#i need more tickets he getting bloomed this week

[snail-scholar]

WE GOT THE BOY! I REPEAT: WE GOT THE BOY!

you're next,bingus.

[inthe-dark-tonight]

what she wants, anywhere

frankie morales x f!reader

summary: trying to hide the fact that you're horny from frankie while on an international flight leads to unexpectedly joining the mile high club

word count: 4.4k

warnings: E (18+ mdni!!!) dubcon, smut, porn w very little plot, pet names, established relationship, unsafe p in v, airplane sex, slight breeding kink (special just for cami hehe) creampie, reader uses frankie's hand to try and get off, no mention of age gap so read how you’d like :)

notes: this idea has been in my head for a few months but I never really knew how i wanted to write it, then an unreleased harry styles song came on shuffle (complicated freak - iykyk) and that just kinda fed the brainrot even more and…. now here we are. i'm also very aware that this is pretty unrealistic but it's fic so!! also let's pretend that airplane bathrooms aren't super gross i'm sorry. thank you to the loml @javiscigarette for always beta reading and listening to my insane rambling, i don’t know what i would do without you and our single shared braincell ILYSM xo

i also hit a new follower milestone this past week so i just want to say an extra big thank you to everyone that reads, likes, comments, reblogs or follows 🤍 enjoy!! :)

You and Frankie have had this trip planned for almost 6 months now, the two of you needing a vacation from work and day to day life. Now the only thing standing between the two of you and a week long vacation in Italy is an eight and a half hour flight. 

From the second you got to the airport you were on edge, worried about your bags, your tickets, your passports, if you had forgotten anything in your carry on, up until you got to security when you finally calmed down. When you got up to the belt, Frankie grabbed a few plastic bins throwing both of your carry ons into one as you removed your jacket and shoes. As you stuffed everything into your bin, you glanced over at him, watching him intently as he started to take his jacket off. 

You watched the way his biceps flexed as he slipped his jacket off of his broad shoulders and tossed it into the bin. Next he removed his hat, running his calloused fingers through his tousled curls, pushing them back before preparing to remove his belt. At that point you were noticeably gawking at him, watching the way his thick fingers unfastened his belt buckle before rapidly pulling it out the belt loops of his jeans and tossing it into the bin as well.

He looked over at you, giving you a quick once over before asking, “That everything?”

You weren’t able to conjure up any words, just a quick mhm and a nod of your head as you two moved forward. When he stepped into the metal detector, your eyes were glued to him the whole time. As he lifted his hands above his head, his shirt lifted the slightest bit, causing a small sliver of his soft tummy to peek out. A warmth started to build deep in your core from that moment forward. 

Once the two of you were through security, he slipped his belt back on followed by his jacket. You swiped his hat before he could grab it, quickly stuffing it into your carry on. 

He laughed, head tilting to the side as the dimple on his cheek deepened. “C’mon” he shot you a look. “Give it.” He held his large hand out towards you. 

“We’re inside now, don’t need it.” You smiled at him sweetly, a warmth blooming in your chest as his eyes met yours. 

He grunted, grabbing your bags with a small smile still plastered on his face before turning to walk towards your gate. Your eyes are glued to him as you walk, keeping a few steps behind him. 

By the time you finally sit down at your gate, the heat in your lower stomach has grown even more and Frankie is painfully unaware of the way you’re watching him, desire growing each second. The terminal was crowded and there weren’t many seats, so you sat across from him a bit upset at the distance while also enjoying the view of your man.

You sit across from him with a book in your hand, legs crossed as you peeked up over the top of your book every now and then to admire him. He was leaning back in the chair, one arm on the armrest and the other casually resting between his legs, right where you want him most. His legs were spread wide, hair perfectly tousled, one leg bouncing from nerves and brows furrowed as he focused on something on his phone. How could you possibly not stare? 

He caught you once, eyes lingering on him a little too long, causing heat to rise from for chest up to your cheeks. Your eyes roamed up his body, checking him out, before locking with his own as he shifted in his seat. 

Hm? He raised his brows, a smirk growing on his face. 

You quickly shook your head, looking back down at your book as a shy smile formed on your face. 

Boarding the plane went by quickly. You stood close to him as you waited for your group to be called and he wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you into his side. The comforting feeling of his warm body pressed against yours worked you up even more, if that was even possible, and Frankie held your hand the whole time during take off.  

Now you're seated on the plane, his thigh resting against yours, fighting the urge to keep your hands off of him and satisfy the throbbing need in your core. He’s surely noticed the way you’ve been squirming in your seat, crossing and uncrossing your legs a million times and the not so subtle staring. 

You turn on the screen in front of you, switching to the live map and checking the time on the screen. It’s only been 45 minutes, this is going to be impossible. You clear your throat and let out a deep sigh as you look out the window at the dark sky, only a small peek of blue light shining over the horizon now. 

“What’s wrong?” Frankie’s soft voice in your ear startles you slightly as you turn to see him leaning in close to you. “You nervous?” He moves his hand to rest on your thigh. 

You swallow before answering. “No.” You blurt out causing him to raise his brow in curiosity. “I mean, it’s not that.” Your eyes land on his lips after the last word leaves your mouth. 

“Then what is it?” He rubs your thigh lightly and you bite the inside of your cheek. 

He sounds concerned, but there’s no way you’re telling him that you’re horny with 7 hours left of this flight. All you can do is hope that as the time passes  the ache in your core dulls, or better yet goes away. 

“Just-“ you try to think of an excuse on the spot. “Excited actually.” You smile up at him and he returns it, the dimple on his cheek growing. 

“We’ll be there soon baby, the flight will be over before you know it.” He lifts his hand from your thigh and rests it on your cheek, rubbing your soft skin with his thumb before pecking your lips. 

You nod in agreement, closing your eyes as you toss your head back and lean into your seat. If he only knew.

You’ve been looking out the window for who knows how long, the lights in the cabin are low, almost completely off now, and the flight attendants haven’t walked up the aisles in almost half an hour. You look at the time on your phone again, only two hours in, how is that possible? The ache in your core hasn’t subsided.  

You look over at Frankie watching a movie on the screen in front of him, Top Gun, before reaching for your carry-on bag under the seat in front of you. You grab the sweater you stuffed into it and throw it across your lap. 

“Cold?” Frankie’s voice is soft yet gravely as he leans in close to you, whispering for just the two of you to hear. 

You look at him, eyes slightly widening. “Yeah.” You aren’t lying, the cabin is chilly, but that’s only half of the truth. 

His tongue darts out to wet his lips as he takes in your features in the low light. You scoot closer to him, leaning into his side as you get comfortable. Frankie smiles and plants a kiss on your temple before turning his attention back to the screen in front of him. You lay your head on his shoulder, wrapping your arms around his bicep as you watch the movie with him. 

It’s not long before you’re distracted again, letting go of your grip on his arm and laying back in your seat. Your eyes linger on the way his pants hug his thighs. He’s not wearing his jacket anymore, the way he’s sitting with his arms crossed give you a  full view of his strong forearms and biceps.

You’re not sure how much longer you can ignore the heat pooling in your stomach. You decide to test something and reach your right hand over to rub the side of his thigh, resting there for a moment. He doesn’t move, eyes still on the screen, and you take that as a sign to keep going. You slowly inch closer towards where his cock is confined in his pants, resting your hand on the inside of his thigh and keeping it there for a few moments. He doesn’t react, but you hear his breathing picking up. 

As you start to rub small circles on the inside of his thigh and inch ever so slightly closer to where his member is hidden, he grabs your wrist. 

“What are you doing?” He whispers. 

His large hand is still wrapped around your wrist as you lean in, resting your chin on his shoulder as you look up at him. “Nothing.” That’s a lie, and he knows it.

“Querida...” His eyes burn through you as he stares back at you. He knows. 

You clear your throat and tilt your head up to whisper in his ear. “I’ve been worked up since we went through security.”  

“Hm.” He nods his head, the deep vibration causes goosebumps to raise on your skin.

You pull back and he looks into your eyes again. His hand finds yours on your lap, warm as it wraps around yours and squeezes lightly. 

“Once we land and get to the hotel, promise.” He raises his hand to rest on your cheek and plants a feather light kiss on your lips. 

You let out a small sigh as his hand moves from yours to rest on his lap and you turn to look out the window, trying to distract yourself from the pool of heat that burns in the pit of your stomach.

You’re not sure how much time has passed now, when you look over at Frankie his eyes are shut, mouth slightly parted as you admire his features. A small smile forms in your face as your eyes roam over him, landing on his hand still resting on his lap. 

At that exact moment, an idea comes to your mind. Something that could possibly give you a small amount of relief. For now. It’s not your best idea, but it could work. 

You look back up at his face as you reach over to rest your hand over his, he doesn’t open his eyes. You stay still for a moment, making sure you won’t wake him from the movement. When you think the time is right, you lift his hand, quickly resting it on your lap. Your eyes land on where his hand now lays over your sweater on your lap, so close to the dull thrumming at your core. You bite your lip and look back over to be sure he hasn’t woken up, you smile at the way his soft lashes rest on the tops of his cheeks as he rests, a warmth spreading through your chest. 

You keep your eyes on him as you slowly move his hand underneath where your sweater lays to rest on your inner thigh. His warm hand burns straight through the fabric of your pants, causing your skin to heat up from the touch, and your stomach to churn. He still hasn’t opened his eyes, so you take that as a safe sign to keep going, slowly moving his hand up your thigh until it rests over your clothed heat. 

A low whimper escapes your throat and your eyes widen at the realization, looking back over at where Frankie lays with his eyes shut. You watch him take a deep breath, letting out a sigh as he shifts slightly in his seat, head rolling slightly to the side as he stirs. You stay still for a few seconds, making sure he hasn’t woken from your movements. 

You look away from him, back to where his hand is touching you under your sweater, and you begin to press the heel of his hand into your clothed cunt. You let out a long, relieved breath from your nose and your eyes fall shut. The pressure of his large warm hand resting over your sensitive nub is just enough to give you some of the relief you were looking for, but it’s not enough. 

You take a deep breath before grinding yourself against the palm of his hand in a slow rocking motion that causes the seam of your pants to rub over your clit. Trying your best to be quiet, you bite into your cheek as your hips buck forward. A low groan escapes your throat and you let out a shaky breath. 

You're lost in the moment, relishing in the feeling of his large, warm hand resting over your clothed sex as you grind into it. Suddenly you feel him move and your heart leaps into your throat. His arm tenses up, hand grabbing at your clothed cunt as he applies more pressure than before. Your eyes fly open wide and you turn to look into his own. Heavy lidded as a small smirk forms on his face in the dim lighting, he leans in closer to you. 

“Bathroom at the back of the plane. I’ll be there in five.” He says slowly, just above a whisper. 

You blink, mouth agape as his words sink in. “W-what?” You watch the way his chest rapidly rises and falls as you wait for his response. 

“Now.” He presses harder into your clothed core before pulling his hand away.

You let out a gasp, reaching for your seat buckle as fast as you can before standing up. As you squeeze past him and make your way into the aisle, you take a quick glance around to look for the flight attendants. They're nowhere to be found, and as you walk towards the back of the plane you notice that almost everyone on the plane is asleep, has their nose in a book or eyes glued to something on the screen in front of them. You try not to walk too quickly as you make your way towards the back of the plane where the vacancy sign is glowing brightly. 

Your heart is racing and you feel giddy as you approach the door, pulling it open and stepping inside before closing it behind you. As you wait in the small stall for Frankie, you stand there for a moment with your back against the door, eyes falling shut as you take a deep breath in anticipation for what may happen next. Then you hear a light knocking on the door, causing you to flinch as you reach to pull the door open. 

Without giving you a second to think, Frankie pushes the door open causing you to step back, closing the door behind him and locking it before guiding you towards the sink. It's a tight fit with the two of you in there but right now you could care less. He presses close to you, causing your lower back to press into the small plastic sink as his hand flies down to grab you where you're wet and aching for him, the other grabbing your wrist. 

He leans in, nose grazing your cheek before speaking low in your ear. “This what you wanted?” His voice sends a shock straight to your core as he applies more pressure where he's caressing your clothed core, causing a moan to slip from your mouth.

“Frankie,” you say breathlessly. 

“Shhh.” his hand leaves your wrist to lightly cover your mouth. “Gotta be quiet for me baby, don’t want anyone to catch us committing a fucking felony now do we?” A small smirk covers his lips and your chest flutters with excitement at his words.

You look up at him with wide eyes and shake your head, then he removes his hand from your mouth and plants a needy kiss to your lips. Your eyes close and you melt into it, hands gripping his shoulders as his tongue parts your lips to tangle with your own. You press against him, slightly bucking your hips to feel the growing bulge in his pants. He groans before breaking the kiss, pulling away to catch his breath as his eyes roam over you. His large hands grab at your waist as he looks back into your eyes.

“Turn around.” you do as he says, turning your back to him and pressing your hips flush against the tiny sink while your hands grab onto the edge bracing yourself. 

Frankie’s large hands land back on your hips, smoothing over the fabric of your jeans to rest on your ass for a moment, squeezing lightly before moving back to your hips. he presses his hardening cock into your ass and lets out a low grunt as your eyes flutter shut, your head falling forward as you sigh.

His hands leave your hips and you hear the sound of his belt buckle. “Gotta make this quick.”  his voice is low and gruff, you lift your head to look at him through the mirror in front of you.

You watch him as he looks down between the two of you to unbutton his own jeans, stray curls falling onto his forehead. His muscles flex, the fabric of his shirt stretching as he pulls his jeans down just enough for his cock to spring out. His head snaps back up, dark eyes meeting yours in the mirror. His hands snake around to the front of you, reaching for the button on your pants, his thick fingers moving quickly to undo it before pulling at your zipper. 

His eyes never leave yours as he tugs your pants down just enough to expose the soft skin of your ass along with your soaked heat. Your mouth falls open as his hand moves towards your core and you stifle a moan as his fingers start to glide through your slick folds, his other hand resting back on your hip.

“Been thinking about me filling you up this whole time, huh?” You take in a deep breath, pressing your lips together as you try to hold in a moan. “Thinking about me filling you to the fucking brim with my cum?” 

You frantically nod your head, unable to form a single word. Frankie watches you through the mirror as your head falls back onto his shoulder and you press yourself back into him. A small gasp leaves your mouth as you feel his stiff cock press against your bare ass. He starts to rub small, slow circles on your clit and you raise your head to look at him through the mirror again. Your eyes immediately meet with his having never left you, and you watch him as he leans in closer to you.

“Wish there was time for me to taste this perfect pussy.” His nose grazes the side of your cheek, his low voice vibrating through your whole body. 

You bite your lip trying to keep quiet, squeezing your eyes shut as he applies more pressure to your swollen clit. You also wish there was time. He plants a kiss on your neck, scruff slightly scratching you as his warm lips press against your skin. It’s like he read your mind.

“Once we get to the hotel, I promise.” He lightly squeezes your hip, pulling his other hand away from your sensitive nub causing you to hold your breath. “Bend over for me baby.” 

You do as he says, bracing yourself on the sink once again as you slightly lean forward. One of his hands stays on your hip, the other lines his cock up with your soaking wet entrance. Your eyes are still glued to him in the mirror, your beautiful man. He’s focused as you watch him, and when you feel his tip slowly start to press in, you watch the way his face relaxes. You close your eyes, relishing in the feeling of him slowly filling you to the brim.  

“Fuck.” You watch as his head falls back, a blissful look on his face. “Feel so good cariño.” 

He stays still for a moment, taking in the feeling of your wet cunt pulsing around him. You’re not sure how long you’ve been in here, but you know that the two of you should hurry up before someone notices what’s going on. You wiggle your ass back and forth against Frankie to try and get his attention as you bite your bottom lip while looking up at him through the mirror. 

He lifts his head up, dark eyes meeting with yours. A deep almost growl comes from deep in his chest as he pulls out and slams his cock back into you. Your body jolts forward, mouth falling open as you brace yourself for his brutal pace. You’re not sure how long you’ll last, the feeling of his cock pumping in and out of you bringing you so close to the release you’ve been waiting for. 

You watch him in the mirror, transfixed on the way his biceps strain the fabric of his shirt as he holds onto your waist for dear life. The feeling of his cock splitting you open so perfect. He leans down and wraps an arm around your torso, pulling you to stand straight up with your back against him as he continues to fuck you at the same brutal pace. 

His hand roams over your body and his eyes follow, finding the hem of your shirt as he slips his large hand beneath it. You press further back into him, a sigh leaving your mouth at the feeling of his warm skin against yours. 

“Francisco…” You murmur. 

His hand continues to travel up your body, leaving goosebumps in its trail up towards your breasts. You suck in a breath as his hand finds the cup of your bra, slipping underneath to caress the soft skin of your breast. He’s still staring at you in the mirror, tracing over your soft skin and curves with his eyes as he moves his hand to lift your shirt up to your chin. 

“So beautiful,” he whispers right beside your ear. “Look at you.” 

You’re just looking at him, the way his large hand is splayed over your chest, the light flush on his cheeks from being cramped in this stuffy bathroom, and the way his hair has fallen over his forehead. The coil in your stomach is ready to snap, any second now as he slows down his thrusts. He can feel it, the way your walls flutter around his thick cock. His hand slides back down your chest, stopping to rest on your stomach as he holds you against him.

“Come for me, come on baby.” His deep voice travels straight through you to your core. 

“Oh my-” Frankie’s hand flys up to cover your mouth before you can finish. 

“Shhh, quiet.” The vibration of his deep voice whispering in your ear sends you over the edge and a white hot feeling spreads through your body, radiating from your core as your orgasm takes over. 

“There you go.” He whispers, nose grazing your cheek as he speaks. 

Your hand reaches behind you to pull at the curls on the nape of his neck and you squeeze around him as your orgasm comes to an end. He lets out a deep moan as he buries his face into your neck, muffling the sound. He thrust one last time, stopping when he bottoms out, hot cum spurting out and filling you up. His shoulders rise and fall as he catches his breath, head still buried in your shoulder and your head lays back on his. Both of his arms are wrapped around your torso and you rest yours over his, squeezing his forearms lightly as he stays there for a moment longer, making sure all of his seed stays put. 

He kisses your neck before lifting his head up and looking between the two of you as he pulls out, pulling your underwear back on quickly to make sure his come stays put. His hands rest on your hips as you fix your shirt. You slide your pants back on and spin around to face him as he buttons his pants, watching the way his fingers move. A smile forms on your face as you watch him, a warmth growing in your chest. 

“Hm?” He looks up at you through his lashes as he fixes his belt.

You shake your head, reaching to rest your hands on his shoulders as you kiss him. He sucks in a deep breath, making a content sound as he kisses you back and wraps his arms tightly around you. When he breaks the kiss, his eyes roam your features before speaking. 

“We should go back.” One of his hands comes up to caress your cheek and he pecks your lips one last time. 

“You go first.” You lean into his touch, squeezing his broad shoulders. 

His thumb rubs your cheek before pulling away and turning to pull the door open. He slips out, quietly closing the door behind him. Once he’s gone you turn towards the mirror to fix yourself up and wash your hands before going back to your seat. You replay what just happened in your mind as you wait a few minutes to leave. 

Once you think it’s safe to leave, you slip back out into the dark cabin. You glance around, still no flight attendants in sight as you make your way back to the aisle where Frankie is sitting and waiting for you. A smirk forms on his face as you squeeze in front of him to take your seat at the window. You get comfortable, resting your head on his shoulder as his hand finds a spot on your lap and you close your eyes. As you start to drift off you feel Frankie shift in his seat. 

“Don’t think I forgot about my promise either.” He whispers for just you to hear. 

Your chest flutters, a quiet laugh leaves your mouth before you drift to sleep. Only 5 more hours, you’re almost sure you can wait this time.

thank you for reading <3 any feedback is appreciated and my asks are open!! xo

tagging a few moots: @ilovepedro @gracieheartsspedro @sapphic-gardn @northernbluess @tieronecrush @joelsversion @pr0ximamidnight @daydreamingmiller @hearteyesforjoel <3

[shegatsby]

Hey,

may I request a Hannibal soulmate au one-shot, where he has to touch his soulmate in order to see the world in colour. One day at the FBI headquaters Jack invites an FBI agent and friend from another state, to help with the case. While she‘s walking towards Jack she accidentaly brushes Hannibal and their world explodes in colour? After that he goes all out courting her

A/N Hi! Kept you waiting I knowww but I was going through a shitty break up. He did me dirty and he has to pay. Anyways enjoy! Love you all, im gonna be more consistent i promise.

Y/N got a ticket to Baltimore Maryland in a rush because her long time friend, the head of the FBI’s Maryland branch had requested her insights and expertise on the matter. There was a killer on the loose and he had already taken 3 lives. Jack wasn’t a man who usually would ask for help so if it came to that it means that the situation was getting out of control and it also means that if they can’t solve it soon the citizens of Maryland would protest, it would look bad on the FBI. She was thinking about these things as she was gazing around, she was used to seeing things in black and white, that’s what she was born with anyways so she wasn’t complaining. She had a can drive her to her hotel which FBI provided. After freshening up she decided to get few cups of coffee to make a good impression. There was a possibility that she might spend weeks with them. She remembered a café shop she used to go to so she called another cab and gave the address.

The café was the same which gave her comfort, she ordered 5 cups and as she was waiting she looked around her, couples drinking coffee together and eating dessert, if only she could see them in colors… over the years she had relationships but none of them were her soulmate of course they were nice but just nice nothing more. She was losing hope inside, maybe her soulmate had died before she could meet him, deep down she envied people who were in a soulmate bond, of course she had married friends and she could see that they were sorry for her which made her hate and detest this shoulmate bond, she found it useless and a myth. It had been years she stopped searching and she was having casual hook ups, just to satisfy her needs.  

‘’Thank you.’’ She smiled kindly to the barista and got the cup carrier and left the place, thankfully the driver waited for her to take her to the FBI quarters.

As she entered the building she was greeted by Alana Bloom, she had met Alana years ago and they never lost contact, ‘’I feel sorry to meet in such circumstances Y/N, but I’m glad you’re here.’’ She looked so professional every time Y/N saw her and it amazed her, Alana was a kind of woman who was always put together, professional and formal. Y/N just smiled and nodded at her comment, ‘’Here, I brought coffee.’’ Alana got one of the cups and drank as they got on the elevator, ‘’Hmm delicious.’’ They were making small conversation as the elevator door opened to Jack’s floor. ‘’How is he?’’ Y/N asked before entering the room, ‘’Pissed off.’’ She simply put it, just as Y/N thought. Alana opened the door to Jack’s office, he was placed on his black chair, in a suit. He had his colleagues he had mentioned in the email, Will Graham and Doctor Hannibal Lecter. They both stood up as they saw Elena and Y/N, ‘’Hi guys.’’ She greeted them, ‘’I brought coffee.’’

The one with the glasses she assumed Will huffed, ‘’I needed that.’’ And got his cup, extended one to  Jack, Doctor Lecter was a bit standing far so Y/N approached, ‘’Here you go.’’ She extended the cup, ‘’Thank you so much Ms. Y/L/N, I am Doctor Hannibal Lecter. It is a pleasure finally meeting you in flesh.’’ His smile was small, she noticed how formal he was and how dominant. As he raised his hand to get the cup from her their fingers lightly brushed and with that Y/N noticed the color of his eyes, deep maroon, and his brown suit, her eyes went wide in that moment, she felt something warm on her stomach, how was this possible? She could see colors after years of seeing everything and everyone black and white. That tiny moment felt like it lasted for eternity, they all heard Jack’s cough and turned to him, ‘’Thank you so much for coming Y/N, we appreciate you made time for us. Please take a seat.’’ At Jack’s kind words she was only able to nod and sit next to Doctor Lecter, the man who made her see colors. It was all so strange to her, did he experience the same thing or he could already see because his soulmate was someone else? It wasn’t easy to  read his face because he was good at putting on a mask, especially at work.

Jack Crawford gave everyone some files which consisted of pictures, addresses and analytics of medical examining of the victims. He then went on, explaining the whole situation but Y/N’s mind was somewhere else, this was the first time she couldn’t focus on her job which she loved.

The meeting lasted for 45 minutes, however for Hannibal it felt like a thousand years had past him by, he was startled by the sudden exchange of colors between him and Y/N, he wondered if she also experienced the same thing. During the meeting he had opportunity of observing her up close, thanks to his knowledge of the case he could just ignore Jack and completely deduce this young woman. She was wearing black pants, black high heels and a dark red turtle neck, she had light make up on, her hair was tied in an elegant way, she was sitting straight, her posture was one of the things he had noticed, he was a licensed psychiatrist so he could make a profile when he wanted to. She was definitely an independent woman who had to deal with a lot of things alone and yet she also had a certain femininity to her.

‘’Thank you for your time, you can contact me or any of my staff if you have any questions.’’ Jack’s last words were heard by everyone.

Hannibal Lecter was a man of calculation and then action, somehow he had to figure out if she had the same experience, ‘’Miss Y/N?’’ he found himself call out for her as she was about to leave, ‘’Yes doctor?’’ Y/N wanted to keep it professional, other members turned to them when they say them communicate, ‘’May we speak in private?’’ to his request she only nodded and walked up to him on the corridor, ‘’Tonight I am hosting a dinner party. Maybe Jack had mentioned before, I would love for you to join us.’’

She knew his dinner parties, they were famous. ‘’I would love to.’’ She responded in a calm and kindly manner, ‘’May I have your phone number so that I can send you my home address?’’ he asked, testing the waters. ‘’Of course.’’ And they exchanged numbers, ‘’See you tonight.’’ She smiled and turned to leave, Hannibal found himself watching her leave with a strange feeling hammering on his chest, it felt like a warm liquid.

It was 8.10, most of his guests arrived but his maroon eyes were searching for a particular dove, she reminded him of a pure white dove, elegant yet fragile. ‘’Looking for someone?’’ his fellow colleague Dr. Frederick Chilton snapped Hannibal from his thoughts, ‘’Frederick, thank you for coming.’’ And they started to make small talk when he saw her.

She walked in holding her head high, a tight black dress surrounding her divine body, her red lips made him bit his bottom lip.

‘’Excuse me Frederick.’’ He said without even looking at him and his legs moved to her, ‘’Good evening.’’ He announced himself, ‘’Hello doctor.’’ She smiled warmly and he felt the same thing on his chest again, ‘’Excuse me but I have to say, you look ravishing on that dress.’’ And he saw the pink blush covering her cheeks, ‘’Thank you.’’ She looked at him up and down, noticing his three piece expensive suit. ‘’You don’t look so bad.’’ She replied which earned her a wide smile from him, ‘’Please, join us.’’ He guided her, his hand on the small of her back.

He gracefully introduced her to his colleagues, together they ate and drank, she liked the sparkling conversations she had, she found herself wanting to join more of his dinner parties. She had time to observe him in his home, being a host and she like dhow assertive and dominant he was. He was in control of everything and did it so calmly that she wanted to spend more time with him. Now that she could see the colors, tonight was something special for her not knowing he felt the same way.

When the guests left Y/N found herself being the only one who is sitting next to her and drinking an old wine, having a conversation of art and literature. They didn’t have the same taste because Hannibal loved baroque she admired impressionism but they could see from each others’ point of view. His hand was on her knee as they laughed together and she could feel her stomach turning in an exciting way, ‘’Oh, I do apologies, I wouldn’t want to cross the line.’’ He pulled his hand back but Y/N did something she shocked herself… she held his hand and placed it back on her knee. Hannibal, in that moment he knew that she had the same feelings towards him.

‘’Be careful, once I hold.. I won’t let go.’’ Hannibal said with a dark tone, ‘’What if I don’t want you to let go.’’ She replied back. Looking under her eyes. He smiled wickedly and leaned in to give her a kiss.

Thank you for reading. :)

[cheriladycl01]

I think you're full of shit! Yuki Tsunoda x Artist! Reader

Plot: You get lost in Japan when your travelling to get inspo when a boy claims he drives really fast cars.

You were currently lost in Japan, you'd been on your way to an art gallery and studio when you'd taken one wrong turn and ended up in the middle of Tokyo.

You also didn't know enough Japanese to get you out of this situation and you didn't want to be that annoying tourist. So you set yourself up in a public park opposite a huge cherry blossom tree in full bloom that was hanging over the lake there.

Your easel was out facing the direction you intended to paint while all of your tools were rested in your little pop up desk to the side of the easel. You been painting for at least two hours now, only having captures the basics of the landscape.

You were getting hungry but knew you couldn't just leave the art here incase someone tried messing with it or stealing it. So you continued on, some people would come up and gasp when they saw what you were painting, the compliments in Japanese getting more and more common as your painting started to get to the final few steps until it would be done.

"Hello" a voice calls from behind you causing you to flinch a little, the English catching you off guard. Luckily your brushes were no-where near the canvas that had your art on.

"Oh!" you smile looking at the man that was standing behind you gazing from the art to the backdrop that you were using as your muse.

"That's really good!" he smiles stepping next to you, and you now notice that your a little taller than he is, however that was an uncommon thing in Japan with you being on the taller side of women.

"Thank you, I erm wasn't actually supposed to paint here but I'm really glad I did. It's a beautiful location" you admit looking around the other area of the part that the square of your canvas wasn't capturing.

"Where were you supposed to paint?" he asks.

"Erm, some gallery in Shinjuku, but I got lost and I ended up here. I didn't want to look like one of those annoying tourists!" you smile awkwardly.

"Well, I don't know about you still being able to paint in the studio but the gallery should still be open if you want me to take you there?" he offers and you eye him carefully.

"How do I know you aren't going to kidnap me?" you ask crossing your arms.

"I have a reputation that I would heavily damage if i did do that!" he jokes but see's that you still don't look convinced.

"I drive for a living, in really really fast cars" he offers to you, making you cock your head to the side. So he was on TV, and drove cars if he had a reputation.

"So like Top Gear?" you ask.

"Mmm not exactly more competitive than that" he laughs and you look over him again.

"I think your full of shit!" you laugh, not believing this kind and humble man has any ounce of fame behind him.

"Mmm, come find out!" he offers and you look at him like he's crazy.

"Sorry?" you laugh.

"I'm an F1 Driver, I'll get you tickets if your still here for the Grand Prix next week. It's my home race after all" he offers, of course you'd heard of the racing sport but you weren't ever one to pay much attention to it.

"Alright, you've got yourself a deal..." you press wondering his name.

"Yuki, my name's Yuki!" he smiles. You slowly start to pack up, having finished your painting when you were first talking to him.

"I need to take this all back to my hotel first, then can you take me to the gallery?" you ask, making sure all your paints were sealed so they wouldn't spill out into your shoulder bag.

"Sure, where are you staying?" he asks and you show him the address of the hotel on your phone, you both walk back through the streets of Tokyo him pointing out little things you'd missed in your time here. He brought up other places that he thought you'd like to paint and in seconds had you rambling about how you didn't just paint you just preferred to.

You'd got to the hotel in just a 30 minute walk and you placed all your stuff back in your room making sure the canvas wasn't near anything that would make it too hot and run. You grabbed your professional camera knowing having Yuki around he'd find some good places for you to get photos of the city.

In minutes you were back out on the busy streets of Tokyo Centre, as you were going across the Shibuya crossing Yuki grabbed your hand so you wouldn't get lost. With it being the late afternoon, all Japanese office workers were finishing their days up in the office and heading for their commute out of the city.

"It's very busy so you have to stay close!" he yells a little over the loudness of the crowd on the crossing.

"I know, I'm right here" you beam back, watching roughly where the end of the crossing was coming too. You could see the gallery at the end of the road Yuki was starting to head down and you could already tell it was going to be fantastic with the architecture from the outside.

"Oh woah, let me get a picture!" you exclaimed, the way the sun set down the street flickering off the building and the way it light up the graphic design on the back of Yuki's denim jacket.

"Oh sorry! I'm ruining your shot" Yuki says stepping to the side noticing you looking through your camera and kneeling down to get the perfect shot.

"No no stay back where you were facing away. You looked great!" you say looking at his bright smile through the camera making you snap an picture of him facing you and laughing.

"Are you sure your this super fast race car driver not a model?" you shout over to him as he starts to squat in a pose for you.

He comes over wanting to see the work done, the pictures he's been in.

"Woah, you have such an artistic eye." he smiles looking through the pictures you'd caught. Seeing how it made him look exactly like you said ... a model.

You continued to the gallery and walked around with Yuki, taking pictures and checking out the art.

"I really want to be in a gallery like this one day" you sigh looking at a particular group of paintings that had a similar style to yours.

"Mmmm i think you will. You really have an eye for all this!" he smiles.

"Thank you, really!" you smile.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @lazybot @malynn @cassielikereading @viennakarma @teamnovalak @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @jlb20416 @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @formula1mount @tinydeskwriter @butterfly-lover @ironmaiden1313

[drewsbuzzcut]

The Touch Of A Hand Lit The Fuse

Jeremy Swayman x Lyla Blair

A ‘The Masterminds’ blurb

warnings: mentions dying and that should be it

takes place: February 2024

“You know, I tried to get tickets to your concert, but they sold out before I could even press ‘purchase’,” a voice comes up behind Lyla.

She turns around only to be pleasantly surprised to see The Bruins goalie her team drafted, Jeremy. Her eyes flit between his nice beard and his even prettier eyes. She’s glad she’ll get the chance to finally talk to him after all the eye contact they were sharing earlier. Lyla can still feel the electrical current flowing through her veins after the handshake they shared when he was drafted.

“Well, if you’re still up for going, I can place you backstage or on the side stage. Whatever works for you,” Lyla muses, tilting her head to the side and batting her eyes at him.

“Seriously?” Jeremy perks up, eyes excited and cheeks flushing red. He wasn’t expecting the offer, but he is thrilled by it.

“Oh yeah. I saw that TikTok you did with your teammates, so how could I not have a dedicated fan at one of my shows,” Lyla teases and gets a cute smile out of him.

“Aw man. My reputation precedes me. I’m kind of embarrassed you saw that,” he admits, eyes cast low and fingers scratching at the back of his neck.

“I think it’s hot, you, knowing the words to my songs and willingly going along with the video,” Lyla says, earning that saccharine laugh from Jeremy.

“How could I not know the words? Your voice is the best thing I’ve ever heard,” he flirts, leaning down closer to her ear to make sure she hears his words.

Lyla feels her heart stutter, the red flush blooming on her cheeks the same way it was on him. She bites down on her lip to stop her smile, but a laugh bubbles up and brings out her smile even more. Jeremy thinks if he’d die right now, he’d be content with that. The way her lips curve when she’s trying to fight her smile makes him want to kiss her. He needs to know what her lips feel like.

“He’s handsome and he’s not afraid to support a woman. You make it tough not to be attracted to you,” Lyla flirts back, intensely looking up into his eyes.

Jeremy swears his heart starts to do somersaults. He feels the urge to just run and scream at the top of his lungs, because this gorgeous girl thinks he’s attractive. She’s talking to him and being flirty, and Jeremy is sure his cheeks are on fire.

“I’m a gentleman, too,” he says cooly.

“Oh are you?”

Instead of responding, he walks ahead of her, turning back and offering his hand out to her to help her walk off the ice. He honestly didn’t want her to slip being that she’s wearing heels, but it just so happened to coincide with what he told her.

Lyla, whose heart is racing, feels that electric shock in her palm once again. She wonders if he feels it too. He does.

“Thank you, Jeremy. I-“ Lyla gets interrupted by her publicist.

“Ly, we need you to do a photo op with Nathan,” she speaks quickly, pulling Lyla away from Jeremy before she can mutter a goodbye.

Disappointment is an understatement. Jeremy feels her absence so thoroughly, her warmth still sits in the palm of his hand. Now he has to watch her laugh and pose for pictures with other hockey players.

“Hey, I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t mean to just leave. My publicist just wanted me to get that done before they leave,” Lyla explains, setting her free hand on Jeremy’s bicep.

Her touch snaps him out of his daze. His eyes peer down to where her hand rests on him and the butterflies return. Giddiness settles in his features.

“Don’t worry about it. If I were them, I’d want a picture with you, too,” he says with earnest.

“I feel special,” Lyla jokes, flipping her hair over her shoulder dramatically.

“So, I will take you up on that offer for the side stage view at your concert, if you come to our game next week against Calgary,” Jeremy offers.

“Deal,” she agrees easily, a never ending smile shining bright at him.

“And I think we need to get you a bruins jersey instead of that one,” Jeremy points to the Colorado Avalanche jersey in her hand.

“Only if it has your last name on the back,” Lyla adds in her only condition.

Jeremy nods his head, looking down to hide his smile. He can get used to being around her.

a/n: First actual part of The Masterminds! I truly cherish Lyla and Jeremy so much, and all of you who contributed to this au.

[fleckcmscott]

Pillow Talk

Summary: While Y/N spends some time away, she and Arthur find a way to play.

Words: 3,992

Warnings: Smut, Swearing

A/N: This story stems from a request made by @jokerownsmysoul​. I really hope I got it right. 😂 Please enjoy, everyone! And thank you for reading! 💜

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!

Y/N's happiness at attending the Atlantic Legal Society's conference had rubbed off on Arthur. Made her upcoming absence worth it.

Often he'd tag along, see the sights while she worked. Check out clubs, sign up for open mics where no one would ever see him again. Low-risk refinement. But this week's jobs were too good to pass up, and Amusement Mile's opening day meant lots of families and plenty of tips.

He could hold down the apartment. Hell, maybe he'd even enjoy it. Pour condensed milk over frozen strawberries, smoke as much as he wanted, catch a movie on Gothamvision. (When their rabbit ears had required aluminum foil to get a TV signal, he'd convinced her cable was a dire need.)

He wrapped an apple in a paper towel, tore a banana from the bunch, and stuck both in her purse. A breakfast that'd tide her over for the three-hour ride to Baltimore. Stirring milk into her coffee, he side-eyed the oven clock. When the java was halfway cold, he made his way to the bathroom.

Toes flexed in annoyance, Y/N grumbled around her toothbrush. "I can't believe I overslept."

"You'll get there," he said, and took the hairbrush from the shelf. "Here, let me." He drew horsehair bristles through her untamed mane.

"Thanks." The foam in her mouth made it sound more like fankhs. She spat into the sink, rinsed and spat again. "I don't want to buy another ticket."

A soft scowl crossed his brow. "You shouldn't've had to buy the first."

"Well, you know my boss. He didn't think it was necessary, which is silly with the WARN act being passed. That kind of ridiculousness makes me want Phil to come out of retirement." She hung her robe on the door hook and jogged to the bedroom, calling over her shoulder. "At least they're paying me!"

Minutes later Y/N emerged, frazzled around the edges but smart. She straightened a ruffle at her collar, tugged the corner of her blazer. She wore her age and era with pride. She guzzled her coffee like an engine on empty, poured herself another and skipped the dairy. "I'll regret this on the train."

They dashed to the elevator, vinyl suitcase in his grasp, her hand hooked at his elbow. As the steel doors parted, he made a show of holding them open with his foot. A beam to rival the rising sun crossed her face. 

"Thank you, sir," she said, and curtsied. The gesture made him want to lift her, spin around. They were running late - and she'd still taken a spare second to be playful.

God, how he loved her.

At this early hour, only a handful of Gothamites rode the subway. A guy sat in a corner seat. Sixty, gray stubble, wearing a flat leather cap. His outstretched arm held a wrinkled centerfold. Ms. December, judging by the Santa Hat, the sole fabric in the photo. A familiar friend that must've been in his pocket for a while.  

Y/N grasped the stanchion at the other end of the car. Arthur moved to stand behind her, a protective arm at her waist.

At every stop she inched towards him. Her round bottom nudged his thighs, her back grazed his chest. She smelled good, like the strawberries he'd eat tonight. He pressed his nose to the crown of her head, filled his veins with her scent.

A scarlet stripe bloomed from collarbone to temple, her ear a crimson shell. The corner of her mouth threatened to curl. Pink tongue darting to wet satin lips.

He squeezed her hip. "What is it?"

"It's nothing," she said. An obvious untruth given how her neck tightened.

Suspicion slanted his stare. But he let it lie. For now.

Wayne Central Station was a Beaux-Arts beauty smack dab in the middle of modernization and commercialization. And it had far too many flights of stairs. After the ups and downs of finding the right track, they landed on thirty-seven, the platform for the commuter line.

"You know," Y/N said, steps slowing to an amble. "I bet there are clown conferences. You could learn to juggle."

His days of working with other clowns were long behind him. But the suggestion was sweet, so he smiled. "My hands are already busy. You're a handful."

She stopped at a concrete column and riffled through her purse. "I'll call you when I check-in and give you the room number. There'll be a direct line." Then her riffling escalated to a frantic search. Patting her coat, the inner breast pocket. Checking her bag one more time. Taking advantage of her distraction, Arthur reached into his jacket. Anticipation tickled his shoulders into a shrug.

"Oh no," she said. "I could've sworn I put my ticket with my credit card."

He reached as if to tuck her hair back. Pulled a green card from behind her ear. "Is this it?" A relieved huff as she snatched her prize. She swatted his chest, wound her arms about his neck.

The squeal of metal on metal bounced off tile walls, announcing the oncoming train. A gust of wind whirled her silvery brown locks. Despite the mundanity of it all, the thousands of people about to step onto public transportation, the moment felt like a movie. A bona fide blockbuster. The ordinary suddenly extraordinary.

Fingers brushing his, she took her bag, speaking between kisses. "I love you. We'll talk soon."

~~~~~

The McKeldin Exhibition Center seemed a blunt, bulky building for the Atlantic Legal Society's twenty-fifth conference, a number Y/N would've considered celebratory. Four stories of concrete, cold steel, muscular exterior. A once modern design that now represented an idea of the future that, if the first five months of 1990 were to go by, wasn't bound to happen.

The registration attendants were friendly and professional. But Y/N wasn't a member of the guild, so she was directed to a line at the other end of a vast, airy hall. The additional hundred dollars she'd paid to attend included extra exercise. A gilded stripe ran along the top of her name tag, like she was a flake of gold to pan for, from which extract a membership fee.

Goodie bags contained the usual swag. A pen with the organization's logo, two legal pads, a folder to hold her notes. At the bottom were a blue stress ball and a gavel pinback button, which she'd pin on Sylvia back at the office. The young intern had received so little recognition in her short life that it'd thrill her.

White tablecloths and serving trays covered the tables in the reception area. Y/N maneuvered to a buffet to the right, snapped a napkin, two cheese and pepperoni skewers, and a paper cup of goldfish crackers. Munching away, she took the temperature of the room.

Lawyers and attorneys general, magistrates and judges swarmed, chatting and laughing, giving handshakes and back slaps. Legal secretaries and paralegals circled up to chat amongst themselves. Judging by overheard introductions, their origins stretched from the Eastern Seaboard all the way to Chicago.

Y/N recognized a former Gotham District Attorney, a lawyer from one of Shaw & Associates' satellite offices. The passing years had salt and peppered his hair, too. The city's newest criminal court judge was on the premises, one Henry Jake. An upset after an affair with one of his legal aides, his promotion from magistrate had been splashed on all the front pages.

He appeared eager to continue the scandal, proceeding to flirt in the way of men who like to wield their authority. A palm on the forearm here, an unwanted compliment there. It made Y/N want to chuck a stress ball at his head.

She stirred powdered creamer and irritation into a styrofoam cup of coffee, noted the restroom sign on the left wall. A woman in a floral shower curtain of a dress approached with tiny steps. Said she'd never been to a big city before, took a sip of Lipton and pushed her plastic glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"I'm Flossie Barteux, but all my friends call me Flo." The red stripe on her nametag denoted her as a fresh recruit.

"Nice to meet you, Flossie." Though maintaining distance, Y/N spoke with warmth. "I moved from the Ozarks to Gotham ten years ago. The lobby has some brochures. I think there's an aquarium on the waterfront, a couple museums, too. You should take advantage while you're in town." Then she gave a friendly nod and excused herself to the Industry Auditorium to sign up for presentations.

Whistleblower protections sounded interesting, considering past capers; she made a note to review Gotham's statutes for the next. Tips for wage and hour investigations filled an entire notebook. The presenter droned on in one agonizingly long sentence. It was impossible to keep up, even in shorthand. Y/N's fingers grew so fatigued she dropped her pen. It took several tries to regain the ability to make a fist.

When the conference broke for the evening, Flossie hopped in the same revolving door as Y/N and suggested dinner at a chain steakhouse across the street. A good number of attendees already stood in line.

To be honest, she could've used a break from the whole thing. But she didn't want to hurt the woman who sorely needed a work friend. She put their names on the waitlist and browsed chalkboard specials. Listened to Flossie's story of how going through probate for custody of her granddaughter had led her to the legal profession.

By the time Y/N stumbled back to her hotel, she could've dozed upright. At the bar, she ordered a variation on a Sidecar, a little number called Between the Sheets. She didn't ask for permission to take it to her room. She dropped a dollar bill in the tip jar and turned towards the lobby.

It was well equipped, a fax machine and pay phone in one corner, a stand with free chocolate chip cookies to the right. In the center of the far wall stood a bookshelf, flanked by overstuffed aqua chairs. A sign was propped on the coffee table: "Please read and return!" A set worthy of Donahue's photo studio.

She stepped onto the woven rug to browse the plethora of outdated bestsellers. Self-helps with mountains on the covers, charlatans offering poor financial advice. Children's books were piled haphazardly on the bottom shelf. And right in the middle was an entire row of romance novels, the ones in which every heroine's bosom heaved and bodice ripped. Ragged covers told the tale of how popular they were, spines split from overuse. As a pre-teen, Mabel had caught her reading a few. ("Why's your face red, Y/N? Are you sick?") Amused, Y/N took the one with the deepest seams.

Forbidden Seas was a terrible if fitting title, given the coverhunk's puffy shirt. He was alarmingly muscular, as though a bee had stung him, and he desperately needed an ice bag. Long, blonde tresses brushed the careening cleavage of the woman bent over his knee. Arthur's wiry frame held a hidden strength, cleaved her tightly whenever they danced, but that position would've ended with her on the floor.

Cackling, she returned the paperback to its place, betting the hunk would be at full mast by chapter four.

When she reached her room, she stretched her arms over her head, pushed herself to her tiptoes, released a short squeal. The conference center's folding chairs had next to no padding. Soreness nagged at her tailbone, a deep-seated throb ached her rear. She could really use a bath. She checked her watch. Arthur would be calling in about fifteen minutes. Luckily, the restroom had a phone.

Pantyhose rolled down her legs, a nail caught on the reinforced toe. The star-patterned vinyl floor was cold on her feet. A claw clip kept her hair off her shoulders, spare tendrils falling to her cheeks. Steam coated the mirror as the room filled with a pleasant heat. She dabbed away her mascara and eyeliner before it could streak. She sipped her cocktail, stepped into the bath. Gave her breasts a casual squeeze and sighed out the stress of the day.

The ringer rang right on the dot.

Voice as light as a game of I Spy, she said, "This isn't reception telling me to pipe down, is it?"

On the other end, Arthur's smile sucked his teeth. "No, it's just me."

"I'm glad it's just you."

The day had gone well, he told her. One of his gigs had cancelled, but that was all right. It let him get some work done around the apartment. He'd replaced the window shade that no longer rolled up, mopped the kitchen, sorted the drawers of his desk. He'd just tuned into a movie on TMC, a screwball comedy she'd deem too silly and dislike.

When he asked how the conference was going, she told him about Flossie, how she hoped the woman's eagerness to excel wouldn't result in her being suckered into membership upgrades. That the WARN act - while a step forward - put some guardrails on the mass layoffs that'd become the norm in the last decade but didn't prevent them. And the overeager judge she was happy to never have to face in court.

"You should teach a class on how to be a gentleman." She slunk deeper into the heat. "I'm learning a lot, but I'll be happy to be home."

"You're not missing much."

"I'm missing you."

"But you saw me this morning!" His protestations didn't fool her; he was pleased as punch.  A hitched giggle, one of his many laughs she loved. "Me, too. I mean, I can't wait to see you. But don't worry. I'm fine. Talk to me more. Tell me about the hotel."

"We'll have to stay here someday. There's a bar with a player piano, and I'm having a cocktail in the bath."

"You- You're on the phone in the tub?" The sound of him puttering. A drink set on the coffee table, a middle-aged groan as he sat on the sofa. "There is one thing I can't get out of my head." Nervous tongue smacked his lips. "What were you thinking about on the subway?"

Mercury threatened to crack the thermometer. But still. She was reticent to go there. "I already told you. It was nothing."

"Come on. You were as red as my clown nose."

She pressed the cool glass to her sweaty forehead. The flight of fancy had been completely inappropriate, not to mention out of character. She knew exactly what telling him would lead to, the direction in which this conversation would race. Tacky and cheap, belonging to a $3.99 a minute hotline.

And yet. She was grateful to have a husband she could blush around, whom she could fantasize about, whom she wanted to fantasize about. Besides. It'd been a stretch since they'd last made love. Tacky and cheap might be just what the Doctor of Laughter ordered.

She let the cognac trickle down her throat. Knuckles dragged up and down her breastbone. Her forearm brushed her pebbled nipple. A drop from the faucet plopped.

"Do you want to continue this?" she asked, an eager if uncertain invitation.

"Yeah," he purred. That rasp, the one positive of his cigarette addiction. "But I'm- I'm not sure what's next."

Neither was she, not quite. The next steps felt at once natural and as if they belonged to an unread novel on a hotel bookshelf. But it was him, so it would turn out all right. They'd figured it out every time before. "Tell me what you're wearing," she said. "Or what you're thinking about. Whatever you want."

"I'm in my pajamas. Um. I found my old journal when I was cleaning. I hadn't read it for years - it has everything from when I met you. Anyway, I read what I wrote our first night together? I'd wanted to touch you so badly and-" He gave a throaty laugh. "And all I knew what to do was squeeze your breast too hard."

The recollection struck a match in all the right places. She'd wanted him, too, more than was smart after such a short acquaintanceship. There'd been something that'd set him apart immediately. Whenever he'd looked at her, her heart had skipped to a new but familiar beat. His good looks, his kindness. Passion and flair hiding beneath a surface shyness, a mask you could see through if you took an extra minute.

"You knew how to look at me. How to listen. How to be gentle." She caressed her hip absentmindedly, a movement that soon became deliberate. "And when not to be."

Her knee shifted to rest on the lip of the tub, opening herself to the warm water. "I wouldn't want you to be gentle now," she whispered, and tugged at the curls between her thighs.

"I wouldn't be." Ragged breaths tempted over three hundred miles. A muted moan that meant he was palming his shaft. Her own palm felt empty. How she hungered for him to be in her grasp. Then he asked, "What- What did you pack for bed?"

"The blue nightie you gave me. The one that ties at the neck." It was six years old but a perennial favorite for both. The approval that'd radiated from him when she'd modeled it flashed in her memory. Strokes blazed at the crease of her thigh. "I'll wear it tonight - unless you want me to sleep naked."

A husky chuckle before he pressed her. Again. "Tell me what you were thinking about on the train. I wanna know."

Fingertips dipped to where she ached for him. Lower to tease plush, squishy flesh, plump with desire. Her eyelids fluttered shut, returning to the occasions she'd pleasured herself in front of him, both when he was inside of her and out. Even on the occasions he wasn't able to get hard, he loved it, asked her to do it again. Holding her. Stealing her breath from her mouth. Covering her hand with his. His thumb taking over until she cried his name.

Fever rippling through her arteries, she tapped her slick nub, body throbbing with need. She cleared her throat. She thought she'd lost her ability to be bashful with Arthur. But dirty talk didn't come as naturally now that she was alone, not the way it did when it was foreplay. When she'd beg him to fuck her, plead for more, more, more.

Yet, she wasn't alone. Though he was afar, she was abuzz with his presence. Spreading joy and happiness to others, always entertaining his audience, he was the performer in the relationship. Tonight the performer became the audience, and she was putting on a show for one.

A show she'd drag out a bit longer. Make it worth his while. "I'm touching my clit, Arthur. Slow and soft, like your tongue. God, I wish it was your tongue. You feel so good."

He groaned. Her grip on the telephone tightened, knuckles gone white. "When we were on the train," she began. "I imagined you shushing me. Your breath was hot on my ear. I wanted you to put your hand on my skin, down my skirt." Her strokes halted while she laughed. "I don't know why. I wasn't even horny."

"You're horny now."

"All hot and bothered."

A grunt came through the copper wire, luring her along. Her foot pressed the tub's curved rim. Splashes of imagery knotted her belly. The play of light on his slender abdomen when he'd put on a shirt. How his biceps flexed when he'd wash his hair. The tightening of his brow the second he lost himself to euphoria. The musky weight of him on her tongue.

She rubbed herself a little harder. A steady, firm pace. "When I come I feel your cock at my back-"

"Keep talking."

"-and I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning, because I know you'll fuck me as soon as we walk through the door."

"Oh, fuck..."

Water licked at her labia with each flick of her wrist, awakening every nerve ending, cresting wave upon wave of sensation. She shoved the receiver under her jaw, lifted her shoulder to lock it in place. Cradled her breast, nipples just at the waterline Lapping, lapping, lapping. She circled the right with her middle finger, wishing her hand was as large as Arthur's, so that she could play with the left. Shivering, her knees drew together and upward, pelvis striving towards her wanton touch.

Splish, splash. Splish, splash.

A growl rumbled out of him. "I- I'm gonna come."

"Yes."

She was there. She was there. About to fly over the edge, her feet about to leap. Gasps caught in her throat. Half his name lost in a whimper. The peak of delight finally reached...

The phone tumbled off her shoulder and plunged into the water. Landed on the fiberglass. An unenthusiastic thud.

"Shit, shit-"

Locked in spasm, she watched air bubbles rise from the sunken plastic. It was hard to move mid-orgasm. Her legs weren't yet in the Jello stage. Hanging onto the towel bar, she stood on very shaky ankles.

She plucked the receiver from the water, shook it out over the tub. Yanked the drain and placed the handset on the rim. Fingers a blur, she dialed their home number on the bedside phone. How quickly had Arthur realized she wasn't on the line?

Had he heard any of the denouement?

Nine rings and Arthur answered, out of breath but with a laugh. "What happened?"

She covered her face. "I dropped the phone. It's ruined." It would be the one time she would pay a fee for damages.

"Oh. Well, I was just cleaning up."

The cord twined through her fingers. "Did you?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Me, too."

"I know. I heard half of it."

Giggling, she excused herself to dry off. Pulled the clip from her hair, retrieved her nightie from her bag. She crawled between cool sheets, fluffed her pillow, pressed Arthur to her ear.

"What'll you do tomorrow," he asked, scratching his cheek.

A Department of Labor inspector would give a presentation on the Severe Violators program, a list of closely monitored companies that violated labor laws like it was a talent and never lifted a finger to change their ways. The padding to their bottom lines was bigger than the fines. She'd chatted with the inspector during a break.

"ACE Chemicals being on the list isn't a surprise. But Wayne Steel?" A sharp inhale before she yawned the rest. "I hadn't even heard of them."

"You're tired.”

"No. Relaxed. Happy. But not tired." She curled up on her side, burrowed deeper into the blankets. "This bed is empty. I have no one to press up against." Another yawn betrayed her.

At her third, Arthur interrupted. "Y/N, go to sleep." A grin in his words, like he was about to call her cute. "You need your rest."

"And why is that?"

His voice lowered to the volume of secrets. "Because when you get back, I'm going to fuck you as soon as we walk through the door."

Her eyes went wide, then she burst out laughing. A wave of dizziness swept through her. She brought the heel of her hand to her forehead. "What time'll you wake up tomorrow?"

"Six, probably. Maybe 5:30?

"Let's have coffee together. I'll make a cup at 6:15."

He agreed before she'd completed the request, said how dearly he loved her. And, yes, to her consternation, called her cute. She kept the eyeroll out of her reply. "You're wonderful, too. Now take your own advice and get some sleep. No journaling until dawn. All right?"

"All right. Have a good night. And Y/N?"

She was already fading, his lilt her favorite lullaby. "Yeah?"

"Wear your blue nightie for coffee. I’ll be in my briefs."

~~~~~

Tag list (Let me know if you want to be added!): @harmonioussolve​​​​​ @ithinkimaperson​​​​​ @sweet-nothings04​​​​​ @stephieraptorr​​​​ @rommies​​​​​ @fallenstarsabyss @gruffle1​​​​​ @another-day-in-chuckletown​ @hhandley80​​​​​ @jokerownsmysoul​​​​​ @rafaelbottom @ralugraphics​​​​​ @iartsometimes​​​​​ @fleckficgirl​

[gyusrose]

➵ the five lovers -> ot5

⚠︎ fluff, angst

✎ non-idol! au

summary: being alone now, makes you reflect on how much you took for granted your love life.

ot5 x fem.reader

wc: 1 .5k

“so uh we kiss now?”

Taehyun was probably the one person you knew better than yourself, you spent more time with him than your own parents. growing up together had its advantages, he always had your back no matter what. even when he got ridiculously popular during late middle school-early freshman year, he never forgot about you, how could you not fall? you had trouble figuring out if he was flirting or just being friendly, you seriously couldn’t tell. that was until a summer night before sophomore year..

“i really like you, a lot, not as a friend but you know?”

you almost screamed at that moment, thankful to know that it wasn’t one-sided.

unfortunately as the weeks and months went on, you noticed how much you didn’t act like a couple. yes surely you’ve kissed, but nothing more than a peck and would only hold hands occasionally. nothing changed from your friendship to your ‘romantic relationship’ just the title.

Taehyun noticed as well, that’s when during January he decided to have a talk with you regarding what y’all really where. you both decided to stay off as friends instead since it clearly wasn’t meant to be more than that. you hold nothing but brotherly love towards him still. you were sure of that when you saw him get a girlfriend and felt nothing but happiness for him and so did he when you did.

“you’ve never done this before?”

Yeonjun was a heck of an experience. he was the school’s basketball captain which also meant he had girls at his feet, swooning over him, yet he saw you. it wasn’t out of nowhere of course. over the summer you definitely grew into your face a bit and had a puberty bloom so going into junior year, you were pretty popular as well. destiny put the two of you in the same physics class and it started from there. he sat next to you and somehow always made a conversation with you, it escalated week by week, next thing you know he’s asking you out on a date. obviously you say yes.

he was your first REAL relationship. he made experience everything (if you know what i mean) although you’ve been worried about losing your virginity and feeling ashamed of it, Yeonjun made it as special as it could’ve been. y’all dated for the whole year. since he was a year older than you, he graduated high school. the two of you really wanted to keep dating ‘long distance’ but we all know how that’s pretty much a slow breakup. it didn’t help the fact that he went so far away. he was also surrounded by college girls, even if he denied it, you knew there was definitely a couple of kisses stolen from his friend’s instagram stories. it didn’t take much for the both of you to end it keeping in ‘good terms’.

“you sure you hate me?“

Beomgyu was the last person you’d taught you’d even think about dating. after taking a year to focus on yourself, the moment you got to college you were met with a crazy long-haired boy, bumping into you. he didn’t even say sorry or anything which was already enough to dislike him.

later you found out he was in a rock band, how ‘surprising’. you found this out when your roommate invited you to go with her to one of their gigs since her boyfriend was the lead singer she had extra tickets. you, not knowing he would be there, agreed since you needed to have some fun. your excitement was drained when you saw him playing the electric guitar and he was good, which made you more annoyed.

your roommate invited you to parties and he was always there, he noticed you the first time, after noticing your coldness, he kept bugging you day after day, trying to make you laugh once. the way he pushed your buttons made it almost impossible to not answer back. it became a love-hate friendship in a way? more hate than love. you clearly don’t despise him but you don’t like him at the same time. it wasn’t until during an argument, to shut you up, he smashed his lips into yours and you didn’t hate it? needless to say you both started dating shortly after.

unfortunately you can never enjoy things too much since he got signed with a company and decided to focus on his career and dropping out of university, in no way were you going to try long distance again so the only choice was to break up. you listen to his band’s music from time to time when you’re sad.

“my sister has good taste in friends”

HueningKai was perfect for you. one summer during junior year of college, your roommate , Lea, invited you to a vacation with her family, since you weren’t doing anything during the summer so why not? that’s where you met him. Lea’s younger brother wasn’t…bad looking. you didn’t start immediately dating, in fact y’all started off as friends, very good friends. both of you had a lot in common, some things you never seen someone also like. after the vacation you hung out at their home most of the time.

the both of you didn’t feel any romantic feelings until that one night. it was his 20th birthday and you two somehow ended up ‘accidentally kissing’. you guess you were just really excited for him and ended up kissing him. from there it kind of became awkward. you didn’t know if you should bring it up or just forget about it and pretend it didn’t happen. eventually he brought it up which ended up in a confession. you hesitantly accepted , you liked him but not to such point.

you loved him. yes you did. being with him for two years, making it your longest relationship, he made you love him, so much. he had this other part of him, the crazy one, which you adapted to love. he was like beomgyu but way softer.

this can’t be a happy ending right ? of course not. you got a job opportunity outside of the city and you would be dumb to not take it. once again you went through another break up. we decided to stay as friends and hang out form time to time, meaning once a year.

“i really like you”

Soobin was the love of your life. after three years of being single, you were craving love, wanting someone to be with and just love you, yeah you had your friends but it wasn’t the same. your best friend and coworker noticed this and decided to have a night out and go to the club, you didn’t budge and agreed since you actually needed it, at least to get laid.

you met this jaw dropping handsome guy, which didn’t seems like a club type of person since he looked really reserved wi to himself so for the first time, you started the conversation, thankfully he wasn’t creeped out or anything and continued ending up in exchanging phone numbers. soon you found out who he was, the son of one of the richest man in the country. you were surprised since Soobin was very humble and down-to-earth. you didn’t treat him differently though, knowing he’d probably hate that.

y’all started to go out to different places except his house since he mentioned how his dad was. after a couple of months he asked you out which you obviously said yes to, unknown to his dad but unfortunately he eventually found out and was against it since you weren’t “high class” . Soobin rebelled against this and still found a way to meet up with you one way or another. until one night.

he came with his head down dried tears down his cheeks. you were very confused, his next words explained everything though.

his dad had arranged a marriage with another woman.

your heart crumbled. his dad was too powerful to say no to you understood, but you still spent the next few days sobbing into your pillow. the marriage happened way too soon as well, it was all over the news, now making it impossible to watch television.

you can never have a happily ever after can’t you?

[cloudbattrolls]

As Mayflies

This drabble is preceded by No Rest for the Wicked and followed by Drowned Sorrows.

Epsilo Volant | Fae Courts | Present Night

Ullane wore her way through the rock with more saltwater and steady patience, her eyes glowing softly. The dark gray stone melted like snow to make a passage just large enough for the two of them to pass, with only slightly more effort. The salt hissed at it, making it bubble a little with warm steam.

As they passed through the rough tunnel, it filled in behind them with layers of bone and warmth-trapping membrane. Epsilo tried to avoid looking back at them.

Despite how low the light from his companion’s eyes was, it had no problem casting her tunnel in moon-brightness.

Utterly bizarre. Nature should not work that way.

Yet this was no natural world.

Epsilo kept an eye on the yellowblood to ensure she didn’t overdo it as they went ever deeper.

He didn’t think Uryali would intentionally try to overwhelm her or take over her body - he needed her to get his descendants back - but that wasn’t to say he trusted the horrorterror.

By nature, he could not be relied on. Not as a full eldritch being.

He grimaced as he ducked his head and moved ever more downward into the rocky depths, thinking of Vallis. How was his best friend doing? 

He’d texted the purpleblood, warning him he would be gone for at least a week, but the violet knew very well it could be much longer if they got stuck here. Ullane was his only ticket back home, unless he survived to find an open gate back to the troll world.

Which was extremely unlikely. 

The entire reason they had to cross all four realms to begin with was because this damn prophet had barricaded himself behind them, his gate only accessible from the distant summer court. 

If only Uryali could get us there himself, Epsilo had grumbled.

Ullane had shaken her head fervently.

If he tried, he’d break the world. He might not succeed, either. He has great power, but no focus, no finesse. He struggles to wake enough to act.

Typical. This was why he’d never trusted the supernatural, ever since he’d been turned hyena against his will. Even more so after Vernrot’s terrors had possessed him.

Ironic that the Varzim ancestor had been the one to then set him free, to make him immune to further influence. 

Ullane stopped and he nearly ran into her, cursing softly as he stopped himself just in time.

“What -“ he started to ask, then he saw.

Orange light up ahead streaming into the tunnel, almost like dawn. Yet this light did not hurt his eyes, or make his skin start to burn.

It was almost pleasant.

So he scowled, knowing it couldn’t be trusted.

Ullane sniffed the air, for some odd reason. Then she went ‘ah.’

“They must have warned the others.” She said with amusement. “They’re waiting for us once we surface.”

“You can smell that?” He asked skeptically. “I can’t smell anything.” He said pointedly. He might not be shifted right now, but his nose was still better than an ordinary troll’s.

“We’re on the border between realms.” She murmured. “Look down.”

He heard a crackle, followed by rustling noises. 

The stone beneath his feet had begun to shift to…leaves, dried leaves, yet on the walls they were mere impressions in the stone.

The stone rustled, and a wind blew through the depths of the earth, warmer than any in the winter court.

“Uryali’s power.” She continued. “I can smell their magic, feel it on my skin. Autumn blooms and decays and turns.”

“So what do we do?” The werehyena asked. “Charge them? Try to sneak past?”

The wind blew again, and the hairs on the back of the violet’s neck rose. The light grew brighter. Closer, somehow. 

“Neither.” She said with a smile. “I kill them before they know what happened.” She said in a casual tone.

Epsilo gave the yellowblood a flat look, one he knew she could see even in the dim light of the tunnel.

She blinked.

“What?” She said. “They’re disease fae. They come back.”

A skittering, crawling noise. Her eyes flashed pink.

The violet looked around, head whipping back and forth, but saw nothing. 

“What’s your plan? How did you kill those winter fae before?” He said urgently.

The lowblood gave him a dry smile. “Pinkeye’s treated by lubricating eye drops. Saltwater helps wash out lungs suffering from pneumonia. Influenza’s adaptable, resilient; its genetics change often. Accelerated the changes so fast, the fae couldn’t hold a cohesive form any longer.”

She closed her eyes and inhaled. A quiet humming thrummed around them; he could feel it even in the stone beneath them, vibrating slightly through his boots. 

Ullane pressed her hands against the tunnel walls she’d carved out minutes ago. 

“Hold steady.” She said.

Epsilo braced himself not a moment too soon, for a ripple of music swept through the rock as easily as if it were water. Stone churned like liquid under his hands as the skittering became louder and claws began swiping through the stone at them, eyes bubbling in the rock.

He stumbled backward and shuddered, swearing as the entire tunnel shook and heaved, then -

The air was knocked out of the violet as he was rapidly thrust upward, painfully falling to his knees and clinging to the rock -

- the wood beneath his feet.

The cave was becoming a massive trunk, growing and splitting underneath him as he clung for dear life, shot through with stone veins but unmistakably alive. The air was drier here, tinged with leaf-mold and pollen, orange light now all around them as his head whipped back and forth, wavy hair flying in the rush of wind.

Yet his skin was not burned. 

Crashing noises came from below, wails and yelps, stranger warbling noises and piercing shrieks. 

Wild-eyed, the violet’s heart raced. The great plant kept growing, and as he looked down on the leaf-strewn forest floor - 

Fae. 

Some dead, corpses of all shapes and sizes prone on the ground, speared by sharp branches going clean through their bodies, sprung directly from the thick trunk. Their corpses rotted over and dissipated as he watched. 

A few survivors fled as fast as their legs and wings could carry them, rapidly disappearing in the other trees surrounding the one Ullane had grown.

Where was she?

Ullane, clinging to the same branch closer to its base, her eyes flickering with a struggle to stay conscious as the tree’s expansion slowed to a halt.

He hissed in frustration.

“Stop it!” He said, loud and stern. “Stop doing this to yourself! You have to be more careful, do you hear me? If you die, I die! I will not lose my life to your carelessness!” 

It was hard to not use her name, to not demand that Ullane Wistim listen to him, but he couldn’t; she’d said how dangerous it would be to even whisper them here. The fae realms lived and breathed names; they were the ultimate form of truth, an instant link to another being. The wind could carry one to any listening ears it found.

The yellowblood looked at him, eyes alight with pink, and opened her mouth…then slumped over against the trunk.

Epsilo put a hand to his face and took some deep breaths.

His gills, think of his gills, restored once he finally dragged this reckless woman to her goal.

Three courts left. First, they had to get through this one, without getting caught by the survivors or his companion melting herself into sludge, whichever came first.

He carefully crawled closer to her along the thick branch, looking at her with irritation and a biologist’s concern. 

Her horns…they were more black than they’d been before. Her claws had turned entirely that color. 

“Don’t you become a hybrid.” He muttered. “Don’t you dare. Vallis is enough, I need you to be troll, do you hear me? Uryali, do you hear me? You stop her from drawing on you so heavily, you damned starfish.”

The black bud on her hand now extended vines down her arm, raised scarification on her flesh that shifted on her skin just as the rest of it did. 

Why was she like this? Was it horrorterror influence?

It had to be, he supposed. The Ullane Wistim he had known sweeps ago - though not well - had never been this foolhardy. 

He flattened himself against the trunk as a hurled black stinger the size of his thumb buried itself where his leg had just been and crumpled against the stone-wood before bouncing off.

An insect-like whine - several - reached his ears and he dove off the trunk, knowing hitting a branch or the ground would be less lethal than what was in those stingers -

The tree caught him.

A branch coiled around him like a harness, protecting him and holding him in place. Others snaked through the air to lash at the small cloud of buzzing fae who shrieked and chittered in distress as it chased them through the dusk air.

How? She was -

- her eyes were shut, but Ullane stood with an arm against the trunk, grinning anyway.

He shuddered and the tree bloomed.

Dozens of violet-pink flowers with stony petals opened all over it, filling the air with a strangely chemical scent, and Epsilo sneezed as they poured out glimmering pollen.

The fae shook. Seized up. Dropped from the air, coughing, screeching…dying.

Laughter came from the yellowblood, but her mouth was still closed in a grin. 

The violet let out a long breath through gritted teeth as he was gently placed back beside her.

“I have no choice.” She murmured to him in late response, eyes open now. “With my own psiionics, I can adapt myself more to his power. I am becoming the best conduit possible. Everything else is secondary.”

She looked up into the orange-tinted sky, its clouds dark and distant, as if they too were keeping away from the terrible intruder.

“Let’s just go.” Epsilo said roughly. “As I recall, the next border is at the top of the tallest tree in the forest. How are we getting there without getting torn to shreds?” 

The branches that had speared the fae lifted, along with the ones that had swatted at the lingering swarm. They all slid across the trunk, joining together into one massive branch that flattened itself out, forming into a stone-wooden staircase through the air.

His eyes widened as it...drew branches from other trees it passed onto it to extend itself, going far enough that he couldn’t see the end of it.

Ullane smiled at him, satisfied, but leaned over a bit more.

“I should rest now.” She admitted. “Will you carry me?”

He sighed, turning into a werehyena in a brief swirl of violet light. The lowblood smiled again and climbed on the unusually large hyena, for Epsilo’s form reflected his size as a troll.

This time no tendrils sprung out to hold her fast, but Epsilo wasn’t going to complain as he set off running across the bridge.

He kept his eyes on the path ahead - it was wide enough that he wasn’t overly nervous, and Ullane had thought to grow guard-rails. Still, he didn’t want to miss any more potential attacks as his paws thudded over the wood.

It was impossible to not be awed by the view. 

Just like the winter court, the place was beautiful - a forest of trees with resplendently colored leaves, tossed about in periodic breezes that ruffled his fur and Ullane’s hair. 

Some clouds finally drew closer to the pair, and reflected on them from the eternal twilight, Epsilo saw images of…war. Imperial banners, soldiers in trenches, but gear and weapons that must be thousands of millennia old.

He saw fae fighting back. Killing the soldiers, tricking them, shutting out trolls from their homes with walls of wood and stone. 

“No wonder they were far more able than the winter court.” He murmured, in between breaths as he slowed his pace. He’d been running for a while, longer than he had in the tundra and hills. 

“The ice mourns. The leaves resent.” Ullane whispered. “Next is spring.” 

“What’s the spring court’s thing, then.” Epsilo said with a trace of wry humor. “How have they coped with their defeat?”

His companion laughed softly, then gripped him more tightly with her hands and thighs than she had the whole time.

Wingbeats. Loud, thudding ones coming toward them at speed, and while they were close, the top of the tallest tree was still a minute or so away…

Epsilo gritted his teeth and picked up his pace again.

It was no use; he saw…a huge deer, a winged deer with a bird’s tail and back feet, fly up by their entryway.

Even from dozens of feet away, the animal was large enough, its head adornment bright enough that he could see it for what it was: a slender golden crown, wrought in the shape of various intertwined leaves.

“STOP!” She - a feminine voice, he thought - screeched.

The violet winced but pressed onward, defying her volume and the wind that had blown along with it.

“No further, weeper! If I don’t stop you, your own hubris will! The marks on your face prove it.” The creature snarled. “Such overflowing power damns all who channel furthest ring folk!”

The deer-bird took a deep breath, then opened her mouth -

Singing voices called all around the racing hyena, and a cloud of pollen from the flowers earlier rushed toward her in a swirl of wind, hurling itself down the autumn queen’s throat before she could spit it back out, coughing and wheezing.

Ullane herself coughed and wheezed on his back, struggling for air herself as he kept going, and he silently begged her to not push herself any farther. 

The fae lashed out at the bridge in her fit before falling to the ground, clawing the last dozen feet of it away as Epsilo panicked, unable to stop his momentum in time - 

He felt his passenger thud down unconscious on his back at the same time he felt himself…lift.

Violet membranes had sprung out from his sides and limbs, catching the wind and carrying him just up enough to land gently at the highest branches of the autumn court’s vast tree. 

They shriveled into nothing as he steeled himself and walked into the sky itself, disappearing into the clouds that had come to receive him. 

[imhereformr]

brella- “you look so pretty when you smile” + [FLIRT]

(maybe like pre-season 1 or during season 1? idk whatever comes to your brilliant mind 💗)

Neither of those. Have High School party Brella first meet instead. Hope you still enjoy it 🧡💚

Stella Saule – most beautiful girl in school, richest girl in school, most fashionable girl in school, but maybe not the most popular – pushed her way through the crowd. It was, in her opinion, criminal that she wasn’t more popular, but apparently there was something about her sense of humour or, as Musa called it, her brashness that rubbed people the wrong way. Nevermind, she had her girls, so who needed the rest of them anyways.

Unfortunately for her, one of her girls also happened to be dating one of the most popular guys in school and somehow, she always ended up getting dragged to his house parties alongside her darling best friend. Bloom hated parties, so how she’d ended up dating mister popular football jock man Skylar Eraklyon was beyond Stella. Usually, Musa and Aisha would be dragged along, but the latter had family commitments and the former was out on a date with her dumbass jackass of a boyfriend. He’s not that bad, she claimed – whatever. Tecna and Flora weren’t partiers, so they never came. Which, tonight, left Stella all alone while Bloom was dragged away by her stupid boyfriend to be introduced to more people whose name Bloom would never remember.

Stella dropped herself onto one of the striped blue and white lounge chairs on the back patio of Sky’s mansion, which she found ridiculously large even by her standards – and her home had a ballroom, six guest rooms, two dining rooms, three living rooms and a servants’ quarters. She nursed the repulsive beer that she’d plucked out of a cooler – the only alcoholic option she had, and lord knew she’d need that to survive the night – as she watched Diaspro, miss head cheerleader and Sky’s ex, flirt with Pete, Stella’s ex.

It had only been two weeks since they’d broken up; how the fuck was he already flirting with other girls? Especially such heinous ones. Stella rolled her eyes, drank and scrolled through her phone, occasionally getting a text from the others asking how the party was. Bloom came by once or twice, but Sky always pulled her away. If Stella didn’t know any better, she’d think he was jealous that Bloom would prefer to hang out with her instead of him.

“Hi there.”

“Fuck off.”

“Wow. You’re friendly.”

Stella rolled her eyes. She was not in the mood for some jackass to hit on her. And yet, said jackass took the chair next to hers and leaned back. Stella stared straight ahead at her phone; she would pay him no mind. If he couldn’t get the very straightforward message of fuck off that wasn’t her problem.

“So, what’s it like?”

“What?” Stella questioned against her better judgement.

“What’s it like?”

“What’s what like?” Stella demanded with an exasperated sigh as she dropped her phone in her lap.

“Being the most gorgeous woman to ever exist.”

“Seriously? That’s the best you can do?” Stella gave him the most unimpressed look she could muster and... fuck.

He was gorgeous.

Fuck him.

Broad shoulders, perfect square jaw, sparkling smile, deep chocolatey eyes, shiny brown hair, skin so smooth it would make a newborn jealous. He made Pete look like a dumpster. Stella forced her unimpressed glare to stay on her face solely for appearance’s sake, but she actually found herself okay with the idea of him continuing to flirt with her. Did that make her a hypocrite? Absolutely, but she didn’t care. His gorgeous ass could distract her from this misery.

“If I had a nickel for every time I saw someone as beautiful as you, I'd have five cents.”

Stella grimaced.

“Are you a parking ticket? Cause you've got fine written all over you. If I had four quarters to give to the four prettiest women in the world, you would have a dollar. You must be made of cheese because you're looking Gouda tonight.”

“Oh. That... was awful, but I’ve not heard it yet” she admitted. She tried to maintain her uninterested demeanor, but she had to admit that there was something charming about him. She let her eyes roam over the backyard, hoping that Pete had noticed this delicious man flirting with her. She had been the one to break up with him, so she wasn’t particularly heartbroken, but it stung to see him already moving on. She needed to show him she was too.

“Awful?” He furrowed his brows. One of his hands found its way to his chest as he feigned offence. Stella tried not to notice how his arms flexed at the movement. She failed, of course.

“You couldn’t possibly think it was good.”

“Well, let’s see you do better then” he challenged.

Stella spotted Pete looking at them and gave him a wicked smirk. She returned her attention to her admirer, deciding that she was willing to play along. Letting herself slide down the lounge chair, Stella angled her body towards him. She used the arm of the chair to support her arm as she propped her chin onto her palm and gave him the sweetest look she could. “I'm not so good at holding conversations… is it okay if I hold your hand instead?”

He smiled at her. Oh God, that really was a nice smile. His dentist must be a magician. The man sat up and threw his legs over the edge of the chair, leaning into her. “They say Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, but clearly they've never sat next to you.”

“Are you an artist? Because you’re really good at drawing me in" she replied flirtatiously. If he wanted a pick up line contest, she would win. She'd heard them all.

“I hope you know CPR because you are taking my breath away.”

“I'd take you to the movies, but they don't let you bring in your own snacks.”

“When I text you goodnight later, what phone number should I use?”

Oooh that was a smooth one. She wouldn’t mind if he texted her good night. Or good morning.

“Aside from being sexy, what do you do for a living?”

“If you were a chicken, you'd be Im-peck-able.”

“Oh... noooo” Stella laughed. He’d been doing so well. None of the lines were that good – except maybe the goodnight text one – but at least they were passable. She tried to reel in her laughter, but it was so bad, she couldn’t help it. She loved a good bad joke.

“So, uh... do you have a name, or can I just call you 'mine'?” he asked as she wiped away the tears that had started to form in the corners of her eyes.

“Are you only gonna talk to me in bad pick-up lines now?”

“Well, it seems to be the only thing that you’ll respond to, so” he retorted with a laugh. Stella laughed again. When she stopped, he was watching her with a smile that she couldn’t quite decipher. It wasn’t the charming one he'd been using on her before, it was more… genuine. “You’re really pretty when you smile.”

She almost brushed it off as another pick up line, but something told her it wasn’t. She smiled again, which he returned. He was really cute. And, for the first time since she’d found out she’d be accompanying Bloom solo, Stella found herself genuinely enjoying herself.

“Stella” she told him, extending her hand.

“Brandon.” His hand took hers and shook it. He smiled at her, his dark eyes meeting her own. She couldn’t help but notice that the smile extended into his eyes and there was something incredibly comforting about them. It was only after she realized they were still holding hands some minutes later that she spoke again.

“It’s nice to meet you, Brandon.”

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb: All of Us Villains meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this action-packed fantasy following a teen determined to win the competition held by warring vampire and witch kingdoms, only to develop complicated feelings for the vampire she’s supposed to hand over.

Blood is survival for seventeen-year-old Bly, who lives in the poverty-stricken human villages caught between enemy vampire and witch kingdoms. Most of the time, vampires and witches live in uneasy truce, buying human blood for their food and spells. But for two weeks a year, the ceasefire dissolves, and they hold the Revenant Games.

Any human can play in the games for either the witches or the vampires. Alongside life-changing riches, the witches will raise one person from the dead for whoever captures the highest-ranking vampire. In turn, the vampires offer immortality to whoever captures the most powerful witch. For most humans, the games are a ticket out of poverty. For Bly, it’s a chance to get back her dead sister, Elise, and save the life of her dying best friend, Emerson.

Together, she and Emerson forge a dangerous plan to play both sides and win both prizes: resurrection for Elise and immortality for Emerson. But when the vampire they capture stirs a passion in Bly that she hasn’t felt in a long time, she’ll have to make a choice: her sister or the boy who’s shown her there’s more to life than just survival.

Review:

Hunger Games but make it with vampires, witches, and humans! How far would you go to bring someone back to life? Would you enter into a deadly tournament that could kill you? Bly is a seventeen year old girl who lives in a world where witches use blood for magic and vampires need blood for food, and in this world there is truce amongst humans, vampires, and witches. But for two weeks a year, the ceasefire dissolves and an event known as the Revenant Games occurs. The Revenant Games lets any human play in the games for either the witches or the vampires and the prize is wealthy beyond your imagination and with witches will raise one person from the dead for whoever captures the highest-ranking vampire and in turn, the vampires will offer immortality to whoever captures the most powerful witch. Bly has been secretly in love with her childhood best friend Emerson and plans on confessing to him and asking him to run away with her, her younger sister Elise is their mother's favorite, and they are all living in poverty. When Elise helps Bly pick up food to be sold, she accidentally touches a spelled mushroom that was owned by a witch... in turn killing her and Bly feels guilty for doing that. She decides to enter into the Revenant Games to bring back her sister, only before entering Emerson is put under a death curse and now he needs to be turned into an immortal in order to avoid it. They both team up in order to bring back Elise and to save Emerson. Bly finds herself being taken in by the vampire prince, Keirrigan, a handsome prince (along the lines of Carden from Cruel Prince). Kerrigan offers to by Bly's sacrifice to be killed because he is bored with life.... yet the more time she spends with him the more she begins to see underneath his act and that there is a blooming romance between them. But these games are brutal and you can't trust anyone, and when secrets are revealed, can Bly trust those she's put on her team to win or will she have to take out everyone to get what she wants.... if its even what she really wants. This is the first book in a series, and honestly it felt so so similar to the Hunger Games and All of Us Villains, yet lacking the magic of either of those books. I had really high hopes for this book especially since it was advertise as being a mix of All of Us Villains meets Kingdom of the Wicked (and it really did not feel like Kingdom of the Wicked). I just didn't find myself caring all that much for Bly or really liking any of the characters all that much, I wasn't invested in the love triangle, and I found myself a bit frustrated with Bly's decisions, and yes she is a 17 year old girl but come on, Katniss was young too. The similarities between this and Hunger Games was so glaring it was hard to look past it: older sister of a younger sister who is preferred by their parental figure, in love with her childhood best friend but he's not really the main love interest, a new mysterious guy who cares for her appears and is on her team and is willing to die for her, she's a poor girl fighting against other more powerful sects, like come on. Honestly, the way this book ends with such a HUGE HUGE cliffhanger, really just didn't have me caring all that much and I won't be reading the sequel in the future either. This one wasn't for me and just kind of fell flat of any of my expectations, and I think if you like Hunger games-esque stories, maybe give it a go, maybe you'll have a better time with it than I did.

*Thanks Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[inconmess]

A Day Out with the Aeormatons

Love Letters week... basically I am combining all the prompts into one fic because they all seem to end up into a crazy day setting for the bots 🙃 Set in a semi modern AU with the only thing that is modern is the tech. (I typed in an hour I am so sorry this is rushed!)

Protect | Dance | Lyrics | Bloom | Dream | Laugh | Freeday

"Letters! Stop staring at the fucking mirror and get on meeting your lover!" Ashton shouted in reply to the murmurs FCG had been making all day.

"But what if they don't like what I am wearing? Or what I got for them?"

"I am sure they would love anything you got for them. And would love it better if you didn't wear anything. You look absolutely stunning and don't you dare keep them waiting!"

"Alright, alright!" FCG zoomed past Ashton to the door and glanced back. "Will you pick me up if needed?"

Ashton just stared at the aeormaton in surprise. "You want me to pick you up?"

"Well... no? But what if-"

"There's your answer. Now get going? I am pretty sure you are expected to be there in... 15 minutes?"

"Oh gosh! Yeah! Ok Bye!" FCG rushed out of the door before poking their head back in. "Can you drop me off? We aren't meeting at FRIDA's home and the location is much farther than I expected?"

Honestly, they knew they were panicking unnecessarily but this was FRIDA! It has to be perfect and they had to be there on time!

Ashton sighed as they got off the couch. "Fine. Be downstairs. I will be there in a minute."

"And don't give out too much of the protective brother vibes!"

"I AM NOT a protective brother!" Ashton shouted back as he grabbed his bike keys.

"Thanks Ash!"

"Go have fun!"

FCG rushed up the stairs of the building, or tried to with the wheel as much as possible as they spotted FRIDA standing at the entrance. "Hey! Sorry I am late. I... kinda got lost?"

"Or was it just Ashton being protective?" FRIDA teased before smiling softly. "You look great!"

"You too! What are we doing today? You said we are playing Hooky but Ashton said that is only when we are bunking something we are supposed to do and I don't think we are bunking?"

"We are just going to do some... activities."

"Like?"

"It's a surprise!" FRIDA exclaimed as they dragged FCG into the building, buying two tickets on the way.

"What is this for?"

"Remember the time Orym mentioned that pottery and flowers workshop his friend was conducting and you were interested in? That is today."

"Really?"

"Yeah. And we get the whole tour. And learn to make flower crowns and paint pots. Or whatever clay thing we like!"

"Is it like a do-it-yourself thing!" FCG asked in excitement.

"Kind of, yes."

"Is it the bloomed flowers that make the crown better or the unbloomed ones? Or a mix of both?" FCG asked while working on their flower crown.

"I don't know. Maybe we can try both and see how it fits?"

"Can we paint one pot together and two vases separately?"

"Of course, love. Whatever you want."

As they stepped outside the building, a flower crown on their heads and tiny flower bracelets made out of buds in their hand, 3 painted vases in the kiln, the two lovers were beaming as they looked at each other.

"That was fun. What next?"

"We grab something to eat first and then Deanna suggested we hit the arcade? After which I was thinking we can head to the karaoke bar and maybe even have a dance or two because I really wanted to try that some time with you."

"Are you sure you want me for... a dance? I don't exactly have legs..."

"All the more better because you won't step onto any!" FRIDA beamed. "But if you don't want to go, that's totally fine."

"But you wanted to go!"

"Not if both of us can't enjoy it together."

"Don't stop yourself on my behalf."

"FCG," FRIDA took their hands and gripped them together. "Today was supposed to be a day the two of us enjoy together. No one is going to judge the other if we do anything wrong. We are going there to have fun and any mistakes, we can laugh it off. But if you don't want to go there, what's the point of me going there without you? It defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Today is for US to be happy. not just me, not just you."

"But you didn't really like the Bloom workshop?"

"I loved spending time with you there though, so it was worth it."

"Then I am going to the bar with you."

"You just said you didn't want to?"

"Yeah, But I get to see you enjoy and it will be worth it, just like you said." FCG said as they leaned in and pressed their faceplate against FRIDA's jawline, grinning at the shocked look on their face.

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

"Do you know the lyrics of this song?" FRIDA yelled over the din of the chorus.

"A little, why?"

"Because I want to sing it with you!"

"What song is it?"

"Making my way!"

"Alright then, sign me up."

"And you are dancing with me on this one. No steps, no formalities, nothing."

"I can... try. But I only have a wheel..."

"Dance is about movement and being in the moment! Come on up Grass!"

FCG laughed as FRIDA tried to imitate one of the "popular" and "cool" steps and awkwardly flails at it before climbing onto the platform.

"This is fun!" they admitted after a while.

"What is?"

"Spending time with you like this. Never in my life did I dream of being at this stage in life, let alone with a partner in a bar, dancing of all thing. And now I get to experience all of this with you. So thank you."

"Thank you to you too. You literally make my day every single day and you... you saved me, Grass, and gave my life a purpose and you don't even know how much it means to me. I love you."

"I love you too."

[nancypullen]

Soooo....

It’s been a minute since I posted here! I spent the last week down in Florida, visiting my mom. It was a fun week that went too fast.  My journey down was a nightmare. I was buckled in for early my morning flight out of Baltimore when the captain accidentally deployed an emergency slide. As a former airline employee my heart sank as I watched that slide unfurl because I knew that aircraft was now grounded.  The day turned into a series of standing by for flights and running gate to gate in Atlanta.  I did eventually arrive at the Ft.Walton/Destin airport and all was well. Delta’s idea of an apology was an email and 12,500 miles deposited in my frequent flyer account.  I’d rather have half my ticket refunded. At the very least they could have let us exit the disabled aircraft via the slide. That would have put people in a better mood. Thankfully, the trip home went smoothly and I got in last night right on time.

Mom is doing great, she looks and acts younger than her years. We celebrated her birthday with a family dinner at a Bavarian restaurant and we had three kinds of cake. She had folks calling and stopping by to wish her a happy day, and neighbors dropped off pretty gifts.  I hope I’m as popular as she is on my 87th birthday.  We shopped, we ate, we laughed, and there was no cooking or cleaning. That’s what I call a good week. This morning I’m back in the saddle.  I went out to get our groceries, and I’ve already washed my clothes from the trip. I’ve got meals planned for the next several days and I’m back in the kitchen doing my thing.  Home again, home again, jiggity jig. While I was gone Mickey went on a tear completing home improvement projects. I’m THRILLED with everything that he did.  New faucets and fixtures in both of the upstairs bathrooms.  In the downstairs powder room he fixed the drywall, added trim, and took down the contractor grade mirror. I’m over the moon with the changes! We’ll hang the new mirror, I’ll paint the vanity and add new hardware, and with a little fluffing that room will be so pretty!  I’ll have to share a before and after when it’s complete.  Spring is trying to arrive here in Denton.  The Bradford Pear trees are blooming and there are daffodils everywhere.  I need to get my birdhouse up this weekend so I can lure in tenants.  It’s nearly nest making time. Okay, that’s it from me -just catching you up. I’ll be back tomorrow with a bit more to say and some photos.  Just letting you know that I’m not dead or in prison (although I am waiting to hear about an arrest).

I’ll meet ya’ back here tomorrow! Stay safe, stay well.

Nancy  

[bullfrogjoy]

Bullfrog Joy

March 22, 2023

Good Morning! It’s really spring now, but I’m not sure it feels like it. For some reason I am just cold. I do like the sunshine later in the day, and I know it will warm up. On my walk today I saw bluebells and mini daffodils. So cute! My regular daffodils are just about bloomed out. They’ll last a little longer for just a bit more early spring joy.

March Madness…it’s another sign of spring. Are you in? How do you choose your winners? I’m looking for a Cinderella team, but the one I picked got beat. Long Beach State. Their coach got fired and then they won their tournament. I’ll look for another one. Maybe Oakland?

I guess you could say my family is a little basketball crazy. We had two TV’s going last night, flipping between games. Our daughter took two days off work to watch games this week. We did not teach her to be a North Carolina fan, but somehow that has become her team. They won so her bracket is good so far.

Facebook told me that our son got tickets to see Illinois play yesterday afternoon. I didn’t even know he was a fan, but there was his picture at the game. He and his friend drove six hours to watch the game. Guess they were feeling the joy because Illinois won. I did notice he had on his White Sox shirt so he does still know which sport is the best!

Here’s my non-basketball joy story for the week, my friends. My brother left town for the winter, but before he left he made plans for some remodeling of his house here in Illinois. He asked if I would supervise and make some decisions if necessary. It really is a bit bigger job than I expected, but it is sort of fun to be in charge of spending someone else’s money! Someone had to choose what kind of flooring to put in his new bathroom and hallway. The carpenters suggested we go to the Warehouse Bargain store at the mall. WOW! Have you been there? So much stuff! And so many deals.

However, the real joy was when we discovered we had not bought enough flooring. Doesn’t sound like joy, does it? We had to go back to buy an entire box to get the three pieces we needed for the doorway we hadn’t measured. We walked in, told the guy what we wanted, and he said he thought he could hook us up. He pulled three pieces out of an open box and handed them to us, saying, “Have a nice day. It’s on us!” What a deal! And yes, my friends, that was JOY! We will go back to that store.

I do like basketball as much as the rest of the family, but I also found a really good book. It may be a tough choice this weekend. Basketball or The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese? The characters are amazing. The setting is 1900’s in India. An interesting tidbit, not particularly important to the plot is that the main character attends a church established by the apostle Thomas, after Jesus sent him to go to all nations, preach the gospel and baptize believers. I had to check on this. I don’t know that it is proven fact, but it is tradition that Thomas did go to India to preach the Word, and there are churches that claim to be founded by Thomas. There are three different story lines. At page 250 (there are 700) I am beginning to see how they might intertwine. So much to find out, so much to read, how can I watch basketball?

Life is good. Joy is out there my friends. Macomb outdoor Dairy Queen is open! It may be cold, but ice cream brings me joy! And….even better….It’s almost Easter when we celebrate the greatest joy of all. Find a church and celebrate Palm Sunday! Jesus is alive. Joy to you my friends. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea. Joy to you and me.

[kaorisun]

Ayoooo, can I get a fic of how the blooming panic Li’s would react if mc immediately gave them an intense, heart stopping, romantic comedy kiss the second they meet in real life? I am just so in love with the way you write. Marry me?? :0 💍

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 BLOOMIC. first meet kiss

characters included ; nightowl, quest, xyx, toasty

tags ; fluff, comfort

author’s note ; I love love love this idea! This is a cute, fluffy headcanon set with just the LIs, so I hope you all enjoy! And although I appreciate the offer, lovely anon, I’ll have to reject your marriage proposal. I will, however, continue to be an author that happily delivers your writing requests <33 oooo side note! If any of y’all know any artists with open commissions that are willing to draw bloomic, message me! I wanna com a new icon B) ahhh! enough from me! enjoy 💕

NIGHTOWL —

— You were feeling giddy as you sat in the plane. Only a few more hours and you’d be with Nightowl in person for the entire week! You’d expressed your excitement to your boyfriend for weeks leading up to your flight departure— and somehow, he was even more excited than you were. He’d been so happy when the plans had been finalized— hardly able to sleep as the date neared. It pained you both that you would be without any sort of internet service for the flight, so there was no communication between you both, but that only made you look forward to the meeting even more.

— You both had been dating for months now— and you’d been saving up to buy a plane ticket to see him. Once you saved up enough, you brought up the idea to Nightowl and he was ecstatic— agreeing almost instantly and scouring his schedule for free time— making necessary calls that night to ensure he’d have time for you when you flew down. You’d saved up your own vacation hours as well, so there was no conflict. And now here you were.

— You texted him immediately after the plane landed— smiling at the countless loving messages and cute photos he’d sent while you were in air. You hopped in a taxi, on your way to his apartment to finally see him after so long. Your heart was pounding and once you saw the building in view, you smiled, putting your phone away.

— Exiting the taxi, you glanced at the building and found the apartment number before knocking. You heard a loud pattering of footsteps, followed by crashing and a string of curses from Nightowl. You held in your laughter and soon the door opened and there he was— your boyfriend, greeting you with a sheepish, yet warm smile.

— “Hey, cutie! God, it’s so nice to see you in person. You look amazing.” He spoke and you felt your heart race. Unable to contain your excitement anymore, you jumped into his arms and pulled him into a kiss, expressing all of the happiness in the affection you gave.

— Nightowl gasped a bit, catching you the best he could, but ultimately being knocked off his feet and falling back with you landing on top of him. He was stunned for a moment, before smiling and kissing back. He was just as excited, happy and still in slight disbelief that you were actually here. Feeling your lips against his confirmed all the he needed to know. This was real. He smiled against your lips, pulling away only when he was rendered absolutely breathless. You gave a small, content smile and cupped his cheeks, peppering his face in small kisses as his face flushed.

— “Wow, way to sweep a guy off his feet. That excited to see me..?” He asked, vulnerability present in his soft tone. You gave a reassuring smile, pecking his lips once more.

— “Of course I am, Nightowl. I haven’t stopped thinking about this day since the moment we planned it. I guess I just couldn’t contain it anymore when I finally saw you.” You said with a light laugh. He wrapped his arms around your waist, hiding the pure adoration present on his face as he let out a shaky laugh.

— “Man, you’re really killing me, cutie. First a kiss like that and then saying something so sweet? How did I get so lucky?” He whispered softly. You hummed and he pulled back to look at you once more. You smiled, pulling him into another affectionate kiss.

— Funny that he asks how he managed to get so lucky. You’d been wondering the exact same thing.

QUEST —

— Quest was flying out to see you. There had been a long build up— a long wait for you both given that you were both busy with work and getting vacation time approved took a while, but eventually, it all worked out. Now he was on his way— and you were antsy.

— He had gone on the airplane hours ago and he’d be landing any moment now— soon enough, you’d see him walk to where you stood waiting in the airport. You could only imagine what it’d be like— to be in his arms after so long, to hear his sweet words in person— to finally be with him. No work. No stress. No fear that the server would shut down in any given moment. You felt grateful that the server censors lifted when they did— you didn’t want to be stuck forever, left only to wonder what it’d be like to be with Quest in person. You no longer how to imagine because within a few minutes— it’d be reality. All that you’ve hoped for was right in front of you.

— Quest shared the same sentiment. You were someone who loved him for who he was— who acknowledged his past and recognized that he changed from it. You were so kind to him and encouraged him to show that same kindness to himself. He knew that he had a tendency to be pretty self sacrificial due to feeling the need to prove that he was a good person— even if it meant compromising his own health— and you were slowly helping him heal that mindset. He loved you for it— loved everything about you.

— And now you two would have the opportunity to meet and spend time together in person. Every single declaration of love over call or in text could now be spoken in person— something you both looked forward to. You glanced at your phone every few minutes, then at the direction of the airport arrivals, switching your focus between the two as you waited for your boyfriend to arrive. Any moment now—

— There! You spotted Quest from afar and your heart skipped a beat. There he was— he was really here. You could hardly believe it— and couldn’t contain the happiness that filled your chest when you saw him. You couldn’t be apart from him a moment longer. Quest spotted you from afar as well, a smile of his own on his face as he soon noticed you making a mad dash towards him. He dropped his things, preparing for a rather forceful embrace from you.

— What he hadn’t expected, however, was that you leapt right into his arms and kissed him with a passion that he was hardly prepared for. He was quick to catch you, holding you by your thighs as your arms wrapped around his neck, lips locked with his. His eyes widened a bit, but he merely chuckled and kissed back. He should’ve expected this sort of intensity and romanticism from you. Though, even if unexpected, it was incredibly welcome. Feeling your lips against his made him feel loved— wanted and whole. You were the part of him that he never knew he needed until you came into his life.

— Eventually, you both pulled away, and you met his gaze with a gentle one of your own, smiling at him as you traced his scars delicately with your fingertips, taking in his presence.

— “Well hello to you too, angel. I’m glad to see you. Not that I haven’t before— but it’s different now that we’re in person. You’re even more stunning that I could’ve ever imagined.” He said in a soft tone. You laughed a bit in response and smiled, pecking his lips once more before allowing him to place you down.

— “Sorry, I couldn’t contain myself. It’s really nice to see you. Save the compliments for later, though! Lest you want me to keep kissing you. We’re in public, after all.” You chided playfully before grabbing his hand after he’d gathered all of his things.

— “But really, I’m glad you made it here, Quest. Seeing you… I can’t put into words just how happy I am.” You said softly as you looked up at him. He returned the fond expression, intertwining your fingers and squeezing your hand gently.

— “I know, angel. I feel the exact same way. Speechless at finally seeing you in person. Now let’s go, we have the whole week ahead of us.” He responded.

XYX —

— Finally. You made it. After a rather grueling plane ride, you’d finally landed in the airport. You were here to visit Xyx for a while— but more importantly, it was your first meeting. You’d been dating the server troll for almost a year now. You’d gotten lucky with the server censors— but not as lucky with your respective schedules. With Xyx having a rather packed schedule, and you hardly having time for a vacation, planning the actual trip was a hassle— but it finally came to fruition. You were excited, but equally tired. All you wanted right now was to be with Xyx— to give the man affection that you knew he deserved.

— Of course, you expected playful banter from him the moment he saw you— such was apart of his suave nature, but you didn’t plan to let him get a single word in. Not if you could help it. You’d have plenty of time to deal with Xyx’s incessant teasing during the rest of your time there. However, after hours of being in an airplane with countless connecting flights? The last thing you wanted was for him to make some sly comment first thing. You wanted to be in his embrace— wanted to know that he was there first thing— so that’s what you planned to do when you arrived.

— You let out a tired sigh as you grabbed your luggage, pulling out your phone and reading the messages from your boyfriend soon after. He told you he’d be waiting outside, and that he hoped you were ready for a wild ride on his motorcycle— all things you could respond to and complain about later— you just wanted to see him.

— You exited the airport and spotted Xyx from afar. When he saw you— the same telltale smirk appeared on his face, one that you were so incredibly used to— one that you’d fallen so deeply in love with. Just as you loved how vulnerable he could be, you loved how flirty he could be as well, but now was not the time to ponder such things.

— You smiled, jogging lightly over to the other. He raised a curious brow at your hurriedness, paired with a smug smile. An equally clever remark was about to be spoken, but before that could happen, you dropped your things and grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged him into a deep kiss, the tension leaving your body with it. He was here— the trip was worth it. You’d made it home.

— Xyx’s eyes widened, but he didn’t say anything, merely smirking and pulling you closer by your hips, moving his lips in sync with yours. After a few seconds, you both pulled away. Xyx’s face was flushed with a slight tinge of red— obviously taken aback by the sudden act of affection, but wanting to keep up his collected front. That didn’t last, however.

— “Sorry, but I just really needed to feel you. I needed to know that I made it and I’m not living in some dream. I love you, Xyx. I’m so glad that I’m finally here.” You confessed, relaxing into his arms as he embraced you tightly. Xyx teared up ever so slightly, smiling like a fool as he hugged you tighter.

— “You never need to apologize for something like that, love. I’m… really glad that you’re finally here. And for the record— I… I love you too.” He said softly and you hummed in content before pulling back to admire him for a moment. This is what you’d been waiting for for so long. You gave him a few more light kisses before pulling away. Xyx cleared his throat, the blush still ever present in his face as he attempted to compose himself.

— “Right, well. We should head off. Don’t want to leave Cat waiting too long. I’m sure they can’t wait to see you either. And I’m sure they’ll love you just as much as I do.” Xyx stated and you nodded.

— Though you were sure you’d gain Cat’s favor, you didn’t think what he said was physically possible. You didn’t think anyone could love, cherish and adore you as much as Xyx did. But it was fine because it was entirely mutual.

NAKEDTOASTER —

— In all honesty, it had been difficult for you to contain your excitement regarding visiting Toasty for the first time. It had been a huge, organized surprise that you managed with the help of pretty much the entire server. From creating a private channel to discuss— helping you find a good time— the whole bloomic server assisted you in finalizing the surprise for Toasty.

— You had texted him the whole time— even paying for airplane internet access so he wouldn’t suspect a single thing. You were nervous that he found out, but Xyx assured you that he was none the wiser. All according to plan!

— You wanted to surprise him because you had vacation time to use, and more importantly, you’d noticed that Toasty had been stressing himself out more, getting less sleep and the like. You figured he needed a week to just relax, and there was nothing better than spending a week with your partner for some much needed TLC! You couldn’t wait to see his reaction, but more importantly, you couldn’t wait to give him the physical affection you’d promised to him so many times over call.

— Your plane finally landed and you grabbed your luggage. You texted Toasty that you had to go, and you could sense his disappointment through the texts, but he’d been reassured when you promised to text him again the moment you had the chance. The final part of your plan was in action. You know he’d be ending raid hours with Xyx about now, but you’d gotten Xyx to try distracting him for about another hour so you could get to his apartment without him suspecting anything.

— It worked. You were in front of his apartment door. You took a deep breath, soon knocking on the door and waiting. You heard a soft groan and shuffling from behind the door before hearing a soft ‘wait a moment’ from Toasty. Your heartbeat quickened as you heard the steps approach the door and soon enough it opened.

— “Who’s the— WH— (y/n)? H-how are you..?” He was awestruck, eyes wide as he looked you up and down, processing the fact that you were indeed in front of him. He wordlessly stepped to the side, allowing you to walk in before closing the door behind you. Before he got the chance to ask more questions, you dropped your things and looked at him, placing a hand on his cheek and pulling him into a passionate kiss.

— His eyes widened, but he felt himself relax into the touch, kissing back, gently resting his hand on your hip as you kissed him with an intensity that expressed the joy you felt in that moment. Toasty gave a shy smile against your lips, his face flushing red as one of your hands moved into his hair to undo the side ponytail it had been in, carding your fingers gently through his hair as you kissed him. You soon pulled away and he looked at you, unable to hold eye contact for long before he hid his face behind his hands. Wow. He had not been expecting that. You were here and you had just kissed him in a way that left him entirely speechless.

— “Surprise! I’m here for the week. Sorry, I got a bit carried away. I was just… really looking forward to surprising you, Toasty.” You expressed, gently playing with his hair as you allowed him a few moments to let the embarrassment pass so he could compose himself. He soon lifted his head, looking at you with a nervous, yet sincere smile.

— “No no! Don’t apologize— I-I’m really happy you’re here… really… and I liked the kiss! I’m just processing everything. You really… really surprised me. I can’t believe you’re actually here— I feel like I should clean up a bit the place is a mess.” He rambled for a few moments and you gave a light laugh and kissed him once more. He quickly shut up before looking at you with a loving gaze.

— “No need to worry about the mess. I don’t mind. Besides, I just really wanna enjoy your company, you know?” You said softly and he nodded, wrapping his arms around you tightly as he took in your presence. You were with him— you were there and when he needed it most. You smiled, kissing him gently on the temple and playing with his hair a bit.

— “Thank you for coming here. I’m really happy to see you.” He said softly and you smiled and nodded.

— “Of course. Anything for you.” You responded quietly.

[gretavangroupie]

Bloom (Chapter 8)

Chapter 7

Official Bloom Playlist

Warnings: Angst, Blood!!!, Fluff, Smut. 18+ ONLY. Minors DNI

A/N: Please make sure to check out the playlist above for the full effect while reading this chapter. As always, thanks for reading Merry Christmas!!

“You feel like home and everywhere I've never been, all at once.” - Butterflies Rising

You and Josh arrived back in Nashville the following Monday after a wonderful weekend in his hometown for Thanksgiving. You spent much of the next two weeks together, relaxing, cooking and planning your Christmas activities. Josh has been preparing for his first show back since they rescheduled them after San Antonio. He has rested and feels like he is back on top and ready to perform. Tomorrow the guys will all leave to play two consecutive shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey, returning home for a day before heading to Los Angeles for a week. 

Josh has begged you for the past two weeks to come with him and you reluctantly agreed since there is no bus travel involved. 

You are at your apartment visiting with Amelia, eating dinner, packing and catching up with her about all of the crazy things that have transpired in the last few weeks and promising to be around more. Your phone buzzes in your back pocket and you see Josh has texted you.

Josh: When are you coming home? 

Confused, you respond.

You: I am home? Im at my apartment right now? What do you mean?

Josh: That might be where your things live but I think you know where home is angel.

Not wanting to read too much into it, you reply quickly and shove your phone back into your pocket.

You: Soon.

Selecting your outfits for your trip you carefully pack them into a hard shell suitcase along with your toiletries and a box of tampons, knowing your period will be coming soon. Zipping up the case and bidding farewell to Amelia, you make your way back to Josh’s house. Walking inside you find Josh still packing his things meticulously in his suitcase, trying to shove it closed. 

“Ugh finally you’re back I need your help.” He says.

“You sit on this and i’m gonna zip it.” He says sitting you on his suitcase. The zipper glides closed with ease and you smile proudly. 

“See everything just works better when you’re here.” He says.

“Josh I was gone for like 3 hours, maybe.” You laugh.

“I know I just miss you when i’m here and you’re not.” He says.

Giving him a soft kiss on the cheek you change into one of his t-shirts and a pair of boxers and slide into the bed. 

“Tired, pretty girl?” He says placing the suitcase near the door. 

“Yeah, I am.” You reply knowing that its the fatigue starting to set in before the onslaught of your monthly visitor. 

“What’s wrong baby? Are you not excited for this weekend?” He asks sitting next to you on the bed.

“No I am, I just want it to be fun for you since its your first show back, but I am… about to have my time of the month and I’m not feeling the best.” You say nervously. You haven’t been with Josh while on your period yet, the time frames never lining up. 

“Oh, baby that's okay. Look if it makes you feel any better, that doesn’t bother me at all, in any way. I am going to make sure that you have fun this weekend and I will take care of you and pamper you the whole time. It will be great.” He smiles gently rubbing your hair. 

Leaning your head into his touch you nod yes. He gets up and changes clothes and crawls into bed next to you, spooning your body as you fall asleep next to him.

.

.

“Is that it?” You yell towards Josh who is in the house locking up before you head to the airport.

“Yep that’s it angel, we are ready to roll.” He calls back.

You have about 15 minutes to get to the airport to meet the guys before heading to Atlantic City.

As you pull into long term parking Josh asks how you’re feeling, you replying that you were doing okay today and him giving you a kiss on the cheek. You wheel your bags into the airport and check in at the ticket counter. You make it through to security where you see a girl snapping a picture of Josh as secretively as she can. You smile and laugh and push him ahead through the x-ray machine.

You both are pulling your shoes on as the girl approaches you both. “Hi are you Josh Kiszka?” She asks nervously.

“I am! How are you? Would you like a photo?” He asks the girl kindly.

“Oh my gosh, Hi, i’m great and yes if you don’t mind!” She replies happily.

“Baby?” Josh gestures as he hands you the girls cellphone. 

You take a few photos quickly before returning it to the girl who is absolutely gushing and thanking you and Josh profusely. You collect your things from the end of the belt and make your way to your gate, hand in hand. 

“Do you ever get tired of people asking for photos of you?” You ask as you walk.

“No, never… its sweet. They are always so nervous. I try to calm them down the best that I can.” He says.

He has such a kind heart, just one of the many things you love about him.

You approach the gate and see the rest of the guys and their girlfriends sitting chatting amongst themselves.

“Heyyyy I didn’t know you were coming!” Jake says enthusiastically towards you. The other girls clapping their hands excitedly at your presence. 

“Yeah, Josh wore me down” you say with a wink and elbow to his side.

“Good, we are gonna get into some trouble this weekend.” Sam jokes, his service dog Rose laying on the floor at his feet. Looking at her smiling, her tail gives you a small wag as a hello.

The flight in was short and sweet, only a little bit of turbulence from some bad weather moving through the area. You land and you all grab your luggage before a van delivers you to your hotel.  

As Lisa hands out room keys you wait patiently until she calls Josh’s name. He steps up taking the key and telling her thank you. He walks over to the group and asks them to meet him back here in an hour.

You and Josh make your way to your room and are immediately greeted with a gorgeous room overlooking the boardwalk. You can see the colorfully lit ferris wheel spinning in the distance. The room has a large king size bed, a full length mirror, along with a dresser, desk and a small couch. 

Josh opens his suitcase and begins hanging his clothes in the closet and placing his homey comforts on the bedside table. You excuse yourself to the bathroom only to find that, right on time, your period has arrived. You finish up and walk back into the room digging through your suitcase for the box of tampons. 

“Im sorry, baby. I mean, I guess it is a good thing.” Josh says sympathetically.

You nod your head agreeing before heading back to the bathroom to rectify the situation.

As you walk out Josh is sitting on the edge of the bed. “Come sit.” He says.

“Listen, you know I think you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I know you are not feeling good about yourself right now, but look. You are a woman. Your body is beautiful and is doing exactly what its made to do. Everything happening to you is natural and wonderful and you handle it with grace. I am going to continue to worship this body exactly as it should be. Including tonight…if you’ll let me. I want to show you how amazing it can feel to be completely consumed in each other in your most raw and natural state.” He finishes.

Jumping over his legs to straddle him you push him down onto the bed and lean over and press your lips to his. “Yes Josh, you can show me.” You say before standing up and going to look out the window. “We need to head back down there, they will be waiting for us.” You say.

You head downstairs and meet the guys in the lobby. Across the way is the entrance to the casino and you all make plans to try your hand at some slots after dinner. You enjoy a wonderful meal with lots of wine at the restaurant just down the street from the hotel. Afterwards you all head back and into the casino, most of you going for slot machines, and the others to the blackjack tables. 

An hour or so later you walk out with your winnings of $0.20, laughing at how Sammy lost $50.00. You are tired and smell like smoke from the casino but you remember what Josh has in store for the two of you as he slides his hand into the back pocket of your jeans.

“Still up for a little fun, angel?” He asks quietly.

“Only if you want to.” You reply.

He unlocks the hotel room door with the keycard and lets you in first. You sauntering across the room still tipsy from the alcohol with dinner, and the drinks in the casino.

He flops down on the bed with a deep sigh, “come here angel.” He says laying back.

You crawl between his legs, bending down and placing a kiss on his stomach, over his clothes. Feeling bold you unbutton his pants and hook your fingers into the hem dragging them down to let his dick be free. He is growing hard at the excitement of what’s happening, the soft kiss you place on the tip expediting the process.

You squat down off the bed and untie his shoes and remove his socks one at a time before pulling his pants completely off. with his legs hanging off the bed, bent at the knee. You sit up taller and grab the base of his length in your hand. He props himself up on his elbows to get a better look at what is happening. You make eye contact with him and as seductively as possible take him into your mouth, until you feel him at the back of your throat. You wrap your lips around him and slide back and forth never breaking eye contact. He throws his head back in pleasure a soft “fuck” leaving his throat. You continue and add a gripping motion to his base. Your other hand reaching up grazing your fingernails across his pelvis. As you continue to take him in, your tongue starts to swirl around the tip and he quivers under you. “Im gonna cum angel so pull off now if you want to.” He says urgently. You shake your head no, him still penetrating the back of your throat and with one good long stroke up his dick he cums spilling down the back of your throat.

“Jesus Christ, that was sinful." he says

You pull off of him standing up, taking your shoes and clothes off, leaving you standing in just your thong. Josh stands and takes the rest of his clothes off and makes his way to the bathroom, returning with a bath towel. He spreads it out over the sheets of the bed and turns back to you removing your panties. 

“Josh I have to go to the bathroom first…” you say and he nods understandingly.

You go to the bathroom and flush your tampon down the toilet, wash your hands and return to him. 

“Lay on that towel angel.” He instructs.

“The white towel?!” You say nervously.

“Angel they see this all the time i’m sure, don’t be ashamed.” He says rubbing his hands down your legs as you nod and lay on the towel.

“You know sex during your period is supposed to alleviate cramps?” He says. 

“I have heard that but, I've never tried. There’s never been anyone I’ve wanted to try with.” You reply.

“You’ve never had period sex before, angel?” He asks surprised.

“No.” You answer.

“I love you so much. I can’t believe you are mine.” He says. “Im going to be gentle, until you tell me not to, okay?” He asks.

“Please Josh…” you say, desperate for him.

He aligns himself with you, gently pushing into your cramping core with a groan.

It feels so good to have the pressure inside of you relieved by him. He begins to slowly rock his hips back and forth, the sound of your arousal filling the air. This is more of a wet sound than you’re both used to, and you feel his dick grow even harder. 

“God angel, this is something else.” He says as he continues. 

“Josh, you can be rough now. It’s okay.” You beg.

With that the pace of his hips pick up, his dick plunging deeper inside of you, the force of it pushing liquid out of you. As he continues you feel and hear a small spray leave you,  as you both realize that your blood has scattered across his torso. You feel embarrassed for a millisecond before Josh audibly indicates how much he loves it. 

Thrusting deep into you time and time again, liquid flowing freely from you, landing on the towel beneath you and adorning Josh’s pelvis. It all feels so good.

You do feel relief from your cramps as the coil inside of you tightens before your impending orgasm. You know that Josh isn’t too far behind by the moans he’s releasing. You can tell that period sex is something he is definitely into.

“My gorgeous woman. So fucking beautiful marking me with her blood. Fuck, I love you.” He says. Sending you rippling through your orgasm a small spray of arousal and blood hitting his base sending him into his own release. 

“Fuck, that was insanely hot. So primal.” he says pulling out of you, blood and slick coating his dick. “Stay there and let me watch.” He says watching his cum, tinted pink, leak out of you onto the towel. 

“Jesus Christ I’m going to cum again if I didn’t know better.” He says staring.

“Josh, stop…” You say blushing.

“You are a goddamn dream. Don’t ever think for one second that you aren’t… I will be damned if anyone ever does that to you, but me. ” He says getting up from the bed. He walks into the bathroom and turns on the shower before peaking his head out of the door  and saying “ready and waiting for you angel.”

He really is too good to you. That may have been one of the best orgasms of your life. Sitting up and swinging yourself off the bed, you hold the towel to your center as you walk, catching any excess fluids from dripping. You drop the towel on the bathroom floor and join Josh in the perfectly steamy shower. 

.

.

.

The next day when you wake Josh is gone but has left a note for you on the desk.

Went to find coffee…

x J

You smile at his cute handwriting, and set the note down and proceed to get dressed for the day. The guys will have soundcheck around 2:00 and Josh has demanded you come with him.

The venue is just around the corner in a different hotel. You straighten your hair and put on your outfit and lounge on the couch as you wait for him to return with coffee. You scroll through instagram and twitter and see nothing but excited comments from fans about the shows this weekend.

The door opens, Josh pushing it open with his foot with two coffees in his hand and a Starbucks bag hanging from his wrist.

“Its a good thing I love you…It was a mob scene at Starbucks, there were so many fans outside I had to send my mother in to get our order.” He laughs, “alas, here is your hot bean juice my lady.” He smiles.

Oh okay he is in a silly mood today. You love it when he is like this. He must be excited for the show. “Thanks baby!” You say happily accepting the large coffee.

“I also got you a muffin.” he says presenting you with a blueberry muffin.

“You’re the best.” You say kissing his soft pink lips. 

“Oh your nose is cold, how cold is it out there?” You ask.

“Uh frigid, I don’t know, wear a hat, a scarf, mittens whatever you have!” He jokes.

You laugh and kiss his nose.

Around 1:30 you Josh and the guys all meet in the lobby to head to the van to take you all to the venue for soundcheck. On the way the guys tentatively discuss the setlist for the evening and what they want to play for soundcheck. As you all enter backstage you see them check to see everything is set up how they want it and you and the other girls head down to the empty pit, your usual sound check spot. The guys play through a few songs, one oldie, according to Jakes girlfriend, and then they finish up and head back to the green room where you meet them. They will remain here for the rest of the day until it’s time for the show. You and the girls say your goodbyes and head back to the hotel to get ready. You all had outfits planned for the two nights of shows, coordinating to somewhat match color schemes. 

.

.

Arriving back to the green room later that evening, you are reunited with Josh and the guys who are now dressed in their stage outfits, and getting their rhinestones applied. Josh is walking around with his hot drink and cracking jokes for the girl who makes their social media videos. You hang out on the couch and he eventually makes his way over to you and sits down. 

“Are you ready?” You ask.

“Yeah I feel pretty good, my ear isn’t bothering me at all right now. Didn’t hurt after soundcheck so that is a good sign too.” He says, “I am so glad you’re here, the shows are just so much better when I know you’re out there watching.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world my love. You’re gonna do great tonight, and then you’re gonna take me back to the room and do whatever you want to me.” You whisper.

“That’s a deal angel.” He replies.

An hour or so later, the guys are stepping onto the stage and the fans are going absolutely insane. The energy the guys have on stage tonight is better than it has been in weeks. The crowd sings along to every song. They sway in unison to ‘Light My Love’ and you tear up knowing how much emotion that song causes people to feel. Your heart swells as you watch Josh and his brothers are living this dream. At the conclusion of the set, Josh takes a shot on stage with the fans and you use that as your cue and you and the girls head backstage from the sound booth.

A little while later the guys meet you back in the dressing room, they are all sweaty and ready for a drink. Josh walks up to you, wrapping his arms around you and dipping you down for a dramatic kiss. “Hello angel how was the show?” He asks standing you back up.

“Amazing as usual” you reply. You mingle with everyone while the guys take turns cleaning up and setting stuff up for tomorrows show. A while later you’re all bussing back to the hotel, tired from the long day.

You and Josh walk hand in hand to your room, both of you cold from the outside air. Getting into the room you can tell Josh is tired from the night. He hasn’t given a full on performance in over a month, the time off catching up with him. 

You change into your pajamas as you watch him. He grabs a pair of sweatpants walks over to the bed, slides his clothes of until he is completely naked, then sliding on the sweatpants. He goes into the bathroom and brushes his teeth before climbing into the bed. You scurry to the bathroom to brush your teeth and plug in both of your phones before getting in bed, turning off the lamp and curling into his open arms. 

“You know, you said I could have you any way I wanted you tonight? I want you to just hold me. I am so tired.” He breathes.

“I know baby, go to sleep. I'll still be here tomorrow.” You reply.

“Be here forever. Just like this.” He says before falling asleep in your arms.

The next morning played out differently than the first, Josh wised up and ordered coffee to the hotel from UberEats, thus avoiding the fans that knew he went there yesterday, and were inevitably waiting. You enjoyed your morning together reading in bed, cuddling and relaxing before getting ready to go for soundcheck again.

Josh told you that he had a surprise up his sleeve for the show tonight and to make sure you paid attention. After soundcheck ended, again you and the girls went back to the hotel to get ready. You made sure to look extra hot tonight since you and the guys were going out afterwards. A while later you and the girls walk into the green room to meet the guys before the show. Josh sees you enter and immediately jumps up and walks over to meet you. 

“Damn you look edible angel. I could fuck you right here right now.” He says quietly.

“Well that would be a mess, wouldn’t it?” You joke with a devilish grin.

“Ugh, you better stop before I get a massive erection before we go on.” He says.

“Wouldn’t be different than any other show, huh babe?” You say in a flirty tone.

His eyes about bulge out of his head and he runs his tongue along his teeth shaking his head. You can tell you are going to get it later.

The first half of the show was just as amazing if not better than the previous night. They played a few different songs and you were starting to form your favorites. After the drum solo, Josh talks to the crowd, and you see his eyes find you in the sound booth with a big smile and he says ‘ahh just like good sex…” before the lights fade to green and they play what you now know is ‘The Barbarians’.

You’re taken aback at his statement although you almost knew he was going to say something. This is the one he is throwing in for you and it is the sexiest song you’ve heard them play yet. You spend the rest of the show thinking about what you want him to play tonight while he has his way with you.

After wrapping up the show, and meeting the guys backstage, you wait as they get ready to go drink away the rest of the evening. You all end up at a bar close to the hotel, so that you can walk back when you’re ready. The guys are already pretty drunk by the time you arrive and you know that will make for a fun evening. You and Josh continue to make eyes at each other from across the bar all night. The guys are playing pool and the girls are sitting and watching from a table across the bar.  You down 4 gin and tonics before you start feeling fuzzy. Josh is taking notice of your loosened state and bids farewell to the gang before helping you up and wrapping his arm around your shoulder. As you walk outside the cold air slices through your clothes. It’s about two blocks to get back and it’s a fight against the wind the whole time. Once you step foot in the lobby both of you begin to thaw out. Your head feeling dizzy, the next thing you know the elevator is dropping you off on your floor. Then Josh is closing the room door, and undressing you. Flashing in and out of darkness you feel a little woozy. You try to pull yourself back into consciousness as Josh hands you a glass of water and sits you down on the end of the bed. You drink the whole glass.

“Maybe you went a little too hard baby?” He asks.

“No, I am fine. I just needed to sit for a minute.” You say. “I think I only had maybe 4 drinks? And I guess all the ones before we left.. okay maybe I did have a little much. I am feeling ok now I promise” you say as your hand slides up his leg. 

“Angel I need you to be sure you want to do this tonight.” He says. “I don’t know if I can be gentle and you're a little bit drunk.” 

“Even better.” You reply “but Josh?” You question. “Fuck me to that song.”

“What song?” He asks.

“The one you played tonight with the long guitar solo... towards the middle....” You say.

“Age of Machine?” He laughs out loud questioning you.

“Yes that one! It is pure sex, Josh. Especially after your little sex comment. Right in front of all those people! All I could think about for the rest of the show was fucking you to that song.” You replied confidently thanks to the alcohol.

“You want me to fuck you… to my own song…angel…” he says unsure.

“Please Joshy?” You say placing your hand over his bulge.

After an annoyed sigh he responds.

“Anything for you my love, but just real quick...you know it’s my brothers guitar that makes the song? I just want to be clear that you want me to fuck you while I listen to my brother playing his guitar?” He says sarcastically.

“Yep that’s right baby…” you say back.

“Fine. Strip, angel.” He demands walking to the bathroom.

When he returns he is in only his boxers with a towel in his hands. Grabbing his phone off the dresser and connecting it to a bluetooth speaker, he looks at you and shakes his head laughing. 

You hear a song start to play over the speaker as Josh walks over to you. He lays the towel down on the sheets and lays down on the bed laying his head on the pillows. 

“You’re on top first, angel.” 

You run to the bathroom and take care of your tampon before quickly returning to Josh who is laying on the bed gently stroking himself. You crawl over him and straddle his waist, your center sitting directly on top of his hard length. You lean over and and take his mouth with yours. Your tongues instantly finding each others tasting the remnants of the nights alcohol. His hands are on your hips pushing you down, grinding onto his dick back and forth. You can feel your wetness and it begins to slide easier. You push up from his lips and your hands are on either side of his head. He reaches his head up and bites down hard on one of your nipples. You scream out in pain. “There we go, that’s what I want to hear angel.” Josh says from underneath you. You lift up on your knees and grab the base of his dick aligning it with your center before slowly sliding down his full length. A moan escaping you from the fullness you feel inside of you. Placing your hands on his stomach you begin to rock back and forth in a wave motion, making sure you’re hitting your g spot with every forward motion. Josh grabs your hips thrusting into you from underneath with force sending a light splatter onto his base. He groans and as the evidence continues to marks his body over and over. As you feel your insides tightening you hear the opening notes to ‘Age of Machine’ and Josh makes a move to roll you over, still connected. 

You smile up at him and wrap your legs around him. He forcefully unwraps them grabbing them and pushing your knees into your chest just barely touching your chin. 

“You said you wanted me to fuck you to this song angel? Well, we are going to do it my way.”

He pounds into you in a thrust deeper than you’ve ever felt him before. A loud scream leaving your lips at the contact so far inside. 

“There baby, now that is how the song is intended to be enjoyed.” He says repeating the motion with force gritting this teeth as another scream leaves you. You feel the spray leaving your center and it seems to make Josh fuck you even harder as the irony smell fills the air. He brings one of your legs to rest on his shoulder and continues. As the guitar plays in the background and you hear Josh’s voice singing to you, you moan in pleasure.

“Hands and knees.” He says heavy breathed and sweaty.

Pulling off of him he is covered in sweat, your arousal, and your blood. You get on your hands and knees and he reenters you right as the guitar solo begins. He is rapidly thrusting into you at this point and a slap connects on your ass as you moan, “Josh, fuck I am going to cum.”

He grabs the hair at the back of your head grasping it and pulling your head back pounding into you twice more before your body shakes from your orgasm tearing through you. “Josh fuckkk…” you cry out. The sloshing noises continuing until he is cumming in side of you with one more hard thrust. “Fuuuuuckkk.” he moans. He pulls out and you stay in the position for another minute knowing he likes to admire his handiwork. “Gorgeous.” He says. You feel two fingers swipe up your slit and swirl around your opening catching the dripping release. He taps your ass, an indication that he is done and wants you to be comfortable. You are both a mess and Josh couldn’t seem happier about it. You both jump in the shower to rinse off the night and crawl into bed. You are laying in his arms as he twirls your hair. “You know I have never fucked anyone to one of my own songs before? That was a first for me.” He says.

“Really? I feel like you would have done that at least once or twice?” You respond.

“Nope, only with you.” He smiles kissing your head. He pulls the string on the lamp and you lay there curled together. “I love you so much Josh. I am so proud of you. You did amazing this weekend.”

“Thank you my love, it’s all because of you. My lucky charm. I love you more every day. I swear.” He says.

Kissing him softly on his lips you whisper your goodnights knowing you had a long travel day tomorrow before heading to Los Angeles this week. Thinking of your perfect man you let your eyes flutter shut and the darkness whisks you away.

You’re in the hotel room sitting reading a book on the couch overlooking the boardwalk. It’s night time and the room is dimly lit providing the perfect ambiance to your book. Josh isn’t back yet but you know he will be soon. You are turning the pages of your book and you hear a knock at the door. Figuring Josh must have left his key, you open it but to your surprise it isn’t Josh. It’s Jake.

“Hi Jake, what are you doing here?” You ask.

Leaning against the door frame his tongue slightly peaking out he smiles, “Lookin for you…”

“Me?” You respond.

“Indeed. Can I come in?” He asks.

“Sure, Josh isn’t here though?” You reply as he makes his way inside. 

“Not here for him…” he replies. He examines your body up and down with a smirk. You remember that you are wearing pajamas with no bra and get nervous, covering your chest with your arms.

“Its too late to hide now, sugar…” He says.

You stare at him shocked at what he is saying and shocked that you felt a rush of heat to your center. This is Josh’s brother, his twin brother. You shouldn't feel anything.

Jake speaks again, “Don’t be shy, I know you're turned on.”

“I don't know what you mean…I’m with Josh...” You stammer.

“You are so sexy you know that? The good girl thing really does it for me. Then you come out tonight with your tits all pushed up like that? I saw your glances all night, trust me. I noticed.” He says.

Your arousal growing heavier by the words leaving his mouth you stare at him. He stands up and walks towards you causing you to walk backwards until you are met by the wall.

“Your breathing is getting heavier doll, are you okay?” He says smugly knowing you won’t reply.

“Tell me, are you as good a girl as you seem? Because I don’t think you are… I think my brother got himself wild one didn’t he?” He asks tracing his index finger over your collar bone pushing your pajama top off to the side.

Your breath hikes as his fingers make contact with your skin. It is a similar electric feeling as that first time with Josh. Desire is swirling inside of you so fast that you know its getting to be too late to stop it. This is going to go one of two ways, bad or really really good. You didn’t want to admit to yourself that you’ve always found Jake attractive. Attractive in the way that he is your boyfriends twin, the forbidden twin. The one that brings the edge to make up for the softness of Josh. The one who brings the sex appeal and melts you with simple hand movements and fuck me eyes. You can’t say that you haven’t imagined this moment before, before quickly pushing it away into the corner of your mind. 

“I can see you thinkin doll, you want this to happen don’t you?” He asks.

You continue to stare at him. Knowing if you reply it’s all over. 

“Say it doll. You know you want this. Don’t think about what Josh will say. He knows. We all know. We can all see you want me just as bad as I want you.” He says. 

The thin string you were hanging by snaps and you reply “I do want you.”

In a fury his lips are on yours kissing you in a way so hard and so different than Josh. Its aggressive and needy and the exact opposite of your sweet Josh, but you kind of like it. The forbidden qualities shining through with Jake. 

“See I knew you weren’t a good girl. I knew you were hiding under there somewhere.” He says removing your top. He unbuckles his pants and unbuttons his button fly before pulling your pants off of your body. There you stand naked before him. Your boyfriends twin brother. Your boyfriends insanely hot, long haired, guitar god, twin brother.

You connect your lips with his again wrapping his long hair around your fingers and gripping tightly. His hands find your breasts squeezing them gently before pinching your nipples between his thumb and forefinger. 

A moan releasing from your throat causing his dick to grow harder against your bare stomach. 

“Damn and my brother gets to hear that whenever he wants? Criminal.” He says into your neck.

Suddenly he is picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder walking over to the bed before throwing your body down on top of the sheets. 

“I know you want me to fuck you as bad as I want to fuck you but we have to make this quick. Josh will only be gone for another 10 minutes. I made sure of that.” he states, pushing his boxers off, his dick hanging heavily between his legs. You stare at his length comparing when he stops you mid thought. 

"Not everything the same, huh?" He says, knowing he may have an extra inch on Josh.

Playing his little game you respond, “I'll be the judge of that.”

“There she is, keep going baby, make this memorable.” He says.

“Fuck me Jake.” You say with venom lacing your words.

His fingers run up your center collecting your slick before he coats the head of his dick with it. Lining up with your wet opening he pushes forwards and bottoms out inside of you. A groan releasing from your lips at the feeling of fullness inside of you.

“Jesus Christ you feel good doll. You are so tight.” He says as he begins to slow pull out and push back in. You wrap you legs around his calves and stare at him his bare chest adorned with a single pendant coin necklace. Grabbing the metal strand and pulling him closer to you, your lips capturing his and violent kiss. His tongue is swirling with yours in a way that you haven’t experienced. Again it’s very different than the way you and Josh typically kiss.

He starts to pound into you quickly. More aggressively and extremely vocally as a sheen of sweat begins to cover his body. “Fuck I can get why Josh never shuts up about fucking you…” he grunts “and I have to sit there and listen to it. Do you know what that’s like doll? Watching you with him, knowing that I can fuck you like this?” He says hitting your sensitive spot inside causing you to scream.

“Yeah scream for me doll. Let everyone hear how good this dick makes you feel.” He says continuing his movements. 

His fingers reach down and pinch your clit and the growing feeling in your stomach is starting to peak. “Ah you’re close aren’t you sugar, you’re gonna cum for me aren’t you? Say my name...I want to hear it on that pretty mouth.” He demands.

“Jake I'm gonna cum, don’t stop.” You beg.

“I'm not stopping doll, you just make those pretty sounds wrapped around my dick.” He says.

With those words you are shot into orbit, vision black and surrounded by twinkling stars. Jake's voice snapping you back as he moans at the extra wetness. “Your pussy is so tight doll I’m gonna cum, fuck. Do you want me to shoot inside of you or out…” he asks hastily.

“Inside…” you breathe

“Fuck, ok sugar. So bad letting me cum inside of you... All the while you’re with my twin. Goddamn your fuckin sweet.” He says grunting into you as you feel his release spray through you.

“Fuck you’re so good.” He says collapsing on top of you. “That’s what I always thought it would be.” He says kissing your neck one last time before jumping up and running into the bathroom. You lay there in shock.

He turns the shower on and peeks his head out the door, “Here jump in and wash this off before he gets back. Our secret huh sugar?” He says buttoning his pants. You get up and walk into the bathroom as he adjusts himself in the mirror. You get in the shower and by the time you get out, he’s gone. You get back in bed, and think for a while as you wait for Josh to return. 

You hear an alarm clock going off loudly and you can’t seem to find the source. You hear Josh’s voice echoing through the entire room and you open your eyes to find yourself in bed wrapped up in his arms confused at your surroundings. When did he get back? What's happening? Does he know?

“Good morning angel. Did you enjoy your dream?” He says smugly.

Oh my god, it was a dream. You had a sex dream. About Jake. 

“How did you know I was dreaming?” You ask.

“You were moaning, I thought you even had an orgasm there for a second.” He laughs.

“I think I did... Did I… say anything?” You ask nervously.

“No. It was a lot of pleasurable sounds to wake up to though…” he smiles kissing your face.

“Even in your dreams i’m taking care of you huh angel?” He asks.

Your heart drops into your stomach and you nod your head at him not wanting to think about what just happened.

As you get up and head to the shower you are filled to the brim with guilt. How could your brain do this to Josh. Why is this happening? Do you subconsciously have feelings for Jake? You push it all to the side as you stand under the shower spray. You finish your shower lost in your thoughts and come out to see Josh packing his suitcase up. You get dressed hardly able to look him in the eye you feel so guilty. Choking back your emotions you pack your suitcase up. You are quiet, and you know Josh can tell. 

“What is wrong angel? You’re not yourself?” He asks rubbing his hand down your arm.

“Oh, nothing baby. I’m fine. Just tired.” You reply.

“If something is wrong you would tell me right?” He asks with a concerned look.

“Of course.” You reply, knowing full well this is one of those thingse doesn't need to know.

As you check in at the airport for your flight back to Nashville you are handed your ticket and make your way to the gate. All of you chat amongst yourself until it’s time to board. 45 minutes later you hear them call your boarding groups and you head onto the plane. You suddenly realize that you and Josh are not seated together. He is 3 rows ahead of you sitting next to a stranger. He sits down and shrugs his shoulders at you. As you make your way to your seat you slide in next to the window and sip your water waiting to see who will be sitting next to you. Sam passes. Danny passes. The other girls pass. You make eye contact with Jake who nods at you and sits down in the empty seat. This is your living nightmare and he has no idea.

“Looks like we’re together.” He says.

You about choke on your water. 

“So it seems. I wonder why we are all split up?” You question.

“Ah, well it will be a quickie.” He says.

Your breath hitches again as you recall your dream yet again.

“Mhmm” you say reaching for your book.

“Whatcha got there?” He asks.

“Ahh its just a book I’ve been reading this weekend. I'm almost done.” You reply.

“Am I that boring that you’d rather read a book than talk to me?” He asks.

You feel the plane start to glide down the tarmac indicating take off.

“No, I just don’t want to bother you.” You say.

“Ah you’re not a bother darlin, you’re one of us now.” He says.

You stare at him, he is sort of beautiful in his own way. Stop it! You tell yourself.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” He asks.

“Like what?” You reply.

“Like you’re scared of me or something, I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it.” He says.

You swallow hard and hold your breath as you feel the plane lifting off the ground. 

His hand pats the top of your arm, gripping the arm rest. And you suck in a breath.

“Nervous flyer?” He asks.

“A little bit today...” you say. Its not a lie. You are definitely nervous about this whole situation. You know he has no idea about your dream but god it felt so real you almost wonder if he had it too.

“Well, we will be fine don’t worry sugar.” He says with a kind smile. He leans over the arm rest into the aisle to see if he can see his girlfriend giving her a small wave and a smile. 

He sits back in his chair and blows out a breath. 

A while later he starts up a new conversation.

“You know, I’m really happy for you and Josh. I don’t think we have ever talked about it, but he really loves you and I’m glad you have each other. It’s a night and day difference for him.” He says.

“Thanks Jake, I love him too. He makes me really happy.” You reply. Still eaten alive by guilt.

“Good, he’s had a rough year, you know that though. When he is hurting so am I. So seeing him happy with you also makes me happy.” He says.

“Well I guess as long as he keeps me around, everyone will be…happy…” you joke.

“I don’t think you’re going anywhere darlin’. At least that’s what he told me.” He says.

“What do you mean?” You ask.

“Ah i’ve said to much. Just glad you’re in our life is all.” He says.

You let the conversation go and you turn to your place in your book and try to read for the rest of the flight even though your mind is racing through everything that has happened today. 

As you arrive back in Nashville you all say your goodbyes knowing you’ll be right back here tomorrow morning. You and Josh find his car in long term parking and get into the freezing cold cab.

“How was your flight my love?” Josh asks.

“Oh it was eventful, you know I was next to Jake right?” You say.

“I kind of saw that.” He laughs “I bet that was interesting, you two don’t talk very much.” 

“I always mean to, but I never know what to say.” You reply.

“Yeah he can be a little intimidating but I promise it’s all a facade. He is just like me with a tougher looking exterior.” He jokes.

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” You reply.

When you arrive back at Josh’s house you are met with the familiar feeling of home. It's smells, and comforts. You’re aren’t sure how Josh is able to do this all the time, leaving and returning. Its hard and you were only gone for 3 days, you can’t imagine it being months at a time.

Josh noticing you’re quiet again asks, “Baby, you are all in your head today. What is going on?”

“Nothing, Josh I promise. Just having an off day.” You reply. 

He raises his eyebrows at you, knowing you aren’t telling the truth but letting it go giving you a delicate kiss on the lips. 

He places an album on the turn table and you begin to relax and you sort through your suitcase removing the dirty clothes, replacing them with clean clothes and more outfits before you leave for LA tomorrow. Josh makes you both something to eat in the kitchen and you hear the song ‘Dirty Work’ by Steely Dan spinning, singing to your subconscious thoughts.

“When you need a bit of lovin’ cause your man is out of town, that’s the time you get me runnin’  and you know i’ll be around…. I’m a fool to do your dirty work, oh yeah…..I don’t wanna do your dirty work, no more, i’m a fool to do your dirty work oh yeah…..”

You feel a swirling feeling in your stomach like you’re going to vomit and run to the bathroom and sit on the floor. Why is the guilt eating you alive? You didn’t do anything wrong? Did you? You breathe deeply for a few minutes and collect your thoughts hoping Josh didn’t notice.

You hear footsteps and a knock at the door.

“Baby…” He questions.

“I'm ok.” You reply opening the door.

He stands there with his hands on his hips. “Quit lying to me. What is going on.” He says harshly.

Quickly running through all of the scenarios and what could possibly play out if you told the truth you decide on the the option with the best outcome.

“Josh I don’t know what to say…” You reply.

“Oh god what’s wrong?” He asks concerned.

“Can we sit?” You ask. 

You both sit down on the edge of his bed and you place your head in your hands.

“You’re scaring me angel what’s going on?” He asks nervously.

“Nothing is going on, nothing happened I am just…” you reply swallowing your nerve and telling the truth.

“Ok you know how last night when we had sex you were talking a lot, about your brothers and the music and we were so in the moment…” you stammer. “I don’t know if it was the alcohol mixing with my subconscious and your words or what… I just…”

“What, just say it…” he begs.

Taking a deep breath you respond. “I had a sex dream about your brother…” you say nervously looking him in the eyes. “It's eating me alive, that’s what you heard this morning. I feel so guilty and embarrassed and I haven’t been able to even look at you all day, I’m so sorry Josh.” You finish.

He stares at you blankly thinking about what you’ve said. Remembering your orgasm from this morning.

“Which brother...” He finally says.

“You know…don’t make me say it...” You reply.

“Say it now angel or it's only going to make it worse.” He snaps.

“Jake. It was about Jake. Im so sorry Josh, please.” You reply with tears in your eyes.

“Was it good?” He asks blankly.

“What?” You ask completely shocked.

“Was. It. Good. Did he fuck you real good in your dream, angel? Did he do all of the dirty little things you fantasize about?” He asks harshly shaking his head.

“I…Josh…” you say speechless.

Getting up and pacing around the room, he continues. “How long have you been thinking about Jake? Do you imagine him when I am fucking you?” He asks.

“Josh how could you say that? You know I love you…” you say, devastated he would even say that.

“Save it. I can’t believe the moans coming from your mouth this morning. All along I thought you were dreaming of me. Of course it wasn’t me…my own fucking brother. My twin. Why was I not enough? You are dreaming about fucking JAKE?!” he finishes teetering on anger. 

“Josh stop it” you cry. “Don’t you think I feel guilty? I love you. I don’t know why this happened!” You cry to him.

“Answer my question.” He says.

“What question?” You reply.

“Was it good? Did you like it? Tell the truth.” He demands.

“Josh, I…” You stop not wanting to finish the sentence as the tears freely flowing from your eyes.

"Answer!!" he yells at you.

You burst into tears, "Yes!"

A pissed off sigh coming from his chest he walks over to you, your face streaked with tears, taking it between his hands. “Go home…” he says behind his teeth, brushing his thumbs over your cheeks.

“I thought you said... this was home…” you say crying harder.

“Not anymore.” He says, releasing your face forcefully and walking away.

“What about LA?” You ask, scared to hear his answer.

“I'm going alone.” He replies coldly.

Throwing yourself back onto the bed your crossed arms cover your face as you quietly sob into them as Josh leaves the room.

Laying in his bed wondering if it’s the last time, you breath in his smells remembering this moment, You pull yourself up, looking at yourself in the mirror. Puffy eyes, swollen with tears. Your heart broken over something you couldn’t control. You’ve lost him. You collect your things and catch a glance at the polaroid tucked into the frame on his side table. A photo from Sammy’s camera that he took over Thanksgiving. A photo of you and Josh dancing in his living room, your smiles genuine and covered in love. Everything was perfect. Your heart breaks a little more.

You roll your suitcase out to the living room and Josh is gone. You see a plate of food set set neatly for you on the counter, remnants from earlier in the evening and you cry again. 

You call out for him, but the house is silent. His car is gone.

You load your things into your car and as you pull away from his house you wonder if it will be for the last time, another sob ringing out from your chest. The realization of how much you actually love him becoming evident. 

As you unlock the door to the apartment you see Amelia sitting on the couch watching tv and your eyes meet hers and she knows. You don’t even have to say anything and you she running to your side. 

“Oh god, pen. Is it really bad?” She asks.

You nod your head and collapse into her comforting hug and explain everything, so thankful you have her. 

.

.

.

You haven’t heard from Josh. It’s been days. You know he is in Los Angeles and you’re supposed to be there with him. You had a whole day planned together just you and him doing Christmas activities. Now you’re at your apartment alone and heartbroken. You check your phone constantly waiting to hear from him. But nothing ever comes. Checking social media, but he never posts. He’s completely silent. Amelia drags you out of the house to do some Christmas shopping and you can’t help but see a thousand things that remind you of him. As you walk around an antique mall you spot an item that you know was put there for you to find. Even though you and Josh are not speaking, you purchase the item, knowing that it is the perfect gift. Even if you have to leave it on his porch, you know it is destined to belong to him. You take the item home and wrap it delicately in brown paper. That night when you check social media you are presented with a tagged post. The guys are in a restaurant in LA and they are drinking and look so happy and you are crushed. He looks so happy. You miss him so badly but don’t reach out. You can’t.

You convince yourself to watch the livestream of the guys performance tonight even though you know it’s just torturing yourself. As you see them walk up to be interviewed your eyes fill with tears. Josh looks amazing and happy. It hurts knowing you are here like this and he is there completely unaffected. They all smile and laugh and are glowing together. You can’t believe you ruined everything. A while later they take the stage but something is off. Their moods aren’t the same. The crowd is almost empty and quiet. You can see the frustration on Josh’s face. He is tired, and out of breath. They are rushing through the set, and as quickly as they started its over. This was their last show of the year and you know he won’t be happy with how they left things. You feel for him and again want to reach out but don’t.

One, two, three more days pass. Still you have heard nothing.

On the fourth day you wake up to a text message.

Jake: Call me.

You feel like you’re going to throw up. You can’t call Jake? That is adding more fuel to the fire. Why is he texting you? You think on it for a few more minutes as your finger hovers over the contact and you hit the call button.

“Hello?” He answers.

“Hi” you reply shakily.

“Hi” he replies. “How are you doing?” He asks.

“I’m not great Jake, I think you know that.” You quip back.

“I do, and I'm sorry.” He says, “Have you heard from him?”

“No.” You respond.

“I figured as much. You need to talk to him.” He says. “Go to his house.”

“I don’t know Jake he pretty much told me to leave and was gone before I left. I haven’t heard from him since. I think he is done.” You say.

“Hes not. Just trust me.” He says.

“Okay.” You reply.

“So you’ll do it. You’ll go?” He asks.

“When I gather up enough courage, yes.” You say.

“Do it soon. Please.” He begs.

“Okay, I will.” You say.

“Thank you, we miss you, you know...” He says

“I miss you guys too.” You reply

“I hope everything works out. I’ll talk to you later.” He says.

“Thanks Jake. Bye.” You say ending the call.

Well that was odd. You think about what he said. You thought you and Josh were done, but maybe you weren’t after all. You talk to Amelia and she agrees that maybe you just need to go talk to him face to face now that some time has passed. You get yourself ready and give yourself about 10 pep talks to keep yourself from backing out. You get into your car and head over. The worst thing that can happen is that he can tell you he is done and to go home. As you pull into the driveway you see his car and get a horrible wave of nervous energy in your stomach. You try to breathe and center yourself. As you get out and walk to the door you are still shaking with nerves. You knock on the door three times and wait.

The door opens and he stands there staring at you blankly, fresh out of a shower, wrapped in a towel.

“Do you always answer the door naked?” You ask shyly.

“Well I wasn’t expecting anyone...” He replies with the tiniest hint of a smile. “Come in.” He says.

As you walk in it no longer feels homey you feel strange and uncomfortable. You sit on his couch, and he tells you he will be right back. A few minutes later her returns fully clothed and sits down in a chair next to the couch. 

“Josh, I….” You start, you are unsure of how to explain how you feel but you hope he will understand if he just listens. “Im so sorry.”

“I know you are. He replies. 

“I never meant for any of this to happen. I love you so much. Only you. I don’t even know why I had that dream. It meant nothing to me….” You say.

“I know.” He says. 

“Can you say something? Anything other than I know? I am trying to make this right. I'm getting the feeling that you don’t want to do that.” You say.

“What do you want me to say? That you broke my heart? That you broke my heart thinking about fucking my brother? And that you enjoyed it? I have given you everything I have! I love you, I wanted it all with you! I just don’t know how I can get past this… it hurts.” he says.

“You left me here. I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.” you say.

“I know. I had to know.” He says.

“Know what?” You reply.

“When I left here I drove straight to his house. I asked him if he had any feelings for you. To which he obviously said no. I told him what happened and told him that if there was anything going on he needed to tell me right then. He told me I was insane and that he would never do that. That I needed to go back to you before I ruined everything. When I got home you were gone.” He said.

“You told me to go Josh…” You say with tears in your eyes. 

“I know, I did but I didn’t think you would actually do it! I just knew I would get back in time but you were gone. I thought that meant you…” he swallows back his own tears.

“Josh no…” you say reaching for his hand. “I love you. Only you. Never anyone else. How could you possibly think…” you say fully crying now.

“I don’t know, I know you love me but I just… I over reacted and I was cruel and I thought I lost you. I almost came to you that night but I was afraid you would turn me away. And then I was in LA and I was miserable. But I couldn’t call you. I didn’t know what to say. Then Jake and I argued before the show because I just couldn’t let it go. I got too drunk that night and fought with everyone… everyone was pissed at me. My life has been a mess the past week and I didn’t have you, and everything just seemed really bad. Too bad. I finally talked to Jake last night and he helped me realize that I can’t do this without you. Any of it. I didn’t know how to make things right between us. I was going to let you go. Now you’re here and I still don’t know what to say other than I love you so much and I am so sorry. ” He finishes.

Launching yourself into his lap you sit straddling him and just cry on his shoulder. His arms wrap around you and pull you closer. 

“I'm so sorry baby I never wanted this to happen. This was the worst week of my life, watching you sing from my bed, heartbroken. I thought you were happier without me there. The pictures were so convincing and I was so devastated.” You cry into his chest. “I will never want anyone else, only you Josh. Please believe me.”

“I do believe you angel.”

Your lips reuniting with a passionate kiss, his hands desperately gripping you to him.

Pulling away, you say “You know he called me and told me to come to you right?"

He stares at you.

“He told me to come here, to come to you. He loves you so much Josh, he was devastated for you. He cares about you so much. We both do. How could you ever think…” he cuts you off with his lips on yours again, his tongue finding yours, telling you everything he couldn’t say for the past week and a half.

You lips connected, he stands up from the chair carrying you to his bedroom and gently places you on his bed. 

“Please let me love you angel.” He says.

“Please Josh...” You beg. 

You are desperate for his touch, to feel him again.

You both quickly remove your clothes and find each other again under the sheets. 

“I never want to feel the feeling I felt when I came back and you were gone.” He says kissing your neck. “That was the worst pain I’ve felt in my life. I thought you were gone for good.” 

“I will never leave you Josh.” You reply.

“Promise me.” He says lining himself with your center.

“I promise. Everything I have.” You say as you feel him slowly push inside of you. 

This sex is different, it’s slow and filled with emotions. There isn’t an urgent moment. Every single second is spent with Josh reverently worshipping every inch of your body and you his. You both work slowly towards your release, sharing with each other every raw emotion and feeling in between the seconds. After you both come down from your orgasms he whispers into your hair, “I will love you forever my angel. Please never go.”

“Never.” You reply.

.

.

You and Josh become absolutely inseparable from each other over the next few days. You and he sharing a new found connection that brings you closer than you ever thought you could be. The days are spent watching Christmas movies together and enjoying just being together. Josh has asked you to come home with him for Christmas with his family and you can think of no better way to spend it. 

.

.

Christmas Eve at Josh’s childhood home proves to be nothing short of magical. Everyone is here and you feel so much love for all the people around you. Karen and Kelly have decorated the house with lights, and the inside is just as beautifully decorated as the outside. You spend the evening around the fireplace laughing, telling jokes and stories from years past. Sammy and Jake are completely wasted on eggnog and playfully bickering with one another as you all cheer them on. As you watch them, Josh stands up and pulls your hand up with him. 

“Come with me.” He says.

You follow behind him as he drags you by your interlaced fingers.

He leads you to the Christmas tree in the basement, squatting down and retrieving two small boxes from under the tree. 

“Josh, Christmas is tomorrow!” You say.

“I know and there will be things to open tomorrow too, but these are special. For me and you only.” He says.

“Fine then you get to open your special gift too.” You say retrieving the one you brought for him.

He hands you the small box, and you both sit down on the floor. He nods at you to go ahead with a huge smile on his face. You slowly unwrap the package and open the little white box. Your heart swells when you immediately recognize what it is. Its a gold necklace with a ‘J’ initial pendant. It is the necklace he has worn every night on his tour. 

“I want you to have it. Every night when I would put it on I would imagine what it would look like around your neck. My name. You were always meant to have it.” He says with his hand on your knee. 

“Oh Josh, I love it so much. Thank you. It means so much to me.” You say with a kiss. 

You put it on and clasp it around your neck.

“Its perfect. Exactly like I pictured it. Even better actually.” He replies lovingly. 

“Your turn! Gosh I hope you like it.” you say nervously.

Josh unwraps the gift pulling out a vintage leather-bound notebook with a worn cover. Inside the first page you have written a note.

“For all of your brilliant ideas. Don’t forget to live your dream, too. I love you forever."

Wiping a small tear from his eye, he then pulls out of the box, a super vintage handheld film video camera with a bright red bow attached. 

“I hope you like it, I saw it when you were in LA and thought of you.It broke my heart and I knew you were meant to have it. I didn’t know if I was going to see you again though. I was going to leave it on your doorstep, but this plan works out better.” You say giggling.

“You are the most amazing woman. The love of my life. It’s the best gift I have ever received.”

“I'm glad you like it, I love you so much Josh. Merry Christmas.” you say.

“Merry Christmas my love, although I do have one more for you. If… you want it.” He says playfully.

“Okay, only if you’re sure.” He says.

“Never been more sure than right now.” He smiles, handing you the box.

 You unwrap it the paper and open the box and there is a gold house key with a red bow tied to the top.

“Move in with me…” Josh asks. “I know you practically live with me now, but I want you there all the time. All of your things. I want to come home to you. Every late night at the studio, every long leg of tour…. I want you. If you can’t be with me there, at least I know you’ll be at home. Our home. ” He says.

“Are you… sure Josh?” You ask clutching the key in your hand.

“I have never been more sure of anything in my life angel. I love you, I want this with you. All of it. Always. ” He says.

You kiss his soft warm lips as you respond throwing your arms around his neck. 

“Yes.”

.

.

.

.

fin

[reigningm4x]

Max/Daniel fic recs (1/?)

Here are some amazing fics I’ve read and loved over the past few months. Thank you always to the fic writers, they are the backbones of society (fandom).

* Favorites, ** Smut, // ABO

***bees and butterflies by @toastandvegemite Daniel asks Max if he’d like to top. Max says no. It turns into a whole thing.

*i need a map of your head (translated into english) by toastandvegemite  Sometimes it feels like Daniel and Max are speaking different languages.

***let me know if I'm reading this right by toastandvegemite Sometimes it feels like Daniel and Max are speaking different languages.

[Honestly, Danni’s fics can take up 80% of my recs. Go read every single fic she’s written, but especially Maxiel. No one does them the way she does]

//*so happy i was invited by blinkiesays "I just wanna drive a fucking race car," Daniel says, after he's let the moment go too long to keep the joke up in the air. "That's all I want to do, is drive a fucking race car." The smile drops off Michael's face. "Yeah, I get it," he says, not getting it at all.

**steal the air out of my lungs (make me feel it) by nacho3  “Hey,” Daniel says, sauntering into a work room balancing a green smoothie and two large coffees from the caf. He puts one in front of Max. “You ready to save lives, Maxy?”

***make a wish that weighs a ton by rickybobby What they had was akin to a circumstantial partnership. There were few people in the world that could understand the things Daniel worried about on a daily basis, even less so the people who were willing to stick around to hear it. Through nothing other than convenience and circumstance, Max fulfilled the basic requirements of Daniel’s social needs, along with the perks: available, attractive, attentive.

***careful fear and dead devotion by hardlythewiser (sequinedfairy)  Daniel's already having a rough year; then Max dumps him.

**like ribbons by heroics  Here they are now, over halfway through the season, and at least one of them’s gotten off after almost every race.

**throw the keys back to me by thermocline But Daniel gets texts from Max more and more often. Links to TikToks. Selfies from the paddock. Snapchat memories of Daniel under the rumpled blankets of Max’s hotel bed in Melbourne, hickies blooming over his chest, at which point Daniel thinks: maybe it’s time for them to try again.

***house fires by tobabylon @geluksalig  Max gets a new performance coach. His name is Daniel.

***my kind’s your kind (series) by hardlythewiser (sequinedfairy) It’s the fourth time: Daniel shouldn’t pretend that he doesn’t know exactly how many times it’s been, that these nights in Monaco haven’t become the way he tracks time, replacing his ten years of living by the F1 calendar. There’s days when he doesn’t know what race is next, but he always knows exactly how many weeks it’s been since he’s done this. The chair is closer to the bed now. Daniel had made Max move it, asked him how he expected to learn anything if he was all the way over there, did he even want to learn.

***all over you (and me) by TheNorthRemembers Or: Max starts lactating and dealing with it turns out to be both more and less fun than thought.

***comeon, star boy by @yekoc Daniel’s just slinging his bag over his shoulder to head out to the parking lot when there’s a noise behind him, the hollow metallic echo of a locker door slamming. Turning, he sees that kid. Max. The running back who always fumbles.

***chemical highs and clear blue skies by yekoc “Did he offer you enough,” Daniel says. Max looks over at him, sharp and surprised. “For whatever it is you need,” Daniel says. “Your car payment this month. First and last, for rent.” He thinks about the kid’s odd accent, the slight awkwardness to his words. “A plane ticket home.” Max shrugs. He kicks at the white t-shirt that’s on the ground near his foot.

***heaviness when I move (everything belongs to you) by Aurelia (Lily_rizzy) Or: Max has many feelings about Daniel with babies and about him and Daniel having a baby.

***second soul by @screwstyles The morning of the last day of the season, Max asks his assistant to book him a one-way ticket to Bali.

***with the sun in our eyes (series) by screwstyles A fake dating AU set in 2025: It’s bad enough that Max is outed by an ex in the middle of racing season, and then his team suggests he pretend to date Daniel to soften the blow. It’s as bad an idea as it sounds.

***//Hart to breathe inside my ocean by screwstyles Realistically, Daniel knows he’s aging, and he’s not in denial about that, but processing three separate incidents in the space of four weeks where his age has come up has made him think about it more than usual.

[Honestly, everything by screwstyles is golden]

***anything to get to the rush by kingsguarding  Every year, the World Champion gets to choose another driver to … celebrate with. It’s an old tradition, apparently. As old as the sport itself. Part of the prize of winning, part of your reward.

***figure me sweetly by @love-leah Daniel had just been thinking he’d tell Max "good season," "next year I’ll be the one fucking beating you, mate." Maybe, "but seriously, I’m proud of you," if Max's vibe was really desperate. Instead, he ended up standing out in the open, in front of the Haas garage and probably Mick’s poor fucking virgin eyes, tilting the champagne bottle up for Max, and watching the muscles of his throat as he swallowed a long, clean pour of it.

***//hold it to the sun by love-leah When they get home, Max strips his shirt off right away, the fabric of it harsh against his nipples. Daniel drops their bags inside the door and looks at him, hungry and exhausted, and says, “I don’t want to think about racing ever again,” and Max’s whole body feels cold and sore, like after a crash, even while Daniel’s hands press into his waist and he leans in to kiss Max’s chest.

*Cupid by eefiplier Max and Daniel making loooove

**lions in the wild by anaesthetist  He drops his face into Max’s hair, nosing at it, inhaling the putrid-sweet smell of Red Bull, champagne, and dry sweat. He didn’t shower before he came, tired and sticky with Martin in tow, turning up at Daniel’s hotel room with nothing more than an insolent you promised.

***kissed her, now you’re seeing double by @ricstappen​ It’s Max and Dan. Dan and Max. But very occasionally, it’s Max and Dan and Carlos.

**MV33 by Whippasnappa Daniel finds out Max is on Grindr. He's curious. He's just going to download the app, just to see. Just to look at Max's profile. He's curious how Max picks up men, curious if Max puts his real face out there. He's definitely not going to message Max. He's definitely not going to do that. He messages Max.

***all your days by @goldenhourhimbo​​ They’re in love. That’s it, that’s the plot.

***for you, my sacrifice is too by highyellowleaves @blamemma  One of those private booths at Cirque Le Soir. That’s where the boys wanted to go. Was booked ages ago. Daniel rolls his eyes. It’s one of the last places he wants to go. Influencers in heels pretending their interested in who he is and what he does. Prying eyes everywhere, paparazzi at the front door. McLaren’s afterparty options aren’t much better. They’re all heading to Tape, where a commercial DJ will be playing some dodgy remixes, and he’ll have similar problems as Max. It’s not how he wants to celebrate. But he knows he has to show face. To thank the engineers and the strategists and the media team for all they’ve done so far. He’ll show face. I’m heading to Tape. Keep in touch tho? We can head somewhere else. It’s normal for him and Max to find each other. They’ve stumbled into this pattern of locating one another, finding excuses to leave their other friends, enjoying each other’s company, being responsible for one another, ending up in the same hotel, same room, same bed.