#order up this is fresh off the editing table

[cazzyf1]

Clay Regazzoni - Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves

[k-dgn]

Sana's Web Chapter 5: Working for Your Meals

Reader x Jihyo Words: 10k

You didn't stay too much longer over at Tzuyu's house afterwards. Despite the intense moment the two of you shared, her straightforwardness reared its head again when she had asked you to take your leave after cleaning up and resting a little bit. She had explained it was because Dahyun wouldn't take much longer to arrive at their place, and Dahyun had made it clear how disapproving she was of you after Sana's house party. You didn't mind complying, you didn't need to be up to an ungodly hour every day. Getting home in time sounds nice for a change.

It was getting pretty late, and you hadn't eaten much tonight yet. Tzuyu's place was pretty far away from yours by foot but too close for public transit, and you hadn't arrived by car. You decided you might as well head down a little detour, grab some take-out, and walk home to eat there. You couldn't decide between fried chicken and Chinese food, but since you were eating alone, a decision had to be made. No use in wasting food ordering two meals just for yourself. You settled on Chinese food, and made your way back home.

When you arrived home, you couldn't help but notice the lights were on inside. Strange, you thought, since you didn't remember leaving them on when you left. Then again, who does? If you remember, you'd have turned them off, you rationalized, calming yourself down. You unlocked the front door, walking in, when a strong smell hit your nose like a blow to the face. It was the smell of fried chicken, wafting in from the kitchen. Now this was cause for alarm, because you did for a fact know you didn't leave any fried chicken out to rest before you left. You prepared yourself for whatever could be beyond your hallway, making your way into your living room, before being met with a shock and subsequently calming down. (edited)

Sana was sitting on your couch, getting ready to eat and clearly not having taken notice of your presence, a fresh portion of delivery fried chicken resting on your table. She was wearing a dark blue button up sweater with some black slacks, black socks and as well as her glasses. It wasn't often she wore those over her contacts, usually only after getting comfortable somewhere.

"Ahem?!" You coughed out loud, startling worlds cutest home invader, who shrieked out a yelp before turning to you, seeing you standing there with your arms crossed. She immediately started giggling, the brightest smile at your little surprise before standing up to come and hug you.

"I didn't think you'd be home today anymore! Welcome home, baby~" She talked, turning up her charm to eleven, making you instantly forget and forgive her transgressions. "I ordered some fried chicken to eat. I only have one portion, since I didn't think you'd be back today, but we can share if you want." She went on, playing innocent and avoiding explaining to you why exactly she was here. Nevertheless, her charm cracked your shell.

"Actually, I brought some take-out of my own. I have chinese food though." You replied, you yourself forgetting to ask why she was here. Sana's eyes grew wide in surprise, her mouth agape as she covered it with both her hands.

"No way! I couldn't decide between Chinese or fried chicken! Wanna go half and half?" she squealed, glee in her voice as if she just got the best news in the world.

"You know, I was having the exact same dilemma when I was deciding what to get..." You replied, chuckling and nodding your head in disbelief. "Yeah, let's split!" You agreed to her request, motioning her back to the couch as you followed her closely before sitting down, unpacking your food and setting up in a way you both could share. "So what are we watching?" You asked Sana, her clearly having made herself comfortable at yours already.

"Nothing now! Oh, and before I forgot, Nayeon asked for your number. Do you mind if I give it to her?" She smiled, her eyes closed, glee radiating off of her face, throwing in a question towards you. You smiled back at her,  replied with a "That's fine, go ahead." to her question, and looked towards her, curious to what she meant with her first comment but happy to indulge nonetheless. Sana took her plate, and sat herself across from you on the table instead of next to you, her back towards the TV, cross-legged sitting on the floor. "Let's talk about our days! Isn't that more fun, hmm?" She continued, looking at you, her eyes giving the smallest glint of a smirk but her smile still masking it. Something told you she wasn't just randomly asking this question. You couldn't help but think she must have already somehow learned what you did today. Today had filled you with confidence though, so you were down to tango with Sana.

"Sure! Let's talk, how was your day, Sana?" You indulged her, taking the initiative to ask her the question first. If she really knew anything and was forcing your hand to talk about it, stalling by asking her first was sure to at least give you some time to consider the situation. It's not like you didn't want Sana to know or was trying to hide it, you just didn't feel the instant need to tell her about it. You'd also prefer to not know if and who Sana's other sexual partners are if she had any. She was free to, you'd just prefer to not know.

Sana seemed to not mind. She smiled, and actually started casually talking about her day. Apparently, her day was filled with work. She was asked to come to the JYP building and go over all of the outfits she was expected to wear for their next world tour. Apparently, it was pretty custom for them to do a test run of all their outfits once decided, and see if they can swap between them fast enough to not miss their cue for a next performance. If any problems occurred, they knew to change some parts of their outfits to make them easier to swap in and out of.

"I've got some pictures from the outfits, do you want to see them?" She asked, sincerely eager for your response. You nodded yes, and letting out a small vocalization of a "yeah", to which she flipped her phone, showing you a picture of herself in white boots that came right below her knees, a green tube top and miniskirt overlayed by green fishnet-like fabric tied together using lots of string. It was enthralling, her exposed midriff looking like the perfect canvas for you to work with. She noticed you drooling over her, laughed a little in a high pitched voice and turned the phone back towards her. "I knew you'd like that! I even brought it with me here today." She teased you, throwing a wink your way before giggling the cutest giggle you'd ever seen a girl make.

"Wow, I would LOVE to see what that looks like with my own eyes." You flirted back, shooting your shot at her. The corner of her lips went up, as she seemed to expect this response. She replied with a short but resolute "Sure." Before getting up from the floor and moving towards your bedroom. You started to get up as well, thinking this was your cue to go and get her, but she stopped that idea right in its tracks.

"Sit back down, I'll come back when I'm ready~" She taunted you, her head slightly turned to show her side profile which was carrying a cheeky smile to you as she walked away, closing the door behind her. You sat back down, and not two minutes later, just enough time to have eaten but one piece of fried chicken, she'd walked back out of your bedroom, completely dressed in the previously shown garments. She looked enthralling, causing you to have trouble swallowing your food as she stepped over towards you, her hips swaying from one side to the other as she was clearly taking her time. She stepped up to right in front of you, who was just regularly sitting on the couch, leaning back a little with your feet off of the couch. She looked down on you a little, raised both her eyebrows once as if to ask "What do you think?", and confidently straddled your lap with her hands on your shoulders to stabilize her.

"So how was your day~?" She asked you, a little "oop" coming out of her mouth right after asking the question before you could answer, as your body reacted to her provocations, and your cock was pressing against her crotch.

"Only getting better." You replied, trying to match her flirt. You placed your hands on the side of her stomach, grasping her firmly the way you knew she loved, before pulling her in ever so slightly and moving in for a kiss. Sana stopped you before you could reach her lips, her right hand finding its way to your forehead and pushing you back into her seat.

"No no no, big boy. You don't get to unwrap this present until you've made good on your promise." She said, putting you back in your place. She riled you up, only to shoot you down, and you got so flustered you couldn't hide the shock on your face.

"Promise? What promise?" You inquired hastily, needing a memory jog after everything that had happened today. Sana looked a little upset at you asking for clarification, sighed, but told you anyway.

"You promised you'd find me a member we could have a threesome with, remember?" She explained what she meant, causing you to remember what she  was talking about. You thought it wasn't as urgent as she made it out to be now, and just something you'd eventually have happen. Clearly, you misread the importance of this for Sana, and steel your resolve to make it a reality sooner rather than later.

"Actually... maybe I did make some progress on that..." You replied, piquing Sana's interest as you were about to spill the beans on what you did today. Sana's face turned to curiosity, her face turning slightly sideways, asking you to continue. "I kind of... fucked Tzuyu... today?" You explained further, your intonation almost as if you were asking a question, your tone slightly apprehensive. You weren't sure how to explain what happened today, and after seeing how competitive she got with Mina at her party, you weren't quite sure how to breach the topic

"Kind of? How do you kind of fuck someone?" Sana challenged your choice of words, before letting you continue.

"Well, we hit it off at that party of yours, and apparently she had some hang ups on her past experiences, which she apparently thought me fit to help with." You explained. You expected Sana to be more shocked at this, but her shock was barely visible through the glee and joy painted on her face as you told her this. You continued to explain how you found each other, her chuckling at you mentioning what a crazy coincidence it was, and you finishing with telling Sana that your fling with Tzuyu was supposed to be a recurring thing.

"Soo Tzuyu already agreed to a threesome then? That's why you're telling me this?"  Sana probed, measuring the validity of your answer as she had her doubts about your assertiveness in bringing Tzuyu up. Her excitement for what you were suggesting was clearly palpable though, as she seemed to be rewarding you already, her hips moving back and forth over your lap, grinding against your most sensitive spot.

"Well, no, not yet.." You began to explain, but were interrupted by Sana standing up straight, and getting off of your lap. "I guess you're not getting this tonight then! I'm still staying over to sleep though, it's way too late for me to head home looking this great." She declared, instantly crushing any hope you had of striking a new record on how many different girls you'd fucked in one day.

"I already knew you went to see Tzuyu though, so thanks for not lying! Chaeyoung texted me, she saw you enter her place as she was leaving. You really ought to be more aware of cameras for a guy who makes his living with them." Sana continued berating you, mixing in some weird praise which you couldn't help but feel slightly bitter about. You never were going to lie to her, you had no reason, but her baiting this info out of you got you thirsty for revenge. Her slutty waist in that outfit didn't help with how rough you wanted to be to her in return. Still, if Sana wants to play hard to get and rile you up, you aren't going to lose to her.

Sana moved back to her original eating place, continuing with her food where she left off, as you two furthered your conversation about your days. Sana showed some more pictures of outfits she tried on, and in turn you told her bits about your experience with Tzuyu. You went to bed horny that evening, but not willing to lose to Sana. She made it incredibly hard on you however, as she declared any guest futon or couch you proposed to sleep in or in apart from her was too cold or scary, and absolutely needed to sleep in the same bed as you. It was no accident either then, that on multiple occasions that night, you felt her ass grind against your crotch any time you thought you'd finally cooled down. 

You vowed to yourself that night that the first thing you would do in the morning would be to contact Tzuyu, and get this threesome ready to go. Preferably even before Sana leaves your apartment, to maybe get her as far to wrap herself up again. You could only dream.

—

The next morning you'd wake up to your bed emptier than when you fell asleep. Sana had already gotten up and dressed, and you soon did too. You weren't sure if she'd already left your place yet, but were hoping to still catch her before she left. You'd made your way to your living room, where she was seated, getting up the moment you walked in and heading over to put her dirty breakfast plate and utensils in the sink.

"Oh good, you haven't left yet." You noted, wiping some sleep crust from your eyes. Sana looked up at you, a tempered smile turning towards you as she finished cleaning up.

"I'm glad you're excited but as long as you haven't-" Sana began speaking, her tone clear that the next words out of her mouth were going to tease you. Before she had the chance, however, you cut her off, getting straight to the case.

"Hey, yeah, look, about that. I was wondering if you'd give me Tzuyu's number." You appealed to Sana, sticking to your vow from last night. You stared her down, showing how serious you were about this request. You didn't blink or break eye contact, this wasn't just to exchange some horny pics. You were standing on business. Sana was a little taken aback, taking a couple of seconds to collect herself, figuring out what to respond to you.

"If you think I'm going to do your work for you, you're severely mistaken. So no, I won't. Especially not without getting her permission." She replied curtly, pulling up her nose as she made sure you were going to do all the work she needed from you. When it came to treating this princess, there was no cutting corners. You sighed, muttered a still half-asleep "Okay, fine." accepting her response. "Besides, you know where she lives and sleeps now, so you can ask her yourself." She continued, her face turning away from you, a blunt "hmph!" following her explanation, as she walked past you, grabbing her bag from the couch which she already filled with all her belongings before eating and heading out.

"I'll fulfill my promise to you!" You shouted after her. You couldn't see it anymore, but she smirked at your shouted response, a little giggle escaping that you barely managed to catch as she left, leaving you assured she wasn't storming out enraged with you. This was more of a challenge, and you were ready to accept.

Getting into it with Sana today wasn't an option anymore, and as much as you'd like to march over to Tzuyu's house right now and get her geared up for a threesome, there were two things stopping you from doing just that. One, you don't know whether or not she'd be home by the time you'd arrived or if any of her housemates you'd better avoid for now were home. And two, you had work today. You couldn't just take every day off, fucking your worries away.

You did your usual morning routine, getting ready for work, and headed out. Today was a full schedule, shooting an advertisement for a popular underwear brand. As exciting as that sounded, you weren't too thrilled about the models, considering it was male underwear. But whatever, work was work and this paid well. You couldn't help yourself from daydreaming about how you'd handle your request of Tzuyu in between shots, getting more distracted than you'd normally allow yourself to be. You always had your phone on silent during shoots, like a true professional. Wasn't usually a problem, your phone wasn't known to be burning all the time. Today however, you'd face a surprise.

After your work was done, you thanked everyone for their hard work, packed your stuff and checked your phone. You had a couple of messages from an unknown number.

???, 13:52 PM: Hiii~~

???, 13:54 PM: Whatcha dooooin'?

???, 14:06 PM: Don't I just look the cutest in this picture? 

???, 16:47 PM: This is Y/N, right?? 

Attached to the second message was a picture. It was a selfie from Nayeon, in the back of a car wearing a cute pink sweater. She was looking away from the camera, one finger on her chin, a pouty look on her visage. You checked the current time, 17:11. You had left her unresponsive for more than three hours, and in a flurry typed up a response to not keeping her waiting another second.

Y/N: Yes, this is Y/N, and yes, you look very cute!

It wasn't very long before the phone showed your message as read, and you could see her typing up a response. 

NY: "I look very cute"? You're a professional photographer and it took you 3 and a half hours just to say I 'look cute'?

You thought your response was fine, but maybe it would have been better to type up a more thought out answer instead of a fast one... You internalized her message, thinking about how to redeem yourself next. Give her feedback on how to take a better selfie? No, you'd definitely get on her bad side if you criticized her now. You thought back to how she was acting with you at Sana's party, maybe her behavior from back then could give you a clue to the proper way forward.

Sana's words rang in your ears.  "Nayeon loves the hunt. If she catches you on the first try, you were a boring hunt, and she'd never look your way, ever again." It doesn't look like just acting uninterested is what she would like either. So you'd need to devise a response that is simultaneously playful, flirty, and clearly still showing you don't need her.

Y/N: You look like you want me to kiss you.

Your message was read almost instantly again, and you saw the icon showing she was typing a response pop-up. And then disappear. And then pop-up again, and disappear once more. Was she typing up a response and constantly deleting it? She doesn't know what to say? You weren't sure if this was a good or a bad sign, until eventually, a good 10 minutes later, you finally heard a ding.

NY: Hahaha, and what if I do~~

You breathed a big sigh of relief. Your response was better this time, thank god. If this was the pattern you were supposed to keep up, you think you could somehow manage.

Y/N: Then you'll have to try a little harder, I seem to be in high demand lately and I'm intending on abusing that~

You felt pretty confident in that response, thinking you were locked in on the vibe. You put your phone away, giving her some breathing room to respond this time. After waiting for about 15 minutes without a response, you started to wonder if your message failed to be sent. You checked the chat, and sure enough, it was sent, and she'd already seen it as well. No response however. Did you go too far? You feared your message had turned her off, but decided you couldn't do anything to change that now, and sending a message right now to try and remedy the situation would only serve to make you look desperate. You decided it best to finish packing up and to head home. She'll respond when she wants to.

You had a pretty standard evening, nobody reaching out to you anymore as you finished eating your dinner and sat in front of the tv, thinking about how you were going to solve your predicament with Tzuyu. The sun was already down, so a surprise visit to her house might not be as charming as the dramas on tv might have led you to believe. Before you could really get lost in devising a new strategy, your phone buzzed again. You didn't expect anyone to contact you at this hour, so that only left one person in mind this could be from. You were hoping it was Nayeon. As you unlocked your phone to check, sure enough, you saw you had  a new message from Nayeon. Attached was a picture of Nayeon, A selfie taken from a high angle from the waist up, looking like she was lying on a couch at her home. She was wearing a dark blue adidas tracksuit, the zipper ever so slightly open, looking straight into the lens with her lips perched in a kissy face.

NY: How about this then? What do I look like I want from you here? I'll give you a hint, it's very sticky~~

The implication of her message had your body reacting fiercely, but you managed to calm down before unzipping your pants and sending her a dick pic. You couldn't afford to just jump her way now, you had to continue playing the game. You contemplated not responding to her message instantly, but you already viewed it, and she would have surely seen that. If you wanted to make that play, you should have waited to view the message a little longer. You had to think of a good response here, and you had to think fast.

Y/N: How about you wait till you see what you're working with before acting like you can handle it, noona. 😉

Before you could even stow your phone in your pants, it buzzed again, another notification from Nayeon.

NY: Ehhhh? Then show me!

Wasn't that a bit too brazen of her, you thought to yourself. You weren't against the idea, but turning her down now would seem counterintuitive to the flirty part, but you couldn't just show her a picture of your dick like that. That'd be too hasty you felt. Let's throw the ball back into her court, she seems to like setting the pace for now.

Y/N: Hmmmm, nah. You first if you're that into me!

Her response was even faster this time, almost as if she predicted what you were gonna say and was just waiting to hit send.

NY: Okay, now you! Show me what I'm working with~~😘

Attached was a picture, a selfie she must have taken earlier, on a set for a music video they shot. She was visible from the waist up, staring down into the camera, wearing red framed glasses and nothing else. Her tits were exposed, bare for you to feast on. Her smirk was devious, knowing that whoever got to see this picture would devour it. You could no longer hold yourself back, as you rushed to your bathroom mirror, stripped from all clothes, and took a picture for her. You were fully naked, gripping your erect cock by holding the base uptight and staring your lens down. You sent just the picture, getting so lost in your frenzy you didn't type a response to go with it.

You started jerking your cock, in anticipation of what would come next, expecting an evening full of back and forth. Nayeon's response came in, and you eagerly popped open the message, hoping it would motivate you closer to completion.

NY: Wooow, if you were her right now I'd show you that I can handle that. Too bad you're not here~~  

No picture attached, but what she wrote might have implied something better. She liked what she saw, and even extended an invitation to you. You put a pair of gray sweatpants on you had laying around, still showing the clear outline of your bulging cock. You wanted to keep sending her pictures of you to rile her up like she riled you up, and took another picture of yourself, flexing your core as hard as you could. You decided a cowboy shot was the play here, just to show her the outline of your cock but that you'd stuffed it away again. You took some time to try out a couple of poses, landed on one you were happy with, and sent it her way with a message attached this time.

Y/N: Don't get too carried away window shopping, I haven't sold you anything yet  

Trying to keep her in check, make sure you didn't come over as desperate and too easy to fuck. Maybe you got too carried away with your dick pick, but oh well. Unfortunately, despite reading your message, no further response came that evening. Your conversation with Nayeon fell silent, and you were unsure if you fucked up, or if she just got busy. You shrugged it off, used the polaroid of Sana you'd made to relieve yourself of your pent up frustration, and just ended up going to bed early for once.

—

Another morning came, and right as you were about to sit down and formulate a plan on how to contact Tzuyu without looking like an absolute stalker, your phone rang once more. It seems you've grown quite popular. After yesterday, you decided it was best to not expect anything. You still couldn't help but be a little surprised when you picked up your phone and had a new message from Mina.

MN: We should talk. Update on your job prospects at JYP. Come by the building today at 3 PM.

That sound ominous you dreaded. You felt a wave of cold sweat form on your body. You spent too much time fucking around, literally, instead of focusing your time on leaving a good impression on all the girls. A whole week went by and all you did was get dirty with Tzuyu and text inappropriately with Nayeon. Whatever, time to face those consequences. You recollected yourself and typed up a response.

Y/N: Okay, I'll be there!

The rest of your day until you left was spent mentally languishing over what to wear, what to say and what to expect. You dressed up quite nicely, and ended up leaving half an hour early. If traffic ended up being a hassle, you'd have some wiggle room to still be on time. No way in hell you'd be late today. You ended up needing some of your time budget, as finding a parking spot turned out to be quite the challenge. You still managed to make it about 15 minutes early. You went inside, and just waited in the lobby for Mina to come find you. Without an employee ID, you had no chance of going any further and finding her yourself, so you might as well get comfortable. Not even 5 minutes after sitting down, you'd heard a familiar voice addressing you.

"You're early, that's good! Shows you care." It was Mina, who had crept up to you from behind and stood with her arms crossed. She was as stunning as always, wearing a patterned pencil skirt, with a white shirt tucked into it. Baggy socks were stuffed into her white flat shoes, and she tied the outfit together with a dark navy jeans jacket.

"On time is too late!" You responded with confidence, wanting to cement how serious you were about going for this gig full time. Mina chuckled a bit at this remark before giving you another response.

"Hehe, I like that. I'm going to hold all men in my life to that standard from now on." She responded approvingly. You smiled proudly at her remark, glad you could impress. "Follow me, let's talk for a bit?" Mina sort of meekly propositioned, turning halfway towards going deeper into the building, to which you nodded and beckoned her to lead the way. You started walking deeper into the halls, and Mina continued.  "Let's get straight to the point. We held a vote today on whether or not you should get the job." She started explaining, and you felt your heart drop, expecting the worst. "It was a tie. Four of us voted in favor of you, and four of us voted against. One vote ended chickening out and hasn't voted yet. She's been given three days to decide, at which point the decision will be final." You weren't sure if you should feel relieved or if you should feel even more stressed out. If a conclusion was made right now, that would have been the end of it and you could have moved on with your life. But now you know there are three days for this life impacting decision to take hold? This would be the difference between a cozy, well-paying, secure job and shooting uninspired commercial shoots erratically for the next ten years. In any case, you'd been given a chance, and steeled your resolve.

"I see. I'll have to do whatever I can to convince the doubter then." You replied resolutely, your eyes as sharp as ever. Mina admired your determination. She had decided before you arrived that based on your response whether or not she'd help you. Safe to say, you convinced her. She replied to your statements with a final question to check your sincerity.

"You think you have what it takes?" The same fierce, piercing gaze you only saw on her when she wanted to devour you appeared here, showing how serious this was to her. You nodded back to her, and didn't break eye contact for a single second. You were determined. "Good." Mina responded, a small sigh escaping her as she closed her eyes, smirked and determined herself to help you as well.

"Sana, Tzuyu, Momo and I voted in favor of you. I'm not sure how you convinced Tzuyu, but why Sana and I are in your corner should be obvious. Momo ended up just following her gut and trusting in Sana in me. The ones who voted against you were Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Dahyun and Chaeyoung. You know what that means, right?"

"I have three days to convince Jihyo..." You muttered out, already thinking about a way to manifest that. "I'll do it, but I must say, I didn't expect that result." You replied, your eyes inquisitively searching for clues on this turnout from Mina.

"Don't look at me! You've had little over a week to convince everyone. It's your job to show you know how to go above and beyond, Twice won't settle for ordinary. For now, you're barely scraping by. The only reason Jihyo is doubting and didn't vote against you is because Tzuyu was so resolute in voting in favor of you!" Mina explained, teasing your failure at impressing the other girls the way you impressed her.

"Yeah no, that's fair. I won't ask for anything else Mina, since you've already helped me this much, but could you please tell me where to find Jihyo today?" You pleaded with Mina, clasping her both hands in between your palms, causing her usually soft-spoken self to come out once more and blush visibly, causing her to avert her gaze from you.

"She's in a meeting right now... She said she would go work out here once she's done to properly think it over..." She answered your question, her volume having lowered drastically. Your laser-focus on the task at hand made it so you caught all that without a problem anyways.

"Thank you so much! Wait, I have no idea where she works out... and I can't bother her in a meeting. Alright, I'll start planning out the fastest route in between all gyms in a 2 kilometer radius and continuously visit each one until I eventually stumble into her! I got this!" You started rambling, trying your crazy best to maximize what little time you had. You started walking away, as you were already planning everything out on your phone before Mina's volume was raised behind you, addressing you once more.

 "Stop, you dummy!" She shouted in a volume you could barely call shouting. Her fists were clenched beside her body, and her eyes closed, slowly opening up to look at you turning around again. "You'll never find her that way. She's going to work out in the gym in this building." She continued to explain as you walked back to her, letting her finish. You only now realized how insane your ramblings must have sounded. At least you showed real spirit! "I'll help, so don't go acting all crazy. I'll let you into the gym after she enters, okay?" Your eyes sparkled with gratitude, excitement and thankfulness to Mina's assistance, and you were quick to respond in kind.

"You are the best, Mina! How can I ever make it up to you?!" You almost shouted throughout the hallway you were in, trumping her volume with ease.

"Come pick me up after you've finished talking with Jihyo..." She responded, meekly, unable to meet your eager gaze. You heard her fine, but you still had to wonder if you heard her correctly. It's not like you didn't want to do that for her, but you hardly thought the exchange was fair. You owed her so much more!

"Come pick you up? Is that all, are you sure?" You questioned her, making sure you really did catch everything.

"Yeah... Come pick me up and take me to your place tonight, we haven't been alone together for a while now..." She mumbled, gathering all her courage to get those words out. You understood what she was saying, and promised her you would. You swore you'd spend as much time with her as she wanted, before she ushered you away to go get a fitting outfit for entering a gym. You were too far from home to go there and come back to get your gym clothes, so you just decided to sprint out the JYPe building and visit the nearest shop you could find that sold gym clothes, bought whatever looked best they had there and rushed back over to Mina who once more allowed you access to their building.

You followed Mina into an elevator, where she ushered you into, until you reached the floor on which the company gym was located. Man, an entire private gym inside of this building really is nuts... passed your mind. If you perform well enough now, you might be enjoying those benefits soon as well. You kept following Mina, in a silence that was anything but awkward. Rather, you were being so introspective on how to tackle what was about to happen, and Mina had no intention of disrupting your focus.

"Alright, these are the changing rooms. That door over there leads to the gym. Good luck?" She finally spoke up, unsure on what else to say but the bare minimum. You took in all the information she so graciously gave you, gave her a determined nod and pulled her in tightly for a strong hug. The scent of jasmine filled your nose as your bodies got closer to each other. The floral notes were a pleasant touch, and you came to expect nothing less from a woman like Mina.

"Thank you, really. This means a lot to me!" You further explained. She gasped a little on your sudden embrace, but she didn't fight back or resist it. Rather, she got quite comfortable in your arms, before your hands found their way to her arms, pushing her back again, giving her a confident smile and leaving into a changing room. Right before stepping into the room, you remembered to ask: "Wait! When I'm done, where will I find you?"

"Ah, right. I'll be waiting in the artist lounge, it's on floor 9." She responded, a little shy from your brazen actions, so much so she forgot to tell you this in advance. If it wasn't for you remembering, she would've forgotten to tell you as well.

You went into the changing room, got dressed, took a deep breath and walked out. The hall here was empty now, just you and a door behind which you could find Jihyo. You took another deep breath, calming yourself down, before opening the door and stepping in. The lights were very bright, as they tended to be in gyms, and despite the size of the gym, there was nobody there, apart from Jihyo. You spotted her way before she spotted you. She was wearing a dark pink, sporty crop top, and some incredibly tight, form-fitting yoga pants, color matching her black sneakers.

She was doing some bench presses, repping an impressive 60kg weight, from what you could tell. You approached, and already cleared your throat to make her aware of your presence. Jihyo didn't respond to your noises, the wireless earbuds in her ears you happened to notice probably to blame for that. You kept making your way to the head of her bench, and assumed a spotters position in front of the sweating beauty. She was in the middle of a rep when you assumed your position and as she opened her eyes on the upwards press, she couldn't help but be surprised by your sudden appearance. She let out a loud yelp, as her grip weakened on the bar and she could feel it slipping down. You expected something like that to happen though, and caught the bar before anything bad could happened. Jihyo calmed down, you put the bar back in it's restraints, and she took out both of her earbuds.

"You're the last person I wanted to see right now, do you know that?" Jihyo sneered at you, but not forcefully. There was no malice in her tone, more of an exhausted resignation to your presence here. You couldn't help but throw up an awkward smile in response. Hard to blame her feeling that way, causing her to be put in this stressful position and then showing up just when you wanted to take her mind off of things.

"Yeah, well, I figured as much, but surely you understand why I showed up right?" You plead your case, already resolved to not wasting anymore time. Jihyo scoffed at what you said as she sat up straight on the bench, turning around to face you.

"Before I let you plead your case, how about you tell me about how you even got in here." Jihyo retorted. She was going to hear you out, but she was making sure you knew she wasn't going to let anything slide. Clearly she was not sold on you, and you had better make a good case.

You were used to sweating in a gym, but this was the first time it was cold. "Truth be told, I'm just as surprised as you are..." You respond in a quiet voice, as if you were trying to untangle a mess of knotted threads inside your own head. You thought you'd gotten used to speaking to these idols by now, but clearly her presence was different. She raised an eyebrow at your comment, her gaze beckoning you to continue.

"All I know is that Mina called me over literally just now, and told me that the fate of my career was hanging in your hands." you went on to explain, your hands frantically following your voice in an attempt to convince Jihyo of your sincerity.

"So she is the one that let you in here?" Jihyo questioned, almost as if she was asking you who to punish. You immediately retreated. Mina gave you this chance, and asked so little for it, no way you were going to throw her under the bus.

"Wait, it's not her fault, I asked her to let me know where you are! I basically convinced her to give me a chance, she just told me to find a way to convince you, I assured her this was my only play." Both your hands clasped around Jihyo's hands, pleading with her for kindness. She was taken aback, but she didn't seem upset at your forwardness. In fact, she was rather impressed by your willingness to stick your neck out for her, but she wasn't about to let you in on that.

"Riiiight... Well, for better or worse, you're here now." She acknowledged, taking her hands back and crossing her arms over each other. You gave her a bit of an awkward smile, one you could liken to an oaf who knew he was out of his element. She released her right arm, motioning for you to finally start making your case.

"Oh yeah, exactly! First of all, thank you for not immediately voting no." You started off explaining, not really sure where this was going yourself, but just hoping your thoughts came across.

"Yeah, well, don't get your hopes up just yet. What's your second-of-all?" Jihyo continued pressing you, still not convinced of your grand entrance.

"And, second of all, I came to beat you." You smirked, posing an enigmatic challenge. 

"Beat me? Like physically hurting me?" She taunted back, clearly making fun of the weird phrasing you used.

"No! Of course not! I was talking about that conversation we had at the party. I can definitely beat you in a gym competition." You clarified, but now unmistakably posing the challenge. Jihyo smirked back at you, clearly intrigued by what you were suggesting, her original hostility dissipating as a fire seemed to have been lit under her.

You look at her with such confidence and determination, you almost intimidate her, her mind backing away from this challenge for a fraction of a second before she pushes back and takes you head on. You could tell from just one look. She was in.

"Alright, how do you wanna do this? And I'm assuming we're both putting something on the line, correct?" Jihyo questioned, trying to set the terms of this little agreement you came to suggest. Her eyes were burning a hole through your skull as she was hungrily awaiting the route she'd have to take to destroy you. You weren't shaken, however, confident in your body and its finely honed muscles.

"How about this? We'll go for three rounds, each round betting something that the winner gets. We each suggest one exercise we do, which will be round 1 and 2. For round 3, we'll settle with an endurance contest, whoever can plank the longest wins." You laid out your plan, meticulously thought out to get her to agree but also allow you to obtain all your objectives. The obvious one was getting her to change her vote to a yes. But before that, you had a new, more important objective to achieve. Getting her to not go after Mina for letting you in here in the first place. Jihyo thought about your proposal for a little while. Her eyes drifted upwards, thinking about all the different things your game would imply. She stopped to contemplate for half a second to think if this was worth it or not, before throwing caution to the wind and agreeing anyway, because she just thought this would be fun.

"Sounds good! I'll choose squatting as my exercise." She accepted. The game was on. You shot back without missing a beat. "And I'll choose pull-ups." The game was set. A quick match of rock paper scissors decided the order. Pull-ups, then squats, and then planking. You slapped both of your cheeks, getting yourself and your blood pumping, ready to take this challenge.

You both shook hands on fair play. Her grip was tight, but her skin was as soft as a cloud. Your fighting spirit almost got diminished, drowned in the perverted thought of how good her velvety touch would feel on your cock. You quickly snapped out of it, but maybe stayed in that trance long enough to want to make that idea become a reality if you won 3 games in a row.

Jihyo's playful demeanor turned vicious, a cold stare piercing your entire being. The game was on, and despite her being committed to playing fair, she wasn't going to play nice. "If I win this round, you will never contact any of my members, ever again. That sounds like a fair trade-off for you asking for my yes vote, right?" If she was being honest with herself, Jihyo knew that this first round was as good as yours; however, she wanted to see how you'd react to such an ultimatum. Would you try to talk her out of it? Would you call the whole thing off?

Her demand was stunning. It hit you like a truck. A big loss to take if you lost this round, but you pretty much already bought in at this point. Whatever, you just had to win in that case. You continued, making your demand. "I'm not gonna ask for your yes vote just yet. If I win this round, you'll not go after Mina for letting me in here." Jihyo recoiled, clearly shocked at your request. You could read it on her face, clear as day. She fully expected you to go for the yes vote here, as this was your round, and had your highest chance of yielding positive results. But instead, you chose to cover for Mina. She couldn't help but be impressed.

Truth be told, this was your best exercise, so you did think about just asking for the yes vote here. But you just couldn't get it over your heart to screw Mina like that. You were going to take this win to first make sure Mina didn't get in trouble, and then win that yes vote, fair and square. Jihyo agreed to your request, as you did to hers, and the two of you competed in the first round.

Jihyo went first, you two taking turns, so you could judge each other's forms for no foul play. She jumped up, arms hanging on the bar, and she looked right at home. Her muscles glistened with the sweat she had already worked up before you got here. Her abs had beads of sweat piled up in the crevices, and it took everything you had to not just gawk at her body. You persevered, your conviction for winning this competition strong enough to pull through. She flexed her arms, and pulled her entire body up, chin above the bar. First one done, and her form was immaculate. There were no cracks or slip ups, you might even stand to learn a thing or two. If she was taking this so seriously, you had no chance of not matching her explosive energy. She went at it for a little while, her form never crumbling, only growing slower. It took her a full 14 pull ups before she lost the strength to go for another one.

You stepped up to the plate. You stretched a little before jumping up to the bar, taking in a deep breath, and doing it like you always do. Inhale going up, exhale going down. First one done. Inhale going up, exhale going down. Jihyo's intense gaze was hyper focused on you. Nothing strange about it, she was judging your form for flaws. Inhale going up, exhale going down. You sneaked a peek at her, her eyes matching you, raising her eyebrow inquisitively at your sudden eye contact. Did you have time to flirt during this? She felt taunted, and would go on to get you back for this perceived slight, but you were just having your trouble ignoring a beautiful woman right in front of you. Inhale going up, exhale going down. You're at 12 now. You could do 20 of these with no worries, inhale going up, exhale going down. 15th pullup done, and you had officially won, but you were so focused on not staring at Jihyo, you just kept going. 

"Okay, you won, you can come down now." Jihyo lamented, urging you to release the bar. You didn't hear any of it though. Inhale going up, exhale going down. "No need to brag, you can stop now." She continued. Inhale going up, exhale going down. You're at 19 now, but you weren't counting. If you were looking at Jihyo's face, you'd have noticed her getting annoyed at how you weren't listening. In her mind, she was searching for ways to make you listen, when suddenly, it hit her. You were halfway up on your 20th pullup, when a sudden breeze caused you to snap out of your trance. Jihyo had pulled your pants down, getting her revenge for your multiple bragging offenses. Your entire package was on full display, and it was not your fault you were kind of erect. Jihyo's physique mixed with the fact that working out always made you horny got you like this. You wasted no time releasing the bar, and pulling your pants back up.

You scowled at Jihyo over this. You weren't upset she saw your dick, hell, part of you was kind of happy she did, but you, lost in your trance, thought she cheated to make you lose. "At least I get why Sana is coming back to you now." Jihyo remarked, her hand covering her mouth to hide her smile.

Unbeknownst to both of you, Sana had gotten wind of what you were up to. She had snuck in, peeping through the cracks of the door of the gym to see how you were doing. She wasn't going to let you know, but she was cheering you on. She also hadn't ever had the chance to see you working out, so she decided to snap a picture of you trying your very best. She'd make up for the creepiness to you personally at some point later. Her timing couldn't be any better though, as to her own surprise, she caught the exact moment your cock flopped out of your pants, halfway in a pullup, with Jihyo's hands still attached to your pants. She left quickly after this, much preferring hearing the rest of the details personally from you than witnessing them here and now.

Cutting back to you and Jihyo, you were in the middle of belting out a big "What the hell?!" at Jihyo for her little prank. She got flustered at your anger, thinking you'd take it better. You couldn't help it though, you thought she just threw her fair play away and cheated you out of your win. "You were the one taunting me and bragging excessively after your win! Honestly, you brought this on yourself. And besides, now we are even for what happened at Sana's party!" Jihyo crackled back at you, like fireworks exploding in your face. The realization of your win had only now begun to set in, calming you down. It also helped that Jihyo bringing back the memory of her perfect, bare-naked chest got you to mellow out as well.

"So that means you're not going to hold Mina accountable, right?" You confirmed, your loud voice shrinking to a more appropriate indoor volume. Jihyo nodded her head and confirmed your question.

"Yep. You have my word. Are you ready for the squats?" She hurried along, as if ready to humiliate you the way you humiliated her. You took this round, but she was confident she would take the next. 

"I am. And this time I will take that yes vote if I win." Your demand was clear. You got your good deed out of the way, now it's time to take what you came for. "Are you still going to force me to cut all contact?" You questioned. You figured she would, and that you just had to squat like your life depended on it. Her response was a welcome one, however.

"Nope. I'm changing my stake." She clarified. This time a sly smirk on her face, in stark contrast to her winter cold visage from earlier. "If I win, you will become my gym buddy for an entire year. You'll stay my gym buddy until I can beat you in every body weight exercise there is. And if I call you up to come work out, you can't say no, even if you're balls deep in Sana. Or Mina." Your face scrunched up. This didn't sound too bad? Yeah, you could handle this. It's way better than her first stake. She looked a lot more amicable, but no less feisty than when you first proposed this challenge. But wait. "You know about me and Mina?" You appealed, certain that the only three people who knew were you, Sana and Mina herself.

"I had my suspicions since Sana's party, but thanks for confirming them. We can open that can of worms if you manage to get a yes vote out of me, but for now I'll not interfere because they seem more content and docile, making my job easier." Jihyo elucidated, exposing the fact that you had walked right into her trap. You berated yourself internally for exposing yourself like this, and vowed to watch out for this girl. She wasn't just pretty and strong, she had the brains to match. 

"Fuck." You let slip out. She giggled at your honest reaction, but the time for the next round was upon you. You shook on your stakes, and you both took position in front of the mirror wall. Side by side, so you could spectate each other for mistakes, while you both vied for the win.

The non-existing starting shot went off in both of your heads, and sweat started flying the brows of you both. It didn't take long for you to already read the results of this round. You were getting slaughtered. It hadn't been 30 squats yet, and you already felt your legs cramping up. Jihyo, on the other hand, looked like she hadn't even begun yet. Her form never crumbling, and her perfectly trained media smile just taunting you, as she caught on to your desperate staring. Searching for any clues of imperfection proved fruitless. 

"You can just quit and we can move on to the last game!" She jeered joyfully, taking incredible delight in the fact that she was smoking you. You'd be lying if you said you didn't consider it, but you had other plans. It might have been a little dirty, but you were betting on the fact that Jihyo had been working out for a little while before you got here. You weren't gonna win this round, but you could tire her out this round. Push her stamina to its limit, and then just hold on longer during the planking. Your core, contrary to your legs, was a part of you you had the utmost of faith in.

"Heh, yeah right." You pushed out in between laborious breaths, accompanied by a forced chuckle. You hadn't been spending too much time with Jihyo, but you could tell by now. She cocked her head to the side, shrugged her shoulders a little and focused up, almost as if to say she respected your grit.

Despite your greatest of efforts, by consecutive squat 80 you had to throw in the towel. "I'm going to enjoy working you to the bone, gym buddy!" Jihyo jabbed, her hand giving a light push against your shoulder as you stood there, bent over, hands on your knees. You were a bit of a sore loser at this point. It would have been nice to get that yes vote, so you decided to snap back.

"You only mentioned having to come even when balls deep in Sana or Mina, right? So it's cool to ignore you while I'm having some fun with Tzuyu?" You ran your mouth off. Partly out of competitive spirit, partly because exhaustion was beginning to take its toll on you. Jihyo went agape, jaw on the floor, like she just saw a ghost.

"You're shitting me! You got that far with her? I thought you just walked her dogs or something!" Jihyo almost yelled, the disbelief of your reveal coupled with her exhaustion stopping her from holding back. You gave a sly smirk back to her, as if proud of your conquest.

"You don't know what you're missing out on." You quipped back, showing you hadn't lost your confidence after this defeat. You were still in it to win it. You had picked up on a couple of Jihyo's tells, but you didn't know what this one meant yet. She had her tongue slightly protruding out between both her lips, and her eyes went just that tiniest bit wider. She was attracted to you, but you had no way of knowing it just yet. "Anyways, I still want the same thing for round 3. What's your ask?" You told the girl, calming down from your little back and forth.

"Alright then, big guy. Let's see you put your money where your mouth is." Jihyo started off, giving a rebuttal to your taunts. "If I win, I get the rights to your dick for a month. If I end up doing something with that or leave you horny will depend on your future performance, gym buddy" She declared, making the final stake of the game clear. She was like a monster, her tiny stature appearing larger than was physically possible. The idea of her controlling your dick was appealing, but dangerous. Fail to push past 100 squats, and who knows, she might just force you into celibacy for a month. Losing this round might feel worse than dying... But you had come this far.

"I can't back out now." You resigned, brimming with determination.

"Alright, but don't come begging to me when you feel like you're going to explode!" She playfully wisecracked back, joking for the last time before taking a deep breath and gaining a deadly look in her eyes. She was done joking, and ready to win this thing. You felt kind of flattered that she looked like she was going to try this hard to win your dick, but equally frightened that she might have wanted to render it useless.

You both got down on the floor, forearms pressed into the floor as your toes kept you upright. By this point, you were both exhausted, but too deep in to not finish this fight.

It was over before you realized it. It took over 3 and a half minutes for Jihyo to crack and drop to the floor. You got close too. You considered quitting, but even if your abs turned blue from bruises caused by overexertion, you would get this win.

Jihyo rolled over onto her back, her face towards the ceiling with a wide smile adorned onto her sweaty visage. You couldn't help but drop to the floor as well, but in contrast to the beauty next to you, you ended quickly regaining posture and sitting cross-legged, facing her. She had lost, but she was smiling. If you weren't in so much pain, you'd have diverted all your energy into hitting on her right here, and right now. That's how attractive she looked to you. But you won, so you would not risk upsetting her with unnecessary advances and cause your win to be meaningless.

"I am going to..." she began to speak, her own puffing and panting interrupting her speech. "Enjoy training with you, y/n..." She's rubbing her second round win in your face again. Unbelievable. "As well as..." She continued, with labored breaths. "Having you work for us." Your face lit up. She acknowledged your win, and basically softly confirmed which way she would vote. You were in! A short scream for joy left your body, as you pulled your fist into the sides of your body, celebrating the pay off of your hard work. 

You were so lost in your elation, you barely noticed Jihyo working herself up. She'd gotten herself to sit in front of you, sharing your joy as she sat on her knees. You instantly snapped out of it, focusing on what was happening around you the second you felt a tingling sensation on your dick. You've always known that exercising got you horny, and the sight of Jihyo only enhanced that. It didn't take an eagle's eye to spot your erection, all it took was Jihyo's perceptive gaze.

She had begun leaning forward, her left hand posed upon your right thigh, supporting her body as she inched closer,�� and her right hand had found its way, palmed around the bulge in your pants. "It's a shame I lost though, you and I could have had a lot of fun." Jihyo smirked, a sly grin taunting your victory as she offered a different destiny.

Her elbows pushed together, her tits squeezed in between the tiny space she left them, looking absolutely divine, inviting you in. "I would have done things to you that you can't even imagine with the other girls..." Her words sizzled and cooked your mind, as her arms squeezed her tits even tighter. You couldn't help it. No man could. You looked down, stealing a peek at her chest, instantly looking back up at Jihyo, but way too obvious. She knew, she saw. But all she did to acknowledge it, was lift both her eyebrows up and down rapidly, before giving you a wink as if to ask: "How about it? Want to change your ask?"

You considered it for a tenth of a second. "As enticing as that is... I am more than happy with the current outcome." Your reply was defiant and resolute, causing Jihyo to pull back and giggle behind her hand. "Good answer. I like a man who doesn't falter." She commended you, and you couldn't shake the feeling like you just passed a test. "The vote is yours. I'll vouch for you." Jihyo finished up, standing up right and turning away from you. Her walk away from you was like your final little reward, her ass swaying from left to right as you couldn’t help but stare. She raised her hand as if waving at you without turning back to address you, speaking her last words before leaving the gym.

“I’ll see you the day after tomorrow in this gym. I’ll get your number from Sana and text you the hour you need to be here. Don’t be late!” And with that, she was gone. You achieved your goal, but sacrifices had to be made. No matter, truth be told, you kind of looked forward to it. It gave you a chance to get to know Jihyo better.

You cherished the victory for the little while you had, before also getting up, and leaving the gym as well. You made a promise to Mina, and it was time to live up to that.

[glassrowboat]

Lights! Camera! Headcanons! Reca.

SFW collection of silly HCs!

- Little Miss Frog is only ever oiled by Reca. He doesn't trust anyone else to be as thorough with her joints as he is.

- Reca has multiple hats for his favorite assistant director, it's just the one we see her wearing all the time is her favorite

- If for some reason you ever needed to switch shoes with Reca, he would gladly do so. After all, what kind of love interest would he be if he couldn't even do that much? The only problem is that he looks better in your heels than you ever have.

- He has a pair of shades with a print of old TV static on the lenses. They are not practical at all but he still uses them.

- This man does not know the meaning of the word subtlety

- You're getting atrocious petnames 24/7, to the point you even begin to think he's forgotten your actual name. It's always love muffin this, honey bear that- and if you ever jokingly refer to yourself as one of them it might as well become a part of Reca’s daily vocabulary.

- He has had multiple people in the past pointing a remote at him to see if they could pause the YouTube play button in his eyes. Now, whenever he sees someone holding one close to him, Reca just snatches it because he's that fed up.

- The button can change, but he's never telling you how it works.

- “The mystery only compels you further to my character, sweetie pie.”

- Please do not trust this man with cooking. He's more of an order in kind of guy and trust that that's preferable over letting him near a stove, oven, or even a microwave on some days. However, he will set the table and clean the dishes for you- it just might take a while because he's busy editing a script.

- Has picked up tons of little facts over the years from all the research he's put behind films. You could ask the most random questions and he'll undoubtedly have an answer- even if it concerns you how he knows how to dispose of a full body.

- On that note, Reca knows a good handful of the meanings behind names, so when someone introduces themselves to him, he usually ends up deciding if that “meaning” fits their character.

- Usually, it doesn't.

- Aka: Crew members

- It's easier that way.

- Those who are a regular part of his filming crew all carry earplugs with them now as a habit after having to listen to Reca's …excited shouting.

- He disapproves of relationships amongst the cast. There's always going to be issues working with people, but he doesn't need the entire film getting pushed aside because one couple had a fight! It’s utterly nonsensical to bring that onto his set. Save that for after everything has wrapped up.

- Anyone listen to Distractible and Markiplier’s entire stunt with lenses? Reca's worse. That's your only warning.

- After your first kiss, when Reca was walking back home, all self accomplished, he jumped up and cracked his feet together- completely unironically. He's not even ashamed about it, either.

- If Reca didn't start on Broadway as part of the crew, then he at least had some experience with it. (He was the theater kid in school). He knows a good couple of songs off the top of his head at this point, and when this one particular song comes on, he always has to stop himself from dancing.

- Owns a gramophone, but it only works half the time. Reca claims it's part of its charm….

- You've watched him mix redbull and coffee together only to drink it all down in a single sitting, then walk away without an explanation. That entire night he was yapping in your ear excitedly only to fall asleep on top of you as soon as it hit 4am.

- Reca tends to repeat the stories he's told you. He just loves them so much that he gets a little ahead of himself and forgets which ones he's shared, that's all. Plus, with his flair for the dramatic and tendency to add in a new line or two, it keeps things fresh.

- Reca affectionately pinches your nose using that baby voice of his. It’s supposed to be an affectionate gesture, in his own way, but it just comes across as annoying.

- Reca will pick you up and spin you around (just like the movies) but at the same time this man will happily let himself flop into your lap with a hand to his forehead so he can lament to you about his woes. Usually, this just means he wants attention.

- He gets busy with filming a lot, to the point you both can go up to a month without really getting anything more in than a one minute call. Usually, Reca is running around during these, or he's so close to passing out after a long day that you're left with the sound of him snoring on the other end of the line.

- Because he's famous, there are actually a good couple of edits and images of Reca made into memes you see when scrolling online.

- His handwriting is comically large. To the point it takes up so much space, Reca might as well be writing a signature instead of scrawling down notes to ensure he doesn't forget a fantastic idea.

- He writes his 7's with that little line crossing it.

- Reca is the type to grab your shoulder while he's laughing. And he does this whether you know him well or not.

[delusionaldaydreamz]

”that’s MY girlfriend” | c.s.

W/C: around 1228 (the word counter site kept screwing me over sorry lol) | x reader/ y/n 

In which Chris comments on his new favorite photo of you (just Chris fluff) 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

      “Do I look okay?” I turned to Nick, who looked up from his computer screen to look at me. “You look amazing.” He smiled before going back to editing. This is how our date nights would typically go, I’d sit up here with Nick, getting ready while we gossip and go through outfits, and Chris would get ready in his own room, usually alone or occasionally with Matt to keep him company. 

        Chris said he had somewhere nice to take me tonight, so I dressed decently sophisticated. A tight, long black dress with a straight across neckline, a slit down the thigh and super thin straps, which for whatever reason made my chest look way larger than it already is. I didn’t bother wearing heels, because let’s be real the guys aren’t the tallest; I just paired it with a fresh pair of classic converse. Typically I’d go for silver jewelry, but tonight I went with gold since Chris said the place was fancy. 

     As I walked down the stairs, I noticed Chris and Matt chilling on the couch, each on their phones. “Wow, y/n you look beautiful.” Chris eyed me as I made my way down. I chuckled softly, thanking him as he stood up and made his way to me. “We’ll be back later.” Chris stated as we walked down the second flight of stairs. 

       It didn’t take too long before the Uber got here, but Chris continued eyeing me the entire time we waited. “That dress is fucking perfect on you.” He mumbled, his eyes scanning over my body. “Thanks, Chris.” I chuckled, patting his cheek softly as he leaned in for a kiss. Unfortunately this was when the Uber arrived, leaving the kiss short and sweet before we got into the backseat. The driver greeted us before taking off, Chris’s hand immediately finding its way to my thigh, offering a small squeeze. A gesture he’d always do in the car that never failed to make my heart flutter. The warmth of his fingertips sent a shiver up my spine as they trailed ever so softly up and down, in the most innocent way possible, as we talked. 

Chris pulled out his phone and took a quick selfie of us, making me giggle the second he put it down. “You’re so awkward.” I rolled my eyes. “What do you mean?” He laughed softly looking down at me. “Why in the Uber?” I asked shyly. I typically tend to be pretty awkward in photos, hating taking them where anyone could see me. Pretty weird when you’re dating YouTuber, I know. I’m just not all that confident when people are watching me, or have the ability to be watching me. When it’s just me and the guys though? Oh man all I do is take pictures. 

      As we pulled up to a steak house, Chris got out first holding the door for me. His eyes lingered on me as I got out, Chris thanking the driver before shutting it behind me. “Jesus, y/n you make being in a secret relationship with you impossible.” He muttered, his hand making its way around my waist. He rested his hand softly on my hip, but he trailed behind ever so slightly. “Chris,” I turned around, having a feeling his eyes were on my butt and I was correct. “Sorry.” His head snapped up, looking forward after he flashed me a big innocent grin. 

       Once we got to our table and ordered, I pulled out my phone to take a picture of him. The restaurant was beautiful inside. Very open, lots of twinkling lights and crystal everywhere. I held his hand from across the table, taking a cute little photo of him. He chuckled, grabbing my phone. “You’re the one who deserves to be in photos.” He teased, taking a couple pictures of me. “I seriously cannot get over how fucking gorgeous you are, y/n.” He continued taking photos, but his statement made me feel super giddy inside, which in turn made me start blushing and trying to hide my face. “Okay enough Chris.” I laughed, trying to cover my cheeks as he continued taking photos. 

         “Holy fuck,” he said seriously, making me immediately stop laughing. “What?” His serious tone and the abruptness made me nervous. “I’m pretty sure I just took my new favorite picture of you.” He mumbled going through the photos on my phone. “Chris…” I trailed starting to get embarrassed. After a few moments he finally handed my phone back to me, and now it was my turn to go through the photos I took. “Oh god, which one?” I chuckled looking at all of them. He knows i get nervous on the other side of the camera, so he’s gotten pretty mindful of my angles that I like and the lighting I like, so he actually managed to get a few photos I didn’t hate. 

      “That one.” He smiled staring down at one of the photos he took of me caught off guard while I was laughing and trying to hide my rosy cheeks. It wasn’t horrible, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. “I sent it to myself.” He grinned, staring down at his phone. After a moment, he set his phone back down and I saw that he had set it as his screensaver. My heart fluttered a bit at the sight, butterflies erupting in my stomach as I tried to hide my growing smile. 

      Our dinner was nice, we each talked about our day, plans we have, videos they’ll be making etc. We ended up getting desert and talking about our anniversary that was coming up soon, Chris asking what I wanted to do for it. We’d managed to talk so much over dinner, that our Uber ride was a bit quiet. We both took the time to go on our phones, me posting the photo Chris had taken that he claims is his new favorite photo of me, and him doing random Chris things. 

      When we got home, more than likely we’d end up just cuddling and going to sleep to some random movie, so that’s why we ended up on our phones most of the car ride, Chris’s warm hand instinctively holding my thigh. One of the notifications from my post stuck out more than the others. “Christophersturniolo commented on your post” 

Liked by: nicolassturniolo, lilskies, and others 

Christophersturniolo: fuck sorry baby 

Christophersturniolo: you’re so beautiful I can’t hide it anymore 😭😍 

Christophersturniolo: that’s MY girlfriend 🙏🏻🥵

Nicolassturniolo: you ate y/n/n but yikes this comment section is a mess

      I chuckled at his comments, now understanding why the post was gaining more attention than usual. “Chris…” I trailed staring down at my phone. It was rare when he’d call me anything other than y/n or y/n/n so seeing him openly commenting calling me baby sent a new type of butterflies through my stomach. It was hard to describe, but it made me feel extremely good about myself. I couldn’t help but smile, even though I was definitely stressed now. “We weren’t supposed to tell them yet…” “I don’t care anymore, who the fuck wants to hide their relationship?” I chuckled at his words, leaning over for a small kiss. “I love you.” I stared up at him, getting lost in his beautiful eyes. “I love you too, y/n.” The feeling of Chris’s lips softly against my forehead sent butterflies through my tummy again. How did I get so lucky?  ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A/N: I saw someone say there’s not enough Chris fluff and came up w this but if ts flops I’m literally never posting here again, yall don’t understand how many fucking ISSUES THIS POS WEBSITE WAS GIVING ME trying to edit and post this bruh 😭 legit was ready to throw my phone out the window

[nevernonline]

✧.* he's not into you; hvc

synopsis: curious what the problem is in your dating life where you just can’t seem to get guys to commit fully to you beyond a second date, your work associate offers his help.

part of my ninety minute movies one shot series. ♡︎

paring: vernon x fem! reader.

genre: co-workers2friends2lovers (? lmao)

warning/s: mentions of substances (alcohol, weed, cig, vape etc.) swearing, very bad jokes!, sexy time (y/n has female genitalia!) pls no minors!!

word count: 6.3k

content: . non-idol idolings, some other svt members. y/n and vernon work at a bar.

note: our next stop in my fav little movie inspired writings is he's just not that into you!! a true classic in my eyes. and who better to be our male lead than bernon himself, a perfect silly goofy man. i acc tried to edit and be good?? for once.. lmao. love u xo. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Waltzing around your co-workers behind the bar like a choreographed dance, handing out drinks to some of your familiar customers, soaking cherries in alcohol, and stuffing your tips inside of your folder for the night it was a perfect distraction from the thoughts running through your mind about that awful date you had gone on the night before. 

You were convincing yourself all the guys you’ve been out with just weren’t for you, maybe to make yourself feel better, maybe just to put blame on someone else for the reasons you can’t seem to surpass a second date. 

“Y/N, could I get two vodka martinis. One dirty and one with a twist, twice shaken please.” 

“No problem, Som.” 

Somi was one of your co-workers and someone you’ve become close friends with working with her over the course of a year when the bar first opened. standing by your side on  the busiest night of the week, the other was Vernon,  he was slightly newer and unfamiliar standing next to you behind the bar, girls flirting with him left, right and center hoping to crack open his quiet yet charming exterior. 

Taking orders upon orders your body was craving a moment to yourself, being an introvert and working in a high volume environment with the type of company that spends hundreds of dollars a night just to sit at a table and feel important takes a toll on you. 

“Vernon, would you be cool if I stepped outside for a second?” 

“Yeah, no problem. I’m good.” 

“Alright, thanks I’ll be back in five.” 

“Sounds good.” 

Nothing more than his simple answers, for the most all you know about him is he’s your age, in college not sure what major he could possibly be studying, and he lives decently close to the bar, coming in on his days off with groups of his friends to have a drink of his own made at your own hands. 

Stepping outside the employee entrance into the back of the building, feeling the cool air light up your body, you decided to light up something of your own, a small perfectly rolled cigarette wrapped up in its signature strawberry flavored paper and vanilla tobacco inside. 

Three minutes into your first break of the night, the door slid open revealing the quiet boy standing in its frame. 

“Shit. I’m sorry, I actually need your help. A big group of finance dudes came in.” 

“It’s alright, I’ll save it for later.” 

Dipping the pastel candy like cigarette into the ashtray, basically kissing it and saying you’ll see it soon, you stepped back in with Vernon to your front strolling through the back room full of fresh liquor bottles. 

“This is a weird question. But what were you smoking? It smells good. Actually, normally cigarettes make me nauseous as hell.” 

“Oh. It’s a vanilla tobacco, but my rolling papers are strawberry so it’s kind of sweeter that way.” 

“No wonder. I always thought you smelt like vanilla musk, but I knew it was something different. I just assumed it was perfume. I like it.” 

“Thanks, Vern.” 

“Yeah. Want to take the table? Or wait for them to come up to us?” 

“I’ll go.” 

“Alright.” 

Cutting around the marble countertop, trying to avoid the patrons sitting at the end of the bar. You spot the group of men wearing their fancy suit jackets, and various colors of button down tops. One of them in particular was your date from a few weeks ago. The one who left you a post it note on your nightstand to wake up to basically telling you he wouldn’t call but thanks for the fuck. 

Swilling your pride, you stayed walking towards them, now with the pretty smile usually wiped across your face lost and turned into a closed lip grin. 

“Hey, what can I get for you guys?” 

“I’ll take you with a side of bourbon on the rocks please.” 

“Clever. I’m not on the menu. Anything for you.” 

Your fingers pointed towards the rest of the helm just patiently waiting for more unusual comments and weird flirting tactics. 

Your date though, kept his head buried in his menu, avoiding making eye contact with you out of his own embarrassment making you decide to fuck with him a little in front of his annoying crowd of friends. 

“And anything for you, Chris? Jack Daniels and Coke with a splash of cherry I presume? Or are you going to write your order down on a post it note?” 

His crowd erupted in laughter, clearly aware of his tactics when he leaves girls and decides to not call them back.

He muttered back it was fine as you walked off back to Vernon watching on with a smirk on his face. 

“You know him I assume?” 

“Unfortunately I do.” 

“Can I ask how?” 

You contemplated telling him a lie, just something simple like he was an old friend or an ex-boyfriend, but in order to keep him from opening up to you, you chose the real reason. 

“Actually we went out a few weeks ago. In the morning I woke up to a note taped to my pillow saying how he wasn’t interested in seeing me anymore but thanking me for being a good fuck and being so accommodating and sexy.” 

“No fucking way.” 

“I’m not kidding.” 

“Want me to spit in his drink?” 

“Yes. But I don’t want you to lose your job. It’s alright, not the first time for me unfortunately and actually maybe one of the nicer ones.” 

“Not the first time a dude you’ve fucked wrote you a note saying he’s not into you?” 

“There’s been worse believe it or not.” 

“You’ve piqued my interest.” 

“I’m sure.” 

“How do you meet dudes like that?”

“I’m a lucky girl, now do me a favor and take these drinks to them, because if I do I’ll probably say some shit I’ll regret.” 

“Alright. What’s his name?” 

“Who?” 

“Asshole over there.” 

“Chris” 

“Cool. Thanks.” 

“Vernon why?” 

“No reason, keep working.” 

“Don’t do anything stupid.” 

“My whole vibe is stupid, be back in a second.” 

Watching the boy out of the corner of your eye, you watched as he placed everyone’s drinks for them, reaching Christopher last, pretending to trip over his chair, spilling the alcoholic concoction over his pants. 

“Dude what the fuck?” 

“Oh shit, my bad. Let me get you a new one.” 

“Why the fuck are you so clumsy, how am I going to get a girl here when I look like I pissed myself?” 

“The girls that come in here don’t want some bitch who drinks cherry whiskey and Coke, they like real men. But I’ll be back in a second.” 

“What the fuck did you just say?” 

“You heard me, man. One second alright I’ll be back with your bitch drink.” 

Chris’s friends seem to be enjoying watching his night being turned into a shit storm, assuming they maybe don’t enjoy his company much either. 

“Why did you do that?” 

“He seems like a tool, he’ll be fine.” 

“Well thank you. It was funny, I had to hold my laughter in so he doesn’t think I made you do that for me.” 

“Safe bet.” 

Your night continued on until midnight when all the happy and drunk patrons exited the restaurant and you got to cleaning up the bar space, leaving you, Vernon, and Somi alone in the dimly lit room. 

“Vernon? Want to stay and have a drink as a thank you for helping me out. Somi would but she has to get back to her ball and chain.” 

“Are we allowed to do that?” 

“Well my dad owns the place, I don’t think he cares much.” 

“You’re dad? Wait what the fuck, I never put that together.” 

“Yeah. Him and his friends.” 

“Holy shit.” 

Laughing along with Somi at his amazement, you bid her goodbye before sliding into a bar top table, holding the glass of vodka in your well manicured fingers. 

Much to your surprise your more than shy coworker decided to stay with you sliding in next to you holding his own glass of beer. 

“So wait. I’m confused. Your dad and his friends opened the bar. Why do you want to work here?” 

“Easy. I always liked the idea of being a bartender and my parents would kill me for being a kid who didn’t have a job or work ethic and just using their money.” 

“Got it. Aren’t you in school?” 

“ I haven’t decided what to go for yet so I’m taking some time. Not sure yet. You?” 

“Journalism.” 

“For real? That’s cool as hell.” 

“Yeah.” 

Your phone lit up on the table blasting the ringtone really loudly in between you and Vernon, flashing the name Matthew on the screen. 

“Hey. Yeah, this is her. Oh really? Can you hold on just ONE second. Thanks.” 

Vernon waved you along letting you go on with the conversation with the guy who's been taking you on dates for the past week, curious why he’d be calling you late. 

 “Wait since I’m out of the loop, who was that?” 

“You really want to know?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Okay, so his name is Matt. We met at the coffee shop a few weeks ago. He was cute. He paid for my drink and we just sort of hit it off.” 

“Have you guys slept together?” 

“Yeah. The first day we met.” 

“Y/N no. You’ve got to make these guys wait. Like they’re getting exactly what they want from you before you even know if they’re fucking idiots or not.” 

“Really? Does that actually work though? I mean you heard him say he likes his ex there’s nothing I can change about that?” 

“Did you ask when his last relationship was before you guys started dating?” 

“Yeah he said he’d been single for two months.” 

“Two months? And he’s already back with her? Or was he always seeing her when you guys were together? What kind of dates did you go on? Dinner? Or?” 

“Coffee sometimes, then he’d just come hangout at my place most of the time.” 

“So you never went to his?” 

“No.” 

“So he was cheating on his girlfriend with you?” 

“What? No, he said he was single.” 

Vernon ran his hands through his hair and let out a sigh before looking back at you. 

“You guys met for coffee, you’d have him over to your place during the day, you’d have sex and he’d leave? You never saw his apartment? He just confessed that he’s been seeing his so-called ex over the phone the whole time you guys were quote on quote dating. He definitely lives with her and was fucking you for fun. You weren’t dating.” 

“Speaking from experience, Vernon?” 

“No. I’ve only ever dated one person seriously.” 

“So why are you giving me advice about my dating life?” 

“Because I had a successful five year relationship and you’ve had none? And you seem to need it.” 

“Wow. I would normally be pissed, but you’re right. I can’t seem to tell what I’m  doing wrong actually. Maybe I'm destined to be single.” 

“Not true. You’re pretty, nice, and you’ve got a cool ass life. You’ll be fine, you just need some editing maybe.” 

“So what? You want to be my relationship guru? Or?” 

“Yes.” 

You outstretched your hand to his and he shook it for you, confirming your now partnership where he would help you with your dating life. 

“Wait, before we go further. Try this.” 

Lifting the straw to your lips for you, Vernon offered you a sip of the drink he made.

“Wait, that's good, what is that?” 

“That assholes drink.” 

“I hate that I actually fucking like it.” 

“Me too.” 

You and Vernon spend the rest of your night together shooting the shit and getting to know each other more, once two am rolls around you both decide to head out and walk home. 

“This is me.” 

Much to your surprise Vernon swipes his key card to enter the same building as you. 

“Wait, you live here? How come I’ve never seen you in the building?” 

“I just moved in like three weeks ago. I spend most of my time in my apartment with my cat if I'm not at school or work.” 

“What floor?” 

“Seven.” 

Pressing the number seven on the elevator button before you tapped number thirteen, you and Vernon rode silently up to your separate homes. 

Before stepping off onto his floor, he pressed the hold door button.

“Come over tomorrow around six? I know you have the night off so we can hangout or whatever.” 

“Okay. What should I wear?” 

“You’ll figure it out. You always look nice. Casual is fine.” 

Rolling your eyes to his back as he strode off to his front door, you yelled a goodnight out of the door before they clocked shit and ran you up to your own place. 

Waking up the next morning you stepped out of your bed and pulled out all the ingredients to make a perfect cup of coffee, something that was like a religious ritual for you to clear your head before starting your day. 

After the brew was finished dripping though your pour over carafe you decided to take in some sun on your balcony and prepare your mind for the rest of the day until you were set to get ready to hangout with Vernon. 

The unexpected invitation to go on a quote in quote fake date with the boy had your head confused. What should you wear? What should you do with the little information given to you about what’s going on? 

After spending a few hours outside with your coffee and disconnecting from your phone, you decided to head back inside and go through your closet in search of the perfect casual outfit. 

Placing options on your bed, you hopped into the shower and spent time under the hot steam scrubbing your body from head to toe. After you were satisfied with your cleanliness, you stepped out and sat at your vanity, drying your hair and curling the front two pieces of your perfectly done up-do, painted your nails a perfect cherry red color, and put on your typical makeup look. 

Sliding your slippers back on you stood now in front of the three tops hanging in front of you feeling them for the perfect vibe. Eventually selecting a simple white button down top to match your gray pleated short skirt, slipping up a pair of simple tights and black heeled knee high boots. 

Finally the time came for you to run down seven floors and step off to find Vernon, knocking on the door to the left of the elevator a woman who you’ve seen around the building once or twice answered. 

“I’m sorry, I think maybe I have the wrong apartment. Excuse me-“ 

“You’re y/n?” 

“Yes. Hi.” 

“Hi, I’m Vernon’s friend Chae. I like your outfit, it's super cute.” 

“Oh. Thank you.” 

Stepping into the similar shaped apartment to yours, you notice the colorful paintings all over the walls, the beautiful soft blue couch, and the cozy smell of fresh linen hitting your nose, as you walked in further you saw a group of various people sitting around in his living room, some pouring themselves drinks, some standing around eating snacks and talking. 

“Would you like water or a beer or anything?” 

“Oh no, I’m alright for now thank you.” 

“No problem, I’ll just go see what he’s up to. Excuse me.” 

“Sure.” 

After waiting five minutes in the threshold of Vernon’s front entry, he peeled around the corner, dressed in an oddly similar outfit to yours, minus the heels and mini skirt. 

His crisp white shirt and matching gray coat and pants, a black leather bag, carrying a pair of nice black sneakers in his hand. 

“Hey, sorry I accidentally spilled cola on my other shirt, I had to change.” 

“That’s alright. I like your outfit though, you look cool.” 

“Thank you, I like yours too. I told you about casual dress though.” 

“This is casual?” 

“If you say so. Want a cocktail or something?” 

“Uh, sure? Wait though I thought we were going out or something, I didn’t know you had company. I can leave?” 

“No. Well, we’re going out a little later to a party,  I wanted to invite you, come on.” 

You stepped into his kitchen where he had various types of alcohol scattered on the counter, next to slices of pizza and a couple bags of chips. 

You looked around the room at the new faces, some of them you recognized from Vernon bring them to the bar with him. 

“Want the asshole special again? I actually made myself one.” 

“Weirdly I do, yeah.” 

Vernon laughed as he mixed you the same concoction he spilled the night before, handing it over to you gracefully. 

“Thanks.” 

“Yeah, no problem. This is a weird question, but did you roll any of your cigarettes or have any of those cute papers you use? I told my friend about them and he wanted to find some to roll a joint with.” 

Digging through your bag you pulled out the small case full of tobacco and papers from inside, holding out the pack to him to give to his friend, someone who you’re sure you’ll meet at one point or another. 

“Wow. Thank you.” 

“It’s cool, I have a bunch anyway. So, what does this have to do with you being my relationship guru anyway?” 

“Nothing actually. Just wanted to hangout with you more.” 

“Oh, right.” 

Something about Vernon being so kind to you and sticking up for you last night and today was making you see him in a different light almost like you were starting to have a crush on him. But he could never be into you that way, especially seeing how he interacted with his friend Chae. 

Walking around his apartment and saying hello to his friends, you chose a seat adjacent to the couch, one that was unoccupied and slightly out of the way. 

Some of his friends knew who you were without you even having to mention it. Talking and getting to know them. You excused yourself to the bathroom, but stumbled upon a room adorned with movie posters and music equipment. 

“The bathroom is right here.” 

Vernon pointed to the unlatched door down the hall, the same position as yours. 

“I know. I live here too. I was just being nosy.” 

“Oh. That's cool, you can check it out if you want.” 

Stepping into his office space, you smiled looking around at his various media and collectables, staring at the framed record on the wall signed by an artist you like yourself. 

“This is yours?” 

“Yeah. I got it as a birthday present when I was like eighteen. I love it.” 

“Sick.” 

“Sick? You’re so weird. Do people say that shit still?” 

“Fuck off. People definitely still say that.”  

“Not cool people.” 

“You literally told me I was cool yesterday?” 

“I spoke too soon.” 

As you and Vernon were standing in his room laughing, Chae appeared behind you both without your knowledge and gripped Vernon’s side, scaring the both of you with his reaction and finding her laughing her ass off. 

“You should have seen your guys’ faces. It was too easy.” 

“You’re such an asshole, I almost hit you.” 

“I’d like to see you try, big boy.” 

You just smiled, feeling a little awkward watching Vernon flirting with his friend.

“We want to head out, are you guys ready?” 

“I’m good, I think Y/N had to use the restroom though?” 

“Yeah. It’s okay, I think I might just head back to my place. I have a headache, but you guys have fun.” 

“No way, come on, take some tylenol and let's go.” 

“Chae. Let her leave if she doesn't feel good.” 

“She obviously wants to leave because she found your weird collection of fucking disney vhs tapes, not because of her headache.” 

“Not true.” 

“It’s fine. I’ll come, just let me use the restroom fast. I’ll meet you.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yeah.” 

Leaving you to do your business, Chae handed you two small white pills from her bag, and a swig of her beer to wash them down with before heading behind Vernon as they got ready to leave for the next location. 

After a few minutes  of walking you and Vernon’s friends  pulled up outside a bar you’ve never been to but heard a lot of your friends enjoyed, amply titled Love Bites.  

Vernon held onto your shoulders and walked you into the front door of the bar, pushing you towards a table where he told you to sit down and wait, as he walked away and left you with his friend to order everyone a round of drinks. 

The seat next to you that you’d hoped Vernon would fill was taken by a dark haired boy you hadn’t recognized from earlier back at the apartment. 

“Y/n? Hi, I’m Joshua. 

“Oh. Hi, nice to meet you.” 

“Vernon’s friend just so you don’t think I’m some random dude.” 

“Right. I figured.” 

“Actually I was the one who asked for the papers, thank you by the way.” 

“Yeah, no problem. Do you smoke? Like weed or?” 

“Yeah, just weed. I used to smoke cigarettes and vape for a while or whatever, but I stopped for a while. I just realized it was a boring habit.” 

“How’d you know I had strawberry papers, did Vernon tell everyone?” 

“No, no. He just said you were cool. Very friendly, but you didn’t talk about yourself enough and that you have nice smelling cigarettes that you smell like sometimes. Nothing too much really.”

“Oh. No dirty details about my weird dating life he pressed me about?”  

“Nothing about that, but he knows about my awful habits too. He always tells me I need serious help.”

“Yes. Me too, I called him a relationship guru.” 

“He thinks he is, but he’s had a crush on the same girl for a while. I'm not sure who she is, he never told me anything more about it. I’m not sure he’s the guy I’d trust to set me up that's for sure.” 

“Oh really? Is it, you know?” 

You pointed with your eyes across the table to Chae who was seated next to Vernon’s side. 

“I don’t think so. She’s definitely been in love with him forever, they were friends when they were kids and rekindled a few years ago when she moved back to town. She's really obvious about it, but he never said anything.” 

“Ah, I don’t know he seems to flirt with her alot.” 

“He’s just like that with everyone, overly friendly, kind of dorky.” 

“I see that.” 

You spent the entire night talking and getting to know Joshua, surprisingly finding out a lot of things that made you more and more intrigued about him. 

When the night finally came to a close, you left with his number and a plan to go out with just the two of you a few days later. Maybe Vernon being your friend was going to pay off more than you knew and his relationship guru advice brought you right into the hands of his very good friend. 

In the next few weeks you continued working and getting to know the pervious shy boy you thought Vernon was and going on actual good dates with his friend Joshua, who much to your surprise wasn’t the type to fuck you and forget you on a first date. 

Months passed by as your casual dating with Joshua went on and on, thinking that while it was good something with him was missing. But, you kept giving him a chance anyway. Unaware what that something was. 

On a night where you were getting ready to go out for a date you found Vernon outside of your apartment door, knocking on it wildly waiting for you to come and answer. 

“Is everything alright?” 

“Y/n.” 

“Want to come in?” 

“No. Yes? Is that alright?” 

“Are you okay? You’re acting weird as hell.” 

Vernon just nodded his head and sat down on your couch. 

“Are you getting ready to head out? You look really nice. I feel like I’m interrupting something.” 

“No. I just got home from a date actually. Why?” 

“Fuck. I’m sorry.” 

“It would help if you stopped saying sorry and told me what was wrong.” 

“Chae.” 

“Oh?” 

“She was over at my apartment. We were just playing video games and having some beer or whatever, but she tried to kiss me. And I let her at first, but I didn’t want to kiss her. I never have. I know she’s pretty and whatever, but like..” 

“Wait. So why did you come up here?” 

“Because I didn’t know what else to do? She’s still downstairs, she said she won't leave until we talk about what happened and she’s crying. I tried to tell her I wasn’t interested in her romantically and I liked being her friend, but she won’t take no for an answer. I just didn’t know what else to do. I’m sorry I interrupted your nice night like this.” 

You walked over into the kitchen and poured Vernon a glass of water to hopefully settle him from rambling so much. 

“Can I ask you why you aren’t interested in her? I always assumed you guys had something going on.” 

“No. Never. She’s not my taste, I mean she’s really cool. But we’re really similar and I don’t want to date someone who reminds me too much of myself otherwise I’d get bored, but never break it off maybe because I’m too nice or maybe because I feel too comfortable. Does that make any sense?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Plus, I told her I liked someone else anyway and she got even more upset. She started accusing me of being a liar and leading her on.” 

“I’ll be honest and when I first met her I thought you liked her too, but the more I got to know you I realized you pretty much act that way around everyone you’re comfortable with.” 

“Right.” 

“Want me to help you get her out of your apartment?” 

“You would?” 

“Yeah. I still owe you for spilling that drink a long time ago.” 

“My god, no you don’t” 

“Shh, in my heart I do. Are you staying here or coming?” 

“I’ll come.” 

Heading down the elevator still in your nice date outfit, you grabbed his keys and unlocked his front door to find Chae still sitting on his couch, waiting for him to come home. 

Looking her up and down you found her dressed in shorts two sizes too small with Vernon’s T-Shirt draped over her body. Clinging to his pillow and looking you up and down. 

“What the fuck is she doing here, Vernon? She’s not a part of this at all.” 

“Actually, I’m here to ask you to politely get the fuck out of his apartment and stop making him feel bad for not liking you.” 

“You’re such a bitch, he does like me. The person he doesn’t like is you, so maybe you should get the fuck out of here. He just feels sorry for you.” 

“Chae, that’s not true and don’t talk to her like that.” 

“You’re actually defending her? She hasn’t been nice to me once since she met me. She just acts like an entitled brat around me all the time, making me feel stupid. She’s not a part of this conversation at all, don’t you understand how insane this is?” 

“She is a part of it actually, because she’s the girl I have a crush on and if I wasn’t so focused on making everyone else around me happy at the price of myself I would’ve been able to tell her that already instead of doing it like this.” 

“Verno-” 

“Her? You fucking like her? Seriously? She told me she never would date someone like you and that you’re dorky and a loser.” 

“What the fuck is wrong with you? That’s never happened. You’re the one who parades around making me feel like an idiot and that I'm not good enough to be friends with Vernon. You know who’s being an entitled brat? You. You’re kicking this poor guy out of HIS apartment for not liking you back like a child, you’re sitting on his couch in HIS clothes, waiting for him to come back to you to try to pressure him into being with you when he told you he likes someone else. If you’re such a good ass friend to him like you constantly claim to be, then maybe be that good friend and get the hell up, give him his shirt back and get the fuck out or you can talk to him like the adult that you are and try to understand how he feels and continue being his friend. If you don’t like either option I don’t know what else to tell you. So, what will it be?” 

“If I talk to him, you need to get the fuck out of here, I don’t want you around.” 

“Fine with me, but stop being such an insufferable bitch and maybe have some compassion. Goodnight.” 

Not wanting to wait around for the elevator, you slammed Vernon’s door shut leaving them to have their conversation and walked up the seven flights of stairs back into your cozy home untainted by her bad energy. 

Hours later after you were showered and ready to destress from the absolute chaos your night has been, you poured yourself a glass of wine and sat on your to smoke a nicely rolled joint as a treat to yourself, leaving your phone inside your room and out of your eyesight. 

Suddenly mid-inhale another knock came to your door, half of you wanted to pretend you were asleep, but another part of you assumed whoever it was must have an issue with you smoking inside your home. 

Looking through the peephole of your front door, you saw for the second time in the night Vernon standing outside, now in his plaid pj pants and a hoodie pacing around waiting for you to answer. 

Taking in a deep breath you opened the door and took one look at his messy hair, realizing he must have been trying to sleep, but couldn’t. 

“Yes?” 

“Can I come in?” 

“Be my guest. Sorry I’m smoking weed inside, it smells weird.” 

“Can I have a hit actually?”

“Sure.” 

“Thanks.” 

Handing over the pink flower, Vernon took an incredibly long hit of the weed, exhaling it creating a cloud over the two of you. 

“Wine?” 

“Uh, not yet. Can I confess something to you?” 

“Is it about the girl you like?” 

“Sorry you had to find out like that. I was planning on telling you, but then you started seeing Josh and whatever else it just got away from me, it wasn’t the right time I know. I just let it slip.” 

“It’s okay, Vernon” 

“It’s not, especially when you’re not single. I feel like I ruined any relationship we had with saying it, even our platonic one.” 

“When you talked about ruining my nice night before? Didn’t you wonder why I was coming home from a date at 7:00pm? It was because I actually just broke it off with Joshua. He was really nice about it of course, but I just felt like we were friends and nothing more.” 

“Oh. So you’re not?” 

“Dating him? No.” 

“So I didn’t ruin it?” 

“My night? Not at all, it wasn't that great anyway.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Yeah.” 

Vernon took the opportunity to steal your glass of wine and downed it right then and there whispering a small sorry to you for doing so. 

“Okay, so. I knew I liked you the moment we started working together. I wasn’t sure how to tell you ever, I wasn’t even sure how to talk to you because you made me feel so awkward, not because you were mean or anything, just because I knew I’d sound like a fucking dumb ass. But, that night we first walked home together and had a drink. I found out so much about you, I liked you even more so I asked you to come and hangout with us at my place, I figured I could get some courage to finally ask you out, which ultimately I failed at again and it just spiraled out of control. It’s just gotten more and more bad for me, like bad in the sense I just can’t stop falling for you and you didn’t know. Until I essentially fucked it up further telling you I like you infront of Chae, which was a mistake too. I keep fucking it up.” 

“You're doing pretty good if you ask me, but you should’ve just told me a long time ago then none of this crazy shit would have happened.” 

“That's charming, no?” 

“Only because it's you.” 

“Look, I don’t need an answer from you now or ever, just know I wont be fucking weird about it anymore. I’ll let you go to bed. I’ll see you in a few days at work and everything will be good.” 

Vernon got up and tried to walk towards your front door for an exit, but you caught up to him in time, grabbing him by his shoulders and spinning him around just in time to plant a perfectly placed kiss on his pink lips. 

“I like that you’re fucking weird and for your information I admire your dumb vhs tape collection.” 

Vernon took his opportunity to kiss you again, even longer this time than the first one, pushing his tongue into your mouth, making you moan as his hands snaked their way around your body. 

“You taste like vanilla too.” 

“Nice?” 

“Perfect.” 

“Would us having sex count as us fucking on the first date?” 

“This would be considered fucking before the first date.” 

“Ah, I see. Is that a no-no?” 

“I’ll let it slide.” 

Vernon lifted you up, prompting you to wrap your legs around his long torso, and carried you onto your couch, setting you down to be perfectly face to face with his enclosed penis, now beginning to grow inside of his pants. Dipping your fingers into the waistband of his pants you grazed the tips of your fingers over the head of his dick, making him shiver from the cold touch of your hands. 

Unwrapsping him like a present, his penis flew from his waistband and you quickly wrapped your lips around the soft pink skin, slightly creating a suction cup with your lips as his hands found their way to the back of your head and he fucked your face gently. 

As his speed picked up, the head of his dick was pounding its way to the back of your throat making him weak in the knees and unsure how much longer he could go on like this without relieving himself inside of your mouth. 

In order to savor this moment further, he against his better judgment pulled you off of him and got on his knees in front of you, running a finger down your neck, placing soft kisses on your lips and all the way down to your sternum, his fingers following along. 

Pushing over your panties to the side he ran those same fingers up and down your wet center, making you moan and push onto him, begging for him to put them inside of you without many words. 

When he was finally done teasing you, he placed his first two fingers at the entrance and ran his thumb over your clit making you squirm and let out a small moan, trying to grind your way further onto him. 

With the same speed as before he started pumping his fingers into your wet center, crawling his way into your body and making you overwhelmed with pleasure. 

Suddenly he was four fingers deep stretching you out as a preparation for you to be comfortable fucking his much larger dick when suddenly you squirted all over his bare chest, slinking back onto the couch in a fit of heavy breathing. 

Vernon didn’t let you off the hook though, he grabbed onto you hips, carrying you onto the floor under him. Finally fucking you through your previous orgasm, riding into the sensitive waters of your clit, softly sucking on your nipples as he slowly thrusted himself onto you, almost like it was the only way to cure the aching in your center. 

As the sweat and your bodily fluids mix their way together, the heavy breathing slowed to near silence, watching him in ecstasy fucking into you, noticing the beauty of the way his eyelashes ran across his cheeks and the small light gold flecks in his eyes. He’s never been more beautiful to you than he was tonight. 

Suddenly in your daze his lips came onto yours before he slightly lifted them off of you to whisper while they still grazed over the top. 

“Can I come inside?” 

“Please.” 

And with your verbal confirmation Vernon filled up your body with his semen and rode into his very own orgasm as well. 

Kissing you once again he got up and ran into your bathroom to grab a clean towel for you both to clean up with and laid back down next to you on the floor. 

Suddenly the two of you erupted into laughter, just thinking about how stupid you both were to see chemistry between you was about as hot as the sex you both indulged in. 

“I can’t believe you were going to leave.” 

“I can’t believe I thought you weren’t into me.” 

“Who said I wasn’t lying?” 

“The way you were moaning and fucking into me told me all I needed to know.” 

“Ok, hot shot.” 

“So about that first date?” 

“It’s on.” 

[allieebobo]

Do you have any if recommendation?

Ooh! I have really, really bad memory(!!) but these are current faves that I have played/replayed recently that I can think of. A lot of the authors are also THE BEST HUMAN BEINGS EVER. So, double recommendation.

I probably missed a bunch out, so take this as a non-exhaustive list! In no particular order:

(Edit: Added some descriptions but yeah I got a little unhinged so I'm sorry nothing makes sense or if the quality of the write-up went down over time/did not actually give you any useful info)

WIPs with demos

Citadel, @bouncyballcitadel (I think of all the IFs on this list, this one makes me sweat the most. And I've said it once and I'll say it again: the dialogue is so snappy and well-written, and characters are SO DAMNED LOVEABLE.)

Infamous, @infamous-if (I've been manifesting Band/Musician IFs for the longest time, and then this popped up! I've even played Choice of a Rockstar, that's how desperate I was... Anyway, this is legions better than that. Angsty ex routes are my kryptonite, and Seven is just. Inevitable.)

Defiled Hearts: The Barbarian, @defiledheartsblog (I went into this wanting something juicy and fun/historical—and it's all of those things, but I didn't expect it to be so damned funny, too. The ROs are all impeccable.)

Raiders of the Caravan and Apartment 3-3, @leftski-if (A'ight listen, fantasy slice-of-life is my fave genre, and these are IT. Like, everything I never knew I needed in my life, and SO cozy/wholesome, with a cast of characters that I want to befriend in real life.)

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: An Affair of the Heart @doriana-gray-games (First off, the customization in this game is INSANE, and the branching too. I've replayed a couple of times and the little variations I discover each time just blows my mind. Secondly, it's so funny and written so well. Ngl I'm not a Sherlock fan but that's just testament to how amazing this IF is.)

When Life Gives You Lemons, @when-life-gives-you-lemonssss (Modern slice-of-life with an adorable kid, a bunch of hot ROs, CC. Hill's humor, what can I say?)

Golden @milaswriting (Really interesting world-building, one of the coolest fictional cities I've read in an IF, AND I'm obsessed with the ROs, in particular K de la Renta. Also Mila is such an awesome writer, I'm beyond excited for @beyondthegame.)

A Tale of Crowns @ataleofcrowns (This game is beautiful, polished, and SO exciting. Honestly, it looks like the kind of game created by a whole-ass game studio and would cost $50 to buy, it's that good. I really got swept up by this IF—probably played it all in one go.)

Rougi @rougi-if (Again, another game with scrumptious visuals/UI and also is just so well-crafted. I love the premise too, it's so original and fresh.)

Scout: An Apocalypse Story @anya-dev (Unfortunately this one might be on hiatus but I am/was really, really obsessed.)

Wayfarer @idrellegames (Love the game mechanics of this one, and the visuals. Probably controversial, but I like the D&D / random dice effect. And I also like the fact that it feels like an old-school RPG.)

Chop shop @losergames (The premise is all I needed to be sold, really—I'd always wanted to buy GTA as a kid but my parents were like NO WAY. Anyway, this IF did not disappoint, and let me live all my childhood dreams.)

Edit: AHH! How could I forget, one of my recent faves, Folksaga @folksaga-if (Lush atmospheric writing, super unique premise—norse mythology, plus I'm head over heels for Katla).

Completed IFs

Butterfly Soup 1 and 2 @brianna-lei (these are completed and I will never not promote them. Honestly the most adorable, wholesome, funny sports/coming-of-age IF I've read)

Elsinore: After Hamlet @lapinlunairegames (Insanely cool premise, insanely cool execution)

The Thick Table Tavern @manonamora-if (I love bar/tavern games, and this one actually lets you mix drinks! Instant fave.)

Other HGs/COGs I love: Slammed, Tin Star, Fallen Hero, If it pleases the court, A Player's Heart (these last two are so underrated, though I guess cause it's mainly wlw)

[footygirl114]

Cervecería (Alexia Putellas x Reader)

Hi friends, this is a bit late (but better late than never?) The one I was inspired to write post that champions league win with Alexia beelining it to someone in the crowd. It’s definitely not the best thing I have written but I know if i keep editing it I’ll scrap it so this is as good as it’ll get 

The need to not live through another Canadian winter was the biggest draw that made you start a second business in Spain. Having started a successful craft brewery in Toronto, you knew exactly what you needed to do, when you brought the craft beer craze to Barcelona. 

You had been in the city for 7 months, your restaurant had only opened a month ago but you were happy with how it was going. It was a process to get it open, but once you realised you needed to find someone who spoke both Spanish and Catalan and was familiar with the restaurant business it became a lot smoother. 

You had found a spot near to the downtown without being ridiculously priced, you wanted to draw tourists but you also didn’t want to scare away any locals. The starting days were slow but as more advertising and more interest in different craft beers gre you started to get busier. Fridays and Saturdays were busy enough you had to hire extra staff, but during the week you liked to be the one behind the bar. 

The whole reason you got into the brewery business in the first place, was because you loved to connect with people and share your love of beer with them. The best way you were able to do that was to be the one serving it, plus it was helping with learning Spanish. 

You also drew in a unique crowd on game days, you had all the subscriptions from back home which meant you were able to play many American sports. You also always had at least one TV dedicated to women games. 

About 6 weeks after you opened you were tending the bar on a slow Wednesday night, the crowd had died off after the Barca Femini game was completed, but you still had a few stragglers around. Movement caught your eye where you cleaning tables and you watched a slim female with her hair pulled in a pony tail, black hat and hoodie on walk in and settle at the end of the bar. 

Moving back behind the bar she looked up and met your eyes and immediately you were drawn in to her expressive eyes. You moved toward her and said “Hola, can I get you anything?” 

She smiled at you and said “Agua?” 

You raise an eyebrow at her and ask “You come into a brewery sit at the bar and order water?” 

She chuckles and shrugs and asks “should I sit somewhere else then?” 

“no no no but let me make you a deal” you smile wanting to hear her laugh again.

She raises an eye brow as she asks “What’s the deal?” 

You smirk and step back moving to pour her a glass of water, and a small taster pint of your favourite beer. You place both glasses in front of her as you tell her “I will keep pouring you the finest water all night, IF you try this small glass of my favourite beer” 

She chuckles shaking her head and smiles at you as she holds out her hand and says “deal.” 

You laugh and place your hand in hers, immediately feeling a tingling run up your arm, you tell her “I’m Y/N by the way.” 

“Alexia” she says and releases your hand and grabs the beer glass. She slowly raises it to her lips meeting your eyes over the glass. She holds your gaze as she takes a sip. 

You keep your eyes on her as she places it down and you ask “well?” 

“I can see why its your favourite” she says with a smile. 

Before you can say anything else another customer draws  your attention away. You have to deal with an issue in the kitchen and one with the supply closets. Its almost half an hour later when you make it back behind the bar. When you get back she is standing up looking around for you. 

Smiling you walk up asking her “leaving so soon?” 

She chuckles and says “si, just needed some fresh air. I can grab my bill though” 

You shake your head and say “it’s on the house” 

“Won’t your boss be upset” she asks with a smile. 

You chuckle and say “I think they’ll be okay.”

“well thank you” she says with another smile. Your name is called by another server and you turn toward them as she says “I’ll get out of your hair Y/N” 

You chuckle out a bye before turning and tending to your team.The rest of the night is spent thinking about the Beautiful girl who sat at your bar. You have a feeling you recognise her but are unsure how you would. Until you are closing up and you see her face on the TV, chuckling you can’t help but think how you just embarrassed yourself in front of the queen of football. 

**

You spend the next week elbow deep in testing a new batch of beer. It consumes you when you have an idea and you cannot put it into the taste correctly. Working late one night the bar is pretty quiet apart from a few regulars, you have taken over a table near the far side of the bar which is slightly hidden. Your notes are spread out all over the table and you are completely consumed in them until you hear your name at the bar. 

You had told your staff to act like you are not here, but when you recognise the voice ask for a water you smile to your self and look up and see Alexia sitting at your bar. As you get up to walk towards her you recall that you had seen the Barca team had played earlier in the evening away. 

“looking for me” you ask her as you step beside her at the bar. 

Alexia and your bartender, Sam, turns towards you with their own expressions. Alexia looks happy to see you, and you bartender is giving you the raised eyebrow as she thought you didn’t want to be disturbed. 

“I thought you weren’t here tonight boss” your bartender asks. 

“boss?” Alexia echos.

You chuckle at them both and you say “I’m not here tonight Sam” to your bartender who gets the hint with a chuckle turning away. 

“Boss?” Alexia asks you again. 

Chuckling you move behind the bar and grab a small pint glasses as you tell her “I own the place.” 

She looks at you and with a low whistle she says “Impressive” 

“thank you” you say as you move and pour a glass of another one of your beers. You place it in front of her and say “If our deal still stands this is another one of my favourite beers” 

She grabs it and asks “if you brew them all do you have a least favourite?” 

You chuckle and say “not really, well just the one I cant figure out right now”

“Can I help?” she asks and takes a sip of the beer with a low moan. “sorry that one is really good” she says with a blush. 

You chuckle and say “its cute” and then immediately blush and say “I just cant get what is in my head to translate into the beer. I have this taste I can imagine but I cannot find the right combination of hops and flavours to get it right” you ramble on. 

“What’s the flavour?” she asks with a smile.

You blush almost forgetting she was there during your ramble and say “I am sorry you don’t want to hear me nerd out about beer” 

She shakes her head and reaches across to grab your hand as she says “I kinda want to know everything you’ll share” 

Before you can respond her phone buzzes and she reaches down looking at the screen and then gets up reaching for her wallet. You place your hand on her wallet and say “This one is on the house in exchange for the ramble” 

“You know I can afford to pay for my beers” she says. 

Immediately you shake your head and say “I know you can La reina, but I do really hope this makes you keep coming back” finishing with a wink.

She blushes at the nickname and leans across the bar and presses a kiss to your cheek as she whispers into your ear “You will make me come back.” She then turns and walks towards the door turning at the door with a wink she disappears. 

You continue staring at the door when you hear Sam walk back behind you and say “Nice work boss, I thought you’d lose her with the beer talk” 

You chuckle and whip your towel at her say “get back to work.”

**

The following two weeks you see Alexia 3 more times at your bar, always on days the Barca team plays. You looked her up after the last time and know she’s not playing yet but is very close to being back. You both have flirted but nothing else other than the one cheek kiss has happened. You both just keeping things light and flirty. She has slowly worked her way through some of your staple beers. 

When the next Barca game happens and she doesn’t show up to the bar that night you have to admit that you were very disappointed. You knew that it was all just a fantasy and flirting but it definitely hurt that she decided you weren’t worth it. 

You were deep in the back room tonight still trying to perfect your beer. You kept one small cask in the back room where you used it to experiment with your brews, this time being no different. Your desk back here was covered in notes and you had a white board with formulas and flavours all over it. During the day the back part of the brewery was a hive of activity keeping up with the demand of brewing beers, but at night it was quiet which is when you loved to use the time to work on your own stuff. 

Tonight was no different, you were still a bit hurt and disappointed in your self for being hurt about Alexia so thats why you were staying hidden in the back not out front tonight. The staff knew you were here and knew not to bug you when you were back here. 

So when you heard the door open you didn’t even look back when you said “Sam I thought I told you not to interrupt me tonight” 

You hear the steps falter and someone take a deep breath as they ask “I was just looking for a glass of Aqua”

Immediately you turn and can feel your cheeks blush as you say “Alexia, what are you doing here?” 

She still doesn’t come any closer as she says “I wanted to tell you something, and then if you want me to not interrupt you I will go”

You nod at her and lean back against the desk behind you.

She slowly steps towards you and says “I know you know who I am, and you should know then that I have been injured and not playing for awhile?” 

You nod and smile saying softly “I do know that” 

She keeps slowly stepping closer as she continues “Well that first time I walked in here, was after one of the teams away games. I still wasn’t travelling with the team and I watched them almost lose and knew that I let them down. So I needed some air and went for a walk, I saw the sign on your bar and decided to come in and have some water and then leave.” 

“But you didn’t” you tell her softly as she stops in front of you.

“No I didn’t” she says. “for the first time in a very long time I forgot who I was letting down, I was able to just be me Alexia, not me the captain who let her team down. That was because of you, something about you just drew me in and I kept coming back any time we played so I could be that person again.” 

You smile softly at her and say “I am glad to help.” 

“Last night was my first game back Y/N” She smiles at you. 

You smile back and say “I am proud of you Ale” 

She steps another step closer so she is right in front of you and grabs your hands softly as she says “The only reason I was able to be back last night and not let the team down was because I kept picturing your voice in my head talking about beer. It helped to ground me and remind me that I am Alexia as well as the captain” 

You close the gap even more and move your hand to her cheek as you say “I am glad that you have that then Ale. I am honoured to be able to do that for you” 

She steps closer and looks down at your lips looking back up meeting your eyes you nod slightly and lean in slowly. You feel her breathe on your lips when the door slams open again and Sam walks in as she says “Sorry boss, need to change the keg.”

Immediately Alexia has sprung back from you and you both turn slightly away from each other. “It’s okay Sam come in.”

“I should go” Alexia says “I have training early tomorrow” 

“You don't have to go” you say at the same time Sam says “did I interrupt?” 

“No you didn’t Sam, I was just leaving” Alexia says as she flees the back room. 

“sorry boss?” Sam says with a smirk. 

“Sam?”

“Yeah boss?”

“how did she get back here?” you ask her. 

She shrugs and grabs the keg and says “I may have told her to come back here at her own risk”

“But you still interrupted?” you ask. 

She laughs and says “honestly I forgot, and needed a keg badly. I really didn’t think you would been that position though boss” 

You blush and move to help her as you say “me either”

**

That moment was burned in your brain, every free moment you had your brain was immediately back in the store room. You watched her sit on the bench in the following champions league game, but you at least now knew why she didn’t come in to the bar on that day. You waited the rest of the week for her to show again, she didn’t. 

It was just before bar opening on the day of the second leg of the champions league. You knew that it was home game and you knew that you wouldn’t see her today. You were hoping she would show tomorrow but you can only hope. 

You were sat at the bar, with your note book open and three samples of your newest beer in front of you trying to decide which one would be the closest to the taste you want. You hear the door open and turn and to greet who you would think is one of your servers since you aren’t open and instead you are shocked and say “Alexia! I didn’t expect to see you today.” 

She is dressed in her pre game outfit when she walks closer to you and says “I needed to see you before I go to play today.”

You look at her with a questioning look and ask “you did?” 

She stops right in front of you and says “I cant get you out of my head Y/N” 

“You can’t?”

She turns you and spins you towards her on your stool. She steps right in between your legs and says “I keep thinking about kissing you Y/N, and I know I should be able to focus on football, but I just keep thinking about you” 

“Thats not good than Ale, what are you going to do?” you ask with a smirk. 

She smiles and says “I know what I want to do but I do not have the time for that.” 

You chuckle and move your hands to her hips and you ask “want to make a deal?” 

Smirking she nods and says “what’s the deal?” 

“You go out and with the champions league and you can kiss me as much as you want” you say with a smirk moving your hand to her cheek. 

She laughs and holds out her hand between you and asks “Only if I can take you out on a date too?” 

“deal” and you put your hand in hers shaking it softly. 

“I have to go” she says softly

You nod and whisper “good luck Ale” before turning and grabbing your pen and writing your number down on a piece of paper. You hand it to her with a smirk saying “I hope this will help you focus now”

She smiles and presses a kiss to your cheek saying “I have an objective now I will be fully focused on completing it.” as she backs away slowly. 

You chuckle watching her and say “Good luck la reina” 

**

The month in between the day the deal was made and the champions league final was a tense one, in the best way possible. Anytime you both texted, which was any free time between her trainings and games and your bar, the flirting was relentless. You only saw her twice in the month but she confessed to you that she couldn’t see you or else she would have to, in her words, “press you against the wall and make you see stars.” 

You knew you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands off her either but you wanted to hear her voice, which lead to phone calls every single night. No matter how late you were at the bar she would sleepy wake up just to ask you about your day. 

The day of the final she called you as she was about to leave in a bit of panic. She needed to hear your voice to remind her that she is Alexia too and not just the captain. All of the media and build up of her return was getting into her head and you knew she just needed to be grounded. You happily helped and reminded her of your deal and you couldn’t wait to taste her. 

The bar threw a watch party and it was packed. The mood was sombre at halftime with Barca being down 2-0. You nervously paced waiting for the second half. When it started and Alexia came on at the start of half you couldn’t help but smile.

It was like the team changed with her and when immediately it sparked the team to score 2 quick goals the bar was electric cheering. When the 85th minute rolled around you were nervous, but you knew that once you saw Alexia gather a crappy clearance from the wolfsburg back line this was it. She cut in once around a defender just above the top of the 18 where she lined up and put a screamer in the top left corner. 

That was it, they held on and the bar was electric and the party lasted all night. You snuck away to speak to Alexia briefly on the phone, but she couldn’t talk as she was pulled away. You turned the excitement you had and finally got the mixture right on your beer. You immediately had given samples out to have a second opinion and it was a hit. 

She inspired you just like you did to her. When the parade for the team was organised and you knew they would be coming out side your bar you kept an eye out. Once it was the time for them to come this way, you pushed your way to the front of the crowd. 

When the team came around the corner you hoped that you would be able to catch her. It was like when she came around the corner she could sense you, as she immediately met your eyes and her smile lit up her whole face. 

You watched as she turned and almost sprinted to you, when she reached you she had placed her hands on your hips pulling you in. You placed your hand around her neck with a smile as she says “A deal is a deal Y/N”

You nod and say “You won it all Ale, time for my end of the deal” and you lean and press your lips to hers hard. She immediately presses back and you lose yourself in her forgetting about the crowd around you. You just feel the sparks only she has been able to give you. 

When the need to breathe comes to much you both pull back and you slowly hear the crowd around you again, where you pull back slightly and whisper “wow.” 

She smiles and says “I gotta go finish this thing” with a jerk of her thumb over her shoulder.

Nodding you say “come by after and you can finally taste my favourite beer I just finished” 

She smiles wide “you finished it?” 

“I did” 

“Then I cannot wait, but only if it comes with the finest aqua you have” she says with a smile and you cant help but laugh and press your lips to hers one more time. 

[sanestakaashistan]

“ Whyʼd ya hold back? ”

|| hawks — keigo t.

hawks x reader but you just came back from an overseas mission. you immediately get excited once you're back to japan, barging in to your shared apartment, unbeknownst to hawks' state and the fact that it's.. spring.

tw: implied s3x, a little cursing?, suggestive themes.

MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI MDNI !!

The smell of Japan's fresh air fills your lungs while you take your step out the international airport. After partaking onto a few Pro Hero activities on Brazil, you've finally returned to your home country, Japan. To come home back to Keigo was all you could've ever wanted as a reward.

The cab arrives at yours and Keigo's apartment complex. You immediately ran off and paid the cab, going in the classic elavator up to the apartment's floors. Excitedly, you slam open your door right after you unlocked it, only to be greeted by silence. The usual welcome home Keigo gave when you go overseas for missions is unusually gone tday. You grinned, thinking Keigo must be in the shower to freshen up. It was uncommon, but Keigo loves to take baths, so you thought it as normal and brushed it off.

Hurriedly, you took off your shoes and coat and hung them into their rightful places. Staying with your socks on, you ran to your shared bedroom and peeked through the door, only to see the room made dark and dim. “Keigo?” You softly called out, starting to feel concerned for the boy. Observing the sight before you, you were stunned. “Kei.. go?” You muttered in shock. There lies none other than Keigo, on the bed, buried in several blankets, surrounded in a sea of pillows, panting and gasping heavily for air. “Damn it..” He lightly cursed under his breath, covering himself whole in the blankets in order to unshow his such vulnerable state.

Just then, you only realized it was Spring.

The season where Keigo's kind are usually in heat. You perked up, cursing yourself, as you didn't realize it sooner. “Keigo? What can I do to help?” His immediate response was a barely a whisper: “Please.. go away...” His body curled, as if in pain. You immediately noticed the implication, so then you hurried to the kitchen and made hot chocolate to somehow comfort him(?), as you didn't know what to do, either. You couldn't just possibly leave him alone like that? You mentally slapped yourself even only at the thought.

Back at the shared bedroom, you placed the hot cup of chocolate on the bedside table and satt at the edge of the bed. “Keigo, what can I do to help?” Gently, in a soft delicate tone, you asked. He only replies with: “No. D-Don't..” Though you were confused, you only kept asking as concern washes over you. “Keigo.” You made him sit up properly as you speak, —

“I'm trying to hold back, you dimwit.”

Said Keigo, right after pinning you down the bed. You were shook— no, maybe even more shock than the word shock. His tone was rough, which was much, much different than his usual classic laid-back demeanor. You couldn't help but be by far be speechless, with both his actions and words. What did he mean by 'trying to hold back'? Why did he pin you to the bed? Why is he holding back—? Oh.

OH! You finally figured it out.

You smirked at the final realization, and while Keigo sits up himself, you immediately got on top of him, your legs surrounding his waist. Now, it's the opposite position around, while you place your hands in both sides of Keigo's head on the bed. “What-.. are you doin-..” He lightly gasps, now the one who's shocked. How the tables had turned.

“I'll make you feel so good, birdie. I'll make you so satisfied to the point that you'll be asking for more. To the point that even when it's not spring, you'll come running to me..” You whisper in his ear as his breath hitched.

“You could've just asked, and I would've gave you what you wanted, baby.”

a/n: ill edit this later to make it more appealing...... im too tired for this okay bye thanks

honourable mention: @nessgasm , my pookie for life

[aesthetic-gamersnail]

What happened in the first family counseling session of the brothers (it contains a spoiler from Trolls 3 since it is based on the movie, so be warned)

Edit: Originates from the meme I made to this topic. Enjoy :)

Therapist: So, at the beginning I always like to begin with the question: why are you here?

The brothers are sitting on a couch in a nicely dimmed room which has green paint on the walls. The therapist sits across them in his armchair, between him and them a coffee table with a vase of fresh flowers, a cup full of pencils, a neat stack of papers and - what immediately catches Clay's eyes - a burning scented candle. (The order in which the brothers sit on the couch from left to right: Branch, Clay, Spruce, Floyd, John)

All: ...

John: Honestly, I think there is no reason for why we are here.

Bruce: And I think, that you are probably one of the main reasons why we are here. And you probably need it the most.

John: I'm sorry, but I think the real reason we are here is because our little brother's lady forced him to do it.

Branch: WHAT? *he whipped his head around* She didn't force me to do it, she recommended it to me and I took her advice because you know what? I actually CARE about our family and I think we could do a lot better.

John: Do you want to say that I don't care about this family?

Floyd: Guys, guys, please, calm down.

Branch: Geez, John, I don't know, did not really get the vibes when you said we would go our separate ways after we saved Floyd.

John: Are you still bent down on this? Look, I'm sorry that I said that but things are different now, right? We are together now, so why are still hung up on the past?

Branch: Just because something is in the past doesn't mean it doesn't have any effect on me anymore. And besides, it has been, what, two weeks ago? I wouldn't call it the past yet.

John: Potato, tomato. See, this is your problem: you take things way out of proportions and let your emotions control you.

Bruce: Well, at least he shows his emotions and talks about them, in contrast to someone else.

John: Excuse me?

Bruce: You heard me.

Clay, interrupting their talk since he also was not listening to them, asks the therapist: Is the candle not a fire hazard? Is this even allowed in such an establishment?

Floyd: Guys, please, calm down. We haven't even properly started and we are already fighting with each other. Let's all breathe for just a moment and then resume to talk.

...Silence for a few moments ...

Therapist:....So I see, there is a lot of pent up aggression going on he-

John: NOPE, no! You know what? It has been fun and all but I honestly don't want to be here anymore. So, I'll be taking my leave.

Floyd: John, plea-

John: Floyd, I'm sorry, but I really can't do it. I already know how this whole thing is going to go, therefore, why should I even stick around?

Bruce: Wait, what do you mean by tha-

Branch: Oh, because you know everything, don't you?

John slowly getting irritated with this situation, suddenly stands up and says: Listen he- *THUMP* *CRASH*

But he is interrupted by the sound of the coffee table falling to the ground. He stood up too fast and took the coffee table in his momentum with him, which made it rock back and forth, till it finally hit the ground facing the brothers. But with the coffee table, also the vase and the scented candle came to the ground. The vase bursts into many splinters which fly into the air in various directions. One splinter shoots into John's foot.

At the sight of the first drop of blood coming from his foot, John says: Oh my god, hahaha, look at that..

And passes out.

Floyd: OH MY GOD, JOHN, ARE YOU OK?

Bruce: Ohhhhhh, I remember now. He was always afraid of blood, ever since he was a kid. Did not think, it still bothered him.

Floyd: Didn't he live in the wilderness for 20 years? How did he survive?

Branch: oh my god, OH MY GOD!

Branch rolled off screaming from the couch.

While Bruce and Floyd were busy with John, the scented candle rolled it's way to the couch and ignited it.

Clay: AHA, I KNEW IT. *Clay laughs* I knew it would be a fire hazard. You have some explaining to do, mister. *he pointed his finger at the therapist, smiling*

His smile drops.

Clay:...Oh shit.

Branch: HOW DO WE PUT OUT THE FIRE? WHAT IS EVEN HERE TO PUT OUT A FIRE? *running around frantic, looking for something that would help against the fire*

Floyd: Ok, so we have an unconscious body and a fire going on. Just, d-don't FREAK out, Bruce, and stay calm!

Bruce:...I am calm.

Floyd: I SAID STAY CALM!

Clay:...Is not the first step to dealing with building fires 'Inform people in the immediate area to evacuate'? Well, *turns to the therapist* I think you should be the one to leave and warn people, AND also call 911, as we have a *stares at the unconscious John, the anxious Floyd, the confused Bruce and the frantic Branch running around* situation going on.

The therapist, staring at this whole situation in horror:...I honestly don't get paid enough for this. *flees the scene*

[squirrellypoo]

Ep8 "What Can The Damned Really Say To The Damned" rewatch thoughts (Part 2)

Here's my second set of things I noticed on my third rewatch! Part 1 is here if you missed it...

11. On Claudia's first visit to the forest, we can briefly see a red mark on one of the trees. When brightened up, it's clearly a handprint, in fresh blood. Edit: ah, it’s not blood but paint from the kids painting their hands and slapping trees to show how far they could go into the forest!

12. I totally missed that the BBC radio bulletin talks about looted art being loaded onto trucks to be taken back to Paris! So that’s how they knew to jump in a truck and be taken all the way there rather than just random hitch-hiking.

13. Morgan mentions that Louis's photo of Grace was printed onto albumen, by a glass-plate camera, and I was intrigued by this and wanted to learn more. If you're also interested, have a read of this Wikipedia article.

14. I thought I must've been missing some sort of reference in Daniel's “Maybe you’re just frosting the pie?” line (about Louis remembering Claudia dreaming), but Google has no evidence this is a saying? So it looks like this was just a Daniel-ism? How odd.

15. Ohhhhh it's a factory they're all camping in! That makes sense, with the thick walls and boiler room, but I couldn't quite work out whether it was a church or meeting hall or what.

16. Claudia is singing the Anna Anna nursery rhyme that the children just taught her in order to lure the pissing soldier into the woods. Nice touch!

17. Both soldiers from the woods are in Daciana's castle. First we see one in the room that Louis and Claudia pass through before the one on the table by the fire that she calls “a burnt tray of bread”. Guess this first guy just dies after a while? Or maybe Louis and Claudia finish him off?

18. In the Dubai bedroom, there’s nothing on Armand’s bedside table (nothing!) but on Louis’s side there are so many well-thumbed books, cascading from the nightstand onto the floor…

19. The TdV programme is for “Des Cris Dans Les Ténèbres!” (Shrieks in the Darkness). I love that the actual item is in French, but the posters up all around Paris are in English, because Louis would’ve translated them into English and that’s how he remembered them! The details! 🤌

20. In the truck scene, Louis is still healing from Daciana’s attack. It made me wonder how long it would take to drive (pre-motorways!) from Romania to Paris. So I looked it up, and using modern roads, but avoiding motorways, it'd take 31hrs straight. But they’d have to break to sleep somewhere safe in the day, and many of the roads and bridges would likely have been bombed and required detours, so I think we can assume it'd take several days to get there. So if Louis still isn't healed by the time we see them outside Paris, he is one seriously malnourished vampire. 😔 The blood really was bad there!

And that's my list of weird things I noticed in the first episode! Part 1 is here if you missed it, and do let me know in the notes if there's any of these you missed, too!

[knightyoomyoui]

[COMMISSION] LIVING WITH VAMPIRES: UNDER THE VEIL OF NIGHT  | TWICE x Male Reader  | CHAPTER : -PROLOGUE-

Welcome to another brand new TWICE fic series of mine! This story will serve both as an adaptation and a soft reboot of the TWICE horror-comedy book titled “Living With Vampires” written by SaiDaChae29 published in 2020 which was sadly left discontinued until now. For this one, it scrapped some of the parts from the original while others were kept and applied changes which will lead to its direct continuation. Special mention also to @nchris00 who ordered a commission and entrusted me to recreate this interesting story as his request. Hope this one won’t disappoint! Thank you so much again!

Now, let’s get this one started shall we? “LIVING WITH VAMPIRES: UNDER THE VEIL OF NIGHT” By knightyoomyoui Commissioned by: @nchris00 Part: PROLOGUE Word Count: 1,681

PRESENT TIME

I tucked the maknaes on their bedsheets after I delivered the rest of the girls into their bedroom except for Jihyo and Jeongyeon who are the most sober ones. Mina didn’t drink though since she’s allergic to alcohol, but she still passed out from exhaustion because of how fun we have went on this special day.

“Jeonghoon, are you sure this is on you now?” Jihyo asked me concerned, she was yawning already and it showed me more that my unnies are also tired now too.

“Yeah, I can handle this Jihyo noona. You can both go to sleep now.” I nodded as I looked around at our living room that is cluttered with empty beer cans, chips and plates.

“You sure? Well, don’t forget to rest after this okay?” Jihyo told me.

“Yes, noona.”

“As much as I would love to help Jeonghoon but I’ll leave this one to you now okay? I’ll get back from you tomorrow.” Jeongyeon turned to speak.

“No worries, noona.”

“Goodnight, Jeonghoon.”

“Goodnight noonas.”

They all went upstairs now and I heard them closing the door. I also released my own yawn but I’m not that much sleepy yet unlike them so I decided to volunteer cleaning the room. Also, I wanted to sleep on the couch for tonight anyways since it’s more cold and fresh here.

I started to drag the trash can and some extra garbage bag with me so that I can easily dump the mess we all created around here. I started with the cans, then I tied the used bags before replacing it with a new one then I went outside the dorm to take this out on the nearest garbage station in this building’s storey.

Going back to the dorm, I then proceeded on collecting the used plates, stacking them up and placed them on the sink. I’m the type of guy who hates seeing stacked plates on the sink and kinda not a fan of washing dishes so I immediately cleaned it off rather than letting it become an eyesore when the girls or me woke up tomorrow.

After putting them on the drying rack, I changed my outfit to my pajamas and slumped my body back on the couch. I breathe deeply to feel its softness while I blink rapidly as I stare on the wall, thinking of something to do before I go the sleep since I still don’t feel like resting yet.

Then something crossed my mind.

We just watched some vlogs that the girls recommended from their favorite YouTube channels, so I thought of an idea that what if I make my own vlog tonight.

Well, not exactly a vlog where I go record not only myself, but the people and the place around wherever I go that will require a much more editing process, I just felt like recording myself.

I was thinking of what should I say on the video, until another thing gave me an idea on what should I do with it.

I grabbed my phone that I’m confident enough of its camera’s quality, using it as I start to record myself. I set it up on our table and grabbed the mini-vase as its support before I prepare myself on the couch and press the record button.

As the timer starts rolling, I began to speak to the camera.

“Hi, Min Jeonghoon here. Right now its already 12:30 AM and it’s very late but I’m not sleepy yet so… I just wanted to do something interesting that will probably drain the remaining energy I have left in my body haha, and I thought of recording this video talking about…

how I met these nine ladies who turns out to be also��� vampires.

I get it, saying it as if it is real would make me look like I’m crazy. Well, not like the others out there. Some would say I just tell a silly joke, but some might… be as crazy as me. Because this isn’t just a fiction. I’m just a type of guy who knows how right or wrong people are. And right now, believe me when I tell you that I’m sorry but… vampires do exist.

But before, I get to introduce them to you all, let me clarify some cliches and stuffs that turns out to be myths for people to believe in and pass it in every generations for others to learn. I want to educate others based from my own experience, with what I’ve learned about them during the entire 2 years of living with them.

First off, they are not immortals. They’re almost like us humans BUT like I said, almost because the little part of it that them still differs from us is that they age but way too slowly. I think its because of their DNA that works 10 times slowers that the normal one, so imagine that a vampire looks like 20 years old, well guess it already that its age might actually be in 200 years or something.

Oh and also, speaking of blood, they do have a very active cells of immune system, so it is true that their wounds or injuries heal a lot faster.

Next off, does vampires need blood to survive? Yes. That’s probably like the most common thing that we see in the movies right? Everyone also would even have it as their primary guess about what do they think about vampires, but at the same time they wanted to also confirm it if it does yet sadly they think it’s just a fantasy. But here I am now, telling you from what my own eyes have seen that they do indeed need blood.

Additional clarification, they drink animal blood though, not humans… even if its more healthy than animals. But they have to, because I’ve known these girls already that they cannot bear to kill a person because they are better than that. So, they found an alternative which is actually pig blood, mostly similar to humans which was proven by some scientists through what we call a “xenotransfusion”, some type of blood transfusion to humans. 

What’s also interesting about them is that they do behave having it as their most crucial need. Just like humans, if us cannot standing drinking water or eating food for more than 3 days, well it’s the same thing that can be applied to them, only that the blood involves with it too. They starve and get thirsty much worse than humans, so I’m telling you that you really must be careful at the other vampires that you may encounter in the public that is suffering from this, because it won’t hesitate for a single second to kill you and help that vampire satisfy its needs.

Third one would be… hmm oh yeah, this is also quite commonly asked about vampires. Do they actually have fangs? Yes, and it ‘s retractable. It only extends when they’re about to feast something… or somebody. It grows definitely way sharper and longer than both humans and animals combined, but it’s almost unrecognizable unless you pay attention to it.

Well… I remember it happened on the first time seeing it on the first day I met them… yeah. Kinda scary, but I got trained to get used by it. It’s just that this one specific girl just loves to make fun of me with it.

Fourth of the most frequently asked questions would be about vampires hating the sunlight. Yup, they’re are not comfortable with it at all. Just imagine a skin getting poured by a muriatic acid, that’s how their sensitive skin react to the rays. However, they don’t die easily. I think it’s their eyes that are much sensitive than their skin, because their eyes are mostly made for darkness, explaining why they are also considered as creatures who prefer to remain in the dark.

About the eyes though, I debunk some rumors that their pupils enlarge and turns to be almost black whenever they feel anger, hunger or something like that. It remains the same, however… don’t stare at them for too long, you may not know… you’re already acting unusual under their command. You’re probably gonna be enchanted about their eyes because their irises tends to possess some various special colors like either red, sky blue, etc.

To quickly insert some other informations that needs to be corrected or be proven, vampires don’t turn like a bat just like Dracula and Mavis from Hotel Transylvania, they are stronger and faster than our physical abilities, they also don’t hate garlic -actually one of the girls loves it on her food- or can’t see their reflection in the mirror. My girls do make-ups and loves fashion a lot so… that’s why.

Lastly would be yes, they can turn a human into a vampire once they bit them. But the transformation process is slow and painful once they inject that some sort of a venom into some human’s blood which would alter the DNA. They gotta endure it because if i’m not mistaken, there’s no cure yet for these.

I also remember when one of my friends here said that half-vampires also exists. It is rare actually, because mostly vampires doesn’t get attracted or involve in some sort of a relationship with humans. One thing I know that they would differ from a full blooded vampires is that they can actually go free around outside without getting burned or they don’t need that much blood to survive.

Well, that’s enough information for today’s video. Now let’s move on to these nine girls that I’m talking about. The vampires that took me in, thought that they would become a danger after I learned about their true identity, and yet here I am, ending up as their so called little brother figure and… the second family I now treat in my life.

Nayeon. Jeongyeon. Momo. Sana. Jihyo. Mina. Dahyun. Chaeyoung. Tzuyu. That’s the names of my friends... my sisters... and the people I already consider as the second family I cherish the most, no matter who they actually are.

And this is how my story went with them…

[sweetheartsaku]

༄ MISSION: OUR SUMMER― doves in the wind

𝜗𝜚 ―K.TAEHYUN 【태현】 VERSION || NIGHT EDITION.

SUN BEAMS SIMMER its sparkles on the rustic wooden table. the sound of gentle chatter fills the empty silence in your head, coffee mugs clinking, machinery whirring, customers conversing. your gaze goes around, wondering the story behind all these people. one might fall in love with this coffee, one might be at the lowest point of their life, one might be aimlessly wandering.

but you know for sure, you're with the love of your life.

"one caramel frappé with an extra sweetener and one iced coffee, both in regular please." taehyun grazes his soft fingertips on the counter of the cozy cafe, before pulling out his wallet to pay for the drinks. you quickly place your hand on top of his, insisting you pay.

"tae, my love, this is the third cafe you've paid for today. i'll do it."

"no no, this whole thing was my idea. remember?" he whispers with a smile, tapping his sleek (black) card on the credit card scanner. he sneaks a light and seamless peck to your temple.

you look back up― a rosy, pink dusts your face. taehyun tugs you by the hand, eyes still glued on the order being prepared. watching the kitchen become even more astir than it already was.

suddenly, your eyes meet the glass display of pastries of all different assortments. macaroons, small cakes― larger ones on the bottom, mousses, cookies of unique shape, pies and tarts, donuts and sandwiches. anything you could ever imagine.

this place was practically a drink and pastry haven.

"taehyun, i think this place might be the one."

you find yourself at a small wooden table of your own, small plates of treats decorating the table. his boba gaze meets yours, squeezing your hand a little lighter. he props your interlocked hands on the table, close to his lips, bringing them close.

the cold and warm beverages arrive at your table, thinking this view of the 4th coffee of the day would be sickening, there is no other emotion than pure awe at the sight of the drinks. taehyun's warm caramel frappe, his favourite drink saved for the last cafe, in its foamy, refreshing glory.

meanwhile, your simple iced coffee glistens under the summer rays seeping through the large window nearby. you chose to have another cold drink here, cooling yourself off from the merciless sun. you clasp the hem of your shorts, right above your knee.

"it looks like you're itching to drink it. just take a sip, honey." taehyun says, swirling his drink with his wrist before taking a sip.

you quickly pick up your drink, letting its cold and sweet flavours melt into your mouth. if the drinks were this good, imagine the pastries!

you finally reach the end of your little delights, slightly disappointed your taste testing had to come to an end. but luckily for you, you both still had a little bit of beverage left in your drink. before you could pick your cup up, taehyun grins and asks if you'd like to go to the nearby park. you answer eagerly, loving the idea of ending your afternoon at the park with your lover.

you walk out the chilly and refreshing cafe, stomach satisfied and a pearly smile plastering your face. a short stroll along the fresh green garden's stone pathway leads you to a mesmerising park. it's sprinkled with life, little kids running around, birds pecking at the ground and greenery rustling at the occasional cool breeze.

he brings you to an area slightly more secluded, a section where the amount of people you could count on two hands. you both take a seat on the dry grass; a couple meters from the glistening lake. leaves trickle past, and taehyun lies down, lifting his hand to his forehead to protect his eyes from the sun. you smile, taking a look of everything around you. suddenly the scorching heat from cafe to cafe didn't matter anymore, and the slightly bitter iced coffee from the second store didn't matter anymore. the sunlight reflects off the city buildings in the distance, onto the lake's ripples. light clouds littered the air as a fresh breeze bites your cheek― tickling your soul sending a chilly shiver down your spine. the warm aura of the sun and the people around you bring this park back to life, with its abundant sense of home and sweetness.

there's absolutely no other way i'd spend this thursday afternoon.

TAGLIST: @hyukassubi @lun4kazumii

[throughgoalsandbaskets]

A Demon's Guide to Anthropology

part: 3

Word count: 657

Tags: use of 'MC's and they/them pronouns, sensory sensitivity on MC's end, written to be seen as sensory processing disorder, written based on my experience with it but I tried to change it to be broader

Word: "sensory"

Beel's time to shine :], also this is genuinely such bad writing I'm sorry, gonna come back and edit this to be better some day lol

★• ——— –– -

Beelzebub is a lot more perceptive than people like to give him credit for. With brothers like his and being an athlete, he has to be in order to know what's going on.

Which is why it doesn't take him long to notice the way that MC shies away from a lot of foods, clothes, and objects. Completely random to the common eye, but Beelzebub is most concerned with the food issue.

It's not like MC doesn't eat, not at all, they're healthy and never skin out on a good, fresh meal, but they're always so odd with what they eat.

Meats are off the table most of the time, which isn't all that bad. A lot of people just don't like meat. But some drinks and a good few veggies and fruits added onto that is what confuses him.

Maybe MC was just a picky eater, which again is fine, Devildom foods are weird to get used to, but it also seemed prevalent in human foods, too. To Beel, it seemed completely random, from a few spicy foods to a few sweets and sours, in his eyes he couldn't find a common connection.

So with a breath, he knocked on MC's door and entered when he was allowed.

Beelzebub wasn't normally so nervous or anxious, but he knew human bodies were delicate and didn't want MC and their odd aversions to certain objects or foods to somehow leave a bad mark.

"MC," he began after entering and shutting the door. The human sat in their bed with their D.D.D. in hand, "I have a question."

Intruiged and curious as always, MC responds.

"What's up, Beel? Something wrong?"

"Are you okay?" MC blinks, a little caught off guard at the vague question. The giant demon stood above them, looking down and vaguely reminding the human of a large dog looking at a toy it was attached to.

"Uh- elaborate?"

"You don't eat some stuff and you don't touch some things."

To their credit, MC understood after a moment, and they tried not to seem rude by the way they gave a laugh and smile, shaking their head.

"Do you mean how I don't like touching certain fabrics or eating certain foods?" The ginger nodded at the question.

"That's kinda common for humans," MC explained, "It's called sensory sensitivity. Some textures feel really bad to touch or to eat, so I tend to avoid them. Nothing is wrong with me, I promise."

Beelzebub nodded in solemn understanding, sitting beside the mortal on the rather Plush and comfortable bedding. In his hands was a small box of cookies he knew they favored a lot that he'd taken with him. It took everything in Beelzebub's power not to tear the box open and have at the cookies himself.

"So you can't have some foods or wear some things because they feel weird?"

MC nodded, though they didn't seem very down about it. To them, it was simply another day like any other, knowledge as common as grass is green and Luke despises anything demonic.

To Beelzebub, though, it solidified his resolve as he passed the now opened box of cookies over, one in hand and another in his mouth.

"What food can you not have? I'll eat them for you."

The serious expression to the previous words caused another laugh to bubble out of MC, and they took their own cookie from the box.

"It's hard to explain, but I'll pass you any whenever they come with a meal I have. Deal?"

Beelzebub nodded and put a hand on MC's head (the demon struggled sometimes with such casual affection and touch with most people, but had recently picked up on simply resting a hand on the mortal's head and leaving it there for a minute), and after a few moments a comfortable silence and sharing cookies, he spoke once more.

"Hell's Kitchen?"

"Hell's Kitchen."

[worseforwords]

Ocean Eyes (Leah Williamson x Reader)

Hi, I'm back! I am kind of trying something new with this one, so let me know what you think.

The rapid vibrating of your phone on the opposite armrest of your sofa send a tingly feeling from you toes all the way up to your neck, triggering goosebumps all over. Releasing a new song was a nerve-racking experience every time, but this time was different. This song was deeply personal, written straight from the heart. A heart not yet healed. You decided to attempt your usual release day ritual: disconnecting. 

You left your house to go on a walk, after putting your phone on silent and locking it in an old guitar case under your bed. You walked in silence for a bit until you reached the forest and took a deep breath of fresh oxygen provided by the trees around you. When you reached your favourite spot under a mighty old oak, you sat down on a patch of grass and pulled out your headphones and your first ever mp3 player from when you were about eleven years old. 

The longer you worked on a song, the less you really listened to it, or felt it. The last couple of weeks upon releasing it, it usually became more of a product you had to edit to perfection. You listened with the critical, theoretical part of your brain and your heart had no say in it. But now, the song was out there, and there was nothing left to change, so you could finally take a moment to listen concentrate on the words and melodies you from two months ago wrote in a heartbeat, in one of your purest moments of self-expression.

The chirping of birds around you disappeared as you put your headphones in. You took another deep breath as you pressed play, letting the sound of your past self resonate through your body. The angelic voices forming the intro send a shiver down your spine, as they brought you back to where it all started, and your mind took you on a journey through it al:

Even though you dreamt of a full time career in music, you didn’t mind working as a barista for a while. Apart from a few busy hours every now and then, the atmosphere in the small café you worked at was usually calm and comfy, allowing you to let your thoughts run free and gather inspiration from overheard conversations customers shared. One day however, even though to an outsider little seemed to have changed, your peaceful spirit weakened as a new customer effortlessly claimed your full focus.

“I've been watching you for some time. Can't stop staring at those ocean eyes”

A loud group of footballers sat at the back of your café, all of them wearing arsenal apparel. Every now and then one of the players walked up to your coffee bar to order a drink. You completed their orders expertly, but you rarely met their gazes, as your eyes were focussed on something, or rather someone else. She sat at the back of the table, not taking her eyes off you. The two of you engaged in numerous intense staring contest, you using your work as an excuse on multiple occasions to nervously look away and froth some milk or to take fresh bread rolls out of the oven. She never once conceded, barely even blinked: this girl was bold, daring, possibly dangerous. “I am Leah by the way.” She said, sending you a wink, before following her teammates out the door.

Leah. Something told you you wouldn’t be forgetting that name any time soon, and you were right. The following weeks, she kept coming back to your café, sometimes with teammates, sometimes by herself, but always sending shivers down your spine with her mesmerising blue eyes. At this point you knew she didn’t even drink coffee, but the fearless woman didn’t need an excuse to go after what she wanted, which apparently, was you. You barely ever spoke, but her eyes told you more than words ever could. Her gaze left you somewhere in between calm and terrified, you were intrigued, more than anything, and flattered, every time you caught her looking at you. By the time she finally spoke to you again, butterflies had already spread through your entire body. “I figure it’s only fair you come meet me at my work for once.” She said calmly, in a deep voice, as she slid a ticket for an Arsenal match across the coffee bar.

You went to the match, and to her place afterwards, and then didn’t really leave for an entire week. You spent every spare minute, when both of you weren’t at work, together, growing closer and getting to know each other. It was intense, passionate, exhausting, but spectacular, unlike any relationship you had ever been in.

“Burning cities and napalm skies. Fifteen flares inside those ocean eyes”

When Leah was on the pitch was the only time you could watch her without her watching you, yet it did not make her the slightest bit more vulnerable. She’d have an inextinguishable fire in her eyes, fixated on the goal ahead with impeccable concentration, determined to win, a look you recognised all too well. 

You were never an open book, usually keeping to yourself. You had carefully created a calm and collected image to show to the outside world, keeping everything else behind closed doors and large, solid walls you had built over the years. Leah noticed this as soon as you met, but instead of backing down, she was determined to break you down brick by brick and get through to your core. Whenever you attempted to hide anything from her, she got that same fiery look in her eyes, ready to look into your soul, tenacious if you wouldn’t immediately give in.

“Your ocean eyes”

Her eyes were nearly indescribable. It made you feel many things. You could drift away into them, dreaming of a fairytale life, if they let you. They could send shivers down your spine, make your heart burst into flames, or glance at you very essence, paralysing you in the process.

“No fair. You really know how to make me cry, when you gimme those ocean eyes”

One look was enough to have you crumble to the ground, letting go of any barrier you ever built and breaking down into tears. It felt liberating to finally take of the heavy armour, but at the same time it was terrifying, leaving your harness behind to stand there naked, more honest en uncensored than you ever imagined you could be. As long as she was there however, you felt safe. She managed to make you feel beautiful even when you were crying.

“I'm scared. I've never fallen from quite this high, falling into your ocean eyes. Those ocean eyes”

She had always been clear about her busy schedule, but the way you fell for this girl was unreal. You saw yourself as a rational individual, always holding yourself back, even when people told you to loosen up a bit. This time however, something just snapped. Probably with the very first look she ever send you, she easily flipped a switch inside of you, running electricity through your inner circuit, with no intention of ever turning it back off. It was fair to say at this point all rationality had flown out the window.

As your highs became higher, your lows became lower. Whenever she was there you were on cloud nine, but then she left to live her busy life, leaving you stripped down and all by your self, cold and terrified, not knowing when (and sometimes even if) she’d come back. She frequently left you on read for days, to then suddenly show up at your doorstep. Your life was becoming a rollercoaster and you were a frightened little kid riding it: no control, no idea of the outcome, just letting yourself get carried away, trying to enjoy the pumps of adrenaline falling into your stomach like bricks. To you, it was all worth it though, being allowed to look into her eyes like you were.

“I've been walking through a world gone blind. Can't stop thinking of your diamond mind”

The more you got to know Leah, the more she impressed you. You found that her mesmerising eyes were an extension to what you’d call her diamond mind. Leah’s mind was, like a diamond, precious, magnificent and rare. You often found yourself enjoying her intellect, and how she’d always find the right words to say. But there was more to the comparison. Like a diamond, her mind was also sharp, tough and practically unbreakable. She was always focussed, never faltering, and was devoted to her first love: football, which no one, including you, could ever compete with. 

“Careful creature made friends with time. Left her lonely with a diamond mind”

In the end, there was just no room for you in her life, as Leah chose football over you time and time again. She had been clear about her priorities from the start, but you just couldn’t listen. Her time was extremely valuable, and you apparently weren’t, or at least not enough, so eventually, lows became longer and highs less frequent. 

Whenever she wasn’t there, you started rebuilding your walls, trying to focus on anything and everything else. You spend most of your time at work and in the studio, not even asking Leah for her time anymore. Fixating on work, even though not necessarily healthy, felt  good. You didn’t realise it then, but you were attempting to create a diamond mind of your own. By the time she noticed the shift in your behaviour, you had turned cold, avoiding eye contact at all costs, and she must have known it was too late. 

“And those ocean eyes”

Leah had never truly let you in, but before she left you she looked at you one last time. Her eyes were watering slightly, suddenly showing you every emotion in her body. Your heart shattered right then and there as she suddenly radiated empathy, regret, affection and grief. “I’m sorry.” Those were her last words before closing the door to your house, and with it to your relationship, which had you collapse onto the floor. 

You had experienced heartbreak before, but never like this. You called in sick to work and barely got out of bed for days. At first there was grief: an agonising sting in your heart, causing you to sob uncontrollably for hours on end, the salt ruining the skin on your cheeks. Then there was anger, you resented her for opening up your stubborn shell, only to break your heart when she got closest to it, and anger at your self, for letting her do so. You repeatedly hit you mattress, and even the wall once to attempt getting it out of your system, but it didn’t work, sending you right back to the heartache from before.

The grief cycle continued for a while, until, after a week of what felt like meaningless misery, you got yourself to pick up your songwriting notebook, and it fell open on a page with some words scribbled at the top. “I've been watching you for some time, can’t stop staring at those ocean eyes”. You first scoffed as you read the loving words you wrote back when you had just met Leah, but then, upon visualising her eyes once more, you realised the role they had played in everything. You grabbed your guitar, and before you knew it, a whole song came out, letting your heart lead your hands and voice. When you were done, tears fell from your eyes like a waterfall. However, these tears felt different, almost as if they were tears of relief. 

"No fair. You really know how to make me cry, when you gimme those ocean eyes."

"I'm scared. I've never fallen from quite this high, falling into your ocean eyes. Those ocean eyes."

The song ended, but you didn’t move yet. As you felt a cool breeze gently caress your arms, a single tear fled your eyes. You didn’t wipe it away, instead slowly letting it roll all the way down to your jaw as you felt yourself finally starting to relax for the first time in months.

A few hours later, when you got back home, you allowed yourself to check your phone again. It had blown up in the hours that you were gone, with many kind messages. You’d had a lovely little fanbase for a while, sending you love, kindness and support every time you provided them with new music, but this time the response seemed greater than before. As you were scrolling to some comments, you noticed Daryl, your manager, calling you. When you started to get more fans, you decided you needed some help managing it all and so you hired Daryl. He was definitely not the best, but certainly the cheapest. 

“Y/N, where have you been? You’re blowing up dude!” He exclaimed trough the phone. You hated it when he called you dude, and how he still didn’t remember your release day ritual. “Blowing up? Really?” “Yes, radio stations wanting to book you left and right! I’ll send you the details later. Tomorrow it’s back to work, but take the rest of today off to enjoy all of this alrighty?” You smiled as you hung up the phone to open up instagram again, and one notification caught your eye. You let out a gasp as upon seeing that Leah had liked your post about the new song. Of course you knew she would hear it eventually, but it still caught you of guard. Was that it? Just a like? There was no doubt in your mind she knew the song was about her, as “Ocean Eyes” was a nickname you frequently used with her and even though you were starting to make your peace with what had happened, for some reason you still wanted her to like the song. Luckily your prayer was soon answered, as she left a comment as well. It was just two emoji’s, “❤️🥺”, but it still meant a lot to you. Of course, like always, she knew just what to say, thoughtful yet discreet.

You scrolled through a few more comments, before putting your phone away again. You ran yourself a nice hot bath, to enjoy finally being able to relax the muscles in your back and neck. The soothing hot water slowly loosened up every inch of your body, letting go of months of built up tension. A much needed break from everything, as you felt this might just be the calm before the storm of what’s to come, starting tomorrow, probably.

[lavender-long-stories]

Writing Advice: Getting Words on a Page

With the 75k word count in November and 90k in August, I have been asked questions like how do I keep focus and what do I do when I get stuck. I am going to compile all the advice I have.

Over the last few years, I have posted 700k+ words of fan fiction and have been posting 3 to 6 chapters every week for the last ten months. This is not how to make your writing better. This is how to get words on a page. 

This is not all my original ideas. This is just a collection of things that have worked for me.

I am not sure I am the person to tell you how to make your writing better, but if people want my thoughts on that. I can make that post too.

When inspiration strikes, write like wild. 

If you have the time and you are bitten by the writing bug, keep writing anything while you are in peak form. You will thank yourself later when you feel like you can’t write everything. I have done the extreme version of this where I have a month (four chapters) written ahead of almost everything on my post schedule (you don’t need this), but this was really nice after I brunt out after finishing out the 90k challenge I destroyed myself with in August.

Write in little pockets of time.

You don’t need to sit down and write for two hours. Write 100 words here and 500 there. It will all add up. When I was struggling at the end of the 75k, I would just open a doc every few hours and write half a page until I got distracted and tried again later.

Change your font.

If you are struggling to edit or even just find yourself drifting while writing, change your font. It helps trick your brain into paying attention. (I like doing a mono font like Courier when I need writing vibes. It looks typewriter-y)

Take a shower. 

Not just for shower thoughts, being clean and fresh helps with focus

Get dressed.

I love being comfy, but something about getting dressed makes me feel like I am working and should finish my task. Extra points for it being fun. (Maybe cosplay a pirate or something.)

Move Locations.

Desk, kitchen table, bed, outside: changing location helps move you out of a brain rut.

Handwrite notes.

I take most of my notes on notion, but when I am struggling with my plot, I write out notes by hand, starting with what happened last and continuing from there, writing even things I know will happen. Then I transfer this to my digital notes so they are easier to move around in order, AND a lot of time, I add details when revising them to digital. Double power.

Always, always write down your thoughts and keep them.

Some of my most popular stories came from me rediscovering a 2 am thought that I wrote down six years ago. Keep a notepad next to the bed if you have to.

Change POV

If something is not working in a scene, maybe it is who you have reacting to it. Try switching POV. It helps you think of the scene from another perspective.

Watch a show in your genre.

I watch a lot of the silliest KDrama’s and get lots of romance ideas. Maybe I didn’t think of sending my character to a park or trapping them in a sky lift. Maybe I should add a stalker that sounds fun.

Take your bathroom breaks.

You should always drink lots of fluids and remember to take your bathroom breaks because the brief moment of walking away always gives me an idea.

Skim through the story and make notes on what HAS happened, not just what will happen.

This helps more with my style of having next to no plot outline. Need your next plot point and don’t know where to go? Remember that time they did x? Let’s build off that. This helps intertwine the plot without losing things.

Just read the story back.

You don’t always need to make notes, but sometimes just reading from the beginning can make you pick up on a detail that was unimportant at the time, and you may not even have meant to put in that could have a lot more meaning now. Then, you can call it clever foreshadowing.  

Explain your problem or the scene you are struggling with out loud.

It doesn’t have to be to someone. It could be a glass of water. This is called ‘rubber ducking. It’s a programmer term (hello, that is my day job). Restructuring your problem in a way you have to articulate it most of the time makes the solution come to you.

Try focusing on the scenery.

If you can’t get a scene to work open with the weather or how the floor is creaking under step, give the world a new feeling. How does the person feel about the weather or the temperature of the room? 

Can’t figure out what is wrong? Rewrite the chapter from scratch. 

Open a new doc and rewrite the chapter from memory. I do this a lot in the beginning of a story that didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. I will start the chapter from memory and skim the old one to ensure I didn’t miss anything important. Can’t do it from memory? Read a paragraph and write that from memory. 

Take a left turn.

Sometimes, if you can’t go any further, go back a sentence, a paragraph, a scene, a chapter, and just make a different decision. Turn left instead of right. Change how someone reacts to an argument. It opens a whole new lane to go down.

Excited for a scene that is in the future?

Write it! You don’t have to use it word for word in the future. Sometimes, you can copy and paste it in, and sometimes, you can just rewrite it, and you lose none of those thoughts you originally had.  Writing it might remind you of something that needs to happen first to help you get there.

Have more than one story you are working on.

I don’t think you need to be working on four+ stories like I do, but having something to switch to when your brain really isn’t feeling your main is a great way to keep you writing. Call it productive procrastination. This is the REAL reason I have so many stories uploading.  (ᵕ—ᴗ—)

Other Somewhat Related Advice

Context Switching

I work on multiple projects at a time, and I tend not to mix them up because they have a different vibe to me. It feels like stepping into each world.  If you are struggling with context switching between stories, I suggest finding a song or making a playlist that gives you that story’s ‘vibe’ and keeping a link to it in your writing folder or snagging a section of your story that captures the vibe you are going for and keeping it off to the side to reread when you need to switch.

Don’t edit the same day you write.

You’re not going to catch errors. Your brain is too familiar with what you wrote. Also, I recommend Grammarly or another grammar checker for all your missing comma and period needs. (Word, Docs, and any other text editor simply won't bully you enough.)

If you hate editing, don’t leave yourself with a painful amount of editing.

When people ask me how I edit my work, how many passes I take, etc, I tend to disappoint them. The short answer is one read-through (after using a grammar checker).  I learned a LONG time ago that as much as it would be nice to write a bunch of dialog and then tell yourself you will go back to add all the actions or write without quotes because it takes time, you will save yourself a lot of time and pain if you learn to write it correctly the first time and then editing won’t be as much of a chore. I have been writing for years, and I am used to how I write and edit. If you are newer to writing, give it another pass or two, but try to shift some of that work to the writing process, not the editing process.

Make yourself an editing cheat sheet.

Make yourself a doc or a notion of words you notice you use too much or common words you misspell when writing.  I usually make one when I get back and do a post edit (when the story has been up for a while and I get back with fresh eyes and edit it). Reading through your old work and find things that you don’t like or don’t want to do anymore is a great way to build this list and improve your writing.

Now go write.

Got any advice for me? Reblog and tell me.

[obxone]

Assumptions

Rewriten/Edited. ~1.95k words.

Master Page

Kiara groans loudly beside you as you both work on wiping down one of the larger tabletops after the lunch rush. You look up to find her gaze directed across the room. You turn your head to see Rafe Cameron walking towards the pickup counter. 

“Well if it isn’t Daddy Issues #1,” you muse, and she cracks a smile at you. “I’ve got this one.”

You approach him while digging out your notepad. “What’s up, Cameron?”

He grins, his gaze dragging from your feet up your legs and torso to your face. “I’m picking up a to-go order.”

“Did you call it in already?”

“Rose did.” He sticks his hands in his pockets after following you the rest of the way to the counter. You slip behind it, glancing as they place a paper bagged order up in the window.

He leans onto the counter, his gaze dragging over you again. Your skin prickles at the feeling of those dark blue eyes raking over you. 

He chuckles and you turn away to inspect the ticket for the owner's name. “You look good today.”

You ignore his remark. It would only fuel him if you responded. “It isn’t ready yet. You’ll have to sit pretty and wait.”

He shrugs, “Whatever.”

You turn to him, hand on your hip. “Would you like something to drink while you wait?”

“Why are you being nice to me?”

You laugh, hand to your stomach as you truly laugh before straightening your stance and staring at him. “I’m not being nice to you. I’m being nice to a customer.”

“Ah,” he muses. “A beer?”

“You’re nineteen, Rafe.”

“Fine,” he huffs. “Water.”

You fill a to-go cup with water and ice and pass it to him before returning to help Kie while waiting for the order to come up. 

“What was so funny?” She asks, scrunching her nose up as you help her clear off a dirty table. "It's Rafe."

You giggle a little as you resume clearing the large table.“He asked why I was being nice to him. And I said it was because he was a customer, not because it was him.”

She rolls her eyes in clear annoyance. “Of course, he thinks it’s about him.”

“Shocker really,” you mutter and take the dish bin to the kitchen before coming back out with his to-go bag in hand. “Here you go. Fresh like she asked.”

“Thanks.” He stands, pulling out a few bills and dropping them on the countertop.

“She already paid.”

“That’s your tip. I know you need to keep the lights on, Pogue.” He says before taking the bag and cup. You watch him leave, the door closing behind him while your cheeks burn at his comment. You grab the cash he tossed down. Five 20-dollar bills, he has tipped you $100. Your eyebrows scrunch together, and you look up at Kie as she nears. 

“Rafe Cameron is a dick,” you mutter, putting the money in your tip pocket.

“What did he do?”

“Pogue commentary as per usual.” You grab a few menus when a small family walks in, tourists fresh off the beach. 

— — — —

The one day of the week that The Wreck is closed has arrived. Your off day is being spent running errands and then meeting the pogues at the beach. The last stop is the bookstore, a copy of the newest release by your favorite artist is on hold per your request. You smile, pleased with the hard-bound copy as you exit the bookstore. 

It was worth all the teasing from your friends because both they and you know that your nose will be buried in these pages all afternoon instead of surfing. You crack the cover, loving the sound of a brand new book being opened for the first time. 

“What are you doing in town?” A familiar voice asks, and you look up to see Rafe getting off his bike. He has shed his helmet and hangs it on the handlebar as he watches you.

You do not respond, instead making your way down the sidewalk away from him. Steering clear of Rafe, especially when you are on your own, is a clear direction that all the pogues try to follow. 

“Are you ignoring me now?” He asks, catching up with you and running his hand through his hair, ruffling it after his helmet has pressed it down. You look at him, adjusting the tote bag strap on your shoulder. You look away when he turns to look down at you. Rafe is handsome, he always has been, but he is also a jerk to the pogues, and you are a pogue, so that means he is a jerk to you. “Come on, you could at least say one word,” he groans, his fingers enclosing your wrist and stopping you. 

“What do you want?” You ask, looking up at him. You press your book to your chest while staring at him. 

He shrugs. “To talk.”

“I don’t want to talk.”

He frowns, his gaze flitting down to the book you hold, he releases your wrist and reaches for it. “What do you have there?"

“None of your business.” You pull it out of his line of sight and drop it into your tote bag. “Why do you want to talk to me?”

He shrugs, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Change of pace.”

You laugh before rolling your eyes. “I’m not your entertainment Rafe.” You start walking until you get to your car. You pause and turn to him. He tips his head down, looking at you through his lashes to avoid the glare of the sun bouncing off the hood of your car. “You were rude to me the other day, and I didn’t appreciate it.”

He nods, looking away, his jaw ticking before he turns back to you. “I know.”

“Don’t do it again,” you say before digging your wallet out and giving him back the money. “Keep your money, Cameron. My parents aren’t struggling to keep the lights on despite what you kooks think.”

He takes it, clearing his throat. “You’re a pogue.”

“So what? It doesn’t give you a right to look down your nose at me,” you clarify. “I don’t judge you based on your daddy issues, do I?” He is silent then, his lips turning down in a frown. “Maybe get to know your peers before making assumptions that make you an asshole.” You unlock your car and open your door before meeting his gaze as he stands on the sidewalk watching you. “Maybe try an apology once in a while too.” 

He chuckles, tucking the cash into his pocket. "Would that make you feel better?"

"I hate you," you quip back. "Now, I'm going to enjoy a beach day with my friends. Goodbye." 

You leave him standing there, one hand still in his pocket and trying to hide that kook smirk that he so often wears. 

After arriving at the beach and finding the pogues, you sit sprawled on a beach blanket, your new book open in your lap. The hat your nagging mother made you promise to wear keeps the afternoon sun from beating down on you too harshly and keeps the sun from glaring on the page. You smile, flipping the page while soaking up the first carefree day of the summer. 

And it has you pulling your bottom lip between your teeth as the hero professes his unyielding love for his heroine. A slow burn always makes you feel like this. With a slow burn, your skin always tingles, your heart races, and your thirst for beautiful romances aches for you to get to the end. You cross your legs, leaning over to read the confession with eagerness. 

A shadow falls over your blanket, but the urge to continue wins through as you continue reading the hero's confession. 

“Is the book that good?” Rafe’s voice breaks through the images of the scene playing out in your head, and you snap the book closed before looking up at him in surprise. He smiles at you. “There she is.”

“What are you doing here?”

He sits beside you without asking and stretches his legs out, hands in the sand behind him as he leans back on his arms. Arms that were completely exposed in his tank top, muscled and tanned from hours working out and golfing in the sun. His muscles flex, holding him up in his current position. “I called your name halfway up the beach and wondered if you were ignoring me again, but I can see it is the book now.”

“What do you want, Rafe?” You ask, annoyance clear in your tone.

He smirks, dragging the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip. “I told you, to talk.”

“About what?”

He looks out at the water, and you do the same, noting the attention of your fellow pogues on you. You can see JJ is the closer one. Anger is written plainly on his face. The kook prince is too near and looks way too comfortable next to you. 

“JJ looks like he wants to punch me,” he says casually. 

You turn your face back to Rafe. “I can promise you that he does.”

Rafe chuckles, sitting up straight and pulling his knees up. His arms draped around his knees. He does not even seem phased by the idea of JJ punching him at all. “He can try.”

“He might if you keep sitting here.”

He looks at you then, tipping his head as he mulls over his question. “You got a thing going with Maybank I don’t know about?”

“No.”

He shrugs. “So, you are not dating anyone then?”

“No.”

“Good,” he says while getting to his feet. He looks down at you, dusting the sand off his hands. “I’ll pick you up tonight, at 7 pm, at your house.”

“What?!” You ask, getting to your own feet. Your book thumps down onto the blanket after it falls from your lap. 

“Our date. I’ll be a gentleman, I promise.”

“No, I’m not… Have you hit your head in the past 24 hours? Do I need to call someone?” You ask, crossing your arms over your waist. 

“No, I have not hit my head.”

You scoff. “Then something is wrong with you for saying we have a date. A kook and a pogue. And for even thinking for one second that I would agree to it.”

He smirks, laughing a little, before sticking his hands in his pockets. “I’ll be at your place to get you, 7 pm. Don't be late.” 

And then he turns his back to you and returns the way he came. 

“What the fuck?” You mutter to yourself before turning as the pogues emerge from the water, surfboards tucked against their sides. 

“What was that?” JJ asks, his hand brushing yours once he is near. You frown, looking at him and then the others. 

“I don’t know,” you whisper before turning your gaze to Rafe’s retreating figure. "He asked me on a date."

"A what?" Kiara's eyebrows shot up.

"Well, I guess he more so demanded."

John B scoffs, and Pope laughs. 

"You're not going," JJ says immediately, and you turn to him along with everyone else. He shrugs. "He's a kook. The kook."

"I already was not planning on it," you tell him. "But I'm also a person, JJ, and I can make my own decisions."

He nods, licking his lips. "You're right."

"She's coming to my house instead," Kie says, grinning at you. "Girl's night."

"Girl's night," you sass JJ, and he rolls his eyes at you. 

Part II