#oval shape coffee table

[phoodaanb2b]

Comfortable Swivel Chair for Living Room – Style and Versatility

Upgrade your living room with our stylish swivel chair for living room, designed to provide both comfort and versatility. The smooth swivel mechanism allows for easy movement, making it perfect for conversations or watching TV without having to adjust your position. Upholstered in soft, durable fabric, this chair offers a plush seating experience while adding a modern touch to your space. The sleek design and sturdy frame make it a long-lasting addition to your living room décor.

[violetdiary]

Living Room Loft-Style Toronto

An illustration of a mid-sized minimalist loft-style living room with pink walls and light wood floors.

[jinwoosbabyboo]

Trippin', Fallin' With No Safety Net

My headcanons of the lads men with a clumsy reader [Requested by: Anon]

𝚉𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚎

this man is damn near giving himself an anxiety attack worrying about you when you're not with him

covers the corner of the table with his hand when you lean down to pick something up

cuts your food for you now because you cut your finger one time and gave him a heart attack

his reflexes have sharpened from having to catch you every time you trip

keeps a pair of sneakers and flats in his car in case you drink when you two are out because he knows you'll stumble and fall in a pair of heels

would switch out his sharp cornered coffee table for an oval shaped one because you kept hitting your knee on it

places all your extra pillows on the floor on your side of the bed after you rolled off one night

keeps first aid kits everywhere because you're a walking hazard to yourself

does not let you grab a glass from a shelf you can barely reach

doesn't let you carry more than one bag because you tried to make one trip with the grocery bags and fell head first into a wall

𝚁𝚊𝚏𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚕

still laughs every time you trip or fall "are you okay?" "stop laughing!" "I'm sorry the noise you made was funny"

holds your hand or waist when you walk up/down the stairs because you've fallen one too many times

if you drop something at the table he'll pick it up for you

gets rid of the rugs you somehow keep tripping on

is fighting for his life trying to keep you off the counters when you can't reach something

you slipped in the shower one time and gave yourself a concussion now he won't let you shower alone

subtly childproofs his house

is always confused whenever you trip, fall or get stuck "now how the hell did you do that?" "I don't know Raf help me!"

constantly pretends to toss you stuff "Think fast!" " STOP IM NOT GONNA CATCH IT!" he's already cackling on the floor

side steps you to throw you off balance on purpose; always catches you when you start falling

𝚇𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚛

you fell down the stairs once and now he happily carries you up and down them whenever he's with you

covers the corner of the table with his hand when you drop something and lean down to pick it up

also showers with you now after you slipped one time

doesn't let your carry more than one plate

gets a google home or Alexa so you can speak to turn the lights on because you tend to run into walls looking for light switches

grabs everything you can't reach after you pulled an entire shelf down on yourself in public

sends you check-in texts to make sure you haven't hurt yourself when he doesn't see you (not that you'd admit it anyway)

is so used to your clumsiness he can almost sense when something is about to go wrong

secretly finds your clumsiness cute and now he has another reason to have you in his arms at all times

𝚂𝚢𝚕𝚞𝚜

Sylus is probably the perfect man to be with because his evol would be perfect for protecting you

places his hand on your head when you lean down to pick something up to stop you from bumping it on anything

buys you fluffy slippers to wear around the house so your pinky toe stops banging everything in the house

wraps his evol around you when he catches you climbing on something

you cut yourself with a knife once and he hid them for only him and the chef to use after that

has the twins keep an eye on you when he's not around

replaces any tables with sharp corners for smooth edged tables

has his shower renovated with pebble stone flooring so you don't slip

takes your heels and carries you when you start stumbling

keeps a hand on your waist when going up or down the stairs

is so used to you falling all the time its almost like his evol acts on it's own to catch you

uses your clumsiness as a reason for why he should go with you everywhere

gets rid of every rug in the house and opts to get heated floors because you keep tripping on the rugs, but he knew you'd complain about the cold floors

[lightseoul]

admit it

synopsis. loving him from afar was enough. at least, it should’ve been enough. until it wasn’t. (or, in which you subtly take care of your ex, bakugou katsuki, who also happens to be the namesake of the agency you’re working at) (part 2) (part 3)

cw. fem!reader, worker!reader, prohero!katsuki, aged-up (~24 yrs old)

word count. 5.0k words

Being the HR Department Head of the Ground Riot agency, you’ve learned to take care of Pro Hero Dynamight in subtle ways.

Primarily because even though he isn’t technically your direct superior—he rarely dabbled in admin work as compared to his co-founder Kirishima Eijirou—you didn’t want to stir up drama or reports on inappropriate workplace relationships.

Especially as the head of the Human Relations department.

But that’s not the only reason.

It’s also because—well, he’s your ex.

The ex who you never really understood in terms of how he became that.

“You know, we really need to redecorate this place.”

Mikuri, your colleague from the PR department, muses as she scans the breakroom from her spot on the L-shaped sofa.

You place the black coffee pods you picked up on your way home yesterday near the coffee machine, “Tell that to Finance. The breakroom decor is probably the least of their worries.”

She merely sighs in response as she reverts her attention to her phone.

“You do know that doom scrolling during your break isn’t exactly resting, right?”

At that, she pouts but doesn’t look up. “I hear you, Ms. HR.”

You playfully roll your eyes at the nickname.

“Stocking up on coffee during one’s break isn’t exactly resting, either.”

At her mention of the beverage, your eyes drift back to the pods you have in your hands. You found that they ran out before your shift ended the day prior and were quick to buy refills.

“What are you doing with that flavor, anyway?” she finally lifts her head to regard you, pocketing her phone as she stands up. You look up at the wall clock—break time’s almost over. “Didn’t you dislike that?”

You smile to yourself, fiddling with capsules. Mikuri was right—you didn’t really like this flavor.

But Katsuki did.

And he still does, you think.

“Y/N!”

You whip your head around to see the owner of the familiar voice—Kirishima, decked out in his hero gear, looking like he’s about to head out for patrol.

“Hey! What’s up, Ei?”

He grins, head sticking through the slightly ajar sliding door, “I’m good! ‘s a good thing I ran into you—Bakugou got called out on an emergency mission.”

He nods at Mikuri in greeting, smile still adorning his face, before shifting his gaze back at you. “Looks like it’s still gonna be me and you during the final screening later.”

His eyes dart toward the coffee machine and the freshly stocked pods. Your hips shuffle in front of it before your brain could even catch up.

“Great, see you then!”

With that, Kirishima flashes you a final grin before easing out of the door and heading toward the elevators.

You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

“Final screening?” Mikuri whisper-shouts the second Kirishima’s out of sight.

You sigh, collecting the packaging and shoving it into the trash bin. “Sidekicks. He finally got Bakugou to say yes to getting one.”

“Oof, good luck with that.”

“Personally, I think it boils down to these two.”

You thrust forward the two sets of files in front of you, eyeing everyone seated at the oval-shaped meeting table.

“I agree,” your HR subordinate chimes in from the far end of the table.

“I vote for web dude,” another adds. “He’s so much like Bakugou personality-wise. They’d have to click.”

The recruitment head shakes her head, “Yeah, but his quirk doesn’t complement Bakugou’s explosion as much as the girl’s water jet.”

“I know, Yamakawa-san. But did you even see her? She’s so timid, I’ll bet you 5,000 yen that she’ll quit on day 1 of Bakugou shouting at her.”

Murmurs of agreement course through the room, but you’re not paying attention to what they’re whispering to each other.

“I doubt he’ll want someone so similar to him,” you mumble to yourself.

Apparently, you say it loud enough because everyone looks at you in confusion.

Shit.

“I mean, imagine how much of a PR and HR nightmare that will be,” you joke, although it comes out a bit stilted. Fortunately, they, including Kirishima who is seated at your right and at one end of the table, chuckle at your wisecrack.

“Are you voting for the girl, then?” the recruitment head inquires once the laughter dies down.

“Well…” you pause, “I agree that Moriyama-san is remarkably meek and timid, but just from her series of interviews, let alone her practical test, I could see she liked a good challenge.”

You tap her portrait, “Beyond just being a good match for Bakugou’s quirk, she’ll surely step up. And I know for a fact that if there’s anyone who can guarantee that, it’s Katsuki.”

At that, some eyes widen, and you can’t help but tilt your head in confusion at the perplexed looks they’re giving you.

“I mean, Bakugou!” you backtrack, finally realizing your mistake.

Desperate to change the subject, you direct your attention toward Kirishima. “What do you think, Kirishima-san?”

He passes you a knowing smile, one that is too unnerving for your liking, before leaning back on his chair.

“I think you’re right.”

You allow yourself to do some internal chastising the minute the meeting is adjourned.

Hiding your complicated feelings for Bakugou was easy—mainly because you rarely saw him around.

But hiding how much you knew about him?

That’s a whole different story.

“Good work, Y/N,” Kirishima pats you on the shoulder as the rest of your recruitment crew pile to exit the room.

You flash him a thankful smile before hopping on your feet and gathering your documents. “I’m trying not to make you regret hiring me, boss.”

He chuckles good-naturedly before looking away in what you think is reluctance.

“What is it?” you prod, feeling a sense of uneasiness crawl through your spine.

He seems to hesitate before continuing, “I was just gonna say—you always know what’s best for Bakugou.”

At that, your expression falters, and you feel your shoulders tensing at the mention of Bakugou’s name. You refuse to let your hurt (or whatever the fuck it is you’re feeling) show on your face, though.

Instead, you shrug as nonchalantly as you can. “I just want the best for my bosses.”

Kirishima doesn’t say anything after that, but you can tell the gears are running in his brain. He simply nods in acknowledgment of your response before heading for the door himself, and you follow suit.

You’re at the doorway, stifling a tired yawn when you lock eyes with the man of the hour himself.

“Bakubro!” Kirishima exclaims in greeting. He encases Bakugou in a bro hug, which the latter begrudgingly accepts. “You got the mission done and over with?”

Bakugou, in all of his costume-decked glory, eyes the redhead and scoffs, “Obviously.”

His eyes flicker to yours. You nod at each other in lieu of a verbal greeting.

“You just missed the meeting,” Kirishima starts, vaguely aware of the palpable tension between the two of you. “We found’em—your first-ever sidekick!”

You almost want to laugh at how Bakugou doesn’t match Kirishima’s energy.

He simply grunts in response.

But Kirishima’s not the type to give up so easily. Instead, he adds: “Y/N made the final decision.”

You stiffen at the mention of your name, Bakugou’s eyes shifting toward you at the same time. You brace yourself for a snarky retort or a lame insult, but nothing comes.

Instead, he merely gives you a firm nod.

“Thanks.”

At that, he makes his way to his corner office.

You were only reminded that your HR personnel was still around when murmurs erupted in Bakugou’s wake.

“Just like that?”

“Wait, he’s in?”

“Wow, never thought he was capable of saying thank you.”

“Yeah, all I get is a halfhearted eye roll.”

The last comment would’ve made you snort if you weren’t too dazed by how uncharacteristic that was of Bakugou. You stand there for what feels like minutes as the others around you start toward their respective offices.

Finally snapping out of the trance the second you realized you were alone in the hallway, you head toward your own office, renewed with the resolve to take your mind off of one Bakugou Katsuki.

You had just the thing to keep yourself busy.

The monthly HR-hosted game night of Ground Riot agency is the one HR activity everyone actually looked forward to.

It’s the one time of the month employees get to let loose during weekdays and bond with colleagues, as well as enjoy free food and drinks, including the occasional booze.

It is also a pain in the ass to organize.

As the HR department head, you technically served as the project head, too, overseeing all of the subcommittees—from programs to logistics—on top of your everyday workload.

Suffice to say, the week before game nights never fails to whoop you in the ass with crushing responsibilities (and for the record, you’re not overreacting—you take your HR events very seriously) but you dare say that the outcomes and seeing everyone enjoy themselves always make it worth it.

For this month, in the spirit of encouraging employee engagement in your department, you let the Recruitment and Selection subdepartment be in charge of the program’s game proper.

In hindsight, maybe you shouldn’t have.

Because now your very own HR members are dragging everyone to answer very personal truth-or-dare questions.

And ‘everyone’ happened to include Bakugou Katsuki.

“Bakugou-san!” an employee from the engineering department regards said man, who, by some miracle, has let himself be forced into playing.

Having chosen the ‘truth’ option, he is now seated on the mini-stage you happened to help set up earlier that afternoon.

One of your subordinates hands the support items engineer a microphone. The latter taps the mic before resuming, glee evident in her voice. “How many people have you dated?”

Cheers go off from all around the room at the question, and you shoot a withering glare at your assigned subdepartment members. One catches your eye and visibly cringes.

But goes on pretending they didn’t see you.

Fucking hell.

Grabbing yourself a microphone from the sound booth, you speak into it, trying not to freak out over the fact that this will very much be the first time you’ll verbally address Bakugou in two years.

“Apologies, Bakugou-san,” you start, “You don’t have to answer that.”

Everyone looks at you in bewilderment, including Bakugou who himself looks puzzled.

You take the lull that has befallen upon the room as a sign to continue.

“Such questions are deemed inappropriate as per HR standards. I’m going to have to speak with my subordinates after this.”

You expected uneasy silence as a response, but you sure as hell didn’t anticipate the plethora of jeers that erupt in the room, some even exclaiming exasperated ‘come on’s’.

You’re about to insist (as calmly as you can, that is) when a low, gruff voice crackles from the speakers.

“‘s fine. I’ll answer the fucking question.”

The room goes entirely still. You hold your breath.

He heaves a sigh, and you could’ve sworn his gaze flickered to you for a moment before he looks away.

“Just one.”

Oohs and aahs get passed around, and despite yourself, you feel a shot of relief course through your veins at the implication of Bakugou’s answer.

He hasn’t dated since you.

“Are you guys still together?” a male employee shouts from the other end of the room, and you can’t help the rush of blood toward your cheeks at the question.

You need to put your foot down, now.

“Okay,” you interject, “that’s enou–”

“No. We broke up two years ago.”

Your head whips toward Bakugou’s direction, shocked at his ready admission. The reprimanding words that you were about to spit out die in your throat.

“You plan on seeing anyone anytime soon?” another employee asks from the other far corner.

You’re about to pipe up in protest—distressed over the inappropriate questions, as the HR head or ex-girlfriend, you don’t know—when Kirishima stands up and barks out a good-natured laugh.

“I think that’s enough prodding, you guys.” His eyes flicker to Bakugou’s and then yours in a split second, face etched with concern, before he turns back his attention to the crowd, a toothy grin having replaced his previous expression.

You didn’t realize how tense your muscles have gotten until Kirishima stepped in to intervene, and at that, you slowly let out a big exhale through your nose.

God fucking no. The last thing you need is for your co-workers to find out that the HR head, of all people, is their boss’s ex.

Before you can even spiral further, though, you feel a hand clap your upper back. You twist to find Kirishima, who is, weirdly enough, beaming with excitement.

“We actually have something special planned for a special someone today.”

And as if on cue, the rest of your HR department enters the room, with your secretary carrying your favorite cake and the others holding balloons and a bouquet of your favorite flowers.

You don’t remember telling anyone about your favorites except for one person.

Confused, you turn towards Kirishima. “What’s going on?”

“What’s going on?” he mimics, amused at your confusion and the employees who hear laugh. “It’s your one-year anniversary in the agency!”

You could only gape in shock as the people around you, the ones you, over time, grew to identify as family, crowd you and urge you to blow out the candle and accept the flowers.

Still disoriented, you do what they tell you, and they cheer in response as you do so.

With all the busyness that came with the search for sidekicks and the monthly HR game night, you completely forgot about the significance of today’s date.

Overwhelmed by the sentiments and the sea of people surrounding you, you don’t know where to look or mouth a thank you.

Somehow, your gaze finds Bakugou’s—only to see him already looking at you from behind the crowd.

You’re about to look away, unable to sustain his piercing gaze, when he flashes you a small smile.

None of those smirks or mischievous grins he usually sports around other people.

No, this one was different.

Because this was the kind of smile he’d reserved especially for private moments with you.

Before you can give it a second thought, you find yourself smiling back.

“You really couldn’t be bothered to change into normal clothes before coming here?”

You, as inconspicuously as you can, look around the café you’re currently in, wary of paparazzi or anyone else that could recognize Pro Hero Pinky. The last thing you needed was a picture of you (the lucky civilian), haggard after a long day of work, all over Twitter.

“Nah,” she shrugs, “patrol was completely uneventful anyway. I’ll shower when I get home.”

You reach for your iced drink, mumbling under your breath, “I wasn’t worried about you…”

“Hey!” she pouts, “Is that how you treat a friend who’s done you a major favor?”

Your eye twitches at the mention of a favor.

These things never end well with Mina.

“Mina…” you groan, “what did you do?”

She rubs her neck sheepishly. “I kind of promised one of my colleagues that you’d go on a blind date with him.”

“What the fuck?”

She grabs your hand over the table that sits between the two of you. “He’s a real catch, I promise you. Tall, handsome, and a crazy smart support items engineer.”

You frantically shake your head, yanking your hand from her. “Idiot, I’m not worried about your ‘candidate’. Who the fuck said I wanted to go on a blind date?”

Mina whines and thrashes in her seat in response, maybe in an attempt to make you feel sorry and just go along with her antics.

You refuse to do so.

After a few minutes of an incredulous stare-off, she finally deflates in defeat.

“I just thought I could help you out and get you out of your shell. You haven’t dated anyone since…” she trails off, and looks away awkwardly, “you know.”

You chuckle despite yourself, albeit quite solemnly.

Until now, it still makes you feel guilty how the rest of your friend group is forced to deal with the aftermath of your unsuccessful relationship with Bakugou.

“You can say his name, you know. He’s not Voldemort.”

Mina rolls her eyes at that, but you can tell it’s playful more than anything else.

You look down at your now clasped hands. “I appreciate the help, you know that.”

She nods vigorously, and you almost laugh at how much of a textbook-active listener she is.

“But?”

You sigh, “I just can’t right now. If I end up dating someone, word will eventually get around in the office and I just…”

You lock eyes with Mina, whose eyebrows are raised in anticipation.

“I don’t want to make things awkward between Bakugou and me, especially now that I’m working in his agency.”

A few moments of silence pass before Mina speaks up, slunk against her chair.

“Man, you’re the world’s best ex-girlfriend, you know that?”

You snort, “Thanks.”

She sighs in exasperation, “I mean, even if you guys had the most ambiguous breakup ever, you still are extremely considerate about him.”

You’re not, by any means, in the mood or headspace to explore why that is, so you go for the safest answer possible.

“What can I say,” leaning back into your chair yourself, feigning nonchalance, “I’m just an incredibly good person.”

Mina doesn’t even bat an eye at your quip, “Yeah, yeah. Why did you guys break up, anyway?”

“Woah,” you lean back, aghast, “it’s,” you flick your wrist to check the time on your watch, “5:17 PM, Mina. And I doubt this café even serves a beer.”

You’re deflecting, and Mina has known you long enough to be aware of that.

She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms across her chest. “Don’t you think I’m owed a little bit of information? I’m the one who set you guys up.”

“Actually, that was Kirishi–.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she interjects, “I helped.”

You can’t help but roll your eyes. She waves it off.

“Point is, I was there when this budding relationship started, and I’m here to know the deets about how it ended.”

You shake your head in resignation, “You sure you don’t want to say you’re just nosy?”

She grins at you, “Nope!”

“So you’re telling me he got too busy and neglectful, you ended up asking for a break, and you’ve never talked to each other since?”

“Yep. That’s what I just said.”

Out of the blue, she hops onto her feet, and in doing so knocks stuff around on the table.

A glass of water almost spills.

“Mina?” you seethe, “Sit the fuck back down. People are gonna stare.”

“Bitch, I have pink skin. They’ve been staring since we entered the room,” she snaps, “And don’t even think about changing the subject.”

“I’m not! Just sit back down.”

She obliges, but she’s still visibly riled up, “I knew your breakup was vague, but not this vague!”

“I don’t know either, okay!” you put your hands up, exasperated. “A month into it he got Kirishima to get his things from my apartment, and so I just assumed he wanted to break up.”

Her eyes are filled with bewilderment, “And your asking me to get your things from his apartment?”

“I…” you hesitate, “I asked you immediately the day after.”

At that, she huffs in surrender, sinking back into her chair. “And you’re supposed to be an expert at conflict resolution.”

“Hey,” you throw a used tissue at her, which she expertly dodges, “That’s for the workplace setting. Romantic relationships are a whole other thing.”

She scoffs, fiddling with the piece of paper containing the café’s WiFi password. “And then, what? You took a gap year to find yourself?”

You roll your eyes for the nth time, reaching forward to take back the tissue you threw at her.

“Don’t make it sound like that. I just took a gap year after graduating to rest and figure out what I wanted to do. I was just lucky enough to have been recruited by Kirishima even if I had zero work experience by the time I came back.”

Mina eyes you, “Even if it meant technically having Bakugou as your boss?”

You look down at the piece of tissue in your hands.

“Even if it meant actually having Bakugou as my boss.”

Mina doesn’t say anything after that, only reaching for her cup of decaf coffee. You follow suit, taking a sip from your now-diluted drink.

You look up at her to see that she’s thinking hard about something.

In spite of yourself, you feel the familiar feeling of dread rising in your throat.

“...You’re not gonna tell him about this conversation, are you?”

“Who, Katsuki?” she asks and you gingerly nod. “Of course not!”

You hold eye contact for a while longer before looking away with a big sigh of relief. “Thanks.”

Three knocks echo through the hallway, as well as Kirishima’s expansive, corner office. Hesitantly and without noise, you peer through the glass door to see him in his regular clothes and in his desk, rifling through some documents that appear to be mission reports.

Kirishima looks up and catches your eye. Beaming at you with an inviting grin, he beckons you in with a wave of a hand.

“Y/N, bro! What’s up?”

You smile at him as you enter and close the door behind you.

He calls everyone bro, regardless of their gender.

“Hi, Ei. I have the report on the recruits, including Bakugou’s sidekick here with me,” you gesture to the folder in your hand. “Can you spare a minute to go through it together?”

What seems like hesitation dances across Kirishima’s face before he somehow schools it into a sheepish frown.

“Sorry, Y/N,” he starts, “I’m kinda busy right now,”

He flips through the pages for emphasis, “Have an important report due in an hour.”

“Oh, well that’s okay. I can just come back later when you’re free.”

You’re already turning back to exit his office when Kirishima speaks up again.

“—but Bakugou’s available!”

Slowly, you shift back to face him.

“...What?”

“I mean,” Kirishima backtracks, evidently flustered by his outburst, “Bakugou’s free right now. He can go through those documents with you. Especially since he’s the one getting a new sidekick and all.”

You gulp despite yourself, willing desperately to calm your now racing heart.

“But Ei… It’s always been you and our department coordinating on stuff like this. Why the sudden change now?”

It takes Kirishima a few seconds to reply.

And what he says knocks the breath out of your lungs.

“I just think it’s about time he starts taking matters into his own hands.”

When you got dressed and ready this morning, you didn’t think you’d be having your first proper conversation with your ex in two years.

But the universe, or rather, Kirishima, had other plans.

Thinking ‘this is the best it can get’ as you stare at your reflection in the bathroom mirror, you sigh and make your way to your desk to get the files, heading straight to Bakugou’s office afterward.

When you get there, you don’t dare to immediately walk toward his doorway as you did with Kirishima. Instead, you stop at his secretary’s desk.

“Is Dynamight in?”

“Yes,” his secretary chirps without hesitation. How she’s able to still be her sunshiney self despite working immediately under Bakugou is beyond you.

Human resilience, you guess.

She clicks a few times with her mouse as she stares at her laptop screen, before looking back at you again. “He’s actually expecting you, Y/N-san.”

Your eyes widen in disbelief.

Hope flutters in your chest without your permission.

You clear your throat in an attempt to not sound winded. “Really?”

You’re itching to ask if he cleared out his schedule specifically for you, but luckily, you don’t even have to make a fool of yourself because his secretary brings it up herself.

She smiles, “He had me move things around so he could make time for you.”

At that, you blink at her, speechless.

These double meanings are not helping in easing your nerves about this impending encounter.

“You can go ahead,” she gestures to the office, effectively snapping you out of your reverie. “I already gave him the heads up that you’re here.”

Great, you think to yourself. No turning back now.

After shooting her a quick thank you, you clutch the folder to your chest, as if it’s some sort of protective gear, and walk to his door. Upon reaching it, you realize that you don’t even have to knock, because it’s already slung wide open and held in place by a stopper.

You walk in.

Refusing to look at Bakugou, who, from the corner of your eye you can see has his back towards you and is looking at the view of the city skyline, you opt for going through the pages of the file instead.

With a sharp inhale, you finally look up to meet his gaze, only to find that he’s still turned away from you.

He probably didn’t hear me come in, you think.

You clear your throat, and he startles, albeit so minutely anyone else would’ve missed it, finally turning to regard you.

“Hello, Bakugou-san.”

You don’t wait for him to greet you in return. You simply move forward and place the folder on his desk, before stepping back again, hands clasped together behind you. He nods in acknowledgment and shifts to sit on his office chair.

“That folder contains the report on the recruits, including your new sidekick, Moriyama Kairi. It includes their personal histories, interview transcripts, and resumés, as well as recommendations by the departments regarding costumes, training programs, and the like.”

He only grunts in response, thumbing through the pages as you speak. He flips through them so fast that you doubt he’s even going to bother anything beyond skimming through.

He pauses, though, on a certain page, eyebrows furrowed and eyes narrowing as he examines it, before closing the folder and placing it back in front of him.

You brace yourself for a comment on an error of some sort.

Instead, he says: “Thanks.”

Your mind goes blank.

You scramble for a decent response.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“...Really?” he questions skeptically, pushing back on his desk to stand up, slowly circling it so that he can be face-to-face with you. He’s no less than two feet away now.

“It’s nothing?”

“I mean,” you stutter, shifting your eyes away from him to look at his desk, “it’s my job. That’s part of the job description.”

“Huh,” he mutters, more to himself than to you. Your eyes flicker back to him. Like Kirishima, he’s in his regular clothes, hands shoved deep into his pockets.

“What?” you ask despite yourself, frustration bleeding into your voice.

He smirks, but there’s no malice behind it. “I didn’t know HR was supposed to produce a detailed write-up on how a sidekick can best complement their assigned Pro Hero.”

Your eyes widen slightly in alarm, and you find yourself grappling for any excuse to rid yourself of his suspicions.

Despite them being true.

“We are, actually,” you lie through your teeth. “I made a similar one for Kirishima back when we recruited Tanaka-san.”

“Really?” he asks again, visibly unconvinced, and you can’t help the annoyance that flashes through you. “Because I read through that file myself, and I didn’t see anything of the sort.”

Shit.

The playful expression that once adorned Bakugou’s face is now displaced by a serious countenance. You don’t even get to have a word in because he’s already speaking again.

“Why?” he starts, “Why did you do this for me?”

At that, you straighten up, face flaming in anger or embarrassment—you can’t tell. He seriously can’t be asking you this.

“It’s your first sidekick,” you retort, “And you’re not exactly Mr. Congeniality around here.”

You expect him to bite back with an insult himself, but he doesn’t.

“Okay, let’s say that’s true.”

You guffaw, “Wha–”

“Why go out of your way to make me this when you’re already drowning in work?”

You can’t believe the audacity of this guy.

“So you admit HR has been swamped these days?” you snap, but continue to deliver the last blow. “Oh, of course, you wouldn’t know! Since it’s Kirishima who does all of the coordinating work with us.”

“I do know,” he spits back, “That’s by design, and I’m more involved than you’d think. And,” he shoots you a look, “don’t change the subject.”

You’re bubbling with vengeful words but what comes out is a huff.

“What do you want me to say, Katsuki?”

At your taunting, he opens his mouth to say something, but ultimately decides against it.

Your stomach drops in disappointment.

“...Well,” you say meekly, “if you don’t have anything else for me, I have to get back to my office.”

Turning your back to him, you’re about to head for the door when he grabs your wrist.

“Wait.”

Your heart leaps in your chest.

You pause for a moment, before spinning to look at him.

It takes you less than a second to conclude that gone is the aloof and composed Bakugou.

It’s now the vulnerable Katsuki, who’s unable to look you in the eye, standing in front of you.

“Fuck, I…”

You can’t help but ache at the sight of him struggling. Despite yourself, you try and gently coax it out of him.

“What is it, Katsuki?”

At your affectionate mention of his first name, he finally meets your eye. You almost stumble back from the intensity of his gaze.

But not as much as at what he was going to say next.

“I want…you to admit it.”

You frown, “Admit what?”

He exhales before closing his eyes shut.

“That you’re still in love with me.”

tagging. @katsukis1wife

[generic-sonic-fan]

Tensile

Summary: Shadow says he is drawing a model of a combat encounter. Omega suspects there's more going on.

796 words

---

“YOU ARE STILL AWAKE.”

Shadow looks up from where he’s sitting on the living room floor. His hands hold a pen and paper against the coffee table.

“ORGANICS REQUIRE AT LEAST EIGHT HOURS OF REST.” Omega says.

“I’m modeling a combat scenario.” 

Omega approaches and, with only a little bit of clattering, sits down on the floor beside him. 

Shadow spreads the paper out, revealing a crudely-drawn oval. At the top of this oval is a symbol that might represent a door. Six red dots are placed loosely around it. On the other side of the oval is a square-shaped symbol. 

“They enter here.” Shadow points with his pen. “Blocking the entrance.”

“THEIR ARMAMENTS?” 

“M16 rifles, 40 round magazine size. Secondary HK-45 tactical pistols. For each of them.” 

Omega knows immediately these were not Badnik armaments. 

“They enter here.” Shadow repeats. “The only other exit is here. It requires external activation.” 

He gestures to the square-shaped symbol across the oval from the attackers. There’s a smaller station drawn just outside of it. 

“There is one person with adequate power to fight. And there is a civilian.” Shadow says quietly. “They are trying to get through the other exit to escape.” 

“WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU TRYING TO MODEL?”

“How the defenders could escape.”

“THE COMBAT-EQUIPPED DEFENDER COULD UTILIZE THE FREE-STANDING EXIT OR ITS LEVER AS COVER.” Omega points.

“No, the pod- it’s glass. Any bullets hitting it would damage the exterior and cause problems during re-entry.” 

“THE COMBAT-EQUIPPED DEFENDER COULD CHARGE THE ATTACKERS, PROVIDING DISTRACTION FOR THE CIVILIAN TO ESCAPE.”

“No, you don’t understand! They’re already trained on her, they’d fire the moment I’d-” Shadow stops himself. “The moment he moved.” 

Omega stares down at the sheet of paper, at the six red dots, the pen marks pressed down so hard that they’ve almost torn through the page. And he analyzes Shadow’s use of pronouns. And the time of night he is modeling this “combat scenario”. 

And he replies, “THERE IS NO POINT TO FURTHER ANALYSIS.”

Shadow clenches his fist, breaking the pen he’s holding in two, spilling ink across his glove. 

“YOUR BEST COURSE OF ACTION DURING THIS EVENT IS ALREADY APPARENT TO YOU. THERE IS NO FURTHER VALUE IN RE-SIMULATING THIS.” 

Shadow shoves Omega, smearing the ink across his chest. 

It’s a paltry gesture, not enough to actually move him. “THIS IS WORTHLESS SPECULATION.” 

“Worthless?” Shadow hisses. “You think this is worthless?” 

“AFFIRMATIVE. YOU HAVE ALREADY LEARNED AND IMPROVED FROM THIS COMBAT ENCOUNTER LONG AGO.” 

Omega recalls more sophisticated tactics Shadow had employed seconds after awakening from stasis, to save an startled Rouge from a hail of gunfire greater than any squad of GUN agents could hope to muster. Gunfire from Omega’s own targeting. 

He does not mention this.

Shadow stares down at the page.

“THERE IS NO PURPOSE IN UPSETTING YOURSELF OVER THIS AGAIN.” Omega grabs the paper from the table.

Shadow doesn’t stop him. He doesn’t stop him when he rips the page in half, either. 

“RETURN TO YOUR QUARTERS. WE HAVE A MISSION TOMORROW.” Omega draws a flame thrower and with a small puff incinerates the remains of the combat model. 

But before he can stand, Shadow throws himself against his chest. 

He freezes as Shadow’s hands scrabble for purchase on the sides of his plating as his body begins to shake. As the first sob registers in the air. As he closes his eyes and moisture begins to spill out.

Omega sheathes his flamethrower, and in a motion he has to calculate from only a few quickly-retrieved memory files of Amy’s posturing, he lowers his hands until they settle around Shadow’s back. 

Between his fingers he can feel Shadow’s diaphragm spasm with every breath, along with the trembling bundle of muscles in his core, feeding arteries that pulse just beneath his skin. Fragile mechanisms laid bare. 

For two tenths of a second, Omega worries that a single movement might disrupt the erratic combination of rhythms keeping Shadow alive. A recall of data from countless combat encounters puts a stop to that worry, however. 

“YOU ARE STRONGER THAN THIS," he mutters. 

Shadow stiffens. “You’re right.”

“STRONGER THAN THE MEMORY.” He adds quickly.

“Are you sure?” 

Every response Omega tries to calculate stops at the third word in. His language processor is woefully unprepared for the task. 

So he simply replies, “YES.” 

Shadow presses his forehead against his chest plating. 

“NEVER DOUBT MY ANALYSES.”

Shadow gives a strange combination of sounds, something between the classifications of a laugh and a gasp. 

“Thanks.” Shadow says. “Don’t tell Rouge.” 

“LIKEWISE.” 

He pulls against his grasp, and Omega lets him go. He watches as he wanders off to his room, and does not move until he is sure Shadow has fallen into the rhythm of sleep.

[meowhara]

࿐.ೃ࿔*:･ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒃𝒚𝒔𝒔 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒆

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ miguel o’hara x fem siren!reader

cw : blood and gore (not much but still)

synopsys : miguel's residence was a unique one, though nobody knew the existence of a deadly being inhabiting beneath it

It was always the same question whenever anyone visited his house. They’re always wondering why it was built like that. Some parts of his house where the tiles should be, were replaced by thick glasses. Clear enough to see the deep blue water underneath. His house was practically built over a gigantic man made body of water. It wasn’t an empty body of water either, there was life thriving underneath. The variety of fishes no matter what sizes or kind live there with coral reefs and underwater plants for the aquatic creatures to live in. Making a whole complete living underwater ecosystem.

“I don’t understand.”

“Don’t understand what?” Miguel huffed, his back facing the man that considered him a friend just because they met back in college.

“You. Look at this place.”

“Was that supposed to be an insult?” He popped open a bottle of fine alcohol and poured a glass for himself, then leaned on the kitchen’s counter before taking a sip.

“No… Not really.” The man reverts his gaze to the wide window behind Miguel. The marine life beyond that window was just stunning. For somebody like Miguel, having this kind of lifestyle wouldn’t be anyone’s first guess.

Miguel rolled his eyes from his reply, walking off from the counter with his drink before walking upstairs. “Would you mind leaving? I’m busy.” He scowled.

“Why? Are you hiding something?”

Miguel’s eyes twitched, isn’t he just polite?

He set himself down on a couch in the middle of the room. The living room was a unique one. There’s a spot where the tiles are supposed to be, left absent and empty. Leaving a literal two rectangular pool connected to each other’s ends, with a wide angle where an “L” shaped marine blue sofa that stretches for at least three meters long on both of its sides. A coffee table made out of thin marble with an oval shape in the center which was also in blue, decorated with gold lining.

The pool, oddly, is a wide one. It was made so that a whole human could slip through it, rather than for decorational purposes. Nobody really pointed it out in the past though, it seems to be a normal thing for anyone to have in their home if they had the money for it. Most people would drown from how deep the pool is if they're not careful. The bottom of the pool was out of the question from how deep it was intentionally made.

The ceiling was high above with water flowing down, forming a thin wall made out of water. Flowing down onto the same pool in the middle of the room. Tall windows on one end of the house, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Nueva York, especially at night.

His eyes focused on the ill-mannered man he barely knows. Watching each one of his moves carefully.

“Don’t you have a Girlfriend?”

“Broke up.” He answered quickly as the man stood before him after he finished strolling around uninvitedly.

“How did you get your hands on these types of creatures anyway? I’ve never even seen some of the fishes you have swimming around underneath these tiles.” He tapped his feet onto the transparent material underneath his feet. The fishes swam away from the loud thumping noises of his feet.

“I have my own way.” He spoke before taking another sip.

“Illegal?”

“No.” After a long pause, he continues, “Would you mind doing me a favor?” Miguel added.

“What favor?”

“Taking a few steps away?”

“What? Why?”

He shrugged, “Personal space.”

“Geez.” Unsuspectingly, he took a few steps back until his feet were almost touching the edge of the floating platform.

A low whistle escapes Miguel’s mouth seconds before a creature with high speed emerges from underneath the water. Slamming the unsuspecting man into the ground, knocking air out of his lungs. He felt its sharp fangs digging into his flesh with the creature’s weight pushing him forcefully onto the ground. A creature with a human-like body and a massive fin instead of legs hisses their sharp fangs at him, their hair long with water dripping down. Its eyes are as dangerous as the dark mysterious sea, ready to devour him at any second. The man’s eyes widened in sheer panic as he tried to push whatever it was away.

A smile plastered across the host’s face. Calmly sipping all the remaining wine into his system with his back relaxing against his seat. The man screamed, fighting for his life. He even begged for Miguel to save him. But he was too busy watching your beautiful form ripping flesh out of your prey’s body with your mouth. Watching his pet feasting on her favorite meal of the day. His screams died down eventually. The scene was a complete mess, chunks of meat everywhere with a mixture of blood and water splattered across the floor.

Miguel set the empty glass in his hand down before standing up and closing the distance between the both of you slowly. When you saw him approaching you and your meal, you hissed at him.

“Easy there, cupcake.” He scoffed, “I’m not going to steal him away.”

He stood there as you possessively dragged the remaining of your meal back into the pool. Drowning it with you. “That brat.” The word came out from his mouth followed by a chuckle and a shake of his head.

“Lyla, clean this shit up for me.” He commanded the programmed woman.

“You're spoiling her Miguel.” She complained, her hollow body flickering in the dim lit room.

“I'm not. My baby got what she deserves.”

This has been going on for a pretty long time. People disappeared after entering his home, especially the uninvited ones. Although, there are some exceptions. There is someone that loves crashing into his place.

“How many times did I tell you to stop coming here?” His arms crossed over his chest as he scolded the only person that would leave his abode unharmed.

“It's not my fault you made this place very interesting.”

“That was not a reason for you to keep coming here every time I went to work.”

“Aww, don't brothers share?” Gabriel teased.

“I hate you.” Miguel pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

“I won't be coming here ever again.”

Miguel raised his eyebrow, unamused by his little brother's promise.

“I won't be coming here ever again, if you let me have a party here.”

“No.” He didn't even think before the answer left his mouth.

“Then I'll pester you until the end of my life.”

“Go on then. I would rather you bother me rather than inviting people here.”

“Come on, my friends would love this place.”

Miguel's eyes were not focused on him after he saw a glimpse of your eyes inside the pool from where he's standing. He saw the hunger in your eyes upon looking at his brother, a tasty meal for your kind. He knew this would happen that's why he never invited anyone over except for your feeding time every once in a while.

But there's no way he would let you feast on his own family, he shook his head with a serious look on his face. He knew that you would listen to him either way, so he sighed as he watched you disappeared before his eyes.

“If you still want to live, leave.” Miguel spoke with a firm tone in his voice.

“But—”

“I said no to your stupid party and that's final. Leave before I told Lyla to never let you in here ever again.”

“You would ban me from coming here just because of this?”

“Gabriel.” He warned, insisted on letting him stay and telling him the reason why was never the best move to pull no matter what the situation is. Miguel watches as he leaves, listening to his brother swearing under his breath before the door shut by itself. The sound of small waves of water followed by ripples of water made Miguel turn his body to look at your head peeking out of the pool with a frown evident on your face. Breaking his heart from how sad you look after not getting what you wanted, he hates disappointing you.

Your eyes were fixed on the door, hoping your walking food would come back. “I know baby, I know. I'm sorry, okay? But you can't eat him.” He lowers himself to touch your face, gently caressing your cheek. You keep your head fixed on the door without hissing at Miguel. Human language is a foreign one to your ears, you can't understand anything, just a few basic words. Miguel was fully aware of this so he repeated himself. The certain word will always taste bitter to his mouth when it comes to pleasing you. “No baby, you can't eat him.”

Your frown worsens from the word ‘no’. You're not sure what it means, all you understand is that every time the word escapes his mouth, he won't let you get what you desire. “I'll make it up to you tomorrow, I promise.”

After that, he fed you even more men to satisfy your hunger. Their bodies sunk into the abyss of water where the monster he fell in love with abode.

[harrywavycurly]

Southern Comfort Part 25: Mouse in Your Pocket

Masterlist: Here

CW: Language

Tag List: @wedontknowherorhimorthem @blckburd @daphnesutton @fangirl509east @styleswithaseaview @stylesfever

A/N: So sorry it took me so long to get this up! But here it is, you finally meet Niall who’s early while Harry is on time therefore making him late. Enjoy✨

“Hey baby do you-” Harry stops in his tracks when he turns the corner after slipping off his shoes and placing his keys in the little bowl by your front door, he gets a strange feeling in his chest when instead of you standing in the kitchen finishing dinner like he expected he’s met with you and Niall sitting in your living room laughing like old friends.

“S’bout time you showed up Harry.” Harry has to actually stop himself from rolling his eyes as Niall stands up from the couch allowing him to get a full view of his outfit of choice. Having opted for black tight fitting jeans fit with a belt with a silver oval shaped buckle with a giant ‘NH’ on it with a light denim pearl snap shirt tucked in and that god forsaken cowboy hat Harry knows he got just for his shows in Texas.

“You say that as if I’m late Niall.” He responds with a bit of an annoyed tone that just makes Niall laugh as he walks over to him with his arms open for a hug.

“If you’re not early you’re late mate.” He explains making Harry roll his eyes as he gives his bestfriend a hug. “She’s bloody brilliant.” Harry feels a sense of pride hit him as Niall whispers in his ear before pulling away from him after giving his back a few pats.

“Hi honey.” Your soft voice makes Harry instantly turn his head in the direction where you’re still sitting on the couch and he can’t fight the grin that takes over his face when he sees you. You’re in one of your floral skirts and a simple white t shirt tucked into it under a light washed denim vest and Harry swears you’ve never looked so cute.

“Hi my darling.” You smile as you watch him make his way over to you, but before you can stand up to give him a hug and a proper greeting Harry is already walking around your coffee table and bending down and placing a hand on your cheek as his lips meet yours in a quick kiss that leaves you with a smile on your face. “How was your day?” He asks as his thumb runs over your cheekbone making you lean into his touch and for a moment both of you forget about the Irishman standing off to the side of your living room busying himself with looking at the photos on your bookshelf while the two of you greet each other.

“Is this you?” Niall’s voice breaks both of you out of your little bubble as your cheeks get pink while Harry drops his hand from your face so he can offer it to you to help you get up from the couch. You give him a smile as he walks off towards the kitchen while you walk over to where Niall’s standing in front of a photo of you on a horse holding a rope in your hand.

“Oh yeah that’s me on my horse Franklin.” You explain and Niall can’t help but chuckle at the name of your horse. “I used to practice calf roping-”

“Calf roping?” You look over your shoulder at Harry who is standing in the kitchen with a hand on his hip and a raised eyebrow making you just laugh.

“Well yeah sugar where did you think I learned how to tie them knots you can’t-”

“Sweetheart I don’t think Niall needs to hear about how well you can tie knots.” You look away from Harry so you can look at Niall who is fighting back a laugh making you roll your eyes before you turn to look back at Harry with a glare.

“Niall doesn’t care sugar plum besides he might need a tip or two if he’s gonna walk around dressed like a cowboy he better know how to act accordingly.” You hear Niall laugh making you smile as you look back at the photo he was asking you about while Harry just runs a hand through his hair and chuckles to himself at the thought of Niall needing to act like an actual cowboy.

“Really puddin you look just precious in this outfit but I hope you know what you’re doing walking around like you just got done buying a prized heifer at a rodeo auction.” Harry feels the corners of his mouth twitch as he hears you call Niall puddin, he hasn’t ever heard you call anyone a food related pet name besides him and he’s not sure he likes it if he’s being honest with himself.

“Buying a prized heifer is a good thing right?” Harry crosses his arms over his chest as he leans against the counter so he can watch the two of you interact. He watches you just reach over and place your hand on Niall’s arm and Harry knows what’s coming next by the way you tilt your head and give Niall a reassuring grin.

“Oh bless your heart.” Your accent is thick and extra sweet sounding making Harry glad he’s not on the receiving end of this statement because it always makes him start to question himself and that’s a spiral he’s not in the mood to go down today.

“Oh god you just bless your heart-ed me.” Niall drops his head so you can’t see his face thanks to his cowboy hat and you just laugh and give his arm a little squeeze. “It was a valid question love no need to toss around insults like that okay?” Harry just watches from the kitchen as his bestfriend teases his girlfriend with a playful glare as he lifts his head and brings a hand up and places it over his chest. “You’ll break my little Irish heart if you keep it up.”

“If it’s that easy to break puddin then maybe the cowboy life isn’t for you.” Niall can’t help but laugh as you give his arm another squeeze before you turn your attention to another photo on the bookshelf.

You just smile as you look at the photo of you with your older brother Grant sitting in a field of bluebonnets that was taken the year before you moved. You remember begging him to take them with you because it was something the two of you used to do every year for your mom when you were little but once the two of you graduated high school she didn’t force it on you anymore but you wanted some for yourself. Grant moaned and groaned the whole time he drove down the dirt roads that surrounded your childhood home, on the search for the perfect bunch of flowers for the two of you to sit in. You remember how once you found the perfect patch in the middle of a field he didn’t fuss at how far you made him drag your camera and the blanket you wanted to sit on so your white dress didn’t get dirty. He was all smiles because he knew why you wanted these, knew you wanted to take a little part of your childhood with you to wherever it was you were going off too and honestly as your older brother he’d do just about anything you asked him to do if you pouted and whined about it long enough.

“You miss it?” Niall’s voice brings you out of your thoughts, Harry uncrosses his arms and makes his way around your kitchen island as he notices the way your shoulders slightly slump and how your smile isn’t as big as it was a few moments ago letting him know you were briefly somewhere else in that head of yours.

“Texas?” You ask making Niall just nod and you just give him a little shrug as you turn around and look at your feet trying to think of the best way to answer him. “I miss my family of course and there’s some things that I miss like my horses and the sound of cows outside my window at night and god do I miss the food but I don’t get homesick for Texas like I used to.” You look up and you can tell Harry is a little shocked by your answer because his brows are slightly raised.

“I get that. I miss my family and my friends and I think I’ll always consider Ireland home but I don’t get as sad when I’m gone anymore.” You just nod at Niall’s words and smile when you feel him loosely drape his arm over your shoulders.

“Home is more of a feeling than it is an actual physical place so I just try to make anywhere I’m at feel like home.” Harry feels as if his heart could actually burst as you speak and when you look at him and shoot him a playful wink it all clicks. “I think I read that somewhere in a magazine or something and it just stuck.” You add with a grin because Harry knows exactly where you read that and it now makes sense why his face was on your coffee table.

“You think you’ll stick around here for a bit?” Niall looks over at Harry as he asks the question and he watches a small smile work its way on his face as he stares at you with a knowing look letting Niall know this isn’t the first time you’ve been asked this.

“Eh I’m not sure.” Your voice is teasing as you wrap an arm around Niall’s middle making him laugh as he watches Harry roll his eyes. “I do have a job and friends here that I’d miss a lot.” You add as Niall looks down at you with a playful grin at your noticeable lack of mention of your boyfriend that’s in the kitchen with a pout on his face. “Speaking of friends.” Harry looks at you with a quirked brow as you look up at Niall with a smile. “Are you single?” Niall lets out a chuckle as he nods his head while looking over at Harry who is running a hand over his face and letting out a faint groan.

“Who ya got in mind for me love?” He asks as he removes his arm from your shoulder as you slip yours from around his middle so you can head over to the kitchen where your phone is.

“Her name is-”

“Kathryn and she’s a very dear friend of ours with a lovely little boy named Theodore and I swear to god Niall if you fuck around with her-”

“Harry Edward Styles.” Harry feels his eyes go wide at your voice and he knows exactly what he did so he just slowly turns his body so he’s facing you. “You watch that mouth of yours.” You point a finger at him making him just nod while Niall is in the living room fighting back a laugh.

“Yeah H watch your mouth.” Niall teases from his spot in the living room and Harry just shakes his head trying to warn his bestfriend not to say anything else but Niall is too busy looking at other little knickknacks on your bookshelf to see him. “You’re gonna get that thing washed out with soap or something.”

“Niall James don’t you get sassy over there or I’ll have you sitting at this table writing me an essay on why manners are important you understand?” Niall feels his cheeks get hot as he turns and looks at you and when he sees you standing with a hand on your hip and a glare in your eye he has enough sense to know you’re serious even though he may have only met you a little under an hour ago.

“Yes ma’am.” Harry bites back a smirk at Niall’s response, you just give him a smile and turn your attention back to Harry.

“Honey can you do me a favor?” Harry is quick to just nod making you grin as you reach up and place both hands on his face. “Please get out of my kitchen so I can finish dinner.” Niall chuckles as you get on your tiptoes while Harry leans down a bit so you can place a kiss to his lips before dropping your hands from his face.

Harry isn’t bothered by you kicking him out of the kitchen, he’s used to it by now and he knows you enjoy your time cooking especially when it’s for others so he just smiles and nods at your request. Before he can stop himself he reaches over and gives your backside a little pinch as he walks by making you giggle and playfully swat his hands away when he acts like he’s going to do it again when he reaches to grab his phone off the counter. Niall can’t even roll his eyes as he watches the two of you, he likes seeing his bestfriend happy and honestly he isn’t sure he’s ever seen Harry this way before. But after having spent some time with you himself Niall now understands why Harry was calling him in a panic every other day worried he was messing things up, the two of you have something special.

“What the bloody hell did you do to deserve a woman like that?” Niall whispers to Harry as the two of them move to take a seat on the couch. Harry just shrugs as Niall takes off his cowboy hat and places it on his knee as he runs a hand through his hair.

“No clue but I’m not questioning it.” Harry answers as he takes a glance over his shoulder and sees you putting a pan into the oven with a smile on your face and he knows at any moment now you’re going to do a little dance as you move over to the sink to begin cleaning the dishes you used to make whatever it is you just put in the oven, something he’s noticed you always do while doing dishes.

“If you don’t marry her then I’ll do it.” Niall states as if it’s the most casual thing in the world and if Harry was in his normal state of mind and not watching you with hearts in his eyes as you shake your hips to a song he knows you’re singing in your head as you scrub a pot he would’ve probably smacked his bestfriend upside the head.

“Please you couldn’t handle her mate.” Is all he says in response as he finally looks away from you making Niall laugh. “What’s with the outfit? You trying to get bonus points for dressing up like a cowboy or something?” Harry asks as he gestures to the hat still sitting on Niall’s knee.

“When the hell else do I get to dress like this? I quite like how I look in this getup so figured dinner at a proper Texas woman’s house would be a great time to wear it.” Harry hates how much his reasoning makes sense so he just nods. “So uh tell me more about this Kathryn.” Niall’s voice comes out as if he’s nervous and Harry looks over at him and sees him biting on his bottom lip as his left foot starts bouncing up and down, all clear signs he’s a little anxious.

“You don’t have to meet her Niall it’s-”

“It’s not that it’s just uh.” Harry watches Niall tilt his head in the direction of where you’re at in the kitchen. “I don’t want her to kick my ass if I hurt her friend.” He adds and Harry just nods because he gets it, being set up with someone’s friend is a lot of pressure but then adding the fact that both men know you wouldn’t hesitate to make Niall’s life miserable if he broke Kathryn’s heart doesn’t help the situation.

“Honestly Kathy is more than capable of kicking your ass herself.” Niall chuckles at that and while Harry wasn’t onboard with the idea of setting the two of them up he can’t help but admit that he does think Niall and Kathryn would get along really well. “She’s really nice but also not afraid to tell you when you’re being an idiot. She’s the manager of the grocery store we actually met in and her son Teddy was in her pre-k class last year and he just turned five so he’s going to kindergarten when school starts.” Niall just nods and takes in all the information that Harry is sharing with him, having never dated someone with a child before and he knows that would be a whole new challenge but for the right person he could make anything work.

“She’s funny and I think you two would get on really well but really Niall if it doesn’t work out it’s okay. You don’t have to go and marry the girl just because we-”

“Who’s we sugar? You got a mouse in your pocket or something?” Both men sit up and turn their heads to look at you with raised eyebrows as you stand behind the couch with an amused expression on your face.

“A mouse in my pocket?” Harry asks as Niall looks from Harry to you with a confused but also curious look in his eyes. “That’s a new one baby.”

“Just means there’s no we honey because I’m the one who wants to set them up remember? You didn’t want anything to do with it.” You explain and Niall just looks at Harry with a raised brow. “Now go make yourself useful and set the table for me please sugar plum.” Niall can’t help but watch in a sort of amazement as Harry doesn’t even hesitate to get up and head over to the small kitchen table that has a stack of plates and napkins sitting on it ready to be put in their proper place. He’s never seen him so willing to do whatever someone asks of him even though Harry’s always been a sort of a pushover this is different and it’s as if Niall is watching a couple that’s been together for years instead of a few months.

“I hope you brought your appetite.” You tell Niall as you round the back of the couch so you can take Harry’s spot next to him. “I made you all the comfort foods that I thought you’d like so Mac and cheese with baked chicken and mashed potatoes and for some color I also added in some green beans.” Niall feels his mouth begin to water as you list off the menu, he quickly glances over to see if Harry’s almost done setting the table and when he sees him debating on witch side the fork goes on he knows he has a few minutes to talk to you about something he’s been trying to find a good time to bring up.

“I’ve heard rumors of how good your cooking is so I’m excited to try it.” You smile and give Niall’s knee a little pat. “I also want to say thank you for even agreeing to meet me after how it went with Jeff.” You try to just shrug Niall’s comment off but he places a hand on your knee and gives it a comforting squeeze making you turn your head and look him in the eyes and you immediately feel your eyes start to get glassy. “Pardon my language but he can be a proper twat and ya know I don’t work for him nor does he work for me so if you want me to I can rough him up a bit? It would actually be my pleasure honestly.” You bring a hand up to cover your mouth as you laugh making Niall smile as he gives your knee another squeeze. “But really you two have something special and I hope you know I’m here if you ever need anything. I may be Harry’s friend but that doesn’t mean I can’t also be yours.” You just nod as you try to blink back the few tears that want to spill over and roll down your cheeks, Niall just removes his hand from your knee so he can pull you into a little hug and that’s when he hears you sniffle.

“Smooth Horan making my girlfriend cry in her own house after she just spent all evening cooking your arse dinner.” Harry’s voice is full of annoyance as he stands behind the couch with his arms crossed over his chest. Niall rolls his eyes as you pull away from the hug so you can wipe at your eyes with your fingers before turning to look at Harry.

“Oh hush your mouth and go wash up for dinner.” Harry knows by your tone that you’re not upset at his use of foul language. You turn your attention back to Niall and point a finger at him “You too cowboy.” Niall laughs as he grabs his hat before standing up and heading towards the half bathroom you point him in the direction of. Harry grips the couch as he bends over the back of it so his lips are right next to your ear.

“I think this is going well.” He says before placing a kiss to the side of your neck making you smile as you turn your head so you can look up at him. “You look beautiful by the way.” He adds as he leans down so he can place a kiss to your forehead.

“Thank you honey.” You reply making Harry smile as he stands up and makes his way towards your room so he can change into something more comfortable and wash his hands per your request before dinner. You just sit there for a moment on your couch as you wait for both of them to finish getting ready for dinner, you smile when you hear Harry singing a Shania Twain song to himself as he walks around your bedroom and it doesn’t take long before Niall is joining in as he leans against the doorframe of your room once Harry is dressed. You cover your mouth with both hands to muffle your giggles as you watch the two of them walk into the living room still singing the Shania song and when Niall makes a show of putting his cowboy hat back on that’s when you realize he is going to fit into your life just fine.

[blajah-blaster]

I finally finished ;U;

[Note: This snippet was created before I had more than character’s roles in the story written out so things are subjected to change in the final AU. There’s no toxic yuri twist planned I swear]

➽───────────────❥

“Did you hear about Rumplestiltskin?”

“I did! What do you think happened?”

“I heard it was…”

Ginger overheard two friends murmuring to each other over a newspaper while she was cleaning up plates at another table. It wasn’t uncommon that Ginger always eavesdropped on her patron’s conversations, sometimes they were just too loud for her to not hear them. She read the paper earlier this morning; “Longtime resident, Rumplestiltskin found dead! Officials still investigating.”

It was terribly shocking news for such a silent town, he was rather curmudgeonly and quite the scrooge Ginger can recall from their brief meetings in the past, but even the most dense folks could tell he had some form of good in him even if it was a very small amount.

Speaking of dense folks, Blondie Lockes enters the cafe with a silver bell overhead to signal her presence. On the dot, just as the morning rush begins to die down. The reporter takes a stool at the counter, a stressed expression on her face as she bounces her leg up and down. Ginger places a bowl of warm porridge and a green ceramic mug in front of her. The mug was round and slightly curved at the top, in a yellow oval on the front of the mug was a bear and pine trees painted in black. Blondie had drunk from the mug so much it was considered her mug at this point.

The baker pours what’s left in the coffee pot into her mug. One sugar cube, and then a second one before a perfect trickle of heavy cream is poured in.

“Judging by your expression, you’re thinking about Rumplestiltskin.” Ginger inquires,

“It doesn’t make sense!” Blondie responds in a quiet yell as she swirls her coffee. “There’s a knife and a bottle. The knife doesn’t have a trace on it and neither does the bottle. Oh godfairy…”

“Uy, cool it Blondes.” Ginger sternly adds, snapping her fingers in front of Blondie’s face twice. “Grimm, you’re such a disaster of a reporter but —listen— more will come up. It was just yesterday he was found and the sheriff Redford is still investigating. You need to step back and ask new questions.”

Blondie sighs, putting up a fight with Ginger isn’t something she needed currently after a restless night of thinking and pondering. She lifts the mug to her lips and takes a long sip.

“Eat your breakfast, just find another topic to write about for now.” Ginger reminds her as she leaves to clean up the table previously occupied by the two gossippers from earlier. The reporter places the mug down and takes a glance to her right where she does a double take to see if her eyes deceive her. Just three seats down was C.A Cupid, real name unknown. The host is sitting in a casual manner with one leg over the other as Cerise Hood scribbles her order on a notepad, silently nodding. She’s seen her before in the cafe but only during lunch hours, never this early in the morning. Blondie decided to indulge herself in an observation.

Her lips are perfectly curved and painted with a brilliant rouge hue of lipstick, her face is curved in a lovely shape and Blondie could see dimples on both sides of her mouth. Cupid’s pink hair is curled to perfection, with the mixed streaks of mulberry and roses appearing like swirls. A very prominent feature is her wings of course, wings are nothing uncommon but her’s simply stand out compared to Faybelle or Farrah’s. Her wings are dove-like compared to the fairies, swooping down elegantly with pure white feathers.

It takes a moment to realize Cerise has already left, and she’s been caught staring. Cupid’s eyes stare back, her irises the color of lemons and honey. The reporter notices her lips are upturned in a knowing smirk. Blondie swiftly turns back to her breakfast, her cheeks flushed is an embarrassment as she shoves a spoonful of porridge into her mouth with such force she almost chokes and gags, but keeps chewing anyway to save what is left of her pride.

Her eyes don’t dare land on Cupid again as she quickly eats her food and chugs her coffee, finishing before she has to get to her office. Though before her commute, she can’t help the ache of curiosity. She takes a quick look at Cupid’s order. It’s a simple pain au chocolat with a mug of what appears to be coffee and whipped cream on top. Before Cupid could turn to see who’s staring her way again, all she can spot is a blur of blonde hair as Blondie Lockes makes a dash for the office.

[gretavanbear]

Different Worlds [REPOST]

Jake Kiszka x Fem!Reader

NSFW! MDNI 18+ WORK.

30.5k words.

[a/n : before you read this, i want you to know this is my first ever fanfic I've written. it is not the best writing, and it needs a lot of work that someday I will re-do. i am not very proud of this one. my writing has definitely improved, but a lovely anon requested for me to repost this. thank you.]

Synopsis: You’re the intern for a music company and you end up working for Greta Van Fleet.

Chapter 1: First Day

Stepping into the elevator, I press ‘49’. The elevator owned large mirrors on each wall, exposing me from every angle. I examined each hair out of place, my pupils were enlarged like a deer in headlights. My outfit consisted of two different shades of black, which caused self-consciousness to swarm my thoughts as I did not want to appear unprofessional. There was no music playing, only my rapid heartbeat. The sound of the doors opening snapped me out of my thoughts as I watched how calm this floor seemed. There were big windows that exposed the beautiful city below, the sun shined onto the beautiful marble floor of the gigantic open office. 

“You must be [y/n]!” A tall blonde woman stood in front of me, she had beautiful soft features and a small button nose, a nice smile and big blue eyes. I nodded and placed my hand out to shake. 

“We don’t really shake here, that’s a tad too formal, I’m Elizabeth.” She smiled. 

“I’m [y/n]. It’s nice to meet you Elizabeth. I’m so excited to be here.” I replied. 

“Your energy is like” she paused, scanning me up and down with her eyes. “perfect for this place” She finished. A wave of relief travelled its way through my chest as I smiled, my cheeks burning up.

She started walking to her right, asking me to follow her, so I did. 

She led me to her office, it was beautiful. Her desk was black and so were all of her chairs and couches, it was a very large office that encapsulated sophistication and modernism. She sat down in the corner of her large L-shaped couch and pat the seat next to her, I sat two seats away. 

“Listen, [y/n], I know it’s your first day but time never stops around here. I have a meeting in about ten minutes and I’d love for you to sit in and see how it all goes. Take notes and observe, and if they ask for anything like water or coffee feel free to bring it to them.” She explained. Her eyes offered kindness and sympathy. 

“I know how first days go, don’t worry they’re super nice.” She smiled. 

They? I guess her first meeting is with a band. Our meeting. Fifteen minutes pass by until we hear a knock at the door. Elizabeth was now seated at her desk, she got up and sat at the oval table in the corner of her office, pulling out a chair for me to sit next to her. “Come in!” she exclaimed loudly.

“Hey, Liz!” A tall, curly-headed man walked in, he wore a dark brown button-down shirt with loose pants. He had a nice smile. Behind him walked two men with long hair, brown eyes and slim figures. 

“Hey Josh, Sam, Daniel.” Elizabeth greeted them as they walked up to the table and sat down. “Where’s Jake?” She added. I was surprised that this wasn’t the whole group. 

“We closed the elevator doors before he could come in with us.” Josh, the curly-headed man said with a big smile.

“Oh come on” Elizabeth sighed, then smiled as she looked up from Josh’s head to her door. 

“I’m sorry Liz, I was left behind. ” A soft voice spoke from the entryway, I turned my head and looked up. The tall brown-eyed man with soft features smiled shyly at Elizabeth. He wore a button-down shirt, exposing half his chest, paired with skinny black jeans and really old vans shoes. They probably used to be white but they looked really old. He looked at me quickly and then sat down, avoiding eye contact. 

“So, I think you guys must be confused as to why I requested to meet with you all.” Elizabeth began. “First of all, this is [y/n], she’s my intern but she’s also at your assistance for anything you need. Now, onto business…” She introduced me to them and then introduced them to me, then explained how the band will be announcing a small tour in the next coming weeks and they’ve set up a studio for them in the building a couple of floors up. Elizabeth seemed like a very organized woman, her office was dust-less, and she looked very well composed with her hair in a bun- tightly slicked back. She wore a white t-shirt with black wide-leg flowy pants and black Doc Martens. She didn’t seem nervous when speaking to these guys, who also did not seem nervous. I took notes of how she delivered the news to them and highlighted the key points of the meeting, so next time I know how they go. While my pen scribbled all over the page, I could feel someone looking at me but I decided to focus on the notes since I get distracted so easily. 

The room filled with excitement as the boys learnt the news about their tour and studio. I looked at Jake, who had happened to sit directly in front of me. He kept his lips stuck together, looking down at his hands while his bandmates chatted with Elizabeth. His long brown hair hugged his frame so perfectly, even though he was tall and fit, he seemed so soft and calm. Looking at him and his bandmates, they seem like an indie band or maybe a soft indie genre. Jake had calm energy around him that could make anyone feel at ease, like a soft breeze on a fall day or the feeling of the sun beaming down on your skin. 

“Alright guys, I’m not going to keep you guys cooped up in here much longer, lets go check out the studio!” Elizabeth clapped happily. The boys rapidly got up, mirroring Elizabeth’s excitement. We all walked out as a group towards the elevator from earlier. 

“So, [y/n], looks like you’re stuck with us” Josh said as he looked down at me. His brown eyes watched attentively for my response. 

“More like you’re stuck with me” I replied, matching Josh’s energy. He smiled and laughed at my response. We all turned our heads towards the elevator as it dinged, alerting us it has arrived. I let them all enter the elevator, waiting for my turn but when I was about to enter I hear the rapid noise of clicking. Sam was pressing the 'close door’ button over and over. 

“It’s the 65th floor! Sam st-” I hear Elizabeth before the doors shut in front of my face. I feel myself burning up and tears welling up in my eyes out of embarrassment. I was already so nervous about today and this didn’t help the feeling. I hear someone next to me clear their throat and press the 'up’ button for the elevator. Jake. I looked up at him and he gave me a small closed-mouth smile but he didn’t look back at me. 

“They always do that,” He said softly, barely above a whisper. “Don’t worry about it.” He added, even softer even though it didn’t feel possible.

I nodded slowly in response to him. He was taller than me, like Josh, but his presence felt bigger than mine. The elevator door opened and we walked in, he let me in first. We both went to press the '65’ button, I let him do it. He turned to me after pressing the button and looked at me up and down, his eyes taking me all in. 

“You’re so nervous” He spoke softly as he stepped closer, towering over me. The elevator felt small as all I could feel was the heat radiating from his body, all I could do was accept him and let him take over. His brown eyes looked deeply into mine, and his hair fell so perfectly next to his cheeks, it looked insanely soft and I wished I could touch it. 

“You shouldn’t be” He added, as he stepped back and the elevator doors opened. He walked out onto the floor, which pointed straight to the studio. I breathed out after realizing I had held my breath the whole time, my heartbeat consuming the now cold air of the elevator. I felt fuzzy and out of it, almost as if Jake had possessed something from me that I would not be able to get back.

Chapter 2 : Studio

When we walked into the studio room, there was a huge soundboard ahead of us. A tall man sat in front of it on his phone. Elizabeth smiled and turned around to face Jake and I as we walked in, clapping softly as a sign of congratulation for finding the room. Now that I’ve experienced Elizabeth, I don’t feel as nervous around her, she seems so down to earth and ‘go with the flow’. 

“Wow, Liz, this is amazing” Jake said. He looked around to catch it all in. 

The room with the soundboard faced another room through a large window with a huge room full of instruments, microphones, piano and multiple guitars. There was a big brown couch that took over the whole back wall of the room. The walls were coated a beautiful burgundy red and the ceiling was black, there was a sign above the door to enter that said 'RECORDING’, it seemed to be able to light up when needed. I watched the boys as they spoke with each other, their eyes full of excitement warmed my heart as I thought of how hard it must’ve been for them to get to this moment. In the studio of a large building owned by a large company. The boy’s excitement took over the room soon as Elizabeth offered for them to try it out for the very first time. 

“I’ve been with them since the beginning.” Elizabeth told me as they entered the studio and set up their instruments. 

“They’re very lucky to have you” I smiled at her. Her eyes gave me a look of appreciation as we heard the sound of a guitar being tuned in the background. I felt excitement towards seeing how this band is about to perform.

I was taken aback once the loud sound of electric guitar took over the room, my eyes searched for the cause and they landed on Jake. His fingers danced so smoothly on the strings, his eyes closed as if he was picturing the chords in his head. He played flawlessly as if he had been playing since he was born. I stared in awe at his flawless technique. He had his mouth open, almost mouthing each chord he was playing. 

“Well, you’re so pretty and I love you so, You know I’m your biggest fan I saw your picture and it’s the best, The finest in the land" 

Josh sang with such a beautiful voice, I felt my heart flutter out of pure excitement, awe, and nervousness. I watched them all play and sing, but especially Jake. He was so into the song. He was… sexy and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him until the song was over. Elizabeth and I clapped loudly and cheered for them. I looked at the group and they were all smiling as if it was the first time they played in a studio. I was taken aback by Josh’s voice, not expecting him to be able to hit such high notes from how he talked normally.

"I cannot wait to see all the cool shit we’ll do in here!” Josh exclaimed loudly. 

- - - 

Once I got home after my first day, I decided to look up 'Greta Van Fleet’ to learn more about them. They were pretty well known, from Michigan, 3 brothers. That’s why they look so alike. My cursor made it’s way to 'members’ and clicked Jake. I wanted to know everything, or maybe just look at him some more. He was so… beautiful. In all the pictures of him playing his guitar, it was like a magical sight. I watched a couple videos, they showed the whole band but I was focused on Jake the whole time. His fingers dance so gracefully on the guitar strings as if he’s been doing it forever, the music moved through his body so mesmerizingly. Snapping back to reality, I wipe the drool off my face and shut my computer off. 

_ _ _ 

I walked into the office, it was late and everyone had gone home. I wanted to look over my notes on my work computer, granted by the company and make sure I was prepared for my day tomorrow. I had been scrolling through everything for a couple minutes now, so captivated by my notes that I hadn’t noticed someone behind me.

“Working late I see.” His voice was low, barely above a whisper. The office was so quiet, the only sound breaking the silence is our breaths.

“Oh.. Hi Jake. Um, yeah I wanted to be prepared for tomorrow.” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper too. Almost as if I was afraid that my voice would scare him away.

“Are you really busy?” He asks softly. The only light allowing me to make eye contact with him was coming from the computer- all the other lights were off.

“Not really.. just reviewing my notes.” I reply, giving him a soft smile. 

“I was going to the studio, I had a riff I wanted to practice and I’d love some feedback.” He responds, offering a soft smile in return. I agree to go with him. 

Jake sits on a stool in the middle of the room, I’m sat in the left corner, the door is behind me to my right. He’s about six feet away from me, and all I can do is watch how his hair falls so perfectly, how his eyelashes curl so beautifully. I watch him as he prepares himself to play- making sure the guitar is plugged in and positioned right. Right before pressing his fingers against the guitar strings, he looks up and makes eye contact; his brown orbs capturing my nervous aura. His eyes stare me down as if he’s tearing me apart, making me afraid to breathe out. 

And suddenly he plays flawlessly. I don’t know which song because I haven’t listened to their discography but it was powerful and beautiful. I close my eyes to feel the notes, they tickle my skin and I feel my heart beating faster- almost matching the beat. I can hear him strumming the strings, almost aggressively as he’s playing so… fast. Sadly, his riff ends and he stops, slowly, then looks up at me. 

“So, what do you think?” He asks, waiting for my answer as if he isn’t a guitar god. As if he hasn’t played in front of millions of people. As if my opinion mattered.

“C'mon don’t keep me waiting…” He adds, with a small smile on his lips. 

“Sorry. Jake,” I shake my head quickly- snapping out of it. “That was beautiful. You’re so talented. I’ve never seen someone play like that. It- It’s like the music is in you or something and it travels as you play I don’t know.” I add, embarrassingly rambling. 

He smiles, with his eyes glowing and sunshine beaming out of him. Almost like this was the first time someone ever complimented him. I know it wasn’t, but I felt so special in those few seconds. He sets the guitar down on the stand next to the stool and turns towards me, scooting a bit closer. Maybe about two or three feet away. He was so close, our knees almost touching. His eyes meeting mine as he tucks the hair on the right side of his face behind his ear. 

“There’s something about you, [y/n], I don’t know I can’t put my finger on it. You’re just… captivating.” He says softly. “I just want to know you, to know what goes on in that pretty mind of yours." 

I feel my cheeks burn. Everything burn. My heartbeat loudly beats through my ears, I feel stuck in time and unable to move. 

He scoots closer. Our knees are touching. My legs are closed as his knees wrap around me in a V shape, I am trapped in his enclosure and I don’t want to escape. I want him to trap me and never let me escape. 

"Thank- Thank you” I can barely speak above a whisper. All I smell is Jake. All I feel is Jake. All I want to feel is Jake. 

“You’re so beautiful.” He says softly, I wonder if he senses how nervous I am, how much I want him. His hand slowly reaches for my left hand, and holds it between his two hands. 

I can barely thank him; he stands up and pushes the stool back with his leg. I stand up in response, mirroring his behaviour. A slow, sinking feeling appears in my stomach.

'He wants to leave, so get out of his way.’ I think, and I move out of his way, backing up into the corner of the room, leaving some space for him to reach for the door. But all he does is meet me in the corner. He lets go of my hand and looks down at me. A small frown forms on his face. 

“You want to leave, pretty girl?” He whispers, I feel him all over me, the warmth of his body radiates onto mine. 

“No.. sorry.. I thought you wante-" 

His lips reach mine. They’re soft and warm, like coming home after a cold day outside and hot cocoa is on the table. He pulls back, but only for a slight moment. I don’t want to be anywhere else than here, in this moment, between him and this wall. He leans in again and his lips radiate so much passion I feel almost overwhelmed. His tongue travels its way to my bottom lip, almost asking for an entrance. He bites it softly, as if he wanted a taste. I let him. Fuck, I’d let him do anything right now. Our tongues battle for a couple seconds, then he pulls back suddenly- breathing out hard and fast. 

"Fuck, [y/n], I’m sorry. I needed to know. I-” He says quickly, but I cut him off. 

“You can find out anything you want right now.” I feel almost shocked at my straightforwardness. I was the girl that sat in the back of the classroom reading my books, no one ever noticed me like this before. Not until now. I wanted to feel everything, I wanted to take this opportunity.

Chapter 3 : Sweetness

“I- [y/n]. I don’t do this sort of thing. Not usually. It’s something about you. I.. want you. So bad. Ever since I first saw you. I feel this sort of.. magnetic pull- I just- need you.” He rambles. His cheeks turn red. 

“Then have me.” I reply, in complete shock at my words. His eyes glimmer in the dimmed lighting of the studio. I realize at this moment that we had not opened all the lights.

His eyes take me in, all over. I feel the magnetic pull too, I could never admit it to him. He takes my hand and leads me to the couch. 

He sits down, and pats his lap with a small smile as he looks up. I can’t help but check him out quickly. He has such a sexy physique, strong arms and thick thighs. I hesitate slightly but climb over him, straddling his lap. I sit back a bit, giving us a bit of distance, and he stares at me, so deep I feel him almost in my soul. His hand reaches my cheek and he pulls me in for a slow kiss. He’s an amazing kisser, he knows exactly what he’s doing. His other hand makes its way to the middle of my back, caressing it slowly. I want him so bad in this moment. I feel his thighs and how hard they are under me, almost as if he’s flexing them. I wonder if he’s as nervous as I am. 

“I- I like you, you know?” I whisper quickly between kisses. 

“I like you, sweetness.” He replies, pulling me back in. 

His hand that was on my cheek is now with his other hand on my back, he’s holding me so sweetly. It just makes me want him even more. I need him. And so I grab his hands, slowly, and bring them down to my ass. He wastes no time in grabbing and pulling me closer. He groans softly against my lips, which makes me want him so much more. I feel him under me, brushing against me. I feel my nipples harden and brush against the soft material of my shirt. His hands grab me so hard and it feels like I belong to him. Right now, I would do anything for him. I feel one of them make it’s way to my back again, this time under my shirt. I stick out my chest a bit, and he notices. 

“What does that mean?” He whispers, a small smirk planted on his lips. 

“I think you know.” I reply. His hand makes its way to my right breast. His finger dances around my nipple, teasing me and I whimper a bit. He notices and I feel him get harder under me, if that was even possible. Grabbing my breast, his thumb rubs my nipple and I moan slightly. He makes use of his other hand to pull my shirt up, exposing me as his mouth makes its way to my nipple. 

“Fuck, Jake, oh my god” I whimper quietly as his tongue swirls around my nipple. It feels so good, and I subconsciously, almost naturally, start rocking my hips back and forth on him. He moans into me, his cheeks red. I feel the warmth of his face against me. He’s so hard under me and my stomach is doing backflips at this point. Rocking back and forth harder now, he’s moaning softly. His head rests against the back of the couch, face fully exposed- as if he wants me to watch him like this. I watch his lips, his furrowed brows, his eyes shut tightly just allowing himself to feel everything. Taking in my body against his, my weight pressing down on his hard cock. His hands on my breasts, fingers rubbing my nipples so perfectly. I feel like I’m his guitar and he’s playing all the right notes. I stop him for a moment, and he looks up at me with a worried look. I give him a small smile as I back up and get on my knees in front of him, he spreads his legs so I have space. My fingers make their way to his belt, unbuckling it slowly. I rub my hand against his length through his pants. He’s looking down at me, his bottom lip between his teeth, the anticipation building up all over his body. I know he feels it because I do too. 

I slowly unzip his pants and he gets up slightly to pull his pants down- exposing his big length through his boxers. As I go to reach inside, he places his hand on top of mine. He gives me a sort of ‘are you sure?’ kind of look. I nod as I pull his dick out of his boxers. His breath hitches at the skin to skin contact. It feels warm and strong under my grasp. I stroke him for a couple of seconds, then rub my thumb against the tip of his pulsating cock. This drives him crazy. 

“Oh- Oh my- [y/n] please do that again, pretty please, princess.” He begs, as he looks down at me- his eyes pleading like a little puppy. His lip almost quivering as he begs for it. I do it again, but this time with my tongue. I imagine how it must feel for him, to have my mouth wrapped around his cock like this. I stroke him as I keep the tip in my mouth, twirling my tongue around it while driving him crazy. His moans only get louder and louder, as he approaches his breaking point.

“[y/n], baby, I- I’m going to-” He can barely get any words out, because I’m going faster and harder. I don’t care if he cums in my mouth I just want him so bad, so much. I’ll gladly swallow his load. And so he climaxes into my mouth, whilst making the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Better than the riff he played for me earlier. I swallow him instantly, sucking him dry, not wanting to miss a drop. He exhales so quick and hard, as if he just ran a marathon.

“We haven’t even had a full conversation and you just came in my mouth” I joke. He smiles, in between breaths. He looks down at me, still on my knees I gaze up at him. All he does is rub my cheek and then the back of my neck, leaning in to kiss my forehead.

“It’s your turn to come in my mouth.” He whispers against my forehead. My breath hitches at his comment.

“We’ll see about that.” I respond, quickly getting up. I don’t give him time to process. He starts to get up but by that time I’m out the door.

“[y/n] ! Wait!” He rushes out after me. I’m in the elevator as he reaches for me, holding the door open with his arm. I look at his bicep quickly, he’s flexing and it’s so incredibly sexy.

“Did I do something wrong?” He asks softly. I shake my head 'no’. “Then what’s wrong? Tell me, darling” He pleads. His arm is now at his side, as he stands in front of me, he reaches for my hand but the doors start to close.

“No one.. no one has ever touched me.” I respond, “I’ve never been touched until now.” I add, and the doors close.

Chapter 4 : Photoshoot

“Good morning, [y/n]!” Elizabeth beams as I step into her office. She had her hair down today, and she wore a big chunky cardigan which looked extremely soft. I greeted her in return and sat down at her desk with her. 

“So, today we’re gonna walk around with the boys for some pictures, I thought it’d be some good promo! I found the perfect spot for some really nice pictures” She smiles and clasps her hands together. 

“That’s a good idea! What would you like for me to do?” I ask, waiting to hear my tasks for the day. 

“Alright, so I know this isn’t your job technically, but I wanted to try something for funsies today. There’s this app called ‘TikTok’ where you basically take short videos and people can share them and react to them and stuff and I thought the fans would appreciate some content of the boys! We already set up the account and everything, you’d basically just have to take some videos of them” She smiles. 

“Oh! I love TikTok” I respond. “I’d love to do that! Sounds fun” I smile.

“Yes! I’m glad you’re familiar with the app! So we’re meeting the guys at the location later today, until then I can give you some paperwork and photocopies I’d need you to do?” She asks. I nod happily and do the work assigned to me. 

_ _ _ 

I step out of Elizabeth’s car and am greeted by a sign for a national park. It was beautiful, it reminded me of the Banff national park. There was a huge lake and a little dock for people to stand on. The park was empty, I figured Elizabeth got to reserve it for a couple hours. There was a girl there with a big camera in her hands, the strap around her neck, she waved at Elizabeth and walked over to greet us. 

“Hi Liz!” She said, smiling. Liz and the photographer chatted quietly as I took in the beauty of the park. I pulled out my phone to take a couple pictures. I then hear the sounds of tires rolling on gravel, I turn around and am met with a black jeep. Out comes the 4 boys were all here for. I look at Jake first. It had been a week since our last encounter. I hadn’t seen him since, only the rest of the band. He makes direct eye contact with me, not wasting any time with looking at the scenery behind me. He wore a black button down, unbuttoned until the middle of his chest. His skin looked so soft. He had dark grey pants and his dirty vans again. His hair loose yet held back by some sunglasses. His energy radiated onto me, he was so cool and I felt incredibly intimidated. He finally breaks the eye contact and takes in the view, I step away from his general direction and greet the band as a whole. I feel butterflies swarming my stomach as my mind races back to our last encounter. I shake my head quickly- hoping the thought makes it’s way out of my head for now.

“The newbie is here!” Josh exclaims. I nod awkwardly. “Ready to be thrown into the lake aren’t ya” He adds and Samuel laughs at his comment, the ice shaking in his iced coffee. 

“Josh I’m gonna start giving you the wrong time so you actually arrive on time. What’s your excuse this time?” Elizabeth looks at him, with a slight sound of annoyance. 

“Sorryyyyyy Liz we were hungry, Sammy needed his coffee” Josh apologizes, taking Elizabeth’s hands into his. She rolls her eyes playfully and forgives him, warning him not to be late again or she’ll 'shave his precious head’ as a consequence. 

“Alright guys so you know what’s about to go down today, were gonna take a little hike and get some nice shots! I’ve given [y/n] the task to film a TikTok for us today, so just be yourselves and enjoy the walk! I unfortunately have another meeting I need to attend. [y/n], Josh will bring you back to the office later, okay?” Elizabeth announces, and then heads to her car. 

We decide to take the easiest trail possible. The boys even asked the park security which is the easiest one to take. We get our pictures and I film the TikTok as requested by Elizabeth. I started to feel more comfortable around the band, I spoke mostly with Josh since he was the most communicative one. Jake hadn’t spoke to me at all today, I caught him looking at Josh and I couple times, but he’d look away as soon as I’d catch him. 

_ _ _

As we settle in the car, Josh asks everyone if they had their seatbelts on. I chuckle at his overprotectiveness and watch him start the car. He offered shotgun to me, so I could avoid “being in the back covered in the guys’ filth” as he said it. His car was surprisingly clean, I don’t know why but I expected him to be messy. Probably because his personality is very.. 'out there’.

“Hey Josh?” Jake finally speaks. I haven’t heard him all day.

“What do you want” Josh asks, over exaggerating his annoyance towards his twin. i giggle at his performance.

“I’d love to listen to the demo we recorded last night, I want to see if I can make any changes.” He says, explaining himself. My heart beats faster at the sound of his voice.

“Yeah sure.” Josh responds. He plugs his phone into the aux cord of the car, scrolling through his recordings.

“[y/n], Jake has been going crazy over this song, he wrote it in one night he says! Crazy guy” He says, looking over at me and then in his rearview mirror- to make eye contact with Jake. The car starts backing up as Josh begins to drive us back to the studio, which was about a forty minute drive. The song starts off with a bang, almost.. angry. I can hear Danny finger tapping his knees behind me, and I see Sam move his fingers to the beat of the song. I quickly look at Jake, and he’s looking at me with a look I can’t quite make out. Like he’s scanning me or waiting for something. The first part of the song is amazing, talking about a fiery-type of love, something about a woman being a hearts desire. My heart is pounding, thinking Jake wrote this. Did he write it for me? I feel my fingers shake at the thought.

Until we get to the chorus. 

“Lover, Leaver, Taker, Believer’

Each word makes my heart sink deeper and deeper, dragging it out nice and slow just hurting me more and more. My throat feels tight and my mouth feels dry. I feel the tears start to make their way to my eyes. I don’t bother listening to the rest of the lyrics, I just stare out the window until the song ends. Not letting Josh witness the tears coming out from the right side of my face. I wipe my tears- pretending I was just itchy.

"I think it’s turning out really good, don’t you think?” Jake asks. Josh hypes him up, and the band talks about the song some more until we arrive to the studio. I thank Josh for the ride back, trying my best to mask the hurt in my voice, and make my way quickly to my car. All I want right now is to cry and let it all out, let the pain that Jake has caused me out in the open. I think of the song he wrote about me, I think of the experience we shared. My vulnerability wasted, my first time; wasted. I gave him my all and he tainted it. I cry loudly in my hands, accidentally pressing my horn which causes a loud honk to come out of my car, alerting Josh and Jake, who were parked only a couple parking spots away from mine. Jake makes eye contact with me, but all I can do is back up and drive away.

Away from him.

Leaving him, once again.

Chapter 5 : Rehearsal

Today the boys were practicing their songs in the studio. I had not come back here since the last time, it felt odd standing in the room where I gave a piece of myself away. Regretfully, now. 

We all walked in as a group, not a word, or a look from Jake. Not since yesterday in the parking lot. It pains me to be in this room with him, I wonder if he was thinking about it too. 

“[y/n], here, you can sit on the couch while we play” Josh smiled at me, leading me to the couch. 

All I can think about is the couch and Jake’s thighs and his moans and his eyes and I feel like such a mess, trying not to cry as I feel like i’ve ruined it all. 

“Okay, thank you Josh” I say as I settle on the couch, sitting right in the spot where Jake had settled the last time we were in here. I see him look at me from my peripheral view, but I pretend to read something in my notebook. My heart hurts; I want to be alone with him again. Talk to him again. Do something else again… But the moments are slipped from my fingers from my own mistake. Ever since that night, I laid awake at night wishing I wouldn’t have left. The boys look over their songbook, picking which song to play. All I can do is watch Jake, and I think about when we were in this room together. He looked so soft today; in a dark brown shirt and black pants, a silver necklace hanging low to the middle of his chest. 

“Fuck. We’re missing a couple papers and I think I forgot them in Elizabeth’s office. Do any of you happen to have a key?” Josh starts to panic. “I really wanted to practice this one song” he adds, running his hand through his curls. 

“I do! Do you know where they are?” I tell him. The worry from his eyes escapes instantly and a smile of relief forms on his mouth. 

“Jake was with me when I was showing her the lyrics, go with her” Josh says, then looks at his brother. He nods and looks at the floor, waiting for me to get up and head to Elizabeth’s office. 

I unlock the door and walk in, Jake following slowly after me. He goes to her desk and looks through her documents. As he looks around, I turn to her wall- full of pictures of her with famous artists. She’s so successful and in that moment I feel so lucky to be working under her. I always wanted a career in music- well, managing artists and helping them with their careers. 

“You didn’t like my song.” I hear from behind me. I pause, frozen in time. He’s speaking to me once again, I must be worthy of his attention then. I don’t respond, or look at him. I hear him step closer to me. 

“I wanted you, [y/n], I wish you would’ve stayed” He says, softly. 

“I don’t think that’s true, Jake. I’m just there. You can have anyone you want” I respond, still not looking at him. Tears well in my eyes and I try not to cry in front of him. My heart feels torn in two. I barely know him and he’s affected me so much already. 

“I don’t want anyone. I want you” He responds. 

“You want an idea of me. You don’t know me.” I say, a tear makes its way down the right side of my face. 

“You hurt me, Jake. I gave you a piece of myself I’ll never get back.” I add. 

“I- I know. Fuck-” He starts.

“I barely know you, I don’t know your favourite colour, or season, or if you like going on walks on the beach- whatever a relationship is supposed to start like. I’ve never been with anyone, I can’t say the same for you.” I respond, cutting him off. Shocked at the courage it took me to let that out. I turn to him after saying this, and he’s looking at me with such a soft look. All I want is to hug him and be contaminated with his scent all over, his hands all over. 

‘Burgundy. Fall. Yes I do. Meet me here at midnight" He says, grabbing the few sheets of paper that Josh had requested, and he exits the office not bothering to look back at me. 

I stand there in shock for a couple of seconds. 'Meet me here at midnight’ lingers around the room as the silence takes over the fading sound of his footsteps and the elevator 'ding’. I run quickly to catch it with him, but he was holding the door open for me. 

The elevator doors close slowly, but I don’t waste time to turn towards him, his back against the elevator wall. His hair looked so soft and touchable- just like him. Suddenly, and I don’t know what takes over me, I’m wrapping my arms around him. He wraps his arms around me and holds on tight. My face is deep into his chest and all I feel is Jake. All over. I close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat as it beats quickly against my face, I smell his cologne and he smells so good and so sexy, like vanilla mixed with a masculine scent. Soft. The doors open and we’re back at the studio. Acting like nothing has happened. I sit back on the couch with my notebook and give him a small smile, which he reciprocates. 

_ _ _

I check my phone, 11:56pm. I was at my desk, waiting for him on my phone. I had time after rehearsal to go back home, shower, get ready, change my outfit into something comfier, a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Then come back to the building. I get a text from an unknown number. 

# : Studio?

I can only assume it’s him. I walk quickly over to the elevator and press the button for the studio. Once I walk into the room, Jake is sat on the couch. He offers me a small smile as I close the door behind me and walk over to him. 

“You came” he smiles. He pats the spot next to him, I sit. He rubs my back and looks deep into my eyes. 

“I want to try something, please, is that alright?” He asks softly. I hesitate a bit but nod. He smiles softly and lays down on the couch, behind me. His hand on my shoulder pushes me only slightly, indicating that he wants me to lay down next to him, well, in front of him. My back is facing his stomach and he wraps his arm around me. He holds me tight and pulls me closer to him. I feel his stomach against my back, he’s so warm. 

“[y/n], I’m so sorry for hurting you.” He caresses my side with his hand, drawing little circles with his fingers. I feel him breathing in and out, his warm breath on my neck. I turn around so I’m facing him. He holds his head up with his arm, and so I’m looking up at him. He looks so soft. Too soft. My heart forgave him but my head was hesitant. 

“I want to make you feel better, I feel so bad. It wasn’t my intention and I hadn’t thought about it from your point of view. I didn’t know it was.. your first time.. I was such a dick, will you please forgive me, darling?” He says so softly, and I just want to cry in arms, but I don’t. All I can do is nod. Even though a tear or two manages to escape. 

“Can I make you feel better, baby? Please.” He asks. I nod again with a soft smile, looking up at him. At this moment, I forget about everything that has happened between us. All there is right now is us, and him in front of me- wanting to help me. His kind eyes pull me in. With his free hand, which was placed on my hip, he pulls in my face for a kiss. His lips are soft and I already feel better. He kisses me so sweetly and his other arm makes it’s way to the back of my head. He massages the back of my neck as he pulls me in closer, our chests touching. We kiss for about two minutes until we finally pull back, catching our breaths. I smile up at him and he reciprocates it. 

“I’d love to start over, do this right. I.. wrote another song. I want to play it for you tomorrow with the boys. Will you listen to it please? I’ll be playing just for you.” He says. 

“Okay.” I respond. He gives me a big, happy smile. My face is warm like the sun shining on a mid-summer morning. 

_ _ _

“Oh my god- sorry, did I fall asleep?” I say, checking the time on my phone. 4:26am. 

“Only for about ten minutes” Jake smiles. 

“Oops, sorry, you weren’t being boring or anything- I don’t usually stay up this late” My hand makes it’s way to my face, covering up my embarrassment. Jake and I had been talking for hours. We laid on the floor when the couch got uncomfortable and just talked- not even kissed. He told me stories about his brothers and how it was growing up with them. He told me he often felt like an outsider and playing the guitar helped him get 'out there’. He told me the story of 'Greta Van Fleet’, and how they got recognized. I had been listening to him for hours, without complaint. I’m obsessed with his voice. It was like he felt comfortable with me, and I felt comfortable with him too. 

“[y/n]… I had a question I have been dying to ask you, but if you don’t want to answer, that’s okay.” he says softly. I nod and wait for his question. 

“So.. you said you’d never been with anyone before.. then how- how were you so good?” He chuckled nervously. 

“Oh- I spent a lot of my high school years reading.. all sorts of stuff. I thought I’d try it out- I dunno. I just took a chance” I respond to him, he nods slowly as I explain and smiles after I’m done speaking. 

“Well,” He tucks my hair behind my left ear. “You really knew what you were doing.” He giggles, turning back to face the ceiling. I do the same. 

“I was scared you were never going to talk to me again- when I left. I felt embarrassed or like if I was too forward.” I confess. I hear him gasp softly. He turns his head to me and I, him. 

“When you left, I came back here and laid down on the couch for a couple hours just thinking about it over and over again.” He says, his cheeks turn red immediately.

“Really?” I ask. I sit up and look down at him, wanting to see his face. I missed his brown eyes even though he’s been next to me this whole time. 

“Yeah, you took something from me too, you know? And I’m sorry for saying it like this but uhm.. ever since then it hasn’t felt the same.” By the time he finishes his sentence, he’s sitting up too while facing me. I feel my pulse begin to beat faster. Shocked by his words. My skin tingles at the thoughts rapidly going through my head. 

“I..” I begin… building up the courage. He looks so beautiful in front of me. Even though we’ve spent the whole night talking and he has bags under his eyes, he’s never looked more beautiful. More.. real. And my fingertips shake at the thought of touching him again- feeling his warm skin under my touch. 

“I’ve missed it too” I reply. Knowing that’s what he had initiated. His face turns bright red as I bring out the elephant in the room. He smiles, flushed, and looks down. I can see that he’s hard and I want to help him, to feel him.

“Hey Jake?” He looks up at me, a slight glimmer in his eye as he awaits for the rest of my sentence. I look down at his hard-on and he sees me do so.

“I can fix that” I finally say.

Chapter 6 : Taste

“Fuck- [y/n] oh my god” Jake sputters, standing up immediately after I finish my sentence.

“Do you want me to?” I ask. Standing up and approaching him, he looks so flushed, red and cute. At this point, he’s resting his back against the wall, looking down at me as I meet him there. I look up at him, and he looks so beautiful. 

“Do you want me to make you feel better?” I ask softly, right before meeting his lips. We kiss passionately, our bodies touching. My hands reach the back of his neck and I pull on his hair slightly- he gasps. Rocking his hips against me, I feel his hard on against my stomach. 

“Ye- Yes please” He pleads, mid-kiss. But all he does is kiss me harder, whilst pulling me closer to him if that was even possible. He spins me around so my back is against the wall, pinning me and trapping me under him. His hands make their way under my shirt and I let him touch me anywhere. He grabs my breasts under my sweatshirt. Conveniently, I was not wearing a bra; again. He whimpers as he feels me not wearing a bra, slipping his tongue in my mouth. Our tongues interlock and play with each other, as he rubs my nipples with his soft hands. 

“No bra, huh? You wanted me to touch you, huh?” He whispers, dragging his lips against my neck, then kissing it softly. I manage to let out a ‘yes’ but his lips take over all the possible thoughts in my head. I close my eyes and just let him possess me, allowing myself to feel the shape of his lips on my neck, to feel his soft hands on my breasts. 

“Jake” I whisper. He stops and backs off, just enough to be able to look at me. “Will you touch me?” I ask right before my throat feels extremely dry, and I start feeling like I can’t breathe. 

He smiles, big, and nods. His hair covers the front of his face and he flips his hair back, moving it out of the way. I look at him and his sexy neck, wanting a turn to kiss it, but I don’t. I let his hands make their way down to my hips. I close my eyes again, just wanting to focus on him and his touch. He grabs them slightly, as if he was claiming me to be his. He is mine and I, his. He makes his way down to the top of my sweatpants. I feel him make his way back to my face, kissing my cheek. 

“You can open your eyes, just look at me, okay?” He asks, and I listen. 

I feel hypnotized by him, I would do anything for him right now. I open my eyes and look at him, he smiles. I feel his fingers at the waistband of my sweatpants. His fingers make their way inside, and they stop at the hem of my underwear. His eyes ask me if it’s okay, if I feel okay- I do. He takes a deep breath in, which makes me feel like he was doing so for me to do the same, and I do. His hand makes its way into my underwear, and down to my area, which is extremely aroused right now. He leans in and kisses me, as I feel his fingers slip in my slit. His breath hitches against my mouth as he feels how wet I am for him.

“Fuuuuck.” He whispers. “You’re soaked” He says. I smile, embarrassed. He notices and kisses me a bunch on the cheek, making his way to my neck. I feel his fingers start doing slow circles around my clit. He knows where it is right away. I wrap my hands around his arm, he’s flexing again. It just makes me wetter, and I think he notices. He plays me so perfectly, he knows exactly what he’s doing. I watch him play with me, and without noticing, I accidentally stare at his hard on in front of me. I think he catches me staring because he starts rubbing me faster.

“J-Jake fuck i-its so good” I whimper, he’s kissing my neck, almost sucking on it. I pull my sweatpants down, and end up taking them off. He smiles at my response. I reach for him, his dick, and rub it over his pants. 

“No, baby, this is about you right now. Can I try something, please?” He asks, I nod quickly. I want everything, I am nothing but his right now. He takes my hand and leads me to the couch, sits me down and rubs my back. 

“Get comfortable, rest your pretty back on the couch” He says so sweetly and I do as he says. He gets on his knees in front of me, whilst pulling off my underwear in one swift motion. It was so sexy. He gets on his knees in front of me. His face close to my aroused area. His brown hair hangs next to his cheeks and my heart flutters as it starts to gently rub against my thigh, he’s kissing my thigh and I don’t think I can get any wetter.

“Spread your legs. I want to look at you.” He says in between kisses. I spread my legs slowly, scared, nervous. He brings his hand to my pussy, rubbing my clit with his thumb as he gets up to give me the softest kiss possible. He feels so good against me, rubbing his finger against the most sensitive part of me. The kiss ends and he makes his way back down, pulling his hand back, then approaching my cunt with his mouth. In one swift motion, he licks from the bottom to the top, and I gasp loudly. I can’t help myself from containing my moans as he’s repeating the action over and over again, then brings his tongue to my clit and circles around it. I thrust towards him and his mouth, he moans in response. It is impossible to hide how much I need him. 

“You taste so good” He says, taking a small break to catch his breath. I can barely thank him as he gets right back into it, devouring me and rubbing my clit with his tongue. He brings one of his hands up to grab my breast, I put my hand over his- so he knows how much I like it. I look down and he makes direct eye contact with me- his brown eyes locked in mine. I bring my other hand to his hair, interlocking my fingers with his brown locks as I push him down on me, wanting him even more. He catches me by surprise; slipping his tongue inside me. 

“Oh- Jake-” I moan, and I can’t keep quiet. His tongue is so warm, he thrusts it in and out of me. I want him so bad, wanting him deeper inside of me. The constant thrusting just brings my climax closer and closer. 

“I- I'msoclose” I whimper, rocking my hips into his face, he keeps up the pace and twists my nipple with his hand. He pulls out his tongue and licks my clit, and this brings me over the edge. I climax loudly with his mouth still on me. He keeps licking me, waves of pleasure take over my body, again and again. He lets me ride out my orgasm before pulling away. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand then gets up to kiss me. I kiss him hard- as if I was thanking him. He smiles and kisses back with the same amount of passion. 

I get up, pull my pants back up, standing with him in front of the couch and bring my hands up and drag them along his chest; feeling him against my fingertips is something I didn’t know I was craving, but fuck it was so incredibly sexy. My fingers reach the waistband of his pants. I pull away from him, ending the kiss, and drop to my knees, then look up at him with my fingers inside the waistband. He’s watching me, whilst giving a small nod. I pull down his pants and boxers, surprisingly in one swift motion; I’m met with his gorgeous cock. He’s so hard, maybe even harder than last time. Looking up at him, I can see his stomach from under his shirt and it drives me over the edge. I wrap my lips around the tip of his length, then slowly start bobbing my head, taking him in all the way to the back of my throat. Taking advantage of my non-existent gag reflex, I suck his cock deep and fast, letting his length take over the entirety of my mouth.

“[y/n] fuck, you’re so good. You make me feel so good” He moans softly, and it sounds so beautiful. I lick the length of his cock like I was hungry and hadn’t eaten for days. Cock deprived, I want him, I need him to come in my mouth. 

“Baby, can I” He starts. I stop and look up at him. “I want to fuck your mouth” He says, smiling sheepishly at his request, I open my mouth wide, letting my tongue out and awaiting his dick. 

“Fuuuck. That’s my good girl” He whispers. He takes one of his hands and caresses my head, interlocking his hand in my hair for a brief moment, before grabbing his cock. I watch him, the veins in his arm popping out. He lines up his cock to the beginning of my tongue, and slides it in slowly.

“Fuck” He whimpers. He places his hand on the back of my head while picking up the pace, fucking my mouth so gracefully. His biceps flexing as his head is thrown back, he’s towering over me and I feel like this is where I belong. Under him with his cock in my mouth. He’s fucking me faster now, his cock hitting the back of my throat repeatedly. He looks down again, only for a second, to watch me take him entirely down my throat. I think of something I had read before and I start humming on his dick; experimenting something new to see if he’d like it.

And oh he does. He moans loudly- throwing his head back. I hum louder on his cock, loving the reaction it got me. He’s thrusting quickly into my mouth, and I feel the urge to grab his ass but don’t- thinking maybe he wouldn’t be comfortable with that. 

“You’re so good. I’m close- I’m so close” He moans, but he can barely get it out. I take action by grabbing his balls and massaging them, as he fucks my mouth. He thrusts into my mouth for another couple of seconds before blowing his load in the back of my throat, keeping his cock there as I swallow it all. I stop humming so he’s not overstimulated; and he pulls out, breathing loudly. He backs up from me and I stand up, meeting his eyes. 

“Did you like it, Jakey?” I ask him, he’s pulling his pants back up. He gasps quietly at my question, then quickly meets my eyes with his. 

“Yes, so much. I don’t know what you did, but wow I- I have never felt something like that before” He smiles. Before I can respond, we both hear the sound of the elevator doors opening and someone walking out. He looks at me like a deer in headlights.

“Lets get out of here” He says quickly, whispering in my ear. I nod and we leave before we’re caught.

Chapter 7: Coffee

{Jake} My hands held the wheel tightly, as I was trying my best to focus on the road. How the hell am I supposed to focus when she’s next to me? Or act as if nothing happened. I push away the thought of her lips wrap- no. Jake. Focus. If I crash this car, it’ll never happen again and I can’t have that. I made the decision to get coffee with her. She listened to me all night long without complaint- I would’ve told myself to shut the hell up, but the way she looks at me makes me feel like I can tell her everything. I’ve never had that sort of connection with someone. She’s special, rare. 

I pull up to the upcoming light, it’s red. I take the few seconds I have of freedom to look over at her, she’s asleep. I feel my heart tighten at the cutest sight I think I’ve ever seen. She’s curled up on the seat, her head against the side of the carseat. I just want to hold her. A smile makes it’s way to my lips as I feel my stomach flutter, and my skin tingle. As I reach over to tuck the strand of hair that’s covering her face, the car behind me honks to alert me of the green light in front of me. I curse at myself and step on the gas. _ _ _

“[y/n], we’re here.” I say, softly, not wanting to startle her. I press my hand on her shoulder and shake her slightly. I chose to take her to my favourite coffee place. It was family-owned and about half an hour out of the city. I always come here when I want some peace and quiet, do some lyric writing or when I need a break from my brothers. The restaurant looked vintage, due to being a family owned little place, it’s been passed down for years. It resembled a little cabin and I loved it. [y/n] opens her eyes slowly and makes a little ‘mh’ noise as she wakes up. I smile at her as she rubs her eyes. 

“I fell asleep again, didn’t I?” She smiles. My heart flutters again, which makes me realize that she puts that effect on me very often. 

“You did. It’s okay. Are you thirsty? I thought maybe coffee would help.” I reply, turning off the car and unbuckle my seatbelt, turning my body towards her. She nods at the thought of coffee. She also unbuckles her seatbelt and opens the car door. I copy her and we walk in together. We sit down at a booth in the back, the sunrise letting some light in. She grabs her coffee with her two hands to warm them up and looks up at me. 

“What did you get?” I smile at her and she takes a sip. 

“A chai latte” She responds, placing her cup up to my face so I can smell it. “You wanna taste?” She asks, her eyes awaiting a response out of me. My heart flutters. I take the coffee cup and take a sip. It was overly sweet, way too sweet for me, but I smile and tell her it’s good anyway. 

“[y/n], tell me something about you, you’ve listened to me all night.” I ask, she takes another sip and looks down at the table, tracing her fingers against one of the scratches on the old wood. 

“Well, what do you want to know?” She asks, moving her cup around in a circular motion to stir her coffee. 

“Something, anything, a fun fact?” I chuckle. I watch her as she thinks about an answer. [y/n]’s presence makes such a positive influence in the energy of a room, and I wish I could spend all my time with her. 

“Hmmm” She pauses. “Well, sometimes I like to sing” Her cheeks get all red and I die a little inside. My stomach fills with butterflies at the thought of what her voice sounds like.

“You do, huh? Will you sing for me?” I ask, placing my hands under my chin, giving her my best puppy-eyes. 

“Hey, I’ll gladly suck your dick but singing is a whole different type of intimacy.” She responds and I choke on my coffee. I burst out laughing at her comment, trying to keep quiet which just makes it harder. She giggles at my reaction and all I want to do is pin her against the wall and- No. Get a grip. We both finish our coffees and I drive her back to the studio, where she had parked her car. We agreed to meet back later tonight so I could show her the new song I wrote for her. I figured she could use the rest. 

_ _ _

I enter my key into the lock and twist it, opening the door to be met with Josh and Sam at the dinner table, they’re eating pasta. 

“Jake! Where have you been?” Sam exclaims, giving me a small smile. Josh is wearing his usual relaxing attire, grey sweatpants and a loose white tee. He’s scarfing down his pasta, as if I didn’t walk into the room. 

“I’ve just been out, pasta for dinner again? Is it the recipe I like?” I ask Sam and he nods, taking another bite. Sam’s hair is in a bun, like it always is when he cooks, and he wore some black shorts and a grey hoodie. It was loose on him. I go to the stove and grab myself a bowl of pasta, then sit down with them at the table. 

“So, that new intern, she’s pretty hot” Josh starts. I feel my stomach tighten and my hunger diminish, even though I just placed a big spoonful of pasta in my mouth. Heat makes its way to my cheeks as I wait for him to add to his point, but all he does is take another big bite, adding a long pause to his sentence. 

“I was thinking of shooting my shot, I feel like she’s easy” He speaks while chewing, finishing his bite. Fuck no. Fuck off. 

“What makes you say that?” I ask, clearing my throat trying to move the anger out of my sentence. I don’t want to appear suspicious, he knows me too well. 

“Do you see the way she looks at me? She obviously wants me.” He says, mixing his pasta with his spoon as he looks down at his food. 

“No she doesn’t. Just leave her alone, Josh.” I reply. Sam watches both of us, turning his head at each reply while chewing quietly. 

“Awh, does Jakey have a little crush?” He says in a baby voice. I want to push him at this moment but I hold back, gripping my spoon tighter. I’m no longer hungry- just full of anger. 

“No, shut up. Just leave her alone, Josh.“ I reply, getting up and turning away from him to put my pasta away- keeping it for tomorrow. “You know what, I’ll shoot my shot and let you know how it goes.” He responds. I feel the hair on the back of my neck rise and my fists clench. I want to scream at him, tell him to stay away, but I don’t. He always gets what he wants- not this time. I won’t let him.

“I’m asking her out after rehearsal later.” Josh tells Sam. I turn my head back to him and Sam looks at me, then back at Josh.

“You always fucking do this! Remember the last intern?” I spit out at him. Josh scoffs and rolls his eyes. I place my leftovers in the fridge and head to my room, closing the door loudly. I’m so annoyed by him, sometimes I wonder how we’re related. I want to hide her away from him, keep her safe, and I can’t. I don’t want to tell her what happened. The thought of her hating me causes a painful sharp feeling in my chest, and I suddenly remember her crying in the car because of me which brings out tears to my eyes. A knock to my door interrupts more tears from coming out. 

“Yeah?” I call out. 

“it’s Sam, can I come in?” A weight feels lifted off my shoulders, the thought of arguing with Josh was not in my plans for tonight. I tell him to come in and I sit down on my bed. He opens the door softly and offers me a soft smile, as he comes closer and sits down on the bed with me. 

“Something happened.” He pauses. I look up at him, biting the skin inside of my cheek. “What happened, Jake?” He asks, and he asks so softly that I can’t help myself but tell him the truth about my feelings for her. He listens attentively, nodding his head slowly. His hair was out of the bun now, he must’ve finished eating. 

“I know that with the last intern, things were rough for you after a while.” He says. I look down at my hands, fidgeting with my bracelets. “I know he hurt you, they both did.” He adds. He places his hand on my shoulder, and squeezes it a bit. 

“You know I’m here for you.” I smile at him, wiping the tear from my cheek. “Now, come on, we’ll be late.” He adds. We both get up and leave, taking my car. _ _ _

We press the button for the studio and the elevator takes us up. Josh was speaking with Sam and Daniel and I stood in the corner away from them, thinking of [y/n] and what she’ll say to Josh when he 'shoots his shot’. I sigh at the thought, my heart beating quickly at the thought of seeing her again. We walk out and there she is, with Elizabeth. They’re sat in the recording room with the sound booth worker. [y/n] always looked beautiful, but today she was even more beautiful. She had her hair down, bangs tucked away with the help of cute little white clips, a white shirt tucked into some light wash blue jeans, and a couple silver necklaces around her neck. I feel bad for looking but she’s wearing a bra this time. They chatted quietly until Josh made his loud introduction. 

“There are my two favourite gals!” He exclaimed loudly and I couldn’t help but to roll my eyes. Sometimes he was so obnoxious and I just needed time away from him. I ignore Josh and look straight at [y/n], who was looking at me. I mouth 'hey’ to her and she smiles, redness filling her cheeks. She looks at the studio through the big window and then back at me, biting her bottom lip. Fuck, she drives me crazy. All I’m reminded of in that moment is tasting her on that couch, feeling her under me, her lips around my- 

“So! New song, Jake?” Elizabeth turns the conversation to me. I nod and bring my attention to her. She says something like 'lets hear it!’ and the band enters the recording room. [y/n] and Liz are sat in the other room, watching us from the window. I pull out my notes and flip to 'Flower Power’, then place my guitar strap over myself and look over at the band, they nod quickly and we begin to play the song. I look at [y/n] for her reaction, she’s smiling at me and I smile back, looking down at my guitar. I play the soft acoustic of the intro, and Josh begins to sing. 

'She is a lady, comes from all around

She’s many places, but she’s homeward bound

And now she walks kinda funny I think she knows

Day by day by day

Our love grows' 

I’m playing just for her. She has her hands interlocked in front of her chest as she smiles big, occasionally wiping a tear or two out of her eyes. I hope she understands how I feel about her. Ever since she’s made her way into my life, she’s the reason I wake up in the morning. My fingers press against the strings and all I’m thinking about is wanting to touch her with those very same fingers. To hold her the way I’m holding this guitar. I keep my eyes on her until the song ends. She gives me a little heart with her fingers after the song ends. 

'Did you like it?’ I mouth to her. She nods. We play a couple more songs, and we finish recording for the night. As we step out of the recording area, we meet with Elizabeth in her office as she requested. She was already waiting for us there but [y/n] had decided to stay until we finished. 

“Hey, [y/n]!” As I go to tap her shoulder, Josh walks in front of me. They were both walking in front of me.

“Did you like the songs?” He asks. I watch as she nods and compliments his voice. I feel heat make its way to my cheeks as I want to rip Josh away from her. He asks if she had a favourite and she tells him how she loved the first one and I smile to myself. As we make our way to the elevator, Sam grabs Josh’s arm.

“Sorry Josh I think I forgot my keys, could you go get them for me please?” He asks, giving me a quick glance. Josh agrees, mumbling something like 'lazy-ass’ and makes his way back to the Studio. 

“Go ahead, we’ll meet you there!” Sam smiles at me, and waves at [y/n]. I thank him with a look and we enter the elevator, just the two of us. He stops Daniel from entering with his whole arm, and tells him they’ll catch the next one.

The elevator doors close in front of us and I turn to [y/n]. She smiles up at me as she steps closer; wrapping her arms around my neck. I bite my bottom lip, unable to take my eyes off her. She leans in and kisses me, hard, and I wrap my arms around her back, lifting her up so her back is against the elevator wall. My hands make their way down to her ass to support her as we keep kissing. She has the softest lips I have ever felt and I’m addicted to them. I’m addicted to her. 

“The song” I say in between kisses.

“It was the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard” She finishes the sentence. I smile and the elevator doors open. We detach ourselves from each other, though clearly not wanting to, and exit the elevator. Before we make our way to Liz’ office, I pull her aside. 

“[y/n], Josh is gonna ask you out after this” I pause. “I just wanted to let you know.” I say barely over a whisper, and my heart hurts. She nods and thanks me for telling her. We walk into the office and sit down on Liz’ couch. I do my best to contain my sadness, afraid she will go with him. Afraid he’ll steal her away. I can’t lose her. _ _ _

Our meeting ends, she just wanted to clarify some information and answer our questions about the upcoming tour. Sam and Daniel stayed with her since they had more questions. Josh, [y/n], and I exit the door that leads to the parking lot. I watch Josh as he makes his way to her. He places his arm around her shoulder. 

“[y/n], come get a drink with me. I know you want to” He smiles at her, she smiles back. 

“Maybe some other time.” she replies. 

“Oh come onnnn! I bet you have nothing planned tonight, its Friday! Let’s do some drinking” He pushes. I walk up to my car, holding the handle; waiting to see what will happen. If he’s going to steal her away.

“Sorry Joshua, I already have plans” She replies, taking his arm off her shoulders. He corners her against the wall of the building. 

“C'mon darling, just one drink” I watch as he leans down to kiss her. Before I can stop myself, I’m running towards them- quickly pushing him off. 

“She’s fucking busy! Get the fuck off of her!” I yell at him, watching as he stumbles back. I already feel the guilt settling in, feeling bad for [y/n] who has to see me like this. 

“Fuck! Jake! She doesn’t want you! Just give up!” He yells back. My throat feels dry and my heart shatters in two. I look back at her and she’s watching us in shock. 

“{y/n], lets rain check. Sorry you had to see how aggressive Jake can be.” He scoffs, and walks towards his jeep. All I can do is stand there, covered in guilt with the sharp pains of sadness, embarrassment, and loss consuming my body. I watch Josh pull out of the parking lot and leave. [y/n] steps closer to me and wraps her arms around me, hugging me from the back. I place my hands on hers and let her hold me. 

“Take me somewhere, anywhere Jakey. I’m with you. Only you” She whispers against my back. A tear rolls down the side of my face as I squeeze her hands. 

“Okay” I respond, turning to her and giving her a soft kiss. She’s mine.

Chapter 8: Home

Jake and I settle in my car. He’s being quiet and I’m covered in worry. I never expected to see them fight like that, and I know brothers fight but this feels different. We sit in silence, until I start the car and pass my unlocked phone to him.

“Pick a song out of my library, any one, and I’ll sing it for you” I say to him. He takes my phone, his fingers brushing over mine, and scrolls through the hundreds of songs.

“[y/n].. oh god. Your music taste” he laughs. I’m just glad to see him smile again, and if mocking my amazing music taste cheers him up then so be it. I shift to drive and he finally picks a song. The intro to ‘Next to Me’ by Imagine Dragons start to play. I look over to him in disbelief.

“You like them?” I ask. He nods, smiling shyly. I tell him that I love their music, and then start singing loudly for him. He listens quietly as I drive towards my apartment. It was dark out and I tried my best to focus on the road but also do my best possible singing under these circumstances. As we stop at the red light, I look over to him and bring my arm out as I loudly sing 'Still you want meeeee’. Jake giggles at my singing and I start laughing. I turn the music down a little using the button on my steering wheel and drive off.

“I have to say” I pause, looking over at him as we’re stopped at another red light. “I really did not take you as an Imagine Dragons fan, you’re like, a guitar god.” I finish. He laughs at my comment and rolls his eyes sarcastically.

“They’re good” He answers, fidgeting with his fingers. “I like a couple of their songs.” He adds, and looks out of the window.

_ _ _

I unlock the door to my small apartment and let him in first. It was a studio so there wasn’t much of a tour to do. The first thing that greets you when walking into my apartment is the little kitchen to the right. My bed was in the left corner of the room, facing the window. I had fairy lights hanging over the bed and my small desk area which was in the right corner of the room. My computer was the only thing on my desk. In front of my desk was a little table with only two chairs, there was a small fake plant in the middle of it.

“This is where the magic happens!” I say, sarcastically, extending my arms out and giving jazz fingers. Jake smiles and looks around, walking around the small room. I close the front door and lock it, then take my shoes off and place them on the little mat next to my front door. Jake does the same and I thank him quietly. I walk up to my bed and sit down, leaning my back against the wall. Jake stares at me and I pat my leg, inviting him to come lay his head down; he does. I stroke his hair as he relaxes into me. His eyes are closed as I play with his soft brown locks. With my other hand, I draw circles and little shapes with my fingertips on his back.

'Does he always talk to you like that?“ I massage his scalp with my hand, he sighs. "You can talk to me” I add.

“Not always, I think- I think he’s just used to getting what he wants, or sharing- I guess.” He replies. I feel my heart hurt at the sight of him like this.

“Well I don’t want to be shared.” I reply. He turns himself on his back, facing up at me.

“You mean that?” He asks softly. I nod and smile at him. He sits up and sits on my bed, his body turned towards me. He gets closer and I lay on my back, my head on my pillow- he crawls over me slowly. His hair draped over his face, his button down loose- exposing his whole torso. He’s so sexy and I want him. He bites his lip, his face only a couple inches from mine. I feel his warm breath on my face, and I get full body shivers. My skin tingles as his body weight crushes me in a good way. His face gets closer to mine, our foreheads touching.

“Will you be mine, [y/n]?” He asks softly. My stomach is full of butterflies, and my tongue feels dry. My fingers shake as I trace the muscles on his back, making eye contact with his beautiful brown eyes. He backs up his face a little, only to really look at me. To watch me answer the question he already knows the outcome of.

“Yes, Jake. I’m yours.” I finally answer. He doesn’t waste a second to pull my body closer to his, my legs wrapping around him. All I can feel is his chest against mine, his lips on my neck kissing it repeatedly, his hands wrapped around me, the soft bed against my back.

“You’re mine.” He repeats, kissing my neck over and over again, making his way down slowly. He gets up on his knees for a second, so I can pull my shirt off, exposing my black lace bra. He comes right back down, kissing my chest, untying my bra with one hand, taking it off with the other. He attaches his soft lips to my breast, licking my nipple in the softest and sexiest way possible- looking up at me and making direct eye contact. I watch as his tongue flicks my nipple in his mouth and I’m so wet for him.

“I’m yours.” I repeat, moaning softly, playing with his hair. I feel one of his hands make their way down to the button of my jeans. He stops licking me and backs up a little, coming up to my face.

“Can I taste you, my pretty girl?” He asks. My heart flutters as I shake my head 'yes’. He unbuttons then unzips my jeans, pulling them off softly. He gets off the bed to place my jeans on the floor. I’m remaining on the bed with my black panties. He pauses before coming back to me, examining me on the bed.

“You are such a beautiful, ethereal being; I’m almost afraid to break you.” He says softly, climbing over me slowly. My breath hitches at the sight of my underwear between his teeth, pulling it down slowly. I’m so wet for him, he affects me in the best way possible. I lift my feet as he pulls them off, throwing them on the floor and meeting me back on the bed, his lips on mine. I moan against his lips as his fingers caress my inner thigh. I feel his necklace rub against my bare chest and my nipples harden at the arousal of the coldness on my skin. I slip my tongue in his mouth and he grunts in response, kissing me harder. His fingers rub my clit softly but quickly, taking over all other sensation in my body.

He pulls away and plants soft kisses down my chin, down my chest, all the way down to my arousal. I feel his breath against my skin, and my heart flutters at the thought of him touching me. He licks slowly from the bottom to the top, making me flinch in a good way. I make eye contact with him as he devours me, tasting me inside out.

“Jesus- Jake. You’re so good” I whimper, he grunts softly as he licks me harder, his hands grab my thighs and squeeze them a little, it feels so good. I feel like I belong to him, and I don’t want it to change. I think of him ‘protecting’ me earlier, his raspy angry voice turns me on so much. Jake backs off for a second and looks up at me.

“What’s on your mind? Is it not good?” He asks, with a worried look in his eyes.

“No! no, I’m sorry Jakey, I spaced out.” I pause. “I was thinking about how hot you were earlier, defending me, all.. possessive?” I finish my sentence, he sighs out of relief and smiles up at me.

“I see.” Is all he says with a smirk on his face, he brings his face up close to mine, his fingers rubbing my clit. His lips are next to my ear, nibbling my earlobe slightly.

“You’re all mine. No one else is going to be touching you like this.” He whispers. I shiver and he feels it. I feel one of his fingers at my entrance, I grab the back of his neck, awaiting them to move.

“You want me to fuck you with these fingers, my love?” His warm breath sending tingles down my whole body. I feel stuck in the best way possible, frozen in time. I nod quickly, interlocking my fingers in his hair and pulling slightly. His breath hitches and he slips one of his fingers inside.

“Fuuuuuck. You’re so tight” He whimpers softly against my ear. He stops moving when his finger is all the way inside, giving me time to adjust. He feels so good, and I feel ready to move, rocking my hips a little on him. He kisses the back of my ear, and then sits up, so he can reposition himself. He slips another finger inside slowly, as he’s towering over me. Fucking me softly with his fingers, still letting me get used to him.

“Faster, please, Jake” I plead, rocking my hips back and forth on his fingers. He doesn’t waste a second, slipping his fingers in and out of me, curling them so he hits my g-spot. He does not miss it once. I shake under his grasp- he knows exactly where to touch me.

“You like that? You want more?” I don’t know how much more I can handle, feeling my climax approaching quickly. I nod, curious for what will come next.

He places his mouth on my clit as he thrusts his fingers in and out of me. The feeling pushes me over the edge.

“J- Jake I’m gonna-“ I begin.

“That’s right, fucking cum on my fingers. Do it.” He says, almost aggressively. And right now, my orgasm belongs to him. I gift it to him, moaning his name loudly as I squeeze my bedsheets with my hands, letting my orgasm ride out in waves over my body. He watches me closely, slowly lowering the pace of his fingers, and I’m in complete shock. I lay in bed, out of breath as he lays down next to me; licking his fingers clean and resting his head on his hand, facing me.

“I- where did that come from?” I ask, in disbelief at the way he talked to me.

“[y/n], I’m full of surprises.” He smiles. I can’t help but look down and see his hard-on. I lick my lips and look back up at him, biting my bottom lip. His smile drops, captivated by my actions. I sit up and scoot down the bed, so I’m sitting next to his hips.

“Please, talk to me like that again.” I ask, unbuttoning his jeans, and then unzipping them.

“Suck my cock, princess” He says. I gasp softly, not expecting him to bounce back this quick. I look at him, as I pull down his jeans and rub him over his underwear.

I move closer, so now my legs are between his and my stomach is on the bed. I pull his dick out of his underwear and look directly at him, licking him from the base all the way to the tip. He gasps, closing his eyes and throwing his head back.

“Fucking suck it. I know you want to.” He says, quietly. And I follow his orders, taking in his whole length, all the way down to my throat. I bob my head up and down, wrapping my hand around the base of his dick and stroking him softly.

“That’s right. This cock belongs to you, suck it like it does.” I look up at him, and he’s smiling down at me, then looks up at the ceiling. He knows the effect he has on me. I bob my head up and down faster, sucking him harder. With my free hand, I cup his balls and caress them. I watch him as his eyes roll to the back of his head, his throat flexed out as he moans.

“My girl, making me feel so good, I’m close” He whimpers. I remember my trick from last time; I begin humming loudly on his cock, and he moans my name loudly- it’s so hot. He places his hand on top of my head, pushing me down on him.

“I’m gonna cum. Fuck. Don’t stop” He moans. He looks down at me, playing his arm under his head so he can watch me swallow his load. My humming vibrating his dick in the best way causes him to burst, and I make direct eye contact as he bites his lip and cums in my mouth.

I lick him clean, and climb up to him so we can lay next to each other. I turn to him, so my body is facing him and he does the same, catching his breath slowly.

“You. You are a mystery I love to unfold.” He smiles sheepishly, kissing the tip of my nose.

“Thank you, Jakey. I’m sorry we can’t do more” I pause. He looks at me with furrowed, confused brows. “I don’t know if I’m ready for more than this. I- haven’t done it before.” I finish. He places his hand on the side of my face, his thumb rubbing my cheek so sweetly.

“Darling, I do not mind at all. I’m perfectly happy right now. You make me feel so good, better than anyone ever has.” He says, his eyes focused on mine. His hand on my cheek brings me the most comfort I could ever receive. He pulls me closer and hugs me tightly, my face in the space between his head and his chest.

This exact moment is the moment I slowly realized I fell in love with Jake Kiszka and nothing could ever change the way I feel about him

Chapter 9 : Reality

“Jake?” I say as I walk into the studio. He was sat on the couch, a girl between his legs, his eyes closed as she pleasured him.

“What the fuck?!” I scream. His eyes blink open as he looks at me, emotionless. He tells the girl to stop for a second and fixes himself, getting up. He walks up to me and makes direct eye contact with a look of… hate? I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. I feel my heart beat quickly as he begins to speak. 

“You won’t put out, so I had to get it from someone else.” He says as he shoots me a look of disgust. “She’s much better anyway.” He adds, before turning back and sitting down on the couch. He tells the girl she’s doing great as she strokes his hair. 

“But. But you said I made you feel better than anyone else, you said I was special…” I whimper, wanting to rip the girl away from him. My heart shatters in pieces as he turns her face to him and kisses her in front of me.

“Why would I ever say that? I can have anyone; you are nothing but a check on my list.”

_ _ _ 

I wake up in a cold sweat, breathing loudly. The air in my room feels cold and I start crying at the thought of what I just experienced. My skin feels frozen as I get full body goosebumps, I start to shake unwillingly. My head feels dizzy, and I can’t focus on anything but the words coming out of his mouth. 

“[y/n]? What- oh my god- are you okay?” I hear a whisper behind me, but I can’t stop myself from crying some more, wiping away the tears coming out of my eyes even though more come out seconds after. Jake doesn’t say anything else; he just sits behind me and wraps his arms around me as he pulls me close to him. He rocks me slowly, stroking my arm. I cry harder at the thought of all of this being an illusion, just like in my dream. He pulls me closer and rests his head on mine. The room is quiet, the only noise that fills it is my ragged breaths and soft cries, my head being all fuzzy. 

“You’ve been waiting for your lover, when you’ll discover, she’s always there, walk a while in her summer, she is the drummer, of your beating heart" 

Jake sings softly against my head, rocking with me on the bed. I close my eyes and listen to him- shaking in his arms. He holds me tight and the warmth of his skin grounds me, as I focus on his voice. 

"She’s a woman in a dream, one that makes you fall in love" 

He sings softly, stroking my head as I begin to calm down. He finishes the song and my heart melts. 

"I’m so sorry. I had a nightmare” I finally say, after taking some deep breaths. 

“What happened?” He asks. I detach myself from his arms for a quick moment, to turn on the light next to my bed. As I place myself back in his arms, I realize I have jake’s shirt on- he must’ve put it on me before I fell asleep. I sit in front of him, and he hugs me from the back, as he’s leaning against the wall. He places his head on mine and strokes my arm softly. 

“Remember I told you how I spent most of high school reading?” I begin. He nods against my head. “It’s because I spent.. all.. my time alone. I was never really able to make a friend- so I spent my time on books.” I say, sighing. 

“I would’ve been your friend.” He says, softly with a sad tone. I sigh again, quietly.

“I don’t think so, you’re so cool and I’m the bookworm in the back of the room. A background character. No one noticed me, ever. Except the people who made fun of me for that exact reason.” I reply. 

“I noticed you the first second I walked into that office, [y/n]. You are my main character. I’m sorry people were cruel to you. You didn’t deserve it, my pretty girl. I wish I would’ve known you earlier- I would notice you every day.” He cups my face and brings it to his, as he plants a soft kiss on my nose. A tear makes it’s way down my cheek and he wipes it away immediately- kissing the spot where it was. 

“Thank you, Jake. That means a lot to me” I reply, turning my body so I’m facing him, sat cross-legged in front of him as he holds my hands. 

“What happened in your nightmare?” His sympathetic brown eyes dig into me, awaiting for an explanation for my outburst. I pause and take a moment to look at him, before I completely embarrass myself. The soft light of my lamp exposes his tired face to me, the bags under his eyes make him look so gentle and I wish I could hold him forever, freeze him in time so that we could be like this forever.

“I walked into the studio and you were with someone else. You said that since I won’t put out you had to get it from someone else. The way you looked at me in my dream…” I pause, my eyes tearing up at the thought. My cheeks burning. “It hurt a lot. I didn’t think I was going to have an anxiety attack and I’m so sorry you had to see me like that. I promise it doesn’t happen often and I feel horrible.” I finish, wiping the tear that was making it’s way down my cheek. 

“[y/n], I don’t want you to feel sorry, ever. I’m here with you, I want to be here with you.” He pauses and smiles softly at me. “I am in no rush. None at all, okay? I want our first time to be special. Under your conditions.” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I know what it feels like to be so anxious you feel like you’re about to burst- it happens to me sometimes before a show. I listen to some music and really get into the song- it helps me. I hope I helped you a little bit earlier.” He says softly, and I melt. I nod quickly. 

“It’s never happened in front of anyone else, and you helped me so much, Jake. I know we haven’t known each other for a long time, but it’s like we’re connected and you just…know me. I feel so lucky to have gotten the internship which has led me to you.” I say, smiling up at him. 

“Awh… [y/n] c'mere” He blushes, pulling me closer. We lay in bed, he spoons me with his arm wrapped tightly around my stomach. I reach over to my lamp and shut it off. Falling asleep in his arms.

Chapter 10: Again

{Jake}

I woke up with [y/n] sleeping, snoring softly in my arms. The sunrise crept through her window and covered her face, I covered it with my hand and reached over to her curtains, pulling them slightly. I took a moment to watch her as she slept; she looked so delicate. I waited a couple minutes, contemplating if I woke her up or let her sleep- we had to get to the office in about two hours. 

I remember what happened last night and my heart hurts as I think about how she had a nightmare because of me. I caress her arm softly. The thought of her having anxiety attacks when I’m not there worries me because I want to help her and be there for her and protecting her helps me.

“Jake?” I hear, I look down and focus on her. She rubs her eyes and turns around to face me. 

“Good morning” I say, giving her a forehead kiss. She smiles in response and I melt. 

“It’s 7:26. I need to get back home to get changed” I say softly, kissing her cheek and caressing her arm with my thumb. She pouts and I reciprocate the action. 

“Do you want your shirt back?” She stands up and I do the same. The thought of her taking my shirt off in front of me goes straight to my dick.

“That would be a good idea.” I say as I look down and realize I am shirtless. She pulls it off and I die a little inside, then put the shirt on. It smells like her. I can’t help myself but stare at her bare body in front of me, before she quickly puts her bathrobe on.

“We’ll see each other later today okay?” I say, pulling her close and holding her for a couple minutes, then turning around and calling an uber to my place. 

_ _ _

Entering the apartment, I’m faced with Sam cooking again. His hair is in a bun and he has a white apron on, already dressed for the day. He’s cooking pancakes. 

“Jake! You didn’t come home last night.” He says, waving his spatula at me. His brows furrowed as he pretended to be mad at me. 

“I knowww” I reply, smiling sheepishly. 

“Oh! I know why. No need to explain” He smirks, looking down at his pancake. He giggles and I can’t help but do it too. I step closer to him so I can tell him something that belongs only to the two of us. 

“She’s mine, Sammy. I asked her” I tell him quietly and he gets the biggest smile on his face. He claps his hands quietly as he congratulates me.

“No way! I’m happy for you Jakey.” He smiles. “Breakfast ready in 15.” He adds as I smile and walk away, headed for my room. 

I decided to dress comfortably today, keeping [y/n] in my thoughts; wondering what she was gonna wear and if she was thinking about me, too. As I looked through my closet, I picked a black shirt with striped jeans. Whenever I wore those I always felt really good about myself. I combed through my hair with my hairbrush and sprayed a bit of cologne on myself. With barely enough time to pick out my necklaces- Sam was already calling us to the table. 

I sit down next to Sam, Josh in front of me. Sam smiles at the big plate of pancakes in front of us and informs us about this new recipe that he decided to try. Josh kept looking over at me with a disappointed look, filling me with guilt. I could barely look back at him and so I just stared at my plate, not wanting to deal with him at the moment. 

“You spent the night with her, didn’t you?” He says dryly. Sam’s head shoots up and he looks at me before looking over at Josh. 

“No, I didn’t.” I lie, he doesn’t believe me. 

“You did, didn’t you?! You know I like her and then you steal her away from me!” He raises his voice. 

“Josh, c’mon the day has barely started yet” Sam tries to cool him down, placing his hand on Josh’s shoulder. 

“You want to talk about stealing? What about Taylor? What about that?” I spit out at him, unable to hold back my anger once again. Josh looks back at me with a confused look- as if this is the first time he’s ever heard of her. As if I’ve never talked about her before. 

“Wha-” he starts but I interrupt him. 

“You know what? I’m leaving, see you later.” I reply, his confusion making me furious. As I sit in my car, I’m baffled by his reaction. He never notices me, or understands me. I thought twins were supposed to love and care about each other. Why is it so one-sided? Flashbacks from walking into the room, catching them together, flood my mind and I feel tears make their way out but I wipe them away immediately- distracting myself with the thought of [y/n]. 

_ _ _

I walked into Elizabeth’s office and she waved hello, as she gave me a confused look. 

“You’re the first one here! That doesn’t happen often.” She smiles. I smile back and sit down on her couch. 

“Elizabeth?” I begin, she looks at me and pauses, then gets up and sits on the couch with me. “Do you ever miss Taylor?” I ask. She sighs and shakes her head ‘yes’. 

“Do you?” She finally asks, after we sit in silence for a couple minutes. I shake my head ‘no’. 

“I know that what happened that night was terrible, Jake. You were really hurt. Why are you mentioning her, now?” She asks, giving me a sympathetic look. 

“I need a way to tell you that… [y/n] and I have gotten together, officially, since last night.” I look up at her, she gives me a shocked look, and then a smile, aaand then a smirk. 

“Thank you for telling me, this time.” She says. “I could tell you like her. I like her too.” She giggles. 

“I really think we’re gonna last, Liz, I really feel that she’s my soulmate.” I reply and my heart melts at the thought. Before she can respond, there’s a knock at the door. I turn my head back and my heart stops. 

[y/n] wore a short black skirt, paired with a long chunky sweater. She had some semi-sheer tights underneath- tucked into her boots, covered by some leg warmers. Her hair flowed down beautifully; she looked completely different from a couple hours ago. She was angelic. I can barely say hi, as I’m taken aback from her beauty. 

“Hi Elizabeth! Good morning, Jake.” She waves and walks over to the couch, sitting down next to Liz. 

“Uh, uh, uh, He told me. Secrets out!” Elizabeth cheered. [y/n] looked over at me with a puzzled look. I mouthed ‘us’ and smiled. She blushed and my heart melted at the sight. 

“It’s a good thing!” Liz turns to her, placing her hand on her shoulder. “Our company is pretty flexible about that sorta thing, as long as we’re informed in the first month.” She finishes. [y/n] sighs out of relief and smiles at me, I reciprocate the action. 

“Just- please- no filthy things in my office or god forbid the studio.” Elizabeth doesn’t have the time to finish her sentence before [y/n] looks directly at me- embarrassed. Thankfully, Liz doesn’t notice.

_ _ _

We sat in the oval room, the walls were beige and the table was black, so were the chairs. There was a huge screen in the back of the room, to my left, where Liz had a powerpoint on; named ‘Updates and News’. I sat facing [y/n], closer to the screen. Sam sat next to her and then Josh sat next to him, Danny to my right. 

“Good morning” Sam poked her shoulder and waved at her. She waved back. Sam looked up and smiled at me before bringing his attention back to her.

“[y/n]? Do you like coffee?” He asks her. I watch them interact, but mostly her. She beams and starts talking about her favourite kind of coffee, chai I believe. Sam clasps his hands together.

“Finally someone who loves chai! I’ve been trying to get these guys to try it and they don’t want to!” Sam complains and [y/n] laughs in response. “We should go get some!” He suggests. 

“Now that’s a good idea! [y/n], will you get some coffee for us?” Liz asks as she walks in the room. [y/n] nods and stands up, taking out her phone so she can write down everyone’s order. We all take our turns and tell her what we’d like.

“Liz, I can go with her! She’ll need an extra set of hands anyway.” Sam says. Liz agrees and they both leave. _ _ _ {Y/N} 

We decide to take Sam’s car. A tesla. It’s sleek and looks incredibly advanced. He sits in the drivers seat and I sit next to him in the passenger seat. 

“Starbucks?” He asks. I nod. I watch as he types in the dress on the screen of his car; the nearest one is about ten minutes away. He scrolls through his phone and puts on a driving playlist, as he describes it. 

“I’m glad we’re finally alone. I wanted to talk to you about Jake.” Sam says. I feel my heartbeat quicken and my fingertips freeze as I look over to Sam. He’s focused on the road but he doesn’t look mad or anxious to talk to me. 

“About a year ago, we had this intern. I think it was like, the third intern our company had ever hired since the program was pretty new.” He pauses and looks over at me as the light is red. 

“Jake became attached to her quickly. They started dating behind Liz’ back, for a couple of months.” The light turns green and he stares ahead now. 

“What he didn’t know, is that she was dating Josh, at the same time. Behind his back. She would come over and stay with him until he fell asleep and then go to Josh’s room. It was fucking terrible. Josh knew they were together and he didn’t care.” Sam says, his tone indicating some leftover anger over the situation. “It was really hard to see this, for me, because when I’d bring it up to Josh he’d just get so angry and tell me I had no idea what I was talking about.” Sam sighs. 

“I’m so sorry, Sammy. That’s terrible.” I reply, we pull up to a red light and I place my hand on his shoulder, whilst giving him a sympathetic look.

“Thank you, [y/n]. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. One night, after a really big show, Josh got off the stage first and went to his dressing room like usual. Jake and I got off the stage last because we were waving at the fans and saying goodnight. When we got to our dressing room- the door was locked. We guessed it was just Josh doing his after show routine so we went to a bar nearby and drank, then came back.” Sam pulls into the parking lot of the starbucks and turns off the car, unbuckles his seatbelt and turns towards me. I do the same. 

“When we got back, Liz was arguing with Josh. He was extremely drunk and angry, and Liz was yelling at him; saying she broke his trust and ignored company rules. He just kept yelling at her how it’s none of her business and that he can be with anyone he wants. They just kept screaming at each other and as Jake and I made our way into the dressing room, I’ll never forget the look on his face when we walked in. Taylor, only covered by a blanket, was on his couch.” Sam sighs and looks down, playing with the hem of his shirt. 

“Jake asked her what happened and she couldn’t even tell him. I had to make her tell him. She never even apologized, [y/n]. I told Jake they were doing all this behind his back for months. She couldn’t admit it. I was so angry at the both of them. Its like- It’s like Josh doesn’t want to share with Jake, or let him have anything. And since then they haven’t been close like they used to be.” Sam finishes. I nod slowly as I take in all the information. “I’m just grateful that Liz decided to keep us. That could’ve been our last day. She had to fire Taylor and we never saw her again.”

“I’m telling you this because” He pauses and makes eye contact with me. “I know you’re not like that. But Jake is fragile. I don’t know the situation exactly for the song he wrote that one time but I feel like you can take that as an example. He cares.. so much. I’m just hoping you care about him the same way.” He says, and smiles softly at me. I nod and smile back.

“Thank you, Sam. For telling me. I’ll tell you something personal about me if that’s okay.” I pause and he nods, waiting for the rest of my sentence. “I’ve never been with anyone before, so Jake is my first everything. I care about him so much and I’m terrified of losing him. I-” building up the courage to say it, for the first time. 

“I think I love him. It’s so early, too early to tell him so I hope you keep this between us. I just.. I’m like obsessed with him. Whenever I see him I’m so much happier and I just love him.” I ramble, blushing and tearing up. He leans over to me to give me a hug. I gladly hug him back and we hold each other for a couple seconds. He pulls away and breathes out, smiling as he wipes a tear away. He cares so much about his big brother. 

“Okay, okay, lets get some coffeeee!” I exclaim, trying to brighten up the mood. He smiles big and we exit the car.

Chapter 11: Meeting

As Sam and I make our way back inside the building, we try our best not to drop the coffee all over the place. He decided to get the same drink as me, an iced chai latte with oat milk. When he tried it in the car, his eyes lit up, suddenly that was his new favourite drink. He holds the door open for me as we walk in and we enter the elevator together.

I hand out everyone’s coffees and sit down, placing my notepad in front of me. I look up quickly to see Jake mouthing a ‘thank you’. I smile and look down at my notebook- biting my bottom lip. 

“You should be ashamed of yourself! Never wanting to try chai.” Sam scoffs and rolls his eyes at his brothers. They both laugh at his comment. 

“Alright, Important updates guys!” Elizabeth grabs our attention by beginning her presentation. “The tour will be announced today at 12pm. The tour will be beginning in two weeks!!!!” She exclaims and the boys cheer. I write down notes on her presentation and tone. 

“It’ll be only the US for now, but you’ll be visiting a whole lot of new cities and states! We’ve already got your costumes decided, setlist chosen, set design done. And I just confirmed the tour bus this morning! I hope you are all excited as much as I am!” She cheers. I look up at Jake and he has a glimmer in his eye, with the most beautiful hopeful and excited smile, as he fidgets with his necklace. I can’t help but tear up a little at the sight. He looks like a little kid who just learned he’s about to get his first bike. 

“So now that I’ve gotten that announcement out of the way” Elizabeth pauses. “I will not be able to go on the tour with you.” The boys gasp and start pestering her with questions. 

“Because” She drags out her word as both her hands make their way in front of her stomach- cupping it to show a small baby bump. Everyone in the room cheers and claps their hands together, congratulating her. 

“No fucking wayyy!” Sam claps and gets up to hug her. Josh, Jake and Danny do the same. I smile and watch them as they come back to their seats. 

“So, because of this, I won’t be able to come with you guys on tour. Which leads me to my next announcement. [y/n], I know your internship is almost over, and the company is offering you the job! It’s basically the same thing as you’re doing now but…. paid more. I asked them to make this job specifically for you. You’ll be following the boys on tour and keeping me up to date on a daily basis. Basically like an assistant manager.” Elizabeth says. I look up at her in shock, unable to reply. I look over at Jake and he smiles at me. 

“I- I’ll take it! Yes please. Thank you Elizabeth.” I smile and get up to hug her, she hugs me back. _ _ _

We all walk out of the oval room, Elizabeth heads to her office and tells me to take the day off to prepare for the tour. I head to my car and as soon as I reach for the handle; I feel someone’s hand on my hip. Jake. I recognize the feeling of him. He hugs me from the back and lays his head on my shoulder. 

“I’m taking you out tonight. Somewhere fancy. Be ready by 6.” is all he says as he kisses my cheek and leaves with Sam. I feel the butterflies in my stomach swarm my chest. Sitting in my car, I pull out my phone and check my instagram. I decide to book an appointment to get my hair done- since it has been months and I wanted to look pretty for Jake. As I click on my hairdresser’s profile, I hear a knock at my window, its Josh. I scroll my window down and look up at him. 

“Hey, [y/n].” He smiles, I smile back. “I wanted to apologize for last time, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I hope Jake hasn’t talked to you that way.” He says and my mind races back to that night; when Jake had his fingers-

“No, he would never. Thanks Josh.” I say. He looks down at me with his brown eyes, a smirk on his lips. 

“You know, I’m way better than him. I know my way around a woman- if you ever get tired of him.” He finally says, after checking me out for a brief second. 

“I won’t.” I reply. Josh looks taken aback and I feel good about my answer. “Gotta go!” I add, as my window makes it’s way up and I shift to drive, leaving Josh behind. _ _ _ 

I walk into my apartment and stare at myself in the mirror, taking in my new hairstyle. I loved the haircut she gave me- whilst it still had a lot of length; it framed my face so much better and I felt pretty. It was already 4:30 and so I took my time getting ready. I took a long shower and shaved all over, just because I wanted to feel super clean and prepared. I decided to do a softer makeup look with light eyeshadow and my usual winged eyeliner. In my closet was a body con burgundy dress I had saved for months, waiting for an opportunity to be worn. I remembered Jake mentioning it was his favourite colour. It was those satin-type dresses which was loose in the front and the back straps were very thin. I placed it on my bed as I looked through my closet for my undergarment. A black lace bodysuit that made my boobs look really good. There was a wire under the cups which raised them a little, giving my body an hourglass shape under the dress. As I put on the dress and look for my shoes, I hear my phone ring. It’s a FaceTime call from an unknown number. My curiosity gets the best of me as I click accept; facing the camera away from me. The little 'whoosh’ noise takes over the room and I’m faced with Sam. I face the camera. 

“Sam! Hey! How did you get my number?” I answer, smiling at him. He smiles back. 

“Jake. Duh. Wow, [y/n] you look hot!” He replies, raising his eyebrows at me. I go to face the mirror and flip the camera around on the screen so that Sam can see the dress.

“Do you think he’ll like it?” I ask him. Before Sam can answer, I hear a voice in the background of the call, I think it’s Josh. I turn the camera back to myself. 

“Sam who are you talking to?” He says. 

“Nunya” Sam answers, looking up at him and then back at the screen with a smile; holding back his laugh. I smile back at him.

“Who the hell is Nunya?” Josh asks. 

“Nunya business! Fuck off” Sam laughs as I watch him push Josh out of his room and close the door. Sam and I laugh together through the screen for a couple seconds. 

“[y/n] he’s gonna love it! You’re wearing his favourite colour too! Attention to details- I love it!” He replies and I smile. I make use of Sam’s presence and ask his opinion on which necklace I should wear. I set my phone down and show him the two I was stuck on; one of them was a little dagger and the other one was a rose. Sam suggests the dagger and I put it on immediately, trusting his opinion. I check the time quickly and it’s only 5:30, so I sit on my bed and stay on the call with him.

“Sam” I whisper, pulling the phone closer to my face.

“What” He whispers back, reciprocating pulling his phone closer to his face and I giggle a little. 

“I’m wearing lingerie underneath. I’m so nervous” I admit, still whispering. He gasps and pulls the phone back, setting it down on a table. 

“Wait. You and Jake never..?” He asks, almost afraid to. I nod softly and he gasps again. 

“oh my godddd it’s going to be great, don’t worry!” Sam smiles as he reassures me. 

“It’s going to be my first time” I whisper again, Sam is about to answer as the knocks on my door interrupts him. I check the time quickly and it’s 5:58. 

“Fuck! He’s here! gotta go, bye!” I whisper as I wave at him quickly, he waves back and I end the call- rushing to the door. I open it slowly and Jake is on the other side. He looks so.. hot. He wore a white button down, unbuttoned a couple buttons down exposing his chest. He had a long silver necklace that reached just above the buttoned part of his shirt. He paired the shirt with black skinny jeans, and some clean shoes. He looked so sexy and I just wanted to bring him in my apartment and rip it all off. But I don’t. 

His mouth gapes open as I open the door wide enough for him to see me. He stares at me, looking up and down just to take it all in. He shakes his head quickly and smiles at me, pulling me in for a kiss. I kiss him softly, placing my hand behind his head and playing with his hair a little. He whimpers softly as I pull a little. We kiss for a couple of seconds and then I pull away. He smiles at me as he asks if I’m ready to go.

“Sorry! I don’t have my shoes on. Give me two seconds.” I say, looking down at my socks on the bare floor. He laughs a little and waits for me at the door. I put on some black heels, they aren’t tall- more like platform mary-janes. I smile up at him and we leave together. Jake takes my hand and we walk out to his car, he opens the door for me and I sit down in the passenger seat. He closes the door softly and goes over to the driver seat. Before starting the car, he turns to me and looks at me for a couple seconds. 

“God, [y/n]. You are so fucking gorgeous. Absolutely irresistible.” He says, blushing. I smile and blush at his comment. He slowly pulls out his phone and takes a picture of me sitting nervously in his passenger seat. “Sorry- I just. Wow. I’m keeping this picture forever. You’re so beautiful, my love.” He gushes. I give him a kiss on the cheek and he starts the car, driving us to our destination.

Chapter 12 : Tonight

We arrive at this large restaurant, on a secluded land next to a beach. Jake put on some Imagine Dragons the whole way there and we sang along together. As he pulls into the parking lot, I barely have time to open my door as he’s already opening it for me like such a gentleman. I blush at his actions, this being the first time someone has ever treated me so nicely. He places his hand out so I can grab onto it as I exit his vehicle. We walk together towards the entrance of the fancy restaurant; I’m holding his arm with both my hands and I watch him smile as he tells the host the reservation name. I take a moment to look around as the host looks through the reservations. 

The restaurant had a really nice interior, sleek walls with nude colours, the lights dimmed. The chairs were rounded and made with a dark brown leather, the tables being draped with a long white tablecloths. The host tells Jake that our table is ready and leads us to the back, where the rest of the restaurant was outside and overlooking the beach. I gasp at the view and look over at Jake. He’s looking down at me proudly, almost cocky. I smile up at him as the host shows us our table. It’s the farthest one in the back; right above the beach, we can see the sunset so clearly. Jake pulls out my chair for me and I sit down, as he pushes the chair so I’m seated properly. I thank him quietly and he smiles as he sits down. 

“Jake..” I pause, looking over at the ocean; watching the waves crash against the sand. “It’s so pretty” I smile and look back at him. He’s watching me so carefully, looking over at my every move. I sit up in my chair so my back is straight- feeling a little observed. 

“Sorry, I can’t stop looking at you. You are magnificent” Is all he says. The little candle on the table lightens up his face as his dark brown eyes dig into me. He looks flushed and beautiful. He’s much more beautiful than the view, even though it’s extremely nice out. Our waiter makes his way over with a bottle of wine. The wine looks extremely fancy and expensive; with a gold label and cap. 

“The wine you requested, sir.” The waiter says as he pours a little in Jake’s glass, so he can taste it. Jake looks over at me as he picks up the glass and raises it to his lips, taking a small sip. He looks up at the waiter and nods. 

“Pour some for the lady first, please.” He asks respectfully and my heart jumps a beat. He’s so sexy and respectful and I’m taken aback by his behaviour. The waiter pours the wine in my glass and then Jake’s, then places it in a wine cooler, next to our table. I grab my glass and Jake, his, and we clink them together, celebrating our first date. I place the glass to my lips and take a small sip, swirling it around in my mouth to really taste the wine. It’s dry and sweet, I really like it. I nod slowly to Jake and he smiles as he takes a sip too. 

“It’s really good!” I say. He nods his head as he holds his glass in his right hand, swirling around the contents of it slowly.

“It’s imported from Europe” He informs me, taking another sip. My heart skips a beat again, he’s making me feel so special. “[y/n], may I take your picture again? This… this view is just so beautiful I want to preserve it forever.” He asks as I feel the wind blow in my hair, my heart beating so quickly. I nod softly and he pulls out his phone quickly. I look over to the ocean, resting my head over my hand on the table, holding the glass of wine in my other hand. I hear the little ‘click’ from his phone and I turn my head to him, another 'click’ escaping from his device. I laugh a little at his little photographer moment. He smiles shyly as he places his phone in his pocket. 

The waiter comes back and takes our order, I get something with chicken, Jake gets a steak. For some reason, I find it hot. Almost expelling masculinity as he orders. He’s so clear about what he wants.

“Jake, thank you for bringing me here. I feel so special. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” I tell him. He grabs my hand softly, rubbing his thumb against my skin. 

“You are special, pretty girl. You deserve the world and I am going to do my best to give it to you.” He says and I can’t help but stare at his soft lips. I want to jump over the table and ride him; in front of everyone. I don’t care. I want him, bad. I smile at his answer, distracting myself from my thoughts; trying to power through this meal before jumping on him the second we’re out of here. 

“I want you to give it to me alright.” I say, quietly before I can stop myself, covering up my mouth as I start giggling uncontrollably. Jake’s smile drops as he makes out what I just said. He stares at me in disbelief as he squeezes my hand a bit. 

“Jesus… [y/n].” Is all he can muster to say, his cheeks becoming red, his breath becoming faster. The air feels thin between us as he eye-fucks me over the table, his eyes making their way down to my red dress. “Crazy girl, turning me on before we’ve had the chance to eat.” He says, then smiles sheepishly. I don’t reply; but instead clear my throat and pretend to scratch my shoulder- exposing the strap of my bodysuit under my dress. Jake gasps as he sees the lacy black material. He squeezes my hand a bit harder. 

“Fuck.” A whisper comes out of his mouth. “Y-you’re- fuck." 

We’re interrupted by the waiter bringing our plates. The food looks and smells amazing; but it doesn’t distract me from Jake’s eyes scanning me. He doesn’t even look down at his food, just keeps looking into my eyes. I smile at him and he smiles back. 

"Your food is gonna get cold, baby, c'mon” I say, not knowing where all this confidence is coming from- but I go with the flow. He nods softly, finally looking down at his plate and playing a bit with his food. I take a couple bites of my meal, and almost cum at the table at the taste. It’s so good. I moan quietly at the taste, a volume where only Jake can hear me, and he clears his throat. I look up at him, innocently, with my fork in my mouth; slowly pulling it out. Something about him, and how sexy he looks, is making me act like this. I just want him. I want him to take me and own me.

“I’m full.” He says, looking up at me. He’s only taken one or two bites of his steak. I try not to focus on the fact that he barely ate; then realize what he really means. 

“Me too, sucks, the food is reaaally good.” I say. Jake has a hungry look in his eye as he completely ignores the food in front of us. He’s hungry for me. The waiter comes by to see if everything is going well with our meal, Jake tells him we’re going to take it to go as we’re in a rush. My heart flutters at the sight of him talking to the waiter, acting so respectful. 

Next thing I know, we’re in the parking lot. He places the take-out boxes in the trunk and then goes to the passenger side of the car, opening the door for me. I follow his lead and sit down on the seat, placing my hand on his chest as I pass by him. His breath hitches and he closes the door softly. He makes his way to the driver’s side and sits down. His jaw is clenched and his chest rises quickly, as his breathing is going faster. 

“You’re driving me crazy” He says quietly as he backs out of the parking, placing his arm behind my seat, his face in of mine. I drag my finger along his chest, as he tries to focus on backing up the car safely. “I want you so fucking bad.” He looks down at me. 

“Me too.” I reply, he smiles down at me and gives me a soft kiss on the nose before turning back his body to face the road and driving off. 

_ _ _

We arrive to a huge hotel, in the middle of the city. It looks incredibly fancy and expensive. Jake parks the car in the parking lot and we make our way to the front desk, I follow him like a lost puppy. I follow him as we make our way to the elevator; he presses the button with his left hand as he wraps his right arm around my waist; pulling me close to him. I can’t help but look at his neck and then his chest, his skin looking so incredibly soft. 

We arrive to the hotel room; on the highest floor of the building. Jake slides the card into the door, unlocking it immediately. He licks his lips and opens the door for me, letting me walk in before him. I thank him and walk in. The hotel room is huge, with large tall windows overlooking the city. The lights are dim and the walls are a dark colour; giving the room an isolating effect. There’s a huge bed right in the centre, against the wall, facing the windows. On the bed are hundreds of rose petals. I turn back to Jake in shock as he closes the door and locks it. I clasp my hands together and hold them against my chest; in pure awe of this kind action he’s done for me. My legs start to shake a little out of an overwhelming wave of emotions take over me. 

“You did this for me?” I ask. He nods and smiles, stepping closer to me. He places both his hands on my hips as he rubs the material of my dress softly between his fingers. He leans down and locks his lips with mine. I gasp softly and kiss him back. His hands slowly make their way down to my ass, tucking his fingers underneath it to lift me up. I jump up slightly and wrap my legs around his waist and pull him close; wanting no space to be between us. 

Jake makes his way to the bed and sits down on the soft material, giving me enough place to set my knees on each side of his hips. We’re full on making out now- his tongue exploring my mouth as my hands pull the hair on the back of his head. He moans softly in my mouth and I can’t help myself but start grinding on him. His dick is so hard underneath me and I feel it against my wet centre. I grind harder against him; his jeans brushing my clit so nicely. The wetness from my slit has made it’s way past my underwear, leaking onto the denim material under me. I pull away him Jake’s lips, backing myself up a little to eagerly unbuckle his belt and pull down his zipper. 

“You want it, huh? You want my cock?” Jake says softly. I nod quickly. He sits up a little so he can pull his jeans off quickly. By sitting up quickly, his dick brushes against my clit and I whimper. He pulls off his jeans completely and is left with his underwear and shirt on the bed. I don’t waste another second to kiss him again, now rubbing myself on his lightly clothed length. Almost feeling the veins of his cock rubbing against me. I start pulling my dress up mid-kiss, pausing quickly to pull it off completely. Jake watches me undress myself in front of him. All that’s left on me is lace bodysuit and my underwear. My completely soaked underwear. 

“Fuck. Use me as you wish right now. God you’re so fucking sexy.” Jake says, with the most seductive look in his eyes, his flushed face and red lips is so cute and hot at the same time. I place my hands on his shoulders, and he pulls me in closer. I rub myself against his length faster, it feels so good. Almost as if he’s built for my pleasure. I feel an orgasm start building up. His hands grab my ass and pulls me closer, harder, on him. 

“You’re so fucking wet. You’ve soaked me, darling.” Jake moans, and the sound of my wet pussy rubbing on him turns me on even more. Both our underwear are completely soaked. “Cum on it. Fuck. Use me please” he whimpers in my ear, pulling me close and biting my shoulder slightly. The feeling of his teeth against my skin pushes me over the edge, and my orgasm rolls over my whole body like a huge wave of pleasure. I moan his name loudly, announcing it to the world. He groans at my response and rubs my back softly, letting me ride out the pleasure. I breathe out hard, looking at him deeply in the eyes. He smiles shyly and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. He waits a couple seconds before picking me up and spinning me around, placing me softly on the bed, my head on the soft pillows. He stands up and I look down at his hard-on. His dark underwear completely soaked. I cover my face in embarrassment and he smiles down at me. 

“Please never be embarrassed with me. That was the sexiest thing I have ever witnessed.” He says in disbelief. I look up at him and he makes his way on the bed, sitting up next to me. He looks down at my breasts; still covered by the black lace bodysuit. 

“Do you like it, Jakey?” I ask and he nods quickly.

“So much.” His bottom lip is in-between his teeth, as his eyes make their way back to mine. 

“Jake?” I pause, mustering up the courage to ask him. He lays next to me, resting his head on his hand, waiting patiently for my question. 

“Will you.. will you take me? Make me yours; please. I’m ready. I want you.” I ask and his eyes widen. His cheeks even redder then before. He nods and kisses my face all over. He gets up from the bed, and pulls his shirt off slowly, unbuttoning each button while making deep eye contact with me. I already feel ready to go again. My orgasm washed away like the waves in the sea, ready to come back every time. He’s only in his underwear now, making his way back on the bed and crawling over me softly; his cold necklace dragging against my skin. 

“Can I take this off, darling?” He asks and smile, pulling the straps off my shoulder. He pulls off the other strap with his hand, his soft fingers rubbing against my shoulder which makes my skin tingle. He places his fingers inside the bodysuit, in the back, and pulls it off slowly, taking my underwear off with it. His breath hitches as he catches a glimpse of my naked body, spread out on the bed against the rose petals. I place my arms above my head, resting against the pillows. Exposing submissiveness to him, exploiting how I want him to take me fully. He reaches for his jeans on the floor, pulling out a condom from the back pocket. He crawls back on the bed and towers over me, placing the condom on the night table. He looks down at me, and caresses my side with his left hand, his fingers brushing against the side of my breast. 

“You are so beautiful.” He whispers, before placing kisses down the middle of my chest, all the way to my pelvis. I raise my hips a little, wanting his mouth on me. He does 3 little 'tsk’ noises with his teeth, as he smiles up at me. “Someone’s eager.” He says softly, brushing his fingers against my soaking slit. I nod quickly, pushing myself down on his fingers as I need his touch. Right. Now. 

He opens his mouth slowly and sticks his tongue out, licking up my slit; tasting my previous orgasm. My breath hitches and I rub myself on his mouth, he closes his eyes as a groan escapes him quietly. He licks me faster as his tongue is doing wonders for my clit. I call out his name and I let him play with me however he likes. I feel his fingers at my entrance as he lays his tongue flat against my clit; shaking his head up and down as his fingers enter me. He fingers me slowly as he sucks on my clit. The overstimulation drives me crazy and I want him so bad. 

“I want you so bad. I’ve never wanted something so bad. Please. Fuck. Fuck me please” I ramble, a shaking mess under his touch. He backs off slowly, as I breathe out hard. I watch him take his underwear off, throwing them on the floor as he grabs the condom; opening the package and rolling it on his length. He crawls back on top of me, his face right above mine. I feel the tip of his length at my entrance. He’s so warm and I feel my centre suck him in, wanting his cock so fucking bad.

“Baby, are you ready? I’ll go softly, okay?” He asks, his eyes full of concern as his tip rests against my entrance. I nod slowly and kiss him softly. I pull back and watch him, keeping eye contact as his large length makes its way inside of me. He’s going slow, giving me time to adjust. I wince at the pressure and he stops. 

“Are you okay? Is this okay?” He asks, rubbing my temple with his thumb, giving me a kiss on the nose. 

“Yes. It’s so good. You.. You can move. I’m ready.” I say softly and he smiles down sympathetically. He pushes himself into me, so softly. His entire length inside of me. I feel so full, so happily full of him. I grab the hair in the back of his head and pull lightly, pulling him closer to me as I kiss him. I start rocking my hips against him, his cock thrusts slowly in and out of me. He groans against my lips, a low growl. 

“You’re so tight against me. Fuck. You feel so good.” He moans, pulling away from the kiss. He backs up a little to get a better angle; I watch him and his sexy figure, as he thrusts into me. His necklace hitting his chest as he starts to move faster. I moan his name as he makes eye contact with me- his dark brown eyes claiming me to be his. His hard dick throbs inside of me and I squeeze around him. He gasps. 

“Jake. Jake. Jake. You’re so sexy I- fuck. I’m yours. I’m all yours.” These words drive him crazy, he grabs my hips and fucks me faster, his cock hitting my g-spot so fucking good. 

“Yeah? You’re mine. God- I’m so close already.” He moans as he repeats my exact thoughts, my orgasm itching me as he fills me so well. 

“Cum inside me. Fill me up, Jake.” I moan, about to be pushed over the edge once again. He makes his way down against me, lifting my back up with his arm as he pulls my chest against his. A few seconds pass and he moans loudly in my ear, saying my name over and over again. Our orgasms ride over us at the same time; drowning us in pleasure as we hold each other close. I feel him shoot out inside the condom, the warmth sending butterflies to swarm in my stomach. My nails scratch his back unintentionally and he pulls me close to him, breathing hard in my ear. He pulls out of me and throws out the condom in the trash can next to the bed, then turns his body to me. Still catching his breath.

“How was it, sweet girl?” He asks, so softly. As if he didn’t just take over my whole body; claimed me. I roll over so I’m laying on his warm chest, wanting nothing but to be close to him. 

“It was perfect. Thank you, Jake.” I tear up, full of happiness. “You’re perfect.” I say, my voice cracking a little. He pulls away quickly, wanting to look at me. 

“What’s wrong baby? Are you sure it was okay? You can tell me.” He says softly, his eyes filled with worry. 

“I’m just so happy” I cry softly, and he melts, sighing softly with a smile on his face. He sits up and holds me; caressing my hair. “Thank you so much, Jake” I add. 

“Awh, darling.” He gushes. “Me too. I’m so glad I have you.” I hear him smile. My heart melts and I’m crying softly in his arms, holding his hand as he holds me. 

“I.. have to pee, when I get back can we please cuddle?” I wipe my tears, then look up at him. He giggles softly and nods. 

“Of course, anything you want.” He smiles. 

I come back from the bathroom, and get into bed with him, he’s already half asleep. I reach over and turn off the light, then lay my head on his. I listen to his breathing, and soft little snores. 

“I love you” I whisper, kissing his chest and closing my eyes; falling asleep against his warm skin.

Chapter 13 : Conversation

{Jake}

I’ve just dropped off [y/n] back to her apartment. I watched her as she walked in, smiling and waving at me as I wave back. I drive off with a smile on my face, the memories of last night flooding into my head. My heart flutters at the thought of her moans, her figure against mine, her nails in my back. I can’t wipe this smile off my face. I then think about the last thing I heard before falling asleep. I love you. Her words echo in my head. I turn the music up in my car, distracting myself. 

As I enter my apartment, I’m greeted with Sam on the couch, scrolling through his phone. I make direct eye contact with him as I close the door behind me. 

“Sam. I need to talk to you.” I say, he gets up immediately and we head to my room. We both sit on my head and I sigh. I look at Sam and he’s smirking.

We enter my room and he sits on the bed, awaiting for my venting. He wore his usual home attire; loose pants with a gray hoodie; his hair in a bun.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his brows furrowed and his eyes expelling nervousness.

“Last night, [y/n] thought I was asleep. She… said something to me.” I say, my voice almost cracking.

“The… L word?” Sam asks, one of his eyebrows raising as he waits for an answer. I nod slowly and he gasps- a smile making its way on his lips. I wave my fingers through my hair out of nervousness, unable to tell what I’m going to do.

“I don’t know what to do, Sammy. Do I feel like that…” I hesitate. “Yet? I really feel strongly about her, but I don’t know if I can tell her.” I say. Sammy nods understandingly and I feel relief making its way over my body as it helps me to talk to him.

“Well, Jake. This isn’t Taylor.” He pauses. “She loves you. She told me when we went for coffee. She feels so strongly about you that she decided to wait until you were asleep!” He smiles, and I smile too, as he clears things up for me.

“I think that she is really good for you. And if you think it’s too soon to tell her, wait! There’s no rush. She doesn’t know that you know, yeah? You’ve got a good thing going here, and I just know she’s good for you. Like, a million times better than Taylor.” He says sympathetically and places his hand on my shoulder. I nod softly and pull him in for a hug.

“Thank you, Sammy. You always know what to say.” I reply, chuckling at the thought of Samuel always being right.

“Damn right I do.” He laughs. “Do you want some french toast?” He adds and I nod frantically, my stomach growling a bit. I offer to help him make it and he gladly accepts; we get up and head to the kitchen. Sam and I sit at the table, I crack open some eggs and place them in a bowl as he gets the other ingredients, and then cut the bread in nice thick slices. He begins dipping the bread in the mixture and covering it, making sure it’s evenly coated. I watch him cook; knowing it’s one of his favorite things to do. 

* * *

“What the fuck were you doing in his room?” I asked, my heart beating loudly in my ears. “Answer me! I have a right to know!” I yelled, guilt not holding me back this time. My eyes darted to Sam, who’s covering his mouth in shock behind me. He removes his hand and stands next to me.

“Either you tell him or I will.” He tells Taylor. I feel the tears well in my eyes as the realization begins to hit me like a slow, burning wave. Why was she in his room… In his room.

“I- I was with Josh.” Taylor responds, her lip quivering as she looks up at me. My breath hitches as my throat hurts, I can’t respond.

“She’s been sleeping with Josh ever since her first day.” Sam answers for her. I look at him, with nothing but pain surrounding me. My heart feels ripped apart. Taylor sighs and stands up, starting to leave the room.

“No you’re not.” Sam starts, looking at her in shock. “If you leave, you never come back. Ever.” Sam says. I sense his anger in his tone, his voice raspy. My body feels warm because of the beers we shared, but my mind is completely sober. The buzz from the alcohol removed by the pain caused by her. I let the tears stream, my shirt feeling wet already. I just want to hide forever, never to see her again.

“You step out that door, Taylor, and you’re done.” Sam says, louder, as she scrambles for her clothes around the room. “You’re not even going to fucking apologize?!” He yells so loud that I jump in feedback. She looks back at me quickly, and leaves the room.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Taylor!” He yelled into the corridor of the venue. I feel frozen in time, the events that just happened replaying in my head, her face when we walked in, Josh screaming at Liz, Sam’s anger. I had never seen him this angry until this moment.

“Let’s get out of here, let’s be anywhere but in here.” Sam says, grabbing my wrist and dragging me out. He brings me to the tour bus- we sit in his bunk. He quickly grabs some tissues, and then some Whiskey; knowing we’re going to need it.

“Jake. I need to tell you my point of view.” He says, softly, looking up at me. I sit up and rest my back against the wall of his bunk, untwisting the cap of the whiskey bottle, I nod and wait for him to talk.

“It began the first or second week that she started at the company. You guys had already, well, you know. Anyway, I was making myself a tea in the kitchen when she came out of your room and asked me for a tea, so I made her one. Once I finished my tea, I got up and walked to my room; but I heard noise coming from the kitchen so I stood outside for a couple minutes. I could hear Josh talking to her. I don’t know what he said exactly but when I stepped out to look quickly, they were making out.” Sam sighs. I take a big sip of the bottle, then hand it over to him. 

“I.. watched her go in his room after. And soon enough, it was like that for the all the other times she’d come over.” Sam sniffles, tears in his eyes. His face is full of regret as he explains his point of view, ashamed. “When I tried to talk to Josh, he’d start getting really upset with me; insulting me, threatening me. I felt so.. stuck. And I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you everything that was happening and I couldn’t and I’m so fucking sorry, Jake.” He sobbed quietly. My heart hurt to see my little brother in so much pain. I pulled him closer to me and we held each other, crying. I took this moment to appreciate Samuel so much. He stuck up for me, cared about me.

“I forgive you, Sammy. I love you. Thank you for sticking up for me.” I say, taking another drink of the bottle. He smiles through his tears and nods. 

“I’ll always be on your side.” He replies.

* * *

“Everything okay?” Sam asks, flipping over the piece of bread in the pan. “You kinda zoned out.” He adds, looking over at me. 

“Yeah.. it is now.” I reply and smile up at him. I think about [y/n], how good she is to me. How her fingers touch me ever so softly- almost like she’s afraid to break me. I think about her smile and her eyes, her soul which ignites the fire in mine. Her entirety as a person is the glue to a broken man’s heart. She is my glue, my life, my love. 

“I love her.” I say. Sam turns to me and smiles wide, before he can reply I hear footsteps from behind me, I turn around to see Josh. 

“Fuck you, Jake.” He spits out, his emotions shifting to annoyance. 

“Josh, I’m so tired of this. You’ve taken enough from me. Please.” I plead with him. He looks at me for a couple seconds before sighing, then nodding slowly. 

“Alright, fine.” He says and then leaves the apartment. I sigh and look down to my hands, playing with my rings. I sigh, wishing I could talk to him. Tell him I miss how close we used to be, how fun it used to be. 

“You love her. Youuuu loooooove heeer!” Sam distracts me, dancing around in the kitchen with the spatula in his hand. I laugh and join him, we dance in the kitchen as the french toast burn.

Chapter 14 : Change of Plans

It had already been two weeks since my last encounter with Jake, not because I didn’t want to see him but because we were so busy with the beginning of the tour. We had already visited six cities and it had been stressful, but so fucking fun. 

I got to hangout backstage and where the concert photographers stood as the boys played on the stage- and watching Jake play was my favorite thing ever. He was so sexy when he delved into the music, his eyes closed as sweat poured down his forehead. I couldn’t help but feel so turned on when watching him play, and I missed the night we spent together so much. I knew it would happen again- we had just been so busy. After tonight’s show, there was a five day break until our next shows, and Jake told me we’d do something then. The thought always came back when I felt really.. homesick of him. 

The boys finish their encore and walk off the stage quickly, heading to their dressing rooms. I clap softly for Jake as he heads straight for me, his eyes watching me as he gets off the stage. 

“You did amazing!” I say and he smiles, pulling me in for a tight hug. 

“Thank you, [y/n]” He replies and we walk together to the common dressing room, meeting up with the rest of the boys. Throughout the weeks we have been on tour, I’ve gotten much closer with Sammy- I could say we’re best friends now and I feel so lucky to have him. 

Jake and I walk into the room and I quickly make my way to the couch- sitting next to Sam. He shoots me a smile and wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. 

“Hey [y/n]! Did you like the show?” He asks and I nod quickly. 

“It was really good, I’m so proud of you all!” I respond and the boys collectively give me a small ‘thank you’. I remember how good Josh sang and their overall performance.

Jake steps out into a smaller room- to get changed. He comes out and is now wearing a black button down shirt with some loose grey pants. I now realize that everyone else had gotten changed in some comfier clothes.

“Hey, we’ve picked up all the objects thrown on the stage and placed them in this box for you guys” A girl appears at the door with a big box full of random objects. The silence in the room is loud as her eyes widen and Sam gasps next to me. I look at him and his eyes are shooting daggers at her. Jake’s whole body freezes as she stands in the doorway, mirroring his movements. I hear Josh’s breath hitch and the whole room is filled with this uncomfortable silence. 

“I told you to never fucking come back.” Sam growls. Fuck. This is Taylor. I watch Jake as his puzzled look focuses on her, my heart beating quickly. Sam’s breathing becomes harder, as he stares at her. 

“I know.. I work here. Hey Jake.. Josh.” She says softly as she steps into the room and places the box on the table. The silence is killing me, as the energy feels so uncomfortable and I’m unsure what to do. 

“I’m sorry, I should’ve asked someone else to bring this.” She rapidly stutters before leaving the room rapidly- and Jake follows her. Sam gasps once again and gets off the couch quickly, rushing after Jake. 

“I’ll be right back, [y/n], don’t worry okay?” He says quickly before running down the hall. 

I can’t do anything but sit on the couch, my hands in front of my mouth as the latest events replay over and over in my mind. The tears make their way out of my eyes rapidly as the room is silent once again. The uncomfortability of the room is probably getting too much for Daniel as he leaves the room- leaving Josh and I alone. I can’t do anything but cry in my hands, as I’ve just watched my boyfriend run after another girl. I cover my face with my hands, the humiliation taking over my whole body. 

“[y/n], let’s get out of here, yeah?” Josh suggests and I look up at him, nodding softly. He grabs a box of tissues that was placed near the door and then grabs one of my hands, pulling me close to his body as he wraps his arm around my shoulders, squeezing a little. 

_ _ _ 

We find ourselves at a bar across the street from the venue and we sit in a booth at the back of the room. Completely secluded from the general public. I sat in the booth alone as Josh went to grab drinks- I had mentioned how I don’t drink often so he knew what to get me. He comes back with a rum and coke in one hand and something fancy looking in the other. 

“Here you go” He places the rum and coke in front of me and I rapidly take a big sip. He takes a small sip out of his drink, watching me. 

“I need to apologize to you, [y/n]” He says softly, placing his hand on my wrist. I look at him, the dimmed lighting in the back of the booth making him look so beautiful right now. He looks incredibly soft and his kind eyes ease the previous tension. 

“I get jealous of Jake. And when I heard that he likes you, I just wanted to shoot my shot- even if it isn’t reciprocated. You’re just so beautiful and he’s so lucky.” He says softly. “I’m so sorry for being a dick to you, you’re a kind girl and didn’t deserve that. Just like you didn’t deserve him running after Taylor like that.” He says and I tear up again, the tears pouring out with no control. 

“I told him I love him” I sob into my hands, Josh rubbing my back softly and hesitantly. I cry softly and he hesitates saying anything else. I pause to take another big sip of my drink, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. 

“That’s terrible. I’m sorry, [y/n]. I know he must’ve told you what happened before… with Taylor.” Josh starts. “I had her first. No one knew. Sammy thought he knew but he was wrong, I just wasn’t able to tell him. It hurt me a lot, too, when she left. Ever since then things haven’t been the same. I need to tell you that I would never do that to you.” He finishes and I sniff a little, wiping more of my tears away. Before I can answer him- Sammy’s calling. I rapidly answer and place him on speakerphone. 

“Sammy.” You say softly. 

“I couldn’t find them anywhere. Where are you?” He says quickly and my heart drops quickly, my lip quivering, Josh noticing and scoots closer to me and wraps his arm around my shoulder. 

“We’re at the bar across the venue- all the way in the back.” Josh answers for me as a sob escapes my lips. 

“Oh.. [y/n] I’m on my way” He responds and ends the call.

It doesn’t take long before Samuel is rushing inside the bar, heading straight to the back to meet with Josh and I.

“You don’t know where they went?” Josh asks Sammy and he shakes his head ‘no’.

“I’m so pissed, Josh. She knows we were performing- why the hell was she there?” Sam scoffs with an annoyed tone.

“Do you” I pause hesitantly. “Do you think they’re..” I can’t bring myself to say it out loud- the tears getting in the way of my sentence.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. He cares a lot about you, [y/n] he’s told me many times. I didn’t expect him to be stupid enough to run after her.” Sam sighs loudly. “I’m getting a drink. Do you want another one?” He places a hand on my shoulder as he looks down at my empty glass and I nod.

“Rum and coke.” Josh answers him before he asks and Sam nods.

“I don’t think they’re going to do anything.” Josh states, looking down at me to make eye contact. His fingers rubbing my arm softly, the warmth of his arm around me helping a little. “Jake’s the type to need closure. I think he just needed to talk.” He tries to reassure me and he does a little, but not much.

Sam comes back with two drinks, he places mine in front of me and I sip it slowly this time.

“I wasn’t enough, Sammy.” I say softly.

“No. That’s not true. He cares about you so much.” Sam says sympathetically. “We hear him writing songs about you in his room all the time, right Josh?” Sam looks towards Josh and I mirror him, looking at Josh as well.

“It’s true. He’s always strumming something and muttering lyrics. All the time.” Josh agrees, then takes a sip of his drink. He slowly takes his arm off of my shoulders and rests his arms on the table, looking towards Sammy and I.

“Everything is going to be okay.” Sammy says, but I can’t focus as Jake steps into the bar- his shirt even more unbuttoned than before.

Chapter 15 : Listen

I walk into the bar, rushing to find her but it’s packed. As I make my way to the back, I see her surrounded by Sam and Josh. I make my way over but Sam stops me- placing his hand on my chest.

“No. We need to talk.” He stops me. I look in his eyes and shake my head.

“I need to explain. I need to tell her what happened.” I try but he doesn’t budge, almost standing protectively in front of her.

“She needs space from you right now, Jake. You hurt her, badly, do you know that?” He starts but my tears stop him from continuing his sentence. I nod slowly and he takes my arm, pulling me out of the bar with him.

We walk around for a couple of minutes before finding an empty bench, we sit down and he turns his body to me. My bottom lip quivers as the nervousness causes my throat to close up- Sammy’s eyes examining me in pure confusion and curiosity.

“I don’t know why I ran after her.” I can barely get it out, the shame taking over my whole body. “I guess- I just. I just needed closure. I needed to know why she did this to me.” I cry quietly, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. Sam sighs and nods slowly.

“And what happened then?” He finally asks, the silence taking over a big part of our conversation.

“We met up- she.. she tried to- and we didn’t. Sammy we didn’t do anything.” The recent actions taking over my thoughts as I ramble to him- trying to prove myself.

“Your shirt is like almost completely unbuttoned, and I think [y/n] noticed. I believe you, you know I’ll always be on your side but I can’t say the same for her. She’s really hurt.” He sighs, as he tries his best to stay neutral. I can’t even begin to imagine Sam trying to console her because of my actions. Because I’ve hurt her again.

“Let’s go to the hotel, okay? You need some sleep, I need some too. We’re going to figure this out in the morning.” Sam suggests and I nod, we then leave and take a long walk to the hotel.

_

“Taylor. We need to talk.” I catch my breath as we slow down. We’re in a staircase on the other side of the venue- alone.

“I don’t want to talk” She starts, as she pushes me against the wall, her hands on my shoulders. “I want to fuck, I know you miss it.” She adds and my breath hitches, my heart hurting.

“No, Taylor, I need closure. Why didn’t you tell me about you and Josh?” I ask softly and she ignores my question, her hands travelling my shirt’s buttons and unbuttoning it slowly.

“We need to talk.” I repeat but she ignores me, getting down to her knees as her hands are on my belt now. I place my hands on top of hers and take them off.

“No. I don’t want to talk. I don’t need to talk. I need you, so either shut up and fuck me or leave.” She responds dryly and stands up- looking up at me with an annoyed look. I gasp and redo the buckle on my pants and push her away softly.

“You don’t care. At all.” I say in disbelief and she just bites her bottom lip, the expression in her face not changing.

“Why did you come to the room then, you wanted us to see you.” I state and she doesn’t answer, but simply starts kissing my neck. I push her off gently and take a moment to look in her eyes.

“I wanted Josh to run after me.” She replies and I scoff in disbelief.

“Fuck you, Taylor.” Is all I can say before walking away from her- my thoughts immediately going to [y/n] and how hurt she must be.

_

I wake up to Sammy’s soft snoring in the hotel bed next to mine. I go to the bathroom, splashing some cold water on my face- my eyes all swollen from yesterday. I close them and take a deep breath, thinking about what I can do to fix things, to tell her nothing happened, to apologize a million times.

To tell her how much I love her.

Chapter 16 : End.

I watch Jake leave with Sam, and look down at my hands, fidgeting with my fingers.

“She’s probably much better than me” I say softly and Josh places his hand on my arm.

“She isn’t. She was not good to both of us. Sam is going to talk to Jake, okay? What you need right now is some rest.” Josh says softly and I nod in agreement.

I walk into my hotel room, Josh behind me with his hand on my back.

“Goodnight, [y/n]. I’m only a door away if anything- okay?” he says sweetly and I find him so cute in this moment.

I thank him and he pulls me in for a hug, I hug back and then step away, i wave at him before walking into my hotel room and locking the door.

-

Our five days of break from tour were over, and I didn’t spend any of it with the boys. I spent it exploring the city, doing some self care. I even got my hair done, shorter. I like it that way. Almost cutting off the pain Jake left me with. It was libererating to spend this special time with myself, with my thoughts and music playing loudly in my ears as the city discovered itself to me.

We were now getting ready to leave and get on the road, a three hour trip away. I walk in the tour bus and sit in the back- Sam accompanies me and sits facing me.

“Hey, [y/n].” He smiles softly, he looked tired- almost sad?

“Hi, Sammy. Are you okay?” I ask and he nods.

“You cut your hair!” he exclaims, changing the subject and I nod, brushing my fingers through it. He stares at it for a couple seconds and smiles softly again.

“I love it. You look so pretty” Sam smiles.

“Thank you, Sammy. I needed a change.” I thank him and look out the window.

“Listen.. I wanted to talk to you about” he hesitates. I look back at him. “Jake. If it’s okay” he finishes, letting out a little sigh.

“It’s okay.” I respond and sigh, the heartbreak brought back in my heart. He takes a deep breath before speaking again.

“Nothing happened.” He pauses, rubbing the underneath of his eye with the back of his hand, then passing his fingers in his hair softly, ruffling it up a little. “He needed closure, she tried but he pushed her away.” He adds.

I can’t help but tear up at his words, thinking of another girl on my boyfriend’s body- trying to touch him and please him.

“He wants to talk to you, apologize.” Sam says and places his free hand on mine, which was on the table between us.

“Where is he?” I ask and look around the bus, Josh is asleep in one of the bunks and Daniel is in front talking with the driver. The worry starts to set in as we’ve already started driving and Jake isn’t here. I look over to Sam and he smiles softly, reassuring me.

“He rented a car and decided to make the drive himself- to clear his head he said.” Sam says softly and I nod.

“I told him I love him, Sammy. And he ran after someone else.” I sigh, tearing up again and Sam sighs.

“I know, I know [y/n]. It sucks. But I’ve talked to him and he really wants to talk to you.” He says and I nod, wiping the tear from my cheek.

-

I step out the bus and stretch my legs, my back, my arms. Sammy does the same and we giggle a little at our funny movements.

“Fuck it feels so good to stretch” I sigh in relief and he agrees.

The boy’s bodyguards lead us to our rooms, they already had our room keys. Sam and I make our way into the elevator with the security guard, they lead us to our rooms.

As I swipe my card into the lock of the room, I smell something floral. I look behind me and the security guard is gone. My heartbeat begins racing, and my fingers shake as they wrap around the door handle and push open the door. Expecting the unexpected.

I walk in and I’m met with dozens, no, hundreds of red roses all over the room, petals on the floor. My eyes take in all the redness coating the floor and the walls; then Jake in a black suit standing before the bed.

“[y/n].” He says softly. He held another rose in his hand with a soft grip, looking into my eyes with a soft smile.

“Jake.. woah. You did this?” I gasp at the beautiful floral decor surrounding us. I take a couple more steps forward until the only thing between us is his red rose.

“I know I hurt you. I know what I did is unforgivable. I won’t ask you to forgive me, only to listen to me please.” He starts. He had his hair down, he looked like he even styled it. He was so beautiful.

“You are the woman for me, [y/n]. When I go to bed, I think of you. You are the reason I wake up everyday and decide to continue this. Continue living my life. You’ve saved me.” He places a strand of my hair behind my ear. He grabs my hand softly and spins me so I sit on the bed, he sits next to me and holds my hands in his.

“I’m so grateful that you’ve made your way in my life, and every day I wish I could make it up to you. You are the reason for my every breath, my every thought. I.. I love you. I love you so much and I have from the beginning. I should’ve stayed in the room with you. I was stupid, I needed closure. And I know I hurt you. I’m so, so sorry [y/n]. I love you.” He says softly and I tear up at his words, his voice being faint and fragile. I grab his face and kiss him, forgiving him. He did all this for me, and I needed to put this behind us.

I climb over him, straddling his lap as we keep kissing, his hands travel to my back.

“I love you. I love you.” He repeats softly over and over as my lips travel to his neck, and my hand makes its way to his crotch, feeling his hard length underneath my fingers.

“Fuck.. you’re hard already.” I breathe out and he smiles embarrassedly. “No, I missed you. I’ve needed you.” I catch up my words and he smiles at my response.

He picks me up and spins me around; throwing me on the bed covered by rose petals. I don’t waste a second to rip off my shirt, then undoing my pants as he gets naked as well.

“You missed me?” He asks, climbing over me on the bed, leaving soft kisses on my stomach.

“Lets fix that” He says, before licking a long, wet stroke up my slit. I breathe out and push myself down on him, needing the contact. I can feel myself dripping already as his mouth does wonders for me, he devours me with such good attention that I need him inside me now. “Fuck, you taste so fucking good. And that haircut looks so good on you. god- I need you.” he breathes out.

I grab a fistful of his hair and pull him up, he follows instantly, leaving kisses along my body. He doesn’t need me to say anything, the look in my eyes begging for him already. He lines up his cock with my entrance and pushes it in; it slides in like a hand in a glove. Perfectly. He groans at the contact and I tighten myself around him. I missed the feeling of his dick, of his body, of his lips against mine right now.

The pure sensation of missing him already makes me close, as he’s fucking me so fast right now; the slapping noise taking over the silence of the room.

“I love you so fucking much.” He thrusts between each word, his voice a low raspiness as his brown eyes stare into my soul. I pull him closer and kiss him, hard. The feeling of his lips sending shivers down my spine and teases my orgasm.

He alters between slow, wet strokes and fast ones, his cock taking me so nicely. I look into his eyes and wrap my arms around his back, the feeling of his length filling me up and making me feel so whole. I love him, so much. I love his cock, so much. I squeeze around him and my legs begin to shake.

“You’re already close, pretty girl?” He moans in my mouth and I nod, my hands scratching his back. “Me too, give it to me. I love you, fuck, cum on my cock.” He groans in my ear and I listen, I listen so well. My walls tighten against his hard length and my orgasm washes over me, causing me to moan out his name loudly. He pulls me close and the warmth of his cum filling me up. He thrusts a couple more times, riding out his orgasm before pulling out.

“I love you so much, Jake” I sigh, hugging him tight. He pulls me close with his free hand.

“I love you, pretty girl.” He sighs, and I can sense the happiness coming from his voice. I fall asleep in his arms.

-five years later-

I flatten down the white material of my dress, everyone is expecting me now. The sound of everyone speaking to each other in the room before me. I take a deep breath, closing for my eyes for a second. I then feel my father’s presence next to me, I wrap my arm around his and he gives me a reassuring smile.

The doors open and I’m faced with the beautiful cream-coloured venue, white roses all over the place. All the guests stand and I smile shyly, taking my first steps into the room with my father by my side. I feel too nervous to look at Jake, I wonder if he can see me through everyone in the crowd.

As we make our way to the front, there he is. He wore a black fitted suit which made his body look incredible, his hair tied back, he had the softest smile, and his eyes were teary. That is my man, my future husband. The love of my life. I stand before him and he wipes a tear from his left eye, the biggest smile on his face.

“Hi” I whisper to him.

“Hi” He whispers back softly, and he looks so in love. There’s this sort of twinkle in his eye, this difference in his smile. Behind him are Josh, Sam and Daniel. They have big smiles on their faces.

Sam especially, he held a tissue in his hand as he teared up like his brother. Holding his free hand was Jake and I’s three-year-old son, wearing a little black suit. There was so much love in this room it was almost overwhelming.

I finish telling my vows and I can tell Jake is trying not to cry, his eyes red and teary. I wish I could hug him, show him all this love I have for him, but it would disturb the ceremony and I need to be his wife, I can’t wait.

“[y/n]… from the first moment I met you, I fell in love. I knew you were the one, from the moment we were in that elevator. You were so nervous; it was almost as if it was your first day of work.” He chuckles, reading off a small paper in his hand. “We shared a moment that day, and I don’t know if you remember. I told you not to be scared, maybe you were intimidated- I don’t know. What I should’ve done was told you to be scared, because falling in love is scary. But when I’m with you, I’m not afraid of anything. You’ve made me into the man I am today.” He wipes another tear.

I’m already crying my makeup off silently by now.

“I should’ve told you that day that I was taking a leap, letting you into my heart. I didn’t care about anything else that day, only the way you watched me play in the studio. I could tell we connected on a level that was deeper than emotional; we had a soul connection. And you, [y/n], you own a piece of my soul. You own a part of me that I’ve gladly handed off to you. Just like how you’re a part of me.” He sighs, looking into my eyes with the softest look.

“You’re the first person I ever let listen to my new riffs, even when I haven’t figured them out myself. I trust you with everything, with my heart, my life. You are everything to me, and I love you so much. I take you [y/n y/l/n] to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.” He smiles, holding my hand with his free one.

We share our kiss in front of everyone, the officiant announcing us as husband and wife for the very first time. And that was the most non-hesitant ‘I do’ of my life.

And through everything we have lived, the different worlds we experienced apart, we had created our own universe. The one of Jake and I.

{@sarakay-gvf @positivegvfthings @brokenbells11 @krystalm98 @shutupdevvie @milkgemini @jordierama @​​maddie-van-fleet @writingcold @gretavanfleas @jakes-eyebrows @spark-my-nature @lek-gvf @rad-space-princess @joshkiszkatoothgap @hippievanfleet @objectsinspvce @gvfficrecs @ageoffleet @welllauragvf @weightofstar @groupiegirlie08 @fwzco @nicoleghost18 @andromeda-raine-gvf @sarrrahhh @ren-ni @zoe-tally06 @hellowgoodbye @aminaalilyy @spinthehemmo @hippievanfleet @streamofgvf @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @gvfpal @gvfmarge @jakeygvf21 @Timeless—classics @mackalah @myleftsockisnotmine-blog @bubblyjake @valvebone @lexii-nv-c @mp0801 @hellowgoodbye @girldonttryme @risingwiththeheatabove @fakeplastiqtree @beckahvanfleet }

[scp-head-canons]

Have you read the Boarding Experiment on AO3? could you make a fic based on that? No requirements at all lol, just based on the BE

Yes, and I can do that! Here we go:

The Housing Experiment

--Day One, Week One--

Dr Jack Bright, or "Oh God No" as many have nicknamed him, may or may not have accidentally left a dead body. That definitely wasn't his fault, but he wasn't sure about that.

The reason he was leaving the body was because there was an experiment the others wanted him to participate in. He was going to a house and they wanted to introduce some SCPs to the "real world" outside.

Anyway, he attempted to ignore the screaming and the breach alarm (which MIIIIGHT have been his fault), and got into the van to go to the village or whatever.

The driver didn't even look up, but waited for him to close the door and buckle himself in before he drove off.

"So, do you know what SCPs I'm moving in with?" Jack asked the driver, side eyeing him hard. The driver paused for a second, turning to the left, before responding.

"I don't know three of them, but one of them is SCP-049," the driver mentioned, "I assume you know what scp that is? Have you met the guy before?"

Jack nodded. "Plague doctor. White mask, long robes, with a hood that's never observed to be down."

The driver nodded, and the two didn't speak for the rest of the journey.

Eventually, they had arrived to the vil-

"Village? This is a city!" Jack choked out, horrified at how many would so obviously die today and soon after. The driver ignored him and kept driving until they had reached the very back of the city. Jack unbuckled himself and looked out the window.

The house they were staying in was a small, quaint house. It was completely white on the outside but relatively big. There wasn't any houses behind it as far as Jack could see, and the houses to the left and right were few and far between; on both sides there weren't any houses for a good fifty metres. (for the Americans, that is about 83 washing machines).

Anyway, in front of the house there was a good spacious road, so there wasn't any houses too close to them. Jack sighed in relief and stepped out when the van was just short of stopping.

Jack turned around and saw a few guards lowering SCPs down. It was night- around 2am- so Jack couldn't see what SCPs they were, and they were sedated so he couldn't hear them, so he made a rough guess.

There was four of them, one of them he could identify as 049 by the beak mask. That was the first one carried into the house. The three others were pulled in as well.

The driver gave Jack a map for the city and a credit card before driving away. Jack's clothes, laptop, and other essentials were transported here earlier. Jack muttered about people never giving him a map for the house before he walked in.

When he walked in, he saw a hallway that had four doors on the left side, two on the right side and a final door at the end. On the outside, the house was a square, so that was fair well enough.

Jack went into the first door on the left and found the living room- there were two SCPs here right now.

The living room was a rectangular room with a door on the right, supposably to the room next to it. The room had a fireplace on the side opposite the door and a bookshelf next to it. It had a triple chair sofa next to the door and in the corner were two loveseats. There was a coffee table, a round oval shape, between the chairs with a lovely rug under it.

At the front of the room, there was a window to see outside the house. It was still dark, but the fire was lit.

Jack turned around to see 049 asleep on the sofa, laying there like a typical movie dead man, his arm over his shoulder and the other hanging off the sofa.

The other SCP in the room was, apparently, SCP-054, who was in the furthermost loveseat, next to the door to the next room. She was breathing quietly, but due to the warmth and the fire in the room she was curling up and evaporating slightly. Jack decided to get her a glass of water when she woke up and went to the next room.

The next room over was a kitchen- a big one, with cupboards and two ovens, a toaster, and two kettles. There was an island area with a few drawers- Jack checked; there were already plates, cups, and cutlery- and there was a fridge next to a freezer. There were two sinks- one at a lower level to the rest. Jack assumed there was a child or shorter SCP here.

There was a cutting board and a few other equipment in the other cupboards. There was already food, but not much; Jack should go shopping later.

Jack left the room and was back in the hallway. He continued to the third door on the left and found a small bedroom, the average size of a Containment cell in the foundation- about 20metres by 20m. There was a child-sized bed, and in it was SCP-053. Jack saw there was a stuffed teddy bear on the ground next to the bed, so he picked it up and handed it to her. She clung tight and smiled in her sleep 

Jack couldn't see much in the room so he left and went to the fourth room in the row on the left.

this one was a dining room, about 30m by 40m. There was a table, a six-seater, and there was a few shelves around the room- all of them empty. There was a window, letting in enough light to see the wallpaper was strangle yellow- (it reminded Jack of that joke they'd made in the foundation... Backrooms?) He wondered who was such an idiot they thought this wallpaper was good for a dining room. With a sigh, he left and checked the right side.

The right door closest to the front door led into a garage that took up quite a bit of space- Jack could easily fit in six cars, three in the front three in the back, and still easily move around between and around them. There weren't any cars here, but he'd get a car soon enough.

Jack left and found the last door on the right- this led into a bathroom; a typically white-tiled one, with a shower, sinks and toilet. Jack was told there were two bathrooms, so the second must be upstairs- as would be the fourth anomaly.

Jack entered the door at the end of the hallway, and went up 13 stairs- yes, he counted.

Upstairs, there was another hallway, this time with two doors either side. On the left of the house, there was the bathroom at the front- same looking as the one downstairs, but with a bathtub instead of a shower- and a storage room.

On the right, there was a master bedroom, quite big; Jack assumed this was his, by his stuff being here and his laptop on the bed, which was king-sized and had a red quilt. He made a mental note to change the quilt; red reminded him too much of a certain incident. There was a shelf to the left of the door, and a bookshelf to the right. In the far right corner, next to a window, was a desk and chair. There was also a wardrobe at the foot of the bed.

And the last room was another bedroom; this one had a queen bed with a lovely navy blue quilt and a lighter blue pillow. There was another wardrobe in the corner, next to a smaller desk and two chairs.  Jack wondered where the last SCP was when he heard a soft whimper; and turned to find the SCP behind the bed...

It was SCP-096; wearing a bag over his head and curled up into a ball. Poor thing, he must be terrified about the new location. Jack knelt next to him.

"Hey, buddy," Jack smoothed, "it's alright. I'm here. You're safe. It's okay." Jack watched as 096 turned his head and crawled towards Jack. He was surprised 096 was already trusting him; but he quickly remembered how years ago... Well, something. He was tired and his memory wasn't the best. He'd recall it later.

Jack continued comforting 096 until the sun rose and he heard footsteps. He stood and, watching 096 stand to follow him, made his way downstairs to meet the SCPs.

SCP-054 was in the hallway, talking with 053. She looked up and smiled at Jack, who was confused- wasn't she... against males?- before remembering his host was a female. He nodded at her and walked over.

"Are you doing alright?" He asked, little anxious a woman made entirely of ordinary water had slept all night in a room with a fire.

"Oh.." She said, quiet, "Yeah, sure. I could use a drink, though."

"Coming right up." Jack stood and walked to the kitchen, getting a large cup and filling it with water. He added two ice cubes for good measure before going to 054 and handing it to her.

"Ice cubes! My favourite." She smiled at Jack before having a sip, cracking the ice cube in her... water teeth? Hell, she was sentient water, let's not question her eating ice.

"GAH!" Jack turned around to find SCP-049 standing above him.

"Oh, I apologize, fellow doctor. I did not mean to startle you." 049 took a step back and watch Jack stand up.

"It's alright, tis not your fault." Jack shook his head to remove the shock (and sleepy) from his head. Boy, was staying up all night not fun. He had a human body, goddamnit, and  the thing required sleep for... whatever reason god had within him.

Jack shrugged and turned around. "Alright, I assume you've all been briefed on the experiment?"

049 shook his head. "I wasn't, and I doubt the others were."

"Well," jack began, "we are in a house at the back of a city. This is a 'Housing Experiment', where four SCPs and a scientist will move in- one per month- to slowly populate the city with SCPs. We are the first household."

054 stood up. "I'm 054, who are you?" she was a little more confident now she was replenished; she nodded towards both Jack and 049.

"I go by 049," the doctor replied, "it is nice to meet you."

054 nodded and looked at Jack.

"I'm Dr Jack Bright, but call me Jack." He grinned and pointed to 096. "He's 096; he don't speak, tho. Also, don't take the bag off him. Someone sees his face, the person is dead."

054 looked mildly interested but otherwise nodded and left to explore. 053 jumped up.

"I'm 053!" She was still clutching the teddy from earlier, "and you can cal me Abby! And this is Mr Chocolate." She held up the bear above her head and ran off after 054 to check out upstairs.

Jack stretched, and pause.

"When you're all done exploring the house, do you want To explore the immediate area?"

049 and 096 both moved towards Jack, and he accepted that as agreement. 054 led 053 down soon after; they were ready to go, too.

"Great! Let's go." Jack led them outside and showed them around.

there were two libraries nearby, in addition to threw restaurants and a few police stations. There were more police here than there really should be due to the proximity of SCPs. There were three offices by Jack's count and a few lovely little cafés. Some apartments stretched into the sky and there was an airport, which fascinated 053 quite a bit.

Jack checked his map and found it was cut into sixteen boxes- boxes one to four was the top row, five to eight were the one below and so on so forth. They were in box three, and haven't left it.

Eventually they returned home. Jack was looking through his map as the other four dispersed. He ended up going upstairs and opening his laptop.

He input his password and while waiting for it to boot up looked through his wardrobe. There were shirts, trousers, two shorts, a few jackets and jumpers, a hoodie, running shoes, boots, dress shoes, and a suit. A blazer was on the side to complete the formal look if needed.

Jack returned to the laptop to see three notifications. One was a spam email; which was promptly reported and deleted. Another was a digital version of the city map, in case he needed it, as well as directions to the nearest site should be need to evacuate; and the last was an email from a supervisor of his.

"Dear Dr Jack Bright," it began,

"I assume that, as you are reading this, you have arrived and checked out the house. I assure you it is perfectly safe to let the SCPs wander on their own- we have cameras on the outside of every building and on the inside of every public area, such as restaurants and libraries.

"In addition, there is ONE camera in the house- in the stairwell. This is to make sure nobody dies.

"As well as that, I am sure you know of the agreement- that once a month, a new household of a researcher and four SCPs will enter the city. Worry not; as the amount of SCPs increase, so too will standby personal, guards, and cameras.

"If you feel there should be increased security, or anything of the like, please do not hesitate to call or email us. We will provide you with the details for the other SCPs one week before they arrive, as well as the name of the scientist. Your credit card, and theirs, will be linked back to the Foundation, so we can monitor everything you buy. However, you can buy anything you like as long as it is appropriate. Aka, no nsfw. Especially as SCP-053 is within your house.

"We hope you enjoy your stay.

"Best Wishes,

"05-6."

Jack stood and stretched, knowing that you never reply to an 05's email unless they explicitly ask you to do so.

CRASH! Jack jumped as something downstairs was thrown or dropped. Barely touching each step, he flew down into the kitchen to figure out what was going on.

There, 096 and 053 were staying away from 054 and 049.

"Sooo close." 054 taunted 049. Jack should've known; 054 was hostile to men, especially doctors. No wonder she'd eventually attack 049.

049 got a knife out of his bag and began approaching 054.

"Oh no!" She grinned, "I'm sooo scared.."

She dodged to the left and was on the opposite side of the island to 049.

"Hey!" Jack called out, realised soon enough that neither SCP had heard him.

"Do you want me to let you get a hit in? Slow down for you?" 054 smirked, obviously terrified under that nonetheless. She seemed to... she seemed to want 049 in trouble, rather than fighting him outright.

"Stop that!" Jack walked over and pulled 054 to him.

"049, to the living room. 054, to the dining room. I'll deal with you both separately."

Jack went to the living room with 049 after watching 054 leave the room- hopefully to go to the dining room.

"So," Jack stared as 049 sat on the sofa, "what happened?"

"She said I was not a good doctor. That my work was for nothing." Jack could see why 049 was riled up. The doctor was tapping his foot, agitated. Jack nodded curtly and stalked off to find 054.

"What happened." It was more a statement than a question.

"I simply told him he should pursue another hobby." 054 shook her head, looking vaguely mournful. Jack knew she was terrified and had acted out of fear- though that didn't excuse her behaviour.

"He won't attack you unless you provoke him." Jack sat down next to 054, who quickly turned away from him. "You should stay away if you're that fired up against him."

054 shrugged, clearly not in the mood for talking. Jack stood and left, deciding to deal with it when 054 was in the mood to listen and understand.

In the hallway, 049 was comforting 053. Jack nodded, knowing the fight would have set 053 off and 049 could comfort the child, and went to find 096 in the kitchen.

096 seemed to be fine- he was actually cleaning up the broken plate that must have been the crash earlier. Jack smiled and went upstairs to check his email.

There wasn't anything but Jack decided to write to them.

"Heya.

"So, 054 decided to taunt 049 and make him attack her. She told him his doctoring, for lack of a better word, was a 'hobby' and he should 'get a better one'. So you can see why 049 is riled up.

"I'm asking for another camera- preferably in the kitchen or living room, or downstairs hallway perhaps?- to make sure we cover more ground. So we can make sure this doesn't happen again.

Yours sincerely,

Jack Bright (Level 4)"

Jack hit "send" and waiting for a second, making sure to see it was read, before going downstairs and making sure everything was in order.

--Day Two, Week One--

Jack yawned and stretched, sitting up off the bed. He was quick to sit up and get to the wardrobe, where he chose a comfy t-shirt and jacket as well as some jeans- grey jeans, his favourite jeans- to go to the store.

He'd looked at the map, and there was a pretty big store in sector 7, about six times the size of their house. He tugged his shirt on and tied his jacket around his waist before walking downstairs to find it was 7:56am, and only 049 was up besides him.

"Hello," Jack said, walking into the kitchen and seeing 049 sitting on the counter next to one of the kettles, "you alright?"

"Sure." 049 stayed quiet, but when the kettle clicked he jumped up. Jack saw a cup next to the kettle.

"Making tea?"

"Yes. In the foundation, I couldn't exactly wake up properly, but here I can make tea and wake myself up. Is that not allowed?"

"No, no, it's fine! Go ahead." Jack hummed as he began to make toast. "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

"I prefer to not eat breakfast until after my tea."

"Understandable. One of my coworkers are like that."

"Oh?" 049 looked up at Bright to see if he was sincere. "What's their name?"

"Dr Herr. He loves to make tea. I swear he drinks fifteen cups a day."

049 paused, staring at Jack. "Genuinely, or is that human hyperbole?"

Jack blinked, turning his head to 049. "Hyperbole. I doubt any human drinks more than six cups of tea a day, unless you count that one Agent Star," he laughed, grabbing a plate, "I swear to high heaven that one really, genuinely loves to drink tea so much it's one cup an hour or less."

049 nodded, sipping at his tea- was it absorbed through the mask?- before speaking once more. "Agent Star? A MTF or Security?"

"I'm not sure. I never worked with her; just heard of her and seen her in break rooms once in a long while."

"So you don't know what exactly she does?"

"Nope, sorry. I could email the foundation, or look into her personal file, if you'd like to know more?"

"No, that's fine. Thank you." 049 finished his tea and put his cup in the sink before starting the tap.

"Oh! You don't have to wash up- I'll do it after everyone's had breakfast."

"Alright," 049 stopped the tap, "what will happen today?"

"Well, I was thinking of going to the store. After that, maybe we can go to one of the nearby cafés for lunch?"

"Sounds good." 049 nodded before turning to see 053 entering the room, in her nightgown and yawning.

"Heya, kiddo." Jack grinned down at 053, who looked up and smiled back.

"Hello!... Jack?"

"Yep! Want some pancakes?"

"Yeah!" She laughed, running towards him.

Jack quickly whipped up some pancakes and laid them out on the island, letting 053 sit up there next to it.

"We don't have syrup yet," Jack checked the cupboard to make sure, "but we can go shopping for some later."

"Okie!" To be fair, 053 didn't seem to even notice what exactly he'd said. She was already halfway through the first pancake. Jack laughed and turned away.

"Do you two think 096 or 054 would eat breakfast?" Jack wasn't sure if 096 even ate. He wasn't sure if the others SCPs even knew such a thing. He decided to risk it.

"Hmm? Oh, probably not 096. 054 would like some ice cubes, if yesterday was anything to go by." If 049's voice was a colour, it would be red right now. His hands were shaking and he quickly left the room.

"Huh. Is he still upset?" 053 chirped through the silence that had infected the room.

"Probably," Jack looked out the window and watched a passerby, "he was pretty shaken up earlier. He's slow to anger and slow to cool off."

"Oh." 053 finished her pancakes and pushed the plate into the sink just as 054 walked in.

"054?" Jack looked up. "Do you want breakfast?"

"No, just a glass of water and maybe some ice." Her eyes were downcast and she wasn't looking at either of them. Jack hummed in thought as he handed the glass over to the anomaly.

"Might as well go to the shops?" Jack watched 054 for any movements. She looked up at him for a brief second before snapping her head away again.

"No, no, I'll be fine... You can go." She turned and left with her drink, presumably going to the dining room due to the direction she went.

"Alright, so me and you and 049," Jack stared at 053 as she cuddled her teddy, "096-"

Speak of the devil, and he shall arrive. 096 came lumbering in from the living room and tilted his head at Jack- or, probably did. It was hard to tell under that bag.

"You wanna go to the shops with us?" 09- shook his head. Jack shrugged and watched 096 turn and leave, back where he came from.

"Welp, we'll go in five minutes. Get your shoes." Jack nodded at 053 and began to wash the plates.

A few minutes later, Jack finished washing up and left the plates on the rack to dry. He went upstairs, got his trainers, and jumped down the last two stairs to find 053 just leaving the living room and 049 at the door.

"Ready to leave?" Jack didn't wait for an answer before opening the door and watching the SCPs shuffle out. He locked the door behind them- "Safety precautions," he told them- and they were off.

"Is it common for non humans to walk around?" 049 was glaring back at everyone who was staring at him.

"No, but a few will think it's costumes. Just don't go too close, and play it off. Say it's a tradition, or a joke, dare, you're autistic, whatever have you."

"Hm," 049 turned back to Jack, "why do they stare?"

"Because humans stare at things not normal, and you're not normal."

"Hmm." 049 looked at the ground and remained silent through the rest of the walk.

When the shop was in sight, 053 skipped ahead to make It to the giant double doors. It was a Wal-Mart, giant and imposing. Jack hadn't been to one of these in so long...

Either way, inside the shop was immediately the Beverages section. Jack noticed that was not typical, but hey, the foundation probably made some changes for the anormalies.

Jack nodded at 053 and 049. "Get yourselves two drinks each. When you're done come find me," he pointed at the groceries section, "I'm gonna get some food."

Both the anormalies turned away, not reacting otherwise, as Jack made his way to the groceries section.

A long while later- aka, two and a half hours- they had gotten quite a lot of food- enough to feed them all for at least three weeks. Jack quickly paid and picked up three bags in each hand, turning to 049 as the doctor picked up two bags in his right and one in his left. 053 was holding her drinks and already struggling a little, so 049 took one in his left and let 053 grab her other drink (chocolate milk) in both hands.

The walk back was quite uneventful, save for the odd passerby giving the odd trio an odd glance. Soon they were walking through the door Jack had just unlocked, 049 putting the bags on the kitchen island and opening 053's drink for her.

"Ima go find 054!" 053 called out, clutching her milk and waddling off out the kitchen. Jack chuckled and began to unload the food. 049 helped out, putting some fruit in the fridge and bread in a higher cupboard.

"How many dishes can you make?" Jack barely glanced up from struggling to put the salt away. 049 took it and put it away easily- he was 0'3 taller than Jack's current body- and walked away again.

"I can make a few dishes. I never really had an interest in cooking, that would be 035's speciality." 049 shook his head at the mention and went back to putting away the food.

"So, he can make a few dishes?"

"From what I've seen, yes."

"He's cooked for you before?"

"Plenty of times."

"So you knew each other before the foundation?" Jack knew he was throwing himself on thin ice, so his voice turned out as nonchalant as possible.

"... Precisely." 049 stared at Jack for a few seconds before putting away the milk and leaving.

Jack put away the last three items and closed the cupboard with a sigh. He had gotten new information, but at what cost? He snorted as he remembered that meme and turned away to see the time.

It was 13:03pm, so Jack walked out to find 053 playing with her teddy.

"I thought you were going to find 054?" Jack looked around, wondering if the water nymph was out of sight.

"Oh, I couldn't find her anywhere. Trust me, I looked. All I found was that giant pale guy sitting by the fire in the living room."

Jack quickly ran upstairs and to his computer. He input the password without even thinking and checked the email he'd received while out as soon as possible.

"Jack.

"We understand you are out at the moment, but when you return, worry not- 054 is with us." Jack sighed in relief before continuing,

"We have reviewed your request for cameras and have decided to keep 054 in Containment for two days. After that she shall be returned.

"However," Jack cringed, "we have decided that instead of entering a new house at the next month, the house will be tomorrow." Jack found himself having to shut his mouth- already? "There will not be any of the four anormalies yet, but we will be sending in a scientist.

"Hoping to keep in touch,

"05-4."

Jack stared at the email for a minute longer than necessary before wondering which scientist would be brought in. He knew thata new scientist would mean two more MTF undercover, so he stood and walked downstairs to give the news to the others.

--Day Three, Week One--

Jack watched as the moving van pulled up. There was a scientist stepping out, they signed some papers, they got some cards, they went inside and shut the door. The van drove away after letting a MTF out with a bag.

The MTF walked some way into the city, disappearing from Jack's line of site, which was shorter than normal due to it being 5am. Jack watched as the scientist, having dropped off the cards at their house, leaving, locking their door, and walking to Jack's household.

Jack opened the door for them before they could knock and wake a SCP.

Lo and behold, it was Alto Clef, the bastard. Holding a cinnamon roll in one hand and the other was raised to touch the doorbell.

"Heya, buddy." Clef stared Into Jack's eyes, making him uncomfortable. Oh, right. Female host.

Jack saw the trademark ukulele tied to Clef's waistbelt, which Clef lowered his free hand to when the door opened.

"Can I come in?" Clef, without waiting for an answer, stalked himself in and was seated on the living room couch by the time Jack closed the door. Luckily, none of the anormalies had chosen to sleep here tonight.

"Sure, I guess." Jack muttered, hand gripping the door handle harder than needed (he definitely didn't cause a new crack or two. Hell, the only crack or two.)

"Now, I'm here early due to a... complication on 054's part?" Clef smirked, arms over the couch back and legs crossed. Jack could see Clef belonged here.

"Yes..." Pausing to check for any movements in the hallway, Jack sat down next to Clef, crossing his legs at the ankles and keeping his arms tightly folded in an attempt to show off his discomfort.

"Well?" Clef leaned in. "Details?"

"Well, she purposefully agitated 049," Jack began, "and even managed to make him physically attack."

"Huh. That's... strange, especially for such a calm anomaly. We really messed up on that one."

"Yeah, I suppose so. I never worked on her, though, not anywhere near. I work with disease prevention, specifically the genetics, not humanoids. Why exactly did they throw ME in with humanoids?"

"No clue, man." Clef stood up and began to walk away. "Alright, I'm going to get settled in at my new home. Talk to you later?"

Once again, he ignored the potential for an answer and left without another word.

[blubushie]

EVERY SCAR YOU HAVE, BUSH MAN! AND HOW YOU GOT THEM! PRONTO!

Ok firstly "bush man" reads so much different than "bushman" for some reason that's weird

Anyway! We'll do this top-down

Right side of forehead, just beyond hairline. Got this wrecking an old paddock basher of a '67 Mustang on a mate's property when I was 15. My face hit the steering wheel. And the car caught on fire! So now I'm afraid of fire.

Horizontal scar on eyelid just under left eyebrow. I was 3 years old, jumping on the couch, and slammed face first into the coffee table.

Cut on left side of neck, just under jaw. Had a knife held to my neck. It was pulled away too fast.

Cut on right outer forearm. Blocked a knife. It's barely noticeable now since my arm hair camouflages the scar. Much more obvious when my arm is shaved.

Right inner wrist, oval scar I got while trying to get out of handcuffs as a teen cuz they forgot where I was in mental hospital so I was left unsupervised too long.

Right thumb on the knuckle. Scraped it learning to ride a bike.

Left bicep and left forearm. Bites from juvenile crocodiles during a croc survey in the Top End.

Left middle finger, 2cm vertical line stretching up from nail. Jammed finger in door of Matilda & the skin flayed off when I yanked it on reflex.

Numerous bite marks from different animals on my arms and hands. Scratches too. It's too many to keep track of.

Scarification on right breast from First Nations initiation ceremony.

T-anchor double mastectomy scars.

Right side at waistline to almost centre of stomach is a long slash. Was disembowelled by a pig and almost died.

Barely-noticeable scar just under shoulder blades to right of spine from where the porcelain of my body armour cut my back after I was shot the first time.

Tacklebox is fucked, I'd rather not go into detail about those. I am intersex so the whole area has quite a bit of scarring from alterative + reconstructive surgeries.

Large rectangular scar on right thigh. This was a debrided burn wound I got from falling into a fire while drunk. My jeans melted into my leg and I refuse to wear synthetic fabric now.

Small patch on my right arse cheek where a skin graft was taken for the burn wound on my leg. Only one particularly deep spot needed a graft.

Miscellaneous scrapes and scratches on my legs from years of a rough and tumble childhood in the outback.

Left foot, raised scar over Achilles' tendon. Got razorwire in my shoe, cut me and the wound got infected. This was cleaned by maggots after a debridement.

Right foot, U-shaped scar on underside of big toe at the joint. Stepped on broken porcelain as a kid. Didn't need stitches luckily.

NOT A SCAR: knot on 8th right rib. Was jumped by 3 blokes for being MLM and beaten. One of them kicked me in the ribs and fractured it.

NOT A SCAR: permanent callous at shoulder pocket where my rifle rests when shouldered from shooting so many years professionally.

[cunt-mcdrunk]

A Detailed Guide on How to Choose Coffee Tables Online

Your living this website room is the place that creates the first impression on your guests and so, it is important for you to give special attention to its décor. Now considering the basic furniture items to adorn a living room, coffee tables wouldn’t surely be missed by any chance. Often being considered as the centrepiece of the room, coffee tables come with multiple benefits such as for emphasising the aesthetic appeal as well as offering space to keep the snacks and drinks during any hangout at your home.

With such a wide range of coffee tables online available, you might feel quite daunted while choosing the right one for your home. To help you further, following here’s a guide that would focus on the various points to narrow down your list of considerable options and make the right decision.

Shape and size of the table

As they are available in a variety of shapes and designs when it comes to buying online, you need to consider the room’s shape for choosing the ideal piece. Following here are some of the points to help you.

An oval or rectangular shaped coffee table is great for smaller rooms. The round or square shaped coffee tables are comparatively better for large seating arrangements.

Oval or round shaped tables are even quite useful for kids as there aren’t any sharp corners in them.

Make sure that the height of your coffee table is of the same height of your sofa.

Material choice

It is important for you as a buyer to choose the right one from the different material choices available in terms of coffee tables online. Wood, being the most widely used material can be an ideal option for you. However, you can also go for other potential options like acrylic, glass, metal, stone, and more as well. Always make sure that the material you’re choosing is highly durable and can math the look and feel of your overall space as well.

Additional functionality

The extent of your coffee table’s functionality always depend on your specific needs. These tables mostly come with a flat surface that’s being supported by a base. However, you can look for options with additional features as well.

You can choose tables with additional drawers, shelves, and compartments if you want some additional space for storage.

You can also buy tables that come with surfaces which, can be easily raised for eating or working purpose.

Even ottomans and trunks come with a sufficient amount of space for storage.

[a-ladyman-in-waiting]

Story snippets

Prologue

I had picked up a wicked looking pendant with a single large pearl surrounded by six rubies. But when I went to bed for a wanking session (masturbation), I was instead greeted by a large dragon shaped specter.

After a long conversation, I eventually wished for a sexy dragon girl body under a sense of embarrassment. The pearly dragon spirit took a single nod and told me a few rules.

- Stay under the moon

- You’ll undergo unbearable pain from time to time

- Your magic is tied to your habits

And then I blacked out.

Chapter 1:

[Waking back up?]

I woke up on my bedroom floor, sprawled all over the floor.

My head was too numb for me to speak, let alone process the dream I had.

So I kept myself on the stone cold marble floor.

I mean, it looked like marble.

After a moment or two, I slowly got up.

*ping*

I suddenly felt a strong chilly sensation run through my spine.

“AH SHIT”

I wiggle and shake haphazardly, trying to remove the strange sensation.

Until I put my hands behind me.

My heart skipped a beat.

I gained three new feelings behind me.

One, I can now feel and move; two large wings and a long tail.

I glanced around for my bedroom mirror and scrambled to look at myself.

When I quickly stood in front of the tall mirror, I spotted a woman with orange hair, wearing a black bikini, a staring back at me.

I took a longer look.

She had two curvy pale yellow horns, large white scaly wings, grey, baggy sleeves that held onto one finger, and black thighs with jewelry.

I looked down, staring at her crotch.

I noticed that she had a long white tail, the same one that I can absolutely feel, that ended with fins. I think it had three finger-like parts.

I don’t know how to describe fins, man.

I should mention that her—I mean, mine I guess.

“wait…I had a tail?”

“Is that me? Is that my tail?”

I looked down…oh my god I’m actually wearing a bikini.

“Shit!! I need to cover up!”

I looked around for a closet.

I always forget where it is ok?!?!

But then I spotted something with my horny eye.

Ok, Im kidding.

I felt my bikini with my left hand, it’s attached to a large ring.

I felt it with my right.

Another large ring.

I looked at my feet.

I was wearing heels.

“WAIT WHA—“

I wobbled in placed, desperately waving my arms around for anything to break my fall.

I slammed my palm onto the wall with a thundering wham.

“AHHHHH!! I left a big-ass hole!”

Wrong, I left a big crack on the wall.

I “yelled” profanities with whispers.

Then I immediately checked the living room past the doorframe to see anyone investigating the noise.

But not a single soul rushed out, not even a scream, nor a quiet ‘hello?’.

“…how?”

I glance behind me, expecting to see my sleeping siblings.

Only to see an empty bed.

With the blanket covers nearly tucked into place and the pillows placed on one side in an orderly fashion.

I stared at my bunk bed.

It only had one blanket.

One ruffled, white, blanket that was tossed over when I woke up.

“Da fuck.”

I crept into the living room, but my wings got caught in the doorframe, leaving me to struggle for a minute.

After I wiggled free, I tried to keep an eye on my tail to avoid making any further noise.

Once inside, I looked at the small coffee table. It was a black oval shaped table that occasionally held our drinks and food during Game Night.

Nothing was off about it, but I kept gaslighting myself into thinking that something felt off.

So, I continued forward and found the door to the hallway.

“I’m still in my house…right?”

I stared at it.

Looked at my hands.

Then I counted.

“1…2…3!”

I turned the handle and swiftly opened the door.

“AGGHH”

- End Chapter -

[echantedtoon]

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch2 Welcome To The Wonderful World Of Pokemon

"BBBBBBBBAAAAAAAA!!!!"

A sheep's cry pierced through the air as the darkness swallowing you shifted. You groaned and the first sensation your body felt was the softness of cushions under your sore, stiff body. Your....bed? Thank goodness! You were sure that the nightmare you had the other night was one of the worse ones you could've ever had. The soft groans of your own voice reached your ears and like any other typical morning, you begrudingly got up. You still had college-..THAT'S RIGHT! You still had to get to dorm registration on time! Oh you hoped you didn't oversleep again! You went to move your arm- You sucked in a hissed breath of pain through your teeth as pain throbbed from the sore limb making you flinch and your eyes blink open. The first thing you noticed past your blurry vision was that it was still fairly dark. Not completely dark but as if the sun was just starting to rise or a faint light in the room was turned on. Confused, you blinked even more as your vision cleared up even more and noticed the white ceiling in the dim lighting. You blinked at the ceiling before slowly turning your head to the left to see what was around you. From where you were laying, you could see a pink wall, and on the wall was a window framed by pink curtains. The view outside was a forest and beyond that was the twilight sky with the sun just starting to peek out letting light go out to the world. Next to it was a couple paintings, a woonden cabinet under the window with a few things on it, a TV, a white radiator, coffee table, and a plant in a pot. This-....

This wasn't your house at all. No room in your home looked like this. Then...where were you?

You sat up- A hiss escaped your lips as a spike of pain and soreness ran down your back and you winced. ...You..Tried to sit up but only managed to prop yourself onto your elbows as you took a better look around the room you were in. Taking notice that the couch you laid on was a green color. As you did you noticed a white door right across the room from you, and the sight of another uncarpeted room from you to the left. Along with another bookshelf and radiator alongside the wall behind the couch. YEP. Definately not your living room. How did you get here? Your f/c eyes looked down at your body and you noticed you still had on your fuzzy but now dirty pjs and what looked like was a home made quilt was thrown over your body to keep you warm and a few patches of your exposed skin was covered in bruises and small scratches from last night- Wait! So it wasn't a dream!? That giant crow thing did chase you!? Then how did you get in a nest!? Where were you!? Who brought you inside!? Were you still just dreaming?! That's it! This is nothing but a wild dream and you're going to wake up any moment. The sound of a door from the next room over opening and closing made you jump and turn your head towards the noises. There was some shuffling from over there before footsteps made their way towards you. Your eyes widened and breath hitched in your throat as you could only lay there and watch as a shadow danced across the wall in the dim light and soon after a person appeared head looking in your direction.

"Oh goodness. You're finally awake," came what sounded like a middle aged ladies voice and as the person stepped into the morning light coming in from the room you finally caught a glimpse of the person. What you were met with was a woman who looked around the same age as your mother. Oval shaped glasses sat in front of her brown eyes as her grey hair was pulled over in a ponytail sitting upon her left shoulder, tied back with a green ribbon. As she stepped closer to you you took notice of the flower printed gumboots making the heavy footsteps and the plain grey t shirt and long overalls adorned her body. "I was worried you might've been really hurt from how we found you." You didn't say anything as she kneeled down next to you and gave you a concerned look over, reaching a hand out but not touching you. "How are you feeling? You're not hurt are you?"

"Uh..." You shook your head finally coming back into the moment and reached a hand up to rub your head. "N-No. I-I'm alright." Your eyes again looked around the room. "Where am I?"

She sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. Oh. Where are my manners? You're in my house. Munchlax found you passed out by the garden fence and I was worried you were hurt. I almost thought about calling the doctor, but luckily you woke up shortly after we brought you inside." She smiled wider in a motherly way. "Wait. How rude of me. I didn't even ask your name."

"Uh..My name is Y/n, Miss," you answered back before deciding to fully sit up. Which you immediately regretted as you hissed leaning your body up. The lady watching with a concerned look as you sorely sat up all the way and looked back to her. "How did I get here?"

"I brought you inside, which wasn't easy," she sighed reaching a hand up to straighten her glasses, "But if you mean how you got by my garden, I can't really say. I only found you after my munchlax pointed you out."

"I-.." Your mind rewound to last night remembering the giant crow thing that you had ran away from in the middle of the night through the darn woods. "I was chased! B-By this giant black bird thing with wings!"

The lady's brow rose. "A..bird? Well I'm not sure what a 'bird' is, but there is a wild flock of corvinight in the woods out back. They're very territorial of that area. It's the reason I don't let my children wonder too far in there." A small thing popped up next to her and gave off a small puppy growl sound. "Oh look who finally came in."

You jumped and blinked at the-....the-...whatever this small cat-..dog-...bear thing was that was looking up at you both before you pointed at it. "W-W-What the heck is that?!"

"Oh this is my pokemon." She smiled happily at the small thing before petting it between the ears. It gave off a pleased growl as she did. "He likes to follow me around my garden and sneak veggies when I'm not looking, but it looks like today he found something else. Isn't that right, Munchy?" It growled again happily at the affection she gave it.

"Wait. D-D-Did you say-...pokemon!?"

Pokemon!? As in-...The game pokemon!? No. That can't be right, this couldn't be happening! There was absolutely no way you were in a fictional world of a video game and anime series right now! Your eyes briefly went back to the munchlax who tilted it's head back at you curiously and blinked like how a dog would. ....If you weren't seeing it with your own two eyes, and your pain proving you were in fact awake, you would've sworn you were still dreaming!

The lady nodded. "Yes. Have you never seen a munchlax before?"

"Uh! N-No no! I have! Must've just...slipped my mind!," you quickly fumbled with your words and the lady hummed.

"Well, it seems since you were chased by a corvinight I guess you would seem a little frazzled. Do you want me to call you a doctor or anyone?"

"N-No! R-Really I'm ok." Even if she called a doctor you really didn't have any money on you to pay for it anyways. "C-Could you tell me where I am-" You paused...Wait. What were places in the pokemon series called again. "Uh...Region! Y-Yeah! Could you tell me what region I'm in?"

Her brow rose up more as she looked at you. "We're in the Galar Region. You don't know where you are?" You shook your head no. "Are you sure you're ok? You didn't hit your head did you?"

Galar Region. Why did that sound so familiar to you? "Uh-...W-Well you see the thing is-...I-...Um..I-I'm-" Your mind raced with some kind of excuse to give the woman. You couldn't just say you were inside of a video game! She'd think you were crazy or really did hit your head. Although you might've taking that tumble from the tree last night. "I'm uh-...Just visiting here! Yeah! I-..M-Must've forgotten because of last night."

The lady stared at you for a moment longer before slowly nodding seeming to understand. "I see. I guess anyone would forget certain things if they were chased by a flock of corvinight." She finally stood up from her kneeled position next to you with a smile. "Well I'm glad you're alright. Although it looks like you had quite the fright by how messy you are. Would you like some breakfast? I imagine you must be hungry."

"I-I mean- N-N-No thanks! I couldn't possibly ask you to do that for me when you've already done so much for me," you insisted not wanting to overstep your welcome.

"I insist. It's the least I can do for you. By the looks of it you lost your things to the wild flock." She gestured to your body and you looked down at yourself. Oh...She was right. You really didn't have anything other than the clothes on your back didn't you? Great- A sound of thunder from your stomach made you sheepishly look down at your own stomach's betrayl of showing your hunger but she just chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes then." She smiled. You went to interject again before hissing as your sore muscles pinched in pain, making her tilt her head at you again. "Oh dear. It seems you were a little more roughed up than we thought. Why don't you go clean yourself up?" She gestured to the white door you had noticed earlier. "There's a shower and bathroom through there. You can clean up and I can let you borrow an old pair of clothes from the back closet."

"Oh NO!" You held up your hands to stop her. "Breakfast is more than enough. I insist!"

"And then you'd go around all covered in dirt with filthy clothes looking like you're homeless?" She asked raising a brow and you took a moment to pause and look down at your dirt and grass stained covered pjs..Oh yeah. You really didn't have any of your other things from your home did you? "Mm hm. That's what I thought. Besides. Like I said it's not a problem."

Well considering you didn't really have any other options at the moment- You sighed and nodded your head in agreement with her to which the lady smiled and again directed you towards the washroom of the home. Well, it's not like you had anything better to do..Except hiss and groaned in pain as every muscle in your body ached trying to move with you literally forcing yourself to toss the quilt off and force your sore legs off the couch and onto the cool floor. Hissing and reaching up to carefully massage your dull aching muscles in your arms and neck and shoulders. Getting up was another thing in of itself. You felt like you did a ten mile hike with how sore your body was, but never the less you willed your self to shuffle towards the washroom. On the way there the lady had come back as you opened the white door and held out an old shirt and more overalls and explained that they were an old pair and she really didn't mind giving them to you when you tried to resist her kindness once again, but you ended up relenting and you ended up taking them into the bathroom with you. You were happy you did in the end because you ended up discovering more than you'd think.

The warm water of the shower helped to release more tension from your aching muscles and while scrubbing off any dirt it was like something clicked in your mind that halted your movements for a while. Pokemon-....You were INSIDE the world of POKEMON! Or having a very very very realistic dream or hallucination. But HOW!?...Well you guessed that question wasn't on the table for now. The more important one was how to get back!? You paused there for a little while pondering over all the questions and info you had just gotten in your head. Ok. Relax. You took a deep breath and exhaled trying to relax yourself and mind. Ok. Don't freak out. The first thing you rationalized was to figure out where you were, then you could go from there. The woman said this was the 'Galar Region' right? Alright. But since this is Pokemon, does that mean you were in the show or one of the games? And why did Galar sound so familar. A memory suddenly flashed by in your mind and you gasped as the memory of being back home. Of the box that knocked over and seeing the games and old consoles tumble out. Of the pokemon game case: Pokemon Sword and Shield- HOW COULD YOU HAVE MISSED THAT!? It was the very last video game you had completed and it took place in the GALAR REGION!! You wanted to smack yourself as everything came flooding back and you groaned. Great! Well at least you knew where you were now, nevermind the fact that going into a video game should've been inpossible unless dreaming. Now that you knew where you were...to an extent, you could try to process what to do next after this-....Wait a moment....Now that you thought about it. This home and that woman seemed familiar too. Had you seen them before? You shook your head, deciding it was enough thinking to yourself and got out. Thankful for the clean change of clothes you slipped on once dried although your (f/c) hair was still sticking onto you slightly wet. But the surprises didn't end there however. As soon as you excited the washroom you were met with another person just sitting on the couch, she looked up as soon as you opened the door and the both of you stared at each other.

You blinked in surprise and looked at her. Not expecting a person sitting there. The girl was younger than you by a few years, looked about 13-14 years old if you had to take a guess. Her dark brown hair was in a short hair cut above her shoulders with matching dark brown eyes, her body adorned a pink dress, grey jacket, green socks with brown boots, and a green beany on her head with a white pom pom sticking up from it. In her hands was a phone and the noises of a crowd cheering wildly came from it in the time you two stared at each other. Presumably what she was watching, and in front of her on the coffee table was now a tea cup on a saucer pan. Presumably what she had been drinking.

Eventually she asked, "Who are you?"

You jumped and blinked at the question. "Uh...I-I'm Y/n. Uh...I just....W-What's your name?," you asked back.

"Gloria. This is my house-"

"Oh there you are." You both jumped and turned around seeing the woman with the glasses once again making an appearance, Munchlax waddling at her side eyeing the plate she was holding in her hands and she sent another smile at you. "I see you finished just in time, and you met my daughter." She then looked to the young girl who looked back at her apparent mother. "Now don't be rude to our guest. She's already frazzled enough being chased by corviknight."

"Corviknight?," Gloria asked eyes widening a bit as her mother nodded. "Oh wow. That's a bad experience."

"And now you know why I never let you kids in those woods." She turned back to you and held out the plate. "Here. It's nothing fancy but it's good enough."

You agreed and nodded reaching for it. "Thank you." The plate as you could tell had a few eggs and some meat on it, but you didn't mind as your stomach rumbled and you happily ate it with the fork you were provided...Hmm. But the meat could've used a little seasoning.  As you ate, you noticed the sunlight through the window had gotten much brighter. It still looked early tho. Maybe seven, seven thirty in the morning. "This is good. Thank you." You complimented to the woman who smiled back at you.

"I'm glad you like it. I'm sorry I couldn't offer you more."

"N-No. You've already been too kind. I couldn't ask for anymore anyways."

"Well, if you wait around a moment longer I can at least get your other clothes all cleaned up before you go. It'd be cruel to let you go out in that condition, and you can keep the ones you're wearing now. I insist!" She cut you off as you went you counter. "I wouldn't let my own children go out with such things and it'd be cruel of me to do the same to you. You did seem like you lost everything during your scuffle last night."

That made you pause...That's right. You didn't literally have anything other than the very clothes on your back! No money. No phone. No car. Nothing!! And you doubted you could've called anyone with your phone anyways if you still had it. They were all a world- or game- away from you. ...So it's better to take what she offered right?

"O-Ok. If you insist."

She smiled. "That's the spirit. How are you feeling anyhow?"

"Better thanks. The shower helped," you answered before taking another bite of eggs...Hm. These could use some salt and pepper too.

"Im glad. Why don't you two sit down and talk while I finish up cleaning those clothes of yours?" She gestured to Gloria who shrugged now with a small smile before looking back to the screen of her phone, before turning and walking out of the room towards where ever you guessed she was cleaning your clothes.

You watched her go before you looked back towards the couch and the girl who was excited watching the screen the cheering noises were coming from. ....Gloria?..GLORIA!! You recognized her now! In the game you could chose between two trainers and considering if you didn't rename them or change their looks to yours, they were either Gloria or Victor. And that woman was their mother in game!! Now you recognized her! Which means in front of you was one of the playable trainers you played as during the game! So you guessed you really were in the game. You stared at her a bit more before clearing your throat grabbing her attention.

"Uh...S-So-..." What do you say to a video game character you play as?..You pointed towards the couch. "W-Would you mind if I sit down?"

She shrugged. "Sure. I don't mind!," she replied before looking back to the screen. You watched a moment longer before deciding to slowly walk over and sat down next to her- "YES!!" She suddenly yelled out doing a fist pump catching you off guard almost dropping your fork. "LEON WON!! Not that I'm surprised of course." She said to no one. "He's the champion for a reason."

You blinked and paused for a moment....Champion..Leon?? OH YEAH! Wow. It had been a while since you played this game. Couldn't remember everything in one day you guessed. Leon was the reigning champion of Galar's gym leaders and pokemon League. You wracked your brain for as much info you could remember at that moment about this Leon, but you weren't doing a good job on it except that you vaguely remember he had a horrible sense of direction and he was supposedly really nice. Your eyes tilted to her phone. Maybe if you looked?

"What are you watching?,'' you asked nodding to the screen and she turned smiling at you widely.

"It's not what but who!" She excitedly pointed her screen to you and you blinked. The sounds of people cheering greeted you as did the sight of some purple haired man waving to the crowds around him....and you blinked at the sight. Flashbacks from last night spearing into your mind like lightning. "HEY! I know that guy!"

"Who doesn't? Leon's been champion for years running! He's like one of the kindest most strongest trainers out there!," she spoke to you happily. "This was from earlier this morning during his latest match. I was asleep but thank goodness for news websites!" She brought the screen back to her again as the video stopped. "Raihan was challenging him for champion title again. But it's always so cool to see them both."

Raihan? Well now that you knew the game you were in you could definitely remember some parts including some of the characters. Raihan including. "Isn't that the guy who flirts with everyone and takes too many selfies?"

"...PFFFFT- AHAHA!!" Gloria turned her head with a snort and a few bits of laughter. You weren't expecting that...but smiled at the light hearted laughter from the teen before she looked back at you with a bright smile. "I g-guess you could say that. Hehe. Although I haven't heard anyone refer to him like that before." She shook her head no. "Nah. Raihan's the strongest out of the Galarian Gym Leaders. Other than Leon of course. If Leon wasn't so powerful Raihan would've become champion instead, but since he is Raihan is the top among the gym leaders and likes to challenge Leon a lot for the title...Despite losing all the time. He likes to document everything and posts it all to his own website for everyone to see! ...He's actually a pretty fun guy by what Hop and Leon have told me."

You nearly choked on another bite of your food as you turned to look at her again. "....Wait. You MET Leon?"

"Well, yeah. I knew him ever since we were all little. He's from here you know."

"No I didn't know. Uh...Mind telling me where we are?"

She blinked. "You really don't know?"

"Corviknight chasing can make someone lose a sense of direction,'' you answered as an excuse.

" You're in Postwick. A farming town since days of old where people and their pokemon live in close harmony...or that's what they put on the post cards for the few tourists." She shrugged. "Not really an amazing place, but it's got pretty wildlife and lots of wooloos. So I guess I can't complain. Not when I'm about to start and finally challenge this year's arena battles for the title!"

You blinked. "The title?"

"For the Champion? How do you not know that?" She rolled her eyes. "Not everyone can challenge Leon for the official title other than a few with special titles themselves like Raihan, since he's considered the top strongest gym leader. But there's also the arena battles for the new trainers that begins once a year. It's so special you have to buy a pass just to join or else you can't and only after you get the gym badges before the actual event you can battle in. It's the Chairman's way of making sure only the best trainers can try to earn the title and battle Leon themselves."

"Wow," you muttered. You vaguely remembered all of that from the game but actually hearing Gloria explaining it seemed like it was much more harder outside your gaming experience.

"Oh yeah! And ever since Leon took the champion title from the previous one, he's been unbeatable for YEARS! Last year he actually broke Galar's record for the longest standing champion yet!" She pointed towards the ceiling and smiled with a determined look in her brown eyes! "And when I get out there Ill show Leon and them all my years of training paid off! Victor's going to be so jealous!"

"Victor?" Wasn't that the name of the male trainer you could've played as in the game. "Uh...Where is he anyways?"

Gloria shrugged. "My brother was more interested in traveling and seeing things than battling. He left home on his own journey earlier this year but we keep in touch when we call or he sends us pictures."

Brother? So in the world you were sucked in Gloria and Victor are siblings rather than an only child the player could pick? Interesting. ..Was that the only change in the game? You tucked that info aside for later in case you needed it and nodded. The next few minutes were you and Gloria watching some more videos on the phone, the plate emptied soon after and placed on the coffee table next to the cup. Eventually Gloria pulled up a song and you instantly tilted your head towards it. The younger girl seemed to noticed the smile on your face now.

"Oh you like music?," she asked.

"Sorta. I still like to listen to a few songs when I'm bored though!,'' you comfirmed with a smile.

She smiled back. "Well then I don't suppose you know who Piers is do ya?"

Piers?...Piers. The name rung a bell, but you couldn't quite place a name to a face here. ..Wait a second- "Uh....He's one of the gym leaders right??"

"Yeah. Sadly not a lot of people know that or battle him really...In fact I don't know if his gym badge is required at all to get into the champion cup?..But nevermind that. He's known throughout Galar for something far more than just a Gym Leader! Most don't even know about the Gym Leader bit because of his other job!" She turned and began typing something into her phone.

Oh. So Piers was another gym leader huh? You really had forgotten a lot. Haven't you? "Other job?" You rose a questioning eye brow and Gloria finally pulled up a video and held up the phone to you.

A beat you had never heard began to play and she smiled widely. "Yeah! He's a rock star! The most popular in Galar! Watch and listen!"

On the screen was a stage. And on the stage was a band, but they were more hidden in the dark, the spot light mostly on a single person standing on stage and holding a mic to his mouth. His punk rock attire seemed to fit him well as he tapped his punk rock boots along with the music as it played. Long black and white bangs and hair flowed from his head as piercing blue eyes looked out at the crowd. Or whoever was filming.

"Isn't he great?," Gloria asked and you blinked to her a bit in surprise, having been absorbed in the music for a bit. "I actually think this is one of his older songs, but he's always trying to put more out to attract attention."

You blinked but turned back to the man with piercing blue eyes as he continued. "Wow..He's really good." You spoke out loud not meaning too but Gloria nodded.

"I know! He's been singing for as long as Leon's been champion!"

Oh really? Man you really wished you had more time back home to listen to music instead of your mother constantly badgering you to study or work. ..But then real life wasn't like this. And any moment you were still expecting to wake up from your sleep with your mother demanding you get ready and head for the first day on Campus because you were late again.

The music ended and you couldn't help but smile at the ending performance, the singer, Piers you guessed by what Gloria said lifting a hand to the watching crowd as they cheered. Piers huh? Hopefully you're old memories would come back soon enough to remember him and everyone else soon. Might be helpful.

"Thank you! Please give a round of applause for my marvelous band and consider visiting my own music capital Spi-" He spoke into the mic but you didn't get to hear him finish wait he was saying before Gloria pulled the phone away and turned off the video. 

"Wow...He's uh..a good singer,'' you tried complimenting to remain polite.

"HE IS! When I battle him on my way to victory Im totally asking him to sign something for me!" She smiled like a giddy teen girl her age would and you smiled. She seemed to have a lot more personality to her than her in game part you played as.

"Well it certainly sounds like you two are getting along." Both of you looked up and over to see that Gloria's mother had returned and in her hands was you could only describe as a very old worn looking back pack and a smile on her face as she walked in. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Hey, Mum! Nah. I was just showing Y/n some music videos." She nodded to the bag. "Whatcha got there?"

"Y/n's clothes I promised, and Victor's old school bag." She smiled as she held it out to you. "Here. I figured it would be awkward for you just to carry a pair of pajamas under your arms while traveling."

You stared at the bag before you..but it was placed into your lap before you could protest. "A backpack too?! Ma'am. It's nice b-b-but I can't accept this."

"Think nothing of it. That old thing was taking up space anyways. Victor never wanted it back after he got a new one before he left and it's been collecting dust ever since in the closet. You'd be doing me more of a favor if you took it." She reassured. "I'd be much happier knowing it's being used than becoming Munchlax's next chew toy. Besides, if you're going to start traveling, you'll need something to carry all your essentials in." Said pokemon yawned from behind her as the munchlax walked over to a carpet near the white door to the washroom and flopped over in a position for a nap.

Well....when she put it like that, it'd be much more useful to have. An old back pack was enough for now. "I...Thank you so much! ..for all of this! Im really grateful, Ma'am."

"Like I said think nothing of it. If I had lost everything being chased down by a flock of giant corvinight, I would've wanted someone helping me in the same way. And I can tell you're a good person." She smiled before turning her attention to the dishes left on the coffee table and picking them up. "You better be ready Gloria. Today's your big start you know."

"I know! I was just relaxing a bit." Gloria smiled and her mother rose a brow.

"We'll make sure you're ready," she said before turning and walking off letting Gloria groan. Kinda reminded you of your ma a bit.

"Oh. Are you going somewhere today?," you asked looking back to Gloria who nodded.

"Yeah! The Champions Cup! It's finally back and I'm feeling pretty lucky this time around! But I'm kinda waiting for someone still."

That's right! In the game is started out with the weird dream you had last night, which you now realized must've been the match between Leon and Raihan who must've been that other guy with the orange head band from said dream, before Gloria or Vincent went on their journey in game with...with...Another kid you were sure but you couldn't remember who. You went to ask her for a moment but the sound of a doorbell made the two of you blink and look over as the door just opened and you blinked as another teen walked in.

"Hello, Hello!," a younger male voice chimed out as the door closed behind him as he looked around. Before catching sight of Gloria sitting in the next room over on the couch next to you smiling as she smiled back.

"HOP!," she chimed happily. And your eyes widened.

HOP! That was his name! The boy who might've been the partner of the main player with how close friends they were, and the Champion's younger brother if memory served you right. The boy smiled and walked towards you both but your eyes blinked and went down to the fluffy companion by the boy's side. It-...It looked like a cheep with grey braids. It baaed in greeting following it's you guessed master into the living room.

"Oh, that your new flash phone, Gloria?," Hop asked noticing the phone in her hands to which Gloria nodded with a hum. "Were you watching Lee's exhibition match on it?"

"Sure was!" She burst with happiness! "It was so cool how he defeated Raihan!"

"But you can't cheer him on with your hands full!," Hop insisted followed my an agreeing bleat from his ...sheep pokemon, "You know the only way to properly cheer on Lee would be with his famous Charizard pose!" He then struck a pose that looked slightly familiar to you with his hand up and head tilted down. Gloria giggling and smiling and you not helping the smile on your face that came. Hop broke away from the pose and smiled again at Gloria...before blinking over at the lady beside her who oh so happened to be you. "Oh. Is that your friend?"

Upon being gestured at you paused and looked over him. He wore a blue fur-rimmed jacket, with a black shirt and pants, the latter with two purple stripes on the sides, along with black, white, and purple colored shoes, and a green bag thrown over his shoulder. His eyes were a gold yellow with a darker complexion, and dark purple hair. Like a younger Leon almost now that you remembered. Gloria however jabbed a thumb behind her at you.

"Who this? This is Y/n. She was chased by a flock of corvkinight last night and Mum found her passed out by the garden."

You felt kinda embarrassed about letting the lie go further and found it a lil more embarrassing that they thought you were chased by a flock of giant bird brained pokemon and fainted by a fence-....But you guessed it was better than them thinking you were crazy if you had said they were characters in a video game and you were somehow teleported here from the real world. But the way Hop looked at you gave you a more guilty feeling.

"Wild Corviknight?," he asked wide eyed, "How did you meet a whole flock of corvkinight?"

"Uh-...." You tried to think of a good excuse of why they would chase you other than 'I magically woke up in a tree and saw a giant crow'. You settled on. "Camping in the woods??"

"...You mean you actually went camping in the Slumbering Weald?," he asked and you could only nod. "How are you alive?! There's lots of different dangerous wild pokemon there! How could you not know?"

You shrugged. "W-Well...Im kinda new around here."

Before he could say anything else an older woman's voice caught his attention from behind him. "Hop!," Gloria's Mother greeted him with a bright smile, "Didn't expect to see you here today, Dear. Isn't today the big day?"

Hop smiled and put his hands behind his head. "Yeah! That's why I came running over to get Gloria! Never mind watching the match now. I've got it recording at home anyway. I record all my brother's matches." He turned from he smiling lady and turned to Gloria still sitting on the couch. "Come with me, Gloria! He should be here any minute!"

Gloria gasped. "REALLY!?"

Hop nodded back. "And Lee always brings presents when he visits, so I wouldn't forget that bag if I were you. Now I've got to run! See you at mine later!" He turned and waved a hand at you. "It was nice to meet you Ms. Y/n!"

You could only wave as he and his pokemon quickly turned and exited the house with another squeaky noise from the door and Gloria quickly fumbled with her phone, shoving it into her grey jacket's pocket as she got up. And you blinked.

"Hey, where are you going?," you asked.

"To see Leon with Hop!," she excitedly answered looking at you, "Hop's been friends with Victor and me like FOREVER! Not to brag but I've known and liked Leon even before he was cool and we're like siblings! But I haven't seen him in forever and now he's seeing us before we start our own journeys! Im so excited to see him again!" She quickly turned and started towards the door-

Only to be stopped by her mother's voice. "Rushing off in that state, Gloria?," he mother asked raising a brow, "Didn't Hop say you should bring your bag?"

Gloria blinked. "OH! Right! I forgot!"

Her mother chuckled. "I last saw it in your room. And don't forget to grab a hat for the weather."

"I already have my hat!," she retorted back but ran past her mother and through the kitchen into through a door with a slam to where you supposed where you room was. Her mother shaking her head as she did.

You slowly stood up from your place on the cough, back pack in your hands as you slowly stepped away and through the living room entrance by the front door just as her mother turned back to you.

"Um..Y-yeah. I think I should get going too." You started but really...you were just not wanting to take anymore space than you already had. "T-Thank you for the clothes...and the food. I really appreciated it."

She smiled and waved a hand. "Not to worry a bit. It was the least I could do. Thank you for being so polite." She paused and blinked at you though. "But have you figured out where you're going next?"

You paused at her words. You hadn't even thought of that!! What WERE you going to do now? It's not like you could waltz right on home when you didn't even know how to get back!! You didn't even know where to go from here?! So to answer her you shrugged.

"Travel around more...I suppose."

"Travel around Galar barefoot?," she asked gesturing to your feet and you followed her pointing at your feet. ...Oh right. No nothing also applies to no shoes either. And before you could reply, the lady shook her head before walking towards you. "Here. You can have my old gum boots until you can get something better." You blinked and followed her with your head as she made her way past you and over to the coats handing on the wall by the front door. Reaching down and picking up a pair of green gumboots that looked the same as the flower print ones she wore, minus the pretty patterns. With a smile she turned back to you and held them out to you. "Here. Ever since I got the new ones I haven't used these at all. They have a small hole in the bottom of the left one's sole that leaks water in but it should work for you considering you don't step in water or any puddles."

You gawked at her for a moment but she placed them into your arms without a second thought as you gaped at her like a goldfish. "W-WHAT?! W-Wait! I just can't take your boots."

"Correction. Your gumboots with a hole in them that I definitely can't use if I want to garden or use in the rain. Im serious when I say I can't use them and don't need them anymore. If you don't accept them, they'll just end up in the rubbage or recycling bin anyways. You're doing me a favor by taking them off my hands for me." She smiled. "And it'd be terrible if you had to walk around barefoot and stepped on a sharp rock or something and hurt yourself. It's better to have this in case."

Well....when she put it like that, it was probably best you took them. "I-....T-Thanks. I appreciate it." You smiled and bent down to put them on. The rubber boots squeaking as you did before you leaned back up and threw the backpack you were given. But there was still the question...What now? You could travel around you guessed since that's what you suggested..but you wanted to go home. How could you get home? You didn't even know where home WAS from here!...This reminded you of an old anime you watched a long time ago when a girl was sucked into a video game and she had to live through the whole thing trying to stay outta trouble-....Wait. Your f/c eyes widened. THAT'S IT!! In the game of Pokemon Sword and Shield the player who played either Gloria or Victor traveled around Galar for the Champion's cup to battle Leon and eventually defeat him and taking over the title of Champion themselves! And since it was Gloria going on this journey you assume this world has her to be the future champion. If she goes on her journey and defeats it as the game did, that would mean the game would be over! And if the game was won and over-...That means maybe..Just maybe whatever hallucination or dream or...or whatever fantasy realm thing happening to you would be over with too and you could go home!! Maybe..It was a long shot, but right now it was the only thing you could think of! So there was one thing you could think of now! To make sure Gloria succeeds on her journey and get home! Sounded like the cliche beginning of some fantasy show but what ELSE were you supposed to do now?? The sound of Gloria slamming open the door caught both of your attention as you both turned to her beaming and slipping her bag onto her back.

"I FOUND IT!!," she called and stopped in front of her mother who crossed her arms.

"Uh huh. And did you pack everything you need for a journey that could take days or even weeks to complete?"

"YEP!"

"Uh huh. Extra clothes?"

"Yes."

"Hygiene products?"

"Yes."

"Extra poke balls?"

"Yes!"

"What about food? That mini first aid kit? You PHONE?"

"MUM!!" Gloria puffed her cheeks out in a pout. "YES!! Can I PLEASE go now!? Leon's here!!"

...Her mom gave a smile. "Alright. But not before you give me a good bye hug, young lady." Gloria happily obliged and you smiled at the sight before she pulled away and patted her daughter's head. "You be safe out there ok? Don't forget to call me every so often. And say hi to dear Leon for me, alright?"

Gloria nodded and turned to you once she noticed you there with the back pack slung over your shoulders. "Are you leaving too Y/n?"

"Um..Yes. I remembered what I was traveling for. I was actually on my way to watch the Champion's Cup!," you replied and she smiled.

"Really? Wow! That's amazing but it's still pretty far off considering they have to give everyone time to complete the journey to get the gym badges. What are you gonna do in the meantime?"

You shrugged. That was a fair question. "I guess I'm going to travel around for a bit until then." After all there wasn't really anything for you to do in the meantime til then. And you shouldn't interfere in the events of the game just in case. You couldn't risk altering the events or Gloria's chances of becoming Champion herself.

"Hey! Why don't you come with me!?," she suggested and you blinked, "You seem like a cool person! And anyone who can make me laugh at Raihan is totally cool in my books!"

"ME! T-Travel with you?"

"Why not? I was planning on traveling with Victor or Hop, but considering Victor's already traveling and Hop might go a different path on his way to get the gym badges it could be fun to travel with someone! It'll be fun! Please Mum?!" She turned to her mother who hummed and glanced at you after seeing Gloria's smile. "If I travel with someone then you don't have to worry about me being alone! And Y/n is good. I can tell! And I've never ever been wrong before following my gut!"

She hummed again. "Well...It's true you were never wrong before..and Y/n's been nothing but a polite person." You were nervous as she rose a brow in thought. "And if you weren't alone I would feel better.....Oh. Alright. But at the first sign of trouble you call me immediately and get help."

"YES!! I promise, Mum! THANK YOU!! Not only am I starting my first journey but I got my own traveling buddy before I even start too!" She fist pumped. "Successful Journey to be champion is a go!!"

Wow. You didn't remember Gloria being so pumped up and energetic in game, but again, you shouldn't interfere so should you even go???....Well, it would be better to watch just to be sure thing's would progress like in game, and this way you wouldn't just aimlessly be walking around until you did go home.

"I....I guess I'm going with you then," you nervously smiled.

"YES!! Trust me you won't regret it! NOW!!" She pointed towards the door. "Onwards to Hop's house and to Leon! You'll love him! He's like the nicest, most chilliest guy ever!...Even if he does have a bad sense of direction."

She smiled and went to the door and opened it, you following behind but stopping and glancing at Gloria's mother for a moment. "Hey..Um..I j-just wanted to say thanks f-f-for everything, Ma'am. I really, really appreciate it!"

Her mother smiled. "Not to worry. I know it must be difficult to lose everything to a pokemon. I feel the same way every time Munchy chews up and destroys something of mine. You just take care and good luck to you on your journey."

You smiled before inhaling and exhaling and turning to the door. You had one goal ahead of you know. Travel with Gloria and help her succeed in becoming Champion no matter what. And get home...Easier said than done.

[j-t-l]

A Detailed Guide on How to Choose Coffee Tables Online

Your living room is the place that creates the first impression on your guests and so, it is important for you to give special attention to its décor. Now considering the basic furniture items to adorn a living room, coffee tables wouldn’t surely be missed by any chance. Often being considered as the centrepiece of the room, coffee tables visit site here come with multiple benefits such as for emphasising the aesthetic appeal as well as offering space to keep the snacks and drinks during any hangout at your home.

With such a wide range of coffee tables online available, you might feel quite daunted while choosing the right one for your home. To help you further, following here’s a guide that would focus on the various points to narrow down your list of considerable options and make the right decision.

Shape and size of the table

As they are available in a variety of shapes and designs when it comes to buying online, you need to consider the room’s shape for choosing the ideal piece. Following here are some of the points to help you.

An oval or rectangular shaped coffee table is great for smaller rooms. The round or square shaped coffee tables are comparatively better for large seating arrangements.

Oval or round shaped tables are even quite useful for kids as there aren’t any sharp corners in them. Make sure that the height of your coffee table is of the same height of your sofa. Material choice

It is important for you as a buyer to choose the right one from the different material choices available in terms of coffee tables online. Wood, being the most widely used material can be an ideal option for you. However, you can also go for other potential options like acrylic, glass, metal, stone, and more as well. Always make sure that the material you’re choosing is highly durable and can math the look and feel of your overall space as well.

Additional functionality

The extent of your coffee table’s functionality always depend on your specific needs. These tables mostly come with a flat surface that’s being supported by a base. However, you can look for options with additional features as well.

You can choose tables with additional drawers, shelves, and compartments if you want some additional space for storage. You can also buy tables that come with surfaces which, can be easily raised for eating or working purpose. Even ottomans and trunks come with a sufficient amount of space for storage. Key takeaway!

Before buying the right coffee table for your home, you must research on the Internet for a while to know about the different choices available, determining factors to choose the ideal option and also list down your specific requirements.

[caz66]

For @goodboylupin candy hearts challenge - my candy heart prompt was ‘love bird’

135 days left though Sirius, as he crossed off yet another day on the calendar that he and Remus picked up on their last visit to the zoo. February's picture was of two penguins bending down into the shape of a heart. Sirius was, deep down (really deep down) a true romantic, in his own way. Remus was one of the few people who understood this about him, not finding romance in the yearly red roses that popped up in the shops, but in the every day to day. Like knowing he actually likes two teaspoons of sugar in his morning coffee, not one, but only in his first cup of the day. Or that while Remus will devour any chocolate based treat, but his true favourite is a Twix, with a cup of tea so that he can dunk it and use it as a straw. As he re-capped the pen, Sirius realised that tomorrow was Valentine’s Day.

And he would be alone.

Not that he was really alone, however this year Remus had been selected to venture to the Galápagos, ‘his dream job’ for 6 months. He knew they were scheduled for a video call tomorrow evening, or lunch time for Remus. It didn't make him miss him any less.

It had only been 45 days since their teary goodbye at Heathrow, as much as Sirius tried but utterly failed to hide the tears cascading down. Remus had a similar problem, but they both knew that this was the opportunity of a lifetime for Remus, one that would not come about again with the island disappearing due to climate change. There was a soft knock on the door ushering Sirius from his thoughts, he not expecting anyone and James never knocked. Sirius padded over to the front door and swung it open. On the other side of the door, a delivery man was holding a large oval shaped object that was covered with a red velvet cloth.

“Hello?”

“Mr Black?” the man asked,

“That's me,”

“Great, sign here please,” he held out the electronic signing pad for Sirius to scribble something that looked like his name on with his finger. “Here ya go, glad to finally be rid of the chatter,” confused by the man's comment, Sirius had no choice but to take the object from the delivery man as he thrusted the item at him. One hand on the bottom, which turned out to be flat, and the other to the handle hooking out of the covering fabric. It was lighter than he thought it would be.

“Thanks,”

Bewildered, Sirius shut the door with his foot and placed the unknown delivery onto the coffee table in the living room. Gently he went to pull off the velvet material.

“Love you” a voice from underneath squawked. Startled Sirius dropped the cover.

“Err, hello?”

“Hello pretty,” the voice answered. Sirius was feeling quite disconcerted about what was in his home right now.

“Okay, I’m going to remove the cover now,” gently Sirius lifted the cloth fully off to find a cage, inside which were two beautifully coloured birds. Parrots to be exact, if his knowledge of birds was correct. The feathers around their eyes were burnt orange while the plumage of their bodies a vibrant green. Who would send him parrots? The man who could not keep a single house plant alive.

“Hello pretty,” the bird chirped at him.

“Hello,” Sirius replied, “ I wonder where you came from,”

“Love you, love you” the second bird chirped back.

“So a guy dropped two parrots off at your door, no note, nothing?”

“Yeah,” replied Sirius, studying the birds in the cage. He had been out to get some bird food, and the owner of the pet shop had supplied him with the best food for the parrots. “Like, am I a parrot parent now?”

“I guess so, unless there has been a mistake and there were for the McGonagall and her cat next door?”

“Unlikely James, I doubt she would get such extravagant food for the cat”

“Humm, well I suppose you should do some research to figure out how to, like, keep them alive and all that,”

“I guess, Remus would know what to do, but he is out of contact until tomorrow evening,”

Since the phone call, Sirius had gone out and bought them an extra large, 3 story bird cage equipped with swings, chew toys and puzzle cubes. It was much roomier than the travel cage they had arrived in and the two birds had taken to their new space. Over a few hours of research, Sirius has learned that the birds needed foraging toys, as well as ones that are shreddable and chew toys to help keep their beaks well trimmed. The puzzles help keep their minds sharp and stop them getting too bored. There was so much information to take on board about keeping them well looked after.

Sirius was rudely awakened to a joyful tune floating around him.

“The fuck?” questioned Sirius, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Wanting to make sure the birds were settled he had slept on the sofa, to nervous to leave them

“Fuck” the words were repeated back at him.

“Love you,”

“Fuck.”

“Fuck” the last coming from Sirius as it dawn on him that he just taught the birds to swear.

Sirius opened the cage door to freshen the bird's water, he took the water bowl out and to the kitchen. Once the bowl was re-filled, Sirius turned, taken aback by the sight to two beautiful birds sitting on the kitchen island worktop.

“Oh, um hi you two, how did you get out?” Sirius looked through to the living room and saw he had stupidly left the cage door open. Of course the birds would get out. Grabbing a few seeds he held out his hand to see if they would come to him. Much to his surprise they did, gently nibbling the seeds from his hand.

“Well, I think I need to give you names, you can be…” Sirius looked around the room for some inspiration, landing on the fruit bowl, “ Mango, and you will be known as,” Sirius looked around the room again, his eyes landing on the treat box. “Twix, Remus’ favourite caramel chocolate biscuit.” the birds bobbed up and down at the names, so Sirius took that to mean they liked them.

“Hello love, happy valentines day,” Remus’s tanned face flashed up on the screen.

“Re, hi, happy valentines day babe,” Sirius felt his heart grow three sizes upon seeing his boyfriend. “How are you? Did the parcel arrive okay?” Remus chuckled.

“Yes love, I’m good, we did the most amazing observation of the turtles nesting yesterday. And then I came home to a perfect parcel of tea bags, marmalade and, most importantly Twix's’,” At the mention of Twix’s, Twix decided to jump into the conversation.

“Love you,”

“Did you speak without moving your lips? Or has your screen frozen again?” asked Remus.

“Not frozen, nor did I speak. I guess, well there was a delivery.”

“They arrived?!” questioned Remus excitedly.

“You…. you sent them?”

“Yes, I thought you could do with some company in the house and I was so tempted to get you a puppy, but I know we don't have the time right now for one. And well, my friend from the clinic had these two come in, needing a loving home, and I just knew they were the right fit.”

“Parrots Remus?”

“Agapornis Roseicollis,” Remus corrected him.

“Pardon?”

“Love birds, rosy-faced lovebirds to be exact. Very intelligent birds.”

“Yeah, I'm realising that. I’ve called them Twix and Mango.”

“Haha, I approve”

“They can already escape from the ridiculously expensive cage I got for them.” Proving his point, Mango glided across the screen, before coming to rest on Sirius’ shoulder. Twix took delight in stamping his claws on the keyboard, bobbing his head into frame.

“Well, I must say, they suit you.”

“Fuck” squawked Twix,

“Oh god, you taught them to swear already? Don’t let them near Harry just yet, Lily has not forgiven me for teaching him ‘shit’,” Remus laughed.

“It was an accident,” Sirius chuckled back, “But tell me more about the turtles,”

“Shit,”

“Fuck,”

“Love you,” the love birds chorused.