#like i am just praying they use any of the cool shit available in the narrative

[pinacoladamatata]

if they Tamlen solas' ass, that might just be IT for me

[marvelouslytrekking]

The Code

Pairing: Din Djarin/gn!reader Summary: Mando leaves specific instructions not to leave the ship while he is out on a hunt. Disobey those instructions leads to very terrible consequences - will Mando make it back in time? Word Count: 3232 Warning: Mention of blood, pain, knife, torture, canon-typical violence A/N: I decided to see if the Whumptober prompts inspired anything and here this is.... days 1, 2, & 3 all in one! The specific prompts used were: 1: Bound 2: Gagged 3: “Who did this to you” I hope y'all enjoy! Also don’t forget Feedback Feeds my Soul

Main Masterlist | Other Din fics 

You knew that you should have listened to him, he told you not to leave the ship but you wanted to find something other than the terrible rations to eat. You thought that you would be fine. You made sure that the kid was secure in the ship, and you made sure that the ship was in your line of sight, you’d be able to get back to it if you needed.

Everything had been going well, you had found some fruit that was growing and from what you could tell, was edible. You had begun picking the fruit, excited to see what all you could make with what you were finding.

You heard a branch snap, but it wasn’t from your own feet. You scanned the area, surely it was just an animal but you suddenly got a sick feeling in your gut, and knew you needed to get back to the ship. You would just need to engage ground security protocols once you were onboard and both you and the child would be safe.

You had turned to head back to the ship, but it was too late. You saw that they were closer than you, there was no way for you to make it onboard before they did. You didn’t even have to think, the decision had been an easy one, you used the remote controls to engage the protocols, locking the child in the ship when the hunters wouldn’t be able to get to him. It would buy him time until Mando could get back and kill them off.

You then tried to hunker down, they hadn’t seen you yet and you had hoped that it would stay that way. It had bought you some time. You watched from the foliage as they tried to get in the ship to no avail. You felt relief knowing the child was safe, though that relief was only short lived as you suddenly heard movement behind you.

You whipped around quickly, trying to get a blaster shot off but he was faster than you expected and managed to dodge the shot, which just meant that you had signaled the others to your location. You were luckily fast enough to rip your arm panel with the controls for the ship off your arm and shoot that. You got one good step on it too before a blaster shot hit your thigh.

You crumbled to the ground from the pain of the close range shot, you desperately tried to focus on getting out of the situation or fighting your way out of the 5 men, but before you could find your footing again, the man’s foot was on your shoulder, painfully pressing it into the ground. You still tried to get a shot off at him, but he was easily able to pry your blaster from your hand.

“He sure picked a feisty one.” The hunter chucked before grabbing you by the shoulder and pulling you upright. You were surrounded by 2 other men before you were fully upright, one on each side of you, dragging you back towards the ship.

“She destroyed her controls.” The first man told the others, lifting the destroyed band.

“That’s fine, her biometrics should open the ship using the panel at the door.” Another pointed out. You were never more thankful for how paranoid Mando was, while your biometrics were required to get to the controls, to undo something like ground protocols, or really anything, a 6 digit code was also needed. And only you knew your code.

You probably should have let them figure that out themselves but you couldn’t help but laugh at them.

“What the fuck are you laughing at?” He growled.

“Oh, just that even with a big ass head, you have a tiny fucking brain.” You chuckled. Your insult only earned you two fingers pushing into the wound on your leg, making you cry out.

“Not laughing now.” He smirked, happy with his work. He didn’t waste his time forcing you to the panel, pressing your hand to the reader. You could feel how smug he was when the light went green. There was a moment of anticipation, then the code boxes popped up and you felt the anger and annoyance that he felt realizing what had happened.

You felt the blaster pressed into the back of your head as he took a step away from you. “Open that door right now or I will shoot you.”

“If you kill me you’ll never get in.” You pointed out. You knew that the next few hours or days, depending on how long Mando took, wasn’t going to be pleasant, but you had no plans on giving them that code. You would rather be killed. “Go ahead and shoot me now, because it does not matter what you do, I will never give up that code.”

You turned around slowly, looking down the barrel of the gun, directly into the man’s eyes. You refused to let him think he had you scared, you wanted him to realize that he would fail, that you would die before even thinking about giving up Mando or the kid.

“We’ll see about that.” He locked eyes on you, lowering the gun only slightly. “Tie them up,” You were quickly grabbed and dragged over to a tree that was near the entrance of the ship, you were bound to the tree tightly, a little wiggling told you that you weren’t getting out very easily.

“Alimar! Can you get that damn door open?” The man you assumed was in charge asked the smallest man, who was beside the panel.

“I am trying sir, but the security is very tight and I am afraid that one wrong move and it will just lock down more.”

“Well don’t make a wrong move. I want that damn door open before The Mandalorian gets back here.”

“Now you, you’re going to make his job unneeded and you’re going to tell us your code.”

“Again, not happening.” You rolled your eyes at him. Your answer earned you a swift and strong fist to your gut. You groaned at the pain but straightened yourself.

“Fine, stop, the code is 654321.” You said, making yourself sound more out of breath then you were.

“Don’t enter that!” The man in front of you shouted to Alimar, who was about to enter it as if you would give up that easy.

“Is that the code you enter to warn your little mandalorian? You think I’m that stupid?”

“I guess you’ll never know if I ever even give you the right code or if what I say will do any number of things, from warn Mando, to locking it down further, to self destroying the ship.”

“You wouldn’t risk the kid’s life.” He glared at you, but you could tell the wheels in his brain were turning. He had to think of a way to get you to give him the code, but he had to be able to be sure it was the right one.

“Well I guess that just leaves the hard way. Can’t trust you until I can break you.”

He wasn’t lying, he had no intentions of going easy on you. He had started by changing your position, tying your hands on a branch that happened to be at the perfect height above your head. You knew this position left you much more vulnerable, and he took full advantage of that.

He started with his blaster, a shot to your shin, followed by asking for the code. You gave another random combination of 6 digits. He then walked away, towards the panel, he would examine it, then walk back. A shot to your forearm, followed by the same question. You gave another 6 numbers. He walked away, only to come back, this time with a knife.

He gave you a deep cut on the outside of the thigh that hadn’t been shot previously. You hadn’t been able to hold in the screamed pains you had been letting out after each infliction, which only seemed to make the man in front of you smile.

You didn’t know how much time had passed, but you did notice the sun beginning to set. He started to leave you alone for longer periods, which was good. You weren’t sure how many more you were going to be able to take. You were just praying that Mando would be back soon.

Even if you didn’t last much longer, you also started to worry about their resident mechanic. You kept your eye on his progress and were scared that he could actually manage to get through the door.

It had quickly become dark, the only light coming from the lights on the ship. You could tell it was also cooling down as well. You tried to ignore the shivers that were running through your body but there was no use.

“Shit!” You heard the man who had been on watch utter. “Boss! We got a problem, he’s here.”

“Fuck!” The man in charge frantically looked around trying to figure something out. You were about to let out a scream, something to warm Mando, but right as you opened your mouth, one of them shoved a cloth into your mouth.

“Not gonna happen.” He tightened it around your head, making sure you weren’t able to spit it out to warn Mando.

“Good, all we need to do is hide, when he gets here, he’ll be distracted with them, and by the time they can even try to warn him, we’ll jump him.” Their leader told them. They were quickly to gather the little they had and find themselves spots that they would go unseen.

You just prayed that Mando would catch their body signatures through his visor first. If he noticed them before he noticed you, then he would have a chance of fighting them off. If their plan went their way, and he was distracted by you, there was a chance they could overpower him.

You heard your name being shouted, you turned your head to see Mando, his focus solely on you. His helmet never left you, even as you shook your head viciously, trying to get him to look anywhere else, but he was in front of you quickly.

Mando was looking you over, you could feel the anger and tension that was radiating from him. Though at the moment all you could think about was warning him. You were trying to yell through the gag, but it stopped anything comprehensible from coming out.

“Who did this to you!?” Mando asked, a sharp edge to his voice, one that sent a shiver down your spine. He was quick to untie to gag, realizing you were trying to say something.

“Behind you!” Was all you could manage to get out as soon as the gag was undone.

He only had a moment to turn around and realize that he was faced with exactly who did this. His blaster was fired off before he even fully had time to process what was transpiring. His shot landed, though you were sad to realize it took down the least threatening, the mechanic.

He begins to go for the other four men, but one manages to kick his blaster out of his hand, he is left trying to fight all of them with just his hands. You tried to get out of your ropes again, to no avail and were left to watch in panic and he tried to fight them all off. He had been knocked to the ground. Not one, but two of the men on top of him holding him down. You watched as he went to use his flame thrower on his arm to get them off him, when the leader was quick to step down hard on his wrist, stopping his ability to get the flames anywhere that would be helpful.

You watched in panic as he thrashed around, trying to gain any leverage but he was outnumbered. The leader got the third man to take over holding his arm down. The two men on top of him shifted slightly, just enough so that their leader could bend down in front of Mando.

“It looks like you aren’t as sharp as everyone says.” He taunted. “I was expecting more of a fight, I didn’t think that you cared about anything under all that metal. But looks like all it took to take down the great Mandalorian was capturing his favorite little companion.”

“Leave them out of this!” He seethed, thrashing more at the mention of you.

“Oh, but why would I, when we had so much fun today while you were gone.” He smiled disgustingly. “Honestly surprised they are even awake with all I put them through today.”

His attention flickered to you for a moment, he was quick to notice you looked more panicked now than you had all day and he realized he might have just hit the jackpot.

“You know, I always wondered what you looked like under that tin can. I bet you are hideous, it’s not some creed that keeps that helmet on, but more that you are just so ugly no one would want to look at you.” He began to bend down towards Mando. If he had been thrashing beforehand, now he was frantic.

“Stop!!” You screamed, grabbing the leader and Mando’s attention. “Stop! I will give you the code, please, just leave him alone,”

“Is that all it takes to break you? You don’t want to know what he looks like? Afraid he will have to kill you after you know?”

“I think I have made it pretty clear today that my life is not what matters here.” You sighed, “Just leave him alone and I will give you the code.”

“Don’t!” You heard him beg you, but your heart was shattering, you refused to allow these men to break Mando of his creed. A creed that you had witnessed how seriously he took. You would not be a part of that happening.

You locked your eyes with his visor, hoping that you were meeting his eyes. “I’m sorry, I can’t watch them hurt you.”  

“Good.” The leader smiled, standing up over Mando. “Now no games. If the code you give me does not open that door, then I will take that helmet, kill your precious Mandalorian slowly, and make you watch. Then I will blow my way through this ship anyway and get the kid, and leave you to die. Do you understand?

“Yes. No games, just promise you won’t hurt him.” You pleaded.

“You have my word.” You knew the word of a hunter like him meant nothing, and when you noticed that Mando’s free hand was reaching slightly for a blade in the side of his pants, you realized you had a plan, one that gave Mando the time he needed to get the upper hand.

“Okay. My code is 827364.” You sighed, you gave the right number up until the last digit. The panel would light green for every correct digit, meaning that until the last moment, he would think that you were right. But you also knew he had to untie you because your bioscan would have timed out. This would hopefully allow you to give Mando some form of help, though you had minimal strength left in your body, you would try.

“Fuck.” He marched back over to you. “Don’t even think of trying anything.” He told you as he untied you from the tree. You realized just how weak you were when you nearly collapsed. You saw Mando twitch at seeing just how bad of shape you were in, but now neither of you had time to do anything about it.

“Looks like you won’t be doing anything even if you wanted to.” He smirked, practically dragging you to the ship panel. He pressed your hand to it, reading your signal. Once he was no longer in need of you, he threw you to the ground away from him.

You groaned as you hit the ground. Watching as he entered the numbers you had given him. You realized he had made a mistake when you saw a blaster that was in your reach.

You put all your effort into stretching just enough to grab it without signalling to him or the others what you were doing. You saw him tap the last number and as soon as the panel turned red you let your blaster shot go off.

The man whose foot had been holding Mando’s hand down was suddenly stumbling back, and hit the ground. Mando wasted no time, his arm coming up and the flames engulfing the two men holding him down.

They screamed in agony as they rolled off the mandalorian. He got to his feet in record time and before the leader could think to retaliate against you, a knife was plunged into his chest.

Mando marched over to him and was above him as he stumbled back into the ship. Without a word he rips the blade out and stabs it back in the other side. The knife is out of him again, this time finding a place in his stomach. Next his thigh, until finally he has enough and with a quick swipe, the man’s neck is sliced open. He tried to helplessly grab at his neck but within moments he was bleeding out on the ground.

You heard three more blaster shots before Mando was in your vision. “You’re okay, you’re going to be okay.”

You tried to nod, tried to stand up, but your body had given up on you. “I’m sorry.” You managed to get out. If you had only listened to him, you would have been in the ship and not put all of you in such danger.

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” He told you softly as he wrapped his arms gingerly under you. “Let’s get you patched up.”

“I could have gotten us all killed.” You whined at the pain as he lifted you.

“But you didn’t.” He sighed. He was trying to hold in the worry and anger that was still coursing through his veins. The pain and anger he felt seeing you tied to that tree, the last thing he was worried about had been his creed, and yet, you had. You refused to let them take away something that you didn’t even fully understand and he couldn’t help but love you a little more for that.

While that anger and worry could lead him to taking it out on you, you had disobeyed him, but you also risked your life for him and the child, and he couldn’t be mad at you for that. Instead he left all his anger to the men that were dead outside the ship.

He was as careful as he could be with you as he finally unlocked the ship and walked you up the ramp and quickly laid you on a cot so he could begin to patch you up.

“You saved us.” He adds softly as he notices you slip into sleep. He hoped you would sleep through the worst of the treatments if he was being honest, once he was sure you couldn’t hear him he added, “You saved me.”

[loserchildhotpants]

Destiel prompt from Twitter; kissing each other to prove there’s nothing there, even though, it’s a lie, and the kiss proves it (from this prompt list)

“I’m just saying that I don’t think you’d get this defensive if there really wasn’t anything between you two -”

“There isn’t, and I’m not getting defensive!” Dean argues, decidedly defensively.

“Methinks the lady doth protest too much,” Sam offers with a shrug and a smirk.

Staring down into the open grave the boys are in, Castiel glances between the brothers and tilts his head, wondering if perhaps by a different angle, he may better understand what their expressions mean.

“We’re bonded or whatever - that’s it, man! There’s nothing else going on!”

“I’m not even saying there is anything ‘going on,’ I’m just saying there could be, and if that were something you wanted -”

“I’m not qu -”

“I know, I get it, I hear you, humor me for a second, okay? All I’m saying is just - if there were something between you two, and you wanted there to be something ‘going on,’ where there is currently nothing ‘going on,’ I just think you should, hypothetically go for something rather than settling for the nothing, because, personally, I think there is something there, and you could have a great thing going if that were what you wanted.”

“Even if - which I don’t - I’m not - listen, though, okay? I’m not, and I don’t want that - not that there’s anything wrong with it, or something, just - even if that were the case, Cas isn’t like that. He’s not a being that experiences shit like that -”

“I’m telling you you’re wrong, Dean! The way he stares at you -”

“He stares at everyone!”

“Do I?”

The Winchesters jump in unison, both with hands on their guns faster than should be possible. They both visibly relax again, though, when they realize it’s only Castiel interrupting.

“Oh, hey, Cas,” Dean greets, his voice markedly more gentle than it was with Sam only a moment before.

Castiel appreciates it.

“Hello, Dean.”

With a cheeky grin, Sam clears his throat, and says to Cas, “your timing couldn’t be better, actually, Cas - Dean and I have some questions -”

“No, no, we do not have questions,” Dean growls at Sam, eyes blazing dangerously.

“I am always available to you boys for whatever inquiries I can assist in. Is this pertaining to my staring? It’s academic in nature, I assure you - frankly, I am used to having a form that hosts many more eyes; being in this Earthly form can present obstacles, as my perceptions are more limited than I can remember them ever being. I promise I do not mean to insult anyone.”

“Oh, I don’t think anyone’s thinking of it as an insult,” Sam intones; Dean shoves his elbow into Sam’s kidney to shut him up.

“This is you being defensive, by the way,” Sam wheezes, doubled over, but still smirking at Dean, “What’s the big deal if there’s nothing going on?”

Flushed, Dean scowls at Sam, drops his shovel, and tells him, “I’m not being defensive! There’s nothing to be defensive about! And I’ll prove it!”

Clambering out of the grave, Dean brushes the soil from his hands onto his dirtier jeans, and stomps more than walks up to Castiel.

“You’ve a cut,” Cas murmurs worriedly, spotting a knick Dean got on his cheek earlier in the day.

“It’s nothing. Listen, Cas -”

Before Dean can get anymore out, Castiel reaches for his left-side cheek, cups that side of his face, and spreads a cooling sensation that knits the skin back together neatly and cleanly.

“Uh - thanks, Cas,” Dean mutters gruffly as Cas takes his hand back.

“My pleasure, Dean.”

Uncharacteristically nervous, Dean glances down at the ground, his hands shoved in his jean pockets, then his eyes skim the ground until they happen upon Sam’s again, and whatever silent exchange they have works Dean up again.

“Cas,” Dean begins, looking into his eyes with determination, “We’re friends, you ‘n me, right?”

“Yes, Dean. You are my most cherished friend,” Castiel answers.

That gives Dean a moment’s pause where he seems to be searching Castiel’s face for some sign of sarcasm or deceit; there is none to be detected, of course.

“I - thanks, man. Uhm. Now - this is gonna sound like a weird question, but bear with me, ‘cause I’m not about to assume consent or something.”

“Okay,” Castiel says in confusion, tilting his head again.

“I’m tryin’a prove a point here to Sam, and to get it across - just - would you be okay with me kissing you? Like, just this once - I promise I won’t make it weird or anything, but I gotta ask, you know? I know you’re not into physical stuff like -”

“You’d like my permission to kiss?” Castiel intercepts neutrally, “Like people do?”

Something about that is funny - or startling? - to both Sam and Dean, and Castiel can’t tell which or for what reasons.

“Yeah. Just this one time,” Dean repeats.

Though he takes a respectable count of four seconds to seem as though he needs to consider his options, Castiel nods, and replies, “of course, Dean. Of all the favors you’ve asked of me before, I assure this is certainly the most convenient and pleasant of them.”

Sam snorts a laugh, Dean tosses a glare at him, and then settles gentle, if a little nervous, eyes back on Castiel.

“Okay…”

Dean steps closer into Cas’ space, bringing them toe-to-toe and he finds himself staring down; he’d not realized Cas was shorter than him. It’s not by much, not really enough to be remarked upon, even, but it means that Cas winds up looking up at him from under the cover of long, dark lashes, and even in the dark of the night, his eyes shine like twinkling gems.

Swallowing with some difficulty, Dean holds loosely onto the lapels of Cas’ trench coat, and he means to go in chaste, he really does, it’s just that he’s actually struggling to breathe a little, so his lips are just barely parted, and Cas - as far as Dean can tell, Cas takes that as a cue.

Because Cas’ full lips press in, but so does his tongue; before Dean can even secure his footing, Cas makes his loose hold on the lapels go tight, licking up into Dean’s mouth without hesitation or mercy.

Praying his shocked gasp wasn’t audible to Sam, Dean just tries to hold on while Cas turns his head, bites Dean’s heavy bottom lip, and then pushes Dean’s mouth more open with his own, and then he drags his hot tongue against Dean’s, coming in broad, and soft.

Dean hears himself make some kind of noise - he can’t tell what it is, because there’s too much blood rushing in his skull - there’s stubble. Stubble. There is stubble in this equation other than his own, and that’s new, and terrifying, and should be wholly unwelcome, but every synapse in his brain dedicated to pleasure is telling him otherwise.

One wide hand insinuates itself under the hem of Dean’s weathered flannel, calloused fingers pressing into his left hip possessively while the other hand glides over his pec, and shoulder to the back of his neck, pinky finger teasing the sensitive skin just under the back of his cotton collar, and thumb brushing the fine hairs at the base of Dean’s skull.

Dean thinks he may be swaying - he’s dizzy.

Cas is dragging him closer, pressing their hips and abdomens together, and Dean’s hands have somehow found better purchase on the front of Cas’ button-down dress shirt than his lapels.

Dean thinks he hears one of the buttons pop off with the strain of his hold, but neither of them seem inclined to do anything about it, so he figures it doesn’t matter; he tries to establish himself as a bit more dominant, thrown off his usual groove by the absolutely sinful way Cas apparently kisses.

To Dean’s simultaneous horror and delight, Cas doesn’t relinquish any control; he won’t be moved, his hands get tighter and hotter where they touch Dean’s skin, he only presses them harder together, and he kisses Dean like he wants to eat him alive.

He kisses Dean like he wants to crawl inside him, like he’s hungry - starved - like kissing is an act of carnage just as much as an act of love, like those things aren’t mutually exclusive.

He’d rather die than admit it to anyone, but Dean’s knees get a little weak, and Cas basically holds up his entire weight by just the grip he’s got on Dean’s waist.

Before he knows it’s happened, Dean’s hard enough to carve stone, and Cas readjusts how they’re slotted against one another to better accommodate Dean’s failing balance, and Cas feels it - he must. Even if he doesn’t feel how hard Dean is against him right away, the guttural moan Dean will deny having made til his dying breath clues him in.

What sounds like hundreds of cherry bombs going off has them stumbling away from each other, and frantically looking about.

The streetlights have exploded. There’s glass everywhere, and based on the echoes of car alarms and distant voices, it’s becoming more and more possible that Cas destroyed the windows and lights of several cars and nearby homes.

Even he and Sam’s flashlights are busted.

In the blanket of darkness that’s settled over the graveyard, Dean can still see clearly, because Cas’ eyes are high beams cutting through the fog of the night.

They’re both panting, Dean’s pretty certain that a resting heart rate isn’t meant to feel like this, and Cas is looking positively feral.

“Jesus fuck!” Sam curses, his arms crossed over his head where he still plucks a shard of glass from his hair.

Reminded of Sam’s presence, Castiel’s head swivels to him, the glow of his eyes dims down, and then he looks back at Dean, visibly frightened.

Dean takes no pleasure in Cas ever being scared, so he reaches out, takes a step back into Cas’ space, but that spooks him more, and in less than a blink of an eye, he’s gone.

Not cool, Cas, Dean thinks loudly, hoping it counts as a prayer that Cas will hear.

Reaching into the front of his jeans, Dean uses the near blackness of the power outage to his advantage, and readjusts himself to the best of his abilities.

It really doesn’t do much.

“Well,” Sam starts pointedly.

Dean, weak at the knees, lips criminally swollen, face flushed, hair mussed and harder than he’s ever been in his life, turns slowly to scowl at Sam.

“That was not nothing.”

Dean doesn’t see a way of winning the argument, so he kicks dirt into Sam’s hair, and leaves him to finish burying.

[stardusttrashed]

Lovestruck (Finale)

Part 4

Pairing: Professor Erwin x Fem! Reader, Connie x Sasha

Word Count: 2K

A/N: A huge thanks to everyone who stuck around for this series and showed it some love. also, if you haven't already go check out the playlist I made that gives professor Erwin vibes :)

“Sorry I’m late, Mr. Smith,” you squeaked as you squeezed past the door into the old familiar room. “Hope you didn’t haveta wait too long,” you smiled apologetically.

Erwin turned around, looking up from the whiteboard he was writing away on. He smiled handsomely, quietly sighing in relief, “actually, you’re right on time as usual.” He closed the distance between you before placing a kiss on your forehead. “How much’d you spend? I’ll pay you back,” he reassured you as he led you towards his desk.

“You can pay me back by coming to movie night,” you purred, quickly throwing the idea out there as you took a seat on his desk. You rummaged through the plastic bag, taking out two to-go boxes as Erwin rolled his desk chair over. “You’ve been officially invited by Thing One and Thing Two. And they’ll probably lose their shit if I show up without you.”

“Sasha and Connie, right?” he confirmed. You hummed in response. Erwin tensed up momentarily once he saw you sitting on his desk, sinful thoughts running rampant in his mind. He was curious how much of a good girl you’d be for him. Or if you’d let him eat something else for lunch. It didn’t make it any better that you still had his shirt on. A blush painted his cheeks as he pushed the thoughts down, plopping in his seat and scooting closer until he was sitting between your legs, “I’d love to, darling.”

A comfortable silence fell over the two of you, occasionally broken by strings of giggles as you stuffed your faces with the Chinese food you brought. You took turns feeding spoonfuls of each other's food to the other, goofy, uncontrollable, lovestruck smiles printed on your faces. There was so much you both wanted to say to each other, wanting to ask about the other’s day, or ask trivial things, or address what you were. But neither could muster the courage to break the moment. So instead, you spoke through lingering touches and longing gazes.

“Erwin,” a familiar voice said dryly, followed by the footsteps of them entering the room. “Found your sandwich in the fridge in the staff room.” Erwin’s eyes went wide, more surprised about being caught than the actual sandwich. “Figured I’d bring it before you starve.”

You sent Erwin a playfully threatening glare, “you had food?! I- you little,” you quickly hissed, stopping short as Erwin apologetically squeezed your thigh.

Erwin chuckled embarrassedly, removing the hand on your thigh to scratch the back of his neck. “I must’ve forgot.” He looked back and forth between you and Levi, both of you looking back at him with unconvinced expressions. He was busted for sure.

“Right,” Levi drawled out as his eyes scanned the desk, taking in the to-go boxes and how close you and Erwin were sitting. “At least you’re not starving. And glad to see the two of you finally grew a pair and made things official.”

“W-well,” you stuttered, to no avail. Levi was already walking out of the room, muttering something about how you should at least lock the door. Gradually, your shock shifted into overconfidence. “Missed me that much, huh? Pretty lame excuse if you ask me.”

“Shouldn’t be much of a surprise, darling,” Erwin cooed, his blue eyes practically filled with hearts. It felt like butterflies were coursing throughout his entire body as you leaned down to kiss him. It was short and sweet, just a lingering peck, yet you left him breathless. “Y/n, I- um.” He could feel the tips of his ears growing uncomfortably warm. Your soft giggles weren’t helping either. “Hold on.”

You watched as Erwin struggled to hold onto his cool. It was still weird, no matter how many times you saw him grow flustered. He was the gorgeous giant of a man that left men and women alike flustered, yourself included. Yet, you always seemed to be the one to turn the tables without doing anything but being yourself. He wasn’t some Greek God, okay, well looks-wise, yes. And personality-wise. Okay, maybe he was a Greek god, but that didn’t stop him from being a friendly giant or a big cinnamon roll around you.

“I, uh,” he quickly glanced up at you before returning his focus to the journal he pulled out of his desk drawer. “I got you this,” he held the small journal out to you.

You gingerly took it from him. A thin gold rope chain tucked away in the journal as a bookmark tapped your hand as it swayed from the movement. You prayed he couldn’t see the way your cheeks grew warm as you opened the journal to the page the chain rested against. In the center of the lined paper lay a key strung on the chain. The key wasn’t anything fancy, just a plain house key that covered a neatly written note. You glanced up at Erwin momentarily before moving aside the key to read the note aloud. “I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self-respect. And it’s these things I’d believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn’t all she should be. I love her, and it is the beginning of everything. F. Scott Fitzgerald,” you read, your throat growing tighter with every word.

“I don’t want you to feel like I’m rushing anything,” Erwin quickly spoke up once you finished reading. “I just, well, I figured you could use my place as a place to write and get some inspiration. I don’t want to pressure you, though. This can be completely platonic, and we can ignore-.”

You set the journal aside and stopped his nervous rambling with a kiss. Your lips moved lazily against each other, savoring everything from the moment to the taste of one another. Time seemed to slow as you lost yourself in the softness of his lips and the warmth of his hands on your hips. You could feel him surrendering to you, giving you everything he could until he was left with nothing, not even a breath… until you reluctantly pulled away. You rested your forehead on his, your eyebrows knitted together as you tried to catch your breath enough to say something.

“And for a moment, I thought I loved him,” you breathed, altering the quote slightly to fit the situation more. Your breath fanned across his lips, giving him visible chills as you continued, “but I am slow-thinking and full of interior rules that act as brakes on my desires.”

“Committing Great Gatsby quotes to memory, are we,” Erwin teased, his voice husky as he finally managed to catch his breath.

“Only the most beautiful ones that’ll impress my professors, er, used to be professors.”

“Consider the job done then.” Erwin looked at you like you were the only one, not just now, but forever. His ocean eyes shone like he was looking at the sun, and in a way, he was. You always were a star that he couldn’t help but gravitate to. He lost you for a while, but just like the planets orbiting around the sun, he managed to find his way back to your warmth.

You reached out and pushed a stray hair back into place, “not polite to stare, baby. Even if ya look cute doing it.”

“Dance with me,” Erwin blurted. He needed to hold you, to bask in your warmth. He wanted to do what he should’ve last night, holding you close as you swayed to music that could better articulate the feelings he has for you.

“What?”

Erwin chuckled and shrugged, “dance with me, and I’ll stop.” He stood up with a devilish grin on his face. “Just one dance?”

“Erwin, I don’ think this is the place-” you were cut off by Erwin scooping you up into his strong arms bridal style. You held onto him despite feeling utterly safe as he maneuvered his way out of the classroom. “Baby, where are you taking me?” you squealed with childlike giddy.

“To a place we can dance,” Erwin looked down at you with a wicked smile as he walked out of the building with you still cradled close to his chest. The soft drizzle of rain welcomed the both of you, which made you squeal and hurriedly attempt to cover your head.

“Erwin Smith, take me back inside before I kick your ass!”

“No, can do; you said we couldn’t dance in the classroom.” He sent a kind smile to the people passing by. “Besides, as sweet and sugary as you are, you won’t melt.”

“You don’t know that.” You smacked your hand against his chest, “I hate you right now.” The soft drizzle was gradually becoming a steady stream of droplets that made any efforts to protect your hair futile. With a huff, you gave up, allowing the rain to return your hair to its natural state gradually. “Happy now?”

Erwin kissed the tip of your nose before gently setting you back on your feet underneath a large canopy tree. The twinkle of mischief in his eyes was a stark contrast to the soft apologies that tumbled from his mouth. “I promise, messing up your hair was not part of the plan.” His eyes flitted up to your curling hair, a proud smile forming on his face, “I was right, though. You look absolutely amazing, darling.”

You rolled your eyes, hoping it’d distract from the bashful smile tugging on your lips. “One dance,” you held up a finger for emphasis. “That’s it.”

“Just the one,” he gently pressed his lips against yours. “Unless you beg for more.” His laugh rumbled in his chest like quiet thunder as you playfully swatted his arm.

“Well, Mr. DJ, what’re gonna dance to?”

“No idea,” Erwin admitted with a bashful smile, looking up from his phone. “Just wanted an excuse to hold you close.” The soft, familiar strumming of a guitar filled the air before he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

With an outstretched hand, he looked at you with such genuine adoration that for a second, you forgot how to breathe. You slipped your hand into his, allowing him to guide your hands towards his shoulders. It felt silly, dancing in the middle of campus in the rain, and at the same time, it felt so surreal, like you two were straight out of a book.

“Only fools rush in,” Erwin quietly sang as he slid his hands around your hips. “But I can’t help fallin’ in love with you.” He had a smooth, calming singing voice like he was born to be a crooner. He didn’t sing around others often, not sober at least, but something about you made him feel like it was the right thing to do at this moment. Every word that fell from his lips was for you, and you only as you both sway in time with the music. He was yours, and the look in your eyes told him you were his.

You pressed yourself closer to him, the rest of the world slipping away. He was too warm, made you feel too secure for it to be reality. And yet, here he was, the man you secretly fell for years ago was in your arms singing Can’t Help Falling in Love to you. The increasing heaviness of the rain or people staring didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except him.

“I-,” you jumped at the sound of your ringtone, sending you plummeting back to reality with wide eyes. “S-sorry, I gotta,” you trailed off sheepishly as you pulled your phone out of your pocket before accepting the facetime call.

Erwin paused the music for you, trying to stay as quiet as possible as he played with your newly formed curls. It was hard for him to fight back the awestruck look on his face as your hair seemed to grow curlier by the second.

“Did you do it? Please tell me you did? I’ll do it for you,” Sasha bombarded you once you answered. She paused with wide eyes at the sound of Erwin’s amused chuckle. “Oh, my- is that him? Hi, Erwinie!”

“Wait, she did it?” You could hear Connie yell from somewhere offscreen. “Ha! You owe me twenty!”

You smiled apologetically at Erwin, who seemed quite amused with the situation. “Hi, Sasha,” Erwin cut in, laughing at the way she swooned after he said her name. “If we’re being technical, I was the one who did it.”

“Ha! I only owe you ten,” she exclaimed, sending Connie a face before focusing back on you and Erwin. “She invited you to movie night, right?”

“About that, why don’t you two come over to my place? I’ll even cook.”

“Careful before I steal him from you,” Sasha laughed. She was practically drooling already at the thought of free food.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but there’s only one girl for me.” He looked down at you with a confident smile, “she’s all I want and need.”

“What about guys?”

“Ew, you two are so cute it’s gross,” Sasha talked over Connie. “Get off my phone before ya make me sick.”

“Gladly,” you mused, giggles bubbling in your chest. “See y’all later.” You hung up before they could say anything else and turned your focus to Erwin. “I feel the same way, just so you know. Think you’re it for me.”

“I sure hope so cause I don’t plan on losing you again.”

[peppersonironi]

This Is… Exactly What It Looks Like

Part One: Rhodey

Summary:

Sam silently prayed that Bucky had left his phone in their room. Or maybe he had headed out for errands?

Alas, the universe was not with Sam Wilson on that day.

As soon as Rhodey had pressed ‘call’ a ringing noise came from the other room. Specifically: a ring tone. And not just any ringtone. It was audio from a Life Alert commercial.

Sam silently cursed his outrageous sense of humor.

*****

AKA: 5 times the Avengers found out Sam and Bucky were dating, and 1 time it was the public

Notes:

It's my first Sambucy Fic! I hope you like it!

Now this fic was inspired by THIS post by @wenellyb. I thought it was hilarious, and just had to write it. Also, I adore these types of fics, so I just had to extend it out. I really hope you all enjoy it!

Quick note for some light language in this. And maybe it'll be ooc? idk. I really leaned into the more humorous sides of these characters, but I hope it remains good.

Read On Ao3

One of the best kept secrets in this modern day and age was that Sam Wilson is a little shit .

Case in point: he knew perfectly well that Bucky liked to make breakfast while Sam was out on a run for the both of them. And yet, today, he had decided to weaponize his knowledge that his boyfriend was most definitely not a morning person and go out early so that he would have enough time to make it himself.

If Sam were to tell Bucky exactly why, it would be some snarky remark about not liking his toast burned - it never was - or there wasn’t enough sugar in the coffee - there always was. But if Sam were to be honest with himself, he’d admit that he loved the look on Bucky’s face when he saw his favourite meal.

So that was how Sam found himself, at eight o’clock in the morning, chopping up a melon and waiting for his baked oatmeal to be ready. It was calm this early in the morning, peaceful.

So, of course, it was at that exact moment, just when Sam had had that thought, that a knock came at the door.

Sam sighed heavily but set down his knife, wiped his hands, and went to get the door.

“Rhodey?” Sam asked, a touch surprised to see him. Especially at his and Bucky’s apartment. And in the morning.

Rhodey nodded in greeting. “Hey, Sam. Are you busy?”

Sam frowned but gestured for Rhodey to come in. “Not really. What do you need?”

Rhodey sighed and rubbed his temples. “There’s been some chatter about arms dealers in Italy that’s been going on, and I was working on it, so they sent me to get you. You up for some Captain America-ing?”

“Sure,” Sam grinned, “When do we move out?”

“As soon as possible, if you can manage it.”

Sam glanced back at the oven, and his plans for that morning and sighed internally. But he knew this is what he had signed up for. And he loved the job, he really did. He just wished Rhodey had waited a few more hours.

Sam nodded. “Alright, let me grab my stuff. Any other stops we’re making?”

Rhodey shook his head, “I don’t think anyone else is available at the moment.” He paused to consider, pursing his lips together. “Actually, have you talked to Bucky recently? I think he would be very useful on this mission, we need all the help we can get.”

Shit.

Sam shrugged as casually as he could manage. He did want to lie to Rhodey, but… the alternative was less that ideal.

Rhodey nodded. “You know what? I think I’ll give him a call, see if he’s available.”

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“I don’t if that’s-”

But it was too late. Rhodey had already grabbed his phone from his pocket, dialed, and lifted it to his ear.

Sam silently prayed that Bucky had left his phone in their room. Or maybe he had headed out for errands?

Alas, the universe was not with Sam Wilson on that day.

As soon as Rhodey had pressed ‘call’ a ringing noise came from the other room. Specifically: a ring tone. And not just any ringtone. It was audio from a Life Alert commercial.

Sam silently cursed his outrageous sense of humor.

Rhodey glanced over towards the noise, and Sam followed, and died a little bit inside.

Set out on the coffee table in their living room, with the extra wide screen that Sam had gotten because “it’s easier on your old man eyes”, was Bucky’s phone. Lit up. WIth Rhodey’s name prominently displayed, announcing to all the world that the colonel was calling.

Rhodey and Sam slowly turned their gazes back to each other, staring in silence.

Neither moved.

The only sound in the room was Bucky’s phone, still playing “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

Slowly, the song faded out and the phone in the other room went dark. Rhodey lowered his own cell from his ear and pocketed it. All the while maintaining eye contact with Sam.

Neither spoke.

The house was silent.

Or at least, it was until a low groaning came from one of the hallways. For the first time in the past two minutes, Rhodey and Sam tore their gazes away from each other and directed them to the lumbering form of one Bucky Barnes, who had just woken up for the first time and was dressed in pajamas to match.

“Hey sweetheart?” Bucky asked, rubbing his eyes. “Was that my phone ringing?”

When no answer came, Bucky glanced fully into the kitchen, and realised what was going on.

“Oh. Hi, Rhodey.”

Rhodey nodded in greeting. “Hi, Bucky.”

This time the silence that followed was three times as suffocating. The three men stood in awkward positions, no one quite sure what to do or say.

Sam glanced back at the oven, begging his baked oatmeal to be ready.

Bucky eyed Rhodey and then the coffee maker, debating how impolite it would be to go over and drink from the pot.

Rhodey glanced between the two men, who apparently lived together and called each other “sweetheart” and were most definitely not what he was expecting that morning, and felt way out of his depth.

“Am I… interrupting something?” Rhodey finally asked.

Sam sighed heavily. “Only breakfast.”

He took this as his cue to go back around the island and finish chopping up the melon. As he did so, he shot a look at Bucky.

“Buck, Rhodey here needs us to go to Italy. Are you up for it?”

Bucky narrowed his eyes ever so slightly and gave a sharp yet shallow nod.

“I’m gonna need a verbal response over here,” Sam said tiredly, and Rhodey got a feeling this wasn’t the first time that the couple had had this exchange. And they were a couple, right?

Bucky narrowed his eyes even more at Rhodey before he began to slowly edge past the visitor and into the kitchen. He didn’t blink a single time.

Sam didn’t seem the least bit bothered as he kept chopping up fruit. He offered up a piece for Bucky when he came up to his side, and the former assassin plucked it from the captain’s fingers.

Bucky kept staring at Rhodey as he lifted the piece of melon to his lips, and took a slow, methodical bite.

Rhodey closed his eyes for a long moment and took a deep breath. For the first time he was thankful for Tony’s crazy phase, it had given the man much practice in patience.

Ten seconds later, when Rhodey was thoroughly sure that he had calmed himself down, he opened his eyes.

Bucky was still staring at him.

Rhodey almost swore in his moment of surprise. What was up with this guy? Did Hydra replace his eyelids along with his arm? Did he have some kind of second eyelid? Yeah, that must be it. Bucky was part crocodile.

Sam huffed out a small laugh, albeit slightly uncomfortable. “Hey, Buck?” He said, “You can blink now.”

Bucky blinked and shook his head slightly as he tore his gaze away from Rhodey and toward Sam. He visibly softened, his face completely transforming. He wasn’t quite smiling, but it was close.

If Rhodey were a weaker man, or maybe a fangirl, he would have gone: “Awwww!”

He settled for a knowing smile.

“You two been together very long?” He asked as casually as possible.

The couple pulled their eyes away from each to look back at Rhodey, and said colonel was getting the distinct impression that they might have forgotten he was there.

“A while,” Bucky said grudgingly.

Sam rolled his eyes, smiling.

Ah, there was a story there wasn’t there?

But, alas, Rhodey decided that he’d just stick to the point. “I’m happy for you both, really.”

“Thanks, Rhodey.” Sam smiled.

Just then the timer beeped over the oven, and Sam glanced back. Finally! His baked oatmeal was ready!

Sam pulled open the oven door then reached over to his right to grab an oven mitt when Bucky came right up behind him and used his metal hand to pull out the pyrex baking dish.

A wink and smirk, and the breakfast oats were placed on the top of the stove where it could cool off.

“Not that this scene of domestic bliss isn’t adorable,” Rhodey called, “But… arms dealers? Italy? Time sensitive? The bomb threat?”

Now that sure got the pair’s attention.

“There’s a bomb threat?!”

“Why didn’t you say anything?!”

Tagging: @fanficmaniatic

[btsslowburnfic]

The Arrangement Ch 17

Story summary: Desperately in need of money, you answered the questionable ad. AKA-Arranged marriage AU featuring Y/N and Yoongi

Chapter Summary: Part one of the photoshoot

Previous Chapter here

The work week proceeded as normal. Well, what had become normal. Delivering coffee and reminding Yoongi to eat, answering emails, trying to figure out which meetings Yoongi actually needed to go to and which ones were a waste of time. Of course you always went to the meetings, and holy shit you couldn’t believe the topics couldn’t have been discussed via email. You were looking forward to this particular day because you got to go visit Hoseok in the style department and Jimin had decided he was tagging along “for funsies.”

Yoongi was supposed to go and get measured and try on clothes for his photoshoot. When you reminded him that morning he laughed at you, “Uh no. Hoseok knows what size I wear. He can figure it out. Go look at the clothes and I might try some of them on tonight.”

You and Jimin met up for lunch and then headed up to the styling department.

“I’m excited. I’ve never been to a photoshoot before.” You said bouncing up and down in the elevator. 

“Yeah, they’re pretty boring actually. Like if it’s with some of the hotter models it’s a little fun for the eye candy, but then you feel bad for them because they have to sit for so long  making awkward faces. They are constantly getting their make-up and hair touched up. Touch base with craft services to make sure there’s plenty of water. The lights are bright.”

You took out your phone, “Oh thanks. I wouldn’t have even thought about that. Any other tips?”

“It’s Yoongi. It won’t take as long as it does with the other people. He’ll show up, do it, and leave. JK and Tae, especially Tae, want to chat with everyone on set and if they are together it takes foreeeeevvvveeeeeerrrrr.” 

“Huh, ok. Thanks.” The two of you arrived at JHOPE Fashion and walked through the rainbow vomit doors. 

Hoseok was wearing glasses with yellow lenses today, which made his dramatic facial expressions stand out even more. He immediately rolled his eyes. He pointed to you. “You are not Yoongi.” He pointed to Jimin. “And you are not Yoongi.” He put his hands on his hips. “So why are the two of you here?” 

“I’m sure you can guess why.” You responded dryly.

“Ugh. That ungrateful man. I had lovingly hand stitched these pieces. For him. These patches...” Hoseok pressed his fingers together as though he was praying. “Fine. Fine. You. Y/N. Come. You. Jimin. Wait right there.”

Jimin’s eyes went wide. “Me? Why do I have to wait here?” 

Hoseok turned from where he had started to walk towards the back. “You will thank me in a minute. A certain someone is coming to get his fitting in a few minutes.” He raised an eyebrow and then turned around, his heels clacking against the red tile floor.

Jimin started to blush profusely and before you could ask, Hobi interrupted, “Come new girl. We have work to do especially if that boss of yours refuses to come here and experience these magnificent beauties for himself.”

You followed him through the large door, which led to lime green hallways and then to a quiet, more muted workspace. The walls were lined with fabric bolsters, the middle tables with ribbon, thread, patches, paint. Paint? 

Hoseok sat down. “From what I understand, this album will have an acoustic feel to it versus his previous albums. For that reason I have chosen these natural materials such as cotton, linen, and denim.” He spread out several pieces onto the large table. “I have also opted for a more neutral pallet, as much as it hurts my soul. I have chosen colors found in nature. I have chosen brightly colored accessories such as these silks to stand in contrast with the stiff fabric and more neutral colors he will be wearing. Additionally, I avoided black. We’ll see if he notices.” 

You watched as he draped the red and purple silks over the top of the clothes. For whatever reason, you found it mesmerizing watching the fabric juxtapositioned in such a way.  “It’s so cool to hear you tell a story just using clothes.” You said, somewhat enchanted.

Hoseok flicked his eyes up to you, “Thank you. That is what I try to do with my collections. Everyone’s outfit tells a story, even if they don’t mean for it to. May I?” He asked, stepping back and gesturing at you.

“Oh man. You know I don’t dresses fancy--”

“Shhhh you don’t tell me.” He looked at your outfit. You had opted for an Aline skirt and blouse with a casual blazer.  “You had meetings this morning, that’s obvious by the jacket. You usually dress cuter. Which means you are either sick or not feeling great. You look fine. So I’m guessing...you are on your period. Sorry, this just comes out, I can’t stop it,” he paused for a moment as your jaw dropped open slightly. He stepped closer, inspecting the shoulders of your jacket. “The blazer is at least ten years old but you shouldn’t have had a blazer ten years ago unless it was for your school uniform and that isn’t a school jacket. Which means it probably belonged to an older sister or aunt. You are very responsible and well organized otherwise you wouldn't be Yoongi’s assistant. Therefore you are most likely the oldest or only child so that is your aunt’s jacket. Your blouse is nice. You actually like it, you’ve worn it twice in the week you’ve been working here. You bought it at a thrift store. You don’t spend a lot of money on yourself, but you are very confident. Therefore, it’s not that you don’t think you deserve nice things, it’s just that you can’t afford them so you likely grew up poor and it has continued into your adulthood.”

“Holy shit. You should be a detective.” You said to him.

“The shoes, I gave you last week. They don’t have a story yet, other than a very good -looking man in a suit helped you out because Jimin said you were a nice girl. You wear zero accessories which shows a lack of both funds and sentimentality. Most people have at least one piece of jewelry that means something to them, but if you have one, you don’t wear it.” He smiled at you, his white teeth gleaming. “ Now, how much am I right about?” He crossed his hands in front of his chest.

You clapped your hands as though you were in an audience. “All of it. Although I am still weirded out that you know I’m on my period. Next time I’m going to wear something skin tight to throw you off.” You joked.

“Well,” he started, “At least now that you work here you don’t have to worry as much right?”

Given the shitshow you went through this weekend you weren’t sure about that, but you shrugged, “It definitely pays better. And money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure helps make some things less hard.” You gestured to the pile of fabric on the table, “So...what do I do? Take these clothes with me for Yoongi to try on or will they be at the photoshoot tomorrow? Do I need to bring them to the photoshoot?”

Hoseok sighed dramatically, “I could dress Yoongi drunk, in my sleep. He can just show up tomorrow and I will dress him then. My staff will make sure the clothes and accessories are at the photoshoot. Here,” He walked over to one of the garment racks. “More clothes for you. I know you have a big closet. And if you run out of space, just take Yoongi’s, he only wears like three things despite my best efforts.”

You laughed, “Yeah, you’re not kidding. Ok thanks,” You took the clothing. “I appreciate it.”

“It’s no trouble. Feel free to see yourself out, I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh and please make sure the catering has strawberries.”

“Strawberries? Got it.” You were learning so much today. 

You exited the backroom and saw Jimin over near one of the pedestals. He was chatting with JK who was getting fitted with a corset. What an itty bitty waist, you admired. The two of them seemed to be having a good time and you had a new list of things to do so you waved at Jimin and headed to 1802 to drop off your new clothes. You had forgotten Hoseok knew you lived with Yoongi. The week had flown by.  

You sent a text message to Jiwoo asking if you could stop by her desk and ask her a few questions to make sure everything was set up for tomorrow and then stopped by the apartment.

You conferred with her and learned how to navigate catering requests via the company website; apparently it wasn’t available on the app, good to know. you felt much better about the shoot tomorrow but still nervous and excited.

You knocked on the door to Genius Lab. No answer. Never any answer. You typed the code in and saw Yoongi wearing his headphones, lost in his own world. He had told you to just wait on the sofa when this was the case and that he would eventually notice you. Normally the smell of coffee was what alerted him to your presence, but you had come empty handed today. You sat down on the couch and took out your phone.

YN: I don’t mean to alarm you. But there’s something behind you.

You saw his phone light up. He ignored it for a minute, presumably to finish listening to a song, and then picked it up. You heard him laugh and take off his headphones.  “You are the worst.” He spun around.

“So mean. Hey. Tomorrow is my first photoshoot. I checked on the outfits for you. By the way, Hoseok is like Sherlock Holmes with clothing. I learned I’m supposed to contact catering, I have hair and make-up requests in. Do I need to do anything else?”

Yoongi thought for a minute. He never really participated in that side of the photoshoot, now that he reflected on it. He walked his way through a day on set.  “No. The changing rooms and photography are handled by other departments. Check with Jiwoo or Jimin, they’ve both set up a shoot before.”

“I did. I’m getting ready to send in the last food request. Any requests?”

“Mandarins. I don’t like to eat a lot on set because I don’t want stuff getting stuck in my teeth.”

“That makes sense. Ok. I’ll let you get back to it then.” You got up and stretched.

“Tomorrow will go fine. If you forgot anything, it will be somewhere in this building.” He reassured you.

“That makes me feel a lot better.” You said honestly. “Alright, I’ll see you around.”

“Later.”

--------------------

The next day arrived with Yoongi heading off to the hair and make-up department and you heading to the 11th floor to see what the photo set up looked like. You exited the elevator. Man your hands were sweaty, you followed the sounds of voices and made your way to the shooting location. The lighting crew was checking their overheads, a stand-in was posing on the various props they had set out. It looked as though there were three separate “areas” for shooting photos. One area had a large white couch, complete with coffee table, rubber plant, magazines. The whole set up designed to look like a living room. A second space was a blue sheet with a white background. The third space was a kitchen, complete with an island, stovetop, and refrigerator. Holy moly this space was huge. You marveled at it.

“Hello, can I help you?” An older man walked over.

“Oh hi, I’m YLN. Yoongi’s assistant. I was stopping by to check the set up. It looks incredible.”

“Thank you. Yes. Here, let me walk you through it.”

You received a tour of the set and also an overview of the order of shooting. You also found out that next week, weather permitting, there would be a second shooting at the park across the street. You got catering checked in, or at least pointed to the table and felt like you did a thing. The same happened when the clothing team showed up. You pointed to dressing rooms and the vanity where the accessories trunk should go. You were thankful no one had asked you any questions so far. This was a steep learning curve. You had hoped someone you knew might be here today to help ease your nerves, but so far, it was all new faces.

Finally, you saw one familiar face. Alice walked in, carrying a small case with her. You waved.

“Hey! It’s nice to see you again.” She said. “I had no idea you were Yoongi’s assistant until today.”

“Oh, yeah. I guess I didn’t mention that. I was so overwhelmed that first day,” you smiled.

“No worries. He was just telling me and Bongcha that he had an assistant now. He’s almost done. His make-up is setting. I’m on hair today which isn’t my strong suit, but it’s not like he’s needing a fancy up-do or anything and it’s good for me to practice.”

“Ok great. This is my first time at a photoshoot, so if there’s something I’m supposed to be doing but I’m not, can you let me know?” You confided in her. 

“Absolutely. It looks like most of the stuff is set up how it usually is. Just remember,” she got closer to you and spoke quieter, “You are Yoongi’s assistant. Some of these people, especially these older guys will try to get you to do stuff like get their coffee, grab them snacks. That is not your job. It’s not by job. If they have an assistant, it’s their job.” 

“I knew I liked you when we first met,” you smiled at her. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“Anytime Unnie.”

She walked over and took out her hair tools and placed them on the table reserved for hair and make-up. A few minutes later you saw Yoongi walk in wearing a black shirt and grey sweats. His face looked even more beautiful than normal. Next to him was a petite girl with long black hair pulled up into a ponytail, dragging a make-up train behind her.  Yoongi looked around for a second, and then locked eyes with you. You saw the tiniest smile threaten to come out as he walked over.

“Hey. Everything here looks good.” He gestured to the room.

“Thanks. I didn’t do most of it, I just pointed and people seemed to know what to do already. Your face looks good.” 

Yoongi chuckled, “You can thank Bongcha for that. Bongcha, this is YN.”

Bongcha stuck out her hand, “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Nice to meet you as well. You do good work. I give his face a 10/10. Highly recommend.” 

“Well, it’s easy when you have such a great model to start with,” She smiled while looking up at Yoongi.

Yoongi had started to blush between the pair of compliments. “Is Hoseok here yet?”

“No not yet.” You took out your phone to see if you had any messages from Hoseok. Nope. You looked back up, “Bongcha, I’m sure you already know, but the make-up table is over there.  Alice is setting up right now.”

“Great, thanks!” She headed over, her shiny hair swishing behind her. 

Speak of the devil in blue himself, Hoseok strutted in at that exact moment wearing an electric blue suit. His crisp white shirt underneath popped beneath the jacket, and his pocket square had little sunshines on it.

“Wow. You look like the sky.” You said before you could help it.

“Thank you. Indeed. It was my inspiration today. It’s a crime to be indoors beneath these artificial lights on such a beautiful day. Oh well. It can’t be helped.” He laid eyes on Yoongi, like a predator gazing on its prey, “Yoongi. Baby. Come.”

Yoongi scrunched his face. “Don’t call me baby. If you miss the sunlight so much, leave. I know how to dress myself.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you don't know which pieces go together.” Hoseok grabbed Yoongi by the shoulders and started leading him over to the clothing section, leaving you to laugh at the pair of them. You went over to the table you had set up for yourself between make-up and the food. You had printed off several lists that morning to help you stay focused. You checked off several action items. Satisfied, you sat your clipboard down and looked around. It was a well-oiled machine for sure. You walked over to the hair and make-up table. “Hey ladies.”

“Hey! Have you two met yet?” Alice asked, referring to Bongcha.

“Yep, we just did.” Bongcha confirmed, putting on her make-up apron and filling it with various powders and brushes.

“Ooooo we should do a make-up party sometime.” Alice squealed. “We try to do it with all the new girls. And since Yoongi is” she hushed her voice again “One of our favorites. We have to take care of his assistant.”

You smiled, “Sure. That sounds nice. Excuse me.” You decided to go see how the clothes were going.

“Yes. Yoongi’s assistant. So glad you’re here.” Hoseok turned to you.

“She has a name, it’s YN.” You heard Yoongi say from behind the curtain.

“Yes yes. I know. We talked yesterday, remember? At that meeting I scheduled for me and you that you did not come to. Anyways, here. The outfits are now coordinated. They have tags on them corresponding to their accessory in the accessory trunk. Some pieces have more than one option that the Director of Photography and Yoongi will decide on. Got it?”

You looked over the set up. It seemed simple enough since Hoseok had organized it so well .”Yep. You going out to enjoy the sunshine?” 

“Honey, I am the sunshine. I’m off to get laid after having to deal with this cloudy baby.” He gestured to the changing room.

“Don’t call me baby.” Yoongi shouted from behind the curtain. You just laughed as Hoseok turned around and left. You waited for a few minutes. 

“You ok in there? Need me to come help you put your pants on?” You teased.

“Not necessary.” Yoongi slid open the curtain. Why was everyone teasing him today? He pouted without thinking about it.

You walked over, straightening the collar of his shirt “Hey now, you can’t go around pouting like a baby and not expect people to call you one. Here,” you handed him a mandarin. He scowled at you as he took it. “Such a pretty face” You laughed. 

“Yeah whatever. I can eat this while they set up the white meter. You should be fine to just hang around at this point.”

“Alright. Sounds good.” The two of you walked over to the main part of the set where the Director gave Yoongi instructions about where to sit as they practiced the blocking and softbox placement.

“Oh my god he looks so good eating that tangerine.” You overheard. Your eyes bugged out slightly and you turned around. A group of women from the photography team were looking at the images to check the saturation and focus, as well as apparently the model. Damn. NEXT CHAPTER

@lidda  @anpanman-sonyeondan   @firefairy1  @cuteipat​  @sugaslittlekookies​  @janeelizabeth1216​ @deeepvibes​ @gxldenhunny​ @livelyjay​ @niniita-ah​ @bobbyboops​ @honeysunandsoil​ @deathkat657​

[inseongsfoxybae]

After a hard day

Pairing: Boyfriend Dawon + Female Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: Implicit mention of nudity

Words: +1,4k

Requested by @sanghyukstattoos​: Can I request a Sanghyuk fic where the reader is really exhausted after a long day of work like her feet hurt and head ache but Sanghyuk makes sure that she eats and takes care of her before he cuddles her to sleep?? Thank you so much ❤️❤️ I'm so exciteddddddd

Author’s message: Baby B!!!! I loved your request so much and it was so good and relaxing to write! I hope this lives up to your expectations and that you like it. Also, I wish it may comfort you after a long day. Thank you and I’m waiting for more ideas from your beautiful mind soon. Love you ❤️ Foxy kisses 😘

P.S: As english is not my mother language, it may contain misspelled. Also, sorry for any other mistakes :)

Synopsis: You had a long and hard day and all you need is the warmth of your boyfriend when you get home. 

look at this lil baby TT

You knew your day would be awful since you opened your eyes early in the morning and realized your alarm clock hadn't gone off and you were late for work. “Oh, shit”, you jumped out of bed and rushed to your bathroom to take a quick shower and get ready for your day. You pecked your sleepy boyfriend’s lips and ran through the door, the cold air of winter hitting your face like a slap. 

You took the first train available and used that time to drink some coffee you had bought on the street, praying not to be so late at the office. Even so, half an hour had passed when you hurried through the office entrance, spitting excuses for the threatening look your boss gave you.  

As if the delay and all the stress it caused you were not enough, some of coworkers who were part of your team made a big mistake that could compromise the project of one of your main clients. As the leader, of course you had to take full responsibility and your boss didn’t spare to humiliate you in front of all the employees who were in the room.

Your listened all his unnecessary words with your head down, nodding and accepting his false arguments against you and your time. It took you the rest of the morning and half of your lunch time to correct the errors and reverse the results, but you did it. Successfully, if you could say so. However, when you sent the new files to your boss and were about to leave to eat something, he called you to his office and gave you more “urgent” tasks.

You would complain, but then you remembered that he would definitely use your delay against you. So, you just grabbed the new folders with a lof of pages to review and started your work on them. 

It was still mid-afternoon and you were already exhausted and starving, drinking cups and cups of coffee to stay awake and focused, coming and going from meetings to spreadsheets on the computer. Fortunately, it was friday, so you could just get home later and sleep for days with your sweet boyfriend by your side. 

When you thought about him, you realized that you had barely spoken to him today and felt bad. And as if he had read your mind, your phone buzzed with a message from Dawon.

Hope you’ree having a good day at work. What about we order your favorite pizza tonight? It’s on me ^.^

You smile slightly at his cuteness, but you couldn’t answer him and felt bad again. When the time of your shift ended, you swallowed in tiredness, your head hurting like if it was cracking, all your limbs are tensed and heavy. 

You felt like crying and you didn’t want to scare Dawon with your defeated face when you got home, so you decided to take a bus to clear your mind and breath the cool air of the city through the open windows. But, to end this bad day with a golden key, there was a big accident in the middle of the avenue and the traffic was stuck. 

There were no subways stations near and a taxi wouldn’t work too, so you got off the bus and walked the rest of the way to your apartment. You weren’t too far from your place, but your thin heels shoes weren’t helping you and you felt like your feet were screaming in pain when you finally stepped in your living room. 

Dawon was sitting on the couch with a concerned expression, your pizza cooling thrown in the corner of the table. As soon as he saw you, he sighed and got up of his seat. 

“Baby, I was so worried! Why didn’t you answer my calls?”, he exclaimed, cupping your face between his small hands and looking for any type of hurting. 

“Sorry, babe, I guess my phone discharged”, you said weakly. 

Dawon looked right into your eyes and shook his head, a heavy sigh leaving his mouth. “Hard day?”.

You barely nodded, feeling tears forming in your eyes. Dawon pulled you into his arms in a strong embrace, patting your shoulders, trying to comfort you. “It’s okay now”, he whispered and kissed the side of your head. You inhaled his scent deeply, your face resting on his chest, as warm tears rolled down your tired eyes and your body relaxed into his body. 

Dawon kept hugging you for a while, both of you still standing in the middle of your living room, while it started to rain out there, its soft drops hitting your window. With you still in his arms, Dawon led the two of you to the bathroom, where he took your clothes off and joined you in a warm shower, rubbing delicately your skin and scalp. 

“Done. Now, let’s eat. I’m pretty sure you didn’t eat anything today. Am I right?”, he asked once you finished drying your hair.

“You’re right. I didn’t even have lunch and just drank coffee all day”, you confessed avoiding his eyes. You were waiting for him to complain about “you have to eat to stay healthy” or something, but Dawon just grabbed your hand and guided you to sit in your couch.

“Okay... Let me feed you till you feel like exploding”, he shouted like a hero and put a large pizza, soda and a ice cream pot right in front of you. “Gobble!”, he exclaimed excitedly and you couldn’t help laughing at him. 

He sat next to you and you both ate in silence, just some giggles and happy hums leaving your full mouths. Once you were done with eating, Dawon cleaned the table and came back to you in no time, laying you carefully on the couch while taking your feet in his hands.

“You were wearing heels all day. Your feet must be hurting”, he said softly when you looked at him confused. “Now, relax. Let me take care of my girl”, he winked and you smiled. In moments like these, you were sure Dawon was the one for you. Your boyfriend, your man, the love of your life. The one who you wanted to spend the rest of you life with. 

You could feel his small fingers gently massaging your aching feet, putting the right amount of pressure in the right places, rubbing your sole and ankles perfectly, as your eyes were closing inch by inch. 

You felt so relaxed, so spoiled, so loved, that you ignored your heavy head and gave yourself into Dawon’s touches. You were so lost in a tender bliss, that you barely made out when he took you into his strong arms and carried you to your bed, laying you softly on the matress and covering you with your thick comforter. 

You barely made out when he laid there with you, wrapping his arms around you - one arm holding your waist; the other one around your shoulders, so his hand could caress your hair slowly. You instinctively snuggled closer to his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat, as he hummed a sweet melody near your ear. 

You knew you didn’t have to tell Dawon many things about your day, you were so connected that he understood everything just by looking at you. Of course he would attentively listen to your complaints or anything else you had to tell him if you wanted, but it wasn’t necessary, and he would never press you to talk about anything if you didn’t feel like. 

For the two of you, that was enough. This was enough. Just you and him, together, sharing the same bed, having the same feelings. Dawon was always there for you just like you were always there for him, and you knew it. 

Now, here in his arms, you felt loved and protected and you didn’t want to lose this ever. Your eyes were closed for some time, but your mind was still a little clear. Enough to parted your lips slightly and whispered a lovely and sincere “I love you, Sanghyukie”. 

You couldn’t see him, but you felt him smiling before whispered back “I love you more, Y/N”.

Here inside, your mind drifted off as you feel asleep in Dawon’s arms. Out there, small drops of rain keeping hitting your window. A scenario so soft and so relaxing after a hard day. You needed this today and you’ll have this forever with Dawon by your side.

[jeeperso]

D&D Quotes Without Context

Ravenloft, Hazlan Arc, part 1

"Killing's not working and murders all we’re good at!" "I’m good at lots of…" "And murders all we’re good at."

"Chipmunk droppings, I just got this nice cloak and my daggers enchanted. This stinks like a badger who hasn't bathed in months."

“I can do horrible. But, sure, whatever.” "I'm sure there are easier ways to get a harem for yourself, that don't come with as many strings attached."

"Wrong head. This one is much more swelled."

"Let's hope if we ignore it then it will do the same and then bugger off." “We def gonna have to kill it by end of day.” "Worse, I'd hate for us to agitate it and it turn out to be some sort of.... delivery head..." “It’s what I’d use for messages if I was a forked up Wizard.”

"You don't intimidate me." He says, clearly intimidated.

“If it makes you feel better, now I only have to roll one body into the ditch.”

"We've no quarrel with you. Stand aside, or barter like...and he ran off..."

"There we go. Nice and non-violent." “You mispronounced 'boring'.”

"I'm going to keep a look out in case someone competent tries to ambush us."

“Besides, I’m like… a free lance peacekeeping agent. For certain definitions of peace. And keeping. And all the other words really.”

"Okay, just what is that, an ogre, a hill giant, or something else?" “Can I kill this one?”

"A silver piece says Tiny is as likely to attack them as us."

"Unfortunately we were testing a modified growth potion one day and I drew the short straw."

"I figured as much. You're ill equipped, your tactics are amateurish, and you don't respond well when things don't go your way. Screams desperate with few options." "You don't have to rub it in man." “You tried to rob us. Twice. And we didn’t kill you. Even though I kinda want to.”

“I dunno, the one with horns is screaming that he’s got some cool shit we can steal.” "I am Nima Galzona, Necromancer, and apprentice to the great Hazlik." “Jonni Humantorch, genie fucker.”

"I'm...not comfortable riding inside a giant mouth. Bad experience with a dire mole once."

"Do necromancers just lose the ability to smell? Or they just get so used to the scent of decay that it doesn't bother them any more?"

"So anyone else get the feeling that 'murders' is going to be a drastic understatement about what's wrong here? I don't get the impression that a crime spree merits wizard attention."

Today however the streets are strangely sparse, as you head to where the caravan usually sets up, you find out why. “Please be fire, please be fire, please…”

Death to all witches and workers of magic, repent and pray the gods show thee mercy, for I have none. --The Witchfinder. “Oh, sweet! Someone they’ll give me money to set on fire!”

“I don’t use magic. The universe just knows I’m awesome.”

"Oh boy... shits about to get political." Jonni stops and puts the torches she was gonna start selling back.

At this point Nima turns around and unleashes a massive skull shaped fireball into the air high above the crowd. “Nice add on. 9/10.”

“Which remind me, if you cast speak with dead, and speak with plants, can you talk to chairs?”

"I threatened to pick you up like an angry poodle once, am not afraid to do it again."

"I'll go along, someone needs to make sure Jonni doesn't set stuff on fire we need intact."

"I wonder what kind of experiment it must have been to have so many people..." "I can guarantee you won't like the answer." OOC: Let's be optimistic. Maybe it was an experiment in self-sustainable farming to improve the local ecosystem. OOC: Narrator: it was not.

"Why can't we ever go anywhere nice? I can vaguely remember nice places used to exist somewhere at some point."

"Okay, who broke the moon?" OOC: Who knows in this savage land of sorcery and super science. "Wait, he can break a moon! Umm, we should avoid him for a long, long time." "This is his domain after all. That or some race of lunatic ratmen who thought it was made of Ruminating Rock."

Just a single row of normal sized bricks, about ankle height. "Its a trap, get an axe."

“Marsh, we can make you a new hand, right?”

“Shove it in.....Are we still saying 'phrasing'?”

"Goggles on, things are weird." “Here weird or 'coke party in the City of Brass' weird?”

"You know how I was wondering about why we never go anywhere nice? Well now we are somewhere nice and I don't trust it at all."

“Hey, so what are you doing after work?” Pause. "I do not have that information." “Well, this is Hell, let’s burn it down. Burn it all down!”

"Hold on, I speak attraction." (POSTER'S NOTE: As in theme park, not sex.)

"That information is classified. Please give administrator passcode." "A Wizard did it." "Passcode accepted." "I can't believe that worked." “My second guess was ‘ruminating powder.’”

"Yeah.. The others seem to be currently living-impaired.." “Let’s check my newest victim first then.”

“Hey, slim! Look alive! I wanna discuss mass burial techniques!”

"Talk! Fast! Or steam loud!”

"It is wrong to murder a defenseless mage in cold blood. It is wrong to murder a defenseless mage in cold blood. It is wrong to..."

OOC: Marshal is of the opinion we don't kill him for a long time.

OOC: So what this session has taught us is like everywhere else in Ravenloft, The Weird Wizard Wasteland SUCKS!

Gorbash: okay… so… how do we finally get out of here? Domain lord: Only the Dark Powers could let you out. Edmund: So we need to talk to them. Domain Lord: Literally no one ever has. You’d have to cause a catastrophic amount of attention to maybe get their attention. Jonni: …. My hour has come at last. "Time to kill a monster. And it is self-defense if he summons a monster intent on murdering us." “Sure. Let’s go with that.” "Hi, if you are watching this. I am dead. I assume you killed me, but that was a mistake..." "It really wasn't." "Must run faster. Must run faster. Not getting caught in another dimensional implosion. Must run faster." Escape collapsing grad thesis, first! “Yeah, let’s let Marsh calm him down while we check to see if that loser left anything interesting out here." You find a very interesting ant. The tiny, angry sun is back in the sky. "Don't make eye contact..." "That’s my purse! I don’t know you!” Jonni somehow kicks the sun in the balls. "Beware! We have fortified waffles! They can concuss at 50 paces." “Crab people. Or more fucked up Wizard experiments. 50/50 odds.” OOC: Doctors without Domain Borders. "We only want the food and clothes." "And we just want shinies.” "Money is no use to us, no one would take it from us." “Oh, you just gotta know how to talk to them. Grab em by the short and hairies first.” "As said, my waffles are well fortified. They can be used as throwing stones." "And as a professional, I would advise not swimming five hours after eating one." "Really Jonni, I don't mind the way you speak.. but it might not hurt to try to limit the goading to people who CAN'T wipe us from existence?" “Killing me only proves I was right.” “Hey, we were bonding over our opinion on casual murder!” OOC: Her two diametrically opposed sides! Her evil side! And her indifferent side! "We never truly die, this will avail you nothing." “Yeah? I bet kinda dying still hurts like a mother forker though.” OOC: Slab of iron with which I have lived, strike now one last heart of dickery… “Sorry not sorry we killed your folks!”

[txmel]

Too Late

Rami Malek x Reader

Word count: 3,415

Warnings: Angst, smut, alcohol, and a little fluff

Summary: Your relationship with Rami ended years ago when he walked out the door, but one night a drunken confession at a bar changes everything when realizations surface. Does he feel the same or is it time to finally move on?

*It’s about time! School kept this on the shelf for a long time. This is my first attempt with smut, so forgive me! Anyway, here it is.

You sat there peeling at the label of your near empty beer bottle. You’d hoped the previous six would provide a distraction to the scene currently in front of you. Emphasis on the word “hoped”.

Rami’s mouth occupied the girl’s ear as he whispered which were probably flirtations coated with sexual innuendos. You knew because seven years ago, that girl was you.

Each girl you saw him with would always be the same. A carbon copy of the next one. You knew these sorts of relationships wouldn’t last, but it didn’t make the sting hurt any less. He had obviously moved on in these past few years, isn’t time you did too?

You closed your eyes, allowing the alcohol to help you drift away.

Alternating whispers of seductive phrases into your ear. Nips at your lobe. Heated breath on your neck. Chills shooting straight through your body. Rami had always been so damn good at that. His hand continually making its way up your thigh. Your legs opening wider for him. Your body on fire. His fingers slowly approaching where you needed him. His mouth on yours, swallowing your whimpers of pure and total pleasure. Tugging his curls, causing him to speed up his movements.  His fingers reaching your underwear, pulling them aside to place them inside of you. Pumping two fingers in and out of you, faster and faster. His thumb rubbing harder against your clit. Climbing higher and higher to the edge. “Come on, baby girl. Cum for me. Y/N, cum for me. Now.”

A loud bout of laughter came from the carbon copy across the table, shattered your fantasy and caused you to nearly fall out of your chair. Thankfully, no one at the table noticed, too caught up in random, drunken conversations. But you had your overindulgence of alcohol as your excuse if need be.

When you looked up, their lips began to move against each other, their tongues demanding entrance. You could smell the lust from where you were sitting. It was all too much and the emotional rubber band inside you finally snapped. Suddenly, the bar became over stimulating. The dimmed lights too bright. The half-filled bar too loud. Your chest began to tighten. You needed to leave. Now.

You nudged Sami’s shoulder and told him you needed some air as you took your jacket hanging on the chair. Before your feet could move, Sami gently grabbed your arm and asked if you were okay. Your eyes met Rami’s, and you sensed his concern and saw his hand reach from across the table. Before he could open his mouth, you closed your eyes and turned to Sami.

“Really, I’m fine. I promise I just need some air.”

You headed for the door and as you raced toward the exit, you could hear Rami’s voice shouting your name across the bar. Your feet couldn’t move fast enough. It was fight or flight to get outside n order to avoid him.

As you pulled on the handle and made it outside under the roof of the cloudless night sky, all you could think was: Please don’t let him come after me. Please don’t. God, I can’t do this right now. You prayed the heavens would allow you this one small favor.

Breathing in the cool night air, you leaned against the brick wall of the building and allowed gravity to pull you to the ground. You could feel the light breeze brush across your flushed cheeks, and you felt your heartbeat slow to a normal rhythm. But as you sat there, enveloped by the coolness of the fall weather, thoughts began to surface.

God, how many times are you going to put yourself through this? Is he worth all of it? What you had was over with a long time ago. It’s just the alcohol talking. You’re just lonely. You need to let these feelings go. He was the one who walked out the door and left you alone, broken and without any answers. He shut that door. Why can’t you just leave it closed? Move on with your life. Just. Move. On. Rami obviously has, why can’t you?

Your head fell into your hands as the dam of tears finally broke. You wanted to run away, but the emotional heaviness of tonight held you hostage to the concrete and wouldn’t let you pull yourself up.

A shoe drumming against your leg and a clearing of a throat cut off your thoughts. You didn’t even need to look up to know who the owner was.

“This seat taken?”

Shit.

You were too drunk to be having this conversation with anyone right now. You were physically and emotionally trapped.  You had to suck it up and talk to someone. Confessing was the only way for you to begin to move on. And of all people, you were glad it was him.

You wiped your tears away and rubbed your hands on your jeans. Your head shook as he claimed the empty spot next to you.

“I’m fine, Sami. The bar was too noisy.”

“Liar.”

You looked up at him with puffy, red eyes. “The smoke was irritating my eyes.”

“Strike two”, gesturing to the rubbed off mascara currently smeared under your eyes and hands.

It was no use lying to Sami. He and Rami had a gift for seeing right through you. While it was usually annoying, right now you were thankful for it. As you put your head on his shoulder, you knew what he was going to say.

“Sami, please don’t say…”

And then he said it. The words you were trying to avoid it all night.

“You have to tell him Y/N.”

You lifted your head and looked at him. “What? That I’m still in love with him? Sam, what your brother and I had ended a long time ago. Have you forgotten he’s the one who ended it? Since then our lives have gone in completely different directions. And when am I exactly supposed to tell him, huh? When he’s off filming? During magazine interviews? Photoshoots? This isn’t something you confess to someone over the phone or a text.”

“Y/N, you’re still in love with my brother. And right now, he’s sitting in there and your job is transferring you across the country next month. You have to tell him. He needs to know. He has a right to know.”

“What would be the point of telling him now because he’s obviously moved on”, you said pointing to the bar. “Plus, how would I even tell him? ‘Hey Rami, you remember when we broke up five years ago? When you broke my heart? Well, I haven’t stopped loving you and now I’ve got to get on this plane to move across the country. Bye.’”

Sami didn’t say anything. He just nodded and you knew he understood.

“Sami, as I see it, this move is a chance for me to finally move on from him and to start over. Trust me, It’s better this way. It’s too late for us.”

You took a deep breath as you continued: “Just promise me you won’t tell Rami. please. It’s better for him. Better for me. And as hard as it is, I know that now and I think I can finally accept it. There is no future for us.”

An available cab could not have pulled up any sooner. It was your saving grace. And as you stood up, he steadied you and pulled you into a comforting embrace. “Are you sure this is what you want, Y/N?”

“Yeah, I think it is.”

He pulled away and his eyes concentrated on yours. No doubt trying to read right through you. “You don’t sound so sure. I still think you should…”

You cut him off before he could finish. “Bye, Sam.”

“Text me when you make it home Y/N.” And with a nod of your head and kiss on his cheek, you walked away.

As much as you wanted to, you didn’t turn around. Instead you pulled your jacket tighter against your body and slid inside the cab.

What you saw as the cab pulled away was a future with Rami that could and would never be. You had such dreams for the two of you. But like you said, it was too late. Everything you had wanted with him had dissipated. He had made the decision to walk away from the relationship for the sake of his career. And it’s time you did the same. As you wiped away the remnants of tears, a pang of realization punctured your heart: You didn’t want to let him go…but you had to.

Your mind was made up.

What you didn’t see was Sami shaking his head and turning around to head back into the bar. He didn’t make it far, because standing outside the door was his brother.

“Is there something you need to tell me, Sami?”

______________________________________________

Sleep didn’t come easy to you that night. Every time you closed your eyes, all you saw were flashes of Rami. You tried to find the strength to fight each of them away. But there was one that continued finding its way to the forefront:

Lately, you felt his career shoving you to the side. It didn’t come all at once, but the pieces began to add up.

Late night shoots, missed date nights, empty and broken promises.

On those late shoots, Rami was replaced with a pillow. It was a poor substitute, but you clung to it anyway. You would often find him sleeping on the couch the next morning and he always made the excuse he didn’t want to wake you. But you knew it was more. He was pushing you away. You refused to believe this was the end and so you let it go on and on.

You were only delaying the inevitable, but you couldn’t let go. Just like that pillow, you clung to denial. It was better than facing the truth. Rami’s pushing you away was your reality you just couldn’t accept.

Then one night you finally pushed back. If he wouldn’t fight for this relationship, you sure as hell would. Confronting him was the only option you had left. This push led to an explosive argument and a final slamming of the door to you what you and Rami had.

He left you alone, wondering what the hell you did wrong and how else you could’ve fixed it.

But the decision had been made tonight and there would be no turning back. You were finally ready to let go of Rami. It was your turn to slam the door shut and leave him behind.

______________________________________________

You didn’t realize you fell asleep until you were awoken by a banging on your door. According to your clock it was two in the morning. Dragging yourself out of bed, you shuffled your way to door, the darkness causing you to run into the kitchen table along the way.

As expletives left your mouth and your hand rubbed a possible bruise on your leg tomorrow, you switched on the hallway light and opened the door. Your mouth dropped as you looked at the late-night visitor currently standing at your door. Even though he was shrouded in shadows of darkness, his eyes were unmistakable.

“Rami?”

“Can I come in, Y/N?”

You nodded your head and ushered him in. You shut the door and turned to him.

As light from the living room encompassed him, you saw something you didn’t expect. His look earlier at the bar contrasted with what was the person currently standing before you. His previous flawless, coiffed curls were now disheveled. Bloodshot eyes. A tear stained face. You’ve seen Rami upset before, but this time was different.

“Rami, why, what, what are you doing here? Are you ok? You look like hell.”

“Is it really too late?”

You continued looking at him, completely thrown off by his question. “Well, it’s two in the morning and I was asleep, so I would say it’s probably…”

He looked up at you. “No, Y/N. I mean, am I too late?”

“Rami, what the hell are you talking about?”

“I know what you said to Sami.”

“Oh my God, I’m going to kill him. He promised me…”

“He didn’t tell me anything Y/N. After he had been gone for a few minutes, I started to worry and went looking for him. Well, for you actually. I overheard your conversation and when I confronted him, he said I needed to talk to you. So, tell me Y/N, are you still in love with me?”

You took a deep breath. You couldn’t believe you were going to have this conversation again tonight.

“Rami it was the alcohol. I had too much to drink. I’ve been single for a long time and sometimes I just miss being in a…a… relationship. Alcohol heightens… it heightens emotions.” You began verbally stumbling, picking up and trying to hold on to any words that came across your mind to form some sort of coherent sentence.

Rami wasn’t buying any of it. But that didn’t mean you were going to give up. “They were just…just drunken, desperate words. I didn’t mean any of it.”

“Liar.”

And with that, he pulled you flush against his body. Feeling his lips begin to move against yours, you gave in. But as you gave in to him, your late-night memories came flooding back. You broke the kiss and pushed him away.

“Why did you leave me, Rami? How could you walk away from us?”

“Y/N, I…”

You didn’t allow him to finish. You threw every heartbreaking memory at him. You didn’t hold anything back.

“I gave everything to you Rami. To us. I spent months tearing myself down wondering what I did wrong. You broke my fucking heart!”

He didn’t say anything. Tears fell from his eyes and his breath hitched as he took in what you were you saying. He knew he hurt you, but he never realized how deep the pain went.

“Y/N, Those nights you went to bed alone, I would come in and touch your cheek and tell you how much I loved you and how I sorry I was for putting you through this. I slept on the couch, because I couldn’t stand to look at you and see what I was doing to you. How much I was hurting you. I couldn’t stand doing those things. Putting my selfish needs before yours. I was putting my career first and I knew what I was doing was destroying us. Destroying you. So, I thought it would be easier to let you move on. You deserved better, Y/N. And I knew I didn’t deserve you.”

“Rami, why couldn’t you just tell me?”

He placed his hand on your face and began to stroke your cheek.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you, Y/N. I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. Walking out the door and breaking your heart was the worst mistake I’ve ever made. I’ve regretted it for so long. I’m so sorry for hurting you Y/N. God, I’m so sorry.”

Your knees were weak, you couldn’t breathe, and your mind was going in all different directions. This was what you longed for since the moment Rami walked out the door five years ago. For Rami to come swooping in and confess himself with those exact words: “I love you.” and “I’m sorry.”

Rami closed his eyes and when he finally looked at you again, he continued. “I’ll ask one more time and I will accept any answer you give me.”

He took a deep breath and locked his eyes with yours. “Y/N, are you still in love with me?”

“Yes.” And with that, you pressed his lips against yours. Every emotion you had for Rami, was put into that kiss. Forgiveness. Love. Passion.

He pulled away, but you spoke first. “Bedroom.”

Rami picked you up and instinctively you wrapped your legs around his waist as he carried you into your room. Your lips never broke apart. And as soon as he set you down, your hands were all over each other.

Then he stopped and gently ran his thumb down the curve of your cheek. “You’re so beautiful”, he whispered.

You moved away from him and lifted your arms above your head and Rami knew it was his signal to remove it. Before your shirt even hit the floor, his hands and mouth were on your breasts. You let out gasp as his mouth found your nipple and gave a gentle suck to each one.

He knelt to the floor and you felt your shorts and underwear being pulled down and released from your body. As his mouth and fingers found your center, he could feel how you were ready for him. “You’re so wet for me.”

All you could do was moan a simple “always”. Your whole body began to shake as two fingers entered you and started pumping in and out. The only thing keeping you on solid ground, was your tight grasp on his curls.

Rami could feel the weakness in your legs. “Lay down for me, Y/N.”

You didn’t think twice. This was what you wanted. Your body craved him.

Rami removed his clothes piece by piece, his eyes never let go of yours. As he pulled down his boxer briefs, you could see how he was ready for you. The bed began to dip when he crawled to where your trembling and aching body was waiting for him.

A sound escaped your mouth when his lips found their way to your core and Rami began sucking on your clit. Your body was already shaking as he lapped at your juices. As you latched onto his dark curls, you heard deep moans escape his lips, which drove you harder and faster toward your release. And there you were: back arched, loud pants escaping your mouth, head thrown back in pleasure.

As he pumped two fingers in and out of you, you heard: “So beautiful like this. Come on baby…” Rami’s fingers began pumping faster and faster. “Cum for me…now.”

Your body immediately let go and exploded into an earth-shattering orgasm.

Rami sat up on his haunches and watched you as you came back down. “God, you’re so breathtaking.”

You didn’t need to ask if he was ready. You grabbed his face and pulled it towards you until his lips connected to yours. You began begging for him. “Rami, please. I need you in me, now.” He barely had time to blink and then your right hand reached for his hardened, leaking cock and guided it to your entrance.

As he entered you in one thrust, an explosive cry permeated the room.

He began moving slowly in and out of you, savoring the feeling of finally being inside of you. “You feel so damn good. So tight…so perfect…”

But for you, it wasn’t enough. “Please, Rami. Faster. Harder”

As he picked up speed, you wrapped your legs around him, pulling him closer. “Rami…”, you moaned.

“That’s it baby. Let go. I’ve got you.”

You both became lost to the euphoric desire that swallowed you whole. “Shit, Y/N. I’m gonna cum.”

You still weren’t there and a fear of him leaving you behind again overtook you. As he neared the edge, he heard your desperate appeal. “Wait for me. Rami, please. I want to cum with you. Don’t leave me.” Tears filled your eyes as you continued. “Please. Please don’t leave me again”, you sobbed.

As Rami heard your cries, he began to slow down his movements. “Y/N, ente habebite. Look at me”, he breathed. He wiped a single tear away from your cheek. “I love you. I love you so much and I promise I will never leave you again my love. I promise.”

Rami reached down and began rubbing your clit. “Cum with me baby. I’ll wait for you.”

You shouted out each other’s names as your orgasms crashed into each other.

Still inside you, he pulled you into a gentle kiss that soothed your soul and put your heart at ease.

You both came several more times before dawn broke the darkened sky. Before sleep claimed your sated, entangled bodies, your eyes met his and you saw something in them.

What you saw in his was a future with Rami that could be. That would be.

It wasn’t too late.

Tag list: @sherlollydramoine @xmxisxforxmaybe​ @alottanothing​ @diasimar​ @moon-stars-soul​ @hah0106​ @sassystrawberryk​ @edteche2​ @itswormtrain​ @neverendingstories00​ @sweet-symphony0​ 

I’m sorry if I forgot anyone!

[mama-ghostie-61542]

A Thousand Lifetimes

Rated M++ for language and themes

If you recognize it--IT AIN'T MINE

Sorry for the OOC-ness

Chapter 7

Kihyun

The next day, after two fittings with costumes, two phone interviews, a shoot for an ad, and a tv spot; I finally got back to the dorms, and back to that story.

Bryn PoV--

As if today wasn't bad enough, I walked into the house to find it completely empty. The kids wandered around and I tried to field a million questions about where they were gonna sleep and what we were gonna eat. That and the meltdowns every five minutes led me to try to call my little brother. I really just needed to talk to another grown-up. As soon as I had supper figured out, I called Joey.

"Hello," said a voice on the other end of the phone.

"Ummm. Hi?"

"Oh. Hello," The voice was familiar, but it wasn't Joey.

"Is Joey close?"

"Sorry. Who?"

"Sorry. Jooheon. Kids call him 'Uncle Joey'. Guess it stuck."

"Hmm. No. You just missed him."

"Dern. Can you pass on a message?"

"Sure."

"Can you tell him to call Bryn when he gets back?"

"Oh! I didn't recognize your voice, Bryn. How are you? It's Kihyun. Joey is in the shower. Can I help you with whatever you need," I asked, biting my lip and praying she would say yes. Just the sound of her voice was both soothing and somehow able to tie me up in knots.

"Actually, I was calling to vent. I've had a particularly terrible day today. Joey is my sobriety sponsor."

"He is? Wow," I said before Honey came charging at me, his hair still wet. "I would still LOVE to talk to YOU," I shouted.

"Gimmie my phone, Kihyun."

I handed him back the phone and heard him say

"What's up, Sis?"

Though I couldn't hear exactly what was said, I could tell by the look on his face, it wasn't good.

"Really?"

Then, Honey sighed. "Lemme see what I can do from here."

"Please, let me help."

If it were possible for him to get any more pissed off, he did. "HE WHAT," he yelled. Then, he pulled the phone from his ear and said, "I need a one way ticket to Peoria International!! I'm gonna kill him. I am gonna fuckin' kill him." Next, he put the phone back to his ear, "Lemme see what I can do here, Sis," he growled as he demanded numbers and wrote them down, and then hung up.

As he started digging on the internet to find the cheapest fare, HyunWoo said, "Hold it, Hot Shot. What happened?"

"That douchbag finally left. He took everything! Even the kids stuff. He left them with NOTHING! That is why Sis was calling. He cleaned out their account and took everything. Damn lucky he couldn't touch the shop accounts or he would have cleaned them out too. Literally everything. She needs a little cash to feed the kids til Friday."

"Thank God it is Wednesday," said CK. from the far side of the room. If anyone had bothered to look, the reflection on his glasses was an Amazon cart with 37 things in it. The only time ANYONE has that many things in an Amazon cart is when they are buying groceries. However, most of those were chips or snack cakes.

Honey, Min, and HyungWon all sat down to iron out how much and what they were gonna contribute.

Silently, I picked up my bank book and palmed the slip of paper with her info on it. Only HyunWoo saw me slip out the door. He stopped me as I waited for the elevator and handed me a few bills from his own wallet before turning back towards the room.

"What," was all I could get out before he interrupted, cutting me off mid-question.

"We look out for our own," He answered before he opened the door to the dorm.

After heading to the nearest Western Union, I called the number on the slip from Honey. When she picked up, I smiled.

"Hey, Bryn, it's Kihyun. I wired you some money. Should be about $100, if everything gets exchanged right."

"Kihyun, you guys didn't have to do that. My dad was already gonna feed the kids. I just needed to talk to someone. This has got me so shaken up, I want a drink really bad. Guess I wasn't too clear with Joey."

"Really? Then why was he," I stopped as a shadow fell over me. "Well, shit. Guess who is now standing right behind me."

"Tell him to calm down."

"Bryn says to calm down. She told me to sit on you if I have to."

"Kihyun! I did not."

"I paraphrased," I laughed. "Besides, Sweets, if looks could kill, I'd be dead right about now."

"Really," she chuckled.

"Oh yeah. He is probably gonna follow me all the way to the dorm. I guess I am not allowed out on my own," I laughed.

"Why," She asked.

"I tend to do dumb things, according to others. Though they may be a little impulsive, they always work out in the end. So don't look the horse in the mouth."

"I won't."

"Good girl," I laughed, "So why did you call him, anyway?"

"I needed someone I could yell at that would not take it personal."

"I am always here. Though, I may occasionally yell back."

She laughed. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Making me laugh. I needed that. "

"Damn. I was looking forward to the screaming match. C'mon, get it started, Angelface," I said as I stopped at the stoplight and waited for the crosswalk. "Do you want me to start," I asked, then pulled the phone away and yelled.

Bringing the phone back to my face, I asked as the crosswalk lit up and I crossed the street, "How was that," I grinned.

"A 10. A fuckin' 10. Have you thought of being a Rockstar," she laughed.

I could almost hear the smile on her face, which made me laugh. Even if my throat killed me in the morning it was worth it.

"Hey, hang on a second. I want to send you something," I said as I put my phone on speaker and started the camera.

"Oh dear God, what now," she asked.

I took a short video of me sending her a kiss and sent it off. "Nothing bad."

"Ok, if you say so. Just not cool with unsolicited dick pics from strange men."

"I would not send you unsolicited dick pics, nor am I a stranger. Now, if you asked for them...Like a good girl," I started and looked over at Honey, who was looking at me with the 'better never do that' face. "Uh-oh."

"What?"

"I'm getting side eye."

She laughed and said, "I know just the look. It screams, 'You'd better not be sending photos of ANY part of your anatomy to my sister'."

"Yes," I laughed. "So how are you feeling? Better?"

"Much. Thank you."

"No problem. I'm here all week. Try the veal," I laughed. "Still want a drink," I asked.

"No. The laughs did it for me. Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Darling. So did you get the video I sent?"

"I did. That was very sweet. Thanks."

"You are very welcome, Pretty Lady. Well, we are back at the dorms."

"I should probably go then," she sighed.

"Just remember I am also available for Mitzvahs," I chuckled, which made her laugh. "Seriously, Sweetie, anytime you need a sounding board or a laugh fest, a screaming match or some naughty-Ow, Mother fucker!-I got smacked on my arm for that last bit. I am always here,"

"Thanks again. Until next time."

I paused and came VERY close to telling her how I felt but said, instead, "Again, you are welcome."

"Bye, Kihyun."

"Bye, Bryn," I breathed, then hung up.

Honey looked at me as he crossed his arms over his chest, "It took everything you had to not tell her 'I love you' didn't it?"

All I could do was nod and hope that my dreams tonight would be better than they had been.

As we got into the elevator, He said, "It was good hearing that you made her laugh."

"I love the sound of her laughter. Once I got her started, I didn't want her to stop. I think that she is just as funny as she is sweet."

"You do know that she will do one of two things, right?"

"What two things?"

"Either immediately send the money right back, or hang on to it and physically give you back every bit. She hates asking for help...of any kind," he said as he opened the door to our dorm.

"Yeah? Wonder why."

He just laughed, "Her ex-fiancée, ex-husband, and her father."

"What happened," I asked as I made us a pot of coffee.

"They all held every penny over her head. Her dad decided he wanted her out the minute she turned 18 and to do it, he threw her out the boat, so to speak. Said if she floated, she never needed help anyway; and if she sank, well, it was her own fault."

"That's abuse. Financial abuse."

"Yep. He was the kind to tell her everything she had was his, that she owned nothing; not even the clothes on her back. He comes from the 'I Own You' school of parenting. Her ex-fiancée would demand she work, then make her late, so she would lose any job she got. Then, he'd take any money she got paid and use it for crap he wanted rather than the bills she had it ear-marked for."

"Oh, tell me he didn't."

"Oh he did. Spent it on girls at the local under 21."

"Shit. He screwed around on her, didn't he?"

"Yep. Which is why if you ever think about cheating, I will castrate you myself," he growled.

Somehow I knew he would do it, and I would let him. "Don't have to worry about that. Can you tell me about her ex-husband?"

"That asshole was a piece of work. Emotionally, Mentally, and Fiscally abusive. The entire time they were together, he would pinch a penny until it died if it was something she needed, but she was expected to turn over her things and cash to him. She worked second shift in a factory; out of the house from half 1 to almost 1 am. He was in semi driver school at the time, racked up a HUGE amount of debt; I'm talking almost 40K. Constantly accused her of cheating when he had a different lot lizard every night. It's a miracle he never gave her anything."

I was disgusted by this guys behavior. To have a woman like her waiting at home and trying his best to break her.

"And that isn't even the worst of his offenses. He screamed at her one night while he was over the road, on training. She was at work, and he called her on her lunch break. The entire time, he screamed at her for having a cold sore and yelled about her cheating loud enough for her co-workers to hear. Her boss to tell her to turn off her phone; that he was tired of hearing that jerk yell at her. The guy he was learning with, told him that 'If I were her, I would be calling the lawyer first thing in the morning, after that shit.' He 'apologized' pretty quickly after that."

"Icky. I hope she ended it there."

"No. That girl has a ton of stay and No show. He ended up deployed to Egypt and told his brother about the girls there. Never thought his brother would run and tell her. She still didn't leave. You left a blister on her cheek one night and he threw her out in the snow."

"Stay and no show? I'm not sure I understand."

"Horse terms," came a voice from the doorway. I had forgotten Hoseok was staying with us while his apartment was getting the pipes fixed. "When a filly is learning to ride, it's said she is full of Show and no Stay. Meaning she looks good, but is too skittish to stand still. Sis--Well Sis may not look like much, but she has tons of loyalty to those who show her the same. She has the patience to play a 30 year long game, and the courage to weather ANY storm. But she has a problem knowing when to leave, and so she gets hurt."

"Hold up! He threw her out in the snow?!"

As Hoseok filled his own mug, he answered, "Yeah, he threw her out of the apartment in the middle of a snowstorm. Lucky her parents were in town. So if you start this with her, and you ever want out; you are gonna have to straight up tell her to go. She won't understand otherwise. She doesn't play games and has a tough time with subtly. So always be direct and honest with her."

I nodded taking it in. There was something I thought I wanted, so I asked, "How is her aegyo"

"If you are looking for overt aegyo, don't. Hers is subtle but she has got it in spades, and she doesn't even know it. It's in the way she plays, either with her guy or her kids," he said as he leaned against the counter, "It's in the subtle blush when you say or do something for her without her asking. It's in a compliment and the smiling eyes that comes with it. She has never had some of the things other girls take for granted, like a stolen kiss or flowers on her birthday. Other things, like those romantic gestures, she has only had once or twice. If I remember right, the last guy to 'play' was an FWB years and years ago, and that guy only stole one kiss, once," Honey replied.

"Don't expect her to run with girls. Most girls find her too harsh, too rough. She doesn't appreciate girls and their whiney, gossipy ways. She never wears makeup, and I have never once seen her with her nails painted. She is a guys-girl, a tom-boy through and through; wasn't made delicate. She is stronger than most people will ever know. However, her heart is extremely delicate, it's been broken and bruised so bad, even I wonder how she is still alive. So, let me tell you, right now," Hoseok said as he sat down his mug and leaned over the counter in my direction, "She may not be blood, but she is my sister."

"Hmm," I nodded. "You really don't have to worry about that," I replied. "How are you related to her again," I asked.

"Distant cousin. Her auntie married my mothers little brother, for all of five minutes. I am only gonna tell you this once, if you hurt that filly in ANY way; you wont walk again."

"Got it," I replied, cringing.

"You know that she won't ask for what she wants or needs. You are gonna need to be damned good at reading between the lines, cause she is so afraid that if she tells you what she needs, what she wants, you will do the same thing every one else has done," Honey said after a minute.

"Run," I answered nodding.

"Yep. Most men can't handle her intensity so they either run or try to turn her down to levels that they can handle without realizing that her fire isn't meant to be dimmed, but fed. She is gonna need you to be just as emotional as her, to show her that it is ok to feel again. She is very touch oriented, very tactile. So a lot of her feelings are touch related."

"I understand, Joey."

"You had better. The only reason I didn't beat the shit out of the other assholes, is that I wasn't there. If I had been, I would have had no problems with a few months in the county lock-up. And if Clark had tried that shit while I was there..."

"Really?"

"Yeah. See, the shit of it is, she fades into the background. She doesn't want all those things that other girls want. She isn't the kind to run or chase. She doesn't play games. She is also emotional. Ease into it. Don't try to love bomb her, she went through that shit with Clark and won't put up with it from you," Hoseok said, then turned to Joey, "Speaking of, did you hear what Lone Elm called him?"

Joey shook his head.

Hoseok grinned. "Elm called him a fuckin fishstick."

Joey started laughing, "Elm called him 'Fishstick'."

I looked back and forth between the two men who were holding themselves up on the counter while they laughed. "I don't get it. What-What's a fishstick?"

A hand landed on my shoulder from behind. I turned to see Changkhyun standing there, an amused look on his face.

"Fishsticks are only available in the States. They are mashed-up fish paste, about an inch wide by around six inches long, which is then breaded. Then, they are to be baked in an oven. Either they turn out soggy or they are hard as a rock; inedible either way. Which is good, because they are fuckin' gross. Nasty little things."

"Are they like the fish at Mickey's?"

"No," CK stated. "The fish there is actually decent. Fishsticks are generally served in school hot lunches on Fridays due either to religious reasons, or because they are cheap and can be purchased by the gross. At any rate, they are still inedible."

"Icky. How in the hell can people do that to their kids?"

"Not a clue. That was why I always took my lunch on Friday. Every Friday, the hot lunch was always the same thing; rock hard fishsticks, soggy tater tots, dehydrated-rehydrated mixed vegetables, and golden glow salad with mayonnaise on the top. It was the grossest meal I have ever seen in my entire life."

I shuddered to think of those poor kids. Forced to eat that nasty stuff.

After reading that, I was glad her kids never had to eat that. She fixed boxes for them. School lunches in the States sounded gross.

'Some things were ok.'

'I thought you took your lunch, Mami?'

'I did. My dad said cold lunch was cheaper. But, there was one day, once or twice a month, that I would get school lunch. They called it pork pattie day, but it was a breaded pork tenderloin on a bun. It was pretty decent. It was pretty gross the rest of the time, but that day wasn't too bad.'

'Have I watched you fix those before?'

'Not sure.'

'Are those the sandwiches where you beat the pork chops to nothing and then bread and fry them?'

'Yes.'

'Those do look pretty tasty,' I said as I dug around for what to fix the next day, so I could write it on the board. 'Hmm. Help, please. Can't figure out supper.'

'Whatcha got?'

'Hmmm. Some sausages, some tiny shrimp, and a package of chicken,' I said as I dug around in the freezer.

"You can use the shrimp and chicken in Gumbo.'

'It has been quite a while since I've had Gumbo. I've never made it before though.'

'Look it up. There are a million Gumbo recipes out there.'

'I think I will do that. Thanks, Baby. Have I told you, today, how awesome you are??'

'Yes, but I can always stand to hear it again,' she laughed.

A/N)--The above abuses......actually happened. First hand experience.

[uhgoodmoni]

Nothing That Lasts Forever

A BTS Horror Fanfiction

Warnings: Major Character Death, Blood, Demons, Fighting, Verbal and Physical Abuse, Mention of marijuana, Death, Cursing, Fire, Unintentional Self-harm, Gore. Yoongi's injury

Ao3 link - Wattpad link - Soundtrack

Trailer - ch1 - ch2 - ch3 - ch4 - ch5 - ch6 - ch7 - ch8 - ch9 

Chapter Seven: Joon’s Call

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER INVOLVES HEAVIER TOPICS, as the author I got stressed writing this so if you get anxious easily then I don’t suggest you read any further. The next few chapters are very heavy, especially if you don’t like to see our boys hurt. Please remember that I have tagged Major Character Death. Please remember that this is an act of fiction and I do not mean any harm with my work.

Last warning: I - your author, genuinely cried writing some of the next chapter(s). I'm still not trying to spoil anything but from here on out the story gets a lot more serious and heavy. I know I said I wouldn’t put warnings and author's notes but I think that if you want to finish the story you should know it's not an easy ride. Anyway, good luck.

Yoongi's POV

I look back, as I head out the door. The sky is already darkening. From the clouds maybe. Or maybe my sense of time is jumbled. I don’t know. I pull the phone out, keeping an eye on the bars as I move across the clearing. I stare back to the cabin, the yellow light of the living room shining through the windows. Through a few trees. The time says one pm. I shudder thinking of how it felt like only moments ago that Jungkook and I awoke. The chill from earlier still clings to the air, the clouds from yesterday have returned.

I ignore the tug of the cold. The tug of branches. The tug of guilt for leaving them behind. I hike up the path, staring ahead and not knowing what’s in the trees. Keep moving forward. Keep moving forward.

My legs ache as I reach the top of the path. Still no service. Keep moving forward. It has to work, we have no other choice. It needs to work. I reach the top of the hill, the wind chill hitting my body and giving me a breath of fresh air. Cool air, filling my lungs and relief fills me. The air here is different.

My knees buckle, and I take a seat, taking in as much as the air as I can. It feels good. The air here. Refreshing. It feels almost normal. I feel almost normal.

‘Ding’

My eyes twitch at the sound. My cell phone again. Thank god. It works. It really will work. There’s service here. I lift it up to my face, the screen lighting up enthusiastically, only at 10%. Three bars, enough for more texts to come through.

Joons “Hey, how’s it going?”

Joons “too busy having fun to answer?”

Joons “don’t make me worry too much why isn’t Jungkook or Hoseok answering either?”

I inhale deeply, desperately unlocking the phone, pulling his text open, and pressing call. My hand flings the phone to my ear, grateful to hear the ringing sound. A tear slips down my cheek.

“Please please,” I mumble, my lips sticking together from dehydration and dirt. “Joon answer.” clenching the phone, my butt lifts from the ground. Praying that standing would give me better service. “God come on,” knowing that praying is to no avail.

The ring ends short, a whir on the other end. I glance out to the trees below. The city horizon a blur in the distance. Fuck. I realize. No one is gonna help us. No one will find us in time. We are utterly and completely alone. I should have known. The hope drained from Hobi’s eyes. How have I maintained any? My fist flexes against the cold case of my phone. Unreliable piece of shit. Shit.

“Yoongi you there?” Joon’s voice echoes from the speaker. My whole body unclenches. Breath falling from my lungs, finally I can breathe out. His voice. I missed his voice. He knows what to say. I need him to say them. He will know how to help. He will know what to do. Namjoon. He can help. Please help.

“I…” the sound flys from me, escaping into the air, that feels so normal. I’m too overwhelmed to speak. It’s not normal.

“Hey, are you okay? There isn’t service? I thought you said that there was wifi?” He continues, the cool breeze blowing my own words away. What do I even say? I’m not even sure what’s happened myself. I don’t know anything. I’m so confused. I don’t want to die. I don’t even know if Hoseok or Jungkook will be okay. If they even are okay. “Damn I get it when Jungkook doesn’t answer but didn’t think I’d be lecturing you.” My face contorts at this. Hearing him speak so normally. It’s not normal. It’s not. God, please.

I’ve missed his voice.

“Joon.” My teeth grind together, finally speaking coherently, but still choked up. I flip back to the trail towards the cabin. Slowly getting darker there. Not another night. No. We are leaving tonight. We can get help before it gets dark.

He gives a short huff, “Okay. I’m listening.” His voice is smooth, and I know he knows something is wrong. He knows. He always knows. Trying not to sound stressed, not to elevate the situation. But I know. I know he’s worried. I know he’s close to… “Yoongi.” I know. I know.

“Pleas…” It cuts, the call ends, bars depleted. I swallow all the moisture left in my mouth. I’m unable to see the screen through my tears, phone held out in front of me. An awkward groan escapes my lips. “No…” my hands crawl into my abdomen as I wretch over. Nothing comes from my mouth. My hand still grasping the thing that failed me. “MOTHER FUCKER” My palms hit the dirt, saving my face from kissing it. My shoulder pangs at the sudden movement.

I frantically wipe my eyes, glancing down to my phone, at 3 percent now. “What the fuck.” I whisper, pulling myself into a seated position. Tree’s shadows disappearing in the haze. Wherever the sun was, it had been going down. Time. I look to the clock. Eight pm. Lies and fucking bullshit. I don’t understand. Lies. I blink at my tears, falling, falling. Eight pm. Fuck. How can it be possible? Another moan crawls from my throat.

“Stupid motherfucker.” I whisper to the phone, staring down at it, laying in front of me. “FUCK.” My head lifts to the sky, voice shaking. My fingers slide across the grass, searching. A rock finds my hands. “FUCK,” I bring it down once. “FUCK,” Twice. “FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.” Over and over.

Rolling to the side, the stone has done its job, making the useless, even more… useless. My palms are scraped, one nail broken. I guess I should go back to them. I shouldn’t leave Hobi alone while Jungkook is incapacitated.

I shouldn’t have.

Picking myself up, my feet follow the trail back. Its getting darker and darker. My eyes are tired. The clock. Ticking. Not that it mattered. We’re fucked. Would it really matter if I made it back or not? One pm or eight pm. Too late.

“Yoongi!” A cry comes from ahead. It’s desperate.

Too late

“Yoongi!” My eyes lift to the yellow lights from the cabin windows. I don’t remember walking all the way back. “YOONGI” My eyes widen as I realize Hoseok is shrieking. Why did I become tired? Why did I slow? My hopelessness is getting the better of me. Fuck. I fling my feet ahead, dashing to the open door.

“Hoseok?” I speak into the chilled air. The living room is void of his presence. My eyes fall to the floor, Jungkook where I left him. Shivering and unconscious. Shit. Shit. Not again. I can’t see him like that again. “Hobi?” I call out into the house, all the lights still on.

“Yoon..” Jungkooks muttering makes me jump, but I quickly go to his side. He’s pale, hands cold as I grip them. I shouldn’t have gone. We should have figured something out together. His eyes flutter open, looking over me oddly.

I swallow removing my hands from his. “What’s something only you would know about me?” Now this question was starting to make sense. After Hoseok…”

With a blink, he repeats the same from earlier, “You talked to me when I was feeling sad” he releases a weak chuckle, “after Jin Hyung was talking about enlistment…” He starts with a frown.

My jaw clenches, interrupting him; “Something else.”

“What?”

“Something else, Koo.” I repeat firmly. He wouldn’t say the same thing twice… It’s not right. That’s something obvious to me.

“I…” His eyes glance over me again, scanning over slowly. “I can't,” He speaks clearly, sitting up to face me. My breath is surely hitting his nose but I feel no air from his lungs. His chest isn’t moving either.

“Koo.” My eyes widen, as a grin fills his face.

His head tilts slightly, “Who’s Koo?” it cooes, licking its lips. I flip, starting to push myself up, but a strong grip finds my wrist. It yanks me closer, squeezing, too tight.

“Ahh,” I cry out, pulling with my free arm at his tattooed hand. It holds me close. Staring me down. The A on his knuckle, completed. It isn’t Jungkook. That I am sure of. “Stop,” I whine, the hand maintaining strength in holding me to it. Why? Why is it doing this? This pain? This fear? The itch, the silence.

It blinks, pushing itself up from the ground, twisting my wrist up with him. “Where is he?” I spit up at him, still on my knees. “Where is Jungkook?”

It shows teeth, rotting, and a slimy green. “Who?” it chuckles, lifting me up to stand next to him. I wince as its nails dig into my wrist, reaching at my right hip with the opposite hand. “Koo?” It mocks, digging its nails there too.

“You fuck!” I cough, slamming my free palm against its arm. Nails piercing my side, I kick at him. “Stop, stop, stop.” I cry, looking desperately over my friend. Or really just something that looks like him. Kicking at his legs weakly. Even the real Jungkook is stronger than me, but this is a new strength.

“Stop stop stop.” It whines, faking its tone. “You…” I stare into his eyes, bloodshot, as its mouth hangs open, an unfinished sentence hanging in the air. “Fuck!” It screeches, lifting me into the air. My legs dangling, swinging at his body.

“Jungkook STOP.” Tearing at his wrist, I glance around the room, the lights flickering. The claws relieve themselves from my flesh, shoving his palm into my chest, my back making contact with the wall. Glass shatters around me, the gold-rimmed mirror hitting the floor with my body. “Aghah.” I give a groan, my wrist already weakened, catching my fall. I choke out a breath as the rest of my body finds the wooden panels of the floor. My lips purse together, no air in my lungs, a pressure deep in my ribcage. Broken? Bruised? The strong force of his push makes way to a pain in my chest. The glass, sharp beneath my fingers, as I feel around. Screwing my eyes shut, I search for a breath. But there is none. No air in the room. My hand presses into my chest, struggling to breathe, glass pressing into the print of my fingers.

“Jungkook STOP.” It screams right back, A deafening pitch, making me drive my forehead into the wood. My limbs spread out across the floor, hands fumbling at the wall not getting a grasp. I wince, my shoulder blades aching in pain already. The bad shoulder, already showing signs of pain I’ve felt over the years.

Before I get a chance to look up, fingers curl themselves in my hair, ripping upwards. I sob, staring up at an unrecognizable body, through the tears and the mishapeness. Breath finally finding itself painfully into my lungs. Air forcefully shoved down my throat as I suck in as much as I can.

“I don’t know who that is” The thing says plainly, a thumb crossing my forehead. Letting out a hack, I squirm to no release. With a firm grip on the back of my neck it lifts me to my feet once more. The bruises forming on my back tender as it presses me into the wall, hand snaking around my throat. Already struggling to breath I tug at his arm, tattoos blending in a mesh of flesh.

“What the fuck…” I gag, my tiptoes holding up my body. Blood streams from the ducts of his eyes, skin a ghostly pale. “Jungg..” It squeezes harder, the pressure just relieved forming again in my chest. “Wake” Kicking at his legs, “up.” No reaction, only increasing the pressure on my throat. Oh god. Please. Jungkook wake up. Still, tears stream down my face. Is he even there any more? The smirk on his face tells me no. If he is, his empathy would bring him back. He cares too much for others. Other’s tears bring a flood of his own. Why is this happening to us? Will I die? No, I can’t die. I don’t want to.

“Jungkook…” I struggle, “We have to go home.” blood stained eyes blinking, running them down over me in constant observation. “For our brothers, for the lives we lead.” With this plea the grip lessens slightly. He’s there? It has to be possible. “There’s so many people out there waiting for us to come home.” It smirks, tightening its grip once more.

Jungkook is gone.

Freely the tears fall, his hand clamping down. More and more. “Koo..”

At this rate I will be too.

I feel helpless. It’s strength is immeasurable. Still, it wasn’t instantly snapping my neck. Pain and suffering must bring it some sort of satisfaction. The tears that I let go. If only I could hold them in. Hobi might still be out there and I won’t be there to help him. He has to be terrified, what if he already is gone too? Why the fuck did I leave him? I’m so stupid. I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have.

“Hoba, I’m so sorry…” I blubber, barely keeping my eyes open.

From the side hallway, a body. Slowly I peer over, seeing Hobi, safe and alive. He’s sliding across the wall, hand over his mouth, tears streaming down his face. We make eye contact, him nodding slowly as he creeps closer, limping.

I squeeze my eyes shut, gulping. Shoving my legs out at Jungkook. No oxygen left in my body. Please. I kick and kick. Not really doing anything against the figure holding me in place.

“Let him go.” Hoseok screeches, taking a jump against Jungkook. All three of us fall to the floor. Gasping for air again. Still a shadow of a grip is left on my throat. Air returns to my lungs suddenly, and I try to look up at the others.

Jungkook, huffs, flipping on top of Hobi and punching him straight in the face. Hard. Too hard. I sniffle, barely able to see, but I shuffle my hands, reaching for a piece of glass from the shattered mirror. Jungkook’s hands form around Hobi’s throat who isn’t fighting back. The glass pricks at my palms.

My knees struggle to lift me up, but unbalanced I stand over Jungkook. He is gone. It’s not him. He would never hurt Hobi. He would never hurt me. He is gone. My hand tightens around the long glass, piercing my palm, raising it over him. It’s not him. I shake, crying hard, as I bring it down into his back. He’s already gone. I press it deeper into him, my palms screaming from the slits. It’s not him. You needed to get Hobi. I choke out, shoving the large limp body off of Hoseok.

“It’s not him.” I wail, pressing my bloody hands to my eyes. “Not him.” I curl back down next to Hoseok who is breathing heavily. I can’t look back up, not at him. Not at the body. But it is him. It was. He is still in there. And I took any chance of him getting back. I ended him. I killed him. I squeeze my hands, blood pouring from them.

I killed Jungkook.

[cilldaracailin]

The Show Must Go On

Hello my Tumlbr Lovelys!

Here is the next past of this story. I feel like a broken record but I will say it again and again. Thank you so much for all the love and support and comments and likes for this story and my whole Robyn and Taron series!

Hope you all enjoy this one.

Suze xx

4

“I feel sick. I’m devastated and very angry at the same time. I don’t know how I feel”

Taron was so exhausted his couldn’t open his eyes and he felt he was just slumped across Robyn and felt so guilty for just laying so helplessly against her but he desperately needed the comfort. His cough still consumed him, coming hard and fast at times, his hands shaking with the vigour of his shuddering body. He had no concept of time passing and with his eyes closed he couldn’t even tell if the sun was starting to rise or not. Robyn kept her hands on his back the whole time he lay on her and it was a touch he was so thankful for. He thought he might have drifted off, praying he would sleep so he could get even a little relief but sleep evaded him and as the late night or early morning wore on, he felt increasingly worse. Even Robyn’s cool hand on his cheek and a fingertip on his nose had no use in trying to distract him from how terrible he felt. Although earlier in the evening his stomach has settled, now it churned and rumbled painfully and he found himself swallowing more than once, his body turning a little so he wasn’t laying as tightly against Robyn, her own body adjusting under him too and as Robyn’s hands went to wrap around his waist, he suddenly felt a nasty turn in his stomach and sprung from his place in her arms on the bed and dashed for the bathroom, slamming the door behind him as he vaulted for the toilet, his knees locked around the bowl, his whole body heaving with hurtful thrusts as he vomited up nothing but air at first and then acidy green bile from his empty stomach. It burned his throat and the pain at his temples increased with each sickly heave. He was gasping and gulping for breath between each spasm and gripping the porcelain tight as his sweaty palms slid down the toilet bowl.

Robyn thought Taron was going to sleep, hoping his chosen position would appease some of his uneasiness. As the night wore on, his cough was definitely hindering any chance of rest for him and as the deep red curtains became lighter, Robyn had given up hopes on him sleeping. He moved to lay more on his side, rather than having all of his weight on his stomach and she watched as his eye brows frowned, his eyes creased and his breathes became a little quicker and he was out of her arms and in the bathroom before she could blink or even get up after him.

The slammed door, made her jump a little and grabbing his phone, she scrambled off the bed to follow him, standing at the closed door, groaning as she heard the sound of him throwing up, not that he had much to throw up, his lack of appetite and interest in taking any fluids, probably making his current nauseous state so much worse. Robyn knew if she knocked, he would tell her stay out of the bathroom, so she opened the door and peeked around, seeing him wrapped around the toilet on his hunkers. She stepped into the bathroom and walked over to the sink, not being extra quiet or making any more noise than normal. She didn’t want to surprise or startle him and grabbed one of the larger hand towels from the rail. She had already used all of the facecloths and just needed something to wash him down with. She wet the entire cotton under a mixture of both the hot and cold tap and squeezed the lukewarm water out as best she could. She couldn’t hear him throwing up any more, but he still knelt at the bowl, breathing quickly.

“Taron?”

“Don’t Robyn.” He muttered, his forehead resting on the seat of the toilet. “Please.”

Even though he had begged his friend, he felt her beside him and heard the toilet flush and then the wonderful cooling of a towel on his back. He stayed as he was on shaky legs, not trusting his stomach at the moment. The sickly feeling had passed but he was worried to move in case it came back. He felt the towel move and the warm body of Robyn right behind him as she hugged him from behind.

“It’s ok Taron.” She gave his shoulder a little kiss. “Just tell me when you are ok to move.”

He didn’t say anything but once he felt ready, moved a little, almost falling back into Robyn’s arms, sitting on her lap, his head under her chin as he lay right against her chest, his legs sprawled out in front of him in-between the bath and toilet bowl, while Robyn leant her back against the bath.

“Robyn?”

“Yeah hunni?”

“I’m sick.”

“Sweetheart I know that.” She answered him rubbing his back lightly.

“I need to see a doctor.” He whispered. “I feel shit.”

“So, I can ring Lyndsey and ask her to organise that for you?” She asked into his hair.

“Please.”

Robyn picked up his phone from where she had left it on the ground as she carefully sponged his back. She swiped the screen and once in his contacts, found Lyndsey’s number and called it.

“Robyn.”

“Hey Lyndsey.”

“Well?”

“Can you ring that doctor for me?” She asked his publicist.

“Already on it Robyn. Let me call you back.”

Lyndsey hung up before Robyn did and she placed the phone back down beside her. She then placed her chin gently on Taron’s head as he slouched against her, his right arm caught between their bodies, his left cradling his stomach. She felt him move and thought he was heading for the toilet again but instead pulled his knees up to chest and turned his body so he was leaning more into her, his knees resting against the bath tub beside her shoulder. He had officially hit rock bottom and Robyn didn’t say anything to him, just held him lightly against her.

It was less than five minutes when Taron’s phone rang and Robyn answered it.

“Appointment made.”

“That’s great. Thank you Lyndsey.”

“She will be with you in fifteen minutes.”

Robyn’s head lifted from Taron’s. “What?” She questioned. “How?”

“I said it was an emergency and she is an actual out of hours doctor.”

“Lyndsey!” Robyn exclaimed. “You’re a star.”

“She is used to getting calls like the one I made and had just finished with another patient in her office. She was happy to come over to in-between appointments.”

“But how?” Robyn asked again.

“Her office is beside the pharmacy which is just down the street from the hotel and when I explained how ill Taron was, she honestly was available and said she would come to his room to check him over. I might have made it sound worse than it was.”

“I don’t think you actually could Lyndsey.” Robyn said quietly into the phone.

“Not good?” Lyndsey countered.

“Not at all. Thank you for getting him the doctor.”

“We will see you in fifteen. I will bring her over and don’t worry if you hear the door click and unlock. I keep the spare key card, just in case Taron would sleep through his alarm.”

“Thanks Lyndsey.”

The phone called ended and Robyn could feel the relief leave her body as at last, a professional was getting involved to care for Taron and he would be given the medicine he needed to help him feel better.

“Doctors is on the way Taron with Lyndsey.”

The Welshman didn’t answer but nodded into Robyn’s shoulder. He was thoroughly embarrassed beyond belief and as he sat shivering in her arms, he had given up. His whole body ached, his stomach stung, ribs burned and his head felt like someone was stabbing him with an out of tune trumpet and every swallow scalded his blistered throat. He couldn’t ever remember feeling so ill and he didn’t think he was ever going to feel like himself again. For the first time since he had been laying against Robyn, he could feel a change in her heart beat and it was racing in her chest and he knew his normal calm wonderful Robyn was really rattled and worried about him and even if her outside didn’t show it, her heart gave her concerns away. He turned his head as he heard her phone ring.

“Shit Taron, sorry. I thought I had put it on silent. I must have knocked it to sound earlier.”

“Go and answer it.” He said, his voice barely audible.

“It’s ok. Whoever it is, can leave a message.”

“Robyn go and answer it. I will be ok for a few seconds as you get your phone.”

Taron let himself plop onto the cold bathroom tiles between Robyn’s legs so she could ease herself up from under him and once she had moved away from him, he lay against the bathtub.

Robyn walked quickly to the bedside locker, kicking herself for somehow turning off silent mode on her phone as she had checked it through the night. She caught a glimpse of the screen and shouldn’t have been surprised to see that it was Emma calling her. The time on the top left of the screen told her that it was near eight in the morning and this was her phone call from her manager to find out where they would be meeting for the start of their second day at the conference.

“Hey Emma.”

“Have a good sleep?”

“Define sleep.”

“I am sure you both had a wonderful sleep laying together on that large bed in his master suite, top floor of the fanciest hotel on Paris.”

Robyn cringed. “Not quite.”

“So, will I meet you at the little coffee shop before nine? I know I will need a coffee before today starts.”

“Emma…”

“Don’t Robyn. Don’t even try to ‘Emma’ me. I let you go yesterday because we both knew that last lecture was of no use to us but not today. You are committed to this conference. Paid for and everything and you cannot miss today to be with Taron because he has man flu. I expect you outside the conference centre in fifty minutes, ready and fresh faced to face the day.”

“Emma…”

Robyn’s head turned as she heard Taron cough, another one of those incredibly deep and painful ones that always had him crippled over in anguish.

“Robyn? Robyn!” Emma was quickly getting annoyed with her co-worker, even more so when she wasn’t answering her. “Robyn Quinn!”

Robyn made her way quickly back into the bathroom to see Taron sitting in a ball on the floor, rocking back and forth, overcome by his cough. She knelt behind him, leaving her phone on the tiled floor beside his and wrapped her arms around him.

Any movement just seemed to trigger and aggravate his cough and as Robyn walked out of the bathroom, Taron could feel a cough traveling from deep inside him and though he tried to keep it in, that decision backfired on him and he spluttered and gasped, moving to sit with his knees against his chest, his arms around his knees as he coughed into his chest. Two loving arms slipped around his body, a cool forehead resting on the back of his neck. He hadn’t been listening to the conversation Robyn was having but he could hear someone calling her name and one of her hands left his body.

“Emma.” Robyn picked up the phone.

“Stay with him.” Robyn sighed into the hot skin of Taron’s neck as Emma’s tone had softened. “That is more than man flu. He sounds terrible.”

“He is desperately ill Emma.”

“Then stay with him.”

“His publicist has organised a doctor to come. I am just waiting for them to arrive. When Lyndsey gets here and the doctor has seen Taron and he is settled I will come to the conference. It will be probably be closer to ten.”

“Robyn stay with him and just be there for him.”

“Emma I can be at the conference. Just a little later than planned.”

“I am telling you to stay with him.”

“But it’s my work Emma.”

“And I have no problem with your work Robyn. You are a hard worker, always on time and give your everything and more to every child and staff member in the crèche. You never and rarely do anything for yourself, so stay with him.”

“Staying with him is for him though, not for me.”

“Robyn it is as much for you as it is for him, even more so. That man means everything to you and I haven’t seen you give your all to a man like this before and it honestly sounds like he needs you to look after him.”

“Emma, I can’t miss this conference. You paid for it.”

“Well actually I didn’t pay for it.” Emma chuckled. “It was paid for by the childcare committee because you were giving the presentation so I guess when you think about it, you have already done your part. People were asking where you were yesterday at the nibbles and drinks. They wanted to pick your brains.”

“You actually went to that?” Robyn asked as she moved position to sit against the bath again, Taron had stopped coughing and she guided him into her body in a slightly awkward sideways cuddle, his head going to her shoulder.

“Well my partner in crime left me for a man which by the way although he is quite obviously ill, I am all for. Just look after him. Call me later and let me know if you will be on the flight in the morning or plan to take holidays to stay with him for the rest of the week until after your fancy event next week.”

“That’s if he makes the fancy event.” Robyn kissed Taron’s head as he gripped her right arm tight. “Thanks Emma.”

“He a good one Robyn.” Emma replied. “Call me.”

“I will.”

Robyn ended the call and placed her phone on the tiles. “Lift yourself a little bit rocketman and you can be a bit more comfortable.”

With the last ounce of energy, he used his left hand to lift his weight so he could sit on the floor in-between Robyn’s legs, his laying over her right leg, his head now resting on her left shoulder, his forehead resting against her cheek. “You really seem to have the best manager.” He closed his eyes as her right hand went to his face, her left arm around his back.

“I think she has a soft spot for you.” Robyn answered him.

“Or heard me coughing.”

“Or heard you.”

“You can go Robyn. When Lyndsey is here, you can go. I will be ok.”

“Let’s worry about that later ok.”

Taron nodded meekly against her. It seemed like he had just managed to sit comfortably, when Robyn’s head turned as she heard the click of the card key in his hotel door.

“Robyn?”

“In the bathroom.” She called as she heard Lyndsey’s voice.

“The bathroom?”

Robyn kept her face buried in Taron’s hair knowing she would hear the reaction from his publicist, not wanting to actually see it.

“Jesus Christ Taron!”

Taron took to coughing hard as Lyndsey and the doctor walked in, Robyn watching from the corner of her eye as a middle-aged female doctor followed Lyndsey into the bathroom.

“And this is Taron.” A sweet French accent echoed through the bathroom. “Not feeling well is he?” Robyn nodded as the doctor crouched down beside them. “Men huh? Always leave everything to the last minute or refuse to accept help when needed. My name is Chloe.” She placed her black bag on the floor and held her hand out to shake Robyn’s. “And you are Robyn.”

Robyn was so glad for the soothing and calm tones of the doctor because she felt Taron’s whole-body recoil at Lyndsey’s reaction to seeing him in bits on the floor in her arms. The doctor leaned around Taron and placed a soft hand on his shoulder. “Hello Taron. It is ok if I examine you?” The doctor caught the smallest of nods. She placed one hand on the back of his neck and the other on his forehead, frowning, feeing him jump a little at the new contact to his skin. “Lyndsey was telling me you haven’t been feeling well for a few days.” Another nod. “Yesterday was the worst day so far?”

“Yeah.” Taron answered quietly a small cough coming from his parted lips.

“I am just going to listen to your chest.” She took out her stethoscope from her bag. “This will be a little cold on your back.” Once placed, she asked Taron to breath and she frowned at the pathetic intake of air he took. “A little deeper please Taron.”

Taron no more wanted to take a deep breathe but did as he was asked and as he knew he would, broke into a fit of coughing and struggled to catch his breath.

Chloe took the opportunity of his unpleasant discomfort to listen carefully to his lungs and heart, another frown filling her face. She was beginning to understand why his friends were very worried about his condition.

“Robyn you think you can get him to turn around and face forward?”

With some coaxing and a lot of encouragement, Robyn got Taron to spin around and sit in-between her legs, his back against her chest and as he battled with his cough again, Chloe took advantage of his coughing and placed her stethoscope on his chest, listening to every nasty pull of breath he made. She knelt back on her heels and watched as Robyn whispered to him, his face in obvious pain as he struggled but he caught his breathe and calmed himself down, not without effort though. She could hear the wheezing sound he made and how his arms tightened around his body.

“Is your throat sore?” Chloe asked him, watching him nod. “Is it ok if I feel your throat?” Given permission with a second nod, Chloe moved her hands to Taron’s neck and sighed. Swollen glands met her fingers. “And open for me?” She gently touched his chin and as he opened his mouth, she pulled her medical flashlight from her bag and shone it down his throat. “Ok you can close.” She turned off the light. “Runny nose?” She asked, both Taron and Robyn nodding. “And have you been coughing all night?”

“All night.”

“Has it been worse than the one I heard?” Chloe asked Robyn.

“Yeah it has been horrible. You can hear it right here.” Robyn placed her hand on the middle of his chest.

“Has it been painful for him?”

“Very much so.”

“Around his ribs and side of chest.”

“Yeah.”

“And general ache and pains in his body? Headache? Feeling tired and more tired than normal. Lindsey was explaining to me about his work.”

“Yeah. Just exhausted and so warm.” Robyn agreed. “I have tried to cool him down over the night with cold compresses but it’s not really working at all. He has been really sweating and he has been sick.”

Chloe’s face turned pitiful for the young man in front of her. “Has he eaten anything?”

“No but I have been trying to get him to drink and he has taken some sips of water and a sports drink.”

“I am just going to listen to his chest again.” Chloe had Taron breathe in and out many times, over and over even when he coughed with the effort and listened very carefully to his chest and back. “Have you managed to get any painkillers into him at all?”

Robyn nodded. “Lyndsey the things you got me are on the desk.” Still taking in the scene before her, slightly shocked at how terrible Taron looked, Lyndsey nodded and left the bathroom and came back with the packet of tablets and cough bottle handing them to the doctor. “He has had four of the tablets and eight teaspoons of the cough bottle.” Robyn explained

Chloe nodded looking at the tablets. She placed them on the floor and sat back on her heels, watching as the young man lay back against Robyn. “Do you think we could get him to move to the bed?”

“Sure of course.” Robyn placed her hands on Taron’s back and with him leaning forward a little, she could get to her feet again and once Chloe was to her feet and moved back, Robyn stepped in-between Taron’s legs. “Ok hunni, let’s get you to your feet.” Robyn gripped his two hands and with energy she didn’t know he had, got himself to his feet, her hand going around his waist. They walked to the bed and once he was sitting up amongst the pillows, Chloe sat beside him.

“You are about this close to hospital admittance Taron. You have a very bad chest infection which is boarding on pneumonia but you are not quite there yet.” Robyn moved to sit the other side of Taron as he listened to the doctor. “I don’t want to have to admit you to hospital.”

“I can’t. I am working.”

“And that is what Lyndsey said you would say to me. Well here is what I am going to say. We don’t treat this now; you will end up in hospital. You need at least five if not seven days away from work, just resting and sleeping but I know you are not going to agree to that.” Taron shook his head while Robyn scowled at him.

“Taron, pneumonia is serious.”

“Robyn…”

“I knew you were brewing something. You have been so tired lately.”

“He’s been feeling off for a while?” Chloe asked.

“Last four weeks or so. He has just been more tired than usual when I have seen him.”

Chloe nodded. “Just tired? No coughing or hint of a cold?”

“Just tired.”

“It’s because I was working Robyn.” Taron interrupted. “Just work and we only saw each other twice and both times I was straight over to you from working or off a plane. Naturally I would be tired.” He tried to protest, coughing once he had finished. “I wasn’t ill. This only started on Wednesday”

Robyn scowled at him. “It’s been something festering inside you though. I knew it on St Patricks Day.”

“I was working right up until I got on the plane to come and see you for St Patrick’s Day.”

Lyndsey took a step closer to Robyn and placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “He has been working hard. It’s been a busy few weeks. He would normally get run down, maybe a slight cold but nothing to this extent but Taron it hasn’t helped when you ignore the fact that you felt so rotten.”

“Great another woman ganging up on me.” Taron thew his head back onto the headboard behind him, groaning as the movement caused a tortuous twinge travel behind his eyes.

The doctor looked to Robyn. “Sometimes a chest infection can take a while to completely settle in and it’s a combination of factors, like his tiredness and constant hard working which can leave his body more susceptible to infection and illness. Yes it hasn’t helped him ignoring it but I am going to give Taron some very strong antibiotics which will clear his chest infection up and within twenty-four hours he will be feeling a lot better.”

“And then he will go back to work and get ill all over again.”

“I have to promote the movie Robyn.”

“And then walk through the cold in London to get sick all over again. I am not having you be ill again Taron.” Robyn insisted. “I can’t watch you feeling like this again.”

Lyndsey felt like she was watching a tennis game as the Taron and Robyn fired statements back and forth across the bed, both getting annoyed with each other, both so emotionally involved with each other. “Ok can we just listen to the doctor for a second.”

“Thanks Lyndsey.” Chloe turned to the young woman who sat beside her patient. “I understand your concerns Robyn. He is borderline pneumonia. Hasn’t reached there yet. I only told him that to help him see how ill he has gotten but I have come down to the diagnosis that it’s a bad chest infection and can be cleared in a week with some antibiotics and I am going to prescribe him some stronger ones.” The doctor placed her leather bag on the bed. “And I am going to start him on them now.” Chloe routed through her bag. “Taron, you are very ill and I will insist that you do not return to work until Wednesday at the earliest.”

“I fly back to London on Wednesday.” He croaked. “And to Norway on Tuesday for more promotion.”

Chloe stopped routing through her bag. “Well you are busy, aren’t you? If you want to attend your premier on Friday in good health, you are going to have to sacrifice something.” She glanced to Robyn who looked very concerned. “I would advise that you try and change that flight to Norway to a flight to London, rest up and attend the premier in good form and health.” She saw his face fall. “I am sure your publicist can rearrange your interviews for another time after the premier.”

“I am back to work for a new movie on Monday.” Taron groaned.

“Really busy. No wonder you are so poorly.” Chloe stopped routing through her bag. “Let me guess when you arrive back to London, you have two days of interviews too before the premier?”

Taron nodded, feeling tears in the corner of his eyes at the thoughts of letting so many people down again. Robyn saw the change in his face and knew what he was thinking so she got to her knees and crawled up onto the bed beside him. “No one is going to think anything like what you are Taron. They are not going to think that you are doing this on purpose.”

“Why would he do this on purpose?” Chloe asked.

“Something happened last year to us where Taron was out of work for two months and this promotion is very important to him to prove to those around him that he worked his arse off to get his movie finished.” Robyn explained. “He feels a stupid amount of pressure to be on top form and promote the shit out of the movie.”

“He won’t be working on his new movie on Monday if he pushes himself any harder.” The doctor routed in her bag again. “I can sign him out and enforce it but I would rather he accepted the fact for himself. He won’t be fit for work until at least Thursday and that’s at a push provided he does nothing for the next three days except sleep and rest.”

Taron’s head still pounded and as he took to coughing again, he was desperate to feel Robyn’s touch of comfort and when at first, he thought she was too annoyed at him to even think about it, he felt her move closer to him so their legs were touching, a gentle hand on his knee. He had been looking forward to the premier since he had asked her, since he knew he was going to ask her and having another sneak peek at the dress Stella had organised for Robyn, he wanted to be able to walk down the red carpet with her, to bring her to another one of his events, to spend three days with her. “Lyndsey…”

“I will sort it all Taron. I just want you to get better for Friday.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

“So, I will take that as a yes then?” Asked the doctor, her French accent a little sharper than it had been. Not waiting for an answer, she continued. “Ok. Fantastic. Any allergies I should know of?” Taron shook his head. “Ok I will write up a prescription of amoxicillin for you along with some painkillers which will work quickly but I don’t want to be lulled into thinking you are better Taron. Although you will feel better, you still need to rest and not go back to work until that cough is completely cleared up. You need the time to sleep and let your body recover. If you try to push yourself, you will see for yourself how quickly you find yourself back in this position, something I don’t think you want.”

Taron felt Robyn give his knee another squeeze. “You won’t be letting anyone down Taron. You can’t sit through long days of constant talking when you feel like this. You have already completed three weeks of promotion and got through most of the interviews today.”

“I have another country to visit and then the ones in the UK on Thursday and Friday.” He kept his eyes glanced down and it was Robyn’s hands on his cheeks, lifting his head to make him look at her, that took his gaze away from his chest.

“Florida wasn’t your fault Taron and you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Kingsman is going to do that on its own. You told me last time you saw me that I need to look after myself, well you do too. Seems I just might be better at doing it though.”

“Again you’re better at something.” He whispered.

“You have worked your arse off so far. I have watched all the interviews and it is so blatantly clear you have given everything you have to the promotion and the movie, so much so you are close to being admitted to hospital. Chloe has said three days of pure rest and sleep. That brings you to Wednesday. Get back to London and rest up Wednesday and I am sure Lyndsey can reorganise some of your interviews for Thursday.”

“You are coming to see me Thursday.”

“Not until Thursday afternoon and I already know you are busy Friday morning and afternoon before the premier. You can get some easy promotion in but only some. Not constant interviews and photoshoots. You can’t help it if you are sick and ill Taron, tired beyond exhaustion. You want to be ready for shooting on Monday, you have to compromise somewhere along the line.” Robyn rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs, wiping a tear the rolled down his right cheek. “You need to stop feeling responsible for the filming of the movie being suspended. You have done a tremendous job with Matthew and all the crew to get Kingsman ready for release this week and I am so proud of what you have done and so is Lyndsey and your family and no one will think any less of you if you need to stop and breathe and take care of yourself.” She hated the pain in his eyes and the effort it took him to keep them open. Leaning in, she kissed his forehead. “Please listen to the doctor Taron.” She spoke against his heated head.

Taron lifted his hands and placed them on her back, guiding her to him for an uncoordinated hug. “Ok.”

“Thank you.” Robyn kissed his cheek this time and moved away from him. “I will stay with you all day today and tonight too.”

“You have to fly home.”

“My flight is early tomorrow morning. Emma and I didn’t want to have to rush for a flight this evening so we leave at six am tomorrow to be back in Dublin for early morning. I am staying with you until I have to go.”

“Your conference...”

“Do I need to tell you how much more important you are to me than a bloody conference?” She interrupted him. “Always you.” She whispered. Moving a little back from him, she turned to Chloe and nodded.

“I get the feeling you two have been through something awful together.” The young woman nodded but didn’t offer any more information about it. “So, we are agreed to rest and sleep Taron?” She saw his little nod of agreement. Chloe turned to Lyndsey. “And you can fix his schedule?”

“I will have it sorted by the end of the today.”

“Perfect. Once he takes his medication and rests up for the next three days, he will be ok to fly back to London and then only on Thursday and only if he has immensely improved can go back to work, easing himself back in. I would even feel better if he could get an appointment with his own doctor in London for a second check over just to be sure.”

“I will sort it all for him.” Lyndsey assured the doctor.

“And no late partying at the premier.” Chloe added with the hint of a smile to Taron. “Though I am sure if Robyn is going with you, she will have you in bed by nine.”

Robyn smiled. “Might have to sneak out of the theatre then.” She said.

“You have a good group of friends around you young sir. You are lucky. Not everyone has so many people who care so deeply about them.” Chloe turned her attention to her leather bag once more. “So, I will prescribe you some strong antibiotics which will work to clear the infection but in order the give you some relief right now as the tablets take some time to kick in, I am going to give you an injection. Two actually.” Taron had been looking at his hands but once he heard the word injection he looked up. “Let me guess, not too fond of needles?”

“Not that. I don’t mind them but an injection?”

Chloe pulled out a pair of gloves and put them on before she took out a sealed syringe. “I want to give you something that is going to help ease that infection developing in your lungs and most important bring down that burning temperature. I can give you a shot of amoxicillin that will act immediately and I have a liquid painkiller too that will give you instant relief which will help you sleep. You need some sleep and I don’t think you’d be on form for taking tablets with your throat so sore.”

Taron looked to Robyn and then to Lyndsey, wide eyes tired and sore from being awake for two nights straight. “Alright. Whatever you need to do.”

“Robyn and I can give you some privacy Taron.” Lyndsey said, as she took a step away from the bed.

“You can both stay if you would like. I am going to administer it in his hip.” Chloe pulled a small glass bottle from her bag. Giving antibiotic’s through a needle was not something she had to do very often, most patients well enough to start their course of medicine in a tablet form but sometimes, her patients were terribly ill and needed a shot which would act fast and help alleviate symptoms much quicker than a tablet, Taron pushing himself to that point.

“I think I might go and call Matthew.” Lyndsey started to walk away from the bed. “Let him know what is going on. I know he is worried.”

Robyn looked to Taron as she walked away and towards the door.

“Lyndsey doesn’t like needles.” He explained.

“Robyn you can go too. It won’t take me too long to give him these two injections.”

“I am good. I don’t mind needles.”

“Great. You can keep him still for me. Taron can you lay down on your side for me please. Either side, I don’t mind at all.”

“You ok with me staying?” Robyn asked Taron seeing a little alarm in his eyes at having to get an injection.

“Please don’t go anywhere.”

Robyn nodded and Taron slowly rolled onto his right side to face her. He closed his eyes and moaned as his chest tightened and he coughed. Robyn placed a hand on his shoulder and watched as Chloe opened the sealed needle and stabbed the small glass bottle and sucked the liquid up into the needle.

“Taron it will pinch.” Chloe simply explained. “But it will give you almost instant relief.”

“Sure.” He looked to Robyn and saw her eyes glued to what Chloe was doing, “You going to watch it all?”

“Of course.” Robyn nodded. “I told you, I don’t mind needles.”

After cleaning his skin with an antiseptic wipe, Chloe gently placed her hand flat on Taron’s left hip, her palm and wrist resting on the waistband of his boxer shorts. The material was already resting quite low on his hips, so she didn’t have to move the waistband down to get to the spot on his skin she needed and she made a V sign with her index and middle fingers and gently guided the needle into the correct spot and muscle on his hip, squeezing the syringe and antibiotic straight into his pelvic muscles. Once all the antibiotic had been administered, Chloe pulled the needle out and disposed of it into a little tube which she sealed immediately, pulling her gloves off and folding them into each other. “You ok Taron?” She saw the tiniest of nods. “I am going to give you a strong pain killer now too. It will work fast and give you the rest you need for your body to start feeling better.” She explained as she pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.

It was another light pinch but hurt a bit more than the previous injection and he hissed as the sharp thin needle pierced his skin, his eyes creasing as it was inserted into his skin, Robyn’s hand pressing onto his side to keep his hips still so he couldn’t raise them off the bed as the doctor inserted the second needle with the liquid pain killer.

“And done.” The doctor safely disposed of the second needle and put the two little tubes along with the empty glass bottles and used gloves into a bag which she sealed. “Within the next half an hour, you will feel the effects of both. I am going to write a prescription for your tablets too.” The doctor wiped his hip with another antiseptic wipe. She then placed a small cotton ball on the spot where she administered the injections and covered it with a plaster to keep it in place.

“You ok?” Robyn asked Taron as he lay with his eyes closed, his upper body position looking quite uncomfortable on the bed, his chest rising and falling with quick breathes, his hips finally twisting as he was free from Robyn and the doctor’s hands on his body.

“Just sore.” He breathed

As Chloe busied herself writing out his prescription, Robyn moved down the bed a little so she could place her hand on his hip, in the same position as the doctor’s hand had been and with her thumb lightly stroked delicate and soft hot skin around the plaster. “I will get your one of those stickers that says something like I was good at the doctors today.”

“Don’t make me laugh Robyn.” Taron opened his eyes to look at her. “I can’t laugh.”

“At least you want too.” She replied, stroking his skin again, Taron finally settling on the bed.

Chloe finished writing on the paper and tore it from her pad, handing it to Robyn. “I will leave this with you.”

“Thank you.” Robyn looked to the prescription but couldn’t read the words not only because they were in French but doctors just had a way of writing that no one could understand except themselves and the pharmacist.

“These tablets are a stronger dose than what he would be used to getting so it is very important that he takes them with food. I realise at the moment he has no interest in any sort of sustenance but even some toast would be perfect to take the edge of the tablets when he takes them. I also need him to keep drinking fluids. Water is best but I know it’s hard so small mouthfuls.” Chloe turned her attention to the man on the bed. “Taron try and not lay on your left hip for the rest of the day. It will be tender and sore. After twenty-four hours you will definitely start to feel a bit more human and by Tuesday better again and on Wednesday, fit to fly back to London but that is provided you do what you have been told. You need to look after yourself. Although you might be feeling better, that cough will linger and you can’t take any chances. It’s very easy to relapse and make sure you finish the weeks course of antibiotics.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Thank you so much for coming over to see him and fitting him in.” Lyndsey walked back over the bed, now she knew all the needles were put back in the doctor’s bag.

“No problem. Lyndsey you have my phone number. If you feel he is getting worse, please call me and I will come back but I don’t see that happening. He is in good hands.” Chloe leaned a bit closer to Robyn over Taron’s legs and whispered to her. “I gave him a little something to help him sleep too. It’s not very strong but he will be out within the hour and sleep for a few hours. His body needs the sleep to start recovering. When he wakes, get him some toast to eat, drink some water and then take the tablets. You can also keep giving him the cough bottle too. Same dosage as the pharmacy said. You should get another two tablets into him this evening before he sleeps for the night and then ask Lyndsey to take care of his tablets when you are gone. He will insist he doesn’t need them by Thursday but he needs to follow the course until Sunday week.”

“I will be with him from Thursday so I can make him finish the tablets.”

“I have no doubt that you will.”

“Thank you so much for coming over to us, to him. I very much appreciate it.”

“He is lucky to have someone like you who cares so much for him, who loves him with all she has.” She closed her bag. “He will be feeling a bit better by this evening after some sleep.”

“Robyn I will look after that prescription for you.” Said Lyndsey.

“Lyndsey if you come back to my office with me, I can write out a letter for him to bring back to England and it can be given to his doctor.”

“Perfect.” Lyndsey took the paper from Robyn and gestured for her to follow her to the door as the doctor finished clearing up her things. Robyn’s fingers lingered on Taron’s skin as she moved off the bed but followed Lyndsey towards the door. “You don’t have to stay with him. I know you are here for work. Let me get the doctor sorted and his tablets and I will come back and sit with him.”

“It’s ok Lyndsey. I can stay with him until I have to leave Paris.”

“Robyn…”

“I have already spoken to my manager and she knows, she understands and she was the one who told me to stay.”

Lyndsey gave her a look that she normally kept for Taron when he was doing something he shouldn’t. “You can’t keep doing this Robyn.”

“Doing what?”

“Putting yourself out because of him.”

Robyn looked over her shoulder to Taron who was curled in a ball on his side, shivering as he lay against the mountain of pillows to support him. “I am not.” She turned back to Lyndsey. “And you called me remember?” Robyn groaned at her harsh words. “Sorry.” She apologised quickly. “Sorry I didn’t mean for that to come out so. I promise, I am ok to stay with him. I want to stay. I need to stay with him.” She corrected. “I want to stay with him and you can call my manager if you want too. My commitments for work were mainly for yesterday.”

Lyndsey looked at the young woman in front of her and understood completely why Taron was utterly in love with her. “Once you are sure you are not going to put yourself out with work.”

“No it’s fine.”

“Look tell me what hotel you are staying in and I can go and get your stuff for you. I am guessing you will stay here until you have to leave to go to the airport and as much as I am sure Taron has loved your outfit choice, you would probably like our own clothes.”

Robyn looked down her body. “I don’t think he has noticed to be honest.”

Lyndsey grinned. “Oh he noticed. He always does but I am sure it would be nice to have your stuff.”

Once Robyn had passed on the name of her hotel and given Lyndsey her card key to the room and Taron’s publicist had left the room, a number of jobs to complete before she returned, Robyn turned to face the bed and took a deep breathe. She finally could let go of holding herself so strong and it was pure relief that filled her body knowing the two injections Chloe had given Taron would act fast and he would start to feel more like himself in the next few hours.

[uzumaki-rebellion]

“Wet Sugar” [Part 26 of 30]

Summary: Erik and Yani’s time comes to an end...

NSFW. Mature. Smut.

"Every morning, every evening

Oh love, love, love, love, loving you

I can hear you when you're calling

Oh, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon

Take me with you

Take me with you

You'll break my heart and soul

If you left me behind

Take me with you

Take me with you

Don't want to stay around when you're gone…"

Blundetto Meets Booker Gee—"Take Me With You"

Yani dropped Erik off at the compound after ten in the morning. He stood in front of the compound gate and allowed the retina scan to gain him access onto the property. Meandering down the walkway to the main house, he ran into Jerome who dangled precariously close to the end of a tree branch hanging over the middle house roof. The iguana's eyes were shut tight in a peaceful looking pose, and Erik took a moment to watch the creature snooze in the sunlight.

To think his woman adored that overgrown lizard.

"Jerome."

Erik called the reptile's name and Jerome opened one eye.

"Lazy ass," Erik said.

Jerome closed his eye again and ignored him.

Erik thought about taking a swim in the cove but decided to sit and meditate on the balcony overlooking the sea. Climbing the stairs, he saw Linda sitting on a lounger holding a mug of coffee up to her lips. Dressed in a beach robe with her wet hair jumbled about her head, she turned to look at Erik.

He gave a deep sigh. He was not prepared to see her again.

Their conversation the night before was uncomfortable for him. When Yani told Erik that Linda was in love with him, he scoffed at the idea. Linda? In love with him? She was a woman with a sex drive as high as his, and she often stayed out late sowing her wild oats like him. He knew she liked him, respected him, trusted him…but love?

Thinking on it, he knew she still had the hots for him, but that was because he put that thang on her so long ago and it was only natural that she'd want to have sex with him again if she could. He did enjoy it…for what it was. Just sex. He had no deep affection for her because his heart had already made a connection to Yani.

He should've been stronger, more discerning with where he laid his pipe. Hooking up with Linda had been a flippant mistake on his part. He assumed that she was a confident woman who played the field too. She had fucked him while she had a man and didn't regret it. Allowed Erik to humiliate her boyfriend in another country. He had no clue that her wanting to sleep with him on different occasions was her way of showing love for him. He thought it was just lust and horniness. Boredom from the other mercs and not having access to other men while they were stuck in various places doing the bidding of Klaue. If Yani hadn't been in the picture, he and Linda would probably be fuck buddies as well as colleagues. But love? Nah.

Perhaps her drinking too much all the time was a way for her to cope with his lack of interest in her. She could be hard to read. Perhaps her overconfidence and need to one-up the other mercs was her way of trying to impress him. Make him notice her more. She acted like Yani was beneath her and made fun of him when he came back from trysts with his woman.

To see her so upset in the kitchen of the middle house, her eyes blazing with anger and jealousy, was a sight to behold. It was a complete crack in her façade.

He knew what Yani said was true when he went to get his overnight bag and he found Linda crying on the balcony, her chest heaving and her eyes shiny with tears. He had never seen that woman emotional like that before. Didn't even know her powerful aura could even shed tears. She held her own with the deadly male company, her brilliant mind a joy for him to tangle with during their free time together. Nothing about her was ever soft with him and so he treated her like one of the guys at all times. To see her weeping because of Yani threw him.

"I wish you looked at me the way you look at her."

That's what she said when he tried to slip away with Yani.

He took the plunge and sat next to her.

"I tried to play it cool with you, Killmonger. I thought that's what you liked about me. I thought…I thought we had so much in common. I thought you would see me as something more…"

He let her talk. Tried to be a good listener.

"I didn't know," he finally said.

"You know how to read people so well, but you couldn't see how I felt about you?"

"We work for Klaue. He takes so much energy to keep up with. Maybe I just didn't want to see that. Or even deal with that. I don't feel that way about you. I'm not looking for that right now."

"I'm just one of the guys…"

"Yeah."

"I tried to play it that way for a long time. But those nights together in South Africa…before the raid…shit. As wild as it sounds, those were some of the best nights of my life. Talking under the stars all night. Arguing about shit in front of the fireplace and drinking so much together. Laughing so hard with you. Watching bad movies together. I thought of us as friends and then I just…wanted more. I should've told you then, but I thought we'd have time here to relive that magic like we had in South Africa. But once I got here, I realized that you wouldn't be with me like that. And then when Neal said you were fucking her…"

She wept and Erik could only sit and listen to her. No words of comfort came to him except sincere apologies for not loving her.

Staring at her on the lounger in the morning light, her eyes looked better. Less red and less puffy.

"Hey," he said. He sat next to her again.

She sipped from her mug.

"Back early," she whispered.

"A lot to do today before y'all head out."

"Yeah. I'm not sure if the Sweden adventure is a good fit for me."

"You quitting the team?"

"Doesn't seem to be a good idea since our misunderstanding."

Her head bowed down and she stared at her coffee mug.

"I acted a fool last night. None of the guys will take me seriously again. They'll look at us like a soap opera."

"It's a four-unit team now. Limbano and Klaue don't care—"

"But I do."

Her eyes regarded him with deadly seriousness.

"I love you. I can't change that, Killmonger. Yani saw through me like an open book and I was so pissed at her. She apologized for the fact that you didn't love me. Ain't that some shit? Apologized to me. That's fucking rich…"

"You're a big girl, Linda. You can work around feelings—"

"I can't. Not when it comes to you. Best to leave the team. Keep the drama at bay."

Erik felt the itch of panic in his belly. They needed Linda. It was too late to vet a new hacker or even a new team member. Tahir wasn't available. None of the other mercs were trustworthy.

"Yani is just a distraction for me."

"Liar."

"I made a mistake mixing business and pleasure with you. That's on me. I've had other women on this island too. You ain't the only one out there getting it in."

"Don't play me, Killmonger. You love that girl—"

"I love fucking her. Pussy too good to turn down. It's there when I want it. Think I'm gonna pass that up? She was just showing off yesterday. Tryna get a rise outta you because you always dog her out. And you fell for it. I got a million things to deal with that are far more important. Like getting this C.I.A. money. Getting into Wakanda so I can ghost this life."

Erik prayed that his words would get through to her.

Linda gazed out at the water.

"You don't see yourself when you're around her."

"The fuck that mean?"

"You glow—"

"Girl, please—"

"You do. Look like a big ole puppy—"

"Shut up."

She laughed.

"You're not a good liar. So stop trying to convince me otherwise."

"When we get to Sweden, you'll see how ridiculous you sound right now. Good pussy will make any nigga glow. You didn't see me shining with you after I hit it?"

Linda stood up.

"Good luck with Wakanda—"

Erik grabbed her arm and pulled her back down next to him. Klaue would rake him over the coals if this woman left them.

"You never said anything to me, Linda. How am I supposed to know your true feelings when you don't say shit? We gotta keep focused on the job at hand. We need you. Don't fuck up a fortune. You smarter than that."

"It's not easy for me. I'm not this person. But here I am."

"Do the job. Make these coins, Ma."

"I can't—"

"Please."

He pulled her into his chest and let his lips nuzzle her neck. Her body shuddered against him.

"I can't even look at you without wanting to cry. And I hate it. Fucking hate it. I'm better than this."

"I know you are."

She pushed back from him and he pulled her even closer.

"I can't force myself to be where you are. Don't hold that against me. It's not fair. I need you. I need your skills. You'll love being a multi-millionaire more than you love me, I promise."

She laughed into his neck.

"Come with me," he pleaded.

He stressed the word "me". Not "us" or "the team". He had to make it about them. Corral her into his control. She was making it hard. Linda had pride and she was so damn stubborn.

He ran his fingers up and down her back. Her robe loosened up and he stuck his hand inside the material so that his hand touched her side. She was naked underneath and her sighs from his touch danced in his ears.

"Killmonger…don't…."

His hand dipped lower and rubbed her hip.

"Don't be stupid girl. I'm 'bout that work. Always have been."

His fingers rested in the cleft of her thigh and hip, dangerously close to dipping down…

Linda pressed her face into his chest, her breath hot on his shirt.

"Okay," she whispered.

Erik's eyes closed with relief.

"We'll have fun in Sweden like we did in South Africa. Maybe you'll open your mouth and talk to me honestly for a change?"

"Whatever," she said pulling her robe tighter together.

He walked a fine line of manipulation. Gave her enough to draw her in, but not enough to commit to anything with her.

"I'm so embarrassed about everything."

"Who cares? Forget it. It's done. We'll be gone from here and it won't matter."

"My feelings won't change."

"That's all you, Ma. I told you my position. You packed up?"

"Yep. Bags in the S.U.V. Separate flight times and airline carriers confirmed."

"Cool."

He stood up.

"I'ma take a nap. See you at departure?"

"Yeah."

She sank back into the lounger and curled her legs under herself. She looked a whole lot better. Relieved.

Erik strolled into his room and after he locked the door he jumped on his bed and covered his face with a pillow. Fuck. So close to losing her over some bullshit. He texted Yani with his cell.

Will contact you soon when everyone is gone.

###

"Dat's mi fuckin' friend, we is trouble!"

Yani was loud and grabbing onto her friend Lesonne's arm as she screeched out words to a group of women who tried to provoke a fight with Yani's other friend Milah. She spilled a little of her rum drink on her white pants as she swayed against her other girlfriends Aisha and Caypri. From the side of her eye, she saw Erik at the bar stirring his glass of brown liquor as he spoke to the male bartender leaning over to listen to him.

Since she didn't have to drive, Yani decided to drink to her heart's content. She was so ready to hear Kendall perform live. The audience was bigger, the venue was bigger, and his popularity had grown to greater heights since his travels to Florida and New York. He had quit his gardening job with Klaue and moved into an apartment with two other rappers, finally getting his very own bed to sleep in. He no longer rode his motorcycle since he now had a new car to tool around in. Nothing too flashy, a two-year-old red Honda S2000. It was enough to make Kendall feel like he had arrived.

The boisterous women who had the nerve to accost Milah for looking at one of them a little too hard peeped Yani's whole crew, including Twyla who arrived on the scene late with her newest boyfriend. They hesitated to go any further with their backchat. Flouncing away with her girls, Yani tossed her empty drink and headed out to the dance floor and joined her cousin Dulan in swinging hips and throwing up party hands. She kept an eye on the bar as Erik was approached by different women. He was engaging but focused on his liquor and his view of the stage where Kendall would perform.

Yani danced with her friends among a group of men who tried to show off for them. Two were from St. Croix and Yani was stuck with a Trini who wanted to talk her ear off asking questions about Kendall. She eased off the floor and stood to the side to watch the action. Tapping her left heel with her arms folded across her chest, she enjoyed the gyrating bodies.

"Booty out here jiggling."

She felt Erik ease behind her, his right hand caressing her waist and pulling her back against him.

"I'm not even dancing, hush."

"It don't take much to make them yams bounce, Ma."

He kissed the side of her face and she reached up and stroked his new locs. She thrust her backside against him and he eased back.

"Nah, you not getting me in trouble right now."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the floor with her and he held his drink above her head with his left hand.

Yani felt up his chest while enjoying the stares of others as Erik let her nails rake up and down his pecs that strained against a white cotton shirt. They both agreed to wear all white and her own form-fitting pants and shirt complemented his outfit. The lights of the club made them glow on the dance floor.

Erik sipped on his drink and watched her bring back old dancehall moves, her butterfly a bit raunchy for the crowd. Her friends swarmed around them making the affair more hyped. The energy in the room was high octane and so ready for good live music. Erik finished his drink, tossed the cup, and moved them deeper into the dance mix.

Her eyes took in Erik's face and the happiness she saw there made her spirit burst. The man could dance his ass off and entwining her fingers with his made her feel possessive of him. When dub mixes came on, she usually left the dance floor, but Erik made her appreciate dancing to the dank sounds, especially when she rubbed up against him and he matched her move for move. Winding on him, he gripped her hips and let the room see how he handled all of her. She noticed a lot of women watching him work her body over with dreamy expressions on their faces. There were a lot of stone faces from the men though.

They touched one another openly as they danced, and several times she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him while they swayed.

"Having fun?" he asked after releasing her lips.

"Mmmhmm."

She shook her hips and he slapped her butt playfully before pulling her close again and lifting her off of her feet to swing her around in another direction.

She couldn't keep her eyes off of him, nor could she stop touching him. His hands rested on her lower back as she gazed up at his face. His eyes darted about taking in the couples on the floor and his dimples flashed whenever she squeezed on his ass. He smelled so good that she constantly nuzzled her face into his neck so that her nose could take in his scent.

"Why you keep licking on me?" he asked.

Her tongue flicked along his neck and he leaned back from her.

"Tickles…" he whispered.

He lowered his mouth to hers and they kissed for the thousandth time that night.

"Hey, Killmonger…"

The woman's breathy voice caught Yani's ear as Erik released his mouth from hers and swiveled his neck to see who was talking to him on the dance floor.

"Still around I see," the woman said.

Yani sized her up.

She was only a few inches taller than Yani, a yellow-brown gyal with cat eyes and wanton lips. The woman danced with her man, but her moves were for Erik. Big titties… way bigger than Yani's…were thrust out for the world to see and her hips were made for men like him. Yani didn't like the way the woman licked her lips at Erik before her eyes fluttered to see what he had on his arm. She recognized Yani but chose to act like she wasn't there.

"Harlee," Erik said.

His tone made Yani's lips scrunch up with annoyance.

He had fucked that woman and it had been good to him.

"Tend to yuh man," Yani said to her with some attitude.

Harlee smiled and Erik pulled Yani closer into him.

"No disrespect, Black Mermaid," Harlee said.

Yani sucked her teeth and Erik slapped her butt.

"Stop being mean," he said.

Harlee moved with her partner further behind some other dancers.

"Her meant disrespect. She didn't have to say one word while I'm here."

"Chill—"

"Waving her titties in yuh face. She letting me know she fucked my man to get mi vex."

"Girl, stop."

"For true, man. But me nuh vex. For real. She rude. Yuh rude! Frog face, bitch!"

Yani felt spittle fly from her lips. Erik only smirked and twirled her around.

"Thought you had taste," she teased.

"She not ugly. Don't tell that lie."

"She not cute."

"You trippin."

"Step your game up. Yuh suck them titties good?"

Dimples. Big pearly white teeth flashed at her.

"Yuh did. That's the only thing cute on her."

Yani was amazed that she could joke about a woman he had sex with, but the way Erik held her let her know it was so long ago and probably a one and done hook up. She just wanted to be petty and he let her.

"You were still being mean to me when I got with her."

She caressed his chest again and he ran his fingers up and down her spine.

The movement on stage let the patrons know it was about to be showtime. Erik clasped Yani's hand and led her back to the bar where the best view was while Yani's friends headed to the left of the stage.

Posted up against the bar counter, Yani leaned into Erik, his hard body supporting her frame. She turned around to hug him a bit and his right hand drifted down to grip her right butt cheek. He rubbed it knowing people were watching, thirsty locals wishing they were in his place and squeezing soft handfuls of the Black mermaid. She tilted her head up and puckered her lips. Erik lowered his head and their lips touched. Yani slipped her tongue in his mouth and felt dizzy tasting cognac. His fingers rested on the cleft of her ass. She tried to keep her tongue in his mouth but his lips traveled up her neck and he nibbled on her earlobe.

"You 'gon take care of Daddy tonight?" he whispered.

"All night," she sighed.

"You 'gon sit that fat pussy on my dick all night?"

Yani's lips quirked and she felt her eyes water. His words were hot in her ear making the nerves tingle from his breath. Erik's hand dropped down and cupped her mound. He didn't care who saw him do it. The tips of his pointer and index finger tapped against the outline of her opening.

"…get you all wet wet. Let Daddy fuck you in your ass?"

"Oomph…Killmonger…"

His fingertips pressed a little too deep into her slit and she felt like she was about to cum in front of everyone. His soft taps along her pussy lips had her wiggling on his hand.

She could feel her clit thumping with his tongue dipping into her ear.

The lights on the stage flashed and the music switched to Kendall's "Fiyahbun". Yani's voice filled the entire club as they heard her sing the chorus. A big grin spread across her lips as she saw Erik giving serious appreciative stank face to the thunderous bass carrying her voice all around everyone. A few patrons stared at her as they sang along with her vocals. Yani twisted around to face the stage as she listened to the new remixed version of the song.

"Baby, you sound wavy as fuck," Erik shouted above the music.

"Queen Mary, ah where you 'gon burn? Queen Mary, ah, where you 'gon burn?"

Yani moved her neck in time to her own voice, impressed with the new version.

"Queens don't vibe, hear me now? With no fuck niggas!"

She felt Erik moving his hips dancing to the song. He gripped her waist and rocked into her as she let her ass cheeks rub against him in time to the music.

"Shit is dope," Erik whispered into her ear.

There was something epic about swaying with her man to her own song. The heat from his mouth on her ear had her turned on all the way. She wanted him to drag her to the car and fuck her in the backseat while listening to her voice in surround sound crooning to him.

The speed of her voice was slowed down in reverb creating a haunting sound as Kendall took to the stage. So much swag. So much confidence. So much command of the stage. Yani felt like his first performance over a year ago where he had an anxiety attack and almost vomited on himself was a fuzzy memory. The young man controlling the stage and audience now was acting like a seasoned professional while her voice backed him.

"Queen Mary…fiyahbun…fiyahbun…fiyahbun…"

Her voice seduced the audience and Yani stood still watching the crowd react to her singing as Kendall rapped a few bars on top of her lyrics. Kendall had asked her to perform live with him, but she wanted this night to be about him.

The last echoes of her voice faded as the live band behind him fired up and played the intro to his latest track. A mash-up of all the sounds they grew up with as children. There was nothing like live musicians feeding into the energy of their vocalist, and Kendall gave them all a taste of his true vocal prowess. He sang the chorus himself and his backup singers, top-shelf beauties who swayed in sync behind him, backed him up smoothly as the funky sounds reached a crescendo.

"Your cousin done come up!" Erik shouted.

"Mmmhmmm, him choice. He ah star now!"

Kendall's set was a glorious triumph and Yani felt so proud of her cousin. She hooted and hollered for him along with everyone else and when he finished, Yani knew for certain he was going to make it big. The charisma and talent and star power were right there in front of everyone.

A new performer took to the stage and Yani clung to Erik's arm as it wrapped around her chest holding her close. The seductive female vocalist put everyone into a sexy state of mind after Kendall's fiery intro and Yani arched her back and thrust her backside against Erik once more.

"Stop teasing'…" he whispered trying to ignore her ass by being still.

The crowd around them was busy holding up cell phones to capture the performers on stage and Yani felt bold bouncing her thickness on him openly.

"Yani—"

His left arm pulled her tighter against him.

Her mouth formed a tight "Oh" expression when his right hand slipped down into her pants, bypassing her panties. She gripped his arm in a panic as his fingers dipped into her slick opening.

"That's what you get for teasing me. I'ma play in this pussy now…"

Yani tried to squirm away from his hold, but he clutched her in a solid embrace, his fingers wiggling against her walls.

"People can see…"

"Think I care?"

Yani's eyes swept to her left. One man around Erik's age was the only person not watching the stage, his horny eyes glued to Erik's fingers turning her out.

Erik's teeth gripped the sensitive tip of her ear. Yani panted, her eyes darting about. Only the stranger to her left was paying attention to their public debauchery.

"A man is watching—"

"Let him."

Her eyes tracked back over to her left and the stranger's lips were pursed, his eyes fully taking in all the pleasure she was receiving. When Erik's fingers flicked her clit, Yani's body jerked back and her mouth flew open again. Her eyes latched onto the stranger's and the illicit connection made her pussy pulse around Erik's fingers. She widened her thighs and Erik went deeper and she moaned much to the stranger's own pleasure at watching her. The man's right hand held a drink, and he let it drop down in front of the clear bulge that poked out in front of his pants. He tried to be sly about it, but Yani could tell he was rubbing himself while watching her get fingered.

Tight circles teased her hard clit and when she felt the uncontrollable release of her orgasm clutching Erik's fingers when he inserted them once more into her gushy slit, the stranger's eyes closed tight.

"Jesus, man…yuh killing me…" she hissed.

Erik pulled his sticky fingers from her pants and grabbed her hand. She straggled behind him as he guided her out of the venue and to Klaue's S.U.V.

Erik opened the back-passenger door of the car and helped her get in. He jumped in after her.

Pulling down his pants and boxers to his ankles, she could see his rock-hard erection waiting for her. She kicked off her heels, pulled off her pants and panties for him and crawled onto his lap.

"Ride this dick."

He held her up by her waist and she lined her wet opening with his tip.

"Fuck yes!" he shouted when she slid down to his balls.

They had the car bouncing with their fucking and Yani couldn't stop squealing when held her still and pounded his dick up into her hard and fast.

"Lemme cum in your pussy—"

"No—"

"Why not…oh shit…pussy wet as fuck…fuck…Yani…I wanna cum in this pussy—"

"Cum in my mouth. Mi wahn see the rest of the show…yuh fill mi pussy up too much…ooh love…right there…I feel it deep…shit…yuh soak my panties up and I'll be a mess all night."

Erik grabbed her throat.

"I'ma bust in this fat pussy—"

Yani pushed on his chest.

"Killmonger…don't—"

"Pussy too good baby…"

He choked her tighter.

"Don't… mi nuh wahn walk around with soggy pants."

Erik burst out laughing and released her throat. She lifted off of his dick while he kept laughing.

"For real, man. Yuh like ah volcano. Cum heavy…then it flows back down."

"You don't like it?"

"I love it… at home."

He kissed her and she stroked his length.

"Too much," she whispered.

His eyes regarded her with humor until her thumb circled around the fat head of his glans.

"Let's go home," he said.

She rolled her eyes.

"Open your mouth."

Yani shifted next to him and put her face down by his tip. She let him tap his dick on her lips before she separated them for him.

He had her slurping on his dick while he cradled her head. She moved to her knees in front of him, head steady bobbing. He hit the back of throat roughly and she released his length to catch her breath and rest her mouth.

"I make too much cum?"

His thumb toyed with her wet lips and Yani nibbled the tips of his fingers before dropping her head back down to his lap.

His eyes burned into hers as she sucked around his frenulum. The tip of her tongue teased his slit. Playing with her nipples through her shirt, Erik closed his eyes.

"You should let me soak them panties…"

She groaned on his dick and he let the back of his head fall on the headrest.

"You know how to take all my cum…lick my balls…"

Her face lowered further and she suckled each nut sack for him.

"Yeah…put those balls all in your mouth…"

She sucked, licked, kissed, and fisted his erection until he lifted her back up and made her ride his dick in reverse. He squeezed her breasts and thrust up into her.

"I just want to hit it a little bit more…fuck this pussy right…get you ready for more later…"

The loud sound of him slapping his body into hers filled the car. She threw her head back and took it, the build-up of a new orgasm tightening the nerves in her clit that was feeling the strong tugs from his pounding. She loved what he was doing to her. She loved the liquor still coursing through her. She loved it so much that it made her mouth reckless.

"You fuck Linda like this?"

He slowed down.

"What…why would you ask…"

Her mind thought of her and Erik on the dance floor together, all the eyes of the other women watching him, watching his tight body rub against her front and back. She liked the longing she saw. All that desire. It was the same look Linda had on her face, and Yani wanted him to remember her pussy that had him begging to cum in it. Linda wanted what she had, and Yani wanted Linda's sex with Killmonger wiped from his mind.

"Answer me."

"Nah."

"Whose pussy yuh wahn cum in?"

His moans thrilled her ears and the hard needy gasps he emitted every few seconds let her know he was desperate to spurt inside of her.

"Yours girl…yours…," he grunted.

She leaned forward and shifted her weight. Erik shouted and slapped her rump.

"Godammit! Bounce on that dick!"

"She nuh give it to yuh like this?"

She slowed down and flexed her walls around him, doing her best to hold his erection as tight as she could.

"Fuck her, Yani…stop talking 'bout—"

"This be yuh pussy forever, hear me? No one love mi like yuh do, man. No one…"

"Yani…"

Erik stroked the back of her neck. She turned around to bounce on him face to face. Her wrists draped around the back of his neck.

"Love me always, Killmonger?"

"Yes."

Wet kisses joined them together even more and she leaned her face against his as he held her tight giving her everything he could in the backseat of the vehicle.

"I'ma cum…lemme cum in you, baby."

Yani sat still and just let her pussy muscles work Erik's thickness.

"I told you I wahn see the show."

"You betta lift up then cuz my balls are tight and I'ma—"

"Hold it—"

"Girl…the fuck…I can't just—"

"I wahn feel your dick all thick and juicy in this pussy—"

"Yani…I'm fuckin' serious…you betta—"

"Big dick…all in your fat pussy—"

Erik's eyes rolled back and he lifted Yani up from his dick. Her labia rested on his length as a hot lava flow of cum shot all over his chest and dripped down to her mound drenching them both.

Erik fell back against the seat gasping and stared down at the semen overflow. He touched his shirt.

"Damn, I messed up my shirt," he said.

Yani glanced down at his lap and lifted up. She felt his semen pooling under her ass. She gave a big sigh and stared back at him.

"Hey, I didn't cum inside you, so don't blame me for what happens outside your pussy."

The smirk on his face made her giggle and slap his chest.

"Guess we're going home after all," he said reaching for his pants.

###

They picked up Sydette from her parents.

Since they had left the club so early, there was no point waiting until morning to get her. Yani held her sleeping daughter in her arms as Erik drove them to the compound. She took a deep breath when they walked into Klaue's main house.

"You alright?" he asked.

She nodded.

They were back in their home again.

It was Klaue's property, but only the three of them made the house a real home.

Erik showered first and while he dressed in clean loungers, Sydette woke up and walked out of her room looking for Yani. Erik watched her while Yani showered, and instead of the nasty sex he thought he would have with Yani again, the three of them piled onto the bed together.

Sydette slept between them and Erik just stared at Yani's face as they watched one another. It felt good to have them both back with him.

He had food prepared for their last two days together. The next day would be a cove day and swimming with sunbathing. The following day had even more chill around the house time until he had to fly out. He planned a surprise birthday party for the three of them. He would miss both their birthdays again, so he wanted to have a celebration to end his time there.

Yani's eyes watched him so intensely that he reached out and stroked her cheek. She didn't want to sleep. So afraid he would suddenly disappear probably. They held hands on the bed until Sydette half woke up and crawled onto his chest, her head resting under his neck. Yani tried to pull her back between them but Sweet Pea whined until Erik made Yani leave her alone. Yani stroked her daughter's shoulder until she dozed off herself.

He listened to both of his girls' breathing and tried to stay awake for a long time so he could remember that sound.

He woke up in the middle of the night with Sydette shaking his face.

"I have tuh go bathroom, Baba," she said.

He helped her down from the bed and walked her into her room's bathroom where her potty seat was. The bright lights in the room woke him up fully as he waited for Sydette to finish.

"Make sure you wipe yourself."

She reached for the toilet paper next to the adult toilet and he had to keep himself from chuckling when she did her best to clean herself.

"Throw it in the big toilet," he said.

He helped her wash her hands after flushing the toilet.

"I wahn juice."

He walked with Sydette into the kitchen and found an unopened bottle of apple juice waiting. He poured a little inside a plastic cup and handed it to her.

"More, please," she said holding the cup up to him.

"It'll make you pee again."

"No—"

"Yes, it will."

"I hold it."

"No don't do that. Just a little bit."

He poured just enough for her to get three good sips.

"Thank you," she said handing him the cup.

"You hungry?"

"No."

His eyes took in her small form. He felt a small lump in his throat as he thought about the exact moment he first saw her on his bed fast asleep. No teeth. Tiny curls plastered to her scalp. Chubby belly making her shirt ride up. She could only babble and point back then, but now…

"We all good now?" he said swallowing hard.

Sydette nodded.

He wanted the best for her. If Yani ever married or formed a new relationship with someone, Erik wanted this little girl to know she was loved and would never want for anything. He didn't want Sydette to forget him, but she was so young. Erik tried to think of the many people from his past that his own parents knew and sometimes there were blanks when he tried to go back to when he was two.

Two.

Damn.

Sydette was just nine months when he first stepped on the island. She would be two so soon.

Her face stared up at him, probably wondering why they were still standing in the kitchen.

"Back to bed, Sweet Pea."

Erik guided her to the master bedroom. She fell back to sleep quickly against Yani's arm and Erik got up to go stand out on the bedroom balcony. The roar of the surf sounded loud and he stood there until dawn broke. The hours were winding down too fast for him.

When sunlight struck the room, he turned to see his love wide awake and watching him. Sydette was still asleep. Yani held out her hand to him and he walked back inside. Spooning around her he gave her kisses for over an hour until they both slipped away into the other bedroom to make love. He held her legs with his arms as he balanced her on the edge of the bed. Plunging into her, the only sound they released were soft sighs and the wet suction of her walls gripping and releasing him. She slathered his morning wood with so much frothy slickness that he had to bite his own lips to keep from yelling and waking Sydette. He didn't spill into Yani until they were under the covers spooned together once more, his hips rocking into her backside as he fondled her breasts. He bit her neck during his release and the new mark was deep enough to stay for a few days. A harsh shout escaped Yani's lips when he sank deeper to drown her with all of his seed.

A loud "Fuck!" jumped from his mouth and he pushed his face into her shoulder to laugh. He could never be totally quiet with her. It was impossible.

Sydette came looking for them and luckily, they were under the covers and already finished when she found them huddled together.

"Waffles?" Sydette asked.

"I guess I'm making waffles for breakfast," he said.

###

He had gumbo simmering on the stove early in a large crockpot and made them cranberry chicken sandwiches and salads for their time spent on the beach at the cove. Yani was relaxed on a beach chair and deep into a new medical journal on global pandemics while Erik built sandcastles with Sydette and dipped in and out of the water when the mood struck him.

They ate at their leisure until the sun was high overhead.

"I'm so full," Yani said rubbing her belly, "I won't have room for gumbo."

Sydette was tipped over on a blanket fast asleep, her fingers still clutching a pink plastic shovel.

"Here, put this over her."

Yani unwrapped a rayon beach cover she wore over her waist and Erik draped it over Sydette to keep her skin from burning.

"I should move her to the shade—"

"She's fine. It's not too hot right now. Give yourself a break."

Yani stood up and stretched. Her eyes surveyed the water and Erik watched her take off her blue bikini and wade in. She dove under a lazy wave and floated on her back. Her deep brown body drifted away from shore. He felt that automatic pull to go to her. Eyes checking for Sydette, Erik stood from the blanket they shared and followed Yani out into the water. He circled her and she tread in place.

"Sneaky face," she said.

He splashed water on her and she splashed back.

He ducked under and grabbed her legs pulling her down.

Rising back to the surface together, Yani wiped droplets from her face. They moved closer to shore until he could feel sand under his feet. The aura around her face had him entranced. Without make-up she was a natural beauty, her youth so apparent to him. A decade older he wondered how he would've been with her had he been in his twenties again. That time in his life was wild. Certain women from his past came to his mind and he was so glad that this woman swimming before him came at a time when he could really appreciate her. He broke a lot of hearts, but he could always say that he was honest with the women he hurt. So many tried to scoop him up. Lock him down. Domesticate him. He was a dog. A good dog. But still a dog. He may have run all through Yani and felt no guilt when he stepped. That's just how it was. His Uncle Bakari told him he had his father's nature. His Aunt Serah concurred whole-heartedly.

Maturity brought reflection. Wisdom.

He was old enough finally to have someone like Yani for the short time he did. And it was worth it. She made him remember his heart again. Made him feel once more. He was losing that side of himself through anxiety. Depression. Killing. All the anger he held deep inside.

"I like it when you smile at me," he said.

"I always smile at you."

"Not that first time I came here. You yelled at me."

"This is all my territory. Can't have some strange man out here."

He imitated her voice in a teasing high-pitched whine.

"Hey! You out there! What are you doin' here?"

Yani splashed water on him.

"I didn't say it like that!"

"Yes, you did! Gave me stank face and everything! Hand on your hip. Sucking your teeth. Pointing your finger at me—"

"Yuh lie, man!"

Her soft laughter warmed his spirit.

His Black mermaid.

Yemanja.

"The second time I saw you…you were naked and the water fell from you like… jewels. I walked away from you…"

Yani wiped seawater from his cheeks. He kissed her hand.

"My father…my Baba…he said the first time he saw my mother he knew she was his life…"

He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her and floated for them.

"Thank you," he said.

"For what?

Erik looked away from her bright eyes.

"This chance…"

A wave pushed them and Yani let go of him. They tumbled closer to shore. Water splashed in her eyes and she turned away. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Erik kissed the back of her neck. Tracing his fingers down her shoulders, he cupped her breasts and circled her tips with his index fingers. Yani turned suddenly and jumped on him, knocking him back into the water. He felt the drag of the tide sucking sand back under his feet and he reached out for her. Lifting her high in the air, he tossed her out toward the sea and the big splash blew back on his face.

"Mama! I wahn play!"

Erik saw Sydette bouncing on her feet, the water licking her toes at the shore.

"Come out here, Sweet Pea," he said.

"Cold!"

"It's not that cold," Yani yelled.

Sydette hopped on one foot and then the other. She was so cute in her little blue bikini.

"Come get me!"

"Swim out here," Yani called.

Sydette hopped up and down.

"Baba! Get me!"

Yani grabbed his arm when she saw Erik moving toward her.

"Let her swim," Yani cajoled.

"Baba…"

Erik was torn. Sydette's hands were spread out toward him. They heard the whine in her voice and watched her stomp her feet with annoyance.

"Baby girl, swim to us. I'll meet you halfway, okay?"

Erik waved her toward him.

Sydette took a tentative step forward and tested the water again with her right foot.

"Cold…"

"Be a big girl, Sweet Pea. Show me you can do it."

It was obvious to her that no one was coming, so Sydette ran really fast toward them.

"Ow…ow…ow!" she huffed out as if the cool water was really hurting her.

A small wave pushed her back and she went under only to pop back up dog-paddling toward them. Erik stepped toward her, keeping his promise and moving halfway to her. Her body was buoyed up by a new wave and he reached out his right hand.

"A little further, Sweet Pea," he encouraged.

The closer she got, the more determined her face was until she reached out to grab his hand.

"There ya go! Big girl!"

Erik held her against his chest as she wiped her face.

"I did it, Mama!"

"Yeah yuh did!"

Yani kissed her forehead and Sydette jumped from Erik's arms to hers.

They played in the water together until rain fell upon them. Sydette looked up toward the sky and stuck out her tongue to taste the rainwater.

"Well, at least we were able to get a few hours down here," Yani said as she gathered up her bikini.

They packed up their lunch basket and towels. Erik carried their beach chairs and once more found himself trailing Yani and Sydette. Yani bent down to adjust the bikini top that Sydette wore that matched her own.

"Queen Mary what yuh bun…" Sydette sang.

Yani glanced back at Erik with a big grin on her face.

"Who taught you that, Sweet Pea?" Erik asked.

"Auntie Twyla."

"No bad words I hope," Yani said to him.

Taking shelter from the rain in the main house, Erik made tea while Yani cleaned up Sydette.

"Are you yawning?" Erik asked when Yani padded into the living room wearing an orange baby doll dress.

"Water made us sleepy. I'm going to lay down with her. Want to come?"

"Y'all rest. I'm gonna chill a minute. Check on this gumbo. Take a nap with the baby. I'll wake you up later. Okay?"

"Not too late," she said.

Yani kissed his nose with a loud smooch and sashayed back to the master bedroom.

Erik checked their food and debated about making cornbread. He baked a small cake for their birthday celebration and let it cool on the island counter.

His personal cell rang and he saw Marisol's avatar. Padding back into the living room, he closed the hallway door that led to the bedrooms. He accepted Marisol's call on the viewscreen and lowered the volume.

"Yo, what it do cuz?"

Marisol's eyes didn't look playful like they normally did. In fact, they looked tense.

"JaJa."

The Portuguese accent on his family nickname let him know no English was going to be used.

"What is it?"

"Change your mind," she said.

Marisol's face loomed large on the screen. She was in her apartment alone.

"Don't start—"

"I'm begging you—"

"I'll call you when I get to my next spot—"

"You make me carry this burden. I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want you out there doing that shit anymore."

"Lower your voice."

"Don't tell me to lower my voice, JaJa."

She burst into tears and Erik stood up from the couch and moved in front of the viewscreen.

"Marisol—"

"Grandpa Dante told me that you are planning visits to everyone soon. That some kind of Tour of Duty?"

"I visited you and Aunt Serah back in December—"

"He said everyone, JaJa. Like a farewell tour. You're going there now, aren't you?"

"I'll talk to you later—"

"Don't you hang up on me!"

Her shriek was more explosive with her face so large in front of him.

"Killmonger…"

Yani stood in the open hallway door. Her eyes were wide staring up at Marisol's crying face.

"Go back to bed, baby. I'll get you in a few minutes. I need some privacy right now—"

"You're Yani, right?"

Marisol's English was good, but when she was stressed or excited, her accent came out thick.

"Yes."

Yani stepped further into the room.

Marisol's eyes gazed at Yani with compassion.

"Yani, I said go back into the bedroom—"

The rumble in his voice made Marisol's eyes focus hard on Yani.

"Yani, talk to him. Convince him to stay there…with you. Please! He's about to —"

Erik shut down the viewscreen.

He kept his back to Yani.

"Killmonger. What was she talking about? Who was that?"

"My cousin. She is upset with me because…"

The words wouldn't come the way he wanted.

"Finish. Why is she so angry? Scared?"

He heard the fear in her voice now too.

"We've had a disagreement for the last six months and it makes her upset to talk about it. It's personal Yani. Nothing to do with you."

"She knows my name. Looked at me like she knows me well—"

"I was with her and my Aunt. Before Sydette was sick. I told her about you. Us. Just forget it!"

"Why are you so angry right now?"

"I'm not angry Yani. Just irritated. That's all. You know family shit gets people agitated. Give me some space right now and I'll come in the room in a minute—"

Her arms went around his waist.

"She's scared for you. She was crying over you. Yuh going off to do something bad. Like before…"

She touched his keloids. He rested his hands on top of hers.

"Don't go," she whispered into his back.

It was the thing he didn't need to hear. The thing he dreaded coming from her. It was bad enough to see Marisol crying over him. He didn't need Yani falling apart too. Not now.

Twisting around in her arms he held her against his chest.

"Let's go lay down."

She shook her head furiously.

"C'mon."

He eased her backward and she went along with him.

###

"Happy birthday, baby."

Yani couldn't help but grin ear to ear when she saw Erik walk into the dining room with a blue and white frosted cake. Three light blue candles flickered on top. Sydette sat on Yani's lap and clapped her hands when she saw the birthday treat. He placed the cake in front of them on the table.

"Make a wish," he said.

Yani's eyes held his gentle gaze and she looked away before she said something to make herself start crying again. She closed her eyes and made a bargain instead. Something she would keep to herself.

When her eyes went back to his, he was watching Sydette touch a tiny corner of icing and taste the sweetness.

"Happy birthday to you…" he sang, and Sydette joined him.

"Blow?" her daughter said looking at Erik with excited eyes.

"Go ahead," he said.

Yani blew the candles out with her and Erik clapped his hands.

He didn't bother to bring out plates, just three forks. They dug into the cake and watched Sydette smear frosting on her cheeks trying to eat a forkful that was bigger than her mouth. Chocolate was their favorite and the small cake was gone in a matter of minutes.

"Dang, I forgot the ice cream," he said jumping up and running back into the kitchen. He returned with small bowls of vanilla ice cream and they ate that quietly together.

They watched a little television, Animal Planet, and Sydette sat wide-eyed watching giraffes run wild in a pack until she yawned and sprawled out on Yani's lap. An hour later Erik lifted her daughter from her lap and carried her into her room.

Yani stretched, took a moment to use the restroom, then waited for Erik to return. She was still rattled from Marisol's call. Couldn't get that woman's face out of her mind.

Erik sprawled out on her lap in Sydette's place and she stroked his hair. His eyes eased shut and his body relaxed on her. His bare chest enticed her to touch it and his warmth was nice to feel.

"Where are you going, Killmonger?"

He ignored her at first, turned his head toward her stomach and tried to pretend he didn't hear her.

"I have the right to know this time. Yuh never come back…I have the right to know…"

"Let us have this last night in peace, Yani. Please."

"You gave us so much. I don't want to spend the rest of my life…"

She felt his body tense.

"I don't want to start a fight or upset you—"

"Then leave it be."

"I want to…for you…but…"

He rolled over and looked up at her face.

"Don't make me hurt more than I already do. Don't hurt yourself more by asking. You're right about me. I'm a killer. That bad man. I just want to be a good man for these last few hours. Be a good man for you…"

He stroked her cheek and she held his hand against her chest.

"You can be a good man for always, love…please…"

He turned away from her and watched the tv.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…"

She touched his temple and smoothed back a few of his locs. His eyes shut tight and he reached back to touch her cheek.

"I'm the one that's sorry, Yani. I can't give you what you want. There ain't no promises I can give that can make you feel good or make you think we have a future. I have nothing—"

"You have me."

"I have you," he whispered.

She bent down and rested her plump lips on his fuller ones and let the skin there lightly touch before she opened her mouth to let her tongue taste his.

He fondled her nipples through her dress as they kissed.

"Take this off," he said tugging on her dress.

She did what he asked and he rested back on the wide couch.

"Sit on my face."

Always direct. Demanding.

She crawled above him and sat her vulva on his lips.

The heat from his mouth had her sighing before he even licked up and down her folds. She felt her labia plumping up fully, and when the tip of his tongue flicked her clit, she was already dripping onto his lips.

He flattened his tongue and Yani wiggled her waist to get the full lavish flourishes of his wet mouth. Leaning forward, Yani exhaled hard into the couch. He ate her pussy like it was a fine art to be mastered. His hands reached up and held her ass cheeks as he plunged his tongue into her opening. Hot puffs of breath from his mouth excited her more as deep groans had him stop every few seconds to gather himself. She lifted up and gazed down at his face as she writhed above him. She felt his hands release her ass as he pulled down his loose sweatpants and freed his erection. His right hand gripped his length and tugged hard.

She dropped her ass onto his face and he moaned into her pussy.

"Shit…Yani…"

His tongue traced patterns into her folds and her keening above him spurned the movement of his hand jerking off his dick. That wide tongue of his, interchanged with his big lips rubbing all over her labia, made her cry out his name. She pressed her pussy hard on his mouth.

"I'm cumming!" she yelled.

Erik groaned so loud and his body went stiff under her.

When she looked behind her, she watched him ejaculate all over his hand.

"Fuck! I want to cum in your ass Yani."

She crawled off of his face and sauntered into the master bedroom. When she returned to him on the couch, she handed him a bottle of lube and some tissue to wipe up his semen.

Lying next to him, she allowed his hands to roam all over her body before he squeezed a generous amount of lube onto his fingers. He kissed her with slow deliberation as his fingers took their time inserting into her anus, massaging her there. He slickened up his new erection with even more lubrication. Yani leaned forward while gripping the couch cushion and lifted up her leg a bit so he could get his tip pressed into her anal opening. She held her breath and relaxed with a deep exhale as he inserted three inches into her.

"You okay?" he asked.

Rubbing her waist, he waited for her consent before he pressed in further. She could only handle about four inches at that moment and he eased back out to use more lubricant. When she was ready, he pushed back in until she was comfortable with more from him.

He gave short thrusts that she liked and inserted his fingers into her pussy. Stroked from both openings, the tightness pulling her close to the edge of another explosive release, Yani endured the nasty words spilling from his mouth and into her ear as he fucked her good and long.

"…just letting me fuck you in your ass like this…"

"…yes…"

"…nasty…I'ma put cum in you like this…"

"…please…"

"…'gon nut all up in you like this…deep in this ass…fuck girl…letting me do this shit…"

She chewed on the sensitive skin of her lips.

"Who else you fuck like this?"

"Just you…and Chez…"

"Goddamn, I'm in there deep!"

His head fell forward onto her shoulder and she knew he was done whenever he couldn't speak anymore. His fingers had her pussy sticky. His dick had her anus stretched with pleasure. Slow. Deep. Gentle. Just how she liked it with him and only him. "I feel your balls, Killmonger…"

"All in this ass…tight…ah fuckkk—"

His orgasm rendered him speechless and he jerked against her as he spurt hot jizz.

"…nasty bitch…cumming in your fat ass…"

Yani felt tears of sexual release drip from her lids as her pussy spasmed around his fingers. When he removed his slick digits from her, he held her tight and kissed the back of her neck and shoulders. They were both covered in sweat.

"You can bring a nigga to his knees, swear to God."

Yani grinned and held onto him as he brushed his lips over her clavicle. She felt his penis soften and he pulled out from her.

They watched tv a bit longer until Erik removed himself from her and took a long shower. She took one after him and when she finished, all he wanted to do was lay in bed with her for the rest of the night. She asked him no more questions about his destination.

She focused on the now.

###

"What are you two doing?"

Erik sat still on the floor with his back against the vanity mirror drawer. Sweet Pea stood in front of him with her left hand on his forehead and her right hand smearing bronze lipstick on his lips. Yani clutched her stomach and laughed hard when she saw his entire face when Sydette stepped back from her handiwork.

Bronzer, cinnamon eyeshadow, false eyelashes, and liquid foundation rounded out Erik's features.

"Makin Baba pretty Mama, see?"

Sydette returned to her work tracing the lipstick outside the lines of his mouth.

"How I look?" he asked.

"A hot mess," Yani said.

Erik stood up and looked in the mirror. Sydette crawled onto the vanity chair and patted his arm.

"I have tuh finish your lips. Put more on…"

She held up the lipstick and he bent down so she could add a little more.

"There," Sydette said.

"All done?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Clown face—"

"Hush, baby girl worked hard to perfect this look. You just jealous cuz you can't get your face like this."

"Tuh."

Erik ran his fingers through his hair to fluff out his locs.

"I look good, don't know what you hatin' on. Jealous."

He walked into the living room and grabbed his sandals by the door.

"Please tell me you not wearing that face—"

"We're going for a walk. Join us if you want."

Sydette still held the lipstick in her hand and rolled it along her mouth. Yani took it from her.

"Fifty-dollar lipstick…for playtime," Yani said.

"You can afford it. Let's go Sweet Pea."

"We pretty, Mama."

"I see."

Sydette held Erik's hand and they walked around the compound.

They visited Jerome and watched him chase off another iguana from the pool. Moving through Klaue's prized flowers, they observed butterflies resting easy and caught a gentle breeze on their faces as they walked down to the cove.

Yani trailed behind them, still laughing at his overly made face, and Erik just acted like it was normal to have a face beat to the two-year-old Gods of cosmetics. He picked up seashells with Sydette and dipped his toes in the water with her. She chased him when they returned to the house for lunch.

"You are really going to keep that look?"

Yani served them leftover gumbo and cornbread. She kept shaking her head each time she looked at him.

"Hater," he teased.

They napped together on the couch until it started raining again, the soft patter of water striking the roof. They played with Sydette's toys until Yani couldn't take it anymore and made Erik clean off his face. He could hear Yani's snarky laughter while he did it.

Yani cooked their last dinner together, made him all the island foods he loved, and Erik ate until he was stuffed.

As the sun made the journey down from the sky, Erik grew somber.

They put Sydette to bed early and Erik read her a book and stayed with her until the little girl fell asleep.

"Here."

Yani handed him a glass of white wine and they sat outside on the lounger to watch the stars pop out across the dark velvet sky.

Yani crawled onto his lap and he held her close, nuzzling his nose into her neck. A dragonfly drone flew past the balcony, its movement a little off-kilter. The battery was probably running down.

Yani wiggled on his lap, hungry for him once more, and he stripped out of his loungers for her and gave her the dick she craved. In his favorite spot. In his favorite position with her.

"Fuck, I don't want nobody else in this pussy…." he chuffed into her neck.

Lifting her up, Erik stood with her legs slung over his biceps. His eyes watched the water far down below as he thrust. The mewling from her throat had him on edge and he locked his legs in position to hold her up while his length pumped up into her. He needed to work his back into it and carried her on his dick back into the house and into their bedroom.

Her legs spread wide and her toes pointing toward the wall, Erik pressed his muscular thighs into her thick ones as they both watched his dick plunge in and out of her gripping folds.

"I'ma be in this pussy all night. You know that, right?"

She nodded vigorously, her lips pressed tight as they heard the sloppy noise coming from their engorged lower parts.

"You want all of Daddy's cum now, huh girl?"

"Hmmmph…"

"Want me to fuck you in your ass again?"

Her head fell back onto the pillow with her mouth dropping open and when his dick slid out, he saw more sticky wetness spilling from her slit. He sank back in again hitting the side of her walls. The bed was bouncing with his thrusts. Yani's eyes went back to watch their joining.

"Oh shit…Yani…ah fuck girl…I love you…"

"Erik…"

"Say my name again."

"Erik."

He groaned as he slammed into her hard to punctuate the pleasure he received hearing his real name drip from her lips like honey.

"Erik…love…you feel so good. Making my pussy feel so good…God!"

"I see you squirtin' baby. I see it!"

Yani's legs shook even as Erik pressed down on her thighs to keep them flat on the bed.

"You tryna make me nut right now? Huh?"

He dug in her deeper and she took it like he knew she could.

Forcing her onto her hands and knees, he made her face the wall mirror so he could enjoy hitting it from the back and watching her face while he did it.

"All night, baby," he whispered.

All night indeed.

Every position.

Every nasty word he could think of in six languages.

Yani was panting, screaming into the sheets, squirting and cumming from every angle he could twist her into. Front. Back. Side. Diagonal. He held off from ejaculating, wanting to marinate in her juices for as long as he could, trying to savor and remember every moment of that night with her in their bed.

"Ah…baby…'bout to make a big mess…"

"Please!"

She held her breasts, her fingers circling her areolas.

"Wish I could suck milk out them titties again."

His head dropped forward and his right hand clutched her left breast and held it.

"These big titties…"

"Cum in my pussy, Erik."

His eyes narrowed looking down at her face.

"Want me to cum in your pussy, baby?"

"Yes."

He moved slow, so slow that her legs wrapped around his waist to get more friction from him.

"Tell me you love me again," he begged.

Yani clutched onto his back, her harsh pants tingling his ears. He knew that look and reaction from her. She was at the tip of her orgasm. A large one.

Her big eyes looked up at him as she clung to him, the look on her face taking him back to the first time they ever made love.

"Erik!"

"Yes, baby. I'm here."

"Erik…God…!"

Her voice hitched and Erik froze with her as her vaginal walls quivered against his length.

He couldn't breathe.

Tears slipped down her face.

"I love you, Erik. I want you here with me forever—"

Her head fell back as her pussy spasmed tight.

"Erik! Erik!"

"I'm cumming with you! Goddamit I'm cumming so fucking hard!"

There was no shame in his yelling out loud. Every hard spurt into her pussy made him yell out her name and how much he loved her. She only clung to his body as all of her softness pressed into the hardness of his body. When he felt the last of his semen leaving him, he bit into her shoulder and squeezed her tight. His toes cramped up and didn't want to let her go.

Their bodies cooled with the hot sweat evaporating from their skin.

Pulling her on top of him, Erik cradled Yani in his arms until she needed to go pee. He listened to her take a quick shower before she returned to his embrace.

"All night, remember?" she whispered to him.

"I remember. But a quick respite."

He shifted down until his head was on her stomach.

Yani whispered how much she loved and needed him until he fell asleep cradled in her arms.

###

Sydette's crying woke him up.

"She's probably having a bad dream," Yani said.

Erik shifted and Yani pushed him back on the bed.

"I'll take care of her. I get back and yuh give me some more."

Her eyes twinkled.

Jumping off the bed, she pulled on her panties and threw on one of his t-shirts.

"Big nipples poking through," he said grabbing his dick.

She kissed his lips and bounded out of the room.

It was late. If Sydette was up, she'd want to get into bed with them unless Yani could get her back to sleep fast.

He rubbed his belly then scratched his balls waiting for her.

His mind wandered to trivial things until he noticed things were too quiet.

"Yani. Everything okay?"

His hand swiped the security cam feed and he immediately sat upright. There was nothing there, which was impossible because he should see an image of Yani and Sydette…

Erik slid his hand to his bedstand drawer and pulled out his Glock. He slipped his loungers on and crept to the door.

The hallway was empty.

He checked Sydette's room. It was empty. He checked the hall bathroom and Klaue's bedroom on the far end of the house.

Easing toward the living room, Erik noticed a light pop on. He stepped into that light and saw Huntsman sitting on the couch with Sydette on his lap, his own Glock pressed into her little chest, his other free hand covering her mouth. Across from him standing near Klaue's wall of African masks was Shipley strong-arming Yani with his weapon pressed into her temple. His left hand fondled Yani's nipple.

Neal stepped into view with an AK-15 pointed at Erik.

"Now see, you shouldn't have been here, Killmonger," Huntsman said.

"Let them go," Erik hissed, keeping his eyes on Sweet Pea who had big shiny tears in her scared eyes.

"No. We can't do that. It's too bad though. Now they get to die with you."

Chapter 27 Here

###

Tag List:

@fd-writes​ @soufcakmistress  @cherrystainedlipsbaby @tclaybon  @thadelightfulone

@allhailqueennel @bartierbakarimobisson @cpwtwot @shookmcgookqueen @yoyolovesbucky

@raysunshine78 @the-illllest @terrablaze514  @l-auteuse @amirra88 @jimizwidow @janelledarling

@chaneajoyyy @sweetestdream92 @purple-apricots @blackpinup22 @hennessystevens-udaku

@scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @bugngiz @stariamrry  @honeytoffee @meilintheempressofdreams

@tyees @eye-raq @writerbee-ffs @chocolatedream30

[leverage-ot3]

notable moments from The Real Fake Car Job

leverage 5.07

me, 0.00000000000001 seconds into the episode: iS tHaT sHaGgY fRoM sCoObY dOO ???!!!

- - - - -

Kyle: I just figured a guy like you would have, I don’t know, an office or something.

Nate: Oh, yeah, I tried it once. Had trouble keeping it in one piece

a little on the nose there

- - - - -

Hardison (controlling pictures on the display): I got the security-camera footage from Eagle Cove’s parking lot.

Eliot: Those guys are Federal Marshals. Hardison, zoom in on that gun right there. That’s a Glock 23, .40 caliber... standard-issue weapon of choice for Marshals Service

bitch it’s distinctive

- - - - -

eliot’s car is literally the most inconspicuous ride E V E R

- - - - -

Sophie: Look at the items confiscated after his arrest. There’s high-end art, properties all over the world, vintage cars... all seized and sold at government auction for pennies on the dollar. Somewhere in there is the thing he loves that’s been taken away forever.

Nate: Okay. Hardison, Parker, you’re on that.

(Parker nods)

her W I N K at hardison

- - - - -

Parker: Cool. (throws a bag of garbage into the van)

Hardison: Looks like it’s just a bunch of car-restoration shows, some soap operas... embarrassing. What you doing?

Parker: Got his garbage. Garbage is always best.

Hardison: I just had Lucille detailed! Oh, are you kidding me? Get... girl... Is that seafood I smell?

Parker: I don’t... yeah, a little... whew

let lucielle live

- - - - -

(Erickson places a ‘Wifi password $5’ sign over the ‘Free Wifi’ sign)

Erickson (to customer): It just means that it’s available.

Customer (hands him $5): Mm.

Erickson: Thank you. (pockets money) So, the password..

woW HES A PIECE OF SHIT

- - - - -

(Eliot and Hardison are crouched in some greenery)

Hardison: Hey, easier done than said, man. Craigslist. One simple ad, and these rare-car guys will flock to any empty lot just for a peek at a vintage carburetor.

Eliot: Owner’s heading out of town.

(Owner exits house)

Hardison: He won some trip... all expenses paid to Bora-Bora.

Eliot: He’s a lucky man.

(Owner gets into car and drives away)

their smug looks as they crouch in the bushes together

chaotic boyfriends

- - - - -

(Eliot approaches garage doors)

Hardison: Oh, hey, hey, hey.

(Eliot hesitates, then opens the garage door to reveal a Packard Coupe)

Hardison: No way am I giving up this life to be an ordinary person.

Eliot: Did you talk to Parker about that?

Hardison: What you mean... why would I... No, she’s the least ordinary person I know... you know. Shoot. Wait. Do I have to talk to her about stuff like...

Eliot: Yeah.

Hardison: ‘Cause I... You know what? Just forget it. Let’s get to work

eliot talking to hardison about his relationship with parker? ot3 vibes?

- - - - -

parker’s become so good at grifting I’m so proud of her

+ SHES SO CUTE IN THAT FLOWERY DRESS AND FLOPPY HAT IM G A Y

- - - - -

they baked the marshall a fucking FRUITCAKE

- - - - -

Sophie: They always throw out the cake, but they keep the tray.

this show has so many good tidbits

- - - - -

Hardison (laughs): Just all up in each other’s business 24/7. Nothing to do.

Parker: I could never retire. Could you... would you ever...

Hardison (quickly): Mnh-mnh. Mm. No, hell, no.

Parker: Good. Good.

Hardison: Are you sure you...

Parker: Mm. Good. Then we’re on the same page.

Hardison: Eliot told you.

Parker: You were flailing just a little bit.

Hardison: A skosh?

Parker: Yeah, a skosh

the three of them look out for each other and I love that for them

- - - - -

(Sophie and Eliot walk across the parking lot with a shopping cart full of miscellaneous equipment, an axe and a shovel that they begin putting into the trunk of Eliot’s car)

Sophie: She there?

Eliot: Yeah, she’s in the back of the parking lot, watching us like a hawk.

(Marshal Rose is watching from across the lot)

Sophie: Are we being suspicious enough?

(Eliot hands her the axe)

Sophie: Never mind.

(Marshal Rose continues to watch as they load the car)

Sophie: So, what do you think you’re gonna do after all this is done?

Eliot: Always wanted to open up my own restaurant. Now I’m probably gonna get stuck making sure Hardison’s doesn’t go out of business. Throw a couple of drunks out every once in a while. Maybe the place will get robbed once a year.

anyone remember that meme where you try to buy five things that scares the cashier the most? their haul gives those vibes.

+

eliot deep down you KNOW hardison got the brewpub for you because he loves you

ALSO bby has a simple retirement plan bless his soul

- - - - -

(Sophie looks at a coil of rope)

Eliot: Don’t- don’t use that.

Sophie: Hmm?

Eliot: For future references, you can chew right through it.

Sophie: Huh. (puts rope into the trunk) Any other tips from back in the day, when you used to... (makes slashing motion across her neck) people?

(Eliot walks around the car while Sophie pushes the cart away. Marshal Rose watches as they enter the vehicle)

again, another good tidbit from leverage, you never know when you need knowledge like that

- - - - -

(Sophie watches Eliot digging a hole)

Eliot: After sunset, this field is gonna be completely dark. No clear sight lines from the road. First thing to find a body out here would be a coyote...

Sophie: Okay. Now I’m scared.

Eliot: I’m here.

Sophie: Eliot. You’re what’s scaring me.

(Marshal Rose approaches through the grass, watching and listening)

Sophie: So, just for argument’s sake, which one of us do you think would cope better? You know, with being an ordinary person? You know, without going... mad?

Eliot: Me. (continues digging)

Sophie: Really? ‘Cause, um... well, you know, I was thinking me.

Eliot (firm): It’s me.

lmfao sometimes eliot really doesn’t know when to Stop™

he’s trying his best, your honor

- - - - -

Sophie: The South entrance will be clear in 10 seconds.

(Eliot punches each of the men, knocking them out)

Sophie: Make it five

my aesthetic is it being only one punch of eliot’s that takes a goon out

- - - - -

Parker: You think it’ll work?

Nate: It has to.

Hardison: What will work?

Nate: Lots of cars in the ‘30s were diesels. They would run on vegetable oil. We’re gonna fuel up the Packard and try to...

Hardison: The car?! The car that’s all the way over there?! You mean we got to run over there and get in the car, drive through a gunfight, and pray that it’s bulletproof like the Batmobile?!

(a bullet ricochets nearby)

Hardison: Okay, I’m in. Let’s go. Go, go.

let hardison rest pls he’s baby

- - - - -

Sophie: I couldn’t help overhearing what you said in the warehouse about putting the past behind you.

Nate: I had a gun to my head.

Sophie: This is our bar. I’m sure I can rustle up a gun somewhere.

Nate: Mm. You were wrong about one thing.

Sophie: Really? Because I couldn’t possibly be right, could I?

Nate (leans closer): Wanting to move on with or without you... it matters. We matter

wow nate/sophie stans really kept winning this season

[flydotnet]

Bad Things Happen Bingo! The event where you send me requests according to this marvelous card! (Red cross is the completed prompt, character headshots are prompts I’ve already filled. I don’t have any request left, so feel free to send in suggestions for this card!).

Just so you know how bad I tried to make this be (and failed), I was watching Run with the Wind's infamous 20th episode.

Wassup BTHB crowd, it's ya boi Fly, back at it with a new hit piece. I'm glad to be taking part in this challenge, because it"s always fun to match characters/pairings to some tasty prompts and go wild with them. This one is fairly simple vecause it's a warm-up round and I didn't have that much to say (rip my insp, I'll never be able to match that level of pain), but it's always so fun to write Tsunami and Tachimukai being bros. I feel like we just don't have enough of them as platonic bros. We need more of that and I guess I'll be providing.

It's also only my second time writing in Tsunami's POV, I'm realizing (the first being a crack fic I posted earlier this week). It's a shame, really, because he's really cool to write, and coming up with all sorts of things about his siblings is a ton of fun. I hope to be able to shove some more of that into my card because I need to feed myself.

Also, yeah, I know: "gee Fly, you're writing about the abandonment issues you've slapped onto Tachimukai again?". Yes, yes I am. I've got no excuse, I just find that shit interesting to write. It be like that sometimes.

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Feverish Reflections

Summary: Tsunami struggles to break a fever in the middle of the night.

Fandom: Inazuma Eleven (OG continuity/college AU)

Wordcount: 3K words

Event hosted by @badthingshappenbingo​

AO3 version available here.

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Truth be told, Tsunami is used to taking care of people. How couldn’t he? He’s the oldest of six, of course he’s learnt to take care of an oopsie or two. He’s helped his parents with sick brothers and hurt sisters countless times before, when he still lived in Okinawa. He’s still giving advice to his younger siblings whenever they text him the wacky hijinks they got into and their consequences to this day, so you can bet he knows what he’s doing when he sees someone is in trouble, no matter what people may think.

He’s been in situations where he’s saved some close calls. A teammate twisted an ankle? He’d be the first on the move upon realizing. Norika got a concussion after someone on the team accidentally shot a little too strongly and she got it in the face? He knew what to do because Etsuko was a wild child, even wilder than him actually, and had done that to herself once. Being the eldest (or damn near so) in so many of his social circles along the years helped him become like that; a fact he’s prided himself in a little.

Tonight is… a bit of an exception to that rule, though.

.

There’s actually one thing he’s never been familiar with, and it’s fever spikes. Illnesses didn’t hit his family had enough for that case to ever rise up and, even during the few training camps or school trips he’s been on, the worst it’d get would just prompt the teachers to intervene while he’d be trying to keep someone in check. Usually, he’d have brushed it off as the sort of things that he’d be a bit careful about would it happen to him or, if it was about others, to make sure to get someone qualified to deal with it alongside him.

It’d have been all fine, would have it been any other day. He’d just make sure the sick person wouldn’t try to struggle against help or just help around as someone else would take care of what he didn’t know. Sure, he did have the occasion to side-eye some of their deeds; but saying he managed to see much before being kicked out of a bedroom or taken away from a scene by a doctor or a nurse would be a overplaying his competence and knowledge on this.

 The thing is, right now, he’s on his own trying to deal with whatever his roommate let himself get possessed by.

 It’s not even that he hadn’t seen it coming. He may not have, before university, gotten the occasion to know Tachimukai that much, especially since they had both changed since their golden middle school days (they were fifteen and thirteen – you can’t blame then for having at least been through some things in five years); but until now, despite what had happened during their high school years, he was pretty sure he had a firm grasp on his roommate’s personality and habits. Living with someone for a couple months does that to you.

He had seen coming, to some extent, the very thing he’s facing right now. If there’s one thing that’s always been clear about Tachimukai, it’s how much of a hard worker he is, even to the point of self-destruction at times. He’s the kind of guy who only half-listens to you when you tell him that he’s getting tired and should probably get some rest just because he hasn’t finished what he’s doing. He’s also the kind to be dumb enough not to sleep a cold off because he’s got that work shift he’s got to take and that assignment he needs to give back and that book he needs to read and write a report about for whatever class whose name he couldn’t even remember – that kind of guy.

That kind of guy who, right now, is scaring the shit out of him.

It didn’t need to get to this point, but it did, because that’s just how things are in his life: stuff happens and he’s got to deal with it, even if he doesn’t like it. He can wish all he wants he could’ve stopped his best friend from literally burning himself out and getting sent to bed jail, but that won’t break his fever and that sure won’t make the night go by any faster to sulk in both of their guilts. He’ll just do what a good big brother does and scold him once he’s conscious enough to know what he’s being told without it entering from one side, getting garbled, and leaving by the other.

Actually, what scares him the most about their current situation is that Tachimukai is barely coherent… that is, when he’s even trying to speak. Most of the time Tsunami attempts to start a conversation so he’s sure he’s not having a comatose roommate on his hands, a situation to which he really has no solution except calling an ambulance and praying, all he gets in return are some unfinished sentences and words he can’t even understand – if they’re words to begin with and not just a mishmash of syllables strung together by the loosest thread in town. It gives him that sensation that he’s losing someone to the claws of something he doesn’t know.

 He could be calling for an ambulance or for any sort of help (he believes Nosaka – who’s got some medical knowledge since that’s his major and all – lives only three or four buildings away and could at least give him a tip or two, he’d say), but that’d mean he’d have to leave the room and, well… He may be awake in the middle of the night and hunched over a bed like his mother would be when either of his siblings was sick and he’d try to get a sneak-peek of what was happening to them, it still doesn’t mean he’s willing to abandon this for some semblance of comfort.

Or, at least, he can’t leave the room for longer than a minute or two. He’s wanted to grab his phone that he left charging in his room for a little while, but that’d mean having to leave, and that’s… really not something he wants to do. Not when he’s seen what Tachimukai can somehow pull even when he’s sicker than a dog and afflicted with temperatures only heaters should be allowed to reach. Not when he’s… been the elder brother of five.

 Tsunami has seen some of the worst things happen to his siblings. Tetsunosuke has always been sickly and would often fall to the latest strain of the flu circulating at school, then spreading it to their other siblings while himself getting put through misery by the virus. Shinjuko would hallucinate the spirits of the dead and hear voices that weren’t there. Yoko would pull away from their own parents, clawing her way out, scratching herself away from their embrace because she was suffocating and scared the spirits of her nightmares would strangle her.

It’s all coming back to him now. The sand-pale skin, the laboured breathing, the half-closed foggy eyes – it’s all here. He’s seen them all on his siblings’ desperate faces, reflected in his father’s glasses, reflected by the mirror as little Jousuke tried to get a look at what was happening while, unlike them, he’d never waver, never fall sick. He managed to forget it all until now; but now, he’s helplessly watching his own best friend go through the same incarnated nightmare. It’s a horrifying display of what humans can get through and… he wishes it on nobody, not even on his worst enemy.

 He can’t get that damn fever to break. He’s been refreshing the cloth on his friend’s forehead continuously, making sure it’s as cold as possible without seeming like it’d cause frostbite (he’s gotten it before – he’d rather avoid it as much as he can, thank you), but it doesn’t do anything: the symptoms don’t weaken and he wonders when the spike is going to finally end, if it’s going to end. He’d usually try to be more optimistic than that, but he’s in very unfamiliar territories and the flashbacks from his childhood keep coming back when he tries to shove them away and focus on what’s at hand.

He knows he won’t be able to reduce it with just some cold water: he needs to get the medicine in the bathroom. Sure, it doesn’t seem like Tachimukai is conscious enough to even drink water, but just having the medicine will make him feel a little safer. Plus, he’d like to grab his phone so he can call someone in case things get extra bad (though, honestly, he doesn’t know who he’d call considering it’s like three in the morning and he hasn’t been hearing any party nearby), and he’d rather have medicine on hand for other things. Maybe give himself a pillow so the chair is more comfortable…

 As soon as he gets up, however, something grabs his shirt and tries to pull him back down and into his seat. He looks back down to see the slightly horrifying vision of a hazed, cloudy-eyed boy who suddenly looks far younger than he usually does, as if slipping back into his past self, clearly in pain but trying to say something nonetheless. A wave of cold sweat goes down his back from the vision alone… but it does mean his friend may now be the right amount of conscious to know what he’s doing or where he even is.

But that’s when Tachimukai says the first understandable thing he’s said since their hell of a night began and it’s one whose tone Tsunami doesn’t like much. It’s said in a weak, raspy tone that’s so unfamiliar to his ears, slow and almost detached, with syllables that have trouble forming because the poor guy must be dehydrated beyond what both of them can imagine at the moment; but what he can’t doubt is that it’s a cry of despair.

 “Please…” He sucks a hitched breath in, eyes wet and tears pouring from them. “Please don’t leave me…”

 Jousuke knows that tone, that expression, that feeling he gets overwhelmed with. Ryuunosuke’s face flashes before his eyes for a moment before he’s sitting back down, hands cupping his friend’s shoulders, watching unfocused irises desperately try to adjust. Even through his hair, he can sense the fever raging under the skin. He doesn’t mind the gross sweatiness of a sick person’s hair, especially when he finally has the hope to communicate. It feels like it’s been days.

“Tachimukai, can you understand me?!” He shouldn’t be yelling, but it’s stronger than him.

“Why’re you l’vin…?”

That accent is… Is that Fukuoka dialect? He’s not sure if he’s ever heard Tachimukai speak in it. He may have kept a lot of his Okinawan accent himself, but his friend? He’s spoken like a Tokyoite as far as he’s known. It’s such a weird thing to hear him relapse into a dialect. He can’t remember that happening even five years ago. He has a vague memory of hearing it at his graduation ceremony, though.

“I’m just gonna fetch some things. I ain’t leaving you like that.”

 The grip on his shirt loosens a little as the fog in his friend’s eyes disappears a little, not letting up entirely, but clearing just enough to finally look like he’s back to some extent of reason. It’s his one chance, he’d say.

“You mind if I just go grab my phone and some medicine for you? I promise I’ll be back in seconds.”

“A-ah, no, go for it, I…”

“I’m also bringing you a glass of water, dude. You sound like you’ve just gone through the desert.”

 He holds his promise and runs outside the bedroom into his, almost dropping his phone as he grabs it from his nightstand, then rushing to the bathroom to get a box of medicine that looks like it could be useful in their current situation and, finally, get a full bottle of water and a glass. He must have run it all in less than twenty seconds considering he’s somehow a bit out of breath from the ordeal; but it’s fine. It’ll be all fine.

When he comes back, nothing has changed much, aside from his friend’s eyes who have finally cleared from most of the smog. The latter is sitting up, breathing still heavy and shuddering under its own weight, skin tone still pale with red splotches on the cheeks; but man, he seems conscious, and that’s more than enough for now. After what he’s just been through (he checks on his phone: he was there for at least a very long half an hour), he can’t ask for much else than some sort of relief.

 Tsunami sits back down on the chair, pours his friend a glass of water and hands it to him.

“You must have a throat drier than the desert, so here you go, pal.”

As if starving for anything to drink (which he probably is, let’s be real here), Tachimukai anxiously takes it, hands trembling. Yeah, he may look less like he’s dying; he’s still not looking good by any means.

“I’ve also got you some fever reducers in case this happens again because, man, you scared the crap out of me.” Tsunami pours a second glass and hands his flatmate a pill. “Let’s spare us the trouble, okay?”

“Sorry for the trouble. I didn’t think it’d… get this bad.”

Okay, second good sign: the Fukuoka dialect has gone away too. He’d have usually not minded it, but if it mostly appears when Tachimukai is hotter than a furnace and hallucinating whatever he was seeing earlier, he’d rather not see it come back for a while – or ever, actually.

“Don’t stress it. I’m pretty sure you didn’t ask to be in that state.” Actually… “Just don’t get yourself that sick, next time. That’s all.”

“…You should go back to bed, Tsunami. I’ll be fine.

Too bad he doesn’t feel like he can go back to sleep, not when it was interrupted by this fiasco.

“That’s bold of you to say when you were the one begging me to stay, Tachi.”

 His friend stares back at him, at first confused, then anxiously. He looks down almost right afterwards, hair hiding most of his face.

“…I said that?”

“You don’t remember?” Well, come to think of it… “Ain’t really a surprise, actually. You looked like you had seen death.”

“N-no, I don’t remember much… All I can guess is that I’ve caused you some problems.”

“Do you just… get that sort of fevers often?”

Tachi (the new nickname flows better on his tongue, Tsunami must admit) takes a little while to reply, as if thinking his answer through.

“It’s been a while since the last one, I think? They only happen when I’ve been tired for long periods of times. I should be fine by tomorrow.”

“You’re sure?”

A little smile. What he wouldn’t do for that little one to stay on…

“The fact you’ve helped me makes me sure, yes.”

“I suppose that’s a good sign, then! Still, can I ask you something real quick, Tachi? I’m sure you want to sleep and all, but… There’s something that’s been on my mind.”

“What’d that be?”

“For a while, you only said incoherent things, but at some point, you clearly asked me not to leave you. You seemed desperate, so…” His voice trails. “…Tachimukai? Is there something wrong?”

 His friend has shrivelled on himself, almost like a hurt animal. He doesn’t like it a single bit, but… there’s no use in rushing, as much as his instincts want him to jump ahead and fix the uneasiness that’s settling in.

“I think I’m… so scared to be left alone again at times like that, that my fever started to speak for me. It must’ve felt weird for you to hear me say such a childish thing all of a sudden, but…”

“But what? It’s not childish to ask for someone to stay by your side while you’re having a terrible time. Hell, you’ve not seen yourself while you were in that state, but I’d have never left you alone for more than a couple seconds.”

“But—”

“What makes you think that asking for company is a bad thing, Tachi?”

“…I’d assume the fact I was left on my own for so long that I started to think I was automatically a burden. It hasn’t left yet. I just… expressed it when I’d have usually kept it to myself. Again, sorry for all the trouble, I’m not easy to deal with when I’m that sick and—”

“If you apologize one more time, I swear I’ll knock you out so you get some sleep, dude.”

 Tachi recoils back, but chuckles right afterwards.

“Dude, you’re sick. It’s time you think about yourself and realize I don’t mind helping you out. I’ve never minded, in fact, ever since we were in Raimon.”

The smile he gives him is a genuine one and, even if it’s a little pained and very much tired, it’s still the highlight of his night.

“I suppose that’s true… I should’ve known you of all people wouldn’t leave me, Tsunami.”

“That’s more like it! Now get some sleep. I…” A yawn escapes from his mouth, almost unhinging his jaw in the process (that may be dramatizing it, but it’s not that far from it). “I need my beauty sleep too. If you need help, text me, ’kay? G’dnight.”

“Works for me. Goodnight, Tsunami.”

 Before he can truly leave, though, Jousuke feels one last pull on his shirt.

“Oh, and… thank you for sticking with me. Really.”

Time to give his best (tired) teethy grin.

“I could tell you the same, you know!” He ruffles his friend’s hair with his hand. “See you later.”

On that, Tsunami finally leaves, heart lighter than in the evening, holding onto his phone like a necessary timeline even as he goes bad to bed.

[cg29]

Random Fic Share: Thunderbirds - Gordon Tracy Addition.

Shared this ages ago, wanted to reblog but couldn’t find it on here - so reposting

The Choice.

Original Series, but can link with Thunderbirds 2015... A Gordon Tracy One-Shot - A grey mist. No idea where he was, or how he had got there. Plus, a person in the distance waiting, and a choice to make... Available on A03 & FFNet: CreativeGirl29.

He opened his eyes, but all he could see was a dense grey mist swirling around him.

Where was he? How had he got here? The last thing he remembered was… “Shit!” he exclaimed when he realised he had no recollection…

“Okay, think… I’m Gordon Cooper Tracy, I’m 18, my dad is Jeff Tracy and I have four brothers who annoy the hell out of me, but yeah, still love them – just don’t tell them that... Oh, and I work for WASP… Okay,” he sighed with relief, “I haven’t lost my memory, just don’t remember what I was doing before I found myself here…” He sat himself up… Wherever here was?

And why was he soaking wet? Not that there was anything unusual with him dripping water everywhere, but the fact that there was no water nearby. Well, not that he could see anything through the fog, but he could smell a swimming opportunity from a mile away, and… Gordon sniffed the air… Definitely no pool or ocean, but there had to be some form of civilisation… Bringing himself to his feet, he glanced around… He wasn’t here alone, there had to be someone nearby… Right?

“Hello,” he called out… “Ouch!” A sharp pain hit him, rippling through his body… Okay, maybe not that way.

He turned and began walking in the other direction, well, this seemed good… No pain, and the fog was dissipating… Plus, Gordon paused, was that… Yes, it was… An outline of a person up ahead.

“Hello?”

They didn’t answer, but this person was definitely staring in his direction… Were they waiting for him? And why? Stepping forwards the persons features became more prominent… It was a woman, and she looked familiar… Golden hair like his little brother… He felt a slight hitch in his breath… Could it be? Moving even closer… He hoped, he prayed it was her… Then her face came into focus, a glowing smile similar to Virgil’s, and eyes sky blue like Scotts… Tears pricked… an utter of disbelief, at the person he had dreamed of seeing but never believed he would again.

“Mom?”

A beat of silence…

“Hey Gordy.”

“Momma” he exclaimed, reaching his hand out to touch her.

“No baby,” she said stepping backwards, “I can’t hold you.”

“But I’ve missed you.”

“Oh darling, I’ve missed you too.”

“Am I… Am I dead?”

“No, but if you come to me then you will have to stay.”

“That’s okay.”

“No, it isn’t,” she pointed behind him, “you need to go back.”

Gordon looked behind him to the darkness, to where he had felt the lightening pain shoot throughout his body… “Why?”

“Your dad and your brothers need you.”

“Can I stay with you for a short time, and then go back later?”

“I’m sorry, you’ll need to go back now.”

“Then I choose to stay here!”

She shook her head. “Gordon, please…”

He looked behind him for a second time. “But that way hurts.”

“I know,” she sighed, “and I wish that I could reassure you that it would only be a short-term thing, but unfortunately it won’t be. If you go that way, then it will be extremely painful, and you will have to fight so hard to regain control of your own body… But, I promise you it will be worth it.”

“It will?”

Lucille nodded. “There are exciting and rewarding times awaiting you, and your brothers… Including a blue suit and your own submarine!”

“Really?”

“Yes, and it will look just like the one you used to play with in the bathtub when you were little.”

“Except…”

“What sweetie?”

“Can it be yellow, that toy was green and that was always Virg’s favourite colour, even though he never played with it!”

“Of course, my little aquanaut,’ she chuckled. ‘it can be any colour you want.”

“Cool,” he remarked, looking behind him before glancing back to his mom.

“Gordon,” she said sadly, “you need to go now, before it’s too late.”

“Okay mom… But I’ll miss you!”

Lucille offered him a heartfelt smile. “Whenever you do just close your eyes and think of me and I’ll be there.”

“Okay,” he nodded, wiping away the tears that had slowly fallen, “love you mom!”

“I love you too Gordon.”

Gordon turned, but paused, no… he needed to see her one last time… He glanced back but she was gone… “mom?”

Oh god, why had he looked away… he should have stayed, he tried to move back to where she had been, but the darkness was now pulling at him, yanking him backwards with all of its might, and the pain was now hitting… Oh god it hurt… it really hurt… And now it was pitch black… ‘oh, why did he leave his mother?’

“Gordon?”

A voice was calling to him. Soothing just like his mother’s… Maybe it was his mom

“Gordon… Can you hear me?”

Okay, it definitely wasn’t his mother. That was a man’s voice… And one that he recognised… Serene, comforting, tranquil… A speck of light suddenly hit… he cracked his eyes open and stared at the exhausted but relieved face of his space loving brother… Of course, the voice had been John’s…

“He’s awake…”

Other faces appeared… His father, and his other brothers… They also looked relieved and tired, but very happy…

If he hadn’t come back, then they would have lost him just like they’d lost mom. She had been right… He was meant to come back, and now he had so much to tell them, about seeing mother and the promise of his own yellow submarine… But he couldn’t right now, due to sleep calling… His eyes flickered shut… He’d tell them tomorrow.