#just stick ur mouth under the sink and drink

[otrtbs]

y’all wanna know something on this fine evening at 1:17 am ?? i miss scotland’s tap water so bad. so. fucking. bad.

[i-like-writing-stuff]

sorry [five hargreeves x reader]

request: wanted to say I love ur 5 fics and how you portray their relationship as old partners :”) 💖If it’s not trouble to do (Dont feel obligated plz) I had this idea of 5 and reader having a fight and them being too prideful or bitter to apologize. Reader ignores him for some time and Five gets grumpier than usual bc of that. To the point where, one of his siblings tell him to just stop being children, apologize and give them flowers. But he finds it hard bc he is not good with that kinda of stuff ☺️

a/n: thank youuu <3, i try my best to keep the tua characters in... well, character lol- as much as possible! i hope this fic turned the way you wanted it, anyway- enjoy!!~

summary: five gets grumpy when his girlfriend gives him the silent treatment for being a jerk... shocker.

“Could you stop for one damn second and relax?!” You yelled at your boyfriend, already stressed out by the way he had been almost carving a hole through the floor of the living room with all his pacing.

“Relax?!” Five yelled, turning to glare at you, “Do you even realize how stupid you sound?! How could I relax- I lost my last lead on that fucking eye!”

“Come again?” You raised a brow, crossing your arms as you watched him curiously. Did he just call you stupid indirectly?

Your nerves were tugging at the last threads of patience you had left within you- they had been doing that for a few days. You knew that life wouldn’t be quiet when you decided to give a relationship with your partner a shot, but you never expected things to get so messy.

Not only you followed his grumpy butt all the way to 2019 to stop an apocalypse- which you couldn’t care less about, now you had been stuck in your younger bodies because he miscalculated something before traveling in time. On top of all that, he had been a jerk to his siblings- which you grew quite fond of and viceversa, he also started being an asshole to you, all because he couldn’t find a way to stop the apocalypse.

“Five Hargreeves, did you just call me stupid?” You asked, seeing that he was frozen in place, going back over his words in his mind.

“Not exactly.” He knitted his brows in confusion, before realizing the irritated look on your face, “I don’t have time for this, Y/N.”

“You think I had any time these past two years putting up with your shit?” You retorted, making him raise his brows in surprise by your sudden burst, “Screw you, asshole.”

“Now that was rude!” He yelled after you, once you started walking out of the room, completely ignoring him, “Y/N!”

You had been with the Commission for over four decades, you completely trusted its choices, since you never were given a reason not to. Well, that was until the Handler recruited Five Hargreeves. He was about four-five years older than you, but nonetheless still had the impeccable skills of an assassin- just what the organization wanted and needed.

You, being one of the Handler’s most trusted agents, she assigned him under your wing in the beginning until he’d get adjusted. So, he became your partner, it didn’t take long until he became your partner in the real sense of the word.

Five was in love with you- stupidly in love with you. He loved your wit and your kindness, he loved that he could have intellectual conversations with you for hours on end, he loved the fact that he’d feel whole again with just one look at your face, your smile, your eyes.

But he was a prideful man, he knew that. If he was wrong- which he rarely was, he had no intention of apologizing. You knew how important stopping the apocalypse was to him, but... it pained you to see him almost lose his shit completely when he loses the last remaining lead.

For the next couple of hours, you completely avoided him at all costs until he’d get that stick out of his ass and apologize. 

And he’d better have a grand way of doing it.

You knew that it was not like him- he’d never apologize, and the fact that you were avoiding him was not making it any easier on him, but you were beyond pissed. Even if he may not have meant it, all you tried to do was help him relax for a moment, take a breather before that pretty head of his would explode. And in return? 

In return, Five fucking Hargreeves continues being an asshole- what a surprise.

“Jesus, where did all the caffeine in this house go?!” Five groaned, searching the cupboards in the kitchen, feeling grumpier than usual.

“I told you- dad didn’t like it.” Allison reminded him, as she and Luther sat at the table, watching him in confusion, “What’s got into you?”

“What are you talking about?” He asked, not done yet with his search- he wanted at least something that felt like coffee, “Come on- we don’t even have... coffee flavored fucking chocolate or some shit like that..?” He mumbled, shutting the cupboard with a loud smack.

“She means... you’re... grumpier... than usual...” Luther hesitantly explained, afraid that his little-older psychotic brother might have finally snapped.

“Mind your business, will ya?” Five asked with a fake smile, stomping out of the kitchen.

“I love Y/N, I swear I do... and oddly enough, Five too.” Allison spoke up, “But honestly, what was she thinking becoming his girlfriend?”

“I am just happy for her they’re not married.” Luther shrugged, resting his hand on his palm, as Diego walked into the kitchen;

“Is it just me or is Five a lesser ray of sunshine than usual?”

The following day, you treated Five with the same coldness as the prior day, which really drove him insane. Not only he spent the night in his bed alone, since you decided to bunk for the night in one of the empty rooms, but now you were still giving him the silent treatment.

Luckily, during breakfast, the Hargreeves siblings finally managed to understand what was going on.

“Hey, Diego, do you think we can pay Eudora a visit at the station after breakfast?” You asked the man, “I promised her the other day some files to help with an investigation she has on the side.”

“Sure thing.” Diego smiled, looking forward to seeing the detective again, even if he bickered with her from time to time.

“What files?” Five asked curiously.

“Vanya, can you please pass me the salt?” You ignored him, smiling at his sister.

Vanya raised a brow, unsure what to do, as the other siblings were piecing the puzzle together. Five raised a brow, as you avoided eye contact with him, waiting for the salt shaker which was, ironically, closer to him than Vanya.

“Here.” He said, reaching for it before his sister, handing it to you.

You looked at him with a smile, then at the salt shaker that was waiting on you to pick it from your boyfriend’s hand. Instead, you scoffed, getting up from your seat with your plate in your hands, suddenly losing your appetite.

“I am gonna go change.” You declared, placing your dish in the sink, “Diego, I’ll wait for you in the car.”

“Unbelievable....” Five muttered, throwing the salt shaker somewhere on the table, before abruptly getting up from his seat to pour himself a cup of freshly made coffee- Klaus made sure to stock up since Allison and Luther told him what had happened the other day.

“Why is Y/N giving you the cold shoulder?” Diego asked his brother, raising a brow.

“Leave me alone.” Five muttered, leaving the room even grumpier, with his hot cup of coffee in his hand to at least soothe him down a bit.

“Five!” Allison yelled after him, but he was already out of there, “Urgh, he’s such a child!”

After you and Diego had left the Hargreeves mansion, Five found it hard to focus on trying to get another lead on the prosthetic eye- he could not stop thinking about the fact that it almost had been twenty four hours since the woman he loved had chosen to deliberately ignore him, all because his stupid mouth could not help snapping at her.

What a moron he was, he knew that.

“Y/N told me what happened.” Allison told her brother, entering his room softly, watching as he laid on his bed on his back, “And woah- aren’t you an asshole?”

“What do you want, Allison?” He asked, rolling his eyes, staring up at his ceiling.

“Here’s a crazy idea... why don’t you apologize?” She suggested, crossing her arms.

“Have you... met me?” Five frowned, lifting his head to watch his sister in confusion.

“Look, you and Y/N both need to stop being children!” She said, “I know you may have teen bodies, but aren’t you both like over fifty? Honestly, Five...”

“Knowing I will regret this, what do you suggest, Allison?” Five asked with a sigh, watching as his sister smirked in response.

You and Diego didn’t really take long to finish your business at the police station. In about thirty minutes, you both were back on your way home, unaware of the big surprise that was waiting for you.

You entered the house, stretching your arms, already telling yourself you needed a drink, even if it was only noon. You figured a glass of some expensive bourbon would calm you down, so you made your way in the living room, as Diego went to his room in his own business.

Although, you couldn’t help but widen your eyes in surprise, as you stopped in your tracks once your look fell on Five, who was sitting at the bar with a Margarita in one hand, and a big bouquet of flowers rested in his lap.

“Five?” You frowned, stepping towards him confused.

Never in his life, would Five ever think he’d be so happy to hear his name on your lips. He softly smiled, realizing that Allison’s plan was working, as you finally spoke to him, even if it was one word.

“Y/N.” Five gulped, setting down his glass to jump off the stool, “These are for you...” He hesitantly said, stretching his hands towards you, as he held the big, colorful bouquet of all sorts of flowers towards you.

“I... Uh... what?” You frowned, taken aback by the gesture.

Five wasn’t necessarily the romantic type, so this was the first bouquet of flowers you ever received from him. You knew he loved you with all his heart and he was in love with you, that’s why you didn’t care about the romantic gestures he never did- but, right now, watching his cheeks turn into a slight shade of pink as he was biting on his bottom lip anxiously- your heart melted.

Allison had given him all sorts of advice on how to apologize to you with the help of Vanya, since they were both well aware of the fact that their brother was not capable of saying such words by himself. But right now, as you stood before him, Five had forgotten all that they taught him.

“I... I suck at this kind of stuff, I gotta be honest.” Five sighed, stepping closer to you, still with the bouquet in his hands, as you were still hesitant, “I... I shouldn’t have snapped at you, Y/N, I know. You didn’t deserve to be told that, even if I didn’t mean it at all. I swear, I was only mad and I never meant to take it out on you.”

“Oh my God.” You covered your mouth in shock, “Are you... actually... trying to apologize to me?”

“Sort of... yeah...” Five sighed, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, “Look, what I am trying to say... What I am trying to say is that I appreciate your love, and having your support with me, and I know you care about my well-being.”

“Keep going...” You smirked, stepping closer to him, “Come on... they are three simple words.”

“Right...” Five sighed, running a hand through his hair, “Look, Y/N? I... I am...”

You didn’t even let him finish, as you softly took the bouquet out of his hand not to squish it, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him into a tight hug. You knew how hard it must have been so far for a know-it-all like Five to say that, so you didn’t want to push him further. To you it was enough that he at least felt sorry for bursting like that.

“I love you.” Five sighed, wrapping his arms around your waist, “And I truly mean what I said earlier.”

“I love you too.” You smiled, not yet pulling away from the loving embrace, “And I know... I know...”

Five pulled away to smile down at you, “Thank you for being so understanding... and supportive.”

“I’d say it is my pleasure, but I’d be lying.” You teased him, bopping his nose with the free hand that was not wrapped around his neck still and holding the flowers.

“Hilarious.” Five sarcastically said, slowly leaning in, “I think I liked it better when you weren’t talking.”

“Really?” You scoffed, but before you could continue the playful banter, Five had already captured your lips into a soft kiss, finding a better way to shut you up.

[pips-fics]

ask: Hi 👉👈 if it’s okay can I request a hyunjin centric fic? where he’s feverish and emotional nd the others give him lots of affection and comfort 🥺🥺 I love your blog so much it’s so soft and feels safe and ahhh it makes me happy 👉👈 thank you and it’s okay if you don’t feel up to it !!

ask: hello! how are you? i just wanted to say that this is my all time fave blog :) i’m kinda new to tumblr so i’m not sure if that’s how u say it tho hahaha. are u down for requested atm? if yes, could i request a sick hyunjinnie with any caretaker (preferably bangchan). if u are not taking requests atm, then carry on with ur day 🌸✨💜

tw: vomiting, fainting

let us break ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

all idols are trained actors. a lot of people don’t realize it, maybe, but they had to be, to some extent. even before debuting, they learned by observation how to fake health, confidence, and calm - and beyond debut, it was happiness all the time. once, hyunjin found out that one of his best childhood friends was in the hospital, and then sang and smiled through a fansign without blinking an eye an hour later. he knew other idols who had endured much worse.

so yes, while hyunjin might not be entirely comfortable playing a role in a movie or a show, he was quite capable of faking it. maybe that’s why he was able to convince his group mates that he was okay right up until he collapsed.

he hadn’t expected things to get so bad. at first, he was just a bit congested - nothing he couldn’t pass off as allergies, really. once he’d gotten wrapped up in practicing, it had been easy to brush anything else off - like sweating, achy muscles, even nausea - as an effect of intense exercise. too easy, maybe, because hyunjin was not at all prepared for his vision to flicker with darkness or for his legs to entirely give up in the middle of dancing.

fortunately, he retained consciousness, but he wasn’t able to stand quickly enough to dodge minho as he moved to their next formation. the older boy tripped over hyunjin and tumbled to the ground with an “oof,” which was then followed by the chaos of everyone trying to figure out what had happened at once.

it was way too much for hyunjin’s fevered brain to process. he shut down, the sounds blurring into something entirely nonsensical, so hyunjin tuned it all out until a gentle hand on his back made him jump.

“hyunjinnie?” it was chan, wiping tears away. “can you tell me what’s wrong?”

hyunjin shook his head. “minho-hyung–”

“he’s okay,” chan said. “don’t worry.”

shuffling his feet awkwardly, minho nodded. “i know how to fall safely. it happens to the best of us.”

with the greatest of his greatest fears alleviated, hyunjin took a few deep breaths and looked around the room. besides minho, who was still standing nearby looking moderately uncomfortable, and chan, who was rubbing comforting circles on hyunjin’s back, the rest of the members were hanging out near the benches on the other side of the practice room. jisung was talking to their dance teacher while jeongin and changbin were messing with felix in what was probably a deliberate attempt at creating a distraction. seungmin was quietly observing hyunjin from a distance, concern written all over his face. distractions didn’t tend to work as well on him. hyunjin managed a smile in an attempt to be reassuring, but it didn’t seem to have the intended effect.

rather than relaxing, seungmin’s frown deepened, and he stood up and walked over, arms crossed. “don’t act like you’re okay,” he said, and hyunjin suddenly understood. he waved his arms around placatingly.

“i won’t - i’ll take today off, okay?” hyunjin caved easily. next to him, chan looked shocked, and not without reason.

three years ago, things would have gone down quite differently. things had gone down quite differently when hyunjin had been a trainee, and he’d woken up in the hospital with a very rattled seungmin at his bedside. hyunjin wouldn’t make that mistake again any time soon if he could help it.

that didn’t make it easy.

somehow the tears started up again of their own accord as hyunjin relented. “i’m sorry,” he said. “i– i’ll make it up to you all later, i know i’m behind with the dance, it’s just–”

this got the attention of the rest of the group, eliciting a scoff from changbin. “please don’t - if you do that, i’ll be even more behind than i already am.”

“give us a chance to catch up!” jisung added.

hyunjin shook his head. “but i’m supposed to be a dancer.”

felix bounded over and latched on to hyunjin’s arm. “you’re ahead of me, too. i think the only one you’re not ahead of is minho-hyung, and he made half of the choreography.”

minho nodded solemnly. “i cheated.”

hyunjin was too tired to feel better about himself, but too miserable to argue, so he just shrugged and avoided eye contact with everyone.

chan put a hand to hyunjin’s forehead, and nodded as if confirming something. “i’ll come back to the dorm with you, then - i could use a rest day, too, i think.”

with no room for argument, hyunjin decided not to bother trying, despite his misgivings about taking up chan’s time. also, out of all of them, hyunjin thought that chan could use the extra rest the most. by the time they arrived at the dorm, the guilt in hyunjin’s stomach was more or less consumed by an overwhelming sense of loneliness and fear.

he settled in to the living room, sinking into the couch and trying to repress his body’s violent shivering by wrapping himself in a blanket, though it wasn’t very effective. hyunjin was relieved when chan sat next to him, pulling out his laptop - as expected, not really taking a break after all, but hyunjin didn’t mind. he knew chan was busy, and liked to feel productive as often as possible. people relaxed in different ways, anyway. just like that, despite the growing ache in his stomach, hyunjin began to relax and drift off to sleep.

it wasn’t until chan moved to get up that hyunjin snapped back awake. he immediately latched on to chan’s arm.

“hyung, don’t leave me.”

the words were out of his mouth before hyunjin had a chance to consider them, and he immediately hid his face in the couch cushions in embarrassment.

“hyunjinnie,” chan said gently, brushing a hand through hyunjin’s hair. he didn’t sound annoyed, so hyunjin peeked up at him, and found him smiling fondly. “i wasn’t going to leave, just going to get some water. you want anything?”

hyunjin felt his cheeks redden, and let go of chan’s arm. he shook his head. “sorry, hyung.”

“nothing to worry about,” chan said.

being alone even briefly was unsettling to hyunjin, feeling as bad as he was. it meant being forced to take stock of his body, which meant confronting that he felt, somehow, even worse than before. his head was pounding, everything hurt, and his stomach–

his stomach flipped very violently, and hyunjin retched, leaning over the couch, a bit stunned. he swallowed back the vile substance that rushed up his throat with a whimper and scrambled to his feet.

he made it to the toilet just in time for his body to rebel again. this time, hyunjin was hopeless to stop it, and it wasn’t long before tears were rolling down his cheeks. his hair was sticking to his face, matted down with sweat and in some places vomit. hyunjin tried to push it out of his way, but his hands were shaking terribly, and the nausea was so overwhelming, it was hard to focus on anything else.

chan found hyunjin with his cheek on the toilet seat, expression vacant, past the point of caring about a mess. when he saw chan, his face scrunched up into a sad pout.

“hyung… i’m sorry…”

chan chuckled and shook his head. “don’t apologize,” he said quietly, moving to hyunjin’s side just as the younger man began heaving again. chan held hyunjin’s hair and rubbed his shoulder blades, wishing he could do more. he couldn’t help but wince at the way hyunjin’s muscles tensed beneath his fingers.

it took quite a while for hyunjin’s stomach to settle. for about 10 minutes, it was on-and-off puking, half his time spent bent over the toilet, and the other half bonelessly slumped against chan. by the end, he was so exhausted that chan was considering bringing a mixing bowl into the bathroom, just so that hyunjin didn’t have to put so much effort into moving.

finally, hyunjin let out a shuddering sigh - or maybe a sob - and curled up in chan’s lap.

“can i sleep here?” hyunjin mumbled, words slurred with exhaustion. some of the sick in his hair was beginning to dry.

“soon, jinnie. for now, let’s get you cleaned up.”

chan opted to give hyunjin a warm bath, and was pleased when hyunjin relaxed into it, half-asleep. he figured it was okay for the younger man to take a quick nap under chan’s supervision. by the time hyunjin was clean, chan was reluctant to wake him. just as he was about to, hyunjin’s face scrunched up, and he whimpered.

“hyunjin?”

“‘m sorry,” he mumbled, fresh tears slipping down his cheeks. “i’ll do better…”

chan shook him gently, and hyunjin’s eyes flew open. “i’m sorry, i–” he cut himself off with a gasp, taking in his surroundings slowly. “channie-hyung?”

“hey, buddy,” he said, speaking softly. “you okay?”

hyunjin was breathing in short, quick gasps. his eyes darted around the small room, as though searching for something. he blinked quickly, and looked back at chan, who offer a smile.

“it’s just us, you know?”

drinking air as though its supply was dangerously limited, hyunjin nodded. “i know, yeah, i just… hyung, i’m ruining your day off.”

chan shook his head immediately. “what are you talking about, jinnie? you know i’m here because i want to be, right?”

hyunjin bit his lip, trying not to cry. his fevered brain was not being kind to him. chan’s words were too genuine to deny, though, so he nodded, eyes closed. he felt chan’s arms wrap around him, hesitant until hyunjin hugged him back.

“jinnie, you’re allowed to be human. you’re allowed to hurt. it’s okay.”

something there caught him off guard. something broke, something that had been built up, something that had protected hyunjin for a long time. a little snap. it hurt, realizing he’d closed himself off without realizing it, and holding back tears was a lost cause, but then - that was kind of chan’s point.

why hide them?

so hyunjin cried, broken a bit, but held together by one of his best friends - his family. he let himself break a bit more - just as much as he needed - and didn’t flinch when the rest of the members came home. he let them in through a little crack of a doorway, let him hold him and remind him of who he was, and he began to heal.

——

no reader survey this time, too tired and my computer is breaking but please feel free to send in any thoughts you’d like to share, about the fic or otherwise!

——

feel free to send more asks! / rules

[antiadvil]

i AIM 2 b w/ u

summary: Dan’s life is a little bit of a mess. He met his only friend through a chat website, and Dan doesn’t even know what he looks like. The only person he’s ever come out to is said friend. He’s wasting his gap year away.

But hey, at least there’s that cute boy he met at London Pride.

rating: PG13

wc: 4k

notes: for the @phandomreversebang! lovely art created by @anironsidh and betaing provided by @quackitity (also stay tuned for @judearaya‘s version which i betaed and is very good)

read on ao3 or under the cut

Dan glanced at the time. He had a few minutes to kill before he had to catch his train to London Pride, he decided, so he logged into his laptop and opened AIM.

His heart skipped a beat. His best (and only, if he was being honest) friend was online. He sent him a message.

danisnotonfire: hey

amazingphil: hi!!!

He and Amazingphil had met in a chat room about five months ago. They bonded a bit over their sexualities, and then Dan sent him a PM about Muse, and then here they were, still messaging almost every day since.

amazingphil: what r u doing?

danisnotonfire: im never doing anything

amazingphil: lol

amazingphil: yes u r >.<

amazingphil: guess what im doing

danisnotonfire: what

amazingphil: guess >:(

danisnotonfire: no >:)

amazingphil: pls

danisnotonfire: hmm

danisnotonfire: maybe

amazingphil: hurry up

danisnotonfire: wait im thinking of a good one

danisnotonfire: ok

danisnotonfire: ur running away from the police bc u stole the crown jewels

amazingphil: no u spork

amazingphil: im picking out an outfit

danisnotonfire: an outfit? :0

danisnotonfire: u wear clothes?

amazingphil: i hate u

amazingphil: i have Plans today

Dan glanced at the clock. He had to leave soon for his own plans, but he still felt a tiny bit jealous.

danisnotonfire: you have Plans?

amazingphil: yes

amazingphil: what r u doing?

Dan checked the time again. He frowned. He had to leave now if he wanted to make his train.

danisnotonfire: getting ready to take a train

danisnotonfire: g2g actually sry

danisnotonfire: c u?

He didn’t wait to see amazingphil’s response before he closed his laptop and bolted for the door.

The train ride to London was nerve wracking but uneventful. Dan had never travelled so far on his own before, and his mother’s warnings rang in his head. As tempted as he was to pull out his phone and pretend to be busy, he kept himself alert, his phone safely stowed in his pocket and his backpack clutched in his lap.

His mother didn’t know where he was going. No one knew where he was going. It was a little bit scary, but also exhilarating. He could do anything; he could be anyone, as long as he was on the 8pm train home.

When his train pulled into the station, it was easy to follow the crowd of people in rainbow apparel to the parade site. Dan’s train had arrived a tiny bit late, and it looked like the parade had already started.

The street was crowded, but Dan wriggled and elbowed his way to the front of the crowd, where he had a decent view of his first ever Pride parade. He found himself sandwiched between two girls holding hands and a dark haired boy who looked about Dan’s age.

“Hey,” Dan found himself shouting to the boy next to him.

The boy glanced over, flicking dark hair out of his eyes. “Hey,” he shouted back. “What brings you here?”

“I’m gay,” Dan shouted. He laughed. It was so exhilarating to say out loud that he said it again. “I’m gay!”

The boy laughed. “Me too,” he said. “What a coincidence.”

“What’s your name?” Dan asked.

“Phil,” the boy replied. “You?”

“Dan,” he said back.

“Well, Dan, is this your first pride?”

Dan nodded. “What about you?”

Phil shook his head. “This is my third.”

“Wow,” Dan said.

Phil laughed. “It’s not that many. I’m sure there are some people here who have been to every single one.” He nodded toward a group of older men riding on a passing float.

Dan tried to wrap his mind around the fact that there had been fewer than forty London Prides. That everything around him was new and fragile and still in its infancy. “That’s crazy,” he said. “That that’s even possible, I mean.”

Phil nodded emphatically. “I know, right? If I had been born just fifty years earlier…” He shuddered.

“It’s not like it’s that great to be gay right now either,” Dan admitted.

“No,” Phil admitted. He looked down.

They were silent for a few moments.

“Sorry,” Dan said, clearing his throat. “I kinda killed the mood there, didn’t I?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Phil said. He shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with the plastic rainbow flag in his hands. “Does your family know you’re here?” he added softly.

Dan shook his head, eyes welling with tears.

“I’m so sorry,” Phil said in a rush, “That was such a personal question, I don’t know why I-”

“It’s okay,” Dan said softly.

Phil hovered awkwardly just at the edge of Dan’s personal space. “Um, do you want a hug or-”

“Yes,” Dan said, immediately crushing himself into Phil’s arms and squeezing his eyes shut.

He resolutely ignored the tears leaking from the corners of his eyes.

“Shh,” Phil said, holding him tighter. “It’s going to be okay.”

Dan didn’t know why he believed everything this beautiful stranger said, but he did.

It was going to be okay. Dan let that message sink into his body, settle in his stomach, until his limbs felt less shaky and his footing more solid. He pulled away from Phil, wiping his eyes.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “I don’t know what that was.”

“It’s okay,” Phil said. “It’s your first Pride; it’s overwhelming. Are you from nearby?”

“I’m from near Reading,” Dan said.

Phil whistled. “That’s pretty far.”

Dan shrugged. “No one will recognize me here.”

Phil nodded. “I’m sorry.”

Dan shrugged again. “It’s okay.”

“Well, I hope you have a good time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Dan looked around at everyone wearing various different pride flags, all of the floats covered in rainbow. “I think I will.”

Dan and Phil stayed together for the rest of the parade, bumping shoulders and pointing out people with particularly funny signs. When the last float passed, though, Dan realized he didn’t want to break apart.

He turned to Phil to say so, but before he could open his mouth, Phil interrupted him, looking nervous. “Actually, um, if you don’t have anywhere to be yet, I thought we could hang out for a bit? Get coffee or something?”

Dan had left a few hours after Pride for exploring London, maybe even looking at some colleges so what he told his mum wasn’t a complete lie, but he’d rather spend them with Phil. “I’d love coffee,” he said.

Phil brightened. “There’s a Starbucks really close by. If you like Starbucks?”

“I love Starbucks,” Dan said. He loved anywhere Phil wanted to drink coffee together.

“Perfect,” Phil said, already walking, presumably towards the Starbucks. “My treat.”

“Oh, you don’t have to-” Dan scrambled to keep up.

“Please,” Phil said, smiling. “It’s the least I can do.”

Dan rolled his eyes. “In exchange for what?”

“You travelled all the way to London to see me,” Phil smiled.

Dan rolled his eyes even harder. “It wasn’t to see you, dummy-”

Phil gasped in mock betrayal. “It wasn’t?”

“No,” Dan said, “It was to learn and grow as a person, to find myself, to-”

“Shut up,” Phil said, giggling. “Just let me buy you coffee.”

“Fine,” Dan said, pouting.

“Perfect,” Phil said, leading Dan into a Starbucks, “Now come on.”

Dan’s coffee was delicious, but he let it cool in his hands as their conversation went on. He and Phil had a lot in common, and their conversation flowed easily. They both followed a lot of the same online creators, they had similar taste in music, and they had similar senses of humor. They even had nearly matching hairstyles, Phil pointed out with a laugh.

“It’s a cool hairstyle,” Dan said defensively. Phil didn’t need to know that the only way Dan could make it look even slightly good was by straightening it every morning.

“Of course it is,” Phil said. “It’s mine.”

Dan rolled his eyes and lightly shoved Phil.

When Dan finally finished his coffee, he looked at it regretfully. “I guess I should get going.”

Phil hesitated. “I don’t know if you want to go back to my apartment or anything?”

Dan nodded, then looked at his watch. It was getting dark out. “Fuck. I can’t. My train.”

Phil’s shoulders slumped slightly. “Oh. Well, can I walk you to your train at least?”

Dan smiled. “Yeah. That’d be nice.”

It was lucky that Phil had offered to walk him, honestly, because Dan was completely turned around. London was one of the most confusing cities he’d ever been in, but Phil seemed to know his way around it like the back of his hand.

“Here you go,” he said, pointing out the train station Dan had arrived at earlier in the day. He shoved his hands in his pockets, staring at Dan with an intensity that made him blush. “I don’t want to go,” he admitted.

Phil drew closer, and Dan glanced around nervously. There were a few people around. No one seemed to be paying much attention, but that could change.

Fuck it, Dan decided. It was Pride. If there was ever a day for kissing cute boys in public, it was today. As Phil leaned in closer, Dan closed the gap and pressed their lips together.

It was sweet, shorter than Dan would have liked, but as Phil pulled away Dan noticed a man standing at the other end of the street, glaring. Dan could see Phil looking too.

“How about I just stick with you until your train comes?” Phil said lightly, but Dan could see his eyes still on the man on the other end of the street, who made eye contact for another second before finally turning away.

Dan felt the tension in his shoulders unwind just the slightest bit. “That’d be great,” he said.

Phil hovered protectively by Dan’s side for the next few minutes until his train came. Dan wouldn’t be much good in a fight, and he didn’t get the sense that Phil would be either, but his presence was reassuring. When it was time to say goodbye, Phil opted for a hug.

Dan sank into his arms gratefully. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Of course,” Phil whispered back.

“Stay safe,” Dan whispered.

“I will,” Phil promised, pulling back. “See you?”

“Yeah,” Dan said. “I hope so.”

Barely a minute after Dan boarded his train, his phone buzzed.

phil: did u make it?

Dan smiled.

dan: yes

dan: ty 4 coffee btw, it was good

phil: :)

phil: b safe

dan: u 2

He waited a bit with his phone out, wondering if Phil would say anything more, but he didn’t, so Dan closed his phone and put it away. He let his head fall back against his seat and turned to look out the window, watching London pass by until it was left firmly behind him.

***

The first thing Dan did when he got back home was check AIM. Almost as soon as he logged in, he got a message.

amazingphil: ur back!

amazingphil: where were u :0

Dan hesitated. He didn’t know why he felt like lying.

danisnotonfire: i have a life that isnt online u kno

amazingphil: D:

amazingphil: betrayal

Dan didn’t talk much about his offline life with Amazingphil. He knew the basics: Dan was gay, no one knew, everyone still managed to give him shit for it somehow. But he didn’t know where Dan lived, his little brother’s name, or that he had traveled to London today for Pride.

And if he said something about Pride, then he’d be asked how it went. And then he’d have to talk about Phil. And he didn’t want to talk about Phil for some reason.

danisnotonfire: u have a life offline too

danisnotonfire: remember u said u had plans 2day?

amazingphil: :0

amazingphil: i guess i did

danisnotonfire: howd they go?

amazingphil: good :3

danisnotonfire: is that all ur gonna say

amazingphil: yes :P

amazingphil: i need 2 have mystery or ull lose interest

danisnotonfire: :0

danisnotonfire: i would never

amazingphil: good

danisnotonfire: now tell me

amazingphil: no

danisnotonfire: ಠ_ಠ

amazingphil: :D

amazingphil: it wasnt really interesting anyway lolol

amazingphil: i dont wanna bore u

danisnotonfire: impossible

danisnotonfire: u could never bore me D:

amazingphil: i could

amazingphil: law

amazingphil: textbooks

amazingphil: school

amazingphil: math

amazingphil: r u asleep yet

danisnotonfire: (-_-)zzz

amazingphil: c? told u

danisnotonfire: ok ok

danisnotonfire: u win

Dan still wanted to know what Amazingphil had been up to, but Amazingphil didn’t seem like he wanted to tell, so Dan decided to let it drop. He started to type up a question about whether or not Amazingphil had seen a video uploaded by a YouTuber they both followed, but he was interrupted.

amazingphil: im kinda tired actually

amazingphil: i think im going to bed

Dan’s smile dropped. He had been looking forward to talking to Amazingphil.

danisnotonfire: :(

danisnotonfire: good night!

amazingphil: good night!

He went offline. Dan stayed online for a bit longer, but no one else was really there, and none of the chat rooms he normally joined were interesting that night. Eventually, he gave up. He went to bed early too.

***

He woke up the next morning to a string of texts from Phil. He smiled, grabbing his phone and rolling over to read through them.

phil: hey i have some free time this wknd

phil: i could visit maybe?

phil: if ur free 2

Dan smiled harder.

dan: im free :]

dan: idk why u want 2 visit tho theres nothing here

phil: theres u

Dan had to put his phone down for a second to make sure his face did not actually combust from how hot it was getting.

dan: thatd be nice :3 i miss u

phil: lol, we saw each other yesterday

phil: (i miss u 2 :3)

dan: call me? :3

Dan’s phone started ringing immediately. He picked up. “Why would you want to visit Wokingham?” he asked. “London is way cooler.”

“But you’re not in London,” Phil said.

“I can be,” Dan said, his mind already racing to find excuses for visiting again so soon. “I could say-”

“Dan,” Phil cut him off with a laugh. “I want to visit you. Calm down.”

Dan hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Dan,” Phil said. “Why? Are you?”

Dan hesitated. “It’s not that I don’t want to see you again; I really do. But I mean, there are so many people here who know me and I’m not really out. To anyone. Except you.” And someone online, he added silently in his head.

“That’s okay,” Phil said. “We don’t have to- do anything gay if you don’t want to.” He paused. “At least not in public,” he added hopefully.

Dan chewed on his lip. “Even if my parents were out of the house, my little brother is really nosy. Sorry, I don’t think we’d be able to go there.”

“That’s okay,” Phil said, even though Dan thought he still sounded a little bit disappointed. “I’d still like to visit you. I don’t want to make you come to London every time we want to see each other.”

Butterflies erupted in Dan’s stomach. Every time? This wasn’t a one off thing?

“That’s sweet,” he said. “But really, London seems better in pretty much-”

“Awesome,” Phil said. “What time can you pick me up from the train station this Saturday?”

***

Dan opened AIM again, halfheartedly hoping that Amazingphil had come online in the five minutes he’d had AIM closed. He hadn’t, so Dan sighed, closing it again. He checked his twitter for another five minutes, then opened AIM again.

Amazingphil’s away message wasn’t even descriptive: “How much pain has cracked your soul? How much love would make you whole?” Just a Muse lyric. If it meant something, Dan wasn’t going to bother trying to decipher it.

Dan closed AIM again. He opened twitter. He closed twitter, and opened AIM. He repeated the cycle until it was time to pick Phil up at the train station.

Luckily, his mum didn’t ask why he needed the car, just absentmindedly handed him the keys and told him to drive safely. He parked near the train station, hoping he wouldn’t forget where he left the car.

“So this is Wokingham!” Phil said when he got off his train.

Dan nodded. “This is Wokingham.” Phil was disturbingly excited to be in Dan’s town. Dan wasn’t sure why, it was nothing compared to London.

Phil jumped up and down, smiling. Dan couldn’t help but smile back.

“So,” Phil said. “Show me the sights! Hear me the sounds! What is there to do around here?”

Dan shrugged. “Uh, I don’t really go out a lot. But there’s this coffee place I go to a lot if you don’t mind more coffee?”

Phil narrowed his eyes. “Is it Starbucks?”

Dan laughed. “Starbucks? You wish. Phil, I am going to take you to the indiest, least mainstream coffeeshop you have ever been to.”

Phil blinked. “Low bar, if I’m being honest.”

“After this, you’ll never be able to go to a Starbucks again without being disappointed.”

Phil raised an eyebrow. “Tall order.” He giggled. “Get it? Tall order? Because Starbucks drinks are-”

Dan rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help giggling either. “Shut up.”

Phil’s tongue poked out when he laughed, Dan noticed. “Never. I will not be silenced.”

Dan shook his head. “Disappointing.”

Phil pouted.

Dan relented. “It was a little bit funny.”

Phil immediately perked up. “You think I’m funny?”

Dan rolled his eyes so hard they hurt.

Phil giggled.

“Shut up,” Dan said. “Let’s go.”

When they got to the coffee shop, Phil spent an obnoxious amount of time reading the menu.

“It’s just coffee,” Dan said. “It’s not that complicated.”

“It is absolutely that complicated,” Phil insisted. He ended up taking about ten minutes to decide what to order, and when he did it was the same caramel macchiato he had ordered at the Starbucks they went to in London.

Dan reached past Phil to put a wad of pound notes on the counter. “My treat,” he said. “Since you got the train tickets and all.”

Phil glared at Dan and stuffed a wad of pound notes in the tip jar.

Oh well. At least Dan could say he tried. And the barista, who was honestly a little bit cute, seemed very happy about it, so Dan was going to call this a win.

Their coffee was ready in just a few minutes, and Dan watched Phil’s face carefully as he took his first sip of his caramel macchiato. “How is it?” he asked.

Phil closed his eyes. “It’s amazing.”

“Better than Starbucks?”

Phil’s eyes flew open. “Now, now. I didn’t say that,” he said.

Dan snorted at the look of near-panic on Phil’s face. “Don’t worry, Phil. I won’t tell Starbucks you’ve been cheating on her.”

Phil rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Dan. You’re such a good friend.”

Dan looked down. Friend. He didn’t want to act ungrateful, but he had been hoping that Phil didn’t want to only be his friend.

Phil groaned. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

Dan looked up, confused.

“Sorry,” Phil said. “I kind of just got out of a relationship, and I know we live in different cities, so I don’t know if it’s honestly the best idea, but I really like you. And I want to make it work. If you do too.”

Dan smiled. “I think I’d like that.”

Their coffee date- date? Was this a date? It really seemed like a date- well, whatever it was, it went well. Phil admitted that this coffee was, in fact, superior to Starbucks. He told Dan a bit about his job- he worked as a video editor- and asked Dan about his. Dan was a little embarrassed to admit he worked at Asda, but Phil didn’t seem fazed. Before long, Dan was telling stories about all the outraged customers he’d dealt with, and Phil was laughing along.

Dan let himself relax a little bit. It didn’t seem like Phil was going to judge him.

They spent the rest of the day wandering around Wokingham. There really wasn’t much to see, but Dan pointed out all of the places he and his friends used to spend time, before, well, they stopped being Dan’s friends, and all of the little coffee shops and secondhand clothing stores he still went to.

When Phil got on his train home, he didn’t kiss him. Dan knew too many people in Wokingham for that. But Phil did hug him, tightly, and Dan whispered a promise to visit soon in his ear.

***

When Dan got back to his room, the first thing he did was check AIM.

Amazingphil still had the same away message as that morning. Dan sighed. Why was he so hard to reach today?

Oh well. There were other things to do on the internet anyway. Twitter was boring today, but there was always YouTube, and random AIM chatrooms where he didn’t know anyone. Dan lost track of time, chatting with someone he was pretty convinced was a fifty year old man pretending to be a teenager, until he got a notification that Amazingphil was online.

He immediately closed his other chat window; the fifty year old man would have to wait.

danisnotonfire: ur back!!! :D

amazingphil: lol

amazingphil: im back :D

danisnotonfire: was ur relaxing day unplugged relaxing

amazingphil: lol

amazingphil: yes

amazingphil: i had a good day :)

danisnotonfire: that’s good

amazingphil: i was thinking though

amazingphil: u know what’s weird

amazingphil: i don’t know what u look like >.<

amazingphil: we should skype or something

danisnotonfire: we should

danisnotonfire: when?

danisnotonfire: like rn?

amazingphil: sure

amazingphil: if u want

amazingphil: im not doing anything

Dan glanced around. He should clean his room.

danisnotonfire: give me 5

He glanced around again. There was no way his entire room was getting cleaned in five minutes.

Oh well. He had committed. He slammed his laptop shut and surveyed the room, trying to figure out what he could clean in five minutes. Or, well, what he could shove under his bed or in his closet in the next five minutes.

He managed to hide all his dirty laundry, then kicked a bunch of the clutter in his room to one side and pointed his laptop camera firmly away from it.

He opened AIM again, composing a message.

danisnotonfire: ok im ready

danisnotonfire: my skype is danisnotonfire too

He barely had time to open skype before he got an incoming call from Amazingphil. He picked up, then gaped at the screen in shock.

“Wait,” he said. “Phil?”

Phil blinked. “Dan?”

“What are you doing here?” Dan asked stupidly.

“Skyping you,” Phil said, just as stupidly.

“You’re- you’re Amazingphil?”

“Yeah.”

“And also Phil.”

“I think?” Phil extended his arms, staring at them, as if to check that they were real.

Dan groaned, putting his head in his hands. “How did we not figure this out?”

“To be completely honest,” Phil admitted, “I couldn’t really figure out what your screenname was supposed to say. I didn’t really know your name was Dan.”

Dan laughed. “What did you think it said?”

Phil blushed. “I don’t know!”

“No, really,” Dan said, an embarrassing amount of affection leaking into his voice. “What did you think it said?”

“Like, Dani snot on fire or something,” Phil said. “Look, it’s hard to read, it’s all lowercase-”

Dan groaned. “You thought my name was Dani and my username was about my snot being on fire?”

“Look,” Phil said, still blushing, “I don’t know. What’s your excuse for not knowing who I was?”

Dan felt his face heat up. He shrugged. “Phil is a common name?”

Phil laughed. “Not that common. Dan, you spork-”

“Shut up!” Dan said. “I’m not the one who doesn’t know how to read-”

“Maybe if your username wasn’t so hard to read-”

“Oh, blame it on me-”

“Look, I’m just saying-”

Dan scoffed. “You’re just saying.”

“I am,” Phil insisted. “Look, we both made bad decisions-”

“Bad decisions?” Dan said. “You think us meeting was a-”

“Okay, okay. Stupid decisions,” Phil corrected himself. “My point is, we’re here now. Isn’t that what matters?”

Dan had to agree that it was.

[artificialqueens]

break up with ur girlfriend (3/3) - dartmouth420

a/n: part 3: in which Raven makes an ethically questionable decision, Raja really doesn’t like mornings, absolutely nothing will crush Manila’s positive attitude, and Jujubee throws a curve ball

basically ye olde morning after weirdness

thanks for reading :)

Raven awoke tired and a little hungover in bed with Manila and Raja. She raised her head and sighed, then noticed the tall glass of water on the bedside table. She loosely remembered Raja padding out of the room just as Raven was drifting off (thoroughly fucked out and happy) and placing something on the bedside table. That was kind of her, especially considering the circumstances in which they’d met. Raven raised the glass and took a big drink, appreciative.

Raven sat on the edge of the bed quietly, not wanting to wake them. Maybe she’d go and make coffee or something. Or maybe she should just leave. Raven glanced over her shoulder. A perfect ray of sunlight was hitting the bed where Manila and Raja were still curled up, asleep, and whole thing was aesthetically glorious.

Raven wondered if what was about to do was ethical. But then she shrugged, and raised her phone. Also, she really liked them, and might be interested in seeing them again, so she held no malicious intent.

The photo she took was from a strong angle, consisting of the corner of her face, one eye visible, eyebrow raised, blonde hair smooth close to her head. Behind her was the bed, and Raja and Manila curled up, still asleep. Raja was deep in the covers, only one closed eye, her forehead and a streak her long grey hair visible. Manila was next to Raja, lying on her back fast asleep with her mouth open, the cover pulled up to her chin.

She hit send.

BITCH replied Juju, quickly, with about eighteen emojis, you fucked them both???

you bet replied Raven, smug.

Wait a sec, Juju replied. Then the second text came in.

ohhhhhh YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE IT

what?? Raven looked down at her phone, concerned.

BITCH THE GIRL ON THE LEFT IS MY SECOND COUSIN

The blood drained from Raven’s face, and she looked back at Manila, who was… well, a young woman who’s last name she hadn’t asked for and who’s social media who hadn’t checked out. But in a big, multicultural city like this who would’ve expected her to be related to Raven’s best friend?

fuckkkk

Juju sent her a text containing twenty laugh-crying emojis and one devil, followed by a vomit-face.

uhhhh, don’t be grossed out but she’s hot, replied Raven, who was finding the situation as distressing as it was funny. This new factoid raised the stakes, seeing this couple was no longer an entirely anonymous entity.

She mildly regretted sending the photo. Maybe it was an invasion of privacy.

BITCH DON’T TELL ME THAT ABOUT MY COUSIN

idk if anyone knows she’s gay tbh that whole side of the family is pretty religious

i didn’t know lol

oh shit I’m sorry… was just trying to brag to u about my conquest haha

why are u like this it’s fucked up lol

idk lol

thanks for telling me

but like

i might wanna see her again?

maybe both of them ;) ??? typed out Raven, hitting send with some mild guilt. She’d definitely need to sit down and think about this later. After she had some caffeine.

o really?

yeah…

aw <3

Raven smiled at the phone. She really loved Juju, they’d been best friends since college, and truly shared everything.

can’t wait to be ur in-law, teased Juju,

imma bring u really cheap wedding gifts

ur getting an off-brand slow cooker

BITCH!

anyway g2g <3 <3

hmu later <3

Raven got up and walked to the bathroom. She quickly rinsed her face and mouth. She put the unexpected information from Juju about Manila aside for now, and decided not address it. This really wasn’t the time or the place. Then she padded over to the kitchen. It was a bit cluttered, clearly well-used and loved.

There was an espresso machine on the counter, and Raven grinned. She knew how to work one of those, having done the time in her early twenties as a barista. While the water heated, Raven looked at the pictures on the fridge. There were kitschy magnets from a few places around the world, ‘Paris, je t'aime!’, and several photos, including two goofy school pictures of Raja and Manila respectively. Manila glared at the camera, about thirteen and deep in an emo phase, judging by her racoon-like eyeliner, back-combed hair and striped long-sleeved shirt. Raja’s picture was more innocent, a goofy-looking androgynous nine-year old with a big smile, round face and black hair sticking up awkwardly.

Raven snorted a laugh. She appreciated this couple’s sense of humour, displaying silly pictures on their fridge.

She sighed. She shared her apartment somewhat resentfully with two room mates. It wasn’t an ideal situation but it was cheap and because of that she’d been able to put aside some savings. If only Tyra would do the dishes every once in a while. Not to mention she was pretty sure Nicole had a crush on her, and she had to figure out how to let the other girl down easy. In fact, Nicole was probably taking her dog for a walk right now. Raven winced and sighed. Whatever, these were problems for Future Raven. Hopefully she’d find a better job soon, and move on.

The espresso machine was gurgling, so Raven moved over and dealt with it.

A few minutes later she snuck back into the bedroom with three cups of espresso. She was a little nervous, this wasn’t something she’d normally do. She was more of a leave immediately after sex or quickly in the morning kind of lover. But this felt like the right thing.

She put the coffee on the bedside table and sat on the bed, heart suddenly beating quickly.

The movement of Raven sitting back down on the bed disrupted Manila, who blinked her eyes open and yawned, stretching. The movement then woke Raja, who groaned and buried her face deeper into the pillow, disappearing under the duvet. Manila blinked and smiled sleepily at Raven.

“Good morning… oh! You made coffee!” said Manila, and she threw the covers off and made for the bedside table where Raven had put the little cups, “Oh my god, is that espresso?”

“Did somebody say espresso?” muttered Raja from deep in the blankets.

“Yeah, I made some,” said Raven, gently.

“That’s nice, you’re so sweet!” enthused Manila, kissing Raven on the cheek. Manila was shockingly perky, having been awake for less than one minute, “And I thought you were all mean and sexy last night…”

“She’s great. Keep your voice down,” muttered Raja.

Raven stifled a laugh, and sipped her own coffee. Manila crawled off the bed and threw on a robe, before sitting next to Raven and drinking her coffee in silence. Eventually, a long brown arm stuck out of the pile of covers that contained Raja, and Manila carefully put the cup of espresso into her hand. The arm retreated into the pile of covers almost cartoonishly. The only evidence of Raja’s existence was a small slurp and a happy sigh.

“I had a really nice time with you two, last night,” whispered Raven, putting a hand on Manila’s thigh.

“Aw thanks! I did too, and Raja as well,” replied Manila, quietly.

“Lovely, so… I can leave whenever, if you’ve got something you’re doing today-”

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” replied Manila, smiling so that the edges of her eyes crinkled happily, “Neither of us have plans, you can hang out for breakfast, whatever suits you.”

“Right, well,” replied Raven, her heart glowing a little upon hearing she was welcome to stay, “I really need to shower.”

“Mmm, I think I’ll join you,” said Manila, putting down her cup down. They both glanced back at the pile of blankets and pillows that contained Raja somewhere deep within it.

“Yeah, she won’t be really awake for a while.”

-

Of course, Raven ended up on her knees in the shower eating Manila out against the wall. A truly good start to the day, Raven mused to herself as Manila squirmed and gasped, throwing her head back with pleasure. What could be better?

When they were finally done, they found Raja in the kitchen, starting to cook. The older woman had put her hair up on top of her head in a messy bun, wore dark-rimmed glasses and an elaborately patterned silk robe.

“Your glasses are too cute,” said Raven, as she towelled her hair dry. She was wearing a borrowed bathrobe, one of an apparently infinite supply, “Anything I can help with?”

“No, just sit there and look pretty,” replied Raja, with an affectionate smile.

“That’ll be easy.”

Breakfast was insanely good. It was better than any breakfast Raven had had in a long time, and she’d certainly worked up an appetite. Raja could really cook. They hung around the table for a while, chatting away about plans for the weekend and this and that. Eventually Raven changed, slipping her dress from last night back on, feeling a bit weird next to the other two, who were wearing relaxed weekend clothes. It was time to retreat to her own apartment and chill out.

“I think I’ll call an uber,” said Raven to Raja. Manila was checking her phone, and Raja was putting dishes in the sink.

“I can give you a ride,” said Raja, shrugging.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, it’s no problem.”

“Okay, thanks,” said Raven. She supposed it’d be worth it to save the eight dollars on the ride.

“Manila, you want to come?” asked Raja, half-turning towards the other woman.

“Ah, no, sorry I have to make a call in a few minutes,” said Manila, giving Raven an apologetic smile.

Manila then engaged in a drawn out goodbye with Raven, leaving her with lingering kisses and an exchange of numbers. Raja watched from the door, lacing up her shoes, and raised a single eyebrow. Then Raven got her little purse and left with Raja. Her high-heeled club shoes clicked along the floor of the hallway.

In the carpark under the building, they approached an ugly 90’s style green car.

“Wow, this thing is ancient,” joked Raven, sitting down on the worn passenger seat. But unlike Juju’s car that seemed to be always covered in empty takeout containers and random garbage, Raja’s was meticulously clean. Raven didn’t have a car, but everything she did was comfortably within either cycling or public transit distance, and for anything that wasn’t Juju would drive her.

“Yeah, so everyone tells me,” chuckled Raja, shifting into gear, “But it’s reliable, hasn’t died yet. I made it through Hurricane Katrina in this thing.”

“You can drive stick?” asked Raven, curious, “Also… what?”

“Yep,” replied Raja, winking, “And I’ll tell you that story sometime if you’re lucky.”

“Hmm.” Raven was impressed and she eyed Raja’s tattooed hand on the gearshift as she confidently manoeuvred the car out of the parkade into the street. The bright sun burst through the windshield, and reflected off of Raja’s white Tshirt.

“So,” said Raven as they drove, after she’d given Raja her address. She felt a bit exposed, without any makeup on and her hair still slightly damp from the shower.

“So,” replied Raja, smirking a little at Raven’s uncharacteristic hesitance, “Manila gave you her number, right?”

Raven nodded, and then she had no idea why she said it, but suddenly it was out of her mouth, “It turns out I distantly know her.”

“Oh yeah? From where?”

“She’s my friend Juju’s second cousin.”

Raja stiffened at the mention, shifting the clutch and accelerating through the green light, “You know her family?”

“No. She just happens to be related to her. Juju’s my best friend,” replied Raven, inwardly cursing. Why had she even mentioned it?

“How did you find out?”

“Checked out her instagram this morning, realized the connection,” Raven lied quickly, guilt flaring in her stomach.

“Right. Well. Manila’s family is pretty religious,” said Raja matter-of-factly, but Raven could see lingering resentment in her expression, “Let’s just say they don’t approve of us and leave it at that. Maybe don’t mention this to your friend.”

“Of course not.”

“Good.”

Raven wondered if she could have handled that better. But then again, family was complicated.

They pulled up at Raven’s soon after that. Raven was having a hard time getting a read on Raja, so she decided to say exactly how she felt and Raja could interpret it however she so desired. They’d been quiet for the last few minutes of the drive. It was a beautiful day, thought Raven, looking out the window at the bright blue sky.

“Well, I had a great time with you two last night and I hope you stay in touch, I’d love to see you again,” said Raven, with a warm smile as she opened the door to get out.

“I had a good time as well,” said Raja, with a half-smile, “I, ah, just felt a bit weird with you bringing up Manila’s family. I’m basically suspicious of anyone who knows them since they’ve been so shitty to us over the years. But yeah, I like you too. Until next time.”

And then Raja leaned in and kissed Raven intently. Raven raised her eyebrows, surprised. And then Raja pulled back and gave her an absolutely filthy grin, and when Raven left the car she waved. Raven waved back and saw in Raja the same goofy energy as she’d seen in the childhood photo on her fridge. It was a bit of a shock after her cool exterior, but charming.

Hmmm. It seemed the night before had worked out in the best way possible. Raven opened the front door to her building and nodded pleasantly to her elderly neighbour, who looked her up and down disapprovingly.

Raven walked up the two flights of stairs towards her apartment, feeling thoroughly satisfied. She had work on Monday and a bunch of laundry and groceries and chores to do before then. Also, Juju would be back Sunday afternoon and she was looking to reuniting with her best friend after their brief time apart.

There was much to discuss.

-

The following morning she received a text.

You doing anything next weekend? :P

Raven raised an eyebrow and replied, new phone who dis

It’s Manila!!! Omg you’re the worst lol

that’s what they all say

hmmmmm i think i’m available friday ;)

Yay!! We’ll be in touch, Manila sent a quick photo of herself and Raja, a selfie in Raja’s car. Manila was sticking her tongue out at the camera and Raja was looking at something out of frame, light reflecting off her glasses. There were bags full of groceries behind them in the back seat.

Raven smiled down at her phone like a love-struck fool.

[gingerwritess]

hello? i have a request? can you do one where loki arrives late home and the partner is upset and the next day he has a massive breakfast or flowers planned for them? sorry bad wording. I love ur writing tho!

sorry this took so long!! enjoy beb

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“Oh, so you are still alive.”

He closes the door behind him with a sheepish smile, stepping into the dim lamplight. “I thought you would be asleep by now.”

“I should be, shouldn’t I? Cause it's 3:30 in the morning?” You cross your arms and glare at him. His hair is uncharacteristically messy, sticking up in weird places and he’s got a jacket slung over his arm, his shirt untucked in the back.

Oddly...disheveled.

You try to give him the benefit of the doubt and not let your mind wander.

“I’m sorry, my love. It wasn’t supposed to take that long,” he offers, moving towards where you’re curled up in the corner of the couch. You just keep your narrowed eyes trained on his every movement, knowing he’ll convince you to forgive him sooner than he probably deserves...as usual.

He’s headed for the bathroom—hopefully to shower, he looks a mess—and he stops as he’s walking past the couch to stoop down and kiss the top of your head. His tangled hair falls in front of your face and you catch a whiff of something in it that smells strangely spiced, sickly sweet.

You grab his wrist when he goes to move away and you lean back against the arm of the couch, pulling him back down into an upside-down kiss.

Sure enough, he’s a little...sweeter than usual.

“So...you were drinking at that meeting?” You ask, locking your arms around his neck and keeping him bent over your face. “Didn’t think that’s normally what happens at ‘business meetings,’ even for superheroes.”

His forehead drops to rest against your chin in defeat. “I apologise. Once the meeting ended, Stark insisted, and you know my brother has the tendency to—”

“You didn’t get any of my calls?”

He pauses, opening his mouth to say something and apparently thinking better of it. “I...thought it might be better not to answer, considering the state I was—” a violent hiccup interrupts him. “Possibly still am in.”

You push him away with a sigh and sit up. “I was worried sick, Loki. Next time please let me know where you are?”

He nods seriously and steps around the couch, reaching for you, but his foot catches on the edge of the couch and he trips, stumbling down halfway on top of you. Maybe he’s a little drunker than he had originally let on.

He hiccups again and starts laughing, leaning into your side for support.

“Uh...Loki?” You nudge him in the side, more than a little concerned. It takes a lot to get the god drunk, and here he is at 3:30 in the morning, giggling. “Just how much did you actually drink?”

He thinks deeply for a moment, honestly trying to remember, then shrugs. “More than the stars that light the night sky, should my memory do me no wrong.”

Aaaaand here we go. Alcohol never fails to bring out the poet in your lover, somehow giving him the ability to be even more eloquent and well-versed than he already is. In the time you’ve been together, you’ve been subject to many a drunk, sappy poem, often dramatically presented to you by Loki in some language that probably hasn’t been uttered on earth for thousands of years—and more often than not while he is clad in a bedsheet toga.

I mean...I guess it’s kinda adorable.

“Go on...get it out.” You pull your legs up under you and sit back with a small smile, ready to enjoy watching him make a fool of himself.

“I have more adoring words of thee than grains of sand on the shores of Valhalla,” he whispers, grabbing your hands and bringing them to his lips. “Thou art fair, my love, and thy smile be the light that shineth from the heavens.”

The drunken grin on his face widens when you roll your eyes and a boyish gleam appears in his eye. “You believe me to jest, my eternal starlight?”

You grab his face in both hands and the grin that lights his face is that of a child’s pure joy. “You’re drunk, babe,” you remind him softly, “you’re drunk and just reciting more books. You ready to sleep this off?”

“Heavens, no. I’ve only just begun—hic—to find the words worthy of defining you, though they be few.” He leans forward to plant a sloppy kiss on your laughing lips. “What deeds I may have done to behold thy grace...are beyond my knowledge. My heart is held between thy fingers and I taste...I taste a new world in thy lips when err they...when err they meet mine—”

His head slips out of your hands and drops to your shoulder with a snore.

“Loki?” You poke him a couple times. “Loki? Babe?”

Wonderful. Looks like you’ll be sleeping on the couch now, cause you’re definitely not lugging the knocked out god all the way back to your bed, heck no.

Oh well. He may smell a little funny, but hey, he still makes for a pretty cozy blanket.

You wake up feeling an entire body lighter—oh, cause Loki’s finally not draped over you—and there’s an awful knot in your neck from sleeping at a weird angle.

“You’re awake!”

Loki’s sneaking through the door again, quite obviously hiding something behind his back. You quickly rub the sleep from your eyes and squint at him in the bright morning light, wondering what on earth could have gotten him out of the house at such an hour.

He comes over to greet you on the couch with a breathtaking good morning kiss, as all are, his hair still damp and curly from a recent shower.

Thank goodness.

“G’mornin, sunshine,” you grin, pulling him back for a longer hug. God, he smells so good. “Where did you go?”

He sits on the cushion next to you with a tired but devious smile, crossing his legs under him and keeping his hand and whatever he’s holding behind his back.

“Well…” he starts, taking your hand in his free one. “I wanted to apologise for last night. I am so sorry that I even put you through the trouble of worrying, much less actually having to care for me while I was intoxicated.”

Appalled by the fact that he thinks he needs to apologise, you had just opened your mouth to tell him to stop when he pulls a ginormous bouquet of flowers from behind his back, holding them out in front of your face and beaming proudly at you.

Uh...that’s a lot of flowers.

“Loki...what the hell,” you laugh, blinking in shock at him.

His face falls like a stone in water. “You don’t like them? Ríða, I’m never listening to Stark again.” He stands up and storms to the kitchen with the flowers in hand, dumping them in the sink before you can stop him.

“Loki!” You jump to your feet and run after him, stopping when you see him bent over the sink with a hand tiredly over his eyes.

The poor guy is absolutely beating himself over the head for this. He looks miserable, disgusted with himself for making such a “mistake,” and especially revolted by the overflowing amount of flowers now upside down in your sink.

“Loki, baby, sunshine…” you whisper and force yourself between him and the counter, making him look at you. “You didn’t let me finish. That was a good what the hell.”

He doesn’t say anything and just turns away from you, leaving you shocked and empty armed.

“Hey! Look at me, doofus!” You’re behind him in two quick steps, wrapping your arms around his waist and trying your best to hold him in one place. “Come on, you don’t think I’m actually mad at you, do you?”

“You’re...you’re not?” He freezes and looks at you incredulously. “You have every reason to be upset. I made many mistakes last night, and this morning as well, clearly—”

You grab his collar and yank him down to shut him up with a kiss.

He’s slightly breathless by the time you pull away and you rest your forehead on his with a quiet giggle. “Maybe I was a little...annoyed last night, but only because I was worried. And your poems and sonnets certainly made up for that.”

“My what?”

“Wait, you don’t remember?”

He shakes his head, undeniably concerned by the fact that he has no recollection of his drunken interactions with you.

“Oh, Loki, you poured out your little heart to me last night,” you tease, winding your arms around his neck. “You were so gushy, so sappy, so romantic…I swooned many a time.” You pause and throw all your weight on him with a dramatic sigh, trying to get a smile back on his face. “You said the word ‘thy’ about a million times, too, and I almost slapped you for that, not going to lie…”

Loki catches you with a hand on your waist and brings you into a tight embrace, listening intently as a smile finally begins to hint at his lips. “And that was the worst of it?”

You hoist yourself up to sit on the counter so you can be at his level, tugging him between your knees and into another quick kiss. “No, the worst part was that you fell asleep before you were finished.”

He scowls playfully and raises an eyebrow at your dopey grin. “Not another soul will hear of this, correct?”

“Mmm...you might have to buy my silence.” You tap a finger under his chin to remind him to pick his head up, meeting his worried eyes with a playful smile. “Lucky for you, snowflake, I accept flowers as payment.”

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

hope you enjoyed, feel free to send me ideas!

loki tags: @bluediamond007 @himitoshi @drakesfiance @destiel1597 @dangertoozmanykids101 @archy3001 @jcalpha1 @yzssie @skullvieplu @forthesnakeofdragons @skulliebythesea @wegingerangelica @storiesfrommirkwood @agarwaeneth @adaliamalfoy @laurfangirl424 @paradisaicsam @fitzsimmons-is-forever @ladylokimischief @katelinwrites @tarynkauai @polaristrange @loavesofmeat @canadian-ravenpuff-multishipper @lou-makes-me-strong @holyn0vak @chocolatealmondmillk @swtnrholland

[latestageyouth]

When you walk away (Nothing more to say)

chapter 2 -  #Pattonisleftoutonceagain

trigger warnings: sympathetic Remus and Deceit, mention of human taxidermy (just one sentence), grave-robbing (no active grave robbing), swearing, dogs, mentions of death but no one actually dies

summary: Just the boyos bonding in an old haunted church (I am sorry Patton stans Patton just would not allow of This Behavior™)

author’s note: uploaded another one! yay! the trigger warnings on this one are wild, I didn’t even realize that haha. Anyways, enjoy!

There was something wet on his face. Virgil scrunched up his eyebrows. The wet seemed to move, it felt kind of harsh on his skin. It was shaped...like a tongue. Virgil shot up, eyes wide. He looked at the spot next to him on the couch, staring at the golden retriever who was still trying to lick him. He moved away from the couch.

He heard someone chuckle behind him, "Good morning, Sunshine," he turned around to be faced with Roman, who was eating eggs at the table.

Virgil opened his mouth to say something, but found himself stuck, as if there was a hand around his throat, but inside.

"Rise and shine," Roman took another bite of his eggs.

Virgil scrambled for his phone. Uncle Emile is gonna kill him. Sure enough, there were 23 messages and missed calls in total. He was soon typing out a response: 'Hey, Em, I'm okay, sorry I scared you, I fell asleep.'

He looked at the smudged number on his forearm and decided to save it. He also texted this number 'Remus? Where did u go? u still in the house?'

He got the response almost immediately. 'no we went to starbucks lmao'

'so u finally woke up lolololololol'

He also sent a picture of Virgil sleeping on the couch.

'so,,,bootiful,,,,,,,so,,puree'

'lmao'

Virgil huffed and began typing: 'ok, I get it, stop spamming me. Also, bring me a caramel latte would u??'

'k'

Virgil looked at the time, 7:23 shining on the screen. He opened Notes, typing out a question for Roman: 'is that ur dog?'

He turned the screen to face Roman, who looked at it and then at the dog eating from his bowl, "Yeah, her name's Princess Stain The Sixth" before Virgil could ask him what the fuck, Roman continued, "Remus named her, we just call her Princess."

Oh, that explains it. Virgil nodded. There was a long silence between the two of them, Virgil looking at Princess while Roman ate his eggs.

"So...you're mute?" at last Roman looked up at the other. Virgil contemplated the answer. He didn't want to explain his condition and answer Roman's questions, and there was not much of a chance that he will ever speak around him. He nodded.

"Ah, sorry about yesterday, there aren't any mute or deaf students in our school. I know that's not an excuse, but still," he took the plate and put it in the sink, "Though I do have one question..." Virgil raised his eyebrows, "Why do you hang out with Remus?"

Virgil began typing, well, actually deleting more than typing: 'I mean, yeah he can be a bit extra, but he's not that bad when you tune out most of the things he says.'

Roman quirked an eyebrow, "'A little bit extra'? I'm sorry, are we talking about the same person? He listed off more gory and effective ways to kill the main characters while we watched the movie. One of which included a detailed process of human taxidermy."

'Okay, he can be really fucking disgusting when he wants, but at least he's not a boring prude.'

Roman shook his head, "Try living with him, after a week you would be crying tears of happiness if he stopped talking."

Virgil stared at him.

"R-right, sorry."

Both looked at the front door as it practically flew open, "Hi bitches! Dee already went to school, but I just couldn't leave you here," Remus walked over to Virgil and handed him a Starbucks cup. He took a sip and scrunched up his face. Pure black coffee, "Oops, sorry, must've gotten them mixed up."

How can you even drink that? Virgil questioned. He wanted an answer to that, but the Latte was more important.

"Okay, so we have a few minutes before the school bell rings, do you need anything?" Roman looked at the clock hanging above the fridge, then at the other two. Virgil shrugged, there wasn't anything he could take. Remus went to his room for his backpack. Virgil got out his phone again, seeing there was 1 unread message from his uncle: 'Alrighty, just make sure that it will not happen again :) love you too, meet me at school <3' Virgil smiled a little at that.

"Okay, that's everything, let's go!" Remus was already out the door, and Virgil ran to catch up to him, Roman just stayed behind them.

They were walking too fast, so Virgil couldn't type without it looking like a bunch of gibberish. Instead, Virgil settled into listening to Remus ramble on and on about that one cute boy in Starbucks with a broken nose, how Damon got almost bit by Princess again, about what time he wants to spray the graffiti in the boy's bathroom...wait what? Virgil tried to forget about the last part. He didn't want to get in trouble on his second day, this school will be different. He's gonna be a good student...well, at least a mediocre one. Yeah, mediocre is good, none of this graffiti business. He hopes Remus won't be offended. It was nice having a friend. Were they even friends? Virgil felt a nudge on his shoulder.

"Dude, you gucci?" Virgil nodded, "So yeah, as I was saying, deodorant doesn't taste that bad."

They departed while going to their lockers. None of their lockers were close to one another, which Virgil thought was a shame, but at least Remus isn't sure which is his. He wouldn't want to open it one day only to find it filled with dead possums or whatever Remus would think of. He caught the sight of Damon talking with one of the girls in his English class. When Damon finally noticed Virgil looking at him, he wasted no time approaching him, ignoring the girl, who eventually scoffed and walked away.

"So, the sleeping beauty finally woke up, huh?" Virgil gave him an unamused look, nudging his head against the direction of the girl. Damon looked back at her, "Oh, Bailey? Don't worry about her, just gossiping," he waved his hand dismissively.

"What are we talking about?" Remus said as he leaned against Virgil's locker.

"Okay, you didn't hear it from me, but Remy was caught fucking with Nate under the social studies hallway's staircase. Again. But, like, I dunno, it's just a rumour after all..." Deceit exaggerated his hand movements for a more dramatic effect.

"Okay, we all know the last part is bullshit. Of course he would get caught, he's such an amateur," they both looked between the three, their eyes landing on Virgil, "...You don't know who Remy is, do you?" Virgil shook his head.

"Remy is the school's professional slacker. He spends all of his nights at concerts and parties, then drinks coffee to try to stay awake, which doesn't work most of the time anyway, so he sleeps a lot in class. If you offer to buy him Starbucks he will do anything for you. He's also a major slut, a cheater. He's utterly disgusting. Don't ever talk to him," the longer Damon talked the more intense his death glare got, but although it was aimed at Virgil, it wasn't aimed at Virgil.

"You're only saying that because he broke up with you," Remus smirked.

At that moment, the glare was averted to Remus and Damon looked more offended than angry, "He absolutely did not! I broke up with him. It was his fault that he was drunk and still thought we were together. I didn't even know he was drunk. It's those godforsaken glasses, he never takes them off. Why the hell does he even wear them?" Damon crossed his arms.

"Maybe he doesn't have eyes..."

Virgil squinted his eyes and let out an exaggerated cough. The couple looked up at him.

"Oooh yeah, sorry, we forgot about you," there wasn't anything malicious behind Remus' words, as far as Virgil could tell.

"Anyways," the two diverted their eyes at Damon, who pointed his finger at Virgil, "You have economics, right?" Virgil nodded, "Great, we too," Damon smirked. At the word 'economics' Remus let out a loud and exaggerated groan. Damon just rolled his eyes, "C'mon, economics isn't that bad when you actually put in effort."

Remus put his face in his hands, "I don't wanna put in effort..." he drew out the last word.

"Nevertheless, we should probably get to class," and so, the three began walking down the halls. When they did get to the classroom, Remus and Damon already sat together and shrugged at Virgil. There were two empty seats. One was next to a sleeping guy with a leather jacket whose coffee was tipped over and slowly trickled on his desk. He assumed that was Remy, no thanks, he'd rather sit next to that cafeteria kid from the other day. As soon as he sat down the stranger beamed at him and began talking. Virgil learned his name was Patton, and that Roman had already told him he was mute, so he was sorry. Virgil accepted the apology. There was just something off about him that Virgil couldn't place a finger on. It wasn't the fact that Patton was too cheery and chatty for his own good or the way he always moved his finger, wiggling them around or playing with a pencil, no, Virgil got his fair share of hyperactive friendly kids who make friends with everyone they see. Patton got quiet when the teacher walked in. Almost...too quiet, if that's a thing. Virgil assumes it is. The kid isn't even paying that much attention, much more focused on doodling flowers and cats in his notebook. Virgil decided to ignore it, he wasn't about to stick his nose up some stranger's business. The only interesting moments in the lesson were when Remy woke up and realized he doesn't even have this class, or when one of the other teenagers disrupted the lesson and Mr. Porter got all red in the face. He let out a sigh when the bell rang. As he was getting up a hand wrapped around his shoulders.

"We're thinking about skipping the rest of the day, you comin'?"

Virgil furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at Damon, "Don't act like you actually enjoy school. And before you...type anything, yes, it is only your second day, which means they will most likely let you off with a warning, so even if we get caught, you don't have to worry."

"So, you goin'?" Virgil shook his head. Remus raised his eyebrows, "You sure, emo?" Virgil shook his head again, this time slower.

"Well, skipping it is then," Damon walked out of the class as the other two followed. Virgil didn't complain, but it's not like he could anyways, "Around this time, most of the school hall monitors are at the cafeteria or the classrooms, so we can just walk out. If it's not a bad day that is, but even then it's typically just Oliver, who will let you go if you bribe him. Eight dollars usually does it," they were in the door when they heard a voice behind them and froze.

"Did you think you could just skip without me?"

They turned around to be faced with Roman with crossed arms.

"I mean, yeah, kinda," Remus said.

Roman chuckled, "Just because you are the 'Bad Twin' doesn't mean I am not getting sick of this school. So, how about you let me go with you and I won't tell anyone," he held out his hand. Remus stared at it for a while before spitting on his and shaking Roman's. Really, Roman should know better.

"Deal."

"Great, the twins together. Just what I needed," Damon grumbled, and Virgil couldn't help but nod his head in agreement.

"What do you think you're doing? Also, Roman, how could you?"

"Ah shit, not another one," Damon made an actual physically pained face that that.

"Logan, where's Patton?" Roman looked around.

"In the class, like you all should be," Logan pushed up his glasses.

Remus leaned over to the three, "Let's just keeps walking and pretend we didn't hear him," so, they turned around and walked to the school entrance, ignoring Logan's remarks and shouts as he followed them while the others tried to suppress their giggles, Remus especially. It was about 3 minutes after exiting the school and Logan realized there was no chance he could go back now, gave up, and tagged along. They all talked over where they should go, but Virgil's suggestion of going to the old abandoned church won by a majority vote, which meant that Damon, Remus and Virgil were all for it and Logan and Roman tried to protest but failed. The church was about eight minutes from the school. Neither of them knew why the church was abandoned, or how long it was, but nevertheless, it was pretty cool. Virgil didn't have a lot of time to explore the town, so walking around was refreshing. Well, it would be if it wasn't so damn hot.

"God fucking damn it, how can you walk in a leather jacket in this weather and not sweat?" Damon squinted his eyes at Remus.

"I don't sweat, it's disgusting."

Roman laughed, "So that's disgusting to you? Sweating? Nevermind that, how does that even work? You just don't sweat 'cause you don't want to?" he said with a mocking tone.

Remus gave him a deadpan look, "Yeah. Sweating is disgusting, so I don't do it."

Roman didn't know how to respond to that. Neither did any of them, except for Logan, "Well, there is a condition called anhidrosis, which is a reduced ability or inability to produce sweat. Is it possible that you have that?"

"No, I think I just don't like sweating," Remus shook his head.

"Can we stop talking about sweating and instead focus on the fact that the church is surrounded by a fence?" Damon gestured his hand towards the old church which came into view, "I mean, of course, we can just climb over it, but it has spikes, so..."

"Is there a hole under the fence? Or maybe in it?" Logan pushed his glasses up. Damon looked at him.

"It's iron, try again, sherlock," the group walked closer to the church. Remus was already touching the fence, trying to climb over it while Roman tried to stop him and get him back down. They all looked around when they heard a phone ringing. Logan reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He sighed and put the phone to his ear.

"Yes, Patton?" the other four tried to be as quiet as possible, "Ah, no, I am afraid I'm not at school, I..." Logan looked between all of them, settling at Damon who was mouthing 'You're sick', if Virgil guessed correctly, "I got nauseous, so the teachers made me go home," there is a bit of silence, only a muffled quiet voice coming from the phone that neither of them could decipher, "Yes, I would appreciate. I apologize for making you anxious...Yes, of course. See you after school," he ended the call and put the phone back in his back pocket.

"You didn't mute your phone, are you fucking mental?"

"Remus, shut the fuck up, anyways, do any of you see a gate?" after Damon stopped talking Virgil pointed at Logan. The other four looked at him confused. He gestured for Logan to move, then pointed again. The four looked in the said direction, "Oh, there it is. Does anyone know how to pick locks?"

"I do," said two voices at once. Remus and Logan looked at each other, "To be honest, I am not surprised," Logan said.

"To be honest, I am pleasantly surprised. What else can you do with those hands, nerd?"

"Right, well, Remus, I am sure you have a bobby pin in that monstrosity you call hair," Damon scrunched up his nose.

Remus pulled out two bobby pins out of his bun, "You're just jelly of my long shiny locks."

"That greasy thing hasn't been washed in three years, I am not jealous. Trust me."

Remus and Logan walked over to the lock, "Padlocks are easy to picklock, this should only take a couple seconds," Logan takes on of the bobby pins out of Remus' hand and puts it in the lock. They can't really see what the two are doing, but as promised, they hear the padlock open. Remus throws the padlock away and Loga opens the gate. Remus is the first one to run in, walking to the front door. The rest followed and quickly caught up with him.

The church itself had two large towers on either side. It had a stone structure and the left tower was missing a roof on one side. It had long stained glass windows with a pointed arch, some of the lower ones were broken. The right tower and what had remained of the left had a sharply pointed spire with a cross on top.

"I am assuming this is gothic revival church since an original gothic church would be more broken than this."

"Who cares, let's go inside!" Roman was already opening the door. Surprisingly, the door was open. They stepped inside. The inside was massive. It was long with columns on either side. Instead of the ceiling was a ribbed vault, "Holy shit..." Roman's voice echoed through the church. The crunching of the leaves on the floor echoed as well. Everything echoed.

"Remus, if you scream I swear to god..." Damon glared at the said man. Remus just smiled and shrugged. Then he screamed. After everyone was done covering their ears and the echo slowly fainted, the four began yelling at him and Damon pushed him away, to which Remus just laughed.

They explored the church for a while, which involved Remus mostly hanging off the statues and drawing on the walls with pens, Logan taking pictures and analyzing the interior, Roman standing behind the podium and preaching about Beyonce and Damon and Virgil messing with the organ. After that, they went out in the back where the graveyard was.

"I bet the church was closed down because it was haunted. Do you think someone was killed here?"

Damon looked at Remus, "It's an old abandoned church, of course someone was killed here."

"Do you think there are ghosts?" Roman looked back at the angel statue covered in moss that they passed a while ago.

"Ghosts don't exist."

"Of course they do, specs," Roman spat back.

"Is that so? Do you have any physical proof to back up your statement?"

"No, that's kinda the point of ghosts."

"My dudes, I think I just found a grave robbed grave," they turned to look in Remus' direction. The said man was looming over a seemingly empty grave. When they took a closer look at it they noticed that the casket was opened and almost invisible under the dirt that fell back in the hole. The decomposed remains of the women in it looked terrifying, "That's, like, so cool. I wish that were me."

Virgil didn't think it was cool. Actually, he thought it was revolting and unnerving. The thought of him dying and someone just digging up his corpse to look for something to make money with is disturbing. He stepped away from the grave. He didn't feel safe anymore, instead, it was replaced with an eerie feeling that someone was watching them. He needed to get out of here. He pulled out his phone and began typing. He tapped on Roman's shoulder and the shorter man eventually turned around and read the message, 'u wanna go to dennys? i havent eaten anything all day and im starving'

Roman turned to the others, "Hey, wanna go to Dennys? I am starting to feel kinda hungry."

"Glad you mentioned it, my stomach acids are literally starting to eat me up from the inside," Remus turned around to face the other two.

"Yeah, sure."

"That is satisfactory."

[gotmetalkinginmysleep]

ok so this has lowkey been a fantasy since forever, but imagine a long, slow walk in the fall with Namjoon, his arm around ur shoulder, while he talks about everything and nothing, eventually confessing his feelings (so, so, so much more than friends) and it ends with a steamy kiss in a parked car (or more, im a whore) - Jes

‘This isn’t a date’ you keep telling yourself as you’re walking in the picturesque scenery along the Han. The leaves falling like snow in shades of red, orange and yellow. Littering the floor ahead of you like it’s your own personal red carpet event. Nothing unusual about your day out with a close friend, your handsome best friend that’s talking about that book you’ve both been reading.

“Are you even listening to me?” he doesn’t sound annoyed, he’s just teasing you as you stare ahead in the distance. You swallow your heart down your throat before responding, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

He bursts into laughter, looking at the floor before meeting your eyes, “Where is that head of yours huh?”. His arm wrapping around your shoulder pulling you close to his body as you continue your stroll. 

Looking up at him, he’s dressed in his wool coat and beanie. A scarf hanging loose around his neck as it’s still a little too warm to wear the number of layers you both have on. Your breath steaming in the cooled air as the sun sets around you. He’s nature walk personified and his skin still shows the glowing scars of a warm sunny summer. He’s a dream. But he’s your BFF and there’s no way he feels the same back. I mean, look at you. You’re dressed in your jeans, sneakers, a wool coat and a hat that has cat ears. How goofy can you get?!

Your pulse thudding in your chest and the lump in your throat returns as you fall into silence once more. You desperately hope he can’t feel or hear your heartbeat through your layers. You’re certain that if you don’t keep drinking your Americano your heart will jump from your throat and run away with itself. You’ll end up saying something you shouldn’t or worse, doing something you shouldn’t.

He’s still talking as you approach your parked car but what about you’re not sure. You’ve completely zoned out with your efforts to try and block out your feelings. Once settled in the car, his hand finds yours on the gear stick, “Are you ok?”. He’s holding your hand. He’s fucking holding your hand.

Your freaking out inside, desperately hoping it’s not showing on the outside but you’re definitely certain he can feel your rapid pulse as he’s using both hands to smother yours. You look down at his grip and look to him. He reacts the same way. Nothing is said and he doesn’t need to. He doesn’t need to ask anything because he can feel it. Your heart fluttering against his skin. 

Joon’s known you long enough to read you. There’s a look in your eyes of dread and uncertainty and he has the same but there’s an atmosphere in the car that’s thick with electricity. He removes a hand, and he places it under your chin in what feels like slow motion. He rubs the pad of his thumb across your bottom lip which your body gives into. Relaxing slightly to the sensitivity as your eyes roll closed at the gentlest of touches before he caresses his hand backwards to the nape of your neck. His other hand actually holding yours now as he pulls you into him.

His eyes are scanning your face and settling on your lips before yours reopen to settle on his soft plump lips approaching yours. ‘It’s happening. Fuck it’s happening’. He kisses you. His fingers entwined in your hair as the other is pulled against his chest, which you break free to settle both around his neck. Both of you pulling each other in closer as you sink into it, the tiniest hint of tongue exposed to test the water and taste each other.

You both break apart, catching a breath that feels like it’s been held for forever. Foreheads bumping as you pant, the windows fogging a little thanks to the car being warmer than outside. He’s watching your lips, worrying his bottom lip as he thinks about what he’s just done. A silence between you broken when he finally opens his husky mouth, “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

ARGH Jes (@thotantics​), why did you do this to me? Although, I probably wrote this a little TOO soft. I was feeling it.

[onkey-bedtime-stories]

Tremble (1/3)

WINTER

***

Taemin : Are u going to show up tomorrow?

Jinki  : Still think about it

Jinki  : The restaurant closed around 10

Taemin : Come on! U hv two sous chefs!

Taemin : Let them work :P

Jinki  : Dude, it’s not a restaurant without the head chef around

Taemin : But what’s the point of hiring them if you cannot gain some free time?

Taemin : Come on, Jinki.. U know tomorrow night is important to me

Jinki  : I know, that’s why I said I’m still thinking about it

Taemin : You won’t regret it

Taemin : I have lots of good looking friends on my guest list

Taemin : #wink

Jinki  : I can get laid by myself

Jinki  : I even have invitations already waiting for me until the weekend

Jinki  : And it’s only Wednesday

Taemin : Show off

Jinki  : Sometimes drastic measures are needed

Taemin : Okay, just consider it

Taemin : Not because I have people with good asses coming to the party

Taemin : It’s because you’re my friend and this is important

Jinki  : I know

Jinki  : Text me the address anyway

Jinki  : Just in case I can sneak out one hour earlier

Taemin : Cool! I’ll send the e-invitation to ur email

Taemin : The party starts by 9

Taemin : C U tomorrow! :)

“Aren’t you too old for that?”

Kibum came back to their table with two cups of coffees. He handed one cup to Taemin and sipped what’s inside his before flopped to the grey couch at the corner of the cafe, continued to read the book from where he left it.

“What? Texting?”

“Hmmm,” his eyes aren’t leaving the page opened before him.

“This is what you’ve called networking. You need to keep up with today’s trend to be able staying at the top of society.”

He finally lifted his head to meet Taemin’s eyes, “Drink your coffee. I think you’re not getting over your last night hangover.”

“Ha. Neat,” he put his phone aside, “You’re coming tomorrow, right?”

“You mean your party?”

“What else?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. There would be lots of important people coming over.”

“I should have been insulted with your statement that makes me and my achievement less important but I guess you’re right, I still have the headache from last night I refused to have any quarrel with anyone.”

“Honey, you can stick with your phone and all those youngster hype, but this is what I called networking. Don’t be too sad, I still love you.”

“Whatever. Dress up nicely.”

“You seriously doubt my wardrobe taste?”

“There’s someone I want you to meet. He might looks like a careless person, but when he stepped on any party, he’s not a joke.”

Kibum raised his torn eyebrow when the words finally hit him, “He?”

Taemin chuckles across the table, “Well, after your recent divorce, I don’t think you want to hang around someone who has more than one X chromosome in their DNA. So?”

“So what?”

“Are you interested?”

“I don’t know.”

It’s not like Kibum wanted to solitude himself from all the females as resentment of the separation with his ex-wife. Since he knew what love is back in the first year of high school, he’s open to anyone for he believes gender determined what kind of good heart people has for him. He just needs the time for himself in general, after five years he spent together with her seemed like vanished in vain because both of them cannot handle each other ego during their three years of marriage.

“It’s about time to open your heart again, no?”

“After only six months? Are you being sober now?”

“Easy there, Tiger. I’m just thinking you blamed yourself enough for something that’s already broken more than one year ago. No offense. And don’t give me that look,” Kibum pulls the best effort not to roll his eyes, “I’m not telling you to get married again, Kim Kibum. You just need to start living.”

“Am I dead already for you or what?”

“Yes. You might be here and there trying to put on the pretty mask but you’re just so dead inside. How long we’ve known each other, really? That doesn’t work for me.”

“Lecturing me doesn’t get us anywhere. Moving on it’s not that easy.”

“I know. But moving forward is doable and that’s what you should do right now.”

Kibum leaned closer to recheck whether he’s been talking with the same Lee Taemin he knew since college, “You really are still drunk, aren’t you? Since when you had those fancy words came out your filthy mouth?”

“Internet does crazy stuff on you, you don’t know that?”

Kibum scoffed and grabbed his book back though his mind is not here to continue the story line anymore.

***

Lee Jinki is not a fan of a crowd actually, unless with some alcohol involved and the plan of fooling around entailed. Still, crowd gives him freedom, to mind his own business, to decide what’s to care about and what’s not.

Since a week ago, Taemin had been pestering him to stop by his party for the opening of his new studio. Being a famous photographer, he had the needs to make the night unforgettable. Besides, the younger man had been talking about how cool and perfect his new place is.

In the ocean of stranger like this, he regrets arrived there sober.   

“Lee Jinki!!”

A bright lean man screamed from near what supposed to be the main stage. Jinki waved his hand toward him but isn’t planning to greet him yet, instead he walked closer to the buffet table near the entrance and snatched a glass of prosecco. He nods to the choice of the liquor.

“Look at you! Who said he’s not coming but dressed up like one of my model?”

“This?” he assessed himself right away, black silk shirt under the same color leather jacket matched with pair of maroon pants and white Reebok classic on both his feet, “This is nothing.”

“Bullshit. You definitely rushed home, took shower, and picked your wardrobe carefully.”

“Well, aren’t you glad I finally made it?”

“Apart of I’m quite happy about it, I was pretty sure you’re coming. Lee Jinki refusing party invitation? That only happened two years ago.”

“Shut up!” he put the empty glass back and grabbed two more, one he handed to Taemin’s hand, “Congratulation, Mr. Photographer. New studio, new adventures ahead!”

The clink sounds of the two glass meeting on the air submerged by the loud longue music from the DJ at the right corner of the stage. As usual, Jinki finished his drink in one shot, leaving Taemin shaking his head to the habit.

“In this rate, you’ll get drunk before I did my speech.”

Jinki shrugged and took another glass, “Had a rough day at the restaurant. A couple kept sending back the food to the kitchen with some ridiculous reason. I needed to drag my butt out of the back house to greet them personally.”

“Is that the reason you left early?”

“You can say that. Or more like I don’t like the thought of me missing free flow in the middle of the boring week,” he winked and Taemin only snickered, “So, what did I miss?”

“Nothing, besides the mini tour I gave to the potential important client. And simple exhibition of my previous works.”

“Knowing that I won’t be your client in any future soon and I visited one of your exhibitions before, then I can continue wandering around looking for some goodies,” Jinki raised his fourth glass now already.

“Ah, speaking about the goodies. I need to introduce you to someone.”

“Your new boyfriend?”

“I don’t date anymore, Honey.”

“Ah, I forgot you’re now the exclusive mistress of that famous dancer Kim Jongin.”

“Stop saying some gibberish, this one is a present for you because you actually made an effort to give your time to me.”

“I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“You always said that whenever I have a lover candidate for you.”

“Because it always ended up in a mess!”

“Did not!”

Jinki gulped down his sixth glass, “Did not? The last one you brought to me, four out of five times had cried whenever I led him to the bedroom. The one before that guy, already became someone’s else wife. Which one of them that wasn’t a disaster for you?”

“Okay.. okay, I made some mistakes. Who am I to lie to you? I haven’t figured it out how to find a right man for my own.”

“Then why don’t you take this one?”

“He’s a close friend of mine! Besides, he got your favorite!”

“My favorite?”

“Yeah. Perfect pair of bow lips.”

“Prettier than that one?” Jinki put down his seventh glass while pointing across the room with his chin.

Following the direction, Taemin spun quickly just to find Kibum talking to a group of women which he presumed as new acquaintances he acquired tonight judged from the way Kibum’s standing. One and other time, he glances to the place where Taemin and Jinki are standing as if their presence is a huge distraction to the conversation he engaged with the new friends he made.

Taemin returned back to Jinki which his eyes now pass through his skull to have a better look on the guy with the cashmere turtle neck with the twinkling feline eyes. A smirk appeared immediately on Taemin’s face.

***

Kibum found it hard to continue engaged on the conversation he’s in since the sight of a man who looks like Apollo descendant intruded his vision. That guy looks so out of place but at the same time, giving the vibe that he’s born for the event like this. He doesn’t look threatening, however, those eyes, once struck with Kibum’s and he choked on the wine he’s been nursing since half an hour ago, making him spilled some of the liquid to his chest.

He thanked the universe he left the house with the black top instead any other color.

Though he’s definitely not one of the models Taemin has worked with before, the quality of this man’s look can easily passed for one. There’s something about him that hooked Kibum since the very beginning, forgetting what he convinced himself earlier to make tonight only for business purpose and stay around that circle. His initial plan ruined easily when he caught himself glancing more than three times in the span of ten minutes.

“Ah, really? That would be great. Here’s my name card. Contact me whenever you want,” he took out some card from his wallet, “Now if you excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.”

And with that, Kibum retreated himself from the crowd to calm himself. Once he reached the sink, he splashed some water to his face. Kibum slapped his cheeks several times, this is not happening.

He’s not seventeen anymore. But the drum rolled banging inside his chest is telling him the contrary. Having stupid crush is not his type of playground anymore. After some serious relationships ended up in not so nice break ups back in college and one failed marriage, he thought he would be more cautious and even became numb to this kind of feeling. Maybe it’s just the lust. And the neediness started build up in him after one year absence of attention. Yeah, maybe that’s the reason. Get a grip, Kim Kibum.

After spending what have been like forever in the bathroom stall, Kibum thought it would be safe for him to get out and mingle again. He’s searching for Taemin right away, secretly hoping the man with the maroon slack still tagging around. Nevertheless, Taemin seems unlikely to be found within the crowd. He kept looking to his muse, because there’s usually he would stand and explain some of his works, but those models are scattered here and there and no one has Taemin on their arms.

“Where the heck is this ungrateful kid?”

“You like what you saw?”

A deep soothing voice from his side startled him to after life if it’s not to death. He cocked his head to the source of force driven him crazy only by the sound, Kibum stepped back instinctively once he realized their distance is closer than he calculated back in his hazy mind.

“Earlier. Don’t tell me you’re not looking to my direction.”

“Wow. Such amount of confident,” Kibum snickered whilst inside he’s flipped upside down.

“Well, to begin with, I wouldn’t be this confident if I didn’t catch a beautiful human being like you giving me those intrigued glances every two minutes.”

“Oh, how smooth. How many glasses did you take to be this gallant?”

“So you did look at me.”

Jinki chuckles and when he caught Kibum just an inch before flustered as if someone found out his biggest secret.

“It’s a best friend instinct. When a very threatening man with this all manipulative vibe hanging around your best friend, you cannot just stand still and act as if nothing happened. I don’t want something bad happened with Taemin.”

Jinki closed their distance a little bit, aiming his mouth dangerously to Kibum’s ear, puffing hot breathe that turning Kibum’s whole body into stupid giddy sensation.

“Oh really? What about you, then? Want something bad happened to you?”

Usually, Kibum is not in favor of including himself in any conversation buttered all over with innuendo. But this man, changed every single thing he believed in less than five minutes. Especially when he can still feel him huffing on his neck though it’s wrapped completely under the fabric of his knitwear.

“I guess you took more than five. This one is so much better than your first defense.”

“Seven to be exact.”

“You better take care of yourself, Dear Stranger, the party just started and knowing Taemin for years, this is nothing but a teaser.”

Jinki doesn’t wait any clue to press his hip to Kibum’s side, “Why don’t you help me to take care myself? Or do I interrupt you?”

Kibum observed the face of the man next to him, he looks so beautiful even under the poor light, “You must have taken a time-management class very diligently.”

He poked Jinki’s nose quickly, both cannot deny the spark in such limited touch.

“Just being efficient, I don’t see the point to waste limited time for unimportant business.”

“What’s exactly unimportant business here?”

“Working on my uncooperative brain at the moment to arrange some words together trying to get into your pants while I’m pretty much sure it’s going to happen anyway without such futile effort.”

Jinki ducked his head to fix his hair. Little did Kibum know, he tried to hide his eyes while observing the latter’s reaction.

Kibum just beamed into wide smile, still doesn’t believe on what he just heard, “Aren’t you one of a kind with fancy mouth?”

“How about you can tell yourself once you get a taste on that?”

“Interesting.”

“You think so?”

Jinki kept staring intensely to Kibum. After the cute little dimples adorned the corner of his mouth a while ago, Jinki found it so hard to stay away from his flawless face.

“Sort of. Never in my life had I heard this kind of lame pick-up lines,” Kibum scoffed to control his grogginess.

“Well, someone gotta take the chance to try that out. Up until now, the success rate is still 50-50.”

“You tried this before?” Kibum’s almost shrieked toward the fact, “Who’s this poor soul that had to endure this kind of torture?”

“In front of you,” Kibum’s face turned into a mixture of disbelief and amusement, “This guy was such a talker and he got me under his skin in no time.”

“Wow. Tell me who talked about exes during their first encounter.”

“No one. But you’re beyond what people around me would describe as a perfect human being.”

“Looks like you picked up a lot from him.”

Jinki laughed, pinching his eyes into a perfect crescent, Kibum needs to brush off the urge to cup his face right away, “Let’s just say I’m a fast learner.”

“That’s actually good to put in your curriculum vitae.”

“I didn’t know this require such an application.”

“Oh, I usually don’t,” Kibum’s head fell to the back a little bit while he massaged his neck, “I did that only for the strong candidates.”

“Interesting.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“I don’t have opinion about that since I only saw you,” Jinki wriggling his wrist to check the time, “For about an hour so far.”

“Then we need to get to know each other more.”

The smirks curved on Kibum’s bow lips sent chills down Jinki’s spine. He slipped his hand on the other waist and rested it there after Kibum doesn’t make any protective gesture.

“So, here’s the thing. Who am I talking with this past fifteen minutes?”

“You may call him Kibum.”

“Ah, Kibum,” his voice ghosting above his cheek, “I like the way I rolled that name. But I can do more with my tongue, just so you know.”

“Is that an invitation Sir…”

“Jinki. I go by Jinki.”

Kibum arched his back slightly, purposely stretched his neck too much just so his milky skin peeked behind the cashmere, “Is that an invitation Sir Jinki?”

“If you said so, Dear..”

“Then I know somewhere perfect to get to know each other better.”

“Do you even know this place?”

For Jinki, Taemin’s new studio just looked like an old barn with stone, woods, and glasses for the aesthetic purpose. He has no idea actually, it’s the first time he hang out to such place besides his house, his kitchen, and bars.

“Oh, please. I sold this place to Taemin two months ago.”

***

Kibum didn’t know for sure what brought him here. Maybe the lust, maybe the lack of affection he experienced since his separation, or the needs of attention he craved during his sabbatical period. But since he closed the door of that main hall to the small green house at the back of the building, he couldn’t keep his hand for himself.

The other man of course didn’t help at all since what he’d been doing is basically groping Kibum’s pert globes or nuzzling to his side or mapping the hidden surface along his spine.

Anyway, like Kibum minds at all.

Once they sat at the wooden bench placed against the cold stone wall – Kibum basically thanked himself for suggesting Taemin’s interior designer to put some cushion on it – Jinki attacked those inviting cupid lips without further ado. Kibum’s giggles suppressed back to the down of his throat, he’s unable to laugh at his pathetic desire for Jinki’s velvety mouth melted his entire defense mechanism. He just naturally opened his mouth slightly wider when Jinki surprisingly carefully prodded its surface with his tongue.

“Hmmphh,” Kibum hissed in between heated domination battle, “You indeed have particular skill with your tongue.”

Jinki pulled back a little bit just to give him some space to nip at Kibum’s lower lips, “This is not even 50% of my capability, Sweetheart.”

Kibum yelped inaudibly when strong arms brought him settled on Jinki’s lap. The moonlight fell right on Jinki’s face from the glass roof, giving it mesmerizing picturesque shades. Kibum cupped his cheeks and devour what he left before. Jinki’s hand traveling haphazardly on Kibum’s back, and ended up grabbing handful of his ass leaving him squealing.

Again, like Kibum minds at all.

“Shit,” Jinki cussed when Kibum started going south and nibble on his exposed neck. The man lapping here and there, occasionally stopped a little bit longer to suck at his Adam’s apple, sending his soul ascending to heaven.

“Ah!” a perfect mixture of groan and moan slipped out Kibum’s mouth when Jinki rolled his hips against him. The sounds excited Jinki to move more erratically to satisfy both restrained needs. As if they’re dancing partner for years already, Kibum acknowledge the pace and started grinding back.

“Ugh, Kibum..”

The said man just arched his back and brought Jinki’s to his chest. Jinki secured both his hands to Kibum’s slender waist and inhales deeply of the other man’s scent. They were like pieces of puzzles finally clicked to each other, after wait for too long in such desperation.

Kibum detached themselves for a moment to look at Jinki’s eyes, pretty eyes that reflects his own craving, pretty eyes that drown him since the very second he drop his gaze on it. Jinki never found himself fascinated this much among his one night stands life. He realized Kibum is something when he doesn’t only want to suck every single inch of skin beneath the clothes but also handling it with care as if he’s the most precious and fragile ancient Egypt treasure.

Jinki about to lean further to capture Kibum’s lips but the hands on both sides of his cheeks restrain him to do so.

“I cannot do this.”

“Why?” even if he doesn’t have a mirror before him, Jinki can definitely see the frown fell upon his own face, “You don’t want this as much as I do?”

Kibum shakes his head again before rested his forehead to Jinki, “No, no, you’re beautiful, Jinki. So beautiful I couldn’t believe myself that this is real. But I’m not supposed to do this to you. It’s not fair.”

“Not fair?” Jinki asked again, suddenly terrified by the reality he’s about to face, “You have a boyfriend already? Girlfriend?”

Kibum pecked his nose slowly before flashing his hand above his eyes. Something cracked inside his chest when Jinki saw the silver band on his ring finger.

“You’re married.”

“It’s been only six months after a horrible divorce.”

“So? What’s holding you up?”

“You don’t get it, do you?”

Jinki rolled his eyes before stating the matter of fact here, “I’m single and you’re a widow. Whom are we going to hurt here?”

“You, Jinki. You. As much as I want you to continue what you’re doing down there,” both of them looking to the point where their crotch glued to each other, “Yes, the way your little prince been nudging my ass frantically had been driving me crazy I wanted to ruin your expensive silk shirt and suck your collar bones for the rest of the night, believe me. I just don’t want this to only because I’m sexually deprived.”

“So what do you want?”

Jinki is not the type who compromised during heated hour like this. But strangely, for Kibum, he’s willing to do it at least for once.

“I want you when I want you. Not when I need a release.”

Kibum removed himself from Jinki’s laps, he couldn’t help to chuckle when he notice the obvious bulge on the other’s southern region. He fixed his hair and adjusted the belt that slightly uneven after some battles of friction. Jinki looks disappointed at some point, but Kibum somehow know he’s not mad with the decision.

“A correction. The prince is not that little, if you know what I mean.”

Kibum let out wholeheartedly laughter and kissed Jinki slow and warm on the cheek, inhaling Jinki as much as possible.

“Of course I know what you mean. Or should I say, I felt?”

It’s Jinki turn to laugh this time, the way it sounds sent Kibum’s hand directly to his bangs and ruffles it messy.

“Now if you allow me, I need to go home and call my kid. It’s around the time she finished her school.”

Wow, a man with a baggage, Jinki sudden thought. But at least he admit Kibum’s a man of courage to go this far, unlike this ex-boyfriend he had that just a lump full of cowardliness. That makes Kibum more than his other flings. He might be too soon to fall, but he doesn’t care because Kibum seemed worth to fight for.

“When will I see you again?”

Kibum stopped by the threshold of the green house’s door. He turned his head and sincerely smiled to the stunned Jinki who sit alone by the bench.

“Spring. I’ll see you again on spring.”

Jinki smile to himself and scratch the back of his head that is not itchy at all.

“Spring is good.”

***

I wrote this on my AFF a while ago. Since I’m not going to write again until I finish my thesis and graduated, hopefully by September or October - finger-crossed, I thought it would be nice to cross-post it here. So, yeah. I appreciate all the support you all gave me up to now. Until I see you again, please be happy and be healthy :)

[femslashy]

make a wish

for day 20 of @snowbaz-feda and also @bazwearsjeans birthday!! (it’s still ur bday in texas this counts)

length: 1.7k

genre(s): fluff 

triggers/warnings: none

the five times simon tried to surprise baz on his birthday, and the one time he did

a/n: thank you @cherryonsimon for the beta as always!! ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY IZZIE DO U LOVE IT DO U KNOW HOW HARD TO WAS NOT TO SPOIL UR SURPRISE OH MY GOD HERE TAKE IT EVEN THOUGH U FELL ASLEEP LITERALLY RIGHT BEFORE I FINISHED x.x (also readmores don’t seem to work on mobile but if you click on my url it should take you to the post ^__^)

Baz’s 20th Birthday

Snow likes to think he’s subtle. A week ago he’d asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday; to which I’d replied that all I wanted was a quiet dinner with him at a restaurant where he couldn’t wear a tracksuit. And he’d laughed like I was being funny. (I wasn’t.)

I also wasn’t kidding when I’d shared my wishes, but Snow interpreted them as an invitation to plan me a surprise party. As I said before, Snow likes to think he’s subtle and, while I usually indulge this tendency, the urge to fuck with him was stronger.

It started when I saw the receipt for the cake.

“Simon?” I said, blinking like I had no idea what was going on, “why is there a receipt for a cake on your breakfast bar?” I watched in amusement as he missed the stick of butter, the knife in his hand landing with a hard clink on the ceramic dish. I waited a beat before asking again. “Why did you buy a cake?”

“That’s--that’s Penny’s,” he stammers out, “it’s--she--her friend is having a--a party--a going away party. They’re going away--moving. They’re moving away. So Penny bought a cake. For the party. For the person who’s moving away. For the party for the person who’s moving away.”

“This person is throwing their own going away party?”

“Yes…”

“Then why is Penny the one getting the cake?”

“Because she’s throwing the party.”

“You just said the person was throwing the party.”

This time the butter knife slips from his fingers completely and clatters to the floor. “I--I meant--I just--”

Oh, Merlin. This is becoming painful, and I feel like an idiot for riling him up like this. I reach for his hand and pull him close until his chest is touching mine. “Okay,” I murmur, “It’s okay, I believe you.” He looks relieved and I press a kiss to his temple, relishing in the small sigh he lets out.

When my birthday rolls around, I’m dragged to Nando’s where Bunce is waiting with my uni friends, and I pretend like I had no idea this was coming. The way Simon’s beaming at me as he holds my hand under the table makes the sacrifice worth it. Plus, there’s always next year.

Baz’s 21st Birthday

Mordelia is sprawled across the Starbucks couch, ignoring the glares from the other patrons as she casually sips her strawberry and creme frappuccino. I’m sitting in the armchair next to her, sneering at the onlookers. If I’m honest, Mordelia is being a brat for taking up the entire couch, but it’s amusing to watch the faces of the other people, so I don’t say anything.

If Snow was here with us, he’d be squirming in his seat, uncomfortable with the annoyance of those around him. He’s still got that damn hero complex, and if he was here I’d make her move. But he’s not, he’s busy doing something with Bunce, so I’d been sitting bored at the flat when Mordelia had called and invited me out for a birthday coffee.

I take a sip of my own coffee just as Mordelia’s phone dings. She takes a long, final drag of her drink and stands up. “We need to go.”

“Now?” I ask. “Why?”

She doesn’t look up from her phone, her thumbs flying across the screen. “Because I’m supposed to bring you to the party--oh, shit!”

Aleister Crowley, not again.

Baz’s 22nd Birthday

I’m talking on my mobile when Snow walks in the door. I nod in his direction and he gives me a little wave.

“Is that Izzie?” he asks and I nod. “Tell her she needs to be at the place at 5 to--” he pales. “To…to…”

I raise my eyebrows. “To what, Snow?”

He reaches into the pocket of his jeans. “Oh look, someone’s ringing me, I really should take this.”

“I didn’t hear anything,” I say, trying not to chuckle.

“It--it’s on silent.” he tries.

“Then how were you able to hear it?”

“I--” he pulls out his mobile and holds it up to his ear, mouthing goodbye, and I just smirk at his retreating figure and go back to my conversation

“Thanks for filling me in,” I say as we’re finishing up, loud enough for Simon to hear, and I hear him swear through the wall.

It’s almost starting to become a tradition.

Baz’s 23rd Birthday

Daphne hugs me goodbye on the front steps. “I’ll see you on Thursday?”

I’m confused. “I thought we were doing a family party that weekend?”

“Well, love, Simon thought it would be a nice idea to combine them both. Didn’t he tell you?”

I just roll my eyes. Trust Snow to forget to inform my stepmother that it’s a surprise party.

Baz’s 24th Birthday

[11:08] Penelope: Do you want to go to Ikea? I’ll buy lunch. [11:08] Baz: Take your boyfriend. [11:10] Penelope: I would, but he’s too busy helping your boyfriend. [11:10] Baz: What? [11:38] Penelope: It’s not important. [11:39] Baz: Then why can’t he go with you? [11:39] Penelope: Because he’s helping Simon with something. [11:41] Baz: You just said it wasn’t important. [11:45] Penelope: Fine. You have to come with me to Ikea so they can set up for you party. [11:45] Baz: … [11:45] Baz: You aren’t supposed to make it that easy. [11:50] Penelope: Don’t tell him I told you! [11:55] Baz: Not a chance, Bunce.

Baz’s 25th Birthday

Snow isn’t even trying to be sneaky this year. Last week I’d opened a package from Amazon that I thought was for me, and it was full of party decorations--and a very large “Happy Birthday Baz!” banner. Crowley, does he think I’m a child? The banner was white with my name in large blocky letters and it’s covered in zoo animals, for fucks sake. What was he thinking?

This morning I’d gone down to get our Tesco order and when I’d opened on of the bags I found 4 boxes of cake mix and several cans of frosting. Snow chose that moment to stumble sleepily out of our room, but he seemed to wake right up as soon as he saw the bag in front of me. He dashed over and snatched the bag from my surprised hands.

“Those are Penny’s!” He’d shouted, and run out the front door. I don’t even think he remembered he wasn’t wearing a shirt.

Now Snow’s standing in front of me in a smart shirt and a pair of dark jeans i suspect he’s nicked from my side of the closet, and I look him up and down.

“You’re a little dressed up for Nando’s, aren’t you?”

Simon just smiles in response and my stomach swoops a little bit. It’s that soft one he uses when it’s just the two of us, in the early morning before the city’s begun to wake; when it feels like we’re the only two people in the world. He holds out his hand and I take it, still feeling dazed from that bloody smile.

His mobile buzzes to let us know the uber is here and Simon grabs my hand and leads me out the door. I can’t help but feel like he’s taking me on an adventure. Something does feel different, we don’t go the same way down our street as usual, but I just assume this driver prefers a different route.

After all, every year on my birthday, Snow’s taken me to the same bloody place, why would this year be any different? Except when I glance out the window of the uber, I don’t recognize my surroundings.

“Where are we going?”

Snow shrugs, and I start to get curious.

“Merlin, are you actually taking me somewhere different?”

He shrugs again, and I shove his arm. He pretends to scowl at me, and I lean over and kiss my favorite mole on his cheek. Snow grins when I do that and catches my mouth in a kiss. The driver clears his throat from the front seat, but I ignore him as Simon slips his tongue into my mouth.

I put my hand on his knee and glide it up his thigh. He lets me get almost all the way to his crotch before grabbing my wrist and shaking his head. “Later.”

I pout. “But it’s my birthday.”

“Birthdays don’t mean you can feel me up in the back of an uber.”

I cross my arms and pretend to ignore him. He just leans into me, warm against my side.

We sit like that for the rest of the ride and I close my eyes, only opening them again when I feel the car come to a stop. We’re in front of what looks like a club and the sign on the front announces that Kishi Bashi will be playing there this evening.

“Simon…” I say, “Simon, did you plan this?”

“Yes?” he says like he’s unsure of my reaction. “When I found out he was going to be here on your birthday, I knew I had to get the tickets. Are you surprised?”

I nod dumbly,

The show is amazing, the food is delicious, and Snow is the best boyfriend in the world for giving me this. After the music is finished, I stand to go say hello. I don’t ask Simon to join me--I know crowds make him uncomfortable, so I squeeze his hand quickly before heading towards the stage.

I wait with the other fans, holding onto my paper napkin (thanks for the heads up, Snow) for him to sign. I want to tell him what a huge fan I am and that I’ve taught myself all of his songs, but all I can seem to say is: “I admire your work, I admire you,” on repeat. I have to force myself to stop, and turn around, still clutching the now signed napkin. (Never meet your idols.) (Especially when you haven’t planned out what to say.)

When I come back to the table, there’s a slice of cake with a single candle waiting for me and Simon’s beaming in my direction. He stands up to pull out my chair and I instantly feel calmer as I sink down into it. He nudges the plate in my direction and says,  “Make a wish.”

It’s already come true, I think, but I blow out the candle anyway. I’d make ten thousand wishes if he asked me.

Because I’m in love with him. Because I’ll always love him.

Because even after all these years, he still likes this better than fighting.