#respectfully I’d like to bite those shoulders

[ab4eva]

Day 17: I’m looking respectfully

@slowsweetlove

[thinkingofchishiya]

Shy, suguru?

Fluff x Smut

plot: fem!reader taking niragi home to clean him up after finding him during the alley scene but it leads to more

warnings: long, mentions of bullying, minor mention of injury and blood, virginity loss, dom!reader x sub!niragi (both are slight switches,this comes into play at the end), dynamic shift, praise and degradation, it’s niragi so i’d say dead dove do not eat but he’s not bad in this at it’s obviously pre!borderlands, afab! reader, characters are 18+ in their college year at school

word count: over 4500

“hey asshole watch where your going!” you groan and rub your shoulder as a group of boys from your year rushed past, one of them barging past in the process almost knocking you off your feet.

“sorry sexy!” the boys all laugh still running and you visibly recoil your face in disgust. It was after school and you were walking home to your dorm block after a long day, that is until you heard the faint sound of sniffling in the alley you passed every day on your way to and from the school.

Curiosity killing the cat as you decide to take a look, it was niragi suguru. You shared a few classes but barely spoke, you were fairly popular at the school and well to put it simply, niragi was the opposite. Shy, nerdy and quiet you barely interacted unless it was for the work. Still you had never been mean to him and resented the treatment he got from others. He was a sweet socially awkward boy that could barely even make eye contact with your classmates half the time, but he kept to himself and didn’t do anything to deserve the relentless, torturous bullying his classmates inflicted upon him.

Niragi was on the ground, crying quietly and with a damaged and bloody nose, desperately searching for his glasses, that from what you could see were surprisingly not broken. His vision wasn’t the best without them and as you took footsteps towards him he looked up in fear. “Please!…please stop-” he pleaded while scrambling to reach for the glasses.

The sight broke your heart. Leaning down next to him and reaching for the glasses, you carefully put them back over his eyes. “it’s ok niragi it's me, y/n. We have history and math together”

His eyes widen with shock and temporary relief as he recognises your soft voice. “y/n..?” He looks up at you, sniffling, his nose still throbbing in pain. “You...you saw?” His voice trembles, a mix of vulnerability and embarrassment obvious.

“no but i saw them running off and had a gut feeling, fucking asshole almost knocked me off my feet…hey your bleeding” , you touch his arm softly urging him to stand. He flinches at the contact at first, but then relaxes when he realises that you don’t want to hurt him, instead fetching tissues from your tiny bag to give to him.

“i know...they always do this” he speaks low as he wipes the blood from his nose. “Thank you for helping me...”

“that’s okay sweetie but your cut needs care. Come with me, my dorm is only right there please let me clean you up,” you point at your apartment block.

His eyes dart towards the dorms, then back to you, a look of uncertainty crossing his face. “I...I don't know...” He bites his lip clearly torn. “I don't want to trouble you..”

“you’d only trouble me by not letting me help you, if you don’t i’ll be up all night worrying, come on honey”, you take his hand softly and he feels a pang against his heart at the unfamiliar feeling of care that your showing him.

His cheeks turn a faint shade of pink at the contact, his first time holding hands with a girl. “y/n...thank you” He takes a deep breath, letting you lead him towards the dormitories. “Thank you......I owe you so much”

“nonsense, come inside with me honey i'll look after you, i hate those assholes so much…” you enter your keycard pin and begin walking up the stairs with him trailing behind you. Your skirt reveals the back of your soft thighs like this and he looks away respectfully, the last thing he would want you to think is that he’s a pervert. He almost let’s out a breath of relief when you reach your floor.

He follows you into the dormitory, casting furtive glances around him as if expecting someone to jump out and yell at him until you softly take his hand again leading him further than the front door. Your apartment smells good, like vanilla and women’s perfume, he places it as your perfume that he was familiar with from math class, the little pink bottle you would leave on your desk every lesson.

“i don't know what I'd do without you right now...” His voice is barely a whisper, filled with a gratitude that borders on worship.

His praise does something to you and you begin to wonder if niragi has ever even had a girl be nice let alone touch him before. “it's okay i'm gonna clean you up, you can stay here as long as you need too i’ll make dinner afterwards i’d love for you to at least eat with me tonight”

His eyes light up at the offer, a hopeful smile playing on his lips. “Really? l'd like that. Thank you...” He murmurs, turning to face you with an expression of pure adoration.

“come with me… sit-” you point at your bed as you disappear into the bathroom to retrieve a first aid kit. He nods, his eyes fixed on you as you exit the room, a soft "okay" escaping his lips. Once you've left he cautiously approaches the bed, perching on the edge and taking in his surroundings.

Your room was a reflection of you, pink and cutesy with an edge of passion. The bed was adorned with pink covers and a matching fluffy blanket on the end, but as he looked around the rest of your room he noticed other things- stuff you were interested in. Posters, collectors stuff, even funko pops and books. This causes him to smile to himself, who would’ve thought one of the most popular girls he knew was so into her niche interests, it reminded him of his own room.

You return from the bathroom holding the first aid kit and niragi shifts nervously, he knew you would have to touch him. “it’s okay i’ll be gentle…”, however you then do the last thing niragi expects as you plant yourself down on his lap. Digging through the box to retrieve sterilising wipes the affect you have on niragi at the current moment goes unnoticed, his face flushed with shy surprise as he struggles to think of something to say.

“okay just be still for me…” you wipe the drying blood from his nose “good boy”. His breathing hitches at your words and touch, the warmth of your other hand cupping against his face making him blush even deeper. He bites his lip nervously trying to slow his breathing, trying not to move as you tend to his wound.

“that's it your doing so good for me, now let me just grab…” the rest of what your saying as you dig through the box is now lost on niragi, your choice of words sending blood pumping in places he wanted to keep under control while you were on his lap.

He watches you intently, taking in the gentleness and care that you are giving him in order to try and control his situation. Singing softly as you rub an ointment on his cut, a soft smile tugs at the corners of his lips, a rare show of happiness from the shy and timid boy. You lock eyes with him and smile in return when you notice, “you have a cute smile you know.”

His eyes widen at your words, his smile faltering for a moment before a deeper, more genuine one replaces it. He blushes a vibrant pink, ducking his head in embarrassment. “I-I.th-thank you...” His voice is soft, barely above a whisper as he stutters. “-no one's ever…”

“complimented you before?” you frown slightly while screwing the cap back on the ointment and putting it back in the box. He shakes his head, looking down at his hands in his lap. The blush on his cheeks deepens, if possible. “…no, no one's ever said anything like that to me before. It’s nice…” His voice is small, barely audible and you put the first aid kit on the bed next to you before placing your hands on his face to make him look up at you “well i notice”

A soft gasp slips from his lips as he feels your hands on his face, heating under your touch. “you do?”

“yep, i think your really cute actually” i move a strand of hair from his face “you don't try too hard- not like those other guys at school, i like that in a guy”, niragi can't believe the sudden outpouring of your words, it’s too good to be true. In his eyes you were a princess, but he knew all too well guys like him never got girls like you.

“yeah, why what do you think? that i like assholes like those guys from school?” Niragi shakes his head firmly, “N-no! Not at all! I-I mean, I know they're popular and all, but...” He swallows hard, his voice dropping to a whisper, “they're mean and arrogant”

“yeah exactly, and your sweet and so smart. I still remember when mrs park told you to tutor me” He nods, a smile lighting up his features at the memory. His grip on your arms relaxes as he recalls her praise. “Yeah, i remember too...you were struggling with calculus.” A blush creeps up his cheeks again.

“and i still do,” you let out a giggle “but the point is you always helped me and was so nice, you never got snappy when i kept getting questions wrong. You were patient with me and never made me feel bad or dumb about it”

His eyes sparkle at the praise and he chuckles softly, shaking his head. “no, I could never get angry at you and anyways I enjoyed helping you, seeing the smile on your face when you finally understand something...” he goes quite in fear of proffessing his love for you, “mmh and i only understood because of you” you smile at the boy once more.

The smile on his face grows wider, his chest puffing up slightly with pride. “really?” He blushes again, looking down at the floor.

“mhm and i never got to properly thank you” you lift his head slightly to make eye contact with him, his eyes meet yours and he gazes at you, his heart thudding in his chest. He gulps, his hand reaching up to gently brush some hair out of your face, the gesture sweet like him. “Y-you don't have to thank me, l enjoyed it...”

“i still want to, can i kiss you niragi?” His eyes widen in shock, and the butterflies in his body start rapidly going wild, “you? want to kiss,me?…yes...I-I mean, if you want to..” you laugh at his awkwardness, “ i wouldn't ask if i didn't want to”

His face turns even redder if possible as you lean closer to him. His hands instinctively move to your waist, pulling you as close as he dare before your lips meet each others. The kiss is soft and slow, so sweet it could put a jar of candy to shame. His eyes fluttering shut as he melts into your touch. His hands grips your waist, pulling you even closer as he returns the kiss, his lips soft and tentative. As the kiss deepens, he makes a small needy noise that goes straight to your core, making you involuntarily buck your hips into his as you makeout.

Feeling your hips buck against his, a small moan escapes niragi’s lips as he grinds back against you without thinking. His mind is in a haze as he focuses on the feeling of your lips and core on his. Until you break the kiss panting.

“baby your hard”, his eyes snap open staring at you in surprise as you break the kiss. He looks down and realizes his hard on is pressing against your thigh. He stammers apologies and blushes profusely, “fuck…i’m sorry i’m-” he tries to lift you so he can cover his erection but you push him back down and kiss him again, sitting closer on his lap now covering his erection with your heat.

A small smile forms on his lips as you heatedly makeout. When he was being beaten did he die and go to heaven? Suguru can’t believe his luck.Your warmth covering his hard on sends a shiver down his spine, and he bites back a moan.

“we don't have to do anything you don't want to, i know it’s your first time, but if you do want to then just tell me okay don’t be shy” you kiss his neck softly.

He feels embarrassment at your remark about knowing he was a virgin, but it quickly passes as you begin to suck on his neck leaving a mark. One of the most desired girls in the school was sitting on loser suguru niragi’s cock, marking his neck. In that moment he knew he was winning, “y/n i want you”.

“are you sure?” you pull away for a moment just to be positive that Niragi was ready. He nods, his face slightly flushed as he looks at you with a mix of desire and a little bit of nervousness. “, please y/n”

you let him kiss you for a little while more before pulling away “,ok what do you want baby?

He pulls back from the kiss, his chest heaving as he looks up at you with a shy but intense gaze. “I-I want….” He swallows hard, his voice barely above a whisper. “I want to feel your hands on me. all over me...”

“That can be done,” i give him feathery kisses all over his face “,can i take off your clothes?”

He nods slowly, biting his lip as he reaches up to start unbuttoning his shirt, his hands shaking slightly. “s'okay let me,” i kiss him on the lips gently and take control of undoing his buttons as i move his shaky hands out of the way “,need you to relax for me niragi”

He takes a deep breath as you take control undressing him, “will taking off mine aswel make you feel better?” His eyes light up at the suggestion and he nods eagerly. “Y-yes, please...” He helps you take off your clothes, his hands trembling in anticipation slightly as he watches you pull your shirt off. He feels his breath catch in his throat, “you are so beautiful..”

He reaches up to caress your cheek, “May... may I touch you as well?” you feel yourself get wet at this, compared to other guys you’ve been with niragi was giving you good signs that he cared for your consent and pleasure aswel as much as his own. “of course you can touch me ragi”. He smiles at the nickname and hesitates for a moment before closing the distance between you, his hand tentatively reaching out to touch your skin.. He explores your body with gentle fingers, tracing the outline of your waist and the curve of your breasts. “You're so warm... and soft..”

you giggle at this “,you like that?” He blushes at your laugh,his eyes sparkling with a mix of shyness and delight. Niragi would remember this as the best day of his life, the events that transpired to him even being here in your apartment now long forgotten.

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against your neck and collarbones as he continues to explore your body, his touch growing bolder but still gentle. “that’s it baby keep touching me” you grind over his budge slightly, his trousers and your skirt still on.

He moans softly, his hands roaming over your body with increased urgency. “y/n..want you,” His trousers strain against his growing arousal, the fabric a thin barrier between you until you stand up abruptly riding yourself of your skirt and he takes the initiative to remove his trousers aswel.

when you make your way back over to him he is staring at your now exposed thighs and pink g string thong. “do you like my panties niragi? you wiggle in his lap to show them off and his cheeks flush a deep pink at the sight, his mouth falling open slightly. “Y-yes... They're very pretty...” He stammers, his hands gripping onto your hips a little tighter. “wanna touch them?,” he nods and reaches out to gently brush his fingertips against the fabric and you moan as his fingertips graze against your clothed clit.

His eyes widen in surprise at the sound of your moan, his movements becoming more confident as he rubs his fingers against you. “does that... does that feel good?”

“it’s perfect, keep touching me there ragi just like that in circles, mhhh that's it” you roll your hips over his fingers. They move in small, gentle circles over your clit, his thumb rubbing in soft, figure-eight patterns. He watches transfixed as your face contorts with pleasure,

“like that pretty boy your doing so good,” you sigh with pleasure and his face lights up with a soft smile at your words, a blush creeping up his cheeks.

“You feel amazing...” this causes you to almost scoff with a slight bemused smirk “,you haven't even felt me yet”. A curious expression crosses his face, his cheeks flushed. He hesitates for a moment betore slipping his fingers under your panties and fingering you gently. You bite your lip with a spark of pleasure at the misunderstanding “oh fuck! niragi-“ He gasps softly as he discovers your arousal. “You're so wet...” His touch becomes more deliberate, pumping two fingers in and out of you at a steady pace. “S-so tight... is this okay?,” you almost ignore him as you barely manage to nod in reply with your head thrown back in white hot pleasure. His ego swells at your response, and he starts to move his fingers faster.

“You're making me so hard..,” he murmurs in awe. This causes you to snap back down before you cum, “can i fuck you are you ready now?” you make eye contact with him as you ask and notice how his widen at the sudden boldness of your words, a mix of shock and arousal flashing across his face but he nods eagerly. Pulling off his pants, revealing his hard and throbbing cock, his cheeks flush with embarrassment as he struggles to find the right words. “You can fuck me now... please…”

“fuck that's hot,” you push him back on the bed by his chest. He lands on the bed with a soft thud, his heart racing at your dominant gesture. He lies there, legs spread open, his cock twitching with anticipation.

“what position do you want?,” He swallows hard, his mind racing with possibilities. “Umm.… w-would you... f-fit on top?,” his face flushes at the thought of you straddling him, your hips moving against his. “is that what you imagine when you touch yourself?”

He looks away too embarrassed to meet your gaze as he answers “yes, ma'am... I... I've always imagined you like that... and sometimes I imagine you tying me up and... doing things to me...”

“your such a little whore” i degrade him but arousal practically drips down my legs at the lewd confession, His stammering voice is now a breathless whimper “fuck... I-I'm not” , his objections are cut off by the sight of you touching yourself above him. “no? then why did you let me take you home hmm? you wanted me to fuck you senseless didn't you, little dirty slut” i tease him while playing with my tits. He can't even form a coherent response anymore, loosing self control completely as he grabs your hips and thrusts into you, immediately bottoming out.

He cries out, his back arching off the bed at the feeling and you cry out in shock, “fuck niragi! you fucking slut i didn’t tell you to-”

Your cut off as he begins impaling you on his cock, the sudden intensity overwhelming both of your senses. “Ah! y/n... s-so deep-...” His eyes fly open when a hand wraps around his neck, pupils dilated with pleasure as he looks up at you, your weight pressing him into the mattress.

“what's a quiete little nerd like you doing walking around with such a monster cock for hmm?” you begin to move your hips taking back control. His breath hitches as you move, the combination of friction and praise making him even harder. “mhh other girls would be lucky to bounce on dick like this, and it's all mine” you gyrate your hips perfectly causing him to whimper.

His eyes roll back, lost in the ecstasy of your movements as he whimpers and moans. “Y-yes, ma'am... a-all yours…..” He wraps his arms around your waist, holding on for dear life as you ride him with expert precision, his body trembling with each thrust.

“do i fuck good baby? better than you imagined?” , He nods frantically, tears of pleasure welling up in his eyes. “Y-yes, ma'am... b-better than I ever imagined….” He gasps as you slam down onto him, his cock throbbing inside of you. “S-so good!”

He gasps as you continue to move on top of him, his body quivering with pleasure and so close to release, “lucky i'm even touching you” you throw your head back with your harsh words, and his eyes follow the movement, a mix of awe and adoration in his gaze despite the things you say to him.

“Y-yes, ma'am... I'm grateful for every moment you give me...” He thrusts his hips upwards, increasing the contact between the both of you. “mmh that's it niragi fuck me!” His eyes roll back, a look of ecstasy on his face as he listens to your demand.

“yes ma'am... I'll fuck you... I'll make you cum on my cock...” He starts to move beneath you with increased urgency, his hips thrusting upwards to meet your downward strokes.

“that's it take control ragi, fuck me!” His cock twitches with excitement at the use of his nickname and the sudden switch in dominance. He reaches around to grab your hips, helping you move faster on top of him. “Fuck, you're so tight and wet...” “destroy this pussy niragi don't stop!” your crying now as his hips begin to buck wildly, his cock plunging deeper into you. “won't stop until you scream my name and cum all over me...”

“fuck me from behind i want vou as deep as possible can you do that?” He nods quickly pulling out from under you and helps you get on all fours before positioning himself back inside you, thrusting deeply. He grips your hips tightly, his thrusts becoming more urgent as he pounds into you from behind. “Yes... I can feel how much you like it... so fucking tight and wet…I'm going to make you cum so hard y/n!”

“splitting me open ragi... so deep” you whimper, he can't get enough of seeing you in this new submissive light, and it only urges him on as he plunges his cock deeper into you. “That's right... you're practically begging me to split you open, aren't you?”

“shit shit shit, keep talking to me like that”, i reach down and play with my clit and he pounds me from behind. He leans over to whisper in your ear as he continues to pound into you, his breath hot against your skin.

He chuckles softly, clearly enjoying your embarrassment as much as your pleasure. “Shhh, it's okay princess... I'll keep your dirty little secret...i never imagined you were this much of a whore y/n” suddenly he spits between your bodies for more lube and quickens his pace brutally “FUCK NIRAGI!”

He grins wickedly at your outburst, “That's right, scream for me... let everyone know who's fucking you senseless” He groans in pleasure as you tighten around him, his own release fast approaching. “Fuck... I'm so close come for me, little slut... show me how much you love being fucked like this...”

withought much more persuading you cum all over niragi's cock, so hard that it makes a mess everywhere and milks him of his own orgasm. He watches in awe as you cum, your juices squirting all over his cock and dripping down his balls. He grunts, his own orgasm rippling through him. He collapses beside you, panting heavily as he tries to catch his breath.

“That….. was incredible…. I've never felt anything like that before...” He glances at you shyly, a faint blush returning on his cheeks. “Did I do okay? I mean... was it good for you?”

“more than good-fuck..” you can barely catch your breath. He smiles shyly, a sense of pride filling him as he hears your words. “I'm glad...”

He leans over and places a gentle kiss on your lips, his fingers tracing patterns on your stomach. “We should probably clean up...”

“it's okay don’t rush i'm not gonna kick you out” you chuckle and he laughs too, a warm and genuine sound that fills the room. “Thank you...” He kisses you once more before getting up and grabbing some tissues, helping you clean up before using them himself “Maybe we can do this again sometime...”

“of course, iv never had a fuck like that before if you think you can just live your life normally after that one your wrong niragi ” He chuckles. a hint of nervousness still in his voice. “I-I'll keep that in mind...” He looks at you sheepishly before leaning in for another kiss, one you return softly with a smile.

“i know i can get a little mean in the bedroom but i did it for you, i knew you was capable of taking controll of me. Stop letting those pricks be so horrible to you niragi, start standing up for yourself okay?” you kiss him tenderly again

He nods, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and affection. “I'll try...” He kisses you back, his hands resting on your hips as he pulls you closer. “You make me feel... invincible.”

“i'm glad” you straddle him once more and pepper feather light kisses all over his face.

He melts under your kisses, his eyes fluttering closed as he savors the gentle touch. “Mmm, that feels nice...” His hands slide up your back, gently caressing your skin as he returns your affection, his lips tracing soft kisses along your jawline.

“do you want to stay the night?” you walk over to the bathroom turning on the shower.

He nods eagerly, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “yes!,” He stands up and walks towards the bathroom, watching as you turn on the shower.

A mischievous grin spreads across his face. you raise an enquisitive eyebrow at his expression and pull the bathroom door shut with both of you inside.

A/N: OK THIS WAS MY FIRST EVER SMUT ATTEMPT HOW DID I DO🌚

[hannahssimblr]

“Is that everything? Any petrol or diesel?”

“No... Actually, do you’ve something for bug bites?”

“Like, that insect repellent stuff or some kind of topical cream?”

“The repellent, please.”

“I think we have it,” the woman at the till goes to the shelves behind her while I lean across to watch as she rummages through rows of suncream and painkillers. 

“It’s the midges,” I say conversationally, “They eat me alive, see I think I’ve really delicious blood.”

“They’re annoying alright,” she scans a bottle of Jungle Formula and packs it into a plastic bag along with all of the junk food I’ve just bought. “That it?”

I scan the shelves quickly, “oh, actually, can I have a box of those too?”

She glances over her shoulder, “Condoms?”

“Yeah, please.”

She eyes me up, “Are you seventeen?”

“Yep.”

“I’m not sure you are.”

“Do I have a right to buy them?”

“I have a right to refuse if I don’t think that you’re the age of consent.”

“Respectfully I’m going to get them from somewhere whether you refuse or not,” she narrows her eyes to slits but I give her a big smile so that she can’t be angry, “Or if you want I’ll just not use protection and it’ll be your fault my life is ruined.”

“Do you have ID?”

“Why would I have ID? I’m seventeen.”

She snatches and tosses a box across the counter at me, “Fine, there you go, because I know well that you’d stand here all day and hold up the queue just by the look of you, you cheeky bollox. That’ll be Twenty three thirty altogether.”

“Yeah, no issue,” I slot my dad’s credit card into the machine and stab in his digits. I see her watching it, a weighted, black metal platinum visa, and it’s definitely obvious that it isn’t mine, but she doesn’t know my circumstances, and anyway I know that my dad would have given me money if I had felt like talking to him today, but I didn’t. Borrowing from his wallet is the same thing. 

I glance at the shopkeeper one last time before leaving, “What are the chances you’d score me a pack of cigarettes?”

“Get lost.”

I’m checking my text messages on the way out of the shop, so I don’t see the man walking in the opposite direction. We bump shoulders in the doorway and I mutter an apology before looking up and realising who I have just collided with. 

His nostrils flare as he looks me up and down, and as I stand and look cooly back at him I wonder if he gets off, like genuinely gets off on the idea of how threatening he thinks he is. 

“You’re a friend of Clóda?” He says.

“Yeah, and you are?”

“Her father.”

“Oh right, yeah. I guess I never made the connection.” I thought you were just some weirdo glaring over at us in the Boat Club, is what I want to add but I’m not sure I’m feeling entirely suicidal today. 

He stares me down until I feel my skin prickle, and when his eyes find my bag of shopping, including the Durex box pressing label-out through the translucent plastic his face turns a ferocious shade of puce. “How old are you?”

“Sixteen.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah.”

“And who are your parents?”

“Christopher and Colette, who are yours?”

“None of your business,” He splutters, “Are you one of those young fellas who hangs about in the caravan parks?”

“So what if I was?”

“Well my daughter is a hard worker, she’s busy at her job and I’d rather she wasn’t being distracted or having any of her time wasted.”

“Yeah, fine.”

“So if you wouldn’t mind steering clear of the Boat Club when she’s working, I’d rather you not hanging about and causing complaints from the customers.”

“Oh the customers complain about me, do they?”

He wrinkles his nose, “We prefer to uphold a certain standard at the club.”

My skin prickles, “So basically you don’t want anyone who looks like they stay in the caravan parks hanging around and making it look cheap.”

“That’s not an unreasonable request, especially since you don’t exactly dine with us, do you?”

I’m walking away already, “Yeah, fine, whatever.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“Yep.”

On the shortcut through a holiday park I furiously kick a stone out of my way. Then a piece of rubbish. Then I spot a ceramic flower pot by the entrance to the communal showers and I kick that too, knocking it to the side and splitting it in two, and the soil spills out and the plant slumps to the tarmac. It looks pathetic so I kick it again. 

Suddenly a tennis ball comes from nowhere and whacks me in the back with a thunk. I whirl around, “Hey!”

“Hey yourself!” Kelly grabs another ball and flings it at me, and I duck as it wallops into the wall behind me. I grab and fling it back, “What’s your problem, Kelly?”

“What’s my problem?” She shrieks as she dodges it, “What’s your problem?”

“What is it with you and your brother throwing tennis balls at me, huh? What did I do now?”

She hurls another, “What are you doing here?”

“Ugh! Walking!”

“Well stay out of my caravan park. Go the long way around.”

“Your caravan park? Kelly, if this is about the frog in your hair-”

“The frog? Fuck your frog,” she lets out a tiny squeal as she jumps out of the path of the ball I’ve flung back, “and fuck you, by the way.”

“Fuck me? Fuck you Kelly, I’m not in the mood for this shit.”

“Shut up.”

“You shut up.”

“Suck my dick!” She spins on her heel and stalks away and I watch her for a minute, bewildered, until she disappears between a couple of mobile homes and then, when she’s fully gone and I am alone with the broken flower pot again, I pick up my overturned bag of goodies and shake my head. 

“Little weirdo.”

Beginning // Prev // Next

[luimagines]

Hi! First of all, I wanted to let you know that your writing makes my heart melt! All of your works are as funny as they are incredible, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with your blog!

If it’s okay to request, could you write something about the boys having to dance with the reader? And when they do, they start to catch feelings for the reader but don’t realize it? If it’s okay, of course ♡ have a good day!! And please, take all the time you need if you write it!

Masterlist

If I had a nickel for every time some one requested a detailed scenario where you can dance with Link, I'd have two nickels.

Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

I should have known there were those who yearn. (And I listened to the song you referenced anon, and it's nice but I personally like Sam Smith's version better.)

But yes, I'll see what I can do.

Part 1 will include Warrior, Sky and Four

Content under the cut!

Warrior

Warrior wasn’t sure why the princess thought that throwing a party for the hero was considered a good thing.

Or at least not without warning them about it first.

He supposed she was just excited to invite heroes of the ears into her home and wanted them to feel that at least their efforts were appreciated.

But he hated this.

And Link knew he wasn’t the only one to think so if the looks of his companions were anything to go by.

But even as he makes his rounds amongst the elite, the fake and the genuine, he tried to make sure that his friends were at least have a comfortable time. He wanted them to know that they didn’t have to keep a face like he did amongst this group so if they wanted to have fun and dance and eat then they could.

They were guests in his home as well.

But no matter where he looked and no matter how many rounds he made, he noticed that were nowhere to be found.

Confused, he ventured outside the venue.

And as he looking for you, he just sees a silhouette against the moon light on top of one of the decorative rocks out in the middle of the rose bush maze.

There was no one else around and then again the guards and people were too drunk and joyful to notice someone breaking the ground rules of conduct or if they noticed, they simply did not care.

He makes his way toward the shadow and stalls for a moment when you look his way.

The way the light hit your frame seemed delicate and ethereal with an otherworldly glow to your hair and skin. The royal purple garb they gave you as a gift for not having anything suitable to wear to the party hugged your curves and angles in all the right ways. Someone must have offered you some jewelry to go with it because he doesn’t remember you having the gold necklace and matching head piece that pulls your hair back into a crown of curls tat frame your face in a divine manner.

Link found himself unable to breath for a second.

You smile and say, “I’m just taking in some air.”

“Not enjoying the party?” He blurts, worried for a moment that you’ve been uncomfortable this entire time... by yourself.... away from everyone.... just sitting in the darkness with the sounds of music and laughter in the background.

“It felt weird to be at a heroes party when I myself- am not a hero.” You shrug and lean back casually on the rock. “Here to drag me back Capitan?”

Warrior blinks and registers the change of pace in the music and will deny to the end of his life where he found the nerve to do what he does next.

He smoothly places the his cup of lightly bubbled alcohol on one of the lower rocks and holds out his hand to you. “Dance with me. Just once.”

You blink and also tune into the music behind the two of you.

It’s a slow dance.

You gradually smile and reach out to him, pulling yourself from the rocks surface and into his arms. “Just one dance.”

Warrior tries to hide the gulp that threatens to noticeably bob his Adam’s apple and places his hands on your waist and holds your hand respectfully. “Have you danced before?”

“Technically.” You answer and place your own hands in his and on his shoulder, pulling yourself closer to him. “I while I know how to dance with the elite, it’s just never been my scene.”

“I know how you feel.” Warrior takes the leads and guides you through the steps of the song. He’s been through countless hours of training for battle- and not those that end in bloodshed- but those that take place in the ball room with the nobles and high end society that would have one looked at him scorn and distaste.

He doesn’t blame you for wanting to get away.

But he does want you to enjoy yourself... if only a little bit.

The steps come naturally to him and he takes a moment to spin you around before you trip over your own feet.

A small giggle escapes your lips as you twirl and send the fabric billowing around you.

Warrior is struck stupid by the sight and almost steps off beat with the music. He’s quick to correct himself but he seemed to have your laughter on his mind on repeat.

“I’d stay out here with you if I could.” He admits as he repositions himself against you, trying to lead you away from the rose thorns and the maze itself so neither of you get caught up in it. “But unfortunately my disappearance won’t go unnoticed for long.”

“Oh...” You blink and look up into his eyes. “I suppose you really only have time for one dance, huh?”

He’s unprepared by how disappointed you sound and it would appear so are you with how quick you try to cover it up.

“It’s fine! You’re an important figure here, I guess it’s only natural that every one would want your attention. I hope you enjoy the party though. Unlike me, you deserve the recognition.” You smile genuinely but your eyes look like they’re trying to get some unknown message across.

“If I can somehow get away again-” Warrior rushes to keep your smile there and to include you in the collective joy the party was supposed to bring. “-Will you save another dance for me?”

You hum and tap you finger to you chin in thought. “It hasn’t been that bad being out here by myself...”

Warrior really hopes that you let him dance with you again even when you pull apart to the end of the music. 

But you grin and reach up to boop his nose with the same finger.��“Alright soldier boy, since you asked so nicely I’ll save the last dance just for you.” 

Warrior laughs a little breathlessly and has to force himself to step away from you. He hopes to any and all who can hear them that’s he’s not actually blushing right now. “Ok. I’ll be back then.”

“I’ll be waiting.” 

Sky

Sky was sure that every one was having a great time. 

The music was loud and energetic and his friends were all off doing their own thing while the festival was in full motion.

It was a celebration for the people’s loftwings since it was usually the time of the year that they left their rider’s side- presumably to go lay their eggs for the next generation of riders.

But it was all fun and games for everyone involved.

Wind and Four seemed to be in a highly competitive match of toss the sack with Twilight being the point keeper on the other end. Wild and Hyrule were busy enjoying the food and no doubt collecting the recipes (Sky was hoping that Wild would make the food so he was no way inclined to stop him). Time and Warrior were off in a corner, talking to each other with a cup in each of their hands. Legend stood next to them without a cup but he seemed to be more interested in the décor and loftwings themselves.

But you...

Sky stopped walking along the ribbon perimeter and looked over to you.

You were by yourself... You didn’t particularly happy..

And that just won’t stand.

With subtle determination, he marches over to you and taps your shoulder.

You seem to blink back into the present and raise an eyebrow to him in return.

He can see the question on your lips just as you’re about to say it so he juts his head into he direction of the dance area with a simple hand out in your direction.

He hopes his intentions are clear.

You eye his hand and snap your mouth shut with a soft click. Sky gulps  suddenly, a strange bout of nervousness attempting to choke his system as you take your time to think about his offer.

Sky would never force you to do something that you don’t want to do but really (and he has no idea where this urge comes from) wants to dance with you.

Just once.

Just once to see you smile and enjoy yourself.

To see you happy.

You place your hand in his, soft and small and so much different than his own. “Lead the way, Boy Wonder.”

You smile and he returns your gesture, gently pulling you toward the open area as the next song starts. It’s light and airy and it’s enough to keep you moving even if you both stall for a minute to just sway side to side in each others arms.

Sky didn’t know that he’d feel so whole and accomplished by just holding you.

Emboldened by the tune of the events, Sky takes a step back and twirls you around as the music flows up and down again just in time to bring you back into his arms.

You laugh. “Perfect timing.”

“I do try.” Sky winks.

You giggle to yourself with a small shake of your head but you keep swaying with Sky across the dance floor.

The music comes to an end and Sky does his best gentleman’s bow as he lets go of you completely- even if he finds that he doesn’t want to. “An absolute honor to dance with you.”

The music starts up again in a similar tune but all he would have to settle for is just one dance. It’s all he’s comfortable with asking from you. 

“Sky wait.” You blurt.

He turns around to see that... well you seemed to have startled yourself as well.

“I um..” You bite your lip and vaguely gesture to the musicians in the distance. “They’re not done.”

Sky smirks a little. “But the song is.”

“I uh... Just one more dance?” You hold your hand out to him this time and he stares in shock.

Not for long though.

He’s quick to place his hand in your and pull himself back to you. “I’d love to.”

Four

Four was excited to show everyone around the Festival of Fools. It was his favorite time of the year where everyone got to be silly and destress and play and eat and dance.

Four had always run around trying to do what he could never get away with on a typical day but right now he had to make sure his traveling companion didn’t actually burn the town down.

He loved them but he’d lying if he said that he wasn’t just the tiniest concerned over their facial expressions when he said that anything goes really- no laws but those of the people apply today.

Which made him the temporary babysitter for some of the more rowdy ones.

But he had lost sight of you a while ago.

Not that he was concerned or anything but... He did want to spend time with you.

The festival doesn’t happen everyday and he knew that there would only be so many days left that he’d be able to spend with the group and even less so that they’d be given a chance to relax and unwind.

That thought urged him forward to find you.

If only to make sure that you were having a good time.

He had found you by the food court where you munched on a meat stick and watched as the people came and go.

You looked bored.

Now Four knew that parties weren’t entirely your scene and you weren’t the kind of person to go and throw yourself into the middle of it all.

That being said it still rubbed him the wrong way when you looked like you would rather be anywhere but there.

 He oughta do something about it.

Just across the street a band had begun playing music for the people to dance to, now that they’ve usually had their fill for lunch.

Four saw you look over and smile, basking in the edges of their amplified joy and amusement.

He grinned and ran over to you, tugging your hand into his own and pulling you close to him. “Dance with me!”

“Wha- Four? Where’d you come from?” You dropped the finished stick in shock and followed him as he dragged you to the open space just beyond the food cart.

“I live here.” He laughed and spun you around. “Just one dance!”

“I- but- Four!” You dug your heels into the dirt and stopped the both of you from reach the destination. “I can’t dance! I- I’ve never danced.”

Four turns to look at you and smiles encouragingly. “Just let loose, it’s easy. There’s no right way to move, you just do. Just feel the music and my lead.”

You bite your lip and Four takes the moment of hesitation to pull you forward again. you let him and soon find yourself on a dirt arena with lively music and people all around you.

“Don’t let go of my hand ok?” Four grins.

You find yourself grinning as well and soon you’re both spinning and jumping and leaping and twirling around each other to the beat of music.

It’s fast and fun and within moments on simply holding onto Four you find yourself laughing uncontrollably as he throws you around like a rag doll in which ever way he likes.

He’s stronger than you imagined him to be but then again... He’s a blacksmith.

It shouldn’t be all that surprising.

Somehow in the midst of it, he throws you in the air and over his head, catching you in a spin and letting you catch your breath and the music dies down and another begins.

“You ok?” Four asks, a little breathless himself. He doesn’t think he’s heard you laugh so hard or for so long.

It’s nice.

“That was fun!” You managed to say in between your giggles.

Four’s grin widened and even if he knows it’s not your style.... and he only asked for one, he holds his hand out again just in time for the next crescendo to begin.

You look up and look at him and his hand...

You don’t hesitate to put your hand in his and he pulls you close to him again.

You spin and laugh and jump and twirl well into the night, completely forgetting about the others until you have to turn in for the night.

Four’s feet hurt by the end of it and he’s exhausted but to see and hear you smile and laugh and enjoy yourself in what is arguably his favorite time of year was completely worth it.

He hopes that he can spend more time with you... He hopes for just one more dance before it all ends.

Part 2

[xo-cuteplosion-xo]

Midnight ball | Chuuya x reader |

Midnight Ball | Chuuya x reader | (female reader)

I feel like I'm doing Chuuya dirty with this one-

Warnings- references to some NSFW themes, inferred attempted rape, mentions of drug use.

(really hesitant on actually posting this... nothing happens, but I don't wanna make people too uncomfortable)

Undercover missions were normal in the port mafia. Every once in a while they would come up. You went on a lot of these missions. Even the ones you didn’t care for.

The air was brisk, not too cold, but not a comfortable warmth either. It wasn’t every day you were called in on what should have been your day off. The clouds covered the noon sun, keeping its warmth tucked away. It felt as if it may rain. Maybe snow would fall with how cold the air was. The trees were bare of their leaves and the grass slowly warping to brown. The winter flowers, in full bloom. You shivered tugging the scarf closer as you walked towards the black buildings. Stepping inside was bliss, the air warm and welcoming. You walked slowly towards the elevator stepping inside as it carried you to the level Mori’s office was.

Making your way into the office, your eyes landed on the short male you had become close to. Running a hand through your hair you looked to Mori. “Ya know it’s my day off right? This better be important.” you had guts talking to your boss like this. Elise snickered from the corner of the large room, drawing a picture. Most likely something rather disturbing, as she tended to do.

You hadn’t noticed it before, but Chuuya’s face was contorted in both disgust and anger. Whatever this was, gave him quite displeasure. “He’s having us go undercover. Instead of picking another female… he’s making me wear a fucking dress.” his eyes narrowed in Mori's direction.

“Well, you work well with (y/n). I carefully considered members like Kouyou, but none of them matched what I needed for the minor mission." Mori grinned as Chuuya huffed, crossing his arms.

You tried to imagine him in a dress, but the only thing that you could think of was Kouyou, considering they did both have ginger hair. Shrugging you grabbed Chuuya’s hand, tugging him away. You figured he could brief you on the mission later.

~

As the sun fell under the horizon, and the moon took its place in night's embrace, the two of you settled inside the limo. Chuuya’s arms were crossed as he tugged on the dress. His eyes set in heavy glares. His hair happened to be up in a neat bun. It had taken a lot of fighting and shouting that could have deafened somebody. He was even dolled up with light specks of makeup. The red dress suited his form, his height made it ideal for heels. He already had a feminine figure, so there wasn’t much you needed to do to pass him as a female. He kept squirming around glaring at you. “How the fuck do girls wear these dreaded things.” he hissed, referring to the corset hidden beneath the silk he wore.

Snickering you shrugged leaning back. “They say beauty is pain,” you hummed, leaning back in your seat. This wasn’t ideal for you either. You much preferred to be slightly dressed down from this. Looking as fancy as you did now wasn’t modest, and it sure wasn’t something you liked to wear. You were sucking it up so why couldn’t Chuuya? Could he really be all that uncomfortable? “I could loosen it a bit.” you offered, but Chuuya shook his head staring at himself. He had mastered heals within a handful of moments so you weren’t worried about him tripping. The real challenge would be flirting with the target.

This was a two-person job due to the size of the party and the security around the target. One of you would distract the guards while the other smooth-talked their way into a private area with the target. They would either get the extent of the information this person had managed to take early this morning or silence him. You two hadn’t decided who would be doing what. It was more one of those whoever gets there first situations. The car pulled up to the entrance just as your thoughts finished. Stepping onto the ground you waited for Chuuya. The clunk of his heels on the pavement were steady and even. You went to remind him about his expression, but he rolled his eyes. “I know, no scowling, glaring, or yelling.”

You smiled gripping the edge of the dress, pulling it up so you could walk the stairs without tripping on the (f/c) fabric. Your hair was down but pinned in specific places. “Don’t forget, no swearing. We have to act ladylike Chu.” clicking his tongue, he pinched the fabric of his dress and walked up after you. Entering the large mansion you were escorted to the ballroom. Standing at the railing that overlooked the floor you smiled. Never in your life had you been to one of these. You truly wanted to participate at least a little.

Chuuya noticed the excited glimmer of your eyes and grabbed your hand. Tonight, you both were trying to pass as two female teenage siblings whose parents wanted a night alone. Without a boyfriend, the two of you showed up alone. A naive action when it came to noble parties. These were incredible to get into. You had to have power and money somewhere. He pulled you down the stairs, flashing you a small smile. He wouldn’t admit but this wasn’t that bad. He didn’t mind the corset or the way the dress flowed in the wind. He minded the hair since he always wore it in one specific style. He’d done this once before with Dazai but doing this with you was different. Probably because he wasn’t being forced to be the fiance this time. “We might as well try to enjoy ourselves.” he was surprisingly skilled at keeping his voice higher in pitch. There were a few occasional slips, but he sounded somewhat feminine.

Smirking you pulled him to the food table. “I’d say you're actually enjoying yourself Chu.” his eyes narrowed for a second before playfully hitting your shoulder.

“Sure I am.” he huffed looking over the table of snacks. He grabbed one of the tea-sandwiches and took small bites. Despite how he tried to enjoy himself, he was focused on the mission. There was still no sign of the target. Two older-looking gentlemen came up to the pair of you, holding their hands out.

“Would you two care for a dance?” Chuuya’s mouth twitched to snarl, but he quickly put on a smile despite how much he wanted to string profanities. You glanced at him, inhaling softly, you tapped his shoulder as if to reassure him.

“Depends~ how old do you think we are?” you two had decided on your roles already. To spare Chuuya some dignity you would try to be the more seductive while he played the part of the shyer, more innocent twin. Since he was a boy playing a girl, he matched the innocent child-like stereotype well, considering he didn’t have breasts.

One of the men standing in front of you chuckled lightly. “Teens, though it’s not like we're hitting on you. We simply wish to take you for a dance. You appear lonely.” Chuuya was sick to his stomach already. The last time he’d done this he didn’t have to deal with these situations because Dazai had been there. Yet, as he looked to you, he tilted his head. Your hand grabbed the man's as you looked back to Chuuya.

“Trust me, it’ll be fun. There aren't any men our age, so trust me.” the act flew softly off your lips. There was a hidden motion when you flicked your ankle. It would have passed as your feet were slightly sore to anybody else. Chuuya glanced to the railing, spotting the target. He nodded, faking a smile as the two of you entered the dance floor.

With every pulse of the music, you got closer and closer to the edge. Your eyes tracing for the amount of guards. Though based on what you were observing you had both already found them. It was a widely known fact your target had a thing for younger females. Not young like Elise but teenagers who appear frail. You and Chuuya most definitely looked the part tonight. Dipping you back your eyes met Chuuya's, a smirk crossing both of your expressions. When you returned to the normal position you switched partners.

Things started going slightly south from there. While you two had managed to keep your dancing rather close to one another, you were starting to drift apart now. Chuuya moved closer to the stairwell, while you made your way towards the back doors. Despite how you tried to move back towards him, your dance partner kept you moving in that direction. Eventually, you noted what was going on. Occasionally these types of missions had unexpected twists. This was one of those twists. You hadn’t thought to watch for other predators. Trying to rip your hands from his you glared. “I ought to get back to my sister.” you wove innocence into your voice, but he paid no mind as if he had not heard you. As the music ended, the rough grip that had succeeded in pulling the two of you apart let go. A silent satisfactory smirk placed over his lips. Walking from you he headed back to find another dancing partner.

Walking around you began to search for Chuuya among the crowd. Innocently asking couples and other women if they had seen a short, rather young-looking female ginger dressed in red. They had shaken their heads but one couple pointed towards the stairs. You curtsied respectfully, racing to the stairs only to be stopped by the two men you had previously been dancing with. Batting your eyelashes you explained somebody had seen your sister walk up these stairs not too long ago.

You couldn’t help but feel worried despite knowing Chuuya could handle himself with the utmost care. He was strong both physically and ability-wise. You bit the inside of your cheek figuring, they probably weren't idiots. If they had separated the two of you they had to think you already knew something was up. You'd probably made that worse when you tried pulling away in the dance. The high-heels were beginning to get rather annoying. They were difficult to run in, jumping would probably result in a twisted ankle if you don't land perfectly. You made sure to blend away into the crowd. Losing their eyes you slipped through doors until you made it into a hallway. Laying out the map of the building in your head you walked the halls trying to find the staircase leading upstairs. You had to dodge behind corners to avoid security. It took you close to ten minutes to finally reach the stairs. There were so many rooms it would be difficult to find which one to enter. You narrowed it down to two in your head. The others would be a waste of time, the two you had narrowed it to were close to the ballroom, small, and were bar areas. Off-limits to party-goers as well. There would be no interruptions to their perverted actions.

You looked around, spotting a guard, you gripped the edge of your glove with your teeth. Walking up as if you were scared you began to stumble purposely over words. “I-i think I’m lost. I needed the ladies room and I couldn't find my sis or the ballroom.” faking tears as you got closer, the security officer's eyes softened as you approached. Taking you as a younger female instead of an adult, he offered out his hand. You gripped it before smirking as your ability activated. Moving your hand away, you tilted your head. “Sleep,” you commanded them. They fell to the floor with a thud. Grabbing the gun from their belt you checked that the safety was on. Assured it was you stashed it in your dress. Walking to the first room you burst inside finding no sign anybody had been there, you closed the door.

Making your way to the next option you pressed an ear to the door. Whispers and the sound of metal sent you to a light panic. Glaring at the door you pulled the gun out and switched the safety off. Entering the room you pointed the gun only to hear clicks follow. Your eyes darted to the sound. “So there were four.” snarling you entered and shut the door with your heel. Your mind began thinking of every way to get away from this situation. You lowered your gun with a defeated sigh. Letting it drop to the floor, one of the guns pressed to your head. Their hand grabbed your wrist as you looked to the mop of passed-out ginger.

“Damn idiot,” you hissed knowing this was probably the result of drugging. There was no way in hell he’d be beaten by mere ability-less scum. Shoved to the floor you glared. Your hands were pulled above you. Looking to the side you snickered at the poor idiot who touched your skin. “Kill your boss,” you commanded and their body dropped you and turned to the person whose hands were on your love interest. When the next guy pointed the gun at you, you swept them off their feet, whistled, and pointed. “Shoot them.” with another fire, two of three were dead. “Now shoot yourself.” and so they ended up three of three. Tossing off the heels you made your way over to Chuuya. Checking his pulse you rolled your eyes.

You lifted him in your arms before leaving the bloody scene. Your dress was now stained with splatters of crimson. Jumping from the window, then to a tree, and down, you placed Chuuya in the limo. Grabbing a bottle of water you opened his mouth and poured it down his throat. He stirred a bit, his head falling on your shoulder. Blushing lightly you found the back of his dress was open and the corset already loosened. “Got there just in time.” you sighed as the limo pulled to your small apartment. Lifting him you carried him inside. Dropping him to the bed you sat on the opposite side of the bed.

It took three hours before his eyes fluttered open. Holding his head, he glanced at you. “Why the fuck are you here?” of course his first words would be aggressive. He could hide it all he wanted by the shiver of his body and the way his hands moved to his back made it clear. Finding the strings and ribbon undone as well as torn his eyes widened for a fraction.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to be separated like that.” you played around with your gloves looking back at him you pulled a thing of makeup wipes from the side table. Tossing it to him, you sighed. “I hope you don’t mind, I had Dazai lock pick your door and get you your usual clothes.” he couldn’t even be mad at you for letting that bastard into his house. His mind was still focused on recollecting what had happened. He was beyond humiliated. He should have seen it coming. “I should have gotten there faster. They shouldn’t have been able to even get that close. I’m so sorry Chuuya! I’ll talk to Mori about not putting you on these types of missions. I know you're mad but please… say something.” you twirled a strand of your hair on your finger.

“I should have been prepared.” he looked away from you before feeling your arms around his body. Your head laid in the crook of his neck as you shook your head violently. He felt something wet soil, the shoulder of his dress. Turning so he could pick your head up, he blinked, startled to see the water dripping from your eyes. “You’re crying?” he sounded baffled, confused even.

“I should have let you be yourself! If I hadn’t pushed you to act like an innocent defenseless child, that situation would have been different.'' Chuuya gripped your shoulders laughing lightly as he shook his head. “You didn’t even have a good time! You hated being there.”

“No, no, (y/n)... I... Fuck!” he was bad at words, so as he tried forming the correct words he kept shaking his head. “I enjoyed spending time with you! I’d prefer to accompany you as a man next time. Neither of us are at fault. Missions go south. Nobody got hurt, sure I feel like an idiot, I’m utterly humiliated that I let my guard down and got drugged up, but nothing happened.” he pressed his forehead against yours, his thumb wiping away the tears on your cheeks.

This was out of character for him, but it was a side only you gotta see. He hated seeing you break down or get upset over things you had no control over. His hands wrapped around your ungloved ones. Your skin touches him with a small shyness. “Can I?” he asked watching you nod as his lips passed over yours.

“We both deserve a break from work. How about we tell Mori we are taking two days off?” you hummed looking into his eyes. He smirked and nodded. His lips pressing back to yours in a heated kiss. You pressed him underneath you with a smirk. His face went red as he glared.

“You’re a fucking pervert.” he hissed watching you snicker.

“Wow Chu, I'm so offended.” you leaned back into a kiss as his cheeks turned a brighter shade of red. “Think this makes us a real couple.” he rolled his eyes as you rolled to lay next to him.

“Yeah, I guess.”

[donutloverxo]

Smooth

Note - This is a birthday gift for my babie🥺🥺 Amber aka @sweater-daddiesdumbdork. I'm sorry Steve's as hairless as a seal😔 at least you have Ari Mike and Colin!

Summary - You're surprised to find just how smooth Steve is.

Pairing - Steve Rogers x reader

Warnings - smut, unprotected sex, loss of virginity, name calling, captain kink, rip steves pubes lol.

Word count - 2.6k

Masterlist is linked in the bio!

“What the fuck do you mean you haven’t done it yet?!” You cringed pushing your palms on your ears to block out Ella’s screeching. Maybe it was a mistake to tell her that you still hadn’t hit that supersoilder-golden-boy-next-door.

“We’re just waiting for the right moment you know?” You murmured. You couldn’t tell her the real reason. That Steve had never been intimate with anyone. Even if she was your best friend that was Steve’s secret to tell, not yours.

“When will the right moment come” She shook her head “I’m disappointed in you. You get to date that hunk of a man, and how long has it been a year?”

“Six months!” You defended yourself.

“As if that makes a difference” She scoffed.

“We will do it soon when we’re both ready.” You said ironing out the wrinkles on your dress which you were showing her.

“Alright I just want you to be happy” She rolled her eyes finally giving in “but why're you dressed as a nun?” She looked you up and down confused.

“I’m not a nun! I’m supposed to be snow white. Steve will be my prince.” You couldn’t help the love-struck grin that appeared on your face. You really were living out your best fairy tale with him.

“Wouldn’t you rather wear something traditional” She suggested.

“Hm?” You asked looking at your reflection in your dressing table mirror. You were covered head to toe. Your hair done up like that of snow white with a red headband. “How is this not traditional?” You wondered. It seemed like an okay, albeit cheesy but you were a cheesy couple, costume for Halloween.

“I meant traditional for our generation.” She snickered. She would never say it in front of Steve, but she loved making fun of you for dating someone who was old enough to be your grandpa and how you liked older men. “like a slutty snow White” she continued.

“Nope” You said popping the p and going back into your closet to take off the uncomfortable and restricting dress. You had no idea how you will spend an entire night in that thing. “I don’t want to ruin Disney Princesses for him. He likes them a lot” you shouted so she could hear you. It was so cute how he liked to hum or even sing along with the musicals sometimes. He appreciated the art and the vibrant colors. The idealistic happy endings appealed to the romantic in him.

You came out of your closet taking in deep breathes of fresh air, your torso no longer restricted “That doesn’t mean you can’t still be slutty” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at you.

“What do you have in mind?” You were curious. You were excited to be Steve’s princess. But you would trade that if you what you truly wanted.

Steve groaned looking at himself all done up in his 'prince' costume. Yeah it was his idea to be Snow White and her prince but you were the one who suggested doing a costume together! He couldn’t say no when you looked at him so expectedly. When you gushed so much about this being your favorite holiday.

He looked... ridiculous. There was no other way to put it. From the neck up he was fine, his clean shaven face and golden yellow hair pushed back. He looked like his normal self. But then his pale blue shirt with the balloon sleeves, the dark vest over it and his huge black boots, all topped with a sword strapped to his hip. It reminded him of his army days, when he was nothing more than a monkey.

He contemplated all the teasing he would probably have to endure from his friends the whole night. It would be absolutely worth it to make you happy. With his mind made up he left his apartment and headed towards yours, just across the hallway, to pick you up for the party at the tower. He did lose the sword. That was just too over the top.

He knocked on your door, giddy with excitement to see you in your snow white dress. He made sure to treat you like a princess, how you deserve to be treated by everyone, but to actually see you dressed as one would be something else.

His jaw dropped on the floor as you opened the door and he got a good look at you. You were dressed in... lingerie? You were a white lacy bodysuit that hugged your curves in all the right places. Leaving your legs completely bare. If that wasn’t enough you were wearing a tiara attached to a veil.

He couldn’t stifle the damn near animalistic growl that escaped his throat. He averted his gaze from your pushed up titts to your face. Your make up all done up, from the neck up you almost looked like a bride. “What the hell are you wearing doll?” he grumbled.

“Oh you don’t like it?” you clucked your tongue and looked down at your sexy costume “What a shame. It only costs like 500 dollars” Yeah maybe you were an idiot to spend so much money on a costume but if it worked you’d be seeing stars tonight so it'd be worth it.

“What happened to being snow white? What are you even supposed to be?” You moved to the side so you could let him into your apartment. He ran his hand through his hair plopping down on your couch, his eyes never leaving your body.

“I’m a slutty bride” You twirled in front of him to give him a nice view of your, barley covered, ass.

“That’s lingerie doll. You can’t go out dressed like that” He raised his hand to touch your ass, maybe give it a little squeeze but you quickly turned around.

Your hands on your hips you asked “Why not?”

“Because” He paused pulling you into him by grabbing at your hips “only I get to see you like this” His hand reached at your backside and he groaned squeezing your ass before giving it a light swat. He chuckle as you yelped from the sudden slap.

“Well then what do you suggest I do with this?” You asked nonchalantly playing with your veil “Are you saying I don’t look pretty?” You gave him your best mock puppy eyes. You could clearly see just how much he liked that on you. But you needed him to say it and to do something about it.

“You know that’s not true” You yelped as he flipped you into the couch, trapping you under him.

“I don’t know Steve. You don’t seem to be a huge fan of it. I thought you’d like me being your slut.” You brought out the big guns, jutting your bottom lip out. You knew he’d melt on the spot.

“Fine. You can be my slut.” He couldn’t believe he actually said that word. His mother raised him in a certain way. To respect women and to never ever use those words to address a woman. And he did respect all women and you. But she also taught him to be passionate and give his all to everything he did. So it would only be fair that he fucked you, respectfully, with everything he has got and gave you everything you asked for.

He grabbed your hair and pulled your head back. Biting and sucking on your neck and then trailing down your clavicle. Making sure to leave bruises so everyone could see who you belonged to. He kissed your throat and revelled in the vibrations caused by your moans. Your hands in clutching onto his head and completely messing up his well done hair. He finally let up and admired his work. The white and red marks that would soon turn a dark shade of violet.

He hauled you over his shoulder walking towards your bedroom. As you squirmed and then laughed in his hold.

He had to struggle a lot to off his clothes. They were so intricate, with the buttons and buckles, reminded him of his stealth suit. He pulled off his boots and crawled onto the bed, kneeling between your legs only in his tight black boxer briefs.

He looked at your face and frowned at the puzzled expression it held as you stared at his nude body. He suddenly felt self conscious. All the insecurities, from back when he was the little guy came back to him. He thought women liked him now. Even you were so entranced and attracted to his bulky figure. Which he couldn’t help but be proud of.

But right now, for some reason you didn’t look impressed. He sanked back to sit on his calves. He had completely given himself to you. What if you rejected him? He had no idea how he would deal with that blow.

“Oh!” You exclaimed as you noticed Steve’s defeated state. In your ogling and processing you didn’t realise that you might’ve hurt his feelings. “Stevie?” You knelt before him caressing his cheek. “I’m just taken aback a bit okay?” you tried to reassure him.

“Why?” He finally met your gaze looking into your guys.

“I mean...” You trailed off running your hand down the smooth and vast expanse of his chest. “You’re so smooth? You don’t have any hair.” You struggled to get the sentence out. Suddenly realises just how ridiculous it sounded.

“I – yeah that’s how I’ve always been. I thought that’s what women wanted” He murmured cutely tilting his head “You don’t like it?” His voice wavering with nervousness.

“Steve. What kinda question is that?” And you cringed as he reminded you that you did the same thing just moments ago. “I was kidding! Steve there is nothing about you that’s not to like. Yeah I do like a bit of fuzz but I’d love you just as much even if you were bald.” You said and he looked as if he was processing your words. “You are my dream guy. My prince.” You beamed trailing kisses down his flushed torso. “How about I show you?” You didn’t wait for his answer, taking off your veil and your tiara with it. You rolled his briefs down his hips and he helped you take them off. You looked in shock at his beautiful rosy cock, which was almost hard, and his lack of hair....

You quickly whipped your head up knowing he would assume the worst “Steve! It’s the most beautiful cock I’ve ever seen” You said stroking his length and licking the tip, which was oozing with precum, to prove it. “It’s just unexpected. That’s all.” You took him in your mouth. Just as you anticipated, he was too big, you could barely fit his tip in your mouth.

“Well you know the...” He bunched your hair in his fist, struggling to keep from pushing you down further.

“What?” You asked as he slipped out of you.

“I thought that’s what people did nowadays” He was turning redder every second “I didn’t... In the pornography...and I thought tonight you and me..”

You snorted and out a hand on your mouth to keep from laughing. “Steve! Porn isn’t real. You can do whatever you want with your body. But you’re in for a rude awakening.”

“What do you mean?” he asked trying his best to ignore his aching cock and your wet swollen lips.

“Just wait till it grows back” You grimaced “it’s gonna itch like crazy. That’s why I uh... never you know do it. Just warning you” You chuckled nervously.

“Enough talking” He groaned at the thought of your wet pussy and how much he had been fantasizing about it for the last several months. He pushed you on your back and quickly worked on removing your bodysuit. When you laid completely bare in front of him. He swore you were the more beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

He trailed down your body settling his broad shoulders between your legs. He groaned at the sight in front of him. You weren’t lying and he indeed preferred this. He dove right in licking and sucking to see what you like best. He had never ate a woman out before but he had been doing his research. Porn was too gratuitous and was clearly only made for the male gaze, reading women’s magazines and some more ‘sex for dummies' books he bought as discreetly as he could.

Which is where he got the stupid idea that everyone liked shaved dicks now. Which was only backed up by his friends and the locker room talk about ‘manscaping'. Tony and Clint were classic over sharers. He wouldn’t be surprised if they purposely misled him. He didn’t have much hair on his balls to begin with, but he expected to give himself to you tonight, so he carefully put the razor on his balls and shaved it all off. The things he would do for you and the lengths he would go for you.

From your moans and the way you were pushing his head harder into your core, he could tell that he was doing a good job. You thrashed and squirmed as he held you down by pushing down on your stomach. You came gushing all over his face and he made sure to drink it all up, not wasting a single drop.

He loomed over you, his cock nudging at your entrance. You both moaned in unison as he sinked into you, groaning into the crook of your neck as he bottomed out.

His hands greedily squeezed your hips, your breasts, your ass, whatever they could get a hold of as he slowly rocked his hips against yours. He knew if he went any faster he would blow his load right then and there.

“I’m gonna cum Steve.” You wailed and if he didn’t know any better he would think that you were in pain.

“You gonna cum? Go ahead” He harshly shaved his cock into you “Be a good slut. Cum all over your captains cock.” He felt his own release not far behind, not with your tight wet cunt milking him for all he’s got. He gasped when you raked your nails into his shoulders, crying loudly in his ear. He lost his rhythm. Lifting your hips up to fuck him like the animal you’ve turned him into. His hips stuttered as he came deep inside you.

He stayed inside you and on top of you for a minute. Catching his breathe he finally pulled out of you and laid down beside you, pulling you into his chest.

“I’m on the pill.” You mumbled into his chest. Not wanting him to worry about that. You smiled against his chest laying a kiss over his soft nipple. There were plenty of benefits to being so smooth and hairless. You could trace those hard abs of his with your tongue for hours. You changed your mind. You liked them smooth and silky now. Or maybe because he was so hairless. You didn’t know and it didn’t matter.

“I think I like seeing you as a bride.” He said his fingers idly playing with your hair, curling a strand of it.

You only muttered something as a response. Probably too far gone into slumber. He traced your smooth skin for a while before joining you in it. Completely forgetting about the party you were both supposed to be at.

Tags will be in the reblog! If you want in on the taglist click the link in the bio or shoot me an ask!

Please note that my work is NOT to be reposted or published anywhere other than my Tumblr or AO3 account. Reblogs are most welcome though.

[the-crows-typist]

Thank you for you patience on this, here is the first installment of the Valentine’s event with Jade and the word ‘Chocolate’ which was requested by  @takumipineapplexd. Enjoy.

CW: For potential OOC and Slowburn with small bits of Angst

Word count: 6378

A Heart from Me to You

“Welcome to the Sweet Tooth, may I take your order?” Deuce says as the customers enter the café in an excited hurry. From your position behind him, you couldn’t help but smile at their reactions to the confectionary seen within your shop; they were your creations, after all.

“I’ll have the lovers’ bite with some black coffee…Oh, and a tuna sandwich with some extra chips.”

“Alright, please take a seat and your order will be with you shortly.” The young man motions them to a nearby table with comfortable chairs and when they giggled to themselves, Deuce got to work on the order given to him. Just as the loud clatter overtook your hearing, you looked away, drowning the voices out to concentrate on the batch of brownies that had been cooking in the oven, the smell of chocolate wafting through the air and mingling with the smell of roasting coffee. You were proud of your achievements and you were proud of the atmosphere you’ve cultivated through your hard work.

“Ah, come on. Let me pay this time!”

“No, let me. I was the one who took you out on a date.”

“That’s not fair! Why don’t we pay half?”

“Eh, but—?”

But through your hard work, you ended up skipping on the life most people your age have. While you created beautiful pieces of art with sugar and meat, couples young and old enjoyed them. While you went out to get supplies, others spent time with people they wish to build a life together with. You couldn’t be angry at them, they deserved the happiness they found, but there was always that pang of jealousy and longing of what might have been had you just looked away from your work for one second.

You shrug your shoulders, hearing the timer ring. Then again, things wouldn’t have been any different.

“Deuce, can you clean up table 3 for me after you deliver the orders? I’ll be preparing the brownies.”

He smiled and nodded his head enthusiastically “I’ll go right to it.” and got to work. You were grateful to have him by your side, though you often felt guilty for the times you asked him to work alone during the days you needed to restock and resupply. Despite his insistence that he was fine, you could see the small tinge of exhaustion in his eyes.

You let the brownies cool on the counter and watch the small business thrive on the love of your heart. You are happy to see it flourish but you couldn’t help the biting bitterness of a love you yearned in return. Shaking the feelings away, you go back to work and grabbing a bar of chocolate, some milk, and hot water. The brownies aren’t gonna garnish themselves.

The next day was relatively quiet, the two of you replenishing the stock of your products and making small talk between each other. Deuce talked about his family while you gave your own opinions and listened. It wasn’t until near completion that customers rolled around. Two tall waltzed into the café, both of them wearing apparel far too expensive for a visit to a small establishment.

“Welcome to the Sweet Tooth, may I take your order?” You took to the counter prompting Deuce to continue the restocking by himself. They looked like identical twins, only distinguished by their eyes and blank hair strands against messy and neat teal hair.

“Let’s see.” The one to your left said, his hand coming to his chin to think as he browses the menu. “I’d like a chocolate lava cake, the hamburger steak set…and some mint tea. What about you, Floyd?” He turned to his twin who had messier hair and droopy eyes. A small hum and he shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll have…french-fries. Ah, there’s flavors available, right?” Floyd leaned down and his towering figure making you falter but only for a while.  

“Yes, we currently have cheese and sour cream at the moment.”

“I’ll take the cheese, then.”

With a motion of your hand, you guided them to one of your plush seats. “Please have a seat and wait for your order, thank you.” As they went, you look to Deuce who had the same expression of fear and surprise on his face. The two of you congregate together while working on the orders. “I could feel my heart leap outta my chest, they look so scary.” He whispered to you.

“Shh, don’t say it too loud.” You chided, bumping his shoulder lightly. “But you have a point.”

Deuce pulled out the fries from the fryer and let it cool just as you began setting up the hamburger set carefully and slowly heated the lava cake. “I don’t know what business fancy-looking guys have with our café but…Profit is profit. Are the fries ready?”

“Just gonna put the cheese powder. The water for the tea is ready.”

“Good. Clean up the area, I’ll be the one to deliver the order.”

“Sorry for the wait. Here’s the hamburger set, a chocolate lava cake, mint tea, and cheese fries.” You set the food down onto their table and set two small pieces of chocolate. “We have a special promo today that if you order a certain amount of food, you get one of our premium chocolates.”

“That’s wonderful, thank you.” The neater looking twin said just as his brother began eating the fries. You nod your head and gave him a polite smile. “Please enjoy the meal.”

The twins ate quietly, their eyes looking over your creations with healthy scrutiny. Floyd’s tongue slipped out of his mouth as he ate his fries and Jade took a bite from his hamburger. They both hummed, looking at each other as if communicating through their thoughts.

“My, such flavor.”

“Does that mean Jade likes the food?” Floyd leaned closer to his brother with a giggle. “We’ll have to see. Let’s finish this up, shall we? Would you like to split the cake, Floyd?”

Floyd stuck out his tongue towards his brother again and grabbed a fork. “Okay~. It looks pretty yummy too.”

The small cake was split between them and the aroma of chocolate hitting their noses.

“Jade, this is…”

“Indeed. Let’s finish up this meal and report to Azul, shall we?”

“I believe this will cover the payment.” Jade offered a card to you, allowing you to input the amount. “May I ask, do you create all the food you here?” As you give the device to him for his card number, you nod your head. “I do. Well, except for the core ingredients and bread I make everything I sell by hand with help from Deuce.”

“Just the two of you?” The receipt prints out and he takes his card.

“Yes, just the two of us. We are a small café, after all, so we don’t expect a long line of customers compared to more corporate and well-known shops.” You let out a small laugh, a hand to your cheek. “Though I wouldn’t mind a small line one in a while.”

Jade laughs along with you, his voice soft and calm yet smile so practiced. “I hope that it would one day happen.” He slips his card back into his wallet then produces another card, handing it to you carefully and respectfully. “I am Jade Leech and this is my brother Floyd, thank you for the wonderful meal.”

You take the card from him and he gives you one last smile before he leaves with Floyd waiting for him by the door. “We’ll come by and visit again one of these days.” Jade gives you one last smile and both you and Deuce were left alone in the empty café.

“The Octanivelle Co.” You read the card out. “Have you heard of this, Deuce?”

He drew a little closer and hummed. “No, not really.”

The two of you walked to the table the twins ate on and found the plates were empty save for a few crumbs of cake and cheese powder. The two of you exchanged looks and couldn’t help but smile. “Looks like they enjoyed the food.”

The door’s bell rings suddenly and an old couple looks at them from the counter. “Can we order some tea and cookies?” One of them asked with uncertainty and you quickly let go of Deuce and walk towards them. “Of course, what kind of tea would you like?”

Deuce looked at you with a smile, seeing your face now vibrant and happy. Just as he went back to his duties, he took the card into this hands and looked at the name. Jade Leech. Octanivelle Co. Why does it sound so familiar?

“We’re back!” Floyd announced just as he entered through the apartment door with Jade following close behind. Azul Ashengrotto had been reading some papers by the coffee table before hearing the two come in. He got up from his chair with a smile, a warm blanket over his shoulders, and clothes baggy and drooping. He looked quite tired. “Welcome back. How was the small trip around town? Did you find anything interesting?” Jade hands him a single piece of paper, a flyer. The young man’s eyes arched.

“The Sweet Tooth?”

Jade’s smile remained pleasant while Floyd plopped onto one of the comfortably plush chairs. “While we did go to the restaurants you asked us to sample, we chanced upon a small café with a wonderful array of pastries and confectionery. I had a nice chat with the owner who makes all their products from scratch.”

Azul brought a finger to his chin in thought. “And what of the food?”

Floyd leaned back on the chair with a hum. “I took a look at them while cooking. They’re pretty careful with food prep and had the right equipment on them.” He looked to the side, remembering how he stared at the owner as a way to look beyond what was allowed to be shown to him. “The assistant reminded me of a mackerel, always flopping around but pretty strong when it comes to it.”

“While I enjoyed the flavor, I think it would be best that you have a taste of it yourself, Azul. Perhaps The Sweet Tooth’s menu is exactly what we’re looking for.”

Azul looked at the flyer again. Its design was basic and borrowed and printing style, it was not at par with those used by more popular cafes. “I’ll take your word for it, thank you. Let’s schedule this for the end of the week.” The smallest of the three set the flyer down on the coffee table.

“Here’s your order of assorted chocolates, a cream and strawberry cake, and some black coffee.” Deuce put all the food into a plastic bag and set it for the customer to take. “Thank you for shopping at The Sweet Tooth, please come again soon.” Sighing, the boy leaned against the counter to stretch his stiff neck. With the last customer on the line gone, the shop was now silent; a cold object hit his elbow and you smiled at him, handing him the cold soda. “You look like you need some refreshments.”

He gratefully took the can from you and popped it open to take a swig. “I’m just happy that I got everyone’s orders to them on time. I know we can handle it but boy does my arms hurt.” You stood next to him and shrugged your shoulders. “Cakes can be deceiving, can’t they?” He nods his head and continued to drink the soda. “But now that it’s the end of the week, I can surmise that we’ll get a few more customers.” You whisper to yourself then look over to Deuce. “Why don’t you take a break? I’m sure you’re tired.”

“But…”

“It's fine a good ten minute rest won’t hurt, right?”

Just as Deuce was about to say something, the bell rang as the door opened, three people entered your establishment. Two familiar and one not. He wore clothes that both fit and hid his figure, his hair neatly styled and white, his blue eyes scanned the quaint shop he just entered. “What a lovely aroma.” He commented. “Is that chocolate?”

Nodding your head, you took your position by the register. “Indeed, sir. Ah, I think I remember serving your friends a few days ago.” You turned to the one with slightly messy hair. “Mister Jade Leech, right?” The three of them chuckle and Floyd pointed to his brother next to him. “Wrong Leech.”

“It’s quite alright. The two of them have told me about your shop and I’ve decided to try some of your food out. I’ve heard nothing but praise from the two of them.” Your cheeks flushed and your heartbeat was sudden, a smile formed on your lips. “Ah, I’m so happy you think that!” you exclaimed but quickly clear your throat when the twins chuckled at your reaction. “Might I suggest our roast beef sandwich? Oh, and a nice slice of chocolate cake??”

The small man nods his head. “As well as some tea, for three please? Mint will do.”

“Understood. Please take a seat while we prepare your order.”

“Thanks for waiting.” You set down the order on the table along with the tea and three cups. Azul lets out a hum of approval when he smells the food. “It’s as Jade says, it smells very good.” The other twin, Jade, chuckles. “They used their spices quite well, don’t they? I have to doubt in my mind that it will be an enjoyable meal.”

“Ah, shucks, I don’t deserve such high praises. I’m just following the recipe.” You say sheepishly, scratching the back of your head as Azul took a bite of the sandwich. “Recipe? Did you get all these outta some cookbook?” Floyd wondered. “Most of the food here is my Uncle’s. Ah, but, the sweets are mine.”

“Are you a family business?”

“Yup. The business went to me after my Aunt retired, I’ve been running it ever since with Deuce.”

Azul swallowed his food and licked his lips. “Interesting. This Deuce person is your assistant, correct? Is he a recent hire?”

“No, he’s my cousin. We’ve been working together since the business was passed down. As for assistant…Honestly, we’re each other’s assistants, sir.”

Jade leaned back against the plush seating, his long legs splaying out. He looked like a model with his clothes on, the way his dark turtle neck defined his face and his light-colored long coat accented his look further. Oh geez, you felt yourself staring and decided to look to Azul. You could hear him chuckle at your movements and you felt this petty frustration boil in you.

“That’s all we wanted to know, thank you,” Azul said to you and catching himself. “Ah, where are my manners? Please, call me Azul. Might I ask for some extra water for the tea?”

“Of course!” You take the teapot from the table. “One moment. Please enjoy your meal.”

Once you were out of sight, Azul took a bite into the cake and his eyes went wide.

“What do you think?” Asked Jade while Azul continued to eat.

“I think we found it.”

“The meal was lovely, thank you.” Azul reached into his pocket and produces some bills. “I’m surprised you don’t have customers coming to you in groves.” Shrugging your shoulders, you input the amount and slip in the bills. “I wish for that to happen but I don’t think Deuce and I can handle it with how we are now.”

You hand Azul the receipt and he looks through it, quiet for one moment. “Say, do you do catering?”

“Not at the moment, no.”

“Shame.” He pouted but moved to take a card out of his pocket. Azul Ashengrotto. Octanivelle Co. Your eyes widened at the familiar name. Was this Azul working with Jade and Floyd? “Come along, you two.” Just as the two walked out, the resting area’s door burst open with Deuce clutching his phone to his chest and face full of surprise. “You gotta see this! I can’t believe—!”

The trio left as Deuce approached you quickly. “I searched for Octanivelle Co. Look at all this! Their brands, the events!!” He pushed the phone to your face which you swatted in surprise. “The CEO’s name is Azul! That was him, right? Azul Ashengrotto?! He ate here!”

You moved quickly and ran outside the shop in your uniform, chocolate stained apron and all, to find the three. Oh, you should have known! You should have known!! You turned the corner to the nearby train station and soon as you moved to turn another side, your eyes collided with a dark-colored wall.

“Oops.” Said the person you bumped into, a pair of hand-holding your shoulders lightly. “Are you alright—Hm, aren’t you…?”

Jade Leech tilted his head down at you and you pulled yourself away. His shocked expression turned into a knowing smile. “Ah, I see.” He says and you’re sure you’re starting to feel the strong urge to pinch this man’s cheek…If you only you could reach him. “Azul, someone is looking for you.” He said to someone behind him as he let go of your shoulders.

“It’s you. What a pleasant surprise.” Azul’s smile was just as conniving as Jade’s but you could save the petty anger for later. “You asked about catering, right? I’ll do it.” You breathed in again. “But I need to know what you’ll need first.”

Azul’s back was straight and head held high as if he was triumphant in battle. “We need your food for my sister’s wedding.”

The shop was closed for the day as per the suggestion of Azul, the two of you using the time to discuss and plan, to add and remove, to agree and disagree. “Okay,” Azul began, tapping his pencil on the table. “My sister loves strawberry shortcake so that will be the flavor of the wedding cake. The other finger foods will be the smaller version of the—.”

Deuce stood by the counter away from the two and watching Jade and Floyd rummaging through the kitchen and adjusting themselves to the environment. “When will the wedding be?” he asked, looking to one of the twins. Floyd pulled out a can of condensed milk before looking at him. “In few months, three or four, I think. Enough time to get the order done.”

Jade sets down some cups of tea and tea leaves. “When Azul sees something he likes, he won’t stop at anything until he gets what he wants.” He pours some water into a prepared teapot and added the leaves. “He has enough resources to make his vision a reality.”

“But with just the two of us…” Deuce’s words trail off as Azul continued his speech.

“I’ll have Jade and Floyd help you with your preparations.” Your eyes widened and you looked to the two twins standing at the ready, Jade smiling at you while Floyd waved. “They are fast learners and have been trained in many culinary techniques, just show them the ropes of your establishment and they’ll do the rest.”

You could feel yourself flush at the sudden act of kindness. “T-thank you very much, Mister Ashengrotto. I won’t let you down.”

“I’ll leave you to it, then.” He leans to look at the twins, nodding his head. “Jade, Floyd. Be here first thing tomorrow morning, you’ll be learning The Sweet Tooth’s recipes to perfection.”

“Understood.”

“Got it.”

The twins smile in unison, your heart feeling the heavy pressure of the responsibility put onto you while Jade poured each one a cup of calming tea.

Training the twins and running the shop took a bit of time to get used to. You made sure the schedules lined up and two people were always available at the counter at any given time. In the kitchen, you stayed with each twin and made sure they understood the recipe.

Floyd was a natural but often very flimsy when something different catches his attention. You often had to pat his back and tell him to be careful with adding ingredients. “Add the sugar in little by little. Good. Now mix until you’re to make ribbons easily.” You say, guiding his hand by holding his wrist.

“This takes a lot of work…My wrist is starting to hurt.” He complains and you pat his back. “The molds are the fun part. Just a little more and we’ll get to that, okay?”

Just as you move away from Floyd, Jade had just come out of the walk-in freezer with his mold in hand. “Ready for the testing?” You asked as he carefully set down the flimsy material and turning it over to let the pieces carefully slip out. Jade’s work was the polar opposite of his brother with actions precise and instructions followed to the tee.

“As I’ll ever be.” He says, handing a piece to you.

As you chewed, you felt the burst of chocolate hit your tongue and you let out a small noise of approval but there was something in his creations that unnerved you. It was perfect. Too perfect. “It’s good…But it lacks.” You say and Jade’s eyes widen a small bit. “I do remember adding all the ingredients as per the recipe.”

“No, no. It’s not about that. Your handling of the ingredients was perfect and precise but…” You take another bite of his chocolate and continue to chew the piece yet feeling nothing in it. You backtrack a little bit, scratching the back of your head knowing that your next explanation was going to sound stupid to those who don’t understand the concept. “Ah, how do I explain this? It isn’t just the balance of sweet and bitter, you need to put your feelings into it.”

The silence that followed was nerve-wracking and you couldn’t help but cough into your hand. “I-if that made any sense.”

Jade’s smile was what brought you a small ounce of relief and his hand on his chest. “I understand,” He says. “I’ll improve on that as we work together.”

“Hey, chef, can you taste this for me?” Floyd called out to you from behind. “I can’t get the balance right.” You turned around and hurried over to him with a spoon. “Let’s have a taste—Ack, it’s so sweet! What did you put in this?”

Jade’s hand never left his chest, his palm feeling the steady and soft beat of his pusher. “My feelings, huh?”

“It’s quite festive outside.”

Deuce grunted, setting down a box full of milk and following Jade’s eyes to the crowds of people gathering and walking outside. “Ah, yeah. The town has a special night market that pops up once a month. Even people from outside of town come here to check it out.” Jade begins piping the cream covered cake and carefully decorating its top. “Really?”

“Yup. They like it since it’s a nice time to relax but recently, it’s become a place where people like to have dates.”

Jade laughs and begins adding the strawberries on top and sprinkling powdered sugar. “I’m sure the two of you have had your fair share of dates then?” Deuce scratches his chin, remembering his dates. “I have a few times.”

He looks to his cousin, watching them laugh with customers. “But I get guilty having to leave the store to them while I’m out having fun.” He hands a carton to Jade which he stores overhead. “They keep saying they’re fine but I can tell they get tired. They’re not very good at hiding it.” Deuce sighs and takes the box again and moves to the freezer. “They always put the shop first and I’m happy it’s still up and running. I just wish they knew that it was okay to have fun.”

The air was cool and the roads silent, you took a deep breath in after staying in the café for so long. Just as you were about to take the in the signboard, a pop of color and voice of awe distracted you from your activity. Fireworks colored the sky with bright colors, the wind blow again and offered you comfort after a long day. To your left, a couple held hands as they watched and you forced yourself to look away and begin to take the signboard from the ground.

“Good work out there.”

Something cold touched your cheek and Jade stood over you with a glass of water. “Thanks for helping out too. You and Floyd were a big help.” He took a sip of water just as more fireworks flew into the sky. “Do they always do this?” He asks and you shake your head. “Not often. But it’s beautiful to look at, huh? It’s been a while since I’ve seen the fireworks.”

Jade looks to you just as another rocket soared into the sky, the colors of pink and blue, red and green, illuminated the sky in a grand finale. Its colors reflected in your eyes, the shine of the light against your skin that cast a different glow to your sweaty face, he blinks then looks back to the people with their loved ones clapping their hands.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

You look down at your cup of water and chuckle bitterly. “It is.”

“You didn’t have to accompany me on a supply run, y’know?” You say as Jade helps load butter and sugar into a basket. “I would but your cousin was worried about you being tired so I decided to tag along.” He smiles at you in the most cryptic way imaginable, you couldn’t tell if he was making this all up or Deuce was trying to set you up.

“Besides, we’ll be working together for a while so it’s only right that I get used to the routine.” He took another look at the list and reached for the fruits too high up for you to take. While his height had been a bane, it was also a kind of blessing for reaching high places. “Now, what should we get next?” You look through your list and nod your head. “That’s all of it. We can grab a quick bite to eat before heading back.”

Once leaving the store will all the bags in tow, the two of you walked the streets. “How come you didn’t go to the night market yesterday?” He asked, your eyes looking to him. “You let Deuce go but he eventually came back to help.” Shrugging your shoulders, you look away with a pout. “Someone needs to look after the shop, that’s all. Can’t have the business suddenly tanking because of monthly market.”

“Besides…” Jade’s eyes widened slightly, seeing such an embittered grin on your face. It seemed that you had been hurt by this before. Your brows furrowed and eyes closed in a weary smile. “With all I’ve done, I don’t think I have time for that anymore.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—.”

“It’s fine, it’s just personal experience on my part. Let’s go back to the shop, Floyd and Deuce are probably wondering where we are.”

Jade continued to walk beside you but his eyes never watching as the bitter smile relax to one of content and nostalgia. He looks forward, thinking of something to say yet wondering if he should say anything at all.

“And that should be the last piece.” You say, popping the last chocolate strawberry into the container and sealing it. Floyd takes the box and chucks it into the freezer. “This warrants a celebration, don’t you think?” Deuce nudges Jade’s arm. “I hope you got everything prepared.”

“Of course. It’s only your company that’s needed.”

Your confused expression is what prompts Jade to motion you to follow him to the back. “Follow me.” The four of you walk deeper into the shop and you begin to smell a charcoal grill and hear the crackling of a fire. A small party area had been made. A clay grill and some meat laid out to be cooked.

Floyd let out a noise of happiness and you looked to Jade. “Surprised? Good. Let’s enjoy the meal.”

The four of you were merry as you ate your fill of meat and assorted vegetables, Deuce and Floyd sharing their own stories while you and Jade listened. At first, you didn’t think the two would get along but seeing them be so comfortable with each other made you smile.

“Will I see you at the party?”

Jade had poured himself a cup of tea and looking at you expectantly; your stunned silence was what prompted him to explain a bit more. “It is only right that you attend, you did agree to supply delicious food for the wedding.”

“Oh, uh…I suppose I can go. I might need to get a wardrobe check first.” You took a bite of the meat and chewed. “Though, parties like that tend to get wild as the night progresses right? It’d be nice to see you getting wild.” He took your tease in stride and chuckled. “My, is this an excuse not to see you at play as well? I’m certain your hand and eye coordination in sweets making will extend to your ability to dance.”

You hit his shoulder slightly, cheeks flushed yet smile wide. Your dancing skills weren’t anything to be proud of but you could keep a beat. You swear on that!

Jade laughs, his brows furrowed and shoulders shaking. “What I mean is, you’ve worked all this time. It’s time for you to have fun.”

Fun. Your shoulders hunch over with a smile on your face. Jade sets down pieces of meat on the grill while you think. You had spent so much time at The Sweet Tooth making things from the bottom of your heart. You had spent so much time skimping and ignoring what could have interested you for so long that it made you question if you deserved it? The fun most people you know have, the happiness they found and cultivated.

“Ah, I almost forgot.” Jade reaches down and pulls a box. “You did say that my work lacked a certain something so I’ve been practicing with the help of Deuce and Floyd.” Opening it, the smell of chocolate hit your nose. “I think I’ve perfected it.”

You pop a piece into your mouth, the sweetness and bitterness mingled and taste whole and honest. As you chewed, you tasted the memories and the conversations you had with Jade up until this point. His teasing remarks and his honest comments. It was perfect.

His look was expectant. “Well?”

You swallowed the sweet morsel and smiled at him, nodding your head “Well done.”

The wedding was beautiful, the ceremony was solemn and the dance floor was filled with people dancing together. You were dressed in your best attire and nursing a drink in your hands. “There you are.” Azul’s voice pushed through the noise, behind him was his newlywed sister. “This is the owner of The Sweet Tooth, they’re the ones who made all the sweets,” Azul said with the bride, his sister, next to him. “Your sweets are the best. Everyone loves them!” She says, taking your hands in hers. “Your strawberry cake is delicious, I couldn’t stop myself from taking another slice.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” You say, smiling at the infectious sweetness of the newlywed bride’s smile. “Please, enjoy the food to your heart’s content.”

She nods, shaking your hands. “Enjoy the party! You’re welcome to dance with us if you’d like.” Azul chuckled as his sister ran to entertain the guests. “That girl, always too excited for her own good but I’m glad she’s happy. Thank you for helping, I really appreciate it.” You laugh, shaking your head. “It’s not a problem, Mr. Azul. Just seeing people happily eat my creations is enough for me.”

Nodding his head, he moves to step away. “Do enjoy the party.”

The music shifted to a slow beat and you couldn’t help but chuckle at the sudden shift of mood as the guest scrambled to dance with their respective partners. Your loneliness wouldn't sit for long when Jade took to your side. In his hand was a plate of strawberry cake.

“Enjoying the food?”

“I’d be lying if I wasn’t.”

He continues to eat while you watch the people dance in the center, the bride and her groom waltzing it away in the center with foreheads connected and smile wide. “Would you like to dance?” Jade looked down at you, his hand at the ready. You hesitated for a moment before taking it and walking with him to the dance floor.

The music was slow and so were your movements. Jade’s held your hand as you spun around slowly, the distance between you and him growing smaller and smaller. “Having fun?” He asked just as the lights dimmed to match the mood of the floor. “You always ask lots of questions, Jade.” You said, leaning your head to his chest. “I can’t help but be very curious, that’s all. I only want to make sure everything I do is satisfactory.”

You spun again, changing sides. “So you’ll only act if the person likes it, then?” He chuckles, eyes furrowed and sharp-looking teeth showing. You never admitted to it but, seeing him this way made him look so cute. “When you say it that way, you’re making me up to be some kind of boot licker.”

“Ah, c’mon. There’s no harm in making people happy. But you gotta think for yourself.”

“How ironic of you to say that.”

You stuck out your tongue at him in defiance and he laughed again just as the song shifted to one more intimate. “But…If I were to have things go my way.” He pulled your hands a little closer and letting go to let them settle on your waist, rocking you side to side. “I would want you to stay a bit longer.”

Your foreheads connecting and your noses almost touching. “That’s what I want.”

The hands on his chest bundle into fists, your cheeks quite warm. “I-if…If that’s what your heart desires.” Did you really deserve this kind of happiness? You asked yourself that millions of times yet never thought to answer it yourself. Did you deserve the singing feeling in your heart after ignoring it for so long?

“Then, will you dance with me again?” He asked, your body shivering as he held you close to him,

“Yes.”

The wedding ended and the guests began to leave. You stood at the edge just as the taxi you flagged down came to a crawling stop. Jade stood behind you with his hand holding yours. “Well,” You say, turning to him with a smile. “This is goodbye, then. The wedding is done and the customers are happy with the food. A perfect run, don’t you think?”

“Indeed.”

The two of you stood together for a while before you spoke to break the silence. “Thank you for tonight, Jade. I had lots of fun.”

Your heart soared remembering the dances you had with him but it soon plummeted to your stomach knowing it would probably be the last you’d do that with him. “I’m glad.” That was all he could say, “I’m glad you had fun.”

Nodding your head, you turned around and opened the car door. “Yeah. Real fun. Goodnight, Jade.” He nodded his head and your hand slipped out of his hand you. He put his hands behind his back and watching you speed off home, his tall figure growing smaller and smaller as the distance between you grew.

“Where to?” Asked the taxi driver.

You sniffle, looking away with a sigh. The moment of happiness you felt became a distant memory to come back to. The answer to the question you’ve always asked yourself was all too clear to ignore. You spared no second in answering.

“Baker’s Street.”

The new day had started and you thought it couldn’t get any worse. You had slept through your alarm and Deuce was nowhere to be seen. Hastily donning your uniform, you sprinted your way to the shop only to see loads of boxes being hauled in. Deuce watched by the door.

“Deuce, why didn’t you wake me up? What’s going on here??”

Your cousin gave you a questioning look that turned into realization. “Didn’t Azul tell you? He was planning a visit after the wedding.” Azul and his sister, as if on cue, walked out of the store. “Good morning, sorry for the mess we’ve caused.”

“N-no, it’s not a problem really but what are you doing here?”

“Everyone loved your foods last night and thought to have breakfast here before leaving. Deuce told us you were short on hands so I had the twins help out.” Deuce chuckled and scratched his head. “You looked so tired that I didn’t want to wake you up.”

“Azul, everything’s ready.

Jade came out, his apron stained with oil and hair slicked back. The two of you alock eyes with one another for a split second. “Right. Let’s have a nice meal, shall we?” He and his sister went back in and leaving you alone. Deuce was quiet with his exit, only letting out a small laugh as he left you alone with Jade.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.” You scratched your cheek with a small laugh. “I didn’t expect to see you again so suddenly.” He drew closer, taking your hand in his. “That’s not a bad thing, is it?” In your hand was a piece of chocolate, the very first thing you taught him to make.

“I just wanted to make sure everything is perfect.”

You popped it into your mouth and chewed. The morsel was not too sweet and not too bitter, the memories of the both of you making your heart soar to the heavens. “What do you think?” The hold on his hand never left yours.

“I think you’ll know what I say.”

He chuckles, moving with you to enter the shop. The bittersweet taste lingering on your tongue for longer than it should. Your fingers intertwined as you turned the sign over, signaling a new day of business at your shop. This was your happiness.

[uglypastels]

Z first off...you are amazing and I am too shy to actually ask but I would love to be friends!! For the Spotify themed blurb could you do a smut with Tom and Mr. Brightside? I love you sm!!

Nooo don’t be shy, you can come to talk to me any time. I’m sorry this took so long to respond, but I try to get through my requests in the order that I get them and there are just so many haha, I didn’t want to lose the request either. I hope you enjoy this :). This is some kind of au but who knows which one.

> There will be smut under the cut, 18+ < (this is filthy cheating, oral (f receiving), unprotected sex - please use protection!) 

> catching up on my Spotify Blurbs

Song: #18 - Mr Brightside by the Killers __________________________________

It made Tom sick to see you standing there, at his side. He didn’t know what you saw in the guy, let alone what made you want to marry him? Probably money, and in that case, he admired your endurance. Because, as he saw you from the other side of the room, your waist tightly pulled into his side with his sleazy arm around you, he could see from the distance how miserable you looked. 

It pained Tom to see you because he knew how much better he himself could be for you. And you knew it too. You turned your head and locked eyes, pleading for Tom to help you escape, just for a moment. He nodded as he took a sip of his drink and made his way through the banquet hall. 

“Phillip,” Tom smiled to him, “y/n,” when he looked at you, his smile finally reached his eyes. 

“Thomas,” you answered respectfully. Your husband took out the cigar from his mouth, at least blowing the smoke away from your face this time, before greeting Tom. They made polite small talk before Tom made said his goodbyes, but not before kissing your hand as a farewell. And a sign. You knew what to do. 

“I have to powder my nose if you’ll excuse me, darling.” You smiled to the man you lost all affection to and hoped he would let his grip on you go. He did, but not before squeezing your ass harshly. You jumped up surprised and tried to laugh along to the echo of howling that came from your husband's entourage. You turned away and made your way out of the hall, making a corner into a smaller hallway to the bathroom, passing those doors and walking into a door that was overlooked by most people visiting the building. 

Down the stairs you went, your heart beating faster and faster at the thought of being alone with Tom again. You were still young, but any day spend with Phillip seemed to be taking away double the time and energy out of you. Not Tom, he made you feel anything but that. With him you were yourself, if not better, not just some pretty arm accessory. 

You pushed open the door of the supply closet. The dim light was on, illuminating your lover’s features. You could see his smile as your eyes locked once again. You didn’t waste a minute in making your way over to him. Your arms found their way around his neck, and his were on your hips as your lips crashed into a passionate kiss of need. 

He had already loosened his tie before you came in, as well as opened his leather belt. When he took the zipper off your dress and pulled it down, you thanked him with a moan. The material pooled around your legs, and you stepped out of it, kicking it to the side with your heel. 

“You’re so gorgeous,” he said. “Too fucking gorgeous for him.” He liked to remind you this any time you met, and still, you weren’t sure if you could accept that compliment. It felt so far out there. But no matter how fantastical, Tom made it feel true. For the short moment that you could be together, you were in your own little world. 

Your hands reached for his trousers, helping them make their way down to the ground as well, together with his underwear. The task was slightly more difficult since Tom had already grown hard at your sight and the anticipation of what was to come. You really drove the man insane.  

Another moan escaped you when you felt his fingers over your heat. Sliding through your wetness as his thumb drew circles over your clit. You took a step forward, he followed and clashed with his back against the wall. The next second, he pulled you closer and spun you around so you were the one locked in. His lips were now on your neck and his moved down, his fingers had now pulled away from your panties to the side, giving him the full access and ability to give you the pleasure that your husband never could. 

You watched as Tom’s head moved down, leaving a trail of kisses over your body. He held up your leg to put over his shoulder, before leaving one final kiss to your clit. With his fingers now pumping in and out of you in a steady rhythm, he had the freedom to give every part of your the attention it needed. You had to hold in your screams of pleasure, for fear of being heard and found, as he continued. 

“Fuck, Tom,” you slipped past your lips while grabbing his hair in your hand. Tom replied with a humming sound that directly vibrated through your body. The one leg you still used for ground support was shaking, your chest heaving heavily. You could feel yourself reaching the end as Tom didn’t even think of stopping. Not now. Preferably, not ever. He loved it. He loved making you feel this good. He loved bringing you to your climax and tasting you. 

But eventually, the overwhelming sensation of the orgasm was coming down and you needed that one moment, just a second, to rest. You tapped his shoulder lightly and he pulled away. His pink lips glistening in your juices. As you took some deep breaths, Tom continued to pepper kisses on your thighs, but he made his way back up to kiss you again. You could taste yourself on him. It was a funny feeling, but nothing you didn’t enjoy. 

You were about to move down on to your knees but Tom stopped you. 

“What do you think you’re doing, dove?” he asked, cupping your face in his hand. 

“Why, repaying you the favour, of course.” you giggled. 

“It was no favour, it was the best gift I could ask for.” He kissed you again quickly before continuing, “You taste divine.” One more kiss, “besides, if you had to repay anything, which would be ridiculous, I’d much rather have your tight pussy around me.” 

“Oh, so now my mouth is not good enough for you?” you joked. 

“If only we had the time,” he brushed his lips against your ear, so his next whispers send shivers all through you, “Then I could correct that little attitude of yours.”

You whimpered in response, it only you had the chance. 

“You know I fucking adore whatever you do, but I think we both much more prefer if I fill you up right now.” 

All you could do was nod. When you looked down you could see how hard he was, tip already red, practically ready to burst. Tom helped you up so you could wrap yourself around him as he pinned you against the wall. Slowly, making sure you could adjust to the feeling, he trusted into you. Of course, his previous words were right, you needed him inside you, filling you completely, stretching your walls, hitting that spot that sent you over the edge- over and over again. It was a wonderful feeling, not only the physical side of it, but do be treated like this with the intention of showing care and adoration, that alone was amazing. Tom’s cock pounding into, that was only a bonus. 

He kept going. The kisses as sweet as they were, were now mostly a way to soften the loud sounds coming from your mouths. But if it wasn’t for the moans, someone might have just as well heard the noises of the shelves in the room rattling as your bodies moved together. Tom’s hips moved faster, deeper, harder. You wanted to scream so badly. You wished everyone could know who made you feel this good, but all you could do was bite his shoulder to muffle yourself. 

“Fuck,” Tom groaned. He never said it, but you knew he enjoyed it. 

Eventually, he had to slow down, his moves turned irregular, he was close, and so were you. So close. 

“Come for me baby, c’mon,” he encouraged you. But it was that one final thrust, hitting your deepest point, that made you roll your eyes back as the release of tension in your body flooded over you. Your entire body was shaking but Tom helped you through it. He held you close, kissing every inch of your skin he could reach in the position until you could get back up on your own two feet.

He also helped you get back in your dress. One final farewell kiss sealed the end of your secret rendezvous. You slipped out of the room, making sure no one else was there. Tom would leave a few minutes later, just to be safe. 

He came back to the banquet hall and was walking by, just close enough to hear you choke out your made-up alibi. He smiled into his new glass of champagne, thinking if you could feel his cum drip down your legs as you lied to your good-for-nothing husband. 

[bangtae-sohotddaeng]

we’ll be counting stars | k.th. | 3

(^ gif cred: ON THE VOYAGE | pinterest)

pairing: idol!Taehyung x publisher!Reader

rating: nc-17 (for language and themes)

summary: You’d sworn off love and relationships forever. You were here to do your job - work with the biggest boyband of the world. Not forge friendships and...and whatever it was that you and Taehyung were building up with these sneaky glances. It was, to be very fair, your Chief Editor’s fault that you’d landed in this mess. Maybe you should quit your job? Maybe you should quit life -

Oh, he was staring again, and did he freaking lick his lips?

warnings: swearing (reader’s got a potty mouth) + this is set like 5 years in the future + reader has emotional issues, she's a relationship phobe + mentions of weed

genre: so much ANGST ugh + fluff + comedy + some crack

words: 5 k

note: hey, y'all. so last month i went on a new year's trip to my boyfriend's city (yes, covid has forced us into an ldr, fml) and got too occupied in all the celebrations and reunions, and this got delayed. also, you might have noticed how the chapters progressively grow wordier, lmao i'd been confused. but i think i've found the perfectly comfortable number now. expect this length from now on. thank you for reading~💜

< prev | next >

series masterlist

gimme feedback, much much appreciated!

You were, to be very honest, a complete mess at this point.

You hadn’t been quite certain as to what to expect when you’d picked Jungkook’s name out of the bowl in your office, but you could say with certainty that it hadn’t been even close to this. 

This boy was brimming with ideas! You hadn’t been able to get a single sentence in the midst of his own enthusiastic chatter, with words and ideas folding and layering all over each other. All you had done was nod, mumble words of agreement and appreciation—that you were pretty sure he didn’t even hear—and type it all. Freaking typing. So much typing.

So basically, the entirety of yesterday spent fussing over the repertoires to ensure that the list of tasks for the first set of three weeks were well-constructed had led to this—not being able to so much as tell him about the questions your team had so meticulously framed! You felt irked, amused, exasperated, exhausted, and at the same time, really fucking lost. 

How were you supposed to interrupt him without disrespecting him? You didn’t have a great amount of tact and usually just cut to the chase. Which was generally an appreciated quality in your profession, because no writer wanted to be just lathered with compliments to later find out his work was actually bullshit that no one wanted to read. But this situation was different. You felt pressured, nervous and out of your element. Because you really had no idea how to respectfully stop this guy from making a mess of all your hard work.

He was Jeon freaking Jungkook of BTS, for God’s sake!

How could you shut him up?

You were both in Jungkook’s personal studio in the BTS dorm. The boy was seated on a couch across the coffee table from your own, literally swimming in a trillion size bigger t-shirt and some loose sweatpants. His hair floof-ed all over the place as he spoke, bubbling and bursting with enthusiasm. Which he was doing a lot of. Speaking, that is.

For the better part of two hours now, you’d been listening to him go on and on about what all he wanted to include in the book. Your fingers were nearly cramping with all the typing, but you’d promised the guys no recorders and you didn’t wanna miss anything he said. But it was freaking difficult with the speed he was going at! 

And also with the mess and reluctance in your own head. You were used to pulling the reins with writers. This situation was making you feel incompetent.

You hadn’t even touched your list, yet. What would your teammates think of you if their very team leader failed to finish with the assigned data collection and messed up the team’s hard work? Ugh!

Currently, Jungkook was having you make a list of all the people he needed to talk about in the book.

“And there was this boy my age, Ji-Hyun, he was so much better than me at everything! It is him, truly, that I credit my overachieving traits to. I had to work so, so hard—oh! Please also note down Mun-Hee’s name! She was the best dancer in my entire school. So… wait, where was I?” He looked up at you with wide big, round eyes.

You opened your mouth to speak—was this when you asked him to shut up? It had to be, right, because this was the first time he’d actually prompted you to speak. 

You meant to take your shot, but then stopped. You blinked. Looked back at your laptop. Blinked again. 

You were so confused, right now. “Uh, Ji-Hyun was better than you—”

“Oh yes!” Jungkook exclaimed, launching off into a detailed story about how and in what respects, exactly, this guy was better than Jungkook.

You shut your eyes. This had gone beyond “taking notes” and was quickly turning into Jungkook enthusiastically reminiscing his childhood and freaking telling you tales about it. And he seemed to be enjoying himself so thoroughly, looking so adorable, that it felt very wrong to ask him to stop even when you tried to avoid the added pressure of him being a whole ass idol.

But you had actual work to do. And you were leading a team. You couldn’t act so unprofessionally.

In hindsight, maybe you shouldn’t have told the boys that this was going to be like “making friends.” Jungkook seemed to have taken it too literally.

Biting down on your lip, you cleared your throat. He didn’t acknowledge it. Sighing, you shut your laptop. “Jungkook?”

This time, he stopped mid-word, looking at you with his lips rounded in a pout, sparkling eyes turning into saucers. 

Now, you were in no way attracted to the guy, but you really could not deny how freaking cute he looked in the moment. 

“All okay?” he asked, looking at you and then the shut laptop on your lap.

You took a deep breath, winced a little, and then shook your head. “No, Jungkook. We need to pause…” You had to stop speaking when his face crumpled. “Whoa…um?”

Jungkook slumped in his place, shoulders sinking. “I’ve been giving horrible ideas, haven’t I?”

Your eyes widened. “What? No! Absolutely not! That isn’t the case, I was…”

He wiped his face with both his hands before looking at you with really sad eyes, all enthusiasm from some time ago washed away. “Then what? You can tell me, it’s okay.”

Now. You prided yourself to be a practical human being who strived to be as straightforward in her life as possible. But right now, you really could not stop yourself from lying your way out of this one. You decided to blame it on the fear of upsetting a client, and not the impossible-to-control empathy that Jungkook’s doe eyes seemed to naturally draw out of people. 

“I just need a coffee. It’s been a while, my hands need a break. And my brain’s kinda overwhelmed, too,” you expertly lied, relaxing when Jungkook’s eyebrows lifted.

“We’ve been sitting here for long, haven’t we?” he said in an almost guilty tone before standing up. “And I didn’t even show you around the dorm!”

You tried to tell him how it was really not necessary, not to mention a bit too personal and…not what you were here for? But he was already moving towards the door and beckoning you along.

“Come on, let’s drop by the kitchen and then we’ll take a walk around the property!” he enthusiastically announced.

You stood up and followed him out of the room, awkwardly trying to ignore the two bodyguards that had stood as still as mannequins while you were in the room and then started to follow Jungkook wordlessly as you left.

The walk to the kitchen was a short one, and the place was, unsurprisingly, not empty.

Your team members along with their partnered BTS members had been assigned one particular space in the dorm, each. According to the email you received last evening, the kitchen was supposed to be used by Simon and— 

“Taehyungie-hyung! Are those chicken burgers?” Jungkook excitedly rounded the kitchen island to peek into the paper bag Taehyung was fiddling with. “They smell so good…”

You looked from Jungkook’s face that was awash with childlike excitement to Taehyung’s, and your breath caught when you found his eyes already trained on you. While you struggled to formulate a coherent thought at the intensity his eyes seemed to be emanating, yet again, his lips slipped into an easy smile.

“Hello!” he greeted you cheerily, bowing his head.

You, dazedly, bowed back and dragged your feet up to the island, standing across from the two guys. “Hey,” you mumbled in English.

His smile widened further to show his teeth. “Food?” he asked you in English, nodding at the burger Jungkook was pulling out of the bag.

You shook your head. “No, coffee,” you responded in Korean, earning raised eyebrows from him.

“I hate coffee.”

You smiled, this time. “You’re missing out.”

“Can I call you by your name?” he asked out of the blue, and you did a double take.

“Uh…yes?” you stammered. “Yes, of course Taehyung-ssi.”

“You should call me Tae.”

You swallowed, continually nodding your head like a damn puppet. “Yes. Tae. Sure.”

“I’m bac—boss?” 

You twisted on your heels at the familiar squeak. “Simon, hi,” you mumbled, professionalism slipping over you in the blink of an eye at having a member of your team in your vicinity. “Where did you wander off to?”

Simon seemed to be sweating a bit, and you really couldn’t really tell why. You’d just asked a simple question. 

Maybe you’d become too scary…

“Just the loo,” Simon responded with a forced giggle. 

You nodded, giving him a long look and observing how his smile grew progressively weirder. Then you turned back to the island. And nearly choked.

Taehyung’s fringe hung over his eyes, making his eyes look that much more hooded. His lips were twisted up as he watched you.

Oh, dear God, did this guy have a crush on you or something? But how? Why? 

He was a bonafide Greek God, and you were…well. Not.  

And needless to say, he was literally not allowed to have a crush on you. Or anybody else, for that matter. It was against BigHit’s policies. According to what you’d read, the boys were to wait out one more year, as of now, before indulging in any sort of romance.

You were, by contract, also bound to not encourage any such advancements. Not that smiling at you could be considered one, to be honest. He could very well be trying to make friends, and you could be reading too much into it.

You decided to stop thinking so much.

“You want to eat something?” Jungkook asked as he handed you a cup of brew.

You smiled and shook your head. “I don’t eat at work. None of us do.” You eyed Simon and he nodded with his gaze wide. “Disturbs the momentum.”

“Hey, you shouldn’t consider this strictly work,” Taehyung spoke up in that deep ass voice of his, startling you. “We’re also making friends, here. This is also not your office, but our home.”

And then he grinned at you with all of his teeth. You felt your cheeks heating up.

This was not going according to plan. 

You were panicking.

Flashing Taehyung a close-lipped smile, you stepped away from the counter. “Um, Jungkook?” you mumbled. “D’you guys have a pool in the house?” 

Jungkook looked surprised but as enthusiastic as ever. He nodded, his hair bouncing all over. “Come on!”

Throughout your walk around the house, you had tried to slip in ideas from your first three week’s layout to Jungkook that would fascinate him enough to make him at least want to hear them out. And, you’d proudly like to claim, it had worked.

Jungkook had heard your plans and had even asked you to pull the list up on your laptop to have a look at it. And henceforth, you’d made tremendous progress.

And now, at nearly nine o’clock of the night, you and your team were taking your leave for the day. 

You had exchanged brief words with all the members to see how they found their partners. Currently, you were conversing with Yoongi.

“ARMYs know a lot about all of that,” the guy said, referring to his life before BTS. “But there’s still a lot that they don’t. I talked to Nathan about all of it, we made notes. I’m really excited about the book.”

You gave him a professional grin. “I couldn’t be happier! Nathan’s got a really innovative mind. I’m sure he’ll make this a good experience for you.”

Nodding, Yoongi wished you a good night and bowed. You bowed back, moving away from the building and towards the vans waiting to drive you back to your hotel.

Jimin flashed you a wide grin as you got into the car. “Have a good night,” he wished you, shutting the door like a gentleman. Then he peeked and waved at Areum, your team member assigned to him. “See you tomorrow, Areum-ssi!”

Namjoon followed suit with a hand forwarded through the window for you to shake. “How did today go for you?” he asked you in English, causing Hoseok to elbow Jungkook, probably asking the younger to eavesdrop. Jungkook’s eyes met yours, though, and the two of you shared a covert giggle. “Did we meet your expectations?”

You smiled, formally. “It was… a good introduction of sorts, I’d say. Highly informative. Moderately productive. And we didn’t have any expectations, per se, but my team really loved you guys. We’re super excited to be working with you.”

You looked around yourself, prompting the three team members seated with you to nod in agreement. “Likewise!” Namjoon nodded at you, his smile turning his eyes to crescent moons.

“Thank you. How was your experience with Sana?” you asked him, nudging the girl sitting next to you.

Namjoon grinned with his teeth. “Amazing! She’s really compassionate and driven. Today’s session was interesting and felt comfortable. I’m eagerly looking forward to more.”

You secretly exhaled in relief. Sana had been the one person on your team that you’d been the most worried about. It was good to learn that she’d managed to impress Namjoon despite her initial nerves.

Next to you, she gave a short, very professional chuckle, and leant by you to nod at Namjoon. “Thank you, Namjoon-ssi.”

“Have a safe journey and a good night,” Namjoon wished you before peeking into the car. “Bye, Sana! See you tomorrow!”

You waved at the boys and their manager as your van started to move. You looked behind to check that the other one, carrying the remaining three members of your team, was following closely behind.

“What a day!” Simon exclaimed from his seat opposite you.

“You can say that again,” you mumbled, massaging your temples. “And what was up with you? You looked really wound up when I saw you in the kitchen.”

Simon took his glasses off and rested his head against the back of the van’s seat. “Let’s just wait it out, boss. I’ll tell you later if I absolutely have to. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

You frowned, but let him be. 

Today was just the first day. If you stuck to your schedule, you would have a hundred and twenty five more of these before this project was done.

You could do it.

Right?

You, as it turned out by the end of the first week, could do it. The same couldn’t be said about Simon, though.

On Saturday night, barely an hour after you’d all retired to your rooms after dinner, Simon sent an SOS to the group chat. The six of you were in his room within a minute.

“You look physically okay,” Nathan, the only other guy on the team, mumbled as he squinted at the bespectacled nervous wreck. “What’s up?”

“I can’t do this anymore!” Simon blurted out.

All eyes immediately landed on you.

You did a double take. “Come again? You can’t do what anymore?”

He sighed, shrinking into himself as Riya, another member of your team, sleepily sat on one corner of his bed. “You can’t quit the project, Si,” she mumbled, patting his shoulder. “You signed a contract.”

Simon’s wide eyes met yours. You raised your eyebrows.

“Then—then I need a different partner.”

Sana clicked her tongue. “No can do. We’ve all worked on our homeworks. No one’s gonna sacrifice theirs for you.”

You agreed, so you stayed quiet when Simon looked at you in hopes of a counter.

“I can’t go into another week, please! It’s…” Simon trailed off with a helpless expression on his face.

You sighed. “Everyone, out.”

Your team trickled out of the room, tossing curious glances and hushed whispers your way.

“What is it?” you questioned Simon when it was just the two of you.

“He’s too intense. I have a huge crush on him.”

Your jaw fell open. “Dude… I… what? You have a fiance!”

He exhaled. “Yeah, he cheated on me.”

You drew a sharp breath, shocked. “Oh. Oh, my God, what? What the hell’s been going on with you, I’m so sorry, Simon. Are you…okay? When did you find out?”

“I’d been suspicious for a whole week, hoping it’d turn out to be a lie.” He sighed. “Guess not. But, don’t worry.” He waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll deal with it, no big deal. It’s happened before. I’ve done it before, too, that’s not the issue. The problem is that, right now, this is all making me wanna kiss Taheyung. What the fuck do I do, boss?”

You sympathised with the guy and felt responsible, in a way. After all, you’d been the one that forced him to propose to his boyfriend so that you could bring him with you on this project. If only you knew what kind of a toxic pair these two were! Goddammit. 

But, this guy was really telling you he couldn’t focus on work properly because he wanted to kiss Taehyung? For real?

What a guy.

“Get a fucking grip, Simon, what else?” you exclaimed, throwing your arms up. 

“No, I can’t. Don’t you think I have tried, already? Please take me off this project before I fuck things up for all of us and the company.” He shut his eyes, rubbing his face with both his palms. “And I’ve also, technically, broken the contract, so… Ask Boss to send someone else in.”

Was this happening for real? You were caught between wanting to smash the glass vase kept next to you over Simon’s head, and hurling yourself over the balcony.

You inhaled deeply, then exhaled. You could, realistically, do neither of the above. So you thought clinically and professionally, and made the sound decision to burden your boss with this mess instead of trying to sweep it under the rug by yourself.

“Fine.” You cleared your throat. “Take a break tomorrow. I’ll have a word with Manager Woo, he’ll talk to Taehyung. Tomorrow’s a Sunday, so I’ll be calling Boss for the first weekly check-in. I’ll ask her if something can be done to replace you on the team.”

Simon nodded with a grimace, which may have been his attempt at trying to smile.

You retired to your room on heavy feet. How could things go south in a week? You had barely begun and a buckload of bullshit was on you already.

Exhaling, you opened your laptop to leave a mail for Manager Woo. Quoting a personal emergency, you drafted an apologetic letter stating Simon’s absence tomorrow and asked the man to forward your apologies to Taehyung as well. At the same time, you were also mentally seasoning yourself for a possible confrontation with Taehyung when you went in tomorrow. 

You’d just put your laptop away when your phone rang. Frowning, you lifted it up, only to silent the ring with a groan.

Ever since you landed in Seoul, your best-friend cum roommate back at home had taken to giving you a call every single night. Even when you didn’t pick up. Ever.

Every morning you would text him an apology, and every night he would call again. It’d been a week to this pattern, now.

Why was he doing this? You’d made it abundantly clear that you weren’t going to get roped into any kind of affair with him—emotional or physical. What did he want, now?

For a second, you wondered if he was maybe only just concerned about your well-being in a foreign country? But then you dismissed it, immediately. Why would he? What had you ever done to deserve his—or anyone’s, really—concern? You were a bitch to the majority of people in your life, without trying and even meaning to. Why would anyone give a fuck about you without ulterior motives, right? 

Lying back on your pillows, you looked at the ceiling.

You’d been absolutely horrible at treating people with compassion and care for the majority of your life. You were always labelled either too prudish, too selfish, too career-oriented, or plainly, too narcissistic by people around you.

And, strangely enough, it never bothered you. 

But that didn’t mean you had not cared about anyone, ever. You had. Too much too, once upon a time. But what had that left you with? Expectations and hurt. 

So then, wasn’t it better to not care at all, and not expect at all? You never got hurt, this way.

Sighing, you rolled over to your side, tugging the covers up to your chin. Lifting up your phone from the nightstand, you turned it to silent.

An unread message was displayed on the locked screen:

Looks like you went to bed early again, lol. Hope you’re safe, warm and relaxed. Have a good day at work tomorrow xo

You sighed, yet again. You did not need anyone’s hugs and kisses for your day to be good. Why couldn’t people take a hint?

Shutting your eyes, you tried to get some sleep.

You were absolutely not surprised when, barely an hour into a fierce discussion about his school life, you and Jungkook were disturbed by a knock on the door. But Jungkook was, and jumped at the loud rapping, his wide eyes flashing to the door.

Your back being to the doorway, you looked at the boy expectantly to inform you of the intruder. Not that you didn’t already know.

Jungkook didn’t say anything, though, and simply kept looking behind you with raised eyebrows and rounded eyes. You sat very tightly wound up, contemplating whether to peek around the sofa’s high back or to stand up, when a deep, heavy voice enunciated your name. 

You stood up, slowly, pulling on a professional frown of very minute concern on your face. You willed yourself to act surprised when your eyes met a timid looking Taehyung’s. And, you actually slightly were, too. Why did he seem so shifty and nervous?

“Hello, Tae,” you wished, formally bowing to greet him.

He bowed back, licking his lips as he stood back straight up. “May I please borrow you for a few minutes?”

You twisted on your heels to look at Jungkook. It took him a few seconds to focus on your stare and recognise the question. “Oh! Sure! Of course! I’ll be here, I’ll wait.”

Nodding in gratitude, you stepped out of the studio to join Taehyung in the lounge area attached to the kitchen.

“I know what you would ask—”

“Have I not been cooperating well with Simon?” Taehyung cut you off with a question you were not expecting.

You frowned. “What makes you say that? He had a personal emergency today, Tae, that’s all! I’m sure he must be having a great time working with you.”

Taehyung sighed. “You think, or you know?”

How were you supposed to answer that? You bit your lip, trying to read Taehyung’s eyes, but the collar-bones peeking above the wide neckline of his oversized, brown t-shirt kept distracting you. On some level, you could understand what Simon must have been facing. But! You were all supposed to be professional adults and quell any unprofessional thoughts and not foster them!

You turned your face to your feet, not missing the wide-legged, knee-length shorts Taehyung wore. You mentally cursed yourself.

His sigh floated over to you. “I hope it isn’t something I did. I know I can seem a bit overwhelming sometimes and uninterested at other times, but… I am excited for this project and I really want to give it my best, too.” His eyes looked pained when you met them again. You softened. “Please tell me the truth.”

You drew in a breath. “It’s just as I told you, Tae. Simon has to sort some issues out in his personal life. And what makes you think you’re too overwhelming or uninterested? Did Simon say something?”

“No, no!” Taehyung immediately shook his head. “I just…speak from previous experiences. I don’t collaborate with people that well. I tire them out. And Simon… I don’t think we like each other’s approach very much. I feel like he doesn’t really agree with my ideas, just goes along out of courtesy.”

Your lips turned downwards. “I’m sure it’s none of that, Tae. Absolutely positive. And if worse comes to worst and the two of you actually aren’t able to work together, we will arrange for a switch-up so that you’re able to work comfortably.”

Taehyung seemed to perk up at that. “Switch-up? Will you work with me?”

You narrowed your eyes. He seemed a bit too keen about wanting to work with you, didn’t he? You could very clearly recall your first meeting and how he’d seemed to wane when you told him you were paired up with Jungkook.

Curious.

“We’ll see how it unfolds. But as of now, I am partnered up with Jungkook and you’re fretting over nothing. Simon will be back tomorrow, and things will get back on track. I promise.”

You hoped.

Taehyung nodded, excusing himself to visit the kitchen and you took your leave and came back to an eagerly waiting Jungkook.

He stood up the moment you entered the room. “Is everything okay? Hyung looked sad.”

You honestly had zero idea as to what to tell Jungkook. Pursing your lips, you slowly nodded in contemplation as you made your way to your seat. “He’s not working well with Simon,” you honestly told him.

“Oh.” Jungkook’s lips rounded, forming an adorable pout. “Taehyung hyung has a very artistic soul,” he said, taking you by surprise. You leant forward to listen in with interest. “He tends to get awkward and insecure about his ideas and conceptualizations. They’re usually off-beat and hard to work with, but they’re amazingly creative if you look at them like an artist. Not everybody has the right vision for those things, though. Maybe that is why Simon is…” Jungkook trailed off with a shrug.

You bit your lip in consideration. Taehyung’s words echoed in your head. 

‘I don’t think we like each other’s approach very much.’

Maybe they really were mismatched, outside of Simon’s immature, unprofessional, god-awful behaviour, too.

“Hey, could we add him to our group?” Jungkook suddenly asked, confusing you.

“Huh?” you very eloquently responded. 

He gave a small giggle. “Hyung. Could he work with us? We have been pretty efficient, and you certainly seem to have an artistic vision.”

You smiled. “Thank you, Jungkook, that’s really flattering. But also, no, I don’t think we can do that. The contract we’ve all drawn has a couple of strict clauses and one-on-one sessions is one of them.”

Frowning, Jungkook nodded in acceptance.

The two of you resumed your discussions from before, but the vigour and drive was now lessened to a great extent. You, especially, couldn’t stop worrying. You were the leader of the team, after all.

Sunday night brought in the awaited conference call with your boss. 

Looking at her excited, smiling face on your computer screen, you couldn’t help but dread the news you were about to break to her.

“So. How is it going?” Your boss rubbed her hands together, wiggling her eyebrows. “How is Sana doing? You were quite wound up about her, if I remember correctly.”

“You do remember correctly. There’s good news and bad news,” you responded with a grimace. “Which one first?”

Your boss pursed her lips. “Don’t wanna immediately spoil my mood, so, the good one please.”

“Sana has been doing fantastic. She’s been nothing short of professional, and according to what I’ve seen and heard, Namjoon is really pleased with her,” you relayed, smiling when your boss sighed in relief.

“Okay, so that’s out of the way. What’s wrong?”

You sighed. Better rip the band-aid straight off. “Simon has a huge crush on Taehyung and feels like he broke the contract. He wants to leave.”

You watched quietly as your boss choked on an inhale, coughed, had some water, and sat back down to blink at you with a blank face. “These words must not leave your room. Or Simon’s. None of the BigHit staff must catch a wind of it.”

You groaned. “Please don’t ask me to work through this, boss, please—”

“Work through it, Y/N!” your boss cruelly cut you off. “This is such a tiny, little, manageable thing! Resolve it.”

You gawked. “You literally just choked—how is this little, boss?”

“Counsel Simon. Ask him to push through. Threaten his employment with us, if necessary.”

It was your turn to blink at her, owlishly. “And? That’s it?”

Your boss shrugged. “And if it doesn’t work out, swap him with someone else on your team.”

You sighed. “This is all such high school, teen flick bullshit. What the hell.”

“I know, hun. Which is why I’m asking you to manage it. And I know you can. You’re my favourite, Y/N.” Your boss nodded at you with a solemn look. “I have believed in your capabilities since day one. It’s time to make them shine.”

You nodded, dumbly. The back of your mind was hinting at an inkling that you were being manipulated by flattery, but the forefront was basking in all the praise and could really not be bothered.

All you had to do was keep the whole thing hush-hush from the BigHit people and keep Simon in line, right? You could manage that.

Bidding your boss goodbye, you rung up Simon.

“Hey, boss.”

“You’re coming with us tomorrow and you’re gonna be a fucking professional like you’re supposed to!” you barked into the phone. “Bottle up your feelings, or eat them—I don’t care. You’ll do the job you were here for, and you’ll do it right.”

There was a long, suspended silence at the other end. And then a sigh escaped Simon. “I don’t think I have a choice. Fine, I’ll try.”

You put your phone to silent and shut your eyes, knowing you’d receive another call tonight and that you won’t pick up tonight, either.

You lay back in the bed, gearing up for tomorrow.

If worse actually did come to worst, and Simon sent everything down the rabbit hole, who would you make him swap places with? All of you had built really amazing rapports with your assigned partners in just a week. No one would be willing to start over.

If it came to it, would you have to? Would you be able to?

You could maintain professionalism a hundred times better than Simon, that much was certain. But you and Jungkook had been working so well! And who was to say Simon wouldn’t cause trouble with Jungkook, too? 

You let out a whine, beyond mad at the situation this guy had landed you in.

But you’d have to navigate out of it, somehow. This was the biggest project of your life so far—the first ever you were heading. You would ensure everything worked out at the end.

You would tie all the loose ends and make it all work. You would.

(You literally had no choice.)

gimme feedback, much much appreciated!

< prev | next >

series masterlist

Tags: @tangledsparkles​ @hoefortaeshands​ @getmemyfries

[blackberry-gingham]

hello! 💕 i love your writing so much, your imagines are always so well done. and i was wondering if you could do an imagine abt the boys finding out and comforting you abt your self harm (it’s always been kind of a touchy subject to me and i’d love to see how you think they’d react) much love 💕✌🏻

TW: Mentions of Self Harm/Cutting and Blood

Hm, well I can try... I'm going to be honest, this is a little gritty for me and I don't really have much experience with this topic aside from personal stories from those around me, but I'll do my best.

These imagines are going to focus basically 100% on the boys reactions and how they'd care for you, so it won't be like super in depth on the actual self injury.

Oh and one last thing, I don't think I could be comfortable posting this without giving the reader the ending they deserve for a scenario as serious as this, so if you notice the endings are a bit repetitive, just know that's intentional.

---

George

The first thing he smells is the blood

He was on his way to relieve himself, when the stench of it flooded his nostrils, even from down the hall

Immediately George jumps into fight or flight mode, his heart beating in his ears

The only other person in the flat is you

He calls your name, urgently, but not yelling just yet

The door is on a crack when George arrives

You did it on purpose. You know you want to be found, but you don't know what to say...

George knocks gently and calls your name again, "Is everything alright?"

All this time you've been trying to pull yourself together, but the concern in his voice breaks you

"G-george...", You trail off sobbing bitterly

It's all the permission to enter he needs

You're curled up into yourself, sitting in the tub. It's empty, but George's razor is laying on the side

Sobs wrack your half naked body and all George can think to do is hold you

He climbs into the tub with you, paying no mind as the drops of blood stain his dress pants

"I'm here, I'm here..."

George holds you in a tight hug and lets you cry into his shirt

He notices the open cuts along your flesh and suddenly he puts two and two together

However, he doesn't say anything about it, instead he waits until you've calmed down a bit

Once you're ready he helps you up and sits you on the toilet

As gently and respectfully as he can, he asks what's going on

George gives you time, and you work up the courage to talk to him about it as he dresses your wounds

He listens to everything you have to say, and when you're all cleaned up, he does everything he can to make sure you're taken care of and as relaxed as can be

Once you're asleep, George shoots John a call and asks for advice on how to best help you

John advises that he should've taken you to a doctor if the wounds were that bad, but George promises to try and ask you to go in the morning

It takes a lot of courage from you, but you agree to get your injuries seen

Once at the doctor, they recommend some therapists for you

George encourages you to get the treatment you deserve, and does anything at all that he can to support you through the process

John

It's the end of a long day, and John has just freshened up for bed

But first, he's off to take his medication and grab a cup of water, just like every night

He approaches the kitchen, then slows down to listen

There's a distinct hissing and grunting coming from around the corner

At first he's just confused

He knows it must be you, but what on earth are you up to?

John turns the corner and flips on the light, and that's when his heart drops

You're leaning against the counter and the utensil drawer is open

In your hand is a steel steak knife

It's dripping blood

You're entire arm is covered in gashes, and you don't look very well

John doesn't waste a minute on words, instead he jumps right to action

He restraints you in a bear hug, pinning your arms to your side

Probably not the best reaction he could've picked, but he simply can't risk you doing anything that might make you lose more blood

You drop the knife and scream, your knees buckling under you

You're hurting

Ashamed

Frustrated

Afraid...

You burst into a violent fit of sobs, shaking so badly, John has to readjust his grip

He sinks slowly to the floor with you and you lean against him limply

John does his best to give you some reasurance, and tell you that everything will be alright, but he knows you can't stay here

In a flash, he grabs his boots, wallet, and keys and takes you to the hospital

You lose consciousness on the way there, but luckily with some fluids and a blood transfusion, you pull through

John waits a few days until you're healed to talk about that night with you

He's gentle and careful about his words, but he implores you to give therapy a try

You absolutely deserve it after all

He recommends the one he sees, but of course you can have anyone you wish

John does everything he can to support you in your healing journey and helps you see it though

Paul

After a day of recording Paul comes home on the look for you

He's got a nice little evening planned, maybe a movie and some takeaway to unwind

What he wasn't expecting, was to hear you sobbing and screaming behind a locked bedroom door

He calls your name, and pounds on the door, terrified that someone is in there with you, hurting you

You don't respond, only continuing to cry

Paul can't wait any longer, you need him now

His first instinct is to try and break the door down

He give a few shoulder charges, but to his frantic frustration, it doesn't seem to be doing much

"Paul, stop!"

At last you speak and Paul obeys

Tears are already streaming down his eyes, he's so scared and confused for you

Hesitantly, you unlock the door, terrified and ashamed to reveal your secret

There's a bit of blood coming from your scalp, and little patches of your hair are missing

More blood can be found under your nails, and that's when Paul notices the scratches on your arms

You don't say anything, instead more tears escape you as you quietly cry

But you don't have to say a word, Paul figures out what he needs to himself

He takes you in his arms and consoles you until you know you're safe

Paul's spent enough time hearing about John's therapy sessions to have a decent education on things of this sort

He asks if he can take you to a doctor, just to make sure nothing gets infected and that your injuries can be properly treated

You agree and get taken care of, but before you're cleared to go home, you and Paul discuss therapy options with the doctor

There's plenty of options for you to take a route to healing that you're most comfortable with, and Paul is proud of you every day and every step, for being strong enough to get the help you deserve

Ringo

All Ringo can see is how terrified and in pain you are

He doesn't notice the cuts and the blood until after

And by that point, he feels hysterical with anxiety

He's so overwhelmed with both the desperate desire to help you, and the crushing confusion of what to do that he's frozen

After a moment, he snaps out of it and rushes to your side

He's crying nearly as much as you are, which understandably only makes you twice as upset

Ringo asks you what he can do, desperate for some sort of guidance

But you can't respond, you're too overwhelmed yourself

For now, he resorts to just holding you

It's the only thing he can do to try and calm himself and not upset you any more then he already has

Once he's had some time to collect himself and think, he does his best to help with your wounds

He's already ruined his shirt with blood, so screw it

He takes it off and tears it into bandages, administering them where needed and talking to you all the while

It takes longer then you'd have liked, but eventually you're able to calm down, even after the stress Ringo unintentionally put on you

"There now", Ringo's voice is shaking, but he's doing all he can to keep it together for you

He's finished apply his shirt bandages, "You need a proper doctor love... Do you think you can do that?"

You bite your lip, trying to hold back another bout of tears, but you nod

That's all Ringo needs to hear

He helps you up and takes you straight to the doctor

While you're being treated, he calls the lads, whoever will listen, and tries to get reasurance that he did this right

John scolds him for upsetting you, but otherwise tells him he was right to get you a proper doctor

Before he hangs up, he strongly advises Ringo to, gently, ask you about seeing a therapist

Ringo swears it, and holds to his word, making sure to stay calm and be respectful of your emotional state when he asks

You decide that that is what you want, and the two of you discuss local practicioners with the doctor

All the while that you're on your healing journey, Ringo does everything he can to educate himself on anxiety, depression, and triggers in order to be more helpful for you along the way and in the future

[tailorvizsla]

I’m recalling a very short convo we had on a post where I said I’d “climb Paz like a tree.” But I neglected to mention that I’m six feet tall, so there isn’t much climbing required. I always see headcanons about big guys with their tiny SOs. Do you have any thoughts about Paz with a tall lady? (Btw I adore your writing. Please never stop.)

Title: Paz Vizsla x Tall SO Pairing: Paz Vizsla x tall F!Reader Wordcount: ~1000ish Rating: NC-17 (duh) Warnings: Smut, nothing too filthy. Author’s Note: For the lovely Meredith-is-here, who happens to be quite tall! I hope you enjoy this, darling! :) Also...thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words.

For more dirtiness, please see:

📚 My Master List 📚

Paz Vizsla is a very tall warrior, so he is used to towering over people. The instant he sees a Mandalorian woman as tall and fierce as you? Instant heart eyes. Paz is used to tilting his head all the way down to look into someone’s visor. But you? He finds it delightful that he doesn’t have to strain his neck or alter his posture in an uncomfortable way to be able to speak to you respectfully. (Listen, this man is overjoyed when he meets you, okay? At around 6 feet tall, you are still shorter than he is, but damn, he loves knowing that he’s not the only person who has to bend over to use the shower!)

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Fun Stuff Below the Cut 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Let’s just get right to business, alright? We all know Paz is respectful, polite, and will never cross your boundaries. He is an excellent partner and will treat you with the respect and consideration you deserve. He is truly a gem in big blue armor.

That being said…that man is not shy when it comes to sex.

You? His height? Great for wall sex. He doesn’t have to bend over awkwardly to fuck you, nor does he have to physically hold you up. Paz is strong, but he will eventually get tired if he’s got to hold someone up. With a tall partner, all he has do is lift your leg up around his waist and slide home with one deep, satisfying thrust. He can take his time with you up against the wall, grind his hips up into yours in that way that makes you dig your nails into his shoulders.

If your calf happens to cramp, that is fine, too. That man has a nice, big, sturdy desk. He will wrap both hands around your waist and push you over onto the soft, buttery wood. He especially loves the way you spread your feet a bit and arch your back, presenting your cunt to him. It drives Paz absolutely bonkers knowing that you want him as badly as he wants you, so he does not hesitate. He pushes right back into you, moaning something about how being balls-deep in you is his favorite place in the galaxy.

Paz Vizsla isn’t as young as he used to be, so he has learned how to make each shot count. He is a bit of an outlier, though. When he comes? He comes copiously. If you’re willing to let him finish in you, he is not going to give you two or three tiny little drips of cum. Oh, no. That man is going to make a Mess™. Even if you’re both on a contraceptive and actively avoiding pregnancy, that man’s mind is going to be focused on making the next generation of warriors. (Paz can get sort of possessive at times. He likes the idea of knowing you’re walking around, filled to the brim with his spend.)

If you don’t let him finish in you? That’s absolutely fine, too! He will pull out and finish all over your thighs, ass, and lower back. He likes the idea of finishing on you, too. Coating you in a thick, warm layer of his spend makes him feel like he is somehow marking you as his own. (Like before, he can get a bit possessive. And knowing you’re wearing him on your soft, pretty skin? Makes him Stoopid AF.)

Once he’s finished fucking you on the desk, it will take a while before he’s able to reload. He likes seeing you spread out on the desk, ass up in the air, pussy wet and glistening (and maybe dribbling a bit of his spend, if you let him?). So, since he rarely takes his helmet off, he’ll leap at the opportunity you’re presenting to him. He’ll ask real nicely if he can eat you out and tidy up his mess. If you let him, he’ll spread your lips apart and dive right in to clean you up.

He will use his tongue – long, flat, broad licks – to clean up the bulk of the mess. Then he will use the tip of his tongue to tease your blushed, fluttering entrance. Each squeeze of your walls is going to push a little more of his mess to tidy up. He is going to tell you all about how you taste so good, how your cries of pleasure sounds like music to his ears, and how much he loves the feel of your body under his.

Paz is a patient man, so he will take as long as he needs to lick out every last drop of his cum, even if it means he has to kiss you through multiple orgasms. He is going to drink you up, like you’re an oasis in the desert, his eyes closed in bliss as your slick spreads across his tongue and fills his mouth. When he has had his fill, Paz will take you to the bedroom.

There, he is going to spread you out on the covers. He’s already had the privilege of watching your ass bounce with each thrust, so now he wants to watch your titties do the same. Once he has your hips on a pillow, he’s going to slide in nice and slow so he can watch your face contort with pleasure. You’ve often told him his cock is just right – long enough to reach all those needy spots inside you. Just thick enough to make your inner walls protest when he pulls out. Satisfying as fuck and never fails to get you to the finish line.

Now, since you’re close to his height, Paz can wedge his cock into you before folding over your body, resting his weight on one elbow and grabbing a tit with the other hand. He can kiss you comfortably without having to bend awkwardly or stop what he is doing. When he has you on his back, he can get nice and deep to wrench those noises from your throat and make your eyes roll back up. (He loves that look you get on your face, when you bite your lip and whine like you’re on the verge of falling apart.)

When he has gotten you off again (who knows how many times he made you come while he was tidying up his mess?), he’ll take you to the shower, where the two of you can cram yourselves into the minuscule cubicle and argue over who gets the first turn under the too-low shower head. (Another bonus to having a tall partner? Towels look tiny on your longer body, and if you accidentally flash him on purpose, he’ll have no choice but to have you right then and there on the bathroom counter. 🤷)

[lovely-angst]

secret child pt. 2

part 1 here. this story got a lot more attention than i thought it would get

also i didnt know how to put this together lol idk where this is going

“Hibiki, I cannot believe you went out and got yourself suspended,” you scolded as you had him help out with some yard work, specifically sweeping away the leaves and branches away. “I specifically told you not to do anything rash, but you went out looking for a fight. I understand that you don’t have the greatest relationship with your biological father, but that doesn’t mean you can just try to fight him.” 

Sighing, Hibiki stopped his sweeping as he turned to look at you busy at work. “I’m sorry mom,” he stated guiltily. Hibiki never meant to disappoint you—disappointing you was one of the things he hated most. Seeing you move heavy stones around, Hibiki quickly walked towards your side, taking the large stones from your hands, “I got it, where do you want it?” 

“Thank you, Hibiki. You can just place it with the pile over there, I’ll deal with those later,” you state as Hibiki walked away with the stone with ease. 

Standing up, you dust the dirt off your apron before walking over to your baby. “Thank you for always thinking of me, but this isn’t your battle to fight, okay?” Looking up at him, you give him a small smile before he responds with one of his own. “Okay.”

“A week of suspension means a week I get to spend with you,” you coo as you wrap your arms around your not-so-small baby. “I’m just glad they were sparing enough to allow you to stay as a demon slayer. You worked so hard for this,” you say, pulling away from the hug as the two of you slowly make your way inside the small house. “I’ll cut some apples for you, thank you for helping me with the yard.” 

Gently slicing the apples, you could faintly hear Hibiki training in the yard as he awaited his apples. “Hibiki always eats so many slices,” you quietly mumbled to yourself as you pulled out two more apples, “three should be just fine. It’ll keep him busy.” 

As you were just about finished preparing the apples, you heard Hibiki angrily shouting from the yard, causing you to suddenly become worried. “Hibiki? Are you okay?” Walking over towards the open door, your eyes focus on Hibiki, his back facing you as he seemed to be yelling at someone. “Hibiki?”

It seemed as if hearing your voice triggered something in him, his head immediately shooting towards you, eyes wide. “Mom, please go back inside,” he tries, but you already made your way outside, placing a hand on his back gently. “Hibiki, what is going on?” you ask before you catch a figure in the corner of your eyes. 

Turning your head gently, your eyes widen as they meet those familiar blue ones from all those years ago. Hibiki raises his sword back at the man, “I’m asking you to leave,” he growls.

Tomioka glances over at you before focusing back on Hibiki, “I’m here because of your suspension,” he informs politely and Hibiki frowns, lowering his sword. “Your suspension was partially my fault; I decided to come train you for the next week as compensation.”

“I don’t want your help,” Hibiki quickly responds, but you place a gentle hand on his arm, “Hibiki, I think this could really benefit you,” you start, but Hibiki scrunches his face at you in disagreement. “I know you’re upset with him, but as a demon slayer, this is an opportunity like no other—Tomioka-san is an excellent swordsman, and you know that too.”

Giving him a warm smile, you continued on gently, “Don’t worry about me. Take this opportunity to grow.” Hibiki was conflicted, of course he wanted to train and become a better demon slayer, but it had to be with the man who caused you all this trouble. 

Gritting his teeth, Hibiki dropped his sword, “Fine, I am under your supervision for this next week,” bowing politely to Tomioka, you glance over at him before respectfully bowing yourself. “Please take care of Hibiki well.”

-

The two had been out training for the past five hours since Hibiki had agreed to allow Tomioka to train him. You were cooking up some dinner so that by the time Hibiki was done, he would have food waiting for him after all of his hard work. 

“I’m back,” Hibiki muttered out tiredly as he walked into the house exhaustedly. You watched in awe at how tired your baby looked after one day of training, how much did Tomioka push him? “Go take a bath. Dinner is already on the table for you,” you state, Hibiki groaning in response before he disappeared into the hallway. 

Slipping on your sandals, you took a step outside, looking around until you noticed Tomioka’s figure training alone beside the tree. “Tomioka-san,” you started as you walked over to the man. Turning around to face you, you gave him a small smile before bowing politely once more, “Thank you for giving up your time to help train Hibiki.” 

“He’s a bit of a trouble maker, but I hope you can overlook that,” Tomioka responds with a smile. “It’s fine, he has a lot of potential,” Tomioka starts, gently resting the wooden sword against the tree. “It’s getting late. I must be going back to my estate. I’ll be back tomorrow to train Hibiki,” 

“If it’s not too much trouble for you, we have a spare tatami room you could stay in for the time being,” stepping aside, you gesture towards the house, “It’s the least I can do for helping out Hibiki.” 

“I wouldn’t want to trouble the two of you, Hibiki doesn’t seem fond of me,” you chuckle at his statement before giving him a shrug, “No, not really, but if he wants to become a better demon slayer, he’s going to have to learn.” Taking a step towards the house, you glance back over your shoulder towards the man, “I have dinner ready, why don’t you join us?” 

-

A couple of days passed as Tomioka continued to train Hibiki to the core. They worked on their breathing techniques along with the proper techniques to wielding their nichirin blades. And though you were very happy for Hibiki, you felt for your baby when he would always come home sore and tired. His hands filled with callouses from the intense training. 

Walking out towards the engawa, you placed a tray of sliced apples down before taking a seat, watching the two train. “That’s enough, go ahead and take a quick break,” Tomioka states before Hibiki complies with a nod, jogging over to steal some apples. 

“Hey mom, what are you doing out here?” he asks, munching on an apple as you pick one up yourself. “I thought I’d share some apples with the two of you before I continue to work on my garden, it’s a beautiful day out,” you state, biting into the apple. 

“The two of us?” Hibiki questions before turning to glance over at Tomioka from over his shoulder. “Be nice and offer him some apples as well,” you say before standing up to walk back into the house. Grumbling, Hibiki takes the tray before walking over to Tomioka. “Here, apples.”

Walking over towards the garden, you busied yourself again as you planted your flowers and herbs with the background noise of the two training—it kept you at ease. 

Humming gently to yourself, you had finally finished planting everything, you just had to move all the stone back to make your garden more decorative and please to the eye. Bending over, you grab the heavy stone before shuffling it over towards it’s location. “This would be so much easier with Hibiki,” you thought to yourself as you move back to the pile. 

“Here, let me help,” Turning around, you see Tomioka bending down to take the large stone from you, “Where would you like this?” Glancing away, you point toward your previous stone, “Over there please.” As Tomioka began to set each stone nicely, you were busy patting away at the ground to even it around your flowers. “Are you done training?” you questioned, glancing back over at where Tomioka was previously. “We’re taking a quick break, I thought I’d help you move these stones,” he answered, you let out a hum in response. 

“Thank you for the apples,” Tomioka suddenly continued after the quiet silence. Turning to look up at him, you gave him a small smile, “It’s nothing. Hibiki really enjoys apples and I thought you could enjoy some from all this training.” 

Squatting down beside you, Tomioka turned to watch your movements and you could feel the heat rising in your cheeks as you tried to focus on your work. “Hibiki’s a great kid, I can tell he really loves you.” Stopping your movements, you turn to look at him, his blue eyes staring straight into your own, “You raised him well.” 

Before you could respond, you jumped back to reality when you heard Hibiki shouting in the back, “Hey! Are you going to continue training me or what!” Standing from his spot, Tomioka walked back over towards the young boy as you stared at your flowers in shock. 

Shaking your head, you tried to ignore Tomioka’s words. He was just trying to lure you back into his trap! You’re not the same girl you were before, you’re a mother now, you have a child, you’ve learned from your mistakes. 

But you know deep down your feelings have never gone away.

The following day, Tomioka took Hibiki up to the mountain to train for the day. Training was always a pain, but if it could help him better as a demon slayer, then it would pay off in the end. 

Sitting on an empty tree stump, Hibiki pulled out his bento that you had made for him before beginning to snack on some nashi, glancing down at a village visible from the mountain. 

“Your mom really takes care of you,” Tomioka stated as he watched Hibiki munch on his nashi. Glancing over at Tomioka, Hibiki gives him a frown, “What does it matter. Stop talking about my mom,” Hibiki grumbles, picking another slice with his toothpick. 

Hibiki hated to think about the fact that this man was his father. It was an odd concept to him, not having a father figure his whole life and suddenly, his father who he had recently fought, is here training him. 

What bothered him most was that he did resemble Tomioka a bit too, but they were nothing alike. 

As the day slowly came to a close, Tomioka decided to take Hibiki through town before heading back towards the house, “A reward,” as Tomioka stated. Hibiki had bought a few snacks for himself, but also a few items for you that you had been reminding yourself to get.

As the two reached the house, you were outside waiting for them before you ran to hug Hibiki. “Mom,” he whined, but you just smiled in response. “I just missed you,” you chuckle before he showed you the items he had gotten for you. “How kind of you, Hibiki! I set the bath for you, why don’t you go ahead and use it ?” Nodding, Hibiki steps inside and just as you were about to follow, Tomioka suddenly stops you. 

“(Name),” he calls out softly. Turning around, your eyes focused on the small bag Tomioka was holding out towards you. “Oh, what’s this?” you reply before he set the bag in your hands. “We were walking through town and I found something I thought would suit you,” 

Your eyes widened before you gently reached inside the bag to pull out a beautiful hairclip that glowed with the setting sun. “Oh, it’s beautiful! But you didn’t have to-”

“I wanted to say thank you,” Tomioka replied, a smile across his lips as your cheeks flushed. “Let me,” reaching over to pick up the clip, he stepped closer before gently placing it in your hair. 

“Does it look okay?” you ask with a shy smile, Tomioka quiet as he looked at you. “You look lovely.”

Watching the two from the hallway, Hibiki knitted his brows together frustratedly before walking into the bathroom. This was not supposed to happen. 

-

Sitting at the dinner table, Hibiki frowned as he watched the two of you gently chat away. It had only been six days since Tomioka had gotten here, but the two of you had been getting along well. 

Why were you not angry at the man? He left you! He threw you out, but here you are, welcoming him into your house and acting like he has never hurt you! 

Angrily pouting, Hibiki played with his food, his appetite disappearing. He hated Tomioka and still does. He respects him as a teacher, but outside of that, Tomioka was nothing to him. And to make matters worse,

Tomioka was getting close to his mom.

Thankfully dinner passed by in a flash and Tomioka was outside with his crow while Hibiki was inside helping you clean up. “Hibiki? Are you feeling alright?” you questioned as you turned to look at him, his back facing towards you. “You didn’t eat much at dinner, I’m a little worried for you. Did something happen?” 

Sighing, Hibiki turned around towards you, an upset frown on his lips. “Mom, you’re beginning to fall in love with Tomioka.” he suddenly states and your eyes widen. “Hibiki, what are you-”

“And I think Tomioka is falling in love with you too.”

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

Talk

Prompt: Hi are you still doing Merlin prompts? If so, I’d love to see some bonding with Gwaine and Arthur? You write amazingly and I know you usually focus on Merlin, but I’d love to see those two learn to get along. Maybe they’re on a duo quest to find Merlin and slowly grow together over it? Thank you and no pressure if you’d prefer not to write it!

Thanks for the prompt!

Read on Ao3

Warnings: None

Pairings: none, although you can read it as whatever you’d like, Merthur, Gwaine/Merlin, don’t mind 

Word Count: 2876

Arthur’s not exactly sure why Merlin has a habit of disappearing during the day, but he does know the tavern bill isn’t nearly as high as it should be if that’s where Merlin was always going. Gaius may always say—well, not say, more like heavily imply until Arthur puts that together for himself—that Merlin’s there, but Arthur knows better.

Which means Merlin’s just flat-out missing.

Great.

“Arthur,” Guinevere calls as she hustles down the steps, “you’re not going alone, are you?”

“If that’s what it takes, then I will.”

“But you know you can’t go alone, what if you—“

“Guinevere,” Arthur says gently, stepping back to cup her hands in his, “you know I have to go.”

“I’m not saying you can’t, I’m saying you should bring someone with you.”

“He’s not going alone,” calls another voice.

They both look around to see Gwaine already mounted, riding into the square. He tips Guinevere a deep nod and raises an eyebrow at Arthur.

“Well? You going to get your royal arse onto the horse or not?”

Arthur rolls his eyes. “I’ll be back.”

“You’d better.”

“About time,” Gwaine calls cheerfully as they start out of the gate, “you’d think you’d show a little more enthusiasm.”

“We’re here to find Merlin,” Arthur says as firmly as he can, “so let’s get started.”

He urges Hallariel into a gallop, racing through the fields until they reach the deeper woods. To his dismay, Gwaine easily keeps pace. If anything, the knight looks more comfortable on the horse than Arthur feels. He grits his teeth and keeps on.

The forest is empty, no sign of Merlin. They ride on. Gwaine is surprisingly quiet as they search, finally noticing a scrap of Merlin’s neck kerchief heading south.

They slow, giving the horses a break, until Gwaine digs out a scrap of the dries meat and tears into it.

Arthur rolls his eyes. “Can’t wait until we’re stopped, can you?”

Gwaine shrugs. “‘M hungry. Aren’t you?”

Arthur is, but he’ll be damned if he’s just going to tell Gwaine that.

“Look, you wanna sit there and not eat, that’s fine with me.”

“Given how much you eat, I’m surprised you still get hungry.”

“Well, when you’re not sure how long you’ll have food or when you’ll get it next, you eat when you’re hungry.”

The blasé way Gwaine says it gives Arthur pause. He twists around to see Gwaine still eating, glancing around to find more trace of Merlin. He looks at the knight.

Gwaine is strong, not as strong as Percival—though who is?—but a strong knight. He sits a horse well, he fights with great skill, and he’s incredibly adept at handling himself.

He catches Arthur looking and raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

Arthur blinks and shakes his head.

“There’s a tavern not too far from here. We can stay the night there.”

“Don’t want to camp out in the woods?”

“You can afford it.”

The tavern is small. Modest, even. The innkeeper smiles wide when they come in the door, respectfully asking to stay the night. She bows low and shows them to their rooms, telling them when dinner will be served and that if they need anything, absolutely anything, not to hesitate to ask.

“Just make sure you’ve plenty of food,” Arthur warns with a smile, “my friend here has quite the appetite.”

She smiles and leaves. Arthur turns around to see Gwaine turning the scrap of fabric over and over in his fingers.

“You alright?”

“Never better,” Gwaine says cheerfully—too cheerfully—as he stows the fabric away, “you have a plan on where to head next?”

“There’s another pass further south,” Arthur says, still frowning a little, “we can ask if anyone’s seen him heading there.”

“Merlin didn’t say anything, by any chance, did he?”

“No.”

Gwaine hums thoughtfully. “And you haven’t been…talking or worrying about anything with him, have you?”

Arthur glares. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Have you?”

“I don’t see why it’s any of your business what I talk about with Merlin.”

“Given he’s missing and you’re the one he talks the most to, I think it is.”

“I think you should trust my judgment,” Arthur says firmly, “and that I shall choose what to share appropriately.”

Something flickers across Gwaine’s face too quickly for Arthur to name. The knight smiles and claps him on the shoulder. “Let’s see what’s for dinner here, shall we?”

They sit downstairs as the innkeeper bustles back over with their food. She bobbles a curtsy and goes to the other guests. As Arthur glances around the mostly full room, he sees the amount of food on their plates is significantly more than the food on the others.

Gwaine, of course, is already eating, although he sees the knight perform the same glance. Within no time, their plates are empty, Arthur’s belly pleasantly full.

“How was it,” the innkeeper asks anxiously, worrying her hands into her apron, “was it to your liking, m’lords?”

“It was wonderful, Hilda,” Gwaine says before Arthur can say anything, “and I couldn’t eat another bite.”

Arthur frowns at him as Hilda pays him no mind.

“Oh, well, thank you, m’lord, I can only hope the rest of my cooking will be good enough.”

“I’m sure it will be.” Gwaine smiles and takes two gold coins out of his purse. “For your troubles.”

“Oh, m’lord, I can’t accept this, it’s too much! And the food is already included with your room and board, m’lord, I—“

“Please.” He puts the money into her hands. “Allow me.”

“Thank you, m’lord, I—thank you.”

She bows and hurries away.

Gwaine turns to Arthur. “You planning on catching flies like that?”

“What the bloody hell was that?”

“It’s called ‘paying,’ Princess, surely you’re familiar.”

“But you—you’re—the food—“

“Was excellent,” Gwaine says firmly with a tone that reminds him vaguely of Merlin, “and very generous.”

“What is going on,” Arthur hisses, “and what game are you playing?”

Gwaine raises an eyebrow. “You want to have this conversation here?”

With a tact that Gwaine does not employ often, let alone any time Arthur’s actually seen, the knight moves them back upstairs to their beds. He takes a seat as Arthur starts to pace.

“What’s got your pretty little head so worried?”

“You’ve never turned down more food as long as I’ve known you. And you certainly haven’t voluntarily paid for it.”

“Camelot is a kingdom that has more food than any one person could hope to eat,” Gwaine replies, propping his hand up on his knee, “and it comes from the castle kitchens. This place is an inn, run by the people, for the people, with none of the luxuries of Camelot’s heart.”

Gwaine motions around. “These people do their best. Their best should be rewarded, shouldn’t it?”

Arthur stares hard at Gwaine.

Gwaine meets his gaze easily, raising his eyebrow. “You don’t actually think all this is as easy as everyone makes it out to be, do you?”

“What?”

“You’ve never farmed,” Gwaine says, “never known the fear of what happens if your harvest goes bad. You have the security of the castle, of the city. These people don’t. And you’ve never had to worry about coin in your pretty little life.”

And here’s the thing, Arthur knows that. He knows he doesn’t know a lot about what life is like for the people he rules. He knows that.

But he doesn’t know that.

Gwaine seems to take his silence as whatever answer he’s looking for. The knight turns on his side and starts to take his heavy armor off.

“Merlin’s heading south, you think?”

Arthur nods. “I’m not sure what else is out that way. This is probably the last town we’ll come across for a while.”

“Then it’s a good thing we stopped, isn’t it?”

“…yes, I suppose it is.”

Gwaine falls asleep quickly. Arthur stays awake a little longer, looking at the ceiling.

Huh.

In the morning, Gwaine gives the innkeeper another few gold coins after breakfast, as does Arthur. They both insist she takes them, that their stay has been truly lovely. They ask if anyone’s seen Merlin, a skinny, dark-haired man heading through here.

“Aye,” an older man speaks up, “I seen him. Heading toward the pass, he was, said something about a cave system.”

“Cave system?” Gwaine glances at Arthur. “Rung any bells?”

Arthur pays the man for the information and saddles up before Gwaine can ask any more questions. It lasts until the tavern is out of sight.

“Alright,” Gwaine says without any preamble, “now tell me.”

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Bollocks. Your pretty pampered face went two shades whiter when that man said something about the caves. Now tell me what’s happened with Merlin.”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“Unless it’s very much escaped your notice, Sire, I’m out here looking for my friend. Not your servant, not a servant of Camelot, Merlin,” Gwaine says in a low, dangerous voice, “and if you do not tell me the truth, I will be performing the rest of this search myself.”

It takes Arthur aback, that’s for sure. He looks at Gwaine, who looks as serious as Arthur’s ever seen him, and pulls Hallariel to a halt.

“Threatening a king is treason, Sir Gwaine.”

“Withholding information is worse.”

“I thought I asked you to trust me.”

Gwaine stares down at Arthur. It’s funny, he never noticed that Gwaine is…taller.

“You really don’t know a damn thing,” Gwaine growls, “do you?”

Before Arthur can answer, Gwaine wheels his horse around and starts moving toward the pass again. Arthur has to urge Hallariel to a trot to keep up. For the next few hours, they don’t speak. The tense silence feels like a weight on Arthur’s armor.

He knows Gwaine and Merlin are close. He knows Gwaine cares for Merlin.

What he doesn’t understand is this.

If…if Gwaine cares for Merlin, then he must want Merlin found, right? If Arthur knows how to find him, he has to trust Arthur, right?

Then why isn’t he doing that?

“Here.” Gwaine swings off his horse and ties it to the stump he lands on. “We’ll camp here.”

Arthur wants to say that he’s the king, thank you very much, so he’ll decide where they stay, but he doesn’t.

“I’ll collect the firewood.”

“Since when do you know how to collect firewood?” And Gwaine’s gone.

Well, he has a point.

Arthur gets their bedrolls set up instead and digs a fire pit. By the time Gwaine gets back, everything’s ready except for the food. Gain sets the wire and proceeds his flint and steel. The fire lights. It’s not as warm as it should be.

They sit in silence.

“…how did you learn how to do all this,” Arthur says quietly after a while, “if you grew up as a noble?”

Gwaine stiffens. “Who told you that?”

“I know you fake it,” Arthur says, “how clumsy you make yourself out to be. But you fight like a noble.”

“What’s that mean?”

Arthur allows himself a small smile. “Like you’ve been trained by someone who’s not cheap.”

It makes Gwaine snort, at any rate. The camp lapses back into silence, but it’s not as heavy as before.

“Nobles are,” Gwaine starts, “an interesting group of people. All talk, most of the time, when they remember how.”

Arthur stays quiet.

“They don’t understand things,” Gwaine continues, his voice growing heavy, “they don’t see things as well as they should. And people get hurt because of that.”

That Arthur knows all too well.

“The common people are the ones who suffer when the lords play their games,” Gwaine says, “they lie and they scheme and they grab for power and they forget why they’re supposed to have it in the first place.”

“To care for the people,” Arthur says quietly, “and so what they can’t do for themselves.”

Gwaine looks at him. In the flickering light, Gwaine looks—well, he looks like he suits the fine robes as well as Arthur.

“I was never very good at their games,” he settles on finally, “but I was good at people. So I left.”

“And you became one of them.”

“Put your faith in systems and you’ll always end up disappointed. Put it in people and you’ll always be surprised.”

“The world isn’t that…easy,” Arthur decides on eventually, “it’s not designed to be.”

“No.” Gwaine looks back into the fire. “I’m sure you’ve been told that, right? That most people will never make a difference, no matter how hard they try? That the world’s just too big?”

“My father—“ Gwaine makes a noise— “he always demanded that we keep the systems intact, that it was the best course of action, that change would be worse.”

“Do you believe him?”

“Not anymore.”

Gwaine sits back. “It’s true to a certain extent, I suppose. That most people won’t ever make a big enough difference.”

“Gwaine—“

“Come on,” Gwaine says with a smile, a sad smile, “you know that. Hilda back there, for example, you can’t tell me that she’ll change the world, can you?”

“…no.”

“But,” Gwaine says, “because we gave her those coins, she can have her inn fixed up. So she can host more guests and take care of her daughter. Then maybe her daughter won’t have to get married young and sell the inn.”

Arthur’s head tilts.

“They may never change the world,” Gwaine says, “but it makes a difference for them.”

Oh.

Oh.

“Thank you,” Arthur murmurs, “thank you, Gwaine.”

Gwaine waves him off. “Merlin’s not here to beat things into your head, guess someone has to.”

Arthur huffs. “You’re here for Merlin, aren’t you?”

“What, here in this forest or as a knight of Camelot?”

“Both?”

“Both,” Gwaine nods, fixing Arthur with a look, “is that a problem?”

Is it?

“Considering I’m in a very similar position,” Arthur admits, with far more honesty than he’d like, “no, not at all.”

Gwaine raises his water skin. Arthur raises his. They toast to Merlin.

“Let’s get some sleep,” Gwaine says after they’ve eaten their fill, “the next day’s a hard ride.”

“Is that near where the caves are?”

“It should be.” As they bed down for the night, Gwaine looks at him. “Will you tell me where we’re going tomorrow?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Good.”

The morning is cool. A light mist settles over the air as they mount up and get rid of the camp. Gwaine rides in front, pointing out the tricky parts and slopes as they pick their way toward the pass.

“So,” he calls over his shoulder, “what are we looking for?”

“There’s a cave,” Arthur says, “of legend. Rumor has it that when the moon turns dark and the rivers run dry, something happens.”

“Sounds maudlin.”

“You’re telling me.”

“So why’s Merlin out here?”

“Remember when the wells all stopped working?”

“A week before we left?”

“Merlin came to me that morning, worried.”

Gwaine’s shoulders tense. “Was he alright?”

“Physically,” Arthur says, “I couldn’t find any injuries, but he—he seemed anxious.”

Gwaine snorts. “Merlin’s anxious a lot. Bears listening to.”

“Which is why I asked.”

The next question is colored with something that might be approval. “What’d he tell you?”

“What I just told you about the cave. Said it merited looking into.”

“Were you planning on it?”

“Yes.” Gwaine twists around. “I was!”

“Then why is Merlin out here alone?”

“Because the idiot decided to run off in the middle of the night instead of waiting for me.”

Gwaine chuckles as he turns back around. “Yep, that sounds like Merlin.”

“He’s going to get himself killed doing that one day,” Arthur grumbles, mostly to himself, “if he keeps waltzing off with no armor and no one to protect him.”

“Well, then it’s a good thing he’s got us, isn’t it?”

“…yes, yes it is.”

“I’ll tell you,” Gwaine says as they round the corner to the pass, “I’m tempted to tell him off when we do find him.”

“You’ll have to get in line.”

“You think you can beat me, Princess?”

“I think you’re going to try and beat me.”

“You’re on.”

Merlin, when they finally find him, walking out of a cave with a suspicious singe to his tunic, just looks like a confused doe when Gwaine and Arthur start scolding him like two parents. And if he’s even more confused when the two of them seem to get along on the way back—with Merlin riding in the middle of them, thank you very much, you’re not vanishing on us again, Merlin—then he keeps his questions to himself until they’re back in Camelot.

And if Arthur starts going to the tavern, well…

Now he’s really curious where Merlin’s going, because he’s sure as hell not here.

[purpleyellow]

When my love blooms

BTS 8th member

Sunny’s masterlist

“Sunny's expeciences during When Our Love Blooms”

a/n: JUST FYI, Jinyoung plays a dude named Jaehyun and Sunny plays the character named Jisoo.  Your opinion is very important for me, send feedback and requests anytime 💜 Also, don’t be shy and interact a little, ask box is always open

DAY 1

Looking at herself in the mirror, Sunny fixed her now brown hair and snapped a quick picture. Sending it to the BTS group chat with an “I should have bangs more often :p” she quickly locked her phone and put it away, leaving the small changing trailer the stylists had led her to.

“Sunny, let’s go this way so you can do a table reading before we start shooting” One of the producers called her to one big room where most of the staff were already seated in a big table.

Looking for her name tag, she saw her empty spot next to Got7’s Jinyoung, who was already seated playing on his phone. The few times Sunny had met him before, they never really interacted that much, since she usually stuck to talking to Bambam because they’ve known each other since trainees. Bowing respectfully, she sat down next to him trying not to stay too close.

“Excited to start shooting?” Jinyoung tried to make the atmosphere less awkward, turning towards her as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Yes, a little nervous as well” Sunny nodded, suddenly trying to remember all of the acting classes she had taken the week prior.

“You’ll be fine, table readings are a great way to get used to the storyline and build confidence in your character” he smiled sweetly at her.

Smiling a thanks to him, she paid attention as the director and producers started giving out tips to the actors and fully explaining the storyline to every little detail. “It’s important all of you get in sync with the ages you’ll be interpreting” was a sentence heavily repeated, since the story would be set in two different times.

After about two hours, when the meeting ended, the two idols stood up and grabbed their stuff from the table. “Your character is really in love with mine” Jinyoung nudged her with his elbow smirking.

“He’ll be just as whipped for her in less than two episodes” Rolling her eyes, Sunny joked back and started walking side by side. 

Looking around to see if anyone was paying attention, she decided to share one of her worries with him. “I know this might seem out of nowhere, but I’m dating Sehun from EXO. And by what they said a few minutes ago there will be a lot of kissing involved. Do you think I should tell him about it?” 

With wide eyes at the sudden confession, Jinyoung assessed the situation before speaking “Does he know you’re acting and I’m the love interest?” After Sunny confirmed he shrug his shoulder, face back to its relaxed state “Then it’s implied. Mentioning it to him would only make it look like it’s a bigger deal than it actually is”

Still a bit unsure about it, Sunny tried to assure herself it would be fine, Sehun had never been the jealous type and he looked very excited when she told him about the project. Sensing her uncertainty, Jinyoung placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Look, seventy percent of the shots will be manipulating camera angles and lighting, we’ll just need to stand very close to each other” She rose an eyebrow at the last part and he sighed “I swear everything will be strictly platonic, just try to look like you’re in love with me when the cameras are rolling” With a breathy laugh, Sunny calmed down a little.

DAY4

Stepping out of the fake bedroom, the girl grabbed a tissue handed by a staff member and started to dry a few tears. Waiting for the director to tell her what to do next, she looked around and found a very excited boy jumping and waving her way. 

“Okay everyone, that’s enough for today” The middle-aged man shouted and Sunny took off towards J-Hope. 

Engulfing her in a hug, he patted the top of her head and smiled brightly “I missed you so much. You’ve been working a lot lately, we barely see each other on the dorms since you always leave way too early and come home very late”

“It’ll only be for a couple of weeks. Here let’s go to catering, I haven’t eaten yet” Sunny grabbed his arm and took him to a bunch of trailers parked. 

After she got her lunch, they sat down in a table and she started eating with him stealing a couple of bites here and there. “Jungkook said he will pay you a visit as well, he’s trying to set a date with Yugyeom so they can come together”

“He’s really tight with his 97 friends huh? I wonder if he would come at all if Jinyoung wasn’t in this” Sunny rolled her eyes remembering the many times she had to repeat what she had said because Jungkook was too absorbed in his group chat to pay attention.

“Let’s just be happy he’s making friends” Hobi smiled and Sunny laughed “I’m being serious, you were very quick to befriend other idols and do your thing, I thought Kookie would never leave our side” 

“But he did talk to other people” Sunny tried to reason with him.

“Yeah, only when V or Jimin was around, the boy took introverted to another level” he looked around and reverted his gaze to her. “And you, have you made more friends here?”

“I talk with a few actors and the staff are nice I guess” Sunny shrug her shoulders “You just said I made friends easily, why so worried out of nowhere?”

“Because I know you” Hobi smiled gently at her “You probably spend most of your day worrying about doing a good job and studying the script. Not trying to break this to you, but I don’t think you’ll ever get the chance to do this again, do you really  want to let the experience pass instead of making connections and having the time of your life?”

Sighing, Sunny placed her arms on the table and looked around as well “It’s just, people here are always working. I know that seems like heaven for me, but it gets tiring only talking about techniques and obsessing over the storyline. Also, I don’t think other people are interested in talking with an idol. I’m like a choir kid who wanted to try out the drama club”

J Hope laughed at her comparison “I’m glad you’re not leaving Bangtan to become an actress then” He smirked and she rolled her eyes with a small smile “How about the other actors? I guess Jinyoung’s on the same boat as you”

“I guess so. We talk in between shots sometimes, he’s probably the closest I have to a friend” as she said that the boy raised his arms in victory.

DAY6 (yes, it was on purpose)

“Okay, cut” The director yelled and Jinyoung retreated his lips from the corner of Sunny’s mouth “Please don’t leave the phonebooth, I’m going to check if we need to do that once again”

With the amount of space restricted, Sunny rested her back on the glass and the Got7 member tried to back away as much as possible, but it wasn’t enough to be a respectable space. 

“I’m sorry if this is awkward,”  Jinyoung said looking everywhere but at her. Not that Sunny knew because she was literally doing the same. “I’d open the door, but I’m sure he’d yell at me for doing so”

The girl didn’t have time to respond back, as someone yelled they were done for the day. Finally breathing properly, she stepped out of the small place and saw Yugyeom and Jungkook on the back watching the staff work. 

Looking at Sunny with wide eyes, her groupmate walked very fast towards her and dragged her somewhere more secluded. “Do you know how intimate that looked?” he said like he was scared making the girl laugh.

“Well, it is a romantic drama. I’m sure it was supposed to look like that” she said shrugging her shoulders and leaving to get out of her costume.

Grabbing her arm again, Jungkook prevented her from moving “Still, it’s awkward. Aren’t you uncomfortable with it? We can talk to your manager and get them to change the script or something”

“Are you crazy?” Sunny put her hands on his shoulders and shook him a little, getting him out of his shock “They signed me to play their character, I’m sure they would straight up fire me if I did anything even remotely close to changing the scenes”

“Well… I-I’m uncomfortable with it” He stuttered a bit but ended up crossing his arms and fixing his posture as if he was some kind of authority, all Sunny did was raise an eyebrow at him “Sehun Hyung won’t like this either. Plus you’re like a child, isn’t this like, illegal?”

“I’m literally a year younger than you” she reminded him,

“Well, it’s legal then” He nodded “But, Sehun? Does he know this?”

“Of course, I’m not going to lie to him about where I spend most of my day”

“I’m not talking about that” it was Jungkook’s turn to raise an eyebrow, making Sunny sigh.

“I haven’t told him about the kisses, if that’s even what they are, but he does know I have a love interest” She linked arms with him and started walking towards a trailer, she desperately wanted to get out of those clothes and go home “I’m scared if I talk too much about it it’s going to seem like I care too much about what’s going on”

“But if you don’t it might seem like you’re trying to hide something” Jungkook pointed out being led by her “If it were me I’d want to know. I would probably become petty though”

“Yeah, you would” Sunny smiled at his personality.

“What do you mean by those not being kisses by the way?”

“Oh. Fake kisses are so boring, like, lips aren’t even fully touching. Plus, the real feeling of-”

“That’s enough” He cut her off flustered “ I already know that I don’t know why I needed for you to say it. Please forget I even asked”

DAY 7

“So, that’s what has been going on” Sunny said to her phone. Pacing from one side to the other on the empty makeup trailer.

“Okay” She heard Sehun’s muffled laugh on the other side “I already know you would be doing stuff like that. It does worry me a little that something made you feel like you had to tell me this now”

“I had talked with Jinyoung about this and he told me it wasn’t a big deal, but Jungkook came yesterday and said it would be better if you were aware”

“Oh, so you asked your fake boyfriend what to do about your real boyfriend?” Sunny could feel him smirking through the phone and unconsciously rolled her eyes.

“This really isn’t going to become a problem right?” She stopped pacing and faced her brunette figure in the mirror.

“Trust me it isn’t. You’re going to give me double the kisses to make up though” Sunny smiled at his silliness “I have to go right now. I love you”

“I love you too” she blew a kiss and he hung up.

Leaving the trailer, she saw Jinyoung also walking towards the set she was going to. “Hey, settled everything with the boyfriend?” 

“Yeah, and he said he already expected it” Sunny started walking with him, the space between them enough to fit another person.

“I told you, you should have trusted Sunbae” Jinyoung smiled at her, using his nickname from the drama, and Sunny rolled her eyes once again.

“Keep talking like that, and I’ll have to start calling you Jaehyun” she spoke with a mischievous grin and it was his turn to roll his eyes.

“Aah Jisoo, your friendship means the world to me”

2 Months later

Sunny was laying on her bed while scrolling through social media and checking out people’s reviews on the latest episode when her notification bar rolled down showing a new message from Sehun 

“Come to my place, we need to talk”

(please don’t kill me, pt 2 will be coming soon)

[sarahwroteathing]

Just One Kiss (15)

Word Count: 2578

Summary: Bucky returns home

Warnings: A touch of language and a whoooooole lot of love

A/N: IT’S TIME! Thank you so much to those who have stuck with me and left sweet comments on every chapter. I couldn’t have kept this going without you. 

Catch up here!

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

Sounds of joy and relief echoed all around you, families reunited, crying and hugging and cheering as the sun sank towards the horizon. You doubted there was any lipstick left on your bottom lip the way you kept anxiously biting at it, straining up on tiptoes to peer through the crowd. 

“Should we check with Mrs. Barnes and Rebecca again?” you asked, settling back down on your heels with a disappointed frown.

“If we keep going over there it will defeat the whole purpose of splitting up,” Betty said gently. “If they had found him, they would have brought him over here already. Are you sure this is where we’re supposed to meet him?”

You gave a frustrated huff, pulling the note you had received a week ago out of your purse. An unfamiliar but well-dressed man had delivered it to your apartment, placing it in your hands with a “our mutual friend sends his regards.” It was a date and time, now two hours past. A ship had been scheduled to arrive then, as confirmed by one of Betty’s friends who worked at the docks. World-weary soldiers in their dress greens had flooded the docks, and given the lack of press and fanfair you would guess that no one was aware of who else had traveled home on that ship. 

“It doesn’t say,” you admitted, flipping the page over as if hoping new text had materialized since you’d last checked five minutes ago. “But he had to know I’d come here. I could hardly just sit around at home and wait for him to show up, now could I?” 

Betty started to laugh at your grumpy expression but cut off abruptly and grabbed your shoulders. 

“I spy a star spangled man with a plan! Look!” 

Betty steered you in the right direction, and the two of you took off weaving through the crowd as quickly as you were able without the use of aggressive elbows. You were halfway to him when Steve noticed you, moving in your direction with a soft smile. He had an easier go of it, people stepping respectfully out of his way until he reached you. 

“Steve! I’m so glad you’re home,” you said, throwing your arms around him. 

“I’m -”

“Move over! There’s room for both of us now!” Betty complained, coming up behind you. 

You shuffled to the side accordingly, and Steve laughed as he hugged you both. 

“You’re okay? You’re happy?” you asked as you pulled back, holding onto his shoulders and surveying his face with a worried expression.

“I’m happy,” he promised. 

You gave a pleased nod, but your smile faded when you noted the very clear absence of the man you most wanted to see.

“Where’s Bucky?” you asked nervously, but when Steve opened his mouth the answer, he was promptly cut off by a chorus of other voices.

“Well hello to you too.”

“No hero’s welcome for us.”

“Of course not. Have you seen yourself?”

“Fuck off, Morita.”

“Please, there are ladies present.”

Assembled in a loose semicircle around you were none other than the Howling Commandos, looking characteristically grumpy but nearly unrecognizable in dress uniforms. 

“Well, aren’t you a double ration of man,” Betty commented mildly, her eyes fixed on Dugan. 

“Betty!” you choked on a laugh, pinching her side as the men snickered and Dugan shot a wink at you.

You cleared your throat pointedly as you recovered your poise, offering your hand to each man in turn.

“Forgive my lapse in manners. It’s very nice to meet you all in person. Mr. Falsworth, Monsieur Dernier, I didn’t expect the pleasure of meeting you in person,” you said, offering a hand to each in turn. “We appreciated your letters. They were beautifully written.”

The comment elicited another round of laughter and nudges while Gabe Jones rolled his eyes.

“That would be my work, thank you. Be glad you never saw the unedited versions.”

The comment sparked a litany of protests from all but Dugan, who shrugged his shoulders in acceptance. 

“They haven’t quite wrung every drop of good publicity out of us yet,” Steve said explained quietly, shaking his head at the others’ antics. “We’re expected in D.C. in a couple of weeks.”

“Well they’ll certainly have their hands full with this group,” Betty commented mildly. “Though it looks like you’re one short.”

You reached out to squeeze Betty’s hand in gratitude.

“He went looking for his family. But he said to tell you he’s going to meet you after. Someplace special.”

“Where?”

“He said you’d know,” Steve answered with an apologetic shrug. 

You felt a little flutter in your chest and turned to Betty.

“A special place. Do you think…?”

“Has to be. Go!”

You gave a giddy smile and turned to run, but Steve caught your arm.

“Wait! Just… Go slow, okay? He was really nervous when he left. Asked us to stall. Give him some time.” 

“Why is he nervous?”

“It’s been a long time, Y/N. And he knows how important this is. He just wants to get it right.”

On impulse, you pulled Steve into another hug. 

“You’re a very good friend, you know. To both of us.”

“Go get him, Mrs. Barnes,” he said with a wink when he pulled away, and the Howling Commandos lived up to their name as you worked your way towards the street.

It took every ounce of self control you possessed to keep a slow and steady pace, forcing your steps to fall in line with deep, even breaths. You tried to keep yourself distracted, counting cracks in the pavement, fixing your lipstick, reciting a poem Bucky wrote to you from memory. The closer you drew to the park, the less helpful these little distractions became until you were stepping under the shade of the trees and the sound of the street faded behind you.

He was standing almost perfectly still when you reached the gazebo, his back turned to you, eyes fixed on the post where he had carved your initials that spring day now years past. His fingers drumming restlessly on the railing was the only visible indication of his nerves. 

“Bucky?”  

Your voice was barely a whisper, but that’s all it took. Bucky turned on his heel, you froze on the steps, and for a moment everything stopped. 

Then one breath.

Two.

A shaky inhale.

A breathless, nervous laugh, and you both rushed forward, colliding at a speed which knocked what little breath you had left out of your lungs, but you wouldn’t dream of complaining. Bucky’s arms closed around you, squeezing you to his chest as your arms went around his shoulders. Unsteady breaths stirred your hair, and you buried your smile against his neck as tears rolled down your cheeks.

“What’s all this for? I thought you didn’t miss me,” he whispered after a few moments. 

You huffed and pulled away from him, reaching back to pull his hands free when he only clutched your waist tighter for your efforts. 

“What’s the matter?” he asked, keeping ahold of your hands, refusing to give up that last point of contact. 

The softness in his eyes did nothing to ease your nerves, and you drew a deep breath.

“I’m going to kiss you, James Buchanan.”

“Oh! Well… Whatever you say, doll.” He was doing his best to contain a smile and failing spectacularly.

You tugged him toward you breathlessly, anxiously, the remaining space between you closing fast yet somehow not quite fast enough. The very first press of his soft lips on yours felt like liberation. Your heart fluttered frantically in your chest, any reservations and lingering nerves melting away.

Your kiss shot through Bucky like a livewire, his hands moving to grip your waist reflexively. And when he thought he felt your mouth begin to curve up at the action, he pressed closer, desperate to taste that beautiful smile the way he had always wanted. You couldn’t help the little gasp that escaped you at single-minded tender energy he was pouring into this moment, giving a little start in his arms as his hold tightened and your feet left the ground.

It was your turn to grip him harder, your hands curling into fists on his chest, bunching the fabric of his jacket in a way that was sure to wrinkle and just as sure to escape both of your notice. One of Bucky’s hands slid up from your waist, taking the opportunity to press you more completely against his chest as it went, before venturing into your hair.

 You could feel him actively undoing all the work you’d put into your appearance that morning, disheveling every curl, loosening every pin, but you couldn’t bring yourself to be embarrassed by it. Instead, it sparked a matching mischief in you, and you released his collar in favor of seeking playful revenge, snatching up that jaunty hat in one hand and doing your very best to ruffle and tug his carefully combed hair with the other. 

Bucky broke into a laugh, trying to hold it at bay but ultimately failing as you joined in with euphoric giggles of your own. You collapsed into each other, your head falling forward to rest on his shoulder as he nuzzled against your neck, the both of you thoroughly caught up in a wave of breathless, blissful laughter. 

“I love you,” he whispered against your skin, prompting a bright smile and a giddy sigh.

“I love you too, James Buchanan. With all of my heart.”

“Yeah?” 

“I swear it on all the letters under the floorboard.”

Bucky lifted his head, fixing you with the sweetest smile, but you couldn’t appreciate it for more than a few seconds before breaking into a fit of giggles.

“What is it, doll?” he asked, grinning wider at the sweet sound.

“You h-have lipstick all over your m-m-mouth,” you struggled out as you laughed, digging into your jacket pocket for your handkerchief. 

Bucky swatted at your hand when you reached up to wipe away the bright stain, signature smirk firmly in place.

“Hey, no! Leave it! How else will I know this wasn’t just another daydream, huh?”

“Stop - Let me - Bucky, quit!” 

He evaded your attempts for a few moments, alternating between pushing and capturing your hands when you tried to reach for him before surrendering, holding you close against his chest as a consolation prize as you wiped away the vibrant smudges. Though he was quite content with the arrangement, he put on a pout, winning him a lingering kiss on the cheek.

“That one you can keep,” you said, appraising the lip print with satisfaction.

“What about this one?” Bucky asked, squeezing you tightly.

“This one?” you laughed. “A very affectionate nickname. I’m honored.”

“I can do better,” he said with a nervous smile, squeezing you again for just a moment before pulling away to kneel in front of you.

“Bucky,” you whispered faintly. “What are you doing?”

“I know it may seem a little silly since we’ve only just had our first kiss, but…”

“Oh my god.” 

“I have loved you for... most of life. And I know it hasn’t been that long for you, and maybe you’re not ready for this yet, and that’s alright. You know by now I’m prepared to wait as long as it takes for you.”

Your eyes were burning, tears fighting their way to the surface as you tried to control your breathing.

“But I just… it’s all I could think about. Every second I was over there, and every time I looked at your picture or read your letters… And as soon as I got off the boat I saw this kid, and he was folding up this  gum wrapper, and… Well, I… I paid him fifty cents for it,” Bucky laughed, shaking his head at himself as he reached into his pocket for it, a delicate little ring made of carefully folded foil. 

“Fifty cents?” you choked out with a tearful laugh.

“I probably could have gotten it for free, but I panicked, and it seemed like the most important thing in the world at the moment. Remember when we were kids and I used to make these all the time?”

“You used to try,” you said breathlessly.

“I was practicing,” he shrugged. “And it seems a little ridiculous now. I know I can buy you something nicer, and I promise I will, but… I don’t want to wait any longer than I have to.”

“Bucky, are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to -”

“Of course I’m sure,” he answered with a warm smile. “You’re my forever. You always have been.”

When you dropped down into Bucky’s arms, he rose to meet you halfway, lifting you straight off the ground and clutching you tightly. You held him with a grip even stronger, your happiness flooding out in a wave of tearful giggles. Bucky gave you a couple of spins for good measure before setting you carefully on your feet, releasing you with one hand to reform the makeshift ring which had been crushed in his palm. He held it up for your inspection, watching you carefully, his nervous expression blooming into a brilliant smile when you slipped it onto your left ring finger.

Without a single word, he crushed you against his chest, burying his face in your neck as if he hadn’t the slightest intention of moving again. 

“You haven’t heard my answer yet, you know,” you teased, coaxing his head up so you could look into those gorgeous eyes you’d missed so much. You held his chin carefully, your thumb resting over the dimple that seemed placed for precisely that purpose. The corner of your mouth curled up against your will when Bucky narrowed his eyes at you, arching an eyebrow in challenge. 

“If you say ‘I’m not marrying you, James Buchanan,’ I swear….”

“You swear you’ll what?” you laughed, and he let out a pained sigh.

“I’ll keep asking. Every day until you say yes,” he admitted. 

“You haven’t even properly asked me today yet. Maybe try that first.”

He gave a slow nod, leaning forward until his forehead rested against yours.

“Will you marry me?” he whispered, lips brushing yours as he spoke. 

“Nothing would make me happier.”

And once again you were lost in a flurry of swirling skirts and breathless laughter, Bucky dropping feather-light kisses everywhere he could reach until you were thoroughly flustered.

“You’ll still have to walk me home, you know,” you added once he’d grown a little calmer.

“Oh, no! However shall I manage,” he said groaned, taking your hand and pulling you towards the park path.

“Well, I have to benefit from this marriage somehow. It’s the least you could do.”

“You’re right. I plan to make you perfectly miserable, so your sacrifice is appreciated,” Bucky said, drawing you closer to his side, and brushing a kiss to your temple as you rolled your eyes. 

“You’re ridiculous.”

“So, we won’t get married until next week. I’ll be less ridiculous then.”

“Next week?” you cried, shoving at his shoulder in disbelief until he stumbled a few steps to the side with a laugh.

“Fine, fine. Tomorrow.”

“Bucky!” 

With his laughter echoing through the evening air, your heart felt  lighter, happier than you could ever remember it feeling. He was home. He was safe. He was yours. And that was all you were ever going to need.

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

How do we feel? Sound off - who’s still alive?? Come scream with me!

Again, thank you so much for coming on this journey with me. Your comments kept me going, they really did.

Bonus Drabble questions will remain open, both for events before, during, and after the series if you want to know anything about their married life. And if anyone’s interested, there may be an epilogue forthcoming. 

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

Tags: @aubzylynn @shifutheshihtzu @internalbullshit @lilasiannerd @kennadance14 @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @iwillbeinmynest @wiintershero @scotlandasshole @netflixa @hardcorehippos @singingprincessstudent @sophiealiice @blue1928 @tinuviel015 @jacks-on-krack @a-book-pressed-rose @fvckjamesbarnes @bbparker @battlebunnyteardropsinthesun @feelmyroarrrr @breezy1415 @notimetoblog @cherrynat  @multifandomgirl-us @teenybucks @angryteapot @nomadicpixel @raven-ur-mum @notimetoblog @vintagepigeon @withahintofpestoaioli @kindaace @sadanddeadsoul @thinkwritexpress-official @promarvelfangirl @orangespocks @multifandomgirl-us @majesticavenger @creideamhgradochas @buckybarneshairpullingkink

[wistfulcynic]

Error 404: “Little” Brother Not Found

SUMMARY: Liam Jones loves his little brother, he truly does. And if that love takes the form of good natured teasing, well, what’s the harm in that? Sure it annoys Killian but that’s kind of the point, and anyway Killian’s still just a lad. Liam’s sure he only just started shaving last year at the earliest. So when he stumbles on Killian mid-dalliance with a certain blonde princess, Liam is forced to reassess a lot of things about his “little” brother, many of which do. not. compute. 

a/n: ahahahahaha yeah. So this sprang, as so many mad things do, from a discord discussion about how Liam might react to the discovery that his little brother, the awkward, blushing, nerdy Lieutenant Jones, is in actual fact not so awkward anymore and involved with Princess Emma. Involved, in multiple senses of the word.  

I have never been a huge fan of Liam, full disclosure, and I particularly dislike it when their interactions infantilise Killian and take away from his own qualities and accomplishments. So while Liam in this fic does not die or get hurt in any physical way, he does have a few fairly painful revelations. And of course the full DOES NOT COMPUTE meltdown. NOT SORRY. 

This is modern Lieutenant Duckling. Imagine Misthaven as a 21st century minor European kingdom. 

-

Rating: hard-ish T/soft-ish M Words: 3.5k Tags: Modern AU, Modern Royalty AU, Lieutenant Duckling, Brothers Jones

On AO3

-

Liam Jones likes to think of himself as a reasonable man. He’s an honest man, and an honourable one. Those two attributes have never been in question. He’s frequently an impatient man, and sometimes a judgemental one, as his little brother Killian tells him frequently. Killian also calls him a stubborn arse, and Liam has to admit that this might also be valid, but when Killian accuses him of being unreasonable, well, that’s where he draws the line. 

He’s perfectly reasonable. Perfectly. What’s unreasonable are Killian’s objections to a) being called ‘little brother’—he is little, after all, by comparison to Liam’s greater height and broader shoulders—and b) his refusal to allow his older and wiser and bigger brother to help him find a girl. 

“I do not require your input on that subject, thank you very much,” Killian snarls. “Kindly back the fuck off.” 

“But Tink is really nice,” wheedles Liam, as they walk from where his ship is moored in the harbour and into the town to have some lunch. Killian no longer serves on the same ship, having accepted a secondment about a year ago to work on a highly specialised project for the Royal Council. But whenever Liam is in port they make a point of spending as much time as they can together. 

“I’m sure she is,” Killian sighs. “Not interested.”  

“She’s pretty, too.” 

“I don’t doubt it. Still not interested.” 

“Look, Killian, I’m only trying to help—” 

“No, you’re trying to control me as you always do. I’m twenty-four years old, Liam! I’m an officer in the Royal Navy, same as you, and trust me when I tell you I am more than capable of finding my own women!” 

Liam scoffs at this. Killian only just started shaving, he’s sure of it, and the last time he witnessed his little brother trying to interact with a female Killian stumbled over his own feet and spilled his drink down the front of her dress. 

He still brings that one up. 

-

The next day he goes to visit Killian at the project’s headquarters in the palace library. On his way there he runs into Princess Emma—almost literally, as she’s not paying any attention to where she’s going, strolling along with a sort of dazed, dreamy look in her eyes, and he does his best to catch her as respectfully as possible by the elbow before she slams into him. 

“Begging your pardon, Your Highness,” he says, with a small bow. 

“Oh! Captain Jones!” Emma blinks in surprise. “Er—I apologise, my mind was wandering.” 

Liam bows again. “No trouble at all, Princess.” 

He stands aside so she can pass and watches her go with a smile on his face, wondering if he should tease Killian about it now or wait until later. Liam flatters himself he has a good relationship with Princess Emma; he served as a member of her personal guard for a short time and they have always got on well. Killian on the other hand, always flushes bright pink whenever her name is mentioned and makes stuttering excuses for why he has a pressing need to be anywhere that she is not. 

It’s adorable, Liam thinks. Killian has a little crush. 

He finds his brother in the palace library, leaning against a bookshelf like he needs it to hold him up. His colour is high and his hair is sticking up at the back. 

“Lieutenant Jones!” Liam barks. “You are out of uniform!” 

“I—what?” Killian scowls. “What are you on about, Liam, there’s nothing wrong with my uniform.” 

Wordlessly, and with crisp, precise movements, Liam withdraws a comb from his uniform coat and hands it to his brother. Killian’s scowl deepens but he takes it and carefully tidies his hair before handing it back. 

“What have you been doing in here that got your hair all mussed up?” Liam teases. “Research got you excited?” 

“Something like that,” Killian mutters. “I—must’ve tugged on it when I was thinking.” 

“Mmmm,” says Liam, and decides the best time to torture little brothers is always. “I ran into the princess on my way here,” he says casually, biting back a grin when Killian’s ears go pink. 

“Did you?” He’s clearly trying hard to be casual but his voice comes out as more of a croak. 

“Yep. It makes sense, I suppose. Her private apartments aren’t too far from here.” 

Killian clears his throat. “I wouldn’t know anything about that.” 

“Do you ever see her? Or do you hide in the bushes when she goes by?”

“Liam—” Killian growls warningly.

“I’m surprised you accepted this posting, actually, seeing as it means you’re working so close to where she lives. What are you going to do if she stops by to check on your progress? Stammer like a schoolboy in front of the rest of the project team? Run away?” 

Killian’s eyes flash. “I expect I’d manage,” he snarls. “As I keep telling you I’m an adult—” 

“—an adult, yes—”

“—and I do actually know how to speak to women!” 

Liam smirks. “Somehow I don’t think Ariel would agree.” 

“That was eight years ago, Liam! I was sixteen! And you know Ariel and I are friends now. You are literally the only person who ever talks about that anymore.” 

“Well—” 

“Do you know what your problem is?” Killian interrupts. 

“I only have one?” 

“The biggest of your many, many bloody irritating problems is that you refuse to see me as anything but a child. Not that you can’t you just won’t.” He sighs and runs a hand over his face. “I wish I knew how to make you.” 

Liam feels a pang of guilt. He does rag on Killian quite a lot, it’s true, but it comes from a place of love. He’d been solely responsible for raising his brother from a time when he was barely more than a boy himself, and he loves Killian fiercely. He just doesn’t quite know how to express it. 

“Hey,” he says, hooking his arm around Killian’s neck and ruffling his hair again. “Don’t be like that, little brother. I’m sorry.” 

Killian pulls out of Liam’s grip and makes an ostentatious show of smoothing down his hair. “Sure,” he says. 

Liam feels bad, and he doesn’t like it. “So, um, why don’t you show me what you’ve been working on?” he says, hoping this will distract Killian from the previous teasing. 

It does. Killian brightens instantly. “Really?” he says. “You actually want to see it?” 

“Of course I do.” 

Liam doesn’t quite understand Killian’s project; it involves lots of complex equations and research into things that he never had the chance to study, but he’s immensely proud of his brother for being chosen to work on it. Killian is the youngest member of the team by a good ten years and his selection was a tremendous honour. Liam nearly burst with pride when he heard of it. 

Not that he would ever tell Killian that. 

Killian’s face is eager as he shows Liam the research he’s been doing and the presentation he’s preparing for the King and the Royal Council. Liam smiles and nods and lets him talk, his mind wandering.

-

Two days later Liam is back at the palace on business and he decides to see if Killian is free for dinner. He knocks on the door of the quarters his brother shares with the other members of the research team, who inform him that Killian isn’t there. 

“He’s not around here much,” one of them says, with a knowing smirk. “I mean, I wouldn’t be either, in his shoes. Lucky git.” 

“Can’t remember the last time he actually slept here,” adds another. “He ‘works late’ a lot.” The man makes quotation marks in the air with his fingers. “I’m guessing right now he’s busy ‘working’ real hard, you know?”

Liam does not, in fact, know. He has no idea what they could be talking about but it’s clear they think he does and so he plays along. 

“Right. Well, er, better luck next time, I guess.” 

He walks back to his ship, wondering what on earth Killian could be doing with his evenings if he’s not spending them in his quarters. Surely he’s not actually still at the library? 

That lad needs to get himself a girl, Liam thinks. If only he would agree to a date with Tink.

- 

The following Thursday is the day of Killian’s big presentation to the Royal Council. Liam arrives a few minutes early, thinking he might have to help calm his brother’s nerves. He takes a seat in the council chambers and looks around for Killian but he is nowhere to be seen. 

Then the door opens and Killian arrives, quite at his ease as he greets the council members and bows to the king. Liam frowns. He expected his brother to be cripplingly nervous, flushing and stammering through his presentation, but the reality could hardly be more different. Killian stands confidently at the lectern, looking older than his years—when did his facial hair get so thick, Liam wonders—and when he begins to speak his voice is deep and calm, with a note of authority Liam has never heard in it before. 

The crowd is riveted, hanging on his every word. The other members of the project team, the Royal Council, none can take their eyes off him. The king is actually taking notes, nodding to himself as Killian speaks. 

Liam catches a glimpse of Princess Emma sitting near the back of the chamber. She’s not officially on the Council though of course she is heir to the throne and so he’s not surprised by her presence at an important event. He is a little bit thrown by the look on her face, though. It’s soft and a bit awed, with shining eyes and flushed cheeks and a sweet smile on her lips. He’s never seen her look like that before.  

Killian concludes his presentation and opens the floor to questions from the audience. There are many, more than Liam anticipated, but Killian handles them all with aplomb, giving knowledgeable, definitive answers and not flinching even when the king himself challenges some of his conclusions. Killian stands straight with his shoulders square as they debate, and Liam gets the strangest feeling that both he and the king are enjoying themselves. 

Liam is proud. He’s always been proud of his little brother, of course he has. Of course he knows that Killian is smart and tough and hard-working, but this—this is a new kind of proud. Like he’s seeing his brother as a peer, for the first time. 

When the presentation is officially over Killian mingles a bit in the crowd and Liam debates going to speak with him. He wants to tell his brother about this new pride he’s feeling, but he’s not sure if he can find the words or if this is really the time or place. But then he sees Killian heading off through one of the council chamber’s side exits and thinks he might take the opportunity to catch Killian and have a few words in private, and so he goes to follow his brother out the door. 

So does Princess Emma. Liam bites his lip to stop his smile when he sees her heading for the same exit through which Killian just disappeared. Because yes, he did just realise that he might need to start treating Killian as more of an equal but that doesn’t change the fact that he’ll always be a big brother and he can’t help wanting to witness Killian stammer and blush when he runs into the princess. 

He slips through the door and follows Emma until she turns a corner, then hurries his pace a bit so as not to lose her.  

“Well,” he hears her say as he approaches the corner. “Fancy meeting you here, Lieutenant.” 

Liam halts just before the turn, waiting for Killian’s stammering reply. Instead he hears something that has his jaw dropping in astonishment. Killian’s voice, pitched lower than usual and with a flirtatious note in it that Liam has never, not even in his wildest dreams, imagined he might hear from his own little brother. 

“What a remarkable coincidence,” Killian replies. 

“Isn’t it just.” 

“Whatever shall I do with you, princess, now I’ve discovered you here in this very dark corridor?” Killian growls. 

“I’m sure you’ve got a few ideas.” Emma’s voice is breathless. “Brilliant man like you.” 

“Oh I do love, I absolutely do. Though I confess they all require you to be wearing rather fewer clothes.”

“Those are my favourite ones,” Emma gasps, then Liam hears the unmistakable sound of kissing. 

They’re kissing. His brother and the princess. They’re just around the damned corner bloody well making out and flirting and talking about sex. 

Sex. 

His brother. 

And the princess. 

The princess. 

The king’s daughter. 

Is talking about sex. 

With his brother. 

What 

What 

Whaaatttt

Liam’s jaw lolls and his throat works, his Adam’s apple bobbing furiously, but no sound comes out. He doesn’t know what noise he’d even make if he could, he certainly isn’t capable of forming any words. He sidles up to the edge of the wall and pokes his head around the corner, just far enough to get visual confirmation of what he still can’t believe he heard. And there it is. There they are, wrapped up in each other with her back pressed against the wall and their mouths fused together. 

Liam was almost hoping that it had all been some insane mistake, that maybe there was another lieutenant waiting in the corridor for the princess and speaking with his brother’s voice. But no. That’s Killian, unmistakably him. It looks like him and sounds like him, everything is him except that this man—yes, man—is kissing and flirting and making some pretty damned blatant allusions to sex. With the princess. Sex that he—that they—ack

Argh 

Ermmmbbgggggghhhhhh

Liam’s brain makes a noise like an old dial-up modem as he watches Killian’s mouth leave Emma’s to trail sucking kisses down the neck she arches back for him, watches as his brother’s hand slides up the bloody royal thigh and under the hem of her dress and between—no. No, he can’t. He can’t see that. He can’t think it. He. Just. Can’t. 

“Fuck.” Emma gasps, rolling her hips against Killian’s hand. “Fuck, Killian.” 

“That is definitely the aim here, love.” 

“Oh, God,” Emma moans. “We can’t do this here.”

“Can’t we?” 

“No, we can’t.” 

No you bloody well can’t, Liam’s brain screams. Please, please, please stop doing this here! 

Emma pushes Killian away and he takes a step back, giving her a smirk that is positively lewd as he slowly licks his fingers. She smirks back, completely unfazed, and saunters towards him with a swing in her hips, hooking her own fingers under the waistband of Killian’s uniform trousers. Trousers that Liam absolutely, positively refuses to notice are tented. Impressively tented. Like perhaps Killian is right to object to being called little brother.

WHYYYYYYYYY wails his brain. 

“Why don’t you come back to my place, sailor, and ravish me properly,” she purrs, and Killian puts his hand on her arse—her arse—his brother’s hand is on the princess of their bloody realm’s arse—(it was someplace far worse a minute ago, but his brain shrivels a bit and warning klaxons begin to shrill in his head before he can think too much about that)—and Killian’s fingers are tracing the curve of the arse in question and curling around the princess’s hip as they head off towards her apartments, bodies moving together in the kind of perfect harmony that suggests that when they fuck it’s hawt. 

Nonononononononononononononooooooooooooooo Liam’s brain is in full meltdown mode now, alarms shrilling and screens flashing error messages and he just. Cannot. Compute. 

He was prepared, almost very nearly prepared, to acknowledge that Killian is a grown man now, one well on his way to an impressive career and who has earned the respect of his colleagues and his king. But this—when—how did his shy and nerdy little brother become smooth enough with women to pull a bloody princess? 

Where is the blushing? The stammering? The tripping over his own feet? 

Where???

-

The next day Liam visits Killian in the library again, finding him sitting quietly at a desk with his brow furrowed as he reads from a large, leather-bound book. His uniform is pristine and his hair tidy, and his reading glasses are slipping down his nose. Liam clears his throat and Killian looks up, his face creasing with a grin. 

“Liam! I was hoping you’d drop by. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you after the presentation yesterday.” 

“No. I, er. Um. I’m sorry.” 

“It’s all right.” Killian waves his apology away. “I left a bit earlier than I was anticipating, actually. Something came up.” 

Liam looks at him carefully to see if this is meant to be a joke, bitterly recalling how twenty-four hours ago it would have never even occurred to him to wonder whether Killian might be making a crude innuendo about his penis. Such a thing would have been as inconceivable as the idea of his brother even carrying on a conversation with Princess Emma, much less—

Killian’s smile begins to fade and Liam pulls himself together, claps his brother on the shoulder. “You did well yesterday,” he said. “I was proud of you.” 

Killian flushes with pleasure. “Thank you, brother,” he says. “It means a lot to hear that from you.” 

That blush is what does it. It’s so familiar, too familiar, and with everything Liam now knows about Killian he simply cannot reconcile these two versions of him, his easy-blushing brother and Princess Emma’s lover and—

“You’re sleeping with her.” 

“I—what?” 

“The princess. You. I saw—and her. Kissing, and—and—how long has this been bloody going on?” 

“Ah.” Killian removes his glasses, folds them up, and places them in their case. He sets the case on the desk and stands, giving Liam a cool look that the elder Jones absolutely cannot meet. “I think perhaps we’d best discuss this someplace more private,” he says. 

He does not blush. 

Killian leads Liam out of the library and across the small, grassy quad that separates it from the royal living quarters. He nods to the guard at the entrance as they go inside and strides confidently through the maze of corridors to a door which he opens with a key that he selects from his own keychain. 

“Emma’s visiting hospitals today,” he says. “She won’t be back until late. We can talk here.” 

“This is—” Liam gulps. “This is the princess’s private apartments.” 

“Yes.” 

“To which you have a key.” 

“I live here. Not officially, of course, for the sake of the optics, but for all intents and purposes they are my apartments too.” 

“So then it’s not—not just—” 

“Not just sex?” Killian smirks. “No. We’ve been together about three years and it’s serious. I plan to marry her.” 

“But—you can’t marry a princess! You’re a—” 

“A lowly lieutenant in her father’s navy? Aye. And I certainly couldn’t marry her in that capacity. But as a valued and trusted adviser on the Royal Council? That would be rather a different story.” 

Liam feels comprehension begin to dawn. “That’s why you wanted to work on this project,” he says.  

“That’s why I wanted to work on this project,” Killian confirms. “And of course, it gives us a chance to live together normally, without attracting attention. Just to be absolutely certain this is what we want.” 

Liam collapses onto a sofa, utterly gobsmacked. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” he whispers. 

“Would you have listened?” Killian sits down next to him. “Would you have believed it? All you ever do is tease me and treat me like I’m still sixteen. How would you have reacted to the news that I was dating Emma if you hadn’t seen us together with your own eyes?” 

Liam is silent. He’s ashamed of himself and for once he allows himself to fully feel that shame. Killian is right. He has treated his brother as a child, even though he clearly isn’t one anymore. Not just because of his relationship with the princess but because of his accomplishments in his career and the impressive future he has ahead of him, as a Royal Councillor and someday the Prince Consort. 

Liam could not be prouder. 

“You’re right,” he says after a long silence. “I wouldn’t have listened, and I wouldn’t have believed it. But I will now, both those things. Will you tell me the story? How you met Emma and how you fell in love? And—when you have time I’d love to see more about your project.” He clears his throat. “Actually see it, I mean, and do my best to understand.” 

Killian smiles, wide and delighted. It’s the smile of the boy Liam solemnly promised to take care of all those years ago, and it’s the smile of the man that boy has become. 

“I’d love to, brother,” he says. 

-

@thisonesatellite @ohmightydevviepuu @stahlop @mariakov81 @katie-dub @kmomof4 @teamhook @donteattheappleshook @darkcolinodonorgasm @xhookswenchx @snidgetsafan