#motivation was a truck and it ran me over many times

[nrc-asteryn-crew]

Hello? Is anyone here? I heard through the grapevine about someone able to assist those affected by Housewarden Vil's overblot. Figured I might as well come here, take a chance on it. Maybe give the school infirmary less work if it's possible, I'm sure they're already overworked as it is without overblots.

( @yeah-im-takahashi-yukarin

Oh? Ah, hello there. It seems word spreads fast, hehe. I hope I'm able to meet any expectations you may have set for me.

Ahem. First of all, am I correct in assuming you consent to the usage of magic to help treat any wounds, and alleviate any pain, symptoms, or otherwise?

It might seem like an obvious clause, but I'm simply ensuring that legal repercussions won't be a problem for me if anything is to go wrong.

You understand, right? Octavinelle student things, and whatnot.

- Crimson

[the-ninja-legacy-whip]

ok well someone has to ask it how does aftershock work with geo in the picture now

.........WELP. Hmm. I suppose this one's long overdue, huh?

The long and short of it is, Legacyverse is and always was planned to end at a specific point in the timeline. Everything that happens in DR and beyond simply just doesn't apply to this universe, even if I and others entertain certain 'what if' possibilities anyway thanks to recency bias and mere curiosity. As there is no Geo nor any explicit love interest for Cole in the former series, it's still free game for me to throw this random pink guy at him instead, and I have no plans to change what I already, well, planned.

And that's that!

...of course, that being said, I doubt that's going to satisfy you. It doesn't satisfy me, in any case T-T)/

gaaaaaaaaaaaah I am. so full of conflict. *lies on floor*

I know at the end of the day it's my story, it's just a story, I can do what I want, bla bla bla...but I haaaaaaate blatantly going against canon, especially for something that isn't a plot hole or weirdly time/placed or comes off as out of character for the situation, and while there's technically no contradictions if I stick with my initial plans and don't even touch DR, it still feels...kinda unintentionally bad, or at the very least, like, intrusive? Somehow? Even if this was all in motion 2-3 years before Geo was even a thought. But. Y'know.

But it's precisely because that Cole went so long without a love interest that I said 'what the heck' and went for it! I know Cole doesn't ~need~ anyone to be happy, but as I've said in previous posts, given many of his (albeit rather few) character beats—fears of abandonment, fears of being forgotten, feeling 'other' from the rest of the group at times, being a naturally good parental figure, being motivated by having someone/something to protect/defend, literally saying in Quest for Lost Powers that having loving people around him, family, is what keeps him grounded–...having one person consistently dedicated to dispelling his insecurities, enhancing his good qualities, and ensuring that he has the family he needs and/or wants for himself (separate from the other ninja or not)...I always thought Cole deserved that much ;w;)/

And, lo and behold, the show finally agrees too!

(And that's not even tapping into the Gay or Not to Gay argument. My Cole is Demiromantic, thank you. ...Just with slight male preference)

...but. Like. What am I supposed to do now?!

Poor Jesse, hasn't even had the chance to worm his way out of one love triangle, and now his future marriage is already in distress with another. Guy can't catch a break in his life T-T)9

I mean, my god, I doubled down and gave these fools a DAUGHTER—how dare I dare to dream—only for two months later to get ran over by a truck with a new found family for Cole?! With children he adores and cares for and protects with his heart and soul?! With a husband-like figure to love, admire, and cherish Cole as he deserves?!

Of course I love this turn of events! It's exactly what *I* was gonna do! :V

Although I didn't even see Geo as a potential interest at first cuz all the subtext totally went over my head (and I thought Cole was just being Cole, on god lmao) and then I'm bombarded with 'LOOK THE POWERS MAKE A HEART!' 'LOOK AT THEM STARING INTO EACH OTHERS EYES!' 'THEY SAID THEY NEEDED EACH OTHER' 'I THINK THEY'RE FLIRTING HERE' and then I'm like....'aight I see it now. Not that whole heart thing, but yeah, there's something there, but it's probably not going to get much focus lmao'

...and the Season 2 swoops in with rose-colored glasses flashbacks, Geo absolutely remembering things way more romantically than they actually were lmfao, A DAMN FAMILY PHOTO, all the little implications of what went down during the years present together, "WE CANT BE A FAMILY WITHOUT COLE", Cole whooshing in all dramatic and cool to save them, them praising each other for good work with their powers, Cole making a little seat of earth just for Geo, and then ofc all the EXPLICIT handholding and DEFINITE loving eye contact (like holy smokes the way Geo always look at their hands in disbelief every time Cole reaches for him how has no one yelled about THAT one ehhhhh?!? aaAAAAAA) and then the Bonzle hug and forehead thing and oooooh don't even get me started with the "...my OTHER family" line gaaaaah and oh my god the season's only half overrrr

Not Pictured: Jesse lying cold in a ditch

(I mean I have the excuse that Cole legitimately thought Jesse—and potentially Cam if she exists—died in the Merge and that's why he let himself start to move on nor made an attempt to look for anyone and it has been several years...but now in this scenario he's got one family he's obligated to, one that's been his family for the majority of his life, and one that he found for himself and doesn't want to be apart from!)

(And I know all these people could just be different, disjointed members of one big group that Cole considers his family regardless–And probably the concept I like the most! Down with nuclear family labels! Let people just be loved without necessarily fulfilling a niche role!—but it's been a point of contention that some people already think he's moving away from his 'old' family in favor of the 'new' one (whiiiiich I do disagree with, but I can see where these people are coming from given how... disconnected Cole has been with current events that aren't related to The Finders. But that's neither here or there, and probably subject to change in future episodes/seasons —hopefully—juuuust thought I'd mention it while I'm on the soapbox)

Anyway, back to the matter at hand:

*shakes Jesse to the sky as he makes a wobbly foil sound* WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS NOW?!?! Do I truly continue to bother, knowing what unexpected pain *not* caused by me lies in wait for him?! Do I forge on anyway, knowing that it's fruitless in the end?! Do I simply ignore the good fortune that I know canonically comes for Cole further down the line beyond the scope of my reach?! Abandon a precious plotline I put so much prep into to maintain the sanctity of something else good that I do genuine enjoy and appreciate the existence of?! Am I just overthinking and overinvested?! Help?!

Well. *claps hands* Let's weigh our options! We cooooould—

Kill Jesse Off Before The Merge (Extreme, but very doable. A clean way to get him out of way, becomes further tragic backstory/motivation for Cole, and then there's no conundrum with Cam's potential existence. ....Except I don't want to, and this would probably cause a riot lol)

Directly To Polyamory (...which would be totally fine if a) Jesse wasn't Jesse, b) this was something everyone involved was on the same about beforehand and not just as an afterthought, and c) couldn't be interpreted as Cole merely going for an easy fix to a problem he's smack in the middle of. Polyamory is not a fix-all bandaid for every love triangle!)

Just Cancel Aftershock Then (SHUT UP IM IN TOO DEEP ALREADY)

Aftershock Breaks Up Before The Merge (Writing on Impossible Mode??? Okay??? Besides, if this happened in the Cam!Route, Jesse would be sooo bitter it would NOT be pretty—)

Just Kill Jesse (NO)

Aftershock Breaks Up After Reunion After The Merge (Probably the most "logical" route but also the most painful, cuz holy smokes Jesse following in his terrible father's footsteps of becoming a divorcee and subsequently single parent like his mom (which happens in Book 5/NS4, heyo), and Cole following his own (mostly) absent father's footsteps in not being entirely actively present for his daughter's formative years after a tragic event, and Jesse once again being picked over for another person only worse because he had something to actually lose this time, and who knows how this would all affect Cam—what kind of a story ending is this, who WANTS this?!

Aftershock Resolves Issues and Stays Together, Cole and Geo are in a QPR, and Now All of Them Co-Parent 3 to 4 Children? THAT–wait...you know what, I can get behind that one. At least until Cole and Geo smooch on screen or confess undying love or something

...But That's Still Technically Polyamory—AND YET one that doesn't cause issues with Jesse's character or any of the relationships within. And we can always use more QPR rep. Plus, this is just for Legacyverse; Cole and Geo can totally gay it up in canon and I will root for them \(*-*)/

...but, this would require writing a whole story to work out the specifics. Because, my ideas get specific. Especially with Geo and his labels. Something maybe about 15 chapters long, taking place during DRS2P1, with Jesse as the anchor character. Maybe some flashbacks, some angst, some fluffy being parent moments, some tension, we get to formally meet Cam, a Miranda and Harleigh cameo, a hopefully happy ending, and even a playlist (which I have never done for a story before, and I almost cried while doing so).

Totally theoretical, though.

(though I promise I'll update Book 3 first. I finally finished the second rework of the Main Outline, woo :V)

Anywaaaay, I'll probably address some of those asks above with more specific answers later down the line, but I am flattered and distressed at the amount of concern for Aftershock. I...kinda thought people would stop caring with the Advent of Geo, honestly. Not that I'd blame anyone ^^;

But, either way, I am committed to my vision, all while loving this new direction for my boy Cole <3

[brightstvrlights]

INSIDE THE INTERROGATIONS;

Dylan was still reeling from the sobering events from the days prior at the Frightfest event. He'd barely slept; every time he closed his eyes he couldn't stop himself from visualising Daniela face down in that damn tub, lifeless in his arms as he pulled her out. Who the fuck would do this, to her of all people? The question constantly bounced around in his head, making him angry, sad, confused all at once.

A knock on his screen door snapped Dylan out of his thoughts, taking him a moment to register as he came back to the present. "Hello?" He called from his position on his worn-out couch just a mere few feet away. "Marina Police, we just want to ask you a few questions." He pursed his lips as he reluctantly rose and made his way over to open the door, coming face to face with two officers; one he recognised from the scene. "Do I have a choice?" He asked vacantly even though he already knew the answer. It wasn't his first trip to a police station. "You're not under arrest, it's just a few questions and then you can go." Nodding silently, he moved to grab a jacket, sliding it on before following the officers down to their squad car, hopping compliantly into the back, staring aimlessly at the moving scenery until they came to a stop outside the station. As he was led inside, Dylan couldn't help but feel the eyes of everyone there boring into the back of his skull. Did they really think he did it? Fuck everyone, he thought as he was instructed to sit down in Marina police station's stuffy little interrogation room. I didn't fucking do it.

Where were you during the Halloween "Frightfest" festival when the murder of Daniela Carvalho occurred?

I was at one of those pop up bars beside all the food trucks. Couldn't even tell you how many drinks I'd had by that point but it was a lot. I ran into an ex and I was pretty rattled by it. That's why I went to go find Dani, I wanted to fuckin' drunkenly rant to her about it I guess.

Did you have any contact with Daniela Carvalho during the event, and if so, can you provide details about your interaction?

Yeah of course I did. She was my friend, we hung out. I saw her early in the night, we had a few beers and then I had to go do my set and she said she was gonna meet up with some dude named Atticus. I think they're friends or somethin'. I don't really keep up. Anyway, I texted her later to meet up, she said she was helping out at the apple bobbing stand for some fuckin' reason so I went there, the other person running the stall said she'd gone out into the storeroom to restock or somethin' so I went out there and yeah, that's where I found her.

Can anyone vouch for your whereabouts and actions during the time of the murder?

One of the bartenders probably. I couldn't tell you what their name is, I hardly know anyone in this place. It was a brunette chick, I remember that much. The dude at the apple bobbing stand. My ex, her name's Sawyer. She'd be able to tell you that I was in no state to be fuckin' murdering anyone.

Do you have any knowledge of individuals who may have had a motive to harm Daniela Carvalho?

I know Marcy Roman had some kinda issue with her. They got into a punch up not that long ago, so maybe you should ask her where she was instead of me.

Were there any disagreements, conflicts, or altercations that you witnessed or were involved in during the festival that might be relevant to this case?

Not really, but I wasn't really lookin'. I was paid to be there for a gig, I spent most of my night doing that and when I wasn't, I was at the bar or gettin' food. I wasn't lurkin' in shadows people watching. Got better things to do with my time.

Have you seen anyone acting strangely or fleeing the scene before or after the discovery of the body?

Like I told you. I was pretty drunk by that point in the night and I'm already not a guy that really cares about what's going on around him. I wasn't exactly lookin' for any sus people skulking around the fuckin' apple bobbing stand. Honestly I wish I was, I wish I could tell you somethin' helpful because I wanna know who did this to Dani as much as you do. I'm fuckin' pissed.

Do you have any information about any potential witnesses or individuals who might have valuable information regarding the murder?

Again, not really. Only person I could think of would be whoever else was at that stall, maybe they saw somethin' I didn't.

Is there anything else you believe could be relevant to helping us solve this heinous crime?

Look into Marcy. She's the only person I can think of that had a problem with Dani. Maybe the people she was hookin' up with. I couldn't give you names though, she never really told me. Wish I had more for ya but I don't. I'm just the poor fucker that found her and that's already hard enough to deal with, now I gotta put up with people accusing me of killin' her. I didn't. She was important to me.

[oldguy56-world]

The Fugitive

They have just completed the greatest manhunt in the history of the world! At least that is the impression you would get watching the news. Wall to wall coverage every day. It got so ridiculous that Wolf Blitzer would come on at supper time staring into the camera saying (with a straight face no less) BREAKING NEWS! Escaped convict still not found. I am wondering how that is breaking news. Nothing has changed.

How many times did they show him shimmying up the side of the building to make his escape? Convicts everywhere with access to the internet were taking notes. Here is the kicker. He escaped using the same route as another prisoner had used just a few weeks before. Apparently the prison officials hadn't finished their study on how to prevent this from happening again.

Granted the prisoner had a lot going for him. Well one thing. He was small. I remember when we played hide and seek with our girls the youngest was always the hardest to find because of the small spaces that she could fit into. Officials thought they saw him once standing in a field but it turned out to be a prairie dog.

With all that aside, I have questions about the entire situation that are bothering me.

He changed his appearance and most of his clothes, but he kept his prison pants on for the longest time. Why? Did they make his ass look good so if he was caught he might land a date from a prison groupie?

They say they caught him using the element of surprise. I guess with no cell phone and access to the internet he had no idea anyone was looking for him.

They found him under a bunch of logs and took great pains describing the logs. I suppose this is in case someone else escapes they now know the first place to look.

He stole a truck that ran out of gas after about thirty minutes, but they still found him just a couple of miles from where he started. Either he has no sense of direction or he is an extremely cautious driver.

There were over 400 searchers and 1 dog. Yep, the dog found him. The fact the dog's name was Yoda should have been a hint as to who they should have relied on from the start. May the forest be with you.

The searchers all posed for pics after they capture with the prisoner, but Yoda was not included. Numerous reasons for this. They might want all the credit for themselves, Yoda is camera shy, or he was still humping the logs in the woods.

Now it is over, or is it? Yesterday 9 teens escaped from a youth detention center and you guessed it, it was in the same area as the other guy. They were found quickly and the police had reasons for the quick capture:

They weren't as motivated to stay in the woods. No resolve for survival.

Bigger groups are easier to find (they never went off alone). Fear of the unknown, or with no cell phones they did not know how to communicate with others. Plus they all wouldn't fit under a log together.

They were teens so basically stupid.

I have a suggestion for the prison officials. If you see a prisoner practicing climbing up the side of a wall this is what we call a red flag. You might want to keep an eye on that person.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Where there's a will there's a way. Where there's a way someone will take it.

[lavenoon]

Hi<3 hope you are having a nice day today!

💞 and 🍭 for the writer asks

Hi hi! <3 I'm still a tad sick because my fever simply refuses to leave me alone, but after spending most of the afternoon napping I at least no longer feel like a truck ran me over, so I'm taking that as a win!

💞 what's the most important part of a story for you? the plot, the characters, the worldbuilding, the technical stuff (grammar etc), the figurative language

Talked about other factors here and here, but the last big thing is definitely grammar/ form. I'm always a little paranoid about the grammar in particular since German grammar is a bit different, and I wonder if I'm mixing things up or if the linguistic choice I make only sounds good to me because I have been mixing up languages for 10 years now, so I can't expect other people to like the way I write. Also a big source of imposter syndrome right there! I tend to think my experience with my writing cannot in any form be universal, because anxiety is mean. But also the form - line breaks. If there are no line breaks I'm out I cannot write like that, I cannot read like that. I sometimes worry I use too many paragraphs, but I try to stick to the TIP TOP rule - time, person, topic, place. If one of those changes, new paragraph! (Sometimes I break that rule, if I think the impact is better like that!) I also try to keep my run on sentences to a more reasonable amount, because adhd brain says "many commas good. let's throw in some parenthesis and also crossed out text, or maybe some dashes and then return to the main sentence." It's a curse sometimes, because I simply cannot be succinct!

🍭 why did you start writing?

In general, well... I always loved indulging! I was always very very daydreamy, and used to roleplay a lot of stories with friends. When they decided we're "too old" for that stuff and it's too childish, well... I just turned to writing! I think more in words than visuals, so bringing myself to imagine more and more elaborate things really helped me flesh things out, and made the dreams so much more fun! Plus, I can write stuff that's catered to my taste exactly, and that's just a huge perk!

This time around (because, well, I was writing for just myself after a lack of feedback for my last fic made me lose nearly all motivation to publish my writing) I started writing publicly again just because the reception for Accidentally Undercover was so good! I kept getting excited messages and feedback and interactions, all exactly the things I felt like I was missing last time, so I decided to try again! And it started out a bit awkward and clunky, but now I'm extremely happy I started writing for AU, and get to share all of that with you guys <3

[exitrowiron]

Day 25: Sioux Falls, SD to Fairmount, MN

126 miles, 2,198ft ascent, 7:24

I knew Beth Koetting was going to be waiting at the end of today’s ride (the longest single mileage day of the trip) so I was motivated to go fast! The best way to go fast is to have a riding partner and my friend Ian, the Englishman with whom I rode yesterday, readily agreed.

Over the course of the day we leapfrogged each other 63 times, each pulling for a mile before edging behind the other to rest for 210 seconds. This strategy, aided by a strong wind from the North and flat terrain helped us average 17mph.

Speaking of flat terrain, this is the kind of long ride I’m most accustomed to: fast and flat through endless fields of corn and beans. Today reminded me of the many miles I’ve ridden on Hwy 6 to Watertown, MN.

The only lowlight of the day was when a semi-truck hauling hogs intentionally ran us off the road. I wasn’t concerned when the truck initially started to pass but then it slowed down to match our speed and started to edge closer. At first I thought this was just a juvenile attempt to force me to smell his cargo, but then I quickly became alarmed as he continued to move the truck onto the shoulder ultimately forcing me off the road onto the unpaved, loose gravel. At this point he moved back onto the road and continued driving. I didn’t get the license plate and unlike my bike at home, this bike doesn’t have an always-on video camera to record such encounters, so I didn’t file a police report. Of course it bothered me for a while, but I’ve concluded that it was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and this guy was hauling a shit-laden truck filled with hogs to the processor while I got to ride a fast bike on an extended vacation. I’m going to move on, be thankful that I wasn’t injured and forget about it.

As promised Beth was waiting at the hotel, winning the award for being the only spouse to visit twice during the trip. And she’s going to ride with me tomorrow. Several MN friends were excited to also meet me in Fairmount, but I talked them out of it. That’s fortunate because I arrived around 4:30, leaving precious little time to get ready for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to visiting those friends in October when we visit MN again.

[hiphop-rap-and-basketball]

rookie year | chapter 1

• a lamelo ball fanfic by hiphop-rap-and-basketball •

Pairing: LaMelo Ball x fem!reader

Word Count: 3,066

A/N: The Pandemy...

This story takes place in 2019-2021 and so on. Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic will not exist in this fic. I thought about it over and over and it felt more obvious to pretend Covid doesn't exist. People read fanfics to escape reality. Why would I want to include the pandemic when people just want to read and be happy. With that being said, please enjoy this story. I am in love with the idea. I am in love with the idea of writing about love and the beauty and ups and downs that it brings. I am in love with the way our brains can picture alternate realities and imagine them as real . Once again, I hope you enjoy. :):)

My Knowledge of Basketball...

... is not the greatest when it comes to history and players lmao. I try to keep things as accurate as possible and do my research but yes this is a fanfiction and yes I'm going to make up some stuff so just roll with it lmao.

Trigger warnings and things of that nature...

This is of course very much about people of age and NOT minors. Please note all characters involved in sexual activities are 18+. Also, when it comes to cheating and such.. I do not condone cheating personally nor have I ever done it.This is a just a story and not to spoil it but boundaries may be crossed. Readers discretion is advised.. or whatever they say 💀💀 okay kisses enjoy 😘😏

Other stuff about dates...

Like I said they might be off from real time stuff that actually happened but let's roll with it. Starting off in the fic Melo will have just turned 19 and reader is 19 going on 20 shortly after a couple of chapters. Hopefully that gives you a good picture 😊

ENJOY, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Feedback is appreciated as it motivates me to keep posting 😊😊😊 thank you x 100 okay chapter one starts NOW

September 1st 2019

You admired your calendar for a moment. So many days crossed off that lead you up to this moment right here. This was it and today was the day you were so excited for. The day you have been looking forward to for months. The papers were signed, the check was cleared. You could not wait to step foot into your new apartment. You neatly folded your calendar and tucked it away in your backpack. One of the last couple of items you had to pack.

“That’s it,” your boyfriend smiled, patting and dusting his hands on his legs. “That’s the last box. You ready for the drive?” You nodded and smiled. You could not believe that last night’s sleep was the night that you slept in your childhood home. Yeah, of course you would miss it, but growth is exciting. Today was one of the many days you would see how all of the hard work was definitely paying off. You both made your way down the steps and you admired your home for a moment.

So many memories of your younger self running through the halls. The times you ran down the steps on Christmas mornings when you were little and could not wait to open gifts. You found the wall where your mom tracked how much you grew. You traced the lines over the faded marking and smiled at them, remembering your mom telling you that she had to tell you to “hold still unless you want me to draw on your forehead.” You would giggle and watch as your mother beamed upon the wall and realized how much you had grown.

This home had your heart but it was definitely time for a fresh start. You made your way out of the front door to find your dad doing one final walk through and closing the back of the moving truck.

“You sure you got it from here?” Your father asked the two of you.

“Yeah, they have an elevator and moving cart in the building,” you respond.

“Ohhh wow, fancy fancy,” your dad throws his hands up after wiping a sweaty brow. “Be careful on the drive there.”

“We will sir,” your boyfriend replies with a smile.

You give each other one final hug and of course your parents are a bit emotional. You promised they could come visit as soon as everything was set up and how you wanted it to look. You have spent months searching for the right place. Then you spent months buying a few things at a time for your new apartment. It was a slow process that you wanted to feel right.

“Take lots of pictures, love,” your mom winked. Knowing that of course you definitely would. Your love for photography runs deep because of her. She bought you your first camera at the age of 12. Even when your parents were struggling financially, they wanted you to discover your passions early on. Seven years later at 19 years old, here you are.

You are proud of how far your photography business has gotten you. Living in the small town of Concord, North Carolina finally moving to the city of Charlotte. You could not wait to get your studio open and see your business blow up in the city. But nonetheless, one step at a time babygirl. You just got your first apartment and you were so happy about it. The photography studio would come eventually. Right now you were just taking it all in. You built your success on hard work. With this being a full year since you graduated high school, you were able to work a job while building your photography brand. You were now taking the leap to go full time and all in on your photography work.

Your new apartment is a 800 square foot studio apartment. But it was so much more than just an apartment. It was your first home. You chose it because it had the beautiful city view that you always wanted. You were so excited to get started on decorating it. You looked out of the window as your boyfriend sat in the driver’s seat, steering the moving truck through the interstate on the 30 minute drive there.

You remembered looking at all the different apartments until you found this one. You knew it was the right one, you just felt it in your bones. The area was perfect. The apartment had a cozy feel to it. The building was beautiful. As you got closer and closer, you felt yourself regain your energy. Knowing you needed it now that you had to move all the boxes back up into the new apartment now.

“You excited?” your boyfriend asked and you grinned.

“Very,” you reply. “It’s bittersweet but so exciting.”

“I know, at least you get to finally get a cat now,” he replies and you smile. He knows how much you have always wanted a cat and your mom did not want one in the house.

“Yes, we’ll get there,” you smile, happy that he remembered your desire for a furry companion.

“We can finally have loud sex too,” he smirks and you giggled.

“Oh hush, look, we’re here!”

You pulled up to the front of the apartment building. Camera slug around your shoulder, you immediately hopped out of the truck and began shooting. The front was beautiful. Flowers of all kind everywhere and a beautiful fountain in the center. The building was pretty far apart from the other buildings next to it, so you knew nothing would feel crowded and you were free. You stared in awe before snapping a couple more pictures.

“Uhhh, a little help here,” your boyfriend reminds you while opening up the big sliding back door of the moving truck.

“Oh, whoops,” you say slinging your camera back over your shoulder before grabbed a box from his hand. “Wait,” you pause.

“What?” He asks.

“Can I have a lighter one than this,” you smile through gritted teeth. He rolls his eyes.

“Girl we’re taking the elevator,” he laughs. “You’re strong and I believe in you.”

You smile, “Fineee.”

You make it to the elevator with the box in your hand, trying to hide the fact that you were completely out of breath already. Your boyfriend hit the elevator button and you felt the cart swiftly move you up to the 10th out of the 12 floors. Excitement arose in your stomach.

You and your boyfriend walked to the front door of your new apartment, you dropped the box not caring what was in it, fumbling to unlock the door.

You took a deep breath before opening the door to reveal the view you had replayed in your mind over and over. It still gave you the same feeling in your stomach as when you toured it the for the first time.

The brand new appliances. The all white cabinets. The brand new flooring. This was everything you dreamed up. The moment you have been manifesting for the longest time. This was all yours. Not anyone else’s. Not even your boyfriend who technically would not be able to be on the lease anyway since he had not had a steady income yet. You worked harder than most people your age and you were proud of it. As much as you wanted the place to be both yours and his, you knew the timing of you being ready yourself was more important that waiting on him to get it together. You knew he would be able to visit and stay the night whenever you wanted him to so that did not bother you. “I think I might cry,” you smile, feeling a familiar stinging feeling in your eyes.

Your boyfriend rolls his eyes at you.

“Oh come on,” he stated. “This is a happy moment, don’t cry.”

“They are tears of joy, Tristan,” you exclaim. “I’m so proud of me. I really am that bitch.”

He chuckles at you before pulling you into a hug.

“You absolutely should be proud of yourself. You deserve it.”

You soak it all up, running around the apartment and dancing. He watches you with a smirk on your face.

Out of breath, you put your hands on your knees. ““Come on, let’s get the rest of the stuff.”

•••

After what felt like forever but was probably about an hour and a half, you got most of the things up. Oddly enough it took longer to put the stuff into the truck than taking it out of the truck. You still had some furniture coming soon so luckily there would be movers to take care of that part.

You finished up bringing the last couple of boxes with the dolly. Your boyfriend decided he would take the truck to return it to the rental place just in time before your rental time was up. You took these moments on your own to soak it up some more. You relaxed on the balcony for a bit with your water in hand, rehydrating after lots of movement. After sifting through some kitchen boxes and throwing the dishes in the washer to get them clean before storing them away, you decided to pick up your camera and go out around the building in search for more photo ops.

You looked all around the front garden and found some more beautiful flowers. You snapped a couple of pictures. You admired the photos for a moment until you felt yourself let out a small gasp when you heard the front door of the building open, breaking the silence of the world around you and removing you from your deep thoughts.

You looked up and made eye contact with him. You forced out a small smile after he gave you one. He was tall… really tall. He was looking down on his phone now. Your eyes were drawn to his very casual outfit. He wore grey sweats and an oversized hoodie, with Nike slides and bright yellow high socks.

As he approached you, you could not tell if he was going to initiate a conversation or not. You shifted your feet and kept your camera tucked in your hand before slowly following him with your eyes.

“What’s up,” he greeted you with a small smile, slipping his phone into his pocket.

“Hello,” you replied softly.

“You taking pictures?” He asked, his voice was deep and smooth when he spoke.

“Yes I am,” you smile proudly, body now fully facing him.

“That’s cool,” he replies with a grin while nodding his head.

“Yeah,” you nodded. “I actually just moved in today.” You mentally slap yourself for sharing personal information with a stranger.

“I just recently moved here too,” he smiled as he ruffled up his curls on the front of his head with his fingers. “It’s been a couple of weeks now.”

“Oh, nice,” you smile. “Do you like it here?” Is all you can think of asking.

“‘Is alright, nothing crazy,” he smirks and shrugs at his own sarcastic response.

It obviously was the complete opposite. I mean unless he grew up in a million dollar mansion that was better than this. Nonetheless, you knew it was more than just nothing to you. You decided not to take it personally.

“Well my name is Y/N, what’s yours?” You ask with an innocent smile.

He cocks a brow for a second before he answers.

“Melo, nice to meet you. I guess I’ll see you ‘round Y/N,” he says while tipping you off with a grin, walking away before you could say another word.

You watched as he continued to walk off in the opposite direction, still in shock at his height. You looked down at your camera and admired the last couple of pictures you took before you heard slamming footsteps approaching.

“Hey,” your boyfriend huffs moment’s later walking up behind you. “Who was that? I heard talking.”

“New neighbor, I guess.” You shrug. “How’d dropping off the truck go?”

“Pretty simple, guess it helped leaving your car there to give you time to set up but I see you got distracted again,” he replies.

“Well… you know…. My excuse is that um. I have no excuse. Let’s get into it though,” you laugh.

The two of you made your way back up to the apartment and spent a couple of hours rushing to unbox and hang up as much as you could. He happily helped, until he felt a stomach growl.

“Okay I’m starving,” he admits.

“Me too, let’s eat something.” You sigh, plopping down whatever item that was in your hand on the counter top.

“Can we order in? I’m beat,” he sighs.

“Of course honey,” you reply. “What do you have a taste for?”

“Anything really,” you say.

“Well, that’s not very specific,” he replies.

“It’s hard to decide, but let’s order in. I’m too sweaty and messy to go to a sit down restaurant right now,” you say. “I can’t wait to shower.”

You both settle on ordering in your favorite pizza from a restaurant in downtown Charlotte. While waiting for the food; you called it a night on setting things up. There was always tomorrow and the most important thing was to rest up. After a long, hot shower you lather your body with lotion slowly with care. Before you knew it, the smell of pizza filled your apartment after it had arrived.

“Thank God,” you say in relief, starving to say the least.

Tristan served up a plate for you as you slumped down on one of your chairs. You both ate in silence as your appetite was huge and your mouths were full.

“Have you thought about your next steps lately?” You ask him as you set your plate down after finishing one slice.

He shrugs as he still had a mouth full of pizza. I definitely have options I mean. Although Amazon pays great right now; I’ve been thinking maybe trade school? Maybe welding… still deciding.”

Your eyes lit up in response. “That would be awesome babe. That sounds great.”

“Yeah, I think so too. We’ll see,” he shrugs.

“Well you know I’m here to support you in whatever you decide to do,” you encouraged.

“Thank you darling. What’s your schedule looking like the rest of the week?” He asks.

“Took the week off to get settled in but you know how that goes I’ll probably find something to shoot… what about you?”

“Workk work and work,” he replies with a chuckle.

“Get that money up,” you shouted.

The two of you sit in silence for a moment.

You were happy to eat, you admired your boyfriend for doing his best to move mostly everything in himself. Yes you helped but let’s be honest, he did most of it.

I think I want to sit on the balcony for a bit,” you say, breaking the silence.

“I’m going to shower, blow up the air mattress and lay down for a little,” he says.

“Okay,” you hum. “Your box of shower stuff is in the bathroom.”

You put your plate in the sink and grabbed your robe from your room. You shuffled through a box and grabbed your journal and a pen. You tiptoed your way to the balcony and slid the door open. Settling into your chair and looked up at the view once more before you began to write.

Today was amazing to say the least. Tristan helped me so much with moving. I’m so proud of myself. I know so much growth is on the way for me. I am absolutely claiming all of this positive energy around the apartment building as well. I even met someone else who lives in the building. I still remember his-

Your phone rang and shook you out of your thoughts as you lifted your pen off of the paper.

Mom

You slid the ‘Answer’ bar.

“Hi mom,” you sing.

“Hey honey, how’d it go?”

You reassured her the moving process was smooth and everything went well. You promised she could visit soon. Bummed out because she wanted to help you set up, you promised you could handle it.

“Well, I love you honey, hope things continue to go well,” she says softly.

“Oh mom thank you, please don’t cry,” you give a light laugh.

“I’m just so proud of you. Is Tristan still with you?” She asked.

“Yeah but he’s in the shower right now,” you reply. “Why?”

“Ohh okay. Just wondering. Hope he’s keeping you safe. Never open the door for anyone.” She states.

“Oh thank you mom. I’ll be careful.”

“And always lock the door at night,” she lists. “But remember, he doesn’t technically live there. Unless he starts paying rent, don’t let him get too comfortable.”

You sigh before you spoke. “You’re right mom… I know. Thank you.”

“Of course hon. Get some rest I’ll talk to you soon. Good night.”

“‘Night,” you reply. The line disconnected and you place your phone back down on the side table.

You took a moment to look around again, admiring the view. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon. The city lights grew brighter. You look up at the sky and see the stars. The sky was free from clouds. You looked back down at your journal and contemplated continuing to write. Your mom was right. It was a long day and it was time to rest.

What mattered most was that Tristan helped you with moving and that really made things go smoothly today. But she was also right about him not being on the lease. Unsure of how things would unravel, you obviously enjoyed his company but knew that him staying over night everyday would not really be ideal. It would bother you if he tried doing that without paying a single bill. Nonetheless, it was time to take it day by day from here on out and pray for the best.

Making your way back inside, you shut the screen door behind you and closed the blinds. You turned some music up and got to work on some photo editing in your bedroom until you got sleepy. it would be a little while until the apartment was perfect and looking just how you wanted it to be. Nonetheless, you were patient and ready for this next chapter in life.

Chapter 2

[broiunno]

License to Steal

-Act I

Act II

---

-summary: Min Yoongi is your new protection detail upon your return to your father's side after being sent away during a bloody gang war. Now the dust has settled, you've been called back to your old controlled life, and leaving you an unwilling participant in your family's plans. You don't know what they are but you are no longer willing to be the obedient, protected daughter. You don't really care in the least of it makes Yoongi's new assignment hell on earth- So you'll carve your own life out back home on your own terms.

-rating: 18+

-pairing: min yoongi x reader

-word count: 3.4K - pretty sure they start to double in size soon 🤫

-warnings: swearing, gang activities includes drug mention and eventual drug use, the slowest of burns, organized crime, toxic af family dynamics, eventually family abuse (father initiated) (not in this act but be aware) violence, blood, graphic descriptions of torture, and graphic sex scenes will be included in this work.

-authors note: this has finally made the journey over to tumblr. I originally posted this on AO3. This chapter is not beta read- @chelsea-chee hadn’t blessed me yet. This act brought her to me and I’m so thankful. I love this fic and I hope you enjoy reading.

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

The air that whipped freely across the runway did nothing for your hair as the wind blew around the empty dead space of the private airport. You had landed in Incheon only an hour ago before you had been hustled to the lonesome craft to ship you back to Busan. ‘Ship’ you thought as if you were a good to be ran top conveyor belts and tossed from truck to truck until you were dropped at the appropriate doorstep 2nd day air.

It made sense, but honestly the goods from a random online shopping spree were probably desired then you. The fact that you were summoned from your New York City apartment couldn’t be promising.

The blast of air caused a near violent quick convulsion through your limbs. You ticked your head to the side to try and shake it off, rolling your shoulders as you carefully ran a hand down the railing. ‘1,2,3,4,5,6’ you mused as counted the stairs as your nude heels made purchase, you finally placed a shoe on the tarmac. Back on Korean soil.

6 steps made your heart speed in a way that it hadn’t in 6 years.

Your time in New York had been a dream beyond what you had ever allowed yourself to imagine while growing up in the quiet, lonely house. Not a home, just a house, not wanting for worldly goods but starved for experience. You had two assigned men while you lived in the States, and who remained on high alert for the first twelve months, but as your daily routine had fleshed out to be simple and non exciting, they allowed you space to breathe you had never experienced. You maintained a social status that kept you above the hoi polloi, and the company was always select, most importantly, never dirty.

Good thing socialites that couldn’t really explain what their parents did, due to lack of understanding, interest, or unwillingness were a dime a dozen in NYC. With tech start-ups, new money flowing, stocks and bonds ever changing, many faces came and went into the circles as well. Sometimes the money dried up as quickly as it had catapulted them into the chic brunch establishments, shopping on Fifth, and facials at the Mandarin Oriental.

The rotating circle of friends was always vetted, and your handlers digging never produced anything remarkable. Ideal really for someone that was technically sent to a country to avoid the turf war that had broken out in your country of origin. Korea was being painted red with the results, and as the only living offspring of the family, it wouldn’t do for your corpse to be found as another casualty. A trophy for the perpetrating organization.

You understood the motives behind your father sending you away, even though you had never had true grooming to take over as the head, you were useful. You were far from disposable. The answer as to why you were summoned back, was another thing entirely. It eluded you, each theory was a further and further stretch from what you could reason into reality.

The wind forced your long hair to wrap around your face in a way that had your hand immediately raking into your crown to force it back, holding the locks back and glancing around from the half a second of obstructed vision. This was not something you missed...the insane hyper awareness. You had already counted 4 visible men other than the flight crew and your ever constant double detail. “Miss, please enter the vehicle on the left side, you’ll be transported now. We’ll fetch your bags.” The words floated from a man that you recognized from your childhood.

“Nice to see you too, Jung-Ho. Still the same as ever.” Your voice was almost drowned out from all the noise caused by the quick transfer that was being enacted around you, you almost wished you could hear the reassuring click of your heels. They at least made you feel more like the bad ass you façade as.

The mans tan and prematurely lined face tightened with obvious disapproval as he opened the door for you to duck your head into, you swung your Celine bag in first, and unceremoniously flopped into the leather interior heaving a sigh that would rival any 14 year old’s after having her phone taken away. You shut your eyes. T

he air from the hours of air travel had dried absolutely every part of you out, and the slight water and sting came as you rested your head back against the headrest.

Jung-Ho slipped into the front passenger, the driver stock still and continued to idle until Jung-Ho glanced around the airfield and quickly typed a text into his boxy burner phone. “Go.” he rumbled and you saw his hand shift up to his side, resting a hand there naturally. “You have a good flight?” he finally asked, tilting his head to you in question and you scoffed.

“I was hustled to JFK to be swept back into this fuckery, I missed the massage appointment I had scheduled, and I had to sit through 16 hours of air travel. Tell me, my friend, what makes you think I would be in a mindset to call the flight ‘good’?” You said languidly, the side of your lip curling up slightly in distaste as you huffed again. Jung-Ho didn’t look offended, or surprised.

“Well the US didn’t change you did it?” he said dryly and you raised an eyebrow.

“Jung-Ho, I had a life, much better than what I had here.” you grumbled, cracking an eye open to cast in his direction, he turned back to the front, and you allowed your eyes to unstick themselves all the way. His jaw ticked slightly at that, but he didn’t bother responding, you were sure nothing polite he could say, but you tended to have that effect on people. You supposed if you ever had to apply to a job, you could put ‘Able to cause deep seeded irritation in any person.’

The next 20 minutes passed in silence, but you had to admit, the driver they had assigned to this drive was enough to make it enjoyable. Saying he was easy on the eyes was an understatement, he had features that put any actor to shame, a sloping jawline framing delicate features that whatever higher power did exist obviously spent a few extra minutes bestowing. Broad shoulders and long arms, the black suit jacket he wore made it clear he had a lithe but masculine figure. Shit, you could tell that while he was sitting...and you were in the backseat.

“What’s your name, handsome?” you finally breathed and the only sign of his registering your question was a thick eyebrow disappearing into his black fringe.

“Kim Seokjin.” he said shortly in response and the clipped but not unfriendly tone left no room for further discussion, he was concentrating on the streets, his eyes were almost...overly aware of every other car on the road this late. You had already noticed how they flitted, landed on license plates and scanned the sidewalks. This late, people were driving slightly more reckless than usual, and he seemed unaffected, driving the town car and also driving with everyone else’s actions in mind.

It was slightly unnerving.

You pursed your full lips slightly and your nose scrunched slightly. “You’re one of those wheel-men, huh, no distractions.” you said your tone dripped with disdain, the role you grew up in coming back to you easy as inhaling.

“The kind that always arrives alive, sure.” he said sharply and you couldn’t help as your head tilted in a surprised twitch. Jung-Ho looked pleasant for the first time the entire trip.

Finally you turned onto the familiar city street, approaching the dark stretch of multistory brick buildings, approaching the middle of the block, the figures of men and women walking down the sidewalk, some talking on phones, some in small groups. Normal traffic to an outsider. You knew every one of these pedestrians would walk in an assigned route for the next few hours in the area, before someone relieved them and they walked the same steps, with a different cover.

Cameras were great, but there was something your father loved about having bodies on the street.

Finally Jung-Ho nodded to Seokjin and stepped back to open your door, “Welcome home.” he said slightly gruffly as you stepped out, your hand was gripping your purse as it hung at your side enough to cause a cramp. Maybe you had too much vodka on the airplane, and not enough water. You took quick steps to the front door and the door swung open to allow you through just as your feet touched top of the stairs, and you stepped over the threshold, back to your old life.

The townhouse you found yourself in was a far cry from the isolated, quiet upbringing you had experienced. Men in suits inclined their heads to Jung-Ho as they strode to their destinations inside the home as you both made your way to the back of the building, heading to the private elevator as you glanced around to absorb the interior of your ‘Home’.

“So we’re still in the 70’s I suppose.” You breathed as you scanned the wood paneled walls. Jung-Ho didn’t bother answering your rhetorical question, just pausing before the gold door of the lift, typing numbers into a keypad and pressing the lower button before the doors slid open. You took it as a chance to continue, “Hopefully the elevators have been inspected since they did a remodel. The keypad is easily added...if I die in their rusty carnival ride it would be such a waste.”

“Miss Y/N you’ll be fine. We have it inspected. And it’s newer then you might think. Your father pays for more than just that alligator skin bag you’re carrying.” He said smoothly, holding the door for you to enter, finally letting slight irritation creep into his voice.

The thought that he was close to cracking made a smug smile tease your lips as you entered, feigning a sign as you slouched against the wall furthest from him. “Are you going to spill why I’m back here Jung-Ho? I was at least out of everyone’s hair in New York.” You purred glancing at your manicured nails, painted your favorite shade of lilac.

“We’re on our way to see your father.” He said shortly staring straight at the door as the light above the sliding doors displayed ‘LL’ and the doors slid open to show a bare concrete hallway and you raised your eyebrows.

“This is bleaker than I remember. Should probably send the designer down here first.” You mused as you stepped out first almost with a flounce as you walked towards the heavy door at the end of the hall.

Jung-Ho sighed again in exasperation, “One moment.” He breathed, taking his hand from the pocket of his slacks and typing in another code on the small black keypad that beeped twice in confirmation and it slid open slowly, revealing the spacious office behind it with a soft groan.

As you stepped in you felt your body prick with the realization of your role in this world you belonged to. The soft oaky smell of a cigar, the sharp smell of spearmint as a top note of the plush office space, and your fathers intimidating sitting at the head of the room, an slew of CCTV feeds off to his left, and the patriarch pushed himself to his feet quickly, surprising you in the action. Since when did he stand to greet you?

“Darling, how are you?” He mused stepping round the desk and spreading his arms for you to come in for a hug.

You slowly stepped into them, back slightly rigid, “I mean, I was doing very well in the states. I don’t really understand…” you grumbled and he rested a large calloused hand on top of your head, your lip curled in annoyance, it had been almost a day, but you had gotten a blow out for god’s sakes.

The heavy weight stayed on top of your head as he leaned down to drop a tight kiss on your forehead. “Still beautiful as ever!” He finally said louder than his last statement, dropping his hands and clapping them brusquely.

“Why am I back? I said I was doing well, so why?” You repeated, not forgetting that he never replied to the original query.

Your father huffed slightly and dropped into his chair, and you didn’t miss that he did not wave at one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Well, Y/N, you were so upset when you left, I thought you’d be-”

Your retort was flowing out of you, effectively cutting him off before you could stop yourself, “That was SIX years ago. I had at least some freedom there! Here I’ve been herded like cattle with no idea why I’m even back on this continent.” The words came out sharper then you intended, but you hadn’t spoken to your father much in your time away, and the little respect you had always shown him had been leached from you. No one talked like that in America.

He steeples his fingers and leaned back in the leather chair, an eyebrow twitching up, “You’re more valuable here. I have the feeling things will change, you studied abroad. You’ll be of use here.” he said with a razor efficiency that put your previous sharpness to shame. It made the beginning of a flush creep up your face. You would always be a child to him, you knew that, parents and all that, but some parents had a small semblance of acknowledgement for their adult children right?

“D-Dad? I don’t know if I can just go back to the other house now that I’m...you know- an adult.” You grumbled sounding more put out than you wanted to. But you couldn’t restrain it anymore.

“Oh don’t worry, you may not have the same freedoms altogether as in the States, you're too well known here, but you will be able to have a life. Interactions, experiences, when you were growing up it was just too volatile. It’s calmed down for now and has for a few years. The family is growing with very few roadblocks currently.” he mused and nodded to Jung-Ho.

The older man was standing next to the large door frame, eyes nearly glazed as he zoned out to avoid encroaching on the verbal volley happening in front of him, but the look quickly disappeared as he stepped out of the room and motioned with his hand. A figure straightened away from where he had lounged against the wall in the hallway to enter the office.

“He will be your detail while you’re here.” Your eyes had been trained on your father trying to riddle out what he could possibly mean by you being useful and having a shred of freedom. Your eyes finally snapped up to the newcomer, your jaw slackened slightly before you turned back to your father.

“He's a damn street rat of yours! How the hell is he going to be my detail?! If you want me dead-”

“ENOUGH!”

The word your father had abruptly roared rang through the room and you felt your fist clench tightly, your other hand that dangled your bag curled up into your chest, moving the bag in front of your body- for safekeeping.

“You know damn well if I wanted you dead I wouldn’t be putting up with this disrespectful bullshit of yours, and you also know good and FUCKING well I’ve listened to it this long! Yoongi was a kid when he did that work for me, he’s been with this family. He trained in close range combat, and he’s a great shot. There’s also not a sharper pair of eyes when it comes to his surroundings. You’re lucky I am putting him on you, when he could be staunching the fucking hemorrhage of money you fucking bleed out of me, or stopping another coup.” He finished in a tone that was so cold you turned your head to the side, not willing to look in the dark haired young man's direction, or in your father's direction either.

“Which also, that brings up the next point, cut down on the fucking spending, Y/N.” Your father was red in the face, and irritated, his tell the twitching fingers on the arm of the leather chair, the smooth surface was visibly worn on the edge where they typically rested. “I allowed it while you were gone, we’re not strapped, but I am sick of looking at the bills every month. I had to hire an fucking suit just to look after your expenses.” he growled and waved his hand to the door with force. “Yoongi is with you, all times except in this house, work out the fine print between yourselves, but he’ll be reporting in regularly to me and contacting me if you’re making his job harder than dealing with you already is. Out”

You didn’t want to do it, but you felt the painful prick that started in the bridge of your nose and spread up to your eyes in...frustration? Embarrassment? You weren’t sure what but it was enough for you to tilt your head back slightly and bark out a laugh. You found solace in your dramatic display of spinning and marching out into the hall, noting that Jung-Ho stayed back. Your new shadow was feet behind you as you slammed your hand into the up button next to the elevator, but nothing happened.

You stared for a few seconds before jamming your thumb into the button rapidly before a smooth deep voice behind you offered “If you step to the side I can enter the pin you need to call the elevator.” He nearly scoffed.

You tilted your head up and to the side, nearly sniffing like a children’s book character, “Great. I want to go to bed.” You hissed side stepping so he could reach out large pale hands to quickly type in the code. At least he pressed the up button for you to save a little dignity.

As soon as the door opened you jumped in, and Yoongi followed in. “Welcome back, Y/N. You grew up.” He said smoothly, not looking at you and you whipped your head towards him so fast you tweaked your neck.

“Fuck you, Min.” He chuckled lowly in response, head drooping and shaking out his hair.

“Look, I don’t know why you hate me. We were kids back when we knew each other. Now it's my job is to make sure you’re safe. Your father set aside a floor of the house for you, I’m staying in the room next to yours. Just didn’t want you to freak out when we get off and I follow you. We also need to go over-”

Your shriek of protest rang through the small space and he winced, cat like eyes narrowing tightly. “Are you fucking kidding me?!”

“Is there a better way for me to be close to you while respecting your privacy?” he grumbled, following you as you stepped out of the elevator, and you noticed, even though he hadn’t pressed anything other than the pin or the up button, you found yourself on another floor then you had entered. So your father had truly bothered to upgrade that shit box but not the fucking interior. Great.

“I’m 24 I don’t need a babysitter. Much less a live in babysitter. A maid would have done just fine.”

“Do you forget what your father does to pay for all your pretty things, Princess?” the mocking purr was enough for your eyes to flit over to him as his longer strides carried him in front of you easily. “You’ll let me know your daily schedule and I’ll stay as far away from you as I deem safe at the moment. Deviations in the schedule are unavoidable, but try not to be as much of an impulsive wreck as we heard you were in New York. I am not trying to deal with your instability and the fit you’re going to throw since he brought you back here.” his words were cold but steady and smooth, the truth in them made you bristle immediately, as you reached for the door he partially blocked.

“Didn’t you hear me the first time? Fuck you, Min.”

You stepped around him into your new bedroom, and swung the door shut with a flick of your wrist.

~

[lightsovermonaco]

Speed and Stress: Part 2

Masterlist

Thank you to @acollectionofficsandshit for betaing, your comments on this one were unhinged gold 

Word Count: 3.1k

Recommended Vibes: “Perfect Day” by Tundra Beats

Part 1

Your brother was late. Not that anyone was surprised.

“Got the time mixed up,” he says as you climb into his absurdly tall truck. Living in Texas for three years had turned him into somewhat of a country boy, though not enough that he forgot his upbringing. He was still a blue blooded Los Angeles boy, just with a love for trucks and longhorn cattle.

“At least I wasn’t waiting for an hour this time,” you say and sling your bag to the backseat. Deciding to get right to the good stuff, you clasp  your hands together. “So! I have some news.”

Hunter grins at you. “You finally found a job?”

You roll your eyes and shoot him a pointed look. “No, dipshit. Better than that. I got us paddock passes for the whole weekend.”

“WHAT?” He jerks the wheel, horns honking at you as other drivers swerve. You grab the dash to steady yourself, laughing at his outburst. “Do you know how hard it was for me to get general admission tickets? How the hell did you get paddock passes?”

“May have met someone pretty high up at McLaren in Los Angeles,” you say, examining your nails.

“Like, Zak Brown? You met Zak Brown?” Hunter was such a fan boy, you had to laugh. His love for McLaren ran so deep he practically bled blue and orange. The only reason you watched the sport was because of him shoving it down your throat for years, but damn if you weren't glad for it.

“Daniel Ricciardo.”

Hunter choked on air but managed to stay in his lane this time. “And you waited until now to tell me?”

“I didn’t know it was him when I met him! He was on a motorcycle and I stopped to help film a tiktok and then-”

“Of course you’d stop,” he mutters, shaking his head. “You’re a sucker for bikes.”

“Yeah well, lucky that I am, cause all I had to do was flirt to get us those passes.”

Your intention had never been to take advantage of Daniel. It was more the opposite in fact; you were just living in the moment and capitalizing on the once in a lifetime opportunity to flirt with your celebrity crush. You had to admit, it turned out better than you'd ever thought it would.

“I can’t believe you seduced Daniel freakin’ Ricciardo,” he says, shaking his head. “You astound me.”

“I didn’t seduce him!” You protest.

"Sorry my bad. You charmed him. That sound better?"

You roll your eyes. "Whatever. I damn near had a heart attack when I figured out it was him but he was kind enough to let me brush it off."

"Well, thank god for your two-wheeled obsession because without it, we would be watching the prix from the nosebleeds."

You laugh and shake your head. Hunter tended to have a poor filter when he was excited and tended to spew whatever was on his mind. "Just watch your tongue this weekend, alright? I'd rather embarrass myself than have you do it for me."

Hunter gives a mock salute. "Yes ma'am."

**********

You'd stuffed five different outfits in your bag in preparation for the grand prix weekend. In theory, it shouldn't be hard to decide what to wear. But Friday morning you changed clothes so many times you lost count. No matter what combination you tried you weren't satisfied.

Finally, you give up and settle on a McLaren polo and denim shorts. Simple and comfortable, but form fitting enough to catch Daniel's eye should you run into him.

You knew you shouldn't, but you pull out your phone to text him anyway.

Thanks again for the tickets. Let me know if you've got any free time so I can properly thank you!

You hit send before your brain has the chance to overanalyze the message. You check your phone obsessively the entire drive to the circuit, only half expecting a response. You tuck your phone in your pocket when you get to the gates, determined not to let it get to you. Daniel warned you he would be busy, and you knew that responding to you was likely on the low end of his list of priorities.

Hunter gets you to the circuit a half hour before they let fans in and you have to listen to him ramble about driver stats the entire time. Normally you don't mind; guessing who's most likely to win each Sunday is something of a competition in your household. But today, you couldn't focus enough to put any thought into your prediction, instead just blurting Daniel's name.

"You're only saying that cause he's into you," Hunter says, grinning savagely. "He struggles in Austin and you know it."

"So? He's in a McLaren this year. You saw his pace in Bahrain, and that was with a damaged floor! He'll podium for sure." You cross your arms and return his grin. "Besides, he's motivated."

"Oh, is he?"

"I told him I'd buy the winner of the United States grand prix a drink. Up to him whether it's him or Verstappen."

"Oh my god you have a date with Daniel Ricciardo?"

"Dude, chill out. It's not set in stone. Honestly, he's probably forgotten that I exist."

"Has he texted you?"

You glance down at your phone and are greeted with an empty inbox. "No. Not after the initial time so I could have his number." You shrug and pick an invisible piece of lint from your arm. "But he said he'd be too busy anyway."

"Guess we'll see once we get to will call, huh? If he's forgotten about you."

"Yeah." An odd feeling rolls through you. It feels a bit like nerves mixed with hope, but you stamp down on it. You were here to enjoy yourself. The trip of a lifetime had been handed to you on a golden platter and you were wont to let something as trivial as nervousness ruin it.

Bells chime as you step into the blissfully cool will call office. A blonde woman with a bit too much blush dusted on her cheeks greets you with a smile. 

"What can I do for you?"

"Picking up some tickets that were left for me by a driver?" You try, unsure of the proper procedure. "I don't have a paper or anything."

She waves a hand in the air as if she expected as much. "All I need is your identification. They should be under the name."

"Oh uh, of course." You motion for Hunter to hand over your wallet and show the woman your driver's license.

"Great. Wait here and I'll grab those for you."

You drum your fingers on the desk while waiting for her to return. After what feels like ages she re-emerges empty handed.

"I'm not seeing anything here with your name on it," she says, her plastic smile at odds with her sincerity. "I'm afraid your tickets aren't valid until Sunday."

"Can you double check? Daniel said they'd be here-"

"So sorry. There's no record of anyone dropping tickets off for you."

You blink, holding your tongue in the face of her blunt response. "Okay. I guess ill try and get it sorted out."

Hunter breaks the tension. "Can't you call him?"

"I can't just call him, I'm sure he's busy."

"Either that or we don't get in. Just do it, he gave you his number and specifically told you to let him know if there were any problems, didn't he?"

Yes he had, but that didn't mean you wanted to disturb him. He was probably knees deep in some sort of race weekend press conference or drivers meeting and heaven forbid you interrupt.  But it was either that or you slink home disappointed and empty handed.

"Fine," you grumble, pulling out your phone with deliberate slowness. Hunter crosses his arms and tips his head to the side, a smile playing on his lips.

"Well?"

"It's dialing, you good for nothing busybody-"

"I was wondering how long it would take you to call," Daniel answers, voice radiating sunshine.

You cut right to the chase, not giving yourself a single second to evaluate how your heart skips. "Look, I don't wanna distract you on a race weekend but I'm at will call and they're telling me they can't find any passes left for me."

"Let me guess," he starts, raising his voice to be heard over the pneumatic tools in the background, "You're dealing with Jenny?"

Your eyes fall to the name on the woman's lanyard. She shifts under your gaze like she knew exactly who you were on the phone with. "Yep. Spot on."

"Kinda figured she would be a problem. She's got a huge crush on me and does this every time."

You fight back the strange sensation his offhand comment brings to the surface. "Oh, really?"

"I'll be right there. Give me ten minutes or so."

"Oh you don't have to-"

"Hey, no big deal. I gotta go that way anyway."

"Uh, okay. See you soon?"

"Yup. On my way."

You hang up and stare down at the phone, stunned.

"Well?" Hunter asks.

"I guess he's coming here to sort it out himself."

He blinks rapidly and shakes his head. "Hold on. Are you telling me that I get to meet Daniel? Like right now?"

"Can you relax?" You laugh lightly. "Honestly you're gonna freak him out."

"Uh, yeah sure. No big deal, just meeting one of my favorite drivers in the minus five minutes and I'm completely unprepared. It's fine."

If you roll your eyes any harder they'd pop out of your head. "Relax. He's laid back, but I don't want you to freak out and embarrass us both."

"Excuse me," Jenny breaks in, her distaste clear. "Please move aside if you're not picking up passes."

"Er, yeah. Sorry." You shuffle awkwardly off to the side to wait. Cheesy elevator music plays and Jenny shoots you glares until the door squeaks open and the human incarnation of the sun steps inside. Your breathing stutters when the Australian shoots you a wink and a grin before sauntering up to the counter.

"Why hello there Jen," he says, and she giggles coyly. 

"Hi Daniel." She lays a hand on his forearm, the touch light and flirty. "What can I help you with?"

Daniel leans into her, whispering conspiratorially. Whatever he says has her bold smile faltering, replaced by a mask of professional cheer. Daniel shoots you another wink as the woman retreats to a back room, returning moments later with your supposedly missing passes.

"Thank you," Daniel says sweetly, taking them from her and turning to you. "I think these are yours."

"Thanks." You take the passes and hand one off to your awestruck brother. You nudge him and he comes to his senses in time to shake the hand Daniel sticks out.

"You must be the brother," he says. "I see you're a fan."

Dressed head to toe in McLaren colors, there was no other conclusion for Daniel to draw. For once your brother is the one stunned into silence so you answer for him, "Yeah, only a little. He was crushed when you left Red Bull cause Max is his other favorite driver and now he has to split his loyalties between teams."

Dan's laugh snaps Hunter out of his trance. "I know you're busy but do you think you can sign something for me?"

"Of course. How about this?" Daniel snatches the hat from Hunter's head and produces a sharpie from his pocket, signing the brim with practiced efficiency. 

"He'll be texting the group chat about that as soon as you're gone," you tell Daniel who laughs along with you.

Heat rises to your cheeks as Daniel's assessing gaze sweeps you from head to toe. "McLaren orange looks good on you."

Channeling his easy confidence you flash him a grin. "Not as good as it looks on you."

He smooths the hem of his soft shell jacket, smile turning bashful. "Anyway. I gotta run. See you Sunday after I win!"

Your eyes follow him as he jogs back through the paddock until he's swallowed by the crowd. You sigh, shifting your weight from foot to foot. God, he was gorgeous. And he had such a big heart. It was a shame someone hadn't snatched him up yet, but then again, that meant you still had a shot, even if it was a slim one.

"So where exactly do these get us?" Hunter toys with the lanyard now placed around his neck. "It doesn't say."

"I'm guessing the McLaren lounge," you say and point to the logo on the passes. "Above the garage."

"That's the perfect vantage point for practice."

And it was the perfect view- before getting in the car Daniel walked out into the pit, suited up in his cobalt racesuit and minty helmet and glanced up. You weren't sure if he saw you or not when you waved but he gave a little salute nonetheless.

Hunter was practically glued to the bank of floor to ceiling windows for the entirety of free practice, immersing himself in the experience. You found yourself glancing at the timing tables every lap, silently hoping to see the RIC tag move up. By the end of the second session he had been fourth fastest, a few tenths behind both Mercedes and the Red Bull of Verstappen. 

By the time you make it back to Hunter's house, you're both exhausted from a full day of running up and down the paddock. The pair of you had been determined to soak up every second of it, sneaking into whatever offices you could and stealing bites off the buffets and cups of coffee. 

Saturday’s free practice and qualifying session pass in a blur of color. Daniel drags his McLaren up the ranks to qualify fourth, his best starting position so far this season. He had a decent shot at the podium- Bottas should be easy pickings and if Verstappen and Hamilton made any mistakes, Daniel might even have a shot at the win.

The excitement in the air is palpable as you both flash your badges and head back up the now familiar path to the McLaren lounge. An hour before lights out, the v6 engines rumble to life below. You venture out onto the balcony, watching and waiting for a glimpse of Daniel.

The Aussie does you one better by walking out, race suit on and helmet in hand. He chats animatedly with Michael before stopping and craning his neck upwards. Michael nudges him with his elbow but Dan ignores him, answering your tiny wave with a wink. He mimes taking a drink and you roll your eyes.

Dan throws his head back and laughs, audible over the cacophony below. He gives you one final salute before Michael drags him back into the garage.

Ten minutes later cars begin streaming out on track, Daniel taking the fourth grid place as his mechanics once again swarm him. Tire blankets are secured, keeping them warm and pliable ahead of the formation lap. Thirty seconds before the boys are released, they're peeled back off as everyone scrambles off the pavement. Verstappen leads them away down the 3.4 mile track for the formation lap. Dan does a few small power slides before taking his place on the second row.

One by one, the red lights illuminate and disappear quicker than your blink. Daniel gets away clean while Bottas stumbles out of the gate, leaving himself wide open for Daniel's overtake on his right side. Cheers erupt around you, your brother going so far as to lift you off your feet.

Maybe Dan had a shot at winning after all.

A nail-biting 38 laps pass without a change in the order of the top three. Finally, a mistake in Max's pit stop sees him return to track third, just behind Daniel. The McLaren driver puts up the fight of his life, late braking at every corner and defending his position for all he was worth. Lewis was twenty seconds ahead- he wouldn't be winning but he could defend his second place spot.

Lewis Hamilton, race winner for the seventh time at the Circuit of the Americas!

Daniel Ricciardo crosses the line second, Max Verstappen takes home that last podium step for Red Bull. An astonishing fifty six laps here today in Austin!

The box erupts around you, a roar of cheers making it impossible to hear what else Crofty and Brundle were saying. But it didn't matter as Daniel raises his fist when he swings back into parc ferme, jumping out to be congratulated by his team. It was his first podium for the papaya team and you can tell it means the world to them.

"Looks like you're taking Lewis out for a drink," your brother teases. "Told you he wouldn't win."

"He almost won," you counter. "But hey, I'm not above asking Lewis on a date. Could you imagine? I mean, he would never agree, but still. It would be a hell of a date."

If you crane your neck from the balcony, you can just barely see the podium. Everyone goes quiet for the anthems and erupts again when the champagne is sprayed. The McLaren team chant for a shoey, which Daniel obliges. He sits to unlace his mint green boot and pours champagne into it, drinking from the boot before passing it to Max who joins in on the fun. 

Just as quickly as it began, the celebrations ebb. Daniel is the first to leave the podium which seems odd, given that the PR department surely wants his first big win for the team to be well documented.

Your phone buzzes a second layer. You fish it out of your pocket, a Cheshire grin splitting your face.

"Shouldn't you be busy celebrating?"

"I am," Dan starts, sounding breathless. You can barely hear him over the sound of the crowds chants behind him. "But I want to celebrate with you. I know I didn't win, but how about you let me buy you a drink instead?"

You barely hear anything beyond his first sentence. I want to celebrate with you. Were you dreaming? There was no way this was real.

"Um, I'm sorry, you want to celebrate by going out with me instead of your team?"

"If you'll let me. Hey- just text me okay? I can barely hear you over everyone screaming my name. It may be going to my head."

You laugh, drawing the attention of the vip's nearest you. You give an apologetic smile and move further from the crowd. "I'll text you an address. See you later, second place."

[soramei]

Intentional - Part 4

Pairing: Bang Chan x Reader (she/her)

Summary: Landing your first real job at JYPE was something short of a miracle. You were prepared to face the new struggles of this elusive career whilst moving to a new country, however, nothing could have prepared you for him. Will stolen glances, secret touches, and hushed nights spent in the recording room ever be enough for the both of you?

Genre: idol!bang chan au, forbidden relationship, coworkers to eventual lovers, slow burn

Warnings: none right now, eventual smut

Word Count: 3.4k

Masterlist

A/N: DOUBLE UPLOAD! So i decided to split this part in two since i didn't want it to drag on for too long... next part will be uploaded tomorrow!

Taglist (reply to be tagged!): @planetdemon​ @hvunvely​ @fluffybitch0325​ @fashi0nablee @juststop88

You picked up the lanyard, looking between your burnt jacket in one hand and the vandalized piece of plastic in the other. The burnt polyester felt rough against your fingers. It was littered with black holes, almost to the point where it was unrecognizable as your jacket.

The lanyard, on the other hand, was almost untouched — save for the black marker that was sketched on the plastic. In the picture, on the part where your upper body was showing, there was only the black marker. The black blob stretched across your torso, the shape depicting a hoodie. Your eyes landed on the eyes in your picture. Thick lines drawn in the shape of an X covered both of them.

You quickly entered your apartment, hoping nobody saw you. You then stood completely still, listening to the silence, trying to find if anybody had broken into your home. After a minute, when it seemed as if you were the only person in there, you decided to lay the two vandalized items on your desk to further analyze them.

Your brain immediately tried to play this down by assuming that these were just kids who did this to your stuff, after all, it was something very immature. Children were the only people who had the time to play with fire and draw on other people’s pictures.

However, your gut told you something different. Why was your jacket along with your lanyard placed right in front of your apartment? Why was the marker outline specifically in the shape of a hoodie? Who could have known you were in the parking lot at that time of day?

Your mind drifted to one specific person. Manager Kim. He not only saw that you were in the parking lot that day with that jacket on, but also he knew your face from the lanyard. But why would he do something this childish? And how did he know where you lived?

The parking lot security guard had also been there when you wore that jacket, but he didn’t even look at you. And he would have no motive to do this sort of thing.

You rubbed your chin in thought, still not understanding everything. Was there somebody else that knew you were there?

Still feeling anxious, you began to prepare a cup of tea. You were reminded of Bang Chan. The tea. The smell of his hoodie.

His hoodie. The black hoodie.

Realization hit you like a truck as your eyes widened in disbelief. Was it maybe… Bang Chan?

Your heart was beating out of your chest. Hands shaking, you picked up your phone to call him, silently begging for the mysterious person to not be him.

He picked up.

“Hello? Y/n?”

You stayed silent.

“Is there something wrong?” He asked.

“I… I lost my jacket and it had my lanyard in it,” you tried to be careful with your words, not wanting to rouse suspicion from him, “have you seen it anywhere?”

“No,” you could almost see Bang Chan furrowing his eyebrows, “I’m still in the building though. I could look for it?”

“That’s alright,” you sighed in relief. He genuinely sounded confused, and plus, he was always so nice — there was no way he would ever do this kind of thing to you. You felt guilty for even suspecting him. “Thanks for offering though.”

“Y/n.”

“Hmm?”

“I know I said this before, but,” he paused, “if you need help with anything I’ll be there. I mean it.”

A chill ran down your spine at the seriousness of his voice. “I know. Thanks.”

You hung up, uneasy. The problem was unsolved, and to be honest, you were a little scared. There was somebody that knew who you were and where you lived. It was probably a good idea to change the passcode to your lock.

The kettle started to whistle. You turned off the flame of your stove and poured yourself a cup of tea, hoping that it would calm you down. Although it did a little, you still felt apprehensive about the whole thing. Your mood stayed the same the whole night, even when you tried to scroll through your phone or go to sleep.

The next day, you woke up with your mind cleared. No longer were you still feeling the aftershocks of the creepy jacket burner, and with your mood lifted more, you felt like you could think more objectively.

And that’s exactly what you did.

Throughout your whole week, this incident stuck in the back of your mind. Although your memory was getting fuzzier and fuzzier with the passing days, you still tried to work out who the culprit was in your free time.

Your mind was also filled with something else. Or was it someone else?

It seemed like, during the whole week, you couldn’t stop thinking of Bang Chan. You had to put part of the blame on him, though. Everytime he had a free moment in his busy schedule — granted it was rare that he did — he wanted to see you.

From secretly bringing you snacks from the vending machine to summoning you to his recording room in order to show his newest creation, he always seemed to stay busy even in his free time. You weren’t complaining, though. It was nice to have a friend who was so different from what you were used to.

You also spent a lot of time with Na-eun too. However, the time you spent with her felt different. Not in any good or bad way, just different. With her, it was mainly in the cafeteria, raving over the food after finally finding a free table. It was also trying to talk over everybody in the crowded streets as you two went shopping after work.

You liked it, sure. But with Bang Chan, every moment felt more intimate. Every smile, every laugh or brush of the hand. Was this what becoming friends felt like?

Other than these intrusive thoughts, the rest of your time was taken up by work. Although you were starting to get the hang of your tasks, there were still many mistakes made. Mistakes in which you had to profusely apologize to Manager Chen for, that you had to stay late nights to fix, mistakes which made you almost lose your mind. You hoped that Manager Chen could see your dedication to not only this project, but your job as a whole.

In the duration of this week, you managed to check in with every department involved with the project and partake in the finalization of the Mid-Autumn Festival content idea. It was decided that the group would do three activities: make lanterns, bake mooncakes, and share a fire while watching the moon. All while in the mountains.

You were surprised when Manager Chen asked you to come along to the shooting despite your inexperience. However, it wasn’t a chance you were going to pass up.

The week was hectic. So hectic, that you didn’t even realize it was almost over until Na-eun brought it up.

“Ugh, I wish I could just steal a whole tray of this food home,” you rolled your eyes. The two of you were raving once again at the cafeteria food. You wished you actually knew how to cook.

“Can you not cook?” She asked.

“I can fry an egg,” you said, stuffing more rice in your mouth.

“My six year old niece can do that,” she laughed. Her eyes widened. “What if I come over tonight and teach you? We’ll make fried rice, even you can’t screw that up.”

“Ha,” you said dryly. “I would, but I have literally nothing in my fridge.”

Na-eun gave you a deadpan look.

“How were you able to stay alive for the past couple weeks? At least you got skinner.” She sneered. “We’ll stop by the grocery store after work, I’ll teach you the bare minimum of living alone.”

And that was exactly what the two of you did. Right after you clocked out of work, you met up with Na-eun to go shopping. You decided to take out some cash to pay for your groceries, an action that Na-eun found hilarious. She was almost crying as she explained that a few groceries didn’t cost as much as you thought.

Your trip was successful. The two of you made it all the way back to your apartment and didn’t waste a second to get started. Halfway through setting things up, Na-eun got a text.

“Hey, is it okay if Yoojin comes? I guess she got jealous that I was here with you and she wasn’t.” She chuckled.

“Of course,” you eagerly nodded. “But, wouldn’t it be hard to get here with her injury?”

“What injury?”

“You know,” you continued, “her ankle.”

“She seemed fine to me.” Na-eun said as she started on the rice.

“Maybe she healed fast.” You shrugged.

“Maybe,” she shrugged back and returned to her task.

You texted Yoojin your address, and it wasn’t long before she was knocking at your door. You opened your door, and she immediately leaped at you for a hug.

“Oh, Y/n! I’m still so sorry for that day, I honestly feel horrible.” She pouted, her big eyes staring at you for a response.

“It’s really nothing, Yoojin.” You tried to sound casual. You let her in your apartment. “But, doesn’t your ankle hurt? There’s a lot of stairs coming up.”

“Oh, uhm, the doctor said it was only a minor injury.” She paused. “And I heal fast.”

“That’s good,” you smiled, patting her shoulder.

“But I still feel so bad, Y/n.” She whined. “Lemme make it up to you. I’ll set you up with this really hot guy I know. He’s a law student. You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?”

“Kim Yoojin!” Na-eun yelled.

“How about it? You’re free tomorrow, right?” Yoojin looked at you, ignoring Na-eun.

“I guess so,” you hesitantly agreed, “since it’s the weekend tomorrow.”

“Great!” Yoojin wrapped her arms around you, jumping up and down. “I’ll text you everything tonight.”

Yoojin kept up with her promise. After the three of you stuffed yourselves with good food, your two friends decided to leave before it got too dark. It was just a bit later when Yoojin’s text came through. You were to have dinner with this man called Kang Taehyun at an Italian restaurant tomorrow. Although you weren’t too thrilled with the idea of eating pasta, you figured you could withstand it for one night on the basis of trying something new.

You didn’t know how you felt about going on this date. Although you were excited to meet somebody new, something just felt off. Plus, you’ve never been on a blind date before. Who knows how good Yoojin’s judge of character was, or if this guy was like anything that Yoojin described.

You sighed, putting those thoughts aside. It was just a one time thing anyways, and who knows? Maybe this could lead to something. You looked over at Bang Chan’s hoodie. His warm hoodie that smelled so much like him. You should return it soon.

It was almost like he read your mind. As soon as you looked away, your phone rang with a call from Bang Chan.

“Hello?” You picked up.

“Hey, did you find your jacket?” He asked. You were surprised he still remembered.

“No… not yet.” You drifted off.

“Oh. We’ll keep looking for it, yeah? I’ll just buy you a new one if you can’t find it.”

You giggled. A couple seconds of silence passed.

“My shoot ends at six tomorrow. Wanna go to that barbecue place I was talking about?” He asked.

That’s right. Bang Chan couldn’t stop raving about that barbecue restaurant the whole week. He was really excited as his diet would end when he was done with his photoshoot, and he was apparently craving meat the whole time. All his praise made you very eager to see what the hype was all about.

You were about to eagerly accept, but then you remembered the date you had just planned not even a moment earlier. “Can we go another time? I… kinda have a blind date tomorrow.”

A few more seconds passed before you heard Bang Chan’s voice again.

“Blind date?”

“Yeah, my friend set it up. We’re going to this Italian place. Apparently he’s a really nice and handsome guy. He’s a law student, too.”

“Wha- law student? Y/n, are you sure you should be going on a blind date now? I mean, you just got here. You don’t know the city that well and you don’t even like pasta. What if he’s dangerous?” Bang Chan scoffed, his words got faster with each sentence.

“Chan, it’s okay. You don’t need to worry, I’ll be safe. Plus, I trust my friend.”

“You mean your friend you only just met?”

Silence.

“I only just met you as well.” You spat, slightly insulted that he would speak like that about Yoojin.

There was more silence that lingered.

“Whatever. Have fun on your date.” Bang Chan spat back, his harsh tone matching yours. Right after he said that, he hung up.

You looked angrily at your phone. Frowning, you threw your phone on your bed. Who was he to get angry at you for having a blind date? You recognized the dangers of meeting somebody new, but you trusted Yoojin. You were confident that Yoojin was honest about Taehyun.

A boyfriend would be nice too. Ever since your last relationship early in your university career, you haven’t had the best luck with men. It could have been because of how closed off your old friend group was. Your friends stayed consistent ever since you were young, and it was way too awkward to date a friend. You also found yourself way too closed off to go out and meet any new people.

Yes, tomorrow would be a good experience, you told yourself.

The next day, the hours leading up to your date felt like they had passed way too fast. The call with Bang Chan from last night still lingered on your tongue like sour candy, but you were determined to push past that in order to get ready on your date. After all, you didn’t want any frown lines to show.

You were excited to get ready. The amount of time it took to do both your hair and makeup was embarrassingly long, as you wanted everything to look just right for tonight. You didn’t want a hair to be out of place. You also took your sweet time to pick an outfit. Although the skirt you picked out probably wasn’t fit for the fall weather, you stuck with it anyways, choosing to layer a jacket over your outfit. One of your non-burnt jackets.

Double checking yourself in the mirror one last time, you locked the door and headed out. The streets were busy tonight. They were filled with people of all ages trying to relax from their tiring week.

Finding the restaurant wasn’t a hassle as the place was conveniently located at one of the busiest streets for weekend night-life. Dim yellow lights illuminated the tall glass windows just enough for you to see just the shadows of people enjoying their Saturday night. Green vines wrapped around the building, twirling and twisting their way around every crevice available. You tried not to fiddle with your thumbs as you nervously entered the lavish looking Italian restaurant.

“Hello, table for Kang Taehyun?” You asked the hostess. She showed you to a little table right beside a window. It was illuminated by a single candle, and already had two glasses of wine placed on it. And sitting at the table, hands crossed in front of him, was a hideously gorgeous man.

He looked like something out of a drama, really. With his tall nose and his sharp jaw, you struggled to convince yourself that this was a real man. His hands looked twice the size of yours.

“Hi, Y/n?” He asked. “I’m Kang Taehyun.”

He smiled and gestured for you to sit in the empty chair in front of him. You politely greeted him back and sat down. The two of you made some small talk before ordering. He made some suggestions on what to order, but you didn’t really care. You knew you wouldn’t like any of the pastas anyway. Plus, you swore to yourself you wouldn’t be drinking alcohol in front of strangers again.

“I’m surprised you agreed to this date.” You said, awkwardly laughing. “Isn’t a law student supposed to be really busy, especially around this time?”

“Well, I’m mainly doing this as a favour for Yoojin. She helped me with one of my classes.” He took a swig of his wine. “That girl is crazy smart. Or should I say crazy, but smart?”

“Oh?” You didn't want to admit that you were a bit disappointed he only agreed because of a favour. But he was being honest, so that was fair. What he said about Yoojin, though, took you by surprise.

“I’ve only heard rumors,” he tilted his head, “but some say that once in first year she went crazy over a guy. Started stalking him and everything. Apparently she even burned all his textbooks just because he started talking to another girl. They weren’t even dating.”

Your eyes widened at the allegations. There was no way any of that was true. You couldn’t imagine Yoojin — sweet, sweet Yoojin — to be capable of anything like that. There was no way her big puppy dog eyes and her fluffy hair could hurt a soul.

“Are you sure that’s what happened?” You asked.

“I mean, the guy was put into a mental hospital shortly after everything happened,” he shrugged, “so who knows? Maybe he made everything up in his head.”

“Yeah, maybe.” You nodded your head in agreement. Some of your hair fell on your pasta. You blushed, quickly trying to dab the sauce away using a napkin.

“You know Y/n,” Taehyun chuckled, “you’re cute. You’re not my type. I mean, I’ve only ever dated models before, but maybe it’s time to start settling down since I’ll be working at the firm soon.”

Thanks, I guess? You thought. You honestly didn’t know if that was a compliment or a jab, but either way you felt slightly insulted. You didn’t know how to reply to that, but it didn’t take long before Taehyun started again.

“I mean, look at my ex,” he said as he pulled up a picture of his ex-girlfriend on Instagram. She looked flawless in her bikini. “There’s no way I could actually marry somebody like that, right?”

If he says ‘I mean’ one more time… You thought to yourself. This date was turning south fast. This man was extremely handsome — almost god-like — but every word that left his mouth was poison infused arrogance. You didn’t know which was worse: listening to the man in front of you talk about his ex, or eating the pasta that was ordered by him.

You tried your best to stay polite with him for the rest of the evening. It was hard, though, as his cocky personality kept poking you down the whole time. It wasn’t until you finally separated that you had space to breathe. Great, you were left both hungry and annoyed.

Turning the lights on in your home, you sat at the kitchen table, still annoyed over your bad night. You took out your phone, wanting to scroll through the food delivery apps to find something to eat. Your thumbs began drifting.

No, stop. You silently begged yourself. Please, not tonight.

Your body didn’t seem to listen to your mind, however, as your thumb stayed hovering over Bang Chan’s contact. You pleaded to yourself to not press it, but your fingers seemed to have an agenda of their own. You pressed his contact. The phone call started.

One ring. Two rings.

“Hello, Y/n?”

You were shocked. He wasn’t supposed to pick up. Not after how poorly your last conversation went. You didn’t know what to say.

“Chan, how was the photoshoot?” You didn’t know what to say. You didn’t expect him to even pick up.

“It went great — feels good that it’s over, though.” He chuckled.

You wanted to tell him about your date: how arrogant Taehyun was, how fancy the restaurant was, how nasty the pasta was. You wanted to say all that, but tonight it seemed like your body just wouldn’t cooperate with your mind. And sure enough, you caught your mouth running before your mind. But this time, you couldn’t stop yourself.

“Chan,” you took a deep breath, “wanna come over?”

[padfootdaredmetoo]

Tired - Wade X Reader

Reader is a mutant who teams up with Wade & Peter on patrols and is Wade's girlfriend.

After a particularly gruelling night out she gets overwhelmed and Wade is more than happy to provide comfort.

Warnings - Panic & stress are described / Periods & Blood mentioned

*Requests are open if anyone is interested*

It was a long night of trouble. It seems that when it rains it pours in regards to both organized and disorganized crime. They must all get their horoscope from the same paper.

“Friday night will bring great promise for your illegal business affairs. If you have been holding out, make your move, now is the time to go full throttle.”

All the lowlifes seem to flock to the center of the city like moths to a flame. This meant that while we normally work as a team, we had to split up multiple times. If Peter didn’t already look like a Mac truck had run him over & reversed back for a second go, you might not feel so anxious about leaving him.

Wade on the other hand was a tank, you had to worry about the things around him more than the merc himself.

After a particularly awful fight, you really hoped that she would be the final mob boss of the night. Being on high alert for the better part of 8 hours you were starting to feel the night's events take its toll.

Making it to the meet up spot at the top of their favourite building, you laid down on your back feeling relieved you didn’t see anything requiring your attention on the way back.

Looking up at the sky starting to change colour, your mind started to race through everything that had happened. Mind calculating and trying to make sense of every punch thrown. You had gotten your period that morning, almost failed a test at school, and beaten up at least 40 people. Absently you laid your hand on your ribs and flinched at the pain.

“Babe! You okay?!” Wade called out in panic, running across the roof top to you.

“I’m good! I’m good!” You said trying to avoid causing panic. It wouldn't be the first time you got stabbed or shot. You tried to sit up but let out a moan and gave up.

“Everything hurts! But I’m good”

“You don’t seem good. Don’t get me wrong you look hot. But I think it's past your bedtime.” Big arms came and picked you up.

"Are you okay?" you mumbled

"Never better babe, took down the baddies, saved the day, now I get to carry the princess home" You were relived that he came across genuinely happy.

“You don’t have to carry me” You whispered secretly hoping he doesn’t stop.

“Yeah but I want to so hush” His voice sounded even deeper with your ear pressed against his chest.

You loved it when Wade took care of you, but guilt was never far behind those feelings. Peter checked in and told them he was on his way back to the apartment.

The whole ride back you thought about how you were being a burden. Wade never showed it, but how many times have people snapped at you out of the blue. You were a lot to handle. You had made a lot of progress with your mental health and panic attacks in the last 7 years. You didn’t have much of a choice when your mutation causes everything else around you to shake just as hard as your body does.

Wade dealt with things much like Professor Xavier & Erik did. Growing up in the mansion Erik was by far the best person to calm you down. Somehow you always knew deep down he never saw you as a destructive or an evil force. Just someone to be cared for and respected. They never made you feel like a burden.

Now as an adult you decided to take a break from the X-men and joined up with Team Red.

“Sweetums, can you get the door.” Wade brought you back to your surroundings. You reached out and opened the front door. Wade carried you through to his ensuite bathroom and placed you gently on the marble countertop.

You had no motivation to move or speak, it was a relief when Wade started to take off your clothes for you. He looked you over for any notable injuries but so far it was just a lot of bruising.

“Babe, I love you but blue ain't your colour. I shouldn’t have left you on the docs alone” He said in a sad voice, fingers brushing over your ribs and stomach.

“It was fine Wade. The humans were a slice of cake. It was their spooky mutant henchmen that really went for the gold” You mumbled. She had been able to absorb your mutation and use it against you. You gave Wade the gory details while he got himself undressed and started the shower.

“Your shaking.” He stated while pulling you into the shower. He put you directly under the hot spray and held you tightly in his arms.

Now that you weren’t fighting or running to the next fight, you realized the more you calmed down the more worn out you were.

By the way Wade started lecturing about his favourite episode of Golden Girls you knew that he knew you weren’t okay. Looking down at some point you could see blood streaming down your legs.

“Oh. Sorry. I uh-” Embarrassment flooded your face, a sense of anxiety swelling in your tender stomach. Wade only started laughing.

“Babe. I have bled on every surface of this apartment. You bleeding is never going to bother me. Unless you're hurt.” he kissed your forehead and went back to his in depth argument.

Next thing you know he’s drying you off in a towel like you remembered people doing when you were a kid. Like being in a tornado.

He disappeared and came back with one of his shirts and a clean pair of panties. You said thank you as he headed out of the bed room.

You wanted to ask him how you could help him or apologize for getting like this, but all your words got stuck in a tight knot in your chest. Your brain put the night's evening on re-run again just to make sure you didn’t miss all the things you should have done differently. Mostly you just wished you could be sassy like Peter, or funny like Wade was. You cleaned yourself up then flopped onto his bed. Breathing in the scent of his sheets. Even though Wade normally ran hot his bed was always covered with a million of the softest blankets and quilts.

After getting nested and closing your eyes something warm was placed in your lap. It was a nice plate of cheese & chicken quesadillas. Your stomach gave a lurch that informed you that you were very hungry.

Wade hopped up on the bed and sat cross legged scarfing down the too hot meal. Suddenly you were overwhelmed with feelings.

“Wade?” you said shakily. You didn't even know what you were going to tell him. There weren't words to explain how you felt. Happy, loved, safe, tired, angry, scared, embarrassed, ashamed....

“Yeah” He said between mouthfuls

“I’m not doing okay ” You looked over at him and started crying.

“Awe puppy. It’s okay. I’m here. Peter’s down the hall. Matt is downstairs. No one’s gonna hurt you here.” His eyes were filled with an understanding that only made your heart ache more.

“I’m sorry I don’t know why I feel like this” You felt tired and no matter what you thought of you couldn’t stop crying.

“If its about that cat fight earlier, you kicked her ass once. You can do it again.”

You let out a wet laugh and got down your food.

Wade took your plate and put in on the dresser, then flopped onto the bed pulling you down into him.

"I'm sorry. I normally don't cry like this" You said with a heaving chest, pain starting to creep its way into your brain.

"Even if you cried like this all the time I'd still be here loving you." He whispered in a deep voice while settling you into a comfortable spot.

As soon as you were trapped there with a full belly tangled up in a hoard of blankets and Wade's heavy limbs. You felt your body start to relax. He ran his fingers through your hair whispering soft murmurs of encouragement. That you were his and that you were safe.

[chicksung]

Can’t You See Me? || Choi Chanhee

part of @ficscafe fic exchange event!

Genre: angst, little bit of fluff, ghost!au

Pairing: ghost!chanhee x reader (ft. younghoon)

Word Count: 2.4k

Warning/s: death, depictions of depression, dealing with death, mentions of a car accident

Synopsis: You loved Chanhee, with your whole being. You didn’t what you would do without him. However, it seems like life intended for you to be without him for the rest of your days

A/N: this fic is for rani @letteredwings please enjoy lovely. sorry that it’s a little late :/ this is unedited. please ignore any mistakes

any and all feedback is appreciated

Choi Chanhee promised you that he would love you until the day he would inevitably stop breathing and cease to exist. You always laughed off the comment, thinking it was just a stupid saying he would be saying into old age. You wished you had taken it as a sign, maybe you would’ve been more cautious, maybe this whole situation could’ve been avoided. What you didn’t know is that he had died a liar when he said those ridiculous words. He loved you after he passed too.

Chanhee stood helplessly in the kitchen, watching you stand there with an aching heart. You were wide eyed, shocked and frozen from the news.

“I’m…sorry?” You stammered, hoping, praying, that your ears were deceiving you with mean elementary school tricks.

“Is your partner Choi Chanhee?” The man’s voice seemed down, like he was scared to tell you again.

“Yes, he is. We’ve been together since high school,” You informed him, trying to push down the sickening churning in your stomach.

“I regret to inform you that your partner has passed away. We received a call this morning of an accident. A truck had collided with a car. The truck driver seemed to be okay, but your partner’s injuries seemed to be more serious.” Every word pricked your heart, which was as fragile as a balloon being poked with a needle, “We tried everything, but he eventually passed away. I’m very sorry for your loss.” You nodded, your chest tightened painfully, your vision blurry from the tears in your eyes. 

“Alright, thank you for letting me know. Have a good afternoon, sir,” You signed off, trying to keep your voice from cracking.

“You too, and again, I’m sorry for your loss,” The line went dead and you placed the phone on the kitchen counter. Chanhee? Dead? No, he can’t be. He had specifically said he would be careful on the road. Tears slipped down your cheeks like sweet raindrops, your knees pathetically giving out as you wailed, yelling out obscenities and curses. Chanhee ran behind you.

“No, I’m right here! Can’t you see-” He went to place his hand on your shoulder when he realised how pale, almost transparent, he was. He sat beside you on the floor, a million thoughts passing through his mind. He couldn’t comfort you, only able to listen to you cry his name in a desperate plea to bring him back to you. Chanhee’s heartstrings tugged harshly, but he was helpless. He was nothing but a memory now, a missing part of your shared apartment, a ghost. 

You stood amongst crowds of familiar faces, his friends, family, distant relatives, colleagues, the list goes on. Who they were didn’t really matter to you, what mattered was the casket being carried away from the church doors and out into the miserable weather. Fitting, you supposed, that it was pouring with rain on the day of his funeral. Attendees moved outside, umbrellas creating a dismal cloud of sorrow above them. It had been two weeks since Chanhee had passed away now, but for some reason you could not bring yourself to cry. No matter how many times you felt his absence, not even after looking in his open casket, no tear stung your eye. You watched emotionlessly as his coffin was slowly dropped into the rectangular hole just beneath his headstone. 

                    Here lies Choi Chanhee

                Loving son, brother and friend

                 April 26 1998 - August 17 2021

                   Until we meet again, my love

You felt a hand slide across your shoulder comfortingly, Chanhee’s best friend, Younghoon’s. You didn’t react, didn’t flinch, didn’t move. You remained stone cold and kept your face void of expression. A different feeling settled in the pit of your stomach. Irritation? Anxiety? Frustration? It was hard to describe, which typically meant it was complicated, and you didn’t really like complicated feelings. You could sense a storm coming, and judging from the storm clouds of emotion in your mind, it didn’t look like it would be clearing up any time soon.

A distance away from the gathering of mourners, a pale figure stood solemnly. Sure, watching his own funeral felt weird, but Chanhee could only think of you, and how you stood there, in a similar way to him, unable to display your emotions. He wished for one second, just one, that he could understand what you were thinking, feeling, praying. Maybe there would be a way to ease the pain you felt in your heart? He was technically responsible for said pain, so shouldn’t he try and fix it?

Younghoon had been coming over more, Chanhee would notice when he would be sitting on the foot of your bed, which you had not made the effort to get out of. Everyday, the time you would eventually get up would be pushed back. Before, it was only an hour later, then it was two, then three, then four, until one day, he noticed that you only got up to go to the toilet. He would listen to you cry, sniffle, send the occasional text to someone. Younghoon had seemed to notice, so had made it routine that he would come over at exactly 1:09pm every day to help you get out of bed and try to create a productive day together. Chanhee had memorised the sound of Younghoon’s footsteps, the sound of his keys jingling in the door’s lock, the way he would hum as he made his way to the bedroom. Younghoon had become the life inside of the dead quiet house. Chanhee noticed the way that his best friend would look at you, the sad sigh that would escape his lips when he saw you, sprawled out and weeping. 

“Come on. You can’t keep moping in here,” Younghoon sauntered over to your bedside, crouching down to get a better view of your face.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want. Go away,” you hissed, pulling the covers over your head, childishly pretending that if you couldn’t see him, he would simply fade from existence. 

“Bubba,” he called out sweetly, tugging the covers out of your grasps, “you’re running low on food. I don’t want you going hungry, and besides, it’s a nice day outside. Whaddya say?” With a low groan, you slowly rose from the safety of your sheets, loose hairs sticking up in wild directions. Chanhee rushed to your side, his cold touch to your cheek sending a cold shiver down your spine. He sighed somewhat sadly as he watched Younghoon help you out of bed. It should be him helping you out of bed every morning, it should be him trying to motivate you with small activities. However, deep down he knew that if it were him, you wouldn’t even be struggling to get out of bed in the morning. He was the cause of your lack of motivation, he was the cause of your pain, your suffering. Every emotion you were feeling right now was because of him, and somehow, in some way, he wished he was still there. He wished he was Younghoon.

“Where’s Uncle Chanhee?” Your young nephew looked up at you with big eyes, confusedly looking around to find his favourite uncle. You sighed softly. You knew you would have to have this discussion with him sooner or later. 

“Uncle Chanhee...isn’t going to be coming today,” you explained, kneeling down to the four year old’s level. Chanwoo’s bottom lip quivered slightly, “Why not?” He asked with glossy eyes. He had been really looking forward to playing with Uncle Chanhee, and couldn’t understand why he didn’t wanna play with him. You knew Chanwoo was too young to understand death, but he had seemingly noticed Chanhee’s absence. You chewed the inside of your cheek, trying to think of some sort of acceptable lie to tell a child. 

“He’s not well today. He says he really wish he could play today, but he had to stay home,” You pet the boy’s head softly, hoping he would understand. The little boy nodded, seeming to understand.

“Can I make Uncle Chanhee a get well soon card?” He asked with wonder in his eyes, and you would have to be a monster to have said no.

“Of course, Woo. Go get your craft things.”

You helped your nephew decorate his ‘card’ which was really just a folded sheet of printer paper, but you weren’t about to rain on his innocent parade. 

“I’m still sad that I can’t play with Uncle Chanhee. I wish he was here,” Chanwoo admitted, writing a sweet message in lopsided messy handwriting. 

“Just because he’s not here in person, doesn’t mean he’s not here in spirit,” you explained, drawing a sun in the corner of the card for the youngster to colour in. 

“What do you mean?”

“It's kind of like magic,” you pondered aloud, “like a hug you can feel from someone who is not there.” The child nodded.

“Yeah! Like it still feels like mommy is hugging me even when she’s not there,” it was your turn to nod. 

“Exactly, Woo! You’re such a clever boy,” you ruffled his soft hair, making him giggle uncontrollably.

You were right, in a way. Chanhee was there, as a literal spirit. He felt a warm surge crash over his pale body, knowing that Chanwoo wanted to make him a card without fully understanding what was going on. A child too sweet for this world. However, it wasn’t Chanwoo he was focusing on. It was you. You weren’t crying, you weren’t wailing his name in agony. You seemed peaceful, collected, like you were watching the sunset over the sea. You were starting to come to terms with no longer having your boyfriend there. Sure, it pained you every morning to roll over and say good morning to someone who never even got into bed that night, but it didn’t hurt as much as it used to. He was unsure how long you would stay in this peaceful mindframe, but only the best storyteller will tell, time.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?” Younghoon asked softly, eyes just as gentle as his words. You nodded, confident in your decision. You were a little unsure when you first brought up the idea to him, but it had to be done. The both of you walked up the hill in the cemetery, hands intertwined. You two had been dating for some time now, but you always had this lingering feeling that Chanhee wouldn’t like what you were doing. You loved Chanhee dearly, but you felt the same about Younghoon. It had been almost seven months since you received that phone call, but slowly everything in your life was piecing itself back together, formerly shattered after the tsunami of emotions that wiped out everything that made you feel human. You stood at the face of his gravestone, his name etched prettily into the cool rock. 

“Hey,” you greeted, your hand slipping out of your boyfriend’s. Chanhee displayed an invisible smile.

Hey.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” The sentence felt awkward and heavy on your tongue. 

It has. How have you been?

“I’ve been doing well. Just trying to get by, you get it.”

Yeah, I get it. Is that Younghoon?

“I was getting to that. I’m not sure how it happened, but it did. He helped me a lot after you passed. I owe him a lot. Mainly ice cream,” You laughed at yourself, partially because of your bad joke, and partially because of how ridiculous you must sound to anyone passing by.

You’re dating now?

“Yeah. I just...I wanted to say thank you,” you blurted, playing with the tips of your fingers.

Why are you thanking me?

“You taught me a lot, Chanhee. How to cook ramen properly, how to make the best oven baked pizza anyone has ever had, but most of all, you taught me how to love. And while I love you so much, my god, you can’t even believe to comprehend it, I’ve found someone else that I love,” You felt tears spring to your eyes. You were the only one talking, so why did it sound like you were saying goodbye? You glanced at Younghoon, who only smiled weakly. 

“Can I say a few words?” Younghoon stepped forward, placing his hand on your shoulder, the same way he had done the dismal day of Chanhee’s funeral. You nodded wordlessly, watching your boyfriend stride towards the grave of his best friend. Younghoon traced the etched marks of his friend’s name before giving a small smile.

“You’ve been gone too long,” he started, giving a sad chuckle, “and a lot has happened during that time.” Chanhee laughed silently at his friend’s words, slumping against the cold headboard of his resting place.

“But I will promise you this. I will look after them for you. I will care for, and nurture and love them for you. It’s what best friends are for, right?”

Chanhee nodded, a friendly smile finally adorning his features. He felt something new, something he hadn’t felt in a long time, peace. His body felt as light as a feather, as if it was drifting through the breeze. He dropped his gaze to his hands, only to see that the aforementioned body part wasn’t there. He was fading, an experience he had thought about many times before, but somehow, it wasn’t as scary as he thought it would be. Chanhee looked to you, and he could’ve sworn that for a moment, just one moment, you could see him, slowly dematerialising out of existence. He wasn’t scared anymore, scared of how you would cope without him. You had Younghoon, the only person other than you that he trusted his life with. 

“Until we meet again, my love,” Chanhee bade his final farewell to this world, taking a small bow and with a slight change in the wind’s direction, he was gone. 

You felt light, like the weight of an entire urbanised city had been lifted off your shoulders. Younghoon took his place by your side once more.

“Should we go home?” He suggested, earning a relaxed smile from you.

“Yeah. Besides, it’ll be dark soon,” you squeezed his hand, your eyes glowing in the reddened flare of the sunset. Hand in hand, you walked down the stone path and out of the overly large rusted gate. It was never easy letting go, not by any stretch of the imagination. You would always carry a piece of Chanhee with you, and even without him by your side, you felt closer to him than ever.

[jimlingss]

Moirai [7]

Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 [Finale]

➜ Words: 6.6k

➜ Genres: 60% Fluff, 40% Angst, Isekai!AU

➜ Summary: Death is supposed to be the end. Or at least that's what you assumed when you're hit by a TRUCK. But the moment you open your eyes again, instead of being sent to the afterlife, you've become a baby. And not just any baby. You're the female villain of a video game.

         ❇ Royal Romances Chapter 3 -Prince Route- ❇   The darkness is pitch black. It’s heavy. Comforting. Eerie. All at the same time.   Anastasia lurks within the shadows, looking both ways with a flickering oil lamp carried in hand. She darts her head down the long corridor and when there isn’t a soul in sight, she sneaks past the archway before pressing her palm against a stone brick behind a marble pillar. There’s a shift, gears spinning and the wall pulls back and to the side, tucking itself in.   She enters through the hidden passageway and the wall seals itself shut again as it never opened.   The cobblestone spiral stairs are dusty and dank without a single window. She cringes and bats her hand in front of her nose, damning him for choosing such an awful place to meet. Who knows what’s down here!   Ugh. A bastard son born will be a bastard life lived.    No amount of effort can make someone noble if they weren’t already born with it. She doesn’t know why she was expecting that man to be dignified.   “I didn’t think you would come so soon.”   The King’s bastard son stands at the landing of the stairs. The spiral staircase seems to descend further behind him, but she isn’t curious to where it leads.   “Hmph.” She turns away, lamp still in hand, and she pulls her shawl closer to her. “I already made up my mind. I want to get rid of that orphan whore, so I’ll do whatever it takes. She dares to try to seduce my fiancé when she doesn’t even know her place.”   The corner of Taehyung’s thin lips curl. “Then by all means, I’ll erase that problem for you.”   The Duke’s daughter turns and her eyes glimmer with intrigue.   The man reaches into the sleeve of his cloak and hands her a tiny vial of green liquid. An emerald jewel on the cap shimmers against the dim candlelight that casts their ominous shadows on the walls.   “It’s poison. One drop in the Empress’ tea cup and you can frame her for it. That’s all it’ll take.”   Anastasia smirks, a rush of air leaving her nose in satisfaction. It might be easier just to dip the tip of a dagger in and stab that wrench with it, but framing her would make Jungkook lose his trust in the girl. He wouldn’t look at her twice. And she’d be executed without the real perpetrator ever being implicated in the crime.   She takes the vial, holding onto it carefully. Yet her eyes flicker up to Taehyung’s. “What’s in it for you?”   “All I want is the empire’s wealth.”   ….. .. .            ❇ Royal Romances Chapter 7 -Prince Route- ❇   Punishment does not come in the form of her stripped title or even her head rolling away from her neck. Punishment arrives in the darkened loneliness. That loss of sanity that whisper she has failed to capture the attention of the only person she ever loved. That she failed to make him love her.   Everything she did, it drove him away.   Every act of love placed distance between them.   Everything.   Liberation comes back with the music of trumpets muffled by the stone walls. “What’s going on?” her voice is hoarse through her parched throat. The servant screams when her arm reaches past the bars to tug on the girl’s dress. Her eyes are bleary as she looks up at the girl. “Why is it so noisy?”   “T-The civil war’s over.” The girl backs away and the celebrations become more distinct with the realization. “The villain is dead.”   The girl withdraws into the cell and cackles rip through her lungs, resounding across the empty chambers. The servant scurries away as the knight huffs out through his nose and shakes his head. But it’s the best news she’s received since she’s been stowed away.    That bastard son — Taehyung.    He was a liar. He tried to kill her beloved Jungkook. He dared to try and replace him. But no amount of effort can make someone noble if they weren’t already born with it.    A bastard son born will be a bastard life lived.    She may have been condemned as his accomplice — she may have been used as his pawn, too blinded by her own affections to realize. But she is mad with joy that she will not die alone.    She can only hope he died a cruel and painful death.   Anastasia cackles again.

You gasp.   Your entire body jolts and you tear yourself up into an upright position. The covers pool in your lap, your white nightgown stuck to your back slick with cold sweat. You press your palm on your forehead, focusing on studying your heaving breath. It was just a nightmare.   Or rather, it was scenes from the original game. The way it was supposed to be.   It felt so real. As if you were Anastasia and those choices and decisions were the ones you made.   The door opens and the maid entering is startled to see you already awake. “Good morning, my lady. It’s still quite early….”   There’s no way you can return to sleep after that. “Today’s a busy day so I’ll get ready now.”   The maid nods and follows after you to the vanity. “Lady Devon has a lilac gown prepared for you today, my lady. The late Queen wore the same colour during the inauguration of the last Head Priestess.”   “Shouldn’t everyone wear it then?”   “Of course not.” The young servant smiles as she runs the brush through your hair. “Only the future queen should.”   Pft. Yeah right. It’s a ridiculous idea that you would ever be queen. Anastasia never had the chance in any route or lifetime and you doubt you will either.   But rather than changing the dress like you normally would, your hand tightens in your lap.   “Bring it to me then.”   As the future Crown Princess, you’re dolled up by several maids. Your tutor paces back and forth, commanding the flurry around you on each of their actions, from a strand of your hair out of place to a loose thread sticking out. Your cheeks are powdered in a soft pink and your lips are painted in the same cherry blossom shade. You feel like a Barbie being dressed up and not in a good way. But thankfully, the dress is simple for the occasion and your hair is plainly clipped back on both sides.    It isn’t a ball after all where people are going to be flaunting themselves. The next two days marks the inauguration of the new priestess. It’ll be a day of celebration and then a day of solemn prayer and song at the empire’s largest cathedral.   Aka, it’s going to be boring as hell.   Once you’re free from outstretched hands touching your body and making sure you’re a photoshopped version of yourself without the photoshop, you head to the gardens for a breath of air. And also to escape Lady Devon’s lectures of how you should ideally behave.   But by now, you already know what she wants to say.   Don’t chew with your mouth open. Keep your back straight. Don’t back talk to your elders. Most importantly, don’t speak to Tae—   “Anastasia!”   The corner of your mouth tugs. “Lucy.”   You shouldn’t be so happy to see the heroine of this story. Not when her existence naturally opposes yours and you purely forged a friendship for your own self-preservation.   But somewhere along the way, you found that she’s the only female who doesn’t look at you any differently. She doesn’t smile just to make you happy. She doesn’t call you just because she has something to gain. Unlike so many others, you know she has no intention of using you.   The girl doesn’t have ulterior motives. Unlike you.   “Good morning.”   “Morning.” You meet her between the bushes of peonies on the cobblestone path. “What are you doing here so early? The play doesn’t start for another three hours.”    “I didn’t want to be late, but I guess I came earlier than expected.” Her smile is sheepish and she lifts her arm, a single white lily held in her fingertips. “I saw this on my way here. I heard it was lucky to have white lilies on the day of the Head Priestess’ inauguration ceremony, so…”   You take her gift. “Thank you.”   The petals are delicate and the fragrance is subtle enough that you lift it to tickle your nose. It’s then and there, while you’re twirling the stem with your fingertips, that you notice a gaze upon you.   By sheer coincidence and coincidence only, it seems like Taehyung was seeking refuge in his corner of the garden again and ran into you. The corner of his mouth lifts, distance kept yet he’s somehow close. You can’t pretend that he’s not there.   Your eyes have locked together.   Immediately, you grab Lucy’s hand and turn to her. “You have no one to accompany you to the Eastern Cathedral tomorrow, right?”   “Uh…”   Before she can answer, you take her to the dark-haired man and smile cordially at him. “Good morning, Your Highness.”   “Anastas—”   “This is Lucienne from the House of Liza.” You drag the girl to your side and she murmurs a timid greeting to him. “I’m sure the two of you must’ve met each other a few times. She has no one to accompany her tomorrow.”   “Anastasia.” Lucy shifts to you. She’s visibly uncomfortable, her brows knitted together, fingers rubbing the skirt of her dress. “It’s quite alright, I don’t need anyone to—”   “Nonsense,” you interject with another friendly smile. “It must be lonely to go by yourself. I’ll be busy with Prince Jungkook. It’s important that you get to know others as well. You shouldn’t latch onto the Prince all the time.”    She’s visibly taken aback at your insinuation. It’s not like you want to be so blunt, but there has to be no room for refusal. This is the only way.   It’s no longer about trying to avoid the three of them. It’s no longer about bringing Lucy and Jungkook together and remaining on the sidelines. If you want to save Taehyung too, you need to use the only person who can do so.   You’ll find other ways to save yourself.   But Taehyung needs her.   “I…”   Your voice remains firm. “You should go with Taehyung.”    Lucy is the heroine of this game. It’s possible that they can end up together instead. She can comfort Taehyung, change his mind about revenge, ease his suffering, rid his grief. She’s the only one who can clear the darkness stowed inside of him.   They don’t know it, but you do.   You push her towards him. The girl stumbles from the loss of her footing and he steadies her by her shoulders.   “S-Sorry!”   “It’s fine,” he brushes off quickly and then turns his head, eyes boring holes in you. “What are you doing?”   Taehyung holds his gaze, searching your impassive expression and the corners of your mouth pulls stiffly. “I’m just joining two people who I think really suit each other. Oh, look at the time! I should leave before I’m late for my morning greeting to my fiancée. I’ll leave the both of you to it then.”   You curtsy hastily and spin around to walk away.   But Taehyung is three steps ahead of you.   His strides are long and he overtakes you easily, stopping your form far away enough that it’s out of Lucy’s earshot. He grabs your arm, pulls you back and stares deeply into your eyes. His frown deepens.   “Is this because of what I did that night of the feast?” he asks in a quiet murmur that makes you swallow hard. You don’t want to be reminded of that. Not now. Not when you’re trying to pay back the favour of saving your life by saving his. “Anastasia, I meant everything I said that night. I meant everything that I was about to do—”   You interrupt him, not wanting to hear anymore of it. It shouldn’t be this hard.   “It’s not that.” You stare directly into his pupils, unwavering in your gaze. “I have to go now.”   You brush past him and don’t glance over your shoulder, even when the temptation is overwhelming.   It really shouldn’t be this hard. You know the future. You know what’s entailed in their destiny.   But why does it seem like you’re making all the wrong choices.   //   Your knuckles rap against the surface. There’s a muffled ‘come in’ and you open the door.   Jungkook is getting ready in front of the mirror. His cape is being pinned perfectly on his back, navy blue jacket with ribbons and golden buttons making him look like the picture perfect prince of every Disney movie. It’s no wonder all the ladies constantly swoon when he passes.   To you, he’s always been that doe-eyed boy afraid of ladybugs. But marrying him wouldn’t be so bad. You’re sure it would be a good marriage. At least one full of respect and mutual understanding.   It would be better than half the marriages in the twenty-first century that ends in divorce.   Jungkook looks at your reflection in the mirror. “Anastasia. What brings you here?”   “I have matters to discuss, Prince Jungkook.”   “Very well.” He looks to the attendants beside him. “Please bring in refreshments.”   “There’s no need.” You quickly stop them and the man in front of you turns, visibly surprised at your rejection of sweets and tea. It’s the main reason why you come to visit each other after all. “This’ll be quick.”   They bow their heads and the doors shut a moment later, giving you and Jungkook privacy.   He pinches the hem of his sleeve. “Did you get in trouble with your tutors again?”   “Jungkook.” Your voice is solemn, your expression even more serious. He looks up and the corner of his mouth falls into a straight line. He follows you to the sofa and sits across from you.   “What’s the matter?” He’s frowning, worried about your changed demeanor.   You take a deep breath, bracing yourself. “We should solidify our engagement as soon as possible.”   Jungkook’s eyes widen. “W...what? Why so sudden?”    “Is it?”   “You’ve never been interested in being queen before.” His eyes narrow in on you and his brows furrow more. “Is this about the Duke and Duchess? Are they rushing you?”   “No.” You shake your head. “This is about me. It’s about us.”   “But this isn’t like you, Anna.”   “Why is it so surprising?!” Your voice is pitched and instead of anger, frantic desperation seeps in. You don’t know why everyone has to make it so difficult for you. “We’ve been engaged since our childhood! It’s only natural to move ahead. Who else are you supposed to marry—?!”   As the words come out of your mouth, it slaps you right back in the face: you’re falling into the same pattern as Anastasia.   Demanding the prince to marry you. Being blunt. Curt. Upset.   It’s so easy. It was as if your entire life was set up to be the villainess.   Oh god. You don’t know what to do. You don’t know what the answer is. You don’t know what choice to make to wind down the best path—   “Anna!” Jungkook calls you for the fifth time in the midst of your meltdown.   You lift your head to find him sitting beside you, his hands firmly squeezing your shoulders. He’s asking you if you’re alright, if you need a healer or some rest to clear your mind. He’s saying how the two of you can talk about this later. But you don’t want later. It’s always been later.   Making choices now for later.   Making plans now for later.   Everything you’ve done is for later down the line and you wonder if you’ll ever be able to reap the benefits or find the happiness you were so desperate to have when you died the first time.   Now. You want someone to shoulder your burdens with right now.   “Jungkook, what if….what if I told you I was from another world and I know the future of this world?”   “What?”   You swallow hard and meet Jungkook’s doe eyes. He searches your visage, unable to comprehend where this is coming from, where you’re going with this. “What if...the only way to save Taehyung is through Lucy? The only way is if they fall in love and she saves him.”   He’s completely lost on that. “Taehyung? What does he need saving from? Who told you he needs to fall in love with her? What?”   Your mouth opens, but you don’t know where to start, how to explain, if he would even believe you in the end. “You just need to trust me, Jungkook. I know things you don’t.”   “I...don’t understand what you’re talking about.” There’s a simmering pause between the pair of you and Jungkook looks carefully at your profile. Then his lips part to speak forbidden words— “Are you in love with Taehyung?”   It’s your turn to be confused. Befuddled. Taken aback.   And Jungkook must read the expression on his face, since he replaces your speechlessness with his own voice. “Otherwise, why would you care so much about him? You’ve never brought anyone up to me before. Not even your own parents, Anna, and I know they make things difficult for you. I’ve never seen you care about anyone else more than you care about yourself.”   You rise to your feet in an instant and turn your back on the man.   “That’s impossible. It’s impossible.”   “Why? I thought you always told me it was okay if we ended up falling in love with other peopl—”   “I said it was okay if you did. Not me.” You don’t get such a privilege. Jungkook is the protagonist, the hero. No matter what route it is, which way the story goes, he always wins. He will always live. But you will either die or be casted away. “It’s different.”   Jungkook has nothing to risk. You have everything.   “Anastasia.”   “Don’t change the subject. I came to tell you that we should move ahead with the engagement. There is no reason you should refuse, Jungkook.”    You turn and leave the room, ending the conversation there.   He doesn’t know. He makes it sound easy. But you can never be with Taehyung.   The Crown Prince’s fiancée and the bastard son. What a pair that would be.   As long as you’re living in this world, in this society, any relationship deeper than an acquaintanceship would bring disaster. It’s not as simple as falling in love, calling off the engagement, eloping together far away. This isn’t a fairy tale. This isn’t a romance narrative.   It’s life. A society that scrutinizes and shames. A culture that slanders names with scandals.   The Devereux house will fail anyway and you don’t care about soiling your reputation and being outcasted. But the King would deem it treasonous. The royal family’s reputation would be marred and ruined, and he would never accept that. He was already unhappy when Taehyung danced with you at the debutante ball, when Taehyung handed you the Hunt’s prize, when Taehyung rescued you from being kidnapped. And you cannot risk your life and Taehyung’s like that any more than you already have.   Jungkook is terribly naive if he thinks it could ever work.   //   The royal court is lively with warm drums and bright flutes that echo throughout the capital.   Famous minstrels and troubadours across the empire have come to perform for the King, having made their way through the streets in the morning for the commoners as well. He smiles in approval from his throne, the middle-aged priestess to be coordinated tomorrow seated beside him and the pair look to be enjoying the show.   Your parents are no exceptions either, seemingly relishing in the festivities. They’ve brought Edith and Joan in tow as part of their entourage, faces you never thought you’d miss. The former nods her head at you in silent greeting and the latter smiles, but you don’t get a chance to speak to either of them. Not when your parents have kept their distance.   It seems like the last incident has made them rethink their involvement in your affairs. And for that, you’re glad you’ve been granted a little more freedom.   Marquess, earls, counts, viscountess and barons seated around speak to one another in between performing acts, sipping on their wine as the afternoon sets into evening. Once in a while, laughter sparks through the courtyard and thunderous applause succeed performances.   But unlike them, you can’t enjoy it.   In spite of sitting next to Jungkook and visibly smiling, the space in-between the pair of you is tense and stiff. Lucy sits a few rows down from where she is beside her father and you can tell she’s uncomfortable with what happened earlier by her expression that never seems to ease.   All of it would be easy to ignore. If not for Taehyung’s gaze.   He’s standing in the corner against the stone walls that line the courtyard, inconspicuous but not to you. A glance at a crowd and you could still pick him out in an instant. But he doesn’t watch the play, doesn’t watch the musical performances or the acrobatics twisting around. He looks at you. As if that alone could figure out your intentions, like he could deduct what’s in your mind.   You don’t spare him a peek. Even when it’s difficult to resist.   You avoid him until the very end.   //   The moon is full, a perfectly round sphere that’s golden. Like a firefly amidst the blanket of stars. It isn’t brighter than the sun, but not any less beautiful.   Taehyung stares up at the horizon and then his eyes stray to marble railings. He floats up to your balcony and his feet touch against the white, stone flooring. He won’t let you run away.   The room is dark, but he makes out a lump in the bed that’s turning and twisting. Taehyung knocks against the glass door and the figure freezes before it moves a moment later.   Within a minute, the door opens and you emerge into the golden moonlight. “Taehyung? What are you doing here? You’re not allowed to be here,” you whisper harshly, looking both ways of the castle grounds while tugging the white, laced shawl around your shoulders closer.   “I had to come see you,” Taehyung gazes into your eyes tenderly and he leans down to capture your hand gently in his. The skirt of your nightgown flutters in the warm breeze. “I know there’s something wrong. Did Jungkook do something? Did he say something?”   You shake your head.   “Then why push me away?”   You turn from him, ripping your hand away from his grasps. “I don’t know what you mean.”   Taehyung grabs your arm and your head whirls back to him, eyes connecting. “You know exactly what I mean.”   “I’m engaged.”   “To a person you don’t even love.”   Your eyes widen and your brows furrow. “You don’t know that.”   “I love you.”    It’s a bold confession spoken from his lips, his deep timbre that doesn’t lack any sincerity.    An earnest proclamation that has your heart stuttering in your chest, your breath hitching in your throat. Your heartbeat is thunderous in your ears and something stirs in the pit of your stomach at the sorrowful expression Taehyung looks at you with. He murmurs, “I was going to take that secret to the grave, but I can’t stand by and watch you like this. I love you. Be with me.”    Be with me.   A three word plea. Whispered secretly on a full-moon night. An affection full of warmth that you never had the privilege of receiving before in your past life or this life. Until now.   You never thought it would be like all those cheesy movies — Love Actually, Pride and Prejudice, the Notebook. But nope. They’re right. When you hear a love confession, when you hear someone say ‘I love you’ and ‘be with me’, it really does make you overwhelmingly happy.    It makes you want to cry. It makes you want to hug him, kiss him, throw your arms around him and scream ‘yes’. It makes you imagine the rest of your life, growing old with someone you love.   But you stagger away from Taehyung. No.   No. It can’t be. He can’t love you. No.   You aren’t Juliet. Elizabeth Bennet. Allie.   This isn’t your love story. You aren’t the main character. And this most certainly won’t have a happy ending.    Taehyung was never supposed to love Anastasia.    This is a mistake. An accident. Repercussions to your actions.   “Don’t mistake sympathy for feelings of love.” You surprise yourself at how stern your voice sounds, never once wavering. You suppose years of growing up in the Devereux household and being put under rigorous training allowed you to control your exterior well. “I don’t love you. You don’t love me, Taehyung.”   “You’re wrong.” He steps forward, closing the distance, as firm as you are. “I’ll even fight for the throne if you want. I’ll fight Jungkook if that’s what it takes for you to be by my side—”   “No!”    The scream echoes in your own ears, loud and shrill enough to bring alarm. “Please. Don’t. Don’t.”   It’s then and there, in the throes of his reckless promises, it slams into you — the realization of how desperately you don’t want to see Taehyung die.   You don’t want to witness his tragic ending. And you don’t want him to do it for you.   Taehyung’s expression is crumpled in anguish and his arm lifts, hand extending. The pad of his thumb tenderly wipes away the tear that’s streaked down your cheek. The corner of his mouth upturns, but the sorrowful smile never reaches his eyes. “Do you hate the idea of being with me that much that you’re crying?”   “No...Taehyung…”   He withdraws. “I’m sorry.”   Taehyung gazes at you and then he shuts his eyes, falling backwards off the balcony. You cry out in absolute terror and your legs lurch forward towards the railings. Your arms snap out to grab him, but your fists merely catch the passing wind.   He’s vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but traces of magic in the air.   You collapse onto the floor, grasping at the banister as sobs wreck through your body. “T-That’s...not...i-it—”   The matter of life or death should be simple. The choices should be easy. But you don’t know why each path you choose has its own tragedy, why happiness never seems to come.   Why can’t you control your own destiny?

A wheeze tears from the bastard son’s mouth.   His ruined hands are wrapped around his silver staff until his bloodied knuckles have morphed white. But it’s his leverage, keeping him standing on his shaking legs. He may have lost but he refuses to collapse until his last breath has been taken. His pride won’t allow him otherwise.   “Why?”   He lifts his head and locks eyes with the impassive Prince, dignified and noble. A hero to all. A brother who he never deemed as a brother. Only in blood and never truly in name.    “Why did you do this?”   The corner of Taehyung’s mouth curls. Even on the battlefield when they are both armoured and armed with weapons — in the moment of death — Jungkook is as oblivious and ignorant as when he was a mere child.    Taehyung spares a thought as to what it feels like to be that naive. He concludes it is a privilege.   “W-hy….d..o...you...think?”   The Forgotten Prince’s feet sinks into the mountain of brittle bones. He had to bring the dead back to life through necromancy to build an army for this war. No one would fight on his side after all. No one’s ever wanted to fight on his side.   But even so, he was never able to bring himself to revive his mother.   But it’s foolish he didn’t. She may have just been a marionette doll with tangled strings, a simple outer shell of a real human being, but he regrets not doing it. He should’ve.   Even if it was just to see her for a moment.   But it is a regret too late. He has another wish he wants to achieve in these last moments.   Taehyung chokes out that girl’s name.    He didn’t know he would have feelings for her. He was simply intrigued. Anything that belonged to his brother was always something worth envy. And he wasn’t wrong. She was a pawn on the opponent’s side who turned out to be more valuable than the queen.   “P-Please….” Blood curdles at the back of his throat, thickening his words into pathetic sputters. “Let me...see her….on.e….las...t….tim..e…”   “I’ll never let you see her.”    The Prince’s hands tighten on the handle and he rips the sword out of his abdomen in a single motion. The sound of silver cuts sharply through the air and Taehyung drops to his bruised knees. His own blood has splattered across his visage, scarlet drenched on ashy skin.   The Prince stands tall, the very furrow of his brows jarring against the cold, cordial expression he maintains. It’s an expression of contempt, of hatred and indifference. His shadow looms over him, the status he was born with intrinsic in his sheer presence.    “All...I...ever..wanted….was to be you. To be...powerful...to have everything you have.”    The Forgotten Prince rests against his staff and shuts his eyes. He ponders for a mere moment if he will be able to see his mother after this. But if there is such a thing as an afterlife, it’s still unlikely that fate would grant him such peace and refuge.   “I...d..idn’t...want….to...be...aban..doned…”   The remnants of magic surges through his veins and with a weak flick of his wrist, Taehyung’s last magic summons the girl who had occupied his thoughts. She appears in front of him, manifesting with his spell, and she screams.   Jungkook calls out to her and they embrace. He holds her, covering her body with his arm.   The two of them look down at Taehyung in fear and disdain.    But her vicinity is enough for him. He wonders when he became this pathetic. Or if he was always this way as their villain.   Taehyung chokes on the blood curdling at the back of his throat, but his lips upturn into a smile.    He mouths her name and dies at their feet.   ….   Anastasia.   You wake up with a gasp tearing from your chest. Your breath heaves out of you and tears coat your cheeks and the pillow beneath your head. Most of all, your chest fucking hurts like your heart’s about to burst. So you call for a maid at the top of your lungs and within seconds, someone scatters in.   “My lady?”    “Water,” you croak and she nods.   A glass is presented in front of you within moments and you down the entire thing, able to calm yourself down once you’ve finished. The maid notices your sweaty form and asks if you would like to change clothes, but you wave her off and she leaves.   Your worst fear came to life in a nightmare.   Instead of calling the heroine’s name, Taehyung called yours.   //   The ceremony at the Eastern Cathedral is exactly like all other events and celebrations in the castle.   Boring. Tedious. Like sitting in a lecture hall with the most unenthused professor droning on about the art of paint drying. Except you have to slap a friendly smile on you, sit straight, make small talk and pretend you’re intently listening. You wish cardboard cutouts were a thing, so you could just slap a picture of yourself in your seat instead of having to deal with it.   But the entire ordeal keeps your mind from wandering about last night.    There’s something about pretending that you’re fine that makes you feel fine after a while. Like you’ve tricked your own self into being okay.   You’re even anxious once it’s over. Once the quiet has settled back in.   Many of the guests leave, viscounts and countesses bidding their farewells from the cathedral and getting into their carriages. After you’ve sent off Lady Devon and you’re free of her scrutiny, you quickly turn around to find Jungkook and get out of here.   The last thing you want is to run into Taehyung right now. You don’t know if you’ll be able to manage your reactions, control your expressions.   But on your way back, your attention is taken by an elderly priestess dressed in white robes with a cane, hobbling around. Her hands are outstretched and she bats the air. She’s blind.   “Excuse me, do you need help?”   “Oh, yes, please, that would be wonderful.” She smiles and the tens of wrinkles on her face crease. The old lady reminds you of your grandma and the corner of your mouth quirks. You take her hand and place it on your arm, guiding her. “I’m usually not so clumsy but I lost my way and had to re-orientate myself. You can just bring me into the side house, it should be on the West side of the cathedral grounds.”   You look around and spot it around the building. “It’s this way.”   “Are you here for the ceremony?”   “Yes, I am.”   “How nice, Emelisse will make a fine Head Priestess. Her holy magic is quite powerful.”   You hum and get to the smaller building within two minutes. The doors are already open, so you peek inside to see if anyone’s there to take the old lady, but there’s no one. “We’re here.”   The Priestess reaches out and grabs the door frame. She smiles and gets up the steps herself, but not before turning around. “Thank you. Not many people would personally aid me in this day and age, and for that I’m thankful.”   “It’s not a problem.”   It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to speak so casually to someone. But it’s relaxing to forget about your titles. You don’t have to be the Crown Prince’s Fiancée. The future Queen. Or the heir of the Devereux house.   You’re just Anastasia. Y/N. A mix of both that makes you you.   “Would you be willing to hear an old secret in exchange for helping me?”   “Uhhhhh…..” You glance over your shoulder. There’s no palace guards or Jungkook in sight.   You really don’t want to stick around for too long. But you remember your grandma got pretty lonely towards the end of her life and was willing to talk to door-to-door salesmen for a good hour or two until they wanted to run away and blacklist the house from their list. Bless her heart.   You decide to indulge the old woman, so you go along with it. “Sure.”   “I once knew a woman, a kind but poor woman. She was with child,” her voice croaks and you lean in closer, realizing it’s juicy gossip and it sparks intrigue. “The father of that unborn child wasn’t very happy to know that child was coming into existence, so she, worried, came to see her fortune and her child’s on the eve of the Solar Festival.”   The old Priestess holds the handle of her cane with both hands, placed in the middle of her body. She faces the sky, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her skin as she continues the story.   “She came to this cathedral and they told her about doom and her child’s inevitable doom. Desperate and heartbroken, she begged to find a way to deviate from such a fate. She wanted to do anything she could to change the predetermined destiny of her unborn child.”   Your brows furrow. You begin to wonder why she’s telling you this. “And?”   “She did a ritual of dark magic to search for a soul that would protect her son.” The old woman shakes her head. “She defied the laws of destiny itself without knowing the pain it would cause.”   “But through sheer will, she broke it!” The Priestess smiles, her voice having been a murmur drawing you in. “She found a fitting soul and that soul was sent to another dimension before this one to learn about what was to come, so that they could protect her son.”   You stagger back. Breath caught in your throat. Blood draining from your face.   There’s no way. It can’t be.   But everything aligns. It matches perfectly.   “W-What happened next?”   The woman hums a low note and you realize too late that she’s the former Head Priestess, the one who had just stepped down. “I’m not quite sure what the ending to that story is since that soul wrapped in dark magic is standing right in front of me.”   The former Head Priestess smiles gently and turns around, entering inside her abode. She leaves you standing rooted to the ground on your own as it dawns upon you —   It was all on purpose.   Being reborn into this world. Having memories of your past life. Being burdened with the knowledge of what fates there are, what the future holds. All along, it was to serve your purpose: to protect Taehyung.   Your destiny was entangled with him even before this lifetime.    But you’ve already failed. You let his mother die. And now his own time is running out.   You turn around. The urge to see him overwhelms your very being. You have to tell him how you really feel. You’re not just Anastasia. You’re Y/N. And you won’t allow the original storyline to confine your choices anymore.   None of this was an accident. You weren’t messing anything up. None of your actions, your feelings or his are wrong. Nothing was a mistake. You’ll find a way to save Taehyung, to be with him.    You have to.   In the south courtyard of the cathedral, by sheer coincidence and coincidence only, you see him there. Of all the places of these vast grounds where he could be, you still found him.   “Taehyung!”   You call out to him and he turns at the sound of your voice. But then your smile falls. Your feet slow. By coincidence, an arrow soars towards him, slicing through the air.   You shout at the top of your lungs and Taehung whips his head around. The tip of the arrow freezes an inch away from his nose and clatters to the ground through his magic. But then five more arrows splits the sky and flies towards him. Taehyung dodges, stops another, but one catches him in the arm.   He sharply inhales.    A scream of his name tears from your throat.   Taehyung winces and rips the shaft of the arrow out of his skin. He looks at the tip before throwing it away. He can feel the poison spreading in his veins, bleeding inside of his body. It inhibits his magic and before he can yell at you to get away, another arrow spirals in the horizon.   He shuts his eyes. Taehyung feels an impact. But the pain never comes.   His eyes shoot open, brows knitting together and his mouth draws open when he sees you.    Your arms have wrapped around his body in a warm embrace, shielding him away, protecting him like you were meant to. The end of the arrow has pierced into your shoulder.    But you can’t feel it.   Taehyung shouts your name and you collapse. He holds your body in his arms, cradling your head against his shoulder as he screams from the pit of his stomach for help. And you watch him through foggy eyes, a smile gracing your lips.   You’re glad he’s not hurt.   Your hand slowly lifts to caress his cheek and he looks at you.   “I….fi..nally came….on time, Tae...hyung.”

[lunaserenade]

Coalesce

Masterlist

Part Six of the Meet Me at Sunrise Series

Previous Chapter: Wanderlust

Next Chapter: Jealousy

Author’s Note: @violentcosmicsymphony​ and @briefgalaxycat​ I love you both. This series wouldn't be happening without the two of you.

Paring: Marcus Pike x FBI Agent!Reader

Words: 1.1k

Warnings: Light swearing

Summary: Moving day is upon us.

“You live alone! HOW do you own so many mugs?” You called out to Marcus as you packed away the last bits of his kitchen.

“Hey! Everyone has a hobby; I like to collect mugs when I travel.” Marcus chuckled as he came into the kitchen.

“I might have to rethink this move.” You replied with a teasing smile. You had spent the last two days with Marcus carefully going through each other's things trying to consolidate for the move today. Marcus was moving into your apartment as it was bigger and closer to work, but now you had to figure out whose furniture to use. Marcus’ bed, your couch, the list went on. After many hours of sweat, stairs, and occasional swearing all that was left was to pack the kitchen and the bed set. A smile spread across your face as you felt Marcus come up behind you, pull your body against his chest, and start to press hot kisses to your neck. When you let out a soft moan you could feel Marcus’ smile against your skin. His hands started to wander your body and you felt your motivation to take the last two boxes to the moving truck starting to disappear.

“Babe?” You said with a slight pant as his hand snaked up your shirt and ghosted over your breasts.

“Hmmm?” Marcus murmured as his hands explored.

“The bed is disassembled.”

“... damn it.” He sighed as he moved his hands to your hips. “Then we should finish bringing the rest of this down so we can go home.” With a grin he gave your ass a light smack. “I’ll get the last box from the bedroom.”

“I’ll take these last two from the kitchen down.” You turned to give him a quick kiss, snatched up the kitchen boxes, and headed downstairs.

—————

“Need a hand with that?” A voice came from outside the moving truck as you rearranged some boxes to make more room.

“I think I’ve got these. Not much left to load, but we could use a hand with the bed-” You replied as you turned, and then you froze. Standing just outside was Special Agent Maddox Collins, your colleague who was completely unaware of your relationship with Marcus. There weren’t any specific rules against fraternization, but it wouldn’t exactly look great that Marcus was dating you since he was your boss.

“Mads! I didn’t know you lived on this side of town.” You said, climbing out of the moving truck.

“I’m over in the Atlas District, I was visiting my sister. Are you moving?” Maddox explained and raised an eyebrow as he took in the scene.

“Oh, I’m not I-” you began.

“Honey? Have you seen my phone? I can’t find it upstairs.” Marcus called as he exited his apartment building with the last box, stopping short when he saw Maddox standing there. “Maddox... hey.” Setting down the box in the truck Marcus knew by the look of realization on Maddox’s face as he glanced between the two of you that you were busted.

“‘Honey’?” Maddox said with a head tilt. Marcus let out a soft sigh as he came up to your side, an arm encircling your waist.

“Well, I guess the secret is out.” You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly. “Marcus and I have been dating... for a while now.”

Marcus gestured to the moving truck with his free hand. “We’re moving in together today.”

Maddox smiled and let out a soft curse. “Shit... I owe Regina $20. She’s been swearing there was something going on between the two of you for months.”

“Months?!” You said kind of shocked, you thought you and Marcus had been doing a decent job of keeping it on the down low.

“She said the two of you were walking around staring at each other like lovesick puppies.” Maddox laughed. Marcus blushed slightly much to your delight.

“I’d really appreciate if we just kept this between the team.” Marcus said, you could tell he was a bit nervous.

“Boss, your personal life is no one’s business. Still, I’m glad to see you guys happy.” You felt Marcus’ body relax at Maddox’s assurance. “So... need help with that bed?

“You boys go for it. If I climb those six flights of stairs one more time I might scream.” You replied, giving Marcus a kiss before they headed upstairs. You hadn't been ready to let everyone know about your relationship with Marcus, both of your friends and family knew, but having the people who you both worked with knowing? It had worried you; you didn't want to put either of your careers at risk. Still, now that the team knew you felt some of the anxiety of keeping it hidden for so long leaving your body. This was the beginning of a new chapter of your life with Marcus and you were excited to see where it took you.

———

Several hours, eight elevator trips, one bashed shin, and a reassembled bed later you and Marcus were sprawled across your couch in the living room. Exhausted was an understatement, but everything was finally up in the apartment, even if the boxes were just shoved off into the office. You smiled as Marcus ran his fingers up and down your legs absentmindedly pausing at your bruised shin, leaning down to press a light kiss.

“I'm starving but I don't think I can get off this couch.” Marcus said with a sigh.

“Pizza. Pizza is always the answer.” You replied with an amused smile and reached for your phone on the end table. Humming along to the music playing in the living room you quickly placed an order for delivery. “Should be here in 45 minutes.”

Marcus pulled you into his arms with a grin, pressing kisses to your jawline and neck. “I could think of a way to kill 45 minutes.”

“You're sweaty and gross! Get off me!” you squealed, playfully swatting at his chest but he just held onto you even tighter.

“Well, we'll just have to fix that won't we?” Marcus stood up and tugged you to your feet. In one swift move he picked you up and threw you over his shoulder, letting out a bark of laughter as you yelped in surprise.

“Marcus, what are you-?!” You gasped.

“Time for a shower.” He replied matter-of-factly, carrying you down the hall to the bathroom.

“You're pure trouble Agent Pike,” A giggle escaped from your lips.

“Aah, yes. But you love me.” Marcus said, elbowing the bathroom door open.

“Eh... I suppose.” But you knew, you had never loved someone as much as you loved Marcus. He was the only one for you and you had no intentions of letting him go.

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[ladyblogger-margie]

Permit Pending - Part 1

Pairing: Will Miller (Triple Frontier) x F!Reader

Summary: All Will Miller wanted was a park permit for a VA fundraiser, what he got instead was an unscheduled afternoon exploring different parks with F!Reader.

Word Count:  3890

Rating: G (smut to come in chapter 2!)

Warnings: Course language. Eventual smut in future chapters. 

a/n: My first time writing reader insert and for Will Miller AND for Triple Frontier, so any feedback at all is appreciated. No Y/N. 

Series Master List

3-2-1, Will Miller counted down to the ring of his morning alarm clock. Just like every single day his phone blared a monotonous alarm sound at exactly 05:42 and Will shut it off. He spent the next three minutes practicing mindful breathing and preparing for the day ahead. At 05:45 he rose and changed into his gym clothes. 

He shook together a protein shake as he rode the elevator down to the surprisingly decent gym in his building where he did exactly 30 minutes of cardio followed by an hour of weight training. Today was back and chest day – his favorite – so of course he decided to listen to a podcast instead of a playlist of high tempo motivational music. It was easier to be motivated for something you already wanted to do after all. The podcast today was about finding a balance between order and relaxation, something his therapist had recommended he do before his insurance ran out on therapy sessions and he opted out of continuing the process.

After the gym he returned to his apartment and started the coffee maker. After a quick shower and some facial hair maintenance, he dressed in one of his branded polo shirts and drank his coffee with his breakfast. He had two talks scheduled for the day before lunch, then an errand to run after lunch. Later that evening he would meet up with Benny for fight training. Today could not be any more normal for him - exactly the same as the day before, and the day before that. 

Or so he thought. 

You woke up groaning when your alarm went off at 7:15am. You snoozed it. You also snoozed your 7:22am, 7:31am, and 7:40am alarms. You finally rolled yourself out of bed at 7:50am in time for your quick 30 minute yoga routine before you got ready for work. 

You breezed into the parks and recreation office at City Hall at exactly 8:57am. You grabbed a cup of coffee from the office machine knowing that if you got up at 7:15am as planned you would’ve had time to stop at Starbucks on your way into the office. 

You spent your morning as you usually did - catching up on your passion projects which were the youth sport organizations. You ensured all the public teams had access to the necessary fields and confirmed with the greens team that they were all in working order. You loved your mornings at work even though you weren’t necessarily a morning person. 

After lunch was another story. After a series of poorly timed budget cuts, your department was forced to cancel the internship program. That meant you were drafted into working the permit desks in the afternoons. You knew that it wasn’t actually the worst thing in the world, it was just so boring. The applications were longer than they had any right to be and filled with confusing language. This meant nearly every single application required a specific follow up that never fit one of the many form responses you’d been accumulating in the hopes of streamlining the process. 

Of course you wanted your community to take advantage of the awesome parks in your town, but apparently the legal department didn’t. It put you in a difficult spot where sometimes you were forced to give the park permits to corporations instead of individuals and it drove you crazy to do so. It also locked you to a desk unless a specific permit issue arose that required an in-person follow up which never happened. Which is why after lunch you went off campus to get yourself your favourite Starbucks order because the permit desk on a Monday required the heavy artillery to survive. 

Or so you thought. 

After a few hours of pouring over pages and pages of documents, the most handsome man you had ever seen walked into the office. He had blonde hair and soft eyes which you noticed right away but immediately after you were drawn to his strong chest tightly wrapped in a blue polo with some logo you didn’t recognize over one of his firm pecs. 

“My name is William Miller, and I’m hoping you can help me with a park permit,” the man said, holding out his hand to you. 

You composed yourself as quickly as you could and introduced yourself in return, shaking his hand. “I’d be happy to help you with that,” you said as you let go. His hands were firm and from the callouses you could tell he worked out, though his general physique already gave that away. 

He smiled at you and you felt something stir inside you that was not exactly professional, “Did you have a specific location in mind?”

“No, actually I was hoping to get your opinion. I’m helping to put together a community fundraiser, a BBQ actually, to help support the local VA, but I’m not exactly sure where would be the best place to set something like that up,” he replied. 

You knew exactly where to send him. There was a perfect location you often recommended for huge family reunions, outdoor wedding receptions, and concerts. But as you looked down at the desk for the correct application form you saw the huge pile of pages still left unread taunting you and you got an idea, “Why don’t I give you a tour of a few different locations to help you make your decision?” 

“That’s a service you offer here?”

“We aim to please” you said, desperate for an excuse to get out of the office. 

Will hesitated as he fiddled with his keys for a moment. 

“I could drive if you like,” he offered.

You smiled as professionally as you could, trying to contain your glee. 

“Thank you, let me just check out with my boss and I’ll be right back” you darted away before you could blow your composure. 

You stuck your head into your boss’ office. “Hey, I’m stepping away from the desk. Some guy is insisting I help him pick a park location for his permit request. I’m on my cell if there’s an emergency” you said, not stopping to hear their response before darting off. 

You grabbed your coffee off the desk and landed in front of Will. “Ready,” you said as he smiled warmly at you. He held the door open for you as you left the office, and your boring afternoon, behind.

He led you to his truck in the parking lot and held open the passenger door for you which made your heart flutter though you tried to control it and you reminded yourself that this was a professional outing, not a date. 

He climbed into the cab beside you and started the truck before he turned to you and asked, “Where to?”

You gave him directions to a park you know wouldn’t work, but it did have a couple of soccer fields, and you wanted to check the nets there for holes and figured you could push your luck a bit more today. 

He pulled into the park parking lot and looked around with a slight purse of his lips and a furrow in his brow. He cleared his throat before asking, “I did explain it was a BBQ, right? I don’t really see a place for that,”. 

You suddenly felt guilty, thinking he probably had somewhere else to be today and you derailed him for your own selfish reasons. “I’m sorry, I’m keeping you. I just had to get out of the office, and I took advantage of you. If you’ve got somewhere to be, leave me here with your information and I’ll get everything arranged for you at the perfect place,” you said, avoiding eye contact.

To your surprise he smiled at you, “You should’ve said, I’ve got nothing going on this afternoon, I can help you play hooky.” 

You smiled back at him, relieved that he was on board with your scheme. 

Will watched as you inspected the soccer nets for tears and he felt a warmth in his chest he hadn’t since his fiancee, who had left him after the incident at the Publix. You were really nice and he could tell you were passionate about your job, at least parts of it, especially hearing you explain exactly what your job was while he drove you both to this destination. Plus there was no denying that he found you incredibly attractive. 

You returned to his side at the edge of the field after completing your inspection. “Thanks for waiting, there’s a middle-school tournament here starting tomorrow and I wanted to make sure everything was set,” you said to him and he knew he was in trouble. 

“Ready for park number two?” you asked. 

He nodded and led you back to the truck. 

When you arrived at park number two, Will realized this had to be the place you intended for the permit and he was a bit disappointed. He had been hoping to stretch out his afternoon with you a little longer. Before he could ask if you needed a ride back to City Hall he heard you let go a soft, sad sigh. He looked at you but you were gazing out the front window at the park. 

“Is something wrong?” He asked. 

“I’m going to kill the guys in City Planning,” you muttered upset. 

Will tried to figure out what it was you were looking at, but he couldn’t see anything wrong with the park. It looked like the perfect place for a fundraising BBQ. 

You turned to Will hopeful, “Do you have tools in this truck, or is it just for show?”

He smiled at your joke, “I’ve got a box in the back. What’s the problem?”

You gestured to a park bench, “City Planning keeps installing anti-homeless architecture in my parks and I’m not going to let them get away with it,” you said with a sly smile. 

Will knows for sure now that he definitely has a crush on you. He gets out of the truck and grabs his modest tool box from the bed and follows you over to the bench. He sees a metal arm rest in the middle of the bench, obviously installed to ensure no one lays across it. He checks the back to see how it’s attached and scoffs at the simple way it’s been bolted in and opens his tool kit. 

“Am I going to get arrested for this?” He jokes as he gets to work. 

You laugh, “You’re with me, I’ll protect you”. 

You smile at this; you could get used to the idea of having his back. He gets the bar free and you take it from him. He gestures to another bench a few steps away and he gets to work on liberating that bench too. You happily follow him as you ask, “So, you work for the VA?”

“Yeah, I mostly just run my mouth though,” he grunted as he loosened the much tighter bolt on the second bench. 

“Were you military?”

“Yeah,” He rolls up his sleeve and shows you a tattoo on his forearm, “Delta Force”. 

“But you’re retired now?”

“Something like that,”.

“Aren’t you a bit young to be retired?”

He paused and handed you the second detached metal arm. 

You felt self conscious, maybe you were being rude? “Sorry, it’s none of my business,” You said nervously. 

He shook his head, “You’re fine. It’s just not something I’m necessarily proud of though”. 

“You don’t have to explain, it’s none of my business,” You said, as you led the way to the third bench. 

“I had some trouble, and I was told my services were no longer needed in the field,” he explained getting to work on the third arm, “But I found a way to be useful, stay involved”. 

You nodded, “That couldn’t have been easy,”.

He shook his head, “There are good days, and bad days,” and he handed you the third arm. 

He looked around and didn’t see any more pieces of hostile architecture so he turned to you, “Do you need a ride back to City Hall?”

You looked at him and felt bold. “This is obviously the best park for your event, but if you’ve got nowhere to be, did you want to make one more stop and see my favorite park?”

He smiled at you and nodded his head. You led the way back to his truck where he put his tools away and took the arms from you and dumped them in the bed. 

“I can’t wait to drop those off at the City Planning office tomorrow,” you giggled triumphantly. 

You and Will loaded up into the truck and you directed him out of the parking lot. 

Park number 3 was your favorite place in the entire world, though to be fair you hadn’t actually travelled much so you couldn’t really compare it to anywhere else, but still. To you the lakeside beach next to the tree covered green grass was a slice of heaven. You’d go there on the weekends with a podcast lined up or an old book and spend the whole afternoon on a bench with a coffee and some fresh air. 

When Will pulled into the parking lot, you suddenly got nervous. You had lost some of your earlier boldness that suggested you open yourself up like this to a man you just met. But there was something about him, a warmth and a vulnerability that made you want him to know you, and you to know him. 

You both got out of the truck and the sun was starting to get low in the sky as you walked him to a bench that bordered the beach and the grass. You took a seat and he sat next to you, your thighs gently brushing. The contact sent a shiver down your spine that had nothing to do with the cool breeze that brushed through the leaves above your head. 

Will looked out across the lake and around the park. He felt the warmth of your leg against his and the urge to lean over and brush your cheek with his thumb nearly overwhelmed him. You were so close, it would be so easily for him to just kiss you. But he wasn’t sure you’d want that. You wanted to play hooky from work, and share your love of the parks. He couldn’t let himself think that your enthusiasm for the day had anything to do with him. Instead of holding you under his arm and against his chest, he folded in on himself and looked at you.

He was about to ask what you were thinking about when his phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and noticed Benny’s name on the caller ID and cursed under his breath. “I’m so sorry,” he said to you as he answered, “I’ve got to take this.”

He stands and walks a few paces away and you watch him leave, disappointed. You thought maybe he was about to ask you on a date, and tried not to let yourself be too upset that he didn’t. You watch as he rubbed his forehead and shook his head as he talked on the phone to someone you couldn’t hear and didn’t know. 

He hung up the phone and turned to look at you, and you turned away, a little embarrassed to have been caught staring at him. He walks back to you on the bench but doesn’t sit down again. 

“Thank you for showing me this place, it’s beautiful,” he said softly and his sweet voice drew your gaze to his lips as he spoke. You felt the electricity surge between you all the way through to the tips of your fingers and your toes. “I hadn’t realized how late it’s gotten, I’m supposed to be at the gym, training my brother,” he explained. 

You nodded and stood up next to him, so close you had to look up to meet his eyes. “That’s fine, I can call an Uber or something back to City Hall” and you pulled out your phone. 

He put his hand on your arm, “Don’t be silly, I’ll take you back. Plus gotta make sure those city planning guys get their gift.”

Your breath hitched when he touched you and you couldn’t contain your smile as you nodded. “Are you sure? I’ve already taken so much of your time” you said, unable to tear your eyes from his. 

“I want to”.

He walks you back to the truck and opens your door for you again and you hop in both flustered and excited. 

The drive back to City Hall is more quiet than you’ve been all day. Your previous trips were full of chit chat about sports and books and random small talk. Now all that existed in the truck was the electricity and tension between you. You wondered if he felt it too, or if the surprising infatuation was a one-sided affair. 

Will gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles went white. He had spent most the afternoon with you and he failed to buck up the courage to ask you out. You took him to your favorite place and basically hand wrapped a romantic moment, and he blew it. He didn’t know if you noticed the potential romance of the location, or if you intended to entice him so completely, but you had. And he blew his shot. 

Back at City Hall he handed you the metal arms from your adventure and you stayed by the truck. You were hoping he’d ask you out before he left. 

“Thanks for the ride, and the impromptu bench liberation, and the excuse to get out of the office,” you said with a smile, lingering longer than you needed to. 

He smiled back, maybe he could ask you now and he could still pull off the romantic gesture. “I had a great day, which I hadn’t actually expected when I went in earlier looking to fill out boring paperwork,” he said leaning unconsciously closer to you. 

He took a deep breath, ready to ask - when his cell phone rang again. He silenced it and tried again, “Hey-“ and the phone rang again and he answered it. “I’m on my way, asshole. Start with cardio,” he said, frustrated, “you don’t need me for that”.

He hung up and looked at you embarrassed by his outburst, absolutely believing that he had blown it for sure now. But you just looked at him amused, not annoyed. 

“Friend of yours?” you asked, stifling a laugh. 

“My baby brother. He’s a fighter and I’m his trainer, which I do for free by the way, but he loves to act like he’s my boss”, he explained. 

“Sounds like a character.”

“He is something that’s for sure. He’s also really special, really talented. He deserves a better lot than what he’s got”, Will's voice trailed off as he thought bitterly about how Benny left service when he did and the guilt he carried, unspoken, about that ever since. 

Will leaned back, “Do you need a walk to your car?”

“I’m alright, thank you. I better head back up to the office first anyway. Thanks again for today. Maybe I’ll see you around”, you forced a smile, abandoning all hope of a date and retreating into the building. 

Will kicked himself mentally all the way to the gym. When he got there he was in a bad mood. 

“Finally!” Benny shouted at him when he walked in.

“I have a life outside of you, you know that right?” Will spit towards Benny.

“Fuck’s wrong with you?” Benny asked.

“I told you I was on my way, what was so important that you had to call me again and nag me?” Will asked.

“You’re never late, I was worried,” Benny admitted. 

Will paused. He hasn’t thought of it like that. He was never late, it was so unlike him. It was actually kinda nice Benny worried, even if he was an ass about it.

“Well I’m here now, let’s get to it”, Will shrugged and he climbed into the ring opposite Benny. 

After training they grabbed some food together. After scarfing down most of his meal without breathing, Benny asked Will, “Why were you late? You didn’t say.”

Will cleared his throat, “I was trying to get a park permit for the VA BBQ”.

“I thought you did that right after lunch?”

“It took longer than expected,” Will said vaguely. 

Benny squinted his eyes at his older brother until the metaphorical lightbulb went off. “Oh shit!” he said, “You were with a girl! Fuck, I never would’ve called you away if I knew, you’ve been alone for so long!” 

Will threw his used napkin at his taunting brother, “Fuck off.”

“Seriously,” Benny said, not laughing anymore, “I hope I didn’t blow it for you, I want you to be happy.”

Will sighed, “I didn’t get her number, and I didn’t ask her out.”

Benny gave him a sympathetic smile, “At least you got the permit for the event.”

Will pinched the bridge of his nose, “Fuck, I completely forgot to actually get the permit.”

Benny smirked at him. “You know what that means, right?”

“No,” Will groaned. 

“You gotta go back and see her tomorrow.”

Will leaned back in his chair, his mood dramatically improved. 

The next morning you dragged yourself out of bed after your third alarm and skipped yoga, just not in the mood. You hoped stopping at Starbucks would get you out of your funk, but even your favorite coffee didn’t have its usual effect. You felt so stupid for feeling like this today. You literally knew Will Miller for all of one afternoon, it shouldn’t ruin your whole week that he didn’t ask you out. 

You walked into the office ready to be grumpy for the rest of the day when you noticed Will stand up from the chair in which he was sitting. 

Will had been waiting for you since the office opened. He was there long enough to wonder if what he was doing was creepy or sweet. The longer he waited, the worse he felt about his plan. Though once he saw you, his resolve formed and he stood to greet you. Any insecurity he had melted away when he saw how you smiled at him when you noticed him there. 

“Hey,” he started, finding his voice. 

“Hey,” you replied, breathless. 

“I never did fill out a permit yesterday, I got distracted by someone way more interesting than paperwork,” he said, unable to contain a grin. 

You felt something deep in your center as you too failed to contain a beaming smile. 

“I can help you with that,” you walked behind the permit desk and he met you on the other side. 

You handed him the paperwork and helped him fill everything out. The entire time neither of you could contain your ear splitting smiles. When he finished you stamped his form and returned his copy. 

“You’re all set, Mr. Miller,” you said, “Will there be anything else?”

He looked you the eye, “Are you free Friday night? I’d love to take you out.”

You nodded eagerly, “I’d like that.”

PART 2 

[butgilinsky]

blueberry pancakes // rc

part three | series masterlist 

warning; underaged drinking, it gets a little steamy, but there’s nothing explicit  

summary; y/n goes to a kook party with rafe

word count; 3k+

y/n jogged out of her room when her phone rang with the ‘i’m here’ text she’d been waiting for since he first asked her to come tonight. she couldn’t tell if the excitement or anxiety in her chest was winning the internal battle, but she tried to push both of them aside. 

her phone rang again, this time with a call from john b that slightly surprised her but she answered it anyways. 

“hello?” she waved at her mom that was standing in the kitchen, who smiled brightly and waved at the girl as she walked outside. 

“hey! what are you doing tonight?” she sighed as her eyes locked on the truck in her driveway, knowing that if she told john b the truth it would end in a lecture or an argument. 

“i’m going out.” she mumbled softly, hoping he didn’t press further, but that proved to be purely wishful thinking on her end.

“where?” she sighed softly after she locked her front door, standing on her porch for a bit longer. rafe could see her standing in front of her door, not understanding what she was doing until she pulled the phone away from her ear as she sighed out heavily. 

“kelce’s.” 

“so you’re going full kook, now?” she laughed bitterly, eyes locking with rafe’s through the windshield. she tried to apologize with gestures and an apologetic glance but he waved her off with a small laugh that she couldn’t hear.

“you sound like jj.” 

“well maybe jj had a point.” she laughed again, this time loud enough for rafe to hear through the window he had rolled down. 

“that’s perfect, really. you two can fall in love with kooks and i can’t even hang out with them. i’d really love to stand here and listen to you run off all of your reasons why this is a bad idea, but unfortunately i just don’t have the time for that.” she started walking towards rafe’s car, hoping to end this conversation quickly. 

“you’re hanging out with rafe and topper, y/n! that’s hardly the same thing!” y/n rolled her eyes when she opened the door to the truck and heard john b scoff loudly when the sound reached his ears. 

“funny that we’re just going to skip over the fact that you’re fucking the princess os kooks, john b. sarah’s as much of a kook as rafe is.” rafe cringed at the mention of john b and his sister’s relationship, and y/n smiled apologetically at him. 

“sarah hasn’t dedicated her life to ruining the pogues, y/n.”

“okay well i’ll talk to you later. thank you for voicing your concern but i can assure you i’m doing just fine.” rafe smiled at her softly when she pulled herself into the truck, rolling her eyes but smiling at the sight of him beaming brightly in the driver’s seat. 

“y/n, just listen-”

“bye routledge.” she ended the call and leaned her head back against the seat, sighing heavily and dropping her phone in her lap. 

"regret spending time with me, yet?” rafe quizzed, genuine curiosity flooding his senses but he tried to play it off with a small chuckle and a bright smile. 

“no.” she smiled back at him, letting the moment linger for a little while longer before laughing and telling him to start the car. 

the drive to kelce’s wasn’t too long. they did have to make it from the cut to figure eight, but it was surprisingly shorter than most rides between the two parts of the island. 

y/n had laughed almost the entire drive over, watching rafe sing the wrong lyrics to the songs playing through his stereo quite loudly. the windows were down, and usually y/n would’ve complained about messing up her hair just before she saw and met a bunch of people, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. 

it was almost just like she expected it to be. cars lining the street in front of kelce’s house, kids littering the yard with red solo cups and their bodies, bound to get a noise complaint between the music from inside and the yelling outside. 

rafe saw the slight hesitation from y/n, but she pushed a smile forward and got out of the car anyways. she knew some of these people, and with rafe by her side, she didn’t feel the need to cower in a corner all night long. 

rafe’s hand found a home on the small of her back almost instantly, leading her through the yard and the house skillfully, as he had done many times before. y/n found it almost insane when she actually relaxed at the sight of topper, never thinking that would happen in her entire life. 

“y/n!” the boy cheered from a few feet away, stretching his arms out beside him as a bright smile spread across his lips. 

y/n laughed at his excitement, surely induced by alcohol, and watched him push people out of his way to make the small journey over to her. he lifted her off of the ground and spun her around, rambling off about how he was excited that she agreed to come. 

rafe watched the scene unfold before him, smiling when y/n’s laugh filled the air around him. he had never found something so simple sound so melodic, finding the warmth in his chest slightly comforting and entirely terrifying. 

when y/n was back on her feet topper threw an arm around her shoulders and began scanning the room for kelce. he found the boy after only a minute of looking, pulling y/n along with him while rafe followed close behind. 

y/n’s hand lingered behind her subtly, feeling rafe’s hand fold into hers gently, a reassuring thumb rubbing circles on the inside of her palm. rafe only dropped her hand when kelce took notice to the three of them, leaving his conversation to walk over to them. 

“you came!” kelce said excitedly, throwing his arms around y/n in a much calmer manner than topper had down previously. 

“i guess i did.” she laughed gently, watching kelce smile knowingly, though he was still glad she came. 

“well i’m glad you did. just have fun, alright? kook parties are better than pogue parties, and i’ve made it my mission to prove that to you.” y/n laughed, but she didn’t doubt that the three boys surrounding her had full intentions of following through with that. 

she had thrown back her third shot of the night, biting down on the lime rafe held out for her and smiled around the rind. rafe laughed loudly at the sight, taking a mental polaroid of the smiling girl. 

she didn’t know how many songs she’d spent with her back pressed to rafe’s chest, or how many times she had laughed throughout the night. she hadn’t had this much fun at a party in months. she’d spent so long sulking over jj and kie’s relationship that she found herself longing for. 

but she hadn’t thought of jj all night long, forgetting about the blond boy any time rafe’s large hands gripped her hips or pressed her against him. her mind was slightly fuzzy, but she knew that she would’ve done it all over again even without the multiple shots of tequila coursing through her. 

rafe’s hand grabbed hers and spun her under his arm, another laugh of hers ripping through the air before she leaned into him. rafe’s head dipped into the bend of her neck, pressing a single kiss to bottom of it before his attention shifted across the room. 

the blonde girl had gone unseen for close to an hour, thinking that the plan was going smoothly until rafe caught her trying to blend in and nursing the same beer all night to keep a clear head. 

rafe leaned down and pressed his lips close to y/n’s ear, finding it difficult to ignore the way her fluid movements stuttered for a split second. 

“we’ve got a double agent in the room.” y/n’s eyes followed rafe’s subtle point across the room and she sighed heavily when she caught sight of the blonde. 

she knew sarah hated coming to kook parties, it was hard not to when she ranted about it almost every weekend. she hadn’t come to a kook party in weeks, which made her motive of the night crystal clear. 

y/n turned to face rafe, her shoulders slumped and eyes slightly red as she looked up at him. she had stopped dancing, and rafe grew slightly concerned at her shift in mood. 

he brought his hands up to her cheeks and ran his thumbs softly over her skin, watching her eyes flutter slightly. she leaned into his touch, her hands gripping his forearms softly.  

“you want to get out of here?” she nodded slowly, the alcohol in her system making her movements slightly sluggish. 

rafe grabbed her hand, walking towards the door and saying goodbye to multiple people on the way. a few people said goodbye to y/n, even if they had just met her hours before. topper was confused when rafe clapped a hand on his back, but rafe leaned in towards his ear and topper rolled his eyes before scanning the crowd. 

he found the source of y/n and rafe’s early dismissal and nodded, understanding why y/n would want to flee. he said bye to rafe and gave y/n a tight hug, muttering a soft ‘come back soon’ before letting her follow rafe outside. 

rafe opened the door to the truck for y/n, watching her pull herself up into it before shutting it behind her. y/n leaned backwards in the seat, eyes shutting softly as she sighed. 

rafe pulled himself into the truck shortly after and smiled at the sight of her. she looked so peaceful beside him, eyes shut for the time being and chest rising and falling regularly. 

“you’re staring.” she mumbled softly, eyes opening afterwards to see a smiling rafe not far from her. 

“i don’t want to take you home yet.” she smiled at that, pushing herself to sit up straight.

“then don’t take me home.” 

rafe let her pick the music on the way to their destination, rolling her eyes every so often at her picks, but sang along with her when he knew them. y/n was singing loudly, if you could even call it singing, laughing along with rafe when his laugh boomed through the car. 

y/n smiled when the diner entered her line of sight, humming in content as she sat back in her seat. she jumped out of the car as soon as rafe parked it, not even waiting for him to shut it off before she was skipping towards the door. 

she opened the door, bowing playfully towards rafe who just laughed as he walked up to her. he put his hand higher up on the door and playfully pushed her inside, finding her drunken state to be quite entertaining. 

y/n waved at the staff who she’d grown to known over the years, not changing much from when she was younger, and plopped herself down in a booth. rafe slid in across from her, smiling widely at the sight of her beaming brightly. 

“rafe cameron.” she said softly, leaning into her palm as she stared at him with a look he couldn’t quite decipher. 

“yes, princess?” she blushed at the nickname, though that didn’t stop the eye roll she gave him. 

“where have you been all my life?” he laughed gently, though there was a slight tug on his heart at the question. 

truth be told, he’d known about y/n since he was a kid. though that was a given, since mostly everyone knew everyone on the island. but rafe had noticed her. truly and genuinely noticed her, and little things about her. she thought that the few things he rattled off on their first night at the diner had been just a few simple observations, but she had no idea about the hundreds of things he knew but kept to himself. 

he thought she was beautiful, which is probably why he couldn’t stop himself from hitting on her around the pogues. he told himself, and she assumed, that it was all a ploy to get under the skin of her friends. surely, he did the same thing to kie, so it wasn’t anything to read into. 

but that was far from the truth. he had felt drawn to y/n for years, and hitting on kie was only an attempt to even it out and tear suspicion away from him. topper noticed him staring every once in a while, but every time he mentioned it rafe shrugged him off quickly and asked why he would be staring at a pogue.

but she was so much more than just another pogue to him. 

“right under your nose, i guess.” she smiled at that answer, missing the way his eyes shifted due to her haziness. 

“well i’m glad you’re in front of me now.” she leaned over the table, watching rafe’s face light up ever so slightly as he drank in everything she was telling him. 

“you’re drunk.” he said softly, paired with a laugh. y/n rolled her eyes but she couldn’t deny it, because she was drunk. but that didn’t affect the way she was smiling at him. 

“that doesn’t change how i feel, rafe.” she rolled her eyes and leaned back in the booth, eyes lighting up at the stack of pancakes placed in front of her. 

she gasped softly, completely forgetting about their conversation as she grabbed a fork and a knife and started cutting off pieces of blueberry pancake to shove in her mouth. rafe smiled at the excitement she was exuding, laughing gently when she hummed as she chewed. 

she found herself sitting in rafe’s car hours later, staring at her front door. there was a light on for her tonight, which her and rafe were both thankful for. navigating in the dark is completely different when you’re drunk, so she was glad she didn’t have to go through that. 

y/n looked at rafe, watching his smile falter ever so slightly at the fact that she was about to climb out of his car and disappear into the house in front of them. he knew he’d see her again, possibly even tomorrow, but that didn’t stop the disappointment in his chest. 

“you’re doing it again.” she whispered softly, making his head snap to the side as he raised an eyebrow. 

“doing what again?” she smiled gently, letting out the smallest laugh as she looked at him. 

“sulking. you always do this when you drop me off.” his eyebrows furrowed, confusion flooding his mind but also slight shock. she noticed that he did that?

“sorry, i just- i can’t help it i guess.” she shrugged gently as her smile grew. 

“it’s cute. you don’t want to watch me leave.” rafe scoffed at that, eyes rolling as he leaned his head back. 

“baby, trust me when i say that i love watching you leave.” y/n gasped loudly and smacked the boy’s chest softly when he laughed loudly, her own laugh mixing in with his shortly after. 

their laughter died out, but both held bright smiles as they stared at each other, gazes lingering on various parts of the other’s face. y/n had never thought she’d be drinking in the sight of rafe cameron while sitting in his truck that was parked in her driveway at such a late hour, but she couldn’t say she minded. he surely was a sight to see. 

rafe moved first, leaning over the center console and wrapping a hand around the back of her neck. he pulled her in, though it didn’t take much for her to lean in herself. their lips connected, slowly and softly. though the slow and soft connection didn’t last long before y/n was pressing into it harder, rafe’s tongue slipping between her lips shortly after. 

it wasn’t rushed, but it was definitely passionate. it didn’t take long before y/n was ripping the seatbelt off of her and crawling over the center console. rafe’s arm quickly wrapped around her back, pulling her over his lap as she moved a leg on either side of him. 

both of her hands were holding rafe’s head against hers, while his found a nice home just below her hips, grabbing hand fulls of her. they got lost in the moment, forgetting what time it was or where they were, the slight intoxicated state that y/n was in was barely a memory at the moment. 

she was thoroughly convinced that any heightened sense was from the intoxication rafe provided her. all the alcohol in the world could never compete with the warmth that rafe was providing her. with his lips pressed against hers and the slightly heavy breathing, she had to force herself to pull back for air. 

both of them were breathing heavily, staring at one another before they broke out into wide smiles and a fit of laughter. still sat in his lap, y/n leaned back softly and jumped when the horn blew. rafe pulled her into his chest quickly, his chest shaking with laughter once again. 

“i should go.” she whispered softly, looking down at the boy under her who puffed out his bottom lip. 

her thumb traced over his lip, pulling it down ever so slightly before letting it snap back into place. she found herself getting lost in the moment all over again before snapping herself out of it. 

“i had fun.” she spoke softly, watching rafe nod before she crawled back into her seat beside him. 

she grabbed her phone and leaned over one more time to kiss rafe again, letting it linger for only a second before she pulled back and pushed the door open. she looked back at him, both still smiling widely at one another. 

“cameron?” she spoke softly and his smile grew as he nodded. 

“i’ll call you.” 

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