#oh my god I almost included a photo of two of my friends in this

[owlheartt]

Take more of my art, neeeeeeeerd

[watchmegetobsessed]

MISTLETOE

A/N: oh my god??? im actually posting something??? wow!!! okay joke aside lol its been ages since i last poste anything and im not saying im back, but i've been trying to write here and there so hopefully i will be back soon. until then, here is this little something i manage to finish last month!

WORD COUNT: 1.6k

SUMMARY: Everyone knows Harry is crushing on Y/N, but he hasn't made any major moves. Maybe tonight, when they find themselves under the mistletoe...

MASTERLIST | SUPPORT ME!

“So Styles, are you gonna man up and ask her out finally, or be a baby?” Niall laughs, bumping his shoulder against Harry’s as they are approaching the pub they spend almost every Friday night at. 

“Shut up,” he groans, but it’s impossible to miss the blush on his cheeks. Niall didn’t even drop a name, but they both knew who he was talking about.

It’s kind of an open secret that Harry has been very into Y/N. Well, all the boys know at least and they very much enjoy teasing him about it. Or maybe not about the crush, but about how long he’s been into her and he still hasn’t made any major moves. The past couple of weeks it’s been even more intense, because it seems like Y/N has been very much open towards Harry and his interest in her, but he’s been clearly waiting for him to make a move. 

As the boys arrive at the pub it’s just as buzzing as always even despite the painfully cold weather that’s been keeping everyone on campus wrapped up in their warmest clothes. A few days ago it was even snowing for a bit, though there’s nothing left from the whiteness by now.

Harry sighs happily as the warmth of the crowd inside hugs him in an instant. The bunch that’s already there, including Y/N, is sitting in the back at a table they often sit by, it’s kind of their spot at this point. 

He spots her in an instant and his cheeks warm up, but this time it’s not because of the temperature inside the pub. He saw her just the other day at lunch, but he can always feel his heart skipping a beat as if she was coming back from a months long trip. 

“You’re being obvious,” Niall bumps his shoulder against his, grinning at his friend, but Harry just rolls his eyes again as they make their way over to the table.

With only two weeks until winter break the place is decorated, there are garlands running along the walls and pipes, ornaments hanging from the corners of the framed photos, there’s a tiny christmas tree on top of the bar and if you’re not paying attention you can end up standing underneath a mistletoe here and there as well. 

“Hey! Thought you guys weren’t even gonna make it!” Jackie exclaims as she stands from the table, hugging the boys one by one. She is practically the person who brought the group together, everyone in the gang either had a lecture together with her, went to practice with her or shared a room with her. The latter is how Y/N got to meet the boys, including Harry. Though the two girls are not roommates anymore, they are still very close. 

Just as Harry wraps his arms around Jackie his eyes meet Y/N’s over her shoulder and his ming blanks for a moment. With her shy smile, simple yet flattering outfit and vibrant aura she is definitely the one who steals the show, at least in Harry’s mind. 

“Hi,” he breathes out when they are finally facing each other and she gifts him with the brightest smile as she lifts her arms to wrap them around his neck.

“Hi,” she giggles, her front pressing against his and he holds her just a bit tighter and longer than anyone else. Which she seemingly doesn’t mind. 

Of course they end up sitting next to each other. It’s no surprise to anyone. Niall is sitting across Harry and every time Harry looks his way he gives him a nudging, teasing look that screams “come on, make a move” which Harry tries to ignore as much as possible, though Niall tends to be a bit much at times.

“What are your plans for the break?” Y/N asks him, the two of them have kind of tuned out of the conversation that’s happening around the table. 

“Just going home, spending time with my family. My mum is very excited,” he chuckles softly. “What about you?”

“Pretty much the same,” she smiles. “I’m pretty sure my mum has already started cooking.”

They talk about family traditions, gifting and funny stories from past holidays, completely forgetting about the rest of the group for a while. When their glasses empty out they head over to the bar for a refill, sticking to each other’s side still.

When Y/N tries to pay for her drink Harry steps in, earning a knowing look from the bartender. 

“What a gentleman,” he murmurs under his breath with a smirk, pushing the two beers towards them. Harry’s ears turn red, while Y/N just nods in agreement. 

A guy hurries past them, pushing Y/N slightly against Harry whose hand moves to her waist out of instinct to steady her. The moment gets lost in the crowd to everyone else, but not to them. Harry’s whole body flames, the closeness of her feels exciting and calming at the same time and he doesn’t know, but she shares the same feeling. 

“You alright?” he manages to ask her, their faces way closer than ever before. She peeks up at him with a short nod.

“Yeah, thanks.”

It feels like a moment that would be perfect to finally make a move. Harry knows and as he is looking at her he also knows that she wouldn’t reject him, yet he still can’t get himself to take that step and cross the line he’s been dancing on for so long. 

The seconds pass by and the moment fades as well, disappointment bubbling in her gut as she moves back from him, his hand falling off her waist and he is already regretting being such a coward.

“Fuck,” he whispers to himself as Y/N starts to move ahead of him, back to the table and he follows her feeling like the biggest loser ever. 

Why is he so afraid of making a move? She’s all he’s been thinking about, they get along so well and everyone’s been telling him she wants him too. But still, that awful voice in the back of his head keeps reminding him there’s a chance she rejects him and everything would be ruined after that. 

Defeated, they join the rest of the table again and they both can feel a wall sitting right between them. Harry keeps replaying the moment in his head, he thinks of everything he could have done not to mess up his chance, wishing he could go back in time and man up finally.

Soon enough the group moves to the darts boards as Niall and Liam start a match, the rest enjoying the show because Niall is known to be quite competitive in any and all sports. 

Harry is standing by Y/N again, but there’s tension between them obviously and his mind is racing to find a way to ease the situation. Should he ask her to talk? Pretend like nothing happened? Or what if he just swung an arm around her right now? What if–

“Oh! You two!” Niall snaps him out of his thoughts, pointing at him and Y/N. “You’re standing under the mistletoe!”

They look up at the same time, checking that he did not lie, there really is a mistletoe hanging above them. Their gazes meet and the moment is back. Y/N is looking at him with hope tinkering in her eyes and Harry knows he can’t mess it up this time, but he needs just a few seconds to build up the courage, this is a big step and he…

He is taking too long. He sees the moment when Y/N is letting go and panic sets in, screaming at him to do something and then… he finally does. Just when Y/N turns her face in defeat he gently cups her cheek, turning it back and she sucks on her breath before he finally presses his lips to hers. 

A lot happens around them, there’s whistling and clapping and Niall shouts something but it all tunes out to Harry, she is all he can sense. Her arms are quick to snake around his neck and his hands find their way to her waist, pulling her tight into his embrace, hoping he never has to let go of her. 

All his fantasies about what kissing her would feel like vanish and he swears it’s all he has ever known, the touch of her soft lips, the way her tongue swirls against his, the warmth of her body pressed against his. 

Their mistletoe kiss stretches long and neither of them really wants to end it, but reality pushes its way back into their bubble and the noise pops it. Pulling apart they stare at each other for a while before Y/N’s lips slowly break into a smile that Harry feels like wants to own forever. He can’t bear the thought of anyone else being the reason she smiles this way. 

“Harry Styles finally grew some balls!” Niall shouts, completely stomping over the moment they just shared as they turn back to face their friends, arms still around each other. 

“A Christmas miracle!” Jackie joins in on the teasing. 

“Okay, okay! I get it!” Harry groans, not quite enjoying being in the center of attention. 

Y/N’s arms have moved to circle around his abdomen and she gently squeezes him, grabbing his attention. The moment he looks at her smiling face he forgets about everything that’s making him uncomfortable. 

Leaning down he presses a short, lingering kiss to her lips, replacing every word he ever wanted to tell her and she understands it all, happy to be finally speaking the same language. 

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[aesthetixhoe]

paparazzi — J.C.

warnings: cursing, angst, mentions of anxiety/self worth issues,

word count: ---

pronouns used: none!

request: can u write where like us and jack are out like at the mall abd fans come up to us asking for photos and all that? (were also a actor/actress. idk is this made sense to u😭)

authors note: I added a bit of other stuff into this, so sorry if this isn't what you wanted. i love this idea deeply! <3

Being an actor and going to the mall was... Stressful. You never knew if you would be recognized, so you always had to wear presentable clothing, plus you didn't know if the people who would recognize would even like you.

The mall was no exception. With the endless stores filled with fellow teenagers and young adults who knew both you and Jack, there was bound to be at least one person who knew you.

Going out with Jack was easier than being alone. He's always there to tell you that no matter who you see, or how they feel about you, you still have fans that love you... Including him. He'll hold your hand, and tell you to squeeze it if you get anxious, give you more small kisses than usual (which is already a lot). The PDA worries you further, thinking that if someone who likes him more sees you two kissing that they'll post about it and try cancelling you or something, but the love is worth it.

You came to the mall to go shopping, you needed some more casual clothes, and Jack needed some higher end items for a premier. Walking into the mall was thankfully uneventful, but once you got further into the populace of the mall, that's when the pictures started.

It wasn't paparazzi standing right inside waiting to run you down but to get pictures, but there were teenage girls who found Jack attractive. While you were also an actor, and have also been in popular things, you weren't a hot boy...

“Oh my god! You're Jack Champion. Holy shit, can we get a picture with you?!” And so it started. He obviously said yes and you moved to the side, not before he kissed your hand though. He wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder, smiling big for her friend with the camera. They switched so the previous camera girl could get in on it. They thanked him before walking past, both still bright red, slightly shaky and whispering about how cute he was. You had to agree.

About every 30 feet was another person asking for a picture, or autograph. He would stop and gladly do whatever pose they asked for, or sign whatever they wanted. He loved all of his fans, and was willing to do anything for them.

After splitting up and going to your designated stores to buy the items you needed, you two found each other.

The walk to leave was mostly uninterrupted, just a few people recognizing you two and taking pictures. “Looks like we have some paparazzi huh?” Jack jokes, smiling at you. God he's so pretty.

“Yeah...” You say in mindless agreement. You were too busy looking at his smile and the way it made his eye squint slightly.

“Stop staring.” He says as he blushes and looks away. He loves your attention, but it doesn't stop him from blushing every time.

Once you two were home you spent time scrolling through Instagram, looking at the posts jack was tagged in, seeing all the pictures fans had taken with him.

Then... There was a picture of you.

It was a “news” Instagram account that posted celebrity sightings.

“Ah, I see you've found the stalker photos...” Jack chuckles as he approaches the back of the couch. He puts his chin on your shoulder watching as you scroll through the pictures.

“Yeah. I'm actually... Kinda flattered?” You almost ask. He hops over the back of the couch to join you in sitting. He looks at you questioningly.

“What do you mean?” He asks quietly. You hated having candids taken, they ‘always looked bad.’

You look at him before looking down embarrassed. “Well... Normally it's just pictures of you. And I hate photos, you know that, but... It feels nice to be recognized. I just feel like an accessory to you sometimes...” You admit softly.

He grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him. Once you make eye contact, both of his hands settle on either of your cheeks to keep your head steady.

“[Y/n], you'll never be an accessory. You're your own person. You're an amazing actor, and an even better person.” He states into your eyes, and you can feel something. Something warm deep inside of your stomach. Something in your chest, like you'd just drank a hot drink on a cold day that warmed up your insides.

“I love you.” You breathe out, thoughtlessly. Thoughtlessly.

Your eyes widen in shock as your mouth falls agape. You actually said it... Holy shit. He's silent. Oh fuck. Oh god. This was such a mistake.

“Jack, I am so sorry. I-I wasn't thinking and it just fell out and I know we haven't said it yet, and I don't want you to feel obligated to say it back but I just-”

“I love you too.” He smiles softly, leaning in to kiss your lips. It felt like the stars aligned and the earth stopped spinning and time stopped and everything else people use to describe being in love.

You pull away, looking into his eyes, tears welling in yours. “Are you ok? Should I not have said it?” He asks, brows furrowed in worry.

“No!” You exclaim grinning, then reaching your fingers to the nape of his neck, “I'm just so in love with you.”

[p3ndeja6]

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩

c.brock x latina! y/n

summary: you moved to LA to be with your long distance boyfriend, you were having a great time, but after a couple of months you started to feel homesick and missed your hometown and your culture

content tags: spanish speaking reader, mexican reader, cultural references, overall a hispanic reader, not proof-read

word count: 1.6k

fluff ❀﹐

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Y/N

I've loved my time here in LA with colby and sam and all their friends but i recently fell in a funk. I miss my family and my friends.

you were scrolling through your photos and snapchat memories of your time in your hometown and started to feel really homesick, you began to cry, you laid back on you side and cried.

you missed your mom's delicious cooking, how she would make handmade tortillas, or her salsa picante. you didnt have that here and nor did anyone make it, you didnt have any hispanic friends in LA. You would only hang out with sam and colby's friends

you liked them but they sometimes including colby didnt understand your jokes or references. it sometimes pained you that you felt out of place around them.

you connected your speaker in the room that was given to you when you first moved to their house, and a song that reminded you of your dad started to play; its your dad's favorite song, and you couldn't control the sadness that flowed through your body

you spent a good two hours just crying and eventually calmed down but you were puffy eyed and your breathing was skipped

you sat up to recollect your self before colby came home and would come in your room, until another song started to play from your playlist, a heart wrenching song that reminded you of your beloved parents.

you started to cry again, you leaned back to the head board and clutched your body as you were singing to the lyrics

Colby came in the room all happy and giddy until he saw you crying

"oh my god! y/n are you okay? are you hurt? does something hurt?"

he was panicking trying to figure out why you were crying.

"no... nothings wrong" you got up quickly and turned around to wipe your face. he also got up to try to look at you but you kept avoiding him until he grabbed you face and made you look at him

"y/n.. somethings wrong, please just tell me"

"you wont understand" "just try me"

you mustered up the courage to tell him the truth. you looked at him and started to tear up again

"i-i just feel... i just started to feel homesick, thats all" colby was relieved that it wasnt anything life threatening

"oh, well why is that?"

"i dont know... i just miss home, like i really do. my family and friends, my culture and the food, everything" you looked at how he felt hurt about how you were talking about missing your family and friends.

"dont get me wrong, i love being here with you, you make being here so bearable but i just miss my people.. thats all" you half smiled

"no.. yeah i get that, is there anything i can do to make you feel better?"

"no its fine, i just need a couple minutes alone thats all"

"yeah yeah sure... ill be downstairs if you need me alright?"

you kissed him and hugged him tightly, feeling so safe in his arms.

"thank you, i love you"

"i love you too" he walked out and closed the door, feeling terrible that you felt that way, he wished he could do something about your homesickness

COLBY

as i walked back downstairs to sit with sam on the couch, he noticed my upset mood.

"Everything alright dude?" "uh.. yeah its just y/n is feeling homesick and sorta on the verge of going back home"

"oh shit dude, i definitely know what she's feeling" " do you think we've made her not feel at home? you think I haven't made her feel like home?" " i mean we haven't really done anything to make her feel at home"

"shit dude youre right, we haven't, i feel like the worst boyfriend ever. cant even make my girlfriend feel loved or feel like this is her home"

i started to think about ways to make her feel at home, i can cook her favorite food? no its too late for that, its almost 8

"what should i do sam?" "how about you take her to the other side of LA, take her some place authentic, not might be like where she's from but its the closest thing we got"

"yeah yeah you're right, let me go tell her!"

i ran upstairs and came up to her door, softly knocked to let her know i was coming in, she was still there in bed listening to her spanish music.

"hey y/n.. how you holding up?" "hi.. im doing alright, still trying to get my breathing under control" she let out a dry giggle

i caressed her face admiring her glossy eyes and her stained cheeks, leaning down to kiss her on her forehead, " i was thinking-" she sat up "what were you thinking"

"how about i take you out to eat some place special?" "ehh im not in the mood to eat colby" "no cmon i know a place, trust me"

Y/N

he looked at me with pleading eyes, "sure why not"

"alright get reading in ten minutes" "okay" you smiled and got up to get ready, he left the room to let you get dressed

you wore some ripped jeans with your white Mexico world cup jersey, and some black platform converse. added some mascara and some lip balm before leaving you grabbed your purse

you went downstairs and was greeted by colby waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs. "hey y/n!"

"hey sam"

"you ready to go babe?"

"yes of course!"

"but before we leave i need you to put this on"

he was holding a blindfold, you looked at him confused and he went behind you to put the blindfold on, you were about to protest before he kissed your cheek and wrapped the blindfold around your eyes

"alright lets go, bye sam!"

you headed out the door, stumbling trying to remember all the steps to get to the car, colby opened the car door and helped you inside.

"was the blindfold really necessary?" "yeah babe, i want to surprise you"

"it wont really be a surprise if we go to in n out" he laughed at the assumption

"how about i put some music on?" "hmm yeah okay" colby connected his phone to the car's bluetooth and a song you recognized easily came on. you started to sing along to song. Colby created a playlist on your favorite spanish-speaking songs. He had to stalk your public Spotify playlist to be able to create the playlist.

"omg i love this song!!" you started to sing the song, pointing the lyrics to Colby not knowing how much of a distraction you are creating for him on the road.

still with the blindfold on you continue to sing all the songs that played, surprised how many spanish songs kept coming on

"omg how do you know these songs?!" "did you stalk my spotify?" you let out a laugh, "gosh y/n no I didn't" yes he did

you laughed at him, knowing well that this is from your playlist, or you thought it was just your playlist he started to play.

"are we there yet?" "no"

"are we there yet now?" "almost"

"what about now?" "actually yeah we are"

"why did it take you so long to drive to in n out if its only a 15 minute drive from the house?"

as you heard opening his side of the door, he rushed over to open your door, "well babe, we arent actually at in n out"

confused, wondering where else he would have taken you

"well.. where are we-" you started to smell the char smell of meat... taco meat.

"omg it smells so good.. where are we..?"

"well let me cross you over the street to find out" "what?"

you started to take off the blindfold until he stopped you, "ah ah ahh, no taking this off yet until i say so" "omg colby where are we"

he guided you across the street, smelling everything. it smelled like home almost, you started to hear the steam of a grill and the music that you grew up listening to. Hearing chatter among people.. in spanish?

"colby... where are we?"

colby finally let go of you and starting to take the blind fold off of you, you adjust to the light and rubbing your eyes a bit to clearly see the scene.

taqueros and vendedores making and selling snacks and meals. hearing them laugh, sing, and speak spanish.

"oh my god.." you said under your breath looking all over, small tears start to well up. "colby.. what is this?"

"i felt really bad that you were feeling homesick, and i hate seeing you cry, so i thought maybe i try to bring home to you... I know this isnt exactly home but i love you so much that i would do anything for you and to show you how much you mean to me, i dont want you to go home, i want to always make you happy y/n"

your tears finally fell, you fully realized how special and loving colby was, you felt so warm and loved.

"Colby... this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me, you have no idea how much this means to me, and for you to actually consider this idea really brings me to tears, i am so completely in love with you"

you grabbed his head and kissed him, deepening the kiss and full engulf his lips. you let go and admire his big beautiful eyes.

"gosh.. well cmon lets eat something, what kind of tacos do you want babe?" "ehh i have no clue what to get, everything looks so good, how about you order me something"

you smiled at him, wondering how did you get so lucky to have someone so special such as colby brock

you turned over to the taquero and smiled at him, the man smiling back at you and asking what you what would you like to eat.

[ratsonastick]

Love Box -- Luke Castellan x reader

A Luke Castellan x reader one-shot!

A certain goddess got a little bored and decided to send down a love box for two kids with whom she wanted to live a soap opera.

Warnings: bad grammar, weird plot

Song inspiration: Harvest Moon by Neil Young

REQUESTS ARE OPEN!!!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You have always had a hate-love relationship with the boy from the Hermes cabin. 

And that is no joke. 

It all started when a girl named Kate from Aphrodite's cabin told you to deliver a small wooden box to Luke, giving him the instructions to open it and keep his head lowered in the forest. When you asked why she pushed you off in his direction. 

“Luke” you quietly muttered as you approached him, this wasn't your first time speaking to him, but it wasn't any easier than the last. He was attractive, and you are just some dorky-looking kid from the Demeter cabin. He turned away from his friends, and they walked off just leaving you and him. 

“Kate wanted you to have this.” you stuck out the box for him and he took it with furrowed brows. “What is it?” he asked in a voice that almost made you smile. “She didn't tell me … but she did say to open it near the forest or something.” 

He nodded and muttered a thanks, taking a small step back and he was done talking. You took the hint, thank the gods, and turned around to walk when all of a sudden a large poof noise was made. You quickly turned around to see him rubbing his eyes, with sparkles floating around him. 

“Oh my gods Luke!” You rushed and walked over to him like a good person would do. You placed your hand on his shoulder to try to stabilize him. “What happened?” I asked and he just shook his head “I opened the  …” His speaking slowed down and he looked up at you, his eyes glazed over “The box” 

He looked at you for a moment, memorizing your face, his brain almost trying to connect pieces that were never there. “I've been looking for you all over.” He spoke with a smile, almost like everything that had just happened never did. 

Kate then spotted the two of you and ran over, nudging you to the side “I told you to open it in the forest!” She screeched looking at him, but he only looked at you. You rolled your eyes, leaning your weight to one leg and looking at her “What was that?” 

“A love box, obviously you idiot. My mother gave it to me as a gift, it was the answer to my prayers!” She yelled at you, whispering sweet things to Luke trying to get him to look away from you, but he never did. “He was supposed to open it, spot me, and then love me!” 

You paused for a moment thinking, and that's when it hit you. A love box was made by Aphrodite to help the ones who hate you only be blinded by love. The only memories he had were remade to include you in them. “Well can't we just tell him the truth” 

She looked at you as if you were stupid “No! That would ruin him … probably push him over the edge. These boxes have crazy side effects, you just need him to stop loving you on his own time … so then he will come to me.” 

She rolled her eyes, sighed, and turned to walk off, leaving you and Luke. “What's going on Angel?” he spoke softly looking at you with that dorky smile he gave everyone. “Nothing …” 

But something was wrong. 

Each week you tried hard to not love him, but it grew so difficult. He was so sweet and gentle, but you knew it wouldn't last forever .. that the potion would wear off soon. And when it did, you became a wreck. 

You finally aced your archery test, the test you needed to teach others and you wanted to tell him. You walked all around camp only to spot him and Kate talking. She spotted you and smiled cheerfully, not knowing how you felt about him.

You walked back to your cabin feeling terrible. That night you took all your photos down and placed them in the box of things that never were. 

Weeks passed, your friends all tried to ignore him just like you did, and any time you ran into him you'd ignored his gaze and how he always had his arm wrapped around  Kate. 

She told you to back off, that he was hers, and so you did. Your personality only becomes colder towards him and her. 

Chiron tried so many times to get you two to work together, as best archer and swordsmen at camp, but you always came up with a complaint as to why you couldn't go to that practice and help lead it, making your friend take over.

Luke noticed this, he noticed every time you rolled your eyes at Kate, how you quickly walked past him with your head forward. 

Before you always shyly walked past him and he found it cute, but now he could feel the hatred coming off of you, like you wanted to scream something but never did. He was sick of it. 

“Do you have an issue with me?” He asked one evening, storming up behind you as you fired your arrow at the target. You turned around with a raised eyebrow before noticing who it was. “Luke?” 

He crossed his arms and looked down at you. The sun was setting and luckily it was just the two of you on the field. “We've never really talked and yet I always feel like you want to throw a dagger at me.” he voiced looking down at you. The same way he used to when he'd call you a sweet name and then kiss your forehead. 

“I don't hate you,” You spoke trying to sound calm while turning around to ready another arrow, but he walked in front of you blocking the target, 

“Really? Then why do you ignore me?” he asked this time, sounding more curious than angry. 

“I don't.” 

“Oh is that so” he asked with a brow arched. You simply hummed, sticking out your arm to move him to the side, to which he then did. You lifted your arrow releasing it, taking a deep breath and then turning to look at him again. 

“You don't know the story.” he scoffed, biting his lip as an annoyed smile crawled onto his face. “Please enlighten me.” he looked away from you for a moment before looking back, waiting for a response. Then you remembered Kate and what she said and you shook your head saying no and he scoffed. “A knew it, you are truly just a selfish person who just decides to hate on people for no reason and only care about yourself and not other people's feelings.” 

This ticked you off. You are the complete opposite, and for him to say you only cared for yourself stung. You always tried your best to help others, especially him, or at least you used to. 

He turned around, about to walk away but your voice stopped him. “A love box” 

He turned around and looked at you confused and annoyed “A what?” 

“Kate told me to give you a love box. You didn't listen when I told you to open it, and when you did I was the first you saw. We didn't for about a month and you don't remember any of it. And seeing you just move on so quickly feels like shit, and I know it's not your fault but I can only blame Kate so much for stuffing my heart.” 

You spoke frustrated, walking closer to him until you walked right past him. He stayed stuck in his spot until he ran right next to you “We didn't date … I would've known.” you stopped to look at him, reaching into your pocket and taking out a folded picture. It was your favorite of the two of you. And even though you weren't together anymore, you couldn't put it in the box with all the others. 

You stuck it out to him and he took it into his hand. It was the two of you laughing together. His brows furrowed together “I don't… I can't remember this.” You nodded your head “Yeah because the love box wasn't meant to make things permeate, it was just made to let that person have a small taste without any memories attached. 

He looked down at you, trying so hard to remember, but he couldn’t. He stuck out the photo and put your hands up to stop him “Keep it I can't have those memories lingering around anymore, you've moved on.” 

You walked off, but he stayed put staring at the photo, trying to relive it. To try and remember how it felt, but he couldn’t. 

A few days passed, Kate stayed near him and her voice was starting to become annoying to him just like it did once a long time ago. 

“Can you hand me the uhm …” He looked at Kate who clung to his arm at the breakfast table. His memory was becoming weak for some reason and he couldn't remember the one topping he ate his bagel with. 

“The what?” she asked him, looking around trying to grab some things. Yet his brain couldn't figure it out. You who were walking by saw him struggling, and just like you did once you stepped in, “It's the orange jam” you spoke softly as you walked past the table. 

Kate didn't hear what you said but he did. And something flickered in his head, he remembered these moments when someone always knew what he wanted. It wasn't Kate … she was too self-absorbed… then he realized it could only be you. 

He turned back around to see you back at your table, laughing with your siblings about random things. And he could almost remember the sweet feeling he once got when he looked at you. 

“Ugh gross!” Kate screamed, his attention that was once on you then turned to Kate who spotted a bug next to her hand. You of course didn't let his attention go unnoticed, whenever he looked at you, you could always tell. And even though you told yourself you were done with loving him, a small feeling entered your belly just like the first day you felt his gaze burn on you. 

A few more days went by and after really thinking about everything, he got more confused. When he saw you he got this feeling like he didn't want to look away. His lingering made those feelings bubble up, realizing that you were still in love with him. 

One day you took the box of photos and walked down to the lake, sitting in a hidden spot you opened the box and shuffled through them. 

A photo of you combing his hair, him playfully trying to feed you. It was strange how you remembered it all, but him, not one single thing. 

“I remember” A voice startled you out of your thoughts. You looked over and it was him, Luke. 

“You need to stop sneaking up on me like that.” You muttered trying to gather the photos and hide them. “I'm the son of Hermes, how do you think he got good at pickpocketing?” he asked with a smirk on his face as he sat down in the sand next to you. 

He noticed the box that was wooden, little hearts and flowers carved into it, and then he noticed the photos. His heart flickered at the one of him kissing your cheek. You followed his gaze and quickly took the photo putting it inside the box along with the others. “Uhm I should get going … I don't think Kate would like this.” 

“What? Me talking to a friend?”

Friend 

That word made you pause and he looked at you strangely.  “What do you remember exactly?” you spoke softly, remembering how he started the conversation. 

“I remember the feeling I got or well … that I get when I look at you,” he spoke with a small smile on his face while he looked out to the lake. 

The feeling. 

The same feeling you got when he smiled at you or even acknowledged your presence. 

He turned to look at you, his arm resting on his knee while his hand played with a rock he picked up. You looked down at his other hand and noticed the photo you had given him “You still have that photo?” You asked softly, surprised he hadn't thrown it out. 

“Or course” 

You nodded your head, the silence surrounding you both as you looked at different things. “I'm still in love with you.” You muttered which caused him to look at you while you looked at the lake and the little island in the distance. 

“But I know the only reason why I love you is because of an accident.” 

“It wasn't an accident … maybe it was just meant to be.” He smiled, his gaze still on you, trying to memorize everything once more, but this time engrave it into his head so he'd never forget. 

You smiled and shook your head while looking down at your lap “Or maybe not.” 

But Luke didn't stop, “Kate confessed … her mother set it all up.” 

“That bitch!” you shouted looking at him which caused him to laugh softly “Be mad all you want … but do remember she had a plan and it worked.” 

You looked at him, your body slightly facing him just like it always did, “And what exactly was that plan? Getting me to love you then hate you and be heartbroken?” 

He smiled and shook his head “No … for getting me to test my strength and remember who was there for me from the start, protected me, took care of me. The plan got me to realize that I loved you all along, even before that stupid Love box.” 

He smiled when he finished, and you simply blushed, feeling shy. You looked down at your lap “Well gosh … “ you tried to joke, playing off his compliments but you couldn't stop yourself from blushing.

His hand gravitated to your face, gently tilting it up so he could look into your eyes. “Seems like I'm still in love with you too.” you rolled your eyes at how he was trying to be so romantic, but you knew deep down he only acted like this because he wanted to treat you the way his father never treated his mother, with love. 

He gently pulled you closer and kissed you, you happily kissed back. But it was very shy and gentle, almost as if this was your first time doing it, which to him, it was. 

Luke thanked Kate, and Aphrodite at this moment, which was strange because he shouldn't have been thinking of another woman, but he couldn't help himself. His prayers were finally answered.

[agendabymooner]

high school in jakarta || pg10 fic

"I couldn't have you sit there and think that you're better 'cause you're older."

Summary: Pierre Gasly was in Los Angeles to attend his girlfriend's record label's festival, Head in the Clouds. Sadly, meeting Ensley’s close friends would also mean that he’d have to meet her high school sweetheart, who he believed he couldn’t compete against until Ensley ensured that his two-day attendance wouldn’t be spoiled by some guy who couldn’t let go of some memories she couldn’t even remember. 

Content warning: Use of explicit language, established relationship, insecure!Pierre needs a hug, smug ex-boyfriend (fictional), mentions of high school romance and nostalgia, brief appearance of Lando Norris, Joji and WillNE, kind of an abrupt ending, fluff??

Note: I need to get this out of my google docs 🤠 enjoy and let me know what you think! xx

masterlist

    Pierre Gasly had always been considered cocky by people who didn’t know him that well. He had a bad reputation when it came to women. His ego always believed that he could be charming or too flirtatious. Too arrogant. In some instances, Charles even had to tell him to get his shit together and make things clear for the woman he was in a situationship with.

But he had an alter ego that he hadn’t met before until Ensley Soleil came along. 

He could admit that how it started was a bit too… complicated. But it wasn’t anything that a courtship couldn’t handle. 

Ensley was celebrating the first year she’d been single since she left her cheating boyfriend, and yes, maybe shading him was too petty — but he went after her first, calling her out for being too busy and… bland? Yeah, those were his words. Celebrating meant that she posted photos of herself backstage before performing at her last concert of the year in Europe — London. 

Then the shitshow began there. 

BACK THEN

Her YouTube channel started in the United Kingdom while she was in university. She could remember connecting with William Lenney when her channel grew, knowing he lived a few tube stops away from her school and flat. Then she gradually continued to sing on the internet and made content with Will and some of his friends until she graduated. Then a year passed, and she became a well-known Asian artist based at Los Angeles after she signed a contract with the American record label 88rising. 

She didn’t know how the algorithm worked in the internet, initially thinking that maybe the comments about her post being “liked by pierregasly” or noticed by an F1 driver were nothing but some prank initiated by her peers. 

At some point, Will had mentioned that he had a friend, who was also a driver in the said sports. Will regularly followed and watched the races on television, attending the race in Silverstone whenever his friend would invite him. She was acquainted with this guy, meeting him once when they celebrated Will’s birthday. Lando Norris was a driver who created content with his peers, including Will himself.

Her sharp memory thankfully had told her to ask him if he knew someone named Pierre Gasly. When Will said yes and asked why, she sent him screenshots of her comment section. He hadn’t responded immediately and when he did, he FaceTimed her and laughed hysterically. 

“Oh my god,” Will howled, unable to stop himself from laughing. “Your post was liked by Pierre!”

“I don’t even know who that is?” Ensley almost shrieked. “William—“

“I know, I know,” Will rolled his eyes, “hang on, let me just…” He then added another contact on the FaceTime call, the person answering after the third ring as Lando looked down on his phone with confusion.

“Oh aren’t you a welcome face,” Lando grinned after seeing Ensley on his screen. Ensley’s eyes narrowed. “How’s it going lads?”

“What time is it in there, mate?” Will asked. Lando was moving around in a room, fixing his things left and right before he leaned his phone against a surface to show his upper body over the table. 

“We’re in Hungary, so it’s like an hour ahead of London…? Yeah an hour,” Lando nodded to himself before Ensley jumped at the sudden drumroll that he performed with his hands. “Anyway, how about you lots? Anything new?” 

“Yeah I sent you a DM,” Will replied with a grin. Ensley remained silent throughout the interaction, too annoyed to even bother speaking. 

“Alright I’ll check it,” Lando looked up for a moment and spoke to someone, who then showed up at the screen next to Lando to say hi. The British driver introduced the man as Daniel before “Daniel” left. It didn’t take Lando long to find Will’s text, his eyes widening as Will noticed Ensley flipping him off. Will was going to protest but Lando murmured, “Did he really?” 

Thirty seconds passed then… “Oh my… god. He actually did.” 

“What is it about this guy?” Ensley grunted in irritation, losing her patience every second as Lando and Will laughed over the news. 

If Ensley didn’t know Lando, she would have assumed that he died by the way he fell off with a thud. He then regained his composure before saying, “He’s one of my grid mates. Drives for a different team. A party animal and yeah uh—“

Lando paused and pursed his lips, “Had told me once or twice about coming across your Instagram.” 

“What.” 

“Oh my god,” Will cackled on the other side of the call, unable to contain his amusement. Ensley shushed him with a glare. 

“Yeah,” Lando looked at her with a hint of confusion in his face, “like six races ago? I think it's the Spanish GP. He showed me your timeline and asked if I knew you then I said well yeah I do, I’m following you.

“I had some suspicion that he was somehow trying to slide to your DM,” Lando continued before he asked, “has he?” 

“Not that I know of,” Ensley replied. “No. I would have known otherwise.”

“Oh,” Lando’s voice flattened at the answer she gave him. “Well there you go, you have yourself a Frenchman.” 

“What— no!” Ensley exclaimed. “Norris, you better give me some context instead of being mysterious and shit. Like who is he?” 

“Ensley,” Will gasped in a mocking tone, “did you just tweet bitch who the fuck is Pierre Gasly?” 

“Ooh,” Lando grimaced at the post, “yeah, uh… funny thing about that— oi, Gasly! D’ya wanna meet your crush?” 

Ensley’s eyes widened while Will’s mouth gaped. They could hear a slight murmuring from Lando’s background. Ensley hadn’t even bothered drying her damp hair, her eyes drooping at the thought of looking like garbage in front of new people. 

When Lando began shifting his camera and screen towards a person, she quickly ended the call as soon as the man saw her face. No she wasn’t about to deal with that bullshit. 

Then the next thing she knew, the said man slithered his way into her private messages. When she told Will and Lando about his message, Lando brought up that it was an unusual thing for him to say that. Then the driver rattled off about how he’d seen Pierre text a woman before and how… charming his messages sounded. 

He’s very much out of character, Lando continued to text, but I’ll see what I can find out. 

Lando continued to pry about this whole Ensley-Pierre situation, because not once did he ever witness Pierre text I hope you’re having a good day so far to someone he barely knew. 

Ensley was quite hesitant to respond to him as days went on, but she persevered through her doubts and asked general things like how the races worked or how he could even manage to get out of the bed early in the morning without a problem. She had an inkling that he was only trying to get to her pants and she thought that she was right when he invited her to a race. 

Everyone knew about the specifics of the invitation, and she did too but thought so little of it. It might have been a passing comment made by the French driver. She just didn’t think that her manager would go as far as allowing Brian to tweet out that he’d send her to Singapore for the race if he got 100K retweets on his post. Next thing she knew she was being sent to Singapore on a first class flight with Will. 

Her manager Mavi, and her friend Brian made contact with Pierre’s PR manager and received the paddock passes. But her anxiety was through the roof as she thought about meeting Pierre. 

He only wanted one thing and it’s to link up with her. Preferably in his bed. Preferably naked.

But that’s what she only assumed. God, she proved herself wrong when he came picking her up with a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a smile so nice. She was so wrong about him. 

NOW

The whole thing that she considered a shitshow became a courtship that lasted for three months. She didn’t know when she fell in love, but she uttered the word yes as soon as he asked if she could be his girlfriend. 

Pierre could admit that he was too cocky and there was something about Ensley’s character that toned down his arrogance and strong personality. He liked it. Stability was his favourite thing about his life. She was his favourite thing in life.

But he didn’t think that it would come to the point where he felt so… lost. As if he didn’t know how much Ensley had spoken of him in her interviews, videos and even in her songs. He knew that he should be cocky about being loved by her — it was a win. 

But hearing that your competitor was just a day away from meeting you and sizing you up? Yeah. He wasn’t too keen at the thought, only wanting to stay at her LA apartment while she had some fun with her circle of friends from school back in Jakarta. He couldn’t do that to her, though, telling himself that he would be alright with meeting her friends. 

Ensley could read his face. Despite his insistence that French people had the resting bitch face, she could see his forehead creasing as he stared at whatever the fuck was on the floor. She knew how much he didn’t like the thought of meeting her friends due to a high school sweetheart that she just recently called out on twitter. She knew that confidence took some time to develop; Rome wasn’t built in a day.

She wished that he knew how much she adored him and his effort to be as accommodating to her— with her previous relationship that ended in a sour note being a factor of his consideration.

But he couldn’t read minds, so Ensley settled for an embrace and repeated murmurs of, “I love you” in his ears while she kissed his cheeks repeatedly. He smiled at her sweetness, his arms pulling her in his lap and allowing her to hold him close to end the night of silent battle with his demons. He won. 

The next day consisted of going out for a walk and basking in the sunlight that brightened the Los Angeles area, and rehearsals before tomorrow. Pierre liked the heat and the brightness, but he never thought of it too much until he saw how Ensley’s skin seemed to shine under the sun - how the sun shone over her prettiest face he nearly got in his knees to thank whatever God was up there or anywhere. He liked the sun, overall. 

She had an hour rehearsal that didn’t seem to take long as Pierre sat and spoke with Jackson, Joji and Ylona throughout the entire hour. He’d look up to check on Ensley every other five minutes but never stopped speaking with the people he befriended a few months ago. 

With everyone knowing that Ensley’s ex boyfriend would be at their high school reunion, she also expressed her worries for Pierre to her peers. So Joji decided to assure the Frenchman, “She barely tolerates him— but he happened to be friends with her mates. So really, don’t worry. He’s got nothing on you but a past history.”

Pierre took that information in, offering him a thanks before he told himself to keep his composure once he and Ensley met her friends. 

He was wearing nothing too extravagant. He wore a cream crocheted shirt and left them unbuttoned, white ribbed tank top being at the bottom layer while he wore a pair of khaki shorts that matched well with his tops. He had a subtle gold chain hanging on his neck. His blue eyes were fucking pretty.

She did say she wasn't going to go all out. She lived in this city to know she didn’t have to dress fancy in a bar, knowing full well that she and Pierre would call it a night as soon as 11 PM hit. She had to perform tomorrow, after all.

But still, she wolf-whistled at the sight of him, leaning on the doorway with her arms crossed and her cream dress on. Pierre looked up at the mirror to see her reflection staring at his back, her eyes trailing down on his figure as he tried to keep his composure. She had a bad habit of "admiring" his figure, but it wasn't anything that sets him off - he does it to her all the time and would sometimes tell her "you look pretty to devour." 

“You’re staring, bébé,” Pierre chuckled, making her stare at him with a grin. 

“How to spot a rich European in Los Angeles,” Ensley jokes, giggling quietly as she approaches him. She hugged him from behind, slotting her head under his arm to look at their reflection properly. She took in the scent of his cologne. God, he was so fucking perfect.

Then she said, “I didn’t think you would wear that colour.” 

“No?”

“I thought you’re like Ricciardo,” she quipped, “with his party shirt and all that?”

“Bébé we’ve been together for ten months, you know this is my party shirt.”

“No it’s not,” Ensley snorted, “you’re more of a linen shirt and khaki pants guy. You’re wearing a crocheted shirt.

“But nonetheless,” she said quietly, “we’re going to be the hottest couple in there.” 

“I sure hope so,” Pierre chuckled, reaching down to kiss her hair. “I’d hate to be rated as 1.” 

“Your driver number is 10 for a reason, bub,” she laughed, now standing straight before she clapped his back gently, “c’mon, we’ve got our sangrias calling for us.” 

“An absolute 10,” Natasha might have been quiet, but she wasn’t too sneaky on gesturing at Pierre’s direction when she spoke to Ensley. “You bagged a good one.”

“Hm,” Ensley hummed happily, glancing at Pierre — who stood by the bar counter while waiting for their drinks — and was caught staring at him. His lips curled into a smirk as he winked at her. She rolled her eyes playfully before turning away to talk to her friends. “Yeah, I lucked out.” 

“When you told us about him before you even began dating we went full on FBI on him,” Abby chuckled quietly. “It was easy to find him— seeing as he’s a driver and all that. I was worried about you for a moment though.”

“How so?” 

“For one, he’s known for the endless line of women trailing after him,” Abby answered before she smiled, “but you setting your boundaries and him respecting it? Phew, now that’s the hottest thing a man could have within him. Respect, of all things.” 

“And you are like the happiest woman to have existed,” Natasha smirked, “who passed her honeymoon phase with all the happiness that a woman could get.”

The conversation in the table was tampered with the karaoke at the front, which helped with avoiding nosy people who’d try to get a good story to hear for the night. But alas, there were nosy people that happened to be in the same group as her for tonight. 

“Who passed her honeymoon phase?” Ensley restrained herself from rolling her eyes, keeping her mouth clamped shut to somehow respect her ex as her friends’ friend. 

Vero Gerard was a year older than Ensley. It felt wrong for a junior to date a senior, but she was smitten. She could remember breaking her own heart and not dating anyone after him, not in a new country or new city. She hadn’t tried again until that guy named Kenny from San Diego. Vero was memorable, to say the least. At least, those memories that made her realize that she was worth more than how he treated her. She forgot the rest. 

He’s only a year older, but somehow his “matured” ego and his experiences in life made her feel small. He would often see her notes and would scoff at how easy it was while she was about to shed tears at the thought of failing. Her father was strict because he didn’t want her to be in danger— a daddy’s girl, she was. While Vero’s parents thought that she was too childish for his liking. 

Vero didn’t tell her all of that, instead Ensley learned all of those from a friend of a friend of a friend. Her heart broke at that, bleaching her hair orange when he immediately found a girl to string along. 

He didn’t care to tell her where he went, only calling her when he’s drunk. She thought it was ideal to say that she was getting drunk at her friend’s house and having a party with the people there— she really wasn’t. She tried to get back at him, like any petty teenager would. 

When she moved to the UK for university, she kept tabs on her friends and acquaintances. She’d immediately turn off her Facebook whenever she came across Vero’s new fling while the photos taunted her. 

But that wasn’t her anymore. Now she was only irritated with his petty behaviour and the tone of his voice. 

He arrived with their two other guy friends, Jason and Mario, and he couldn’t choose a better time to walk over the table. 

“Just Henny about to reach the engaged phase,” Natasha told him, “not that you’d know.” 

Vero looked peered at the mentioned woman, to which she stared back but with the unequal amount of interest written all over her face. “You’ve made quite a good album.” 

“Heard all of it?” Ensley scoffed.

“I like to keep tabs,” Vero shrugged. Nonetheless, Ensley looked past him to greet Jason and Mario before the two settled near Natasha and Abby. Just as Vero stood there, a figure behind him cleared his throat. Her ex turned around, looking in the eyes of the Frenchman who had no intention to even challenge him to some sort of testosterone competition. 

Then Pierre’s eyes softened when he looked down at her, “Got your sangria, mon amour.” He placed down her drink before he found himself sitting on his original seat— next to her. Vero found his seat next to Mario, a cocky smile still written on his face as though he would win the game Pierre had no intention to play. 

Pierre reminded himself that he was the one that Ensley would fly and come home to, not anyone. Ensley just reminded him yesterday how much she loved him by peppering his face with kisses. She continued to prove to him that she was equally in love with him everyday. He never doubted that. 

“Merci beaucoup,” she said with a smile, obviously proud at her skill of not butchering a simple French phrase, before turning towards the men who just arrived. “Pierre, these are my friends— Mario and Jason. Guys, this is my boyfriend— Pierre.” 

The three men exchanged pleasantries while Mario told Pierre, “She really wasn’t lying when she said she was dating an F1 driver. She doesn’t even watch any sport so I didn’t know what changed her opinion.” Pierre laughed at this before telling the man that he managed to change her mind on her lack of interest in the sport by competing in it.

Then she said, “Vero, I’m sure you know Pierre.” 

Pierre turned towards the mentioned man, “Yeah. It’s nice to meet you.” 

He stuck out his hand for Vero to shake, making the others gape quietly. At least, he knew he was a better man without putting it out there. He didn’t need to show his home in Milan to prove how better he was. Vero must have thought of him as some rich boy who would take his pick of the week before moving onto another country for a race. 

Vero shook his hand regardless, a fake smile planted on his face. “Likewise,” but he said it as if he didn’t mean it. 

Pierre Gasly knew that Vero Gerard was sizing him up. This cockiness of his would eventually humble him, if he didn’t know any better. While the Frenchman felt like he knew very little about his girlfriend in comparison to her ex, Pierre still knew how little she appreciated someone’s egotistical attitude. He experienced her wrath firsthand so he knew exactly her thoughts on people who allow their egos get in the way of reality. 

But Pierre still felt nothing but discomfort as he stood by the bar counter to grab some refresher for Ensley and himself, opting for something nonalcoholic instead of getting pissed in the middle of a street he had no knowledge of. It was a full house and it took him nearly ten minutes just to order their drinks. It didn’t help that Vero had approached the bar with his own order and his smug smile. 

“How long have you two been together for?” Was the first thing Vero had asked Pierre, fucking around with his empty cocktail glass while he continued to play some sort of mind games with the Formula One driver. 

Pierre wasn’t that into the testosterone game that Vero started. Regardless he answered truthfully, “Ten months,” he paused, “fourteen if you count our unofficial months.”

“Unofficial? Hm,” Vero hummed, cocking his head to the side as he continued, “I didn’t think she’d make you wait.” 

“How so?” What was Vero insinuating, Pierre asked himself internally. 

“I dunno,” Vero shrugged nonchalantly, “she always jumped at the chance to get into a relationship. Even with me.” 

His comment nearly had Pierre fuming. Was he calling her easy? Vero must have noticed him get ticked off by the comment, but he must’ve thought that Pierre was pissed at the thought of having to wait because he continued to run his mouth.

“She’s had a crush on me for months,” Vero continued, “yet when I asked her out she quickly said yes. She was the same with that guy from San Diego I think. So, you’re a different story, if anything.

“Don’t know if that’s a good thing or not,” Vero laughed as if he was being fucking funny. Pierre would’ve swung his fist at the man had it been for the fact that this night wasn’t for Ensley. This was her night and he wasn’t going to ruin that.

It didn’t feel right that he was hearing someone talk about his woman like this. Like she was easy and naive. She wasn’t. She was headstrong and her petite figure could do a lot more damage on someone’s physical being should she fight against her morality. 

He’d gotten a mouthful from her when he joked about having to carry heavy stuff for her because of how small she was, telling him that she didn’t need him when she could just make trips back and forth. She had gotten into an argument with some journalist who thought that she was only in it for the money and fame, spewing out the most colourful words possible to defend herself and her devotion towards Pierre. 

So for someone to call her easy and naive — no matter how direct or indirect it was — never felt right in Pierre’s ears. They were so wrong. Vero, for someone who bragged about knowing Ensley for a long time, didn’t know how amazing and brave she was— and Pierre could only pity him for it. 

But he controlled his urge to get into some sort of fight with him, not wanting to embarrass himself or Ensley. He was still a Formula One driver with dignity and respect for his girlfriend’s image and being. He was the better man. 

“I’d say good,” Pierre answered with a shrug. Vero gave him a questioning look and so the Frenchman continued, “Different means she was looking for a change — and clearly she got tired of the same thing all over again. It was good for her to be able to get out of the loop she was unhappy with.” 

“That right?” Vero muttered, his eyes still challenging the driver. His smile fell off as he listened to Pierre’s words.

“Maybe,” Pierre shrugged again, “I’m not really sure— she’s got her own thoughts, after all. I don’t control her. Maybe that’s why I don’t know her much.” 

He then looked at Vero while he grinned, “I don’t like dictating what she likes and what she doesn’t like. She only tells me what she wants me to know. Maybe that’s why I don’t know her much— everything she likes I don’t decide for her.” 

Before Vero could speak any more, the bartender had placed a glass of alcohol free tonic and a Shirley Temple in front of Pierre as he thanked the man behind the counter. 

The choices of drink left Vero to comment, “She likes tequila sunrise.”

“She loves white sangria,” Pierre told him matter of factly, beaming as he sipped on his tonic before he stood up and grabbed the glasses, “she has a mint plant in my place because she makes a pitcher of the drink whenever she’s around. She loves going to the market to get some citrus for her drink, too— saying she likes the fresh fruits of Milan.” 

Then he walked back towards their table, extremely proud of himself for standing his ground. Maybe that’ll get Vero to shut up for once, as Ensley wanted. 

“I thought you liked the tequila sunrise better?” “Sangria’s much better. I make more of it whenever I’m in Milan. I’d rather not get drunk tonight though so… I only had one and am settling for a Shirley Temple.”

“You always liked the school varsity jacket I had. Do you still have ‘em?” “Had to toss out half my closet. I’ve been purchasing enough for myself lately.”

“Do you still make Che Banh Lot? Like those ones you’d make at my house?” 

Pierre knew where Vero was getting at. He knew when a guy wouldn’t quit— and he was sure that Ensley’s ex was trying to make her remember those happy days. 

But Ensley’s genuine confusion nearly had him and the girls laughing. She cocked her head to the side and said, “I’ve been making it at home with Tasha.”

“Tasha was there,” Vero nodded in confirmation, trying to get her to agree with his recalling. 

Ensley’s eyes narrowed, trying to figure out where he meant before she said, “Eh— nonetheless, I do. You know what? I had Pear assisting me with making them when we last visited his parents in France a month or so ago.”

Everyone but the couple looked at her in awe and shock. Ensley offered them a confused look, only for Pierre to grab her hand from underneath the table to hold it. She rubbed her thumb against his hand mindlessly, a questioning look exchanged between her and her friends.

Jason first spoke up and turned to Ensley, “So you’ve met his parents?” 

Ensley, not really aware of the looks exchanged between her friends, beamed happily before rambling, “Yeah! Pascale and Jean-Jacques invited us over when I flew to Milan. I do back and forths, remember? But yeah, P got his flat there and we traveled for six and a half hours. I was glad I had enough time to make it. I’ve got quite a useful assistant right here.”

Natasha, amused at her friend’s excitement, then peered at the Alpine driver and asked with a small smile, “How did they like it?”

“Good,” his French accent thickened while he spoke, “they were wondering if Ensley would come back anytime soon because they wanted to lock her up there forever.” 

Her friends giggled at this. “Would you lock her up there?” Abby teased the duo. 

Pierre looked down at his girlfriend, not even caring about the man next to Mario anymore. For some reason, there were certain inhibitions that he couldn’t seem to look at anymore. Womanizing, or being a Casanova, was one of them. 

In the span of a year, Ensley had managed to slither her way to his heart and found a little space there. He was enthralled with her personality and beauty and it was a shame Vero didn’t see all of that. If you told Pierre that he’d be dating someone that he drooled over on Instagram and that he’d eventually want to marry her, he would have laughed at your face.

But the Pierre in the present wasn’t the same. So he cheekily grinned and joked, “I would but I wouldn’t have anyone to write songs about me.”

Forget about the love that she had back when she was in high school in Jakarta; Ensley wrote more about him, and only him. He wasn’t the same person that everyone would’ve assumed to kick out a girl after one night. She wouldn’t have written Lowkey if she thought of him as someone who didn’t deserve a shot. 

She was glad that her relationship with Vero had happened. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to imagine what it’s like to have a life without a certain Pierre Gasly on it.

[imagines--galore]

||Light 'em Up|| Chapter Two

Summary: She saved Hiro from bullies and then punched Tadashi when she thought he was one too. She calls herself Hiro’s caretaker, and became Tadashi’s best friend. Now she attends the same Institute as Tadashi as a robotics student. She’s Sakura dubbed Cherry Blossom by Fred. She’s Hiro’s partner in crime, when it comes to annoying his brother and Tadashi’s best friend. Pairing: Tadashi Hamada x Sakura Kamiya(OC) Rating || Genres || Warnings: T. Romance. Angst. Hurt/Comfort. Adventure Previously -  Prologue, Chapter One

While handing in her abstract for her final project Sakura had requested for a lab somewhere near the University's swimming pool, stating that it was vital for her project. Professor Callaghan, being the person he was, immediately gave her permission to move her stuff from the main Lab to a storage room next to the swimming pool. The storage room was connected to the swimming pool through a small door.

The make-shift lab wasn't really big but for Sakura it was enough. The walls were painted a light blue while the floor was tiled. There was only a single window, right next to the door, both of which were locked almost all the time, unless one of her experiments burst into flames and she had to keep the window open for awhile. The rest of the room could only be described as ordered chaos. A table with a huge board in front of it with a dozen blue prints and diagrams pinned on them, tool boxes littering the floor in one corner of the room.

Another corner dedicated to the more delicate utensils which included her Chemistry set, microscope and stuff. The lab was personalized as much as it could be while still maintaining the mad scientist vibe it gave off, as Hiro once put it when he was waiting for Sakura to finish for the day. The walls were decorated with several posters of silhouettes, both male and female, in different dance poses. There was a poster of the University with the name written across it in bold and others with famous people dealing in robotics.

In the centre of the room was a desk. This one desk was the only clean part of the room. The few notepads placed on it were neatly piled and the pencils inside their holder were sharped and ready for use. The only other objects on the whole desk were almost a dozen photo frames bearing the smiling faces of Sakura and the people she took the pictures with. This was the small cluttered area where Sakura had dragged both the Hamada boys to. (After giving Tadashi an earful about forgetting her)

"Seriously Tadashi! The one time I get to show off my project to Hiro and you conveniently forget."

(Which was still ongoing)

"Hey! It wasn't really my fault! I was excited about showing Hiro Baymax and I just...forgot!"

"Oh thats nice Hamada! Nice to see that a project made you forget the person who has been your best friend for God knows how many years."

"Come on Sakura! You love Baymax. Don't pin this on him!"

"Who said anything about Baymax? I specifically said project, not Baymax."

"And by project you did mean Baymax. My project is Baymax."

"You are making it easier for me to reconsider me friendship with you Hamada."

"Oh please! You would never take it back. You love me!"

"I bear with you! Big difference."

"Oh Sakura! You wound me with your harsh words."

"Shut it, Tadashi. Or I will kick you where the sun don't shine."

To anyone else the two adults would look like they were really fighting but the 14-year old sitting on a spare tool box knew better. He really wished he had some popcorn right now. His head rested on his palms, elbows on his thighs as he leaned forward slightly, watching the verbal banter go back and forth, his eyes following it like a Tennis match, an amused smile playing across his lips. Really these matches were way better and more entertaining than those shows Aunt Cass watched. Tadashi was leaning against a table, casually, his hands in his pockets as his eyes roamed around the makeshift lab. Meanwhile Sakura was barely visible behind a curtained off section, in the last corner of the room, as she prepared her project for a demonstration. She refused to look at the older Hamada just like he refused to look at her, both finding their surroundings, or in Sakura's case her project more interesting. But their verbal spar did not waver in the slightest. The lab was silent for a few seconds before Tadashi broke it, while fishing something out of his pocket.

"By the way I have this gift card from a store I gotta use before it expires. Something about fifty percent off on those shoes you were ogling at when you and Honey dragged me to be your servant for the day."

A grunt was his only reply followed by a thud as something landed on the floor. Tadashi, his face still expressionless continued, as he slapped the gift card against his hand.

"You can have it if you want!"

BANG!

Hiro fell off his tool box with a yelp, startled. He shook his head, standing up, just as Sakura popped her head from behind the curtain, her face gleaming with sweat, hair almost falling out of the loose bun she had hastily piled on top of her head, a streak of oil running across her cheek, as she regarded the older Hamada boy with a neutral expression.

"Whats in it for me?" She said her voice testy. Tadashi shrugged.

"Nothing at all!"

He held out the card between his two forefingers, gesturing for her to take it. The girl hummed under her breath before disappearing again.

"Hold up! Just gotta get this suit zipped up!"

The sound of a zipper could be heard in the suddenly silent room. Hiro glanced at his brother who just shrugged in response. Both the boys had a brief idea of what her project was going to be but they still weren't sure of the details and the kinks in it. Since the day they had met, the three of them had gotten quite close. Sometimes it freaked other people out how close they were, namely Tadashi's and Sakura's friends at the University. All three of them were so in sync with each other that a person just had to take one look at them together and see that they were all on the exact same page. Aunt Cass called them The Three Stooges. When asked why she simply answered the three of them were equally crazy about robotics and supported the other no matter what the idea was. No one could really argue with that or with Aunt Cass for that matter so they had let it be. Although it was true. No matter how mad the project or idea seemed they would always stick together until they either almost burnt down their small lab at The Lucky Cat Cafe or the idea was a success or sometimes even both, with the former happening more than once. Hiro would always discuss his plans and inventions with either his brother or Sakura or both of them and the two adults would do the same as well. It was like an unspoken rule between them that whenever anyone of them thought of a new invention they would tell each other. But this time both Tadashi and Sakura had kept their projects a secret from everyone, even each other. Hiro had been bummed out at first but then brightened up, when Sakura had told him that it would be a nice surprise for him for a change. Although it had not stopped him from annoying them with questions in the beginning. Being the youngest of The Three Stooges he had taken on the mantle of annoying both the adults by making wild and crazy guesses on what their project was going to be. Sakura would sometimes join forces with Hiro to annoy Tadashi. Sunday afternoon would find all three of them in Hiro and tadashi's bedroom. Hiro would be slumped on his bean bag, usually throwing a ball in the air, with Sakura sprawled on the floor beside him, Mochi resting on her stomach most of the time, while Tadashi would be trying to read on some new research on Hiro's bed. From a water hose to a time machine, Tadashi was teased for an hour and sometimes two hours straight as the two other occupants would throw one guess after the other at him. Sometimes he would just say yes, usually to guesses like a hovercraft or a time machine (once he even said yes to a cat-translator) just to humor them, leading the two of them to make far-fetched assumptions about said guess, before he would rebuff them by saying he was doing nothing of the sort. That would usually result in a ball and a couple of pillows thrown at him, which would always meet their mark, before the three of them would settle into a more quite silence. Pulling back the curtains Sakura stepped forward.

"Er...are you making a new fashion statement or something Sakura?" Tadashi asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at his friend. The girl was wearing a black rash guard with black tights. The outfit was covered in fine thin lines that went along her body, swelling into small circles at different points notably where her joints met like her wrists, ankle, shoulders and her hips.

"Or maybe we're going surfing?" Hiro tried, the rash guard acting as a big give-a-way for the 14 year old. The girl smiled at them briefly, pulling her hair in a ponytail and securing the loose strands back with a headband that had the same lines on it as her suit.

"You'll find out soon enough." She said, her eyes shining with excitement, walking towards the door that lead to the swimming pool.

Looking at each other once the brothers shrugged before following after her.

"And I'll be taking that Gift Card Tadashi!"

The old boy rolled his eyes, smiling as he did.

"Of course!"

[kthyg]

ghoul. — (intoxication)

[FOURTH (4) INSTALMENT OF GHOUL SERIES : INTOXICATION]

“Familiarity. That was what Taehyung felt.”

or

Rosé couldn't celebrate your successful solo mission with you, so she invited Taehyung to celebrate with you.

pairing : taehyung x reader

rating : M

genre : tokyo ghoul au, soulmate au

disclaimer : this story is a work of fiction. descriptions of the BTS members in this story does not reflect nor portray them in real life. everything in this story only fits in imagination and does not apply outside of imagination.

warning : nothing.

word count : 6.3k+

lexicon & profiles | masterpost | masterlist | navigation

note from winter 💌 :

i have no notes for this... except for i love oc and tae's interaction during the dinner so much. and I have an obsession for someone taking candid photos of me, its a kink atp HAHA also, smut on the next part just telling y'all ;))))

💌 what is winter listening to? : bambi by baekhyun

📝 if you want to know more about this au, you can refer to lexicon & profiles. any other questions you can refer to me !!

dedication : to my sleep demon pt.2

             The sun marked the beginning and end of the day.

             When it rose, sunrise, marked the beginning of a new day. And when it set, sunset, it signified the end of the day. The silky, smooth collusions of sky burst red and yellow washed and painted itself over the colourless, milky white building of KCCG.

             It was the end of the working hour for most office workers in Korea including KCCG. The road was packed with cars and motorbikes. The sidewalk was not any less crowded than the road; People were walking back to their homes. 

             “Rosie,” you whined. Locking your arms with your friend’s one. The two of you had passed the entrance gate, now on your way to the main door to exit the building. 

             “(Y/N),” Rosé mimicked. A light chuckle followed shortly after. 

             Clinging hard on her arm, you let your cheek be squashed against her arm. Not quite reaching her shoulder due to her model-like height. “You promised a celebration dinner with me…” 

             “I’m sorry,” Rosé sighed regretfully. “Something came up in 10th ward… I really wanted to celebrate with you but if I don’t check on the 10th ward ASAP, Jay will kill me.”

             Rosé worked under the control of Jay or Jung Hoseok, the Chief Director of Division 2. She was a Special Class investigator and also the leader of R Squad. Every Special Class investigator was required to form their own Squad with adequate members in range 3 to 4 excluding themselves. A group of 5 or 6, only then the team could be registered as a squad. 

             Why didn’t Director Kim station you in her squad instead… 

             You understood or at least you tried to be professional, but you couldn’t help to pout. It was your first solo successful mission in Q Squad. In every squad, the members including the leader were obligated to carry out solo missions that were designated for them. These missions were often put on the hardest difficulty, not everyone could pass on the first try. 

             Unlocking her arm from you, she turned her body to face you. “Don’t pout or I’ll kiss you,” her hands cupped your cheeks. 

             You pouted even harder to tease her. She chuckled before her thumb reached out to play with your lips.

             Her eyes flickered to look up and behind you. Recognising someone, she called out. “Oh, V!”

             V?

             You craned your neck to look at the said person.

             Kim Taehyung. God’s favourite.

             You had almost forgotten the name he used in KCCG as you always go for his government name. Taehyung was a charming yet mysterious man. He was the epitome of perfection. From his perfect and symmetrical facial proportions to his well-built body. Like Jimin, Taehyung has enough muscle at the right place, and like Rosé, they shared almost the same height, the model-like height.

             “Going home?” Your friend asked in a friendly manner. You reached for her hands that had been cupping your face to put them down.

             “Yes,” his baritone voice was honey to your ears. You wouldn’t admit it, but you have a big fat crush on him or maybe you were just attracted to him. Could you blame yourself? Almost everyone in KCCG was attracted to or even openly admitted to having a crush on him. “What about you? I heard there’s a commotion at ward 10.”

             Rosé nodded unenthusiastically. “I swear it was clear yesterday. The ghouls can’t give us a break for God’s sake.” Her hand unconsciously found yours as she held onto your hand. You let her. 

             At least it made you feel included.

             “What can you expect? 10th ward’s ghouls are vigorous, I can’t lie.” He said, followed by a deep chuckle.

             God, the chuckle. You’re so damned.

             “Very true,” she agreed eagerly. “You’re in charge of ward 8, right?”

             V nodded.

             Smirking, she asked, “Want to switch up by the end of this week?” Her eyebrows wiggled. 

             “No, thank you.” He was quick to turn her down. “I can assure you ward 8 is not any better than 10.”

             Rosé playfully rolled her eyes. You couldn’t help but smile at her behaviour. She was the epitome of the real social butterfly; she could get along with anyone and knew almost everyone in KCCG. As if finally remembering something, she looked at you before she directed her attention back to the male investigator. “Oh, V, what are you having for dinner?”

             “Good question,” he hummed, cupping his chin. “I have yet to decide.”

             Rosé eyes shone. “How about a dinner with (Y/N)?”

             “Huh–” You stared at her in shock.

             “Huh?” V didn’t expect that question, too, it seemed.

             Clapping her hands together keenly, she began to explain. “We were supposed to celebrate (Y/N)’s successful solo mission, but, well, something came up, like I said.”

             After a long pause, she blurted out. “Can you go in my place?” 

             Shocked, you quickly intervened. “T–There’s no need!” 

             Although you liked the idea of getting to stare and listen to Taehyung for a longer time, you would not want to be in the awkward situation of two people, that barely knew each other, having dinner. “We were just planning to drink– Not a proper dinner at all!”

             You were literally begging her to reconsider by giving excuses. “Plus, I can still celebrate it with you tomorrow…”

             Rosé frowned. “Eh, that restaurant near this building, what its name? The First? They offer proper dinner though.”

             That was the only thing that got through her head.

             “Yeah, I guess, but–” You tried to come up with another reason because you knew damn well that the restaurant does serve proper dinner in the menu option. You were a regular there.

             Completely dismissing you, she went ahead to ask the male investigator. “So, V? Are you down for some drinking?” She playfully winked at him with a drinking gesture. 

             “Wait–” You gripped her sleeves, trying to hold her back desperately. “I’m pretty sure Investigator V has something better to do than drinking–”

             You would rather have 5 hours training session with The Min Yoongi or maybe Jimin than have dinner with Taehyung. Not because he was a horrible man or anything akin, – the two were definitely not the lesser evil though – it was just that… If it was a dinner with V and Rosé, then yes, you would be fine with it.

             “Sure,” he cut you off. With a shrug, he added. “I don’t mind actually.”

             “You don’t need to!” You quickly told him with a shake of head. “Uhm, I can ask Minghao or Sunoo…?”

             “I mean V agreed to go,” Rosé frowned but didn’t relent to try convincing you. Why do you even need to be convinced? “Plus, don’t you have like a cr–”

             Your eyes widened. You knew she would babble her mouth about your folders. Cutting her off with a high-pitched ‘okay’, you quickly pushed your hand to cup over her mouth. Instantly agreeing with her idea. “I think 10th ward is calling for you!”

             “Gosh, okay. Okay,” she pulled away your hand from her mouth. Her eyes scrutinised your figure before she asked, “Did you bring your camera?”

             “Of course,” a frown found its place on your temple. “Why did you ask…?”

             Rosé mimicked the pose of a photographer – except that she was exaggerating – and subtly pointing at V. Your eyes immediately widened at her signal and quickly pushed her away. You waited until she was out of your vision before you turned to V.

             You would hate to admit that you liked to take pictures of him.

             Both secretly and openly.

             Secretly, when you would see him around KCCG, and like a beautiful flower in the garden, you couldn’t fight the urge to capture its beauty, it was the same for Taehyung. Openly, when you were assigned to do a meeting report or any reports in general that required you to include pictures of the related event, or when the magazine companies would like to feature KCCG as the front page, KCCG would – most of the time – send Taehyung and Jimin for it.

             “Let’s go…?” This was going down to your history book of the most awkward situation.

             The charming smile of his sent your heart to drum fast in your chest and butterfly wilding in your stomach.

             “After you.” Gentleman.

             “Table for two, please.” You told the waitress with a polite smile.

             She led you and Taehyung to a table. You noted how redness covered her cheeks and ears. Assuming it must’ve been because of Taehyung, you could only laugh to yourself. She probably has a crush on the male investigator with the way she was openly gawking at him with a dreamy look while taking the order. Taehyung was popular in Korea due to his career and his look. He received attention everywhere he went.  

             An order of Samgyeopsal and Jokbal was placed, and the girl took her leave to the kitchen. You took off your long white coat and draped it over the chair next to you. Taehyung had chosen to sit on the opposite side, facing you. 

             As if that didn’t add up to your nervousness that has already reached its peak.

             You were left in KCCG formal innerwear: a turtleneck shirt, cargo pants, and platform boots, all in jet black. KCCG was very monotonous. You noticed Taehyung seemed to have taken off his coat as well. His innerwear was nothing different from yours except that he was wearing a pair of patent leather boots.

             This was the first time you had seen him without his coat.

             You have always seen him in that white coat. Given that he was under Director Jung’s division, you didn’t bump into him frequently – or else you would’ve had the chance to witness him in mission state. Rosé, however, was under the same division as him which explained her friendliness towards him.

             Come to think of it, this was the first time you were having a meal with Taehyung. Just the two of you. Of course, you have had dinners with him, but they were joined by your colleagues as well. Most of the time, it was just company dinners or some other celebrations. That, too, you never really try to talk to him during those occasions because you would either be with Jimin or your squad members.

             Squad was a very essential thing in KCCG, and it was divided into two categories, operation squad and mentoring squad. Operation squads usually consisted of powerful and strongest investigators derived from Special Cases, Associate Special Cases, and First Classes. This kind of squad was liable for disbandment as it was not a permanent group. Operation squads could exist due to any calling for it from the higher-ups and cease when the operation was finished, not subject to success or failure. 

             Mentoring squad was a permanent squad. Once a person earned the title of ghoul investigator after graduating from the training academy, he or she would be sorted into a squad. Squad sorting would be determined by the division directors’ evaluations. Once sorted into a squad, one was bound to stick in it forever unless changes were made. In any KCCG function, the seating plan was according to squads. It was a rare case for a squad to have changing members because if there were to be any problem, it was to be solved within the squad itself, according to the leader’s orders and commands.

             It was also a rare case for the higher-ups to be involved in the matter of squad and you happened to be one of the rare cases.

             “I heard Namjoon removed you from Jimin’s squad.”

             You looked at him with wide eyes, unsure as to how to reply to him.

             If that’s what you heard, then you aren’t wrong, was what you wanted to reply with but decided against it.

             Avoiding eye contact, you forced out a nod. Way too many people have come to you and asked that. You were getting sick of it. Most of them would continue to pin you as the problem. You didn’t have the heart to tell the truth… Just because. Taehyung only hummed as he leaned back into his seat with arms crossed on his chest. You squirmed in your seat uncomfortably under his gaze.

             “Jimin is my soulmate.” He announced suddenly. The charming, gentlemanly aura was long gone as it was now replaced with a cold, aloof character.

             His sudden disclosure about Jimin was met with a puzzled look on your face. “I… See?”

             It was his turn to look astounded. A hint of annoyance was evident in his voice as he continued. “I’m glad you are not in his squad anymore. You’re way too close to him for a childhood friend.”

             Blinking, you were very much confused but slowly, you asked, “Are you jealous…?”

             “What– Of course not!” He quickly retorted. “As if someone like you could make me jealous.”

             You badly wanted to roll your eyes but decided against it as you sighed. “I hope you’re not getting the wrong idea, but I have no desire for Investigator Park. I don’t have any feelings for him if that’s what you’re mad for…”

             “And I didn’t know you and Investigator Park are soulmates,” you awkwardly added as your hands fidgeted under the table. Never in your life would want to make someone feel insecure or be a threat to someone’s sacred bond and you most definitely didn’t want to be a homewrecker.

             You liked Taehyung, and you have a crush on him, but would you even call it a crush? You liked pretty things and he happened to be one of the world’s wonders.

             “I like pretty things.”

             “And? Why are you telling me that?”

             Because I feel the need to assure you in whatever way possible.

             You sighed. “Investigator Park is majestically pretty and so are you. It’s just a silly attraction, but I promise you I don’t have any romantic feelings for the two of you.”

             “Do you have a soulmate?” He suddenly asked.

             Taken aback, you blinked at him, “No.”

             The subtle look of shock didn’t go unnoticed by you, but he was quick to be apathetic. “Therefore, I don’t trust you.”

             “Up to you…” You looked away defeatedly with yet another sigh.

             You didn’t blame him for not trusting, honestly. You completely understood where he was coming from, but you would very much want to justify yourself with the fact that you’ve been with Jimin since kids and that if you have feelings for him, you would’ve been rejected before you could even confess. 

             Maybe that was why you didn’t justify yourself. Your reasons were not helpful to the situation at all.

             The Samgyeopsal and Jokbal you had ordered finally arrived along with a few bottles of Soju. The worker set up the grill and you immediately began to prepare to cook the meats. When the grill finally reached the desirable heat, you carefully placed each piece on top of the hot grill pan. Taehyung quietly helped you along as he got himself a pair of tongs.

             “You like photography?” He broke the silence with the sudden question.

             He seemed like the type of person that couldn’t handle quietness. You cast a side eye at him. He gave you a bored face as he jutted out his chin at the camera bag next to you. You slowly nodded but then you continued to cook up the meats when Taehyung fell silent again.

             “Show me your skill.” He finally spoke again after moments of silence.

             “What…” You gave him a dirty look. If it was someone else, you would’ve complied immediately, not questions. If it was anyone else, you wouldn’t have dared to do so, but Taehyung stopped wearing his gentleman mask. If he found no reason to be a gentleman around you, you surely should not have any reason to keep up with your good-girl image around him.

             Or at least that was what you told yourself.

             You got that unfamiliar sense of comfort around him. Although he was very much hostile towards you when he told you about Jimin, other than that, he treated you normally. You found yourself to be more expressive and open to him. It wasn’t Investigator V that was present here with you.

             It was Kim Taehyung.

             “My camera is full of your soulmate.”

             “You take pictures of me too.”

             “Is that a statement?”

             “Yes.”

             Surrendering, you put down your tongs. Your camera bag on your right was dark, hueless; black with your signature, and a small Lotus next to it, embedded in the fabric. It was given by Minghao as a birthday present for you. Taking the camera out of its shelter, you turned it on and searched for some pictures of him. 

             Truthfully, there were quite a number of his pictures in the camera. You thought you had transferred it to your computer. They were pictures of the latest photoshoot for KCCG weekly magazine. This week, Taehyung and his squad were featured in the magazine so, as you have been doing religiously, you attended the photoshoot. 

             You showed him the pictures. He casually took the camera away from your grasp. Well, he looked like he was experienced in holding a camera, so you didn’t panic. You picked up your tongs again as you continued cooking the meat and putting the cooked ones in your bowl and Taehyung’s as he mindlessly went through your camera’s gallery. 

             “Not bad,” Taehyung mumbled with a playful smirk tugging on his lips.

             Heat crept up to your face as you felt your face getting warm. Although that didn’t sound like a genuine compliment, it was the first feedback you ever received from someone that viewed your pictures. You let Jimin look through your gallery occasionally, but he never said anything about the pictures.

             Taehyung was intrigued. He was amazed by the pictures you have taken of him. Glancing at you through his lashes, he saw you smiling. An endearing smile as your eyes shone with a gleam of adoration. He caught himself smiling together with you but quickly wiped it away as he continued going through your camera until the end. There were pictures of Jimin's solo shoot for the 2nd Ward monthly magazine. 

             He always thought his soulmate would make a good model but after seeing your photos, maybe it was better Jimin wasn’t a model. The modelling industry would be under his feet instantly. Your pictures of him proved how majestically beautiful Jimin was. 

             Click!

             He heard a shot was taken. “What are you doing?”

             “Taking pictures of the food…?” You replied.

             He frowned as if you did something very offensive towards him. “Shouldn’t you include the person you’re eating with too?”

             Are you serious? “Whose rule is that?”

             “Mine.”

             Rolling your eyes, you continued to snap more pictures. “Shut up and eat before they get cold.”

             Taehyung brought the camera to his eye level. You were still busy trying to get the perfect angle and lighting for the pictures, and he silently clicked a photo.

             You looked perfectly flawless – or maybe it was just his skill or the camera.

             He slowly angled the camera to his eye level again as he intended to take another picture but as he was looking through the camera lens, you were already staring at him with a boring look. “Taking my pictures now?”

             “Jokes on you, I was taking pictures of the food.”

             “Jokes on you, do you think I’m stupid?” You retorted but couldn’t help the small laugh that followed shortly after. “Give that here.”

             He gave you puppy eyes, but you quickly turned him down as you narrowed your eyes at him. Surprisingly, he surrendered with a pout. He looked like a sad puppy as he picked up his chopsticks to himself some meats. 

             Bringing the camera to your eye, you prompted him. “Look here.” 

             Click!

             A picture of him munching on the meat, luscious lips pouting. The flavour of the meat burst in his mouth as he savoured the food, eyes widened in pleasure.

             You couldn’t contain your laugh as you reviewed the picture you just took. “You look cute.”

             If you weren’t so busy with the camera, you would’ve seen the way his eyes widened as blood rushed to his face, cheeks flushed from your compliment. He didn’t know why he reacted in such a way but something about you complimenting him so nonchalantly must’ve caught him off guard.

             The two of you continued bickering from him urging you to delete the pictures to you nagging about the foods getting cold because of the never-ending bickering and Taehyung that doesn’t seem to want to stop. You shoved pieces of meat together with lettuce into his mouth to shut him up. But as if that stopped him. He continued to babble to the point he drifted into some random topic. You only listened to him while you cook up more meats for him. 

             It was as if the two of you were close friends.

             Taehyung fed you meats in between his random speech and having food offered right in front of you, who wouldn’t open their mouth automatically? Surely not you, hence your lips parted every time food was offered to you by Taehyung. Sometimes, you would pick up the meat off the grill and immediately offer it to him after blowing away some steam. 

             It felt so natural.

             For him to feed you. For you to feed him. For you to listen to him as he went through from KCCG matter to some personal stories and random thoughts. 

             It naturally happened. 

             It naturally happened to the point you found yourself downing bottles of Soju mindlessly, definitely going over your drinking limit. You were a light drinker, but you didn’t care as you let the alcoholic drink continue to enter your system. 

             Taehyung looked at you. He was far from being drunk, for whatever reason. But he has the decency to remind you as he took away the bottle of Soju from your hand. “I think that’s enough of Soju for you, (Y/N).”

             You could only whine in response, grumpily picking up your chopsticks again and shoving a few leftover slices of meat into your mouth. 

             “Aigo, (Y/N),” a soft voice cooed. 

             Taehyung and you simultaneously turned towards the voice – even though you were not exactly functioning well, your sense was surprisingly still functioning and able to pick up your surroundings.

             You seemed to recognise the lady as you whined in response. “Ajumma…”

             It was probably the restaurant’s owner.

             “Let’s stop here, okay?” The old lady came next to you as she caressed your shoulders gently. You mumbled something inaudible for her old hearing as you put down your utensils. 

             The lady looked at Taehyung as she asked. “Are you her boyfriend?”

             “No, I’m her colleag–”

             “He’s my friend!” You exclaimed; your head whipped so fast as you looked at the lady next to you, index finger shushing over your lips. “Ajumma, he’ll get maaad if you call him my boyfriend. He already has a soulmate!” You whispered – more like trying to – the last sentence in her ears.

             “Pull yourself together, (Y/N).” Taehyung shook his head as he heaved a heavy sigh.

             “It’s not often I get to see her like this.” She told him after chuckling softly. “You must be a special friend to her.”

             “Special?” He repeated with pure confusion.

             This was the first time you and he were having dinner together. 

             “When she comes here with her friends, she never gets drunk.” She remembered the times when you would not drink even a sip of those alcoholic beverages as you stuck with your usual Cola. Even when one of your friends offered you to drink, the invitation was politely refused by you and for sure you must’ve felt really bad for rejecting it. “So, for her to get drunk in front of you, she must’ve really trusted you a lot.”

             Your arms found their way as you circled the old lady’s figure. “Ajumma, I want a soulmate, too…” The sound of melancholy was apparent in your voice and certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the lady and even Taehyung. 

             Sighing pitifully, she caressed your head, “You’ll meet the one soon, honey.”

             You must’ve been so lonely, she thought.

             Finding a soulmate in today’s world is very crucial, but not everyone would find one. They would make one. In a world where the ghouls roamed around and blended in with the humans, one out of ten ghouls would have human as their soulmates and ghoul soulmates as the humans’, but not everyone was willing and ready to commit to someone who was not of their kind or more like they could not risk it.

             There was a reason for the establishment of both CCG and KCCG, after all.

             They were an anti-ghoul organisation. 

             Humans were not to get along with ghouls as they were considered monsters and existed for nothing but to cause chaos. CCG and KCCG made it their main purpose to exterminate the whole existence of ghouls as per their motto, to create a better world for humans, free from any danger. 

             That was why some people make their own soulmates. Modern technology and medicine paved the way for people who wanted to choose their own soulmates or run away from the ill-fated soulbond. Although some people still preferred the traditional way and pain-free because the alternative way was said to be painful and time-consuming as one must go through many procedures in order for a new desired soul bond to be established. 

             Expensive too. 

             Your eyes closed as you mumbled with sorrow. “What if I already meet them? But I don’t feel any connection with Mingyu and Minghao, but I love them, and they love me.”

             The old lady tried to recall the guys you mentioned, and it clicked rather quickly given the number of times she had seen you with them. Indeed, you were very close to them. They treated you earnestly, lovingly, and caringly to the point she had thought they were your destined lovers, but you had explained before that they weren’t.

             It was hard for even the lady to fathom the fact that they weren’t your soulmates too because she knew for a fact that your relationship with them was definitely not a normal one.

             How could three souls be very loving and inseparable but not soulmates?

             The three of you were one piece that was separated into three.

             “They have to be my soulmates…” 

             Taehyung’s eyebrow twitched at your last sentence. The unexplainable urge to shut your mouth was clouding his mind, but at least you passed out now. He was not really a fan of the whole soulmate system although he already has his own soulmates. He liked to be free. Free from commitments. His soulmates gave him the freedom he wanted, of course, but at the end of the day, he was still in a relationship that required his commitment.

             Or at least that was what he thought.

             What was it that had you desiring soulmates so badly? 

             Couldn’t you just wait for them to naturally come to you?

             You looked so desperate and pathetic.

             “Poor kid,” the lady kindly supported your head that was resting on her. The soft and gentle caresses on the side of your head never ceased and it irked Kim Taehyung. He has the urge to push away that hand and replace it with his but for his own good sake, he held himself back. “Young man, you can go home if you want to, I can handle her.”

             Her free hand went beneath her apron as she rummaged through her pocket for something. “Let me try to call Mingyu or Minghao…”

             God, if Taehyung wasn’t so close to pushing that old woman off you.

             Does she think he wouldn’t have the least amount of decency to bring her back home after having dinner with you?

             Does she not trust him even though she mentioned him being a special someone for you?

             Of course not.

             He just had dinner with you.

             For the first time.

             And it was the first time the owner had seen you with someone other than Mingyu and Minghao. Even if there were someone else, she would’ve recognised.

             She doesn’t trust him.

             But then again, he doesn’t trust the old lady as well.

             “No, it’s fine,” Taehyung said with his box smile, fighting back a snarl. “I can get her home.” He doesn’t need to justify himself as his aura spoke for him. He rounded the table to get to your side and practically snatched you from the lady’s hold. 

             His voice held finality as well as his action.

             Taehyung gently manoeuvred you into wearing your coat. Outside was cold and windy, he wouldn’t want you to freeze to death before you could even reach your home. When he was done keeping you warm securely, he carefully carried you on his back. Luckily neither you nor Taehyung brought own Quinque because it would’ve been a pain in the neck to carry it along at this moment. 

             There was one thing that was still a problem.

             He didn’t know where you live.

             The night was cold as Taehyung carried you on his back. Wind marched into the chilly picture blowing like a sneezing monster, peeling off the brown cadaverous leaves from the strangled tree branches. The night would chill anyone down to the bone, but Taehyung remained unfazed as he strode in the cold weather.

             The cold night breeze blew on your face, making you nuzzle into Taehyung’s neck in search of some warmth. Your body had picked up the spine-chilling temperature despite your mind being hazy from the alcohol. After some more snuggling, failure in search of perfect warmth, your eyes fluttered open. 

             Taehyung has very acute senses, you have come to notice that. Perhaps it was due to his years of being a ghoul investigator, but it still didn’t fail to amaze you as he spoke the second your eyes blinked open. 

             “You’re so heavy.”

             Processing his word, you narrowed your eyes at him – although he couldn’t see you or if his peripheral vision was wide enough to see you, “Literally no one asked you to carry me!” You chided.

             “I’ll let you fall,” he voiced with a minatory voice and that shut you up immediately.

             “Put me down properly, dude,” you finally spoke again after minutes of silence. You’d rather walk than be carried by him knowing the fact that he could drop you off anytime. The thought of falling was very much not entertaining at this moment. Taehyung didn’t hesitate to let you down. “That gentleman image was just for show, was it?”

             “I’m glad you’ve realised,” he brushed you off as he continued walking, leaving you behind.

             One time he was bearable, another time he was nothing but an arsehole.

             You rolled your eyes, “Ever since you told me Investigator Park is your soulmate,” and caught up with him. You didn’t notice how Taehyung had already slowed down his pace as now he was sauntering. He was waiting for you to at least walk next to him instead of getting out of breath with just a few quick steps. A smug grin paint itself on his face as he heard you whining and maffling.

             It was only today and just now that Taehyung finally has a moment with you. Alone. He would occasionally see you with Rosé after the working hour or maybe he actually noticed you during the photoshoots but didn’t bring himself to give extra care about you. 

             Telling you that Jimin was his soulmate was just an excuse. Heck, even the whole dinner was just an excuse. He never wanted to have dinner with you, he would not want to. He had agreed to Rosé because he saw it as an opportunity: a chance to push you away from Jimin. You were the problem in Jimin’s squad. A hindrance. He was nothing but glad and elated when Namjoon had done him a favour of removing you from Jimin’s squad – not quite directly but the complaints were very helpful, and he was very thankful to whoever filed those complaints against you.

             But a dinner with you was fun.

             He hated to admit that.

             You felt like a friend to him.

             “Look, if you don’t want to carry me, let me at least cling on your arm for some support.” You huffed; arms crossed.

             A scoff escaped his lips as he gave you a side glance, “You sure are something when you’re drunk, (Y/N),” but he still offered you his arm.

             He shouldn’t have done that, right? He should yank his arm away from you.

             But that moment never came. He didn’t feel the supposed emotion of anger or hatred bubbling when he was with you. Not even during the dinner just now. He told himself he was supposed to piss you off, embarrass you, and watch as you run out of the restaurant crying your heart out, be it tears of anger, humiliation, or even grief for the broken heart.

             He wanted you away from his soulmate and him.

             You should just be with your alleged soulmate.

             Maybe your bond was broken.

             Maybe you were soulless.

             But why did all those thoughts stir uneasiness in him?

             “How come you’re not drunk in the slightest?” You asked. The question had come out as slurring.

             “Because who will take care of you when you’re drunk.” That came out as a natural response, he didn’t even think of constructing some believable lies.

             You loured. “Lies. You don’t care whether or not I get drunk, and you certainly don’t care about the aftermath. You simply don’t get drunk.” 

             For one you were definitely sharp, he thought.

             Shrugging, he said in a boring tone. “Whatever makes you sleep at night.”

             You heard his tone, of course. So, you took it as a cue to shut your drunk self. Your tired eyes travelled down to the ground, watching as your steps matched with Taehyung’s. He definitely slowed down his pace. A small smile involuntarily tugged on your lips. Taehyung was soft despite the cold persona he had presented to you when he told you about Jimin. He was a guy overflowing with emotions but didn’t have a way to express them or at least had trouble doing so, hence he opted to suppress those emotions.

             Heaviness started to gather on your eyelids as you struggle to keep your eyes open. Your pace was becoming slower, and Taehyung noticed the drag. He slightly turned to look at you only to see you sleeping. Eyes closed, your eyelashes lay like veils upon your cheeks, lips slightly parted, and regulated and calm pattern on breathing. 

             You look divine.

             And if people were to pass by, they would think Taehyung was in love.

             “(Y/N)?” A voice thick with an accent called, drawing only Taehyung’s attention as you passed out again. A blondie. 

             Another voice jumped in, sounding very excited. “It’s really you!” A brunette. 

             Japanese?

             “Ah, she’s drunk,” The brunette said.

             The first voice that had called you turned to Taehyung, giving a slight bow, “Oh, sorry,” she apologised. “Are you (Y/N)’s boyfriend…?”

             You mumbled something gibberish and clung even harder to Taehyung’s arm, going as far as burying and hiding your face. Probably protecting your face from the harsh and cold wind. 

             “…n – not my boyfriend… I have boyfriends – Mhmph…” You were mumbling in Japanese as if your brain picked up the surroundings but not really functioning accordingly. He heard you clearly albeit it might sound gibberish to the others.

             “Ming…yuuu,” you slurred.

             And Taehyung decided he had enough of your shit.

             His hands immediately found the back of your knees as he scooped you into his arms causing a yelp to escape your throat but despite the sudden force, you still didn’t come to your sense, mind was still heavy and clouded by the bottles of Soju you just had. 

             He made a mental note to not let you drink anymore.

             Anymore?

             Would there be a next time? Was he hoping for another dinner with just you?

             “I apologise but she’s really out of it today,” pardoning on your behalf, the foreign language was fluent on Taehyung’s tongue as he put on his gentleman mask. “Are you perhaps her friends?”

             “Yes,” she answered enthusiastically. “I’ve never seen (Y/N) this drunk!”

             For a fact, this brunette looked really fascinated by you.

             The elegant-looking blondie pulled back her thrilled friend by her shoulder, whispering something that made the brunette’s eyes widen like plates. She backed a few steps from you and Taehyung but still, a sweet smile plastered on her face.

             The blonde cleared her throat, “We do not wish to hold you back any longer,” she said with the greatest formality and politeness she could muster. It sounded extremely formal in the language they were conversing in: Japanese.

             “We’ll meet again, Investigator V,” she bowed slightly, her smile wore the softest smile, but Taehyung could never overlook the mischievousness that shone in her eyes that was quick to disappear as fast as it had appeared. The girls then walked past Taehyung and you, heading towards the opposite way of where he was planning to head.

             Once your friends were completely out of the radar, Taehyung looked down at your sleeping face and then up ahead. He stood there for a solid two minutes before his lips slowly tugged into a smirk. “So, I wasn’t wrong…”

             “They are the transferred investigators.” He mused to himself.

             Namjoon had mentioned that CCG will station a few of their investigators at KCCG. He didn’t expect to have met them informally like that, but he most definitely didn’t expect them to blow their cover like that. He was grateful for his sharp sense.

             “What a shocking information, (Y/N),” he muttered under his breath. “You’re friends with ghouls.” 

             CCG has no reason to station ghouls in KCCG.

All rights reserved © 2022 kthyg. Do not copy, translate, modify or repost without permission. Feedback is very much appreciated. It keeps me motivated! Send me an ask !!

[violivs]

NMTDaily: Hero and Ursula’s Transmedia Accounts Debut

- I don’t think I ever knew that Hero had a transmedia Instagram account. That’s new to me! I’m excited to see what else she posts on it throughout the series.

- I do remember Ursula’s tumblr but I don’t know if I ever scrolled back enough to see the photos in the most recent email before. It’s extremely cute that she includes links to follow “My Friend Hero”, “My Friend Bea”, and “My Friend Ben”. She’s a sweetheart. Ursula deserves the world and so much more appreciation.

- It’s also really interesting that she considers herself friends with Ben before the events of the series happen to combine the two halves of the friend group. It’s probably because she’s best friends with Balthazar and he’s the crossover friend who is close friends with both the girls’ group and the boys’ group. I think it’s very possible that Ben doesn’t fully realize that Ursula thinks of him as a friend and not just an acquaintance because she’s so quiet and it can be hard to know what she’s thinking. Now I’m really interested in what their friendship would be like. They probably wouldn’t hang out one on one, but they would enjoy each other and never quite know how to tell each other that. Which is definitely a type of high school friend experience people have that rings true to me. All from the tiny detail of her linking to his channel on her tumblr. I wonder if he links to her channel on his? I bet he does, I have to look out for that.

- Update: oh my god I just scrolled through Ursula’s tumblr and saw that she posted Ben’s first vlog and mentioned in the tags that she helped him edit it! He “tried to do everything himself” and almost managed it, apparently. That says to me that he was probably complaining about how hard editing was, and Ursula offered to help. And I checked, he thanked her in the video description on that vlog. Ben and Ursula canonically hang out and edit his first video just the two of them???? Excuse me, this changes so many things. I am now obsessed with the Ben and Ursula friendship. This is definitely, for Ben, an example of that thing where social anxiety makes you kind of selfish and unappreciative of the friends you do have, because you dislike yourself so much you never believe they really like you, and then you hold them at arm’s length and never realize that’s literally why you’re so lonely. Ben probably feels like he doesn’t know how to talk to Ursula because Ursula is so quiet, and I bet she can get overwhelmed by him, but also sees that his heart is in the right place. And this makes Ursula yet another friend who has doubtless hung out with Bea and Ben separately and heard them complain about each other, so of course she’s on Team Love Gods. She’s just so dear and eager to help her friends, I love Ursula.

- I am also still sad that Ben never had an in-world Tumblr account I could have followed. It’s not story-necessary, but I’d have liked it.

- I kept thinking the grass was bugs and getting scared, but I still like seeing Ursula’s nature photography. She’s definitely growing up to be a pro videographer/photographer/director/cinematographer or something.

- Ursula also posted a picture of a TARDIS cake she and Hero baked for Bea, which, first, why are there not more Hero and Ursula friendship fluff fics AND Hersula ship fics about them baking together? I love this. They are so cute and sweet.

- Does this cake post mean we have an approximate canonical birthday for Beatrice? Baking a cake for someone feels like a birthday thing. It was posted on March 30, so is Bea’s birthday March 30? This is huge, I don’t think we ever got anyone’s birthday except Hero’s elsewhere in the series! Unless the cake is a belated Welcome to Auckland cake? I haven’t rewatched Bea’s first video yet, I’m terrible, I know, so I don’t remember how long she’s been in town. They didn’t actually say it was her birthday, so it’s probably a Welcome cake. Oh well. Still sweet!

- Also, the tags say the cake is banana cake! So Beatrice already likes Ben’s favorite food, and she’s definitely a huge fan of Doctor Who even though she downplays that to avoid praising anything connected to Benedick. She’s so stubborn, I love her, and they are meant to be. This will not be the last detail indicating how much they have in common and see eye-to-eye. I love all of it.

- I also love that this isn’t the last themed cake to appear! I remember the dalek cake from the pizza party later in the series. Ursula and Hero were hobby bakers and shippers on deck from the start!

- The email with the cake post is titled “putting the Who in superwholock”, which is so incredibly 2014, and also makes me realize that the NMTD characters were really only WhoLocks, none of them were Supernatural fans that I remember. I just find that funny given what a behemoth it was and is on tumblr. I don’t blame them, it’s the one of the three I’ve seen the least of too, it’s just amusing. I actually don’t know if it ever even aired over there, to be fair.

- We also got Bea’s first tweet, in the email with her first video, but it’s pretty simple, nothing to dissect. We get some good tweets later on, though! I promise I’ll make a post about Bea’s first video before the next video email on Wednesday. I’ve decided I don’t have to post recaps day-of, I just want to do them eventually.

- MVP of the past few emails: Ursula! You go, Ursula. Jules 20genderchild is so right that you deserved a last name!!!!

💖🦩🥭

[dutchvanwinkle]

Mr Van der Linde Pt. 5 - Dutch x Reader

Hello again darlings! I hope those of you celebrating Easter / Ramadam / Passover are having a wonderful weekend, did you know this overlap only happens three times every century? How cool is that!! Whether you're observing a holiday or not, it's now time for us to all come together and fantasize about daddy Dutch :)

I would apologise for the wait between this chapter and the last, but I did say this fic would be relatively slow in updates. I wrote a good chuck of this chapter then decided I hated it, took some time away from it, came back, then realised it wasn't as bad as I'd made out in my head lol. It's a pretty fluffy one tbh, and even if it's not as long as the previous one I hope you still enjoy!

It's on ao3, too!

Summary: Your relationship with Dutch deepens when you spend more time with him after a stressful week.

Word count: 6,471

Content warnings: smut, mildly creepy dutch

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6 | PART 7 | PART 8 | PART 9 | PART 10

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

Despite everyone’s knowledge of the end of the academic year, not one of your group of friends took the responsibility of arranging the flat for you to all live in together for second year. So, once again, you and Karen were in the same one - with John, Abigail, Sean, and Javier across the hall in theirs. You didn’t mind much; you were all too deep in the habit of leaving your flats unlocked anyway so the others could wander in should they please. It was dumb, but you hadn’t been robbed yet and imagined that’s what it would take for you to change your ways. 

Abigail had made extra dinner and you were the first to claim the portion, skipping across the hall and ambling in with a grin on your face. The two of you ate and chatted with the TV filling the background noise. Karen had joined not long after, and the three of you found yourselves sprawled on the sofa, tired from a full day.  

Second year was noticeably harder, no more easing you into university life – the theory and assignments were tough. However, thanks to your hard work in the previous semester it wasn’t an impossible leap. It had been for some, Javier regularly coming around in an attempt to inconspicuously copy your coursework.  

Just as you were mentally preparing yourself for the next day, the last before the weekend, your phone buzzed. 

Naughty girl. 

Dutch. You cleared your throat, pausing a moment before opening his message. He hadn’t taken any liberties with his possession of your phone number, and your inbox had been decidedly empty since the last time you saw him. 

?? 

Was this the old-person way of flirting? Was it sexting? Hopefully, your response would allow room for clarification. 

I was just in my photo gallery. 

Oh. You smiled to yourself. Another message. 

I almost dropped my phone. 

Sorry, won’t happen again. 

It better happen again, miss. I’ve already made good use of it, and now I’m in need of more. 

Good god, the thought of him pleasuring himself to a photo of you brought heat all over your neck. “I’m just gonna use your bathroom,” you stood up to excuse yourself, getting no response from your friends. 

Once inside, you looked around, knowing full well it was empty and quickly flicked the lock on the door, before pulling your top over your head. Glancing over your reflection in the mirror, you tried to figure out the best angle that’d reveal enough but not too much. 

Eventually, you got an angle you were happy with, only your jaw in view and your tits on full display. You cropped the photo (including your bottom half was a bit too much, right now at least) when his name appeared in your notification bar again. 

Too far? 

Bless him, he could see you’d read his message but left him without a response for ten minutes. Without giving yourself time to chicken out, you sent the picture to him. 

Sorry, I was distracted. 

He read it instantly, and it took a full minute before you could see he was typing. Then the dots disappeared. Then reappeared. Then disappeared again. You smiled to yourself, pulling your top over your head and flushing the toilet for good measure, before venturing back out and returning to the sofa. Dutch finally decided on what to say once you’d made yourself comfy. 

Come see me this weekend. 

If only. A weekend being fucked repeatedly was just what you needed, exhaustion already settling into your mind thanks to your busy schedule being back in action. Unfortunately, said schedule was exactly why you couldn’t. 

Can’t, sorry. I’m working tomorrow and Saturday. 

Fuck work. I’ll pay you. 

“What are you smiling at?” 

You glanced up, Karen looking at you inquisitively, Abigail taking her attention off the TV in turn to see what the fuss was. 

“Nothing?” you said casually. 

“You’ve been grinning at that phone of yours for five minutes.” 

“I have not been grinning.”  

She raised a brow, the look on her face turning to intrigue. 

“Please tell me it’s a guy. Or a girl. Or anything with a pulse,” Abigail pleaded, and you tutted while Karen cackled. 

“I’ve told you I don’t have time for that crap! Besides, I’m perfectly fine as I am,” you said defensively, folding your arms and ignoring the buzz of a message on your phone. 

“We all need a good screw now and again,” Karen said plainly, Abigail nodding in agreement. 

Don’t we just. “Oh, and Maquire is providing that service well enough for you, is he?” 

She shot you a glare, and as she was about to retort the main door opened, the man himself trailed by Javier and John. 

“Yeah, alright,” John said, his phone held up against his ear while he set the bag of shopping on the counter. 

“Hello ladies,” Javier greeted you all, beginning to put away their communal shop which was pathetically void of nutrients and taken up mostly by cans of beer. 

Sean pulled off his boots, hopping a little before it gave and sighing proudly when it did. “Any of you want a drink?” 

You shook your head, as did Abigail, but Karen held her hand out. 

“Ah, that’s why I love ya,” he grinned, handing a can out to Karen who scoffed in disgust before snatching it from him. 

“Okay, fine, yeah. I can do that. See you later,” John said, hanging up his call and letting his phone drop into his pocket. 

“Everything okay?” Abigail asked while John played tetris stacking the beers in the fridge. 

“Yeah, just my dad. He’s coming down this weekend.” 

That got your attention. Surely not - 

“Says Tilly’s been angling to see the city. He was just checking I was free to spend time with them.” 

“Aw,” Abigail sat up, “will we get to see them?” 

John shrugged, and your phone buzzed again. 

I’m serious. read Dutch’s previous message to you, followed by his most recent one: Looking forward to seeing you. 

You neglected to respond just yet, not wanting to draw any more attention to yourself. That man worked fast.  

“Where are you gonna take them?” 

“God knows. Knowing Dad,” John sat down beside Abigail, “he’ll have already drafted up a full itinerary.” 

You smirked at the thought, a warmth growing in your chest. 

- 

Dutch was fond of John’s friends. They were a decent bunch, and he’d been glad to see their familiar faces when he and Tilly arrived in the city the next morning, dropping their bags at the hotel before coming to visit John’s flat. He reminded himself repeatedly not to comment on the lack of cleanliness students seemed to thrive in. 

It was nice to see John, along with Javier who he’d watched grow up with his son. Abigail was extra friendly, and thanks to a little birdie he understood why. She was a nice girl. They were all nice. But the one he wanted to see the most was unfortunately yet to descend on the flat despite John’s assurance that everyone swings round all the time.  

“I’m going out for a cigarette,” Dutch announced, departing the flat and being met with the doorway to yours opposite him. He tried his luck, finding it unlocked, and mentally chastised you for being careless. He wasn’t sure which room was yours, though he thought it a good enough excuse to have wandered into the wrong flat should anyone ask. Two of the doors were ajar, and after a peek, he found them empty. The flat was quiet, and he decided there was no harm in trying the closed ones. He knocked on the next door, getting no response and so pushing it open. 

Dutch smiled to himself as the air entered his nose; it smelled just like you.  

Thanks to the strange layout, he could see the end of your bed and a slight bump under the duvet where your feet lay. “Tut tut,” he hummed as he took a couple of steps in, “you really should keep it locked – oh.” 

His brows pulled together as his voice died in his mouth at the sight of you fast asleep and bundled up in your bed, completely flat out. He debated waking you but was distracted by seeing the inside of your room for the first time. A little nosy never hurt anybody.  

Hands in his pockets, he observed the pictures up on your wall and smiled fondly at the ones including his drunken son. Then, he glanced over the perfume bottles lined up near your small desk mirror, then to the books and paper laid out beside your laptop accompanied by an empty mug from the previous day. It was then that he turned his attention back to you, hair ruffled with one arm out of the covers. 

Dutch sat on the edge of your bed and brushed a strand of hair from your peaceful face. It was enough to make you stir, and you cranked your eyes open. He smirked as he observed your expression, going from alarmed to relaxed when you realised it was him, then back to alarmed when you realised it was him.  

“You really should lock your flat, and your door,” he greeted. 

You rubbed your eyes, wondering if the man had come to visit you in a dream though it felt undeniably real as you remembered your conversation with John the previous day.  “Or perhaps,” you said around a yawn, “strange men shouldn’t let themselves in and sit on my bed.” 

“Strange men?” Dutch looked mildly offended. “I’d hate to know what you do with familiar men.” 

“Very funny,” you grumbled, pulling the covers up to your neck. “What time is it?” 

“Ten thirty. I didn’t think you were one to sleep in late.” His hand rested on your lower leg, and the added pressure was soothing and lessened your motivation further for starting your day. 

“I’m not. But I’ve got a long day today, so I’m treating myself,” you shut your eyes and felt Dutch shift his weight on the bed. You felt his warmth over you before you felt the kiss he pressed to your cheek, and you couldn’t help but smile at the sweetness of it. It awoke other unsavoury sensations that you usually repressed in the morning. 

It was as though he sensed it, brushing his hand up your leg and moving to kiss your jaw, an added tenderness compared to its predecessor. You sighed contently, the comfort of Dutch’s soft chuckle reaching your ears. There was no option but to give in, your eyes fluttering open as you shifted onto your back, allowing Dutch to manoeuvre himself on top of you. His face filled with pride, but when he moved in to kiss you, you put your hand up as a barricade.  

“I haven’t brushed my teeth,” you explained, and he huffed a laugh. 

“I could care less. But, if you insist,” his hand travelled further up the path of your body, cupping your breast as his lips tended to your neck instead, which you bared for him gladly. 

“Was it really worth coming all this way?” you asked, lazily watching him trail his lips around your skin. 

“Of course,” he said, hardly breaking his path, “need I remind you of my lack of interest in desiring a thing. I prefer -” 

“- to have it, right.” Dutch smiled up at you, and the tardy realisation hit you that you were now finishing his sentences. “How was the drive up?” you asked quickly, hoping to alleviate any teasing forming in his mind. 

“Just swell,” he answered, trailing his hand underneath your pyjama top to knead your breasts. His fingers moved gently in circles, testing your tenderness as they neared your nipple and lightly tweaking the now erect buds. Then his mouth came down over the fabric, and he sucked one into his mouth, leaving a wet patch behind that he eyed fondly once he was done. 

“You know,” you set up on your elbows, craning your neck to look at the door, “I really should lock my door. Just in case.” 

Dutch placed his palm on your chest, applying pressure until you lay back down. “No no, you want to leave it unlocked, then you leave it unlocked.” 

“I’m serious,” you attempted to sit up again but damn he was strong, “John lets himself in all the time.” 

“Does he,” Dutch hummed, moving his head down to suck your nipple in again and released, “I ought to teach the boy some manners.” 

“Dutch, it’s not funny. Let me lock the -” 

As you tried to sit up Dutch applied his full weight onto you and mouthed at your neck while all the air was knocked from your lungs. Strong and heavy. It would be a comfort if you could only breathe, and grumbled incoherently at your body’s response to being trapped by him despite the danger of the situation.  

“Now,” Dutch cooed, lifting his head and running his thumb along your chin, “don’t you worry. I’ve been fit to burst since you sent me those pictures.” 

“I thought you -” 

“I did, but it’s not the same.” With that, he eased off slightly as you gradually accepted this was a risk you’d just have to take, and wrapped his hand around your inner thigh to shift your legs apart. “Huh, looks like I’m not the only one.” 

You frowned down to observe what he was looking at and were met with the moist material of your pyjama shorts. “Goddamnit.” 

Dutch chuckled while he trailed his fingers up and down your mound, and it wasn’t long before you were grinding up in time with his movements. He always seemed to know the exact pressure and pace you wanted, and often reigned it back some so as to keep you frustrated. You were about to ask him to get on with it, considering the risk and limited time you had before your day started, when he removed his hand to undo his jeans and pull out his frustrated-looking cock. The man didn’t even look at you, nor give you any warning, before moving your shorts to the side and sliding right in. And curse your body once again, allowing him the smoothest of passages. 

A sigh of relief left him, the sort one would make when sinking into a hot bath. He stayed there a moment, nosing at your neck and brushing his palm down your flank to your shorts, the fabric of which he bunched up in his hand. At least you weren’t wearing any underwear he would inevitably steal. 

“How could this not be worth the journey,” he mused, and you realised he was in fact talking to himself. Still, you sighed out a laugh. 

Dutch moved his torso off yours, straightening up to grab your outer thighs in each hand. His grip was tight, bruising almost, and he held you right where he wanted you as he pulled out and began thrusting in a slow, deep rhythm. His head tipped back, and you stayed watching him, the euphoric pleasure seeping over his face enough to keep you lubricated down below. It truly was nice to know you were the cause of such a response. Well, your body, at least. 

“Now,” his heavy gaze met yours, and he leaned forward to plant one hand on your headboard and left the other gripping your hip, “let’s get to it, shall we?” 

There was no room to answer before he deepened his thrusts, his thick cock thoroughly filling you. He was perfectly anchored to the bed and you, and being leant forward slightly enabled him to brush over the plush, pulsating spot inside you repeatedly. Swiftly building up your impending orgasm, you thanked your accommodation for not giving you squeaky beds despite their questionable quality.   

Dutch’s grunts sounded at the same time as his thrusts, his lips pressed together to limit any other noise and you did the same, quiet gasps leaving you on occasion. “You gonna come for me, pretty girl?” he asked through a laboured breath. 

“Mhm,” you answered and wrapped your legs around him, pulling him further in and it was the last bit of motivation he needed to fuck you into your mattress until silently you came, back arching and hands gripping the duvet beneath. Dutch continued to fuck into you while your orgasm ebbed away, and you bore through the over-stimulation until he pressed his hips as far forward as he could, filling you up as you felt his cock twitch inside you.  

Your breath evened out while he dropped his head forward to run a hand through his hair. “My memory did not do you justice.” 

“That right?” you tilted your head in amusement and he hummed his agreement while slowly pulling out and doing a poor job of catching his spend. Guess you’d be changing your sheets today.  

“Mind if I use your bathroom?” he asked and you gestured to the door to your ensuite in agreement. While he was there, you pulled some wipes out from your side table and cleaned yourself up. 

“What have you got planned for today?” you asked as he ventured back in, doing up the fasten of his belt. 

“Probably get some food, walk around and see what we can find,” he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, gesturing to your fire alarm that was tactically covered by a sock. “You really are a naughty girl.” 

You snorted a laugh and sat up, while he leaned on your desk and cracked your window open to blow the smoke out. “Are they not going to wonder where you are now?” 

“I told them I was going for a cigarette.” 

“Huh, smart.” 

He raised his brows in agreement as he took another drag. “What time are you working until today?” 

“Late,” you shrugged. “I’m on until close.” 

Dutch tutted. “Well, my hotel isn’t far from your work, so you may as well stay with me. I’ll wait up.” 

“I don’t recall telling you where I worked.” 

He smirked, tapping the ash out the window. “You didn’t.” 

“Then how -” 

“I have my ways. I can be rather resourceful when I want to be.” 

“No shit,” you scoffed, ignoring the slight creepiness of him having that knowledge. “But no, thank you, I’ll be too tired.” 

“The hotel bed is very comfortable.” 

“I said no. Besides, you have Tilly with you,” you said, Dutch shifting his position to be half-seated on your desk. 

“She has her own room.” After a final drag, he stubbed out his cigarette and flicked it out your window. He walked over and sat on your bed again, taking your hand in his. “Just consider it?” 

“Fine,” you acquiesced, “I will see how I feel after my shift.” 

“That’s my girl,” he said, a pleased smile forming on his face and moved in to kiss your cheek before standing. “Be sure to say bye before you head off.” 

“Whatever you say,” you rolled your eyes, and with that, he departed, and the urge to shower became urgent. 

You had ten minutes to spare after getting washed and dressed, and couldn’t find anything to busy yourself with so you ended up visiting John’s flat after all. Your friends were all there when you entered, Tilly offered you a hug, and Mr Van der Linde greeted you casually when you entered the flat, like he hadn’t been pounding into you less than an hour ago. 

“Here she is,” John smiled, “you feeling better?” 

Dutch’s expression hardened so fast you could feel it, and you grumbled internally at John once again unintentionally putting his foot in it. “Yeah, fine,” you said quickly, “just needed some sleep.” 

“Perhaps you should skip some lectures and catch up some more,” John teased. 

“You’re actually going?” Javier scoffed from the sofa, taking his attention away from Tilly’s phone where she appeared to be showing him a video. 

“You know I have to,” you deflected, walking over to sit on the arm of the sofa beside him. 

“Eighty percent, you can stand to miss a few.” 

With a playful tilt of your head, you raised your brows accusingly. “Not worth getting into the habit.” 

“Get me a copy of the notes?” he asked sweetly, smiling up at you and taking your hand in his to place a kiss on the back of it. As always, you could never resist, nodding your understanding with a smirk. “Ah, Mr Van der Linde -” Javier’s expression dropped as he look at the man in question, “don’t tell my pa, okay?” 

Before he could respond, Sean decided to get a word in. “My da doesn’t mind me not going, says it’s better I don’t get my head filled by those pompous academic types. N-no offence, Mr Van der Linde,” he held his arms up placatingly. 

“Now, why would I be offended by that?” he asked, genuinely, though Sean visibly began to sweat. 

“No reason! No reason at all -” 

“And on that note,” you cleared your throat, deciding to save Sean before he inevitably fell further into his self-made hole. “I should get going. Nice to see you both again,” you said, mainly to Tilly, and hoped Dutch’s devious expression in response wasn’t as noticeable to anyone else. 

- 

If another person asked you to make a cocktail, you’d scream. It’s a Friday, do these people not know how filled to the brim with students this place was? You weren’t even sure why you offered cocktails at this stupid hour; everyone was too inebriated to even appreciate it, and who needs to spend extra on a drink when they’re out to get as plastered as they can, anyway? Just order a shot and be done with it - 

“Whiskey old-fashioned, please.” 

You turned, half-ready to lose your job for punching a patron and were met with a smiling Dutch on the other side of the bar. 

“Seriously?” you gestured around yourself, both as to why he’d ordered that and why he was there in the first place. 

“Why not?” 

“It’s busy,” you grumbled, making an exasperated show of preparing the glass. 

“Fine,” he chuckled, “just a double on ice will do.” 

You offered him a grateful smile, scooping a few ice cubes out of the tray.  

“Do you always speak to customers that way?” 

“Only the annoying ones,” you shrugged. 

“I’m in half a mind to tell your manager,” he raised his brows, leaning on the bar in a way that enhanced his arms as his burgundy shirt stretched around them. 

“Do that and I’ll ask you for ID. You forget I also have the power to withhold... other things,” you slid the drink over to him, and as you were about to announce the total, he handed you a twenty. “It doesn’t cost that much.” 

“It’s a tip.” 

“No,” you lamented, refusing to be his charity case, “it all goes in a pot anyway.” 

“Consider it an apology for my being a difficult customer,” he answered immediately. “And as a sweetener, so you don’t withhold your oh so generous offerings.” 

You tutted and placed the change to sit stubbornly in front of him on the bar. “I -” your attention was pulled to someone new coming up to the bar, “hold on a second.” 

After pouring out two vodka cokes for them, you returned to Dutch. “Where’s John and Tilly?” 

“John’s back at his flat, I think, and Tilly’s sleeping at the hotel,” he sipped at his drink, and you smirked as he tried to hide that this whiskey was not as fancy as his palate was used to.  

“Will Tilly be alright on her own?” you asked. 

“Of course. I plan to return soon anyway; I just need to pick something up first.” 

“What do you need to – oh,” you realised what – or rather who – he was referring to. “I haven’t agreed to come back with you. Besides, I’m still working.” 

“When do you usually finish?” 

“When everyone leaves,” you narrowed your gaze at him accusingly. 

“Ah,” he hummed in amusement. “It appears to be quietening down.” 

He was right. The crowd was certainly beginning to thin out, and you hoped that in true student fashion, they would all leave to go somewhere busier once they noticed. “I still haven’t agreed.” 

Dutch’s response was the inching of his fingers closing to yours, brushing them over your own secretively. “I would really like you to.” 

“I’m really, really tired, Dutch.” 

“That’s fine, you can go straight to sleep,” at the raise of your brows, he continued with a smile that inched on his face, “I mean it.” 

“I could be a while,” you excused yourself further. 

He finished the last of his drink, pausing a beat before finishing it. “Just text me when you’re done. Otherwise, I’ll stay here until everyone else has left.” 

“Okay, alright,” you rubbed your brow, supposing it couldn’t be too bad if you did just go there to sleep. By now, your trust in him had grown to the point where you believed he would’ve put all the measures in place to ensure the two of you weren’t caught. “I’ll text you.” 

“Good,” he said, pleased, and stood. “I’ll be going now, then.” 

“You mean you don’t want another one of those?” you pointed to his empty glass. 

He gave you an almost weary look, and a laugh slipped from you. 

“I’m only kidding.” 

He shook his head, and for the briefest of moments your heart skipped as you saw his rare, genuine smile. 

“See you later,” you concluded the conversation. 

Dutch folded his jacket over the arm and offered you a secretive wink. “I look forward to it.” 

- 

It was another hour before the bar closed, and you swiftly grabbed your bag from the back room, pulling your phone out to message Dutch at the earliest opportunity. 

You opted for waiting outside, a small way down the street in case any of your colleagues caught you swanning off with an older man who’d visited the bar. He didn’t leave you waiting for long. 

“That was sooner than I expected,” he greeted you, and on the short walk to the hotel, you answered his questions about how your shift went. 

“This is an expensive hotel,” you slowed on the approach, and Dutch rested his hand comfortably on your lower back. Somehow, you always seemed to forget just how rich he was. 

“You think they won’t let you in?” he teased, and you nodded genuinely. “Relax, darling.” 

That worked. Your body softened involuntarily, and walking in with him felt natural, easy. What you’d expected otherwise you weren’t sure, still hyper-aware of how you must look to a passer-by at this moment. Or perhaps they didn’t care. Dutch certainly didn’t. 

The two of you took the lift, walking down the well-decorated hallway until Dutch stopped and swiped his card on a door. You let out a breath once inside, kicking off your shoes and sitting on the edge of the bed without a second thought.  

“You and Javier seem to have an interesting relationship,” he commented, untying his shiny black shoes and placing them neatly by the door. 

“What do you mean by that?” you asked defensively. 

Dutch shrugged casually, clearly a façade. “You seem close. I wondered if there was anything there.” 

You scowled at him, too tired for this line of questioning. “Obviously not -” you paused, remembering yourself despite your newfound anger. “Well, we might’ve had a drunken kiss on our first week, but it didn’t progress beyond that.” 

“Hm. I thought as much.” 

“What is wrong with you?” you said sharply, “why would you ask that?” 

“I was only curious,” he held his hands up before unbuttoning his shirt. “I didn’t realise it was a crime to ask.” 

“It’s not. You’ve no right to be jealous.” 

“Who said I was?” he asked, leaning into a chuckle and it only aggravated you even more. 

You huffed out some of your anger. “It’s pretty obvious. I’m not stupid. And you’re not as good at hiding things as you think.” 

His face altered from unbothered to mildly entertained. “I don’t see why you’re getting so defensive. It was only a question.” 

Your mouth opened to let a retort pass through, but none came. The fucker wasn’t wrong, he had only asked. In your exhausted state, you questioned whether you’d read too much into it, and frowned at the ground while rubbing the stress from your brow. Keeping so much contained was a problem in times like this, when emotions escaped out into the world. “I don’t - I just -” you began, feeling yourself getting worked up. 

“Okay, alright, darling. Come here,” Dutch sat beside you, opening his arms and you tucked yourself into the warm embrace. 

“Sorry,” you sighed quietly, “this is why I didn’t want to come. I get grouchy when I’m tired.” 

“I can tell,” he teased, but the kiss placed on the crown of your head balanced it out. “You’ve been sick, John said?” 

“Not sick. Just tired this week, that’s all.” 

Dutch paused, tightening his arms around you. “It doesn’t look like you’re going to have any time to rest in the near future.” 

“I’ll take a weekend off work at something,” you mumbled, almost on autopilot as it wasn’t the first time you’d been berated for being too much of a try-hard. 

“Why do I get the impression you’re lying?” he asked gently, and your responding laugh was mirthless. “I like most things about you, except this.” 

“Except what?” you asked, resting your head on his shoulder to catch his eyes. 

“This incessant need you have to work yourself to fatigue. It’s unhealthy.” 

“It’s temporary,” you insisted. 

“If you would only let me -” 

“Don’t you dare offer me money again.” That was a place you’d never go to, a sense of pride far too strong to accept his help. You could do it. You just... need to complain occasionally. And maybe have someone that could help alleviate the stress using tried and true methods. “Wait, you said most. What else don’t you like about me?” 

He paused, as though he hadn’t expected that question. “I suppose how little time I get to spend with you.” 

“That’s a cop-out.” 

Dutch laughed, releasing you from his embrace and standing to continue getting undressed. A feeling resembling awe settled in your body at how proudly he stood, in only his underwear, while finding a pair of joggers to wear for bed. He hooked his thumbs into the band of his pants but paused, slyly looking over his shoulder at you. You swiftly averted your gaze. 

“You’re allowed to look, I don’t mind,” he said with amusement, and you only looked back once you’d heard his underwear come off and joggers come on. You were far too tired to go another round, but you feared your body would decide otherwise if you caught a glance of him fully nude. “Here,” he passed a plain t-shirt to you, “I suspect you don’t have anything to wear.” After you took it, his face fell slightly. “Not that I mind you sleeping with nothing on.” 

You rolled your eyes at his teasing, for whatever reason wanting to get dressed where he couldn’t see. “Does the hotel have spare toothbrushes?” 

“Sure, in the bathroom,” he pulled back the cover of the bed and got in, clasping his hands over his stomach. “Help yourself to whatever.” 

You did, brushing your teeth, washing your face, and changing into Dutch’s t-shirt. It was clean, but it still held his underlying scent. He was in the same position when you re-entered the bedroom and lifted the covers for you to get in. “Thanks,” you said, laying down and marvelling at how soft the bed was, a yawn escaping thanks to your newfound comfort. 

Dutch reached over and flicked the switches above the side table, turning off all the lights except the lamp next to him. Then, he brushed the back of his knuckle tenderly over your temple, and it took all you had to fight an immediate descent into sleep. You took the opportunity to shuffle closer to him, and he extended his arm so you could lay on his chest while he was propped up a little against the headboard. “Get some sleep, now,” he said, his voice a quiet rumble in the low light of the room. 

As you melted into him some more, the bare skin of his chest warm and soothing, he put on his glasses from the bedside table and picked up his book. “Aren’t you sleeping?” 

“I’ll sleep better if I read a little first. Don’t mind me, though.” 

“Okay.” You pecked his lips, and once you were re-settled on his chest sleep came easier than ever. 

- 

The gentle motion of fingertips slowly grazing the middle of your back was the first sensation to greet you upon awakening, and you blinked your eyes open to the hazy filter of morning sun through the window. You were nestled comfortably into Dutch, still using his chest as a pillow and glanced up, finding the man himself in somewhat of a daydream as he looked out the window. He noticed the small movement, though, and offered you a warm smile. “Morning.” 

“Morning,” you half-yawned, stubbornly closing your eyes to nestle further into his chest. How he was more comfortable than the bed itself you weren’t sure. 

“Sleep well?” he asked. 

“Like a log. You?” 

“Just fine. You’re nice to wake up to.” He placed his palm flat on your back, holding you to him. 

“You aren’t so bad yourself. What time are you seeing John today?” 

“I think we’re going for a late breakfast; I suppose whenever he’s ready. We have a bit of time, if you want anything brought up to the room?” 

“No, no, I’m okay. Thanks though. Actually,” you shifted up onto your elbow, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and internally deciding you preferred Dutch’s hair in the morning, a little messy from the night. “I wouldn’t mind using that shower.” 

“Be my guest,” he said politely. It was nice to lay like this with him, you’d expected him to have his hands all over you as soon as you’d awoken, though perhaps he was tired. If anything, he was more reserved than usual, and you hoped he wasn’t beginning to have second thoughts. You knew better than to question him first thing in the morning and moved to a seated position before swinging your legs off the bed.  

“Appreciate it.” You picked your clothes up from their crumpled heap on the floor and carried them into the bathroom with you before having the most glorious shower you’d had in some time.  

Checking your phone once you were finished, you realised you’d been in the bathroom for a full thirty minutes. Whoops. 

“Sorry,” you said as soon as you opened the door, Dutch seated on the bed, now dressed and rolling up his sleeves. “That shower was a little too nice.” 

The smile Dutch offered you was warmer, more awake, and more like himself than he had been previously. “Good,” he offered out his hand which you promptly took and pulled you towards him to stand between his legs, and he wrapped his arms around your lower back. “I’d say you’ve earned it.” 

You chuckled easily, glad to find out nothing was wrong, and he simply hadn’t woken up yet.  

“What time are you working?” he asked, while you ran a hand through his hair and settled it on his shoulder. 

“Early afternoon. I’m off tomorrow, but I’ve got work to do – what time are you leaving?” 

“About midday. Don’t worry about it,” he placed a kiss on your sternum, “I’d prefer it if you rested instead.” 

“I’ll try,” you nodded with a snort. 

“I would like,” he stood up, holding your hands in his, “to see you more frequently, if possible.” 

“I’d like that,” you looked up at him, and the deal was sealed with a kiss. “I’m not sure exactly when, but -” 

“We’ll work something out. I have your number,” he said conspiratorially, an alluring half-smile making him even more irresistible than he already was. “But I fear Tilly will be up soon, I don’t want her catching you on the way out.” 

“Good call,” you agreed, breaking out of the embrace to pick up your bag and double-check you hadn’t forgotten anything. “Have a good weekend.” 

“We will,” he pulled you in for a kiss, one that was tender and slow and left you a little breathless once you’d parted your lips from his. “Thanks for coming to stay with me.” 

“I’ve got to do my part for the community,” you shrugged, and his face dropped into playful annoyance. 

“Oh, that’s how it is?” 

You laughed, edging towards the door though he managed to pat your ass in reprimand before you were out of reach. “I might add this to my volunteering work on my CV, come to think of it.” 

Dutch laughed heartily, pressing his tongue into his cheek and shaking his head. “You truly can be a wicked woman.” 

With a proud, final smile, you stepped forward for a kiss goodbye then opened the door, checking the coast was clear before stepping out. At the risk of Tilly hearing you, you offered Dutch a simple nod before departing, which he returned. 

It wasn’t a short walk back to your accommodation, but it wasn’t long, either. The weather was good, and you were thankful it’d been nice for Dutch and Tilly’s visit up. It wasn’t lost on you that there was a slight spring in your step, every meeting with Dutch making your heart feel that extra bit lighter, and life feel an extra bit more accommodating. After last time, you’d attributed it to the sex, to the rush and release that was a rarity in your everyday. But perhaps it was him, and while this newfound feeling was a nice one to experience, the low hum of guilt and the prospect of where this avenue of exploration would lead you left a slightly bitter taste in your mouth.  

There was a possibility that Dutch’s philosophical suggestions were imprinting on you, but you actively decided not to dwell on the many possibilities and instead focus on that, for now, you had something that made your chest grow warm and your breath seep from your lungs. Perhaps this was what you were missing, a way to dispel your worries and fears even for a short while. And perhaps, on some level, this was something you deserved. 

[cocrante]

I Start Over With You

[SOLANGELO FANFIC]

summary: After the great battle against the forces of Gaea, Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter had formed a long-lasting alliance. Everything had gone well, and everyone was ready to start anew. This included Nico, who, after confessing his feelings to Percy, was prepared to open a new chapter in his life—perhaps the happiest one the Fates had ever written.

note: the chapters will be updated every Wednesday. If you want to read upcoming chapters of the fanfiction in advance, I invite you to follow me on Patreon. Subscribing is not necessary, these chapters will be added for free on the platform on Mondays and Fridays. Following me there is just a kind and free gesture to support my work c:

Reblogs are highly appreciated c:

[CHAPTER 17]

AFTER THAT NIGHT, SEVERAL MONTHS HAD ALREADY PASSED, and the first trimester was now coming to end. Nico spoke with Will again, and there were no shortage of awkward silences and fleeting glances. The son of Apollo had not yet told him anything about his upcoming arrival at camp, he thought it would be a nice surprise if he told him two days before departure.

Hazel would occasionally visit him, correcting his lengthy Latin versions. In a short amount of time, he had also managed to learn that language, although he still couldn't pronounce it as well as his classmates.

He hadn't made friends with anyone in particular yet, but at least his classmates had stopped pointing him out. Nico thought they had given up and would therefore tolerate him for the rest of the year.

The assignments went fairly well—he was quite satisfied with his performance, although the first month had been really difficult and the second practically impossible. Soon, all the subjects began to overlap, causing only great confusion in the demigod's head.

November seemed to suddenly accelerate with all those assignments and tests. Fortunately, to sweeten the deal, there were those brief and intense late-night chats with Will, who told him about his life in Texas, his singing course which was going very well, and how the professor was very pleased. He told him that before the winter holidays, they would hold a sort of concert in the school auditorium, Nico would have liked to see him. "Speaking of this winter" Will interrupted, drawing Nico's attention to himself. "I was thinking of spending the holidays at camp" he said, hinting at a smile, hoping for a positive reaction from Nico.

Nico stared at him, slightly parting his lips. "Oh" his eyes sparkled. "I have to take care of my cabin, I mean, I'm still the head counselor" he quickly added, as if that were the real reason. The boy on the other side of the steamy, lit window nodded. "So, I'll have you on my hands even in the winter. How lovely" Nico commented ironically, theatrically raising his eyes to the sky. "Hey! You should be happy!" Will played along. "After all, I bring you the Sun, I bring myself, on the darkest and coldest days of the year" he said, unable to contain his laughter.

"As if" Nico muttered.

"Okay! I'm offended now" he exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest and putting on an adorable and comical pout.

"Oh come on! I was just kidding" Nico apologized.

"So was I" Will replied, abandoning the pout for a smile.

"What? But I was almost feeling guilty!"

"Just almost?" he asked, barely holding back a laugh.

"Let's say a little" Nico sighed, shrugging. "I'm glad you're coming, really" he added after, not letting go of his blue eyes.

"Me too" Will whispered, lowering his gaze slightly.

They continued their conversation for a while longer before someone knocked on Will's door, reminding him to go to sleep. Both of their cheeks turned crimson. Nico had never met or seen a photo of Will's mother. She was a beautiful woman, possessing the same sunny and contagious smile as her son, and Nico was almost certain that the Sun God had fallen in love primarily for that, rather than her music.

"Yes, I'll go now" Will replied embarrassedly.

"Hello, Mrs. Solace" Nico greeted, just to make Will blush even more.

"Yes—" the boy muttered. "Mom, this is Nico, and Nico, this is my mom" he quickly mumbled, wanting to get out of that situation. Parents were just naturally embarrassing. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you" the woman exclaimed. "Will can't stop talking about you" she said, making Will only more nervous. "Really?" Nico replied smoothly, unable to help but shoot a playful glance at Will. "Okay, well" Will interrupted before his mother said anything more. "How about you go now, mom?" he suggested.

"Don't stay up too late" Naomi laughed, saying goodbye to Nico and giving her son a caress, making him even more uncomfortable.

"And so—" Nico began after the door to the room was closed. "You talk about me to your mother"

Will sighed, hoping the blush had gone away. "I mentioned you only once" he muttered, trying not to make a big deal out of it. "She's the one who always overreacts" he huffed.

"She's cool" Nico attempted to smile, reflexively lowering his gaze to his fingers, which habitually played with that skull-shaped ring.

Will remained silent for a while, nodding in agreement with the boy's words. "Yeah, she is" he agreed, smiling back, letting a veil of silence fall between them.

"Well" Nico cleared his throat. "I think maybe we should listen to your mom and go to sleep" he said, getting a nod of agreement from Will.

"Yeah, I think it's time" he agreed.

"Goodnight" the son of Hades bid.

"Goodnight!" he replied, locking eyes one last time before they each passed their hands over the steamy window, which if it weren't made of steam, they would have touched.

Nico let himself fall onto the mattress, silently staring—his mind emptied of every thought—at the ceiling illuminated by the lights of the Roman city. There was an unreal silence enveloping the night. Slowly, thoughts began to take shape in his head. He should have been ecstatic because Will would be arriving at Camp Half-Blood in two days, yet doubts and insecurities prevailed.

Nico no longer thought about that conversation with Jason or Hazel; he had always put off that famous talk in front of the mirror where he would prepare a nice monologue explaining to Will that he liked him. He kept saying he would think about it later, and now the deadline had arrived. The more he thought about it, the more his stomach churned.

The next morning, he woke up relatively late; the boy had spent half the night trying out a speech, which turned out to be too long and verbose. He decided he would improvise on the spot.

He quickly got ready, rushing out of the apartment to head to school. When he arrived, he was practically out of breath. His class—usually empty before his arrival—was already full of students waiting for the bell. As soon as he opened the door to enter and make his way to his desk, he couldn't help but notice the glances from his classmates who had hoped for his first absence. Nico could only smile, satisfied with disappointing their expectations again.

The morning at school passed very quickly; the teachers slowed down their explanations in anticipation of the winter holidays, assigning some tasks to be done during those weeks of break.

The afternoon also passed by quickly. As soon as he returned to the apartment, he started packing, so that everything would be ready for the next day. He also did a couple of assignments; he didn't want to bring the books to Camp Half-Blood.

At the end, he sighed, closing the book and leaving it on the desk to gather dust until his next return, throwing himself on the bed, longing only to sleep, and indeed, as soon as he closed his eyes, he sank into a deep slumber.

He slept for a long time, as he only did when he made too many trips in the shadows, waking up with the first cold lights of dawn, which slowly pinched the icy ground of New Rome. He had all the time he wanted that morning; he could have a decent breakfast without the rush or anxiety of being at school on time. He went to the kitchen still in his pajamas, hair sticking up straight. He prepared something quick and warm. Since he had been living there, he had learned to cook something other than eggs.

After a long time, he ate at the table, relaxing and taking all the time to wake up and finally enjoy a morning where the routine didn't rule. He went around eight to prepare and check, before leaving, if he had put everything inside; he only noticed then that he had left the box in the drawer.

He pursed his lips at the sight of it, then picked it up and went to open it on the bed. He couldn't stand December.

He picked up the lead figurine, which his sister had found years ago in that landfill. Everyone knew how Nico's sister had died, but only two knew why, and it was that figurine that was responsible for everything. Yet, even though he couldn't stand the sight of it, he couldn't get rid of it. He stayed there for a while, staring at it, glancing at the rest of the contents. He hadn't had the strength or courage to burn all his figurines, especially the special and rare ones. It had been a while since he played with them; who knows if he was still capable.

He sighed, quickly wiping a cheek, putting the figurine back in the box and putting it in the suitcase with everything else. December always brought back the same memories.

He left the apartment, turning the key for the last time before going to camp and saying goodbye to his friends and sister.

Both the streets of New Rome and the training camp were decorated to celebrate the Saturnalia event. They had already begun a few days ago, and people were visiting friends to exchange gifts as tradition dictated. Even the Temple of Pluto was adorned with gifts and decorations, complete with baskets full of offerings.

At the Roman camp, the demigods had stopped training to celebrate the festival; they had also become kinder to the fauns who were begging around.

As he entered the camp, the son of Hades was warmly welcomed by his sister, who had been waiting for him since that morning, along with Frank and Reyna - who had joined them later. "It's a shame you have to leave so soon" she said, saddened by his departure.

"Indeed" replied Nico, who would have liked to celebrate the Saturnalia with them.

"You'll miss a great convivium publicum" Frank told him. "This year, we intend to go all out" he smiled, excited like everyone else for the festival.

"Maybe next year" Nico said simply, shrugging.

"Next year, we'll make sure you stay" exclaimed Reyna, locking eyes with her friend.

"Absolutely" he promised.

He was then escorted outside the camp, where he received more hugs and pats on the back. "Have a good holiday" Hazel whispered in his ear, releasing the embrace.

"Same to you" he replied. "Io, Saturnalia!" he exclaimed, the typical greeting for that festival, which was reciprocated by the others.

He waved to them one last time before being enveloped by darkness and transported to Camp Half-Blood.

[CONTENTS]

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20

[51-queer-frogs]

Hi! Hello! Tell me about your OCs! Especially the cool multi-eyed fluffy creature with six eyes! I love multi eyed critters!

Oh boy

okay so! Spirit is an oc I created a longg time ago, who's story had changed a lot over the years. We're gonna do a history

wayyy back in about 2018 I did a shitty re-color of a drawing of wolf link. while both the original shitty re color is gone, I have re-found the original by Teddie4Ever01 on deviant art. that's where the earring comes from, and it's one of the few aspects that has stuck around. to quote myself from six years ago "this is my oc its a link wolf possed by a dragon ( it can grow wings ). " I was young and the dragon bit was gone in about two weeks, but it will come back later.

SO

I am guessing, at least a little bit here, because six years ago but the original lore was as follows; There were 5 different colored magic space stones all of which had slightly different powers. Spirit had the purple one (of course) and I'm not sure what it's power was. ANother character, Shadow, (below spirit ref) had the blue and it made blue fire. I'm sure there was more, but I don't remember. at the time, Spirit looked something like this

which, y'know, it a good design if it wasn't stolen. note that I never drew the wings because I was lazy and also everything I drew at that point was traced in some way or another. (aka why I'm not showing the original drawings.)

now the next design stayed around for a bit, but I don't really have any writing on lore from that time. anyways the sheet I used to make it was by sm0shy on fur affinity, and it looked like this

Now finally we've settled on a design ! this was the sheet I used for almost every commission I made, including my old icon. from here on out we'll just be talking about lore. At this point, while I hadn't completely abandoned the magic elemental space rocks, I did add some new characters to the mix which is where we meet ember and moondrop, who use the same base

to quote me again "her name is Moondrop and she is actually social unlike shadow and spirit she loves everyone but Ember because of emotional trauma the flower can not leave her ear or she will be sick until it is returned" which, okay sure. BUT THEN for ember i said "a beta wolf who used to be in the same pack as moonshine . she was very strict especially towards moonshine at one point moonshine messed up a cache and and was very badly treated by Ember for ages." what! we're using fucking warrior dogs now! great! okay! yeah that didn't stick around. SO here's where written records are uh.. completely gone. yeah. no more of those. lore has died. I have old drawings, but I do remeber that shadow fell out of use, and Spirit, Ember and Moondrop became a trio the image below is the only one i have from before a real life time skip of like a year.

Alright, we have writing again, along with pictures! grabbed my old sketchbook for this.

The text (not in photo) reads Moondrop was born in 17839-F while her cause of death is unknown she currently lives because of the world tree, and is it's caretaker. She treats every leaf as it's own being, and the flower on her head is directly tied to the tree as well.

Ember was born in 1839-H her life was normal until her forest caught fire. The pack ran out, but one pup was trapped inside. she ran back in and threw the pup out, saving it's life. the last her pack saw of her was two days later, as she flew overhead on a brand new pair of flaming wings.

Okay. Alright. I remember (kind of) where we are now. At this point the lore went as follows. Moondrop and Ember were opposites with an unclear relationship (see I called it friends then but they were either siblings or dating, don't remember) Ember was a (possibly the) god of fire, And Moondrop was the god of nature. Spirit, on the other hand, (i think) was the god of death. The three of them were re-incarnated to find each other again and again, no matter the timeline, which is what those numerical codes are about. The rocks are completely gone at this point, good riddance. from here the three stagnate. For a good couple of years. They go on adventures. whatever. Exempt! and here come yet another side tangent!

GENDER CRISIS

So for years at this point I'd gone by spirit online. I was also old enough to know what non binary was, and was doing as people do and freaking out. This is the funny part, because since the start, spirit was she/her but all genderless. Hm. Maybe that meant something. So i'd done what any one would do when already having another name and wanting to transition, and I'd asked folks at school to call me spirit. Hey who wants to guess what my name is now. Yeah. yep. named myself after my furry oc. felt silly i guess. so. yeah where was i aganin. ohh.

life changed. and i forgot about spirit, moslty. Still doodled them but didn't post because devaint art had died. whatever. I get an in class assingment to draw a monster. this is what i drew.

side note; not transcriing that, no way in hell.

but nontheless the idea is here, which is where we FINALLY get to modern lore. (aka one more year later)

As of now Spirit is a time travelling archivist, stealing books and relics just before they would get lost, creating a sort of library/museum of babble. The multiple eyes thing is taken directly from Anasii, the spider god of stories. with this, they also are a trickters, specalizing in illusions, which they often used for nonsensical bullshit.. moondrop and ember are both also time travelers, but not as fleshed out. also also the current ref sucks and i'll make a new better one when i have time. That being said ive been here for two hours and i'll shut up now.

[multifandom-worlds]

My Little Miss Sunshine

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 875

Warnings: N/A

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Fem reader

Authors Note: This came from a discussion with @holdmytesseract a while back!

“Put your hands together for Sebastian Stan, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, and Tom Hiddleston!”

I walk on stage with my three costars amongst roaring applause. Doing interviews with Seb and Chris is always one of my favourite things. They are both effortlessly funny and great at speaking - the only trouble is they are terrible secret keepers. Especially Chris, his facial expressions give everything away. I take my seat after waving to the audience, sitting at the end with Sebastian in the middle and Chris on the other end, closest to the host. Robert was in a chair beside me. We were there as PR for the new Marvel movie that just came out, which hosted a new character played by my secret long-term girlfriend, my little Miss Sunshine. That’s what everyone on set calls her, too, due to her always smiling and being super bubbly.

The interview started as most PR interviews do - the hosts trying to get information about the movie - thank God my Tom counterpart isn’t here to give anything away. 

“I hear a new member is joining the Marvel cast.” the host began, and Sebastian, RDJ and Chris immediately turned to face me.  Oh boy, here we go.

RDJ was the first to speak, “Little Miss Sunshine, as she’s affectionately nicknamed. She and Tom have been flirting relentlessly the whole time filming was going on.” 

The audience laughs, and I laugh along with them because it is true. I did flirt relentlessly with her, but it came so quickly, given our history. “She was cast as someone for Loki to flirt and tease; why would I not flirt with her?” I respond to Robert's prodding with a slight chuckle. Nobody knew about Sunshine and me, and I did wish to keep it that way. Although we did talk backstage before I came on about letting our secret out - although she didn’t like the idea, she was okay if it made the interview easier for me. I kept that fact at the forefront of my mind if needed.

RDJ retorts, “On screen, yes, but you were flirting with her off-screen, too, Tom! It was constant.”

Sebastian and Chris echo his thoughts, much to the audience's approval. I chuckle, knowing our ten-year-old secret would be told today, and I did my best to continue denying it. “I’ve known Sunshine for years; our families are friends. I used to flirt with her years ago, which is why flirting with her came so naturally on screen.” I had hoped that explanation would suffice, even though I knew it would cause more questions.

“A photo has been doing its rounds online of you and her engaging in a rather intimate moment off stage. Can you explain that?” The host asks as the picture in question appears on the screen behind us. I saw the kiss I was sharing with her and knew she could see it from where she was standing backstage.

Running my hands through my hair, I gave everyone what they wanted to know. “That was when filming for the movie officially wrapped up. I was so proud of her; having never acted, she did so well.”

“And why a kiss? Especially one as passionate as that? Why not a hug like most of the cast?” The host prods. Everyone, including my three costars, watched me intently, wanting to hear the truth.

“That’s because Little Miss Sunshine has been my girlfriend for ten years.” 

The audience erupts in cheers and applause while Robert, Chris and Sebastian look at me, completely stunned. Honestly, I'm shocked that they never put it together until now. I laugh, seeing the reaction to the reveal and watching the realization dawn on their faces.

“That’s why you two were always sneaking off together!” Chris yells with a laugh. “Ten years? TEN? I’ve known you for almost ten years; how am I only learning this now?”

“How did you two first start dating?” The host questions. The question caught me off guard, afterall I wasn’t planning to be asked about my relationship. 

“As I mentioned,” I began, adjusting my glasses, “Our families are friends, so we grew up together. We had lost contact for several years once my acting career took off, and admittedly it was mostly my fault. She would text me, and I would just not answer her due to my schedule. One day she just stopped texting me, and I figured she had found someone, so I left it. It wouldn’t be until five years later that we reconnected at her my sister’s wedding, of all places. They remained close through all these years. I was hooked when I saw her again, saw the woman she became. All my feelings for her throughout our teenage years came flooding back to me. Now that I'm thinking about it, I suspect that was their plan all along.”

 A soft smile pulls on my lips, remembering how we danced together all night. “That was the happiest I had been since I started acting. Luckily I had broken up with my girlfriend at the time months before, so I asked her to be my girlfriend that night. Thankfully she said yes. We’ve been together ever since and I could not be happier.”

[itwaslegendary]

okay here comes a LONGGGGG post about my experience at eras 🫶

———

we arrived yesterday. today in the morning i went have breakfast (a shake and some crepes) and then i went back to the hotel with my friend to get dressed up. after that we went grab the metro to the santiago bernabeu stop because it’s the closest one to the stadium.

when we got down and saw the stadium for the first time (well- second for me) we started freaking out because we were SO CLOSE to actually being IN there.

we first went check out the merch stores, at first i wasn’t going to buy anything but i ended up deciding to get the blue crewneck :,) afterwards we went look for a place to eat. i had a plate of pasta.

then we took some pictures outside (there was an eras tour film poster!!) and during the hour we had until our doors opened we decided to go trade bracelets. my friend ran out of them but because i was a beast and made 60 for 1 night i still have a few left.

i swear to god everyone was SO NICE, which was so refreshing because i’m used to the people in my school which are the closest thing to demons tbh. plus after having been bullied and excluded from all kinds of hangouts it felt so beautiful to feel included and see everyone so warming and friendly. 😭 if i could live at a taylor swift concert i would.

16:00 came and we decided to join our queue because even thought we had assigned seats we wanted to go in asap ! at first i was worried because i had a portable battery and i thought they’d throw it but ig the guard didn’t see it because we got in without any problem! by 16:20 we were in :D

our section was right in front of us but we wanted to check where the bathroom was first. the “field” is not closed so you could kinda see the stage and GUYS we freaked out again because there’s no way to describe what you feel when you see the eras tour stage for the first time because it means you’re THERE. that this is happening and you’re actually going to see taylor perform a 3 hour and a half show with all her eras (except debut but that’s a topic for another day). that the day you’ve been waiting for for so long has finally come. 😭

we talked a lot with a girl in front of us and the two beside us (the seats next to me were empty until way after paramore finished) and they were super nice, we love them 🫶 we traded some other bracelets and took some photos

then paramore came out and hayley was SO GOOD!!!! while they’re not my favorite band they were soooo fun and i knew some songs so i sang along :,) however i was sweating so much and i also needed to go to the bathroom because i had drunk like 5 bottles of water because it was HOT and also i was afraid of dehydration lol. so i had to miss 2 songs so i could go refresh myself.

we kept waiting and here i got mad because after paramore my friend said “i’m going to the bathroom” and i was like ok sure. 20 minutes went by and she was still not here so i got scared thinking i’d lost her, so i went find her…. the minute i crossed the door in ha mood started playing and everyone screamed. my friend was in the queue all nice and was the next to go in, so i got back to our seats and asked one of the girls we’d befriended if the “cleaning cart” had come out and she said yes 😭 i had missed that moment but all fine

my friend came back during applause. the countdown started and we all FREAKED OUT X3 and started counting down screaming from 13 downwards. i filmed my reaction to the intro because while i had seen it a billion times already seeing it live feels SO DIFFERENT (but the video got cut the instant taylor appeared smh). i was trembling and almost crying, for some reason singing along to the intro like it was my job.

… SHE came out. we screamed cried probably fainted too and here i kinda lost myself because i just remember being so excited about the bodysuit (i love purple and the tassels JSKAJ) and thinking like “oh my god she’s there she’s actually there i am seeing her in person she’s so pretty what what wHAT” and screaming miss americana + cruel summer like it was my only purpose in this life.

the crowd was insanely loud so i decided to play it safe and put earplugs on and LORDDDD THE DIFFERENCE taylor sounded SO much better, like you could actually hear her voice clearly and neatly and i got out with no ringing or pain whatsoever. i could sing along quite loudly and perfectly fine without only hearing myself (i only took them out in very specific occasions like illicit affairs and the smallest man who ever lived)

she spoke to us in spanish too 😭 just a few words but “encantada de conoceros” “hola” "vamos!!" “bienvenidos a la eras tour” “muchas gracias” etc. told us how we were being sooo loud and probably the loudest crowd ever!!! she also said that we all made her feel at home here not only in the stadium but also outside <3 (ik she says more or less the same things in every country but shhhh)

the 22 hat kid was ADORABLE he was so excited to get the hat and the interaction was so cute overall <3 during all too well she stopped a second to say that we were singing sooo loud (which from what i’ve seen does not happen too often!) and that this is the loudest she has ever heard this song 💓

during reputation we screamed “in the middle of the night in madrid” andddd we believe that she may have sung it too during the last verse which would be INCREDIBLE and so iconic 😭

in folkmore there was an issue with her guitar (she did not explain what) but it got fixed super quickly. i love small mishaps like these because it makes her look more authentic (?), like closer to the public, makes the atmosphere kinda look like we are all friends in here and she’s just at a cafe with a friend chatting jksja.

she also had to stop twice; once during betty and another during august, because some people in GA needed help. she saw the flashlights and asked (in spanish) the guards and sanitary staff to help. it was so nice to see how much she cares for the safety of her crowds, like you could see during betty how her face changed to a soft expression once she's told that everything was okay 🤍 we also have to thank that the staff in our show was fast and did everything right :)

the champagne problems ovation was adorable, i love in general her reactions because that’s pookie right there. it’s so personal to me how she throws her arms around her head and laughs and says i love you thank you like a hundred times ugh i love her with my whole soul ☹️

1989 was soo fun! (i got the outfit right but wrong order 😭) but the bad blood fires were. pretty noticeable LMFKWOS it was already hot and with then the thing got much hotter but it cooled down quite fast.

TTPD OH MY GODDDDD it’s def my favorite set. loved the choreo the outfits the setlist EVERYTHINGGGGG. i screamed the the smallest man who ever lived sooo loud and the i can do it with a broken heart’s “intro” was so fun too ajdkaj. i loved so high school even if it was just 30 seconds jdka

THE. SURPRISE. SONGS. at first she started talking about how we have been supporting her since the beginning and we knew a debut song was coming. the jump then fall mashup was AWESOME it’s one of my faves from fearless and it fit so well 🫶

for the piano one she said nothing. she just sat and started playing. i knew that i recognized the song but i could not fully realize which song it was until she sang “i’m perfectly fine” and there i lost it. i went blank for 5 seconds and then just SCREAMEDDDDD those lyrics like my life depended on it. i will never hear these 3 songs the same way again 🥹

after those surprise songs i went blank again but this time because the visuals of lavender haze are so beautiful i had to record them. i had to sit down during mastermind because my feet were exhausted… during karma i had a breakdown because it meant that the best day of my entire life was coming to an end, so i was singing along while crying like a little kid.

overall, i would repeat this a billion more times. it was the best night of my life and it has marked a before and after in my life (not exaggerating) and i hope i have the chance to experience these same feelings again for a future tour 🫶

[thewintersoldierdisaster]

Hey there, f1/nhl anon again. F1 winter break of two months drives us crazy but I’m so happy I discovered hockey and also your writing. I’m so excited to read more andrei fics from you. Sending you love 🫶

we’re happy to have you in the hockey bubble, it’s a fun place ☺️

more andrei coming up including canes bash smut if i can get my act together, but since i haven’t posted anything andrei in a minute, have some of what ive written under the cut 🤍

“Next year, I’m suggesting a boy toy auction,” you say, a little tipsy, “you know, like in One Tree Hill?”

Nykki, Gracia, and Amy look at you briefly and then burst into giggles. “Oh, could you imagine?” Amy says around laughter. “They’d hate that.”

The live auction continues, the crowd cheering as the price keeps going up. You sip at your wine, “poor winners would end up with a day on the golf course.”

“Who do you think would go for the most money?” Nykki asks. The three women share a look before chiming simultaneously, “Andrei!”

You snort a laugh and then jolt when you feel a large, warm hand on the nape of your neck. Andrei crowds at your back, his body heat enveloping you. “You called?” He jokes, thumb rubbing softly against your skin, making you shiver. “What were you talking about?”

The other three women, traitors all of them, smirk but don’t reply, leaving you to respond to your boyfriend. You don’t know what possesses you to answer honestly, maybe the alcohol, maybe the warmth of Andrei’s big body behind you. Whatever it is, you blurt, “how much money you’d go for in a boy toy auction.”

Andrei’s fingers still against your skin and the girls widen their eyes at you, Nykki lifting her hand to her mouth to muffle a laugh. You wince and sip at your wine, cheeks flushing with heat. Andrei’s thumb taps against the side of your neck and he hums lowly, the sound practically vibrating against your back when he steps in closer to you. “Boy toy?” He repeats, fingers tightening gently around the back of your neck.

You let out a little squeak, arousal flooding between your legs. It’s suddenly very hot in the arena. “Mhmm,” you manage to hum, completely distracted by Andrei’s hand on your neck. God only knows what your face is doing because Nykki shoots you a wicked grin, looking almost sympathetic for your plight.

Andrei clicks his tongue and leans in, his face appearing in your peripheral vision. You can see his mouth curl up in a little smile before he says to your friends, “I’m going to steal her, if that’s okay?”

All three laugh and wave you off, talking over each other as they tell you to have fun, don’t do anything they wouldn’t do, don’t get caught. You roll your eyes at them as Andrei leads you off, using his hand on your neck to guide you towards the other end of the covered ice. The fabric of your dress swishes around your shins, your heels clicking along the floor as Andrei’s pace picks up slightly.

“Too fast,” you murmur, just loud enough for him to hear you over the music and general chatter.

“Not fast enough,” Andrei says back, amusement in his tone. “Barely saw you tonight, solnyshka, missed you.”

His fingers are hot on your neck, his chest bumping against your back as he crowds you towards the photo booth set up for the fans. You’re interrupted as you go, fans stopping Andrei every few feet for a picture or to chat. His hand slides from your neck, between your shoulder blades, stops to rest in the curve of your lower back where the calloused edges of his fingers catch on the silky fabric of your dress. He chats with fans, friendly and open, keeping you within arm’s reach. You step in occasionally, offering to take pictures for the fans, smiling and chatting too, even as arousal is pooling low in your stomach, heat dampening the crotch of your thong. When you’re at his side, Andrei’s fingers dance lightly over your lower back, making you shiver and your nipples pebble under the silk of your dress.

You just hope it’s dark enough that no one notices.

Eventually, Andrei’s hand is more insistent on your back, making excuses to step away and get you back on your previous path. His hand slides down to cup your ass, squeezing and massaging your flesh. You clench around nothing, inner thighs damp and slippery.

“Andrei,” you mutter his name in what you were hoping was a warning tone - you don’t want pictures of your PDA on social media and the Canes Bash is as public as it gets, with fans taking pictures of everything - but ends up coming out breathy and whiny.

“Shush,” he leans forward and presses a kiss to the hinge of your jaw, gripping more of your ass in one large hand. A strangled little groan slips past your lips and all you can focus on is Andrei’s little laugh in your ear and the way his hand is bunching the fabric of your dress up. You know the fabric is going to be wrinkled, but you can’t seem to find it in you to care when the old school photo booth comes into sight and you realize what Andrei’s plan is. There’s a little bit of a line for both the old school photo booth and the open plan photo wall, so Andrei settles you in the line, wrapping his arms around your front and resting his chin on top of your head.

He strikes up conversations with the fans around him, personable and funny, while holding you against his chest. Your ass presses against his groin, the bulge of his cock hot through your dress.

It’s more PDA than Andrei is usually comfortable with, especially at a work event, and you wonder just exactly has gotten into him. He sways a little as he’s chatting with another couple, hips thrusting forward with his movement. Your brain is going a little fuzzy, static hissing between your ears with each graze of his cock against your ass. You’re faintly aware that phones are pointed in your direction, a hazard of being with Andrei, and you duck your chin a little so your face isn’t necessarily front and center in any photos that are taken.

Andrei shuffles behind you, pushing you closer to the photo booth for your turn. “Look beautiful tonight, solnyshka,” he murmurs in your ear, kissing the side of your head. “Can’t stop looking at you when you’re not next to me.”

His words warm your entire body from the inside out, a soft giggle slipping past your lips. The casual flirting never gets old, no matter how long you’ve been together. You bring your hands up and hold onto his forearms, fingertips tracing lightly over the cuffs of his button down and suit jacket. “Looking pretty handsome yourself, Mr. Svechnikov,” you murmur quietly, pressing a little kiss to his exposed wrist bone.

[softsky-daily]

11/7/2024

My phone always makes these nighttime photos look so haunted.

Positive thing: I had a nice therapy session.

Talking with him about election woes helped, and it was also while I was talking I realized there's plenty of good things happening in my life too. I have many wonderful friends, I'm moving to a new place soon, my mom is confirmed to be coming home in December, and I'm getting back into stuff I enjoyed like nigehaji. I reflected on how much more I've been feeling like drawing and writing again which I thought might never happen.

There were some funny/interesting things from today. My coworker friend and I have been slowly watching through nigehaji together after we finish work on Thursdays, and she gets supremely frustrated while watching the main leads. It's a playful kind of frustration, and I totally feel her because I'm pretty sure I reacted similarly when I was first watching. There's this weird quality to nigehaji where the exact same details and scenes that make me insane make every other person go "...ok?" or even "god what is wrong with them". Which is absolutely their perogative and I don't feel offended if they don't like it. It just makes it hard to explain why I do like it. I don't know how to put into words that the fact that the two main leads don't communicate on the same wavelength and the main guy is always running away is frustrating but also a key part of the message of the whole show. And if it was any other romance with a different setup I would condemn it to hell for being a dumb miscommunication arc but in nigehaji it's actually just cinema to me. I don't know how to explain!! I just don't know. But maybe I'll write another essay about why I like it and maybe it'll finally turn out coherent one of these days.

Another interesting thing that completely distracted me from my nigehajiposting was someone in one of the Japanese Discord servers I'm in apparently got coaxed into some maid cafe bar, and spent ¥100,000 on a drink. ¥100,000!!! For context, that's roughly $650. I know he got pressured into a tourist trap basically, but I was so shocked at how he basically reacted like it was a small mistake and not something that ruined his wallet. Like, that's almost my rent for the month basically. On one drink?? Oh my god. I would fall to my knees. What cracked me up was how he followed up saying he was done with maid cafes because of this but not 30 minutes later he announced he was in another one. Godspeed, dude. I guess this is how Japan's tourism industry stays alive.

This one's less interesting but I had to do a reading for class, and the book we have to read is written in a very annoying way. Basically it's a self-help kind of book about how to organize your life, applied to building your career or whatever. I do think there's some good points in there, but because the author is a Los Angeles white woman hustler type lady it has this grating edge to it. "You just have to get up early and do things!" rings hollow from anybody but especially from someone like that. There's a short excerpt where she describes how one of her lowest points in her life was lying on the floor for 30 minutes feeling stuck. And like, lady, I feel that way every day, and I'm lucky if it's for 30 minutes. Also her anecdotes tend to include other brands and social media and it just feels like I'm being advertised to every other minute. She shows an example of what she thinks a cordial email is and it's the most passive-aggressive thing I've ever read and she finishes by saying something like "And I'm really proud of how I handled this email, I'm so professional!" and it's like, okay...

Long story short, I don't trust people whose lives are extremely niche in the grand scheme of things giving advice as if it's universal. Maybe if you're white and neurotypical and abled you'd resonate more with this lady and her "I try to get up at 6:15am and be in my car by 8:23am" type nonsense.

But anyway. Tomorrow I'm looking at another place with my friends to potentially move into, and this one looks real promising. It's got wood floors instead of carpet like the last one, and it's located in a nice neighborhood close to my university. The rent isn't bad either. I'm hoping it looks as nice in real life as it does in the online pictures.