#i wanna complain about this since weeks ago when i kept seeing a bunch of huge blogs on my dash instead of posts from my mutuals

[mayplantstarrwaters]

New Tumblr dash algorithm is killing my interaction with close mutuals more and more, good fucking job @staff

[superheroesofbothuniverses]

TaserWings: Close Call

“How Long are you guys going to stand around my bed like a bunch of creepers?”

Four heads turned as a sleepy voice spoke: a voice that for a few hours, they didn’t think they’d ever hear again.

“Darcy!” Steve exclaimed, relief palpable in his tone. “You’re awake.”

“Yeah. And I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. Why are you all looking so stressed?” She wondered, eying Clint, Steve, Sam and Bucky. She remembered being on a mission with them, but what happened was fuzzy. She figured she must be on the good drugs.

“You got shot, doll,” Bucky said, swallowing hard. “It was bad.”

“Oh,” she said quietly, knowing that Bucky never stretched the truth on matters like this. He knew what bad looked like better than any of them. “No wonder you’re all huddled up in here. Please tell me we got him?”

“Sure did,” Clint responded with a grin. “He’ll be going away for a long time. You did great, Darce.”

“Yeah!” She tried to raise her fist in triumph, but quickly winced and gave up.

“Guess I’ll be off active duty for a while and doomed to a desk job,” she sighed, wrinkling her nose in annoyance as she quickly looked her friends over to see if they were hiding injuries. She’d gotten good at seeing past their “I’m fine” act.

“What’s wrong, Wilson? You haven’t said one word.”

Sam, for once, was the quietest of them all and he looked like he hadn’t slept in a very long time.

Steve and Bucky glanced at each other and then at their friend with concern. They’d witnessed firsthand his reaction to Darcy’s near death and it had been eye-opening to say the least.

“Our feathered friend here would not leave you since we brought you in,” Bucky reported. “I’ve never seen him so agitated.”

He winked at Sam, who was not amused. Clint grinned.

“Yeah. I’ve never seen him freak out like that before,” the archer added. “Thought he was gonna take someone’s head off.”

Pulling Steve aside, Sam muttered in his ear.

“Get these clowns out of here so I can talk to her in peace?”

“Sure, bud,” Steve responded sympathetically. He knew Clint and Bucky were ready to pounce on anything they could tease their friend about. Goodness knows Steve had been on the receiving end of that when he and Sharon had started dating.

Shooting Clint and Bucky the Eyebrows Of Authority, he gestured towards the door.

“Ah, c’mon, Steve!” Bucky complained. “You know I hate it when you make that face. Sorry, Darce. One cannot disobey Captain puppy eyes. I’ll see you later.”

Darcy chuckled. “I’ll be here,” she sighed, waving at Clint as he turned and followed Bucky and Steve.

“Get over here,” she ordered Sam once the door had closed, pointing to the chair by her bed. He sat down beside her and she noticed the tell tale signs of emotion and exhaustion.

“Are you okay?” She asked worriedly.

“Physically,” he answered, not quite looking her in the eye. “It’s gonna take me a while to get over nearly losing you, though. When I heard the shot and saw you fall, I thought you were a goner, for sure.”

He shuddered at the memory and Darcy reached out her hand, which he grasped like a lifeline.

“I’m going to assume you kept me alive until the ambulance showed up. No one else on the team has the skills for that. You’re awesome, Sam. Thank you.”

Sam, who still saw her blood staining his hands as he’d frantically tried to keep her from bleeding out, grimaced as he said, “you’re welcome.”

“I’ve had some narrow escapes before,” Darcy went on, brow furrowing. “You never looked this wrecked after one before.”

“That’s because you’ve never temporarily died before,” he bit out.

“Oh,” Darcy said, eyes growing wide. “Wow. That would explain it.”

She lay back and pondered her existence for a minute, shaken by the realization of just how close she’d come to dying and how she had failed to tell Sam something very important. Gauging his reactions, she realized he was probably holding something back as well.

“Darcy?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry for being snappish,” Sam apologized, brown eyes now remorseful. “It’s my fear talking. I need to tell you something I should have long ago.”

“What a coincidence!” Darcy responded, liking where this was going. “So do I.”

She looked at their hands and squeezed a little tighter, smiling shyly.

Sam grasped what she was hinting at and suddenly grinned brightly, lighting up his tired, dirty, and bruised face.

“So you’re saying you like me more than a work friend? Cause that’s what I’m saying.”

“Oh, yeah,” Darcy confirmed, beaming in a lopsided way that Sam thought was ridiculously cute.

“I’ve crushed on you ever since the South Africa Incident,” she admitted. “Clint knows, but I bribed him into silence.”

“And I’ve had a thing for you since about a week after you joined us,” Sam said. “But I just now realized how strong it was, when the thought of you being gone……..just…….”

“Made you freak out?” Darcy finished.

“Yeah.”

Sam brought his other hand up and placed it on top of Darcy’s as he leaned a little closer to her and looked deep into her eyes.

“Darcy Lewis, you wanna go out with me?” He asked.

“You bet your pretty wings I do!” She accepted eagerly, smirking back at him. “But we’ll have to settle for bedside flirting for a while, I’m afraid. Stupid bullet wounds.”

She pointed at her bandaged stomach with an annoyed look.

“I can work with that,” Sam said softly.

Darcy very much liked the promise in his voice and smiled back at him dreamily.

Meanwhile, Bucky was shamelessly listening through the door, blatantly ignoring Steve’s “I’m Disappointed In You” face.

“Well?” Clint asked eagerly.

“They finally admitted their feelings,” Bucky reported gleefully. “I can’t wait to tell Nat!”

“I’m gonna have to pay up, but it’s totally worth it to see those too Finally get their act together,” Clint said fondly.

“Darcy was right. You ARE creepers,” Steve said, a touch of disgust in his voice. He couldn’t help but feel happy, though.

[foulserpent]

nosleep mods deleted this for apparently not being a horror story. enjoy

My friend Ed is a bit of an outdoorsman. Not one of those hardcore 'two week hike hunting for food and sleeping in the dirt' types, but he does his share of hunting and camping. He and I got into it together when we met in community college and went on a weed-fueled camping trip over spring break, and since then he has far outgrown my own outdoor endeavors.

He's gotten some great stories to tell over the years. Finding a pair of souvenir Vegas dice in the stomach of a rabbit he was cleaning, getting hit by two skunks in a single day, close encounters with pumas and bears, and the far more harrowing and painful encounters with other hikers. But he's never come back with anything all that disturbing. Until his last trip.

Ed had been making an admirable effort of converting his 'spend the fall watching netflix and consuming pumpkin themed beverages' oriented boyfriend, Saúl, to some small game hunting. About a year ago, the two of them had taken a trip down south to do just that.

A few days into their week-long trip, I got a flurry of panicked texts from Saúl. It was all things like, "omg we just saw something so messed up" and "never going to the desert again LMAO there was a naked guy" or something to that effect.

I barely remember. I was bedridden with the worst case of the flu I'd ever experienced, and received these texts through a haze of fever and Nyquil. At that time, my response to those texts was more or less "Wow, hate when that happens :("

Neither of them provided elaboration upon their return, and I was a little too consumed in my own misery to ask for it. It was left at that.

Last week, Ed and I were practicing our usual 7 o'clock ritual of smoking behind the gas station during his break and complaining about the mere existence of customers. His mask was pulled down to his chin and he was fumbling with an entire cigar he'd brought to work, complaining about some customer who was shirtless in the middle of November and clearly blitzed out of his mind.

It was as he was describing the man's public indecency that I remembered the frantic texts I had received last fall.

"Hey, speaking of nudity...What was the story with the naked dude in the desert?" I asked him.

He cringed.

"From last year, on your trip?" I pressed.

"Yeah, I know, I know. God. Did Saúl text you?"

"Yeah, but he didn't give me the details of it."

Ed finished lighting the cigar, and took a long drag.

"Yeah, okay." He said. "I was honestly trying to forget about it but like. I don't know why Saúl was so stuck on the nudity like, that was the least messed up part of it all. It was the craziest thing."

It was the craziest thing is the set of words he would begin every particularly intriguing story with, and I realized I should probably settle in. I made myself comfortable against the dumpster in anticipation.

His story was as follows.

"So, yeah. We were out in the scrub. Technically weren't supposed to be there, we were a little ways off my aunt's land but like, there's no one to bug you about that out there. It was this kinda rocky area, lots of little hills and tall brush. So you couldn't see very far from the ground. And it was pretty well into the afternoon, and we hadn't caught a damn thing, so we were just kinda screwing around at that point. And we were near this bigass arroyo, and-"

He paused.

"Wait, you know what an arroyo is?" He asked me, taking another drag from his cigar.

I shook my head. He nodded solemnly at my midwestern ignorance.

“Okay, yeah. So it's a dry sorta riverbed in the desert. You ever seen a dried up creek? It's like that. They form when the rains come and are completely dry the rest of the year. And a lot of them are pretty small, but this one was like, a miniature canyon. Probably thirty feet across and ten feet deep. And it kind of winds around the hills before getting shallower when the elevation changes or whatever.

“So anyway we’re… yeah we’re there. The arroyo is on the other side of some rocks, and the open desert is in front of us. And we were sat down in the shade, having some beef jerky and stuff."

He paused again. He seemed to be lost in thought, eyes squinting and looking somewhere distant.

"So yeah, we're having a grand old time, just having a snack or whatever. And suddenly we hear screaming. Some guy’s screaming, ‘help! help me!’ out in the bush somewhere nearby.”

“And you know how Saúl is. Too much of a sweetheart for his own good. He's like nudging me and going "Eddie, we should go help." And yeah, sure, I wanted to help but there was something… Weird? About it? Like the shouting sounded real close but I wasn’t hearing anything else that, you know, accompanies a call for help. Like, no running, no sounds of struggling or being mauled by a wild animal or whatever. It was DEAD silent whenever the guy wasn't shouting.

"And like, call me an asshole but I'm not gonna do some ‘white person in a horror movie 'lets split up, gang!'’ shit. I was staying right where I was.”

"So we just kind of sat there, listening to it. The guy had started just- shrieking. No words, just making noise. And at this point I was starting to feel like a complete bastard for being the pragmatic one, but Saúl didn't seem to wanna move either. Like, it was super off.

"And then, there’s another sound. Kind of a…uh… Gurgling noise? Like-”

Ed broke off to make an odd sound in his throat. It was a low, prolonged croak that slowly lifted into a 'whoop!’

Some old woman in the process of fueling her SUV glared at him. He scowled back.

“Okay, it was actually nothing like that. But you get the idea.”

“And that happens a couple times, and it... It didn't sound like a person's voice anymore. And I'm thinking maybe the world's most fucked up coyote just killed a guy and was celebrating or whatever, but it didn't really sound like an animal either. It was kinda inorganic, you know what I mean?

"But yeah, it kind of whoops a couple more times, and then the last time it just... Didn't stop. It kept going, and it turns into this- music? It sounded, uh, sort of like a bunch of different flutes being played at once. But lower. Very deep. I don’t remember the tune so don’t ask. But it was music, and me and Saúl are just looking at each other like "what the fuck?”.

"And at that point, curiosity is kicking in and I'm gripped by this wave of idiocy, so I get up and start walking towards the sound. Low to the ground, super slow. Stealth. And I can tell it’s coming from the arroyo. So I just verrrrry carefully climb up the side and look inside.“

Ed paused to grasp for words.

"And there’s a man in there. Some pasty dude. Sunburnt, t-shirt tan lines, all that. Pretty scrawny, but otherwise normal looking from the chest down. No injuries or nothing, which I can say for sure because, yeah, the dude is completely naked. I mean naked. There was a pile of his clothes nearby, and his whole dick was out and he was barefoot. And he was DANCING. He’s just dancing naked in this friggin’ ditch.

"And it took me a bit to process what was going on with his head. Like, the music sounds are coming from up there. And I’m thinking he’s got some sort of weird instrument over his head, but he dances towards me and um. He has no head. Or like- Shit. He kind of has a head? Like I could sort of make it out, but it’s tilted all the way backwards. Like, touching his back. So his neck's facing the sky, and his eyes are just kind of staring out behind him.

"And there’s all these… tubes. Coming out of where the nose and mouth probably used to be. Big fleshy tubes, skin toned. But they didn't flop around, they were like, pretty firm. And they’ve got little holes all over them. And that’s where the music is coming from. He’s playing them.”

Ed lifted his arms over his head and mimed with his fingers. “Like a flute”

“So like, it’s the most fucked up thing I’ve ever seen, basically, but I can’t stop watching. And Saúl eventually comes up beside me, and we don’t say anything, we just watch this guy. It’s gotta be like… A solid hour we’re just sitting there, with this guy playing his music and dancing around. And he starts moving up the arroyo, still dancing the whole time, and eventually he’s out of sight. But we hear the music a good while longer until it gets too distant. I don't think he ever saw us. Or he didn't care. I don't know."

He was silent for a long while. I waited for him to continue, but it was evident that it was over.

"And... That was it?" I asked.

"Yeah, that was it. We got the hell out of there and didn't see him again. Or hear anything about a crazy nudist in the area."

He took another puff of his cigar, and coughed.

"I mean, it could have been... A really, really good costume or something. Like, REALLY good. I mean I definitely saw his eyes blinking. On the head that was... You know. Bent entirely backwards. But hey, could be a costume!" He added with a flourish, clearly not entertaining this possibility whatsoever.

"Holy shit." I said.

He laughed, and snuffed out his cigar in the snow. "Damn right."

[asian-hero]

Taking the Space Out of “Girl Friend”

A/N: Okay, since no one is requesting Momo, aka the woman who stole my heart, I’m taking this into my own hands (also, kinda wanna write a poly relationship with Momo, Shouto, and (Y/N) so let me know if that sounds interesting)

Summary: Momo Yaoyorozu is the perfect girl. She’s smart, pretty, kind, and she can even make any non living thing with her quirk. What else could you ask for? Although, she could stand to gain the ability to read the room better.

In other words, you attempt to tell Momo how you feel about her, only for her to assume you mean platonically. You know, as a “gal pal”

Words: 2,668

“Momo, I like you,”

She looked up from her homework, starring at you quizzically, “Oh, well I like you too!”

You sighed, shaking your head. “No, I mean I really like you. More than a friend,”

Pausing, she furrowed her eyebrows together, something that, while normally you found endearing, now you found outright annoying. How could someone look so cute and be so smart, yet be so dense when it came to confessions? Before you could even take it back, she smiled at you, and you could’ve sworn that you felt a beam of light shining from her.

“I think of you as my best friend as well! I’m so glad you told me!”

Feeling your eye twitch, it took almost every inch of self restraint to not just kiss her right then and there, to show her that you wanted her more than as just a “best friend.” Unfortunately for you, you both had no nerve to do so, and you also didn’t want to risk it. So, you feigned a smile, reaching out and patting her hand.

“Yeah, best friends.”

That was three weeks ago. Three weeks ago that you tried to tell Momo, your “best friend” and resident goddess of class 1-A that you liked her. No, not as a friend, though you didn’t mind being that. You wanted to tell her that you liked her romantically, but every time you try to, it either ends up with you losing your nerve, or her taking it the wrong way. No matter what you did, it seemed like she thought you were just being a good friend, all the compliments and cuddling and hand holding, all because you were a good friend. At first, you thought she was just trying to be nice and reject you kindly, not wanting to jeopardize your friendship, but after multiple attempts and questioning the rest of the girls, but now you’re wondering if she’s really just that oblivious to your advances. Either way, you were so close to pulling your hair out.

This is what led you to your current situation: laying out on your best friend Todoroki’s floor while you complained about the woman who seemed to live in your head rent free. 

After your daily attempt to get Momo to realize that you had a crush on her had tired you out, you sought out the one person who would let you rant to your hearts content without judgement. Since this was a regular occurrence for you to just waltz into Todoroki’s room, it was no surprise to  him when you slammed open his door, kicked it shut, and slumped down onto the floor.

After a few beats of silence, he cleared his throat. “So, Yaoyorozu?”

Your obnoxious groan was all the answer that he needed. Setting down his pen, he turned around in his chair to face you, or, your corpse-like state that you’d taken to. 

“Are we going to sit here in silence or are you going to complain?”

Lifting your head up, you sent the boy a particularly nasty glare. You could see the ghost of a smile appear on his face, amused that he’d gotten a reaction out of you. Lifting yourself up, you flopped back down, this time on your back. As you stared up at the ceiling, you let out a lengthy sigh.

“This has got to be the tenth time I’ve told her that I like her,” Rubbing your face, you let out a frustrated sound, “No dancing around the bush, no being coy about it. I straight up told her that I like her, and she always tells me that I’m being such a ‘good friend.’ ”

“Ah, that’s rough.”

You snorted. “Thanks, Zuko.”

His response was throwing a crumpled piece of paper at your face. Sputtering, you sat up, sticking out your tongue in a childish manner. Once the two of you settled down, you frowned.

“Seriously, though, how many times do I need to tell her ‘I like you’ for her to get it? I mean, it’s not like I know if she even likes girls, so maybe I’m just being pushy. Oh my god, Todoroki, what if she doesn’t like girls? I could be making her uncomfortable and—“

“(Y/L/N), stop,” Seeing your panicked state, he moved closer, making sure that he gained your attention, “You’re being ridiculous. If Yaoyorozu didn’t like you she’d tell you. She isn’t that cruel.”

Tilting your head back, you took in a deep breath. “I know that, but I can’t help but feel like that.”

The two of you sat in silence for a while, neither of you sure of what to say next. In all honesty, you were just glad that he was there with you, because you’d probably end up spiraling if it wasn’t for him. As much as you loved Momo, you were starting to get a little tired of pursuing her. You didn’t know just how much more you could take of her obliviousness. As you sat there, getting sadder by the minute, Todoroki finally spoke:

“We don’t have school tomorrow, right? Why don’t you just invite her on a date, and you can tell her how you feel,” He flicked your forehead, “With a bit more emphasis on the romantic part of your feelings.”

Rubbing the back of your neck, you looked towards the floor, feeling yourself grow hot. “I don’t know, what if she doesn’t even want to go?”

You could tell that he was starting to grow annoyed, with the way his breathing changed and his posture stiffened. Before you could even comment on it, he grabbed your phone, typing a quick message to the girl of your dreams. Gasping, you tackled him, trying to wrench your phone away from him.

“What the hell are you doing? Give it back!”

Your attempts were for naught, as he wasn’t even breaking a sweat trying to keep you away. A few seconds later a message was sent, asking Momo if she wanted to meet you at a local cafe, just the two of you. Looking as your message went from delivered to read, you let out a cry of embarrassment. Slamming your phone down, you pointed a finger at the boy.

“I can’t believe you! What makes you think I’m ready for this?”

He looked at you as if you were the stupidest person on the planet, “You’ve been trying to tell her for weeks! How is this my fault?”

“Yeah, but now I have to tell her without the crutch of ignoring her at school! If it were with a bunch of people, then I’d have no problem, but since it’s just the two of us—“

You were interrupted by a quiet ping coming from your phone. Hesitantly, you reached to pick up the offending object, carefully reading Momo’s message. After a few more seconds of silence, you felt yourself sink back onto the floor, sounding similar to a balloon losing its air. Your hands went to cover your face, not wanting anyone, specifically Todoroki, to see your embarrassed state.

“So,” He cleared his throat, unsure of how to proceed, “I’m assuming she agreed?”

“I’m meeting her at ten,”

He raised an eyebrow at your behavior. “Isn’t that a good thing? Why are you acting like she just rejected you?”

“Hey, Todoroki, I’m gonna need you to do me a huge favor,” You completely ignored his previous comment, too busy in your own thoughts instead.

“What is it?”

Looking at him directly, you spoke: “Turn me into an ice cube and chuck me into the ocean,”

You didn’t get the response you were hoping for, and instead you were chased out of his room and left with your own self-deprecating thoughts. To be honest, you were excited to hang out with Momo, but that didn’t mean you weren’t terrified of what was to come. When you told her how you felt about her, how would she react? Would she feel the same way, or would she just completely drop you as a friend entirely? You found yourself spiraling as you kept thinking of all of the negatives that you didn’t realize when you had passed out. 

The only reason that you weren’t late for your “date” with Momo was because she had texted you, like the lovely person she is, saying that she was excited to see you. That was what shocked you awake at nine in the morning, and caused you to take five minutes out of your day to let out all of your panicked energy. You were able to manage, though, as you pulled through and got ready, albeit a little slower than usual, and by the time you were out the door it was a quarter till ten. 

By the time you reached the cafe, you noticed Momo anxiously fiddling with her skirt. Walking towards her, you put on your bravest face and steeled yourself.

“Hey! Did I make you wait long?”

She seemed a bit startled by your boisterous entrance, as she jumped ever so slightly from her seat. Once she realized it was you, she let out an adorable smile, one that could melt even the coldest of hearts. “You’re fine, I just got here a little early,”

Taking your seat, you looked at the coffee in front of you. Tilting your head, you looked towards Momo, who seemed to be watching your every move. Once your eyes had met, she ducked her head, her face turning a nice shade of pink.

“You like iced coffee, right? With two pumps of vanilla syrup?”

You were surprised that she remembered your order, after all, the two of you had only gone out for coffee a handful of times before this, and you were usually with the rest of the girls. When you took a sip of the beverage, you let out a content hum, smiling back at the girl. “This is perfect, thanks.”

She seemed to grow even pinker at your words. “Ah, I’m glad you like it! I was worried that I’d gotten the wrong drink, or that it wasn’t the same as you usually get it, or—“

“Momo,” You started, giggling a bit when her attention snapped back to you, “It’s good, really. Don’t worry about it,”

She nodded her head, taking a few deep breaths before drinking her own beverage. As the two of you sat in silence, you couldn’t help that your eyes began to wander. You couldn’t help that your eyes travelled from her own, her beautiful gray eyes that felt almost like staring into a galaxy, to her cute little nose, all the way to her lips, which you guiltily admit that you’ve thought about on more than one occasion. You refused to let your eyes wander any further down, because firstly, you didn’t want to seem like some pervert, you knew your boundaries, and secondly, you knew that you’d end up flustered, and then she’d ask why you were flustered, and then the whole date would be ruined. 

While you found yourself lost in thought, you didn’t notice that Momo was staring at you in a similar fashion, though she was a bit more subtle. Through quick glances she wondered just how unfair it was that you could look so beautiful while doing the most mundane things. She wondered how one person could make her feel a million butterflies all at once, and how one person could be at the center of her attention at all times. 

At first, she thought her feelings were ones of jealousy. After all, you seemed to excel at anything you put your mind to, and it didn’t hurt that you were pretty. But, after getting to know you better, and hanging around you, she realized that the feeling in the pit of her stomach wasn’t an ugly one, no, rather, it was one of the most amazing feelings a person can experience.

She never did allow herself to tell you about them, though. It was too scary for her, she thought that you’d reject her immediately, and then she’d be left alone. No, she’d rather just keep to herself, where her feelings would be safe, and she could keep you by her side. It was certainly hard for her though, with all of the compliments you’d drown her in, and all of the times you’d remind her that you liked her. It’d get her hopes up, but she’d immediately crush those thoughts. She wouldn’t let herself feel those emotions.

But, in this one instance, with the both of you not so subtly checking the other out, the two of you had reached the same conclusion: you were both tired of hiding.

“Momo, I—“

“(Y/N)—“

The two of you stared at each other for a moment, before letting out awkward laughs. She gestured towards you, smiling comfortingly.

“You go first,”

Looking at her, you calmed your nerves and nodded.

“I like you, Momo,”

Her face grew puzzled, as if she wasn’t quite sure what you were getting at. “I like you too?”

You groaned, shaking your head. Grabbing her hands you tried again. “No Momo, I like you, romantically.”

It took a few minutes for her to process your words, before erupting into the brightest shade of red imaginable. 

“You mean—“

“Yes,”

“So, all this time you were—“

“Yes,”

Looking down at your entwined hands, she found herself even more puzzled than before. This entire time, you actually liked her? As in, the same way that she liked you? Was she dreaming? This had to be a dream, things like this wouldn’t happen to her.

As she was dealing with her own inner monologue, you felt yourself grow insecure. The devil on your shoulder was telling you that you made a huge mistake, that you made her uncomfortable. Puling your hands away, you rubbed the back of your neck.

“We can just, forget that this happened. Sorry,”

Momo’s head shot up, and for the first time, you noticed a look of desperation on her face.

“No!”

Your eyebrows furrowed, but you understood nonetheless. “Yeah, I figured as much. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable—“

She shook her head, taking your hand back in her own to silence you. “That’s not what I meant. I like you too,” Even though she felt so vulnerable and exposed, she kept eye contact with you, “In  a romantic way.”

It was your turn for your face to heat up. You were either sleeping or dead and in heaven, there was no other way that this could be happening. Using your open hand, you went to pinch yourself. After feeling the sharp sting, you looked back to your intertwined hands, then back at her.

“This is,” You paused, trying to process everything, “Real?”

She giggled at your response. Once you saw her nodding her head, you couldn’t help but break into a huge grin. Squeezing her hand, you leaned closer, so that the two of you were inches apart. You could feel her breathing stop, and it took everything in you to not laugh. As you got even closer, you saw her eyes flutter shut, and although you very much wanted to kiss her, you didn’t want to rush into things. So, you opted to kissing her cheek, your lips pressing against her soft skin. 

As you pulled away, you noticed the pout she gave you, though the blush staining her skin lessened the “menacing” effect. Laughing, you pinched her cheek, taking a sip of your drink.

“Maybe on the next date,”

When she hurriedly proposed that the two of you go out again tomorrow, you couldn’t help the warm feeling blossom in your stomach. Smiling, you agreed, wanting to get as much alone time with her as possible. 

Though the two of you were inexperienced when it came to relationships, neither of you really cared. After all, you got the girl, and that’s what mattered the most.

[kissjane]

OH NO THEY WERE ROOMMATES / Very much unshort fic

#14 from this prompt list (I had to scroll waaaay down to get this link...)

Listen, for some reason these last few prompts from the list don’t wanna play nice. I have no idea whether this is any good, but at least it’s finished. I’ll settle for it at this point. Five to go!

We’re roommates but we’re falling for each other

It had started as a quick white lie, to get the boys off his back. They kept pushing him to go talk to any boy who looked at him a bit too long, or to give his number to basically any barista or waiter ever, or to go on a blind date with Basile’s cousin.

So Lucas had told them he had a thing going with his roommate.

Which was definitely not true.

But not because Lucas didn’t want to.

He’d had a crush on the handsome boy since he met him when he first came to look at the apartment with Manon. It wasn’t the biggest one he’d seen, nor the cheapest, but it had, well, other advantages, so to speak, so Lucas had been quick to co-sign the lease. If Manon suspected his reasons, she hadn’t said anything – but she had smiled when Lucas had come up with his fib.

Sadly, his fantasies of cooking together with his roommate, watching movies cuddled up on the couch, and slowly falling in love, had turned out to be a pipe dream. Eliott was mostly in his room. On occasions, he liked to blast dubstep. Lucas had soon figured out that the dubstep meant that Eliott was, uh, entertaining. The number of girls Lucas had walked in on early in the morning, before his first coffee, was staggering, and had quickly led to him putting up all his vague romantic ideas of his roommate.

But by the time Lucas was forced to come to the sad conclusion that the cutest boys were always straight, he’d already kinda committed to the story he’d told his friends, and so now he was stuck with it.

So every time he fantasized about another domestic moment of fluff with Eliott, he told himself it was for a good purpose. The girls were always bugging him for details about what he and his roommate were up to. They had declared them to be made for each other, and the discussions about their ship name were still in full vigor with no hint of them losing interest any time soon.

So Lucas provided.

He and Eliott had cooked pizza from scratch together, getting covered in flour, and accidentally setting off the smoke alarm because they were too busy making out to pay attention to the oven. Lucas ignored Emma’s eager question as to whether they had showered together to get rid of the flour dust.

Another time, he and Eliott had gone grocery shopping together, and Eliott had spun the cart on which Lucas had been standing so fast Lucas had fallen off, luckily into a pile of cardboard boxes. He’d still made Eliott kiss it better on each and every faint bruise as soon as they’d gotten home.

Or the time when they had held a Star Wars marathon, arguing about who was sexier, the young Han Solo or Dameron Poe, when Eliott had turned off the tv and complained Lucas was forcing him to compare a bunch of actors, when Eliott clearly had the sexiest boy of all in his arms.

The girls cooed at every concoction he fed them. In all honesty, it became hard for Lucas to remember none of this had actually happened – until the next scantily clad girl tiptoed through the hall on the way to the bathroom, bleary faced from the lack of sleep.

So after a few months of happy bliss, Lucas felt he had no choice but to break things off with Eliott. It became pretty painful to come up with lovey-dovey tales, and his fantasies were more and more often getting into… less family-friendly territory, which he wasn’t about to share with everybody.

His friends were a bit astonished at the news, and Lucas supposed it was weird, since he never even hinted at any trouble in paradise, but he shrugged it off, saying it was amicable, a joint decision, and he wasn’t even going to move out.

The downside was obviously that, after a few wonderful weeks of peace and quiet when everybody was coming around to the end of Lucas’ first relationship, Basile’s cousin came back into the picture.

Lucas tried to hold off, but he had no excuses left. And anyway, Eliott was playing dubstep almost every night, although Lucas hadn’t really encountered any pretty girls lately, and it grated Lucas’ nerves. It was time to admit he would never have Eliott, all his beautiful daydreams notwithstanding, so he might as well give somebody else a chance.

So he went out with Marc a few times. He was kind, and he had grey eyes, which Lucas recently discovered he had a thing for, so that was a plus. He was also a bit boring, and he tutted at Lucas disapprovingly when the latter tried to ride the bus without validating his ticket, but other than that, he was pretty okay.

And that’s how he found himself on the couch in his flat one evening. Marc and he had watched a movie – Lucas had nixed Marc’s suggestion of Star Wars vehemently – to the soft background music of dubstep coming out of Eliott’s room. It had been weird at first, but it had grounded Lucas somehow – Eliott was never going to be interested, and it was best if he remembered that and didn’t forget that Marc was here, and rather into him if the heated make-out session they were currently engaged in was to be believed.

Neither he nor Marc noticed the sudden appearance of Eliott in the living room, until the later coughed apologetically.

“Uh, sorry… I didn’t realize you had, uh, company, Lucas,” he stammered.

Lucas immediately let go of Marc, and blushed, then mentally berated himself. Eliott himself probably had a girl in his bed, so why would Lucas not be allowed to bring anybody over?

“Uh, y-yeah, no big deal,” he said, as soon as his vocal cords functioned again. “Uh, Marc, this is Eliott, my roommate. Eliott, this is Marc, my – uh…”

“Lucas’ boyfriend,” Marc cut in, a bit smugly. They’d never discussed their status, but Lucas supposed Marc had just made it clear where he was standing. He didn’t know how he felt about it.

Eliott stared at the two of them, his eyes wide. Lucas didn’t know what was going on.

“Uh, is this – is this a problem? We could go to my room, if you want…”

He hoped the problem wasn’t that he had brought home a boy. He realized he’d never talked with Eliott about his sexuality.

Eliott seemed to be slapped out of whatever daze he’d been in.

“Oh! Oh, no,” he quickly replied. “Please, it’s no problem at all. I’ll just… grab a drink and leave you guys, then… Bye, uh, Martin?”

“Marc,” Marc answered pleasantly, pulling Lucas close.

Lucas watched Eliott retreat into the kitchen – he whipped his eyes away as soon as he realized they were trained on the other boy’s ass in his tight jeans – and then returned his close-lipped smile when he passed them again on the way back to his room. The volume of the dubstep was turned on fractionally, and Marc wanted to continue the heavy petting, but somehow, Lucas wasn’t really into it, and though Marc clearly was angling for an invitation to spend the night, Lucas didn’t extend one.

He said goodnight to Marc, and went to his room. He sat still on his bed, his knees pulled up, his arms around himself, wondering how on earth he had gotten himself in this situation. Maybe he needed to move out anyway. It was clear his crush on Eliott, stupid and one-sided as it was, hadn’t died, and maybe it wouldn’t as long as he lived here.

A knock on the door brought him back into the here and now.

At his “Yes?”, the door opened, and Eliott stood right at the threshold, his hands wrung together.

“Uh, Lucas, I was wondering… Uhm, please don’t take this the wrong way, but, uh… I thought about earlier, and maybe, if it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle, I would indeed prefer it if you went to your room with your, uh, boyfriend in the future.”

The last words came out in a rush, and Lucas wondered if he heard them right.

“Excuse me?”, he uttered, painfully polite.

Eliott mumbled the same sentence as before, this time so low Lucas had to strain to hear it, but there was no doubt Eliott was actually saying what he thought he had been saying.

“Are you saying I can’t bring a guy over to my own flat, that I pay rent for, unless I go to my room with him? What the actual fuck?”

Eliott blushed.

“It’s just… You don’t have to, obviously, but maybe it would be easier for both of us…”

Lucas glared.

“Easier for both of us? How do you figure that, exactly?”

“I mean, you wouldn’t have to worry about me walking in on you…”

“I wouldn’t have to worry about that?” Lucas really was upset. Just because Eliott wasn’t interested in him, didn’t mean he had to be such a douchebag about other guys maybe being so. “Are you sure it’s not just about you? Your straight innocent eyes can’t handle two guys making out, is that it?”

A blush appeared on Eliott’s cheeks, and Lucas deflated. So Eliott was indeed uncomfortable with the idea. The moving out plan became more and more alluring by the minute.

It was silent for a long beat, and then Eliott spoke up, enunciating clearly.

“I’m not straight.”

“Huh? Don’t give me crap. I’ve seen most of your one-night stands. Very female, the lot of them.”

“Yeah, I know…” Eliott chuckled a bit self-deprecatingly. “I’m pan, though. I’ve been with guys too, just not…recently.”

In all honesty, the Lucas of a few months ago would have been elated to hear this. Right now, however, it was more a question of adding insult to injury. So Eliott was into other boys, just not into Lucas. It was this epiphany that drove him to bitterness.

“Yeah, well. At least girls have been doing it for you, then.”

“What? What do you mean?” Eliott sounded genuinely confused.

“All the dubstep. Have you even spent one night alone this month?”

When Eliott froze, Lucas almost wanted to take back his words. Eliott didn’t owe him any accountability.

“Uh, I’m sorry about the dubstep. I haven’t been seeing anybody for a while, but I… I kinda kept playing the music. I don’t know why.”

He was not looking at Lucas as he spoke, and he fiddled with the hem of his t-shirt.

“Oh. Well, it’s none of my business anyway, so, uh –”

“What if I wanted it to be?”

Silence.

“What?”

“What if I wanted it to be your business?”, Eliott repeated. He sounded unsure, but he stared straight at Lucas.

Lucas didn’t answer, sitting on his bed open-mouthed. What was Eliott trying to say? The other boy took a deep breath, and gingerly sat down next to Lucas, far enough not to touch him, but close enough to feel his warmth.

“I, uh, I brought over only girls recently because there was this one boy I was trying to get out of my head. And when that didn’t work, I didn’t want him to suspect anything so I kept playing music. It’s stupid, I know.”

Whoa. Lucas tried to unpack all of that in a logical manner, but he failed spectacularly.

“You played dubstep so I would think you had a girl over?”

Eliott nodded.

“And you brought only girls home because…”

“Because boys weren’t doing it for me, not when they weren’t you. Not that the girls were working out, either.”

There was honesty and vulnerability in his voice, and in his eyes.

“But why… why didn’t you just talk to me? You avoided me all the time… We hardly ever even spoke before now…”

“I know. I just, I crushed so hard on you, from the moment you came to see the flat. But I had no idea you were into guys… I thought the girl you were with was your girlfriend. You two seemed so affectionate.”

“Oh, uh, no, she’s one of my best friends, and an ex-roommate, actually. But I’m gay, so, uh…”

Eliott sighed.

“Yeah, I figured that out now. And it sucks, because maybe, if I had just made a move sooner… But it doesn’t matter. You have a boyfriend, and I’ll have to learn to live with that.”

Oh crap. Lucas had forgotten all about Marc.

“I wouldn’t call it that… We went out a couple of times… Mostly because it seems I was applying your tactic to try to get over a certain somebody I was crushing on… Somebody I too thought was straight, what with all the girls he was bringing home…”

He let his words die off, looking at Eliott.

It took him a few seconds, but then he turned towards Lucas, shifting slightly closer. Their legs touched, and it burned Lucas through Eliott’s jeans and his sweatpants.

“So, uh, if that guy promised not to bring over any girls anymore, could you be persuaded not to see Marc anymore?”

Lucas pretended to mull it over.

“Maybe if he also promised he won’t play dubstep if I ever end up in his bed, I think I could be, yes.”

Eliott laughed.

“I won’t have to play anything if we stay in your bed.”

And that sounded like a perfect compromise, so Lucas toppled Eliott and pressed their lips together.

[padfootagain]

Girl Crush (XXV)

Chapter 25: A Merry Sunflower

 Here we go with a new chapter! This is disgustingly sweet. Tooth-rotting fluff. Even I am feeling all giddy and sweet because of it. So read at your own risk, this is just too fluffy!!!

I hope you like this chapter! Tell me what you think about it!

Word Count: 2547

"That's an abuse of our friendship, plain and simple."

The way you rolled your eyes was almost audible, he didn't need to turn around to know about your gesture.

"Dramatic as always," you replied, dipping the brush inside the bucket full of this pale pink, almost white shade you had chosen for the doorframes of your shop.

"I should be writing my next album, and instead, I have been up since 5am for a week and painting all day!" Harry argued, gesturing around in the vague direction of the wall he had been painting, as if to prove his point. "My arm hurts so much…"

You let out a happy laugh.

"I'm not joking! It hurts," Harry replied, faking outrage, when it was hard for him to hide his smile.

Your laugh always made him feel happy and his heart grow all warm and soft. He tried not to feel this way, a little voice in his head pointing out that you weren't single, but he shushed it for now.

It was a happy and sunny day in L.A. You were painting your soon-to-be flower shop together, just the two of you, taking it slow and spending more time giggling and joking around than getting actual work done. And for a moment, Harry allowed himself to forget about this guy you were seeing, about the fact that his feelings for you had changed in a way that made him feel guilty. Instead, he pushed all his worries aside and decided that he would enjoy that day as much as he could, making sure to treasure every minute he would spend with you.

And so far, he had.

"I'm also starving," he pointed out, and as if to agree, your stomach made a weird noise that made both of you giggle.

"I have to agree for that one. Let's take a break. Pizza?"

"You've read my mind," he grinned, throwing the paint roller in his bucket and heading for the door already.

You had installed a little wooden table and a couple of chairs outside already, where you would soon be putting flowers and plants. The front of the building had been renovated as you had asked, and the sign above the door was to be finished the next week. The partially-painted letters already had a shape that was defined enough for the name of your future shop to be read.

Sunflower and Peonies.

Soon enough, the place would be full of them, and dozens of other kinds of colourful plants. Your dream was becoming reality, so much so that you could almost touch it.

For now though, Harry and you had taken the habit to eat lunch there, in the street, watching cars drive by and children running around. In the early afternoon, there weren't so many people around, most of them coming and going from or to the beach only a few streets away. You could almost hear the rush of the waves moving across the ocean, and the air smelt of salt and cloudless skies.

Harry went to pick up some pizza a few houses up the street, and came back just as you were opening some apple juice and filling up two glasses.

He had taken your favourite pizza, as always; had not needed to ask you for your order. He just knew you that well that it was a natural behaviour by now to order everything you liked most.

"You were complaining about staying away from the studio because of me, how is the writing going?" you asked, settling down around the table.

"It's going okay," he nodded with confidence. "We have a few good ones, I think. I can't wait for it to be over so you can hear it too."

"I can't wait to listen to it. But can't you give me a snippet, at least?"

He shook his head no, his mouth filled with food.

"Nope! Nothing! You will not hear anything before it's all ready and perfect."

"I'm your best friend!"

"I'm your best friend too, and you use me as free labour to renovate your shop, so don't give me that argument!"

You both exploded with laughter. The sun felt warm on your skin as you threw your head back with your laugh.

"It's not my shop yet. It's quite far from the big opening still," you reminded him, but he shook his head.

"You've come so far. It's a matter of a couple of months at the most. You're almost there, Y/N."

"I couldn’t have done it without you."

Your voice was earnest, but he shook his head.

"It's your baby, I have nothing to do with that. I mean… besides the handywork now."

"No, you're wrong. You've always made me believe in myself more than anybody else ever has. You're the one who lifted me up whenever I doubted myself. I reckon that I would have given up a long time ago if you hadn't been there to make sure to keep me on the right path."

He gave you a tender smile.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without you either, you know? You've kept me on track too."

He raised his glass full of apple juice to toast.

"I guess we're just an amazing pair of friends," you laughed.

"I guess."

Your glasses made a little 'cling' sound as they met, and you both drank a gulp of the fresh beverage while a bunch of surfers were walking before the store.

Harry leaned back in his chair, his old Rolling Stone t-shirt stained with dots of white paint hugging his torso a little too tightly. He stretched his long legs and brushed his brown strands out of his face. And the sight of him relaxing by your side made a smile creep up on your lips without you even noticing your own gesture.

"How many songs do you have ready for the album?" you asked, taking another slice of pizza.

"Not enough," he laughed.

"Come on, you can at least give me the name of one of them. Come on! Or who the songs are about! Harryyy!" you whined, making these puppy eyes that you knew he could never resist to.

But he mercilessly shook his head. Or at least, that's what he wanted you to believe. In reality, his will was slowly breaking.

"You're so cruel! You know everything about my project and I know nothing about yours! Come on, tell me one thing!"

He stared at you and he really, really tried his hardest to not reveal anything. But your eyes were so bright in the warm sunshine, and you looked so… perfect. Carefree. For once, you didn't seem worried about anything. You just seemed… happy. And he couldn't say no to you and take the risk to make your mood get a little less merry. So, he heaved a sigh, giving up.

"I… wrote one about you last night," he admitted.

You raised a surprised eyebrow.

"About… me?"

"Don't act so surprised."

"I am surprised! No one's ever done this for me before."

"I've never said it was the first song I wrote about you," he replied with a frown.

You looked at him with wide-eyes.

"Really? You have? Which ones?"

He suddenly realized that it might not have been the best idea he ever had to mention that he had been writing love songs about his best friend for a long time…

"I mean… you're my best friend. I take inspiration in things you do and things that you are and… like in a lot of other things," he replied, trying to sound more casual than the situation truly was.

"So… just… not really about me just… situations we were in?"

"Umm… sometimes."

"What is it called?"

"Hmm?"

"The song you wrote last night about me, what is it called?"

He couldn't refrain a tender smile.

"Sunflower vol.6."

You grinned, looking up at the name of your future store.

"What is it about?"

You. It's about you and what I wish we could have. Kisses in the kitchen and bright flowers all around…

"It's about… I don't know. I just went home from your shop last night – after you've made me work all day long – and I wrote it. So… I guess it's about you."

"I can't wait to listen to it," you grinned.

Your smile was so bright, Harry was certain that it could outshine even the Californian sun.

The pizza was gone by now, and you took a moment to merely enjoy the warm beginning of the afternoon. A comfortable silence settled around the two of you, like a large cocoon.

Your hands on the table were mere inches away, and it seemed that they had been slowly drifting towards each other for the past few minutes. When you realized how close your fingers were from his, your first instinct was to reach out to touch them. Harry had taken his rings off to paint, and for once his fingers rested bare on the wooden surface. The cross tattooed on his hand was bathed in sunlight.

But just as you were about to reach out, you thought better of it. All of a sudden, the simple gesture made you feel… guilty.

Why though? He was your best friend, had been for years. It wouldn't mean anything to hold hands. Why was your heart rushing at the thought of intertwining your fingers with his, then?

"We should go back to work, or you'll complain that I make you go home too late again," you said, standing up too fast making your head spin, your feelings a little overwhelming all of a sudden.

He dramatically moaned, throwing himself across the table and grabbing the edge.

"Noooooo!" he whined, almost like a little child. "I don't wanna!"

You couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on, drama queen! The sooner we go back to it, the sooner we'll be done with it."

"Noooooo!"

You stood by his side, and tickled that one spot on the side of his ribs that never failed to torture him, and he burst into laughter at the first contact, jumping away from you and crossing his arms to protect himself.

"That's so unfair!" he protested, narrowing his eyes at you, which wasn't really convincing considering the bright grin plastered on his face.

The sight of his dimples made your own lips curve into a smile on their own accord.

"Come on! Back to work!"

"You are so cruel. And so bossy! Since when are you bossy like that?"

"Since I'm about to become an actual boss! I'm my own boss now! An entrepreneur!"

Harry opened the door for you, and bowed down before you, making you laugh.

"After you, then, my lady!"

You cleaned up the table outside, and were soon back at painting. You were working next to each other, Harry painting the wall and you decorating the window frame with a pastel shade of blue.

But there wasn't so much done on Harry's part. Because instead of painting, he kept on being distracted by how the sun, coming in through the window, illuminated your features. How it made your eyes glimmer, and it seemed to embrace the shape of your lips, and for a moment, Harry was jealous of even the sun.

He shook himself when he reckoned he had spent too long studying the way you slightly frowned as you focused on the task at hand.

But he figured that you were too serious. Way too serious in such a sunny and happy afternoon. So, he dipped his brush in the bucket of paint again, and drew a line on your arm, making you jump.

"What the hell are you doing?!" you squealed, moving your arm away.

But Harry didn't reply. Instead, he approached the brush again, slowly, with mischief painted all over his features from his sparkling green eyes to the smirk on his lips.

"Don't you dare!" you warned him, trying to sound serious, but a smile started to make its way across your face too. "Harry, don't you fucking dare!"

The next second he was jumping forward and putting paint all over your cheek. And of course, you retaliated, and you were both laughing and crying and struggling to keep the other at bay.

Which one of you tripped and pulled the other to the ground? You didn't know, but you both found yourselves on the floor all the same, still painting all over each other, still laughing so hard that your tummies ached and tears wet your eyelashes.

"Stop! Stop, please! Stop!" you begged as you tried to crawl away from Harry. "Stop! I give up! You win!"

"I win?"

"You win! Harry, stop! I can't breathe!"

He finally released you, putting his weapon away, and he lied down by your side on the cool floor.

It took the two of you a while to catch your breaths. When you turned to him, Harry had a large blue line running across his nose, left cheek and neck. He also had paint in his hair, and all over his arms and hands. His t-shirt was a mess too. You looked just as messy and happy as he did.

You took a moment to look at him. To let your gaze linger on the veins running up the side of his neck, and the way his hair fell all over the place, and the curve of his eyelashes, and the strong angle of his jawline. Until he turned to you as well, trapping your soul in his green eyes.

And you wished that you could look away but you couldn't. He was grinning at you, and you grinned back, because you couldn't do anything else. You couldn't do anything against his stupid dimples, and the ridiculous paint over his nose. His smiles always made you want to copy them.

And all of a sudden, as you were simply staring at him like this, all covered in paint in the empty room you had yet to turn into the shop you dreamt of, you realized that there was no one you would want more to be with you then. You were building your dream, watching it come alive, and there was no one you would rather have by your side to make it come true.

But you were with Gareth, you said you loved him, shouldn't you have wanted him to be there with you instead of Harry?

Maybe you should have. And yet, it wasn't the truth.

Harry was by your side as the most important part of your life unfolded, and it was all that mattered to you.

"Harry?"

"Hmm?"

"You're never going to leave me behind, right?"

He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close.

"Of course not. Where would I want to go without you anyway?"

"I don't know… ahead?"

But he shook his head, staring at you as he made a promise he knew he could never break.

"I'll always be here for you, Y/N."

You exchanged a bright smile.

"I'll always be here for you too, Harry. You know?"

"I mean… you're my best friend. It's in the job requirement."

On the brushes all around the room, the paint dried to the sound of your laughter.

************************************************

Taglist :  @ponycake27 @horsesreign @xinyourdreamsx @jbluevelvet@notkeppeki @daynigt-dreamer-stuff @fudgeflyss @stuckupstucky@snek-shit @suchatinyinfinity@i-padfootblack-things  @buckybsarmy @heyohheyitsgabi@jigsawlover10 @emyyjemyy @addictedtofictionalcharacters @staringmoony@madamrogers @cronias13 @stylesfics-xx @mellamolayla @mariaenchanted​

[ryqoshay]

Tri-Arame: Betting For Play

Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu Words: ~3.1k Rating: T Time Frame: First year of college? Maybe second? Dunno yet Story Arc: Stand Alone

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Author’s Note: Welp, this ended up a heck of a lot longer than originally intended. Not complaining mind, but there were only two original bits I wanted to include and it just kept growing from there.

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Ayumu startled as an anguished cry sounded from within as she opened the door to her dormroom.

“Y-Yuu-chan?” She inquired, quickly trying to assess the situation. “Are you alr…” Oh.

“Ayumu!” Yuu tossed the controller she was holding into the air as she bounced up to her feet.

“Ayumu-san!” Setsuna greeted as well, deftly deflecting the discarded device to land softly on the bed as she also jumped up.

The two raced across the room toward Ayumu who couldn’t hold back a smile at their antics even if she had wanted to. In the short few weeks the trio had been dating, Yuu and Setsuna had begun a friendly, though no less serious competition to be the first to greet her when she was the last to arrive home. It was one of many ways the two challenged each other but it was probably the one that amused Ayumu the most.

And even if she did feel a little strange being the subject of such a contest, she’d be lying if she said she disliked it. After all, just the way the two lit up merely upon seeing her was enough to warm her heart and drive away any dreariness of the day. As such, she almost preferred coming home last because of this new routine.

“Welcome home!” Setsuna launched herself the last meter or so into a tackling hug.

“I’m back.” Ayumu giggled, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend, and tilting her head down for a kiss.

A sigh sounded from her other girlfriend. “You’re too fast, Setsuna-chan…” Yuu lamented.

Both Ayumu and Setsuna laughed as they parted.

“Well, I do maintain a regular exercise routine, which includes running outside or spending some time on the elliptical.” Setsuna explained as Yuu took her turn to greet Ayumu. “And you know you’re always welcome to join me for my morning routine, Yuu-san.”

“But I do, though… sometimes…” Yuu reminded as she stepped away to allow Ayumu to remove her shoes. “And don’t you also do a bunch of more stuff at the studio?”

“Well, yes,” Setsuna conceded, “but that is more focused on dancing and singing. What I do on my own here is more general fitness.”

“Hrm…” Yuu seemed to consider the idea for a moment before her expression changed. “Anyway, you’re only one win up.” She jutted her chin back toward where they had been playing a moment ago. “You gotta win by two.”

“Right.” Setsuna nodded before turning.

“Eh?” Ayumu uttered as Yuu suddenly slid in close to peck a kiss on her cheek.

Setsuna either caught the movement with her peripheral vision or responded to Ayumu’s voice, or both, as she spun around and strode back. With a sly glance toward Yuu, she mimicked the gesture from Ayumu’s other side. Yuu responded by sticking out her tongue, at which they both giggled.

For her part, Ayumu couldn’t help joining in with the laughter. “Are you two going to carry over your little contest through making dinner tonight as well?” Though the concept was amusing, part of her feared how such a competition might affect Setsuna’s already adventurous attitude in the kitchen.

“Don’t need to.” Yuu said with a grin as she pulled something out of her pocket before presenting it proudly. “I won this at the store on the way home today.”

“Yuu-san and I already picked out what we want and have a pending order up on your laptop.” Setsuna explained.

“Alright, I’ll add my order in a moment.” Ayumu said with a smile.

Though neither girl said as such aloud, Ayumu couldn’t help wondering if the two had made their own side contest with the convenience store promotion. The fact that Yuu had emphasized that she had been the one to win the gift certificate felt like a strong indicator, along with a notable increase in competitiveness between them recently. At least they were having fun.

“Ne, Setsuna-chan,” Yuu spoke up as the two made their way back to the kotatsu “wanna add a little extra incentive to the game tonight?”

“What do you have in mind?” Setsuna tilted her head with curiosity as they retrieved their controllers and took their places.

“Something like the winner gets to make a request of the loser?”

“What kind of request?”

Yuu shrugged. “I dunno, maybe like drawing on their face like when we play Hanetsuki during the New Year celebration?”

“I don’t believe we have any ink…”

“Then maybe make them do pushups, get the winner a snack, clean their ears or something? I’m sure we can figure out something.”

Setsuna considered the suggestion for a moment before smiling strangely. “Alright.”

Ayumu wondered what kind of request Setsuna had chosen that would cause such an expression. Unlike their friend Kasumi, Setsuna was not typically the scheming type, and was not particularly good at it when she did. Rather, she was usually far too earnest and straightforward, to the point that Ayumu occasionally wondered how she had managed to hide her anime obsession from her parents and her dual identity from her fellow high school students.

“Hehe, now I’m getting fired up!” Yuu proclaimed. “I’m so going to win the next three rounds.”

“You seem pretty confident.” Setsuna observed.

“Well yeah, now that I get to make a request of Setsuna-chan, there’s no way I’m passing that up.”

“Hrm, we’ll see about that.”

With her meal chosen and their order submitted, Ayumu moved to sit on her bed. This gave her a good vantage point to observe her girlfriends’ match.

“Ha! Ring out!” Yuu pumped a fist in the air a moment later. “That’s one! Two more to go.”

“Two for me as well.” Setsuna reminded.

“Yeah, but that’s up from one.”

“…” Setsuna pursed her lips into an adorable pout, earning a cheeky grin from Yuu. “Alright, next round.”

The next two rounds were intense. Ayumu watched with bated breath while the two girls participating leaned forward and gripped their controllers harder.

“Victory!” Yuu cried, tossing her controller in the air.

Ayumu reached out to catch the falling device so it didn’t land on either girl in front of her.

Setsuna’s shoulder slumped in defeat.

“Alright, go braid your hair.” Yuu pointed to her rival. “You’re gonna be Nana tonight.”

“Eh?” Setsuna tilted her head with curiosity. “You want me as your prize?”

“Why not?” Yuu grinned. “It’s either you or Ayumu and I didn’t make a wager with her. Besides, I think this prize is one she will enjoy as well.”

Ayumu couldn’t deny that last point.

“While I’m happy to oblige, you really just want me to change my hairstyle to one you see all the time?”

“But we don’t see it all the time.” Yuu insisted. “At least not since we started college. You only wear it to class, and we don’t have any together.”

“You’re…” Setsuna blinked in realization. “You’re right. I hadn’t realized that you two might miss seeing me like that…” She hung her head apologetically. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, Setsuna-chan!” Yuu laughed, placing a reassuring hand on the other girl’s shoulder. “If you go too long again, I’ll just be sure to win against you again at something.”

“Or try to win.” Setsuna smirked.

“Well, yeah, of course.” Yuu chuckled. “It wouldn’t be as much fun if you just let me win. Anyway, for the record, when I said you’ll be Nana tonight, I meant all night.” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“All night?”

“I suppose you can take out your braids before you fall asleep, but for sure during certain activities.” Yuu emphasized the last two words.

“Yeah, I got that part.” Setsuna rolled her eyes at the less-than-subtle hinting. “But I don’t usually like sleeping with them, so you can’t go overboard and exhaust me again.”

Yuu held her hands up in mock defense. “Hey, I can’t help it if Ayumu gives in too much to her lust.”

“Yuu-chan…” Ayumu interjected, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. She wasn’t wrong, per se, but as was far too often the case, Yuu knew exactly how to embarrass her. Sure, she was looking forward to seeing Setsuna in braids but… wait… What if…? “Ne, Yuu-chan…”

“Mmm?”

“Would you mind if I played a round?”

“Challenger Ayumu wishes to enter the ring?” Yuu dropped her tone to mimic an announcer. “I thought you preferred more RPG or collection style games?”

“There’s some fighting in them.”

“Turn-based, sure, but…” Yuu shrugged and held out her controller.

“Uhm, I was hoping to challenge you, Yuu-chan.” Ayumu clarified.

“I know. I just wanted to be Player 1.” She reached over for the controller in Setsuna’s hand. “Alright, let’s pick our fighters.” She began scrolling through the selection on the screen.

“You can probably see better from here, Ayumu-san.” Setsuna spoke up as she scooted over a bit before patting the area between her and Yuu.

“Mm.” Ayumu nodded and slipped down off the bed before moving the joystick a couple times to search the roster.

“Oh ho, interesting choice.” Yuu commented as final selections were made and the countdown to start the match began. “But no matter, victory will be mine.”

Yuu proved her skill immediately by landing a devastating first blow before Ayumu could react.

“Nice.” Setsuna complimented. “But remember, Yuu-san, first blood isn’t nearly as important as last.”

“Mmh… huh? Wha?” Yuu reacted as her character was tossed into the air. “Wait…”

Ayumu tapped more buttons on her controller, scoring additional hits.

“Ayumu… when…” Yuu sputtered.

Setsuna snickered as the round ended. “That’s one for Ayumu-san.”

“Eh, uhm, beginner’s luck?” Yuu questioned. “Anyway, Round 2.”

The second round went almost exactly the same as the first. Yuu struck the first blow, but eventually succumbed to a flurry of hits from Ayumu.

“Ayumu!” Yuu cried as she was defeated for a second time. “That was amazing! Where did you learn to play like that?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Do I get the play the winner now?” Setsuna added her energy to the mix.

“Yeah, we should totally get round robin tournament going.” Yuu agreed, handing her controller over to Setsuna. “But really, Ayumu, when did you get so good at fighting games?”

“I, uhm… asked Ai-chan and Rina-chan for a suggestion on which character to try…” Ayumu admitted.

“Oh?”

“You two have been having a lot of fun with this game for the last few nights, so I thought I could maybe join you…”

“You’re always welcome to play with us, Ayumu-san.” Setsuna pointed out.

“I know, I just, thought I might have a fighting chance if I did a little research first, you know, for combos and such.”

“Yeah, that sounds like something you would do.” Yuu laughed. “Well, now that I know you’re secret, I’ll be better prepared for our next match.”

“Speaking of, you get to make a request of Yuu-san, since you won.” Setsuna reminded.

That’s right, that was also part of why Ayumu had wanted to play against Yuu, to maybe get an unexpected victory and get back at her a little for the teasing.

“Right.” Ayumu cleared her throat and turned to the green-tipped girl beside her. “Well, since Yuu-chan likes braids so much, I think she would look quite cute wearing a matching style to Nana-chan.”

“Eh?” Yuu blinked.

Now there was a reaction Ayumu hadn’t anticipated. Yuu wasn’t the type to fluster easily, but there was no hiding the pink blossoming across her cheeks. And it was adorable.

From the other side of her, Ayumu could hear Setsuna’s sharp intake of breath. “I’ve… I don’t think I’ve ever seen Yuu-san with braids before…”

“A… are you sure that’s what you want as your prize?” Yuu seemed at a loss for words.

How had she put it earlier? “Why not?” Ayumu returned. “It’s either you or Setsuna-chan, and you already made the request of her, and I think she’ll like it as well.”

“A-alright…”

“So, if I win against Ayumu-san,” Setsuna pondered “does that mean I can make her wear twin braids as well?”

Still riding the wave of confidence from her victory as well as successful teasing of Yuu, Ayumu couldn’t help smirking a little. “Maybe, if you win.” She winked at the raven-haired girl. “But if I win, I get to be the one to braid your hair.”

“That was what I was about to request when I won our rematch…” Yuu admitted.

“Hmm…” Ayumu thought for a moment. “How about as a consolation prize for both of you, I do both of your braids.”

Yuu chuckled. “Is that really a consolation prize or just an excuse to play with our hair?” Was she trying to turn back the teasing tables?

“Can’t it be both?” Ayumu asked. “I mean both of the other prizes requested so far were ones that will be enjoyed by the others and not just the winner, right?”

“Fair point.” Yuu nodded. “Alright, it’s a deal for me. Setsuna-chan?”

“Deal.” Setsuna agreed as well. “But, who’s going to do Ayumu’s braids when I win?”

Yuu and Ayumu laughed for a moment before the next round of the tournament began.

----------

“Nana-chan?”

“…”

“Setsuna-chan?”

“…”

“I think we wore her out…” Yuu observed the girl between them.

“Again…” Ayumu added before sighing.

Yuu giggled quietly.

“Mm?”

“I won…” Yuu murmured.

“Won what?”

“I outlasted her.”

Oh, for heaven’s sake, they competed over that as well? Although, Ayumu had to admit the idea was a bit amusing. However…

“Is it really fair when you had me to help?”

Yuu seemed to ponder the question for a moment before grinning. “We really do team up on her a lot, don’t we?”

“Yeah… but it’s hard not to…”

“I know, right? She’s so cute when she makes that expression.” Yuu did a decidedly poor, though likely purposefully so, impression.

“Well, perhaps to keep things fair, maybe next time she and I can team up against you.”

“Now that I’d like to see.”

“You don’t think we can?”

“I didn’t say that. I think Ayumu is certainly up to the task, but…”

Though left unspoken, Yuu’s implication was clear. And if Ayumu was being honest, she had to agree. Setsuna was definitely a passionate participant, but, perhaps as a reflection of other aspects of her personality, she seemed reluctant to, for lack of better words, take the lead. Part of Ayumu wondered if things were fine that way of if it was something they should address and work on at some point.

The sound of Yuu’s yawn pulled Ayumu’s thoughts back to reality.

“Ne, Yuu-chan, do you know if Setsuna-chan took out her contacts?”

“Yeah, before she put on her glasses.”

Oh, right. That made sense. “Also, you promised you’d let her take out her braids before she fell asleep.”

“I think I can take care of that.”

“How?”

“Scoot up a little.”

“Huh?”

“And slide your arm under her.”

“Like this?”

“Perfect.” Yuu lifted Setsuna’s shoulder gently.

Setsuna murmured something before turning with Yuu’s guidance. Once on her side, she wrapped her arms around Ayumu’s waist and buried her face in her chest.

“There we go.” Yuu hummed her approval and started undoing the braids that were now much easier for her to reach.

“Where did you lear…?” Ayumu realized the answer before she finished the question.

“From you of course.” Yuu responded anyway.

Which meant… “You’ve been awake?”

“Not every time.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I couldn’t help being caught up in the cuteness of the gesture.” Yuu admitted. “Ayumu’s thoughtfulness is one of her most adorable traits, and one of my favorites.”

Ayumu felt her cheeks puff in a pout as she reached across Setsuna to gently punch Yuu’s arm who only grinned more in response.

“Anyway, perhaps I’ll challenge you two again and get Setsuna-chan to team up with me that way.” Ayumu pondered.

“Challenger Ayumu wants to enter the ring again?” Yuu did a quieter version of her announcer voice from before. “Winning against us felt pretty good, huh?”

“A little…”

“Though to be honest, I’d’ve brought you in on our little contests earlier, but I’ve just never really seen you as the competitive type.”

“I went up against my rival school idols a lot back in high school.” Ayumu pointed out.

“True,” Yuu conceded “but even then, you weren’t really all that competitive. You worked hard, that’s for sure, and you were incredibly supportive of your fellow school idols, but… hrm…”

“What is it?”

“Oh, hey, idea.” Yuu grinned. “You should totally surprise Setsuna-chan in the morning. Something like seeing who can get the most steps in on the elliptical or whatever.”

“Setsuna-chan would probably win something like that.”

“Possibly. But it really isn’t really about winning or losing, you know.”

“Hmm?”

“I mean yeah, sure, it’s feels good to win, but it’s also fun to see Setsuna-chan’s smile when she wins.”

“Ah.”

“But you already know that, don’t you?”

“Huh?”

“That was why you were so supportive of your rival school idols, or at least part of it, right? Because watching them do well was also fun.”

Ah, so that’s what it was all about. It all made sense now. Ayumu had fun surprising her girlfriends with a couple early wins, but even as they adjusted and started winning matches again, it hadn’t diminished Ayumu’s enjoyment at all.

And the silly little requests had really just been a fun bonus. She hadn’t minded at all that the request made of her after her first loss was that she would join in on the twin braids brigade, in fact, she had expected it.

Sure, Ayumu wasn’t nearly as competitive as either Yuu or Setsuna. And sure, she was quite content watching her girlfriends compete over the most random things. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t join in on the fun every so often, right?

“Ayumu?”

“Mm, sorry, I was just thinking.”

“About?”

“What hairstyles I’ll have you try next time I win against you.”

“Tha… I… if I let you win…”

For the second time that night, Ayumu got to witness Yuu’s flustered expression and she couldn’t help smiling.

“Good night, Yuu-chan.” She said quietly before closing her eyes.

“Good night, Ayumu.” Yuu replied, shifting just enough to plant a kiss on Ayumu’s forehead without waking the sleeping girl between them. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“…ve… y… wo…” Setsuna murmured into Ayumu’s chest before nuzzling in more.

Did Yuu-chan actually wake her up or is she just sleep talking, again? Ayumu wondered. Either way, she tilted her chin down just enough to press her lips atop the other girl’s head before whispering a similar sentiment to her. Finally, Yuu’s affirmations to Setsuna were the last sounds Ayumu heard before sleep took over.

----------

Author’s Note Coninued in Followup Post

[solastia]

The Dragon’s Lair | 4

- A Date With A Dragon -

Pairing: Dragon Hybrid Namjoon x Reader

Word Count: 7,300

Notes: A little warning, there is some smut! Nothing crazy but yeah... also, if you think Namjoon’s outfit sounds familiar, that’s because it should. It’s one of my favorite looks of his. I can’t remember when it was but it’s an airport look, from when they were going to LA I believe. I wanna say 2016? Maybe 2017? When he did the whole sexy professor with the big black glasses thing. I nearly died when I saw him that day. 

For the past couple of weeks, Namjoon has been acting strange. Not so much with you - he still treated you with just as much affection as usual. However, he’s been staying at the hybrid shelter longer every day and coming home exhausted. On top of that were the hushed phone calls you’d hear him trying to have out on the porch, forgetting that the window was usually open a little bit. You couldn’t hear much more than a word here or there, but thankfully it had been enough for you to understand he was talking to Heechul.

You hadn’t much worried about things like there being someone else, but something was clearly up and it did worry you that Namjoon felt like he had to keep something from you. 

Today you found yourself sitting on the porch steps, the winter air biting even through your woolen jacket and beanie. Trying to wait outside in the middle of January probably wasn’t your smartest idea, but sitting around inside had been driving you crazy. 

You watched the road leading up to your farmhouse, waiting for Namjoon to come home. He was even later than usual today. Before these past weeks, he always came riding home around three. Then it became six. Tonight, it was nearly nine and was pitch black outside. The thought of him riding his bike alone in the middle of the night made your stomach clench with anxiety. 

Just when you were about to call up Heechul, the familiar sounds of Namjoon’s bike pedaling up the driveway heralded his return. You released the breath that you hadn’t realized you’d been holding as the tension slowly left your shoulders. He pulled up towards the house, his mouth turning down in surprise and worry when he spotted you huddling on the ice-coated porch.

“Baby, what are you doing sitting out here? You’re gonna get sick,” he rumbled, rushing over to pick you up and carry you into the house. 

“Was waiting for you. I got worried,” you grunt through chattering teeth.

His frown deepens and he looks slightly guilty. 

“Sorry, Star. Got caught up with work.” 

He was avoiding your eyes by focusing on getting you warm. He pulled off your jacket, boots, and hat, replacing them with a large chenille blanket you kept on the couch. He got up and threw a couple more logs into the fireplace before going to the kitchen and pushing the button in the electric water kettle you kept full for him. 

You kept doing your best to catch his eyes but he was being unusually crafty about avoiding looking at you. Your skin slowly began to warm in your little blanket bundle as you watched him make hot cocoa from packets. 

"Namjoon," you begin softly. "Is there something that you need to tell me? I'm just worried. Did I maybe do something to upset you?" 

"No!" he sputters, turning quickly to face you. He nearly knocked over one of the mugs in his haste. "You didn't do anything wrong! Damn, is that what it seems like? I just...wanted to do something nice. I didn't mean to worry you or make you upset!" 

Now you were confused. Your nose scrunches as he joins you on the couch with two steaming mugs of cocoa. 

"Something nice?" 

Namjoon sighs and hands you a mug. "I've been working in the cafe after classes to make extra money. I wanted to...well, I wanted to take you on a real date that I paid for myself." 

You reach out of your blanket cocoon to coo and cup the blushing dragon's cheek. 

"Oh, sweetheart. You are the cutest. I was so worried that something was wrong. You don't have to do anything special like that for me. I'm happiest when it's just you and me lounging around the house." 

"I know," he sighs with a little smile, "but you're my girlfriend now, and you've taken me to plenty of places that are like a date. I want to do the same for you. I want to take you out somewhere and show off that you picked me. Hyung has been helping me make some plans and letting me work to make the money. I was hoping to surprise you with it, but I don't want you to worry."

You smile fondly and set your mug on the side table, taking the one from Namjoon’s hand and doing the same. Then you pull him towards you by his grey oversized sweater and kiss him softly. 

When you pull back, you stroke his cheek with your thumb. His eyes are still closed and his lips are tilted slightly as he rumbles, relishing your touch. 

“You are amazing, and I would love to go on a date with you.” 

His eyes fly open and he pins you with a hopeful and slightly vulnerable look. 

“Yeah?” You nod and he basically glows from happiness. “I still want to surprise you with the plans at least, but Heechul hyung has been helping so I hope you like it.” 

“I’m sure I’ll love it, sweetheart,” you reassure him as you you poke a dimple, unable to help yourself. 

He snorts and cuddles in closer, lending his own naturally high body heat to warm you more. 

“So when are we having this special date?” you ask as you bury your face into his neck. He strokes his cheek against your hair a few times, humming in thought. 

"This weekend.” 

“Sounds perfect. But no more staying late. I miss you.” 

Namjoon blushes shyly and makes a pleased rumbled as he clutches you closer. 

“I missed you too.” 

The days leading to the weekend went agonizingly slow. Namjoon had stayed true to his word and you were happy to hear him riding home at exactly three, bounding into the house to excitedly tell you about his day and demand his cuddles with you and the remains of his hoard of Ryan plushies (somehow the number of them on the bed had been dwindling, not that you were complaining much. That left more room for you to sleep without landing on top of a bunch of them and killing your back). 

Saturday morning had you feeling increasingly frustrated as you still had no idea what the plan for the day was. It was simply going by as normal, with Namjoon not even hinting at this being the chosen day. You knew he was aware you were waiting for him to say something as each anxious sigh you let out was met with a teasing grin from him and nothing more. You finally just went to your office to work out of frustration, hoping he’d let you know with enough time for you to pick a good outfit and get ready. 

Hours went by with you buried in your work. You’d noticed Namjoon come and curl up in the chair with a book for a while like he often did. It was cute how he seemed perfectly content to leave you to your work as long as he could just sit in here with you. He’d left about a half hour ago after receiving a phone call from Heechul, so you assumed they were still conspiring together. 

You had just finished putting together a final design for your latest commission when your phone beeped with a message. 

Joonie🐉: Time to get ready beautiful ;) 

You grin and save your work real quick before rushing to your room. You’d had a few outfits in mind for the day, but you hadn’t quite settled on anything yet. You wished you knew where he was taking you so you could know what would be appropriate. You didn’t see Namjoon on your way through the hall, but one of the guest room doors was closed, so you assumed he was getting ready in there. 

You hum to yourself as you enter your room, closing the door quietly before heading to your closet. Honestly, this whole room was a closet these days, as it had been so long since you’d last slept in here. 

You shuffle through your closet and pull a couple things out, walking towards the bed with the intention of laying them out so you could inspect them. However, you notice a pile of boxes and bags from a very expensive name brand waiting for you on top of the bed. You blink in surprise, mumbling to yourself that Heechul must pay Namjoon very well for him to be able to afford all this. You open the packages slowly and pull out the items carefully. You were worried about ruining something since you’ve really really handled such obviously expensive clothes. 

The style of everything itself was fairly simple, things you’d choose yourself, but the quality of the fabrics was far superior to anything you’d ever worn. There was a thick knitted sweater dress in ivory that looked like it would be so comfortable, like walking around in a blanket. To compliment it was a long grey cardigan that was pretty much the softest thing you’d ever felt in your life. There were also some thick woolen tights and slouchy grey boots to pull it all together. This outfit was definitely one that you could tell Namjoon had put a lot of thought into - choosing something was that you’d look pretty in while still making sure you’d be warm and cozy. In one of the smaller bags, you found a couple of bracelets and a pair of dangling earrings that somehow matched the silver and gold of your scale necklace that you never took off except to sleep. Your entire wardrobe was beginning to lean towards things that complimented the necklace, so matching accessories were an exciting find.

Namjoon and Heechul must have spent a fortune just on these clothes alone, and you didn’t even know what else was planned for the night.  

You shook your head but got ready quickly, knowing Namjoon was probably anxiously waiting for you by now. The outfit felt like you were going to be walking around wrapped by a snuggly blanket and you silently praised Namjoon’s good taste. You touched up your hair and applied a light layer of makeup before sliding on the bracelets and the earrings. All of it, combined with the ever-present beauty of the scale necklace, turned you into the very epitome of winter elegance. 

You grinned and strode excitedly from your room, eager to show Namjoon. He was on the couch when you entered the living room and stood up quickly when you sauntered closer with a smile. His jaw dropped and you blushed and took the chance to look him over. 

Namjoon’s outfit screamed casual yet fashionable, like a sexy professor. You could tell that everything was just as high end as yours. Skintight black jeans topped with a white button-up, a patterned black and grey blazer, and black loafers. He’d even worn his black-framed glasses that made his golden eyes the focus of his face and styled his silver hair so it parted to one side, with a little lock of hair that couldn’t be tamed falling onto his forehead. His fingers and wrists were adorned with many silver and platinum accessories, bringing out the natural ethereal coloring of his silver and gold nails. 

“You look beautiful,” you blurted. His surprised eyes shot back to your face before smiling shyly, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck as he does sometimes when he’s embarrassed. 

“I was going to say the same,” he chuckled quietly, before reaching out to grasp your hand. 

He pulled you closer and wrapped an arm around your waist, leaning in to rub his cheek across yours. You’d learned a while ago (from Heechul, because Namjoon had been too embarrassed to admit it) that this was actually his way of scenting you. He did it often before the two of you left the house together, and sometimes just because. 

The sounds of someone driving up to the house interrupted his scenting session, and he reluctantly pulled away, but not before planting a quick kiss on your lips. 

“Your chariot awaits, madame.” 

You quirk an eyebrow at his cheesiness and grab your purse before you let him lead you outside and lock the door. You pause at the appearance of the sleek black car waiting for you there. 

“Namjoon, this is Kakao Taxi Black! They are super expensive,” you hiss quietly, so the driver wouldn’t hear as you’re escorted to the car. 

Namjoon smirks, “I know, but just consider the fact that I wanted to get a limo or something. I knew you would throw a bigger fit about that, so this was second choice. Actually, the real second choice was having Soonyoung drive us, but Jihoon caught that cold that’s been going around the shelter.” 

You sigh and let him help you into the back of the car, gulping when you see the prices labeled up front. The driver waits until the two of you buckle up before driving away, apparently having already received his instructions. Namjoon grabs your hand and cuddles closer, nuzzling into your hair. 

“So, can I know where we’re going now?” you whisper, not wanting the driver to listen in. 

“You know that musical you wanted to see?” 

“The one that’s been sold out for like four months? Yeah.” 

“Hyung knows a guy and got us first row seats.” 

Your eyes shoot up to meet Namjoon’s smug grin. 

“Shut up.” 

“It’s true! And then we’re going to dinner at The Lounge.” 

“The Lounge?! What the hell, Kim Namjoon?! How much does Heechul actually pay you?” 

He laughs and kisses the side of your head. 

“Mmm, enough. He also had some of my old scales laying around he hadn’t gotten a chance to use, and apparently, they sell well in certain circles.” 

For fucks sake, the adorable thing had literally sold body parts to afford this way too expensive date. Granted, him selling old shed scales (no matter that they resembled the most magnificent jewels you’d ever seen) was the same as some weirdo buying your nail clippings, but still.

“Are you happy? Or is it too much?” 

The wary tone in Namjoon’s voice as he asked you had you sneaking up a kiss to his cheek. 

“It’s incredible. I’ve never been wined and dined before.” 

He sighs and you can literally feel the tension leak from his body. 

When the driver pulls up to the theater, an employee actually meets you at the car and leads you to your seats. They weren’t just front row, but directly in the center. You’d be able to see and hear everything.  As the two of you settle into your seats, another worker comes by with glasses of champagne. You accept the glass, as does Namjoon, and take a sip before turning to the dragon sitting there with a smug cloud above his head as he watches you. 

“Did Heechul’s guy make us VIP or something? I don’t remember anything about audience members getting champagne.” 

Namjoon shrugs. “Heechul knows lots of people.” 

You shake your head. “Uh huh.” 

You decide to just relax and enjoy instead of questioning everything. You lean back into your seat and grasp Namjoon’s free hand with yours as the show begins. This musical was one that you’d been waiting to see for a while since it was an original. It was probably a little cliche, but you loved romances so you didn’t care.

It was a story about a man that wants to court the local beauty, but her condition is to catch the town’s most notorious stray cat. This condition was given to countless others who all failed because the cat was vicious and could outrun everyone. Instead of rushing through and trying to catch the cat through violent means like the many before him, he instead went painstakingly slow and took his time to obtain the cat’s trust. Every morning, he would set out food and drink for the cat while he talked to it, and every night he would sing at the beauty’s window. Finally, he woke up one morning to find the cat sleeping in his bed. The cat suddenly changed and revealed that it had been the beauty the entire time, and he had won her over with his kindness. You weren’t ashamed to say that you were a sobbing mess by the time the wedding scene came around. Luckily, Namjoon had the foresight to pack several handkerchiefs. 

Two hours and four glasses of champagne later, the show finally ends. You sigh in happiness, so thrilled that you actually got to see it live. You’d thought for sure that the only chance you’d get would be to wait until it hit a movie theater or got put on DVD. 

“Did you like it?” Namjoon asks as he helps you out of your seat. 

You know you must look a mess and you were happy you’d thought to use waterproof makeup. That still wouldn’t help the puffy eyes or red-tinged nose from your crying. 

“It was great! Thank you so much, sweetheart,” you beam and place a kiss on the corner of his mouth. He frowns and leans his face closer to yours to claim a proper kiss. You giggle and do what he silently asks, kissing his lips with a loud smack. 

He loops your arm through his and leads you to the exit, where the taxi is back and waiting. The drive to the restaurant is quiet, both of you perfectly content to just sit close and bask in each other’s presence. 

The driver pulls up to Park Hyatt Seoul Hotel and Namjoon helps you out, leading you through the elegant lobby to the elevator. The restaurant is on the 24th floor, something you already knew even before he pushed the button that led you up there. This was a popular restaurant for celebrations (like proposals, but you knew that wasn’t what you were here for today). There is a waitress literally by the elevator doors waiting to lead you to your table. Namjoon had chosen one of the few more isolated spots in place and he even takes the chair that places his back to the window, letting you get the city view from the ceiling to floor windows that surrounded the place. There is wine waiting already, and you vow to have no more than two glasses as you were still feeling good from the champagne at the show. Namjoon has also apparently preordered the food, something that would have annoyed you with any other date, but not with Namjoon who knew you so well. 

Conversation flowed as easily as it always did with the two of you. You both speak of work, and plans for the farm in spring (you were still determined to buy goats. Maybe some chickens). Namjoon’s plate was filled with meat and noodles as usual, while yours had a bit more variety as it was a few different Korean dishes with a western flair. You politely refrained from saying anything out loud about Namjoon’s long legs playing footsie with you under the table, not wanting to embarrass the man. It was hard though, because he was so damn cute.

By the end of the meal you were full and getting close to tipsy, though not quite. There was a pleasant warmness in the pit of your belly and your muscles felt loose. The entire evening, while definitely cliche, but wonderful and Namjoon’s eagerness to please you made everything a hundred times better. Honestly, you were just as happy with takeout and Netflix and didn’t need all this fancy stuff, but you knew it was just Namjoon trying to show you how much he cares. 

Namjoon rushes over to pull out your chair and help you up, then takes your purse and cardigan from the waitress before helping you into that too. Any excuse he could come up with to touch you, it seemed. 

The two of you left the restaurant hand in hand, but he paused just before the elevators. He cleared his throat and his face was slowly growing a blush that spread from his cheeks to his neck. 

“So...uh. There’s another part of this date if you want it. Hyung said it would be a good idea just in case. Uh...so...” Namjoon fidgets and chews on his lip. You reach up and tug it from his teeth which makes him finally look at you. 

“What is it, sweetheart?” you ask softly. 

“So, uh. This is a hotel. Obviously. Hyung knows a guy and got us the best room here. There’s, like, a hot tub. And those alcohol bottles. Cable...” he trails off, staring at the elevator again. 

You smirk gently, knowing where this is going. “And a bed.” 

“Yeah...” he coughs. “Probably one of those too.” 

“So you’re ready to...”

“I mean...we don’t have to. We could just hang out and use the hot tub. Eat all the snacks and drink all the booze since it’s paid for,” he shrugs, and if it wasn’t for the fact that his ears were bright red, you’d believe his charade of indifference. 

“Take me to our room, Joonie.” 

His eyes finally meet yours, and the golden depths of them are glimmering somehow, the pupils dilating by the mere suggestion. 

“Yeah? Okay. Yeah, let’s go,” he says huskily, gently grasping your hand and pulling you into the elevator. 

He doesn’t let go once, just pushes the button for the floor below the restaurant and keeps holding on. You weren’t sure, but you thought maybe the skin of his hand was raising in temperature, as his palm was practically scalding and making your own sweat. 

Once the doors ding and open, he continues gently leading you towards a room that was so massive apparently only one existed on this floor. Namjoon opens the door and gestures you to go inside, finally letting your hand free. You take the chance to wipe it on your jacket, though you hated defiling the beautiful cardigan. Both of you kick off your shoes and take off your jackets. Namjoon grabs it all and places them in the little closet next to the door. Finally, you pause and look around the room. 

It was beautiful. Mostly white, with some obviously upscale furniture of various types and materials scattered around. You were obviously in what was basically a living room, as there were a huge couch and a massive television as the main centerpieces. You walk a little bit and peek around the corner, spotting a big feathery looking bed covered in white and gold (although the bed at home was bigger and comfier, you were sure. You hadn’t skimped on Namjoon’s bed at all). The bathroom was on the other side and you sauntered over to peek in there, as well. This too was massive, with a walk-in shower the size of your bedroom, a big jacuzzi in one corner that was surrounded by rose petals and candles, and two fluffy looking robes hanging with their names embroidered on them. 

Namjoon comes up behind you and lays his chin on your shoulder, pulling you closer by your waist. 

“Do you like it?” 

“It’s lovely, sweetheart! I’ve only seen places like this in movies.” 

He hums and kisses your neck. That action seemed to remind your body of why you were here in the first place, as the feeling of his lips sent tingles straight through your entire body. 

“You wanna use the hot tub?” he murmurs, his fingers tightening their grip on your hips. 

“Yeah,” you answer breathily. “Don’t have a suit, though.” 

He audibly gulps. “That’s okay. I don’t either.” 

Oh

Namjoon releases you and walks towards the jacuzzi. He looks around for the button to turn it on, pressing it and fiddling with the heat setting. Instantly, the jets begin their magic. There’s a bottle that he picks up near the tub. It’s glass and the liquid inside is a shimmering amethyst hue. It looks like something you’d find in some witches hut right before they turn you into a toad. Namjoon catches you eyeing it as he pours a little bit in. As the oils swirl in the water and release the most captivating scent you’ve ever smelled in your life, he grins sheepishly. 

“A present from Heechul hyung.” 

Because of course it was. And if you knew him at all, you knew what it was probably meant for. 

But any worries you had about magically enhanced possibly aphrodisiac water we erased from your mind as Namjoon turned to face you. He pulled off his glasses and set them on the counter, the clink as they hit the porcelain practically echoing through the room as your senses seemed to enhance as your heart raced. 

He untucked his shirt, his eyes now locked on yours, as if he was daring you to look away. Somehow, your usually shy and fumbling dragon was nowhere to be seen at this moment. You swallowed as you followed the path of his fingers to the top button of his shirt, exhaling shakily as it popped out. The next few buttons followed and you can see bits of his tanned chest peeking through. It wasn’t unusual to see it, as he often went around the house either shirtless or with a tank top that was so open he might as well have been. However, you were seeing it now with the knowledge that you would now get to touch it, kiss it, and much more. 

Finally, he pulled the entire shirt off and tossed it onto the counter. His hands flew to his belt, moving much faster than they had with the shirt. You watched as he unbuckled it quickly and pulled it free from the pant loops, tossing it onto the floor without a care. Then his fingers went to the button on his jeans and you swore the breath left your body. His fingers were slightly shaky as he popped it open and slowly drew his zipper down. He somehow drew the tight jeans down his hips with ease and kicked them away, and finally, you were faced with Namjoon in all of his glory. 

God, he was beautiful. 

His glorious chest tapered into a small waist then down to his long, thick-thighed legs. And his skin! It was normally a beautiful tan, but somehow at this moment it was nearly as golden as his eyes. 

You licked your lips and let your gaze fall to the one spot they’d tried to avoid and you whimpered. He was probably not the biggest in the world, but certainly the biggest you’d ever seen in person. And he was already so hard, the tip of his pretty cock flush and wet. You wanted him in your mouth. 

Suddenly, your clothes that had once felt like being dressed in a cloud were unbearably itchy, and you wanted them off yesterday. 

You tug on your dress and tights, growing frustrated when your hands won’t cooperate. Namjoon strides closer to help and the moment his hands touch you, you embarrass yourself when a needy moan escapes. You’re so worked up just from wanting him so much, and he’s so damn pretty, and it’s been so long...

Namjoon’s nostrils flare when you finally tug your stockings off, and his low rumble is growing louder by the second. 

“You’re wet,” he sighs throatily. “Smell so good.” 

He takes a few shaky breaths before he grabs the bottom of your dress and lifts it off, somehow not shredding anything in his haste. Your under things meet the same fate and you’re suddenly standing in front of him bare as can be. His eyes travel down your body, his mouth open and lightly panting. 

“Beautiful,” he groans. Then he picks you up and nuzzles into your neck as he carries you to the jacuzzi. 

He manages to slide you in without bumping too much, then sits next to you. Honestly, you hadn’t thought you’d get as far as the hot tub with the way that you felt, but apparently, he had other ideas. 

After he gets settled safely into his spot he sighs and picks you up yet again, this time placing you on his lap with his chest to your back. He kisses up and down your neck while he winds his arms around you. You can feel him hot and heavy against your lower back, twitching every time you let a moan escape. 

“Wanted you for so long,” he pants into your hair. “Is this okay?”

His hand is traveling down your stomach and you can guess where he’s going, so you nod, too focused on trying to breathe right to answer. 

When those fingers that you loved so much finally reach your center, you sigh and sink into his lap, laying your head against his shoulder. He tilts your head slightly and captures your lips in a kiss that conveyed every bit of the hunger he’d been holding at bay. It’s awkward at that angle, but you didn’t care, happily letting his do as he pleased. 

His hand was still at work below the water, finally reaching its destination and set his fingers to exploring. He pulled his lips away from yours and moved down, biting and sucking at the point where neck met shoulder as his fingers played below. After a few moments, he finally found your bud and focused on that, rubbing it slow and firmly, all the while mumbling against your neck as he sucked marks onto it that would take a long time to fade. 

“Joon, please. Just get in me already.” 

He groaned, his hips bucking a little against your back. 

“Not yet. Gotta...hyung said to make you cum first.” 

“Oh, fuck...don’t talk about Heechul right now,” you moan as he switches the position of his fingers, obviously having had an idea. His thumb is still firmly working on rubbing circles into your clit, but his other fingers are working on trying to enter your slick hole. 

Suddenly, what he’d left unspoken got through your brain and you grabbed his wrist. 

“Sweetheart, are you a virgin?” 

He buries his head into the small of your back and sighs. 

“Yeah. Not really much of a chance for a dragon to mess around, you know. I never felt right letting anyone else get that close and most of the other hybrids were too scared to try.” 

“But you’re alright now?” 

“Yeah. You’re my mate. My dragon is content, I’m overjoyed. I may not have done this really before, but I did lots of research and I will do my best to make you happy.” 

He was so earnest and cute, which felt like a weird thing to think when you could feel his hard dick digging into your back. 

“Oh, sweetheart. You don’t have to do anything flawlessly. I’m happy enough just being with you. We’ll figure everything else out along the way, alright?” 

He nods and kisses you softly. “Love you.” 

“I love you too, Namjoon,” you sigh happily as he pulls you closer and rumbles against your neck. 

Slowly, he starts rocking you against him, using your body to bring some relief to his no doubt aching cock. His hand is back to work beneath the water and he plunges one thick finger into you slowly. You gasp and try to help him by circling your hips a little. 

You faintly hear the sound of your phone ringing, which seems weird considering how late in the evening it was. You try your best to filter it out and focus on Namjoon’s finger moving in and out of you as he suckles yet another mark into your neck. 

However, it rings again. 

Namjoon growls, his thumb on your clit rubbing faster to try to get you where he wanted you. 

The phone rang again. 

You moan out of frustration as the climax that had once felt so close drifted further from you as you begin to worry about why someone would call you so many times in a row this late at night. Visions of your home being burnt down, Soonyoung or Jihoonie in a fiery car accident, a number of other horrible scenarios until finally you sigh and place a hand on Namjoon’s arm to stop him. 

“Baby, no. They can wait,” Namjoon pouts, nipping at your shoulder. 

“You know as well as I do that no one calls us this late. If they are calling now and not stopping, there’s something wrong.” 

He sighs and pulls his finger out of you slowly while you whimper at the loss, suddenly feeling unbearably empty as you flutter around nothing. 

“You’re right. Go answer,” he says with what is the most adorable pout you’ve ever seen. 

You turn around and kiss the tip of his nose before jumping out and pulling on the robe. Namjoon is right behind you, dripping water everywhere before he pulls his on too. His eyes are still dark and hungry, and he holds onto the back of the robe like he can’t bear to let you stray too far. 

You stride into the living room quickly, Namjoon still at your heels and pull your phone from your purse. You take a quick look at the ID of the still ringing phone and are surprised to find it’s Heechul, especially when you know he’s aware of your plans today. 

“Hello?” 

“Oh, thank fuck. Listen, I’m so sorry, I know tonight was a big deal but we have a bit of an emergency.” Heechul frantically explains. 

“That’s okay. What’s up?” 

“So, we have volunteers and workers all assigned to different sections of the shelter, because as much as I would like to, I can’t be everywhere at once. I try my best to give everyone personalized care, but sometimes I can’t stretch myself that far and I have to put faith in the people that work for me. Well, it backfired this time. Turns out the person I had in charge of the young reptiles was a fucking flake. They didn’t change out the proper bulbs or get the ones that need it ready for hibernation, among other things.” 

“Oh my God, that’s horrible!” 

“Yeah, well, they are now fired and I’m thinking about pressing charges, but for now we have a serious emergency. It’s Mark.” 

“Mark? What’s wrong with him?” 

“The worker had reported that he had the flu, and we all just assumed he had the cold that was going around and didn’t think to look into her claims. Turns out he’s practically dying. He hasn’t had proper lighting or heat in months, and she didn’t feed him enough to get him through his hibernation. He doesn’t actually hibernate like a bear or anything, just sleeps a lot and doesn’t get around to eating or drinking. I’m checking his supplies right now, but I seriously doubt she even bothered to give him the vitamins he needs as a lizard hybrid either.” 

“That poor baby,” you can’t help tearing up, and you feel Namjoon wrap you into a soothing back hug. He can obviously hear everything perfectly. 

“Listen, he’s actually been crying for you. I tried to console him and on my own after we got him a little more stabilized and hydrated, but he won’t stop crying for you. I know it’s not a good night, but could you come in? Maybe bring Namjoon too?” 

“Of course! We’ll be there as soon as we can!” 

You can hear Heechul breath a sigh of relief. 

“Thanks, guys. Once Mark is in the clear, I’ll be sure to make Namjoon stay at home for a while to make it up to you. See you.” 

“See you soon.” 

You hang up and turn to your dragon with an apologetic smile. 

“Is this okay? I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” 

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. Honestly, the fact that you’re willing to run off to a whelp that has nothing to do with you in the middle of the night is just another reason to love you. You have such a big heart.” 

You smile and reach up to kiss him. He pecks you then flips you around and pats your butt as he pushes you towards your clothing.  

“Besides,” he adds as he tugs up his pants. “I honestly wasn’t that sure about this room in the first place. It doesn’t smell like us and didn’t feel safe. This was hyung’s idea because he said all women like this stuff.” 

You slipped your dress back on then looked at him over your shoulder. 

“I don’t need all this, Joonie. I’m happy with just you.” 

He smiles lovingly while he buttons his shirt up. 

“I know. The first time we make love, I want it to be in our nest at home. Where I can protect you and it smells like happiness and love. This place is nice but it’s hard to concentrate when all I smell is bleach.” 

You giggle at his cute crinkled nose and reach out for a hug once you’re both dressed. 

“Still, I loved tonight and I can’t wait for the rest now that I’ve had a taste.” 

His nostrils flare as he stares down at you and whines. 

“Not fair. I’m trying to make this thing go down and you can’t say stuff like that.” 

You laugh fully as you pull on your cardigan and shoes. Namjoon sighs and slips his shoes back on and grabs your purse, carrying it under his armpit like a pro. His other hand is occupied calling the taxi again and letting them know he needed them again. Thankfully, they had one not too far away and they were sending it over. 

The two went down the elevator hand in hand and walked through the lobby without a care for how disheveled they must look. They only had to wait outside for the taxi for a couple of minutes, and Namjoon quickly ushered you into it in an effort to keep you from getting too cold. 

The ride to the shelter was tense as you both worried over the komodo dragon hybrid you’d both sorta bonded with. You remembered little details now that hadn’t seemed so out of place at the time, like how thin he was or how sharp his cheekbones were. How erratic his breathing had been. You’d just brushed it off as how he was supposed to be as a lizard hybrid since you didn’t know any better. Now you felt horrible because you should have seen it and known something was wrong, then you could have helped the poor baby sooner.

Once you arrived at the shelter, Namjoon threw fare to the driver and the two of you grabbed the hands of each other and literally ran into the shelter, with you practically screeching Heechul’s name. 

He finally came out of one of the numerous hallways, for once looking haggard himself. 

“Thank God you guys are here. He won’t stop crying for Y/N.” 

Your heart clenched as you thought of the hybrid you’d only met a few times. Had he really bonded with you that much already? 

Heechul led you through the hall into the reptile wing, and you immediately noticed the difference in lighting to the other rooms you’d been in. Heechul notices your gaze and nods with a frown. 

“Those lights are UV lights. They provide heat and sunlight for our reptiles and they are supposed to be changed every six months. The worker we had was marking them changed when they weren’t. Mark and a few others have been going without proper heating, light, and nutrition for months. I feel like kicking my own ass as well as hers. I should have paid more attention,” Heechul explains furiously. 

You shake your head and reach out to squeeze his shoulder. 

“You already do so much, Heechul. You can’t do everything. Magic whatever or not.” 

He sighs and nods. “I know. Doesn’t make me feel less like shit.” 

He leads you up to a door that has drawings taped all over it. 

“Mark is in here,” he says with a frown. 

The door cracks a little and you can already hear the little sniffles as someone tries to talk to him. It’s obvious the little hybrid is refusing to listen to the worried shelter worker trying to calm him down enough to drink some water. 

You walk into the room and set your purse down, moving to the chair as soon as the worker vacates it. 

“Hey there, honey. It’s okay. Shhh. We’re here,” you croon softly as the tears slowly stop. 

The little hybrid had been facing the wall and was apparently too stuffed up to have smelt you enter, but he turns around when he hears you. He looks terrible - his cheeks gaunt and his eyes looking like he hadn’t slept in hundreds of years. 

“Y/N?” he asks softly, like he can’t believe you’re actually there. 

“Yes, it’s me. And Namjoonie too. We heard you weren’t feeling good and wanted to come to see you. Is that okay?” 

He nods enthusiastically, then reaches his arms out slowly, searching your face for a rejection. 

You coo and slide onto the bed, pulling Mark closer to your chest. This close, you can hear the rattling in his throat and feel that he weighs practically nothing. And his skin! It’s so cold! Like he just stepped out of a freezer. You had to get this poor thing warm fast. 

“There, there, sweetness. I got you.” 

Namjoon is standing at the end of the bed with a fond smile as he watched the two of you. You gesture for him to get into the other side of the bed. 

“Hey, Mark? You know what’s really great when you don’t feel good?” 

“What?” he asks through sniffles, his poor little voice hoarse and crackling. 

“Dragon hugs. They feel so warm and safe. You’ll love it. Can Joonie give you a dragon hug?” 

He pauses to think for a moment, then nods before he cuddles in closer to your chest. Namjoon takes his queue and slides onto the bed on the other side of Mark and wraps himself around the tiny hybrid, enveloping him in safety and warmth. You can feel his little body shivering as it tried to regulate its temperature, but Mark sighs as Namjoon’s excessive body heat is put to good use. Soon enough, he falls asleep and you decide to let him for a little while before you have to wake him to get more food and fluids in him. 

Namjoon meets your eyes over the little hybrids head, absolute love and devotion shining in his eyes. 

“I love you,” he whispers. 

“I love you too,” you smile, reaching over to grab his hand. 

You squeeze his hand and place a kiss on Mark’s head before closing your eyes and following the others into sleep, a feeling of rightness settling into your chest. 

[everly-kindred]

Eve’s Diary - Entry #91

Date: 14th of February, 2028

Dear Diary, 

Well! It has been a very eventful couple of weeks leading to Valentines, and most of it is good! Honestly, I’m so excited for spring. I’m ready for the snow and ice to go away, and I’ve come to realise that aside from Halloween, Valentines might be my favourite holiday. I mean, I love all of them but, yeah. 

So I tried this potion called essence of euphoria for the first time, with Ruby. I bought some last Hogsmeade Weekend. Ruby and I played some question games, and it was really silly. It made me feel very… light and soft. Like I had sunshine in my belly, which, the potion is all sunshine yellow, so that makes sense. And Ruby kept saying all these things, calling me pretty and stuff. It was a good memory, I think. I want to buy more from Hogsmeade, but I have to save my allowance a little. 

I got to talk to Aures a little, and I met some other Gryffindors - one named Andie, the other named Candice. Candice seems nice, and I offered to help her with herbology homework because she was struggling with aconite. Andie is… lively. And energetic, but… I’ve heard her say some mean things to Jamie, so I’m not sure how to feel about her. Ressy likes her though, so… I dunno. 

In Potions Theory, we got to talk about Love Potions which I guess is something we do every year around this time of year. Not that I’m complaining, I have that subject matter practically memorised. I love the idea of love potions! Or maybe I just love love. Anyways, we got to smell amortentia again. I smelled chocolate chip cookies, and firewood like the smoke from campfires and fireplaces, and honeysuckle, which made me really wish it was spring again. I wish I could wear amortentia as a perfume. I wonder if you could actually do that? And then you’d smell like whatever attracts other people. I wouldn’t want that kind of attention, though, I’d want to just smell it for myself, you know? 

Jamie found me in the art room when I was painting some stuff I had seen from the vision. We talked about it for a long time. I learned some things about the vision I hadn’t known, and so did they, because we both focused on different things when we were seeing it. It’s so strange to share that exact memory with someone else, but, it’s also kind of cool, and comforting. Jamie told me that they’re dating Ressy now, and I thought I’d be jealous, but… I think it’s sort of good? I know Ressy has always wanted other friends, and I do too, so it sort of feels like even though we’re kind of growing in different directions right now, it means it’ll be better to grow together later. Like, become our own people rather than being isolated together, I guess. 

Cupid’s Corner and the rose grams came back again. I got one rose from Jamie, and it was a new friend rose. I’m going to hang it from the poster frame of my bed so that it dries in a good shape, and then I’ll keep it forever. And then I put in Cupid’s Corner messages for a few people, but not as much as I did last year or that I would’ve liked to, and I didn’t send any roses at all. I guess I felt really tired and lazy. Maybe a bit sad and homesick? Like, I’m all pent up, and I keep dreaming of just getting on my broom and flying away for a little bit, having an adventure. 

In Divinations, we did divination with cats! I was very glad to not have brought Puck to this lesson, because he doesn’t really get along with other cats. Like, he doesn’t mind them, but if he gets frustrated or wants to go outside, he’ll bother them. Anyways, I got to divine with this orange cat, the tag said Sir Pounce de Leon, but if he were my cat, I’d have named him Goose or Cashmere. I love his name, anyways. And I ended up staying in the room way after everyone else had left, because he fell asleep in my lap and it seemed like it was against the law to move. 

We did the flutterby bush class again, which I always love, and then it was time to prepare for the Hearty Party. Mum sent me this dress I had from a few years ago, but she’d used magic to colour it, and my granny tailored it to fit me better since I’ve grown a little. And then she gave me this sparkly undershirt thingy to wear with it, and a big pink ribbon. Oh, and this piece of costume jewelry that’s like a big opal to wear as a necklace. Honestly, this was probably my favourite outfit I’ve ever worn, and I didn’t really wanna take it off. I just love love! And love themes! And for the party, I coloured the ends of my hair red and then braided it and tied it up.

The Hearty Party this year was pretty cool. The theme was Medusa and Athena, which I thought was interesting. I heard they’ve done greek themes for years now. They apparently did Poseidon at one point, and there was sushi and stuff and it was all underwater themed, and I wish I could have seen it! I ate berry flavoured cheesecake and fruit lemonade, and then I ended up leaving early because there was so many people in there and so much going on, that I got a little overwhelmed. 

I ran into Casey, also. He’d gotten into some sort of fight with Peach and she stormed off, and Andie and this Slytherin girl Alexandra teased him. He seemed really upset, so I stopped him and told him if he needed to talk to a friend, or anything like that, I’m here. He went to the common rooms and I haven’t seen him since, but it’s only been a day so… I just hope he’s okay and has friends to talk to if he needs it. 

And then this is where it gets… interesting? Weird? Bobby found me in the clocktower. I was playing exploding snap by myself, so we started talking and were gonna play some games, but then a bunch of older students showed up, so he picked me up and carried me to this secret room behind a painting! I don’t think I’ve been carried since I was little, and even then it was by my parents! 

Anyways, we started to play the game. We talked about favourite holidays, worst things we’ve ever done. We talked about what we thought about marriage and family, like, when we’re older. He says he wants to have a yacht which is like a big fancy rich people boat, and I told him I want to travel in a van or even a caravan and sometimes by broom, like, see the world? 

But then we started talking about crushes, and he told me that Talula had talked to him about me and that she thought I might like him, which, she’s not wrong. And I told Bobby that I did like him, and Ruby, too, and he told me he liked me back! And he kissed me on the cheek! But then, he asked if we were supposed to kiss or something, and… And I got so nervous that I just kissed him on the cheek and ran away! 

I had told him I didn’t want to make things weird with out friendship, but, I also kind of don’t want to let this go. I don’t really know what to do. Bobby is one of my closest friends, it’d wreck me if I lost him for some reason or another, but, maybe I’m overthinking it? I need to ask Marigold or Talula or someone for their thoughts. Someone older, with some experience. Though, Talula did talk about Chadwick apparently being a knob, so… I dunno. 

My brain is all kinds of confused, now. But, we’ll figure it out. I’m sure it’ll all be okay. So! Until then.

Much love, Everly

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[spacesnail3000]

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart Chapter 5: I Can Teach You Everything I Know

Pairing: Stucky x Reader

Chapter Summary: Turns out abstinence-only sex education from a private Catholic school doesn’t prepare you for the real world as well as conservatives think it does. Shocking.

Word Count: 4,940

Warnings: Language, dubcon smut (fingering, thigh riding), manipulation 

(This story is starting to get much darker now so please pay attention to the warnings!!! It doesn’t get better from here!!)

Masterlist / AO3

The rain didn’t clear up for a couple more days, but they didn’t mind. 

She and Steve spent the mornings together at the kitchen table, Y/N writing and drawing in her journal, and Steve sketching in his notebook. 

He mentioned offhandedly one day that he missed painting, and then she asked him if he would teach her how. So they went out to a little art store and bought a bunch of watercolor supplies and he taught her everything he knew. How to control the saturation of pigment with the amount of water on the brush, how to bloom the color across the page, how to layer the shades to add more depth to the picture. 

She ate up every little tip he told her. It reminded him of when his mother taught him how to paint. He hadn’t had much time lately for hobbies, so he was enjoying the opportunity to indulge his artistic side. He enjoyed spending the uninterrupted time with her just as much.

In the afternoons, Steve had business to do. He’d spend hours on the phone with Tony, planning big things for the coming weeks. Not even Bucky was allowed on these calls—which annoyed him at first, but it gave him more time to spent with their girl, so he took it in stride.

It was the morning after the long night Steve and Bucky spent together, and Steve was making breakfast for them. While Y/N was setting the table, Bucky snuck up on Steve in the kitchen, pressing a chaste kiss to his neck. Steve jumped and pulled him aside into the laundry room.

“What happened yesterday,” Steve said, voice low so Y/N wouldn’t hear. He rubbed a hand over his face. “We can’t do it again.”

“What?” Bucky frowned, “Why?”

“Peggy, of course,” Steve said it like it was the most obvious thing. Steve couldn’t serial-cheat on his girlfriend. That would be unacceptable. “She doesn’t deserve that. It was a one-time-thing. Keep it between us, got it?”

Bucky smiled tightly. “Of course, Stevie. Whatever you want.”

Afterwards, he went for a long run along the beach to clear his head, and for the following days, he tried to stay clear of Steve. Truthfully, it hurt a little. He and Steve had always been on and off, but Bucky liked it best when they were on. If it were up to him, they would be on all the time.

Bucky didn’t really see the reason for Steve to date Peggy, but Steve seemed to be happy—sometimes, at least. He seemed less and less happy the past few months as Peggy expected more and more out of their relationship. Every time Steve complained about Peggy suffocating him or not understanding his obligations to the mob, Bucky wanted to yell at him—shout out, that if Steve chose Bucky, it would be better. If Steve chose Bucky, they would be happy.

Bucky didn’t know what to do about it, though. Steve didn’t want him now—he wanted Peggy, apparently.

So while Steve holed himself up in the cottage’s office in the afternoons, Bucky would seek out Y/N to distract him. Their time together was peaceful, spent cuddling together on the back porch with a thick blanket and watching the rain. They would reminisce over their childhood memories, show each other books and music they liked, and talk about almost anything that came to mind.

She tended to be more vulnerable with Bucky when it was the two of them alone, snuggled up together, and Bucky couldn’t help but go even softer for her. He loved the way she felt pressed up against him, the way she would look up at him for validation or reassurance, the way her eyes would light up whenever she spoke about herself.

Since Steve had rebuffed him, he couldn’t help but feel a little spiteful, a little dejected. His deep-seated yearning for Y/N was only growing now that he and Steve were on stricter terms. 

Sometimes when Steve took her in his arms at night when they watched movies, Bucky would feel a little unwelcome spark of jealousy popping off in his chest. He wasn’t sure who he was jealous of. Certainly he wanted Steve to show that kind of affection to him, but he also wanted her in his arms almost all the time. 

Seeing them curled up together so closely, he had to admit that they looked good together. Steve was the strong protector type, and she needed something like that.

He wondered if he could be that for her, but he knew he couldn’t. It wasn’t in him. Still, despite that, he couldn’t help the way he felt towards her. She was sunshine personified—how could he not love her just a little bit?

In the back of his mind, he hoped he would get the chance to get closer to her again, that the moment would come for him to take her in his arms like he had the night of her birthday.

But it was too far-fetched. He knew that.

The moment happened to present itself in the middle of the week.

They were all on the couch watching a thriller movie, and she was curled up into Bucky’s side. Bucky wasn’t even paying attention to the television. His mind lingered on how she felt against him, the feeling of her soft skin as he stroked her arm, the way her hair tickled against his chin where he rested it on her head.

He thought the movie was probably just getting intense, because Steve’s phone rang, and both Y/N and Steve jumped in their seats at the shrill tone. Her head jolted against his jaw and made his teeth click.

Steve’s brief shock disappeared when he checked the caller ID. “It’s Peggy!” he said excitedly, jumping up. “I’m going to bed, goodnight!” He ran up the stairs, and they hear him answer before he shut himself in his room.

Bucky huffed, “About damn time…”

“Why has Peggy been ignoring him all week?” the girl in his arms asked, stretching out more on the couch.

“She didn’t like that he had to come here,” Bucky answered.

They went silent once more, watching the movie—or in Bucky’s case, pretending.

“Is it my fault?”

Bucky kissed the top of her head. “No, doll. It’s not your fault,” he lied. She believed him though, and his words seemed to reassure her enough that she relaxed into him. “Let me lay down, doll. I’m getting stiff here.”

“Hmph…” Grumbling, she allowed him to maneuver them so he was laying behind her, her back pressed against his front. Bucky didn’t hesitate before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close, spooning her. She was soft and warm against him, and he relished it for the remaining hour and a half of the movie, lost in the way she felt against him.

He hadn’t even realized when the credits started rolling until Y/N turned her head a little bit. “Steve’s asleep,” she whispered. It was only then that he heard the faint sound of snoring upstairs.

“You wanna go to sleep?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

She shook her head. “Not tired.”

She took the remote and played another movie, then settled back against him again. He was glad she had elected not to go to bed yet. He wanted more time with her in his arms.

Burying his face into her hair, he smelled the salon shampoo she used, and something sweet like vanilla. He stayed there, arms anchoring her against him.

His grown-out stubble scratched at the back of her scalp and at her neck and she squirmed against him. Bucky only realized the effects of her squirming when it was too late, and then the bulge in his pants was pressing against her ass.

She turned in his arms to face him. She hadn’t been paying much attention to the movie anyways. “You’re tickling me,” she pouted.

“What?” he asked, oblivious. “How?”

Her hands came up and cupped his jaw, her fingers running along his stubbly cheeks. “Your beard,” she answered, eyes fixated on his strong jawline. 

She was so close to him now. He could smell her perfume, floral and fresh. Her sun kissed skin glowed in the faint light of the television.

“Sorry, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’ll shave it.”

“No!” she said, too quickly. Thoughts of his scruff chafing against her lips and chin when he kissed her flickered through her mind, and she blushed.

Bucky smirked at her reaction. “No, you don’t want me to?” he teased.

She shook her head, fingers still playing at his beard. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, hands splayed across her lower back, stroking lightly there. She was sensitive there, he learned from the daily applications of sunscreen. He dug his fingers in to tickle her, and she squirmed against him again, trying to move away from his fingers but only pressing herself up more against his hard body. If she noticed—well, he wanted to see what she would do. It thrilled him a little that she would experience this for the first time with him.

She had noticed the hardness in his shorts, but she ignored it—not really knowing what she was supposed to do about it. She knew it happened when a man was aroused, but Bucky—he couldn’t be…

Well, he did try and kiss her. But that had been weeks ago, she reasoned, and he hadn’t made another move since. Not that she really knew how their relationship was supposed to progress from there. He had just gone back to acting like her best friend.

At least he hadn’t ignored her like Steve had, but she and Steve were back to normal, too.

Still, Bucky had to have kissed her for a reason, and the way his eyes kept flickering down to her lips confirmed as much.

“Bucky?”

“Hmm?”

“Why’d you kiss me on my birthday?”

Bucky stiffened, not anticipating that question. She hadn’t brought it up yet, but he didn’t expect her to ignore it forever.

“I…” he didn’t know how to answer. “I wanted to,” he said simply.

“But why?”

He thought about it, how he had been tempted. “You just looked so pretty that night, I couldn’t help myself.”

She mulled this over. “So you’ve been able to help yourself since? Or have you not wanted to kiss me again?”

He knew what she was doing—trying to see if he had lost interest in her. “I liked the kiss, darling. I just haven’t had the chance to kiss you again.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks were flushed now, pink and pretty. “So you want to?”

Well, she was basically inviting him to kiss her now. What else was he supposed to do?

He leaned forward and kissed her—softer than he had before, just a gentle press of his lips against hers. Then he pulled back all too soon and licked his lips. Her lip balm tasted like candy.

“There. Happy?” he asked, unable to repress the smirk on his lips.

She was pouting. “No,” she answered.

“No?” He raised his eyebrows, playing innocent. “Why not? Not a good kiss?”

“Bucky,” she whined. “C’mon.”

“What? I don’t know what you want unless you tell me.”

She huffed, then said, “I liked how you kissed me on my birthday.”

That was what he wanted her to say, and now she had fallen right into his hands. He brought one hand up to cup the back of her head, pulling her into him for the same kind of bruising kiss he had given her before.

This time, she didn’t freeze up. Instead, she worked her lips against his and matched his vigor, allowing his tongue to enter her mouth and tangle with her own. She tasted like cherries, and he groaned into her mouth, unable to help himself. She was everything he ever hoped—so receptive and willing.

He was rock hard by now, and he couldn’t help the slight press of his hips against hers. It caused her to gasp into his mouth, which pleased him. He groaned low in response, and she could feel the vibrations all throughout her body. That paired with the feeling of his stubble scratching at her skin, the feeling of his arms compressing her body around the middle—it was overwhelming, too much sensation for her inexperienced body to process at once.

She turned her head, breaking the kiss, but Bucky didn’t stop, lowering his head and kissing down her jaw and neck. As he sucked and licked at the sensitive skin, she let out the sweetest little sounds—gasps and whimpers, one hand grabbing at his shoulder and the other one in his hair. One of his hands came up to roam her body, brushing along her side, rubbing over her back, drifting down to caress her hip—he just wanted to feel her, every part of her.

When his hand skimmed over her ass, she started pushing at his shoulders. “Bucky,” she gasped as he bit at her clavicle, “Bucky, wait—"

“Quiet,” he shushed her, hoping she wasn’t loud enough for Steve to wake. He didn’t want to stop, and he certainly didn’t want Steve to catch them, so he brought his lips back up and kissed her hard, silencing her. Maneuvering their bodies just so, he shoved one of his thick thighs between her own, effectively pinning her body down with his leg and his arms tight around her torso. 

She squeaked into his mouth when his thigh ground up against the space between her legs—nobody had ever touched her there before, not even herself. Her heart was racing, not sure what was supposed to come next, not sure how far he was going to go with her. It was all too much too soon, and while her body was tingling with his touch, skin burning, her mind told her it was wrong.

At the feeling of his hand groping her ass, squeezing tight, she yanked especially hard on his hair. Their lips detached at his pained gasp, which gave her the opportunity to turn her mouth away from him again.

“Bucky,” she panted, “Stop!”

It confused her when he chuckled, his laugh rumbling through both their bodies. He dipped his head, running his nose along her throat, ending with a press of his lips under her earlobe. “Why do you want me to stop, baby?” he asked, voice gravelly with lust. “You asked for me to kiss you, remember?”

“I know, but—”

“This is how I kissed you at your birthday. This is how it would’ve gone if Sam hadn’t interrupted us. You know that?”

She shook her head, mind swimming with arousal and panic. “But Bucky,” she pleaded, “I don’t know—I’m not sure—”

“Hey,” he stopped her, gripping her chin and forcing her to look into his eyes. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t do nothin’ you ain’t ready for.” 

“I don’t know what I’m ready for,” she whispered, eyes dropping.

“Look at me,” he growled, voice firmer. She did, eyes shimmering with uncertainty. “Do you trust me?” She nodded, and his grip on her tightened. “Need to hear you say it, doll.”

“I trust you,” she whispered.

“Then let me take the lead.” The words sounded like a request, but his voice left no room for argument. “Quiet your mind. Listen to your body. Your body knows what to do,” he said, running his fingers gently along her side. She shivered. “You were made for me, baby.” His thumb ran along her lower lip, and her eyes fluttered closed at the sensation of his hands mixed with his words. 

He truly believed it—the more he touched her body, the more he realized it. She was perfect. All of her sounds, the way she clung to him; she was so receptive to his touch, her body so responsive. The goosebumps on her skin, the way she shuddered, the unconscious clench of her thighs on his—they betrayed her pleasure, even if she didn’t realize it yet.

Plus, he had already had a taste of her—he would never be able to let her go, now.

“I don’t know what to do, though,” she murmured, lips brushing deliciously against his thumb. 

“I’m gonna teach you, sweetheart.” With that, he kissed her again. He would try not to overwhelm her tonight—there was always next time.

And there would be a next time, if he had anything to do with it.

For now, he just enjoyed kissing her, touching her body. Her lips were plushy and slippery wet, swollen from the scratch of his beard. She kissed him eagerly, tongue curling with his, only pulling back when she began to run out of breath.

As he kissed her, his hands roamed her body over the fabric of her dress at her waist and hips. The material was so thin he could feel the heat of her body through it, the way her flesh yielded to his grip.

His hand slowly inched down to the hem of her dress. The skirt was very short, and their position caused it to hike up more than was appropriate so it ended just under her ass. He bypassed the hem at first, hand running down her thigh, feeling her soft skin. Then he traced up the back of her thigh and dipped underneath the hem, gripping her ass beneath the fabric.

Her ass cheek was half bare, covered only by a pair of skimpy panties. He wanted to see them, so he swiftly flipped up her skirt over her hips to bare her ass.

“Bucky!” she gasped, breaking the kiss. They both looked down at her bared bottom, her gaze was panicked while his was lustful. The panties weren’t quite a thong, but they weren’t covering much of her ass; rosy pink lace dipped down between her cheeks, lost between her thighs.

“Look at you, baby doll,” he groaned, palming at the swell of her ass. “Lookin’ so sweet for me.” He ran a finger along the waistband, tracing the top hem and then down where it clung to the round flesh of her ass, ending with a soft press to the crotch of her panties.

She was soaking wet.

“What’re you—”

He cut her off, “Quiet, baby. Let me show you what your body wants.” His finger ran across her clothed pussy. “You’re wet for me. You know what that means?” She shook her head. “It means you like it. Your sweet little pussy gets wet when it likes what I’m doing to your body. Understand?”

She furrowed her eyebrows. Did she understand? Sure, she had had sex education, but she had gone to a private Catholic school in Brooklyn that only taught abstinence. Her health class had barely covered human anatomy, and the nuns had discouraged any questions about sex or pleasure, stating that sex was solely for procreation.

Her body was telling her different, though. She didn’t quite understand why her body was reacting so much to his touch.

She knew she liked it, though. Every brush of his fingers on her skin had her lighting aflame, and now he was touching along her panties and it felt like her pelvis was getting tighter. Everything just felt so good, and she had no idea how it could get any better.

“Sweetie,” Bucky’s hand stilled. “Have you ever touched yourself here before?” He asked, punctuating the question with a press against her pussy. She gasped at the feeling and then shook her head. His index finger found her clit through the fabric and rubbed light circles over it. “When I touch here, and I rub it or press against it, it feels good, doesn’t it, honey?” 

“Yeah,” she gasped, hands clutching to his shoulders. She was breathing heavier again, and the blush on her cheeks had sunk down to the skin of her breasts, making her look like she had spent a little too much time in the sun. As he kept rubbing, her head tilted back, eyes fluttering closed. He pressed down a little harder and she keened, hips jumping against his hand. “S-sorry,” she gasped, trying to still her hips.

“No, sweetheart, don’t apologize,” his voice was low in her ear. “Don’t hold back. Move your hips if it feels good. I just want you to feel good—and there’s a lot of different ways for you to do that.”

At his words, her hips twitched again. He continued to rub against her, occasionally pressing harder, occasionally pinching her clit lightly. With each new sensation, her thighs tightened on him, her hips grinding against his hand, hands fisting his hair. 

Bucky kissed her lightly on the mouth, skimming his lips along her cheek and down her jaw. He nipped lightly at her pulse point and brought his lips down further to her shoulder. He nudged the strap of her dress off, pressing his mouth against the skin there and sucking.

She jolted against him, gasping loudly, “Oh!” The spot he was kissing on her shoulder felt so good, like a direct line to her groin. “That’s—”

“Shh,” he hushed her, murmuring against her skin, “Gotta be quiet. Wouldn’t want Steve to wake up, right?” However, he kept sucking at the spot, noting how it made her squirm and grind down harder on his hand.

She thought that the idea of Steve catching them might dampen her arousal, quell the burning throughout her body, but she felt no panic at the prospect. Instead, the feeling in her tightened even more, making her body tense in the best way.

She felt hot all over, her skin moist with sweat, and she felt so, so slick between her legs. Her panties were completely soaked and they slid against her lips with each movement and shift of her hips, sending more jolts through her body.

“I said quiet, baby,” he admonished her when she whined more. He gave a sharp pinch to her clit to warn her, but it had the opposite effect.

She buried her face against his neck and bit into his skin there, knowing if she didn’t, she would make more noise. She couldn’t help it, though—that pinch had her flying into some depth of pleasure she hadn’t known about before. Wave after wave of ecstasy washed over her, surging through her body. Every nerve was flaring, her skin tingling, mind going fuzzy in her frenzy.

Bucky rubbed her through her orgasm, relishing the way her whole body shook, her thighs clamping down hard on him. When she bit into his neck, it only fed his own arousal, his cock painfully hard in his sweatpants, pressed up against her writhing body.

Finally, the pleasure ebbed away like the surf during low tide, the boiling in her blood lowering to a simmer. She breathed hard against his neck, catching her breath. She vaguely registered that he was rubbing her back, his hand having retreated from her panties.

“Such a good girl,” he whispered into her hair. He pulled her back and kissed her lips gently, sweetly. “That was beautiful, doll.”

She would have blushed more if she could have. “What—”

“You had an orgasm, sweetheart.”

The nuns said that an orgasm happened during sex when a man came, but apparently women had orgasms, too. She never expected it to be so… wonderful.

It was the best thing she’d ever experienced. And she wanted more.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” he teased. He knew full well that she did.

She didn’t catch the teasing in his voice or the smirk on his face, so she nodded vigorously. “That was—that… Bucky,” she sighed, a wide smile coming over her face. She giggled, high on the endorphins from her pleasure. “That was amazing!”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you liked it, but you gotta keep your voice down. Steve’s asleep, remember?”

She nodded. “Sorry,” she whispered. She was silent for a moment, pensive, and he allowed her a moment to collect her thoughts. Finally, she asked, “Bucky?”

“Yeah, doll?”

“You… you said… that there were a lot of different ways… for me to feel good… like that…” she looked away from him as she spoke, embarrassed still. “What are the other ways?”

He smirked, smug that she wanted more from him and was going as far as to ask him for it. “I can show you everything I know, baby,” he offered, “You want that?”

She nodded quickly again. “Yes, please.”

“I’ll show you everything I can, but it’s not all gonna happen tonight. Alright?” 

“Okay… Thank you, Bucky.”

He smiled, kissing her head again. “Good manners, sweetheart. I like to hear your manners.” It turned him on, in fact. His cock couldn’t possibly get any harder.

“Bucky?”

“Hmm?”

“…Is that all you’re going to show me tonight?”

He thought for a second, wondering what else he could ease her into. Something not too far off from what they just did, and maybe something that could get him off, too.

“No, honey, not if you want more. Do you?”

“Yes, please.”

He looked down at her, the lust taking over his eyes again. Slowly, he moved his thigh back between hers, pressing up tightly against her pussy. She let out a breath at the sensation, the more intense pleasure that came from the constant pressure.

“How’s that feel?”

“Good,” she sighed, moving her hips against him of her own volition, just to see how it felt—and it felt wonderful.

“Good, sweetheart, just like that,” he praised her, one hand falling to her hip to help guide her movements. The other arm wrapped around her waist, pressing her tightly against him so he could get some friction of his own as his clothed cock pressed against her hip. 

Her dress had been rucked up to her waist now, so she felt him against her bare skin through the thin material of his sweats. He was hard, unyielding, and it felt so hot against her. Something wet was soaked through the fabric and she could feel the large damp spot. 

They ground their hips against each other, creating a sensual rhythm as the feeling in her belly built, grew taut once again. Bucky staved off his own orgasm for as long as he could, instead focusing on getting her to her own.

He kissed her deeply, licking into her mouth and swallowing all of her little whimpers. His hands both slid to her ass, gripping her flesh tight and pushing and pulling her hips against his. Rutting his hips into her, he bounced his thigh a little bit and she broke off their kiss, panting against his mouth with a pained whimper.

Bringing his lips to her shoulder, he scraped his teeth against the delicate skin, making her keen and whine. Her hands ran from her shoulders to his back, finding the bottom of his shirt and shoving her hands below the hem, wanting to feel more of his skin on hers. 

When her fingernails scraped down his back, he groaned into her neck, the pain bringing him ever closer to his finish.

“Bucky,” she gasped, her hips stuttering in their rhythm, thighs clenching together around him. She could feel it building up again, the same as last time.

“That’s right,” he rasped in her ear, “Come for me.” His words seems to spur her on, and he continued, “Look so pretty when you come. C’mon, so sweet for me, just like that.”

“Oh!” she moaned, and he pressed his lips to her again to keep her quiet. He felt her body shaking again, signaling her orgasm, and he ground his hips further into her, his body going tense as he came. His hips rutted against her sharply, and they gasped the last of their orgasms into each other’s mouths, foreheads pressed together, hips twitching, bodies slowly going slack against the other.

Finally, Bucky pulled back first, looking at her. She was blissed out again, and Bucky wished he could see her like this all the time. He kissed her gently, dominating the kiss, all resistance she had previously harbored gone. 

When they pulled back from the kiss, she looked down. “Your pants are wet,” she said, voice soft and sleepy.

He chuckled, “I’ll bet your panties aren’t too well off, either, honey.” He was glad he could still get her to blush furiously, and he kissed her swollen red lips to distract her. “C’mon,” he said when she yawned into the kiss. “Gotta get you to bed.”

Separating their bodies, Bucky took stock. His sweatpants were ruined, and her pussy had even soaked through a spot on his thigh. She was in a state of disarray, so he pulled up the strap of her dress and straightened the hem before scooping her up and standing.

By the time he made it to her room, she was already falling asleep in his arms, her body worn out from two consecutive orgasms. He tucked her in, brushed a hand over her hair to tidy a few errant strands.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Goodnight, Bucky,” she said softly, sleep already taking her. 

He slipped out of her bedroom and into his own. Steve was still snoring, which was a good sign, and as Bucky took off his dirty clothes and slipped into the shower, he realized he felt better now than he had in a long time.

[loveforpreserumsteve]

Those Who Fall: “APTF” Story (Modern Domestic Stucky AU)

Thirty:

"Papa?"

With heavy eyelids, Steve squinted into the darkness. He was in bed, but he didn't remember getting there. Momentarily paranoid until he felt Bucky's sleeping frame beside him. A small hand shook his arm, and Steve cautiously peeked in the direction. Finding Sophia instead ghost children, he asked, "Everything okay?"

Clutching her stuffed bear, she shook her head, "I had a bad dream."

Steve scrubbed his hand over his face and went to take the little girl back to her bed, but she stopped him, "Can I stay here with you and daddy? Please?"

Even if her lower lip wasn't quivering and even if her eyes weren't glinting with unshed tears, Steve would've moved closer to Bucky's side and pulled back the covers for her. With a small smile, Sophia climbed into the king size bed. Facing Steve, she curled up against his body. As she wrapped her arms around Steve's bare torso, he kissed her forehead and smoothed her silky black hair away from her face.

"Wanna tell me about it?" Steve asked as he soothingly rubbed her back.

Sophia shook her head and moved closer to Steve.

"Okay, sweetie," Steve yawned and tried to get comfortable again in between two very warm-bodied people and under a thick comforter.

Sophia nuzzled closer and Steve kept smoothing her hair. Softly, Sophia asked, "Sing me a song, papa?"

Around another yawn, Steve nodded. Kissing her forehead again, Steve went for his go-to and softly complied, "'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my…'"

Eyes snapping open, he continued, "'Sunshine away,'" only to find that Sophia was no longer in bed with him and neither was Bucky. Further evaluating the master bedroom, Steve found light peeking in through the curtains. Glancing at the alarm clock on his bedside table, Steve found it read: 10:30, which meant that he slept in longer than he had meant to.

Forcing himself out of bed, Steve made his way to the ensuite. Quickly taking care of his morning business. Once done, he slipped on his rings and entered the closet to dress for the day. Since they were going to the orchard to do the typical autumn activities, Steve pulled on a pair of jeans and a plain maroon sweatshirt.

As he made his way for the stairs, he heard commotion in the garage and changed his course. Stepping into the garage, Steve found Bucky up in the loft handing Jonas some of the outdoor Halloween decorations. With the pair in the middle of a conversation, Steve stayed at the open doorway; not wanting to interrupt them.

"It was terrible!" Jonas groaned in embarrassment, "I'll be surprised if she talks to me ever again."

"Trust me, if pops could not only agree to dating me, but marry me after everything that I did," Bucky huffed out a laugh, "You're fine."

"You think?" Jonas asked, sounding hopeful.

"Positive."

Just as Steve was about to turn and go back into the house, Jonas questioned, "How did you ask pops out?"

And Steve just had to hear what his husband had to say.

"Well," Bucky panted from moving the decorations from the loft to the edge where Jonas could reach them, "It was a bunch of double dates. Of course, pops doesn't count those."

Steve rolled his eyes at that. Of course, he didn't count those! The pair had been coupled with girls, not each other, for sobbing out loud! And the one time that Steve had been coupled with a boy, it was all a ruse for Bucky to see what Steve liked in a partner. Which was ridiculous considering Steve didn't have a type until he met Bucky and his soul went, oh, yes, we like him. This is our person.

Bucky clarified, "We had a night in. Where we watched horror movies that scared the ever-loving shit out of me, but I chose because I knew how much your father loves them --"

Steve found it funny that Bucky left out the part that he cozied up to him the entire time.

"-- and then we spent the rest of the night… making out."

Steve smiled at the memory and nearly laughed out loud when Jonas complained, "I really didn't need to know that, dad."

"Sorry, not sorry," Bucky chuckled.

Deciding to make his presence known before Bucky could traumatize their child any further, Steve walked around the corner and smiled, "What's going on out here."

"Figured we could decorate before it starts getting too cold," Bucky answered while Jonas mocked, "Grossing me out."

Playfully, Bucky rolled his eyes at that and asked Steve, "How'd you sleep?"

"Fine," Steve shrugged.

"Wish I could sleep that well," Jonas wistfully commented and teased, "You passed out before we even got home."

"I was tired," Steve defended himself while Bucky joked, "I'm just glad that he eventually stopped snoring."

Steve rolled his eyes and blew a raspberry at them both before turning to head back into the house. As he climbed the stairs, he could vaguely hear music just barely beneath the laughter and conversations. It really shouldn't have been a surprise when he saw almost all of the kids in the kitchen.

What was a surprise though was when he found Tibby there, too. Shimmying her shoulders to make Holly, in her highchair, laugh. There was small pumpkin pancakes on the chair's tray that Holly was slowly eating. Meanwhile, Luke was at the stove icing a tray of cooling cinnamon rolls and Katie was removing another batch from the top wall oven.

Grabbing Tibby's hand, Ethan danced to the music and giggled when she twirled him around. Bringing Steve back to the early days when Tibby was still a kid. Hoping that his kids would remember and cherish these moments in their lives. Hoping that these memories could take the place of all the ones filled with hurt and fear. Replace them with happiness and moments where they knew they were loved.

"You're up!" Tibby greeted.

Steve nodded giving a silent, obviously, as Luke said, "Might wanna tell Dad."

Brows furrowing, Steve asked, "Why?"

"He was worried," Katie answered, removing the cinnamon rolls from the lower wall oven.

"Of course, he was," Steve rolled his eyes and further entered the kitchen.

Luke scoffed, "I mean, he did have to carry you to bed last night."

Blushing, Steve waved the hidden concern off. Not wanting to worry his children. Not any of them, but especially not the younger ones. Instead, Steve distracted himself.

At the table, Sophia was sitting, coloring a picture of a cat in a pumpkin patch at night. Steve smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of her head as he praised, "That's really pretty, sweetie."

"Thank you," Sophia tilted her head back to beam up at Steve.

Tucking her long hair behind her ear, he offered, "We can even hang it up, if you want to."

"Hmm," Sophia's expression twisted into one of thought, and sighed, "I'll think about it."

"Okay," Steve agreed, giving her forehead a kiss.

As Steve turned back around, he noticed that someone was missing, "Where's Wanda?"

"Oh," Katie scrunched her nose the way she always did when she felt guilty and admitted, "In the bathroom sick. She got one whiff of my body wash and barely made it to the toilet."

"Poor thing," Tibby shook her head, all the while swinging Ethan around like he was a rag doll.

"What body wash?" Steve's brows furrowed, hoping that it wasn't the seasonal one that he gifted her in the care package. Especially since he had gifted the same one to Wanda and he would feel positively awful if that was the reason why she had morning sickness every day.

Turning the ovens off, Katie said, "The one with rose oil that we got over the summer. It's the one that I left here."

Crossing the kitchen to the fridge where a ghost post-it note was located, Steve added to the list of:

NO MORE celery/celery salt cucumber pickles bananas rose oil

Putting the pen back in its place, Wanda joined the group with a sheepish smile on her face while she rubbed her protruding abdomen. It seemed like her bump was growing more and more every day. Almost outgrowing the outfits that they had bought just a week ago.

Steve paused, had it only been a week? Steve just couldn't believe it. Wanda fit in so well with them that he could barely remember what their lives had been like before she entered it. And now, Steve couldn't imagine a life where she wasn't a part of their family.

"Well, this certainly smells better," Wanda commented, holding her lower back, "I'm so hungry, I think I could eat a horse."

"Why would you want to eat a horse?" Ethan asked.

"It's just a saying, honey," Steve explained, "It means that you're really hungry."

"Oh," the little boy contemplated and climbed up on one of the stools, "Then, I want to eat a horse, too."

Shaking his head, Steve chuckled, "How about we have some cinnamon rolls instead."

"Pumpkin cinnamon rolls," Luke corrected, washing his hands.

"Even better," Steve grinned.

[mycupoffanfiction]

His Second Chance Part 16

Bucky x Reader

Main Masterlist

Bucky comes back from Wakanda with Steve, ready to begin his recovery from his days as the Winter Soldier, but there’s one thing he doesn’t take into account - you.

Warnings: Fluff, language, anxiety, protests. 

Word count: Approx 3100

Bucky considers a more domestic life while figuring out his current position in the Avengers.

His Second Chance is back! Sorry about the short break, anxiety coupled with a tough week and writers block for this story got the better of me. Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

ALL TAG LISTS ARE ALWAYS OPEN 💖 feel free to come and chat, my blog is always open for you 💕

_______________________________

Bucky Barnes. Definitely a domestic man and comfortably so. Bucky proudly pulled a batch of muffins out of the oven, hair tossed up in a messy bun with a few loose strands framing his face. He wore your yellow apron, that was far too small on him and barely kept the flour and cocoa powder off his clothes, but he didn’t care. A wide grin stretched across his lips as he set the baking tray down, inspecting his newly made cakes. The sound of the elevator opening and thudding footsteps entering the apartment, a set of much more delicate steps following. Your soft giggle reached Bucky’s ears and he couldn’t help but smile. “It’s not my fault I’m too short to reach, it’s like you’re askin’ me to use my powers.” You argued playfully. Steve laughed and Bucky wondered what he was doing to you when you let out a loud squeal.

 Steve walked into the kitchen with you thrown over his shoulder in your workout gear. Bucky quirked a brow, taking in the sight for a moment as he pulled off his oven mitts. His face is far too close to her butt. “You look ridiculous.” Steve chuckled, pointing at Bucky’s tough guy outfit, which consisted of an old black Henley shirt and ripped black jeans with the contrasting yellow apron thrown over the top. Bucky let out an exaggerated humph. “I thought it suited me.” Bucky shrugged. “Can I have my girl back?” Bucky asked, moving to take you from Steve. You suddenly felt Bucky’s hands grip your middle and you were pulled away from Steve and into Bucky’s soft embrace.

 “She cheated at basketball.” Steve complained, almost childishly as he leaned in to sniff Bucky’s freshly baked muffins. “Can I have one?” Steve asked. “Uh, no.” Bucky half-heartedly smacked his hand away. “How’d you cheat?” Bucky asked, leaning against the countertop. “Stevie set the net too high for me to throw to or reach so I had to use my powers to get the ball anywhere near it. If anything he’s the one cheating with super soldier serum.” You gave Steve a sidelong glare, followed by a little crack of a smile. “Can I have one?” You veered back to the muffins. “When they’ve cooled, dollface.” Bucky spoke softly, gently pushing some of your hair back from your face. “Hey! I get a blank no and she gets a ‘when they’ve cooled dollface’.” Steve frowned, crossing his arms and repeating Bucky’s sentence in a mocking tone. “What? You wanna be called dollface too?” Bucky teased, causing Steve to chuckle.

 “You’re so pretty, doll.” Bucky smiled at you while you not-so-delicately shoved a piece of muffin in your mouth. You gave him a soft smile, complete with a few chocolate crumbs on your lips before your cleaned yourself up. “I’m not very graceful.” You remarked after swallowing down your cake. “You are to me.” Bucky smiled, tucking some of your hair behind your ear. “So uh, you know those psychological assessment papers I got a while back?” Bucky looked down at his hands nervously.

What if she doesn’t think you’re ready?

Are you kidding? Of all people she’ll support you.

“Mhm.” You nodded, popping some stray chocolate chips in your mouth. “I signed the papers for it this morning, sent them off to Pepper.” Good, you didn’t cut yourself off, good job Barnes. You gasped a little, turning to face him properly on your kitchen stool. “I’m so proud of you!” You grinned widely, throwing your arms up to give him a quick hug.

 “You think we’re ready for the meeting?” You asked, fiddling about with the plans and papers the boys wanted to make sure were presented to Fury. “I hope so.” Bucky chewed anxiously at his lip. What if this goes wrong? What if I get sucked into full scale missions? Oh god that’s overwhelming, that’s too much. “Bucky?” You gripped his metal hand, your fingers so small compared to his. “Even if it gets refused, we’ll work through this together. If this doesn’t work, we’ll find something else that will.” You reassured him.

 “Hell, we could even leave this all behind and open a bakery together.” You giggled. Aw, dammit, shoulda thought of that first. Should still open a bakery, adopt some cats, make half of it a bookshop and second hand books could be free for- okay you’re getting carried away. Bucky smiled down at you, his metal hand coming up to rest on your shoulder. “Consider it a backup plan, doll.” Bucky chuckled. Still want a bunch of cats though. “Come on, Sergeant, the meeting’s in five minutes, we should head up.” You took his hand in yours before tugging him along behind you.

 “I’m sorry, it’s just not possible.” Fury shook his head, pushing the plans and papers away from him on the meeting table. You sat at the edge of the table opposite Fury, you weren’t exactly the focus of the meeting and you hadn’t even said anything yet, letting the three soldiers take most of the talking. Bucky huffed, he was frustrated, disappointed, confused. “What could make it possible?” Steve asked. “I’m just not convinced the recourses will be worth creating a local unit, Captain Rogers.” Fury said apologetically. You weren’t ready to let this go, but the anxiety of being in the presence of Fury was causing you to stay quiet. He was exactly intimidating to you, but being the Director, it did make you nervous around him, especially since you were asking for something so large.

It’s okay, cats are always an option.

 You sat forwards in your seat, drawing in a deep breath. “If I may, Director Fury.” You cut in; voice much quieter than you had intended. Everyone turned to look at you, making you feel even more anxious. Bucky’s hand slipped onto your lap, resting on top of your shaky hand. You cleared your throat as you flitted between the sets of eyes that settled on you. You got this, doll. “The unit could serve as local training for recruits before they go out on the field.” You finally spoke up again. Fury looked at you curiously, a hand coming up to rub his chin as he considered your words. “And how do you propose we do that, Agent?” He asked, keeping his voice a little softer for you as he leant forwards on his desk, eyes trained only on you.

 For a moment, you were able to block out the others in the room, making it much easier to concentrate on talking to Fury without feeling half terrified to speak so formally. “We would be a local version of SHIELD operatives. Not all tasks would have to be genuine, we could have training tasks set up for the recruits, low risk but high stress situations. We could also use it to alleviate the pressure on the NYPD concerning high security risks.” You explained, gaining a bit more confidence as you spoke, the feeling of cool metal fingers gently rubbing the back of your hand was certainly helping. Fury hummed, leaning back in his seat, his eyes still locked on you and your anxiety started to come back, your composure fraying at the edges.

 Fury thought for a moment, the tension in the room felt like you could cut through it with a knife. Bucky could see you out of the corner of his eye, trying to keep your breathing even and trying to stop your leg from bouncing. Instead you wrung your hands together, biting at your lip and Bucky’s cool metal fingers trailed back over your hand. You looked up at Bucky, his expression calming you a little, he looked concerned and he gave you a quick, tight lipped smile, eyes soft and brows tipped in worry. Bucky gently coaxed you to trace your fingers over the metal plates on his hand and wrist. That’s it, keep calm doll, you did great.

 “Alright.” Fury finally spoke up after a few long, excruciating moments of consideration. You perked up at that, waiting with bated breath. “I’ll approve it.” He agreed. “On one condition.” Fury’s eyes settled on Bucky. “You take your psychological assessment.”

A moment seemed to pass, the room falling quiet, but Bucky was the least concerned out of the four of you. I can do that. I can do this. Bucky was becoming determined, the prospect of leading a local unit ignited the desire to pass his assessment. It was a far cry from how he’d felt months ago when he’d pushed the opportunity away, convinced he was not ready. Perhaps at the time he wasn’t, but Bucky was sure he was now.

 The meeting came to a close, Bucky grinning from ear to ear as you both exited the room. Yes, we’re doing this, it’s a thing now.

I still want cats though.

 Face hot and flushed, fingers tapping, leg bouncing. Bucky became hyper aware of everything, the chair creak, the way the wind whipped against the windows, the soft typing on the keyboard from the receptionist, the odd sound of paper being moved and shuffled about. Bucky looked to his left, a steady heartbeat in his ears as he listened. You were as calm as anything, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, fingers holding your book open, lips pouting a little as you concentrated with your brows slightly furrowed. Whatever you were reading was intensely interesting, perhaps it was an argument or an angsty scene, perhaps people were fighting or at war, or perhaps it was just a love scene you were absorbed in. Bucky took note of the way your hair was tucked behind you ear, stubborn pieces hanging freely. You tugged your lip between your teeth, a sharp intake of breath as you read.

 “Mr Barnes, we’ll be ready for you in a few minutes.” A young woman announced into the waiting room. You instantly perked up at that, sliding your bookmark between your pages and snapping the book shut. “What if it all goes wrong?” Bucky whispered. “Oh, Buck, I believe in you, I think you’ll do great and even if it doesn’t we have other solutions.” You reassured him. “I’ll be right here when you get out, I promise. Then we can go and do whatever you want.” You smiled encouragingly. “Can we get a cat?” Bucky blurted out. You almost burst out laughing at how random that request was, but you stopped yourself, only allowing an amused smile to appear. “M’not sure our boys would agree with having a cat around, but perhaps they’ll warm up to it.” You winked, neither saying yes or no.

Okay, cats are still an option. I’m going to annoy Steve with at least two.

But she’s right, it’ll be fine, you’ll be fine Barnes. She’s here for you, that’s all you need, right?

“God, I love you. You’re the fucking best.” Bucky took your face between his hands, leaning forwards and kissing you gently on the lips. “I love you too, Bucky.” You smiled. “Good luck, Sergeant. I’ll be right here, I’m always right here for you.” You spoke softly, keeping your words only for him. A little smile cracked across his lips before Bucky pressed another kiss to your lips. You managed to sneak one last kiss to his cheek before he was called through.

 It’s just a psychological assessment. You got this, Barnes.

 You sat in the waiting room, absorbed in your book for the majority of the time that Bucky was in his assessment. Towards the end, the growing sound of chatter and noise was disturbing your quiet read and after struggling to pay attention to your book for a good ten minutes, you finally cracked and looked out of the window.

 Reporters. And crowds of them. You should have known, Bucky Barnes who was one of the most controversial people to be let back into society was having an assessment to see if he was able to work on the field again. Just great. There was no way you were going to leave this untouched; you had no intentions of making poor Bucky wade through that crowd on the way out, especially not after the trouble you saw him go through with the court cases prior to him returning home.

 You chewed your lip anxiously as your phone dialled. “Hey sweetheart.” Steve seemed happy, unaware. “Stevie-.” You cut yourself off, peering down at the crowd again. “There- there’s reporters everywhere.” You spoke quietly. “What? Oh shit.” Steve huffed. “Hold on, let me sort this out sweetheart, hang tight.” Steve muttered. “Don’t leave the building, I’m going to make some calls and I’ll pick you both up, alright?” Steve spoke down the line. “Okay, hurry Stevie, it looks like there are protesters arriving.” You peered out of the window, almost scared you’d be seen as you watched small groups of people gather outside. “I’m coming sweetheart.”

 There weren’t many, but there was a minority of people who were opposed to Bucky. The protests were mixed during his trial, while most people were showing support for the former Winter Soldier, there were groups, particularly violent groups that were against Bucky being allowed to be freed and now with the prospect of him joining the Avengers to fight for the innocent, there was bound to be at least some backlash.

 Bucky heard them. He could hear them during his assessment and it only spiked his anxiety, the distraction causing his assessors to apologise profusely to him, not that there was anything they could have done about it. As soon as he left the assessment room, he was met with you peering out of the window, brows knitted together, lip between your teeth. Your fidgety body language screamed anxious and all Bucky wanted to do was scoop you up in his arms.

I just wanted coffee and a cat, dammit.

 Bucky felt like you were more anxious than he was, it was like he could feel the nervous energy coming off you in waves as you watched the protest grow in size. “Hey Sarge.” You greeted him, just above a whisper. “Hey, pretty girl, you alright?” He asked, approaching you and pulling you against his chest. “I suppose, how did your assessment go?” You avoided the question, looking up at Bucky. “M’not sure, that crowd threw me off half way through.” Bucky sighed, nodding his head in the direction of the reporters and protestors. “I called Stevie, he’s coming to get us, said he’d make a few calls.” You squeezed him around the middle. “I hope they didn’t fuck up your assessment.” You stressed, voice small and quiet.

She hasn’t been through the protests before, you have, need to tell her it’ll be okay, need to comfort her. “Hey, it’ll be alright, Steve will take us home, hopefully we won’t even have to walk through that crowd.” Bucky spoke softly into your hair. “It’ll be alright.” Bucky kissed the top of your head. Who are you trying to convince here? You or her?

 Steve arrived not even five minutes later and ushered you both out of the building behind him. Gotta stay calm, breathe deeply. You’ve done this before and it was worse back then. This should be a piece of cake, right?

Wrong.

As soon as you left the side entrance of the building, the shouting grew louder, protestors crowding around the fencing that separated them from you. Fuck, fuck, fuck, breathe, for fuck sake breathe deeply Barnes. Bucky forced in a breath, but his heart near stopped when you yelped, falling into his side and practically trying to merge bodies with him. “What- are you alright?” Bucky asked, voice not his usual sweet tone, coming out gruff and frustrated as he fought his own anxiety. “They’re throwing stuff, Bucky.” You sounded so panicked and Bucky’s heart almost broke. “Steve, can we hurry this up?” Bucky called in front of him, gripping you tightly and pulling you around the other side of him so that he could act as a shield.

 With a fast pace, you all made it to the SUV Steve had brought. The windows were tinted black and it was safer than a regular car, more secure and in the event of an attack, you would be much safer in there than just a regular car. You slid into the back with Bucky, Steve getting into the driver’s seat in front of you. “You’re bleeding, sweetheart.” Steve noticed you in the mirror. “Oh fuck me, they’re protesting against me and they hurt her!” Bucky growled, his face softening quickly as he turned to look at your anxious features. “Lemme clean you up, dollface.” Bucky went soft again, his usual calm demeanor taking over, his anxiety fading when he went into protective mode, his focus entirely on you rather than himself.

 “Alright, let me just wipe this up. Breathe deep and slow for me.” Bucky cooed, trying his best to keep his voice soft as Steve slowly manoeuvred the SUV through the street, crowds approaching the car. Bucky gently wiped your forehead with a clean tissue, pressing soft kisses to your temple as he did. Protestors started hitting the side of the vehicle and you flinched, your already uneven breathing was getting even more erratic. Oh fuck me. “Don’t look, don’t look, jus’ focus on me, pretty girl.” Bucky held your face in his hands. “Focus on me, breathe with me.”

“In…”

“And out.”

Bucky coached you through it and just as you got your breathing under control, Steve managed to get the SUV out of the crowds and was finally able to drive away from them. How did you not freak out? That’s a fucking miracle, Barnes.

No, it was because she was panicking, I can’t panic if she’s panicking, gotta keep her calm.

“You alright doll?” Bucky asked, Steve glancing at you in the mirror, silently checking you over as he stopped at an intersection. “Sweetheart?” Steve spoke over his shoulder, concerned eyes landing on you. “I was supposed to be the strong one.” Your eyes met Bucky’s. “I was supposed to be the one comforting you.” You felt so embarrassed, how had Bucky been feeling while having to look after you? God, you felt like you’d gotten in the way, been a burden in a stressful situation. “You were strong, sweetheart. You did alright considering that was the first time you went through an angry protest.” Steve cut in, glancing in the mirror at you as he continued to drive. “We’re alright, doll.” Bucky spoke softly, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

 “Are you okay, Bucky? That was scary.” You finally settled down, a lot calmer now. “I was fine, darlin’, focussed on makin’ sure my girl was alright.” Bucky smiled softly, holding you close to his side.

“M’not sure I’m worth all this trouble.” Bucky smirked. You were about to protest and tell him he was worth all the trouble in the world, but he continued. “Perhaps a bakery isn’t such a bad idea after all.” He grinned lazily at you.

__________________________

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[drkcnry67]

marry me?

Title: marry me?

Pairing: Jensen x reader

Fluff: engagement

Rating: G

Tags: none that I can think of, kissing, taking shots, proposals, getting down on one knee, saying yes to the rest of your forever.

Mentioning: @sweetness47

Created for @spnfluffbingo

Fluff list   part 1   part 2   part 3

by this point you have had an amazing almost 2 years. fell head over heels with a man who makes you feel like your more than just a top notch ace reporter. 

you confessed your feelings for said man at a wedding you were supposed to be covering not making a huge fool of yourself. your best friend well she had also found love, hers wasnt as vaste as yours but she got the other half of a very stunning package. 

the article written by your best friend Beth became your new fave article. though you still wrote fabulous wedding articles, that story put beth on the article map. your editor loved it, loved the entire scope, the plot, everything. 

she also enjoyed meeting the men who had enriched both yours and beth’s lives. Jensen and Jared the two men who had stolen your hearts, had decided that you both were important enough to keep. 

what you didnt know is that on this day the anniversary of when you had first met Jensen would be the day that your life would change once more. this time a bit more drastically i suppose the story shall continue from hence forth. 

we pick up in the penthouse you and Jensen are living in, both of you preparing for date night. well double date night anyway. it was the one thing both couples could agree to do, once a week both couples went on a double date. it was that easy. 

Jensen knew you had just finished your shower, he didnt care he was having trouble finding what he wanted to wear.

Jensen: hey babe, where is my dark navy faded jeans?

YN: on top of the dresser in the pile of clothes you still need to put away.

jensen: oh umm right silly me. 

YN: do you want me to wear my hair up or down?

Jensen: half and half, its gonna be a magical day. one that has been planned for a while now. one that we both will not soon forget. 

now you were really curious, he said this had been planned for a while… what the hell could the surprise be. 

YN: why do i not get to know where we are going?

Jensen: cause that would spoil the fun of the surprise. now ive laid out your outfit on the bed hurry up we have a schedule to keep. 

YN: schedule. babe we have never had any kind of schedule other than when you are filming. so what are you planning? and why this outfit? 

Jensen comes over to you and kisses you to get you to stop talking. thats when he pulled back looking at you with smiling faces. 

Jensen: so curious babe, why cant you just enjoy the surprise for once. 

YN: fine ill put it on and enjoy whatever you have planned. but im gonna say this you better have something extra special planned otherwise you will have me to deal with.

Jensen: never fear babe i will always have lots of surprises for you from this day forth. now what kind of mischief can we get into if you dont put on your outfit. or do you want me to put it on you?

YN: I can do it but it’s just I haven’t used this outfit since our anniversary last year.. Why do I need to wear it again, not that I’m complaining…

Jensen: just do it and when we get into the car i have to blindfold you and cover your ears so that way you dont spoil the rest of the surprise. 

now you were curiouser, this made you pull Jensen onto the bed and pin him there… 

YN: why do you insist on tormenting me like this? 

Jensen could only smile as he flipped you onto the bottom as he held you there. 

Jensen: cause its fun now hurry up and get ready we are gonna be late.

the following happened like this:

you finish getting ready

both you and jensen walk out of the apartment and down to a limo where jared and beth are waiting. 

beth and you both are curious as you both are blindfolded and ears are covered before you both are allowed to exit the vehicle. 

once Jared and Jensen knew it was safe for you both to see and hear again they were to remove the blindfolds and earplugs. 

you both are revealed to be in the airport. you both plea to your men but they instead of saying anything give you both money to go and buy anything from the boutiques. 

you both come back with another backpack and a whole bunch of things. random objects, but ones that would provide great entertainment later on. come fancy things in case of whatever your boyfriends had planned. 

then Jared and Jensen ear plugged you both when the flight number was called. though they had spoken to the flight attendant when you both were gone, told them of their plan, told them that you both would have ear pluggs in when you both board. 

both you and beth still oblivious, as the boys remove the ear plugs as the plane takes off. thats when it made you both question really badly. Where your boys were taking you.

the flight wasn’t long but one of the boys sat in the aisle then the respective girl would sit beside then so on and so forth. The one on the end would get informed when it was time to blindfold and ear plug you both again. 

 Sure enough you both were unsure of how much time had passed, but eventually one of the flight attendants came round and whispered something to the guy on the end. It was ear plug and blindfold time again. 

You both didn’t question when the guys did their handy work of blindfold and earplug it wasnt like you were strangers to it. Jared and jensen led you both off the plane, through the busy airport and into the taxi landing bay. 

They unplugged both your ears. 

Jared: in a moment we will take off your blindfolds but first we want you both to listen to the sounds. What do you both hear.? 

You and Beth listened very carefully to the sounds around you both. 

YN: people talking 

Beth: something about taxis so we are definitely on a taxi landing of some kind. 

Yn: the smell in the air is familiar. Wait a minute. I think I know where we are I just hope I’m right. 

Jensen: you both may step forward and remove your blindfolds. I guarantee you both that where we are is gonna be a fun spot for all of us. 

You and Beth remove your blindfolds, your eyes land on the sight before you of a place where your story had began all those years ago. 

Yn: you did this? 

Jensen: happy anniversary sweetheart! Now we need to find a taxi or a ride or something. 

You look around and you start walking toward the person at the small stand near by. 

Yn: excuse me sir, I was wondering if you had any cars available to rent? 

Rental dude: what kind of car were you looking for? 

Yn: do you have anything sporty but easy to get in and out of? 

Rental dude: what about a lack 2021 jeep wrangler Rubicon unlimited 4x4? 

Yn: can you show it to me? 

The guy flips round his monitor and shows you the car, you whistle and the others bring the bags to where you are. 

Yn: babe can I use the card? 

Jensen: what kind of vehicle are we getting. 

Yn: you will see. Now sir, do I need to sign anything. 

The rental guy laid out papers told you to sign/ initial at the spots marked with “x” that’s what you did. Then he handed you the papers in an envelope, the license plates and insurance for the vehicle and then sent you guys to the spot where the vehicle was. 

You led your boyfriend, best friend and her boyfriend to the vehicle. Their eyes went wide as they loaded the bags into the jeep. 

Jensen: babe this is style. But whose driving? 

Yn: me silly cause I have a feeling I know where we are staying. The place where we spent our vacation together.

Jensen: correct, now everyone in the vehicle so we can get this show on the road. commence vacation immeidately.

everyone piled into the vehicle and you began to slowly pull out of the parkade. you hit the highway and sped up, within 45 min you were pulling into the resort. you told the guard that your reservation was under Ackles. 

the guard handed you a packet with park passes, roomkeys, parking pass and your receipt. along with the list of nearby stores, and the hours for the resorts amenities. and then opened the gate for you to drive through. 

upon arriving at the parking space you handed a room key to Beth discovering it was a side by side. this vacay just got a whole lot better. 

You all seperated into accommodations to settle in. 

Jensen: I have made reservations at gastons where we shared that big plate of nachos and grab us some champagne to celebrate the start of our vacation!

YN: i like that idea. i wanna get out of these shoes first. i want to put on something more suited for walking in the parks that wont kill my feet. these heels will kill my feet from walking through the park. 

you sat down to take off your heels but Jensen was now kneeling by your feet undoing them for you. he placed gentle kisses on your legs as he removed the shoes from your feet. 

he then slid on your slip on runners. he smiled as he got off the floor, helped you up and he spun you around like the love struck man he was. you had no idea what was about to happen but you were gonna enjoy yourself. 

now in comfy shoes you and jensen head to meet up with jared and beth as you all head to the car and head off to main street magic kingdom. To where you and jensen first met. Course ya know it was also to enjoy the fireworks and eat the nachos and such as well.

you look around still amazed by everything you see around you. but you are the way Jensen kept looking at you was what made you feel normal. like the disaster at the wedding of Misha and vic didnt almost ruin your reputation. 

your vacation was finally in the bag, your happiness was now in sight. your new life awaited but nothing would prepare you for events of the future. upon your arrival to Gastons tavern, Jensen had started talking to the waitress, she took something from him and smiled as she led you all to a booth.

Jensen could not help but smile, all he could do was smile. he was beyond excited for what he was about to do.

waitress: welcome to Gaston’s is this your first time here?

Jensen: for me and the lady across from me no, but the other 2 yes. can we get 4 rounds of your finest house shots right away, and 4 glasses of your finest champagne and bring the item. on a tray with the shots.

waitress: coming up sir. your shots will be out in a moment.

thankfully for jensen you were too engaged in conversation with Beth and Jared to hear what jensen had discussed with the waitress. Jensen placed his arm around your shoulders, his own breathing shifted, he was nervous about what was about to happen.

Jensen: ah good shots. we each get one i have a toast to make. but ill make the toast after we take the shots. now i dont know whats in these but they are sure to be good. on 3.

You all swig back your shots, Jensen kisses you after you both have downed yours. Then Jensen turns to you and smiles as he gets up from his seat and whistles to get the restaurants attention.

Jensen: I invite you all to bare witness to this momentous occasion. Me and my girlfriend are celebrating 2 years together this very day. I have to know YN did I mention that I'm in love with you.

That's when music starts playing. And jensen begins to sing.

Jensen: I met this girl who rocked my world like it's never been rocked and now I live just for you and I won't ever stop, I never thought that it could happen to a guy like me but now look at what you've done you have got me down on one knee.

You look down and see Jensen kneeling in front of you.

Jensen: it's us against the world, us against those who are jealous, those who dare to throw outrageous accusations our way or print stuff that isnt true. now and evermore i will have the most gorgeous woman on my arm. Will you do me the honor of marrying me.?

The entire restaurant now looking at you as Jensen unveiled the 24k rose gold emerald cut diamond ring surrounded by yours and Jensen's birthstones.

You begin nodding your head before your mouth would let you speak.

Yn: yes yes yes yes a thousand times yes!!!

You felt the cool metal ring slide around your finger as Jensen helped you off your seat and kissed you in front of the entire restaurant.

Lifting both your hands in the air he then yelled.

Jensen: shots for the entire restaurant on me. She said yes!!!

Then he turned to you and you leaned in his ear.

Yn: descendants 3 proposal nice touch.

Jensen: thanks to our best friends for helping set this up.

the hugs and congratulations poured in from everyone in the tavern. it wasnt till a few hours later as well as several shots and drinks later that you, jensen, beth and Jared all exited and went to watch the fireworks. 

the moment of yours and jensen’s first kiss under the fireworks was just recreated. you and jensen waited till the first firework cracked lighting up the sky before creating once more your first kiss. 

~to be continued~

[monxcarat]

arranged wedding | GOT7  - Jinyoung

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗

fandom: got7

pairing: jinyoung x reader

warnings: some cursing, some

                drinking, a lot of bad 

                parenting.

word count: 5090

╚═══*.·:·.☽✧    ✦    ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

From a very young age you learned that business were business and there wasn’t much you could do about it. In fact, while growing up, you came to realize that no matter how much you complained, disagreed and even cried, your family business decisions wouldn’t change.

You just never thought it would get to the point your personal life would also turn into business.

It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right, they should have talked to you first, there was no way you’d let that happen - all those thoughts and more, some not so polite, ran through your head. Who your parents thought they were? Did they really think they could decide on their kid’s future like that, being almost always away from home as you grew up, barely talking to you for weeks and then that?

You were sure you’d never been angrier at your parents - not when they forgot your thirteen year old birthday, not when they lied about your dog running away, not when they decided to send you to another school on your last year of high school and didn’t hear any of your arguments. Those stuff happened years ago, and as angry as you were at the time, you were now over it. And they now seemed too small and not important.

“What do you mean ‘stop complaining’? I won’t! You haven’t talked to me in weeks, do you even care how I’m doing? You suddenly invite me for dinner and I thought we would finally have some family time, when- when was the last time we had that?” you were furious, face hot and red, and you could feel your eyes starting to burn. You were doing your best to hold your tears back.

“Don’t act spoiled, y/n,” your father started, stern face as if you were disappointing him. “This is for the greater good, after months of meetings and serious analysis both his parents, your mother and I decided that it’ll be the best way to unify both companies-”

“I don’t wanna hear it! It’s not just business you’re talking about, it’s my-”

“Enough” your mom, who hasn’t said a thing till then, raised her voice “It’s not up for discussion anymore, and I’ll excuse your manners for now because you were taken by surprise.”

Under the gaze of both your parents, you found yourself speechless. You wanted to keep yelling, arguing, doing anything you could to make they understand your personal life wasn’t up for negotiation, and they couldn’t just decide on an arranged wedding like that, without even talking to you once. Swallowing, you turned your head, getting up from the diner table - the food you had earlier with your parents now left a bitter taste on your mouth. You grabbed your bag and moved to get your coat, wanting nothing more than go back to your home.

“I’m leaving” you announced, not looking back to your parents once.

You felt so, so, so stupid. You really went there thinking they missed having some family time, what a joke! You didn’t even know why you still bothered, it was always business for them, even their own child. Business, business, business. How much you hated that word!

Finally back home, you found yourself laying on your bed, starring at the ceiling. You were mad at your parents, mad at their so called business, mad for not being able to fight against their choices. It was your life, wasn’t it? Not theirs. Not theirs.

You were your own person.

You felt your eyes burning. You wouldn’t cry in front of your parents, knowing they’d only think of that as something childish, as a spoiled kid crying because things wouldn’t go their way, but now, alone on your room, you let yourself cry, tears running down your cheeks and hiccups leaving your mouth till you fell asleep.

**

Despite all your refusal, a month and a half later you found yourself once again with your parents, wearing clothes too posh for your liking and with a sour expression on your face. You hadn’t agreed with them or forgiven them, of course, but you were tired. Talking to your parents... It was just like talking to a wall. And so you decided to act the same way, not talking to them at all.

It was a party held by one of the associates of both your parent’s company and the other company, full of business people just like you hated. The place was pretty, of course, a very clean salon with glass walls that lead to a well kept garden - the green outside striked to the minimalistic white decoration inside and it was much more pleasing to look at than the bright lights that made everything inside even more white. Your own red shoes constrasted angrily with the polished floor, mentally noting that you decided you liked that very much.

You heard footsteps getting closer, and as you looked at your own feet you saw three pairs of shoes stopping in front of the small group that consisted of your parents and yourself. A few words were exchanged before your mom pinched your sides, a clear way of her telling you to lift your head and look at the family - also consisting of three people - in front of you. With clothes equally as posh and expensive, the other two people that had no regard for their child personal life and choices, as well as the fact that no matter what your kid is not an object or some type of barter that they could use to get contracts with other company smiled at you, and you barely answered with a curt nod before your mom pinched you again, making you put up a fake smile and properly greet them.

Behind them stood a man you only knew the name - the fancy clothes suited him too well, and with his dark hair parted to the side and bearing a polite smile on his lips, you knew that was the person in same situation as you. Until that moment you hadn’t felt any anger towards the son of the owners of the other company, knowing that life all too well you were sure he also had no saying in this. You felt some type of sympathy, maybe you hoped you two could form some type of alliance to put an end to this arranged marriage thing, but when Park Jinyoung looked at you, the polite smile nowhere to be seen and eyes colder than ice, as if he blamed you for everything that was happening, everything you previously felt about him turned into anger.

The four business people responsible for the utter anger and dread you’ve been feeling for the past month were talking between themselves, as always ignoring both you and Jinyoung in absolute silence when he put that stupid polite smile on his face again, lightly touching his father’s shoulder.

“I’ll have to excuse myself” he bowed slightly to both his and yours parents. His mother then, with the same polite smile on her face, nodded with her head, telling him to go.

“You see,” his father started, proudly “Jinyoung told us he wanted to talk to some of our associates himself, and this gathering came in perfect time. He thinks the relaxed atmosphere will make it easier for them to listen to him, since he is so young, and I agreed with that, so forgive me for he won’t be present as we discuss about that.”

“Non sense!” your father moved his hand as the four of them started walking towards a table, you silently moving right behind “It’s good for him to do that, he needs to be involved in his family business! Besides, Y/N is here, one of them is enough to be up to whatever we decide.”

You stopped listening after that, your stomach turning and making you feel like throwing up. It was really like that. You were just an asset, something to do what a bunch of greedy business people decided without arguing or voicing your opinion. And now, after meeting the person you were supposed to - yikes - marry, you knew you were alone in this, there was no way you could stop this arranged marriage on your own.

Your anger was starting to be covered up with something even worse: hopelessness.

The decisions and agreements about your and Park Jinyoung’s “relationship” were barely heard by you - maybe you should’ve listened to them, to know what they were up to and perhaps try to change something, but you just didn’t had it in you at the moment. Instead, you spent the excrucitating hours on that table drowning drink after drink, only opening your mouth to forcedly smile or answer something about yourself when your parents glared at you. They would give you so much shit about your manners later.

When you noticed their discussion finally drifting onto subjects that had nothing to do with arrenged marriages or relationships, you got up at once, the glass of whatever drink you had now still half filled.

“I’m leaving,” you managed say firm and loud enough so the four of them paid attention to you.

“Y/N-” your father started, eyebrows furrowed. No, no, you wouldn’t get scolded here.

“Forgive me for for my manners, I’m still quite nervous about this whole situation.” the sarcasm on your words was subtle, but it was enough to momentainly satisfy you. You gave them a smile before bowing and said “Excuse me.”, finally leaving that damned table.

You weren’t really sure of what to do now, and only after walking around for a few minutes you realized how tipsy you already were. Maybe you could lock yourself in a bathroom stall and play on your phone until the party was over? Maybe you could call a cab to take you back home? Either way your parents would be pissed, but it’s not like you cared much for that.

You were almost deciding on going to the bathroom when you saw him, Park Jinyoung, with his fancy clothes and parted hair, talking with two other men. You suddenly felt angry again, and your tipsyness only made you braver than you already were, so before you could even give a second thought, you started making your way to the trio talking in the garden.

Before you reached them, you looked at your shoes on the grass. You didn’t like how red and green looked together - it was too bright, too chaotic. Good.

You furrowed your eyebrows and left out an annoyed breathe.

“You!” moving as fast as you could on your lightheaded state and pushing through the other two men, you pointed your finger at your fiance-to-be. His expression, previously stone cold, were now slightly annoyed. Good.

“I don’t care what you think about this whole situation, Park Jinyoung-”

“Jinyoung, who is this?” one of the men asked, interrupting you. You didn’t like that.

“It’s no one-” Jinyoung started.

“I just want you to know” you raised your eyes and looked right onto his eyes “That I wanted to be here as much as you did. And heavens know how much I wish I was ‘no one’.”

You didn’t give him time to react, already turning on your heels to get as far from him as you could. Annoying bastard, did he think you choose that? To be forced to marry someone you didn’t even know? Did he think it was your idea? Annoying, annoying, annoying.

Your steps were angry and determinated when you reached the bathroom, hearing the loud sound of your shoes hitting the floor with every moment on the first empty space you saw on that party. You realized you needed some time alone.

Throwing some cold water on your face, not caring for make up or anything, you took a deep breath. How much you wished to be no one right now.

**

“I... I really don’t know what to say. That... Sucks I guess? It sucks a real lot...?”

“Thank you, Mark. I appreciate it.” your answer came out more sarcastic than you meant, but neither you or Mark paid attention to it. You sighed loudly before shoving as much popcorn as you could on your mouth, not really interested on whatever was playing on the TV anymore.

You met Mark on your last year of high school, that year when your parents decided that they would send you to another school really far from where you used to go without even asking you about it. They were great at communication, as always. He was a really quiet kid back then, and so were you on the first weeks, when you knew no one and were too angry to bother knowing anyone. But then fate, also known as group projects, ended up pairing you with Mark Tuan, a quiet guy you didn’t even know was in your class, and Jackson Wang, loud and remarkable from day one.

You three became inseparable then.

They made that year fun and you even forgave your parents for that, you weren’t sure if you ever made friends as great as them. And years after graduating you were still as close, even if you couldn’t see each other everyday because of personal lives and adult responsibilites - hence why it was only you and Mark today, as Jackson was busy, travelling to deal with some of his fencing stuff. How much cooler than a corporate heir life is an athlete life?

“Hey! Hey, Y/N!” Mark had turned off the TV and seemed to have already called you a few times.

“Shit, sorry, I wasn’t listening. What do you need?”

“Yea, I noticed that.” he gave a light chuckle “We’re gonna think of something, ok? Jackson, you, and I, we can meet when he gets back and try to make a plan. Your parents can’t force you to marry that guy.”

“Thing is, babe, they can.”

Mark said nothing after that, neither did you.

“Shit, look at the time, I gotta go” you grabbed your stuff quickly, saying goodbye to Mark at the door. He had a worried look on his eyes, but you assured him you were fine.

Not really, but you would be.

**

The following morning was chilly, and you were to supposed to meet Park Jinyoung at 8:30am. It was already 9:15am.

You two were supposed to meet frequently now, to get to know each other and slowly show your - nonexistent - relationship to the public. And you were already 45 minutes late and Jinyoung’s patience was already 45 points lower.  

When you finally showed up and mumbled a quick apology for being late, Jinyoung only moved his head, still not saying a word. To be honest, he felt a bit ashamed for being rude to you at first, of course the arranged marriage wasn’t your fault, of course you also had no saying in the decision and of course you too weren’t happy, he was also a bit angry at your drunk outburst at that party - angry at himself maybe, for stupidly blaming you. But after overthinking in the past days, he concluded he was mostly ashamed at his own behavior.

And now you two were walking around in a terrible awkward silence.

Anyone looking at your faces could see none of you wanted to be there, the stiffness on Jinyoung’s walk, the annoyed expression on your face, never that you two would pass off as a couple.

The whole morning passed without many words, after walking around for some minutes you two talked to each other for the first time only to agree to enter a coffee shop and drink something hot to help warm up. The atmosphere between you two was painfully awkward until the end, when each of you finalle got into your cars and went back to your own lives.

This routine kept going on for weeks, the silent walks and annoyance on both your faces, no matter what place you two were going - coffee shops, galleries, fancy restaurants - sometimes with both your parents, sometimes just the two of you, accompanied with bored answers and comments about whatever had previously been decided about your relationship -, and even a museum once. Finally, after a long time that seemed longer because of the atmosphere between you two, Jinyoung finally had the courage to properly talk to you.

“Y/N.” he started with a firm voice that sounded less confident as he continued talking. “Y/N, I owe you an apology. That first day I blamed you and... I know it’s not your fault, it never was, I had no reason for that. You don’t have to accept it, but I am sorry for that. Truly.”

You looked attentively at him, eyes fixated on his face and raised eyebrows.

“It took you long enough.”

After that, things between you started getting less awkward, and little by little you two started talking. You weren’t really close, of course, and there was still some type of grudge held against each other’s family, but none of you blamed the other at this point. Maybe with more time and some help, you two would de able to find the best way out of that arrangment.

**

Time seemed to fly, but it also seemed to move slowly - like it was swimming on something even more sticky than honey. For how long had everything been going on, anyway?

In between all the many events you two had to attend, Jinyoung and you learned to bear each other’s presence and sometimes even enjoy it - and your talks evolved to more than twenty words. You learned that he liked white, and he learned that you liked red. You told him about the dog you had as a child, and he told you about how at some point he dreamed of being a pre-school teacher. You two realized your taste in movies, books and even food was more similar than you’d ever think. One time, late at night before going to sleep, you caught your mind wandering about Park Jinyoung and how you two could have been close if you had met under different circunstances, a lot closer.

Jinyoung had, unbeknownst to you, thoughts like that too. When you first met he was mad, and then things got awkward and now they were getting better and he realized he really liked that. He had no need to be the always prim and proper heir Jinyoung, he could be just Jinyoung, but it wasn’t only that. Being with you was easy because of there was no need to keep an image, of course, but it was also genuinely good.

Not that different from the schedule you two shared lately, that night you had a dinner planned with the companies’ partners. Each of you arrived with your family and greeted the people present, who were, presumably, families just like yours and Jinyoung’s. Of course, Jinyoung didn’t know everyone there to assume they all would be capable of architect their children’s lives like they were just another marketing plan, but knowing that life all too well, he knew most of them were capable of doing that.

With an annoyed sigh, Jinyoung put his usual polite smile on his face and after some words, finally left the small conversation group his parents had dragged him in. The dinner was being held in a pretty place, the warm golden color, predominant everywhere, gave it a rich aura, just like the fancy chandeliers. It was suffocating, though - a wasteful beauty, he concluded.

After a few minutes he found you boredly looking out of a window and decided to approach you, propping his elbows on the windowsill as he stopped by your side.

“So, what’s so interesting about this empty street?”

“Nothing much,” you scrunched you nose, voice sounding as bored as the expression on your face “But I heard something interesting.”

“Shoot it.”

“Apparently Mr. Nam and his wife were cheating on each other and their oldest daughter found out some days ago.”

“Oh. That... really is something.”

“Right?” you both still were looking at the empty street, that really had nothing much to see besides the walls of the neighboring buildings and the night sky. “It seems like we’ll have some drama going on on the next dinners. Wanna bet how long it’ll take for them to divorce?”

“That’s low. But Mr. Nam really is an ass.” you both looked at each other and chuckled a bit louder than the tone you two used to talk, earning a few glares from the people around. That made you two chuckle a bit more. “I’ll pass though.”

“Boring!” you and Jinyoung finally looked at each other, closer than you’ve ever been “Wanna play a game to kill time?”

With your eyes looking at his that close, Jinyoung thought he’d agree with pretty much anything without even thinking twice.

The game consisted of choosing a theme and saying a words related to it in alphabetical order. Pretty silly, but there really wasn’t much to do there.

“Gerbil”

“Horse”

“Iguana”

“Jinyoung”

“Koa- My name doesn’t fit the theme, you lost.”

“Jinyoung, I was calling your name.”

“Oh.” you were having fun with his distraction, laughing a bit while putting your phone down to look at Jinyoung again.

“One of my friends is throwing a birthday party today and another friend can drive us there, I’m sure it won’t be as boring as here. Wanna ditch this dinner?”

Jinyoung accepted without thinking twice.

No more than a couple of minutes later your friend was waiting for you two down the street. You left the party without saying anything to anyone, and Jinyoung wasn’t sure if anyone even noticed you leaving - as it seemed, not everyone was as bored with that dinner as you two.

You introduced your friend when you reached the car. Jinyoung had heard of him before, you mentioned Mark Tuan as one of your best friends, and Jinyoung had the vague memory of him from business dinners and parties and even from a few of summer courses he remembered going when he was younger. Corporate heirs seemed to have pretty similar lives, and it seemed like the world was pretty small.

“Hey.” Mark said quickly, with some type of look on his face. He looked at Jinyoung - who suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable - and then at you. You waved your hand as you entered the car.

“It’s okay Mark, I told you. We’re okay now.”

“If you say so.”

You sat on the front seat and Jinyoung on the back, a song he didn’t know was already playing on the radio and he spent most of the way to the party looking out of the window. You did most of the talk, easily making sure both he and Mark said something from time to time. The ride wasn’t that unconfortable, and Mark wasn’t giving Jinyoung looks when he left the car.

“Wait a minute,” you put your hand on Jinyoung’s shoulder, motioning for him to lower his head. You hands moved quickly on his hair, messing the parted hairstyle he always had. “It was too formal. And this kinda messy hairstyle suits you... I think.”

“Ah, thank yo-”

“You guys are gonna move or...?” Mark interrupted Jinyoung, and he now had an amused expression on his face.

“Yes, we’re getting in now!” you answered quickly, shooting Mark a glare.

Inside the place was dark, iluminated only by colorful lights and a loud, hyped music played in the background - much different from the dinner you two were before. It seemed to be a more private thing, and almost everyone there seemed to know each other. The atmosphere there was much more welcoming than the one at the dinner, as weird as it could seem.

Once again you introduced Jinyoung to your friends and aquaintances there, including the host of the birthday party, a guy with dyed red hair called Younghyun. It wasn’t hard to talk and have fun with them, Jinyoung noticed, he was actually enjoying himself and feeling comfortable around people he had just met.

As time went by, he started feeling a bit dizzy from the drinking and hot from moving around too much, so Jinyoung decided to sit down on a sofa that was already half occupied by a guy he didn’t really remember the name deep asleep. At some point you went dancing with your friends and Jinyoung hadn’t seen you since then, having gotten distracted by games and talking with other people. After closing his eyes for a few seconds, he pushed his hair back ad unbottoned the first buttons of his shirt, longing to feel a bit refreshed.

Then, after minutes just looking up without doing much, Jinyoung looked around and noticed the state of the other guests. The birthday boy, Younghyun, was passed with other two people he remembered you calling Chan and Sana, all three on top of each other on a sofa that barely fit two people. In front of them, Jaehyung and Nayeon were laughing loudly and snapping pictures of everything. Not so far from them, another group formed by Sungjin, Mina, Woojin and Dahyun sang a drunken redemption of Barbie Girl accompanied by a guitar. And then finally looking at you, dancing with Mark and other guy - Jackson, probably? You did mention that he was your best friend along with Mark and had recently came back from a trip -, laughing and smiling all through it, and you looked stunning doing so, being carefree, having fun and genuinely enjoying something for once. Of course, your hair and clothes were messy after all that time on the party, but there was something about you that made it impossible for Jinyoung to stop looking at you with a stupidly soft smile on his face, and a small voice on his head wondered about how nice it would be to be by your side like that.

You knew Jinyoung was looking at you.

You locked eyes with him and kept dancing and smiling, behind you, Jackson was his usual loud self and Mark was distracted dancing with someone else, and you decided that you were getting tired of dancing and wanted to sit down. Your feet were starting to hurt anyway.

“Hey” Jinyoung said as you got closer, smiling softly at you “Having fun dancing?”

“A lot. But I don’t feel like I can stand much longer.”

Quickly he scooted over, opening as much space on the sofa as he could while a guy slept next to him. You gladly sat down.

“So” you started “are you enjoying the party? Much better than that dinner, isn’t it?”

“Oh, it’s a tough decision, I think sitting for hours with my parents complaining about my shoes not being up to their taste would actually be really nice but-”

“Oh come on, just say it” you playfully hit his shoulder with yours.

“Fine, fine, the party’s been great. Your friends are nice and-”

“Told you so!”

“-it’s good to see you with them, it’s the first time I’ve seen you that happy.”

You felt something warm up inside you. It was funny to think Jinyoung noticed how happy or unhappy you were, a good funny that made you want to giggle.

“That’s kinda cute of you.” the words came out of your mouth before you could even process them, and it was Jinyoung’s turn to feel warm and funny.

The look on your faces was silly and both started to laugh after realizing that, when did being around each other became so confortable? And when did you two went from strongly disliking to... whatever was going on now?

The guy next to Jinyoung mumbled something in his sleep, startling him a bit. You, once again, thought it was cute.

The tiredness was getting to you and you decided to keep the mood between you two going on and rested your head on Jinyoung’s shoulder.

You still felt troubled, but a least a few things were finally starting to work out. You felt better than you had in ages that night - you noticed, closing your eyes for a bit.

You would be fine.

[randomoranges]

Perfect Cities

Friend

 Unrelated events between 2005 and 2015ish.  *I changed up a) the timeline of this fic to keep it more Vague and also so it could still fit with the “revised timeline” or whatever. I added a few things, but nothing major.

Étienne’s friendship with Emma is one of my favourite things and that one idea I will absolutely die on a hill for. It is the most precious thing, okay? They’re ride or die and you can’t convince me otherwise lalalala.

Also I’m not really “fixing these up” or whatever, unless there’s something I really want to reword or add to. I just want to slowly re-upload the old fics for sentimental reason kinda.

 I

“Well, well, well, Étienne, long time no see. Dropping in unexpectedly; you know, I do have a phone you could call on.” Emma greeted, opening the door to her friend. Emma wasn’t even surprised. Étienne often showed up unannounced, on her doorstep – and she was notorious for doing the same, but a head’s up was always appreciated. Especially considering the radio silence she had been getting from her friend, as of late. It wasn’t that she was worried – Étienne was a big boy – but Emma knew Étienne and his silences could mean many different things.

 Étienne gave a small shrug and it was then she noticed the redness of his eyes and his unusual downtrodden look that a warning bell went off in her head. She had seen that look far too many times to even think that this was going to be a normal visit, but she decided to play dumb and see if maybe, for once, she was wrong.

 “Come on now, before we air condition the great outdoors.”

 Étienne gripped his bag a little tighter and made his way inside, unusually quiet.

 “I don’t know who beat you up this time, but boy has the rumour mill been running!” Emma started, hoping to get her friend to at least smile. “You’ll never believe what nonsense they’ve been spewing out these past few weeks.” She tried to distract him, knowing Étienne always liked some good gossip. Usually, the two of them could sit and exchange the latest of what they had heard for hours. Étienne was a riot and always had the best running commentary, but this time, he was subdued, showing little to no interest. Still, Emma decided to go on, figuring she could cheer him up on her own.

 “Listen to this; the word about town is that your boy’s been acting mighty friendly with Calvin. I thought that was ridiculous!” She laughed, pausing by the closet to lean on its door for support, while she caught her breath. “Someone even said they saw them kiss or some other stupid nonsense. I swear, I nearly had an aneurism laughing to myself. I mean, I know you and Edward have some sort of special arrangement, but the way they were talking made it sound as though they were like a couple. Well, the joke’s on them, right? I know you like to pretend that you and Ed are “just friends” or whatever you call it, but this is me you’re talking to. I know better! Hell, you were even going on about making your Big Move to him, like, ages ago – which reminds me, you haven’t mentioned it in a while...,” She felt as though she was unto something, but the thought escaped her mind and she went on, forgetting about it, “And plus, it’s so obvious you like him – clearly he knows, so it’s not like he’d go behind your back with Calvin! Unless that was a thing you guys are doing? Anyways, I had to actually walk away from the scene, because I couldn’t stop laughing! So yeah, that was it.” She paused, waiting for Étienne to react, but when he didn’t, she continued, a little hesitantly. “I figured you’d get a good laugh out of that. I swear, they have nothing better to do during their lunch break. Y’know, during important city meets.”

 Étienne felt the words crash over him like an unsuspecting wave, knocking the breath out of him. Every word – every little casual reminder of what he once had with Edward opened up a new wound. He could feel his chest grow tight with grief and he wanted to both yell at Emma to stop and run away as far as possible from the horrible truth. Instead, he remained immobile, there in the middle of the hallway, next to the umbrella carrier, unable to say anything or stop Emma from going on, as knife after knife pierced through his whole body and he was left paralysed and bleeding, realising that he had lost the greatest thing to have ever happened to him.

 “Étienne? Are you even listening? You’re not laughing.” It was then that Emma chose to turn around and look at him. It was then that she saw the tears that were clouding Étienne’s eyes and the tremble in his shoulders. She gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she put everything together, a moment too late. Somehow, she knew that something had happened and that what she had thought had been this great, amusing misunderstanding had actually turned out to be true.

 “Oh no,” She whispered, walking over to her friend.  “Sweetie, no. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know...” She caught Étienne in her arms as he fell into them and the first broken sob escaped his lips. She held him close, hugging him tightly and let him cry on her shoulder for however long he needed. Emma rubbed his back and knew that no amount of comforting words could mend his broken heart. She had at least nineteen different questions running through her mind – absolutely needed to know how Étienne had let this happen, but right now, her friend needed her and that came first.

 II

“Alright, up you get.” Emma ordered, marching into her living room. Étienne looked up from his nest of blankets and turned away.

 “C’mon; you’ve been slouching about for two weeks now. We’re going out. Take a shower, please, and change out of your pajamas. I beg of you.” She said, poking at the blankets and effectively finding one ticklish leg.

 Étienne glared at her and then resumed ignoring his friend, after he had tucked his leg away from her long fingers. Emma rolled her eyes, made sure to hide the bag she had been carrying with her on the floor, on the side of the couch, and then went to sit next to him, ignoring his faint protests and any limbs she may have squished. She kept poking his stomach, while Étienne wiggled about and tried to squirm away.

 “Étienne – please. You really do need to shower, by the way. You smell.”  She added matter of fact, crinkling her nose for effect.  

 Étienne spared her a glance. “How can I smell? I’ve done nothing but live on your couch.” He mumbled.

 Emma took it as a small victory. She had at least gotten Étienne to talk to her. It was already better than the lack of communication he had been giving her for the past few days.

 “Well, you still need to bathe every so often, regardless of what you do or not do.” She paused, a smile creeping on her face. “Y’know, I can’t believe you’ve managed to shave for the past two weeks, but no bathing.”

 “Don’t like the beard.” He spat out, showing more energy than he had since he had arrived.

 She rolled her eyes. “I know, but now you will get up, wash, change, and we are going out. You’re usually a riot at the clubs and I need you to liven up this bunch.”

 “Don’t wanna.” He grumbled again, turning his back to her. He pulled the blanket over his head and figured she would leave him alone.

 He was wrong.

 Emma yanked the blanket away, ignoring his hiss and continued on. “If you don’t come, I’m revoking your bagel privileges.” Emma watched with smug satisfaction as Étienne’s eyes widened and she reached for the bag she had hidden moments ago, revealing the familiar logo of Étienne’s favourite bagel shop.

 “You wouldn’t.”

 “Oh, I would. Now, tell me you’ll do as I say and I will give you a bagel.” She wiggled the bag before his eyes and Étienne made to lunge for the bag, but then stopped midway.

 “Fairmount or Viateur?”

 “Viateur, who do you take me for? I’ve learnt my ways. I’m not some pleb.”

 Étienne nodded in approval and made to take the bag, just as Emma put it out of his reach.

 “Ah, ah, ah, you didn’t say you were gonna come.”

 Étienne rolled his eyes and consented, the idea of fresh bagels more important than not taking a bath for another day. “Good boy. You may have your bagels.” She decided to be nice, feeling bad for Étienne, and handed the bag. Emma watched with amusement as he eagerly took one out and tore into it. It was the most enthusiasm he had shown in weeks and it made her worry just a little bit less.

 “How d’you get these?” He asked, mouth full.

 “I have a friend who was coming in from Montreal today and I called in a favour.”

 Étienne nodded approvingly and munched on his bagel.

 “You know, I think going out will do you some good – hell, you might even pick up tonight.” She teased, nudging his shoulder.

 “Not interesting in picking up.” He answered, his voice going soft and distant.

 “Why not? You’re usually always looking for an excuse to get laid.”Emma knew she was being nosy, but Étienne hadn’t been himself in so long that if he was going to be moody and silent, she was going to poke and prod until he either answered her or lashed out and let everything out. The second option wouldn’t be pretty, but Emma knew her friend better than most and knew that the longer Étienne kept his feelings bottled up, the uglier it would get.

 “Well maybe I’m finally reformed – maybe I’m done with the old ways – maybe I just want a fucking break, Ems. Let it be, Christ.” He snapped, defensive. There was nowhere for him to run to and he felt trapped.

 “I just want you to have fun and live a little – don’t want you to miss out on the lay of your life because you’re head was stuck in your ass, or something.”She added, daring to joke with him, despite his mood. Emma had long ago realised that the best way to get Étienne to stop fixating on a problem was to distract him and make fun of the situation at hand, until he realised how ridiculous and over the top he was being. It was a band-aid solution, she knew it, but if it could work one more time, she wasn’t about to complain.

 “As if – everyone knows your city is boring and full of old people.”

 Normally, Emma would have hit Étienne with something, but when she saw him crack a small smile – the first she had seen since he had arrived at her place, she dared to hope the worst was behind them.

 She still decided to hit him with a pillow.

 “And yet how many cabinet members did you sleep with that one time?”

 “That was once – and they weren’t even from here.”

 “Excuses, excuses, Maisonneuve. And what about those senators, that other time?”

 “Which ones – the players or the ones from the hill?” He joked and Emma rolled her eyes.

 Étienne reached out for another bagel and usually, Emma would have chided him for it, but she let him be for now. Étienne was showing signs of his old self. She would take him overindulging in one too many bagels over the sombre mood he had been in and hollowed looks she had seen on his face. “Well, you never know. Just remember, if you do hookup, and you come back here, please tell your person not to parade naked in my kitchen. Again.”

 “C’m’om, Ems, that was like – once.” Étienne said, sounding mildly offended. He was a good houseguest.

 “Was not. There was that one guy. I did not want to see a stranger’s penis first thing in the morning, let me tell you. And then there was that girl. Also, largely uninterested in seeing anyone’s breasts while getting coffee. Breakfast with my friend’s fling of the night is already awkward enough. Unwanted nudity and sex noises are an entirely different type of awkward.”

 Étienne opened his mouth to pretest and then closed it, when he realised she was right.

 “Exactly.” She went on. “While we’re on the subject; if you bring anyone back, you can fuck all you want in the guest bedroom only. This couch, or my kitchen table are not good options. Or any other place, for that matter. Be a dear and change the sheets tomorrow, if you do.”

 “Yes, ma’am.” He interjected, saluting her with one arm, playing along as he often did. It was best to let Emma know he had understood the rules, before she went on one of her tangents.

 “I’m not done.” Étienne made the motion of zipping his lips shut. “If you decide to go off to someone’s apartment, be a dear and at least text me so I know you’re not dead in some ditch.”

 He waited a moment to make sure she was done, this time around. “Yes, boss.” He confirmed.

 “Good, glad we have that settled. Now, go change, you still smell.” She added, ruffling his hair affectionately, giving him an encouraging smile.

 III

Étienne looked away from the television when Emma plopped herself beside him and propped her feet on his thighs. She groaned, leaning back, and undid the belt to her skirt.

 “Fucking hate meetings.” She complained, one hand draped across her face.

 Étienne spared her a glance and chuckled to himself. “Busy day?” He offered, lowering the volume of the television.

 “I swear, if I hear one more asshole complain about anything, I will chop his head off and feed it to the goats.”

 “Goats don’t –”

 “I don’t care!” She cut him off. “I’m done.”

 Étienne laughed quietly, amused, and they fell silent for a while.

 “Massage my feet.” She ordered, more than asked, putting one foot on one of his hands.

 “Ew, no.” Étienne pushed her foot away, trying to make it fall off the couch.

 “Étienne, be nice to me. I’ve been feeding you. My feet are sore.” She wiggled her foot in front of his face and he tried to squirm away.

 “No, I’m not your masseur.”

 “Étieeeennnneeee...” She placed her foot directly on his face and having had enough, Étienne nipped at it gently, eliciting a yelp from Emma, who retracted her foot, surprised.

 “What the hell? You bit my foot, Maisonneuve.”

 “Serves you right! You had it in my face. ” He laughed, while she glared at him.

 “I bet you wouldn’t lick it.” She challenged him, sitting up.

 “Oh, you’re on.”

 Again, she brought her foot to Étienne’s face, just as he leant closer, tongue sticking out. Slowly, they inched closer to each other, looking at one another intently, until at the last moment, Emma pulled away abruptly, sitting on her feet.

  “You were actually going to lick it!”

 Étienne laughed and swung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. “A bet is a bet.”

 “Oh my God, why are you like this? You’re so weird.” She buried her face in his shoulder and wondered what she had ever done to have such a strange friend, but knew she wouldn’t have him any other way.

 IV

“Ems?” Étienne called out from the bedroom door, peering inside the dark room.

 “Hmm?” She responded, shifting in bed.

 “Can I – Can I sleep with you?” He hesitated, voice small.

 “For the love of God – I’m not interested.” She tried to joke, sensing that something bigger was troubling her friend.

 Étienne rolled his eyes and stepped inside. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. Can I just sleep with you, please? It’s lonely out in the guestroom.”

 Emma sighed, but moved over and pulled the covers back, letting Étienne in. He got comfortable, fluffing the pillow and Emma spooned behind him, far too used to this. She felt her friend slowly settle and relax, as she brushed his hair away from his neck and nuzzled his shoulder affectionately.

 “Thanks.” He mumbled, drowsy with sleep.

 “Don’t mention it. You okay though?”

 “Yeah. Just lonely.” He answered and Emma didn’t want to think what exactly he meant by that.

 “You know,” She started, trying to avert Étienne’s mind from whatever dark hole it was probably going to. “I have a theory; I think you’ve spent so many nights sleeping with people that you don’t know how to sleep alone anymore.” She joked, poking his stomach.

 Étienne gave a weak chuckle and took hold of her hand, lacing their fingers together. He didn’t want to worry Emma with his vagabond thoughts, but he knew that staying alone in the guestroom wouldn’t be wise for him at this time.

 “Hmm, maybe you’re onto something.” He murmured, trying to reassure her that he was okay for the moment. “‘Night, Ems, love you.” He added, letting his friend’s presence lull him into a cocoon of comfort and familiarity.

 “Love you too, Étienne.” She responded, giving his hand a squeeze, her voice a little thick with unspoken emotions.

 FIN 49

 Started writing: May 5th 2017, 8:19am

Finished writing: May 6th 2017, 7:32pm

Started typing: August 26th 2017, 11:12pm

Finished typing: September 24th 2017, 8:57pm

[luvshuas]

ghouls and such

pairing - seungkwan x reader

tags - horror

synopsis - when you take seungkwan to a supposedly haunted cabin, the last thing you, a skeptic, would expect was the train of events that followed throughout the night

word count - 2.2k

©

April Fools’ Day was an important holiday in yours and Seungkwan’s friendship. From the beginning of your friendship to now you both always planned pranks on each, but in recent years they began to get more elaborate. You’d spend weeks preparing for pranks, and preparing to sabotage the others prank. Your little ‘prank war’ -- if you could even call it that -- was all in good fun with spoken agreements to avoid mentally, physically, or emotionally hurting each other.

After Seungkwan’s prank last year you vowed that the next years prank would make him never want to prank you ever again. Though you didn’t want the tradition to end you did want to one-up him, and you definitely would. After lots of interrogating, you got some of his friends to expose his fear of ghosts. Thus began the planning process. For weeks you searched for haunted locations within driving distance, and then you found the perfect location. It was a cabin in an old camping ground. The cabin had been around for hundreds of years, but no one dared stay in it. Rumors of rituals, summoning demons, and the ghost of a lady who was drowned at the nearby lake floated around the internet. You never quite believed in the supernatural. If something was real it could be proven, and there just wasn’t enough unexplainable proof to justify ghosts being real.

The plan was going perfectly. Seungkwan believed you were taking him to a lake a few hours away from where you both lived. When you arrived at his apartment to pick him up he was beyond excited. “This is going to be so fun! I’ve been needing a break for awhile.” He said excitedly getting into your car. You thought he was completely unaware of the date, but he had his own prank up his sleeve. Though Seungkwan did believe you two were going to a lake to relax he also knew you’d prank him, but he just couldn’t place a finger on what the prank would be.

The car ride to your destination was fairly uneventful. The two of you acted like any best friends would if they were on a road trip. Songs were sung, jokes were told, snacks were eaten, and everything was going according to plan. Then you arrived at the front of the campsite.

You showed the park ranger your proof of payment before entering the camp ground, taking note of the way his eyes widened. He quickly handed you the papers back and waved you through, probably thinking you were part of some sort of cult and not just pranking your best friend. You watched Seungkwan from the corner of your eye as you drove further into the forest. If you hadn’t known him for as long as you did you wouldn’t have notice the way his eyes kept shifting towards the side mirror to watch the campsite’s exit disappear. You almost felt bad knowing how badly this prank would scare him, but your pity quickly fell away since he’d be laughing as soon as you came clean that it was a prank.

The closer you came to the cabin the faster your electronics began to drain battery. Your nearly full GPS began to die once you came within a couple hundred feet of the cabin. “Are you kidding me? My phone just died.” Seungkwan complained, immediately rummaging through his bag to look for his portable charger. You didn’t dwell on all the electronics dying since it was just a coincidence to you.

“Come on, let’s go put everything in the cabin. I wanna explore the lake before it gets dark and the ghosts come out.” You snickered as you mentioned the ghosts. Seungkwan was a big believer in all things other worldly, whereas you thought it was all a bunch of pre-set traps and noise triggers.

The cabin was uncomfortably quiet when you both stepped through the door. The interior looked like it’d been cleaned for the first time only a few hours prior to you and Seungkwan arriving, but whoever did it rushed. Though you were a skeptic you could admit you were curious about the experiences people had here for it to be labelled haunted. Normally a quick Google search would give you all your answers, but the only articles you could find were from the campsites opening decades ago. However that was only the surface, after much digging you found a blog post about the hauntings that occurred in the cabin. Residents reported being woken up from their sleep, strange figures looming over them in their beds, the feeling of being watched, and much more. You closed the article before finishing it, brushing the supernatural “experiences” as campers just being scared and thinking everything was a ghost.

You and Seungkwan quickly put everything up, eager to look around the lake. The afternoon had a cool breeze and it was perfect for a nice walk. “Thanks for taking me here,” Seungkwan looped his arm with yours, “it’s really pretty here.” You smiled at the praise. You hoped that, despite the prank, you’d both have a good time together.

The walk along the lake took about an hour. The sun was nearly completely tucked behind the horizon and the two of you didn’t want to stay out past dark in a forest with potential wild animals. “It got dark quick.” Seungkwan commented, waiting for you to finish twisting the key in the door knob. The clicking sound came and you were finally able to push the door open.

“I guess,” you watched him take a seat in the living room before closing and locking the entrance. “Hey, do you wanna watch a movie? I’m not tired yet and there’s nothing to do here.” You took a seat next to Seungkwan who was reaching for the remote to power on the television in the room. Neither of you were too keen to turn on any lights, save for the lamp in the far corner of the living room. Seungkwan’s silent agreement to watch the movie spurred your plan into motion. You’d wait roughly an hour to and hour and half before claiming you were gonna go change into more comfortable clothes. Once Seungkwan would be left alone in the darkness he’d immediately be on edge, and that’s when you’d prank him.

The first thirty minutes of the movie the house was quiet save for the sound coming from the television. Your doubts that this cabin was haunted grew with each passing minute. “Did you hear that?” Seungkwan asked, his head whipping behind the couch to watch the dark hallway leading to the back of the cabin. You rolled your eyes, but ultimately ignored his worrying. It was almost too easy to prank him at this point, but you’d still go through with it.

“My clothes are getting uncomfortable so I’m gonna change really quickly. I’ll be back in like five minutes.” It had been an hour since Seungkwan mentioned hearing something, and now was the perfect time to start the prank. Seungkwan’s eyes widened at the thought of being left alone in the dark. “I should come with you!” He quickly stood up, not wanting to be left to his own devices. You pushed his shoulders down so he’d sit back on the couch, making it clear you didn’t want him to follow you. You almost felt bad about Seungkwan being scared out of his mind, but it was quite funny to you.

Seungkwan didn’t continue playing the movie when you left him. He stayed on the couch with his legs curled beneath him and his eyes concentrating on the bright screen of his phone. He believed that if he didn’t focus on how creepy the cabin was nothing bad would happen, but that’s not how ghosts work.

Once you were in your room you began changing. You could admit that the cabin had an eerie vibe about it, but instead of ghosts you pinned it on the location. You slid your arms through the sleeves of a clean shirt, completely unaware of the tapping at the window until the rustling of clothes stopped. It sounded like a fingernail lightly hitting the window. “It’s just a tree. Ghosts don’t exist.” You mumbled, tearing your eyes away from the window the tapping sound was coming from. You finished changing and went immediately to the door. The air around the door knob was ice cold compared to the rest of the room. The knob was even colder. You quickly twisted the door open, wanting to get your hand off the burning cold of the door knob.

You were a bit spooked by the time you got back to Seungkwan who was staring blankly at the windows. “Hey, are you ok?” You asked, shaking his shoulder. His facial expression seemed empty, like something drained him. It took a few shakes to get him back to his senses. He quickly looked around the room to remember where he was. “Can we go back home or get a hotel in the city? There’s something, or rather someone, here.” Seungkwan lifted himself from the couch. His eyes were pleading with you to say yes. Your skepticism towards anything supernatural overshadowed the unnatural swirling feeling you had in your stomach telling you to leave as fast as possible. “No, I paid for a night here and the money can’t be refunded.” Your voice involuntarily wavered.

“Don’t turn around. I see something behind you.” Seungkwan moved closer to you, the adrenaline pumping in his veins giving him small doses of confidence. You stayed frozen in your spot. You wanted to look behind you, but something kept whispering to you not to look. The whispering in your ear went away within a few seconds. You spun around to face where Seungkwan was staring at. A window, that looked normal, was situated in the space Seungkwan thought he saw something.

Then you saw it. It was a quick shadow, almost teasing you two by flickering onto the window. The energy around the cabin seemed to darken and cool significantly. Something was in the forest, and it wanted to pay you a visit. A rattling sound came from the hallway leading to the back of the cabin. “Can ghosts float through walls, or is that a movie myth?” Seungkwan grabbed onto your hand, not wanting to separate from you.

“Hm, I don’t know. Let me just ask my ghost friends.” You refused to admit that there was a ghost, or any other supernatural being, trying to enter the cabin. The rattling never stopped, but it also never got louder. Both of you were too scared to make any quick movements. Then it stopped.

The rattling suddenly cut off. “Should we go back there and check to see if anything broke in?” You looked at Seungkwan, waiting for his response. He vigorously shook his head no. You knew there was no way in hell you’d get him to go towards something that scared the life out of him, so you went alone. Seungkwan tried pulling you back to him, but you only shrugged off his hand. A wave of determination flooded into you. You wanted to see where the rattling was coming from, and the rattling wanted you to come find it.

All plans of pranking Seungkwan were washed away as you began to follow the invisible cord tugging you in the direction of the hallway. Seungkwan followed slowly behind you at a large distance. He didn’t feel safe about you wandering alone, whether you believed in ghosts or not. You continued in a straight until you stopped in the back of the hallway at a wall. “You don’t belong here.” A voice whispered from behind you. The skin behind your ear began heating up; soon coming to a burning sensation.

Seungkwan stopped moving once he reached the center of the hallway. He watched you stare at the bare wall. “Get the bags, Seungkwan.” You turned around to face him. Your eyes were shaded as if something was making you tell him these things. However, Seungkwan wasted no time in rushing into the room with your bags. “Drive all the way back home. Stop for nothing. Never come back behind the tree line. You don’t belong here.”  The voice hissed to the right of you this time. You forced yourself to not look towards where the whispers came from. You needed to get out of the cabin and back to the city you drove here from.

Seungkwan came out of the room with all the bags slung across his shoulder. You rushed to him and began pulling him to the front door of the cabin. “We have to go.” You frantically pulled open all of the locks and then the front door. You don’t know what came over you, but you knew that if you stayed whatever, or rather whoever, was whispering in your ear would cause you and your best friend harm.

You pulled the car out of the driveway and began driving towards the entrance in less than a minute. You and Seungkwan were out of the park in five minutes. “Never mention tonight.” You glanced at Seungkwan from the corner of your eye. He only nodded, clearly too shaken from the cabin.