#like its fun if we do a company party. good food. maybe some wine. fun enough

[carcarrot]

i hate working here

[catchyhuh]

Hi! Do you take requests for headcanons?

If so - what would each of the gang (Zeni included, cause he's part of the gang in same way, duh!) consider the most romantic Perfect Date ever (and I mean the kind of date they would be very much smitten by, even though they'd absolutely utterly deny it to the end of times)?

oh my god yeah i'd love to do some requests! it's fun to come up with opinions on things i haven’t even thought about before two bee honest SO LET’S GO

lupin: 

lupin’s perfect date is any excuse to spend time with his arm candy honestly. especially one on one but that’s. that’s a different thing we ain’t gettin into that bit just yet THE POINT IS he's not picky in the slightest. the highlight is his company, not the location or task or whatever else

if it was up to him, he’d probably do the standard wine and dine at some unbelievably nice restaurant, y’know. keep it classy but also flex the fact that he can afford to do this (he can afford to do this because the only money leaving his pockets during the whole ordeal was a tip for the waiter. lupin’s a canonical tipper which is hilarious and very real of him)

but he has some hyperspecific romantic fantasy attached to any and EVERY venue. 

jigen: 

you know how this bitch is. he isn’t really the type to like, go on a DATE date. it’s more like “hey i’m going to the bar. you comin” even if he’s been with this person for years. date dates aren’t his thing

the closest i can imagine would be like. lovers lane type shit. you know? take the car off to some outta the way, vaguely woodsy clearing, park it, lay on the hood and just talk, still very casuaHAVE YOU EVER SEEN WAYNE’S WORLD? THE SCENE WHERE THEY’RE LYING ON THE CAR NEAR THE AIRPORT IS JIGEN’S ROMANTIC IDEAL. STUPID CONVERSATION INCLUDED

fujiko:

ok there’s two flavors here because is this her ideal date for romance or for money. that changes the answer slightly. if it’s money she loves the idea of just hanging on the arm of somebody at some nice, ritzy dinner party, she gets an excuse to dress up, eat some good food, and maybe walk away with a few careless guests’ wallets. but i’m going to assume you wanted romance

because of how (almost uncomfortably) familiar she is with fake, performative dates and the like, she (and never tell either of them this) is a bit like jigen in the sense that real love is very casual and understated to her, almost simple. like of course she isn’t complaining when someone’s she’s actually into is offering to take her to some fucking BALL or whatever but at the same time, the idea of simply just laying side by side with their head on her shoulder or vice versa is. comfortable. and she NEEDS comfortable let’s be real

goemon:

starting to realize how absolutely mundane and boring these answers are becoming ANYWAY goemon SAYS the same as the prior two. he SAYS the same. but really, deep down, the idea of setting aside a special time, date, and place just to be with someone he loves is charming to no end to him. not too picky about it himself as long as it's not too flashy

the simplest, easiest answer, but maybe the most true i feel is stargazing. it’s nice, it’s private without being claustrophobic, and think about the picnic possibilities my guy!!! plus, it’s quieter and more peaceful at night, so there’s less of a chance he and his date would be disturbed. i know i already said “its nice” BUT REALLY IT IS NICE

zenigata:

hm. i’m thinking. 

we’re removing lupin as a factor in the context. unless lupin IS the date but EITHER WAY this is a “you have a whole day to yourself for this date wwyd” ordeal. and the answer is probably STAY AT HOME

HE NEVER GETS TO DO IT SO IT'S SPECIAL TO HIM. AND IT'S COZY TOO admittedly he thinks it's expected of him to do a DATE date but really. not to get too graphically sappy here. i think he’d be content just snugglin dude. he needs a break. maybe a good middle ground between what he wants and what he thinks he should do would be going to the theater?

[mcufox123]

Would you maybe? I don't know

Modern AU WandaxFemReader

Summary: Reader is confused by liking Wanda.

Warnings: PG-13, some cursing

A/N: This is a fun little piece. The group is mentioned but the main focus is the reader. Any suggestions please let me know!

I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS!

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

You are a nurse working in Boston. You had moved here right after graduating college and besides working you spend a lot of time with your very close-knit group of friends. The group started with you and Nat who moved into your apartments. A couple weeks after moving in you were at a bar and Nat tried to hit on Steve. He turned out to already have a boyfriend, however, named Bucky. Soon enough it was the 4 of you. Steve was a veteran and worked with other veterans and soon introduced everyone to Sam who brought along his friend from college Tony. Carol and Wanda were next to join they happened to be your next-door neighbors. Carol came over to complain about the noise you and your friends were making, and Wanda came over with apology cookies, that is how your friendship started. Tony also brought along Bruce who was friends with Thor. Clint, Nat’s childhood friend also moved to Boston for his job who also brought his roommate T’Challa. Your group expanded over the course of a year. And now 3 years in you all spent a majority of your time at your apartment.

Nat and Bruce had just started a new relationship and it was nauseating to you. They were often cuddled on the couch when you came home and were definitely not quiet in the bedroom. Living there started to interfere with your sleep schedule. One day while Nat and Bruce were out Wanda and Carol came over to hangout.

“Maybe you should just tell them to shut up?” Carol told you as Wanda and her listened to you whine about your predicament.

“But Nat is finally happy. It took her so long to be this happy, I'm not going to whine to her about it just yet.” You said trying to compartmentalize your thoughts in your head.

“That’s so kind of you Y/N, but what about you? What makes you happy?” Wanda asked in a sweet tone. You and Wanda had grown closer as Nat was preoccupied. You both spent many nights cooking dinner together and cuddling up on the couch watching tv shows, most the time falling asleep on each other. You had a soft spot for her. You considered it to be more than a friendship, but you had never been with a girl to make it more than a thought.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right I’ll talk to her, thanks guys.” Just then Nat comes through the door with a very drunk Bruce.

“Hey guys! Let me just put him to bed then I’m all in for the girl’s night!” Nat said while escorting Bruce to her bedroom.

You opened up another bottle of wine and as soon as she came out, she pulled up a stool to contribute to the conversation. The 4 of you gossiped about almost everyone in the group, company excluded. You talked about Tony’s new girlfriend Pepper and what she started bringing to the group, which was mostly keeping Tony in check. You talked about T’Challa and his advancements in his job and hoping that he didn’t move because of it. You talked about when you think Clint was going to propose to his long-term girlfriend Laura.

“Alright I'm making a group chat without Clint and Laura to take a pool for when he’ll pop the question. $1 buy in.” You sent the text to all of your friends and soon your phone was blowing up.

“Ya know, I don’t know why but you sending that text reminded me of this one time in college when I was at a party and we were playing truth or dare, and I got dared to send a text to our professor saying that I believed that I was a giraffe. He recommended that I seek help.” Carol said wiping her eyes as she laughed. You all stared at her in confusion. The comment being from out of nowhere.

“That’s really a great story, you should tell everyone at movie night.” Nat said sarcastically.

“Hey now, let’s all just get along. Carol that was a random story, Nat she should tell everyone she is a giraffe when she wants.” Wanda let out in an almost serious tone.

“Yeah,” you said backing up Wanda. The night went on a little longer with now 4 empty bottles of wine and a very tipsy group of friends.

“Hey, I have an idea, let’s play truth or dare.” Nat said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Now why would we do that?” you ask very annoyed. You guys weren’t in college anymore and you had nightmares about the game. You knew the idea was only in her head because of the giraffe story.

“Because it’s fun,” Carol chimed in.

“Thank you, Carol. Now let’s start I’ll go first. Carol truth or dare?” Nat said.

“Dare!”

“I dare you to go flash our neighbors.” Nat said. Carol was not even hesitant, she got up walked to the window and lifted her shirt to flash the outside world, before walking back like she had just accomplished a huge task. You rolled your eyes as the game continued.

The game continued with a few more rounds all being very stupid tasks. Nat was currently in the room with Bruce giving him a lap dance with the door closed. She walked out with her hair a mess.

“Ok my turn. Y/N truth or dare?” She asked fixing herself back on her seat. You were very tipsy by this point.

“Dare!” you said very enthusiastically. You were not prepared for the task you were asked to do.

“I dare you to kiss the hottest person in the room.” You froze. The obvious choice was Wanda, but you couldn’t do that. Could you? You for sure weren’t going to kiss Nat because that’s weird, and you always secretly disliked Carol so that was out of the question. The only logical choice was Wanda. You hesitantly leaned over to give Wanda a kiss on the cheek. As you pulled away you saw her cheeks were as red as tomatoes causing you to also start to blush.

“Boo that wasn’t even a kiss.” Nat groaned on.

“Yes, it was. You never specified what kind of kiss it had to be!” you counteracted Nat.

“I thought you would just assume it was a kiss kiss like on the lips like an actual kiss.” She argued back. Carol and Wanda just kept looking at the two of you unsure of what was happening.

“You want a kiss kiss? I will give you a kiss kiss.” You turned to Wanda and put your lips on hers with all of the liquid courage you had built up. You heard her gasp at the action but soon was reciprocating the kiss. Her lips were so soft and perfect, and you felt electrical shocks go throughout your body at the interaction. Your lips moved in perfect sync with each other. You only pulled away when you heard Carol wolf whistle at the two of you.

You felt embarrassed as your cheeks started to turn red. Wanda just looked at you stunned by the action. There was an awkward silence before you spoke up. “Wanda I’m sorry that was, that was,” you couldn’t find the right words. “Ya know what it’s pretty late and I’m getting sleepy I’m going to head to bed.” You said not looking at anyone in particular. You stood up and walked to your room.

“Y/N wait.” You heard Wanda say behind you, you just shut the door behind you and locked the door crawling into bed.

The next morning you woke up and walked to the kitchen to get breakfast. Nat was already out there, and you saw waffles, pancakes, sausage, bacon, toast and eggs all spread out on the table. You ignored all of that and simply walked to the coffee pot.

“I made you breakfast, also there is freshly squeezed orange juice, with no pulp.” She said pouring you a glass. You didn’t even acknowledge her. Instead grabbed the box of cheerios from the cabinet with your coffee and heading back to your room. Before you could close the door Nat put her foot in the door.

“Look, Y/N, I'm sorry about last night I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s just I thought you both liked each other, and I figured I’d give you a little nudge ya know? Be a good friend?” She said while you continued to walk to your bed and get your laptop out to watch Netflix.

“Ok well you were wrong. I don’t know what to tell you.” You said trying to convince yourself more. In all honesty you haven’t stopped thinking about the kiss. You had thought about Wanda’s lips from the moment they left yours. And the way that she kissed you back. That had to mean something right? Like maybe she felt the same way for you. But you weren’t sure you liked girls. But maybe you did? Maybe Wanda could be your girlfriend. That was weird for you to even think about having a girlfriend. You were so confused.

Nat saw your internal turmoil by look on your face. “What’s wrong Y/N?” she asked concern clear on her face.

“I never liked a girl before.” You said staring at your hands. You couldn’t even look her in the eye. You were so scared saying it out loud. But it was true and now you felt like you did like a girl. A very specific girl, who had beautiful reddish hair and green eyes that pierced your soul. She had the best laugh where her nose would scrunch up and she always tried to make everyone feel better.

“Y/N, its ok. You are allowed to like girls, especially ones who make you happy. You’re allowed to like Wanda as more than a friend. A friend would not kiss another friend on a dare the way you kissed Wanda last night.” She said rubbing your back.

“I know I just, she’s just, and I'm just.” You tried to explain failing to find the words.

“Talk to her, let her know. She’s a pretty understanding person and I think she could help you.” Nat said before giving your arm one last squeeze. “Also come eat my breakfast, I cooked too much food.” She said while getting up and moving to the door.

“Can you bring it to me please? I'm super comfy right now.” You asked with pleading eyes.

“Yeah sure.” She said while walking out of the door to get you breakfast.

You spent a lot of time that day writing in your journal and watching tv, the perfect lazy day. You didn’t see much of your friends that week. You took on more shifts at the hospital and stayed in on call rooms to avoid thinking about your friend who you couldn’t keep out of your head. You thought if you just stayed away, it would all go away and be ok.

You came home one day exhausted and just went right to bed. When you woke up you opened your door to go to the kitchen, but you stopped as your eyes landed on a specific pair of green eyes staring back at you. You were frozen in your spot. The person you had tried to get out of your head was now sitting on the couch in your house. “Want to watch a movie?” She asked like nothing had happened. Like everything that happened that one night didn’t happen. It frustrated you that she was so calm about all of this while you were losing sleep. You continued to walk to the kitchen to get food before answering.

“Sure, you want any snacks?” you asked her.

“Yes please! Can I have some popcorn?” you started to get the popcorn out and put it in the microwave and then went to get out a bowl to put it in. There was a silence that came again and stayed there. The only sound was the kernels popping in the microwave. You looked at your hands while you could feel Wanda staring at you.

When the popcorn was finished you dumped the bag in the bowl and walked over to give it to Wanda who was sitting on the couch. You would usually sit on the same couch as her but tonight decided to opt for the love seat. You didn’t even look at her, but Wanda had a frown at your choice of seats. You kept your eyes trained on the tv waiting for the movie to start but it never did.

“What is it Y/N? Why are you in such a mood?” she asked.

“I’m not in a mood. Why do you say that?” you asked her, knowing it was stupid because you were in a mood and she could read you better than anyone, even Nat.

“Yes, you are. If you weren’t in a mood, I would’ve seen you this week. If you weren’t in a mood, you would tell me all about work and how crazy it is, and we wouldn’t even get to start the movie. If you weren’t in a mood, you would be sitting on this couch with me probably with your feet draped over my legs. Why aren’t you sitting with me?” She was aggravated you could tell but you didn’t know how to answer that.

“I don’t know.” You said which only made her get up and start pacing in frustration.

“God, Y/N, you’re so frustrating just say it we all know why you’re in a mood.” She said now standing directly in front of you.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It seems like you know why I am in a mood more than I do so tell me why.” You said to her not having the courage for the words that needed to be said. You quickly regretted saying that. She climbed onto your lap, so her eyes were directly in front of yours. She put her arms around your shoulders so there was no way to escape. You suddenly couldn’t focus on anything other than how close your faces were.

“You do know Y/N. It’s because there is something here, with you and me. That kiss that we shared was incredible and I couldn’t stop thinking about it, or you. So why are you pushing me away.” You couldn’t think of anything to say.

“I never kissed a girl before, and I just didn’t know I could feel this way about someone until we kissed. And I just wasn’t sure if it was ok for you.” You said giving her the basic train of your thoughts.

“You weren’t sure if it was ok for me? Did I not communicate that enough in the kiss or do I have to show you how ok it was for me?” she asked. You sat there frozen as she leaned in and put her lips on yours again not even waiting for permission. You tensed up at first, but after a second you were quick to reciprocate how right this felt for you too. Her hands were playing with your hair and yours on instinct went to her hips trying to pull her closer.

She pulled away when you did that. “I thought you weren’t sure Y/N? Do we have to keep figuring this out?” she asked while pretending to make a confused face.

“Yeah, I think we can keep figuring this out.” You said while leaning up to kiss her again. She pulled back again though.

“Are you sure you’re, ok? We don’t have to do anything. I’m ok with taking this slow.” She said looking at you, reading your face for any signs of being uncomfortable.

“I just really want to kiss you again.” This time you spoke the truth.

“Then kiss me.” You didn’t even hesitate leaning in again, placing your lips on hers. It quickly got heated as she pushed you back further onto the couch. You didn’t try to fight back, you only continued to move your hands all over her body, exploring places you never would dare before.

Her lips left yours and started to leave a trail going lower down your face till she started sucking on your neck. You let out a moan and felt her smile against your skin. All of your earlier thoughts, questioning if this was right were out the window now. With her in your arms everything felt right.

She came back to your lips where your tongues were soon dancing together. You didn’t even hear Nat and Bruce come in the door. You only pulled away when you heard a cabinet close in the kitchen. You looked over your shoulder to see them both staring at you and Wanda.

“Don’t stop on our account we’re just grabbing some snacks for the show.” Nat said smugly. Wanda buried her face in your neck, clearly embarrassed, as were you. She climbed off of you and walked into the kitchen.

“Ha ha very funny Nat.” Wanda said while walking over to grab some water. You sat up on the couch eyes trained on the girl with reddish hair. Her hair was disheveled from the heated make out session, and her lips were already swollen a little.

“It’s so good to finally see my roomie after a week of being MIA.” She said while smiling at you.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” You said as you rolled your eyes. You finally got up from the couch to sit on a stool in the kitchen. You weren’t sure what would happen next. Wanda came over however and picked the seat right next to you scooting it closer, so she was basically on top of you, which you weren’t complaining about. It had only been a few minutes, but you already missed her being in such close proximity to you.

The four of you stayed up chatting before Bruce and Nat decided to go to bed, claiming they had a long day tomorrow. As they walked out you turned to Wanda smiling.

“Hi,” you said with a smile spreading across your lips.

“Hi,” she said back just as smiley, reaching her arms around your shoulders as she had done earlier that night.

“Would you maybe, I don’t know, mind if I kissed you again?” you said shyly. She didn’t even answer before bringing her lips to your again. The action that was so foreign before was now becoming addicting. The kiss this time was short however before she pulled away.

“Would you maybe, I don’t know, want to be my girlfriend? If not, I totally understand if it’s too fast for you.” You just brought your lips to hers as your answer. You pulled away and simply took her hand in yours before guiding her to your room.  You made out but that was it nothing went any further. You just laid in the comfort of each other’s arms for the rest of the night.

In the morning you woke up with a smile on your face and an amazing girl in your arms. You got up to go get some coffee for the two of you in the kitchen. You walked out to see none other than Nat and this time Steve too.

“Hey there Y/N! Do anything fun last night?” Steve asked with a smile on his face. Nat had already told him.

“You’re dead Romanoff.” You said while pouring a cup of coffee.

“Oh, come on Y/N! I can’t help it if you guys are adorable together. Steve, you should’ve seen them last night they were like connected at the hip the entire night.”

“I can’t wait till the rest of the group finds out. Bucky, Sam, and Tony, all owe me $15.” Steve said nonchalantly.

“What do you mean they owe you money?” you asked confused by the statement.

“Well, you guys were already inseparable, and I figured it was a matter of time before you both got together so I made a pool of when it would happen. I said before the end of the month which happened, so I win.” He said it like it was obvious.

“Yeah, you guys couldn’t get together like a week earlier?” Nat asked annoyed.

“Hey now, no more betting on my love life, ok? Or else next time I want in.” you said cheekily.

“Well now, there is a pool when the two of you will sleep together, you want in on that?” Steve said.

“They almost did last night believe me.” Nat jumped in before you could argue. Just then Wanda came out of your room with a yawn. Steve and Nat just whipped their heads to look at you with ‘oh shit’ eyes.

Wanda came over and wrapped her arms around your waist before reaching up to give you a kiss. You melted into her before she pulled away “Morning cutie.” She said before taking the coffee out of you hand and going to sit next to Steve who was still shocked that Wanda just exited your room.

“You do not mess around. Damn Y/N” Nat said with a mischievous grin.

“Ok Nat, it took you what like an hour before you jumped Bruce’s bones.” You counteracted. That shut her up real fast as Wanda looked around clearly confused by the conversation she had missed. After that night you and Wanda were the next couple in the group. Everyone supported you guys and soon enough you got your own place together to watch movies together.

[btsmutimagines]

Our Future

Look, I suck at titles, y’all and I’m a day late ffs but happy birthday Kookie 

Arranged Marriage AU

Word Count: 7.5K (I really need to stop)

Grey skies arched above you as you walked home, kicking a small pebble along with you until it got caught between a crack in the sidewalk.

You audibly sigh, enjoying yourself as you kicked it further and further each time. It was almost like you were that pebble, your life seeming to be pushed by something until it stops.

You were stuck, just like your little pebble.

You finally reached your house, unlocking the front door and noticing the familiar shoes. They were shined up and as uninvited as usual but their owner paid no mind to what you thought, clearly.

The back of your father’s head greeted you as you stepped into the living room and he put down the newspaper he was reading.

You brace yourself, knowing he came to talk to you about something. He never really looked for a conversation, just a breathing punching bag.

“Hello, father.”

“I expected you to be home sooner.”

“I hadn’t expected any guests.”

“Maybe if you answered my phone calls once in a while.”

“You don’t pick up when I call back.”

“I’ve been busy, Y/N.” When are you not? You silently retorted in your mind.

“What did you need to say, father?”

“I’d like you to come to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“I rather not.”

“Tell me why? Is there something unpleasant about a father and daughter enjoying a nice dinner together?”

“When have we ever done anything ‘nice’, father?” He cocked an eyebrow, he knew damn well that your relationship was far from any loving familial ties.

If you had it your way, he won’t ever know where to find you.

“The Blanche, seven o’clock. I’ll have Hyunjin pick you up.” He adjusted his tie, standing up to walk away and you clenched your fists.

You wanted to yell, at least tell him off for coming over uninvited to force you into some weird dinner. But you merely stood as he brushed past you, you standing in your spot until you heard your front door shut.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ─── 

This morning, you found a box with a card attached in front of your door.

You could tell from the intricate design on the card, it was from your father. Inside was a gorgeous red dress, the off-shoulder design along with the leg slit satisfying your tastes.

You held up the dress, looking in the full-length mirror and imagining yourself in it.

“As if he would know what I liked.” You scoffed to yourself, pulling the dress back on your bed. He probably just sent off one of his servants to find something for you.

Even so, what would be so important that he would send you something to wear? You were his well-kept secret, him wanting you to keep yourself hidden from his life for appearances.

He couldn’t afford to be distracted, he said. In exchange for you disappearing from his life, he sends a weekly allowance that you’ve been saving in a separate account.

Maybe one day when you’re finished, you can pack up your things and truly disappear. Nothing was tying you down to this city anyways.

Bzzt.

You heard your phone vibrate, a text notification appearing on the screen.

Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2…

“One!” You heard your friend, Yeseul entering your apartment and you put to the dress back into its box hastily.

“Where are you?”

“Bedroom.” She wandered in, quickly embracing you in a hug and you stood still. You’ve been friends since freshman year, Yeseul being the only one who put up with you.

You didn’t mind hanging out with her but you didn’t put your eggs into her basket yet.

Memories of your ‘friends’ asking you to hang out, racking up a huge bill and then making excuses to leave you to pay each time. Your dad even got on your case, interrogating why you spent so much each week. He cut you off, only giving you enough for lunch and your so-called friends were suddenly too busy for you.

How naïve.

“You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“Zoning out, burning imaginary holes into the last thing you looked at. You know, the usual.”

“I was just thinking, Seul.”

“Well stop that, we got other things to do.”

“We? What are you roping me into now?”

“Why do you say that like I only get you into trouble?”

“Because you do.” You deadpanned, you haven’t forgotten the time she thought it was a good idea to stay for after-hours when there’s a curfew in place. You had to dip into the savings to pay off the ticket you got.

“It’s harmless fun, Y/N.”

“That citation definitely harmed my savings.” You muttered.

“Anyways, listen. You and me, dancing and drinking at Hoseok’s party tonight. Sounds like a dream, right?”

“A nightmare, actually.”

“Come on, Hoseok was gracious enough to invite me with a plus one, meaning you.”

“I have to pass.”

“Why?”

“I have plans. Dinner plans, actually.”

“Who’s the mystery man? He must be worth your time since you’re passing up an offer from me.” She knows damn well you would pass up any party with or without plans.

“That’s not important. I just don’t think I can miss this dinner. Sorry.”

“So secretive. I expect no less though.”

“I’ll tell you about it later.”

“It’s fine, Y/N. I’ll take enough shots for both of us.”

“Remember to drink water in between and eat something too.”

“Okay.” She pursed her lips, leaving your apartment right after and you sat on your bed. You shook off the tension, checking the time and preparing yourself for this dinner.

Whatever it’s about, you had a feeling you wouldn’t like it.

You were adjusting your necklace when you hear a knock at your door. Opening the door revealed Hyunjin, one of your father’s drivers. He was newer than the others but devoted to your father like the others.

“Miss Y/N?”

“Y/N is fine. Take me to where I need to go, please.”

“As you wish, Y/N.” You took his arm, locking your door behind you and followed him to the car. The unease settled in when he started driving, part of you that you just went to that party with Yeseul.

Maybe she wouldn’t make that pointed comment and you would send your father a message.

Alas, here you are, walking into the Blanche like the little good girl he expected you to be. Wearing the dress he picked for you, even putting in the useless effort of making yourself presentable to only be met with him scowling at his phone.

“Hello to you too.”

“Ah, so you did come. Glad to see you have the decency to clean yourself up.”

“I rather you tell me why am I here instead of having this conversation with you.”

“First, sit.”

“I don’t plan on staying.”

“Then, change your plan. I have very important people that you have to meet arriving soon and it would be rude to stand there as you are.” You grit your teeth, sitting across from your father and crossing your arms.

A waiter braved his way to your table, filling up your water glass while you shot daggers at your father. Bastard didn’t even have the decency to even hint at who these ‘very important people’ are and why it should somehow matter to you?

You thought the deal was you wouldn’t even say your father’s name in passing and he could live his life freely. No burden of you.

“Ah, Younghee.” Your father got up, making you turn your head to look at a woman who was walking towards your table.

God, was he going to tell you that he was marrying this woman? Why would you even care if he gets remarried?

“I’m terribly late again, aren’t I?”

“Hardly. Is he here as well?” He? Was there a man accompanying her? Her son?

“Of course, he’s an important part of this conversation.”

“That is right. Oh, I almost forgot, this is Y/N, Younghee.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“How polite. Ah, you’re more beautiful than I thought.”

“Thank you very much.” Currently wishing the ground would swallow you whole, right about now. At least before this other guest shows up.

“Oh, Jungkook, darling, over here.” She waved someone over you, this time you stared forward. You froze as this man took a seat next to you. Fuck, you should have ditched when you still had the chance.

“Pardon my mother and I’s tardiness, sir.”

“It’s quite alright, Jungkook. All that matters is that we are all here now. Before we start, we should actually order something. Breadsticks will not get me through the night, I’m afraid.” This fucker is just going to keep dancing around the real topic for as long as he can-

“Um, I’m Jungkook. Y/N, I presume.” You looked at the man, quietly taken aback by how attractive he was. His hair was slightly parted, each hair perfectly in place. His shaped jaw highlighted his face, his pink lips were a perfect hue and he was just… perfect. But he was going to be your stepbrother, right? You shouldn’t even look at him in any other way.

“You would be right, Jungkook.”

“See, they’re already getting along.” You wanted to roll your eyes, all you did was introduce yourselves.

The waiter took your order, you quietly tapping your foot while your father acted jovial with his two guests. You only answered when addressed, quiet otherwise and hoping your food would arrive soon.

“So, Jungkook, your mother says you’re a game developer.”

“Yes, sir. Currently developing a sequel to one of my first projects.”

“My Jungkookie’s project has sold almost one billion copies globally. I’m lucky to have such a successful son.”

“Mother.”

“That’s impressive, right, Y/N?”

“Yeah, sure.” You were more interested in swirling the rich wine that sat in the glass you held in your right hand than whatever this conversation was about.

“Y/N’s in university, right? I’ve heard from your father that you have multiple companies scouting you.”

“That’s really cool.”

“Yup.” You said, taking a large swig and placing your glass on the table.

“Alright, enough of the small talk. Why are we really here?”

“Forgive her, Younghee, I’m afraid alcohol tends to loosen her lips. But I don’t mind cutting the chase.”

“It’s quite alright, I’m sure she wants to relax. After all, to be married so young in this day and age is a rarity.”

Married?

“Wait, excuse me. Who’s getting married?”

“You and Jungkook are getting married. Engaged for now.”

“Are you joking? This is a joke, right?”

“Had you not tell her? This is a lot to load on the child.”

“She could have seen it coming.”

“You’re too mean.” You got up, walking away from the table as you glared at your father. Of course, he would pull some shit like this with you now and then he has to remind you that he was in control.

“Y/N!” You didn’t look back, not caring about who was following you.

“Y/N, please.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“I can’t. Not when you’re like this.” You stopped, turning around to face Jungkook. He loosened his tie, his coat over his shoulder as he caught his breath.

“You know you walk fast in heels.”

“Why did you follow me anyways? Did your mom send you?”

“I came on my own. Your dad made some excuse about you being drinker than he thought, and my mom just accepted it. I figured it was more than that.”

“Even if it was, it’s none of your business.”

“Hard to say when we’re engaged now, Y/N.”

“I don’t want to get married to you, Jungkook.” He looked down, running his hand through his hair.

“Are you really okay with this, having everything in your life dictated by someone else? Don’t you want to know what it’s like to choose?”

“All I ask is that you give me a chance.”

“Jungkook.” How strong is his mother’s hold on him?

“I know that this is probably the worst thing that could happen to you, being forced to be stuck with someone like me but I want to show you who I am. Show you that I’m someone that you can fall in love with. If we don’t work, I’ll break the engagement myself.” You looked at him, his hand clasped together as he pleaded with you.

He looked so sincere, something in his eyes made you feel like he meant it.

“I’m holding you to that.” You replied, looking away from him and he pulled you into a sudden huh. Your body stiffened, not expecting the sudden skinship. He felt warm, the scent of his cologne making it hard to think of a better adjective.

“Thank you.”

“You’d be welcome if you let me go.” You blurted, not wanting to linger around him any longer.

“Sorry. Got a little too excited.” He cleared his throat, you avoid his eyes while you fiddled with your dress.

“Can I take you home?”

“If you’re okay with a few blocks.”

“Why not call a taxi?”

“Easier to walk.” You asserted, beginning to walk in the direction of your apartment and Jungkook could only follow you.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 You made it home, Jungkook awkwardly bidding you goodbye while you muttered a good night before slipping inside. Thankfully, you had classes to distract you but all you could think about how your dad decided to basically sell you off for his best interests. Someone like Jungkook probably had a monopoly on the gaming industry and your father wanted to venture into technology.

Regardless of how good looking he was, how successful he is, you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was mainly your father’s and his mother’s influence that is driving him. How long can he put up this earnest act?

Give me a chance.

“Ugh.” You groaned, his words repeating in your head and you felt someone poking at your head.

“Quit it.”

“It’s only Monday.”

“That’s part of the problem, Seul.” You looked up to see her sitting next to you, she didn’t seem upset anymore.

“Then what is it? Mystery date was a dud?”

“Something like that.” More like mystery fiancé.

“What happened?” You came up with a lie, telling her that your father arranged your marriage overnight would result in questions you didn’t want to answer.

“I agreed to a second date and I’m not sure if I’m still up for it since we didn’t start on the right foot.”

“What do you like about him?”

“He’s loyal to a fault, he puts in the effort, ambitious…”

“Sounds like things you put on a resume.”

“It wasn’t the best first date.”

“But you said yes to a second one.”

“But he said some sweet things when he did. It sounded like something out of a drama.”

“Aw, he melted your heart a bit, didn’t he?”

“Shut up.” You snapped, embarrassed that you admitted that part of what he said actually affected you.

“I think you should give it a shot since you saw something in him. Plus, you could always dump him if he’s not what he seems.”

“I guess, you’re right this time.”

“What do you mean ‘this time’? Aren’t I always right?”

“You wish.” She nudged you, you were laughing in response.

After your talk with Yeseul, you felt better about the bombshell. But you figured you would have some time before you would see Jungkook. Not him standing outside of your apartment building with his hands in his pockets.

He looked formal, wearing a waistcoat with a dress shirt. You could see gloves covering his hands and you cursed yourself for immediately thinking of how hot he looked.

“Y/N.”

“At my pace, my ass.” You muttered as you tried to pretend that you couldn’t know him, but he started to jog towards you. The two of you ran in the opposite direction of your apartment until he caught you, your back pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

“Caught you. Part of me is starting to think you like the chase.”

“I like space, which you’re invading.”

“Right, no hugs. But can we talk face to face?” He let go and you obliged to his request, currently giving him a hard stare.

“I really came because I don’t have your number, can’t give our relationship an honest try without each other’s number.” You gulped, even the word ‘relationship’ made you feel weird. He was right, you thought to yourself, you had to give this an honest try, so you could properly reject him and break it cleanly.

After all, how could you fall for someone like him?

“Y/N?”

“Huh?”

“Having daydreams about me?”

“Ha, you wish, Jeon.” You started to walk back in the direction of your house, not wanting to stay out for long.

“Not even my first name, I thought we were closer than that.”

“You have to work for it.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.” How do you say things like that so casually, ugh? You pulled out your phone, handing it over to him to enter his number before he turned it over.

“Kookie?”

“It’s cuter hearing you actually saying it out loud.”

“I’m literally never saying that again.”

“Aw, come on Y/N, I can make up a cute nickname for you too.”

“Please don’t.”

“You seem like a sugar plum.”

“What kind of nickname is that? Sugarplum? I don’t even know what that is.”

“Have you never tried them?”

“I think your terrible nickname counts as a deterrent.”

“Why wouldn’t you want to be compared to a candy?”

“It’s not exactly something I want to hear, to be honest.”

“I promise to come up with something better.”

“A promise I wish you can’t keep.”

“I’m not giving up.”

“This is a weird hill you want to die on but by all means, go ahead.”

“At least it’s earned me a smile today.”

“You talk like the main lead in a romance drama. Just awfully cheesy.”

“I hope you’re not lactose intolerant.”

“Seriously, stop it.” You reach your apartment, the two of you talking while walking up flights of stairs until you were at your door.

“Time flies, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“I wish it would stop, kind of liked talking to you.”

“Mhm.”

“Ouch, you didn’t feel the same. I thought we had a good chat.”

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Can’t play all my cards, can I?” You unlocked your door, letting yourself in but leaving it open enough that you could still see him.

“If this is a game, hope you don’t mind losing. I play to win, Y/N.”

“We’ll see about that. Good night.”

“Night, Y/N.” You shut your door, walking into your bedroom and plopping on the bed.

I play to win, Y/N. Not on my watch, Jungkook.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

“If you stare at your phone that hard, you might actually shoot laser beams at it.”

It’s been two weeks since you and Jungkook had met, the man semi occupied your thoughts. He kept his distance, probably leaving the ball in your court in terms of whether you wanted to talk to him or not.

And you hate to admit it but you did want to talk to him at least.

“Har har.”

“Is Mystery Date on your mind again? Did you have your second date?”

“I guess you could say so, it went so much smoother like I could say anything, he would know what to say back. It was nice.” God, you sounded like a high schooler in their first relationship. And you can’t even see you and Jungkook beyond acquaintances.

“So, he wasn’t a waste of time but what’s wrong now?”

“I don’t know what to text him.”

“Wait, you weren’t already texting?”

“I met him off Tinder and he wanted to delete the app so we exchanged numbers.” You lied coolly, Yeseul humming in response.

“What are you hoping this message sends to him? Not literal, like do you want him to be more enticed by you or like you’re playing a hot and cold thing with him.”

“Just that I’m open to texting.”

“Oh. You’re not ready for sexting anyways.”

“What?”

“Just send him a simple ‘hey’.”

“Isn’t that too simple?”

“But you’re just opening a conversation, you don’t need much.”

“Are you sure?”

“Y/N, do it before I do it myself.”

“Okay, okay.” You murmured, typing it out and hitting send. He must have seen it, the familiar three dots appearing on your screen before his message came.

I didn’t think you would actually text me, I was preparing to camp out your apartment door.

I would totally call apartment security if you did.

So mean, honey bun.

Honeybun? I think you should retire from this nickname thing, it was funny the first time and now it’s just sad.

No good, huh? I have gotten plenty more to try out.

I swear I’m going to block you if you do.

Fine, I won’t try them out here. But believe me when I say that I’m going to have the perfect nickname for you and you’re going to love me for it

Sure, Jeon.

You do realize my name is actually Jeon Jungkook, not Jeon?

I am aware

Man, you play hard to get on the hardest mode, but I’m not giving up. I’m going to capture your heart.

“Oh my gosh, he’s going to ‘capture your heart’. He found your weakness, sappy lines.”

“They are not my weakness.”

“Please, all I have to say is ‘Don’t let go-”

“It’s too soon, Yeseul. Okay, too soon.”

“Are you sniffling?”

“Shut it.”

Great, you got my friend in on your corny lines

Aw, you talked about me to your friends? Can’t keep us a secret, babe? ;)

I rather keep it a secret but I need advice.

Advice?

Yeah, how to deal with such a shameless man.

Hey, I have some shame. It take a lot of confidence to talk to a girl like you, I feel like you can see through me

So, you know to not waste my time.

Time with me is always worth it, trust me.

Mhm

Somehow that hurt more than when you do that in person.

Hey, Y/N, I’m really happy you texted me but I gotta go? Talk to me later or something.

Don’t play too hard

That’s literally my job, Y/N but seriously bye J

“He sounds cute.”

“He’s something else, really.”

“I know you like to keep people at an arm's length but it really looks like he wants to be centimetres apart if you catch my drift.”

“We’ve been out twice, I’m not going to sleep with him.”

“Is he hot?”

“Objectively.”

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”

“I’m going to tell you to bag him.”

“You’re nuts.”

“No, it’s been two weeks since you met, he seems pretty decent and he’s objectively hot, whatever that means.”

“I still need to get to know him.”

“Just take him for a test drive.“

“Yeseul!”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

You were scrolling through your twitter feed, reading some thread exposing another influencer when you heard a knock on your door.

“Coming.” You said, walking over and opening it to Jungkook.

He lost the business attire, wearing a simple black shirt and jeans. Fine, so it wasn’t the suits that made him look so hot.

“Wow.”

“Is there a reason you showed up on this fine Saturday?”

“Because I want to take you out. Plus I got to see you in shorts.”

“My eyes are up here, Jeon.”

“Wait, let me admire them a bit longer.” You were about to swing the door shut when he stopped the door.

“I was just joking, Y/N. But would you like to go out with me?”

“You don’t mean like a date, do you?”

“Whatever you want it to be.”

“Then we can hang out, Jungkook.”

“You said my name.”

“Did I? Must have been a slip of the tongue, Jeon.”

“Shoot, I should have enjoyed it while it lasted.”

“You can wait in the living room. Touch anything and I’ll have your head.”

“You’re joking, right?” You smiled in response.

“Oh.”

“So where are we going?”

“Somewhere fun, casual.”

“How descriptive.”

“It’s no fun if I tell you everything. You’ll know when we get there.”

“Of course I would because we would already be there.”

“Just get changed, Y/N.”

“Bossy.” You teased, going into your bedroom to change.

Should I dress up for him? But the most we are is friends and since when did friends have to impress each other? Gosh, why are you even thinking about this? Just toss something together!

You put on a crop top and some shorts, joining Jungkook in the living room after brushing your hair.

“Let’s go.” You clapped your hands together, getting Jungkook’s attention and walking towards the front door.

You thought you heard Jungkook mutter under his breath, making you quietly smirk before turning to look at him.

“Is something the matter?”

“Of course not. After you.” The two of you opted for the elevator, you listening to Jungkook hum melodically. He led you to his car, opening the door for you and you sat with a quiet ‘thank you’.

“Are you really not going to tell me?”

“I’ll give you a hint. It’s a building in this city.”

“I see you can be mean too.”

“Taste of your own medicine. A bit bitter, isn’t it?”

“You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?”

“A bit.”

“Hmph.”

“Sounds more cute than angry.”

“You’re a strange man.”

“Only to you, Y/N. Mother says I’m the most perfect person in the world, you’re a close second though.” You rolled your eyes, you’re surprised he went so long without mentioning his mother and chose now to bring her up.

“Of course she does. You’re her baby boy.”

“Oh shit, forgot about your father.”

“Let’s keep him forgotten.”

“Alright.”

“I’m surprised you know how to drive.”

“What a weird comment. Why wouldn’t I know?”

“You seemed like the type to have drivers, mommy won’t want her baby to get into an accident.”

“I’m not that much of a momma’s boy. I have a motorcycle license, I’ll have you know.”

“You? On a motorcycle?”

“I was 18 and feeling rebellious. It explains the earrings too.”

“They suit you actually.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, I have to see you on a bike.”

“Depends, will you take a ride with me?”

“You just want an excuse to get me to hug you, don’t you?”

“Damn, nothing gets past you. But I miss the night rides and it’s nicer with company.”

“I might take you up on that.”

“I guess I better dust off the old bike, then.”

“It’s not a date, remember that.”

“I know, I know.” He pulled into a parking lot, smoothly reversing into a spot before the two of you getting out.

“This way.” You followed him, the sign a dead giveaway and you smiled.

“I could have guessed that you would pick an arcade.”

“It’s fun and casual.”

“Hey, Ms. Han.”

“Oh, Jungkook honey, you came! Who is this lovely woman? Your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s just a friend, Ms. Han.”

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Y/N.” You bowed to her and she waved her hands.

“No need to be so formal, a friend of Jungkookie is a friend of mine. This rascal has been coming to this arcade for years, even skipping classes to beat the high scores on most of these machines.”

“Is that so? What a bad boy.”

“Hey, don’t gang up on me. I still did well, didn’t I, Ms. Han?”

“With the skin of your teeth. You’re lucky you were a talented kid, now a big name game developer.”

“I’m still the same Jungkook.”

“You are the reason I still have banana milk in my fridge.”

“My favourite. Thank you, Ms. Han.”

“Ah, you.” Jungkook cheekily smiles before laughing, soon enough the three of you were. You took a seat at a machine, Jungkook sitting next to you and playing.

“Wanna make a bet?”

“Depends, what do I win?”

“Your most embarrassing baby photo.”

“Blackmail material, huh? Won’t put it past you.”

“Humour me with what you think you’ll win.”

“You let me take you out on a real date.”

“Aiming high, aren’t you?”

“Of course, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. You in?”

“Better be ready to hand that picture over tomorrow.”

“Don’t count on it, babe.” There’s the damned nickname, hearing it in person has the same effect as it does typed out. You didn’t let it seem obvious, focusing on the machine and the two of you playing a single round.

“I win. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sweet blackmail material.”

“Sure, after our date.”

“That isn’t part of the deal.”

“Check the scores again, Y/N.” You looked at the two screens, Jungkook putting his arm around your shoulder with a smile on his face.

10660 to 1066…5. He beat you by 5 points.

“How.”

“I’ve been playing since high school, I think I’m losing my touch. I have the high score on this game, I think.”

“I want a rematch.”

“If that’s what you want.” You tried different combos, putting all your focus on your character and finishing with a better score than the first time.

“Beat you by 10, this time.”

“Are you cheating?”

“I think it’s a classic case of sore loseritis.”

“I am not a sore loser, just can’t wrap my head around you beating me.”

“Well, I am a game developer. If I were horrible at games, that would be ironic.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“Wait here, I’ll get you some banana milk.” You frowned at him, watching him go into the back and Ms. Han hit you with a rag.

“He looks really happy with you.”

“I think he just likes winning games.”

“This is a different kind of happy, the smile on his face looks different than when he sees me coming into the arcade with a carton of banana milk or hearing about how the neighbourhood kids talked about his game.”

“It’s like he’s in love. Just like that girl he used to talk about in high school.”

“Jungkook had a crush?”

“But he has you now. Keep your eye on him for me, will you Y/N?”

“I-”

“Ms. Han, you’re running low on banana milk.”

“Ya, you punk, you should supply your own.”

“I promise I’ll buy some next time. Y/N, here.” He handed you a bottle, the straw already inserted and you took a sip. It was really sweet, you never thought he would like something like this.

“Can we book a karaoke room?”

“For how long?”

“An hour.”

“Jungkook.”

“I want to hang out with you a bit longer.” That innocent comment led to the two of you singing the opening to Naruto three times and you two belting Unravel on the top of your lungs.

You took a seat, tired and Jungkook sang on his own. He had such a pretty voice, each note sounding perfect in your ears. Is there anything he can’t do?

“One more song?”

“You’re totally going to lose your voice.”

“I’m dedicating this song to you, Y/N.”

“Oh my god.” You covered your face, laughing as he dramatically pointed at you and he entered the code.

The gentle piano played through the speakers and he kept his eyes on the screen as he sang. It was a simple love ballad, it felt like he was truly saying these words to you.

“Are you crying?”

“Shut up, that was beautiful you ass.”

“I’m not sure whether to be offended or flattered.”

“It’s a compliment, you jerk.”

“Okay… let’s take you home.”

You followed him out to his car, going back to your apartment.

“Are we really going on a date?”

“Why? Can’t wait?”

“I rather not.”

“But we had so much fun today.”

“But it wasn’t a date.”

“I know. But it was a test run for our real date.”

“You planned this out, didn’t you?”

“No comment.”

“I can admire the sneakiness.”

“I planned the whole thing, except for the little chat between you and Ms. Han.”

“Did you eavesdrop?”

“No, I thought she would say something embarrassing that I rather not relive.”

“Really, not even the girl you had a crush on?”

“She didn’t tell you her name, did she?”

“No, but now I’m curious. A girl that got your attention, wonder what she was like? Could she be the reason you got all rebellious?”

“Hey, save these questions for our date.”

“You’re serious about that?”

“Of course. Let me walk you up.” He locked his doors behind the two of you, taking you up to your floor while talking with you more.

“Just what I wanted to see.” You looked at your father standing out of your apartment, Jungkook stopping behind you. He smirked at the two of you, your blood boiling as he adjusted his cuff links.

“Why are you here?”

“Is there something unusual about a father caring about his only daughter?”

“You? Care about me? When did that start? When I became an asset to you to use?”

“Watch your words, girl. Do you realize who you’re speaking to?”

“A deadbeat father who chose money over me.”

“You-” You shut your eyes, knowing what should come next but it didn’t. Opening your eyes, you saw Jungkook holding your father’s arm and he let go.

“Remember this, Y/N, your life was never yours. Never.” He spat, walking off and Jungkook turned to you.

“He’s done that before, hasn’t he?”

“I push his buttons a lot, don’t I?”

“You don’t have to tell me but I won’t let him get away with it anymore. Okay?” You let him hug this time, holding onto a piece of his shirt for a moment. He didn’t make you say it, thankfully but he knew what your father truly was at least.  

His hand patted your hair, the soft gesture melting your heart a bit. Your mother used to do the same thing when you were scared at night before you’d fall asleep she would say these words:

“I’ll protect you.”

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 Yeseul came over, tossing dresses in your direction and currently spazzing while you dodged.

“Oh my god, how come you have like nothing to wear?”

“We’re standing in like a hill of my clothes right now.”

“And yet you still have nothing to wear.”

“Maybe I should get a raincheck.”

“Oh hell no, I can finally meet this mystery man tonight and you can’t take that away from me.”

“Yeseul, calm down.”

“I am calm.” So not calm. You sighed, just fishing through the clothes that Yeseul chucked and finding a simple little black dress.

“That is it. Simple, chic and elegant. My tossing abilities have never failed me.” You rolled your eyes, knowing better than to argue with Yeseul about her not noticing it when she initially tossed it at you but there was no point being a dead horse.

After putting on the dress and Yeseul becoming an impromptu hair and makeup artist, you waited for Jungkook.

You heard him knock and Yeseul sprinted to the door before you could make three steps.

“Oh my god, he’s hotter than I imagined.”

“You must be Yeseul.”

“So you have talked about me.”

“Yeah, just the usual, you being annoying and slightly overbearing. Everyday things.”

“Sometimes I wonder how Jungkook managed to get through 2 months of you without even thinking he needs a break.”

“I think about it every day, try me.”

“Oh yeah, you can start right now.”

“Oh no, missy, and pass up on this date when you’ve dressed up so beautifully? I’d would have to be locked up in an asylum.”

“I told you you looked hot.” Yeseul boasted.

“Hush.”

“Now, I’m stealing Y/N for the night. Not sure if I’ll get her back by morning.”

“By all means, take her.”

“Gee, Yeseul, some friend you are.”

“Have fun, lovebirds.”  She rushed you both out, giving you a thumbs up and wink. You cocked an eyebrow, Jungkook leading you away and you were met with a midnight blue motorcycle.

“You weren’t joking.”

“I’d never joke about my Harley. Come on.” You took the helmet from him, placing it on your head and sitting behind him.

“Trust me and hold on.” You listen to the bike roaring to life before purring as he began to ride. He weaved through traffic carefully, probably because of you and parked at a restaurant.

“Can I..um…hold your hand?”

“Yeah.” You breathed, Jungkook quietly lacing his fingers between yours and leading you into the restaurant.

“Reservation for Mr. Jeon.”

“Right this way, sir.” The host led you to your table, an intimate booth with virtually no one in sight.

“A waiter will be with your shortly to take your orders.” He said, walking away and leaving you with Jungkook.

“Are you nervous?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to look this beautiful, it’s kind of distracting.”

“Should I be offended or flattered?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re pretty handsome, I guess.”

“Compliments with you are like pulling teeth.”

“At least you know how much I mean it when I say one due to their rarity.”

“Point taken. But I’m going to keep telling you how beautiful you are until it sticks.”

“You might give me a big head.”

“Even so, you would be beautiful.”

“Charmer.”

“I aim to please, babe. Since you like it when I call you that.”

“When did I-”

“Didn’t think I would notice how you gulp anytime I said it and you look to your left?”

“Okay, that’s weird for you to notice.”

“It’s because I’m always looking at you. It’s hard to keep my eyes off you.”

“Sap.”

“But you drink it up like syrup.”

“Doesn’t make it any less sappy.”

“Fair enough.” The waiter came by, the two of you placing your orders and once again were left to each other.

“What was your childhood like?”

“Always with the hard questions, Y/N. Dad was busy expanding his empire and legacy, Mom took care of me and my older brother. My older brother started working for our dad, spending more time with the company then getting married and putting any other free time into his wife.”

“It was me and mom for a while, but my dad would come back to remind me that I was his son and he’s the one calling the shots.”

“I remember the day I ran off after turning 18, spending countless nights mindlessly riding through cities, spending nights in bars and crashing at random people’s houses to get by. My mother came for me with two men to drag me back home, my father was gone. Fucked off to god knows where.”

“Mom was lonely and so was I, so we lived together. I put my time into game development, being one of the lucky ones to hit big with my first project and here am I.”

“I guess a power-hungry father is a trope we share.”

“You’re right.”

“But you’re conveniently forgetting this mystery crush from high school.”

“She was so carefree, always doing what she wanted but never in the way of others. Like a bird. She flew away, out of my life for years.”

“Do you know what happened to her?”

“I.. don’t, could only guess she’s happy now.”

“I’m surprised your crush wasn’t a video game character.”

“Lara Croft is still my number one.”

“I see, that’s why you like shorts so much.”

“It was an awakening.” You tittered, he’s such a goofball.

“Your turn.”

“It was just me, my father and mom. My mom died in my first year of middle school, dad starts nosediving into work and I had to raise myself. Dad came home one day and told me that we shouldn’t be associated with each other anymore. Sent me away after high school and occasionally pops in to make me feel like I’m nothing without him.”

“You’re more than what he could ever be. He’s just a grumpy piece of shit.”

“It’s nice to hear someone else finally say it.”

“Glad we’re on the same page.” He reached for your hand, his thumb stroking the back of your palm.

“Yeah.” He caught your eyes, the two of you having a quiet conversation through eye contact. You didn’t know what to say next until Jungkook started to wiggle his eyebrows at you.

“God.” You started to laugh, breaking eye contact.

“I win.”

“When was this a competition?”

“Since I said it was.”

“Is everything a game to you?”

“Not when it comes to like… serious stuff.”

“How profound, Jungkook.”

“I should be a philosopher.” You shook your head, him chuckling to himself. The waiter came around with your food, appreciating the arrangement before taking a bite.

It was silent yet comfortable. The quite clatter for utensils against dishes left you to think about this moment in time.

You would have never thought that you would be able to sit across Jungkook, being about to joke around with each other and just feel happy in each other’s company.

Didn’t think that you’d find yourself talking every day, hanging out whenever you were free, sometimes even missing him- Wait, when did things become so different?

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s just you got a little something on your cheek.” You took a napkin, gently wiping his cheek before he could. He watched you, those brown eyes drinking the sight of you and you felt like you were drowning.

His hand came to cover yourself when you were about to pull away. Your face grew hot, his large hand clasped over yours against his cheek while he gazed into your eyes. You were slowly becoming his leading lady and you hadn’t even realized it until now.

“I like you.”

“What?”

“I like you, Y/N. Not because of our parents, but because I got to see parts of you that I didn’t know existed. You’re witty, competitive, smart, beautiful, everything I could ever want and need.”

“Jungkook.”

“Tell me I’m not crazy for feeling like this, that I’m not the only one.”

“You’re not crazy.”

“But how do you feel about me?”

“Promise me you won’t grow a big head.”

“I won’t grow a big head all of a sudden.”

“I think you’re different from who I thought you were.”

“Good different?”

“Good different. Maybe more than that.”

“I’ll take it.”

 ───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

 You took off your helmet, fixing your hair and Jungkook getting off after shutting his bike off.

“You totally rode slower this time.”

“It’s the only time you’ll hold me.”

“That’s because…you’re the affectionate one.”

“And I’ve been deprived, you know.”

“You have my permission now.” He took a step closer to you, his hand gently smoothing over a strand of your hair before tucking it behind your ear. His hand swiftly moved to hold your cheek before he looked into your eyes.

“I want to kiss you so badly.”

“Please do.” You breathed mindlessly before he leaned in.

He was gentle, your kiss barely touching before you pulled on his tie to reel him closer. Your mind was racing faster than your heart, the softness of his lips blocking out any other thought beside Jungkook.

He tasted like the champagne you two shared, the sweet taste more intoxicating than the actual alcohol. You melted, him wrapping an arm around your waist and temporarily breaking your kiss.

You dived back in, not wanting to let go the feeling his lips gave you. It hadn’t occurred to you that you were waiting for this for so long, holding back for what?

You pulled away, needing to breath and he held you close. His heart was pounding as hard as you was while you quietly listened against his chest.

“Give me your hand.”

“Now, close your eyes.”

“You’re getting bossy, you know.”

“Sometimes I like to wear pants, you know.”

“Don’t get used to it. I like control.”

“Then I’m all yours. Open them.” You looked your hand, seeing a ring on your ring finger.

It was a silver band with red heart crystals embedded around it.

“It’s just a promise ring. A promise that I’ll be by your side… as your boyfriend.”

“Jungkook.”

“Will you be my girl?”

“Of course, I will, Kookie.”

[costellos]

a/n: I’ve been reminiscing on a lot of cheesy romcoms and one of my favorite tropes are “dates that aren’t officially dates but basically are dates.” we love a good yearning. that said, here are some #unofficialofficialdates that the boys use to spend time with you!

tw: mentions of drugs

❥ ┋ ❝ bucci gang & what excuses they use to get closer to you!

bruno bucciarati.

Bucciarati gets closer to you by having you assist him at “fundraisers.” 

Passione holds a handful of events throughout the year. elaborate parties with expensive champagne, mindless chatter, and some very high-profile attendees. people will join to officialize deals, buy drugs, and of course, donate to keep Passione thriving.

Bucciarati usually goes alone, acting as a representative for his escort team. this isn’t the type of scene you’d see the others at. but up until your joining, you’ve found yourself as his sole companion.

it began as a way to familiarize yourself with mobster life. his idea, of course. although he didn’t push the idea, he’d be lying if he said he hoped you would accept. ↳ “it’s not required, but the company would be nice.”

it’s an odd affair. celebrities and politicians join and no one blinks an eye. it’s not where you’d usually find yourself on a Saturday night, with you and your partner dressed to the nines (okay, maybe not a usual scene for you; Bucciarati always had something beautiful draped onto his figure).

the hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are nice, at least. but you find yourself drawn to your conversations with Bucciarati the most.

he makes you feel welcome at every event, that you deserve to be here as much as the starlet making her grand appearance. you’re unsure that you can handle business with new clients, but the way he talks to you is so reassuring and supportive that you quickly help the gang obtain new patrons.

you can’t help but notice that his speech became more casual after the first outing. he’s a fan of crude jokes and local gossip, you find. but you also notice the hand at your hip as he guides you to every following fundraiser. if you look at him while he he does so, he’d send a the kindest grin. ↳ “see? you’re a natural. we need to work on your eye contact, though. clients respond better when they see those pretty eyes look back at them.”

that shameless flirtation came out after your fifth fundraiser. by that point, Bucciarati made less of an effort to hide his attraction toward you. all the other patrons thought you to be a couple. why not play the part? besides, he finds your embarrassment endearing. cute, even. he’s already planning ways to make this night last longer.

leone abbacchio.

Abbacchio gets closer to you by helping you get ready for your missions.

you’re typically the first choice for espionage missions. the way you slip into parties, meetings, anything without anyone noticing is impressive, to say the least. but only part of that is thanks to your own abilities. Abbacchio does a lot of the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

it started when he noticed your god awful attempt at masquerade makeup. your contouring left much to be desired. ↳ “...please don’t tell me you’re actually going out like that.”

and so began a tradition of sorts. you usually meet him at his apartment, considering that’s where all his tools are. it was awkward at first; Abbacchio isn’t the best conversationalist, but he did try to seem somewhat engaged in whatever you had to say.

with time, however, it became easier. less awkward. Abbacchio shares whatever wine (and gossip) he has at his disposal that week. you find that his humor can be quite dry once you melt through that icy exterior. and with more time, you start to notice the tiniest smiles when you pop by.

he’s also less fussy when you ask him to do your makeup. before he would roll his eyes and ask when you were next available, but now... he just says to come by that Friday night. not without some minor teasing, though you found that to be a part of his charm. (plus, the fact you were breaking through to him was exciting in itself.)

he’s incredibly gentle when he does your makeup. he always holds your chin as he dabs liquid foundation onto your face, his hand moving your head for those hard-to-reach areas. when he does your eyeshadow, you can feel that same hand cup your cheek to keep you steady. though intimate, it’s not uncomfortable.

whenever he caught you staring at him, Abbacchio would ask what you were looking at. recently, however, you’ve noticed he merely purses his lips, swallows, and looks away. ↳ “huh. would’ve never known you could look so stunning. you’re welcome.”

his rude teasing made its appearance after eight visits. it’s an awful attempt to deny his feelings. maybe you’ll back off if he’s mean enough. but the way you smile at him after every session, how you shamelessly compliment him... he can’t help himself. he has to get closer to you in any way that he can.

giorno giovanna.

Giorno gets closer to you by asking you to help him with his hair.

you’d often watch girls fawn over Giorno whenever you went on patrols with him. and it’s warranted: his chiseled cheekbones, long lashes, and defined physique had him rival the Roman statues that lined Naples. everything about him is a piece of art. including his hair. 

you caught him struggling to braid his hair shortly before your next patrol. strands would be thicker than others, and in one case, you watched as his hair tie snapped between his fingers. he obviously needed help. ↳ “well, if you’re offering. be my guest.”

so you got to work. it wasn’t a big deal; part of the issue was that Giorno couldn’t see the back of his head. you separated his hair into three strands, weaved them between each other, and tied the ends of his hair into a loop. just as you’d always seen him do it.

but once you finished, Giorno was hooked. the way your fingernails dragged along his scalp, how you were so careful to not pull his hair... it was wonderful. such a small action that felt so personal to him.

he asks you to help him with his hair whenever he can. not too frequently that you’d catch on, though. and he knows you well enough to know you wouldn’t deny his request. you’re far too kind. it’s a little manipulative on his end, but he’s also aware that you wouldn’t mind.

it never feels awkward. he asks you about your day while you work. sometimes he gives you a briefing about what’s on the agenda. though it seems casual on your end, as mentioned, Giorno finds the experience quite intimate. ↳ “I don’t know what it is, but something about your touch is enough to make me feel so relaxed. ...ah, excuse me. was that too forward?”

that statement comes out after you’ve braided Giorno’s hair ten times. by that point, you’ve started to think that he doesn’t really need help with his hair. the fact that he’s started producing flowers to put in your own hair was a dead giveaway. but can you blame him? he loves seeing you blush as he tucks daisies behind your ear.

guido mista.

Mista gets closer to you by showing you his favorite quick eats.

as a long-standing resident of Naples, the gunslinger is aware of all the best restaurants in the city. from hole-in-the walls to elegant restaurants, he knows ‘em all. he has a particular soft spot for the former.

you’re the opposite of him: new to Naples and unaware of what foods await you. Mista takes it upon himself to change that. ↳ “you’ve never heard of Sorbillo and you’ve been living here for how long? ...alright, well. we’re gonna change that. you and me, Sorbillo, this Saturday.”

and thus a new tradition began. whenever you and Mista had a free Saturday night, you’d meet at whatever restaurant he recommended that week. sometimes it was seafood, other nights it was pizza, but it was always something extremely delicious (and extremely unforgettable).

he caters his choices to what you’re in the mood for. Mista’s not a picky eater by any means (so long as it’s not in fours), so he’s down for whatever you want. plus, it lets him get to know your tastes a little better.

he’s a great conversationalist. he can keep you distracted from long lines and longer food prep times. you never get the impression that he’s just making small talk, because honestly, he’s not. he genuinely wants to get to know you better. he usually asks about your life before Passione. 

your weekly outings originally started as a fun hangout between two friends. but during one chilly night, Mista was quick to notice your shivering. he wasted no time in giving you his coat and hat. ↳ “hey, you don’t ever get... I dunno... bored of this, do you? I know we’ve been doing this for a while and... if you ever wanna stop, you can let me know.”

that question came up after your seventh outing. you’d never seen the gunslinger get embarrassed like this. it only comes up because Mista’s realizing how much he loves being around you. he loves when your eyes widen as you take that first bite, he loves when muse how good the food is. he needs to know where you stand before he gets too invested because honestly, he’s starting to love you as well.

narancia ghirga.

Narancia gets closer to you by asking you to help him read. 

Fugo’s not the best tutor. bless him, he tries, but Narancia isn’t the best student either. the latter often spaces out while working. and when he doesn’t, he tries to distract Fugo with some meaningless chatter to end the session sooner. Fugo was quick to catch onto this.

as a result, he turned to you to tutor Narancia. it started as a joke. “if [Name] can’t do it, no one can,” he laughed. the pupil, however, was more than happy to switch tutors. ↳ “fine! [Name]’ll be a better teacher than you ever were!!”

and like that, you were Narancia’s new tutor. not that you minded. it would benefit the whole team if he could read above a primary school level. every Tuesday and Thursday, an hour before the gang’s meetings at Libeccio, you and Narancia would grab a table and go over his reading material. sometimes Fugo joins to watch Narancia’s progress, sometimes Mista to hang out and enjoy a slice of cake, but it’s normally a one-on-one lesson.

Narancia quickly realizes that he likes those lessons best. it’s much easier when the others aren’t teasing him for his inability to read words like “signorile.” plus, he likes his time alone with you. you don’t laugh. you never judge him. if he has a question, he doesn’t feel stupid to come to you about it, even outside of tutoring sessions.

he’s still distracted when he’s with you, but half the time it’s intentional, half the time it’s not. he just wants to learn more about you. he’ll take breaks between questions to ask you about yourself. Narancia usually sticks to questions regarding your hobbies and interests. lord help you if you share the same music taste because he’ll want to share all his favorite tunes with you.

lately he’s been quite diligent with his work. he’ll go a chapter ahead of what you’ve scheduled and... oh my, are those annotations? you’d never seen him smile brighter than when you praised him for his hard work. ↳ “what are we gonna do once my reading is like... really good? we’re not just gonna stop, are we?”

he asks you this after your fourth session. the question came up rather early, honestly. but Narancia was already having a lot of fun after working with you. he knew that this was going to be something worth his time. and when he saw your own smile, he knew that you were worth everything, too. 

pannacotta fugo.

Fugo gets closer to you by requesting your help planning missions.

most of the gang’s missions are planned by Fugo himself. while he is a college dropout, he still spent hundreds of hours studying Italian history and law. he can be trusted to help the escort team avoid law enforcement.

but there was one job he couldn’t wrap his head around. it was a breaking-and-entering mission meant for Bucciarati and Narancia. they were supposed to cross through an Armani outlet, yet... the security was fool proof. there was no way to cleanly get through it, even with Bucciarati’s Sticky Fingers. that was when you came in and proved him wrong. ↳ “[Name], would you mind helping me with this next mission? it’s a reconnaissance job for Abbacchio.”

he started coming to you whenever he felt stuck. you’re one of the few people he trusts with a task as important as this one. besides, you’d already proved that you were more than capable to untangle tough situations.

working with you is a mixed bag, though. sure, you help Fugo resolve his questions, but you make him feel so... small. it’s not that you do it on purpose. it’s just that being smart is all that he has. it’s all he’s ever known. and here you come, making these problems seem like they were nothing.

yet he can’t get enough of you. you don’t make it seem like these things are a big deal. he loves when you place your hand on his arm and praise him when he figures it out himself. god, he hates that he can’t look you in the eye; he can only imagine how lovely you look when you’re glowing.

there’s one moment that will stick with you forever. it was an infiltration mission meant for the whole team, the eleventh job you’d worked on with him. it took hours of back-and-forth bantering, Fugo having to leave the room to go scream outside, and one of Narancia’s awful energy drinks until Fugo figured it out. and when he did, you’ll never forget how he was beaming, his fingers laced with yours as he thanked you for your help. it’s too bad it didn’t last that long, for he quickly became embarrassed and turned away. ↳ “[Name]! I have another mission to work on with you! when are you free?”

Fugo saw you as his planning partner after that occurrence. he came to you with every mission he received; after all, he needs you to make sure that there aren’t any holes. he wants to chase every high he can with you. hell, every low if you’ll let him. he wants to do everything and more with you.

[coeurdastronaute]

Christmas: Day 33

maybe possibly continue the thanksgiving/christmas of clarke and lexa with it being their second christmas together and they do their own thing and attend new years party or maybe do the new years right after the thanksgiving/christmas story

Day 32

Even with the sludge and the general slush that was the busy streets in the winter, the car crunched its way down familiar streets toward the opposite side of town, departing the high rises of the downtown skyline and instead running for the wide open grey sky, plump with snow and the promises of a very, very white Christmas. Dressed in its best holiday attire, the city was brimming with cheer; lights hung from every tree, ornaments from every street light, balconies were glistening with the vast array of different decoration choices, and most importantly, tiny snow men appeared in tiny yards and parks and playgrounds, waving away the old and welcoming that sense of joy that seemed to creep in despite the chill in the air. 

The car was steaming, the heat pumping through the vents at a prodigious rate that made the inhabitants begin the slow process of taking off parts of their layers between stop lights and signs. Outside it was below freezing, but the cab of the vehicle was stifling in the way that only a car can be during the holidays, pumping in good spirits despite all else. 

“Are you really nervous?” 

“No… no. No, no,” Clarke shook her head as she put on the confident air she’d perfected throughout her life. 

“You already know Anya,” Lexa promised, seeing through it instantly, knowing that she had to offer a few extra words of encouragement to make it real, to put some weight behind the faux demeanor. “You’ve known her longer than you’ve known me.” 

“I work with her, but it’s not like we work together. We’re in vastly different departments. I don’t see her other than when we have dinner together.” 

“We’ve been dating for nearly three years. You know her plenty.” 

“I know. And I’m not nervous,” she shrugged. 

Lexa reach across the middle and held her girlfriend’s hand, easing her into it. It wasn’t lost on the lawyer that her girlfriend was nervous to spend the holiday without her family, nor that she was always a little nervous around Anya. For Lexa, there were no other options. She had to make a good impression on the only sister, the only living family member. She dreaded the thought of having to impress just Clarke’s mother or father or friends. She understood the pressure. 

“I’m excited we get to spend the holiday with my family this year,” Lexa decided to try a different tactic, attempting to lighten the mood. “It’s going to be great. And we can teach them how to make proper hot chocolate and such.” 

“I’m excited, too.” 

“Your mom wasn’t too hurt that I’ve stolen you for the holidays?” 

Clarke pulled Lexa’s hand to kiss it before looking out the windows again as the snow flurry picked up once more. 

“She understood. She was just excited we agreed to New Years with them.” 

“I can’t believe she was okay with inviting Anya and the gang up for the party. It was very cool of her.” 

“Well, you know Abby,” Clarke shrugged. “Always trying to be the hippest mom on the block. Plus, Dad really wanted to validate his transforming the shed to a guest house.” 

“House is generous.”

“Don’t tell him that,” she chuckled and agreed. “He worked very hard.” 

“I know,” Lexa grinned. “He sent me all kinds of updates. I think he was trying to separate us when we visit.” 

“Fat chance.” 

“We’re quiet, right?” 

“Very,” Clarke nodded before pondering it a little more. She decided to get that thought of her head immediately. 

“Well, I can safely say that Anya appreciated the gesture of including the whole family together, and they never get to go anywhere or go to adult parties. She’s probably more excited about that than about us coming for Christmas.” 

“My mom loves having kids running around the house. It works out so well. Why haven’t we thought of it sooner?” 

“I had to get you to date me for real, first.” 

“Shut up,” Clarke rolled her eyes, pinching her girlfriend’s bicep. “It wasn’t that hard.” 

“Mhm, keep telling yourself that.” 

“I’m not having this fight with you again.” 

“Yes dear,” Lexa smirked, lolling her head back toward the road as Clarke rolled her eyes once more and sighed, smiling through it despite herself. 

The car made its way across town as the streetlights came on. All of the creatures that would have been stirring quieted. Little faces pushed themselves against the cold glass of the windows and searched the sky for a sight of the sleigh. Christmas Eve settled atop the world with a sense of impending joy and a crackling warmth that kept all of the houses nestled safely on their streets. 

The intersection before her sister’s house, Lexa kissed her girlfriend’s knuckle and tucked her hand closer to herself, satisfied with her life and that she was someone who had many places to be for Christmas. A surge of love flushed itself through her system, and it went away just as unexpectedly, leaving behind a residue of warmth. 

“I love you, you know?” she asked her girlfriend who hummed along with the Christmas music on the radio. 

“Yeah, duh.” 

With a contented smile, Lexa let her head rest against the seat in the car as the warmth blew at the snow that clung to her boots. 

XXXXXXXXXX

Much like her own home for the holidays, the dining table at the Blake household was vibrant and alive, absolutely overflowing with bodies and hands and forks and delicious smelling food steaming at the windows and voices talking over each other to fill their plates and begin the sacred tradition of a Christmas Eve dinner. 

“We do the big dinner tomorrow,” Anya promise as she finished making a plate for her youngest daughter who slapped at the high chair, full of mirth and excitement. “But Chinese has been a Christmas Eve tradition since we were kids.” 

“This is absolutely better than anything I could have imagined,” Clarke promised, angling for a box of lo mein. 

“Our mom burned an entire dinner in some fashion their first Christmas together,” Lexa explained, handing out egg rolls to her niece and nephew and girlfriend. “Before we were even born. And every year, my parents just kept ordering.” 

“When I first got married, I debated the tradition.” 

“But I insisted,” Bellamy grinned from the head of the table. “Because it meant we got to spend the entire day having fun instead of cooking.” 

“And Lexa all but refused to eat anything else.”

“It’s a sacred tradition,” she shrugged, earning a look from her girlfriend. “I’ve been known to be stubborn from time to time.” 

“I didn’t think I’d ever hear you admit it,” Clarke taunted. 

“That’s your Christmas gift.” 

“I wanted to cook this year, but believe it or not, Lexa insisted again that I not change anything for you.” 

“I’m glad you didn’t,” she promised. “I can’t imagine a better dinner.” 

“And after we get to watch Christmas movies,” Madi explained as she worked her fork around her plate, doing her best. She was the spitting image of Lexa, and Clarke felt that aching kind of twinge to see her girlfriend with the mini-versions of herself. “And eat cookies and leave some for Santa and we got carrots for the reindeer.” 

“Oh wow. I better save room.” 

“I always try,” Lexa shook her head. “But all we do is eat for the holidays. There’s never enough room.” 

The frenzy of family slowed as everyone went about the arduous task of eating absolutely delicious food and savoring each other’s company. The baby made a mess, much to Lexa’s enjoyment, while the twins excitedly prattled on about their gifts and Santa and the movies and everything they wanted to do during their winter break. 

Somewhere between all of it, Clarke found herself swept into Lexa’s family, beaming at how happy her girlfriend seemed to be, to be a part of such a moment, to have a certain pride in having someone to share it with. It was as intoxicating as the wine that Anya freely and eagerly shared. 

The holidays at the Griffins were decidedly missing something in the form of tiny people who still had enough magic in them to appreciate the mystery of the time of year, and Clarke hadn’t thought to miss it until dinner on Christmas Eve. 

Lexa gingerly added more to Clarke’s plate, sharing her order of chicken and explaining eagerly how it was the best of all time, pulling Clarke back from her reverie.All Clarke could do was smile and dig into the new traditions. 

XXXXXXXXX

The noise came in the form of tiny feet pounding down the hallway, giggling and excitedly whispering past the room. Lexa shifted in her sleep, stretching slightly to tighten her grasp on her girlfriend. She enjoyed the warmth of the body beside her, she enjoyed her smell mingling with the familiar smell of her sister’s spare room, she even enjoyed the feeling of Clarke’s body relaxing into her own chest as she fought against waking. Lexa kissed bare neck and dug her nose into the shoulder of Clarke’s old flannel shirt. There was something wonderful to wake like that, and she knew it. 

“Merry Christmas,” Clarke whispered, tugging Lexa’s arm impossibly closer. 

“Merry Christmas, beautiful. Are you ready for presents?” 

“You’re worse than the kids.” 

“I never claimed any different. What’d you get me?” 

“Nothing.” 

“Do you want to know what I got you?” Lexa murmured, hand shifting slightly along her girlfriend’s stomach. 

“Kind of,” Clarke grinned but kept her eyes shut, her hips moving slightly against Lexa’s lap. 

The instant her fingertips dipped into sweatpants, the knock echoed against the door as the tiny feet made their way with great speed, back toward the Christmas tree and pile of presents. 

“You’re the one who wants kids,” Clarke reminded her girlfriend as she rolled over to kiss her cheek, earning a huff as the warmth escaped the bed. “Come on. Let’s go see what Santa brought.”

“But… we have a tradition,” Lexa pouted, head hiding in a mess of hair and pillows and sheets. 

“Sex on Christmas isn’t a tradition. It’s coincidence.” 

“Come back to bed. I can give you a quick coincidence.” 

Hopeful and smirking, she stretched across the bed to try to snag a loop in the robe Clarke put on before grasping only at air. 

“Morning Lex, Clarke. Merry Christmas. The heathens are waiting for you to open presents,” Anya called, her voice disappearing as she went down the stairs. “I’m making coffee.” 

“Looks like we have all new traditions this year,” Clarke teased, tugging a defeated girl out of the bed with a heave, though Lexa refused to make it easy. “I’ve been known to coincidence any time on Christmas though.” 

“What a coincidence, me too,” Lexa grinned. 

“Come on. Presents.” 

“We’re staying home next year. I don’t care what anyone says.” 

“Let me quote you on this in about ten months.” 

“Shut up.” 

XXXXXXXXXXX

The table was set, the candles lit, the plates perfectly ordered with properly placed silverware and fancy wine glasses. Despite the uproar of the kids playing with their toys and trails of wrapping paper throughout the house, the dining room ws expertly set and full of mirth and delicious smelling food. Gone were the flannel pajamas, and in its place were velvet dresses and ties, as everyone dressed up for the meal and friends arrived to partake, stretching the house at its seams with bodies and warmth. 

The evening fell quickly, with the lights and candlelight glimmering amidst the voices and happiness of old friends and children itching their collars. 

Clarke understood why Lexa said she liked Christmas Eve dinner the best with her family. It felt like a home in a different way than the giant, conventional feast of acquired family members. Christmas Eve, Clarke imagined, was what Lexa imagined her parents would have loved. Christmas was completely for them, their own developed tradition of a beautiful, dimly lit dinner with their closest friends, the found family that kept them alive for so long. 

When dinner was called, Clarke found her seat beside her girlfriend and smiled before earning a kiss against her temple while Bellamy’s parents started the applause as Anya brought out the main course followed by some friends with sides. 

“I’m going to grab the wine,” Lexa whispered after helping push in Clarke’s chair. 

In just a few minutes, everyone was seated and waiting for the items to start passing, but Clarke noticed the absence of her girl. When she looked around, she caught Lexa leaning against the doorway, just watching, two bottles of wine in her hand. Unsure of how long she’d been there, Clarke watched Lexa watch the family, and she felt the warmth of the season, she felt the burning of her adoration, she fell in love. 

When Lexa caught her eye, she straightened slightly before smiling quite sheepishly and offering a shrug. Clarke just gave her a wink before thanking Anya’s college roommate for passing the potatoes. 

XXXXXXXXXXX

New Year’s was no different than Christmas at the ancestral Griffin household. The trees and lights remained up, festive for the final time of the year, while fancy tables and candles all around, the tables and the food and the people mingled about. It was a full house, with friends and family taking their time getting reacquainted. 

From the moment Anya met Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, Lexa felt a warmth, a certain level of family that she couldn’t remember feeling in her entire life. She adored the Griffins. She loved spending time with Jake, as he fiddled in the garage and they escaped Clarke and her mother. Hell, Lexa even enjoyed helping Abby cook and chatting about the newest restaurants. And it sent her over the moon to see Clarke with Anya, so much that they even got coffee together and often saw each other more than Lexa saw her sister. 

But during the New Year’s Eve party, all of the world’s combined. Anya was sitting in the living room with Clarke’s childhood best friend. Bellamy and Jake were manning the bar, willingly filling the rest with spirits. 

“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” Clarke whispered, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend’s waist, her chin on her shoulder. 

“Just happy.” 

“Normally you get chatty when you’re happy. You okay?” 

“Yeah,” Lexa promised before kissing her girlfriend’s temple. “Just very, very, very happy.” 

“So, do you want to go make out in the garage for like ten minutes or…” 

“Can I steal her?” Raven interrupted, snagging Clarke’s arm. 

They were gone before Lexa could argue. 

Nervously, she toyed  at the box in her pocket, rubbing the velvet between her fingers. She couldn’t concentrate on much else, and she wasn’t sure how she was going to form words. Every time she tried to remember, her mind went blank. 

She refilled her glass of wine and earned a smile from Jake, amused and sympathetic. She watched Clarke and Raven moving through the crowd and felt the warmth and she was almost ready. 

XXXXXXXXXX

“Why do we have to go outside?” Clarke shook her head, tugging on her coat as Raven put hers on as well. “It’s almost midnight, and I have a kiss to give. I’m all booked up.”

“I want to show you my new car before the fireworks anyway.” 

“Did they add some budget to the fireworks this year?” she chuckled, afraid to acknowledge that the fireworks were barely visible from the town square. 

“It’s all anyone’s been talking about for months.”

“You’ve got to get out of this place.” 

“Yeah, I know,” Raven chuckled. 

The Christmas lights remained on every house on the block, completely illuminating the night and twinkling in the leftover feeling of mirth and joy, hoping to prolong the world a bi longer, to embrace the frigid cold and beautiful, pure snow, and cast off the cynicism that was inevitable within two months. It was the night of firsts, the night of new, the night of beginning and ending, all at once, a sadness for what was lot and a reverence for what was to come, the door of possibilities open wider than ever or any other day. And the Christmas lights remained, a beacon on every eave, a galaxy amidst winter’s distress, ushering in time and the striking of clocks. 

The pair walked along the shoveled driveway as Clarke surveyed her home and her old neighborhood. She seemed to remember every branch, exactly as it was, so that even when she was away, her mind knew how they grew, so there was never a change, all remained intact. 

“Shit,” Raven sighed, her breath clouding up in the cold. “I forgot my keys. Just… I’ll be two seconds.” 

“It’s freezing. Can’t I just see it tomorrow?” Clarke sighed. 

“Just hang tight. It’s not midnight yet.” 

Suddenly alone in front of her childhood home, Clarke looked into the windows, watching from a new vantage point the life that was being lived inside. She wondered if Lexa’s habit of voyeurism was rubbing off on her. There hadn’t been a time she remembered taking these moments to look and listen and see, more importantly. But now, Clarke paused and watched, like a movie at the drive in. 

When the door opened again, when the noise from the party grew louder and then dissipated again, Clarke looked to see her girlfriend appear instead of her friend. 

“Thirty seconds left in the year, and I was afraid I was getting stood up,” Lexa smiled, shivering in the cold. 

“I would never. Raven made me come out, but I’ve lost her, it seems.” 

“Sounds like Raven.” 

“Well, you’re here now. Care to usher in a new year with me, Woods?”

Clarke cocked her head to the side as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend’s neck. Lexa’s arms moved around her waist in the familiar pattern they’d developed. Inside, the noise seemed to die down as the count began for the final seconds of the year. 

“There is absolutely no where else I’d rather be.” 

Clarke couldn’t wait, leaning forward to kiss Lexa one last time and for the first time as time existed beyond them. The cheers and confetti erupted in the house and the fireworks boomed in the distant, barely visible beyond the roofs across the street. 

“Happy New Year,” Clarke whispered, her cheeks blushing with the cold and the kiss. 

“Happy New Year,” Lexa returned, not even opening her eyes but smiling nonetheless. 

“We should go inside.” 

“Just one more minute.”

Even with their foreheads pressed together, Clarke nodded and closed her eyes as well. She felt Lexa’s hands toying with her coat, and she felt her breathing warm the space between them. 

“You okay?” 

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” Lexa nodded again.

“You’re shivering. Let’s go in.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” she nodded again. “Wait. No. I don’t want to go inside yet.” 

“But your--”

Lexa pulled away slightly, but she didn’t move. She furrowed and gulped, afraid to look at her girlfriend’s face. It flashed gold and green and blue and red and gold again with the display. 

“I love you.” 

“I know. I love you too,” Clarke promised. 

“I need you to not say anything for like thirty seconds, okay?” Lexa waited until she earned a nod. “Okay. I love you. I knew I was in love with you the very first Christmas we spent together, and the very first year you kissed me on New Years. I love the life you’ve given me, and I love the person I naturally am when you’re here.” 

Clarke watched the movements happen, she couldn’t quite understand it, despite knowing what it all meant. She watched Lexa dig into her pocket. She watched the little black box appear as Lexa knelt on one knee in front of her. 

“I’ve fallen so entirely in love with you, that I want to spend the rest of my life, my holidays, my new years, my old years. I want it all with you. And I was wondering if you would marry me?” 

Lexa stared back at her girlfriend and gulped again, her heart entirely stopping for the duration of what felt like an entire lifetime. 

But words didn’t come, just Clarke pouncing forward and hugging Lexa’s neck so tightly she thought she might break it right there. But she nodded and nodded and hugged so fiercely she couldn't entirely nod. And when that failed, she kissed her. 

The crowd that formed near the door and windows yelled and clapped, though neither noticed. 

“I love you so much,” Clarke mumbled, unable to breathe or see or talk or do anything other than exist in a state of pure bliss. 

“Good. Be mine forever?” 

“Of course.”

NEXT

[albino-whumpee]

The Pet´s party

A bit of my take in what could go wrong if a Romantic went touch starved in purpose. Also, a little secret I´ve been dying to write is unveiled today!

Taglist: @castielamigos-whump-side-blog @giggly-evil-puppy @cowboysrappin @haro-whumps @burtlederp @neuro-whump @comfortforthepain @whumps-the-word @whole-and-apart-and-between @broken-horn @ashintheairlikesnow @rosesareviolentlyread​ @starnight-whump @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @as-a-matter-of-whump  @whumpasaurus101 @grizzlie70 @twistedcaretaker

TW// Pet whump, dehumanization, slavery, noncon drug use, abuse, non con touching, conditioning, public humilliation, alcohol. Slight NSFW at some points.

Albus was standing in front of the mirror in his room. A few suits were scattered above the bed as he prepared for the party at the Glass residence. Apparently it had been Robert´s father idea to hold it in his house. He had a hunch Robert had a more active role on it, but nor Zarai or him could refuse to go. It was the company owner´s party after all. Even the trainees would attend it.

He put a purple tie in front of him before shaking his head and switching it with a grayish blue. He smiled to himself before stretching his neck to start tying it.

He stopped suddenly. Passing a hand over his bare neck.

“Albus come here” she had ordered him after they got home from work that day. He had trotted to her, putting his hands behind his back. Then she had lifted his chin with a single finger before loosening his tie. He flinched a bit, but held himself still after she pulled her eyebrows together. He squeezed tightly one hand with the other “Sorry” she said unbuttoning the collar of his shirt. Making him gasp slightly.

“Ma´am?” She passed her fingers over the white leather as Albus breathing quickened. Zarai exhaled slowly before nimble fingers unbuckled the collar and took it away.

“You won´t need this at the party today” Albus blinked before shyly putting his hand up and touching his neck. Put off by not feeling the familiar weight on it. “There won´t be shock collars this time either” she finished putting the collar over the dining table. “I made sure of that” she said stretching her sore shoulders.

Albus passed a thumb over the other before walking to her. Slowly, he passed his arms around her and gently squeezed. She went stiff, but didn´t pull away. “Thank you, ma´am” Zarai heard him whisper, before she pulled her own arms up.

Albus adjusted the knot of his tie before walking out of the room. A smile on his face that seemed to be contagious. As Zarai smiled back at him as they got on the car.

—

Finally there, Albus watched in awe the place Sann lived in and frankly, he was intimidated. Everything was luxurious and impeccable. The spacious halls full of marmol and fine wood, filled to the top with equally fine ornaments and extravagant objects.

Servants ran around giving drinks and food to everyone without rest. Referring to him as “sir” with a smile on their face despite their eyes telling they were two seconds away of dropping in exhaustion.

In the garden next to the pool, gourmet food was prepared and made a show about while a band played.

However, it wasn´t the champagne Tony and Sasha drank as if it was water, or the ice sculpture Jeremy was trying so hard to take a photo of, what Albus was looking for.

He had asked around the hall, the gardens, inside the mansion, to stationed servants and butlers, but nobody knew where Sann or Robert where. A bad feeling settled harder in his stomach as time passed.

He was walking through a hall when he found Sasha and Zarai trying to find out who could drink quicker a bottle of tequila. Some liquid dripped over Zarai´s black palazzo but that didn´t seem to bother her. The whole team broke into hollering and whistling when the woman lifted the bottle in the air triumphantly and Sasha collapsed in laughter. Albus was happy to see her having fun.

He handed her a napkin as Tony helped Sasha stand up. Trivial conversations continued even as the music began to melt into the night sounds until there was none and the alcohol took away the worry.

It was almost 3 am when Robert hugged Albus from behind.  

“Hello darling” he whispered into his ear in the same honeyed tone Jefferson had used back then, making him jump away with terrified eyes. “Oh, sorry, didn´t mean to scare you” Robert said with that foxxy smile coming to his lips “Happy to see you enjoying the party. Congratulations on the Dune project. You did a great job” he said, looking around as Albus held his arms over his chest “Where´s Zarai? She will miss the big surprise in the hall”

Albus swallowed the fear, but couldn´t hide the shaking of his legs “Surprise?”

Robert looked at him and then smiled.

“Go find Zarai and go to the hall, Albus” he commanded him. Mechanically, he set into motion to complete the order.

She found her sitting on a chair on the garden, laughing along Tony and Sasha. He breathed in and out over and over, trying to sooth the violent trembling rattling his bones before walking to them.  

“I thought you were scarier boss” Sasha said with a short sigh.

“Nah, it´s just the face” she joked pulling her cup to her lips but stopping at the last second “But, maybe I softened up a bit” she said lost in her wine “you can relax a lot if you have capable assistants” she pointed at Terrance who was singing with the guys from development “You did a great job of softening that guy up, Sasha. He was insufferable three years ago”

She was about to reply when she spotted the albino trembling on a corner.

“Hey, Albus?” she stood up, walking closer “You ok?” 

She barely tapped his shoulder when he turned to slap it away. Eyes wide and scared. 

“Nope, you´re not. What happened?” after a few seconds, his face twisted into recognition, followed by embarrassment.

“S-Sorry. You surprised me. It´s nothing” he said eyes nailed to the grass as Zarai and Tony walked to them. After a moment they were among a full crowd in the hall.

“You sure you´re ok?” Sasha asked him, getting a nod from him before turning to find a thick wall of people whispering to each other. “What´s this?” Sasha asked to the person in front. But they only shrugged. 

“Good evening, everyone. First and foremost, thank you for coming today” Robert´s voice echoed through the tall halls as a servant tapped Albus shoulder and made them follow him to the middle of the sea of people “In behalf of my father, I would like to congratulate you for the great performance of our company in the Dune project” he started clapping, making a bang of applauses drill Albus´s ears. Finally, Zarai and him got to stand next to Robert “Specially to our Marketing head, Zarai Montenegro and her assistant, Albus Serra” between the claps the trainees shouted “Mister Serra!” with an energy that made him blush. ”He´s got fans” he said making a wave of little laughs. “So, I´m giving you full access to your biggest, beloved fan” he said as a servant struggled to pull something from a rope.

A half naked figure stumbled to his feet as whistles made a round, dizzy eyes trying to find the hands touching him through the crowd but failing to focus. A violent tug on his collar made him fall to his knees, barely catching himself with wrists tied together in a red ribbon.  

“Sann!” Albus shouted. Making the boy look on his direction. Eyes sparkled as he tried to lift himself up but failed. Earning even more laughs. Albus tried to run off to him, but was intercepted by Robert himself.

“Not so fast, lover boy” He said pushing him back to Zarai. Robert twisted his lips into a grin “You know? He´s a sweet romantic. He gets really sad if someone doesn´t touch him in a while. So I made him extra grateful for any touch today” he walked to the boy and crouched. Then he extended his hand in front of him and the boy leaned into it, kissing his palm all the way to the wrist before he wripped on the least and dragged him to stand. Robert pointed to the small bulge on his shorts “Look at that,  wish my salary went up that fast too” he said savoring their disgusted faces. “He´s pretty and needs all the attention right now, so I´m giving him off for the night to one lucky guy as prize for such a magnificent job on the Dune project! Or gal. He´s suited for all”

“Stop this, Glass” Zarai growled grabbing his elbow, but the man only laughed as if expecting that exact response.

“My lady! But what show would we give if there´s no pet doing tricks for us?” He said taking out a control from his pants and showing it around “What do you say y´all? Should I show you a better entertainment instead of my pet?” He looked straight into Albus´ direction “Should I show you your favorite pet´s act?” Zarai didn´t know what he was talking about, but she tried to fish the remote off his hands. “So hasty!” he laughed, walking away “Now, let me set some rules! To win a night with this gorgeous boy, you need to do three things” Albus suddenly felt the room getting energized. A few faces actually eager to take on the challenge. He only saw Sann being held straight by the leash attached to his collar. “One, adjust your glasses” he shouted. Zarai gave up on trying to take the control and walked to Albus.

“Go for him” She ordered. Nodding, he walked taking his coat off.

“Two, drop to position 34” the moment he said that, Sann dropped to the ground and sticked his butt out, knees apart to give full view to the people behind him. There was a moment of silence before Zarai saw Albus was doing the exact same.

“Albus?” She said, watching the boy trying to pull himself up, face red and scared of how his body had moved on its own to a position he shouldn´t know. A position only romantics should know.

“Hold it” Robert said as Albus slammed his forehead back to the ground, unable to resist the order.

“Stop it Robert!” Zarai cried, trying to lift Albus off the floor but the boy´s body refused. As if suddenly it wasn´t his. “Albus stop!”

“And now say “I´m just Zarai´s slut”” He said before putting the photos Jefferson had taken in the projector behind him, just censored enough to keep the most private parts off.

Click, click, click

He remembered the sound. Albus didn´t need to look up to understand what everyone was seeing. Some put their phones up in awe. Others simply had their jaw open, horrified. He closed his eyes and breathed in hard. Hearing Sasha and Tony rushing through the crowd to get to him. But he stood up making all eyes follow him to where Robert was.

“I´m just Zarai´s slut” he said with eyes cast down. He saw the microphone get closer to his lips and when he lifted his eyes, Robert delighted himself on the humilliation on them before he whispered again, this time his words echoing through the whole mansion “I´m just Zarai´s slut”

“Good boy” Robert said, ruffling the albino´s hair “Looks like we got our winner” he announced to the silent audience. “He´s all yours. Be sure to bring him back” he sing songed before the whole hall heard the slam of Zarai´s hand making his head whip to a side.

“Puto malparido” she heaved, feeling a sharp sting on her hand.

Robert simply smiled “What made you get a romantic Zarai?”

“I didn´t. He´s not supposed to know!” Robert shrugged.

“The handlers must have been bored out of their minds then” He said ironically. Pleased with her face, he took away the photos. “Thank you for attending today. Hope you enjoyed the show” he had the nerve to say before Tony grabbed his tie and put his fist up.

—–

Albus walked to Sann taking off his coat in the way and knelt to cover Sann with it. The servant extended the leash to Albus but he was more focused cupping Sann´s face, searching for injuries on his body. The pet leaned on to the touch, giving him a kiss on the wrist that freaked him out. 

“Oh god what did he do to you?” he whispered as he quickly untied the ribbon on his wrists. Not expecting him to jump on him in a kiss, so deep, he went red immediately.

Albus had to push him away and see in full display the pet´s erection. Covering his mouth with his left hand he noticed Sann´s lips tasted like a drug…  Albus scrambled to cup his face and hopefully cover him from outside eyes. 

“Look at me. C´mon Sann, look at me” he said, gently, making teary eyes stare into his. Hearing a dry thud behind him. He tried to keep his voice calm “You´re drugged. This is not what you want to do. Not like this” He searched for the boy with a bratty smile below the pained face from being rejected, craving affection as if it was air. Albus bit his lower lip before putting away the hand trying to go up his thighs. “No, Sann”

Sann leaned on Albus and started rubbing his nose against his face, trying to make his way to a kiss. But Albus whipped his head to a side. Running out of patience, Sann tried grabbing his face and make him kiss him, but the boy froze when red teary eyes fell on him.

Albus covered Sann´s hand and let himself lean into it. Soothing it with his thumbs. 

”Come back, Sann. Please” He said, never breaking eye contact. Even as a tear rolled down his cheek into his own hand “Please, stop…” Sann stared back with a frown. Any intent of furthering action dropped, as he let Albus put his hand back in his lap.

Sann took away the hand after a moment to sign.

“Hug?” Albus thought he asked, looking worried he would say no. But instead his eyes softened as he nodded. Opening his arms to receive the other with a thud. Sann buried his face into his chest as Albus ran a hand through his hair and tried to not think about the little metal studs poking against his chest.

Albus sighed as he pulled his coat to cover him better. Soothing his back slowly.  Albus lifted his eyes to catch Sasha staring at him with furrowed eyebrows. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. 

 “I´m sorry I didn´t tell you” he finally said after a moment.

She took a deep breath and crouched. She pulled the bracelet covering her wrist, revealing a burn mark. Exactly where the numbers should be. The boy´s eyes widened and pulled them up to see her smile. 

“I never asked” she said. “It´s gonna be ok, yeah?” She wiped away the tear rolling down the boy´s face with her thumb

Zarai stood above both of them. Her eyebrows in a tight knot. Albus hugged Sann closer, protectively, hearing a small purr from him.

“I´m sorry, ma´am. I-I just…” She crouched to hug them both.

“He forced you didn´t he?” at his silence she sighed, collecting the albino in her arms “It wasn´t your fault” 

As soon as the words left her mouth, Albus couldn´t resist any longer and broke down crying. Sann lifted his head up with a worried face and hugged him tighter.

“Let´s go home” she said pulling away before the boy sniffed and nodded.

Sasha and a bruised Tony helped them put Sann on the back of the car. Albus sat next to Sann, soothing his hand with slow circular motions as a sheepish smile sat on his face.

Robert was standing outside talking with Zarai sporting a bright purple bruise on his cheek that didn´t seem to bother him at all.

“I´m giving you until tomorrow night” he terminated, making her go stiff “I don´t see him one minute later and I´m sending the cops to bring him back. Understood, princess?”

“I´ll bring him myself. With a lawyer” he leaned into the man, a sharp stare that made him hold his breath “You´re abusing him. Even for pets, what you have done to him for two years is torture. You better prepare yourself”

“You wouldn´t…” his little smile vanished as he saw how serious she was before she turned on her heels and walked to her car.

“See you in court, Glass”

The man was left speechless, as she drove away and turned right to take the highway home. 

As the sun began to appear on the horizon, Albus tried to suffocate the question slowly drowining every and each thought at Sasha´s quick explanation: How does a pet become a person again?

[cevans16]

First Date

Summary: Part of Wonder Woman - mini series

Part One: https://cevans16.tumblr.com/post/646497572776755201/wonder-woman

After the comic con ended you had received a text from him that he would come by to get you a little bit later. You guys decided on walking since the restaurant wasn’t too far. You had gone back to your friends home to change. You were beyond nervous to meet with Sebastian not only because you had a crush on him but because you hadn’t been on a date in a very long time, you’d practically sworn off dating after constantly being disappointed or hurt. You’re best friend on the other hand was ecstatic for your date since you were finally putting yourself out there for once.

“Okay you have to look hot!” she said excitedly

“What no, he already knows what I look like besides I want to feel comfortable” you defended yourself. You turned to look at her eyeing you up and down.

“Fine just a little hot but don’t make it overboard” you said causing her to yelp.

You changed into a white long sleeve blouse, dark jeans with black booties and topped with a black leather jacket. Your best friend retouched your hair in curls and added a Smokey eye look to your makeup. You received a text from Sebastian letting you know that he was on his way.

“I don’t know maybe this is a bad idea” you said nervously

“Don’t start. It’s been a long time that you’ve gone out with someone” your best friend said

“Yeah with good reason” you stated, “maybe you should come too”

“Fuck no, you are going by yourself like the big girl that you are” she teased

About ten minutes after Sebastian had texted you you and your friend heard her doorbell ring.

“He’s hereeeee” she sang

“Stop you’re making me more nervous” you said smiling

“Look at me” she said grabbing your face, “you are a smart, independent, stunning, funny woman and ANY man would be lucky to have you” she motivated you.

“Yes, thank you - oh wait my perfume” you said spritzing yourself a couple times. You grabbed your purse and kissed your friend on the cheek to head outside.

You opened the door to see Sebastian leaning against the wall on his phone.

“Sorry I was touching up” you said to him

“Oh I was about to text you - no worries” he said. He subtly checked you out however you still caught his look at you, the same one he had given you the first time you had met.

“You look beautiful (Y/N)” he said

“Thank you Sebastian, you look amazing too, why did YOU change?” you asked him curiously

“Well I want to impress this beautiful girl soooo I have to input some effort” he smiled at you

“You’ve been successful” you winked at him, noticing a pink blush on his face.

“Thank you. I uhhhh - shall we?” he said motioning you to head out.

You both walked towards the restaurant, it was a nice chilly fall evening in New York.

“Where are from then? Because you did say you’re here visiting” he asked you

“Boston” you replied

“Ahhhh a Bostonian. You don’t have an accent though” he said peering over at you

“Well I live in Boston but I’m from California” you explained to him.

“Your friend?”

“She’s from California too but her dream was New York and I’m only about four hours away so we visit each other”

“Your dream was Boston?” he teased you

“Yes....stop it” you chuckled, “it’s a big sports down, it’s beautiful, its a big city but still has that small town feeling and fall is perfect there” you explained

“You know I thought I left Evans back in Boston but I guess not” he joked

“What?!”

“Chris, he says the exact same thing you do”

“Well he isn’t wrong” you said proudly

“You, you’re from here right, New York?” you asked him

“Yeah yeah - originally Romania but my mom brought us out here by the time I was ten I think” he said

“Nice - you like it here I assume?”

“It has its up and downs but it’s home” he said to you

“You don’t miss home?” he asked you

You sighed thinking about it, “I do and then I don’t. I knew that if I didn’t move to Boston, that one day I would regret it. I do miss my family a lot sometimes but I’ve kind of gotten used to it” you said

By this time you two had arrived to the Italian restaurant you had advised him about

“Ladies first” he said opening the door for you. The place wasn’t packed, giving you guys a ten minute wait time. In the mean time you and Sebastian went to the restroom.

When you got out he was on the phone with someone but he hung up the moment he saw you.

“Sorry if I’m on my phone a lot - it’s my agent” he said to you

“I get it - I don’t have an agent but work is work” you said to him

“That it is” he said smiling at you

“Party of two for Stan!” the hostess yelled out

“Come on doll” he said letting you go ahead first

You sat down at a table in the outdoor patio which was something you always loved especially in the city. The homestead gave you your menus and walked away leaving you and Sebastian alone.

“I hope you like it here” you said to him

“I think I will” he replied looking over the menu, “what do you usually get?”

“Anything actually, I really enjoy the pasta though, the carbonara is to die for oh and the cannolis too, the tiramisu, the wine, the calzones” you said saying almost everything off the menu

Sebastian was observing you in the moment of your small rambling, he thought it was cute seeing you excited over something so small.

“Sorry I’m rambling aren’t I, uhhmm pasta for sure” you said

“Pasta it is” he smiled at you

You both ordered wine, different pastas and conversed while waiting for your food to be ready.

“How often do you come to New York?” he asked

“Honestly as much as I can, I have one sister living in the south but my niece is now coming to NYU so I’ve been here more to help her settle in plus besides my friend that you met today, I have a few other ones so I’m here visiting them too. It’s not a bad drive” you said

“You drive from Boston to here?!” he asked surprisingly

“Yeah! It’s a fun road trip, with some nice music and my own company” you said laughing

“Jeez woman” he said sipping his wine

“You? Have you gone to Boston?” you asked him

“Ehhh I don’t go often, sometimes but it’s rare I’ll visit Chris but other than that not reallllyyy”

“Got it”

Your food arrived, smelling delicious as ever, Sebastian couldn’t wait to try it.

“This smells amazing” he commented

“That’s because it is, sorry but I’m about to stuff my face” you joked to him

“That makes two of us doll” he replied chuckling, already a mouthful of pasta in him.

“Okay - I have to ask, how old are you?” he said

“(Your age)” you replied

Sebastian slightly choked on his pasta, he didn’t expect you to be about a decade younger than him.

“Fuck I’m sorry, I thought you were older, not that you look older” he stuttered.

“It’s okay, if you don’t want to do whatever this is anymore that’s okay” you said to him

“Nooo no I do, I was surprised is all” he said immediately

You two continued to get to know each other, the conversation flowing well between you. You hadn’t realized you had been there for almost three hours until your friend texted you to make sure you were okay.

“Are you guys up for any dessert?” the waiter asked

“Would you like some?” Sebastian asked you

“You have to try the tiramisu” you said excitedly

“Tiramisu it is please” Sebastian told the waiter, “oh and I’ll also try the cannolis but those are to go” he added

“Where do you work? Like what do you do?” Sebastian asked you.

“I work in the sports industry, ticketing department” you said to him

“Holy shit for what team? - Patriots?”

“No the Bruins, I’ve been in hockey for so long it’d be weird to leave and I enjoy it so much” you said

“That’s awesome, remind me not to bring you around Evans because he’ll try to swoop you” he teased

“What why?!”

“You’re definitely his type” he winked at you

“What about YOURS?” you asked with a smirk

“Welllll I did bring you out on a date doll so you’re definitely not my type” he said joking of course

“That’s meannnn, do you like sports?”

“Uhmmm not really” he said shyly

“Well that sucks because I love them” you said, “I guess I’ll make an exception for you” you winked at him this time causing him to blush

“Thank you I’m very lucky” Sebastian said

They brought out the tiramisu, Sebastian loved it, saying that you were definitely right about the entire food options you had suggested him. The waiter brought out the check. You and Sebastian both reaching for your wallets.

“Doll I know you’re not about to try to pay for this” he said peeking at you

“Sooo I can’t let you pay for everything Sebastian”

“Ohhh no. No, no, no, I pay for it all. Don’t try to do it” he said to you.

“Fine fine, I get next time then” you said then realizing your slip

“Oh so there’s a next time huh?” he asked you

“No uhm that’s not what I meant” you said stuttering

Sebastian didn’t say anything else, he laid his card on the bill.

“I’m going to the restroom, I better not come back to you paying for this” he smiled at you

“We shall see” you replied back

When he came back he was happy that you had listened to him, he did want to see you again, he had been wanting to tell you that halfway through dinner but he didn’t want to scare you off. Sebastian had this gut feeling about you, you were different than what he was used to. He couldn’t wait to get to know you more even if you lived in another state.

You grabbed your belongings then headed out to the city again. You noticed he was taking you a longer way back to your friends house, you didn’t mind it though it since you enjoyed your time with him.

“I gotta say doll, I’m happy that I took you out” Sebastian said

“Thank you, I’m glad you did” you chuckled, “and thank you for dinner, really you didn’t have to pay for it”

“I asked you right?” he said

“Mhmmm”

“Well then I get to pay”

“So if I ask you then I will get to pay then?” you asked

“Not a chance but good try” he said sticking out his tongue to you

“Excuse you” you said doing the same thing back to him, “you butt head”

“What did you say!!” he asked exasperated

“You’re a butt head” you said laughing by this point

“You like this butt head though” he said as he put his arm around your shoulder

“Ehhh I’m still debating on it”

“Okay THATS rude” he said pushing you softly away

He then ran his fingers softly, closer to your own hand, waiting for you to oblige. When you didn’t, he intertwined his fingers with yours, rubbing his thumb on your hand. It felt nice, Sebastian’s hand was much bigger than yours but it felt perfect. You smiled at him as you two almost arrived to your friends house. When you walked up he stopped you two.

“I had an amazing time” he said facing you now

“Me too Sebastian thank you” you replied.

He observed your face quietly for a few seconds. You wish you knew what he was thinking. You wanted him to kiss you but at the same time you hoped that he would wait. It was the second option.

“Would you like to go out again?” he asked you softly

“I would” you smiled at him. A big smile grew on his face, he leaned over to kiss your forehead.

“I’ll text you when and of course if you’re available” he said to you

“Okay”

“Oh and these are for you” he said, placing the small box of cannolis in your hand

“You didn’t have to!” you said

“I know but you sounded like you really enjoyed these” he shrugged

“You have to take some” you insisted

“No I bought them for you”

“I know but I like to share and I think you should at least take one” you said

“You’re a little stubborn aren’t you” he said narrowing his eyes at you, chuckling when you mimicked his same expression

“Look who’s talking”

“Fine I will take one” he said grabbing a cannoli from the box. He took a bite off of it, immediately moaning at how good it was.

“You and that cannoli should get a room” you joked

“Whatever, this is amazing”

“Take another one” you offered thinking he would say no.

“That I will not oblige to, thanks. So yes second date for sure. I’ll see you later doll” he said giving you a hug before walking back home.

You walked into your friend’s place with the biggest smile, she was excited to hear about your date. You talked about it while watching your favorite show that you two enjoyed watching together. About an hour later you received a text from Sebastian.

Sebastian: Hey, I got home a while ago. I had an amazing time! How does next weekend work for you?

You: I unfortunately can’t next weekend, our season starts :( after that?

Sebastian: I can’t that weekend........ we’ll figure it out doll :)

You felt a little bad that you couldn’t make it up yet but you knew that Sebastian and you would figure it out together.

[crimsonbluemoon]

26 and terrormoo❤️

I don’t know. 

Warning: Slight hint of sexual harassment, but nothing graphic (like one inappropriate joke/line but I still wanna put this here just in case) and not between Brian and Brock

Couple: Terrormoo Number: 26 Prompt: “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to.”

“Come on, Bri-Bri.” Harry’s nickname made Brian sneer, glaring at the duo now resting their arms on the wall he was leaning against. The music wasn’t as loud in the coatroom where the men had cornered him; Brian wondered if Harry and Richard were cocky enough to leave the door unlocked for anyone to walk in on their entrapment. Brian could probably take both men with his hands tied behind his back; they were five years older than him and twice his weight, but it was all fat. The martial art classes he took for eighteen years would make breaking their jaws easy. But, knowing where he was, he couldn’t. Brian he was used to dealing with rich scumbags at parties like this; it was the price he paid for staying at his father’s charity events. He didn’t want to go but his mother’s soft eyes asking for his attendance always wore him down. Now, he remembered why he hated being here. “It isn’t like it’d be your first time with a few guys. We don’t have to do it at the same time; we can share.”

“Share what, STDs?” Brian muttered, grinning at Richard’s narrowed eyes. Money meant power in this culture, and he knew his family’s old business carried weight. But some things, like his affinity for being with men and women, tended to close him off to some of that prestige. These two, whose parents were ‘good friends of his father’ came from scummy deals and illegal business, though Brian couldn’t prove it. 

“Don’t be so mouthy with us; we spend a lot of money-” Brian cut Harry off.

“Your parents, you mean. The two of ya can’t get juice from an orange without someone else squeezing it.” Brian’s snark resulted in Richard’s hand grabbing his throat, shoving him back into the wall hard enough to send a spark of pain through his back. “Watch yer meat hooks ya fucking asshole.” 

“All we’re asking for is a little fun while our parents play dress up. Is that so hard to process? You’re not exactly against getting with anyone, since you’re not picky.” Harry seemed to think Brian was easy, and he knew why; his ex-boyfriend was a dick that Brian had once thought actually cared about him. It’d been the first guy he’d been with, shared his heart, body, and soul with, and the guy sold the information to the first tabloid that could pay him a pretty penny. The love he’d thought they’d cultivated was spilled like spoiled milk on the front pages of every social media, and he’d been painted as a loose bisexual cannon since.

“Get off me.” Brian had to take a breath to keep from reaching out and breaking Richard’s wrist; getting his black belt meant he could be charged with some serious crimes if he used his hands in a fight. His body tensed when Richard leaned closer, overpriced wine on the breath of air puffed into his face.

“Getting off sounds about-”

“Excuse me?” A voice that held less weight than a feather slipped into the conversation, Brian tilting his head past the two idiots to see who had intervened. The large brown eyes that took in the scene reminded him of his mother’s, soft but unwavering as they lowered into discomfort. “But he’s asking you to let go, and I’ll have to ask you to listen please.” 

“It’s nothing for a stranger to worry about, kid.” And in truth, scumbag Richard was right; this guy had to be twenty-two, max, which meant he’d be barely a year older than Brian himself. 

“So mind your business and continue on.” Harry tried to present as tough when he took a step toward the newcomer, arms crossed over his chest. 

“I could do that. But I’ll be swinging back with the police on duty at this event, and since he’s my best friend, I don’t think Officer Wine will be as polite.” Surprised that the man stood his ground, Brian felt his lips twitch into a smile when he saw a hint of defiance in the fidgeting man’s gaze. “Or you could let him go and return to the party. The choice is yours.”

“...Pfft.” The hand let him go, and Brian watched Richard slunk past the newcomer.

“He’s not worth our time anyways.” A bump of a shoulders from Harry didn’t seem to bother the man, who watched with wary eyes until the door of the room slammed behind them. A quick sigh of relief came from Brian’s ‘hero’, who turned his attention back to Brian with a shy smile. 

“Uh...hi. You...You probably didn’t need help, so I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or embarrassed, I just came to get my wallet from my coat and...are you okay?” The stranger’s voice was pretty with its humble edge, though it paled in comparison to his flushed cheeks and deep eyes. Brian took in the round cheeks cradling plush lips, his forehead scrunched just like his cute nose. He looked like he’d check in with a killer while being stabbed. This guy was...definitely not the one who needed to be doing the protecting.

“Think I’m a little better now that you’re in here with me instead of them.” He tossed out the flirty line, watching red crawl all the way up the other’s neck. “Haven’t seen you around, though. What company do you work for? Please tell me it ain’t the stock market.”

“No no! Nothing cool like that. I just...I work for the...the one catering your party. Or, well, I’m the chef your father hired for it.” Ah, so the guy knew his family. The bravado and strength from before looked to pour out of his body, as if it was shameful to admit he had a good, stable job. Plus, culinary skills? Brian could only imagine how adorable the guy would be with an apron and chef’s hat. Of course, as he gave an open glance along the other man’s body, he didn’t mind the idea of taking said items off…

“Well, I think I ought to know your name. Since you work for my old man and all.” It had nothing to do with that, but it felt like an easy excuse to use for the moment.

“Right, of course! I’m Brock. Thank you for having us at your party, we appreciate your business.” A polite bow only increased Brock’s charm, and Brian felt his heart demand more attention from it’s increased pounding in his chest. 

“The pleasure’s ours, Brocky.” The nickname got a blink and parted lips, which Brian smirked at. “Or should I call you Prince Charming, for saving me?” 

“That’s totally not necessary,” Brock replied with a nervous laugh, fingers rubbing behind one of ears in modesty. “Just a chef, no prince here.” 

“Can’t you be both?” When Brock didn’t answer, Brian eased up on his teasing, moving to something he seemed more comfortable with. “Well, from what I’ve had, the food’s been great. I’ll totally want to use your services again. You got a number I could have...ya know, for future planning?”

“Your father’s got our information in an email-”

“But I’m not dad.” He cut the explanation off quickly, making sure his implication was known for the slightly oblivious guy. “And I think the dinner I’d want prepared would only be for the two of us.” 

“Well, I don’t normally eat the food I’m-oh.” He watched the offer click, and the blush that had started to wane before rushed back across his face. “Oh.” 

“Yeah, oh. So, how about that number? Unless you’ve got a princess waiting at home.” He was sure he wasn’t reading it wrong; Brian had caught Brock’s eyes drop to his lips each time he spoke, despite seeming to try and fight the urge to do so. It was sweet he put in the effort, but Brian was more than okay with the attention of the guy who looked so flustered at his flirting.

“No, no girlfriend. Or uh...boyfriend. Never even had a boyfriend cause-” Another look, which was filled with a longing Brian couldn’t understand, was cast over his mouth before Brock shook his head and fumbled back to the door. “I should probably get back to the party. It’s almost dessert time. I, uh, th-thank you very much.”

“For what?” Brian asked, amused at the nonsensical parting.

“I don’t know.” Brock’s hand fumbled with the doorknob, but Brian still heard the muttered ‘what are you doing’ under Brock’s breath before he popped the door open. “Gotta go. It was...really nice meeting you. I-Please be safe!”

“You too, Prince.” The chef was out the door after a stumble, and Brian laughed before leaning back against the wall. For a moment, he was upset that Brock had slipped away. Maybe their Cinderella moment wasn’t meant to be, and Brian would never get his Prince Charming to put on the glass slipper. Brian wasn’t about chasing someone that had no desire to be caught, after all. Not every chance encounter was magical, if his ex taught him nothing else. 

Except the way Brock had stared at Brian proved there was more to the unread pages of their fairy tale, and Brian knew just the man (or rather, one officer) to text in order to get the story started again. 

>> Piggy, tell me everything I need to know to woo your friend Brock.

[ficsandcatsandficsandcats]

So i know how you love writing for Valdo Marx, and I'm fond of him now as well, and not just cuz he's basically robert sheehan.... anyway...hahaha! how bout a plus size reader x jaskier, either already together or not up to you, and then Valdo is there somewhere. And maybe a bit of feral!jaskier! Thank you as always dear heart hope you're well! 💙💚💙

Fandom: The WitcherPairing: Jaskier x Plus Size ReaderWord Count: 2,941Rating: TTaglist: @heroics-and-heartbreak @whatevermonkey @mynamesoundslikesherlock @magic-multicolored-miracle @writingstudent @mlleecrivaine @coffee-and-stories @ultracolorfulnerdcollection @astouract @your-not-invisible-to-me @kemmastan @mycat-is-mylove @amirahiddleston a/n: Hello dearest. This went in a direction I was not expecting. I hope that you’re ok with how it went. I had fun writing it and hopefully reading it will be enjoyable too.

“Take me through this plan one more time,” Geralt sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“It’s a very simple plan, Geralt. I’m going to escort Y/N to the dance tonight as her wingman, no one we find will be good enough for her because no one on this earth is, I will dance and sing to her and woo her and by the end of the night I will give my big speech about no one being worthy of her but I love her deeply and truly and will spend the rest of my life endeavoring to prove it and she will fall into my arms and the rest is none of your business you cheeky devil,” Jaskier recited. His head was tilted back against the window he perched on, pale blue eyes gazing at the ceiling as if he were watching the scene play out.

“What if she finds someone she fancies,” Geralt asked.

“What?”

Geralt didn’t repeat himself, he just leveled Jaskier with a Look. Jaskier thought over Geralt’s words for a moment, apparently not considering this possible flaw in his plan before now, and then shook his head.

“No, Geralt, don’t be silly. We’ve been traveling with Y/N for months now and no one has even so much as caught her attention a little bit. That’s certainly not going to change now.”

—–

You had to make a change and you had to do it now.

You’d spent months pining after Jaskier, unable to summon the courage to tell him and finding no signs of interest from him. You knew that you could try and force yourself to share those feelings and potentially ruin the friendship, or you could try and move on. The dance seemed the perfect chance and when Jaskier volunteered to help find you a match, well, that was all the answer you needed. You usually dressed to blend in, years of training put into hiding your body or minimizing yourself in any way you could. Tonight, you chose to stand out. First because if you were going to find a new partner you would not waste your time on someone who didn’t see and want all of you. Second because you were feeling a little bold and excited by your choice to pursue someone. The benefit of traveling was that if things went horribly wrong you could just leave the next morning and never return. You hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but the knowledge it could helped bolster your courage. It was gratifying when you saw Jaskier go speechless, mouth agape and sky-blue eyes wider than you’d ever seen them, as you stepped out in the vibrant, emerald green dress. Your hair was plaited back in a simple but attractive way, framing your face in a way that enhanced your looks but did not try to hide its roundness.

“This’ll do then?” you asked teasingly as Jaskier stared at you until Geralt finally thwacked him in the arm to help bring him back to his senses.

“You look absolutely… Geralt I’ve forgotten words oh gods they are my whole livelihood…”

“Don’t be dramatic,” you laughed, blushing a little under his gaze.

“If you don’t take her arm I will,” Geralt hissed to Jaskier, eager to get the evening underway and over with. That snapped Jaskier out of it and he nearly leapt across the room to your side, taking your hand with unparalleled reverence.

“Here’s hoping someone else at court feels the same,” you said. Geralt watched Jaskier’s face freeze, a glimmer of fierce panic in his eyes before he recovered and offered you a smile.

This would be a long night.

—–

Valdo Marx had come to the ball for one reason and one reason alone – spite.

True he had been one of the first to receive an invitation but it was to attend, not perform, a slight he would not forget or forgive anytime soon. He had come to drink their wine and eat their food and scoff at their doubtless subpar performers. He hadn’t come with carousing in mind though he saw flickers of interest in the eyes of many he passed. He couldn’t blame them. He was aware of his effect on people, especially when he looked as resplendent as he did tonight in his black and burgundy attire. His curls were artfully disheveled and he’d smeared just a bit of kohl around his eyes to further emphasize them, not that they needed it. He’d trimmed his mustache and goatee and applied a tasteful amount of patchouli cologne to his neck and wrists. Still, it was all for himself and to know that he had appeared and provided the quality appearance that one could expect from Valdo Marx, even if all he had planned was some smirking and sipping of wine.

And then he saw you.

Valdo’s plans immediately pivoted. He moved from his haughty lounging to standing straight up, pressing out the wrinkles in his doublet and then setting down his goblet as he made his way to you. His eyes never strayed though yours surveyed the hall and he was vaguely aware that you were talking to someone. He didn’t look at their face, briefly taking in the quality cut of their black and cerulean lined attire with an appreciative glance, but when his eyes flicked back to your face it was inclined by the other and he stopped walking.

Jaskier.

Of course fucking Jaskier de Lettenhove, golden boy of Redania, would walk in with the loveliest creature tonight. No matter, Valdo told himself, taking up the chase again even as Jaskier led you onto the dancefloor. You may have arrived with Jaskier, but you would be leaving with him.

—–

“Jaskier if I dance with you all night I won’t find anyone,” you protested, though a traitorous part of yourself that wasn’t as easily swayed loved the feeling of his hand in yours and the way the oceanic eyes never left your face as he led you around the dancefloor.

“You’re right,” Jaskier said, though he kept a tight grip on your hand, “After this dance as ended I shall seek out some good company for you.”

You forced a smile. You’d secretly hoped he may say no, that he wanted to be your only dance partner, but you knew this was just a fantasy and if he really did do it you’d rankle at the unearned possessiveness. Still, you were a simple woman, and you wanted to feel wanted even if just for a moment. After the dance Jaskier did as promised, guiding you off of the floor and setting you up with a goblet of wine before heading out into the fray where he would circle a few times and then return to you. He would take the opportunity to check on Geralt who was where he usually sat during parties, alone and as far away from others as he could with refreshments.

You watched Jaskier’s retreating back and tried not to pout as you worked at finding that vigor you had earlier to find someone.

“It is too early for you to be here,” a voice in an accent you couldn’t immediately placed said. You turned to see a man standing nearby, leaning his long frame against a column and smiling at you with eyes that matched your gown.

“Pardon?” you asked, your heart skipping a beat as his mouth curled into a smile.

“Persephone is supposed to stay with Hades until spring, but here we still have a whole winter’s month left and yet you stand before us,” he replied in a voice that was so low it was nearly a purr. He spoke the words quietly as though it were a secret. As though he truly had spied a goddess out of place and was trying to coax her back before the other mortals caught on. You laughed and moved closer.

“Let me guess, you fancy yourself Hades?” you teased, the courage you’d lost coming back to you.

“Alas it seems I do not have that honor. But I shall let you cast me in the roll you see fit for me to play,” he answered smoothly. You stared at him thoughtfully as the bottle green eyes boldly, but not lecherously, swept the length of your body. You felt seen by this man in a way you hadn’t in some time. It scared you. You liked it.

“Eros,” you replied. He laughed, caught off-guard but delighted by your response.

“Indeed?” he said, “Oh you must tell me your justification.”

“You look the sort to tempt maidens in all kinds of trouble,” you answered, taking a sip of wine. His eyes fell to you lips as you licked a drop from the rim of the goblet and you knew he was wondering how the wine would taste if he kissed it from your lips.

“Tempting makes it sound like there’s some sort of coercion. I guarantee every maiden I’ve met was an eager devotee of my temple, love,” he replied, raising a hand using his slender, soft fingers to brush a lock of hair out of your face. He glanced up, something catching his attention, and his lovely features grew a little bit fiercer and more wicked and fool that you were, you only found yourself more enticed.

—–

“Geralt you were worried about nothing,” Jaskier insisted, though he addressed himself more than his friend who stared ahead with an expression that was a cross between bemusement and foreboding.

“Indeed,” Geralt said.

“Yes! We have had some lovely danced together and I left her with wine. Her favorite kind, I’ll have you know,” Jaskier insisted.

“And Valdo Marx was a part of your plan?” Geralt asked, eyes still gazing ahead. Jaskier scoffed and glanced to where Geralt look, opening his mouth to offer some witty retort but then he did a doubletake. You were standing inches away from Valdo whose eyes caught Jaskier’s. He looked delighted at the ashen pallor Jaskier’s face took. The color soon returned with vigor and before Geralt could rise from the table, Jaskier was halfway across the floor.

—–

“Y/N,” Jaskier said, appearing at your side so suddenly you squeaked in surprise.

“Jaskier!” you exclaimed, “Good gods where did you come from?”

“Hades,” Valdo murmured.

“I just saw you talking with an old acquaintance and wanted to ensure that you were properly introduced,” Jaskier said coolly, his words directed at Valdo more than you.

“Allow me,” Valdo said, interjecting quickly, “Valdo Marx, bard of Cidaris.”

He took your hand and raised it to his lips though Jaskier looked at him as though he may physically tear his lips from his face if they touched any part of you. You looked between the two of them confused.

“Wait, you’re Valdo Marx? Oh Jaskier he’s nowhere near as odious looking as you said. Quite the opposite in fact,” you said. Valdo shot Jaskier a squinty glare which was duly returned.

“And Valdo, I know some things you’ve said about Jaskier which were equally false. And things you’ve done. Did you know that your little stunt of spreading that lie about Jaskier and the pox cost him a job which cost us the chance at staying in an inn one night?” you asked, jabbing your finger in his chest.

“If I had any idea that you were with him I never would have done such a thing,” he replied emphatically.

“Y/N come, let’s have a dance,” Jaskier said, taking one of your hands.

“Allow me to explain myself further,” Valdo implored, taking the one you had pressed against his ribcage, “I promise I’m not as bad as I’ve seemed. Or acted. And in some ways I can get so much worse.”

His eyes glinted with a promise that made your stomach flip and Jaskier’s insides burn. He roughly pulled you next to him, his hand moving to wrap a more possessive arm around your waist.

“Y/N came with me,” he snarled at Valdo.

“She’s leaving with me.” Valdo snarled back.

“If you’re quit done fighting over me like two dogs with one bone I have something to say,” you interjected, though a part of yourself you weren’t proud of enjoyed watching these men inch ever closer to a physical altercation over you. They looked at you expectantly though whenever their eyes caught each other’s they squinted into a glower.

“Jaskier I did come with you but it was with the express intent to find someone because gods knows you aren’t interested and it’s not fair of you to try and decide who I speak with now,” you argued. Valdo preened as Jaskier stammered a bit under your glare. This was not going how he expected at all.

“I am,” he said quickly, “Y/N, believe me when I tell you that I am.”

“Oh sure because now Valdo is here and it’s a matter of pride,” you argued.

“No,” he implored take your hand up again with his, the sky blue eyes gazing into yours as they had earlier that day and as you thought about it, as they had many times before though you’d dismissed them as a foolish trick of your own love for him. “Y/N I have loved you since nearly the very day we met. I didn’t know how to tell you or if I should and, I must confess, I thought I had more time.”

“Because you didn’t think another man would be interested?” you asked, hurt plain on your face.

“Gods no, because you didn’t seem interested in others,” he explained.

“Well why would you offer to help me find a partner if you wanted me?” you demanded.

“She raises a good point. A pretty shit plan if I may say so myself. Seems the lady would fare better with a smarter, more direct partner,” Valdo cut in.

“Shut it,” Jaskier bit out fiercely before turning his face back to you, tender once more, “It was, admittedly, a plan that sounded better in theory. I was going to do this whole elaborate speech about no one being worthy of you – myself included – but how much I wanted to try and work at it for as long as you’d let me.”

The sincerity in his eyes and the words you’d wanted to hear for so long brought a tear to your eye. If he had done this five minutes before it would have been the easiest, quickest answer. But he hadn’t, and you found yourself in the unprecedented position of feeling torn between two men. This always sounded exciting and enviable in stories but now that you stood here you just felt frozen.

“Pretty works, Jaskier, perhaps the first you’ve ever spoken. But the fact remains that you have had months to make these feelings known and didn’t whereas I identified her the moment my eyes laid on her as someone I must know. And I didn’t wait for silly games. So I ask you, Y/N, what would you rather have? Someone who goes after what they want when they want it, or someone who plays the long game, taking for granted that you’ll be hanging around waiting for them?” Valdo asked.

“I do love you Jaskier,” you said. You felt Valdo drop your hand gently and you turned to face him, “But.”

The word hung in the air as both men stared at you breathlessly.

“But I cannot deny that I’m drawn to Valdo as well,” you confessed, feeling oddly guilty, “And I know it’s not how it’s supposed to be but… It’s true.”

“Perhaps a sampling,” Valdo suggested.

“What?”

“You spend an evening seeing what Jaskier has to offer and you spend an evening seeing what I can do and you make your decision,” he explained.

“You’re not a platter of meats,” you scoffed. He cocked an eyebrow at you.

“I could be,” he purred. You felt Jaskier’s arm tighten around your waist.

“Unless you’re worried that I would outperform you. Yet again,” Valdo said to Jaskier. Jaskier gave a sharp, humorless bark of laughter.

“Gods no. If anything I think of you and your poor, tender feelings. I fear you would never bring yourself to perform again after being so soundly shown up,” Jaskier sneered.

It wasn’t ladylike or right or moral but you had an idea. A scandalous, daring, wicked idea. Then again, you reasoned with yourself, men did it all the time.

“Perhaps this can be settled,” you said. Again two pairs of eyes landed on you, blazing green and cool blue. “Perhaps…”

“A fuck off?” Jaskier offered. Valdo rolled his eyes at the vulgarity but you brightened and nodded, grateful someone had spared you saying it. “Well I have no reason to fear it.”

He looked at Valdo challengingly and your heart pounded in your throat. The man looked back at you and as his eyes slowly scanned your body again you felt Jaskier’s grip tighten so hard it would likely leave marks. The idea thrilled you.

“Name the time and place,” Valdo said, “It will be an unequivocal pleasure showing you up yet again.”

—–

Geralt watched the three of you walk away, Jaskier’s arm around your waist and Valdo taking up your free hand. He debated with himself for a full five minutes about whether or not he should follow. If what was happening what he thought was happening, he didn’t want to be anywhere near it. Then again, there was an even chance that it would end in attempted murder. He took a long pull from his ale and shook his head. You could handle yourself.

[thebickedwitchoftherest]

Oh My God, They Were Roommates || Camille & Cece

Timing: Sometime before Jane moved in (please don’t roast me)

Location: Cece’s house

Parties: Cece & @carrionxcamille

Summary: When Camille moved in with Cece they share dinner and get to know each other.

Camille was going to owe Cece for the rest of her life, and she didn’t even care about the debt.

Once she’d chucked her pitiful backpack of belongings- yes, she still had that little stuff to her name- into the bedroom that was to be hers, Camille bolted straight to the bathroom, throwing an apology over her shoulder for how long she was about to steal the shower for. Hey, the water pressure in that motel had done absolutely nothing for her hair. When she did eventually leave the bathroom in a flourish of steam with a towel wrapped around her head she felt more at peace than she had in months. Seriously, the wonders of a good hot shower never ceased to amaze.

It was a little while after that she left her room again, in the silky new pajama set she’d treated herself too with her hair soft and shiny and actually dry, since the hairdryer here didn’t threaten to overheat if you had it on for more than five minutes.

The fun didn’t stop there though, because now Camille had a whole actual kitchen to play with. “Cece, I’m gonna make dinner!” She called out, already rummaging through the fridge for ideas- she’d have to start writing the lists for their grocery shopping, this place was lacking- “stop me if you don’t like spaghetti carbonara!” She was already starting anyway, feeling lighter and more at ease than she had in weeks. To be in a real home again really lifted her spirits. 

In almost no time at all she had food set on the table- she was only sorry they didn’t have anything she could make dessert with, but ice cream would do- and was pouring a glass of white wine for each of the girls. “I’m sorry I immediately took over your shower and kitchen.” Camille said, now that some of her excitement had given way and reminded her of her manners, “I hope you like dinner, anyway. I just wanted to say thank you to you, for having me. It means a lot that you’d help me like you have.” 

Cece had been laughing to herself the entire day. As sad as it was, Camille didn’t have much to move with her when Cece set off on helping her move out of that shithole motel she had been trapped in. Nothing but a few small bags that needed transferred to the first of Cece’s guest bedrooms. It had been the same one that Morgan had used after a similar situation had her moving in. Personally, Cece loved the feeling. As horribly as her own circumstances had ended up with the coven, they had still taken her in after getting kicked out of her own home. When she had nowhere else to go, they had taken her in. Obviously, Cece wasn’t about to pull some bullshit like that, but she could pay it back minus the whole culty murder part.

As Camille made herself home and found her way to the fridge, Cece gravitated over towards it and joined her, grabbing a chair at the barstool that looked into the kitchen. “Ooh, Carbonara? Now that’s fancy.” Cece would take whatever Cam was planning on cooking. Cece wasn’t a picky eater by means, and she also wasn’t much of a cook. Cece had learned a few recipes from Morgan but rarely cooked them for herself. 

“Hey, feel free to cook in my kitchen any time. Especially if you’re making enough for two.” Cece held up her wine glass that Camille had poured as if in cheers, “But don’t worry. I have a full bathroom in my room. That one is all yours.” Cece didn’t waste any time digging into the food, nodding her head and giving a thumbs up after the first mouthful, “Oh this shit is bomb” Cece finally spoke after she finished chewing, digging right back in for another bite. “You don’t have to thank me. You needed a place that wasn’t a den for up and coming serial killers. I have two guest rooms. It all worked out. I’d love to know what convinced you to come here of all places.”

She was safe here, that was the other thing. It was so much easier to breathe when you couldn’t hear your vampire neighbors through the walls discussing some party, when you weren’t watching another sad looking lost soul slip through the door of the drug dealer who lived on the other side. This felt like the kind of place she could start her life again. Save up, get an ID and her own place. It would be nice to have company, too. Camille had spent so much time staring blankly at terrible wallpaper with no one to talk too. “You’re in luck, I don’t really know how to cook for just one person.” She laughed, taking a seat at the table and raising her own glass in return to Cece’s gesture. 

It was a simple meal, by her standards anyway, but even Camille was blown away by how good it tasted after weeks of microwave meals and cold sandwiches. “I’m glad you like it- you’ll have to let me know if there’s anything you absolutely won’t or can’t eat, I’ll do some grocery shopping later this week.” She was looking forward to that, too. Proper food shopping. She wondered if Cece had a vegetable crisper. Camille doesn’t answer the question at first, about what convinced her to move to White Crest. She’s not the first person to ask, and she has a party line about her parents living nearby which she knew she should use right now, but…

Camille was remembering the bar, that joke that had been made about Cece hexing someone. Was she really a witch? There wasn’t anything in the house that screamed witchcraft to Cam, but then again she had no idea what sort of stuff that would really be. She ate and drank quietly for a while, considering what to say. If Cam asked outright and Cece turned out to not be a witch, to not know about or believe in any of that kind of stuff, it would be throwing a serious wrench in their dynamic just as they were getting to know eachother. No one wanted a crazy roommate, and spouting off about witches was exactly that. “My parents live nearby.” She spoke up after a while, giving Cece a bright smile and a shrug, “I’d heard about this place growing up and I figured… Well, if there was a time to live in the weird town it was now, right? If nothing else there’s always something wacky going on if I need a distraction.” Which she did, often. “What about you? Why are you in White Crest?”

Cece leaned back in her chair dramatically and patted her belly, “Don’t you worry roomie. This girl eats and and everything. I’m not picky.” Unlike her adopted parents, who both had a myriad of food allergies and dietary restrictions, her genetic parents (fuck them wherever they may be) had graced her with the appetite and taste buds to enjoy just about anything. And no allergies that she knew of to worry about. “I’m not gonna leave you completely hanging though, don’t worry. I can’t cook for shit, but I’ll make an excellent sous-chef.” She feigned cutting vegetables with her fork and then took a huge bite of pasta, “You and me are about to put MasterChef to shame.” 

Cece didn’t believe the answer, not entirely. Maybe it was because of the town itself. It just didn’t seem like people picked up and moved here on a whim. They came here on purpose, or they ended up here by some supernatural unlucky twist of fate. Maybe Camille really did just want a change. If she was looking for a little excitement in her life, then maybe she did turn to the town with a weird reputation. Back in high school, when Cece was full swing into her horror movie phase she probably would have done the same exact thing. She supposed it didn’t matter at the moment, Cam had only just moved in. The two weren’t obligated to explain the truth about them being here to each other. Cece had gotten more comfortable around town, helping out when needed, but that didn’t mean she was yelling it down the streets. “Long story. My family travelled a lot. They’re like the weird living off the Earth hippy types. We travelled all over the country before I finally decided to split off and make my own path. I just so happened to be up here in the New England area, so I looked for some job postings and bought a house.” Cece shrugged. Maybe it was an oversimplified version of the truth, but that story wasn’t one that she planned on telling to anyone. “Not nearly as glamorous as it sounds, honestly. Most of the time, I miss Cali. But this place has its own charms. Can’t complain about the company. Yourself included of course. Being roommates gives you automatic rights to the bestie list. Welcome to the club.”

Camille nods, pretty happy it seems like she’ll be able to have her run of recipes in this house- she’s already running through a list of her favorite things she wants to make first. Salmon, risotto, chickpea curry, stuffed vine leaves, sunday lunch! She’d done pretty much all the meal cooking at home- jobless Jace had made do with sandwiches or leftovers most of the time for lunch while she was at work- so it would be nice to get back into the swing of it, and actually have a little help. She’d read somewhere that cooking together could be a good bonding experience. Cam chuckled, “well that’s good. I’m sure you’ll be able to learn a little if we’re cooking together, too.” And she’d pick up a couple of her old favorite recipe books to leave behind once she moved out, too.

It was also nice to have her food appreciated for once, she’d been lucky to get so much as a thankyou out of Jace. Cam ate a little more as Cece explained how she’d found herself in town, quietly a little jealous that she’d travelled and seen so much more of the country than Cam ever had. From Bangor to Boston and pretty much back again. “Sounds like it must have made for a fun childhood.” She beams when Cece refers to her as a bestie- it’s been an awful long time since Camille has had proper friends. “Happy to be a member.” She says, “I think I’ve hit a patch of good luck, considering how coincidental it was that I met you that night at the bar.” She traces a finger around the rim of her wine glass, smiling wistfully, “hopefully it means things are turning around for me.”

Cece let herself laugh, whether it came across as genuine or sarcastic one was anybody’s guess. Must have made for a fun childhood. Explaining Cece’s past, even a felony free PG version of the tale, seemed complicated. Her life had been made up of different families. Her blood family that had never wanted her. Her adopted family that turned their backs on her. Her coven family, that took advantage of her. And her life here, with some semblance of a found family being built. Far too complex to try to get into during their first dinner together. So as far as Cam knew, maybe her life travelling around the country had been a fun childhood, even if she had never actually left California until she had turned 18. “Everyday was different, I’ll tell you that. Plus it led me here, where I spent the first few months freezing my ass day in and day out.” Cece pointed towards the closet near the front door, “Seriously, you should see all the winter coats I have in there. I used to wear those around the house.” 

That night had been a happy coincidence, hadn’t it? If Cece and Winn had gone to any other bar they probably wouldn’t have met each other at all. Just one of a sea of faces the two would look by as they passed each other on the street everyone once and awhile. “Fate does work in mysterious ways, I guess.” Cece wasn’t big into the idea of fate. From what she had seen, if you didn’t take control of it yourself fate had a tendency to fuck you over. “Ah right, you are here after a shitty divorce, right?” Cece vaguely remembered the conversation from that night, though admittedly Winn’s stream of drinks that he was footing the bill for had kept her pretty tipsy the entire night. “From what I remember, he sounds like a real fuckboy. So good for you, girl. You deserve a lot better.”

Adults are harder to read than kids. Even if what a kid says is confusing their tone always gives them away, because they haven’t quite figured out how to change that yet. Cece laughs, and there’s an edge to it but Camille doesn’t know what that means- did she resent her parents for dragging her around the country when she’d have rather stayed in one place? Was it not fun for her? It’s really not her place to pry, of course. Big changes to your life were not always a good thing though, she understood that. “I suppose it must be cold, compared to Cali.” Cam grins ruefully, “I’m used to it. Boston isn’t quite as cold, but near enough.” And maybe she’d borrow one or two of those coats, just to mix up wearing the same outfits over and over again.

It was no small favor, putting a roof over her head and getting her out of that motel. Camille couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something so nice for her- of course, bar telling her colleague what a terrible person Jace had actually turned out to be she couldn’t really remember telling anyone about her problems either, so maybe that was why. “Adam was a fuckboy.” Camille corrects, shaking her head and smiling a little at the memory of him- she was still shocked someone his age would even want to flirt with her, as put on as it was- “Jace was a nasty prick.” She has a sip of wine, like even saying his name makes her mouth feel bad. “So the divorce was great, it’s the marriage that was awful.” That’s half true, the divorce could have also been better, but murder isn’t exactly dinner conversation. “I mean I was dating that guy since high school, we were perfect. Seriously- that best couple superlative thing at prom? We won it.” When life was all fun and games, Jace had been the ideal partner. Charming, likeable, energetic. It was when he realized he couldn’t be the star of the football team his entire life that shit went downhill. “I don’t know what happened. Spent over a decade trying to make him happy, woke up one morning and realized I hated him.” 

Camille wrinkles her nose, twirling more pasta around her fork and taking a bite before she talks again. “Sorry, don’t let me go on about it. It’s over, I’m good. New start.” She scrambles for a lighter topic, “so I know you work with Regan, but what is it that you actually do? Are you her assistant, or something?”

“It’s so fucking cold here, Cam. So. Fucking. Cold.” Even the summers had nothing on LA. Cece had been that annoying teen that spent all day on the bitch and only applied sunscreen once. Her skin wasn’t used to this lack of sunshine. It rebelled against her.

“Fair. At least Adam has a good attitude. I think he’s a himbo.” Cece nodded at herself, liking and accepting the comparison. Adam seemed like the type that respected women while wanting to bone them. Cece could respect that. This Jace dude on the other hand? Seemed like a dumpster fire personified. “Glad you had that epiphany. That freedom must feel so good after all these years. The offer still stands about fucking up his life. I love me a good revenge arch.” 

Camille didn’t seem to love talking about it, and though Cece did figure she’d get the full story eventually, maybe that was a conversation for another day. Maybe after they had been roommates for a longer period of time than a few days. “Me? Regan’s assistant?” Cece rocked her head back and gave a single, loud laugh. “I couldn’t be her assistant. I’d get fired so quickly.” Cece worked for Regan, but her saving grace was that Cece did her own thing at work. “I’m a toxicologist for the medical examiner’s office. It sounds fancy, but I spend most of my day running tests on urine and blood and every other bodily fluid you can imagine. Glamorous stuff, I know.”

Camille chuckled, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t travelled much. Jace and I went to Flora for spring break in classic fashion, Clearwater.” Despite herself she grins a little at the memory- it had been a good time. “I imagine this place might make you feel like an icicle after spending your whole life somewhere with that kind of heat.”

She had never been much of a gossiper, at least not about herself. It was a habit cultivated since high school- top of your class with the star of the football team on your arm? Your life is perfect and you’re the envy of every other kid there. End of story. Don’t tell your friends about the big fight you and Jace had, or how you had to stay up studying until you passed out at your desk to get that high score on the history test. The whole damn reason she worked so hard was so that people never knew that stuff. It was a lot harder to present a perfect facade these days, as a divorced woman with a shitty job, but Cam would do what she could.

Her eyebrows drew together in confusion. “A… Himbo? I don’t know what that is.” God, she was so old. She’d never had to say that before. But seriously, himbo? That wasn’t a word. Camille taught english lit! She knew all the words! Camille smirked at the offer, but shook her head. “There’s no one to pay his bills or get him beer out the fridge now, I think that’s probably gonna fuck him up enough.” That, and the fact that he was in jail for killing her. Rotten bastard. Couldn’t exactly tell Cece that, though.

Camille would admit to knowing next to nothing about science, but as an elementary school teacher she had seen the ways they tried to push young girls into softer interests, so she admired women like Regan and Cece who had pursued their passion regardless. “You have to follow what interests you.” She shrugged, “I could easily argue there’s nothing glamorous about teaching kids English lit but I loved it all the same.” It had been a good compromise; her desire to be an author and her love for children. 

“There’s a certain charm in staying still, I think.” Cece admitted. Before she had been forced to leave, Cece had never had much interest in leaving LA. She liked California, liked the atmosphere and the people. Her first time leaving had been more out of necessity and the opportunity to have people help her. That had obviously gone to shit. “But I come from a place of privilege in that. I’ve been able to travel around to get to say that planting roots is better. You might think the opposite.” For what it was worth, besides the fact that her ex husband was a complete fuckwad, she didn’t seem disappointed by the memory.

“Ooh, I get to give you an english lesson? How the turns have tabled.” Cece perked up. It was cute, Cam not knowing what a himbo was. “A himbo is an evolved fuck boy. They’re still stupid, cute jocks. Muscles like a god, but a single brain cell bouncing around that empty skull.” Cece waved her finger around her head as an example, “But they’re actually good people. Himbos don’t fuck with misogyny or homophobia or racism. They mix respect women juice in with their protein shakes.” Cece interrupted her speech by stuffing pasta into her mouth. “Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.”

“Agreed. I can tell you’d be good with kids.” Camille kept a calmness about her, but had a quirkier side that Cece would have to work at pulling out. All in due time. “If you still love teaching so much, have you considered looking at the schools here? Seeing if there are any openings?”

Camille grinned and nodded- she’d had friends who’d taken off after highschool, figured out their way around the globe. Some of them came back changed with all these grand ideas and new goals for their life, others just rolled back into town with no money and no idea what to do next. She’d always figured it didn’t matter where you went, problems followed you anyway. “I always wanted to get settled somewhere myself, have a home and a family…” She trailed off sadly, unable to stop herself from remembering how hopeful she’d once been about it all. Buying that house and decorating with Jace, making plans to turn the spare room into a nursery one day. She shook herself out of the melancholy, taking a long sip from her wine glass. “I nearly went to New York for college, but decided on Boston instead.” Well, settled for. Because Jace got accepted there.

Really their elementary education programs were both wonderful, so it was fine.

She listened attentively as Cece explained the term, lips pulling up into an amused grin. “Oh, it’s a portmanteau!” Cam realized after a moment, “him and bimbo.” She nods, “I get it now. Strong and kind, but not the sharpest stick in the bunch. That’s a good one, I like it.” Had to be a term that the younger generation had coined, she wondered if Cece even realized how common of an english lit practice she’d adopted for her terminology. Cam smiles, “I’ve always liked kids.” Her good mood drops again, quickly, though. Working at a local school… Her identity, all her qualifications and achievements. They belonged to a dead woman, she couldn’t use them now. “It’s something I’ll look into, I think. When things are more settled for me.” She lied, “for the moment I just want to get used to a new town, focus on myself for a bit and what I really want for my future.” After pushing pasta around her plate for a minute Cam looks up, smiling. “What about your future? Is there a step up from a toxicologist, are you thinking about more qualifications? A PhD or something?”

Cece leaned back in her chair and tried to picture that for Camille. Cece herself had never much considered that sort of life for herself. Even back as a teenager, when her life was as normal as a girl growing up in LA could be, the idea of the white picket fence life had always been a bit too cookie cutter for Cece’s lifestyle. Now, Cece wasn’t sure she was cut out for it even if it was something she did want. Too much baggage, maybe. Or too little patience to deal with bullshit. Clearly, Camille had dealt with her fair share if she was no longer living the married life. “You’re still pretty damn young. No reason you shouldn’t be able to still have that. And this time we’ll make sure they’re not a giant bag of dicks disguised as a high school sweetheart.”

“A portman-who?” Cece questioned, eyebrow raising and a smirk crossing her lips. Cece wasn’t much for this shit, but loved Camille’s excitement about it. What an english teacher thing to do. “Yeah for sure. Let me know if I can help with anything. I have no connections to the school, but the two of us together? I bet we could charm the hell out of anyone we need.” Camille seemed to be over the conversation and promptly flipped it around back to Cece, questioning the career that Cece hadn’t given much thought to by herself. “Hmm… not where I am currently, not really. Working for a private company would probably get me more money. Or I could try to get in with the university. Write papers and teach some classes if I really wanted. I’m happy where I am though.” The idea of getting a doctorate was honestly hilarious to Cece and she couldn’t help the laugh building up before eventually bursting free, “God, no. Can you imagine? I couldn’t imagine expecting people to call me Doctor Bishop. I’m not pretentious enough.” 

Camille had spent years working towards the next milestone. Graduate highschool, then college, then start the perfect life. Had it all fallen apart so spectacularly to send her a sign? Was she pushing so hard to get something she couldn’t have? There were people everywhere with happy families, and she’d put so much damn effort into having hers. Was the world mocking her? Rip it all away and send her back to square one, just to see if she does the same stupid stuff all over again.

Well, maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe she’d say sod the man and sod the family and just do whatever made her happy! If she could figure out what that was. Was it marriage and kids? Not right now. Honestly the idea of being alone in a house with a man was the last thing she wanted right now. But one day, probably. She giggled a little at Cece’s choice phrasing, “well, if I meet someone I think is charming I’ll make sure to have them screened by you just to be sure.”

“A portmanteau.” She repeated, “a blend of two words. Y’know, brunch, podcast, smog, himbo.” Cam’s glad she doesn’t mind the shift in conversation- she would like to know more about the schools here, and how she might go about getting work in them, but there was no point giving that sort of stuff any of her time until she had the essentials figured out. Would Cece know anyone who could get her an ID? Regan was staunchly against helping Camille with anything illegal, but hopefully her new friend wasn’t quite so rigid as that, and willing to keep a secret. “It’s not about pretention, it’s about qualification.” Camille argued, “a doctorate would open up a lot of opportunities, if you were interested. I don’t think it’s pretentious to value your education.” Cece was so young, and already trying to strike off paths for her future without really considering them. “If teaching ever did interest you I could offer some pointers. Though I’ve never taught a university class, my advice might be a little too juvenile.” 

“I’ll happily screen any of your potential love interests. I have a rigorous testing regiment to ensure only the most worthy pass through. The others are sent away, broken of hearts and blue of balls.” Cece stated it wistfully as if she were writing it in some victorian style letter. She rested her face into the palms of her hands and stared in wonder at Camille as she defined and even provided examples of a portmanteau. “I love it when you talk literary devices to me. Very hot for teacher vibes.” 

Camille seemed passionate about Cece keeping her options open for this higher education thing. Honestly, Cece had never considered a doctorate as a viable career path for her. Completing her degree while constantly travelling had been enough of a handful. Trying to deal with four more years of schooling just had not seemed possible. But Cece wasn’t a wanderer anymore. She had settled down in an area with a good job, better connections and a college close to her. It was certainly something to consider, even if it didn’t sound like much fun. “Okay mom. I’ll keep my options open.” Cece couldn’t see herself teaching younger students. Not for any specific reasons, just because her specific interests in toxicology tended to be more specialized than elementary, middle or even most high schools tended to offer. “Please, I guarantee your job was a hundred times harder than anything a college professor deals with. I’d take your advice over them anyday.”

Camille wasn’t even sure what dating was like these days. How did you meet people? There were all the apps, but that seemed so impersonal. Was she meant to go to a bar? The first and last person to sidle up to her at such a location was Adam and they’d already gone through why that was a bad idea- oh god, was White Crest like a college town? Was she even going to find any viable older men here? Must start paying more attention to the morning coffee crowd to find out. She chuckled and shook her head, “funnily enough I don’t think it’s the kind of come on that’s going to work in the real world. I’m gonna have to figure out some new moves.” 

In highschool her move had just been walking right up to Jace by his locker one day and asking him if he wanted to ask her to the dance, and that had been that. Probably wasn’t the way to go about things as an adult. She sighed and stabbed her fork back into the pasta, “I’m just saying, you’re too young to be closing doors like that. You don’t have to do it right now obviously, but it might be something to consider later down the line.” Though teaching specifically was something Cam believed you should only get into if you were truly passionate about it- too many teachers did it for the wrong reasons and that was how you ended up with miserable classrooms. “Ah, true. I doubt many professors have had to explain to their students why they shouldn’t eat paper. I’d be happy to advise though, with further study and all that stuff, I do love a good excuse for a pros and cons list.” Plus helping with this kind of decision just felt like another way to balance the scales between the two of them, and Camille wanted the excuse to reminisce. She pushed her empty bowl to the side a little, “you’ll figure out what you want, anyway. You’ve got time.” 

Time- how much did Camille have? What would Cece do if she found out the truth? What if someone from Boston found out, or her parents decided to visit White Crest for a weekend? “I think I’m gonna have another glass of wine.” She decided, pushing out of her chair to retrieve the bottle from the fridge, “do you want one?”

“I’ll be your wingwoman any night. Once you want to get back out there.” Cece wiggled her eyebrows, always encouraging a one night stand or two to blow off some steam. It hadn’t been Cece’s style lately, a bit of her party years getting more than enough attention while she was with the coven. But Camille had been with the same man for years, and he sounded like a bit of a prick. She could probably benefit from a few wild nights to get her mind off of things. And Cece would be a bad friend if she didn’t tag along to make sure everything went smoothly.

When Camille broke the conversation for wine, Cece was more than happy to oblige. There had been way too much talk about the future tonight. Cece was trying to live day to day here in town. Thinking about what the future could hold was way too depressing. “Please, if there’s one thing you should learn about me it’s that you never have to ask if I want more wine.” Cece laughed, downing the rest of her glass and sliding it over towards Camille for a refill. “If you remember that then you and I are going to be the best of friends.”

[detectivedreameater]

Gal Pals || Lydia and Marley

TIMING: About a week ago (before The Red Room) PARTIES: @inspirationdivine and @detectivedreameater SUMMARY: Marley and Lydia meet up for drinks. And while neither leave with what they expected, the evening goes well. For once.

It wasn’t usual for Marley to ask to get drinks before their usual rendezvous. That wasn’t because the company wasn’t good, or that it was just a quick bang and gone, but going out for drinks? If Lydia didn’t know better, there was something to be read into this. What, precisely, Lydia had no idea. The mushroom spores made her headier by the day, more bubbly and enthusiastic and hungry. Hungry for food, for company, for sex, for promises, anything she could get her hands on. She chatted idly with a man at another table about, well, whatever as she waited.

“If the Sox don’t win this upcoming, I’ll eat my shoe. I’m telling you-”

“I’ll hold you to that. Oh, hello darling!” Lydia whipped her head away from him, clearly dismissing him as Marley walked on over. “It’s ever such a pleasure to see you. How are you?”

 The strangeness of this evening wasn’t the fact that Lydia was acting off. Marley had remembered one other time Lydia had behaved this way, and it was on their first “date”. The lightness, the joy, the almost carefree attitude. But no, that wasn’t the strange part. The strange part was that Marley had never stopped sleeping with someone and still wanted to be their friend. She just didn’t know if Lydia wanted that, too. Their relationship had been pretty strictly sex, not that either of them didn’t enjoy time with each other. But last time they’d been out, Marley’s abilities had malfunctioned and she’d given Lydia a vicious vision against her will. She’d hurt someone she had come to care about, and the part where Marley felt guilty wasn’t even the worst of it-- it was admitting she cared about someone. That was-- oh, too many names now. 

 Rubbing her eyes, hidden behind a pair of magic, normal glasses, she pushed into the bar and found Lydia almost right away. She was hard to miss, after all. She smiled at her. “Hello Lydia,” she said back, coming over to her and taking a seat next to her, “I see you got the party started without me. I’m fine. The real question is how are you? Are you healing alright?”

 “I’m simply wonderful, and all the better for seeing you again,” Lydia said, running her fingers up Marley’s arm. “I’m…. as healed as one might expect. My wing grew back, my ankle is healed. I’m doing well.” Aside from some long term effects that might not fade. Irritability, clouded judgement, on rare occasions, confusion. In a fae that prided herself on her talent for word play, that stung, still, and it wasn’t like a clouded judgement linked with irritability hadn’t recently resulted in a dead body, or a hurt siren. “But we won’t focus on that now. What have you been up to, detective?” Lydia’s gaze couldn’t help but trace up the long scars on Marley’s face. It had been so long since they’d last met. Too long. 

 If it weren’t for the fact that Marley knew Lydia was being genuine, she would’ve rolled her eyes at that. “I have that effect sometimes,” she said coyly, giving a half smirk. The man Lydia had been talking to before she got there was grumbling to himself in his drink, and she frowned only for a moment. “I’m glad you’re healing well. I hate being laid up on bed rest, I can’t even imagine you liking it.” When she looked back to Lydia, she could feel her gaze on her face and the lines that marred it started to burn. She turned her face away. “Why don’t we find a more private booth, yeah?” she said, taking Lydia’s hand gently and prodding her away from the public bar and towards the back. “Aside from getting mauled by a bear and stalked by a demon hand, not much. I, uh--” she stopped looked back at Lydia, before continuing on, finding them a secluded booth, “--could really use a nice break, you know?”

“I dislike the lack of control. Someone else made all the decisions for me, whether I lived, whether I died. I hated that part. But, it’s over now, and it does not serve me well to dwell.” Lydia paused as Marley looked away, but nodded, following her beautiful date over to a quieter part of the bar. “My apologies. Stalked by a demon hand? What on earth do you mean?” Lydia asked, pausing even as Marley led them somewhere more private. She couldn’t even begin to imagine. “Yeah, you could, good grief. Well, that is what we’re here for. Not that you don’t deserve more, but maybe tonight can be a start of a good break.” She slid into the secluded booth next to Marley, smiling warmly. “What would that look like for you, do you think? What do you want to have happen in the next while?”

 “Yeah,” Marley agreed quietly, “don’t like that.” The vision of Tommy glaring her down, raising his paw, ready to kill her-- deciding whether she lived or died-- flashed in her mind a moment and she blinked it away. Lydia slid into the booth next to her and she felt her cheeks flush, clearing her throat. “It was something called a manumbra. It’s-- kind of a long story, but I thought I’d killed it once already but then it showed back up three times. It’s gone now, though,” she said, waving a waiter over to take her drink order, “hopefully,” she added when he was gone. She glanced over to Lydia, thumbing nervously at her jacket sleeve. “You know, I’m not really sure what that looks like,” she answered finally, “I just know being around you feels...easy.” The waiter brought her drink and she took it gratefully, taking a long sip, letting the alcohol cool her throat. “And as much fun as we have, I sort of uh, am attempting this whole being exclusive thing with someone.” She looked nervously over at her for a moment. “Sorry I didn’t say anything before. I didn’t think you’d actually want to meet up for just drinks.”

 A manumbra. Right. Lydia nodded as if she had any idea what that was, but it was clear she didn’t. “I’m so sorry to hear it. How do you know that this time it stuck?” She ordered a top up wine glass from the waiter, just to keep her going. Her eyes lit up at Marley’s compliment, but it felt like there was more, a but hanging at the end of her sentence. “You don’t need to figure it out now, you know.”

 A heavy pause lingered in the air as Marley drank, as if there was something on her mind. When she finally spoke, Lydia’s smile fixed on her face. “Ah, I see,” Lydia ducked her chin, looking down at her drink for a second as she readjusted her dress further down her thighs, stung by the momentary rejection and the excited expectations she’d built up for the evening. When she looked up a second later, all of that was dismissed with the wave of her hand. She ought to have seen this coming. “Oh I would have still come, darling, I would have just worn something a little less easy access.” She laughed, gesturing down as her tight dress, which did just have the one set of delicate buttons to unfasten, unlike some of other garments which had more fastenings than Lydia had fingers. “For the record, I don’t love the deceit, but if you’ve found a relationship worth limiting yourself to, all the more power to you. What are they like?”

 “Because I saw its dead body this time,” Marley answered plainly, the ire clear in her voice. She was past that part of her life now. The manumbra was as dead as Roland and she needed to move on. She couldn’t afford to keep getting hung up on small things like that. On things she had no control of. She brushed a hand over her eyes, the glasses slipping up a moment to reveal glowing red. “Guess I’m just a textbook work-a-holic. I never know what to do with time off.”

Marley felt a tad guilty as she watched Lydia fuss, readjusting her dress. She looked away, tracing the rim of her glass delicately, chewing on her lower lip. “I’m surprised anyone could actually deceive you, Lydia,” she teased quietly, “but it won’t happen again.” She opened her mouth to say the words, but stopped short when she remembered exactly what Lydia was. The ‘P’ word held too much power here, and Marley knew she couldn’t promise that. She always slipped up. Swallowing, she turned to face Lydia. She reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Lydia’s ear. “For the record, I really do enjoy our time together. And it’s odd, I guess,” her brows scrunched, “that I felt so nervous about hurting you. Or that you’d reject the notion of--” the ‘F’ word caught in her throat as well, but she swallowed it down, “--just being friends. I’ve never had this before.” She turned away again, fingers tapping at her glass. She let out a long breath. 

 “She’s wonderful, though,” Marley said, finally picking up her glass and taking another long sip, “this girl I have. She accepts everything of me. Or, well-- everything I’ve told her of me. Which is...a lot.” She glanced over at Lydia. “And she’s like us. And her eyes are-- the most beautiful things I’ve seen.”

 “It happens more often than I like to admit,” Lydia said quietly, trying to joke and not quite succeeding. Oh, she’d been rejected before, but not often enough for it not to sting. She took a long drink of her wine, nearly finishing the glass before looking down at Marley, she leant her head into the gentle touch. It probably wasn’t meant to be as intimate as it came across, but it made Lydia smile all the same. “I understand. I’m happy for you, really. But we wouldn’t have had this regular arrangement had I not liked your company. It’s okay, really.” Lydia curled her body closer to Marley’s but in a more friendly way, like how she might sit closer to Deirdre. “She sounds wonderful. It’s so important that you’re on the same page.  I’ve learned from…. Far too much experience that if you aren’t on the same page about everything, that one page will be the one to trip you up. So that is wonderful, Marley, Really.” Her smile grew into a wide grin. “Oh, my god, I’m such a sap for hearing people be so romantic. How did you meet?” All sense of let down was gone, as she sipped at her own wine. 

 There was something to be said for Lydia’s tone, but Marley let it go for the moment. She felt her body tense only slightly when Lydia curled closer, and it made her realize that these soft, intimate touches had never been something she’d shared platonically. With anyone. Her throat felt dry and the drink made it worse. “It’s not something I’ve ever had before,” she said, furrowing her brow, “I wasn’t...this kind of person.” Lydia’s voice sounded so light, so happy-- for her. Fingers tapped nervously at her glass again. “Romance isn’t really my thing. I just-- I guess almost dying made me realize something, though.” She wondered what thing almost dying would have made her realize had Anita not been in the picture. Would she have fought so hard had she had nothing to fight for? “Oh, uh-- it’s kinda boring. We met online, because I’m an insatiable flirt and I chided her into a second date after the first one went poorly.”

 “All muses agree on this one. Love catches even the most foolhardy off guard. Not that this need be love, or even an approximation, but it has caught you off guard nonetheless.” Lydia said, but it sounded like it wasn’t the only thing that had caught Marley off guard, as she curled against her. The wine made her warm and fuzzy as as she raised her hand to sumon the waiter for another refill. “I understand that. When I was attacked recently, it shifted my world perspective. It’s awful to say, but something like this is an incredible silver lining.” Lydia looked Marley’s profile up and down somewhere, smiling at the mundane little tale. “Hey, we all have to start somewhere. Clearly, she saw something she liked just as much. I hope it continues well.”

 Love. Marley felt her insides twist at the word, squeezing her chest, her heart. She downed the rest of her drink and tapped the cup for another when the waiter came by. She looked over at Lydia, before glancing away again. “I hope it continues well, too, I just...don’t know if I’m cut out for it, you know?” she waved her hand around limply. “All this is-- strange to me. And I’m worried I’m just going to hurt her,” she mumbled, “like I hurt you.” Like she hurt so many before them, her gaze striking fear into anyone who happened to look in her direction at the wrong time. “My eyes hurt people. I thought I was better than that, but one slip up, you know? It just takes one.”

 “I think it isn’t so mucha  case of whether you are or aren’t, I think it’s a case of what you do. I have always found love easy, but maintaining a relationship takes effort.” Lydia barely glanced as the waitress replaced their drinks, drinking deeply from her glass immediately. “Well, we can almost certainly say that she likes you more than I do,” Lydia said softly, “and I got over it. We’ve all made our fair share of mistakes. No one is perfectly in control in the time.” She slid her hand along Marley’s arm with a soft smile. “The good ones remember that it was a mistake, and create space for you to heal these things together.” Lydia thought about Morgan and Deirdre, who had no shortage of mistakes between the two of them, yet they both forgave each other, over and over. There was space in each other’s worlds for hurt and the healing thereof. “Didn’t your parents ever lose control?

 “Oh, you wound me, Lydia,” Marley teased quietly, “here I thought you liked me the most.” It was, after all, her automatic defense when things like feelings and emotions came up. Swallowing it down, she let out a long breath, her arm feeling warm where Lydia’s hand pressed against it. A soothing motion. Marley had never realized before how much she enjoyed the simple act of being comforted. She put a hand on top of Lydia’s and squeezed. “You always know the right thing to say, don’t you?” she half-teased, sipping her alcohol more calmly now. At least until she asked about her parents. Marley paused, stiffening again. The cool glass was still pressed against her lips. She lowered it slowly, setting it down on the coaster. Folded her hands together on the table. “I wouldn’t know,” she said finally, “I never met them.”

 Lydia chuckled. “You’ve always had delusions of grandeur, my dear,” she teased right back. “I can’t help that.” Sheturned her hand over in Marley’s, so that she could squeeze it back, her smile softening. For all the delightful hours they’d spent together, this wasn’t anything she’d seen in Marley before. It was a good look, so good that Lydia almost felt a pang of…. Envy (badumtsss). “Talking is kind of our entire thing as a species, one would hope I was good at it,” Lydia replied with a soft smile. Immediately, she felt Marley stiffen up underneath her. “I’m ever so sorry,” Lydia replied softly, and then, before she could help herself, “Do you wish you had?” She flushed, leaning back. “I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer that.”

 “No, it’s fine,” Marley said, finding her words both sudden and natural. It was her immediate response, but she wasn’t sure she meant it. She’d never really talked about her parents before. Why did she feel okay about it now? Perhaps that was just the kind of energy Lydia gave off. That she was safe to talk about this. That somehow Lydia would understand and accept any truth Marley had. “I don’t know if I do. They-- gave me up for a reason, I guess. I don’t know. I think I wish...I wasn’t raised by humans, but I don’t know if I want to know who they were or why they...gave me up.” Because what if she didn’t like the answer? What if they gave her up because they just didn’t want her?

 Was it, Lydia wondered immediately. She listened carefully, swirling her wine glass as Marley talked.“No. If there’s anything I’ve learned from this town, it is that being raised with human expectations can be a cruelty on its own, however wonderful they might otherwise be.” Lydia looked to Marley’s hands, tightly clasped in front of her, and put a hand carefully on top of them. “I can only imagine how hard that is.”

 Marley gave a hollow chuckle, a grimace on her face. “I didn’t even know what I was until I was 16,” she said, knitting her brows together. Perhaps Lydia, someone so unhuman in her fae ways, was the only one that could really understand the feeling of being judged so humanly. “I was raised by humans who had no idea what I was and they passed me along like a disease,” she said, her voice growing dark, angry. “I think I hated my parents for so long because of that, you know? If they really loved me, why would they leave me with people like that?” She squeezed her glass hard enough to feel it crack, suddenly realizing the space she’d gone into and let go, looking over at Lydia. “Sorry, I--” she didn’t want to hurt her again. “Sorry. It’s...I’ve never talked about this before.” She took her hand again, gentle, so gentle. “I swore to myself I would just forget about them and leave that part of me behind, but now I’m not so sure…” 

 “It’s okay. You can take your time. Or not. Far be it for me to determine how you should process these things.” Lydia took in a deep breath, smiling ever so warmly. “Family is ever so complicated.” Whatever internal fear Marley felt, Lydia was only catching the superficial hints. It had been a quick swerve, this change from booty call to friends without benefits, but somehow it fit as naturally as everything else. “What do you think would give you what you need? It’s, well, it’s obvious to me they still have a big effect on you, regardless of what you wanted before.”

 Marley twiddled her fingers with Lydia’s, trying to let herself relax. Reading too into things wouldn’t do anyone any good. There was the initial pang of anger, like she always felt when people asked about her parents, or tried to tell her how she should feel-- but Lydia was right, and it was always so hard to stay mad at her. Letting out a long breath, Marley composed herself. “I just want to know why,” she finally said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world, “what would make them give me up to humans?” 

 "So find out." Lydia said simply, matching Marley's tone. She leant in, speaking low in soft, deep tones, and wondered ever so briefly what it might have been like to be the one who had caught feelings for her. When she hunted, she shut that part of herself off, unable to stand using the same lines and tones on the people she cared about and the humans she was ensnaring.  If they had met at another time, perhaps. Lydia didn’t deal often in what ifs, so let that thought escape the way it had entered, smirking up at the other woman.  "Marley, I mean, detective Strider, finding out secrets is your whole job. But only if you want to."

 So find out. As if it was just that simple. As if Marley could just pick up a phone and call up her birth parents and ask them why. As if they weren’t either dead or long gone or in a different country. She didn’t know, though, did she? She had no idea who they were or where they were or what they were like. Had she ever wanted to know? Her entire life, was the answer. Even when she’d told herself she didn’t care and didn’t want to, she’d been lying, hadn’t she? She’d always wanted to know. “It is my job, yeah,” she answered quietly, “I always told myself I didn’t want to know, swore them off, but maybe it’s time to think the other way. To...find out who they were.” She had never allowed herself what ifs in her life, because in a situation like hers, they were dangerous. Longing for a family was dangerous. The foster environment didn’t allow for it. But now, she’d been out for so many years, she’d made it through, maybe she could be allowed to pursue those what ifs. “Or, at least, why they gave me up.”

  Lydia’s thumb traced idle patterns over the back of Marley’s hands as Marley thought, not urging her to reply. This was quite the turn of the evening, from what she’d first expected, but Lydia didn’t really mind. It was nice to find something deeper under Marley’s surface, especially as she was so familiar with Marley’s surfaces. She listened with a careful smile. “Maybe it is,” she murmured, tucking a lock of hair behind Marley’s ear gently, a glint in her eyes. Maybe it was Marley who made her giddy, or maybe it was the thick spores in the air, but Lydia wanted to see this one through. “So, will you? Go find out?” Lydia prompted, calling the waitress over for another round of drinks. 

 These gentle, soft touches prodded another what if to dance through Marley’s mind. In another time, could Lydia be the one she could call hers? Could it be someone else sitting here, letting Marley tell them she wanted to be exclusive? She swallowed down the thought. Monogamy wasn’t ever something she’d cared for or thought about, and while it was a struggle, it wasn’t all bad. Knowing someone was only hers was...nice. Even if she did find herself wishing she could share parts of herself with others. “Yeah,” she finally said, smiling over at Lydia, “I will.”

 I’ll hold you to that. It was the mushrooms, Lydia decided as she grinned into her wine glass. She was giddy with them, binding everyone and everything. She’d undo it by the end of the season, no harm done. It was just a harmless little thing, and it would help. “Good for you,” Lydia said as she wrapped her arm around Marley’s shoulders.  “I realise we’ve only been at it for an hour, but this friendship thing is going quite well, don’t you think?” Lydia teased.

[andtheyweredeskmates]

Of Latte’s and Lingerie- Chapter Seven

I finally finished finals tonight so I wrote a celebratory chapter. Hope you guys like it! 

Previous Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6

AO3

TAGLIST: @catsssmeow

One would think that after years of working for his father, Adrien would have known what he was getting into. One would think.

Alas, he was still caught by surprise at the implications of attending his father’s events. His father’s fashion show was in four weeks and yet he found himself a little overwhelmed with the arrangements that needed to be made. For one, there was a car service, because driving his own car was apparently out of the question. For another, Adrien was required to see a stylist prior to the show and apparently nearly everyone had booked up. So after three hours of coordinating with Nathalie and calling in favors, he found someone willing to take him. Adrien was a little disappointed that he no longer had Nathalie to take care of booking these things for him and he had to take care of it himself. Likely because his father wanted Adrien to at least suffer a little from the consequences of “being an adult”.  Adrien supposed there was little room to complain. Besides, normal people made their own appointments for everything.

There was, of course things that Nathalie and his father did take care of. Like for example, the seating arrangements. There was a whole world of politics in the fashion industry that trickled down into every detail, down to the last chair. Adrien was grateful he wasn’t expected to entangle himself in that shit show of a web. Gabriel no doubt, knew his son well enough at the very least to know Adrien would never be good at dealing with that.

Despite all the fuss and a few hours of stress, Adrien was couldn’t help but be a little excited. After being cooped up for years he’d come to realize that at heart, he was a social butterfly. When it came down to it, events like this were always filled with people he’d known since he could crawl and there was comfort in the familiarity.

Adrien found himself wondering about Marinette. Surely she’d be there, in the front row. It was possible that Adrien would end up next to her. Adrien smiled at the thought. He knew how exciting it had to be to have her work shown at such an exclusive event and it made him happy to think about being able to see her get excited. He wondered how she would react. He still didn’t know her very well but he could tell she wore her heart on her sleeve. He could imagine her bubbling with joy when everyone saw how talented she was. Not that Adrien had ever seen her work but to work for Audrey Bourgeois or get a compliment from Gabriel Agreste, you had to be top notch. Adrien knew that better than anyone.

Adrien sat in his thoughts for a long time, laying across his leather couch and staring aimlessly at the ceiling. It was eight o’ clock on a Wednesday and he wasn’t entirely sure what to do. His train of thought had begun with the classic, should I cook or order in dilemma and without coming to a decision, his mind had run all the way to Marinette.

He chuckled a little at the thought of her this morning. She’d been so panicked. He thought of her wild black hair and the shoes in her hands. It seemed so out of place in such a tranquil little coffee shop. But it had been a welcome surprise. Adrien had always enjoyed a touch of spontaneity.

Adrien was interrupted from his thoughts when Plagg hopped onto the couch and settled himself on Adrien’s chest.

“Hey Plagg,” Adrien said, smiling softly as he scratched his cat’s midnight black ears. Plagg merely responded with soft purring.

“Food, huh?” Plagg looked at Adrien with wide eyes, as though prompting Adrien to elaborate.

“Yeah I was thinking take out too. Maybe I’ll have them bring you a little side of cheese.”

“Meow.” Adrien laughed.

“Yeah I know buddy, I know.”

…

When Marinette got home she slumped on the couch and curled up.

“Tikki. Why did you let me invite Alya over with wine last night?” Tikki ignored Marinette and continued playing with a stuffed macaroon that Sabine had bought her for Christmas.

Marinette thought about her day with a scowl. It started rocky and ended worse. She ran late to work, totally embarrassed herself in front of hot guy from Dunn’s, still didn’t figure out his name, had several unpleasant interactions with her boss, most notably about the upcoming fashion show. God Marinette hated planning. The fashion industry would be the death of her, and Marinette was sure of it.

“So, Audrey, I was thinking. I have this friend named Juleka and she’s a model and she would be a perfect replacement for me in the show. She’s beautiful. I’d be happy to send you her portfolio.” Audrey had sighed and rolled her eyes at Marinette.

“Marinette, I’m going to be very blunt with you. I don’t want anyone else. I’m trying to help you. You’re an amazing designer and you’re very beautiful and I think it’s an excellent way for you to be recognized by some of the other big brands that are going to be at the show. So stop trying to get out of it, you’re going to model the red piece and you’re going to like it. Understood?”

Marinette was conflicted. On the one hand, Audrey had given her two compliments in one sentence (which was a miracle all on its own) and on the other hand she was forcing Marinette to wear the red-

“THE RED PIECE?”

“Yes, it’s a flattering color. You look damn good in red and don’t act like you don’t know it.”

Marinette could feel her face turning a deeper shade of red than the red piece itself. The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she got. She would be in front of dozens of elite fashion industry workers in nothing but a couple dozen pieces of lacy strings she’d sewn together. She’d be in front of Hot Guy…. In nothing but lacy strings.

Marinette was hungover and she was already feeling the need for another wine night.

Marinette pulled her phone from her pocket and glanced at it reluctantly. She found herself pulling up the Hot Guy’s contact info.

Coffee Buddy

Suddenly Marinette pulled a very uncharacteristically bold move

Hey, this is Marinette. Thank you for the hair tie. Sorry I didn’t get much of a chance to talk.

Well, maybe not that bold.

…

Adrien slurped on his Ramen when he heard his phone buzz. He picked it up automatically and squinted at the unknown number.

Once he read the message, he smiled.

Hey Marinette 😊 Its no problem. You seemed a little preoccupied.

…

Marinette was surprised at how quickly the Hot Guy responded. She almost convinced herself for a moment that maybe he was as lame as she was and had no one else to talk to.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Yeah, sorry. Work. I was running late and Audrey isn’t really the forgiving type

Marinette felt her stomach grumble.  It was definitely time for food.

Coffee Buddy

I’m sure you’re super busy. Are you excited about your show? Marinette scoffed.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Well, technically it’s Gabriel’s show and honestly… I’m really nervous

Marinette could feel the little tingle in her gut when her phone pinged. It had been a very long time since she’d felt like that. At least since college.

Coffee Buddy

Don’t be. I bet it’s gonna be great. Besides, I’ll be there to pump you up. I’ve heard I’m an excellent hype man.

Marinette groaned.

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” she grumbled. She typed out another message before routing around in her freezer.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Well that’s sweet of you. It’s going to be a very long night for me.

Coffee Buddy

Maybe we can sit together.

Marinette snorted as she pulled out frozen pizza.

Oh I doubt it, Audrey has me doing…

Marinette thought about it for a long while before typing out the rest of the message to send.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Oh I doubt it, Audrey has me doing a lot of behind the scene stuff during the show.

Maybe hot guy would find out eventually what she meant but Marinette wasn’t ready for that conversation.

Hey dude you’re gonna see me in fancy underpants with a billion other people. Sexy right? Marinette rolled her eyes. No way. She was not having that conversation.

Coffee Buddy

That’s a shame. Are you going to the after party?

That had been another topic of discussion that had come up at work. The After Party. Audrey was insistent that Marinette attend. Marinette on the other hand, had other ideas. Like going home to wallow in embarrassment.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

Um… TBD. I haven’t decided.

Audrey was likely not going to let Marinette win that battle either but Marinette could dream.

Coffee Buddy

Well they’re super fun. I’ve been to nearly every Gabriel show and the after party is the best part. It can get a little wild. But I promise, if you stick with me, I’ll show you a great time.

Marinette had always been told that when it came to flirting she was absolutely, hopelessly clueless. Alya had never seen a woman so unaware of the advances of prospective lovers. It was possibly Marinette’s greatest weakness.

Now with that being said, once Alya pointed it out, Marinette had tried to pay better attention. But really, it wasn’t so much paying attention as much as overanalyzing friendly behavior until she convinced herself that it was vain to assume anyone would want to flirt with her. In short, Marinette had not gotten any better.

…

Adrien wasn’t quite sure why, but Nino showed up at Adrien’s apartment shortly after 9. Adrien didn’t complain. He enjoyed the company. Nino couldn’t say the same. At least, not that night.

“Are you even listening? Who are you texting?” Adrien just smiled softly at Nino.

“Have you ever heard of Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” If Nino had been taking a sip of his beer the moment Adrien said that, he probably would’ve spit it out.

“Uh, yeah dude. I went to high school with her. I had a huge crush on her all sophomore year. She’s a fashion designer now right?”

“Wow, that’s so cool. I met her at a coffee shop the other day and she’s really nice. I’ve been texting her for about 20 minutes now.”

“So… she’s single now huh?” Adrien cocked his head in confusion.

“Um, I don’t know. Was she single when you knew her in high school?” Nino laughed.

"I'll take that as a no. I guess she was dating a boy?"

“First of all, he was not a boy. That dude was all man. Luka Couffaine. He was in a super sick metal band that supposedly did really well in America. Second of all, how are you talking to a girl and you don’t even know if she’s single?” Adrien gave Nino a contemptuous look.

“We’re not talking-talking. She’s just a friend. We only just met yesterday.” Nino snatched the phone out of Adrien’s hand.

“Gimme that,” Nino said. He began scrolling through Adrien’s texts.

“Hey!” Adrien protested. Nino rolled his eyes as he tossed the phone back to Adrien.

“You are so full of shit dude. ‘I’ll show you a great time?’ That’s literally a tacky pickup line guys use at the bar.”

“What? That’s not even a pick up line. I don’t think you even know what a pick up line is,” Adrien grumbled. Nino snorted.

“Dude, do you know what a pick up line is? I’ve known you for what, two years now? And never once have I ever seen you go after anyone. I thought you were asexual or something.” Adrien looked at Nino with another look of contempt.

“I’m not asexual. I just got my own stuff going on you know. I’m trying to get my shit together so I don’t wreck someone else’s.” Nino rolled his eyes.

“Whatever you say dude. Only thing I’ll tell you then is that Marinette Dupain-Cheng is probably one of the most kickass girls you’ll ever met so if you do decide you like her, you better respect the shit out of her, got it?”

“Sure thing dude.”

Next Chapter

[cayenne-twilight]

Hi! Could you write something about Sophia and Anton's daughter (let's call ber Iris) if she knew her father? Bonus for baby Katia! Thank you!

The little girl sat on her mother’s lap, dressed in pajamas. Her mother brushed her vibrant purple hair, a trait she had passed down from herself.

“Ow mama, stop,” the girl pouted. “You’re pulling.”

“Sorry, Iris,” Sophia said, pulling the brush more gently. “If you quit rolling around in the fields, you wouldn’t have these tangles.”

Admittedly, Dropstone did have the most charming landscape. That was why she chose this particular area to settle, after all. Well, that was part of the reason at least. The pond near town center, the rolling fields, the mountains in the distance, beaten paths winding between sparse clusters of trees; it was all very lovely. A change of scenery.

“That better be it, mama,” Iris said, pulling her hair over her shoulder protectively.

“Thank you for being patient,” Sophia smiled.

“You have to tell me a real good bedtime story to make up for the yanks,” Iris said.

Sophia hoisted the girl onto her bed and tucked her in, kissing her cheek. “Hmm, would you like a fairy tale from the storybook?”

“Nuh-uh. I’ve heard all of those over and over again. How about a brand new story?”

‘I should add a public library to my list of projects,’ Sophia thought. “I suppose I can make something up, but I can’t guarantee it’ll be as good as the old stories.”

“No matter, just as long as it’s fresh.”

“Here goes nothing then,” she brainstormed for a moment. “Did any of your stories have vampires in them?”

“Vampires?” Iris’s eyes widened. “This better not be a scary story. You’re supposed to be putting me to sleep, not keeping me up all night, remember?”

Sophia petted her hair. “No, love. This was a good vampire. He lived in a big castle in the forest, and he liked to throw balls with lots of music and dancing. The decorations and tableware were made out of the most brilliant gold. After all, vampires can’t touch silver, you know. His hair was golden, too, and he had a flowing cape that swooshed around as he danced. He was awfully charming, and lots of ladies wanted to dance with him.”

“But don’t vampires have to drink blood?” Iris asked.

“This one had a penchant for um… grape juice, and it kept him satisfied.” Sophia started the story from the beginning.

It would be a lie to say that the drive to Herzen mansion wasn’t daunting. The surrounding town of Folsense may have been welcoming with its warm glow and interesting brand of night life, but this maiden’s destination was detached from the outside world. The road took her through a shadowy thicket, gangly trees arching over her on either side. She tried to imagine what this trail must look like on a sunny spring day, but she couldn’t quite put the image together. She arrived at the massive building’s doors, parking her car. The maiden grabbed her clutch purse and pulled her faux fur coat tightly around her torso as she scuttered inside, taking care to not trip over her heels.

A short, bespectacled man with a downward hooked nose took her coat and pointed her towards the main hall. She was amazed at the sheer size of it. Sure, her father had a countryside mansion of his own, but she could probably stuff most of it into this room alone. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like upstairs or inside those turrets visible from outside.

“And what might your name be?” The young man approached her, a champagne flute in each hand.

She accepted the drink. “Sophia. And you?”

“Anton. Anton Herzen.” He winked.

So this is Duke Herzen’s son. He was certainly handsome-

“Whoa, mama! The girl has the same name as you?” Iris said.

Sophia laughed. “Yes, what a coincidence.”

Sophia and Anton made small talk over fine hors d’oeuvres, seated in the cloister above the main hall.

Anton popped the last piece of a finger sandwich into his mouth. He gestured towards the couples dancing below. “Care to join them?”

They walked down the stairs arm in arm, getting into position to waltz as the live orchestra flipped their sheet music to the next song. They met eyed and smiled. The first hum of strings cued them, stepping back and forth to the rhythm. They swirled across the floor, performing spins at the proper moments.

“So tell me what it’s like, being a Herzen,” Sophia said.

“Being a Herzen? Why, it’s nothing to write home about, save for the family wealth perhaps.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. Father’s got himself occupied with some silly new business venture. I gather he’s going after pharmaceuticals now, which rubs me the wrong way considering that he doesn’t even know how to alleviate the common cold.”

“Pharmaceuticals? That is odd. He already owns the gold mining company, doesn’t he?”

“That’s just it. The miners have discovered some sort of hallucinogen trapped in the rock, and now they’re searching for a way to harvest it and rework it into anesthesia or anti-anxiety medication.”

“I can’t imagine there being a safe way to do that,” Sophia said.

“There must be, and I hope to God father knows of it.”

With the end of the song, they returned upstairs to continue the next course of food.

Iris yawned. “Now I mean this as constructive story-telling criticism, but this is getting a bit boring. What about the part where the guy is a vampire? Or was that a surprise for later? *Gasp* Maybe the girl will find out he’s secretly a monster and will have to decide whether she’s afraid of him or if she’ll love him anyways!”

“I should’ve thought of that,” Sophia said. “Maybe you should be the one telling stories.” She booped Iris’s nose like a button. “At least I’m succeeding in making you sleepy.”

“What’s Folsense like?” Sophia asked.

“It’s lovely. The lights are beautiful at night, and I’m not just saying that because of the cabaret.”

“I’d love to take a walk there one of these days. Would you be so kind as to give me a tour?”

“Yes, of course. I know Folsense like the back of my hand, and it knows me. Well, except for the people I pranked last Halloween when I ran around convincing them I was a real vampire. That reputation still follows me among the less social townsfolk.”

“I would love to have been there and seen it. Halloween must be a blast in a mansion like this, what with the gothic architecture and spooky forest.”

“I’ve never thrown a Halloween party before, but now that you mention it, it would be surely be smashing.”

Anton took a long drink of his red wine and spoke again, “Where are you from?”

“I live pretty close to London.”

“London? But that’s so far off! It must have taken you, what? Two hours to get here?”

“It’s really not as long as it seems.”

“But it’s already so late! If you left early you’d still only get home in the wee hours of the morning.”

“I could stay at the Folsense hotel-”

“Or you could stay here.”

“You have vacant rooms available?”

“If you want a vacant room, that’s all right too.”

“I don’t.”

Sophia decided it would be best to skip that part of the story.

Anton was still asleep when she woke up the next morning. She put yesterday’s clothes back on and took the chance to explore the castle. Sophia ducked in and out of unlocked doorways, looking for something like a living room or dining room. She found the sheer number of unused spaces odd, thinking that she would surely use them for something more useful, or at least make each room more unique. She stumbled upon the dining room where the Duke was taking his breakfast.

“Nigel, fetch the kettle, would y- DEAR GOD girl, who are you?” the shock faded as soon as it set in. “You wouldn’t happen to be one of Anton’s-“

Sophia laughed nervously. “No, no, nothing like that. He just let me stay the night because I live so far away. Really.”

The Duke’s eyes narrowed as he dabbed the jam from his whiskers with a napkin. “Leave.”

Sophia thought about Anton still asleep in his room. “Um… right. I’ll be right out.” She smiled fakely, trying to remember how to get to the front door.

She gently cracked open the door to Anton’s bedroom. “Antoooon,” she stage-whispered.

He opened his eyes and pushed himself up. “Eh?”

“Your father wants me out. When can I see you again? Maybe we could meet in Folsense?”

“Ah, sorry about him. Are you free next Saturday? We could meet in front of the museum around noon, perhaps.”

“Sounds great! See you there.” Sophia left him, walking through the hallway into the main hall and down the steps to the front door. She retrieved her purse and coat, leaving for her car. Sophia drove home through the rolling hills and fields of the countryside in a dreamy state of highway hypnosis.

“She fell in love with the guy,” Iris stated.

“Yes.”

“And his dad doesn’t want them to be together. It’s a story of forbidden love! Do they have to meet up in secret and serenade each other through the window from outside?”

“Don’t worry, Iris. The Duke isn’t a bad guy, he just cares about his son in his own way, I suppose.”

Sophia and Anton would meet up periodically about town, but although it was good fun, they couldn't do this forever. Anton led Sophia by the hand into the mansion and up to his office.

“Father.”

“What is it Anton? I’m busy.”

“I’ve come to say that I love Sophia whether or not you agree with it, and that she will be coming over no matter what you think.”

The Duke sighed. “You’re right; I can’t stop you two, no matter what I think.”

To Duke Herzen’s distaste, Sophia ended up practically moving in. He appeared to be in denial, engaging young Freidrich in conversation or turning to his legal documents whenever they were in the same room. The young couple tried to keep to themselves, which one would think to be easy in a house of that size, but he seemed to turn up at every corner as if watching them.

Sophia sat down next to him in his library one day. “I didn’t take you for the type to read Poe for fun.”

“Well here I am. Do you read him?”

“Oh of course! I love that surreal macabre stuff. I’ve actually been curious about the mines below the castle; isn’t it a dangerous setup?”

Duke Herzen closed his book. “There were reports of coal being collected when they first built the foundation. I had the idea of digging deeper. I see how having a gaping pit under your home may seem precarious, but I trust in the beams and supports holding us up.”

“Anton mentioned some sort of gas discovered down there…”

“Did he now? That was meant to stay confidential.”

“Oh don’t get mad at him for it, it was but a slip.”

“Still, I’m sure this could become the next big thing in pharma. I need to find the men to research and rework it, but after that it’ll be smooth sailing. I didn’t think you’d be interested in this sort of thing.”

“I can’t deny that I have my concerns, but admittedly this is all very curious.”

Duke Herzen reopened the novel. “Look after him, will you?”

“The vampire’s dad was very cold at first,” Sophia said. “But his heart started to warm up as he got to know the maiden. Soon enough, he began confiding in her. The maiden and the vampire lived together in his castle until one terrible day, tragedy struck.”

“Aww come ooon. I thought this was gonna be a sappy feel good love story. No tragedies,” Iris whined.

“Okay fine. No tragedy.”

“There’s more of it seeping out and diffusing into the air than we thought,” Duke Herzen said from his sickbed.

“What does this mean? Have you lost all hope in stopping it?” Sophia asked, masking panic.

“There’s not much we can do but leave it alone and move somewhere else. Not that I would make it much longer anyhow.”

“Oh don’t say that rubbish.”

“You can’t change the fact of the matter, my dear.” He smiled weakly. “I’ll leave it up to you to lead the evacuation.”

“But so many people don’t plan on leaving. What of them?”

“We can’t force anyone to go.”

“That’s awful- don’t they know-”

“Whatever they’re thinking, their minds won’t change.”

“Awful,” Sophia muttered again.

“I’m staying!” Anton yelled. “I know the risks, and I know that I feel responsible for this town, so I can’t just leave it.”

“You idiot!” Sophia retorted. “There’s no future for Folsense, so stop acting like you’re immune from this gas unlike everybody else.”

“And here I was thinking you’d stay with me.” He turned away.

Sophia grimaced.

“How about we just go to bed and talk this over like normal people tomorrow morning?” he sighed.

Tomorrow morning Sophia was gone. She got up before the sun and kissed Anton’s sleeping head. Lugging her trunk down the ornate staircase, she took a final look around the home she called her own, around the hall where he and she shared their first dance. Nigel handed Sophia her coat, he was staying as well. She stepped out into the crisp air where birds were only beginning to chirp and walked through the woods to the station. They really weren’t all that spooky in the daytime. Charming, really. Friedrich helped her pull the luggage up from the platform.

“Is it really okay? To leave him here, I mean.”

Sophia scanned the rooftops of Folsense once more. “I don’t know, Friedrich. I don’t know.”

She didn’t tell him the train was today. She didn’t tell him that they didn’t plan on coming back once this all “blew over” because she suspected it wouldn’t. She didn’t tell him about the baby.

The train hissed and whistled, pistons coming to life and shoving the wheels along the tracks. This was it. Her last look at Folsense. Her last chance to be with him. The town disappeared before she could notice, replaced with a view of rolling fields and sparse trees. She took a deep breath. This was it.

Sophia snapped back. “The vampire and the maiden threw a grand big wedding and invited all the townsfolk. At first they were wary of the vampire, but it turned out to be a jolly fun evening. They lived together happily ever after, and even had a little daughter who hated having her hair brushed. The good vampire protected the town for the rest of time, no matter what, so all the people could be safe and happy like them.”

“Wow, it’s like I was there, mama,” Iris giggled. “You should start writing this stuff down.”

“Oh hush, dear. It’s far past your bedtime.” Sophia kissed Iris on her sleepy head and left the room. It’s like she was there again.