#i need to work on letting my thoughts flow freely again.. instead of all these controlled thoughts about what i should do and how and when

[imaginingmanyfandoms]

OBSESSED with jamie tartt x kent!reader, idk why this pairing never crossed my mind before i need more of them asap... what are some of the ways he's asked her out before the first kiss? what temptations did she have to resist?????

doing this as more of a blurb / headcanon bc i think it just fits easier and i just wrote 2k words on the size of baby kent ii and i need a decompress

jamie tartt x kent!reader masterlist

after he first met you he'd already been gone for you (first meeting is being written soon)

the second time he saw you, waiting for roy in the parking lot outside the track, he'd been casual about it, thinking it would be a slam dunk - he was sure you'd felt the spark between you as well, and when you said no, he'd shrugged it out, thinking you were just playing hard to get

the next time had him shaken a little bit, he'd run into you at the park (totally at random and definitely not seen on Keeley's close friends insta story) and was striking up casual conversation, and it just flowed so well, you guys talked like old friends, and he thought maybe that's what he was missing last time. your shy smile when he complimented you was his bat signal, and he went in, asking you to dinner - but again, you turned him down, offering no reason and leaving without another word

then he was starting to wonder if maybe you were already taken, or just didn't like him. since you'd said no, he couldn't keep asking, right??? he decided to take the loss then, because he had to take no for an answer

but then he saw you a week later in roy's office, waiting for your brother, and you lit up when you saw jamie through the glass, but losing the smile as soon as roy walked in

and jamie understood then, it was just about roy, roy probably warned you off jamie, and that wasn't fair. jamie worked hard to be a good guy lately, he's been basically a nun spending all his time training, trying out his hand in dating before sleeping with someone

so he was back in it, you werent playing hard to get, you were just nervous about pissing roy off, and there was a spark between you guys

so he set a few rules for himself - ask once when he saw you, and take no for the answer until next time, don't seek you out like he did at the park, let it come naturally, show you that he can be a consistent thing in your life and it can be good, and finally always, always try to make you feel like he liked being you with or without you accepting a date, because that was the truth

so most interactions were the same, he would say hello, ask you how you were, what was new, ask you to dinner, then when you said no, he would smile and say 'maybe next time,' and then ask you random things about yourself. he made a mental note of everything (then put it in a note in his phone) he knew your favourite movie, coffee order, favourite take out place, favourite colour

it was how he knew you liked him too, because you offered up all this information freely, you were never tense or annoyed with him, just talked to him happily until roy stumbled across you guys and interrupted the fun

and over a few months of this, it evolved - jamie stopped finding interest in anyone else, not a blond in a bar or a model handing him their number at a match. and you stopped going on dates too, and you started looking forward to your visits with jamie. started going to the pitch just in hopes you'd see, even if you worried maybe this was all a ploy to piss roy off. and you'd started asking things back, you learned about his mum, what his favourite things are, you knew his hairdressers name and the obscene amount jamie spends on buying movies on apple tv instead of paying for any streaming services

towards the end, like two or three weeks before the first kiss, jamie started putting his knowledge of you in action

the first time he broke one of his rules was when he went to seek you out on your birthday, bringing you your favourite flowers, your coffee order and a bagful of different pastries because he hadn't asked you that yet. he offered to take you on a birthday date, you said no, and then the two of you sat and had a coffee together on the porch.

the second time he'd broken one of his rules was when he'd asked you out following the regular routine, but then during his game he saw you in the stands with keeley, wearing his jersey on your back, and you'd shown it to him, saw him looking, turned around and pointed both thumbs at his name on your back, and he malfunctioned, played better than he ever had, and asked you out again after the game, when he saw you in the hallway in his shirt, and he hugged you all sweaty and gross. but this time you said no differently, like you were sad about saying no. and his stomach dropped, because he liked you so much, he was a step away for falling for you entirely, but roy was in the way (a/n: might make this one a full chapter)

and he broke rule number 3, he didn't make you feel like he was happy just to be near you this time, he gave you a sad smile, and nodded, and went into the locker room. and it broke your heart because you were just as gone for him as he was for you, but roy would have been livid

and the next time was in roys office again, when you nearly started crying, and then jamie couldnt hold himself back, broke rule number 1 & 2 again, and finally broke thru the barrier

[zeroeightzeroone]

lover of mine - bang chan

genre: angst, hurt/comfort

pairings: idol!bang chan x female reader

warnings: none

notes: if this looks familiar, it was originally posted to my secondary blog @zerothreetwentyfive so i'm republishing everything here on my main blog.

wc ~3k|moodboard

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ｡ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:

"i'll never give you away, 'cause i've already made that mistake,

if my name never fell off your lips again, i know it'd be such a shame.

when i take a look at my life, and all of my crimes, you're the only thing that I think I got right."

lover of mine - 5 seconds of summer

you always thought that the next time chan would be making you cry would be at your wedding ceremony.

initially, you would try to hold in your tears, just enough so that you weren't full-on sobbing and ruining your makeup. eventually failing as the tears flow freely listening to the man tell you the moment he fell in love with you, the moment he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you and the promises he vows to keep forever. chan's eyes would never leave yours as you exchanged vows; in that moment, only you and chan existed, the proclamation and celebration of your love were the only things that mattered.

instead, here you are crying over chan. sitting in the driver's seat of your car, sobbing over the man who once said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you, now not wanting to fight for that future anymore.

…

"you're doing it again."

the sound of your best friend's voice snaps you out of your thoughts, attention now on the girl sitting across from you, "huh?"

she reaches over and places her hand on yours with a sympathetic smile on her face. no words are needed from her to make you realize what you were doing whilst zoning out; fiddling around with your ring finger. a habit you picked up after chan proposed, and a habit that hadn't changed even without the band on your finger; your fingers instinctively moving to spin and twist a non-existent ring.

"right," you clear your throat awkwardly.

your hands slipping out from under hers, sliding them under your thighs hoping that maybe sitting on your hands would work against the habit.

"how are you?"

the word 'lost' feels like an understatement. the word couldn't encapsulate even a quarter of your feelings.

you felt directionless, overwhelmed by the constant switch between emotions: anger, frustration, sadness, and denial, it left you exhausted. day by day, you only grew more emotionally drained, the desire to feel nothing only intensifying.

the mere thought of the dimpled man gave you whiplash, your heart and your head conflicting with each other and your feelings pulling you from one end to the other. you couldn't pinpoint exactly how you felt about him.

god, you wished that you didn't even think about him.

you wished that you weren't plagued by the thought of him at every waking moment. everything reminded you of him, everything brought you back to the memory of how easy it was for him to let you, the person he proclaimed to want to spend the rest of his life with, to watch them walk out the door, to just give up without a fight.

why couldn't it have been easy for you too? why couldn't you just let him go the way he did you? forget him like he meant absolutely nothing?

as much as you wished it was, you knew it wouldn't be easy to move on from chan.

your early adulthood started with chan, moving in with him almost a year and a half after you started dating. he became a part of your routine and you became part of his; there was a time when your day didn't feel complete without hearing a goodnight from him or getting that goodnight kiss. your lives were intertwined, and your future plans were intertwined.

you believed chan was your future. he made you believe that you would write the next chapters of your lives together, that you two would be side by side on the road to forever. you envisioned your future with chan, without him you've hit a crossroads, struggling to navigate where to go from here. you were scared.

scared to learn what the future holds for you, scared to take a step towards a future without him.

on top of all that came public attention.

the news about your breakup hadn't been confirmed by chan or jyp entertainment. regardless that didn't stop the speculations and rumours that came with the lack of seeing you and chan in public together, seeing you without your ring, and other proofs fans would dig up. the algorithm also working against you as whenever you refreshed social media, the first couple of posts would be news articles, headlines and what have you, discussing the speculations.

'did stray kids' bang chan and his long term girlfriend call it quits?'

'fans of stray kids speculate bang chan and his partner have called off the engagement'

'netizens react to alleged proofs that bang chan and long term girlfriend have split up'

'breaking: did stray kids' bang chan and girlfriend split up? here's why fans are wondering about the status of the long-term couple'

your comments were flooded with questions regarding the rumours, mourning fans hoping that they were baseless and haters congratulating you on setting the man free. you wondered why the news hadn't been spoken about by chan or any official representatives but the speculations drove you to log out of social media. the realization that one day the articles and headlines will change from 'speculations' to 'confirmations' the anticipation and anxiety driving you insane.

you look back up to your friend, your lips pursed together in a small smile as you reply:

"i'm fine."

…

"chan hyung!"

the boy pulls the pillow up and over his head, trying to block out the noises from outside the door. hoping that the longer he ignored, the realization that he wanted to be alone would sink in and everyone would leave him be. that hope was short-lived as the door swung open.

"chan hyung!" changbin calls from his spot at the door, "you need to eat something."

from where he's standing, changbin watches chan groan out a response from under the pillow, making no effort to get up and go eat something. changbin's eyes drift to the older boy's bedside table, a picture frame is lying face down (probably a photo of you), and sitting on top of the frame is a gold band with a large diamond: your engagement ring. the sight of the band sitting on chan's bedside table and not on your finger has a small frown adorning changbin's lips.

"hyung, i know it's hard but please. you need to take care of yourself too," the younger boy sighs, "locking yourself in your room won't do anyone good."

of course, it wasn't easy for them to see chan in such a state.

chan had always been the one putting up a strong front, walking around with his head up no matter the circumstances as the leader. but these past couple of weeks, whenever chan was out of the public eye he'd walk with his head down, dragging his feet, no words leaving him. almost like he's being forced to be anywhere outside of his bedroom.

the members in the other dorm were curious about their leader, wondering how he'd been holding up but chan stopped replying to the group chat. it got to the point where the members made a chat without chan, using that to ask jisung, changbin and hyunjin how the older one was doing.

for as long as you were in chan's life, you were also in the member's lives. the news of the breakup came as a shock to them as well. they were all curious as to how you were doing too, but were hesitant to ask you directly for fear of making things harder for you. you met all of them through chan, and seeing their names pop up on your phone may just be another reminder of your ex.

changbin's eyes are on chan as the older boy takes the pillow off his head, slowly sitting up on the bed, feet hitting the floor but making no move to stand up. instead he's slouched over, head in his hands and sighing.

"do you, uh…" chan's voice barely above a whisper, "do you think i made a mistake?"

changbin shuts the door behind him hearing chan's question, realizing right now his friend needed someone to talk to before, maybe, going to eat something.

leaning against the door, he replies, "what do you mean?"

"w– was proposing… a mistake?"

"do you feel like it was a mistake?"

chan shakes his head, "no."

"did you mean everything you said when you proposed?"

"yes."

"then it wasn't a mistake."

chan lifts his head out of his hands, head turning to the younger boy leaning at the door. even in the dim purple lighting of chan's room, changbin can see how glossy his eyes are, how the bags under his eyes have gotten more prominent since yesterday.

"was… was letting her go," chan's voice shaky, "a mistake?"

changbin pushes himself off the door, making his way to sit next to his hyung on the bed. a comforting hand moving to chan's back.

"that's a question only you can answer," changbin's lips are pursed to one side, a sympathetic look in his eyes as he continues, "did it feel like a mistake at the time?"

"i- i thought i was doing the right… thing," chan's voice pitches higher at the end, questioning his own answer, "when i came home, an–and saw the dinner table, full of food she made for us. when she told me everything she was feeling, the look i-in her eyes."

chan loves your eyes, it's by far his favourite thing about you.

looking into your eyes had him falling in love with you before he even knew it. looking into them made it feel as if he was looking into your soul, almost like your eyes could tell him what your words couldn't. chan's day would immediately be flipped upside down just at the sight of your eyes, a shitty day becoming the best day when he caught a glimpse of those radiant, warm pools of life, your eyes sparkling with a zest and excitement for life that sent a wave of comfort over him. whenever he looked at you, that glimmer of hope in your eyes made him feel like everything would be okay.

but that night, the look in your eyes that night is seared into chan's memory. haunting him whenever he closes his eyes, whenever his eyes fall on your ring sitting on his bedside table.

that night when you told him just how lonely you'd been feeling, how you felt like he was treating you like the help and not as his fiancé; those words knocked some sense into chan. the harsh reality glaring him down: he had been falling short in your relationship. he had been so blind to that fact for who knows how long, listening to you had chan wallowing in guilt.

at one point chan felt like he was a third person watching everything go down, but it felt like he was watching you and a whole different person. he wondered why he wasn't saying anything, why he couldn't move, why he couldn't feel anything other than guilt eating him alive.

when he looked into your eyes, that's when everything came crashing down.

the eyes that once gleamed up at him, washing a wave of comfort and reassurance through his body were boring into his own. the contrast had his blood running cold. the sight of your hollow and dull orbs gazing up at him, even the sources of light around you did nothing to bring back that sparkle. the way your eyes looked incredibly sunken in, tired, swimming with distress as they searched his. he wondered how he hadn't seen the change before.

a change that happened because of him. the light in your eyes is gone all thanks to him. he wanted to be the one to preserve and make sure your eyes light up for the rest of your life, but instead he's the reason you look defeated. he couldn't handle the guilt eating him up at the sight.

"i-i broke her," chan whispers, "you could see it in her eyes how my shortcomings, the ones i was too blind and stupid to notice… that broke her. i broke her."

changbin doesn't say anything.

"i thought it would be better for me to let her go… get her away from me who was sucking the life out of her," chan's hands run through his hair, "she deserves so much more than me."

the older boy cries. his thoughts, feelings, everything just clouded with you.

"hyung," changbin's tone is soft, feeling out the atmosphere, "don't you think that it's sucking the life out of her even more, to be away from you?"

this time chan is the one who doesn't say anything.

"she wanted you to stay, she wanted you to convince her to stay."

"convince me to stay… please."

"i'm sorry."

"yes. from what you told us the day after you broke up, she does deserve better."

changbin's words send a dagger to chan's heart.

"but don't you want to be the one she deserves?"

chan's head turns to look at changbin.

"you need to work to be better, to be the one y/n deserves. that's what she wants, she wants you hyung."

"… m-me?"

"she wouldn't have said yes to marrying you if she didn't want you for the rest of her life."

…

your plan for the day was to wake up around noon, order some takeout or ransack your best friend's freezer for some food (and ice cream), chill on the couch and watch some netflix. instead you're jolted awake, at ten in the morning, by pounding at the front door.

rolling your eyes in annoyance, stretching your arm out, feeling around before grasping a pillow and clutching it over your head, trying your hardest to block out the noises and fall asleep. hoping the longer you hold out, it will give off the illusion that no one's home and come back later. a couple moments pass, a sigh of relief falls from your lips when the knocking stops, allowing you to loosen your grip on the pillow around your head.

maybe the neighbours got annoyed and kicked whoever that was out.

at the silence, you roll onto your side and shift your body around to get comfortable in the mattress. another long breath leaving your lips once that optimal position to fall asleep in is found, closing your eyes and getting ready to be lulled back into dreamland.

now you think someone is fucking with you.

the knocking starts up again, for a second you thought you'd fallen asleep and the knocking was continuing in your dreams but no. sadly, you weren't lulled back into dreamland like you hoped, the pounding in your head making it apparent that this was indeed, reality.

on top of all the things happening in your life lately, being woken up by a stranger relentlessly hammering the life out of their fist on your– actually, your best friend's– door is the kicker to a great day. a whine leaving your lips as you roll out of bed, pouting as you trudge to the door of the guest bedroom and continue your trek down the hall, towards the front door.

sure, you wouldn't have minded if your best friend, the person who lives in this unit, was actually home to answer the door. alas, she's at work whilst you're here; straightening out your pyjamas and plastering the fakest smile on your lips whilst you undo the locks, twisting the doorknob and swinging the door open.

"hello, mis—"

your jaw drops. posture immediately straightening due to the wave of tension that rushes through your veins, your mind comes up with two options: hide behind the door or run. your heart begins to race in your chest, tears threatening to spill at any moment but your feet are cemented to the ground. any urge you had to run away and hide quickly depleting at the sight of the man in front of you, a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

"chan… wh-what are you doing here?"

there he is: the man of the hour.

in front of you, in the flesh. standing a couple inches away from you clad in his usual all-black attire. you're avoiding his gaze but can't seem to pry your eyes off the bouquet in the man's hold.

a medley of red and white roses, baby's breath peeking throughout the arrangement.

"i- i needed to see you," chan's voice comes out husky.

shifting awkwardly on your feet, you sigh, "how did you know i was here?"

"multiple calls to your best friend and a long speech," he uses his free hand to scratch at the back of his neck, a nervous smile on his lips.

'she's getting a long speech from me too.'

"okay, well…" you clear your throat, "you saw me so bye."

you go to shut the door but chan stumbles forward, holding it open as he stands in the doorframe. the gush of air from his sudden movements gives you a whiff of his cologne. that along with the closer proximity has a lump forming in your throat.

"w-wait, i wanted to talk too."

"y-you spoke and so did i so, bye," you choke out, trying to close the door again but to no avail as his body blocks your way, "please chan, what more do you want from me? don't make this harder for me."

chan reaches forward at the sight of a tear falling, wanting to wipe it away but you flinch away from his touch. your reaction has chan recoiling, he shifts awkwardly on his feet. you go to turn away from him.

"i made a mistake," he states, his words coming out rushed.

you gulp, angling your body towards the man again. this time your arms crossed over your chest, your gaze still falling away from his face. chan's throat clears when he realizes that you're not going to speak.

"that night, i shouldn't have let you go," he continues, "i should've told you, said something, said anything to convince you to stay… but… fuck. i- i was scared."

your eyes glance up at his face, only to look away just as quickly.

"you're probably thinking, of what?" chan runs a hand through his hair, "but listening to everything you said, everything that i was stupid, ignorant enough not to notice, all those things that i did– or, uh didn't do… that hurt you. it scared me to tell you i wanted you to stay."

your eyebrows furrow in frustration, this time your gaze stays on his face, making no move to wipe the tears running down your cheeks.

"listening to you, hearing how much i hurt you. i- i thought it would've been selfish of me to tell you to stay," chan's voice cracks, tears falling from his eyes as well, "i thought i would hurt you more if you stayed… that you didn't deserve that, y-you deserved so much more than me."

"god, chan.…" a bitter smile on your lips, "you saying nothing, letting me leave… a-and not fighting for me, for us! fuck… that hurt more than anything."

the memories of that night have your heart aching. whimpering as the tears continue to fall, the sight has chan's gradually getting heavier in his chest. he wants nothing but to pull you into his arms and to never let go.

"i know… i know. baby, i'm so sorry," chan's cheeks are soaked with tears but he makes no effort to wipe them away, "i'm so fucking sorry. i thought i was doing what was best for you, but i fucked up, i fucked up big time."

your eyes lock with chan's. glossy, tear-filled orbs gazing into each other, at that moment the tears only build until the both of you are crying a river in the hallway.

chan quite literally launches himself at you. throwing his arms around your body and pulling you into his chest. instinctively, your arms wrap around his torso, nuzzling your head into his shirt. bodies trembling and shaking as the both of you cry in each other's arms.

chan soaks up every single thing about this moment; the warmth of your body radiating onto him, your face nuzzled into his chest, the smell of your hair, the way your hands grip the back of his shirt, the feeling of your body pressed up against his. he isn't even sure that you'll take him back. regardless, he knows he wants to work his hardest to ensure he'll have you in his arms every day for the rest of his life.

in his arms, he holds the person who has been with him every step of the way and supported him day in and day out. the biggest mistakes chan ever made took place on that day: not convincing you to stay, not telling you how he loves you with his entire heart, and holding your engagement ring in his hand while he watched you walk out.

chan wants you to be so much more than just his past and present, he wants you to be his future, his forever. he's always wanted that but he failed at showing you, instead hurting you in ways he was completely ignorant of.

"i love you," chan cries, you can hear his heart racing in his chest, "i love you so much. if you let me, i'll work every single moment of every day to show you that. when i told you i wanted you for the rest of my life, i meant it. i mean it with my whole heart. i fucked up–majorly, but i swear to you! i swear i'll show you that i'm the one you deserve, that i can give you that life you deserve."

chan looks down at you, enveloped in his arms as your gaze naturally lifts to meet his eyes.

chan's heart skips a beat.

there it is.

that sparkle.

main masterlist

[hopelesslys-world]

STOCKHOLM SYNDROME | CH. 5

WARNINGS: NON-CON, Age Gap ( Massimo is 34 reader is 20 ), sex, loss of virginity, unprotected sex, oral (both female and male), yandere themes, stalking, KIDNAPPING, violence, harsh language, murder...

Tell me if I missed something... ( As you can see most of those warnings will make their appearance in future chapters. )

I apologize for any grammar mistakes...

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐔𝐏, 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 outside. You felt a slight depressed feeling approaching you, not to mention that you were starving like never before.

Right as your brain woke up, you felt someone’s hand lying heavy on your waist. Massimo was sleeping next to you, spooning you from behind leaving no space whatsoever, curled into a ball just like you with his arm around you securely.

Moments of yesterday's fight flashed before your eyes and disgust washed over you. What was he doing here? Being all cuddly and shit? If he won't apologise for his behaviour then you're in for a much terrible year.

You were afraid to move, to wake him, and you had to go to the bathroom. Slowly, you started to slip from under his arm, lifting it delicately. Massimo took a deep breath and turned over on his back. He was still asleep. You got up and headed to the bathroom tiptoeing.

After you were done with your business, you took your clothes off and went to the enormous shower. You turned the water on letting it soak you. Taking your loofah and using a generous amount of heavenly scented soap you began to scrub your body.

The door slammed open suddenly. It was the Man in Black. He was ogling me, not even trying to act cool.

A surprised scream left your mouth and hurried to cover up all your lady parts. "What the hell" you murmured to yourself

“Good morning, baby girl. May I join you?” he asked, rubbing the sleep off his eyes.

At first first all you wanted was to rush at him, pummel him with your fists for what would have been the thousandth time, and throw him out. But your experience of yesterday's fight told you that it would comedown to nothing and only elicit an abrupt, violent, and unpleasant reaction.

Instead, you replied, “You wouldn't leave even if I told you to. So be my guest.”

Massimo stopped rubbing his eyes, frowned, and froze, dumbfounded. He must have thought he had misheard you. You had thrown him off balance.

Time to finally put Plan C into action I guess. You thought mischievously.

You couldn’t change the fact that he had just gone in behind you and seen you naked, no other man had seen you like this before. It was for a brief moment, though. Your hands hugged your breasts protectively while you crossed your legs tightly preventing anyone from seeing your bare womanhood.

Slowly, Massimo approached the expansive shower, grabbed the shirt from the back of his neck and tore it off with one fluid motion. You backed up against the shower's wall, surely but hesitantly you removed one of your hands and began scrubbing again. Keeping your eyes glued to the floor tiles not daring to meet his burning gaze.

Massimo entered the enormous cubicle and turned on the second shower head. There were four of those in total, not counting the gigantic water jet panel that looked like a bathroom radiator.

“We’re leaving today,” the Man in Black said impassively. “We’re going to be away for a couple of days. Maybe weeks. I don’t know yet. We’ll drop by some galas and parties, so take this into account while packing your things. Domenico will take care of everything. You just tell him what you need.”

In the end, your curiosity won. You turned his way and saw Massimo standing with his arms propped on the wall, letting the water flow freely down his naked body. The first man you saw naked in real life and not movies.

The view was overwhelming— toned leg, shapely buttocks, muscled belly were all testament to the enormous work he had to do to keep his body in such perfect shape. Your eyes stopped wandering not wanting to push your luck and create sly comments from him.

The soap disappeared from your body, you turned off the water and moved forward to leave the shower. Without warning Massimo grabbed your arm and you slammed softly to his chest with a gasp. You could feel his erect cock touching your lower back.

"I wanted to say sorry for yesterday, you made me so furious I wasn't able to control myself." He kissed your shoulder. You didn't move. "I want to be gentle with you Y/N, but I don't know how...will you teach me how to be gentle?" His lips started to trail toward your neck and his large hands roamed your waist.

You nodded. Your body was rebelling against you, where did that even come from? He was so mean to you and now you wanted to fuck him?

What the hell!?

"I have to get ready." You said desperately wanting to get out of there.

He let you go with no complaints and you rushed out. You grabbed a bathrobe on your way and threw it over myself, running through the door.

You shut yourself in the ginormous closet until you heard him leave. You sat at a bench scolding your subconscious that wanted you to sleep with him. How did that thought even crossed your mind, it was sick! You didn't know what time it was or how long you stayed in there.

Suddenly, you heard someone knock on the room's door, unwillingly you gathered your wits and left the closet to go and answer the door.

It was no other than Domenico, "Hi." You greeted. You moved aside to let him in, he was holding two gigantic Louis Vuitton travel bags.

The young Italian smiled. “Hey, you are leaving in an hour, so I thought you could use some help, miss. Unless you don’t want me to…”

“Stop calling me miss. I can’t stand it. Besides, you can't be that older, so let’s skip the formalities.”

Domenico smiled and nodded, signaling his consent. “Can you tell me where we’re going?” you asked.

“To Napoli, Rome, and Venice,” he replied. “And then the Côte d’Azur.”

You opened your eyes wider, surprised. You had never been to all those places. You haven’t seen so many places in your whole life!

“Do you know what we’re to do in each of those places?” you asked. “I’d like to know what to take with me.”

Domenico walked over to the closet. “I do, in fact, but I was told not to spoil it for you. Don Massimo will make everything clear in time. I’ll help you pick the right outfits, don’t worry.” He winked at you. “Fashion is something of a hobby to me.”

“I’ll trust you fully if that’s the case. If we only have an hour to prepare, let’s get to it, shall we?”

Domenico nodded and disappeared in the cavernous closet.

"Domenico," you said. He quickly spun around to meet your face. "Could you by any chance bring me something to eat? I'm starving to death here..."

"Consider it done." He then speed dial someone on the phone and arranged you a meal in Italian.

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Fifty minutes later, you were standing in front of the mirror, packing your cosmetics into one of the leather bags. You'd tied your hair neatly with a hair clip, Domenico picked a red maxi skirt and a white top, along with white heels and jewellery that complemented the outfit perfectly.

“Your things are packed,” Domenico said, passing you your bag.

“I’d like to see Massimo now, please.”

“He hasn’t finished his meeting yet, but—”

“Well it's about time he does, ” you interrupted disdainfully, leaving the room.

The library was one of those rooms whose location you had committed to memory. You headed down the corridor, and the patter of your hills reverberated from the stone floor. As you reached the right door, you took a deep breath and pulled on the handle. You went inside and felt a shiver running down your spine. You hadn’t been here since your first conversation with the Man in Black, only a while after waking up from your deep sleep.

Massimo was sitting on the couch. He wore a light linen suit and an unbuttoned shirt. Next to him sat a man with graying hair—very handsome and a lot older than Massimo. A typical Italian, you thought. Longish hair combed back and a well-groomed goatee. Seeing you, both of them jumped to their feet.

The first look you got from Massimo was ice-cold. As if he wanted to scold you for interrupting his meeting. But as soon as his eyes swept your entire silhouette, his stare seemed to grow less severe. He said something to the other man, keeping his eyes on you, and started walking your way. He approached you and leaned over, kissing you on the cheek.

“You look lovely,” he whispered, planting the kiss. He took your hand in his and led you to his friend.

“Y/N, meet Mario—my right hand.” you walked over to the man to offer him a hand, but he swooped in, grabbed you by the shoulders, and kissed you on both cheeks. You still hadn’t grown used to that. Where you come from, you only kiss your closest friends and relatives.

“Consigliere,” you said with a smile.

“Just Mario is all right.” The older man returned your smile. “It is good to finally see you in the flesh. Alive.”

Those words rooted you to the spot. What did he mean, “alive”? Had he assumed you wouldn’t live to see him? Your face must have shown some of your emotions, as Mario quickly explained, “There are paintings of you all over the mansion. They’ve been there for years now, but nobody ever believed you were real. You must be as astounded as we are.”

You could only nod.

“I won’t lie: this whole situation is a bit surreal and daunting. But we all know I have no power over don Massimo, so I humbly accept each and every one of the three hundred and sixty-five days he has given me.” Irony was your new best friend now, you rolled your eyes.

Massimo burst out laughing. “Humbly…” he repeated, turning to his companion, who immediately joined in the merriment.

“I’m happy I could improve your mood. Now, I’ll wait in the car so you can enjoy my absence,” you hissed, sending them both an ironic smirk. As I turned you back on them and headed to the door, you heard Mario say, trying to hold back the laughter, “Indeed, Massimo, it’s just as if she was Italian.”

You ignored that and shut the door behind you. You stopped before you exited the house and went out to the driveway. The image of the dead man lying on the paving stones flashed before your eyes. You swallowed, took a furtive look around, and headed in the direction of the SUV parked outside. The driver opened the door for you and gave you a hand as you stepped inside.

Your iPhone was lying on the back seat, right next to your laptop. You squealed with glee, seeing both devices. You turned the phone on only to find out that your password was changed.

You tried and tried again until you were made to stop by the phone's security.

That fucking bastard!

In that moment, the car door opened, and Massimo deftly slipped inside. He took a look at your hand. The iPhone was still in it. "Why did you change my password?" You asked your vision going red. That also means that he scrolled through it as well!

“I don't trust you that much, just yet. You will only talk with your relatives under my supervision.” he replied casually. He pressed the button and then the black glass separated us from the driver.

“The last stop of our trip will be Warsaw. It won’t be as soon as you’d like, but calling your parents more often from now on should assuage her concerns and give us more time, so you can call them whenever you want- while I'm with you.”

That was good news. “Thanks I guess...” You turned your head away looking at the window.

Massimo kept his eyes on you for a moment longer. Then he lay his head on the headrest and sighed. “I’m not so bad. I don’t want to keep you here against your will. I don’t want to threaten you. But, tell me: would you stay of your own will?” He fixed you with a searching stare.

You turned away. Would you stay? Of course not. Without second thoughts.

The Man in Black was still waiting for a reply, but didn’t get one, so he turned to his iPhone, scrolling and reading something on the Internet.

The silence was unbearable. You needed someone to talk to. Maybe it was because of your longing for home. Still looking through the window, you asked, “Where are we going now?”

“The airport in Catania. If the traffic is light, we should be there in less than an hour.”

Another good thing, you enjoyed flying a lot.

Massimo reached into the glove compartment and took out a black paper bag. “I have something for you,” he said, handing me the package.

You frowned and sent him a questioning look.

The elegant gold lettering on its front formed the words “Patek Philippe.” youknew that name. There could only be one thing inside. You also knew how expensive those watches were. “Massimo… I…” your eyes wandered back to him. “I can’t accept that.”

He laughed out loud, sliding on his aviators. “Baby girl, this is one of the cheaper gifts I’m going to give you. Besides, don’t forget you don’t get to decide for another few hundred days. Open it.”

You knew this was going nowhere—arguing with him never did. It could only lead to misery for you, especially since there was nowhere to run now. You pulled a black box from the bag and opened it. The watch was marvelous—pink gold encrusted with little diamonds. Simply perfect.

“You have been pretty isolated today. I had to reward you. I know I’ve taken much from you, but you’ll start getting it all back now,” Massimo said, fastening the watch on your wrist.

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[ series masterlist ]

TAGLIST: ( THANK YOU ❤️ (if you want to be added comment in the chapters or send a message:) ) @lucidlivi

DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPAM WITH LIKES AND COMMENTS. I WOULD ALSO APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD REBLOG THIS POST <3

[plethora-of-imagines]

Why are you Still Awake?

AN: The SFW May Prompt from the Riters Ghuild: "Why are you still awake?". I may not have stayed completely safe for work as it is very suggestive at times, and there is talk of sex

Warning: suggestive, talk of sex, self doubts

Words: 1244

The words swam around the page in a dizzying parade past her eyes. An exhausting blur of Latin and ritual sigils. Refusing to let the book close to rub her eyes, she settled for harshly rubbing against her arm. Succeeding only in making her eyes water. Blinking back tears that freely flowed down her cheeks. Frustrating. Now reading was even more challenging. She was not feeling sad in any form, it was simply a biological response of her tired eyes. But she refused to rest now.

One again she was tempted to flick on a light to remove some of the strain on her squinting attempts to read. Having avoided it so that no one would know she was still awake and report on her to Papa. The hypocritical workaholic who was still not in their shared bed, had protested to her not getting enough sleep the past week. Studiously staying up to further her studies instead. It should have been seen as a good thing. Yet he had ordered his ghouls to help him set a bedtime for her like a child!

Silently she could admit to herself that it was kinda cute to have Secondo carry her to bed. Holding her close in a princess carry at first. Before her struggles had forced him to sling her over his shoulder. Of course that meant a hand resting firmly on her ass. For stability, he had claimed.

Helping her prepare for bed by brushing her hair. Bundling her under the covers once she had taken care of her needs in the bathroom. His prayers and wishes for sweet dreams sealed with kisses to her forehead and lips…

It had made her feel guilty for a moment for sneaking out of bed to fetch her book from the desk the moment the door closed.

Only a moment.

It would be worth it to be top of her class and make the Clergy proud he was dating her. It wasn't only for the praise of the Clergy that she wanted to study. Most of the time- when they were not wearing her down with talk of a Novice being unworthy of a Papa, even a retired one- she couldn't care less about what they thought of her. Mainly she wanted to do well for her own pride. To inspire envy in all the others by being at the top of the score list.

Being able to possibly skip some of the time required before moving past being a Novice was also a part of the appeal.

Frowning at her racing thoughts she forced her attention back to the candle lit pages. The creak of the door not enough warning for her to pretend to have been sleeping.

"Now, why are you still awake?"

"Couldn't sleep," rushed out before she could think of a better lie.

Claiming she wanted just one more chapter and lost track of time would have been a believable one.

"Couldn't cara mia, or wouldn't?"

Slipping into the bed beside her, Secondo reached across her to try and take the book from her hands. Tightening her grip she refused to relinquish it to him.

Soon a bookmark was slipped into the open book. Firm fingers pulling her own off of the book. Forcing her grip to go slack. Ignoring her whines of protest.

The bed shifted as his comforting weight left her side. Crossing the room away from her. The distance felt insurpassable.

"You need sleep," he affirmed once the book was returned to the desk.

"I get enough sleep."

Bundling her into his arms with ease as he lounged once again by her side. It soothed the deepest part of her that feared he would decide she was too much, too stubborn.

"That's an ever worse lie than the first," pressing a playful kiss to her lying lips.

"You don't go to sleep before the witching hour," she protested, turning away from him and halfheartedly wiggling out of his arms.

Yanking her back into his chest with desperate hands as he partially conceded her point.

"Ah, but unlike you I have long since proven my devotion to the Dark One and am not required by the Clergy to wake early for morning chores anymore."

Accepting her fate, she buried her face in his chest. Nosing her way past the gaps between buttons to nuzzle into his curly chest hair. Tickling her nose with the soft sensation and smell of incense that faintly clung to him.

"No one would even notice if I was late anyway, no upper clergy even watches us," she grumbled into his warm chest.

Already he was soothing her to sleep with gentle touches. Eroding her will power to continue to argue for her book back.

"Primo would. I still don't think the man ever sleeps."

"He wouldn't say anything so long as my work improved."

"Cara, he inforced a bedtime on me until I was sixteen," he laughed. "Once he even pulled me out of a Sister of Sin because it was a minute past ten o'clock. Literally pulled me out of her."

Strangled giggles consumed her as she pictured Secondo's face at having his cock forcibly removed from a woman.

"That poor woman," she cackled.

"She ended up with a crush on Primo, wouldn't give me the time of day afterwards. Not that Primo had eyes for her. I believe she ended up becoming a sugar baby once she was eighteen in search of a nice older sugar daddy she could enjoy."

Fingers gently played with the hair at the nape of her neck as she let the silence linger between them.

"So Primo would notice. I'll just have to get him some rare plant and he will pretend not to notice."

Her words were starting to slur with the effort they took to form.

"Ah, but he would take the bribe and still tell on you. He's dishonorable in all the best ways, and I'm not against bribing him to help keep an eye on you."

Scowling at her half formed plan being thwarted already. She could never afford something that would surpass Secondo's bribes.

"Can't even employ simple bribery nowadays, what has this Ministry come to."

"How horrible I know, not a single honorably corrupt person among us."

"Yes, how dare you all make me practice self care. And not even the fun type-"

"Oh if you needed me to tire you out all you had to do was say so. Enough orgasms to leave you in tears should tire you out enough to sleep. Alas, with it being almost two in the morning we simply don't have time."

Snorting before considering it. The idea sounded fun… and it would mean she would be able to relax her mind from its consuming thoughts. Not going to bed alone would also be nice.

"Could we, tomorrow?"

He hummed in affirmation to her scarcely spoken request.

"Now close those pretty eyes. I much prefer the dark circles under them to be make up than genuine."

Shifting around to get comfortable bought her a few minutes. Face pressed further against his skin to smell his musky scent hiding under the incense's scent. Too soothing a scent, his musk. It was already compelling her to relax further. Arms tangled around him to prevent his escape back to his work. If she would he forced to sleep, so would he.

"Okay."

A quick nap wouldn't hurt too much anyway.

[endwersed]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by the brilliant @dear-massacre 🥰

I haven't been able to work on my current WIP much this week, so here's a li'l something from the nanny AU I started a while ago instead!

-

“The novelty starts to wear off around the time they learn the word why,” his dad adds drily, a teasing eyebrow quirked. “You should have at least a year to enjoy before that, though.”

Stiles refuses to let his brain drift to thoughts of whether he’ll even be around in a year to see it. Not now, not when Derek’s smile is huge and warm and so full of unbridled love as he looks between his son and Stiles, not when Jake is babbling an impressively steady stream of dadadada, much to all of their delight.

In that moment, he simply decides – fuck it.

It’s absolutely true that none of this is real. But he’s going to enjoy every second of it that he can before it all blows up in his face.

The rest of his dad’s brief visit passes easily enough; Jake regaling them all with his new word while the rest of the conversation flows freely around it. Derek is polite, saying all the right things to make the Sheriff like him, regard him with a quiet sense of approval.

When it’s time for him to head off, his dad and Derek shake hands before he rubs an affectionate hand over the growing hair on Jake’s head. Stiles offers to walk with him to his car, and they chat amiably up until they reach his cruiser, at which point his dad cuts off with a frown, leaning against the closed door of the car and levelling Stiles with a look he hasn’t seen since he was a teenager.

“What?” Stiles asks, eyes wide and something like dread welling up inside him.

His dad doesn’t answer immediately. His gaze slides along the path they just travelled before pulling back to meet Stiles’ eyes. Stiles feels his heartbeat quicken as his dad narrows his eyes.

“You need to be careful here, Stiles,” he says.

Stiles does everything he can to not show a single visible sign of how those words affect him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replies, forcing nonchalance.

“He’s married,” his dad presses on, as always too goddamn switched on. “He won’t feel the same way you do. And that’s not even getting into the fact that he’s your boss.”

“I don’t,” Stiles starts to deny.

“You need to get over your feelings,” his dad cuts over him, “and if you can’t do that – you need to quit.”

Stiles swallows thickly. Unconsciously, his eyes dart over to the blanket where Derek and Jake sit, Derek still with an utterly astonished look on his face as Jake repeats those two incredible syllables again and again and again. His dad’s face is kind, sympathetic, when he looks back to him, and Stiles nods once, stiff and quick.

“It’s just a crush,” he lies. “I’ll get over it.”

After a long moment, his dad nods in return. He pushes away from the car and tugs Stiles into a hug, one hand at the back of his head as he presses his lips lightly against Stiles’ temple.

“I’m just a phone call away if you ever need me,” his dad says, pulling away to look him right in the eye. “And I mean ever. You got that?”

Stiles smiles wanly. “It’s just a crush, dad. It’ll be fine.”

It's just as much of a lie for his own, stupid heart.

-

No pressure tags! @crownofstardustandbone @raisesomehale @thotpuppy @renmackree

[zealouscanonindeer]

Not meant to be

Synopsis: Being inevitable is not enough.

Category: Angst.

Part 2 of What could have been. Works as a stand alone too.

*********

For @choicesseptemberchallenge2023 and @midnightmelodiz .

DAY 20 : " Are you saying that there's hope? Maybe in the future-" "No."

*********

Ethan groaned, turning once again to his side, pushing the blanket off him as his bare chest heaved. Today she had been downright sinful and worst of all she was neither trying nor realising what she was doing.

Her black skirt, with the thigh high slit, the translucent cream work shirt, which gave a peek of the bralette underneath, half her hair pulled up while the rest cascaded down her slender shoulders like water fall.

Although he was not the only one who thought so, he eyed Dr Emerson check her out from the back as she stood in front of them in the elevator.

The whole day had him riled up and the moment he got into bed, he had wanked to the memory of their first time together.

Now he tried to push out the rest, mainly his stupidity at leaving, thinking it would work. Instead everyday in the Amazon all he could think was her. Then he had insisted on the reset. He had been breaking her heart every step of the way and yet she never stopped caring. Maybe she had had enough this time around. The mere thought made his blood run cold.

The next day he walked in at the usual time, opening the door to the diagnostics office, he saw the vixen herself, fidgeting with the papers on his desk, bunching them up in neat stacks over and over again. She usually did this when she was nervous or restless.

"Rookie? What happened? Are you okay? "

"Why wouldn't I be. No scratch that, I'm not okay, Ethan. " She looked up at him, the emotions swirling inside her.

"Let me help. " She chuckled sarcastically, her eyes turning sadder.

"No, Ethan. You've done enough. You've been an grade A asshole, first you sleep with me, tell me you care, that you want this, you save my career at the hearing last year. And the moment it feels like this, us it's getting real, you run away, you run away like a coward. This whole time I've been trying,for the both of us,but the problem is you can't even face your own feelings head on so you decide to just throw me out of your life as if it's just your decision, not even bothering to talk to me. I deserved an explanation, Ethan. Couldn't you atleast be man enough to end things the right way. "

She pauses, her breathing ragged, her eyes turning glossy but she refuses to let the tears fall in front of him. She continues.

"If that wasn't enough, you come back with this reset crap, which we both know is never going to work, but again you're too coward to accept it. And now, everytime you see me with someone else, you act like I owe you something. You make me feel so bad about myself that I should be apologizing when I'm doing what you want. When all you've made me out to be is some booty call to use when you're in need of a fuck and cast away when you're done. "

"Penny.. I didn't realize how you felt. " Ethan's voice quivered, unable to look at the hurt in her eyes that he had caused, he averted his eyes, slowly exhaling.

"Penny.. I'm so sorry, darling.. "

"Don't call me that" He winced, she was right, he had no right to call her that.

"I care, I do, so much, I want to only do right by you, and I know I messed up but this time around it's going to be different, I promise. You mean so much to me, you mean everything."

" Are you saying that there's hope? Maybe in the future-"

"No." Her eyes fluttered, tears now flowing down her face freely at the single word.

"I'm saying that I'm doing what I should have done long ago. "

She looked absolutely heartbroken, he felt the tears build up at his words, their implications hitting him slowly, but this was the last time he would hurt her. She seemed to agree, her eyes snapped up, this time with anger. She didn't say anything, moving past him to the door.

He chose to let go when he could hold on, fight for her, make it work because it meant something to him. She meant something, anything to him.

"Penny.. I. "

"Save it, Dr Ramsey. I know where we stand, thank you for clearing that up. "

With that, she walked out, she wasn't coming back this time... For the first time in years, he let the tears fall.

*********

@liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @jerzwriter @cariantha @peonierose @kyra75 @rookiemartin @queencarb @genevievemd @tveitertotwrites @coffeeheartaddict2 @choicesficwriterscreations

If anyone wants to join my tag list let me know☺

**********

[iamarketinginsight]

The Invisible Budget: How to Spend Without Feeling Restricted

 If hearing the word “budget” makes you groan, you’re not alone.

Most people associate budgeting with restriction, guilt, spreadsheets, or being told you can’t have your favorite coffee again. But what if budgeting didn’t feel like punishment—and instead felt like freedom?

Enter the concept of the Invisible Budget.

It’s not about tracking every penny or saying no all the time. It’s about building a spending system that works in the background—quietly guiding your money without stress or guilt.

Let’s break down what an invisible budget is and how you can make your money flow without feeling broke.

🎯 What Is the “Invisible Budget”?

An Invisible Budget is a system that automates and organizes your spending so you don’t have to think about money every day—but still stay in control.

Think of it as:

Guardrails, not handcuffs

Automation over obsession

Permission-based spending instead of constant sacrifice

It’s a budget you barely feel, but always benefit from.

🔄 Why Traditional Budgets Often Fail

Here’s the truth: Traditional budgets are often too rigid, too time-consuming, or too guilt-driven.

People quit budgeting because:

It feels like punishment

It requires too much mental energy

It ignores emotional spending habits

It doesn't adapt to real life

An invisible budget avoids these traps by making your system work for you, not the other way around.

🧠 Step 1: Redefine “Budget” as “Spending Plan”

Start by reframing your mindset.

Instead of saying, “I can’t afford this,” ask: 🔁 “Does this fit in my spending plan?”

It removes shame from money choices and shifts focus to intentionality. You’re not depriving yourself—you’re choosing where your money works best.

💸 Step 2: Automate the Big 3 (Savings, Bills, Guilt-Free Spending)

Your invisible budget works best when it runs automatically.

Set up three core flows:

Savings first

Automate transfers to an emergency fund or investment account

Even ₹500/month adds up

Fixed bills

Set up auto-debits for rent, EMIs, phone, utilities

No late fees, no mental load

Guilt-free spending

Whatever remains after savings and bills is yours to spend

No guilt, no overthinking

This is your lifestyle money—spend it freely knowing you’ve already covered the essentials.

🧾 Step 3: Use “Buckets” Instead of Spreadsheets

Visual budgets work better than math-heavy ones. Use banking buckets or apps to organize your money visually.

Try separating accounts (or using digital tools like Fi Money, Jupiter, or YNAB) into:

💰 Essentials

💳 Guilt-free fun

🛟 Emergency savings

🏦 Long-term goals

This way, you see where your money lives, without needing to micro-manage it.

🧠 Step 4: Apply the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule says 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Use that here too.

Instead of tracking every ₹10 coffee, focus on:

Big monthly bills

Lifestyle inflation (subscriptions, upgrades)

High-impact decisions (rent, car, debt)

If you control the top 3-5 money drains, you don’t need to stress about every small spend.

✅ Step 5: Build a “Yes Fund”

This one’s a game-changer.

A Yes Fund is money you set aside just to say yes to life—unexpected coffee catch-ups, a concert ticket, or a weekend getaway.

It prevents “budget burnout” and makes your plan feel abundant, not restrictive.

You can set aside ₹1,000–₹5,000/month in a separate wallet or account—spend it on anything you want. Guilt-free.

📊 Bonus: Use Low-Maintenance Tracking

You don’t need to track every rupee—just review once a week or month:

Use apps like Walnut, Money Manager, or Excel

Glance at your categories: Are you overdoing one?

Adjust only what’s consistently draining your plan

One 15-minute review = full control without the stress.

💬 Final Thoughts: Freedom Comes from Structure

The Invisible Budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about clarity. It helps you: ✔️ Save without thinking ✔️ Spend without guilt ✔️ Avoid money surprises ✔️ Enjoy life without wondering, “Can I afford this?”

When your money is on autopilot, your mind is free to focus on what actually matters—your goals, your joy, your future.

So no more crash diets for your bank account. Go invisible. Stay in control. And finally spend without the stress.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://financialtechnologyinsights.com/

[yunnathearcher]

Just like that the weekend is gone and I’m back in the driver's seat. Running behind. Eyes impossibly sleepy. Grocery list in the notes app. Yearning for more freedom. Making do instead. Holiday season on the horizon. Foggy this morning. Over it this morning. Wanting something different this morning. Luna.

After work gym bag? Check. Lunch packed? Check. Body worked up and loved down? Check. There goes peace. More energy during the latter part of the day. Maybe there’s something to this being out and about thing. Attitude on 1.5 million trillion later in the evening. Cardio & back day gets me right though. Baking, idealizing, vibing, reading and then eventually sleeping. Or something close to it. Lunacy? Nah that’s just the Moon in Pisces on the Moon's day. Chill.

Loving won’t make what’s not for you for you, but it does sweeten life. Lights shining in the valleys during each and every climb, existing and vibrating in peace at each and every peak. Covered from my head to my toes on a Tuesday. Feeling overstimulated but mostly present. Accounted for. Rational. Reasonable too. All that. It’s a passionate life.

Sprinting to bass lines, lifting to bounce music. Later- eyes heavy, body relaxed, mind calm. Emotions flowing like a river and I let them too. Energy moving through me freely. Less arrogance, more confidence. Quiet demeanor. present & resolute. Thankful to be who I am, proud of who I have become. Just an honorary Martian vibing on Mar's Day.

Me and time have been in an open relationship this week. Maneuvering under a Mercury/Saturn square? With my natal Mercury/Saturn conjunction? Giving me hella grief. In the meantime, now is all there is. Start of the day- no clouds. As the day progresses, there they go. Realizing you’re not who I thought you were, not who I wanted you to be. Realizing I already knew this, but a girl still likes to make believe, fantasize, dream. Sometimes. Wanting something different. Something new. Will open myself up. More. Soon. Cerebral, mercurial too.

Heavy waves in the evening. Wind blowing through the trees, the sound of thunder. Thinking of reaching out to you. My body says no. I listen. Earlier, emotional regulation and executive functioning talks. She tells me that these are the things that need to be shared, that need to be taught. I feel the spark, visualize and mentally grasp the links and intuitively feel for the chain. Later covering my hands around the flame. Merci on Mercury's day.

Gentle ease this morning. Peace and meaning, passion and purpose, eyes open and piercing. Life is not perfect, but life is good. Life is as it’s meant to be. Sleepy most of the day. Not really feeling it today. Still making it happen today. Missing my bed. Also feeling at home in my body. Jovial? Kinda. Idk.

Heavy waves through the evening. Dinner. Shrimp & Caesar salad wraps with Pico de Gallo. Beginning a new book. Got stuck for a moment pondering over one of the opening lines- “a vortex of Not-Sun consciousness”. Idk. Kinda had me going for a minute. Saturn’s preparing to station direct and here I am having one of those "wtf am I even doing" days. Full moon peaking. Coming out of a place of seeing the best in some of the worst situations. Well, I mean now is better than never. Vision out of sequence on Jupiter's day.

All this work looks the same. Vibes feel different though. A love-me-as-I-am-can’t-you-see-that-I’m-working-hard-af-to-grow type of Friday. A we-don’t-have-to-pretend-it-never-happened-but-don’t-anticipate-hearing-from-me-again type of Friday. A damn-I-love-how-you-just-keep-getting-better-wiser-and-finer-as-time-passes-by type of Friday. Friday with a love like no other. Venusian menace.

Late night phone purge. A comfort meal. Putting iMessages to the side. Sleepy eyes. Can feel you thinking of me. Cardio session. Brief reading on retrogrades and magnetisms. A few glimmers, some ideas and a little refinement too. Today was a good day. And I made it through the week. Plus lots of full moon peace. Venus in Capricorn doing remarkable things.

Sleeping in. Conversations flowing with ease. Lots of them too. A good bit on the agenda today. Handling what I can and seeing about the rest later. Face warm with love and excitement. Words genuine and full of insight. I like this new life. I love this version of me. Saturnian baby.

Almost tapping out midway through leg day. Pushing through instead. Discipline. Afterwards my body feels liberated. Fulfilling Monday's grocery list, washing dishes, tending to my circle, handling commitments. Later we’re outside and the drinks are good, and the vibe is right, and the energy is calm and there's many words to say. Thankful we made it through the storm. Of course there will always be more storms, but for now this moment with you is love. Serene on Saturn's day. And on Sunday She did her best and She rested.

[sasster]

Shame

[Doc]

“I’m sorry Ben.”

The apology catches the purple blood off guard, previously occupied by the tedious math problem displayed on the laptop he had propped up at the island that lived at the center of their kitchen, he straightens himself up to fix the brown blood with a puzzled look.

“Huh? What for?”

Zurven stands at the sink with his back to him, with a hanging head and tense shoulders.

“Zurv, you alright?”

He is silent for a moment longer before letting out a barely audible sniff and lifting a hand to wipe what Benjin can only guess is a stray tear. On his feet in a second and across the kitchen in even less time, he turns Zurven to face him so that he can pull the sniffling troll in close. And as though his legs were seconds away from giving out, Zurven collapses against his chest with very little struggle.

“I was embarrassed. But I should have told you.” Though his voice is muffled by his chest, Benjin can tell he is absolutely doing his best to fend off his tears. “There’s been so much going on. I didn’t want you guys to have to take care of me again.”

“Oh– Zurv. The daymares? I don’t hold that against you.” That was the truth, too, he was more upset with Mallum after all. The anger feels a little misplaced now, though.

“Someone’s had to take care of me my entire life.”

“That’s not true–”

“I thought that I could take care of myself for a change.”

He only tightens his arms around his sobbing partner as guilt starts to sting at the back of his throat. The small voice in the back of his head starts to remind him that this is all Harlan’s fault. What isn’t Harlan’s fault?

Now isn’t really the time to get all worked up about that brute.

“Then if Mallum wasn’t there I would have killed myself. If he was a heavier sleeper or if he was in the bathroom– I would have walked right into the sun.”

That one was more true than Benjin was comfortable with it being. If not for Mallum’s extended stay in their hive, they would likely be in many more sticky situations than he’d bear to admit.

Instead of responding, he loosens his arms from around Zurven and grabs hold of his hand. He leads him back to the living room where they can sit more comfortably. Behind him, he sniffs and shifts to wipe the now freely flowing tears from his eyes.

When they are situated on the couch Benjin once again pulls his mate into his arms, letting him fully lay on his chest, then he loses his hands in Zurvens hair.

“You don’t owe me an apology, Zurv. I just want you to feel safe again.”

Zurven shakes his head in response, the gentle petting already putting in the work and soothing him.

“I don’t think there are rules against letting people take care of you.”

“But my whole life –”

“That just means you’re worth it.”

The smaller troll sucks in a deep breath and deflates against him, successfully making himself small enough that Benjin can’t help but feel a little protective of him. He thinks that this is not what Zurven needs or wants at this moment, but he can’t help it.

He continues to pet his hair.

“Has it happened again?”

“This morning…”

He nods and Benjin feels his heart start to break.

“This morning?”

“I didn’t sleepwalk. I stayed in bed.” Zurvens voice gradually gets smaller the longer he speaks. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about.”

“I’ll wake you up next time.” He says with another sniff, grasping desperately at his shirt.

“Only if you want to. I only want you to feel safe.”

Zurven pauses for a moment before speaking again.

“I’m never safer than when I’m with you.”

[parcequecestnotreprojeeeet]

Hello! It’s Winter! I wanted a touching, heart breaking story. A break from my smut 😜

Precious Cargo

“Mr. President.”

Emmanuel looked up to see an advisor step cautiously into his office. This man was new to his staff, only having worked at the palace for a little over 2 months.

“What is it? I’m busy,” Emmanuel explained rudely, tapping on the screen of his iPhone for the 30th time.

“It’s your wife,” the man spoke softly, knowing what that sentence would do to the man behind the desk.

Emmanuel froze upon hearing the word “wife.” He knew Brigitte’s plane was expected back in 30 minutes, from a trip he wished she hadn’t gone on. He had a bad feeling the morning of her departure and couldn’t shake it, no matter how hard he tried to tell himself nothing would happen.

Now, he understood why his body signals were so strong.

Emmanuel managed to get his question out, “What happened?”

The advisor cleared his throat, “The… Madame’s plane was struck by lightning. And… we lost signal. The plane vanished, Sir.”

The whole world - Emmanuel's world - stopped.

He tried to catch his breath, but he couldn’t, it was impossible. His lungs had failed, and he desperately needed to lie down. No, this couldn’t be happening. He needed to see her, to touch her, to hold her and never let her go again. Why hadn’t she listened? Why did she insist on this ridiculous trip?

“I’m so sorry, Sir,” the man spoke, trying to fill the void of silence with comforting words. “I know how much you loved.…”

“No! Don’t say that! Stop talking! My wife is not gone! She’s not!!!” Emmanuel shouted, getting louder with each word. “Get out!!!”

The man quickly turned around and ran toward the hallway. He had been picked to deliver the bad news, and he hated every second of it. Everyone knew what Brigitte meant to Emmanuel. The messenger knew he was going into a warzone before he even stepped into that office.

Emmanuel couldn’t just sit behind his stupid desk. The presidency and all the shit that went with it suddenly meant nothing to him. He needed answers.

How does a plane suddenly vanish off the radar? Why was his wife flying in horrible conditions? Who was this idiot pilot? Didn’t he realize he had precious cargo onboard?

Emmanuel took a few steps toward the door but he had to stop. Running in the opposite direction toward his private bathroom, he emptied the contents of his stomach into the porcelain bowl. He didn’t have the strength to stand up, instead, he remained on the cold floor waiting for another round to come out of his body.

Sitting up against the wall, he buried his head in his hands, finally allowing the tears to flow freely.

“Emmanuel?”

He thought he had heard the sound of heels just a few moments ago, but he assumed he was dreaming. Garnering all the energy his body could manage, he rose from the floor and into her arms.

“Chéri! What’s wrong? Are you okay?” She asked, her voice shaking with fear after finding her husband in the fetal position.

He didn’t answer with words, because words weren’t enough, but with actions instead. After he was done kissing her face, his hands found the strap of her dress and pulled them down, revealing her red strapless bra.

“Honey! Stop! What are you doing?” Brigitte asked, stepping back. Ordinarily, she would never stop him but she could tell something was wrong. Besides, she could smell something unpleasant in the bathroom and she needed fresh air.

Emmanuel brought her to the couch and pulled her onto his lap, squeezing her so tight she thought she was going to burst.

“What has gotten into you? You couldn’t have missed me that much. I was only gone for 12 hours,” Brigitte laughed nervously, not having seen her husband behave like this since they first started dating.

“I was told your plane was struck by lightning and that they lost signal.” He stated, “I … I thought I lost you.”

She cradled his head against her chest, “Sweetheart, it wasn’t that bad. There was some lightning but the plane was never hit. We landed safely. See! I’m right here - all in one piece.”

“Brig - don’t ever joke about that!!” He shook his head realizing how aggressive his tone had been. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I am not myself right now.” She continued to hold him tightly, running her fingers through his wavy hair. “It’s okay, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until she needed to get up and use the restroom. “Emmanuel … Emmanuel?” She tried to move his body but he wouldn’t budge. He had finally fallen asleep in her arms.

Helloo Winter! ❤️

I think someone is about to get fired 😅 Or i would probably even quit myself straight away, out of shame 😂

But poor Manu, his was really upside down for a few minutes there. I’m glad you didn’t keep the anguish for too long and Brigitte showed up quickly. But not so ready to smell Emmanuel’s vomit, even for some woohoo time 😂

Him falling asleep in her arms 🥰

Thank you so much, Winter! ❤️❤️❤️

[twistedmusings]

Wake Up From Your Dream

A/N: I don't even know what I can SAY to this one except...I think I was so angry at not writing that I wrote smut outta SPITE? Can I be so angry with myself that I write Malleus smut to just get something out there? I guess I can. Anyways this ask certainly let my imagination fly q wq

Warnings: Non-con making its way into dub-con, manipulation, impregnating sex and Malleus realizing that family is really important.

You needed to find your way back to Night Raven College.

It has been so long since you’ve been back there, laughing and walking around as if there was no trouble in the world. Nevermind that you weren’t anywhere close to home and nevermind that your family was seeking you out.

As long as there was a possibility of you finding your way home, you had pretended that everything was going to be alright.

You were still a stranger to this world, you had no ties to this world and there would be no reason for you to stay once Crowley found your way back home. It was wonderful making friends with such a variety of people and watching them all grow in their own way. The way you knew you would grow from this experience as well.

Watching Ace and Deuce really come into themselves and their Unique Magic, watching the dorm leaders step into their positions of power and truly start to make a name for themselves that would help them out in their own version of the ‘real’ world. Riddle had gotten a wonderful position befitting of his family name, Leona was actually graduating, Azul was said to open a Monstro Lounge in the Coral Sea while Kalim had started investing time in his father’s trade without having Jamil help him. Even Idia was starting to take strides in his own field!

And you were proudest of Malleus. One simple conversation outside of Ramshackle had turned into a friendship you thought you would never forget. It was so wonderful to see him interact more with students, shyly following after you as you pushed him to talk more to others despite his position. That was what college was for, right? To experience new things and find your future--

You just didn’t think that Malleus would take it that far.

Was it because he was spoiled? No, even though he was born in a monarchy he still did his best to remain kind to others, especially his subjects. You were sure he was going to make a kind king in the future, even if you never got to see with your own two eyes.

You pull the hood over your head as you enter a bath house, the fae receiving you with a curious look and a smile as you hand her 2000 madols.

“Will you be booking a room tonight as well?”

“Just a simple shower and bath, that is all.”

If you were to make a guess, you were in the borders of the Valley of Thorns, a more rural area compared to the now rather modernized capital. You had stolen enough money to get you by for a few trips and you knew that places like these were the best at getting you directions. It had been a bit of a grueling trip, testing your knowledge of the fae language as well as avoiding questions about who you were and why you so desperately needed to make your way back to such a prestigious college. In a sense, you kept it minimal.

You needed to get back home.

“It’s fine. You’re fine. It’s fine. You’re fine.”

The mantra you kept repeating to yourself was whispered under your breath as you removed your articles of clothing slowly, still looking around to see if anybody had followed you in. But this is what was raising all of the hairs on your body, wasn’t it? This constant vigilance that didn’t let you sleep at night. You needed to relax, no one else would come this far.

You feel the fatigue melt as several days of walking are washed right off your body, a smile slowly creeping up on your face as you wash the dirt and oil from your hair.

It would be fine.

You would make it to Night Raven College and sneak into the Hall of Mirrors before wishing yourself back home. Crowley had said that they had pinned down the world you lived in and only after you make your wish would the connection be broken. This most likely meant that the connection was still intact since you didn’t even get a chance to to look at the mirror before you were whisked away.

Everything was going to work itself out, that’s the most you could promise yourself.

The bath is heavenly, the temperate water cooling you down from the hot shower as you look around.

There were no other patrons.

“Good.”

You lean back and press your head against a soft pillow of towels, enjoying the silence as you feel your worries soften while thinking back to what you would do when you were back home. It had been so long since you’ve seen some of your friends, your family was probably worried sick and you still had your own plans you wanted to get through.

If you had time, you could maybe drop by to see how your first year friends were doing?

Or were they in their third year now?

Wouldn’t that be a sight to see?

Your eyes close as you let yourself relax entirely, almost succumbing to sleep.

Only for a hand to grab your throat, the other covering your eyes as you hear a familiar chuckle that tenses your body up and breaks your heart.

“I am afraid we will have to postpone this shower.”

Tears well up in the corner of your eyes as you hear the sound of footsteps into the area, most likely the royal guard.

“Lilia--”

“You’d do well to stay put lest they chase after you.”

The hands covering your eyes pull back as you see a teasing smile looking down pitifully at your fresh set of tears.

“It has taken far too long to find you, Your Majesty.”

-----

“HUMAN!”

“[Y/N]-san!”

Lilia smiles as he leads you by the hand, the royal guard following close behind as Sebek and Silver join him.

“He might have already woken up, Father.”

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY YOUNG MASTER HAS GONE THROUGH?”

“Sebek.” Lilia looks at his charge, “Quiet. Malleus might still be sleeping.”

Silver takes one peek at you, trying to meet your gaze but pulling away when he sees that the veil Lilia had put on you is blocking anybody’s stares from seeing your face. In fact, the second in command had put you in one of the traditional outfits for fae royalty, complete with a light veil that flowed down from the silver circlet placed on your head.

“Excellent.”

Lilia turns his attention to you and laughs.

“He has been absolutely miserable since you left. It was quite a surprise to all of us when you managed to leave the palace walls. None of us thought that you had really done it, especially him, and it really was a hassle to search the palace up and down to see just where our little human had run off to.”

His voice drops to a whisper as he brings your hand up to his lips.

“I’ll make sure to punish you for that later.”

The older fae leads you along as you finally reach your destination, smiling as he knocks on large wooden doors while pushing you slightly to stand in front of everybody.

An answer he was going to get by the end of the night.

“Malleus.”

No answer. He tests the doors and nods when he sees they are unlocked, opening them as he leads you to step inside so that you both could see the figure drenched in moonlight, looking out the window as if awaiting for an answer.

Lilia waits for his other charge to say anything but shrugs as he looks at you with a smile and a bow.

“We are glad to have you back, Your Majesty.”

The door closes with a loud click as you turn your eyes to look up at the imposing figure, your nails digging into your fingertips enough to draw blood as you try to hold back from screaming and shouting at him to stop acting like such a child. Yet you do not wish to anger him, at least to save yourself from any sort of harsher punishment.

So instead you make your way over to the bed--

Only for the fae to turn around, grab your wrist and slam your back into the rough stone wall. Bright green eyes glare down at you as you wince in pain, still looking away from him but letting out a yelp when Malleus’s fingers grab your chin and force you to look at him in the eye.

“Why did you run?”

He really had no idea, did he?

“Because I don’t belong here--”

Malleus tightens his hold on your wrist.

“We’ve discussed this before, child of man, you belong here just like anybody else, you are my Queen--”

“Malleus wake UP!”

You push against his hold but the fae’s hold gets tighter, most likely leaving a mark. But that wouldn’t deter you, not anymore, you were going to tell him.

“I’m not from this world! Coming to Twisted Wonderland was just an accident! A stupid, stupid accident that no one bothered to fix! And just when we were close to making it right you---you--!”

Shit, you’re crying again.

“I have people waiting for me. Just like you had a family waiting for you. I came to the Valley of Thorns thinking that I was supporting you during your coronation but you just--made a decision entirely by yourself and announced me as yours! Why did you lie to me? To them?!”

Malleus’s hold softens as you finally let your tears flow freely, wishing to wipe them away only due to how weak they were making you look.

“...did you not say you loved me?”

“I did! I did but--Malleus after what you did I can’t--”

He lets go of your wrist only to cup your face as he leans down to press his lips on your cheek, his tongue licking up the warm tears as you grab hold of his wrists to try and push him away.

“Do you miss your family?”

You nod as he moves to kiss the corner of your eyes.

“More than anything…”

The dragon fae hums, letting his lips stay where they were a few seconds longer before chuckling as he pulls you close.

“I see--I really have been cruel to you, haven’t I?”

Your heart nearly leaps out of your throat at his words, hands clutching at his robes as you quickly nod. Maybe this was it, maybe it had taken you breaking down to let him see reason?

Please. Please!

“...A family.”

Malleus’s words are like dripped honey as a thought formed in his head, the thought taking shape and form as his hands clutched you tighter.

“Then we’ll just need to make a family of our own…”

-----

Hands clutch at his sheets as Malleus takes in the shape under him.

How beautiful could you be? How complex? To him it was as if not a day had passed since you first met. What had been mere curiosity had delved into deep affection and blossomed into a love that Malleus would only read about in fairytales. The sort of books that led him to believe in soulmates, in happily ever after’s and the possibility of spending the rest of your life with the one you loved.

And yes, you weren’t a fae, but the power of his magic was grand enough to keep you tied to him for the rest of eternity.

His lips can’t help but seek out yours as he thinks about how he is the one who will decide when you die.

This love hadn’t started out like this. What he felt for you had been a bit more relaxed, a lot softer and dreamier. You had confessed to him after his Overblot incident and he had gladly accepted your feelings. He was still keen on finding you a way home and promised himself to not let any moment be wasted in thinking how you soon would be far away from him.

Every day was spent happily with you, the rest of the school year flying by as you both enjoyed the time you still had together.

But Malleus was still a dragon at heart, a fae that yearned and longed to take and take.

So when thoughts about you leaving started to make their way to the forefront of his mind, not even your constant love and affection could keep him from his instincts.

You would leave him to go back to your world. Go back to the normal and the familiar. As you walked your path, you would eventually find someone that enchanted you the way he had, all ending with you walking down a beautiful aisle to your now beloved.

A person that wasn’t...him.

As the days of his third year started to run to a close, his hold on you had become a lot tighter, his kisses a lot more possessive and in the end he had invited you to watch his coronation as he entered his fourth and final year.

With his announcement of making you his Queen.

“Malleus! Please I can’t--I’m not ready--!”

He let Lilia make up some story about you not returning to Night Raven, fooling Crowley into believing that you had found your future in the Valley of Thorns with him. The announcement of you taking up the role of Queen had been surprising but Malleus had woven the story in such a way that there had been talks of having it printed for others to read.

It was a wonderful ending to your love story, you ending up in his arms. But something was missing…

Malleus was glad that you had given him the answer.

Both of your knees were on either side of his waist, your hands clutching at whatever they could as his cock buried itself deep into your cunt. The veil was long forgotten as his robes and your own are thrown carelessly around the room while you wail and scream at being broken into by such a thick length. The small sight of blood on his cock made Malleus smile as he pushed in further, the tightness that was pushing him back slowly opening up for him as he watched you do your best to fit him inside.

It would be fine, you would be fine.

With a growl he finally bottoms out, two hands holding your hips and forcing you down to take all of him as the tip of his cock pressed right under your womb--

He shivers as you tighten up again, leaning down to lick up the trail of tears on your cheek before eating up your tiny whimpers with a hungry kiss.

“Here...right here is where our family will start.”

A large hand takes yours as Malleus puts it right over the small bulge on your stomach, your eyes growing wide as you realize just how deep inside he is. He kisses you again, not daring to break away as he lets a trail of saliva dangle from his lips to yours, the clear liquid disappearing into your mouth as your body relaxed and your eyes grew hazy.

“Do you love me, child of man?”

It was a simple question, but your brain seemed muddled from his kiss. Dragons tended to excrete a certain liquid as they got ready to mate, the experience painful even within his own species but being eased with the help of saliva, sweat or cum.

And with the way he was pressed against you, his sweat matted on your skin as he let more of his spit drip down his tongue and onto yours...surely the answer would come the more you two worked to start your family.

Malleus hardly gave you any time to recover as he started to move, his eyes entranced with the way he disappeared into you with each thrust. Your mind was still muddled but your body was already eagerly accepting him, your legs wrapping around him slowly before locking him in place as he repeated the question.

“Do you love me, child of man?”

You open your mouth but the only word that comes out is a plea for him to go faster.

Which Malleus gladly listens to.

It didn’t take long for him to start pounding into you at a brutal pace, every thrust having the tip of his cock slamming against your womb as your toes curled from the pleasure of taking him so deep. His cock disappeared inside your tiny cunt, shaft now coated not just with blood but with your arousal as well. The bed creaked in protest while the sounds of the bed frame hitting the wall helped him keep time, Malleus leaning back down to kiss you again as your lips this time part eagerly and sucked on his tongue while your hands clutched his shoulders and horns.

Cries turned into happy moans, your sad and abandoned look now one of pure ecstasy as your pussy flutters and tightens around him, pushing him to go harder and harder so he could---!

“[Y/N]--!”

Your legs close tighter around him as you bury your face on the crook of his neck, your orgasm being ripped from you unexpectedly as Malleus halted his movements with a stiff body. He drops his head on your shoulder as your legs keep him in place.

“Malleus...ah--!”

He groans as he paints the inside of your walls white, the warmth of his cum filling your womb to the point that what you hadn’t taken merely dripped out onto the now stained sheets. Malleus lifts his head to look down at you, smiling as he sees your eyes staring up at him eagerly despite how much you had protested before.

“A family…”

You smile as Malleus nods, your hands going all the way to your stomach as you feel the warmth start to twist your brain even more.

“A family with you…how wonderful…”

Arms wrap around him as Malleus kisses a trail from your shoulder to your lips. He just needed to ask you one last time.

“Do you love me, child of man?”

With a hum, your answer is whispered into his ear as Malleus closes his eyes as he realizes that this is where his happily ever after would finally start.

“I love you Malleus, more than anything else.”

[mylifeasaserver]

Yet Another Interview

Had you told me a few years ago that I’d be working in a retail job and would pick up a restaurant job on the side I’d have thought you were either straight-up fucking with or mocking me.

Either would be appropriate really, but here we are. 

I show up the traditional 5 minutes early, and am directed to a table.

This place has an all-new management staff, which suits me just fine. The new GM comes out and introduces herself. She tells me she likes to make things as efficient as possible. This pleases me. 

With that in mind, she begins by telling me she pulled my file, and I had been labeled a “difficult” employee. What guarantee does she have that I won’t be difficult now?

I love this question, I really do. It sounds a bit aggressive, but in reality it gives me a chance to explain WHY I was “difficult.” I put that in quotes knowing full good and well that I was frustrating as hell for the previous managers who let bullshit flow freely.

My answer: I was difficult because things that needed addressed weren’t. Example: when I show up at 4PM and the tea expired at 10AM, but was inexplicably left for me to deal with. Now instead of taking care of my customers I’m scrubbing sugar from a tea urn, which is made a bigger problem because I’m the only server on, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to make more sweet tea because it brews slow as shit.

Whether she liked this answer or not remains to be seen. There was a little more boring back-and-forth.

Then she asked about availability. It felt weird telling her that I was available only when the pharmacy didn’t need me.

Fridays, due to massive short-staffing, are apparently mandatory now. We have a dealbreaker. I haven’t had a Friday unscheduled since I started at the new pharmacy. I let her know I’m only looking for 2, maybe 3 days a week. Just whatever my off days are. That might include the odd Friday, but also might not.

I let her know this, because it does no good to say I can work hours I can’t. 

“I’m not sure this will work out” she says, as though I’m desperate for a second job. I just want cash.

“That’s ok. Hey thanks for your time. Maybe it’ll work better in the future.”

And so we parted, and I figured that was the end of it.

Two days later, while not working, I get a phone call. They’re willing to back off their Friday requirement. But they’d like to know my schedule more than 2 weeks in advance. Fair enough. They’re letting me skip orientation.

Now you have to read about restaurant adventures again. Apologies to all 4 of you still reading this. -J

[r0und3bitch]

Twin Flames ❤️‍🔥 Blurb: Sunday Scaries

Series Masterlist

Warnings: swearing, underage drinking

Notes: The first ever Twin Flames blurb! Super excited to share it with all of you. This takes place during Part 2, within the first few weeks that Y/N is in the Outer Banks. Welcome and appreciate any and all thoughts you guys have!! ….Peep the little shout out/call out at the end to one of the best series ever fucking made, The Internship 😉🤠 @lurkymurker couldn’t help myself on this one when I thought of the idea, love you till the end of time bestie.

One of the first things Rafe noticed about you was that you often had a camera in your hand. Whether it was your super high tech looking lens that likely cost more than his whole bike or just your phone, you could usually be found snapping pictures of the events unfolding around you, always able to capture the best candids.

Today was no different.

It was a particularly scorching summer Sunday. You’d all been nursing one of the notorious weekend hangovers throughout the morning and collectively decided the only way to power on was a little hair of the dog and sunshine on the Cameron’s boat, My Druthers.

You can’t get a hangover if you don’t stop drinking… right?

As the music blared throughout the open air, Rafe watched as you aimed the camera up at Sarah and the youngest Cameron sibling. You'd all met up at Tanneyhill that morning, sporting matching headaches and swim suits. When Wheezie had asked if she could come along, you’d been entirely too quick to reply with a “Hell yes!” before Sarah could respond with the inevitable “no way” that was bound to follow. Wheezie was thrilled.

Rafe was broken from his thoughts as you sat back down next to him, showing him the picture you’d just taken. Wheezie had her tongue out, sassy as ever. The image made Rafe beam back up at her.

“She’s too good at being in front of the camera.” As you showed him another picture. “I bet she takes after you in that way, huh?”

Rafe spluttered as he took a sip of his beer, “What?!”

“Oh c’mon, you’re joking right?” He just continued to stare at you, shaking his head slightly.

“Hmmmm…. Let’s see. I’d peg you at about 6’3…. Blonde hair, baby blue eyes, boyishly handsome face…” you waved your hands towards his figure as his heart started to race.

“You have model material written all over you.” You replied with a slight eye roll, cracking open the beer Noah had just handed you.

You stole a look over at Rafe again, knowing full well you were making him blush, grinning a knowing smile as you eyed him up and down.

“Boy Wonder… I totally get it now… it’s actually pretty fitting.” You wink at him as you casually take a sip of your beer, clocked live time by Noah who can’t help but bite back a laugh at you two idiots.  

Rafes unable to form words at your insinuation, choosing instead to change the subject.

“Thought you were going to show me how to work that thing, not tell me I’m destined to be in front of it…”

You smile and with another eye roll move closer to him as you hand him the camera. He listens intently to your every word, showing him the various settings and what not. Truth be told though, he’s having a hard time staying focused as you inch closer to him.

He’s been drooling over you in this fucking bikini since the moment you walked into Tanneyhill.

Hours, and dozens of beers and White Claws later, all of you (except Wheezie) were royally smashed.

Rafe and Noah had been doing back flips off the boat, jumping into the water for the last several minutes and needed to take a break before their alcohol made a reappearance…..

Just as Rafe climbs the last step of the ladder, his eyes land on you and he freezes.

You’re wearing his button up he’d worn over his swim shorts, the front completely (and beyond temptingly) undone, the material flowing freely around the dangerously seductive fabric hugging your body that he’d already had a hard enough time ripping his eyes from all day.

He groans internally at the sight as Noah turns to him, eyebrow raised.

Fuck, or was that out loud?

You’re seated on the bench next to Kelce, perched on your knees. As if you can sense him, you throw your head back over your shoulder and lock eyes, positively beaming.

She’s wearing my fucking shirt.

He feels like a goddamn King but tries to play it cool as he approaches the group.

“Holy shit, so you guys have lived in how many different places?” Kelce asked as Sarah did another cannon ball off the boat into the water, almost falling on her ass in the process.

Noah sighs deeply, his words a tiny bit slurred. “Shiiiit, too many t’count!”

You’d already started rattling off locations at light speed.

“California, Arizona, Nevada. Shit, Utah for half a year, you remember how fuckin whack that was?” You ask, smacking Noah’s arm as you stand up to grab another beer, allowing Rafe to get an even more perfect view of you in his shirt.

How the material comes down to your mid thighs…. How the collar on the one side is drooping down, exposing your bare shoulder. Fuck….

“Colorado, Miami…The Outer fucking Banks…”

“Hey now…” Kelce threatens, jokingly raising a finger at you.

He goes to pinch your side and you squeal loudly, alcohol in full effect as Sarah climbs back into the boat.

“Hands off, you man handler!”

“More of a woman handler, ya know what I’m saying?”

“Bro, ya gotta stop!!” Topper groans next to him as you fake gagging sounds, stopping altogether when you register the song.

“Oh my god, this song!”

The next moment is a blur of girls and giggles as Rafe watches you, Sarah and Wheezie jump up and start dancing in sync.

“Holy shit, we were just playing this song the other day!” Wheezie’s already pulling her phone out, no doubt opening up her favorite app.

Did Wheezie swear? Is she dancing?!

“This song came out before you were born…” Rafe hears Kelce say to Wheezie. “Shit, this song came out before I was born! How do you know this song?”

Rafe glances at Noah, understanding now after a few weeks that both girls knowing this song was without a doubt your doing.

Rafe watches as Wheezie turns the camera on selfie mode, aiming it back at you and her as the chorus hits, obviously filming a video. You and her belt out the words into the camera and at the last moment you wrap your arm around Wheezies neck, pulling her flush against you as she giggles, drunkenly planting a kiss right on her cheek as she continues recording. The laugh he hears from his littlest sister makes the hairs on his arm stand up, even in this humid, sticky weather.

His heart flutters at the sight, at how easy Wheezie is letting her guard down in front of you, at the fact that you were both making each other so clearly happy, at the fact that you were wearing his fucking shirt.

The song changes again and there’s a sea of groans and complaints as a country song starts playing, all eyes pointed to Topper, it being his phone playing the music.

“Topper!” You drunkenly shout out as you lean onto Sarah for support, which is a poor choice on your part as Sarah is somehow more drunk than you. The result is both of you stumbling hard into the table in the middle of the deck, knocking over a sea of drinks. Thankfully, everyone is too drunk to care.

“Dude, c’mon you gotta turn this shit off!” Kelce yells.

You magically stumble over to Topper, wrapping an arm around him and pulling him to dance.

“I always knew you were a country boy!”

“Noooooo, Y/N not you! Don’t break my heart like that by saying you like country music!” Kelces face is in disbelief.

Topper looks way too thrilled as he gladly takes your hand to attempt to spin you around, fully aware he’s off beat but the alcohol doing little to slow him down as you laugh wildly.

“Oh yeah!” Noah jokes as he does a little dance move himself. “She went through a whole ass country phase for a year or so, it was awful!”  

“Cut me some slack! I was 16… and that is a great fucking song!” You yell back as a near scream leaves your mouth as Topper full on picks you up, both of you belting out the words as loud as you can.

“They have lost their goddamn minds!” Kelce groans. “Where is this motherfuckers phone?!”

“Oh hell no! Don’t you dare fucking change it!” You yell back at Kelce.

He’s already spotted it but Wheezie’s closer and is already making a mad dash, small hands easily pulling it into her grasp as she smiles mischievously at Kelce, her loyalties obviously drawn.

“Wheezie, Baby!”

Topper is left in the dust as you sprint to Wheezie (if what you could call whatever that was in your drunken state a sprint) pulling her into another sloppy hug that she happily returns.

“You’re the fucking best!”

She flashes that signature, near the point of cocky, Wheezie smile that Rafe knows all too well as Sarah huffs.

“Ugh, you guys are so annoying!”

“No, this fucking music is annoying!” Kelce quips back.

“Oh shut up, manhandler!” You whip around to Kelce entirely too fast and lose your balance.

As if on cue, Rafes strong arms reach out to catch you, your weight fully supported by his own in your drunken state.

“Whooooops!” His arms stay around you as you turn your head back to meet his gaze. The sight of him and his gorgeous face making you want to do stupid things.

Holy shit, I need to chill out.

Rafe doesn’t let go yet either and instead just looks down on you for a moment before speaking.

“Nice shirt…”

“Thanks, I got it from some model…he’s super hot.”

“That’s it…” Rafe rolls his eyes playfully.

“The world renowned self titled Kook Prince… The Prince that was Promised if you will….”

He doesn’t miss the Game of Thrones reference… (you had to do little to no begging to get Rafe to start watching the entire series with you starting at season one after discovering he had never watched it..)

He whistles low, leveling you with a “you better run while you can” look before throwing you over his shoulder in an instant.

“You’re going in the water!”

“No!! No no no no I’ll ruin your shirt!” But he’s already walking over to the edge.

“I don’t give a shit about the shirt, sweetheart.”

Somewhere deep within you, even through all of the adrenaline pumping through your veins, you feel his words ignite a flame.

He throws you around in his arms like it’s the easiest thing in the world, making your mind go to places you’d really rather it wouldn’t, his next words not helping in the slightest.

“Looks way better on you anyways…” turning you slightly so he can see your face now but you’re still captured in his grasp. For a moment, he falters, willing himself to pull back and not throw you in the water after all…. Until your next words.

“Oh, I don’t know about that….” As your eyes flirt with him up and down.

“…Boy Wonder.” You bite down on your lip and Rafe nearly loses his mind, an audible huff leaving his lips as he struggles for a moment. The look you're giving him, daring him to throw you in… almost like you want it.

When he doesn’t respond quick enough, you grasp tighter onto him, nearly begging.

“Do it…” you whisper.

He only locks eyes with you for a split second before using all his muscle and strength to throw you over the side of the boat, launching you into the water as the most beautiful laugh Rafe has ever heard spills out into the air.

The feeling of your entire body being thrown into the water like that by Rafes strong arms is the most indescribable feeling.

Everyone laughs as you swim back up to the boat. Rafe has an idea as he clicks open his phone, watching you near the back of the boat, untangling yourself from his soaking wet shirt before making your way back up the ladder.

Rafe points his phone down at the absolute perfect moment, snapping a picture of you as you look away from the camera. He quickly puts it behind his back as you turn towards him, the inevitable grin he seems to always plaster on your face in full effect, as he reaches a hand down to help you up.

“Let me help ya up, country girl.”

“Ohhhhh, country girl, that’s a new one!” As you hand him back his now soaking wet shirt.

“Nah, You can keep it.” He winks, not moving to take it out of your hands.

What on earth would you do with his shirt?

“Thinking about getting you a cowboy hat though, for sure!” He sets his large hand over the top of your head in a dome shape. “Think it’s a pretty good look on you, what’d ya think?”

“Oh, totally!”

Rafes is not sure why he’s not surprised, of course you're playing along with this.

“But only if it’s pink….”

“Pink…?”

“Mhm!” You smile brightly. “And fuzzy!”

“A fuzzy, pink cowboy hat?”

“Ugh…” you playfully scoff, fully intent on just being annoying now. “C’mon Rafe, it’s the 21st century, we can call them cowgirl hats now…”

“I swear to god, your ass is about to go back into the water!”

Your laugh pierces the air again as you two play the cat and mouse game further.

Noah and Sarah on the other hand catch each other’s glances across the table and share a knowing smirk at their two siblings, watching your swaying figures before Noah throws her a wink.

No further words are needed as you all carry on your Sunday of complete debauchery, knowing full well you’re all going to pay for it come morning.

But when morning comes, pounding headache present and sunglasses banishing the harsh light from his eyes, Rafe only then remembers the photo he took. Before he can overthink he takes out his phone and hits the “edit” button….

Rafes Instagram Story:

Soundtrack:

Track 1 - The Song Wheezie, Sarah and Y/N dance to on the boat.

“This song came out before you were born.”

Track 2 - The country song that ends up playing from Toppers phone, irritating everyone but Y/N.

“I always knew you were a country boy.”

….

Taglist: @lurkymurker @mackenzielovee @mor-bs @totallynotkaibiased @aaleksmorozova @onlygetaway @itsalexwin @tsnelf7

[messy-nonbinary]

Little Girl in Training

Chapter 2: Break the Rules, Get a Punishment

TW: Dark!Natasha, forced age regression, forced feeding, waterboarding/drowning, md/lg dynamics, kidnapping, lemme know if more is needed

Paring: Dark!Natasha x fem!reader

Chapter Summary: Natasha shows you what happens to little girls who act like brats.

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

*GIF not mine

It was hard for you to fall asleep, the eeriness of your situation keeping you awake. But eventually, you did. But it seemed as though you got absolutely no sleep because you were still exhausted when you woke up.

Natasha had awoken you but you had no idea what time it was. “Come on, Lovebug. You have to take a bath before breakfast.” She said, unlocking the cuffs and, surprisingly, picking you up with ease.

She adjusted you onto her hip, like a mother would her child, as she walked you out of the room and to what you assumed was the bathroom.

“Natasha what are-” Before you could finish, Natasha slapped you face. “I know you just started, but it’s Mommy. Okay?” She said, placing you onto the toilet seat. “Na- Mommy..” You inwardly cringed at the word. “Why did you kidnap me?”

Natasha just hummed as she ignored your question and bent over and filled up the tub, adding soap for bubbles. While the tub filled, she turned her attention towards you, reaching over to lift your shirt. You stopped her, tugging the shirt downwards so that she couldn’t lift up. “No! Stop!” You yelled trying to unleash your shirt from her deathly grasp.

“Don’t you want to be clean? You’re still in the same clothes as yesterday.” She said, letting go of your shirt. “Just let me take it off. I’m sure a bath will make you feel so much better.” She said, placing a hand on your shoulder reassuringly. But you were pretty sure it was a threat.

You nodded and began to take your own shirt off but Natasha stopped you. “No, Lovebug. I’ve got to take it off.” She grabbed your wrist and shoved your arm through your sleeve, doing the same with the other wrist. Once she took the shirt off, she pulled down your pants, throwing them in a hamper, along with the shirt. Then the moment you dreaded: your undergarments.

She was quick to unhook your bra and take it off, throwing it in the hamper. You covered your bare chest with your arms as she pulled down your panties.

After throwing them in the hamper, she stopped the flow of the water and looked into a cabinet under the sink. She pulled out a few bath toys and placed them in the bath, allowing them to float around freely.

While she was occupied with the bathtub, you looked at the bathroom door. It was left open and you thought about making a break for it. But you were naked. But at least you’d be out?

Or so you thought.

Because you ran. Looking for every exit you could find. There weren’t many, seeing as though it was a small, but modern, house. The only problem was all the windows were locked and the doors had some type of fingerprint keypad to unlock them.

And breaking the windows with items you found in the house definitely didn’t work.

You managed to grab a chair and, with all the strength you could muster, hit the window. But not even a scratch was left. You were screaming and crying for help when Natasha grabbed you.

“Stop acting like a brat!” She yelled, dragging you from the kitchen, where you ended up, and back into the bathroom. “Let me go you bitch!” You yelled, still trying to get out of her grasp. “So that’s how you treat your Mommy?! By swearing at her. Fine then, bitch, how about I show you what happens to bratty little babies then?” She grabbed a handful of your hair and forced your head above the tub. Your eyes widened as you realized what was about to happen. “No no no no! I’m sorry! Please!”

“Oh now you’re sorry. Well baby consider this lesson one: Don’t piss Mommy off.” She said, giving you no time to react before shoving your head into the warm, soapy water. The soap caused a burning sensation in your eyes and a gross taste on your tongue. She held your head under for what felt like forever as you flailed against her grip.

You felt like you were about to pass out when she finally pulled your head out. “Are you ready to behave, little girl?” She asked and you nodded to the best of your abilities. “I’m not convinced.” She said, dunking you back under. She held you for longer this time before lifting you back up. “Yes- please- I’ll be good!” You said through choked sobs and coughs and Natasha clicked her tongue. “I dunno. Doesn’t seem genuine.” She mocked, once again shoving you under water.

You were underwater for even longer, knowing that if she kept this up you’d surely be dead. “So? Ready to be Mommy’s good little girl?” She asked, lifting you out of the water. “Yes! I’ll be- I’ll be good for you!”

“Say it. Say you’ll be Mommy’s good girl.” She demanded. “I’ll be Mommy’s good girl! Just- please!” Natasha smiled, seeming content as she let go of your hair. A wave of relief washed over you.

“Now, time to finish your bath.” Before you could process what she said, she had picked you up, bridal style, and placed you into the tub. You were too weak to fight back and you both knew it.

It was quiet as she bathed you, the only sounds being your heavy breathing, the water sloshing, and Natasha’s humming. She sat at the edge of the tub, taking a loofah and scrubbing your back and front. “We’ve got a long day, today. After you eat, I’m gonna teach you the rules and show you around, okay?” She said, taking a cup of warm water to rinse off the soap. You nodded. “Alright, stand up.” She said and you did, but your legs were shaky and you instinctively grabbed the nearest solid for support. Which just so happened to be Natasha. “Aww does my baby need help?” Natasha grabbed a towel and wrapped it around you before picking you up, once again placing you on her hip.

She walked to a bedroom, different from the one you were in a first. She placed you on what looked like… A changing table? Natasha grabbed something from a cabinet and your eyes widened when you realized what it was: a pull-up. You tried to scoot yourself away but Natasha grabbed your leg and pulled you closer to her. “You said you would be a good girl, remember? Were you lying? Because Mommy would have to punish you if you were.” You shook your head and stopped squirming.

You allowed Natasha to put the pull-up on, despite the fact that it was utterly embarrassing. While she was doing this, however, you took the time to survey your surroundings. You noticed how it was vibrant, just like the room before. But there were less toys. There was also a lack of a bed. And instead, an adult sized crib.

You realized Natasha was done with the pull-up when she started to walk away, pulling out a clothing item from one of the dressers. You noticed it to be a onesie. You inwardly cringed, though at this point, what more did you expect?

Once she had you dressed, with little to no protest from you, seeing as though it wouldn’t do any good, she carried you back into the kitchen. The chair you had thrown still on the ground. She placed you in what you could only assume was an adult sized highchair.

Snapping the table piece in place, Natasha turned her attention towards the cabinet. Now that you weren’t trying to escape, you were able to get a good look at the kitchen. There were locks on certain drawers and cabinets, and the counters looked new. Other than that, nothing really stood out about the room. “Alright, Lovebug, time to eat.” She said, holding a spoonful of mush in front of you. “What the hell is that?” You asked, earning you a slap on the cheek. “Babies aren’t allowed to say bad words and they aren’t allowed to eat other foods.” She said, tapping the spoon on your bottom lip. “Now open.” She demanded. You shook your head. Natasha sighed. “I thought you were going to be good..”

“I don’t-” Natasha had taken the opportunity to shove the spoon into your mouth. When she pulled the spoon out, she clamped her hand over your mouth and nose. “Swallow or I won’t let go.” You took her threat seriously and swallowed the gross substance. “Good girl.” She said, removing her hand. The cycle continued until the bowl was empty. She picked up the bowl and replaced it with a sippy cup full of what looked like juice. “Drink.” She demanded, taking a seat across from you.

“Now, time to learn the rules, Little One.”

[sirthisisa-wendys]

hi. can i request something angsty i absolutely love your angst works! so being in a long term relationship with mr ran haitani that's kind of already having fallouts. then reader cheated and confesses to ran about it but he still kind of didn't expect reader would do something like that. thank you very much! pls ignore if you want <3

This hurt to write. But it hurt so damn good.

King of Sorrow: Ran Haitani x Fem!Reader

wc: 1.6k

tw: A N G S T

masterlist

song recommendation:

Things had been going downhill for a while.

Ran noticed the way you stayed out late, the way you no longer cuddled him in bed at night, the way your eyes wandered when you two were at the club...

But he never says anything.

You two had been together since he had become part of Bonten - and that was five years ago. FIve years of bliss, love, and happiness.

But that all started to fall apart last month.

He can't recall what he did - if anything. Ran tried his best to show you that he loved you, even when he was away. But lately, it'd been met with a half-hearted "thanks" or "I love you, too". Ran knew you weren't saying it because it was inherently true. You were saying it because you felt obligated to.

But he didn't feel obligated.

No, he's convinced he loves you, even if you're falling out of love with him. It's a hard thought for him to grasp, but he does somehow - that you might just have fallen out of love with him.

So he ups his gestures of love in an attempt to stave off the routine. This week, he's taken you on a trip to Italy. No meetings, no calls, nothing that has to do with work. It's just you and him on a cruise ship, sailing from port to port.

"This is amazing," he beams, cutting into the steak with gusto. "I've never had steak like this before."

"It's Wagyu," you mention, looking more somber in the dim lighting of the restaurant than when you both entered. Come to think of it, the moment you stepped onto the boat, you seemed downcast, even more so than when you were at home. You couldn't even look Ran in the eye anymore, and even though he'd made love to you the previous night, it seemed like that didn't have any effect on how you felt today. Usually, you'd be excited and full of life, but...

"Babe," Ran whispers, putting his fork down. "What's wrong?" Your bottom lip quivers and Ran stiffens. No, he thinks. Don't cry. But he also wants to get to the bottom of things, so he continues cautiously. "Things have been really strange for some time now, and I brought you here so maybe we could fix whatever's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong," you lie, wiping your eyes quickly. "Everything's fine."

"No," Ran tuts. "It's not. My love, you've been distant. I'm worried about us." He reaches across the table and touches your hand, and gesture he hasn't tried in a long time. "I'm worried about you." You snatch your hand away, standing and throwing your napkin over your barely touched food.

"It's fine, Ran," you snap, then walk away from the table quickly, rubbing at your eyes furiously as you leave the ship's dining room. Ran sighs, motioning for the waiter as he cuts his losses with the dinner.

"Just send the bill to the room, please."

Ran finds you in your shared suite, sitting in the chair facing the balcony with your head in your hands. You're sobbing, and for a moment, he replays the interaction between the two of you before approaching, holding your purse in one hand.

"Love," he begins, kneeling beside the chair and placing your purse in the other seat beside him. "I need you to talk to me."

"I just..." you start but break off, tears flowing down your fingers. "It's not your fault." You reveal your reddened face, eyes rimmed with smeared mascara. "I didn't mean to..."

"Whatever it is, it's fine," Ran whispers, taking your wet hands in his. "It'll be okay. Just tell me what's wrong." His heart is aching to know why you're so heartbroken, but you inhale shakily, then exhale before opening your eyes.

"Ran, I want to start off by apologizing." Ran shakes his head, his violet eyes unsure, but you stop him, squeezing his hands once. "Just listen to me all the way through, okay?"

"Done," he affirms, shoulders relaxing now that you're finally telling him what's wrong.

"A month ago... I went to Takada's bachelorette party, right?"

"Mmm-hmm." He remembers that night. You looked so stunning in your tight mini-dress and pinned-up hair. He thought about railing you over the side of the banister before you left and was a little disappointed that you came home around eight in the morning instead of that same night.

"I..." You shakily inhale again, shaking your head rapidly. "I got so drunk. I don't know what was wrong with me, I..." You sniff, then remove your hands from Ran's, wiping at a stray tear. "I ended up sleeping with someone. I don't know who they are, I don't know where they came from. But I just remember waking up in the bed, naked, and seeing him there."

Ran stares at you, face empty, still not fully processing what you've said. He is still for a while as the cogs in his mind turn around and around and around and around and around and then

stop.

His mouth dries up, and his violet eyes look away from you, at the wallpaper, at the mirror, at the corner of the room, at the ceiling.

"I've felt so guilty since then," you mumble. "I couldn't tell you because I felt so ashamed, I--"

Ran stands, letting out a soft "oh", wavering a little on his feet. He blinks a few times, still not looking at you, then cocks his head to the left, like he's hearing something. But he's just processing. His mind flits from one day to the next, trying to pinpoint any signs, any clues... How could he have been so stupid?

No, you couldn't have cheated. It was a mistake. You'd gotten undressed, the man was drunk and also fell asleep in your bed... No, you couldn't do that. Not to him. Not to Ran Haitani.

But your guilt is written all over your face.

"Oh," Ran mutters again, jaw clenching. His breaths come quick like he'd been running for hours, and he can barely think as he sees red cloud his vision. He can't understand what he's doing when he breaks the table in the conjoined living room, or swipes the vases onto the floor, shattering them and depositing the flowers among them. He can't think about anything as you shout for him to stop, trying to reach him past his haze of red, but he's too far gone.

And the thing that frightens you the most is that he isn't yelling or screaming.

He's quiet.

He's not cursing at you, he's just destroying anything that looks whole, tossing it to the ground and rendering it unusable. You slide down against the wall, tears coursing down your cheeks again as he huffs, standing in the middle of the wreckage, gasping for air.

And then, the clearest thought Ran's had in almost an hour comes to him.

"Let me get you your own room."

"Ran," you plead, stumbling over your feet to get to him as he marches over to the phone. "Ran, please."

"Hello? I need a new suite for Mrs. Haitani. Do you have one available?"

"Ran!" you beg, pulling at his sleeve, but he doesn't move from the phone, gripping the receiver as the person on the other line tries to find an open room for you. You try to reach the button that will hang up the call, reaching past Ran's frame in earnest. He's blocking it, but there's just enough room for your pointer finger to tap the button, ending the call.

Ran doesn't even move. The phone is still up to his ear as if the call is still going on, but no voice is on the other line.

Fat tears roll down from his eyes, and he's frozen there, standing with the phone in his hands as if he were paused in time. But he lets the phone slip from his grasp, walking like a zombie over to the chair by the balcony, and sliding into it slowly.

And he doesn't get up, staring out at the sea with an empty, forlorn look.

"Ran," you whisper, crouching next to him. He doesn't answer, tears running freely down his face. "Ran..." Again, there's no answer, so you hang your head next to his leg, touching his thigh with your right hand. He doesn't move, even when you get up to prepare for bed, the door leading to the carnage of his temper still open.

He doesn't move from that chair all night, and you don't sleep, staring at him as his tears dry. You even succumb to sleep for a brief moment, waking to see him still in that same chair, still trying to think.

But eventually, he moves, walking into the bathroom and staying in there for a while. You wait patiently for him, sitting on the edge of the bed as he emerges, wiping his face with a towel before he inhales sharply.

"As soon as they dock this ship at the next port, we're heading home. Couples counseling or a divorce, it's your choice." You look down at your hands, nodding. You understand the need to cut the trip short. It's for the best.

When you arrive back home two days later, Ran immediately grabs a new bag of things, loading it up with clothing and toiletries, choosing to take residence at Rindou's home instead of sleeping in the same bed as you.

And that hurt the worst, his cold violet eyes not even glancing over at you as he left the master bedroom without any words.

[byulsgrease]

now you gotta do a continuation of that wheein smut please, where she returns the favor but does a bit more teasing/torture compared to wheein

I gotta? ok, if you insist :D

what are you thinking about now?

(wheein x fem reader, ~1.7k words)

cw: smut (minors dni)

a/n: hhhh how did this end up 500 words longer than the first part coughijustwanttocallherbabygirl

[previous]

"Just another thing to think about when you're on my mind again."

Who said "again" meant 4am? You considered yourself a morning person, but not this early. She apparently had other ideas in mind when she roused you from sleep with her soft whining and incessantly pressing herself up against your side.

"What?" you murmured sleepily, head rolling to the side to face her. She had that pleading look all over her face, eyes wide with a jutting lower lip, a bit like a begging puppy.

"I'm thinking about you again," her eyes avert your gaze, almost embarrassed to admit, "...thinking about you returning the favor."

"At"—your head raises just above the pillow to peer at the alarm clock behind her on the nightstand— "4am? Didn't we just?"

"I thought I could wait it out, but..." she swung a leg over yours and your eyes widened a little more once her panties grazed your bare leg - soaked. She laid a kiss behind your ear with a soft "please", in that begging tone that always made you melt. You figured the few hours of sleep in you was energy enough. But it was her fault that she couldn’t wait for this, so you planned to make her wait a little longer.

“You might regret waking me up,” tone growing serious now that you were more awake. She shook her head, eyes still wide and full of need. “Yeah… we’ll see about that.”

You hoisted her on top of you and put your hand on the curve of her spine, sliding under her shirt to draw tiny circles on her skin with your fingers. She tried to urgently kiss you, but you refused to match her pace. Instead you kissed her ever-so-slowly, teeth barely grazing her lower lip. Her hands tangled into your hair with a complaining tug, face scrunched up just in front of your lips when you came up for air.

“Can’t you just kiss me?” she huffed frustratingly, the heat of her breath blowing into your face. She’s fronting, but you know she’s in your favorite state - wrapped around your finger.

“What were we just doing, then?” you countered with a cocky smirk which prompted a watery-eyed pout on her face. “I’m kidding, c’mere.” You bunch the front of her shirt in your fist and pull her down to kiss her, for real this time. The pace starts off slow, then ramps up quickly - cursory passes of her tongue on yours and eager lip bites have gotten you equally riled up, but she doesn’t need to know that.

Nothing but your t-shirts and underwear separating your bodies, her nipples poking through her shirt brush over your chest, so you moved a hand up to flick your thumb over one. Her body tensed at the contact but you're encouraged by the sound she made through the kiss - a throaty moan cut short, presumably because she didn’t want to let on as to how desperate she was for so much more.

But they started flowing much more freely once both of your hands came to her chest, gently pinching and circling her nipples, still over the shirt. Despite her growing need for skin-on-skin, she relished the extra friction from the fabric, responding with gentle tugs on your hair and her nails grazing the sides of your neck, a continuous nearly-inaudible whine from deep in her throat.

Throughout all this, she kept trying to hump your legs. Despite wanting nothing more than to witness her unravel into an absolute mess for you, you stopped her. After all, she could have taken care of this herself.

“What, am I just a pair of legs to you?” you quietly joked in the face of her desperation.

“Of course not,” she breathily sighed as she tried to drag herself across your thighs again.

She reached behind her to press a finger to your underwear, and without skipping a beat you grasped her slender wrist and darkly warned, “I don’t think so. This is about you, not me. I can take care of myself just fine, thank you,” your last words teasingly confident, despite not being entirely opposed to her touch.

You moved to gently suck at the crook of her neck while slowly sliding the hem of her tshirt up her body to get it off. Barely trailing your nails up her sides while doing so, you felt her shiver at the contact. Soft nips from your teeth produced even softer hums against your mouth as she pushed her long hair out of the way for you. The suggestion of sunrise now peering through the edges of the window made it very clear: she’d need concealer tomorrow— or today, rather.

Your attention returned to her nipples again, except with your mouth this time. Her hands slipped under your shirt and found yours in the meantime, thumbs tracing the tiniest circles that made your stomach tighten. The thought of stopping her flashes through your mind but you let her continue, your own throaty moans vibrating against her chest while your tongue flicked over her hardened peaks.

Not wanting to let yourself get too carried away from her touch, your fingers encircled her wrists to pull them out from under your shirt, whispering a reminder that this was all about her.

Slipping her underwear down her legs, you flung them to the side in a soggy mass, her desperation absolutely apparent in the way her core glistened in front of you. She sighed with relief as you finally moved your head between her legs, thinking she’d finally get some much-needed stimulation. The relief turned into a high pitched whine of disappointment again when you only kissed and nipped at her inner thighs, your mouth so close and yet so far from where she needed it most. A singular finger traced around her outer folds where wetness had long begun to leak out, making her watch said finger enter your mouth, taking your sweet time indirectly tasting her. The pout on her face looked understandably resigned - what else could she do?

"Oh, did you want me to do something?" you sneered. With your head propped up on one hand, you took the other and slid one finger into her with absolutely no resistance. Honestly with how wet she was, there was no way one finger did much of anything. She white-knuckled the sheets and lifted her hips anyway, trying fruitlessly to thrust herself on your finger to feel something, anything.

You slipped your finger out, moving yourself above her to trace it along her jawline, leaving a slick trail down to the bottom of her chin, which you tilted up. “What’s the rush, babygirl? If you didn’t want me to take so much time, why’d you wake me up so early?” Her body sunk into the bed a bit and heat rose in her face in response to the nickname, growing bashful. Not a nickname you used often, but her response spoke for itself.

"Returning the favor!" she complained, voice shrill. A series of pleas rushed out of her, growing impatient with your antics. She was probably regretting waking you up by now, but you could indulge her a little, right?

Moving back down between her legs, your tongue rimmed her outer lips, eliciting a jerk of her hips from at last getting some kind of meaningful contact. You swept your tongue just around her clit, purposefully avoiding coming into full contact with it. Her fingers snaked in your hair with an adamantly rough pull every time you did what she wanted you to, her expression screwed up on a mix of bliss and frustration.

The rising volume of her moans as your litmus test proved that she was close, but there was no way she’d get over the edge without both your tongue and fingers. You abruptly stopped, pulling away as you took the collar of your shirt to scrape at the small mess collecting on your chin.

She’s literally on the verge of screaming at you - her body couldn’t bear to take much more of this. Your name and a flurry of “please”-s rushed out of her while she yanked at your shirt. You’re secretly in awe at the sight of her raw desperation. She’d never really gotten this wound up before, pleading with you so openly like this. And you pitied her, truly.

The pleasure-filled sounds resumed when you took two fingers and dipped them into her, curling them up at a painstakingly slow pace while sliding your tongue between her folds. When you finally made full-on contact with her clit, she all but cried out, sheer euphoria piercing through the dull ache of her delayed gratification.

It only took your tongue a number of gentle passes over it in tandem with the gentle thrust and curl of your fingers to get her over the edge. Not her most intense finish by any means, but with how wound up she was, she couldn't resist giving in at the first sign attention so long denied. The smooth skin of tensed thighs pressed flush against the sides of your head, partially muting the stream of expletives spilling out of her mouth as your free hand splayed over her abs to steady her rocking hips. You couldn't help but crack a smile against her trembling body as she took in several deep breaths, searching for recovery from the ordeal you just put her through.

Slipping up the bed to lay beside her, both your gazes came to rest on the obvious spot staining the sheets. Her lips turned inwards, mouth pressed together in a line out of mild embarrassment. You wordlessly gave her a side-eyed look, then chuckled and pressed a kiss to her cheek as she backed away a bit, heat rising in her face. You'd have to change the sheets in a couple hours when your alarm clock for work went off.

"So, whatcha thinking about now?" you inquired quietly with a cunning smile.

"How I'm never waking you up this early for anything, ever," she deadpanned.

"Good girl."