#my friend got it for me as a joke but i love it

[fxstpace]

only angel

summary: on paper, you and joshua hong are the perfect rivals, heirs to competing companies, each primed to outshine the other. what a pity you can’t seem to get enough of each other behind closed doors.

⇢ pairing: rich kid!joshua hong x rich kid!fem!reader ⇢ contains: smut (semi-public sex, oral sex, protected sex, fingering, dirty talk, exhibitionism, overstimulation), fluff, rivals to lovers au, friends with benefits au, rich kid au, profanity, implied misogyny, alcohol consumption, the nickname “angel”—please let me know if i’ve missed anything! ⇢ word count: 4.7k ⇢ note: title is taken from harry styles’ only angel.

“I’m just saying, if we want to see other people, we should.”

You roll your eyes. From your position on the bed—curled-up, facing Joshua—he looks sleep-drunk and honey-sweet. You can’t really say that to him without sounding like a sap, so you kiss the corner of his mouth instead. He hums, low and satisfied.

“What was that for?” he asks. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“So that every time you see another girl, you remember that my kisses are way better.” You let a slow smile spread across your face.

“That’s… possessive,” Joshua says, sounding mildly impressed. “And kind of toxic.”

He leans forward this time, brushing his lips against yours. Strictly speaking, you and Joshua have no reason to be so tender with each other. Intimacy is a rarity you can’t afford.

“Are you interested in seeing someone else?” you ask, when he pulls away.

A laugh ripples through his chest, and you grin impishly up at him. “Seeing people, yeah. Fucking them, no,” he says.

“I won’t stop you even if you do fuck other people.”

“How considerate.” His smile is teasing, but you’re not joking. 

Your relationship with Joshua Hong would cause a scandal unlike any other if word got out—and rightfully so. Your family has always been at constant odds with the Hongs, continuously trying to one up each other. As some of the biggest business conglomerates in the country, competition between the two companies was inevitable, but you certainly didn’t expect it to attain the level of aggression it has reached now. You and Joshua often joke that you’re like Romeo and Juliet, minus the idiocy of ingesting poison and the whole falling in love part. 

While the rest of your family and business associates do their best to eliminate their rivals once and for all, somehow you and Joshua didn’t get the memo.

Secrecy is a must in your situation. Only a select few people are aware of the illicit nature of the relationship between Pledis Industries’ doted-upon child and Hong Holdings’ golden boy. Even then, you’re careful, hiding your comings and goings from your parents and superiors. You usually make up some excuse—you were out with your friends, you went on an impromptu day trip—something to make them stop sniffing your trail. 

By all logic, you and Joshua should hate each other as well. But he’s a charming guy, objectively attractive, and more than that, he’s fantastic in bed. One formal event and too many glasses of champagne later, you found yourselves scurrying off to a deserted room, as though you were teenagers trying to sneak out during a school trip. It’s been a few months since then, but this arrangement has lasted.

So, logically speaking, all this small talk and commitment is utterly unnecessary. You’re not searching for any new guys to fuck, but if Joshua wants to fuck other people… Well. That’s his choice.

“You see people every day,” you remind him.

“Your point is?”

You move closer to him, throwing a leg over one of his. His cock twitches. You grin and reach down, splaying your fingers over his bare abdomen. He hisses at the contact, quickly tugging the blanket off. 

“My point is,” you whisper, rubbing your thumb against the soft patch of hair that’s right above his groin, “I’ll see you tonight at the launch event, Mr. Hong. Do try not to get your dick wet until then.”

“You’re evil, you know that?” Joshua whines, fingers curling into his palm.

You swing your legs over the side of the bed, fishing underneath the covers for your bra and panties. The lacy lingerie secured a few attempts later, you stand up and stretch your arms lazily. The horizon is tinged light pink; the glass door that leads to the balcony reflects the sun’s earliest rays. The city is just barely awake. Five o’clock in the morning on a Saturday lies somewhere on the threshold between dawn and night, and it’s a good thing no one you’ve come to the convention with will be awake now, after all the drinks they’ve had the night before. 

“One of my better charms,” you reply flippantly to Joshua’s previous comment. 

You fasten your bra and quickly pull up your underwear. Bending down to pick up your discarded clothes—a formal skirt and blouse—you know Joshua Hong is already staring blatantly at your ass. 

Sure enough, when you turn around, you find him watching you dress with his mouth hung open and a dazed look in his eyes. This might be your favourite part of your excursions, you think: Driving Joshua Hong mad. You once asked him why he liked seeing you dress up again so much, and he cheekily said that he loved imagining undressing you all over again. It had made heat flush your cheeks, and he had laughed at seeing you so flustered.

Now, it gives you a weird sense of delight, because more often than not, you leave Joshua with a hard-on and a curt order to not touch himself. Whether he actually complies or not, you don’t know, but you’re satisfied anyway.

“You should sleep in for a bit,” you tell him, once you’re fully-dressed. You run a hand through your unruly hair in an attempt to detangle it. 

In the light of the day, Joshua’s hotel room is a lot more… fuller. In the dark, all you did was grope about, pray you didn’t stub your toe on something and clutch the back of Joshua’s shirt like it was a lifeline while he fumbled to find the lamp on the bedside table. With crumpled sheets, a half-opened suitcase by the plush armchair, and an empty mug of instant coffee on the table in front of it, it looks lived-in—a weird contrast to yours. You prefer keeping your hotel room pristine because you feel strangely guilty giving the hotel staff more work to do.

Joshua yawns. “So should you. The conference isn’t until seven in the evening, no one’s going to be awake.”

“I… need to prepare for my speech,” you say. It’s a lie—you’ve practised your speech so many times, you know it verbatim now—but you’re absolutely paranoid at the thought of someone accidentally finding you and Joshua together.

And then you’d be forced to stay away from him, and what good would that do? It would cause more misery than you want it to.

“Oh.” Joshua perks up. “You’re presenting today? Good luck.”

“Thanks, Joshua.” You smile. “I’ll see you in the evening.”

“Yeah, alright.”

You clutch your shoes in your hand—it’s too early to prance about in high heels—and twist the knob on the door. Joshua, ever the suave gentleman, winks at you raunchily before you roll your eyes and shut the door behind you. 

The carpeted hallway is soft against your bare feet. You can hear the distant whirring of one of those big carpet-cleaning machines further away. You quicken your pace; your room is one floor below Joshua’s and you can’t risk getting caught, even by the hotel staff, so close to the Gojo heir’s room. The lights cast a soft glow throughout the gilded walls, making the abstract art paintings pinned up shimmer. A vase with dried-up roses sits prettily on a marble-topped table as you round the corner towards the staircase.

You quickly descend the steps two at a time, nearly running straight into a waiter holding a tray with a pot of coffee aloft. You give him an apologetic smile and a shrug when he glances at your haphazard state, as though to say Well, what can you do? and head on over to your room. Thankfully, you don’t run into anyone else along the way.

You swipe your keycard against the lock and push your door open. Dropping the heels on the floor, you let out a relieved sigh. First things first: you’re going to brush your teeth and take a nice, long shower. You think about the dress you’ve planned to wear for the evening and smile.

Joshua Hong is going to love it.

Your speech was a resounding success. 

Despite being one of the few women speakers invited to the conference, you refused to hang your head low. Yes, you might have gotten to the position you’re at only because of your parents, but that doesn’t mean you’re good at your job. You delivered every line perfectly.

You deserve a reward.

The grand ballroom shimmers under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the soft hum of conversation interspersed with the gentle clink of champagne glasses. You glide through the sea of tailored suits and designer dresses, exchanging pleasantries with industry leaders and dignitaries. You’re here as a representative of Pledis Industries—and, by extension, your mother and father. Connections are vital, and you can’t be caught slacking.

Your gown, sleek and fitted, feels like a second skin, catching the light just right as you move—enough to draw eyes, enough to give off an air of importance. Your makeup is light, only accentuating your best features. You’re the talented daughter of one of the country’s richest CEOs; your image should come off as authentic and empathetic.

But there’s only one gaze you can feel lingering on you from the moment you stepped off the stage, and it’s Joshua’s.

You pause, taking a sip of your almost-finished drink. Your conversation with Kim Taehyung—a famous businessman—about philanthropic organisations is intriguing, and it’s a good chance to network and earn some favour. But even though Taehyung is smart and intelligent, and extremely good-looking (he looks like a Greek statue carved by the Gods; you’re slightly envious of his jawline), you can’t stop yourself from trying to catch Joshua’s gaze. You wore this dress for him, after all.

He meets your eyes from where he stands, leaning against the bar, looking effortlessly elegant in his tailored suit. His hair is combed back, a few strands falling across his forehead, and he sips from a glass of some dark liquid, raising it slightly like it’s a toast. A small, knowing smile tugs at his lips, before it’s quickly replaced by the polite, blank expression both of you have perfected over the years—though his eyes twinkle just the same. It sends a wave of warmth straight to your chest and down your navel.

Swallowing down the last of your champagne, you place it on a nearby table and excuse yourself. You can’t linger in his stare for too long; that would only be giving yourself away. Joshua tilts his head, and you know what he wants. 

You make your way to a quieter, less crowded part of the ballroom, near one of the staff rooms. Just as you prepare to slip out through one of the side doors, a hand grabs your wrist, and you’re yanked into the quiet, dimly lit space. The door clicks shut behind you. Joshua’s body is pressed flush against yours. 

“Did you wear that just to drive me insane?” he murmurs, breath ghosting over your ear.

You can’t help the smirk that tugs at your lips—you knew he would love this colour on you—but your words falter when his hand slides over the curve of your waist, fingers teasing the slit of your dress. 

“You’re not the only one in the room,” you manage to say. “Maybe I dressed up for the crowd. There are tons of eligible bachelors out there.”

“Yeah? Like who?”

“Kim Taehyung,” you say, startled by your own boldness.

Joshua’s eyes widen with momentary surprise. “Is he why you brought up the idea of seeing other people this morning?”

“God, no.” You swallow. “Not at all.”

His lips ghost over your neck, the slightest hint of a chuckle escaping him. “You love getting fucked by me,” he whispers, his hand traveling further down, gripping your thigh, pulling your leg to the side as he presses himself against you. “You just like to make me remind you.”

Your breath hitches when he yanks your leg up around his waist, the fabric of your gown slipping higher, exposing more skin to his wandering touch. You place your hands on his shoulders for balance.

“You were amazing, you know,” he continues, lips a hair’s breadth away from yours. “Couldn’t take my eyes off you. My gorgeous angel.”

“What do I get for it?” you whisper back.

“Oh? So greedy,” he says, rubbing circles on the bare skin of your thigh. “I’ll give you what you want, don’t worry.”

Joshua’s promise makes heat pool in your stomach, and you crash your lips with his. His tongue slips through your parted mouth. You tangle your fingers in his hair, messing up his careful hairstyle. He groans into your mouth, pulling you closer until your chests touch.

His hands are everywhere—tracing the curve of your hips, slipping beneath your dress, fingers finding your panties and tugging them aside like they’re in the way. The cool air hits your skin, making you shiver.

“You’re soaked,” he mutters, voice tight as he slides a finger through your slickness. “All this just from me watching you?”

You bite your lip, trying to keep yourself from making a sound when he slips a finger inside you. The stretch is familiar, yet it never fails to send a ripple of pleasure straight through you. Your knees almost buckle. He smiles, adding a second finger. His pace is slow, teasing, building the heat between your thighs until you’re struggling to keep quiet.

“Joshua,” you gasp out, barely able to catch your breath. His thumb brushes your clit, sending sparks shooting up your body. You know you should stop this, that anyone could walk in at any time, but the way he’s touching you, the way his fingers curl inside you—it makes coherent thought impossible.

He presses you harder against the wall, his mouth leaving a trail of kisses along your throat, sucking just lightly enough that he doesn’t leave marks. His other hand snakes along your waist, holding you steady while his fingers work you closer and closer to the edge, the rhythm of his thumb on your clit driving you wild.

“I think we’ve got… twenty minutes before people notice we’re missing,” your rival breathes out. “Think I can make you cum in five?”

You let out a strangled gasp, your body trembling as he quickens the pace of his fingers, thrusting them deeper, harder. The coil in your belly tightens with each stroke, every flick of his thumb over your clit; you can’t hold back the soft moans that escape your lips.

Joshua grins, clearly enjoying the way you fall apart in his hands. “That’s it. Don’t hold back.”

His words, the heat of his breath against your ear, send you spiralling. You grip the front of his suit jacket, your legs shaking as the pleasure builds, higher and higher, until it’s too much. Your hips buck against his hand, chasing that final push as his thumb presses harder against your clit.

Your orgasm rips through you, a wave of white-hot pleasure that makes your vision blur. Your thighs shake as you cum around his fingers. You bite down on your lip to keep from crying out loud, but a small whimper still slips through. He continues to pump his fingers, prolonging your release.

When it finally subsides, Joshua pulls his hand away, fingers glistening with your arousal. He watches you for a moment, a satisfied look on his face. You try to catch your breath, leaning heavily against the wall for support.

“God, you look so good when you cum for me.” He presses a gentle kiss to your forehead, almost tender.

You open your mouth to respond, but before you can, he shushes you and brings his fingers—still wet with your slick—up to your lips.

“Suck.”

Your heart pounds in your chest, but you do as he says, wrapping your lips around his fingers, tasting yourself as he watches silently. His thumb brushes your lower lip as you release him, his gaze not leaving yours.

“My turn. I want to eat you out.” Joshua’s grin is mischievous, but evil is how you would describe it.

“F-fuck, no, Joshua, I— I can’t—” 

Your protests fall on deaf ears. Joshua drops to his knees, uncaring of the fact that the linoleum floor beneath him is probably dirty enough to soil his expensive trousers. 

“Joshua, wait, let me just—” You kick off your heels. The floor is cool underneath your bare feet and it feels better now that you no longer have to worry about accidentally twisting your ankle because you couldn’t hold yourself up.

“Hold your dress up for me, angel.”

You comply, bunching up your dress in your arms and holding it above your waist. The fabric wrinkles under your fingertips. You want to say something snarky back to him—but the only thing that escapes your mouth is a small squeak when Joshua cups your ass with a hand, pulling you closer to his face. He licks his way up your thighs, only stopping when you whine.

“Shhh, angel. You’re going to draw someone’s attention if you keep making those pretty noises.”

You nod but whimper softly, because if Joshua Hong angled his head just a little bit, his breath would be ghosting right against your centre, the only barricade being the soft cotton of your already-soiled panties. He rests a finger against the front of your underwear, his touch light. When he sees the way you bite your lip to hide your moans, he presses more firmly, rubbing against your pussy.

“Fuck,” you curse under your breath, attempting to fuck yourself on his finger. He looks up at you with a wondrous expression, watching you swivel your hips, trying to get yourself off. Finally, having had enough, Joshua hooks his fingers through the waistband and roughly pulls it down. 

If you weren’t so high off his touches, perhaps you’d have been embarrassed at the arousal that glistens over your pussy and inner thighs even though you just orgasmed. As such, you do not give a fuck—especially not when you hear Joshua’s sharp intake of breath at the sight. He licks your clit slowly, once, twice, thrice, and then grabs your ass and pulls you closer. You free one hand and hold onto strands of his hair to steady yourself. Joshua’s mouth attaches to your clit, slurping and sucking on the sensitive bundle of nerves. The moan that bubbles out of your throat draws a satisfied hum from the man eating out your cunt.

He slides a finger inside your clenching hole, slick with arousal, swirling his tongue around your clit. Your mind feels blank, lost to the pleasure that Joshua Hong readily gives you. You let out a slew of curses, until finally, you nearly cry out, “Joshua—oh—I think I’m going to cum—”

Your rival completely disregards your comment, instead adding another finger and pumping them both in and out. His mouth still works your clit diligently. It’s not long before you close your eyes and see stars on the inside of your eyelids. Your chest heaves as your orgasm washes over you. You come undone on Joshua’s face and fingers, shuddering and gasping out profanities.

“Good job,” he praises. You open your eyes and find him still kneeling on the floor. The bulge against the front of his jeans is prominent and for a brief moment, you feel a bit guilty for not giving him the same pleasure he gave you. He glances at his slick-coated fingers, and once you meet his gaze, he pops them into his mouth and licks every bit of your juices off of them. 

“What about you?” you breathe out.

“What about me?”

“You’re hard,” you point out, as if you’re not stating the obvious. 

Joshua arches an eyebrow and stands up. “Very astute observation.”

“Oh, fuck off. I don’t even know why I bother, honestly—”

Joshua grins and kisses the corner of your mouth. “Are you offering to suck me off?”

“No fucking way.” You scowl. “I spent hours on my makeup.”

“Hm. Not that that did any good—”

Your scowl turns fiercer.

“—I mean, you still look beautiful, even though you’re all sweaty. I was just teasing,” he amends. “I’ll be fine. I’ll just go back to my hotel room all by myself and jerk myself off all by myself. Or I could fuck you against the wall.”

Your eyes widen. Joshua—ever the observant one—notices.

“Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he drawls, unzipping his trousers. His bulge is more prominent, now, with only one layer of fabric covering it. “You get off on that, hm? You like being pressed against the wall, so close to everyone outside? Anyone could hear the sounds you make with that pretty little mouth of yours, and then everyone will want to know who’s coaxing them out of you. You like the sound of that?”

His words, crass and filthy by all means, make you shiver. Joshua knows you better than most people. He has mapped out all the places that make you moan, how to bring you to your high as quickly as possible—but he also knows how to make you laugh and smile, and what type of dessert is your favourite, and about the time you cannonballed off the diving board and broke your arm because you didn’t land inside the swimming pool correctly.

Joshua Hong knows you, and it is this fact, more than anything else, that makes you trust him.

“Once more for me, angel. Can you do that?” he asks, pulling his underwear down and freeing his cock.

You nod dumbly, mouth watering at the sight of him—white strands messed up by your fingers, dick hanging out of his pants and curving upwards, the formal button down with the sleeves rolled up and the collar askew, and the lipstick stain on his cheek. He is a vision, and he is all yours.

Joshua smirks, like he knows the effect he has on you. You really should get him back for that, you think.

“Turn around for me,” he coos.

You do as he says, dress still bunched up in one hand. Joshua presses into you from behind, the curve of his dick against your ass, and curls an arm around your chest, cupping one of your breasts. He pinches your nipple lightly through the satin-like fabric of your dress; you gasp.

You turn your head, trying to catch a glimpse of your lover. He stares back at you, mouth pressed into a thin line like he can barely restrain himself, eyes darkened with lust. He pumps his cock a few times, spreading his pre-cum over the length.

“Joshua,” you whisper, pleading.

Joshua kisses you at the same time he enters you, swallowing your moan with his mouth and running his tongue along yours. He still tastes a bit like you, and it’s enough to make you shudder coupled with the feeling of him filling you up.

“Fuck, angel,” he murmurs against your lips. “So perfect for me. Gonna fill you up so well, yeah?”

You can only groan in reply, your free hand coming around to clutch his. His grip is tight and warm, and he squeezes your hand when he pulls out and thrusts back in. You let your head drop back and lean on his shoulder, your eyes fluttering shut and pants escaping your throats.

“So pretty, so beautiful, so perfect,” Joshua mutters, swivelling his hips and thrusting faster into you. He moans, the feeling of your walls clenching around him nearly driving him over the edge. He mouths kisses at your neck, your jaw—no longer careful to not leave marks. He doesn’t care anymore. Some twisted part of him gets off on showing the world that he’s fucked you—his rival since both of you were declared the inheritors of you respective companies—so well. Others would kill to be in your place, or in his, but you only want him and he only wants you.

“J-Joshua, ‘m gonna cum,” you gasp out. His dick drags against your walls, and one particularly rough thrust makes the tip of his cock find that one spot that makes your toes curl with pleasure. You nearly keen at the sensation.

“Cum for me, angel,” he mumbles. “Doing so well for me. You deserve it. You’re on the pill, yeah?”

“Yes,” you moan, leaning your forehead against the rough surface of the wall and squeezing your eyes shut. You squeeze Joshua’s hand once more, the only sounds being the slap of skin against skin and the breathless noises that escape both your lips. Your thighs tremble and you feel stars burst against your eyelids as Joshua brings you to an orgasm for the third time that night.

He rides you through it, continuing to pump his cock in and out of you, though his thrusts have turned sloppy. With a string of curse words mumbled under his breath, Joshua finally cums inside you. You groan at the feeling. He stays there, quiet, simply holding you while both of you catch your breath. 

Joshua slips his softening cock out of you and tucks it back into his pants. You turn around, wrinkle your nose, and bend down to pull your panties back up. You’re sweaty and you feel sticky all over, and you can barely stand without leaning on Joshua for support.

There’s no way you can go back to the convention in this state.

He wipes the sweat off your forehead with the back of his hand. You smooth out your dress and adjust your hair, trying to look presentable. He takes a step back, eyes sweeping over you one last time.

“You have lipstick on your cheek,” you inform him. He brings a palm up to his face and rubs at it.

“Here, wear this,” Joshua tells you. He picks up his blazer from where it was thrown on the floor—you hadn’t even realised it was there. Mumbling your thanks, you drape it over your shoulders. 

“Come on. I’ll take you back to your room,” he says. “We can shower together.”

“God, no, Joshua. Knowing you, you’ll probably have me against the bathroom wall again.”

“What do you take me for? A hormonal teenager who just discovered Wi-Fi and incognito mode?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, so that isn’t offensive at all,” Joshua whines. “Please? I’ll even shampoo your hair for you and I promise not a single thought about sex will enter my mind.”

“That’s practically impossible for you,” you mutter. Still, the thought is enticing. You could really use a warm bath right now, and if Joshua is offering to wash your hair for you—well, it’s one less thing for you to worry about given how tired you are. “But fine. We’ll have to be careful so that no one sees us together, though.”

Joshua grins. “Of course. I think everyone is out there getting drunk. We’ll be fine.”

He picks up your heels for you, and, wrapping an arm around your shoulder, twists the door knob.

(You frown and shove your phone into Joshua’s face. The screen is open to an article, which reads:

Has The Notorious Bachelor Of Hong Holdings Finally Settled Down? Joshua Hong Photographed Leaving Hotel Room With Mysterious Girl.

Underneath it is a grainy photo of him, with his hand around your shoulders and your heels in his hand. Thankfully, your face is blurred enough that no one knows it’s you, but still.

“Speculations about who the mysterious girl is rise as the Internet goes into a meltdown,” Joshua reads, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face. “Joshua Hong, considered one of the most eligible and successful bachelors around, has never once been caught or embroiled in any love affair. The most popular suspicion is that the woman in question is a secret spy, sent to seduce him and steal his extensive collection of designer sunglasses,” he continues, pausing to dramatically adjust one of the said pairs of sunglasses perched on his nose.

“I’m going to kill you,” you mutter, raising a hand to shove his shoulder.

Joshua laughs and catches your hand, using it as leverage to pull your body closer to his. “You won’t. You’re the only angel I know—you’re too nice to do that.”

“Try me,” you say, but you tilt your head up and capture his lips in a kiss instead.)

[1d1195]

HOV

~8k words

From me: a one-shot

Warnings: enemies to lovers (because WHY NOT), panicked Harry, car accident, hospital visit, etc.

Summary: Two environmentally friendly people carpool to work and almost kill each other every day. Harry brakes too much. She lets people go when it's not their turn. She gets crumbs all over her car. Harry listens to really boring podcasts. Harry thinks she's beautiful even if she's annoying. She thinks Harry is unbelievably sexy even if his opinion of her music is rude.

It’s for the environment. It’s for the environment. It’s for the environment.

Every day he waited for her to get to his car he had to chant it to himself that it was worth it. “We’re not going to fight today,” he mumbled to himself as she left the apartment building. It was exactly one building next to his and so it made sense.

She looked really pretty. She always did. It was brutal on his psyche because he wanted to like her. He was desperate to like her, but she was just so... annoying. But her hair was half up in a clip, pieces spilled from it almost artfully. That was the only way he could describe her: art. Harry wasn’t sure if she wore makeup, he suspected she did but if he found out she was naturally that stunning he wouldn’t have been surprised either.

Her dress pants looked perfect on her legs, not quite painted on but close. Her bright blue button down was tucked in and complimented her complexion so well. She wore a pair of heels to complete her look which he knew she didn’t like doing so he was bracing for her complaints—she was much more of a flats person; but she felt she had to wear them to be taken seriously. She looked professional, beautiful, but approachable.

Harry took a deep breath trying to quell the frustration, anxiety, and adoration he had for her before she got in the car. We’re not going to fight today.

“Hi,” she greeted quietly.

“Hi,” he answered as she got settled. She put her coffee mug in the cup holder, her lunch bag and work bag went to the floor by her feet. Harry much preferred her weekend look, and he was sure she did too; sweatpants, a hoodie or T-shirt, sneakers or slippers was much more her style and she wore that just as beautifully as she did her professional outfit.

Jesus Christ it was going to be a long week. How was it only Monday?

“Do y’have a presentation today?” He asked as she finally settled herself into the passenger seat.

“Yeah, why?” Harry noted she was immediately distrustful and did his best to ignore it because he was trying, with everything in him, to be polite and kind. More than he usual.

“Y’look nice,” he shrugged.

“As in I don’t usually look nice?” She asked defensively. “Are you playing a trick on me? Is this a joke?”

That was short-lived. He sighed and looked at the ceiling for help like the answer to this complicated woman was going to be there, finally. “No, s’not a joke. Y’always look nice, love. But y’look extra nice today.”

“Oh,” she pouted, the pucker between her eyebrows making itself known. He was used to seeing it and he found it cute since she looked so serious and her face was just so sweet it almost didn't make sense for her to look so grumpy. But Harry knew better. “Thank you,” she murmured, surprise laced in her voice. “Sorry... I’m nervous,” she explained.

He frowned. “M’sure you’ll be fine.”

“Mm.”

They didn’t speak for several moments. Silence was a lot better for them. Less of a chance to argue with one another. “How was your weekend?” She asked. Small talk was typically safe. As long as there wasn’t a lot of details.

“Good, finished m’book,” but he didn’t offer what he read because he knew they didn’t share the same taste in book genres and she would probably wrinkle her cute little nose in distaste. “How was yours?”

“Fine, visited my friend,” but she didn’t say which one because he would just tell her how she was being used for her money and networking to get into nice restaurants. The silence continued for another few minutes. She scrolled on her phone then pulled her laptop out of her bag. There was about forty minutes until they reached their office so maybe she would go over her presentation.

Harry would have offered to listen to it, but from experience, she would argue every point of constructive criticism he had to offer—only because he had done the very same. In actuality, her presentation was probably perfect. There was no need for her to be nervous. But as she had explained many times over, she was a woman in a corporate office with a bunch of men who didn’t trust her. She had to work twice as hard to get things done her way.

The silence was interrupted by her stomach growling loud enough for Harry to hear it. He sighed and rolled his eyes like it was a major inconvenience for him. “What, Harry? What?” She grumbled.

“Why don’t y’jus’ eat before y’leave?”

“I told you, I’m nervous about my presentation today.”

“What’s your excuse for the other days?”

“Happy Monday,” she grumbled and put her head on the window. But of course, at that moment Harry stomped on the brake as he was wont to do. Meaning her head all but smacked off the glass. “Ow! For God’s sake, Harry! You don’t have to slam on the brakes!”

“I’m not,” she pulled the visor down to look in the mirror to inspect her forehead as if it was going to create a bruise instantly. “My God, you’re dramatic,” he muttered under his breath.

“You drive like a grandma,” she retorted.

“What, safely?!” He hissed through his teeth. He wanted to actually slam on the brakes. Her stomach growled again only further fueling his annoyance with her. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he pulled off the closest exit and headed for a nearby coffee shop so she could get a pastry or something for her.

“We don’t need to stop.”

“You need t’eat something. Sounds like y’trapped an animal in there.”

Her cheeks felt warm with his comparison. “That’s so fucking rude Harry.”

“I don’t care, y’need t’eat!”

“I’m not hungry. I’m nervous about my presentation.”

“S’gonna be a shitty presentation if y’stomach keeps growling over the sound of your voice.”

She inhaled deeply, closed her eyes and turned to look at the window. “I’m too nervous to eat; thank you for caring in your overbearing, aggressive way, but I won’t eat anything. I’ll eat a granola bar from my desk when we get to the office,” she explained.

Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head but returned to the highway after their tiny detour. “You’re sure?”

“Yup. Can’t eat in the car anyway and I don’t want to be any later than we already are.”

“Late,” his eyes were going to get stuck trying to look at the back of his brain. “You’re ridiculous.”

The spat simmered tensely in the silent air between them. They went a whole four minutes without arguing. That had to be a record, even for them.

*

The drive home was much less tense almost always. Usually, they were both too drained to speak to one another, so it made it a lot easier to tolerate the other person’s existence.

So, it was Harry’s fault that they argued again on the way home.

“How was your presentation?” He asked politely.

“Fine,” she shrugged.

“Jus’ fine?” He frowned. “Y’were all worked up ‘bout it this morning.”

“Yeah, because no one takes me seriously,” she snorted, but her laugh didn’t have a trace of real humor in it.

“Right, so it was just fine?”

“What are you looking for here Harry?” Her irritation was evident in her voice.

“I don’t know, a better adjective? Y’got through t’them? They hated it? Fine makes y’sound like a teen coming home from school.”

She rolled her eyes. “They’re going to table my idea for another day,” she sounded exhausted, and Harry was tired too, so in hindsight, he was willing to take the entire blame for the argument and subsequent tense ride home.

“How do y’feel ‘bout that?”

“What do you even care for, Harry? What’s with the interrogation?”

“Forget it,” he sighed. “I was jus’ making conversation. Y’didn’t even ask how my day was.”

“How was your day?” She snapped.

“Fine.”

Her hands clenched into fists in her lap, and she inhaled deeply. “Don’t talk to me,” she grumbled.

“Fine by me.”

*

She drove every other day; it was their routine. It saved wear and tear on their cars and since her car was a hybrid, they really saved on gas and were doing their part to save the environment. If either of them had a car appointment or stayed home sick, then the other one would of course drive and they would pick up the following day, right where they left off.

When she drove, however, Harry was even grumpier, somehow. Though, it seemed impossible someone could be grumpier. But she made him leave an hour earlier than necessary. Harry was already awake and ready but he very much enjoyed a gradual wake up. He liked the time in the morning to do the daily NYT crossword puzzle and to meditate or workout before going to the office.

He did not like arguing an hour earlier than normal.

“It’s for the environment,” she mumbled to herself as Harry approached. He was otherworldly handsome. He looked like he should have been a model, not a financial wizard. His hair was perfectly messy, his eyes sparkled, and his entire frame was just meant to tempt her. In a suit (which he wore every weekday), he looked fan-fucking-tastic. Everything ironed crisply, his tie perfectly straight. He was sincerely hot—there was no other way to describe him.

But his weekend look? When she saw him out and about lounging in joggers and T-shirts that clung to every muscle in his torso? That was her favorite version of him. They usually ran into each other on nice weather days when they both wanted sunshine and air. Harry jogged a lot. She would read on the bench in front of her building. Sometimes they saw one another at the grocery store. But given they spent two hours every day in an enclosed area and argued for nearly the entire time, they were not spending any more of their weekend doing the same thing, so not much more than a polite hello was said between them.

“Good morning,” he murmured as he got in and settled his bag at his feet. Harry didn’t have a presentation to prep so he was planning on sleeping and meditating this morning with his head propped against the window.

“Morning,” she answered softly.

“Sleep okay?” He asked. “The rain and wind woke me a lot.”

“Same,” she agreed. “You’re going to try and sleep then?”

“Mmm,” he hummed. “S’that okay?”

“Yeah, of course.”

It felt less tense today. We’re not going to argue, she thought to herself.

While Harry slept, she remained focused on the road. Her mind making a mental to do list for when she arrived at the office. She knew Harry hated getting there early, but her brain focused so much better without people constantly bothering her.

For a company that clearly had it out for a woman in finance, they sure did need her a whole lot.

She had music on low that she sang quietly along with while Harry slept. If it bothered him, he didn’t say anything today.

Even with Harry sleeping most of the way, it had to be a record that they didn’t argue all the way until they were a mere five minutes from their building. Naturally, their getting along came to an abrupt end. A truck roared in front of her, cutting her off and merging with very little space between them so it could get to the next lane and off at the next turn. It made her gasp and slam on her brakes at the same time. Instinctively, she tossed her arm out to save Harry from whiplash, her arm pressed to the front of his body. “What the fuck!?” He shouted and jolted awake.

“Sorry! Sorry! I was—” She dropped her arm quickly and her hand went back to the steering wheel quickly, hiding the shake she felt in it.

“Were y’letting someone randomly go again?”

She had a penchant for being too polite on the road—it was Harry’s least favorite thing about her driving habits. “N-no—” her palms were sweating against the wheel, her heart pounding as she gripped at it tighter. She parked and felt a wave of frustration and worry fall over her. Even some embarrassment as Harry yelled at her.

She hated being cut off by another driver. It made her so nervous. She wasn’t a car person, but hers was her baby. She didn’t want anything to happen to it and if being a little extra nice and cautious on the road would keep it safe, then she would do it.

“S’more dangerous t’be polite,” he grumbled. “Jesus Christ.”

“I’m sorr—”

“Jus’ another reason we should get here so fucking early,” he snapped. “Forget it,” he shook his head and got out of the car and headed into the building without looking at her again. Still shaking, she pouted, took a few calming breaths and composed herself before she followed Harry’s path to their office building.

*

On the ride home she stopped for coffee and kindly purchased Harry one as well without asking—but when he heard her order it at the drive-through, he felt the argument from the morning disappearing slowly from his mind. “Thanks,” he mumbled from beside her.

“You’re welcome,” she figured less would be more in talking to him—especially after their morning.

But it didn’t help that she let two people merge in front of her as they got on the highway—almost like she was still nervous from this morning. Harry sighed heavily, like he was personally inconvenienced by her kindness to other drivers. She ignored it and continued home. Harry watched as she bit into a powdered donut she got. He rolled his eyes.

“What?” She asked through a mouthful, the sugar floated all over herself and her gearshift. He shook his head.

“S’a messy donut.”

“It’s my car,” she pouted. It was hard to take her seriously when she had powdered sugar all over her mouth. She was pretty adorable with sugar all over her cheeks, though, Harry would give her that.

“If y’want t’trade y’car in, they like it to be clean.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not getting rid of her ever.”

He just shook his head again. Some mornings she ate a breakfast sandwich and Harry watched the crumbs of her croissant rain on her outfit like confetti while she drove with one hand on the wheel. His car was pristine while hers was not. There were half empty water bottles in the back and random pieces of her “emergency” kit strewn about in the boot of her car in a way that Harry doubted would ever help if there was truly an emergency. There were blankets and reusable grocery bags all across the backseat—there was just no order. Which was so weird because she was one of the most organized people he knew.

“Y’know y’shouldn’t use plastic water bottles,” he rebuked as he caught sight of another one on the floor behind him.

She sighed. “I recycle them, Harry. Do you honestly think I don’t care about the environment when we carpool every day? Do you think that arguing with you for an hour and a half every day is because I hate the environment?”

“Forget it,” he sighed not wanting to argue. “How was your day?” He asked trying to recreate the tension free car ride that was present first thing this morning before they fought in the parking lot.

“It was okay,” she shrugged but immediately, Harry knew it was a lie. He quirked one eyebrow at her in disbelief and her unsure tone. With a bigger sigh, she relented. “I got yelled at for something that wasn’t my fault and then I didn't even get an apology when they realized it wasn’t.”

Harry frowned. “Did y’say something?”

“Did I try to hurt the male ego?" She shook her head with another eye roll. "Harry, I would never.”

He smirked and looked out the window. She was funny. Even if she was annoying. “Y’have no problem hurting my ego.”

“I hurt your ego?” She asked in surprise. He shrugged and nodded with a smirk still on his lips. That cute little wrinkle between her eyebrows pinched together and made itself known again. Harry once more was overcome by how adorable she was. He didn’t understand her question. Or why she cared. But he wished he had paid closer attention to her reaction because she suddenly looked so upset. “I didn’t know that,” her voice was soft. “I’m... I’m sorry, Harry,” and it really sounded like she was.

He blinked. “S’fine,” he shrugged one shoulder. “I know y’don’t mean it.”

“I don’t, truly.” It felt really important that Harry knew that. Maybe it was her crummy day. Coworkers continued to not trust her nor believe she was capable of doing well, which made her feel worse. God why did she continue working where she wasn’t wanted? Where she wasn’t appreciated? She was still a little shaken from her almost accident and her uncanny ability to piss Harry off. She was suddenly very forlorn over the idea that she had hurt Harry in any way. “How...how was your day?” She asked tentatively her voice catching.

“It was good,” he nodded, but he was looking at her suspiciously and the sound of anxiety coating her words. “Ordinary... Nothing t’really report... Who yelled at you, by the way?”

“No one, it’s nothing,” she shook her head quickly.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Then jus’ tell me, love. S’not a big deal.”

She sighed, irritated, dejected, and tired of arguing. “Do you know Jason?”

Harry scoffed. “He’s a prick and can’t add two plus two. Don’t let him get t’you. Sorry he yelled at you.”

It was one of the nicest things Harry had ever said on her behalf. “S’not your fault,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, but he shouldn’t. M’sure y’do everything perfectly. He’s probably jealous and stupid and everything else.”

“Thank you,” her voice was still soft. Her eyes felt misty at his kindness. Harry being nice on top of her shitty day was so overwhelming��too overwhelming.

Harry noticed right away. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, m’fine,” she nodded, wiping at her cheek.

“Y’don’t look fine, love... Why don’t y’pull over? I don’t want you t’drive if you’re emotional. S’not safe.”

She sniffed. “It’s fine. I’m just being overly sensitive. Not a lot of sleep and... It just... it wasn’t a very good day,” she swiped her hand beneath her nose and wiped her below her eye again while her words got caught in her throat a few times as she spoke.

“Hey,” his voice was gentle. More gentle than it ever had been toward her. “Please, love... jus’ pull over,” he encouraged quietly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Love, please,” he pleaded. “S’okay t’be emotional.”

“No, it’s not,” she whimpered but pulled to the shoulder of the road at the same time as she heaved on a shaky breath. Cars whizzed past them and Harry watched her closely. “I work in a sea of testosterone, and I’m never appreciated, never respected, and I can’t be emotional,” she fanned her hand in front of her eyes trying to will the tears away. “Especially in front of you.”

“Me?” He pouted, anger took the forefront of his mind, but he had never seen her like this. He felt bad because she was so upset. So, he refrained from snapping back at her.

“You’ll just use it against me or save it for a rainy day to embarrass me.”

“Is that what you really think?” He tutted, his voice devoid of emotion.

She sniffled again. “Yeah... you yelled at me this morning... I didn’t mean to jostle you like that but someone cut me off and—”

She was still upset about that? That seemed like a lifetime ago. Yeah, Harry was irritated, but he felt bad she was holding onto something so small all day. It wasn’t that big of a deal. Her day must have been really shitty if she let one of their arguments take hold of her emotions all day long.

“Hey... hey don’t cry. M’sorry—I shouldn’t have—it doesn’t matter... But y’have t’know, I would never do that, love. M’sorry if I’ve made y’feel that way,” he soothingly rubbed her arm up and down. “S’okay,” he reassured her. “M’gonna drive the rest of the way home. Jus’ slide over for me, love, yeah?” He asked and before she could protest, he was getting out of the car and going to the driver’s side. Not that she really wanted to protest.

But she would have if they were in a parking lot or on a non-highway road. She tried the door handle but Harry shook his head as he approached the driver’s door and jutted his chin to the passenger seat again. Again, she might have argued, but she didn’t want Harry subjected to the busy traffic for any longer, so she awkwardly slid over the console as Harry stayed pressed to the side of the car.

One small piece of her brain realized the most handsome man she knew wasn't letting her get out on the traffic-side. It was a protective, chivalrous moment that made her stomach do a somersault.

Once in the passenger seat, she brushed the powdered sugar that was on the driver's side just before he sat and got powder all over her pants. “Why don’t y’nap or something?” He suggested quietly and pulled into traffic again without any other fanfare.

“Alright,” she sniffed. “Thanks, sorry again.”

“No problem, love,” he mumbled and drove the rest of the way home in silence. He hoped she felt a little better by the time he parked and gently shook her awake. He didn’t say much other than he would see her tomorrow and returned her keys to her. “Have a good night, love,” he murmured as he gathered his belongings and left before they could return to their natural instinct of arguing with one another.

*

After her mini meltdown she was really hopeful that they had turned a corner in their arguing. She couldn’t remember who started the first argument so long ago. When they realized they lived near one another and worked at the same place, it only made sense to carpool. But she didn’t know they would find fault in every little thing.

Harry was constantly late. (But he wasn’t. Not really. He was on time. Which may as well have been late in her book.) It made her insane. He braked too hard—just like the other day. His choice in podcasts was too real and scary at times (she couldn’t get on the true crime train). His favorite book genre was history, which was fine, but he often made fun of the lighter romance novels she liked. There was the no eating in the car rule. And of course, there was his constant backseat driving—it was never-ending.

It's for the environment. She reminded herself.

It was another long day. Her meetings didn’t go well. Her coworkers undervalued her worth and if wasn’t for the fact that her main supervisor gave her stunning reviews and the money was so good, she would have quit ages ago.

Harry was irritated, and she wasn’t sure why. She had cleaned her car over the weekend. She even had it detailed so it was as pretty as Harry’s car. All her blankets were neatly folded, water bottles recycled, and she organized the trunk. There was a new air freshener and everything.

And yet, Harry was still annoyed. He turned the fan off. Twice. She adjusted the settings, they hadn’t even left the parking garage, and he still turned it off. “S’hot.”

“It’s not hot,” she grumbled.

“It feels like m’sweating. Gonna have a heat stroke.”

“Well, I’m cold.”

“Of course you are.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

It seemed Harry’s day wasn’t too good either as he was just as willing to argue and just as willing to stand his ground. While they argued they continued turning the temperature knob from one extreme to the other.

“You’re gonna break it!” She whined.

“You’re such a brat.”

Her neck snapped to face him. Her cheeks felt hot with embarrassment. “A brat!?” Her voice was three octaves higher than normal. It felt like the car was shaking.

“Yes, a brat who throws a fit when y’don’t get your way. All the time. Y’want t’leave an hour earlier. Y’want t’eat in the car. Roll the windows down, no now up. Y’want t’listen t’your dumb radio station that is ninety-percent ads. You’re. A. Brat.”

She did slam on her brakes at his explanation. She pulled toward the sidewalk right outside their office building. “Get. Out.”

Harry stared in disbelief. “You’re joking,” he cackled.

“I’m tired of arguing. You’re such a dick to me all the time,” she smacked her hand on the steering wheel. “I had a bad day, and you clearly had a bad day and you can’t leave well enough alone! So yeah. The environment can spare two less people carpooling. Get out of my fucking car, Harry Styles before I run us both into a telephone pole.”

“You’re so judgmental and so ridiculous—”

“Get out!” She practically shrieked.

Harry glared, yanking his stuff from where it sat at his feet. He got out of the car, slamming her door hard. He wouldn’t be surprised if it got stuck shut or if the whole frame shook as he did so. She peeled off the curb leaving Harry to fume. They never fought like that. Almost all their arguments always ended in a quiet “good night” or “have a good day.” Never did she shove him out of the car.

He was simmering with anger. He paced a few steps on the sidewalk trying to calm himself to figure out what to do. Maybe he could call her back. An Uber was going to cost a small fortune to get back home. Worth it, he supposed. God, she drained the life out of him.

He was breathing heavily. Good riddance. It was a dumb idea trying to carpool with someone that made him infuriated. Incensed with the feeling of being right, he scrolled on his app for a new ride.

Before he could submit his request for the most expensive Uber in the history of the world, all anger left his body—floated away as if it wasn’t even there in the first place.

There was a screech of tires and a sickening crunch of metal. Harry looked up just in time to see her car do a full 360 before landing upside down in the middle of the intersection. Her car teetered back and forth as it balanced on the roof. His jaw went slack as he watched the car of the pretty girl he was just arguing with crunch in the middle of the roadway. He was practically ready to strangle her himself but he never wanted—

“Oh my God,” he whispered to himself. Before he fully grasped his own movements he was sprinting into the middle of the roadway.

Without knowing what else to do, he knelt to the ground in a spray of plastic, metal, and glass, his face was almost pressed to the ground as he tried to peer into the only available space. “Baby? You with me?” He asked looking at the terrified, shaking girl. There was blood pouring from her hairline, her hands gripped the steering wheel around the deployed airbag like she was still driving.

“H-Harry?” She whispered. A switch flipped inside him. He wanted to rip the upside-down door off and yank her out. He wanted to hold her. All those annoying things she did, they didn’t bother him anymore. She was so pretty, so sweet, and so funny. The mere thought of her injured, terrified him and broke his heart. He didn't know he felt that way and he was mortified that it took this to realize it.

“M’here, love. M’here, you’re okay, just focus on me,” he was shaking as he dialed on his phone for the emergency line. “There’s been a car crash in the intersection outside of Prosperis Financial,” he said. “There’s at least one injured party.”

“Harry,” she whimpered.

“I know. I know, my love. I know,” he cooed.

God how could he be so stupid? How could he get out of the car? How could he take so long to get out of the car? If they just didn’t fight, they would have been through the intersection and—

“Harry, my head hurts,” she interrupted his spiraling.

“I know, kitten, I know,” he repeated.

“A-and my leg hurts really bad,” she whispered a small break in her voice. She was shocked and in near tears.

“Don’t move your neck, baby,” he ordered.

“I’m scared,” she cried.

“I know, love, I know, m’scared too. But m’not going t'leave you for one second, baby, okay? You’re going t’be fine, everything’s going t’be fine,” he sounded pretty reassuring considering he was freaking out too.

“I didn’t—I didn't see it,” she sniffled.

“S’not your fault, kitten. S’okay. You’re okay, love. Just breathe, and keep talking, yeah?”

“I didn’t mean to yell at you...” she croaked, the anxiety in her voice broke his heart. He hated she felt she had to say it. “I don’t mean to, ever. I-I don’t know why—”

“Shh… we’re not talking ‘bout that. S’okay, my love. We’re okay,” he promised. She could argue whatever she wanted. Harry was in complete agreement. She was right. Every time. He did brake too hard. She wasn’t too nice to others on the road. She could eat in the car or have the heat on in the middle of the summer. Whatever she wanted.

“Okay... I'm sorry,” her voice sounded quiet.

“Help is coming, baby. M’not gonna leave your side, yeah? Jus’ hang on a little bit longer. I know—”

“I’m sorry I eat in your car sometimes,” she whispered her voice cracking more as she apologized for things that no longer mattered. “I’m sorry I’m a brat—”

“No, no, my love. You’re not a brat... shh...” he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her figure, clutching the wheel like she was scared to let go. His heart was aching to do something more, beating too loud in his ears. He wanted to keep her talking. Wanted to rip her out of the car and make sure she was alright. She could do whatever she wanted in his car for the rest of her life. As far as he was concerned, he would be driving her every day for the rest of time. She was never getting behind the wheel again. “S’okay, baby. Whatever makes y’happy.”

She sniffled. “Harry, I don’t feel very good,” she mumbled. “My head hurts.”

“I know it does, kitten,” his voice cracked hearing the exhaustion in her voice. “I’d trade with y’in a heartbeat,” he mumbled.

She sniveled. “I wanna get out.”

“I know, my love. M’trying. They’ll be here soon.”

“I’m scared,” her voice was soft again.

“Baby, I know,” he groaned. Where the fuck was the ambulance?!

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m glad you weren’t in the car,” she whispered. His heart shattered.

“M’not, kitten. M’not glad at all,” he shook his head.

“I think I’m going to pass out,” she warned and then her neck went limp.

“Baby?” Her hands slid from the steering wheel and her head lolled to the side. “Shit!” Harry reached through the broken glass, but the angle was too awkward, and he couldn’t see and reach at the same time. “Kitten, love,” his voice pitched an octave higher with hysteria quickly flooding him. “Baby? Open your eyes! Please,” he begged. “Kitten? Come on,” he muttered reaching blindly for her again. “Fuck,” he croaked.

“Excuse us, sir,” an EMT was finally at his side pushing Harry out of the way. He covered his mouth, sitting back on his heels as they pulled the car to its wheels once more. There was a flurry of movement as they pried through the metal and glass to get her. He choked on his breath as they removed her and he swallowed hard, his heart felt broken as they put a brace around her neck and lifted her onto a stretcher—still unconscious much to his horror. “Are you the boyfriend? Coming on the ambulance?” the paramedic asked.

“Yes,” he answered immediately and filed in behind them.

*

Harry called her mom and sister. They were on their way. He paced the waiting room with the biggest teddy bear the shop had to purchase while he waited for her surgery and tests to end. It felt endless. Harry thought he had aged ten years during the time he was there waiting.

He also got her a balloon—a heart shaped one that said get well soon. He got flowers. And chocolate too. Once he saw her pretty eyes open again and her family was present, he was going to get her a coffee and breakfast sandwich too.

His clothes were dirty from lying in the street, the knees of his slacks had the tiniest holes and rips. His cheek had a few cuts and scratches from pressing it to the ground while he spoke to her upside-down body.

“Are you the boyfriend?”

He shook the thoughts of seeing her bleeding, terrified body away from his mind at the sound of someone speaking to him.

It was hard to believe only yesterday he would have shuddered at the thought. “Yes,” he answered instantly, not caring in the slightest that he was lying for the second time in several hours about their relationship status. “Is she alright?”

“She’s fine,” the doctor stated. Harry sighed with relief, dragged a hand through his hair and swallowed around the relieved tears that filled his eyes and cut off the voice in his throat. He coughed awkwardly.

“Can I see her?” He asked. “Please?”

“Yes, she’s just coming out of the anesthesia,” he explained and tilted his head toward the hallway. Harry grabbed all his presents for her and followed. “She’s a little out of it still,” he warned.

“But she’s okay?” He repeated like he didn't believe the doctor.

“Yes, she’s fine,” he knocked and opened the door.

“Oh, your boyfriend is here, miss,” an older nurse smiled at her as she fiddled with her pillows and the IV stand.

The sweet girl looked high as a kite, her eyes wide, the cut on her forehead stitched. “I don’t have a boyfriend,” she frowned. That cute wrinkle between her brows appeared and Harry wanted nothing more than to smooth it away and ease the tension she felt.

“You might want to rethink that,” a woman smiled at Harry with a wink. “He’s very cute and he brought you gifts.”

“Hi, kitten, baby,” he cooed and crouched beside her bed.

“You’re my boyfriend?” She mumbled in surprise. Her eyes were so wide with the loopy medicine, and he smirked, tears filling his eyes again.

“Yes, my love,” he didn’t even feel like he was lying. To her nor to himself about their relationship. It made sense and he truly adored her so easily. He was grateful for the switch in his mind, he just wished a car accident wasn't the cause.

She smiled, self-satisfied. “I knew you liked me,” she mumbled.

He chuckled and leaned forward to press his lips against her forehead. “Y’okay, baby?” He asked.

“They gave me medicine,” she explained holding up her arm that had three or four needles sticking in it.

“Easy, kitten,” he grabbed her outstretched arm and cupped her hand in both of his with a chuckle. He brought her fingers to his mouth and kissed her knuckles as the nurse pulled a chair up beside her for Harry to sit in.

“Harry," she said suddenly. Like he wasn't listening to her or paying attention to every little movement. "I broke my leg,” she pouted.

“M’sorry, kitten,” he was livid she was injured but with pain meds she was so cute and adorable that he almost chuckled at the way she sighed and frowned about her situation.

She glanced at their interconnected hands. “Have we been dating long? I didn’t know I had a boyfriend. Do I have amnesia?”

He snickered, kissed her fingers again. “No,” he shook his head. “S’quite new.”

“Oh,” she blinked and a smile grew on her face. “I like that you’re my boyfriend,” she sighed dreamily. “Isn’t he hot?” She asked the nurse who was checking her vitals again. Harry rolled his eyes, smirking and looking away from her and the nurse at her appraisal. It was good to know she felt affected by his presence as well. He liked her loopy thoughts and he hoped they would remain true when the medicine wore off. “Did you call my mom?” She asked curiously.

He nodded, cleared his throat as he focused on more important facts and not worrying about their fake relationship status. “Yes, she’s on her way with your sister. I need t’call them, actually,” he pulled his phone out.

“How did you get their number?”

“I looked them up on social media,” he mumbled keeping hold of one hand as he pressed the phone to his ear.

“Harry?” Her sister’s voice asked alertly.

“Hi Thea, she’s okay. M'sitting with her now. She’s loopy from the anesthesia but she’s awake.”

“Tell her to get me coffee,” she whispered loudly. Loud enough for her sister to hear through the phone. Harry smiled.

Thea sighed with relief and snickered. “Sounds like her,” she mumbled. “Thank you, Harry. We’re about twenty minutes out.”

“Of course,” he assured her. “You’ll tell your mum?” He asked.

“Yes, I got it.”

“See you soon.”

Harry placed his phone back in his pocket and watched her loopy mind work through something on her extremely expressive face. “Are you going to kiss me?” She giggled.

Harry laughed. “Later, baby.”

“When’s later?”

“When you’re a little coherent, m’love.”

She blew a breath through her lips making them sputter. “S’not fair.”

“I know,” the smile remained on his face knowing she was okay, and she wanted him to kiss her. It was a bit wild that the switch flipped so rapidly. This was someone he argued with for over two years every day and now he wanted to kiss her, hold her, and never let her go.

“Can I take a nap?” She yawned. “I’m sleepy.”

Harry turned to the nurse. “Can she? Does she have a concussion?”

“Shockingly, no concussion,” the nurse said reading the chart. “You can nap for a bit.”

She closed her eyes instantly. “Night Harry,” she sighed. “I love you.”

He felt his cheeks warm. Ignored her sweet words regardless of how much he would like them to be true. “Night, baby,” he chuckled and pressed another kiss to her forehead as she drifted to sleep without letting go of his hand.

*

When she woke up the next time she was staring at Harry in awe.  “Thea, I’m fine,” she rolled her eyes. The anesthesia had worn off a bit and she didn’t seem to remember she said I love you nor that Harry claimed to be her boyfriend. While she was hesitant to believe that Harry was really there for her, she was glad he was. She was foggy on the details but there was no mistaking that she felt a pull toward him. Maybe it was the kindness he showed her.

“You live in a fourth-floor apartment. You’re not fine. And your car is trash.”

Harry sat quietly to the side of the room while her mom and sister doted on her. Her mom was on the phone with the insurance company taking notes and questioning a lot. “Well, what am I supposed to do? I don't have a choice, I have to figure it out,” she shrugged.

“Figure what out? You’re going to just stay in your apartment for the next six weeks? You’ll go insane. And what if there’s a fire?”

“The chances of me getting in a car wreck and have my apartment catch on fire is probably astronomically small.”

Harry chuckled from his spot, but the sisters ignored him. “You hate your job. Why don’t you just quit and move back home for a bit?

Back home? Harry thought. Not next door? That wouldn't work for Harry's already obsessed heart. “I have a spare bedroom,” Harry said in offering. “First floor apartment in m'building next t'hers,” he was speaking to Thea and not her.

She and Thea both turned to look at him. “I cannot—” She started.

“Really?” Thea interrupted. “You won’t mind? She’s going to need... a lot of help.”

“I can handle it,” he assured her. Thea knew they drove together. She was also well aware that her sister and Harry argued every day. There was no way Harry was going to survive taking care of her if they couldn’t spend more than five minutes in a car without arguing with one another. She watched Harry, bewildered by his kindness toward her. His willingness to take care of her and let her be a burden when he couldn’t stand her most days. “Are y’alright with that, love?”

It might have only been minutes between arguing and her accident, but the change of heart in herself over Harry was something to be admired. Harry was there almost before her airbag finished deploying. He kept her as calm as he could while they waited for the ambulance and promised her it would be okay. He reassured her that all their arguing didn’t mean anything and she softened. She felt herself melting for him. All the little things he did no longer bothered her. He really didn’t slam on the brakes. It was rude of her to want to eat in his car and make a mess. Perhaps it was too hot in her car and she was a little too mean about his favorite book genre.

Am I in love with Harry? She thought to herself. “If...if you’re sure... That’s an awful lot of time to spend with me,” she reminded him wondering if it was only her that was warmed by the near-death experience and she was imagining the knight-and-shining-armor-complex.

“Happy to,” he nodded and remained in his seat.

Harry was holding her hand when her sister and mom arrived, he gave her a gentle shake and called her kitten. Kitten your mum s’here. His voice was so warm and soothing. He didn’t remove his hand until she opened her eyes and his kind smile was a sweet greeting. He cupped her face and brushed his thumb against her jaw. M’gonna sit by the window while they visit, yeah?

“Do you ladies need anything?” He asked standing. “Coffee? Tea? Food?”

“All set, thank you Harry,” her mom smiled around the phone.

“I’m good too,” Thea nodded.

“Baby, all good?”

She nearly choked on her own spit hearing the pet name directed at her, in front of her family.  “Yes,” she murmured then shook her head. “Um... maybe just water?”

“Sure, love. Be right back.”

“I thought he hated you,” Thea was smiling excitedly.

“I thought he did too,” she shrugged a shoulder.

“You’re just going to live with him?”

She smirked. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right?”

*

Harry carried all her stuff into his apartment and settled it in the spare room. He made sure she was safe in his apartment while he went with her sister to her place to get a suitcase of her clothes from next door. Harry was going to take her to get a new car as soon as the insurance check came through. He helped her to the couch and made sure she felt comfortable. Her foot was propped on a pillow as she stretched out on his furniture. For six weeks they were going to live together.

“Are y'in any pain? Do y’need anything?” He asked making sure she had the remote, a book, water, and blanket all within reach.

“M’fine,” she nodded.

“You sure y’don’t need anything?” He frowned.

“Harry,” she reached for his hand and held it. “Could you sit with me?”

His frown deepened. He crouched beside her, sitting on the coffee table close to her. He squeezed her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Thank you for being there for me,” she whispered. “I was very scared.”

“Course, baby.”

Her heart skipped a beat with the sweet name again. “Do you like me?” She whispered.

“Was I unclear?” He asked, reaching for her face. His hand fit her cheek perfectly and he rubbed his thumb on her lower lip. The way his eyes softened as he looked at her was the stuff of her romance novels. His eyelids lowered and the smile on his mouth was equal parts sexy as it was innocent. “S’a little selfish of me inviting you here while you recover, don't y'think? S'a reason for it, love."

She cleared her throat, trying not to melt under his touch, his gaze. It seemed impossible. “But... we—we,” she took a deep breath trying to get the sentence in her head to form in her mouth. “Argue so much.”

“S’maybe we could try not arguing.”

“I feel like we’re incapable—”

He interrupted and normally she would have been mad, but his words made her feel hot, burning, like she wasn’t going to get relief unless he kissed her. “Jus’ gotta find a different way t’keep our mouths entertained, kitten,” he leaned forward and stopped when their lips were all but a millimeter apart. “May I?” He asked politely.

“Uh-huh, yes,” she nodded, her brain short circuiting just a hair. Her lips brushed his as she nodded, creating a spark of electricity unlike anything she had felt before. He moaned quietly at the contact. The sound was short-lived, and he tilted her chin and slid his lips over hers.

She gripped at his shirt by his shoulders, pulling him toward her. She felt herself opening to him: her mouth, her brain, her legs. She wanted him all over her and he couldn’t get close enough. It felt insane that less than twenty-four hours ago she would have strangled him for breathing too loudly beside her in the enclosed space of his car and now she wanted him breathing too loudly because of her kisses and more.

He caressed her jaw and the back of her head, tugging her hair ever so softly so she tilted her head back further. “S’nice, baby,” he sighed softly and trailed a path of kisses down her throat. “Knew we could not argue.”

She laughed and nodded. “Guess that’s what’s been missing.”

He chuckled. “Mmm,” he hummed in agreement. “Worth it,” he shrugged one shoulder and dove back in for another heated kiss, making her moan quietly into his mouth. His lips were warm, soft, firm, and perfect. It was a quick path to addiction, and she was happy to have him as her drug.

“Y’said y’loved me when y’came out of anesthesia,” he practically giggled as he pulled away.

She gasped. “I did not.”

“You did.”

“NO.” She slapped a hand over her warm, embarrassed face. “No I didn’t. You're lying.”

“You did, kitten. So sweet of you,” he winked.

She groaned and turned away from him. “I should have just gone into a coma.”

He laughed stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. “It was cute. You were all loopy.”

“I am not cute. I’m an adult woman and I’m not cute.”

“You’re adorable, actually. S’probably why m’obsessed with you.”

“You only knew you were obsessed with me twenty-four hours ago.”

He shrugged. “And I can’t get enough,” he assured her with a wink. “Now, m’thinking I’ll kiss you for another long while and then I’ll make you dinner?”

Her heart fluttered. “I like you a lot better when we don’t argue," she agreed.

He chuckled. “Me too, kitten. Me too,” he mumbled but followed through on his promise to kiss her again and not argue.

--

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[emeraldserenade]

Right, Wrong Number ~ Joaquín Torres

synopsis: just a few numbers off and suddenly you have a new crush

tw: fem!reader, idiots to lovers, creepy men at gas stations, cursing, barely edited.

fic, ficlet, drabble, request

Have this while I keep going to reach my goal of 34 pages. This has just been rotting in my drafts because I didn't know how to end it.

➽──────────────❥

You were home alone when your phone went off, a simple Hey, it's me from the bar. You were tempted to leave it alone, you didn't know the number anyway. You're curiosity and boredom got the better of you.

you: Hi? You might have the wrong number unknown: Shit, I do Sorry you: Wait, no. I'm bored, come back

You sat staring at the screen for a few minutes, you watched the text bubbles pop up before disappearing for a few moments. After a while you gave up and looked back at the tv, you just ruined your chance of entertainment.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

Joaquín looked over the number on his phone, pulling his laptop out he looked up the number. By the time he realized there wasn't a threat, he was called into a mission.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

It's been days, you were with friends when the unknown number texted you again. You excused yourself to the restroom to answer it, not really caring for the conversation of babies they were having.

unknown: Sorry for just disappearing, I had something come up you: Oh, it's fine Everything ok? unknown: Yeah, just work you: Can I ask who you were trying to text the first time? unknown: A girl I met at a bar you: Well, her loss my gain

You looked away from your phone as the door of the bathroom opened. You relaxed when you realized it wasn't one of your friends.

unknown: Yeah, I guess so You still there? you: Yeah, sorry. I'm hiding in the bathroom from my friends and thought that one of them had just walked in. unknown: Why are you hiding from them? you: They're talking about babies and I'm the only one still single so it's not so fun for me. Oh, shit, I gotta go. Bye unknown: Bye

You rushed out of the bathroom as your friends texted you that they were leaving.

"What took you so long?" One of your friends, Clare, questioned you.

"I think I had something that doesn't agree with me," you lied, grabbing your things from another one of them, Kelly.

"Well, I'll see y'all later, you ready y/n?" Kelly addressed the group and then you. You nodded and started walking down the street with her, your arms looped together. "Do you remember my friend from Delacroix? Sarah?""

"Yeah, the one with the kids?" You meant it genuinely but cringed when you heard the implication. "I didn't mean it like that?"

"No, I understood what you meant. And yeah, her. She's having this get together in a few weeks and I registered a plus one but since Walter is staying with the kids, I need one." She trailed off and you smiled, knowing the implications.

"Who are you thinking about bringing?" You asked, trying to make a joke.

"I was thinking about this girl, we've been friends since high school, she's got this amazing hair, oh and she always smells nice," Kelly looked over at you and you laughed.

"She sounds amazing, you should let me meet her. But in all seriousness, I'd love to go," you told her as you rounded the corner of the street your apartment was on.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You were fresh out of the shower when your phone rang, you didn't even look at it before answering it. You assumed it was Kelly calling you with the information about the get together thing, it had been a few days after all.

"Hello?" You questioned.

"Oh, hi. I didn't think you would answer," a man's voice startled you and you looked at your phone. The contact said Unknown Bestie ❤️ and you smiled into your phone.

"I'm going to be honest, I didn't even look at my phone before I answered," you shuffled around as you got ready for bed.

"Well, I was going to ask if you had anything going on 2 weeks from now," he asked and you remembered Kelly's thing.

"I do, actually, why?"

"I was gonna ask something but never mind," he laughed and you laughed with him, god did he sound hot.

"Do I get to know your name or am I supposed to call you Unknown?"

"Quin," he told you after a moment's hesitation.

"Y/n," you offered your name as you got into bed, pulling your phone away from your ear ling enough to change it to speaker.

"Y/n," you liked the way your name rolled off his tongue. "You've got a nice name," he told you.

"So do you," you mumbled, stifling a yawn.

"Are you tired, Angel?" Quin asked you and blushed gently.

"A little, had a long day," you told him.

"Then good night, y/n," he told you.

"Good night, Quin," you said as you hung up. You got comfy before going to sleep, the exhaustion from the day finally surrounding you.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You stood awkwardly on the street, Kelly would be picking you up soon. You were driving down to Delacroix since Kelly had troubles with flying. Kelly pulled up in a car, you knew you were going to be driving with two other people. You just didn't know those two people would be Sam Wilson and Joaquín Torres.

"Hi, sorry for being late," Kelly jumped out the running car and took the bag from your hand before shoving it in the trunk.

"It's ok, it's a nice day," you told her, taking the empty front seat. You turned around and held out your hand as best as you could. "Y/n, nice to meet you," you shook both of their hands. You saw something flash across Joaquín's face but thought nothing of it. Your turned back around as Kelly pulled away from the curb, you watched as Kelly changed the music.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

It was later in the ride when your phone buzzed in your pocket, you pulled it out and saw it was Quin.

Quin❤️: Hey, just wanted to let you know that I'm headed out of town. We probably won't be able to talk until I'm back you: Oh, no, that's ok I'm headed out of town too Quin❤️: Nice, I'll talk to you later? you: Yeah, bye! Quin❤️: Bye

You shoved your phone back into your pocket and hummed along with the music.

"Who were you texting?" Kelly glanced at you and you looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"Why do you wanna know?" You questioned, knowing you only said that when you were texting one of your family members.

"Why are you being so secretive?" She took the bait hook, line, and sinker. "So which family member?"

"Antonio," you lied, her face lit up at your words.

"Was he-" you cut her off with a laugh.

"No, he was not asking about you," you laughed, watching her deflate a little. "You've got to get over your crush on my brother, god. He's older than you," you leveled her with a look, daring her to say it.

"Older men are-"

"Kelly!" You cut her off again, laughing even harder. You could hear the boys in the back chuckling.

Joaquín smiled extra wide, now he knows that you and the y/n he had been talking to are in fact the same person.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

The rest of the ride until you hit midway went smoothly. Everyone had driven at this point, you were now in the back with Joaquín. Sam was driving and Kelly had fallen asleep, you were holding on by a thread. You were mindlessly scrolling on TikTok, occasionally silently laughing and fighting the urge to nudge Joaquín and show him. You two had been showing each other funny and interesting TikToks until he had fallen asleep. You shoved your phone on a charger and passed Sam the last can of soda before curling up and going to sleep.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

"Y/n, babes, get up," Kelly's voice broke you from your sleep.

"Huh?" You pulled your headphones out and sat up fully.

"We stopped for gas but it's been hours, bathroom time," Kelly told you and you nodded at her. You unbuckled and followed her inside, you waved at Sam who was filling up the tank.

You walked out of the bathroom and wandered the store for a moment, trying to see if there was a snack you wanted.

"What's a pretty thing like you doing all alone?" A random man tried to press himself to you but was stopped by an arm. Joaquín put himself between you and the guy and you relaxed. "Shit, sorry man, didn't realize she was taken," the guy scurried away and you shook your head.

"Thanks," you mumbled, you took a look down at his hands and lit up. "They have the purple Doritos?"

"Yeah, here, I'll take you to them," Joaquín took your hand gently and you smiled, letting him lead you to the Doritos. You grabbed 2 bags and bounded to the check out to wait in line. Joaquín was right behind you and when it was your turn, he placed his things down and paid.

"You didn't have to pay for mine," you murmured.

"I wanted to," Joaquín told you and your face warmed.

"Joaquín, man, would you drive?" Sam questioned and Joaquín nodded.

"Babes, will you let me sleep in the back?" Kelly asked.

"Yeah, just hand me my shit when we get inside," you told her and opened the passenger door.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You finally made it to Delacroix late the next day, you, and everyone else, stretched as you got out. The three of you were staying in a hotel, Sam decided since there wasn't enough space for all of you he would stay in the hotel too.

Kelly was checking you two in, since you were sharing a room, as you looked around the space. It was a smaller hotel and you could see the inside pool, you were already thinking about how nice it would feel to float in it. Your eyes moved to Joaquín as he wandered around a little, you hadn't had time to notice how attractive he actually is. His cut off sleeve tank top made your brain fuzzy and the way his singular curl feel made you want to go feral.

"Why does Kelly call you babes?" Joaquín asked as he walked with you, both of you slightly behind Sam and Kelly.

"In high school we were in this play together, we played lovers and her character always called mine babes. It just kinda stuck and now it's almost like an inside joke," you explained as you watched as Kelly and Sam went to the stairs. "Uh, why are we taking the stairs?"

"Because exercise is good for you," Kelly told you.

"What floor?" You asked.

"4th," she told you, and you sighed.

"I'm taking the elevator," you spun and went to the elevator.

"Room 412!" She called after you and you gave her a thumbs up.

"Hold on, I'm coming with you!" Joaquín called after you and you paused for him to catch up.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You made it into bed after your shower when Quin texted you again.

Quin❤️: Just wanted to check on you you: I just got to my hotel room, had fun in the car Quin❤️: Yeah? Wanna tell me about it? you: My friends and I drove down and when my best friend was driving we would sing along to her music. Oh and my newer friend bought me my favorite doritos! Quin❤️: Sounds like you had a lot of fun you: I really did Quin❤️: I gotta go, I'll talk to you when I can you: Bye, Quin! Quin❤️: Bye, y/n

You watched the conjoined doors crack open from your spot on your bed. Both Joaquín and Sam walked through when they saw you and Kelly in your beds.

"Can we join y'all? Our TV isn't turning on," Sam questioned and you shrugged while Kelly nodded. You and Kelly didn't move from your beds but Sam and Joaquín both ended up in your bed with you. You didn't mind, your bed was the closest and Kelly looked half asleep.

The TV droned on in the back as you mindlessly scrolled on TikTok again, the sheer amount of edits of the two men next to you made you swipe faster than was normal. You still took the time to like them so you can watch them later, you looked up to the TV when you heard a blast. You noticed it was 911 Lone Star, you smiled watching the TV.

"I love this show," you told them. "Mateo is my favorite," you told them before looking back down at your phone.

"Mateo? The nerd?" Sam questioned and you looked over at him.

"Yes, Mateo. Fuck off," you told him as you noticed him laughing.

"Really Mateo?"

"Need I remind you who's bed you're currently lounging in?" You raised your eyebrow at him and laughed along with Joaquín.

"Ok, ok," Sam relented and you three relaxed back into the silence. You shut off your phone to watch the rest of the episode with them, Joaquín plugging it in for you.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You woke up the next morning alone, which was jarring considering you had fallen asleep during a movie between Sam and Joaquín. You shook off the weird feeling you had and made your way to the bathroom, you all had shown up a few days before. You had plans of doing nothing for the time being except float in the pool and go shopping. You brushed your teeth and changed before going to make sure Kelly was awake.

"Kelly, wake up," you gently pushed her hair back as she tried to fight you.

"Ugh, no," she pushed you away.

"Ugh, yes," you mocked her and she glared at you. "If you can glare, you can get up, let's go before we miss breakfast," you told her. She grumbled but got up. You waited on your bed and watched as the conjoined door opened slowly again. "I'm dressed and Kelly is getting ready in the bathroom, it's safe," you called out and you watched as the door swung open faster.

"Good morning," Joaquín flopped down on your bed and you looked at him. Sam leaned against the wall by the conjoining door.

"You're getting real comfortable with me real fast," you said, jokingly.

"You're easy to get comfortable around," Joaquín told you earnestly.

"I'm ready, let's go," Kelly bounced out of the bathroom and you grabbed the room keys and left with them all. The 4 of you made your way down stairs, you forcing them to take the elevator.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

You realized it late, there was something about Joaquín's voice was familiar. You couldn't find out way, but you couldn't find a way to care.

"Y/n," Joaquín's voice made you jump, you had been done with your breakfast and waiting on the others.

"Yeah?" You looked over at him.

"Do you want anything while I'm up?" Joaquín gave you one of his award winning smiles.

"Oh no, I'm good. Thank you for asking," you smiled back at him as he walked away. You heard laughing and whipped your head over to Kelly and Sam. "What?"

"He likes you," Kelly giggled but you shook your head.

"No he doesn't," you argued.

"He only asked you if you wanted anything," Kelly pointed out.

"Well, you two aren't done," you defended and they both just nodded as if they weren't impressed.

✧°˖ . ݁˖︵‿❀‿︵˖ . ݁˖°✧

Sarah's get together was today, you were dressed and in the car headed there. Sam had called driving and Kelly wanted the passenger seat, so you were in the back with Joaquín. You two had taken up the habit of showing the other a TikTok every now and again. You found a mild edit of Sam to show him, making you both laugh.

The party was in full swing, it had been hours and your feet hurt. You found yourself wondering if Quin was ok. You're answer showed in a text message.

Quin❤️: What do you look like? you: Uh, why? Quin❤️: Because I think I see you *insert photo of you at the party sitting at a table* you: How did you get that?

"I have a confession," Joaquín was next to you suddenly and you jumped. You looked at him confused but when he turned his phone so you could see the messages you understood.

"You're Quin, Quin is you. Holy shit," you laughed and jumped up to hug him. "I suddenly feel better about having a crush on both of you," you admitted.

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?" You two were sitting down now.

"I lied," he shurgged.

"Not really, Quin is a nickname for Joaquín and I never really did ask any personal information," you told him, watching him smile. You two spent time talking and by the end, you ended up going back to the hotel with a new boyfriend and the promise to stay in touch with Sarah.

➽──────────────❥

Masterlist | Requests

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Happy Saturday, my friend! Your new header looks so nice btw. Love all our boys featured. 💜💜

Ok, you ready for Random Question time?? 😘 I recently did an HC on "Man Flu" (how would Dean, Beau, SB/Ben, and Priestly act when you try to take care of them?). How do you think the boys would take care of the reader when she's sick? **Could be Russell instead of Priestly this time.~

Happy Sunday! I meant to respond to this yesterday but I was on a roll writing a few other things so figured I'd save this for a nice Sunday morning activity. Aw, thank you! I changed it up a little (thank you for the header dimensions btw) and added everyone I write for. I might still tweak it some more but I'm pleased with it for now!

Oooooh good question! Once again, these turned into mini-imagines on me but oh well!

How They Take Care Of You When You're Sick

Dean Winchester

If Dean had a business card it'd read, Hunter. Badass. Professional Worrier. The second he hears a sniffle followed by a clearing throat, he knows what's coming. You'd protest that it's nothing, just a scratchy throat but oh, he knows better. He'd nursed Sam through a childhood of colds to know the difference.

He calls up another hunter to take your hunt to your annoyance but by the evening you're feeling run down. Dean sends you to take a hot shower, your head throbbing the whole time. The hot steam helps a little bit and he's laid out a pair of warm fuzzy pajamas for you change into. You sniffle and carry the box of tissues he left on the counter with you to the bedroom where Dean's propped up extra pillows and gotten out the green flannel blanket you used the nights the bunker got too cold.

"Hungry?" he asks a moment later, carrying a tray in his arms. You shake your head and crawl under the covers, keeping your tissues on the other side of the bed. He hums, setting it down on your bedside table which has been cleared free of books, your chapstick, extra hair ties and phone charger.

He looks like a walking pharmacy, smirking as he watches you watch him pour two green pills into a tiny plastic cup. You don't question it when he hands them to you, letting you take them before handing you a paper cup filled with cool water. You frowned when he stuck a thermometer in your ear, Dean pouting for a split second before jotting it down on a notepad.

"Little fever. Probably going to go up before it comes down. We'll keep an eye on it." You sighed, already regretting every time you took for granted the ability to breathe through a clear nose. "We'll try soup and crackers tomorrow."

"Yes mom," you mumbled, slumping down, Dean chuckling and fixing your blankets. "I'm really okay."

"Beautiful as always, sweetheart," he said, kissing the top of your head when you groaned. "Now get some sleep for me."

"I'm not even tired. S'just a stuffy nose." Dean rolled his eyes, sitting on the edge of the bed for a few minutes as he watched your eyelids flutter closed, breathing slow and become rhythmic.

"Sleep easy, sweetheart."

Beau Arlen

When you sneezed three times in succession in the bathroom that morning, Beau shot you a look in the mirror. You just smiled, Beau returning to combing his hair. It was probably just allergies you told yourself. Montana had a lot of plant life that was active in the spring after all.

But when you got home from work, your body was achy, you felt hot and cold at the same time, and you barely changed out of your work clothes into some sweats and Beau's shirt before passing out on the couch.

You woke up when the windows were dark, Beau frowning down at you.

"Hi," you screeched out, wincing at the sound. "How was-"

"I mean this in the nicest way possible, honey, but I've seen corpses that have better color than you." You sat up with a pout, narrowing your eyes.

"That wasn't very nice," you coughed, putting a hand to you chest, doubling over when you hacked.

"You're still a very cute corpse," he joked, rubbing your back. "We're going to the hospital."

"Arlen, n-n-nooo-" You wracked your body, a wet phlegmy sound escaping as you swore you spit up something onto your pants. You glanced up, Beau giving you a bitch face. "Urgent care instead?"

"Hospital. I have to abuse my power as sheriff somehow," he said.

"Beau, I'm fine," you said, his eyebrow raising as you could literally feel the layer of sweat cover your body. You spotted the thermometer on the coffee table behind him, looking back up. "I'm fine."

"I'll make sure to put that on your gravestone," he said, scooping you up bridal style, grabbing your slip on boots by the front door.

"Beau," you groaned, coughing into his chest, body trembling. "It's the flu. I'm fine."

"I'll make sure to include how stubborn she was on there too," he'd say. Thirty minutes later, he'd sit beside your bed, peeling the sweaty hair that was stuck to your face away behind your ear. "How you feeling?"

"....Maybe I was dehydrated...and had a high fever," you mumbled, Beau smiling. "How'd you know?"

"Because I have to tie you down to the bed when you're sick to get you to rest. Literally. The fact you were practically comatose told me you were not doing well, Ms. Fine."

"I'm right as rain," He hummed, helping you sit up when you coughed. "Okay, maybe I'm a little off."

"Baby steps," he said to himself with a smile. "Baby steps."

Soldier Boy

Soldier Boy was not the most...emotionally available man to put it gently. He tried, he really did, but there were certain facts of life you'd come to expect. The man couldn't do a load of laundry to save his life. He got annoyed whenever you asked him to do something that wasn't on his side of the chore chart. If you went out of town, your chores sat idle and well, you knew the first time you got sick, it'd be more of the same.

But on that particular morning, he was giving you a strange look before you could even pour yourself a cup of coffee. You didn't feel great but you could handle a cold.

"Morning."

"Lay down." You tilted your head, Soldier Boy across the kitchen and ripping the mug from your hands. "Go lay down!"

"What are-" You were whisked off your feet, Ben moving way too fast through the house before he set you down like a feather on the mattress. "Ben, honey. I'm not in the mood right-"

"Something's wrong with your breathing," he said, pushing you to lay back. He narrowed his eyes, pressing a finger against your chest. "Your pulse is off too."

"Ben," you said, reaching for his hand as he pulled out his phone. "I have a cold. An itty bitty cold. Don't freak out. I'll take it easy but you got to let me out of bed. I've got work."

He looked at you like you'd grown another head, his head shaking. "Ben-"

"No," he snapped. You sat back against the headboard, his hand clenching. "Your body is not right. Tell me what to do to fix this."

"Ben," you said gently. "Time is the only way it goes away. I'll feel bad for a week and then I'll be better. Okay?"

"My mother used to tell me to rest," he said, almost as if he hadn't heard you. He went to the bathroom, returning with a wet washcloth. He yanked on your leg so you were laying more, quickly pressing the washcloth to your forehead. "What else, what else..."

"Ben," you laughed with a tired smile. You grabbed his wrist, smiling up at him. "You want to take care of me?"

"You are not getting out of this bed until your breathing is normal again." You smirked, Ben pouting. "I don't see how this is funny."

"You're right. You can take care of me if that's what you really want."

By the end of the week, Ben had driven you nuts in the best possible way. He hovered constantly, practically setting up a guard station at the bedroom door. He bought a twelve pack of lotion tissues and about 15 bottles of cold medication you told him to return but the man didn't understand you weren't meant to drink the whole damn thing at once. He'd taken to vacuuming and dusting and scrubbing everything down at least twice a day to "suck the germs out of the air" as if that'd suddenly make you no longer ill.

"Benjamin," you said as he changed your sheets for the eighth time that week. You smiled from the chair in the corner of the bedroom, Ben popping his head up.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," you said, resting your head against your shoulder. "You make a pretty good nurse."

"Pft, I'm not a nurse. When you're better, don't expect me to pull this crap all the time." You hid your smirk, Ben's eyes glancing down like he did when he was hiding his emotions. You could work on that next.

"Whatever you say, baby."

Russell Shaw

"Oh, no." You wiped your nose, frowning to yourself. A cold. Great. You didn't get sick often but god, you knew how miserable of a person you turned into when you were. At least it was Friday.

By the time work was over, you were ready to veg out in bed with your laptop and a cup of soup.

You stilled when you entered your apartment, an assortment of medicine, tissues, soups, fuzzy socks and a teddy bear sat on your kitchen island. You looked around, grabbing the pepper spray in your purse as you walked around, searching for a sign of your thoughtful intruder.

"Gonna use that-"

You screamed, Russell laughing as he caught your wrist before it could whip around and spray him in the face. "Russell. You scared me."

"Really? Had no clue," he laughed, taking the pepper spray away, giving you a quick hug. "How you feeling?"

"How'd you know I'm sick?" He pointed behind himself to the camera on your front table. "I thought you were in Guatemala. No cell service."

"I was. Doesn't mean I don't check in on you. You have a habit of getting kidnapped-"

"Once, Shaw. Once!" you said holding up a finger. He grinned, taking your bag off your shoulder. "And that was your brother's fault."

"The crew wrapped up the issue quick so I could get back home. Told them you were on your death bed."

"How much did they tease you about being smitten?" you asked, Russell looking past you with a smirk. "Don't do dumb things just to get home faster. It's just a little cold."

"Okay boss but I'm here now and I come bearing gifts. Tell me what you need from me. You want me to coddle you or get the hell out?"

"I'm going to change. Some chicken noodle soup maybe?" He hummed. Fifteen minutes later, you were sat at the kitchen table wearing one of his Rolling Stones hoodies, Russell setting a bowl down in front of you. "Thanks, hun."

"No problem. I'll be back in a few." You'd finished your soup and made your way to the couch by the time he returned, freshly showered. His damp hair was slicked back, lifting your legs on the couch and resting them in his lap "Want to watch something or sleep?"

He'd wait a beat, turning his neck to smile at your sleeping form. "Sleep it is."

_______________

These were so fun and just the break I needed! Please let me know if you guys think these are accurate! 🥰

[pronouncingitwang]

[ID: 8 screenshots of text with some highlighted sentences.

When I was in junior high, a new girl came to our school. I had never seen anyone as smart, beautiful or amazing. We awkwardly “went steady,” but it didn’t last. At our 30th high school reunion, I asked her how she remembered our connection. She answered with the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me: “I have a 13-year-old daughter, and someday she is going to ask me what it means to be in love with a boy. I am going to begin by telling her about you.” – Geoff Badenoch, 71, Missoula, Mont.

On the Second Avenue bus in 1981, during my last year of law school, I made eye contact with a handsome man about my age. We spent the rest of the long ride taking not-so-discreet glances at one another. When I got off at my stop at 34th Street, he waved goodbye sadly. The next week, there was a personal notice on the last page of The Village Voice that read, “Second Avenue bus, 34th Street, you got off, I waved. Call me.” I never did, and I regret it. – Marybeth Kass, 69, Holyoke, Mass.

I was a shy late bloomer, and my high school boyfriend helped me open up. I was hellbent on leaving our small southern Indiana town, and he had to stay for family reasons. While I was attending college in Chicago and dating someone new, I wished my ex a happy birthday. He asked to connect and catch up, but I didn’t reply. Two days later, he died in a car wreck. I’d give anything to reconnect and play the “what if” game with him. Instead I play it with his ghost. – Mary Jeanette Ennis, 28, New York City

He was my roommate in the Navy. We did everything together and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. I knew he was gay, but didn’t really know I was for another 10 years. I still think of him often. I tried once to find him, but his name is too common. I think we would have had a wonderful life together. – Ronald Babb, 72, Tacoma, Wash.

She was the first woman I was head over heels in love with — but she was straight, so we became best friends instead of lovers. It was only after I married my partner years later that she told me she’d harbored a crush the whole time. – Quinn Blais, 26, Baltimore

My first month studying abroad in England, I met a handsome guy from Devon who was studying to be an architect. It was love at first sight. On the last night we spent together, before I was to return to the United States, he said he thought he was falling in love with me. During the flight home, I couldn’t stop crying. We never saw each other again. To this day, I think of him as the love of my life. I wish I had followed my heart and never gotten on that plane. – Jeanne Hartig, 74, Pittsburgh, Pa.

I was working at a library during university and felt an unexpected spark with a French exchange student. After my shift, I offered him a ride home. I studied French, so we had a dynamic conversation. We spent the night together before he left for France. We tried emailing, but as the months rolled on, I began to date someone else. Around three years ago — 24 years after our first meeting — I saw his name pop up on LinkedIn. I was traveling to Paris, and we made a plan to meet up. We had changed so much, but I never forgot his eyes. The night flew by. We joked that we’ll have to meet again when we’re in our 70s. – Lisa, 48, Toronto

We met while studying abroad in Australia, living together for two months in a big house with other wildlife researchers. Lying in the tall grass, we exchanged stories about our lives until it felt like we’d always known each other. Once the semester was over, I visited him in New York, but neither of us wanted a long-distance relationship. A few years later, I invited him to join me on a road trip. When we finally arrived in San Francisco, his parents invited us for dinner. I felt immediately at home but wondered if I would ever see them again. He came into my life once more in 2022. He was driving across the country and asked if he could sleep on my couch for a few days. This time I didn’t let him go. We’re getting married in July. – Tess Kendrick, 27, Denver

/end ID]

New York Times, The One Who Got Away

[devdozes]

I loved the haunted train fic!!! I was wondering if you could somehow do one where they go to explore haunted house, but like the three of them — with mydei. It would be so funny seeing them there trying to escape

YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND FELLOW MONARCH :3

The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the old mansion at the end of the road. Its stone walls were covered with ivy, the windows dark and cracked like hollow eyes watching the night. The faint sound of wind moaning through the trees added to the unsettling atmosphere.

You, Phainon, and Mydei stood in front of the house, staring up at it.

"Well, this is definitely not what I expected," you muttered, glancing at Phainon, who was bouncing on his feet like an excited child.

"Come on! It’s a haunted house! It’ll be fun!" Phainon grinned, his cerulean blue eyes sparkling. "We can mess with the ghosts, scare them off, or, you know, become best friends with them." He winked at you as though that was the most logical thing in the world.

You snorted. "Yeah, because that's totally how haunted houses work." You glanced at Mydei, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, looking like he was seriously reconsidering this whole idea.

"Let’s just get this over with," Mydei grumbled, his voice deep and steady. His ash blonde hair with the red tips caught the moonlight as he looked up at the house, the golden sharpness of his eyes cutting through the darkness. Even though he was always grumpy and reserved, there was a protective air about him—especially when it came to the two of you.

Phainon, always the troublemaker, didn’t seem to notice Mydei’s evident lack of enthusiasm. "Don’t be such a downer, Mydei! We're here for adventure!" He nudged Mydei with his elbow, and the grumpy man flinched.

Mydei shot him a sharp glare. "I’m not a damn child, Phainon. You’re the one acting like a hyped-up puppy," he snapped, stepping forward, his broad shoulders tensing as he adjusted his grip on the flashlight.

Phainon smirked, unfazed by Mydei’s usual grumpy demeanor. "Oh, I’ll act however I damn well please," he replied, sticking out his tongue. "Besides, you don’t get to act all cool when we’re about to step into a haunted mansion. You’re just as scared as me!" He shot Mydei a teasing grin.

"I’m not scared," Mydei growled, his voice low. "I just don’t like wasting my time."

"Yeah, sure. That’s why you’re about to faint from fear," Phainon teased, poking him in the ribs. "And I bet I’ll get more ghost friends than you. I’m just way more approachable."

Mydei shot Phainon a deadpan look. "You think that thing will like you more? It’d eat you first, just to shut you up."

Phainon laughed. "I’m irresistible, though! Maybe I’ll make it fall in love with me!"

You had to laugh, shaking your head. "You two are ridiculous."

Phainon stuck out his tongue and skipped ahead, completely ignoring Mydei, who stood in place for a moment, shaking his head as he muttered something under his breath.

"I can’t believe I’m stuck with these two..." Mydei grumbled to himself. He let out an exaggerated sigh before following you and Phainon toward the door.

The entrance creaked ominously as you pushed it open. Dust and cobwebs lined the corners of the hallway as the smell of mildew filled the air.

Phainon, ever the optimist, clapped his hands together. "This is gonna be so good! Look at how spooky this is!"

Mydei raised an eyebrow at Phainon. "I can’t tell if you’re genuinely excited or just trying to annoy me."

Phainon grinned, his eyes dancing. "Why not both?"

"Because you’re insufferable," Mydei muttered, his hand on the hilt of the sword he had brought along just in case things got... interesting.

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at your lips. These two, with their chaotic energy, had a way of making even the most terrifying situations feel like a joke. Though, deep down, you knew they had each other's backs. Even if they argued constantly, there was an unspoken bond between them.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the house, causing you to flinch. You turned to Phainon, who had accidentally knocked a pile of dusty books off a table.

"Phainon!" Mydei hissed, eyes narrowing. "You almost gave me a damn heart attack!"

"What?! It wasn’t my fault! The books just wanted to fall!" Phainon defended himself, grinning like an idiot.

Mydei crossed his arms, his posture rigid. "You’re not even funny. I swear, every time you open your mouth, I lose ten years off my life."

"Yeah, well, at least I make this fun," Phainon shot back, sticking out his tongue. "You just stand there looking like a big, scary statue."

You shook your head at the bickering, but it was hard to suppress your smile. Despite their constant arguing, you loved how much they cared for each other.

Suddenly, there was another noise from deeper inside the house—a creaking sound, followed by a soft whisper that sent a shiver down your spine. Your hand instinctively reached for Phainon’s sleeve, and you didn’t miss the way Mydei’s eyes flicked to you, though his expression remained impassive.

"What was that?" you whispered, heart pounding.

"Probably just the house settling," Mydei replied, though his voice was quieter now, more cautious. "Let’s keep moving. We don’t want to get stuck in here."

Phainon bounced on his heels, a mischievous grin on his face. "I’m just waiting for the ghosts to come out and freak you both out. They’ll run scared when they see my beautiful face."

"That’s the last thing they’ll do," Mydei muttered under his breath.

"Ha! You’re just jealous," Phainon shot back, raising an eyebrow at Mydei. "You wish you were as charming as me."

Mydei just growled in response.

The three of you ventured deeper into the mansion, navigating the winding halls and dodging more falling bookshelves. The walls were covered in eerie portraits with eyes that seemed to follow you. At one point, Phainon had to stifle a laugh as one of the portraits fell off the wall and crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

"Whoops!" Phainon exclaimed. "Guess the ghosts don’t like art."

"You’re impossible," Mydei groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Before you could respond, a chill swept through the room, and the lights flickered, casting long shadows across the walls.

"Okay... that was definitely not the wind," Phainon muttered, suddenly serious.

"Yeah," you said quietly, your heart thumping in your chest. "I think we should go."

But just as you turned to leave, the door at the end of the hallway slammed shut, trapping you inside.

Phainon’s grin was back in an instant. "See? I told you, I’m irresistible."

Mydei didn’t even look amused anymore. "You better get us out of here before I strangle you."

The door slammed shut with a deafening thud, the sound echoing down the hall. You froze, your pulse quickening, and Phainon let out a laugh that was a little too forced.

"Well, this is fine. Totally fine," Phainon said, his voice faltering just slightly. His usual grin was now replaced with a nervous smile, but his eyes still sparkled with that mischievous glint. "I’m sure it’s just, you know, some natural phenomena causing the door to lock by itself."

"Phainon," Mydei’s voice was low and dangerous, a tone you had only heard when he was truly upset, his fingers flexing as if itching for something to punch. "I swear to the gods, if this is your doing—"

"Oh no, no, no!" Phainon interrupted quickly, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "I swear it wasn't me!" He gave a half-hearted laugh but quickly stopped as he looked around, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting something to jump out at him at any moment.

Mydei exhaled, clearly not impressed. "Let's just find a way out before this place decides it wants to trap us inside."

You didn’t have to say anything. Mydei’s words were enough to make you move faster, even though the darkness seemed to stretch on forever, pressing in around you. You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. The last thing you needed was to panic right now.

You approached the door and turned the handle, but it was no use. The door was locked from the other side. Something was holding it shut. The temperature in the room dropped again, and this time, it wasn’t from the wind. You felt it—a cold, creeping sensation that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"Alright, this is getting real now," Phainon whispered, his voice uncharacteristically tense. He had wandered off a little, his fingers lightly grazing the walls of the hallway. "So, let’s figure out what’s going on here before we become ghost food, yeah?"

But it was Mydei who stepped forward, his large frame blocking your view of the door. His golden eyes were narrowed, scanning the surroundings with that quiet intensity he always had.

"Stay close," he ordered, his voice more serious than you had ever heard it. "Don’t stray."

You and Phainon exchanged a quick glance. The playful energy from earlier had evaporated, replaced by something else—something unspoken. Despite Mydei’s grumpy exterior, his protective instincts were always there when it counted. He wasn’t just trying to act tough for the sake of it. He was looking out for you both.

Phainon nodded, now a little more subdued, and followed behind you, staying close to Mydei.

As you ventured further down the hallway, you noticed the walls seemed to pulse with an unnatural rhythm, the shadows in the corners almost alive. The flickering lights overhead didn’t help the situation. Every time the light went out, your heartbeat sped up, your fingers twitching in anticipation of something horrific. But when the lights flickered back on, the hallway was exactly as it had been before.

"Okay, I’m officially creeped out," Phainon whispered. "This place is messed up. And I don’t mean the good kind of messed up, either."

"I know," you muttered, barely above a whisper. "This doesn’t feel right."

Mydei’s eyes flicked from side to side. "The air feels heavier the further we go. Stay alert."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall, and you all froze.

It was slow, deliberate. Footsteps that weren’t yours. They came closer, echoing off the walls like a reminder that you weren’t alone.

You clenched your fists, trying not to let your nerves show. "This isn’t funny anymore," you whispered, but Phainon, ever the optimist, was already spinning on his heel to face the noise. His usual grin returned.

"Oh, come on! It’s just a ghost trying to scare us. Big whoop." Phainon chuckled nervously, his voice faltering. "I bet it’s just some clumsy spirit tripping over its own ectoplasm."

But Mydei’s face had gone deathly pale. "No... That’s not it," he muttered, his eyes hardening as he reached for his weapon.

Before any of you could react, the door at the far end of the hallway slammed open, and a rush of cold air swept into the room. A shadowy figure stood in the doorway, its shape barely visible in the dim light. The faintest whisper could be heard, a haunting voice that filled the space.

"Leave... now..."

You shuddered, taking a step back as Phainon’s eyes widened. "That is not just some clumsy ghost," Phainon whispered under his breath.

Mydei pushed past you both, his muscles tensing as he slowly advanced toward the door. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice steady despite the growing tension in the air.

You, now fully aware of the danger surrounding you, didn’t question Mydei’s command. You stayed behind him, close to Phainon.

"Who are you?" Mydei called out into the dark doorway, his voice firm and demanding. "What do you want from us?"

There was a long pause.

Then the figure stepped forward, and the air turned even colder. You felt the icy fingers of fear crawl up your spine. The spirit was tall, its body translucent, its face hollow and shrouded in shadows. Its empty eyes locked onto you with a silent intensity.

The voice came again—soft, hollow, but unmistakable. "You shouldn’t have come here..."

You felt a chill ripple through your bones as the spirit’s hollow gaze turned toward you. Your throat tightened, and you instinctively stepped closer to Mydei.

Phainon, however, didn’t seem phased. He took a step forward and waved at the spirit. "Yo, are you the ghost that owns this creepy house? You know, it’s a little bit of a dump. Not to mention, super haunted. Pretty bad for business, don’t you think?" He gave a big grin, though there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.

The spirit’s gaze flickered to Phainon, and for a moment, it seemed as though the air itself had turned to ice.

"You—" it hissed, and its voice split into a chorus of whispers. "You disturb what is sacred."

Phainon’s grin faltered, but he stood his ground. "Yeah, yeah. I’m sure whatever you’re upset about could’ve been avoided if you had a better sense of hospitality. But we don’t mind the haunting, really. We’re used to spooks." He winked at you, trying to keep the mood light, even if it wasn’t working.

Mydei, on the other hand, stepped forward, his jaw clenched. "Enough." His voice was a commanding growl, filled with authority. "We’re leaving. You won’t stop us."

The spirit tilted its head, and with that, the walls of the hallway began to shift, the space warping like it was breathing. The temperature dropped further, and the whispers grew louder, more frantic.

"You will regret this..." The spirit's voice grew deeper, more menacing. "You will never leave..."

Mydei didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, he turned, grabbing your arm and yanking you toward him. Phainon, following behind you, was grinning again, but it was a nervous grin this time.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s get out of here before it gets any more upset!" Phainon said, eyes scanning the walls as the house seemed to press in on you.

With Mydei leading the way, the three of you ran, navigating through the maze of corridors, trying to outrun the angry spirit and the curses it hurled at you.

As you and Mydei rushed through the hallway, Phainon was right on your heels, practically tripping over his own feet as his usual cheeriness turned into pure panic. "I don't like this! I really don’t like this!" he yelped, almost knocking into a lamp as he scrambled to keep up with you both. "Why do we always end up in these situations? Why are we the ones getting chased by ghosts?!"

You shot him a glance, still trying to focus on not getting actually murdered, but Phainon’s wide-eyed expression was enough to break your concentration. “Seriously, Phainon? Right now?”

“I don’t know what’s happening!” Phainon screeched, his voice a little higher than normal, making you wonder how he was still managing to hold it together in some odd, comical way. "The ghost’s pissed! And now it’s making everything all… spooky!!"

“I swear, I’m going to start screaming,” you muttered, your voice getting shaky as the air around you grew colder. The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, and the whispers—oh god—the whispers were getting louder. You swore you could almost hear them saying your name.

Phainon, not helping in the slightest, suddenly screeched, "Oh my god, it’s behind us! It’s right there!!" He whipped around dramatically, his hands flailing in the air as though he could somehow ward off the spirit by sheer panic.

It wasn’t behind you. It wasn’t anywhere close.

"Mydei!" Phainon wailed, grabbing his arm dramatically. "Save meeee!"

Mydei barely even flinched, his sharp golden eyes scanning their surroundings with that ever-present air of annoyance, but underneath it, you could see him trying not to chuckle. "Phainon, stop acting like a child," he growled, not missing a beat. “The ghost's not going to catch us if you keep screaming like a little girl.”

"Oh, so we’re doing the ‘who’s the toughest’ thing now, huh?!" Phainon’s voice cracked on the last word, making the tension in the air almost unbearable. "You just wait, my frightened little heart can’t take much more! I'm not cut out for this!" He clutched his chest, looking like he was going to have a heart attack right there. "Just let me live!!"

Mydei, sighing heavily, muttered, “You’re such a pain.”

Before you could stop yourself, you let out a short, nervous laugh. "Yeah, I think we’ve all been a little too dramatic here…"

As you tried to ignore the rising sense of dread in your chest, the spirit’s eerie whispers grew louder. Phainon’s eyes widened and suddenly, without warning, he grabbed your arm and pulled you into a perfectly timed scream of sheer terror as the shadows seemed to swirl around you.

“IT’S COMING FOR US!!!”

“Phainon, stop!” you hissed, tugging your arm away as he clung to you like a frightened koala, causing you to stumble forward.

“Oh no!” Phainon gasped, looking around wildly. “The ghost is too strong for us!!”

“No, Phainon!” you groaned, holding back another burst of laughter. “The ghost isn’t real, it’s just some shadowy figure trying to scare us!”

"Trying to scare us?! It's succeeding!" he practically screamed, his voice cracking in a most undignified way. He was full on panicking now, his hands scrambling for anything to grab onto. “It’s getting closer! Do you feel that?! The temperature is dropping!”

“I think the temperature’s been dropping since we got in here,” Mydei said with a bored expression, walking ahead, clearly done with Phainon’s theatrics.

“Stop being so calm!” Phainon wailed, "How can you be calm in this haunted house?!" His hand shot out, grabbing a nearby table for dear life. “My life is flashing before my eyes!!”

“Dramatic much?” you said, trying not to laugh at his antics. "Calm down, I don’t think it’s—"

Suddenly, the lights went out.

The three of you froze in place, the only sound the soft thrum of your own heartbeat.

And then… the whispering returned. Louder. Closer.

“Oh, hell no,” Phainon squeaked, his voice going up an octave higher. "I knew it! I knew it was going to—"

“Phainon, for the love of god, stop screaming,” Mydei growled, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice now, his arms crossed. "You’re more of a nuisance than the actual ghost."

“Oh, shut up,” Phainon whined, now clinging to your side like a human shield. "We’re all going to die here. I just know it!"

“Mydei, is it actually behind us now?” you whispered, feeling a chill creep down your spine as you glanced over your shoulder.

“No,” Mydei answered nonchalantly, “But it’s definitely getting closer.”

You turned back around to see Phainon’s face, which had somehow turned a shade paler than usual.

The whispers grew louder again. And then—

A chair suddenly flipped over behind you with a loud crash, causing all three of you to freeze. Phainon was the first to scream, and this time, his scream was not a small, panicked shout—it was a full-on, high-pitched scream that could rival the most frightened cat.

“WAAAAH!” Phainon shrieked, literally jumping behind you and clinging to Mydei’s back like some kind of terrified parasite.

"Mydei!!" you shouted, barely able to contain your own laughter as you backed up. "Do something! Phainon’s gonna cause a scene."

“I am the scene!” Phainon continued, barely making any sense as he clung to Mydei like he was some kind of lifeline. "I’ll scream all the way to the afterlife if I have to, but I am NOT dealing with this haunted disaster!"

“Will you shut up?” Mydei grumbled, clearly losing his patience.

But it was too late.

A shadow suddenly shot out from the corner, and in one fluid motion, a cold hand clasped around your wrist, making you yelp and pull away.

"Okay, okay!! I’m out! I’m OUT!" Phainon screamed at the top of his lungs, finally snapping into full-on survival mode, and pulling you both toward the door. “THIS WAS A MISTAKE! I’M NEVER GOING INTO A HAUNTED HOUSE AGAIN!!”

With Phainon dragging you by the arm, Mydei let out a sharp huff, but even he couldn’t hide the small smirk forming at the corners of his lips as he followed along.

“Let’s just go before he burns down the whole damn house,” Mydei muttered under his breath.

And somehow, you all managed to escape… barely.

SORRY ITS SHORT IM WORKING ON AN UNBIELVABLY LONG PHAINON FIC RN!! IF YOU ALL WANT TO BE TAGGED IN THE FIC, PLEASE DM ABT AND UH COMMENT, ILL TAG YOU ALL :3

[sappi-papi]

found this template and something evil took hold of me . have i made it clear that they make me Sick yet. because they make me Sick. Ouh my favorite pair of doomed best friends/found family. sorry about the super small text btw you'll probably have to open in a new tab if you're on desktop or zoom in super hard if you're on mobile. guh.

[nelle-y]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE GONNA DO A WRRIOTHESLEY ONE AFTER THE ALHAITHAM VOICELINES FIC IS COMPLETED!!!! I NEED IT PLEASE!!

A love story told trough voicelines (Wriothesley ver.)

C/W: wriothesley x gn!reader, sun x moon, protective!wrio, himbo/bimbo!reader, fluff, slow-burn, not proofread

Note: okay, the Alhaitham fic isn’t really done yet, but I seriously couldn’t think of any good stuff to add there soooo here’s a Wrio version while waiting^^ (comments are very much appreciated!)

—

(You) About Laws

I’m not even a Fontaine citizen! How was I supposed to know it was illegal to eat a pack of ketchup?! Are laws here even applicable for tourists? …Wait that was a dumb question. Anyway—I have to serve two months in the Fortress, now. Honestly, that long for ketchup?

Really?

(Wriothesley) About you

They’re a funny one, I’ll admit. When I saw their file, I thought someone was pulling a prank on me. Two months for… eating ketchup? But rules are rules. I have a feeling they’re going to make things a little more interesting around here.

(You) About jail food

Sooo… any chance I could get some ketchup with this? No? Right, okay. Thought I’d ask.

(Wriothesley) About your stay

They’re surprisingly good at making friends. The guards like them, the prisoners like them, even Sigewinne seems to have taken a liking to them. I should be concerned, but honestly? It’s kind of impressive.

(You) About Wriothesley

Did you know the Duke of Meropide has a soft spot for tea? I mean, I guess it’s obvious, but I caught him sneaking an extra cup the other day. “Oh, it helps me think,” he says. Yeah, yeah, whatever, tea boy.

(Wriothesley) About you: Nicknames

‘Tea boy’? They’re the one who came in here because of ketchup. If anything, I should be the one coming up with a nickname. Like… tomato. Ugh, I don’t have time for this—I have work to do.

(You) About Wriothesley: A few weeks in

Okay, so maybe the Duke isn’t as scary as I thought. Sure, he’s got the whole “I could probably knock someone out with one punch” thing going on, but he’s actually pretty nice. In a “grumbles but still helps” kind of way. Like, I asked for an extra pillow as a joke, and he actually got me one? Hello??

(Wriothesley) About You: A few weeks in

They’ve settled in way too well. Most prisoners would usually be miserable as they count their days left, but they? They’re treating this place like a weird vacation. They joke around, chat with everyone, even try to make me laugh— *chuckles* not that it works. …Okay, maybe once or twice.

(You) About Wriothesley: Casual encounters

I keep running into His Grace at the most random times. Like, I’ll be minding my business, trying to stack crackers into the tallest tower possible, and boom, there he is, watching me like I’m some kind of strange wildlife documentary. And then he just walks away without a word! Geez, Tea boy, at least say, “Wow, impressive architecture,” or something!

(Wriothesley) About You: Casual encounters

I caught them trying to balance a spoon on their nose in the cafeteria. I don’t know why I expected anything different. When they saw me watching, they just grinned and said, “Impressive, right?” I should’ve walked away, but instead, I sat down and watched. I think I’m losing it.

(You) About Wriothesley: Serious moments

You ever meet someone who acts all tough, but then you realize they care more than they let on? That’s him. He won’t say it outright, but it’s in the little things. Like how he notices when I’m quieter than usual. Or how he subtly checks if I’ve eaten. He’d probably deny it if I brought it up, though. Typical.

(Wriothesley) About You: Serious moments

They’re more than just jokes and sunshine, you know. The other night, they found me in my office, still working late. I expected them to tease me, but instead, they just sat down and said, “You should rest too, you know.” No jokes. No dramatic antics. Just… genuine concern. I didn’t know what to say.

(You) About making friends (or not)

Most people here are pretty cool! I mean, sure, some of them look like they could snap me in half, but they’re nice once you talk to them. …Okay, maybe not everyone. There’s a group that gives me the stink eye whenever I talk to the Duke. I think they think I’m his little sidekick or something. Imagine me being intimidating. Hah!

(Wriothesley) About prison politics

Not everyone is happy with how things work down here, and that includes how I run things. So when someone comes in and gets along with me too well, it’s bound to rub some people the wrong way. I’m not worried about them, but… I am keeping an eye on things.

(You) Character story: A not-so-friendly encounter

The underground fortress had its own rules—ones that weren’t always written in Fontaine’s legal codes. It was an unspoken truth that power moved differently down here. The way people looked at others, the way they spoke, even the way they stood in the cafeteria—it all meant something.

And apparently, the way they joked around with the Duke meant something too.

“You think you’re special, huh?”

The voice wasn’t friendly. Not the usual kind of gruff they’d hear from someone just messing around. No, this was different. It came with the sharp press of a shoulder against theirs, backing them into the stone wall of a dim corridor. They hadn’t meant to take this route alone—it just happened. Bad timing, bad luck.

They held up your hands in mock surrender. “Whoa, hey, if this is about the crackers I stole from the cafeteria, I promise it was for scientific—”

A hand slammed the wall beside their head, cutting them off. “Quit playing around,” the guy sneered. “You think being His Grace’s favorite means you can do whatever you want?”

Favorite? They blinked. What kind of wild rumors were people spreading?

“I don’t—”

Another guy stepped closer, arms crossed. “You talk too much.”

Okay. Yeah. This wasn’t looking great.

They considered their options. Fighting wasn’t exactly their strong suit—sure, they could throw a decent punch, but against multiple guys built like reinforced walls? Not ideal. Running wasn’t an option either; they had them boxed in. Which left them with… talking their way out.

“Look,” they started, voice light, “I get it. You guys are the big, scary veterans of the Fortress, and I’m just some random ketchup criminal. But I promise, I’m not plotting some evil scheme with the Duke. I’m here for the vibes, man.”

One of them scoffed. “Real funny.”

They grinned. “Thanks. I try.”

A fist clenched. For a second, they thought the guy was actually going to hit them. They braced themselves—

And then he spoke.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

The air in the corridor changed. The weight of the room shifted, a presence settling over the space like a cold snap.

The group turned, and there he was.

Wriothesley stood at the mouth of the corridor, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable. But his eyes—his eyes—were sharp, colder than they’d ever seen.

The guy closest to them took half a step back. Just half. “We were just having a conversation,” he said, trying to sound casual.

The Duke’s gaze flicked to them. He didn’t say anything, but the question was clear. Are you hurt?

They shook their head. “Nope. All good. Just a friendly little chat about… social dynamics.”

A beat of silence. Then, Wriothesley let out a breath—something almost like a laugh, but not quite.

“You’ve made your point,” he said coolly, stepping closer. “So now I’ll make mine.”

The air got heavier. The authority in his voice left no room for argument.

“I don’t care what rumors you’ve heard,” he continued. “But if you think causing problems in my fortress is a good idea, then by all means—go ahead. Give me an excuse to personally escort you to solitary confinement.”

No one moved. No one spoke.

Then, just like that, the tension cracked. The group muttered something under their breaths and backed off, melting into the corridors like shadows.

They let out a breath they didn’t realize they held. “Wow. That was dramatic.”

Wriothesley gave them a look. “You should’ve told me.”

They shrugged. “I had it under control.”

His brow arched. He glanced at the wall they’d been backed against, then back at them.

“…Mostly under control.”

A pause. Then, with a shake of his head, he sighed. “You’re impossible.”

They grinned. “So I’ve been told.”

Wriothesley didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, just before turning to leave, he muttered—so quietly they almost missed it—

“Stay close next time.”

(Wriothesley) About you: Keeping an eye out

They say they’re fine, that it’s “not a big deal,” but I know how things work down here. Resentment brews fast. I told them to let me know if anyone gives them trouble. They laughed and said, “What, are you gonna throw them in jail? Oh, wait—” *sigh* They’re ridiculous. Honestly, I’m curious about what they’re gonna do once they’re out in the overworld.

(You) About time

You’d think I’d be marking off the days on my wall like some dramatic prisoner in a movie, right? At first, I kinda did—two months felt like forever. But now? I looked at the calendar this morning and realized I only have a few days left.

…And instead of being excited, I just stood there, staring at it like it personally offended me. Hm.

(Wriothesley) About time

Most inmates count down the days until they’re free. Some scratch it into their cell walls, some mark it on a calendar—always waiting, always watching the clock. I thought they were the same. But lately, they’ve been looking at the days left like they don’t know what to do with them.

…And if I’m being honest, I don’t know what to do with them either.

(You) About goodbyes

So, uh… last night in the Fortress. Crazy, huh? Feels like just yesterday I was getting sentenced for my heinous ketchup crimes. Time flies when you’re… illegally detained, I guess.

…Hey, weird question. You ever get so used to something that it’s just… there, and then when it’s gone, you don’t know what to do with yourself? Like, I dunno, a leaky faucet or a creaky floorboard—annoying at first, but then it’s kinda comforting? Familiar?

…Never mind. Forget I said anything.

(Wriothesley) About goodbyes

I knew this was coming, but… it’s different now that it’s actually here.

They were just supposed to be another name on a file. Someone who’d serve their time and leave, like all the rest. But now? The idea of this place without them feels… odd.

Last night, they said something about getting used to things—to noises, habits, people. I didn’t say anything then, but I knew exactly what they meant.

Because now, when I sit down for tea, I’ll catch myself waiting for some ridiculous comment that won’t come. And when I walk through the halls, I’ll expect them to be there, up to some new nonsense.

…Hah. They really are impossible.

—

(You) About freedom

I thought I’d be excited to leave. Two months ago, I was counting down the days. But now that I’m out, everything just feels… off. Food tastes bland. The city is too quiet. My chest feels weird—like I forgot something important, but I don’t know what. Maybe I’m just not used to soft beds again? Or maybe I caught a weird underground sickness. …Yeah, that’s probably it.

(Wriothesley) About your absence

It’s quieter without them. Not peaceful, just… quiet. No one is pestering me about my tea habits, no one is trying to balance silverware on their face at lunch, and no one is calling me ridiculous nicknames. It should be a relief, right? That’s what I keep telling myself.

(You) About adjusting

I keep waking up expecting to hear guards talking outside. Instead, it’s just… silence. I must’ve gotten too used to the noise. Or maybe my sleep schedule is messed up. Or maybe—oh no. Is this withdrawal? Am I actually addicted to prison?!

(Wriothesley) About moving on

They’re out. They should be living their life, enjoying their freedom. And I should be focusing on my work. But every now and then, I’ll look at the cafeteria and half-expect them to be there, making some ridiculous comment about prison food. It’s a strange thing, getting used to someone’s presence—only to realize, too late, how much you actually miss it.

(You) About dumb ideas

Okay, so, hypothetically, if someone accidentally committed the same crime twice—purely by coincidence, obviously—would that be, like, really bad? Like, a longer sentence, perchance? …No reason. Just curious.

—

(Wriothesley) Character story: Sun

It was a slow day at the fortress, colder than usual, dimmer than what the Duke was used to. Since their release, he spent his time signing away some papers—names and files that came in a blur, none of them particularly interesting. The days felt longer, the usual routine dragging on without the usual interruptions.

Sigewinne checked in from time to time, making sure he was eating well and getting enough rest. And as much as he appreciated it, it just felt… different when it came from them. They had a way of making even the dullest moments feel lighter, like slipping bits of warmth into a place that wasn’t supposed to have any. He never realized how much he’d gotten used to it until it was gone.

He exhaled, shaking his head. Get a grip.

The door creaked as a guard stepped in, handing him the next batch of intake files. He took them without much thought, flipping through page after page of familiar offenses—smuggling, theft, fraud. Nothing unusual. Nothing worth a second glance.

And then he saw their name.

His movements stilled. At first, he thought he mixed up their old papers with the recent ones, but no—this was a fresh intake. The details stared back at him, just as ridiculous as the first time. He read the reason for their second sentence, and—

“Again?”

A laugh rumbled from his chest, caught somewhere between disbelief and amusement. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as a grin tugged at his lips.

“Are you obsessed with ketchup or what?”

Before he could think too much about it, a knock echoed through his office.

“Come in,” he called.

The door cracked open just enough for him to catch a glimpse of familiar, mischievous eyes peeking through.

He sighed, shaking his head, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him, curling into a smirk.

“Welcome back, sunshine.”

—

Note: do you guys want a part 2?

[papercorgiworld]

Truth be told

A Regulus Black fake dating thrope

You are hunted by the realisation that while your relationship is fake your feelings are very real. Meanwhile James figures out more than just his feelings for you.

Read part 1 here: ‘Dance like it’s all real’

Again lots of kudos to @thatdammchickennugget and her hogmarch challenge. You brought magic to march! Also lots of love to all the tumblr peoples who encouraged me to write a part two. 💛 Your love makes writers write! Happy readings!

Another week had passed since your dance with Regulus, the beautiful but painful moment you realised you were in love with Regulus. You had cursed yourself everyday for playing a dirty game and getting hurt yourself. This is just bad karma for trying to get James jealous. Merlin, I’m such a fool.

“That will be it for today’s class. Remember I’ll be expecting your essays by friday.” You could barely hear professor Mcgonagall through all the noise of students closing their books and chairs moving.

As soon as you exit the classroom Marlene bumps into you. “Hey, are you joining us for a picnic?” You think it over, you still needed to write a conclusion for your paper and you were really desperate to meet up with your boyfriend, fake boyfriend that is. “Come on you’ve gotta join, we barely hang out anymore since you’ve been dating. Don’t be that girl.” Remus argued and you smiled, he could take the weight of the world off of your shoulders with just one look from his kind eyes. “Sure, but not for too long I don’t want to disappoint professor Mcgonagall.”

“Right, right. It’s about homework and not your sexy slytherin.” You gasp at Marlene’s boldness. “That’s not it. I really need to finish my essay.” The three of you laugh and for a moment all is well.

However it doesn’t last long, you can feel the knot in your stomach grow when you see Sirius, James and Lily are already at the picnic. “Look what the wolf dragged in.” Sirius jokes as he munches on some food. “She doesn’t have much time, she has homework.” Marlene winks playfully and you roll your eyes as you all sit down. “Is that Regulus’ new codename?” Lily teases and you just drop your head to the side, pretending to be annoyed but you had to admit you kinda enjoyed the teasing. At least to them your relationship was real.

“Ugh. Please don’t. That’s my baby brother.” Sirius complained. “Baby brother is getting more than you padfoot. Deal with it.” Remus threw a grape at Sirius to get him to stop complaining. “I’m working on that.” Sirius countered, picking up the grape and trying to seductively eat it, making Remus frown.

Unfortunately, fake dating did not include getting some. Not that you had never thought about it. Your mind had wandered off more than once, when he slung an arm around you and smelled so fresh. Merlin, you had it bad.

The afternoon passed and you had started working on your essay in the sun with your friends, but you were too engaged in your work and suddenly you found yourself sitting with just James. “Hey, where's everyone?”

James chuckled at your confusion. “Sirius is showing Remus a new magic trick. Marlene, Lily and Peter are getting extra drinks. They have good connections with the house elves.” You nod and there’s a strange tension in your silence. “Why? You need help?” James offers, leaning closer to scan your paper.

“No, I’m good. I think I got everything in my conclusion. I will reread it tomorrow.” You carefully fold the parchment and James nods, but he seems a bit frustrated with you. You notice how tense his jaw is and stare at him for a moment, when he catches you he chuckles. “You’ll probably go to Regulus for help now…” You bite your lip, you couldn’t deny that there was still some attraction. Definitely now that he sounded so jealous.

“So about baby Black.” You narrow your eyes at James’ attitude. “Don’t.” You demand some respect that’s the least Regulus deserved for being so good to you. “Sirius and I are worried.” James suddenly admits catching you off guard. “I mean here at Hogwarts he might seem like a good guy, but out there he hangs with a bad crowd and.. I mean.. just look at his family. You have no future with him. You do realise that?” His words stung, hard. His jealousy was suddenly a lot less attractive and it took you a moment to bite back.

“Are you worried or jealous, James?” You snapped as you put your quill and parchment in your bag, ready to get up. “Maybe both.” James looks at his hands as you stare him down after his confession. When he looks up his eyes look vulnerable. Your heart starts to race. James’ lips part but he’s forced to keep his words to himself as he sees Regulus heading in your direction.

You turn your head and the corners of Regulus’ lips tug up. He hated how he couldn’t hide it anymore. You had full control over him. He was just lucky that he got to play the role of boyfriend. If not, he would look like a fool. You heard James sigh and turned to look at him, making Regulus’ heart squeeze. You looking away from him was a painful reminder that your heart belongs to the most obnoxious person ever.

“Hi beautiful.” Regulus’ whisper stroked your eyes as he kneeled next to you on the picnic blanket. You were hesitant for a second because James was there, but your lips found your way to Regulus’ like muscle memory. “I got you something.” Regulus reached for a small pack of your favourite HoneyDukes candy and your eyes widened with joy. James let his head fall back as he leaned on his arms, his eyes rolling to the back of his skull with disgust for what was happening in front of him. “You went to hogsmeade?” Regulus nodded. “Forced to, by Evan.” Regulus watches you with adoration as you struggle to open the candy wrapping, but his jaw tenses when he looks at James and notices his hostility.

Clearly you were no longer unnoticed and Regulus hated the whole fake dating thing was going to blow up in face. You had always liked James and you were going to fall into his arms at the first effort James makes. “Can I steal her away?” Regulus manages calmly, before looking away from James and stroking a strand of your hair making you meet his eyes. James chews the inside of his cheek to keep himself from yelling ‘no’.

“Reg.” Sirius pants as he approaches you, followed by Remus mumbling something about almost getting caught committing a crime. “Brother.” Regulus returns nonchalantly as he gets up to meet his brother in height. “Long time no see.” Sirius chuckles, making Regulus tilt his head and frown. “We see each other every day.” Sirius nods and Remus’ eyes widen at the awkwardness. “They were just leaving.” James announces, making the air between everyone even more tense.

Regulus ignores everyone and helps you up, guiding you with a gentle arm around your waist. “Was I interrupting something I shouldn’t have?” Regulus questions pretending to care about your connection with James, while only wishing he misinterpreted the situation and that James still only saw you as one of the boys.

“No, I don’t think so.” You lied, afraid that if you told him the truth he might think there would be no need to further continue fake dating, but by Salazar did you hate yourself for lying to the man you cared about so damn much. Regulus’ lips formed a line and you didn’t really know what to make of it, but he gave you no time to overthink it as his hand reached for the back of your head, pulling you in for a passionate kiss. “He’s a fool for letting me steal you away from him.” Regulus’ husky voice and warm breath sent shivers down your spine. It was one of those moments that made you wonder how much passion was hidden behind his calm demeanour.

***

You were sitting between Regulus’ legs, laying against his chest with his arm around you, both reading your own book with an occasional kiss for Regulus if he noticed you drifting off. It was moments like this that were absurdly romantic and comfortable for two people fake dating. You had been chewing your lip for a while now wondering if you should test the waters. What encouraged you was the gentle way Regulus fingertips caressed your arm, probably subconsciously, as he was deeply engaged with his book. “You know… there’s no one around so there’s really no need to be all cuddly… but I’m kinda comfy, sooo can I stay for just a few more minutes?” Regulus' lips formed half a smile at your question but he barely looked away from his book.

“It would be weird if someone walked in and we weren’t sitting together, gossip would spread quickly. This is the slytherin common room after all.” You nodded at his boringly reasonable argument. “I guess I’m not moving if you're not.” You declared settling in more against his chest, unknowingly making Regulus’ whole body heat up. He caught himself leaning in to kiss the crown of your head, but was interrupted by a loud slam of the door as Barty walked in.

“You told Evan I kissed Tessa.” Regulus raised his chin in thought. “Ah, that was her name. I thought it was Tilly.” Barty shook his head aggressively, clearly annoyed with his friend. You and Regulus both sat up straight to prepare for the drama Barty had just brought in. “I’ve been trying to impress Evan for weeks and you tell him I’ve been kissing other girls. I’ll hurt you for this, Black.” At the harsh tone of Barty Regulus got up to stand in front of you. “Alright. Let’s take this elsewhere, before this gets out of hand.” Barty narrows his eyes at you. “Afraid I’ll hurt your little birdy.” Regulus gives Barty a soft shove in the direction of the door. “First of all leave (y/n) out this and second if you’re trying to impress Evan why in Merlin’s name are you kissing other people. I had no idea you had a thing for Evan… Well a lot of things make sense now.”

You hear the two bicker until the door closes behind them. You’re a little worried, but on the other hand you know better than to get involved with Barty-drama, Regulus was way better at handling these kinds of situations. Sirius had once explained it as a family survival skill to manage conflicts with hotheaded people.

However, on the other end of the door the always so calm Regulus Black was about to lose his patience. “How would you like it if I told everyone all about your business?” Regulus rolled his eyes and shook his head at what he thought was an empty threat. “There’s nothing to tell, I don’t go around kissing people when trying to impress another.” Barty licked his lips before showing a filthy smile, closing in on Regulus’ face with a firm and dark tone. “I know all about your pact with (y/n). Pretending to be dating so she can get James’ attention.” Regulus’ eyes widen and Barty’s pleased with the reaction. “How do you-” Barty laughs. “I overheard you talking once. You are so occupied with her that you’re losing your touch.” Regulus clenches his jaw and his eyes go dark, but Barty just continues. “What would people think of that Regulus? No one would take you seriously if they knew you were caught up in petty games like this. And what would people think of her?”

With one move Regulus had Barty thrown against a wall and his wand against Barty’s throat. “You don’t want to make that mistake Barty. You keep your mouth shut.” Barty eyes are still mad, but tempered down by the force with which Regulus is pushing him against the wall. “You do seem to care a lot about your fake relationship with your fake girlfriend? I hope the feelings are still fake?” Regulus’ eyes get meaner at Barty’s deduction. “You obviously care about her. I care about Evan, let’s not ruin this for one another and let all slide.” Barty reasons, but Regulus isn’t quick to take the deal, considering more sinister options to deal with Barty instead, but distant footsteps force him to pull away.

However, what neither of them had realised is that someone overheard the whole conservation.

***

“We are going to make those snakes cry for their mums!” Sirius yelled as he excitedly fist bumps Peter and Marlene. Regulus just rolled his eyes, but Bellatrix doesn’t stay quiet as she walks by. “Shut it, family disgrace!” Sirius falls silent and James gives him a gentle pat on the back, before checking the tape on his wrist.

“Not looking good, Potter.” Regulus laughed at James’ wrist taped in after he had hurt it during training a few days ago. Regulus normally wasn’t one to bully, but a few mind games before a quidditch game were always hard to resist. Definitely after Regulus had noticed you and James talking more and more. Since you were dating Regulus, you felt more confident and no longer felt the need to avoid James, but Regulus hated it when you were around the gryffindor.

“No need to act so tough, Regulus. By the end of the day you’ll be a double loser and honestly that’s what you get for playing dirty games.” Regulus’ laughs mockingly at James' accusations as he walks closer, but before he can counter with something witty James takes the word again with a venous low whisper. “Lily overheard you and Crazy Crouch talking yesterday. It's over for you, after the game I’m kissing (y/n), I’ll tell her how I feel.” James slammed the quaffle hard into Regulus’ stomach, making slytherin groan a little. Regulus felt like his whole world was shattering around him, the quaffle hadn’t done as much damage as his heart was enduring right now. On top of it all he had to watch Sirius look questioningly at James, but not sparing his own brother so much as a glance of worry.

Regulus clenched his jaw and turned to walk to his own team. His eyes were dead and even though you were seated far away you could notice something had happened. “Do you want me to curse him for you?” Bellatrix’s eyes lit up as she offered her assistance. “Make every limp hurt, please.” Bellatrix laughed maniacally, enjoying her cousin's darker side.

The game was a mess and not just because of the hellish weather but the ridiculous amount of fouls made. Sirius was sent off first for offensive language, then James almost got hit by a curse which led to Bellatrix being sent off and finally Barty almost got himself killed, not even mentioning Regulus’ reckless behaviour to get any points.

When Gryffindor was celebrating their victory, chanting loudly in the stands, you only watched Regulus, who couldn’t bear to look up to his fake girlfriend that he was going to lose. Without a word he passed everyone and everything and headed straight to the barracks to hide himself. There was nothing that he could think of that would console him.

You rushed through the excited Gryffindors and avoided the frustrated Slytherins ready to make amok. You had no idea of what was going on but you knew it was more than a lost game and you knew you needed to be by your boyfriend’s side. You cursed yourself and reminded yourself that Regulus was only your fake boyfriend. Yet, it didn’t stop you hurrying through the crowds.

Once on the field you headed straight for the barracks, until to your surprise a firm hand grabbed your upper arm. Your eyes land on James, sweaty, wet and panting. “I need to talk to you.” You see Regulus disappear with his teammates before locking eyes with James. You let him pull you to the side, under the stands.

“James, what’s this about?” One hand reaches for the back of your skull and the other firmly snakes around your waist as James pulls you in a warm and wholehearted kiss that leaves you gasping for air. “James?” You breathe out his name demanding an explanation. “I know none of it is real. I told Regulus to back off. I want you… for real.” Softer, but still filled with passion James’ lips lock with yours and this time you kiss back with equal intensity. Merlin, did it feel good. You had loved him for so long and part of you was still so attracted to him.

And yet…

you push him away. “James. I think… I think I love Regulus.” You're both still out of breath from the kiss and your eyes can’t look away from James’ but the truth had to be told. “What? But it was all fake, right?” A tear rolls down your cheek as you see James’ hurt and feel your own heart squeeze. “I fell for him. I’m sorry.” There’s a silence as James studies you and you force your eyes shut, hating yourself and the whole situation. A soft thumb brushes your tears away. “It’s my fault for not noticing you sooner and for not acting the moment I felt you slip away.”

Your hands slipped down to his arms, gently creating some distance between you. It hurt you both, but staying close felt wrong. “I’ve got to talk to Regulus.” You whisper looking away from James for the first time. James closes his eyes and you take a step away. He watches you silently turn around, before speaking up. “If he ever lets you go I’ll catch you.” You feel your eyes water again, but force a smile. “No, you won’t. Because you won’t wait for me. You’ll fall in love before you know it, you’ll be happy… Please.” The softest laugh escapes James’ lips as he nods, letting you go, letting you run into Regulus’ arms.

Everything was a blur, your heart raced and your brain was hazy. Your body was in a rush to find Regulus, like a magnet you were drawn to him with a forceful pull.

“Regulus?” You swung the door open to the slytherin changing room. Regulus jumped up from the bench where he had been mourning his love for you in silence. Everyone holds his breath including you, until your raw love for Regulus kicks in. Once you took the first step in his direction every other one was easy as you ran into his arms. Like a fitting puzzle piece Regulus enveloped you into his arms. A kiss so hungry, it matched all those longing moments you had both pushed away for weeks.

“She’s not allowed to be in here. I’m butt naked.” Barty yelled from the showers. “Shut up! No one cares, Barty. She’s here for Reg.” Evan yells back. You and Regulus laugh at the ridiculous exchange and with a smile on his face Regulus meets your eyes. “I don’t understand, why are you here?” You kiss Regulus again to give yourself the courage to tell him. “James kissed me-” Barty laughs. “That would make me want to run away and hide as well.” Regulus rolls his eyes. “Shut up!” You press your lips together. “James kissed me and it made me realise that I can’t pretend to not love you.” Regulus' eyes widen at your words and his smile grows. “You love me?” You nod encouraged by the rush of it all and feeling yourself all giddy. With both hands Regulus cups your cheeks and kisses you intensely.

“She still can’t stay here.” Barty points out with a smile. “Don’t worry, Bart. Regulus is coming with me.” You take his hand. “I still need to shower, though.” You give him a mischievous smile and the teasing glint in your eyes reminds him there are plenty of showers ideal for just the two of you. with a happy smile he whispers to you: “I love you too.”

Picture source: https://pin.it/25mBnrbz5 & https://pin.it/1p3GkSVUq

[gyurilla]

if i say, i love you - JUNGWON DID WHAT?

pairing: riwoo x afab!reader

synopsis: riwoo accidentally retweets one of your old posts, thinking he’s on his spam account. he quickly deletes it, but your friend manages to screenshot it before it’s gone. you play it cool, acting like it was no big deal—pretending you haven’t secretly had a crush on him for years and thinking it was just a harmless mistake. but riwoo knows it wasn’t a mistake

taglist (open) - comment to be added (dont be shy!) @pinkiwinkiminki @banez @oowir @viesin @nujeskz @torkorpse @coffee-addict-kitten @8makes1atom @tempewra @jungwonbropls @janjoonty @uncasings @lvlyhiyyih @tkooooop @quinnynation @addictedtoboba @letwiiparkjay @skibidihan @dobbiesvvorld

contains: swearing, drinking, half written

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——

jungwon’s annoyance grew when you ignored his apology. the silence was frustrating enough, to make matters worse, he saw your tweets popping up on his timeline.

each one a painful reminder that you were deliberately ignoring him. his emotions boiled over, leading him to seek distraction at a party, where he ended up talking to a certain someone..

“hey jungwon” leehan said, his voice low and concerned, jungwon looked like a mess.

the kitchen was a haven from the chaos of the party, the only sounds the occasional clinking of dishes and the murmur of voices from the backyard. jungwon looked up, his eyes slightly glazed from the drinks he'd had earlier. he nodded curtly, his eyes drifting back to his drink, the ice clinking softly as he swirled it around.

“what are you doing at a party on a school night?" leehan asked curiously, even though the boy looked completely out of it and frustrated.

jungwon shrugged, his voice quiet. “i could ask the same.”

leehan chuckled. “no class tomorrow.”

jungwon’s face cracked a small smile, and he laughed softly. “same.”

“whoever willingly picks to have classes on friday are losers!” leehan said laughing

jungwon grinned softly playing along, “right? i could never, i rather be in bed than go to class”

“exactly!!” leehan said loudly while laughing

for a moment, the tension seemed to dissipate, replaced by the laughter’s of the the two boys joking around and talking, but as the laughter faded, his expression turned serious once more, his eyes clouding over with the same frustration

as the night wore on and the drinks kept flowing, jungwon’s words became looser, his secrets spilling out like water from a cracked dam. leehan listened, his expression growing more and more surprised, as jungwon’s rants revealed things he never would have guessed.

“..and ynie, she's always so perfect, but you know what? she’s got a crush on riwoo!” jungwon slurred, his voice rising above the music.

leehan’s eyes widened, choking on his drink. “seriously??” was all he managed to get out, still coughing

jungwon nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming with a mix of hurt and anger. “yeah, she’s liked him for four years, she never stops talking about him in our chats… i’ve known her longer, i actually talk to her, but she wont even notice me!” he attempted laugh came out , it was obvious he was trying joking but it was all too painful.

his words hung in the air, a bombshell dropped in the midst of the party. leehan’s eyes locked onto jungwon’s, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern.

before leehan could respond, jungwon continued, his words tumbling out in a rush. “i like her a lot... i’d do anything for her, but she only sees me as a friend. i want her to be happy, and talking about riwoo makes her happy, so i’m willing to push away my feelings for her.” his voice cracked as tears began to flow down his cheeks, leehan’s expression softened in sympathy.

“maybe i should get you back to your dorm” leehan suggested gently.

jungwon nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. “h-huh? oh yeah, please..."

—

the next morning, jungwon groggily reached for his phone. his eyes widened as he saw a message from you, sent just an hour ago.

“it’s okay jun! i’m sorry too. i didn't realize i was being so annoying”

jungwon’s eyes scanned the words, his face growing hotter by the second. memories of the previous night came flooding back – the drinks, the confessions, leehan’s expression...

“FUCK!”. he yelled, slamming his fist onto the bed. how could he have been so stupid?! he told leehan about his crush on you, he told him about your crush on his friend.

—

a/n: the way the screenshots are infact in correct order at the end, look at the timestamps if you’re a little confused! but did you guys expect this heheheh >:3, i’ll post wednesday becuz on tuesday i do start going back to classes, spring break is over💔💔 PLUS that day will be most of my midterm talks </3 so i’ll have the chapter out wnsday!!

- likes and reblogs are always appreciated!

[msilverstar]

transcription:

FOREWORD: BUCKY BARNES (by Sebastian Stan, Spring 2025)

I remember standing up on a ladder, sweating, in the middle of a take on a hot day in Palmdale, California, on the set of The Apparition. They were doing a camera reload, I think, when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out and looked at it: "Unknown caller I.D." "That can never be important," I thought. I let it go to voicemail.

We got the take and, in fact, continued to shoot for another few hours until, finally, I remembered, "Oh right, I had a voicemail." | took out my phone and brought it to my ear, expecting a telemarketer, only to hear, "Hey, it's Kevin. From Marvel. We'd love for you to do Bucky. If you're up for it. Give a call back." My heart stopped. My knees got weak. No way. Impossible. Earlier that day, someone had played a prank on me, stating, "It's April 1st! APRIL FOOLS' DAY!" Was this a joke or the real Kevin Feige?

It's an understatement to say my life changed that day: April 1, 2010. In three months' time, I was to go to London and start filming Marvel Studios Captain America: The First Avenger as Bucky Barnes.

It's insane for me to admit I didn't know anything about good old James Buchanan Barnes before my Captain America screen tests - which were for Steve Rogers, not even Bucky Barnes. I just didn't grow up with comic books, but I immediately had to dive in. I had a lot of catching up to do - including reading the convention-breaking series by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting that revived Joe Simon and Jack Kirby's long-dead creation and started his journey as the Winter Soldier. Now, fifteen years later, I'm here trying to impart some wisdom. Life is crazy. I've never known it any other way. And neither has Bucky.

I think the thing I've loved most about Bucky all these years is that he always keeps me guessing, in one way or another. Every time I think I have him figured out, he keeps surprising me. Sometimes, I don't know what he's going to do next. What he wants from this life next or if he even knows - like most of us, I guess. Part of the reason is that he never really had a choice. I always felt that, at the end of the day, he enrolled in the Army back in the '40s mainly to protect his best friend, Steve - to go on with him and fight the good fight and keep an eye on him, make sure he didn't get hurt. After all, Steve kind of was the only family he ever had. At least, it felt that way to me.

Bucky was always a real human being to me. A young man trying to figure out his purpose - and before he could, he was captured, brainwashed and turned into a fighting machine. A Manchurian candidate, to some extent. Held against his will. Given a new identity. And for the wrong team. Bucky Barnes is all of us. And that's why Pretty intense for a comic book if you ask me. And yet real. I've never questioned why so many people related to Bucky or why so many former soldiers approached me about him, saying, "I know what he went through..." But I just knew he was real. People connected to him in a deep, profound way.

As we know, Bucky eventually regains his memory and thus all his "sins" along with it, leaving him more lost than ever and full of guilt and shame. How does he go on? How does he accept his past?

I think, for me, this was always incredible to explore, because this is a very real thing. It's human. We all must do this in life - confront our past - and some are braver than others, while others fight and run from it. But this struggle to embrace the past and move forward is something I think has always rang true about Bucky, and it's also something many people understood.

Without a doubt, he is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever played. Alongside him for fifteen years, I have met life as best as I could and questioned life as much as I could - and I feel we have grown together as a result. He's my brother, in a way. The brother I never had. And he's taught me a lot.

Bucky Barnes is all of us, and that's why he will always live on. He understood that the only way out is by going back in and truly confronting yourself. By doing so, he achieved his freedom. The freedom he lost back in the '40s. I could go on and on because he fascinates me, and I feel so blessed to have been given the chance to play him. I'm so grateful for that day: April 1, 2010. It changed my life. Thank you, Kevin.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER [MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION] (Amazon link) by Ed Brubaker. Features an exclusive foreword by Academy Award-Nominated actor Sebastian Stan

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER [MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION] by Ed Brubaker Features an exclusive foreword by Academy Award-Nominated actor Sebastian Stan

[evamame]

bet.

how kenma confesses his feelings for you

kenma gets dared by kuroo to ask you out. kenma acts very nonchalant about his crush on you, but it’s obvious he’s such a wuss. even though he really likes you, he swears to himself he’ll never confess and tries to consider himself unreasonable, saying things like “it’ll pass,” and, “it’s just a stupid crush.” but one night, kuroo dares kenma to finally admit how he feels to you because he knows kenma doesn’t have the balls to do it on his own initiative.

sprawled out on the carpet in kenma’s room next to an empty box of pizza late into the evening is kuroo. admist the background noise of the show left unattended to on the tv, kuroo speaks up with a smug smirk that shows he’s up to no good. “kenma, you’re in love with y/n, right?”

“i’m not in love with her,” he states, focused on his switch in hand.

the wide and teasing grin plastered on kuroo’s face can practically be heard in his words as he replies, “you like her though. it’s obvious.”

“…” what’s he supposed to say? he can’t out right admit that he likes you, but he can’t say no either. because that would be far from the truth.

“i bet you can’t tell her how you feel.”

a long, hard sigh leaves kenma’s lips at that, but he can’t let himself loose a bet to kuroo of all people. the endless amount of jokes he’d have to endure for not being able to confess drives him insane just imagining it, so he mans up and puts down his switch to take his phone out of his pocket. that evening the texts between him and you look a little something like this:

10:37 pm kenma: hey you: hey. wsp? kenma: just got something rlly important i need to tell you you: sure, anything but you didn’t really mean anything. at least, kenma doesn’t think you really care to hear what he has to say next. kenma: i really like you you: i really like u too!! you’re a great friend is he seriously being friendzoned? kenma: not that kind of like. i like like you what? not that kind of like? that’s not something you’d ever imagine or expected would come from kenma. especially towards you. were you that oblivious? or is kenma just terrible at sending signals? you: wdym? kenma: let’s go on a date. just me n u you: u mean it? kenma: yeah you: okay. we can give this a try. see u kenma: c u

he’s a dry texter. no surprise there. but it’s hard to tell if he’s not messing around when his responses are so cut and dry. it’s unfortunate that what you can’t see is the way he flushes a deep red and starts freaking out on his end after you agree to go out with him. you also can’t see the way kuroo teases him to absolutely no end, but he doesn’t mind you not witnessing any of that.

you go on the date with him nonetheless, and although unexpected you two do hit off quite well as more than friends. he’s quiet and shy, but very thoughtful. you both have a great time together. and kenma didn’t loose a bet either, so it’s a win-win. as much as he hates to admit it, kuroo’s push really helped him get out there in a way he would have never done on his own. so now he can finally call himself yours.

masterlist | taglist | tags: @scoupsworld @amaliaaliena @mires765

© evamame 2025. all rights reserved. please do not repost, modify, steal, plagiarize, or translate my work.

[mama-waterlily]

Dionaea

Based on a text post I made that amassed 700 notes despite, in my opinion, being quite bad.

This is an ABDL story that contains drugging, noncon, intoxication, wetting, nursing, kidnapping, and slight bondage. All characters depicted are 18+.

The ice in my glass clinked as I idly stirred my gin and juice, gazing off into the distance and observing the other bar patrons. A few men playing pool, one of them gloating after sinking his third ball in a row. A couple of women arguing over whether or not one of them is sober enough to drive herself home (she absolutely isn't), and the bartender constantly checking the clock in boredom. I sat alone, as I didn't have any friends available to accompany me and I didn't want to just sit at home all night. I'm normally quite social--or at least was--with the exception of bars. Something about them felt so intimidating. Maybe it's simply that I haven't been allowed in them for longer than two years, and everybody around seemed to be quite a bit older than me. Maybe I simply had stage fright, as a bar is a space you go to specifically to seek socialization, so I just overthought it. I tried to clear my mind. I relaxed my shoulders and took the final sip of my wonderful, sweet, bitter, tart blend of gin and cranberry juice.

As I looked up from my drink, a flash of beautiful blue eyes caught my gaze from across the room. Captivating, like a siren's song. My attention wandered to the eyes' surroundings. Wavy black hair like silk, hanging chest-length beside a muted ruby-red dress with a cut that gave the eyes a little taste of the full breasts that lie underneath. I got a better view of her as she approached me. Her round face was creased with laugh lines and faint crow's feet. She looked to be about in her mid thirties. Her smooth, heart-shaped lips wore a tint of red to match her dress. I was so stricken that I almost didn't notice she was carrying a second drink beside her own martini... a gin and cranberry.

"Hey, beautiful."

The soft, flat voice that graced my ears was drenched in honey as the woman sat down and placed the drink in front of me. I felt myself blush immediately, and heavily. She came on very strong. I tried with all of my might to maintain eye contact and not look downward to the safety of my matte black satin dress. I couldn't push her away by seeming uninterested.

"Hey there."

I played it cool, clearing my throat and evening out my tone as to not squeak out my greeting. She grinned in response, as if she sensed the weakness behind my bride's veil of faux confidence. We made small-talk for a few minutes. She asked me what I like, I told her about my art projects, and she listened intently. I tend to pause quite frequently, worrying that I'm boring my conversational partner. But she seemed so interested that it never crossed my mind. She eyed my face so lovingly. When I inquired of her interests, she told me about her love of and sewing and interior design. We discussed the typical things. What we do for work, if we have any pets, our favorite dinosaurs (Yes, I'm an overgrown child. Sue me), the usual game of poking and prodding to get a feel for the tone while I steadily nursed the drink she placed in front of me. She didn't really have a favorite dinosaur, and I had to break the terrible news to her that not only is "pterodactyl" not an individual species, it's also not a dinosaur. Devastating, I know.

Her presence was so comforting. She laughed at all of my jokes, she complimented my makeup, and she flashed glares at anyone staring at me. Almost as though she was guarding me. Like she had staked a claim on me. These were assumptions on my part, as I didn't know if she was into me, and part of me didn't care. She clearly enjoyed my presence. That was all that mattered in that moment, and I certainly appreciated the free drink. I was already tipsy off my first two, but I threw caution to the wind. Who cares if I get a bit sloshed? I'm having fun tonight.

Over time, I loosened up. I was still stricken by her, but she no longer felt as imposing or intimidating. The warmth of her enchanting eyes softened my mind and relaxed my muscles. I listened to her describe her living situation, what she looks for in a partner, and the racy things she's into.

"Nothing too crazy." She told me. "I like to... be a little rough. Fuzzy handcuffs, things of the sort. Hope you don't think I'm some sort of deviant." She joked.

I couldn't help but stare at her lips as she spoke. I almost felt guilty, imagining all of the things I wanted to do to her while she told me about herself. I thought of her lips pressed against mine. Against my belly. Against my thigh. Wrapped around my most intimate parts. My face grew red as I stared, and I'm certain she noticed.

My mind had steadily become clouded with intoxication. It had been a while since I last drank, so perhaps it was simply affecting me more. My tone of voice had grown far more easygoing and loud.

"Y'know? Y'know you're preeetty?" My speech began to slur. "I never as'd your name. Wha'ss your name?" I took another long sip of my drink.

She giggled at my drunkenness, which was growing more obvious. "Emerald, sweetie. But you can call me Em."

"Em-er-ald. Tha'ss pretty. You're pretty." My thoughts spilled out of my mouth without hesitation.

"Aww, you're a sweet little lady, aren't you? What's yours?" Emerald asked with a smile.

"Lilllly. Like the flowers." I rested my chin on my palm and smiled, still hopelessly caught in her gaze.

"Well that's quite a lovely name, little Lily." She spoke teasingly.

"Little?! Hey, I'm-I'm taller than you!"

"Taller, maybe..." She gestured to my platform boots. "But look at you. You're so frail that I could probably throw you, silly."

"Yeah? Well... well maybe I want you t' throw me?" My disastrous attempt at an advance slipped out of my mouth, and I immediately regretted my words. Maybe I want you to throw me? Really?

"Oh? Well maybe I'd love to." To my infinite shock, she reciprocated. Of course, I know now that I did embarrass myself. She was always going to take me regardless. We bounced flirtatious remarks back and forth for about another thirty minutes and nursed our drinks. I on my gin and juice, and she on her dirty martini. I had just finished my last cocktail when I checked the time on my phone. The screen was harsh and bright. It was so hard to focus that I had to ensure my glasses were still on my face. When I finally managed it, the numbers appeared as if they were waving. 11:30.

"Oh man, I g... I gossa go home. I'ss late." I stood up to my slightly wobbly feet.

Emerald perked up and took my hand. "Oh, no, young lady. You are absolutely not going home in that condition. I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt."

"Bu-But I..." I started, before Emerald cut me off.

"Why don't I take you to my place? It's nearby, and we can help you feel better before I take you home. Sound okay?" Her voice was reassuring.

It sounded too good to be true. This enchanting woman, offering to take me home with her. My face grew red as my prior fantasies returned to me. Far more cloudy than before, but taking over all of my thoughts.

"O-Okhay. That ssounds good."

She placed the olive from her glass into her mouth as she stood up from her seat and led me by my hand out of the bar. My face was numb and buzzy, and my legs were uncooperative. I felt as though I had never been this impaired before, I even needed help getting into the car and buckling my seatbelt. My memory of the ride is a bit of a blur. I stared mostly in silence at the trees, scenery, and signs as we passed by. The world looked as if it was pulsing. As if my vision was slightly zooming in and out. I lifted my glasses and rubbed my eyes, trying to clear my vision back to normal, and eventually deciding on keeping my eyes closed to keep my stomach settled.

We arrived at her house, and I sat with a blank expression as I observed my surroundings to process where I was. I got my grips, and opened the door. Emerald was already stood outside, waiting to help me out. How did she get there? Was she just fast? Or did it take me longer to process my surroundings than I'd thought? I tried to pull myself out of the car, and found I was incapable. I wasn't strong enough. I began to worry that something was happening to me.

"You have to unbuckle your seatbelt first, silly girl." Emerald reached in and freed me, before nearly lifting me up and placing me in a standing position next to her.

I blushed as I took her hand and followed her in silence, not wanting to acknowledge my embarrassing mistake. She led me inside and I braced my eyes for a harsh and burning white flash, only to be pleasantly surprised by warm, low light reflecting off of dark wood trim and brown walls. Everything looked so inviting and soothing to the eyes. She led me further inward, and I was essentially magnetized to the burgundy chair she stopped me at. A covering on the chair made a strange crinkling noise beneath me, but I hardly noticed. I assumed it was some fancy way of keeping vintage furniture nice.

"Let me get you some water, okay? We need to help you feel better."

I nodded, letting out a weak "Mhm."

Emerald left me in the living room as she prepared my water. I looked around at the soothing decor, a testament to her passion for interior design. The chocolate hues and vase of flowers on the coffee table kept my mind occupied until she returned and handed me the glass.

"Fhank you." I smiled at her in gratitude and placed the rim to my lips, letting the cold water pour down my waiting throat. I took a deep breath after finishing nearly the entire cup, and relaxed. She sat on a sofa adjacent to the chair, watching me in silence. She was... grinning. Admiring my natural beauty, I presumed.

As I waited to sober up, something felt wrong. My vision was growing wavier. My body felt heavy and weak.

"Emmm, I..." I could hardly speak. I was trying to focus on my words with everything I had. There was something wrong with me.

"Som'fing... my h-head..."

I felt a strange feeling growing between my legs. A faint warmth that I couldn't quite identify, as my entire body was overtaken with unfamiliar sensations. It began to spread beneath me and travel down my legs.

"Goodness, Lily, you're pissing yourself!" Emerald stood up with surprise--which I now know was feigned--and quickly moved over to me.

"Peee?"

My unsteady head turned downward, and her words were confirmed. A puddle was slowly dripping from my seat to the floor beneath me. I could hardly comprehend what I was seeing. My confusion and upsettedness were clouded so densely by the haze in my mind. All I could do was whine. My mind and mouth both refused to create words. I dropped my glass and spilled the remainder of the water onto the floor, contributing to the puddle as tears began to flow uncontrollably from my eyes.

"I... I..." I sniffled.

"Shh-shh-shh." Emerald leaned in and wrapped her warm arms around me. Her presence was comforting. My mind was scattered and confused, as I pieced together what she did.

"Y-Youu... My wa'er... My dj'ink..." I tried to stammer out furious accusations through my tears. My words came out slowly, as if they were passing through mud.

"Let's get you out of these yucky clothes, missy." Her change of tone was not lost on me. She was talking to me like I was a child.

She guided me to the floor from the chair that... remained dry underneath the conspicuous covering. She planned this. Even in my terribly impaired state, I could see this. But I couldn't respond. I couldn't comprehend it. I hardly knew what was happening when she began to remove my soaked dress and boots. I was left cold and exposed aside from my soiled panties and wet socks, which were also removed wordlessly. I tried to cover my breasts and private parts, but my hands disobeyed me. They waved uselessly beside my torso before they were grasped and placed back on the floor.

Emerald stroked my chest and whispered. "Just relax, baby. Let Mommy take care of you."

My mind was stirred in a confusing mess of fear and comfort. I could hardly form a coherent thought. I let my arms relax, trying to focus my eyes on something, anything to keep me grounded. The only visual respite I could return to lie inside of those bright blue eyes of hers. Those comforting, captivating eyes. I nodded. I didn't even know what I was nodding to. It felt natural, nearly involuntary. She ran her finger along my cheek and retrieved a canvas bag from behind the chair I previously sat in. She reached in, and produced a fluffy pink bit of cloth and a bottle of sweet-smelling powder.

"Mm-mmh!" I shook my head weakly as she cleaned my most sensitive areas with a cold wipe.

"Awww, I know, darling. Little Lily's so fussy, isn't she? We'll get you in some fresh, new... more appropriate clothing soon, okay?"

I let out an angered whine. It was all I could do as Emerald lifted me up and placed the diaper beneath my exposed backside, gently placing me back down onto the powder-covered plush. It felt... nice, admittedly. She sprinkled a generous amount of powder on my crotch, before pulling the thick cloth upward and taping it snugly to hug my hips. I whimpered in embarrassment and helplessness as she pulled me to a sitting position, making a taunting crinkling noise as I moved. I tried again to cover my exposed chest before she lifted my arms to pull an oversized pastel-purple shirt over my head. When she finished adjusting it into place, I looked down to see a big, yellow flower print on the front.

"Nnot baaby." I insisted, amidst the irony of being incapable of reading the wavy, upside-down writing emblazoned above the flower on my chest. My words slurred and struggled to escape my lips as I looked at her with my best attempt at an angered expression. I tried to pull myself to my feet, but fell helplessly back onto my puffy bottom after lifting myself less than three inches from the floor.

My struggling evoked nothing but endeared laughter from Emerald as she pulled a makeup wipe from her purse, and steadied my movements to erase the meticulously-crafted tough and dark exterior I applied to my face.

"This is quite inappropriate for such a little girl, Lily." Her patronizing words infuriated me, as much as I was capable of the feeling.

"Not... mmmh." My words eluded me.

My black lipstick and thick eyeliner were easily wiped from my skin, as if to symbolize the ease at which she gained control of me. She lifted me up off the floor, almost effortlessly. My attempt at struggle was manifest in a few twitches and taps against her chest as she sat down on the couch, laying me on my side across her lap and stroking my hair.

"It's going to be okay, sweetie. Mama's here."

I internally screamed at the confusing and genuine comfort I was feeling in her grasp. The situation was terrifying. She was terrifying. And yet, she was my only solace. The one there to care for me in my useless state. My frustrated vocalizations steadily calmed to silence. My head was so clouded. The words of resistance in my mind were swept away by the ocean current of the substances that disconnected me from my body. I let myself fully relax as I looked upward into her eyes. Emerald smiled down at me as she unzipped her dress. It fell to reveal a matching red bra, which was also removed. I was mesmerized by the sight of her breasts. Images of my fantasizing while sitting across from her in the bar returned to me. Her words rang in my head. Mama's here.

"Ma...ma..." My lips formed the word naturally.

Her eyes lit up as her throat produced a giggle.

"That's right, baby!" I smiled. Why did I smile? I was so confused. I couldn't understand what was happening to me.

Her arm lifted my head upward toward her breast. I knew exactly what she wanted, and I wanted it as well, whether I knew it or not. I parted my lips, allowing her nipple to enter my mouth. I began to suckle instinctively, much to her delight. My breath was stolen away as her sweet, smooth milk flowed into my mouth and down my throat. What am I doing? Why am I doing this? The last grasps of rationality struggled for dominance of my mind against the all-encompassing serenity I was feeling. Why do I... love it so much?

Mama...

She began to gently stroke the front of my diaper as my thoughts faded away. The only focus I was capable of fixated on the wonderful sensation of her fingers, the gentle crinkling that was produced as she caressed me, and the warm, sweet liquid draining into my stomach. There was nothing tangling me in worry. It was as though her milk was cleansing me of any apprehension or fear that was left within me. I hardly noticed when my bladder once again gave in, and released a spread of blissful warmth across my crotch. I didn't need to concern myself with leaks, or making a mess. The comforting heat of my urine traveled across my previously dry diaper as my eyes began to flutter.

I had nearly fallen asleep before I opened my eyes to see Mama pulling her dress back over her shoulders. She wiped a trickle of milk that was running down my cheek, and slipped a lavender pacifier between my still-parted lips to match my infantile shirt, which I accepted without question. Mere hours prior, I had been dressed in my flashiest, most mature outfit. A teasing black dress. Meticulous, darkly colored makeup that accentuated my beauty and gave me a sexy visage of mystery. Footwear that increased my height to summon a more powerful presence to me.

All of that was now gone. I was being gently led to my wobbling feet--nearly incapable of balance--in a soaked diaper and a babyish shirt, suckling on a pacifier. There was no tease, no mystery. No imposing stature. Anybody who laid eyes upon me could see everything that I was, with nothing to hide behind.

I... I think.

Is this what I truly was? What I am? I don't remember anymore. It was out of my hands. Mama decided for me, and judging by the glee in her eyes as she watched me sway back and forth while grasping her hand for balance, she was very happy with her decision. She slowly led me by my hand down the hallway. My steps were clumsy and unsteady, not at all helped by the thick, saturated padding between my thighs. Every step was increasingly difficult. With every suckle, my eyelids grew heavier. I wanted nothing more than to lay my weary head to rest.

"S'eepy..." My tired lips produced the word without thought. The response I received was a silent stroke of my hand with Mama's caring thumb.

We approached a door at the end. It opened to what I expected to be her bedroom, where we would lie together and I would fall asleep in her arms. What I was presented with instead, was an oversized nursery. Complete with a night light, a crib with an extra set of bars to cover the top, and a soft table in the corner. It was entirely decorated with saccharine pastel colors and animals. I didn't have the energy to take in my surroundings. My eyes and feet were led immediately to the cozy bed I saw before me.

I placed my hands on the soft mattress and was immediately lifted by Mama's strong hands into a supine position. It felt so nice to lay down. She placed a black plush bear in my arms, about the size of my torso, and I squeezed it lovingly. Every sensation I felt after bringing myself to a resting position was bliss. The soothing warmth between my legs and against my bottom. The blanket that cradled my body. Mama's sweet fingers running through my hair. The comforting hug of the collar as she fastened it around my neck, and the sweet rattling of the chain that connected it to the side of the crib. The gentle kiss she placed on my cheek. The secure click of the padlock that left me imprisoned after the bars had been raised and the top had been closed, fitting together to create a wooden cage. The smooth pacifier bobbing between my lips. Her caressant voice which filled my ears and washed over me like a warm bath. Everything that graced my mind was like a lullaby.

"Sweet dreams, little Lily. You're mine now. Forever. Your silly mind probably can't understand that right now, though."

The giggle that rose from her throat. It was all so lovely. So serene.

So...

So sleepy...

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

finally made one of my biggest posts into an actual story!! i honestly kind of hate that post. i didn't expect it to get big, i was just horny fantasizing and it sort of jarringly switched from a fantasy text post format to a story format with no transition. it was made before i really knew i wanted to express myself through writing on this blog, and before i was versed in writing smut. i'm kind of surprised so many people like it. it's a nice fantasy, but it's it's quite poorly written. regardless, here you go, loves.

i was actually mostly imagining myself as emerald while writing this story, but i placed myself as the protagonist because it was based on a text post that was written in first person. that's the wonderful thing about being switchy though, isn't it?

also: dionaea is the name of the genus that contains the venus fly trap.

gin and cranberry is my favorite drink, though i did think it was a cute contrast to have me drinking juice and emerald drinking a more stereotypically mature cocktail as a little bit of foreshadowing.

remember that this is fiction, don't accept a drink at a bar from anyone but the bartender. and obviously don't fucking drug anyone.

love y'all. thank you for reading 🖤

[thekhloediary]

Hate That I Love You

Nicholas Chavez x Reader

Hi guys! So I wanted to challenge myself and write a fic that was more than just smut (it’s still here lol) but with a lot more plot, slow burn, and fluff. What did Taylor say? It’s a love story. I really, really enjoyed writing this one and hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think! -Khloe ♡

❝ Some feelings never go away…❞

I wanted him to tell me that he would always love me. I really wanted him to understand. I knew that I was breaking his heart along with mine, but I still wanted for us to be okay. If only we could have just been okay. Maybe that was unrealistic. Maybe it was just wishful thinking. I just know I never wanted him to hate me.

But what I wanted wasn’t what I got.

You’re so fucking selfish were the words that hit me hard. The explosive sound of the door slamming hit me even harder. It was the sound that rang through my ears and echoed through my heart long after he was gone. The sound that told me that we were really over.

And it was all because of me.

All because I chose my dreams. Why couldn’t he just understand that choosing what I loved didn’t mean that I didn’t love him. I loved him so much. But ever since I was a little girl in my first ballet class, all I wanted to do was dance. It was my joy, my passion, and when I got into the performing arts school of my dreams, it was no question. I had to go. But going meant transferring schools and moving across the country to New York. It also meant leaving him.

It had been three years since I left, and while I didn’t regret leaving, I still had those unavoidable moments where ‘what ifs’ occupied my mind. What if we never broke up? What if we had made it work? What if we were still together now? What if…

The truth was, I never stopped missing him. I had a lot of things that made me happy—dance, school, an exciting job, an amazing apartment, and a great group of friends. But I still felt incomplete, like a puzzle with a missing piece. No matter how much time passed or how happy I was in life, there was a dull ache in my heart that never seemed to completely go away.

I still loved him.

I probably always would.

He was my first real love—the one who I thought I’d be with forever. The one who was impossible to forget. I can still remember our first encounter like it was yesterday. I was 18 and at a college party that my best friend talked me into going to. I wasn’t much of a party girl and I rarely drank, but I decided to go with her, and it ended up being the best decision ever because I met him.

Nicholas.

The party was still going strong well into the night with no sign of ending anytime soon. I was ready to go, but my best friend had told me another hour, two hours ago. We shared many similarities, but when it came to partying, we were very different. My best friend was the definition of the life of the party, while I had a good time at parties, but I definitely didn’t party hard.

I was sitting on the couch with a soda when someone came and stood right in front of me.

“A soda?” he spoke, his voice low and teasing.

I looked up to see the most handsome guy looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

“What’s wrong with a soda?” I asked, glancing at the canned soda in my hand before returning my attention to him.

“It’s a party. What fun is a soda?” he smirked.

“Oh, I didn’t know beverages had fun,” I said with a small laugh.

He smiled and chuckled. “No? Have you not met beer? How about vodka? She’s a real good time,” he joked.

“I’m not much of a drinker,” I admitted with a shy smile.

“That’s cool,” he shrugged easily. “Be the exception.”

I couldn’t stop laughing. He was really charming and funny. And he was insanely attractive. He had the most perfect smile and the dreamiest brown eyes I’d ever seen.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, already taking a seat beside me.

“Now what if I had said no?” I teased, turning to face him fully.

“You wouldn’t have,” he told me with a knowing smile. “You’re happy for the company. You and your soda looked so bored when I was walking past, I just had to come over. I would’ve felt bad if I didn’t.”

“Enough about my soda,” I laughed. “What are you drinking?”

“Rum and coke,” he raised his cup and gave me a playful smile. “See? I like soda too.”

I laughed again and then leaned in a bit. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“What’s that?”

“I’m not really big on soda either. I wanted a bottled water but there wasn't any in the cooler.”

He let out a disapproving sound and shook his head. “You’re killing me.”

“I know,” I pressed my hand against his chest and tapped playfully. “I’m sorry.”

I don’t know why I did it. It was a bold move touching him like that, but something in me wanted to. He lit a spark in me. He looked down at my hand and then back up to eyes with a smile that indicated he didn’t just mind it—he liked it.

And I already found myself liking him.

“So, tell me, does the pretty girl with the soda have a name?”

I blushed. “Y/N.”

He smiled. “Nicholas.”

That was how our love story began. I couldn’t imagine if I decided not to go to that party or if Nicholas didn’t come up and talk to me. The stars were aligned when we met that night; they brought us together, and every day for the next two years felt like a dream come true.

Then came the dreaded day when it went away.

Back in the present, I shook away the memory and gathered my things before leaving the dance studio where I worked. I had just finished teaching a class and didn’t have another until tomorrow. The rest of my day looked like rest and relaxation.

Before heading home, I made a stop at one of my favorite coffee shops. They made my favorite iced matcha latte, and whenever I was in the area, I couldn’t resist getting one. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I entered. It was a little busy with the afternoon rush, but patience was a virtue and their matcha was the best, so I didn’t mind.

After placing my order, I stepped aside to wait. I was scrolling through my phone when I heard the barista call out a name that made me look up. I nearly dropped my phone when I saw who was approaching the counter. My eyes had to be deceiving me. There was no way it was actually him. But the more I looked, the more I realized I wasn’t seeing things.

It was really him.

It was Nicholas.

Shock was an understatement. I was frozen in place, like a deer caught in headlights. I had no idea how to react, and it seems that Nicholas didn’t either when he saw me. He was visibly shocked and didn’t move for what felt like a long time. The barista called his name again and he politely apologized, snapping out of his trance-like state.

I know it was the last thing I should've been focused on, but I couldn’t help but notice he picked up two cups and wondered who the other was for. Was he seeing someone now? Of course he was. It had been three years and any girl would be lucky to have him. I was lucky. The thought of seeing him with someone else now hit me like a punch in the gut.

When my legs finally decided to move, I grabbed my almost forgotten matcha and walked over to Nicholas. My heart raced as I stood in front of him. He was still so unbelievably handsome, even more so now. How was that even possible?

“Nic?” I said his name disbelievingly, still trying to convince myself that it was really him. “What are you doing here? Well, not here in the coffee shop… I mean here in New York,” I rambled and suddenly felt like an idiot when all he did was stare.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this was the worst. Was he really not going to speak? Not even a hello? At the very least, I thought I would receive a greeting. This coldness wasn't something I was prepared for. Unsure of what else to say or do, I just gave him a small smile that he didn’t return. And he still hadn’t said anything. The silence was growing more uncomfortable, and I was seconds away from leaving when I heard an approaching voice that I instantly recognized as his sister’s.

“Y/N! Oh my God!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she pulled me into a hug.

I hadn’t seen Nicole since before I left for school. We still kept in touch through social media, but we obviously weren’t close like we’d been when Nicholas and I were together. I knew through Instagram that she was getting married, and then it dawned on me that was probably why they were here in New York.

“Look at you. Still so pretty, girl,” she smiled.

“No, you,” I smiled back.

She grabbed one of the drinks Nicholas was holding and took an eager sip. “Hello caffeine. Exactly what I needed. This morning has been so busy.” She then squealed excitedly, “I’m getting married tomorrow!”

“Congrats, Nicole.” I said, genuinely so happy for her. “I know it’s going to be so beautiful.” Inadvertently, I looked over at Nicholas, who was now looking down at his phone with an expression that said he wanted to be anywhere else but here right now.

“Thanks, Y/N.” Nicole smiled and then her eyes suddenly lit up. “Wait, are you busy tonight? We’re having a bowling party instead of the usual rehearsal dinner. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. You should totally come.” She glanced at Nicholas. “We would love that. Right, Nic?”

“Sure.” He finally spoke, not even bothering to look up from his phone.

He didn’t want me to go.

I didn’t either.

But since she invited me.

“Okay,” I agreed despite myself.

“Great! I’ll send you the address and see you tonight.”

I gave her a parting smile before I made my way to the door. I couldn’t help but notice Nicholas still had the same tight expression on his face when he finally looked back up. With a heavy sigh, I pushed the door open and left.

It wasn’t too late to change my mind, right?

I should have and just made an excuse that I couldn’t make it. That’s really what I wanted to do, but later on when she sent me the address and expressed her happiness, I decided to go.

When I arrived at the bowling lounge, the party was well under way, with music and happy sounds of everyone enjoying themselves. I sent Nicole a text to let her know I was here, and she met me at the entrance a few moments later.

“So happy you made it,” she said, giving me a quick hug before adding, “I know it might not seem like it, but my brother is too, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.”

I wanted to believe it, but the earlier encounter with Nicholas in the coffee shop didn’t give me much assurance that it was true. I hoped for the best but anticipated the worst again.

We walked over to the bowling lanes and she introduced me to everyone, a few familiar faces. They were all wearing matching bowling shirts and reality struck me that although I was here, I wasn’t a part of their lives anymore, no matter how much I still wanted to be. Nicholas surely reminded me of that.

I spotted him talking with someone near one of the lanes. When I waved at him, he just gave me a quick nod and carried on with his conversation like I was nobody who mattered. He didn’t want me here, and it was painfully obvious. It was still hard to believe that this was us now. I remembered how he would look at me like I was the only girl in the world. Like I was the center of his universe.

Now he acted like I didn’t even exist.

As the night went on, I tried to just ignore how Nicholas was making me feel and focus on having a good time. After bowling, the party moved upstairs to the karaoke section of the lounge. One of Nicole’s bridesmaids had just finished a song when Nicholas headed towards the front. I watched him as he scanned the song selections and chose the one he wanted.

With a bright smile, he picked up the mic. “This is for someone special. She knows who she is.”

Was he talking about me? I suddenly felt nervous.

It didn’t take long to get an answer.

He looked right at me as the instrumental to Bon Jovi’s You Give Love a Bad Name started to play.

My heart immediately sank.

Like most humiliating moments, it felt longer than it actually was. The song seemed to go on and on, like a slow torture, my heart sinking deeper and deeper as Nicholas sang the song to me.

Shot through the heart and you’re to blame…

…you give love a bad name

I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. There was a gleam in his eyes, like he was actually enjoying this. I sat completely mortified, and even more so when it suddenly felt like every pair of eyes in the room were on me. I could’ve sworn that I even heard a few whispers. Then Nicole gave me an apologetic look that somehow made me feel even worse. Sparing myself further embarrassment, I got up to leave.

Standing outside the lounge, I fought back tears. Crying on the New York City streets wasn’t something else I wanted to add to my humiliation. The only thing on my mind now was why did I even come. I had never been more humiliated in my life. How could he do that?

I was reaching for my phone to request an Uber when the door opened and Nicholas walked out.

“So, you were just going to leave?” he asked.

Was he serious? After what he just did?

“Nicholas, please. Just leave me alone,” I said quietly as I walked off. I was embarrassed, emotional, and I couldn’t deal with anything more. I got maybe two steps before his hand closed around my arm.

“No.”

“No?” I shot him a look of incredulity.

“You heard me. No.”

“God, you’re a fucking asshole,” I told him as I reached my limit with the way he was treating me. Did he have to be such a dick?

He scoffed and let go of my arm. “That's a bit rich, coming from you.”

“Say what you will, Nicholas, but I have never done anything intentionally to hurt you. And I never would. That, in there, was fucked up.”

“Let’s not talk about fucked up.” he said, visibly becoming more agitated.

I sighed. “Nic, I’ve tried to apologize so many times. You never wanted to hear it. I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I know I left, but it’s been three years and I just thought—”

“Thought what? Thought that everything was good now?” He interrupted, letting out a humorless laugh.

Silence.

“You know what really kills me…” he said, running a hand over his face. “It’s the fact that after all this time you still don’t get it. How don’t you fucking get it?! It really blows my mind that you don’t get that it was never because you left but how you just blindsided me with a breakup.”

His gaze pierced into mine, his eyes filled with hurt and anger that suddenly broke something inside me.

“All I ever did was love and support you. How could you make a decision for me, for us, without even a conversation with me? You got your acceptance letter and then the next thing I know is you’re telling me we can’t be together anymore. That was just it. You want to talk about fucked up? That was fucked up.”

The more Nicholas released, the more I wanted to break down and cry.

Because he was right.

Because I’d hurt him.

Because I still loved him.

“Two years together and you just fucking ended it. Just like that… like it meant nothing.”

“No, Nic…” I started, the tears that I’d been trying to hold back falling. “It wasn’t just like that and it meant everything. Believe me, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I loved you so much. I didn’t want to end things.”

“Yea, but you did. And the way you did it…” He shook his head. “I deserved better.” He made a motioning gesture between us. “We deserved better than that.”

“I’m sorry.” I sobbed. “You’re right. I should’ve done it differently. I wish I did. But even if I had, Nic, tell me how it would've worked?”

“Maybe it wouldn’t have,” he admitted. “But I know I wouldn’t have given up on us without trying.”

“I’m sorry.” I told him again.

“Yea, you’ve said that.”

“And I’ll keep saying it until you believe it.” I reached for his hand. “I never ever meant to hurt you. I’ve spent the last three years still thinking about you.”

I felt a bit of resistance before his hand finally held mine. We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, the weight of everything we’d said hanging heavy in the air. As I looked into his eyes, I watched him struggle with whatever was going on inside him. Anger? Maybe forgiveness? Did he believe me? I didn’t know, and as much as I wanted to ask, I couldn’t find any words. All I could do was make the most of this moment with him, holding his hand, not wanting to ever let it go.

Then I heard Nicholas release a heavy sigh.

“Why am I doing this…” he said quietly, more to himself than to me.

Before I could ask what he meant, he leaned in and kissed me, taking me by complete surprise. It was a kiss that, for a moment, was soft and almost hesitant, like he wanted to pull away. But when he couldn’t fight it, and when I kissed him back, the kiss became heated, a mixture of shared passion and frustration. I felt his hand move to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. Any thoughts of doubt and hesitation faded as our tongues touched and bodies pressed even closer. For a fleeting moment, it was just Nicholas and I again. No problems. No worries. Just us.

And then it was over. He pulled away slowly, his eyes dazed like mine, like we’d both just woken from a dream that once seemed so close, but now was so far away. Once upon a time, we were deeply in love, living our very own fairytale, and now, I’m not sure what we were—if we’d ever be anything again.

“I gotta get back in there,” he said quietly.

I nodded silently.

Nicholas looked at me, his deep brown eyes reflective, like he wanted to say more, but without another word, he turned and went back inside. My Uber arrived shortly after, and when I got into the car, I sank into the back seat and shut my eyes.

What really just happened?

The next day, I was still thinking about Nicholas and the unexpected kiss. I couldn’t stop it from replaying in my head. I wondered what it meant, if it meant anything. He had been so cold towards me and then… he was kissing me? I couldn’t make sense of it. My mind was racing with questions I had no answers for and thoughts I couldn’t escape.

I had just gotten home from work that evening when my phone chimed. I glanced at the screen, and to my surprise, it was a text from Nicholas. It was five words that stopped me in my tracks and made my heart skip a beat.

I need to see you.

An hour later, he was standing outside my apartment door. I had no idea what to expect after yesterday, but I was certain that I couldn’t handle things going left. I breathed deeply and silently hoped that everything would go right.

I opened the door.

“Hi,” I said, stepping aside to let him in.

“Hi,” he replied, putting his hands in his pockets as we fell into an awkward silence.

“Can I take your jacket?” I offered when the silence went on for a bit too long.

“Oh yea, sure.” He took off his jacket, handing it to me to hang.

“How was the wedding?” I asked as we walked further into my living room. When we were both seated on my couch, I noticed that he sat a bit closer than I would have thought.

“It was really nice,” he said with a smile that warmed my heart. “I’ve never seen my sister happier than she was today.”

I smiled back. “I can’t wait to see pictures. I know it was beautiful.”

Nicholas was quiet for a moment. “Look, I came here to say that I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday.”

“It’s okay.” I said softly.

I didn’t like what happened, but I knew it came from a place of hurt—hurt that I had caused. Maybe he just wanted me to hurt too. But I had already been hurting since that day when I told him we couldn’t be together anymore.

“It’s not okay,” he said. “I could’ve handled it better. I was, in fact, a fucking asshole.”

We both looked at each other after he repeated my words from yesterday and let out a laugh. Sharing a laugh with him felt good. I missed it.

I missed him.

“I don’t want you to hate me, Nic,” I said quietly.

“I don’t hate you,” he admitted. “I’ve tried to. I really did. But I never could. I think I hated that I still loved you. I was angry with you for a long time, and seeing you again brought it all back…”

Nicholas trailed off for a moment, trying to find his next words. It was a short silence before he spoke again.

“I felt angry about the past,” he said, letting out a deep breath. “But then I couldn’t get you out of my head, and all I wanted to do was kiss you. At the wedding today, you were the only thing on my mind. I guess it just hit me that the reason I could never hate you is because…”

The room fell silent again as he looked into my eyes. My heart was racing and my stomach was suddenly in knots as I anticipated what his next words would be—words that I thought I’d never hear him say again.

“…I still love you,” he finally said. “I don’t think I ever stopped.”

My heart nearly stopped beating and it felt like the air had left my lungs. The words echoed through my head, impossible to forget. Oh my God, he said that he still loved me. I almost couldn’t believe it was real. Was it real? Maybe I’d wake up to find it was all a dream. It sure felt like one.

Then it happened again, Nicholas leaned in and he kissed me. Only this time, it wasn’t unexpected. It wasn’t uncertain. It was the kind of kiss that said more than words ever could. It was everything that I had missed, wanted, and never wished to lose again. I could kiss him forever if I had the chance.

Kissing quickly turned into passionate touching, my hands roaming his body—over his arms, his shoulders, his back, the feel of him sending a rush of heat through me. I grabbed the bottom of his shirt, desperate to get closer to him, and he quickly pulled it over his head and tossed it somewhere behind him. My breath hitched at the sight of his smooth skin and hard muscles, the veins in his arms making my mouth water.

“Somebody’s been in the gym,” I smiled, running my hand over his chest and down his abs.

He smiled back, a sexy smile that was appreciative and assured. “Just a little something.”

“Not so little,” I teased, my hand traveling further down, stopping at the waistband of his pants.

Nicholas chuckled softly as he stood up to take off his pants, my eyes following his every move. He reached out to grab my hand, pulling me up from the couch and standing me in front of him. He kissed me again, deep and demanding, as his hands moved to lift my shirt and unhook my bra, both falling to the floor.

The feel of his lips on mine, the taste of kiss, the way his hands explored me—everything about the moment had my body screaming for more. I moaned between kisses, dripping in arousal. I felt his hands slide down my back, and then over my ass, grabbing it firmly, pulling me closer into him. With our bodies pressed together, I could feel him hard and ready. It sent a rush of anticipation through me so intense I nearly shuddered.

“Your room,” he said, his voice rough with want.

I reached for his hand and led the way. We couldn’t get there any faster. I needed this. I needed him.

All of him.

His body covered mine as he pressed me down gently against the bed. He wasted no time kissing me again, hands all over me, like we couldn’t get close enough fast enough. He kissed from my mouth down to my breasts and then further to my stomach. Each kiss and every touch had my body on fire. The years had passed, but the burning passion between us was still there, like a flame, burning intensely and nonstop.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered.

“I can’t either,” he whispered back, placing a kiss right below my navel, making my stomach clench.

Then his kisses went lower.

He held my gaze as he slowly slid my shorts and panties down. The intense look in his eye made me burn with anticipation.

“You missed me?” he asked, his hands pushing my legs further apart as he lowered his head between them. The feel of his breath against my skin was enough to make me quiver.

God, yes. He had no idea how much I missed him. How much I missed this.

“Tell me how much,” he pressed, kissing along my inner thigh. “Tell me how bad you want it.”

I wanted it so bad I was nearly desperate.

“So fucking bad,” I managed to say through breaths.

His mouth was so teasingly close.

“You know,” he whispered, placing another wet kiss to the inside of my thigh. “I can still remember how you taste.” Another kiss. “How you used to sound.” And then another. “How it would drive me crazy.”

“Nic, please,” I whimpered.

He didn’t make me wait any longer.

The first feel of his tongue sent a rush of pleasure surging through me, making me gasp. His mouth was always amazing, but now it felt even better than I remembered. With my eyes closed, my head fell back against the pillows and a soft, breathy moan escaped me.

“That’s it,” Nicholas groaned, his voice low and rough. “God, I’ve missed that fucking sound.”

I wasn’t going to last long. Not with the way he lapped at my wetness with his tongue, first soft and then with more pressure. Not with how his fingers moved inside me, stroking that sweet spot within. Not with the way he licked and sucked my clit, stimulating every single nerve ending. No, I wasn’t going to last long at all, each lick and each touch bringing me closer and closer.

“Nic,” I gasped. “Fuck,”

I felt it coming. He did too. His hands gripped my thighs, holding me in place as his lips closed around my clit and sucked in such a way that it made my entire body shudder. I didn’t just see stars, it felt like I was ascending to another dimension. It was beyond any orgasm he’d ever given me before. It was almost too good and I nearly cried in pleasure when his tongue didn’t let up and took me back into the stars.

Oh God.

I lay breathlessly, my body still trembling from the mind-blowing orgasm. I felt him press a soft, loving kiss against my thigh before he came back up and kissed me, his lips glistening with the taste of me on them.

“This is real, right?” I asked softly, a part of me still believing this was all a dream that I was going to wake up from any minute now.

Nicholas grabbed my hand and guided it down to feel him. Full. Hard. Ready. “I promise you it is.” he said just as softly, letting out a low groan as I stroked him gently.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I told him.

And then he slowly pushed into me, our eyes meeting when he was fully inside. One look at him and I knew he felt it too. How perfect this all was. How it wasn’t just sex but our love story continuing.

“Fuck,” he groaned. “You feel even better than I remember.”

And so did he. It was amazing, almost overwhelming, the intensity of everything I was feeling. His words, the sounds of his breaths, the way he hit every right spot in every right way, made me feel an emotion so strong it almost brought me to tears.

“I love you,” I whispered, meeting his every stroke with a rock of my hips. “I never stopped.”

We moved together in perfect rhythm. My walls hugged him tightly, pulling him in closer, wanting him to feel just how much I wanted him. How much I loved him. How much this moment meant. Each stroke of his seemed to convey the same thing as he thrust into me again and again, bringing me closer and closer. I was almost there.

A little deeper.

A little harder.

A little more.

And I was crying out his name, the pleasure rushing through me so intensely it left me trembling.

“Oh, my God,” I moaned breathlessly, my arms wrapped tightly around his back, holding him close.

It was at that moment that Nicholas reached his peak and a rough groan ripped from his throat as he filled me completely.

“I love you too,” he said, his body collapsing against mine.

Nothing could’ve felt better.

In the quiet moments that followed, Nicholas held me in his arms. With my head resting on his chest, I listened to the steady beating of his heart. Tonight had been nothing short of perfect, and all I could think of now was how I wanted to make it last forever. Where did we go from here?

As if he could read my thoughts, Nicholas pulled me closer and placed a soft, reassuring kiss to the top of my head. “We’ll figure it out together this time.”

His words melted my heart. Our love story was far from over. It was a new chapter being written.

This was just the first page.

Tagging all the Nic girlies I follow ♡ @oliviaambs @torikitten @anemoiars @iamsebastiansstan @fiftyshadeschavez @chavezwifeyy @nicholaslut @nickchavezs

[tartagliove]

i'm moving blogs!!

hi hi, everyone! I've been talking about this for the past week or so, but I'm moving blogs!

I've been on reddriot/tartagliove for the past 5 years or so (with some breaks for school included >u<) and it's been such a lovely time! I got to hang out with old friends, and also make many new ones! thank you all so much for being part of my time here on this blog. I truly treasure all the moments I've had to chat and make jokes and create together with you all ^u^

it's time for me to move on to a fresh blog, though. I want to be a bit more organized on the new one to hopefully help with navigation and for people to filter tags. I'll private the Stardew Valley au and repost it on my new one (so don't be alarmed if you see it floating around again), and I hope to keep writing, making gifsets, and making edits as well!

I won't share the new url publicly, but if you'd like it just shoot me a dm or ask! thank you all again for making my time on this blog so wonderful. ^u^ take care, everyone!! love you all <3

[legendary-69420]

Instagram Throwbacks 1

Chapter 16 : Part 1

(Racing Hearts : VOLUME 3 )

racing hearts

@mark_spencer : [Image description] Mark standing on a Broadway stage dressed as Sebastian from La La Land, wearing a fitted blue suit with a microphone in hand mid-song. The stage lights cast a golden glow on him as if he’s the only person in the world. Caption : "And they said I’d never be a triple threat. Jokes on them, I’m also a menace. #lalaland #broadwaydebut #jazzisdeadlonglivechaos"

Comments :

@broadwayfangirl99: "HOLD UP. YOU SANG AND DANCED?!? IS THERE ANYTHING THIS MAN CAN’T DO??"

@ferrari_stans: "A menace on stage, a menace on the track, a menace in my heart."

@pedropascal_fanforever: "Not me realizing I’m in love with Mark Spencer at 2am. Help."

@charles_leclerc: "You forgot 'unbearable' on that list."

@mark_spencer (reply): "Unbearably charming."

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@mark_spencer : [Image description] Mark at the Barbie premiere, wearing a pink velvet suit that’s tailored perfectly to his frame. He’s mid-laugh, looking away from the camera with his signature grin that’s somehow boyish and devilish at the same time. Caption : "Did it for Ken. (And because I look hot in pink, let’s be honest) #barbiepremiere #kenergy #betterthanken"

Comments :

@kenandbarbievibes: "YOU’RE THE KEN WE DESERVED, MARK."

@f1_updates: "Ferrari drivers pulling up to premieres like fashion icons, I’m here for it."

@fanaccount_123: "Forget Ryan Gosling. MARK SPENCER is my Ken."

@charles_leclerc: "Wrong. You did it for the attention."

@mark_spencer (reply): "AND I GOT IT. 💅"

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@mark_spencer :

[Image description] Mark and Charles at the Gladiator II premiere. Mark’s wearing a sharp black suit that fits him so well it’s borderline indecent. His hair’s styled back with that perfect loose strand falling on his forehead. Charles stands beside him, looking every bit as handsome in his classic tux. Cameras flash around them like stars.

Caption : "Gladiators, but make it fashion. (Someone tell Ridley Scott to cast me in the next one) #gladiatorii #premiere #lookmomimfamous"

Comments :

@ferrari_stans: "THESE TWO MEN. THESE. TWO. MEN. I’M NOT OK."

@filmloversunite: "Charles Leclerc and Mark Spencer are both leading men material idc idc."

@that_onefan: "THE HANDS IN THE POCKETS. THE STANCE. THE HAIR. THE MENACE."

@charles_leclerc: "We’re gladiators now, apparently."

@marks_pencer (reply): "I’m Maximus, you’re Commodus."

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@mark_spencer :

[Image description] Mark’s shirtless thirst trap. He’s fresh out of the pool, water droplets tracing his toned chest and abs. His hair’s wet, eyes locked on the camera with a gaze that’s somehow playful and dangerous at the same time. Sunlight hits just right.

Caption : "Hydrated, dangerous, and fully aware of it. #staythirsty #yourewelcome"

Comments :

@thirstaccount69: "I’m on my knees."

@ferrarifangirl88: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU JUST POSTED THIS WITHOUT WARNING??????"

@charles_leclerc: "Unnecessary."

@mark_spencer (reply): "Entirely necessary."

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@mark_spencer :

[Image description] Mark and Charles at Charles’s family’s house in Monaco during Christmas. Mark’s wearing a Santa hat and a sweater that’s so ugly it’s iconic. He’s laughing too hard, eyes squeezed shut, leaning on Charles for balance. Charles’s face is a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Caption : "Merry Crisis and a Happy Chaotic New Year. 🎅 #familydinner #monacoedition #charleshatesmysweater"

Comments :

@arthur_leclerc: "He’s never allowed back."

@charles_leclerc: "Agreed."

@marks_pencer (reply): "LIARS. YOU INVITE ME EVERY YEAR."

@ferrari_stans: "Mark as the chaotic family friend is peak comedy."

@chaotic_goodstan: "THE SWEATER. THE HAT. THE VIBES."

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@mark_spencer :

[Image description] Mark on the track mid-race. His car’s perfectly in focus, the red Ferrari speeding down the straight. Tire smoke trailing behind him as he overtakes a car.

Caption : "Life moves fast, but I move faster. #raceweekend #catchmeifyoucan"

Comments :

@f1fanatic99: "THIS IS ART. PURE ART."

@ferrari_forever: "I’ll never get tired of seeing this. Ever."

@thatonespeedfan: "Catch me putting this on my wall."

@charles_leclerc: "Stay behind me."

@mark_spencer (reply): "Dream on, Leclerc."

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@mark_spencer

[Image Description] A shadowed silhouette of Mark and Charles, both in cowboy hats, standing against a sunlit wall. Their hands are nearly intertwined, the angle making it look like they’re holding hands. The golden hue of the sunset gives the image a cinematic, almost nostalgic vibe.

Caption: "Wanted: A partner for this outlaw life. 🤠 Any takers?" #USGP #CowboyEra #NotJustAShadow

Comments:

@f1fanpage: "MARK PLS, THE HOLDING HANDS—SIR?"

@lando_norris: "If this is the Wild West, I’m betting on Charles in a duel."

@charles_leclerc: "We are NOT holding hands."

@mark_spencer (replying to Charles): "Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt, cherie. 🤠"

@maxverstappen_1: "Bro, I can't believe you're cosplaying Brokeback Mountain in Austin."

@mark_spencer (replying to Max): "I’m just a man living his cowboy dreams. Charles is the one who followed me into them. 🤠 "

@charles_leclerc (replying to Mark): "PS : I was forced to match you cuz you didn't want to be the odd one out."

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A/N : My dumbass wrote the chapter first and couldnt find the images to make it like an actual Instagram post 😀💥🔫 Also I'll post this chapter/shorts cuz my lazy ash hasnt written more chapters..(there are like 5 more parts dw) I am so sorry but I think the new chapters will take time- I have to make a list of my ideas then actually write them DW I'll try my best for you guys Byeee <3

(Dividers by : @enchanthings)