#jane banner x f reader

[batllethinker]

Danger | J.Banner x F. Reader

An insight into your relationship with Jane

Rating; E

Warnings:guilt tripping, violence, weapons, abuse, manipulation, drinking / alcoholism

Your relationship with Jane was built on her saving you, she had saved you from a notorious serial killer and you had instantly been charmed by her, how she was able to comfort you through the most traumatic experience in your life.

She had given you her number in case you had any worries or questions, which you had a lot of. You were afraid that she would think that you were annoying with your countless texts and calls but all she had done was reassure you, she had even installed a brand new security system in your apartment which you had greatly appreciated.

It had taken you several distraught phone calls and home visits for you two to take your relationship to the next level, you had been crying and confiding in her about all of your anxieties, how you thought that the man Jane had put away would come back and kill you.

But she had quickly soothed your worries with a reassuring touch and a kiss, which had quickly turned heated when she took advantage of your weak and distraught state.

When Jane had proposed the idea of her moving in, you had beamed and accepted without a second thought, which might have been a bad idea when you looked back at your (her) decision but it really was too late for take backs.

The most prominent part of her life was her job, the nights she spent apart from you while she was away on missions, the threats she recieved, the knives and threatening notes stabbed into your front door every once in awhile, which always led you to desperately cling to her whenever she came home.

You knew of the dangers of her job, how it threatened everyone apart of her life. She had even warned you about it, told you about all the vengeful criminals that were after her but you didn't care, too deep in her affection.

The nights Jane spent at home were when you felt the safest, her strong arms wrapped around you and her loaded gun placed on the bedside table, forcing you to bask in the comfort she brought.

"I will always keep you safe, no matter what" was something that she would always tell you, and you couldn't not believe her, she was so convincing when she promised her protection to you.

There were even times where she'd come home covered in blood, her vest still on, too exhausted to even take it off, leaving it to you, in your exhausted state to take it off and clean her off.

The scene was always the same, her hunched over on the toilet, you digging through the first aid kit as you cleaned the blood off of her face, cleaned the wounds grazing her body, careful not to disturb her too much, knowing how her temperament gets.

You know that she doesn't like to talk about her work life so you don't ask, only cleaning her off and stiching her back up in silence, throwing her the occasional worried glances only to find her staring right back at you, something dark glinting in her eyes.

Sometimes she would wrap an arm around your waist, pull you close against her as you took care of her, you knew how exhausting her job was and how much she liked the physical affection you brought, how you would cling to her during the nights, only pressing closer to her when the nightmares became too much, your tears staining her shirt and whimpers keeping her up.

You always had a hard time letting her go after those nights, especially when those nightmares started focusing on her, her dying and leaving you all alone and scared, abandoned at last.

Jane knew how to handle the aftermath of those nights, promising that she would come back, no matter what as she held you close and pressed kisses all over your face, doing all she could to soothe your worries.

Then there were nights she would come home extra agitated, barely minding you waiting for her by the door, heading straight for the liquor as you followed behind her like a lost puppy, insisting that you should clean her up, which she had agreed to with a grunt.

Instead of her arm wrapped around you, it was nursing her favorite bottle, giving you no thought, even if you were extra attentive to her every need, begging for her to give you her attention.

Jane wasn't too fond of you during these moments, she had explicitly told you to leave her alone when she was like that, but taking care of her was the only way to show your graditude, even if it went unnoticed.

When she did pay you attention it was violent, your back pressed up against a wall, knife pressed to your throat and Jane's breath heavy against your ear, her body pinning your own.

Her breath would smell like scotch, voice rough but she would always say the same thing; "daddy will always protect you" and "I love you so much, daddy will never ever hurt you"

She would rip the shirt adorning your body, often hers, the only thing to comfort you through the nights without her, one hand groping your chest as her words echoed in your head.

Her knife would cut open the skin of your chest, ignoring your pleads and cries for her to stop. It always went the same, the hand previously groping your chest moving down your body, sometimes she'd laugh at how soaked you'd get when she has you like this, sparing no time before pushing into you, her pace punishing and intent on making you cum harder than ever before.

It never took long before your thighs were shaking and walls clenching around her fingers, the rasp of her voice forcing you further over the edge.

"Let go for me, be a good girl for daddy" You always did, unable to deny her, especially when she was in this mood, something about Jane when she was this worked up made you weak to her every demand.

She always fell asleep before you, her body trapping yours as she slept, not even noticing your uneven breaths and cries as you tried to bring yourself back, she never cared enough to clean you up or take care of you, too stuck in her own head.

You knew that she was aware of what she is doing to you considering how she would hold you whenever you asked about it, or how she would buy you the most expensive gifts and take days off from her work just to spend time with you and make you forget about the scars and bruises littering your body.

"I would never hurt you, why would you think that?" she always had a way of making you feel guilty for even questioning her love for you, you would spend days making it up to her, doing whatever she wanted you to, practically glued to her side.

You barely go outside anymore but when you do, Jane always reminds you why you shouldn't, sometimes she'll press up behind you as you're about to walk back into your home, pressing her gun to the back of your head.

"You stupid bitch, why would you ever think that it was safe to go outside?" She had a way of making herself seem more intimidating when you couldn't see her, always scaring you into behaving for her, her strong frame towering over you as she pushes the barrel of the gun harder against your head.

You could never stand to see that disappointed look on her face whenever you broke her rules, which always led you to beg for her forgiveness.

"Please, I'm sorry, please forgive me!" There was always that contemplating look in her eyes whenever she thought about even forgiving you, like she knew that it wouldn't be worth it to let you be forgiven.

She would make you work for it, sometimes she would even break your bones when you had been extra bad, her connections to everything and everyone made it too easy for your bruised state and her bruised knuckles to not be questioned.

She would bring you to private hospitals, where no one asked questions, they wouldn't even talk to you, instead addressing everything to Jane, even if they did eye the tight grip your girlfriend would have on you, they never said anything.

You knew better than to say anything too, instead looking to Jane for everything, the medical talk always confused you and Jane never bothered to explain anything to you, instead letting the doctors do as they pleased with you.

You hated the hospital, hated when the doctors touched you and only worsened your injuries. Jane knew that better than anyone, she knew you better than yourself and that's why you could never ever leave her.

The bright fleurocent lighting and the grossly beige walls and all of the medical equipment always made you feel unsettled, but Jane by your side always made the experience a little less frightening.

She always made sure to hold your hand on the drive home, she would even order your favorite food and let you cuddle her the best you could with your broken limbs, anyway.

"I love you, my little lamb" she held you close as you cuddled into her neck, breathing in her comforting vanilla scent while she placed a kiss to the top of your head.

A/N: crossposted on ao3

[thescarletlesbianwitch]

I- mmmm god I didn't know how badly I needed this till now. God she's sdooscskkxdkxk

Idk if this is how u send requests but soft!daddy Jane banner edging a needy r 👀

a/n: ahaha... aha HA this was a long time coming obviously!! And it's not even super long so I don't even have any excuse uh.. enjoy daddy Jane

warnings: 18+ only, minors DNI; smut; edging (r receiving); daddy kink; couch sex; softish!top Jane; I think that's it...?

words: 2K

kinktober event. || kinktober masterlist. || main masterlist.

Sitting in Jane’s lap was supposed to be the most comfortable place in the world, and it was, always. She never failed to make you feel safe and secure every moment she was around. There was never any question of how much she’d protect you; she’d give you the world if you wanted it. And so, whenever she asked, you gave her the same.

“Did you want me to stop, sweetheart?”

“No! Don’t stop, but-” Your stomach was clenched impossibly tight, had been for what felt like days with how your abdomen struggled to stay taught. Jane wanted you to sit on her lap, innocent enough; she loved being as close as possible to you in the evenings, especially cold nights such as this, so you thought nothing of it. But eventually, midway through some movie you’d never heard of before, Jane’s hands slipped down your shorts. They didn’t leave much to the imagination, really, thin and lightweight and completely impractical for the slight chill that ran through the air. Jane had a habit of being touchy, holding and caressing you any time the two of you sat close, and you didn’t mind. It made you feel wanted, so that even without conversation, she still had you on her mind.

Initially you just sighed happily, the warmth of her hands setting your goosebumped skin alight. But now she’d spent the better part of an hour teasing you, threatening to pull aside your panties with promising slips under the garment and deft hands going around where you wanted them. You’d waited the whole time for when she’d actually touch you, but she never did. “But what? What is it?” Her question was so casual it made your brows furrow, irritated with how much pleasure she got from driving you wild.

Your hips tried to buck into her hand, but she pulled back, leaving you to whine into the air. “Jane, don’t—” But she just shushed your protests, calming you by nudging the last obtrusive layer out of the way. Her fingers met your bare cunt and once again you rose into her; this time she let you. “Touch me?”

“I am touching you.” When you chanced a glance up, you found her gaze wasn’t on you at all. She was still intently watching the television. You wanted to be mad, to demand she focus on you instead, but then she was circling your clit and your train of thought was gone forever. Her free hand guided your legs further apart, allowing her free access at will. A particularly perfect stroke forced a whine past your lips and Jane, cruel as she was being, moved away. “Hush, this is my favorite part.”

You nodded, biting your lip to keep quiet, but then thin fingers were dragging their away along the length of your sex, gathering the wetness they’d caused. Right as you were about to break your vow of silence, they finally pressed against your entrance, plunging two fingers deep amidst the sound of a strangled moan. The stretch burned; you whined and wiggled, your tight walls struggling to adjust when Jane was already moving, sliding in and out as if you weren’t just barely keeping up as it was. “P-Please..” Pain was already dissolving into pleasure, the slow drag of her digits each time she pulled out blinding you from any lingering discomfort.

She’d teased so much already, forcing you to endure this film, all the while working you up impossibly slowly for her own amusement. You figured she just wanted to take her time with you; it was rare you got a whole evening to yourselves without any work or fatigue and naturally, you enjoyed the attention. Jane always had a way with you, perfectly calculated touches each time she approached you. There was never a time she didn’t know exactly what you needed— it was whether or not she was going to give it to you that you had to worry about. Tonight it looked like she was firmly set on denying you anything that may throw you over the edge. She was fucking into you methodically, just enough to pull you to that delicious edge, but never hitting that one spot that you both knew would send you flying in an instant.

“You’re doing so well for me, baby. Sitting so pretty while I watch this.” Approval ran thick through Jane’s words, but you could only answer her with a pleading groan. Strained as you were, you loved to make her happy. Jane could force you to run through the muddy woods at night with the promise of her proud smile once you’d finished. You’d endure anything for her; she knew this, as did you. So, as much as you wanted to reach your hand between your legs and rub yourself to your own high, you wouldn’t. She’d let you, of course, but it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying as what she did to you and there was no chance of Jane indulging you if you disobeyed.

That didn’t mean it was easy though. Every push of her fingers threatened to be your undoing, fists gripping Jane’s thighs for any bit of leverage. “Jane.. I need more.” Jane mumbled incoherently, kissing your cheek sweetly before finally looking down at you. God, you wanted to keep her eyes on you; there was nothing better than having her focus set squarely on you, like nothing could ever possibly tear her away.

She smiled something mischievous, her eyes betraying her trickery. “Oh?” Her hand picked up its pace suddenly, spearing you on the fingers that had you so blissfully split open. You felt like you were going to jelly, body molding against her slightly reclined one even further than you already were. “You asked me to touch you and I did. Now you want more? So greedy.” It felt so good, fingers and toes curling as your end neared. Your eyes screwed shut and you could just barely see the stars behind your lids when she ripped away, leaving you empty and dissatisfied. Jane watched every muscle in your body go rigid, just for a second, ready for the orgasm it wanted; the control you allowed her to wield over you, the trust you gave her to take care of you… she was a woman obsessed.

“Please daddy? Fuck me?” You arched into the hand now just resting atop you, pouting when it didn’t move. Following the motion of your hips with no pressure whatsoever, she moved along the length of you like one would tap against a desk and you groaned feeling yourself grow wetter with the torment. “I’ll be quiet.”

“Hmm…” Jane tightened her arm about your waist, pulling you higher up her own body just to reach you better. From this angle she could fuck you deeper, hold you closer, all with the perfect view of what she was doing to you. It wasn’t hard to bring you to the edge again, twisting and turning in her arms fruitlessly. She slowed again, but didn’t pull out this time, keeping her fingers buried where you were clenching weakly around you while your panting breaths echoed throughout the living room. Anyone could’ve been able to tell you were struggling to stay quiet; she wouldn’t be surprised if she had to patch up your surely bloody lip later. “Be a good girl and let daddy play while I finish this up.”

She was clearly talking about the movie; by your estimate you had about 20 minutes to go, but her comment wasn’t a question. The choice to comply was yours, but why would you ever deny her? Jane was moving before you nodded your head, resting it in the crook of her neck and hoping the smell of her could ground you long enough to last. She was relentless, manipulating you expertly over and over, each time stopping just in time to keep you away from what was now a much needed orgasm. “I-I can’t… I need to cum…”

The blonde sighed, her eyes snapping to yours with a disappointed frown twisting her lips. “You’re just asking for everything tonight, aren’t you?” A firm but gentle hand found your head, petting your hair to soothe you as if it would do anything to quell the burning ache consuming your entire being. Wounded eyes stared back up at her, begging for her approval— you tried so hard for her, it was always hard not to give in. “We’ll see.”

A string of expletives left your mouth as she went in again; you’d lost count of how many times it’d been now. Every bit of your focus went into holding back, the tightness in your abdomen felt like it was threatening to swallow you from the inside out, borderline cramping. “Please, please.. just once?” Jane didn’t respond to you past a hum, pretending to consider your bargain. If your arms would work, maybe you would’ve grabbed her chin and forced her to look at you; you needed her attention just as much as you needed your release.

“Not yet.” The simple response came with a curl of her fingers and it was a miracle you didn’t come apart right there. She alone could reach that spot that made you feel like you were soaring above the clouds. Try as you might, you were growing weak. You held back as many as you could on your own and if she kept going, you knew you wouldn’t be able to stop it. “Isn’t this what you wanted, baby? Why are you whining?”

You hadn’t even realized you were making noise still until she called you out on it, a dark chuckle erupting from her chest. Jane gave you exactly what you wanted, true, but she made it agonizing. Your shorts and panties were ruined, surely soaking through to Jane’s own pants, and the lewd sounds of sex nearly overpowered the movie’s low volume; maybe you’d have even a hint of embarrassment with your dishelved state if your head wasn’t so foggy. If she denied you again for forgetting to be quiet, you’d rage. Tears fell from your eyes as you fought against your own body, the base of Jane’s palm now angled to rub against your painfully swollen clit; you couldn’t, you wanted to, but you couldn’t— “I’m s-sorry, I need to cum.. please, daddy… I can’t…!”

Jane tugged on your hair, just hard enough to make you look at her, blown pupils taking in the smug satisfaction your girlfriend had plastered all over her face. “Cum for me, sweetheart.” Whether you were able to wait for her or you broke in the same second she gave you permission, you didn’t know, but it didn’t matter. Wave after wave of pleasure hit you, overwhelming every sense you had, back arching impossibly hard away from the woman holding you securely. She fucked you lazily through your orgasm, only stopping when your hand weakly batted hers away, her touches turning painful. “You did so well, my darling girl, I’m so proud.”

Nodding was all you could manage, even that proving a struggle as your entire body screamed to stay still. “That was unnecessarily mean..” you chuckled, turning over with her help to snuggle into her. Jane laughed along with you, kissing every part of your face she could reach.

At some point, she must’ve dragged the blanket resting over the back of the couch, shielding your quickly chilling body from the air. “You haven’t even seen me mean yet. I let you cum this time.”

[the-queen-of-hell-666]

Just Like Him

Kinktober 2024 - Day 23

Pairing: Dark!Steve Kemp x Innocent!Fem!Reader

Kink: Anal Sex

Word Count: 1700+

Summary: You can't help but fall for Steve's charm and maybe, just maybe, he's falling for you too. (Or Steve loves you cause you're just like him)

Warnings: DUB-CON/NON-CON, Dark themes, Kidnapping, Stockholm Syndrom, explicit language, explicit sexual content (unprotected sex, anal sex, anal fingering, vaginal fingering, spit as lube, brief oral sex (f! receiving), allusions to multiple orgasms, messy sex, rough sex, d/s dynamics, biting, marking, obsession, slight degrading, slight breast play, choking kink, doggy style, nicknames (baby, little one, little slut)), sorta!soft!Steve, corrupted!reader

a/n: Here is Day 23! I know I'm a little late posting but my classes have been kicking my ass and I'm so freaking tired! I will do my best to post on time for the rest of this month!

Banners by @vase-of-lilies

You’re not sure how long you had been imprisoned in Steve’s basement. All you know is that two women had come and gone from the cell next to yours. He had killed them and cut them up and sold them to the highest bidder. He hadn’t taken anything from you, though. He’s threatened to cut you up from time to time but he hadn’t tried to. You weren’t sure why he was so nice to you, in his own twisted way but he was nice. He brought you books, blankets, and sweet treats most of the times he came into your cell. While the other women were screaming when he went into their cell, you were giggling at some stupid joke he told you.

It was safe to say that you were, rather reluctantly, falling in love with the psycho. He was gentle when leading you to the bathroom for a shower, he respected your privacy, even if the cuffs stayed on, he gave you little freedoms. He treated you like glass even if he did smack you around if you pissed him off, but you rarely did that anymore. You found it nicer to just listen to him. 

You stared at the same landscape on the wall that was slowly becoming a part of your nightmares, but it was almost peaceful if you forgot where you were. You heard Steve’s heavy footsteps coming down the stairs and up to the cell next to yours and you could hear the sound of the plastic tray hitting the floor before the cell door closed, and he made his way over to your cell. You heard the telltale click of the lock and the door sliding open. 

Steve stepped into your cell with a garment bag and a tray of food, he locked eyes with you and gave you a dark grin. “Good morning, little one.” He hummed before setting the tray next to you, but your eyes stayed on the landscape. “I have a surprise for you.” He whispered and kneeled beside you and set the garment bag on the bed in front of you. 

You pulled your eyes away from the landscape to look him in the eyes, “Hm?” You hummed softly with a soft smile on your face. 

He chuckled at the sleepy look on your face, “I was thinking that me and you could have dinner tonight. I’ll make you something nice.” He smirked and caressed your cheek softly, you leaned into his palm, loving his kind touch. 

“Who will it be?” You asked already knowing that the dinner will have some form of meat that didn’t come from an animal. 

“Don’t know yet, but I can make you something else?” He offered and you smiled wider before shaking your head. 

“No.” You whispered looking down then up again, “I want to try it.”

He smirked wider and wrapped his hand around your throat and pulled you up to kiss your lips hungrily. He pulled away and rested his forehead against yours, “Naughty girl. I knew you were special.” He whispered and pecked your nose. “I’ll see you at dinner.” He smirked before leaving the cell. 

That night, you put on the red bell sleeved dress that he gave you. It cut up to your upper thigh and the sleeves billowed out like bat wings, and you wore small Mary Jane matching heels. Earlier that day, Steve had led you to the bathroom, and let you shower and shave before taking you back down to the cell. He left the cell unlocked but your cuffs were on and you walked up the stairs shakily. You followed the smell of food to find Steve in the kitchen, stirring a pot of sauce.

“Hello, little one.” Steve said with his back to you as you walked up to the counter and sat down on one of the bar stools. He had a charcuterie board set up with dried meats, assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruit. The board was in the shape of a heart, it was cute, a bit cheesy but you found it endearing. Steve walked away from the stove and over to you, he grabbed the chains from the floor and clipped them to the ‘D’ ring of your cuffs, locking them with a padlock. “Don’t want you running away.” He hummed and kissed your lips softly. 

You pulled away and looked up at him with doe eyes, “Don’t wanna run away.” You whispered as your fingers played with his sweater. “Want to stay with you.” 

He gave you a soft smile and caressed your cheek softly, “Good girl.” He whispered and pecked your lips before pulling away, “Eat some of the charcuterie, it’s delicious.” He smirked and grabbed a piece of cheese and meat and popped it into his mouth. 

You grabbed a cracker, a piece of cheese, and a piece of the dried meat. You stacked them on top of the cracker and ate it slowly, the meat melting on your tongue and the flavors exploding in your mouth, “Mm, that’s good.” You hummed and reached for another piece. 

Steve smirked at you as you ate some more of the meat and cheese, “I’m glad you’re enjoying it, little one.” He winked at you as you watched him move around the kitchen. 

After dinner, you and Steve were tipsy on wine and he led you to his bedroom. His lips on yours as he laid you down on the comforter, his strong hands gripping your waist and hips as he crawled on top of you. You moaned into his mouth, letting his tongue invade your mouth and your senses. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to you. 

His hands were slow as they undid your dress and pulled it from your body, leaving you in your panties. Your nipples peaked as they were exposed to the cool air of the room. He smirked and placed his hands on your breasts, his palms massaging your sensitive nipple. “So pretty like this, little one.” He hummed, plucking your nipples with each hand, pinching and tugging them softly, making soft gasps and moans leave your lips. You looked away as your cheeks flushed a deep pink, making him chuckle. “So shy. Keep your eyes on me, baby.” He whispered as his fingers continued their movements on your puffy nipples. 

You looked at him as he played with your body, how he wanted. You felt your cunt soaking your white panties, leaving a viable wet spot on the gusset of the fabric. You whined as he took one of your nipples into his mouth, sucking softly and leaving a teasing bite on the bud. He pulled back and shucked his sweater over his head and tossed it away, revealing his bare chest to your hungry eyes. 

You moved your hands up to caress his taut abs and up to his pecs, “You’re so handsome.” You said softly as your eyes followed his happy trail to the hem of his pants. “Wanna see all of you, Steve.” 

He smirked and leaned down and kissed your lips as he undid his slacks and shimmed out of them leaving him in his boxers. “Sweet girl.” He purred and kissed down your neck softly. You moaned as he sucked and bit on your sensitive neck, biting hard enough to break the skin.

You hissed and pulled away and pressed a hand against your bleeding neck. “S-Steve?” You stuttered looking up at him, and he gave you a bloody smirk. 

“Just wanted a taste of you.” He smirked before kissing your lips again, the metallic taste staining your tastebuds. “Just relax, baby.” He hummed and rolled you over onto your stomach. He pulled your hips up to his face and he yanked your panties off, revealing your soaked core and your tight back hole to him. 

He lapped through your folds, moaning at your taste on his tongue. His hands spreading you further apart for him as he nuzzled deeper in your cunt. He moved up to lap at your tight hole softly, prodding it with the tip of his tongue. 

You were startled and tried to pull away, “W-what are you doing?” You asked in a nervous voice, as his hands kept you against his face. 

“Mm. Just getting you ready.” He hummed lapping at your tight hole, getting it sloppy for him before he pulled his face away and dragged his finger through your wetness, then slowly pushed it into your hole. You gasped at the sensation, never having anything in your back hole. “Sh, sh. I’ll take care of you.” He whispered as his thumb circled your clit steadily as he worked his finger deeper into you. 

He worked three fingers into your hole, making you cum once with the stimulation from his fingers stroking your walls and his thumb rubbing at your clit. You were a whimpering mess by the time he lubed up his cock and was working his thick length into your stretched hole. You cried out at the mix of pleasure and pain coursing through you as his cock manipulated and your walls to fit his cock deep in you. His thumb never let up on your clit, rubbing fast and tight circles on your sensitive bud. 

Your hole squeezed his cock as he started thrusting shallowly in and out of your ass, while he slipped two fingers into your dripping cunt. His free hand gripped your ass cheek, spreading it open so he could watch his cock, slide in and out of your hole. You gripped the pillows in front of you tight, moaning and whining with each thrust, him bullying his cock deeper into you. He spanked your asscheek once, then twice, and over and over until your ass was red and tingling with pain. The pain turned into pleasure as he sped up his thrusts.

His fingers curled up in your cunt, stroking your sweet spot slowly, making your thighs shake uncontrollably. You whined as tears fell from your eyes and down your cheeks, leaving wet tracks on your cheeks. He smirked and used his free hand to wrap around your neck and yank you up. The new position sliding him deeper into your asshole. 

“Mm, this is so much better than eating you. Fuck, you’re perfect for this. My little girl. So innocent.” He groaned as your walls gripped him perfectly. “But you’re not that innocent, you’re just like me.” He smirked and lapped at the bite on your neck as he squeezed your windpipe, cutting off your air flow, making you feel dizzy. “Perfect little slut.” He murmured against your skin. “I’m not letting you go anywhere. You’re mine.”

[ao3feed-janefoster]

S.h.i.e.l.d. rebirth: Avengers initiative 2.0

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/k60ZK7z

by zafeiria

She was sitting in the chair of the desk and everything had fallen on her shoulders, and yet she wouldn't have the heart to remove the small label from the door 'Director Nick Fury'. He wasn't here though, he chose to leave after the blip, without warning, without caring what he left behind and how he left it

People trusted her, agents trusted her still, to have her dictated missions and reorganize the S.H.I.E.L.D. after Natasha, Tony and Steve dying, Bruce and Thor lost from the radar and Clint picking up his pieces there was only she to take care of the Earth's first line of defense. She was suspicious Fury was back on the plant due to some intelligence, she was certain though the moment Hill vanishe

Words: 1559, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel, Marvel (Comics), Avengers (Comics), Avengers: The Initiative, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, New Avengers (Comics), Guardians of the Galaxy (Movies), Guardians of the Galaxy (Comics), Captain America (Movies), Iron Man (Movies), Thor (Movies), X-Men (Movieverse)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Marc Spector, Stephen Strange, Layla El-Faouly, Matt Murdock, Clint Barton, Maria Hill, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Melinda May, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Yelena Belova, James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel), Kate Bishop, Steve Rogers, Loki (Marvel), Pepper Potts, Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Darcy Lewis, Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, Nebula (Marvel), Bruce Banner, The Valkyries (Marvel), Jemma Simmons, Jennifer Walters, Peter Parker

Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes & Reader, Phil Coulson/Nick Fury, Nick Fury & Reader, Matt Murdock/Reader, Phil Coulson/Melinda May, Steven Grant & Marc Spector & Reader, Layla El-Faouly/Marc Spector, Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, Natasha Romanov & Tony Stark, Avengers Team & Reader, Agents of SHIELD Team & Avengers Team, Agents of SHIELD Team & Reader, Marc Spector & Reader

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Violence, Spies & Secret Agents, The Avengers: The Avengers Initiative (Comic), Team as Family

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/k60ZK7z

[ao3feed-thor]

S.h.i.e.l.d. rebirth: Avengers initiative 2.0

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/OxFcH3u

by zafeiria

She was sitting in the chair of the desk and everything had fallen on her shoulders, and yet she wouldn't have the heart to remove the small label from the door 'Director Nick Fury'. He wasn't here though, he chose to leave after the blip, without warning, without caring what he left behind and how he left it

People trusted her, agents trusted her still, to have her dictated missions and reorganize the S.H.I.E.L.D. after Natasha, Tony and Steve dying, Bruce and Thor lost from the radar and Clint picking up his pieces there was only she to take care of the Earth's first line of defense. She was suspicious Fury was back on the plant due to some intelligence, she was certain though the moment Hill vanishe

Words: 1559, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel, Marvel (Comics), Avengers (Comics), Avengers: The Initiative, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, New Avengers (Comics), Guardians of the Galaxy (Movies), Guardians of the Galaxy (Comics), Captain America (Movies), Iron Man (Movies), Thor (Movies), X-Men (Movieverse)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F, F/M, M/M

Characters: Marc Spector, Stephen Strange, Layla El-Faouly, Matt Murdock, Clint Barton, Maria Hill, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Melinda May, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Yelena Belova, James "Bucky" Barnes, Sam Wilson (Marvel), Kate Bishop, Steve Rogers, Loki (Marvel), Pepper Potts, Morgan Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Darcy Lewis, Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, Nebula (Marvel), Bruce Banner, The Valkyries (Marvel), Jemma Simmons, Jennifer Walters, Peter Parker

Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes & Reader, Phil Coulson/Nick Fury, Nick Fury & Reader, Matt Murdock/Reader, Phil Coulson/Melinda May, Steven Grant & Marc Spector & Reader, Layla El-Faouly/Marc Spector, Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, Natasha Romanov & Tony Stark, Avengers Team & Reader, Agents of SHIELD Team & Avengers Team, Agents of SHIELD Team & Reader, Marc Spector & Reader

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Violence, Spies & Secret Agents, The Avengers: The Avengers Initiative (Comic), Team as Family

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/OxFcH3u

[antonia-starrvinova]

Faint of Heart

'Hotel Fic'

‘Faint of Heart’

Pairing: Antony Starr x F!Reader

Warnings: 18+ only. Sex. Smut. Do not read this post if you are under 18.

What to expect: Fluffy and smutty. New relationship. Sex. 

Song: The Camper Velourium I: Faint of Hearts - Coheed and Cambria (Lyrics in italics.)

Words: 2.9k

SUMMARY:  You wait for Antony to finish working at Comic Con for the day. He takes you with him on his event tour. Inspired by this one song.

Notes: Actor RPF but Antony is essentially an original character here, with the face claim of Antony Starr. Of course this is not about Antony in reality. This is fiction. I just love Antony.

Credit: Dividers by @firefly-graphics. Moodboard by @madhatter2727. Thank you so much! x Feedback/18+ banners by @maysdigitalarts

ASCU Masterlist | Homelander Masterlist

I stretch my arms out, lying across the giant hotel bed we are staying in. I feel the comfort of resting my muscles after a long day at Comic Co. He's still there but I’ve come back. It was too much for today.

I hear the key card unlocking the door and footsteps coming into the room. I’m face down on the bed, I have music on, some 2000’s nostalgia bands, Coheed and Cambria. It's chilled and I'm too tired to move.

‘Hey!' he calls to me.

He clicks the door into the en-suite and the tap runs. I stay relaxed, enjoying the feeling. I’m sober enough, but a bit more to drink and my vision would be swimming. He comes over to me, a light hand on my back. ‘You ok?'

‘Hmmm. Yeah.’

Antony sits down on the edge of the bed next to me. I roll over to face him, he's still wearing his baseball cap and glasses. I reach out to move his hat off, revealing his messy light brunette hair. His glasses on, stubble matching in colour.

'Antony, sit with me.’

And when the answer that you want, is in the question that you state.

'Oh I remember these from about 2003. I used to listen to this album.’ He says.

'Me to.'

‘Me and you were a bit of an age apart, same as now, but...I was about 29 when this came out.’ He says.

I reach out for him, placing a hand on his back over his Adidas hoodie. ‘Of course, I was like eighteen. Oh God! I’m glad I know you now, I probably would have pined over you if I met you then.’ I linger over at him to see his reaction.

He laughs, head tilted back, a bright smile. ‘Oh are you sure, an eighteen year old you?'

‘Well no I wasn't into you…’

He gives me an amused side look, watching intently.

‘I didn't know you existed. How funny is that? We would have been listening to the same bands but had never met.’

He leans over to my face, his mouth in a wide smile, his teeth bright and shiny. His hoodie has green panels, it’s a little bit baggy and I grab at the fabric at the front of his chest. I pull him towards me, I eye his face and he kisses me. A slow sweet peck on the lips. He laughs against me, gets up on to his knees on the edge of the bed, carefully walking over to me, lies down next to me, reaches for one of my wrists to stroke. We sit like this for a little bit in silence.

The lyrics float through the hotel room.

Did somebody take your tongue? In worries of the words that you couldn't say, if they could've saved them from.

He tilts his face towards me, props himself on one elbow. The rain is tapping against the glass. The weather is chilly and I’m thankful Antony is with me now. His cute hoodie is on but I’d rather wear it to cosy up.

The anxious through the calming storm, you'll sit as you pray for rain.

He laces his fingers with mine, he looks for my face, my eyes.

‘I'm cold Toni, can we get under the covers? Or, better yet,’  I tease him, ‘you can get changed out of that Adidas hoodie.’ I reach for his zipper under his chin, pulling it down. His faded vintage red Jane’s Addiction tee is showing. ‘Will you be cold if I take this off you?’

‘I won’t be cold.’

He watches me with a soft open smile, just observing me as I unzip, his tongue pushed against his front teeth. Glistening behind his canines. With my hand still on his zipper, I pull. I undress him to the waist.  He shuffles out of the hoodie and I slide it towards me and start putting it on. He stops me, takes the hoodie out of my hands, putting it down.

‘Here…’ he reaches over his head, taking off his t-shirt, revealing his pecs and chest hair to me. His tapering waist and his hips. He takes off his tee fully, hands it to me. ‘Put this on.’

I take it. He takes off my top, leaves on my lingerie and helps me into his t-shirt. Oversized, it covers my knickers.

‘Come here.’ He says.

I'll touch it if you ask me to, But how is up to you.

He's touching the top of my thigh right next to the hem of his tee.

‘Do you want..’ he begins. His eyes cutely searching my expression, watching it change, tilting his chin. Quietly, slowly his lips form a thin barely there smile. He pulls me towards him, holds me against him, one hand resting on my outer thigh, playing with the hem of his shirt.

No I'm not going to let you get up If you struggle willingly. I'll favor all your form to show you, how its been done to me.

Did somebody take your tongue?

I suddenly catch my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth, feeling immobile, difficult to get my words out. This isn’t something I am I used to. It would have been a while, since I have had to ask, to guide. It’s hasn’t been easy to get to this stage with him. I like to wait.

It’s special. He’s different. He’s a sweetie and I wanted him to find me, looking for him.

I shuffle in place, carefully meeting his gaze. He’s calm and sexy. He’s waiting for me to respond to his touch. To his words.

‘Um, Antony - ’ I smile

There’s the slip of his hand against my leg, further under his shirt. Further up my thigh. It’s ticklish and warm. And then he touches his face to mine. He scratches his chin against mine. I like the stubble on my skin. His fingers hook into the side strap of my knickers, pulling downwards. Hardly noticeable, but he’s doing it. I feel the fabric of his matching jogging bottoms, with his leg tucked underneath him. I wanna touch him there. I glide my hand up his inner thigh, feel the soft cotton and hopefully something more. I look at him and he looks at me. He’s still waiting. And I’m still deciding. Sure, it’s been a few months, but we’re warming up.

‘What’s wrong? We don’t have to do anything.’ Antony says.

I don’t respond and look at him as he looks at me.

‘Uh it’s ok, it’s nothing.’ I  say.

He catches on. He knows something. He’s tracing patterns under the shirt as we talk.

‘I just -‘ I say.

He pulls his face back a bit. ‘Are you ok? Tell me.’ He cups my face with his other hand, pressing his nose to mine, round eyes so adorable as they swell with concern for me.

‘You know, just, waiting for you, don’t get me wrong, I was thinking -’

I see his eyes change and he looks upset. His thumb starts stroking my cheek over and over.

‘You know how when you’re at work, when I’m waiting for you-‘ I say.

‘I know, I’m sorry it’s the waiting around  for me that gets to you, my schedule is messed up sometimes.’ He says.

Oh no, he’s not gonna want to be with me. He’s better with someone who shared his schedules, knows the deal. Oh God.

‘Oh, I lower my head,‘ I don’t really mind your schedule, ‘I understand you have to work, it’s just how it is, I’m ok with it. It’s when - ‘

‘Is there something else you wanted to say? If you’re ok with that? He says gently.

‘Please don’t think it’s - Look, my mind starts to wonder and maybe me sitting waiting for you means you think of me, of me less? I’m sorry I’m being honest.’

‘Hey come on, ‘ he presses me to his chest. ‘Don’t do that. You know I need you.’

‘Yeah?’

‘Oh yeah.’ His hand still underneath his shirt, he squeezes my thigh. ‘It would be boring without you waiting in hotel rooms for me.’ He laughs. ‘What else do I have to look forward to after a long day at work? And,’ he twirls my hair and glides his hand further up his shirt. ‘I’d love to have you at an event with me one time, if you're up for it?’

‘So, will you have me?’ I say.

‘Oh yea I wanna do that too.’ He smirks.  

I let him take me into his lap. He pushes the side of his shirt up my hip and onto my waist. Fabric gathering there.

I lean backwards and keep my knees at his hips.

‘Do you like this?’ As his hand  trails up my  leg, hooking his fingers under the

edge of the gusset of my knickers, he's brushing his knuckles deliberately over my intimate parts, that he can get to under the silk. He makes it easy, he knows what he's doing. Then turning his palm up and brushing over my clit with with pads of his fingers. A light brush. Then another sweep. Lighter. Then stronger. Less pressure. Then more pressure. He's teasing. I turn my head away. ‘And this?’ He says, tugging at the fabric, pulling my panties down by the gusset. I step out of them, letting him slide them off completely, while covered with his tee.

‘Umm, I like it when you touch me.'

‘Good, I want to touch you some more.’

His arm is between my legs. I want him to touch me but I want him to stop. ‘Stop Antony, stop.’ I whimper.

‘What's wrong, what is it?’ He says.

‘I'm more than alright. This is too good.’

‘Too good?’ He shoots me his smile.

‘So good I need you to stop. And I need you.’ I claw at his waist.

He places his hands on my waist firmly and looks me square in the eye. His knees hip wide on the bed, dipping into the mattress. There’s a little of a sparkle in his eyes as the apples of his cheeks plump into a smile. I trace his collarbone and down his pecs, to the dips in his hips, above his waistline. Pawing at his hips. Gently.

He notices. He knows. He looks to the side, to the bedside table, then flutters his lashes back to me. He presses me close, hip to hip, I feel his chest, his belt, the grain of the cotton against my legs. He brushes his hand under my chin and swishes his nose over mine, bumping his glasses.

‘Antony there's something-‘  

‘What?’ He brushes a hand under my chin.

‘Something I need to tell you.’

‘Oh, oh come on girl, you're not gonna break my heart now are you?’ He strokes both hands over my face, holding me between his palms.

I squirm in place, worried.

‘Hey. Tell me. You can tell me.’ He says.

‘I um, I dunno.’ I laugh.

‘You don't know?’ He joins my laughter. He places soft kisses on my lips, drops his hands to the sides of my neck and then pulls me under the covers with him.

‘But you have your trousers on.’

‘Well then take them off.’ He says.

‘I wanna watch you undo your belt.’

‘Is that all you wanted to say to me?’ He teases.

‘Um, no but..’

‘But what? Come on I wanna know now! As long as it’s nothing bad, it's not bad right? I don't wanna hear that. But anything else!’ He throws his arms up showing his palms in mock dismissal. He unbuckles his belt. I grab onto him and move him towards me until our hips make contact. I hug him around his neck and he pulls us under the covers. He looks at me expectantly.

‘When you're Homelander all I wann do...’

‘Hmm?’

‘All I wanna do is suck your…’

‘I'm not sure I heard that fully? My what? He smiles as he leans up to me, his mouth suddenly all I can focus on and his jaw wonderfully defined. I push my hand under his waist band and feel the hair below his belt.

‘I'm not gonna say no to that.’ He laughs and pulls me closer, ‘but I want it to be for me, and not for him. Is it for me? You still like me and not just Homelander.’ He does that look up with his eyes, slowly, his brows knotted. Teasing and playful.

‘Of course it is, you're too silly! Of course you big idiot. I love YOU! Oh like you know...you.’

He freezes. Looks at me seriously.

Is he upset? My stomach does a flip. ‘I don't wanna upset you if…’ I look down embarrassed.

‘I really hope you mean that.’ He says quietly. There’s a long silence between us. ‘Do you love me like I love you?’ He sucks in a breath of air. ‘I love you.’ He tells me softly, leaning up to my mouth.

‘Yes. I mean it.’ I close the gap to kiss him.

He pulls the covers over our heads playfully.

The make-out session is slow, precise and lasts for ages. I run my hands over his chest and back down to his hips. I focus on the feel of his lips, the velvet wetness of his tongue. My head is swimming and I feel almost euphoric. He pulls away from my face.

‘Now can we see about making that happen?’ He's naked and smooth and warm and sheltered under the covers with me. My hand is past his hipbones, in his hair. On him. There.

‘Hmm, I don’t, I don’t expect you to do this, if you don’t want to, right now. ‘ He strokes my hair, smiles softly, sweetly at me.

I haven’t done this to him before. I hope he likes it.

‘Uh uh! I wanna do something for you. And you’re so cute it make me wanna do it more.,’

I tease him until he wants to ask me again. He’s sweet, but losing patience. His cute smile revealing canines, he swallows and his eyes flick over to where my hand is. Asking. Subtly. Turning to focus on me with his eyes and his hand. He trails it under his shirt that I’m wearing. Warm, fuzzy and flooding feelings. He shuffles, finds my hand and interlocks his fingers. His chest rises as he sighs and I feel he’s nervous. I make him warm and wet and slippery. He leans back on the pillow and the pace of my mouth on him is slow and gentle. He swells more and I admire his shape. He says something I can’t hear. He tugs at my hand and the hem around my thighs as I straddle his legs. The brush of his fingers where my knicker line should be is tantalising.

‘Come closer to me. ‘ He says.

‘Umm, I don’t wanna lose my place. Don’t you like it?’ I say.

‘Uh, I definitely like it. I just wanna do the same to you. Why don’t you sit closer.’ He says.

Oh. We’ve definitely not done this before.

His fingers keep brushing my hips and the top of my thighs. He coaxes me round to him. Pulls on the t-shirt hem gently and guides me, so my knees fall either side of his shoulders. I’m face down, leaning right over to place my mouth on him. He traces up the inner part of both my thighs gently, slowly. It tickles. Until he gets to the top. Then he teases me again, stroking and pressing, smoother each time, returning to my clit with each movement. I feel him grip the front of my thighs, lower and pull me back, until his lips are on me, then his tongue where he was touching. I’m too wet and his tongue is like velvet. I push my hips down onto his face to feel the stubble. The feeling is uncomfortable and sexy. He licks at me as I have a mouthful of his dick. I can’t help but wiggle over his face, rocking on my knees as he heightens the feeling. He doesn’t let me swallow, grabs my waist and pulls me away.

‘Why did you do that?’ I say.

‘So do you want to, ride me? Just do it. Do what you want.’ He pulls me upright and sits me on his face. The contact is delicious and I do what he tells me. I forget it’s the first time were doing this and enjoy it. The light prickling from his stubble mixes with the sensual way he’s taking care of me. I ride his face and moan his name.

‘Let me touch you.’ I say.

‘Uh uh.’

Antony pulls me up to his chest, cradles me there, holds me close. His lips landing on my forehead, spiky face scratching me. I press my cheek into his, feeling the texture. I like the roughness. I enjoy his touch.

‘When?’ I kiss his neck, taking in his scent, snaking a hand towards his dick.

‘You can touch me tomorrow.’ He moves my hand to rest on his chest. His eyes turning to mine, shining with happiness, and crinkling at the corners. Half moons above plump cheeks. Jaw defined as he adjusts his head on the pillow.

‘That was so good.’ I say.

His mouth twitches in a devious but cute smile. ‘It was! And you were, hot. You’ll sleep well.’

‘Awww and you won’t!’ I say.

But I don't want to sleep without.

‘I will, don’t you worry.’ He smiles and closes his eyes. ‘Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight.’

He reins me in, close enough to hear him breathe.

[hansolmates]

a hero’s journey (m)

summary; jungkook and jisoo are the mightiest power couple. however, one drunken confession and that whole facade fades in an instant. you realize that maybe you need to break from your unvaried life for a bit and be the hero of your own love story pairing; jungkook x editor!reader (f) genre/warnings; best friend’s boyfriend au, slice of life, angst with a happy ending because im weak, pining pINING, everyone’s kind of a mess in their own sweet special way, alcohol use, mentions of ze weed, toxic relationships, mean friends, sex—slight dom!kook, food play, fingering, squirting, heavy use of the petname “pretty girl” bc im weak, strength kink, manhandling (oop!) w.c; 22.2k a/n; woof! my first fic for @goldenclosetnetwork​ 23 | jungkook’s birthday project! this goes out to all the closet romantics *ahem me cough* who doesn’t love pining between a cutie koo? a huge thank u for vivi @eerieedits​ for making this bbbBEAUTIFUL fic banner!  

prompt used: “I should’ve known.”

if you like this fic pls consider giving a like n’share🥺💜🥺💜

It’s so easy to ignore the world. 

Maybe it’s a young-adult thing, but it gets difficult fitting into the 9-to-5 and playing to satisfy bosses that don’t entirely understand your work ethic. Maybe it’s out of complacency, or fear. But you prefer to let the world flow around you and when you’re needed, you’ll act. You’ve reached that point in your life where you enjoy the little things, satisfied by an extra hour of overtime tacked onto your paycheck, a new fabric softener, or finding the perfectly squishy yoga mat. 

You’ve finally started feeling comfortable in your shoes, uncaring as to whether you’re single or drowning in college debt, happy to live a relatively stable life. You’re grateful. There’s nothing more than you need than your happiness, and the love of your friends and family. 

Namely, your best friend from college. Jisoo always joked about how you two “won the lottery” as dorm rooms in freshman year were determined by lottery. Pulling numbers 883 and 884, you and Jisoo snagged a corner spot of the dormitory, leaving you two utterly cramped but utterly close as the years went by. Six years later and it’s still the case, the two of you have grown into talented working ladies. While you may not be able to spend time with each other the same way you did in school, you still care for each other. 

So when Jisoo shows up teary with a rumpled dress shirt and her hair waterfalling out of this morning’s bun, you break out the good alcohol and season three of Jane the Virgin for her. 

After the liquid is warm in your cheeks and you’ve fawned enough over Micheal and Rafael’s love triangle, you let Jisoo ramble. 

Jisoo has downed a whole bottle of soju on her own, while you’ve decided to have a tasteful glass of wine. You’d rather be tired wine drunk than wasted on soju. 

“Jungkook and I had a fight,” she warbles, stuffing a handful of popcorn in her mouth, “it was totally stupid.” 

Your eyes flash, picturing Jisoo and Jungkook in quarrel. They’re the epitome of an Instagram-worthy couple, beautiful and deathly charming to a fault. They show nothing but kindness and sweetness to you whenever you third-wheel, not a lick of anger between them when you’re all together.

So a fight is something surprising. Jisoo and Jungkook, J-squared are a power couple. Saying their names next to each other just emits a sort of energy you can only akin to famous small screen couples like Troy and Gabriella or Cory and Topanga. Jisoo’s Instagram is belly full with sweet selfies of them together, the doe-eyed man always looking completely sweet and gentle to the woman in his arms.

You never piqued Jungkook as the type of guy who would pick a “stupid fight.” And you know Jungkook pretty well. 

Maybe a little too well. 

“He surprised me during my lunch break and he caught me talking to Doyoung and he thought I was flirting,” Jisoo is practically eating her sweater, her head falling between her flannel pyjama sleeves. 

“Doyoung, as in your ex Doyoung?” you raise a brow. 

She groans, glaring at you in earnest. “Not you, too! I told him it was ridiculous to get jealous, and then I told him how jealous I get when he’s around girls and I don’t need to tell him that,” she rolls her eyes, twisting her feet petulantly in her fuzzy socks, “but then you know what he says back?” 

You wince, swirling your wine glass, “That you’re crazy?” 

“That I’m crazy, exactly! How did you—” her bloodshot eyes zero in on you, where you’ve tucked yourself in the corner of the couch. You swirl the ruby liquid in your cup, watching the feet web around the cheap crystal, “you think I’m crazy too, don’t you?” 

You swallow your sigh, taking your time to finish your liquid in languid sips. Uneasy, you wish you could just sink through the couch in order to avoid this conversation. Jisoo’s heart is generally in the right direction, but in terms of emotions she has the kind of sensitivity that you prefer to ignore rather than tread. Jungkook is also equally emotional, but in a different way. He wears his heart on his sleeve, preferring to keep things straight as opposed to bottling it up like Jisoo. 

However the theoretic bottle has reached it’s brim and Jisoo’s tipping, fast. 

“I need to tell you something,” Jisoo is swerving, crawling like an infant on wobbly limbs to reach your corner of the couch. You almost stop her, tell her you can continue this conversation in the morning, it’s what you normally do when she drinks into a stupor. But tears are swimming in her glassy caramel eyes and she’s grappling onto your blanket, resting her head in her lap. 

Her glossy russet strands curtain her head, so you don’t see the expression on her face when she says her next words: 

“Jungkook told me he liked you senior year, and I told him you weren’t interested so I’d have a chance.” 

Wow. So that explains everything.

The memories that you’ve tried so hard to brush away, the feelings you’ve tried so hard and continue to try to suppress, are laid out in front of you on a rusted platter. You could laugh, you could fling the rest of the Pinot Grigio down your throat like fresh water on a hot day and call it a night. 

But instead you choke back your tears, and push her off because you’re hurt.  

Deep down you know you would’ve been less upset if she told you the week after Jisoo and Jungkook called it official. If you knew from the beginning, it would’ve been easier on your heart. But it's been over two years since the past, thinking you’ve been needlessly, stupidly, delusional in thinking that you could’ve possibly had a chance with Jungkook.

Because it could’ve been you. And the reason why Jisoo and Jungkook fought today? Now you know it’s because deep down, they know they’re each other’s second choice. 

You can’t even recall a time where Jungkook and Jisoo were together alone before they suddenly started dating, remembering how it used to be you and Jungkook before Jisoo found him one day in your shared apartment, utterly smitten. And now you know you weren’t delusional, because the feelings and the signals you two were exchanging in senior year was real. 

But it doesn’t stop the fact that over two years have passed. Two years of a serious relationship between Jisoo and Jungkook, and two years of you secretly loving him from an arm’s length. 

“You hate me,” Jisoo removes herself from you, voice trembling. The quick, dark part of your mind wants you to snap back of course I hate you. You’ve trusted Jisoo with your life all these years, she was the reason you got through college so gracefully, why you enjoyed the past seven years of your life. 

But the sentiment is stained, and all you can do is deliver a tired smile and stand up. “I don’t hate you,” you say, “I’m just, really overwhelmed. I can’t lie and say that I’m not hurt,” your fingers clutch the fake crystal in your grasp, and for once you’re thankful you’re not strong enough to break it, “but you two love each other now and there’s no point in dwelling in the ‘what-ifs’.” 

Now that you think about it, when was the last time Jisoo treated you like a best friend? You stare at your wine glass, thinking that the only time comfort is provided in this apartment is when Jisoo is upset, never when you’re upset. 

Jisoo bobs her head senselessly, agreeing to every word. It’s pathetic, seeing her on her knees and her eyes glimmering with the hope that you’d forgive her straightaway. She must feel awful. That’s good.  

You sigh, needing to be the bigger person. “You need to call Jungkook and tell him he has nothing to worry about though, after all, you two have history now. As much, if not more than Doyoung.” 

“Right,” she replies, biting her lip. It suddenly feels like you're talking to a wall, carrying a conversation that's long ended.

“As for us,” you have half a mind to slam your glass on the counter, but instead you give it a heavy hand, letting slowly thump to the coffee table, “I don’t think I want to see you two, for a while.” 

“Understandable.” 

“And I don’t want to help you move out anymore,” I just want you gone.  

“Right,” she whispers. The both of you will be completed with your lease in two months, and Jisoo and Jungkook have decided to move into Jungkook’s apartment. As for you, you haven’t decided as to whether you want to go through the whole process of moving out or looking for a new roommate. 

“I’m sorry, I’m so so fucking sorry. I just was insecure as fuck in college and Jungkook was the first person I met in a long time that helped me feel more… like me.”

You want to say that she's right, she’s selfish. Her excuses aren’t palpable anymore. It’s too late. But if you were in Jisoo’s shoes, you’d think this apology is mere crumbs in comparison to your friendship. Why isn't she trying harder? Maybe because she doesn't know any better. After all, you never told her what you felt for him has morphed into love. 

You don’t even have to ask as to whether she’ll tell Jungkook this or not, you now know honesty is not her style. 

Jisoo doesn’t get a goodnight and a drunken kiss on the forehead like she usually does whenever you two have your late night talks. Instead, she seals herself to her own demise as you slam the door to your bedroom, effectively shutting each other out. 

Work is a bitch the following morning. You’re like molasses, rolling out of bed despite the whole world and its mother telling you to go back to sleep. 

Your feet are killing you as you make your walk to work, deciding to wear a pair of red-backed heels so you can stomp your way through your day. 

Your Wusband (Work-Husband) Kim Namjoon matches you step-for-step, eyes glued to his phone as he catches you on the sidewalk. “Woman on a mission,” he comments absentmindedly, eyes glued to his phone as he follows the click of your shoes to your favorite cafe. 

You spare a glance to your right hand-man, eyeing him appreciatively at his dedication to your morning routine. He’s your favorite co-worker, one who keeps you on time to your meetings and keeps you sane when you want to pull your hair out and dig out a coffin in your little cubicle. Namjoon’s long legs always seem to catch up with you during your workweek, whether it’s to get coffee in the morning or to talk shit about the latest gossip in the breakroom. 

The bell of the glass door tinkles in your ears as you enter the café, relatively busy for the morning rush. While you wait in line, Namjoon ticks off your activity list for today. 

“Meeting with Victoria is cancelled this morning,” you groan in relief, your supervisor Victoria always scares the shit out of you even when she’s not doing anything, “and just the usual proofing and whatever we have to do on the third floor today—can I get a large iced Americano with a pump of caramel? Thanks,” Namjoon moves aside so you can throw your order in as well, “and after work could you stop by Vernon’s? He took a sick day today and he has most of the manuscripts for the next issue.” 

“Done and done,” you swipe your card in the dip, tucking your card away in your zippered pouch. “So like, do Americanos taste any good? Like it’s literally watered down espresso how do you pay to drink watered down tar—” 

Jungkook’s at the pick-up counter. Jungkook’s at the pick-up counter swirling stray sugar crystals with his thumb and putting them in his napkin. What an impeccable display of Virgo energy, absentmindedly cleaning things he has no business doing. You scoff to yourself, recalling this morning that Jisoo got off the phone this morning with a stupid smile on her face. From the mirror image that Jungkook is excluding while he’s smiling on his cellphone like a smitten teenager, it seems like they’ve made up. 

Nevertheless the hurt from last night is still fresh in your bones, and you force yourself to look away despite the fact that your morning pick-me-ups are almost done and are sitting tauntingly next to Jungkook’s elbow. Does he really need to learn against the counter like he owns it? Hair slightly damp from the shower, your heart beats a little faster at the fresh image.His biceps are straining against his charcoal lycra long sleeve, which is slightly damp from his morning run. Snap out of it! You are a mature, working woman who does not swoon in the view of bulgy muscles, especially when the man who owns those muscles is taken. Suddenly there’s a call of your name, and two cups and a paper bag are put in front of Jungkook. 

He blinks, and you immediately pale when you see his eyes flit over your name surrounded by your favorite coral pink beverage. You feel struck as his head perks up at the name and he narrowly makes eye-contact—

“The fuck you’re doing,” Namjoon gripes, shoving your guava iced tea and croissant in your chest, “standing there like a moron as if we don’t got shit to do today.” 

“Sorry,” you mumble, pulling at the brown paper bag to tug a piece of croissant between your teeth. The warmth, buttery pastry melts in your tastebuds. Ah, bread. Nothing like a little bit of carb to make you feel better. 

You’re suddenly thankful for Namjoon’s gargantuan torso from effectively blocking you from Jungkook, hauling you out of the coffee shop like a petulant toddler. He doesn’t even give you a chance to catch another secret look at the object of your affections, making sure you’re back in your work game before you enter the building. Even if he doesn’t know it, Kim Namjoon’s always got your back. 

Or in today’s case, breathing down your back. 

Without your third editor and a hard deadline coming up by the end of the week, you and Namjoon are working in tandem throughout your 9-5 to complete drafts for Big Hit Publishings Arts & Media section. Both of you take turns to bring snacks and feed each other, feeling like reading zombies and slaves to your desk as you remind each other to breathe throughout the whole ordeal. 

In complete honesty you don’t totally mind. Namjoon is a great partner-in-crime, and you both love what you do and do a damn good job at it. You call it “Buzzfeed but with Benefits.” 

And at least for today, you could quell the feelings in your chest from last night and this morning. Sure, you’ve always been okay with the pining you’ve had for Jungkook. The feeling comes and goes whenever it pleases, and since yesterday you’ve been okay with just admiring from afar and being their third wheel. 

However, now the feelings are acutely comparable to a third-degree burn with the help of Jisoo playing with fire. 

With a quiet exhale, you concede in your gaming chair (because it’s just so damn comfy to keep in the office.) You’re an adult and not a petty child, and you will not let this piece of information derail you from your calm, stable lifestyle. 

But honestly? Fuck Jisoo. 

“Let’s go, buckaroo,” Namjoon logs off for you, the cinnamon-y smell of his shampoo effectively waking up your senses, “it’s already 5:30. And you said you’d stop by Vern’s to get his drafts.” 

“Right,” you blurt, mindlessly putting away your papers and snack wrappers in your bag. You can’t believe the whole day’s gone already. 

“Maybe you don’t even have to go to his apartment. Just text him or whatever.” 

“Sounds good, thanks Joonie.” 

“And y/n?” Namjoon gives you a look that causes you to force a terse smile, one you give one too many times to higher-ups at work. It isn’t to insult Namjoon by any means, but you guys are partners, the kind that tell way too much but hide just enough to remain close from afar. “Take it easy, will you?” 

“I will,” you concede, stretching your arms, “I’m def overdue for a massage.” 

“You don’t look sick,” you scoff, taking in the casual look your co-editor boasts as he leans casually against the doorway. 

Hansol Vernon Chwe is the epitome of fluffy, decked out in large electric blue sweats and his russet brown hair curling softly above his porcelain skin. Not only is he your co-editor, but also a friend from college. Not to the extent that you were with Jisoo and Jungkook, but you operated in the same publishing club and managed to get partnering internships that made you the co-workers you are today. You see a little bit of that collegiate youth in Vernon right now, as he looks well-rested and fresh faced despite the fact he probably didn’t apply moisturizer or drink enough water today.

“But you kinda do,” he tilts his head, noting the heels that adorn your feet, “you’re wearing your sexy shoes today, that means something’s going on.” 

“Gee, ever the ladies’ man,” you scoff, getting under his arm to invite yourself inside, “all I want is the completed interviews so we can pick out the best parts and draft them. Then I’ll be on my merry way.” 

“Oh c’mon, we’ve been talking nothing but work this whole damn month. What happened to college when we’d talk hours about House Hunters, the safeness of library sex, that little furry thing in Lincoln Hall’s urinal? That was prime conversation.” 

“Vern, I’m just here for the drafts,” you sit at his tiny kitchen table, glaring at his open laptop.  

“You could’ve just emailed me,” he teases, twisting around his chair so he can rest his arms against the back. “But since you’re here, that means you probably wanna spill some tea but you’re too upset to admit it.” 

“If I talk will you stop talking like that?” 

“Yes. Give me the juicy details. Need some juicy juice.” 

“Nevermind, get out of my apartment.” 

“Uh, this is my apartment.” 

“My point still stands,” you make another face at his outfit, “you look like the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”  

Vernon purses his lips, scooting his chair closer to yours. He’s unfazed by your insult, far used to your defenses being higher up than Fort Knox. He looks up at you with his pretty lashes and deceivingly sweet caramel eyes, leaning his head along the backrest. “C’mon, tell me what’s bothering you,” he says in a gentle tone, coaxing you open. 

He always knew how to do it for you, a little bit of sweet talking and that clear open gaze always reduced you to shreds in university. For him, it always took a good meal and some sci-fi movies to get him to talk. That must be why you’ve stayed friends for so long, you two knew how to connect. 

Finally you crack, kicking off your shoes and hoping the sharp end doesn’t land on his cat. You hear Luna meow in protest but she’s got great reflexes. Unbuttoning the first three buttons of your stuffy blazer, you air out your cleavage, not caring about Vernon’s gaze. He’s seen worse. 

“Remember Jeon Jungkook? Majored in graphic design.”

“Ah, yeah. The guy who like, lived at the gym and the dining hall? Haven’t seen him in a minute,” his eyes seem to glaze over the glory days, reminiscing in the simultaneous safetynet and stressor that made up your early twenties, “didn’t you guys hit it off real well? Like I remember you ditched like—three sci-fi nights to study with him. Who even studies at 1AM?” 

“Yeah, we did,” and you can’t help but frown at as you remember the 7-Eleven runs, the utter warmth you felt when he would wipe a stray rice grain off your cheek, and how happy you felt to laugh so much with him it hurt, “but uh. Jisoo got drunk last night, because they had a fight. And she sort of admitted to me that she sabotaged our relationship and told Jungkook I wasn’t interested in him so they could start dating. Two years later and here we are.” 

A pause. And then, “Want a beer?” 

Vernon doesn’t even wait for a response when he gets up, bare feet slapping against the tile as he prepares some drinks and snacks for you. 

“That’s pretty fucked up,” he practically sing-songs among the cacophony of popcorn pop-pop-popping in the microwave. The aroma of buttery kernels is all but a relief, reminding you of movie matinees, “and like, she knew you liked him! It was totally obvious, even if you didn’t spell it out for her.” 

“Yeah,” you practically gushed to Jisoo those past two months, every waking moment with heart-eyes over the talented graphic designer Jeon Jungkook. 

“I can’t believe Jisoo would keep that a secret from you for so long. Like, can you even trust her anymore?” 

“Don’t know, was she even my bestfriend or was I just a good roommate to her?” you ask. Vernon is holding two beers in one hand and a bag of popcorn by the tips of his fingers in the other, careful to not burn himself. Opening the beer for you, you thank him and take a long swig.

“Well, good thing you’re still not in love with him or whatever. That would really suck. Unless—”

The look on your face says it all. You’re practically snotting into your bottle, your face tucked into your chin as you fight hard to stop the tears you’ve been suppressing for the last two years. “Don’t give me your pity,” you garble, turning away from the sad look Vernon gives you as he wraps his arms around you. 

The tears are soft and gentle, flowing freely onto the cotton of Vernon’s arms as you let it out. 

“‘M’not,” he concedes, rubbing his chin into your neck. He really is a lot like Luna, just like his  cat ready to give you affection. “Let’s just, get some take-out and watch Hamilton or something.” 

He lets you wear his matching sweat suit, lime green, as you order Thai food and rap along to Hamilton’s sick beats. Vernon does a better job keeping the flow, but you’re having a good time being his hype man as he parades around the living room like it’s 1776. 

You go home that night around ten o’clock, feeling noticeably lighter and more relaxed. Be that it may you are still wearing the sweatpants and heels ensemble, you feel comforted. 

The apartment is quiet when you walk in, not a single light turned on. You get a slice of the city lights bleeding in from the organza curtains, which allow you to kick off your heels and hobble to where you think the kitchen counter is. 

Today is Jisoo’s day to cook dinner. You can tell she decided to cook today from the faint smell of Japanese curry and a small unwashed plate in the sink. Whenever it was someone’s turn, they usually left an extra bowl or serving in it for the other roommate when they got home. Unsurprisingly, you find no such thing on the counter or in the fridge. 

You’re not upset, but rather decided. If Jisoo is going to let your friendship fade off with no intention of redeeming herself, then you should give her the same amount of energy back. You realize now the apology she gave last night wasn’t for you, but empty words to make her feel better and mend whatever toxicity she’s created in her own relationships. People like Namjoon and Vernon reminded you that you didn’t need to try and earn other people’s friendships. 

It’s disappointing, but the feeling is all but too familiar. 

If you could describe Jisoo as anything, it would be the color pink. Blushing, beautiful, beguiling pink. The way she flushes when Jungkook does an uncalled for grandiose gesture of romance, or when she wears a hot magenta number when she’s hosting a fashion show. Jisoo is the personification of La vie en rose, unbothered and unabashed.  

But now all you see when you think of Jisoo? Nothing but red. 

With that, you go in your room and untack the polaroid of you and Jisoo at the carnival last month, putting it away in your junk drawer to be forgotten. 

“You’re running away.” 

“Am not.” 

“Are too,” that interjection comes from Vernon’s roommate, Jung Hoseok. He’s been watching you two bicker over work for the past hour while he plays GTA5, failing to get a good hard carry because you and Vernon are too busy discussing whatever finishing touches you need on your final draft. 

“No one asked for your opinion, Jung,” you throw over your shoulder. 

“I’m just saying,” Hoseok flicks his wrist and nabs a tank, “you never wanna go home, you eat all our food, and I found your pyjamas in my laundry basket.” 

“You said your basket was the blue one,” you hiss under your breath. 

“The navy blue one,” Vernon chirps unhelpfully, “not the electric blue one.” 

Hoseok hits “save” on his campaign, disconnecting from his PS4 and stretching his lean limbs. “I mean, we could use a third roommate,” Hoseok jokes, getting up from the couch and grabbing a handful of M&Ms from your bowl, “you do make a bomb mac n’cheese.” 

“Appreciated,” you relent when Hoseok presses a kiss to your cheek and tells Vernon he’ll be back late working, leaving you and Vernon alone in their shared apartment. When Hoseok is gone, you stare at the door, tilting your head, “y’know,” you remark, “Hoseok’s a cool guy, why did I never hang out with him in college?” 

“Because he was stoned the majority of senior year and you just didn’t vibe with that crowd.” 

“Oh, yeah.” 

“But, you’re trying to change the subject,” Vernon carefully untacks your hands from your keyboard, knowing that you two have already been done with this month's issue and you’re now just mindlessly re-reading emails. “You’ve been here since Thursday, and now it’s Saturday. And as much as Hoseok and I like having you around so you can wake me up before we go to work, it’d be nice to throw me a bone and let me in on what you’re thinking right now.” 

You frown, noting Vernon’s large hand covering your laptop closed. He isn’t going to remove his hand anytime soon unless you talk. “Jungkook’s helping Jisoo pack up her half of the apartment this weekend and I don’t want to be there,” you say, short and simple. 

“You miss her?” 

“Yeah,” you admit honestly. You hate this version of yourself, unable to even look at Jisoo nowadays despite the fact you’re under the same roof for the remainder of the month. It’s hard to believe that the roommate from six years ago finally got under your skin, cancelling out all the years of friendship because of one silly relationship, “sad she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.” 

“Did you talk about it?” 

“There’s nothing to talk about,” you reply despondently, “if she cared at all she would’ve to apologize again by now.”

Vernon figures, and his neutral expression doesn’t change as he leads you to the couch, brushing away Hoseok’s things so you two can get comfy. You busy yourself with the remote, exiting the PS4 homepage to scroll Netflix. 

“And are you trying to get over him?” 

“I mean, yeah,” you have been, but it’s a little hard when you’ve been contentedly pining. It was easy to keep your feelings bottled up because you originally thought Jisoo and Jungkook were meant to be for each other for the past two years. Now you're still pining but ruefully bitter at Jisoo.

“It’s not fair, y’know. She broke girl code, bros before hoes. Or is it chicks before dicks?” Vernon shakes his head at his lame attempt to get you to smile, which works anyway because Vernon’s silly and his sense of humor always gets you a little loose. “It’s your house too, you shouldn’t feel like you don’t belong there.” 

“Well I was supposed to help her move out this weekend, and I’d prefer it if Jungkook didn’t know what was going on.” 

“What?” your friend furrows his thick brows together, tucking his hands under his knees as he leans into your stubborn expression. “You’re gonna let Jungkook go on with his life not knowing that his relationship is based on a lie. That’s not cool. Even if you’re into him, he’s still your friend.” 

Damn, when did Vernon get so good at giving advice? Truth is Vernon’s always been good at dishing advice, you’ve just been privy to what you wanted to reveal to him. The first year or so being together outside of college was always about work, saving each other’s asses to ensure you two got that promotion and aim higher and higher. Now that goal is out of the way, and what better way to reconnect over some shoddy romance straight out of a Degrassi special? 

“I know,” you hug your knees tight to your chest, “when I’m ready, okay?” 

“Okay,” he agrees, because he’s not a pusher, “do you know the best way to get over someone?” 

“What?” 

“The best way to get over someone, is to get under someone," he emphasizes that point with his hands, sliding one under the other with a wiggle of his thick brows.

You slap him on the shoulder, “Vern, you disgust me.” 

“But it works!” 

“I’m not going on Tinder to find a fuckbuddy.” 

“You don’t have to look on Tinder or Tumble.” 

“Bumble.” 

“Whatever,” and his eyes flicker to his lap, where his pale fingertips turn red as he grips the edge of a throw pillow. "If you really don't wanna find someone, I can help." 

Is Vernon offering himself up? He is offering to fuck your brains out in the hope that you could inevitably fuck out your interest in Jungkook? Your eyes flicker over to Vernon's form on the couch, who's tucked in the couch just as you are. 

It’s true that you find Vernon attractive, and to some extent he definitely finds you attractive as well otherwise he wouldn’t have suggested the idea. It’s just that in college you never viewed him in that kind of light, probably because you were always so caught up in Jungkook. But tonight you can’t seem to ignore the eagerness hidden in Vernon’s carmine gaze, and how shiny and touchable his chocolate locks look under the setting sun. 

“I don’t want our friendship to change,” you reply slowly, furrowing your brows. “I appreciate it, but I don’t know. It sounds like a temporary fix.” 

“Can’t knock it if you don’t try it,” and out of curiosity, you don’t shy away when Vernon leans over to you, squeezing himself between the couch so he can tuck you in his arms. “I want to help you, but only if you want to.” 

Maybe it’s the frustration you feel with Jisoo, Jungkook’s ignorance, or the fact that you haven’t felt physical pleasure in such a long time, but you soften into Vernon’s hold. He’s relaxed, nothing betraying him as he waits patiently for your answer. You’ve always admired how much he kept up his “cool as a cucumber” demeanor. He isn’t the type of guy to let life pass him by, but he’s the kind of person who walks along life, embracing the ups and downs like old friends. He’s the ocean waves that crest along the shore, pushing and pulling along without a care in the world. 

He’s the textbook opposite of Jeon Jungkook, which is why you give Vernon the okay to lean in and press his lips against yours. 

His kisses are soft, and he takes great care in making sure you’re comfortable with this new step in your relationship. It almost feels as if you’re cutting corners, and you can’t help but feel a little guilty that you revel in the way Vernon’s hands trail under your too-large t-shirt. 

The pleasure you’ve ached for is there, bubbling low in the pit of your belly. It’s hard to get you out of your mind however, because this man isn’t the one you love. His kisses hold no power, only brief reprieve. Your heart doesn’t palpitate and your palms don’t sweat, you’re just languid. 

You’re greedy and selfish, but you remind yourself that it’s okay to allow yourself of these freedoms, even for a little bit. As Vernon finds your sweet spot that has you rolling your hips against his, you find that temporary fix isn’t a bad start at all. 

When you trudge back to your apartment that night after much reluctance, your face is still flushed and you think you smell a little too much like Vernon’s cologne. But the fact that still stands is that you're satiated, and you feel a tiny percent closer to moving on. 

The television is glowing with a terrible reality TV show, angry brides upset over cake layers or whatever. Jungkook and Jisoo have fallen asleep on the couch, surrounded by half-empty boxes. Jungkook has his arm lazily over Jisoo, her petite body fitting perfectly between his chest and the crook of his neck. 

You scoff when you spy Jisoo's bedazzled manicure digging into Jungkook's bicep, as if someone's going to take him away if she doesn't hold tight.

With stiff muscles you spare one look at Jungkook, ignoring the pang in your chest as you weave between boxes to turn the TV off. Barely an iota of your feelings have dissipated since your previous tryst with Vernon not an hour ago. Looking at Jungkook brings it all back, unfortunately. You suppose the feelings will pass with time. The soft hum of the television ceases, and you’re bathed in a room that feels dark and empty, despite the apparent life in the room. 

There’s some bleary talk coming from the couch as you walk to your bedroom, and if Jungkook is sleepily mumbling your name in question, you pretend you don’t hear. 

“So, where’s y/n? I thought she was going to help us pack.” 

It’s an innocent enough question, as Jungkook scans the corner of the living room hallway that leads to the bedrooms. You haven’t come out yet. He knows that you love sleeping in on the weekends, but he hopes the smell of fresh food will coax you to the table. His pan is sizzling in protest, telling Jungkook to quit talking and flip the hashbrowns. He's fried up three, in the hopes you’d be up for some crispy potatoes. He knows how much you love potatoes, especially at 2AM when you’re craving fries and a McFlurry combo. 

Instead Jisoo mutters, “You toasted too much bread, you know I don’t eat bread like this,” she’s pulling slice by slice out of the toaster, until there’s a stack of six golden toasts in the middle of the kitchen table. 

A little part of him wishes to quell the precursor to the argument there. It would be so easy for Jungkook to say, “the extras are for me” because he’s trying to gain weight, and that would be that. 

Instead he continues with his unanswered question and replies honestly, “I made extra toast for y/n, babe. She was supposed to help us pack but I haven’t seen her all weekend.” But he’s pretty sure you came home last night, unless that was his imagination. 

Jisoo pulls a carafé of apple juice out of the fridge, pouring the amber liquid into two glass cups. “Ah, she said she had some last minute things to do for work. Y’know, Big Hit always wants a big hit.” 

He chuckles, tilting his head as Jisoo gives him a small smile from the kitchen table. Jisoo is always good at cheesy jokes. “She must love her job, huh.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Her articles are really good, too,” the air smells like butter and Italian seasoning, as he places one hash brown on Jisoo’s plate, and two on his. He knows you edit in the Arts & Media section, and loves how you make it a point to include video games and modern graphics when it’s deemed appropriate. “She did a piece on the evolution of RPG and I thought her commentary was really spot-on.” 

He brings breakfast over to the table, while Jisoo places two slices of toast on his plate, one buttered and one with strawberry preserves. Breakfast is a quiet, but peaceful affair. Jungkook takes note of how Jisoo takes extra long to complete her meal, her fork creating ribbons in her little blob of magenta jam. He allows himself to complete his first hashbrown and a slice of toast before asking the difficult question. 

“Are you and y/n okay?” and he also takes note when Jisoo’s ministrations on her jelly stop, as she looks up at him with her big brown eyes. 

“We’re fine,” she insists, “just normal roommate issues, I promise.” 

“Maybe I should text y/n,” Jungkook says, pulling out his phone. “Lemme help you fix this, wouldn’t want you and her in a bad place when you’re about to move out.” 

“Baby, why are you so concerned about y/n?” Jisoo croons while his thumb hovers over your contact, his screen showing a two-year old selfie you two took during a study session early on in your friendship. He can’t remember the last time you two took a picture together out of spite, one without Jisoo. Jisoo’s hand pulls him away from his phone, rubbing small circles between his palm. 

He wants to ask, why aren’t you? But he sees the terseness in Jisoo’s smile, as her eyes fix between the interlocked fingers. He has a feeling he’s hovering somewhere he isn’t allowed to be in. Maybe it really is roommate stuff and it’s none of his business, but he feels a little insulted being left out because you and Jungkook are just as much best friends as you were in college. 

Or are you? 

This question plagues him throughout the day, and when Jungkook packs enough boxes for the weekend and says he needs to go home, Jisoo for once doesn’t argue. Normally Jisoo would cling to him like a koala, murmur simultaneously adorable and dirty things in his ear and lead him to her bedroom to coop up for hours on end. But Jisoo says she’s tired and needs some alone time, which is also fine. 

He doesn’t feel like going home, and instead heads straight to the gym. A couple pumps wouldn’t hurt, and it would clear his head. It’s nearly five in the evening when his body is thrumming with the afterglow of his post-workout, and he decides to take a little cool down in the mall and treat himself to a smoothie. 

It must be kismet when he sees you coming out of the bookstore, looking a little winded but no less professional in your beige blazer set and rose gold iPad. Whenever he hung around your apartment with Jisoo and you’d come home from work, he’d make it a point to acknowledge your plethora of multicolored skirt-suits. He never needs to be professional in his place of work, and admires how much effort you put in. 

“Hey!” he jogs up to you, and he catches the way your shoulders jump at his voice. “We missed you today.”

Your smile curls into something dry, and you twist your spine like rusty hinges to face him. In turn, his smile dims a little, wondering if he’s doing something wrong. Maybe you’re tired? He catches the line of sweat that glistens your baby hairs, and how your hair is done up but has fallen a few centimeters with some pieces falling out. 

“Jungkook,” you exhale, “lifting boxes wasn’t enough of a workout?” 

“You know me,” he replies stiffly, hiking his backpack higher upon his shoulder. Why does this conversation feel so awkward? “So, finishing up work? Sucks you have to work on a Sunday.” 

“Ah, it wasn’t so bad,” you face relaxes a little as you explain your work, “it was children’s day at the bookstore and they were watching Disney movies. I’m writing a piece on how I believe Ratatouille is Pixar’s magnum opus. Interviewed some kids, I wanted an expert opinion.”  

“Ratatouille is the superior film,” he declares with a firm nod, “after all, anyone can cook.” He revels in the small smile he manages to retrieve from you, immediately understanding the inside joke. If he came out of the gym five minutes earlier, he probably would’ve been able to catch you in the bookstore. What a shame, he would’ve loved to see you play around with the kids. 

At the mention of food, the mall manages to silence itself enough for him to catch the grumbling coming from your stomach. He laughs when your cheeks heat. 

“I was on my way to get some smoothies,” he jabs a thumb in the direction of the food court, “wanna catch up and get a bite?” 

“Oh, I don’t know, I have a lot of work to edit,” disappointment pangs in his chest at your easy rejection, but he ignores it, “I kinda wanna save some money too, still not sure if I’m staying in the apartment after Jisoo moves.” 

He doesn’t know what compels him to take your shoulders and wheel you in the direction of the food court, much to your protest and whines. “C’mon, explain to me why Ratatouille is the magnum opus—I need to defend why The Incredibles is superior. I’ll treat you to dinner.” 

“What? I can pay for my own food—” 

“And I can’t treat my best friend to a nice meal once in a while?” 

That has you stopping in your tracks, and Jungkook nearly barrels his chest into your head if not for the grippy soles of his Adidas Ultraboosts. He can’t see your face, but his hands note how your muscles cord tightly between the cotton of your blazer. 

He doesn’t understand why you’re so tense. Was it because he called you his best friend? Well, you are? At one point he felt that way, early on in college. The position just stuck with you. And when Jisoo told him you weren’t interested, he was perfectly fine with the platonic relationship. It was nice to have someone to talk media and video games to, someone not as chaotic as Jimin and someone not as deterred as Yoongi. 

Although, maybe as of late he hasn’t been so much of a friend. It’s no one’s fault, he’s been caught up with work and Jisoo’s move, he hasn’t said so much as a “hey how are you” when you’re around. He can’t blame you. 

Suddenly his mind blanks, the mall fading away as he focuses on how small you look as your eyes dart between the parking lot and the food court. Jisoo and Jungkook have been so caught up on each other lately, that he fears you’re starting to separate yourself.

“Um, this place is good,” you tug him by the elbow and lead him to a fast food joint. 

When he picks up both your orders and comes over to your saved table, you’re talking animatedly on the phone. You’re laughing, looking at Jungkook as if he’s the one intruding and you’re muttering a hushed “sorry” as you continue the tail end of the conversation. 

“Yes, Joonie. Go with section two, I know my shit. I’m your Work Wife for a reason, Umji in PR could never compare,” you’re giggling like you’re five years younger, and Jungkook feels stuck in a timelapse. 

He watches you go, throwing around names and terms that he’s so lost on but so desperate to understand. He knows nothing about your life other than the one that’s tied with Jisoo, which is a damn shame. Since when did he inevitably downgrade you from “best friend” to “his girlfriend’s roommate?” 

“I’m sorry,” you turn your phone over and push it to the side, giving Jungkook a smile as well, albeit weaker, “let’s dig in!” 

To his relief the dinner goes as good as it should be. You have your tray practically overflowing at the seams, all on Jungkook’s dime. It has his heart swelling with pride, he hasn’t seen you eat in a long time. There’s fries spilling out from the corners, and two sandwiches because you couldn’t decide between a chicken sandwich and a burger. 

Food gets you amicable, and he doesn’t mind when he does most of the talking. You’re engrossed in his talk, lettuce hanging out of your mouth as you’re rapt with attention as he recalls a story that happened at work recently with Mingyu. You ask questions in all the right places and he sucks up all your attention like a happy pill, and it feels nice to be able to lead a conversation for once. 

“Jeez, I’m getting the burger sweats,” you giggle to yourself, and his smile brightens at your positive change in attitude. Food always helps. 

When you remove your thick high-collar blazer, that’s when he sees it. 

“Seeing someone?” he asks, eyes flickering curiously towards the violet bruises that bloom across your neck. 

“What–oh,” you have the audacity to look embarrassed, hands clutching your neck like a shield, “no, just a hookup.” 

A messy hookup, too. Unless you had a thing for showing off marks, which doesn’t seem to be the case. “Didn’t peg you for someone who hooks up,” he says more to himself than you, but you catch him on his impulse jab. 

Your eyes narrow and your defenses go up, “I’m trying to get over someone,” you snip back, busying your hands by crushing up your greasy sandwich wrappers. 

“Am I allowed to state my opinion?” 

“Since you asked so politely, no.” 

He sighs, “I just don’t think that’s the best way to get over someone,” heck, Jungkook doesn’t even know who exactly you’re trying to get over. He just knows that you’re far too smart and independent to let yourself resort to such matters. 

“It isn’t, but it’s really the best option as of now,” you reply curtly. 

And his gaze saddens as he sees you fold your blazer over your arm, indicating that your time is up. Jungkook is aware the comment he made is out of line, and it weakens him knowing that you don’t even want to pick a fight with him. He can’t even find it in himself to apologize properly. 

He doesn’t know if he’s more sad that you’re pining over someone unattainable or upset at himself for not knowing you’ve been harboring feelings for someone. If you really think hooking up is your only option, you must be really hung about whoever you’re into as of late. 

“If it’s worth anything,” Jungkook adds, wanting to leave on a high note, “fuck that guy. He clearly doesn’t deserve you.” 

A small, secret smile plays on your lips, “Yeah, I like to believe that.” 

“I’m anxious,” Namjoon’s mantra makes the whole energy in the room wobbly, paired with the fact the two of you are squished between cardboard boxes as Jungkook aimlessly moves things around like a Tetris screen. 

The only time you feel remotely comfortable basking in your home is when Jisoo is gone. Oh-so conveniently is the Big Hit building undergoing maintenance today, so you and Namjoon have decided to work from home in your apartment. Although you thought by now that Jisoo’s boxes would be long gone and tucked away in Jungkook’s place, instead you’re living in an episode of Ed, Edd and Eddy and the cardboard is practically wall-to-wall. You also thought by now that Jungkook would have no reason to show up unannounced anymore, but apparently that’s not the case. 

“I have, anxiety,” Namjoon adjusts his glasses for the nth time this afternoon, brain not fixed enough to focus on the screen of his chrome MacBook, “anxiety, anxiety. I can’t right now. I need my weighted blanket and a pillow.” 

“Namjoon, I can get both of those for you if we just send in this last spread,” you coo gently, as if placating a baby. You make brief eye contact with Jungkook from the other side of the room, his lips quirking in amusement as he stacks a box of clothes by the kitchen. 

“Do you feel my palms? My palms, they’re like a fucking fountain you need to feel them—” your Wusband approaches you like a zombie, leaning over you and tripping over his criss-crossed legs before he topples over you. 

“Blegh, get off of me you sweat giant!” you cry with a good-natured laugh, although the grip of Namjoon’s palms under your shoulders are damp and slimy, “Joon, I can’t get you your blanket if you’re crushing my boobs.” 

Namjoon finally relents, untacking himself to rest his chin on your glass coffee table. “Fine.” 

“Look over the last column and I’ll bring your blanket, okay?” 

Pushing yourself off the ground, you shuffle your way out of the living room through the maze of boxes and into the hallway. It feels like your apartment is less of an apartment and more of a storage space when you’re trapped in-between two lines of boxes, and Jungkook effectively blocking you from entering your room. He was just in the living room but now he’s come from the linen closet, standing between the entrance of your room. 

“Sorry,” he pops his head out from a smaller box, one filled with designer costume jewelry. 

“It’s fine,” you chirp, barely making eye contact as you shuffle over the boxes. 

Your toe drags over the lid of one of the open boxes in an attempt to move diagonally. You nearly crash your face into the hardwood if not for Jungkook’s arm stretching out to catch you. In seconds he manages to catch all your weight in one hand, pulling you to him with your hip pressed against his. Your breath traps itself in your neck. Your subconscious fears that if you speak now, you’ll babble about how attractive it is that he’s able to catch you as easily as grabbing a light sheet of paper. 

“Careful,” his voice rumbles in his throat as he regards you with a wan smile. 

Your “thanks” is barely uttered as you slip into your room, heaving your weighted blanket and a pillow in your arms to let Namjoon borrow. 

The burgundy quilted fabric is hunched over your shoulder, draped around your body so it’s easier for you to carry on your back. You try to eradicate the memory of Jungkook’s arms, lean and strong as he held you to him moments before.

Ugh, you thought messing around with Vernon would stop your silly pining. It seems that it’ll take more than a couple rounds to satiate your curiosity. For such a kind guy, Jungkook seems like a wolf in sheep’s clothing when it comes to the bedroom. 

You can imagine him being so kind in the beginning, coaxing you to wan and bend to his every wish and command. And then when you keen a little too hard at the attention, you bet a switch would flip and he’d grab you—

The blanket flops around your back, and you’re sorely reminded that you’re thirsting over a taken man, yet again.  

Jungkook makes it extremely difficult for him to be hateable. It’s by nature that he’s just so damn likeable. Heck, he’s pretty much packed seventy percent of the things Jisoo should be packing right now. 

Making sure not to trip again, on your feelings and your blanket, you successfully reach a tired Namjoon. You tuck your koala-shaped pillow under your co-editor’s arms, and drape the heavy blanket over him like a cape. He’s giving you a thumbs up and a toothless smile, the previous meltdown overcome as he focuses on finishing the last of today’s work. He’s slipped on some noise-cancelling earphones, presumably filled with generic coffee-house music or rain playlists. 

Wordlessly you go to your nook to prepare some tea. It’s getting late and a warm cup would distract you from the impending deadline. Despite the fact that you and Namjoon are 99% of the way done, his previous freak-out has you on live-wire and you could use a little caffeine. 

Placing three mugs on the counter you call, “Jungkook, tea?” 

“Yes please,” you stiffen when you feel Jungkook magically appear right behind you, his head peering over your shoulder, “with milk and honey.” 

Deciding to give Jungkook the beehive-shaped mug because it’s very on-brand for him, you begin to steep the leaves in your kettle while he spoons the honey. 

“So,” his words are slow as the drip of honey, the amber goo taking its time to descend into his mug as it falls from the dipper. “Is that the guy you’re trying to get over?” 

Jungkook lifts his brows towards Namjoon, who is softcore jamming to his white noise playlist. It’s cute as to how curious Jungkook is about Namjoon. While you try to keep your work life separate, there really isn’t much backstory to your personal life to warrant that kind of divide. 

“Namjoon,” you state aloud, watching Namjoon sing badly to himself, “why, are you gonna beat him up for me?” 

“I can take him,” you can practically hear Jungkook’s chest pop out. 

With a roll of your eyes, you reach to kill the heat off the tea kettle, “No need. He isn’t the guy I’m trying to get over.” 

“Oh, he’s your fuck buddy then?” 

“Shit!” being caught off guard, you grab at the handle of your kettle without a pot holder, burning your fingertips. In seconds Jungkook’s larger hand encases your own, pulling you over to the sink to soak your fingers in cool running water.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Jungkook is chanting like a sinner at church, searching for any sign of pain in your visage, “I shouldn’t have asked while you’re working with a hot stove.” 

You suppress a sigh, relaxing your fingers as Jungkook soothes the burn with his gentle hold, “Shouldn’t have asked in the first place,” you mumble. 

“I know,” he replies, “guess I’m just feeling a little left out. We don’t talk like we used to. I guess I’m getting a little too nosy for my own good, aren’t I?” 

You don’t understand what’s going on with his incessant babbling as of late, but you chalk it up to work stress and Jisoo’s move. Having no answers to his honest reply, you gently untack your red palm from his grip, assuring him that you’re fine. 

Namjoon steps into your kitchenette, being surprisingly careful as he takes your potholder to pour himself a cup of tea. If the tea is oversteeped and bitter he doesn’t say anything, only leans against the counter as he regards you two with slow sips. “You alright?” 

“M’fine,” you reply stubbornly, avoiding Jungkook’s worried stare. 

Namjoon holds out his hand, “Hand.” 

“No—”

“Hand.” 

His deep voice coerces you, and you immediately slap the back of your palm onto Namjoon’s. Your partner brushes his golden hands over the tiny blister that’s forming over your fingertips. “Can’t have my Work Wife outta commission.” 

“Your Work Wife is fine,” you gripe back. 

Your co-worker’s eyes flicker over to Jungkook’s for a brief second, Jungkook regarding him in curiosity as he stares at your connected palms. “I have some aloe in my bag for sunburns,” Namjoon offers helpfully, ignoring the weird glances, “I’ll give it to you in a bit. Also, I’ve overcome my sudden bout of stress and I’m ready to email our progress to Victoria. We’re done for the day.” 

“Awesome, thanks Joonie,” you exhale, relaxing against the sink, “wanna go eat somewhere?” 

“There’s a niche place in Itaewon if you wanna check it out?” Namjoon offers.

Jungkook interjects, “Jisoo ordered pizza if you guys wanna share with us?” 

“Pizza also sounds good—” 

“We don’t wanna interrupt your alone time,” you gracefully cut in, stepping in front of Namjoon despite the fact that he’s easily towering over you. 

Jungkook snorts, “I’ll have enough alone time with her when she moves in, don’t worry. Besides, I ordered three pies because I wanted to try three different flavor combos. I need two additional judges.” 

“Thanks Jungkook but,” you stifle a cry when Namjoon jabs you in the back with his thumb. It’s pressing, digging into the small of your back as if he’s trying to telepathically tell you that you’re being rude, “but… I don’t know if I can eat three slices! Namjoon on the other hand, can probably eat enough to fairly judge.” 

“Great,” Jungkook’s smile is blinding, causing your grin to stiffen as he looks for his phone to shoot Jisoo a quick text that they’re having dinner for four. 

Once Jungkook’s out of earshot, Namjoon tugs you by the sleeve, “The hell was that?” he hisses in your ear, “you look like you’re about to shit and piss your pants at the same time.” 

“I just don’t feel comfortable eating with them,” you cross your arms in defiance. You think back to just a week ago where you and Jisoo reluctantly attempted to eat breakfast together one morning. You provided minimal small talk while Jisoo clinged to her phone, replying to you in non-committal clipped tones. 

“Do I want to know?”

“No.” 

“Do you want me to leave?”

“No!” you retort, “you got me into this mess, you’re gonna stay with me ‘till the end.”

“I don’t know what you want from me, woman,” Namjoon throws his arms out exasperatedly, oolong tea nearly sloshing onto his hand, “just suck it up or I revoke your bragging rights to that snag you got on our spread next Monday.” 

“Not my fault you couldn’t get Kim Taeyeon on the spread,” you smirk. 

“Well I didn’t so happen to stalk the Sephora she frequents for the past two weeks—” 

“I didn’t stalk her I just so happened to need a new Fenty Gloss Bomb every other day—”

“I’m home, Jungkookie!” 

Your face contorts, your playful energy melting to the hardwood as your previous banter with Namjoon evaporates into thin air. Work bags in one hand and three boxes of pizza balancing in the other, Jisoo kicks off her heels somewhere across the door and places the pizza on the dining table. 

Jungkook immediately appears by her side, and you look away and Jisoo plants a heavy kiss on his lips. She cracks open one eye as she notices you and Namjoon hanging by the kitchenette, “Oh,” she mumbles at her audience, “you’re here?” 

Yes, you bimbo. I’m here in my own apartment. 

“I guess you didn’t read my text that they’ll be joining us for dinner,” Jungkook cuts in good-naturedly, “we have way too much pizza anyway. Have a seat, guys.” 

Jungkook navigates the kitchen as easily as your own, and you slump in your chair while Namjoon exchanges pleasantries with Jisoo. She looks impeccable, hair in a tight chignon and a tight navy dress as she converses with your co-editor. 

“I’m starving,” Jungkook announces, making sure to place a slice on Jisoo’s plate. He shuffles through the other boxes, making brief eye contact with you when he decides to put a slice on yours as well, “you like these toppings, right?” 

You regard the greasy, hearty piece of cheese and bread with a curt nod. You feel Jisoo’s eyes laser on your skin, “Yeah, thanks Kook.” 

Namjoon, Jisoo and Jungkook mostly stir up the conversation, you opting to eat as slow as possible to avoid any conversation. It’s easy to blend back and let them take over, as Jisoo loves to talk about her fashion firm and Namjoon is a great listener. 

Jungkook and Namjoon make it a point to direct the conversation to you from time to time, and you let the ball leave your court as soon as it lands. You prefer to keep your responses short and simple, especially when Jisoo is so eager to talk about the new silk drapes she’s installing for Jungkook’s windows.

Your phone buzzes in your lap, and you discreetly look under the table to read the incoming text message. 

vernie bernie: would u like to do the devil’s dance tonight

vernie bernie: or a tickle to my pickle? 

vernie bernie: beatin ya bean? 

You: ohmyGOD 

vernie bernie: or y’know, u could just come ovr and chill. Hobi made some bomb tres leches

You: call. Ill come after dinner

“Are you okay, y/n?” your head bounces up to meet Jungkook’s gaze, “you’ve barely eaten and you haven’t talked much.” 

“Oh you know, she’s just stressed about the upcoming spread,” Namjoon steps in for you, and you send him a discrete, but grateful smile. He’s always impeccable at reading the room, “she’s just nervous about her interview with Kim Taeyeon, but I think you did her interview justice.” 

“No way, the singer Kim Taeyeon?” Jungkook gushes, regarding you with stars in his eyes, “your interviews are always so great, y/n. You ask really good questions. Like that one spread about  Lee Yonghwa’s art gallery? Really cool.” 

You notice the way Jisoo presses her lips together, a thin line as if she’s trying to seal away words that she’ll regret saying. She’s jealous, and you can’t help the blush of pride that fills your veins as you raise a secret brow at her. 

“Right, you got nothing to worry about,” Namjoon squeezes your shoulder encouragingly, as if you’d get his double-meaning. 

“Thanks,” you reply, pushing your plate away and standing up, “I’m actually gonna go head to Vernon’s for a bit, though. He wants to double check his work before we email Victoria.” 

It’s a bald-faced lie, Namjoon sent the files to Victoria right before dinner, but he isn’t going to argue. 

“Okay,” Namjoon thanks Jungkook and Jisoo for the meal, stacking his plate atop yours, “I’ll walk out with you.” 

“It’s only been twenty minutes, though,” you see the slight panic in Jungkook’s gaze as he watches you quickly clean up for you and Namjoon. You can’t quite pin why he’s so concerned, after all he has been acting strange as of late. 

“Yeah, I’m full,” you reply curtly, licking your lips and avoiding his gaze. You already know what he wants to say, that he’s been in your apartment all day and all he’s seen you eat is stale chips and tea, “but we can do this again.” But hopefully not. 

“If you’re coming home late again,” it’s the first time Jisoo has spoken to you directly. You tilt your head to her slowly, watching the plastic smile carefully carved onto her expression. You see the contrived care and concern between her brows, “please try to be quieter next time, the last time you came home late you woke Jungkookie up.” 

Snapping your gaze to Jungkook you plaster on a thick smile, “Sorry Jungkook—” 

“What? No, it’s fine!” he furrows his brows in confusion, finally able to detect the strange tension between the two housemates, “I barely heard you—” 

“Maybe I’ll just stay the night at Vernon’s,” your eyes trail over to the pajama set you immediately switched into when you got home today, “wouldn’t want to disturb you two.” 

“Good,” Jisoo’s tone is saccharine and clipped as she tacks on a, “have fun.” 

It’s laudable, how much Jisoo wants to make a fool out of you but you won’t have it. You revel in the perplexed expression as Jungkook’s gaze darts back and forth between the two of you, wanting to butt in but unsure of how to approach it. Not giving him the time to, you bid the couple a goodnight and make a fast getaway. Heck, you don’t even take your work stuff with you. 

Once you’re out the door, Namjoon wordlessly gives you a hug. You sigh gratefully into his embrace. 

The next time Jungkook sees you, he reads the room before anything. You and Jisoo’s apartment is scarily empty, almost clinical. He’s tried texting you a few times after his failed-not-failed attempt at catching up at the mall and his awkward conversation concerning Namjoon, but you always reply back with vague replies and an unpromised promise of meeting up sometime soon. 

It dulls him to think that you’ve given up on him as a friend. But can you blame him? He needs to keep an appropriate distance for Jisoo, after all, she doesn’t like it when he gets too close to other women unless it’s strictly professional. Usually Jisoo’s jealousy inevitably works itself out and Jungkook doesn’t pose any problems because he has very few girl friends, but for some reason your friendship with him specifically gets Jisoo stiff in the face. Is it because you and Jisoo are so close? Possibly. 

But it doesn’t mean you can’t join the same Valorant server with him at 2AM and accidentally bomb each other, or argue over the magnum opus of each film company. Is that not enough? 

Jisoo’s working overtime, and Jungkook suggested last night that he move the boxes to the front of the door for easy pick-up when the moving truck arrives. Jisoo promises to buy Thai food in return, and with a kiss emoji she leaves him to audit fabric budgets. 

As he glides down to Jisoo’s room he notes that the pictures along the wall have disappeared, and there’s double the amount of boxes in the hallway. It seems that you’re moving out too. To where, he doesn’t know but he hopes it isn’t too far. 

He chides Jisoo remotely when he sees that her room is completely intact, and he makes moves to pack up her things. 

That’s when he finds his letter. Not a love letter to Jisoo, but a love letter to you. Deep in the recesses of Jisoo’s junk drawer, is a faded lavender envelope with a pressed cream colored baby’s breath taped up in plastic. The glue is yellow and old, clearly served its purpose due to the fact that the letter is already opened and the contents rumpled. 

Hey Pretty Girl–

He immediately stuffs the letter back in its holder, stricken at his messy handwriting from two years ago. It feels like he found a time capsule, another version of Jungkook confessing to you. He used to call you Pretty Girl, not enough for you to catch on to his feelings, but enough for you to understand that he did find you attractive. It was early on in your friendship. 

When you first asked him to be study partners for some silly class that had nothing to do with each other’s majors, he gaped like a guppy and pointed to himself. That day he went to class in last night’s clothes and a nest of fluffy strands. “Me?” he felt like absolute trash, and you were probably desperate due to the fact you two were the only seniors in this class, “but you’re a pretty girl… and I’m pretty dumb when it comes to this subject.” 

But instead you scoffed and pulled him from his slumped figure, dragging him to the library, with a wink and a “you’re pretty, too.” Those words have burned in his brain since then, as he wasn’t used to getting such off-handed compliments, especially from intelligent girls that wanted more than one night. 

For whatever reason you continued seeing his dumb self, even after the semester ended and together registered for one more class for spring. 

Whenever you’d go out for ice cream you wouldn’t hesitate to stuff your face and add for extra Oreos and fries, you’d assure Jungkook you’re not normally this much of a slob. 

Jungkook would just smile and offer you a napkin and say, “You’re still a pretty girl.” 

He fell for you gracefully. There was no regret, no walk of shame, no cliché late night party where you or him could’ve instigated it into the physical. It was all by feel. 

However the two of you took your time with your relationship, languidly enjoying the hushed conversations in the library at 2AM, the late night McFlurry runs, the integration of each other’s friends like it was natural. Ergo the lavender love letter. It was a gentle declaration, one he felt pretty confident in. 

So color him stupid when you passed him in class with a happy wave, Jungkook dumbfounded at how well you handled his confession. You weren’t oblivious, you just never read it. 

But now he knows the declaration was for whatever reason, lost in transit. “I should’ve known,” he whispers in the air, the letter crumpling in his grip. Composing himself, he pinches his brows.  

There’s an electronic buzz and a sharp slam of the front door. Judging by the time, you’re home. 

You flop onto your mattress, folding an arm over your head to stop the sun from seeping to your eyes. Vernon’s exhausted you, and you barely got away before he could have any say in it. You need a little space, and some time to think. 

Just as you close the door to your bedroom, it swings open. 

You gape as Jungkook thrusts himself into your bedroom like a deer with horns, looking pale. You follow his gaze, darkened eyes that linger a little too long on your neck again, and you narrow your eyes at him to avert. He looks a little red in the cheeks despite his pallidness, looking like he just got out of bed with messy wavy locks and his signature sweats. Is Jungkook packing for Jisoo again? 

Acutely aware that you smell like sweat and sex, you clutch the blankets closer to your body. “Uh, rude.” 

He looks uncharastically frantic, waving a letter in his hand, “Did you ever read this?” 

“Read what?” you ask, hands reaching out for the envelope. 

“My confession letter,” he blurts, having no shame now that all the gears are running through his head. “I wrote you a letter asking you out, because you said you wanted to collect notes like in Letters to Juliet. But I just found it in Jisoo’s drawer, why would it be there?” 

And all the pent up frustration that never seemed to escape under Vernon’s sheets, the feelings that never seem to subside, all bubble back to the surface. Now that Jungkook knows, there’s no hiding. 

You’re in shock, hands reaching for the letter despite the burn that seeps through your fingertips. Jungkook’s shoulders slump when you do indeed look like it’s your first time seeing this, as if a missing puzzle piece in your timeline has finally been revealed.

“I, I didn’t think you’d write me a letter,” you take the lavender envelope, clutching the letter by your chest like it’s something precious, “that’s so sweet,” you say to yourself.  

It dawns on him, “Wait, you knew about this? I knew something weird was going on.” 

“Only recently,” you frown. 

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” he nearly shouts, causing you to flinch, “no wonder why you were being so weird all this time. How could you let me live the rest of my life knowing this? That my relationship is built on a lie? ” 

“I don’t know,” you suddenly feel very small in your mattress as Jungkook rounds up on you, pulling your desk chair closer to your bed, “because you love Jisoo, of course.” 

“Well obviously that’s not possible,” and while yes a two-year realtionship ending like this is going to hit him hard tonight, he’s focused on you and the fact that you failed to tell him, “somehow I’d find out. Why wait for me to find out on my own?” 

“Because I wanted to protect you!” 

“Protect me,” he scoffs, crossing his arms and sneering at you. It causes you to tense up, feeling the telltale signs of tears bubbling to the surface, “you don’t even want to be friends anymore, y/n. I’ve tried to catch up to you so many times, but you keep leaving me hanging. I know I’ve been a pretty bad friend and I get it if you just feel awkward that I liked you, then that’s a shitty reason.” 

“Have you ever considered that it’s too late to tell you?” you shoot back, sitting up straight, “yes, I admit I should’ve told you earlier and I’m sorry, but it was a lot for me to process to y’know? Jisoo and I haven’t talked properly in weeks!” 

“Oh, so you’ve stopped trying to be friends with Jisoo too, huh? Just like you’re trying to stop being friends with me.” 

“No,” you pinch your brows, “she stopped being friends with me! She doesn’t care about me because she has you,” conflict burns in Jungkook’s gaze, and you only serve to fuel the fire, “she’s tried so hard to not involve me in your relationship.” 

“Just tell me why you’ve really kept this secret instead of saying you want to protect me like a baby—” 

“It’s because I’m in love with you, idiot!” 

You blink and back up against the wall of your bedroom, as if you can’t believe that the words came out of your mouth. 

It’s quiet again. The sour look evaporates from Jungkook’s face as he watches you suppress your sobs on your mattress. The room seems devoid, sucked out of its color as you’ve cleaned up most of your things, the only thing left being some plain grey sheets and a pillow. 

Jungkook’s mind is absolutely reeling, playing back memories from a different point of view. 

“When Jisoo told me she sabotaged our relationship so she could date you, I was so upset and didn’t know what to think,” you manage to place the lavender note on your wooden desk, making sure no tears could mar it. “And I thought I could move on and eventually stay friends with the both of you, but the next day Jisoo put all her attention on you and completely ignored me or any attempt to salvage our friendship. She only told me to forgive herself,” you’re hugging yourself, wrapping the blankets around you like a weak embrace, “so I thought if I cut myself out of the picture and forced myself to move on like I should’ve, everything would’ve been okay.” 

“So, you would’ve rather kept all this pain to yourself?” 

“Yeah,” you give him a teary smile, “because I wanted you to be happy.” 

And with an equally sad smile he murmurs, “But I’m not happy.” 

 Your face falls, and you really look at Jungkook. He’s exhausted as well, slumped in his chair. Has he been trying to grapple along the threads of his relationships, while you’ve been trying to loosen them? 

“What a waste of two years,” he slumps in your chair, letting the pieces click into place, “a relationship built on fake love. I was really trying, y’know. I thought I was going crazy.” 

The three of you have unknowingly been playing a futile game of Cat’s Cradle, a game that no one wins. 

Jungkook looks wistfully out the window, noting the pleasant day that fails to present itself in your tiny room. It feels simultaneously satisfying and bitter when it falls into place, your thoughts finally fitting together for the first time in months. “We could’ve loved each other. For real,” he says, and you silently agree. 

You’re still crying, shaking like a leaf in autumn. Jungkook’s arms hover awkwardly over yours, his warmth palpable despite the fact that he hasn’t touched you yet. With a timid smile you allow consent, and you melt like putty in his arms. 

“Kookie, ‘m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” you murmur into his shoulder, not caring if it hurts when you press your chin into his skin. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way.” 

It’s been so long to have him close like this, the friend you’ve always wanted but never needed. Since college you’ve always imagined a life without him doing just fine, but that doesn’t mean you want to live without him, roommate’s boyfriend or not. 

“I’m sorry too,” he sighs back, “this sucks right now, but we’ll be alright.” 

The two of you sit in your room until it turns dark and the sky muddles into shades of twilight and egg yolk orange. There’s lulls in the conversation, the two of you filling in the gaps and making sense of the mumbo-jumbo that’s been going on in your consciousness up until this point. Your insantities turn sane, and by the time Jisoo’s making her way back inside with the smell of pad thai, Jungkook is ready. With a squeeze to each other and a press of your lips because you don’t know what to say, you tuck yourself in and pretend to fall asleep. 

“Messy, messy, messy,” Vernon sing-songs, knocking his heels against the wall. 

The both of you are sitting upside-down, butts attached to the wall connecting to his mattress and your feet hanging in the air. Your mint floral organza socks pad against his Pink Floyd poster, while his yellow tube socks are heeling against some old Polaroids from college. There’s no prospect of sex today, not when shit just hit the fan. 

Today you and Vernon are just two old friends and very close co-workers. 

“Tell me about it,” you bemoan, frowning at the beige wall, “this whole week’s just been a whole mess. It’s like, warm tuna salad.”

“Gross,” Vernon grimaces at the apt comparison, “so what happens now?” 

You sit up on your elbows, looking down at Vernon’s peaceful expression, “What do you mean?” 

“Like, are you gonna get together with him?”

You snort, flopping back down on his bed. The blankets fluff around you and you inhale the pine scented sheets. “After all that? No.” 

“But you still love him?” 

It must sound dumb to still love him after all this time. You wouldn’t be surprised if Vernon thought you’re silly to still hold a place in your heart for someone who has fifteen million things on their plate now. After all the physicality and the space Vernon gave you in his home, your feelings haven’t wavered. 

Your companion doesn’t bother waiting for your answer, hearing your answer somewhere in the air as he gets up and throws on his denim jacket. Rolling over your stomach you ask, “Where are you going?” 

“Some friends down in printing want to meet up for drinks,” Vernon messes up his hair, making the waves part in that little coiff that makes his jawline look sharp. “I heard Yerin really wanted me to come, so.” 

You can’t help the little middle school coo that comes from your lips, causing Vernon to giggle and throw a pillow at you. “Yerin’s cute!” you declare, remembering the petite girl in overalls who’s all about pops of yellow and violet, “you're into her?” 

“Nah,” Vernon holds up two hats in his hands, gesturing for you to pick one. “Just figured it was a push in the right direction.” 

Crawling out of his bed you stumble in your oversized t-shirt, tucking a finger under your chin as you decide between the emerald bucket hat and the red Ralph Lauren baseball cap. You pull out both hats from his hands and set it down on his vanity, opting to smooth out the flyaways and ringing your fingers through his soft curls. “And what direction would my free-flowing friend be going today?” you ask aloud, “you look better with your hair out,” you declare firmly, “makes you look like a fluffy CEO.” 

He laughs at your silly comparison, and he gently moves your hand away from his hair when you linger a little too close to him. His gaze is solemn as he regards you with a gentle smile, “Keep your distance, I’m tryna get over someone,” he says simply, and your arm falls limp at your sides. 

Your heart thuds in a different direction, your mouth parting but no words coming to the surface. When was the last time you asked about Vernon’s needs, wondered if he was doing alright, making sure you two were on the same page—

“You’re spiraling,” he reads you like a playbook, smoothing down your hair to press a kiss to the crown. Suddenly you feel guilty for not having sparks in your belly, shaming your conscience for not even considering his sacrifices in your self-absorption these past few weeks. “Like I said, I wanted to help you. Stop looking like a kicked puppy, it’s okay to be selfish.” 

With transparent tears the two of you pack up and head to your next destination. Hands ghosting between each other you make your way to the exit of Vernon’s apartment, him to meet up with his friends while you have to unpack your new apartment. With a hug you tell each other you’ll see them on Monday, and as easy as that you go your separate ways.

Hey Pretty Girl—

I kinda wanted to tell you this in person but I know how much you liked Mamma Mia and all those other movies that have grand gestures in writing so I thought hey, might as well shoot my shot on paper. 

Not gonna tell you all the details, because you deserve to hear it in-person. But mayhaps this letter has something to do with how much I like studying with you, watching movies with you, doing absolutely nothing with you and all of that in-between. 

There’s a gift card to our spot attached. Meet me at McDonalds @12 tonight, so I know it’s real 😎

Hopefully yours, Jungkook

P.S. if you haven’t noticed already, I sprayed a little cologne and stole Taehyung’s fancy paper from Muji. That’s how serious I am about you. 

“Joon, we live in a bonsai garden. We’re like giants in a forest.” 

“Can you—can you stop spitting at them? Let them breathe, dammit.” 

“Not my fault they’re so tiny! I literally have to zoom 200% just to get a good look at ‘em.” 

The two of you are huddled in what used to be Namjoon’s balcony, now a sunroom for his succulents and bonsais. Your heart feels pink and swollen with affection as you regard Namjoon with interest, absorbing every bit of information you can as he teaches you how to care for his plants. After all, you’re co-parenting now. 

Having your Wusband co-sign as your roommate for the next year is probably the best decision you have made this year. Everyday is like a breath of fresh air. With Seokjin gone for the year to tour his restaurant franchises, his room is yours for the taking. The two of you are easy going roommates, filling the apartment with color and vigour whether it be in the form of baking sweets or watching Netflix documentaries. 

The only drama you ever have is when you two are having a meltdown over the same work-related issue, as if you two somehow share the same brain cell. It’s significantly less stressful, no need for unnecessary anger when  you have someone as mediating as Namjoon.

After today’s plant lesson, you two go back to the living room to finish up your work for the evening. Another perk of living together is that you can go home at normal work times and continue where you left off with the comfort of your couch and eating a whole pizza pie with no shame. 

Namjoon’s phone pings with a new email from corporate. “We got the new concept for next month’s spread,” he gestures to you with a grandiose wave of his arm, “drumroll please.” 

He pulls up the newsletter from corporate with a flick of his thumb. Your company put out every month’s concept out in an Evite, like every month was a themed party. A stressful, month long work party. In seconds, the page loaded and you’re met with next month’s title bathed in electronic glitter. 

The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Class of Youth

The two of you say silent, absorbing the concept like a cookie to milk. It’s a personal spread this month, a real treat for the team to show off their normal non-professional life. A spread that reveals the masters behind the ink and text. Last year’s personal spread was about the staff’s vacation destinations, but this year’s is much more intimate. You can imagine all the ideas that will be thrown around on Monday’s meeting: pinning down shared ideas like Throwback Thursdays, late night munchie runs, drunk stories, and all the crazy college nostalgia that you’ve been trying to avoid as of late. 

But now it’s presented to you in a gold chalice, and while you’re sick of the past you think it’s about time to face it. You’re excited to tackle the dark monster you’ve suppressed since Jungkook and Jisoo’s breakup. 

“Did I ever tell you I was president of my university’s Mock Trial?” 

“No, I always thought you’d be president of the Comparative Literature Club or whatever. But Mock Trial is equally as nerdy.” 

“I’ll have you know Mock Trial got me tons of action,” he winked, “made me very convincing.” 

“Gross,” you sneer, “so that’s what your spread will be about? How the co-editor of the Arts & Entertainment section managed to bag with his skills from Mock Trial?” 

“Nah, I went on a penniless journey with Jin during spring break. Six days around Malta.” 

“That does sound so you,” you sigh, fingers slipping between the cracked screen as you mull over the overly happy Evite, “sounds like a cool story.” 

“I know that look,” Namjoon quips, snatching his phone under his nose, “don’t overthink your spread just yet, it’s still the weekend. Now to more important things, what do you want from Taco Bell?”

And because you can’t refuse the combined efforts of nachos and Namjoon’s dimples, you relent for the night and tack the unmade idea to the next workday. 

Unfortunately the next workday is just as disheartening. Today’s work meeting is the antithesis of icing on the cake. While your college life isn’t anything remarkable, you didn’t think it was a painfully dull time. With every passing moment and every excited co-worker throwing memories back and forth like ping pong balls, the more you felt inferior by competing with their amazing memories. 

“Who can even afford Aruba at twenty-one,” you mutter under your breath, stalking back to your cubicle. 

Filling up a whole spread is daunting to you, the thought of Victoria popping her head in your cubicle to ask what you’ve got for the day is practically eating you from the inside out. Maybe your college life was in actuality, super boring? You have no crazy drug trips to tell, any vacations that gave you a life-changing perspective, or an epic love story. 

“What’cha got there, partner?” 

The third musketeer of your editing team’s caramel eyes peer into your cubicle, causing you to jump in your chair. Vernon wheels around, chair and all to push you into your already cramped space. His gold button up gleams in the sunlight, effectively blinding you. 

“If by something you mean nothing, then yeah I got nothing,” you frown, spinning around your chair. “What are you writing about?” 

A fond smile melts onto your friend’s face, and you can’t help returning a smile that mirrors his own. You two have fallen back into a good place, as far as you know. He’s still easy, simple, sweet Vernon. When you dropped some boxes off in coloring, you heard that Vernon and Yerin have recently started seeing each other. 

“Thought of the idea as soon as the Evite came out. It’s more of a photo spread, but I’m gonna write about my study abroad in NYU,” Vernon ticks a pencil on his forehead, “a self-identity piece talking about how I felt like, not-white around my family n’stuff. And then felt not-Asian at the same time, s’complicated but I think I can make it work.” 

“Deep,” you pat his shoulder caringly, knowing that Big Hit is a good outlet for these kinds of subjects, “alright City Slicker, since you’re so full of ideas then tell me what to write about.” 

Vernon sits up straight, regarding you with narrowed eyes, “Aren’t you gonna write about your little love triangle with Jisoo and Jungkook?” and it seems like he’s already storyboarded the idea in his head, gesturing to the air as if he’s writing down a timeline, “I can see the headline now: How to Steal a Heart,” he’s grinning, nodding fervently as you cross your arms in distaste. 

“Vern, are you suggesting that I exploit Jisoo and Jungkook’s personal lives?” while the journalism business didn’t pride itself on sincerity, it did feel wrong to drag in your personal life to that extent. 

“Babe, you don’t understand. You have the perfect slice of life story. Everyone’s writing about expensive vacations and that one time they got cross-faded and ended up in Busan,” he squeezes your hand, “but your story, it’s relatable. It’s romantic. It’s angsty. It has closure. No one’s gonna be able to relate to an impulse spending on daddy’s money to Aruba. But first loves? Unrequited romance and all that ish? Everyone can speak to that. And you’re a beautiful writer, they’ll eat up that story like honey.” 

“I don’t know, it still doesn’t feel right.” 

“Change up the names, twist the story,” he offers easily, knowing you’d put up a fight, “besides, it’s not like you’re planning on talking to Jisoo or Jungkook ever again,” you open your mouth to retort, but Vernon’s phone beeps to the Star Wars theme song and he’s flying out of his chair. “Shoot, gotta go help Joon upstairs. Just think about it, okay? Good luck!” and he’s kicking his chair out with a brown loafer, leaving you with breathing room in your cubicle. 

Five seconds later Vernon is jogging back, pointing a finger at you, “And if you do choose to write it, you have to add that Jisoo copped your McDonalds gift card. Like, who does that shit? Couldn’t she have just given it to you and say it was from her and not Jungkook? Seriously fucked up.” 

For the next ten or so minutes you mull. Out of all the memorable college events you’ve participated in, the largest one by far is your (now defunct and debatable) friendship with Jisoo, and your (un)requited love for Jungkook. Reluctantly, you must admit Vernon has a sharp idea, busting in like a hero and offering you the most writable piece on a silver platter. 

It doesn’t feel morally right just to start writing, because ultimately you can’t feel comfortable until you get the consent of Jungkook. While you don’t want to touch Jisoo with a ten-meter pole, you do want to start talking to Jungkook again now that the waters have calmed.

Your life has moved gracefully up until this point, and you’d like to start being friends with him again. Decision made, you pull out your phone and make an important call.

“Hey Yoongi,” you say nervously. Min Yoongi is Kim Namjoon’s equivalent, Jungkook’s Wusband and former upperclassmen in college. 

Said man hums noncommittally on the other line, “Whaddya want, it’s been awhile.” 

You stifle a giggle at his apathetic attitude, knowing he’s someone who wastes no time in getting straight to the point. “I just wanna make sure Jungkook’s address is still the same? I know it’s been a couple months, but I need to send him something and I wanna make sure it gets to him ASAP because—”

“Because last time something was sent, your crazy roommate intervened and Jungkook ended up in a two-year half-toxic relationship? Yeah, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

“Yoongi,” you say slowly, “where are you?” 

“Working in the studio,” he tuts, “Jungkook says hi, by the way.” 

Typical, cat’s out of the bag. With a roll of our eyes you reply, “Thanks for outing me, Yoongi. Talk to you later.” 

“And y/n? Jungkook says he’s waiting.” 

With a stupid smile slapped onto your face, you hang up the phone and pull out your stationary kit from under your desk. You pluck out a vermillion red envelope, a color so bold and begging to be seen, you know it can’t possibly get lost in transit. Feeling a little bit like a high schooler as you pull out a glitter jelly pen, you get to writing. 

Hey Pretty Boy...

Jungkook and Jisoo are no longer together, evidently. 

Their social media runs in different directions, with Jisoo sporting absolute elegance in her work at her family-owned boutique. Her posts are full of shiny outfits and soulless gazes, betraying any pinch of emotion she may have felt over these past few months. Her profile is wiped of any personal posts, all traces of you and Jungkook evaporated from her page. You must admit that she looks good, like a real fashion mogul, but only at the surface level. 

Conversely, Jungkook is thriving. It’s evident. Normally he isn’t the type of guy to post so frequently, his habits being often sporadic and limited to sweaty gym stories. But whenever you scroll, it’s pictures of him smiling. Big bunny teeth broken into a genuine, full-bellied laugh. Cute selfies of him and his co-workers. You notice two familiar co-workers in those posts, Irene and Seulgi, two beautiful women Jisoo always felt intimidated by whenever she ranted to you. You conclude positively that Jungkook doesn’t feel tethered and can hang out with all the friends he wants, female and male alike. Jungkook looks free, and you’re happy for him. 

It’s another Instagram-worthy moment tonight at McDonalds, where you and Jungkook proposed to meet each other at 12AM. 

This time, the letter makes it to its desired destination. You make sure of that because this time you hand-deliver it, slipping under his apartment door knowing he lives alone and no one would be able to access it except him. 

You’re parked in an obscure corner, but you can see that Jungkook is currently having a great time with his co-workers for an after work meal. Yoongi is unbothered on his phone, while Jimin and Seulgi are taking turns throwing fries into each other’s mouth. Jungkook is squished between them, scrunching his nose cutely as he tries not to get in the fray of their fry-war. 

Your phone pings, and you laugh at what pops up on the screen.

Yoongi: come inside, u loser. 

You: can’t ur friend group makes me nervous stop being so dang cute

You: dw i’ll wait, it’s only 11:50

Instead of replying, Yoongi puts his phone down and resumes eating. In turn you pick a playlist, deciding that “summer time high mix✨✨✨” is a theme you need to subscribe to for the rest of the weekend. 

Busying yourself by sending some texts to Namjoon and checking some emails, you relax in your seat as you let your brain turn to sludge for the weekend. You’re tired, eyes glazing over as you watch Yoongi elbow Jungkook harshly, forcing him to look out the foggy window. 

Jungkook’s eyes light up like it’s Christmas Eve, but instead of Christmas lights it's your car’s lowlights. The graphic designer  pays no mind to his friends as they wish him goodbye and goodluck, throwing on his jacket with a wave. 

The night air whizzes by, Jungkook’s floppy black strands bouncing with each step as he bounds to your car. He throws your door open, bringing in the cold air as he regards you as easily as an old friend would. 

“Hi,” he chirps, placing his tattooed palms by the air vent, “c’mon, let’s order.” 

“You know, you could’ve ordered inside and brought it in here.” 

“Yeah but then it would take longer to get to you,” the cheeky grin that Jungkook throws at you is unmistakable, “c’mon, get out the car and let’s switch.” 

“Huh?” 

“You look tired, you didn’t come back from the office again, did you?” 

“I did tonight,” you say, “I just really wanted to get the soft copy of the article done and—” 

“Out, out!” Jungkook clicks your seatbelt off and he’s coming out of the passenger side, opening your car and pulling you out by the hand, “c’mon, I’ll drive.” 

You shake your head, hiding your smile in your hand as you let Jungkook do what he wants. Normally you’d be insulted that anyone suggests they should drive your car but Jungkook would always drive you around, saying he loved long rides. Above all, if you could trust anyone to drive your car, Jungkook is at the top of the list. 

Buckling in, you bite the inside of your cheek as Jungkook easily pulls out of the parking spot one-handed. His jacket is pulled up to his elbows, exposing his veins as he expertly whirls the wheel in the direction of the drive-thru. Since college he’s always looked very attractive driving.  

Doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re still in college. You tamp those feelings down, knowing that your article probably has you feeling stuck in time. 

“—coming along?” 

“Wha?” 

“I said, how’s the spread coming along?” 

“It’s pretty much done, I think. I’ll send you the hard copy when it’s ready,” you tap your fingers against the dashboard, “but are you sure you’re okay with me writing it? I know I’m using a pseudonym and everything for you two but I still feel weird—” 

“It’s fine, I think it’s a good thing,” and you still squirm in your seat when he flashes you a genuine smile, “I mean, it kinda is a funny story and I think it’s good for both of us. Like closure, y’know? Moving on and—hi, can I get two Oreo McFlurrys and a large fry? Thanks!” he pulls out his wallet to scan the total on the e-reader.  “I mean, didn’t it feel good writing it?”

“Yeah,” you replied honestly, relaxing in your seat, “like, college was fun and all, but when Jisoo kinda ruined all that… after awhile I didn’t think it was ruined after all, y’know? I still made amazing friends and ended up where I wanted to be. I want to show the readers that shit happens, and that’s okay. And if things are really meant to be, they’re meant to be.” 

The summer playlist hums in the background as Jungkook pulls up to the pick-up window. He thanks the worker and hands you the tray, and you make quick work to put the fries in the first cup holder for optimal sharing. He doesn’t park at McDonalds, but instead smoothly pulls out of the restaurant into the direction of his apartment. It isn’t a particularly long drive, but you figure it would be easier for Jungkook to go home first if you’re already parked at his complex. 

“What do you mean by that?” Jungkook parks in the driveway of his apartment, taking his McFlurry from your hands. 

“Mean by what?” 

“If things are really meant to be, they’re meant to be.” 

“Well, we’re here now, right?” 

Jungkook pops his spoon in, swallowing vanilla and a silly smile through his coral pink lips, “We’re here now,” he repeats. 

The night air is cool and your conversation is warm. You promise Jungkook that you’ll send him the final copy of your spread as soon as it’s done, and you two eagerly deviate away from the past and focus on the present. 

You can’t help the eagerness that flows between you, as if you’ve never spent time apart like this and it’s only now that you’re reuniting. It must be absence that makes the heart grow fonder, because you swell with affection and you find Jungkook’s presence sweeter than any kind of ice cream. 

Are you dating now? Maybe. You and Jungkook are going on dates, everything without the title. McFlurry runs, marathons of HGTV’s Design on a Dime, having lunch at each other’s respective buildings with the Wusbands. Whether these dates are exclusive or not is unknown, but you figure the question will present yourself one way or another. 

You’re in a good place right now, potential relationship or not. After all, your priorities are simultaneously positive and in order: family, work, friends, and any potential romantic trysts are at the very bottom. You could kiss the cover of this month’s issue (and trust, you have kissed your own copy multiple times) if it is not for the fact that this specific issue is for Jungkook. 

So, romantic trysts and friends have a tendency to flip-flop on your priority list, but only because it’s Jungkook. 

Unsurprisingly, there’s no guilt knowing that you’re dating your former best friend's ex-boyfriend. 

After a much deserved early work day, Namjoon and the crew arrange a hearty happy-hour filled with good food and enough relaxation to last the weekend. With your combined successes, your team felt like they made the best issue yet. At the heart of it, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Class of Youth became a reckoning of each other’s young life. Despite the love and the growth that occurred from your college years up until this point, you’re glad to close that chapter and move forward. 

You did not tell Jungkook when the issue would come out, so you think it’ll be a fun surprise for him when he sees it magically show up at his apartment. Bending down you move to slip the issue under his door, one hand pushing it under while one hand braces against the frame to steady your balance. 

Just as the shiny cover glides under the door it swings open, and you fall flat on Jungkook’s feet. 

Being the little shit he is, he simply giggles at the blunder, looking at you with excited eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you,” he says. 

“Creepy as hell, Jeon,” you mutter under your breath, brushing the dirt off your aqua pencil skirt. Looking at him from your spot on the floor and his large height, you grimace. “You look like a middle-aged serial killer looking outside your peephole.” 

“Now, we know that’s not true.” he finally offers his hand, easily pulling you up to your feet. You follow him into his kitchen, where he’s cutting up fresh fruit. He throws your issue on the counter, gentle enough so it doesn’t slide off the granite. He gestures to himself with both hands, “me, a dashingly handsome late twenty-something in Nike sweats who can bench-press two of you? Totally not a middle-aged serial killer.” 

“It’s in the eyes,” you chastise, “you look crazy.” 

“Maybe I’m just crazy excited to see you,” he says with a cheeky grin. 

You try your best not to choke on your spit at the cheeseball comment, throwing a blackberry in your mouth. Savoring the burst of tart flavor that fills your mouth, you wait for Jungkook to plate the fruit before meeting him on the couch. He’s holding a prettily arranged plate of berries, bananas, and mango with a huge dollop of whipped cream in the middle. In his other hand is Big Hit’s magazine. 

Throwing your blazer on the couch’s arm you don’t hesitate to cuddle up next to him, eagerly waiting for him to read your spread. 

The cover gazes back at the two of you like a reflection. The entirety of the staff is posed on the cover, made to look like a class photo. Some of you are holding balloons in your respective school colors, many of you grouping up with whoever happened to go to college together. You and Vernon are wearing matching university sweaters with silly grins on your faces. In the middle of the issue is the editor-in-chief, Victoria Song holding a placard that reads: Class of Youth. 

Jungkook spares you a glance from the corner of his eye, your head naturally tucked into his shoulder. With an exaggerated sigh, he fiddles through the glossy pages, “Hmm, which one should I read first?” 

“Of course you’ll read mine first,” you pout. 

“Ah, Namjoon’s looks really fun. Or Vernon’s? New York looks pretty cool,” he flips to a random page, “wait, Yerin’s spread is a Korean cookbook! I definitely want to make some tuna rice...”  

“Jungkook,” you whine, “read mine.” 

“I don’t know,” he taps his finger on his lip, “I mean, I pretty much know your spread because I’m already in it. It would be kind of redundant to read it.” 

“Kook, you’re being mean,” you glower, rubbing your cheek against his soft sweater. He’s just so damn comfy. 

“I’m kidding,” he tugs at your cheek, “where’s the table of contents, first page?”

“I’m on page eighty-three.” 

You speed up the process like an impatient child, leaning over to brush the pages to the desired spread. You even dog-earred it, a habit that drives Jungkook crazy as he immediately fiddles to iron out the crease. 

“Are you gonna read it to me too, mom?” he teases. 

“Okay fine! I’ll be quiet, but don’t take too long.” 

“Yes ma’am.” 

Eyes fluttering, you let Jungkook take his time to absorb your piece. A roommate by any other (rude) name: the lost letter. A cheesy, gimmicky title that Victoria insisted upon that you had no choice but relent to. The rest of the spread thankfully has a very authentic edge to it, your story laced with photos of you and Jungkook, your internship with Vernon, and most importantly, a scan of the lavender letter that got left in the past. 

Jungkook’s not silent through his read-through, either. He laughs at all the right parts, fueling your ego as his smile grows at your favorite lines. While he doesn’t directly engage in conversation, his positive energy is enough for you to make you feel like you’ve done your job right. It’s one thing to write about unknown celebrities and unnamed artists, but for people like Jungkook, the validation is personal. 

“It’s beautiful,” Jungkook says when he’s read it thrice through, running his thumb over a picture of you. “Really organic. Really, real.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he chuckles, having run out of adverbs. “It’s funny, too. I liked your little internal monologue. I wish I knew how you felt back then.” 

“I wish you did, too.” 

You’re quietly munching on a strawberry, looking over a polaroid Jungkook took. It was  sometime in the beginning of senior year, where you’ve fallen asleep on his mattress, drool drying on your mouth. Normally you’d be opposed to having such unflattering, grainy pictures amongst your writing, but it encapsulates the youth you’ve tried so hard to chase away. 

“How do you feel?” Jungkook says, switching out the magazine for the plate of fruit, placing it on his side. 

“Feel great, actually,” you muse, smiling to yourself. By no means are you a hero writing some grand gesture in an entertainment magazine, but you feel like you’ve saved yourself. You’ve savored your youth in four thousand words, cutting out the poison and keeping the moment as sweet as it can be. 

“I’m proud of you,” he reaches to ruffle your hair, and you don’t even get mad when it tousles out of your pinned style. 

Reveling in the attention, you simply close your eyes and feed yourself a handful of blueberries. 

“Love that I make money, but I definitely miss college from time to time,” Jungkook stretches, jostling you out of your comfortable position. “Like I remember Taehyung and I would take turns bringing backpacks to the dining hall so we could stuff fruit in it for later.”

“Yeah, but as much as I loved college I wouldn’t go back,” you nod to yourself, “I’m happy where I am now.” 

“What about when we stayed up for midnight breakfast? The dining hall was filled to the brim with food. Remember when I tried to eat a whole stack of pancakes?” 

“Jungkook…” 

“Or when our classes got cancelled and we went to Lotte World? You ate way too much funnel cake and I had to carry you to the car!” 

“Jungkook—” 

“And that one time we snuck out to the music hall’s rooftop?” words gush out of Jungkook’s mouth like a waterfall, unable to relent, “that’s when I realized I liked you. I liked you so much, I tried to tell you that night but choked—”

“Jungkook!” and he immediately zips up, frowning. You straighten up, on your knees as you reach over to run your hands through his onyx tresses, moving the styled strands to the back of his pierced ears, “Jungkook,” you repeat softly, “I’ve heard all these stories, I was there for most of them. As much as I love the past… can we talk about something else?” you give him a small, tentative smile to show him you’re not mad, but a little uncomfortable at his reminiscing. 

He leans into your touch, pressing your palm against the soft swell of his warm cheek. “Okay,” he agrees, resting one hand on your thigh. 

You’re roped in his gaze, and you have to force yourself to breathe when Jungkook moves closer to you. He hooks a leg behind his back, and another across his lap. A cool breeze kisses your inner thighs when your skirt exposes your cotton underwear. You should be embarrassed but instead you’re fixated, unable to understand what he’s trying to accomplish. 

“Then I’m gonna talk about the future,” Jungkook traps you between the couch, his thumb running hot circles to where your skirt has hiked up. It exposes a slip of the thigh that Jungkook has seen a million times. He’s seen you walking around your apartment in a large shirt, ridden up to your boyshorts. It’s different now, you feel exposed and tingly, thrumming with excitement. “I like you, obviously anticipated news and old news. I can’t stop thinking about how much I want to go on dates with you, re-watch Avatar, grumble when I force you to come to the gym with me,” he bumps noses with you when you scrunch yours, “I wanna be with you. Heck, I’ve even cleared space in my spare room so you’d have closet space for all your fancy designer suits if you ever need it.”

“You cleared space?” you manage to choke out. Visions of a shared apartment roll through your brain. Cooking meals together, having two toothbrushes side by side, and waking up to his face. 

“Of course I did. Do you know how financially attractive you are?” he says lightheartedly, “you’re a sexy working woman and it’s crazy to imagine you’d want to settle for me and my little apartment. But I have to try now because if I don’t, it’ll be too late.” 

“That’s not true,” you retort, “you’re not someone I’d settle for. I want you, and no one else.” 

He chuckles, running a thumb over your cheek. “Then what are we waiting for? Your key’s hiding under the mat.” 

“Jungkook…” on the tip of your tongue lays the words you’re going too fast but it doesn’t make its way to the air. 

“But do you really think it’s too fast?” he reads your face clearly, “these feelings never went anywhere. They were locked away, sure. And I loved her,” he can’t even say the name, not when you’re warm and flush against him, “but I loved our friendship more.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” you breathe, letting the cogs in your brain roll until sparks develop. 

“You don’t have to say anything,” he concedes, “I just wanted to let you know. Could’ve done the letter thing all over again and let the past repeat itself. I know Namjoon wouldn’t hide a love letter for two years, but if I left another damn letter he’d definitely make a copy and tease me about it.” 

You snort, pressing your forehead to his. You’re practically buried in the couch now, tingly and vibrating with happiness. “And I’m not going to leave you hanging. I do want to say something,” and he looks at you expectantly, licking the leftover berry juice on his lips, nearly making you miss your train of thought, “I like you too,” you say, the other L-word is also applicable, but you feel like that phrase is reserved for another time, “I want to show you off on work vacations, bring you along as my date and show them you’re my muse,” you confess, “I wanna play video games with you ‘till 2AM, and eat ice cream in the comfort of our apartment instead of our cars because we’re too stubborn to admit we don’t wanna go home without each other.” 

Jungkook absolutely preens at the affection, sending you a heart melting smile that has your stomach doing backflips.

“Jungkook, I want to fall in love with you again.” 

Your squeal of surprise is swallowed by Jungkook’s lips, tasting of mangoes and berries as strong hands cup your backside, easily lifting you onto his lap. You plop under his strong thighs, feeling them flex against yours. The both of you are pouring in this kiss, raining with promises and hopes for a future with each other. His taste is concentrated, and you can feel the devotion practically injected in his embrace. 

When he pulls away his lips are cherry-red and shiny, looking up at you through clear coffee eyes. “This isn’t a dream, right?” he looks at you up and down, unable to decipher fact from fiction, “because I distinctly remember two wet dreams that involve you looking like this.” 

Looking down, you heat at the disarray you’re in. Hair wild and parted in different wavelengths, tired of the day’s efforts. Your slightly sheer dress-shirt is rumpled, the lace collar opened with two popped buttons revealing your cleavage, and your skirt is stretched so tight that it’s ruched all the way up your thighs. Sprawled across Jungkook’s lap, you’re dangerously close to something long and hard. 

Emboldened, you clutch at Jungkook’s collar, pulling him closer. 

“Show me what happens in your dream,” you whisper into his ear, barely brushing your clothed core against his crotch, “maybe we can make it come true tonight.” 

You can’t see his face, but you feel something dark and sensual overtake him. The grip on your ass tightens, a delicious pain that has you pressing your breasts against him and nipping on his ear, your tongue darting sensually through the cold silver hoops that dart through his skin. 

Within seconds, he rips you away from his neck and demands, “Open.” 

Dazed, you barely get a centimeter of your mouth open when Jungkook presses something cold and sugary against your lips. Whipped cream. You manage to take a small bite of the tart strawberry that he holds by the viridian stem, rolling the flavor between your mouth as Jungkook paints the leftover whipped cream over your lips. Once he’s satisfied he then creates a white trail that leads to your cleavage. 

Better than any dream, his eyes drink you in like the last glass of water in a desert. Your lips are swollen and parted like a baby kitten, covered in the creamy confection. “So pretty,” he exhales, his hot tongue licking from your cleavage to your lips, swallowing the flavor of you and strawberry juice, “such a pretty girl you are, and all mine.” 

“Yours,” you submit easily, rolling your hips against his. 

At that moment you think you’re meant to fall in love this way. You can’t imagine the shy, fumbly Jungkook and your equally confused self waltzing around a relationship when you barely had your lives together. The two of you still had growing to do. The wait is certainly worth it, because as you feel his arms tighten around you, you’re sure this love will stay strong.

It’s difficult for you to find a rhythm at first, what with Jungkook’s strength and need to be satiated, both of you are sloppy but the friction is nothing less than delicious. Your finger reaches over to swipe at the leftover cream on the plate, and you press your finger to Jungkook’s mouth, and he immediately complies. A dollop of sweet cream leaks out of his lips and your panties dampen further when you feel his tongue lick you clean, imagaining how good it would feel if it was your pussy he was licking. 

Your mouth waters at the feeling of his dick lining up against your core, as sticky as the strawberry juice that clings to your bodies. 

“C-can I make a confession? I—oh, Jungkook…” your mind is all fuzzed up when he snaps his hips against yours, causing you to shamelessly bounce on his length. 

“Yeah?” 

“I… I like it when you use all your strength like that,” his hips slow as your words sink in, but you don’t mind as it gives you time to make a long drag along the entirety of his member. “Everytime you pull me up when I trip, or you come back from a workout, I like it when you carry me around like I weigh nothing.” 

“Do—do you think about it a lot?” he grunts, and you stifle a moan when he does a slow, hard drag against your wet folds. “Tell the truth.” 

“It’s, it’s embarrassing,” you whimper, unable to think straight with the amount of stimuli you’re receiving.  

“Please, baby.” 

“Yes mm—oh! I do,” you try to get the words out as quickly as you can. He stops moving, and you groan in frustration so you just lay it all out on the table. “I, I love it when you hold me in your strong arms. And, ah, uh w-henever you come back from the gym you just look so sexy fresh from the shower. Sometimes I think about how you’re too damn nice for your own good but I bet you’d be so rough in bed.” 

“Really?” and then he’s shoving you onto the couch, air brushing against your bare thighs as your back hits the beige throw pillows. He’s hovering, dark eyes starting from the tip of your toes to your damp lips. “You like it when I manhandle you? Throw you around like a little doll?” 

“All that strength, and for what?” you try to keep your snappy remarks in check, but it’s hard when he’s pressing his straining dick against your thigh, weeping and needy. 

“You’re not gonna be joking about my strength anytime soon, baby,” emblazoned, he easily throws your leg over his shoulder, pushing your panties to the side to let your wetness leak out and onto his fingers, “are you gonna complain or be a good girl?” 

“Yes, I’m ah—” you wince when he inserts a finger, “I’ll be good for you,” 

“My good girl,” he revels in the way you melt under his touch, your previous sarcasm quickly dissolving into a puddle. You always had an inkling that Jungkook would be a sneaky fox in bed, all that muscle hidden behind a kind smile and a penchant for tea with milk and honey. 

Jungkook slips in another finger, stretching you and preparing you for what’s to come. He’s scissoring you at a sensible pace that has you squirming and wanting more. To prevent you from shimmying off the couch he holds you down with his free hand, and you love the way he practically feeds you to the couch, hands dancing over your neck as he shoves you further into the furniture. 

“You look so gorgeous,” he says, causing you to moan and keen at his attention, “you’re such a strong, gorgeous woman. Having you sprawled out like this, ready to do whatever I want to you is so fucking hot.” 

“I’m—I’m only weak for you Jungkook,” you say honestly, tears pricking when he dips another finger. The stretch burns deliciously, and your folds eagerly swallow him up until you’re filled to the brim. Your fingers or toys cannot compare to flesh, and you sigh in relief when you see his inked fingers pick up the pace once more. 

“You’re damn right,” Jungkook husks, and with a grain of love he murmurs in your ear, “I’m only weak for you, too.” 

And that’s when he snaps, thumb rolling against your bud as he slams his other fingers against you, going at a brutal pace. You cry out, not caring whether his neighbors hear as he pulls you back and forth through pleasure and pain. 

“T-too much, Kookie,” you mewl, your hand warbling to find his, “I, ah, ‘m gonna cum!” 

“That’s the plan,” he only goes faster, stretching your band further and further before your desired high is reached. His hand trails up to force your chin straight, looking up at him, “let go for me, baby. Wanna feel your pussy clench around my fingers.” 

In seconds, you gush. It has you in a slight panic, drunk on endorphins as you try to lift your head up but Jungkook’s hand is firmly pressing you on your shoulder as he fingers you efficiently through your high, the wet squelching sounds only increasing with your cries. His lap is drenched in your arousal, along with his chin and lips glistening with your essence. 

He finally releases you when you’re practically shaking, his hands sticky and creamy. You moan when he shamelessly licks them within your view, making sure to wrap his tongue around his ink-stained digits. 

“I,” your mouth is dry when you feel the dampness that hits your bottom, “I’ve never, I don’t remember ever—” 

Your babbles are lost between your throat and Jungkook’s tongue, shoved deep into your mouth. Tasting your arousal has you practically vibrating in your place, as you two rut against each other like hungry bunnies. 

“God, you’re amazing,” he says between pecks, kissing away your face of any tears you may have pricked, “Amazing, adorable, absolutely beautifulIadoreyousoso—” 

“Pleasepleaseplease,” you press your hips up, wiggling for more attention, “please fuck me, Jungkook.” 

You can’t help the witchy, satisfied smile when Jungkook’s eyes darken to a thick coal, “Anything for you,” he murmurs, swinging your legs between his arms as he lifts you like a feather. 

On his lap again, you soon accept that the way you two mesh like puzzle pieces is one of your favorite positions as it gives you both equal space to ravish each other. 

Just when your hand trails to the waistband of his boxer briefs and you’re rolling your thumb over its collected moisture, the moment is shattered when the doorbell rings. You jump in his arms, unprepared for your moment to be interrupted. 

He groans into the crown of your hair, and you soften in his relaxed hold, “I ordered us pizza,” he nearly forgot. 

Perking your head up to look at him you regard him innocently, as if you didn’t release a waterfall on his sweats two seconds ago. “You got us pizza?” 

“I knew you’d be coming over tonight,” he’s pouting into your neck, regretting ever having called the pizza guy if he knew this would happen, “Victoria posted the publish date on Twitter. I just didn’t think,” he gestures vaguely to the mess on his pants, “this would happen.”  

“Damn, and here I thought I was being sneaky,” you chuckle, flicking his ear playfully. 

He gives you an uncharacteristically subby whine, shamelessly upset he has to let you go so fast after he’s given you your first of many highs. Before he weakens further under your beauty, he unceremoniously shoves you off. “Sorry, pretty girl,” you melt at the easy way his pet name rolls off his lips, “can you wait in my room for a bit so I can pay the delivery guy? I don’t want them to see you like this.” 

“But I want to eat pizza,” you declare stubbornly, standing up to button your blouse and pull down your skirt. 

Before you could fasten one button or pull down one centimeter, his hand darts out to snatch your wrist away from your body. It doesn’t hurt much, but it causes your body to heat in more places than one. He’s sexy like this, demanding your attention. “No,” he rumbles definitively, “my room. Now.” 

“Why?” you throw your hands in the air, yelping when he slaps your ass. He makes sure to make it sting, cupping you fully. 

“Because,” he says firmly, “you don’t get to eat until I eat,” you whimper when his hand reaches to cup your sex, panties wet and cold without his warmth as he pushes you in the direction of his bedroom. 

Oh, you can’t wait for both of you to eat tonight. 

some time later.

“Ohmygod the view is beautiful!” Krystal, who works in advertisement, squeals. “No filter needed!” 

“Alright alright, make room Princess,” Namjoon teases. With a bump to Krystal’s tiny hips Namjoon shoves you two across the pavilion, putting his arm around you once he finds the perfect angle, “Umji, can you get a pic of me and my Work Wife? I want this on the Big Hit Instagram!” 

You hold your straw sunhat down from the salty wind, smiling beautifully as Umji takes multiple pictures of you and Namjoon from her Nikon. Another successful year under your notch, ending with a successful work retreat. 

“Namjoon, can I take a picture with my actual wife now?” 

“We’re not married, Jungkook,” you chastise, patting the chest of Namjoon’s floral printed Hawaiian shirt so he can switch. Instantly, Jungkook slides up next to you like a picture perfect stock model piece, and you wrap your arms around his trim waist, “we’re not even engaged.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” he pouts, looking over the pavilion and adjusting the both of you so there’s a good amount of you and the resort in the background. The sun may be scathingly hot, but it looks beautiful perched over the crystal clear waters. “Namjoon, you got it easy,” Jungkook says when he hands him your phone, “every angle is our good angle, so you can’t mess it up.” 

Being the honest man he is, Namjoon knows better and doesn’t say anything to that. Instead he shoots down whatever pineapple-flavored concoction is offered to him on a silver platter, and starts shooting. 

“Is this swimsuit new?” Jungkook murmurs into your ear between shots, flicking your little red number by the strap connecting the back, “because I didn’t see this in the luggage.” 

You smile big, pearly whites as Namjoon demands to pop out your butt and work it, pressing your body closer to Jungkook’s. “Tiny enough so I could hide it in my purse,” you reply proudly, voice low for only each other’s ears, “why, surprised?” 

“Definitely not prepared,” his fingers dig deliciously in your bare flesh, “would Victoria fire you if she catches us doing it in the cabana?” 

Amused that your boyfriend now shares your combined awe and fear of your boss, you twist his nipple lightly. He yelps, and from Namjoon’s guaff he’s definitely got that on camera. “We didn’t come to Boracay to fuck in the cabana.” 

“Then the hotel room?” 

Namjoon hands you back your phone when he considers his job done, letting you and Jungkook have some alone time. You wave your phone in his face, trying to get him to focus on the task at hand. You wanted to post some cute pictures of you and your boyfriend, one to impress the family back home and the Big Hit interns back in Seoul who are absolutely pining for your position. 

“Jungkook, they have the water ski thing where you can flip in the water mid air! Doesn’t that sound fun? Or we can go scuba diving, have Filipino food, or get massages. LIterally, we’re on Big Hit’s dime, and the first thing you want to do is go back to the room?” 

“Yes,” he pouts petulantly, leaning into the hollow of your ear and whispering, “got a chub on.” 

Discreetly so, your hands brush against his navy trunks and you note yes, he’s half hard. “No!” you shake your head definitively, pushing him out of your arms. You’re not letting sex get in the way of your hard-earned vacation, you’re on company dime and you intend to milk every peso of it. “Namjoon, take him away!” 

You blow him a kiss and follow another group who’s decided to go eat, watching your boyfriend get dragged away by Namjoon’s long arms. Krystal, who’s been mildly watching the whole ordeal in-between taking selfies, looks at you in awe, “You got it good, bosslady,” she says, and you happily link arms with her in the direction of the restaurants. 

You and Jungkook definitely have it good. You don’t see him until dinnertime, looking utterly relaxed as he sips on a mango-muddled concoction. He must’ve gotten a couples massage with Namjoon, cute. Splitting up was definitely a good idea, by the time your meal arrives the two of you are practically leaning against each other, telling each other what events you need to do tomorrow and events you think will be fun to do together. 

“Joon,” Jungkook is throwing an arm over your Wusband’s shoulder, mildly tipsy. The image is adorable, as Jungkook long ago previously confessed that he felt a little jealous of Namjoon’s work relationship with you before you were dating. Now, it feels like they’re best friends and you’re third-wheeling. “What do you think about having halo-halo tomorrow? It’s like bingsu but with a bunch of other good stuffs. There’s red bean, mango, ube, ice cream…” 

Just as Jungkook begins his tirade of dessert ingredients, you pull up your phone to check on your social media. You smile back at your profile, seeing your latest Instagram post at the very top of the feed. Not to flex, but the two of you look pretty smokin’ since you’ve been keeping up with Jungkook’s insistence to join him at the gym. Jungkook and you are leaning against the pristine veranda, overlooking the clear blue water and a cloudless sky. The smiles you two sport are genuine and utterly in love. 

You scroll down the comments, most of them filled with sweet messages but one of them has you doing a double take. 

@sooyaaa__: 😒😒😒 knew something was goin on behind my back… good riddance

The smell of Jungkook’s detergent overtakes your nostrils, and you turn to him. He’s stopped talking, now immersed in whatever’s going on in your phone. 

“The nerve of her,” Jungkook scrunches his nose, disgusted at her latest comment. “As if anyone would believe her.” 

“Yeah,” you echo, “I feel bad for her, though. She’s probably lonely.” 

“Her loss, she put this upon herself. Not us.” 

You pout, “I know, but she was my friend at one point.” 

He frowns, putting an arm behind your backrest. It would be easy for him to say yeah, and she was my girlfriend and one-up you, leaving it at that. But now he knows better, and that friendship is a much better value than an ill-fated relationship. “Sorry baby,” it’s not his fault, but he sees your disappointment in putting out hope for an old friend. He gives you a little smooch on your temple, “do you miss her?” 

“The old her, yeah,” you sigh, clicking on her profile, “but now? I can do without her negativity.” 

“Okay,” he takes your phone from your hand, “have you ever blocked a person before?”

“No.”

“Well, today’s the day,” he says it so coolly, you barely have time to think when he clicks the ‘block’ button on Jisoo’s profile, then clicking off his phone to put in his pocket. “No more phone for today,” he proceeds to take your plate that was recently served, taking the time to cut your large vegetables into smaller portions. “Like you said, we shouldn’t waste your vacation time.” 

Your heart swells with butterflies for Jeon Jungkook, who’s meticulously cutting your food and telling you to relax and stop dwelling on the past. He’s right, if Jisoo’s not going to stick around for the future and continue to cause negativity in your life, why not keep the positives in the past while it lasted? 

“You know I love you, right?” 

He ceases cutting, and looks at you to pop a sweet potato in his mouth. “Love me enough to do it in the cabana?” 

He’s still on that? “Jungkook,” you warn, pretending to get up, “forget I said anything. I’m gonna go karaoke with Umji.” 

“Kiddingggg,” he whines, pulling you back down with an outstretched hand, “you know I love you too.” 

“You’re terrible.” 

“Only this way because I’d know you’d totally be into cabana sex if we were vacationing by ourselves.” 

“Yes, but you’re still terrible,” you giggle when Jungkook steals a kiss, just as easy as he’s stolen your heart.  

[promenadewithme]

First of all, I want to thank all of you so much for the follows, likes, comments, reblogs and support in general! I can't believe I hit 50 followers so soon! I know it’s not much, but I actually didn’t expect any at all so I’m so happy!! Thank you ❤️

Now, this is how the celebration is going to work: first you chose a song and a character. Then send it to my requests with your pronoun of choice, along with any other specifications and I'll write you a fic based on the song! You can either send the song or specific quotes as prompts

To find the fics I will write, use the #Anastasia's 50 followers celebration

This event starts today (May 20th) and ends June 10th

Support Me on Ko-Fi - if you’re feeling generous 💕

Songs:

Fluff (Romantic)

Paper Rings - Taylor Swift

London Boy - Taylor Swift

Love Story - Taylor Swift

Lover - Taylor Swift

King of My Heart - Taylor Swift

Willow - Taylor Swift

Crazier - Taylor Swift

New Year’s Day - Taylor Swift

Daylight - Taylor Swift

Jump Then Fall - Taylor Swift

How You Get The Girl - Taylor Swift

You Are In Love - Taylor Swift

It’s Nice To Have A Friend - Taylor Swift

Today Was A Fairytale - Taylor Swift

State Of Grace - Taylor Swift

Mine - Taylor Swift

Delicate - Taylor Swift

Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur

Naked - James Arthur

Rewrite The Stars - James Arthur + Anne-Marie

I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran

How Would You Feel (Paean) - Ed Sheeran

Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran

Afterglow - Ed Sheeran

Lego House - Ed Sheeran

Dive - Ed Sheeran

Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

Everything Has Changed - Ed Sheeran + Taylor Swift

I Was Made For Loving You - Tori Kelly + Ed Sheeran

Make You Feel My Love -Adele

One Call Away - Charlie Puth

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

Count On Me - Bruno Mars

Little Things - One Direction

Night Changes - One Direction

Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

Andante, Andante - ABBA

Waterloo - ABBA

All Of Me - John Legend

Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish

Snowman - Sia

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Arms - Christina Perri

Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

Halo - Beyoncé

The Only Exception - Paramore

Dandelions - Ruth B

Someone To You - BANNERS

Would You Be So Kind - Dodie

Someone You Like - The Girl and The Dreamcatcher

If I Could Tell Her - Ben Platt 

Absolutely Smitten - Dodie

How Long Will I Love - Ellie Goulding

Angst (Romantic)

Good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo

Drivers License - Olivia Rodrigo

Deja Vu - Olivia Rodrigo

Brutal - Olivia Rodrigo

Traitor - Olivia Rodrigo

Enough For You - Olivia Rodrigo

1 step forward, 3 steps back - Olivia Rodrigo

Happier - Olivia Rodrigo

Jealousy, Jealousy- Olivia Rodrigo

Favourite Crime - Olivia Rodrigo

Hope Ur Ok - Olivia Rodrigo

Betty - Taylor Swift

Exile - Taylor Swift

Teardrops On My Guitar - Taylor Swift

Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift

Tolerate It - Taylor Swift

You’re Not Sorry - Taylor Swift

Should’ve Said No - Taylor Swift

White Horse - Taylor Swift

You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift

My Tears Ricochet - Taylor Swift

Back to December - Taylor Swift

Breathe - Taylor Swift

The 1 - Taylor Swift

All Too Well - Taylor Swift

Invisible String - Taylor Swift

Evermore - Taylor Swift

Lose You To Love Me - Selena Gomez

The Heart Wants What It Wants - Selena Gomez

When I Was Your Man -Bruno Mars

Someone Like You - Adele

Hello - Adele

All I Ask - Adele

Let Her Go - Passenger

Say Something - A Great Big World

Stay With Me - Sam Smith

California King Bed - Rihanna

Take a Bow - Rihanna

Broken Hearted Girl - Beyoncé

Tonight I Wanna Cry - Keith Urban

The Winner Takes It All - ABBA

SOS - ABBA

One Of Us - ABBA

Half a Heart - One Direction

Yesterday - The Beatles

If The World Was Ending - Julia Michaels

Colors - Halsey

Happier - Ed Sheeran

One Last Time - Ariana Grande

Why’d You Only Call Me When You High - Artic Monkeys

Play Date - Melanie Martinez

Just a Friend to You - Meghan Trainor

All I Want - Kodaline

Love You From A Distance - Ashley Kutcher

Potential Breakup Song - Aly & AJ

I Don’t Wanna See You With Her - Maria Mena

Let Her Go - Passenger

All My Tears - Ane Brun

Always On My Mind - Elvis Presley

Someone to you - Lewis Capaldi 

Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi

Others

Sit Still, Look Pretty - Daya

How To Be A Heartbreaker - MARINA

No Body, No Crime - Taylor Swift

Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

Blank Space - Taylor Swift

You Need To Calm Down - Taylor Swift

Getaway Car -Taylor Swift

Gorgeous - Taylor Swift

Bad Blood - Taylor Swift

The Man - Taylor Swift

22 - Taylor Swift

Dorothea - Taylor Swift

Marjorie - Taylor Swift

The Best Day - Taylor Swift

Mirrorball - Taylor Swift

I Forgot That You Existed - Taylor Swift

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things - Taylor Swift

The Lakes - Taylor Swift

The Last Great American Dynasty - Taylor Swift

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

When I Kissed The Teacher - ABBA

I Have A Dream - ABBA

I've Been Waiting For You - ABBA

You'll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins

Titanium - David Guetta (feat. Sia)

F**ckin' Perfect - P!nk

New Rules - Dua Lipa

IDGAF - Dua Lipa

Bad Guy - Billie Eilish

You Should See Me in A Crown - Billie Eilish

COPYCAT - Billie Eilish

Count On Me - Bruno Mars

Stand By You - Rachel Platten

Firework - Katy Perry

Because You Loved Me - Céline Dion

See You Again - Wiz Khalifa + Charlie Puth

NO - Meghan Trainor

Skyfall - Adele

Gasoline - Halsey

Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran

Save Myself - Ed Sheeran

Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran

Small Bump - Ed Sheeran

Growing Up - Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Ed Sheeran

7 Rings - Ariana Grande

Bad Liar - Selena Gomez

Rare - Selena Gomez

Who Says - Selena Gomez

I Turn To You - Christina Aguilera

Till There Was You - The Beatles

Sweetest Devotion - Adele

ps: sorry, I'm a Swiftie and a Sheerio <3

Characters

Character x fem! or GN! reader (ROMANTIC)

ACOTAR: Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Lucien, Helion, Tarquin, kallias and Tamlin.

BRIDGERTON: Anthony Bridgerton, Benedict Bridgerton, Colin Bridgerton and Simon Basset.

GRISHAVERSE: Nikolai, Mal, The Darkling, Kaz, Matthias, Jesper, Wylan and David.

THRONE OF GLASS: Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall.

HARRY POTTER: Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, George, Fred, Oliver, Cedric, Young Sirius, Young James and Young Remus.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley.

MARVEL: Steve, Bucky, Sam, Pietro, Loki, Thor, Peter Parker, Ned, Tony, Bruce, Vision, Clint, T'Challa, Scott Lang, James Rhodes, Peter Quill and Stephen Strange.

THE HUNGER GAMES: Peeta, Gale and Finnick.

GREY'S ANATOMY: Derek Shepherd, Andrew DeLuca, Alex Karev, Jackson Avery, Mark Sloan, George O'Malley, Link, Koracick and Ben Warren.

TEEN WOLF: Scott, Stiles, Derek, Isaac, Liam and Jackson.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Damon, Stefan, Matt, Klaus, Elijah and Kai.

NARNIA: Peter, Edmund and Caspian.

STAR WARS: Anakin, Obi Wan, Kylo, Han, Luke, Poe, Finn and Din Djarin.

Character x platonic!/sis!/bro!/enemy!/daughter!/son!/mentor!/or anything else platonic Reader

ACOTAR: Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Feure, Nesta, Elain, Mor, Amren, Nyx, Lucien, Tarquin, Helion, Kallias, Tamlin, Ianthe, Suriel and Bone Carver.

GRISHAVERSE: Nikolai, Mal, Darkling, David, Alina, Bahgra, Zoya, Tamar, Tolya, Apparat, Kaz, Matthias, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, Inej, Tantee Heleen and Pekka Rollins.

THRONE OF GLASS: Dorian, Chaol and Aelin.

BRIDGERTON: Anthony, Benedict, Colin; Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, Hyacinth, Lady Violet, Simon, Lady Danbury, Penelope, Lady Portia Featherington, Marina, Sienna, Genevieve, Cressida and Queen Charlotte.

HARRY POTTER: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Draco, George, Fred, Oliver, Cedric, Cho, Seamus, Fleur, Pansy, Myrtle, Sirius (old or young), James (old or young), Remus (old or young), Lily (old or young), Molly, Arthur, Bill, Percy, Charlie, Xenophilus Lovegood, Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid, Moody, Flitwick, Umbridge, Bellatrix, Voldemort, Lucius, Narcissa, Peter Pettigrew, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Dobby and Nearly Headless Nick.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Mr Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Catherine Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Wickam, Mr Collins, Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet.

MARVEL: Steve, Peggy, Sharon, Natasha, Bucky, Sam, Carol, Monica Rambeau, Pietro, Wanda, Agatha Harkness, Loki, Frigga, Odin, Hela, Thor, Heimdall, Jane Foster, Darcy Lewis, Valkyrie, Peter Parker, Ned, MJ, Tony, Pepper, Morgan, Happy, Howard, Bruce, Vision, Clint, T'Challa, Shuri, Scott, Hope, Hank, Cassie, James Rhodes, Peter Quill, Gamora, Mantis, Nebula, Groot, Rocket, Drax, Stephen Strange, Wong, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Maria Hill, Thanos, Ancient One, Red Skull, Ultron, John Walker and Zemo.

THE HUNGER GAMES: Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick, Haymitch, Rue, President Snow, Primrose, Effie, Cinna and Johanna.

GREY'S ANATOMY: Meredith, Derek, Andrew, Alex, Jackson, Mark, Lexie, Cristina, April, Izzie, George, Callie, Owen, Addison, Arizona, Miranda, Amelia, Link, Burke, Teddy, Maggie, Richard, Carina, Ben Warren, Megan Hunt, Ellis Grey, Catherine Avery and Tom Koracick.

TEEN WOLF: Scott, Stiles, Malia, Lydia, Allison, Derek, Isaac, Liam, Jackson, Peter Hale, Chris Argent, Sheriff Stilinski, Kira, Melissa McCall and Noshiko Yukimura.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Damon, Elena, Katherine, Stefan, Caroline, Bonnie, Jenna, Klaus, Elijah, Rebeka, Sheriff Forbes, Kai and Lexi.

NARNIA: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Caspian and Aslan.

STAR WARS: Anakin, Padme, Yoda, Jarjar, Obi Wan, Kylo, Rey, Han, Leia, Luke, Poe, Finn and Din Djarin and Grogu.

No pressure tags: @venuswritesfanfic @for-bebbanburg @maggiescarborough @multifandomfix @sweetnspicysimp @lazypeachsoul @magravenwrites

[ao3feed-frigga]

What the heart says (Loki x reader)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3aworkj

by Lilpipsqueak

Y/N is a 24th-year-old girl who was born with special powers as her mother was near a nuclear explosion that took place in Japan, this allowed her to be born with powers, after 20 years of hiding her powers to the world she decides to use her powers for the good but what happens when she joins the Avengers and meets the God of Mischief?

Words: 1423, Chapters: 2/?, Language: English

Fandoms: The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor (Movies), Loki: Agent of Asgard

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Loki, Avengers Team, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Tony Stark, Thor (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Odin (Marvel), Frigga | Freyja (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Reader

Relationships: Tom Hiddleston/Loki/Reader, Loki (Marvel)/Reader, Loki (Marvel)/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Avenger Loki (Marvel), Thor: The Dark World, The Avengers (2012) Spoilers, Sweet Loki (Marvel), Protective Loki (Marvel)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3aworkj

[notactivexx]

Loki x Reader

This took me way longer than it should have do to school, little siblings and little cousins. Sorry!

Plus, My other two request for the anons are almost done!

Warnings: I wrote i=this way too late at night cuz its my only free time and my editing skill goes down after three am sorry.

Requested by @scorpionchild81

how about a Loki x reader: after an argument, Tony makes a bet with Loki and Thor, who was the better seducer. Tony also wanted proof of progress in hand from the two gods... But what happpens when true feelings get involved and when heart really break? All ends up that reader slaps Loki yelling "A bet? I was just a stupid bet?!" Angsty, sad, fluffy - do the oneshot as you wish…

I made it Gender Neutral btw!

         The Avengers, and Loki, who had helped with their mission, were having a party in honor of their success. Usually there wasn't any sort of celebration, except shawarma, of course. However, this had been a very important mission, with two years of work and danger leading up to it. You were talking to Steve and drinking wine, oblivious to the conversation only a small distance away from you.

________________________________________________________________

        "So Thor, you found a girlfriend here on Earth yet?" The host of the party, Tony, asked the blonde god sitting at the bar.

      "I have not," Thor turned around to face Tony, slushing his glass full of Asgardian mead. Beside him, Loki snickered. "Not since I stopped courting Jane."

      "That's no surprise," Thor laughed.

      "You mock me, and yet I haven't seen you with anyone yet. Do not be so bold, brother," Loki took another sip of his mead.

      "I could take my pick of any man or woman here, if I were interested," Tony raised his eyebrows.

      "Oh really? You think you're the best seducer here?" Loki was unfazed by Tony's comment

      "They don't call me Silver Tongue as a jest, you know," he said.

      "Well in that case, Asgard must have pretty low standards. I'm clearly the best seducer here." Thor let out a hearty laugh.

      "But I have courted the most out of us! It seems that I just cannot be resisted."

      "And perhaps that would be impressive, if any of those courtships lasted for more than a fortnight." said Loki dryly. Tony smirked.

      "Well, there is an easy way to solve this," Thor inclined his head, looking interested, and asked,

      "Which is?"

      "A bet, of course. I suppose you gods have bets?"

      "But of course! We have the greatest, most dangerous bets. I remember once - "

      "And what do you propose we bet?" Loki cut his brother off. Tony took a minute to think.

      "Fifty bucks?" he suggested. Loki looked confused,

      "Bucks? Why would I need bucks? Seems like a nuisance to have around."

      "What? No, not the animal, the -" This time, it was Thor who interrupted.

      "I believe it is a form of Midgardian currency. The Dollars have several names," he looked at Tony for confirmation, "correct?"

      "Uh, yeah. Anyways, you good with that?" Thor and Loki nodded. "Okay. So, now we need to pick a person."

      "Why can we not each choose a different one?" Loki asked

      "Well I mean, it wouldn't exactly be fair that way? Like, one of us could get someone easy to seduce, say, Banner, leaving the other with someone harder, like Nat."

      "Maybe Maria Hill?" Thor shook his head soon after he spoke though. "No, that would be far too difficult, even for me." Loki scanned the crowd. He saw (y/n) dancing clumsily with Steve and Sam. He smirked. It was the perfect opportunity… He had been wanting to speak to you, but he was seized by a strong sense of nervousness when you approached. But now, if everything went well, he'd get to be with you. If not, he could just say it was a bet. It was perfect.

      "What about (y/n)?" When Loki made the suggestion, the other two turned to look at them as well.

      "That," Tony looked at the other two. "Sounds like a bet"

_____________________________________________________________________________________

        Three days after the party, you noticed something strange about a certain trio. Thor had been showing off, winking, and telling stories, most of which seemed very exaggerated, much more often. Tony had been flirting and using cheesy pickup lines almost non-stop. Although you usually took the time to flirt back, it was still rather confusing. Even more so when you were talking with Maria, who said she hadn't been experiencing the same things.

      Loki had changed too, but in a much more discreet way. For the first two days after the party, you would catch him looking at you. He would smile at you then look away, and occasionally raise his eyebrows when you saw him. One the third day you ran into the him on your way to breakfast, and he spoke to you this time,

      "You're looking lovely today. Is that a new shirt?" You blushed and looked at your (f/c) shirt.

      "Um.. Uh yeah.. It is." You stuttered your response, and to try to make up for the awkward words you gave him a nervous smile. He returned it with a smile of his own.

      "Very nice. Well, I'll see you around."

      "Uh.. Yeah. See you.. Um.. See you around." Watching you walk away towards the kitchen, he smiled to himself.

      They're so cute.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

        Two more days passed like this. Cheesy flirting between you and Tony, annoying flirting from Thor, and… Loki. He complemented you in the hall every morning. You wanted have a conversation with him, he was so fascinating, so you woke up earlier. Hopefully you'd meet him in the kitchen.

      When your alarm when off, you woke up immediately. Loki was probably the only good reason to do that. You hurriedly got ready, and rushed to the kitchen.

      "Looks like somebody woke up early." The god of mischief was sitting on the counter, eating a waffle. There was a book by his side.

      "Oh.. Yeah. I was hungry." He patted the counted beside him.

      "You can share my food if you want."

      "Oh.. Okay." You jumped up beside him and he passed you the plate. You took a bite and gestured to the book beside him. "The Silmarillion? I like that one." He smiled.

      "Yes, it is rather interesting. I'm about halfway through."

      "Has Feanor burnt the boats yet?"

      "Pardon?"

      "Never mind!" Loki laughed.

      "Don't go around spoiling books for everyone love." Love? Did Loki just call you love? He chuckled, "You're blushing." You blushed more.

      "Um.. No.. No I'm not! You're blushing." You were surprised to see that your statement was true when you looked at him. Now he was the flustered one.

      "I.. I'm not blushing. It's just.. A bit warm in here, that's all." You laughed and pushed a stray hair from his face.

      "Well, neither am I." You were looking right into his eyes. His beautiful eyes. You found a sudden burst of confidence within yourself. "You know Loki, you're.. Really handsome." He was blushing again. You had made Loki, the Loki, blush.

      "You're not so bad yourself." You looked at his hand. How would he react if you held it. You could reach out, all you had to do was reach for it…

      "Oh, just get a room you two"

      You and Loki turned around to look at the newcomer. Sam sat with his legs propped on the table watching you.

      "I - How long have you been here?" you asked. He shrugged.

      "Around the boat burning part."

      "Oh. Well, I guess I should go train now. Bye Loki." You hurried out of the room while Sam laughed at your awkwardness, leaving Loki looking slightly crestfallen behind you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

        It had been two months. Loki and you were something like a couple, but nothing official yet. You held hands, and kissed a couple times, but as of now there was no label.

      "Hi Loki!" you ran to greet him in the hall. You wrapped your arms around his neck and he gave you a sweet kiss.  

      "Hello Darling." he smiled at you. "I was looking for you."

      "What for?"

      "Well, I need to ask you something." Your heart skipped a beat. What was it? Was it good or bad?

      "Yes?" you asked, worried about the response.

      "Would you.. Would you like to court me?" A slow smile grew on your lips.

      "Yes! Yes, I'd love to!" He smiled and kissed you again.

      "In that case, how about you meet me tonight for dinner? I'll take you somewhere fit for my Queen."

_____________________________________________________________________________________

         "Hey (y/n), Loki told us you two were courting. Is that true?" Thor had stopped you in the hall two days later.

      "Yes, it is." you smiled. However, Thor's and Tony's reaction was incredibly surprising.

      "Damn it!" Tony slammed his glass on the table. "He won the bet!"

        "Bet?" Thor laughed.

        "But of course you wouldn't know! Tony, Loki and I made a bet on who was the best seducer at the last celebration. It appears Loki has won!" You stared at him in shock.

      "I - Oh.. Okay." You rushed out of the room before they could see you cry.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

        You ran upstairs and pounded on Loki's door. You didn't listen for an answer, you just waited for him to open the door.

      "(Y/n)! What happened darling?" You pushed him back and slammed the door.

      "Don’t call me Darling!"

      "(y/n/n), what's the matter?"

      "A bet! I was just a stupid bet!?" Loki's eyes widened in realization. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

      "Oh no darling, no, you don't understand"

      "I understand perfectly!" You slap him, the echo ringing through the room in a satisfying manner, "You think you can just mess with my feeling and get away with it don't you!"

        "No no, that's not, no, I never meant to hurt you!" You let out something between aa laugh and a sob.

        "You have a funny way of showing it!" You started to cry freely. You didn't want Loki to see it, but you couldn't hold it back. Of course he never loved you. Just when you thought he might, he didn't.

      "Oh, my love, no, don't cry. You can hit me and punch me all you want, but I don't want to see your heart broken. Please."

      "You should have thought about that earlier." He walked closer to you, then tentatively pushed your chin up to look at him.

      "Listen to me, please." You were going to yell, but his eyes were filled with tears and sincerity. Maybe… Maybe he was bring honest

      "It started as a bet, yes. Well, no. I was attracted to you beforehand, but the bet gave me a chance to speak to you and a safety net if you didn't react well. Then.. Well then I spoke to you. You were kind, and beautiful, and sweet. You're the most perfect person I've ever met. I should've told you. Please love, forgive me."

      He looked at the floor and you hesitated. Both you and Loki were crying. After a few minutes, you took a deep breath and whispered a response.

      "Okay." He looked up

      "What?"

      "I forgive you." Loki looked into your eyes, and you looked into his before kissing each other passionately. His lips tasted like tea, and a bit salty from your tears.

      You never wanted to let go of him.

[maximotts]

Hmm it's been a while since I read something with daddy Jane so "what's the matter, love? you get nervous when i look at you like this?"

god I've missed daddy!Jane

warnings: 18+ only; implied smut; office sex; groping; reader gets 1 (one) spank

•   °    +   °   • sexy dialogue drabble prompts!

The office at night should’ve been scary, but it wasn’t. You were used to late nights by now, none of the buildings rattling pipes or settling floors distracted you from your work. What did shake you was one Jane Banner and that look of hers. A fairly new transfer, from day one of working together, she took no shit from anyone, especially you. When you joked with her, sometimes she’d laugh, other times she’d roll her eyes and walk away. But then occasionally, those instances where you took something too far or maybe you’d made some dumb mistake that set you both back and you’d get the look. The one that warned you to stop immediately or else— what it was you didn’t know, but you weren’t sure you wanted to find out.

Tonight though, you seemed to be earning that look more than you had in all your time together, misstep after misstep earning you sighs of frustration and disappointment. Still the thing that made you most nervous was her face. Eyes steeled, staring straight into your soul, her jaw set with her lips pursed, it was the hottest sight you’d ever seen. It did nothing to calm your nerves or even do the task right again because shamefully, you wanted to catch that glare again and feel that promising spark between your legs.

This time you were having trouble finding the connection between the two subjects. You’d written it down, you knew it, but somehow it's disappeared on your mess of a desk. Jane had it; her desk stayed meticulously organized and she’d pull out the missing paper with no hesitation, the only cost being the reprimanding the blonde would give. You deserved it for how much you’d messed up, but the mere thought of her putting you in your place had you squirming in your chair.

With a shaky breath, you stood, walking over to where Jane sat quietly at her desk. Even lit by the dim lamp on the low table, she looked beautiful, focused on finishing her duties so hopefully you could both go home before sunrise. “Jane? I’m sorry, but I need help finding this file? I lost mine…”

She looked up slowly, lids lifting heavily to fix your latest problem. It was late and she was beyond tired, mainly from having to do not only her own work, but yours too. “Give it to me.” Placing the accompanying paper in her waiting hand, you stood awkwardly while she rustled through her own copies. Thankfully she always made extra. “There, you can have this one. If you lose it again we’ll have to print more.” Jane turned in her chair to face you and in the split second you dropped your gaze, the sight of her crossed legs made you want one of them between your own. You brought it back, but her expression wasn’t a safe place to look either; nothing about Jane Banner was. “Don’t make me print more.”

“N-No, I won’t… Sorry, again..” Your shifting caught Jane’s eye, one brow perfectly arched.

"What's the matter, love? You get nervous when I look at you like this?" Clearly you did, but she wanted to hear you say it. The way you squirmed, trying desperately to look anywhere but her… your nerves were obvious and you both knew it.

You were alone in the office, just the two of you stuck in a tense limbo. “Yes, it does.. You make me nervous.” There was no use lying, the detective knew the truth before she’d even asked the question.

She hummed, uncrossing her legs before leaning forward and quickly, shockingly, grabbed your hips until your outer thighs brushed Jane’s inner ones. It was the closest you’ve ever been, far from professional, and when you dared glance down the view of her breasts down her top, there was no hiding your hard gulp. “Eyes up here.”

“Yes, da- Jane!” The other woman caught the slip, control flashing dangerously in her eyes. Her palms ran up your thighs like they belonged there all along, passing the hem of your skirt without so much as acknowledging your little whine of protest.

To add one last push to your embarrassment, the flat of her hand met the curve of your ass with a slap, the sharp sound echoing loudly in the empty room. “Nuh uh, baby. I like the first name better.” You nodded meekly, pushing back against her hands as she boldly groped your ass. You were glad no one could see how quickly you were willing to give in to being taken by your partner, but there was such a sureness about her that made you crave her direction, her tight leash.

Jane was pushing your underwear down when you found your voice again, quiet and soft in the light air. “Please..” you didn’t know what you wanted exactly, but she could offer you anything and you’d be begging for it.

“You don’t need to beg yet, sweet girl,” She backed you onto her desk with no effort and you were spreading your legs before she could tell you. “Watch daddy while she shows you how to do everything nice and proper.”

[ao3feed-lokiangst]

Gods Among Us

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VGqZEx

by pistashanut

Asgard and Olympus, through Athena, have been partners in protecting the realms for millennials. The new age came and Athena appointed a new guardian demigod to protect Earthrealm.

The guardian was called for duty when the Greek god of war threatened the life of one of Odin’s sons. This event pushed the Olympian demigod to work with the Asgardian brothers, along with their few mortal allies.

A Loki x Greek demigoddess fic.

Words: 3977, Chapters: 3/40, Language: English

Fandoms: Loki: Agent of Asgard, Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types, Marvel Cinematic Universe RPF, Thor (Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Theo Bell (Marvel), Sam Wilson (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Hulk (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, Maria Hill, Pepper Potts, Clint Barton

Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Reader, Loki (Marvel)/Original Female Character(s), Loki (Marvel)/Original Character(s), Loki (Marvel) & Original Female Character(s), Loki/Odin (Marvel), Loki (Marvel)/Original Character(s)/Reader, Theo Bell & Loki, Loki/Thor (Marvel), Thor & Avengers Team, Loki & Avengers Team, Avengers Team/Reader, Avengers Team & Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Detectives, Alternate Universe - Detectives, Asgard (Marvel), Asgard, Asgardian Loki (Marvel), Alternate Universe - Earth, Post-Avengers (2012), Avengers Tower, Not Avengers: Age of Ultron (Movie) Compliant, Jotunn Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Needs a Hug, Loki (Marvel) Does What He Wants, Avenger Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Feels, Genderfluid Loki (Marvel), BAMF Loki (Marvel), Loki & Tony Stark Friendship, Protective Loki (Marvel), Eventual Smut, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Fluff and Smut, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Alternate Universe - Gods & Goddesses

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VGqZEx

[ao3feed-stucky]

by xvibi

A young widow who is hunting down the alien that killed her husband is adopted into the Avengers while they decide to team up and hunt the alien together. In her time living at the Avengers Tower, a certain frost giant who is notoriously known for his rather distant emotions takes a particular liking to her.

Words: 1189, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel, Thor (Movies), Iron Man (Movies), Captain America (Movies), Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M, M/M

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Reader, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes, Pepper Potts, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Clint Barton, Wanda Maximoff, Vision (Marvel), Peter Parker, Sam Wilson (Marvel)

Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Reader, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark, Jane Foster/Thor, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Wanda Maximoff/Vision, Michelle Jones/Peter Parker

Additional Tags: Avengers Tower, Reader-Insert, Loki x Reader - Freeform, I have no idea at what point in the timeline this would take place, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Avengers, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn

[ao3feed-janefoster]

LITTLE DREAMER (Bruce Banner x Reader)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/bhEcWse

by narohhh

Short story!

ABO dynamics where everyone smells of soap up until they find their true mate.

In this case, you found yours while you were playing a game with your best friend. This game- however -comes to a swift end, because by pure accident, you find your alpha which just so happens to be Code Green.

Alpha!Bruce Banner x Female!Omega!Reader

Words: 3613, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: The Avengers (Marvel Movies), The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Reader, Bruce Banner, Hulk (Marvel), Clint Barton, Hawkeye, Original Female Character(s), Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Pepper Potts, Tony Stark, Happy Hogan

Relationships: Bruce Banner/Reader, Clint Barton/Original Female Character(s), Jane Foster/Thor, Pepper Potts/Tony Stark

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Alternate Universe, everyone smells like soap, until you find ur soulmate, all scents i used are a product of bath and body works, bc im a slut for bath and body works, Protective Hulk (Marvel), Bruce Banner Hulks Out, Bruce Banner Needs a Hug, ofc is a little shit, But so is Reader, reader is female, Female!Reader - Freeform, ABO dynamics, Alpha Bruce Banner, Omega Reader, ofc is a beta, Beta Clint Barton, Alpha Natasha Romanov, Omega Jane Foster (Marvel), Alpha Thor (Marvel), Beta Pepper Potts, Beta Tony Stark, Beta Happy Hogan, guess who can't think of anymore tags, also the world needs more alpha bruce banner, okay? bye now

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/bhEcWse

[ao3feed-thorki]

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VGqZEx pistashanut

by pistashanut

Asgard and Olympus, through Athena, have been partners in protecting the realms for millennials. The new age came and Athena appointed a new guardian demigod to protect Earthrealm.

The guardian was called for duty when the Greek god of war threatened the life of one of Odin’s sons. This event pushed the Olympian demigod to work with the Asgardian brothers, along with their few mortal allies.

A Loki x Greek demigoddess fic.

Words: 1495, Chapters: 1/40, Language: English

Fandoms: Loki: Agent of Asgard, Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types, Marvel Cinematic Universe RPF, Thor (Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/M, Gen

Characters: Loki (Marvel), Thor (Marvel), Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Theo Bell (Marvel), Sam Wilson (Marvel), Jane Foster (Marvel), Odin (Marvel), Hulk (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Steve Rogers, Maria Hill, Pepper Potts, Clint Barton

Relationships: Loki (Marvel)/Reader, Loki (Marvel)/Original Female Character(s), Loki (Marvel)/Original Character(s), Loki (Marvel) & Original Female Character(s), Loki/Odin (Marvel), Loki (Marvel)/Original Character(s)/Reader, Theo Bell & Loki, Loki/Thor (Marvel), Thor & Avengers Team, Loki & Avengers Team, Avengers Team/Reader, Avengers Team & Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Detectives, Alternate Universe - Detectives, Asgard (Marvel), Asgard, Asgardian Loki (Marvel), Alternate Universe - Earth, Post-Avengers (2012), Avengers Tower, Not Avengers: Age of Ultron (Movie) Compliant, Jotunn Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Needs a Hug, Loki (Marvel) Does What He Wants, Avenger Loki (Marvel), Loki (Marvel) Feels, Genderfluid Loki (Marvel), BAMF Loki (Marvel), Loki & Tony Stark Friendship, Protective Loki (Marvel), Eventual Smut, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Fluff and Smut, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Alternate Universe - Gods & Goddesses

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VGqZEx