#last time I saw him he couldn’t even sit at the dinner without the iPad and now he’s like

[champagnemoon]

My cousin took internet screen time completely away from their kid after reading about the effects it has on developing brains and it’s been wild watching the change of behavior in real time now that he’s watching little bear on vhs and not like prank fight neon toy 1 hour unboxings

[ninacarstairss]

hello cece my beautiful wonderful beloved soulmate <3

i hope you have been well and looking after yourself! i don’t want you overworking yourself 😭 but it has been two days since i have come back from my trip (i have been exhausted plus i had work and uni to catch up on) so now i am going to sit down and tell you about my trip!! please grab a cup of tea and a snack while you read :)

so i went to sydney again, and i had a much more enjoyable experience this time around. i think it was because i knew what i was getting into, and i stayed in the exact same place, so it was all familiar to me.

although i did try to use the public transport this time, instead of ubering everywhere, and the buses were so bad, but the trains were INCREDIBLE! they were double decker and the back support moved so you could have a single row or two rows of seats face each other??? SO COOL

anyways, me and my friend caught the train to the airport at 4am in the morning 😭😭😭 (and i finished work at 12am!!!!) to get our flight. once we landed in sydney, my friend wanted to get merch from the early presale stand outside the arena and we were outside in 30 degree heat FOR TWO HOURS, with our luggage. good news, my birthday is coming up and my friend didn’t know what to get me, so he bought half my merch 🤭 bad news, i’m ginger and i get sunburnt in two minutes, so think about two hours… the worst thing is we had an umbrella for sun protection, but my right arm and the back of my neck was out so they were FRIED. i’m currently peeling like a reptile but worth it

we got some food from maccas because we were dehydrated and getting heat stroke, and then checked into our room after we managed to get our stuff. we both ended up napping in the afternoon, which we were both surprised about, because i had my phone in my hand still attached to the charger next to my bed and he still had his genshin impact loaded up onto his ipad 😭😭😭

unfortunately the place i wanted to take him to for dinner, the really good japanese place from last time, was under renovation, so we had dinner elsewhere but we had such a good time the rest of our trip

because we went to see stray kids, a kpop group, we had a lot of activities we could indulge in. they had this thing called a cupsleeve event, where someone in the fandom designs a cupsleeve to represent a kpop idol’s birthday, group anniversary or in our case, coming to the city. and i got so many freebies! we went to this kpop store that doubled as a cafe and the drinks were so good! i bought way too much but i have to remind myself that i can’t get it at home 😔

we also went to the biggest bookstore i have ever seen in my life! it took up a whole floor of the shopping centre and it was brilliant. it had books upon books, categories after categories. they even had an entire chinese and japanese section! i also spent a lot of money there BUT my best find was the entire completed infernal devices manga trilogy!! it’s so beautiful and such a rare find, i grabbed it immediately. i couldn’t find the tmi graphic novels though, but they have them on their website, so i might order them in :)

alright, the main event! the concerts! so i went and saw the kpop group, stray kids, two nights in a row! it was amazing. i was and still am a huge fan of their work, but especially because they got me through a really hard time in my life and really were my serotonin while i was at school 😔 i wasn’t allowed to see them when they first came here four years ago (parents: maybe next year, they’ll come! *next year being 2020.*) so i feel like i finally made up for it.

me and my friend also matches outfits! we did black and green (the concert colours) on the first night, and red and white on the second (to match the stray kids colours). i wish i could send you photos, we looked so slay 🤩

i do not have one concert video without me screaming the lyrics (yeah the korean ones too!) in the back. but i don’t care, it was so fun, i had a blast. and it was even better because two of the members of stray kids were from sydney and they just made it feel more homely :) do not regret how much money i spent on them or the sleep i lost at all! i’m so glad i can slowly start to give myself the experiences i missed out on as a kid/teenager :’)

anyways, enough about me! how have you been? what have you been up to? how is simba? 🥺 i adore you so much and i am enclosing this letter with a warm hug <3333

hello nero my amazing perfect beloved soulmate <3

yay i’m so happy to finally hear about this trip!!! i just made myself a cup of tea and brought out some biscoff cream!!

how was the catching up part?? did you manage to catch up without exhausting yourself too much??

nero that’s so great!! i think that having a familiar surrounding is always helpful, and staying in the same place makes it all less scary somehow. i’m really happy it went much better!!

NO WAY THEY HAVE THOSE TRAINS THERE??? they look so cool!!! i’ve seen them on instagram once and i was so jealous of every city who had those trains!! you can literally choose if you want to sit alone or have company and that’s so cool!!! it’s basically a buildable environment!!! i’m getting way too excited about this lol

so you only had like three hours of sleep?? 😭😭😭😭 and you even had to stand in the heat for hours 😭😭😭 but yay!!! merch!!! that’s a really great birthday gift!!! (also when is your birthday??? only if you want to share of course <3)

anyway merch is so amazing and so expensive. this has got to be one of the best presents ever!!! even if it means you’re skinning like a reptile now lol at least it’s just two small spots instead of your whole self 😂 but i get the struggle. i’m not ginger but my skin is so light i always get sunburnt in 0.5 seconds too. definitely not fun, but worth it for some merch :D

that was probably a really fun situation to wake up to, but you both deserved a nap for catching a bus at 4am!!! especially since you had only a few hours of sleep after work!! at least you were rested enough to really enjoy the trip!!

oh no 😭😭 i’m still dreaming about that place!! i went to a my favorite japanese restaurant in my city a few days ago and i really wanted to try that beverage you told me about but i was driving so i couldn’t 😭 i hope this other restaurant was really good too though!!

no way!!! nero this is all way too cool!!! i’m so happy it was so fun and there were so many things to do!!! also this cupsleeves event sounds so cool!! i’m so happy nero, you’re making my day just by telling me about all these freebies and amazing drinks!! and you know i’m always gonna be the little devil on your shoulder telling you that spending money is good and you deserve all that amazing stuff :))

the tid manga trilogy??? how is that even possible omg you can’t find that anywhere!!!! i’m so jealous, i wanna live in this bookstore now 🥺 it’s got to be so amazing!! (you always find the best bookstores, i had no doubt there would be one in this letter too and i was so excited to read about it!!) and let me know if you do order the tmi graphic novels!! i’ve been trying to collect those too hehe

the fact that *next year* was 2020 is so painful. but you saw them two nights in a row!!! that’s amazing!! and it must have been so good to see them after so long, after they’d been by your side in a really tough time 🥹 i’m so happy you got to finally see them live!!

also, the matching outfits?? I LOVE THAT!!! i bet you looked so slay!!! that’s literally the best idea for what to wear to a concert!!!

nero i’m so so happy for you!!! you’ve made my whole day, i’m not even joking!! i’m so happy you’re finally getting to enjoy trips and concerts you couldn’t before!! and this one really sounded so perfect!!! also the videos with you screaming at the top of your lungs to every song are literally the best. i love it when i rewatch a video from a concert and i can hear myself screaming and crying and dying more than i can hear the band or the singer. it just makes me live all those memories and those amazing feelings again!!!

the money spent on this is totally worth it!!! and you can sleep now, uni can wait lol really nero i’m so happy this trip was so good!!! i’m so happy for you!!!

i’m good!! i got three days off from work this week so that was great, and i started to reread chain of iron so that i can reread chain of thorns right after :) i miss them so much already 🥲

anyway i just booked a trip for may, because a friend is coming to visit me and i’m gonna be off work for two weeks so i’m really looking forward to it and now i just wanna skip work and plan the itinerary 😂 and i want to book more trips too. which isn’t great because my bank account is already crying and begging me to stop buying stuff. did i tell you i got the illumicrate edition of chain of thorns with the alternative dust jackets? yeah so my bank account still hasn’t forgiven me for it :,)

simba is also doing really good, he’s eating a lot and sleeping a lot as usual 😌

also, ever since you told me about the rina sawayama concert, and because you always talked so much about her, i kinda started listening to her music a lot more and i’m obsessed with some songs now!!! i adore her style so thank you for this new obsession :>

i’m enclosing a warm hug for you too and a little bouquet of flowers <3

[tanyawritesstories]

Living the Dream | Commander Wolffe x Reader Modern AU

So everybody knows about Wolffe and his breeding kink, so I brought the results of it to life! This entire concept may have come from a customer I see at work every so often with his kids. They're all so well behaved and adorable, and it seems every time I see him he's got more kids with him. So thank you, random customer. This is also the softest, cutest thing I've ever written. Enjoy!

Word count: 2,044

Warnings: pure unhinged fluff, Wolffe and his adorable kids, mentions the act of creating children, grocery shopping, even more fluff, it's just really cute

•••

Wolffe had never once thought about how he might look to other people, he didn't really care. At least not anymore. They usually smiled at him, some said hello, some still avoided him. He was convinced it was because of the scar and the prosthetic eye, it scared people. Though when they saw his entourage they thought differently. Wolffe may be intimidating, but it was the exact opposite when he was being swarmed with half a dozen children.

It might be a little troublesome wrestling so many children to the store but you weren’t feeling up to it and you needed a break from the kids. So your loving husband had volunteered to get the groceries and take the kids with him.

Wolffe loved every single one of his children. There were eight, four girls and four boys. They were perfect, all exceptionally well behaved, thanks to Wolffe’s military background. He kept them in line and taught them respect and manners. He was firm but kind, a perfect husband and father. You loved watching him with the kids.

Wolffe pushed the cart ahead of him with one hand, his youngest strapped into the seat in the front, his 3 year old balanced on his hip. The twins were sat in the cart itself sharing the iPad as they played a word learning game. Wolffe had sent his oldest two to a different part of the store to get a few other things. The last two, 7 and 9 years old, walked alongside him, getting distracted every few minutes.

"Ooh, daddy look at this!" His 9 year old, Kess, says as she points to a brightly colored box of cereal. "I see it, sweetie. Now c'mon, we need to find food for dinner," he replied.

He turned down an isle trying to find pasta sauce when he heard something being dropped into the cart. He turned to find that his 7 year old had thrown a package of cookies into the cart. "Zeke, we don't need those, bud," he admonished softly. "But I want them," the little boy said stubbornly. "I know, but we don't need them today, so can you please go put them back?" The young boy stomped his foot, "No, I want them so we're getting them." Wolffe kneeled down so he was eye level with his child, "Zeke Jason Koon, go put those back this instant or you're not getting your toys for the rest of the day. You will not talk back to your father and you will not disobey me," he said firmly.

Zeke lowered his head to the ground and took the cookies to put them back on the shelf. “Thank you,” Wolffe finished. He managed to find the right kind of pasta sauce and added it to the cart. His eldest two boys came thundering down the isle carrying things in their hands. “Hey hey, slow down, no running,” Wolffe corrected. “Sorry,” Tam said, “We couldn’t find the milk.”

“That’s alright, we should have enough at home,” Wolffe assured, “Can you two take Briea to pick out candles and decorations for her birthday please.” The two boys nodded and Wolffe set the youngster in his arms down on her feet. “Both of you stay with her and don’t let her out of your sight, ok?” Cardell nodded and took his little sister’s hand, Tam taking her other hand as they went on their way.

Kess helped her father, grabbing the noodles from the bottom shelf. The twins, who had since gotten bored of the iPad, were looking around and smiling at people that looked their way. The more rebellious of the twins, Lieda, decided to stand up in the moving cart and hang onto the edge. “Lieda, sit down!” Her twin brother scolded, pulling her shirt to try and get her to sit back down. “Liore, don’t pull on her shirt, please. Lieda, sit down, hun. I don’t want you to get hurt,” Wolffe said without taking his eyes off the list you had written up for him. Wolffe found three more items on the list when Zeke started pulling gently on his pants leg.

“What do you need, bud?” Zeke reached his arms up to his father, “Please.” Wolffe picked up his little boy with a smile, “You want the high ground?” Zeke nodded and giggled, Wolffe lifted him up higher and placed Zeke on his shoulders, the little boy squealing with laughter. “Hang on tight up there,” Wolffe cautioned with a smile, he felt his son’s hands anchor themselves onto his head and he held onto the boy’s leg with one hand.

Cardell and Tam came back with Briea, Cardell was carrying her while Tam carried multicolored plates, cups, and napkins. Cardell was having trouble keeping Briea from sticking the package of candles in her mouth. “She picked these out, all on her own,” Tam said, dumping the supplies into the cart. “Good job, Brie Brie,” Wolffe smiled, pinching the little girl’s cheek. He handed the list to the twins, “Here, can you guys make sure we have everything on the list?”

Liore took hold of the list and glanced over it, “Dada these words are too big,” he announced. “You can do it, sound out the letters, remember. Like how mommy showed you,” he encouraged. Tam ran further down the aisle to help Kess reach something on the shelf. Ariah, who had been content to sit strapped into the cart sucking on her pacifier, rocked back and forth and opened her mouth to gurgle, consequently letting her pacifier fall out of her mouth and onto the dirty floor. The now distraught tiny one year old scrunched up her face and began crying, Wolffe unbuckled her from the seat and held her against his chest. He gently rubbed her back and rocked her, “shhh, it’s ok, dada’s here,” he whispered.

Cardell picked the pacifier off the ground, “Want me to go wash it off?” Wolffe smiled gratefully at his son, “Please. Thank you, Cardell.” Lieda stood up in the cart again, “I wanna come too!” Cardell set Briea down in the cart and plucked his other sister out, taking her hand and wandering off to find a sink. Tam noticed his father had his hands full and offered to push the cart. “I wanna push too,” Kess added. “Ok, you push that side I’ll push this side,” Tam compromised. Kess was barely able to reach the handle but put her heart into the task nonetheless, Liore was still trying to pronounce the words on the list while Briea had gotten her hands on the iPad and was sucking on the corner.

Wolffe followed his children around as they pushed the cart and gathered the last few items on the list. He had gotten Ariah to stop crying after only a few minutes and she was now sleeping soundly in his arms, Zeke still perched high and mighty on Wolffe’s shoulders. They got to the front of the store and were rejoined by Lieda and Cardell, who gave Ariah her clean pacifier back. The twins started loading the items onto the conveyor belt, Tam watching to make sure they didn’t throw or drop the eggs or glass bottles. The cashier greeted them with a friendly hello which Wolffe returned.

“Alright Zeke, you’re gonna have to get down bud, dada needs to pay for our groceries,” Wolffe said, he crouched down and allowed Cardell to whisk his little brother off their dad’s shoulders. Kess and Tam took the full bags off the rotating holder and gave them to the twins to organize in the cart. Cardell put Zeke down and let him help put bags into the cart while he picked Briea out and held her to make more room.

“Are these all your kids?” The cashier, a middle aged woman, asked. Wolffe raised an eyebrow at her rudeness, “Yes, they’re all mine.” The woman seemed shocked. “They’re so well behaved,” a kind looking older woman said. She was behind them in the line, watching the children with awe. “Thank you, my wife and I are trying our best,” Wolffe smiled. “Well, you’re doing a great job,” she added, “You don’t see young people with well behaved children nowadays. These all the kiddos you have?” Wolffe smiled wider, there was nothing he loved more than talking (bragging) about his family. “Yep,” he chirped, “All eight. My wife and I are very lucky.” The old woman smiled at him and placed a hand on his arm, “You have a lovely family. God bless you, son.” Wolffe thanked her again and paid for his items.

~~~~

Wolffe knocked on the door, only having to wait a few seconds before you opened it. You gave him a weary smile, “My hero,” you said opening the door wider. Wolffe walked inside, setting one bag on the counter, followed by the rest of the kids carrying in the other bags. He still carried Ariah against his chest, the tiny girl still sound asleep. Wolffe told the kids what to leave out and what to put away before setting the sleeping child down on her blanket laid out on the living room floor. Finally being able to greet you again, he pecked you on the lips and pulled you into a hug.

“Are you feeling any better?” He asked. You sighed, “I was able to sleep for a little bit but now by back is killing me.” Wolffe smiled sympathetically, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. You want me to give you a massage later?” You rested your head on your husband’s chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Don’t be sorry, I’ve done this before. It’s all part of the experience,” you chuckled, looking up at your husband. Wolffe kissed your forehead and brought his hands around to your front. “You’d think it would get easier the ninth time,” he mused, running his palms over your enlarged stomach. You chuckled again, “It has a little bit. C’mon let's make dinner. And yes, I'll take that massage.”

~~~~

Wolffe whisked off his shirt and set the alarm on his phone before setting it on his nightstand. He thought for a moment before deciding he would sleep in just his boxer shorts tonight, he let the sweatpants he had been wearing fall to the floor and he slid underneath the covers of your shared bed. He rolled onto his side and perched himself up on one elbow, gazing across the room at you. You were sat at your vanity in only your panties and one of his t-shirts which was much too large on you. You loved wearing his t-shirts, especially when you were pregnant, they were so big and comfy.

This was his favorite part of the day, staring at you as you applied various creams and oils to your skin, the lights bordering the mirror made you glow even more. He was entranced by you, his own angel, someone who wanted a big family just like him. You finished your nightly routine and turned around to see him staring at you. “What?” You asked with a smile. He shook his head, “nothing” he mumbled. You turned off the vanity light and climbed in bed, laying down facing Wolffe.

“I swear you get more beautiful every time I knock you up,” he mused. You playfully swatted his arm, “oh yes because the weight gain, mood swings, and morning sickness are drop dead gorgeous,” you said sarcastically. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to him. “It is, I think it’s sexy,” he whispered, kissing the corner of your mouth. “I love how you get so big from carrying my baby and how sassy you get sometimes, you know it turns me on." You tried to hide the blush on your cheeks as you smiled, but Wolffe moved your hands away. "And when you get sick that means I can dote on you even more,” Wolffe continued, sealing every reason with a kiss somewhere on your face. You sighed happily and brought a hand to his cheek.

“I love you, Wolffe, and every baby you’ve given me. I love everything we have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“Neither would I, my love. I am living out my dreams.”

[rina-writes]

Mom and Dad II

Part one: link

Summary: Sequel by popular demand! You and the Dolan Twins head home for Christmas, just in time for your six month anniversary with Grayson.  The only downside is that you fighting for Grayson’s attention with another girl....your toddler cousin, Monica

Your eyes fluttered open at the sound of that accompanied the seat belt sign flicking on.  You lifted your head off of Grayson’s shoulder and blinked the sleep out of your eyes.  The sweet smell of his cologne filled your nose and you resisted the urge to nuzzle into the crook of his neck.  You looked at him with a soft, slepy smile.  Grayson looked a bit bashful, his eyes glancing at your peripherally. You could tell he was pretending to not notice you waking up as he stared at his iPad in front of him. You pressed your lips to his cheek and his eyebrows raised slightly.  He turned to look at you and grinned, the little gems in his incisors sparkling in the low light of aircraft cabin.  His head dipped down and his lips pressed on to yours in one quick motion. You kissed back, massaging your lips softly against his.  Grayson’s hand slipped up your arm and he rested it at the back of your neck to pull you closer.  You adjusted yourself and tried to pull your weight in the kiss, but you had to be honest. The position was uncomfortable.

With the arm rest down and your seat belt digging into your stomach, you felt like you were in some kind of torture device.  But, you were kissing Grayson Dolan.  Correction, you were kissing your boyfriend, Grayson Dolan. This was going to be the first of many kisses over the next two weeks.  All your teenage fantasies of dating Grayson back in Jersey were going to come true.  Making out in the hot tub on the back patio, riding on the back of his ATV as your chin rested on his shoulder, baking cookies for Santa and then staying up all night watching movies and eating the treats yourself...the list went on. 

So, the fact that right now, your knee was a bit numb and you weren’t sure if your pinky was still working, you were still thrilled at what was to come.  Nothing could bring you down. You were dating your best friend.

“You two coming up for air anytime soon?” The flight attendant asked, making you both break apart with urgency.

You watched as Grayson’s face turned red, and wondered if you were blushing just as hard.  You tried to think of a retort, but the flight attendant just shoved the garbage bag toward you.

“Trash?” She asked, her Jersey accent reminding you of your own relatives.

“Nope.” You shook your head and Grayson did the same.

The flight attendant looked at Grayson, her red lipstick painted lips smacking together. Her eyes darted back at you before giving you an approving nod. “Not bad...” She said before moving to the next aisle.

You and Grayson stared at each other wide eyed, trying not to laugh.

“How freaking rude...” You muttered. “...no one asked for her opinion.”

“At least she said, I’m not bad...” Grayson’s eyes twinkled with a fake bravado as he stretched his arms over his head.

“Uh huh...” You rolled your eyes trying to hide your smile. “I’m glad she has reduced you to a piece of meat...and with a half-assed compliment at that.”

“You want to talk about rude...” Ethan said, slowly sitting up.

Oh yeah, the other reason you were uncomfortable was because your boyfriend’s twin’s head was as heavy as a boulder and it was resting on your arm the entire flight. Ethan had collapsed on your shoulder before the security video even started.  To be fair, it was early for him at 9am in the morning and Grayson wasn’t kind when waking him up.

“How are you going to make out with your brother right here?” Ethan asked, shaking his head as he leaned over to look at Grayson.  He then looked at you.  “I expected more from you, Y/N.  You’re way too mature for PDA.”

You blushed, once again at a loss for words. Had you been away from Jersey for too long? What happened to your clap back skills?

“Hey!” Grayson said, leaning over to look at Ethan. “You’re the one using my girlfriend as a pillow without asking.”

“I was using my BEST FRIEND as a pillow.” Ethan said, grabbing your arm and pulling you closer.  Not that he really needed to get closer.  Your seats were so close together, the twins’ thighs were infringing on your seat. Never again will you take the high ground and insist on traveling economy.  Not with the two largest twins in the world squishing you on a six hour flight.

“Oh here we go...” Grayson argued, grabbing your other arm.

You started to rub your temple and sighed.  With one hand still on your head and the other hand raised, you announced your signature move.

“I’m going to count to 3....” You warned, putting up a single finger. “1...”

“But, babe...” Grayson whined. 

“2...” You continued counting, another finger going up.

“Ugh, fine.” Ethan grunted, folding his arms.

The two silently faced forward, sulking.  You let out a sigh of relief.  If there was one perk about being the Mom friend, it was being able to control tantrums for all ages from age 2 to 20.

In the quiet of the plane landing, you couldn’t help, but start to drift back to your fantasies of you and Grayson over the winter break. By far,  you were most thrilled about your six month celebration.

 You didn’t have anything planned, but given the fact that Grayson went all out for your first month (a couple spa package followed by a candle-lit dinner), you couldn’t even fathom what he would do for six months. You even planned out your outfit. You found a similar red dress to the one Mariah Carey wore in ‘All I Want For Christmas is You.’ 

While you and Grayson hadn’t gotten frisky yet, you also splurged on a pretty number to wear underneath the dress as well.  Whether he got to see your undergarments or not, you had also prepared a more “family appropriate” gift that you were sure he would love. 

Your thoughts were interrupted by cabin lights flickering on.  You all hastily got out of your seats along with the other passengers, happy to feel your legs again. 

Once you were off the plane, Ethan and Grayson were back to the usual playful selves.  They were competing to see who could find and get all the suitcases off the belt the fastest.  You sat on the bench and called your parents to let them know you landed.  You glanced the boys and made the executive decision to call  their mom to let her know that you made it. 

With the responsible actions were complete, you sat back and watched the boys jumping over each other to grab suitcases.  You chuckled any time they grabbed the wrong suitcase and awkwardly apologized to the actual owner 

You smiled softly every time Grayson looked back to check if you were watching him.  It warmed your heart that he always wanted to impress you.  You gave him a little wave and he grinned brightly, like a little kid.  Whenever you were together, it felt like you catapulted back to your pre-teen selves, with you being the quiet cheerleader and him being the adventurous goof making you laugh.

Before you knew it, all the luggage was claimed.  Unfortunately, the winner of the challenge was indeterminate.  As the boys argued over who took the most cases and which ones were heavier, your parents called to say they were here.  Ethan hugged you first, knowing that Grayson’s goodbye was going to be longer.

“See you after Christmas!” Ethan said, rocking you from side to side in his bear hug. “Hopefully, Grayson doesn’t hog you too much at the ski resort.”

That was another reason you were over the moon about winter break.  Your family and the Dolans coordinated to go on a ski trip together.  This included some of your and the twins’ extended family as well. 

“I won’t let that happen, E.” You grinned. “We’ll all going to have a great time.”

You turned to Grayson who looked like he would explode if he had to wait a moment longer.  He hugged you tightly, pressing a kiss into your temple.  He was holding you like you weren’t going to see him in five days. 

“I can’t wait to see you.” Grayson cooed in your ear.  “Text me, okay?”

“Of course.” You smiled and pulled back to peck his lips. “Now, let’s go before my dad gets a ticket.”

“See you soon, baby.” Grayson gave you another kiss just below your ear, knowing it sent shivers up your spine. You smiled at him softly, willing your knees to not go weak.

“Come on!” Ethan said, grabbing one of your bags and gesturing for Grayson to grab the other.  

The boys greeted your parents and helped you packed the car.  You gave quicker hugs the second time around. The twins waved you off until you could no longer see them in the rear view mirror. You tried to hide your disappointment as you caught up with your parents.  You were happy to see them and wanted to tell them about school.  At the same time, you were counting down the days until the ski trip.

The day of the ski trip came faster than expected. You and Grayson didn’t text as much as you had hoped, but you had a great holiday.  You were grateful for the gifts you received and your family equally liked their gifts as well.  You also got to hang out with your favorite cousins, including Monica.  It seemed like she grew up so much in the last six months.  She was a lot more talkative now, mostly asking questions about everything she saw.  She was also adventurous and enjoyed climbing on top of things two to three times her height before jumping off. You had sent Grayson a few snaps of Monica’s tricks and he joked about being a proud papa. It made you miss him even more.

As your family checked into the ski lodge, you scanned the lobby for the Dolans who were eagerly awaiting your arrival.  You saw them instantly and waved dramatically before running over. Grayson hugged you tightly and immediately bent down to give you a strong kiss. It wasn’t super long or sensual, but there was enough force to remind you that he missed you dearly.

“Oh weird,” Cameron said from behind Grayson.  “I forgot you guys are together now.”

You blushed. “Ah yeah, I guess...” 

“No, no it’s good.” Cameron comforted you, moving to give you a hug. “The tension between you two was way weirder.  I’m happy for you. Both of you.”

You hugged her back. “Thanks, Cam.”

You hugged Ethan and their mom as well, engaging in the usual small talk until your family came over. 

“Grayson, so good to see you again!” You heard someone call from behind you. You glanced over your shoulder to see your cousin and his husband walking toward you with Monica holding your cousin’s hand.

“Hi!” Grayson said, more toward Monica than your cousins, but he was respectful enough to give your cousins hugs first before crouching down to talk to Monica.

While your cousins introduced themselves to the rest of the Dolans, you watched Grayson interact with Monica.  

“Do you remember me?” Grayson asked. “I’m Grayson.”

“I remember Gray.” She said, her voice soft and a shy. “Do you remember me?”

“She called me Gray!” Grayson said, turning back to look at you, his jaw dropping excitedly.  You walked closer to him and his eyes followed you, his head craning upward to meet your eyes.

“Apparently, Gray and beret were the only things she remembered about our trip.” You laughed. “Oh and dinosaur.”

“Not that is a competition,” Grayson smirked smugly. “But Gray is definitely a sign that she likes me more.”

“Whatever...” You rolled your eyes. “...if I had gorgeous hazel eyes and a dynamite smile, I’m sure toddlers would be fawning over me too.”

Grayson stood up and cupped your cheek. “You have the most beautiful eyes and the most stunning smile I’ve ever seen in my life.”

You blushed and glanced away. “D-Don’t say things like that with such a serious expression. It’s weird...”

Grayson chuckled before glancing down at Monica.  She reached her hands up to show she wanted to be picked up and Grayson obliged. 

“You want to meet my twin?” Grayson asked her.  Monica nodded and Grayson marched her over to Ethan to introduce the two. You were pretty sure Monica had no idea what a twin was, but she was just happy to be carried by someone.

You couldn’t help but laugh seeing Monica’s head turn from twin to twin. She stuttered out the word “G-Gray?” as she looked between the two men unable to comprehend why there were two of him.

“Babe,” Grayson laughed as he waved you over.  “Look at Monica’s face.”

He handed Monica to Ethan who took her laughing.  Monica gripped Ethan’s cheeks with her tiny hands and Ethan went the extra mile to suck in his cheeks and make silly faces for her.  Grayson took the opportunity to wrap his arms around you from behind and lay a soft kiss on your cheek.  Monica, seemingly realizing that she was not being held by Grayson, reached to go back into Grayson’s arms.

This earned laughter from the group as your cousin intercepted to take his daughter. Monica hugged on to your cousin, but her eyes didn’t break away from Grayson.

“I guess she has a type...” Ethan joked.

“Maybe it runs in the family.” Your cousin’s husband teased, earning more laughter.

You blushed as you and Grayson both chuckled nervously.

Monica was starting to fuss in your cousins arm.  She reached out to Grayson who finally relented. The warmth from his body disappeared as he pulled Monica into his arms.

Seeing Grayson with Monica warmed your heart.  At the same time, you couldn’t ignore the pang of jealousy in your chest. It was stupid, but for some reason, you were a bit worried that Monica would steal all your attention.  You scolded yourself.  This was your six months anniversary and winter vacation.  There was plenty of Grayson’s attention reserved for you that you could share with Monica.  

Or so, you thought.

The first day of the trip, Grayson and Ethan went off to go skiing.  This was understandable, as it was ski trip.  Except, you were quite new to the sport.  You had this fantasy of Grayson putting on your skis, and helping you go down the hill.  

You worked with the ski rental representative to get your skis on.  You balanced on your ski poles. Grayson chuckled as he walked over to adjust your goggles. 

“Don’t you look cute.” Grayson commented.

“I’m pretty nervous.” You said, looking down at the hill.  “You have to show me how to go down.”

“Oh...”Grayson’s voice trailed off as he looked behind him.  

Ethan was putting on his own skis and seemed to be waiting for Grayson to do the same.  Grayson bit his lip and looked at you sympathetically.

“So, I promised Ethan that we would start with the black diamond.” Grayson explained.

“Oh? Where is that?” You asked, looking around.  You looked down the hill to see if there was some kind of marking on the hill.

Grayson chuckled, “No, babe, it’s over there.”

Grayson pointed to another hill that was triple the size of yours, littered with trees and other obstacles.

“Oh...I see why this is called the bunny slope now.” You said, sadly.  “Maybe E would like a warm up.”

You and Grayson looked back at Ethan who looked like he had enough adrenaline coursing through his veins to jump out of an airplane.  Grayson looked at you and you smiled.

“It’s fine...” You nodded.  “...I’m sure I will surpass you soon enough.”

“Good luck, Y/N.” Grayson said with a smug chuckle.  “Don’t eat too much snow.”

You let out a “Hmph” sound as you turned to ski down the hill.  You couldn’t tell if you were screaming in your head or if the sound was actually leaving your lips. The tears streaming down your face, however, were very real.  You heard people yelling at you to make shapes with your feet, but it was too late.  Your were tumbling down and rolling like a ball to the end of the hill.  One minute you were staring at your feet and the next moment you were staring at the sky.  You coughed and sat up slowly.  You put up a thumbs up for the people who were watching you and they applauded.  You continued coughing and realized your tongue was like ice from...eating snow.

After three attempts down the hill, you were utterly humiliated.  As people, most parents, skied over with advice, you continued to struggle. As you walked back up the hill, your jaw dropped to see Grayson still at the top.  Ethan was nowhere to be found, and in his place was a little Monica.

 In that moment, you realized that Grayson had probably seen your embarrassing displays of your (apparent lack of) athleticism.  To avoid his teasing, you attempted to go back down the hill, really trying to impress.  As you landed on your butt, you were shocked to hear your boyfriend giggling...no actually giggling.  Except, it wasn’t at you, but at Monica. 

 If you weren’t so annoyed, you would have found it cute. Grayson’s large frame was contorting itself to fit on a little sled while he held Monica up on her skis. Her eyes danced between being wide open and clenched shut, the 2 mph speed probably feeling faster to her.  Grayson couldn’t stop laughing as her little winter coat bundled arms remained frozen in an outstretched position. 

Normally, you would have made a quip, but, you entire body was numb.  Unlike Monica, you were not as cozy in your jacket. Your confidence was also at an all time low and you also felt a bit lied to by Grayson. You left in a huff, ripping off your skis with great difficulty and marching back to the lodge to have hot chocolate.

When he and Monica reached the bottom of the slope, Grayson carried her back up with his sled underneath his free arm.  He was sweating and blotchy by the time he reached the top, suddenly realizing the weight of a toddler going uphill. He handed Monica to your cousin’s husband and Monica seemed more than ready to go back inside.

Grayson glanced around look for you, dusting his damp, dark brown hair from his eyes to get a better view.

“Where’s Y/N?” He asked, still out of breath.

“She went back inside.” Your cousin’s husband explained as he hugged Monica to his chest.  “Poor dear, couldn’t manage to stay up for longer than a few seconds.”

“Hah oh man I saw that,” Grayson managed to crack a smile. “I was hoping to help her out a bit. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.”

He motioned to go back to find you, but then Ethan approached him on bailing.  They both decided that they would switch to snowboards and go down shirtless.  He figured he would have a chance to cuddle and console you later, but the opportunity to be a savage with his twin, once in a....day.

Unbeknownst to Grayson, this decision just allowed you to stew in anger even more.  You were quiet and huffy at dinner. You also opted out of after dinner games and went to bed early.  

Grayson tried to hide his disappointment, as he didn’t want to guilt you into staying.  He walked you to your room and kissed your forehead.

“Are you sure you’re okay? I know you had a nasty--” He teased. 

You put a hand up to stop him. “I’m fine. It’s too embarrassing...”

Grayson chuckled and hugged you tightly.  “Sleep tight, love bug.”

“Yeah, you too.” You gave him a half smile and a weak hug.

As you turned to go into your room, Grayson grabbed your arm. He pulled you toward him with a gentle tug that didn’t hurt you, but still enough for your body to flow into his. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up as you met his eyes.  You were surprised to see them so soft.

“Are you mad at me?” He asked, his voice small and childlike.

“What? No...” You said, unable to look at him directly.  

“Come on, Y/N.” Grayson sighed. His tanned hand reached to your chin to force you to look at him. “You’re one of my childhood best friends, I think I can tell when you’re upset.”

“It’s stupid.” You said, suddenly feeling a jump in your eyes. You didn’t want to start crying over something so ridiculous.

“Nothing you do is stupid.  Just tell me, baby.” He smiled softly. “You know it’s been awhile since I’ve dated...I’m a little rusty. Tell me if I’m messing up”

“I really wanted to ski with you today.” You admitted, your voice quivering a little.

“Oh...” Grayson’s lips remained rounded as he nodded a bit. “Are you mad that I left you for E? Because I did think about...”

“No, no of course not.” You said, shaking your head quickly.  You hoped Grayson knew you better than that. “I don’t ever want to get between you and E.”

“I know! That’s why I’m kinda confused.” Grayson admitted, but he seemed relieved. “I’m guessing whatever it is...it’s why you decided to leave? I saw you still on the slope when I was coming down with Monica and then you just disappeared.”

You opened your mouth to speak, but then you closed it, hesitating.  Grayson used the bad of his thumb to rub your cheek as he waited patiently for your response.

“I guess, I had a hard time skiing and I was bummed that you didn’t help me, but you helped Monica.” You spoke quickly, your words almost blending together.

“Oh, baby...” Grayson said, his voice in between humored and consoling.  “I’m sorry...I guess I got a bit carried away taking care of Monica. I didn’t mean to make you jealous.”

“You’re laughing at me.” You complained, folding your arms.

Grayson grabbed your arms and pulled them down to rest at your side. 

“Just a little...” Grayson gave a soft laugh.  “But, you do realize that you’re my number one girl, right?”

You nodded and Grayson pursed his lips.  Using both hands he cupped your face and kissed you softly. Your eyes fluttered closed as you kissed back, instantly parting your lips for him.  His tongue slid in easily and quickly found yours. A soft moan left your lips which seemed to drive Grayson wild.  He backed you into the wall next to your hotel room door and pressed you against as he deepened the kiss. Your hands ran up and down Grayson’s chest and he grunted softly.  The sound of a door opening ripped you two apart.  You didn’t make eye contact with the elderly couple who walked past you, snickering.

Grayson looked at you and laughed, making you laugh as well.  He nibbled on his lower lip and kissed your forehead.

“I’ll make it up to you tomorrow. I know you have a day planned with your family, but tomorrow night, you’re mine.” 

That sent a shiver up your spine and a shy smile crossed your lips. “Okay...”

“That’s my girl.” He kissed your lips. “Love seeing that smile.”

“Love that you’re the cause of it.” You grinned. “Good night, baby.”

“Good night.” Grayson said, biting his lip again as he watched you open your door.  You gave him a final wave and closed the door behind you.  Once you heard his footsteps down the hall, you let out a little squeal.

The next day, it was girl’s day with your mom, two of your aunts and two of your cousins.  One of your aunts was single, traveled all the time, and always came back with fun stories and presents.  Your other aunt was the mother of your two cousins, who was known to be a bit more high strung in her recent years, but a wild child in her younger days.  Your two cousins were a bit younger than you and were the ones who kept you up to date with all the trends and internet drama.  You dating Grayson Dolan was probably the most fun thing in their life, even if they weren’t allowed to talk about it given the privacy of your relationship.

The plan was a “Girls’ Day” where you were going to the spa at the ski resort. The adults had a show or something to go to later that night, so they were going all out.  The youngsters were going to fend for themselves and probably wreak havoc on the hotel. You were hoping that you and Grayson would be able to sneak off somewhere since it was your official six months date.  You were disappointed that none of his snaps or texts so far mentioned the significance of the day, but you figured he was building up anticipation.

You sat in the sauna, your towel neatly wrapped around your chest. You pointedly ignored your adventurous aunt sprawled out, naked, as did her sister and your cousins.  Your mom wasn’t a huge fan of saunas, so she went to do face masks with Lisa and Cameron.  You weren’t a big fan of sauna either, but it had been awhile since you hung out with your female cousins and didn’t want to miss the chance to hear what cooky things your aunt would say.

“You know,” One of your cousins said, “They have a deal on waxes today.”

“Have you ever gotten a wax, Y/N?” Your other cousin asked.

You shook your head.  You thought about the lingerie you had stashed in your bag.  The underwear was pretty high cut.  Maybe this would be a good opportunity to get waxed for the first time.

“I would be down to try.” You said, not wanting to sound too eager.

“You’re dating that big, tan boy, right?” Your aunt said, sitting up and closing her legs in the process.

You nodded. “Grayson.” You and your two cousins said at the same time.

This caused a bit of giggling and you pretended to give them disapproving faces.

“Yes, well what does he like?” Your aunt asked, back on the topic of the wax.

There was a mischievous grin on her face that told you this was not about the wax, but more about how far you two had gone.  Your other aunt seemed to pick this else.

Your other aunt gasped, covering her mouth. “You can’t ask her that! She’s...”

“In her twenties!” Your aunt reminded her sister in a loud voice.  She turned back to you. “I guess since you haven’t gotten it before, he wouldn’t have a preference. Or at least you haven’t talked about it.  What are you thinking?”

“Uhm...” With all eyes on you, you felt under pressure. You didn’t know any wax names so you just said, “...everything?”

“Oh honey, no!” Your aunt shook her head.  “He needs a little landing strip.”

“Okay!” You other aunt stood up, holding her towel to her body. “Don’t you think this is a bit inappropriate?” She sighed and looked at you. “If you’re going to get a wax, do it for you, hon,not a man.”

Your wilder aunt snapped her fingers with approval. “That is true! Ooh, you should get a little design...”

“A design?” You and your cousins asked in unison.

“Oh boy....” Both aunts looked at each other knowingly. “You ladies have a lot to learn...”

Four hours later and you were laying on your hotel bed with and ice pack on your crotch.  You had been falling in and out of sleep, but a text from Grayson put some pep in your step.

GrayBear: Come to your cousin’s cabin ;)

Your jaw dropped.  You completely forgot Monica and her parents were staying at a cabin.  The resort had different types of rooms you could book.  From the website, you knew the cabins were drop dead gorgeous.  They were on the other side of the resort from the hotels and allowed you to view the sunrise each morning. It was single story, but had a full kitchen, a Jacuzzi bath tub and king sized beds in each bedroom.  Your cousins had opted for the two bedroom in case any of the “young people” wanted to stay with them for a night.  You guessed that Grayson got his bid in pretty early.

You tried not to get too excited as you texted him back.  You crawled off the bed, putting the ice pack in the freezer.  You took a quick shower, unable to stop staring at your newly manicured crotch.  The “heart attack” style with a little heart on top really made it look cute.  Once out of the shower, you made sure to spritz on your Wakeheart Grayson Dolan fragrance before putting on the lingerie.  You moisturized with a body butter, styled your hair and put on some light makeup: eyebrow pencil, mascara and a tinted lip gloss. 

Then you put on the red dress that hugged your shape.  At first, you were concerned because you could see the intricate lacing of the top of the bra under the dress.  With a bit of adjusting, you were able to make it seamless.  You debated putting on the Santa hat you got, but decided against it. You put on some boots that were a bit more on the fashionable side as they went up to your knees.  With a final glance in the mirror, you smiled to yourself.  You grabbed Grayson’s gift and put on a jacket that hid your outfit while keeping you a bit warm.

The walk to your cousin’s cabin felt longer than you expected.  The cold air stung your cheeks and your thighs shivered each time wind pushed past your zipped jacket.  You double checked the number on the cabin before ringing the bell.  When Grayson answered the door, you couldn’t help, but smile brightly.  He was wearing a button down shirt and dress slacks, adorned with his favorite design accessories.  You could tell he even styled his hair the way you liked.

“Hey,” Grayson said, his voice coming out deep and husky.

“Hey...” You replied, your voice coming out high pitched and squeaky.  

You both laughed and Grayson stepped to the side to let you in.  You were surprised to see Monica watching television in the living room area.

“Oh, is my cousin still here?” You asked, taking off your boots.

“Nope, it’s just us.” Grayson said, walking over to the dining table.  “I’m watching Monica for them.”

You jaw dropped. “Grayson...why would you choose to babysit tonight?” You asked, the irritation evident in your voice.

Grayson frowned and he turned to look at you. “Well...they needed someone to watch Monica if they were going to the show tonight.”

“But it could have been anyone else, Grayson.” You complained. “I’m not exactly dressed to babysit tonight.”

You removed your jacket and Grayson’s eyes widened.

“Wow...Y/N...you look breathtaking.” He made his way over to you, his hands going for your hips.

“Oh no you don’t...” You wagged your finger as you side stepped. “I am not scarring her for life by getting frisky in front of her.”

Grayson pouted, following you as you walked to the living room. His breath hitched in his throat when you bent down to pick up Monica and he got an eyeful of your thighs.

“Geez....are you even wearing anything under there?” Grayson muttered mostly to himself.

“You’ll never find out now, will you?” You quipped, turning back to look at him. Monica seemed comfortable in your arms as her eyes remained glued to the tv. You sat on the couch and Monica adjusted herself on your lap, but was clearly entranced by the cartoon program.

“Are you still jealous of Monica?” Grayson asked, putting his hands on his hips.

You remained focus on the television, avoiding his eyes. You groaned as you started to speak.

“This isn’t about her. This is about you not prioritizing our alone time.” You finally looked at him, his annoyed expression mirrored on your face. “You didn’t have to choose our six months date to babysit.”

“Babe, don’t you get it?” Grayson groaned.  “I only asked to babysit so we would have this place to ourselves.  Monica goes to bed at 8:15, our dinner is set to arrive at 8:30 and we have the place to ourselves until midnight.  Sure, the first hour is going to be a bit lame, but I thought it was kinda fitting, you know? I mean Monica is the reason we are together right.”

Your eyebrows went up in surprise. “Wow, Gray that was actually...”

“Well thought out? Insightful?” Grayson filled in with a cocky smirk.  “Babe, did you really think I would mess this up?  I didn’t wait years to date my dream girl to lose her after six months.”

You moved Monica off your lap and placed gently on the couch.  She looked at you as if she was seeing you for the first time.

“Pretty!” Monica said, before turning back to the tv.

“Hey, she’s mine.” Grayson joked, taking you hand to pull you off the couch and into his arms. “And I’m not sharing.”

You pecked his lips. “I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“It’s alright, you can just make it up to me.” Grayson teased.

“Oh, you better get ready.” You winked. “I may just give you a heart attack...”

A/N: Definitely let me know if I should continue this with their first time smut.  Thinking of making it more fluffy and cute kind of smut, but I’m not sure if the people who like this fic are a fan of smut.

[allthingsfangirl101]

Safe & Sound Part 2–Mitch Rapp

Part 1

After my bullet wound was healed, Stan found a new house for Logan and me. It was in a safe neighborhood in the town not too far from Stan's House of Assassins. We wanted somewhere close by just in case.

"Now, remember," Stan said as his assassins helped packed the last of our things into our car. "I'm not far away and you have the house number, my office number, and my cell number. If either of you needs anything, Y/N, just call me."

"Stan," I chuckled as I wrapped my arms around him. "Thank you," I whispered.

Stan broke the hug, sighing as he looked down at Logan. As he said goodbye to my son, something over his shoulder caught my eye.

It was Mitch Rapp walking down the steps of the house with two duffel bags in his hands. Without having to ask, I already knew one bag was his clothes and the other was his guns.

"Rapp," Victor said through his teeth. "You're late."

"Late?" I asked, looking between the three assassins.

"Yes," Hurley cleared his throat. "Y/N, honey, I'm sending Rapp with you. I want him to be there for a month, at least, to ensure that you two are safe."

"Oh," I said, looking between Rapp and Hurley. "That's okay. . . I guess," I whispered the last part.

We didn't say another word as we finished packing the car. Once Logan was in the back seat, his seatbelt buckled and him already distracted by something on the iPad, I said my final goodbyes to Stan.

"I mean it," he said, gently rubbing my arms. "Rapp is there to ensure the house and the neighborhood is 100% safe. And I'm only a phone call away."

I gave him a final hug before heading back to the car. I turned around and watched as Hurley shook Rapp's hand.

"Rapp," he said, his voice different from when he was speaking to me. "I am counting on you to protect them. This is more important than any other mission you've been on. It may not seem like it is, but it is. Do not let anything happen to Y/N or Logan. You are my best assassin. Use it to protect them. . . They are the closest thing I have to family."

"Yes, sir." Rapp nodded. He walked over and stopped me. "What are you doing?"

"Getting in the driver's seat," I stuttered. The look on his face told me that he was going to drive. "Never mind," I mumbled. "Guess you're driving."

                       * * * * *

We've been in the house a week now and things are still strange between Mitch and I. On the other hand, Logan has already taken to him. Which, of course, makes me nervous. I knew this man wouldn't be around for long, but does Logan know that?

Luckily, the longer we were around each other, the more Mitch warmed up to us. He started eating dinner with us, not keeping himself locked in his room 24/7, and he even started coming with us to the park whenever Logan needed to get out of the house.

Two weeks later, things had done a complete 180 with Mitch. He was still protecting us, but it didn't feel the same. I also noticed he had started to smile and laugh more. To be honest, I liked seeing this side of him.

I woke up from my nightmare with a start. I took a few deep breaths in hopes of calming myself down. Ever since Alan found us and shot me, I've been having nightmares.

"No!" I heard Logan yell. "Mommy!"

I jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway, towards Logan's room. I stopped outside the door as Mitch beat me to it.

"Hey," he soothed as he ran over to Logan who was sitting straight up in bed. Mitch sat next to him, taking Logan in his arms as he pulled him into his chest.

"It's okay, kid. It was just a dream. You're alright," Mitch said gently as he rocked them.

"But. . . He shot. . . Mommy. . . I lost her. . ." Logan said between sobs.

Mitch soothed Logan as he cupped his head in his hand. "Mommy is fine. She's alive. You didn't lose her. That's why I'm here. To keep you and Mommy safe."

Logan continued to sob as Mitch held him close. I leaned against the wall outside Logan's room as I heard Mitch continue to comfort my son.

"It's alright, buddy," he whispered. I peaked in to see Logan tucked into his chest as Mitch leaned against the bed frame. "Tell me what happened."

"It was daddy," Logan stuttered through his tears. "When he attacked us back at Uncle Stan's. But. . ."

"But what?" Mitch asked as Logan snuggled more into Mitch's chest.

"But we didn't save Mommy," Logan cried. "We didn't get to her in time. By the time that we did. . . She was. . ." Mitch's face dropped as he tightened his arms around my son.

"But we did save Mommy," Rapp whispered as he ran his fingers through Logan's hair. "She's in her room, sleeping."

"I know," Logan said, his voice soft. "It's still scary. I don't want to lose my mommy, Mitch."

"You won't," Mitch said without a second of hesitation. "That's why I'm here. My job is to protect you and your mother."

"But you won't be around long," Logan said, slightly pulling away from Mitch.

"Buddy," he sighed.

"Mommy says you're only staying with us for a few more days. Then you're leaving us. You're leaving me." Logan avoided Mitch's eyes as he looked down at his blanket.

"I like having you around," Logan whispered. "You're here to protect my mommy and me. It makes me feel safe. Mommy has always done a good job of protecting me, but she deserves a break. She deserves to be happy."

"Your mother is happy, Logan. She has you."

"But that's not enough!" Logan's eyes widened as he yelled. He lowered his voice as he continued, "Mommy has always taken care of me. She deserves someone taking care of her. Someone like you."

"Logan," Rapp sighed. "I'm just temporary, remember? I go back to Uncle Stan in a few days."

"You don't have to," Logan stuttered. "You don't have to leave us, Mitch. You can stay. You can stay with us. Please? You can protect us. Don't you. . . Don't you care about us? I've seen the way you look at Mommy. It's the same way she looks at you."

"Really?" Mitch smiled but instantly shook his head. "Look, kid. It's hard to understand at your age, but I would do more damage than good."

"What do you mean?" Logan asked, tilting his head like he always does when he questions things.

Mitch sighed as he relaxed more into the bed. "I lost the woman I love a few years back. I couldn't protect her."

"But you protect Mommy and me just fine," Logan shrugged.

"I know," Mitch stuttered. "It's just. . . Everyone I love ends up getting hurt. I can't. . . I can't risk anything happening to you or your mother."

"You won't," Logan said through a yawn. I smiled, a tear streaming down my cheek as I saw Logan cuddle up to Mitch. The second Logan leaned his head on Mitch's chest, his eyes started to get heavy.

"Get some sleep, kid," Mitch whispered.

I gasped, quickly ducking back into the hallway right as Mitch looked up at the open door.

                       * * * * *

I woke up the next morning, the conversation Mitch and Logan had last night replaying over and over again in my mind.

Who was the woman he loved? And how did he lose her?

"You're up early."

I looked up to see Mitch walking into the kitchen. I tried to calm my nerves as he got himself a cup of coffee.

"I couldn't sleep last night," I said before I could stop myself. "I woke up in the middle of the night after I thought I heard Logan scream."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Mitch's back suddenly stiffen.

"Did you go to him?" He asked after clearing his throat.

"I was about to, but I heard you talking to him. I figured you had gotten to him first."

"I did."

I turned around so we were looking at each other. "Thank you."

My comment made him snap his head up at me. "Logan never sleeps after his father has an. . . Episode," I continued. "He's not used to having a man around who isn't drunk or hurting us."

"He's a good kid," Mitch said, the faintest smile on his lips. "He loves you a lot, you know. All he could talk about last night was making sure you were safe and happy."

Mitch was silent before he added, "He asked me to stay."

"Do you want to stay?" I asked without hesitating. He slowly looked at me, his answer in his eyes. He wanted to.

But instead of saying that, he said, "You wouldn't want me to stay."

"I don't know," I stuttered. "Logan's started to really like you and. . . And it's nice having a man around who can help me open those stubborn pickle jars."

Mitch laughed, this time his smile staying on his face. "It's nice to be able to do that for someone again."

I blushed as the kitchen grew quiet. Rapp took a hesitant step towards me, watching me carefully.

"Y/N," he whispered. I gasped when he stopped right in front of me. He grabbed my hands, instantly intertwining our fingers. "How much of that conversation did you hear last night?"

"All of it," I whispered as he leaned down, getting closer to me. I sucked in a breath as I felt his lips press against mine. My eyes fluttered closed as our lips started moving in sync.

Mitch was the first one to break the kiss, instantly leaning his forehead against mine.

"Don't leave," I pleaded as I caught my breath. "Please, Mitch. Don't leave us. Logan can't. . . He's already grown up this far without a father, without a positive fatherly figure in his life. I don't want him to grow up anymore that way."

Mitch leaned back, cupping my cheek in his hand. "And what about you?"

"I want to feel safe again," I whispered. "And I only feel safe when I'm with you."

Mitch smiled as he took my face in both of his hands before slowly leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. I smiled into the kiss as he wrapped his arms around my waist. This time I was the first to break the kiss.

"Ask me to stay and I will," he whispered.

I looked up at him, happy tears in my eyes. "Please, Mitch," I whispered. "Stay with us. With Logan. With me."

Mitch smiled as he looked down at me. "Okay," he chuckled.

"Okay?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

"I'll stay," he shrugged.

"Really?"

We both turned around to see Logan looking at us from the kitchen doorway with wide, hopeful eyes. "You're. . . You're staying with us? Forever?"

"Yep," Mitch smiled, sending me a knowing look before glancing back at Logan and stepping away from me. "If that's okay with you."

I laughed as Logan ran over to us, jumping into Mitch's arms. Mitch smiled as he looked at me as he held my son.

"Of course I'm okay with it!" Logan giggled. He pulled away and smiled up at Mitch. "I. . . I love you, Mitch."

Mitch smiled, tears building in his eyes. I watch as Mitch pressed a soft kiss to Logan's forehead. He pulled away and smiled at me before looking back at my son.

"I love you too, buddy."

"I love you too, Mommy!" Logan smiled as he reached out to me, silently asking me to join their hug. I chuckled as I walked over to them, Logan hugging me around the neck as Mitch snaked his arm around my waist.

"I love you too, baby."

[3pirouette]

Fic: Iterate (1/1)

Title: Iterate By: TriplePirouette/3Pirouette Spoilers: Up through Endgame. Disclaimer: They're not mine. Word Count: 2953 Distribution: AO3 Anyone else please ask first :)

Summary: Steve lived through the 21st century twice, the second time hurt much more than the first.

A/N: I literally made myself cry today on the way to work while I was working this out in my head. It was SUPPOSED to be FLUFFY. I’m not exactly why I decided on this format, all I know is that it felt right. I hope you enjoy. Steggy is just mentioned, more Steve-centric. 

It was supposed to be a stupid, fluffy story about Old Steve living with his granddaughter and being a LITTLE SHIT to her all the time because he’s 100% comfortable with modern things and it drives her nuts. I’m sorry.

Also, please pay attention to vague time stamps. Certain details are changed for impact. Hence, AU (Even though I FULLY BELIEVE that once the stones are placed back there is only ONE main timeline where Steve lived, was Peggy’s husband, and that’s how he showed up at the end of Endgame. Fight me.)

AND I’M SORRY.

~*~ October 2023

He supposed he’d always been waiting for this day. Steve knew he’d be around for it, one way or another. At least, he’d always assumed that, though he’d thought he’d experience it in a very, very different way.

He didn’t know the exact time, just a vague recollection that it was early afternoon, that there had been sunlight they’d blocked out with the blast shields, that they’d tried to eat lunch but they were all too nervous.

Funny. Same thing happened to him today. He couldn’t manage to get anything to slide down past the lump in his throat, couldn’t fill his stomach to calm the butterflies. He tried coffee first. It was warm and robust but had no effect.

He pulled out the tin from the back of the cabinet and made a cup of tea from one of the few remaining bags there. He sipped it and imagined Peggy sitting across from him, telling him off for using old tea that would be bitter and teasing him for how much sugar he put in it.

He drank a beer and wished to god that he had just one flask of whatever it was Thor used to carry around. He needed something to calm his nerves.

He caught his reflection in the window over the sink. For just the briefest second he saw his young self, so broken by so much, not knowing that today would be the day he’d be put to his greatest test. But the sun shifted and he could see every wrinkle in the refection, every grey hair, the haziness to his eyes that the doctor said was the beginning of cataracts.

A lifetime ago this day had changed everything for him without him knowing. Today, he was just as eager for the moment when Banner would put on that glove, this time for very different reasons.

~*~

In the end, Steve Rogers managed to live a fairly normal life.

Once back with Peggy, he kept away from the spotlight. Unsure if he’d created a parallel timeline or if he was living in his own, he did his best to avoid changing things.

Because even when he wanted to change things, he realized very quickly, he couldn’t.

He became enamored with sci-fi and fantasy that included time travel, with physicists who wrote books on the subject. He wanted to understand it, to know the unknowable.

He eventually decided that he was prescribing to the Doctor Who Theory of time travel: that it was all very, very complicated but that some things, no matter what, had to just happen in their own time and some things were simply fixed and would always happen the way they were supposed to. He’d seen this first with Zola- as he’d tried to get the man and his influence away from SHIELD they only dug their heels in deeper and kept him. It was later reaffirmed when, despite every effort, The Winter Soldier escaped him and Howard and Maria were left for dead in their car, young Tony devistated.

After that day, he stopped trying so hard to avoid squishing butterflies and focused instead on enjoying what he had.

What he had was, after all, quite a lot: A wife, two young boys, and a second chance at the life he’d missed while fighting other men’s wars.

~*~

Despite knowing all that laid ahead for him and his friends in the future that was now his past and yet somehow once again his future, Steve eventually started longing for the new millennium as decades past him by. He missed the technology, the ability to have whatever kind of entertainment he waited at the tips of his fingers. Though he’d known a good portion of what would happen from history books, once he’d gone back, he’d lived an entire lifetime full of surprises, experiencing things like the moon landing and the Vietnam war first hand. But now, as he grew older and he knew his days with Peggy were numbered, he longed for the small comforts of familiarity, for e-mails and smartphones and heated steering wheels on cars that parked themselves.

As the 2000’s arrived, he felt himself get more and more comfortable with the things around him: the news, the events he’d already experienced once and would again in a different way. It felt good to feel at least on solid ground with the world around him, knowing what was to come for him.

His home was lonely after Peggy was gone, and he made his only granddaughter an offer she couldn’t refuse: free room and board if she helped him keep up the house. An elementary school art teacher, Maggie was happy to step in for a little financial relief as she tried to navigate the churlish economy.

If he never told her that he was perfectly capable of taking care of the house by himself, it didn’t quite matter. The company was more than enough. And if when she smiled she looked just a little like her namesake and it warmed his heart… well, that wasn’t a bad thing, either.

The best part, he’d found though, was that it was hilariously funny to drive his granddaughter crazy. He’d lived through the early decades of the 21st century as a young man. He’d learned how to navigate the internet, interface with the most complicated technology there was to offer, and listened to music that wouldn’t be written for years to come. He loved watching her face as he sang along to Billie Eilish on the radio or realize that she didn’t have to explain to him how to use an iPad or Facetime.

~*~

She yelled at him the first snowfall. Skidded her car (all-wheel drive, thank goodness he’d convinced her to get the newest model) into the freshly shoveled driveway and tore out of the driver’s seat, yelling at him a mile a minute.

They’ll think I’m some kind of self-centered princess letting a centenarian shovel this and try to kill himself!  She’d yelled, trying to take the shovel from his hands.

He was still stronger than he should be, and held his ground. I don’t want you hurting yourself on this stuff.

Me? She’s screeched, and he’d laughed. He couldn’t help but smile and find her concern at least a little comical. Deep down he understood, knew that he should be trying to sell his age a little more, be trying to hide that he was still strong and fast and in better shape than some of his middle-aged neighbors.

As much as he’d like to push her off, tell her to go inside, he couldn’t. She wasn’t a self-centered princess, but she was his princess, and he bent to her whim like a branch in the wind. He’d kissed her on the head and finally handed her the shovel, leaving her the last bit of the path to her to clean up, and promised to take better care of himself.

She didn’t know that when she left for work, he still went down the basement and bench pressed 225 on an easy day.

~*~

She teased him about his record collection. Even though records had come back in style, she still thought it was silly to have a whole wall dedicated to them when she could access nearly all of musical history on her cell phone. He showed her his own digital playlists and popped in his airpods when he was reading sometimes, but he loved the sound the needle made when it hit the wax.

One night, when he couldn’t listen to her teasing anymore, no matter how good natured it was, he played dirty.

You know, there’s a new song coming out by one of those artists you like. WAP? Heard it’s a cover of a song your Nana and I used to dance to all the time.

Two weeks later, he heard the familiar opening bass to the song Barton had played incessantly in the gym while he was working out and had quoted for months, the song that he hadn’t been able to get away from even in the past with random phrases like macaroni in a pot popping into his head at the most inconvenient times.

Barely half a verse in she’d either shut it off or turned the music way lower. At dinner she couldn’t look at him.

That was not at cover, Pop Pop. And I don’t want to think about you and Nana like that… ever.

~*~

She cried when she came home, a year after Peggy’s death, to see Peggy’s beautiful vanity had been moved into her room, Peggy’s jewelry box on it front and center.

What did you do? She’d kept asking him, tears in her eyes.

She’d want you to have it. He knew it was the truth. He hugged her tight as she sniffed and knew he’d made the right decision. He remembered Peggy sitting with Maggie on her knee on the small stool, letting the girl paw through her necklaces and play with her big fluffy make-up brushes. Maggie reaching for her eyeshadow and Peggy deftly pulling it away. Peggy being just a little too slow with the lipstick and the toddler bouncing around the house, proudly showing off the circle on the bottom half of her face to anyone who would look at her.

They’d loved their boys, but Maggie had both of their hearts in a way they hadn’t been prepared for.

Steve had to make up and excuse to leave the house the next morning when Maggie came down to breakfast, wearing the single pearl drop necklace he’d gotten for Peggy on their 25th wedding anniversary and her signature red lipstick. It was a good pain, but the first time he saw her in her grandmother’s necklaces, it was pain none the less.

~*~ Spring 2018

He knew the date it was supposed to happen. He’d kept up enough to know that it would, too. His other self was out there, somewhere, fighting what would become the biggest battle of his life.

Steve decided to focus on the small things. He kept the house stocked up with food and drinks, nonperishables that would last months and even years, toilet paper and paper towels. He ordered big metal shelves for the basement and made sure there was enough for multiple people for the long haul.

He didn’t know what would happen to his family in the snap- who would make it and who wouldn’t, but he was going to be sure whoever survived would be set for the following months where there was chaos, food and water shortages, and fear.

It would be a long five years for anyone that was left.

Even though she was home most nights, he asked Maggie for a standing Thursday night date. Some nights he showed her how to keep the house up: where the water main was, how to shut it on and off, where the gas line was, what to do if the roof started leaking. He made notebooks full of lists of things to do, how-to’s for the house and for life, and even, when he was awake in the middle of the night, wrote her letters so she wouldn’t be lonely.

Somehow, he just knew it would be him this time. He had survived the first snap, but if there were two of him and one survived, the other, statistically, did not. Thanos was very clear on how half worked.

Maggie, at first, had been scared. His family knew he had a knack for predicting the future, but didn’t know quite why.

Are you dying? Maggie had asked, fearing the worst when she started to realize that their Thursday night take-out and movie date was about more than just spending time together.

No, he’d said so very often, I just want you to be ready for anything.

Despite all of her questions, she went along with it.

When the day came, he couldn’t quite keep the sadness out of his eyes. Couldn’t quite smile at her. They ate pizza in front of the TV, watching a comedy Maggie had picked. He kept his eyes on his watch. It was coming.

His fingers itched. Like he could already feel his cells pulling apart.

He reached out, taking her hand in his and covering it with is other hand. “Maggie, you know I love you, right?”

She smiled at him, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She’d sensed his anxiety all day. “Of course, I do. And I love you, Pop Pop.”

He looked away and then back at her. “I promise you, whatever happens, I’m alright, and I’ll be back.”

“Pop Pop,” her eyes filled with tears, “What are you talking about?”

He shook his head, “I’ve left you everything you’ll need, and I promise I’ll be back.”

A tear fell from her eye as she squeezed his hand tighter. “But where…”

It was as if the world went silent as it started to happen. Though the television droned on in the background, he could swear the air was stiller. He started to see the dust fill the air and tried not to breathe.

But it was wrong.

It wasn’t him.

Her hand was falling to nothing in his, the fear in her eyes haunting as the skin of her cheeks flecked into the air, swirling before falling along with the rest of her into a pile on the couch.

It was so fast. So fast.

And it wasn’t him.

“No…” The word fell from his lips as a whisper, sobs starting to form in his throat.

~*~

He wondered, nearly every night for five years, if Thanos knew. If it had somehow been a conscious choice to keep him alive, to make him suffer just a little more. To make him watch his other self on television trying to promote healing.

Sometimes, he realized that this was a blessing. His sons and granddaughter were safe while they were snapped, protected by the fabric of the universe. Bucky had told him that he didn’t remember anything from being snapped, didn’t feel any different when he woke up than if he’d taken a long, heavy nap.

Somewhere, his family was taking the universe’s longest nap without him.

But they’d be spared these memories. They’d be spared lonely nights of missing loved ones and too little to eat while the world sorted out the jobs that were suddenly empty to keep things running for those that were left behind.

They’d be spared the fear of the gangs that started roaming the streets of half abandoned cities, looting for food and clothes in stores that had never officially closed but also couldn’t open with their owners simply gone.

They’d be spared the rolling blackouts and the contaminated water scares.

They’d be spared the fear of the country as the government suddenly found itself missing elected officials and the infighting and the rhetoric that came with martial law and hasty elections.  

They’d be spared so, so much pain and loss.

Every day, he relived it all, twice over.

He counted every day for five years, making his way through each week and month motivated by only one thought: they were coming back. He needed to be ready for them, for her.

He helped his daughter in law keep their house, managed his other son’s apartment in DC and kept his things ready and waiting, made sure Maggie’s things were safe and in working order, made sure her bank account stayed open and her phone bill was paid. He’d never, not once, considered he’d be the one left behind, and the logistics of all there was to do left him busy for the first few weeks.

Everyone told him his hope that the dusted would return was infectious, but after the first year, people stopped listening. He knew, for a fact, they’d come back, but everyone else didn’t. Even the past him was operating on the idea that they’d never be back.

Some days he didn’t make it out of bed. He laid there, talking to the ceiling, whispering to Peggy, wishing she could talk back, wishing she could be one of the ones brought back. He missed her with a ferocity that hadn’t changed since the first time he’d been in this time, but had only been tempered and strengthened by a lifetime together.

As the days drew closer to the five-year mark, he began to make arrangements.

~*~ October 2023

He cleaned the living room and set it to the way it had been that night. He pulled out every note and letter he’d written Maggie and his children and put them in the kitchen, ready and waiting.

He sat on the couch, facing the blank television, a new, piping hot, pepperoni pizza sitting in front of him, untouched.

He still couldn’t eat.

He still didn’t know if this was the right timeline. As he’d gotten closer to this day his faith had wavered. What if all he’d come to believe wasn’t true? What if this wasn’t the one fourteen million? He wanted to believe, but he didn’t know for sure.

He looked at his watch, watching as the seconds ticked by. What were a few seconds to him? He’d lived more than one lifetime, and that had been enough. He had barely made it through these five years the first time. The second time had almost truly broken him. He was ready for this to be over. He was ready to stop having to deal with loss and to be able to live whatever time he had left with the family he loved.

He held out his hand, and waited.

[goddessofthundathighs]

IX. PHILOPHOBIA

Suggested Listening/Songs Mentioned: Tadow x Masego; Body Party x Ciara

Word Count: 7.1K (Grab a snack, kids)

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

Philophobia: (n). the fear of love or of becoming emotionally connected with another person

In the days following their confessions session, O’Shea and Erik finally committed to having a regular schedule that was conducive to both her therapy and their personal needs.

Mondays were used to discuss the previous week’s activities, whether or not they were successful, and to plan out new activities for the upcoming week. Those activities would then be implemented on Tuesday while Wednesday was a quiet day.

During the quiet day, Erik would see other patients, if any, or meet with Skylar to discuss upcoming research projects. Thursdays were used for mid-week check-ins. O’Shea would contact Erik if she wasn’t feeling like herself or if she felt like the particular week’s activity was a failure. They alternated Friday and Saturdays for personal time outside of the office. During this time, they would go on movie or dinner dates or just chill at each other’s houses, cuddling or playing video games.

Their relationship was flourishing at a healthy rate and while excited for her best friend, Skylar couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy.

Erik watched her intensely as she paced the floor of his office, convinced that she was about to create a completely new design.

“Are you gonna talk to me or are you gonna put a hole in my floor?”

She stopped and faced him, her eyes riddled with conflict.

“I don’t know how to explain it without sounding like a bitter bitch,” she said, finally taking a seat in the chair across from him. It was Friday so she was dressed down in a black tank that read “Thug Life” in white Old English writing, camouflage cargo pants, and black gladiator sandals. Her curly mane haloed her face and big, gold bamboo earrings with her name in the middle adorned her ears.

“Girl stop all that and tell me what’s wrong so I can help fix it,” Erik fussed, coming around to sit on the corner of his desk in front of her.

“Well, I know I was the main one that wanted you two together, but now that it’s happening, I guess I’m a bit jealous. Not because you both are finally happy and in a healthy space to pursue a relationship, but because I want the same thing and right now. It’s hard.”

“Elaborate,” Erik said, removing his glasses so that their eyes met.

Sky sighed heavily before continuing, “Lately, I’ve found myself missing Monica. I mean, yeah, our relationship was toxic 80% of the time, but things were good when we were on good terms. She showered me with love and adoration and she was someone that I could call mine, even if it was only for a limited time. Occasional hookups are cool, but I miss being in love and the thought of pursuing something of that nature with Oya has me TERRIFIED,” she stomped, pushing his pen from the desk so that it rolled onto the floor.

“For the last time, would you calm down?” Erik’s voice was stern yet soft as he stared into her big doe eyes.

“I can’t help it, E,” she confessed looking up at him. “It’s quite obvious that Oya is interested, but I don’t know if I’m ready to go back down that road again. Not to mention, she wants a full-on domme/sub relationship. Monica and I only did a few scenes during our time together. I’m nobody’s domme.”

“You are,” he said frankly. “Your dick is bigger than mine most of the time, you just don’t seem to realize it. What are you afraid of?”

“Losing my license.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Liar.”

Skylar furrowed her brows, shooting him a glare that made him square his shoulders and glare right back.

“I’m not lying.”

“Yes you are; your bottom lip is trembling. Just say you’re afraid of giving your all to someone only to get your heart broken again.”

Sky hung her head in defeat. Erik was right and she knew it, but the truth wasn’t what she wanted to hear at the moment.

“This is just so unprofessional. I pride myself on not getting attached to my clients and here I am considering a relationship with this girl.” She sighed again, rubbing her temples as she felt the beginning symptoms of a migraine building.

Erik carefully took her chin between his thumb and index finger, lifting her head so that her eyes met his.

“I understand your apprehension, but you’ve gotta understand that everybody ain’t Monica.”

“I know, but that’s something I’m not ready to deal with yet. When she comes by the office, I’ll propose some things she can implement with her current partners before offering myself up.”

“Good luck with that, but if she’s as straightforward as you say she is, she’s only gonna tell you that nothing worked with her other partners just so she can have you. That’s how brats operate Dr. Greene. I should know; I’m an expert,” he replied with a sly smirk that made Sky chuckle before she could catch herself.

“You’re so fucking arrogant,” she frowned pushing his face away from hers.

“I’m not arrogant, I’m confident there’s a difference. Plus, it made you laugh so my job as Best Friend of the Year is done.”

“I swear you get on my nerves but thank you. This talk was much needed and it’s helped put some things into perspective. I’m gonna go work on a therapy plan for Ms. Ramirez.”

“Aight, let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do,” Sky replied with a warm hug before walking out of his office and out to her car. As if on cue, her phone rang and Oya’s picture came into view. It was a candid taken when Oya wasn't paying her any mind.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Ramirez.”

“Good afternoon, Dr. Greene,” Oya’s voice called back in a soft and seductive tone. “I was wondering if I could drop by your office, I have some things I’d like to discuss with you.”

Skylar swallowed thickly before replying, “Yes, I have an open slot for 1:00. Does that work for you?”

“Oh yes, that’s perfect. I’ll see you then.”

**

“Welcome to Kinky Sky Sex Therapy and Toy Emporium,” O’Shea called to the stranger when the bell of the shop dinged.

Oya paused, thinking to herself how much of a mouthful that was before her mind thought of how much she’d like a mouthful of --

“Hello again. O’Shea, right?” Oya replied to the slender beauty behind the counter.

“Yes, and you’re Oya, right?” Oya nodded with a smile. “Nice to meet you again."

"I had a 1:00 appointment with Dr. Greene, is she here?”

“She is. If you walk back to that last shelf of toys, you’ll notice a staircase. Take those down to the basement and you’ll see her.”

“The basement?” Oya replied, more than a little apprehensive.

“I know it sounds creepy, but it’s not as bad as you think. I promise,” Shea said reassuringly.

Oya nodded before walking through the long shelves of toys and lubricants until she reached the top of the white slate staircase. What she thought would be a dark, terrifyingly creepy sight was the opposite.

The walls were painted white with black and pink accents and the floors were grey slatewood. The northern wall held the security setup while the wall behind the desk held a bookshelf and all of Skylar’s degrees. Skylar’s desk sat in the middle of the space. It was a glass top with gold legs and sat atop a white fur rug with matching fur chair with gold legs in front. Skylar was seated behind the desk typing at her iMac, her brows furrowed in concentration.

“Dr. Greene?”

Skylar jumped, causing a pen to roll off her desk as her eyes met Oya’s.

“Oh, hi Oya. I’m sorry I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s fine, I just made it down here. Que bueno!”

Oya looked around at the office briefly on her way to take a seat in front of Sky’s desk, shamelessly staring at the S necklace that rested in her cleavage.

“So what did you want to talk about?” Sky asked, closing the document she’d been working on.

“Well, I tried one of the methods you suggested when I went out with my sister the other night. The vabbing technique.”

“Oh?” Skylar asked, grabbing a pen from the cup on her desk. “And how did it go?”

“Pretty well actually. I met a girl and we hooked up and it was cool I guess, but...”

“But?”

“I may have accidentally moaned your name during sex.”

“Wait… You did what now?”

Oya merely smirked, unable to hide the way Skylar’s reaction was making her feel.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stop thinking about you. Everything that she was doing to me made me wish it were you, so much so that I called her by your name. Like we were making out and things were getting heated and next thing I know instead of saying Celeste, I said Skylar.”

Skylar blinked for a few seconds before finally finding words to articulate her feelings.

“Oya, I’m your therapist. That’s extremely inappropriate.”

“Is it really? They're both sky-related names... Well, what about Surrogate Partner Therapy? Didn’t you receive funding to start experimenting with it?”

“Yes but--”

“So why don’t you let me be your first case.”

Skylar sighed in exasperation. If Oya was Erik, she would’ve cussed him out seeing as how he knew how much of a pet peeve it was for her to be interrupted. She instead chose to remain silent, intrigued to hear Oya’s point of view.

“Oya, it doesn’t work that way. SPT requires the use of someone else as the surrogate partner, not the therapist assigned to the client.”

“But what about Dr. Stevens? I could go back to being his client and he could start the process. It could be a joint project between the two of you.”

“You’ve really thought this out, huh?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll speak with Dr. Stevens and we’ll get back to you.”

Oya leaned over the desk, tucking a stray curl behind Skylar’s ear.

“Don’t keep me waiting too long, Dr. Greene.”

**

“Damn, lil mama was prepared, huh?”

Erik asked as he finished the last bite of his volcano sushi rolls with extra eel sauce that he was currently addicted to thanks to his favorite brat. His feet were propped up on his desk and he was reclined back in his office chair staring down into the iPad screen as Sky stared back.

“Bruh, I was shook. I’m sure she saw it on my face too. Like, I’m not used to anyone being this straightforward with me other than you. It’s different,” she said, speaking a mile per minute.

“So… the real question is what do you wanna do, doctor?”

“I’ve been asking myself that for a week and I’m still drawing a blank.”

It was true. Skylar had gone over every possible scenario of a relationship with Oya and each time she was met with a standstill. Half of her wanted to pursue a relationship to see how things would work, while the other half was still stuck on the board finding out and losing her license. Erik hated the pained look in her eyes. He could feel her heart as if it were in his own chest.

“You mean you’re too pussy to live life? Come on, Sky. Yes, losing your license is serious, but what are the odds of that really happening? We’re both extremely careful and go through the details of our reports with fine-toothed combs. On paper, everything looks legit and aside from our personal relationship, O’Shea is doing well, is she not?”

“She is.”

“Alright then, live a little. Let babygirl bring some spice into your boring ass, lonely ass life. Invite her to lunch and eat her pussy under the table.”

“Wow, fuck you,” Sky replied, watching as he started on a truffle salmon roll. “I haven’t done that since O’Shea. Besides, I’m a Louisiana native. I’m spicy enough.”

“I can’t tell with ya boring ass,” he teased, popping the rest of the roll into his mouth.

“Those look good, bring me some.”

“Nigga! It’s lunchtime in LA and your office is 15 minutes away. It’s gonna take me an hour to get to you.”

“O’Shea’s wearing those green leather pants you like,” Sky sang sweetly, smirking at the way he readjusted his slacks as he sat up.”

“I’m on my way,” was all he said before the FaceTime ended. Skylar chuckled softly before pulling up Oya’s contact information.

Though he was incredibly annoying, she knew Erik was right. She had been overthinking the entire situation and needed to let things flow. If for some reason things went sour and she lost her license, she still had a successful adult toy business and more than enough money saved up to live comfortably for the rest of her life if she chose to.

Taking a deep breath she pressed the call button and allowed the rest of her inhibitions to fly out of the window.

“Hello?” Oya’s sultry voice rang from the opposite end of the receiver.

“Oya, it’s Dr. Greene. I was wondering if we could meet for lunch, there are some things I wanted to discuss in regards to your request for Surrogate Partner Therapy.” Skylar smiled softly as Oya’s audible gasp tickled her ears.

“That would be great, but my schedule is pretty full today with dance classes. How about tomorrow for dinner?”

Dinner? Skylar hadn’t been on an actual dinner date in over a year, too far consumed with work to entertain anyone longer than a few quick hookups. The thought of getting all dolled up and having a night on the town with a beautiful woman on her arm made her smile incredibly wide.

“I could do dinner. Is there anywhere in particular you’d like to go?” She asked, rubbing her chin as Erik’s explicit suggestion crossed her mind. The smile in Oya’s tone was infectious.

“Have you ever had Barton G.?”

**

“Do a spin and let us see you,” Erik’s voice called from Skylar’s iPad that sat next to her vanity mirror.

For the last hour, she’d been modeling outfits for him and O’Shea, searching for the perfect show-stopping ensemble for dinner with Oya. When she finally completed the 360 turn, they both seemed to be enamored with the lavender two-piece skirt set she’d picked. She’d straightened her usually curly locs and chose to wear a matching duster and clear chunky heels to complete the look. Though she’d decided against a full face of makeup, she still filled in her brows, applied some mascara to her lashes and her favorite nude lipstick to her full lips.

“That’s the one,” O’Shea said with finality.

“I second that notion,” Erik nodded, causing Skylar to break into a wide grin. She was excited to see how the night would play out and even more excited to see where her relationship with Oya would stand after dinner.

“Alright, I’ll call you two with an update when I make it home tonight.”

“Don’t go home, get some pussy,” Erik called, pulling the perfectly pearled blunt from behind his ear.

“Bye Nigga!”

Across town, Oya stood in her floor-length mirror admiring the denim colored two-piece skirt set she wore. Her hair was slicked into a low bun around her neck rested a silver statement necklace. The top stopped just below her breasts and the draped skirt stopped just above her left knee creating a high-low illusion. Her freshly shaved legs peeked from the split in the center and silver strappy heels rested on her feet. Her makeup was neutral, simple lashes and a nude lip completing the overall look. She knew she looked good and was determined to have Skylar eating out the palm of her hands… and maybe her vagina by the end of dinner.

After one final once over, Oya was out the door and on her way to meet the future love of her life. The drive to Barton G was short and soon the two women were face to face, both in awe of the other’s outfit choice.

“You look stunning,” Oya called as she admired the way the lavender skirt clung to Sky’s hips and thighs.

“As do you,” Sky replied with a sweet smile. “I went ahead and put our names on the waitlist so it shouldn’t be much longer before our table is ready.”

“Perfect,” Oya replied, taking the empty seat beside her. As she took in Sky’s appearance again, the bag in her lap attracted her attention. It was lilac with an iridescent crocodile pattern and gold hardware.

“Is that a Hermès Birkin bag?”

“Yes ma’am. It was my first big purchase after I opened my shop and I adore it.”

“Of course you’re a label whore,” Oya replied with a playful smirk.

Sky rolled her eyes, returning Oya’s smile.

“Whatever. Excuse me for enjoying the finer things in life. I worked my ass off to get my shop and when the time came, I chose to treat myself to something nice.”

“Pretty expensive treat,” Oya mumbled.

“It’s true. I am indeed,” Sky retorted with a wide grin.

“Greene, party of 2,” the hostess called pulling Skylar and Oya from their heated conversation about designer fashion.

“I’m sorry, there’s just no way I’d spent $20-$40K on a bag,” Oya fussed, following the hostess to their designated table.

“But they’re beautiful bags, plus they increase in value 15% every year. It’s an investment if anything,” Sky reasoned.

“Be that as it may, I’m not dropping that kind of cash on a bag and I’ll be damned if my partner does.”

“To each her own, I guess,” Skylar shrugged. “But if I buy it, you’re gonna accept it.”

“Says who?” Oya countered with a raised eyebrow.

Skylar took the bait smoothly as she pulled Oya’s chair out, motioning for her to sit down.

“Ya Mama,” she replied with a wink causing Oya to flash her a devilish grin.

“I see you’re not playing fair tonight, Dr. Greene.”

“How is answering a question proposed to me not playing fair?”

“You know how. Don’t throw around such titles if you aren’t prepared to fulfill them,” Oya challenged.

“You’re absolutely right which brings me to why I wanted to meet with you. After speaking with Dr. Stevens, we both think that you’d be a good candidate for our SPT research. On paper, he will be your assigned therapist and I will be your surrogate partner.”

Sky glanced up to catch Oya watching her intensely as she explained.

“I will also be implementing Dr. Stevens’ 7-Day schedule which will be used to aid in both your therapy as well as personal needs. Out of the seven days, two of them will be quiet days in which we have zero communication with one another and you do not have to engage in whatever treatment method we have assigned for that week.”

Another glance up, and Oya’s stare was still just as intense as before.

“If this method looks to be successful, then I’ll start implementing more extracurricular activities in our time together, Is this something that you think you would be interested in?”

Oya’s grin grew wide at the thought of the introduction of BDSM elements. She was also pleased with the fact that Skylar had put so much thought into her treatment.

“I’m in, but on one condition.”

“Which is?”

“You spend the next two days with me, bonding, completely off the record. I want to see you in your natural state, and in these two days if you decide that a personal relationship isn’t what you want, then we’ll remain completely professional and well leave the extracurricular activities off the table.”

Skylar flinched, clearly taken aback by Oya’s change in tone.

“A-Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. I want you to be completely comfortable with whatever this turns into and I don’t want you to feel forced simply because of how strong I came on to you. At the end of the day, you’re a doctor and you have a reputation to uphold and I don’t want you to lose what you built because of me.”

“T-That’s really sweet, Oya. No one has taken my feelings into consideration like that before other than Erik.”

“Listen, I know that Monica chick did a number on you emotionally, but all I’m asking for is just one chance to prove that I’m in a different class.”

“Fine, you can have your two days, but after that it’s back to business,” Sky said, attempting to regain her usual tough demeanor.

Oya caught on and smiled a sly smile.

“Yes Mama,” she said as the waitress came to take their orders.

The pair spent the remainder of dinner talking like old friends. Skylar learned that Oya was the youngest of four children and that all of her siblings were dancers and choreographers. Sky spoke of her fathers and how she and Erik came to become as successful as they were.

“So you don’t know your mom at all?” Oya asked, taking a sip of her Sabrina-tini.

“She died while giving birth to me. Papa Simon raised me by himself until I was two. That’s when Papa Ruben came along and the rest was history.”

“Did your parents influence your sexual preference?”

“Actually, no. I’ve had relationships with men in the past, but Erik was the one that made me realize that I wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship with a man. Then I met Monica and the rollercoaster began.”

“She was your first girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“Why’d you guys break up if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Long story short, she was a seasonal gay and I got tired of being her escape.”

Oya nodded, having dealt with her share of toxic exes in the past.

“Well,” Oya said, raising her glass. “Here’s to new beginnings and lots of healing. May our days going forward be filled with joy and smiles and only tears of pure, unadulterated happiness.”

“Cheers,” Skylar said with a bright smile, unable to hide her excitement for what was to come.

**

“Pole dancing, huh? Kinky,” O’Shea said teasingly as she and Sky explored the extensive shoe closet on the second floor of Skylar’s condo. Oya had proposed the idea during their dinner the previous night, opting to do it on Sunday since her studio would be closed to her students.

“It’ll be fun, just you and I vibing to some dope music. I just may teach you a thing or two.”

Oya’s teasing tone was loud in Skylar’s ear as she combed through another wall of shoes. Oya had instructed her to bring a pair of heels because she would be getting on a pole, a statement that had Sky turning her nose up slightly.

“If my thick ass fall, I’m fighting her,” Sky fussed, holding up a pair of black, strappy Louboutins.

“And I’m gonna fight you if you think you wearing Louboutins to a pole dancing class. This is real life, not the movies. Besides, you need something with a platform to help maintain your balance,” O’Shea said, grabbing a pair of clear 6-inch heels with a pink sole and iridescent glitter platform bottoms. “These are perfect! Try them on!”

Sky grabbed the shoes from her and put them on, towering over Shea as she strutted back and forth in the closet.

“Great, now I just have to figure out what I’m wearing,” Sky replied staring at herself in the mirror. She was currently wearing a baby pink cross-back bralette and matching leggings.

“That looks good. Pole dancing is exercise, after all, so you want to be comfortable.”

Sky thought for a bit before nodding in agreeance.

“Alright, well let me get going. We agreed to meet at 4.”

“Alright, be safe and have fun!” O’Shea called, following Sky outside.

After sending a quick confirmation text, Skylar punched the address of the studio into her GPS and made her way downtown.

The studio was dimly lit with pink and purple lights. The front wall of the studio held five floor-length mirrors while the back wall was painted burnt orange. In all, ten poles stretched across the entire floor in two lines and two speakers occupied the upper corners above the mirrors.

“Right on time,” Oya’s voice called from somewhere above Sky’s head.

She craned her neck to see Oya swinging from an aerial hoop. She moved so gracefully and elegantly, each movement flowing in incredible precision. It looked so easy, but Sky knew better than to think such. She smiled as Oya carefully lowered herself to the floor and padded over to her, greeting her with a gentle hug.

“I’m so glad you agreed to this class. We’re gonna have so much fun,” Oya said with a bright smile. She led Sky to a spot in the back where she could put her bag down and change shoes before pulling her to the center of the room between the two rows of poles.

“First, we’re going to do some stretches. We need your body as loose and limber as possible that way you don’t hurt yourself while on the pole.” Sky made a face before joining Oya on the floor.

“I told O’Shea we were gonna fight if I fall off one of these poles,” Sky said with a chuckle before spreading her legs in a wide v shape, lowering her upper half to the floor.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Dr. Greene,” Oya replied with a smirk before copying Sky’s pose.

Sky bit her lip to contain her smile at the way Oya enunciated her name before speaking.

“This is off the record and we’re out of the office so you can just call me Sky or Skylar.”

“I prefer Sunshine if we’re being honest,” Oya said with a sweet smile that Sky couldn’t help but return.

“Okay, Sunshine it is.”

After they were all stretched out and warmed up, Oya began the lesson.

“The first thing we’re going to learn is a basic spin. The easiest one to do is the fireman spin, kinda like we used to do on the playground. I’ll demonstrate first and then explain it in detail.”

“I know how to do that,” Sky remarked with a sneer as she watched Oya spin around the bottom of the pole.

“Alright, then missy. Let’s see you do it,” Oya urged, clapping teasingly as Sky completed the spin.

“Okay, let’s do something a little more complicated. This next move is called the chair spin. It’s just like the fireman, but as you’re going around, I want you to lift your knees towards your chest and keep your feet elevated as you spin. Like this,” Oya explained before demonstrating. It took a few tries, but Sky finally got the hang of it and was ready to move onto the next spin.

“This third spin is called the back hook. You’re gonna grip the pole with your right hand, wrap your right leg around it and let the universe do its thing. As you’re going around, you’re gonna grip the pole near the bottom with your left hand,” Oya explains.

“Let the universe do its thing? You mean gravity because that shit sounds like I’m going to bust my ass and get a concussion. Now how exactly do you plan to explain that to my fathers? Me being concussed, I mean?” Sky asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Just try it, scaredy-cat. I promise I’m not gonna let you concuss yourself,” Oya giggled.

By the end of the 2-hour lesson, Sky could successfully do the back hook along with the climb, the seat, and carousel spin, which she deemed her personal favorite.

After a few sips of water, Skylar took a seat in one of the chairs along the wall and watched Oya dance. Mid-way through the class, she opted to sit her phone down on the floor in front of the mirrors to record a few videos to send to Erik and Shea once they were done. Since Oya was putting on a show, she decided to give her some music to vibe to. Soon, the mellow sounds of Tadow by Masego filled the studio. Oya’s limber body swayed effortlessly to the beat.

Oh oh I saw her and she hit me like (tadow) // Saw that thing so beautiful (tadow)

She just hit my heart, oh (tadow) // Full force and she got me like (tadow)

Sky closed her eyes, allowing the music to transport her to her happy place. Everything grew still and tranquil and she just existed freely with Oya, no distractions and no apprehension. Deep down she knew she wanted this woman, but couldn’t seem to shake that nagging, fearful voice in the back of her mind. She shook her head, not wanting to go down that road at the moment. She was content and happy right where she was and wanted to stay that way.

When she opened her eyes again, Oya was straddling her lap, rolling her hips sensually to Body Party by Ciara. Just as she was finding her groove, California Love by Tupac began blaring through the speakers, signaling an incoming call from Erik. Not wanting to disturb the beauty in her lab, she answered the call from her Apple Watch.

“Yes?” was all she said as she wrapped her arms around Oya’s waist.

“I knew it! Best friend getting booty! You owe me $50!” he yelled to O’Shea who was sitting next to him.

“Wait, you niggas bet on me?!” she exclaimed, moving Oya slightly to the right to stare down into the camera.

“It was a spur of the moment thing, but yes. I figured you’d take my advice, but I wasn’t expecting you to be getting booty in the studio.”

“Ain’t nobody getting booty,” Skylar fussed. “She’s only dancing.”

“I mean if you want some booty, that can be arranged,” Oya said with a smirk.

“Hush, ain’t nobody talking to you. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Yes Mama,” Oya teased, continuing her ministrations.

“Mama?!” Erik and O’Shea yelled in unison, sounding like Soulja Boy on his Breakfast Club interview. Oya giggled, looking back at Sky who was shaking her head at her best friend and employee’s antics.

“Move nigga! I wanna see too!” O’Shea fussed, snatching Erik’s phone from his hand. “Ooh, her ass fat,” Shea exclaimed, putting her whole face in the camera like a kid asking if you had games on your phone.

“You know what, bye!” Sky said, ending the call before returning her focus to Oya.

“How do you deal with them?”

“I ignore them most of the time if we’re being honest,” Sky said with a chuckle. “You know, you look really good in my lap,” Sky remarked as Oya slowed her motions.

“Really now? You tryna keep me here, Sunshine?”

“I just might, pretty girl,” Sky said, lifting her head slightly meeting Oya’s lips in a soft kiss. It was soft and slow, with a hint of tongue and a few lip bites. It felt right and when they were done, Sky was lightheaded. She bit her lip softly as Oya stared down at her, returning her heated gaze.

“Wanna go again?”

**

After another 3-4 hours dancing and making out, Skylar and Oya parted ways, making plans to visit Little Tokyo for their date the following day. Sky kept her promise to call Erik once she was finally home safely, making sure to tell him every tiny little detail that transpired after their FaceTime call abruptly ended.

“Finally! Bold Sky is making a comeback!”

“Oh my God, shut up!” Skylar exclaimed, hiding her face in her sherpa blanket to cover the fact that her face was as red as the soles of her Louboutins as if Erik could see her. “Her lips are super soft, though. I swear it felt like I was kissing a cloud.”

“I’m proud of you. So what did you guys decide on for her therapy?”

“Well, I’m gonna implement the 7-Day schedule that you have with O’Shea and if that works out then I’ll gradually introduce BDSM elements.”

Erik nodded, rubbing his chin occasionally.

“I like that and if you need some tips, let me know.”

“Will do, boss man. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to have a nice long soak. We stretched out muscles I forgot I had.”

“Keep on, let her stretch some more shit out,” Erik teased, his wide grin evident in his tone.

“Goodbye, Dr. Nigga!” Sky screeched, hanging up in his face. She couldn’t help the wide grin that stretched across her face as she recalled the way Oya’s lips felt against hers or the way her body felt as they rolled against one another on the floor of the studio.

While she showered, she imagined what Oya’s other set lips tasted like, or how she would sound moaning her name as her tongue lapped up her essence until she came undone over and over again.

Before she knew it her fingers were inside her flower, plunging deeper and deeper until her back rested against her shower wall, a pool of her juices flowing down the drain. She bit her lip as she thought about the introduction of BDSM to their relationship. If the mere thought of Oya had her behaving this way, there’s no telling what would happen when the two were finally intimate, but she was eager to find out.

**

The bell on the door of the flower shop dinged, signaling the departure of the final patron of Nola Greene Florists, the flower shop Skylar’s fathers owned. Hibiscus flowers, Louisiana Irises, and Gardenias were just a few of assorted flowers that lined the different shelves of the shop, all blooming bright and filling the space with a heavenly scent. Ruben was in a corner tending to a row of hibiscuses when he glanced over at Simon who was sitting behind the counter going over inventory.

“Have you heard from your daughter?” Ruben asked as he plucked another dead leaf from the plant.

“We spoke for a bit the other night. She apparently has an ice cream date today,” Simon replied looking up from the clipboard.

“A date?! And she didn’t tell her father?” Ruben gasped, almost trimming the head of a hibiscus as he ranted.

“Well damn, what am I? Chopped liver?”

“I didn’t mean it like that Simey Bear,” Ruben coaxed. “She just usually shares these kinda things with me first. I guess I feel a little jealous.”

“You’re such a diva,” Simon said with a chuckle. “The one time she tells me something before you, you’re up in arms.”

Ruben pouted slightly. Ever since Skylar was a child, they would always talk about the boys she liked and he would be the one to help with her hair and makeup.

“So what exactly does this boy look like?”

“It’s not a boy,” Simon said with a smirk.

“Oh? It’s another fish? It better not be that Monica heifer!” Ruben shouted as he slammed the shears on the counter.

“You know, she didn’t say,” Simon recalled, pulling his phone from his pocket. “Let’s call her.”

**

The streets were relatively clear as Skylar and Oya walked hand in hand through Little Tokyo. They grabbed a few t-shirts from Popkiller, Skylar’s favorite being the Kawaii Kanye shirt Oya picked out before leaving and heading to the Tokyo Japanese Outlet. There, Skylar bought herself a life-size Jigglypuff plush while Oya browsed the pin section. Sky rolled her eyes playfully as Oya stuck the ‘I Love Cat’ pin to the front of her shirt, rubbing her head against her chest purring.

“You’re aggy,” Sky said before playfully pushing her head away.

“Yet you’re still here with me,” Oya countered, walking out of the shop in search of food.

The pair decided on Shen Sin Gumi. Skylar remembered O’Shea talking about how great the food was and how they had the best ramen in LA. They both settled on spicy tonkotsu ramen with kikiruge mushrooms, green onions, and extra chashu. Skylar also ordered a side of takoyaki and chicken gyoza while Oya got a side of veggie tempura.

“Damn,” Skylar exclaimed slurping a noodle. “This is the best ramen in LA.”

Oya nodded in agreeance, taking a bite of the veggie tempura.

“It is. We should start letting O’Shea pick out food spots more often.”

“We should. All the little fat fuck does is eat,” Sky chuckled.

After lunch and more exploring of Little Tokyo, the pair ended their date at Bae, Skylar’s favorite ice cream shop because of their quirky flavor options and the overall ambiance of the parlor.

Oya couldn’t help the smile that stretched across her face when her eyes fell on the neon sign that read ‘With love, from bae’ as soon as they walked in.

“Real cute, Greene.”

“I know,” Skylar smirked back. The pair sampled several different flavors of ice cream, their mutual favorites being Pegasus, Mixed Feelings, Ube, and Heartbreak. Skylar’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much and she was in the middle of telling one of Papa Simon’s favorite jokes when her phone rang.

“Speak of the devil,” she said, answering the FaceTime call. “Hello father,” she said with a playful eye roll.

“Now is that any way to greet your father?” Simon asked, holding the phone close to his face in an attempt to see who Skylar was with.

Sky caught on and moved to the other side of the table.

“You’re right, where are my manners? Hello Papa Simon. How are things with you and Papa Ruben?”

“They’re good, my dearest. How are things with you and your friend?” Skylar decided to play dumb a little longer.

“Erik is fine. We’re both experimenting with SPT with our current clients and so far, things have been going well.”

Ruben, knowing the game his daughter was playing snatched the phone from Simon and commanded the screen.

“Cut the bullshit, Moreau. Let us see her.”

Skylar smiled as she bit her lip and moved back to sit beside Oya once more.

“Oya, these are my fathers, Simon and Ruben Greene. Dads, this is Oya.”

“Oh Skylar, she’s stunning,” Ruben exclaims, causing Oya to blush.

“Thank you, sir. It’s nice to meet you, Skylar talks about you all the time.”

“She better,” Ruben teased. “Okay, finish your date. I just had to make sure it wasn’t that part-time gay heifer.”

Skylar laughed at that.

“No Daddy, Monica is a distant memory. As a matter of fact, I think Oya just may be a permanent addition of she acts right,” Sky smirked, glancing over at Oya.

“Excuse you, madam?” Oya said with mock offense.

“I’m just playing, pretty girl,” Sky coaxed, stroking her cheek with her thumb.

“Mmhm... Tell me anything,” Oya teased, sucking her thumb off camera.

“Oop, she’s spicy. I like her,” Ruben said. “Well, you two enjoy your date. Papa Simon and I will check in on you later.”

“Yes, sir. Bye Dads,” Sky said as she ended the call. She shoved her phone back in her jacket pocket as Oya went to grab another double scoop of Heartbreak.

As she caught herself staring at the light-skinned, curly red-haired cutie before her, one thing was certain: She was fucked. Absolutely, positively, 100% fucked. She now knew how Erik felt the first time he realized how enamored he was with O’Shea and she wanted to curse herself for teasing him the way she did. Not since Monica had anyone made her feel so free and uninhibited and initially, she was very apprehensive about it. But once she saw Oya’s smile spread across her face and create that subtle twinkle in her eye, Skylar made it her business to have it on display more often.

“What?” Oya’s voice pulled Skylar from her thoughts and it was then that she realized she had been staring the entire time.

“H-Huh? What?”

“You were staring again, Moreau,” Oya responds with a sly smirk, extending a hand to brush a few stray curls from her face.

“You getting real comfortable with my middle name, Ms. Ramirez,” Sky remarks, leaning over to steal a lick of her ice cream cone.

“Just like you getting comfortable with my damn ice cream, ya thief!” Oya says with a laugh.

“It looked good, I couldn’t help myself!” Skylar screeched, throwing her arms up in mock surrender.

“Uh-huh, I bet you couldn’t. You gone make me fight you,” Oya fussed.

“Aww, don’t be like that, pretty girl,” Sky teased, causing Oya’s grin to stretch wider.

“You lucky you’re a hot doctor,” Oya smirked, stealing a lick from Skylar’s Pegasus cone.

Sky only smirked and shook her head as she watched Oya eat.

“You’re trouble, Ms. Ramirez.”

“Glad you know, Dr. Greene.”

**

The next morning found Skylar smiling from ear to ear as she entered the shop. O’Shea watched with a smirk as she bounced on her toes all the way down to her office.

“I take it you had a good time?”

“I had a great time. She’s sweet, she’s funny, and she doesn’t take any of my shit which is something I’ll have to get used to, but I enjoy it.”

“You and Erik really are two sides of the same coin. I bet he tells you the same shit about me.”

“That he does.”

“Awww, Sky Bear is in love,” O’Shea teased, poking at Skylar’s sides.

“I’m not in love, yet, but there is a possibility that something more than business will come from this and I’m not opposed.”

O’Shea squealed, kicking her feet like an excited schoolgirl.

“I’m so happy for you. You’ve been through so much and it’ll be nice for you to be loved the way you deserve to be.”

“Aww, thanks, Shea. That’s really sweet of you to say.”

“And I mean it, too. Oh, I almost forgot,” O’Shea squeaked as she bound up the stairs and back down again. “These were delivered for you.”

Sky raised an eyebrow before taking the bouquet of sunflowers from O’Shea. They smelled heavenly and hand a little black card attached.

“Ooh, what does it say?” Shea asked, bouncing excitedly. Sky grabbed the card and smiled from ear to ear as she read the message aloud.

“To my Sunshine,

May your day be as beautiful and as sweet as this bouquet.”

-With love,

From Bae

Links to pole moves used above:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZxMFtZxPko&t=116s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tap-qXHJIpQ&t=132s

TAG LIST:

@vikkidc @thadelightfulone @sydneebleu @blktinkerbell @madamslayyy @chaneajoyyy @jozigrrl @thehomierobbstark @ @iamrheaspeaks @mareethequeen @forbeautyandlife @whatmoredoyouwantamericaa @blowmymbackout @wakanda-inspired @yaachtynoboat711 @nickidub718 @heyauntieeee @princessstevens @bakarilennox @xaviera108 @alexundefined @raysunshine78 @dameshaemonique @laketaj24 @youreadthatright @theogbadbitch @bugngiz @amirra88 @post-woke @im5ftbutmythroat66 @blackpinup22 @maya-leche @blessyd-bthyname @unholyxcumbucket @eclecticblkgirl @kissmyafropuff @rick-sosa @jennajai @allhailqueennel @killmongersbaby @eye-raq @thickemadame @soulfulbeauty19

[plaidstiel-wormstache]

Our Vices - pt1

A/N: Spoilers for s15. This is a two parter, and I’m pretty proud of it as a whole! Warnings: SPOILERS for s15, mentions of supernatural violence, death, angst, relationship difficulties, domestic troubles, fluff Characters: Dean, Sam x Reader, Donna, Doug, mentions of Jessica Moore Word Count: 1902 Summary: Set after s15 e3 - Dean and YN worry about Sam and convince him a hunt is what he needs, but words are said, feelings are hurt and things aren’t right between the couple. Another hunt might just fix that. Might. Beta: @wi-deangirl77​ answers for my sanity, me FINALLY posting this. Thank you for going through this too many times and encouraging me to do my best.

YN was already in the kitchen, bacon sizzling in the pan. “Morning,” Dean said as he entered, headed straight for the freshly brewed coffee. “Hey,” YN answered wearily. Dean paused as he reached for two mugs, looking over at her, the dark circles under her eyes. “How is he this morning?” He asked. “Same, tossed and turned, I had to get out.” Dean hummed, thinking, handing a mug of coffee to her as she offered the spatula to him. As they traded places, YN stayed close, resting against the sink. “He’s barely been outta that room. I don’t know what to do.” She confessed. “Yeah, it’s taking a toll.” Dean agreed. “It’s taking a toll on us all,” YN turned to face Dean, “And I get it, we all handle it differently, but-“ “He killed Rowena, YN, she was in his arms, looking into his eyes-” “I’m not arguing that-” “Different to what we’re used to’s all I’m saying.” “I get it. I do.” YN sighed and rested back against the sink, “I can’t fathom the mental rings you run around yourself on making that decision, but Dean... he’s not talking to me, not to you, no one. I’m worried about him.” “I’ll have a word.” “I’m scared-”

Sam woke with a start, looking over to the other side of the bed as he sat up, pulling both hands through his hair then down his face. The nightmare was so real, he’d killed YN so easily, and it made him sick. Sick at the thought he could get satisfaction from the power that had surged through him in his dream, sick that he didn’t feel anything when he’d killed YN... then killed Dean. Sam didn’t know if he wanted to see YN, be wrapped in her warm embrace, her easy love, soothed and comforted, or if he wanted to hide from her, like she’d see what he did, that he enjoyed it. He pushed himself off the bed and padded out to the kitchen, finding Dean and YN in there, voices low, standing close, heads together. YN was the first to look up, breaking apart from the older Winchester.

“Morning,” She offered. “You weren’t-” “Yeah, started breakfast, couldn’t really sleep,” YN said, cutting Sam off. “I slept great, thanks.” Dean interjected, already feeling the mood of the room shift. YN went for the coffee machine as Sam approached, filling her mug and handing it to him. “Thanks,” Sam mumbled, frowning as she left without a further word. “She okay?” He asked Dean, staring after her. “Are you?” Dean countered. Here we go again, Sam thought, he’d just rather have time to himself, try and sort through his thoughts. He left the bench for a seat at the kitchen table, sitting with his back to his brother. “I’m just saying-” Dean began over the sound of plates, and the scraping of a pan. “I know what you’re saying.” Sam interjected. Dean planted the plate of bacon down on the table and sat down opposite. “You barely leave your room anymore, man. You need to get out, clear your head.”

***

YN played interesting games, always had, but they infuriated Dean, even her turn for I-Spy annoyed him. She was too smart, too educated, and she flaunted it. “A fuckin’ indicator? How the shit was I ever gonna get that?” “Cause you use one, oh that’s right you d-” “Okay, come on.” Sam tried to cut in. Dean jabbed his finger into the centre panel, jamming the radio on, then flicking to the tape deck, turning the volume up on his latest find, an old cassette of Van Halen live in concert. “Dean!” YN whined, a smile on her face when Sam glanced over his shoulder. “Sorry, can’t hear you!” Dean called out, too loud when Sam turned down the volume, “Come one, man!” “Can we just focus on the case?” Sam asked, making both Dean and YN sigh and sit back in their seats. “Of course we can, Sam, what’ve you found?” YN questioned, jabbing a finger into Dean’s shoulder when he wobbled his head. She knew he was pulling a face while mouthing an impression of Serious-Sam. “Well, there’s this discrepancy here,” He said, handing the iPad back to YN to look over.

***

They had checked in at a motel on the border of town, spent the day shaking down the local police, questioning witnesses, and chasing down dead ends when they all finally called it a night, returning to the motel after a late dinner at the only bar open. Sam had climbed into bed and fallen asleep almost immediately, while Dean and YN moved around the room getting ready for bed, sharing thoughts on the case, but soon both were dead to the world. YN stirred in the middle of the night, feeling something wasn’t right, she listened for a while, listened to the man she loved whimper and whisper. Then he woke, sitting up and curling over. 

“Another nightmare?” YN asked, eyes barely open as she reached for Sam’s back, circling it with the palm of her hand. He turned toward her, shifting down the bed, dipping his head to her chest, curling into her, his arm on her stomach, hand over her heart, feeling the rhythm, the life beating through her. YN let the broad man tuck himself close, like a child snuggling up to its mother, the closer: the safer. Trailing patterns over his shoulders and brushing soft fingers through his hair, she felt his breath over her chest beginning to slow from the frantic panting he’d done in his sleep. “You called out for Jess in your sleep, again.” She whispered after a minute. “She was right there, I could touch her, reach her, but I couldn’t...” Sam choked on his words. “Sweetheart, the last thing she saw was you. You trying to save her.” YN cooed. “Trying and failing.” Sam sobbed. “No, baby, she saw you trying.” Sam’s breath caught as he sniffled. “Jess… the last thing she saw- she knew, was you were there. She knew you were trying to save her, and in that thought is a bit of peace.” YN pressed quietly, crooking her neck awkwardly to press her lips to his hair. Sam’s hand shifted from her chest to her rib cage and he pulled her tightly into him, holding her. 

Dean had woken to the murmuring coming from the other bed, he knew Sam struggled; fifteen years and all the shit they’d gone through, it was a miracle they weren’t psychopaths or worse. But unlike Dean, Sam couldn’t find a way to justify their decisions, the deaths that surrounded them, Dean knew he was lying to himself when he explained it away at night, Sam’s brain just wasn’t wired like that. 

“Tell me how you met Jess?” YN whispered into the night, her fingers still lazily stroking through Sam’s hair. “A fr-- we met at a party.” Sam quietly explained, the pain in his voice evident. “What was she studying?” YN prodded. “Educational psychology, she wanted to be a teacher and double as a counselor.” “She sounds like she had it figured out.” “She did, she was so… every decision she made was like, she knew what she wanted to do, she was topping the secondary teacher education class and... she just knew exactly what she was going to do, where she wanted to work, she had it all planned out.” “Where did she wanna work?” 

Dean smiled to himself as he listened to the two, he was happy Sam had someone to talk to about all that. He wouldn’t have even known Sam was having nightmares if YN wasn’t around, he doubted Sam would even open up to him about Jess. But Dean also couldn’t help but wonder if YN knew Sam was going to propose to Jess, if she knew Sam had been ready to settle down if it hadn’t been for his big brother pulling him back in. What would YN think if she didn’t know and Sam told her?

“You were both so lucky to have each other, to share a love like that.” YN breathed, her fingers stilling in Sam’s hair. He frowned against her breast and tilted his head up, trying to see her face in the dark. YN’s eyes were open, her stare fixed on the ceiling. “You know I-” Sam began, but her eyes quickly found his and she interrupted. “What we have is so different, Sam,” Her hand cupped his cheek, thumb running back and forth over his temple, “No love is ever the same.” YN looked over his face, his nose and brow standing out in the street light filtering through the dusty, torn, woolen curtain. He blinked and then craned his neck, reaching for her lips, pressing a brief kiss to them when she raised her head. When she lay back, he stretched out and followed her, pressing his lips to hers once more, holding her in that moment for longer, hoping that his thanks was without judgement.

Dean could feel the tension in the air, thick and uncomfortable, and when he heard the hard breath only noses made when they were pressed against another’s face, he was plunged into a situation he never wanted to be in. At the next telltale noise of lips breaking apart, he did the only thing he could think of. He groaned loudly as he pulled the blankets up further, “If you two are gonna fuck, you’re gonna need to get another room.” He rolled onto his front and pulled his pillow over his head. He could hear the slight sound of one of them snorting a laugh and just like that the tension melted like ice under boiling water.

***

It was a tough hunt, not just physically either. When it became clear it was a couple, they managed to catch them, but they weren’t expecting one to be a human. They weren’t expecting him to try and explain it away, for her to promise she’d never hurt anyone again, for him to sacrifice himself to try and save her. It was tough. And it didn’t become apparent that they’d handle it in their own ways until they got back to the motel room. 

“Well… that sucked but, hey, job well done!” YN congratulated as they dropped the bags back in the motel room. “How can you be happy at a time like this?” Sam accused. YN froze, the smile faltered on her face, “Cause if I’m not happy, then I’m wallowing in something dark, and that’s a deep well I can’t fall down.” “Well, it’s messed up. It wasn’t a job done well.” He pushed. “Sammy, leave her be.” Dean tried, “She meant well-” “Meant well? We just killed a couple of kids... for what? Cause she was forced into that life? He was trying to help her best he could?” Sam burst. The smile disappeared, her shoulders slumped, the weight of the world back to rest upon her. Her eyes began to brim, her gaze dropping with the first tear. “I’m just... I’ll...” she stammered as she picked up her bag and left the room. “Nice one, Sam.” Dean chastised, heading for the bathroom, slamming the door. The shower clunked to life, pipes squealing, the water hitting the curtain. “I just...” Sam sighed, he didn’t know what he wanted. But he ruined it. Ruined her.

 Part 2

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[misssophiachase]

Remember this story? If not, I don’t blame you! I have been adding (and in some cases amending) my fics and uploading to AO3 and am hoping to get a couple done because they are almost finished. Thanks to @romanoffsbite for the stunning cover : ) Click on the cover above for the link to the full story on AO3. It’s also on FF HERE 

Synopsis:  British Ambassador to the USA, Klaus Mikaelson, needs a babysitter to look after his daughter. Enter nanny, Caroline Forbes.

Lessons in Diplomacy - Chapter 7: Attaché

British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC

"I know this isn't exactly what you had in mind when we discussed a date." Klaus looked at Caroline apologetically hoping that she understood. Klaus was used to his job disrupting every other facet of his life, but it had been so long since he liked someone, let alone went on a date, that he wasn't familiar with the protocol.

As if his job wasn't difficult and time-consuming enough, he also had an eight-year-old who required constant care. Darcy had woken earlier that day with a stomach ache and he'd been reluctant to leave.

Klaus had spent the past week planning their date and had made reservations at one of the best new restaurants in DC as per Rebekah's recommendation. He could have hired a sitter for the evening but given Jane had recently decided to retire from her post and Caroline was his alternate he didn't have much choice. Not seeing Caroline wasn't an option, it had already been six days since the ice hockey game and Klaus was greedy for some alone time without the peanut gallery (also known as his siblings) commenting.

"I don't know," she murmured. "At least I get fed, so that's something sort of date-like. How's Darcy feeling?" His face softened, he liked the fact she was so concerned for his daughter even though they'd only met a few times.

"Well, last time I checked she was asking the chef for some chocolate brownies, so I think we can safely say the worst of it is over," he explained.

Klaus was worried that Darcy wasn't okay with him dating Caroline given her miraculous recovery earlier. He figured it would be difficult for an eight-year-old to get their head around the fact their babysitter was also dating their father. Klaus was solely devoted to Darcy and she always came first, no matter what. That's why he thought it was important to check she was okay.

One hour earlier

"So, brownies hey?" He asked, approaching his daughter. She was lying in bed, hair in messy pigtails and wearing pajamas while watching Frozen on her iPad for what Klaus swore was the millionth time. If he was told to 'Let it Go' one more time, he'd lose it.

"I haven't eaten all day, I was hungry," she whined. Klaus took a seat next to her and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"For chocolate, Darce, really?"

"I think it's the only thing that will make me feel better," she argued. "Trust me on this, dad."

"Oh, so you're now a medical expert?" She gave him a look which meant he wasn't funny. "Everything else is okay, right? I mean, besides the stomach ache?"

"It's fine," she answered, scrunching her nose up in that adorable manner he loved. "Well, except for the lack of brownies."

"You know Caroline is coming over tonight, right?"

"Can we play together? I want to show her my new nail polish and tell her all about what Marcy Johnson did for show-and-tell. Oh, and we need to read the next chapter of The Little Prince." The fact she spoke so excitedly and seemed to genuinely like Caroline filled him with warmth.

"Well, actually she's coming to see me tonight. You know how I told you last week that I like Caroline and wanted to spend some time with her?" She nodded. "Would that be okay? I promise you can see her next time."

"As long as you promise," she smiled.

"Pinky swear," he grinned, interlacing fingers with her. He then leaned down and murmured in her ear. "How about I get Marjorie to bring you up some of those brownies, sweetheart?"

"Well, I actually brought her a little something, there's nothing worse than being stuck in bed sick with nothing to do," Caroline murmured bringing him out of his trance and handing him a brightly coloured bag.

"You really didn't have to, Caroline," he smiled warmly, thinking just how kind and considerate she was, amongst other things.

"It's nothing," she replied. "I know that she's trying to out-do Marcy Johnson on show-and-tell so I thought this might help." Klaus was beginning to think this Marcy Johnson was going to be a problem and the fact Caroline knew, and after such minimal contact, was extremely telling. She obviously mistook his silence for something else. "I know it isn't all about competition.."

"The hell it isn't," he laughed.

"Like father like daughter," she teased. "Although I've been known to get a little competitive myself, just ask Katherine about our days in the Cheer Squad." Klaus had to admit the visual of Caroline in a tiny skirt and pompoms wasn't entirely unwelcome. He coughed, attempting to regain his composure.

"How is Katherine? I asked Elijah after the ice hockey but he's like a vault, no one is getting any information from him. I always thought he would have been an absolute asset in the secret service."

"Good apparently," she murmured. "Although given your sister's interest in her designs, Katherine's workload has increased ten-fold, not that she's complaining. I've always known Katherine was talented but it's really great to see it finally acknowledged."

"That's good news," he smiled, thinking how generous Rebekah could be and happy that her best friend was the recipient.

"When I left tonight she was still at her atelier, apparently your brother was dropping past to get fitted for a suit for Saturday's reception."

"And here I thought she already had his measurements," he grinned knowingly. "So, I probably should invite you inside given this is a date and everything?"

They were still standing in the front hall and Klaus watched as Caroline shed her excessive layers of clothing to ward off the chill outside. Her blonde hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders and her creamy skin was tinged pink from the cold air.

It wasn't until the last layer, in the form of a thick, woollen scarf, came off that Klaus was stunned into silence. He'd seen her mostly in jeans and casual clothes which were flattering anyway but she'd certainly made an impression with tonight's outfit. The little, black dress fit her perfectly and highlighted every delectable curve. He felt his mouth go dry, willing himself to speak but nothing was coming out.

"What's wrong? She asked, looking down at her ensemble. "Do I have something on me?"

"No, " he stammered. "You just, uh, you look.."

"And here I thought diplomacy was about being a good conversationalist?" She smirked, her blue eyes twinkling mischievously.

"You look stunning, Caroline, not that you don't always look good because..."

"It's okay," she soothed, placing her hand over his. "Message received," Klaus mentally kicked himself thinking what an idiot he must sound like to Caroline. He planned to be confident and suave but obviously the horse had bolted on that. "So, what's for dinner?"

They were taste testing the menu for his welcome reception on the weekend and Caroline had offered to play guinea pig for the evening. Klaus much preferred her as his date than having to sit through it with Rebekah and her excessive amount of opinions.

"Just so you know, Rebekah tells me there's no foie gras or black truffles on the menu. She wanted to avoid any messiness on the night."

"Now the real Klaus Mikaelson is back," she teased. "You realize there won't be another date with me, outside or inside the Embassy if you continue to bring that up? I could talk about your form at the ice hockey game the other night if you'd prefer?"

"I know it's called a puck," he replied defensively.

"I'm glad you called though," she smiled. Klaus couldn't get over how one smile could take his breath away but Caroline wasn't like anyone he'd ever met. "It's nice to know you're not that guy who says he'll call and doesn't."

"The twenty-something-year-old, college me probably would have," he explained. "But I haven't been that guy for a very long time."

"Since Darcy was born?" Klaus knew he'd changed a lot since his daughter came into his life but he also knew that he'd matured long before that.

He paused briefly gesturing in the direction of the dining room so he could compose his answer while they walked. As they did, members of his house staff smiled and greeted Caroline personally on the way.

"Wow, I've been here so many times that people know me. Do you realize that I didn't even have to tell the security guys outside why I was here? Usually, they are so foreboding and serious but I swear I saw Ahmed crack a smile."

"You got Ahmed to smile? I'm impressed, love. Let's just say word travels fast around here, mainly due to my nosy siblings who have no filter whatsoever as you witnessed the other night," he chuckled. "Just consider yourself my personal attaché."

"Attaché for what? Last time I checked I don't have the requisite skills to be your military aide or any other aide for that matter," she laughed.

"How about we stick with Personal Attaché to the Ambassador?"

"And what exactly does the Personal Attaché to the Ambassador do, Your Excellency?"

"They stop saying Your Excellency like that because the Ambassador might lose all sense of control and want to skip dinner altogether."

"Oh I know what this is about," she purred. "You make a girl come to your house and expect her to put out. Just so you know, I'm not that easy, mister." Klaus hadn't expected the night to go there so soon and he'd be lying if that comment teamed with the cheerleader visual wasn't messing with him.

"I happen to think it will be well worth the wait," he smiled, pulling out her chair.

"Now, there's that diplomacy in action."

"The chair yes, but just so you know, my diplomacy doesn't extend to that familiar kind of language. If I'd said that to the Ukrainian Ambassador I'd be on the floor," he joked. "She has black belts in both Taekwondo and Aikido."

"Just so you know, I'm glad you only say things like that to me," she smiled, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek before taking a seat at the table. "And I'd be willing to fight the Ukrainian Ambassador for you, in case you're wondering."

"You've got to stop saying things like that, love," he murmured. "I think we definitely need to eat before I do or say something untoward." She giggled, sending him a sly smile from across the table.

Katherine Pierce Designs Inc, Cady's Alley, 3318 M St NW

"You do realize I have your measurements, right?" Katherine asked, smiling at the eldest brunette.

Elijah had called her earlier in the week to ask if she'd fit him for a new suit for the Welcome Reception. She'd agreed but also mentioned how busy she was and he'd suggested dropping past her atelier to make it easier.

"It doesn't hurt to double-check," he offered. "Plus, I brought you dinner to say thank you." He held up a brown paper bag enticingly. The combination of hunger and relief on her face was enough to tell Elijah he'd made the right call.

"I love you," she smiled, grabbing the bag excitedly before realizing what she'd said. "Oh, well, I, well you know what I mean."

"You must be starving given that response," he chuckled. "I promise I won't take any offense."

They walked inside and she cleared her table so they could eat. Elijah could tell she was tired but he didn't think she had ever looked more beautiful with her long, dark locks pulled into a ponytail, wearing simple jeans and a t-shirt combination with a measuring tape hanging around her neck as if it was an accessory.

Elijah Mikaelson was a professional and cautious person who was solely focused on his work. The fact he was so successful and wealthy was case in point. He didn't often let himself feel or get involved with anyone but there was something about Katherine Pierce that had intrigued him from the moment she spilled hot coffee all over him.

Yes, at first he was angry but decided that was due to the hot, scalding water rather than the woman who did it. She'd not only apologized repeatedly but had fitted him with a brand new suit for his meeting. Elijah didn't consider himself a clothes horse but if there was one thing he knew it was how a well-fitting suit should look and feel. And hers were not only classic, but they were also well-tailored.

"You don't have to buy another suit you realize?" She stated, clearing her plate and looking up at him curiously. "Oh come on, Elijah, I know you have like a thousand suits you could wear on the weekend."

"Well, maybe not a thousand," he joked. "And yes, maybe I could, but I want a Katherine Pierce original to mark my Washington DC Embassy debut. I also happen to know that both Niklaus and Kol would like to be fitted up as well."

"You realize I'm good but not that good, right?" She asked, mouth agape. "Especially with all the business your sister has thrown my way before the big reception for your brother. I'll be making suits until next month at this rate. Not that I'm complaining, of course, your family's generosity has been amazing."

"Well, Rebekah has her moments," he teased. "Maybe I got a little carried away." He was staring at her earnestly now, afraid to tell her how he felt, especially after such a short time but also knowing exactly what to say, he was new to all of this. He noticed a slight but adorable blush cross her cheeks.

"I like a man who gets carried away," she cooed. Elijah moved around the table, deciding that once he got to her he'd hopefully know what he was doing until his cell decided to ring and interrupt the moment.

He was so close to her now, his lips mere inches from hers. Elijah looked at her helplessly, he wasn't one to ignore calls especially if they were work-related. He noted the caller ID. It wasn't his work but he felt a sudden need to answer it.

"Answer it," she murmured, her hand brushing his arm briefly. "I'll go get your suit and we can start the fitting." He nodded, thinking his brother was going to pay for interrupting him.

"Kol? What's going on?"

"You need to get down to the hospital right now, there's been an accident."

British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC

"So, is it a bad sign that we aborted the taste-testing to scoff Darcy's brownies in the kitchen instead?" Caroline asked, licking the remnant chocolate from her fingers while moaning about its delicious flavor. Klaus decided then and there it wasn't safe for her to do that in his presence unless sex was in their future. But given it was kind of their first date he knew that was not a possibility.

"We don't have to tell her," he replied, taking another bite. "Plus there was nothing wrong with the menu, we both just decided we wanted to binge on brownies more than canapés and whatever that crab, artichoke and brie thing was."

"Yeah, that was, uh, interesting. Is Darcy going to be upset we ate her dessert?"

"Oh, you mean my naughty daughter who was supposedly so sick with a stomach ache that she couldn't go to school today?"

"You wouldn't want to go either if Marcy Johnson was in your class," she quipped. "I had a Marcy Johnson except her name was Dana Andrews and she tried to beat me at everything."

"Is there something I should know about this Marcy Johnson you know besides her views on how boys act when they like girls?" Klaus was beginning to think he was a bad father given both Caroline and Darcy knew all about her and he had absolutely no clue. "If she is bullying my daughter..."

"Chill, Klaus," she soothed. "Marcy is just an annoying know-it-all, but we've got it in hand. Bonnie said she and Kol are taking her to the zoo next week so she'll have plenty to talk about for show-and-tell."

"It's remarkable how much you know about my daughter and her movements," he laughed. "I didn't even realize Kol was taking her to the zoo but I suppose he'll fit right in with his animal friends. It's nice of Bonnie to babysit both Kol and Darcy for me on her day off."

"You realize she likes Kol, right?" Klaus was dumbfounded. Sure, he had the tendency to miss certain things but that fairly big detail he would have known about. Well, he thought so anyway.

"No, they can't stand each other," he explained. "At first I thought it was this cute banter thing but Bonnie is way too smart to be seduced by him and we all know Kol likes to play the field too much to even consider a steady relationship, especially one with my best friend."

"I don't think excessive rambling is going to make it any less true, Klaus," she replied, rolling her eyes. "Bonnie couldn't take her eyes off him when he was playing the other night, plus she told me all about how Kol ends up in her ER all the time due to injuries. Coincidence, I think not."

"Well, I'll be damned. Is there anything else I don't know?"

"I think your sister and the bodyguard are in denial, I sat next to them at the hockey and the combustible energy between them is enough to..."

"Okay enough about my siblings and their sexual urges," he drawled. "I never thought our date would descend into a discussion about them and Darcy's know-it-all nemesis from school." As he said it Klaus, couldn't help but feel completely happy and comfortable in her presence and how things had turned out. It was as if he'd known her for years, not weeks.

"Caroline..." he murmured, his voice raspy. He ran his hands through her waves and pulled her closer, his sole focus on her lips. He was wondering if they were as soft as they looked and if they'd taste like chocolate. Klaus figured it was time to find out.

His phone rang at that exact moment. He wanted to ignore it and finally kiss her without distraction but Caroline had already pulled away from his grasp and was picking up his phone from the counter.

"It's the zoo animal," she explained holding it up so he could see the name Kol displayed on the screen. He faltered, thinking it could probably wait but the moment between them had passed and given Kol knew they had a date he figured it must be important.

"Niklaus," he said before Klaus could speak. "You need to get down to the hospital." Klaus felt sick from all of the memories it evoked, it wasn't the first call he'd had like that before.

"What's happened?"

"It's Enzo, he was shot on duty and they're not sure if he's going to make it through the night."

[fic-for-fic-sake]

Snapshots of Life

A/N: Hey! This is the new oneshot series I mentioned. Read the first part, Sunlight, here

The First Date: From Eden (Hozier)

Bucky had a problem, one he’d had for a while. If he were being honest with himself his problem started the day he met you. 

Being Stark’s new PA you were always around the tower, always near him. After his morning run he would hear your bright laughter ring through the halls and his heart rate would pick back up again. He tried to steal glances at you whenever he could. He wanted to see what you looked like when you thought nobody was watching. 

He noticed the way you would examine your iPad everyday like it was always the most thrilling news. Whenever you read something that was especially troubling you would tug on your plump bottom lip with your teeth and twirl a strand of hair around your finger. Not being able to stand it any longer Bucky would walk in the room. Needing to be close to the warmth that seemed to radiate from you. Inevitably you would look up at him and your eyes locked for a second and Bucky felt like he couldn’t breathe. Felt like every nerve in his body was on high alert, seeing how you would react to him, to his darkness. But then, every time, you would break into a smile so brilliant it made his knees weak and his hands shake. 

Babe, there’s something tragic about you. Something so magic about you, Don’t you agree? 

He would try and hold light conversations while you waited for Tony but he always fumbled over his words. His once smooth self suddenly absent in your presence. Something about you made him second guess everything he did. How would you react to him? Would you run off if he said the wrong thing? 

That day training went agonizingly slow as usual. Steve tried to change things up but Bucky knew every trick Steve would do before he did them. Years being trained to sense any weakness your opponent has before they know it were drilled into him. Sometimes fighting was something he knew more than his own name.  

He mindlessly dodged Steve’s attempts to disarm him and happened to look up in the gallery to see Y/N there, watching him. You truly were a vision. You wore a maroon blazer with a black top and matching pants. Your hair was slicked back into a ponytail and your feet were wedged into kitten heels. His eyes trailed over your form before locking with yours. Fuck, how long had you been watchng him for? Your eyes were the size of dinner plates as you stared at him in shock and he worried. Worried that the Winter Soldier side of him had scared you off. That you had seen too much of him too soon. 

Babe, there’s something lonesome about you, something so wholesome about you, get closer to me 

It was in that moment, vulnerable from the effect you had on him, that Steve struck. Saw Bucky’s weakness and took him down. Bucky fell onto the mat in a huff and when his eyes went back to the spot you were standing in, you were gone. He almost yelled at Steve for hitting him but then something stopped him. 

The sound of heels clicking on the linoleum of the training floor flooded his senses. You walked towards them, iPad in your hand and a small smile playing on your lips. 

“Hey sweetheart.” Steve breathed out, between sips from his water bottle. 

“Captain.” You nodded back. 

“Captain?” He questioned, brows furrowing. 

“You have a mission, wheels up in 20.” You responded, pulling something up on the iPad and showing to to Steve. His lips turned into a slight frown as his eyes roamed over the text. He sighed as he picked up his gym bag and pressed a  kiss into your hair as he left. 

“Sorry Buck, gonna have to continue our training sesh another time.” Steve called out behind him, the doors to the gym swinging shut with the momentum. 

Without Steve in the gym, Bucky became very conscious of the fact that he was alone with you for the first time in a while. He could feel his breathing turn shallow. Fuck, what were you doing to him? He can hardly remember the last time someone got him as worked up as you did. He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. 

“That was impressive.” You broke the silence with your observation, calling on the fight you had witnessed earlier. 

“How much did you see?” Bucky asked hesitantly. He was worried you would never want to speak to him again. 

“Enough.” 

“Oh.” Bucky felt his shoulders slump and his eyes turn downcast. So this was it, it was over before it even started. He could feel what was left of his heart constricting in on itself, felt like a little part of himself, the last part of his humanity, was breaking off. Dying. 

But then he felt the light flutter of your fingertips on his bicep and met your sparkling eyes with his, a shocked expression written on his face. “Bucky, it was incredible! I mean I heard rumors about how well you fought, had seen videos, but it’s nothing like the real thing.” You replied, seemingly mesmerized with him of all people. He realized that your hand was still on his bicep, clutching it lightly. 

“You mean that doll?” He questioned, cocking his head to one side, letting his black hair fall over his face like a curtain. He looked at her through his locks and could see your earnest nod. 

“Of course I do, Sergeant.” You whispered back, giving him a devilish smile and a wink before turning around to leave. Bucky watched your hips swing and was taken by the sound of your heels as you exited the gym. 

No tight side, no rolling eyes, no irony. No ‘who cares’, no vacant stares, no time for me.

Bucky had been a wreck all day since his encounter with you in the gym. With Steve gone on a mission there was nothing he could do but pace and think. He tried, really tried to think of anything /but/ you. Except, every time he would close his eyes he would see your stunned face watching him fight. Hear the earnest confession leave your beautiful lips. Lips he so badly wanted to kiss. He was battling with himself. He knew he was bad for you, because how could you, someone so beautiful and perfect and so fucking innocent, fall for someone as damaged as Bucky? How could he knowing let you fall for someone as damaged as him? 

But the thing is, you bring back something in him. Something he thought was lost back in ‘45 when HYDRA took him. 

Honey you’re familiar like my mirror years ago, idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword.

He took a shower to try and clear his thoughts but it didn’t work, it was no use. You were like a drug to him, he had a taste and he wanted, no, needed more. Your honeyed voice and bright eyes were healing balm to him. Stitching up all the broken parts of him and added back things he didn’t even know were missing in the first place. 

Innocence died screaming honey ask me I should know.

Hair still dripping wet, Bucky left his room on a mission. He let his feet guide the way. He needed to ask you out, had to. He couldn’t imagine his life without you and god dammit he wanted to be closer to you. Stolen glances and clever smiles weren’t enough for him. He wanted all of you, needed you like he needed air. He reached your door and hesitantly lifted his vibranium arm and knocked. 

I slithered here from Eden just to sit outside your door.

[queen-haq]

Fic: A Woman Scorned - Part 6

Fic: A Woman Scorned - Part 6

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader

Rating: R for language and light smut.

Words: ~2400 words.

Summary: You’ve been sleeping with Billy Russo for a few months now. Knowing his aversion to emotional commitments, you’re satisfied with your clandestine arrangement until you catch him having dinner with Dinah Madani one night. Then it finally dawns on you. It’s not that he doesn’t want to commit, he just doesn’t want to commit to *you*.

Billy may think he knows you, but he has no idea what he’s just lost...

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

***

The moment Billy spotted you and Roger sitting at the corner table, his mood soured. The two of you were engaged in deep conversation, his chair next to yours so you could study his Ipad as he showed you something on it. You nodded at times, your focus entirely on the screen, and every once in a while Roger would smirk at you like he was imagining you naked. It pissed Billy off so much he had to fight the urge to go over and sucker punch the fucker.

For someone so brilliant, he wondered how you could be so gullible when it came to Roger. How could you not notice the guy was hardcore hung up on you? Not that Billy could blame him for falling for you. But you should have exercised more caution and not socialized with the prick outside of work. After all, you had a stellar reputation within the industry to protect and the last thing you needed was for people to wonder if you moved up so quickly due to your own merit or your relationship with Roger. You worked hard and deserved all the recognition you received and it wasn’t fair to you that people would question your brilliance. Except you didn’t seem worried about that at all which infuriated Billy.

“Which one are you spying on?”

Hearing Dinah’s question, Billy dragged his attention away from you and back to the brunette sitting in front of him. Usually they hooked up every few weeks but ever since the gala, neither had reached out to the other. When she’d called this morning wanting to meet up and talk, he’d suggested meeting at Piatti.

“Him or her?” Dinah prodded.

“Both,” he replied, intending to cast a quick glance in your direction only to find you smiling at Roger the prick. A beautiful, dazzling, flirtatious smile that would unmistakably give the asshole the wrong idea about you.

“Billy, are you okay?” Dinah asked, watching him with concern.

“Yeah. Fine. Why?”

“You look angry.”

He shook his head, plastering on a fake smile. “You worried about me, Madani?”

“Should I be?”

“Be careful. I might start to think you’re falling for me.” He leaned in closer, reminding himself how easy it was to be with her. He and Dinah always had a good time, the sex was great, and there were no complications in the relationship. She didn’t crawl into his head and take up permanent residence the way you had. She didn’t demand things of him he wasn’t prepared to give. The arrangement with Dinah was simple, casual and perfect, just the way he preferred.

“About that…” Dinah cleared her voice. “We need to stop seeing each other.”

He cocked his eyebrow. “Why is that?”

“Because I’ve met someone.”

Dinah’s words barely registered in his mind as he noticed you walking away from the table and heading for the staircase that led downstairs. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”  Billy walked across the restaurant, following the same path you did. The restrooms were located on the level below, and once he reached the floor, he found it empty. Leaning against the wall next to the women’s bathroom, he waited for you to come out. When you exited a few minutes later, he grabbed you by the waist and pulled you against him. Right away you started struggling, kicking him, attacking him, even starting to scream if not for his hand covering your mouth. It took a few seconds for Billy to subdue you and it was then he spotted the sheer terror on your face. When you pushed him off this time, he stepped back right away.

“What are you doing?” Your hand was on your chest, your breathing rapid as you struggled to catch your breath.

Billy felt horrible. You were rightfully jumpy since the incident yesterday. “Shit. I wasn’t thinking-”

“I thought you were him!”

“I know. I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.” Outwardly you seemed to be calm again but he sensed it was a façade, especially when he saw how your hands were shaking. “Let me?” he urged, seeking your permission to hold you. When you didn’t say no, he moved in closer to wrap his arms around you.

At first you stiffened, just like you had yesterday, but then you leaned into the hug, snuggling your face against his chest with your arms looped around his waist.  He breathed you in, offering you comfort but also trying not to get excited at how good you felt in his arms. Instinctively he caressed your hair, pressing light kisses on your forehead and the top of your head. You squeezed your arms around him, as if trying to fuse yourself with him.

He could have stood there forever, simply holding you, inhaling in the scent of your shampoo, your perfume and getting lost in your essence. Somewhere in his brain he knew how ridiculous this was, he was acting like a goddamn teenager with a first crush, but at that moment it didn’t matter. None of it did. He just felt content. “You’re okay,” he murmured. “Not going to let anything happen to you.”

“You sound like you actually care,” you replied, your voice muffled against his jacket.

“Maybe I do.”

Disappointment surged through him when you pulled back to look at him, but he took comfort in the fact you were still locked in his arms.

“What are you doing here?” you asked.

Billy realized you hadn’t seen him upstairs, like he’d assumed, which meant you weren’t aware he’d come with Dinah Madani.  “Work thing.”

“And you just happened to choose this restaurant?”

“Why not? You got exclusive rights to this place or something?”

“You heard me mention this place to Roger last night when you were eavesdropping.”

“It’s not eavesdropping if you have the conversation right in front of me.”

You rolled your eyes. “Why do you hate him so much? Is this really a Valiant vs. Anvil thing? Or do you guys have some kind of history that I don’t know about?”

Billy’s eyes drifted down to your lips. “I don’t hate him. I don’t even know the guy. It just bugs me that you think he’s so great.”

You stilled, sounding almost breathless. “Why?”

“If he did his job properly, you wouldn’t have a gun pulled on you yesterday,” he snapped, agitated at the thought of you in danger. “But you don’t seem to give a damn about that.”

“He’s not the one responsible.”

“And now you’re defending him.”

You exhaled a heavy sigh, bringing your hand to your chest to rub your skin nervously. The gesture immediately drew Billy’s attention to your breasts as your fingers inadvertently pulled down the already low-cut neckline of the cashmere sweater you were wearing. Visions of your naked breasts danced through his mind, reminding him of how close he’d come to fucking you yesterday. It had taken every bit of strength he possessed to refuse you. If you’d been anyone else, he sure as hell wouldn’t have, but you were terrified and in pain and he didn’t want to take advantage of you when you were vulnerable. He wasn’t that big of an asshole. Of course none of those valid reasons helped with the hard-on after.

“Stop staring at my breasts, Billy.”

“Just remembering last night,” he drawled, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from your breasts to meet your eyes.

“When you turned me down?”

“Because it wasn’t me you wanted to fuck. Anyone would’ve done.” Billy tried to smooth the edge in his voice but the bitterness was still there, present in his tone.

Regret washed over your face, surprising him. “You’re right. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

He reached out to tuck a loose curl of your hair behind your ear. How was it that he’d spent months without ever knowing you and now it had barely been a week since you let him in and you already felt like a part of him? “Next time you’re naked in front of me, I’m not being a hero,” he warned. “I will fuck you.”

You chuckled. “There isn’t going to be a next time. You lost your chance, Billy.”

“We’ll see about that,” he smirked.

You quirked your eyebrow, a wicked smile on your face. “You think Roger would’ve turned me down?”

The smirk on Billy’s face disappeared at the thought of you fucking Roger. No, not just Roger. Anyone else. He advanced forward. “Don’t provoke me, Y/N.”

You stared up at him defiantly. “But it’s not like you get jealous, right?”

He grasped your chin, leveling you with a keen stare. “Stop.”

“Or what?” You taunted.

“Or I’ll carry you upstairs and fuck you senseless right in front of dear Roger.”

The hitch in your breath made him realize how much that idea aroused you, and he watched as your tongue delicately licked your bottom lip. God, your mouth. He remembered the last time your mouth was wrapped around his cock, sucking him off-

“You’re not jealous but you show up at the same place I’m having dinner with Roger. What were you planning to do? Sit at the bar and stare daggers at us?”

There was a smile tugging at your lips, you were teasing him. You liked having him there, and the thought made him ecstatic – except he remembered he wasn’t alone. Dinah was upstairs, you would see her soon, and knowing you would inevitably misinterpret the innocent dinner as something else made his insides twist with anxiety. He couldn’t bear the idea of you in pain.

Something in your eyes shifted, as if you’d read his mind. Just as suddenly, he sensed the change in your demeanor. A minute ago you were flirting with him and now your guard was back up. Immediately you moved away from him.

“You’re not here alone.” You gave him a small smile, trying to play it off like it was no big deal. “I don’t know why I thought you would be.”

Billy reminded himself he didn’t have anything to feel guilty about, it’s not like he’d ever promised you monogamy. Hell, you guys weren’t even in a relationship - but none of that helped ease the terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. “It’s not a date or anything. Just having dinner with a friend.”

“Friend?”

He hesitated to tell you, but you seemed to know already.

“Dinah Madani,” you answered yourself.

“Look, nothing’s going on. She was actually telling me how she’s seeing someone new.”

Your voice was filled with contempt. “Good for her. She deserves better than you.”

“What the hell does that mean?” You were here with your precious Roger but you were pissed Billy had brought someone?  

You were charging towards the stairs when you paused, turning back to look at him. “Every time I think you can’t be more of an asshole, you prove me wrong.”

“You’re not exactly a ray of sunshine either, sweetheart,” Billy retorted, but you had already rushed up the stairs and disappeared from view. Angry, he marched upstairs. Dinah was texting on her phone when he returned to the table.

“Took you long enough,” she remarked.

“Sorry,’ he offered flippantly, chugging his drink.

“I’m guessing it’s not a co-incidence your mark came back a few seconds before you did?”

Billy cast you a quick look to find you sitting alone at the table, on your phone. “Let’s not talk about her. She’s not important,” he said dismissively.

“Really? Because I’ve never seen you wound up so tight.”

He reached for Dinah’s hand, sending her a seductive smile. “How about we get out of here?”

“I told you, I’m seeing someone.”

“So what? He doesn’t need to know.” He said half-heartedly, already losing enthusiasm for the offer he proposed. His gaze inadvertently returned to you. Roger the prick was back and you were fully engrossed in his eyes.

Dinah sent him a smirk. “You like her.”

“Sure,” he bit out sarcastically.

“No, you really do.”

“Are we in high school or something?”

“It’s serious. I can tell. Your eyes get all soft when you look at her.”

“That’s you looking at the world with your love goggles on.”

“Have you told her how you feel?”

Jaw clenched, he gestured the waiter to bring him another drink.

“So that’s a no then,” Dinah mused.

“I don’t want to talk about this with you, Madani.” He chugged the whiskey. Just then his phone rang. Grateful for the distraction, he pulled it out to answer it. “Billy Russo.”

“It’s Quentin. The guy you asked me to check up on? His family just posted bail. He’s out.”

Immediately, his eyes flew to you. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.” He scanned your face. A minute ago he would’ve been fuming that you were giggling with Roger but now Billy wanted to hold on to this moment and etch the memory of a happy you in his brain. “Dinah, there’s something I have to take care of.” He waved at the waiter to come over, and handed him his credit card. As he waited for the bill, he fired off a text to one of his contacts. It’s on.

“You mean her?” Dinah asked.

“Yeah,” he muttered, signing for the bill. “I have to give her some bad news.”

“Then you should also tell her how you feel. Give her something good to go with the bad.”

“You’ll be okay to get home on your own?” Billy asked.

“I’ll be fine.”

Dinah stood up to leave, but not before leaning over to kiss his cheek. It didn’t escape Billy’s notice how you glanced over at that very moment. Hurt flashed across your face but it disappeared quickly, and you turned back to Roger again.

As soon as Dinah left the table, he started making his way towards you. He sensed the second you were aware of his looming proximity because you tensed, despite the smile you maintained on your face.

“Roger, Y/N, how are you guys?” Billy greeted, putting on his most magnetic smile. He extended his hand out to shake Roger’s who returned his friendly greeting. When he turned to you, you offered him a stiff smile.

“Billy, how’s it going?” Roger asked.

“Great. Mind if I join you guys for a minute?”

“I’m actually leaving.” You slid out from behind the table, careful to keep your distance from him. “Roger, thanks for dinner. I’ll see you at work on Monday.”

“Adam Preston’s been released on bail,” Billy announced.

You stilled, his eyes locked on you.

“Got any plans to protect your star asset, Rog? Or are you just gonna have her fend for herself?”

“Don’t,” you warned, glaring at him.

Billy leveled Roger with a smug glance. “Disgruntled employees. Shoddy security. Things are a real mess at Valiant, aren’t they? If Valiant can’t protect its employees, feel free to use Anvil. We’re more than capable.”

At least Roger had the gall to look embarrassed. “That won’t be necessary.”

As you stormed away, Billy turned to Roger. “Start with 24/7 protective detail on her. If you can manage that.”

He didn’t wait for a response, quickly rushing out of the restaurant to catch up with you only to find you waiting for him in the nearby alley. You were furious as hell, bristling with rage as he drew closer.

“What the fuck was that?” you demanded. “Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my boss like that?”

“I’m the one who got him to step up and take responsibility,” he yelled back. “Something he should have fucking done from day one!”

“You made me look like a helpless idiot in front of him. He’s my boss! I’ve spent years working my ass off so people actually take me seriously and you just completely shot that to hell!”

“Think I give a fuck about your job when some maniac is out to hurt you?” Billy raged.

“Stop acting like you give a shit about me, Billy, when we both know you don’t!” You started to walk away but he grabbed your arm from behind.

“You think I don’t care?” he roared, pulling you to him. “I wish I didn’t! I wish I didn’t give a fuck about you. My life would be hell of a lot easier if you weren’t in it.”

“Then stay the hell away from me!” You screamed, clawing at him. “Let me go, you fucking asshole!”

He was so furious he couldn’t think straight, his blood was boiling. So he did the only thing that could calm the rage in him. He shoved you against the wall and kissed you.

Part 7

As always, thank you so much for the likes, the reblogs, and especially the wonderful comments and asks you’ve sent me. Trust me, it makes my day and keeps me insanely motivated to keep writing. LOL.

I’m on vacay next week, and my plan is to lay on the Caribbean beach, relax under the sun, and write some dirty, angsty smut while also indulging in the same in real life :)

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[thecleverdame]

TTWDBI - Eight

Part Eight - Deceit

Masterlist

Summary: Alpha!Sam x Omega!Reader - Sam is young, powerful and comes from one of the wealthiest families in New York. When he meets an Omega bartender who’s far from what his family expects, Sam is forced to make a series of hard choices.

Warnings: A/B/O dynamics, smut, knotting, breeding, dominance, ownership, angst, family drama. This chapter contains an attempted sexual assault, actual physical assault, and talk of past abuse.

Words: 6.5k

Beta: @ilikaicalie -

Part Nine is currently available on Patreon for a monthly pledge of $2.50. This includes early access to all my stories and Patreon exclusive content.  >> CLICK HERE <<

-

“Where are we going?” You peek out of the walk-in closet. “I need a few details. I don’t know what to pack.”

“Just pack everything.” Sam’s distracted, staring down his iPad with a stylus between his teeth.

“Winter everything or warm weather everything?” You slink out into the bedroom. “Come on, just a hint. Just tell me...are we staying in the state or are we going somewhere more exotic.”

“Nope.” He quips, marking notes on the digital screen.

“How long are we staying? Are we driving or flying?” You persist.

He perks up a little, actually making eye contact with a smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Pack enough for a week, a dress or two, something warm. A bathing suit, well, on second thought you won’t need the suit…”

“You’re awful.” You laugh, as he nips at you.

It’s been a month since Jake and things between you and Sam couldn’t be better. The last four weeks have been wonderfully uneventful and it’s given you the time to enjoy each other. In fact, you’ve discovered that the more you’re around each other, the deeper your love grows. Fate must have known what it was doing when it brought you together.

“Bring that black thing with all the lace, the one piece. I love your ass in that.”

“Maybe.” You smile, pulling the aforementioned neglige from the hanger and carefully folding it into the suitcase. “How many bags can I bring with me?”

“As many as you want we’re taking my dad’s plane so you can - fuck!”

“Aha!” You jump back out of the closet, to find Sam shaking his head, glaring at you. “We’re taking a plane somewhere. Out of the state? Out of the country?”

“You think you’re so slick.” He puts down the iPad and stands up, moving toward you. “You’re just going to have wait until tomorrow.”

“Come on!” You whine. “I wanna know.”

“I’m not saying another word, I might give something else away. I’ve kept it secret this long. I’m not letting you trip me up at the finish line. My lips are sealed.”

He pulls to you him, one hand around your waist, fingers curling around your back as his thumb trails over the scar on your neck.

“I’m excited.” You whisper, eyes fluttering at his touch. “I haven’t traveled much. I always wanted to, Donna and I were going to backpack through Ireland but neither of us ever had the money.”

“I’m gonna take you everywhere.” He murmurs, leans down for a light kiss. “Just wait.”

Prague, Czech Republic

The city is like a rich noir novel come to life. It’s a taste of the old world, with its decadent buildings and thick, hanging fog. It’s like living in a Bela Lugosi movie. You’ve been here for three days, with five more to go. A whole week in a place you didn’t know you loved until the plane landed and you stepped out into this strange new land.

It’s well after sunset as you walk arm-in-arm with Sam over the cobblestones.

“Are you hungry?” He asks, hot breath puffing out into the frigid night air. He places a gloved hand over yours.

“Starving.” You smile, picking up the pace.

Dinner is a five-course meal in a candlelit tavern that looks like a medieval alehouse, complete with walls of stone and soft music playing the background.  It’s a small place, only a few other couples cuddle around the aging wood tables giving the illusion of privacy. You might as well be the only ones here as you get lost in Sam, and food, and the otherworldly surroundings.

By the time the sorbet arrives you’re both so full, you can only manage a taste before sitting back, grinning like a fool. Sam looks just as happy, he’s had a smile plastered across his face since you left New York and this broad, unadulterated joy looks good on him.

“I can’t believe this is my life.” You giggle, reaching across the table, laying your hand over his.

“You like it here?” He doesn’t need to ask, he knows he picked well. He’s watched you discover art and architecture and European cuisine. He knew you had deeper interests, a desire to see more than your previous life afforded but in this place, you’re blossoming.

“It’s not just the city, it’s being here with you. Everything just feels right.” You blink back tears. “I’ve never been able to breathe without something looming over me. I just feel so free. I love you so much.”

If it’s even possible his smile widens, dimpled cheeks rounding out.

“I love you, too.” He squeezes your fingers. “What’s been your favorite thing so far?”

“St. Vitus Cathedral at night.” You answer without even thinking about it. “I’ve never felt anything like that before, it was overwhelming and...emotional. Is that weird?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I felt the same way when I saw it for the first time. I was visiting my mom and we came here. I was eight or nine and I stood there for an hour, transfixed. We should go back. We can go tonight.”

“Really?” You confirm. “I’d love that.”

“No better time than the present.”

After dinner, you wander through the city. It’s chilly but tolerable as you stroll for the better part of an hour, talking about nothing and walking arm in arm as a fat moon rises high in the night sky.

St. Vitus rises in front of you like an architectural beacon, lighting up the night like a gothic fairy tale.

“I never wanna leave.” You whisper, feeling both of Sam’s arms wrap around you from behind.

“What do you love so much about it?” He asks softly, nuzzling into your hair.

“The city, the people...but mostly I think it’s being with you. When we’re home you work so much...I’m not complaining. I just miss you sometimes.”

“We’ve got the rest of our lives to be together.” He whispers as he releases you. You turn to look at him but he’s already on one knee, crouching in front of you.

“Sam.” You’re already crying as he tugs the glove off your left hand.

“I love you. I wanna spend my life with you.” He states simply, a sparkling ring between his fingers. “I don’t want to wait any longer to start our life together. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” You blurt out, half laughing, half crying, while he slips the ring onto your finger.

“I’m gonna make you so happy,” he whispers, standing and cradling your face between two warm hands. “I promise.”

The rest of the week is a lovesick haze. The days are spent making love and endless conversation about the details of your new life. Everything feels like it’s falling into place, life has finally come together to give you something good.

New York City

“Come in!” Mary claps her hands together, grinning wildly.

“Hi,” you gasp as she embraces you in a tight hug.

“Sam,” She releases you and reaches out to her son, kissing him on the cheek.

“Hi mom,” he grins as she pats his face. “You’re happy.”

“Well, I have a surprise for you.” She looks at you, the biggest smile you’ve ever seen on her face. “I think it’s just what we need.”

“What is it?” Sam smiles at you, taking your hand and leading the way to the study.

Rounding the corner you find two extra guests seated on the leather sofa, your parents.

You stop in your tracks as Sam tugs on your hand, turning to look between you and these new strangers. You’re locked in a staring match with your father, who’s teetering on the edge of the couch with a glass in his hand. Your mother is sitting uncomfortably beside him, these two couldn’t be more out of their comfort zone. They’ve always considered wealth in itself to be an offensive extravagance.

“Hello, Y/N.” Your father stands up, clearing his throat.

You unconsciously sidestep closer to Sam even though he’s not physically intimidating like when you were a girl, now he’s just a man in cheap trousers who no longer holds sway over your life.

“Hi, Dad.” You don’t move to greet him, there’s complete silence until your mother joins her husband, slinking past him to place a kiss on your cheek. “Mom.”

“Well, this isn’t exactly the reception I was hoping for.” Mary’s tone is painfully cheerful despite the unbearable tension.

“I’m sorry,” You pull yourself together. Turning to Sam you can’t bring yourself to look him in the eyes, you won’t be able to fake your way through this. “Sam these are my parents, Alastair and Naomi. Mom, Dad, this is Sam.”

Sam, always quick with his social graces, shakes your father’s hand and introduces himself to your mom while you are trying to formulate a plan. You were fully prepared to never see either of them again, but you find yourself in a room with two people who rival John and Mary in their cruelty.

“I just thought it was about time that we met Y/N’s parents.” Clasping her hands, Mary scrunches up her nose, smiling from you to Sam. “And what better time? You two can tell us all about Prague.”

“Actually, this is perfect.” Sam’s arm slips around your waist. “We have some news.”

“Oh?” John speaks up for the first time, tilting his head and staring at Sam. It’s amazing how much disappointment the man can convey with a single, one syllable word.

“Yeah,” Sam’s hand squeezes your hip and you look to him for the first time. He’s smiling, a bright genuine smile that even his father can’t take from him. “I asked Y/N to marry me.”

John snorts, Mary’s face contorts into a hideous expression of forced joy and your father remains stoic. It’s Naomi, your mother who has the biggest reaction, moving in to embrace you while your arms hang at your side.

“Congratulations,” she sputters, lifting your hand to see the ring. Her eyes go wide at the sight of the sizeable diamond. “Oh my gosh.”

“If she’s a wearing a ring that must mean she said yes,” Mary approaches you for a hug, nearly shoving your mother out of the way to get to you. “I wish you would have told me Sam, I could have helped with the ring.”

“I think I did alright on my own.” Sam’s grin, his eyes locked on you.

“It’s perfect.” You add, trying not to be distracted by this unexpected turn of events. This should be a happy announcement and you hate that your past is tainting the present, bleeding into your new life like an open wound that refuses to heal.

“I can’t believe you’re getting married.” Your mother has the same dulled, Stepford Wife expression she wore your entire childhood. “Marriage is such a gift, such a sacred bond.”

“Does that mean you’re happy for me?” The question comes out with an edge despite doing your best to temper the disdain.

“Of course.” She looks between you and Sam.

“Congratulations.” John’s face is even, unreadable as he approaches his youngest son.

“Thanks.” Sam accepts his father's half-hearted hug.

“Well,” Mary’s frozen in place, hands clasped together, turning to your father who hasn’t spoken or moved from his seat. “This is delightful news, isn’t it.”

“Seems backward to me.” His eyes lock onto you just like when you were a kid, so much silent contempt for what you are. He’s always resented that his daughter is an Omega. “You’re already claimed. What’s the point?”

“Dad.” You warn. Everyone is watching but all you can see is your father.

“I think it’s wonderful.”  Mary tries to intercede. “With the baby things will be-”

“Mom!” Sam hisses.

Your mother looks heartbroken and your father’s eyes narrow in on you.

“You expected me to be shocked?” He snorts. “I wouldn’t have expected anything different from our daughter. She’s always had trouble keeping her legs closed.”

“Hey,” Sam is right beside you, ready to jump but you put your arm out to stop him.

“I know what you think of me. You’ve always made that much clear.”

“And you’ve always lived up to expectations. I tried my best with you, your mother and I both did. But you and your sister never listened.”

“Tried your best?” You laugh dryly. “You treated us like we were filthy, like being an Omega meant that I was damned from the get-go.”

“You had no self-control. It was bad enough when you were little but once you presented and that first heat came it was clear what kind of women you’d end up becoming.”

“I was a child!” You shout, tears springing to life. “I needed you to love me, to protect me. I needed mom to show me how to handle myself. All either of you ever did was hurt me.”

“This is the problem with today’s society. A little discipline never harmed anyone, and you needed more than you got.”

“I can’t be here with him.” You turned to Sam who’s already wrapping an arm around your waist.

“You’re going to burn in hell. You’ve always been a whore and I knew that you-”

“Stop.” John’s booming voice cuts through the noise, snapping everyone to attention. “You can’t speak that way to her, not in my home. You should leave.”

“Gladly.” Alastair stands up, your mother following blindly just as she always has. He stops to offer you final look of disgust. “You’re in the middle of a vipers nest and you don’t even know it. I’ll pray for you.”

“Get out.” Sam pulls you against him.

-

“What an awful man.” Mary comments, tucking hair behind both your ears. You can’t stop crying and the embarrassment doesn’t help. She wipes her thumb across your cheeks. “If I had any idea I would never have invited him here.”

“All I want is to live my life, to be happy. I don’t know why that’s always been so hard for me.”

“Well, there’s nothing happier than a wedding.” She dotes, handing you a glass of water, turning to Sam who’s seated next to John at the end of the table. “Have you two talked about dates yet?”

“Next month.” Sam nods, tapping his finger on his whiskey glass.

“Next month?” She scoffs, eyes darting to John. “Why so soon?”

“She’s going to start showing at some point.”

“My son is suddenly concerned about what other people think.”

“We don’t want to wait any longer. We want to move forward as a family.” You chime in. Mary doesn’t look at you, instead takes a seat at the table.

“I think it’s a good thing.” John offers casually as the three of you turn to look at him in disbelief. “Family is important. That’s a lesson I’m still learning. I haven’t always been the most supportive, but if Sam’s happy, if you two make each other happy, then why the hell not.”

He raises a glass, tipping back the final vestiges of whiskey, his eyes never leaving you.

--

On Monday morning you’re not feeling well. Sam looks at you sideways, sipping a cup of coffee.

“You alright?” He kisses your cheek before checking his tie in the mirror beside the door.

“Just tired.” You mumble, wrapping the robe around yourself. “I didn’t sleep well.”

“Go back to bed.” He suggests, grabbing his keys off the counter, swooping in for one last kiss.

There’s a gentle buzzing coming from somewhere in the kitchen. Sam pulls away as you both look around. After a few seconds of silence, it buzzes again. Something’s vibrating.  He follows the sound to the pantry, sliding the doors open, the sound growing louder. After shifting a few canned goods around he pulls a small black flip phone from the back of the highest shelf, from behind a 5lb bag of rice.

“It’s a phone?” You ask, watching and he flips it open with his thumb.

“Yeah, it’s dying.” He holds it up, the screen is nothing but the image of a drained battery.

“How’d it get in there?” You ask as Sam hands it to you.

“No idea, must be the housekeeper’s.” He shrugs. “I gotta go, see you tonight.”

-

Sam’s knee deep in a fresh set of analytics, already late for the quarterly meeting when there’s a knock the door.

“What it is?” He asks, expecting Rowena’s head to poke around the corner. Instead, it’s Mary who steps into his office, offering him a tight smile.

“I came at a bad time?” She’s slinking toward his desk as he shuffles papers back into the proper folders.

“Sorry mom, I’m right in the middle of it. I’m already late for a meeting. Can we talk later?”

“I just need a second.” There’s a large manilla folder in her stands, clutching it like she’s holding the crown jewels.

“I’ve only got one minute, but we can get coffee later if you want to-”

“I’d like that, but I-I have to show you something.”

“What?” He’s only half paying attention. When she doesn’t speak he looks up to find her holding the folder out toward him. “What is that?”

“Before you get mad at me, I want you to hear me out.” She explains calmly.

“Mom-”

“I care about you Sam, I won’t ever feel bad for that. I know you think you love this girl but the truth is no really knows where she came from or-”

“I’m not having this discussion.” Sam rests his knuckles on the desk, leaning forward.

“She’s not who you think she is.” Mary’s flustered, unadulterated anger rising her voice. “I know you think I’m always trying to manipulate you, but I’m not the only one-”

“Please, just stop. You’re on dangerous ground. You wanna be careful what you say next. I thought you were on board. Has this whole supportive production just been an act?” He can’t believe she’s still trying to pry her way into his relationship.

“No, I’ve been trying, honestly I have.” She walks around his desk, setting the folder in front of him. “You need to look at this when you have the time.”

“What is it?”

“After I first found out you claimed an Omega I hired a private investigator to look into her background. I needed to be sure you weren’t going to end up hurt.”

“Unbelievable.” Sam shakes his head.

“Sam, he found some things you need to see before you decide to marry this woman.”

“Everybody’s got shit in their past, mom.” He throws up his hands, looking from her to the folder, unwilling to dignify this with an adequate response.

“Not like this.” Mary’s jaw clenches. “She has been busy-”

“No.” Sam interrupts, he’s had enough. “I don’t want to hear any more.”

“I hope, for your sake you look at what he found. Don’t call me, call him. His number is in there.”

Sam sighs, takes a deep breath trying to fathom what in the world his mother is up to now. He’s disgusted but interested enough to pick up the pack and slide it in with his other documents.

“You need to stay out of my life.” He grabs his jacket off the back of the chair. “Find a way to get supportive or get out. It’s one or the other, Mom. I love you, I do, but I’ve got to go.”

-

By noon you’re sick to your stomach, lightheaded and generally feeling unsettled. Figuring it’s better to be safe than sorry you call the clinic. Dr. Johnson has an open appointment the next morning so you take the slot and go back to bed.

A few hours later the cramps wake you out of dead sleep. You jolt into consciousness clutching a hand over your abdomen, sweat covering every inch of you. Something is wrong, you know it in your bones.

You get yourself in a cab and head to the nearest emergency room. You don’t want to call Sam, not yet. He and John are having an important day, meeting with investors and getting ready for the global launch of their new flagship drug. Things have been going so well even his father is coming around. You don’t want to throw a wrench in the works by overreacting.

Omegas are made to carry children. You keep repeating that to yourself as you sit in the waiting room.

After twenty minutes you’re in a triage room in a paper gown waiting for the doctor. They’ve taken a gallon of blood but no one’s told you anything.

There’s a soft knock at the door.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Tuttle. I’m told you’re not feeling so well?”

“Not the best.” You smile as he takes a seat on the stool, rubbing hand sanitizer between his hands. He flips open your chart, reading through the notes.

“Twelve weeks, no complications. You’re claimed… Sam Winchester?” His eyes snap up, glancing at the gleaming rock on your finger.

“Yeah.” You blush, covering the ring self-consciously.

“I just read an article in the New England Journal of Medicine about the work Gilead’s spearheading. It’s an exciting time in medicine.”

“Sam will happy to hear that.” You try to move on from the niceties to the issue at hand, closing your eyes as pain bubbles up from your gut.

“I’m surprised you’re here. You don’t have a personal physician? And you're alone?”

“My doctor couldn’t see me until tomorrow and I didn’t want to worry Sam unless I know something’s wrong. I didn’t think I should wait, though.”

“Smart.” He smiles. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’re fine. No bleeding?”

“No, I just feel dizzy and sick to my stomach. The cramping comes and goes.”

“It’s not uncommon.” He places a hand on your arm. “Lay back for me.”

You stare at the ceiling as he gently presses on different areas of your stomach, asking about abdominal tenderness while making small talk.

There’s a knock on the door and a nurse enters the room, handing him a tablet. He reads the screen, forehead furrowing.

“The doctor you’ve been seeing, Dr. Johnson, she never mentioned you have low progesterone levels?”

“No,” You sit up, unease tightening in your chest. “Is something wrong?”

“I didn’t say that.” He shakes his head. “We’re going to do an ultrasound, just to be on the safe side.”

After a few minutes, there’s a cart wheeled into the room. One nurse is joined by two more as the doctor squirts gel onto your stomach, all four pairs of eyes silently glued to a screen you can’t see.

Dr. Tuttle clears his throat, mouth tightening. It doesn’t take a genius to gage the confused reactions of the medical team.

“What’s wrong?” You ask, tears pooling. “Did I lose my baby?”

“No.” The doctor removes the wand from your stomach. “I can’t discuss this any further with you. I have to speak with your Alpha-”

“Are you kidding me?” You’ve reached the end of your rope with this shit. This is your body, your child and you want to know now. “Tell me what’s going on, I have a right to know.”

Dr. Tuttle takes a breath, “Can I have the room please.”

“Please just tell me.” Wiping tears you wait in terrified anticipation until it’s only the two of you in the room.

“I shouldn’t do a pelvic exam without the consent of your Alpha. I could get in trouble. But I feel in this case I need to make an exception.”

“Why are you telling me that?”

“Because I need to do one. Right now.”

“This doesn’t feel right, I don’t understand what’s going on.”

“I don’t want to say anything else until I have more information.” He looks you dead in the eyes. “You’re gonna have to trust me.”

“Great.” You close your eyes, trying not to sob. “Why not.”

There’s an ultimate humiliation in not having power over your own body. You lie on the table, feet in stirrups and an arm hooked over your eyes, as the doctor performs an examination. It’s almost twenty minutes before he’s finishing poking and probing. You listen to the sickening sound of him snapping off rubber gloves.

“We’re done.” He gently places a hand on your arm, using the other to pull you into a sitting position. His face is grim, looking at you like he’s truly sorry for what he’s about to say.

“Are you gonna tell me?”

“You’re not pregnant.” He states calmly.

The air feels thick like you can’t get enough into your lungs to take a full breath. There’s a numbness that starts in your head and descends over your entire body as you sit and stare at Dr. Tuttle, expressionless.

“Did, um, did I do something wrong?” You ask, the words falling out of your mouth on autopilot. “Is this my fault?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “You were never pregnant.”

“I don’t understand.” Never pregnant. It’s too much, too confusing and your brain can’t process what he’s telling you. “But I…”

“You have high levels of estrogen, extremely low progesterone and a synthetic version of hCG that showed up in your tox screen. It’s tricked your body into pseudocyesis. It mimics all the symptoms associated with a normal pregnancy. Swollen belly, breast tenderness, nausea, and weight gain. In some cases even the feeling of fetal movement. You wouldn’t have known the difference. But I can say with a hundred percent certainty that you have never been pregnant.”

You stare at him, unable to move or speak, the gravity of this revelation setting in.

“But I-I saw a heartbeat. I saw my baby.”

“Whatever you saw, it wasn’t your pregnancy.” He takes off his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is unconventional, I shouldn’t even be telling you this. I have to call your Alpha.”

“Okay.” You’re still, focused on the wall. You can’t think anymore. If you let yourself feel it’ll be too much, so instead you shut down. “I need to go.”

“I think you should stay. We’ll call your Alpha, maybe we can all sit down together-”

“No.” You discard your gown in front of him, nudity is your last concern as you search for your jeans. “Thank you, but I need to go home now.”

-

Sam’s phone vibrates in his pocket for the third time in five minutes. He checks it again, it’s a number he doesn’t recognize so he hits the mute button.

“You need to take that?” John leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving the shareholders presentation that’s currently in progress.

“I don’t know.” Sam grimaces as a fourth call comes in. “I think I better.”

Stepping into the hallways he answers, already annoyed. “Winchester.”

“Sam Winchester?” The voice is male and unfamiliar.

“The one and only. Who is this?”

“My name is doctor Tuttle, I’m a physician at New York Presbyterian.”

Sam’s heart drops into this stomach.

“What’s wrong?” He’s sweating before the question is finished.

“Your Omega came in today, I treated her for what I thought were pregnancy-related symptoms.”

“Is she alright?” He takes off toward his office, breaking into a run. He just needs his car keys. “Is something wrong with our baby?”

“She’s fine, but I do have some pretty unsettling news, Mr. Winchester. I think it’s best if you come here so we can speak in person.”

“I’m on my way.”

Twenty minutes later Sam’s sitting in a small office with lime green walls, listening as he’s told that his entire world has been a lie.

She was never pregnant. It appears to be a chemical induced pregnancy.

The words rattle around in his head. The doctor keeps talking, the hospital legal counsel sitting in the corner taking notes.

“How is this possible?” Sam can feel the rage boiling in his veins. You’ve been lying to him all this time, it’s the only explanation. “She had an ultrasound, I was there.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time that a woman has faked a pregnancy.” The lawyer speaks up. “You’d be surprised what people will agree to do for a little bit of cash.”

“I’m not entirely convinced that’s the case.” Dr. Tuttle speaks up. “She came in knowing we’d run tests, all it took was a blood screen and an ultrasound to determine she wasn’t pregnant. And her reactions appeared to be genuine. I tried to get her to stay, to wait for you, but she insisted on leaving.”

“I haven’t been able to reach her.” Sam runs a hand over his mouth. There’s a pressure building in his chest, starting to make it hard to breathe “I need to get out of here.”

He tried to call you several times on his way to the hospital but your phone is turned off. He left Donna a message but he didn’t know who else to call. You’re unreachable and his entire world is coming apart at the seams.

--

He sits in his car in the parking garage, key in the ignition but the car is still off. Sam can’t think straight. There are a million thoughts swirling in his brain. His eyes fall on the folder his mother handed him this morning, and he picks up, pulling out a stack of documents.

The first sheet is withdrawal history from your bank account. He hasn’t checked it since the business with Jake but the money didn't stop there. There are a series of withdrawals every month totaling around ten thousand dollars. There are two pages stapled to that one, showing charitable donations to the clinic you’ve been attending. And a deposit statement from the account of Amelia Richardson for fifteen thousand dollars.

Next is a transcript of text messages from an unlabeled number to a second number identified as Jake. It’s a series of messages that end in asking him to come to the apartment the day of the assault, along with the building address and security code.

The following page is a list of internet searches from your home IP address. Some of it’s about him, his family and then the inquiries trail off into fertility. Next, are various detailed searches regarding marriage laws and the details of financial responsibility once an Alpha marries an Omega. Then the specifics of the new drug that Sam’s been working on.

The connections begin to click together. He’s spent the last year listening to scientists explain how their cure for heat sickness works, It’s simple really. It tricks the body into thinking it’s pregnant. It can’t be a coincidence. There’s no way.

The next page is a series of photos. The first two of are you coming and going from the clinic.  

In the third, you’re sitting alone at a table in a cafe. Directly behind is a young blonde, it takes Sam a moment to place her. It’s the ultrasound technician. In the following photo, the girl is gone and you’re joined by Donna. There’s a handwritten note in the margins that reads withdrawal of a thousand same day - pay off?

Next is a surveillance shot of you and Amelia in a hallway at Gilead, you’re talking about something and there’s a note, a reference back to your bank withdrawal and the corresponding deposit into Amelia’s account.

The final photo makes his heart stop. It’s different than the rest and there’s a Post It that says found in Jake’s apartment. It’s from four or five years ago at a charity event. Sam and Dean are front and center, arms around each other’s shoulders. Sam remembers that night well, they both drank too much and ended up flying to Vegas at 3 am. But behind Dean is your image, a younger version of you dressed in a caterer’s uniform, holding a tray of champagne, staring at the back of Sam’s head.

The last page is the name of a divorce lawyer, Rouel Felder, and grainy photos of you leaving his office. Felder is ruthless, he’s represented everyone from Rudolph Giuliani to David Gest.

There’s a handwritten synopsis from the investigator.

It is my personal opinion, based on these facts, that the subject has engaged in ongoing deception regarding her pregnancy and her relationship with Jake Livingston. I believe the subject new that J. Livingston had photos of her contact with S. Winchester prior to their most recent meeting and that the subject cultivated the situation that lead to the death of J. Livingston at the hands of her Alpha.

The picture is clear. You’ve had an agenda from the beginning, this has all been one long, elaborate con designed to get him to marry you.

He opens the door of his car just in time to vomit on the cement. He wipes his mouth with his tie, before yanking it off his neck, tossing it on the ground of the parking garage. There’s a moment when he can’t see straight, his vision blurring as a sickening combination of anger and betrayal rises up.

He punches the steering column a half dozen times, not stopping until his knuckles bleed, but what he really wants is to punch a hole in the windshield. He’s about to really lose it when his phone vibrates and Donna’s name scrolls across the screen.

“I got your voicemail.” Donna quips as soon as he picks up. “I haven’t heard from her. Is something going on-”

“Did you fucking know?” Sam snarls, gripping the phone so tight his fingers turn white. “Have you two been laughing behind my back?”

“You’re gonna need to take a chill pill, buddy.” Donna shoots back. “You might be used to talking to other people like that, but not me.”

“I know what she’s been doing.” He hits the horn of the car with a closed fist.

“Care to share? Because I don’t have a freakin’ clue what you’re talking about.”

“This whole thing was a setup. The sob story about her parents, getting me to take out Jake and a baby that doesn’t fucking exist.”

“Are you drunk?” She asks flatly. “Is something wrong with the baby?”

“I’m so sick of people lying to me!” Sam lashes out, he wants to hurt someone, the rage bubbling up inside him has almost reached its breaking point. “I trusted her.”

“I still have no clue what you’re talking about but you need to take a breath.” She replies calmly.

“I’m talking about Y/N being this whole other person...I was so blind.”

“Stop.” Donna commands and Sam bristles. “Whatever happened you need to stop. This is the kind of crazy shit I warned her about. I told her you’d be bad for her..”

“Me?” Sam snorts in disbelief. “Bad for her?”

“Yeah, your crazy family has had it out for her since you two hooked up. I don’t know what happened but what I do know is that if you think she’s lied or betrayed you somehow, then you really are just a self-absorbed asshole. She’s put herself out there over and over again just to be with you, and now you’re talking like she’s some kind of criminal or something? Have you actually taken the time to get to know her? Because if you had, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Sam’s silent.

“You don’t deserve her.” She spits. “Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to find my friend and figure what the hell is going on. It sounds like she probably needs someone to be there for her, and it sure as hell isn’t you.”

--

He’s calmed down and he’s got a plan. He’s going to remain collected and confront you with the facts. Show you the photos and the documents and ask for your side the story. The more he thinks about Donna’s words the more he knows she’s right.

This isn’t you. He’s an idiot for thinking anything else.

He can believe a lot of terrible things about almost anyone, but not you. Maybe he’s blinded by his love for you, or maybe it’s just your bond but he can’t imagine that the situation is what is appears to be.

Sam can hear it the minute the door opens. Your cries are audible from the living room and he follows the sound to find you sitting in the middle of the bedroom floor, sobbing into your hands.

He doesn’t understand much about what’s happening, but the moment he sees you he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that you had no idea. There’s no faking this kind of despair.

“Y/N.” He says softly from the doorway and you let out a howl, wrapping your arms tighter around yourself, rocking back and forth on the floor. Gasping through the tears he can hear you struggling to breathe, you’re hyperventilating.

“Hey,” he sits on the floor, scooting closer, pulling you between his legs to wrap himself around you.

“I c-can’t b-breathe.” You sputter, gasping like a fish on dry land.

“Yes, you can.” Sam wants to cry too, but his emotional outbursts are the last thing you need right now. This moment is the greatest test of his ability to be an Alpha and he’s not about to let you down, not again, not after everything. “Breathe with me. Come on, in...out...in...out.”

He takes exaggerated breaths so you easily feel the rhythm of his body, each inhale and exhale is measured and slow until you calm down enough to find the pace on your own. But as soon as the panic attack passes your tears come back, gut-wrenching sobs that crush Sam’s heart.

“I don’t understand. I could feel our baby.” You howl. “I could feel it inside me but it was never there.”

“I know.” He kisses your head, rocking with you in his arms.

“I-I didn’t w-want it and then I fell in love with the idea of-” You can’t finish.

For a long time, neither of you say a word, you just cry for nearly an hour until you’re too physically exhausted to shed another tear. Even after the crying stops, he holds you as the minutes tick by and you lie limply in his arms.

“We’re gonna find out what happened. I promise you.”

“I don't care.” You whisper, utterly defeated. “I want my baby.”

“I’m so sorry,” Sam whispers, a tear sliding down his cheek. “We’ll have a baby. As soon as you want, whenever you’re ready.”

“I don’t think I can.” You grip his arms, holding on like some unseen force might try to pull you away from him. “My heart is too broken.”

-

Part Nine is currently available on Patreon for a monthly pledge of $2.50. This includes early access to all my stories and Patreon exclusive content.  >> CLICK HERE <<

-

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[wocfics]

A Little Caught Up (Part 4)

Masterlist Reader x Namjoon x All Members eventually

Word Count: 1,862 SO MUCH FLUFF AND ANGST

Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV -  Part V

Baby crib instructions were hard when you’re by yourself. Y/N had been sitting in the middle of the baby’s room for an hour, figuring out how to put the pieces together. Her IPad was propped up on the small table where her best friend was on Facetime with her, looking up the instructions for her on a website. “You’re doing it right, just make sure the pieces are laying flat….just like that!” She cheered her on. With a 7 month belly, she wore leggings and a baggy shirt, her curly up in a pineapple and out of her face. She had the fan blowing since it was hot and she hated being hot, especially in the summertime. Screwing in the pieces, she stood up and set everything up, checking around her to make sure there weren’t any other extra pieces sitting around and began putting everything else together. Her baby shower was last week so she still had to take things out and hang them up. The baby’s nursery was done beforehand thanks to her best friends who said they were dropping off just a few things but really they came in and painted the room and put the furniture in it as well, minus the crib since Y/N wanted to do that part herself.

The room was a light purple color and the furniture was all handmade from a woodshop that Y/N fell in love with when a magazine came in the mail. “Thanks for helping me out, I got it from here. You finish studying and I’ll text you later.” Y/N spoke to her friend as a knock came on the door. They hung up and Y/N made her way through her apartment and to the front door opening it to a delivery man with a few big boxes. She stared at them then at him. “Are you Y/N? These packages are for you.” He spoke while holding a clipboard. She could tell that the boxes had a few stickers on them and quickly noticed that there were purple and red hearts all over them and realized they were from the boys. Quickly signing her name, she smiled at the guy. “Thank you.” She nodded and began bringing the boxes inside, setting them down and dragged the last box in since it was a little heavy. Closing the door, she pushed them all into the baby’s room and began opening them, sitting down on a chair and opening them, seeing cards at the top first so she opened those up first and read them, keeping the group pictures of the boys to the side of her as she went through each card. 

They sent so many clothes, designer and regular alike. Of course she could tell who sent what since they all had a unique individual style. Jimin sent a few blankets for the baby and the others sent toys and small shoes. At least she wouldn’t run out of clothes right? The last box, the biggest and heaviest box, she opened it and pulled out a card and read it, it was from Namjoon. 

“Jimin said I should send something so I did. I hope it’s enough for the baby. I don’t know how to do these things so I just found a few things that I liked and put them in a box.” 

Attached to the card was a picture of him with a shirt, the shirt had a picture of the baby’s ultrasound on it but Namjoon wasn’t smiling, just making a heart with his arms. At least he tried. She put the card and picture aside and looked in the box, pulling out a small one and opened it, seeing a pair of brown little boots, they were definitely adorable. She stared at them and smiled before looking into the box further and pulling out A LOT of diapers, books and clothes. There was a small table inside as well, wooden. It was from Nakashima furniture which she knew was expensive. Taking it out, she set it by the chair she was sitting in and placed the small shoes on top. “See? He cares, look at all the nice stuff they got you. Let’s put it away and get some food huh?” Y/N rubbed her belly and began putting everything away. She knew it was a good idea to get extra clothing racks for the room since there were so many clothes of different sizes. After an hour of putting everything away and taking the boxes out, she came back inside and made herself a small meal and sat in the living room on the couch, watching a movie and smiling the entire time. The rest of this pregnancy would go by easily.

2 Months Later

“Just push for me, the baby’s almost out Ms. Y/N.” “She’s almost here Y/N! You’re doing so good!” The nurse kept a cold cloth on Y/N’s forehead while her best friend held one foot and another nurse held the other as she pressed your chin into her chest and pushed. Y/N was just at home, cooking dinner for her friends since you guys always got together once a week for movie night and the latest gossip and updates on each others lives. It was late and she was bringing them more iced tea when her water broke. The only ones that were panicking were her friends while she remained calm and went to shower, being the crazy person she was and grabbed the hospital bag. Y/N made it just in time to the hospital before the contractions started, which she took like a champ. 

The sound of crying made her lean back and cover her face, sobbing from hearing the sound she had been waiting for months for. She was here. After being cleaned off and Y/N was taken care of, she was swaddled and placed into her arms, she was beautiful with a head full of hair and medium toned skin, how Namjoon’s looks when he tans. This was definitely the best moment of hrt life for sure.

A few days after going home and getting the baby settled in with a schedule, Y/N finished the rest of her schooling online since she couldn’t be away from her daughter. Jimin and her friends helped pick out a name for her since Y/N couldn’t decide. Settling on the name YoungMi which meant prosperity, eternal and beautiful. A traditional Korean name and a name that Y/N loved as well. Over the next few weeks, she was the perfect baby, sleeping and eating without fussing except for the middle of the night which she would never complain about. The boys had a busy schedule but once Y/N sent Jimin a message telling him the news he was already booking her plane ticket a month in advance since he was serious about having him and the boys meet the baby. YoungMi had features like her of course but she saw so much of Namjoon in her as well. Her eyes, nose and even the small dimples were all features of him.Y/N packed your bags for that day when it was time to go to Korea and meet the boys and for her daughter to meet her father, even if he was still hesitating. 

That day was finally here a month later, the ticket came in the mail, you and Mi were already on the plane, of course she was asleep for the most part of the plane ride, only waking up to be changed and eat again.You had your own section in first class thanks to the boys and once you got to the airport, Taehyung sent you the information about who was picking up to bring to the dorms until you could find a hotel that you were okay with even though they insisted it was okay for you to stay with them and one of the boys would be more than okay to give up their room for you and the baby. 

The driver took you to a back road that must have been Big Hit and helped you out of the car along with the baby’s carseat. You grabbed the diaper bag and quickly made your way inside. Your hair was straightened so it sat under a baseball cap for now since it was warm out and you wore a pair of jeans and a blouse. Walking inside you waited as the two people spoke before you were escorted to the practice room. You could hear the music playing once the woman disappeared behind the door and shouted something before the music was cut off and you could hear running towards the door. Jimin’s head popped out of the door, smiling and opened it wide for you to walk in. “Y/N!!!!” Everyone yelled at once but quickly quieted when they saw the carseat in your hand. You smiled and quickly gave everyone a hug, seeing Namjoon linger in the back. A thin blanket covered the carseat so the sun wouldn’t get in Mi’s eyes so they couldn’t see her yet. “You made it. I’m happy you came, now we can meet YoungMi.” Jungkook spoke and they all stared at the carseat, hearing whining behind the green blanket. 

“C-Can I see her first?” You glanced up at Namjoon’s voice and you were honestly shocked as was everyone else. Your grip tightened on the seat before nodding and seeing a couch towards the back of the room, you walked over to it while Namjoon followed behind. He quickly jogged over into a small area and disappeared behind a door and came back, drying his hands and walking over to the couch You set the seat down and flipped the blanket over, unbuckling your daughter as she opened her eyes and stared at you. Namjoon mumbled something in Korean while staring at her and sat down next to you. You took off her little hat and fixed her hair and watched as he just stared at her. “Do you want to hold her?” You asked. He looked at you then back down at her and nodded, sitting back. You carefully handed her to him, placing his hands where they needed to be to support her and watched as the guys came and crowded around, taking pictures and mumbling. “So lovely.” Jimin smiled and snapped a picture of Namjoon and the baby with Jungkook’s camera. 

You could see the tears well up in Namjoon’s eyes and you looked away since you didn’t want to start crying either. “YoungMi. Kim YoungMi, hi. I’m your father.” He whispered to her and then repeated it in Korean. Wiping the tears that escaped your eyes, you sniffled a little and looked at him and Mi, seeing him make eye contact with you. “Thank you for this.” He nodded. You shrugged. “Thank Jimin, he put it all together.” Jimin beamed and the other guys were sniffling too. “I have jams now, right Namjoonie?” Jimin asked and everyone quietly laughed while YoungMi fell asleep on her father’s chest.

[serenzippity]

Viva

Words: 3022 Member: Eventual Hyungwon/OC, mentions of Wonho/OC, OC/ OC Genre: Angst Warning(s): Mentions of DV

Chapter Two

August 16th, 2019 Starship Entertainment Seoul, South Korea

A soft knock interrupted the stagnant quiet of my office. Despite its relatively quiet manner it still slightly jolted me from my seat. “Come in,” I called out, doing a quick once over to make sure that the collar of my shirt was fully buttoned, and the sleeves weren’t riding up in a way that would expose the fading colors that painted my skin. I held in a disappointed sigh as the door opened, forcing my stoic façade to fall into place.

In the threshold stood someone who looked extremely familiar, yet I couldn’t wholly place him. He strolled into my office with an aura of superiority. Walking in like he owned the building, the handsome guy held his head up with a small smirk as he sat down in a chair on the opposite side of my desk. The room was suddenly full of him, permeating every corner of it with borderline arrogance and the tangible feeling of luxury. Everything about him screamed pretentious and expensive, something that I have grown used to in both my marriage and professional life.

He instantly reminded me of my husband’s rich CEO friends, and it took everything inside me not to roll my eyes as he relaxed in my chair.

“Can I help you?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow at both his suffocating attitude and his sudden intrusion without an explanation. He leaned back, as if making himself at home, and looked me up and down in appraisal. I caught the tick immediately, shooting him a glare when his eyes left my chest and met mine.

“I was wondering,” he lazily said, as if his voice was dipped in honey, “if my contract had anything in it about what I can and cannot do with my hair?”

The moment he mentioned his contract I realized who he was. I recognized him from the dance practice that I interrupted, passings in the halls, and his simple idol status. I had been working for Starship for a little over a year and until yesterday I never had an idol in my office, and within a span of 24 hours, I had two sitting in the chairs across from me.

While Hoseok was timid and gave me an impression of humility, Chae Hyungwon sat across from me and gave me an impression of vanity. It was an interesting dichotomy, especially considering their public personas and bandmate status.

“Let me pull up your contract Mr. Chae,” I said casually as I grabbed my tablet. I didn’t want to blatantly show that I thought he had a vaguely irritating presence, needing to maintain a sense of decorum.

“Please call me Hyungwon.” He smiled at me and peering over the edge of my iPad I could see that it was meant to charm my pants off. However, all I saw was a smile that screamed danger. I tore my eyes away from his annoyingly handsome face and clicked away on the pad in silence, looking for the clause in question.

Finding it, I maximized the document and slid it across the desk to him. “Alright Mr. Chae,” his smile fell a little bit when I didn’t call him by his first name and I took that as a personal win, “it says here that while you do have to consult the head of your styling team and Hongsik, you do have free reign on what you’d like to do for each comeback.”

He took the iPad, finally dropping the charming smile to look at it and giving me a chance to let go of a breath that I didn’t even realize I was holding in. I watched him as he read over the words, taking him in from head to toe for the first time. From his curly black hair down to his jean-clad legs, I could see why the masses of Monbebes fell to their knees for him. He was gorgeous I begrudgingly admitted, and I hated myself the moment the thought formed in my head.

“So,” he drolled, placing the pad back on my desk, “As long as I don’t shave all my hair off I’ll be okay?”

“I assume so yes. Is there anything else I can help you with Mr. Chae?” My tone was dismissive, and I wanted his oddly suffocating presence out of my office.

He just smiled at me and gave me a slight nod before getting out of the chair. He paused in the doorway, turning to look at me with a smirk. “Thank you, Mrs. Hamlin. If I need any more legal advice I will let you know.” And with that, he turned and walked away before I could even form a coherent thought in my mind.

I stared at the doorway for a couple minutes, still not fully processing what had just happened. I was frozen in shock as the gears in my mind refused to turn. It took the shrill tone of my office phone to wake me up from my trance. Jumping almost a foot in the air I scrambled to grab the receiver, thrusting myself quickly back into the swing of my work.

I looked at contracts for new dancers for a couple more hours, scratching and revising them with trained eyes and a steady red pen. Between the contracts, I had lunch with Seyoung, got yelled at by Mr. Park once more, and emailed Hongsik back and forth in regard to Hoseok’s dating provisos. It was a relatively typical day, punctuated once more by my constant switch between my heels and flats. The monotony was welcomed, and I felt that familiar sense of dread when the day began to wind down.

I was in the midst of revising my final contract when my phone dinged. I didn’t think much of it when I reached to pick it up until I saw that the message was from an unknown number.

I was about to ask who it was when another message popped up from the unknown number.

Once again it clicked in my mind. I was confused as to how he got my phone number, so I sent him a quick response. I sent a silent prayer in the hopes that I wasn’t right in my assumption, but it seemed like some malevolent source was looking over me lately.

I fell back into my chair with an audible groan. It was clear that my luck lately was going down the tubes. Seyoung poked his head around the corner at the noise, further pushing me into a pit of generalized annoyance. “You okay boss?”

“Yeah I’m fine,” I said tossing my phone on my desk and raking a hand through my hair. I was in desperate need of a break, a drink, or even just a small bubble bath. I don’t know why I was so stressed out just from my simple conversation with Hyungwon, but it was just adding to my ever-growing pile. “Hey, so Damien is going to be out of town tomorrow. Would you like to go to that restaurant you suggested? I’ve been thinking about it almost all day.” I tried to plaster on a genuine smile as I asked my assistant out to dinner, but I felt like it only came out as a grimace.

“Sure! Would you like me to call and make reservations? Does 7 work?”

I just gave him a nod and watched him go around the corner. I heard him pick up the phone and call the restaurant with his usual cheery tone. Another ping came from my discarded cell phone and I was contemplating turning the whole thing off so as to avoid any kind of contact with Hyungwon. Him texting me was unprofessional, and I was pretty sure I could get in trouble with casual contact with them. On the other hand, however, I was part of their legal team so a conversation with the idols was nearly impossible to avoid. I’ve been able to do so for the last year, so it was only a matter of time.

Plus, his question was seemingly innocent, so I figured that texting him whilst also keeping up decorum wouldn’t be the end of the world. I picked up my phone and saw a second text from the source of an oncoming migraine.

I rolled my eyes at his insistence. He was consistent I could give him that, but there was no way in hell I was calling him anything other than what propriety calls for. Deflecting, I sent him a quick answer to his original question. I couldn’t think of anything else that would put a quick death to this situation. Typing away, I sent him my opinion before placing my phone on airplane mode. But before I could tap on the little symbol, I got another text from him that signaled an uneasy end to the conversation.

My finger hovered over the little symbol as I looked at the eerily daunting face of the yellow emoji. I wasn’t sure why it made my stomach drop, but it did nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, I tapped the symbol and put my phone in my purse, lapsing into silence for the last half hour of work.

-x-

August 17th, 2019 Grand Kitchen Restaurant Seoul, South Korea

Whenever I put on a pair of heels I always made sure to send a curse towards the inventor of the damned things. I always hoped that they were rotting in hell for inventing the torturous devices. However, a little black dress and a pair of pumps always made me feel amazing despite my hatred for the latter. Feeling like a goddess always seemed to resonate the moment I stepped out of the house and into the waiting car. Lipstick and eyeliner in check, everything from the spritz of perfume to the expensive clutch was carefully coordinated. The goal was to turn heads, have a good dinner, and breathe during my weekend respite from work and my marriage.

It also helped to know that for one evening, I wasn’t going to have to put on the perfect wife charade.

Walking into the restaurant with Seyoung definitely helped to boost my confidence, especially when some patrons and even the snooty looking hostess had to do a double-take. Seyoung was arguably one of the most attractive and kind men I had ever been in the company of and being on his arm made my confidence soar. Thankfully his boyfriend let me steal him for the night.

With our heads tilted high, we were shown to our table in a more secluded part of the restaurant. I felt so lighthearted and happy for the first time in almost a week, relishing in the great company of my friend. I let Seyoung take the reins and order us drinks and appetizers while I caroused the menu.

Everything was going amazingly, from the delicious drinks to the savory abet tiny proportions. “I have a feeling we are going to want to get pizza after this,” I laughed over my second old fashioned of the night.

“I’m contemplating ordering another dish,” he said as he downed his drink in one gulp, a rosy flush coming to his cheeks.

“If I’m paying then by all means darling,” I told him with a wink as I raised my glass and killed it. I purposely purred out the term of endearment, putting a French-twist on it that sent us both into a fit of giggles.

The smile on Seyoung’s face was bright, but within a second it dropped like someone poured a bucket of water over his head. It was instantaneous and it caught my attention immediately as he honed in on something behind me. “Are you okay,” I asked, pausing my hailing of a waiter to take in the look of pure horror on his face.

“Please don’t look now Lux, but we have a slight problem.” The colors that previously tinted his cheeks were gone, and the nervous glint in his eyes had my mind running at a million miles a minute. Of course, my one night of freedom would come with some caveat.

“Seyoung what is wrong?”

“Uhm,” he quickly looked down at his plate and began to fiddle with his forks, putting on an unnatural look of indifference. He almost looked like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “I think that is Hyungwon behind you.”

The moment he said that name my stomach dropped out of my body and onto the floor. I looked up at the ceiling with a pained sigh, wondering if it was just my luck or if someone was out to get me. Every rational part of my mind was telling me to not turn around and look at him. They were screaming at me to continue eating and ordering drinks until I forgot that Seyoung saw him.

However, the alcohol in my system muffled all the rational voices. The sweet amber liquid told me to turn around and look at his painfully handsome face. It was saccharine and almost bitter, but it held a strong grip on all my reflexes and emotions. In the end, the whiskey won out, and I begrudgingly turned to look behind me.  The second my eyes locked on his curly dark hair I regretted every choice I had made thus far—from choosing this restaurant, to even the dress I was wearing—everything was soaked in instant regret.

He was sitting at another two-top with a woman who couldn’t have been anything less than a model. She looked like a fairy under the dim glow of the restaurant lights, her gold dress sparkling against her pale skin and red-painted lips. He was dapper in a fully black ensemble that added to his natural good looks. From his midnight button-up and blazer all the way down to his expensive loafers, Hyungwon was ethereal and dark. She looked like an angel while he looked like the devil incarnate.

“Shit,” I murmured turning back to Seyoung with a pained look on my face. “We cannot have another dating scandal on our hands.”

“What are we going to do?” he asked me with wide eyes, gripping his fork with white knuckles. Running a hand over my face, I looked around the restaurant as I formed a plan in my head. Pieces were being clicked in, held together by whiskey-flavored glue and bad ideas.

Sitting up straight, I took a sip of water and fixed my hair as I plastered on my signature stoic face. “Stay here,” I told Seyoung. He began to protest, but before he could get anything out I was already pushing out my chair and fixing my dress. I turned on my heel and began to make my way over to the corner of the room that held the unholy date. Adding a little pep to my step, I held my head high as I approached Hyungwon’s table.

His date noticed me before I did, giving me a curious once over before seemingly deciding that I was unwanted company and scowling at my impending intrusion. I came to stand in front of his table, arms crossed over my chest with my head cocked in question. Hyungwon noticed me when I fully approached, his knee-jerking smirk taking over as he stared directly into my blazing eyes.

“Do you think this is a good idea, Mr. Chae?” I asked bluntly, slightly tapping my foot against the ground.

“I don’t know what you mean Mrs. Hamlin,” he said as he leaned forward mockingly as he held his head up with his hand.

Raising an eyebrow, I glanced at his model-like date who was still giving me a nasty look. “I mean, do you really think it is wise to be on a date in a public place? I am already dealing with Hoseok’s potential scandal at the moment, and if memory serves, we had to deal with yours three years ago?” I gave him an unkind look at the final jab, pulling from his history to add the final knife into his current situation.

But rather than look irritated at having his past scandal brought up, Hyungwon bloomed at the mention. He gave me a dazzling smile that was almost blinding in the moody restaurant lights. He leaned back and chuckled, causing my already hazy mind to practically short circuit at how good he looked. I was stunned at his carefree reaction—almost stumbling backward in shock—but I was able to hold it slightly together.

“It’s fine noona,” he purred and once again I was at a loss for words, “I haven’t been caught yet. Besides both, Hyunwoo and Hongsik know I am here.” He ended his excuse with a wink, and my surprise melted away. In its place was pure fire and anger at his brazen attitude. I was disrespected enough at work by my superiors, and I was not about to let some flashy idol get the last word in.

“Wink at me one more time Mr. Chae and I will be filing a report against you with Mr. Park,” I growled the threat lowly, barely getting the words out through my clenched jaw. His proud look didn’t disappear completely, but it fell hard nonetheless which added to my currently skyrocketing confidence. “Furthermore, I am not your manager nor your handler Mr. Chae, but be warned that if I have to deal with another dating scandal, I will make your life a living hell. Are we clear?”

His smile was no longer dazzling, but it was still curved against his plush lips. He no longer looked cocky, but there was still a gleam behind his eyes that I couldn’t quite place. He seemed to take the threat well, at least as well as my now-sobering mind could comprehend. Hyungwon’s dark eyes locked in on mine and I felt my stomach lurch at the intensity within them. It was only for a second because the moment he opened his mouth the whole thing shattered.

“Crystal clear Mrs. Hamlin.”

A/N: Here is Chapter One! I’m hoping to get these out every Sunday night. I also tried something different with the messages in the story, so let know if you like the formatting or if I should try something different! Also I don't know if I made it clear but Lux does speak Korean. The entirely of this fic takes place with the general idea that they are speaking Korean unless stated otherwise! Gif is mine.  

[punkcupcakestyles]

Love Song

1

Whatever was happening, I could only describe it as an out-of-body experience, almost as if I were looking at myself from the other side of the room, mocking me for my own awkwardness. Or maybe I was just starstruck. 

I couldn't look away from him. His lopsided smile grew bigger,  and he cocked his head slightly to the side, staring at me as if there was nothing else that could possibly interest him in that room. A new feeling, the small, warm flutter that started at the pit of my stomach, maybe it was just my heart that was starting to race in my chest. 

Time had stopped, it had to, as there was no way I had spent so much time looking at him, and standing awkwardly in the middle of a room, while other two people witnessed my stupidity. I wasn't used to it, not to the rushing heart that was thumping in my chest, or to the hollow pit in my stomach that made it difficult to breathe. I wasn't used to not know what to do with my hands, or how to smile, or how to think. 

"I'm sorry, am I boring you?"

Funny enough, that's never a concerned question. It's always asked with certain annoyance and in a stern tone that commands attention, almost as if the person asking didn't really care about the status of your entertainment.

I looked up at her, her piercing and steely blue eyes staring at me while her red nails drummed on the table impatiently. She was wearing a black dress, without a jacket, as the sunny day in L.A. was hot enough to make you feel like going to the beach and having a couple of beers. Could you even swim in L.A.? Maybe in Corona del Mar, certainly not in Santa Monica. Never by the pier. Jesus, I was bored. 

But even then, the thought of answering sincerely didn't really cross my mind. 

"Of course not," I smiled meekly at Midge, hoping the gesture would calm her down. "I'm sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night. What were you saying?"

And oh, she didn't buy my excuse, never really did. Her eyes rolled back, just a little bit, enough to let me know she thought I was a fucking pest, but that still, she was a professional. Without saying a word, she went back to look through the magazine on her Ipad, flipping the page to stare carefully at the page-wide photo. I looked at it and felt that familiar pang of anxiety, the certainty that I was way in over my head. That someday, somehow, this dream or nightmare was going to end, and I was going to wake up back home, clad in sweat, to go back to wait tables at the dinner. Go back to fighting for a way out. 

Midge kept staring at the photo, with a clinical eye that only years and years of experience could grant. I wondered if she thought the same as I did; if the person staring back from the glossy page of the Vogue magazine was as much of a stranger to her as she was to me. Sure, she had my lips, red and pillowy from the makeup, and her hair looked as disheveled in the long braid as mine usually did, but still, she wasn't me. She couldn't be. She looked powerful and peaceful, two feelings I wasn't too familiar with, as she sat on a huge red velvet throne with her feet hanging in the air. Her hand was resting awkwardly above her head, and the dress, beautiful as it was, with its gauze and its pearls and its flowers, wasn't the most striking part of the picture, but her eyes. They were fierce and piercing and demanded to be looked at. 

She wanted to be seen. She demanded it. She was in Vogue and wanted everyone to know there was a new star in town. 

"This is a nice picture." Midge pointed at it. "Nice work."

"Thanks," I replied, scrambling to look away from her as soon as she went back to inspect the rest of the magazine. 

Midge's office was almost as impressive as she was. Her main wall was covered with photos of her clients, with people wearing their finest clothes and posing as if it was nothing; like their lives were normal and the rest of us just needed to catch up. There was Sandra Bullock in InStyle Magazine, Jennifer Lawrence on Time, and Taylor Swift on Elle. A picture of Midge and Elle and Dakota Fanning in some party was right in the middle of the mix, and I gulped, wondering when would she finally tell me to fuck off. She didn't need me. She would do just fine after I disappeared into thin air. 

And I needed her so badly.  

I looked back at her to inspect her further, even when I had done that thousands of times before. She was wearing a simple black drape tunic that fell a little above her knees, and a pair of Alexander Mcqueen's sandals, with a leather bow around her ankle.  Everything about her screamed boss, and I was adequately scared of her. 

"We need more photos," She said, without raising her voice, which made me think she wasn't even talking to me. "We want you everywhere during award season."

"I will make sure I am seen everywhere," I offered, but I was received with a dismissing wave of her hand, right before she got up to serve herself some water, or at least what I hoped was water. 

"Don't worry. We'll take care of it. I have...something in the works already." She turned, offering me an odd smile that made me shift on my chair. I picked up an ambiguity in her tone, like even that tiny bit of information was already saying too much, and I gulped nervously, looking at her as she walked calmly back to her chair. I debated whether I should ask her about it, or just nod, to put myself on her bad side or just let her do her job. On one side, she was fucking good at it and I thanked all of my stars to have her. On the other side, "something in the works" is never enough information, much less when you're the one on the receiving end. 

"Midge, can I ask..."

"Don't worry about it, honey." She smiled condescendingly. "I'll tell you when it's all ready. Until then, let's focus on getting you as many nominations as we can. We're going after an Oscar, let's not forget that."

The Oscar, the only thing being talked about around me even before the movie came out. If anything, I was incredibly happy I had the chance to play make-believe, dress fancy and run around talking with a British accent. To work along well-established actors, and to have their grace and support, it was more than I ever expected. Much more than I could ever dream of. 

Also, my performance had been buzzed about before, raved between critics and peers, and not even that had gotten me a nomination. 

Even a sliver of hope seemed too risky at this point. And I knew it, knew the heartache that was coming my way if I wasn't on the list of nominees. But even then, I couldn't help it, couldn't help but wish for it, imagine myself crying as I hugged my mother when they called for my name, and the words I would say as I held the golden bald man in my trembling hand: "Thank you, God. Thanks, mom..."

"Do you think I can get it? That I can get an award?" I asked her, holding my breath as I waited for her answer. Maybe she had picked up the doubt in my voice, or the fact that it quivered a little at the end. I felt small, almost expecting a laugh and a resounding no, but Midge smiled instead, turning to look at me with a soft expression I didn't know she was capable of.

"I think you're incredibly talented, honey. I wouldn't be representing you if you weren't." She said. "I think you can get it, and that you deserve it, and I'm just gonna push you in the right direction, so I need you to trust me, yes?"

Anything she wanted, everything she needed. 

"Yes." 

Well, not everything. 

Or maybe yes. 

I still hadn't decided. 

***

The meeting went on for about 15 more minutes, during which, Midge seemed to grow more distracted until she finally dismissed me. I tried not to jump up from the chair and run out of that office but left pretty quickly anyway, rushing through the corridors jammed with cubicles, and trying to ignore the head peeking out of the white cardboard separators.

The rush of a dream, a grand one, was making my heart beat faster, and my smile grow bigger as I head to the lobby. I tried to calm myself down, to not give in to the fantasy, but my mind kept rushing with the images of the balls, and the dresses, and how beautiful the statuettes would look in my living room.

"Hey!"

My heart came to a sudden stop, as I turned around to see him. He was sitting on the black couch in front of the receptionist counter, and was looking at me with a mix of bewilderment and amusement. Sam was wearing all black, and his curly hair was starting to get too long to behave, so it just flopped on his forehead. I smiled at him as he started to get up and let him take my bag out of my hands for him to carry. 

"You didn't have to wait for me, y'know?

"Well, you promised sushi." He shrugged off, smiling widely as I bumped my shoulder against his in protest.

"So, let's get sushi," I agreed, following behind him as he started to make his way out of the building. The day was incredibly shiny, and the air was crispy and I felt giddy, walking to his car as if I was on a cloud.

Sam had this thing about him, something that made everything easier when he was next to me. His smile could light up a room, like a burden had lifted off my shoulders, and his company made me feel safe, maybe from how many times he had saved me before. 

"So, how did it go with Midge?" He asked while he got ready to turn on the engine to leave. He pronounced her name with an edge, just like he did since she had asked us to keep our friendship from the public eye. We appreciate your privacy, Sam. Hanging out so much with Sofia will only get you trouble.

But Sam only saw me as his friend. I should know, I wish he didn't.

"It went well, she said she has something in the works for me."

"Like what?

"I don't know...I'm a bit scared if I’m being honest.”

“Well, you should be,” He said. Sam was considering his next words, I could see by the way his eyebrows scrunched up right in the middle, and by the chewing of his bottom lip. He looked at me, with his big hazel eyes, and his mouth twitched a little. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a teacher? It seems easier”

“An actress, Sam,” I smiled. “I’ll make enough money, so we’ll never have to go back.”

“You won’t ever have to go back. I’ll never let you.”

I believed him. I could still remember the smell of his drenched jacket when he started his car before we drove away. 

"I know," I replied simply. "But, it's also fun, isn't it?"

"If you say so." 

***

- Info you need to know -

Name of the show: The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Host: James Kimberley Corden (Do not call him Kimberley). 

Time slot: 12:37am/11:37pm c

Banned subjects: Kardashians/Kanye; Trump; how much you hated 'Love Actually'; how Grey's Anatomy needs to end. 

Encouraged conversations: Your movie (the Oscar one, not The Kissing List), your love life (we'll feed you cues), how hot you think Rihanna is. How much you love John Mulaney. 

1. You'll be wearing a short dress. Be sure to sit like a lady. 

2. Tell James you love his British accent. Laugh at his joke. 

3. Mention your little sister.

4. Mention your multiple scars from falling everywhere. 

5. Don't sing even if he asks you to. Or maybe do. We'll revisit this.

6. Come by my office at 8:15. 

D.

***

I was late for Diana's meeting. I didn't know what it was about, or why it had to be so early in the morning, all I knew was that I was late and that she was probably going to chew my head off. 

By the time I got to her office, it was already 8:35, and I was sweaty and panting, breathless from running the flights of stairs to the 8th floor, as it was almost impossible to get into an elevator at that hour. A light layer of sweat was forming over my forehead, and the fishtail braid I had begged my little sister to do was falling apart. It wasn't my best look, but there was nothing I could do about it. 

Hi, Diana, I'm so sorry I'm late. Cat missed the school bus and I had to take her. Yes, I know, you don't care...

I expected to find Diana fuming, with her arms crossed on her chest and a carefully threaded eyebrow raised almost to her scalp. I expected her to be so angry at my tardiness, that she refused to see me for an hour or two, even if there was nothing else on her calendar, just to teach me a lesson. I was ready for it, actually. 

So, when I pushed the door open, and I found her laughing, it was almost disappointing.

The chirpy blonde (Midge's second best agent!!!) did not notice my arrival, nor did the two guys that were chatting with her. It wasn't until I closed the door behind me that they turned to look at me. The conversation died down, and an awkward silence took over the room while everyone's eyes fell on me. 

The guy to the right was about D's age, 34 or 35 years old, tall and handsome. He was wearing a simple gray peacoat and a pair of black jeans and was holding a bunch of papers in his hands. He nodded, almost in recognition, and I offered him a small smile in return.

The guy to the left, well, I recognized him. It would be almost impossible not to. 

"Hi," I heard myself mumble, looking at him as he stared back at me. 

"Hi, I'm Harry," He said as his lips twitched into half a smile. I noticed that he was wearing a black knit sweater, and was trying to jam his fingers into the pocket of his black jeans, however, the heavy looking rings on his fingers didn't allow him to do so. 

"I, I know," I replied.

Whatever was happening, I could only describe it as an out-of-body experience, almost as if I were looking at myself from the other side of the room, mocking me for my own awkwardness. 

Or maybe I was just starstruck. 

I couldn't look away from him. His lopsided smile grew bigger,  and he cocked his head slightly to the side, staring at me as if there was nothing else that could possibly interest him in that room. A new feeling, the small, warm flutter that started at the pit of my stomach, maybe it was just my heart that was starting to race in my chest. 

Time had stopped, it had to, as there was no way I had spent so much time looking at him, and standing awkwardly in the middle of a room, while other two people witnessed my stupidity. I wasn't used to it, not to the rushing heart that was thumping in my chest, or to the hollow pit in my stomach that made it difficult to breathe. I wasn't used to not know what to do with my hands, or how to smile, or how to think. 

"So..." Diana was looking at us, her green eyes dancing from one to the other while a coy smile started to form on her lips. "Can we continue?"

She was mocking me, of that I was certain. Her eyes followed me until I took a seat next to the other guy, whose name I had totally missed, and smirked when I finally looked at her. My cheeks felt hot, and my heart seemed to barely be recovering from a marathon. 

"Ok," She continued, recovering her serious face as she turned to face us all. "Here's the thing: We have an offer to make, which we think might benefit all of us. Our client is an up-and-coming Hollywood star, and as you may, or may not, know, we're pushing for her to be an Oscar nominee this award season. We almost have the Golden Globes nomination in the bag, and we're being as careful as possible with her overall image and fame."

I almost felt like I wasn't in the room, as if Diana wasn't talking about me. It was all too clinical, too impersonal, and I felt far away from it. I peered to my side and saw the guy next to me shifting awkwardly in his seat, just like if he knew what was coming, and regretted it deeply. As if he was waiting for a train to crash, and all he could do was stand there and let it happen. 

"The movie she was in was very particular." Diana smiled, looking at me for the first time since she started. "And she was wonderful in it. We're certain she'll have no problem creating buzz for herself, but...we'd like to help."

"Help how?" I asked.

"Jeff, would you like to continue?"

The guy next to me, whose name was Jeff, didn't seem like he wanted to continue. He didn't seem like he wanted to be there actually, but he stood up and leaned against Diana's desk to look at us. 

"First," He started. "I owe Midge a favor."

"That's reassuring." I heard Harry mock under his breath.

"We want to spread a rumor, and not deny it, about you two." He ignored Harry, and looked at me, as if I was an easier audience that would understand what was wanted of me. "We want you to hang out, and act like a couple, a romantic one." But the fact that I wasn't protesting, or even talking, was not because I agreed with whatever he was saying, but rather, because I had no fucking idea of what was happening. Instead, I just stared at him dumbfounded. "We think it might give you an edge. Your movie is about to hit theaters, and it might push people to go and check it out, just to see who's that girl Harry's dating. That and the buzz you already got during the festivals' screenings, you might have a great chance next year."

"Also," Diana interjected. "It might tip the balance in your favor in the Josh and Hazel's Guide to not Dating's casting. People don't really see you as a romantic lead."

"And, for you, Harry." Jeff was rather cautious as he continued. "We think it might give you exposure to a broader audience, and..."

"I don't need exposure," Harry shook his head. 

"You do. You're nothing without it, and that's exactly what you don't want to be," Diana explained in a rather cold tone. More like the Diana I knew and feared. "We also think you'll be a really good Josh. If this all works out, who knows, maybe you'll even lead the movie. That's something people would love to see."

She smiled at him, despite the fact that there was a deep set frown in his forehead, and that his face was not very friendly at that very moment. I still couldn't quite shake the feeling that this was happening to someone else, not to me. It couldn't be happening to me. 

"We'll let you two talk, I'm gonna get the papers ready," she said, taking Jeff’s hand to pull him out of the room to leave us alone.

"I can act romantic," I mumbled as soon as she closed the door. 

"What?"

"Nothing." I let my hand ran through my hair before looking at him. He was already staring at me, with that same intensity as when I first entered the room. He looked tired, and his eyes were puffy like he had barely gotten any sleep the night before. He switched on his seat until he was fully facing me, with his feet dangling from the arm-chair while he leaned back to the wall to make himself comfortable. The colorful planets on his black sweater made me smile, and before I could blush under his gaze, I looked down to my lap, not uttering a word as I felt his eyes on me. 

"I like your movies." I heard him say. 

My eyes rose to his, which was definitely a mistake. It was easier not to look at him, not to see the way his pink mouth twitched when he was deep in thought and the anchor tattoo that was peeking under his black sweater. He was prettier by the minute, and I could feel a strange pull in my tummy, one I had never felt before, and I still couldn't decide if it was a good or a bad feeling. 

"Thank you. My little sister really likes your music."

"You don't?" He asked in amusement. 

"I, I like Fireproof." 

"That's a 1D song."

"I still like it." I shrugged off, feeling elated as his sweet smile spread on his lips, showing off his bunny teeth and the dimples on his cheek. "And Woman, I like Woman."

The fluttering in my stomach seemed to be growing, and I had to wonder if I was going to explode at any second now. He leaned forward, as if he was ready to tell me some big secret, and bit the corner of his lip as he got ready to say his next words. 

"Do you want to do this?" He finally said. 

I did. I didn't. I had no idea. 

"Do you think it'll work?" My voice didn't sound like my own. It was laced with doubt and something else that I couldn't quite describe yet. 

"People will believe whatever they want." He shrugged, returning my gesture in an effortless way.

"You're right...I just, I never seem to know how far I want this to go."

"As far as you can go without losing yourself." 

"How do you know you're not losing yourself?" I asked in response, looking at him as his expression turned just a little bit darker. For a person so private, his face said too much.

"You never really do," Harry whispered. "I guess, you have to go with your gut."

My gut. My gut was untrusting and anxious, ready to flee at any second. It had done it before, now it was just waiting for a new opportunity to do it again, really.

"I'll do it." The words came out of my words even before I had processed. So easy, it almost hid the fact that I was an anxious-ridden mess on the inside. "If...If you want to."

I couldn't tell if he actually liked my answer. All of the sudden he got serious as if he had just realized what he was getting himself into, and he sighed, standing up from his chair to perch himself on Diana's desk in front of me. He was towering over me, which made me shift uncomfortably in my seat. When he noticed, he sat up straight, giving me some space to breathe better. 

"We'll do it then," He whispered. There was a tiny hint of disappointment, that grew from my chest and spread to my stomach at the tone of his voice as if this was an irritating chore.

"You don't have to do it. You don't know me after all."

"I guess I'll have time to do that." He softened a little, looking at me with a small smile as I leaned back on my chair and crossed my arms around my chest in a protective way. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Sam. 

"I don't. Do you?"

"A boyfriend, no," He mocked, smirking as my eyes blew wide in embarrassment. 

"I didn't...uh, I wasn't...I didn't mean a boyfriend. I was, I was asking for a girlfriend, but if you do have a boyfriend, I mean..."

"I don't have a girlfriend either." He finally put an end to my misery. "It makes things easier."

I didn't know what he meant and I decided against asking him about it. Instead, I chose to focus on the fact that he was single, which definitely gave me something to dream about. Even if I knew nothing was going to happen. Even if I knew this whole thing was nothing but an inconvenience for him. 

That didn't stop the fluttering in my stomach. Probably nothing would.

I was about to say something when the door opened, and Diana entered the room with Jeff. They were holding a bunch of papers each, which she set over her desk before throwing a triumphant smile at us. 

"I think this is all we need." She said. "Let's go through them before you take them to your team. Oh, and there's a party tonight, I want you both there. We need to set things in motion."

After that, there was nothing much to say, or do. Jeff and Diana took over the conversation, arranging little details that I couldn't even begin to imagine. It was all a blur, of contracts and NDAs and rules that I was supposed to follow, but couldn't even remember. By the time they left, my head was spinning and I had to close my eyes tightly to stop myself from getting dizzy. 

Diana had about a billion things more to discuss with me, ranging from the interview with James Corden, to new scripts, to the outfits I should wear to drop Cat at school, AKA something that didn't make me look like a crazy person walking through the streets of L.A. But there was too much in my head already, excitement, fear, numbling anxiety, and I could barely keep up with her, as she continued to check things from her to-do list. It was already 19:30 when was finally done, and I had about 1 hour to get ready for the party Diana wanted me to go. 

I was so tired. I just wanted to go home.

"Ok, you can go now."

"Thanks. Di, can I just...take a raincheck on that party?"

"No, you can't. Harry's coming to get you at 9:15."

"But, D..."

"Have fun, sweets." She didn't let me finish. "He's sooooo hot, try and behave."

He was, that was exactly the problem. 

***

What Diana had forgotten to tell me was that Harry was not going to pick me up himself. Rather, his driver showed up to my front door, waiting patiently for me for about 20 more minutes until I was ready.

I was surprised when we got to the venue, as there were not as many paparazzi as I had thought there would be. Actually, there was none. There was only a couple of people by the door, and they all looked at me with surprised expressions as I walked by them, followed by Harry's driver.

It was never a good idea for me to go out. I got hugged and pulled and stared at. But here, everyone was calm, probably used to hanging out with people a lot more famous than me. I sucked in a deep breath, smiling at the people that waved at me and sometimes stopping to greet the people that I actually knew. As a result, it took me around 15 minutes to get to Harry's group. 

He was leaning against the wall, holding a glass in his hand while he listened attentively to the girl that was standing in front of him. She was gorgeous, with her long hair layered in loose curls, and a red tight dress fitted like a glove to her absolutely drool-worthy body. She leaned over as if to tell him a secret, and he cocked his head to the side to allow her to do so. I could hear her flirty giggles, and I stopped where I was, suddenly realizing that I did not belong there. 

What was I doing? This wasn't me. 

I turned around before anyone could see me, and started my way back to the door. If I called an uber, I would be at home in around 30 minutes, and maybe Sam would go and watch movies with me. He could even bring his girlfriend! I was used to it. 

I stood by the bar, leaning on it as I pulled out my phone from my clutch. I was glad I hadn't wasted a whole lot of time in my outfit, and that I had decided to wear a pair of black jeans and a t-shirt tucked in, with red heels and a black blazer, that way I didn't feel so disappointed, or embarrassed for the thousands of situations I had pictured in my head. 

"Would you like something to drink?" I heard someone shout at me, which made me turn around to smile to the bartender. 

"N...A shot of tequila, please." I found myself saying, to the bartender's pleasure. He winked at me and nodded solemnly as if mine was a great choice of alcohol. 

"Coming right up!"

And he was right, as about a second later there was a short glass in front of me, dripping from tequila. He offered me salt and a wedge of lime, and I gladly took them before gulping down the shot. The dry liquor burned my throat on its way down, and I winced at the taste, slamming the glass on the table for him to refill. 

But before I could grab the new shot he was offering me, someone else took it. I whirled around, ready to tell someone off, but instead, saw Harry as he tipped the glass and chugged it down, wincing as soon as he had finished. The salt and the lime the bartender had offered me were left unattended on the bar. 

"Hey, that was mine!!"

"Sorry," He said. The bar was a little quieter than the rest of the bar, so I noticed that his voice was a little hoarser than I remembered it from the morning.  "Saw you drinking one on my way here. What are you doing here?"

I could feel we were being watched closely by about a hundred people. I could feel their eyes, burning hole on my back as Harry leaned closer to me. He smelled of alcohol and a little bit of mint, and I struggled to stay still where I was, starting to recognize the signs of the strange feeling that had taken over me in the morning. 

"I was about to leave," I told him. "But was offered alcohol, so I ummm...got distracted for a bit."

"Why were you leaving?" Harry was pulling out his wallet, and before I could do anything about it, he handed the barman his credit card, signaling for two more shots to come. 

"I, uh, I saw you back there, with the cute girl! I don't want to impose, Harry, and you're definitely gonna score with her, so I just...I can't mess with that!"

"I'm gonna score?" He seemed amused by my affirmation, but I still nodded vigorously, taking the new shot I was being offered and downing it. It burned a little more and made my head a little more fuzzy than it was after the first one.  

"You totally are, and she's hot," I said, with my tongue feeling a little heavy as I talked. 

Harry smirked like he knew I was right, and the girl was probably a goddess put on earth so we could all feel a little ashamed of ourselves. Kind of a reality check in the body of a breathtaking model. 

He took his shot and drank it in one gulp, just like I had done seconds before. He winced, scrunching up his nose and smiling like a little kid as he slammed the glass down. 

"Fuck, you couldn't choose another drink?"

"I like tequila," I shrugged, leaning to him to bump my shoulder against his. I stayed there, close to him as I smelled his faint cologne and the bitter alcohol in his breath. "Listen, I'm gonna go. You go get the girl, and we try this another day, yeah?"

"What if I don't want to?"

"Of course you do! That girl was hot as fuck, and it's not like I'm gonna give it to you..." I stopped, growing hotter in embarrassment as I looked at him amused face. "I should shut up."

His hands were warm and soft and they made my skin tingle as one of them slid carefully to the back of my neck. I stopped breathing, only able to look at him as he pulled me closer to his chest until his breath was fanning over my skin and I could almost taste the bittersweetness of his lips. I took a deep breath, noticing the little smile that played on his lips before he pressed our lips together. 

The kiss wasn't soft, nor was it rough either. It was uncertain and eager as if we wanted to learn as much about each other as we possibly could. His fingers curled around my neck, as he brought me closer to him, and one of my hands tangled in the soft hairs that rested on the nape of his neck. He tasted like peppermint and tequila, and a sweetness I could not describe. My lips parted slightly, and I sighed into the kiss as he took command of it. Our lips were made for each other, of that I was sure, and I allowed myself to mold to him, while time around us stopped and rushed by at the same time. I leaned to him when he broke the kiss apart, looking for the warmth of his body even though he was right next by my side. 

"There's a lot of cameras pointing at us." He whispered while his fingertips brushed down my neck, keeping me still close to him. 

"Oh". 

He smiled, dissipating the heaviness that had set in my tummy at his words. "And I really wanted to kiss you since this morning. You should stay.""

"Ask me really nicely, I'll think about it," I whispered, almost against his lips, already dreaming about the taste of them. 

He was definitely trouble. 

Keep reading

[twilightpocfans]

Caius x Brazilian Witch Reader

imagine for @annyie-chan

You watched as your son played with his toys in the living room, a smile gracing your face before turning back to your client. She always came every month to speak with her dead husband. This was your last client of the day and you were ready to call it night and have a nice relaxing dinner with your child, but unfortunately, the elderly woman was in a particular mood. Why she always wanted to talk to a man who couldn’t stand her, even in death was beyond you, but you couldn’t say anything about it, the woman paid you a good amount of money and was a reliable source of income. You felt a familiar sense of coolness wash over you, signaling the arrival of a departed spirit.

You heard his voice in your head, angry at you for contacting him once again. “What is he saying? Ask him where he hid the money!” the woman rushed you, and you recoiled as the man’s voice began shouting. He never loved her, and instead was in love with a woman who his parents didn’t approve of, their young maid. He only married the woman in front of you to please his parents and to strengthen business ties. He wanted you to tell her that there isn’t any money, at least not for her; he gave it to the woman he was truly in love with to support their family. 

“He says there isn’t any money for you. He gave it to Sabrina, the woman who he really loved.” You tried to sound apologetic but it didn’t work; this news did not please her. She went into a rage, cursing up a storm in Portuguese and shaking her raised fist toward the ceiling; your son was too busy messing with his iPad watching Paw Patrol to notice. You waited for her to calm down so you could get back to business and close up for the night; dinner was already being held up half an hour and your favorite show comes on in an hour... She got it all out and left abruptly after throwing down over a hundred and twenty reals.

After she had left you and your son sat down to a nice dinner of pizza and salad as you listened to him talk about his day at school. He helped you with the few dishes and then it was off to bed for him; when you were sure he was fast asleep, you poured yourself a nice glass of wine and counted up the money you had collected for the week and gathered up the bills with the intent of going into town the next day to pay them off. If you had enough money left over, your son would probably like to see that new animated Spiderman movie and get ice cream after. You had the money along with the bills in separate envelopes and you put them in your purse. As you were getting ready for bed, you heard a knock at the door.

Who could it possibly be at this hour? Everyone in the area knew your business hours. You checked the eyehole in the middle of the door and saw three people who you’ve never seen before; you were debating on whether or not to let them in. It was already late and you had to get up in the morning. They looked far from the locals you received daily, so they probably weren’t from the area at all. 

You opened the door, and up close you saw that your visitors had red eyes that seemed to glow. “I’m sorry gentlemen but I’m closed for the night. I open tomorrow at eight thirty.” You made a move to close the door but a white hand shot out before you could close the door an inch. They barged their way into your house, taking in the surroundings. “Unfortunately my dear, this can’t wait,” said a man with shoulder length black hair pulled back from his face.

Who did they think they were, barging into your house with your son sleeping? You would not stand for it. Without thinking about it, you held out your hand and an invisible force of energy knocked them back. “I don’t think so. As I said before, I am closed for the night. If you wish to speak you can do so from the hours of 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.” You closed the door on them, knowing that they would be back and soon, and you were right.

Three years later

Shortly after the confrontation with the men three years ago, you packed up your home and moved. Your son was now seven years old and already showing signs of his own powers. You didn’t feel safe in that area anymore so the next day, you had forgone your previous plans and instead began packing, moving everything into boxes; the process had taken a whole day but the hardest part was deciding on a new location. You had been in Brazil for the majority of your life, moving around from region to region, state to state and city to city. You were almost 200 years old and still looked to be in your twenties.

People were starting to notice you weren’t aging, and you knew that you couldn't keep lying up about your age. Right now, your cover story was that you were thirty (you were not) and that you were raising your son on your own (that part was true). You’d been in Sao Paolo for ten years prior to having your son, and after fifteen years, your customers began asking jokingly about how you were able to look so young. It was getting close for you to leave. You consulted the globe on the coffee table, spinning it around and around, hoping to land on a place you haven’t been.

Your sister was gracious enough to let you stay for a week until you had found a place. You had decided on British Columbia; it was absolutely beautiful. Like before, you’d stay in the woods to have live away from prying eyes. You were taking a walk through the woods before lunch with your son, just taking in the wildlife. You were off to the side, watching him find his familiar in a deer when you felt a presence near. It wasn’t a spirit but something else.

Maybe you were being paranoid but you couldn't be sure. You glanced around the area before you spotted a flash of gold; that couldn’t be right, it’s completely cloud with the promise of rain. You looked up in the spot where you first found the strange color. It was a man in black sitting up in the highest part of a tree. How long has he been there? Has he been here all this time and you just noticed it? 

He held your gaze for a long while before jumping down from the tree and landing in front of you. You recognized him almost immediately, he was the one who came to your house three years ago along with the other men. “I-it’s you!” you stuttered out, backing away from him. “H-how did you find me? What do you want?” You didn’t want to admit it but he was kind of attractive, and his eyes screamed danger but you also found it sexy. 

“We didn’t get a chance to introduce ourselves last time. My name is Caius, and you are Y/N. I would like to make a proposition with you, something you can’t refuse.” The man now called Caius explained to you that he was part of an elite group of vampires called the Volturi who lived in a place called Volterra Italy, that kept the peace of all the vampires of the world. His leader Aro had heard of your talents, and that’s why they came to you that night in Sao Paolo. He did make it seem like an offer you couldn’t refuse: never having to pack up and move every decade, a stable home, no more bills to pay every month. It all sounded so enticing except-

“What about my son? I’m not going without him.” That was true, wherever you went your son went with you, and the two of you were a package deal. If Caius said you can't bring him, then the whole thing is off. Caius gave you a slow smile as he looked out at your son who was feeding the deer. “That can be arranged.”

i’m sorry if this took so long. school has been absolute torture. hope you enjoy!!!