray on my lap, breaking down a game blue mini. I persist to roll up a small blunt; taking a few tokes at sunset before loading the truck and heading out.

After my brief smoke sesh, I decide it's time to get my ass up and load the truck.

I have a small '85 Toyota Tacoma, navy blue with a cream colored stripe on each side, and a fine outline of deep red on the stripes. My grandfather passed that truck onto me, it was a beauty back in it's day.

Now it's rather aged, but I saw him maintain that bad boy throughout the years, so perhaps it's as good as ever. I may not be a mechanical expert but I did make sure to keep the stereo system up to date; what is a lengthy drive without some good jams ? The only downside to my truck is that it's a three seater, so I'm not too sure about how I'm going to fit all my friends in the truck; there's five of us.

I start loading up the truck; I've got my tents, camping chairs, a big bluetooth stereo, beach towels, an extra change of clothes, my acoustic guitar, the list can go on. I made sure to pack two coolers as well so we have plenty to eat. One cooler is for the drinks, the other for hamburger patties, fish, seafood, and things of the sort.

I place the last bag on the truck bed, making sure we had everything we need for the night. The sun has set for the most part, it's nearing 9:00pm by now and I'm fixing to head out.

I take a seat, placing the key in the ignition, proceeding to start the car. Before I drive off, I make sure to call and tell everyone that I'm about to be on the way.

The truck has a moderately loud cabin as I start it.

Before I drive off, of course I have to make sure there's music playing.

La nuit américaine by Lescop is the first song that starts playing .

I am dressed in some flowy black Hawaiian shirt with a cream and deep red floral pattern; loosely buttoned down some, paired with deep red swim shorts and accessorized with a simple gold chain.

I make my first stop to pick up my beautiful girlfriend; She is wearing a simple black swimsuit, some little shorts on top of it, covered in a flowy,loose, cream-colored cardigan.

As I pull up to the front of her house, I honk so she knows I'm here. I see her running towards the truck with her little bags, appearing to be excited for the night. I get out the truck to help her put her bags in the back. After doing so, I hold her closely by the waist, telling her, "Looking stunning as ever", before I give her a quick kiss. I open the door for her and hop back in the driver's seat, stoked for the adventure that awaits us.

I speed on over to pick up three more friends before we make way to the beach. There's clearly not much space so three of us sit up front, and two chill in the back, sitting on the truck bed.

Black out days by phantogram and subtronics begins playing as I'm speeding down the highway.

I roll down the windows, with the warm summer breeze blowing towards us, and my music being able to reach the homies in the back.

I re-spark the mini from earlier and pass it on to everybody else to smoke as I'm driving.

My lover right next to me, holding my hand as she is chatting away, catching up with her girlfriend.

I turn down my music just a little as we are upon arrival; It's about 10:00pm now.

Have you ever been to the beach at night time ?

It's a ghost town, just us amongst the palm trees swaying back and forth. Supposedly the tides can get quite high at night, we made sure to settle down at a safe distance from the water.

There is a concrete area near the parking lot with some tables and a restroom area. We all hop out the truck with enthusiasm; my girlfriend and our friends run towards the sand. One of my friends stay back to help me unpack our things.

I set up some music on my stereo to get the party started.

Sweater weather by The neighbourhood starts playing.

Of course, we all know this song!

Two of my friends and I start up a small bonfire with some wood we brought. The beach has some small boulders that look like nature made us seats. Regardless we'll be fine because we have camping chairs as well.

By the fire, we proceed to spark up an enormous backwood, gifted by one of my friends.

My girlfriend is crawled up in between my arms and legs, as we're sitting in unison. The blunt gets passed around the circle; She looks so pretty with her lips blowing out the smoke in my direction, giggling with her eyes barely opened.

We are all telling outrageous tales and laughing up a storm; I hold my girlfriend a little tighter as I'm admiring her cute laugh. It's funny seeing her stoned, considering this is a once and a blue moon moment for her.

Upon the open flame, we all help out in grilling some burgs, fish, and shrimp on skewers. Some of my friends crack open some wine coolers; tonight, I'll just stick with a cold can of Guarana.

Boys Latin by Panda bear starts playing next as we are stoned around the fire.

One of my friends surprise us by pulling out a bag of shrooms; talk about unplanned adventures.

My girlfriend and I aren't frequent trippers in the slightest but we figured why hold back on a night like this.

At this point and time, we have all dispersed from sitting around the fire; we are dancing, floating around the sand like atoms.

Velvet skies by Palma players starts playing as we are playfully running around in the sand.

My girlfriend and I are slow dancing to this song; we are looking at each other, reading each others soul with great intimacy. It's almost as if she's undressing me with her eyes.

The night is warm but the water is a bit chilly.

At this point we have all ran towards the ocean and began playing in the water; laughing away with childish joy.

As we run back towards the sand, we are shivering for our towels to keep us warm. Thankfully there's a bonfire to do so as well.

I proceed to turn off the stereo for a moment.

I'd figure I pull out the guitar now and start jamming with friends. We all take turns freestyling and doing poetry over my guitar. One of my friends pull out a tambourine to add rythmn to the session. I'm playing samba-like melodies, in Brasil this would be considered "Poesía acoustica".

After the jam session slows down some as we all get a little more sleepy, I decide to turn the music back on.

NFWMB by Hozier starts playing as I start rolling up another blunt.

My girlfriend, the non-stoner she is, takes the honors of sparking it up.

I kiss her after she blows the smoke straight at my face; my puny eyes light up in the sight of her beauty, I then let out one cheeky smile.

Kiss me again by The drums starts playing next as the smoke session comes to an end.

Some of our friends are laying down on some blankets and towels on the sand.

My girlfriend and I sneak off a bit into the distance, dancing closely to each other underneath the starry, moonlit night with waves crashing nearby.

We are dancing quite silly to this song in particular, as I "kiss her again, kiss her again, kiss her again."

Everyone is still laying down on the blankets, so we decide to settle down and lay right next to them.

With her in my arms, laying her head on my chest, we are looking up at the stars, taking a breath, getting lost in the sky.

At this point it's a bit passed 2:00am, the night is dying down, the trip has descended greatly; with her head laying on my chest, I notice she's drifted off to sleep.

I carry her off to our sleeping area so we can finally call it a night.

Sleep sound by Jamie xx is playing as I'm carrying my girlfriend with our friends all walking towards our tents.

The music slowly fades away as the scene too fades.

Whether it's a cozy cabin, entourée de neige,

Looking out the window, viewing the city night skyline,

A beautiful spring day on a farm,

Or a sunny day at the beach,

Whenever we're together, I'll feel at peace,

And tonight the beach brings nothing but the upmost ocean dreams.

- Alex M.

[iheartcake123]

☁️change-joon gwi-nam☁️

a/n: don’t worry there will be a part 3 hehe and please remember people are allowed to dislike and like whichever characters they choose, everything written is purely fiction and just because i write for a specific character it doesn’t mean i support what they did in the show :) there will never be any judgement from me even if you request the most crazy character ever <3

warnings:mentions of killing, zombies, knives and contains spoilers if you haven’t watched all the episodes

Masterlist

Part 1 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 (1)

Part 2

-3rd person p.o.v-

y/n lifted her head off of gwi-nam’ shoulder as she realised it was now the next morning.

“hey? wake up!” another voice said and immediately y/n went into full alert mode by picking up the knife beside and holding it up before tapping gwi-nam awake.

“hm” he hummed not bothering to open his eyes.

“wait..” she mumbled and leaned over to look at whoever was talking “oh, sir!”

relief flooded over her as she realised it was just the school principal.

“gwi-nam, wake up” she tapped him again and this time he woke up, startled by the principal’s appearance.

“you’re y/n y/l/n and yoon gwi-nam right?” the principal asked and gwi-nam raised an eyebrow.

“what? why?” he questioned wearily as the principal crouched closer the the pair.

“how is it outside? the same?” the principal then turned to y/n.

“i don’t know” she shrugged before reaching into her hoodie pocket and throwing a piece of gum into her mouth.

gwi-nam closed his eyes again as y/n stood up to stretch but the principal kept talking.

“you can both drive right?” the principal got closer and y/n shook her head.

“not me, i haven’t even started learning yet” she pulled her hoodie over her shoulders properly.

“gwi-nam can though”

y/n turned to look at gwi-nam who had opened his eyes again and he shook his head denying the fact he could drive.

“yeah right, he drove his dads car with his friends last year and crashed it! do you know what a headache that was for me?” the principal argued while continuing to eye the door.

“but why do you ask?” gwi-nam looked the principal up and down.

“my car is in the parking lot. the plate number is 7340. bring it here” the principal then handed y/n the keys and went to change his socks.

that’s when gwi-nam finally stood up.

“me and y/n?” gwi-nam took the keys from y/n and went to sit on the sofa near the principal who was telling them which way they should go to fetch the car.

“i don’t want to go and neither does y/n” gwi-nam tossed the keys to a side table before laying back in his seat.

“you punks. listen to your principal!” the principal raised his voice and gwi-nam sat right back up.

“we said we don’t want to” he fired back at the principal and y/n watched as a bad feeling washed over her.

gwi-nam looked towards the knife he’d left on the floor and so did the principal.

before y/n knew it the principal had grabbed the knife and held it up to gwi-nam who now began to fight the principal for the knife.

“fuck! i said let go.” gwi-nam yelled as he pushed the principal and got the knife from his hands “damn it”

“okay fine, both of you just go” the principal then quickly backed away from gwi-nam.

“no, you come with me then. y/n stays here” gwi-nam grabbed y/n’s arm and pulled her to sit on the sofa.

“why should i? just go by yourself then” the principal urged.

“come with me to the car. i wanted a shield anyway”

“gwi-nam it’s fine, i’ll come with you” y/n stood up and put a arm of gwi-nam to let him know it was okay but he shrugged her off.

“mr principal should know where he stands. he can’t just boss us around” he stepped forward and tackled him to the ground before beginning to tie him up.

“gwi-nam we can’t do this, he’s the principal and-” y/n stood near the door as she watched him tie the principals hands behind his back.

“and what? we have to do this to live. the asshole he only cares about himself” gwi-nam cut y/n off “now help me tie the bastard”

y/n sighed and shook her head. she refused. instead she just remained watching the door.

——————————————————————————

y/n pressed her ear against the door as she heard banging and the groans of zombies. her heart beat quickened as she prepared for the door to break open and zombies to flood in.

but, when the door opened and closed it wasn’t a zombie.

it was cheong-san.

a breath of relief left her lips and she immediately wrapped her arms around him and smiled.

at least one of her friends were still alive.

“you’re alive! you don’t understand how good it is to see you” she couldn’t help the grin on her face as she pulled away from the hug.

“y/n? i thought you were- wait is that? sir?” cheong-san looked past y/n to see gwi-nam tying the principal up “hey, gwi-nam!”

“oh cheong-san, come help me tie his arms” gwi-nam looked over at him and y/n “he won’t sit still”

“what are you doing? y/n, why are you letting this psycho do this?” cheong-san turned to look at her and she just looked at the floor.

even if she wanted to stop gwi-nam it would’ve been impossible.

“just come and tie him up” gwi-nam repeated.

“you’re finished, you’re expelled! untie me!” the principal yelled trying to move around again so gwi-nam grabbed his knife and help it to the principals neck.

“gwi-nam! don’t do that” cheong-san took a step forwards and pushed y/n behind him.

“don’t do what? this bastard tried to kill me..and y/n. he told us to go out and get his car. do you think that’s okay? that he wanted to kill us?” gwi-nam spat before holding the knife to the principal again.

cheong-san held the phone that was in his hands and started recording which caused gwi-nam to hide the knife behind his back.

“im recording everything, let him go or i’ll send this to the police” cheong-san then warned and gwi-nam’ facial expression turned even darker.

“i’m going to kill you” he told cheong-san and y/n sighed.

“gwi-nam, please just stop this..you said you would change” y/n pleaded but gwi-nam just shook his head.

“please stop acting like human trash. no one respects you just because you act tough” cheong-san continued to hold the phone up.

“don’t you see? im the head boss of this school now. y/n im doing this for you. this bastard tried to kill you and i!” gwi-nam began to raise his voice.

“my ass, you are. you’re just a loser scumbag who’ll spend his entire life serving bullies”

“say that again” gwi-nam stepped towards cheong-san and y/n.

the principal took this opportunity to attempt to run away but was stopped by gwi-nam’ knife coming into contact with his neck.

a gasp escaped y/n’s lips and she backed away from both cheong-san and gwi-nam in shock as her hands shook.

cheong-san lowered the phone as gwi-nam walked towards him, wiping the blood from his knife onto his shirt.

“you fucking..” gwi-nam glared at cheong-san “am i still a loser? everyone who doesn’t listen to me dies”

“y/n stay behind me, this psycho is fucking crazy” cheong-san stepped back a bit as gwi-nam stood im front of him.

“ah y/n…babe come here. take the phone from cheong-san, it’s okay, i won’t hurt you. i killed this bastard for you” gwi-nam changed his tone when looked at y/n who had tears in her eyes as a frightened look stayed on her face.

she’d seen him kill before but not like this.

this was different.

“don’t go near her!” cheong-san warned grabbing y/n’s hand and shielding her.

“give me the phone and let go of y/n!” gwi-nam then yelled before tackling cheong-san to the ground.

“y/n, run!” cheong-san yelled and y/n didn’t think twice before grabbing the phone on the floor and running out of the room.

luckily the halls were empty but as soon as the zombies heard cheong-san and gwi-nam also running they all began to chase her.

“shit, what do i do?” she panicked and ran into the library.

big mistake.

the library was full of zombies too and she ran and climbed on top of one of the book shelves.

“yah, how are you still alive?” a guy who was on top of another book shelf asked and y/n didn’t even reply.

she was out of breath from all the running she’d just done.

as she finally turned to look at him she noticed cheong-san run into the library, doing his best to push off zombies that tried to bite him.

“climb on the book shelf!” she called out to him and he did exactly that but was soon pushed off by the original student.

“over here” she then yelled and he ran towards the boom shelf she was on.

y/n held her hand out to help him up and once he arrived on top with her he caught his breath. y/n turned to look at the original student on the other self but she saw that he wasn’t there anymore and that’s when she caught a glimpse of gwi-nam making his way onto a book shelf nearby.

“this way” cheong-san held her hand as they jumped onto a different book shelf but they were soon stuck in a corner as gwi-nam was blocking them from going any further.

“stop this” cheong-san said “you killed the principal, you’re a murderer”

“you made me kill him” gwi-nam yelled back “you said to prove i wasn’t a loser”

“you’re a crazy bastard”

“just give me the phone and give me y/n”

“over my dead body you’re going to get the phone and get y/n”

cheong-san grabbed the phone from y/n’s hand and began to run over the other book shelves to get away from gwi-nam.

y/n watched as gwi-nam chased her friend and she also watched as the pair fought.

it was only after gwi-nam had gotten his hands around cheong-san’ neck that she finally decided to intervene.

she carefully jumped onto the bookshelf where they were and she placed a hand on gwi-nam trying to pry him away from cheong-san.

“gwi-nam, stop this. i’ll come with you and i can make sure he doesn’t post the video just please don’t kill him. you’re scaring me. you promised you’d change!” y/n begged her hands still trying to get him to let go of her friend.

gwi-nam paused for a second and turned his head to look at y/n who was on the verge of crying. as soon as he saw her face, he remembered their kiss and his vow of trying to change so, he began to release his grip on cheong-san’ neck.

however, he was too late. pain overcame him as cheong-san used the phone to stab him in one of his eyes. immediately his hands went to his face as he cried out in pain before returning to try and strangle cheong-san.

y/n watched in horror as cheong-san pushed gwi-nam off of him and into the zombies below. his screams of help as he desperately tried to push zombies off of him.

even if she wanted to help. it would’ve been a suicide mission. so instead she watched as he struggled.

“fuck!” gwi-nam screamed “help me, fuck! cheong-san! cheong-san!”

both y/n and cheong-san watched as he begged.

“y/n please!” gwi-nam then screamed and y/n felt a tear roll down her face as she was helpless.

“im sorry” she whispered as his eyes met hers one last time before he stopped moving.

[arduouslove]

Loving You isn’t Hard to Learn 04

genres: hybrid, romance, poly, found family, slow burn(ish) series rating: mature (mentions of/references to death and abuse. eventual smut) chapter warnings: mentions of mental manipulation. death threats and violence relationship(s): ot7 x female reader

In the middle of what many would call nowhere, a sign glows bright yellow. Old, unmaintained, and on its last legs, the letter e flickers for a few seconds before going dark. H aven’s Door Motel, it now reads.

prev | chapter four (6.6k) | next

I’ll be out of her hair as soon as she ditches me on the side of the road.

This time, you’re graced with a stop sign and a few cars in front of you, so you turn around to look at Jimin in the backseat. His arms are crossed, and he meets your eyes with his striking red ones. You have no idea how you managed to tuck them in the back of your mind during that hasty getaway.

“What makes you think I’d do that?”

Ditching him on the side of the road... were you some vengeful taxi driver? You didn’t make the dumbass decision to help him just to drop him off minutes later. 

“Look,” Jimin deadpans. The car behind you honks their horn, and you jump back into driving mode. “I know not to get my hopes up with humans like you.”

You miss Hoseok giving him a glare while you make a shoulder check and switch lanes.

“Besides, this car reeks of dog.” Jimin exaggeratedly sniffs, and you catch a glimpse of his twisted scowl in the rearview mirror. Where did the scared guy who squeezed your hand earlier go?

“There’s no need to be rude,” you say with a frown. As far as you can tell, Hoseok doesn’t smell, but then again, you don’t have a hybrid nose.

Hoseok crosses his arms too, half growling at Jimin. “Says the guy who smells like a garbage dump.”

“You try living off scraps for a year, bi--”

“Okay, whoa,” you try to placate them with your voice lowered. “I’m trying to drive here, guys. I’d appreciate if you didn’t make us crash into oncoming traffic.”

Looking at you in concern, Hoseok uncrosses his arms. “What’s wrong? Are you dizzy?”

“I’m fine. Just...” You wave one of your hands next to your ear. “No yelling, please.”

Although Hoseok turns to look out the window, you still hear him mutter under his breath, “He started it...”

No longer running on the high of escaping the Hybrid Services officers, you let out a tired sigh and regrip the steering wheel. While your plan back there wasn’t much of a plan at all, now you really have nothing. You curse yourself for not thinking ahead. Now you’ve got two grumbling hybrids in your car, one who you’ve probably disappointed for the second time, and the other who seems to want absolutely nothing to do with you.

Great going.

Both of the boys stay quiet for the rest of the drive. For Hoseok, it’s probably because he knows you actually need to concentrate, but for Jimin, you’re pretty sure he just has nothing to say to either of you. The silence doesn’t bother you too much, (it’s what you asked for, sort of,) but you do force yourself into some more quick thinking as you pull into your designated parking spot. You pull the keys out of the ignition and step out of the car, waiting for both Hoseok and Jimin to follow before you put on your act. Hoseok immediately joins you near the trunk. Jimin shuts the passenger door and hovers for just a moment, almost as if questioning where to go from here, when you stumble and wince.

“Ah!” You bring one hand up to your head and hold your balance with your other hand on the trunk of your car.

Hoseok jumps to your aid, and you almost feel bad when he puts an arm around your waist. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Peeking out through your peripheral vision, you see Jimin watching you with uninterested red eyes. He hasn’t left yet, though. “Jimin?”

He frowns when you call his name, almost as if he expected you to forget about him as soon as he got out of the car. “What?”

“You seem like the kind of guy who doesn’t like owing anything to anyone. Am I right?” you ask, suppressing a sly smile when his frown deepens. He half nods almost subconsciously, and you stand up straighter. “I’m feeling a little dizzy. Would you mind carrying up the groceries with Hoseok? You know, for saving your butt back there.”

Jimin’s expression sours further at your last words, but he takes a step closer to you nonetheless. “You sick or something?”

“Or something.” You shrug and leave it at that.

It takes a few attempts to convince Hoseok that he doesn’t need to help you to the elevator, but eventually you’re standing between two hybrids with five grocery bags each, both of whom are avoiding your eyes in the reflective sliding doors. You spot the collars on both of their necks in the reflection, Hoseok’s snug and Jimin’s loose like a necklace.

“Ah, you guys can take those off, by the way.”

Hoseok eyes his collar in the mirror, but he only adjusts his grip on the bags in his hands. Maybe he’ll take it off when his hands are free.

Opposing Hoseok, Jimin immediately puts down the groceries in his right hand and reaches up to the collar around his neck. Meeting your eyes in the reflection on the doors, he clutches the silk between his fingers and rips the collar off, the resounding snap echoing in the small elevator. Your mouth drops open, then forms into a pout when Jimin drops the broken collar in your open palms. You turn the collar over in your hands, frowning at the frayed end of the fabric where it had been ripped from the metal clasp pinched around it.

Jimin scoffs. “Disappointed that I’m not your pet?”

Not looking away from the collar, you step out of the elevator onto your floor and mutter, “This one was gonna be mine...”

Your words make both hybrids linger in the lift, but you don’t notice, engrossed in trying to see if you can fix the collar Jimin broke.

Jimin bends slightly to pick up the groceries he put down, his eyes looking up at Hoseok, who’s watching you walk down the hall. Hoseok’s ears are twitching, and Jimin can practically smell the blush creeping up Hoseok’s neck.

“You’re one kinky mutt, aren’t you?”

Hoseok snaps out of it to growl and bare his teeth at Jimin. “Shut up.”

With the collar stuffed in your pocket for later, you enter your apartment without difficulty, waving Jimin in after Hoseok and guiding him to the kitchen. Before he can put the groceries down, you go, “Here, I’ll take those -- whoa.” Subtly, you brush your fingers against Jimin’s as you take the bags from him, unsurprised by his still freezing cold hands. You’d expected it, but you paint a look of shock on your face to cover that up. “Your hands are so cold! Wait here a second.” You don’t allow any room for protest from him as you fill your electric kettle with water and set it to boil, simultaneously grabbing a hotpad and sticking it in the microwave. Hoseok watches silently, putting groceries in the fridge as you move around the apartment, his eyes mostly stuck on Jimin, who just stands on the spot with his hands limp at his sides, still in his thick, ragged coat. The microwave finishes before the kettle, so you pull out the hotpad, first touching it with one finger to make sure it’s not too hot, then holding it out towards Jimin. “Use this.”

A skeptical look crosses over Jimin’s face, but he takes the hotpad from you, and you see the moment the warmth reaches him in his eyes. They widen ever so slightly, and despite his hesitance towards you and your actions, Jimin brings the hotpad up to his face. He snuggles into the warmth, a long, satisfied sigh escaping him as his eyes slip shut.

A small smile takes over your lips, and you move to the kettle, where the water has reached boiling temperature. You pour three mugs of steaming water and drop some teabags in each one before moving to help Hoseok put away the rest of the groceries. Hoseok raises an eyebrow at you, but you just bring a finger up to your lips and smile, glancing over at Jimin, who’s still rubbing his face into the hotpad, both of his hands gripped tight around it. You manage to put all the groceries away without disturbing Jimin, even if Hoseok gives him weird looks from time to time. By the time that’s done, the tea is well steeped, so you add some honey and walk up to Jimin with a mug. He doesn’t hear you approach, or maybe he’s too engrossed in warmth to notice, but either way, he jumps when you reach out to take the hotpad from him. A cushy pout appears on his face when you take the now lukewarm pad, and you have to hold yourself back from giggling at how adorable he looks. You give him the hot tea as a peace offering, and say, “I’m just gonna reheat this.”

The hotpad goes through a second round in the microwave, and when you take it out next, you place it on the dining table and pull out a chair. Gesturing for Jimin to take a seat, you hold back another quiet laugh as he practically lunges for the hotpad, his tea already close to finished. His eyes flutter shut as soon as his cheek hits the hotpad, and you turn to Hoseok, who’s standing awkwardly in the middle of the kitchen.

“Can we talk?” you whisper, though you doubt Jimin would care if you spoke louder.

Hoseok nods, and he sticks his hands in his pockets as he follows you into your room.

You’ve barely shut the door behind you when you and Hoseok speak at the same time.

“I’m so fucking sorry--”

“Are you sure you’re okay--”

You freeze, blinking a few times as if to bring yourself back to reality. You know Hoseok is naturally protective, but you really thought he’d be upset with you -- after all, you’d fucked up the same way as yesterday, times ten.

“Wait, roll that back a sec--”

“Why are you apologizing?” Hoseok cuts you off.

A few seconds pass where you gather your thoughts back. “Because-- because... Ugh.” You lower your head, hiding your face in both hands. “Literally yesterday you told me not to act on some false savior complex, and here I am putting you in danger again--”

“Putting me in danger? You’re the one who stepped in front of a gun.”

You frown. “It was just a stun gun.”

Stepping closer to you, Hoseok gives you a look up and down, almost like he’s checking for something. “How do you know that?”

“I told you I’d do my research, didn’t I?” you say with a shy shrug, crossing your arms at the same time. “Hybrid Services officers aren’t authorized to carry real guns.”

This time, it’s Hoseok who frowns. He takes another step towards you. “And I told you not to sneak extra screen time.”

Is that seriously what he’s focusing on right now? There’s a perfect stranger in your living room, and Hoseok is worried your eyes might be strained? Well, you are concussed, but still.

“I feel like we’re getting distracted.” You brush past him further into your bedroom, taking a breath before turning to face him again. “I’m sorry. I promised to never put you in another scary situation, then went and broke that promise pretty much immediately. I fucked up. I’m sorry.”

Hoseok just looks at you, and you feel yourself shrinking under his gaze. Your fingers subconsciously meet, tugging at each other to calm your nerves.

“I just...” you start, unable to stop yourself. The silence is too stifling when you have so much to say. “I just-- I was standing there, and Jimin was in front of me, and he wasn’t scared, not really -- at least, as much as I could tell -- but he seemed so... defeated. And I don’t know, Hoseok, I just thought...” You hardly breathe between sentences, too lost now in your own words. “My brain went, ‘What if it was Hoseok? What if Hoseok was standing here, scared? What would you do?’ And I know it was stupid, but I couldn’t stop myself. I know that’s not an excuse. I’m sorry.”

Your chest rises and falls rapidly by the end of your rant. Hoseok’s eyes stare you down, and you’re about to jump into another word-vomit when he sighs, his head dropping. He brings a hand up and pinches the bridge of his nose, then slowly steps towards the foot of your bed. As he takes a seat, he pats the spot next to him, and you silently sit yourself down. 

Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, he keeps his eyes on his hands as he says, “I want to be mad at you.”

“I know, I-- wait, what?”

“You’re impulsive, and you’re reckless, and you do things without thinking about the consequences.”

“Okay, yeah,” you groan, rubbing your face with one hand. “I think we’ve established I’m all the synonyms.”

Hoseok laughs a bit at that. He looks over at you, a slight smile on his lips. “And I want to be upset. I guess I kind of was, for a little, but... it’s hard because you’re doing these things for the right reasons. You might be a little misguided--” He chuckles when you make a face of disgruntled acknowledgement. “--but I can tell you just want to help me. I mean... hybrids like me.”

You don’t let his change of wording slip past you, but since you don’t really know what it means, you don’t mention it. “I feel like you should still be upset, though,” you say, gesturing at yourself. “I risked your safety--”

“I wasn’t mad about that.” Hoseok fixes you with a look, and your mouth shuts with an audible click.

A few seconds pass before you ask, “Then...?”

Breaking eye contact, Hoseok stares at your bedroom wall. “I don’t know. I mean, you’d think that’d be it, right? That’s what I blew up at you over before.” He sits up straight, eyes still pointed forward. “But when I saw you, followed by those officers... I don’t know. All I could think about was if you were okay. If you were going to be okay.” His eyes meet yours once again. “Is that weird?”

You think about the overwhelming urge to protect Hoseok that has grown in you over the last three days, and you shake your head. “Only if we make it weird.”

There goes that smile again. If there was a lucrative smile-selling business, you’d be rich.

Hoseok playfully bumps your shoulder with his. “I won’t, then.”

“So, what?” You smile back at him for a moment, drinking him in. “You were mad I put myself in danger?”

A small laugh leaves Hoseok as a breath. “Well, that and the fact that we now have a random hybrid in your place.”

“Correction.” You hold up a finger in front of his face, then raise another. “I now have two random hybrids in my place. This is only your second day here, remember?”

“You know me.” Hoseok elbows your arm, but you can see the way the light in his eyes faltered at your joke.

“Of course I do,” you quickly amend, looping your arm through his and raising your chin. “As your bodyguard, it’s my job to know my client.”

Hoseok chuckles, and you let yourself relax a bit at his side.

“And since it’s my job to know you, I can tell you’re not Jimin’s biggest fan.” You lower your voice to a whisper now. Surely, Jimin is still dozed off at the table, but you feel the need to be careful nonetheless. “I know he was rude in the car, but... well, I’m not saying he had an excuse for what he said... I don’t know what I’m saying. What I do know is that you wouldn’t let a comment like that carry this far. Did he say something else to you when I wasn’t paying attention?”

Hoseok’s free hand comes up to his neck as he presses his lips into a thin line, fingers brushing over the black silk collar. Quickly, he meets your eyes and shakes his head. Sidetracked from your own question, you frown, your own hand coming up to reach behind Hoseok and unclasp the collar. It falls into his lap. You both stare at it.

“I’m just worried,” Hoseok says after a moment, his voice lowered just like yours. “Jimin... Well, you’ve seen he’s not the nicest hybrid out there. He could be dangerous.”

“Dangerous?”

Hoseok looks up from his lap. “You don’t even know what kind of hybrid he is, do you?”

“Does that matter?” You frown, unsure of what to make of his question. Jimin’s red eyes flash across your mind. “It doesn’t to me. I just want to help.”

“You can’t help every stray hybrid you come across.”

Hoseok’s words and pointed look make your frown deepen. “Why not? Wasn’t that the point? You and Mr. Jung wanted to open Heaven’s Door to--”

“This isn’t the motel, though,” Hoseok cuts you off. “This is your apartment. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure this place is meant for one person.” (It actually fits two, but you don’t point that out right now.) “Mr. Jung and I took months to plan and put together Heaven’s Door, and we didn’t even finish. You met me the day before yesterday, and now you’ve got a second stray hybrid asleep in your kitchen.”

As his words sink in, your shoulders slump, and you lean into Hoseok’s side, your head finding a spot on his shoulder to rest on. “I know I’m probably in way over my head, but... you heard him, Hoseok. He said he’s been living off scraps for a year.”

“I heard. I just...” Hoseok takes a breath, which you feel as much as you hear. “Something about him makes me uneasy, but more than that, I... I feel like he doesn’t want to be here. I don’t think he wants to be helped.”

He’s not wrong, you know that. Just the fact that you had to feign a dizzy spell to get Jimin up to your apartment tells you that much, but you still can’t help feeling like there’s more to Jimin than that. His many layers attest to how much he must hate the cold, and his apparent disgust at your human status racks at the forefront of your mind. Who treated him in such a way that a rescue like yours -- as unorthodox as it was -- would set off alarm bells?

“When I was little, there were these girls.” You feel Hoseok shift beside you, probably confused over your sudden introduction to a backstory, but he stays quiet, as if curious to listen. “It seems stupid to me now, but back then, these girls were everything. Everything I wanted to be, everything I wanted to have. I acted certain ways and did certain things so I could be friends with them because it was really important to me then. Kid stuff, I guess.” The memories now don’t spark any upset in you, instead just serving as a reminder and a lesson. Sometimes, you do wonder if other people’s childhoods were wildly different, and if they were, you would never know how. Billions of different lives are lived every second, and you will only ever experience one. “Except, one day, they just sort of... stopped talking to me. I refused to believe it at first, but after a few days, it was getting pretty obvious. I found out a few years later that it was because some boy one of the girls had a crush on supposedly liked me, but that’s not really the point here... Thing is, I hated the feeling of being silently shoved out of the group. It was like I was being thrown away, and I... god, I cried like a baby those first few days.” Hoseok squeezes your arm, and you’re brought back to the present. On your bed, with Hoseok next to you, you smile. “I mean, I was nine, so I was totally in the right to cry.” You share a small laugh with Hoseok, picturing yourself when you were young. “Anyway, stubborn little me absolutely refused to be thrown out like yesterday’s trash, and after three days, before they ever made anything official, I made my stand. I caught them all in the middle of the playground, and I declared in front of everyone who was around that I didn’t want to be friends with those girls anymore. I made it so that it was me who was leaving them, not the other way around. Do you get what I’m saying?”

Having been caught up in your story, Hoseok sheepishly rubs the back of his neck as you sit up straight and look at him. “Uh...”

“What if Jimin is trying to chase off anyone who might help him first, so they can’t throw him away in the end?”

You know it’s a big jump. You know you shouldn’t assume things about this man you’ve just met, (deja-vu much?) but the nitpicky little shit that assassinated your impulse control and took over in your head keeps telling you there’s more to Jimin than his snarky remarks and flippant attitude.

Hoseok stands, and though your arms falls out of his, you stand up with him, a question on your face that he reads easily.

“Well, if we’re not going to let him chase us off, then we can’t leave him to sleep at the table,” he says with a soft smile. “Guests take the bed, right?”

You can’t help the wide smile you shine at him. “Look at you, Hoseok--” You give a playful punch to his arm. “--already acting like you live here.”

Hoseok is the one who takes Jimin to your room; he sweeps him up like a princess before you can even attempt to. You don’t know why you thought Hoseok might’ve let you carry Jimin when he didn’t even let you carry groceries, but you’re thankful anyways. While Jimin isn’t the biggest guy out there, you realize you probably would’ve woken him if you tried to pick him up from where he slept at the kitchen table.

Before he heads into your room, Hoseok asks, his voice low, if it’s okay that Jimin’s outerwear gets all up in your bedsheets. You shrug and lie, saying you were already planning to wash the sheets tomorrow. You don’t want to rid Jimin of any warmth if you don’t have to.

“Let’s make your favourite for dinner,” you say when Hoseok returns.

=

The kitchen is an organized mess once dinner is finished and ready to be eaten. Dirty dishes in one corner by the sink, leftover ingredients by the stove, and mismatched bowls on the table since you’re not used to having guests around -- especially unexpected ones currently asleep in your bed.

...Just what have you gotten yourself into?

Done setting the table, you stand up straight and put your hands on your hips, proud of the moderate display of dishes you’ve set out. “I’m going to go get Jimin. He must be hungry.”

But just as you step away from the table, Hoseok catches your arm in his hand and gently pulls you back. You bump straight into him with a surprised grunt and meet his eyes, confused. He says nothing, just searches your eyes for something you can’t tell if he even finds, and slowly, torturously lowers his face into the crook of your neck. You take in a long breath and keep it there, chest taut with the tension you almost forgot about from the car earlier. With running -- quite literally -- into Jimin, conning municipal officers, and escaping with a perfect stranger by your side, the whole experience of Hoseok scenting you for the first time had been forcefully shoved to the back of your mind. Now, though, with Hoseok nosing along your skin, it all rushes back; the inherent intimacy, the lack of deeper understanding, the awkward mix of wanting to reciprocate somehow while not knowing how you can, or more importantly, if you should. 

You clear your throat, exhaling what’s left of the breath he stole from you. “Um... I’ll be right back. I’m not really going anywhere.”

“I know.” Hoseok doesn’t lift away from your neck as he speaks, and his lips brush against your skin. You pray to anyone listening that he doesn’t notice the shiver he sends down your spine. “But I still have my own uneasiness with Jimin.”

“So it’s not just a separation thing, then? Scenting?” Your words serve as a good distraction. Take this as a learning moment, you tell yourself. You promised Hoseok you’d learn more about hybrids, and this is simply another step in the right direction.

Hoseok pauses against your skin, and after a moment, he raises his head with a close-lipped smile. You didn’t notice before, but his hands somehow drifted to your sides somewhere along the way, and he gives your waist a few pats with one hand. “I’ll tell you more about it later.” He nods towards your bedroom. “Hurry back.”

You shut the door behind you, though you’re not entirely sure why. Instead of trying to figure that out, you clear your mind as you step up to your bed, focusing on Jimin. He seems so tired, looking at him now. You sit on the edge of your bed next to him, your hand unconsciously moving towards his face. You frown as you take a closer look at him. Little droplets of sweat have beaded on his forehead, and though it’s subtle, a grimace lies on his lips, almost as if he’s in pain. A nightmare?

You mean to wake him up for dinner, you really do, but the sight of his sweat makes you want to cool him down, so you slip off his beanie before you can think too hard about it. His hair is oily and unkempt, but more than that, you take notice of the fact that the only thing under his beanie is hair. You don’t know what you expected -- maybe ears like Hoseok’s, maybe ears like a cat, anything. Just not... nothing. You’re pretty sure you’ve never seen a hybrid without the ears of their animal counterpart, but you also know you’ve only seen average domestic hybrids on tv. Hoseok did seem concerned about Jimin’s species, even if he didn’t elaborate at all on that. But that shouldn’t matter, right? Hybrids are mostly human, aren’t they? A dog hybrid and a cat hybrid may exhibit different mannerisms, but in the end you’re all walking, talking humans.

Jimin’s grimace deepens, and you hold the back of your hand against his forehead. He’s not burning up, but definitely warm, so you pull back the covers, feeling guilty now for having Hoseok leave his coat on. How could Jimin’s temperature go from one extreme to the other so quickly? His coat is zipped up practically to his chin, and without thinking, you go to pull down the zipper. You only reach halfway down his chest before a spattering of yellow and red catches your attention. Leaning in closer, you let your eyes wander along the sliver of Jimin’s neck visible through the new opening in his jacket. You’d initially clocked it as a shadow, but looking at it now, there’s a clear pattern within the patch taking over half his neck. Black, red, yellow... The pattern tapers off in pieces, becoming smaller and smaller before transitioning to his usual skin tone. It fascinates you, temporarily, and you reach up to it without realizing. Your fingers brush against the colours, smooth and dry. Scales.

Jimin’s eyes shoot open. Momentarily caught off guard once again by his poppy red irises, you’re easily overpowered, wrists gripped in both his hands as you fall back on your bed with a, “Whoa!” He hovers over you, maneuvering his legs so you’re stuck beneath him, your legs still dangling off the bed. His chest heaves, and his eyes shake, half occupied taking in the new environment (and you), half furious.

Your eyes widen as your actions finally set in your mind. What were you thinking, taking off his hat and coat while he was asleep? Ugh, you’re constantly missing today. “Sor--”

“You’re terrified aren’t you?” Jimin spits from above, his eyes boring into yours. “I’m a snake. A venomous monster. I could kill you right here, you know that?”

It occurs to you now that, yes, Jimin is some guy you don’t know and who could easily kill you in this position, but the way he speaks only confuses you -- like he wants confirmation. He bares his teeth, and you notice his canines are longer and pointier than even Hoseok’s.

“You’d believe that, wouldn’t you?” he pushes. “Just look at me. Look at what a freak I am.” His hands tighten around your wrist, and you get another awful sense of deja-vu. What’s with you and getting tackled lately? “Anyone would believe it. Anyone...” His words cut off with a choked sound.

“Jimin--”

His weight lifts off you in a flash, a blur of colour as he’s shoved off you and the bed by a Hoseok-shaped blob. Either his legs or Hoseok’s knock over pretty much everything on your bedside table, and you gasp, sitting up as quick as you can to see Hoseok and Jimin on the floor. Hoseok has Jimin’s coat clutched in both fists. He growls louder than you’ve ever heard from him and shakes Jimin, whose arms and legs struggle uselessly to get Hoseok off him. Jimin hisses up at Hoseok.

“Get off!”

Hoseok sneers and growls deep from his chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“Guys!” you try to call out.

“Didn’t you hear, mutt?” Jimin scoffs, lips curled in a sardonic smirk. “I’m deadly. Venomous. You know it too, don’t you? You can smell it on me.”

Hoseok just presses Jimin harder into the floor, but you furrow your brows at Jimin’s words. Something doesn’t feel right. Granted, everything is screwed up right now, but still.

“Everyone runs. Everyone-- everyone believes it, so-- so...”

Snapping out of your initial shock, you jump off the bed and shove yourself between them. You span your forearm across Hoseok’s chest, and despite being stronger than you and staying where he is for a few seconds, he eventually gives in and rises off Jimin, eyes still burning. One of your hands presses palm flat on Jimin’s chest when he tries to launch up at Hoseok with a hiss.

“Stop. Both of you.” Doing your best to hold both boys back from each other, you keep your voice even. You stand up and bring Hoseok with you, while Jimin just glares up at you from the floor. “Hoseok.” You point at the bedroom door. “We’re gonna talk outside.” He doesn’t tear his eyes away from Jimin, but Hoseok nods, and he leaves the room without a word. Jimin moves to stand once Hoseok is out of sight, but you hold up a hand. “You. Stay here.”

As much as it pains you to order them around when you know Hoseok has been trained to listen and Jimin most likely has as well, you don’t let your voice waver. This has got to be one of the longest days of your life, and you haven’t even had dinner yet. As you walk out of your room, you eye the nice dinner that’s cooling down on the table. So much for a warm welcome.

Hoseok stands ramrod straight in your living room, feet shoulder-width apart and hands folded behind his back, head lowered. Your heart constricts in your chest at the sight.

“Hoseok...”

He moves not a millimeter even though you know he heard you. Slowly, you approach him, tilting sideways so you can see his face. His eyes are closed, scrunched shut.

“Hey,” you say softly, all the previous authority gone from your voice. “Please look at me.”

One of his eyes peeks open, and when you show a small smile, Hoseok looks at you fully, though his head still hangs low. His posture stays stiff. You let out a quiet sigh through your nose, trying to think of what it is you can say to carry across what you mean.

“Thank you,” is what you finally land on. “--for protecting me.”

Hoseok’s entire body melts. His pose dissolves, and he drops his head onto your shoulder, his arms coming up to wrap around you. He pulls you close, and you find you don’t mind at all. You gather him in your arms too, and you close your eyes to the warmth of the embrace.

“I’m sorry.” Hoseok chokes back a sob, hidden in your shoulder. “I couldn’t-- not so soon after...” He sniffles and, if it’s possible, hugs you tighter. “I only just found you.”

Hoseok lost Mr. Jung only a week ago. He can’t lose you, too. Not now. But he doesn’t say all that.

You think you understand.

“Thank you, Hoseok,” you repeat, soothing your hand over his back. “I know you were just trying to keep me safe. It was all just a big misunderstanding.”

Not loosening his arms around you in the slightest, Hoseok raises his head and gives you a look of pure disbelief. “He said he’d kill you,” he whispers, aware of Jimin just a thin wall away.

You shake your head. “He said he could.”

“What’s the difference?”

“I don’t know, exactly.” Thinking back on Jimin’s words, you frown. “But I wasn’t scared. I was... worried.”

Hoseok gawks at you. “About him? Do you hear yourself right now?”

“I know it doesn’t make sense.” You sigh, tugging Hoseok closer and hooking your chin over his shoulder. It’s been a while since you’ve let yourself get lost in a nice, long hug. “I just... something about him...”

Leaning into you again, Hoseok lets out a sigh of his own. “Impulsive,” he mumbles into your ear.

“Huh?”

“Rash... Careless...”

“What are you?” Your hands move to Hoseok’s shoulders, pushing him back just slightly so you can see his face. “A thesaurus?”

He chuckles, and your smile grows wide.

“Can you tell me something, Hoseok?”

Though he’s a bit hesitant, he nods.

“Let me know if I’m crossing any boundaries here, but...” You see the corners of his lips tick downwards as you speak, but you continue. “...you keep apologizing to me. You keep acting like I’m gonna... like I’m...” Your words fail you, unable to properly convey what you’re thinking. You barely even know what you’re thinking. “When I saw you standing here, like that, I got sort of... sad. And scared.”

Hoseok’s arms around your torso stiffen, and though you didn’t realize he’d been rubbing small circles on your waist with his thumbs as it happened, you miss the feeling now that it’s gone. “...Why?”

“Mr. Jung didn’t... right? He-- he wouldn’t--”

“No.” Hoseok’s voice is firm. Low, comforting, but convicted beyond what you’ve heard from anything Hoseok’s said since meeting you. “No, he didn’t. Mr. Jung treated me better than I’d ever been treated before. He was the kindest man I ever met. He didn’t punish me. He didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to.”

“So why are you scared I would?”

You know right after you say it that you’ve fucked up. Something behind Hoseok’s eyes shatters, and he whimpers as his fingers tighten at your sides. Those words aren’t what you wanted to ask. You want him to feel safe around you because you want to be safe for him. The way you phrased your words makes it seem like you’re putting him at fault for not trusting you; like it’s his fault that he’s scared.

But who could blame him? He doesn’t know you. He hasn’t met every side of you. Why should you be offended when he’s scared you might hurt him like almost every other human has?

“I’m sorry,” he blurts out before you can take it all back, his words rushed and garbled. “It’s my training. I was taught-- protocol. If I make a mistake, if I don’t listen... Protocol. I can’t forget. It’s so hard to forget--”

“No no no.” You shush him gently, one of your hands coming up to the back of his head and pulling him into another hug. Threading your fingers through his dark hair, you carefully avoid his dingo ears, wary of boundaries you never meant to cross. “Hey, no. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It’s my job to make you feel safe. You’re not obligated to. It’s not your fault if you don’t feel safe around me, it’s mine.”

Unexpectedly, Hoseok shifts in your hold, pushing his head against your hand to sink your fingers further into his hair. You don’t know exactly how to react, so you slowly rub your thumb back and forth on his scalp. He deflates in your arms, another weak whimper coming out against your neck. After a few seconds, Hoseok noses into your skin, leaving his scent for the third time today. Unsure what this means, you simply let it happen, a tad less affected by it now that you’ve been through the experience twice. It’s a good sign, right? Hoseok wouldn’t scent you if he hated you... right?

Or has he been trained his whole life to forgive and obey?

God, it’s all so fucked up.

“Hoseok.” He doesn’t stop. “Hoseok.”

You actually have to pull him away yourself, and he finally steps back, one of his hands swiping at his wet cheeks. Seeing that, your own hands reach up to the corners of your eyes to wipe away the tears that escaped during your hug.

“Sorry,” he says.

“Don’t be.” You shrug, smiling lightly at him. “I needed it.”

A smile stretches Hoseok’s lips at your echo of what he said the other day. You hope he smiles a lot with you in the future.

“I’m gonna work on helping you feel safe. I promise.”

“You’re already pretty good.”

“Yeah, well.” Knowing that can’t be true, you just look at the floor. “Not good enough. Not yet.” You hear Hoseok start to retort, but the reason everything went wrong in the first place flashes across your mind, and you cut whatever he was going to say off. “I’m gonna go talk to Jimin, okay?”

He raises a brow. “Not without me, you’re not.”

“Hoseok.” You fix him with a look. As much as you don’t want to make him stay outside -- you just made it clear you didn’t want to give him orders -- you don’t think having him and Jimin in the same room right now will help solve anything. You approach your bedroom and put your hand on the doorknob. “I’ll be fine. If I need you, I’ll give you a signal.”

“Signal? What kind of signal?”

“Something like...” You throw up some unenthusiastic jazz hands. “Ah. Help. I’m getting murdered. Ah.”

Hoseok frowns. “That’s not funny.”

“To you, maybe.”

With that, you open the door to your bedroom and step inside, shutting it behind you. Jimin sits in the exact same spot you left him, his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms propping him up from behind. He eyes you up and down, a judging sneer on his lips.

“Done with the lovefest?”

“You said you could kill me, right?”

Your sudden words seem to throw him off a little, but the annoyance on his face doesn’t go away as he says, “What?”

“You said you’re venomous.”

“Of course I am.”

“Alright.”

You walk straight up to him and, rolling up your sleeve, you hold your bare arm in front his face as you kneel down to his sitting height.

“So kill me.”

prev | chapter four (6.6k) | next

[erodasfishtacos]

~ MLB Curious Gazes ~

prompt: four different situations where people have run into or hung out with MLB!H - told from their perspective.

word: 6k +

warnings: language, mentions of sexual content

If you enjoyed this please - reblog, like, recommend, comment, and inbox me to chat about it!

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enjoy!

-=-=-=-=-=-

The Doctor’s Office

Aubrey couldn’t believe her eyes as she sat in her uncomfortable, too small chair in the empty waiting room at the OBGYN office in the early hours of the morning. 

She was sitting alone with her baby boy sitting in his carrier on the floor - it was his nine month checkup and it was taking forever to be seen.

The woman was sitting, scrolling on her phone when out of her peripheral she saw an extremely - like extremely handsome man step into the area with a carrier.

Aubrey was a married woman but holy shit this guy was hot- without even trying is the thing.��

He had on a New York Yankees Nike hoodie and a pair of Nike athletic shorts with some calf length Blake Nike socks and trainers.

In the carrier was a fresh little baby, couldn’t be older than three months who was bundled up with a sunflower headband on.

The man was multitasking with a curly haired toddler on his other hip as he finds a seat a little bit down from Aubrey on the opposite side.

His wife was standing up at the check-in and of course it made sense that she was absolutely beautiful as well even though Aubrey could relate to how tired she looked.

The woman still had a small bit of her pregnancy bump left signifying that the baby was indeed very very new to the world.

She keeps glancing over at the man, he looks so familiar but she would remember if she had even met someone that handsome.

Then the context clues hit her, his hoodie, his toddler son was also in a little Yankees hoodie that matched his fathers and Aubrey googled quickly.

Her eyes flitted throughout the recent articles.

Styles’ Alleged $65 Million Dollar Bonus

Hot Head Harry Styles - how he managed to start three bench clearing brawls in one game!

Breaking Records and Bats - Styles manages to break his own record in the same season followed by breaking a bat in celebration

Holy shit.

She could help but watch them - this was much more interesting than reading a magazine.

Aubrey didn’t follow baseball but Harry had turned celebrity status and was this well known cocky dickhead to the media - women and men loved and drooled over him for his looks and his skills.

Right now, he sat down with his two babies - the boy looked exactly like Harry, it was quite unbelievable from the curly locks to mossy green eyes that was copy and paste.

Harry was currently tucking an applesauce pouch between his lips and guiding the boy's small hands to hold it for himself.

“Good job,  ,” He murmurs in the dead quiet waiting room as he tucks him further into the crook of his arm.

Harry looks up to his wife who joins them, she is a bit in awe when Aubrey sees him palm a bit at her bloated belly and whisper, “Y’look gorgeous today, mama.”

Aubrey couldn’t help but frown, she wished her husband did that.

YN sits down, leaning her head on his shoulder - Aubrey didn’t know her but she seems tired - of course she was a new mother.

The silence is broken when a nurse comes out and with an apologetic face says, “I’m sorry, we are running really behind today. It might be another thirty minutes,” before shutting the door again.

Harry kisses his wife’s forehead before wrapping his unoccupied arm around her shoulder, a flashing gold band on his ring finger.

Aubrey zones off for a little when her son wakes up, rocking the carrier a few times before he settles again.

She’s brought back to the couple when she hears a sniffle comes from Harry’s wife and his face turned towards hers, hand rubbing her shoulder reassuringly.

“Mama, she’s so healthy. There’s nothin’ to worry about, did a perfect job growing her in y’belly. I know these check-ups make you anxious but nothin’ is gonna be wrong,” He soothes, a near whisper because of how quiet the room is and he didn’t want to disrupt.

“I just don’t know if she’s been getting enough milk, it’s so hard to tell,” YN replies sadly, like she’s disappointed in herself.

“Y’kidding me? She’s our chunkiest baby - look at those little rolls. She’s on y’tits more than any of the boys including me,” He jokes softly, obviously trying to make her feel better.

It seems to work a little bit because she lets out a light giggle with a roll of her eyes, “No one is on them more than you.”

Harry shrugs unashamed before replying seriously, “Everything will be okay. She’s perfect and healthy.”

The curly haired little boy gets a bit squirmy with the wait after he finished his pouch, asking to be set down which his father does.

Harry is watching him carefully, his nervous but still adventurous little two and a half year old, as he toddles around the waiting room.

When he spots Aubrey and her carrier, he wanders over looking up her with wide curious eyes, he points at her son and squeaks, “Baby?”

Ever the diligent father, Harry is up and next to his son, Aubrey is a bit starstruck if she’s honest when he talks to her.

“M’sorry, he’s a curious little one,” Harry smiles at her, going to pick Ezra back up to guide him away from bothering her.

Aubrey waves her hand though, lifting the visor to show the sleeping baby, “Yeah, he’s a baby. That’s Dominic.”

The boy gazes at the baby before lisping, “Bry!”

Aubrey isn’t sure what he means but his father clarifies, “You’re right, Dominic is a baby just like your little sister Briar.”

“Okay,” Ezra shrugs and goes back to his mom to inform him of what he just discovered before crawling up and cuddling into her chest.

Harry nods, “Thanks for indulging him.”

“No pro-problem,” She stutters like an idiot and Harry smiles a bit like he knows but doesn’t say anything else before going back to his family.

A few minutes later when a high-pitched cry resounds through the room, Harry is carefully cradling his daughter who Aubrey notes looks nothing like him but like her mother even though her features were still so little.

“Shush, darlin’,” Harry coos with a soft drawl, leaning in to kiss at the newborn’s button nose.

Briar roots at her father’s chest, smacking her plump lips, and squeaking in frustration when she doesn’t find a nipple. It makes Harry chuckle before he glances at his wife and his smile falters a bit, “Sweetheart, did y’bring a bottle?”

Aubrey watches his wife shake her head, she is facing away from her so she can’t see her expression but gauging Harry’s it seems that she may be upset, “No, I completely forgot. I didn’t bring my nursing blanket either - I’m going to have to go the bathroom. M’being such a bad mom.”

The observer feels a pang in her chest, she can definitely relate to not always feeling like she is a good mother because of little mistakes she makes like forgetting diapers, buying the wrong formula, forgetting to bring a pacifier.

“Hey,” Harry’s voice is firm, “Y’not going to talk like that when s’the farthest thing from the truth. S’okay, we have four babies, we’re both goin’ t’forget things sometimes, okay? Here, let me help you.”

Aubrey wishes she had a husband who was as empowering, supportive of his wife.

He hands the whimpering baby over to his wife, he’s then tugging off his hoodie. Aubrey tries but fails to divert her eyes when his shirt rides up revealing  a glimpse of his taut abdomen and a light dusting of hair leading into his shorts, obscene tattoos covering his hipbones .

Harry maneuvers the hoodie over his wife’s shoulder, helping her tug down her loose shirt and nursing bra, and guiding his newborn to his wife’s breast until she latches and starts suckling hungrily.

“There y’go mama,” He whispers encouragingly before tugging Ezra back onto his lap to rock him a bit as he’s getting whiny - ready for a nap soon and not liking being in an unfamiliar place for too long.

-

Aubrey is buckling Dominic into his carseat when she spots the other family exiting the office. 

Harry’s wife looks much more relaxed, a smile on her face, and her arm tucked around her husband’s narrow hip, they’re parked close to each other, and Aubrey climbs into her small sedan - blasting the aircon.

She watches the parents strapp their kids into a massive, tinted and brand new cadillac escalade that was no doubt over a hundred thousand dollar car but who could expect them to be driving around a mid-level minivan?

After the kids are secured and they close the doors, Harry presses his wife up against it with his arm resting over her shoulder against the window. He is whispering to her, their mouths close before he ducks down to connect their lips.

His hand comes back to her deflating baby bump like he did in the doctor’s office, hand massaging the skin with adoration that was visible even to Aubrey as she sat in her car watching them.

Later on in the week, as she sits on her couch, a video pops up on her timeline. It’s a sports report she was about to skip until the name caught her attention. 

The sports reporter stated, “Harry Styles was fined an alleged sixty thousand dollars at last night’s game after getting into a verbal altercation when the second base man purposely tripped him.”

It flashes to the man she just saw in the doctor’s office in a form-fitting Yankee’s blue and white striped uniform with a helmet on as he ran at an impressive speed from first to second, stumbling when the baseman put out his foot.

Harry recovers quickly enough to touch the base to be considered safe. 

After that though, he’s pushing himself up and brushing off the dirt, then he’s charging towards the man who fucked up the play. 

He has no fear as he gets in the man’s face, veins on his neck standing out as he shouts. They don’t play the audio but you could tell Harry was cussing this man up and down.

It flashed back to the reporter speaking to another, “Nearly every team in the league reports that Styles is an absolute nightmare to play against from his skill to his downright arrogant and cocky attitude. He’s not someone I’d find myself wanting to hang around.”

“I agree with you there, Tucker. He has a right to be proud with all of his broken records and achievements but being a bit humble would do this man so good. I feel sorry for his wife and kids. He probably just spends all day bragging about himself.”

Aubrey clicks off the video, if only everyone in the world just saw the Harry Styles she saw just a few days ago - well they’d all change their minds on what kind of person he is. Especially what kind of husband and father.

--

The Charity Event

It was a charity event at Madison Square Garden in Time Square. 

It was for all Major League Baseball teams who had qualified for the playoffs and of course, The New York Yankees were there.

There were tables filling the whole stadium, extravagant in white linen tablecloths, multiple bars, and it was black tie dress code. 

It was a private event and it was not open to the public but after the dinner there would be awards given out and that would be broadcasted.

Nicole was there with her husband, Trent, the left outfielder with an average batting score. He wasn’t the most popular on the team by far - well everyone got outshined by Styles. 

She couldn’t help but be a little bitter that Harry had gotten a $60 million dollar bonus (the biggest bonus ever gifted but also the Yankees were not taking any chances at losing their star and their ultimate money-maker). Trent got a measly bonus of $100,000 which was nothing in baseball terms. 

The wives and girlfriends of the Yankees players did not like YN one bit. It really wasn’t fair because she was always lovely, kind, and friendly. It didn’t matter because they were all spurred on by jealousy of what she had.

Nicole couldn’t help by gaze at Harry as they sat at the same circle table towards the podium where the awards would be presented after dinner. He was in a sharp all black suit with a small team logo pin of the lapel.

She couldn’t deny how stunning YN looked in an absolutely stunning dress. It was a one-shoulder with sparkling black stripes against a tan background, it fit like a glove and accentuated her stunning legs with a high slit. ***

It blew Nicole’s basic black Gucci dress out of the water which made her even more infuriated at the woman. She knew she was being irrational and if she hated her so much, why couldn’t see stop staring at the couple?

Nicole could get away with it by looking past them at other tables but to be quite honest, the two were much too wrapped up in each other to be aware of any of their surroundings or people watching them.

Trent was off bullshitting with all the other players while the Styles’ sat at the table and Harry waited for people to approach him - like the cocky asshole that he was. He would give them a minute of his time before becoming visibly bored and returning his attention back to his wife.

As the appetizers arrived, Trent finally sat down with a grunt, giving his wife literally no attention as he dug into the salad like a slob. 

Across the table, Harry looked down at his plate, picked out all the tomatoes and stabbed them with his fork. He then brought his hand over to his wife who giggled and let him feed her the three little tomatoes for his salad.

“Don’t like tomatoes, Styles?” Henry, third-baseman, jokes as he watches him feed his wife without any shame.

“I love ‘em, m’missus just really like the little grape ones,” Harry shrugs casually - like that didn’t just sound like the most whipped thing that he could say.

Trent probably couldn’t even guess Nicole’s favorite color - let alone know something so minuscule like YN like the little tomatoes that come on house salads. 

Throughout the whole dinner, it was quite disgusting how infatuated these two were with each other - Harry had at least one hand on her body at one time - her thigh, shoulder, even cupping her neck in a way that was almost too intimate for the setting.

At one point, Harry notices that YN is a bit quiet - sipping on her glass of water and he pulls back from the conversation, murmuring, “Y’alright, mama?”

Nicole bites her lip hard at the cute pet name, feeling even more dislike towards YN - why couldn’t she have had someone like Harry?

“D’you think the babies are okay? Ezra’s been so anxious lately,” YN replies quietly, there were no phones allowed at the event and had to be left at home or at the door.

Harry kisses her temple, “Y’know Ezzie is good with m’mum, doesn’t get as anxious as he used to at sleepovers. Y’know East and Cash are probably on a sugar high.”

YN nods, agreeing and Harry jumps right back into the conversation but she notices that he keeps looking over at his wife to check on her.

Trent accidentally knocks her elbow hard and just grunts out a bland, “Sorry.”

The topic changed to traveling for games. Ellie, another wife of a player who was nice to YN were chatting about how stressful it is.

“I know, loading all three boys up is rough when we do decide to travel to games with H,” YN says to Ellie, a small smile on her face.

“Ugh, I know. Lily and Parker are the worst flyers! They usually end up throwing up or not being able to nap at all,” Ellie groans about her two little ones she has back at home.

YN let’s out a laugh that just irked Nicole to not end.

“It's going to be even harder when we have more kids,” YN laments like she’s bothered.

“Oh? More kids?” Ellie squeaks with excitement, clapping her hands together.

Nicole reaches a breaking point, jumping into the chat,“Really? More kids? Don’t you think you should focus on the ones you have? Or do you think because your husband makes an unfair amount of money, you can just have as many as you want? Hire nannies and act like you take care of them?”

Before YN frowns, about to respond when Harry interjects with a booming, displeased voice, “First off, why don’t y’mind your own fuckin’ business. My wife and I can ‘ave any many kids as we want, last time I checked.”

He continues with tense posture, all of his previous calmness disappears, “Second off, don’t take it out on my wife tha’ your husband got a shit bonus, we all know tha’ why y’pissy. And don’t act like y’dont have a nanny for your one kid while we don’t nor ever will have one.”

Nicole sneers, “You’re a cocky bastard.”

Harry smiles in faux charm, “Of course I am, dear. I’ve got a fucking beautiful wife, three healthy babies, the most records broken in history, and the fattest bank account in this room.”

“Alright, alright,” Trent interrupts and it doesn’t go unnoticed that he doesn’t defend his wife. Instead he shoots Harry an apologetic look for his wife’s behaviors.

Harry just scoffs at the couple, rudely rolling his eyes, and tugging his wife in for a kiss that’s a bit too intense but he can’t help himself, smiles against her lips when his wife pinches his thigh playfully.

He says (not quietly at all), “All these women are jealous of you, hm? S’cause you’re so beautiful and such a fuckin’ catch.”

Nicole feel a sharp pang in her chest at the indirect comment - fucking asshole.

Deep down, Nicole is unfavorably realizing that somehow YN has it all - a loving husband, who is seemingly head over heels four her, three well-behaved children, and everything she could ever want - sitting on Harry’s $600 million dollar net worth, on top of being gorgeous.

She didn’t have that. Trent and her were on the rocks constantly, has definitely cheated on her, their kid is a literal nightmare, and they’re both so reckless with money they have no savings.

It made her jealous to see Harry whispering in YN ear to make her giggle- lips brushing her ear, his hand splayed across her bumcheek while they waited for drinks at the bar, she even hears them murmur ‘I love yous’ at least twice.

Then the lights dim, spotlight on a podium in the front of the room, an older man in a crisp navy suit taking the stage.

“It is an honor for me to announce ‘Player of the Year.’ The decision by the board of Major League Baseball wasn’t a hard one. The statistics and records broke continuously by the man has led us to only one option.”

Everyone watches all the other players in room deflate a bit because they realize the award is going to Harry yet again.

 “He is again breaking a record tonight, he is the first player to earn this achievement four years in a row. The duality of this man when it comes to pitching a curveball or hitting a homer is truly remarkable.”

It makes all the players even more irritated than they already are when they look over at Harry who’s sitting back, manspreading, hand on the back of his wife’s neck gently, and a cocky, unbothered grin.

Like this award wasn’t the biggest accomplishment he could earn.

One of the players from an opposing team at a different table mutters to one of his teammates, “Fucking arrogant asshole. The only thing this award does is feed his gigantic ego.” 

“Such a douchebag,” The other agrees, jealousy tinges his voice.

“I’ve most likely made it obvious who the the recipient is this year. The New York Yankees pitcher with the most strikeouts to date and top-scoring hitter - Mr. Harry Styles!”

The crowd erupts in applause, whistles, and a standing ovation because despite his unsavory demeanor - no one could deny he was a legend.

Before he gets up, Nicole watches as he cups his wife’s cheek - locking her lips in a kiss before she has to give him a playful shove when he tries to slip some tongue.

When Harry gets up to the stage, he shakes the hand of the announcer and takes the award from him, setting it on the podium.

“Fourth year in a row has a nice ring to it,” Harry gives the crowd a dazzling white smile that have his dimples digging into his cheek.

The crowd whistles and coos.

Nicole notices YN getting teary-eyed as she watches her husband accept the award.

“I want t’thank a few people tonight. I want t’thank m’wife and the mama of my babies - YN. She’s supported me from when I was in college with no other career path but baseball, unsure of if I’d fail or not, she stuck through it.”

She can sense everyone’s eyes dart over to YN who is still staring up at her husband - who is giving her a gleaming smile right back.

“We’ve been through some really hard obstacles in our first years as a couple but she’s the reason for all this - the fact that she always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

The audience is respectful, quiet as he publicly tells a story of his deep love for his wife.

“I want t’thank m’three babies. Easton, Cash, and Ezra. They inspire me to be a better better man and a good role model - even though I think y’all agree they won’t be if they watch too much how I play when I’m out in the field.”

The crowd erupts in laughter at Harry poking fun at his own antics that he’s most famous for. He goes on to thank the team, coaches, Nike, everyone on the professional side of career.

When he’s done, everyone stands back up to congratulate him, patting him on the back as he returns to his seat.

Nicole watches as Harry sits back down, chuckling as he swipes a tear off his wife’s cheek, “Why y’crying, mama?”  

“I’m just so proud of you. Everything you do for me and our babies. The best husband, best daddy. My heart is just full,” She murmurs, clearly not meant for others to hear but Nicole was eavesdropping.

Harry’s eyes darken with something Nicole can’t identify but does notice his hand creeping a bit further up her thigh.

He leans into whisper something into her ear before she sees his lightly nip at her lobe before pulling back to join into the conversation.

-

After the lights come back up, Trent abandons her to go shoot the shit with other guys.

When she trails off to the bathroom, down a long hallway from the main area - she hears a rustling from behind a door labeled with a plaque that says ‘executive meeting room’.

Nicole pauses confused, all these offices and other rooms were strictly off limits during events obviously. She was confused to hear someone in a room that was not supposed to be in use.

Then she realizes it’s not just someone - it’s two people.

“S’good, sweetheart. Give it t’me so good.”

And she knows right then and there all she needs to know about who’s in that conference room and what they were doing.

“Be quiet, you’re being too loud,” YN scolds back, the walls were clearly thin because she could hear the exchange.

“Make y’cunt not feel like heaven then,” He remarks back, his voice slower and more soft than it would be in front of people.

God, Trent and her haven’t slept together in ages - let alone has spontaneous hookups or dirty talk like that ever.

When they all end up back at the table before the closing speech for the night, Nicole spots a nicely sized mark under Harry’s jaw that he’s wearing with pride.

YN had her lipstick wiped off and was much more clingy as the night rolled on which Harry seemed to thrive on.

As she and Trent are on their way home, Nicole speaks into their silence, “I don’t think our relationship is working.”

Not after she saw love and happiness at that event table tonight - she wanted that kind of love not settling for some cheating asshole.

-

The Little League Game

It was a cool autumn evening, it was an important game - if you could call it that for the little league team that Kayla had her son on.

The goal was to determine which team would move onto the playoffs, even though most of this was all in good fun because it was for eight-year-olds and it wasn’t serious.

Kayla couldn’t lie and say that she didn’t spend some of the time curiously gazing at the New York Yankees player who would come to watch his son play.

He wasn’t at every game due to his schedule but it seemed like he came to whatever ones he could with his wife and other three kids.

They had taken the bench on the bleachers right below her so she had an up close and personal view of the family when they’ve never sat this close before.

As the kids warmed up, Harry had his youngest son who looked to be about four sit next to him, squished between his dad and mom happily.

Their middle son was next to his mom on the other side, looking to be about six, and he was wriggling impatiently in his seat - eager to join the other kids in the jungle gym.

The baby girl who looked about a year and a half old didn’t look anything like her brothers - it was obvious that she was a spitting image of her mother (who was stunning).

She was curled up in her mom’s lap, asleep with her face squished against her mother’s chest - a pacifier suckling fiercely between her puffy lips.

“Mama, please,” The curly haired boy begs with greedy puppy dog eyes as he keeps glancing back to look at the other kids.

“You stay right where daddy and I can see you, yes?” YN murmurs, brushing back his unruly curls that where getting long, “And what are our rules?”

“Stay where you can see, don’t talk to strangers, and be nice to others,” He recites perfectly, Kayla was a bit blown away by his manners.

She watches baseball. It was hard to believe their children were so mild mannered when their father was the exact opposite - at least on the field.

Harry was rustling in the diaper bag for something as his son looked at him with wide, concerned eyes, “My baby, daddy.”

“I know, Ezzie. M’lookin’ f’your baby,” His father replies softly, the polar extreme of his normal brash, crude language that had a nasty tone like he couldn’t bother giving people the time of day.

“Daddy, please,” The youngest whines, his little hand grasping at his father’s tattooed wrist as he gets to his knees to help his dad look.

“Left inner pocket,” YN murmurs offhandedly as she makes sure Cash gets to the playground safely with his friends.

“Say ‘thanks mama’,” Harry coos to his son as he manages to tug out the baby doll and hand it to the awaiting little boy.

“Thanks mama,” He replies instantly with a gapped smile as he nuzzles right back into his father’s side as if he can’t get close enough.

“How are you feeling, Ezra?” His mother leans over to ask, keeping the baby close to her chest.

“M’happy, mama,” Ezra replies simply before starting to babble to himself as he plays with the babydoll.

Kayla watches Harry and YN swap a fond look at their son but she couldn’t help but wonder why they asked him that? He seemed fine so why did they feel the need to do that?

The game is going okay, Harry stands up to cheer and whistle when Easton hits a two-base hit but YN smacks his thigh and motions to their sleeping baby.

He looks at her sheepishly before sitting back down, kissing her cheek in apology, and peeking down into the fleece blanket to watch his daughter sleep for a moment.

Then it seems like Easton starts to lose momentum after he pitches two home-runs, his face pinched in disappointment as the other team scores but Harry is attempting to keep him motivated with encouraging shouts.

Easton struggles from then on, he strikes out for his final three turns, doesn’t catch two pop-ups, and his pitches start to get a little shaky. It’s obvious in his facial expression he’s getting upset because he’s breathing heavier like he’s trying not to cry.

Kayla feels a sense of dread for the little boy, his father who’s the best baseball player in modern day history is watching his son not do well during an important game.

 Because of what she knows of him from his temper and attitude on the field - she worries that he’s one of those father’s who will hound their kid for doing poorly.

“Oh, c’mon East,” Harry murmurs softly when his son stumbles over a ground ball before another kid picks it up and throws it in - their son smacking his glove down against the ground in frustration.

“He’s getting himself worked up,” YN notes as she watches her oldest kick his cleats in the dirt with a quivering bottom lip.

“I know,” Harry replies to his wife, “Wish he wouldn’t, he’s gettin’ upset out there, I can tell.”

“Sad?” Ezra squeaks, clambering onto his father’s lap and stating, “Hold me, daddy.”

Harry obliges easily, gathering up his small son before his attention is directed back onto the game - it was down to the last few minutes and unfortunately Easton pitched a ball that resulted in a home run for the other team.

“Fuck,” Harry mutters, running a hand through his messy locks before he’s setting Ezra back down on the bleachers, “I’m going to go talk to him. Do you want to meet back home?”

YN nods, leaning down to tuck the baby into the double stroller before buckling Ezra in as well, “I’m going to go get Cash and head out. Why don’t you take him out for some ice cream? I love you.”

“I love you too, mama,” He replies, kissing her softly before kissing both of his kids foreheads and stepping down the bleachers - ignoring all the adults who are staring at him with a starstruck expression as he heads to the dugout.

It cleared out fast, nobody sticking around after the loss that ended with them not continuing on to the championship, and Easton was sat on the bench - he was stoic and there was a hard, angry expression on his face that reminded Kayla of what she saw Harry look like when he played.

As she gathers up her son and makes sure he’s got all of his equipment, Kayla stands and chats to a few of the moms before she’s heading to her car - which happened to be parked next to a sleek Masserati crossover, who would let their muddy kid go in there? Rich people, she guesses.***

Kayla pops the trunk to her van with her key as they get closer, she notices that Harry also has his up and Easton is sitting on the tailgate with his eyes looking down at the pavement. She tries not to appear as nosey or eavesdropping as she tucks her items into the back.

“Sweetheart, s’okay. Y’did so so good tonight,” Harry assures his pouty son, he squats down to start to untie his son’s nike cleats but continues to make eye contact with him. 

“No, I didn’t, Daddy!” Easton whines, tears finally starting to bubble over the surface as he begins to sob with a shuddering chest, “I gave up home runs and then I missed ground balls!”

“Whoa, bubby,” Harry simpers after he tugs off the shoes and throws them carelessly into the back before standing up, “Y’did amazing, are you kiddin’? You did three innings of strikeouts, hit two of y’own homeruns. Y’played like a professional, way better than daddy.”

Kayla’s heart aches a bit when she sees Harry sit down next to him before hugging him harshly into his side, thumbing at the tears that are running down his son’s sweaty cheeks with soft reassurances.

“Daddy, are you mad I didn’t win?” Easton asks shakily, keeping his head buried into his father’s side and his small hand clutching into the fabric of his hoodie.

Harry chuckles lowly, “Daddy would never be mad at you f’anythin’, definitely not a baseball game. Remember what mama and I said? If at any point y’want to stop playin’, just let us know and we can find something else, yeah? Just like how Ezzie does art classes.”

Easton seems to calm down after a few moments of Harry rocking him and reassuring him of what an amazing son he is.

As Kayla drove away that night, her perspective on the all-star baseball player definitely changed. It was refreshing to see someone to not hold their child to an unreasonable expectation just like she thought Harry would.

--

The Campfire

Austin was the shortstop on the baseball team, he’d brought along his girlfriend, Chelsea, to the frat party to celebrate another win.

Everyone was in whispers that Harry was bringing his new girlfriend but nobody knew who she actually was because it was just a rumor.

It was surprising because Harry wasn’t a relationship kind-of man. He wasn’t into hookups much - always said he needed to focus on baseball.

Many of his teammates were envious of how many girls were constantly coming up to Harry at parties to flirt and try to get a dance in but he had always rejected them.

Harry had never showed interest in any of these girls at the parties, never seen him disappear upstairs with one or really entertain a conversation over a beer like they’d expect.

Chelsea pokes his shoulder and nods towards the entrance when Harry walks in with his arm around YN’s shoulder.

Most were in a little shock because they seemed like such an unlikely couple - YN had written some scathing articles about him and it was no secret he hadn’t been a fan of her.

“Holy shit, Harry’s dating YN?” Chelsea whispers to Austin as the group of party-goers cheer and whistle at the allstars appearance.

“Guess so,” Austin replies with a shrug, tugging Chelsea into the kitchen for a drink.

Later on that night, there’s a bonfire on one side of the backyard and a volleyball net on the other where a group was gathering to play.

Austin and Chelsea are on the opposing team of Harry and YN - she can’t help but watch them with curiosity because of what a surprise it is that they’re dating.

Even Austin has been watching because Harry’s acting in a way that he’s never seen throughout his time on the team with him.

Harry is just all over YN which was confusing how he went from not being remotely interested in the college girls to being a lovestruck puppy.

When she throws the ball up to serve, Harry reaches over and pinches her bum which makes her squeak and accidentally drop the ball which has him cackling as she glares at him.

As they change positions, he crowds up behind her, and massages her hips, leaning down to murmuring something in her ear.

She blushes wildly before smacking him off which has him laughing hard and kissing the back of her head before taking his position.

After Harry jumps and spikes the ball hard, earning them the winning point, YN turns around and wraps her arms around him to hug him tightly.

Harry wraps his arms around her shoulders, returning the hug before pulling back to kiss her lips in a soft peck.

Chelsea elbows Austin, “Who’s that and what did they do with Harry?”

Austin shakes his head, “I really don’t fucking know.”

The group migrates over to the fire as they might become cooler and the stars are high up in the sky, the fire flickering orange and yellow crackles of sparks.

Harry plops into a chair, pulling YN right onto his lap, and she wriggles until she’s comfortable. Chelsea notices him tap her thigh as if telling her to cut it out, too much motion right on his crotch.

Jake, one of his teammates, says in a teasing tone, “YN, I’m surprised to see you around these parts . I clearly remember a strongly worded article about how stupid frat parties are.”

YN takes it in stride, smiling as she replies, “And this party just proves my point.”

The group laughs easily, they enjoy YN’s sharp wit and comebacks as they get to know her. Austin can’t help but to notice how quiet Harry is.

Normally, he’s the life of the party, loud and making his presence known to everyone but not tonight. He has his chin propped on her shoulder and she’s cuddled back into his chest.

Austin can’t make out what Harry is saying but he’s constantly whispering in her ear and accentuating each time with a squeeze to her thighs.

“Are you guys official?” One of the teammates asked bluntly, a few beers deep by this point in the night.

Harry replies instantly, a possessive squeeze, “She’s mine and off the market, s’don’t even think about it.”

“Well I don’t think it matters because she’s turned down the whole baseball team by this point. I think everyone tried to ask her out at least once,” Steve jokes as the others agree.

“Tha’s m’girl,” Harry murmurs to her before teasing his friends,“Who’d want to go out with any you? You’re all dickheads.”

Everyone continues to joke around, it’s nearing midnight and that’s right about when Harry gets in his prime - like the party just started.

But not tonight.

YN’s eyes start to flutter shut as everyone banters and drinks around the fire, obviously not used to these late night parties.

“I better get this one t’bed,” Harry states after a few minutes, thumbing at YN’s cheekbone as she tries to stay awake.

“I’m okay,” She mumbles weakly, head still heavy against his shoulder.

“You’re coming back though, right?” Kyle asks expectantly, brows furrowed.

Harry shakes his head, “Nah, m’in for the night when she is.”

All the players look at him with a bit of a dumbfounded look, Steve shooting out, “Who knew you’d be so pussy whipped, Styles?”

Chelsea’s eyebrows raise at the crude comment, waiting with bated breath as Harry’s jaw clenches as it seems like he’s biting his tongue.

“Goodnight,” Harry says in a tone Austin has never heard before - agitated and almost…offended.

When Austin and Chelsea are sneaking up to his room for a late night hook-up, she overhears Harry and YN in his bedroom.

At first, she thinks they’re in an actual argument but as she listens to them - it’s not the kind of arguement she thought it was.

“You’re always the little spoon,” YN groans from behind the closed door.

Harry squawks, affronted before huffing back at her, “S’my favorite, please spoon me, darling?”

“You’re so fucking spoiled,” YN giggles as Chelsea assumes they move into a position where Harry’s the little spoon.

“Mm, I like feelin’ y’tits against my back, s’nice,” Harry hums with a boyish tone.

Chelsea doesn’t even realize she’s smiling until Austin drags her from her stupor. 

All she knew was that Harry Styles really really fancied that school reporter.

-=-=-=-=-=-

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