#like if you're assigned to her floor and maybe were the first person to attend teatime

[binah-beloved]

i was falling asleep, and then i thought about how Binah in LoR was probably becoming increasingly lonely after her time in Lob Corp, which is why she was trying so hard to have teatime with the other librarians and now i am 100% awake

[explosiveranga]

Games of the Heart (BTS fanfiction)

Rating: G (May change in the future)

Word Count: 1480

Fandom: BTS

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Reader

Summary:  You and Jungkook are rival live streamers and for the next month, you'd be stuck in the same building as him for a reality TV show. Will you be able to prove that you're the better gamer, or will his mere presence distract you and cost you everything?

Notes: This is my first BTS story, god help me but I couldn't resist purple mullet JK. I blame @youarejesting. Any complaints, take it up with her. Also, happy birthday stinky boy.

P.s. Stream Butter now.

                                                      CHAPTER 1

Day 1

The slamming of a car door woke you and your first thought was that the sun was too goddamn bright. The next thought that crossed your mind was that you needed coffee, badly. An older gentleman opened your door and you recognised him as the driver who had picked you up from your apartment at 6 am.      “We’re here, miss.”      Through your sleep-addled brain, you almost forgot your manners and you nodded your thanks before leaning over to the sleeping form beside you.      “Namjoon,” you nudged him in the ribs with your elbow and the man started awake, eyes wide and drool glistening off his chin. He blinked at you as a giggle fell from your lips. “Come on. They’re waiting for us.”

The facility was huge.      You weren’t sure how far out of the city you were but as far as your eye could see, trees surrounded you, a sea of red and burnt orange lining the horizon, broken only by a large, modern estate, all white stone and tall glass windows. It loomed over you as you approached with your bags, your friend right behind you as you followed a producer through to a large sitting room. Sliding doors lined the far wall and were open to a balcony that overlooked the district, the morning sun slowly rising higher in the sky. A group of people were gathered, a mix of producers and the other contestants. A few of them were leaning over the fence for a better look, others cradling cups of coffee or catching a few minutes of rest. One man was laid back over a banana lounge, dark glasses hiding his eyes, mouth gape as gentle snores fell from him.

There were ten players in total, including yourself. Jeonju would be your home for the next four weeks where you and the other players would test and play an early release of the newest MMORPG - DragonStorm. You’d spend 12 hours a day, 6 days a week playing, testing, gaming. Everything would be filmed; think ‘Survivor’ but instead of surviving the wilderness and drinking your own pee, you’d be trying to beat a computer game. It was a massive PR stunt, to hype the release of the game and boost sales.      The prize was 100 Million Won to any charity of your choice and there were only a few rules; no contact with the outside world: no fourth wall-breaking (which meant that everyone had to be in character while they were playing at all times) and no discussing the game with other players. Anonymity was key.      Each player would start with their own quests to complete over the duration of the competition and everything they did accumulated points. At the end, the one with the most points would be crowned the winner.

The host, an older, bespectacled man that introduced himself as Bang Si-Hyuk, explained all of this to you once you were settled. You were familiar with most of your costars. Everyone here had some kind of platform on MeTube or Snitch and so you knew each other by association, having attended the same events and running in the same circles. Everyone seemed nice enough so far.      Apart from him. Your rival.      Well, you used the term ‘rival’ loosely. Jeon Jung-Kook, JK to his fanbase, was a fellow streamer and gamer. You used to play together when you were both new to the platform but one day, he stopped inviting you to lobbies and your fan bases had taken it upon themselves to start a rivalry. What began with a playful comment here and there soon became a full on turf war.      You spotted him from across the room, his hair an obnoxiously bright purple. He might actually be handsome if he wasn’t so frustrating. He caught your eye and threw you a crooked grin. It was your management's idea; the ultimate test to prove who was a better gamer. MeTube feuds kept you relevant and trending and that kept the money in your management's pockets, so everyone was a winner. All you had to do was survive four weeks locked in the same building as him.

Introductions were made and coffee was served as the contestants disbanded, some retreating to their rooms for some RnR, others exploring the grounds. Your friend, Namjoon, was making conversation with heartthrob actor Teahyung, waving his hands animatedly as they spoke.      You’d known RM since you were in the 3rd Grade when your family moved to Seoul. He’d taught you Korean and in turn, you helped him with his English. Through that, a firm friendship was formed. At this point, he was like a sibling to you. He was the Sherlock to your Watson and there was no one else you would rather be in this competition with, not least of all because Kim Namjoon was absolutely appalling at games and you planned on kicking his ass.

Finally feeling a little bit human after your early morning - after all, you gamers weren’t known for being early birds - you loaded yourself and your luggage into the elevator in search of your room. You took a sip of your coffee, grateful for the caffeine, leaning back against the mirrored wall as the doors began closing.      “Hold the elevator!”      Without thinking, your hand shot out between the doors but your gamer reflexes must have been too quick for the machine and it closed around your wrist. Startled, you dropped your precious cup of liquid energy, the doors opening just in time for you to see it tumble to the floor and all over Jeon Jungkook’s shoes.      “Shit,” you cursed, dropping to your knees in an attempt to clean it up with the one napkin that had been between your hand and the styrofoam. A few staff members rushed over to help and you felt your cheeks burn with embarrassment. One held the doors as you both got cleaned up but Jungkook’s white trainers were now splattered with coffee stains.      Eventually, you loaded back into the lift, coffee-less and in a worse mood than when you’d started. JK, bags at his side, was right there with you. You could feel his eyes on you as the doors slid closed.      “You’re shorter than I expected.” The man grinned and you wanted to smack that pretty smile off his handsome face. This was your first time meeting in person and it was going perfectly. Sometimes, you forgot that the feud was all a PR stunt and that you didn’t actually hate him. Well, maybe a bit; you still hadn’t forgotten the time he’d called you a n00b on his podcast and these comments weren’t helping his case.      “You’re more insufferable than I expected,” you retorted, wanting nothing more than for this elevator ride to be over. The building had 4 floors - the ground floor was all communal, with a kitchen and living area occupying most of it. The crew and production team occupied the second floor, and the contestants had assigned, self contained rooms on the third floor. The upper most floor housed a gym and other recreational facilities that you’d be able to use on their downtime. You only hoped that your rooms weren’t too near to each other.      “Are you ready to prove once and for all who’s the better gamer?” You blinked at the man. “...Me. It’s me. I-I’m the better gamer.”      “Wooooooooooooooooooow,” you couldn’t hide the smirk on your face, quickly looking away from him.      “What’s that supposed to mean?”      The doors slid open with a ‘ping’, allowing for a quick escape, leaving a frowning Jungkook to rush after you with his belongings.      “No, no, nothing.”      “It doesn’t sound like ‘nothing’.”      “Well, you’re very full of yourself aren’t you?”      “I do have more subs than you.” You shot him a quick glare. You’d been neck and neck for years but these late few months, he’d taken the lead in sub count and you had yet to take it back. You blamed his handsome face and that ridiculous purple mullet.      “Fine.1 V 1 me then.” You stopped at a door that had your name on it and opened it, loading your bags into the dark room. Jk stopped across the hall and you saw that his room was right across from you. Great. “Name a time and a place and I’ll show you who’s better.”      “I don’t think a 1v1 would be fair on you. You wouldn’t be able to kill the EnderDragon even if you were in Creative.”      You frowned, skin prickling with annoyance, watching him lean back against his door with folded arms “Well, you… you wouldn’t even know an EnderDragon if it...landed on your house.”

Without letting him reply, you rushed into your room, cursing yourself. You closed the door behind you, not before you heard the giggle coming from the frustratingly handsome man.

[deans-mind-palace]

Masterlist

So, welcome to my master list. It will be updated every few days. Gifs are not mine, they belong to their creator!

Dean Winchester

Ripped at every edge - Dean x Neutral!Reader. After a hunt gone wrong, Sam and Dean fight. As soon as Sam leaves the room you have to pick up the broken pieces of Dean Winchester. Based on ‘Colors’ by Halsey.

Two little letters - Dean x Fem!Reader. With Dean’s help you manage to escape an abusive and unhealthy relationship. You live a happy life until your past catches up with you. A chain of unfortunate coincidences leads to a heartbroken Dean. Will you be able to save your relationship? (requested)

Stitches - Dean x Fem!Reader. Y/N is in love with Dean, unbeknownst to him. During a hunt he saves her and risks his own life. He nearly died and now you have a grumpy, on the floor bleeding hunter sitting on your bed and you are just about to explode. (requested)

Sweet as marshmallows - Dean x Male!Reader. Things get heated between you and the elder hunter after a dangerous Wendigo hunt. (requested)

Icarus - Dean x Reader. You‘re an unworried person who is always optimistic and such a sharp contrast to your secret crush Dean. You have to show Dean that he mustn’t carry the world‘s pain on his own shoulders. Sometimes you just gotta live a little. Skinny dipping is the solution.

Verity - Dean x Neu!Reader. During her last breath, the witch had taken revenge. Things get interesting when Dean’s hit by a truth spell. Unfortunately, it is not easy to hide a secret if you always have to tell the truth. But that doesn't explain why Dean is avoiding you all the time, does it?

Sam Winchester

You’re a hooker, sweetheart - Sam x Reader. You’ve always had a thing for the younger Winchester brother. Ever since you first met Sam and his cute smile. But you were always too afraid of confessing your crush to him. One day he hooks up with a random girl after a hunt. That’s when you’re having it! You’re tired of suppressing. What will Sam have to say? (requested)

Suspirium - Prof!Sam x Fem!Reader. You’re in your last year of your Classics and Modern Languages studies and you’re majoring in Latin and English. Then you get assigned to a different Latin teacher. And damn, he loves his subject. Too bad that he’s also hot. What is just a childish crush soon develops into something way more complicated.

Castiel

That’s the thing with nightmares - Cas x Neutral!Reader. Sweet Castiel comforts you after a terrible nightmare which leads to lots of cuddles.

Heavenly touch - Cas x Fem!Reader. You’re in your last year of high school. But nothing goes according to plan. While your older brothers are hunting demons down you have to attend school in whatever forsaken town they drag you to. You are bullied because you have no boyfriend, no sexual experience and you not even have had your first kiss yet. Dean doesn’t get your problem and Castiel is curious. That won’t end well.

Forget me not - Cas x Fem!Reader series. Cas was your guardian angel and best friend. He protected from everything that tried to harm you as a child. But a terrible accident caused him losing you. Years later, you’re still determined to find your guardian angel again. What happens when you meet him under unexpected circumstances?

Glooming hearts - Cas x Fem!Reader. The one time Dean plays matchmaker for his socially awkward friend and an angel who is just as worse. It’s funny and maybe he gets a lot more involved than he wanted to. Both  have no experience with dating and Dean likes watching how the chaos he caused envolves around him. What could possibly go wrong? (requested)

Conversations in the dark - Cas x Neu!Reader. Nothing’s real if it happens in the dark. That’s what your mother told you about nightmares. But you’re hunter and you know that nightmares exist in the daylight, too. Your relationship with Cas isn’t always easy. However, in moments of doubt it’s good you have each other. Because that’s all that really matters.

Other SPN characters

Another love - John x Fem!Reader. You had a wonderful thing with John Winchester. One night he leaves without coming back. 

Beware of the daddy - John x Fem!Reader. The reader gets drunk in a bar and doesn’t want to be alone at night so she is searching for an one-night stand. She finds a good-looking guy, but suddenly she ends up in a dicey situation. John comes to the rescue. (requested)

SPN Actors

Lullabies - Jensen x Fem!Reader. Jared x Fem!Reader. You're pregnant. Every couple would be happy to hear these news. Don't get me wrong, you're happy. Only problem is you have no idea who the father is... It‘s either Jensen Ackles' baby or the one of Jared Padalecki. The two men don't know about the big news yet. How will they react? Part 2 here. (requested)

Adorkably - Jensen x Neu!Reader. After you had a stunt accident on the Supernatural set, your leg is broken and you have to stay in bed while being on some high painkillers. Good thing, Jensen takes care of you. Well, in his own dork way anyways… (requested)

Nightcrawler - Jensen x Neu!Reader. Jensen and you never got along well. But when a stunt accident almost caused him losing you, everything changes. What will Jensen have to say if you wake up? (requested)

Cloudbursts - Jared x Neu!Reader. You were determined to do it. You never told anyone about your fear and you wouldn’t let it bring you down to your knees now! Not in front of all these people! Well, the anxiety attacks were an obstacle you didn’t think of... (requested)

Rock 'n' Roll, baby - Jensen x Male!Reader. Jensen has always been such a flirt. There has always been a chemistry between you that neither of you can deny. But no-one makes the next step. What is only a flirt for fun soon turns out to be more. (requested)

Love and hair - Jensen x Daughter!Reader x Jared. Part 2 to Lullabies. Set 18 years in the future. Reader wants to know who her biological dad is. (requested)

An apple a day - Doctor!Jensen x Fem!Reader. You were just having a bad day, that’s it. I mean, dislocating an arm while carrying cartons into your new apartment? That could happen to everyone. But intentionally miss three vaccination appointments? That could only happen to you. If only the doctor wasn't so cute... (requested)

Skies are different in Vancouver - Jensen x Neu!Reader. You have a hard time while your finance is in Vancouver for three months. However, you know that Jensen will always return to you in the end. (requested)

Hot as hell heaven - Misha x Neu!Reader. Filming can be quite dangerous sometimes. Good thing you have your personal doctor. (requested)

[missallsundayyy]

PART ?? OF MY CHROLLO X ELIZABETH FIC & IF U WANT THE FIRST PART ITS ON MY MASTERLIST, like i said I already publish a few chapters on Wattpad but only decided to post maybe 1-4 chapters that i'm biased with.

School girl and a Bandit

Elizabeth was waiting for Chrollo outside the mall where he had ask her to meet him. She suspected that he was going to buy her more things again. Truthfully she really did like him a lot and she loved spending all her time with him. Being with him didn't make her crazy, she did not have any of her 'episodes' with him around and she loved it. She felt that her condition might push him away or turn him off but she also knew he somewhat enjoyed torturing her from time to time, that's why she knew this man was perfect and because of that very reason she didn't want him to leave her.

Her heart raced and fluttered waiting for him, meeting him always excite her.

"Elizabeth??" a familiar voice interrupted her but not the voice she was waiting for.

She spun around and her big shining eyes widened at the person.

"Ilumi???" surprised but her voice had a hint of glee. "What are you doing in Yorknew?" she regain her composure

"I'm here on an assignment..." he said, his eyes never leaving her. He mentally took note of how much the girl had grown in just over a year. Her face was glowing, her body figure was more curvaceous than ever, her bust seemed to have doubled, maybe tripled than the last time he'd seen her. It's been a year since Illumi had talked or met Elizabeth. "You look.....very beautiful Elizabeth" he continued, he tried to compliment her without sounding like a pervert.

She blushed at his words but was lowkey upset because whyyyyyyy did he have to show up now. Illumi was Elizabeth's first crush. She knew who he was and she had asked him to fulfill her pain and pleasure but he cared too much for her so he wouldn't be obliged to her request. She left Illumi because she didn't want to be upset further, she questioned why he wasn't able to do it when he was trained professionally and his answer was because he was falling for her and regardless who he was, he was never going to hurt her and he had made that so very clear to her.

Elizabeth was going to say something when she felt Chrollo's arms snake around her waist and the sound of his voice joined their conversation. Illumi looked at the scene that was unfolding in front of him and he had a questioning look on his face.

"Chrollo."

"Illumi." Chrollo's voice was cool and solely based on greeting a business partner. "You know Elizabeth?" he questioned the eldest Zoldyck assassin. Illumi smiled, amused. "Of course. Someone like her would be hard to notice......but we're just friends now of course."

Chrollo had his brows raised at his reply 'now?' his mind questioned but he didn't probe further. "Well....I guess I'll be off now then I have business to attend to. I'm sure I'll be doing future business with you once more" Illumi gestured to the leader of the phantom and then turned back to Elizabeth "It's a pleasure to see you again...." his eyes lingered on her longer than Chrollo liked before he walked away.

"That was very awkward..." Elizabeth muttered softly to herself. She looked up to Chrollo who had an unreadable expression. "Ch..chrollo..??" she called him out softly and snapped him away from his thoughts. He looked down on her and smiled at her adorable questioning facial features. "Let's go Elizabeth, I've reserved a limited edition diamond earring for you. This piece is the only pair in the whole world." he said lovingly at her. She gasped internally, this man treats her too good she didn't know what she has ever done to even deserve this.

"B..bbut...it's too much if i'm the only in the world that has it....i can't possibly accept this..." she was cut off with a kiss. "mphmm!" His lips captured hers roughly and silenced her refusal.

"You can't say no to me Elizabeth..now let's go"

TIME SKIP

"That looks very pretty on you Elizabeth!" Chrollo complimented the girl who was now checking her new accessory out in the mirror. Her cheeks flushed light red at his compliment.

"This jewelry is so beautiful Chrollo...the soft blue globe shape of this is sparkling!! It's almost like it's shining...!" she exclaimed whilst looking in the mirror.

He smiled looking at the happy young girl, he could feel the happiness radiating off her. "Yes I agree and the colour of it compliments your eyes very well because both shines almost the same." he adds on making her turn to him blushing even more.

"Thha...thank you Chrollo, these are very beautiful! I love it!!" she exclaimed very cutely. (yall would know how Eli is if you watch seven deadly sins)

He laughed and nodded his head "Well you can take a look around then after this we'll go shopping for anything you want."

Elizabeth knew better than to argue with Chrollo but when she think back about it, he was the most wanted criminal like ever and he probably makes billions a day just by robbing someone or something.

They continued the rest of the day shopping and dining at the finest restaurants in the city, he was an absolute gentleman and she was the most divine date he will ever have.

TIME SKIP

"You pamper me so much and now my closet doesn't have enough storage" Elizabeth fussed and racked through all her clothings trying to make space for all the stuff she's bought from today. Chrollo was amused looking at the young teenager sprawled on the floor trying to organize her outfits. "Are you not allowed back to your respective apartments?" he asked.

"Well the school hasn't announced anything regarding that yet so i'm stuck in this ugly dorm." she complained but he laughed, "I'll arrange for you to be allowed back to your apartment"

Elizabeth crossed her hands and turned to him "And how are you going to do that exactly" her sassy tone amused him even further. He stood up and squat in front of her, using his finger tilting her face up to him "Do you forget who I am Elizabeth? I can have and do anything I want" he said dangerously. This made her want to unleash her crazy on him but she nodded afraid her mouth might slip any bullshit out.

TIME SKIP

Elizabeth was in her school library trying to reach for the book that she had to reference in her assignment but luck wasn't on her side when she realised that the book she wanted was at the top of the ridiculous book shelf.

"Fuck." she swore silently.

"You know you can ask for help if you need it princess." a deep familiar voice came directly from behind her and his voice went straight down her spine. She whipped her head almost immediately and was met with Illumi's face 'fuck my luck today' she mentally cursed. "Uhh..Illumi...what.. whaa are you.." He had her book in a blink of an eye "Your welcome" he cut her off with his oh so charming smirk. Elizabeth blushed at how close they were currently, she could feel his body heat radiating off him. "I..we..." before she could get a word in he had grabbed her waist roughly and slammed her against the library's study table and smashed his lips against hers. He thanked the heavens that he could again feel her soft and plump lips, the sweetness from her mouth engulfed him once again..it has been far too long he has had her like this.

"Mmmph!!" Elizabeth was shocked at the bold move that her former lover pulled. She tried to push him off her but OBVIOUSLY he was wayyyy too strong. His both hands groped her waist and thighs and he mentally worshipped the soft porcelain skin she had. Elizabeth's will to fight Illumi's kiss and touch was slowly weakening and she felt the familiar feeling of his touch once again. He smirked against her lips when he felt the girl loosening up to him. Before she could return his advances the oldest zoldyck son was flung backwards by an unknown force.

"Get off her." a calm yet raging voice filled the empty library. Illumi had crashed into the wall leaving a hole. Chrollo's back was facing her, she was afraid he would get the wrong idea and she could feel his hostility within him. He turned back to Elizabeth "I leave you for a day and you've already replaced me Eli?" he said to her with one eyebrows arched. She stuttered trying to explain herself whilst her face was still red as a tomato. "You're lucky you're always this cute, I could never get mad at you." he finished before turning his gaze back at Illumi.

"While I'm glad we are able to work together and be professional, I would be very much love it if you keep your hands to yourself and leave my girlfriend alone, Illumi. This will be the only warning you get." Chrollo snapped at the assassin.

Illumi laughed "I didn't know Elizabeth was YOUR girlfriend, it seems that she has taste for dangerous men." he turned his gaze back at Elizabeth's flustered figure still on the study table. He would've taken her there and then if Chrollo hadn't interrupted.

"My apologies then, i'll be going now" with that he vanished in an instant.

Chrollo let out a deep sigh "I'm honestly taken aback to know that you and Illumi were once lovers Elizabeth." he walked towards the silver haired who was standing up adjusting her ridiculous school skirt that was way too short.

"No matter...now that you are mine, no man will ever dare lay their hands on you." he closed their gap and kissed her roughly, grabbing her waist tightly she knew it was going to bruise. He continued his kiss by going down her neck, licking her sensitive spot. "ahh...gg..god.." her hands instinctively combed through his hair. "I'll show you how you're supposed to handle a little girl." he growled in her ears, he's had it with all the men that had shamelessly ogled her.

He dropped on his knees and spread her legs wide apart and Elizabeth gasped at the realisation of what he was about to do. The thought of him going down on her in her school library made her dripping wet already. She moaned quietly when she felt two fingers sliding up and down teasingly.

"Dripping wet already? Is this from me or Illumi Elizabeth?" he growled angrily plunging three fingers in her without warning. Her head jerked back and she let a loud moan out of her mouth.

"Fuckkkkk!" he fingered her hard and fast not letting her answer him, his fingers went in and out at a monstrous pace she thought she could see stars. She gripped the table so hard her fingers were almost white. He curled his fingers and stimulated her insides and she thought she was going to cum there and then. She almost felt her release when he pulled his fingers out, she whimpered at the loss of pleasure and he gave her a knowing smirk. He brought his fingers up to her lips and grazed the bottom lips with his fingers that were now glistening with her juices. "Suck" he commanded. She swore she could've cum from that command itself. Elizabeth stuck her tongue out teasingly, licking his fingers that were fully coated with her cum.

Chrollo growled and shoved 3 fingers down her throat "I said suck little girl. Im not playing games here" he snapped and proceeded to lap her dripping wet core with his tongue. Elizabeth moans were half silent due to his fingers going in and out of her mouth. Her tongue swirled and sucked skilfully like how she would go down on him while he worked on her pussy magically. Her vision was in a daze, her eyes half lidded but still could make out the handsome man going down on her hungrily. "Gyah,...mmhmm.. chro...llo..." she tried to speak even with his wet fingers in her mouth. She had one hand gripping his black hair and one gripping his hand that was fucking her mouth.

Chrollo stopped his pleasuring assault on her and looked up and was faced by the most erotic sight he has ever seen. He yanked back his fingers that were in her mouth and used the very slippery and wet finger to shove it back into her hot hole. "Fuck fuck fuck. Chrollo!! I'm..im gonna....ahhh" she chanted his name like a mantra and he had a front row seat for it. He watched her body wriggle with pleasure, her hands in his hair gripped so tightly he thought she was hanging for dear life. "You're dripping wet and you're soaking my hands with your cum already. Cmon open your eyes and look down Elizabeth." he used his other hand and gripped her face and forced her to watch herself be fucked by 4 of his fingers. The sight was too hot Elizabeth she felt herself cum.....hard and she felt strings of liquid spurting out from her.

"ahh fuck fuck I feel so...this...sooo good I caan..haaa!" she trashed on the table and she felt so euphoric and this was only from his fingers. She felt her orgasm lasted for at least a minute and he removed his fingers from her.

"You look so sexy when you squirt like that...just from my fingers Elizabeth." he said, his hands shirt now covered with a lot of her cum. Elizabeth was so spent from the intense orgasm, she didn't have the energy to be embarrassed.

"Take me to my room please Chrollo...I can't moveee..." she whimpered still feeling her high. He chuckled down on her "You're so cute Elizabeth..should I fuck you now before I bring you to your room?" She let a low moan at the thought of him taking her in her school library. "No!! not here...you can fuck me in my room! not here..."

He laughed at her plea "I'll carry you to your room okay?" she nodded shyly. Chrollo could feel himself falling for this girl day by day and he didn't know if it was a good thing or.

[curiousconch]

Two Old Friends

Chapter 3 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU).

Catch up here: Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Chapter Synopsis: As Bryce takes Heather in, a facade that he has blocked out for several months begins to disintegrate.

Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x MC (Dr. Heather Song) | Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song)

Words: 2.3k+ | Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: None for this chapter, it's pure fluff! (Yay!)

Author’s Notes: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song. I was listening to Maybe this Time on repeat when I wrote this chapter, I think that song encapsulates it perfectly.

8 months ago

Bryce Lahela was stoked to have been assigned the Ed Farrugia case. He dreamt up of an opportunity like this ever since he graduated top of class from Stanford Law School. It wasn't out of self-ambition, it was part of his grand plan - to go opposite the direction of his white-collar criminal parents.

At first, Bryce's parents was overjoyed when he told them he's pursuing a law degree. It never occurred to them that it was all part of his scheme.

He soldiered on through law school, bagging an internship in the San Francisco DA. When his efforts to build his network provided an opportunity in Boston, he didn't hesitate to pack up his bags and fly across the country, farther away from Hawaii than ever. It was a big risk, but it eventually paid off given how his career imploded once he got the job.

But perhaps the most memorable experience was when he told his parents that he was to become Boston's newest ADA. They were nothing but furious, there were no counting the amount of expletives he heard that day.

No turning back, mom and dad.

The timing to tell them couldn't be more perfect, because it was only a week after they turned over his trust fund, a "graduation gift". He knew it was just a bribe for him to do the dirty legal work to keep them away from prison for free.

After toiling for so many years, he was more than ready to abandon his past behind and start his life over. More than it was revenge, it was Bryce's sweet and merciful justice. No more crosses behind his back, marking him as his parents' criminal son.

That wasn't his reality anymore. So he focused on work and did his best to shine. And shine he did. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was no longer a criminal. In an ironic twist of fate, he was the one putting people behind bars. And he relished in every win.

However, being the Chief DA's golden boy wasn't providing him the opportunity to build new friendships. Although he tried to make friends with his colleagues, he began to be seen as a threat. So for the first year in the big city, he spent his free time partying hard. With his quick rise to fame, everyone wanted a taste of the majestic Bryce Lahela. He didn't hesitate to throw himself into the throng.

And in that fateful sunny morning, he felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. He built the foundations of the State versus Perry case over the weekend, not even taking a single drop of alcohol. With the help of Agent Aveiro, he collected mountains of evidence for his breakthrough day at court. He knew his case was airtight. Today, he plans to put the cherry on top.

Pulling off his sunglasses and tightening his slick striped blue tie, he grabbed his suitcase from the passenger seat and got out of his car.

He strode into Edenbrook Hospital with confidence, getting glances from several attendings and nurses as he walked the hallways. He smirked at each of them back, wondering which one he should make of a mission after he wraps up this case. God, these doctors are hot, he thought, as he slid into one of the elevators. He punched 7, and the button lighted up.

Once he arrived at the right floor, he followed the directions pasted on the walls and eventually found the diagnostics team's office. As he neared the sliding glass doors, he heard an exchange of voices in rapid succession, as if they were discussing something important. As he raised his gaze through the glass, he saw two female doctors and two males. His eyes automatically landed to the young brunette, whose hand is on her waist as she listened intently as the others debated.

His brow quirked a little, a fit of curiosity fleeted through him. She was prettier in personal. Television didn't do her justice.

Immediately shaking off the unnerving attraction, he tapped gently on the glass door. All doctors turned to him. One of the male doctors with piercing blue eyes let him in, he later found out that he was the world-renowned diagnostician, Dr. Ethan Ramsey, the head of the team.

"ADA Bryce Lahela, I'm here for Dr. Heather Song?" he walked into the room exuding confidence, burying the distracted innuendos he was currently having.

In response, she moved forward and offered her hand, smiling brightly at him. "Dr. Heather Song, at your service. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Oh, I bet you do.

He answered mentally, stepping closer to look at her soft features. He took her hand and shook it, returning the warm welcome with a smug look in his face. He couldn't stop thinking about her ever since.

He spent almost the whole day with her, going through her testimony in detail. She spoke in a very confident manner, ascertaining every small observation she made about Travis Perry, and how he raised her suspicions. She also walked him through how she confirmed her theories, and how she decided to report this to the hospital's chief. He was amazed with the way how she mapped out every step, and acknowledged how her actions made the case straightforward and uncomplicated. Certainly controversial and sensational, given that it was involving one of Massachusetts' senators. But getting up close and personal with her that day made him realize that like him, she was at the top of her game.

She was professional and insightful. Bryce was also impressed with how she carried herself. Graceful and poised, yet fierce and tenacious. There were a lot of times that he thought he was hearing himself in the way she talked. And for that reason, he like spending time with her.

Over the course of the next few months, he spent more time with her. It was the perfect opportunity to keep in touch, as she was the star witness after all.

Beyond work, it was easy for him to befriend her. She was warm and open, sensitive and caring. Eventually, she introduced him to her exclusive group of doctors, who readily welcome him.

But he admired her more when she made it her mission to help him with his runaway sister. She went out of her way to spend time with her, bridging the gap between the siblings.

That was when he irreversibly opened up to her, telling her about his past. Making her see through him, who he really was.

And the way that she embraced it without inhibitions was a breathe of fresh air. He never knew he needed someone like her in his life, the one thing to complete his do-over.

It didn't take much for him to he admit to himself that he adored Heather. He felt a deep connection to her, something he never felt for someone else.

But in a sudden turn of events, the hopefulness he had turned out to be just a mere figment of his imagination.

He learned about her relationship with Rafael. Once he saw the way she looked at him, he knew it was time to draw the line.

Ever since, that was all he thought it would be between them - an unexplored and faraway frontier.

Gradually, his presence in her life became nothing more but group hangouts in the form of brunches or night outs in Donahues. He learned to withdraw whenever she and Rafael was around, cautious to not let others know about the way he felt. He himself went back to his string of one night stands.

He kept her at arm's length, repeating to himself that he was contented with the friendship that they had. Yet when he was finally learning to ease her out of his mind, she came crashing back in.

***

Present Day

With warm bowls of noodles in front of them, they caught up with each other's life. Bryce poured them both a glass of white wine to chase down the saltiness off of their taste buds.

"Hm, this certainly is an upgrade from that cheap bottle you had the last time," her mocking voice freed him from his thoughts. He grinned at her, leaning towards her.

"Oooh, I'm not liking your arrogance. Being junior fellow got in your head already?" he teased her, sipping from his own glass. "Has all of your student loans been paid off so you have spare money to buy your own fancy wine?"

"Certainly not. I think you're the one getting ahead of yourself, hotshot. That plaque hit you in the head and made you forgot that you're a just a noob?" Heather quipped back, her index finger pointing to the square-shaped glass on one of the living room shelves.

"Psh. It's not like my colleagues skip a day to remind me of 'my place'," his one hand mimicked air quotes, feigning a look of disgust, invoking a genuine laughter from her, her skin illuminated by the late afternoon sun as she glowed in delight.

They went at it as they ate, exchanging insulting banters, trying to one up each other as they went. It was just the way they were, at ease. Two old friends who loved their careers first, always putting their self in second place.

It was the first time in months that they were together alone, Bryce realized now how much he missed spending time with her.

He didn't want to spoil the mood, but he couldn't shake off his interest on what went down between Rafael and her. He waited a few more moments as they settled into a comfortable silence, running out of casual jokes to throw at the other. He drew a deep breathe, taking up the courage he needed to raise the sore subject.

"So, you and Raf huh?"

He saw her flinch and his heart irked a little. Her hand shivered as she set down the empty glass and grabbed the bottle of wine to refill it.

"He wasn't what I thought he was," she swirled the contents of her glass once it was full, looking distracted. "Apparently, it only took him less than a month to reveal his true self." Bryce nodded opposite her, as she shrugged casually. He saw her bite her lower lip, and instantly felt the hurt she was going through.

Without second thoughts, he approached her and opened his arms, inviting her in.

After a few excruciating seconds of hesitation, she finally leaned in and received his embrace, tears falling. She didn't think there was any left, but Bryce's offer of solace was a comfort she didn't think she needed. Her dams of pain overflowed once again, and with the horrible scare that happened this morning, her resolve to put up a brave face in front of everyone crumbled.

"You know I'll always be here for you, Heath," he whispered to her, his senses being flooded by the familiar jasmine scent of her perfume.

"I know, thank you for that," she replied in a hushed voice. "I'm just... just tired of it all, Bryce, I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't be. I got you."

He just held her, wishing so hard that one embrace can take all of her fears away. He closed his eyes, letting his beating heart speak for the rest of his unspoken emotions.

He tried to soothe her as he brushed her hair, rubbing the palm of his hand on her shuddering back. His grip tightened with her every sigh, pulling her ever closer.

For the first time in months of keeping his distance, the feelings he had for her, those he tried to bury deep within his heart, started to resurface. He was feeling the way he felt way back then.

In between her deep sighs and sobs, a flood of regrets raced through his mind. His chest constricted, as his thoughts lingered on what could have been.

If I hadn't left her alone. If I just fought for her the first time. If I just have been brave enough to let her know...

But he knew he couldn't what already happened define what should be and what it will be. Just like he dealt with his past, Bryce knew that with enough willpower, he can turn it all around.

He focused forward. A rush of possibilities, a promise of a future, it overwhelmed him.

Maybe this time, it'll be more. She's free now. Maybe now is a better time than before. Maybe now, it won't have to end. Maybe this time, he wouldn't need to let her go.

His heart burned with a fiery resolve and determination.

That late afternoon, when the setting sun's light began to shine upon his face, he decided.

Even the smallest of maybes was more than enough for him. Bryce was willing to risk it for her.

TAGS: @choicesficwriterscreations @ramsey-lahela

@eleanorbloom - I hope I'm doing Bryce justice ����