#i mean nice events as in “i'll be so busy i shouldn't be having much free time but THIS is at least something i don’t want to miss”

[metsantytar]

I get to see Käärijä in my town in October, yay!

[dark-frosted-heart]

Mirror, mirror...Who will sink into lustful dreams? - Roger Barel

This is Roger's story from Alfons' route release event in Kate's POV. If I get Roger's POV, I'll translate that too

Nsfw, Illusion?Roger is his own warning. You know, the usual josei dubcon...but in dream form.

As usual can't guarantee 100% accuracy on this

Alfons: Are you ready? In that case: 3, 2, 1...

Following Alfons' rhythmic countdown, I opened my eyes—

—And found myself in the infirmary with Roger in front of me.

Kate: This suggestion's amazing...It's as if the real Roger's right in front of me!

Roger: The hell are you talkin' about?

The Roger before me furrowed his brows in confusion. Meanwhile, I was even more impressed by his reaction, as if it was actually Roger himself.

Kate: Um...I'll explain later. Do you remember when you and I had a fight last week?

~~ Flashback start ~~

What happened was that we had different thoughts regarding a mission. Roger wasn't listening to me at all—

Kate: I don't want to see you again!

After saying something so childish like a kid throwing a tantrum, I really didn't see Roger after that...

I lost my chance to apologize to him.

~~ Flashback end ~~

Kate: So I asked Alfons to help me...practice apologizing to you. He suggested that I see Roger in a dream.

Roger: So that's it... So we're in your dream, huh? You're earnest even with stuff like practicing how to apologize. I don't really care about what you said to me back then. I know you have your own thoughts, so don't worry about it.

Roger's illusion forgave me so easily. While it thought it was a typical Roger thing to do, I suddenly felt uneasy.

Kate: I wish the real Roger would say that same thing...

Roger: He did. It's me.

Kate: Just because Roger's illusion forgave me so easily, doesn't mean it'll actually turn out like this. I shouldn't just apologize...Should I prepare something...?

Roger: If you really wanna show your sincerity, then how 'bout you buy him a nice beer?

Kate: ...! You're right, I should!

Illusion Roger's suggestion was what finally gave me the courage to apologize to the real Roger.

(I'll apologize with this the next time I see the real Roger...)

Roger: By the way, little lady, why're you puttin' so much effort into making up with me?

Kate: Eh...

Roger: Hate to say this but, I don't mix business and pleasure. If you and I are fighting, it's not gonna affect your work, is it?

Kate: The reason why I want to make up with Roger isn't because of work...

Roger: Oh...?

Kate: I...I admire how Roger's researching curses and his diligent approach to treatment others. Though I think it'd be nice if you were less pushy or mean... I put my trust in Roger. That's why I don't want to stay on bad terms with him.

(I'd never say to Roger himself because he'd tease me...)

Roger: So you wanna make up with me cuz you like me?

Kate: L-like...That's not it.

Roger: Whaddya mean? Ah...not like, but love?

Kate: Why's it getting worse...!

Then, Roger's hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me in hard—

Kate: Nn...!

With practiced hands, he easily stole a kiss.

Roger: Any normal woman would keep her distance from a man who puts his hands on her. But you never run away when I do and you say you wanna make up with me. There's only one reason for that. You love me so much you can't stand it. That it?

Why does the degree of love increase each time?

Roger's confident gaze pierced through me and I almost nodded because of it.

Kate: I...

(Roger's right...I want to make up because of a considerable amount of fondness I have.)

(But...it's not because of romantic love or true love.)

I can't explain what's different, but I can't say I'm in love.

Kate: I do like you. As a fairytale write, Roger!

I fixed my gaze on Roger to emphasize that it was only a working relationship.

Roger: Oh...?

Kate: Roger's worth documenting, that's all I'm going to say.

I tried to attach some non-romantic rationale onto the reason why I want to make up with Roger.

Roger: Even so, it doesn't matter. If you like me for my humanity, then all you need is to like me as a man.

As soon as he said that, Roger pinned me down on the bed.

Kate: Why are you going in that direction? Let me go...!

Roger: Why...Because no matter how many times I bully you, you always come back with your tail waggin'. You really like me, but if you're gonna pretend that you don't...I'll expose you.

My hands were immediately pinned over my head.

I couldn't move because Roger was hovering over me.

Kate: Nn...

There was nothing I could do as Roger kissed me again.

Unlike last time, his tongue parted my lips and teased the inside, making my breathing ragged.

(Even though this is a dream and this Roger's an illusion, why does it feel so real?)

My kiss-addled mind couldn't comprehend it.

Kate: Nn...Nnn?!

I let out a muffled scream in Roger's mouth.

As expected, Roger's hand slipped beneath my underwear.

Roger: You're already so wet here...All this from kissing me?

A deep laugh rumbled in his throat and he moved his fingers, rubbing and pressing against my sensitive spot.

Kate: Do- Ahnn... Don't!

Roger: Not that convincing when you have such a lewd look on your face. Well, I'd rather be inside you instead of makin' you cum like this.

Kate: In...side? Ah...!

The fingers that had been stimulating my bud entered me and I let out a high-pitched cry.

Roger: Mm, you're tight here, little lady. Well, guess you'll get used to it.

Roger's fingers continued pumping his fingers in and out, making obscene sounds as he stretched me out.

Kate: Haa....! I can't...Nn...

Roger: I'm gonna need to use 3 or 4 fingers here if I'm gonna fit, you know?

Kate: You're not going to...put it...in...

Roger: You're stubborn. Your body's being honest though, look.

Roger's fingers pressed against a specific spot inside me and stimulated it relentlessly.

Kate: Ah...?! Not there...Nnghaa...

Roger: I know. Tapping this spot feels good, doesn't it?

Regardless of how much I protested and tried to wriggle away, Roger didn't let me go.

(This is my dream and Roger's an illusion... I was supposed to practice making up with him...)

(Why is this happening...?)

But what confused me even more was my heart...

(Even if the real Roger pushed me around like this too...I'd still want to make up with him)

(I know he's going to do terrible things to me...Have I gone crazy?)

[yongbokkk]

pairings: lee know x m!reader

genre: diary fic(minho's pov!!), enemies to lovers(?), high school au

a/n; i kinda hate this idk bout u

entry 1

there was a new student today, his name is y/n.

i already dislike him, he looks like he could annoy the shit out of me.

other than hearing his irritating voice, today was pretty much the usual

────────────────────────

entry 2

it's like life decided to give up on me, instead of the opposite.

looks like my friends befriended the new student behind my back, and only now they inform me.

i wanted to wipe the grin off of his face so bad, what's he gotta smile for?

────────────────────────

entry 3

i passed an exam, feeling good.

then all of a sudden y/n offers me to lunch, which i declined of course.

he had this joyful look on his face before i rejected him, it turned sad after i did.

i kind of felt bad i felt victory from finally wiping the smile off his face. anyways, dori is playing with my face, i got to go

────────────────────────

entry 4

he's been stuck to me like a cat needing it's owner, it's so annoying. even if i try to avoid him, he keeps coming back.

i ranted to my friend, he said i should give y/n a chance, hell to the no. he also said i've been being mean to him for no reason, also bullshit.

oh yes, there's definitely a reason to why i hate him. he's just so im too lazy to think, so goodnight.

────────────────────────

entry 5

i can't get the look on his face off my mind, no matter how hard i try to distract myself. i shouldn't have shouted at him like that, maybe i was being too harsh. it's his fault for being so annoying, he just had to keep pestering me everyday.

anyways, i have to go do my homework and sleep, im early tomorrow.

────────────────────────

entry 6

i couldn't find him all day, there wasn't any sign of him, it felt unusual. where was he?

was it because of yesterday? have i upset him by raising my voice like that?

i have an upcoming exam, i shouldn't overthink the situation. goodbye.

────────────────────────

entry 7

jisung really wanted to get in my nerves and decided to throw a water balloon at me, i got him back though.

y/n, he still hasn't shown up to class. is he really going to miss out on all the lessons like that.

im not worried, i have no business with that idiot. goodnight.

────────────────────────

entry 8

i don't know what else to write for this day other than y/n being back.

he looked down, he didn't even talk to my friends or even anyone in school. he seemed like he didn't have the energy to do anything, he barely passed through class.

i'm starting to think back on what i did to him, it keeps me awake at night.

i'll try to sleep now, goodnight.

────────────────────────

entry 9

i don't know what came over me, but i decided to buy him his favorite drink. i just felt bad, he looked pretty lonely these days. sure he had his friends sitting with him, but he barely joined a conversation and just kept eating.

i still hate him, he shouldn't have high hopes that i'll be nice to him after this. goodnight.

────────────────────────

entry 10

me and felix got into an argument, but we worked it out so it's all good in the end.

for the past days, y/n's starting to get better, he doesn't look as miserable as before. there's a part of me that's glad, but then again, why should i care? i hate his guts, he's not important to me.

────────────────────────

entry 11

felix's brownies are the best, he knows when and how to make them like a professional baker. we sat and ate, talking about things to feel the mood. then the topic was about y/n.

apparently, the reason why y/n was sad wasn't just because of me, he was also stood up on a supposed date. how can anyone ditch an angel like him? who ever y/n's date was, i'll serve a punch to his face. goodnight

────────────────────────

entry 12

today was.. eventful. i figured out who stood up y/n, how could he fall for such playboy looking asshole. honestly, i'm more attractive.

i saw him today, and let's say, i gave him a piece of my mind. no there wasn't any violence, i just hit him in the face. it was light, i don't see why i made mark. it felt good, though.

i ate ice cream and played with my cats, now im off to bed. goodnight

────────────────────────

entry 13

theres something wrong with me, i'll start off to where i just brang myself to sit next to y/n at lunch, then i helped him with his books because he was clumsy enough to trip and fall, all of a sudden i had this light feeling in my chest as i was speaking to him. i'm supposed to hate him, aren't i? he's always annoying me.

do i hate him?

────────────────────────

entry 14

hi hi, its been like a month. you're probably wondering why the long absence. well, to my last entry, i took the time to figure out what i was feeling. and when i did, i couldn't believe myself.

as it was the end of school, students were free to go wherever they want outside the building.

minho wanted to walk home, but something was pulling his heart back from the gate.

it was telling him to wait for a certain someone, they were a bit late for exit today.

you, with your bag, finally walked out of the school building. minho's eyes had caught you as soon as you appeared on the corner of his eyes.

your h/c hair was still what you can call perfect, despite what the horrible school air can do.

minho panicked, not knowing what to do. it would be a month till the two of you saw each other again, and he wouldn't be able to wait any longer.

he shouted, "y/n!" making the called person stop his tracks, turning to face minho.

with a few stutters, minho said what he wanted to say, so that his heart and mind can finally rest, he had finally asked you out.

your face were mixed of emotions, one with shock and joy. you nodded enthusiatically, agreeing to go on a date with him.

all this time, i was too focused on being in denial to realize i fell inlove with him.

[lisutarid-a]

[Gakuen K] Munakata Reisi Route Translation

Call and tea

LIST OF CHAPTERS

[Translation under the cut]

Saya: (I wonder if my apprenticeship as a Student Council Office officer will start today…)

Saya: (What exactly does the student council office do…?)

Saya: Ah, Fushimi-kun. We're going to club activities now, right? Let's go toge-…

Fushimi: …I refuse.

Saya: Ah…He's gone.

Saya: (For now, let's go to the clubroom and ask Munakata-senpai!)

Saya: (No matter how many times I look at it, I can't believe this whole place is the Blue club clubroom…)

Saya: (This is not the time to look at the building. Let's get inside)

Akiyama: Hello. Your apprenticeship as an officer of the Student Council Office starting today, isn't it? I heard from Fushimi-san.

Saya: Ah, yes. That's right. Akiyama-senpai is also an officer of the Student Council Office, right?

Akiyama: Yes. That's right. Once again, I look forward to working with you.

Saya: I look forward to working with you as well.

Saya: By the way, is Munakata-senpai not coming to club activities today, is it?

Akiyama: Oh, that's right. I got a message from the President. He asked you to come to the President's office.

Saya: (He wants me to come to the President's office…I guess I'll be helping out in the student council office right away)

Saya: Thank you very much. I'm off!

Akiyama: Yeah, good luck.

Saya: (Fine, I'm at the door, but…I'm a little nervous)

Saya: (But it might be my first work in the student council office, I have to do it right)

Saya: Okay, let's knock.

Munakata: Yes.

Saya: !

Munakata: Ah, it's you. Please come in.

Saya: (I got surprised…The door opened as soon as I knocked)

Munakata: What happened?

Saya: Ah, nothing! Excuse me.

Munakata: Sorry for calling you out.

Saya: It's all right. Is there a work for me in the Student Council Office?

Munakata: No, there's not. I just have something I'd like you to accompany me on.

Saya: What is it?

Munakata: Right. Would you mind joining me for tea?

Saya: (…Munakata-senpai's hands are used for doing this)

Saya: (I don't know anything about tea ceremony, but I hope it will be okay)

Saya: (These sweets in the shape of cherry blossoms are so cute. But it would be no good if I ate it without permission…)

Saya: (It's my first visit and I'm getting kind of nervous… Maybe I should talk with senpai about something)

Saya: Um, are you into tea, senpai?

Munakata: Yeah. That's right.

Munakata: I call all the new members of the club to keep me company. It's like a regular event.

Saya: Wow…It's kind of nice that tea is a regular event.

Munakata: Yeah. It is sad that this is a one-time event because everyone always busy.

Munakata: --Well, here you go.

Saya: Y-yeah. Thank you for the food.

Saya: (I believe I had to turn my arm when I drink)

Saya: (To right or to left, which way should I turn it…?)

Munakata: Because it's a hobby, you don't have to be so formal. Don't worry about the etiquette.

Saya: O-okay. Thank you very much.

Saya: (What a relief. But it's a good opportunity for me to check out etiquette of tea-ceremony)

Saya: S-sorry…Em--

Saya: (It's more…bitter than I expected)

Munakata: How is the taste?

Saya: (At a time like this, really…)

Saya: Y-You have good skills at making tea…

Munakata: Fufu, is that so? Thank you.

Munakata: …But your face says it's bitter.

Saya: !

Saya: Sorry…

Munakata: Because it's not what you are used to drinking, it can't be helped.

Munakata: …Oya, could it be that you are not eating Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)?

Saya: Eh? Yeah. I thought I shouldn't eat it without permission…

Munakata: My apologies. I completely forgot to mention…

Munakata: Sweeten your mouth and then take the tea, it's the orginal procedure of the tea ceremony.

Saya: Eh! Is that so?

Munakata: Yeah. I should have instructed you about that before I said you don't have to follow the rules of etiquette.

Saya: When you said "sweeten your mouth", does that mean it will help get rid of the bitterness a bit?

Munakata: Yeah. I think you probably won't find it as bitter as you do now.

Munakata: If you would like to join me again next time, I will try to recommend Wagashi first.

Saya: Okay. I got it. I'll study a little more about etiquette by then.

Munakata: I am glad to hear that. I look forward to the next tea ceremony.

Munakata: Well, I guess it's time to break up. Thank you for your time.

Saya: No, I've learned a lot. Well then…

Saya: (Because I was sitting on the floor, my legs fell asleep…)

Munakata: Are you all right?

Saya: …Ouch!

Munakata: It seems your legs got fell asleep. I apologize for not noticing.

Munakata: But if it was hard, you could have broken you Seiza (sitting position).

Saya: Sorry…I was so nervous that I didn't notice…

Munakata: Please be careful next time.

Saya: O-okay…

Munakata: Should we stay like this until the numb goes away?

Saya: N-No! It's all right now!

Saya: (It was embarrassing, I almost fell down because of my numb legs…)

Saya: (There's a lot of things you have to pay attention to when it comes to tea)

Saya: (Maybe there is a book about tea in the library. Let's look for it and read it)

[Next chapter]

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

A Chieftain's Vow

⚔️ All Previous Parts Here ⚔️

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: future ABO/Omegaverse, viking Col (mentioned violence), fae Dom, still pretty tame though, slow burn maybe, mentioned sacrifice, mentions of cannibals, naked boys, longing stares, playful wrestling, Col being a cocky viking, mild sexism, bathing, claiming (but not in the way you think) ☠️ Rating: mature

All ideas talked out with and helped by @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Damhnaic woke slowly, the events of the day before rushing back at him. His jade eyes blinked fast as they adjusted and he looked around the room. He tried not to move as he let his senses search, he was nervous waking in a stranger's bed, even if it was on his own pelt. The Viking had been so kind but that didn't mean in the light of day he would show the same care. Perhaps it was a game to him. The selkie had witnessed the brutality of some of the clan already, Kol'son was humane but his uncle? Just the thought of the brash bastard made the boy shiver. He calmed himself with the combined scent of his own pack soaked deep in his fur and the smell of his new companion he was slowly getting used to. It was strange how nice the leader smelled to him. Humans were dangerous and disgusting things- at least that's what he'd been taught.

A soft sigh escaped him as he sat up and stretched. It felt strange being in his human form so long, normally he woke on sun warm rocks surrounded by his family. He just hoped they were alright and not cursing his name. He knew at times he could be daft but this was a whole new level. Tom would yell at him, that he was sure of. At least they were long separated from his parents, he'd truly never hear the end of it from them. The boy whimpered when he realized he was completely alone but he instantly chided himself for the noise. He shouldn't be hoping for more time around the human, if anything it was good he was alone. He could take his pelt and leave, just as he thought the night before.

He would miss the soft gruff voice and the sight of those sea blue eyes raking over him. He'd been watching him so long and he wouldn't stop now but it certainly felt different having the chieftain looking back, recognizing him as an equal instead of an animal of the sea. He'd only been so close once before, in his other form he'd been napping one day and was awoken by someone scratching his belly as if he were a wolf of the land. Part of him had been embarrassed but so much of him fell in love. It wasn't allowed of course and he'd never try but… "I'll miss you Kol." He sighed, pushing himself to stand and pulling his skin around him as if it were just a blanket. He couldn't shift here, it would be far too hard finding his way back to the sea but he tried to make it look somewhat normal. He could hear the clan awake and starting their day.

Dom snuck carefully through the small village, he tried to stay away from most of the humans because he knew he didn't look like them even in this form. He'd caught the shock in the man's gaze when he noticed his fangs, the darkness of the inner rim of his lips and around his eyes, the way his eyes shined, and his skin felt wet to the touch. Thankfully they were all so busy no one looked twice at the boy escaping with a seal fur but he hurried into the forest anyway and followed the scent of the sea. That was until he heard a familiar voice singing and unbidden his path was changed. He truly couldn't help it, and here he thought he was the siren. Well… half.

"Good morning Dom! I meant to bring you breakfast but this is the only time I can get to myself. I thought you might sleep longer after your journey." The singing changed to a soft rasped voice speaking to him and again he was enchanted by the human. It made his belly flutter with nerves. He didn't know how the leader recognized him before he was even in view but he sped his steps until he found the man. Naked again. Bathing in a warm spring. "Were you looking for me?" He asked, his brow arched. He grinned playfully at the sight of the newcomer covered by his new bedding. It was precious honestly and interesting how well it seemed to fit over him. Almost as if it were made for the boy.

"I…" Dom trailed off and bit his lip, he couldn't exactly say he was running home, he might get put to death for daring to do anything with the chieftain's explicit permission so instead he nodded and sighed. "I was. I woke alone and got worried. I should um.. leave ya to your baff."

"Don't be shy kid, join me? You must be a mess after walking through the woods alone. Come on, it's a special honor. I never let anyone share." He grinned, dropping under the water to wet his long blonde braids before he came back up and swam closer to the edge. The selkie was having a hard time not staring at the wet skin. The black ink covering almost every inch of his skin, the scars from numerous battles, but the hardest thing to ignore was the human's surprisingly large cock that appeared even more massive from under the water. Of course he noticed it the previous night but now everything felt different. His brazenness was more exposed in the light of day. "Get your ass in here kid, do you really wish to ignore me?" It wasn't truly a threat and Damhnaic could tell, if not by the tone the bright smile would give away the tease. He'd never known Kol to be full of himself. Always only in jest.

He took a breath and shed his skin yet again, it was becoming a dangerous habit around the man but no one was watching to tell him no. He wouldn't listen to them anyway. He was used to the cold of the sea so when his foot hit warmth he shivered but he must have been testing the water too delicately. "I don't know how your tribe does it boy but here-" The man paused as he lunged close, curling his big palm around the selkie's ankle and he tugged, pulling him into the spring. The boy came up spluttering and coughing up a taste of water he wasn't accustomed to directly into the chuckling bastard's face. "Here we act as men. I didn't take a cannibal for such… cuteness."

Dom paused as he pushed his drenched hair back and he hoped he didn't look like a wet rat. He knew the man thought him cute in his seal form but- "Cannibal?" He knew the word the man spoke but he was confused. He'd never eaten flesh.

"I just figured. Your teeth and the ink, isn't that what it means?" Kol'son wasn't trying to be rude and he hoped he hadn't just put his foot in his mouth. He was known to do that and he'd rather not embarrass himself so quickly around the boy. He didn't know why he cared so much but the kid was pretty and… nice. There was just something about him.

Damhnaic could say a lot, he could be honest and explain he'd never been touched by ink in the way his companion had, he could say the fangs were natural but to do that he'd have to tell him he was magic. He was fae. That… didn't feel smart. "Yes um… well. I don't like to talk about it. Let's jus' say I left me family. We… didn't agree on every'fin."

"So you're not gonna eat me in my sleep?" The leader joked, trying to cheer the boy by splashing him. He could understand family differences, he didn't always agree with his uncle. The man could be callous and terrifying but he was what a viking should be, Kol knew he was too soft.

The boy giggled and splashed back, surprised when the man acted so familiar and comfortable with him. The water play got more intense, the human was raised a brute and he couldn't seem to help teasingly battling the smaller man. When Dom tried to swim away he dove for him, wrapping himself around the kid's back.

Damhnaic froze the moment the human curled around him, the front of his body getting pressed against the rocks. He wasn't surprised by the blood rushing to his dick the moment his friend's much larger length slipped against his skin but he was surprised by the rush of nerves in his belly and the strange new feeling in his core. He'd been born an omega, he was raised to know he was a virgin bride sacrifice for his family's god- one of the reasons that had sent him running away but… he never learned what that entailed. His mother didn't explain it. He had always known of the secret place between his legs but fuck he'd never been so aware of it as he was in that moment.

"Pinned you. I don't know who taught you to fight kid but they were lacking. I should teach you to defend yourself better. You're far too small and pretty to be out here with just those teeth to scare people off." Warm breath tickled the selkie's skin and he couldn't help a soft whine when he felt something even hotter between his legs. He just prayed whatever was happening to him the human wouldn't notice. "Did I hurt you?"

Kol worried and pulled away, turning the boy around in his hold to look over him. He shouldn't be so concerned for someone who wasn't even part of his clan but he couldn't seem to help it. There was something special about the kid. "I'm alright, fanks. Wha' ya mean I'm too pretty?" He huffed, playfully pushing the chieftain back and trying to get a little distance between them. Part of him was almost scared he was hurt. He wanted to check himself but he was quite sure human men didn't have what he did, he couldn't let Kol see. He'd be shunned for sure, possibly killed.

"You're fucking with me right? You're pretty like a girl. Even with those scary ass teeth. You have the cock of a man but the face of a nymph." Kol'son shrugged. He didn't mind being honest, if anything he'd always been blunt. It was a side effect of being the leader's son turned leader, he got away with basically everything.

Dom blinked slowly, he'd never heard someone speak so plainly or call him pretty. Whatever had stirred in his belly was only getting worse. "I'm not… fucking wiv you Kols. I don't know wea'ver to say fanks or not." He scoffed.

"You should. It was a compliment." The man sighed, giving the kid a little space and washing himself. They'd already taken so much time in the bath. "You should also stay. If you're on the run I can offer you a place here. Protection. I can tell you can't do it yourself."

"I… I shouldn't." Dom huffed, he was getting in too deep. He needed to get back to the sea. His pack must be worried and wondering. The human paused in his movements, his muscles bunching as he swam closer again. His blue eyes were almost hard but there was still a smirk on his lips.

"You must. I'm the only chieftain for some distance kid. You try to leave you might die. Stay, at least for a while. I'll take care of you." It was a simple promise and one he probably shouldn't give. He didn't even ask his people what they thought but what did it matter? He was their leader and he could offer asylum if he wanted. "Alright? You'll be mine. If anyone asks, just say that you're mine." It could mean a myriad of things, his slave, his adopted son, his second in command, his whore even. It didn't matter how it was clarified, if he claimed the boy he could be kept safe. They could figure everything else out later.

"You- I- fuck." Damhnaic was near infuriated. How dare the man just decide for him? But as that warmth flowed between his thighs again at the sight of those blue eyes staring him down he knew his body was deciding for him. He would have to stay, at least until a chance to steal his pelt was presented again. "Fine. Cocky bastard. Fine."

Author's Note/Tags: @manicpixiedreamb0y @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker @cole-way-iero28 🖤

I'll try to do a cheat sheet of terms and stuff soon but if anyone has questions just ask. I hope you enjoyed this, don't worry I'm not finished with the other it's just hard to write smut when I'm so exhausted and I don't want to leave y'all with nothing. I'm really excited for this one too, so I really hope y'all enjoyed ☠️

[highly-opinionated-ramblings]

"Bruce, my man," Oliver said loudly as he entered the Watchtower's cafeteria, "today would be a good day to delete your social media apps for a little while. Take a break, come back in a few months or so."

Bruce sighed. "What is it now?"

"Nnnnnnothing. Don't worry about it."

"Really," Barry added, seeing that Bruce was unconvinced, "it's nothing important. Just some random person stirring up drama."

"Hang on, you don't have a guy who handles that stuff for you, do you?" Hal asked. "Like a secretary, or something?"

"Wayne Enterprises has a social media team. Personally, I have Tim, who makes it his business to intervene on my behalf more often than not."

"Well, tell him to delete his socials for a while, too."

"It's just drama, right? Nothing either of us haven't seen before, I'm sure."

"Uhhh," Barry said, exchanging a nervous glance with Oliver, "well, this one's going kinda viral. Any kind of statement on your part would probably make it worse rather than better."

"Barry, I promise, I've been 'viral' lots of times in my life. You're probably worrying too much."

"Look, I'll tell you if you want to know," Oliver said. "I'll do it. Are you really sure you want to know? Are you really, really-"

"Oliver."

"Alright, fine. Have it your way. Earlier today, somebody posted, and I quote: 'billionaire playboy' is just a nice way of saying that Bruce Wayne is a SLUT."

Bruce snorted. "Is that all?"

"It's going viral," Barry repeated carefully.

"That's fine. It's no big deal."

"No big deal?!" Hal asked incredulously.

"Wayne Enterprises just put out a Transparency of Operations report last week, I was worried it would be something about that."

"Still, the comments.... the comments..."

"Highly entertaining, I'm sure," Bruce rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, they really are." Oliver grinned. "Some great memes in there."

"It's split about half and half between people slut-shaming you, and people saying we shouldn't be slut-shaming anyone."

"My favorite part is that there's a bunch of people defending you who claim to have actually slept with you during the height of your slut era. And they're all making a point to mention how nice you were about the whole thing!"

Oliver threw back his head and positively cackled. Hal laughed, too. Barry attempted valiantly to remain merely concerned, but even he had to bite his lip to stop from laughing. Bruce merely shrugged.

"Well, I like to think I kept it respectful with all my past partners from that era. Never saw any point in not being considerate."

"Yeah, you're a real gentleman."

"There's some men in there, as well, saying the same stuff," Hal said. "Does that count as a big deal?"

"Why would it? I've been publicly out as bisexual for almost three years now."

"You WHAT?!"

"Missed that one, did you? That also went viral for a little bit."

"You were in space when that happened, Hal," Barry said. "Remember that time you were gone for a while, and then as soon as you got back, Lobo was running around causing all that chaos? It was then."

"That's- you should have remembered to tell me about that, Barry! That's a pretty big deal!"

"No, it's really not."

"Shut up, Bruce. What the fuck does it mean to be 'publicly out', anyway? How did that even happen?!"

"Someone approached Wayne Enterprises about sponsoring the Gotham pride parade, and a couple of associated LGBTQ+ focused charities. So we gave them some money, and they invited me to give a speech as part of the event. I thought it would have been inappropriate to do so just as an ally."

By this point, Oliver was bent double, laughing so hard that there were tears in his eyes, and even Barry was snickering at the the look of mixed disbelief and confusion on Hal's face.

"That's... that's... I can't... you're not normal! I need you to recognize that you are not a normal person!"

"Noted."

"I'm sure it was actually inspiring for a lot of Gothamites," Barry said. "They looooooove their Bruce Wayne out there, after all."

"Sure. I'm not ignorant of the influence my standing affords me."

"Well, I still think you should stay out of this one. And Tim, too, definitely don't let him intervene on your behalf here. But it's good to know that it doesn't bother you."

"Yeah, I aspire to have skin as thick as yours. Any tips?"

"Maybe being a slut has something to do with it."

"BRUCE!"

[adleryoung]

"What's the big idea," Oak muttered, "calling my great-uncle an elf?"

"He is one," I replied. "You know he's not a marten, right? He's a fox."

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, he insinuated - er, was adopted into your family. I discovered that he is originally from Vulpitania, which is a region of Faerie, and his real name is not Ash."

Oak gazed at me silently. How much should I tell her? With the trees listening, I would not be able to prevent Ash from finding out - assuming he was still alive.

"Look, you uh, you shouldn't trust him," I concluded lamely.

"Oh, I've always known he was shady," Oak shrugged. "We actually haven't seen much of him lately, since we moved away. I hope you didn't make me come all the way out here just to tell me that."

"No, no, I wanted to ask how you and your family are doing," I clarified. "I feel deeply responsible for the misfortune that befell you."

"That's nice, because you are deeply responsible," Oak replied. "We're doing all right, finally starting to get back on our feet after that upset. Dad's business acumen is serving us in good stead, and my hairdressing skills are becoming known around our new home. Taking a vacation to come see you is costing me business, by the way."

"I'll make it up to you," I promised. "So your family's finances are in good shape?"

"Not really, but it's just a matter of time til we get back on our feet."

"You're more than welcome to work for me if -" I started to offer.

"No offense, Your Lordship, but after seeing what happened to us, and whatever disaster this is that I walked in on the tail-end of, I want nothing more to do with your plans. They never seem to end well."

"That's harsh," I protested. "But fair, I suppose. I need to talk with Vernier, and then before you go, we'll figure out your compensation. I want you at least to be able to tell everyone that the White Elf is generous."

I turned to Vernier and asked, "The person you saw attacking the rabbits; could that have been Burnside disguised as Didelphis?"

"Maybe," Vernier shrugged. "Come to think of it, I believe I did hear her yell 'dagnabbit' at one point."

"Are you sure you didn't see Rebecca? She was disguised as a nondescript villager."

"I saw lots of nondescript villagers, sir," Vernier replied. "If one of them was Rebecca, I didn't recognize her, and she likewise showed me no sign of recognition."

"You say the courthouse exploded. Is it possible that Oonagh and Didelphis survived?"

"I didn't see it, but the sound was very loud. Reverend O'Hoppity survived, so I suppose it is possible that others did as well."

"And what of Ash? Did he vanish?"

"I assume so," Vernier speculated, "since people were saying that the Reverend had banished him to hell."

A sequence of events was beginning to form in my mind, which - if true - meant I would have stern words for Ash regarding his tactics next time we spoke. If we ever did.

"Well, I'm out of ideas," I admitted. "And even if I had one, experience has proven that most of mine are bad. Do you have any advice?"

"Well, sir, if I may," Vernier sighed. "I would advise you to lay low for a while. The rabbits have got their dander up, as Miss Burnside would say, and their prayers seem to be uncannily effective against you. Give them time to cool off. If nothing happens for a while then they will relax and let down their guard."

"How long do you think that will take?" I asked.

"No idea," Vernier shrugged.

"Drat those rabbits!" I exclaimed, as I turned and began to pace. "Double drat them! If Oonagh and Didelphis were killed, this means war! Not only have they hampered my ability to communicate with my followers, but now they've robbed me of the opportunity to prove that I am Seelie! THIS WILL NOT STAND!!"

---------

Starting next week, the Ballad will update on THURSDAY. Mark your calendars appropriately.

[originalgenshinscenarios]

can I ask for the matchup part in the valentines event if it isn't too much trouble?

Afab but my gender is demi-boy, I'm trixic/Gynosexual (basically I'm non-binary but attracted to girls)

Looking for a girl from either Liyue or Inazuma (18+)

I feel like in a relationship I'd look for someone who'd just say nice things about me and support me, after all I'm socially anxious, I don't have a lot of confidence, and I don't have that many people around me who are just there for me, so it would be kinda nice to finally have the love and support I've been longing for (even if it's just in words). In a relationship my love language is acts of service, so I guess just helping around every once in a while, maybe do chores when [Whoever you match me with] can't or just had a long day.

I'm an INTJ. I'm selectively mute meaning that because of how anxious I am around certain people I straight up just can't talk. To the very few friends I have I'm not the friend group leader or anything, I'm just the one who comes along. I'm mainly just there supporting others, I just listen to others and if they ask for my opinion I'll be honest and straight to the point. Whenever I get interested in something, I get REALLY interested most of the time that would be the only thing I talk about to my friends (unless I know it's something I shouldn't say). For some reason I plan ahead by what feels like too long even for the most inconsequential of things. Overall, I'm very shy and socially anxious and to the people I do open up to, I end up talking a bit about myself but mainly just listen to others.

I'm so glad you wanted a match from Inazuma cuz that's who I thought would be the best match for you right away!

This is a part of 3x Valentines event (Tomorrow is the last chance to send something in)

I match you with...

Yoimiya

She'd do anything and I mean ANYTHING to boost your confidence. She'd always make sure to point out whenever you achieve something or just give you at least one subtle compliment whenever you talk to each other.

She really appreciates the help she gets from you. She tends to get herself quite busy so sometimes it's no surprise that she neglects few of her chores. And when it stacks up... It kind of can get overwhelming so having you help her is a huge relief.

Being able to rely on you and always know you'll be honest with her sure is amazing. Thanks to that she's not very much worried that you might be keeping something to yourself.

She loves talking, but she also loves to listen. Communication is key, but she won't force it onto you when it's clear you're not comfortable speaking up.

It only makes you speaking up about your interests more special! She doesn't care if it's something "you shouldn't really talk about" she wants to listen. She wants you to let that out!

And planning ahead-even by a lot- is by no means a bad thing. Although she will welcome some chaos into your life she sure would take your planning seriously.

~Mod Lisa

[threefolddefencespeech]

Well, it's been a year. Late post, but 2024 was a busy one indeed, and I suppose it's nice to look back and realise I'm not entirely in the same place I was.

Mostly I admit it was a year preoccupied with transition, which does feel a little all-consuming occasionally. I reached one year on HRT (now 16 months). I figured out a sense of what I like in terms of style. Weirdly, other people seem to like it too. I nearly finished face laser, started formal voice training (realising in the process that apparently my amateur efforts hadn't been nearly as horrible as I had imagined), learned makeup, started doing brows etc. Attended many events - a con, even - in new gender presentation as a woman. Came out to the big scary ones: work and parents (well that was 1 Jan 25, but I'm counting it, shhh), which means I'm now out to everyone. Largely very positive - despite the challenges, I enjoy a lot of things a great deal more when I'm presenting as and being gendered as a woman. Who would have thought? (On the negative side, I still feel incredibly down about my appearance so much of the time, especially after reaching that 1 year milestone severely moderated my hopes. Here's to hopefully needing to avoid mirrors less in 25)

I did manage to keep other things going though. Despite my company having a rough year and dealing with it extremely badly in turn (yes, you have a moral commitment to see trainees through the training period, even if you don't have a legal one, and you *definitely* shouldn't put them through a redundancy process), I stuck it out and ended up leading a big enough project successfully that I feel slightly less of an impostor to the senior in my job title. And things are looking decent in the year to come.

I kept up other hobbies - food nerdery, first, and the new tradition of cooking weekly more elaborate breakfasts for spouse (my cooking energy normally goes up through the day and I'll happily skip breakfast most days, but spouse loves them) has proved a success. Particular highlights include the chocolate babka, fluffy Japanese style pancakes, Portuguese custard tarts, and eggs royale. But I've cooked many more fun things, from priest stranglers to the venison roast and bearnaise for family xmas. Plus new cocktails. And of course, obsessively documented each one in spreadsheet. Has the to do list of recipe ideas decreased at all, then? No. And don't ask that. It only ever grows. (I am on my third overflow list due to software limitations now)

I've also been better at keeping up with reading interesting things this year, and finding new friends to chat about them with - Worldcon definitely a major motivator, but the Reddit fantasy book bingo a minor if fun influence as well. It's been fun to get into writing up my thoughts on these again, and u really should continue. Though maybe on here rather than discord as before. Book of the year definitely Vajra Chandrasekera's Saint of Bright Doors, which was definitely robbed in the Hugos (even if spouse wasn't in a different category, yay!) and you should all read, on pain of me being boring and telling you about it even more. But a lot of other interesting work too. And some truly abominable work, inevitably. Starter Villain, Her Majesty's Royal Coven, Wind and Truth (look: I'm a completionist, okay?): I'm looking at you, and you should feel bad.

I should probably have a conclusion, but I don't think years work that way. When my governance over time commences, I'll fix that. Every NYE we'll have a narratively satisfying event for every citizen that will draw all the year's disparate threads together and allow you to conclude something pithy about the true meaning of your year. Or possibly that would be awful. Well, until my horological tyranny begins, we'll have to do without: it was, I can confidently say, a year.

[duhragonball]

[FIC] Luffa: The Legendary Super Saiyan (217/?)

Disclaimer: This story features characters and concepts based on Dragon Ball,  which is a trademark of Bird Studio/Shueisha and Toei Animation.   This is an unauthorized work, and no profit is being made  on this work by me. This story is copyright of me. Download if you like, but please don’t archive it without my permission. Don’t be shy.

Continuity Note: This story This story takes place about 66 years after the events of Dragon Ball Z.

[12 September, 779 Age. North Kai Planet.]

"After everything that happened with Lord Beerus, I would think you would take it easy for a while. But noooo, you just keep trying to borrow more trouble, don't you?"

"Aw, come on, King Kai, it's not like fighting Lord Beerus caused that much harm. I mean, we stayed out of the city and he was nice enough to spare the Earth, right?"

"Are you forgetting that you challenged him on my planet, Goku? You were so eager to fight him, but you couldn't even touch Lord Beerus. But you still managed to wreck my whole planet while you tried!"

Goku was in the middle of a set of squats. He paused just long enough to glance at the landscape of King Kai's planet. As small as it was, there wasn't much to see. Aside from a lawn, there was a tree, his house, a red car, and a stone road that ran along the circumference of the planet.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about all that," Goku said. He immediately resumed his exercises. "But I don't see what the big deal is, King Kai. You got everything cleaned up okay. Looking at it now, you'd never know anything happened to it."

"I'll have you know it took a lot of work to fix this place up, Goku! Not that you'd know anything about it, since you didn't lift a finger to help!"

"Well, if you would have asked…"

"I didn't want you here while I was repairing everything, because I was worried you'd blow it up again! You're the worst houseguest of all time, Goku!"

"Look, I keep tellin' you I'm sorry about that, King Kai. Besides, it wasn't like I blew up your planet. That was Cell's fault! And you got it back, and he's down in hell now, so what's there to be mad about?"

"I'm still dead, Goku! Or had you forgotten about that too?!"

"Oh, yeah! Right. I guess that does slip my mind a lot. Oh, speaking of that, did I tell you my son is having a baby? That's right, I'm gonna be a grandpa!"

"Mazel tov, Goku," King Kai replied dryly. "That's wonderful news, but you shouldn't change the subject."

"Right," Goku said. "I should be focusing on what I came here for. Which is trying to get a handle on this Super Saiyan God power. I figured that since you're a god, maybe you could give me some pointers."

"Goku, I never even heard of this Super Saiyan God business until Lord Beerus asked about it," King Kai said. "You heard the story Shenron told. You performed the ritual. I'd say that makes you the resident expert on the subject."

"Yeah, I know," Goku said, "but I can't figure out how to tap into the power like I did before. Even after it wore off, I was fightin' Lord Beerus in my normal Super Saiyan form, which never would have worked before. He told me it was because my body 'memorized' the power. I can tap into it as a Super Saiyan, but it doesn't feel like it's working as well as it did before."

"Goku, isn't that what the ritual is for?" King Kai asked. "If you want to experience that kind of power again, just ask Vegeta and the others to help you do what you did before."

"Aw, that's no fun," Goku said. "I wasn't too thrilled about using the ritual the first time, and now it seems like I might be able to skip it entirely. I won't learn anything if I keep using the others to help me."

"Well I don't see what you'll learn otherwise," King Kai said. "The answer's right in front of you, Goku. Your martial arts skills surpassed mine a long time ago, so I can't teach you anything, unless you want to learn some good jokes. I've got a whole six month curriculum on airline food if you're interested."

"Airline food?" Goku asked. "I don't even know what airlines eat. Who feeds 'em, anyway?"

King Kai stifled a chuckle. "You really are a natural, kid," he said. "With the right mentoring, you could have been a great comedian. Too bad you ended up in martial arts… Wait, what was that?"

The antennae on his hat began to twitch and vibrate. King Kai looked around in every direction, then back at Goku.

"What's wrong, King Kai?" Goku asked.

"I'm getting a message… from one of the Kaioshin," he said.

"You mean the Supreme Kai and his old ancestor?" Goku asked. "I haven't heard from them in a while. I wonder how they're doin'."

"No, it's not from them," King Kai said. "This is…. Oh, goodness. It's from the Supreme Kai of Time"

"There's a Supreme Kai of Time now?" Goku asked.

"There has been for millions of years, Goku," King Kai said. "And it looks like… she's coming here!"

Even as he said the words, King Kai's pet monkey, Bubbles, began to grunt and squeal as he pointed in the direction of King Kai's house. Goku and the Kai hurried inside, and found what looked like a young woman standing at his dining table.

"I'm sorry to barge in on such short notice, North Kai," she said, "but there's an emergency, both on Earth and at the Time Nest. I've come to ask for Goku's help."

"N-no problem at all, Supreme Kai of Time," King Kai replied as he bowed repeatedly. "It's a tremendous honor to meet you, and we're willing to help you in any way we can."

"Hey, I'm Goku," Goku said, pointing his thumb at himself. "What kind of emergency is it?"

She smiled and held up a scroll for him to see. "I'll tell you all about it. West City will be attacked soon. I've already dispatched a Time Patroller to intercede, but my own headquarters of Toki Toki City will be attacked at the same time. So I'll need to bring her back to fight that battle too."

"Time Patrol?" King Kai asked. "Er, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with them, my Lady."

"They're an organization of mortal warriors from different centuries," she explained. "When they resolve a temporal crisis, I use my abilities to repair the alterations to history. So we manage to keep a low profile that way. If we do our jobs right, no one will even know we did anything."

"Oh, I see," King Kai said. "Then the situation must be quite precarious if you've revealed yourselves to us now."

"It is," Chronoa said. "This Scroll I've brought you is part of the Scroll of Eternity, a manifestation of the history of the entire cosmos. If the enemy takes control of the Time Nest, then he'll control everything. The past, present, and future. But I can't forsake West City either. That's why I need Goku's help. Luffa will need backup, and I can't spare any other Time Patrollers to help her."

"Luffa?" Goku asked. "Who's she?"

"Goku, this is an emergency," King Kai said. "The Supreme Kai of Time didn't come all the way here for a Q&A session. There isn't time for that."

"Not at all, North Kai," she said with a pleasant chuckle. "It is a grave crisis we're up against, but we have a saying in Toki Toki City. 'There's time.'"

With that, she took a seat at the table, and gestured for Goku to join her.

"Oh," King Kai said. "Well in that case, maybe I should brew some tea…"

"I'll tell you all about her, Goku," Chronoa said with a smile. "As a matter of fact, she's been very interested to meet you for a long time…"

[9 May, 791 Age. The Tuffle Planet.]

The rest was history. The Supreme Kai of Time had deputized Goku into the Time Patrol, and sent him to join Luffa in the defense of West City. After the battle, Goku and Luffa had returned to King Kai's Planet to figure out their next move, and Luffa used the Scroll of Eternity left on King Kai's dining table to return to the Time Nest. Goku, however, had been unable to join her. Instead, Chronoa had arranged to bring Goku to Toki Toki City using a wish on the Dragon Balls. The wish had been crafted to summon Goku at just the right moment, to support them when they needed him the most.

But before all of that, before the attack on West City had commenced, Chronoa had told Goku who Luffa was. According to legend, there was a Super Saiyan who arose one thousand years before Son Goku. That Super Saiyan who could only maintain the power in his giant ape form, and who was ultimately destroyed by his own power. However, the tale left out a few important details. In fact, the Super Saiyan was a woman named Luffa, who was nearly destroyed by her own power, but she survived, thanks to the intervention of the Time Patrol. Like Goku, she was brought to Toki Toki City in their hour of need, using a wish on the Dragon Balls. After that, the Time Patrol discovered just who it was they had recruited, and learned that Luffa was the ancestor of quite possibly every Saiyan of the modern age, including Goku.

The idea was appealing to Goku. He had been sent to Earth as a baby, and a head injury sustained in early childhood had left him with no memory of his Saiyan family. He did not learn of his heritage until his brother Raditz invaded the Earth, and told him that the Saiyans were a race of brutal conquerors. The encounter had left Goku ashamed of his Saiyan identity, and he spent the next decade coming to terms with it. Meeting Luffa was proof that his family line wasn't all like Raditz. She was grumpy and moody and sometimes harsh, but she showed compassion to the weak and innocent. She was the kind of ancestor Goku could be proud to have.

When the Demigra crisis was resolved, Goku immediately challenged her to a battle, and she readily accepted. This was what led them to this fragment of time, where a dead villain had recreated Planet Vegeta in the Earth's Solar System. Goku had no memory of his homeworld, but something about fighting Luffa in this place felt very right to him.

As for the battle itself, that had been very uneven. Luffa had expressed concerns that their powers might not be evenly matched, and it seemed that she had underestimated the complexity of the fight. At first, Luffa had proven to be much stronger in her Super Saiyan form than Goku, so he relied on unorthodox tactics for a while to keep her from overwhelming him. When that stopped working, he transformed into a Super Saiyan 2, an advanced version of Super Saiyan which Luffa had never seen before. Now Goku had the advantage, and it was Luffa who was struggling to keep up.

And yet, it seemed to Goku that she still had a lot more fight left in her. What was her secret? If she had some alternate form she could use to level the playing field, then why was she so surprised to learn of Goku's Super Saiyan 2 form? And if she had some other ace up her sleeve, why was she waiting so long to use it?

This was what held Goku's fascination as the battle wore on. Every fight was unique, with different circumstances and conditions that made them special. This contest with Luffa was shaping up to be just as exceptional, even if he was beginning to get frustrated.

He had been searching the planet for several minutes now, and had found no trace of her. She had hidden her ki from him before, like at the Blinking Twelve Diner in Toki Toki City, where she met him to prepare for the fight. Goku knew a thing or two about being sneaky himself, as he had shown Luffa earlier in this battle. Still, he expected her to have made a move by now. Luffa seemed too aggressive to spend this much time playing defense.

"This is the perfect chance for an ambush," Goku said to himself. "I'm just floatin' around out here, leavin' myself wide open, so why doesn't she try something?"

"Are you looost, little boy?!"

Goku had been looking at the ground below him when he heard the voice. He quickly looked up to find a figure floating in the glare of the sun. He could sense some power in the figure, but it wasn't much.

"What the heck are you?" Goku asked as he flew towards the figure. As he drew closer, he could tell it was one of the ki ghosts Luffa had used against him earlier. Each one could act autonomously, and they would explode on contact. And yet, this one seemed barely powerful enough to stay airborne. The ghost's head was shaped to resemble Luffa, but in terms of power, it seemed like the sort of ki ghost Bulma or Mr. Satan would make, if either of them had the ability.

"Do I frighten you, Kakarot?!" the ghost screeched. She began to put her ghostly thumbs in her ears and flapped her tongue at him mockingly.

"Not really," Goku said. "You seem kinda weak to me, so either you're hiding your full power somehow, or you're here to distract me…"

"Good guess!" the ghost exclaimed. "Why don'tcha turn your back on me and look around for any traps that might be in the area. That sounds like a good idea!"

"Heh. Thanks, but no thanks," Goku said. "I've fought a lot nastier characters than Luffa in my time. I've seen just about every dirty trick in the book."

He began to float around the ki ghost, allowing him to look around without allowing the ghost out of his line of sight.

"That's sharp, really sharp!" the ghost said. "You're nobody's fool, Kakarot!"

"She's stalling for time, isn't she?" Goku said.

"I never said tha-aaaa-at!" the ghost wailed.

"You didn't have to," Goku replied. "I really spooked her when I turned into a Super Saiyan 2. She probably wants to get a handle on this form's capabilities before attacking. And she probably thinks this form isn't stable enough to go the distance." He swung around to face the ghost from the profile and added: "Well? Am I close?"

The ghost simply shrugged and made an innocent grin.

"It's not going to work, though," Goku said. "I can keep up this form for a long time, long enough to defeat her, I think. And if I have to power down, I can always rest and transform again. That's what makes Super Saiyan 2 so useful."

"Doooo tell!" the ghost cackled. "Dooooooooo tell!"

"Sorry," Goku said. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I just sensed the real Luffa down there. Even if it's a trap, I think I'd have more fun springing it than hanging around up here."

He powered up and prepared to fly down after her, but then something unexpected happened. A bolt of green energy lanced through the sky, and nearly hit his right arm.

"What the--?" Goku asked, but there were too many other bolts coming for him to finish the question.

"These aren't ki attacks!" Goku shouted as he batted them aside. "What the heck is she doing?!"

As he dodged the last of the salvo, he felt someone grabbing him from behind. "Oh crap!" he exclaimed as he realized that he'd forgotten about the ghost. Goku braced himself for the explosion, but to his surprise, there wasn't much for him to worry about. It was more like a balloon popping, but without the noise. All that was left was a cloud of glowing golden smoke.

"Enough of this," Goku said. He put his fingers to his forehead and used Instant Transmission to intercept Luffa's position. But to his surprise, he arrived to find nothing. Just an empty field, but with a scorched area to indicate there had been an explosion.

"Another one of her ghost decoys," Goku muttered. "Looks like this one had more ki than that first one. So she's trying to lure me into position, but for what? And where in the world is she?"

Another round of green energy bolts came at him, and Goku narrowly avoided one and then generated a ki force that deflected them away. He could sense nothing from the direction they had come, but now that he was closer, he could see the Tuffle city in the distance.

Goku knew little of the history of Planet Vegeta, other than various accounts of its destruction at the hands of Frieza. What little he did know was from King Kai, who gave him a history lesson while he was training for the Saiyan invasion of Earth. According to King Kai, the Saiyans and Tuffles once shared the planet, until a war broke out between them. Physically, the Tuffles were no match for the Saiyans' power, but they made up for this with their advanced weapons technology. It wasn't enough to win the war, but the Tuffles were able to drag out the conflict for several decades.

So if this planet was truly a recreation of Goku's birthplace, then it stood to reason that the city was a Tuffle fortress, equipped with enough weapons to hold off a Saiyan army.

"And if I could figure all that out," Goku said to himself, "then it's a cinch Luffa's way ahead of me. She's probably been to all kinds of crazy planets. I bet it wouldn't take her long to figure out how to shoot some of those guns."

The city was built around what looked like a crater, or possibly a dry lakebed. Smaller buildings were clustered around the rim, while a large column of earth jutted out from the center, with an enormous metal tower rising up even further. Flying buttresses extended from all sides of the tower, reaching down to the city below like a strange spider's web.

"Guess I'll pay her a visit," Goku said. "Anything's better than bein' out in the open waiting for her to take another shot at me."

He charged his ki and rocketed towards the city in a streak of golden light. As he approached, Luffa took a few more shots at him, but he was too fast for her. In the end, all she did was give away her location, at the top of the tower.

"Found you!" Goku shouted as he ripped through the steel walls of the upper levels. He had sensed Luffa inside, but what he saw was not what he expected.

The entire room was filled with glowing golden smoke. Goku tried to fan it away with his arms, but all this accomplished was to spread it around even more. It all had the same unique signature as Luffa's ki, but it wasn't her.

"That doesn't make any sense!" Goku said. "If it was just a decoy, then who's been shooting at me this whole time!"

As the dust thinned, Goku could see a supply crate with the lid haphazardly tossed onto the floor. It bore a Capsule Corp. logo, indicating that this was left behind when the Tuffle-infested Earthlings settled this world. The half-eaten apple and shredded MRE bags indicated that Luffa had been here very recently, and she'd had a snack while she peeked out the nearby window. Lying beside it was the rifle she had used. Goku could smell the exhaust from the hot barrel.

"She's still here," he concluded. "But how far could she have gotten…?"

As if to answer his question, the floor suddenly ripped apart beneath him, and two hands reached through to grasp his boots. Before Goku could react, he found himself yanked through the deck and down to the next level, where Luffa--the real thing-- swung him around like a sack of potatoes.

She only managed to slam him into a few walls before Goku recovered. Then he pulled his legs free and caught her fists as she tried to attack him again. For a brief time, they stood there, fingers locked together as they stared at each other.

"Some ambush," Goku said. "All you did was lead me right to you, Luffa!"

"I had to be creative," Luffa said. "I decided to take a page out of your book. I can hide pretty well when I want to, but I can't make a Spirit Bomb like you can."

"You were right below me," Goku said. "And you were powered up the whole time! How'd you manage to keep me from sensing you?"

"That would be telling, Kakarot," Luffa said. "A better question is: Why am I attacking you like this when I'm still not strong enough to match your power?"

Goku forced her backward until she dropped to one knee. "I was getting around to that one," he said. "I figured you might just save me the suspense and explain it on your own!"

"Like I said, I can't do the Spirit Bomb," Luffa said. "So I had to make sure you wouldn't notice me while I was setting up the explosives."

"The what?" Goku asked just as the floor beneath them blasted apart. Luffa was ready and she rolled with the unexpected drop and used her momentum to pull free. Goku was not prepared, and while he could apply his power to protect himself, he didn't know which direction the attack was coming from.

"I can't teleport either," Luffa shouted to him from above. "But after I'm through, I don't think you'll be able to do it either!"

She hurled a volley of rapid fire ki blasts down onto Goku, who continued to fall as the floors beneath him collapsed. Goku covered up with his arms to protect himself, but he soon realized that Luffa wasn't really aiming at him. As he crashed through the next floor, he soon realized why.

"Look who's he-ee-ee-re!" screeched one of her ki ghosts. There were at least a dozen of them waiting for him, though Goku didn't have a chance to respond. He twisted to avoid them, but Luffa's blasts did not, nor did the debris that rained down from the floors above. The ghosts all exploded around him, propelling him downward even faster.

As he descended, Goku could only wonder how Luffa had managed all this without him sensing it. Then he remembered the ki dust she had littered everywhere. By now, Luffa's energy seemed to be coming from every direction. Goku couldn't locate anything with his ki senses. He wondered if that first ghost had been sent to disrupt his ability to locate her. And if that was true…

The tower seemed to be collapsing all around Goku. Normally, he might have attempted Instant Transmission to get clear, but he didn't even bother trying it. The technique relied on his ability to pinpoint a ki signature to use as a reference point, and that was impossible now. As far as Goku could tell, Luffa might as well have been everywhere, in all directions.

There was no way out.

And so Goku covered up as best as he could and prepared to ride out the blast.

Luffa continued to rain down suppressing fire on the tower until the rest of her ki ghosts had exploded. They were all relatively weak, but their explosive power was enough to get the tower to collapse, and the sheer mass of the thing would carry the bulk of her offensive for her.

At last, she ceased fire, and alighted to the pile of rubble that lay on the butte where the tower had stood. The devastation was incredible. All of the metal buttresses that joined the tower to the rest of the city had fallen apart, collapsing into the crater around the butte. She knew little about the Tuffles, and even less about their grudge with the Saiyans, but she did find their architecture very satisfying to destroy.

"And that should hold you for a while, Kakarot," Luffa said triumphantly. "I'm sure you'll dig yourself out eventually, but since you haven't already teleported in front of me to gloat, then it seems like this worked out just as I planned. And by the time you do make it out, then I'll be ready to-- huh?"

The entire butte began to tremble, and Luffa briefly lost her balance. She could sense something from below, but her own ki senses were just as flustered as Goku's were, which made it difficult to tell what was happening. It was the sound more than anything. On top of the low rumbling, there was a faint howl, and it seemed to be getting louder.

"No," Luffa gasped with a growing sense of dread. "He couldn't be… Not this quickly… Not even I could…"

Her pride refused to allow her to finish the thought, and Luffa could only look down at her feet to see what happened next. The debris around her shifted and spilled down the sides of the butte, until finally the butte itself began to crack open. A thin, jagged line appeared between her feet. She stared down as it widened, and she could hear the echoes from within.

And then the scream was unmistakable. She could actually see the golden flashes down below. Lightning crackled around the entire butte. Arcs of pure ki energy rippled through the air, some dancing across Luffa's body as they passed her by.

Soon, the crack was too wide for Luffa to straddle. Son Goku was quite literally forcing the mesa apart with his bare hands.

As impressed as Luffa was with the feat, her combat instincts demanded that she withdraw to more favorable terrain. With a single leap, she crossed the space between the butte and the rim of the crater, and took cover behind a retaining wall. Once there, she concentrated and manipulated her ki to hide herself.

She had developed the technique from working with her wife, Zatte. The Dorlun had a unique ability to manipulate various types of energy and one of her favorite uses of this power was to bend light around herself to become functionally invisible. Luffa had no way to replicate that ability, but Zatte had ways of manipulating ki energy that Luffa could imitate, however crudely.

The result was that Luffa could hide at least some of her power from other ki sensitive fighters. This could be used to keep them guessing about her true strength, or she could use a certain level of her power below the limit of what she could hide, and operate virtually undetected from adepts like Goku. She had used this to great effect in her own era, but there was another application she had rarely gotten to use in the field.

While Luffa's full power was too great to conceal completely, it was possible for her to hide it from a single direction. This was often useless in her old life, and in Time Patrol missions, where she often had to contend with multiple hostiles at the same time. But with a single opponent, she could face in their direction and hide her power from that angle. As long as they didn't circle around beyond the range of the effect, they wouldn't be able to sense her presence.

A skilled sharpshooter, Zatte had been very impressed by the idea, but for Luffa it was a solution in search of a problem, since she rarely found a solitary opponent willing to stand still long enough for it to be worth the effort. But with Goku's Instant Transmission out of the picture, her camouflage finally seemed to be paying dividends. She only had to charge up her next attack before Goku emerged from the butte.

There was a tremendous upheaval from the crater, as Goku's aura blasted up from it like a pillar of fire. Cracks began to form in the retaining wall, but Luffa held her position, even as nearby buildings collapsed from the shockwaves.

She could not get a precise fix on his location using ki senses, but she could still manage well enough by line of sight. She swung out her arm, and fired.

She doubted her Vengeance Cannon was powerful enough to kill Goku in his current state, but it could still wound him, or at least incapacitate him. She expected him to try to dodge it, which would leave him open to a mid-air tackle, or perhaps she could lure him into the city to find more favorable terrain.

All of those considerations were cast aside when her beam finally reached Goku. He did not dodge the Vengeance Cannon. Nor did he deflect it. Nor did he sustain a hit.

Instead, he caught it.

"He can't…" Luffa said breathlessly. "There's no way he could hold that back."

Soon, she had no choice but to cease fire, and the beam was left at a finite length, suspended impossibly from one end in Goku's hands. It trembled and vibrated like a red-hot filament.

Luffa should have used the moment to figure out her next move. Instead, she watched in awe as Goku set his teeth, then cried out. The lightning crackled around him and his hands glowed yellow and the Vengeance Cannon dissipated in mid-air. From there, he launched himself down to the origin of the beam, and directly at Luffa's position.

Put simply, Luffa was too amazed to stop him. He crashed into her like a missile slamming into pavement. She had enough power to absorb most of the impact, but it was a serious blow nonetheless.

She found herself in near-total darkness. There was only the light from their Super Saiyan auras, and whatever daylight dared to follow them into the hole Goku had made. Luffa could only guess that this was some sort of Tuffle mass transit corridor. Her main evidence of this was the metal track that she was lying on. It hurt, but not as much as her ribs did after Goku's tackle.

As she got back up, Goku was already preparing to attack again. She pitched forward to somersault under his right hook, but he was too fast and the blow glanced off her shoulder instead.

"I won't bother asking you to give up," Goku said. "But you ain't slippin' away again, either. If you want to continue, you'll just have to slug it out with me."

She stumbled as she got back up and raised her hands. "I've got no problem with that," she said with a wide-eyed grin. "If that's the best you can do, Kakarot, then I think I'm on the right track."

"Are you out of your mind?" Goku asked. "You can tell the difference between our powers! I don't know what you've been stalling for, but you've run out of time, Luffa. You're cornered, and that's all there is to it."

She began to laugh. "What's wrong, Kakarot?" Luffa asked. "Are you afraid that you need to finish this before it's too late? Or maybe this place is beginning to jog your memories. Maybe that's it. Maybe your mother used to ride the monorail, and while she waited for the train, she would tell you tales of the Legendary Super Saiyan, and what makes me so dangerous…"

He shook his head. "Sounds nice, but if it really happened, then I don't remember a bit of it. You won't talk your way out of this, Luffa," Goku warned.

"Then bring it on," Luffa said. She held out her hand and curled in her fingers, practically begging him to attack. "You've got all the answers, right? You've ascended beyond the Super Saiyan, haven't you? Then prove it, Kakarot. Prove you've ascended beyond me."

Goku did not hesitate to strike. But even as he did, Luffa continued to smile like she had the entire battle in the palm of her hand. He did not doubt his advantage, but when he looked into Luffa's green eyes, something made him wonder…

NEXT: Balance of Power

[shadow-princes01]

A new face in Hawkins-Part 2

A/N: Here we go, part two. And I'm afraid it's gonna have a third one, I still can't cope with the fourth season finale, so please have patience with me. I promise I'll finish it. Thank you all for liking the first part so much, I really didn't expect anyone to read it. I hope you enjoy this bit too.

Talking to Max you discovered more things about her friends, but not too much. You could see it was hard for her to share things about herself. You figured if you wanted to keep having someone to talk to during lunch you shouldn't press any further. But then she said something that caught your attention.

"A basketball game? And that's an important event?" You were a bit surprised. Nobody cared about high school sports in your country, only the parents of the players came to the games.

"Here it is, almost everyone is staying later in the evening to watch the game and cheer for the team" She said, looking into the distance.

"Are they gonna go?" You asked, pointing at the Hellfire guys with your head.

"Them? Oh no, tonight they have this big D&D thing, they're gonna be real busy. How about you, do you want to go? See what the hype is all about?"

"Oh no, I have things to do. My training starts today, and I will be too tired to do anything after that"

After saying that a thought crossed your mind. Why would Ann tell you to meet her at the parking lot after class? She was sitting with the basketball team so she most likely knew about the game. Then you realized what her intentions were. She would have droped you home and then come back so she wouldn't have to take you with her. It's not like you were dying to go, but after realizing how much she didn't want to be with you, it hurt a little. You decided you needed to clear up your mind, so after excusing yourself with Max you left the cafeteria. You started walking towards the woods behind the building. After walking for a while you found a picnic table. It seemed like a good spot to sit down and relax, after all your first day had been very eventful. You were breathing in the fresh air when suddenly you heard a branch crack behind you. You jumped out of your sit and turned around ready to fight whatever was coming your way when you saw a familiar looking pair of eyes.

"Whoa, whoa! Calm down girl, I'm not gonna hurt you. Didn't mean to scare you there but you are on my spot" Said Eddie, looking at your raised fist with amusement.

"Sorry, I didn't expect to see anyone here" You said, settling down again where you were previously sitting.

"Well, I didn't expect to find anyone in my secret spot ether."

"Oh, sorry, I'll leave then" You stared to get up when he rapidly stopped you.

"You don't have to go, I just come here to get some peace, and you look like you need some, so you are welcome to stay. That is if you don't mind spending time with the freak of the school" He winced a little when he said that last part.

"Well, I don't see anything freaky about you, so I think we're good on that part. Besides, I'm not that popular here myself, and its only my first day, So who knows, I might take that tittle from you in a few days" A sad laugh escaped your lips and he looked at you in a way you couldn't really describe.

"I thought I hadn't seen you around. Well, I'm Eddie Munson, leader of the Hellfire club, guitar player and almost high school graduate. Nice to meet you milady" He bowed before you while saying that, which made you laugh a little.

"I'm y/n, I'm a transfer student from Spain, nice to meet you"

"Spain? How did you end up coming here of all places?" He asked while sitting down in front of you.

"Well, I got a sports scholarship and long story short, here I am"

"Sports? What do you do, tennis? soccer?"

"Swimming"

"Ah, a mermaid before my very eyes. How come you're not with your team mates, or the other sporty people?" He said, you could sense the dislike in his voice when referring to them. But then again it didn't surprise you, you had witnessed the cafeteria scene.

"Well, I haven't met my teammates yet, and people have been avoiding me all day, so I just thought if I was gonna be alone, at least I'd find a quiet place" You lowered your gaze, looking at your hands on your lap.

"Yeah, people here tend to be assholes. Though I don't get why they would avoid you. You are clearly pretty and judging by your t-shirt have a good music taste"

You looked at him and saw the gentle look in his eyes as he said that. You could feel he was being sincere, and that made you smile. Then suddenly he took his hands to his chest and fell backwards, as if he had been shot. You jumped out of your seat but then you saw him get up as if nothing happened. You couldn't help it, you started laughing uncontrolably.

"What was that? I almost shit myself?" You asked between laughs.

"Your smile was so beautiful it almost killed me, but I recovered." He said as if his words weren't making your heart go faster than it had ever been "Do I have leafs in my hair?" He started picking them off his hair and you just stood there looking at him.

"You are really strange Munson, but I like you" You said, and intermediately regretted it. You just met this guy and you were saying you liked him? But his next words interrupted your panicked thoughts.

"Likewise milady, you are different from the people around here"

You looked at him while he was twisting his hair between his fingers. You were going to say something else but then you realised something.

"Shit, what time is it?" You looked at your whatch, you were going to be late to your first day of training "Fuck, I have to go, I'm gonna be late. I was great meeting you Eddie, hope we see each other again bye" You took of runing towards the school.

"WAIT, I DIND'T GET YOUR... name" You didn't hear him say that. He stood there for a few minutes, looking ate the place where you had left off running with a smile on his face. His only thought was when he would see you again.

[robert-de-niro-only-fans]

Ace of Hearts

Sam “Ace” Rothstein x Reader

Hi guys! Corny title, I KNOW, but I’m so incredibly happy to finally be posting this. I’ve been working on it since December, and it’s probably the longest thing I’ll ever write! Just to give you a quick rundown: it’s based off of Casino so you’ll see some familiar events and verbiage, but it’s told out of order to fit what I wanted and there’s a new character (Miss y/n). I have worked so so hard on this, so I hope you all love it! Thank you so much!

TW: smut, anything in Casino that triggers you may be in here, violence, injury, drinking, smoking, drugs, death, threats, cheating/affair, divorce, cursing, etc.

Word Count: 17.9k

"(Y/N)! Good evening, it's nice to see you, hun," Sam says, wrapping his arms around your waist for a hug and giving you a kiss on the cheek, "Looking beautiful as always." You place a hand on his chest, taking in the scent of his cologne; he always smelled good and expensive.

You are at Sam's casino, The Tangiers; he had invited you for dinner, like he does regularly. You and Sam are good friends; you met through Billy, the casino manager, and so Sam invites you to dinner there quite often. When it came to the casino, he was quite the social butterfly: always wanting to show the casino off to people and being extremely hospitable so that word-of-mouth would travel and bring new people in.

"Thank you, Sam, how have you been since I last saw you?" Most people call him Ace, but he had introduced himself you as Sam, for some reason, so it just stuck.

"Really good, actually, I have some news for you," you had become a person that Sam likes to confide in; he trusts you, and he says it's nice to get a woman's perspective.

"And what is that?" you ask with a smile as you head towards your usual table.

"I'm dating someone," he says with a grin, trying not to be too proud of himself.

"Sam! Really? You found a girl?!" you stop, taking his hand, waiting for details.

"Yeah, we just got together a few weeks ago. She's... Well, she's like me, I guess," you both start walking towards the table again, "She's driven and she's got a big presence when she walks in a room. And she's just got this spark; I don't know what it is about her."

"Ah, he must be going on about Ginger," Billy says as you walk up to where he's seated, waiting on you, "yeah, he was starstruck the moment he laid eyes on her."

"She'll be here soon; I'd like you to meet her," Sam says to you. Despite being a very confident man, there were certain people he likes to get approval from; you feel honored to be one of those people.

So, you take your seats at the table, and as promised, Ginger is there only a little while later. You can tell it's her; she is exactly the way Sam described her. Her tall, blonde figure really captures everyone's attention, especially Sam's.

"Hey, gorgeous," Sam greets her, motioning for her to slide into the booth next you him.

"Hi, Sam," she hands him her clutch purse and sits down, giving him a peck on the lips. He goes around and introduces her to everyone at the table including you. She seems like she has a great personality and excellent people skills, but you couldn't help but feel a little jealous that she called him Sam too. You thought you were the only one, but it makes sense considering she is his girlfriend.

After everyone is settled in and food orders placed, Ginger leans forward so she can see past Sam to talk to you. "(Y/N)?" she says kind of quietly.

"Oh, hey!" you reply casually.

"I just wanted to say," she starts, "Sam talks about you a lot; it's nice to finally meet you, and I hope we can be friends. There aren't a lot girls in this business," she says with a bit of a chuckle at the end.

At that moment you both realize Sam is listening in on your conversation.

"Oh, well, thank you, Ginger. Any girl good enough for Sam must be really spectacular; he's a picky man!"

He puts his arm around her, "Spectacular is a good word to describe her." He takes your hand in one of his for just a moment, squeezing lightly and giving you a happy look, proud that you and her are getting along.

• • •

Over the next few months, you see Sam fall madly in love with Ginger. She couldn't deny that he was a very sweet man who gave her respect and anything should could ever ask for, but you could tell she never reciprocated those feelings as much as Sam. You get the feeling that she loved what he could do for her more than the man he was, but then again, maybe she's just slow to fall in love and you're being overprotective of your friend.

You trust Sam and know that even though he's in love, he'll maintain a level head. He treats everything like a business transaction.

As it turns out, that's exactly how he handles their engagement from what he tells you. You had stopped in for a visit at the casino, so he is sitting with you and catching up before he heads back out to the floor.

"Yeah, I told her that I know her feelings haven't developed as quickly as mine, but that if she lets me marry her, she'll be taken care of for the rest of her life, and she won't have to hustle the streets anymore. The love will come, I know it will," Sam explains to you, although it seemed like that last part was for him.

"And she said yes?" you ask.

"Yes. She said yes. She even agreed to have a baby with me." You'd never seen such a happy look in his eyes; Sam had always wanted a family, and it took a long time, but it's finally happening for him.

While this worried you a bit, you press on, "So, when's the wedding?!" you try to joke.

"Oh, well, uh... In a year at least. We want to have the baby first; it was part of our deal."

"What? Sam," you try to make sense of what he just told you, "you don't find it a little odd that you had to negotiate your own engagement, and that you can't trust her to have a baby with you 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 you're married?"

"I mean, it's unconventional, but that's just Vegas."

"No, love is love, no matter what city you're in. You deserve someone who will love you and respect you as much as you love and respect them. Not many people see it, but you have such a big heart, Sam; don't let someone take advantage of it," you place your hands on his, and his eyes glance up at you. You both share a knowing look. As much as Sam respects your opinion, nothing will stop him once he wants something, and he wants Ginger: her trust, her respect, and her love.

You see Sam and Ginger several times throughout their pregnancy, and honestly, they couldn't be happier. Sam is going to have the baby he always wanted, and Ginger is getting all the attention in the world for carrying Sam Rothstein's child. You think maybe this will solve all their problems.

• • •

Just a few months after the baby was born, you received an invitation to their wedding. You had been by their apartment a few weeks prior to visit and meet the baby, and gosh, she was so cute. Sam lit up when he held her; he was so proud of his baby girl, Amy. But Sam hadn't mentioned anything about a wedding happening so soon, although they do have the money to make one happen quickly.

The wedding is very nice, although it's more of a party than a wedding. Ginger is a socialite, so it only makes sense that there would be more attention on the reception than the ceremony.

You go sit with Nicky and his wife Jennifer so that you can hold the baby, while Sam and Ginger cut the cake and share champage. This is supposed to be a happy moment for them, but you can tell something is off. Maybe it's because they don't have baby fever anymore; parenting is not easy, so that's what you chalk it up to.

As you're making faces getting the baby to giggle, you see Sam sneak off into a back room, presumably looking for Ginger. You continue to entertain their baby while you wait for him to come back; you hadn't really gotten a chance to see him all night, and you want to show your support and congratulate him.

As you chat with Nicky, you see Ginger and Sam return from wherever they had gone; only problem is, they went two different directions and Ginger had clearly been crying. That's not normal behavior for newly weds. Nicky takes notice as well and says, "Eh, uh, why don't you go check on him? I'll take the baby."

And so, you hand him Sam's little bundle of joy, and make your way across the ballroom to your friend. He had been pulled into a conversation that he clearly didn't want to be having, so you tap him on the shoulder and excuse him from the group of people. He puts his hand around your waist as you walk off.

"Dance with me," you say simply, and he happily agrees. You knew you'd be able to talk privately because you'd be so close to him on the dancefloor, and it wouldn't look suspicious like if you swept him away to a different room.

"Trouble in paradise already?" you ask him, "You two have been so happy the past few months, what's going on?"

"Well, I guess maybe she realized this is the end of the road, and that I'm the one she'll be stuck with the rest of her life... Whatever the reason, she felt the need to call her pimp, Lester Diamond," he explains, pursing his lips at the end; he was really frustrated and trying not to show it.

"What did she call him for? She doesn't still love him or something, does she?"

"She says she called him to let him know it was over and that she's married now. He was her first love, and the only thing in this whole world she's got a soft spot for."

"Oh, Sam... You don't deserve that; you don't deserve someone that's holding onto their baggage with someone else."

"Well then maybe I should've married someone like you," he says with a small laugh and a look of longing in his eyes. He pulls you even closer to him, and you hold him a bit tighter in an effort to comfort him.

"You shouldn't say things like that on your wedding day," you say quietly next to his ear.

"But it's true. You've got the looks, the personality, a great heart, but for some reason, I only want Ginger, or at least for a while I did." With that, he stares into your eyes for a little while, before kissing you on your jawline and neck a few times.

After a pause, you say, "Well, I hope that was the last time she calls him. You deserve nothing but the best, but I know how much you love her, so I hope you two will find happiness with one other." You decide not to say anything about the way he implied that he wanted to be with you or the way he just kissed you; maybe that would make it worse. That probably isn't how he really feels; he's probably just speaking from a place of being hurt by Ginger. You stop dancing and hug him, "Congratulations on your big day, it was beautiful and glamorous in way that only Sam Rothstein could do."

You both share a laugh and hopeful smiles. His hand finds yours as you start to walk away, and he gives it a squeeze before letting his arm drop to his side.

"Everything okay?" Nicky asks when you get back to the table.

"Yeah, everything's gonna be fine," there wasn't much point in explaining it to him, he had a thing for Ginger, so he would make excuses for her. Plus it wasn't your news to share, Sam trusted that you would keep his secrets, because that's how you'd always been.

You grabbed your things to leave, and you shot one quick glance back at Sam before heading out. He was hugging Ginger, trying to comfort her; that didn't stop the nasty look she gave you when she saw you looking at her man. "Sadly, he belongs to her now," you think as you take in the cool night air outside the wedding chapel, "legally, at least."

• • •

The next several months of their marriage only take a turn for the worse. The issue isn't that they don't understand each other, it's that they're exactly alike: both strong-minded with the will to get what they want. The issue is that the things they want don't align with the other person's goals. Sam wants a successful casino and to have Ginger's love, but Ginger is someone who can't be tamed; she wants money wherever she can get it, and she wants to be the center of attention.

The thing that works on Sam's nerves more than anything is that Ginger just refused to cut ties with Lester Diamond.

"She just keeps- she- she asked me for all this money, and she won't tell me what it's for," Sam is fuming as he vents to you about his wife, "She knows I would give her anything she wants of she'll just tell me what it's for. She won't be honest with me, and that's how I know she's up to no good."

"What do you think the money is for?" you ask, placing your hand on his. He had come over to your house just to visit and have a few drinks. This has become a regular thing since he married Ginger; he relies on your company and your advice.

"Mmm, it's just a suspicion, but I think it might be for that pimp." He rubs his thumb across the back of your hand as he held it.

"I thought she ended things with him, but I wouldn't put it past her to go behind your back. I'm sorry that you can't trust your own wife; I know you value that so much."

"Well, I'm at least glad to know that someone in this world still has values like me. In a town like Las Vegas, everyone is so cutthroat. Sometimes I think you and Billy are the only ones left with a moral compass."

"You have one too, Sam, and a good heart," you pull him towards you, and he lies across the couch to place his head in your lap. He is only casual like this with a few people, but he finds it fun to kick back and relax with you. He looks up at you while you gently comb your fingers though his hair; eventually it will work the gel out of his hair, but you like it when he let his waves hang loose. "What are you gonna do about her giving Lester that money?"

"Hm, I don't know yet," he answers with raised eyebrows and a shoulder shrug.

"What if you let her have the money?"

"So she can give it to that scumbag?"

"Listen, honey," you chuckle at him, "what if you let her have the money, knowing she's going to give it to Lester, but you and Nicky's guys show up with her. Put him in his place, rough him up, that way he won't come begging on her doorstep again. AND she'll see what happens if she tries to give him your money again."

A surprised look appears on his face, "Damn, baby, you been hanging out with Nicky, taking some notes from him? It almost sounds like you hate my wife or something!" You both laugh together.

Your laughter dies off, and you look down at his face in your lap, "I hate the way she treats you." It's the simple truth; he deserves better.

• • •

A few weeks later, you're at a pool party at Billy's place. Las Vegas summers are hot, so pools are basically a requirement out here.

Normally, Sam brought Ginger to these kinds of things; that's just what you were supposed to do, but you had convinced him to come by himself. At first the thought made him uncomfortable, because he knew it would cause another argument at home, but he also just wanted to get away for a while. And so, he left Ginger with a stack of cash, told her to go shopping, and came over to Billy's.

You don't notice Sam when he first arrives; you're in the pool taking to some of Billy's business associates, some you had met before, some you hadn't. One of these guys has made himself really comfortable with you: grabbing at your hips and trying to keep you close to him. You're used to men like this putting their hands on you, and it's normally very casual, but this guy is being more aggressive than you are used to.

He's putting his arms around you and pulling you really close to his chest. You use your arms as a barrier between you and him; it's really more awkward than anything.

"Excuse me?"

You look over your shoulder to see Sam standing at the edge of the pool.

"Yeah?" the guy asks, adjusting his arm around you once again.

"Would you mind if the lady came with me?" Sam asked, pouring on the charm.

"She's fine here."

"Looks like she'd rather be with me" Sam says giving you a coy look.

The guy look at you, then back at Sam, "And who the fuck are you?" he replies, rudely.

"Someone you don't want to piss off." Sam takes your hand, and you free yourself from this other man. Sam helps you out of the pool and snags a towel for you to wrap yourself up in.

"Thank you for that," you tell Sam as you walk over to a table where Billy and his wife are.

"Eh, I'm sorry that he felt he could treat you like that. He'll be taken care of." You know what that means.

There are several people gathered around the table, people Sam and Billy work with at the casino, but they're also friends. Sam takes a seat in one of the lounge chairs and pulls you into his lap. Everyone at the table says their hello's and Sam whipsers to you, "Thank you for inviting me... And suggesting I leave the wife at home." He rubs a hand across your thighs and the other rests on your back.

This is a crowd that you and Sam are comfortable being close in. You two were always like this before he got with Ginger, so it feels nice to have him close to you again. You gently squeeze at his side, while he lights a cigarette and takes a puff. He offers it to you, but you just smile and shake your head.

"Hey, Billy," Sam starts.

"Yeah, Ace?" he asks, turning his attention to the man next to you.

"You see that dopey ass motherfucker in the pool over there?" Sam asks, pointing with his cigarette between his fingers, "The tall one at the center of that group?"

"Yeah, yeah, I see him. Did he do something?"

"He thought it was okay to make (Y/N) here uncomfortable, and he tried to mouth off at me about it," Sam explains.

"(Y/N), is that true? What did he do to you?" Billy asks you.

"He was just being weird and way too handsy. I tried to get away from him but he would just grab me if I did that. I didn't wanna make a scene though."

Billy turns to look back at the group of guys in the pool, "And all those guys with him just let it happen, huh?" He turns back to you, "It'll be handled. That's unacceptable."

Sam gives your waist a squeeze, and you share a look with him. "You gonna get in the pool at all today?" you ask him, motioning to his outfit: khaki slacks, a button up shirt (unbuttoned a little bit), and a pale pink sports coat.

"I don't know, I'm having a good time right here. You look good in that bikini, baby," he whispers the last part, rubbing his fingers over the string on your back, "it doesn't leave much to the imagination..."

"Just the parts that all you boys want to see," you bite your lip, and you both giggle quietly.

The afternoon goes by with casual conversation as you and Sam lounge back in your chair with you leaning against his chest and your face tucked into the crook of his neck. He keeps his arms around you, as he chats and enjoys some drinks and cigarettes with the guys at the table.

Soon, the sun begins it's descent before the moon comes out, which means the temperature is dropping too. Vegas has some of the hottest days and the coldest nights.

You sit up from your cozy spot against Sam's chest and pluck the cigarette holder from between his lips. He raises his eyebrows at you as you take a drag off of it, then you exhale the smoke at the same time as him.

A warm smile spreads across your face as you return the cigarette to him. "I'm gonna go change," you whisper to him before getting up and heading inside Billy's house.

Upstairs in the bathroom, you take your change of clothes out of your bag and lay them out on the counter. You hear a small knock at the door before Sam enters the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

"Sam? What are you doing?" you ask him.

He walks over and places himself behind you, looking you up and down in the mirror. He wraps his arms around your midsection and rests his chin on your shoulder, making eye contact with you, again in the mirror.

"You're so beautiful," is all he says before one hand travels to your hip, and his lips find your skin. He kisses at your neck slowly but sensually; you close your eyes as your back arches into him. He has you turned on in a matter of seconds; you had never realized you wanted him this bad.

One of his hands slides up your back and pulls the string of your bikini top, untying it and leaving your back bare. Your top hangs on by the knot at the back of your neck.

His kisses grow increasingly sloppy as he becomes more turned on for you. One of his hands cups at the underside of your breast, while the other holds your hips in place. You feel his erection in his pants against your backside, as he unties one of the knots at your hip.

"Sam-" You want him badly, but your conscience won't let you do this. "Sam."

His motions stop and he looks up at you in the mirror. You turn around in his arms so that you can look him in the eyes. With a bittersweet look on your face, you say, "We can't do this. You're married, Sam. We can't do this, especially not in Billy's house."

A look of clarity comes to his eyes as you talk some sense into him. "Yeah, yeah, you're right," he answers. He reaches for a towel and wraps it around your body, as if to cover up the thing that was tempting him. You tie the towel in place and go ahead and remove your bikini, dropping it to the floor. Sam pulls you into a hug, holding your toweled waist tight, "I'm sorry, (Y/N). I'm so sorry."

• • •

The next time you see Sam is just for a normal get-together at The Tangiers. Being the gentleman he is, he treats you as if the incident at Billy's place never happened, and it's best this way; he's one of your best friends after all.

This dinner is anything but normal, however. Ginger had started to catch on to Sam leaving her at home. You got the feeling Nicky was the one who let her in on that secret.

Ginger storms into the casino, making a scene like she always does; she's always been the kind of person you hear before you see when she's angry. Security follows her over as she makes her way to the table with their little girl on her hip. Sam stands up and rushes over to her, in an effort to keep Ginger away from everyone at the table. It doesn't work that well, she continues pushing towards the table as she screams at him about leaving her at home and making her take care of their toddler.

Sam gets the kid from Ginger, and she pushes past him and towards you, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU PUT THE IDEA IN HIS HEAD TO START SNEAKING AROUND ON ME!"

You sit there, completely taken back. You would try to say something, but you wouldn't get a word in as Ginger is letting you have it.

Sam comes over, grabbing Ginger's arm and pulling her to face him, "What the fuck is the matter with you? What the fuck is the MATTER WITH YOU?! Bringing our kid here at this time of night! Screaming at (Y/N)!" He points at you, "You ain't had nothin' to do with her since you met!! And you wanna come in here and blame your problems on her?!"

You had never seen Sam so angry before, screaming at the top of his lungs like this in front of everyone, in his own casino. There was a pause as everyone waited for what was gonna happen next.

Quietly, Ginger speaks, "Oh my God," her voice cracked like she was about to cry, "oh my God, you're defending her..." She turns to walk away, crying into her hands. Sam quickly hands Amy over to you and runs after Ginger.

Security follows them, and everyone at the table sits in silence as you all listen to Ginger yell and cry at Sam on the way outside, "You never defended me! To anyone! For anything! You've never defended me like that!"

• • •

A few days later, flowers show up at your house with a note from Sam.

"I'm so sorry for the other night and how crazy things have been lately. Let's go out and I'll make it up to you. -S. R."

Attached is a reservation card telling you that you're having dinner with him tonight at a small restaurant you used to go to when Sam first moved out to Las Vegas.

"I'm so glad you actually came. I thought maybe you didn't want anything to do with me after Ginger yelled at you like that."

"Have I ever been the type of girl that would blame you for your wife's actions?" you say greeting him with a kiss on the cheek, "it's good to see you all in one piece; I was worried what she might do to you." You both chuckle and sit down at your table.

"I just- uhh, I just wanted to take you out like we used to do before everything got so crazy. Back when I was still getting used to the desert and Billy introduced me to you; it was just simple... and always fun when you were around. So I just thought maybe we could re-live that for a night," Sam explains his reasoning for bringing you here alone.

"Well I think it'll be fun," you say reaching over and giving his hand an encouraging squeeze, "This place always had great food!" You lean back in your seat, slide your heels off under the table, and prop your feet up in Sam's lap across from you. He raises his eyebrows, giving you a look. "Well you said you wanted it to be like old times!" you exclaim.

After dinner and dessert, you both sit back with your bellies full. The food was so rich and lovely; you both ate so much more than you normally would have, but you aren't in the company of anyone fancy so you cut loose.

"You wanna get out of here? I got somewhere I'd like to take you," Sam asks.

"Ooooh, honey, I don't think I can move, I'm so full!" you groan at him, "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere you took me when I first moved here and I needed some peace and quiet from the city."

And with that, you let him take you by the hand and lead you out to his car. When you cruise past the strip and out into the dark dessert, you lean on his shoulder and ask, "You're not gonna whack me, are you?"

"Now, I couldn't tell you if I was. Typically the guy you're gonna whack doesn't ask ya, and typically the guy you're gonna whack is a guy," you both laugh. Tonight really had been like old times.

You slide over and lay down, laying your head in his lap. He put his arm across your chest and shoulder as if you were an arm rest, and he looks down at you. "Eyes on the road, Mr. Rothstein!"

"Yes, ma'am" he cracks a smile and looks up like he's supposed to.

Parked just a few miles out in the desert, Sam gets out the car, grabbing a blanket from the back, and tossing it across the hood of the car. He also grabs an extra jacket for you for when it gets cold.

"Alright, get outta the car," he says, looking at you laid across the front seat of his Cadillac.

"Mmmm... but I'm so cozy here," you whine.

Sam grabs you by your feet and drags you across the seat to pull you up out of the car. Once you're on your feet, he grips both of your shoulders and looks you over, "Princess. You're a spoiled princess, you know that?" He grabs your hips and lifts you onto the hood of the car before walking around and hopping up to sit next to you.

"It's been forever since I came out here... Thank you for bringing me," you tell Sam as you lean back on the windshield of his car and look up at the endless sea of stars in the night sky. Out here in the desert, there was no light pollution, and it was such a clear night, it felt like there were a million stars up there.

"Want this?" Sam asks holding up his extra jacket.

You take it from him and bundle up in it. It was warm and smelled like him, like he had worn it recently or perhaps sprayed his cologne on it.

He put his arm around your shoulders; together, you looked up at night sky and talked, occasionally pointing out constellations or planets.

The lower the temperature drops, the more you snuggle into Sam. Every few moments you glance at each other, sometimes making eye contact and smiling at each other.

"Mm, come here," Sam grumbles pulling you into a full-on cuddle.

"Cold?" you joke.

"Nope, you're just too far away," he nuzzles his nose into your hair and leaves a kiss there.

You turn your head to face him, "Sam."

He places his hand on your cheek and sarcastically replies, "(Y/N)."

Your eyes linger on one another's for what feels like several minutes; for a moment, the whole world fell away and it was just the two of you. You both lean in, gently pressing your lips to one another's. You move your lips together slowly and carefully, as if you might break something. The moment lasts a long time, but not long enough.

Sam pulls back to look at you, "I love you."

You open your mouth to protest, but all that comes out is, "I love you, too."

Without another word, you both agree to not discuss it. Whether you liked it or not, things were about to get complicated, so you both just want things to be simple for the night.

• • •

You had always assumed Sam was the kind of man to take a woman to bed quickly in a relationship. Of course, your relationship is anything but conventional; you'd been friends for years, but now it was obvious those feelings of friendship had been something more all along.

You had spent some time together a few times since your outing to the desert. He greeted you with a kiss each of those times you met up, because you made sure to meet in private; word couldn't get out about this, or it would cause trouble with Ginger and the crime family Nicky and Sam were in. The family wouldn't take so kindly to Ginger causing a big scene over Sam's infidelity.

You and Sam also really wanted to take things slow; you didn't want to ruin a good friendship by rushing. So when he came to your house or you met in his office, you spent a lot of time in his arms, kissing him, and not too much more.

But your job right now is to act like none of that exists, like everything is just the way it's always been. You're at a big celebration for Sam; the gaming commission is giving an award to him for being such an important asset in the success of gambling in Las Vegas. Everyone who knows Sam is there; it's his big night!

As events like this usually go, Sam is at a table on a stage at the front of the room. His closest friends are all sat together: you, Billy, Nicky, Ginger, and a few others. On the surface everything is cool, but you know this mix of people isn't good news.

There are rumors floating around that the FBI agents keeping an eye on Nicky had gotten some pictures of him and Ginger together. Sam didn't want to pry into it; he didn't want another reason to be mad with her. Sam had also recently told you that Ginger's mysterious phone calls had started up again, and she refused to tell him who she was calling at all hours of the day. You and Sam both knew what that meant: Ginger is being anything but faithful to him.

It's a lovely dinner, aside from Ginger's remarks. It's almost like she knows about you and Sam somehow. Every time she mentions him, she makes sure to watch your reaction, and she makes several remarks like, "proud to call him my man," and, "so glad he belongs to me," while staring you down.

In an effort to try and make friendly conversation with Ginger, you lean over you her to say, "You know, I think Sam likes girls like us, because we're both like him: social and in the business. We make what he does look glamorous." You give her a hopeful smile.

She cuts her eyes and hits you with, "No, Sam likes a woman like me; we both came from the streets and had to hustle our way into money. Anyone can be a socialite in a nice gown. Some of us have more to show for it."

Upon hearing that, Billy gives Ginger a look of disapproval and puts his arm around you to comfort you. It couldn't be more obvious that she is trying to get a rise out of you, but you won't stoop to her level making a scene like that.

Ginger leans into Nicky, and you don't say much the rest of dinner.

After the award was presented to Sam and it's time to mingle, you work your way over to Sam, stopping to chat with several people along the way. As you approach him, it seems like the two of you only have eyes for each other. He greets you with a big smile spread across his face, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek.

With his hands on your waist, and your hands on his chest, you tell him, "I'm so proud of you. You work so hard, and you've been so good for Las Vegas."

"Yeah, well, Las Vegas has been good to me," he says looking you in your eyes lovingly, and raising his eyebrows briefly.

What you don't realize is that Ginger sees the whole exchange, but she does something very out of character: she keeps her cool... For now.

• • •

"It was... It was the way you looked at her. You didn't have to look at her like that," Ginger sobs into the pillow on her and Sam's bed.

"How did I look at her? Huh? What did I do?" Sam questions her, pacing around their bedroom.

Ginger shifts to look up at Sam with tear-filled eyes, "Like you love her... You looked at her like you love her."

"Ginger-" Sam starts and pauses to keep his composure, "What do you care how I look at her? You me you didn't love me! And I thought I could change you!"

There was a pause before he continued, "You're not making any goddamn sense; I don't know why I'm trying to talk any sense into you. You been drinkin' all the time, and those fuckin painkillers you took have your brain so fucked up right now... I don't even know why I'm trying; it's not worth it."

"You really feel that way?" she asks quietly.

"Feel what way?"

"That I'm not worth it. You really think that I'm not worth it?" she sits up and pushes some of the hair out of her face.

That small bit of love Sam still had for Ginger creeped back up; he couldn't hurt her like that.

He sat on the bed next to her, "No," he says as he pulls her into his chest, "I don't feel that way." He simply holds her as she cries into his shoulder.

• • •

"I guess she's spread herself too thin," Sam vents to you as you lie on your couch cuddling, "I think the drinking and the drugs are a distraction from all the men she's trying to hold down. She's never been able to keep Lester under control, Nicky is getting all kinds of heat on him with the cops in Vegas, and she's realized I don't love her the way I used to, or maybe the way I thought I did."

The last part was mostly directed at himself; Sam is coming to terms with the decision he made when he married Ginger, and he's realizing that maybe it wasn't love at all. After all, lust isn't built on trust and respect.

"Don't blame yourself for falling for her. She said something to me the other night, and as hurtful as it was, it was true."

"What did she say to you?" he asks, sitting up a bit and furrowing his eyebrows.

"Well, uh, I just told her that I think you like girls like us because we're like you, but we make the business more glamorous. And she told me that you would only like a woman like her because you both worked for the success you have, and that means you and her have more to show for it."

"She said that to you?"

"Yeah, but don't worry about it. If you went to her about it, it would only cause you more problems," you try to get him to relax. There was no point in him getting stressed over it.

He sighs and lays back down, holding you tight, "I'm so sorry she said that to you. It's not true. I think her and I understand each other because of our backgrounds, but I think you know I like you just as much, if not more than I ever liked her."

"I thought you might say something like that. That's why I tried to not let it bother me," you look up and kiss him a few times.

He turns you to lay on your back, and he puts his head on your chest. You run your fingers through his hair on the back of his head.

"I wish we could just run away. I made such a mistake starting a life with Ginger. I meant it-" his voice catches a bit, "I meant it when I told you I love you. I wish I could just put her in the past and spend the rest of my days with you."

His voice got so soft at the end of his statement. From this position you couldn't see his face, and you figured there was a reason for that, as you felt some dampness forming on your shirt.

You had never seen Sam cry over anything. In that moment, it made you realize how real his feelings are. Even after all the hell Ginger put him through, it didn't break him as much as the idea of being with you.

He lies there and tries to keep his breathing even, while you wrap your arms around him and hold him. He just desperately needs love and comfort from a woman who really cares about him.

• • •

Sam and Ginger got to the point that they could hardly stand to be around one another, so they take periods of separation from one another, and they trade off who keeps Amy. Although, Sam will admit that he's more at ease when his little girl is with him.

Whenever Sam has Amy, he tries to take at least one day off work every week to spend with her. She's getting to be more of a kid than a toddler now, and she enjoys spending time with her daddy.

Today, Sam invited you along to the park and a for a picnic with Amy; it's what she asked for!

"You look pretty in your little sundress, baby," Sam compliments you, as he pushes his kid on the swing.

"It's nice seeing you dressed down a bit, too. Turns out it isn't the suit jacket that makes you so handsome!"

He was just wearing slacks and a button up shirt: sleeves rolled up, no tie, no sports coat. Oh, and don't forget the sunglasses and cigarette holder.

"Hey, Amy?" Sam calls to his daughter while she swings up and down through the air.

"Yeah, daddy?"

"You wanna go eat lunch, sweetie?"

"No!"

"No?!" Sam exclaims sarcastically, "You don't wanna go eat your lunch? I packed your favorite."

She shook her head, despite the big smile on her face.

"PB and J's?!" he asks.

She shakes her head again.

"Applesauce?"

Another no.

"Hmmm... How about those cupcakes we picked up from the bakery?"

Her little face lights up and she tries to stop the swing. Sam scoops her up on his hip to carry her over to their picnic blanket. The whole exchange is extremely adorable; you love watching Sam be a daddy to his little girl!

At lunch, surprisingly Amy stays near you. You've been babysitting her since she was a baby, and now she sees you hanging out with her dad a lot; luckily she likes you. It's really important to Sam that you two get along.

"You're gonna make a great mom one day," he says, pulling you out of your thoughts.

"Hmm? And what makes you think I'll be a mom?" you ask him, helping wipe something off Amy's cheek.

"If you stay with me, and if we end up together, you'll be Amy's new mom... aaaand maybe if you really like me, we could have a baby together," he looks down at his hands with a smirk on his face.

You put your hands over Amy's ears, and joke with him, "I think we should probably have sex before you ask me to have your baby! Although, you can trust me to have your baby 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 the wedding."

You let go of Amy's ears, while you and Sam double over in laughter.

"What's so funny?" she asks sassily, sounding just like her dad.

"Nothing, honey, you'll understand when you're older," Sam replies, petting her hair.

"You always say that, daddy. Can I go play?"

"Yes, but stay where we can see you, okay?"

"Okay!" she says, already running off. She's a busy body, just like him.

Sam pulls you into a spooning position and holds you so you can both keep an eye on Amy on the playground.

"So, you want me to make love to you, huh?" he grumbles lowly in your ear, placing some kisses on your neck.

"Mmm... Why don't you come over to my place one night and find out?" you tease at him.

• • •

You assumed tonight would be just a casual night at home, and you appreciate that, because it isn't often you get alone time. You had just gotten out the shower and decided to relax in your robe on the couch for the night.

That all changes when you hear the doorbell ring.

"Who could that be? I don't think I invited anyone over," you think as you walk to the door.

"Sam!" you exclaim, seeing him on your front stoop, "what are you doing here-"

You're cut off by his lips meeting yours in a fiery kiss. He pushes you into the house and shuts the door behind him all while his lips never leave yours. He pushes you against a wall, grabbing at your hips. When his lips move down to your neck, you gasp out his name.

"Sam! What has gotten into you?" you breathe out, "What is this?"

"Mmm..." He moans, leaving little kisses at your ear, "Ginger and Amy are out of town, and... you told me to come over and make love to you."

"That's not how I said it," you laugh, before letting out a soft moan at his actions.

He reaches over and locks your front door before leading you over to the couch. His lips find yours again, then he gently lays you down, positioning himself on top of you. His hands roam your body, as your lips move with his; his tongue enters your mouth and sends chills across your skin.

You pull away from his kiss to look at him in the eyes, "I know we've been seeing each other and doing a lot of kissing, but I don't want to make you a cheater."

"Baby, it's not about cheating. Ginger and I don't wanna be together as it is; I 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 to be with 𝘺𝘰𝘶."

"Sam... are you sure? You can't go back from this."

"(Y/N), I already told you I love you. There's no going back from that." His hand snakes down to the ties on your silky robe, and pulls them loose. With his legs on either side of one of yours, he presses his hardness into your thigh. As he pulls your robe to the side just a few inches, he places soft kisses on your chest.

He pauses and looks up at you through his lashes. You place your hands on his face and shoulder, and he gives you a smile before he pulls your robe open, leaving you naked in front of him, except for the sleeves on your arms.

Sam kisses your lips lightly, then your cheek, then your neck and chest, where he starts leaving heated love bites. He gently squeezes at your breasts, as he teases them with his tongue and teeth. Soon after, he leaves a trail of kisses down your belly, leaving you with a few nips on your hipbone.

He sits up on his knees, taking your body in: your plump thighs, sensual hips, the way your breathing had become heavy, and obviously your naked parts he had always wanted to see. He moves to place himself between your legs, and he pulls one of them up, hooking your ankle on his shoulder and pressing a few kisses to your calf.

"You're beautiful," he tells you before he turns his attention back to your leg.

Sam really made you feel beautiful, but it was nothing in comparison to the way he looks: his dress shirt unbuttoned a little, shiny suit pants, large erection pressed against the fabric and poking at his waistband, his tight leather belt keeping it tame.

You're pulled from your thoughts by the feeling of Sam kissing your inner thigh; he had worked his way up to the soft, sensitive part of your leg.

He grabs you by your thighs, scooting you up the couch, giving him more room to work. Now he's bent over a bit more, placing sloppy kisses and and nibbles on your thighs as a way to get you to spread them apart. Finally, he gets down all the way, and you feel his hot breath on your center.

Seeing him crouched down on his elbows and knees, head between your legs... It's enough to make you want him. When places a few hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses on your labia, it makes you lose any fight you had to turn him down.

"Oh, Sam..." your hand slides into his hair as his tongue laps at you. He looks up making eye contact with you, and enjoying how flustered you look because of him.

He simply grins to himself and goes back to pleasing you. Your grip on his hair tightens each time he does something that you like, and he's smart: if you like it a lot, he does it over and over and over.

A few times, he moves down, licking at your entrance, testing the waters. When he hears a whine from you, he decides to stop being a tease and presses his tongue in past your lips. Your back arches up off the couch and you take in a deep breath; Sam digs his fingers into your thighs, keeping your hips firmly in place so he can continue swirling his tongue around inside you.

After a few minutes, he has mercy on you and goes back to your clitoris. He doesn't let up too much though. He slides his middle finger into you, slowly, and when he can't go any further, he curls it in a "come here" kind of motion.

"Oh, God," you let out, toes curling in pleasure.

Sam puts his lips on you and pulls your clit into his mouth, sucking on it. Jackpot. Your hand pulls his hair and you throw your head back; you can feel your climax coming. He lets out a low, grumbly moan, and it helps push you over the edge. Your orgasm comes in waves as Sam continues sucking and curling that finger; he's reveling in the feeling of you losing control at his hand.

When he decides you've had enough, he eases his motions to let you down from your high. The way he has total control over you and your body... You had never seen anything like it.

Sam crawls over you until he was face-to-face with you again to kiss you and make you taste yourself on his lips. He wraps his arms around you and picks you up, hands roaming your back as your robe hangs loosely behind you. With your legs wrapped around his hips, he takes you up to your bedroom.

"Can I ask you something, Sam?" you start.

"Of course you can, baby girl," he answers.

"Why would Ginger treat you so badly if you're this good in bed? And we haven't even made it to bed yet," you chuckle at the last part.

"I guess that's more of a question for Ginger than it is for me, but I'd really rather not talk about my wife right now," he says dropping you on your cozy bed. You lay there, arms above your head, your hair and silky robe spread out around you. Sam grabs you by wrapping his large hands around your ribcage and sits you up. It always impressed you how large and strong he is, because he keeps his muscles covered with all those suits. He pushes your robe off your shoulders, "That's better."

You giggle at him and reach out in front of you, giving his aching erection some much needed attention with the palm of your hand. Sam let's out a breath, and you take that as a sign to undo his belt. After opening his belt and unzipping his pants, you pull them down just a little, leaving them hanging on his hips. Your hand finds his member again, rubbing it through a much thinner layer of fabric, "You gonna show me what this thing can do?"

He puts a hand on the back of your head and pulls you to him. Your face nuzzles against his pelvis; you leave a few kisses on his groin and look up at him, "You want me to use my mouth on you?"

His eyes are fixed on yours as his lips pull into a half smile, "No, another time. I can't wait any longer to have you."

And with that, you pulled his pants off of his hips. He quickly works out of his shoes and pants and climbs on top of you.

"Oh, no, Mr. Rothstein! We are not doing this if you have those socks on!" you giggle at him.

He looks back at his feet, "What, you don't think they're sexy?" He turns back to you and kisses you, "I'd fuck you if you were wearing socks," he jokes before reaching back and pulling them off.

When he lays down on top of you, you work on unbuttoning his shirt while he kisses your lips and neck. A few seconds later his shirt is thrown to the floor. He wraps his arms around you as you make out, pressing your bodies together; like this, you can feel his muscles, his warmth, and his love, as if he was the thing you always needed.

His kisses slow down, and he pulls back to look at you, "I love you, (Y/N), and I mean it."

"I love you, too, Sam," you nearly whisper. After a short pause and Sam rubbing your cheek with his thumb, you ask, "Will you take those underwear off already? You're going awfully slow for a man who said he didn't want to wait anymore."

He smiles and shakes his head sarcastically at you, but he sits up on his knees and pushes them off, "Better?" he snarks.

"Better."

He was sexier than you ever could've imagined. He left a lot to the imagination with all his suits, but like this, you got to take in his loving eyes, messed up hair, soft skin, toned arms, and the chest hair that made a lovely trail down to his large member that's standing at attention for you.

"Come here, sexy," you command.

"Who? Me?" he points to himself, jokingly.

You reach up, and grab his hands, pulling him down on top of you again, "Yes, you."

He lets out an excited moan, kicking his underwear to the floor and snaking a hand down between your thighs. As his fingers tease at your clit, he asks, "You ready, baby doll?"

"Very ready."

That's all he needs to hear before he's pulling your legs up to wrap around his waist, slicking up the head of his cock with spit and a little precum. The next moments are filled with moans from the two of you, as he lines up with your wet entrance and begins to enter you. His hips work slowly, giving small motions to sink into you.

You could tell from the way his hips were bucking lightly that he was torn between taking things slow and fucking into you hastily, right then and there. It's the neediest you'd ever seen him; it's sexy the way you make him lose a bit of that control he always has.

As soon as he's got enough length inside you, he starts rocking into you, eyebrows furrowed in pleasure. "Baby, you feel so good," he says as he buries a hand in your hair and his face in your neck, kissing you. His breathing becomes more intense, and his back arches a bit allowing for some room for him to work his hand on you again.

As if the feeling of his hardness pushing in and out of you wasn't enough, his fingers start making circles on your clit, drawing moans from your mouth. "Oh, God, those noises... You're gonna drive me crazy," he whispers in your ear before leaving a few bites on your lobe.

He moves so he can kiss you and look at your pretty face while he makes love to you. He's so excellent, pleasing your clitoris while thrusting his hips into you. You lean up to leave a series of kisses and nips on his neck and collarbone; your fingernails leaving scratches on his back and hands tangling his normally perfect hair.

"Oh, fuck..." you hear Sam say as he slows down his movements.

"You okay, honey?" you ask, concerned.

"More than okay, baby, I just got close," he answers, looking almost embarrassed. It's hard to tell if the flush on his cheeks is from answering your question or from pleasure.

"You could've finished if you wanted," you say with a warm smile.

"Oh, no. I'm not done with you yet, princess." He sits up on his knees, snaking his arm around your back and gripping your hips to lift you off the bed. His other hand rests on your pelvis, and his thumb flicks over your clit. He starts rocking you back and forth on his dick, "How about that? You like that?"

Judging by your moans and the way your back arches for him, he got his answer. He picks up his pace until he's fucking into you with quick, hard thrusts, and your thighs clap against his belly. His fingers relentlessly try to please you, and it's working: you're coming apart at the seams once again for him.

When you feel your second orgasm coming on, you can't help but also feel a little surprised... but also so turned on that he made a mess of you, twice.

Feeling your orgasm and feeling you tighten around his hard length, Sam loses himself. His hips buck into you wildly as he cums deep inside you. He sits back on his heels, and pulls you up to straddle his lap. He pumps into you a few more times while he holds you close to him, kissing anywhere his lips can reach.

Your lips meet and you kiss him several times, both of you feeling very satisfied. You comb your fingers through his hair, fixing it a little bit; he seems to like that. His arms are wrapped around you, and he just holds you on his lap like that for a few minutes, kissing your chest.

He lays his head against your shoulder, and let's out a deep breath, "Yeah, I'm in love," he giggles and stares up at you with an innocent, happy look.

"Me too," you say quietly, kissing his head with a bit of a sad look on your face.

"Hey!" he gets you to look down at him, "You okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah... I just wish we could be together, and that it wouldn't be so complicated," you tell Sam.

He lays you down on the bed, pulling out of you, then he lays next to you and holds you in his arms, "Me too, baby, me too. I just feel bad because it's my fault we can't be together like we want to."

"Oh, Sam, you know I don't blame you for that. No one enters into a bad marriage on purpose."

"No, but you were always right about her. I should've listened to you, considering I came to you for advice. She never cared about me."

"Yeah, but you cared about her, and you still do," you say with a warm smile, "she's the mother of your child. You have a big heart, Sam."

You wrap your arms around his neck and hold his head against your chest. "I care about you, too," you hear him mutter.

"I know you do. I care about you, too," you whisper, snuggling into him to drift off to sleep in his arms.

• • •

The sex was amazing, but there's nothing like waking up in the arms of someone you love, at least, that's how you feel this morning. The way Sam clings to you, almost desperately, lets you know that while you may not wake exactly like this every morning, you will wake up loved each morning.

As you begin to stir a bit, Sam's arms squeeze around you, not wanting you to leave your comfortable spooning position. He grumbles to himself a few times before finally cracking his eyes open to tell you, "Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning," you respond, as he lies there with his eyes closed like he may go back to sleep.

He opens his eyes again, slowly, and you feel his hand gently move the covers off of you. You groan when the cool air hits your skin. "God damn, baby, you look so good," his voice rumbles.

"Mmm... You pushed the blankets off me just to tell me I look good?"

"Well, no..." he starts, and he finishes his statement by kissing your shoulder blade and neck, teasing at your thighs, and feeling your breasts. He presses his hips into your backside, letting you feel his morning wood.

"Oooh, someone's happy!" you giggle, pushing your butt back into him to give him some friction.

"I think you meant horny," he slides a hand down, grabbing at your butt before sliding further down teasing between your legs. He slowly runs his middle finger back and forth along your clit and your entrance, getting you wet for him.

"Hey, Sam?"

"Hm?" He mutters between kisses.

"I love you. I wanted to make sure to say it first for once."

He chuckles and continues what he's doing, "And I love you, and I wanna make sure you know this isn't about sex."

"Well, it's a little hard to believe that when you have a finger inside me, but Sam Rothstein is a man who's good on his word, so I'll believe you...just this once," you look over your shoulder, both of you grinning uncontrollably. You reach back and take his member in your hand, stroking it, "However, for the next few minutes, I'd like to make it about sex."

"Mmm, yes ma'am!" Sam exclaims, attacking your neck with sloppy kisses, and repositioning himself to enter you. You both relax into those feelings of pleasure as his warm cock fills you. He grips your hips loosely and thrusts his hips into you almost lazily, but it feels good.

His hand creeps down and grips your thigh, gently lifting your leg up in the air. You both light up with noises, moans, whines, heavy breathing. Within a few minutes, you hear Sam breathe out, "Baby, baby, I'm gonna cum."

You let out a hum, "Cum for me, sweetheart."

Sam pulls you close to him, moving against you with quick, small pumps. You grab his hand, intertwining his fingers with yours, while he holds you tightly. After his orgasm, he slides out of you easily and turns you over to kiss your lips for the first time that morning.

Sam is so needy after sex; he wants to hold you as close as possible and shower you in kisses and affection and sweet words.

"I'm sorry I didn't finish you off, honey," Sam says to you.

"It's okay, sweetie, I'm just glad you felt so good," you hold his head in your hands, nuzzling your nose against his.

He lowers his voice as if someone might hear him, "I'll make up for it in the shower," giving you a little wink.

And he does, because Sam Rothstein is a man who's good on his word.

• • •

Since you and Sam spent that weekend together, you start fucking like bunnies. That is to say: you find time to make love to one another often, especially when Ginger is out of town. You both prefer to do it at your home, but when Sam has Amy, he will sometimes invite you over; you quickly get past sleeping in another woman's bed, because you know Sam's heart belongs to you. Sex for the two of you isn't about getting off; it's one of the many ways you show your feelings for one another.

You both find it very hard to hide your feelings for one another in front of others. You can be so open with one another and your feelings when you're in your little bubble. Despite that, you have to put your feelings aside for The Tangiers charity event tonight. Sam has a lot of big spenders flying in for this event; it's going to bring in a lot of money and a lot of publicity for the casino.

"Hey, baby," you say, sneaking into Sam's office, closing the door quietly.

He's standing by his desk signing a few papers; this is probably the one quiet moment he'll have all night. "Hey, princess," he gives you a cute look, signing a few more papers. You sit in comfortable silence, while you wait for him to finish his work. "Alright," he says, tapping his pen on the final paper, "Bring that sweet ass over here!"

He sits on the edge of his desk and pulls you into a hug, taking in your scent and the way your dress feels against your body. He lets out a relaxed sigh, "I missed you."

It has been few days since you've seen each other. With Ginger being home in preparation for this event, you and Sam decided it was best not to see each other. "I missed you, too," you nuzzle into him.

You feel his hand under your chin, lifting your face so he can kiss you. You kiss slowly at first, letting Sam explore your mouth with his tongue, but things quickly get more heated since it feels like it's been so long since you had each other.

He turns you around, sitting you on his thigh as he leans against his desk. You both crane your necks to keep your lips connected. Sam presses your back against his chest before dipping his hand into your dress, fingers teasing your nipple. You inhale sharply and brace a hand on his hip.

"You like that?" he purrs in your ear.

"Mm-hmm," you hum, leaning your head back against him.

His free hand pulls your dress up and disappears between your thighs, touching you through your panties.

"Sam..." you whine, moving your hand to squeeze at his half-hard length.

"Seems like someone misses me, needy baby," he whipsers to you.

You urge his hands off of you and stand up, facing him, "Now let's get something straight, Mr. Rothstein: I wasn't needy when I came in this office. I patiently waited for you to finish signing things, and then YOU made me needy."

There's a long pause between you before Sam cracks a little smirk and says, "You're sexy when you're mad."

Once you head downstairs to the casino floor, the party is on. Millionaires and billionaires fill the room, enjoying slots, tables, and free champagne. Sam always thought it was funny how rich people love a free handout.

Every business associate that Sam knew was here, plus the rich friends they brought with them. Those of you who spend a lot of time at the casino mingle with the guests who came to spend money; your job is to keep them spending money, because a hefty portion of what the house makes tonight is going to be split between a few charities. It was Billy's idea, saying that a charity event would be great publicity and raise goodwill with the people.

Most of your evening goes by playing table games with people you barely knew, so it's nice to see Billy, a familiar face. You hadn't seen him since you got there.

He hands you a glass of champagne and you find a more secluded place to talk while Billy watches the floor. You see Sam doing the same from his usual spot; Sam sees you and gives you a cute look, scrunching his nose when Billy isn't looking.

Almost on queue, Billy smirks, "So, you and Ace, huh?"

"Huh? What?" you stammer, caught off guard.

"Don't worry, I haven't told anyone. You know my lips are sealed," he has a pleased look on his face, and he gives you a wink.

You sigh and give Billy a knowing look, confirming his suspicions, "How'd you know?"

"Well, I'll admit it took me a while to catch on, because you two have always been close. Sam's been much happier the past few weeks, but I chalked it up to Ginger getting out of his hair with her little vacations. Tonight has been the first dead giveaway: you sneaking up to his office and coming down to the floor together, and the way he's been keeping an eye on you all evening, like he's worried about you getting too far away from him."

If Sam had been watching you like that, you hadn't noticed, but it was endearing. "You should tell him not to blow our cover," you smirk at Billy.

"Oh, I plan on it," Billy leans into you, "Let me tell you a secret, (Y/N). I've always liked you two together, and I think you have always liked one another; maybe you were just too blinded by the Vegas lights to see it... So, I'll keep your secret, because you two deserve to be happy." His hand squeezes your shoulder, and he clinks his glass with yours before leaving you to go stand with Sam so they can watch the floor together.

As you walk the floor looking for a group of tycoons to mingle with, you feel a hand grab your arm. You turn to see Ginger who is now leading you across the casino floor.

"Hey, girl! Wanna work a table together? Maybe if we put our heads together, we could pull in more money." She is oddly pleasant in her tone of voice, but the way her nails grip your arm gives you a different vibe; however, you don't feel you have much choice in the matter. You are swept off to a table far away from the center of the casino, far away from Sam and Billy.

Unexpectedly, Ginger is nice to you and even jokes with you as you hustle all the rich men gathered around the roulette table, getting them to spend all of their money. When that's over, it's like a switch flips.

She drags you aside away from everyone except a few bouncers, and begins her tirade, "It's you. I know it's you." She's doing her best to remain calm with all of the donors around, but you knew she was high; she was always on something anymore.

"Ginger, what are you talking about?"

"You- your perfume! I smell it... in my bed, on Ace! I know you're sleeping with him!"

You can tell she's getting worked up, and you really don't want her to start yelling. "Now, we don't want things to get out of hand. You know I spend a lot of time with Sam; I've been helping him babysit Amy more since you guys have been more separate. Isn't it possible you smell my perfume around him because of that? You probably smell it on Amy too, right?"

Ginger is frustrated and confused, unable to make sense of things with all that junk in her system, "Yeah, yeah, I guess that makes sense," she pouts.

"Yeah, see? It's okay, everything's okay," you try to calm her down, resting your hand on her upper arm.

"No! Don't touch me!!" she shouts.

"Ginger, don't get excited; we don't wanna ruin the event."

"I don't care what you say; I don't trust you, and I don't trust you with my husband!" she sneers at you, "I have my connections just like your 'Saaam,' and if I find out anything is going on with you and him, you'll be nothing more than one of those holes in the desert these guys like to talk so much about. You're nothing but a whore as it is."

Her face is inches from yours. She had insulted you and threatened your life in a single statement, and clearly she had decided Sam was too personal a name for her husband, since she chastised you for calling him that. You decide to do your worst; you doubt she'll remember this interaction anyway.

"This coming from the woman who can't seem to shake her pimp."

Thankfully the bouncers nearby saw how heated things were getting, and they came over to break it up. They even called Nicky over talk Ginger down. It's pretty bad that even the casino staff knew about Nicky and Ginger, and that bringing Ace over would just make it worse.

But word quickly made it back to Sam about what Ginger had done to you, and so a few days later, he sent her to Beverly Hills with Amy; besides, he only needed her home for that one night at the Tangiers.

• • •

Despite all of his efforts to run a clean joint, it all came crashing down when Sam got word that the FBI had heard all about the casino and the Midwest bosses from that grocery store tap back home. Luckily, they couldn't really bring any heat down on Sam, because he didn't know much; he had been put in Las Vegas to run the casino, and he was even working on getting his gaming license which looked good on him.

Nicky, however, did get a lot of heat. He already had the attention of the Las Vegas police for a number of crimes, and he was the liaison between Las Vegas and and the Midwest bosses.

Sam had already been trying to pull away from Nicky and that meant also pulling away from the gangster business that had made him so successful as a handicapper.

Thankfully with Ginger out of town, you got to be with Sam when he found out about all this. There isn't much he can do, but he knows it's a possibility his whole casino could go under.

In order to cheer him up, you invite Sam to your place for a few days, so he can use your home as a getaway to just relax as much as he can. Despite everything going on, you both actually have a pretty good time. Sam only takes the calls he absolutely has to take which mostly meant Billy, and you both enjoy cooking together, showering together, making love together...

Unfortunately he can't stay for more than a few days or people will start to realize he isn't home, and any calls other than to Billy needed to come from Sam's house, especially any calls to Ginger. And so this morning you head off to Sam's place, so he can call the hotel in Beverly Hills to check on his wife and child.

He gets on the phone and cheerily greets the hotel receptionist before asking to be put through to Ginger's room. His tone quickly drops when he questions, "𝘔𝘳. and Mrs. Rothstein?"

You give him a concerned look as he wraps up the conversation and slams the phone down on the hook. He lets out a frustrated sigh and rubs his chin before he says, "She checked out of the hotel with another man and my kid."

"It's not Nicky, is it?" you ask.

"No, it's not Nicky, I know it's not Nicky; he's got too much heat on him to leave Vegas." That could only mean one thing: Lester.

Sam immediately gets back on the phone calling the police, the FBI agents he'd been in contact with, even Nicky, to try to find where Ginger and this pimp had taken his daughter. The FBI is very gracious in helping track down Ginger and Amy, quickly getting back to Sam with an address and phone number for where they are.

After a phone call with Lester that didn't really go anywhere, Sam is feeling helpless about what to do. He's so furious with Ginger, but he needs her to bring their daughter home. He sinks down into the couch when he looks at you desperately; he doesn't know what to do.

You quickly rush over and curl up next to him, taking the man in your arms, rubbing his shoulders for comfort. "How do I get her home? I just want Amy safe; she's not safe with that pimp, and clearly she's not safe with her mother anymore either."

"You're not gonna like to hear this, but I think Nicky is your best bet to get her back," you suggest.

He simply nods his head as he realizes you're right, then he picks up the phone to call his friend.

• • •

The next few days Sam and Ginger are walking on eggshells. It couldn't be more obvious that Ginger doesn't want to be home, but Sam had to know that Amy is safe. Since Ginger has to be home, Sam even tries being sweet to her again. He had tried to cuddle with her a few times, something they hadn't done in years, but she would just reject him each time, typically leaving the room. Sam is at his wits' end; he doesn't know what else to try with Ginger, what other approach he could take.

One night as Sam is about to leave the casino to head home, you follow him out to his car, "just to talk," you tell him. You hadn't seen him in days and you miss him.

"Hey, baby," Sam says wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

"Hey, honey. I missed you," you smile at him.

He hums, "I miss you too, and I'm sorry you're in the middle of all this... It's not fair to you."

"It's okay, Sam. You're the one who's in a tough spot here. I'm just here to support you and love you and... make you feel better..." you trail off as you squeeze his thigh, your fingers gracing past his crotch.

"Oh..." Sam says, giving you a cheeky look.

You slide your hand back and forth over the front of his pants, getting him hard, while you lightly kiss at his neck and ear. "You've just been so stressed lately, sweetie; let me help you relax."

When his breathing becomes heavy, you know he's ready for more, "Baby girl, I need your mouth on me, now." He lets out a groan when you open his pants and stroke him through his underwear.

You don't waste much time before you're going down on him, kissing his leaking member before taking it in your mouth. He looks down at you and tries to keep his breathing even; all this came on pretty suddenly so you've got Sam very worked up. He takes your hair in his hands, forming a make shift ponytail to keep your hair out your face. He also likes to watch your face bob up and down on his cock.

You hollow out your cheeks and Sam savors that intense sucking feeling. Between that and your tongue pressing against his tip, he can hardly contain himself. You wrap a hand around the base of his member, pumping what you can't take in your mouth.

Sam's hands push you down making you take as much of him as you can, and his breathing becomes labored, letting out little moans as he climaxes in your mouth.

You take down what you can and lick up any of the rest. You look up to see Sam giving you a look with raised eyebrows.

"I didn't want you to make a mess..." you say with a raspy voice as you wipe your lips.

He simply stares at you, as if he was still trying to make sense of what just happened, before he grabs your hair and pulls you into a rough kiss, tasting himself on your tongue. When he pulls away from you breathing heavily, he says, "Baby, you have no idea how bad I needed that. Thank you." He softens up and pulls you back towards him, this time laying your head in the crook of his neck.

Sam leaves you at the Tangiers and at home, walks into a nightmare: his kid is tied to her bed and his wife is nowhere to be found. Despite the flood of panic and anger that he feels, he keeps his wits about him and calls you to come get Amy; with you is the safest place for her right now while Sam searches for Ginger. You only see him for a quick moment, before he rushes out the door, leaving you to pack Amy a bag and take her to your house for a few days.

Sam knows Ginger is at Nicky's new restaurant; he had called before he left the house. His tires screech to a halt as he rolls up to the place of business.

After a run-in with Nicky at the door and a quiet altercation in the corner booth, where Sam definitely threatened Ginger's life for what she did to Amy, Sam managed to get his wife in the car. On the ride home, oddly, all Sam could think was, "Where does Nicky get off asking 𝘮𝘦 to be civil, when he's the one that always gets heat brought on us?"

It's probably just a temporary distraction from elephant in the room, or car, in this case.

Sam has to admit: he's at his wits' end with Ginger. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about leaving her or kicking her out. But when they walk into the house, and he sees the apologetic look in his wife's eyes, whether honest or manipulative, one thought crosses his mind, "She's the mother of my child."

How could he walk out on her? He had promised she'd be taken care of, and even though he really only meant financially, his big heart wouldn't allow him to hurt her.

She doesn't care what he does; she won't be bothered as long as she gets the money she's promised.

"Come on, honey, let's go to bed," Sam says softly, taking his wife's hand. They take a few steps together before the man stops and turns to her; he places his hands on her sides, seeing if she'll hug him. When she does, sadly, it leaves Sam with a shred of hope for their relationship.

• • •

Sam had been exhausted, so he went to bed with the promise that Ginger would meet him there after she gets a shower. However, when Sam wakes up, seeing the time on the clock and the other half of his bed empty; he's immediately filled with suspicion.

At 3:03 A.M., he finds himself sneaking down the hallway--sneaking... in his own house. He shakes his head and quietly shuffles down the hallway towards the living room, where he can hear Ginger's voice moving at a rapid and excited pace.

"I don't care- I don't care!! I want that fucker dead! I want him dead! And that little slut too!! Sleeping in my bed- No! No, I will not calm down... I want a hit on that bitch, that way he can 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵! The same way he hurt me!" Ginger snarls and sobs into the phone.

Sam's heart sank. The thought of losing you--no, he couldn't think about that right now; he simply springs into action, grabbing the phone from Ginger's hands. "Who's this?" he demands to the person on the other end of the line, before slamming the phone down only a second later as Ginger leaps up, practically attacking Sam by pounding her balled up hands against his chest and arms.

"You want me dead, huh? You want me outta the picture?!" his voice booms as she starts to wrestle with him, crying and screaming. "Come with me, come on!" He gets her flailing hands undercontol and drags her down the hallway; Ginger's feet come out from under her, and he just keeps dragging her, both of them yelling at each other.

"I hate you!!! I hate your guts!" Ginger shouts at Sam from where she's laying on the floor of their walk in closet, her face red from crying.

"I know, you evil bitch! What did I ever do to you, huh? I tried to love you and look where it got me..." He slaps a duffle bag down on her lap.

"What's this?" she asks.

He follows it with a pile of clothes, gorgeous, expensive fabrics hitting the floor, "Get your shit, and get out," Sam growls, fire and pain in his eyes.

"You can't kick me out, you can't put me out on the street with no money!!!" She jumps up and starts grabbing expensive clothes.

"Money's all you care about, huh?" he questions, bending down to a shoe box under his clothes; he pulls out all that would fit in his hands, bringing it over to her on the floor. "Is this enough?? You'll probably blow through this in a week!" He dumps the cash in her lap, storming off from her to rip more of her clothes off hangers.

"You can't abandon me!! You told me I'd be taken care of! If you kick me out, I'll go take all my jewelry out the bank!!" she threatens.

He grabs her set of keys, taking her house key off the ring, leaving her with car keys and her bank keys. "And I will not stop you," Sam says, almost calmly.

He knew the key to his millions was still in his desk drawer upstairs, she'd only be leaving with the key to what's hers. He'd been feeling unsure about walking out on her, but Sam made his decision the moment Ginger threatened your life.

• • •

For the next week, you and Sam were waiting for the ball to drop and for Ginger to come storming through that door. But in another way, Sam didn't care; he had you over all the time, even when people came over. He started to put his hands on your waist or even kiss you in front of others. It made you so nervous the first time he kissed you in front of Nicky, but Sam knew what he was doing. Nicky couldn't run to anyone about it, because what Nicky had done was worse in the eyes of the Midwest bosses: sleeping with his best friend's wife, their precious "Golden Jew."

But that isn't the reason Nicky's here right now.

"Ace, they took the bosses in. Arrested every single one of 'em. The FBI knows what's going on, all of it, but they ain't got nothing on me or you, because we don't go in room where they count the money. That doesn't mean they won't question us though."

And boy did they. Sam was already irritated that his name was in the paper every time Nicky went to court for some crime, but now it was coming out that him and Nicky were both being held for questioning for the crime bust in the Midwest.

Nicky pretty much refused to give them anything, but Sam had a reputation with the law and a relationship with the FBI out here. They had helped him get his kid back after all. So, he didn't give them any new information, but he didn't mind confirming certain things they already knew, as long as it didn't incriminate him.

Because of his cooperation, the authorities left Sam alone after a little while. Most of the attention was on Nicky and what his connections were to the Midwest bosses and the casino. Somehow Nicky got himself out of it without getting arrested; Sam had to wonder if it was Nicky's rambling or his threats that did the trick.

Weeks went by, and it was clear that the casino was going down. It wasn't for trying though. Sam fought so hard to keep his precious establishment running, but the place had been riddled with scandals. And even with the bosses facing trial, the powers that be decided to get rid of the whole scam; Sam losing The Tangiers would just be a necessary evil to them.

Sam decided it was a better time than ever to leave the business behind. Besides, he'd never been into crime the way Nicky was; he'd just been pulled into this because he was a money maker.

So as Sam walks out of the casino for the last time, locking the doors to the completely empty building, he lights a cigarette and heads over to his car with only one thing on his mind: going home to you and Amy. Unfortunately, he won't make it home as soon as he would have liked, as his car goes up in flames from a car bomb that must've been rigged while he was inside the casino.

Sam had planned for this kind of thing though, and he had the manufacturers of the vehicle place a special metal plate under the passenger seat, giving him a few valuable seconds to save his life.

You get the call during Sam's ambulance ride to the hospital. At first you're devastated--why would anyone want to hurt your Sam? Before you could find to a conclusion, you quickly snap out of it, getting Amy into the car to get to the hospital.

"Mr. Rothstein-"

"I told you, I don't want-

"Mr. Rothstein, we think it's important that we run this test," the doctor speaks over Sam. Must be an important test for him to interrupt Ace Rothstein.

"I'm fine!" your boyfriend groans, "My arm is burned, but I feel fine."

"But sir, it's possible the adrenaline in your system-"

"Sam Rothstein!" You cut the doctor off, storming in with Amy on your hip.

"Hey, baby!" he holds a hand out towards you.

"Don't you 'baby' me. I know you're not arguing with this doctor, refusing medical advice!! You don't just have yourself to worry about here, you have me and Amy- and I swear to God, Sam Rothstein if you die on me, you'll have more than heaven and hell to worry about! You'll have me to answer to," you finish your rant with a stern look.

His face drops for a moment before a little smirk forms, "You're sexy when you're mad."

Ignoring him, you turn to his doctor, "Run any tests you need to. I'll deal with him." You pat the doctor on his tie.

"Yes, ma'am, Mrs. Rothstein," the doctor says as you walk away, giving them room to do what they need to do.

"Oh, we're not married... yet," Sam explains, scrunching his nose cutely at you.

"Well I'm not gonna be the one to tell her that," the doctor says under his breath.

As they wheel Sam out of the room to take him for some tests, you hear Amy's voice, "Why are you mad at daddy?"

"I'm not mad at daddy," a little chuckle leaves you and you hug the child close to you, "I just love him, and so I had to make him listen to the doctors."

• • •

You pick Sam up just a few days later, perfectly fine, except for some burns on his arm. He sits in the passenger seat of your car with a pile of things from the hospital: his coral pink suit in a plastic bag, burned in a few spots from the bomb, a folder with some information about caring for his burns, a packet full of bandages and prescription ointment, and a large yellow envelope.

"Now, don't be mad," Sam starts.

"What did you do?" you glare at him for a second before turning your eyes back to the road.

"I, uh, got a real estate agent to start looking for new homes for us."

"Sammy, why would I be mad about that? We practically live together already!"

"These homes--they're not in Las Vegas."

"What?!" you practically give him whiplash, pulling the car into a random parking lot. "You wanna leave Las Vegas? Sam, I grew up here..."

He looks down at his lap and back up at you, "I know," it comes out so quietly, "I just don't think we're safe here anymore... I'm not in the business anymore, I'm but afforded the same protections as I used to be. What if they come after you next? Or Amy? Right now, I know enough people that we could get out quietly..."

"Oh, Sam..." You cup his face in your hands, "I'm sorry I reacted like that, I'm scared too, and now I have a kid to worry about. I know she's not mine yet, but if anything happened to Amy-" You have to stop yourself before you cry.

"Here," he says, grabbing the yellow envelope, "I gave some pictures of some houses, and there's one I really like."

Instead of driving your boyfriend home, you sit in the car looking at pictures of beautiful homes, and daydreaming about where how you'll arrange the living room, where you'll put the bed, Amy playing in the backyard.

"Hey, look at this last one," he tells you.

"Is this the one you like?"

"Yeah," his face has a happy, soft smile as he thinks about moving into this house with you; he just knows it's perfect.

"Hmmm... San Diego, huh? 4 bedrooms and a mother-in-law suite. Sam we don't need 4 bedrooms," you look up at him.

He gently places his hand on your belly, "We might."

Your heart just melts... Even if you aren't sure about kids, clearly the thought makes him happy.

"Okay so there's a pool and a lot of grass, maybe we could put a trampoline there..."

• • •

Boxes are scattered all around your new home; you picked the one in San Diego, of course. It's completely perfect.

The movers had dropped off all the big furniture and help you set it up; Sam even got them to help set up Amy's trampoline, and he was so thrilled to surprise her with it. But it will be a few more days before the decorators can come to paint, unpack, and lay out the rest. Nothing but luxury for Sam Rothstein and his "wife."

Right now, Sam is dropping Amy off at the neighbor's house for a play date, so she can get to know the kids in the area. Of course, you two had been sure to meet with this couple first to scope them out, making sure they are safe for Amy to be around.

The plan is to get some unpacking done when your man gets home, but you thought it might be nice to spend some quality alone time together in your new home.

"Honey, I'm home!" Sam chimes at the front door; it makes him so happy to be able to say that. Sam stops at the door to look around for you.

You saunter down the hallway, wearing a black trench coat and bright red high heels, "Hey, sexy!"

"Mmmm," Sam moans, "I think I should be saying that to you. What's this, baby?"

You stop just out of his reach and untie your jacket, holding it open to show off a new set of candy red lacy lingerie, "Just a little..." you turn around and drop the coat to the floor, revealing a big red bow at the top of your ass, "house warming present." You throw him a sultry look over your shoulder before walking into the kitchen, heels clicking loudly on your new porcelain floor.

Sam pulls his jaw up off the floor and quickly follows, watching as you crawl up onto the marble-top kitchen island. He walks over, appreciating your body by rubbing his hands on your sides, eyes roaming the red fabric hugging your frame. You rake your hands through his hair, and pull him into you, landing his face right between your breasts, which he seems very okay with judging by the way he closes his eyes and starts kissing at them. He wraps his arms around your waist, trying to pull you off the counter.

"Oh no, sir, Mr. Rothstein, you're not taking me to that bedroom. If we're gonna break this house in, we're gonna do it my way. What's that thing you like to say?" You look up acting like you're trying to remember, "There are three ways of doing things around here: the right way, the wrong way, and the way that I do it..."

You practically yank him up onto the counter with you, his legs fumbling with the bar stools to help get him up there. Before Sam can even get his bearings straight, you have his back pinned against the marble, your lips taking his in a passionate, sloppy kiss.

Sam pushes you off of him, breathing heavily, "Damn, baby girl, where's this coming from? Not that I'm complaining."

"Well, my sexy, rich sugar daddy just bought me a nice, new house, and I just wanna thank him," you nuzzle into him.

"Sugar daddy, huh? Is that all I am to you?" he gives you a loving look, both of you smiling at his joke.

"Oh, yes, Mr. Moneybags..." You sit up and stretch a leg across his lap straddling him. As you grind your hips back and forth against his hard on, you both let out some light moans and hot sighs. His belt buckle makes some clinking noises as you unhook it before swiftly tugging it from his belt loops and dropping it to the floor.

Zip! You open his pants and pull them down just a few inches so you can return to grinding against his member through a much thinner layer of fabric. When Sam's fingers snake towards his groin so he can further please himself, he's met with a harsh smack on the hand.

"All the pleasure you feel is gonna come from me, got it?" you tell Sam.

He raises his eyebrows, surprised by this change that's overcome you, but down for the ride--literally. The pressure of his hardness against your clit is a great warm up for you, so you keep at it until Sam has a couple of wet spots on his underwear: one from you and one from his pre-cum soaking through.

At that point, you move off of him enough to pull his pants and boxer briefs down to his upper thighs, his erection springing free. You crawl back on top of him, pinning his wrists to the counter just above his head while you kiss him. You pull away, stroking his chin and swiping your thumb across his lips.

"Ready, baby?" you ask, kissing his cheek lightly.

"I- uhhh, yeah," he breathes out.

"Cat got your tongue, silly?" you giggle.

"No, I just, I've never -uh- had a girl top me quite like this," he explains.

"Oh, um, should I stop?" you ask innocently as you grind against his dick again.

"NO- no. I, um... You shouldn't stop."

The way Sam is fumbling through the conversation tells you that he probably likes the treatment he's being given, and so you move your hips against him a few more times before moving your panties to the side and guiding his member to your entrance. Your boyfriend let's out a low groan when he feels that warm wetness surround his sex; you think that's probably his favorite part of making love.

You start by setting a leisurely pace, knowing Sam will want more, but, gosh, the tease is so satisfying too...

"Please, baby," Sam breathes.

"Please what?" you play dumb.

"Go faster... Please, baby." So predictable of him.

"Mmmm, you mean you don't like when I take my time with you?" You speed up juuuust a little bit, but not nearly as much as he would've liked.

"I thought I was in charge in the bedroom," he groans.

"Well, we're not in the bedroom are we?" You lean down to kiss him, pinning his hands down again, next to his shoulders this time. You continue to hold them down while you pick up the pace, leaving Sam feeling a bit helpless as he can't touch you.

You take a little break from all the bouncing to slide back and forth, achieving a new kind of friction. Sam curls his hips up into you, clearly enjoying the sensation.

"Let me touch you, please?" Of course you're going to give in, but not without hearing him beg a little more. No one has this kind of control over Sam "Ace" Rothstein; no one but you. "Babyyy... Please, you know I like to hold you."

He gets nothing but silence in response, oh, and your hips working even faster, which only serves to make him more needy. "(Y/N), please... please, baby, I wanna hold you so bad."

You let go of his wrists and intertwine your first with his for a moment before his hands move to your face to cup your cheek. Afterwards, his palms smooth over your chest and arms; he's looking up at you: your pretty face, soft skin, the way your hair bounces along with your breasts as you ride him.

His hips become less tame the closer he gets to his climax. He's a man who just can't help himself; he likes to be in on the action, even if he isn't on top.

You lean yourself back, placing your palms on the cool countertop, giving him a great angle to attack your g-spot. Sam's hands roam your thighs until you find your rhythm with the changed position, but once he knows he's hitting the right spots, his fingers dive in to stimulate you from the outside as well. One hand pinches and rubs your nipple while the other sets a dangerous speed on your clit.

Despite you trying to have so much control over him, Sam just knows exactly what buttons to push on you, and you're cumming in a matter of seconds. The way it snuck up on you causes you to bend forward as your orgasm pulses through you.

The man beneath you takes advantage of this by pulling you flush to his chest, bracing his feet on the counter top, and railing up into you as fast as he can. You turn into nothing but a noisy mess as he uses your body to get off.

"Fuck, baby, I'm cumming..." Sam finds his release before he even realizes it; he just feels so tangled up and lost in the pleasure of being with you.

A few seconds later, you both find yourselves lying on the kitchen island, completely limp and trying to catch your breath. Sam lazily rolls onto his side, rolling you onto the marble counter beside him. Goosebumps litter your skin as the cold countertop comes in contact with you. You both lay on the counter, staring at each other before you both brsk out into giggles.

"I can't believe you let me fuck you on this thing," you laugh, patting the marble, "and I can't believe you let me fuck you... Like that. I wasn't being too much, was I?"

Sam tucks himself back into his pants, zipping them up and buttoning them before wrapping an arm around your waist. "What? You being a little dominatrix? No, I don't think it was too much," he nuzzles his nose against yours and gives you a few soft kisses. "But," he starts, "the only woman allowed to have me like that is Mrs. Sam Rothstein..."

"Well, uh- that's not me..." you say, a little confused.

"It could be," he says in a low, soft voice, "Whaddya say? You wanna marry me?"

"Sam-" you start to feel overwhelmed for a few reasons: 1. He literally just proposed to you, but 2. "You're still married, Sam. I couldn't be your wife even if I wanted to!" Tears start to form in your eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey, shhh..." he says, pulling you into a cuddle, "You remember when I flew back to Vegas last week to go close the sale on the house there?"

You sniffle and look up at him, "Mm-hmm."

"Well I ran into one of the judges that used to come by the casino all the time, he was a big spender, but we treated him real nice. He told me he had heard everything from his friends on the force, everything about Ginger and the car bombing. We talked for a while, and he told me to stop by his chambers before I left the city," Sam fishes in his pocket for some folded up papers, "and he gave me this."

He hands you the papers to unfold and look at. "Oh... Oh, Sam! He granted you a divorce. Why didn't you tell me??"

"I wanted to surprise you..." He smiles that charming smile.

"Well, I'm certainly surprised," you hug him by nuzzling into his chest, "I didn't even know you were considering this yet."

"I've been considering it for years, honey," he whispers, kissing you on the temple, "ever since I told you I love you."

You both pause to simply take in the other person for a moment: Sam's clothes all disheveled and your still in your lingerie, cuddling on the stone counter.

"You know I think you're perfect, right? If there was just one thing I could change about you, it would be your last name. So, whaddya think, princess? You wanna try Rothstein on for size?"

The tears quickly return to your eyes, "Yeah, yeah- yes!" You grab his face and start kissing him over and over.

He can hardly pull you off of him for all the kisses, not that he wants to. However, when you decide you're done loving on your fiancé, he apologizes, "I'm sorry I don't have a ring for you right now, but ummm," he reaches for his little pinky ring; it's gold and pink to match his outfit for that day, "you can wear this for now." He slips the piece of metal onto your left ring finger; it doesn't fit that well, but you're honored to wear it.

Sam sits up, sliding off the counter. He stands at the edge of the island, pulling you towards him and wrapping your legs around his waist. He cups your head in both his hands and kisses you softly. "Wanna go to 'break in' the bathtub, Mrs. Rothstein?"

[erensnubs]

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖

Colt Grice x F! Reader Dystopian AU

Chapter 3

Word Count: 1.3k

"Uh hey? You seem lost in thought. "

You shook your head to focus your gaze to the man in front of you. Sandy blonde hair, tall, strong build, and murky green eyes. Considering his body type you assumed he worked somewhere on the Garrison Regiment or one of those cowards, correction, Military Police. 

"Yeah, uh do I know you?" 

Strangers always approach you when you go out in public. You like to joke how it's because of your adoring looks and alluring aura, but in truth it's just because, 

1. You lived with Levi (the ladies are crazy for him)

2. People gossip about you, Hange, Levi, Erwin and Moblit thinking all of you are in some sort of love pentagon

3. You were in the news when you gave Public Health Service Announcements from the government

4. This usually applied to men, some women but not only did you have a wealthy salary, you had a reputation and apparently people like that

"No, I just wanted to talk to someone. It gets tiring to talk to the rich folks," he said sheepishly. 

You looked at him inquisitively. The man didn't know who you were.

"Why does it tire you?" 

He sighed and walked over next to you and leaned himself on the wall, "They push the same agendas all the time and they talk about trivial, stupid things. It's the same thing over and over again." 

He gestured by raising his pointer finger and circling it around in the area, "It gets tedious and they act like it's so important and hilarious every time." 

Then he turned to look at you, "But you out of all the people I've seen. You didn't really talk that much only to yourself. What are you thinking about?" 

His questions startled you as your eyes squinted and tried to analyze this man. He saw what you were doing and his green eyes followed yours, like you were playing a game of cat and mouse. If that's how it's going to go, you thought. I guess I'll play. 

"Why do you ask? Did my mutterings seem incoherent to you?" You countered. 

He smiled, "No, it's just you seemed so at peace by yourself, I had to ask what you were thinking about for a person as busy as yourself to be so calm."

Ah so he did know you. So much for having a normal conversation. Not that it was normal in the beginning. 

He looked at your disinterested expression and started to apologize profusely, " Oh shit, I didn't mean to offend you. You were just walking around and talking to lots of people… you looked busy and important that's what I'm attempting to say." 

Your mouth parted slightly then you slowly closed it. Who was this man? Why was he so straightforward?  

Good job probably fucking up your chances with talking to her. 

Colt POV Fuck. 

She didn't answer and I could feel blood pumping through my head and my face heating up. 

Was she disinterested in me? Tired or bothered? Even worse did I come off to her as a "nice" guy that was just trying to get into her pants? 

The silence between us was tangible, I felt like I could grab it and wring it out to try and continue this conversation. 

I didn't even know this woman's name and yet she still captivated me. 

Maybe it was the way she walked up the stairs of the Opera House, her head up high and unfazed. Maybe it was when I locked eyes with her for a split second, before her attention was turned to someone else. Maybe it was the way she smiled so fakely at these people that I wanted to laugh out loud, at her and the fact they couldn't tell it was fake. 

Maybe it was the contagious laugh she had, the way her passive personality changed when surrounded by friends. Or the way she flirted with people. 

I could tell I sounded like a creep but I've seen her before moving to "Paradis". She was on the news, vigorously explaining concepts, ideas things I never would've thought of in million years. The way she spoke with such passion and feeling about these people's lives, which up until a year ago, I couldn't care less about. 

This woman standing next to me, who was probably bored out of her fucking mind, inspired me to find a job in the government, specifically the research and weapons development department. I was still interning at various places before I actually started, but I'm making progress… I'm getting there. 

It wasn't her intelligence, or her passion that captivated me. It was her passiveness… her "wallflower" persona if you will, that she puts on to mask, to observe. Why would someone as powerful in wealth and government act that way? How did her personality change from laid-back to bright? Her flexibility confused me and I wanted to find out more. She had the ability to make me be passionate about something other than pleasing my parents…. Why was she so reserved?

Maybe I thought,I  shouldn't make assumptions. Yes she was my inspiration, but I didn't even know who she was, what her name was. Living in Marley, we didn't have information on the government officials like the people here so their names were always:

Commander of the Survey Corps

Military Commandant of the Military Police 

Or hers: 

Head of Research and Data Department 

I only knew a title, and a face to match but now I'm looking at her in the flesh. Her presence was underwhelming, but there was a weight to it that I couldn't understand. Was it melancholy? Or was she just a complete mystery to me? 

And voila, here I was invited by my manager at the research center for the Science Museum taking me as his plus one, to this formal event. 

And here she was, my BIGGEST inspiration, my literal REASON why I wanted to work for the government and I can't even say shit to her? 

"I was thinking about possibilities and outcomes for a certain person if I told them to do something," she says finally. 

The silence broke, and she looked at me, leaning her head against the wall tilting her face in an alluring expression. Her eyes looked glazed, from the glowing light and I couldn't help but stare at that calm expression. The golden lights of the chandelier reflected on her eyes and they seemed to dance, so softly. 

Her lips were slightly parted, chapped on the top, smooth on the bottom as expected of a busy woman, but I have never in my life wanted to touch something more in my life. 

I snapped out of my trance and looked at her wide-eyed. So she was thinking about certain possibilities of a hypothetical situation? How far does this woman prepare? 

But this was the hard part, I think. How to tell her that "Oh by the way I basically switched careers because I saw you give a speech a year and a half ago and I was inspired" without making it feel weird. 

Don't think Colt, just do. 

I quickly shook my head and without even thinking I reached out to grab her skirt.

My thumb grazed her fingers slightly, but I still held onto the hem of her dress. She still didn't pull away. 

Her eyes locked onto mine in a "what the" expression but I steadied myself, even when the blood rushing through my head was pounding, the sound so loud the only thing I could hook onto was her eyes. 

And her dress of course. What the fuck Colt, are you falling in love or something? 

 I remained calm as I looked at her very, VERY surprised expression. Her body was pulling away from mine, I could feel it but her dress stayed between my fingers. 

"Can you tell me about it? While we dance together?" 

Prev/next

[papergirllife]

Chasing The Flames

Chapter 8 : The Pull of The Heartstrings

Jeno opened the door of his dorm to hear all the boys gathered around the living room, hollering like they won the lotto.

" What's with you guys? "

" We're happy for you, hyung. "

" For what, Chenle? "

" You just came back from the photoshoot with Y/N. There should be some progress. " Renjun questioned with curious eyes.

" Not telling. "

" Yah, stop being so secretive to us. "

" I'm respecting Y/N's privacy Haechan, something you would never do for us. "

But Jeno couldn't help but smile at the events that taken place today as he retreated back into his room.

As he finished showered, Renjun came in the room with a smirk on his face.

" You and Jaemin should be grateful to me. I invited Y/N to have a cook off with Chenle and I on Friday night. "

" She agreed to come? "

" Yup. You guys get to spend more time with her as long as the both of you help out for dinner, this is a win-win situation."

" Thanks man. "

" You guys better be serious about Y/N. She's a nice girl. "

" Yes, boss. "

" I'm actually surprised you're so into her. I thought Jaemin was the one that wanted to bring her into the relationship. "

" I was actually jealous of her at first, because of the attention she was receiving from Jaemin. But then after I spent some time with her that day, I realised that she's really a special one. "

" I don't know much about polyamorous relationships, but I'll still support the decisions that the both of you make. "

" Thanks, Renjun. "

Jaemin ordered a pizza for the both of them to share as Jeno got back later than their dinner time.

They were watching a movie on TV, the others being focused on the plot, but Jeno being lost in his thoughts.

" Is something wrong? " Jaemin whispered.

" No. I was just thinking about what happened today. "

Jaemin snuggled up to Jeno, while taking a huge bite into the pizza, making Jeno coo at him.

" Is there something about Y/N's that's bothering you? "

" No. I enjoyed every moment with her. "

" Then why do you look sad? "

" I'm just confused with my own feelings. How can we love each other but still potentially love another person ?"

" Maybe it's because we never dated any girls before. So we crave for one in our life. "

" But we've never shown interest in other girls. Why Y/N? Why did you like Y/N among all female friends and colleagues we know? "

" I don't know. My first impression of her was that she was a diligent assistant of Mr Kang. Then when we started talking to her, I was hooked on by her shy demeanor. Then I realised that she had a great personality, she's friendly and quirky and so easy to be around. She doesn't treat us like idols, she sees us as human beings. Whenever I'm with her, I feel a sense of freedom or escape."

Jeno nodded at what Jaemin said, connecting the way Jaemin described Y/N to recent events.

" After Y/N, we won't be adding new members into the relationship, right? "

This made Jaemin laugh and nearly choke on his piece of pizza.

" Jeno ah, let's just focus on getting one girl at a time. Plus, if Y/N accepts us, I don't think she'll accept another female in the relationship. Just because we're bisexuals, doesn't mean she is. "

" I'm just checking, because I definitely won't have time for three people. "

" Good to know that my Jeno is a loyal man."

" Chenle, how many times have I told you to get that thing out of the way? "

" What do you mean that thing? It's my sole physical entertainment other than video games. "

Jeno was being stressed about Y/ N coming over for dinner.

On the other hand, Jaemin was busy cleaning the kitchen from the mess Jisung had made from his midnight snack.

Jaemin although didn't show his nervousness as Jeno is, still feels the stress of the expectations he wishes to make for Y/N.

Although all the guys think that Y/N's quite smitten with the both of them after hours debate of what they had experienced from both their alone time with Y/N, Jaemin still wants to take things slowly and start off as good friends.

Y/N seems raw towards the feelings that they think she's feeling for them, so Jaemin and Jeno have decided to make only minor advances and let her sort out her feelings, if she does have feelings for them.

' I hope she does. ' Jaemin thoughts to himself.

Jaemin looked towards Jeno's direction and saw that Jeno's disassembling Chenle's indoor basketball court, dumping it back into its box.

After finishing up with the kitchen, Jaemin checks the fridge a second time to make sure that they had stocked up on groceries for tonight.

Jaemin was about to clear away the take out on the dining table when Renjun stopped him.

" I'll do it. Go take a shower and get dressed."

" Thanks. "

When Jaemin got out of the bath, Renjun pushed Jeno to wash up.

" Shouldn't I shower after cooking dinner? "

" You have to smell and look clean for

Y/N, you can just take another one layer in the night. "

" Any clothing advice, Injunie? "

" She thinks you look cute in pink. "

" You're the best. I can kiss you right now. "

" Save that for Jeno and Y/N, or I'll kick your butt. "

" How do you get so much information out of her? "

" Because we text often. "

" Oh. "

" Why? Are you jealous? "

" I'm just surprised. "

" She's from my home country, she says I remind her of home. "

" That's nice of you. "

" She doesn't have many friends, she reminded me of the time when I first got here. "

" I'll go check the whole place again. "

" Don't be so nervous. "

" I'll try. "

When I got there, Jaemin was waiting for me outside the dorms.

" You didn't have to wait outside for me, it's cold, you would've gotten sick if I wasn't early. "

" I know you're punctual. Plus, it'll be embarrassing if you went to the 127 and WayV's blocks. "

" God, I can't imagine. "

" Why did you bring groceries? "

" Just in case you guys don't have any. "

" Of course we do, we just bought today. I'll help you take those. "

When Jaemin grabs the bags from my hands, I could feel electric shocks up my fingertips, making my cheeks warm in the cold air.

" Thank you. "

When Jaemin opened the door, the first one to greet you was Donghyuck.

" Long time no see, Y/N. Hope you didn't miss me too much, 127 needs me. "

" There's not a day that goes by I don't hear bullshit coming from his mouth. "

" I thought you'd be used to it by now. "

" Yeah, but I thought he would've behaved more with guest around. "

" What are you saying? Y/N isn't a guest, she's like family. Right Y/N? "

" Whatever you say, Hyuck. It's good to see you. "

" Nice place you guys got here, I like the kitchen too. It's bigger than the one I have. "

" You can always move in, Y/N. "

" Yeah right, Lee Soo Man would be on my ass. "

" Chenle! You look so cute with those cat ears. "

" Don't mind them, I lost a bet to Jisung. Come check out this gun I won in pubg."

Jeno walked out of his room when he heard the commotion going on outside, beckoning Renjun to follow.

" Y/N, you're here. Then let's get this started."

We gathered at the kitchen to get ready for the mini cook off.

" Okay, who wants to be in my team? " Renjun looked at everyone expectantly, but had a shock when he realised no one wanted to be on his team.

" I'm picking Chenle and Hyuck. Y/N, you can take Jeno and Jaemin. "

" Hyung, that's not fair. Both your teammates cook often. But Jeno doesn't cook at all, Y/N noona's team is having the losing end. "

" Jisung you are the judge, so go to your room and play games while we cook, no peeking. "

Renjun was giving Jisung the stink eye while everyone of us laughed at their interaction.

" Okay, so what are we cooking? "

" I was planning on cooking sweet and sour pork cutlets and salty egg minced meat steam egg. Sounds good?"

Jeno and Jaemin nodded enthusiastically, hurrying to gather the ingredients as I listed them down.

" Wait, what's salted egg? I don't think we have that in the fridge. "

" Don't worry, Jeno. I bought them at the wet market today, it's in the bag. "

" Got it. "

I made the batter for the cutlets as they break the eggs into a bowl with the minced meat.

" Jaemin, stir this batter. I'll handle the egg. "

I broke two salted eggs and cut the pieces of the yolk into tinier pieces and put them into the bowl of egg, stirring it to space out the ingredients.

When it was ready, I began to steam the egg at the stove.

" Remember Y/N. One stove per team. "

Renjun was looking at me with a smug look on his face as he oversees the two of his friends cooking.

" I see you're making Korean food. "

" And you're making Chinese food. What a way to win Jisung's stomach, but I'm confident he'll love my cooking, he always did. "

" That's because he never ate my cooking before. "

" Oh it's on Y/N. "

The both both of us went back to our respective sides.

Cooking with Jaemin and Jeno was fun, the way Jaemin laughed at Jeno for trying to get the pork to stick to the batter.

I stepped away from my teammates to take a photo of both of them frying the cutlets.

' They suite the domestic theme that's going on here. '

Wait, what am I thinking? God, I need to focus on making the sauce or I'll lose to Renjun.

When we were done, Renjun was arguing about something with Hyuck. While Chenle was coping on cooking alone.

It was one of the funniest sights ever.

Jaemin, being the observant person he was, realised that we haven't cooked the rice.

" Need help? "

" It's just rice, I can handle myself. Go rest on the sofa with Jeno, be with you guys in a bit. "

When I got to the sofa, Jeno had took off his apron to reveal a tight fitting white t shirt.

His muscular built was evident under the thin layer of cotton, I never realised Jeno had such a good built, it was truly a sight to behold.

" I really like your new glasses. "

I had to bring up a topic to distract from Jeno, he's Jaemin's boyfriend for fuck's sake.

" Thanks. You look nice too. "

" It's just a sweater, nothing nice about it to me. "

" The mint colour, it matches well with your hair colour. "

" Thank you. "

I looked away from his gaze, scared that my cheeks were as red as I feared.

" Y/N? "

I looked back at Jeno to see that he was holding a box of chocolates.

" This is for you. As a thank you for cooking dinner. "

" Thank you, I didn't know I'll be receiving any gifts from anyone in Korea. Thank you so much. "

Even though it was just a box of chocolates, it made me happy. I don't have any other friends other than my boss, these guys mean so much to me.

" I'm glad you liked it. "

Jeno placed his hand on my knee as a friendly gesture, but my body acted as if it was the best feeling ever.

The warmth coming from his palm was addicting.

My thoughts were interrupted when Renjun announced that dinner was ready and hollered Jisung out from his room.

We ate dinner with a carefree chatter. I asked Donghyuck about him and Mark balancing the upcoming promotions and them expressing their excitement in working with me again.

" So Jisung, what do you think are the best dishes here? "

" The dishes that I've never ate before today. "

" Have kids they said, they'll be lovely they said. "

" Oh come on, hyung. Don't be too sad about losing to Y/N, Jisung always liked new things. "

" Let me introduce you to some thangs. "

Jeno shut Chenle up with a slice of beef within the second he finished the verse of 127's new song.

" Sorry, he's always been like that. " Jeno said with apologetic eyes.

" Don't worry, Hyuck told me everything about Chenle's crush on Taeyong. "

" Everyone has a crush on Taeyong hyung, ask Jisung. "

" The both of you are weird, case closed."

After dinner, we decided to watch a movie.

Hyuck and Chenle settled on some horror movie called Polaroid.

All of us were wedged on the sofa except for Chenle and Jisung who settled for sitting on the carpeted floor.

I was happily munching on my oreos when a sudden jump scare caught me off guard.

I basically jumped into Jaemin's lap when it happened.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to do that. "

" It's okay. It's called horror for a reason. "

He put his arm around my shoulders.

" There's nothing to be scared of with me around. "

Even though he meant that to be flirty, it still warmed my heart.

From then on, my attention was no longer fully on the movie in front of me. I started noticing little details of Jaemin tonight.

The way his pink sweater matches so well with his fair skin and the feeling of his broad shoulders whenever I leaned onto them.

The scent of Jaemin's cotton fragrance reminded me of waking up on my comfy bed, everything about Jaemin tonight makes my heart soft.

I barely noticed that the movie ended as Renjun announced that we were going to watch a drama that he wanted to watch for a long time.

I always got sleepy during dramas as they just aren't my genre of movies, and this time was no exception.

The only difference from this time and all the other times was the warmth and support I had beside me as I dozed off to slumber.

[carrottuan93]

Haven’t met you yet | Mark

Masterlist (3/4) | part1 - part2 - part4

Starring: MK x You

Tags: Mark Tuan, Fluff, Destiny, Waiting, Christmas, Bookworm, Nerd, Love, Fate

Total WC: 2194

You nearly puked your guts out to the sight of Jackson sticking to Eunhee and hugging her like forever has been robbed from them. You failed to confide to your best friend about what happened to you in the last 24 hours. So as not to spoil their couple time together, you chose to not disturb them and just mingle with all the kids in the sweet treats section. You love kids so much you play Santa and distributed macarons to each one of them. As expected, most of your close friends and guests brought their own boyfriends, if not, their own husbands and it was a nice show to witness, with sarcasm aside. Thanks to Jackson’s little cousins, they keep you entertained with their bubbly personality.

 “One with the kids, sure you’re missing the party in the adult section, no?” The sight of a guy clad in a formal white dress shirt, tucked in a black denim pants partnered with a classic chuck taylor, and a gray winter coat, welcomed your eyes. Guys who dress fashionably is such a head turner for you.

“Actually, they keep me company so I’m having fun to be honest.” You replied, feeling all the weird sensation cascading across your spine. You feel a bit nauseous whenever guys approach you. You don’t know if you even want to be with a guy right now, after your embarrassing experience last night.

 “My cousins here are a bunch of nuisance, you’ll get tired of them soon.” He picked one matcha macaron from the aisle and took a bite of it. You observed his expression. A smile crept up to his face and you caught sight of Eunhee in a distant, gossiping to Jackson that you’re having a moment with his cousin. You certainly know that they’re mentally pairing you up already and you are growing nervous about the plans that they are possibly plotting behind your back.

 “You like it? I bought them all the way from a café near my workplace that sells classic macarons just like the original ones from Paris.” He nodded in approval as you watch him took another piece, this time it’s strawberry. That’s your favorite flavor among the rest and you can really tell that the sweet tooth runs on Jackson’s bloodline by how his cousins, from the little chubby ones and the grown up beside you, munch on your favorite treat.

 “I never really eat macarons, but you introduced me into it. You deserve a recognition, uhm?” He lifted his hand for a handshake. He doesn’t know your name yet so you took his hand and introduced yourself right away.

 “It’s Y/n, Eunhee’s best friend. Thank you for the recognition by the way. Well, you come here with a date?” You’re mentally tiptoeing above the thin ice. It’s better to assume that this cute guy over here is already taken, I mean with his looks, he's totally a charmer, you thought to yourself.

 “I didn’t bring anyone with me, so I assume you also come along on your own, no?” Green light. Okay, you need to calm down. This isn’t like any of your past blind dates but first meetups are usually nerve wracking and scary so you played the innocent heroine that you are and chose to just go with the flow seeing how Eunhee and Jackson are staring at you maliciously from Mark’s back, you know they were able to receive the death notes you are sending them via telepathy.

 “That explains it.” It’s not that you had a thing with cute guys, but maybe you just discovered it right now. You can tell he’s a decent one, a cool and random Asian-American import from the west and maybe if you’re an ice cream, you already turned into liquid by the way he stares at you.

 “I don’t know anything about you yet, but would you trust a complete stranger to celebrate your Christmas eve with? If you’re up for it, we’ll leave this party right away because I can tell that you’re going to get sick from all these couples outnumbering us.” Have you been a good girl this year? You didn’t include this guy on your Christmas list but Santa rewarded you without even asking for it.

 “I’m putting my trust on you knowing that Jackson is a good guy so does his cousin. I'll sue him and he’ll answer for the damages and fines in case you failed to bring me back in good shape.” You both let out a hefty chuckle earning glares from your best friend and her boyfriend. You’ve decided to pursue your spontaneous trip with Mark and the next thing you know you’re already closing the front door upon your exit even before the two of them could react to your great and grand escape.

  ----

  He took you on a ride away from the busy and bustling streets of Seoul. You're thrilled to find out that he actually brought you to Namsan Tower, the highest peak in the city. You're awed expression cannot suffice the picturesque panoramic scenery of Seoul unfolding in front of your very eyes when you entered the observatory on the top most floor. You were unable to talk all of a sudden and your heart is brimming with unexplained strings of emotion as you kept on taking pictures and videos of the breathtaking place that sent your eyes into a food coma.

 "I only went to N tower once, or maybe twice but that was during the day and I have no idea that this is how it looks at night. It's a miss, nobody will be able to witness this scene on a Christmas eve the way we're seeing it right now." You forgot about your shameful episodes of last night's happenings and your worries disappeared in just an instant.

 "I kind of paid for tonight's reservation when I arrived here in Korea a week ago, with the hopes of spending Christmas only to myself. Consider yourself lucky, you've managed to join me on this one-time event. Heck, the price I paid for is totally worth it. Come here and try this." He urged you to look on the telescope, and to your surprise, you're taking in every aspect of the city in a bird's eye perspective. Everything you look at is really stunning. Like you never really imagined that perfection exists for real until tonight and you're experiencing it with a random guy whom you've only met an hour ago. Your eyes met his and you wished you aren't redder than a rotten tomato for looking like a lost deer caught on a headlight.

 "The view here is really pretty.” He gave you a smile, too charming for your own consumption.

“It really is.” He’s even prettier than the view. You can only sense your guy-o-meter raising for Mark. Good lord, is this a sign? Your mind is now ready to tick the ideal guy boxes on your list.

 “We shouldn't keep this New York style pizza from waiting while it is hot.” He chuckled, like the cute kid that he is. There is something with his unique laugh that you really don’t mind hearing at all. Is he older than me? Please, I don’t want to date someone younger than me.

 “Okay, sure kid.” You followed him as he sat on the ground in a dimly lit room radiating a romantic atmosphere under the starry and chilly skies of Seoul. This is not a date, but a friendly escape out of boredom planned by two single hearts on a Christmas eve. As if you’re two partners in crime, sitting on one of the highest skyscrapers in town, while sharing a box of pizza. It’s just that you aren’t Bonnie and neither he is your Clyde but you're loving the idea of him as someone whom you can rely on.

 “I’m older than you, silly.” The sight of a wine bottle behind him caught your attention and wondered where it came from. He noticed you eyeing the prize so he did the honor and poured you a glass of wine while you’re devouring your slice of pizza. You never imagined that eating pizza is too romantic and one for the books.

 “Any proof that you’re actually above 25? Cause you really look young. With that face, you can qualify for a student discount on public transports and still save money for your commute.” You want to make sure that he’s at least 5 years older than you. You prefer dating someone older than you because they always say that a guy's maturity is a year delayed for his age.

 “Trust me, I just know. I’m old enough to buy a house and enter into casinos, I guess.” He gave you a wink and you felt a gush of strong wind blew your senses away. He’s totally a Romeo and you took a swig of wine while observing him secretly.

 “So you’re a gambler? I might have been spending my time with some kind of a mafia leader and still have no clue about it.” He’s laughing at it again. I might have a talent with making cute guys laugh and that’s an asset I only discovered right now.

 “What, no! But my dad is a big spender in casinos. My duty is to look out for him and take him home before he could even bet our fortune with his leisure. I could always hear him say ‘It has gotta be all or nothing’. He’s born for taking risks and maybe I got that gene from him that’s why.” He stretched his legs and sat like he’s on a photoshoot. He’s not a model but he can beat the professional ones even without the need for screening.

 “What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your life so far?” You folded your legs as you watch him wonder with his eyes fixed on the ceiling. He poured a glass for himself and you noticed that he used the same glass that you drink on.

 “I believe we’re taking risks everyday in our lives. The only difference is the distance of our leap towards taking or not taking chances at all. Like when you’re playing a game, everything starts with equal opportunities. It’s a race to the witch mountain. The first one to gamble takes it all. You gotta be the predator of every tournament and you gotta be the last one standing in a survival of the fittest. If you’re brave enough to take the earliest start, you can use that advantage to ace your end game. It’s all about timing and investing. Win or lose streak. There is no such thing as a grey area when it comes to taking risks. You don’t get to tie with anybody. Either you’ll win or lose. You just have to trust your instincts and roll your dice like everyday is your last day on earth. If I go for something, I go all in. No half-baked decisions. Because my father taught me that risks equates to rewards and I’m all up for the extremes of both worlds. That’s the one thing I’m best at. I know how to play the game nice and fair because I know how to measure the corners of a square and even the distance around the circle which is not visible to the naked eye. After all, he considers me as his lucky charm. That explains my presence to his endless casino nights. And he hardly ever loses if I’m with him. Sure, Pops are probably waiting for me at our doorstep in LA right now. Too bad, his son is on the other side of the world, taking his own risk of a lifetime.” You left with no words to say. He’s too deep, a food for the soul. Guys like him are the ones that can be displayed in museums. He’s a delicate art and nobody should be allowed to touch him but the curator. And you’d want to take that role.

 “What if you lose? If you go all in and you lose everything all at once? Have you experienced it already?” you asked, admiring the tiny mole sitting under his left eye. You decided to take your second glass of wine.

 “The best thing about losing is that you’ve tried. I don’t take failures as an excuse for not trying again and taking another risk the next day. If I lose, so what? That only means you’re brave because you grow stronger with every fall that you take. Like a bamboo tree, it only bends but it doesn’t break. Life is all about swimming against the current of uncertainties and finding yourself floating on top of your insecurities.” As if he’s summarizing all the lessons in life, you’d always want to go for the front seat. He’s a walking self-help book, and maybe Mark Manson’s book of ‘the subtle art of not giving a fuck’ would have to sit longer in my shelf for the meantime. I got a risk-taker author Mark, right here and I got nothing to worry about.

[coolkat122]

On The Case: L x Reader (Death Note AU Pilot)

Fandom: Death Note

Character: L

Setting: AU

_________________________

I was getting ready to do my performance for the show, putting on my makeup and making sure my hair was just right till I looked perfect and ready to go, and I was right on time too because one of the stage helpers came to let me know it was time for me.

I smiled and nodded as I got up from my seat and went onto the stage acting my heart, putting everything I had into my performance. And judging from the audience's reactions they were loving it, it made me want to smile but I couldn't that would be breaking character and I just couldn't do that. 

Some time passed and finally the show ended and the actors (including me) stood on the stage and bowed as they flew flowers our way and applauded our performance. I looked out into the audience smiling when I saw a face I never thought I would see for the rest of my life.

He was more wrinklier than I remembered with extra added white to their hair, his dark blue eyes stared at me with mix emotions but I didn't care I quickly departed from the stage heading to my dressing room and as I was about to undress the very person I didn't want to see got in.

I glared feeling beyond piss as he stood by the door. "What are you doing here?" He looked of to the side ashamed before straighten his posture and holding his head high.

"It's been years and I came here to apologi-" I clenched my fist not caring in the slightest to let him finish his sentence.

"I don't care! You can take your apology and shove it" Feeling angry I stepped closer to him with tears threatening to fall but I held them back not wanting to let a single one fall in front of this bastard. 

"Four, four years" I threw up my hand holding up a four. "And now is when you came back? Why huh? It's not because you love me or want your daughter back, you made it pretty clear you didn't want me in your life the day you disowned me" I looked away for a split second as I recalled the events of that day.

"You only came here because you want to sucker me into the family business and I want no part of it, all I want to do is act" I pointed to the door. "Now leave!"  He was reluctant but eventually did so, closing the door quietly.

I gave my back to the door and stood there for a few minutes before getting changed and left heading home, it was a one bedroom apartment and kind of small but enough for me but that's probably because I don't spend much time in here. It's mostly spent outside at the park or somewhere I can comfortably practice my lines. 

I tossed my keys onto the stand as I took off my shoes heading directly for my chair by the dinner table, I placed my elbow onto the table and my cheek on my palm as I looked down onto the faded green table as I thought back to that day.

"ENOUGH! You are to take over the business" My Father shouted as I had just got back from an audition that he some how found out about.

"But I don't want too Dad! I want to be a famo-" I was cut off by angered Father.

"You will do no such thing!"

"Watch me!" I marched towards the door.

"If you step outside that door you will be dead to me" I paused for a second as I registered his words, I thought it over and with a quick flick of my wrist I turned the doorknob and opening the door.

"Then I'll tell Mother you said hello" I stepped out slamming the door behind me.

That was four years ago and this is the first time since then that he's contacted me so forgive me if I feel that it's too little too late,as I am now I want nothing to do with him. I just don't believe he's changed, I'm sure he just wants me back so he can force me back into the stupid business. 

I don't want to run it, it's not my dream and obviously not what I want for my life. I sighed getting up and heading to bed without dinner, seeing him made me lose my apatite.

If I had any dreams I sure don't remember them as I woke up and did my morning routine before heading out , I made the usual stops before heading to work when I arrived their were cops all over the place. I ran over to Misa a fellow actor who was standing by watching the police and questioned her on what was going on.

"Oh ____ they found a dead guy in the backstage... in your dressing room" My eyes widen as I turned back to the building and spotted the body.

"Dad?" I ran over to him, shock to see him in such a state. It made me regret turning him away and not letting him say his piece who knows maybe he wasn't trying to get me back in the business but rather just trying to have his daughter back in his life? I don't know but...but seeing him lying dead just made me wish I gave him a chance maybe he would be alive right now, maybe we could have started over.

"Ma'm was it your dressing room that his man was found in?" I nodded and he pulled me aside for questioning it almost seemed like I was a suspect and I get why, he was my Father and we were not on good terms and he was found in my dressing room yeah not exactly looking like I'm innocent here.

But they didn't arrest me or anything since there was no evidence pointing towards me plenty of people saw me head home especially since I signed some autographs on my way there so I was free to go. 

They assured me that they would do their best to catch whoever did it but it wasn't enough, I mean no offense to them but most of their case are left unsolved, I needed someone with a good track record someone I was sure could solve this thing and catch my Father's murder.

But who? I had intentions of going to a nearby library and look up the best detectives around with some very thorough research I found someone that fit what I was looking for. I immediately went to their base of operation, it was a very nice looking place on a semi-empty street. 

It was mostly all bricks and a beautiful white door with a golden color knob, I knocked on the door and with the slightest touch it opened and I know I shouldn't enter without permission but I did anyway. It was poorly lit and it stayed that way till I made a left turn and saw a single light source emitting for a doorless doorway.

I head to it with caution feeling slightly frighten that this could be like a show I did a few weeks back where this female went into the home of a stranger when she saw his door open only to find the man strangled not exactly the same reason why I entered but enough matched for my mind to think of it. And it was making me more than a little scared.

When I reached the doorway I spotted a male surround by sweets on the floor with a laptop as the only source of light in the room. He must have heard me because the odd sitting male bent his neck back to look at me as he raised a piece of candy above his lips before dropping them in.

Once he was finished with the candy in his mouth he spoke.

"We're closed"...

—- -

This is a failed pilot that I might restart at some point idk