#one of these 4 answer choices? Maybe you're looking too far into it. Yeah that's one way to interpret it but you're wrong because I said so

[klausinamarink]

Love Over Box Labels

rating: G | cw: none | tags: modern au, no Upside Down, the romanticism of workings at warehouses | wc: 987

written for @steddieholidaydrabbles | Dec 4: Meet Cute at Work

—

When his dad had threatened Steve into working at a warehouse instead of being the good CEO’s son, Steve had laughed at his face and said, “Go ahead! Maybe I’ll like it better than your stupid neopet position!”

It’s been two years since that conversation. And Steve’s still working at the warehouse. Though it’s not the same one his dad plunked him in. He’s since transferred to another place for a full time position. And Steve loves it.

Maybe ‘love’ is too strong a word to use. Steve definitely doesn’t love waking up at five-thirty in the morning every weekday, requiring espresso to prevent falling asleep on his feet within the first few hours, and the muscle strain from all the heavy lifting.

But warehouse work is surprisingly mundane and much better than Steve expects. He chats with his coworkers, the music choices aren’t bad, and the days can pass within a blink through the repetition of box folding and forklifting shipments.

There’s one guy that keeps catching Steve’s attention though.

As one of the new contract workers who came in last week, the new guy - Eddie, according to his ID badge - has long curly black hair tied up in a bun, black fitted clothes with different band tees, and a few tattoos on his bare arms. His brown eyes were dearly expressive, a bit helpful since he was also one of the few employees still wearing a mask. (an automatic sign of a decent person in Steve’s mental checklist)

As a team leader trains Eddie on the basic operations of their taping machines at the other line, Steve keeps sneaking glances at him as he steers a pump truck of packages into the shipping area. Eddie’s eyes are narrowed with concentration, nodding along at Deb’s words, probably unaware of his surroundings at the moment.

Steve gives out a quiet sigh. Then he mentally slaps himself. Jeez, this is a new low bar of pathetic-ness for him. Crushing on a new coworker who either doesn’t know he exists or has noticed Steve and thinks he’s a creep.

He should probably just be normal and try talking to Eddie during lunch. Problem is that Eddie is working on another line which has a different break time than Steve’s line. So unless the leaders rotate the employee’s positions to other lines next Monday, then Eddie’s going to be far from Steve’s reach.

Steve shakes his head, focusing back to his work. Whatever. It’s just a stupid crush. He’s gonna get over it because he and Eddie are never going to talk anyways.

—

“Steve, can you let Eddie help you with those labels?”

Steve blinks at Karen, caught off-guard by her sudden appearance with Eddie right next to her. He only manages to answer coherently, “Oh, sure!”

“That’s lovely!” Karen smiles at him, patting Eddie on the arm as she leaves. And then it’s the two of them at this table with stacks of boxes and rolls of labeled stickers.

“So…” Steve starts. “You're new here, right?” He kicks himself in the shin because what the hell, Steve?

Eddie just gives a jerky nod. “Yeah, first season.” He says, clipped. His eyes flick down to the labels questioningly. “How do I..?”

“Oh, this is like, super easy stuff, dude.” Steve says, hoping he doesn’t sound too eager on showing off the beauty of box labeling. “You just take this white label, place it here right above the numbers, take this..” He continues his demonstration to Eddie, who’s once again narrow-eyed with concentration. Steve nearly flutters when he notices how close enough he is that he can see the pinched furrow of Eddie’s eyebrows and a faint speckle of freckles below his eyes.

Be still, my bisexual heart. Steve demands as he looks away just before Eddie’s eyes - they’re so round, oh god - catches his. “You got it?”

Eddie nods, “Easy enough.”

“Cool.”

Unfortunately, that’s just all they say to each other as they work in tangent on the labels. Steve wants to talk to Eddie again. Bring something up like-

“Nice tattoos, by the way.”

Lord, please smite me from this earth and send me to Amazon.

“Thanks, man.” When Steve looks at him, Eddie’s eyes are crinkled up. “They’re super old, though. Got them when I was a rebellious junior student. Been thinking about getting new ones over it.”

“I mean, if you wanna change them or whatever, that’s totally up to you! Just saying that the bats look wicked.”

Eddie quirks an eyebrow. “You like the bats?”

“Yeah! They’re, uh, your favorite animals?”

“In a way.”

Pretty soon, they both fall into an easy conversation, discussing bits of their respective upbringings and what they’d done before coming here. They only pause to collect new boxes and bring the finished ones to the packers. When lunch break is called, Steve’s relieved that Eddie now has the same schedule, allowing them to talk more.

It creates a delightful feeling in Steve’s chest.

—

“I really learned a lot,” Eddie says as they walk out the building together at the end of the shift, “I don’t think I could survive today without you.”

“Really?”

Eddie takes off his mask. Steve’s heart flips sideways at the sight of the other man’s eye-crinkling smile. “Yeah. Now I know how to label boxes like my life depends on it.”

Steve bursts out a good-hearted laugh, “Well, if you want more advice, I can give you my number.”

Eddie stares at him for a beat before smiling wider, “I wouldn’t mind that.”

[riftwalker-limbro]

4 for Vince, 11 for Bruiser, 16 for anyone from the Deimos Triad at your choice, 8 for Kali

Piles these upon you for hopefully ample entertainment

Thank You Friend Much Appreciated Essay Incoming >:)))

recap of the rules for me: "Respond from your oc’s point of view! For this ask game, imagine that your oc cannot lie, and feels comfortable explaining themselves to the interviewer." Other context is I'll answer from post-Collective POVs, so after getting the Deimos squad back together and making everything alright there again but before Roach & the New War & everything there happens.

additionally, because i'm finding 'answer something in their voice' an interestingly difficult exercise to get myself to do, everyone's medium of answering will be text post and not speaking/conversation djfbgjhb.

---

4 for Vince: "When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?"

When I was young, I didn't much think about my future - because I was very absorbed in what I was doing right then, maybe? Never really saw reason to focus on what wasn't, yet. When I started hitting points where I had to choose what subjects to study, I chose mathematics - by then, I was good at it thanks to a few educators with their hearts in the right place, and my family told me it was prestiguous and I was capable, so I might as well. Where I ended up was not planned, but not unexpected either. Well, apart from the whole Helminth thing. That was a surprise.

---

11 for Bruiser: "What does your dream room/house look like? Would you mind showing some inspiration pictures?"

The messiest place you've ever seen. I have a system, but I'm not telling you what it is. That would take out the magic.

Seriously, though: trinkets, reminders, comfort items everywhere. Back when I only had a bunk in a Solaris basement, I had a box of photos of me and my friends: odd jobs we were doing, gags we would pull off, life milestones. It'd be nice to have space to hang them so I could see them without having to open a box and flip through them every time. I don't see the point of trying to hide that you live somewhere if there's no one to hide from.

A whole house is a bit beyond me - I've never needed more than just a room, but if I can just say anything - it'd have so many spare rooms. You never know when you encounter someone in need. Paying it forwards, something like that. If I could still eat, it'd have the biggest kitchen, too - I was a good cook, back in my day, believe it or not!

If I were still human, I'd also need a gym, obviously. But that won't help me much anymore now, so it's whatever.

---

16 for (spins wheel) Verica: "Do you believe in soulmates? Why or why not?"

Good thing you're asking me, because if you asked either of the others, you'd have gotten some sciency bullshit spiel that wouldn't make any sense if you thought about it for one minute. That's not what this question is about.

I don't think soulmates are something that just happen. You've gotta click with someone, and you've gotta work to really cultivate something. This might just sound like the 101 of friendships and relationships in general, but do you think they're much different?

It doesn't have to have a scientific basis to be real, is what Vince and Pule can sometimes forget. Yeah, it's a bit idealist, but what's life without ideas? This is the kind of magic you need to believe in to make it work for you. I wasn't scientifically sure that anyone would come for me after I sealed myself in Suda's cryo-storage, least of all the one I wanted to, but that worked out in the end. And Pule wasn't far away to begin with. Without knowing about each other, we managed to either stick together or find each other again. I choose to see the magic in that.

---

8 for Kali: "What do you like to do for fun?"

Set shit on fire.

When there's nothing that needs a little fire to brighten its day, I'm usually content to just... watch. Love just observing my tribe, pack, family, whatever you want to call it. They're always scurrying around doing things, maybe not minding themselves or their possessions as closely as they should. You can learn a lot about people this way, and this knowledge can be used in a multitude of ways, if you're creative like me.

People or places. Traveling is fun also. Back before everything, we would always get sent somewhere else, always see new sights. The system is a beautiful place if you let it be. You just have to know how to look.

[thetaylorfiles]

Does your friend want to trade husbands? Mine is useless TS connection wise lmao You're winning the six degrees of separation game! Although you did have a friend who went on a date with Taylor years ago right? It's just a matter of time now before you run into her at a party or something. Girl, I'm here manifesting that for you!

This post is brought to you by my first dose of Concerta. I was recently-ish diagnosed (by a doctor) that I have HDHD. I tried another one that didn’t work and now I’m trying this. Today is my first day and, I must state that I had an espresso when I normally don’t, but I’m in the mood to organize, so things, and my mind feels clearer. It’s got to be placebo affect or the coffee but I’ll take it! Anyway this’ll be far too long I’m sure. (Oh hey, now you get why I’m so obsessed with t swift! Kaylor began as a special interest and thankfully, by the time I stopped believing, I was hooked on her music and personality. Oh my god what was my point? Okay, clearly adhd not cured! 😂 um it’s long? Don’t read if you don’t want?

——-

Answer:

Yes, but that doesn’t count as an actual TS encounter. And now that I’m Very Old, if I attempt to make that happen via any connections, it would be to get my daughter anything personal or signed from her or just anything as long as it focused on her.

I introduced her to Taylor slowly over the years. And now she’s obsessed. But in a 10 year old way. She doesn’t know much if folklore or evermore unless it’s exile because Mom was so fucking obsessed with it she had no choice to listen and assume I’m right that it’s best ever. She knows that hits and the deep cuts I make her listen to.

My love language is giving gifts. I hate getting them unless I’m so comfortable I’m married to you or you’re my child and you’ve written something. Ha. So I give her tons of makeup and what not. But I found my 4 lover books with the diary entries and the posters and left them out. She sheepishly inquired if she could look at them all…? I said, “they’re yours.”

There was a point. Oh, don’t forget the perimenopause. And the cannabis. That really contributes to being forgetful. Why am I writing so much?!?

Oh!!! Yeah, I was close friends with a guy that was a working actor and still is. He’s not recognizable by name unless you know actors really well. He’s a character actor that books all sorts of series and guest spots but always as a friend. He’s super hot. Well he was back in his 20s. He told us that he was daring her. We made fun of him (She wasn’t cool the ), but more just to annoy HIM. He wasn’t super super smart but he was so sweet but still had that bad boy swagger. You know? He was like a brother to me but I get whey women hit on him.

So back in early twenties he dates her for … I wanna say a few months. She didn’t live here on LA at the time as far as I knew but came out often. Maybe she had another house? Anyway, they were more friends who were attracted to one another who met up when both were in town. Only one of our group met her, his best friend. All we heard was that she was nice and far from a boring good southern girl. That she seemed like a city girl. Anyway, they hooked up off and on. They never went anywhere together as they weren’t together. They were each others last night call after date one and two failed to produce the necessary love spark. But they were both stupid hot.

That’s all I know. I never met her or saw pics. No wait. I did. I saw one of them together at her place wherever she stayed then. Why did I explain that? Please tell me you asked me to! I’m sorry. I’m so high and wanting to talk and like make and complete goals!! 🤣🤣🤣 k, night. Gotta watch some tv downstairs once kids have vanished. Shhh

I have a feeling I didn’t answer a single one of your questions, nor did I speak to whatever you wrote about. I apologize. If you were in person you’d love me. When I get high (vapes), it makes me so much damn more pleasant!

Oh my god. Go to sleep!! (Bethenny voice on Scary Island) I’m referring to myself by the way. K, night. Tv time.

[capsensislagamoprh]

Phichit managed to catch Otabek as he was hauling in what appeared to be far too much weight in a very long box. "Set up?" The dark man nodded. "Okay. Thanks for this, by the way. It saves Christophe and me so much work."

"No problem."

"So I was thinking..."

Otabek stopped, set down the box, then turned his full attention to Phichit. "I want to set up a group chat with you in it." He could feel the vibes get heavy. Otabek didn't partake in SMS like most people his age. Phichit knew Yuri practically dragged his ‘bestie’ into the modern communication era after disparaging his bullet-proof Nokia and forcing him to upgrade. Otabek’s stare was causing Phichit to falter. "It's so everyone can drop you their tracks and suggestions."

The air cleared. "How many people will be in attendance?"

"Hundred or so? Victor and Yuri are very popular. With the plus ones, and all..."

"How long is the reception?"

Phichit looked like he had been caught with a magnet in his cheeks. "Uhm. Until everyone goes home or passes out?" Otabek stared. Phichit stared back, eyebrows climbing into his hairline.

"How long is the 'dance floor' portion of the reception?"

"Three, maybe four hours?"

"And will you need lyric music to be played during dinner?"

"No, I think that's better for conversations."

"Instrumental undertones to set the mood. Fade in to low-key to pull people from the tables so they can be changed into the dance floor?"

"Brillant!" Phichit beamed. He'd not thought of that. They could use musical cues to keep things flowing! Having a DJ was going to save him so much time.

"With the addition of a push for people to head towards their homes, it's looking like a six hour list. Three of actual dancing. One for focus, including the official opening of the couples dance, and one on either end to build and fade."

Phichit had no idea, but it sounded good. "Sure."

"With a hundred guests, and an average run time of three twenty, you're looking at a hundred and twelve songs at best. Seventy five of those will be dance floor songs. Twenty builds, same amount of drop. Leaving room for wind up, cool down, and the couples dance. How do you want to handle whose songs get priority?"

Phichit stared. Say what now? Otabek returned the gaze, steady and intent, waiting for him to answer. "I um... first come first serve?" Otabek nodded. "No wait! Wait. How about I give everyone up to four songs to choose from and you limit them?"

"Dubious."

"I... what?"

"Dubious. It's shady. Let everyone have four songs. Give Victor and Yuuri each the opportunity to pick one of the four. That will be two songs. I will mix them into the flow so they both have their choices and no one feels slighted."

Phichit blinked. Genius. Genius! "Oh, yeah! I'll do that!"

"Phichit," Otabek said, calling the man back before his twitching text fingers went faster than his plans,"don't put me in the group chat. Put Victor and Yuuri in. Create another chat where they send Yuri their selections. I do not want to be bombarded by last minute changes. This is going to be hard enough as it is, trying to fit everything into the timeline."

"Right. You, me, Christophe, Victor and Yuuri. Planners, grooms, and the DJ."

"Not me, Yuri. I won't be able to keep up with the requests, fall out, and the mixing. He can do request rejection control."

"And… Yurio?” Otabek nodded. “Ah, both! Got it." Phichit raced back to Christophe. "Okay, so we have a plan!" Outlining what was discussed with Christophe, the Swiss man nodded with a considering expression.

"Do you think he can manage an after party mix too? Something for those of us who go all night?"

"I didn't ask him."

Christophe saw Yuri walking by and smiled. "I'll see if I can get it done." Phichit left him to it.

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6

[trekwiz]

For the first time in my career, I conducted interviews. I finally think I have an understanding of how to interview--and this recommendation is actually not it.

I kind of learned that from the other side years ago: I "nailed" every interview by doing your advice, and didn't get any offers. The interview I felt I botched because I didn't do this? I got the job. It had aspects I strongly did not want to do, so I was a lot more direct than I otherwise would have been.

After seeing the other side of the table, I get it a bit more now. We interviewed someone who did this. The problem is, it's obvious that you're telling us what we want to hear: when we notice, it means we know we can't trust your answers. It's much harder to judge how well you'll fit, so you're too risky to take a chance on.

We had a specific soft skill we absolutely needed. It was the highest priority for us, because it's a key predictor if someone will succeed or not, and determine if they'll like the role enough to stay. It'll take weeks of training before they can do the basics with supervision. About a year before they'll be confident and independent.

Picking someone who just told us what we wanted to hear is very risky, because someone who doesn't stay (by their choice or ours), increases the workload and frustration of 4 other team members, after investing that time and energy into training. Also, we had experiences with someone who actually couldn't do the work despite telling a past manager what they wanted to hear, and actively dragged down morale in the process--we were at risk of losing the person taking the brunt of it, and a couple others wouldn't have been far behind. We can't take that chance.

This candidate had a great answer to questions about this skill: but they were clearly repeating what we said, back at us. We didn't ask the recruiter to keep them available for a second round if we had a tough choice among other candidates: they were a definite no. There were also other reasons, but all panelists made the same comment about this. We all saw it as a severe negative. If they were otherwise perfect, this would have still pushed us to a "no."

The person who got the role didn't have all the criteria we were asking for. As an example, the role will use HTML to an extent, but this person never used it before. Why did we hire them? They made us feel confident that HTML won't intimidate them; that they'll be able to do the tasks with a bit of training. Their attitude was very genuinely can-do. Not, "yeah I can do anything." More, "I haven't done that before, but it's a great growth opportunity."

We asked for someone who could also speak Spanish--as preferred, not mandatory. They don't speak Spanish. But they made us feel very confident that they won't be intimidated if they see content in Spanish; that they'll be able to take a step back and figure out how to handle the work.

We had someone in the past who would panic when he got questions in Spanish; even the easy ones like "no observa presentacion". 🙃 We just wanted to know that the candidate we pick isn't going to freeze up in the scenario.

They've never worked in our industry before. But the work they did prior is very similar, in the parts that mattered.

The person who told us what we wanted to hear, came from our industry. But from a very different (more desirable; creative) type of role. They'd be easier to get up to speed on the technology, and could probably stretch into helping other members of the team in a similar role. Great choice?

Maybe. But they're also likely to look for creative roles and leave us as soon as one is available. We don't get headcount increases often, so it's not guaranteed that they even could be promoted into the more desirable role.

They'd probably leave right after they finally got up to speed. Which means we're going to be disrupted again not too far into the future. None of us want to work overtime to fill that gap for a few weeks while we repeat this process. Regardless of their answers, they're not a good fit if we can't feel confident that they're going to be around for a while.

The person we selected was doing about 75% of the work in their past role. Different industry, different tools and ways of doing it, but the similarities were obvious. The interview was an opportunity for them to make us believe they can reasonably handle the other 25%, and demonstrate that they really can transfer the similar skills.

Their answers were very good, but candid. They let us know they were hesitant. "This aspect sounds great, but I feel like it'll take some time to adapt to it." Cool, they're comfortable enough with the concept; by highlighting the adjustment time, they let us know they were being thoughtful about the question, and importantly, we now know they'll tell us if they get uncomfortable so we can adjust training. They won't just suffer through and fail at it when it gets tough.

I got more out of that honest answer than I did out of the easy "tell me about an achievement" questions.

What else made a difference? The one we selected fostered a conversation. Other candidates really stuck directly to the questions and didn't give me a chance to dig for more. The one we chose made it easy to talk; I didn't have to rely on my prepared questions very much.

They also pre-empted some of my questions. We get a lot of new processes that we have to implement, and we have to be the expert who determines what it means for our roles. When I asked about an achievement, this person talked about a time they implemented a new process.

I got my answers without having to ask the question! I could just ask clarifying information about the achievement and give them the chance to brag a little. This candidate also politely vented, "they had no process for this and the people who were there the longest didn't think we needed one. Until I made it easier for them."

Amazing! Do you know how much I learned from that story? They can adapt to new processes. They're willing to implement the parts that affect them. They're able to understand how other people feel about the change and work to make it a win for everyone. They showed ownership over their role and understanding how it fit in the scheme of complementary roles.

That one story, about implementing a process they'll never even touch in our environment, really helped me to picture their success in the role.

And they talked about their personality once the panelists joined us. They make jewelry! How neat is that? In our work culture, since we're remote, we make time for personal conversations before we start some of our meetings. The candidate we chose made us feel comfortable that they'll participate!

We did also have another good candidate with a similar background. But we had a lot more doubt about the transferable skills. This person normally worked with students and patients: how happy will they be behind a computer every day? Will they leave if a role like that opens up?

They also have a masters degree. It has nothing to do with our field or their past work. Our pay is not masters degree pay. Will they make it through training before they're bored? Is that a gamble I can take? They didn't really make me feel comfortable that these things won't be an issue.

The person we picked is someone that 2 panelists, and 2 clients agreed would be a good fit; will likely stay for an extended time; and was personable enough that the team would enjoy working with them. I should mention they're an introvert--that did not prevent them from appearing friendly!

We already liked their background, that's why they got the interview. They nailed the interview by giving us a lot of the information we asked for directly, but enough candor to determine how much of it was honest.

They interviewed us back, by asking just as tough questions about our culture and what the day to day work is--demonstrating that they'll take ownership over the role. They let us know they'll ask a lot of questions! We're in an environment where the work really needs to be done right, because live broadcast doesn't have much room for errors: we need someone who's going to take the time understand it completely.

I don't say this lightly: we were impressed by this candidate. We could see this person staying at least 2 years. It's partly my job to ensure we have an environment that will encourage them to stay longer.

We had already decided that we'd keep interviewing and not make any offer at all if we didn't find someone who was likely to stay long term. Someone who just tells us what we want to hear isn't able to inspire that kind of confidence. Being able to assess what the company's goals are for the position is more important than mirroring the listing. That's what the resume is for. Not the interview.

remember that interviews are not about giving a good and honest first impression that they'll carefully consider. interviews are about saying the special words and phrases they're looking for that give you points and when they tally those up whoever earned the most job points wins

[iheartlexihoward]

vulnerable (pt 1) // fez

*･゜ﾟ･* summary: fez turns up at your window not wanting to talk about some "fucked up shit" that just happened, and you're the only person he could even think of being with right now.

*･゜ﾟ･* pairing: fez x reader

*･゜ﾟ･* cws: drug addiction, rue being a mess, regular euphoria type shite

this is part 1 of this series! find the rest of the parts in my masterlist

ok so i set out to write a fez blurb that was super chill and like 500 words but i ended up feeling very inspired so now i have an outline for a whole fic ... i thought this was kinda a good place to leave it bc it sets everything up for the characters so pls let me know ur thoughts! i haven't posted my writing in literally about 4 years so this is makin me kinda nervous

also i just came up w the title last minute but now it's making me think of tinashe's vulnerable so... maybe demon time inspired by that song is on the way

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

It was gone midnight when your attention was taken from the soft glow of the TV by the persistent bzz bzz of your phone. From the sounds of it, you’d gotten at least 3 texts. Furrowing your brow, you stretched and grabbed it, tapping the screen to wake the device up.

From: fez :)

Hey

You up?

Some real fucked up shit just happened

Can I come over

To: fez :)

is everything okay??

what happened

and yeah of course, where are you?

From: fez :)

It’s ok now don’t worry

Outside to be honest wit you lol

You shot up and straightened yourself out slightly. It wasn’t like Fez hadn’t seen you in worse states than cozied up in sweats and a white tank top — God, far from it — but somehow, knowing he was right outside your house made you nervous. You made your way over to the window and slightly pulled back the curtain, giving the boy a wave and tight smile when he immediately looked upwards.

You’d met Fez years before. Your little sister was best friends with Lexi Howard, and in turn you’d met Rue through her. Then Fezco through Rue. Although, it wasn’t really for the first time.

It was almost funny how it all went down, really. After Rue’s dad passed, Lexi and your sister were becoming painfully aware of her mounting drug issues; she was high at school, high in front of parents, near passing out in other people’s bathrooms. It hurt your soul to see your baby sister and Lexi, who you’d come to view like one, constantly in tears fretting over if their best friend was going to take it too far.

But what hurt even more was seeing the state in which Rue was. You cared about her. You knew how much fun the three of them had together, hearing them laughing downstairs at a movie long after they should have been asleep or FaceTiming one another after school. Even when they were over doing homework together, you could hear them nonstop giggling and goofing around. They made each other happy, and Rue’s addiction was tearing the dynamic apart. It was tearing Rue apart.

That’s why you made the decision to find out who the fuck was selling her the drugs, walk down there and very sternly tell them they had no choice but to cut her off — that you were the only older figure who knew, and that you weren’t going to take no for an answer.

But of course it was fucking Fezco.

You’d known him for an extremely long time. He was in your grade during elementary and some of middle school, until he seemingly disappeared off the face of the Earth for a little bit. Kids made all sorts of stupid rumors; that he’d moved to Ireland, that he’d died in a tragic car accident, that he’d been removed and sent to some kind of military boarding school. The truth was a lot sadder, and not fully explained to you until years later.

You always knew all of that shit wasn’t true, anyway. Fez was never unpopular, everyone liked him, but he just didn’t associate himself with the hierarchy and politics crap that festered in every school. That’s why you had the courage to speak to him in the first place. You were never technically friends, but you knew him. He was the only person you’d let cheat off of you in History. He was modest, but he had an air of wisdom about him even as a kid. He was smart, too smart for his own good — smart in a way where he couldn’t fully grasp it. And he was so goddamn kind.

It started getting out a few months after Fez left school that he was dealing drugs. You didn’t remember ever being particularly shocked. When you knew him, it always seemed like he wasn’t telling something. You never held it against him, despite the D.A.R.E. programs, despite every adult in your life telling you that drugs were the devil. You knew he must have had his reasons.

You didn’t see him again until the day you strode down to his store, mustering every ounce of confidence and poise you had to give.

Well… technically you had seen him, in the literal sense. You weren’t a recluse — you went to parties, and he’d usually be standing outside or smoking on a couch somewhere. You gave it your utmost to steer clear of him, to keep his current presence in your life a flash of blue eyes or a rumble of his voice from across the room. You didn’t really know why you felt such intense need to avoid him. It was like you wanted to keep him as nothing but an urban legend, memories of the young boy you once knew tucked away.

That’s why it made it all the more difficult.

The second you walked up to the cash desk and he looked up, face hardened from too-young years of doing what he did but with a tenderness so familiar to you, you softened. Every intention of storming up and giving him the telling-off of the century (which, in hindsight, would have looked ridiculous anyway seeing as you were the same age) went flying out the window.

“Hey.” His voice was deeper than you could have imagined from the snippets of conversation you’d heard him in. “What can I get you?”

“Um…” you began, trying to silently compose yourself. “Actually, I don’t need anything from here.”

“Aight… then… what you here for?”

“It’s about Rue.”

He looked down and slightly furrowed his brow, as if he already knew what was coming.

“Listen, I know what she’s been doing,” you continued. “My sister’s friends with her and Lexi. We’re all really fucking worried about her, and I know I’m the only one who’s going to come down here and say anything.”

Fez didn’t respond, just flitted his eyes slowly, avoiding eye contact.

“She’s not my fucking sister or whatever but I think we all know what’s coming, and I don’t want to have to watch it. She means the world to those two, and none of us want to have to see her… you know… like… overdose or some shit.”

He still didn’t say anything, the silence driving you to yammer on anxiously.

“So, yeah… what I’m saying is, I want you to cut her off. Like, for real.”

A beat passed before Fezco spoke. He looked up, scrunching one eye slightly at you. “Didn’t we go to school together?”

“Fez, what the fuck does that have to do with anything?”

He blew air out through his nose, avoiding eye contact once more. “You know my name. So yeah… we did.”

“Fez, you’re like the number one dealer in the fucking area. A lot of people know your name. I’m talking about serious shit right now.”

“I remember you,” he continued, as if you hadn’t said anything. But he wasn’t ignoring you — he’d carefully waited until you were done, taking in your words. “When you came up in here, thought I recognized your face.”

You were visibly almost flabbergasted, the way he listened to your worries yet disregarded them in the same breath getting deep under your skin, earlier fire returning. “Okay?”

He took a deep breath, pulling a pre-rolled joint out and placing it between his lips.

“Listen, man…” Fezco lit up and inhaled deeply. “Thing is with Rue… I care about her too.”

“Then why the hell do you—“ you gestured wildly, Fez cutting you off before you could finish.

“I know she fucks around. But if she doesn’t get her shit from me, she’ll get it from somewhere else… know what I’m sayin’?”

You quieted down, absorbing his words.

“And I know these people. I deal with these people every fuckin’ day. And they not the type of people I want Rue gettin’ her shit from… you understand?”

You swallowed, somewhat embarrassed at your earlier outburst. “Yeah.”

“Listen… I understand you gettin’ upset about it and wantin’ to come talk to me, but I’m just tryna' look out for her. Just like you. These other people… you don’t know what the fuck’s in their shit. I’m not tryna’ watch her die. Just like you.”

Your lungs filled deeply with air. He was right. It seemed so one-track earlier… but then it hit you. Rue was an addict. And if an addict can’t get something from one place, they’ll get it from another. At least with Fezco, they both knew what it was she was getting.

And in that moment, you understood him.

Maybe that’s why you and Fez grew closer over the next couple of years. Mutual understanding. You bonded over your care for Rue initially, but it grew into something different. Not a relationship — neither of you wanted to push any boundaries — but you knew that the connection you shared was special.

You knew the way you’d call each other in the middle of the night, spewing any bullshit excuse to hear each other’s voice, was something else. Or the way you’d get tipsy and latch onto him at parties, pretending you just wanted to smoke and ending up way too high because you couldn’t keep up. Or the way that one time, on one of the latter occasions where you’d tried to out-smoke him and ended up hearing colors, you leaned into him, held his hand and told him he was the prettiest boy you’d ever seen.

He’d just blushed and muttered something along the lines of, ‘you high as fuck right now chill’, but the situation left a warm feeling in your heart and a fluttering in your stomach.

Maybe all of it is why in that moment, where Fezco felt his most vulnerable, you were the only person he wanted to be with.

[damonjuicyscock]

The New Singer-Chapter 5 (Dilf! Damon Albarn X Reader)

Pairing: Dilf ! Damon Albarn X Reader

Warnings: language, smut (P in V sex, oral female receiving), maybe a few spelling mistakes.

Summary: You've been dating Damon for 9 months now, but you've been far away from each other for a few. You're scared it might not end well, which makes you insecure, he proves you the total opposite.

Words: 2164

A/N: Hello lovely people ! Here's chapter 5, I hope you'll like it. I included a little part in French, but not worries, I translated it for you ! I'm currently working on other smuts but I don't know if one will be published on Wednesday because I have to work for my exams coming in two weeks now (ouch).

Enjoy !

(Look at him guys, isn't he handsome ?)

July 2018:

Being far from Damon was hard. We were dating since 9 months, but on these 9 months we’ve been together for only 4 months. I was scared we would end breaking up because of the distance, even if we were phoning twice a day. Especially when my label asked me to fake date another new singer so we could both gain popularity. I remember Damon and I arguing about this topic, him shouting at me and telling me he didn’t want to see me ever again.

What he couldn’t understand at first was I had no choice.

He didn’t call for a whole week, leaving me crying, eating nothing, before calling me to apologize and make it up to me. After this event I started to feel very insecure.

Since this, my public “love relationship” was no more. I loved Damon too much for this and I didn’t want to fuck anything I had with him up.

Medias were talking about me, often asking me the question “Are you seeing or dating someone since your breakup with thingummy?” And I knew I was forced to answer the fucking question. I always answered with strength “Maybe, but I like to keep my private life private.”

The label was clearly not happy of my non-submission… well, fuck them.

The first part of my tour was over, so I decided to join Damon in a French festival in Britain called “Les vieilles charrues”, without him being aware.

Happily, one of the security men recognized me and let me get backwards.

While I was looking for Damon, I jostled against someone.

-Oi, watch out! The man shouted at me -I’m so sorry si… Oh my fucking god! I screamed

I was maybe a well-known singer by now, but I was still me, and me meant the “forever fangirl”

-What? -Y-y-you’re Liam Gallagher ! I answered

Yes, he was there in the flesh, in front of me, smoking his cigarette.

-Yea thank you Y/N, I know who I am. -N-No, I mean… I’m a great fan! You’ve got so much influence on my music, actually I didn’t know you knew me. -Yer talking too much ya know? But thanks for the compliment, Rasta, I really appreciate it. I love your music by the way. He answered -Thank you. Huh…actually I was looking for Damon, did you see him? -Dermot O’Blong? -Oh yeah sorry, forgot you maybe weren’t the right man to ask… -Oi kid, Oasis vs Blur is over, I think he’s over there. He said, indicating his right with his head -Thank you, Our Kid. I answered, about to leave -Oi, wait! He said grabbing my arm -What? -Are you going to see Noel? -Huh… probably in a few days yeah, why? -Just tell this scouse schlepper I said hi please. -Huh…okay. I answered, unsure -Thank you. You can go.

I started walking again, thinking “do it yourself you wanker”, but I was wrong, and I knew that after. He was just missing his big brother and it’s sad. My relationship with my sister wasn’t really good as well, but we’ve never been to the point where they were.

I finally found someone familiar. Jamie’s wife

-Emma? -Y/N? Oh hey! How are you? -Bien merci et toi ? (Good, thank you what about you?) I answered in French -Bien aussi, merci. Does Damon know you’re here? She answered -Je te rappelle que je parle français Emma. (I remind you I’m speaking French Emma) I said chuckling -Ah oui, désolée ! (Oh yeah sorry !) -En France il faut que je pratique mon français autrement je vais le perdre. En plus tu es française, double raison. Et pour te répondre, non il ne sait pas. C’est une surprise, je vais chanter avec Gorillaz de nouveau pour quelques temps. (In France I have to practice my French or I’m going to lose it. Moreover you’re French, it’s another reason. And to answer you, no he doesn’t know. It’s a surprise, I’m going to sing with Gorillaz again for a few) -Ah je suis contente d’apprendre ça ! Laisse-moi juste prendre une bière pour Jamie et je te conduis à eux okay ? (I’m happy to know that! Let me just have a beer for Jamie and I’m taking you to them, okay?) -Okay!  I answered

Once she had the fresh beer in her hand, we started walking towards the band while talking.

-Alors…Damon et toi vous êtes ensemble ? (So… You and Damon are dating?) -On peut dire ça… j’imagine qu’il l’a confié à ton mari ? (We can say that… I imagine he told your husband?) -Oui, mais ne t’inquiètes pas, c’est un secret à nous quatre. Puis je ne suis certainement pas la personne à aller répéter des secrets, ni Jamie. (Yes, but don’t worry, it’s a secret to us four. And I’m certainly not the person who will reveal secrets, nor Jamie). -Encore heureuse ! Mais je sais que je peux compter sur vous deux. (Fortunately ! But I know I can count on you two) I answered -Okay, on y est. Restes derrière moi, fais le coup à Damon du « devines qui c’est », il ne peut pas te voir, il est de dos. Je vais faire signe à Jamie de ne rien dire et de ne pas réagir. (Okay, here we go. Stay behind me, do to Damon the "guess who" thing, he can't see you, he’s from behind. I'm going to signal Jamie not to say anything and not to react.) -Niquel. (Perfect) I answered

Emma opened the door, her husband looking at her. She put her index on her mouth, showing not to tell anything nor react, just like she previously said.

He kept doing like nothing, what he understood when he saw me behind Emma.

-Here’s your beer darling. She said, handing him the plastic cup

I approached discreetly, covering Damon’s eyes with my hands.

-Guess who? I murmured in his ear

He jumped off his seat, surprised, and turned to see me.

-Y/N! He said, a smile invading his face

He came towards me and hugged me tightly, kissing my head.

-I missed you… He whispered in my ear -I missed you too. I answered the same -We have to be careful, I came with my daughter, so kisses and hand holding in private, okay? -Like we always did darling. I answered

He let go of my body

-Do you want to drink something? He asked -No, thank you, I’m okay, hope there’s a mic available for me, because I’m going to sing our duet with you! -Always!

I went to hug Jamie and the rest of the band before coming back to sit next to Damon.

-Also… I need a room where to sleep tonight, unless you’re sharing it with Missy? I murmured -No, you can come with me, and anyway, if it was the case, I would have welcomed you. We just wouldn’t have slept together in the same bed. -And I know we’re not only going to sleep… -Oh no, I’m going to show you how much I missed you. He answered winking at me

Suddenly, the door opened, and a young lady appeared: Missy, and one of her friends.

-It was so fucking good! She said -Yup, totally! Her friend answered -Ah! Here she is, my pride and joy! Damon said getting up -Oh dad, you missed something! -Was it that nice? -I’m sure you would have adored it. -Missy, let me introduce you to someone, it’s… -Oh you’re Y/N! I’ve heard so much about you! I’m so happy to finally meet you! You’re such a great artist and a great friend to my dad! She said before hugging me -I’m so happy to meet you too Missy, you are radiant! -Thank you! -Oh, I’m so happy to be with you all, knowing the awkward meeting I had before finding Emma. -Who was it? Emma asked -Liam fucking Gallagher. -Oh geez! Missy said -He’s actually kinda cool. -Liam is just… being Liam. Damon said -He called you with the nickname he gave you on Twitter. -Dermot O’Blong? Damon asked -Yup. -Oh you know, he hasn’t changed at all. He already did it in the nineties. -He also asked me to tell something to Noel but I’m afraid he could get angry. -He won’t. He’s rather calm. -Well anyway, I met another of my favourite singers, even though he always had this weird position to sing. That’s his signature.

*

Back at the hotel, Missy and her friend went to their room, and I went in Damon’s with him. Once the door was closed, I was pinned against it, Damon’s lips on mine, kissing me harshly.

Then his lips went to my neck.

-I missed you so, so much… He said -Oh Damon…I missed you too… I answered moaning when he sucked a spot on my skin.

His hand slid on my thigh, and under my dress, rubbing his fingers on my clit through my panties. I whimpered in pleasure.

-Damon please… -What do you want baby girl? He said, still pleasuring me -The bed… -Oh you want me to lay you on the bed? -Yes…and make love to me, please…

He picked me up, throwing my legs around his waist, and headed towards the bed, laying me on it, climbing on top of me, spreading my legs, to put himself in between. He unzipped the zipper in front of my dress, revealing my breasts.

-Surprise! I said chuckling -That’s the kind of surprise I love! He answered before bringing his mouth on one of them, sucking it while swirling his tongue around the sensitive nub.

I moaned, my fingers went tugging at his hair. He moaned as well when I did it. Then he did the same with the other before heading down between my legs, taking my panties off, before licking a long stripe from my clit to my wetness.

A breathy moan escaped my lips. His head started moving quickly, he was devourishing me like his favorite meal.

-Oh…Damon… -Yes baby? He said, lifting his head up to see me Just make love to me please, I want you so bad… -Right now? Without preparing you? -I don’t need to be prepared; I’ve been ready since I left you. But maybe you want me to prepare you? -Nah, I’m goddamn ready too, I’m all yours my love.

We both helped each other to take our clothes off, Damon straddling me again, spreading my legs with his. He placed his tip at my entrance and kissed me. He teased my folds a little bit before pushing in.

We both let a moan out in unison. He let me get adjusted to his size for a minute or two.

-Oh, how I also missed making love to you… He mumbled

He started thrusting in me, adapting an exquisite pace, between slow and fast. It wasn’t fucking, it was really making sweet, passionate love. He was leaving kisses between my lips and my neck. I could hear his pants and breathy moans.

-Dames… I love you… -I love you too baby.

He kept moving inside me, his hands caressing my body, bringing me closer to my climax with each thrust.

I could feel his movements lose their rhythm and get sloppier. We were both close.

My nails went to dig in his back and claw at it as I let out a loud moan.

His thumb went to rub my clit, throwing me over the edge. I didn’t even have the time to tell him I was going to cum. My back arched on the mattress and my walls contracted around him and convulsed.

He let out loud moans and I felt his length throb inside me, releasing his hot cum.

He collapsed on top of me, and I felt him caress my cheek, while I caressed his back, both getting down from our high. I loved this man more than my own life.

-Don’t go again. Stay with me… I really thought I was going to lose you when you were forced to date this other twat. And I can’t lose you, I love too much for that young lady.

-I’m right here, I’m not moving Dames. Not for 3 months. I thought I was going to lose you too. I can’t see my life without you in it. I love you…

[chaolie]

Hi I read your Zombie and Gods Au (×3 times) a while ago (while I should be learning) and couldn't stop thinking about it.

You left story unsaid, so I have quite a lot questions

1. What is zombie like ? Can they save their human mindset ? Or mindlessly rambling around seeking brains ? Or they can parkour and hop around ?

2. Who is Overseer (?) Why they choose Jack even if they didn't seen him before ? And why they're complicated/tricky? Their morals is messed up and/or power they gave is tricky ?

3. Is SBI dynamic actual in fic ? And where is crazy british fish - haver ?

4. Also you (great author) told that u gonna bring Fundy back from afterlife. Is Dream somehow interfere or no ? Does he have revive book ?

Or or . . If I get it right Dream lives if he has his own will to live, so mini - theory time.

So maybe Dream after, Fundy becomes zombie, losses his own will to live and tries to end it all, XD sees it and gives him revive book (?).

I think it all the questions I have for now. Sorry for lots questions. You're really great at creating original and memorable Au's. Still remember "Unusual wonders of a hunted house", "Not too forgiving", "Never again" and "Three stages of falling".

Thank you for creating great FWT Au's.

Sincerely yours,

Random reader

(Wow again writing Essays instead of questions)

Hi!! Thank you so much for asking all these questions, I'm always excited to talk about my AUs!! Just a heads up, I had to write all this on mobile, so I probably made some mistakes. Also I hope that the read more works-

So!!

1. The zombies are pretty close to how they are in Minecraft, so they just walk around slowly, looking for anything that's alive. It's pretty easy to defeat one, but the trouble starts when there's more of them, and unfortunately, there's usually a lot! But luckily they can't really jump, do parkour, and things alike, that would make things much harder to survive! Also, zombies can't really keep their humanity, because after a person dies, they still go to the afterlife, their body just starts a life of its own.

2. So, about the Overseer(s)! They're not evil or anything, but I accidentally made them complicated. They're two separate entities, but at the same time, they're not? They got to pick their mortal as "one", but at the same time they're both gods of different things (will and persistence), but those things are pretty close so they could probably pass as one- so it's hard to explain if they're one or two beings. When it comes to their choice, they picked Jack because he just... Seemed like a good choice. That, and he was outside of the city when the apocalypse started, camping alone... So when they showed up to explain things to him, they didn't have to worry about a crowd gathering around them!

3. Yeah, it is! And assuming you meant Wilbur (if you didn't please let me know, I can elaborate on other characters too!), he used to live in a quieter part of the city. Tommy was living with him to study in the better schools, so when the zombies appeared, they tried to head to Phil's place as soon as they could. Luckily, since they were far from the city center, they managed to leave before things got too bad!

And to answer the 4th question, your theory was pretty close, actually!

Dream probably promised to "take care of things" after Fundy turned, but in that short moment before the body becomes a zombie, he changed his mind. Gave up, essentially, just hoping they could reunite again soon... And XD did notice. XD also happens to be the God who proposed the "my mortal will outlive your mortal" bet, so he had to do SOMETHING! So... He went to death and asked her to revive Fundy. What a great solution.

Death will agree, under some conditions. Don't get me wrong though, since Fundy asked to be back too, she absolutely wanted to do that! She just had to make sure he wouldn't die again anytime soon, so she wanted him as a second "chosen mortal" in return. That ended up in negotiations between all the gods, but in the end, they will all agree to let death revive Fundy! Under their own conditions, of course.

XD absolutely hated having to let everyone have something while all he got was "your mortal doesn't die", so he'll probably have to look into something like a revive book soon...

But yeah, Fundy gets revived just in time, so Dream stays alive too! And now they can try heading north again, looking for Fundy's previous group or any other friends they can find!

I'm seriously tired right now, but I'll try to list what each god got from their new deal tomorrow!

Also, thank you so much for this ask!! I love talking about my ideas, hearing theories about them, and knowing you remember my other AUs really made my day!! So thank you again!!

[just-zodiac]

The Zodiac Signs at a therapist :

Therapist: Cap, Can you tell me How you always look so calm.

Capricorn: Oh, I’m not. People just can’t tell when I’m panicking, because I’m always panicking.

Therapist: Ok, let's talk to Leo. You said that you experienced death?

Leo: yes, I was in a restaurant and I think the waiter poisoned my drink.

Scorpio: No, that was me.

Therapist: wait.. What? Why would you do that?

Scorpio: I’m that kind of person who between two choices always picks the wrong one.

Leo: WHAT was the other choice you had you freak!!

Scorpio: to admit that I actually like you.

Leo: Are you trying to impress me? Because so far you’re doing a great job.

Aquarius: Do we look like we give a fuck?

Therapist: Ok let's hear you Aqua. Why are you here today, what is wrong with you?

Aquarius: Well, that depends on how much time you have. Do you want the short or the long answer?

Libra: she just asked a simple question, don't give her a full lecture.

Aquarius: Maybe you should have thought about that before you dragged me into this then.

Libra: Uh, so we have a problem.

Aquarius: Yeah, it's you and your dumb ideas.

Cancer: calm down guys, Why do we fight over stupid shit?

Capricorn: Because you say stupid shit.

Aries: You know, you are right.

Capricorn: About what, specifically? Because I’m right about a lot of things.

Cancer: shut up Aries and try to Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.

Aries: believe me I can and I can create an exclusive one as well.

Therapist: whoa guys, you two have a lot of intense feelings here, Why don't you just sit down and talk to each other about it?

Aries: Because there's nothing I want to say to Cancer and Virgo other than fuck off.

Virgo: what the hell? If you have a problem with me, you can say it to my face.

Aries: I don't have a problem with you. You are the problem in general.

Virgo: and You're a walking disaster.

Aries: I can't argue with that one.

*Pisces knocks on the door and steps in*

Gemini: What the fuck are you doing here?!

Pisces: Yes, I'm terribly happy to see you too.

Gemini: Idiot.

Pisces: C'mon, stop talking about yourself for once.

Therapist: please, be nice to each other.

Gemini: I am being perfectly fucking civil.

Therapist: Why do you constantly try to piss Gemini off?

Pisces: Because it's so fun and easy.

Sagittarius: so, How long after arriving at someone’s place is it appropriate to ask for the WiFi password?

Therapist: we're here to have a conversation with each other, do you have something you would like to share with us?

Sagittarius: Studies show that I literally did not ask for this, we were forced here by Libra.

Libra: oh for God's sake, I wanted all of you to express your emotions.

Capricorn: I don’t have any.

Gemini: Is “no” an emotion, because I feel it.

Leo: I have many emotions I need to express, Honestly, sometimes you just gotta let me be dramatic. Because I will get over it. But let me be dramatic first!

Scorpio: Hey Leo, If you listen carefully you can hear me whisper “shut the fuck up” at least once every five minutes.

Leo: It’s not my fault that You don’t talk much.

Scorpio: I’m observing your weaknesses since you’re so freely verbalizing everything about yourself.

Therapist: Okay, Okay take a breath everyone, especially you Taurus because you devoured the cupcakes I made for the all of you.

Taurus: Cupcakes are important to my mental health.

Libra: Oh seriously?

Taurus: Would you believe me if I answered ?

Libra: Do I look like an idiot?

Taurus: Do you want me to answer that truthfully?

Libra: you're so full of hate.

Taurus: I don't allow myself to be full of hate, I allow myself to be full of pasta instead.

Aquarius: I am So tired of being human, I want to be an Alien.

Taurus: Excuse me, I have to go and vomit.

Therapist: back to you Cancer, how are you feeling so far?

Cancer: I’m nothing but a constant state of internal screaming at this point.

Therapist: aren't you overreacting?

Cancer: Me? Overreacting? Probably.

Sagittarius: don't worry, If you ever feel stupid, or weak, or powerless, just remember that I, am not.

Libra: Well this social situation isn't going the way It went in my head.

Virgo: That is so not how it went!

Libra: You weren't in my head and you're drunk right now. Quit arguing with me.

Pisces: you brought us here because you imagined us doing this in your head?

Libra: I love you guys.

Capricorn: That's your business not ours *leave*

Taurus: maybe listen to me next time I tell you not to do something stupid. *takes the rest of the cupcakes and leaves*

Cancer: my mental health was working just fine before you brought me here. *leaves*

Gemini: You know, sometimes I think you do dumb shit on purpose just to see how I'll react. *leaves*

Libra: You're not wrong.

*the rest of The Signs leaves*

Leo: Anyways, Do you ever feel like a 4 times divorced 45 year old woman that smokes cigarettes in her fur coats on a grand piano? Cause I do and it’s sad.

Therapist: we're done here, get out.

[ye4gerismarchives]

the bachelorette chp 4, part 3: visiting jean’s mom

an: so, i decided i'd write the elimination in a separate chapter, one, just to mess with y'all and two, to give you time. i honestly think picking one of these three guys is really hard. obviously, i know who i want to win, but i look at the two other guys and i'm like 'oh, they would be good too!'. i like pulling at your heartstrings ;). i'll probably put together another q&a (depending on the numbers of questions i get) and once i do that, i'll wait for a day and then close the poll to start writing! anyways, let me stop sharing my thought process with yall and start your date with jean. link at the bottom!

tags: black, fem reader

tag list: @taybird

Bertholdt drove you back to the mansion and you texted Connie asking him to prepare something for you, Bertholdt. Jean and Connie to eat. And maybe a lil something for that brat Levi. Connie responded with an 'ok' and a smiley face.

The car ride home was silent. You felt awful for Bertholdt. You wondered how many silent post-hospital drives he's been through.

Once you got home, Bertholdt told you he wasn't very hungry and just wanted to lay down. You wanted to argue with him but Bertholdt needed space. You wish him good night before making your way to the kitchen.

Connie and Jean were chatting it up in the kitchen once you walked in. Connie was the one to announce your entrance. "Hey, y/n," he greets. Jean then turns around. "Hey, y/n. How is Bert holding up? I understand that visit was really hard."

"Thank you for asking, Jean. Bertie...well...he's just being human. His dad...it's really bad," you reply. You take a seat by Jean at the kitchen island. "The fact that he's been holding in for a while...it's crazy. I would have never thought he was in that situation. No wonder he was so stressed after that Porco got angry with him," Jean says. You raise an eyebrow at Jean. "Oh...after Porco got angry with him about you, Bert seemed sadder and more introverted than usual. He only really confided in Reiner, though," Jean explained.

"Ah, that makes sense. Poor Bertie."

Connie had made some garlic bread with ava ado toast and egg. You didn't expect that out of him but you all enjoyed it. You felt tired, so you told the guys you were ready to lay down. They wished you good night before diving into a conversation about...y'all i don't even know what men talk about 😐

The next morning, you woke up at the same time as you did for Connie's visit. Your final visit would be Jean's mom. She also lived far away from the mansion but Jean insisted that you could take your time. She would still be at her home. No nurses to rush you out or kids bugging their parents. You hoped this visit would be as peaceful as it sounded.

You were very hungry though. You didn't realize it last night about the whole Bertholdt thing and you only had those little stupid avocado things that Connie made. It was good but didn't feel you up. You decided you would take a bath and get ready for your visit later.

You crept downstairs, hoping not to wake anyone up. You didn't want Levi questioning you and you didn't want to stop and talk to the boys because you would probably have a day-long conversation and if that conversation was with Jean, you probably wouldn't see his mom.

You made a few turns and found yourself in the kitchen. And you weren't alone. Jean was leaning on the kitchen counter, sipping on some coffee that he had made. His eyebrows widened at your presence.

"Good morning," he greeted, "I didn't expect you to be up right now."

"Oh, I'm just hungry right now. Didn't eat much yesterday," you say. Jean places his coffee down on the table. "Would you like me to make you something?"

You were about to say yes but a greater idea came into mind. "Why don't we make something together? It would be fun and give you bonus points..." You wiggle your eyebrows when you say that last part. Jean let out a laugh. "Well, you're hungry and I can't let you starve. Us working together will make things faster...and those 'bonus points' would help a lot."

You walk towards Jean and his eyes remain on you. You find yourself wrapping his arms around his waist. It was just on-demand. Jean pulls you close and kisses your forehead. "What do you wanna make?"You think for a minute. "You know how to make (meal of your choice)?"

Whether Jean says yes or no is up to you. However, Jean is really good at following directions. If you need something, he'll get it. If you needed him to watch something, he watches it with intensity.

After a few minutes, the meal was ready and you both sat by the kitchen island and dug in. "I hope Connie doesn't wake up and butt into our breakfast," you joke. Jean let out a small laugh. "Connie's really nice. He hasn't shown me or anyone else any hostility during our time here."

"If you could say...who did you think was the worst person here?" you ask. Jean doesn't even have to wait to answer. "I'd have to Floch. Confidence is key but Floch just got disrespectful about it. Talking about how we should all go home and let him have you. And he was only here one night and everyone already had a bad vibe about him."

Your heart panged at that answer. "Thank you for telling me. I know everyone likes drama but Floch sounds...dangerous. I don't know what would have happened if he stayed." "Yeah, of course. Sorry if that made you uncomfortable," Jean said sheepishly. The discomfort must have been visible on your face. "No, don't apologize. I asked."

You continued to eat your breakfast and chat and hear about Jean's experience in the mansion so far.

After breakfast, you and Jean got ready for the day and finally decided to head out. Jean was starting his car when you decided to ask another question.

"I've never heard you talk about your dad. I've heard bits about your mom and you've mentioned her to the other guys but I never hear about your father. He isn't dead right? Is he sick? Like Bertholdt's?"

Jean is silent for a minute. "Oh...I don't really like talking about my dad, but you would have to know at some point."

"Oh, Jean...you don't have to. Don't worry about it."

He shakes his head. "It's fine. We were going to have this conversation pretty soon, so it doesn't matter."

Jean starts moving the car and when he's out on the road, he begins to talk.

"My dad has never been in my life. At this point, I don't know if he's dead or not. Sometimes I feel like he isn't my father. We did talk like once or twice when I was a kid and I was actually desperate to see him. But once I reached high school and started preparing for my adult life, I realized he wasn't worth it anymore. If my dad really wanted to be there for me, he would have reached out more often and let me know that things were hard on his end. I know everything I'm saying is being recorded and broadcasted, so if he ever sees me on TV, he can always hit me up. I just won't be naïve and stupid like I was the last time."

You immediately jump in after that last line. "Hey. You weren't naïve or stupid. He was stupid. You were a kid waiting on his dad. You had every right to wait for him, so don't insult yourself over him."

Deep down inside, you weren't sure if you wanted to meet Jean's dad...if he was alive. Jean didn't seem comfortable talking about him at all, so you shouldn't expect any visits or calls from that man. If you were to have kids and he popped up, that'd be hard to deal with. It would probably break Jean's heart to learn that his father would want to see his grandkids before even meeting the guy who helped make them.

Jean doesn't respond to what you said. Again, this was hard for him and he didn't even want to bring his father up in the first place, so you weren't upset.

You end up falling asleep in the car. Hours later, you wake up and Jean is parked in front of a bakery. He's on the phone. "Yeah, ma, we're here. Right in front of it, she's sleeping but we'll head inside....I miss you too...alright then, bye."

Jean hangs up and places the phone down. He jumps slightly when he realizes you're awake. "H-hey. I thought you were sleeping."

"Well, I was. Your mom is ready to see us?" You ask. "Yeah. She owns this bakery and decided to close completely today to meet you. I asked her if we could meet at home but she insisted that her bakery would be best. She's really proud of it," Jean explains. "Are we going to bake something?"

Jean laughs and shakes his head no. "Oh, no. My mom won't let you do any work in there, since you're a special guest. She put some things together if you want to eat something."

You imagined Jean's mother as someone who prioritized her future-in-law over her own son sometimes. It sounds overbearing but you thought this was a good thing. You wouldn't want an evil mother or father-in-law. If Jean were to cheat on you or hurt you, you knew she'd probably be on your side or hear both sides instead of immediately siding with her son.

You also wanted to assume that she was tough on Jean. Considering that she raised him herself, she had to do other things like work. To give herself some peace, she probably had a no-nonsense household- maybe why Jean was more like a puppy and wasn't as scandalous as the eliminated.

Jean got out of the car and helped you out. He didn't take your hand when directing you to the bakery but opened the door for you. Inside was a short, older woman, standing there with her hands clasped. The minute you stepped in, her excitement exploded. "Hi! Welcome! It's finally nice to meet you," she says. The older woman squeezes and you can't help but let out a chuckle...or a wheeze. "H-hey, mom. Maybe you should let her go," Jean steps in nervously. Jean's mom slowly lets go. "I'm sorry! I just got excited. Are you hungry?"

You shake your head. "No, Mrs. Kirstein. Jean actually helped me put together breakfast."

"Good, good. I'm glad he's being useful! And call me June. Come, sit, sit."

Jean's mom takes your hand and leads you to a small table and pulls open a chair for you. Jean quietly pulls a chair up by you. You start to worry about him because all the attention is on you, rather than the both of you.

"Can I get you something to drink?" June asks. "Some water would be nice," you answer. Your eye catches Jean's hand. You place your own on his and you feel him jump slightly. "Jean, would you like something too?"

"I-I'll take water too," Jean croaks. "Well, Jean, I'm sure you can serve yourself. I'm getting old, you know. Make sure you get a glass for y/n too."

Jean looks ready to argue back but he keeps his lips zipped. He carefully removes your hand from

his, gets up, and heads over to the back of the bakery.

You watch Jean do all of this and then finally turn away so that you can give June all your attention. "Please tell me he's been good to you," she starts. You weren't expecting this question but considers why she's asking. "Yes, Jean is...amazing. He's always coming to my defense. Which I shouldn't be surprised by, he is a lawyer."

June sighs in relief. "I hope he stays that way. He told you...about our situation right?" You nod. "It's unfortunate that his father did that to the both of you. If Jean does get married to me, I hope he doesn't pop out of anywhere. Jean's a good guy but I'm not too sure how he'll react to something like that." June let's our a small hum.

"Have you been watching the show?" you ask. "A little. I work, so it's hard to catch up on what's going on. Sometimes I'll read articles and Jean will text me to let me know if he didn't get eliminated. I was a little concerned about him doing the show because nothing is guaranteed."

"Hm...is he cocky about this whole thing? Does he really think he can get me?"

June thinks for a moment. "I can't say cocky but there's nothing wrong with a little confidence. Jean is handsome, he has a good job, he's smart- and he knows that. He believed those would be good reasons for you to like him. But...he does get bashful sometimes. He doesn't want all the attention on him and for people to view him in the wrong way. The fact that he had a mirror in his pocket on the first night was interesting to me. He's never done anything like that before."

You open your mouth but Jean enters once more. He places three water bottles on the table. "Sorry for taking too long. Ma, I'll replace the waters. Don't worry about it," he says. June shakes her head. "Don't worry about it, Jean. We have plenty of water."

"So, have you two discussed wedding plans? Anything for the future?" June suddenly asks. You look at Jean, who looks like his stomach was doing the chacha slide or sum. "M-mom-!"

"Well, we haven't reached that point because we don't know if he's staying or not but I'd like a really elegant wedding. I know we'll have a live-streamed wedding but I'd like to have a private wedding too. That would be nice right?" you cut in. Jean nods in agreement.

"What about kids? I read somewhere that you wanted a family," you tease. Jean's face reddened. "W-well...um...yeah...two would be nice. A girl and b-boy maybe?"

"See? We have a plan," you say with a wide smile. You could imagine Jean as a cautious dad but he still knew how to have fun with his kids. After long days at work, he'd cuddle with them and put them to sleep for you. When the kids are asleep, he'll check on you and make sure you had something to eat. He'd probably make sure to schedule regular date nights and family vacations. He'll have photos of you and the kids and maybe a few bandages in a wallet. Obviously, you would both be in the public eye once in a while but he would make things feel normal.

"I think you two would have beautiful kids. I do hope Jean gets picked. But your two other guys are good too. Bertholdt is absolutely adorable and Connie seems like he knows what he's doing. I don't know how you're ever going to choose. I can't imagine being your situation," June says.

"Wow, thanks for having my back mom," Jean says jokingly. "But if not me, pick Connie. He's a good person."

"Oh, Jean, don't do that to yourself. You're lovely." You cup his cheek and his reddened face returns.

Jean's mom starts talking about Jean when he was a kid- how he was such a big softie and a great helper,  how he was popular in high school but still to himself, and all the girlfriends and boyfriends that she didn't like.

It was getting late. Jean's mom offered you her home but Jean stopped her before she could ask. You didn't question why he didn't want to stay at her home but still wondered why. You said your goodbyes, watched her lock the bakery, and drive off. Jean helps you into his car and gets into the drivers' seat.

"You know why she wanted to you go home with her?" he asks.

You shake your head no. "There's only one bed. A twin size bed," Jean says as he starts the car. You let out a chuckle. "Connie's parents tried that with us except Connie had a bigger bed."

Jean looks over at you. "Oh...I should have probably taken her offer."

"Connie and I didn't do anything that night...maybe you could give me a sample of what you can do. It'll help me decide."

Jean didn't hesitate to lean over and cup your cheek. He went in first. Jean was gentle and careful with your lips. You soon gave in and wrapped a hand on his wrist. When things started to get hot, you pulled away. "Didn't expect you to be that gentle...You really want me, huh?"

"Yeah," Jean says scratching his neck. "You're pretty rough... you have experience?"

Whether you say yes or no is up to you.

Jean smiles at your answer and starts driving. You try to fall asleep but it's so hard. All you can see is Bertholdt, Connie, and Jean at the next elimination. You wished Eren or Onyankopon did stupid stuff later on and were a part of the final three so that this could be easier.

Hours later, Jean reaches the mansion. He thinks you're still asleep. He doesn't want to wake you up. So what does he do? Jean opens the passenger door and scoops you up in his arms. Your heart jumps. You hope it's dark enough outside so that he can't see the small smile you're trying not to crack.

It doesn't Jean long to get to the door and ring the doorbell. He must be really strong. The door opens and he's greeted by Connie.

"You need help with that man?"

"Um...no...I think I'll get her up there. But you could get her purse from my car though. She'll probably wonder where that is."

Connie probably gave him a non-verbal response since there was just silence after that. Jean got you up the stairs and struggled with your bedroom door but he got in within ten minutes. Jean turns on your lights, places you on the bed, and removes your shoes. He steps away but you hear ripping sounds proceeding by scribbling. You can hear Jean turning off your lights and closing the door behind him as he leaves. Your eyes flick open and you wait a few moments. You turn on the light on your bed stand to see the note Jean wrote you.

'Wasn't sure what to do with your clothes. It's not my place to decide that- at least not yet. But I hope you slept comfortably.'

You smile softly at the note. It was definitely something he would say.

i use YOUR opinions to not only put together dates but to put together personalities. if y’all say you hate bertholdt, i’ll work my magic to mess with y’all :) anyways here’s the link! ask good questions. this is the last time you’ll see bertholdt, jean, OR connie. vote and ask wisely

[guigz1-coldwar]

'Followed': New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

'Followed'

'Grigoriev, what you did is going to have big repercussions...you're the first one in line to affirm that!'

Chapter Summary: Yirina, Park, Zasha & Portnova are heading to the nearest Burger Town of London but something soon caught the eye of Yirina...something that is more a problem...

Link of the Picrew used !

To read it on AO3, click here!

Words : +3500

Taglist : @snowgoldwaylon , @clxudtea , @efingart

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After the shocking news & the meeting with that CIA agent in our office where I was almost unable to stop Park to throw a punch at the guy as he was trying to get on her nerves and mine too, it was time for me, her, Zasha & Portnova to left the building and to get some lunch to maybe distract ourselves from the situation for the moment and it came to me like that that we should go eat at Burger Town and I was surprised when everyone including Park and even Portnova agreed on that.

Of course and to make sure that our efforts weren't in vain, the nearest Burger Town in London was in another borough than the one where Century House was located: in the Southwark borough and when we approached it after a lot of walk through the streets of London, I could see that the place was having a nice view on the Tower Bridge as it was just located not so far from the restaurant. At least, our efforts weren't in vain after all...

"Finally," Zasha was sounding a bit exhausted after the no-stop walk when we arrived in front of the Burger Town, leaning to put their hands on their knees. "I thought that we were never going to make it," They stated.

"Zasha, we did only 1 kilometer and a half of walk," Park said to them, releasing a little & lovely laugh off her mouth.

"Really, I thought we did larger," They proclaimed as Portnova moved to tap gently behind their shoulder.

"You're very exaggerating, Zed," She scoffed, keeping her hand behind them as they go back in a normal standing position

"Yeah, I remember the time where you could run with me," I told them, causing them to look at me with a raised eyebrow, thinking that I was joking. "Come on, it was just a joke," I clarified as their look at me weren't changing.

"You better hope so or we're making a race after we eat," They warned me, pointing at me but the smile they were making betrayed the threatening part of their voice.

"Anyway, are we going to stand around here the whole day or we're getting inside?" Park demanded, sighing at us with her arms crossed as we were still standing in front of the restaurant because of Zasha.

"Of course not," I replied, taking the lead of the group and walking to reach the front door.

The exterior was filled with people who were eating, talking...everything that what we should in a restaurant in resume...and for me, it was quite strange to find myself in the middle of a place that was having a lot of people around as it was my first day back out of the apartment, now wondering if it was in fact a good idea of me to go into a place like that and when I reached the door and putting my hands on the door handle, I was looking a bit confused as if my mind wanted me to run away...

But I hold on and I managed to keep calm, get myself back together by stepping out of the apartment, and that thought in my head, hissing in my ears makes me able to open the front door of the restaurant seconds before the others could ask why I wasn't opening the doors, my thinking almost happening for a millisecond for me, and then, we could step inside the typical American fast-food restaurant, discovering how it was.

It was my first time inside a Burger Town as every time I was eating something coming from that place, it was always someone else who ordered the menus and bring it to me, remembering the time when Woods literally go out of the car during my first mission back into the team 4 months ago to go take out some burgers for him, me & Park and to say, the decorations of the restaurant looked very American to me.

"So, how do we proceed?" Zasha spoke up after the group was all inside the place, them closing the door gently. "Who is paying?" They asked literally.

"Is this really a question that you just ask?" I looked at them, crossing my arms, joining Park & Portnova who were having their eyes on Zasha. "Of course, you're the one who will pay," I joked, having faked my incomprehension.

"Ha, ha, funny," They rolled their eyes, making a laugh out of their mouth but looking on their face that the question was also a little serious. "Seriously, how do we do?" They repeated.

"Well, I can pay for Yiri while you two are paying on your own," Park proposed to them, gesturing to the two. "If you two have brought their wallets with them, I presume," She added before Zasha moved their hands inside their jacket, taking out a black wallet.

"Have it with me," They said, showing up the walled to me & Park.

"Now, we should..." Park stopped to look at the two queues near the counter with behind it, the opened kitchen while two cashiers were taking the commands of people. "Get ourselves in the two differents queues as we could all have our lunches at the same time," She resumed, gesturing at the two queues.

"Why not?" Portnova agreed on this, followed by a nod from Zasha.

"Okay, we'll see where we'll eat, supposing that we eat inside," Park told them before the two decide to walk towards the right waiting line as I & Park were moving to reach the left waiting line behind it, now awaiting.

"Uhm...Park?" I silently called her out about something I've been wondering at the moment we arrived in line.

"Yes?" She breathed.

"I never ask if I've got a paycheck as I'm working with..." I started to demand but as we were in public, I couldn't say that our jobs were at the MI6. "Well, you know what I mean,"

"Are you asking me this now?" She asked and I nodded at her. "Of course that you got a paycheck, you're working with me," She responded, grinning at me.

"And...why I wasn't aware of it before? Do I have a sort of...bank account since I'm a British citizen?" I questioned, taking a step as we were at least two people before we could be taken into account while Zasha & Portnova were at the same level as us.

"First, you didn't ask about it at all but I thought about it and two...yes, you have one but as I said, you never asked about it," She answered, fully honest in her voice and adding a lovely nudging at my left arm, making a very silent moan because of it.

"That's hurt," I said in a low voice.

"Come on, it was nice," Park protested in a good voice, and honestly, that part of her did really manage to get over the recent events of today and that was for the better. "So, what are you taking?" She asked me, making me look at the panel where everything about menus, drinks & desserts were shown up.

"Let me think," I muttered, my hand moving above my chin in a thinking pose by looking up, the various choices of burgers flowing in front of my eyes as we advanced in the line, arriving in front of the woman who was the cashier.

"Hi, welcome to Burger Town, what are you ordering?" The woman asked hands-on the cash register.

"Hi, I would take a Classic Burger with medium french fries & a coffee," Park started, having made her choices pretty fast before turning her head around to look at me, still having my eyes on the big panel. "Made your choice?"

"Yeah, I would take a...Crispy Chicken Burger with medium french fries too & a coffee...like my girlfriend," I responded and Park's eyes went wide at my last word, adding a cute blush on her face.

"Oh, you two are together? That's so great," The cashier exclaimed, Park, turning her head around with a smile to her.

"Uhm...yes, we are," Park affirmed, giving me the best grin I could make, peaking my eyes a little to my right to see Portnova & Zasha still waiting for their turn.

"Wow, I can say that you're looking both cute together," The cashier confessed, this time, blushing with Park on my face. "Anyway," She purposely coughed. "Your order has been registered, it will be 11.22 pounds," She announced the price as Park got her own brown wallet out of her jacket and giving two bills and some coins to the cashier. "Thanks, we're going to assemble your order, you can wait here," She said, pointing towards a meter away from our position.

"Thanks," Me & Park told in unison, complying with the cashier's demand to step aside as some people behind in the kitchen were starting to prepare our order.

"Wow, I didn't expect that," Park spoke up.

"Expect what?" I narrowed my eyes at her, wondering about what she was thinking.

"About been together, that's good and surprising to say," She revealed before surprising me literally by giving me a kiss on the left cheek, bringing back my blushing that I was only able to get away. "Thanks, Yiri," She whispered, keeping the smile on her face and reciprocating it on my own as we were now waiting for our lunch.

The people behind were working very fast to gather what we ordered, never saw people moving like this and...it kinda makes me think that this place wasn't called a 'fast-food' by now looking at how those people weren't making a pause in their moves, always moving, never saw one actually stopping at the same place and only a simple minute after we give away our order that it was ready and given to us on a platter.

Park took it in her hands, now looking around inside to find an empty table and our search wasn't so hard at all, having found a perfect table in one of the corner of the restaurant and directly moving towards it and sitting on the comfortable seats, Park getting in front of me, letting either Zasha or Portnova sit next to me. About them, we were just getting sit that they were also finished with having their order and finding us.

"You got everything?" Park asked at seeing the two arrive near the table, Zasha holding the platter in their hands.

"All good," They replied, putting the platter on the table as Portnova moved to get sit next to Park, Zasha sitting next to me. "What did you get?" They demanded.

"Well, Yiri got a Crispy Chicken Burger, medium french fries, and a coffee like me...and all of us," She started, moving my hands on the things that are mine: burger, fries & drink and also looking at both platters, seeing that everyone ordered coffee. "And me, staying classic with a Burger Town Classic Burger," She added. "And what about you both?"

"I ordered a Double Cheeseburger with large french fries," Zasha responded, taking their things from the platter.

"I asked for a Burger Town Special Burger even if I'm new to this sort of place," Portnova told, moving the platter towards her.

"You never had eaten a Burger Town?" I questioned her, sounding curious.

"No, our old Mother Russia isn't having restaurants like this, and my lovely Zed didn't introduce me when I arrived here...until now," Portnova answered, unwrapping her own burger, not looking like the one on the panel...but still looking tasteful. "That's going to be the first burger of my life,"

"And to say that I had to ask the cashier about removing the tomatoes from your burger," Zasha scoffed, Portnova looking at them with a sort of deadly glare. "What? I remember that you said that you hate tomatoes,"

"I do," She smirked, not sounding affected as I was unwrapping my own burger and the little bag of fries along with Park & Zasha. "And you, Grigoriev? Did you eat a burger before?"

"I did...the last time I ate one was the day of my birthday," I revealed, remembering the night that we came back this day with Zasha at the MI6 safehouse in West-Berlin, Garrett & Greta having ordered Burger Town for us & them.

"Yeap, I remember, that was a nice day," Park smiled at me, thinking either of the birthday...or what happened during the night..."Anyway, I think that our burger awaits to be eaten, right?"

"I'm damn hungry so yes," Zasha breathed, taking their own Double Cheeseburger in both hands before taking a bit from it.

"Enjoy your food," I exclaimed and everyone smiled at me before tasting my own Chicken Burger in my mouth.

It was nice to make some changes from the usual food we were eating since days at the apartment and that was a thought shared by the others who were enjoying their fries & their burgers by looking at their faces and of course, we talked about everything and nothing except for work during the large part of the lunch, wanting to keep it a bit enjoying for the moment but also to stay discreet above all, having bystanders around us and acting like normal people taking a lunch....if only it wasn't acting.

"Well, our burgers were nice, now for the coffee," It was Zasha sounding enthusiastic as we were all finished with our burgers & fries after a good ten minutes, grabbing their coffee in their hands.

"You were more excited to be on that part of lunch than the burger, right?" I presumed, seeing them like that.

"You & your coffee," Portnova rolled her eyes around with a smile on her lips.

"Ain't my fault if I catch a coffee addiction," Zasha protested before taking a sip of their coffee, seeing on their face the relieving part of having caffeine in them. "So...Uhm...can we talk about what happened with that CIA guy?" They started after looking around, the place was less filled, and no one was passing or near us for the moment.

"Wasn't so nice, to be honest," I replied, my right fingers moving in a circle around the top of my cup. "Guy acted like an asshole, he said that the CIA was 'going to do what the MI6 couldn't do'" I added, gesturing with my fingers about the last part.

"What? The CIA is in London? And they're going to give us troubles to search for Perseus?" Portnova demanded, sounding a little confused.

"They have ears & eyes everywhere and yes, they will give us more troubles than help," Park responded, taking a deep breath while looking outside.

"Do you think that they'll try to disturb us in our search?" I nodded when Zasha asks that, knowing the CIA too well now.

"It's the CIA, don't need to ask for that when you heard its name," I muttered, shaking my head before looking outside, seeing a lot of cars along the sidewalks of the street.

"Guess that's something typical from the CIA," Portnova added but then, I was getting less into the discussion as a detail in the street was troubling me.

In all the car that was parked, there was a particular one that was keeping my attention: it was a dark black one, looking like a sedan type of car on the other side of the street but then, its occupants were suddenly too familiar for me...the same CIA guys that were guarding our office earlier in Century House, the same ones and for me, they weren't here for the burgers or the coffee but for us...the CIA has eyes & ears everywhere...

"Fuck," I thought to myself, only moving my lips a little, drifting my eyes back on the discussion between the trio, trying to think of something until I found in the middle of the table, a salt shaker..."Might be useful," I continued to speak to myself in my head as I grab the shaker in my right hand, putting it between my middle & ring finger. "Zasha, can you move? I need to go outside to get some air,"

"Uhm...of course," They complied in an instant, moving to get up and allowing me to move.

"You're okay, Yirina?" Park asked, worried.

"Yeah, it's just...I need some air, I'll be not long," I replied, reassuring her even if I was lying about it before I start to walk away from the table to get outside by a side door.

Honestly, I didn't know what my plan was going to be but I couldn't let the CIA have their eyes on me, and making a stand was the only way for me to get it done and a direct confrontation with those two agents was going to be the thing. I took the salt shaker with me for precaution, keeping it between the fingers of my right hand and not wanting to be spotted by the two, I decided to faint to go away from the restaurant.

After a few seconds of having faked to walk to another street, I came back, taking the pedestrian crossing to get on the other side of the street where their car was and thankfully for me, the street was empty to let me do what I needed to do here. I took a deep breath and checking if everything was good until I arrived at the right side of the car, seeing from up close the two men looking in the direction of where we were sit in the restaurant.

"Hey," I started, knocking with my left fingers on the window to get the men's attention on me and they turned around, their faces looking a bit confused. "How it's going?" I asked, awaiting no response before I go into action.

I used the salt shaker in my right hand to punch the window so hard that it breaks at the impact but the punch wasn't stopping here at it landed right on the man that was on the driver seat, hitting him right below the right eye and bloodying him before wrapping my left arm around his neck to get him up and reach his gun at his belt as the other one was trying to get his one too but...

"Don't!" I ordered in a clear voice to the man, stopping him and aiming this friend's pistol at his face. "Show me," I said, causing him to take out his gun, holding it with two fingers at his grip. "Give it to me," I demanded, still complying as he handed over the gun, the cannon aiming at the ground and I took it in my left hand. "Let me guess, CIA?"

"Yes, we are," The man replied, his hands up. "It's 'Alex' who ordered us to follow you, said that it was 'orders from the top'," He added, giving me away what I needed.

"Hudson?" I suggested.

"I don't know, miss, that was the only thing he said to us, nothing else," The man responded, his eyes trying to look away from me as I moved my left hand to hide the second gun below my jacket, releasing the unconscious guy.

"Tell your 'Alex' that you don't follow me and my friends because if you continue, it's not because we're 'allies' that I will start to cut off every ears & eye of the CIA in London, is that clear?" I warned him and the man nodded in fear before I aimed down the gun. "I don't like being followed, hope that got well warned, asshole," I continued, done with those guys now, having given my warning.

Once done, I walked away from the scene, taking out the guns and disassembling them along the walk, unloading them and make them useless before throwing them both inside a trash bin on the other side of the street, crossing it like that to join back the restaurant and tell the others about what happened, still having the salt shaker between my fingers.

"We should go back to Century House," I spoke up when I arrived near the table with the others as Zasha got up, thinking that I wanted to sit back.

"What's wrong?" Zasha asked me, Park & Portnova looking at me confused.

"The CIA has followed us, the same two guys that were guarding our office are in this car at the other side of the street," I replied, pointing outside with my hand towards the black car who at the second I said this, was starting to drive away. "That's why I got to get outside,"

"Bloody hell," Park muttered, breathing in desperation of that. "They actually meant it that they were having their eyes on us," She continued, Portnova going up from her seat.

"What do we do now?" She demanded.

"Go back to Century House and...keep an eye at our backs now," I suggested to the trio who nodded at me in approval. "They will maybe still listen and keep watching us despite my warning," I thought as Park got up from her seat, Portnova putting on her jacket and Zasha taking the last sip of their coffee.

"You're right, let's go back to the MI6," Park whispered, moving to get next to me before Zasha & Portnova take the lead to get out of the restaurant, now having another personal problem to face in just one day...

"If it wasn't enough, the CIA has to stay the assholes they're always has been,"

[angelsswirl]

Been Through

Chapter 5: You plus me can be dangerous

She said you look crazy. Thank you, baby. I owe it all to you.

"So...."

"What, Lisa?"

"I was just wondering..."

"Please just say it."

"What do you do for your heats?" You were half embarrassed, half....something else. You're surprised she asked and to be honest you were tempted to torture her with the undoubtedly sexy truth. But you decided now wasn't the time to make her suffer.

Besides, you were doing that enough for the both of you. Lisa asking you about your heat had thrust you into a spiral of memories involving Lisa and your heat. And a particular night that several mistakes were made.

"Fuck myself. What do you think I do?" You had changed your mind again. You definitely wanted to tease her with all the details. The look on Lisa's face definitely did not disappoint.

It was comical really. Quite frankly it was your right to mess with her like this. If she wanted to ask intensely personal questions, then she was going to get intensely personal answers. You're not even quite sure what her original angle was, but you're determined to uncover it and hopefully fuck up her thought process.

"Well, I don't know, maybe you're seeing someone." Ohhhhhh! That's what she was getting at.

You almost wanted to laugh. What was going on in your life that could have possibly made her think that you weren't single? Hell, you probably smelled single.

"Maybe."

Lisa only blinked, the sort of mischievous and shy look she had at first slowly morphed into indifferent jealousy. And again. You wanted to laugh.

"It depends. Most of the time I use my fingers or this fancy dildo I found on a website that shant be named."

Lisa gulped. Her leg started to bounce on the linoleum of your kitchen floor. Ha. Serves her right.

"Sometimes, when I'm dripping and aching so bad I can't think straight I go find some alpha on the street. And it's never hard. Either I'm irresistible or alphas just really are that easy."

Lisa's jaw clenched. Her hands wringing themselves restless on the marble countertop.

"But yeah, most of the time I just fuck myself silly." You said as innocently and nonchalantly as you could. You're an asshole, and you're well aware of that fact.

"Y-you think you need any help next time?" Lisa asked without looking you in the eye. Instead she was staring up at the high ceiling.

This just kept getting better and better. For you that is. Probably not for her.

"From you?"

Lisa shrugged her left shoulder in a minute gesture.

"Maybe."

"Hmm. I'll think about it." Yes, you were going to think about it long and hard. You got up from the counter and walked back toward the fridge after checking the time.

It was almost time for you to wake Lily up from her nap, so she could eat lunch.

"Why? So, you can weigh your options between me and Jennie?"

That time you did laugh.

"I haven't talked to Jennie in like a week and half. Congratulations, Ms. Manoban. You might have beat her to the punch on this one." You leaned against the fridge with your arms folded across your chest.

Lisa stood and approached you slowly. Like she was stalking prey or something. When she finally stopped directly in front of you, you became distinctly aware of your height difference. It annoyed you to no end. It always had.

Lisa was only maybe two and a half inches taller than you, but it always felt like an entire foot. And she knew you hated it. It was infuriating. At least Jennie didn't tower over you.

"About time." Your eyes fell to her lips as they formed her words. It doesn't feel like you're moving, you don't think you are until you notice that your lips are as close to hers as they could possibly be without touching. Your heartbeat picked up.

"Mommy! Come here!" You took a harsh step back, and with it, a deep breath to soothe your fast beating heart.

"Duty calls." You said stiffly. It was only then that you realized the hand that had been on your waist a few seconds prior. It had been resting there comfortably if the tingly feeling was anything to go by.

You almost tripped in your haste to get across the room. Your control had almost slipped right through your grasp and that was something you couldn't have.

You paused in the doorway leading to the main hall, "And to think, if you walked a little faster, you could have kissed me."

Lisa didn't say anything.

You were about to go tend to your daughter before something else you had felt during that...exchange...occurred to you, "Oh, and you might want to take a cold shower before you leave. I can only imagine you'd be a bit uncomfortable if you didn't." You let your eyes drift low onto Lisa's body.

Lisa looked down at herself with a confused frown, then groaned loudly. She turned toward the counter to give herself at least some sort of modesty.

You turned back around and set off in search of your daughter.

Yes. Control. That's what this was all about.

~~~

The truth of the matter was that you were confused. And, yes, obviously you were confused. Duh.

You were stuck inbetween someone who didn't seem to want you enough and someone who maybe wanted you a bit too much.

The thought that some people would simply kill to be in your position was astounding at this point.

How could anyone want this?

To have the thought of someone's broken heart swaying back and forth over your head like one of those anvils you see in old cartoons. To make sure your daughter's interest was taken into account. To be happy yourself.

It all seemed too far fetched.

Whoever came up with the phrase "victimless crime" was a pathological liar. There were no victimless crimes. Everyone's a victim in some way.

Love, apparently, was your crime of choice. A horrible choice you had made four years ago.

Love.

The same people who thought that this was a desirable situation to be in were also the people who would say choosing should be easy.

Who do you love the most?

But it wasn't that simple. It was never that simple. Nothing would ever be that simple. Not love for you at least. It's not even really about that! It's about control.

It all leads back to the control.

If you have control you can stay out of trouble. If you have control no one gets hurt. If you have control you won't get your heart broken.

The last time you gave up control? Letting Chaeyoung convince you to talk to Lisa. And the time before that? 4 years prior. That thing that got you pregnant.

So, no. You weren't letting your gaurd down. You weren't losing control.

And maybe that makes you selfish. Or an asshole. Or evil. Whatever. So be it. At least no one will get hurt.

~~~

"Can we talk?"

"How did you find me here? It was Chae, wasn't it? I'm going to stop talking to her. She has a big mouth." You were a bit tipsy, you must admit. But, honestly, you deserved it. You're a single mother in LA who's stuck in a love triangle. The least you could do is get shit-faced once in a while.

"It doesn't matter. I just want- no- need to talk to you."

You looked your companion up and down with a frown. Her hands are shoved in her pockets, and she's looking around the admittedly dingy bar like she much rather be anywhere else but here. Or maybe she's just nervous.

"I thought you were ignoring me."

"I was- I mean I wasn't! It's-I'm sorry. I fucked up."

"It's been three weeks Jennie. Kissing a girl and then ditching her for 21 days doesn't exactly make her want to talk to you again surprisingly enough." You took a strong sip of your Long Island iced tea.

"I know. I really am sorry, Y/N. I, um, I really miss you and I've been doing things backwards and I want to be with you and it took me way too long to sort through my emotions and I really like kissing you and I'm still in-

You hated rambling or at least tipsy you hated rambling so you stopped it the only way you knew how.

With your lips. On Jennie's.

Oh, and don't worry. You're in complete control.

[caracalfeather]

Cats and Birds

A mob AU fic by @the-soupiest-artist and@caracalfeather

WARNING- Cats and Birds is a mob AU fanfiction of the Arcana game, and is not meant for young audiences and is not meant to offend anyone. Some writing choices were made so characters are out of their canon way of acting and thinking. Please do not be offended by character choices made by the authors and content creators, this story was made for fun and in the way we wanted it to be. The story was not hijacked by any of the authors to make any ships or characters overshadow any other. All content contained in this story has been agreed upon and accepted by all parties in it’s creation.

TW- Cats and Birds contains scenes that may not be suitable with some readers, including themes of violence, smoking/drug use, sex, cursing and various other strong themes. Special warnings for scenes will be posted with chapters. Proceed with caution and Reader’s discretion is advised.

1

“ILYA HIT THE GAS!” Rose yelled, launching herself into the black corvette and throwing the bag onto her lap. It definitely wasn't one of the smartest ideas the two had thought of, robbing the rival Alanzar gang in broad daylight but they’d agreed that it was one of their more entertaining heists. The angry yells behind them were drowned out by the rev of the engine.

“I take it we have been found out!” Julian shouted, throwing the car into drive. “Did you get it?!” He turned and drifted around a corner avoiding the line of fire. The gunfire rang out through the street as they headed for a narrow escape.

“Of fucking course we did!” Rose laughed and turned around in her seat, firing her revolver at the black cars that trailed them at full speed. “Allot easier than we expected too.” She kicked the bag under the seat to protect it.

A bullet whizzed past his head and Julian ducked out of its path just in time. “FUCKING HELL!” He looked to his side to see his window was shattered. “We’re five minuted away from the main highway, we’ll lose them there….Asra doesn’t want the cops on his trail….especially from what he pulled last week.”

“Yeah! Stealing from THE biggest bank in LA? Now that was stupid!” Rose smiled and fired a final round into the cars as they sped onto the busy highway. She tumbled back into her seat, laughing and smiling at julian “Thanks for being such a good get away driver!” She kissed her lover’s cheek and grabbed the bag, pulling out the alanzar family jewels and a large wad of cash.

He could see the horde in the corner of his eye. “Another job well done.” He chuckled, “are you hurt at all? You didn’t get hit while you were still in there, did you?”

“A few bruises but I'm fine.” She chuckled, leaning back and looking out at the outside of the city “Almost got hit in the building. Their shots are getting better.”

“Well, they may be getting better but no shot is more accurate than ‘The Cat’” he smirked a slight purr in his voice. The streets were getting busier as they drew nearer to “The Den” small shops lined the streets and people were out enjoying the LA sun darting between cars and crosswalks.

Rose dramatically fanned her face, giggling “Oh stop it darling. You’re making me blush.” They pulled into a back alley and clicked the garage remote, opening a large metal door in a brick building. The garage was full of car parts and another black truck, riddled with bullet holes. The others were out on other jobs at the moment. A few stray cats lounged on old parts, purring as the car parked.

Julian made sure the car was locked before squatting down and petting the cats. “Do you think Plume will go off on us again? For ‘being too reckless’” he chuckled following Rose out of the garage.

“Maybe. I'm sure we’ll be fine.” She shut the metal door as they stepped into the alley. She stretched, purring in the warm sun “You Hungry? I could really go for a burger.” She fixed her hair and clothes.

“Ah yes, burgers and fine wine. The dinner of champions.” Julian smiled, slinging his arm around her waist. “Shall we go together? We could always walk. It is nice outside.” He kissed her hair and inhaled her scent, waiting for an answer.

“Sure! There's that new place a block from here.” Rose kissed his jaw and walked with him. The sidewalk was filled with its usual crowd, easy for them to blend in as they walked. Rose couldn't help but look at all the colors of the neighborhood, she loved that the places in her territory were so colorful.

As the two walked hand in hand a streak of fur erupted the order of the mingling crowd dashing into the street a string of sausage links in its big blocky maul. The dog was enormous...and almost familiar. Julian stared off and watched the dog as it ran, his heart aching ever so slightly as the dog let out its powerful bark and continued its sprint to the park.

“Dios mío! That thing was huge!” Rose clutched his arm and watched the large mass of fur disappear into the crowds. “Imagine all the shedding. I'm glad I'm a cat person.” She joked and looked up at julian, pausing as she noticed the emotion in his eyes “Ilya? You Alright?”

“Hmm?” He hummed snapping from his trance, the heartache fading with it. He looked down at Rose’s worried eyes. “Oh-y-yeah...don't you worry about me dearest.” He kissed her head gently. “We can't be far from it..we still have that bottle of 1870 Chenelle at home right?”

“I believe so. Along with that bottle of Jack Daniel’s that Plume gave me.” She nodded and led him to the restaurant. She glanced at him as they picked up the food “Are you sure you're okay, love? You seemed spooked.” She’d never seen that reaction from him before.

“It’s...that dog we saw earlier...it's not important.” He heavily sighed, “You ready?” Though he was trying to mask it his grey eye was clearly somewhere else. He just couldn’t stop thinking about that massive dog they saw earlier.

“Yeah. Let's go home.” She took his hand and led him back. Of course Rose's underboss Plume gave them shit for being so reckless before letting the capos take care of the haul. After the lecture, They curled up on the couch in Rose's private quarters, watching an old movie. Rose kept glancing at Julian as they drank and ate, she was slightly worried. He seemed to be drifting in and out of his own mind.

2 3 4 5 6 7&8

9

[harry-styles-sunflower]

Meeting You In The Hallway Part 3

a/n: HII lovely people! I hope you are all doing well today! This is part 3 of Meeting you in the Hallway.

What it is: You move into the apartment across the hall from Harry and you begin a friendship which you both want more from but can’t communicate that want.

Word Count: 4k 

Warning: fluff, angst, cursing, and sexual tension again bc why not.

Lil fun fact: new character in this part named Derek, there's ~some~ (honestly a lot of truth) truth to this character. Different name obvs. If you wanna picture somebody, picture Jacob Elordi, because that’s kind of what the real dude looks like.

Pls reblog if you like it 😊 Thank you for all the support so far! Means the fuckin world! Lot of dialogue in this one, let me know if yall like that or not. I think there will be one more part which will wrap this all up. 

~~~

You both decided to just sit in silence after you ate, just laying your heads back.

"Do you have morphine?"

"Harry just because I work in a hospital doesn’t mean I have hard drugs lying around my apartment"

"Thought you could sneak some, excuse me" he waves his hands up in surrender.

You sigh, "No, there's a thing called inventory that gets checked every day. And what is it with you and morphine?"

"What do you mean?"

"It was in your song yesterday"

His head quickly looks over at you, "You remember yesterday?"

"I remember everything before the tequila shots" you pinch the bridge of your nose.

"Oh okay" he avoids your question about morphine and maybe if you didn't have a headache you'd keep pushing for an answer.

Your phone rings and it’s an odd looking number, its 10 digits long.

"Har, look at this number"

He looked over before laying his head back against your couch, "Its European"

"European?" you picked up, "Hello?"

"y/n?"

"Yeah who's this?"

Harry was listening, just didn’t show it.

"Hey um, it’s me, Derek. I don’t know if you remember me"

"Oh yeah. Sorry give me a sec." You pressed the mute button, double checked it was on, then whisper yelled, "holy fucking shit!!"

"What? Who's Derek?"

"This guy I had a hugee crush on in college. He was a year above me. We helped each other in Psych. We wo- hold on I need to answer him" you unmuted the call.

"Hey Derek"

"Hey um I was just wondering if you still lived here? In New York. I'm here for a trade meeting."

"Trade meeting?"

"Yeah with my agent, remember? Basketball?"

"Oh yeah, right. Okay. Um yeah I actually live in the city now"

"Oh, that’s great. Did you wanna grab dinner sometime? I’m here until Friday"

"Y-yeah we could settle on something"

"Okay. I'll uh text you a time and date"

"Yeah okay. Cool"

"Cool. Uh bye"

"Bye" you hung up quick. "Holy shit"

"That was the worst conversation I've ever heard in my life" he laughed.

"Shut up we were both nervous" you hit him with a pillow.

"Who is he again?"

"Long story short, we took Psych together in college and he was on the basketball team so every girl was obsessed but we would hang out all the time. A few nights before he graduated, we had like a moment. It was so romantic," you blushed thinking about it and Harry hated it, "and well, the next week he was gone to play basketball in Europe. It was like maybe right person but wrong time?" Harry swallowed before facing you, "Does that mean you see a future with him? If it was right person, wrong time?"

You looked at him and shook your head, "A girl could dream but I don’t know. I don't think I know him the way I used to you know? It's been like 4 years."

"But you're going on a date"

"No harm in that, right?" For some reason it was like you wanted his permission.

"Yeah, I guess, you said he played basketball in Europe?"

"Yeah, his name is Derek Belov, he's really tall."

"Belov? You're joking me."

"I'm not, you know him?"

"Yeah," he shrugs, "he's big over there. Only over there I guess."

You shrug, "I could honestly care less about it. He's a cool guy in general"

"I have a headache, I'm gonna lay down" he says as he adjusts himself on your couch and puts his feet in your lap. He puts your tv on and watches the office.

You check your phone and Derek had texted you about seven minutes ago. It’s alright though because you didn’t want to seem too excited. You two began texting and settled on a date that night. He swore he didn’t need to fight off the jetlag so you agreed. He'd pick you up at 6, It was almost noon now, so you had plenty of time.

"I'm leaving at 6, he'll pick me up."

"The least he could do, will it be a limo?" you could hear the bitterness in his voice but you blamed it on his hangover.

"No." you slid down your couch and harry tucked your feet under his arm while keeping his eyes on the tv.

You stayed like this for a while, you set an alarm for four o'clock so you wouldn't let time escape.

"Har, when was the last time you went on a date?" you wondered if this could answer your question from last night. If Harry was hooking up with somebody.

" I don't know why?"

"Well like years, months, weeks?"

"Month or so I guess"

"Oh okay, I was just wondering. I guess you could relate to me then. Dating life."

"Yeah sure"

He was being super dismissive and you hated it. You were tired of it actually. You sparked 0 conversation and once your alarm went off, he went back to his apartment and you got ready.

 ~~~

When harry got back to his apartment he felt angry. Angry with the way you spoke about that Derek guy. The fact that you were going on a date with him. He wanted to ruin your plans but he knew he couldn't be selfish. He felt bad for not being the supportive friend he knew you wanted in that moment. With a big sigh and heavy heart, he walked across the hall and knocked on your door 3 times.

You slowly went to open the door, already annoyed with Harry, you opened it with an eyeroll.

"What Harry?"

"I've come in peace," he said with a cheesy smile, "Look I'm sorry for being dismissive earlier I was really just not feeling well and well I'm sorry. Can I help you pick out your outfit now or whatever a girlfriend of yours would do? I even volunteer to do your makeup"

You rolled your eyes and opened the door wider, " Fine. Help me pick an outfit and I wanna borrow the earrings you have on. I like the simple loop look" you said as you walked deeper into your apartment.

"Deal."

You walked into your bedroom where you had a black lace lingerie set on your bed. Harry pretended he didn’t see it as he sat down next to it on your bed.

"I think I might wear a blouse with some high waisted jeans?”

"Yeah I mean why not just go comfy. Wear sweats and a baggy tee. I could lend you one of mine." He winked towards you.

"Harry," you gave him a warning look, "We're having dinner at a restaurant, I'm not gonna wear sweatpants." you looked through your closet and grabbed some black high waisted skinny jeans and tossed them towards Harry. They hit him right in the chest.

"Hey," he grinned at you and laid the jeans flat on your bed. "So is your theme black tonight." he said referencing to the lingerie on your bed.

"Um, I don't know. I think I got too excited. I don't think I'm gonna actually wear it."

"How come? You don't want something to happen?" He hoped not but he kept that to himself.

"I don’t need lingerie to make something happen Harry." he loved your confidence but he hid his smile and nodded.

You grabbed a light blue silky button up blouse from your closet and turned around to face him. "So, I'm thinking tuck the shirt in, roll up the sleeves, and white vans?"

"Sounds.. good"

You nodded and stepped in between his legs from where he was sitting on your bed and then got down to your knees and reached under your bed reaching for a box. The sight made him want to pull you on top of him but he knew he couldn't. Were you teasing him? You pulled a small box and placed it on his lap. Which he was a little thankful because his bulge was only growing in his pants.

"It's my jewelry box, could you pick out some bracelets or something?"

"Yeah, okay" he nodded.

As he kept his head down you went behind him to take off your shirt. You buttoned it up and then jumped into your jeans. Once you finished you faced his front again.

"Should I leave the top two unbuttoned or three?" you said as you unbuttoned a third to show. It showed more cleavage but still wasn't too much.

He rubbed his head and looked anywhere but your chest for too long. "I think two is fine. Leave three for another time. It's still just the first date"

"Aw Harold, you think I'm getting a second date? You're getting better at this girlfriend thing."

"Yeah yeah, here" he passed you his choice of bracelets and his earrings that he took off and you put them on. You enjoyed the fact that you could do this with him.

He grabbed your wrist and turned you around slowly so you were facing your full-length body mirror. You saw him lift his cross necklace above his head and then over yours. He adjusted it between your breast which made you suck in a breath. He felt satisfied when he heard your breath hitch just little bit.

"For good luck." But really he wanted you to remember him while you were out.

You looked him in the eyes through the mirror and whispered, "You don't have to, I've never even seen you take this off"

"Don’t worry about it" He leaned forward and moved your hair to the side and kissed your cheek.

His lips lingered on your cheek for a bit until you heard a knock on your door. You both jumped and walked away from each other.

"I could get it if you want. I know you need to put your shoes on and whatever else."

"Y-yeah please." You felt so confused. You were so excited to go on this date but now you just wanted to stay home with Harry. Feeling his lips on your cheeks made you want to stay and feel his lips on yours. You finished tying your shoes and put some mascara and light makeup.

Harry approached the door and took in a deep breath. When he opened the door, Harry wanted to say "what the fuck" but he actually said,

"Hello, I'm Harry"

"Oh uh, I think I've got the wrong place"

"Looking for Y/n?" he fucking hated that he had to look up to this guy. Damn basketball player, his guess was 6"7. (Derek was actually 6"9)

"Yeah?"

"Yeah she's in here, come in"

"Oh okay," he crouched down just a little to walk. "Do you live here?"

"No across the hall, I'm Y/n's best friend" he grinned. They walked into your living room and took seats waiting for you. Derek nodded at Harry's answer and rubbed his hands against his thighs. Harry noticed his nervousness and debated whether or not to use this to his advantage.

"So where are you taking her?"

"A restaurant, near the Statue of Liberty."

"Nice. Been there before?" maybe with another woman?

"No, actually" Derek looked around like he was becoming impatient with Harry.

You walked out and Derek stood up instantly.

"Wow, y/n it’s so nice to see you," he said as he bent down to give you a hug. It was almost a 2-foot height difference. Harry looked away as it happened. You hugged him back remembering his smell. Some Armani cologne if you remember correctly. Different than Harry's Tom Ford one but why were you even thinking of Harry?

"You too. Let's go? I'm hungry."

"Still the same I see"

"Old habits die hard," you winked. "Har, close the door behind you?"

He nodded at you. You felt bad for some reason and walked over to him and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks for everything," you smiled up at him.

"Yeah, no problem." he blushed but you couldn't tell in this lighting.

As you were walking out your apartment with Derek beside you, you felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. You reached into your pocket behind you and saw Harry had texted you.

H: Let me know when you get home please? Or if you stay at his place? Just wanna know you’re okay. Xx

Y/n: most likely coming home H, I’ll let you know tho :)

Harry debated whether or not to ask if she wanted him to stay at her apartment but he didn’t want to intrude on her plans if she wanted to bring Derek back home. He hoped not. He decided to just not answer.

You and Derek approach the elevator and wait.

“I like your necklace, it’s nice”

“Oh yeah, thanks” you fiddled with it.

The elevator doors opened and you made small talk all the way until the restaurant. You had finally made it to Gigino’s, an Italian restaurant by the waterfront at Wagner Park. It was beautifully lit. You’d never been on a date quite like this one. After you finished ordering your drinks, you spoke up.

“I’m surprised you remembered me. It’s been so long”

"I honestly couldn't forget you" he smiled but looked down trying to hide from you.

You bit the inside of your cheek and reached over to put your hand over his. He looked different, more manly.

"How's the big dream been?"

"More exhausting than I thought it would be. I thought college ball was similar to professional but they're nowhere near close. How's nursing?"

"Good, I have many kids I like to think are my own. I work on the pediatric cancer floor."

"Oh wow, that must be tough"

"It can be, can also be rewarding."

"I'm sure you're great for the job"

"Thank you."

Your food came interrupting your conversation but you didn't really mind. You ordered tagliatelle with mixed shellfish. You nearly moaned at the first bite, it was so good.

"So, Harry.. Best friend he says?"

You laughed a little, "Yeah, the bestest." you couldn't believe Harry said that. You weren't mad, you were humored.

"How long have you known him?"

"Few months"

"He hang around a lot?"

"Derek? Why the 20 questions?"

"Sorry, sorry, I was just wondering. Threw me off I guess." He sipped his wine.

"It's okay. Um yeah, I moved in and we became really good friends. We're just always there for each other. That's all." Lies.com.

"Okay. Could I be honest though?"

"Yes," Here we go…

"He likes you."

"Oh my god Derek," you rubbed your temples.

"He does okay, a guy can tell. I really don't care though. I mean, you're here with me right now."

You didn’t know how to take his last comment. Was it cocky? Was it trusting? Genuine? You felt awkward. You just continued eating quietly.

"I'm sorry, I've gone and made this awkward haven't I?"

"Yep."

You had lost your appetite and so you told the waiter you'd like to take the rest home. Derek had finished his plate.

"Dessert?" the waiter asked with his thick Italian accent and gave you the menus. You looked it over and saw the chocolate covered strawberries with whipped cream. Your weakness.

"Do you still like chocolate covered strawberries?"

A little surprised you looked up from the menu and nodded. Derek ordered for you and bought himself a tiramisu.

"Surprised you remembered that too."

"y/n, I don’t think you realize that I was in love with you."

Was.

"Bullshit."

"I'm serious! I was. But I had to leave, my dad would've killed me if I didn’t continue his legacy in the game."

"Yeah I know, how is Mr. Bolev?"

"We don't talk."

"Oh." Now you made it awkward. This night was becoming… disastrous?

"Well, yeah I was. I wish I'd said it sooner, who knows what would've happened."

Maybe it was the wine, but you felt a little tingly. You sipped and squinted at him.

"Yeah, who knows?"

"Care to find out?" he grinned.

"Can't go back in time sweetheart."

"No but maybe I could show you something similar."

You laughed and stayed quiet as the waiter came out with your strawberries. He watched you as you ate your strawberries. You might've been doing it a little seductively if you were honest. You wiped the corners of your mouth with your finger and sucked on them lightly.

"Fuck," he mumbled and called the waiter over. "Check please?"

You laughed and drank your water. You’ve had enough wine.

"Do you wanna walk around the park?"

"Its dark," you leaned in to whisper, "There's rats. I've seen them"

"Holy shit, no way."

You nodded his way and he looked around nervously. You giggled at how big he was yet scared of a tiny, well sometimes big, rat. He paid quickly and grabbed your hand running out of there. You made it to his car and got in.

"So, where to?"

"Um where you got me from?"

"Right." You don’t know why, but you wanted to feel something. You wanted to see if there was anything there still. He was nice, but he wasn’t… he wasn’t what you thought you wanted anymore. If things went wrong you could blame it on the wine. You leaned across the center console before he could pull out of his parking spot and grabbed his face and kissed him. He kissed you back instantly and you felt nothing. Nada. You kissed him deeper trying to find something, anything. You just had a romantic dinner and now felt nothing? What sick game was life playing? He placed his hand on your hips and encouraged you get on top. You complied and straddled him. Now you felt something. He was already hard and he felt big. You had this internal battle in your head of whether you should grind on him or not. You didn’t want to give him the wrong intention. What were your intentions?

"You're here till Friday?" you asked breathing a little heavy.

"Yeah," he licked his lips and you kissed them again.

Maybe a hookup wouldn't be horrible. But maybe not on the first date.

"You free tomorrow?"

"Mhm," he kissed you and you leaned against his wheel setting the horn off. You both jumped and laughed. He put his hand on your cheek and kissed you softly. "Let’s get out of here?"

You nodded and he drove to your building.

"Do you wanna hang out tomorrow?" he looked over at you as he put the car in park.

"Yeah. I'll text you when I'm free and stuff."

"Okay." Maybe he expected an invitation upstairs but you weren't in the mood to give him one. You really wanted to go upstairs and knock on Harry's door. You wanted to hang out with him. Derek reached his hand over and played with your, actually Harry's, necklace. Little did he know... He tugged it lightly and leaned in towards you. You gave him a quick kiss and said goodnight. You practically ran inside wanting to change. You went into your apartment and changed into some pajama shorts and a baggy t shirt. You put your slippers on and walked across the hall and knocked three times. You heard harry yell a, 'finally!' before he opened the door. When he opened the door, it seemed it wasn't you he was expecting.

"oh, y/n?" his eyes were red.

"Who were you expecting? Are you crying?"

"No um no, and pizza."

"Can I come in?"

"Um I don’t think that's the best idea."

"Harry what's going on?"

He leaned against the door so you could walk in. Lo and behold he was watching The Vampire Diaries without you. It was the scene where Damon was trapped on the Other side and told Elena how much he loved her but she couldn't hear him.

"Are you serious?"

"I got bored okay!"

"Were you crying over this scene?"

"Maybe."

"Aw, poor baby." you walked up to him and pinched his cheeks.

"How was your date?" he said as he pushed your hands down gently.

You stayed looking up at him, "It was good, food was good," he kept eye contact with you and you didn’t even realize he was still holding your hand.

"He didn't walk you up?"

"No, I kind of didn't let him. I wanted to hang out."

He gave your hand a light squeeze and tried to hide his smile. "Doesn't sound like it went all that well then"

"It was fine Har," you dropped his hands and walked towards his couch. "I should be mad at you for watching without me."

"I know, will you ever forgive me?" you both sat on his couch and he helped you put your legs on him. His fingertips left little flames on your skin.

You take off his necklace and crawl up to him and put it back around his neck.

"Back where it belongs." you twisted a curl from behind his neck around your finger.

"Did you know I used to have my hair really long? Like up to my collarbones?"

"Really?"

"Yeah," he pulled out his phone and showed you a picture. He looked so young. So handsome.

"I think you should grow it back out." you giggled.

"How come?" he settled his arm on your knees as you were still facing him on your knees on his couch.

"I don’t know," you ran your fingers through his hair, "you look handsome either way."

"You think I look handsome?" he looked up at you.

You nodded, scared to speak. You thought maybe you'd say something you might regret. Like how much you wanted to kiss him. Or how you wished Derek smelled like him. Or how you thought of him from time to time. He looked away from you and cleared his throat.

"I guess I should finish this episode."

You nodded and went back to laying down on the other end of the couch. Harry felt confused. You had just gone on a date and come back to him and called him handsome. Did you like him or not? You interrupted his thoughts when you spoke up.

"We kissed," you felt like you had to tell him, yet he felt he could live without that information. "but I didn't feel anything. Like those sparks you're supposed to feel. I don’t know."

Harry stared at the screen and just listened. He didn’t want to hear that you kissed but he did like that you didn't like it.

"But I'm supposed to see him again tomorrow, now that I'm here I kind of don't want to."

Harry sighed and turned off the tv. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Y/n, do you feel anything for me? Because I'm honestly fucking confused. You go out on a date with some guy and then come back here, touching me in some ways. Call me handsome. The other night you put your fingers through my belt loop-" he caught what he was saying when you gave him a confused look.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me"

"The other night, after my gig you were drunk and you pulled me towards you.. You didn't remember so I didn't remind you." He sighed heavily.

"Oh, I'm sorry I did that to you."

"I didn’t mind it"

"What's that supposed to mean"

You both sat up and faced each other. Sharing the middle cushion.

"Harry, do you feel anything for me?"

Part 4 is now up!

[kenmasgameboy]

PIPSQUEAK

a kuroo x gangmember!reader

summary;

" you like to cause a bit of trouble, pipsqueak?"

" pipsqueak? seriously?"

Life for you got turned upside down after your first year at Nekoma high. Realizing it was too dangerous, your parents sent you back to live in Miyagi and attend Karasuno with your old friends. Kuroo Tetsuro, the Police Chiefs son, comes into contact with you in the most unexpected way possible, bringing trouble wherever you both go.

—————————-

Prologue.

      High school was never that interesting to you. Though, you'll admit that it was a good way to help the days pass. You always found different games to help.

At first, games to you meant sneaking out of the house, slashing tires, almost getting arrested, going to parties. You had a bad reputation. You had been mixed up with all the wrong people before at your old school. But now you were going to turn your life around. Even if that means that now games to you would mean studying. Kind of.

         The closest you'd probably get to your new life would be getting in trouble for minor things at school. For example, falling asleep in class was a specialty of yours. Truly, an art form. Waking up to that sweet slap of a ruler against your desk was better than any alarm clock you'd ever hear. The rush in your chest, the heat to your cheeks, the sweaty palms. Incredible. But that is it. You promised your mother that this year you would be making her proud at Karasuno. You wouldn't be hanging out with those "thugs" as she liked to call them. You would keep up, maybe pay attention, and maybe make some more real friends.

       The truth was that school never felt like a real challenge to you. Sure there were plenty of difficult subjects that made you feel stupid but you always kept out of the drama, minded your business, and kept your head down. It was fine. There really was a target on your back now that you were the new girl at school though, and you had adjusted week by week meeting new people and reuniting with some old ones, too. But ultimately you decided the social system just wasn't made for you. There wasn't really a good place for you to fit in, or maybe it just wasn't comparing to the kind of family you made before.

      Today was one of those days where your motivation was at its peak, you were taking good notes. Studied for a quiz, been overly diligent. Then that sweet beautiful sound of the lunch bell rang, you pulled out your food, grabbed your skateboard, and left the classroom in a bit of a hurry. As you were leaving you started to hear a conversation:

      Dude, don't worry, I have it completely handled. Watch...

      "(Y/N)!" Narita, your classmate called for you once you exited the room and into the hallway. He stood next to Ennoshita who looked like he would explode any second. You knew Narita, him and Ennoshita were in Class 4 with you and you really didn't have that many real friends at school but you wouldn't mind calling them that. They were some of the friends you were reunited with from middle school, they were a big comfort to you when you transferred in.

      "Hey, how's it going?" You slowly walked over, trying to find your excuse to leave and take a nap without seeming impolite.

      "Great, good. Thanks, yourself?" Narita answered for him and Ennoshita. He also seemed in a hurry for some reason but was much worse at covering it up.

      "Pretty tired, but uh, for the most part—" You started but your sentence didn't last long.

      "You should come to my party! Uh— Our party. We're having a party it would probably wake you up. It's in Tokyo! I mean—" Narita came in strong.

       "Nice, buddy. You really do got this handled." Was all Ennoshita followed it up with, "Gotta go, see you guys in class."

       "A party?" You laughed a little, just because these guys were anything but the partying type. You started walking and Narita was following you like a hawk, "Don't you guys have volleyball practice or something?"

        "Yeah, of course. But not this Friday night! I mean technically we do but we'll be done at 6:30. Party can start at 7:30." Narita followed up, "All the volleyball guys will be there, too. We have a summer training camp in Tokyo starting on Monday so this is kind of the only day we can get everyone together. We already had our friends from Nekoma invite pretty much everyone they knew."

       "N-Nekoma, huh?" Your smile wavered, "That sounds like it'll be really fun for you guys. Thanks for the invite, but I don't really know anyone on your team. Plus, I can't get to Tokyo by 7:30." You said, declining as well as you could without making your answer too suspicious.

       "Well, yeah about that. Um, by 'it's in Tokyo' what I meant to say was Tokyo guys will be there. They're volleyball players, too, actually." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck and adjusting his satchel, trying his best to act cool and lean against the vending machine you were using.

       "So, it's a Volleyball mixer with you guys and a bunch of guys from Tokyo but it's not in Tokyo? Where is it, then?" You asked for the elaboration, kind of liking this dancing way to get to the point.

        "Yes, well and other schools in Miyagi, too. It's a lot of schools, I mean I'm talking Nekoma, Fukorodani, Aoba Johsai, Johzenji, Date Tech, Shiratorizawa.. maybe.. Inarizaki.. and more.. again maybe. But it's at Kinoshita's house. Which is still kinda far, but it has a pool! His family is loaded and they'll all be gone this weekend." Narita finally got to the point.

        "Sounds like it'll be a good time for you guys. I'm happy for you, sounds like you've made a lot of friends from other schools." You cheers'd your milk to him and started walking again to find a place to eat.

        "No, no. Girls will be there, too. It's kinda the whole point."

        "You really have to work on your pitch." You said plainly.

        "Please, I need your help (Y/N). I was put in charge of getting girls to come to this party." Narita begged, you couldn't help but let out a laugh at his desperation. In all your years of knowing him and being in the same classes you had never seen him talk to a single girl who wasn't in a group project or something related to it.

        "Why you?"

        "It was either me or Tanaka."

        "Oh, then definitely you are the better choice." You agreed, having known just from the previous stories he's told you. "Interesting proposition. I'll think about it."

       "You'll think about it and say yes?" He tried, "Every time I talk to a pretty girl I feel like I'm going to throw up, I can't talk to groups of girls and invite them to a party. But you're likable, more well known now since you're the new girl."

       "First of all, rude that I don't make you want to throw up. I'm pretty, sometimes."

       "Fair."

        "How about, I'll say yes if you tell me who it is you have a crush on, which girl you most want at this party then I'll help out." You offered. Narita thought for a minute as you started eating your lunch.

       "Fine." He nodded, "This is my duty to my boys." Then he leaned into your ear and whispered the name of the prettiest and smartest girl in your class: Ichika Yua. Ichika was going to be a tough sell.

       "Alright. A deals a deal. You've given me a secret and I will do what I can do. How many girls do you need, anyway? Are we going for a 1:1 ratio or..?"

       "No, these guys need a much higher chance I think. Let's try a 4:1 ratio."

       "Yeah, actually you're gonna take what you can get."

       "Yes, ma'am."

        "Now give me the rundown on your team. I don't really know any of them and I need to know for my pitches I have to do this week. And don't think because I'm doing some work means that you can slack off okay. I really only know 2nd-year girls, if you want 3rd year or 1st you have to go to them. You need to try too. Also, will there be alcohol?" You listed off your demands and were straight forward. Narita made a slow nod,

        "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you know any girls from Nekoma who could come?" He asked you the dreaded question.

        Yup, you were originally supposed to spend your high school years at Nekoma High School. When you were entering high school your dad got a job offer in Tokyo, forcing you to move out there after middle school. Then after everything happened, your Mom knew it was too risky to let you live out in Tokyo still and she shipped you back here to go to Karasuno and live in a small apartment by yourself. You have family friends who come to check on you and your parents visit when they can. It's not horrible, at least now you get to come back to streets more familiar.

      "Um, I think the girls I knew from Nekoma aren't exactly the girls you want at a party. Besides, you should just ask your volleyball brethren to ask some girls and pull their weight. Or are they too pretty for you to talk to?" You teased Narita and knocked his head.

      "Hey, girls are girls." Narita held his head from where you knocked it.

      "Sure, if thats the case then the next time you see me I better be seeing some chunks."

     You and Narita continued to eat lunch together that day. Until you realized you only had a limited amount of time left and had to use the bathroom before class so you excused yourself. You skated away around the outside of the courtyard with a bun in your mouth and around some of your other classmates, waving.

        "Dude, uh. Who was that?" A guy with an aggressive appearance walked up to Narita, having walked past a few minutes before but stayed just to gawk.

        "Huh? (Y/N)?" Narita clarified, innocently.

        "(Y/N)... wow. What a beautiful name." Tanaka sighed in simp, "Is she our year?"

        "Yeah, man. She's in my class. You never noticed her before? I'm surprised she was the talk of Karasuno guys for like the whole first week of this year." He laughed. "She is technically new to Karasuno this year. But she's from Miyagi, I've known her since grade school."

        "My babe sensor has been reserved for Kiyoko only recently. Trying to be loyal." He humphed, "You guys a thing?"

       "What? No, no." Narita laughed, "No, we've just been friends for a while. She's helping me get girls to come to the party on Friday."

       Tanaka jumped up with optimism, "Yes! This is going to be the best party of our high school lives!"

       "I hope so." Narita rubbed his neck to try and tame his nerves again.

       "(Y/N).." Tanaka sighed again, "You know who's gonna go nuts when they get a look at her, right?"

       "I know."

———————————-

next

Thank you so much for reading!! Please let me know what you think and keep reading!!

[wolferals]

🇪🇸ella es linda🇪🇸

finally fallin' chapter 2

<arón piper x reader>

(The spanish is all google translate, i wont take responsibility for mistakes)

chapter 2

„Hola" a tall, very handsome man with a silver hoop dangling from his ear and short brown hair spoke and got closer to the both of you.

His eyes were brown, light brown with a hint of green maybe. Plump, nice lips and a mole under his left eye.

He was wearing a loose blue polo shirt and some black jeans. Under the shirt you could see a silver necklace sparkling towards you.

You were startled by his appearance. He was really attractive to you and you had to do a lot not to start stuttering. „We talked before I think."

You shook his hand.

„Y/n, nice to meet you too."

He smiled brightly and gave you a long gaze before looking over to his friend.

It was quiet between you guys for a second until you broke the silence by saying:"Alright I wont bother you guys any longer, have a nice day you too."

Your „classmate" nodded and then asked:"Am I gonna see you in photography tomorrow?"

You nodded at him.

„Wait can I get your number so we can text each other if one of us is lost on campus or anything."

He laughed.

Excited you agreed and afterwards you put your number in his phone.

„Y/n ya?“ He asked as he read through it again.

„Yeah, and you?“

His friend Arón chuckled quietly and then replied for him:“His name is Itzan.“

Well at least now you knew his name.

„Alright.“ you laughed and pushed some hair out of your face.

„Okay see you tomorrow then." You put your phone back in your purse and said goodbye. „Hasta luego." He spoke as you slowly walked away, giving the tall handsome another glance, smiling.

He was really good looking, you'd already figured that and he seemed to be nice. He helped out his friend after all.

Since you had nothing else to do than get back to your place and unpack some last things that you hadnt gotten the chance to in the past week. Especially your clothes had to be sorted into your white wooden closet before they all got wrinkly and started to smell from your suitcases.

So you went on with it. After grabbing an apple you turned on some music and finally finished unpacking and decorating your place.

As you were about to turn on the tv and sat down on the bed you heard your laptop making a „ring" noise.

Email.

Who would send you an email nowadays?

You carefully grabbed your laptop, opened the mail service and started reading.

„Dear class,

I've had a good time today getting to know some of you and bringing you the fine arts of photography closer.

Due to the loose schedule we need to start soon with the practical work.

What I'd like you to do is, find yourself a group of other students in this course (2-4) and work on a photography series that expresses a certain feeling. The series should include 5 individual photographies that all somehow work together either in color moments, editing or background.

Find a nice location, take some shots and be creative with either photoshop or other photo editor programs.

You can be free in the choice of materials, if you'd like to use a professional camera, we can sort that out in our next class.

But using you phone would be enough for now.

I hope you're all having a wonderful day, see you in the next course.

Sandra Rodriguez"

Alright, you figured. No problem at all, you could ask Itzan if he wanted to work with you since he's the only person you've talked to so far. And it should be fun.

He was really handsome, maybe he'd be willing to be the model for this series.

He mustve gotten the email as well, so you decided to ask him the next day if he wanted to work on it with you.

So first things first, you wrote down some ideas you'd like to shoot and made some sketches on your iPad.

Afterwards you watched some shows for a while and then had a long phone call with one of your friends from back home.

You went to bed rather early this day just to feel good tomorrow for a rather long day. You had 4 different classes the next day. First course would be fine arts, starting at 9, then photography again and after that a class of media‘s. Then a 2 hour break and as a last class of the day you‘d have typography.

The class you were most excited about was media, you‘ve always wanted to design ads and stuff on medias.

And you were definitely going to talk to Itzan about the photography series project, but you were confident he‘ll say yes since he doesnt seem to be friends with anyone else yet.

*time skip to 2:45 next day*

„Hey.“ you greeted the dark haired boy who was sitting at a table in the middle of campus.

Itzan smiled at you. „Buenos dias.“

You smiled back and sat down next to him.

„How was your last class?“ You asked and took out the sandwich you had just bought.

Itzan leaned back and started telling you about his last informatics class that he already regretted taking.

„Aw man, i hope you can get out of it.“ you said with half your mouth full.

He nodded and replied:“Yeah i hope so too, how was yours?“

-„It was great! Media is fun, we were drawing some fruits on photoshop as a first practice.“

You guys kept on talking about your different classes until you decided it was time to brainstorm a bit for the photography project. Itzan actually had been the one to ask you if you wanted to work as a team which made you glad because that meant you didnt have to be awkward.

So first you showed him the ideas you had written down the previous night and he added some things he‘d like to do.

„Do you want to model this though?“ you laughed and looked up to him.

He gave you a disgusted look.

„No... Do I have to?“ he asked confused.

You started laughing from his reaction. „No you dont HAVE to, but i dont want to do it either.“

Just as he wanted to complain his phone rang.

„Its your boy.“ he grinned and picked up.

„Hola...“ he spoke into the phone and kept on speaking in Spanish so you didnt really understand.

„Maybe we could ask him!“ you suddenly exclaimed after thinking about it.

Itzan looked up to you and put the phone away from his ear for a second. „Arón?“ he asked.

You nodded.

He then laughed and seemed to actually ask Arón about it.

„He said no.“

You pouted and put your hand out to gesture you wanted the phone.

„Let me ask.“

Itzan grinned, said something to Arón and handed you the phone.

„Hey Arón.“ you spoke in your sweetest tone.

„I‘m not modeling for you.“ you heard his deep voice laugh.

„Come on, please, we need to do it and none of us wants to do it.“ you spoke and looked at Itzan who had just bitten into an apple.

„Y/n..“ you heard him sigh.

„Por favor.“

He started laughing. You immediately got concerned that he was laughing at your terrible Spanish pronunciation.

After a little bit of silence he answered:“Alright, when?“

You started cheering inside but just replied with a „ohh thank you, perfect!“

-„IF...“

he paused.

„You have to help me with something too.“

You waited for him to tell you what it was.

„Yeah what is it?“ you then asked since he didnt reply.

„Tell Itzan to give me your number, I‘ll text you tonight.“

You started smiling. A cute guy wanted something from you and said he‘d text you tonight.

„Will do! Thank you so much! Gracias.“

He laughed again and you symbolized Arón‘s approval by showing Itzan a thumbs up.

He grinned back at you.

„You‘re welcome, but i‘ll only do it if you help me with my project.“

-„Of course.“ you smiled and nodded. „Cant wait. Thanks, bye, ill give you back to Itzan.“

You heard him chuckle.

„Goodbye y/n.“

Smiling you handed the phone back and went back to eating your sandwich.

Itzan continued talking to Arón until looking at you for a second. He grinned and replied to Arón:“Lo se, ella es linda.“