#our apartment is on the top floor kind of in the middle of the building

[polymoth]

Oh lads. I've really fucked up. My roommate's socks are in the gutter

[sweetprfct]

The Hate Formula

Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader

Summary: Living in the same building, across from each other shouldn't be much of a problem, right? But how come you and Joe tend to always push each other's buttons every day? Is it because you both truly just hated each other or is it because there was something more to it?

Author's Note: Welcome to another enemies to lovers fic! :) Let's also welcome back our bff, Sara. I'm sort of excited about this because it's so chaotic and fun and as you all know, I usually write angsty sad fics. So, I'm kind of having fun with this one. I hope you all enjoy! Please comments are always welcome! Thank you!

Wordcount: 2.9K

part one - part two - part three - part four - part five - part six - part seven - part eight - part nine - part ten

Two Years Ago…

The sun was beating down in the city of New York. It was the middle of July, and the heat was basically a torture for you at the moment. You and your best friend, Sara, were just moving into your new apartment building. The both of you had been roommates since you graduated college, and you both have finally earned enough money to actually rent a nice and bigger apartment. It was both of your dream apartment with the nice kitchen, marbled top counters and big glass windows that overlooked the city skyscrapers. 

However, as much as you both were excited with the new apartment, the New York summer heat wasn’t really helping. You were already in shorts, tank top, and your hair was up in a messy ponytail and yet, you were still sweating so much. You both have spent the last two days taking everything out of your old apartment and bringing them into the new building. You and Sara would switch back and forth driving the U-Haul truck, and you both would carry your new furnitures up into the new apartment. You didn’t even realize you had so much stuff until you were packing up your things and had to throw most of the unnecessary ones away. 

But today was your last day of moving the rest of your things. All the heavy stuff was already set up and organized in the apartment and the only thing that was left were just boxes of your clothes and miscellaneous stuff for the kitchen. 

“I’ll take this last box and I can go drop off the U-Haul truck back.” Sara said, grabbing the last remaining box at the back of the truck. 

“Are you sure? I can go with you.” You suggested.

“No, it’s alright. I got it. Maybe I can pick up some pizza for dinner tonight?”

You nodded your head in agreement. “That sounds good. I’m too tired to make dinner.”

Sara chuckled softly, agreeing with you as you both entered the building. You were carrying another box, following behind her and entering the elevator. You loved this new apartment. It was fancy, nice and everything was new. It even had a security guard outside the building that made you feel safe. You couldn’t help but feel proud of how far you two had come.

Ready to finally set down the last box, you followed Sara down the hall when you were greeted by a man from across the hall. He looked familiar, and he looked like he was about your age too. He was, however, shirtless, and he had a grin on his face the moment he saw you. 

“Looks like I got new neighbors across the hall.” His English accent slipped through his voice. 

You couldn’t help but stare at him for a moment. He was cute and not to sound too desperate, you rarely have any men interact with you. Especially cute and handsome men. Immediately, you were already hooked as soon as you heard that accent slip through his voice. His chocolate button eyes sparkled as he smiled at you. His curly brown hair was all disheveled, but it made him look more attractive. 

“I’m Joe.” He grinned excitedly.

Setting the heavy box down on the floor, you introduced yourself. For a moment, you were reluctant to shake his hand because you were literally all sweaty and dirty from doing all this moving. Joe, however, didn’t hesitate to shake your hand. Instantly, you were already charmed by him. 

Or maybe this heat was just getting into your head.

“So, are you new in the city?” Joe asked.

“I’m actually from Chicago, but I’ve been living in New York for five years now.” You cheekily grinned at him. 

“I’ve never been to Chicago, but it seems like they have great and beautiful people over there.” 

You knew exactly what he was doing. 

You knew he was flirting with you, and you couldn’t help but flirt back. He was cute, and him standing here in front of you shirtless was making you slowly fold for him already. 

God, you were pathetic. 

How were you already blushing and all flustered because of this man? You literally just met him two seconds ago. 

“So, you’re moving in with a roommate?” Joe nodded his head towards Sara. 

Looking over your shoulder, the door of your apartment was open, and you could see Sara setting down the boxes and organizing the kitchen. 

“Yeah, that’s Sara. She’s my best friend.” 

“Well, it’s nice to meet you. I hope I’m able to get to know you better.” Joe leaned against the doorframe, a flirty grin still plastered on his face.

Before you could say anything else, the door behind him swung open and a woman with disheveled hair looked at the both of you furiously. She was fixing the strap of her mini dress, and she barely had put on her other high heels. You felt your heart drop to your stomach as soon as you saw the angry look on her face. You were literally flirting with someone who had a girlfriend. 

Wait, was she even his girlfriend? 

And if he had a girlfriend, then why was he flirting with you?

“Really?!” The woman exclaimed, slapping Joe’s arm. “You take me to your place, fuck me, and I haven’t even left yet, and you’re already flirting with another girl?!” 

Your eyes widened as you stood there dumbfounded at what she just told him. Your lips parted about to reason with her that you didn’t know he had a girl inside his apartment, but she had started yelling at Joe. She swung her purse to hit him on his stomach, making Joe groan and hunched down in pain before she turned to look at you with wide angry eyes. 

Oh god. 

You couldn’t believe you fell for it. 

You couldn’t believe that you fell for Joe’s charms and flirt talk, only for you to find out that he was a player. He had another girl in his apartment, and he was flirting with you? 

What the fuck was wrong with him?

The woman set her palms on his chest and pushed him away and nudged you with her shoulder to push you aside before walking away. You stood there, feeling astounded because you couldn’t even comprehend what just happened. You were exhausted, you were sweaty, and you could barely feel your hands from carrying heavy boxes all day. Your brain was too fried to even deal with this. You couldn’t help but blame the heat for getting too much into your head. 

Joe looked over his shoulder, watching the woman walk away as he shook his head and turned back to you. 

“She’s just overreacting.” Joe explained. 

Tilting your head at him, you raised your brows and let out a scoff. 

“Oh really?” You asked, irritated. “Or you’re just a player?”

You shook your head in disbelief, picking up the box from the floor and walked inside your apartment and slammed the door shut behind you. 

You couldn’t believe that you actually fell for that. 

Looking up from what she was doing, Sara knitted her brows as soon as she saw you enter the kitchen. She couldn’t even describe the expression that was on your face when you had set the box down on the floor.

“What happened?” Sara asked. 

“Stay away from the man across the hall.” You said. “He’s a pig.”

Sara just chuckled softly, shaking head. Knowing you for the last couple of years, she knew you could be overdramatic sometimes, especially when it came with men. Although, she didn’t actually expect that the first day in this new apartment was going to be the first of many fights that you and Joe would have. She also didn’t expect that this was going to be something that she was going to start dealing with for the next two years. 

As you got up early the next morning, you went for a quick jog around the neighborhood and as soon as you came back into the apartment building, you saw Joe leading a different girl out of his place. You couldn’t help but shake your head and felt disgusted by his behaviour. Then, as days, weeks, months went by, it was the same thing almost every week. 

It annoyed you to the core.

You found out a month later that he was an actor and that was why he looked so familiar when you first met him. It wasn’t like you have seen his projects before. Just that one Stranger Things show, but you barely even finished it. However, his little celebrity status wasn’t what you really cared about. You were more disgusted by the fact that he thought he could get whoever he wanted and act like this just because he was an actor. 

Ever since then, you had promised yourself to never fall for anything that he would tell you ever again. 

Present Day…

The Friday night rush hit the subway station a little too early. You just got out of the office, and you were ready to just go home and snuggle under your comfy blanket. Your eyes studied the many faces of people inside the subway car as you held onto the metal pole. It was packed and everyone was literally shoulder to shoulder. 

Thank god that your stop was next because it was starting to smell in there, and you hated it when it was this crowded in the subway. Walking out of the station, you decided to stop by at a local shop near your apartment building and pick up some snacks. As you walked through the aisles, you didn’t even care what you picked out on the shelves. You just started putting everything in your basket, whatever that looked satisfying to you. It was Friday, and you had a long, exhausting day. You deserved a little treat after all the stress from work that you have been dealing with. 

Arriving at your apartment building, the moment you exited out the elevator, you instantly saw Joe walking out of his apartment. His curly hair pushed back, he was in fancy clothes, and a playful grin tugged on his lips the moment his eyes caught you. You rolled your eyes at him as he chuckled softly when he passed by. 

“Is that what you're going to do on a Friday night?” Joe asked, looking down at the plastic bag that you were holding in your hand. 

You stopped in your tracks and turned to look at him with an annoyed expression on your face. The last thing you wanted to do was deal with his obnoxious behavior. 

“Do you ever mind your own business?” Your eyes were literally giving him a death glare. 

Joe’s grin widened as he took a few steps forward closer to you. His index finger softly grazed the top of your nose as he poked it. Immediately, you made a face and swatted his hand away. 

“Not with yours.” Joe murmured, amusement all over his face.

You could feel the anger and frustration coming up in your emotions. You didn’t understand how he never got tired of annoying you. It has been two years since you have moved in and every day, Joe always found a way to make you feel irritated. You didn’t care one bit if he was an actor. You didn’t care if he has a little celebrity status. 

He was still disgusting, and he was still a pig. 

You felt your nose flared in anger as you grimaced at his little comment. “Is there someone else you could torture?!”

Your voice raised as Joe laughed softly and poked your nose again. 

“Yes, but I like doing it to you.” 

“And what are you going to do, hm?” You raised your brow at him. “You’re gonna go out there and pick up a new girl again?”

Joe shrugged, “Well, at least I’m not spending my Friday night with a bag of Doritos and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.”

“Well, at least I’m not an asshole.” You retorted back.

Pushing him out of your way with your shoulder, you could see the playful grin that kept tugging on his lips, but you ignored it as you unlocked your door and immediately slammed the door shut behind you. Groaning in frustration, you set the plastic bag on the dining table and saw Sara walking out of the bathroom. Her hair was still wet from the shower, and she was holding a towel to dry it. 

“What did he do now?” Sara asked. 

Sara had lived with you in this apartment building for two years now, and she knew exactly what was happening whenever you entered your apartment with that look on your face. There was no one else in this world that could get under your skin but Joe. Not even your annoying boss or co-workers at work could get you all worked up like this, and Sara could see that every time.

Sometimes Sara would wish that Joe would literally get under your skin, so the both of you could stop playing this game and admit what you two actually felt for one another.

But she would never say that to you nor would admit what she could see between the both of you.

She knew it would just enrage you even more. She couldn’t help but just shake her head and chuckle at your reaction all the time because after all, it seemed like she was the only one who could see why Joe tends to push all your buttons so easily.

“He’s just being an asshole like always.” You grumbled, taking out the snacks that you bought from the plastic bag. 

Sara laughed softly, grabbing the bag of Doritos, opening it. She tilted her head at you and said, “You know, I don't understand why can’t you both just ignore each other?”

You gazed up at her with an even more frustrated look on your face. “Are you kidding? You think I don’t wanna do that? He’s the one who’s always starting something.” 

“Always?” Sara raised her brow at you. 

What was she trying to say? 

When you didn’t answer her question, she added, “Remember when he had a package that was accidentally left on our doorstep, and you held it hostage for two weeks?”

You knitted your brows, stuttering for a moment and said, “He… He deserved it. Besides, I was doing everyone a favor.” 

“Holding his package hostage until he kept the noises down from his apartment wasn’t doing everyone a favor!” Sara argued. “You two were arguing in the middle of the hall every day, and that was a lot noisier.” 

You rolled your eyes, scratching your forehead in frustration. You shrugged your shoulders and pursed your lips without even arguing back with Sara because yeah, you did that on purpose because you just wanted to piss him off the way he always pissed you off all the time. 

“Are you still mad about what happened two years ago?” Sara asked.

You scoffed, stunned at the subject that Sara had brought up. 

“No!” Your voice sounded defensive. “Yes, I clearly fell for his charms but that was before I knew how much of a fuckboy he is.”

Sara chuckled, rolling her eyes at the excuse that you were throwing at her. She never pressed the subject every time she would see that the angry meter on top of your head was starting to spill over. Sometimes she would just imagine grabbing the both of you and banging each other’s heads to see if you both would realize how ridiculous this stupid game you two kept playing. She never understood how both of you weren’t tired of it after two years.

“Which is too bad.” You added, grumbling under your breath. “Because he’s cute.”

Sara stuffed her mouth with Doritos as she settled herself on the sofa. She lets you continue grumbling under your breath until you have let all your feelings out. That was what she always did because then, she would be able to really see how strong your feelings were for Joe. She knew you were just angry with how he behaves, so Sara just let you do your thing as she started browsing movies on Netflix. 

“Hey! That’s my Doritos!” You scolded her after you finally had gone back to reality.

“Too late now.” Sara deviously smiled, throwing a piece of Dorito at you. “Are you done?”

“Done with what?”

“Grumbling over Joe.”

“I wasn’t—” You exhaled a sharp breath. “You know what, I’m gonna go freshen up. You can pick the movie for tonight.”

Walking away, you went to shower to wash away today's stress and settled next to Sara later that night. Holding the pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, you reached over and grabbed some Doritos from the bag that was sitting on Sara’s lap. As you focus your attention on the movie, you couldn’t help but let your mind wander somewhere else. You couldn’t help but recall your little conversation with Joe from earlier. 

“Are we this sad? Spending Friday nights like this?” You asked Sara, turning to face her. 

Sara shrugged, gazing up at the ceiling for a moment as if she was thinking about your question carefully. 

“Maybe.” She answered. “But at least we’re not getting our hearts broken.”

Laughing softly with her, you nodded your head in agreement. 

“True.” 

*********

Taglist:

@palomahasenteredthechat @sunvick @eddies-acousticguitar @demonsanddemogorgons @joesquinns @mmunson86 @ghostinthebackofyourhead @corrodedcoffincumslut @figmentofquinn @tlclick73 @munsonluvrr @ali-r3n @ficsbypix @capricornrisingsstuff @missonlypost @ali-in-w0nderland @amberolivia666 @lalalala-melmosworld @niallersfreckles @nanas-lasagna @emma77645 @indulgence-be-thy-name @readergf @ladamari68 @1paire2vans @d4rk4ng3l86 @paleidiot @josephquinnsfreckles @readergf @mvnsonlover

[anti-romantico]

[consequences] the boyz hyunjae

warnings: enemies to lovers, fake marriage, and they were roommates, oral (m & f receiving), protected sex, couch sex, riding, cursing, PLOT

words: 7467

A/N: WHAT THE HECK

— Can you wear a shirt in my presence? — You asked, annoyed.

— I also live here, sweetheart. So if you can walk around with short shorts and a tank top with no bra, I can walk around shirtless. — Hyunjae answered, using that nickname you were more than used to.

— Not, you don't live here, dude, your cousin was kind enough to let you live with us while you find a new place. This is temporal. — You raised your voice.

— Can you two shut the fuck up? God, I can't even start my day without you two arguing. — Chanhee got out of his room.

— When is he leaving? — You asked, fully ignoring Hyunjae's offended look.

— When he finds a new place.

— And is he even looking for one? It's been almost a month. Or is he going to give us his part of the rent?

— Can you stop talking about me as if I'm not just right here? — Hyunjae finally exploded.

— I'm not going to join your argument before having a coffee. Or at all. — Chanhee walked to his room and locked the door behind him.

— Just for your information, I am looking for a place, I'll go to see one today. Thank you for your concern. — Hyunjae grabbed his bowl of cereal and walked to the living room, his temporary room.

— You better do the dishes before or I'm changing the door lock. — You said before locking yourself in your room.

When you came back from work, neither Hyunjae or Chanhee were home yet. You found a note stuck on your door.

"I'll check another place and eat outside, don't miss me ;)"

Fucker. As if you cared.

You finally had a peaceful meal, until Hyunjae called you when you were washing the bowl and cup you used.

"What?" You answered aggressively.

"Baby, hi! Guess what? I found our perfect place!" You could hear the echo his voice made in the room he was in.

"The fuck are talking about, dude? Did you hit your head on your way there?" You joked, walking to your room.

"That's right, the one you told me. How about you come and see it, I know you're gonna love it."

That's when you get it. "They won't rent it if you're not married, aren't they? What a shame."

"Don't worry, we'll wait for you."

"What? I'm not going, dude, look for another place."

"Perfect, see you here. Love you."

You stared at your phone for a few seconds until Hyunjae sent you the address of this apartment. "I'll do whatever you want for the rest of my life, please come"

You debated yourself if you should really go or not.

The sooner he gets a place, the fastest he leaves yours. Fair enough.

You changed clothes and grabbed Hyunjae's denim jacket before leaving.

You sent him a message once you got out of the taxi you called. Not even a minute later, he was walking out the building.

— He's looking at the window, so don't push me. — Hyunjae said before holding your head and kissing you slowly.

You followed the kiss. — You'll never hear the end of this. — You kissed him again and grabbed his hand, letting him guide you to his new apartment.

— We've been married for 3 months, together for a year. We don't have children and we don't want to. — Hyunjae said while you were waiting for the elevator. — Another thing. — You looked at him tired. — You have to live with me for a while. Then I can tell him we broke up so he doesn't kick me out.

Your two got in the elevator, glad it was empty. — You should've told me that.

— I'm sorry, I panicked. — You arrived at his floor and held hands again.

Hyunjae opened the door for you. Let the show begin

— You must be [Y/N]. I'm Mr. Jeong. — A middle-aged man said once you two got in. — Hyunjae told me you chose this apartment.

— I did, yes. I really like the zone, my mom lives close by. — Hyunjae smiled. You followed his lie unconsciously.

— Hyunjae told me that. That's so sweet of him to live close to your mom.

— He's the best. — You said, but Hyunjae's eyes told you you sounded too fake.

— So how about you show your beautiful wife the place while I go for the papers to my apartment. — Mr. Jeong said. You two panicked.

— Oh, you live in the building too? — You asked, squeezing Hyunjae's hand.

— That's right, on the second floor. — Well, that wasn't that bad. Hyunjae's apartment was on the 8th floor.

Mr. Jeong left, and you two waited a minute to finally argue.

— What is so cool about this apartment that you needed me to pretend to be your wife? — You asked him, following him to a small bathroom. You watched him close the door and layed on it. — I doubt it's the price, this zone it's really expensive.

— The whole place.

— It's too big for one person. — You crossed your arms.

— Juyeon and Kevin also need a place, they still don't know I found it though.

— So what now? How long do you need me here?

— I'm still not sure, but in the meantime, I need you to let them live with Chanhee.

— No.

— Please, then you can go back.

— Ok, fine they can stay there. — Hyunjae nodded. — But what if Mr. Jeong does kick you out once we "broke up". — Hyunjae stayed silent. — That better not be part of the contract we're about to sign.

And it wasn't fortunately. Mr. Jeong left the place, staring at you two with a nostalgic smile.

— I'll pay for everything. The rent, the bills, the moving. — Hyunjae said, joining you at the window.

— Yeah, you better. — You looked at him. — Did you eat?

— Barely, but I'm not hungry.

— Well, we have to go back to my apartment for our stuff and to tell Chanhee about this. You can have your last meal there.

Telling Chanhee was harder than you thought. He immediately refused, telling Hyunjae to find another girl.

— Mr. Jeong already met me, Chan, and I also signed the contract. There's no turn back now.

— If you do something to her, I'll stop talking to you, I swear Hyunjae, I don't care if we're family.

— Chanhee. — You called him, taken aback by his reaction.

— I won't, I swear, she'll be back here in 6 months. — You wanted to protest, but the time sounded just right.

Packing was fast. You were terrified of unpacking.

You walked to the room besides the main one. But Hyunjae stopped you.

— I'm not sharing a bed with you, dude. Also, it's not like he's going to check if we sleep in the same bed.

— He's our landlord, he needs to come and check if everything's alright. — You scoffed. — I got a new bed, a bigger one, we'll be far away from the other.

— If you hug me just once, I'm moving my stuff to that room, you get it? — You pointed at the door you initially were aiming at. Hyunjae nodded.

Luckily, the room had enough space for both, you'd say it was too much for you. You didn't even use all the hangers.

— Are you going to use them? — Hyunjae asked. Of course he needed extra hangers. He didn't like to fold his hoodies.

— All yours. — Hyunake took them and walked to his side of the room. — Why did you mention the kids? Did he ask?

— Yeah, when I told him we recently got married, he asked if we were planning on having kids.

— And you don't want them? — Hyunake turned around with a confused look. — With someone else. — You laughed.

— Ah. Well, yeah I do, actually. But I'll have to wait, I can't afford them right now. — He finished hanging his hoodies and stretched his arms.

— You seriously thought I'd let you pay for everything? — You walked to him.

— I mean, I was expecting you to pay at least for a few things. I've known you long enough to know that you don't like being a burden.

— Then it's set. 50-50? — You reached out your hand to shake it with his.

But there was one thing none of you thought about. The arguments. Just by the next day, you two went back to your usual dynamic.

— I told you to not hug me! — You said, pushing him.

— God, you're not even fully awake and you're already yelling. — Hyunjae turned his body and ignored your disgusted look.

You got up and grabbed the clothes you were going to wear. It was Saturday so at least you didn't have to work. Hyunjae, on the other hand, had to.

— Don't take too long, I need to take a shower. — You looked at him before getting in the bathroom. Once you got out. You found him in just his boxers, waiting for you to come out.

— Are you fucking serious? — You asked, stopping your tracks at the door.

— Well, this is my place, I can walk around however I want. — Hyunjae took his towel and moved you. You felt shivers when he slammed the door.

You were brushing your hair when he got out of the bathroom, with just his towel around his waist. There was no point in protesting anymore.

— I need to go to the supermarket later, do you need anything? — He said, taking his sweet time in choosing a shirt.

— No, thanks. — You said before leaving the room.

You set the coffee maker and grabbed two cups from a box and then went back to the room, begging for Hyunjae to be fully dressed by now.

— Do you want coffee? — He was, kind of. His shirt was still open.

— Yes, thank you. — He noticed you froze. — You just saw me with just my boxers on, what is that reaction?

— Don't know what you're talking about. — You were about to leave, but turned around. — I'll start using the other room's bathroom from now on.

Hyunjae walked to you. — I've never seen you like this, babe. Seriously, what's wrong? Did you have a wet dream about me like this?

— You wish. And I'm not telling you how to dress in your place, but let me remind you you were the one that asked me to help you. I don't mind packing everything again. — You tried your best to keep your eyes on his.

Hyunjae stayed silent, making you smirk. You left the room and got into the microwave the leftovers you two left last night.

It was almost 7pm when Hyunjae arrived, finding you finishing putting away all the plates and cups in the cabinets.

— Did you leave something for me? — Hyunjae looked around.

— The TV's. I'm afraid I'll break them. — You said, sitting on a chair. — Did you go to the supermarket?

— I didn't have time. Juyeon and Kevin needed help with the moving.

— So you help them, but not me? — You asked, laughing at his guilty face. — I'm kidding.

— Babe... — Your eyes snapped at the nickname. He only called you like that as a joke, and his tone wasn't didn't sound like it. He cleared his throat to ease the tension he created. — I bought this, by the way. — He took out two rings. — I don't know if Mr. Jeong noticed we didn't have rings on, but just in case.

Hyunjae was about to grab your hand, but you snatched the ring of his fingers, scaring him.

— Fuck... we don't have pictures of our wedding to decorate. — You said after putting on the ring.

— Juyeon will help with it, but we do need to take more pictures together. Just having pictures of our wedding will look suspicious.

— So that means we have to go on dates?

— Just for the pictures.

— Right.

Another silence dominated the room.

— Do you want to go for dinner? — Hyunjae asked, taking off his back tie.

— Uh, sure. Let me change.

— You look good like that, though.

You bit your lip. You wanted to giggle so bad. — I'm only changing my shirt and grabbing some jacket.

— Right.

You two got into your room and went to your sides of it. Hyunjae was looking at himself in his full body mirror when he saw you taking off your shirt, leaving you in just your bra and jeans.

— Uh... — You turned around, acting innocent.

— So you can walk around with just your boxers, but I can't change my shirt in front of you? Seems unfair. — It was your turn to take your sweet time finding a shirt.

Hyunjae took a deep breath and shamelessly stared at your body through the mirror.

Once you were ready, you turned around, finding him taking a picture of you.

— Not weird at all. — You said, walking to him to see the photo in his phone.

— I mean, you're my wife. — Hyunjae grabbed your hand and showed you the ring you had on.

— Right, just don't take pictures of me sleeping.

In the elevator, you tried to avoid his eyes. Suddenly, the elevator stopped in the second floor, opening its doors to show you Mr. Jeong and you guessed it was his wife.

You got close to Hyunjae and felt his arm around your waist.

— Oh, how lovely that we found you. — Mr. Jeong said. — This is the couple I told you about.

— You both look amazing. — Ms. Jeong said.

— Thank you. — Hyunjae said in unison.

— Going somewhere special? — Mr. Jeong answered.

— Just to find something to eat. — You answered.

— Oh, if it's nothing special then join us, we're going to this cafeteria my wife loves.

You were about to answer, but Hyunjae beat you. — Sounds good, [Y/N] love visiting new cafeterias.

It wasn't a lie. You looked up to him. He gave you a kiss on the cheek and left his lips there.

Once all of you arrive to the parking lot, you walked to Hyunjae's car, Mr. Jeong's wasn't far. He told you to wait for them.

At the cafeteria, you ordered a latte and some pastry. Hyunjae just ordered an americano.

You two were waiting for Mr. and Ms. Jeong ordered at the bar.

— Why did you accept? — You asked, letting Hyunjae put his arm around you, pulling you close.

— To fully convince him we're a couple. So we don't have to kiss in front of him that often.

— Look at them. They're truly in love and you don't see them kissing every three words. — Hyunjae nodded, agreeing with you. — I didn't know I was a bad kisser.

Hyunjae looked at you scared. — You're not, god, I'm sorry if I imply that.

You laughed. — Jae, relax, I'm joking.

— You're enjoying a little too much scaring me, you know?

— I don't think so. — Hyunjae brushed his thumb on your chin before giving you a small kiss.

— Sorry for taking too long. They had this new drink I wanted to try. — Ms. Jeong apologized.

The talk was surrounded at your oh so lovely perfect wedding. And it was more a conversation between Ms. Jeong and you.

— If you don't mind, Hyunjae, would you make me some company while I smoke? — Mr. Jeong asked. Hyunjae excused himself and went with him.

The night was chill. The cafeteria had a special place for smokers.

— I'm going to be honest with you, Hyunjae. I thought you two were pretending. You wouldn't be the first couple that lied to me. — Hyunjae panicked at Mr. Jeong's words. — But just the way she's talking about the wedding, and how you look at her. It reminds me of me and my wife.

Hyunjae was speechless. — Any advice?

— I think you two are fine. There's no such a thing as the "perfect couple". But I do find it hard to believe you don't want kids.

— I mean, not now, we're still trying to settle ourselves in a new place.

— I really hope I can meet them.

Back in your apartment, Hyunjae and you changed clothes quietly.

— I'm going to the convenience store in the morning to get breakfast, is there anything you want? — Hyunjae asked, opening the blanket.

— I'm going with you. — He nodded.

The next morning, after having breakfast, you two changed clothes again and went to the supermarket, making the list on your way there.

— You already paid for the dinner and breakfast, Hyunjae, stop fighting. — You said, giving the cashier your card.

— Then the next trip to the supermarket is on me. — Hyunjae kissed your cheek, making you giggle.

On your way back, you received a message from Chanhee, asking where you were. The three of them were outside your building.

— Why are you here? — You got out of the car and walked with your friends inside the building while Hyunjae parked the car.

— We brought you welcome gifts! — Kevin said, turning his back a little for you to see his well packed backpack.

You chuckled. — That's sweet of you, Kev, but I'll be here just for 6 months.

The four of you waited for Hyunjae to join you outside the elevator. Once he did, y'all went to his apartment.

Fake plants, fake wedding pictures, food. At least the latter wasn't fake.

— How's married life going? — Juyeon asked, sipping on his can of beer.

— I thought you'd be back to the apartment by the next day, if I'm honest. — Chanhee said, not hiding the fact that he missed you.

— If you think arguments are over, don't be dumb, of course we argue. — You answered.

— Just not that often.

Everyone, including you, didn't expect Hyunjae to give that extra information.

After a month of living together, the two had figured out how to not argue over small things like the clothes all over the place, the expired food in the fridge or him constantly using your soap.

— I was thinking... — He seemed nervous. — We haven't had a movie night since we started living together. Or since we met.

— Of course we had them. — You chuckled and tried to push the shopping cart.

— Chan was there.

— And that makes them not being movie nights?

Hyunjae got close to you and caged your body between his body and the shopping cart. — I'd just like to have a movie night with my wife.

— What got into you? — But he didn't answer, his lips were over yours, slowly kissing you.

When he parted from you, you noticed Mrs. Jeong rounding the corner with her shopping cart.

— What happened with the "I don't want to kiss you every time we see them"? — You asked, faking a deep voice, hiding your disappointment that he only kissed you for that.

— I never said that. — Hyunjae walked away with the shopping cart, not letting you answer, again.

— Yes, you did. — You saw in a whisper, walking in his direction.

And by the months passing, you got used to his touchy and clingy side in front of your landlord. Behind closed doors, Hyunjae would keep his distance, and there were times you thought he wanted you to go to sleep mad at him.

He ate your breakfast even when you told him it was yours, you found your underwear at the bottom of the laundry machine after three days, of course they smelt horrible, sometimes he would ignore you or what you told him, like the time he slept with just a pair of boxers, saying it was too hot for him to wear pajamas.

You end up sleeping in the room you initially planned to, but this time he didn't protest.

By the end of the fourth month, the same dynamic you two had at Chanhee's place was back.

You were walking out the building on a Saturday morning, you were finally free of Hyunjae's annoying ass. Even though you didn't have a plan, you just wanted to be out of that apartment.

— Good morning, [Y/N]! — You heard Mrs. Jeong said in her usual energetic tone.

— Oh, good morning. — You said, waiting for her.

— Hyunjae's working? — Just the mention of his name made you have a headache.

— Yeah, he's... working.

— Is everything ok? — Of course she noticed your disgusted tone.

And you remembered, the 6 months were almost over, the plan was to pretend to break up so he could keep the apartment. Well, let the show begin.

— No, but I'm sure it'll be.

— Are you going anywhere?

— Not really, I just wanted fresh air.

— How about you and I go for a fresh juice and talk in the park? Does that sound good?

Her tone reminded you of your mother. — That sounds like a good plan.

You spent 5 minutes making up a whole story of how you and Hyunjae were falling out of love while sipping on your juice.

— What you're telling me, [Y/N], it's making me feel really bad. You two really seem to want a future together. — Mrs. Jeong said.

— And if you'd asked me 3 months ago, I'd told you I also wanted a life with him, but I guess we needed more time. My best friend even said it was too soon for a wedding. I should've listened to her.

— You can still work it out, sweetheart, you two have a really special connection. I'm sure if you sit down and talk, problems will be solved.

Hyunjae was back in the building at 8pm. He made sure his car was locked when he saw Mr. Jeong.

— How nice to see you, Jae. — Mr. Jeong said, giving Hyunaje an affectionate pat on the back.

— Likewise. How's your day going?

— Pretty calm. By the way, my wife and yours spent the morning together.

Hyunjae pressed his lips forming a fine line and nodded.

— It seems it's true by your reaction. — Hyunjae stopped walking, making Mr. Jeong to also stop. — She didn't tell me much, but she said you're having problems.

— Not all couples have problems?

— They do, yes, but they don't seem to be small problems, Jae. And I know we like to always be right, but it doesn't hurt to hear what they have to say.

Hyunjae practically ran to his apartment once he said goodbye to Mr. Jeong. He opened the door and found you watching a movie in the living room.

— May I know why you are venting our problems with our landlords?

You paused the movie. — Hello to you too, babe, are you hungry? Dinner is almost ready.

— Answer me.

You got up and didn't care that he was taller than you. — I told her that we both were falling out of love. That's all.

— And why is Mr. Jeong telling me to listen to you? — He kept his angry tone.

— How long have we been living together? — Hyunaje didn't answer. — And how long did we say we would live together?

Asshole.

— I'm just starting to make them believe we have unsolving differences and a divorce is expected. Wasn't that your plan?

— It's been only four months, [Y/N], you could've waited a little longer.

— Oh yeah, so we can tell them out of nowhere we're getting divorce the same day I'm leaving.

— Well, that could've been the plan if you weren't out there telling Mrs. Jeong our problems!

— Stop raising your voice at me, Hyunjae, or this conversation is over.

Hyunjae nodded and laughed in a sarcastic way. — You know what? You're a fucking genius! Tomorrow the first thing I'm doing is asking our landlord if he's going to kick me out if we get divorced, how about that?

— I don't know why you are reacting like this, this is your fault! You lied to Mr. Jeong, you told him I was your wife, and now I'm stuck with you for another 2 months!

— Don't pretend you didn't want this, babe, you had the option to not even show up that day. But there you were, sucking on my tongue when I kissed you.

You just couldn't believe your ears. — I wanted you out of my apartment, that's why I did it.

— You're so pretty when you get mad. — Hyunjae said after scanning your face.

He held your chin between his thumb and index, but you pushed him before he could kiss you. — Don't you fucking dare to touch me after how you just talked to me.

— Listen, I'm sorry for overreacting, but I don't enjoy it when others know about my shit. Even if this is a fake relationship, I'd like to have some privacy.

— Well, I'm sorry for telling her about that, but you've been acting like an asshole for months now, I just wanted this to be over.

This time, when Hyunjae hugged you, you didn't push him. You had your face buried in his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

— If I'm honest, I did all those things to get to you. And it worked, just not the way I expected. — Hyunjae laughed when you hit him in the stomach. — Let's have dinner and watch a movie.

Movie night was calm, you had blankets over you two. You noticed Hyunjae was falling asleep and felt bad. He worked the whole day and still wanted to watch a movie with you.

— Let's go to sleep. — You said, pausing the movie. It wasn't even halfway through.

— We'll finish it tomorrow. — You nodded and his sleepy voice.

When you were about to get in the room you were sleeping in, you felt Hyunjae's hand grabbing your wrist.

— I promise that attitude will disappear, please, come back to the room.

You just couldn't say no. — Let me grab my pajamas then.

— You can borrow a shirt of mine. —You laughed at his child-like attitude, pulling you to his room.

He gave you a shirt, too big for you, and turned around so you could change.

— Am I allowed to hug you? — You turned your head over the pillow to look at him. He was really close.

— Sure.

The next morning, you were still trapped between his arms, glad he wasn't squeezing you to death.

— Jae... — You softly said. You wanted to know the hour, but you left your phone in the living room.

— It's early, go back to sleep. — Hyunjae's mouth was on your neck, sending shivers down your spine.

— Can you read my mind? — You turned your body, Hyunjae keeping you close to him.

— I do, actually, you're thinking you just had the best wet dream of your life and I was in it.

You laughed, he was back... — You need to work on that skill, then, because that is highly inaccurate.

— Oh yeah? — You felt his finger on your left side, realizing the shirt lifted up while you were sleeping.

— Very inaccurate. — You said over his lips.

— I don't believe you. — His hand traveled to your leg and pulled in over his waist.

It was when you remembered you were only wearing panties and his shirt.

— May I know what got into you? — You asked, sighing when you felt his finger digging just below the skin of your butt.

— How am I supposed to control myself when my beautiful wife kept rubbing her ass over my cock the whole night? — His soft voice changed to a dark and deep one.

— I didn't do such a thing.

— I wasn't joking when I said you had a wet dream, though, you were moaning while doing it. It took everything on me to not fuck you while sleeping. Unless you're into that. — Hyunjae bucked his hips, finally letting you feel his boner over your clothed cunt. — That is your fault, so you better fix it.

He didn't have to tell you twice. One of your hands pulled his pajama pants and underwear down while you licked the other to jerk him.

He hissed at your warm touch, making him bite his lower lip and pulled you to kiss you.

— Fuck... I'm so sensitive, please don't stop, babe. — You were enjoying his reaction too much, tighting your grip around him from time to time to help him cum.

He wanted to warn you, but not a single word came out of his mouth. You felt his cum spilling out to your hand and couldn't help but see.

— Sorry, it felt really good. — Hyunjae removed the sweat from his forehead and ran to the bathroom, coming back with some papel to clean your hand and some drops that fell on the bed.

And you wanted to talk about it, but didn't know how. It was until dinner that he mentioned it.

— I... Sorry... Thank you for this morning...

— Are you thanking me for making you cum? — That was the first time.

— Yeah? I enjoyed it a lot.

— And why did you apologize?

Hyunjae avoided your eyes, he was clearly embarrassed. — I.. wanted to return the favor.

— And why are you suddenly shy? — You've never seen him like this.

— I guess it's just the flashbacks...

— Well, I think we have to make some rules if this is going to happen again, right?

— Rules? Why?

— Are you going to be able to live with me for another 2 months after having sex?

Hyunjae bit his lip, his idea of returning the favor wasn't having sex, but now that you mention it... — Right. So this is going to happen just once?

— That's why we need rules, Jae...

— Fine, I get it. Shoot.

You finished your drink and made a face. — This can happen multiple times as long as we both are single. Even after I leave. But the moment we start talking with someone else, this ends. — Hyunjae crossed his arms and nodded. — Let's keep this as a secret, Chanhee would kill you if he knows.

— I wasn't planning on telling him. It's clear he loves you more than he loves me. And I'm his family.

You laughed at the pout he made. And then you remembered... — I don't mind you touching me while I'm sleeping... — Hyunjae couldn't believe his ears. — But if you want to take it further, wake me up.

— Sure. — He didn't intend to sound so excited.

— I don't take the pill, so if you don't have condoms here...

— We should've talked about this in the morning so I could go to the supermarket and buy some.

You laughed again. — Are you going to return the favor then?

Hyunje smirked, standing up and taking your hand, pulling you to your shared room.

— Lay back and enjoy.

You laid down on the bed and with the help of your elbows, could see him taking off your jeans and panties.

He gave you a last look before sinking into you, groaning at your taste. You threw your head back and bit your lip to mute your moans.

But Hyunjae heard your whines increasing when he inserted two fingers while he was sucking in your clit.

You suddenly kept quiet, making Hyunaje look at you. — Did you just... cum?

— Maybe... — You answered, catching your breath. You stood up and pulled up your jeans, walking to the bathroom, leaving Hyunjae more than confused.

But you were embarrassed, you've never cummed that fast before, and you didn't want to admit you have wanted this to happen for a while now.

The next day, Hyunjae left to work before you did, making you wake up alone in your shared bed. And you didn't know if you liked it or not.

He left you breakfast ready and a note wishing you a good day. Another first time.

You found Mrs. Jeong again, giving the "good news" that Hyunjae and you solved your problems.

[To: Menace] 7:24pm

"Going to the supermarket, you want something?"

But he didn't answer. You bought some snacks, debating yourself if you should get the condoms.

You checked your phone once you were home and couldn't fight the disappointment when you noticed Hyunjae left you in read. But your head snapped when you heard a door closing.

— Hyunjae?

He walked from his room and almost ran to greet you. — I'm sorry for not answering, I was busy. But hey, I bought the condoms.

You laughed, finding him adorable.

On the weekend, Hyunjae planned a movie night, but it got interrupted by a very heated make out session. The movie working as background noise.

You were on top of him, humping his very hard boner. His hands were under your tank top, massaging your boobs over your bra.

He kissed your neck while one of his hands was looking for something inside the drawer beside the couch you two were.

You looked at him. — You shouldn't have told me this can happen multiple times. I left condoms all over the place. — He said, taking off your tank top and bra before sucking in your left tit.

— And what if the guys come and find one? — You brushed his hair with your fingers, enjoying his tongue playing with your nipple.

— I don't want to think about that right now, babe, I want you to keep moving your hips, please. — You loved the new nickname, it wasn't in a teasing way anymore.

Instead of moving your hips, you got off him and started to undress, Hyunjae doing the same and grabbing the condom.

But you took it away from his fingers and got on your knees. Hyunjae cursed under his breath and let you do your thing.

You pumped his dick before licking it up and down, and then you sucked on his balls. You proceeded to open the condom and rolled it down on his boner.

— Do I have to schedule a blowjob with my wife? — Hyunjae asked when you straddled him. He positioned his tip over your clit and rubbed it.

— I have to check if I'm not busy... — You said over his lips.

Hyunjae smirked and pulled you down, earning a very loud moan from you. Your nails digging on the skin of his shoulders. He kissed you again, giving you time to adjust. You sucked on his tongue and started to move your hips up and down. Hyunjae whined when you tightened around him, giving you a small spank.

It didn't take long before you were jumping on him, not kissing anymore. None of you were shy with your noises, not caring about the neighbors.

Hyunjae got one of your boobs and sucked it, pinching the nipple of the other. You knew your nails were leaving red marks on his neck and chest, but you didn't care.

— Why did it take us so long to do this? — You asked, throwing your head back when you felt your orgasm close.

— If you weren't such a tight ass, this would've been the hundredth time. — Hyunjae answered, making you laugh.

— If you weren't so fucking annoying... — You grabbed his neck for support and got close to his face. — we wouldn't have to pretend in the first place.

Hyunjae kissed you, pulled your hair, bit you, spanked you. He knew you were right.

Before him living in your and Chan's living room, your friendship wasn't as chaotic, you even admitted to some friends you found him attractive. Hyunjae also developed a crush on you, but living somehow together gave you the sign that you two wouldn't work out.

You felt him give you another spank, biting your lip and bouncing harder. Your legs were sore, but you needed your release more than anything. You grabbed Hyunjae's hand and directed it to your clit, him immediately understanding.

— You look so hot on top of me, babe. — Hyunjae said, hypnotized by the view. — I can get used to this.

"Me too" you thought, but you were so immersed in your pleasure, you only could kiss him, sucking on his tongue and scratching his nape.

Hyunjae hugged you by your waist and made you stop, growling. You felt his cock twitching repeatedly inside you.

After a few minutes, Hyunjae's fingers brushed your hair. You lifted your head and looked at him. He looked different. Or maybe it was your orgasm making you have these thoughts.

Hyunjae pulled you for a kiss, a sloppy and romantic one.

— Let's get cleaned up. — He said on your lips, but he kept kissing you.

— You have to let me go for that, babe.

It was the first time you called him that, and he showed you he loved it.

— I can always carry you to the shower. We can have round two there. — His low voice made you clench around him.

But you stood up, sighing by the sudden emptiness. — I think I have a free space to give my husband a blowjob just now. — You said, walking to your shared bedroom.

Once you two were in the bathroom, Hyunjae literally dragged you to the shower. Earning some giggles from you.

A week later, Chanhee, Juyeon and Kevin visited you again.

The whole time, Chan was awfully quiet and kept looking at the both of you, making you nervous. After an hour, Juyeon and Kevin went to the convenience store for snacks, but you noticed Chanhee told them something before they left.

Hyunjae was looking for bowls to serve some chips and you were cutting carrots, maybe using this as an excuse to not look at Chanhee.

— Since when?

Here we go.

— What? — Hyunjae stopped his tracks and looked at Chanhee.

— Since when you've been fucking?

The sudden question made you cut your finger with the knife. You threw the knife and licked your little cut.

— Are you ok? — Hyunjae practically ran to you.

— Oh, so it's serious.

— No!

— It's just sex.

Both answering at the same time made Chanhee laugh. — Right. And I guess you weren't planning on telling me.

— For what? — You asked, looking for some bandaid.

— I don't know, I'm your best friend. — And then he looked at Hyunjae. — And I'm your cousin, your family.

— Well, I'm sorry for not telling you, but it's been just a week. — Hyunjae said, helping you finish the carrots.

— Wait, what? A week? — You raised an eyebrow at his words. — You two act as if you've been dating since you started living together.

— Don't be ridiculous. — You said, not being able to look at Hyunjae.

Chanhee couldn't say anything, Juyeon and Kevin arrived and started talking about some new snacks they bought.

After they finally left, you took a bath in what were you planning to be your bathroom 5 months ago. The water was warm and you were glad you still had a lavender bath bomb.

You told Hyunjae you need to think about what Chanhee said and it was if you slept separately. And even though Hyunjae wanted to argue back, he also needed to think.

The next morning, when you got out of your room, Hyunjae was already waiting for you with an empty cup.

— Coffee or tea?

— I think I'm just having cereal. — Hyunjae nodded and put away the cup.

— We need to talk. — He said. Your back was facing him, you only hummed in response. — The fifth month it's almost over.

— I know.

— What does your lack of packing mean?

You were only looking at your empty bowl. — Do you want me to start packing?

You turned your body and looked at him, he was already behind you. — I just want to know so I can talk with Mr. Jeong.

— Are you going to tell him?

— What? That I lied about you being my beautiful wife? — He brushed his nose with yours. — I'll just make a deal with him. We would exchange places with the guys.

— And if he says no? — Your fingers clench on his pajama shirt.

— He already trusts us, I don't think he'd have a problem.

— But I like this place. — You slightly pout.

Hyunjae chuckled and gave you a peck. — Yeah, but we both know what three people living in a place that only two people fit is like.

You nodded, hugging Hyunjae by his waist.

— Tell you what. We keep the place, but while they find a bigger place, they can bring some of their stuff. Let me remind you we have a whole empty room.

— And what about us?

And if you were honest, you thought he would tense with the question, but he just hugged you tighter.

— Do you want to make it official?

You looked up, finding his eyes on you. — Official? You haven't asked me shit.

You tried to pull away, failing miserably.

— If you weren't such a tight ass and would let me speak. — You stayed silent. Not hiding your excitement. — Would you let me be your boyfriend?

— Ugh, you're so cheesy. — You said, pulling him by his collar. — But yes.

Hyunjae laughed and kissed you. But the romantic moment got interrupted by your stomach.

— Someone's hungry.

— If you'd have let me have my breakfast first.

While you were cooking, Hyunjae decided the best way to still ask Mr. Jeong.

Mrs. Jeong was the one that opened the door.

— Oh, Hyunjae, how nice of you to visit us.

— I'm sorry if this comes as rude, but is your husband here? I need to talk to him.

— Oh no, don't tell me [Y/N] and you have broken up? — The lady placed her hand over her mouth.

— No, it's not that, don't worry.

— Is everything ok? — Mr. Jeong appeared drying his hands with a towel. — Hyunjae, what can I do for you?

After Mrs. Jeong poured three glasses of water, the three of you sat down in the living room.

— I really don't know how to explain this so I'll just say it. I'm thinking about giving my apartment to some friends and finding a smaller place for [Y/N] and I.

Mr. Jeong nodded. — Are these friends trustworthy?

— They are. One of them is my cousin and my wife's best friend, actually. The thing is that the place they have is really small for three people.

— So you want to exchange places with them?

— Not really, that building isn't of [Y/N]'s liking.

— Well, that's nice to hear because there are also smaller apartments in this building. — Mrs. Jeong added, making her husband nod.

Hyunjae felt stupid. — I... I didn't know.

— I don't have a problem with your friends living in the building, but even if you say they're good, the rules will apply to them too. Even stricter ones if it's going to be all men.

— Right. — Hyunjae chuckled. — Then I'll talk to...

— She doesn't know? — Mr. Jeong interrupted.

— I just mentioned it this morning, she was worried you didn't want three men living under the same roof.

— I never had issues with groups of friends living together, I'm just stricter with them 'cause, well, I was also young.

Cold sweat ran through Hyunjae's back. — I thought you prefered couples living here?

— I said I'm used to them, this zone is famously known by families. You are the first couple I admit without children, though.

— Right...

Hyunjae went back to his apartment, feeling like the stupidest man on earth.

— Where were you? Food is ready. — You got out of the kitchen.

— Come here. — Hyunjae practically threw himself to the couch and waited for you to sit down beside him, but you sat down on the small table in front.

— Babe, you're pale...

— I talked with Mr. Jeong about the apartment. — And you were about to interrupt him, but he grabbed your hands. — Baby, I need you to listen to me and I'll understand if you don't want to talk to me ever again.

— You're scaring me. — He never called you "baby".

Hyunjae took a deep breath. — He told me he doesn't have a problem with our friends living here, in fact, he never had a problem with groups of friends in general. He just sets different rules

— And how did we end up in this situation? — Hyunjae felt you tense, he just cared your skin with his finger.

— Because him telling me only families lived here made me believe only families were allowed to live here.

You started to laugh, not in a sarcastic way, you were genuinely laughing at his dumbness.

— And what made you think I wouldn't talk to you anymore? — You said after finally being able to speak.

— I don't know. I guess I panicked.

You kissed him and straddled his legs. — And what will happens with us? — You said over his lips.

He gave you a chaste kiss before talking. — Mrs. Jeong mentioned there are smaller apartments, maybe we can check them out.

— But I like this apartment. — You said kissing his neck. His grip went from over your clothes to under it.

— Unless you want to have kids... this place is too big for us.

— That doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Hyunjae almost lost control over his own body at your words. — Not yet...

And this could have continued further, but both of your stomachs interrupted, making both of you laugh.

— Not yet. — You said over his lips and stood up, grabbing Hyunjae's hand and taking him to the kitchen.

[tofulune]

༻laundry day

—"gonna shrink your shirt"

noctis lucis caelum x reader

Synopsis: Loving Noctis is like wishing for rain on a hot summer day. Irritating and Pointless.

Tags: [Words: 1,129], pining, angst, set before the game, reader is gender neutral

a/n: fun fact i finished writing this while waiting for my laundry to dry LMAO

“Pom, what are you doing?” You take the lollipop out of your mouth and gesture towards the house of cards Prompto was building on the floor of the laundromat.

“I’m trying to keep busy.” Prompto mutters as he carefully places the next card on the tower.

The laundromat smells like chlorine and despite the slight breeze you feel whenever the fan hanging by the door turns your way, your skin feels sticky from sweating so much.

It was a hot summer day and Ignis decided that today was cleaning day at Noctis’ apartment.

“This room is not fit for a Prince, let alone the soon-to-be King.” Ignis had said in his ever so posh voice.

You and Prompto couldn’t weasel your way out and were included in the cleaning regime since you were already hanging out at Noct’s place. You guys weren’t doing anything in particular—just sitting in front of a fan while playing King’s Knight on your phones.

The four of you spent the day scrubbing Noctis’ apartment down floorboard by floorboard, top to bottom. Your feet are sore and astrals know you need a shower.

When you guys were done with that, Ignis prompted things to go by quicker if the four of you split up. Ignis and Noctis went grocery shopping while you and Prompto were on laundry duty.

“The fact that it’s not even our OWN laundry we’re waiting for.” Prompto leans back on his hands with a groan.

A high pitched beep plays from the dryer and you jump off of it to unload the first batch of clothes.

When you open the dryer, a white piece of folded paper falls out onto the floor.

“Oh, hey. I guess Noct left something in his pockets.”

You pick up the note and start to unfold it when a hand snatches it out of yours.

“No!” Prompto clears his throat.

“No!” Prompto clears his throat.

Your eyes widen and you furrow your brows in confusion as Prompto starts to walk away from you.

“Psh, this is just…a list of princely duties.”

Prompto sings the last part as he folds the paper up again.

You nod your head, suspicious. Prompto tries to avoid your eyes.

“Prompto, what’s that?” You say slowly.

“Nothing!”

You stare the blonde down until he shrinks his shoulders.

“You’re not gonna wanna read it.” Prompto mumbles.

“Try me.” You say, walking up to him and taking the note from his hands with your thumb and pointer finger.

It’s a letter from Noctis addressed to you.

Your heart skips a beat and you bring the note closer to your face.

You skim through it, brushing past him telling you about his engagement to the Oracle and how he’ll be leaving Insomnia to be wed to her because you didn’t need to cry over that again.

What sticks out to you is the line in the smack middle of the letter.

‘The truth is I’ve liked you for a long time.’

‘I’ve liked you.’

‘I like you.’

You zero in.

Because Noctis is Noctis and he holds his feelings in until they implode on himself, he rambles on for a couple of paragraphs about his feelings for you, but you skim past that, too.

Because how could he? How could Noctis confess now of all times?

You pale as you lower the note.

“I told you, you shouldn’t have read it.” Prompto sympathizes, pouting.

“Did you tell him?”

“No, you told me not to.” Prompto says as if it was such a sure thing.

You fold the paper up, putting it in your own pocket. The letter has reached its receiver.

You and Noct have always had this kind of tension in your friendship. Lingering touches and words that could mean more than platonic. It’s a tricky type of thing. Something you don’t want to break. You and Noctis were both cowards, afraid of tipping the boat and drowning, because what if it didn’t work out? What if these feelings were a phase and once you both got into a relationship it would lead to regret?

For a second, Noct’s letter, his words, made you feel like maybe this was something worth feeling, but ultimately it isn’t. People are dying in the never ending war and in order for it to end Noctis has to marry the oracle. It’s what the king decided.

That’s why the letter was crumpled at the bottom of his dirty cargos.

It’s why you’ll bite your tongue and stuff it in your own pockets.

“But this is a good thing! Isn’t it!” Prompto smiles in hopes of cheering you up. “Noct likes you, you like Noct.”

You give Prompto a sad smile before wincing.

“Prom,” You say his name solemnly, “This doesn’t change anything.”

Prompto’s smile dies and he sighs.

“Yeah, I know.” Prompto says after some silence.

You take Noct’s clothes out of the dryer, put them in a basket for Prompto to fold, and start on the next batch.

The dryer springs to life again and you heist yourself back on top

You gnaw on your lollipop stick for a bit.

“When are you guys leaving?” You mutter out.

The question makes Prompto pause, but he resumes folding.

“In three days.”

You nod once, slowly.

It’s sunset when you and Prompto walk out of the laundromat, and with only a few steps there’s Ignis and Noctis.

Noctis—with his stupid spiky hair, and his adoring blue eyes, and his red-bottom combat boots that look way too big for him.

It feels like you’re seeing him with new eyes even though he’s always been like this. Now, it’s different because you know he sees you, too.

Prompto eagerly greets the two and teases Noctis about how long it took for his laundry to dry and how great of a friend he is that perhaps it calls for a royal favor to which Noctis mutters out a, “yeah, right.”

“I can’t wait to get back home.” Noctis groans and rolls his neck back.

He shoots you a teasing smile, but it’s different from all the other ones now that you know what you know. You see the hidden glint in his eyes behind his bravado and your heart aches for a future you can’t have.

You give him a small smile back, heisting the laundry basket up before making your own complaints.

The truth is he never planned to confess to you and neither will you.

Whatever you and Noctis have now is all you’ll ever have—

You know that.

He knows that.

Loving Noctis is like wishing for rain on a hot summer day.

Irritating and pointless.

[littlelalu]

Lego Date | Milo Manheim

———————————————-

I pull the last bit of my hair into a loose bun, glancing at the mirror. Comfortable but cute. Tonight, my best friend, Milo, and I will be having a lego building date, so I know I shouldn't overdo it on my outfit.

We have been best friends for a while and always hang out when he is not away shooting a movie or something. I had been telling him about my office job trouble and how I have been under a lot of stress, so he planned a chill and relaxing evening for us. He has always been so caring and loving towards me. His personality is really the only reason why I fell in love with him. I haven't told him because I do not want to ruin our friendship.

Before I can lose myself in another thought spiral, my phone buzzes on the counter.

His name lights up the screen, and I can’t help but smile.

"Hey cutie, you on your way?" He asks excitedly.

"Just finished getting ready," I say laughingly, grabbing my keys. "I’ll be there in about 20 minutes, boo."

"Perfect. See you soon!"

He hangs up before I can ask what the surprise is he’s been hinting about all week. A little thrill runs through me as I imagine what it could be.

I grab my jacket and head out the door, the flutter in my chest turning into something warmer. Something hopeful.

Once I arrived at his place, I knocked the door. He almost instantly opened it like he had been waiting near it.

“Y/N! Hi” He says happily. He looked so handsome, yet it was only gray sweats and a Green Day T Shirt.

“Hey Milo. How are you?”

“I feel great now that my bestie is here. Come follow me. I have a surprise for you.”

He grabbed my hand, which made me feel like I had butterflies in my stomach. He led me to his living room. Right in the middle of the room was his living room table covered in a white cloth with 2 lego set boxes, our favorite snacks, and drinks.

“Aww Milo. This is a cute set up”

“Good because it is all for you. I know you told how stressed you have been from work. I figured this is the most I can do for my best friend.”

“You are amazing, Milo. Thank you.” I said as I hugged him. He hugged me and kissed the top of my head.

“Okay. So, I got you a LEGO Heart Ornament because you mentioned to me how you wanted this before.”

“Yes I did! I cant believe you remember that from months ago. What are you going to build?”

“I picked a bouquet of roses. I figured I could use them for decor or something else.”

“Well theyre going to look beautiful.”

Milo and I sat on the floor, opened our boxes and started to build. We began to talk about what has been going on in our lives while we were apart. He was talking about his upcoming Zombies 4 movie and how excited he was to watch it together when it officially comes out. I was just telling him about my work drama, which he seemed invested.

“Done! Look how beautiful my heart ornament looks.”

“Not as beautiful as you.” he said and winked at me. “Anyays, I am done with my roses, too. I think I may actually have a small vase for these. Let me go check.”

Milo left and came back within minutes. Although, when he retuned he in fact did have a vase, but laso brought another box.

“What’s in there?” I asked curiously.

Milo sat on the floor again, put the LEGO flowers in a vase and placed it in the living room table next to me. He then sets down a LEGO message board next to the roses, but the back of the board is facing away from me.

Before I can say anything, he grabs both of my hands and looks into my eyes.

“Y/N. Ever since I laid eyes on you, I knew you were different. You aren’t like other girls. You’re kind and caring. You are probably the only person in the world who knows me so well. I have loved you since I met you, but for the sake of our friendship I remained quiet so I wouldn’t lose you. Every time I have to go, you are alaways in my head thinking about coming home to you. I cannot contain my feelings any longer.” He paused and turned the message board around and it read ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’.

I lightly gasped as I was in shock. His beautiful brown eyes looking straight into mine waiting for me to answer. He flashed me a hopeful smile.

I smiled and said , “Yes! You have no idea how long I been waiting to hear you say that.”

He moved one of his hands to my cheek. He leaned in slowly and we kissed. His lips felt soft. When we kissed it felt like the 4th of July. It was magical. All we knew from that moment on was that he was mine and I was his. There was no other care in the world.

_________________________________

Note: I have not written fan fiction in forever! Last time was 2016 😩 please let me know what you think

[tomboyjessie13]

Sorry if this took over a week to finish, I had some distractions and bad writer's block.

Sequel to this: "Now, let the Fun Begin!" — Library, DIO's Mansion Half hour later (tumblr.com)

Downtown Cairo, Egypt The next day, 10 AM

Medea finally booked an appointment with one of DIO's Agents to collab with, she looked at the address on the assignment sheet as drove though the roads of Downtown until she arrived at a decently built 5 floor apartment building. 

Medea: *Leaves the car and enters the building* ........ *Sees a middle-aged woman standing by the entrance* You're the landlady here?

Landlady: I run a clean building here, yes. You looking for a place to rent?

Medea: No, I'm here to meet someone. *Takes the photo off the assignment sheet* Do you know any tenets who look like this? *Shows her a photo of the Agent.*

Landlady: ....4th floor, D7. 

Medea: Thank you, ma'am. *Goes to the elevator*

Apartment floor 4th Floor

Medea walks to the door labled "D7", she immediately felt cold the second got close to it, something was wrong with the air, so much so that [Molly] jumped out to defend Medea.

Door: ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ 

Medea: ...........*Deep breaths* It's just for the letterman jacket...... *Knocks on the door*

???: Who is it?

Medea: It's the pizza man, who do you think it is?......*She sees the door opened by itself, giving her chills*......*She cautiously walks in, immediately she notices that the apartment is fairly nice, the furniture is a mixture of both Western and Egyptian styles and is decently arranged, there's also a couple of potted plants hanging and laying around.* ...... *She sees a trail of black smoke coming out of one of the rooms*......

???: *In the room* Hurry up, I don't have all day.

Medea: *Follows the smoke in the room, the door reads: keep out*...... *She enters the room and sees what appears to be a witch's room, being decorated charms, trinkets, books, and equipment that belong to the occult, this amazes her* Whooooa......

[Molly]: *Senses something dangerous and goes into defense mode, they growled at a woman by the door* Kiruuuuuuuuuu......

???: *Reading what appears to be a Necronomicon while dressed in black with silver jewelry, a bluish green mesh top, a black bowler hat, and purple make up and nails* So......You made it. *Looks up* Took you long enough.

Medea: Yeah, I know, sorry, Eris, I had to finish up a few morning chores before coming here, and Enyaba wouldn't shut about the damn oven breaking down.

Eris: Tch, that hag always has something to complain about.

Medea: Tell me about it. *Looks around*..... Anywaaaays, I knew you were a bit of a goth chick, but I never realized that you're a fan of all this witchcraft-y stuff, I thought that kind of practice was banned in Egypt.

Eris: It isn't, but lots of people still see it as taboo here, especially the religious fanatics. *Points at doorknob with a keyhole* That's why I've invested in locks that's usually reserved for front doors, to make sure no one but me see my wares unannounced.

Medea: *Shrugs* Totally fair. 

Eris: *Looks at her book* Anyways, I'm just glad that you finally showed up, I was just about to perform a ritual with this Necronomicon.

Medea: Necronomi-... Wait, isn't that a fictional spellbook by H.P. Lovecraft?

Eris: Yes, but there's been rumors of it being connected to Egypt's book of the dead *closes book*, I was planning on sacrificing that goat over there to test it if you didn't show up.

Medea: *Sees the goat in a cage in the corner of the room* WHAT THE HELL!? OoO

Eris: *Nonchalant* But I guess my afternoon plans have changed now that you're here. *Puts book away*

Medea: THAT'S A LIVE GOAT!

Eris: Relax, you big baby, goats are permissible. So what has our Lord have in store for us?

Medea: B-but, oh forget it, *gives her the mission sheet* you're one of the few agents on standby for a mission in Egypt and it says you got a "clean up" job. 

Eris: *Takes the sheet*......I see, my target's one of Lord DIO's former business partners trying to run off with his delivery. Oh, and will you look at that, he lives in Suez

Medea: Where?

Eris: Suez, a seaport city by the Canal under the same name.

Medea: Oohhh, that's the large waterway separating the mainland from the Sinai Peninsula, right?

Eris: That's right, and it takes an hour and 30 minutes by car to get there. *Starts getting ready* That really makes the whole thing easier for me, I just get in and get out, maybe make his death look like a suicide.

Medea: What's all this you stuff? I thought this was a partnership?

Eris: Yes but I'll be doing most of the heavy lifting, you're just my back up.

Medea: That means I won't get a chance to shine.

Eris: No no, you'll still get a chance to shine, just not in MY spotlight.

Medea: Dude what? I took the damn job so I can get paid like you and the other agents, I can't get paid if there's no equal treatment.

Eris: *Rolls eyes* Tch, fine, fine, we'll share the spotlight, just don't get into [Nephthys] line of fire. *Grabs her coat* And you're doing the driving. *Puts on sunglasses*

Medea: Fair enough. 

Eris: Just shut up and let's go. *Opens the door* We got a long journey ahead of us.

Medea: *Exits* Alright, alright, quit shoving.

Eris: *Leaves and locks the front door*

END

[havatnah]

note: this is a very personal story involving our beloved top hat wearing gang leader. It is based on true events but are mixed with how I wished things would have turned out. I hope that I still managed to capture Jacob's personality well enough and didn't need to bend him too much.

word count: ~8k

warning: trigger! please don't continue if easily triggered, description of violence, blood, self harm and rape

Personal mission

With quick but not hasty strides did the young gang boss climb the flight of stairs up into the 3rd floor of a small apartment building. Three of his Rooks were already waiting in front of a door. It was a sunny day outside, so atypical for the London weather, and hence so much more precious to enjoy it. The top hat wearing man was enjoying a day off from his hunt, as the entire city seemed to have agreed on a truce, when a messenger boy came running to him, asking for him to come as quick as possible to one of his rook’s flat. The boy didn’t use the emergency word but when he stated the address the young man was already on his way.

“Boss! Good you’re here. She wouldn’t open the bloody door” Jimmy, a middle aged Rook with a bowler hat on stated with a slight worry in his voice. 

“What happened?” was the sharp question, even before Jacob reached the last step. 

“We don’t know. We were to meet, as she had agreed to help us with the buses but she wouldn’t open the door. We only hear” and there it was. The sound that Michael, who was wearing a combination of the Rook’s green uniform and that of a bus driver, was about to refer to. A deep agony filled crying, punctured by breathless sobs. Michael didn’t need to end his sentence but exchanged a short glance with his boss. A boss he never thought he would have. So much younger than himself but good at what he did.

Jacob nodded, pushed himself past the three Rooks and waited a moment, hoping there would be a short pause in between the sobs, that were clearly filled with so much pain, so he could knock and the female Rook, who occupied the flat, would hear him. With a gentle but firm voice, Jacob Frye called out “It’s me, Jacob. Open the door”. There was no answer; only silence. Not even more crying. The seconds passed and felt like minutes, like eternity. The Rooks behind him noticeably grew more uncomfortable with worry. Jacob knocked again, called out a bit firmer this time “I know you’re in there. Open the door. Now.” 

The reply he got now, wasn’t one he ever would have expected. 

He knew you as a gentle soul, who always tended to the needs of the other gang members. Sure, you could be deathly when on a mission or in a gang war. So deadly that you, after you’ve joined the gang, quickly climbed up the ranks, and became one of the few, he would trust with delicate missions. No matter whether it was to take down a blighters’ strong hold or tracking down a higher ranked Templar, or even infiltrate a party for intel. Your abilities as a chameleon have proven to be a valuable resource for all kinds of missions. Your loyalty to the cause of the Rooks earned not only the other members’ trust but also his own, which he didn’t grant too easily. But there was one trait of yours that has proven to be a nuisance. Your curiosity. 

Your curiosity has driven you to stick your nose into businesses that were complicated and dangerous. There were many times, this natural drive of yours, helped to gather information on the enemy, on the Templars. Like a spy you would be delicate in retrieving the needed intel for the Rooks to form a plan before the Blighters would only do as much as to think about executing their own. But that one night, you have stumbled into something else, caught Jacob and his sister Evie with documents, not related to the gang, but to something else. Piece of Eden, Templars, a long lasting war between two parties that led back not only centuries but millennials. Your boss was a member of a syndicate that was called the Assassins. The third tenant would have urged the twins to get rid of you. The brotherhood was not to be compromised but just when Evie was about to act, Jacob intervened. He couldn’t. He just couldn’t let you be killed. You were so loyal to the Rooks so far and, what he didn’t know at the time, something else in his stomach made him protect you. A gut feeling. The young assassin claimed that his gut feeling was rarely wrong. Of course Evie held another opinion but at the end agreed to make you an initiate to the assassins. She would soon leave with Henry Green for India but until that time would come, she insisted that it was her who would teach you as much as she could about the creed. Since you were a too valuable member to the gang, the option of sending you to Crawley for the training was off the table, but Evie didn’t want her brother to set you on a, to her, wrong path for an assassin. After Starricks defeat Evie and Henry left for India, trusting that the few blighters and Templars remaining in London after their grand master was gone, would pose no problem. Not even when it was her dear baby brother and an initiate, who did well for the short time of training, that you had so far. That was about two years ago. 

You were deadly to the enemies but he didn’t know a more compassionate and caring soul, when it came to the gang; or now also the brotherhood. It would be a heavy loss and cause him pain if you would…leave.They say, curiosity killed the cat. Was this the case now?

“GO! AWAY!” 

Was that you? He never heard you scream like that. Your voice was filled with aggression towards him, or was it towards everything? For a moment the witty reprobate was speechless. When he regained his composure after a second he was glad that his employees weren’t able to see his shocked expression. But they must have looked the same, or even worse. Then miff took over and Jacob turned on his heels, descending the stairs.

“Boss!” the third Rook, an older man with whiskers, called out. “You can’t leave”

Why were people telling him what to do now all of the sudden? “You heard her. We shall go away.” He hissed over his shoulder, clearly offended and already on his way down again. He didn’t like to be shouted at nor what he was supposed to do. That was one line you crossed too much. Or did you not? 

“But boss…” Jacob stopped in his tracks. Again. He had taken several steps down already. Shortly tilting his head back into his neck he groaned, rolled his eyes and turned back around. He fought his anger. You were still his subordinate and were in no place to scream at him, yet alone to order him around. 

After taking a deep breath and having reached your door once again, he stated “I won’t go away. Open the door” His voice was even and surprisingly conveyed care but the only reply he received was another scream “GO! AWAY”, which was even more bone shaking than the previous one and he sensed that the three men behind him took a step back. The hatred and agony in your voice made his blood boil in his veins and it took all his strength to keep his composure. His gut twisted and he needed a deep breath before he would try one last time: “Open the bloody door. Now! Or I’ll break in. This is an order! Understood?” 

No reply. What was going on? An uncertainty that was hanging in the air was slowly tightening its grip around each of the men’s throats. Slowly strangling them with every moment that passed without a reply. The young gang boss took a step back, lifted his right leg and was about to kick his way in; he didn’t take orders after all, from nobody. But did the door always look so damaged? It looked like one of the urchins could break in. When he heard a shuffle behind the door, his posture relaxed.  Only a few seconds, which felt at least like a minute, later the lock was turned and the door handle pressed. The door opened just enough to be unlocked but not further. The shuffling sound, now louder, slowly became quieter again as you withdrew from the door without answering it. What made you do this, you had no idea. You wanted them gone. You wanted everyone gone. You wanted yourself to be gone. You felt like a machine. And as empty as one, but in the next second the pain was back. The roller coaster of emotions inside you made you go through a back and forth change between feeling absolute emptiness and despair and agony. 

With a flat hand, Jacob slowly pushed the door open, the Rooks followed him with a short distance. When the door was open enough to enter a sight, of blood on the floor greeted him. Drops, marked a trail from one room to the door and now back into the sitting room. Jacob was no stranger to blood, it didn’t bother him, but when he saw this trail of red life essence, he knew it was yours, and that was a fact he didn’t like. At all. His bearing turned 180° and the miff from before was replaced by worry. Careful steps carried him inside, wary of what would be revealed. Suddenly he felt like the victim of a horror show. He prided himself on not being afraid of anything. There wasn’t a mission too dangerous for him. His ability to work on the fly was his greatest asset and that was something that made him fearless. But in that moment, he felt what must have been fear. His heart was pounding and he could hear it drumming in his ears as it rushed his own blood through his veins. Following the bloody path he reached the sitting room and found you. And for a moment he felt like in a nightmare. It must have been a nightmare right? 

You were sitting, no, you were crouching, on the sofa, with your knees pulled up to your chest, arms crossed on top of them, eyes staring ahead and away from him. In one hand you held a knife, its blade smeared red. The other arm showed the source of the blood on the floor. Warm red liquid was dripping from deep cuts on your forearm. 

You have cut yourself.

“Go away” the same mantra, only much quieter now filled the room. “Go away…please”. The aggressive screech had turned into a desperate plea and was followed by another wave of sobs. From where Jacob was standing, he wasn’t able to fully see your face but it was enough to see that it was red, your eyes bloodshot and tears were now streaming down your cheeks. Certainly not the first that you spilled today.

“I’m not going anywhere” Jacob whispered loud enough so he was sure that you could hear him and as he took one step across the doorstep to enter your living room his ear rang.

“GO! AWAY!”

You have turned your head just enough to scream at him, but didn’t look at him. Your hand clenched around a knife, knuckles white from the vigour, and shaking.

“GO AWAY!” 

The Rooks behind their boss shuffled, confused, helpless what to do. They couldn’t see much and none of them dared to push their boss but they heard enough. That wasn’t you. It couldn’t be. No. Not ever.

How dare you shout at him like that? Anger boiled up again for a moment and then blended into sympathy. He knew, by instinct, if he was to make one wrong move now, he would kill you. Even though it would be you, wielding the blade, the blood would be on his hands now that he entered your lodgings. While he never minded blood, for hell’s sake he was an assassin, killing was part of not only his job description but who he essentially was, however at all cost he wanted to prevent that it was your blood being spilled; more. He also was a Rook. He was their leader. And a Rook protected. As a leader he had to protect his Rooks when they couldn’t. 

He needed a plan, because his ability to think on the fly was not working properly. His brain didn’t supply him with any idea what to do in such a situation as he has never faced something like that. He knew how to take down his enemies, but what was it if the enemy that threatened his Rook was the very same Rook itself? How would you defeat an enemy that was in the skin of an ally? He didn’t know. So to hell with his sister’s preaching of forming a plan. Despite him not knowing what to do in such a situation he did what he always did, when in a tight situation. Trust his instincts. 

“GO” AWAY!” every one of your screams became louder and louder.

“Out. Now!” He hissed over his shoulder. The look he gave his subordinates was a glare that didn’t leave any room for discussion and so the three men, cladded in green, retreated immediately. 

“Go away, please” You have heard the mean leave but sensed that your boss was still only a few metres away from you. “Please” you whimpered and pulled your knees even further up.

“I won’t. Talk to me…please” Jacob lowered his voice to a soft tone and for the first time since forever he said ‘please’. He wasn’t the personality that would ask for things. He took them. He did as he pleased. And knew how to run things to have them turn out the way he wanted them. So he never said “please”, not to anyone.

“Go away” the mantra again.

“Talk to me” he would then start a mantra of his own.

“Go away” you didn’t raise your voice, which was a good sign.

“Talk to me, please” and again, he asked, almost begging you. 

The feeling in his stomach that made him intervene on that day when you discovered his secret, he didn’t know back then, as it was only a mild feeling, but over time it became more frequent and stronger. It took him a while but he realised that this tingling feeling would only arise when you were around. When he would see you laugh he couldn’t help but smile. When your hands would touch one another for a fraction of a second when, for example, you handed him a pint or cards, he felt like an electric shock. But it was pleasant. And soon, without himself realising it at first, he would seek these small touches. The feeling that they gave him was addictive and he wondered if you have felt the same way. So it occurred that whenever there was an opportunity to make an accidental touch, he would grab it. He was Jacob Frye after all, not missing any chances. When he slid in on the table in the bar your knees or shoulders would shortly bump into each other. When dealing out cards, he would accidentally grab them early and brush against your fingers, when handing out drinks, he would either hand them or take the stein in a way that a short touch was ensured. He didn’t know why but he grew to enjoy your presence more and more, even though you could be pesky and annoying at times. His sister’s teaching was clearly seeping through. You would nag him at times, tell him your opinion. But surprisingly he didn’t mind because you managed to do it in a way that was different from his father’s, George’s or his sister’s. You made it appear like a casual side comment and never directly opposed him. You would never tell him that his ideas were bad, or that he needed a plan. No. You did it in a subtle way that never questioned his qualities but reminded him that there were other options too. That way he was able to save his face in front of his gang and also never felt offended. You did your job well. Sometimes he would heed your advice. Sometimes not. And when he did not, you still were there alongside with him. Always ready to save Rooks or him from a tight situation. Mostly you kept yourself in the background but would always be the backup when it was needed. And that has saved them a few times already. And while he never openly admitted it, he was thankful for it. You became the person he would trust his back with. When you were on with the mission, he didn’t need to worry about shit hitting the fan. He never did in the first place, but he worried less about others getting hurt and hence was able to focus on other things. The fun things. Like blowing up smuggler ships, or, when not flooding the streets of London with beer, racing through them. You managed to save the situation somehow. Clean up after him. And when there was no need for that, he sometimes would hear you whine in the pub that you had nothing to do and missed all the fun. You would banter over that and drink and laugh and have fun after all. 

You saved him and the Rooks numerous times, now it was time that he saved you and he still didn’t know how; only that he needed to get this knife out of your hand. 

You didn’t reply to his begging but starred ahead with a ghost-like empty expression.

“Talk to me, please. I won’t do anything. But please talk to me”

Again only stillness. The clicking of the clock on the wall was the only sound in the room. 

“May I enter?” He tried a different approach. He wanted to coax you into speaking, get you out of this agonising mantra.

“People don’t care what I want. So why do you bother asking?”

He managed to get you out of it, finally. But there was only a tiny joy for this accomplishment. What did you mean? You sounded so defeated. The thought of suggesting to drown your sadness with a bottle of Jager crossed his mind, but he discarded it quickly. It was a balancing act. And he didn’t like that. Being sensitive to someone, that was your job, not his. But now the roles were reversed because his instincts told him that if he wasn’t delicate right now, things might not turn out ugly.

“I won’t do anything that you don’t want” the young gang boss bit the inside of his cheek after this came out of his mouth, realising that he would need to leave if you asked him one more time. But you didn’t. You only shrugged. Good, his instincts were still good to rely on.

When he saw eye movements and a tiny twitch of your head he was thankful for his father’s training to be able to detect the smallest of movements without trouble. He would scoff at himself about having such thoughts but now wasn’t the time. He took these tiny motions as a clue that you tried to build up a connection, that you wanted to open up. He had to be careful now. Too much haste is too little speed, his sister’s words reminded him, which brought bile up into his mouth. Slowly he would take a step inside. Out the corner of his eyes he saw that the front door was indeed shut again. Good.

“What happened?” - no reaction.

“I want to help you” - still no reaction, Have you shut down again?

“Please” - and again he whispered "please”, which started to have a foul taste on his tongue but it caused you to slightly tilt your head and flicker your eyes. Only to turn back again a moment later.. A little advancement. How much he hated that, to work at such snail-like speed. But what outweighed his displeasure was his worry for you now.

With slow and careful strides he entered the room further but didn’t reduce the distance to you just yet. 

“I can be patient” - again a twitch, slightly more this time but you turn back once again. It wasn't an outright lie. He was able to be patient; he just didn’t like it. Your tongue darted out to wet your lips and Jacob hoped that this was a sign for your willingness to speak. So he remained silent. For ten seconds. For a minute. For two minutes. He stopped realising how long he waited. In the meantime more blood dripped from the wounds on your arm, the knife remained firmly in your hand. 

You wetted your lips again, parted them but closed them again into a thin line when no word came out. He waited. Again. And again after a while the same. Wetting your lips, parting them but this time a sound left your throat, which, Jacob only realised now, had marks that definitely didn’t belong there. This discovery made his blood first freeze and then boil. He had to swallow as a nasty hunch crept into his mind. If he had believed in god he would have prayed for this not to be true. But other than his sister, he wasn’t superstitious. He now wished he was.

You turned your head towards your boss but your eyes were still fixed on the flow only occasionally flickering up, but never quite reaching his face.

Usually he didn’t like when people weren’t able to look the other person in the eyes but considering the current situation he booked this as an advance, which he didn’t want to destroy, but his worries grew with every drop of blood that left your body.

Your lips trembled, opened and closed times and again in an attempt to speak. You wanted to. You wanted to trust that man standing there in your sitting room to stay true to his words. He wanted to help, and you wanted to tell him what had happened to you. But the words just wouldn’t come out of your mouth, no matter how hard you tried. You felt helpless, cold, broken, dirty, worthless. All of that while you felt empty all the same. Regret and guilt were the spices that made your emotions so much more unbearable. They were tearing at your inside. Literally. Your chest felt like someone was stomping on it. Your heart clenched vigorously and your throat hurt so much that even breathing was hard. And yet you wanted to reach out to this man, even though it was a man who did all this to you. But this gang boss was made of another wood, right? You didn’t know if you could trust him or even trust yourself anymore. You are partially responsible for this whole mess after all. You were uncareful hence responsible. Yes. If you hadn’t been so careless nothing of this would have happened. You could have reported this man to the police or even better taken care of him yourself, preventing what he has done. But you didn’t. Your inaction was the reason you were in this situation right now.  

Just when his own patient was running out and Jacob parted his lips to speak, you did him better: “He surprised me” the nasty thought of what might have happened was fed by your shaken words.

“Don’t” Was the thought that ran through Jacob’s mind.

“He” another sob interrupted your attempt to speak, your mind was back in that time, at that place. It was faster than your words. But you had to speak. Willing yourself to continue, you forced yourself to take several deep breaths, with each of them your body shook less until you finally continued “broke in and strangled me and…” a new wave of cries and tears overcame you as your mind replayed this torture for you in a loop, over and over an over again. So Jacob had seen correctly, the door had been victim to a break in.

The hair in his neck stood up as grief was replaced by the thirst for revenge. He knew what he would do and he almost would have turned on his heels to find this son of a sun but you were more important right now. 

The sobs shook your body again, your face pressed into your knees. Taking that opportunity Jacob approached you with the stealthiest steps he could muster and slowly reached for your hand with the knife. When he closed his hand around yours, your body went rigid and for a long time, both of you were still. Only when your hands relaxed ever so slightly, Jacob slowly peeled the knife away from your fingers and out of your hand. 

After he had let the knife drop to the floor, he kicked it away into a corner of the room, causing the floor to get painted red and you started crying again.

“He raped me, Jacob”

There. It was out. Albeit having had a hunch before, truth hit the young man like a freight train. He wanted so many things at the same time then: Track that bastard down, and rip him apart, limp by limp. He wanted to turn back time and prevent this from happening. He wanted to cradle you into his arms and tell you how he felt and that you’re safe now. But he did none of that.

For several more minutes you cried. Let more of your emotions out. Telling your assassin brother about it was like removing the cork from a bottle of champagne, only that it wasn’t champagne that was free to flow now but tears of bitterness. You sounded so defeated that Jacob never could have dreamed up. The cheerful Rookie who always had an open ear to every issue, no matter how small or big, who would annoy him sometimes with her obnoxious remarks, that you were, was now a defeated warrior. 

It was going against his nature but he needed to be calm and responsible now. For your sake. Because what kind of person would he have been when he couldn’t save you one bloody time while you have saved him and others so many times?

“I will take care of that” Jacob wanted to call this son of a sun thousand words but railed himself in, “bastard. But now we need to take care of you”

A shaky nod was all he needed as an allowance. The gang leader, who usually made Templars shiver from fear and kneel to him, kneeled down and removed his cravat from his neck to use it to wrap it around your arm just about the cuts, to stop the flow of blood. Luckily the cuts were on the upper side of your arm, where blood would still flow but no vital artery was severed. The rest of the red cloth was wrapped around your cuts. He could feel that some were deep. So it was to no surprise that they were still leaking. You definitely needed medical treatment.

“I don’t want anyone to see me like this” just in time when Jacob finished tending to your arm as much as he could, you told him about your wish, because you knew exactly what he was about to suggest. He wanted Mrs. Nightingale to treat your arm with proper medicine. Without missing a second Jacob got out of his coat and wrapped it around you and pulled up the hood. That way, nobody would see anything. The coat completely wrapped around you and the hood obscured everybody’s sight on your face.

The familiar smell of leather and gunpowder were mixed with your boss’ own individual scent. You inhaled deeply and a feeling of safety wrapped around you, like his leather coat. But also guilt as you were ruining his best coat. You remember how smug and proud he looked when he first strolled with it into the Rook’s owned bar where you and the others had been celebrating a more than successful heist. “Baron Jordane's Finery is it called.”, the grin on the gang leader’s face was contagious.”A coat has a name.” the assassin had spread his arms out in a manner to present himself or rather his new possession and you could see that Evie would have liked to bonk him for his boasting “Can you believe that?”. From that point on, it was clear that this coat had become Jacob’s favourite piece and he would wear it for special occasions, like celebrations or on calmer days. And now you were ruining it, yet you couldn’t speak up. You would repay him somehow. Later.

After he helped you up, careful where he would touch you, he guided you out of your own flat. The last strides before you reached the door however, he stepped ahead. Opening the door he ordered in a sharp tone: “closed coach. Pronto”. Hasting down the stairs, the three rooks followed the order without so much as grumbling a word. A green four wheeler was ready by the time you made it down the stairs. It took only a glare for the Rooks to back away. He would drive himself. Without his coat the wind, even though the sun was still shining brightly, was chilly. 

Mrs. Nightingale, didn’t ask you many questions out of respect, or was she shut up by the top hat wearing assassin? You didn’t know. And in all honesty, you didn't care about the reason, but were thankful for the silence. “Scars will remain, my dear” she stated in an informative but soft manner. Since you didn’t look at her it was unclear to you, if she meant you or Jacob.

With a bit of arguing and Jacob repeatedly assuring that he will regularly check on you, Mrs. Nightingale agreed to discharging you. You were suspended from your duties for the Rooks for the time being. The only order that you had to follow now, so said your boss, was to focus on recovery. And indeed he dropped by every evening. Sometimes he brought a beer from a new pub he found and deemed it drinkable, sometimes he would bring his deck of cards, from which you were sure he always had with him. So you spend the evening drinking, playing cards or just talking about what was going on in London, while the latter remained a rarity. Sometimes Jacob would get into a fret about something the assassin council remarked about his style of handling things. But you weren’t sure if this was just an act on his part to entertain you or not. Usually he would just shrug them off. So at least have you experienced the council meetings and ‘scoldings’ so far. Rooks made sure to drop deliveries of food and other necessary items for you, so you wouldn’t be required to leave the flat when you didn’t feel like it.

As you fumbled with your fingers one evening, Jacob picked up on it and prompted “spill it, Rookie” while he was dealing out the cards for another round. “You know I can’t deny anything from you”, these words left his lips faster than he could think of them and now he couldn’t take them back. So he plastered on a cocky smile, making it appear like a flirty comment.

“Would you accompany me for shopping?” You didn’t look at him, feeling embarrassed for this question so you railed in “never mind. Forget it” and hastily took your cards. You played several more rounds of cards, all losing to Jacob. He must have cheated somehow. You were sure of that but didn’t question him. You’ve caused him too many inconveniences already, now you even dared to ask him for more support. Luckily he has dropped the topic. Or so you thought.

As he was exiting you flat with a mocking tip of his hat and priggish smile he casually stated “so tomorrow around the same time I’ll pick you up”. Leaving you no chance to reply he sashayed down the stairs and into the cold evening air.

The knock on the door pulled you out of your grim thoughts that have been haunting you all day. Glad for some distraction you went to get the door. Jacob was waiting behind it with two packages in his hands. One was a basket filled with a few groceries, the other a brown paperback which content stayed unknown to you. “Get dressed for some fun” was the greeting you got and the reprobate, who looked eager to get going, pushed the grocery basket inside your apartment.

You were confused, “I thought we go shopping?”

 “I have an even better idea” your boss smirked at you “so get ready” and already began to turn waving his hand to cue you to follow him.

With haste you got into your boots and felt a little excitement coming up. Jacob usually had good ideas but sometimes they involved too much space for interpretation. So you didn’t know what exactly he meant with ‘fun’.

Despite you trying to peek inside the paper bag and asking him where he would lead you, Jacob’s lips stayed sealed, only curving up into a teasing smile that showed that he enjoyed leading you with a carrot stick. He knew your curiosity well, it was the reason you joined the brotherhood after all, and hence he knew how to play it and tease you. And he did so up to the very moment until you reached your destination. A new fighting ring.

Topping had told Jacob about him planning to open it a few days earlier and Jacob confirmed he would pay a visit, knowing that Topping told him for his own benefit, namely money. Good fights meant more revenue for the bookie and Jacob was a guarantor for good fights. So it was no surprise that the man with the ridiculously looking top hat was very excited to see Jacob strolling into his new money earning paradise. 

“Ah, it's good to see you!” The bookie approached the younger man “here for some good fights, I presume”

“Of course” still with a smirk on his lips, Jacob confirmed what the other male already knew, or at least believed to know. The ticket for participating in the ring was issued without any question but enthusiasm, however when Jacob handed that ticket directly to you, he earned confused looks from both you and Topping. “You need to fight this off” his voice dropped into a serious tone as his smirk vanished. Damn, he had played you. When Topping wanted to object, Jacob did only as much as raising a hand to silence the other man while he was still looking at you. “I told you to get ready for some fun. Now, fight this off and”, he raised the paper bag and waved with it “you get a special price. If you win, that is.” He was back to teasing you, eyes glittering with mischief.

It took you a moment but then you crossed your arms and raised your chin and replied “only if I know what I’m fighting for”, for you couldn’t fight a small smirk tucking at the corner of your lips. Oh how much have you missed these banters with your brother assassin. You have enjoyed the nights Jacob dropped by to provide company but this, this was a bit of normality coming back.

The index finger of his free hand wiggled at you “Ah Ah! Where is the fun in that?” and he held up the bag when you tried grabbing it. It was out of your reach, as it was one of the easiest tasks for him to hold you off “Now, love, get ready. You know what you’re fighting for” he stated after he had pushed you off him, still smirking impishly but there was a hint of seriousness in his tone that made you nod.

The second round was just over and you were breathing hard, leaning on a post of the ring waiting for the next round to start. Jacob approached you from behind. “Good so far. This one has a preference for dealing out kicks to the knees.” he tucked his chin towards a man with suspenders “so look out for that. Also for your footwork, stance is good so far. Stay light on your feet and play your advantages well”. While Jacob was giving you the tips you studied the three men who got ready for the next round. Beside the man with suspenders there were two tall and broad shouldered men who looked like their punches would hurt a lot. The bell rang and the round started. 

Jacob had been right. The suspender guy did indeed try to immobilise you by breaking your knees with kicks and he would have gotten you if not for your footwork. The two others threw powerful punches and swings but were slow over all. You managed to surprise them with a few rolls and quick turns and knock them out with a kick to their heads, which was, considering their and your size, something they definitely never expected. After a few more minutes you managed to take down the suspender man as well and stumbled back to your pole where Jacob was waiting with a beaming grin. He caught himself a few times, wanting to join in the fun but the bag in his hand reminded him that this was about you and you recovering. And that indeed it did. Sweaty from the fighting you felt like a welcomed ordinariness has returned. Glee has returned and you have reveled in the action. There would be one last round and Topping looked at you surprised that you were still standing. 

While you leaned on the pole trying to get your bearings together before the last round would start you heard the man behind you whisper “you manage this one and I have somethings special for you”

Turning your head so you could look the assassin, who almost had leaned over you, in the eye, you smirked and shot “what is so special you keep your lips sealed so long? A kiss?”. The blush on the man’s face was just too amusing but before either of you could say more the bell rang, initiating the last round for you this evening. 

Mumbling something about audacity Jacob continued watching you and towards the end even whistled to cheer you on. The fight was hard and at some point it even looked like you would lose. Something seemed to drive you though, to get up on your feet again. At the end you emerged victorious, bruised but victorious and the adrenaline rushing through your body made you forget the pain. 

Jacob sautered towards you after you had received the prize money from the bookmaker “So now for your price”.

“Oh, you really meant it? I get a kiss now?” you played innocent and surprised, opened your arm as you would wrap your arms around the gang leader to receive the kiss you claimed he promised. 

“I thought this”, he held up the bag and wiggled it “would be more appealing than a kiss, but if you insist”, he was slowly closing the distance and while he dropped his voice into a velvet murmur “I can give you a kiss and take the Jäger for myself” his face was mere inches from yours and you craned your chin up pointing out “You can’t stand Jäger” in an equally seductive tone and the tension between you both was rising, but you couldn’t decide whether this would lead to something positive or negative. Granting your boss the victory, you backed out of the flirty stare off and reached for the paperback, which this time wasn’t pulled away. Indeed there was a large bottle of Jäger inside. “This must have cost a fortune” you gasped at the size of the bottle. “Don’t mention it” the top hat wearing man grinned, eager now to get a pint or two “So shall we go and celebrate your victory now, Rookie?”.

“You would drink Jäger for me?”

 “You know I can’t deny anything from you” as he offered you his arm in mockering politeness, you took it, pretentiously acting like an aristocratic  lady. But it took you both only a few steps towards the door until you bursted out into a joined laughter, which felt so liberating.

You were strolling along the streets heading to a bar you knew would serve good beer, you continued to banter and joke with Jacob. Your directness has made Jacob blush again which in turn made you giggle. In a pub the rest of the evening was boozy and the top hatted reprobate stayed true to his word, drinking two shots of the almost black liquor. How you could call it sweet flavoured was beyond his understanding as the burn in the back of his throat was prominent when he upended the shot.

Next day buried the young gang leader in work, a lot of trouble with blighters and he had a feeling that he might have had a shot or two too many the previous night, but it was fun and he didn't regret it. But now that issues were settled he was on his way to you, which he looked forward to. A few beers and rounds of cards would be a fabulous closure for such a hectic day. When he was taking the direct route across London’s roofs he came across Scotland yard and by instinct he dived into his ability to heighten his senses. He already had a slight headache from using his eagle vision so much during the day but the uneasiness  was gone the moment he saw something surprising and made him stop in his tracks.

While the word turned grey there were a few things highlighted by specific colours. Red always meant enemies, green were his allies while gold was his target and blue, well, these were the nuisances of bobbies patrolling the streets. But there was a man sitting in the Scotland yard cell who didn’t fit any of this. He was purple. His savviness told him what it meant and what he had to do, he didn’t need books for this like his sister. He had seen Freddie exiting your house a few days ago and he felt more anger rising in his gut. That he hasn’t thought about this possibility. But to his own defence: he endeavoured to help you recover.

The creed of the assassins had three tenets

Stay you blad away from the innocent

Hide in plain sight

Never compromise the brotherhood

His father had added a forth “Don’t allow personal feeling to compromise the mission”. He himself had reminded Evie of that when they had been hunting for Lucy Thorn and Starrick. 

But what if the mission itself was personal? 

A shadow dropped down onto the streets and approached the Scotland Yard building. Hiding in the dark the shadow took out the policemen one by one, working its way up the floors to where the criminals were held in a cell. It was soundless and with steps light as a feather it didn’t cause any stir, so contradicting to what it usually loved to do. 

The night was usually calmer than the day but Sergeant Abberline was beginning to wonder if it hadn’t been too quiet to be true. The middle aged man with sideburns was about to get up from his desk to check on his subordinates on the lower floors when he saw a shadow climbing up the stairs. When he reached for his revolver a familiar sounding “Don’t” stopped him.

The assassin allied Policeman looked up and saw how the shadow was approaching him but to his question “Jacob? What are you doing?” he didn’t receive a reply. The figure, wearing a hood, concealing most of his face approximated further. And albeit Frederick Abberline wasn’t able to see the other man’s eyes he felt the intense stare from under the hood. He also prided himself with something, the strong Abberline constitution, but the closing in gang leader managed to shake it once and now the second time had arrived. Doing his best to cover up what he assumed the assassin’s prey must feel when they see their enemy coming closer, namely trembling inducing fear, he asked once more “What is wrong?”

The brisk order “Give me the keys” that made others move with haste was declined by the only officer left awake in the building, as realisation what the assassin was here for set in. “You know I cannot do that”. The man’s eyes flickered sideways to the cell mere metres away. A mistake. A great mistake, because this moment was enough for the assassin to bring himself behind the policeman, who gave up asking how a person can move with such inhuman swiftness. 

“I’m sorry, Freddie. But this is personal” with an arm locked around the other man’s neck Jacon made the constable lose consciousness and took the keys for the cell after he dropped his assassin gauntlet on the wooden desk. He had been a bit gentler than with the other bobbies, Freddie was sort of a friend to him after all but this mission didn’t allow any sympathies. 

The golden eyes gleaming in the dark that spread as the sun was setting, caused the inmates to think a demon was entering their cell. “Try anything fishy and you’re dead” hiss to the two others, forcing them to press into a corner only with his word.

Pale as a bleached piece of paper the third inmate demanded “What do you want?”But he only received a grunt and Jacob’s bare knuckles colliding with his jaw as an answer which sent him stumbling against the wall. This bastard wasn’t worth the tiny effort that it took to speak because he must know what the demon’s reason was. What he did.

Not granting him any time to recover Jacob swung another fist to the other side of his face and before he could even collapse on the ground a punch to his solar plexus, with the fist remaining there, held him up. “That was for asking a dumb question. Now for what you did” The younger man started strangeling the rapist and despite being a bit shorter than his prey the gang leader lifted him off the ground. Just before he was to lose consciousness, the grip was removed and the man collapsed onto the floor, coughing and ringing for air. 

“What the he…” the man interrupted in his angered coughing then he received a kick to his jaw and a foot was placed upon his chest, slowly pressing down, once again cutting off the air supply. The man tried to wiggle himself free but to now avail.

Jacob looked down on him with contempt. “Now, to give you an idea, how she must have felt” the assassin replaced his foot with his knee as he knelt down so he was able to reach for the man’s groin. Without mercy he squeezed slowly crushing the jewels and if the man had been able he would have screamed in agony but the knee on his chest was pressing down so hard that he didn't have air to make any vocal sounds. 

When Sergeant Abberlin regained consciousness he saw how a shadow exited the cell, which was now inhabited by two silent and trembling lawbreakers and a distorted body that missed its genitals. Its arms were twisted in unnatural directions as were his legs and the constable was sure that the human leg didn’t have a joint between the knee and hip. The white material sticking out of a wound confirmed that. There was blood spread everywhere in the cell and some even made it through between the metal bars, almost reaching his desk. 

While the young assassin grabbed his arm contraption from the desk he mumbled “I apologise for the mess.” and vanished through the window without bothering to put on his weapon. He would later send someone to clean up but for now he had a more important destination in mind. 

That day the time flew by as you have been occupying yourself with all sorts of different activities but when the usual time that Jacob would show up on your door, has passed, not just by a few minutes but two hours, you started worrying. Have you done something wrong? Until now you have thought that things were going great, you have enjoyed yourself and believed Jacob felt the same. You even have decided that it was time for you to head back out and to work the next day. When you were readying yourself to go to bed, you heard a knock on your door. But who could visit you at this time of the evening? It filled you with panic. With a pounding heart you called out “Who’s there?”

The familiar voice replying “Me” prompted you to open the door. You knew it was your boss but never would you have expected the sight that the door revealed to you.

Jacob was standing in front of your door with an unreadable expression. His face as well as clothing was sprinkled with blood. His hair, neither covered by a hood nor a top hat, even more dishevelled than usual. When your eyes travelled further down, you saw that he was holding his gauntlet in his hand. It wasn't secured around his left forearm, and it looked clean. Au contraire to his bare hands. His knuckles were painted red with someone else’s life essence. His boots were covered in a mix of dirt and blood. After you have taken in his appearance, you met his eyes with confusion.

By stepping aside you allowed the assassin into your refuge and closed the door behind him. “Is this…”

“Yes”

You turned around to face the person who got rid of the reason you felt unsafe outside of your four walls. Moving on instinct you took two quick steps up to your boss and threw your arms around him for a hug. You were certain that you crossed a line there, between boss and subordinate but you didn’t care. “Thank you” - your whisper was muffled by his coat, Baron Jordane's finery. What an irony. Now you definitely had to get him a new one. You smiled to yourself.

You felt his arms wrap around you as he returned the hug, the gauntlet discarded lying on the floor. He didn’t use it when he ended that monster’s life. Nor did he use any other weapons. This had been personal. 

“You’re free now”

[screpa]

Your Steamy Birthday Celebration (Pt. 3)

Summary:

Your boyfriend Bertolt wanted to gift you three perfect days as your birthday gift. He asked Sasha to ask you about your kind of perfect day. Sasha managed to make you treat her and the girls (Mikasa, Krista, Ymir) to a girls' night out at the bath house. The guys - Jean, Reiner, Armin, and Connie – decided to help out but ended up embarrassing Bertolt. So, what did the gentle giant had in store for you?

Chapter summary:

Bertolt surprised you with a mini vacation as your birthday gift. Bertolt suddenly transformed into a charming and confident man that you were completely under his control.

Tags: Mature, sexual tension, cute date.

Read here or on AO3, up to you ^^

Here are the 1st and 2nd chapters if you missed it ^^

Under Bertolt's Control

The next morning you found your sweet boyfriend waiting for you by the entrance of the women’s dorm. You grabbed his arm in excitement and said, ‘Good morning, sweetheart. So? Where are you taking me?’

He restrained himself from kissing you as people are around. He toussled your hair instead. ‘Well, have you packed your stuff?’

‘Yeap, enough for 3 days, 2 nights! So, where are we going?’

‘You’ll see when you get there’. He playfully pressed the tip of your nose.

You faked a pout, ‘Well, let’s go then!’

Turned out that he took you to one of the districts within wall sina. You’d been there before numerous times, but it felt different, well, more impressive now that you were there without any duty in mind.

You were busy admiring the buildings and the beautiful people that you just followed wherever Bertolt was guiding you toward.

He stopped in front of one of the row houses. There was a sign engraved with ‘Lisbeth’s Inn’ on top of the entrance door. 

‘Let’s go in,’ Bertolt smiled as he invited you to follow him.

A homely middle-aged woman greeted the both of you. ‘Welcome to Lisbeth’s Inn, how may I help you?’

‘I reserved one of your rooms for a couple of days? Under the name Bertolt Hoover?’

‘Ah, yes, Mr. And Mrs. Hoover, please follow me to your room’.

‘Ah, we’re, we’re not–,’ Bertolt stammered.

You cut him short, ‘That’d be lovely, Ma’am’.

He looked at you, confused.

The woman took you to the second floor and showed your room. It wasn’t a room. It was more like a tastefully decorated apartment. It had a living room with a small balcony, a small dining area, a bathroom, a bedroom. 

You were speechless that your boyfriend was treating you like nobility.

The woman said kindly, ‘I hope you like the apartment. It’s perfect for newly-weds like you’.

‘We–‘

You blurted before Bertolt could say anything, ‘it’s perfect, Ma’am! We’re going to enjoy our stay here!’ 

‘Please, let me know if you need anything. You can inform the kitchen, located near the entrance, if you want to eat. We always have warm food ready for our guests. I take my leave now’.

‘Thank you, Ma’am’.

When the woman closed the door, you went to hug Bertolt and pecked him all over the face.

You kept both of your hands on his cheeks. He circled his arms on your waist.

‘You’re going way and beyond this time, sweetheart! What’s gotten into you?’

He sheepishly answered, ‘I just wanted to do something nice for your birthday. It’s two days late, but happy birthday, my love’.

You didn’t even remember it was your birthday. You hugged him closer and thanked him over and over.

He said, ‘the others helped too. The girls gave the idea after talking to you. And the guys, well, they helped in their own way. Jean and Connie prepared a gift for you. Let me take it’.

‘So that’s why the girls were curious about a perfect day with you’.

‘Yea, I knew that I won’t be able to fish out the information without you suspecting anything. I took you out here, far away from the headquarter, so that we can be free being ourselves’.

‘And do what man and wife do?’ You asked him teasingly.

‘Oh, ah, that, well,’ he stammered nervously.

‘Re-laaaax, sweetheart, I’m not asking you to marry me now. Not pressuring you or anything’.

‘Ah. Well. Just know that it’s not that I don’t want to marry you. I want to! That’s the one thing that I really, truly want to do, but not here’.

‘Not here?’

Bertolt realised his mistake. He couldn’t reveal that he actually wanted to take you back to Marley and spend the remainder of his life there as your husband. He was speechless as he didn’t know what to say.

‘You meant not now?’ You asked.

‘Y- Yea, that’.

You smiled and pulled him close.

‘Remember this, I’m not pressuring you to settle down, okay? I thought it’d be nice to just live like a married couple while we’re here. So we just go all the way while we’re here’.

He caressed you cheeks, ‘I’d like that. And know that I’m not pressured. I want it to be a reality too’.

You kissed him tenderly.

He said, ‘now, the gifts!’

He handed a parcel with a sketch books, some pencil and charcoal.

‘That’s from Jean and Connie. Jean said that you might want to save some moments as drawings’.

‘Ah! That boy knows me too well!’

‘And this one, this is from me’.

‘Whoa! You’ve given me so much already! What’s this?’ You tore the wrapping paper and found the most beautiful yellow frilly dress. You gasped. You haven’t worn anything like that before.

‘Go and try it on’.

‘Oh, o-okay’.

You went into the bedroom and change. You looked at your reflection as you put on the dress. It was a perfect fit. You’d never felt so beautiful before.

‘Wow!’ You heard him admiring you.

You turned around to see him in a half-unbuttoned white shirt and dark blue pants. He looked so perfect that you went speechless.

He stood by the door with confidence. So unlike him at all. Not that it bothered you. It was just that you suddenly felt nervous. 

What’s this? You asked yourself. You were never nervous around him. You were always in control while he would be the shy and devoted one.

He approached you. His walk, his posture, his facial expression screamed self-assurance and confidence that you felt your knee weakening as your entire being swooned over him.

He pulled you close and kissed you passionately. He pushed your mouth open with his lips, his tongue rushed in to meet yours, he took you deeper into his mouth. The kiss further weakened you, but he pulled your body into his and you went mad with desire.

But he suddenly stopped, abruptly severing you from pleasure.

He told you in a low, seductive voice, ‘I will have you. Later’.

You whimpered.

He took your hand and gently guided you out of the apartment.

You could only blindly follow him.

Once outside, Bertolt went back to his usual boyish self. He cheerfully asked you what you wanted to do first.

Your body was still hungry for him, viciously protesting for the sudden interruption.

Then you saw his muscled chest peeking from the unbuttoned shirt, his exposed skin continue to his long pillar of a neck, to his alluring adam’s apple that you just want to nibble. Then his face, though no longer carrying a masculine confidence like a few minutes ago, looked so exquisite that you just want to plant wet kisses on it.

‘… What do you say? Y/N?’

You were drowning in lust that you didn’t hear him.

You saw him holding your canvas tote bag and you roughly took it from him.

He jumped a bit, but you didn’t care. You frantically searched for the sketch book from Jean and Connie, took it out and started to fan yourself with it. 

You need to cool down. Cool down. Cooool down. All in good time, Y/N, breathe, you told yourself.

‘A- are you okay?’ He asked you, concerned.

‘Of course not! Let’s just start walking okay,’ you snapped at him, continuing to fan yourself.

He chuckled innocently. It was an act. He knew full well that you were under his control now.

He gently took the sketch book from you and put it back in the bag. He slung the bag on his shoulder and locked your hand in his.

Both of you walked along the streets, going to where the shops and cafes were located. The walk helped to ease the sexual tension. Both of you browsed the merchandise on sale, chat about nothing and everything, just enjoying each others’ company.

You caught a whiff of fragrant coffee scent. You looked around to find its source and found a coffee shop. You tugged at his shirt toward the place. You told him to take a seat in shop’s patio as it was a perfect spot for people watching. Plus, the weather was too beautiful to be cooped up inside. 

You wanted to be the one ordering the sweets since Bertolt tend to order ‘just enough’ when you preferred to have more! You took your time choosing since there were just too many good selections.

The shop keeper would bring the coffee and sweets to you later, so you went out of the shop. You found Bertolt sitting and chatting with an attractive, busty blonde, who was standing way too close.

Back in the Regiment, he was a hidden gem among the brutes, but now in his civilian clothes he suddenly became Mr. Hot and Steamy that women couldn’t help noticing.

What was that you saw? The woman giggled and dared to squeeze his arm. Her hand stayed way too long on his arm! While he... He didn’t flinch at the touch!

You were raging mad! 

You somehow managed to control yourself. Without a word, you took a seat opposite him. You pretended to people-watch.

‘Your sister’s beautiful, just like you!’ She said in a husky voice.

You gripped the edges of the table so hard that the tip of your fingers turned white. 

‘She’s my wife, but I agree that she’s beautiful,’ Bertolt cheerfully told the woman.

‘Oh, I see,’ the woman replied with clear disappointment. ‘I wish you both an wonderful day then. Ta-ta’.

You made a face while quietly repeating her flirty ‘ta-ta’.

You then stared him in annoyance. He stared back at you with his innocent, adorable face.

He was saved by the arrival of the coffee and sweets. 

Once everything was placed neatly on the table and you were left alone, you aggressively stabbed at one of the cakes and bit it in half. You kept looking at him while you chew, openly showing your anger. But he kept his innocent expression and sipped his coffee.

You were still holding the fork with half of the cake stuck to it.

He said, ‘I also want to have a bite of that’.

You were going to deny him that pleasure, but he gently grab your hand directed it toward his mouth. He took a bite, ‘mmm, so good!’.

You gulped. That moan was too provocative for a mere piece of cake.

‘Oh, some of the cream dropped to your wrist. We can’t have you dir-ty’. He put extra emphasis on the word dirty. Then he slowly licked the cream from your wrist. His hot, wet tongue traced the sensitive area of your wrist. 

You felt hot lava erupting from between your legs.

You suddenly turned very shy toward him. You stammered incoherently and pushed the fork and the cake into his hand. You rubbed your whole arms to get rid of the goosebumps.

He just smiled toward you and finished the cake in one bite, as if nothing had happened. Then he started to people-watch, sipping his coffee once in a while.

You couldn’t take a sip your coffee. You were too busy regulating your breath and trying to ease the wave of lust that came back with a vengeance.

‘Should we have dinner at the inn tonight? The lady mentioned about beef stew. Sounded so good, right?’ he asked.

How could I think about food right now!!! You screamed in you head.

‘Yea, sure’. You said matter of factly.

Before we head back, we should get some ingredients for breakfast. I feel like having your muffins for breakfast.’ The way he said ‘muffins’ made you think if he meant it as a pun.

‘Sure’.

‘I’ll ask the shopkeeper to pack the sweets. Be right back’. He gathered the sweets and went into the shop.

You started to fan your face with your hands. Darn it, woman, get a grip! You scolded yourself.

You tried to act normal when shopping and during dinner. All you wanted was to get back to the apartment and have him in you. 

But, for some reason he was frustratingly slow in everything that he did. 

He selected eggs like his future depended on it. He inspected them one by one. Then he scooped the flour little by little, making sure that the weight was exact. The same when he picked the blueberries and bananas. He even had the audacity to ask the shopkeeper to explain how to choose the best vanilla pods. 

During dinner, he chewed so slowly, savouring every bite. Sipped and swirled the wine in his mouth. You were too impatient that both the food and wine tasted like sand to you.

Finally! He was done. You grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the stairs. But he saw the lady of the inn and stayed for a chat. You stood by the stairs, stopping yourself from banging your head to the wall with all your might.

He said goodnight to the lady and started to walk up the stairs. Leaving you behind. You were fuming mad!

He went into the apartment, straight into the living room.

You closed the door and rested your head on it. You were too angry now. You just wanted to wash up and go to bed.

You saw him standing in the middle of the living room, his back to you. He looked so relaxed, both of his hands in his pocket.

You told him in annoyance, ‘I’m going to wash up and go to bed. Good night!’

He half-turned his body toward you and told you in a gentle, but reprimanding voice, ‘I don’t think so’.

His confident face stared at you.

You started to feel nervous and shy again.You felt goosebumps on your arms. You were unsure of how to react, so you just stood there looking at him.

He slowly walked toward you, still with hands in his pockets, locking his eyes on yours. ‘I remembered perfectly well that I said I will have you later’.

He stood towering in front of you. He grabbed the small of your back to pull you closer, pressing your body against his. He added, ’that later, is now’.

---

Things are heating up in part 4, let's go!

This story is part the "Detours to Your Heart" series, comprises of stories of your friendship and slow burn romance with Levi Ackerman. You build many interesting relationships with other AOT characters, such as ambiguous friendship/ romance with Hange Zoe, a whirlwind romance with Bertolt Hoover, sibling-like relationship with Jean Kirstein, and many more!

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[blackink-onpaper]

The Descend and the Resurface

Damian Hart (Beyblade) x OC

Summary: OC comes from a complex background, and in the midst of trying to save it all and help her family she enters a strange arrangement, which will change her life forever.

Masterlist 🖤

Tags: Beyblade, Beyblade Metal Masters, Julian Konzern, Jack, Damian, OC, Gingka Hagane, team Starbreaker, team Excalibur, dr. Ziggurat, Hades Inc.

A/N: Hope you enjoy!

Also, please let me know what you think so far! It means a lot to me!

Chapter 5

Bewildered, I ripped the entire envelope apart and opened the letter:

Dear Miss Casilarghi,

You are hereby personally invited to come to Hades Inc. headquarters tomorrow at noon for a meeting with dr. Ziggurat.

This invitation also extends to a pick up at 11:30AM and return to your hotel with our chauffeur, a guided tour of the entire Hades complex and a complimentary lunch. We are looking forward to your arrival.

Best regards,

Dr. Ziggurat

CEO of Hades Inc. and Hades Academy

“Oh like fuck I will” I threw the letter into the trash: “I wasn’t even asked, they just let me know I am supposed to come! Hah, ridiculous” slowly sitting down on the bed again and running my hands through my hair, my thoughts continued: “Hades…” could it have anything to do with Kerbecs? With Starbreaker? A quick Google search later, I learned that Starbreaker is managed by this dr. Ziggurat, and that this academy is where they train their bladers. I also came across many articles about how Starbreaker members are the only three members of the Academy that were ever publicly acknowledged as graduates of the program. Apparently, many people apply and get accepted, but the majority get sent home eventually. One article even said all accepted candidates of the program need to sign iron-clad NDAs, but this was from a blog so I took it with a grain of salt. I was in a conflicted position: on one hand, I didn’t want to waste my time, which was meant to be dedicated to reconciling with Julian, on the guy who managed those lunatics from Starbreaker, but I also couldn’t help but wonder what he wants to talk about with me? This was all very suspicious, yet thought provoking. Drawing myself a warm bath to rest in, I decided to indulge dr. Ziggurat and see what he wants. After all, if I will want to leave I can. After this, I will get in contact with Julian and see if he recovered enough to speak with me.

For the meeting, I decided not to dress too formally. Even though I decided to indulge dr. Ziggurat with this meeting, I don’t plan on honouring him or his organisation by wearing my nice clothes. Therefore, I settled on a pair of ankle-length straight white jeans, and a black viscose tank top with a square neckline and thick straps, accessorised with a regular black shoulder bag and white sneakers. At 11:30 sharp, the chauffeur was in front of the hotel, holding the rear door of a big, black jeep open for me. The driver himself was dressed all in black, and was wearing black leather gloves and sunglasses. He greeted me with a polite, noticably trained smile as I settled into the vehicle. The seats were comfortable and soft, but the tainted side windows made me feel uneasy. The drive itself was not long, but it occurred to me that the reason why they sent a driver in the first place was because they want absolute control over who comes in, and who goes out. The Hades complex was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but dust and empty land. A circle of tall buildings built of sun-reflecting glass surfaces, which gave the city a kind of glow from a distance, surrounded a single skyscraper. Upon entering the city, I noticed that there was no one in the streets, maybe an odd man here and there. The driver pulled up in front of the tallest skyscraper, and another suited man opened the door for me.

“Welcome to Hades Inc.” A short, blonde woman greeted me with a neutral but pleasant voice. She accompanied me to the elevator, where she placed one of the highest floors.

“How come there is no one in the streets?”

She smiled mildly at me: “people are working! This is a company more than anything. Besides, this time of the day it gets too warm, and the solar panels work better if there are no disturbances.”

“But where are the employees’ cars then?”

“There are several levels of underground facilities in this complex, the first one featuring a garage” she spoke just a bit more lively than Siri or Alexa, but in a very similar manner. When the door opened, there was another frosted glass wall in front of us, the door of which required a finger print for enterance. Apparently, the glass wall was sound-proof, because when she let me in I could hear two men discussing something:

“Sir, your 12PM appointment is here.” the woman let me in and closed the door softly behind me.

Dr. Ziggurat sat straight across from me, seated behind a minimalistic black desk, with two chairs in front of it, and surrounded by light gray walls and carpet. There was a lot of natural light coming into the room through floor-to-ceiling windows, yet the room was at a comfortamble temperature.

Dr. Ziggurat got up from his seat, and walked over with a grin. When he stood up, I noticed he was much taller and skinnier than I expected. He extended his hand: “Camila, so nice of you to come!” He showed me to one of the seats in front of him. On the left side of the room was a two-seat black leather sofa supported by a silver metal rod, and a man with a short beard and thin glasses sat there.

“I am dr. Ziggurat, the owner of Hades Inc., and this is my colleague, dr. Carlisle. If it is not a problem, he would like to stay for this meeting.”

“You have a lovely complex, dr. Ziggurat” I employed a bit of charm my mother taught me: “I am really impressed by the design and upkeep of the entire facility.”

“We do try our best” Ziggurat smiled, before leaning back and looking at his tablet: “So Camila, I see here you speak 4 languages?”

I was just about to engage in this small talk, when I decided my time was more valuable: “Why am I here, dr. Ziggurat?”

He smiled again: “Straight to the point. Very well. Are you aware that I am the managing figure of the US representative team in this Beyblade championship?”

“Until now, I wasn’t” I lied, but I was not going to give him the satisfaction of admitting I Googled Hades Inc. last night.

“How did you like the battle yesterday, especially as a supporter of the European team?” He grinned and looked at me directly over his orange-tinted glasses.

“Doctor, am I really here to talk about that? Besides, I didn’t even watch it.” I blurted out, I don’t even know why.

“Now now, lying is not very ladylike. I’m sure you know that” He fixed his glasses: “Besides, we are well aware of your affiliation with Julian Konzern, and your recent… how shall I put it… change in this affiliation?” I stared at him, I did not know what to say. Yes, I was frequently photographed with him and his family, so I wasn’t unfamiliar to the occasional photo in the newspaper, or a mention in a gossip column, but this guy seemed to have more information on me than I would be comfortable giving if he directly asked me.

“We think you were not treated fairly by Julian, or Excalibur.” He lowered his tone a bit: “and after seeing your passionate support for the team regardless of the severed relationship, we could not help but want this extraordinairy woman for ourselves.”

“Excuse me for being so direct, but why are you interested in my personal life and disrespecting my privacy?”

“Please forgive me. I am a scientist, I’m not so good with words.” He explained, but I highly doubted that statement: “What I meant to say is; we think Julian and Excaibur treated you unfairly on a personal matter just as much as a professional one. You abandoned further studies and pursuits after graduation in order to support Julian, and were not compensated for the years of devoted service in any way. How is that fair?”

“I loved- I love him.”

“Yes, but do you see in what kind of a position he put you in? And left you in?” Ziggurat continued: “not to mention your family.”

In order to not come across as outraged, which I was, I took a moment of silence before I asked once more in a soft tone: “Doctor, why am I here?”

He smiled, this time a genuine one I think: “We would like to help you and your family by offering you a position at Hades Inc. with a generous salary. You would be working closely with the members of Starbreaker at a salary of your choice.”

I was absolutely baffled: “What?”

“We know you’re a supporter of the European team, but we hoped you might give our generous offer a thought.”

I thought about it, but how does any of this make sense? Who am I benefitting here? I could literally be ripping them off for vast sums of money? For what?

“And what would be the nature of my employment?”

“What an eloquent young lady” Ziggurat purred: “This is exactly what the boys need. We would like to hire you as… an assistant, shall we say. You would be living and working in the Starbreaker wing in order to bring a softer touch, and more team building among the members.”

Then the other doctor spoke up: “Their schedules are very densely organised, so we considered adding a feminine touch might help the boys feel more calm by bringing a more realistic environment to them. More balanced.”

“Balanced?” I asked, and I still wasn’t sure what my job would be exactly.

Ziggurat picked up this time: “We’ve seen your demeanour by Julian’s side, and we believe you would enhance our boys’ performance by providing them with a friendly, emotional support. Plus, the program of the Academy does not yet feature girls, so having a female presence might remind them of previous education, or of home.”

“And you would pay me whatever I asked to be a friend to the boys from Starbreaker?”

Carlisle cleared his throat: “by no means are we suggesting a particular kind of relationship, we would financially support your natural development of a relationship with the members of Starbreaker as a means of helping them reach their maximum potential.”

I accidentally snorted: “wait, you think I’d like to hang out with Jack and Damian after what they did to my friends yesterday?”

Both doctors chuckled: “Ah yes, Damian loves to take things too far to entertain the audience. And Jack is… simply extravagant.” Ziggurat explained, but I was not convinced at all. Enteratining the audience or being dramatic is completely different from torture and ridicule.

“I am sorry gentlemen but as of this moment I am not sure about this offer.”

There was a brief pause, before Ziggurat spoke up again: “Camila, you are a smart girl. You went to a prestigious school, and while all of your peers followed their dreams and potential, you were halted by your family’s lack of funds, yes, but primarily by a boy who asked you to drop everything to be by his side, only to leave you to fight your battle alone once things got too difficult for him to manage.”

“He never asked me.” I defended myself

“Not directly, no” Ziggurat left a moment of silence pass: “Consider our offer until this time tomorrow, and if you decide to join us, send a message to this contact.” He passed a card across the table, and leaned back in his chair: “Would you like a tour of the complex? Something to eat?”

Darting s look at the clock on the desk, I’ve noticed somehow an hour and a half passed, and I did not want to be here any longer: “Actually, I am still quite tired from yesterday. I would like to go home.”

After saying goodbye to both doctors, and promising to Ziggurat I would carefully consider his offer upon leaving the room, the door closed behind me cutting me off from the conversation the two doctors were about to have:

“She is very interesting” Carlisle massaged his temples: “not even typically pretty, she really has that subtle beauty.”

“Yes, she is very European” Ziggurat said, perhaps even sarcastically: “but she is exactly who we need in order to get what we want on all sides, and from what the investigators found her family is… quite desperate” He chuckled at this last part.

Carlisle looked at his colleague: “Do you think your plan is going to work?”

“You’re the psychiatrist, dear friend.” Ziggurat poured a glass of whiskey, and handed it to Carlisle: “Besides, it’s all women are good for isn’t it?”

[thiswasinevitableid]

9 Indruck?

It's time to kick off the winter fills! I started with something fluffy and on the shorter side. Requests are still open if folks have ones they want to see!

09. I’m a werebear trying to explain to my new partner that I do sort of hibernate (Indruck)

Winter feels colder in Kepler than anywhere else. Indrid’s never been able to tell if the altitude, old buildings, or some sort of curse is to blame. But this year, he’s finally looking forward to the freezing nights and chilly days. Because this year, he finally asked Duck Newton, local beefcake, out on a date. 

Eight months later, Indrid still considers it one of the top three choices of his life. Not least of all because Duck, with his fuzzy chest and full belly and strong arms, is always warm and always happy for Indrid to cuddle up against him. They can have all kinds of cozy, inside dates, and maybe even outside ones as long as Duck promises to warm him up afterwards.

He knocks and steps into the apartment when Duck calls that it’s open. He barely gets through it before his boyfriend’s arms are around him and a round face is turning up for a kiss Indrid instantly gives. 

“Evenin, sugar. Will you let me take you out to dinner?”

“Of course. Do you want to try the new cafe? Barclay said they weren’t bad.”

“I was thinkin maybe China King? They got that dinner buffet going on.”

“Oooh, that sounds lovely. Let me just put my bag down.” He sets his overnight bag next to the couch and double checks that his wallet is actually in his jacket pocket and not buried under a sketchbook, “Why the yen for buffets these days?”

“Uh, I, uh, I don’t know what you mean.”

“Sweetheart, every time we’ve eaten out in the last few weeks we’ve gone somewhere with a buffet. It’s not a problem, it simply occurred to me that it’s a new habit for us.” He looks over his shoulder and finds his boyfriend staring at the floor.

“Duck? Is everything alright? I am being serious when I say I do not mind this trend.”

“I, uh, I got something to tell you. I’m gonna be a little different over the next couple of months. I…hibernate. Kinda.”

Indrid blinks, “I suppose I should have seen that coming.”

Indrid is so excited for this date. They’ve been together two months and Duck is taking him to a secret spot in the forest where he works to see if they can catch a glimpse of some foxes. 

Duck starts them on the trail at the perfect time to bathe in the sunset before the route drops down into a more heavily wooded portion of the forest. The ranger had warned him it was a little under two miles to the spot, but Indrid doesn’t mind; as long as he’s with Duck, he’s having the time of his life. 

They’re in the middle of a conversation about the best kind of theme park when Duck doubles over with a surprised groan. Indrid moves to help him, but is waved away as the ranger looks up at the sky where the moon is full and bright through the branches. 

“Well…fuck.”

There’s a horrifying cracking and growling and Duck’s arm flies out to the side, knocking Indrid to the dirt and sending his glasses flying. By the time he finds them, Duck is nowhere to be seen. Instead, there’s a bear, as in a literal bear, in front of him. Just as he’s trying to remember how to tell a black bear from a brown bear and what he’s supposed to do to avoid being killed by one, the beast shakes its head.

“Whoof, sorry about that sugar. Got too damn caught up in plannin’ our date and forget to check where the moon was gonna be.” The bear rises easily onto his back feet, then offers Indrid his hand. Indrid hesitates, then takes it, noticing more human details about the figure as he stands. Most striking is the face, its shape and smile unmistakably Duck’s.

“You recognize me?” It’s so strange having to look up at him. 

“Yep. I’ve been a werebear since I was 18, so I don’t freak out and go feral when I change forms.” Claws scratch the back of a thick, furry neck, “On the plus side, if you get sick of walkin you can just ride on my back. But, uh, if this whole deal is too much I can walk you back to the car. I try not to be intimidating like this but it ain’t all that easy.”

Indrid sets a hand on Duck’s chest and understands why bearskin rugs were once so popular. 

“I…I think I could use a break from walking.” He smiles, “I’m not quite the outdoorsman you are.”

Duck grins and drops to all fours, “Hop on.”

“What exactly does hibernating entail?” Indrid sips his Mountain Dew as Duck polishes off two crab rangoons with impressive speed. 

“Since I ain’t a full bear, it ain’t a full-on hibernation. Way it usually goes is: I get real fuckin hungry about a week before it happens, I get the house as cozy as I can, and then I hunker down until the end of February. I don’t sleep the whole time, but my energy takes a hell of a hit and the most I can do a lot of the time is read or tidy the house. Thank fuck they’ll deliver from the grocery store these days, when I was younger I had to shamble around the Kroger looking like a sack of laundry.” He lifts his fork, but only pushes his Chow Mein around the plate, “I’ve been tryin to figure out how to tell you. I mean, we can still see each other, and I really want to, but I, you’ve been talkin’ about all these things you were excited to do this winter and I ain’t gonna be up for most of ‘em.”

Indrid reaches across the table to take his free hand, “I won’t say I’m not somewhat disappointed, but that matters far less than the fact you want to keep seeing me even when you do not have energy for much.”

“Course I do. Wouldn't be the holidays without some sugar.” He winks. Indrid snickers, then steals an egg roll off his plate, earning himself a quiet, playful growl. 

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The first day of hibernation is always a little weird; the drowsiness and heavy limbs make his brain think he’s getting sick and he ends up chugging orange juice out of habit. 

He emails Juno to let her know it’s started; she’s in charge of scheduling at the park and has also been his friend since junior high. Years ago, the two of them came up with a plan that allowed Duck to take on basically any admin or behind the scenes work he can so he doesn’t burn through all his vacation and sick time over the winter. 

Work taken care of for the day, he shifts into his bear form and lumbers over to the air mattress and pile of blankets and pillows he put near the heating vent. Pinecone pads over, purring as she bumps her head into his side and curls up near his feet. 

He dozes off and wakes up five hours later to Indrid using his spare key to slip into the apartment. He smells like vanilla shampoo and whatever they use to sterilize the tools and surfaces at the tattoo shop, and Duck manages to sit up enough to snuffle and nuzzle his face in greeting. 

“Hello, sweetheart. Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?”

“You.”

“That’s very kind of you to sayOH, oh goodness.” Indrid laughs as Duck drags him down into the blanket nest with him, “are you going to stay a bear the entirety of your hibernation?”

“Much as I can, yeah. It’s comfier that way.”

“I concur.” The human cuddles up to him, relaxing in his arms in a way that makes Duck feel like the luckiest creature–werebear or otherwise–in the whole world. He rolls onto his back so his boyfriend can rest on his chest. They stay like that for a while, Indrid talking about his day, until an unusual itchiness slips under Duck’s fur. He needs to get up because Indrid’s stomach is gurgling and he will not let his human go hungry in his den.

He leaves Indrid in the blankets with a promise to return, poking and prodding various appliances until he has a bowl of mac and cheese for Indrid and salad bowl of it for himself. When they’re done he settles on his side, sleep tugging at his eyelids. Indrid kisses his snout and goes to wash out their dishes. By the time he’s back, Duck is just awake enough to murmur “g’night, sugar” and hear the “goodnight, my love” that comes in reply. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Let me make one thing clear. If you, at any point, require me to put clothes back on, you will be getting them for me because I’m the only person in this house without fur and it is cold.” Indrid’s voice is muffled in a pillow as he flails, and fails, to pull down the blankets that are draped over Duck’s back. 

Duck nuzzles the base of his neck and offers his best attempt at a kiss to his shoulder, “We got everything we need to last through the weekend. Far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to put anything on until Monday.”

Indrid rolls onto his back, smiling blearily up at him (after Duck accidentally snapped a pair, they agreed Indrid’s glasses should stay off during sex no matter how farsighted he is). Duck lowers down so one of his arms is draped across Indrid’s chest; he’s big enough that it keeps the human covered without him having to drop his full weight onto his boyfriend. He fades in and out of sleep as Indrid speaks softly and stims with his fur. 

Duck’s never had sex during his hibernation, figuring he’d either be too tired or boring for it to be fun. Tonight, Indrid had been in his lap while they watched Red Dust on His Soul and the way he fit perfectly in Duck’s arms, the fact that his very presence made the mound of fabric feel like home, and the sounds of sex from the screen had Duck lazily rolling his hips to see what would happen. 

The answer turned out to be forty-five minutes of slow, sleepy sex, Indrid on his stomach or his hands and knees so that Duck could drape himself around him and keep his human safe and warm. 

He doesn’t move from Indrid’s side until the human asks if there’s any eggnog in the fridge. Duck heats two mugs of it in the microwave, passing Indrid the one where little mothmans appear on the cup when it meets hot liquid. Aubrey and Dani came by earlier this week to help him decorate his apartment for Christmas, something he likes but rarely has the energy to do, and so Indrid is bathed in faint, rainbow light as he sips and sighs in pleasure. 

When he notices Duck staring, he cocks his head, “Enjoying the view, my love?”

“Yeah.” He reaches down, running his claws through Indrid’s pale hair, “y’know, I never hated my hibernation. But I didn’t think I could love it either. Now that I got you, turns out I was wrong.”

Indrid rests his face against Duck’s leg,nuzzling the dark fur , “Then come down here, my majestic one, and let’s see just how nice we can make it.”

[towritecomicsonherarms]

Part 10

Vanessa: Can I......get you something?

Barry: Like what?

Vanessa: I don't know. I mean...I don't know. Coffee?

Barry: I don't want to put you out.

Vanessa: It's no trouble. It takes two minutes. It's just coffee.

Barry: I hate to impose.

(Vanessa starts making coffee)

Vanessa: Don't be ridiculous!

Barry: Actually, I would love a cup.

Vanessa: Hey, you want rum cake?

Barry: I shouldn't.

Vanessa: Have some.

Barry: No, I can't.

Vanessa: Come on!

Barry: I'm trying to lose a couple micrograms.

Vanessa: Where?

Barry: These stripes don't help.

Vanessa: You look great!

Barry: I don't know if you know anything about fashion. Are you all right?

(Pouring coffee on the floor and missing the cup completely)

Vanessa: No.

(Flash forward in time. Barry and Vanessa are sitting together at a table on top of the apartment building drinking coffee)

Barry: He's making the tie in the cab as they're flying up Madison. He finally gets there. He runs up the steps into the church. The wedding is on. And he says, "Watermelon? I thought you said Guatemalan. Why would I marry a watermelon?"

(Barry laughs but Vanessa looks confused)

Vanessa: Is that a bee joke?

Barry: That's the kind of stuff we do.

Vanessa: Yeah, different. So, what are you gonna do, Barry?

(Barry stands on top of a sugar cube floating in his coffee and paddles it around with a straw like it's a gondola)

Barry: About work? I don't know. I want to do my part for the hive, but I can't do it the way they want.

Vanessa: I know how you feel.

Barry: You do?

Vanessa: Sure. My parents wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor, but I wanted to be a florist.

Barry: Really?

Vanessa: My only interest is flowers.

Barry: Our new queen was just elected with that same campaign slogan. Anyway, if you look...

(Barry points to a tree in the middle of Central Park)

Barry: There's my hive right there. See it?

Vanessa: You're in Sheep Meadow!

Barry: Yes! I'm right off the Turtle Pond!

Vanessa: No way! I know that area. I lost a toe ring there once.

Barry: Why do girls put rings on their toes?

Vanessa: Why not?

Barry: It's like putting a hat on your knee.

Vanessa: Maybe I'll try that.

(A custodian installing a lightbulb looks over at them but to his perspective it looks like Vanessa is talking to a cup of coffee on the table)

Custodian: You all right, ma'am?

Vanessa: Oh, yeah. Fine. Just having two cups of coffee!

Barry: Anyway, this has been great. Thanks for the coffee.

Vanessa: Yeah, it's no trouble.

Barry: Sorry I couldn't finish it. If I did, I'd be up the rest of my life.

(Barry points towards the rum cake)

Barry: Can I take a piece of this with me?

Vanessa: Sure! Here, have a crumb.

(Vanessa hands Barry a crumb but it is still pretty big for Barry)

Barry: Thanks!

Vanessa: Yeah.

Barry: All right. Well, then...I guess I'll see you around. Or not.

Vanessa: OK, Barry...

Barry: And thank you so much again... for before.

Vanessa: Oh, that? That was nothing.

Barry: Well, not nothing, but... Anyway...

(Vanessa and Barry hold hands, but Vanessa has to hold out a finger because her hands is to big and Barry holds that)

(The custodian looks over again and it appears Vanessa is laughing at her coffee again. The lightbulb that he was screwing in sparks and he falls off the ladder)

(Fast forward in time and we see two Bee Scientists testing out a parachute in a Honex wind tunnel)

Bee Scientist #1: This can't possibly work.

Bee Scientist #2: He's all set to go. We may as well try it. OK, Dave, pull the chute.

[locitapurplepink]

Chapter 28

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Hunter, Tasya, Lydia, and Omega arrived at the apartment "Thank you for helping us, Lydia." He said to Lydia. "Anytime, Hunter. I'm gonna pick Liam up and back home." "Ride safe !" Omega warned. Lydia nodded and left the building.

Hunter and Omega took Tasya to the second floor "Welcome to our home." He opened the door while Omega took Tasya's hand to enter but the dress made her stuck on the door.

He sighed "Kid, you pull, I push. Get it ?"

Omega still holding Tasya's hand. "Okay on 3...2...1." They tried to unstuck Tasya from the door and Tasya was thrown inside the apartment and landed on the sofa "Ooh, this is comfortable."

"Well, make yourself as a home. I know this is not might a large house but it's nice enough for me and my sister to live."

Then Hunter stared at his sister "Omega, you better get shower and go to bed. You have school tomorrow. I'll take Tasya to..." they heard a soft snore from Tasya who fell asleep on the sofa.

Hunter shook his head as smile as hearing Omega say "I think she's so tired for a whole day." "Yeah, I have been like that few times." As Omega went to shower, Hunter took a blanket and put on Tasya's body, letting her to get some rest.

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On Wildberry land, Wrecker had been waiting for the princess for the whole day. At the same time, Neville the squirrel. She saluted to him "Prince Wrecker."

Wrecker was surprised as came to her "You must been one of the princess' little friends."

"Yes and I need your help. Tasya's in danger." Wrecker was so shocked as taking his sword "I'll do anything to get my princess back." "Great, let's go !" Neville took Wrecker's hand to go outside and arrived at the waterfall.

"Uh...what's this place to do with the princess ?" He was counfused. "The old lady pushed Tasya into the waterfall and afraid she might been hurt. I saw it myself."

"Well, I trust you, little squirrel." Wrecker looked down to the water "Don't worry princess, Prince Wrecker is coming to the rescue !" He carried Neville and jumped into the magic waterfall.

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Back on Tipoca city, there was a journalist who investigated the circle door was in the middle of the road "Hmm...interesting. I never seen this door before. It should report on TV."

When he was going to check inside, the circle door was opened by something or someone then here came Prince Wrecker and Neville the squirrel.

"I've been dreaming about a true love's kiss..."

Then he stared at the journalist as pointing with his sword "Are you the one who holding the princess ?"

"No, sir. I am not. May I have to take picture of you ?"

"Uh, what is picture ?"

The journalist was counfused that the prince didn't know about it. He tried to explain "It is some kind of drawing or painting that I would like to post on my report so everyone who read know about you."

"Well, give me the best look." Wrecker prepared for his prince post while Neville smiled at the journalist. It took seconds for the journalist to take pictures.

The journalist gave one of his pictures to Wrecker "Here sir, you can take this one." Wrecker took a look of the picture of him and Neville "Ooh, look at this, we look great."

Neville was impressed "Yes, it is." Which surprised the journalist "That squirrel can talk ? Talking with human language. Incredible." He wrote everything he figured out on his journal.

"We should really go." Neville suggested. Wrecker responded "Yeah, we'll take that weird carriage. "

Wrecker and Neville catched up the bus, leaving the journalist behind. "Wait,sir ! I haven't finish asking you yet !" Wrecker jumped on the top of the bus and broke the roof which he and Neville fell inside the bus.

Causing the passengers were panicked and unhappy, especially for the bus driver "Hey, why are you cut the roof ? You have to pay for this !"

Wrecker stood up and spoke "I am Prince Wrecker. I am looking for the princess."

The driver sighed "Yeah, right, this is not the show. Now, get off of my bus !"

"Wow, this is called a bus ? Never see like this before." Wrecker was impressed of this transport. "Get out !" He and Neville rushed to out of the bus.

Soon after that, the journalist entered the bus and stared at the driver "Good morning, Echo. Have you see the man with a talking squirrel on his shoulder ?" "Good morning, Tech. I just kicked them out... Hold on, a talking squirrel ? There's not any talking animals on the world."

"I swear to you, Echo. I see and hear all by myself."

"You just image it because you haven't been found any interesting news..."

Their arguement causing the passengers complain that they all would be late for work.

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Tasya woke up and looked around the living room was pretty mess. "Looks like this place needs to clean up." But first thing first, she called all the animals with her singing voice.

Which making all the animals around Tipoca city rushed to the apartement and also causing the other people was panicked. Tasya was surprised and grateful to have all these new little friends.

"Oh, hello everyone. I need your all helps to clean this place and I'll give you all some food." The animals cheered and started to clean up.

Tasya using a blanket as an apron then sang a song as she and the animals working together.

As they cleaning, one of the birds accidentally broke the bowl 'causing Omega woke up and out from her room. She was surprised seeing the animals cleaning the apartement. She followed where the animals walking to and watched Tasya sing and clean with the animals.

After Tasya sang, she mentioned Omega was so surprised "Did you clean with these animals ?" She asked. Tasya said "Yes."

"Can you really talking with the animals ?"

"Yes." She responded.

"That is so crazy." She couldn't believe everything she just saw was true.

"You should wake your brother up." Tasya suggested. Omega nodded then rushed to her brother's room "Hunter ! Wake up ! You won't believe it what I just saw !"

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As Hunter took his motorbike key, he saw Tasya changing to a mint green dress "Where did you get from ?" "I made it. Do you like it ?" But he quickly noticed there were some holes on the living room curtains.

"You made it from my curtain ?!"

"Oh no, you're unhappy. I'm so sorry."

"I'm not unhappy, I'm angry."

"Angry ?" There was a new word for Tasya. "Yeah, it's a strong emotion which it will fell like gonna be explode !" Then he took a long breath after noticing Omega was standing behind them. "Omega, please go to the motorbike. I'll be there for any seconds."

Hunter sighed "I'll take my sister to the school. Then I'll take you to my work and hopefully, someone know where's your home is. What's the name ?" "Wildberry Land ?" Tasya replied. Hunter totally had no idea what kind of place is it. He just said "Okay..."

________________________________________________________

Taglist : @cassie-fanfics , @zaya-mo , @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond , @crosshair-simp , @leosardonyx18 , @littlefeatherr , @omegathebadbach , @omglisalithium , @l-lend and anyone who excited for this chapter and upcoming chapters.

[jupiterisaroace]

BARRY: - Actually, I would love a cup. VANESSA: Hey, you want rum cake? BARRY: - I shouldn't. VANESSA: - Have some. BARRY: - No, I can't. VANESSA: - Come on! BARRY: I'm trying to lose a couple micrograms. VANESSA: - Where? BARRY: - These stripes don't help. VANESSA: You look great! BARRY: I don't know if you know anything about fashion. : Are you all right? VANESSA: (Pouring coffee on the floor and missing the cup completely) No. (Flash forward in time. Barry and Vanessa are sitting together at a table on top of the apartment building drinking coffee) : BARRY== He's making the tie in the cab as they're flying up Madison. : He finally gets there. : He runs up the steps into the church. The wedding is on. : And he says, "Watermelon? I thought you said Guatemalan. : Why would I marry a watermelon?" (Barry laughs but Vanessa looks confused) VANESSA: Is that a bee joke? BARRY: That's the kind of stuff we do. VANESSA: Yeah, different. : So, what are you gonna do, Barry? (Barry stands on top of a sugar cube floating in his coffee and paddles it around with a straw like it's a gondola) BARRY: About work? I don't know. : I want to do my part for the hive, but I can't do it the way they want. VANESSA: I know how you feel. BARRY: - You do? VANESSA: - Sure. : My parents wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor, but I wanted to be a florist. BARRY: - Really? VANESSA: - My only interest is flowers. BARRY: Our new queen was just elected with that same campaign slogan. : Anyway, if you look... (Barry points to a tree in the middle of Central Park) : There's my hive right there. See it? VANESSA: You're in Sheep Meadow! BARRY: Yes! I'm right off the Turtle Pond! VANESSA: No way! I know that area. I lost a toe ring there once. BARRY: - Why do girls put rings on their toes? VANESSA: - Why not? BARRY: - It's like putting a hat on your knee. VANESSA: - Maybe I'll try that. (A custodian installing a lightbulb looks over at them but to his perspective it looks like Vanessa is talking to a cup of coffee on the table) CUSTODIAN: - You all right, ma'am? VANESSA: - Oh, yeah. Fine. : Just having two cups of coffee! BARRY: Anyway, this has been great. Thanks for the coffee. VANESSA== Yeah, it's no trouble. BARRY: Sorry I couldn't finish it. If I did, I'd be up the rest of my life. (Barry points towards the rum cake) : Can I take a piece of this with me? VANESSA: Sure! Here, have a crumb. (Vanessa hands Barry a crumb but it is still pretty big for Barry) BARRY: - Thanks! VANESSA: - Yeah. BARRY: All right. Well, then... I guess I'll see you around.

HEARD YOU’RE BACK TOGETHER

[aryanreality]

Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49: A Luxurious Haven with Exceptional Amenities

Gurgaon is the most preferred and prime hub for infrastructural development and corporate jobs. and in Sector 49, Gurgaon, one of the most desirable areas, Godrej is launching its ultra-luxury residential project. Prepare to see one of the largest launches ever from Godrej, the most reputable developer. Ten acres of land will be used for the development of this planned luxury high-rise skyscraper. We the team of Aryan Realty Infratech Pvt Ltd, one of the most experienced real estate consultants in Gurgaon, are here to educate you about this luxurious property from Godrej. As a knowledgeable real estate consultant we provide our clients with best-suited property options from world-class developers and assist them throughout the dealing process. here in this blog, we will cover different aspects like Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49 Price, amenities it offers, location advantages etc.

About the Godrej Properties: - 

The Godrej Group's values of innovation, sustainability, and quality are introduced to the real estate sector via Godrej Properties. Every Godrej Properties project blends a dedication to state-of-the-art architecture and technology with a 122-year history of quality and trust. Godrej Properties has won hundreds of awards and recognitions for its exceptional work in infrastructural development in the last few years.

About the Godrej Sector 49 Gurgaon

At Godrej New Launch Sector 49 Gurgaon, live in opulent, ultra-modern luxury. The latest landmark at the intersection of Golf Course Extension Road and Sohna Road is this impending building. The Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49 Floor Plan is created by professionals considering the needs of all kinds of families. There are four, five, and three-bedroom luxury apartments available in this property. The location of Godrej Sector 49 strategically provides residents with unparalleled convinces; the property offers easy access to many educational institutes, metro stations, major business hubs, and hospitals/clinics. The well-planned vicinity of Godrej offers a good connection with the national capital Delhi. 

The Amenities at Godrej sector 49: - 

One of the most fascinating things about this residential property is its luxury and the facilities it offers. Here are the features residents will enjoy: -

Clubhouse with Spa and Fitness Center: Bring out the best of you through our top-notch clubhouse featuring a spa and fitness center. Options ranging from yoga to meditation to guided relaxation are available to you at the clubhouse.

Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi: Cluttered and chaotic? Take a dip in your spa’s cool water or just relax in the Jacuzzi and enjoy a nice evening. it will be the best solution for a hectic day. 

Landscaped Gardens: Through the proposal of Horticultural gardens within the residential complex, you will be in the middle of nature, breathe deep and feel a sense of harmony. 

Sports Facilities: Sports enthusiasts can use the facilities such as tennis courts, badminton courts, and a play area for children which they can use to keep a healthy lifestyle which promotes the whole community to be lively. 

Affordable price and various options: there is a wide range of apartments with 3BHK, 4BHK, 5BHK etc. and Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49 Price also varies according to the space and apartment plans.

Smart Homes for Modern Living:

Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49 introduces Smart Homes with state-of-the-art technology for home automation systems designed to deliver an oh-so-easy living experience. There are varieties of other devices ranging from calculating the lighting and air condition to advanced security systems that can be controlled by residents with just a touch of ease, improving their comfort and safety.

Sustainable Living:

Social Godrej Properties conforms to sustainable development and at this Godrej Gurgaon Sector 49 residential project we are committed to this goal. This project factors in eco-friendly methods such as building rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient designs that will make the construction eco-friendlier and in the long term lead to a cleaner and more sustainable future. So, if you are planning to buy any real estate property in Gurgaon or to grab a chance to experience world-class luxury, contact Aryan Realty Infratech Pvt Ltd. We’ll provide you with the best options in an affordable range and also assist you throughout the buying process.

[girldigital]

Yankee wanker part trois

Building some more evidence that is not going to help me feel more at home here in the slightest. I was thinking about the birthday I had in New York and how my birthday post, were I to make one, would now probably come a year late, but also how that is an experience that I couldn’t have had here. It’s funny. I’ve seen Kode9 in New York and I’ve seen Kode9 in London and both experience were drastically different. Is it fair of me to compare them? Probably not. However, I will.

To talk about the day I saw Kode9 in New York, I need to rewind all the way to the very start of the day, the moment midnight struck. I turned 26 in some random guy’s apartment. His friends had left a few minutes prior, leaving only G and I with him as he plowed through blow with baseball still playing on his TV. There was one of those light up waterfall frames on the floor next to it. We left not too long after and I grabbed myself a bacon egg and cheese to celebrate my old age. The morning after, I was surprised by a birthday breakfast, with a candle propped up in the middle of my pancake. G really is such a perfect friend to have. Anyway, I don’t remember much of the rest of my day up until the evening. G and his friend had bought this antique Samovar and had propped themselves up in front of Bossa at night, offering tea for a dollar to anybody who wished to have one in the wee hours of the night. This was going to be their second iteration, in the middle of Maria Hernandez park. I crossed paths with Umru on our way to share tea with strangers. The evening started pretty quietly, with mostly friends joining us to share a relaxing beverage out of this Russian contraption. As the night went on, more and more people joined us, exchanging giggles and dances. There was a group of older Latino gentlemen next to us, gratuitously taking care of DJing the evening with the help of their giant boombox. Both of our groups ended up merging after a member of our tea party pointed out the shirt one of these men was wearing said, unbeknownst to him: “Don’t bully me, I’ll cum”. We danced so much they went and bought this massive bottle of wine and I finally revealed to the group that today was actually my birthday. So here I was, in the middle of this park in Brooklyn, happily cheering with a bunch of strangers of all ages to my 26th year of life on this silly planet. Hard to say if any birthday is ever going to top this, especially since the night wasn't even over yet. We still had to head to Silo to catch the man of the hour, legend Kode9. He was playing live which is always bittersweet for a serial Shazamer and obsessive archivist. On one hand, it is pretty sad to think this might be the last time I hear some of these melodies. On the other, it is freeing to attend a show and only have to focus on the now, forced to fully lose yourself to the music. I think we had taco truck food after, then I went back home, one year wiser.

Now on to London….

Well, I went to see Kode9 on the Friday of my first week at my new job. I had gone out for drinks with my co-workers, as brits do, and I must say: I got wasted like shit. Spent a nice chunk of the night talking with this person I think didn't match me on Hinge and they were pretty cool. Anyway, I got drunk bitch. Like real drunk. I remember walking to my place on autopilot, mindlessly calling the Chinese joint on my way in order to pick up the noodles I had just started craving out of nowhere. I went inside, devoured, napped for literally 10 minutes and went out to London’s attempt at their very own Berghain (or maybe not but they did also confiscate my Mini DV...). I also kind of forgot that they actually care about poppers here and the hag at the door took my freshly Paris-imported golden bottle of pleasure and threw it in the bin. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the klepto in me (most likely a mix a both), but the moment she turned away, I did just snatch my bottle right back. Once inside, the music was good, but my God was I not well. I sat on the floor for a little and a few people came up to me to check up. When I couldn’t handle it anymore, I stepped out and sat out for a little nap, only to get told by security that I had to leave if I was to sleep. I think I got approached by 4 or 5 people in total during my first hours there, just asking me if I was fine. Anyway, after I sobered up a little, I could finally enjoy the music a little more. The music was good obviously, but you can only enjoy yourself so much when in that state I think, especially when you're by yourself. I went to the smoking section for some air, and potentially make a friend like I tend to do in the city that owns my heart. Instead, I got a man coming up to me asking me if I was dressed as Ash Ketchum. He told me I could join him and his friends and needless to say, I went back on the dancefloor, by myself. I caught what I could of kuffiyeh-wearing DJ Paypal, but my battery (both human and phone) was running dangerously low. I chose to be cheap and commute home. B and I were texting and she mentioned a bacon sandwich from Wendy’s which made me crave the same bacon egg and cheese I got the day I turned 26. However, as you can imagine, that is not possible to get at 4:30am in South East London. Thus, my still slightly inebriated ass decided to walk in the first 24 hour shop I saw to try and get bacon to make myself one at home. I walked in the first store I saw with lights on. There were 3-4 guys standing at the door, smelling of weed who might have said something as soon as I came in. All of a sudden, I felt my common-sense re-entering my body, feeling unsafe for the first time since being here. As I was leaving, bacon-less mind you, one of them tells me his friend wants my number. Headphones on ears, I pretend not to have heard and start power walking the fiercest way imaginable. After all, I was slightly drunk girl, alone, in the middle of the night, about a 15 minute walk away from home, with nobody to come rescue me in case of emergency. These guys easily could’ve done horrible things to me if they wanted and I’m very grateful they didn’t. After what felt like the longest strut ever, I got home, exhausted and still anxious, barely remembering most of my evening. That was the time I saw Kode9 in London.

Are you getting it now?