#oh yeah and I was right I didn’t work out tonight cos I was miserable.

[your-unfriendlyghost]

ohhh god I think my brain’s broken or somethin cos at the sight of all the goddamn 9hr shift Saturdays and 4.5hr shift Sundays in my near future I legit bawled. Like I don’t DO that ok that is WEIRD for me. I miss having weekends. I should be BEING A TEENAGER ON SATURDAYS not standing in a small space for NINE HOURS

I genuinely think this is gonna be what makes me lose it

[arctickat2400]

My Girl <> Tom Felton

Anonymous Request: can u plsss write a tom felton imagine where they meet on set of a movie or show they’re both starring in and they start hooking up, but the reader is around 21/22 and tom feels she’s too young or whatever so won’t commit to her? then he finds out she’s falling for him so he decides to like abandon her and start publicly seeing another older actress and the reader is heartbroken and completely changes from like happy and sweet to quiet and isolated. then tom realises he’s actually in love with her and has to try and make up the hurt he caused her? lots of angst and fluff (maybe even a smudge of smut if ur comfortable) plsssss i love ur writing sm !!

Note: Thank you so much for requesting this whoever you are! I hope I was able to satisfy your request. I've never written something like this before, and half the time I was in the car traveling while writing it and the other half in a hotel, so yeah, we'll see how it turns out. Sorry there's no smut, I'm not that kind of person. I will but rarely add smut to my writings, but I'm a fluff kind of girl and don't write smut very well. Anyways, enjoy!🖤

* * *

Walking around the set, saying hi to the cast and crew, you made your way to your next scene. You feel your phone vibrate in your back pocket and see you got a text from your friend back at home. Laughing at something she said, you begin to text back, but not before your phone drops to the floor on the impact of running into someone. You stumble, but the person steadies you. Looking up, you see that it’s Tom, your co-star, your boyfriend, and yet still your crush for who knows how long.

“Hey, Y/N. Probably should watch where you’re going. Never know who or what could sneak up on you,” Tom chuckles, receiving a giggle back from you. He leaned down and pressed his lips to yours in a sweet kiss of greeting. A shiver cascaded down your spine. Every time you were with Tom, or even near him, you could feel the sparks, and your stomach felt all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Well, hi, to you too, Tom. Where are you off to? Our scene is that way,” You question, pointing in the opposite direction that he’s going.

“Oh, really? These big places always confuse me. Walk with me?” Tom smiles, holding his arm out for you. Your smile widens and you take his arm as he guides you to the set together.

“Y/N, I was wondering, would you like to go out with me tonight? After today’s shooting is done. There’s a nice restaurant down the street, not too far from here.” Tom mentioned and you felt all giddy inside.

“Tom, I would love to!” You almost screamed with excitement but tried to hold back the best you could. You haven’t been able to go out much lately with the movie and all, so you’re always so excited when you’re able to go out and have a nice evening with your boyfriend.

* * *

Once your scene with Tom was done for the most part, you both parted ways. “See you later, my love,” You told him, kissing his cheek and walking away, missing the wide-eyed look on his face.

Tom went to shoot a different scene and you went back to your trailer to get ready for your date with Tom. It was a short shooting day, so Tom was coming to pick you up at 7. You had a little over an hour to get ready as you picked out a cute black, off-the-shoulder dress and some converse. After touching up a bit on your hair, you sat at your vanity and waited.

Tom was rarely ever late coming to see you. That’s why you were surprised when the clock struck 7 and Tom hadn’t come to your trailer yet. Maybe he just got caught up in a scene or talking to a crew member, you thought.

You waited and waited. You even texted him, however, with no reply. You didn’t want to seem clingy, so you just left it at one text. You became worried when you realized Tom was half an hour late. Setting an alarm for 8, you decided you’ll text him again. But, for now, you wait. You looked over your script, trying to memorize your lines for tomorrow’s scenes.

Jumping suddenly at your phone’s alarm, it was already 8 and Tom still hasn’t shown up yet. You shot him another text, asking about his whereabouts before stepping out of your trailer to go and find him.

“Hey, have you seen Tom anywhere?” You asked a passing crew member, but he said he didn’t know, that the last place he saw him, though, was his last scene set. You thanked him, then made your way there, not finding Tom, but finding his friend.

“Hey, have you seen Tom? I’ve been waiting for him for an hour, but he never showed. I’ve been looking around for him, but can’t find him.” You told him, sounding a bit exasperated.

“No, sorry, I haven’t seen him. But, I think he mentioned going out with a friend. Have you checked his trailer?” He asked, a little worried himself. He knows that you and Tom are together so he’s a bit suspicious of Tom’s unknown whereabouts.

“I was just about to go check there. Thanks.” You told him, waving with a smile even though your heart was racing.

You head out of the building and zigzag through the various cast and crew trailers until you reached Tom’s trailer, knocking before climbing the stairs to open the door. He’s never had a problem with you just going in.

“Tom, it’s been more than an hour. What’s going-?” There wasn’t a chance to say anything else as the shock of the sight in front of you silenced your voice. Tom kissing your best friend, Emma Watson, was the thing you feared most. You had a feeling there was something between Emma and Tom, but you wanted over everything for that to not be true. But, here you are, staring at your best friend and your boyfriend, making out.

You didn’t have time to say anything before you were out the door, tears rushing down your cheeks.

“Y/N! Y/N, wait!” You heard Tom’s voice behind you.

“What, Tom? What could you possibly say to me right now? How could you?” You were yelling at him, infuriated.

“This isn’t how I wanted you to find out. I was going to tell you,” He started, but you weren’t going to give him the time of day.

“No, Tom. Just, no. There’s nothing you can say to make this better. Just don’t,” Is the last thing you said to him before walking away, sobbing, back to your trailer, missing the way Tom was staring as you walked away from him, heartbroken and guilty all at the same time.

It’s been days since you talked to Tom. Luckily, you haven’t had to shoot any scenes with him. If you see him walking towards you, you’d walk the other way. If he tried to talk to you, you still wouldn’t give him the time of day and you’d just walk away.

Ever since that day, you wouldn’t greet the cast and crew like you used to. Of course, if someone said hi to you, you would respond, but the smiles became short and fake. You isolated yourself. You would shoot your scenes, then go back to your trailer when you weren’t needed, which seems like all the time lately.

And ever since that day, when you caught him cheating with your best friend, Tom’s been miserable. He hates himself for what he did to you, for hurting you, especially because it was for a stupid reason. He’s vowed to make it up to you, to get you back, because he’s realized that he loves you. So, he will do everything he can in order to get you back, to show you he loves you.

You were walking back to your trailer after a long day of shooting, getting towards the end of the movie, when you were stopped by a very anxious-looking Tom.

“Y/N, please, let me talk to you for just a minute, please,” He begged, although he didn’t really give you much space to agree or not.

“I’m gonna be honest with you, Y/N, I did what I did for a stupid reason; because I thought you were too young and we wouldn’t work because of the age difference. I didn’t think I could commit to this relationship, and I’m so sorry for what I did, not telling you before and making out with Emma and you having to see it. Katie, I cannot tell you how sorry I am. If I could I would take it all back…” But you interrupted him.

“But, that’s the thing, Tom, you can’t take it back. It’s done, I saw it. And with my best friend, of all people. I always knew there was something going on between you two," You took a deep breath. "I can’t deal with this right now, so please, just leave me alone,” You told him before turning around and continuing back to your trailer, leaving behind a sad and heartbroken Tom.

You step up into your trailer, plugging your phone into the charger, and seeing a flash of red in the corner of your eye. How could you have not seen it before?

Laid on your bed were a perfect bouquet of red roses and a note on top. You picked up the bouquet, the beautiful scent filling your senses. You knew who they were from even before you saw the note.

My love,

I know this doesn’t make up for what I did, but I am sincerely sorry. I hope you will give me the honor of giving me some of your time so I can explain.

Tom

Just then, looking down, you noticed a small black velvet box that must have been hidden underneath the flowers. You hadn’t noticed it before. Setting down the flowers and note, you picked up the box, opening it to see a beautiful silver ring with a sparkling diamond in the middle, For me, there is only you, engraved on the inside. Tears were once again beginning to form. You had to go apologize for not letting him speak his case. Some part of you said he didn’t deserve you or your time. But another part is saying he does deserve you. You love him and, even after what he did, he still deserves a second chance.

After slipping your shoes back on and shoving the ring into your pocket, you run out of your trailer and towards the sets to try and find him. You knew he had a scene to shoot soon so he should be around somewhere.

Just as you turned a corner, there he was, that sad look on his face with a mix of guilt and who knows what else. He spotted you and your eyes met. All these emotions were flooding through your mind. Your heart was saying one thing, that you need to run to him and let him explain. But your head was telling you to turn around, run away. You tend to listen to your head over your heart, unfortunately, so you turned around and began walking back, tears beginning to fill to the brim.

“Y/N,” The sound of Tom’s voice made you stop; something about it struck you and made you freeze on the spot. He walked towards you and took a deep breath and continued what he had started before. “I hate myself for what I did to you. I know I can’t undo it, and I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I love you, Y/N. After what I did, I saw you crying, and something in me just snapped, and I haven’t been able to sleep or eat, and…”

“Wait, you love me?” You turned suddenly and looked up into his eyes, tears spilling over onto your cheeks. Tom’s hand makes its way to your cheek, ridding away the oncoming tears as he looks into your eyes with a sincere, sad smile.

“Yes, I do. Baby, I love you so much. And I will do anything to make everything up to you. I will beg you for your love until you take it and love me back…”

Next thing you know, your lips were on his, your lips moving together in perfect sync. You both pulled back for air as you slipped your hand into your pocket and pulled out the promise ring. Tom looked down and smiled.

“Do you mean it?” You questioned him hopefully, looking up into his eyes, his hands on your waist and your arms around his neck.

“I mean it all, my love. Indeed, for me, there is only you. I love you and I always will.” Tom declared, taking the ring from you and slipping it onto your ring finger. Tom placed his forehead against yours.

“I love you, too, Tom,” You exclaimed, your sweet smile that no one has seen for the past several days resurfacing.

“I will make it up to you, my love. In any and all ways that I can, I will make sure you know how sorry I am and how much I love you.” Leaning in, he placed a passionate kiss to your lips, adoring the way your lips feel on his.

“The flowers were beautiful, by the way,” You smiled up at him, and the way he looked at you made you feel like the most beautiful girl in the whole universe.

“Only for my girl.”

[aperrywilliams]

New blurbs-series: 10 days to my birthday!! (Day 6)

(Not my gif)

Author Masterlist - Series Masterlist

My birthday will be in 6 days from now. So I’m going to celebrate myself with 10 Spencer Reid’s blurbs. Enjoy! (This one is longer too)

Day 10 | Day 09 | Day 08 | Day 07 | Day 06 | Day 05 | Day 04 | Day 03 | Day 02 | Day 01

Day 06: Spencer Reid dances with you for the first time.

David Rossi does indeed live in a mansion. When you joined to the BAU and Morgan told you that, you didn't believe it. You thought he was exaggerating. No, Derek wasn't exaggerating.

The first time you stepped foot in that house you were impressed. Now you already had several dinners and celebrations with the team and Rossi's was everyone's favorite place.

This time was no exception. You ended a long and exhausting case and you all deserved a good time. Rossi set the place and the time. But this time there was a difference. Rossi imposed a dress code: ‘I want my kids look gorgeous tonight. Pick your best outfit. I’ll provide everything else’, he told everyone. That was a change. But nobody complained.

You chose a black dress you like it and didn’t use in a time. Elegant but casual. It was comfortable. All you asked for.

When you got to Rossi's everyone was already there. You didn't want to be too punctual, you knew your co-workers weren't. Rossi opened the door and looked you from head to toe.

“Hey bella! You look amazing tonight! Welcome!, come in!”. Rossi told you, ushering you into the house and immediately handing you a glass of wine. As you enter the living room, you saw Penelope, JJ, and Prentiss talking. All three dressed as elegant as you.

“Look at you (Y/N)!, you look stunning!”. Penelope complimented you. Prentiss did the same and JJ agreed with your colleagues adding: ‘Spencer will be astonished when he see you’. At JJ's words, Emily and Penelope giggled nodding fervently. Your cheeks immediately reddened.

“What are you talking about?”. You asked trying to pretend you didn't understand, but knew exactly what it was about. You had been working at the BAU for over a year and a half and you definitely had a crush on Spencer. You thought it was temporary and that by being your best friend maybe you were confusing things. But your own dilemma didn’t go unnoticed by the group of profilers who worked with you.

It didn't help that just then Hotch, Morgan, and Spencer entered the living room. Seeing you, the young doctor almost suffered a heart attack. An impression he couldn’t hide either because Morgan immediately smirked. Your cheeks reddened even more when you saw him, in his suit he looked more handsome than he already was for you. The awkward moment was broken thanks to Rossi who announced that dinner was ready.

During dinner you couldn't help but exchange glances with Spencer. Maybe you were imagining things, but you could bet he was also impressed to see you in a different way than you both were used to.

After dinner, Rossi led you all to the patio where he had set up an improvised dance floor. As the music started playing, he was the first to start the dance, taking JJ's hand and leading her onto the dance floor. Prentiss followed Rossi and took Hotch's hand, leading him onto the dance floor as well. Penelope did the same with Derek.

That left you guys with Spencer. They both looked at each other, but neither wanted to make the move. On the contrary, seeing Spencer uncomfortable, you preferred to go into the house to get some more wine.

Spencer took that as the sign that you were uncomfortable and that you didn't want him to come close, so with his hands in his pockets, he started walking across the patio, away from the dance floor.

Everyone, realizing what happened, shook their heads in defeat. Obviously the whole dance thing had been orchestrated for you to dance with Spencer.

Without you guys in sight, Penelope told everyone: ‘okay, a little flaw in our initial plan, so now we will move on to attempt two. Emily, Derek, you know what to do’.

Before long, Emily was talking to you in the kitchen and trying to get you back to the patio. Meanwhile, Derek went in search of Spencer so that he wouldn’t even think about leaving the place.

“Let's go outside (Y/N), it's very hot here,” Prentiss told you, taking you by one arm and carrying a bottle of wine in the other. She thought if you wouldn’t give in to pressure sober, maybe drunk you would.

You both sat on one of the patio benches watching Penelope dance with Rossi and JJ with Hotch. A few minutes later, Rossi came up to you and held out his hand to you.

“Your turn, bella”. You let your glass on the table and followed Rossi to the dance floor. For his part, Derek had managed to bring Spencer back and JJ pulled him over to dance with him despite his protests.

While you were dancing with Rossi, you couldn't help but look at Spencer, he looked back at you. You gave him a smile and it made Spencer combust. JJ, seeing this interaction, whispered something in his ear and he shook his head negatively. Before you started thinking about what JJ and Spencer were talking about, Hotch came up to you to dance, while Rossi went looking for Prentiss. JJ left Spencer and Penelope took her place.

There was a pause where you left the dance floor and went looking for more wine. Prentiss again sat down next to you. Almost without disguising you kept looking at Spencer from a distance.

“C’mon (Y/N), why you don’t ask him to dance with you?,” she asked you directly.

“Uhm? Who?”

“Reid, of course”. You tried to play as ignorant but failed miserably. Emily knew. “(Y/N), you can’t take your eyes of him. And he can´t do it either”

“Nah, you’re seeing things Emily…,” you mumbled.

“Yeah. I’m seeing two idiots who can’t accept they like each other,” she scoffed.

“Stop it!. We are friends. That’s all”. You stated. But she was right. At least speaking for you. But, did Spencer like you?. You thought it can’t be possible.

Meanwhile, Derek was trying to convince Spencer about the same thing.

“Hey Pretty Boy, why don't you ask her to dance?,” he told to his friend.

“Who?”

“Are you kidding me?, (Y/N)! You've been gawking at her all night…,” Derek pointed out.

“That’s not true...”

“You like her. Admit it!”

“No! We are friends,” Spencer defended himself.

“You're not fooling me Reid. And now, even if it were, a dance does not hurt anyone, less if you are friends. I am right?”. Spencer thought for a few minutes. Maybe Derek was right. A dance was not harmful.

That's how Spencer took a sip of his beer, set it aside and started to walk over to where you were. Derek made a subtle gesture to Emily, who immediately got off the bench and entered the house leaving you alone. When you noticed that Prentiss was no longer by your side, Spencer was in front of you.

“Hey…,” he told you with his hands on his pockets.

“Hey Spencer…,” you replied.

“Tonight we hadn't been able to talk...,” he trailed off.

“Yeah, that’s right...”

“And I haven't had a chance to tell you that you look beautiful tonight,” he said clearing his throat. You blushed at the compliment.

“Well… you look very handsome tonight too”. Now it was his turn to blush.

Before chicken out and with a boost of confidence, Spencer continued speaking.

“Ehm... I was thinking if you want to dance with me?”.

“Oh. Well... if you want and doesn’t feel uncomfortable...”

“No, no. Why do you think so?,” he asked you.

“I don’t know. You told me once you don’t like dancing… despite tonight I saw you dancing anyway…”

“Yeah, right. But I think we all in the mood... and I’m the only one who hadn’t dancing with you tonight... I think I’m a bit jealous?,” he tried to joke but inside him, yeah, he was jealous.

“Don’t be. You know you’re my favorite in the team”. Smirking and feeling relieved, he reached out his hand to you and you took it, lifting you off the bench and walking with him onto the dance floor, both looking each other almost without blinking.

As if it had been planned - and indeed it was - Elvis's Can't help falling in love began to play. Spencer placed one of his hands on your waist, while with the other he linked the fingers of your hand. Your free hand resting on his chest. Thus you both started to move slowly to the rhythm of the music. At first you both felt a little tense, but as the seconds passed, you guys gave up on the song. You rested your head on Spencer's chest as he wrapped both arms around your lower back. You could feel his breath and his heart beat. So immersed in your own bubble you both didn't realize that you were the only ones on the dance floor and that the rest of the BAU was looking at you with a big grin.

That was the first time Spencer danced with you. It was a team effort, but it was worth it. And that was the first time you thought that maybe Spencer could feel the same way you felt for him.

[citydreamgrls]

surprises

ron weasley x fem!reader

words: 4,049

a/n: i would just like to say a massive thank you to the love shown on my past two weasley fanfics. i hope this one can bring you just as much joy and escape in these horrible times ,, stay safe ! :)

warnings: smut (18+) , daddy kink , dominant ron ;)))

It was a sunny day in London, and people had flocked to the streets to enjoy the fleeting good weather before it was gone again. I was on my break, the top buttons of my work blouse undone as I leant over the bridge to watch the river’s water pass by. A cigarette went between my fingers and lips as I checked my watch, just another five minutes then I’d be back to serving coffee to rushing businessmen.

My lungs filled up and I turned around, my back on the railing as I puffed out a small cloud of smoke before my eyes. I froze, blinking a few times before laughing quietly to myself.

I really must be missing my friends, because I could’ve sworn I saw Harry, Ron and Hermione on the other side of the road. But there wasn’t anyone there when the smoke cleared. I snuffed out the cigarette and headed back into the coffee shop, doing up my buttons and grabbing my apron.

-

“Do you think she saw us Ron?” Hermione asked me as I fell against a lamppost.

“How would I know, I was there too.” I huffed, looking up at the house that stood in a row of identical ones.

“Come on you two,” Harry called, having aparated a few doors down “I think it’s this one?”

“Number 52?” Hermione shouted, grabbing her bag and following me as I caught up to Harry.

“Yep, it’s this one.”

“Well we better set up then,”

We had decided to visit y/n last minute, knowing her parents’ plans to visit her grandmother on her birthday weekend. So we decided to throw her a surprise party to cheer her up.

“When are the boys getting here?” Harry asked, preparing to pick the lock.

“One step ahead of you!” Fred and George pulled open y/n’s front door, making us all jump back. “Well come on you lot, this house won’t decorate itself.”

“It would if we could use magic,” I grumbled. 

-

“Bye guys, see you on monday.” I said to my co-workers, grabbing my bag and heading out into the warm evening air.

“Have a good birthday darling,” My boss, who was stacking the outdoor chairs, said as I walked past.

I opened cards on the walk home, mostly from regular costumers and people I worked with. A few of my muggle friends had come into the shop to give me gifts and wish me a happy birthday, even an aunt I hadn’t seen in months stopped by today. But nothing from Harry, Ron or Hermione.

In fact, I’d heard very little from them since the term ended. Not that I minded too much, they were spending the summer together and were probably busy. I had muggle friends in London too, which made the summer that little bit better.

“Oh y/n darling.” My neighbour hobbled down her doorstep, drawing me from my thoughts.

“Oh hi Mrs Hampton, is everything okay?” I asked, putting the cards in my bag and fishing around for my house keys. She bent down to pick something up from her front door.

“I made you a cake sweetie, I heard your parents are out of town and wanted to make sure you had something good to eat for your birthday.”

I took the cake from her outstretched hands and beamed with glee.

“Thank you so much, this is the nicest thing anyone’s done for me.”

She winked my way and chuckled,

“Just you promise that you won’t have too many friends round, my hearing might not be great but I can still sense a crowd.” she smirked.

“I promise it’ll be civilized if anything.”

“Well enjoy it anyway darling, bye bye.” I waved her off, turning to leave as she disappeared inside.

I caught a glimpse of something flashing by the window of my house and stopped again. Maybe I was just beginning to see things. I shook my head and carefully unlocked the front door so as not to drop the cake.

“Happy birthday buttercup,” A voice sounded from nearby, I turned round in the doorway to see my best (muggle) friend Jade leant against the garden gate with a smile on her face.

We’d known each other ever since the first day of nursery when I had an obsession with buttercups, hence the nickname. She had helped me find as many as I could to take home, and we’d been close from then on.

“Jade!” I put the cake down and went to give her a hug, I’d barely had a chance to see her before she had gone on holiday. “When did you land?”

“About an hour ago, I thought I’d come and say hi. And give you this.” A small blue box was placed into my hands gently, I frowned as I opened it up. Seeing a little silver bracelet, one that matched hers exactly. “Mum helped me find another one,” she laughed, “it took long enough.”

“I love it, thank you.” I hugged her again, holding her tight against me. “What are you doing later?” I asked.

“Nothing really, why?”

“I was thinking maybe we should have an early party, you know because the parents are out of town and all.” I offered up.

“Yeah, i’ll round up the others and be back here in an hour?”

“Perfect, oh and bring as much booze as you can.”

“Anything for you y/n,” she teased and went off down the road.

I picked everything up and went into the house, kicking the front door shut and heading to the kitchen to place the cake down carefully. I read the icing message with a smile and flicked on the kettle with a sigh, I didn’t have long to get ready.

A giggle sounded behind me, making me jump and grab my wand from the side. I stuck it up in the air and called out to the air.

“Who’s there!” I wasn’t sure what I’d do if an intruder came out. Especially if it was a muggle, I'd look a bit mental flinging a stick in their face.

Another noise caught my attention, this time from the living room. As I crept towards it, I could tell it was more of a fizzing of sorts. I turned the corner, wand still outstretched, and stopped in my tracks.

Right in the middle of the room a small firework was spinning around harmlessly. I got closer, frowning until it burst and displayed the small message.

Happy Birthday y/n !!!

Before I even had a chance to process it, Harry threw off his invisibility cloak in front of me and the rest of the group appeared out of thin air. I screamed in shock, amazed that they were all here for me. Suddenly the room was no longer dark and miserable, and now covered in balloons and streamers, music already playing.

“Surprise!!” The twins grabbed me from behind, and threw me into the air.

“Put her down you lunatics!” Ron shouted over the music. “The neighbours will think she’s being murdered.

“Don’t worry,” Hermione smirked, “I already put a silencer on the house.”

“What are you all doing here?” I asked, hugging them all in turn.

“We didn’t want you all on your own,” Harry smiled, quick to pour drinks for everyone.

“Yeah, especially not on your birthday.” Ron added, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, earning a teasing look from Fred and George who were wearing matching party hats.

“Oh guys this is great, but we have a small problem.” They all frowned at me as I explained what was gonna happen.

-

“So Fred, George, remember to keep the magic to a minimum but it isn’t the end of the world. Harry, you're in charge of making sure any pictures are hexed so they’re deleted immediately okay, we don’t need any traces of this party for my parents to see online. My friends I could explain, but you guys are strangers in their eyes and would be harder to explain if you two are performing charms in the background” I glared at the twins.

“Hermione, you’ve already obliviated the front door yes?” I asked.

“Anyone who crossed out of it will forget this entire night.” She promised me.

“Perfect.”

“Uhhh what’s my job?” Ron asked.

“Heavy lifting,” I smirked. “Take all the breakables and lock them in the coat cupboard, I can put it all back in the morning.”

The group nodded, rushing off to sort out everything while I sped up to my room to get ready for the party. Hermione followed closely, having missed her own muggle life for some time this felt like normality for her.

“It’s odd coming back isn’t it,” She nodded, looking round my room before chilling on my bed. “How has your guy’s summer been?” I asked her, starting my makeup.

“It’s been good, I stayed at the burrow. Ron wouldn’t shut up about you.”

“Do I irritate him that much?” I giggled.

“Come on he’s obsessed with you,” Hermione huffs, sick of trying to convince me yet again. “It was his idea to come here, he wouldn’t rest until we all agreed to come surprise you.”

“He’s just nice like that,”

“Have you ever seen him put as much effort into anyone else?” she smirked.

“I think you’re the only one who thinks he likes me mione,” She rolled her eyes, picking up an old magazine and waiting for me to finish.

-

On cue, Jade and a whole group of my muggle friends arrived each person with handfuls of booze to get through the night with. Soon the music was blasted and everyone was doing shots and dancing around my house.

The twins were impressing girls in the kitchen, this time with their new-found beer pong skills, instead of magic. But Harry was the one to watch, as he made up some wild story about his scar to a group of boys I’d known from down the street.

“Ron, I think she might be checking you out.” I giggled, leaning close so he could hear me over the music. He didn’t even bother looking at the girl I was talking about.

“Oh right,”

“Well aren’t you going to talk to her?” I nudged him.

“Oh, no I’m good thanks.” He took another gulp of his drink.

“Come on, you may as well give it a try. She won’t remember anything about tonight anyway,” I joked, he looked over at the girl giving him glances. She blushed when he noticed her.

“She’s not my type y/n,”

“God you’re so stubborn,” I laughed, finishing my drink. He didn’t say anything and just walked off, leaving me standing alone at my own party.

“Oh thanks a lot,” I scoffed and headed to the kitchen just to see Fred land another shot at the table. The boys on the opposing team were hammered and could barely see at this point.

“Having a good time y/n?” Fred asked, taking a break as they set up another round.

“Yeah this is fun, thanks you guys.”

“Oh it’s all Ron’s doing really,” George said, coming to my side as I poured another drink, not holding back on the spirits “Speaking of, where is he?”

“Oh he went off in a huff when I mentioned some girl was checking him out, I don’t know why he’s so stuck up about it. I was doing him a favour.”

Neither of the twins said a word, making me suspicious. “What?”

“Little Ronniekins does have a crush, you know.” George teased me.

“Oh not you guys too. Hermione said the same thing, he doesn’t like me like that.”

“Never underestimate how dim that boy can be y/n,” Fred huffed.

I gulped my drink down in a matter of seconds, sick of hearing them tell me something that didn’t feel true. I went to fill it up again, met with an empty bottle. In fact, there wasn’t much alcohol left at all.

“Great, looks like I’m off to the shops,” I rolled my eyes and turned around to see Hermione in the hallway. “I’m going out won’t be long.” I told her, she nodded in agreement. “Oh could you do me a favour-”

“I’ve already put a silencer on the house, no one on the street knows a thing.” She reassured me.

“God you’re good.” I laughed and took my coat off the hook. I temporarily lifted the obliviate spell on the door and passed through, seeing Ron sat on the front wall.

“So this is where the real party is,” I teased him, putting an arm around his shoulder.

He laughed lightly, unable to stay mad for too long.

“Are you going somewhere?” He pulled at my coat.

“Just to the shops, I won’t be long.”

“I can come if you want?” He offered.

“Yeah sure,” I smiled, jumping off the wall and stumbling back a bit with drunkenness.

“Careful darling,” He teased me, making me pout.

-

The streets were quiet on our walk back.

“This is fun,” He said in confidence.

“Do you mean us walking or the party?”

“Both, but this a bit more.” I was swaying about, the bottles in the bag rattling about. He took it from my hand with a laugh and used the other to hold me steady.

“Thank you, I can get clumsy when I’m drunk.” I rested my head on his shoulder as he slowed even more.

“It’s sweet.”

“You think so?” He nodded. “Hermione told me the surprise was your idea,”

“Uh yeah, sort of.”

“Well I think it was your best idea to date,”

Ron let go of my arm and took my hand in his, swinging it between the two of us.

“Hermione also told me something else,” I teased.

“What?” he seemed nervous.

“It’s a secret,”

“y/n,” he glared jokingly, “tell me.”

I stopped us in the street so I could get close to his ear to whisper.

“She told me that you’ve been talking about me all summer.” He was blushing slightly when I pulled away, but his hand remained in mine.

“Yeah I kinda have,” he kept his eyes on his feet as we started walking again. “But it’s only because I missed you.” “Aw I missed you too Ronniekins,” he shook his head.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Fred and George.”

“Are you jealous?” I joked.

“You’re my friend after all,”

We stopped at the front gate where Ron turned to face me as he leant against the wall, shoving his hands into his pockets as he spoke.

“I think you like me,” He declared boldly.

“You’re getting brave,” I teased.

“Am I right? That’s what matters.”

“Maybe a little,”

“I like you y/n,”

I smirked, moving closer to him so that he was pressed up against the brick.

“Does this mean I can kiss you already?”

Ron grabbed my face the second I had uttered those words, and kissed me hard as if it had been boiling inside him all this time. My hands grabbed at the collar of his shirt, playing with the fabric between my fingers while he caressed me gently.

He had a reserved sense of fierceness behind his actions. One part of him held me tight and close, unwilling to release me and halt our kiss. But the other side wondered whether he should savour this moment in all its glory.

A cough sounded at the door behind us, making both Ron and I jump apart.

“I would love to say ‘about time’, but we’re one down for our beer pong team and we can’t lose the streak.” George complained, and Ron nodded moving to follow his brother inside. “So come on y/n, you’re needed.”

“And that is why I am the best chaser on the quidditch team goalie,” I teased Ron, bringing him in with me.

-

Once all the alcohol had been consumed, one way or another, and all the muggle guests had left (with no recollection of the night at all) I began to clear up. Hermione was already in bed in my parents’ room, and Harry had been discarded on the kitchen table where he insisted he would spend the night.

The twins were dead asleep on the sofas when I checked on them, Ron clicking in their faces to try and rise them. With no luck.

“They’re out cold,” He laughed.

“Come on then, I’m tired.”

“Oh so you’re letting me join you,” Ron grabbed my waist, pulling me away from the staircase before I could even get a foot on the first step.

“Put me down Ron,” I giggled, jumping at the feeling of his lips on my neck. He began walking up the stairs and kicked open my door.

“Only when it’s safe to do so,” he joked, throwing me onto the bed.

I landed on my back, the air in my lungs knocked out.

“Careful, throw me around too much and I might just fuck you,” I joked, but Ron’s eyes were darker now as he smirked. I moaned internally, just seeing him like this got me excited.

“And if I did fuck you y/n?”

“I would never complain about anything, ever again.” I sighed and he threw his top off, getting on top of me and kissing my neck yet again. Deeper and harder, leaving little purple marks to show off the next morning.

His hands were all over my body, even more so when our clothes were gone. He reached down between my legs and pushed my thighs away ever so carefully. He whispered beside my ear, fingers ghosting over my panties.

“Is this what you want y/n?” I nodded, words seeming too complex. “You want my fingers inside you don’t you, knuckle deep?” All that came out was a gasp as he pulled the final item of clothing away and pushed a single finger in as promised.

I could hear how wet I was, and he could feel how, even around one finger, I was the tightest he had ever felt. One by one he added fingers, making my body seize up with the burning pleasure of their movements.

Then they were gone, dragged away, my back falling onto the mattress yet again this time with a disappointed sigh.

“Don’t worry darling, I’m not done.” He grinned, taking his cock from against his chest and pumping it. He was fully hard at just the sight of my naked body before him, all his to use as he desired. I had never wondered about the size of Ron’s cock, but this was beyond what I had ever imagined anyone’s.

It was thick and long and begging to be inside my dripping pussy. He leant closer, lining himself up with one hand and holding one of my thighs down with the other. I groaned at how forceful he was, enjoying that he was so openly having his way with me.

“You ready baby?” He asked.

“Yes… daddy,” Ron’s cock pushed deep inside me, and the nickname just made him want to get even deeper. He held one of my legs up, forcing me to tighten up around him.

“Oh fuck .. fuck.” I screamed, unbothered if I would wake the others.

“Turn around,” Ron demanded, to which I scrambled to bend over for him with my ass in the air. “Good girl,” He smacked my cheek with one hard slap and entered my pussy again in one smooth thrust, immediately groaning at the feeling.

He was hard, but I loved it. His rhythmic, strong thrusts would have sent me flying if it wasn’t for his iron grip on my waist keeping me down. I had no choice but to grip the bedsheets in my hand and scream myself silly while he pounded me like an animal.

One hand reached forward, round my neck and onto my throat. Ron pulled me up, so my back was pressed up against him.

“You’re gonna ride me now darling, like a dirty slut.” I moaned at his words, completely unravelled by them. I came then and there, being held like a willing prisoner and fucked like a whore. “Good girl,” He whispered, pushing me away and laying down, his hands resting behind his head as I climbed onto his cock and letting it slip up and into me.

This feeling, with his length, made riding an incredible experience. I felt unstoppable with Ron’s encouraging words and wandering hands that would rest upon my bouncing tits as my hips went up and down.

“Oh fuck, daddy I’m so close.” I screamed, getting faster as I chased my high like a hungry bitch.

“I want to cum inside you y/n,” He told me.

“Do it,” I groaned out. “I’ll cum too, I promise.”

“Beg,”

I pleaded out, over and over, before he spilled inside me. Less than a second after I came all over his thick cock, falling down in exhaustion and laying beside him. The only noise in the room was our laboured breathing, but Ron took my hand in his and kissed it.

“You’re incredible,” he spoke softly, now worried that we might have woken the whole street if it wasn’t for the house’s silencer.

A few moments later, once we had finally come round again, I pulled the covers over us and let Ron hold me close.

“We have to leave in the morning,” He told me.

“Can’t you just stay the rest of the weekend?” “Mum and dad are going away, and they can’t leave Ginny on her own.”

“I’ll miss you,” I told him.

“Come with us, you can stay the rest of the holiday.” He offered up, not wanting to sleep without me by his side now he felt how normal it felt to have me in his arms.

“I wish I could, but I have to work.”

“Just quit, it wouldn’t matter.”

“I need that job when I come back next summer,” I laughed, but Ron had a thought on his mind.

“Don’t come back next summer, just stay with us. You’re always complaining that your parents are never here. And if you want to see your friends, you can still visit.”

“Every summer at the burrow, with you?”

“Only if you want to,”

“I really want to.” I smiled, nustling into his side.

-

The next morning I packed a bag and wrote two letters. One for my boss, to explain that I had to quit under important circumstances and that I was very sorry. The other for my parents, telling them not to worry. That I was grateful for them always, but that I had friends to be my family now.

“Come on y/n,” Harry shouted down the stone steps, “I want to go to diagon alley before we leave London.” I threw my case down to George, who almost fell at the weight of it.

“Y/n?” Jade shouted to me across the road. The Weasley’s, Harry and Hermione froze at the sight of her but she smiled at them politely as if she’d never met them. A silent sigh of relief was sounded by us all. “What happened last night?” She asked, putting us on edge again.

“What do you mean?” I laughed it off.

“Well I remember bringing loads of people over, but I can’t for the life of me recall anything that happened last night.”

“You must have been really drunk Jade, I saw you and it looked bad.”

“Oh god, I feel awful. I must have been a real hassle.” She noticed the twins eyeing her from the group. “They look familiar, have I met them before?”

“No, they’ve just picked me up. I’m going away for a bit but I’ll let you know when I’m back.” Her attention was quickly back on me.

“Okay, well, have a good summer and ring me when you can.” She hugged me goodbye and headed off back up the road.

“She totally had a thing for me last night,” Fred gloated.

“No she did not, she wanted me.” George argued.

“Oh shut it you two!” Hermione huffed, sporting yet another hangover. “Are we all ready?”

I took Ron’s hand in mine and smiled at the ginger boy beside me, “Ready.”

[hoodedwing]

Scarred Hands

Summary: Jason helps everyone through bad days.

Characters: Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian, Bruce, Alfred

Warnings : Major Character Death mentions, breakdowns, mourning over a character, i think there’s swearing too (but all my fics would have some swear in it though)

Additional Notes: Just wanted Dick to lose his shit with Bruce I guess and Jason just tags a long and becomes good ole’ big bro

Word Count: 1,294 words

***

He can't press the button.

It sits nicely in his hand, fitted perfectly. The number pad worn with age and most likely, had seen better days. The screen cover or what was left of it was peeling at the edges.

Damian had a better phone, way better.

Why did he still hold on to this phone then? What was the attraction, the strange magic that pulled him to this  point where he his finger is still hovered over the button?

Press # for emergencies

The automated voice message said it again, familiarity burned at the edges. Obviously because Jason was the one who gave him the damn phone.

He gave it to his three other brothers too, not exactly give but rather sneak it into their pockets.

How he'd sneaked it, Damian had no clue.

He had a mission tomorrow which needed his full attention and he had spent the whole week staying up by doing research, compiling evidence and constant patrols.

He was tired, his brain felt heavy, darkness sweetly lingering at the edges. The ceiling light suddenly became brighter and he covered his eyes, with his free arm and hissed.

His hand accidentally presses the button and suddenly he hears a gruff voice, gentle in its own

"Demon spawn?"

Damian whimpers and turns on his side, taking the phone under his head and mumbles.

"Stop it."

"Well you called, what's up?"

He hears Damian sighing and trying to sleep so Jason listens silently. He didn't have to say anything. At one point, Damian really thought Jason had declined the call but his name was still on the caller ID.

Jason listened carefully on the phone, Damian's finally even breathing and soft, imperceptible snores. He almost smiles down at the phone.

"Night."

He whispered softly down the phone and cut it.

-

Tim is at Wayne Enterprises (WE)

He absolutely fucking hates it right now because a co-worker has picked out some mysterious 'flaws' and explaining to him why she thought the proposal was questionable.

He is this close to losing it while trying to tune out the woman's voice.

"This time frame is too small, I'm afraid they won't have enough time. Considering that there is a gala this evening-"

Oh fuck, there's a gala to go to tonight?

Tim almost jolts. Just to make sure he isn't hallucinating, he sneakily looks at his phone and sees a message reminding him about tonight’s Gala from Alfred.

Right on time, Alfred. Tim thought.

Tim sighs, places a hand on his head as the woman continues with her mock speech. Luckily for him, her phone rang and she left the room.

Tim slid a deadbolt into the damn door after that.

Peace

He blinks and sees the world in double and rubs his eyes again. He lies quietly on the table for awhile.

His hand was in his coast's pocket, he tried to find his phone but accidentally found the other one.

"What-"

Tim quizzically stares at it, trying to make sense of this mess. The phone was old, he knew. Less advanced equalled to less apps to contact from. These kind are favoured by mercenaries or assassins, it was easier to remove your trail, fast.

That meant only one possibility.

Jason

Tim allows a moment to appreciate Jason's skill. How he had slid it into his pocket, he didn't know and he's impressed.

He picks around the phone, trying to figure out whether it was bugged (because Jason is creative, he managed to get Tim to sleep once just by a lethal and calculated mark by a transquilizer.)

His finger accidentally presses #

"Yeah?"

Oh shit, where's the end call button?

"Tim?"

The gruff voice was coloured with a tinge of audible concern, distant sounds of grappling hooks and gunfire was heard.

"Uh-"

Tim has no idea what to say to him, that he accidentally pressed a button because he was too damn curious and could get Jason killed again because his attention is also diverted to him?

"I..I'm so sorry-"

"Bad day, Timmy?"

Okay, now he's also a mind reader. Lazarus does strange things to you.

"No"

"Liar"

He's a polygraph now? I can't believe this

"Timmy, if it's stress at work or there's dead ends, you better drag your ass to the alleyway outside. I'm there."

Tim decides that it wasn't a bad idea, what's the harm in meeting him?

Probably being stabbed by a batarang and becoming a headline Wayne Enterprises CEO found murdered by a child's toy or Timothy Jackson Drake found impaled by a strange contraption, are there aliens coming? Is this a sign?

Tim politely excuses himself and leaves the office, he exits and turns left to walk another ten minutes. People walking by gave him small smiles obviously because he's a business figure.

He walks another ten minutes and reaches the alleyway, he kicks off his pointed dress shoes and sits, resting his feet at one side.

"Those shoes sure hurt, you better buy new ones soon Timbers."

Tim stood up surprised and almost stumbled back, a pair of firm hands grasp around his waist, too tight for his good.

It leaves Tim breathless and he kneels over slightly from the sudden. Jason lifts him slowly and places him on his lap. Tim fumbles and leans his head against Jason's figure and slowly sinks in.

Into the comfort.

He doesn't know he's fallen asleep until he wakes up in his own bed with warm food beside him.

-

Dick cannot dare.

Dick is supposed to be the glue of the family, he's supposed to be the one that's keeping his shit together.

But he can't.

Bruce is fucking dead, his (adoptive) dad is dead. Gone.

And he can't even get up, he's lying on his bed, absolutely miserable, not even taking calls from Barbara.

In short, he's cut out his entire connection with the world. He's skipped patrol with Tim and Damian for a whole week, he's stopped watching his shows and eating his food.

He's tired.

He doesn't know why, all the energy is sucked out of him. He cannot seem to push himself up.

Not yet.

Until this big lump of human is outside his room and watches him lie in his thoughts. The man seemed familiar.

And he enters.

"Dickie, what the hell?"

Jason puts his hand on Dick, who's eyes are red from a recent bout of crying. He gives Dick a glass of cold water.

"Look at me."

His firm hands grip Dick's leaner muscled shoulders and he reluctantly looks. Jason could see he looks worse up close.

Breakdowns suck, a lot.

"Dick, you gotta move on. I know-"

"You don't know Bruce."

He simply states, eyes staring ahead.  He's telling the truth, or maybe not.

Jason had seen the various shades of Bruce. Caring and the next second, colder than ever. So Dick was so, so wrong about his answer.

"Hating someone doesn't mean I don't know him Dick. He meant a lot to you, I'm not invalidating your grief, I need you to grieve properly. You gotta get back someday, Blüdhaven needs some ass kicking."

Dick smiles with tear-stained cheeks and Jason hugs him suddenly, because he's been in the same position before. He's caught himself in a breakdown before but no one ever held the broken pieces while he cried himself to sleep.

He knew how Dick felt.

"Take your time Dickie, I'll take over for you for now till you're okay."

Dick smiles thinly and sits, watching Jason wear back his boots to leave through the window but not without wiping away his fingerprints.

Jason leaves quietly, hoping Dick wouldn't mind his sudden disappearance. He couldn't afford to stay for long.

There's no rest for the weary.

[eriks-magnificentcape]

Angst Lupin HC

Here’s one of my favourite trope of Lupin’s gang: one sided pining (warning: Jigen is an ass)

One night, Jigen is having a drink with Lupin and it seems like it’s going quite well, where Lupin is getting all touchy and flirty with Jigen. When Jigen thinks they are gonna kiss, Lupin gets a phone call from Fujiko, asking him if they wanna meet up now (she perfectly knows that Lupin is drinking with Jigen and Jigen has a feeling for Lupin). Lupin says yes without a second thought and dashes out from their hideout, leaving Jigen alone. Completely pissed off at the treatment of Lupin and how he’s always the one feeling miserable, he drinks himself to blindness. After an hour or so, Goemon comes back from wherever he was, noticing how messy the hideout is, littered with many empty bottles. He sees Jigen quaffing down anither bottle of whisky and scowls at him. Jigen sees Goemon just standing at the doorway so he beckons him over and tells him to sit down next to him. Goemon slowly approaches the couch and sit down, while frowning at the stench of alcohol.

Goemon: you are drinking a lot tonight

Jigen: so what, I need it tonight

Goemon: what happened

Jigen: Lupin ran off to Fujiko like a fucking dog

Goemon: that’s nothing unsual of Lupin

Jigen: yeah yeah

Goemon: Jigen, you need to stop drinking. You must had a lot by now, you-

Jigen: oh shut it, I know I’m going to have a frigging headache tomorrow, but what is it compared to what I’m feeling right now. I rather forget everything, you know

Goemon: that’s not a very healthy way to deal with your problem

Jigen: I ain’t a fucking monk like you Goemon.

Jigen: Wait, you can tell me, how do you deal with it

Goemon: what do you mean

Jigen: I know you’ve been having some feelings for me

Goemon: .... no I don’t

Jigen: oh please, like I don’t notice your glances. You think you are being subtle? It couldn’t have been more obvious! You can’t lie and hide your emotions!

Jigen: Now fucking tell me, how do you deal with it? The fucking pain in your heart

Goemon: I don’t know what you are talking about!

Jigen: yeah you do!

Goemon: you are clearly drunk, you don’t know what you are talking about!

Jigen: oh for fuck’s sake!

Jigen then throws himself on Goemon, pinning him and kissing him hard. Goemon tries to wrestle him off but he can’t help but gets carried away. When he starts to completely emerse himself into the sensation, he hears Jigen whispering Lupin’s name. Dream shattered, Goemon throws Jigen off himself and knocks him to the ground. Feeling absolutely wrecked, Goemon runs out from the room and disappears into the night.

Next morning, Lupin comes back home humming to himself. He sees the mess of the hideout and Jigen passed out on the couch. Shaking his head, he wakes Jigen by shaking his body. Groaning, Jigen wakes up. At the same time, Lupin receives a text from Goemon, saying that he won’t be returning and to not go looking for him.

Lupin: omg Goemon said he’s not coming home. What the hell, we got a heist tomorrow and it’s all planned out!

Jigen: what?

Lupin: he’s gone! What are we gonna do now! The plan won’t work unless we have Goemon

Jigen: forget it Lupin

Lupin: what do you mean forget it? He can’t just disappear on us like that! We gotta bring him back! Now where the fuck did he go

Jigen: I’m telling you, forget the plan!

Lupin: why, what’s going on

Jigen: I fucked it up

Lupin: what did you do

Jigen:....

Lupin: what did you do!

(And then, there’ll be reverse “pining” where Jigen feels absolutely shit about what he did and goes on search for Goemon, while remembering all their interactions and slowly starting to develop some feelings for Goemon. Lupin also feels bad about the way he treated Jigen, knowing how he’s always been there for him despite anything that happened between them. Fujiko also feels bad because even though her intention was to hurt Jigen, cos she was jealous of their relationship, she didn’t want to ruin the gang, least of all hurt Goemon. So everyone starts to work reversely, mending their issues with each other)

[froggy-1988]

Valentine's Day - Have a quick TTS story

“He was beheaded!” Rapunzel’s eyes were wide.

“Well, the story goes that he died for love, the king at the time had banned marriages, but Saint Valentine was a priest and he continued to perform marriages in secret.” Cassandra explained patiently.

Eugene had been trying to lead his girlfriend out of the castle for a surprise Valentine’s date, they’d made it to the courtyard before they’d seen Lance enthusiastically telling a story to a rather bored looking Cass. Naturally Rapunzel had bounded up to them on bare feet, telling them excitedly that it was Saint Valentine’s day, and naturally Cassandra had interrupted to tell her what Valentine’s day was actually about. Or rather Cassandra’s bloody version of it with wars and beheadings.

“But he died?”

“Yes.” Eugene said.

“Most people don’t live long without a head.” Cassandra added.

“And we celebrate the day he died?” Rapunzel said looking confused.

“I think you are looking too much at the graphic details of this.” Eugene said sending an annoyed glance over at Cassandra as he placed a protective hand on Rapunzel’s shoulder

“And besides.” Lance said. “He probably didn’t even die on February the fourteenth, that date was probably chosen to fit in with the pagan Feast of Lupercalia.”

The three friends turned to look at him.

“What? I know stuff.”

“The point I’m trying to make is, we are not celebrating the death, but more the notion of him being willing to face death in the name of love.” Eugene said with another pointed look at his friend.

Rapunzel’s eyebrows furrowed as she thought about that, then she broke out in a big smile.

“Oh, like when you died for me?” She leaned into him and tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “My Saint Eugene.”

“If he’d really died then he wouldn’t be here to annoy us now.” Cassandra pointed out. “You know Eugene, if you really wanted to die for love I could go and find my lucky halberd and help you out.”

“Cass, my hair dousn’t have healing powers anymore, I wouldn’t be able to bring him back.”

“That’s the point.”

“Well then technically you would have died for love twice, and Saint Valentine only died for love once, so you would outrank him. We could rename the day Saint Eugene’s day.” Lance pointed out. “You’d be famous.”

“I’m already famous.”

“That’s the problem you have with that?” Rapunzel said quietly.

“Oh, famous thief turned romantic who dies twice for love, now that is a story that I would want to read. I mean, it has all the right elements, the beautiful princess, the cute animal companion, the roguish best friend with a heart of gold, that’s me by the way.” Lance continued.

“I am not going to die just because it would make a good story. Well, not again anyway. Now will you please leave us alone, I’ve got a romantic valentines day planned and it does not include you two.” Eugene snapped.

“Ahh Eugene, can’t they come on our Valentine’s day date?” Rapunzel asked. “I heard people in the market saying it was bad to be alone for Valentine’s day. We can’t let our friends be alone.”

“I personally prefer it.” Cassandra answered.

“No can do, I am working a shift at the duckling.” Lance said. “But thanks for the invite Princess.”

“See Eugene, we have to find Cassandra a date to spend Valentines’ day with.” Rapunzel said.

“Did somebody say date!” An excited vice called.

Cassandra groaned as she saw Varian racing over the flagstones of the courtyard towards them.

“Varian! My man!” Eugene said rushing towards him and clapping him on the back. “Just in time. Rapunzel here did not want to leave our delightful Cass alone, but now you’re here you can keep her company.”

“Uh sure. I came here to see…”

“See Rapunzel!” Eugene said quickly rushing over and leading Rapunzel towards the gate. “Lance is going to be with the pub thugs and Cassandra has our favorite alchemist inventor boy to play with, so we can go on our date safe in the knowledge that nobody is alone.”

Rapunzel glanced over her shoulder one more time as she walked through the gates.

“Well, I guess that’s alright.”

“Go, have fun.” Cassandra shouted after them. She herself turned on her heels to walk back to the castle.

“Hey wait up!” She heard Varian call from behind her, he jogged to keep up. “I uh, came here to see you actually.”

“What is it Varian?” Cassandra asked stopping, apparently too quickly as Varian staggered and almost fell over his own feet.

“I um…” He nervously ran his hand through his hair as one hand searched through the pockets of his leather jerking pulling out a glass bottle full of a green looking substance. “I made you a valentine’s day gift.”

Cassandra eyed the bottle in his hand suspiciously, for a second she was worried that it might be some kind of explosive. Then, she was excited that it might be some kind of explosive, that would definitely put her ahead of the game in defending the castle.

“It’s uh.. a fragrance oil.” Varian explained. “You know, for smelling nice. I mean, not that you don’t smell nice… but…”

Cassandra reached out and took it from him.

“Thanks, I guess.” She said. “But why’s it green? Aren’t most perfume oils sort of pinkish?”

“The floral ones are but I guessed you weren’t really a floral kinda girl, I mean lady, so I made it with herbs.”

“Herbs?”

“Yeah, thyme, sage, rosemary.”

“Like you put on a roast chicken?”

“Or lamb…” Varian stuttered.

“Oh, so it’ll make me smell like a dead farmyard animal. Thanks.

“Well.. no more like a …roasted farmyard animal.” His shoulders slumped. “I just thought you might like it. Most perfumes are flowery and I thought this smelt more fresh, more invigorating. You know....more you.”

Cassandra sighed and put her hand on Varian’s shoulder.

“Look, kid, I’m sorry I was tough on you. I always find this day hard.”

“Because you don’t have a date?”

“No, because everybody thinks that I should be miserable because I don’t have a date, and honestly, I’m not all that bothered. I like being alone.” Cassandra said frustratedly thinking of all the years that had passed where she had been shot sympathetic looks by other women.

“Oh.” Varian said with a sigh.

“But it’s better being with friends.” Cassandra corrected herself. “Like you.”

Varian’s face brightened. She took the stopper out of the scented oil bottle, the strong smell of rosemary hit her nose, she didn’t actually dislike it, and Varian was right that she’d didn’t like to wear the flowery perfumes when she was training,

“Thank you.”

Varian smiled at her hopefully.

“Anything for a friend.” He said.

“I uh.. “Cassandra hesitated for a moment. “So, uh.. do you want to help me put up the decorations in the main hall?”

“Yes! Absolutely. I uh mean…. I’m not doing anything else so..” He tried to sound casual.

Cassandra gave him a small smile.

“You know one of the perks of being my co-lady in waiting is that you get to taste test all the sweet pastries the chef is making for tonight’s Valentine’s day ball.”

“Awesome!” Varian said punching the air. “I will be the best Valentine’s day taste tester ever.”

Cassandra smiled fondly at him as they walked side by side back to the castle.

[fairfaxleasee]

[Slow] dancing + Fenris/Cass? someone needs to take this boy out on the town!!

For @dadrunkwriting (Thanks to @xqueen0fhellx for letting me use her Damien Amell in this and my AU!)

CW: Anxiety, panic attacks, autism spectrum, Modern (University) AU

Cassia Hawke couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing in her hallway.  Not only did she have no idea how her cousin Damien had found her apartment (although her younger sister Bethany was at the top of the suspect list), but she had even less of an idea what he was doing with his arms full of stained papers and a single sneaker.

“Cousin Cass!  I did what you asked me!” Damien didn’t wait to be invited and strode into her apartment.

“Uhhhh... no you didn’t.”  Cass was positive she hadn’t told her cousin to do anything, let alone something that would involve him showing up at her apartment with... whatever it was he was holding.

“I did though!  Don’t you remember?  At the Dumar’s party last month you said we were going to spy on Danarius.”

“Uh, no, at the Dumar’s party I said I was going to look into Danarius’ business dealings.”

“Well... yeah, and while you did that, I did this!” he lifted his arms slightly to offer her whatever it was he was holding.

“Damien, I have no idea what that is.”

“I went through his trash!  And it was annoying because I had to climb over this really high fence to do it.”

Cass pursed her lips and tapped her fingers on her forehead.  “Okay, well we’re going to just pretend you didn’t confess to trespassing and theft...”

“See, these are a bunch of receipts for... well, I don’t know what they’re all for.  Oh, wait, and this looks like a coffee filter.  But I think the rest of these are receipts-”

“Damien...”

“I know he’s getting extra income from somewhere-”

“Damien!”

“So I brought them here because you’re good at all this thinking stuff!”

“DAMIEN!  When I said I was going to look into him I meant I was going to search through public records for his corporate filings and do a bit of catfishing.  The corporate stuff is public information and the catfishing is things he’s willingly telling me.  Or, well, willingly telling Cecelia.  But still.”

“Ohhh...” Damien sounded like he was finally listening to what Cass was actually telling him instead of the voice-over in his personal action movie.  “That sounds like a better plan now that you say it.”

“Yes.  And it’s also doesn’t involve trespassing or petty larceny.”

“Can I help with that?”

“No!”

“Do you need me to hack into anything?”

“NO!  That’s still illegal, Damien!  And I need whatever I’m going to use to be clean.”

“Well, what about catfishing?  Can I do that?”

Cass barely resisted the urge to throttle her overly-enthusiastic cousin, “I- yes, fine if that will get you out of here.  But no hacking!”

“So, what kind of profile do you think I should make up?  Can I see the one you’re using?  Can we hang out while I make it?”

“Damien, I am going to give you three seconds to get out the door before I push you out a window!  Fenris is coming over-”

“Can I meet him this time?”

“NO!” if Cass had her way about things Fenris would never be subjected to any of her relatives.  It was bad enough he’d already met Carver and Bethany (albeit briefly), Cass wasn’t about to impose another Amell on him.  She started shooing her cousin towards the door.

“Well, I guess I should leave to let you get ready.  You probably want to put something nice on.  Where are you going with him?  You should take him dancing!  Ooh!  Have you ever heard of the Hanged Man?  It’s this club-”

“Damien, just go back to your house and throw all that stuff out somewhere.  And don’t do anything else illegal!”

“Bye, Cousin Cass!  Let me know how your date goes!  I’ll call you when I have something-”

Cass gave her cousin one last shove and closed the door behind him.  She looked down at the clothes she was wearing and frowned.  They were clean, but that was all that could be said about them.  They were her usual combination of a tunic and leggings, and she liked them and was comfortable in them, they were far from nice.  Or pretty.  She’d never worn anything nice or pretty on any of their dates.

Although maybe it was unfair of her to consider what they did together ‘dating.’  He just came over to her apartment and they’d order carry out and watch movies.  She liked watching movies and eating carry out in her apartment, and she loved doing it with Fenris, but... She was probably boring him.  He’d been in a band; they’d met in the Hanged Man (even if Cass hadn’t wanted to go to the fucking club in the first place).

She bit her lower lip and tried to force herself not to cry.  She hadn’t managed to fuck anything up yet.  Maybe she had time.  She opened her phone and called Fenris.

“Cass?”

“Mm-hum.”  Great, of all the times for her throat to decide not to work.

“Cass, is everything alright?”

“Mm-hum.” She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to force herself to talk.  “I... um... I’ve got to do this quick thing.  I... I should be done before you get here, but I’m going to leave the door unlocked just in case.  So you can come in.  And I’ll have Dante and Squall with me so you don’t need to worry about that.  But it’s fine, okay?  I- I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Cass...”

“I’ll see you in a bit.”

She was slightly afraid he would try to call her again once she hung up, but didn’t have time to be relived he hadn’t as she tore to her bedroom in search of something that wouldn’t make her look like, in the endearing words of her brother, a ‘crazy bag-lady.’

It took a while to find.  Most of her regular clothes were similar to what she was wearing already and she had a few suits for competitions that she wore.  She’d tried on one of the dresses her mother had bought for her to wear to the parties she was supposed to go to, but it made her skin burn and crawl so she’d yanked it off before she’d even zipped it up.  She eventually found a knee-length black skirt (she had a fleeting thought that it might have been from her high school uniform, but as long as it didn’t look like it was from a high school uniform she wasn’t going to be picky) and a scoop-neck split sleeve blouse.  She glanced at her phone and cursed that it had taken her all but five minutes of the time she’d had between her cousin running his mouth (he obviously hadn’t meant anything by it, and while she wasn’t mad at him for causing it she was still furious it had happened) and Fenris’ arrival.  She rushed to the bathroom in a desperate search for make up.  She owned some basic stuff for her competitions, but it was to make her look professional.  She flung open cabinets and drawers in search of something as she tried not to focus on the sting of shame at what was in her medicine cabinet.

She heard the door to her apartment open and shook her head as she tried to apply what she’d found in a way that wouldn’t end up with her looking like a toddler who’d gotten into its mother’s purse.  She couldn’t enjoy the fact that she’d managed it because when she looked at the reflection in the mirror, she couldn’t recognize the woman staring back at her.  Actually, that wasn’t true.  She knew exactly who was staring back at her.  ‘Cassia Amell Hawke’ was staring back at her.  The daughter her parents wanted was staring back at her.  Someone normal was staring back at her.  Someone Fenris deserved was staring back at her.  The woman she could never be was staring back at her.  She felt tears begin to prick the edges of her eyes before a voice from the living room distracted her.

“Cass?”

She wiped her eyes quickly as she answered, “Yes!  Sorry, Fenris, I’ll be right out!”  She grabbed the only pair of heels she owned as she tore from the bedroom.

“Cass!”  She watched Fenris’ expression change as he took in her appearance.  She bit her lip as she admonished herself silently for not being able to understand what any of it meant.  “Cass, why are you wearing that?”

“I... um... do you not like it?”  She hadn’t even considered Fenris may not like what she was wearing.

“I - no!  You look... stunning but, it’s not what you usually wear.”

“I... well... I thought... I thought maybe we could do something different tonight.”

“Like what, Cass?”

“I... like we could go... out to dinner?”

“Hmmm... we could do that.”  He was smiling.  She didn’t think anything was off about the smile so she smiled back.

“And then we could go somewhere nice after?  Like a club or a bar or something?”

Something was wrong with his smile as she finished.  “Are you sure, Cass?”

“Mm-hum.”  She nodded.  She was sure, she just couldn’t bring herself to actually claim she was sure.

“Let’s see how you feel after dinner.”

“I... okay.”  She hung her head as she tried to keep smiling.  She’d obviously done something wrong.  Maybe if she could figure out what it was she’d be able to fix it.

They had a fairly nice time at dinner.  Fenris mentioned he knew a Seheron restaurant he liked that didn’t do carry-out so they went there.  It was definitely noisier than Cass’ apartment, but it wasn’t overwhelming.  As they left, Fenris reached a hand around her waist to press her gently to him and whisper, “Should we head back, Cass?”

She turned to him, “I - No!  I said we could go dancing.  So let’s go to a club.”

“Cass...”

“Do you not want to?”

“Do you want to?”

“Mm-hum.”  She wanted to want to.  That was close enough.  He turned away.  She reached out and grabbed his collar as she felt her breathing get heavier.  She pulled him towards her as her eyes drifted away.

“Cass...” she felt him sigh above her.  “If you’re sure, Cass.”

She nodded and pulled him closer.

“Alright, I know a place that’s not far.”

Cass had no idea what club Fenris had taken her to, but she knew she hated it.  It was just as bad as the Hanged Man (although for all she knew, it was the Hanged Man again, she’d blocked most of the specifics of the place out): flashing lights, crowds of people, loud music, somehow louder voices, the stench of cigarettes, alcohol, and cologne.  It was as though the entire place were determined to make her as miserable as possible as quickly as possible.  She thought Fenris was trying to talk to her.  She couldn’t hear him.  She tried to focus on looking happy; pretending to belong.  Keeping up her desperate façade of normalcy for as long as possible as the fire the overstimulation set off in every nerve in her body overwhelmed and consumed her.

The next thing she was fully aware of she was outside with her head pressed against a concrete wall as she gulped lungfuls of cold night air.

“Feeling better, Cass?”

She turned her head slightly to look at Fenris.  His whole expression was funny - he wasn’t trying to smile, and he didn’t look angry, but she couldn’t for the life of her understand his slightly furrowed eyebrows.  She closed her eyes and tried to catch her breath.  She didn’t want to make him wait any longer so she bit her tongue to try to force it to start working.  “Yeah... um, just give me a second and we can go back in.”

“We’re not going back in, Cass.”

Her eyes flew open and she turned to Fenris in a panic, “I can do it better, Fenris!  Just tell me what I did wrong and I can make it right!”

“Cass, you were miserable in there.”

“I’m sorry!  I know I’m not supposed to be.  I can- I can get better at pretending it’s fun!”

“Cassia, listen to me,” he reached out and hovered a hand over her cheek.  She knew she shouldn’t - she didn’t deserve it - but she leaned into his touch.  He rubbed his thumb over her cheekbone.  “You don’t have to pretend with me.  I don’t want you to pretend with me.  I want to be with you, not anyone else.”

“I don’t understand, Fenris...”

“Do you believe me?”

“Yes.”  She reached up to grab his wrist.

“That’s enough, Cassia.”

“But...  but I want to do more, Fenris.  You deserve more.”

“Hmm...” he slid his hand off her cheek and around her back to press her to his chest.  “Is there anything you think we didn’t get to do tonight?”

“I... we didn’t get to dance.  That’s what people go to clubs for, right?”

“We don’t need a club to dance, Cass.  Here, give me your phone.”

She slid it out of her pocket, unlocked it, and handed it over.  She saw his eyes narrow at the screen.  “Fenris?”

“It’s nothing, Cass.  I’m just going to have to have a long talk with this Cousin Damien of yours at some point.”

“Fenris, nothing good ever comes from talking to my Cousin Damien at any length.”

“Well, I agree with that, but I don’t intend to let him off the hook.  But let’s leave that for now.”

Cass watched the light of the screen reflect on Fenris’ face for a few seconds before music began to play.  ‘I see trees of green; Red roses too.’  She leaned into him and wound her arms behind his head.  He reached down with the hand that wasn’t holding the phone to reach around her waist as they swayed to the music.  She wasn’t sure it counted as ‘dancing,’ but she was sure she wasn’t able to do anything more just then.  She leaned away from slightly so she could press her forehead to his, “I think this is the first time I’ve liked this song.”

She felt him laugh, “My thoughts exactly, Cassia.”

[mookoo-writes]

~You’re Still My Boyfriend~ (2K12 Leonardo x Trans Male! Reader)

Authors Note: I’m hear to fill the void of male reader fanfiction for readers like me 

Fandom: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012

Pairing(s): Leonardo x Trans Male! Reader

Warning(s): cursing, mention of dysphoria, Leo is just a good boyfriend

Anyway, Please enjoy~

It started like any other day; leave school and visit the lair where you get your homework done while also getting to hang out with your favorite mutant turtle friends and boyfriend. Since today was Friday, you didn’t have to worry about school work which means more time with your boyfriend. Unfortunately, since you’re not working on homework, you aren't looking at the time every five minutes. 

You didn’t realize how late it was until you get a call from your parents and a few texts asking where you were. “Shit.” You mutter to yourself as you check the time on your phone. Leo paused the movie the five of you were watching so you wouldn’t miss anything. 

“Uh oh, someones in trouble,” Raph smirked as he flipped to another page in his comic. You glared at him as you answered the phone. 

“Y/n where are you? You should be home by now.” A stern voice spoke at you. 

“I know, I know I’m sorry. I was watching a movie with friends and didn’t check the time.” You apologized with a sign, hoping you wouldn’t get grounded. 

“Are you at the friend's house right now?” You replied with a yeah before they continued. “I don’t want you walking around the streets at this time of night. It’s dangerous, and I’d rather you stay there than risk your life walking home.” 

You laughed to yourself as you think of all the crime shows your parent watches. “Could you ask your friend if it's okay if you sleep there for tonight?” They asked. 

You pulled the phone away from your ear and covered the speaker. “Is it all right if I crash here tonight? My parents don’t want me to walk home this late at night.” 

The boys looked at each other, then back at you. “I don’t see why not,” Leo said while the others nodded or gave you a thumbs up. 

“Yea, I can spend the night here.” You spoke into the phone. 

“Good! I’m sure you can use their clothes to sleep in.” You narrowed your eyes and looked at each of your friends and what they had on. 

Just a bunch of belts. 

You pursed your lips and paused for a minute. “Yea, I’m sure they will have an extra change of clothes.” Giggling could be heard from the four turtles as you swat the air for them to be quiet.

“I’ll let you get back to your movie then. Call me if there are any problems. Love you.” 

“I will. Love you too.”

You placed the phone back on the couch and sighed. “At least I’m not in trouble.” You got comfy in the blanket you and Leo were sharing and leaned on his shoulder. “Okay, now we can continue the movie.”

Once the movie finished, everyone decided to head to bed since it was getting late. When Leo got up from the couch, you wrapped yourself in the blanket and sprawled out. Leo stood there and watched as you did so. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think of how to ask. You rose a brow at your flustered boyfriend. “I was thinking- that maybe… I mean you don’t have to… It’s just-” He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. Keyword trying. “I was thinking that maybe you could sleep with me? Or- or you could take my bed and I can sleep on the couch.” 

You smiled as he stuttered out his question. He always claims to be good with words, but at times like this, he doesn’t have a clue what to say. 

You got up with the blanket wrapped around your shoulders and grabbed his hand. The poor turtles' face seemed to become redder when you started to pull him towards his room. 

When both of you stepped into the room, you kicked the door closed with your foot and plopped down on Leo’s bed. The scent of cherry blossoms and freshwater filled your nose as you inhaled. You’re glad you got him a diffuser to block out the sewer smell. 

You have always loved his room. The hint of Japanese culture along with a box of comic books and action figures sitting on shelves made afternoon naps more comforting. You would usually take a small nap while he’s meditating or training with his brothers.

You adjusted yourself to where you were resting under the thick blankets and closed your eyes. You could hear Leo chuckled to himself. The blankets shuffled for a split second before settling. You smiled to yourself as you curled up to the side of his plastron. Your fingers tracing the grooves of his shell as your eyes wandered to his. His mask was set to the side along with his other gear. 

He always looked different to you without his bandanna. Kind of like when someone takes off their glasses for the first time in front of someone else. But seeing him without his mask makes him look relaxed and content. 

You moved your hand from his plastron to his face, gently rubbing his cheek. His face flushed once again as he pushed his head further into your hand.

“If you went to the surface when the sun was out, you would have a bad tan line because of your mask… do you get tan lines?” 

”You always know how to ruin a moment, huh.” 

“Hey! I’m just saying what's on my mind!” 

Leo sighed as he wrapped an arm around you. “You're lucky you’re cute.” You chuckled, eyes slowly closing while sleep slowly consumes you. “You should get some sleep” incoherent mumbles spilled out of your mouth, trying to argue that you were not tired but failing miserably. Leo smiled to himself and turned the bedside lamp off. 

“Goodnight handsome.”

It was about 3 in the morning when you woke up in a sweat and hyperventilating. Why was this happening? You weren’t having a bad dream. Was this some sort of surprise panic attack? Your chest did hurt a bit. 

Wait.

You sat up and felt your chest. Flat. You were still wearing your binder. It’s been on for almost a full 24 hours without a break. This wouldn’t be such a problem but considering it was new, you weren’t quite used to it. You needed to get this thing off quick.

You silently crawled out of bed, making sure to not wake the sleeping turtle. You waited a few seconds before making another move of taking your shirt off. You would have preferred to do this in the bathroom, but that was too far and risky. Those doors make a tremendous amount of noise when you just want a glass of water late at night. 

You finally peeled off the binder. A small sigh left your lips as you put your shirt back on. Fortunately for you, there was a hoodie in Leo’s closet that you had left for him. Quietly, you sneak your way to his closet. His closet door was shut. 

Shit.

‘Let's hope this door isn’t as loud as Mikey’s snoring’ you thought to yourself as you gently pulled the door open. 

Skreeee

“Y/n?”

Fuck.

You could hear shuffling from the bed and the light turned on. You quickly pulled the door open wider so you could cover your top half. You didn’t like people seeing you without your binder on. It made you feel dysphoric and others might think less of you. Which is why whenever you didn’t have your binder on you wore a large hoodie or jacket. 

“Go back to sleep, babe. I just got… cold.” You swiped the overly large hoodie off of its hanger and quickly put it on. You stepped out of the closet, gently closing the door behind you, and made your way back to bed. Climbing back into bed, you snuggled back to your original spot. Once settled, Leo turned the light off and wrapped his arm right over your chest.

Your eyes grew wide and hoped he didn’t feel something in particular. You stared at the ceiling for a moment, feeling his arm slightly move, then move again. “Hey Y/n.”

You turned your head to face your boyfriend. “Yes?” 

“What is that…?” Your eyebrows scrunched at the question. 

“My boobs?”

Leo shot up and turned the light back on. “Your what???” 

“My… my boobs. You know, like titties.” 

Leo looked at you, down at your chest, then back to you. “When did you get those?!?”

You burst out laughing. “The person who birthed me?” You tried to muffle your laugh with the blanket but failed. 

Leo looked at you in disbelief, his mouth open and eyes wide. “You’re trans?!?” 

Your laughing died down and looked back at him. “You didn’t know?” You rose an eyebrow questionably. 

“No! I mean, there's nothing wrong with it. I still love you know matter what.” Leo fully sat up on the bed, rubbing his eyes as if trying to get his bearings from this instant adrenaline. 

You lied there, shocked. He didn’t know? You thought it was obvious. You’ve never taken testosterone or anything. Just a binder. 

“I… passed?” Your eyes started to water as you looked down at your hands. Every morning you saw something wrong with your body. Many feminine features were sticking out like a sore thumb, but yet your boyfriend didn’t even know. He never once commented on anything wrong. 

Tears were now rolling down your face as you look up at your boyfriend with a smile. “I passed.” 

Leo was caught off guard by this but immediately engulfed you in a hug. You sobbed into his shoulder and hugged him tight until the happy tears stopped rolling down your cheek. You can feel Leo’s hand rub your back while his other arm was hooked around your waist. You felt safe like this. Safe from the world’s gender stereotypes and judgment. Safe to express who you are and who you always will be.

You felt safe and loved.

You slowly pulled away, cheeks stained with tears that have dried. Leo gently cupped your face, looking at you as if he’s holding the world in his hands. To him, he is. He can’t even express home much you mean to him. Seeing you like this makes him happy yet frustrated. Happy that you felt overly loved but frustrated that, seeing you react the way you did, someone had hurt you because of something you can’t control. And the fact that he can’t be by your side to protect you from those things made him frustrated at himself.

The blue-clad turtle looked into your eyes, seeing the overall joy in them. Right at that moment, Leo had promised himself to protect his dear boyfriend the best he could. If not protect, then to be there for support on a particular dysphoric day.

Leo started placing sweet kisses starting at your four head that trailed down your temple. His thumbs gently rubbed your cheeks as he kisses the bridge of your nose. Leo could feel your nose scrunch under his lips and chuckled. He pulled away but not before planting a loving kiss on your lips.

“I honestly can’t express how much I love you, Leo.” You mutter to him, eyes half-closed due to lack of sleep. 

“That’s supposed to be my line.” Your boyfriend wined. You merely chuckled and leaned into his plastron. Leo took that as a sign and slowly lied back on his shell with you in his arms.

Your boyfriend kissed your four head as a yawn escaped your lips. “We should get back to sleep, I’m exhausted.” Leo chuckled and reached over to turn the lamp off.

“Goodnight Leo.”

“Goodnight handsome”

-Bonus-

“Your what” Two of the three brothers at the table looked at your direction with wide eyes. 

“You guys didn’t know?” Donnie took another bite of his cereal without looking away from his computer screen. 

“Wha- no we didn’t know! It’s not like we see humans every day!” Mikey ignored his hot-headed brother and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. 

“Look dude, just because you were born into something you're not doesn’t make you any less manly.” You smiled at the orange-clad turtle and thanked him.

[xxxrubytuesdayxxx]

If you go and ask Jeongguk how he feels about you...

Word Count: 3,919

Credits:  Credit to my ex-flatmate, who helped me write some of the angsty stuff and some of the Tae fluff

Disclaimers: This is part (36) of a Choose Your Own Ending!

Check at the end for glossary of Korean terms*

Start here:

“Jeongguk,” you say to him later in his room, “I need to speak to you.” You’re sitting on his bed with him opposite you, your legs folded to the side. The room is dark and illuminated only by the light on his bedside table.

“Do we have to?” he purrs, pouting. He gives you a light kiss, lingering slightly, biting your lip. It takes everything in your power to place a hand on his chest and push him an inch away. “Yes,” you tell him.

He plants the messiest kiss on your lips, clearly wanting to initiate the usual. You respond, moving your lips against his, before pulling back and saying, “We still have to.” He sighs, shoulders slumping. But he leans back against the headboard and clasps his fingers together, placing them on his stomach. He smiles at you sweetly, expectantly, waiting for what you have to share.

“How do you feel about me, Jeongguk?” you ask fearfully.

“I like you,” he answers plainly, “You’re a good person.” You wait for a follow-up to that, but all he does is take the silence as a go-ahead to continue what he initially intended. In one smooth movement, your faces are centimetres apart and he starts kissing you again, with more urgency than before. But you don’t let it continue as long as you did earlier, and you lean back slightly to break it off. 

His shoulders slump again at the second failed attempt, and his eyes search yours. It’s obvious he has no idea what you’re getting at.

“Look, I- I think I might be in love with you,” you rush in a slight panic.

“Oh,” he says, sitting back. He looks away, “I don’t know what to say.”

“Do you like me like that?” you ask faintly, hoping for the best. Your heart beats loud and unevenly in your chest, praying with all its might that he feels the same way. You want him so badly to love you back that your heart threatens to seize up.

“No,” he says softly, “I’m sorry, Noona.” 

You almost reel backwards with the pain, though you had the good sense to prepare yourself for this outcome. He’s young, he’s a popstar, and you knew that this was a possibility. And yet there you were last night, worrying you were taking advantage of him. Somehow none of that makes it hurt any less. Your heart falls into your stomach and your head spins. Adrenaline runs through your veins, yet somehow you feel drained simultaneously. It hurts in places you never thought could hurt, so you get up and take a deep breath, your eyes latched onto his. 

He’s looking at you in surprise. You clear your throat, “Okay um...” You look around, trying to find a way to remove yourself from the situation, “I guess I should go.”

“I don’t get it,” he says, giving you a look of incredulity, “Didn’t you say last night we had to stay all professional cos we have to work together?”

He’s right, of course. You don’t want to admit it, but you have to - at least to yourself. The problem is that you’ve invested too much already, and now that you’ve actually consummated your flirting, you’ve gone and fallen for him, like an idiot. You’ve built this whole thing up in your head to mean more than it evidently ever did for him, despite his cutesy act, the chasing, even the begging. 

You swallow the small lump in your throat. “I thought…”

“Noona, did you think I was like...falling for you?” he asks, cocking his head to one side. It doesn’t help that he’s rarely looked so innocent. 

When you don’t answer, his eyes widen in surprise. He scoffs and let out a little laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “Noona...” he states slowly, “I was just having fun. I thought that was kinda obvious.”

He seemed so smitten, so loving before this - all the flirting, pleading, the extra attention - that you want to swear to him that it has to mean something to him. But it obviously doesn’t. You remain unmoving, trying to put the pieces together. Your eyes start to tear up and something clicks within him as he notices.

He combs his fingers through his hair casually and says, with mild irritation “So you’re going to act like this is my fault?”

That grabs your attention. “What?”

“It’s not my fault if you assumed I was looking for anything serious,” he shrugs, looking you straight in the eyes, “I never said anything like that. I never said anything period.”

“Except several variations of ‘fuck me’, right?” you mock him, now growing angry. Your tears have a heat to them, stinging you as you angrily stare him down. 

“I was just having fun!” he raises his voice and his palms in defense. “How was I supposed to know that you expected some fucking fairytale?”

“So that’s all I am to you,” you state, “a brief amount of ‘fun’.”

“I didn’t say that,” he rolls his eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. You’re my noona and you work with us.”

“Didn’t think dick sucking was part of my job,” you point out, in a biting tone.

He groans in frustration and yells “You seriously can’t blame me for this!” He pouts, rolling his eyes again. Then, with a more bored tone, “Are we done then? Cos this has seriously killed my hard-on.”

Obviously you have to call Mai immediately. You leave Jeongguk to stew about his lack of a convenient lay, and head out to the living room.

“Unnie?” she answers, sounding sleepy.

“Did I wake you?” you check.

“Not really,” she yawns. “You know me - always up for a nap. But I’m awake. What’s up?” You tell her briefly what happened with Jeongguk, trying to keep the emotion out of your voice. She picks up on it anyway.

“Do you want me to come over?” she asks.

“Aren’t you in Yoongi’s room?” you check, surprised. She yawns again.

“Went home. He was getting intense at me again,” she verbally shrugs.

“No, it’s okay,” you decide. “Maybe tomorrow though? If that’s okay? If things are okay with you and Yoongi I mean.”

“Yeah that’s fine. We’re fine. He’s recording tomorrow anyway, I think,” she ponders. “Either way. He won’t mind if we just hang out for a bit.”

“Thanks,” you sigh, hanging up. A door opens somewhere in the house and you stiffen, not wanting to deal with anything else tonight. You hear footsteps and Tae wanders out, headed for the kitchen in a pair of satin pyjama pants that almost exactly match his hair-colour. And nothing else. He freezes when he notices you, then glances down at his own bare chest, obviously self-conscious.

“Tae?” you greet him, your voice trembling.

“Noona? Are you okay?” he asks, stepping closer and, in his concern, seemingly forgetting he’s half-naked. You shake your head and he closes the distance between you swiftly, sitting by you on the couch.

“I...asked him…” You can’t continue, turning your head away to hide the tears threatening to spill from your eyes.

“Take it you didn’t like the answer?” he whispers gently, taking you in his arms and stroking your back soothingly. It’s impossible to ignore the feel of his warm skin against yours, as you’re still only wearing a bra, following your aborted encounter with Jeongguk. When you eventually pull away a little, his dark eyes are watching you intensely. You swallow, suddenly realising with full force how beautiful he is. You can’t quite place the look he’s giving you though. His lips are less than a breath from yours and you’re finding it hard to breathe.

“Tae?” you whisper.

“Uh-huh?” he returns, blushing and avoiding your eyes. You grab his face in your hands and kiss him hard. He yelps in surprise, but then kisses you back, his hands coming up to cup your chin, his lips softer and not as perfectly sculpted as Jeongguk’s, which makes you choke back a sob. He stops kissing you, looking guilty.

“Jwesonghapnida,” he murmurs, bowing his head slightly.

“Don’t be,” you sniff. “I mean I jumped you, didn’t I? Why are you sorry?”

“No, I mean I’m sorry because...No. It’s not the right time,” he corrects himself, almost under his breath.

“No seriously. What is it, Tae-Tae?” you prompt him gently. “Are you okay?”

“I just...I don’t like the way he talks about you,” he mutters. “You know how I said earlier that sometimes he tells me stuff? Well…” he pauses, trying to formulate the right words. “It makes me feel dirty when he talks about you like that,” he finishes, sounding wretched. Your blood goes cold.

“Like what?” you ask, between clenched teeth. You’re not mad at poor Tae, but you’re dreading his reply. He blushes, avoiding your eyes.

“I kinda don’t want to say,” he evades.

“Please Tae. I’d rather know,” you tell him. He sighs deeply.

“Fine. He told me he ‘nailed’ you last night and then he said you were a good lay and had a mouth like a hoover.” He cringes visibly at your widened eyes, like he’s hurt you himself. “I’m so sorry, Noona.”

“He’s...very young Tae,” you manage, your voice faint. “He was just having fun.”

“He’s not that much younger than me. But...you really care for him, don’t you? I mean you still do - even now.” Tae looks utterly miserable, and you’re not so sure it’s all just because Jeongguk needs to wash his mouth out with soap.

“That’s not all is it?” you ask him. He shrugs.

“I just don’t like that kind of locker-room talk thing,” he murmurs vaguely. Even though the situation is far from funny, you half-smile at his statement. It’s such an understatement that classy Taehyung might take exception to trashy sex talk. You kiss him lightly on the forehead, thank him and head to your room to cry it all out.

You try to keep to yourself the next day as much as possible, whilst still getting on with your usual tasks and being civil to the boys. Nonetheless, you’re still more than a little shocked when Jeongguk sidles up to you when you’re sending a few emails on your phone, leans into your neck and asks if you want him to fuck you later. ‘Just for fun’ [he lays a lot of emphasis on the last word]. Like seriously?! After yesterday’s little performance? You look at him like he’s mental, but he decides to ignore the hint, looks pointedly down your top and purrs “C’mon, Noona. You’re not still mad are you?”

“Are you serious Jeongguk?” You choke on your drink. “No!”

“No you’re not mad?” he checks, cocky.

“No I will not go to bed with you,” you hiss, hating yourself a little because despite everything you still desperately want him in your arms again.

“Doesn’t have to be a bed…” he cajoles, obviously suffering from a lack of female attention over the past 24 hours.

“Aigo, leave her alone Jeongguk!” You hadn’t even seen Tae sitting on the couch, and you’re assuming Jeongguk wouldn’t have tried what he just tried if he had seen Tae there either. You and Jeongguk both look over at the sound of his voice, and you can see that Tae’s reached the end of his patience. 

Jeongguk takes a step back away from you and sneers at Tae on his way out of the room. Tae gets up off the couch in a huff and you try to speak to him, but he walks out in the other direction.

For a day or two, you worry about Tae’s reaction to Jeongguk’s advances, and the way he exited the room doesn’t help. But about a week later, Tae comes over to you while you’re putting your shoes on by the door and asks you to go to dinner with him. 

“If you want,” he hurriedly says. “You can say no.”

“Relax, I’d love to.” You smile at him. 

“Great,” he says, his boxy smile growing on his features, “Is tomorrow night okay?”

“Tomorrow is perfect.”

‘Tomorrow’ rolls around and you’re in your bedroom with Mai, trying to decide what to wear.

“It’s Tae,” she reasons absentmindedly, scanning my bookshelves. “You know it’s going to be fancy.”

“We’ve established that,” you remind her, digging around in your wardrobe, “and so that fact is currently of no help to me. Like at all.”

“Halter-neck red dress, with your matching stilettoes,” she answers. “A necklace, or two. I don’t know.”

“Better, thank you,” you say, pulling the garments out. You put them on excitedly, genuinely curious for the night ahead. “Do you think it’s too soon?”

“Do I think what’s too soon?” she replies.

“The date, after… the Jeongguk thing.”

She shrugs, “No. Tae seems to be okay with it. And if you’re both okay with it, shouldn’t be a problem.” She smiles at you encouragingly. “Tae is good - to you and for you.”

Unsurprisingly, Tae is the perfect gentleman. He opens the car door for you, pulls out your chair, and dinner is, all-in-all, wonderful. The food is great, the ambience buzzing, and Tae’s laugh by candlelight warms your heart. He listens to you talk with his hand on his chin, giving you his full attention. 

Tae tells you detailed stories of him growing up in Geochang with his younger siblings, taking saxophone lessons and his childhood dreams of becoming a professional singer. A life making and appreciating art is truly what he’s always dreamed about, and he considers himself lucky to be able to live it. He’s young and multitalented; and sage, yet not precocious. You notice his deep gratefulness for the opportunity in how hard he works, and how humble he is. 

Your conversation continues all the way home and into the flat, yet he doesn’t ever address how he feels, or why his mood has changed over the past week or two, which kills you a little bit, but Tae’s always played his cards close to the chest. He walks you to your bedroom door, which is a cute touch, then pauses, looking down and scuffing the floor with the toe of his shiny black dress shoe with his hands entwined behind his back.

“Annyonghi jumusipssio,” he murmurs, shy again now you’re at this point of the evening. The other boys don’t seem to be around, but you’re never sure when they’re going to materialise, so you ask him if he wants to come in your room and chat for a bit longer. He swallows, risks a glance at your eyes, then nods slowly allowing a tiny smile to cross his lips. You usher him inside and offer him a seat on the chair by your make-up table, as he seems too nervous to sit on the bed.

“Tae, sweetheart. Take off your jacket,” you laugh. “Get comfortable. You know me right? I’m not going to bite.” He stands and does as he’s asked, but then looks around automatically for a coat-hanger.

“Oh sorry doll,” you realise, grabbing him one from your closet and hanging his beautifully-tailored jacket on the door of your closet for him.

“Did you just call me a doll?” he asks, giving you a curious look.

“Uh-huh,” you admit, waiting to see if he catches on.

“Do you think I’m pretty?” he ventures. You nod.

“Very,” you tell him, closing the distance between you.

“What about Jeongguk?” he asks, hesitant. You shrug.

“What about him? I fell for him hard,” you allow, “but he hurt me. A lot. You’re kind. And you’re kind to me.” He smiles and looks at the floor.

“Can I ask you something?” you whisper. He nods. 

“What were you going to tell me the other day when you said it wasn’t the time then? I mean maybe it’s the time now?”

He looks at you curiously, then turns his back on you and places his hands on your make-up table seemingly to steady himself. After a moment he speaks, his voice deep and carefully modulated:

“I’ve been in love with you since you started working for us. But I wanted to wait and see if you might be interested in me that way. Only, instead I watched you fall for Jeongguk. You didn’t even seem to realise at first, and he had no idea. But I did. I saw how you watched him, how you always did little extra things for him, let him get away with stuff nobody else could. He never heard ‘no’ from your lips.”

You don’t say anything as you can’t really deny the truth of anything he’s said. You feel rotten as you’d always thought you did your best to treat the boys equally, but Tae’s exposed you to yourself.

“I’m sorry,” you murmur. He waves the apology away and continues:

“So anyway, when he decided he needed a new plaything [he cringes at the word] he straight up told me and Jimin that he was going to see if he could ‘tap that’ as he put it. I was heartbroken when I watched you sneak off to his room. That’s why I overplayed the whole frat boy thing, pretending it was funny when I so badly wanted to tell you he was just using you. And then last week you finally said ‘no’ to him and he just stood there trying to manipulate that ‘no’ into another ‘yes.’ So I had to say something.” He spreads his hands in a ‘that’s it’ gesture and turns back around looking awkward.

You take him in your arms and he doesn’t object. Instead you feel his arms come up around you and he leans down to kiss you softly, but there’s a hint of something else under the softness that makes you tingle with anticipation.

“Let’s go in your room,” you suggest, aware that he probably doesn’t want to end up in the bed where Jeongguk has been playing his games. You’re not expecting him to take you up on the offer, assuming he’ll want to keep the evening classy. But he gives you a very suggestive wink and says ‘algesseo.’ 

Once you’re safely in his bedroom, all his hesitation disappears. He gives you a cheeky look and starts to unbutton his shirt. You reach out to stroke his chest and he closes his eyes and sighs, placing his hand over yours to bring it up to his heart. It’s pounding in his chest and you draw closer to kiss him again. He laughs softly, turns you about and undoes your dress, kissing the back of your neck as he slides it down to your waist. He leaves your strapless bra on and turns you back to face him, kissing you more deeply. You wriggle out of the bottom part of your dress so you’re only in your heels and lingerie, then move to unclasp your bra and step out of your shoes, but he stops you with a hand on your wrist: “Don’t,” he grins. “I like you in this. It’s sexy.” He takes his own shoes and socks off so he’s barefoot, and then leads you across to his bed where he sits on the edge and stands you in front of him.

You take the hint and sit on his lap, with your legs straddling him. He slides his fingers under the suspender straps running up your thighs and kisses you until you’re breathless. You drop your hands down to his lap and unbutton the flies on his fancy black dress pants, trying not to blush as you feel his hardness under the material. Wow. Not to be vulgar, but that’s quite a weapon he’s got down there. You let him tweak your knickers to the side, under cover of his kisses. He grabs you around the waist, forcefully but not roughly, and lifts you just high enough, angling his chin upwards so he can kiss you as he holds you above him. You take a deep breath and lower yourself onto his erection and he groans with pleasure as he slides all the way up inside you.

“Oh my God Tae,” you gasp. You move yourself up and down on him, trying to keep in rhythm with his hip movements. It hurts a little, but in the good way. After a while, he flips you both over so that you’re lying on his bed and he’s thrusting into you from above. You wrap your legs all the way up around his waist, locking your ankles and lacing your fingers together behind his neck. He transfers his kisses to your throat and you feel his hands running the length of your sides as he continues to fuck you to distraction. Right now, there’s nothing sexier to you than that baritone of his reduced to the fractured moans and sighs of sexual abandon.

He sits up, forcing you to readjust to accommodate him, then lifts his hands to unclasp your bra, slips it off and cups your breasts in his hands, biting his lip coquettishly. You loose your hair so it falls down over your shoulders and lean down to kiss him again. He pulls you back down against him, so your breasts are pressed to his chest and speeds up his thrusts until you feel the telltale tingling and realise you’re about to finish. He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down though.

“Tae, slow down. I think I’m about to cum,” you manage.

“It’s okay...So am I…” he pants, not amending his pace. You try to hold it in but the orgasm floods you, making your toes curl with the giddy sensation. Tae keeps it up for a few more minutes, then gives a grunt of effort and pulls out just in time, discreetly cupping the end of his dick with one hand to catch the majority of his escaping jizz. You both clean yourselves up and you slip your dress back on and your shoes off, preparing to sneak back to your room. Tae kisses you passionately, thanks you, and asks if it’s okay with you to wait a bit and then try another date. He wants to keep things special. You agree to his plan, smile warmly at him, thank him for dinner, and slip out into the main part of the apartment.

Needless to say you’re not too thrilled to find Jeongguk sneaking a lollipop on his way back from the kitchen. You freeze and Tae, who is still closing the door behind you looks stricken. Jeongguk removes the lollipop from his mouth and smirks at Tae, arms crossed in front of his chest.

“Thought you were above all this sex and sneaking girls out of your room shit, Tae-hyung,” he provokes him. Tae isn’t about to let the maknae get the better of him:

“How’re those blue balls Jeongguk?” he snaps back almost immediately. You sigh.

“Come on guys - you’re not going to be one of those bands that let girl stuff get in the way of their bond are you?” you plead. “Can’t we just let it go and skip to the part where we’re all laughing about this?” Tae grins and Jeongguk picks it up.

“Yeah I guess it’s a bit overdramatic,” the younger boy allows. They shake hands and you all return to your own rooms in a better state of mind than you’ve been over the past month or so.

THE END

Glossary: (feel free to submit corrections for these ^.^)

Annyonghi jumusipssio (안녕히 주무십시오) = Good night

[teamhook]

|AO3|

|FFN|

I want to thank @captainswanmoviemarathon and Discord. My co-writer @revanmeetra87

I want to also thank @ultraluckycatnd for Beta-ing thiis thing for us.

Thursday

Jefferson's broken leg was on a sling. His arm was in a cast. He wasn't in the best condition but he knew if he didn't get Killian back home he would be worse off. He would disappear. The TV kept reminding him that he needed to get out of the hospital ASAP. There were reports the elevators had either stopped working completely or malfunctioning. He had firsthand experience that is why he is in a hospital bed and not at home preparing his Nobel Prize speech. He had tried to charm the nurse to let him leave the hospital but failed miserably. Nurse Ratched told him he had to be released by Doctor Hyde. Jefferson didn't realize that she had come in to check on him earlier and overheard his entire conversation with Emma. She was concerned that he was crazy and suicidal.

Emma was getting ready for her day at work. The sudden ring of the fire alarm startled her. She could hear her neighbors yelling and Cat's frantic barks. She decided to check it out.

Killian had attempted to make breakfast and chaos had erupted, the fire alarm blared, smoke filled the apartment. Cat's barking got louder. As Emma entered she yelled, "Cat shut up!" She turned off the alarm, and opened the window to air out the apartment.

Killian glared. "That thing is a bloody hazard."

"It's just a toaster!" She glared back at Killian.

"That thing does not produce toast! One insertion only produces warm bread and two insertions produce charcoal!" he yelled.

Emma rolled her eyes, this man was a drama queen. "It's just a toaster." She repeats annoyedly.

Killian was pacing back and forth ranting, "You would think that when the General of Electric built the bloody thing he would test it, for him to take pride in his creations instead of just foisting them on the public without warning!"

"You know what, no one cares if they have to insert the toast twice. You know why? Because we all insert it twice!"

He took a step forward, he looked like a hunter going after its prey. He didn't stop until they were toe to toe. "Not where I come from!"

For a second Emma felt a rush, then she squared her shoulders. "Oh no, of course not because where you come from, toast is the result of reflection and study."

"Aye, you mock me, but perhaps one day, when you're awoken from a pleasurable slumber to the scent of a warm brioche smothered in marmalade and fresh creamery butter you'll understand that life is not solely comprised of tasks, but tastes."

Emma's smile widened. "Say that again."

Killian was baffled at her sudden change in demeanor. "Pardon me?"

"Nevermind, you'll be perfect." She looked him up and down. "Good, you're dressed. Come on, you're coming with me."

Killian followed her without question.

Emma and Killian arrived at her work, but not without some stares directed at Killian's wardrobe.

Emma had called Mary Margaret to meet them at the door. Just as requested, Mary Margaret was waiting for them. She greeted them as soon as they walked inside. "Emma, we've been waiting for you. We had-" She looked at the list, "five read so far-"

Emma shook her head. "Mary Margaret, meet Killian. Please take him to the greenroom; I want him to read." Mary Margaret smiled at Killian and nodded.

"Killian, this is Mary Margaret. Go with her and she will explain everything."

Killian and Mary Margaret disappeared down the hall.

Emma walked to the control room. Her boss was chatting up the client, so she went over to the monitors. There were women smiling and batting their lashes as they gazed into the screen with Killian on it.

The client, Mr. Spencer, was frustrated and finally said, "Walsh, I don't have time for this."

Emma responded, "Mr. Spencer, let's look at this last one."

Walsh Oz shakes his head. "Emma, the client said he wants to stop."

"Walsh, trust me, this is the one," Emma said with confidence.

"What is he wearing?" Walsh scrunched up his nose. "He looks like the Quaker Oats guy."

"Well, it doesn't really matter what you think. What really matters is what the ladies think. They love him. To them he is a dream. He's honest, courteous, handsome; a true gentleman. He stands up when you walk in a room. He brings you brioche in bed. If you eat his margarine, maybe your hips will shrink."

In the greenroom, Killian fidgeted under the scrutiny of the director's eyes.

"Mr. Duke, do you see that mark on the floor?"

Killian nodded.

"You need to stand on that tape line," the director said. "Okay, everyone quiet! And action!"

Killian stayed quiet with the rest of the room.

The director stared at him and rolled his eyes. "Mr. Duke, this is the part when you start talking."

Killian turned his gaze to the monitor and with a raised eyebrow, his blue eyes twinkled under the light. "Fresh creamery butter. Is there anything more comforting? I say there is. You'll agree once you sample fat-free Farmer's Bounty with the genuine essence of creamery butter in every bite. You shall receive butter's splendid flavour in your mouth without adding to the luxury of your waistline."

Mr. Spencer laughed boisterously. "Where do I sign?"

Walsh leaned in to whisper in Emma's ear. "Where did you find him?"

Emma took a step away. "Oh, he lives in my building."

Killian waited patiently by the door while Emma gave Mary Margaret some last minute instructions.

Walsh Oz walked out of the stairwell. He smirked as he noticed Emma was still in the building. "What's the deal with the elevators?" he asked no one in particular. He slowly approached her from behind, and smelled her hair. She stiffened. "Emma, we have so much to discuss over dinner tonight."

Oh yeah, Emma though. I'd forgotten about that. She tried to smile. "Yes, we do. I look forward to it."

Killian's jaw clenched at the display of power abuse and the obvious discomfort it caused Emma. Walsh grinned as Emma walked up to Killian so they could leave. "Nice job, Mr. Margarine," Walsh said as the glass doors closed behind them.

Once they're outside, Emma turned to Killian with a bright smile. She started dancing.

Amused, Killian smiled. "You look pleased."

"Killian, you did an amazing job in there! You are going to be famous!"

Killian simply smiled. "I take it you're dining with that man this evening?"

Emma's smile disappeared. "Yes, he's my boss, Walsh."

"Do you require a chaperone? His intentions are obvious," Killian asked.

"I'm alone with you, do I need a chaperone?" Emma rolled her eyes.

"Emma, we're not courting but if we were, as a man of honor, I would inform you of my intentions in writing."

"I don't need saving. No one saves me but me. Don't worry about it," Emma said, slightly annoyed.

Emma walked in front of him. Killian could tell she was miffed at him, so he kept a small distance from her. A horse carriage caught his eye. He patted the horse and turned to Emma. "How about we take one of these?"

She shook her head no. "Those are for tourists."

Killian smiled at the kind old man. "I'm sorry sir, she's not interested."

The man kindly grinned back. "No worries."

Emma raised her hand, and Killian watched her until one of the powered carriages - cars, he remembered - screeched to a halt at their side. It is bright yellow with some black trim, just like the one they used as transport earlier, but it appeared to have a different coachman.

"All right," Emma said as she opened the car door, "We're probably going to need a bank account number and possibly a birth certificate from you before we start filming. Legality and all. So if you could just drop the 'back in time' act for a few minutes and track them down for m-"

From behind them, a man in a billed cap darted forward and jerked Emma's reticule from her hands, then rushed across the street.

"Hey!" Emma shouted, enraged. "That's my purse!"

Emma took flight after the scumbag thief. "Hey asshole! That's my bag! I'm gonna get you, you ass!" She chased after him while wearing the most uncomfortable shoes. He was fast, but she was not about to give up.

She stopped for a brief second to catch her breath. She doesn't want to lose him and was about to restart her chase once more when she heard galloping hooves which confused her. She then heard her name being called out. That's when she noticed him. It was Killian riding a horse and he was fast approaching her.

"Emma, give me your hand," Killian instructed once he reached her.

She gave him her hand and he easily pulled her on the horse as they broke into full gallop in pursuit of the thief.

Emma held on to Killian tight as he maneuvered the animal. The chase didn't last long. They cornered the lowlife rapidly. "I warn you, scoundrel. You stand no chance. When you run, I shall ride and when you stop, the steel of this strap will be lodged in your brain."

The thief had nowhere to run so he just threw the purse on the ground and took flight. A sudden onslaught of cheering and applause erupted from their previously unknown audience. Killian unmounted to retrieve the purse. Emma simply stared at him as she tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

Soon enough, they find themselves back at the corner where the chase began. Killian hooked the horse back up to the carriage as the older man smiled at Emma. "Your boyfriend is a great rider."

Emma smiled. "Yes, he is."

On the ride home, they sat quietly in the carriage.

"Are you for real?" Emma asked.

"Pardon?" Killian responded with a raised brow.

"You're a Duke?" Emma asked.

"I was born a Duke, but I never felt like one," Killian smiled.

Back at the apartment, Emma was getting ready for her dinner with Walsh. She noticed the interactions between Cat and Killian.

Cat was eagerly waiting for her next command from Killian with a wagging tail.

"Stay...Sit. On your feet… Stay… Stay… Good girl," Killian said with a triumphant smile.

Emma can't help as her eyes drifted to Killian. He was a good looking man after all and she wasn't blind. He was distracting, but she had to focus. Dinner equals promotion.

"What are you guys doing tonight?" Emma asked.

David's attention was glued to the game on TV and he mumbled under his breath, "we might meet up with some of my friends."

"Alright, I'm off to dinner then," Emma said.

"Emma, please reconsider my offer to chaperone," Killian begged.

Emma rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself."

"David, don't you think it's inappropriate-" Killian asked as he helped Emma put on her coat.

"As her brother, I would think my sister would invite me to an audition," David said, outraged.

Emma sighed. "David, you're not exactly margarine material. I'm sorry."

"What!? I can't sell butter? Emma, I'm a great actor. I can sell butter! It's insulting that my own sister has no faith in me."

"Yes, David you are an amazing actor but-"

"Is it the accent? I can do British, Emma. Hell I can be anyone." David continued ranting as Emma turned to Killian. "Good night." She opened the door and lingered for a second before walking away.

Killian gazed after her with a small smile.

Emma and Walsh are seated and he ordered some drinks for them.

After the waiter left, his attention turned to her. "Emma, I have to admit I was nervous for you. When your friend walked in wearing that outfit, saying 'if you eat this margarine your hips will shrink'," Walsh laughed.

Emma smiled. "I was just doing my job."

"He is going to be bigger than Mr. Whipple. You're not sleeping with him are you?" he asked.

"No." She shook her head, yet at the tip of her tongue was a comment about it not being his business. Sometimes she had to remind herself to play nice.

Killian and David decided to go out and meet some friends. "Hey guys, this is Killian," David announced.

Killian smiled as he greeted everyone.

His companions were enthralled by his voice as Killian made a comment about how the best things in life are hidden in the basement of the Louvre.

David excused himself to go to the bar and get drinks where he bumped into a dressed up Mary Margaret out for a girls night out.

Killian noticed the interaction and David's obvious attempt at flirting. so he excused himself to get a closer look. Before he could get closer, though, the connection had been cut short and they returned to their respective parties. Killian stopped Mary Margaret to greet her as David caught their exchange on his way back to the table with the drinks.

Before anyone was aware of it, the evening came to its inevitable end. Killian and David were walking home and David stopped walking. Killian turned to him to see what the problem was as David started talking in a mocking voice...

"Please, allow me to assist you, Abigail."

"Oh, please, allow me to light that for you, Merida."

"What's this? Ah, this is my family crest. It has been in the family for generations."

"What do they have in the basement of the Louvre? The works of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Chardin, David all surrounded by great coral sponges to absorb the moisture."

Killian was confused by his friend's behavior.

"Not all women are going to swoon over your-" David pointed up and down Killian's form.

Killian studied his friend, trying to understand David's point.

"I was going to get her number but-"

"I believe this is her number," Killian said as he handed his friend the paper. "Mary Margaret has no inkling of your affections. You are a Merry Andrew. Women respond to sincerity. This requires pulling one's tongue from one's cheek. No one wants to be romanced by a baboon. Here's her number and give her a call tomorrow. It's late now and Emma should be home by now."

"Wait, you like her." Realization dawned on David's face. "You really like my sister!"

"David, that's nonsense. You're intoxicated," Killian said as he scratched behind his ear.

"Now who's the Merry-Andrew? You know, Emma is having dinner not long from here. We should go and you can show me the proper way to make a move."

Killian sighed. "Not a move David, an overture. Make your intentions known. Think of pleasing her, not vexing her."

"Fine, no vexing. Come on let's go." David smiled as he pulled Killian in the direction of the restaurant.

Emma cleared her throat. "I have to confess I'm a bit confused. When you mentioned dinner, I was under the impression that we were here to discuss business, a possible promotion even." She sighed. "Dinner is winding down and we have yet to discuss those things. We've talked about your love of La Boheme, and the lovely place you purchased in Sussex."

Walsh gave her his best attempt at a seductive smile. "I don't believe I've ever seen you this flustered Emma, and you haven't even kissed me yet."

Emma fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Right. I like you, Walsh, I do. But I think you would agree that a working relationship- a successful working relationship, requires-"

"Hello, Emma!" David's cheery voice interrupted. "We found you."

Jumping in her seat, Emma turned to see her brother suddenly hovering beside the table. "David?" she asked in disbelief.

"We wanted to say hi," David explained, then proceeded to introduce himself to her boss.

"We?" Emma thought, before realizing Killian was standing at her side.

"Emma," he said in a low, earnest voice as his eyes searched hers. "May I speak to you in private?"

Her mouth fell open. "Seriously? No!"

But Walsh was already inviting the two to pull up seats and join them.

"Where, exactly, did you say it is?" Killian asked Walsh with a cocked eyebrow.

"Sussex, near Ballmour," Walsh said with offhanded superiority.

"Built in the 18th century?" Killian reiterated Walsh's earlier words.

"Early 18th century," Walsh emphasized, with a look at Emma. Killian could almost see the man puffing out his chest with pride. "I have pictures to prove it."

"Well," Killian said, thinking of the empty, rolling green and scattered trees of the area as he knew it. "I do believe you were swindled. I can assure you, as of the late 19th century, there is nothing in the area but farmland."

"You're mistaken," Walsh said immediately. "That's not possible."

Emma quickly jumped in. "He's right; you may be mistaken, Killian!" she hissed. "You don't know-"

Irritation rising due to the fact she was defending the cretin who was so obviously looking to take advantage of her, Killian snapped back. "I was raised there, I do know."

Clearing his throat to break up the discussion, Walsh changed the subject. "Killian, do you enjoy opera?"

Still stinging from Emma's words, Killian plastered a smile on his face. "Oh, indeed. Do you have a favorite?"

Raising his eyes to the ceiling, as if thinking deeply, Walsh finally said, "Boheme. La Boheme. I've seen it 12 times. That's...that is how I learned to speak French."

From the corner of his eye, Killian could see Emma's eyes widen with surprise. Clearly she was impressed, or pretending to be.

Now the irritation grew to ire, and Killian could feel it gnawing at him. He knew he should just let it go, but suddenly he heard himself making a statement in French.

Emma looked to Walsh. "What did he say?"

As Killian had expected, Walsh was sitting there dumbstruck, only managing to croak out a small scoffing noise.

Killian translated the phrase, explaining it was the opening words to Boheme - a duet.

Still slightly stunned, Walsh managed to jump back in and tell the table that Andre sang it to Mimi.

Unable to believe what he was hearing, Killian laughed softly. "Andre?"

Now recovering, Walsh lifted his head. "Yes, I invited Emma to the Met to see it. But she turned me down! Can you believe that, Killian?"

Voice tight, Killian said, "True, it should not be missed by anyone. But perhaps Emma resists on moral grounds."

Emma groaned softly, lowering her head into her hands.

Walsh narrowed his eyes. "How so?"

"Let's get the check!" Emma said hastily, but nobody answered her.

"Well," Killian said, staring at Walsh challengingly, "some feel that to court a woman in one's employ is nothing but a serpentine effort to make a lady fall from grace."

Silence fell over the table, though David was trying to hide his grin.

Finally, Walsh said stiffly, "This guy is charming, Emma. The Duke of Margarine thinks I'm a serpent."

"No, not a serpent," Killian corrected. "Merely a braggart and cad, who knows less French than I, if that is possible." Pushing back his seat, Killian rose and collected his jacket. "And by the way, there is no Andre in Boheme. It's Rodolfo. And though it takes place in France, it is rarely played in French as it is written in Italian. Good night."

Knowing he had made himself a fool, and facing the possibility that Emma would never speak to him again, Killian still turned on his heel and stalked out of the restaurant.

Back at the apartment, Killian and David waited for Emma's return. At the click of the door's lock unlocking, Killian rushed to the door.

Emma opened the door and breezed in, ignoring Killian's plea for a word.

Tag List:

@rumdrum91 @itsfabianadocarmo @xsajx @hookedonapirate @kmomof4 @searchingwardrobes @seriouslyhooked @profdanglaisstuff @let-it-raines @revanmeetra87 @snowbellewells @hollyethecurious @kymbersmith-90 @branlovestowrite @thejollyroger-writer @shireness-says @ilovemesomekillianjones @thisonesatellite @thesschesthair @winterbythesea @stahlop @resident-of-storybrooke @superchocovian @lfh1226-linda @artistic-writer @thislassishooked @shardminds @winterbaby89 @xhookswenchx @ultraluckycatnd @gingerchangeling @laschatzi @wellhellotragic @xemmaloveskillianx @courtorderedcake @pirateherokillian @optomisticgirl @darkcolinodonorgasm @sherlockianwhovian @andiirivera @djlbg @nikkiemms-deactivated20201107 @jennjenn615 @scientificapricot @officerrogers @imlaxdris71 @therealstartraveller776 @kday426 @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713   @donteattheappleshook @spacekrulesbians @lassluna @carpedzem @captainodonoghue @killian-will-do @jarienn972 @tehgreeneyes @demisexualemmaswan @queen-serena88 @swanslieutenant @tiganasummertree @whimsicallyenchantedrose @bethacaciakay @ohmakemeahercules @jrob64 @klynn-stormz @mariakov81

[stainandscribble]

Vienna

Pairing: Kim Jongin (EXO KAI) / Reader ft. EXO

Genre: EXO Coffee Shop AU; fluff; one shot

Summary: You and Jongin are long time friends, but it is only after college ends that you realise your feeling for one another. After a little accident to one of your mutual friends in his café, you bond over matchmaking and realise that your perfect match is closer than you realise. The best kind of love stems from trust, or so you’ve heard. 

Who will be the one to make the first move?

Word Count: 5134

Autumn winds battered against your window as they blew. Today was the first day you turned on your heating, and so you were nice and cosy as you sat on your beanbag, in the corner of your bedroom. Your laptop lay on your lap, showing the new episode of the Chinese drama you and Yixing were currently watching. Despite the sound in your headphones, a comfortable silence shrouded your room. 

The reason why you were not laying in your bed under your duvet, was because it was currently occupied by no other than your best friend.

Jongin lay in your bed, his dark skin turning golden in the dim light of your desk lamp, a stark contrast to your pristine white sheets. He looked cosy, coffee coloured eyes scanning the screen of his laptop as he bopped his head to the music in his headphones. 

Every once in a while you peeked a glance at him, admiring the look of concentration he was sporting, a serious look on his face, as his eyes sharpened. Jongin’s lips were set in a hard line as he continued looking for songs for the new playlist. 

That had been his task tonight, and he had set to work the moment he finished eating dinner with you. As he lay in your bed, he was still dressed in his work clothes; a white collared button-up and black slacks. 

He turned to look at you, watching for a moment as your eyes scanned the screen, and you focused in an attempt to understand everything the actors were saying. 

You were so occupied, that you did not notice as he called your name, softly at first, with a smile on his face, and the louder. Finally, he had lost his patience, sending a pillow flying across the small room, hitting you in the shoulder. You paused the show and yanked out your earphones. 

"What?" You asked, looking up at Jongin, as he stared at you, not breaking eye contact.

"Help me choose the new playlist. Please." He requested.

"I thought you didn't need help. You're a dance major after all." You asked him, and he looked back at his laptop before turning back to you. He gave you a small smile, sweet like honey as he patted the space beside him. 

"It doesn't matter. It's for Black Pearl." 

"Fine." You agreed, leaving your laptop on top of the beanbag as you go up and lay down beside him. 

The first thing you noticed when you lay down was the smell of coffee that permeated your sheets. It was a familiar smell, warm, earthy and energising. The scent of fresh coffee was even stronger when you turned your head to look at Jongin. His cheeks dusted pink as he noticed how close you were next to each other. Close enough that he could smell the lavender perfume you always used. 

You, on the other hand, could smell nothing but coffee, silently cursing him out for not changing out of his work clothes. You had just put on fresh sheets, and you were happy that you would fall asleep in crisp lavender smelling duvets, thanks to your mother giving you a lavender and magnolia laundry detergent.  

You noted, that tonight, you were going to fall asleep in bedsheets that smelled like coffee and caramel; that smelled like Jongin. 

He has been your best friend for four years. You came from the same small town, from the same high school, and came to the same university. He was a year older and graduated a year earlier. Since you were considering the same University your friends had helped you get in touch with him, and since then you had been friends. Your dreams were wildly different, he was a dance major, and you had ended up pursuing a language degree in mandarin. Now four years down the line, you were about to graduate, and he had already graduated and was now working in Black Pearl, the local coffee shop owned by his friends. From time to time he still danced. He was a backup dancer in a few music videos and had been a dance tutor last summer.  

The first song he played was a rock ballad, warm and relaxing, and you had closed your eyes imagining how it would feel playing in Black Pearl rather than your small room with the lights dimmed. You had imagined Jongin, swaying lightly to the song, nursing a cup of Viennese coffee as the song played. 

“Do you like it?” Jongin asked, prompting you to open your eyes and look at him, his head was turned to you, warm eyes gazed into your own, a happy twinkle ever-present in the rich earthy hue. His full lips turned up in a soft smile. 

“I think it’s a nice song.” You replied, and he moved on to play another one. 

“I really like this one.” He told you, playing another song, this time it was a chill R&B track. You listened, sneaking glances at the way Jongin’s coffee eyes turned into crescents when he smiled as he enjoyed the song. As you were eyeing him, enjoying the ambience in the room, Jongin turned his head, lips halfway through a word, as his eyes met yours. Shocked, you both laughed, the cacophonous sound bouncing off the walls as Jongin fell back into the pillows.  

“You should put it in.” You told him between deep breaths as you tried to stop laughing. Your laughing was broken by the sound of Jongin’s phone ringing. He didn’t manage to answer it, but after a moment, he started putting away his laptop.

“I’m going to go now, Sehun is asking when I’m coming home.” He told you, a hint of disappointment carried with the lilt of his voice. You watched him gather his things and put on his coat. You got up to walk him to the door.

“Be safe.” You told him as he stepped through the threshold, the cold air making the hair on your arms rise. 

“Good night!” He called as he stepped out, a cheerful smile playing on his lips, despite the dissatisfaction swimming in his coffee coloured eyes.  

As the door closed behind him, you realised that maybe, you didn’t want him to leave.  

That night, as you fell asleep in your bed, sheets still smelling like coffee and caramel, you dreamt of warm brown eyes looking down at you, and of a boy with caramel-coloured skin who didn’t leave.

-------

Black Pearl was packed today, filled with students bustling in and out, and all tables were occupied by stressed students. It just so happened you and your friend were two of those students. It was also unfortunate that you were the two customers bringing attention to themselves. You laughed, your friend’s coffee now all over the table, and now also all over her notes. The paper fell apart as the two of you tried to salvage something, but it was useless. 

“Oh, no. Is everything alright?” Jongin had rushed to your table, visibly worried as he heard the crying mixed with your laughter. He had some tea towels in his hands and promptly began wiping the spillage. 

“Yeah, just a little accident. Nothing big.” You reassured him, smiling at him as you helped him wipe the coffee. He had rushed off to get a bin to put the papers in, watching from the corner of his eye as you patted your friend on the shoulder, trying to calm her down. He walked over to you, bin in hand as he passed staring customers.

“Don't cry.” His deep voice reverberated through the air, startling you as you jumped to your feet. 

“It’s okay Jongin. Don’t worry about it. She’s just stressed.” You patted your friend as he put the destroyed paper into the bin. 

“Call me if you need anything.” He rested his large hand on your shoulder, and you noticed that he had kept it there for a moment longer than necessary, smiling at you lightly as his eyes flickered down to your friend. You nodded, putting your hand over the one he held on your shoulder, squeezing his fingers lightly, signalling for him to let go.

As he walked away, you could feel the weight of the eyes that rested on you and hear the low buzz of jealous whispers. You paid them no mind, too preoccupied with your work and your miserable friend. 

“All my work is ruined.” She wailed, pulling out her laptop from her bag.

“You had most of that memorised anyway. Don’t worry too much about it.” You told her, pulling out your Chinese art notes for one of your electives. 

Jongin returned to your table, a sweet smile on his lips, his eyes twinkled playfully as he brought back the scent of fresh coffee and sweetness that surrounded him like a cloud, and you were reminded that now, it was also the smell of your sheets. Which of those girls could say Jongin stayed in their bed and showed them his favourite song? There was no point in getting angry, you were adults, and you found their childish jealousy and gossip juvenile. 

“Do you want anything?” He asked, taking a glance back at his co-workers, who returned his smiles, as they watched him do whatever they had sent him to do in the first place. 

“Get me a Vienna.” You told him, smiling at him as you looked up from your notes. He gave you a sweet smile in return, before turning to your friend.

“Can I have a double espresso?” She asked a little sheepish. 

“Espresso and Vienna coming right up.” He told both of you, and just as he was about to leave, you looked up from your notes again, remembering that you had really wanted to go up and get a snack. Now that Jongin was offering, you wanted to use the advantage of getting free pie. 

“Can I get two slices of pumpkin pie as well?” you asked, smiling up at Jongin, enjoying the attention he was giving to you, and the innocent look in his eyes as they turned around at your request. 

“Sure.” Jongin smiled, running a hand through your hair playfully, messing it up, before walking away. 

Have at it, you thought, as the whispers resumed, and the weight of angry eyes fell on you once more. You watched as Jongin retreated, his large form towering over the tables as he walked. You caught him turning his head to look at you, before sending you a wink, and you winked back. 

-------- 

After work was over, all of Black Pearl staff sat enjoying hot coffee and chocolate, as well as the pizza Junmyeon had ordered for everyone. Tonight, they were having an actual meal together, sitting as a group at joint tables, talking and smiling as a complete nine. Faint rock ballads played in the background, mixed in with R&B. Jongin had, much to his satisfaction, caught Chanyeol bopping his head and swaying to the music, and even Yixing was happily bopping his head as he ate his pizza. 

"How does everyone like the new playlist?" He asked, and in response, a chorus of compliments erupted, drowning the music with its volume.

"It's nice. Good job." Junmyeon had praised, sipping on his coffee and patting him on the shoulder.

"Y/N helped me." Jongin added, feeling proud of the fact that it had been a joint effort, and that it could be called a success. Sehun gave him a knowing look, and Jongin shrank back in his chair slightly, as much as he could with his height, feeling the heat travel up his neck and to his face. 

"Did you sleep over again?" Baekhyun asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively, earning a laugh from Chanyeol. 

"He was about to, I texted asking him if he’s coming home." Sehun answered for him, stealing another slice of pizza from the box. He glanced at Jongin, catching his eyes before giving him a cheeky grin. 

"Why?" Jongdae asked, looking over at the two youngest ones with soft eyes. 

"I just wanted to see." Sehun shrugged, a laugh causing his shoulders to shake.

"Can you leave him and his girlfriend alone?" Kyungsoo muttered, sipping on a cappuccino. 

"She..." Jongin started, but sighed, giving up instead. 

"She's not my girlfriend." He deflated a bit and hoped that his friends could not hear the hint of disappointment in his voice. Yixing nodded, catching onto the unsaid emotions in his tone, and the way Jongin’s eyes fell onto his plate, refusing to look them in the eyes. 

"I don't buy it. They spend more time than me and my girlfriend." Baekhyun laughed, breaking the tense silence that settled over Black Pearl.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Jongin repeated, his throat constricted as he spoke.

“Not yet.” Chanyeol’s voice boomed, breaking the silence, giving Jongin a slither of hope. 

“You are clearly too shy to ask her out directly.” Jongdae pointed out, his tone making Jongin blush in embarrassment. 

“Why not do it indirectly?” Minseok suggested, leaning in for another slice of pizza. “Ask her out for a couple of drinks, maybe a nice dinner, something you would have usually done, and then see how it goes; if you gain courage it’s a date.” He smiled at the younger, giving Jongin some courage.

“If you don’t it’s just an outing.” Jongdae nodded, leaning back in his chair with a cat-like grin. 

“How am I meant to do that?”

“Double date then?” Sehun piped up, and all eyes darted at him, eight pairs of them, boring into him with surprise and curiosity. He rolled his eyes, pointing an accusing finger at Jongin.

“I’m going out for dinner and then drinks. You should come to join us in Love Shot.” He told his friend, and he nodded along, Kyungsoo and Minseok giving him approving smiles. 

“Inconspicuous enough but can turn into something romantic.” Jongdae spoke, head resting against his hand on the table, eyeing his caramel-skinned friend with warm eyes.

“Wasn’t your set-up date in Love Shot? Baekhyun asked, eyes playful as a cheeky grin spread across his face.

“And it worked.” Sehun answered, his voice filled with pride as he straightened up in his chair. 

Mira, your friend who now sported a crush on Junmyeon, and who was also your roommate, now sat on the couch, cuddled into your side with a pout on her lips. Jongin watched from his space on the armchair on your left. His eyes were soft, but a playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He had dressed out of his work clothes and put on a different button-up, this time an expensive black one. He even styled his hair back lightly. 

“What do you think of Junmyeon?” He asked, leaning against the armrest, eyes boring curiously into Mira. 

“I think he’s nice.” She replied. Her voice was quiet and unsure, and even you could see the blush rising on her cheeks, as she resisted the urge to cover her face. 

“She thinks he’s hot.” You supplemented, decided to be straightforward with Jongin. You and Mira had already gossiped about the man, and you had found, much to your delight, that your friend was now harbouring a crush. 

“Y/N!” She shrieked in protest, pushing you away lightly.

“I’m just stating a fact.” You turned to her, giving her a playful wink before she settled back against your side. You draped your arm over her shoulder, relaxing before you were going to head out with Jongin. 

Sehun and his girlfriend wanted to go to Love Shot tonight, and because they didn’t want to go alone they invited Jongin and you. 

“Why don’t I get a hug?” Jongin complained, dark eyebrows arcing suggestively at you, and you shrugged, raising your eyebrow as well.

“Do you feel left out?” You asked, and he leaned closer, playful smirk still present. 

Before he could answer with something snarky, his phone rang. He answered, telling whoever was on the other end of the line that you were leaving now and that you’ll be there soon. You assumed it was Sehun, who probably got there already. 

“Ok. We’ll get going now.” You rose from your seat as Jongin put on his shoes.

“Both of you? You live here.” Mira asked, pointing a finger at you. You smiled, feigning innocence, as you slipped your shoes on. You had dressed a little better than usual tonight since Jongin and Sehun were quite stylish, you didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb in the group. 

“I promised to go out for drinks at Love Shot tonight.” You told her, walking out into the corridor to put on your shoes and inspect yourself in the hallway mirror one last time. 

“Just drinks?” She raised an eyebrow, eyes flicking momentarily to Jongin as he adjusted his coat and fixed his hair. You nodded. You already had dinner here, and you knew that Sehun’s girlfriend took him out to dinner earlier. 

“If you need to, sleep at Jongin’s.” Mira told you, smiling brightly as you stepped out into the cold, Jongin following right behind you. 

“Yes, mum.” He called, sending a wink her way, one you didn’t see, before he closed the door and began leading you to Love Shot.

-----------

Love Shot’s dark hardwood and plush velvet did not change since the summer. The crystal chandeliers still dangled glass tears and refracted light in all directions. The lighting, dim and warm, was very much intimate, and without the neon and fairy lights you were used to from student clubs, it felt more mature, more formal. When you arrived, Jongin had led you to a booth before disappearing with both your coats. Before he came back Sehun and his girlfriend had come in, and you had greeted both of them before Sehun left in the same direction as Jongin.  

It took them a few minutes to come back, as the two men did so together. Sehun shot a glance in Jongin’s direction, before sending his girlfriend a wink. Jongin sat beside you, the booth proving smaller than you anticipated as the two tall friends occupied it, which resulted in you being pressed up lightly against Jongin’s side, knees touching and his shoulders hovering over you. You noticed that Sehun’s girlfriend was in a similar position, except that she openly enjoyed being pressed up against her boyfriend. 

“How did your exam go?” Jongin asked, forcing your attention to turn back to him. 

“Not as well as I hoped. I can only blame myself.” You answered truthfully. You hadn’t actually studied for this subject, mainly because you didn’t divide your time efficiently.

“You can’t be always giving a hundred percent.” He told you, honey dripping off his voice as his brown eyes gazed deep into yours. You were so close to each other you could feel Jongin’s breath against your hair as he spoke to Sehun. 

Soon, the two left again, only to go grab some drinks. 

Jongin came back with a gin and tonic and a bellini, knowing you liked sweeter stuff. He pressed up against you, now more comfortable than before, and casually draped his arm behind your head, the same way you saw Sehun do it from the corner of your eyes. You allowed yourself to relax into him, 

For the rest of the night, you sipped on various cocktails, and by the time your little group left, you were definitely tipsy. 

You ended up on a stroll through the old city centre, filled with narrow alleys and cobbled stones. The streetlamps were a replica of the ones put there in the late eighteen hundred’s, and between the intimate lighting of Love Shot, and the orange glow of streetlamps, you had realised a tiny titbit of information your brain had previously ignored; Jongin had taken you on a double date. 

Shy at the realisation, and a little unsure if it was true, you walked side by side, strolling casually through the old town square, cold wind painting rosy colours over your cheeks. Jongin and you fell a couple of steps behind Sehun, giving you a sense of intimacy between the two of you. 

------- 

Jongin looked over at you, smiling when your eyes met his deep brown ones. He had spent the whole evening keeping himself close to you, making his feelings known through subtle gestures like draping his arm behind your back and keeping you pressed against his side. Now, as you walked through the streets, he would bump your hand with his, letting his fingers brush against your skin. You didn’t protest, and instead maintained the small distance between you, instead of moving away. 

Finally, as his fingers brushed your hand again, you took his hand in yours, intertwining your fingers, a small smile etched on your lips as Jongin stared at you in awe. He felt the slight chill of your fingers and his larger hand enveloped your smaller one, warming it up and protecting it from the chilly night air. 

“I think I love you.” Jongin whispered, his voice low and trembling. His wide eyes were full of the kind of innocence that came only when coupled with sincerity, and he felt his heart rattle against his ribs in the aftermath of his sudden confession. 

“I think I love you too.” You confessed. Unlike Jongin's voice, yours' did not tremble; a stark contrast to the shaking of your hands as you spoke. The adrenalin in your blood kept you warm, bringing blood to your already flushed cheeks. 

“Want to sleep over at mine?” Jongin asked, almost as if there had been no confession, but his eyes were pleading, and you could see the fear of rejection glinting somewhere deep inside. 

“Sure.” You said, a smile pulling at your lips, and you squeezed his hand in reassurance, urging him to catch up to Sehun.

-------

That was how you ended up in Jongin's oversized t-shirt, your bodies tangled up in his sheets as you slept off the alcohol, pressed up against his side. Warm and safe.

The morning greeted you with the sound of your alarm and Jongin’s arms caging you to stop you from leaving. You rolled over to face him, his eyes puffy and barely open gazed at you and blinked once before Jongin sighed and wrapped his arms tighter around you. 

“Come on, I need to go home and then get to class.” You prompted, not wanting to leave, but today’s module was mandatory, and you had to attend every lesson because some administrative demon decided attendance was counted to your module grade. 

“Five more minutes.” He mumbled, voice deep and hoarse from sleep and the hungover you didn’t doubt was not haunting him. 

“Fine.” You muttered, relaxing in his embrace, full of the smell of coffee and cologne. If you had closed your eyes for even a moment, you would have fallen back asleep and not attended your lectures, but you refused. Instead, you took in Jongin’s messy hair, now a pretty caramel hue, lighter than the deep black he had before. It had softened his features and the morning sunlight bounced off of single hairs in a ripple of gold.

You glanced at the clock on the opposite wall, noticing that five minutes have passed, and wriggled out of Jongin’s embrace. 

“Times up.” You announced, smiling down at the drowsy man. 

Dismayed, Jongin got out of bed and walked over to the kitchen. You followed him. The first thing he did was make you both coffee in the Moka pot on the stove. 

You pulled out two bowls and poured yourself some cereal standing on the side of the little round table in his kitchen. He handed you the jug of milk, and sat down, making his cereal. 

When the coffee was ready, he handed you a cup and turned back to the stove, next to which stood a pack of stroopwafels, the ones with caramel in the middle. He offered you one, placing it on top of your cup. 

You enjoyed your morning in silence, as you sipped on your coffees and got dressed. Luckily you had a change of clothes at his from the time your washing machine broke and you did your laundry at his. 

The peaceful, comfortable ambience of the morning was destroyed just as you were about to leave. Jongin stood beside you, putting his coat and shoes on, ready to go to work, as you opened the door. 

“Wait!” He called out, startling you. He walked over, caressing your cheeks softly as he gazed down into your eyes. His hands were soft, a small smile playing on his plush lips. His hands moved from your cheeks to your waist, pulling you closed to his body, as his lips pressed into yours. 

You don't notice the door shutting behind you. 

Your eyes closed, feeling only the foreign warmth and softness, as he began moving his lips against yours, gently, as you reciprocated the kiss, your hands finding their way around his waist.  Your heart beats in your ears, and you want more, and so you move, a little hesitant, but you move closer to his body, wrapping your hands tighter around his waist so that your fingers are wrapped into his white work shirt. All too soon, he lets you go, sending you off with a peck on the forehead as you finally leave. 

Breathless, you prepare yourself for the inevitable conversation with Mira that is going to happen during the first lecture.

-------

Weeks passed, your relationship had changed from shy and unsure, into something more stable. You had finished your end of term exams, you had watched your friend start a budding romance with Junmyeon, which you were happy about because now she had someone who understood her stresses, and who she could talk to.

She was no longer the third wheel when you and Jongin went out, seeing as Junmyeon came with her.

Tonight, as snow fell from the sky, turning the world a little more orange as the light of streetlamps reflected off the white cushion that settled over the streets. You sat in Black Pearl, perched up on Jongin’s lap as he wrapped his arms around your waist. The inside of Black Pearl was well lit, soft instrumentals played, broken up from time to time by a Christmas classic. Jongin laughed about something with Kyungsoo as you sipped your Viennese coffee and ate pumpkin pie with Baekhyun’s girlfriend, who was sitting next to Baekhyun, his arm draped leisurely over the back of her chair.

You were just telling them about how you were going to go home tomorrow.

“Are you going by train or are you driving?” Baekhyun asked, sipping on a café au lait. He had decided to wear a matching white knit sweater along with his girlfriend, and you thought they looked cute together.

“I decided to drive, I have to take a lot of presents with me. My grandparents are coming to us this year.” You told them, feeling Jongin put his chin on your shoulder, his warmth enveloping you. You leaned back into him as he readjusted his arms around your waist.

“Where were they last year?” He asked you, joining the conversation.

“At my aunt’s.” You told him.

“Hey Y/N!” Yixing greeted you as he walked in, the woman on his arm holding a bouquet pink roses.

“Hey Yixing!” You smiled back, as the two sat at the table next to yours, beside Junmyeon and Minseok, who were sipping on espressos as they figured out next weeks schedule.

“Why do you only greet her?” Jongin asked, a teasing tilt in his voice. He had raised an eyebrow at his friend, brown eyes shining playfully as he looked down from his friend back to you.

“Because she speaks to him in his language.” Junmyeon smiled, acknowledging his friends for the first time tonight.

“Because they have secrets.” Jongdae laughed, earning a confused look from Yixing, and a wink from you. Jongin pouted at you, before looking at the clock.

“I think we should go now.” He gave you a playful pat on your butt to get you off of his lap. You put on your coat and hat, handing Jongin his own. Soon after you were ready to leave.

“See you at New Years!” You called out, waving goodbye to the room filled with your friends as you walked out, wishing them happy holidays. A chorus of replies bid you farewell as the door chimed closed behind you.

You walked with Jongin through the street, back to your apartment, enjoying the silence of the night. All noise had been swallowed by the cushion of snow, but Jongin’s eyes falling onto your occasionally had been like a roaring fire at the back of your mind. His warm hand held yours, threading his fingers through yours intimately.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long.” He spoke, breaking the comfortable silence surrounding you. You could tell he was referring to your relationship as you watched him gaze down at your hands, bringing your hand to his lips.

“It’s only been two months.” You told him, a warm blush staining your cheeks.

“Not much has changed between us.” You commented, thinking about the last two months. He still slept over, now more frequently, but it's not like had not done so before. He still got you coffee and walked you home. You still went out together, the bottles of mulled wine on your floor were witness to that. Not much had changed.

“Would you like it to?” Jongin asked, his eyes unsure as they searched your face.

“No.”

“Is there something you would like?” He pressed again, just as you were rounding the corner to stand in front of your apartment.

“Kiss me.” You told him, remembering the way he held you in Black Pearl, wishing to feel the proximity again, and the warmth he brought you when he touched you.  You came to a stop just as you said it, standing right in front of your door.

“I think I can do that.” His smile lit up his eyes, turning them a warm chocolate hue.

Without any hesitation, he cradled your face in his hands, bringing you closer as he stroked your cheeks with his thumbs.

His lips pressed against yours firmly, sure of what they were doing as your won matched his pace. You elt him smile through the kiss, his breath warm against your cold skin, and his lips scorching as they returned to their place against yours.

“I love you.”  He muttered, his lips brushing against yours like a feather, sending shivers down your spine.

“I love you too.”

[backtothestart02]

Hazy - 5/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: It’s finally here! I hope you enjoy!!

Commissioned by @andie1223

*Many thanks to @valeriemperez for beta’ing.

...

Chapter 5 -

“Stop squirming,” Linda ordered, and he tried again to stand still. “Everything is going to fine.”

She took a step back to inspect her handywork, then smiled.

“There. Your tie is perfect.”

He looked over her ensemble again, a plunging neckline, sparkling navy, and interminably high shoes. Shimmering diamonds glistened in her ears. Her hair was swept up in an updo. She looked absolutely gorgeous, but all Barry could think was that it was coming on too strong.

“Are you sure that is the dress you want to wear?”

Linda frowned and looked down at it. “Yes.” She looked up at him. “I want to show Scott what he’s missing.”

“Right. I get that. But um…”

“But what?”

“Well, it is still a work event.”

“It’s a gala, Barry Allen. Yes, Iris and I will be working the floor trying to snag quotes from people of importance, but there will be hors d'oeuvres and dancing and live music. I wouldn’t be surprised if Iris wears something just as daring.”

Barry felt his ears get hot. The image of a form-fitting dress with a plunging neckline and thigh-high hem made his pants tighten. It hadn’t been that long, but he already ached to get inside her. And it wouldn’t be long, if he was her fiancé. But he wasn’t. Which meant if Iris wore something daring, it would be for Eddie, and that made his blood boil.

“Hello!” Linda snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Earth to Barry?”

He blinked and looked down at her. “What?”

She shook her head at him.

“Are you ready for this?”

“Yeah, of course,” he lied through his teeth. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because you’re a terrible liar and haven’t seen Iris in the – what has it been – two weeks since your fight?”

He frowned. “It wasn’t a fight,” he lied again.

She raised her eyebrows. “Whatever you say, Mr. Allen.”

She straightened his tie one more time, grabbed her clutch and started to head for the door. With a restrained sigh, Barry followed, only to be stopped in his tracks by his phone vibrating in his pocket. He frowned and fished it out, his eyes going wide when he saw who was calling him.

“Who is it?” Linda asked, and he saw she was staring at him a little impatiently when he looked up at her.

“It’s Iris,” he said and saw the look of panic cross her face as he raised the phone to his ear.

“No! No, no, no, no, Barry Allen, do not answer that phone! We have not talked about what you’d say if-”

“Hey, Iris,” he said into the phone, trying not to sound too excited as he swatted Linda’s following form away from him. He walked down the hall into the bathroom and shut the door, so he could continue the conversation in private.

“Hi, Barry,” came Iris’ smooth, soft voice. “Am I…Am I interrupting something? I thought I heard a voice in the background?”

“Hmm? Oh, that was nothing. Just a silly commercial. What’s up?”

He tensed when he heard the low scoff on the other end of the line.

“Iris?” he asked cautiously.

“What’s up? What’s up? Barry, what’s up is we got into a fight two weeks ago, and I haven’t heard from you since.” Her voice broke. “Do you really not want to be my friend anymore?”

Barry’s heart sank.

“Did you…Have you called me?”

He’d never have ignored one of her calls, even if he was in a mood when he last left her.

“No…I was expecting you to call me.”

He frowned. “What for?”

“To apologize!”

He felt tension building inside of him.

“For what? For not wanting to date someone else when I’m still in love with you?”

“Barry,” she warned.

“I’m not going to apologize for that. I can’t.”

“How about telling me flat out you don’t want to be my friend anymore, Barry? How about apologizing for that?”

“How can we be friends, Iris? Tell me. Your husband has more or less issued a restraining order on me. He suspects you’re cheating if we’re even in the same room together!”

She sighed, aggravated. “That’s why I suggested-”

“I don’t regret a single thing I did on your wedding day,” Barry said, even though he still couldn’t remember the event except with flashes here and there. “That kiss was worth risking everything.”

Silence filled the other end of the line.

“Look, I have to go. We can talk about this…some other time.”

“Barry-”

“Goodbye, Iris.”

He hung up the phone, took a couple deep breaths, washed his face and opened the door, only to find Linda standing there with her arms crossed and the look in her eyes all-knowing.

“I know…I know…” he started. “I shouldn’t have taken the call.”

She shook her head at him. “Tunnel vision. Completely.” She looked his miserable self over and appeared to relax. “You’re forgiven, obviously. Ready to go?”

He nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”

They made their way down the hall and out the door. Linda locked up and shut the door behind them.

“Want to talk about it?” she asked once they got outside and were in her car.

He shook his head. “You were right about one thing, though.”

“Yeah? What’s that?”

“It was a fight.”

She winced. “I’m sorry, Barry.”

“Not your fault.”

“No, but…I compared our situations as the same, and yours is definitely much worse.”

He shot her a glare as they got inside the car.

“Thanks,” he said dryly.

“You’re welcome,” she said, beaming as she started the car.

Looking for traffic and finding none, Linda turned onto the street.

“Jealous vibes, here we come.”

Barry leaned his head back in his seat and looked out the window.

“Here we come.”

…

The gala was a glittering spectacle if Barry had ever seen one. The hall was huge with high ceilings and subtle but tasteful decorations from an array of sparkling, little lights to blooming flowers perfectly placed around the room. The aroma of hors d'oevres and champagne filled the air, and the people gathering were all dressed to the nines.

“Still think I dressed out of place?” Linda teased beside him.

He managed to smirk as he looked her over again.

“No, I guess not.”

“Hey, look, there’s Iris!” she whisper-yelled to get Barry’s attention.

“Where?” he asked immediately.

“Over there. By the flowers on the far side.”

“But she’s alone.” He frowned. “You said she’d bring Eddie with her.”

Linda frowned too. “I thought she would.”

Standing away from everyone else in the corner, Iris looked spectacular but miserable. Her shoulders were slumped. She didn’t even head over to the table to get food or champagne. She had her recorder in her hand, but it almost looked like she couldn’t stomach to do her job tonight, even looking as amazing as she did.

Barry felt terrible.

“I really should not have taken that call.”

“Hey, it’s okay. There’s still a way to make it up to her.”

He scoffed and turned to look at Linda. “How?”

“When she sees the two of us dancing, she’ll connect the dots and think you decided to take her advice after all.”

“Not after that phone call, she won’t.”

Linda frowned. “Why? What did you say?”

“I…uh…” He shifted on his feet.

“Barry.”

“I may have told her again how I couldn’t date someone else while I was still in love with her.”

Linda shut her eyes and groaned inwardly.

“We really should have discussed phone calls at some point over the last two weeks.”

“Yeah, well, we didn’t, and now I’m a crappy friend whose made her night miserable.”

“I thought you weren’t friends at all. I thought you didn’t want to be.”

“Only because I want to be more than friends. I’ll never stop being her friend.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this…It could down right ruin everything, but…why don’t you tell her that?”

He ran a hand over his face.

“What about Scott? Aren’t we here to make him jealous too?”

“No worries,” she said proudly. “I’m going to make my interview rounds first and then do some flirting. I’m pretty good at that.”

“Linda, if he’s not interested, flirting will be a turn-off.”

“He was interested the last time I flirted. Maybe he will be this time too. And if that doesn’t work, you and I will be dancing before the end of the night. That’ll be something to keep his eyes on if he rejects me yet again.”

“If you’re sure…”

“Go. Iris isn’t going to have any success gathering her confidence for interviews until she’s dealt with what’s holding her back tonight. And that, my friend, is you.”

She patted his shoulder, went to get a glass of champagne and pulled out her recorder as she set off to mingle with the crowd.

Champagne isn’t a bad idea, Barry thought to himself. He went to the table and gathered two glasses before setting off to sneak behind Iris, who had yet to mingle herself with the people there.

“You look like you need a drink,” he whispered into her ear, not expecting her to jump or drop her recorder on the floor.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

“No, it’s quite all right. You’re probably right. I do need to-” She turned and looked at who’d been talking to her. “Barry?” Her jaw dropped and forcibly she shut it. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m with Linda.”

She blinked. “I’m sorry…what?”

“Linda Park, your co-worker.”

“I know who Linda is. I just got the impression you weren’t with anyone, let alone one of my co-workers.”

Was that a hint of jealousy he detected?

“Oh, I’m not with her, with her. Not like that, anyway. We bumped into each other a little while back, and she asked me if I’d be her plus one at this event. I didn’t have anything else going on, so I figured why not?”

“I see.”

“You’re suspicious.”

“Just intrigued.” She glanced at the drinks in his hands. “Is one of those still for me?”

“What?” He looked down. “Oh, yeah, of course. Here you go.” He handed one to her. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

Despite herself, a little smile shone through.

“Thank you, Barry.”

Her drink was gone in less than a minute.

“I’m surprised you came over here,” she said.

He looked at her quizzically. “Why’s that?”

She was amused. “I was under the impression you wanted nothing to do with me.”

He sighed. “About that…”

She waited.

“I’m sorry, Iris, about tonight. I’ll always want to be your friend. I don’t want you to think I’m putting some sort of ultimatum on you. Not having you in my life at all? It’s impossible.”

The relief was obvious in the release of tension from her shoulders.

“Are you sure, Barry? That’s what you really want?”

“Well.” He downed his drink. “I can’t have what I really want.”

She swallowed.

“But if you can have what you want, and I can be a part of that, then yes, it’s what I want.”

She smiled tremulously. “Thank you, Barry.”

He took her empty glass from her hand and set it with his on a nearby table, then held his hand out to her. She frowned as she looked down at it, not understanding.

“Dance with me.”

The corner of her lips twitched.

“That doesn’t sound like a question.”

“Because it isn’t.” He held out his hand more dramatically. “Dance with me.”

She laughed lightly, and all remaining tension evaporated into thin air. She took his hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. There were a few couples already dancing the waltz to the beautiful live orchestra playing on the far side of the room. Taking both of her hands now, Barry extended their arms with one set and held the other close.

“You remember?” he asked.

“From those ballroom classes my dad made us take in high school? Of course.”

“He said it was a necessity to life.”

“Guess we should be thanking him now.”

Iris smiled and moved with him as he drew them into their first wide circle.

“You remember too, I see.”

He smirked. “Of course. Too many lessons not to.”

She chuckled and swayed with him, silent for a long while, getting lost in the dance and then his eyes when she finally looked up.

“You look very handsome, Barry.”

“Linda fixed my tie several times.”

She looked amused. “I bet.”

“You bet? What’s that supposed to mean?” he teased.

She laughed. “You’ve never been particularly good at it.”

He faked a gasp. “I’m offended.”

She rolled her eyes, still smiling. “If you were offended, you wouldn’t still be here.”

“I’m not that offended.” He rolled his eyes.

She giggled, actually giggled, and he felt alive again. How could she not feel something between them? He thought. How could she not?

“Thanks for this, Barry. I really needed it. Especially after Eddie…” She trailed off.

“Why isn’t he here, Iris?” he asked softly.

She swallowed. “We got in a fight,” she said. “He didn’t want to come after that.”

“Did he catch you…on the phone with me?” he asked hesitantly.

“No.” She shook her head. “The fight was before that. I was calling you because…well…I needed my best friend.”

He wanted to kick himself.

“Iris, I’m so sorry. I didn’t-”

“I know,” she said quickly. “Can we just forget about it and enjoy the night?”

“Don’t you have some interviews to get to? Linda said-”

“Yeah, I do. But I want to feel better first. Can you make me feel better, Barry?”

Staring deep into her eyes, he’d never wanted to kiss her so badly.

“I can make you feel better, Iris.”

The sound of the side door suddenly opening and slamming shut was a distant echo covered up by the orchestra’s crescendo into the second half of their majestic piece. Barry was none the wiser to it, and neither was Iris.

...

*Also posted on AO3 and FFnet.

[dream-a-little-bigger-x]

Heathers | Sweet Pea

A/N: Second to last part! It’s almost the end of the rewrite of the Heathers episode, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it so far! :D 

Act one - Act two - Act three - Act four - Act Five 

Words: 3076

Pairing: Sweet Pea x Reader 

Warnings: angst, cursing, sexual harassment

Act Five: Meant To Be Yours

Ever since we rehearsed Dead Girl Walking for the first time yesterday, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling I had when I was straddling Sweet Pea’s lap. Why – oh why – must he be so attractive and so good at singing? Never have I felt anything like this for a co-star in a play or musical. I hate feeling this weak and vulnerable for a boy. Thought I’d learned my lesson after Reggie, but I guess I didn’t.  “Earth to Y/N,” Ella’s voice makes me snap out of my thoughts.  “Hm, what?” I ask, my eyes darting from Ella to Margot and back. Both of them have knowing smirks on their faces. The three of us are sat at the cafeteria, eating our lunches. Only a few more hours until the very last rehearsal before we go through everything from beginning to end for the next rehearsals.  “You’re so crazy about him,” Margot retorts and takes a bite from her sandwich.  “I am not,” I shoot back, furrowing my eyebrows.  “Hm, Ella, don’t you think it’s weird I didn’t have to say a name, and still, Y/N knew who I was talking about?” Margot is a great actress, but her sarcasm always seeps through in situations like this.  “Yeah, that is weird. How could that be, Margot?” Ella taps her chin twice with her index finger and looks like she’s in deep thought with her brows furrowed and lips pursed.  “I don’t know, Ella. Maybe because she’s so damn madly in love with the guy playing Jason Dean.” Margot and Ella both burst out laughing, and I can’t help but smile too.  “Imagine having your own Jason Dean without the psychopathic part, and not doing anything about it,” Ella scoffs, shaking her head at me while picking at her salad. “I mean, honestly, Y/N, what’s holding you back?” I drop my sandwich on my tray and heave a deep sigh. “Is it the Serpent-thing? I thought you didn’t care about all that shit?” Margot adds, wanting to know too, why I didn’t take my chance and ask him out.  “No…” I sigh again, “It’s… I… I don’t know, guys. I just think I’m scared. I mean, what if he doesn’t feel the same? He’s pretty much still in love with Josie McCoy even though she broke his heart in a thousand pieces. What’s Reggie going to do? Is it going to change the entire musical? Is it going to steer me away from my path straight to NYU?” I ramble all of the thoughts I’d been overthinking on my own the entire night last night.  “Wow, girl, okay…” Margot seems a little taken aback by all the thoughts slipping out of my mouth. “Let’s break this down,” she says and glances to Ella for a second as if to check who’ll start. Ella does.  “The only way to know if he feels the same, is to ask him.” She shrugs as if it’s that simple.  “Are you sure he’s still in love with Josie? I mean, what you guys did in rehearsals during Dead Girl Walking, that was improv, which might mean he wanted to rip your shirt off the entire time,” Margot continues by tackling my second thought.  “Who cares what Reggie’s going to do? He’s a dick, Y/N. Screw him,” Ella says, and Margot nods.  “If you’re scared it’s going to change the musical, then wait until the musical’s over. The show’s next weekend if you can wait that long. But if it’s going to change the musical, he isn’t that great an actor, sweetie.” Margot presses her lips together in a painful grimace.  “You still have this year and senior year to spend with him and if he loves you, he’ll understand you’ll have to work on musical theater to get into the college of your dreams. He’ll support you, run lines with you, sing songs with you. If the both of you want it enough, you’ll make it work.”  I sigh again. They’re not wrong, but I’m not convinced yet. “Yeah, but what if he doesn’t want me like that?” My friends at the other side of the table groan simultaneously.  “We’re not going to start this again, Y/N,” Margot says.  “Just ask him,” Ella adds, exaggerating the articulation of the words. I open my mouth to say something else, but the bell ringing to signal the end of lunch interrupts me. “Let’s go, I’ve got biology and professor Phylum doesn’t like tardiness.” Margot and I nod, and the three of us leave the cafeteria together. On our way to our lockers, we bump into a bunch of jocks. Not Reggie nor Archie. But Ryan, Jake and Mason. All three with gross smirks on their faces.  “Hey, Y/N,” Ryan greets in a deep voice.  “Sorry, boys, we got to get to class,” I say, and we try to walk past them, but they block us from doing so. “Can you let us through, please?” I try to keep my voice steady, even though I’m starting to get scared. These three don’t have the cleanest record when it comes to interactions with women.  “Ah, you can’t just leave,” Mason’s mouth curls up into a grin.  “Not when you’re dressed like that,” Jake then goes. I look down to the Veronica skirt I’m wearing. Kevin told us to always wear something our characters would wear to really get into the mind of the person we’re supposed to play.  “Dressed like what? This is what I always wear?” I glance at my friends, who are clearly as confused as I am. The three boys give each other a glance too before Mason goes on.  “Yeah! And it’s torture!” Ryan almost yells in frustration.  “How can you expect us to control ourselves when you look like that?” says Jake. This is going to be one of those conversations, isn’t it?  “Back off, assholes,” Cheryl’s voice sounds from behind me. When I turn my head, I find Sweet Pea, Fangs, Toni and Cheryl standing behind me with their arms crossed. My eyes linger a little longer on the tall Serpent right behind me. He has an intimidating scowl on his face.  “Oh, look the criminals are backing up the theater nerds now that they’re singing and dancing together like little fags.” Mason says with a chuckle and hitting his best bud, Jake, on his chest. Jake and Ryan both cackle obnoxiously.  “What’s going on here, Bulldogs?” Reggie’s voice chimes in. For some reason, it only makes me tense up more. He goes to stand next to Ryan, looking at me first, then glancing at the Bulldogs. “Are they harassing you, Y/N?” I want to open my mouth to tell him it’s not that bad to avoid any fighting when Betty and Veronica chime in too.  “Get over yourself, assholes, she’s not that into you,” Veronica tells them, her eyebrows furrowed.  “Oh, come on, Reg!” Mason starts, “You’ve noticed she’s gotten hotter every damn day! She may not have been good enough for you back then, but right now, she’s good enough to get with me!” I raise my eyebrow at him. I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. Not when he’s talking shit like that.  “Now I’m good enough?” I ask, stepping forward. Reggie steps back to allow me more space. “Did it ever occur to you that I don’t care if I’m ‘good enough’ for a gross, misogynistic prick like you? I’m intelligent enough to know my worth doesn’t depend on a jock’s boner. You, however, are worth nothing. So, get your tiny dick out of here before I cut it off.” I’ve gotten closer with every word I’ve said to the point where I’m mere inches away from him.  “You heard her, ass,” Archie then says, who’d joined too.  “Get out of here!” Sweet Pea adds with his intimidating, low voice that sends shivers down my spine.  “See you in hell, assholes!” Betty, Margot and I yell after them as they scurry away.  “Thanks for backing me up, guys,” I say, glancing up to every single one of my co-stars. My eyes linger on Sweet Pea again, and he’s looking at me too. His scowl is replaced with a small smile and sparkles in his eyes, lighting up his eyes more.  “That’s all good, Y/N,” Reggie says, and wraps an arm around me. I stiffen at the all-too-familiar feeling. “We’re all theater nerds now!” I wriggle myself loose from his grip with a chuckle.  “Mess with Veronica, mess with the Heathers!” Cheryl chimes in. Her red lips are turned up into a wide, bright smile that takes away the nerves I just felt when Reggie placed his arm around me.  “Let’s get to class now,” Margot then suggests, and we all nod in agreement.  “Y/N,” Sweet Pea starts and holds me back by my arm while the others get to class. “Can we please rehearse some lines tonight after rehearsal?” The words feel like a punch in the stomach. I can’t be trusted alone with him. I’ll just forget about all of my worries and kiss him and then overthink it once again when it’s happened. I need to step back and pretend I’m not as in love with him as I am right now. For my own good. For my future. To save the musical.

“Let’s do Yo Girl and Meant to Be Yours back to back again. Make sure to go all-in today, kids!” Evelyn tells us with a grin on her face. Everyone that needs to be on stage goes to get ready. Cheryl, Archie and Reggie go to stand on the raised bit of the stage. They’re dead by now, so it’s their ghosts that are still haunting Veronica. Betty, Veronica and I stand on the lower bit to do our small conversation. “Martha Dumptruck took a belly flop off the Old Mill Bridge last night holding a suicide note,” Betty says with a chuckle. “Oh my God, is she dead?” I ask, eyes wide, pretending to be shocked by this news. Betty then replies, “Just some broken bones. Just another geek trying to imitate the popular people and failing miserably.” She rolls her eyes and walks off stage with Veronica in tow. “Yo girl, keep it together I knew you would come far Now you're truly a Heather Smell how gangsta you are,” Cheryl, Reggie and Archie sing together from ‘heaven’. “Martha, I’m so sorry,” I say, Veronica Sawyer’s barely holding it together. “Yo girl, feel a bit punchy? She's not looking so well Still, you've earned that red scrunchie Come join Heather in hell,” the dead characters sing again, and on walk our coach and the drama teacher who are playing my parents. “Where’ve you been?” Coach McLaren asks with furrowed eyebrows. He’s not the greatest actor. But it’ll do for a few lines. “We've been worried sick! Your friend JD stopped by. He told us everything,” miss Jacobs says her line. “Everything?” I ask. Miss Jacobs gives me a worried smile. “Your depression, your thoughts of suicide…” Coach McLaren goes. Miss Jacobs shows me a Moby Dick copy. “He even showed us your copy of Moby Dick!” “He’s got your handwriting down cold,” Cheryl chimes in sassily. “Please, honey, talk to us!” miss Jacobs pleads. At least her good acting balances out coach’s bad acting. I shake my head viciously. “No, you wouldn’t understand!” “Try me! I’ve experienced everything you’re going through!” miss Jacobs’ voice grows, and I back up. “Guess who's right down the block?” the dead kids sing behind us. “Your problems seem like life and death—” ‘mom’ chimes in. Then Cheryl, Reggie and Archie take their turn again, “Guess who’s climbing the stairs?” “I promise they’re not!” miss Jacobs says. “Guess who’s picking your lock?” “You don’t know what my world looks like!” I yell at my mother and run off stage. “Time’s up! Go say your prayers!” Mom and dad now walk off stage, and I go back on. The dead kids walk down the stairs on one side while I run up the ones on the other side. “Veronica's running on, running on fumes now Veronica's totally fried Veronica's gotta be trippin' on 'schrooms now, Thinking that she can hide Veronica's done for, there's no doubt now, Notify next of kin! Veronica's trying to keep him out now Too late! He got in!” Sweet Pea walks onto stage as if he’d just broken into my ‘bedroom”, and I’m hiding in the closet from him. “Knock! Knock! Sorry to come through the window. Dreadful etiquette, I know!” Sweet Pea’s voice makes my knees buckle. He sounds so angry, yet I know he isn’t. He looked happy just seconds ago. “Get out of my house!” I yell at him through the pretend door. “All is forgiven, baby! Come on and get dressed! You’re my date to the pep rally tonight!” I perk up at that with furrowed eyebrows in confusion. “What?! Why?!” “You chucked me out like I was trash, For that you should be dead— But! But! But! Then it hit me like a flash, What if high school went away instead' Those assholes are the key! They're keeping you away from me! They made you blind, messed up your mind But I can set you free!” When we were exploring the songs still, Ella, Margot and I were always dancing to this song. But now, I can’t seem to move a muscle. I’m not allowed to, but even if I was, I’m too enthralled by his voice and how perfect it sounds for the song. “You left me and I fell apart, I punched the wall and cried— Bam! Bam! Bam!” I jump a little when his voice grows louder. “Then I found you changed my heart and set loose all that truthful shit inside! And so I built a bomb Tonight our school is Vietnam! Let's guarantee they'll never see their senior prom!” The music slows down a little and his voice does too, getting a bit vulnerable. “I was meant to be yours! We were meant to be one! Don't give up on me now! Finish what we've begun! I was meant to be yours!” Then the music grows louder and harder, and his voice becomes angrier and more psychopathic than before. How do I only find out now how talented this boy is? “So when the high school gym goes boom with everyone inside— Pchw! Pchw! Pchw! In the rubble of their tomb We'll plant this note explaining why they died!” The other students walk up the stage too, surrounding JD in a half circle. “We, the students of Westerburg High Will die. Our burnt bodies may finally get through To you. Your society churns out slaves and blanks No thanks. Signed the Students of Westerburg High 'Goodbye.'” The students stay where they are, but Sweet Pea now sings on his own. “We'll watch the smoke poor out the doors. Bring marshmallows, We'll make s'mores! We can smile and cuddle while the fire roars!” Then, everyone sings back up vocals for Sweet Pea during the chorus, making it sound even more magical. However, I can only focus on Sweet Pea’s gorgeous voice. It’s making me fall more and more in love with the boy. Damn it. “I was meant to be yours! We were meant to be one! I can't make this alone! Finish what we've begun! You were meant to be mine! I am all that you need! You carved open my heart! Can't just leave me to bleed!” I begin to prepare my fake suicide by hanging up a fake noose and wrapping it around my neck. “Veronica, open the—open the door, please' Veronica, open the door. Veronica, can we not fight anymore' Please, can we not fight anymore' Veronica, sure, you're scared, I've been there. I can set you free! Veronica, don't make me come in there! I'm gonna count to three! “One! Two! Fuck it!” He opens the ‘door’ and finds his Veronica dead. The boy, overcome with emotions, kneels down next to me and begins crying. “Oh my God! 'No! 'Veronica'!” His voice sounds softer, but still equally as powerful. And it still sends chills down my spine. “Please don't leave me alone' You were all I could trust' I can't do this alone'” The others back him up again for the very last line, and goosebumps form on my arms. “Still I will if I must!” “Veronica?!” mom shouts as she walks up the stairs. Sweet Pea looks up in a panic and runs off stage.  “I made you a snack! Veronica?!” Miss Jacobs walks up the stairs with a tray in her hands when she finds her daughter hung from the ceiling. A loud, shrill shriek comes from her body, making me snap my head up. “No, no, no!” I yell and run up to her. “No, it was a joke! No, mom, please! Look at me! I’m okay!” I grab her cheeks and makes her look at me. I wipe away her tears. “I’m fine. I’m fine!” “That’s not funny!” she yells back at me, sobbing violently.   “And scene!” Kevin yells, and miss Jacobs and I get up. “You’re doing a great job, Y/N,” she tells me with a smile. Miss Jacobs has always been kind of my second mom. She’s my theater mom. She’s supporting me in my dreams to become a professional musical theater actress. The woman believes in me more than my own mother. “Thanks, mom,” I say with a wink and approach my friends on the side of the stage. “I have a problem,” I say in a panicked, but hushed voice. “What is it?” Margot asks, placing her round sunglasses on the top of her head. “I’m terribly and embarrassingly in love with Jason Dean,” I hope they get the code name for Sweet Pea as I don’t want to anyone to hear me say his actual name. The girls’ smiles widen. “Thank heaven’s she admits it!” they both exclaim loudly. I shush them immediately, frantically looking around if anyone’s heard them. Everyone else seems preoccupied with other things, and I sigh in relief. “I don’t know what to do though?” I whisper with a pained expression. “Help? Please?” “Let stoner chick and preppy kid take care of it!” Ella reassures me. Or at least tries to. I’m not sure if I am reassured. 

[hollandarling]

hey so you know that gif you posted about making tom mad?? could you write a lil blurb about that where you’re either trying to make him jealous on purpose or it just happens accidentally??

being a brat and getting THIS look??? oof you said LITTTLE bUt I couldnt stop alskdkdj I love this concept with my whole chest and did BOTH accidental and purposely so you’re in for a ride

((obv warnings for jealousy plus some sexual themes and swearing as per usual))

*********

“Harder! Faster! Give me all you got! Don’t go easy on me!”

Tom catches himself almost running around the corner of the gym’s wall at the man’s words—sneakers squeaking and all—coming to find you…boxing?

“Come on, push!”

You’re shifting your weight from one foot to the other, throwing sharp, loud hitting punches to a guy he’d never seen before, who, if you were asking his opinion, was far too into it.

You were glistening with sweat, in only a sports bra and a pair of spandex that Tom has never minded until this exact moment in time as he watches your “assets” bounce near some other dude’s face.

His jaw clenches. “Y/N,” he calls, voice anything but sweet, as he tries to grab your attention.

Your head whips around towards his direction, a big smile spreading across your face at the sight of your boyfriend and completely losing focus from your workout.

A pair of strong arms wrap around your body, forcibly pulling you flesh against them and into a headlock.

“See, this is what can happen when you let your guard down!” Your trainer teases, lightheartedly, but you know he’s got a point.

“Alright, alright. I tap out,” you half-choke while smacking his arm in three short bursts, getting released at the motion and feeling your lungs expand fully again.

You’re laughing, thanking your coach for a “wonderful” session, a descriptor that was not missed by Tom as he stood there with his blood boiling while you hand off your gloves—trying not to cause a scene in front of Mr. “Don’t let your guard down” after he blatantly pressed an arm into your chest and had your ass pressed against an area that he’d be lucky to keep after today.

You jog over to Tom, water bottle now in hand and you crash into him with a tight hug, on a high from the workout and wanting to hug his pouty face out of him.

You give him a quick peck on the lips, smiling big. “I’m so sorry, thanks for picking me up! I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, I wasn’t paying attention to the time—”

“—Clearly—”

“—I’ve just got to get my bag in the locker room and I can meet you out front, yeah?”

“No! I mean, no I can come with you, its no big deal.” He cringes, coming off all kinds of strong and miserably failing at acting casual about the situation.

“Alright…” You give him a quizzical look but don’t say anything else on the matter as you lead him to the co-ed locker room, rambling about the PR you hit today.

It’s not that Tom wasn’t proud of you, he was, he just couldn’t get that guy out of his mind and he’s interrupting you before he even realizes he’s speaking.

“So you got a new personal trainer, huh?” He glances around the deserted room, making sure no one else was around to hear.

“Oh yeah, his name’s Adam!” You chirp back, too pre-occupied with inputting the correct combo for your locker to notice his less than pleased expression.

“Huh. Adam.”

Now that got your attention. The typical short responses he saves for the occasions when he’s trying to be careful about what he says.

“Oh my god, this is what’s got you so worked up?” You roll your eyes over your shoulder at him and proceed to pull your belongings out of their safe space.

“He was all over you!” he defends, knowing he has a damn justifiable reason for being upset.

“No, he wasn’t! He’s a professional, Tom,” you argue. You know a creep when you see one and Adam was not that.

“Oh please, that was not professional!”

You turn to face him, eyes narrowing. “Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I trust you,” he assures. “But he was ogling you, I watched the whole thing! and you—you’re just—”

“I’m what, Tom? I’m half dressed, so what else are people going to look at?”

“NO—that’s not what I’m—”

“Then what? Is it bothering you that I was getting all hot and sweaty with him?”

Intended as being sarcastic, you quickly realize it was not taken that way as you watch him tightly cross his arms across his chest…you’ve struck a nerve. Tom is seething, biting into the inside of his cheek and doing everything he can to compose himself when you’re putting a mental image in his head like that.

You press, gaining a smirk as you speak. “Is it bothering you that he was holding me so close to him while I could hear him panting in my ear?”

Alright, bitch move, you’ll admit it. But watching his jaw shift forward as he steps closer to you lights a fire inside you that you can’t help but continue to feed.

Before you can even blink again, Tom is picking you up by your thighs and slamming you against the lockers with a loud clatter of metal shaking. Your gasp is swallowed by his mouth engulfing yours in the roughest kiss you’ve ever shared. You squeeze your legs tighter around his waist, fingers threading through his hair as he moves to nip at your neck. You yelp at the contact of his teeth, feeling a rush of adrenaline working its way through your body making each touch even hotter.

“Tom,” you breathe, only half convinced that you should even be saying anything in case this all comes to a screeching halt. “I’ve got to tell you—”

“Then you better fucking tell me now,” Tom growls, rattling you to your core and god does it feel good but your guilty conscious is a bitch.

“Adam—”

He stops, coming up for air, nose against yours and his black eyes remaining in extremely close proximity to your own. “You’re going to talk about him right now?” He was raging.

“No, no, you don’t understand.” Your chest is heaving, and you can barely get the words out. “He’s…not into girls. Like…at all.”

His eyes widen, growing softer. “You mean—”

“Not at all.” You feel his entire being light up and suddenly your back has left the lockers and he’s spinning you around with your legs latched tightly onto his hips.

He kisses you again, but this time, its an overwhelming amount of love and passion that’s fueling the kiss.

You can’t help but melt a little as the butterflies erupt from your stomach. God you love your jealous boy.

Tom breaks away reluctantly, and puts you back down on your own two feet. He reaches behind you and grabs your duffel bag off of the bench before leaning in close to your ear.

“I hope you know that we’re finishing this at home.” His voice low and raspy, sending shivers down your spine. Stated as a fact and not a question and shiiit were you into that.

He turns on his heel without another word and you can’t help but follow him out, giddy like a child and skipping along to catch up to him knowing you were going to get it good tonight.

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Prompt: Can I get a pov of harry over the years having two dads? Like instead of getting scolded for a prank, he gets a reward or advices on draco?

and “Im not sure if you’ve already receive this because I sent a prompt two months ago. Prompt: Harry’s POV growing up with two dads” 

Harry was laying face down on the floor, feeling miserable. Dad didn't seem to care, because other than an, "I'll listen to you when you have a better tone," he just let Harry be sad. Pop would save him, right? Because laying on the hard, cold wood was only making him feel worse, but if he got up, he'd be proving Dad right when he'd first said that all Harry needed was a little quiet time. 

The front door opened and closed, and Harry waited. "What's happening here?" Pop asked in a whisper. 

"Harry was getting overwhelmed, and when I reminded him that he couldn't yell at me, he decided the floor was his best friend." 

"Ah," Pop said, and Harry figured that this was the time where he'd step in. But all he did was pat him gently on the head and keep walking. 

Harry made a noise of frustration but didn't move. Now he was mad again, and he didn't want to get in real trouble if he screamed again. After ages and ages of listening to them walk around and move the chairs, he pushed himself up and shuffled off to his room. He'd still have to be quiet, but at least he could do it sitting on his bed. 

*

Hey Dad, can I go to Ron's tonight?" Neville was supposed to be there too, but his parents said it didn't really matter unless it was a whole bunch of people. 

Dad didn't look up, bringing the paper closer to his face to peer through his glasses at something (probably on the Quidditch page). "Go ask your father." 

Harry shuffled off and made his way to the garage. He opened the door and stepped onto the cold concrete steps, then looked up and saw Pop working on his motorbike, hair tied back. He said that Harry had to get older before he was allowed to ride it, but he'd said that years ago too, so Harry wasn't sure he'd ever be allowed. "Hey Pop, can I spend the night at Ron's?" 

"Go ask your father." 

"I just asked him." 

"And what did he say?" 

"To ask you." 

Pop nodded. "Uh-huh. Go ask him again, prongslet." 

"Okay." It didn't make any sense, but fine, he'd go back and ask Dad again. He went back in the house and walked to the living room again where Dad was now holding the newspaper a few centimeters from his nose. "Hey Dad? Can I go to Ron's for tonight?" 

"Er," Dad said, clearly not paying attention as his brow furrowed. "Go ask your father." 

"I just asked him," Harry said, a little annoyed. This wasn't a big thing he was asking, he'd been to Ron's a hundred times before. 

"Ask him again." 

"He told me to ask you again." 

"Well go ask him one more time Haz, just for good measure." 

Harry scowled at his father, but he still wasn't looking. "Fine," he said, throwing up his hands and turning towards the garage. This time, he opened the door but didn't step down. "Pop, can I go to Ron's?" 

"I thought you were going to ask Dad?" 

"I did, and he told me to ask you again." 

"How rude," Pop commented idly, clearly not meaning it. Harry kinda meant it. "When are you wanting to leave?" 

"Before dinner?" 

"And when will you be back?" 

"Before... lunch?" 

Pop nodded, finally looking up at him. "Sounds good. Let me know when you're ready and I'll bring you over." 

"Pop," Harry whined, blushing a little. "I'm not a little kid anymore, I know how to use the floo." 

"I know you do, but I don't let you wander the streets all by yourself, so you don't get to use the floo all by yourself." 

"I'm old enough to do both of those. I'm going to Hogwarts next year," he said, hoping that it would convince Pop to let him go by himself. It was so embarrassing to have his parents dropping him off every single time when he was perfectly capable of doing it himself. 

"Ugh, don't remind me," Pop said, making a face. "I'm not happy about that either, but it's not like you'll be traipsing about the town by yourself; you're going to be in school, and it's only once you're thirteen that you're allowed to go to Hogsmeade weekends. I can handle you doing that at thirteen. Not ten. You're too young. Oh Merlin how are you already ten this is ridiculous." 

"But I can go?" Harry asked. If he didn't stop Pop, he'd just keep going and going. 

"Yep. And don't even think about popping over by yourself because I will come get you back if you try it." 

"I won't," Harry sighed. The memory of the time he'd tried that was burned permanently into his brain, and he never wanted to be that embarrassed again. 

*

Dear Dad and Pop,

I got detention. Professor McGonagall looked pretty mad, but you don't think she hates me now, right? She let me on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, that must mean she likes me a little? Wait do you think she'll kick me off? No jokes, I need to know because now I'm freaking out. It was only fifteen points and that's not NEAR enough to get rid of me. I think. Maybe? Merlin, I'm panicking. She doesn't HAVE to keep me on because she was already breaking the rules to get me on in the first place! My quidditch career is over before it could get started :( I'm going to end up, like, writing on an endless piece of parchment for the rest of my life until the day I die. 

Anyways, I got detention because Malfoy (Draco, you remember him? What a prick) challenged me to a duel and I said yes only we had to do it after curfew because you're not allowed to duel, and instead of showing up he told Filch and I got caught out of bed. So yeah, Ron's got detention too, which isn't fun but at least we'll be writing lines together. It's supposed to be with Professor Quirrell, and I know he doesn't may that much attention so we'll be able to pass notes or something instead of dying of boredom. 

Homework is awful. I can't believe I have to do this for SEVEN YEARS, I'm not sure I'll survive another month of this. 

Love you! Harry 

James read it, then laughed and handed it over to Sirius. "Your son is a drama queen." 

"Our son," Sirius corrected. "Our son is a drama queen." Sirius got further down and snickered. "A very big drama queen. Why did he agree to a duel? Does he even know any spells that he could use?" 

"They're eleven, so he could probably use the Jelly Legs Jinx and win," James said automatically, then paused. "We should tell him not to accept any future duels, right? That's something responsible parents do?" 

"I think so," Sirius said, grabbing a sheet of parchment for their reply. The responding letter mostly consisted of a mini confetti explosion in celebration of his first detention, an assurance that McGonagall wasn't going to kick him off the team over fifteen measly points when James had easily cost Gryffindor three hundred points in his first year and still made it on the quidditch team in second year, and a reminder to not accept duels until he was at least fifteen and knew what he was doing. They may or may not have attached a list of possible pranks for Harry to use on Draco as payback for narcing on him, but they were merely suggestions. 

*

"I'm going to wrap you in a bubble charm and keep you home so you'll be safe," Pop said, practically suffocating Harry in a hug. He'd hugged him as soon as they came into the Hospital Wing, and he still hadn't let go. Dad had given him a very tight hug, then sat on the bed looking all worried. Harry had thought that was going to be the worst part-- the worried faces-- but Pop was still clinging to him. 

"You're choking me," Harry said. 

"Yeah and I don't think we can realistically keep him in the house that long. He'd pull a jailbreak, and then where would we be? C'mon Si, let the kiddo breathe," Dad said, tugging on Pop's arm. 

Pop finally let go, but it was very reluctant. Then he walked around the bed and cuddled up to Dad, looking like a sad puppy. 

"Look Harry, me and Pop talked about it and... maybe we should homeschool you next year."

"What?" 

"Last year was fine, you know? Unique sort of situation, you were trying to do the right thing, and it was just the once. But now, well now it's starting to feel like a pattern. I know you're not creating the trouble or summat, but this is the second time in two years that you've had a completely once-in-a-lifetime thing happen and it nearly killed you both times. Last time it was a philosopher's stone, this time it was a sodding basilisk, what's going to happen next year? Dumbledore's phoenix goes rogue?" 

"James," Pop said quietly, and Dad shook his head, expression turning half-worried, half-determined. 

"Right, just er, we think it would be safest this way. It's not set in stone yet or anything," he added when Harry realised they were being serious and not joking around, "but we- well, we're thinking about it for next year." 

"How is that any different than keeping me in a bubble?" 

"Lots of kids get homeschooled, it's not that strange. You'd still be able to leave the house and everything." 

"What about quidditch?" Even if both his parents and Uncle Moony played with him, that wouldn't be enough for a single team, let alone a game. 

"Like I said Haz, it's not decided yet." 

"But you're thinking about it," he muttered petulantly, picking at the white sheet covering his legs. 

"You almost died. Twice. That's not normal, so we don't get to treat it like it is." 

Harry wanted to cry because it wasn't fair, but Dad's voice was getting that edge to it that meant he was getting all emotional and wasn't going to be swayed no matter how much Harry tried to talk him out of it. Oh Merlin he was actually about to start crying. He scrubbed at his face, and now Pop was hugging him again but he didn't mind as much this time. 

"I know it seems like the end of the world, Harry," he said quietly, just for Harry's ears, "but all we want is for you to be safe, happy, and healthy. We'll figure it out together, okay?" 

Harry sniffled and didn't respond. 

*

"Hey, erm, can Draco come to dinner this Saturday?" 

"Yeah sure," Dad said, then paused, whipping his head around comically to look at Harry. "Draco Malfoy?" 

"Er. Yeah? Do you know any other Draco's?" 

"I thought you hated him." 

"Back in like, first year, when he was a total prat," Harry said, shifting awkwardly. He'd known this was going to be awkward as all hell when he asked if Draco wanted to come, but having to deal with it was a whole new level of mortifying. 

"Is not a prat anymore?" Dad asked, but it's not as though he had a personal stake in this, he was just confused. All he had to go on was the Malfoy name-- and therefore what he knew about Lucius and Narcissa-- and what Harry told him. Harry had been a touch, er, in denial about his obsession with Draco, but Ron had set him straight (as it were). 

"He's not that bad when you get him to use his brain." Once you pointed out the issues with blood purist logic, he started to get over it. It was a bit of a work in progress, but he was trying. He had even apologised to Hermione for calling her slurs, and after it became clear he meant it, they'd started getting along. Sort of. They both liked to be the smartest person in the room, so they had a tendency to butt heads. "You'll see, he's great." 

"Okay," Dad said slowly, peering at Harry in a way that made him shift again. "Oh." Dad's eyes went wide, and he had a little smirk on his face. 

Harry's face flamed in embarrassment. 

"Of course he can come." 

*

Harry was wringing his hands, waiting for the yelling to start. His fathers had never yelled at him before, but more and more often they'd been yelling near him, and with everything going on recently, they might actually yell at him this time. He'd broken into the Ministry, brought his friends with him, nearly died again, gone toe to toe with Death Eaters when they didn't think he should even be dueling yet, and... he'd had his arse saved by them and the other Order members showing up. They were going to be so mad at him for not only getting into this mess, but for dragging his friends into the trouble too. Sure Neville, Ron, and Hermione were all used to this by now, but this was a first time for the others. Ginny and Luna, for example. And Luna had gotten a cut on her leg so bad that she couldn't walk. Ginny had gotten sand from the time turners in the cuts on her hand and now she was having issues with her memory. Not the mention that Draco had specifically not been invited to help the situation with his family, but he'd come along anyways and gotten a bludgeoning spell right in the arm. 

And it was all his fault. 

Almost all of them had gotten hurt, and it was Harry's fault. Buggering hell, he deserved to get yelled at. Maybe next time he'd be smart enough to leave them all at Hogwarts, where they'd be safe. 

Dad came over to him, but Pop was still talking (more like arguing) with the aurors. "You hurt?" he asked. 

Mutely, Harry shook his head. 

Dad pulled him into a one armed hug, his other hand still clutched tight around his wand. "Let's go home." 

"My friends-" 

"Are going home too. You'll be able to check in with them tomorrow." 

They started to walk, but Harry stopped. "What about Pop?" 

"He'll meet us at home when he's done." 

"I... okay," Harry muttered. 

*

Voldemort was dead again, and Harry felt guilty for everyone that had died. Felt guilty for everyone that had gotten hurt. He felt... a lot, and none of it was good. Dad had almost died, and Pop hadn't been able to stop crying for three days. When Dad got out of hospital, he'd done a lot of crying too. 

Harry moved out, thinking it would help. 

His fathers kept calling him to make sure he was still eating and getting rest; he wasn't. They asked him to move back in, and he did because all moving out had done was make him feel worse. His nightmares had gotten worse and he never wanted to leave the flat, let alone cook himself anything decent. Living back at home though, Dad was cooking to deal with stress, and Pop forced him to come along for errands just so he'd get fresh air. 

*

"Hey Pop?" 

"Hm?" 

"What would you say if I told you I fancy women?" 

"I'd ask if there's a particular woman taking up your attention." 

"And if I fancy men?" 

"I'd ask if there's a particular man taking up your attention." 

"And if I fancy both?" 

Pop looked over at him and blinked. "I'd ask if you're dating two people at once, because that can be dangerous. Do they know about each other? Cause it's fine if they do, but if they don't, that's playing with fiendfyre, Haz." 

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "No, there's not anyone. Not a man or a woman, and certainly not one of each. I was just... I dunno, I guess I was wondering if you were okay with it?" 

"Course I am." Pop tilted his head a little. "Were you worried?" 

"I dunno. A little." 

"Has it escaped your attention that I am married to your father? Another man?" 

Harry rolled his eyes, giving Pop's shoulder a shove as he started to feel a little silly for being nervous. "Yeah, I noticed, thanks. Do you think Dad will care?" 

"He'll probably ask you the same questions I did." 

"Why would you both think there's someone I'm interested in?" 

"There was a certain Draco Malfoy that you were eyeing, if I remember correctly." 

"You knew about that?" Harry squeaked, cheeks reddening. 

"You aren't very subtle, prongslet. Did that ever go anywhere?" 

Harry thought about the almost dates they'd been going on, and his blush deepened. He cleared his throat, and Pop chuckled. 

"Don't worry about it, kiddo, I'm just taking the piss. Dad won't mind that you like one or the other or both anymore than I did." 

Harry cleared his throat again and willed for his cheeks to go back to their normal color. "Thanks, Pop." He'd won a war, been in more fights than he could count, but telling his fathers that he was bi was still embarrassing.