#rip my boy brok

[jenarosscity]

Wake up babe GOW 6 just leaked

[malleux]

freedom. | quest for tyr [I]

[main page] | [t.o.c] | [spellbook] | [ << | >> ]

young adult!atreus x reader

-> synopsis: The only times you had ever experienced adventure was through your books. It was hard to live an exciting life while trapped in Alfheim.

You know you're meant for something greater than wasting away underground.

[loosely based on the events of Gow: Ragnarok]

-> chapter warnings: all chapters may contain spoilers, fighting, cursing, mimir torture

"C'mon, up, up, you've got a big day ahead of you!"

Sindri's voice, paired with the feeling of your blanket being ripped off of you, roused you from your slumber. You frowned and curled up into yourself, trying to preserve a little bit or warmth.

"Y/N, it's time to get up." Atreus's voice rang out this time, and his hand rested on your arm, giving it a small shake. "We've gotta get to Svartalfheim soon. Sindri made breakfast."

You peeled one eye open, coming face to face with a pair of blue eyes. Atreus smiled and patted your arm one last time before standing up and grabbing his own gear to get ready.

You yawned, stretching as you sat up.

"Sleep well?" Atreus asked, his back to you as he made sure his bow was in tact.

"Kind of, yeah." You laughed, "My first time sleeping somewhere new, my body isn't used to it yet."

Atreus nodded, opening the door of the bedroom for you both to head out. "Just wait until we have to sleep on the ground somewhere. That's where it gets really uncomfortable."

You internally groaned, "Sounds miserable."

"A small price to pay for an adventure!" Sindri chimed into your conversation as you made your way to the table. "There's bacon, eggs, and toast for a big breakfast today, at the request of the young lad."

In your peripheral, Atreus rubbed the back of his neck. "Just to make sure we're prepared for the journey." He laughed nervously.

Sindri nodded along, handing you a plate of food and a small pouch. "It's not much, but it's got your weapons, some snacks, and a resurrection stone." He pulled you down to his height and whispered, "Plus I wrote down a few spells I think you'd find beneficial. I noticed your books yesterday and couldn't help but assist."

You gave Sindri a genuine smile, "That's so kind of you. Thank you so much."

"Ah, it's nothin'." Sindri waved you off. "In return, just make sure you all get back safe and keep that boy in check."

"I can hear you!" Atreus called from the table, earning a small laugh from you and Sindri.

You thanked him again and sat at the table, the only open seat being beside Kratos. The man still intimidated you a lot, but you supposed you'd better start getting used to him. He huffed in acknowledgment as you sat beside him, but said nothing more.

Once breakfast was through, Kratos stood and made his way outside. You'd figured out by now that he expected you and Atreus to follow soon.

You looked at Atreus and he shrugged, gesturing to his unfinished meal. He was staying to finish it.

Instead of following Kratos out alone, you opened the satchel Sindri had given you and took out a folded piece of paper. Written inside were a list of spells— fighting, healing, a wide variety that would be useful on a journey.

'Logi: fire. Sverð: sword. Verja: defend.'

You tried to commit as many spells to memory as you could, but without practicing them you weren't sure how effective they'd be. You wouldn't have much time to do anything with them, as Atreus had finished eating and motioned for the both of you to head out and meet up with his father.

"Now, Mimir, you remember what we talked about? We'll just need the Bifrost and the head. Brok, do the touching."

"Ah, so this will be the part requiring my assistance?"

You quirked your eyebrow at the large contraption near Sindri. Kratos opened the Mystic Gateway and Brok took Mimir, placing the head in the contraption.

Atreus, who still stood beside you, spoke. "They're using Mimir's Bifrost eyes to let us travel between realms. This way, we don't have to wait for the Dwarves to do it every time. We can use the Yggdrasil Seeds to travel to Svartalfheim."

You only hummed, watching.

"So, do I control this thing, then?"

"Oh, no. No no no no no no no." Sindri responded to Mimir, "This is just to hold you in place while we shine this light into your eyes."

"Oh, Sindri, you sodding bastard!"

Mimir's cries fell upon deaf ears as the light shone in his face. Brok just laughed as Sindri repositioned the contraption to face the Gateway.

"Open your eyes. I'm really hoping to not have to use the eyelid clamps."

Mimir, still crying out, opened his eyes and took in the light. Sindri cheered and on his command, Mimir released the light into the Mystic Gateway. The dwarves then ran to the door, getting to work as Mimir continued to complain in the background.

"And— there. That should do it. No permanent damage." Sindri inspected the Gateway.

"I'll show you permanent damage, you wee fuck. Kratos, throw me at him! Horns first!"

"Aww, can't you take a joke, you old goat?" Brok was having the time of his life.

"That looked like it hurt." You whispered.

"Yeah, but Mimir can take it." Atreus shrugged, "I'm sure he's been through a lot worse. C'mon, father's ready to go."

Atreus started towards the Mystic Gateway, where Kratos had already retrieved Mimir and stood, waiting for the both of you. You quickly followed, not wanting to be a burden to them.

You followed the pair, and Sindri, through the branches of Yggdrasil until coming upon another Gateway, this time to Svartalfheim. Sindri bid his goodbyes, and left you to step through the light.

The first thing you noticed when stepping into the realm was how awful it smelled. Everything in the realm just seemed to be... off. The sun was slightly too bright, it was too hot, and the atmosphere smelled atrocious.

Though, hating the bright light could just be your Dark Elf side, because Atreus was basking in the sun. He enjoyed the warmth, stretching his arms out to take it in.

"It's a bit much." You chimed in.

"Maybe to you, but Midgard has been frozen for years now. I'm so glad to be away from the snow!" Atreus rushed ahead of you and Kratos. "Maybe we can use this boat."

He began to slice at the ropes, cutting the small boat away from its rack and ignoring Mimir's call for caution. The boat shifted a bit as Atreus freed it, but instead of moving the boat he fell back with a yell.

Small lizard-creatures jumped from behind the boat, darting from side to side and attacking Atreus as he tried to regain his footing. "Why are these things so fast?"

Kratos ran at the creatures with his axe, swinging at them as they attacked. It was difficult, though, as they would continue to jump out of the way before getting hit. Atreus was in the same boat, being unable to aim his arrow at them before they moved. He'd resorted to just hitting them with the bow itself.

You decided to take a different route, staying a respectable distance away from the monsters and raising your hand.

You concentrated on one of the monsters, and whispered, "Logi."

The creature burst into flames, crying out in its own weird, monster-ish way. Atreus looked at the monster, and back at you, your hand still slightly glowing with light. He laughed, before getting hit in the back of the head by a lizard and turning back to the fight.

You tried again on another one, this time only speaking the spell in your head. Success.

More creatures— Wretches, Mimir had called them a moment ago— came from cracks and crevices of the rocks around you, and you began to get overwhelmed. Burning them one by one, then by twos, and then threes, wasn't enough.

Eventually, in a last-ditch effort, you aimed your palms at the ground and imagined the power going to every Wretch in the area. "Logi!"

Wretch cries were heard once more, and then nothing. Just the smell of burning flesh permeating the already-smelly air.

"Y/N! How'd you do that? You killed them all in one shot!" Atreus bounded up to you, grinning. Kratos chose to put the boat in the water, not-so-subtly keeping an ear turned towards the both of you.

"I, uh, actually don't know." Your cheeks flushed a bit, embarrassed that you were getting praised for something you can't even control. "That was my first time using that spell. It was honestly exhausting."

"I'm sure it was, that was a lot of magic to kill all of those Wretches." Atreus patted your shoulder, leading you towards the boat. You both sat in the front, while Kratos began to row in the back.

You never realized how tiring magic was— or, rather, you'd just never used that much magic before. It really was a lot, with dozens of Wretches coming upon you. You were sure you could've handled it better, like with the magic from your spear that isn't physically taxing, but where was the fun in that?

Your hands were sore. They felt like they had been burned from the fire that they had summoned. Perhaps that was a side-effect you were unaware of?

Your head hurt, too, like there was too much pressure in your ears and behind your eyes, making your eyelids droop and your face feel heavy. Your body was exhausted, and you slumped forward slightly, only to jerk back up to stay awake.

Atreus, concerned, looked towards his father. Kratos kept his eyes on the river.

"Magic is a finicky thing." Kratos began, making you sit up and pay attention. "You never know what it is going to do or how it will affect you. I suggest training more before deciding to randomly use magic you've never done before. You could have gotten severely injured."

"Yes, sir." You felt slightly dejected, but understood where he was coming from. You didn't expect this guy to be some big softie when it came to mistakes, anyways.

Atreus turned towards the water. "It looks like we've got a ways before we might have to get out. Why don't you rest?"

"I'm fine," You reassured him, "I don't need to be asleep and caught off guard if something happens."

"But the water is so peaceful," Atreus argued, "Even I could take a nap right now."

"You never know." Kratos agreed with you, "Naps are for those with no goals in life. If you have time to nap, you must find something more productive to do."

"Now, I wouldn't go that far." You laughed, "I love a good nap, but now is definitely not the time. Not in a foreign realm where we don't know what could happen."

Kratos hummed, and Atreus fidgeted. It was obvious he had more to say.

"Isn't it cool how mom led a whole rebellion here and didn't tell us?" He finally let it out.

"The fact that it didn't go well might have curbed that notion." Mimir replied.

"Wait, what?" You were intrigued. You didn't remember reading about a rebellion in Svartalfheim in any of your books.

"My mom is a Giant," Atreus explained, "She, uh, passed a few years ago. She apparently did a lot before meeting father, and the Giants in Jötunheim called me Loki in their prophecies with her! So I'm half Giant, half God—"

"Atreus. There is such thing as giving too much information."

"You're a God?" You turned to Kratos, "Norse?"

"No. Not Norse."

That was the only information he would give, so you let it be, choosing to go back to Atreus. "That's really cool. I wish I could've gone and led a rebellion instead of being trapped for years." You half-joked.

"If you didn't talk about your past, what did you talk about?" Atreus pushed, "Were you just like, 'Woman, guard house. I will go catch fish in the river'?".

You laughed for a moment, and Atreus snuck a glance at you before smiling as well.

"No. Your mother was far better at fishing than I."

The conversation didn't continue, and eventually you all came across a mechanism blocking the channel. A large wheel was stuck in the water, and the only hole that could let the boat go through was at the top. Nowhere near where the boat could go through.

"I imagine if you could turn it, we should be able to get through." Mimir mused.

Kratos docked the boat and you all got out, searching for a way to move the wheel. Kratos went near the wheel while Atreus inspected a geyser nearby. You, on the other hand, stayed back to inspect the contraption as a whole.

"This smell is making my eyes burn..." Atreus grimaced as he followed his father up onto a platform.

Mimir hummed. "You know, it is a fair bit more potent than when I last visited, now that you mention it."

"I'm glad I'm not the only one." You said, "I thought I was just being sensitive."

"Looks like the path continues on the other side of this geyser." You met Kratos and Atreus at the water, listening to Atreus. "Heh. If we were in Midgard, that water would be frozen in a second."

Kratos froze the geyser using his axe, jumping up to another platform eye-level with the wheel. He took his blades and attached them to the wheel, yanking it towards him and making the opening face downwards into the water.

Nords, he was strong.

You followed the two back down, taking out a Wretch here and there, before boarding the boat again and going about your way.

Hopefully that would be the only obstacle.

[ >> ]

[tecatins-thought-pile]

ok so there's... actually quite a lot to notice in these pictures in terms of characterization.Let's start with some obvious things. background details. These pictures take place over a period of 20 years, the last photo being ~2 years before H:TP's present. (We don't know exactly in 2006-7 it is but TF2 being our next year says fall 2006 to me?there are some funny background details here.

First. the 1984 Luau. there's tentacles in the back left corner. and a slightly torn texture as if this one has been handled and ripped. there's a wind surfer. a guy with his face on his or someone else's butt.

But let's talk about who's present in 84.Occam, Remold, Fatigue, several people we don't know... and an older man who both Remold and Occam are holding. a possible family relative?the two fellows to the right also catch my eye because one has a knife and the other holding a volley ball has trunks in the colors/shape of the Czech Republic flag.there are also 3 other figures on the left.

Let's move to 1994.These 3 figures on the left are no longer present. what happened to them? we don't know old age, retirement, death in the line of duty? are they D related given the supposed ancestor feud? But they also seem to be replaced. Marckus is 30+ in H:TP's present. assuming Harry, Elise, Kitten, and Grimal are all in that age range this is a peak of those four into fresh faced out of/in uni.Harry was Skinny!Grimal hadn't dyed her hair!Elise - was absolutely still capable of smothering a man to death in her thighs - had green hair!There's some more bg details ( the container ship in the bg could be a half life reference could be nothing), a young couple in the back and a kid and his mom pointing at the group.Czech trunks has gotten married to Miss knockoff adidas! (see the rings!) Knife boy still has his knife.Remolds... is wearing a shirt that says I think...adventure against all war. an interesting contrast to his personality around D.We also see Dr waters has arrived at the Arcanum!and Remold/Occam's friend they were holding is gone. old age?

Onto 2004!

There's No Door/Boy in the photo. Interesting given Door has been with D through what happened with Anton when Marckus was a kid.Grimal has started dyeing her hair, Elise committed full goth, Harry got jacked.Czech trunks hair has started to grey, his wife is missing from the photo and the left hand that previously held a ring isn't visible on frame but I get the vibes something happened to his spouse. Knife boi is still there, Dr waters has moved closer to Occam so she's more likely established as his second and Occam has started to Grey.There's a lot of story implications here but I think it's interesting to note how Remold seems to have mellowed out in the 90s but in currently day talks about hunting were beasts with Brok.

did something happen that gave Remold a grudge against them?anyways there's a lot more to process here.

CAN YOU FUFIND THE SECRETS HIDDEN SECRETLY INTO THE PHOTOS OF THE ARCANUM'S OLD PHOTOS?? BECAUSE I FUCKING CANT

[saintlike78]

Hiii can you do a poly marauders x fem reader where girls are being mean to her like calling her ugly and saying she dosnt deserve them so she’s breaks up but they find out what’s been happening and they get back together . (I couldn’t see if your requests are closed) ❤️

Greedy [Poly Marauders]

A/N: Thank you so much for your request! You’re just fueling my addiction with writing poly Marauders fics… and I love it!!

Pairings: Poly! Marauders x Fem!reader

Words: 2.9k

Warnings: Fluff, polyamorous relationship, breakup, mentions of not eating, crying, reader being sad, mean girls. Lmk if I missed anything.

“Honestly you’re just being greedy!”

“They don’t even really like you; you were just the easiest.”

“You’re not even pretty enough for one of them, what makes you think you could have all three?”

“It’s only a matter of time before they get bored of you and trade you in for someone better and more deserving of their love.”

The words swarmed around your brain, a thick fog settling before your eyes as tears streamed down your face making everything blurry and wet. Your feet were clumsily transporting your body back to your dorm, trying your best to keep your head down avoiding the stares your fellow students were giving you.

You were trying to forget and ignore what those girls had said, but it kept playing on repeat in your mind. You knew that your three boys loved you, but the girl’s words filled your head with doubt. You knew that your boyfriends were too good for you, you didn’t deserve them, they would be better off without you or with somebody else. The thoughts were killing you; more tears escaped your eyes at the thought of them with somebody else tearing you apart, but it was necessary for their happiness. You could never make them happy; you could never be enough for them.

You ascended the stairs towards the girls’ dormitories but decided against it opting towards going to your boy’s dorm, wanting to feel the comfort of their room one last time.

You opened the wooden door but met by silence from the other side. The boys still had an hour of class left, leaving you to sit in sadness alone for a while longer before you would be breaking your own heart.

Walking across the room you stood in front of the mirror taking in your reflection, red puffy eyes, tear-stained cheeks. Looking at yourself you understood what the girls saw, you had no idea how Remus, Sirius, and James had stayed with you as long as they had, but it was time you finally put them out of their misery even though it was killing you. Thinking about what would happen in less than an hour the tears pooled in your eyes once more, but you quickly grabbed a tissue from the box on Remus’ desk beside the mirror and wiped your eyes and the falling tears. You made your way into the connected bathroom, wanting to at least look somewhat presentable before the boys returned. You washed your face with cold water, the cool water washing away any redness, but not concealing the sadness that still lingered in your eyes.

The book in front of you could not hold your attention, your focus solely on the door of the dorm, just waiting. James’ soft blanket comforting you slightly but never distracting enough.

The door burst open and the loud chatter between the boys filled the quiet room. Their laughs warmed your heart, momentarily causing you to forget what was going to happen.

“Bunny, you’re here!” Remus just about shouted, running to you and getting on top of you kissing you all over your face.

You couldn’t help the giggle that left your lips, but sadness bubbled up within you at the fact that you would never experience this again.

You softly pushed Remus off of you making him sit on his calves looking at you in a very confused manner.

“I need to talk with all of you,” you said trying to keep your voice steady, hoping they couldn’t tell how much you had been crying.

Sirius and James made their way to the bed as well, sitting beside Remus.

“That sounds so serious… you aren’t breaking up with us are you, pup?” Sirius joked, but your eyes widened, and you opened your mouth to reply, but no sound came out.

“Wait?! Are you?” James asked worriedly, noticing your face and lack of words.

You were fiddling with your hands, not looking in their eyes.

“Uhm… well… the thing is…. Uhm… y-yes.”

Tears filled your eyes when you finally muttered the words, not believing this was real, but you knew it needed to be done.

“What?! No! I was just kidding, you can’t break up with us, why would you say that?!” Sirius exclaimed, not believing his own ears. Tears gathered in all of their eyes, unbeknownst to you, since you still refused to meet their eyes.

“Bunny… you don’t mean that,” Remus tried, his voice breaking slightly at the effort of trying to contain his tears.

“I-I do, I’m s-sorry, I can’t be with you anymore,” you stammered, tears now leaking down your face once more. Your hands were shaking, and your limbs felt heavy, your heart shattering into a million pieces. You quickly got off of the bed facing the door wanting nothing more than to leave, not wanting to look at their faces because you knew if you did you would break even more.

They all stood from the bed as well walking towards you. James reached for your arm, but Sirius stopped him.

“Please, y/n, don’t do this… we love you; don’t you love us?” James tried, not trying to conceal his tears any longer, letting them fall freely down his cheeks.

“It’s f-for the b-best.”

“Y/n, don’t you love us anymore?” Sirius repeated James’ question since you chose to not answer, not wanting to lie.

A long silence ensued, you didn’t want to lie, but you knew that it was what you had to do for them to hate you.

“… n-no,” you whispered.

All of their hearts collectively shattered. Both Remus and James were freely crying, but Sirius was fuming, angry tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Fine! Then leave!” Sirius shouted causing you to jump slightly. Sirius felt his heartbreak and he felt guilty for scaring you, but he was just so angry and sad, he didn’t know how to handle it.

You quickly walked towards the door opening it, but before you left you turned around letting yourself cave and get one last look. Your breath caught in your throat when you took in their tear-covered faces, your already shattered heart turned to dust.

Whispering an almost inaudible ‘I’m sorry, you slid out the door, leaving the boys heartbroken and most of all confused as to when you suddenly stopped loving them.

You raced towards your own dorm, opening and slamming the door shut as soon as you had made it inside. As soon as the door was completely shut your legs failed you and you crumbled on the floor, loud sobs leaving your quivering lips. You had never felt pain like this before, it felt like someone had cut your heart out and ripped it apart in front of you, leaving you a bleeding broken mess.

Lily, who was laying in her bed, was startled by your sudden entrance but was quickly by your side as soon as you collapsed.

“Y/n/n, what’s wrong? What did they do?” she asked, clearly expecting the boys to be behind this, but also not quite believing they could hurt you to this point.

“I-I b-brok-e up w-w-with them!” you sobbed out, hiccups making it much harder to formulate a decent-sounding sentence.

“You did what?! Why? Just yesterday you were madly in love… what happened?” Lily’s confusion shone clearly through her tone, not understanding why you would do such a thing.

“P-please, I j-just want to sl-sleep,” there was nothing you wanted more than to lay in your bed and just disappear.

Lily just nodded and helped you towards your bed, helping you remove your shoes and grabbing your sleepshirt, which happened to be one of the boys’ shirts.

“Do you want to sleep in this?” Lily asked carefully.

You instantly nodded and grabbed the shirt from her grasp, wanting nothing more than to be comforted by your boys, but since that wasn’t an option, you opted for this.

Slipping into the warmth of your blanket the tears never ceased, but your eyes still fell shut, wanting to sleep the pain away.

“Do you want me to grab dinner for you later?” Lily asked softly, but already knowing the answer.

“No thanks… can you close the curtains around my bed?”

Lily sighed but did as you asked, knowing you just needed time.

In their dorm, Remus and James were pacing around the room whilst Sirius sat on Remus’ bed, trying to calm himself before dinner.

“I don’t understand, we were all fine yesterday,” James muttered loudly enough for the two others to hear him as well.

“What is it you don’t understand, Prongs? She loved us and now she doesn’t, ‘s as simple as that,” Sirius stated, his tone laced with bitterness, choosing to be angry instead of letting the sadness consume him.

Remus stopped his pacing and looked at Sirius’ seated form, “you don’t really believe that do you, Pads? … Prongs is right, we were all fine yesterday.”

Sirius just let out a ‘humph’ and crossed his arms, rising from the bed.

“Whatever, let’s just go to dinner… she’ll probably be there celebrating her freedom from us.”

This time James stopped to look at Sirius, “you know she would never do that and besides something doesn’t seem right… it’s too out of the blue.”

Remus nodded and let out an agreeing hum and they both followed Sirius towards the door.

Days passed; you hadn’t left your bed unless you had to use the bathroom. You were drowning in tears the pain in your heart not subsiding.

The teachers were informed that you were ���sick” and that you needed some time to recover from your sudden illness.

The only time you had gotten any form of nutarians was when Lily basically forced you to consume something, anything. She was growing more worried each passing day, having talked to the boys and keeping them updated on your situation, since they all were worried as well and asked her to keep an eye on you for them since they hadn’t seen you since the day of the breakup.

The news of your breakup spread like wildfire; people not used to see the three boys without even a trace of you.

Remus was the first to experience a couple of the girls flirting very aggressively with him, but he brushed it off, knowing they could never replace you; it was you or nothing. Sirius was the next, he was less nice and told the girls to leave him alone. Lastly was James, he almost cried, wishing he could get you back, so he could be free from any other girls.

The girls were growing agitated by the lack of attention they were getting from the three Marauders, clearly not understanding why they were so upset by losing you.

It had been more than a week; Lily was studying in the library when she heard your name spoken behind one of the bookshelves. She stood from her seat, moving closer to listen to the girls on the other side.

“Ugh, it’s so frustrating! Sirius totally dismissed me the other day,” one of the girls complained.

“I know! I don’t understand, it’s been a week, they should be over her by now.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll soon realize that she wasn’t even that great and then they’ll be all over us,” the last girl said with a proud smirk.

The wheels in Lily’s head turned as she absorbed the conversation and as the last cog clicked into place realization struck – her legs couldn’t have moved faster out of the library if she tried, but she was on a mission to find the three heartbroken Marauders.

“REMUS!” Lily was sprinting towards the black lake where the three boys had been residing most of the week.

“Woah, Lily, calm down, love,” Remus chuckled and got up from his seated position to be level with Lily.

Lily sputtered, trying to catch her breath, bending so her hands were on her knees.

“Y/n… y/n,” Lily started, still struggling to get a word in between her gasping breaths.

“What’s wrong with y/n? is she okay?” Sirius said as he and James stood, panic flooding between the three of them at the thought that something had happened to you.

“She’s… fine… hhhh…” Lily drew a deep breath, regaining her ability to speak, “I don’t think she wanted to break up with you.”

“What do you mean?” Remus cocked an eyebrow, hope blossoming in the pit of his stomach at the prospect of getting their bunny back.

“She obviously did, she said she doesn’t love us anymore, so that’s it,” Sirius crossed his arms, his sadness still concealed by anger.

“She does love you, a lot actually… she’s been crying the whole week, she hasn’t left her bed… or dorm room for that matter,” Lily explained.

“I heard some girls talking about you three and y/n; they were speaking very ill of her and though I’m not sure, I think there’s a connection with them and y/n’s sudden need to end it with you three.”

“Are you sure? We don’t want to get our hopes up for nothing… we just really miss her,” James said sadly, all of them scared that their hearts would be broken all over again.

“I’m certain… she never shuts up about how much she loves you, which was the reason I was so shocked when she came in crying saying she had ended it.”

Lily hadn’t had the chance to properly finish her explanation before Sirius was bolting towards the castle and towards Gryffindor tower, with Remus and James close on his heel.

When three boys entered your dorm room, all out of breath and red in their faces, you were asleep curled up on your bed, still wearing what the boys recognized as Sirius’ t-shirt. They couldn’t ignore the dried tears that stained your cheeks, your face red from the crying, your lips turned down in a sad frown, even in sleep.

Remus was the first to walk towards your bed, seating himself beside you, slowly stroking your cheek as to wake you. James and Sirius placed themselves on the bed as well, waiting for you to open your beautiful eyes.

“Puppy… you gotta wake up now,” Sirius spoke softly, rubbing your back gently.

You stirred and slowly opened your eyes, focusing on the three boys on your bed; instantly deciding that you were dreaming, not believing that they could really be there.

“Hi… Remmy, Siri, and Jamsie,” you grogged out, voice hoarse from the constant crying.

“I wish you were here in real life.”

“Baby, we are here, this is real life,” James chuckled softly, still scared that you really didn’t love them.

You quickly sat up, reaching out and touching Remus’ face, only to just as quickly retract your hand when you felt the very real Remus sitting in front of you.

“What are you doing here?” You breathed quickly, not wanting them to see you in your broken state.

“Lily was worried about you… and she overheard something interesting in the library from some girls… so we want you to tell us what happened,” Remus spoke slowly and reached out to take your fiddling hands in his.

“What do you mean?” you played dumb, not wanting to answer their question, knowing you would break again if you did.

“We want you to tell us why you broke up with us, and not to lie this time,” Sirius was trying to conceal his anger, not wanting to upset you even further.

You let out a shaky breath, not knowing where to start; you looked between them all, all of them eager to hear what you had to say and listening intently.

“I was talking to this group of girls, and they got into my head about how you're all too good for me I don't deserve you... I just feel like you guys deserve someone way better than me and more beautiful than me that's why I wanted to give you an opportunity to be free from me.”

The three boy’s eyes widened in shock at your words, all three of their jaws open wide almost hanging on the floor from pure disbelief.

“Bunny, you're the most beautiful girl we've ever known we love you so much more than you ever know... We are the ones who don't deserve you, you’re an absolute angel and you should never let any stupid lowlife girls tell you that you're not good enough,” Remus said reaching out and stroking your cheek softly, tears gathered in his eyes.

Sirius’s eyes flashed red, he was in two minds, keeping you company or going to murder the girls who made you believe such nonsense, but he chose the first option, scooting closer to you and engulfing you in his arms.

“Puppy, please never listen to those stupid girls again... This week without you has been pure agony I've been stuck with these two idiots for far too long,” Sirius whispered to you whilst stroking your hair.

“Does that mean that we can get back together,” James said with a shy grin.

“Of course, if you'll have me back,” you looked at all three of them hopefully knowing that they in no way were obligated to get back together with you after what you'd put them through.

“Of course, will have you, we can't imagine life without you… a week was way too long without you,” Sirius said, his fingers tilting your chin so that you're forced to look into his eyes, he leaned down and kissed your lips - a whole week's worth of passion translated into this kiss.

Remus and James both moved so that they could embrace both you and Sirius creating one big ball of love.

[angelsdevils]

Kidd x Killer x Reader x Law 2/2

Title: Big Sister

It has been three years since Kidd and Killer had moved out and went out to sea to become pirates. You missed them greatly, but you lived your dream as a dancer. You enjoyed life and wondered how the two were doing. Then the thought of Law crossed your mind.

“Gosh, he must have gotten so tall now, all of them.” You said to yourself as you sat in the grass, wiping sweat from your eyes. You always enjoyed dancing in public, so it didn’t bother you when people stopped to watch you. The park was empty now, though, which gave you peace of mind.

You laid down in the grass to relax before making your way home. Just then, you felt someone block the sun. You clicked your tongue, slightly opening your eyes before seeing a familiar white fuzzy hat.

“(Y/N)~ya, you are alive. I am glad.” That voice, you smiled, shooting up to hug your younger brother.

“You idiot, I should be saying that about you! You completely went missing when I was searching for you.” You said as he hugged your waist. You were right about Law; he had gotten much taller and manlier. You began to cry, and Law sighed softly, not used to the waterworks.

“Don’t cry, sis...” He said softly. You pulled from the hug looking him over. He had darker skin and built form, and underneath his hat.

“You have grown so much; I can’t believe it.” You say with a wide smile on your face. Law couldn’t help but give his signature smile that was only reserved for his close friends and family. You grabbed your stuff and pulled Law to your home. You still stay in the same house you always had, so you had a room for strictly Law with some of his old clothes.

Unfortunately, though, he wouldn’t be able to fit them anymore. You both talked about the things that had happened in your life. You even told him about Kidd and Killer.

“So you adopted two other kids because they were hurt, and they saw you as an older sister?”

“Yepp, I didn’t legally adopt them, of course, but I took them in. I miss them a lot; they set out to become pirates. Maybe you ran into them when you were out on see.” You say unlocking your door.

“Maybe,” Law said, walking in and removing his shoes. You did the same, but you both froze when you heard movement in your kitchen.

“(Y/N)-ya stay in here,” Law said, glaring at the kitchen.

“I think not; I will be damned if someone thinks they will steal something from my house.” You grumbled, dropping your stuff on the floor. Law shook his head as you both made your way to the kitchen, and you didn’t pay attention until it was too late. You sent a flying kick to a familiar messy hair redhead.

“Kidd? Killer?” You then noticed the tall blonde, and you stood there trying to process. Law’s eye twitched as he stood in front of you.

“Hey (Y/N)~Law, what are you doing here?” Killer asked, confused.

“I should be asking you two that! This is my home...” Law growled slightly.

“Whatever bastard, this is our home, isn’t (Y/N)?” Kidd asked, looking at you before glaring at Law.

“Over my dead body, she is my sister! Now get out!”

“Law...”

“She is our sister!” Kidd growled, holding Law’s shirt. You usually saw Law as calm and collected, but he looked pissed.

“Kidd...” You said Killer stood beside you as the two began to yell and argue in each other faces.

“He was the boy; you talked about back then, wasn’t he?” Killer asked.

“Yepp, my younger brother Trafalgar Law.” Killer slowly nodded his head. You sighed as you tried to get the two’s attention.

“Law! Kidd.” You yelled a bit louder just then, a fight broke out, and Killer blocked you so you wouldn’t get hurt. Only then do you hear multiple things shatter. It grew quiet, and you twitched slightly as you slowly walked into the living room, where the two resided.

There on the floor, a vase Law made you when he was a child, a glass crown that had flowers painted on it made by Kidd, and a picture frame that had a picture of you and Killer in it ripped and shattered all over the floor. The most treasured items you received by the three were broken. You looked down, your hair covering your eyes as you began to shake. The two parted from each other. Kidd and Law looked terrified; they had never seen you so angry before. You kneeled, picking up the items before setting the broken items down on the table. You walked closer to both males and punched them in their heads.

“Owe. It was his fault.” Law said, holding his head. Kidd glared at Law, holding his head before looking up at you.

“He was the one who started it.”

“What are we 12? Geez, you both were more mature when you were children. You guys will stop fighting, stop arguing and listen to me. In case either one of you didn’t figure it out. You both are my brothers. Law, Kidd, and Killer were the ones I took in when they were 12 and 16. Kidd Law was my brother whom I couldn’t find.” You said, crossing your arms, you were angry, pissed, and wanted to cry.

“You BOTH broke the three things I held dear to me because you three made them. If you think I will cook or make dessert for this reunion, YOU ARE WRONG!” You threw a chair at both of them, barely dodging it. The Killer stood up quickly, picking you up before you harmed someone.

“I AM GROUNDING YOU BOTH!” Your yells could be heard down the hall as Killer carried you to your room.

“.........” For once, Kidd and Law didn’t argue or say anything for a while.

“Damn it, just because she sees YOU two as brothers doesn’t mean I will.” Law broke it, getting up and looking at the broken items.

“Just because you ARE her brother doesn’t mean you will be mine.”

“Good, we can agree on that. Another thing we can agree on is we both want her happy.” Law said. Kidd nodded, taking the broken crown he made you. They looked at each other than at the items.

“I have the stuff in my ship to make these things again. Maybe we should use metal, though, so it doesn’t break next time.” Kidd mumbled, unable to believe he was willing to help Law. Law slowly nodded, and the two males left the house to remake the stuff they broke.

Killer held you tightly in his arms as you kept your face in his chest. You had calmed down and had stopped shaking. Killer was glad his face was covered with his mask because the way he held you had him a blushing mess. You slowly pulled away but did not leave his arms so you could look up at him. You smiled, reaching up for his mask, but Killer moved his face ahead.

“Nope...” Killer said.

“And why not? You used to never wear it around me.”

“I feel naked without it, to be honest.” He said you tsked before cuddling into him.

“Thanks for calming down. I may have done something I would have regretted.”

“I know that’s why I did it,” Killer said, laying his head on top of yours.

“I still don’t like the fact you all are taller than me. I was taller than you three, though you were more my height when you were younger but still.” You said, huffing. Killer couldn’t help but laugh lightly as you threw a small tantrum.

“Well, that can be good for you because we can cuddle you, and you get all the warmth.”

“Fair point.” You said, laughing gently before quickly removing his mask. Killer sighed when you lifted it but didn’t say anything. You pecked his cheek before laying down on the bed; Killer had a blush on his cheeks. He watched as you closed your eyes to go to sleep. Killer smiled, stroking your hair; you hummed in your sleep. Killer cuddled closer to you, wrapping his arms around you. Killer’s mind filled with things Kidd had told him, and Killer wondered if you still saw him as a family.

Killer soon heard a soft knock on the bedroom door; he slowly got up, so he didn’t wake you and opened it. He placed a finger to his lips to tell Law and Kidd to keep quiet. They peeked in to see you were sleeping peacefully. The two males walked in, setting the vase, crown, and picture frame on the table before heading out with Killer.

“I will cook dinner, so she doesn’t have to,” Killer said, heading to the kitchen.

“I will clean,” Law said. Kidd ended up helping Law clean up before.

It has been a few hours since you fell asleep. You had yet awakened, so Killer made his way into the room. He sent Law and Killer out to get groceries, much to their disapproval of being told what to do. Killer shook you awake, which made you groan.

“I don’t want to wake up; it’s too early.” You grumbled, and you heard a chuckle which meant it could only be one person. Killer.

“It’s night.” You heard his voice near your ear. This caused you to sit up quickly and look outside to see it was dark.

“Shit, I need to cook dinner.”

“It’s ready to do~” Killer stopped talking when he heard another crash and sighed. Your eyebrow twitched m as you began to get up.

“Let me handle it, please. Stay here. I will also bring you your dinner.” Killer said, getting up.

“Thank you. That’s nice of you.” You say, kissing his cheek; Killer blushes hard before leaving the room. He walked into the living room to see Law and Killer again in each other’s faces.

“She is awake, just a warning.” The two grumbled, moving away from each other as Killer went into the kitchen. He made you a plate of your (f/f). Once he grabbed you a glass of water, he motioned the two to eat as he went back to your room.

You were looking at the ceiling when he walked in, and he set the plate on the nightstand.

“Are you okay (Y/N)?” Killer asked, and you merely nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks for asking.” You say, Killer sits next to you, and you turn to him. You noticed he looked troubled, making you place a hand on his leg.

“Something is bothering you, though,” You stated. Killer nodded his head. He wanted to confess to you, but he worried it would change how you see him.

“What is it?”

“I uhm, I am having girl issues.” Killer stated. You blinked before a wide grin popped on your face.

“Oh, tell me more.” You said as you began to eat.

“I have liked her for years, but I’m 100% sure she sees me as a brother, nothing more.”

“Have you talked to her about these feelings?”

“No...”

“You should; you will never know how she truly feels if you don’t. After all, just because you think she doesn’t like you doesn’t mean it. She could be waiting for you to confess.” you say. Killer looked up before smiling.

“Thank you, how should I confess? If it was you, what way would you want a guy to confess? I never confessed to anyone.” you thought for a moment before smiling widely.

“Depends is she lively and outgoing, shy and quiet, or neutral?”

“I would say she is more neutral, more on the outgoing side but have her quiet moments.”

“Then a simple confession will do. Just get her flowers and maybe a necklace with a locket with both of your pictures. If you don’t have a picture of you both, then take one.”

“Thanks (Y/N). I will do it,” Killer said, kissing your cheek before leaving the room. You laughed to yourself as you continued to eat before laying back down. Killer walked into the kitchen, putting his shoes on.

“Where are you going?” Kidd asked, and Law looked up from his book.

“Pick out things to finally confess.” Law narrowed his eyes.

“Confess to who?”

“OUR sister,” Kidd said, glaring at Law.

“I won’t allow it; she was MY sister first, and she deserves better.” Law’s protective side kicked in as he went to your room but realized Killer had already left. He shook his head, wanting to see you, so he opened your door. He laid in the bed with you wrapping his arms around your waist.

“(Y/N)-ya, are you sleeping?”

“I am awake.”

“Okay, I wanted to spend more time with you,” Law admitted, and you smiled, turning to face him.

“You will always remain the cuddle type with me, won’t you?”

“I missed the hugs; I haven’t seen you in years,” Law grumbled, holding you to his chest the same way you used to do when he was younger. You both closed your eyes falling asleep again almost instantly. Kidd would be lying if he didn’t get jealous of Law. He wanted to lay down and hold you too, but he didn’t want to lay in the same bed as Law.

Kidd grumbled on the couch, trying to keep his temper in check. Kidd stood up, looking over at all the pictures you kept of them when they were younger. He let a small smile grace his lips. Even though he couldn’t stand Law, you were his weakness. He went to his room, realizing you didn’t change the room. He lay in bed, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

Killer walked into the house and realized just how quiet it was. He blinked several times before going into his and Kidd’s shared room. There he saw Kidd asleep on the bed. He chuckled softly before going into your bedroom, seeing Law and you cuddling into each other. Killer let a small smile grace his lips. You were adorable when you slept, Killer went to leave, but he heard movement from the bed.

“Go ahead; I know you want to confess,” Law grumbled, glaring at Killer. Killer blinked several times as he left the room. Law didn’t like that Killer loved you, but he wanted you happy, so if you returned his feelings, he would accept it.

Killer walked to the bed and laid beside you. He watched your sleeping face and stroked your hair behind your ear. He leaned down, kissing your nose before closing his eyes; he would confess the moment you woke up. He didn’t want to wake you just yet.

You woke up mumbling as the sun hit your eyes. You heard a soft chuckle, and you turned to see Killer beside you. You could have sworn you fell asleep with Law, but you didn’t question it.

“What are you laughing at?”

“After all these years, you are still the same,” Killer said with a smile. Something was different about Killer; you didn’t know why but you noticed the blush on his cheeks.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am fine. I got something to tell you.” He said, sitting up. You blinked as he took your hands into his. You noticed he was struggling with words. You began to piece together his red face, the conversation yesterday, and how he was holding your hands. He liked you; you could tell as he stumbled over his words.

“Don’t think I am weird. It’s okay if you don’t uhm accept me...I...” You leaned in to capture his lips with yours. Killer’s eyes widened at your sudden action; he quickly returned to his senses and kissed back. You wrapped your arms around his neck as he hugged your waist, pulling you closer. You both sighed into the kiss before pulling away, and he leaned his forehead against yours.

“Does this mean?”

“Yes, I love you too, Killer.” You say, and Killer smiled.

“I love you so much. Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Of course.” He smiled, pulling you to his chest. In the doorway, Kidd and Law were watching the entire scene. Law sighed, but he was happy for his sister.

“Congrats on the new relationship. I can honestly say, if you hurt her, Killer, I will remove your heart from your chest and put your organs in all the wrong places.” Law threatened. You and Killer sweatdropped.

“Told you, Killer should have confessed long ago,” Kidd said. You blinked, looking at Killer but smiled, pressing your lips to his cheek.

“Yeah, I should have,” Killer said, looking at you.

“You should have. I would have returned the feelings then too.” You say, laying back down. Killer pulled you to his chest.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Killer got up, causing you to get up as he reached into his jacket pocket and grabbed something. He then walked behind you and hooked something around your neck as you sat up. You looked down and saw the necklace. You opened it and saw a picture. You couldn’t help but smile as it was in a heart shape.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Just like you.”

[softforcal]

Noise : Neighbour!Cal

Summary: Annabelle’s new neighbour is a douche bag man whore, but he insists that his ego isn’t the biggest part of him.

Warnings: there is smut

OC moodboard

Requested by @palliddark

Word count: 13.7k

------

     Annabelle had arrived home after a New Years party at around nine in the morning on the first of January. It was moving day, and the apartment next to hers, that had been vacant for two months, was no longer empty. She caught sight of a tall blonde disappearing into the apartment with a box in his arms as she walked down the hall. Her heart thumped a little, having only gotten a glimpse, but it was enough to make her excited.

     He looked young, early twenties, around Annabelle’s age, and he was cute. Maybe a little different from her usual type, but still attractive nonetheless. Annabelle approached her apartment, fumbling with the keys. She had just unlocked her door when another man left the newly rented suite next to hers.

     It wasn’t the blonde from before.

     Annabelle tried not to look, but she couldn’t help herself, taking in the strong shoulders, the bleach blonde hair with already darkening roots, strong jaw, tan skin covered in tattoos and beautiful eyebrows. She’d never seen eyebrows that she’d classify as ‘beautiful’ before and yet there she was, thinking about how they perfectly suited his face, bringing out the strong, boxiness of his jawline.

     The guy looked her up and down as he walked past, a small smirk on his face. Annabelle flushed, having been caught staring at the man.

     He walked behind her and continued down the hall, Annabelle waited a suitable amount of time before turning to watch his figure get farther and farther away.

     The grey sweatpants looked comfy, and Annabelle found herself appreciating his bum. Gaze sweeping over the strong shoulders covered by a a black v-neck stretched taught over the muscle, Annabelle’s breath was caught in her throat.

     Continuing with her day, Annabelle nursed her hangover, binging netflix and getting started on course reading for school. She went to bed early, having not gotten much sleep the night before.

     At around one AM, the noises started.

     It began with a dull thudding, steady and slow. At first, Annabelle even thought she was hearing things, maybe someone walking down the hall too loudly. But then the pace of the thumps got quicker and Annabelle’s eyes opened, staring at her ceiling in the darkness of her room.

     A soft sound mingled with the beat, but that too, got louder. Annabelle groaned, reaching for her phone but she stopped as the sound hit a new pitch, and even half asleep, the reality of what the noise was, smacked Annabelle from her post slumber daze.

     The guy in the apartment next to her, was fucking someone.

     Fucking someone hard, fast, and, if Annabelle could assume anything from the noise level, he was fucking her very well.

     Annabelle groaned, hiding her head in her pillow, she supposed there were worse ways to christen a new apartment. She’d spent her whole first night puking after a housewarming party that she should not have had in the first place.

     She laid there for a few minutes, listening to the sounds. She wondered which boy it was. The blonde or the ashy haired one.

     It had been about ten minutes and Annabelle assumed it would be ending soon so she could go back to sleep. Ten minutes became fifteen and Annabelle had sat up by that point, scrolling through her phone to pass the time.

     At twenty minutes the sounds finally stopped and Annabelle put her phone away, cuddling back into her pillow.

     Just as Annabelle was drifting off again, there was a small screaming sound that made her eyes snap back open with worry. For a moment, the worst things imaginable popped into her head. God, what if her new neighbour was an asshole who hit women? What if they were sleep talkers or had night terrors that woke them up screaming every night? What if-

     More thuds cut off Annabelle’s thoughts.

     She turned and stared at her wall as if it could give her a glimpse into the room next door.

     It had only been about ten minutes since the noises had stopped and now they were going again? Annabelle had to give the guy, whichever one it was, some credit. In another instance, she might have even felt a bit of pride for the guy, after all, stamina and skill to make a girl scream? But he was interrupting her sleep.

     In that moment, Annabelle decided that whoever the guy was, she hated him.

     All she could do was lay there and listen, hoping his stamina would finally run out, and vowing to go buy some ear plugs in the morning.

----

     With her busy schedule, Annabelle had not had time to go grab ear plugs, or maybe she was just lazy, too exhausted after classes and studying to walk the block to the store. It took a whole week of interrupted sleep for Annabelle to finally go get ear plugs. The store was open late, closing at 2AM and she’d arrived just in time, trudging to the till in an oversized hoodie.

     When she got back to her apartment, she was almost too tired to get her key into the keyhole. The sound of a door opening drew her attention and Annabelle looked up.

     She hadn’t seen the new neighbour since he’d moved in and she was curious to finally find out which guy was the one keeping her up all night, and not in a good way.

     A girl walked backwards out of the apartment. She was smiling at someone who Annabelle assumed was in the doorway but she couldn’t see from her angle.

     “So call me?” the girl asked, arms going up to reach for whoever was standing just out of Annabelle’s view.

     Annabelle watched the girl pull the man who had been hidden from her gaze into a hug and, for the first time, she could see him. It was the ashy haired guy. The one who’d made her heart race.

     “Yeah, I’ll call you.” the guy grumbled.

     He was shirtless and the grey sweatpants hung low on his hips. Annabelle could see the muscles in his abdomen and the strength in his arms and for a moment she thought she was about to start drooling.

     He didn’t sound like he was going to call the girl back.

     The girl went in for a kiss and the mans hand came up to cup her face, Annabelle spotted more tattoos and she looked away, still paying attention through her peripheral vision. After one last goodbye, the girl turned to leave, walking past Annabelle who turned the key to unlock her door.

     She could feel eyes on her and although she didn’t want to, Annabelle found herself looking up.

     Her new neighbour stood there, leaning against the wall, brown eyes bearing into hers. His arms were crossed over his strong chest and his biceps bulged deliciously, “hey.” he said. His voice was low, raspy, and it had Annabelle’s heart fluttering in her chest.

     “Hi.”

     She wanted to call him out for keeping her awake the past three nights in a row but there was something so intimidating about him, she couldn’t bring herself to.

     “I’m Calum.”

     “Annabelle.”

     He nodded, giving her one last look up and down, “Night Belle.”

     Before she could correct him, tell him that people called her ‘Anna’ never ‘Belle,’ he had gone back into his apartment and the door had shut behind him.

     Annabelle sighed, “douchebag.”

---

     “Do you even work?” Annabelle groaned, pulling out her keys as a redhead walked down the hall.

     Calum eyed her, face expressionless, “what?”

     “Its like every time im home, all I can hear is you fucking your girlfriend-”

     “Not my girlfriend.”

     “Yeah, that makes it better.” Annabelle scoffed.

     “Maybe I’m a prostitute.” Calum said.

     Annabelle looked up, noticing the grin on his face. He was teasing her. This fuck had been her neighbour for three months and had given her more sleepless nights than she could count, and now he was joking about being a prostitute.

     “Oh and you’re so good your clients come to you?”

     “They come for me.” Calum stated, “and, as my neighbour, you should know that at least that’s the truth.” he turned to go back into his apartment.

     “Fifty bucks.” she called.

     “What?” he looked at her, eyebrows furrowed.

     “Fifty bucks is how much money I’ve spent on ear plugs so far so that I can get through one god damned night. The ones I bought the first week weren’t strong enough apparently so I had to go for some actual construction grade shit.”

     Calum studied her for a moment, then, he pushed off the wall, walking the short distance to Annabelle. He pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and removed three twenties, holding them out to her.

     When Annabelle didn’t accept the cash, Calum rolled his eyes, one hand coming up to brush her blonde hair over her shoulder. His fingers moved her shirt to the side slightly to expose her black, lacy bra strap and he slipped the money underneath, securing it.

     Annabelle’s heart was racing from the touch of his skin against hers and she felt frozen under his intimidating gaze. He turned and walked back to his apartment, “next time, I’ll put my hand over their mouths, keep it quieter for you.”

----

     Annabelle was locking her door when the sound of Calum’s door opening interrupted her thoughts. She looked up and laughed, “wow, this is the first time since you moved in that I’ve seen you with a shirt.”

     “Sorry.” he said, eyes scanning her as well.

     “Sorry? Seriously?” Annabelle laughed, “I prefer the shirt.”

     “No you don’t.”

     Annabelle rolled her eyes, “what are you even doing awake this early?”

     “I have work.”

     “So the prostitute thing didn’t work out for ya?”

     “Ha ha.” Calum said sarcastically, “where are you headed?”

     “School.”

     “Hmm.” he finished locking up his place and approached her, hands shoved into his leather jacket. Annabelle had to admit he looked great. The gray sweats were a look but black ripped jeans and black leather… the full black outfit contrasted the ashy silver hair and brought out the darkness in his eyes. He was a vision. “What year are you?”

     “Last one. Almost done.”

     He leaned against the wall and watched her lock her door, “what are you taking?”

     “Psychology.”

     Calum chuckled, grin spreading across his features and turning him from a ten into a fourteen or some shit, something that broke the scale, Annabelle was sure of that at least.

     “What?” Annabelle asked, putting her keys into her bag.

     “No, it’s nothing, just,” Calum was still grinning, “what’s your read on me then?”

     “My read on you?”

     “Yeah. Tell me about my dark childhood trauma.”

     “I don’t know you.”

     “Well, from what you do know.” Calum said.

     Annabelle looked the gorgeous man up and down, “where do I even start with you?”

     Calum shrugged, “up to you doc.”

     Annabelle rolled her eyes, “I’m going to be late.”

     “You’re headed to campus?”

     “Yeah.”

     “Taking the subway?”

     “Uh huh.”

     “What if I give you a ride?”

     She was running late… “you’d do that?”

     “You give me a therapy sesh, I give you a ride. Seems pretty even to me.” Calum shrugged, “I’m headed that way anyways. Take it or leave it Belle.”

     “Stop calling me Belle, people call me Anna, Belle sounds too much like-”

     “A princess?”

     “Yeah.”

     “And you’re not a princess?”

     Annabelle narrowed her eyes at him, “no, of course not.”

     “Sure little miss ‘I can’t sleep because you keep fucking girls and I had to pay fifty bucks to get ear plugs and you have to pay me back-’”

     “I never said you had to pay me back.”

     “But I did.”

     “But I didn’t say you had to. You just wanted to. You wanted to flaunt your money at me.” Annabelle glared.

     “Oh yeah? And why would I do that?”

     “I accept your ride.”

     “Hmm, wanna have the guarantee of a chauffeur before you tear into me princess?” Calum grinned.

     “Yeah.” Calum pushed off the wall and began walking down the hall, Annabelle followed, falling into step with him. They stayed quiet as they took the elevator down to the parking garage.

     Calum pulled out his keys and Annabelle looked at all the cars, trying to decide which one she felt belonged to a guy like Cal. her eyes spotted the old, sleak, black camaro and she just knew that it was his.

     “What did you say your job was again?” she asked, watching him unlock it.

     “I didn’t.” he got in the car and closed the door but Annabelle stood there looking at the car with awe. She didn’t know much about cars, but she could tell when something was expensive and this car… it was nice. Very nice.

     Calum leaned over in his seat and opened the passengers door, pushing it open a little and prompting Annabelle to get in. The car smelt a little like smoke and expensive cologne, a mix that wasn’t wholly unpleasant, but it definitely would take some getting used to.

     “Are you seriously not going to tell me what you do for work?” Annabelle asked.

     “That would make it too easy and we don’t want that do we?” Calum smirked, pressing down on the gas pedal, “you ravage me or I ravage you princess, your decision.”

     Annabelle rolled her eyes, holding her backpack tight to her chest, “quit being such a dick.”

     “I’m literally giving you a ride to school, how am I being a dick?”

     “Why do you seem so obsessed with me giving you a psychological profile?”

     Calum sighed loudly, “fine. Don’t pay up for the ride.”

     Annabelle groaned, turning to look at Calum. Even his side profile was beautiful and it made her angry, “well, I guess I’ll start out with the physical-”

     “As one does.” he grinned, looking at her for a moment before turning his gaze back to the road.

     “You obviously work out, your hair is dyed and you have tattoos. You care about your appearance. Before today I’d only seen you in sweats but now that I’m looking at you with actual clothes, you obviously have style too. And that’s real leather. And this is a nice car. So you have money. But this is the first time I’ve ever seen you leave your place in the morning so you don’t have a regular nine to five job but you have money so…” Annabelle thought about it for a moment, “you seem kind of arrogant… confident, so I’m going to guess your money runs in your family. Am I right?”

     “Do you think you’re right?” he countered.

     “Are you going to confirm or deny any of this?” Annabelle sighed.

     “Nah.”

     “Fuck you.”

     “You wish.”

     “I do not.”

     “Yes you do.”

     “Pff, and what makes you so sure?” Annabelle rolled her eyes.

     “You’re the psychologist.”

     “I’m not a psychologist.”

     “Coulda fooled me.” Calum reached forward and the sound of music began to fill the car.

     “Conversation over I guess.”

     “Do you have something else to say to me?” he asked.

     Annabelle opened her mouth then closed it, shaking her head.

     Calum turned the music up and Annabelle laughed, “are you serious?”

     He flashed her a grin, “what, you don’t like Country Roads?”

     Before Annabelle could answer, her asshole neighbour opened his mouth and began to sing along to the music. Every word was accentuated with a southern twang that made Annabelle laugh, staring at the guy with shock.

     Her asshole neighbour, who fucked a new girl every night, was covered in tattoos and leather, hair dyed and just itching to have fingers running through it…  was singing a country song like he was in a dodgy karaoke bar with no one watching.

     He was really throwing a wrench in her whole psychological profile of him and the shit eating grin on his face told her he knew it.

     “Not a fan of country Princess? Too hick for you?” Calum asked, changing the channel, he flipped through songs, listening a few moments before deciding against  a number of top tens until he found… “Bohemian fucking Rhapsody, you have to like this one or I will pull over this fucking car and kick you out.”

     “Are you serious?”

     “Don’t I look serious to you?”

     He did.

     “Sing.” he commanded.

     Annabelle took a deep breath and began to sing.

     Calum turned up the music, screaming out the lyrics. He wanted her to sing, but he was making it obvious that it was just a formality. His eyes stayed on the road and before Annabelle knew what she was even doing, she was singing louder.

     By the time they got to the chorus, they were both belting out the lyrics.

     In those moments, they weren’t neighbours. He wasn’t the guy who kept her up all night by being a dick and she wasn’t the cute girl next door who he hoped to bump into every time he left his place.

     They were just two kindred souls, in a car, sharing an extraordinary experience.

     As Calum pulled up in front of one of the main campus buildings, the song ended.

     “So uh… thanks for the ride.” Annabelle said, awkwardness returning.

     “Don’t mention it.”

     Annabelle got out of the car, closing the door behind her.

     Calum watched her disappear into one of the buildings. He was about to drive away when his phone rang, his sister’s face on the screen, “I’m coming, I’m coming.” he said as he answered it.

     “You better have a great excuse as to why you’re making the whole board wait for you Cal.” she seethed, “mom and dad are going to be pissed-”

     “I gave a ride to my neighbour, I’m trying to make friends.” he lied.

     “I still don’t know why you even moved out to some shit apartment when mom literally offered to get you a penthouse-”

     “I don’t want a penthouse.” Calum groaned, “i want to be normal.”

     “You’re not normal Cal, you’re a Hood-”

     “Look I’ll be there soon okay?”

     “You better be wearing something nice.”

     Calum chuckled, “put on my nicest pair of ripped jeans just for you.”

     “Calum I swear to god if you weren’t so fucking good at business-”

     “Yeah yeah, but I am, so deal with it.”

     “Just get here.”

     “Fuck, I just told you i’m coming!”

     She hung up and Calum laughed to himself, turning up the radio, enjoying the lingering smell of coconut that Annabelle had left in his car.

---

     Annabelle had had a better sleep that week than she’d had since Calum moved in. She wondered if he’d gone away for a bit on vacation, but she tried not to think about it, instead enjoying the quiet.

     But nothing good lasts forever and on Saturday morning she was awoken around nine in the morning by music seeping through her walls. Annabelle groaned and sat up, listening for a moment. She could hear Calum’s voice amongst the noise and a smile worked its way onto her face.

     Slipping out of bed and into her fuzzy pink flip flops, Annabelle pulled on her uni hoodie. Her sleeping shorts were small and the hoodie almost obscured them, acting more as a dress but Annabelle didn’t care about her appearance as she trudged through her apartment.

     She found herself in front of his door, like so many women before her.

     Annabelle knocked and waited. The music must have been too loud for him to hear so she held up her hand to knock again and the door swung open. He was standing there, shirtless as usual. His ashy hair was messy and it was a good look, it even knocked the air out of Annabelle.

     “Your music is loud.” she said.

     “Did it wake you up?” he asked, grinning as he leaned against his door frame.

     “Yes.”

     “Are you mad?” his smile widened.

     “No Cal, I’m peachy, look at me, I look completely well rested and happy right?” she asked sarcastically.

     “First, since when did I say you could call me Cal? Second, you look very cute and well rested and maybe you don’t know this, but you always look very happy whenever you see me, except last time but I assumed that’s because I was wearing a shirt.”

     “I can call you Cal because you call me Belle, and piss off, I look like trash. Just turn it down all right?”

     She turned to go, “you hungry?”

     Annabelle stopped, “uh… yeah?”

     “I made pancakes, come have some.” Calum moved to the side, giving her space to walk past him into his apartment if she chose to.

     “Pancakes with chocolate chips?” she asked.

     “Pfff, of course, I’m not a fucking animal.”

     The smell of food wafted out of his apartment and Annabelle just couldn’t help herself. She walked past Calum and inside.

     It was odd. Exactly like hers but everything seemed more modern. All the appliances were new, a huge tv was against the wall with multiple gaming consoles underneath, a plush couch, it was a hell of a lot nicer than Annabelle’s place based solely on the things that filled it.

     “Is that a waffle iron?” Annabelle asked, stepping into the kitchen.

     “Yeah.”

     “Do you use it?”

     “Haven’t yet.”

     “Yeah you are definitely old money.” Annabelle said, leaning against the kitchen counter and watching Calum return to his post in front of a pan where a pancake was cooking.

     “Shit, maybe I shouldn’t have invited you in, now you’ll know all my secrets.” Calum laughed, running a hand through his messy hair.

     “Too late now.” Annabelle said, looking around, “you know how to cook. You have money but you’re here, in this apartment. You can pretend to be living amongst us middle class uni students but your appliances and your car tell the true story, don’t they Cal?”

     His smile was gone and Annabelle knew that she’d hit it spot on.

     “Why do you want to be so common Calum? Why here? Why a place where the walls are so thin that people can hear all of your business?” she asked.

     Calum took the pancake from the pan and put it onto a plate. He slid it in front of Annabelle and then grabbed a fork and knife, giving it to her. A muscle in his jaw feathered and he poured more batter into the pan. “Wanted to see what it’s like to live alone for a bit.”

     “But you’re never alone.” Annabelle pointed out, “besides this past week, you’ve had a girl over almost every night, and judging from the beer cans in the living room, it looks like you’ve had at least friends or someone over this week, I probably just didn’t notice because I’ve been at school a lot.”

     “You like keeping track of me huh?” Calum asked, suddenly sounding mad.

     “You’re loud.” Annabelle said, also getting defensive, “it’s not like I do it on purpose. Besides, you invited me to analyze you so I don’t see why you’re having such a fit over this. ‘Ravage me or I ravage you’ remember?”

     His grip on the spatula tightened. “So you have me figured out then.”

     “I wouldn’t say that.” Annabelle sighed, taking a bite of pancake, “look man, I can stop analyzing you if you don’t like it but you asked me too-”

     “Well I didn’t think you’d actually fucking get anything right.”

     “Oh wow thanks.” Annabelle glared, “you know what, thanks for the pancake but you obviously don’t want me here.” she stood up abruptly and he didn’t react as she simply left. The door shut behind her and Calum cursed, slamming his hand down on the table.

     It was a touchy subject for him. He had his mother, his father and his sister all riding his ass about this “dumb fuck idea” every single god damned day. None of them thought he could make it in life on his own and although he had moved out and got some cheap apartment, obviously that wasn’t enough.

     As Annabelle had pointed out, he still had a bunch of unnecessary, expensive shit that betrayed his true nature the moment anyone stepped into the fucking apartment.

     Calum had hated growing up with all the expectations. The knowledge that he’d be part of the family business. He’d tried to work for things in his life but even though he tried, things always seemed to be given to him. Everything was made easier because of his name.

     The worst part about it, was that Calum actually had a knack for business.

     No problem was too difficult for him to solve and he had a natural air of superiority that made people listen to him. He was young, tattooed and his new hair colour had nearly given his mother a heart attack when he’d walked into the boardroom with it, but damn it if people didn’t shut their mouths and pay attention the second he showed up.

     Well, most people shut their mouths and paid attention.

     But not Annabelle. She always had something interesting to say. Something to keep Calum on his toes. Something that made him work, like he’d never had to work in his life.

     However, if their interaction was anything to go by, Calum realized that he was really shit at working. He’d never had to work for a girl, they were always throwing themselves at him. Whether they knew about his family name and reputation, or they just saw his devilishly good looks and their panties dropped, it always ended the same way.

     Standing in his kitchen, Calum began to feel the weight of being alone again.

     He managed to ignore it for a few hours, but, as darkness descended, the thought of going to an empty bed for a seventh night in a row just didn’t seem so nice.

     He felt stupid. Had he really been choosing not to call a fuck buddy because he felt something for Annabelle? Calum nearly kicked himself, stupid, stupid, stupid.

     He pulled out his phone.

----

     Another few weeks passed and Calum never seemed to be able to catch the blonde in the hallway. Calum was on edge. It was all he could think about. He owed her an explanation. He owed her an apology. He tried to catch her in the hall but things never seemed to work.

     Every time he watched a girl retreat down the hallway at around two AM, he’d look at Annabelle’s door, hoping it would open and she’d be standing there ready to call him out for keeping her awake.

     Even if she was mad, at least he’d be able to see her.

     He knew it probably wasn’t the best idea in the world but he wasn’t sure what else he could do.

     It was a Saturday and Calum’s friends were over. They had been drinking since noon and all of them were inebriated. It became obvious as time went on that Calum was upset about something and Luke, having always been quite a direct person, was the first to say “why are you sad Cal?”

     “I’m not sad.”

     “Yes you are.” Luke insisted, “you keep staring at that wall.”

     It was true. Calum had been staring at the wall for a while, wondering what Annabelle was doing on the other side of it. “It’s my fucking neighbour-”

     “The hot blonde?” Michael asked, eyes still on the tv as he played Mario Kart against Ashton.

     “Yeah. Belle- Annabelle.” Calum corrected himself, taking a swig of beer.

     “She’s the chick that analyzed you and pissed you off right?” Ashton asked.

     “Yeah.”

     “What a bitch.” Luke stated.

     “She’s not a bitch.” Calum said immediately.

     “Yeah, Calum’s the bitch.” Michael giggled, “you know how much of a little bitch he is about being a pampered rich boy.”

     “Fuck off Michael.”

     “You see?” Michael grinned, making everyone laugh.

     “Fuck!” Calum groaned.

     “So like… go talk to her.” Luke suggested.

     “What?!” Calum asked.

     “Punch a hole through the wall and go talk to her.” Luke said louder.

     “Or use the door.” Ashton piped up, “she’s right there man, go get her.”

     “I can’t-”

     “Why?”

     “I was a dick-”

     Michael laughed, “when are you not a dick.”

     “Fuck off.”

     “Just apologize!” Luke screamed.

     “Take another shot, then go apologize.” Ashton said, louder than Luke.

     With shaky hands, Luke poured Calum a shot and handed it to him. Calum drank it quickly and Luke pulled him to his feet, “now go fucking get her!”

     Calum nodded, feeling the courage running through his body, he took a deep breath then walked towards the door. “Wait!” he stopped, “i need to take my shirt off.”

     “What?”

     “She likes it better with my shirt off.” Calum insisted.

     Everyone looked at him and Luke was the first to go “then take it off man! What the fuck are you waiting for!?”

     Calum took his shirt off and everyone cheered as he left his apartment, walking with a purpose down the hallway. He knocked on her door and waited. “Just a second!” he heard. His heart was racing, pumping blood through his body and he felt it everywhere.

     Annabelle opened the door and her eyes widened in shock, “Calum?”

     “Hey.”

     “Hi…” she looked him up and down, “why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

     Calum looked down at himself, “uh… you like me better this way.”

     “Calum are you drunk?”

     “I want you to analyze me again.” he stated.

     “I don’t think that’s a good-”

     “You ravage me or I ravage you remember princess?” Calum grinned.

     “Calum-”

     “Five.”

     “Are you counting down?”

     “Four.”

     “Calum stop.”

     “Three.” his smirk widened.

     “I swear-”

     “Two.”

     “To god Calum I’ll-”

     “One.” he grabbed her face, pressing his lips against hers. Annabelle was taken aback for a second but she melted into it after a moment, letting Calum’s tongue slide over her lower lip as she opened her mouth to give him more access.

     Her hands reached out, grabbing the waistband of his sweatpants to pull him closer as his teeth nipped at her. She could taste the alcohol on him and for a moment she felt like maybe she should pull away, but, before she could, he had moved forward and they were in her apartment, her back against a wall as he kicked the door closed behind him.

     His skin was warm under her touch as she let her hands wander the perfect muscles under the gorgeous skin. Her nails scratched over his sensitive flesh and Calum groaned into her mouth, the sound making Annabelle’s stomach flutter.

     Calum tensed under her finger tips and and she pulled away with concern, looking at him. Before she could ask what was wrong, he was running past her to the bathroom, puking into the toilet. Annabelle went after him, sitting on the floor next to her neighbour as he coughed and sputtered. She poured him some water from the sink and held it out for him, rubbing his back with a hand.

     He pulled away from the toilet and looked at her from under hooded eyes, “fuck.” he groaned, hiding his face with his hands, “fuuuuck.”

     “Don’t worry Cal, I’m not judging you, have some water.” she assured him, holding it out.

     He accepted it and drank, handing her back the cup, “I should go-” he began to try to get up but doubled over, puking into the toilet again.

     Annabelle continued to rub his back. His hair was sweaty and stuck to his forehead so she pushed it away, enjoying the odd feeling of the dyed strands against her fingers. She continued to massage at his head and it seemed to offer some relief as he closed his eyes, sitting up and taking deep breaths.

     “I’m sorry.” he groaned.

     “Shh, it’s okay, you’re drunk.”

     “Im an asshole.” he stated, “you hate me.”

     “I don’t hate you.”

     “I was a dick to you.”

     “We can talk about this later-”

     “I’m so sorry.” Calum groaned, “I don’t like people knowing I’m rich. They treat me differently.”

     He puked again and Annabelle sighed, rubbing his back, “shh baby-”

     “Baby?” he turned and grinned at her, “I’m baby now?”

     “Calum-”

     “Baby.” he corrected.

     Annabelle sighed, “I’ll be right back.”

     “Don’t leave.”

     “This is my apartment.” she reminded him.

     “Right.” he watched her exit the bathroom.

     A short while later she came back with two pillows and two blankets. She set them up and put a blanket over Calum’s shoulders which is when he realized he was shivering, “you should have worn a shirt.”

     “But then you wouldn’t love me.” Calum whined.

     “Woah-” Calum puked again and Annabelle sighed. He’d been keeping her up all night for weeks and now he was going to be doing it yet again.

     He only puked a little while longer before collapsing on the floor and mumbling something about being tired. Annabelle appreciated how peaceful he looked for a moment, before he was dragging her down next to him. Suddenly Annabelle was a big spoon and her little spoon was a massive, tattooed, drunk, manwhore.

----

    Calum blinked, trying to get a sense of where he was. His head hurt and little blurred memories of the night before flashed through his head. He froze, realizing that an arm was slung over his side and it was obviously Annabelle’s.

     Shit. She was still there. On her bathroom floor, spooning him. Because he had gotten drunk, like a little pussy bitch.

     He was so screwed.

     “You awake?” came a small voice.

     Fuck.

     “Yeah.”

     “How do you feel?”

     “Not that bad.”

     “Must have puked everything out last night.” her arm slid away and Calum’s skin mourned the loss, feeling cold where she’d left.

     “I’m sorry.” he said.

     “Stop saying that.” Annabelle sighed.

     “Shit.” Calum groaned.

     “What?”

     “My friends are probably still at my place.”

     “Your friends?” Annabelle groaned, “you had friends last night who could have taken care of  you but you came here? Shit, I thought you were getting drunk alone on a Saturday, only reason I let you in.”

     Calum was about to feel bad when he looked at her and realized by her smile that she was teasing, “I should go then?”

     “Probably, I have to study, I have a test tomorrow morning.”

     “Shit. What time?”

     “Early. Like nine.” Annabelle sighed, “so if you could refrain from getting a tinder date tonight, I would appreciate it.”

     Calum sat up, grabbing onto the edge of the tub to push himself up. Annabelle’s hand came to steady him and he offered her a small smile, gaze lingering on their interlocked fingers as she helped him to the door to the hallway. He got two steps before stumbling and suddenly she was under one of his arms, hands supporting him to his door.

     He gave her the keys and she unlocked the door for him. The two entered and there was a small groan from the living room.

     Ashton was laying on the couch, hands over his face, “Cal?”

     “Yeah, where are Mike and Luke?”

     “Bathroom.”  

     “Okay, I’m going to go-” Annabelle began.

     The sound of a female voice made Ashton sit up, groaning as he squinted at her, “you’re the girl- fuck, I know your name, you’re uh… uh…” he snapped his fingers, “the princess-”

     “Annabelle.” Calum said,

     She looked at him, he’d never called her by her full name and oddly enough, part of her missed just ‘Belle.’

     “She’s real pretty Cal.” Ashton said, falling back down against the couch and covering his eyes, “did you apologize?”

     Annabelle laughed, “I’m going to head out.”

     She detached herself from Calum’s side and he watched her go, “don’t die.” she called.

     “Thanks.” he said, slouching to the floor as the door closed behind her.

     There was a sound from the bathroom and Luke crawled through the doorway, resting his face against the ground, “did you kiss her?”

     Calum groaned, remembering everything more clearly, “fuck.”

     “Did you puke in her mouth?” came the sound of Michael’s voice from the bathroom.

     “No but I almost did.”

     Luke smiled against the floor, “You’re fucked man.”

-----

     She was going to be so late.

     Annabelle rushed around her apartment, tossing her bag over her shoulder as she threw her door open, almost running directly into Calum who was standing there in the hallway. “Cal?”

     “Hey, I thought I’d give you a ride to school for your test.” he said.

     In that moment she could have fucking kissed the man.

     “Oh my god yes please.” she breathed, quickly locking her apartment, “you’re such a life saver. How are you feeling?”

     “Uh, I mean, I’m not hungover anymore which is nice. Thanks again for uh, taking care of me that night.” he said awkwardly, running a hand through his hair.

     “Don’t mention it.” she said. And she meant it.

     Annabelle had no idea what to think about that night. She didn’t know what he remembered, didn’t know what actions had been genuine and what had been caused by the booze. And she couldn’t afford to think about it, she had a test to worry about.

     They got into Calum’s car and as he pressed down on the gas he said: “my family runs a business. Put a lot of pressure on me when I was growing up. Been trying to get away for a bit, but uh, probably going to go back to it so I don’t know who i’m trying to kid anymore.”

     Annabelle studied him, “do you not like business?”

     “No I do, and I guess I’m good at it, I just, wanted to work for something, you know?”

     “Working for your family business isn’t working?” she asked.

     “I mean it is, but I didn’t have to work to get the job-”

     “But you just said you’re good at it.” Annabelle pointed out, “sounds like you deserve the job. Unless you think they wouldn’t hire you if you weren’t related to your family.”

     He considered it for a moment. “I guess I’ve never really asked myself that.”

     “You seem like you put a lot of pressure on yourself Cal, might be one of the reasons you self medicate so much.” Annabelle said, looking out the window.

     “You think I’m an alcoholic?”

     “Not necessarily booze dummy, but you do seem to need a lot of distraction, lady distraction.” Annabelle pointed out.

     “About that-”

     “You don’t have to explain yourself, being a manwhore is chill, kudos to you-”

     “I’m not a manwhore.”

     “Manwhoresayswhat?”

     “What?” Calum furrowed his eyebrows, sneaking a glance at her before realizing he’d fallen into her juvenile trap when she giggled, “wow. What a professional therapist you are, princess.”

     Annabelle grinned, “you fell for it.”

    “Well I’m tired, didn’t sleep well.”

     “Why’s that?”

     “Bed was cold.” Calum answered.

      Annabelle opened her mouth to say something but she realized he was parking, he had gotten her to campus, “thank you so much for the ride, it really helped-”

    “Good luck.” he said, hands fidgeting with the steering wheel.

    “Thanks.”

     She opened the door.

     “Maybe you need a good luck kiss?”

     Annabelle laughed, turning to look at him, “hmm, maybe,” she looked out the windshield, “who do you think seems suitable to give me one? That guy walking by right now looks cute-”

     Calum scoffed, “get out of my car.”

     “Cal.”

     He turned to look at her “wha-” but her lips were on his. Hands cupping his face, Annabelle could feel the slight stubble under her fingers and it made her smile into the kiss. He smiled back, she pulled away and their eyes fluttered open, admiring each other.

     “Thanks for the luck.” she said.

     His eyes flickered down to her lips but before he could go in for another kiss she was getting out of the car. She looked back once and Calum smiled. His heart was still racing in his chest as he drove home, once again enjoying the smell of coconuts.

---

     The first thing Annabelle wanted to do when she got out of the exam was call Calum. Which made zero sense to her seeing as A: he wasn’t her friend, B: she had no clue what he was, and C: she didn’t even have his phone number.

      She liked their teasing. She enjoyed looking at his face. And when he was drunk, well, that had been a new side to him that she never thought she would ever see, but she also hadn’t expected the guy to listen to Queen or John Denver either so he was full of surprises.

    Standing in the subway, Annabelle thought a lot about Calum.

     He was an interesting guy, that was sure.

     Sex addiction? Check.

     Devilishly good looks? Check.

     Rich? Check.

     Probably in the midst of an identity crisis? Check.

     He was ticking all of the boxes she hadn’t even known she had. And Annabelle had to admit, some of these boxer were definitely not good boxes. The identity crisis? Not good. And the sex addiction that had been keeping her up every night and not because she was the one getting dicked down? Very bad. Kind of annoying. Kind of aggravating actually.

     She had no idea what was going on in his head. She usually knew that sort of thing. But with Calum? Annabelle figured maybe he wanted something more from her, she couldn’t think of any other guy who would offer to drive her to school for an exam. But, who knew? Maybe it was all a lie. After all, she was a perfect option as a fuck buddy seeing as they lived next to each other.

     Annabelle had never been trusting of men. Always second guessing everything. It was one of the reasons she’d gone into psychology. An effort to learn just a little bit more, to figure people out. But, obviously, it wasn’t working that well on Calum and that annoyed her.

     She got back to the apartment and walked quietly down the hall, entering her place without bumping into the bleach blonde god who lived next door. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing, or a bad thing.

-------

     He’d dated before.

     It was sort of expected for him to date. Encouraged for Calum to be in the same circles as other wealthy young adults. With his last name, Calum Hood was chased by anyone who knew anything about business and he’d always had his choice of the gorgeous rich girls.

     They had expensive cars, arguably too much plastic surgery, walk in closets and usually a pomeranian or two (or sometimes a greyhound). There had even been a rumor that a number of the girls who wanted to lock the young bachelor down had, in fact, bought a dog with the explicit motive of grabbing the known dog lovers attention. None of it had ever worked though.

     Yeah, they were good for a fuck, but the rich girls always wanted something more, or at least the ones pining after Calum Hood did.

     Calum had always given the girls a chance… not at love, but at a good time.

     It was easy enough for them to get blinded by his good looks and charm, neglecting to ask the questions “what does this mean” or “what do you want from me” until after he’d bedded them. Most assumed that a mumbled response to them asking “call me?” as he kicked them out was a legitimate affirmation, only to be sorely mistaken a week later when they’re phone had gone unrung.

     The good ones, he kept around as fuck buddies, but he made sure that they knew what they were agreeing too, like a business contract.

     But he’d never consider actually dating any of them.

     In some ways, he enjoyed the power that came with his reputation. The ability to have his choice of women every night. But, at the same time, there was something about it that threw him off. The girls he got with never asked questions, never did anything to make him upset or challenge him. After all, they knew his reputation so why would they challenge him?

     It was one of the things that made Annabelle so endearing.

     She talked back.

     And she had no clue who he was.

     She’d guessed he had money but Calum knew that she probably had no clue just how much money he had.

     And he liked that.

     But did he like it enough to ditch all his other girls?

     He’d tried that. And it had been a shit week. He was into Annabelle for sure, but he still needed to have his needs met.

     Buried in a brunette who was heiress to a pharmaceutical company, Calum found himself wondering how Annabelle had done on her test. He tried to brush away the thought, knowing that she was a smart girl and she probably did fine.

     But what if she hadn’t?

     What if it was hard?

     Did she need ice cream?

     Did she need a shoulder to cry on?

     “Calum!” the girl underneath him moaned. Calum refocused his attention on her face. She was being loud. Fuck, what if Annabelle heard them?

     Calum’s hand came over her mouth and the girl moaned again, the sound muffled but still evident. “Be quiet.” he stated, voice taking its usual commanding tone that it always had in board meetings.

     Once he was sure that the girl, who he often referred to as Pharma Bitch (but he was pretty sure her name was Karen, or Corin, or Carin or something), was quiet, he took his hand away. She bit at her lip, small whines still leaving her mouth and Calum sighed.

     He couldn't… he couldn’t look at her.

     He pulled out and easily flipped her around, pulling her hips up so he could slam into her from behind.

     Even without having to see her face, she still wasn’t Annabelle. She was a brunette and the contrast was obvious. With huge extensions that tumbled in curls down her back… well, she wasn’t Annabelle.

     First of all, Annabelle definitely didn’t have the money for extensions.

     Second, Annabelle was gorgeously blonde and he’d never had a preference before but damn, he enjoyed the golden strands that she was always pushing from her face.

     Third, Calum doubted she would get extensions even if she had the money. Which oddly, he kind of enjoyed.

     Calum closed his eyes, focusing on the feeling of ramming in and out of the girl underneath him.

     With no sound or visuals, he could almost imagine that the girl he was fucking was his hot blonde neighbour and not the Pharma bitch.

     That’s when he noticed the sound of his bed hitting the wall with each thrust.

     “Fuck.” Calum cursed, pulling out, “get on the floor.”

     “What?!” Pharma Bitch shrieked. She could deal with the shitty apartment instead of his penthouse, she could deal with the creaky bed and the duvet cover that wasn’t high grade silk, but fucking on the floor? No. that was a no go.

     “I said. Get on the floor.” Calum stated.

     She did.

     The floor didn’t squeak.

----

     “So word around town is you’re fucking girls with the lights off now?” Michael said, collapsing onto Calum’s couch.

     “No I heard he’s making them not make noises.” Luke quipped.

     “Nah, he’s only fucking them doggy.” Ashton interjected.

     They all turned to Calum who took a sip from his beer, “all three.”

     “Ouch.” Michael laughed, “what the fuck has gotten into you?”

     “He’s in love with the blonde.” Ashton answered, “Belle.”

     “Annabelle-” Calum corrected, “and no I’m not.”

     “Then why are you being such a wack job about fucking these girls Hood?” Michael asked, “looks like somebody’s lost their mojo.”

     “Fuck off.” Calum groaned.

     It was true though.

     It had started with the doggy, no noise and not fucking in his bed.

     But that had been a week ago and Calum found that he almost couldn’t even bear to do that anymore. He was sneaking the women inside the apartment building like a smuggler dealing contraband.

     His heart raced every time he walked a new girl past Annabelle’s apartment.

     And he always reminded them that when they left, they had to be quiet and not be seen.

     He knew the girls were starting to get pissed.

     He just didn’t know why he felt so goddamn bad about it. It wasn’t like he was dating Annabelle! He had no allegiance. They’d kissed twice and that was it. So why the fuck did he feel so bad about it!

     Michael set up the video games and Ashton dealt with the music.

     Calum was in the bathroom when there was a knock at the door. All the boys looked at each other and grinned, Luke and Ashton both hopping to their feet while Michael stayed with his attention on the tv.

    Luke, with his long legs, got to the door first.

     He threw it open and just like that, the tall Aussies were looking down at the adorable blonde girl.

     She was in a uni hoodie that went down to her mid thigh and it wasn’t obvious whether or not she was wearing shorts underneath the fabric that drowned out her body. Her eyes were an emerald green and she had the most adorable mouth either guy had ever seen, a perfect cupid bow on beautiful pink lips. Her blonde hair was in a half bun and it had an effortlessly, messy, cute, girl next door sort of vibe to it.

     Luke’s words caught in his throat and Ashton jumped in, “can we do something for you?” he asked.

     “I uh…” she looked a little shocked, “I was expecting Calum-”

     “Bathroom.”

     “Oh.” she fidgeted with her long hoodie sleeves, “do you mind turning down the music? I mean, I’m usually chill when he’s playing Queen but this is a little excessive.”

     “Excessive?!” Michael screamed from inside, shocked at the slander towards the Guns and Roses thumping through the apartment.

     “Queen?” Ashton said in shock, “since when does Calum listen to Queen.”

     “Oh are you more John Denver because that was a shock too.” Annabelle laughed, beginning to twirl her hair.

     “John Denver!?” Michael screamed, throwing his controller down as he stood abruptly from the couch and ran to the bathroom.

     There was a sound of the door being thrown open then a “What the fuck?!” then screaming and cursing as Michael attacked Calum.

     “Anyways, could you turn the music down a bit?” Annabelle asked, anxious to get back to her studying. It had calmed down slightly, a new beat that wasn’t wholly unpleasant replacing the last song.

     Just when she began to feel bad about requesting the music to be turned down, the lyrics for the song began. ‘You let me violate you. You let me desecrate you. You let me penetrate you-’

     Annabelle made a face and the boys in front of her grinned, “you don’t like Nine Inch Nails?” Luke mused.

     “Surprised you haven't heard this one yet, it’s Cal’s favourite.” Ashton smirked as the lyrics began to scream ‘I wanna fuck you like an animal. I wanna feel you from the inside.’

     “I don’t know if it’s his favourite.” Luke said, “but it’s definitely his song if you know what I mean.”

     They both looked at Annabelle expectantly and she took a deep breath. She guessed they expected her to crack under the pressure of their gaze.

     Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the doorway, “you know, I can definitely see that.” she stated.

     Ashton laughed loudly and Calum and Michael appeared behind the two blondes, “Cal, we like her.” Luke stated.

     “Fuck someone turn this music down.” Calum said, looking distressed.

     Michael went back to the living room, but instead of turning it down he turned it up and suddenly the vulgar lyrics were booming through the apartment and out into the hallway. 

     Someone else opened their apartment door, glaring at Annabelle who was getting second hand embarrassment for Calum and his friends. A hand grabbed Annabelle and the taller blonde pulled her inside the apartment, closing the door as Calum went and grabbed the phone from Michael, turning the music down.

     He turned to look at Annabelle, “what’s up?” he asked, looking worried.

     “I just uh… the music, needed to be turned down a little.” Annabelle said.

     The boys looked between the two.

     Annabelle, who had actually seemed kind of cocky and ready to converse at the door, was suddenly clamming up.

     And Calum? Their future CEO, dominant, powerhouse, sex god, was suddenly worried and ready to bend over backwards, which was something he never fucking did.

     “Right, sorry, I’ll keep it down.” Calum apologized.

     Luke and Ashton exchanged a glance.

     “So how did your exam go?” Calum asked.

     “My exam?”

     “Yeah the one last week.” Calum clarified.

     “Fuck, right, that one, uh, it was good, I think it went well. Thanks for the ride, I appreciated it.” Annabelle smiled and Calum ate it up, grinning back.

     “He let you drive in his car?!” Michael screamed, taking this new information as a personal offense, “since fucking when!?”

     “She’s not a pig like you are.” Calum said absentmindedly.

     “Fuck you Hood I am not a fucking pig.” Michael glared.

     Calum tensed up.

     His last name had just been dropped.

     But when he looked at Annabelle it seemed like she hadn’t noticed, and he let out a sigh of relief.

     “Aren’t you going to properly introduce us?” Luke asked, interrupting Michael who was still seething.

     “Fuck, right,” Calum groaned, he kept missing all the steps and this guy never missed steps, “that’s Ashton, the tall guy is Luke and the pig is Michael.”

     Michael groaned loudly again.

     “Nice to meet you guys, I’m-”

     “Annabelle, not Belle, trust me,” Luke grinned, “we know.”

     “Fuck off Luke.” Calum cussed.

     “I have to study so I should get going-”

     “Yeah, sure.” Calum walked Annabelle to the door, opening it for her. He offered a small smile and as she left, he couldn’t help but follow her out, closing his door behind him.

     “What are you doing?” she asked.

     “Walking you home.” he answered as if it was the most regular thing in the world.

     “I’m literally five meters away.” Annabelle laughed.

     “Well fuck, if you don’t want me to be a gentleman-” Annabelle laughed and Calum grinned, walking her the five meters to her door, “hey so, I have to be at work tomorrow morning and I figured I could give you a ride or-”

     “I don’t have class till noon tomorrow.” Annabelle said.

     “Well, maybe we could grab breakfast or fuck, I guess noon is brunch huh? And I could drive you after.” Calum tried to gage her reactions and when she didn’t automatically smile (like any other girl he knew would, they’d be jumping at the chance to see him in the morning) he got worried, “or not, if you’re busy-”

     “Brunch.” Annabelle interrupted him, “you don’t peg me as a brunch kind of guy.”

     “I’m not.” he confessed.

     “So what’s that about? Hood?” Annabelle crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against her door, looking up at Calum.

     He studied her face, trying to decipher if she knew who he was but, as was always the frustrating case, he had no clue what the fuck she was thinking.

     “I-”

     “You don’t have to explain yourself actually, I don’t know why I asked.” Annabelle sighed.

     “You’re into psychology.” Calum stated. He’d been pissed about it before but for some reason, he wasn’t anymore. “It’s uh, it’s cute.”

     God. He hated himself.

     He hated himself.

     He never fucking blushed with girls. He was the hardcore dom boy who made the girls blush. So why did this small, uni girl, study bug, mess of a thing, have so much control over him?

     Annabelle’s heart was beating a mile a minute in her chest as she smiled up at the guy in front of her. The asshole neighbour. “You’re cute.” she stated before she could help herself.

     Calum laughed, head lolling back to expose the most beautiful throat Annabelle had ever seen. Both of his hands came up to cover his face and she noticed the rings as he turned his body to the wall, resting his forehead against it.

     “You good?” Annabelle laughed.

     “Would you believe me if I said i’m drunk?” he groaned, turning to look at her.

     “You’re not.”

     “But if I was-”

     “Then I’d be worried you’d kiss me again.”

     “Woah, you’re the one who kissed me last time.” Calum pointed out.

     “You suggested it.” Annabelle fired back.

     “Did I though?” Calum narrowed his eyes at her, grinning.

     “You said good luck kiss-”

     “I also told you to get out of my car.” Calum reminded her.

     Annabelle rolled her eyes, “you’re such a dick.”

     “You keep calling me that princess, but I’m pretty sure you like me.” Calum smirked.

     “Oh yeah? And what gives you that idea?”

     “You took care of me while I was drunk and you called me baby-”

     “Well fuck me, I’m a good person you can’t use that against me!” Annabelle said, voice raising defensively as she looked at him with a smile.

     “I could.”

     “You could what?”

     “Fuck you.” he grinned.

     “Calum!” Annabelle’s eyes widened and she pushed at him but he caught her hand as it almost made contact with his chest, pulling it forward so she tumbled towards him. His arms caught her and she looked up at him in shock.

     “You gonna make me kiss you this time, or are you going to take control?” he asked.

     “Why does something tell me you’re the one who’s used to being in control.” Annabelle countered but she sounded breathless.

     “I am.”

     “So be in control.”

     Calum’s heart melted and if he wasn’t already kissing her a soon as the words left her mouth, he may have accidentally let an ‘i love you’ slip out because, holy fuck, he was over the moon.

     His hands cupped her face as his tongue slid over her bottom lip. Her mouth opened immediately to receive him and Calum grinned, biting her lower lip between his teeth to take a breather, something he almost never needed.

     Annabelle’s hands kept her steady, pressed against his strong shoulders, keeping her upright.

     His thumb brushed against her cheek and as he was about to go in for another kiss when the sound of music vibrated through the hallway again and a head popped out of his apartment. Blue eyes bore into Calum’s back and he groaned as Annabelle peaked around him at Luke who was gaping at her.

     Annabelle stepped backwards and Calum’s hands dropped to his sides.

     “See you tomorrow?” he asked.

     Fuck. He felt like one of the girls he kicked out every night.

     But he thanked god that Annabelle wasn’t him. She nodded, smiling, “yeah. Brunch.”

     Calum grinned and Annabelle went inside her apartment, offering one last smile as the door shut. Calum turned to glare at Luke, “I fucking hate you.”

-----

     When Annabelle opened her door, she realized immediately how distressed Calum looked.

     His outfit was on point. Black jeans, a white t shirt and a leather jacket that fit him in all the right places.

     “Are you okay?” she asked, noticing how he was leaning with one arm against her doorway.

     He made a small face, “can I come in?”

     “Of course.” she moved out of the way for him and Calum entered, pacing in her hallway, “do you want coffee or are you hungry?”

     Calum turned to look at her. He was worried for a moment, but then he thought about what she’d said the night before about taking control.

     “Starved.” he stated.

     Calum grabbed Annabelle around her waist, pulling her to his chest so he could press his lips against hers. She let out a small shocked sound at first but her body relaxed almost instantly. Her fingers hooked in his belt loops to pull him closer and Calum groaned.

     He couldn’t help himself. Couldn’t contain it any longer.

     His hands moved down to her ass and he lifted her up easily, Annabelle’s legs wrapped around Calum’s waist as he took her to her dinner table, setting her down on top of it. His hands grabbed at her bum harshly and Annabelle groaned into his mouth, fingers going to his hair as she pulled at the silver strands and a low grumble left his chest.

     He pushed her down against  the tabletop and immediately he unbuttoned her pants.

     “Calum-” she breathed.

     “I told you. I’m starving.” he said, pulling her jeans off completely. He looked up at her, his beautiful hands skimming up her bare thighs, “unless you actually want pancakes or some shit.”

     “After?”

     “Dessert first, pancakes later, sounds good to me.” he said, nipping at her inner thigh. He pressed a soft kiss to the skin he’d just bitten and Annabelle settled back against the table, her hands finding his hair.

     His fingers hooked in her panties and he slid those down as well. Once they were on the floor he put her legs over his shoulders, pulling her closer. Calum had a thing for eating girls out. He just did. For some odd reason he enjoyed it. Enjoyed the power of it.

     But he hadn’t been enjoying it lately.

     It was as if he was a guy craving an amazing meal but only having ever been given fast food, after a while he’d gotten tired of the Big Macs. But here he was, at the open doors of a Gordon Ramsay Level five star restaurant and boy was going to eat.

     As soon as his lips wraps around her clit, Annabelle’s fingers tightened in his hair and she moaned. The sound was music to Calum’s ears. Fuck, it had been ages since he’d heard the sound of a woman receiving pleasure from him because he hadn’t wanted to hear any sounds that weren’t from Annabelle.

     And now that he was earning each whimper, he wanted her louder. He sucked harder on her clit and Annabelle let out a whiney breath, grip tightening on his hair. The small amount of pain made Calum groan and the vibrations against Annabelle’s clit threw her over the edge as her legs shook on his shoulders and she moaned loudly. His hands on her hips kept her steady as he worked her through the orgasm.

     As soon as Annabelle had calmed down a bit, Calum stood fully again.

     “Now I know why the girls you always have over are so goddamn loud.” Annabelle laughed.

     Calum grinned, “that was nothing princess.”

     “Oh yeah?” Annabelle smiled.

     “Come here.” Calum said.

     Annabelle pushed herself up so he could kiss her again. His left hand cupped her face as his ring clad fingers of his right hand rubbed at her still sensitive clit. They dipped inside and Annabelle moaned into Calum’s mouth. His digits curled up and hit that spot that made Annabelle grab at his shoulders “oh my god.” she said against his lips.

     Calum smirked, he knew he was good at this too.

     Calum was good at everything in the bedroom. It was just a fact. And he needed to prove it to Annabelle. He needed to make her addicted. He needed her to be thinking about this for weeks. He needed her to not be able to get him out of her perfect little head, to be tortured like he had.

     Annabelle was moaning too much to kiss properly but Calum didn’t mind, he moved his lips to her neck instead. At first he pressed a few soft kisses to the sensitive skin but as he let his teeth drag across the flesh, Annabelle mewled, her fingers tugged at his hair and Calum knew that she was into it.

     He sucked at her neck while moving his fingers faster. He could feel her heart racing in the artery he pressed kisses against and it drove him wild to feel her reacting to him.

     Her loud moans in his ear egged him on and he could feel her getting closer and closer as she began to flutter around his ring clad digits. She pulled at his hair and he brought his lips to hers again as she came, whimpering into his mouth as he continued to pump his fingers in and out.

     Calum took his fingers out of her and brought them to his lips, watching her as he licked them clean. As he did that, Annabelle reached out, unbuckling his belt then his jean button and zipper.

     Calum took off his leather jacket, removing a condom from his pocket, then also got rid of his shirt. He stopped Annabelle’s motions with his pants, holding out the packaged condom for Annabelle to take between her teeth as he helped take her hoodie off that was still adorning her body. He grinned, “no bra? Dirty girl.”

     “It’s just for uni.” Annabelle breathed, taking the condom out from between her teeth.

     “Hmm, glad I’m not in your class or I wouldn’t be able to focus. You’re a menace.” he took the condom from her.

     “You’re just horny all the time.” Annabelle said, going back to her job of shoving Calum’s pants down.

     “You’re just sexy.” he rolled the condom on and his hands found her thighs, gently brushing the skin, “you ready?”

     “Fuck me Mr. Hood.”

     Calum burst out laughing and so did Annabelle, “please don’t call me that.” Calum groaned, grabbing her face to kiss her.

     “Yeah sorry that was not good.” Annabelle agreed.

     “It’s okay.” Calum assured her, pressing one more soft kiss to her lips before he grabbed himself, lining up with Annabelle before pushing in slowly.

     They both moaned, one of Calum’s hands continued to cup her face while the other went around to the small of her back, keeping her close as he did the first few thrusts slow and deep.

     Fucking on a counter was great and everything but something about it felt wrong. Calum had been fucking people decidedly not in his bedroom to avoid Annabelle having to hear it, but now that he had her in his arms he wanted to go to the “bedroom.” he said, hands grabbing her bum again as he lifted her up, still inside, then walked to her room.

     They collapsed onto her bed with giggles, teeth clashing slightly as they grinned into the kisses they shared. Annabelle couldn’t get enough of his gorgeously dyed hair, running her fingers through it repeatedly.

     One of Calum’s hands moved Annabelle’s leg higher on his waist to get a better angle and he began a quick, rough, unrelenting pace that had Annabelle’s moans getting louder and louder.

     Calum buried his face in her neck, enjoying the up close smell of coconuts that he already adored. He bit down into her skin and she let out a high, breathy moan that sent shivers through Calum’s entire body.

     “Fuck.” he groaned, and the sound of him, all low and grumbly, made Annabelle’s heart lurch.

     “Cal I’m so close.” she whispered, tangling her fingers in his hair to tug at it again which earned another groan from him.

     “Me too princess.” he said, lips on her again. He wanted to be kissing her, wanted to be sharing the moment completely as they both came. A few more deep thrusts had them both going over the edge. Eyes clenched shut, hands groping each other to be as close as physically possible, they were just two souls sharing a moment where nothing else in the entire world mattered.

     Annabelle took her lips from his and Calum went back to her neck as they both panted. Her fingers tracing patterns on his back and shoulders, adoring his beautiful skin.

     “So… pancakes?” Annabelle asked, voice still breathless.

     Calum laughed, rolling off her, “you’re wild.”

     “You promised pancakes.” she reminded him.

     “Where do you want to go?” he asked.

     “I was thinking you could make me pancakes at your place.” Annabelle said.

     “You’re a real piece of work aren’t you?” Calum laughed.

     Annabelle shrugged, “you’re the one who started calling me princess, baby.”

     Calum groaned, “you got me there.”

---

     “So you fucked her, made her pancakes, then drove her to school.” Michael stated.

     “Pretty much.” Cal answered, eyes scanning over the menu even though he knew what he wanted already. They’d been coming to this restaurant for years and Calum always ordered the exact same thing. He liked to pretend he was considering something else but Calum just didn’t enjoy change that much. He liked what he liked and he liked that he was used to it.

     “That sounds kind of coupley man.” Ashton said, not even bothering to look at the menu.

     “Hmmm.” Calum said. He knew that it was super coupley. It’s all he’d been able to think about all day. As he dropped her off, earning a small kiss, then went to work. In the board meeting, he’d been distracted. And if there was one thing Calum Hood wasn’t, it was the type to to get distracted.

     It was kind of pissing him off.

     “Well it’s wednesday.” Luke pointed out.

     “So?” Michael asked.

     “So, Wednesday is the day he fucks the flight attendant right?”

     Their eyes all went to Calum.

     He’d forgotten about that.

----

     “Calum Hood.” Mary stated, “as in, Calum Hood of Hood enterprises, that huge contracting company that owns like half the city.”

     “I mean, I guess so.” Annabelle shrugged, flipping through the pages of her text book.

     “Why the fuck is he living next to you if he’s rich as fuck though?”

     “He has this weird thing about having not earned his money or something. I guess he wants to see how us commoners live.”

     “But you fucked this guy.”

     “Yeah I just told you.” Annabelle sighed.

     “Lock it down babe, lock it down!” Marry screamed into the phone and Annabelle grinned.

     “I’m not a gold digger, plus he can be kind of a dick.”

     “But like… money though.” there was a pause, “and the guy has driven you to school twice now? He seems okay to me.”

     Annabelle had to admit, Calum was okay. She was being hard on him. She’d been thinking about the name Hood all day and in her last class she’d finally looked him up, curiosity having gotten the better of her. Sure enough, there was his picture, connected to some trash article about him leaving the club with another heiress of sorts.

     Annabelle would be lying if she said that the article hadn’t hurt just a little.

     He had access to heiresses and models, hell, there was even a rumour about a new pop song having been written about him and his (since dyed silver) notoriously gorgeous black curls.

     “I mean, he’s okay-” she began.

     “He’s hot as fuck Anna.” Mary interrupted her.

     “How do you know that?”

     “I looked him up. Is his hair still silver?”

     “Yeah.”

     “Hot as fuck.” Mary reiterated.

     “Don’t tell him that, he doesn’t need another boost to his ego.” Annabelle sighed.There was a knock at her door, “shit, someone’s here I have to go. Call you later?”

     “Who the fuck is at your place at twelve at night?” her friend groaned.

     “I don’t know.” Anna could guess though, “call you right back.”

     “Yeah yeah.”

     Annabelle hung up and walked to the door, opening it to reveal Calum who looked just as distressed as he had in the morning. “Hey.” he said, looking her up and down.

     “Hi.” she was wondering what he was doing at her apartment. She’d seen him that morning when he’d dropped her off at school at noon, which had been only around twelve hours before. She hadn’t expected to see him so soon, “what’s up? It’s late.”

      “I was, uh…” he rubbed at the back of his neck and Annabelle narrowed her eyes at him.

    He looked uncomfortable and Annabelle couldn’t help but verbalize the first thought that came to her mind, “you’re not here for a booty call are you?” Calum opened his mouth then closed at and Annabelle rolled her eyes, “what? Your other booty calls are busy?”

     “Well when you make it sound like that-”

     “How else is it supposed to sound Calum?” Annabelle glared, crossing her arms over her chest.

     Once more, Calum didn’t know what to say. “Fuck.” he groaned. He kept messing up. “I don’t… I don’t want the other girls-”

     “Wow. Wooing of the century Calum.” Annabelle said sarcastically, “‘hey babe, I’m like super horny and I know I can call any of my other fuck buddies, of which I have hundreds, but you’re my favourite, so I know you’re studying a lot, but how about you drop all of that, and let me make use of the fact that you’re my neighbour.’”

     “Wow.” Calum laughed awkwardly, “so that’s what you think I’m like.”

     “You literally kept me awake for a month straight fucking girls in the room next to mine.” Annabelle reminded him.

     He had to admit, that was true.

     “But that was before I knew you.”

     “God Calum-”

     “Baby.” he corrected, trying to sound charming.

     “What do you even want from me?” Annabelle sighed, Calum didn’t answer, “look, we fucked, you had a taste of the common life, good for you-”

     “What do you mean?” he furrowed his eyebrows at her, confused.

     Annabelle took a deep breath. She was mad, worried that she’d been considering dating a guy who only saw her as a quick and easy fuck. “Rich boy has the cheap apartment and now he’s fucked a girl who doesn’t have fake tits or lips-”

     “So I’m ‘rich boy’ now?” Calum laughed, but it hurt, and he could feel his blood beginning to boil, “that’s fucking great.”

     “It’s who you are Calum-”

     “I mean yeah, it’s part of who I am, how could it not be, but I’m more than that-”

     “Really?”

     “Yeah!” he said, voice raising a little, “but you wouldn’t know because just like every other fucking girl in my life, you can’t see past my money can you?”

     Annabelle’s eyes widened, looking at him in shock. He’d told her while he was drunk that people treated him differently because of his money, and in the moment, Annabelle had judged the people who let that blind them, but here she was, being one of those people. All the anger and defensiveness she had been feeling disappeared.

     “I didn’t mean to-”

     “No one ever fucking means to. Not really. But they can’t help it.” Calum sighed, running a hand through his hair, “the girls expect you to pay for dinner because you can, then they want gifts on Valentines day but of course a box of chocolates isn’t enough when your boyfriend is a millionaire is it? Who even knows if a girl actually likes me or if she just wants money?” he shrugged, “I don’t fucking know. So yeah, I don’t tell people and you didn’t know, not right away and when you found out, your opinion of me changed, but yeah, not your fault, people can’t fucking help it. You know. Maybe I should be happy that you’re actually mad about it, that you’re not trying to get me to buy you a ring like every other girl I fucking know, cuz that means that what we had this morning? That shit was real. Just sucks that you’re letting the fact that I have money get in the way of this now.”

     He turned to go.

     Annabelle watched him. She didn’t know why she’d brought the money into it. She was kicking herself.

     “Calum.” she called. He didn’t turn around. She knew in that moment that she had to be vulnerable and she hated it. “I’m scared.”

     “About what?” he asked, whipping around to look at her.

     “Well…” Annabelle groaned, “you have models chasing you Cal, models. I don’t want to be just your easy-fuck neighbour-”

     “You’re not.”

     “Well how the fuck am I supposed to know that?!” she yelled, “we barely talk, until like two days ago I didn’t even know your last name-”

     “I don’t know your last name.” he pointed out.

     “Well it’s not like I’m trying to hide it.”

     “So we’re back to the whole family name thing.” Calum turned to go again.

     “God, see that’s the other thing, as soon as things get tough you leave!”

     “I can have a conversation as long as you don’t keep going back to my family, you don’t know them, they’re good people.”

     Annabelle took a deep breath, “do you have siblings?”

     “Yeah, sister.” he eyed her, letting out a breath as his shoulders relaxed slightly, “You?”

     “No, I’m an only child.”

     “So that explains a few things Princess.” Calum stated but there was something lighter in his tone and Annabelle found herself smiling. Just like that, a stupid pet name, and things calmed down.

     “This is such a mess.” Annabelle groaned.

     “Great things never come easy.” Calum pointed out.

     “Great things?” Annabelle quirked her eyebrow at him and Calum leaned against his door, eying her, “this is a great thing?”

     “I think it could be.” he paused, “what do you think?”

     Annabelle thought about it for a moment, “want to come in?” Calum’s eyebrows raised and Annabelle rolled her eyes, “not for sex. We should get to know each other or something.”

     Calum was silent for a moment, “fine. But you have to trust me when I say that I actually like you.” he approached her again, “I mean, yeah, you’re great in bed too-” Annabelle shoved at his shoulder and Calum grinned, “but I like you, okay?”

     “Okay. I mean, you can be a bit of a dick sometimes but I like you too.”

     “Again with calling me a dick?” Calum smirked, “thought we decided this morning that you don’t actually think I’m a dick.”

     “I don’t think we ever decided that-” Annabelle looked up at the gorgeous man who was invading her space

     “Sure we didn’t, you sleep with all the guys you think are douchebags huh?” he teased.

     “Don’t test your luck hot shot.” Annabelle glared.

     “Or what?”

     She could feel his breath, and his pleasant, smokey smell wafted over her. “I’m still mad at you.” she stated.

     “Sure you are.” he said.

     God, he made her so angry sometimes. But fuck, was he hot. Annabelle looked up at him and she couldn’t help herself, wanting to feel the beautiful skin against her fingers, the strong muscles of his shoulders, the softness of his hair. Her heart was still racing, all worked up from their small argument.

     Her hand went behind his neck and pulled his lips down to hers. Their tongues clashed immediately as her fingers gripped at his shirt, itching to tear it off right there in the hallway. His hands went to her waist and he pushed her against the hallway wall next to her door, grinding against her.

     Annabelle groaned into his mouth and when he moved to bite at her neck she breathed, “no sex.”

     “No sex.” he agreed, hand moving past Annabelle to open the door to her apartment. As soon as it was open, she ducked under his arm and went inside, grabbing his hand to pull him in after her. When the door was closed, she shoved him against the wall and he smirked as her hands grabbed at the hem of his shirt, lifting it to pull it over his head and reveal the beautiful, tattooed skin.

     Annabelle couldn’t help herself as her hands went to his pants, as she slipped them down she realized “are these silk boxers?”

     Calum groaned, “yeah.”

     “Okay, how can you expect me not to comment on these.” Annabelle grinned.

     “God, you’re a piece of fucking work has anyone told you that?”

     “Pretty sure you did this morning.”

     “Well I guess I’m just a genius then hmm?”

     “You have a massive ego.”

     “I have a massive something and it’s not my ego, princess.” he brought his mouth to hers again, cupping her face.

     Annabelle groaned against his lips, “you sure about that?”

     “You weren’t complaining this morning.”

     Annabelle pulled away from Calum and his eyes opened, watching her retreat, still fully clothed, as he stood there shirtless, with his pants on the ground, “what are you doing?” he asked.

     “Getting a good view.”

     “How about you get your ass back here?” he suggested.

     “Or what?”

     Calum groaned, “touche.”

     “Look, I think you should at least take me on a date first or something.” Annabelle said, “or I could order pizza-”

     “Whatever you want.” Calum said, ready to do just about anything to get his hands back on her.

     She picked up his shirt and tossed it to him, “I meant it when I said no sex.” she stated.

     Calum sighed, pulling up his pants and putting on the shirt, “you’re really starting to make me question the idea that you prefer me better without this on you know.”

     “Well I like to keep you guessing.” Annabelle shrugged, walking to the living room where she sat on the couch and patted the seat next to her. He sat down and she looked at him, “so what do you like on your pizza?”

     They talked about their favourite things for a while. Annabelle ordered food and they chatted until there was a buzzer beep, Annabelle let the pizza guy up and as Calum grabbed his wallet, Annabelle walked to the door. Before Calum could do anything, she had already paid, closing the door behind the guy and brining the pizza into the small apartment.

     Calum looked at her.

     “What?” she asked.

     “I don’t think anyone’s ever bought me pizza before.” he stated.

     “Who says you get to have any?” Annabelle teased, grabbing two plates, she handed one to Calum.

     He smiled down at her.

    They were going to be great. He could feel it. And Calum had a knack for that sort of thing.

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

part two here

Oneshot Masterlist

Regular Masterlist

[aureumjeon]

Strip (M) Pt. 2 || JJK

●Pairing: Jungkook x Reader  ●Genre: College!Au, Smut, Fluff, Angst ●Warnings: Making out in a supply closet at school during school hours? Strip clubs/Stripper, Special services iykwim ●Word count: 6.3K

A/N: Hmmm some taehyung action grrr. Jimin will have his time, just you guys wait. btw jungkook is 3 yrs older than mc and taehyung ok Sorry it took so fcking long. Enjoy 

[Part 1] || [Part 3]

Finally, at home, you flopped yourself on the sofa and tossed your bag on the floor. You grabbed your phone from your back pocket and immediately texted Jin.

(You 5:49 PM)

-JINNNNN!

(Jin 5:50 PM)

-Yes, hun?

You screamed when he replied.

(You 5:50 PM)

-You won't fucking believe what happened today!

(Jin 5:51 PM)

-Spill.

(You 5:52 PM)

-Remember the VIPs you told me about???

(Jin 5:52 PM)

-Yes, omg I swear. Just tell me already! wHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?

(You 5:53 PM)

-One of them. Uhmm. Jeon Jungkook..

(Jin 5:54 PM)

-The one with the thicc thighs? *wink wink did you guys fuck?

(You 5:54 PM)

-Yes. That one. And NO WTH. Last night, when I was performing. I kinda saw him eyeing me.

(Jin 5:54 PM)

-Girl everybody’s always staring at you when you perform. Haha

(You 5:55 PM)

-Omg stop. Hahaha okay back to the story. I bumped into him when I was heading home. I fucking got scared and ran for my life. Lol. And Guess what!?

(Jin 5:55 PM)

-WHAT stop it with the cliffhangers I’m about to choke you

(You 5:56 PM)

-HE IS A NEW TEACHER AT MY UNIVERSITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Jin 5:56 PM)

-Giiiiiiiiiiirl. You whipped. Tell me about it more the next time you come in. Saturday night? You available?

(You 5:57 PM)

-Yes, I have no plans Saturday night. See you then! Xoxo

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" you screamed at the top of your lungs, unable to express yourself. It felt like hundreds and thousands of tiny little butterflies swimming in the pit of your belly. Feverishly tickling your insides. You can't help but smile at the fact that things were actually doing great and not going downhill the way you expected it to be. You drew out a sigh of relief.

Fast forward the next day, you woke up earlier than normal to make yourself extra pretty for your teacher. Hair tied into a loose but cutesy top bun with side bangs resting just above your lashes. Makeup light and simple yet powerful enough to turn heads. Your outfit was a light blue tank top that perfectly hugged your curves in all the right places partnered with a white chiffon cardigan to make things a little more wholesome and plain black skinny jeans that accentuated your perfect ass. 

And for the pièce de résistance, you took out from your dresser the expensive perfume gifted by Jin last Christmas. You swore to yourself that you would never use it on normal days because there's no way in hell that you could purchase another of these high-end scents, but this time is different. You took one last look in the mirror and thought to yourself that this is probably the first time you tried to look good for a guy. 

Sure you've had a few boyfriends here and there but none of them were serious. The farthest you've ever gone with a guy was during sophomore year, you made out in the music room, he tried to get into your pants that time but you were scared that someone might walk in on the two of you, and the rest was history. You never had any relationship after that which kinda explains why you're still a virgin at 22. It felt kinda ironic when you think about it, a virgin working as a stripper, funny. You shrugged off all the unnecessary thoughts and headed off to school.

As you made your way through the door, your phone started ringing inside your bag. You took it and looked at the screen only to see an unknown number calling you. You had second thoughts about answering the call, what if it was a stalker? Or scammer? But you answered it anyway, what impeccable logic you had. " Hello? May I know who's this?" You asked in a soft tone. 

"Jungkook." 

Your eyes beamed with delight the moment you heard his voice "How did you-" He cut off your question and answered, "I asked the owner of the club for your number, I hope you don't mind." A grin made its way onto your lips "No, I don't mind. " You replied timidly. "Where are you now?" He questioned. "Ah. I was about to step out of the house. Why?" You asked. 

"If its okay, I could give you a ride. What do you say?" You thought about what you were going to reply. " Are you near X convenience store?" He added another question to his previous one. " Yeah! It's just right around the corner. I could go there now." You happily answered. "Great. See you." He hung up the phone. You locked the door behind and dashed to the location given.

Once there, you spotted a black BMW parked beside the shop. Not sure if that was his car, you took small steps and inched closer to the stationed vehicle. The window suddenly went down and you saw Jungkook. He stepped out and waved. Your eyes sparkled at the sight of him and made your way over to the passenger side where he currently stood. He opened the door and lead you by the hand to take a seat. He closed the door and marched to other side and got in. "Seatbelt." He said while buckling his. 

"Oh, right. Sorry." You replied with a hint of shyness on your face. Jungkook started the engine and began to drive. You couldn't help but stare at his face. His side profile was just as mesmerizing as his front. The line of his forehead to the slight curve of his bridge sloping down to the tip of his nose making it way back to his cupid's bow. You felt your mouth water as your eyes met his lips, pink and plush. Don't forget about his well-sculpted chin drawing a sharp line up to his jaw. Ah, what masterpiece of a person he is. 

Too immersed in your thoughts, you finally found your way back to earth and realized that silence had filled the confinements of his car making it hard for you to breathe. You had to think about something to break the ice and you had to think fast "Do you live around here, Mr. Jeon?" You awkwardly asked voice cracking " Call me Jungkook. Mr. Jeon is my Dad." He chortled. "And yeah, I live around here. My apartment's a block away from the club." he stated "That's why I was there last time. A senior of mine invited me. He said that the dancers there were amazing" he looked at you with a sinister smile "And he was right." 

You felt all the blood in your body rush to your face making you red all the way to your ears. A faint "Really?" Was all that you could reply looking at the window, hoping that he doesn't see your tomato face. He stopped the car at a cafe just outside the University. "Is here alright?" he said "I don't want to get you in trouble or have rumors spread about you. " You grinned at his words, he was so sweet and caring. "Yes," you said as you unbuckled your seat belt and hopped out of the car. "Thank you Mr. J-- Thank you, Jungkook." He smiled after hearing his name escape your lips. "You're welcome, Y/N. And by the way, you look very beautiful. See you in class." And drove away.

You breathe the sweet air in and then out "Ahhh~ If this ain’t a great feeling, I don't know what is." You murmured to yourself. Since you were early, you decided to check out what this little cafe has to offer. The bell rang as you pushed the door open "Hello, welcome!" The nice lady at the counted gleefully greeted you. "Hi, can I get one large Iced coffee?" You paused while scanning the menu "And a giant chocolate chip cookie." You added. "Is that all miss?" The lady asked not losing the happy tone in her voice. "You know what, today's a great day. Make that 2." You smiled while handing her the bill to pay for your order.

--

Lunchtime and you still haven't seen Jisoo, maybe she took the day off school. You wondered why maybe something came up. You made a mental note to call her later and see what's up. After you finished eating one of the cookies you bought you heard someone calling out to you "Y/N. What's up?" You shifted your attention to the left and spotted a very nervous Jimin. He sat beside you and interjected, "You look great, Y/N." You slapped his arm and replied "Stop it, Jimin! You're making me blush." While in truth he was the one blushing like crazy. "I mean it. You look extra good today." He smiled.

While you were busy chit-chatting with Jimin about academics and school-related topics, you heard your name being called out again "Ms. Y/N." You looked over the direction from where the voice was coming from and it was Jungkook. 

Your heart rate increased tenfold. "Mr. Park, Can I borrow Ms. Y/N for a while?" Jungkook asked the boy. "Yes, Mr. Jeon. Of course." Jimin replied. as he stood up from where he was seated "See you later, Y/N" he concluded and walked away. "Y/N," Jungkook said your name again, sending jolts of lightning throughout your entire body. 

"Yes, Mr. Jeon?" You asked trying your best not to look like a complete mess. "I need help with the handouts for finals, Is it okay if you come with me to the printing room?" He inquired. You can hear your heart beating so loud inside your chest while walking beside Jungkook and hoped that he didn’t. 

He opened the door to the tiny room where the printers, xerox machine, photocopiers, and other office supplies were neatly stored. "Y/N can you please set up photocopier while I prepare the set of handouts?" He asked politely to which you obliged. Once the both of you were inside, he carefully shut the door behind him, discreetly clicking the lock without you noticing.

"It's good to go, Mr. Jeon" you chimed while rummaging your bag searching for the cookie you were supposed to give to Jisoo "By the way, Do you like sweets? I have an extra cook--" You were taken aback when you saw him towering in front of you. He snatched the cookie from your hands and said: "Does it taste as good as your lips?". You felt him push the erection hidden in his tight black slacks harder on your stomach. 

You were amazed at how incredibly solid it was right now. Jungkook ripped the packaging of the cookie and broke off a piece. What he did next sent shock waves to your core making it instantaneously drenched with your juices. Jungkook took the piece, hovered it just above your chest and crumbled it with his fingers. 

Your pupils dilated at the series of events happening before you. Some of the flakes managed to stick to the skin of your chest while others made its way to your cleavage. Still overwhelmed, you somehow managed to speak "Mr. Je-- Jungkook. What are you.." You weren't even able to finish your sentence as he yanked your cardigan down in one swift motion exposing your shoulders. 

The cold air that suddenly brushed against your exposed skin caused goosebumps. His hand made its way to the small of your back pulling you closer to him. He let out a heavy puff of air and said "You drive me insane. Who allowed you to act so cute in front of another guy?" As he kissed your jugular passionately trailing down to your shoulders. You felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up the moment his lips met with your sensitive supple skin. 

"I want you all to myself, baby." He growled before diving into your chest, cupping both breasts with his hands. "Oh-- fuck" you moaned. The way he has his face buried in your breast, It felt like a dream. These kinds of scenario only happen in your head when you're horny as hell except this is REAL. Whatever the hell was happening right now, it wasn't just pure imagination. Like putty, you melted in his grasp, knees feeling weak to the point that they wanted to cave in.

In that heated moment, pure bliss was all that you could feel. Your muscles were tense but relaxed at the same time under Jungkook's ministration. His teeth nibbled at the little remnants of the sweet treat that clung onto the surface of your skin. Occasionally switching from fervent kisses to sloppy licks. Lewd sounds and your feeble moans echoed within the walls of the small room, you pray to God that no one hears. Jungkook brushed his hands along the sides of your upper arm up to your shoulders, slid his thumbs under the thin strap of your top pulling it downwards until your bra was exposed. 

He chuckled "I like the ones you wore at the club much better." You were practically frozen like a statue, your face bright crimson and breathing rapidly. "May I?" Jungkook questioned while his fingers fiddled with your bra's closure.

With the flick of his thumb and index finger, your bra came undone. He stared at your chest wide-eyed, slowly taking in the sight of you bare. "Wow" was all that he could make up as he was utterly mesmerized. Jungkook could no longer hold his urges back and helped himself. One hand on your right boob kneading it gently, thumb slightly touching your hard nipple while the other made its way to the curve of your ass. 

Jungkook took one last look at your flustered face before taking in one nipple in his mouth. The way he stared at you was unlike anything you've ever seen. His eyes were dark, filled with need and lust. You felt like butter that was slowing melting under a heated pan under his gaze. God, he was so beautiful. You knew that what you were doing was wrong but damn, it felt so right. By the time his mouth was on your chest, you could feel his tongue trace circles around your sensitive nub. Every movement sent you higher in the clouds and all your senses went haywire. Your hand flew up to the top of his head, grabbing a fistful of his dark locks. 

You can no longer conjure up words, moans and labored breathing was the only thing that managed escaped your lips. The feeling of him against your skin was heavenly. No words were enough to describe all the sensation rushing in your bloodstream. The surge of adrenaline coursing through your entire body made you feel delirious, sucking you into a whirlpool of emotions that had you on your tip-toes, arms reacting outward, desperately trying to pull yourself up.

(Un)fortunately, you were in too deep, there was nothing you could do about it so you just went with the flow, riding the waves of euphoria. You shut your eyes tightly and saw white stars everywhere as you felt the warm breath from his nose glide across your fragile skin as he takes your breast by the mouthful.

His hand that rested on your backside carefully slithered its way to your front, the gesture that he made caused you to slightly jolt and push him away. "J--Jungkook" you pant out "I--" your breath was heavy, chest heaving up and down trying to catch your own breath. "What's wrong, love?" He asked as he ran his thumb across the apple of your cheek, his tone seemed sincerely concerned.

"I don't know If this is okay.." You replied hesitantly. "This is...." Your voice was laced with embarrassment and your face clearly portrayed the emotion your feeling as you turned pink from one ear to another. "..my first time." 

Jungkook had a bewildered expression on his face for a few seconds before composing himself again "Ahh.." There was a pause "Y/N" He pulled your bra up by the strap one at a time, hooked the closure back together and your tank top followed. You were confused for a minute, thoughts drawing a blank. What the hell, did you say something wrong?

Jungkook picked up your cardigan from the ground and dusted off the dirt that may have stuck to it while it was on the floor. "You should've told me." He chuckled while he handed the piece of clothing to you. Your brain was still fuzzy and only a "Huh?" was all you could reply. Jungkook smiled at the sight of you complete dazed, he absolutely thought you were adorable. He gently held on the back of your neck, pulling you closer to him. He placed a light peck on the middle of your forehead. 

He looked at you with sparkling eyes and said "You should've told me. If I had known that this would your first time, I would've made it more special." He laughed. His eyes were now crescent, crinkled at the corners. Nose looking all cute scrunched up and his signature bunny teeth that get your insides all riled up was showing. 

“Doing it for the first in a small stuffy room at your school wouldn’t be an experience to remember.” He added. It felt like light years for your head to process the things he said. You were in complete disbelief, the image of Jungkook when you first saw him was completely opposite to what you were seeing right now. His masculine exterior, striking presence and unbelievably sexual aura was only one half of the man he truly was. He was sweet, caring and thoughtful clearly shown through his words and action. Absolutely downright charming every time he smiles, his personality was bright and blinding. It would always shine like the golden sun and all you would like to do was bask in his warmth. 

Cheeks tinted red and eyes looking elsewhere to avoid making eye contact, you were the epitome of the word awkward. To be honest, Jungkook could spend all day looking at you disoriented but no matter how cute you were, he knew that calming you down and bringing you back to your senses was the right thing to do. He pulled you into a hug, his arms around your waist, chin resting on your head and whispered "It's Alright. No need to be embarrassed." The scent of his cologne filled your space and got you in a trance-like state, in no time you felt your entire body loosen up, the slight ringing in your ears dissipated and your breathing was a lot smoother.

“I think lunch break is over.” He chuckled, looking at the clock hanging on the wall. “You need to get to your next class.”

You bit your lip and gave a slight nod before unlocking the door and exiting the stuffy room. The moment you walked out, you felt the rush of air pass through your nostrils as you deeply inhaled. 

“Y/N!” An out of breath Jisoo hollered out your name, arms flailing in the air. 

“Jisoo! What are you doing here? I thought you took the day off since I haven’t seen around all day.” You combed out the tangles in her hair, it was probably from her running around and looking for you.  “Yeah, sorry about that. I forgot to tell you that my mother and I picked up my cousin from the airport.” She chimed. 

“Ah, cousin?” You asked.

“Yeah, he studied here at our university for one whole semester.” She replied completely out of breath “After that, he changed school because his dad’s work required them to move around a lot from city to city. Well, now he’s back to finish his final year with us, though not in the same course.” She giggled, holding your hand in hers. “I can’t wait to introduce him to you! I kinda think it’s funny that you haven’t met each other around campus when he was here before.” 

“Jisoo, the school is huge.” You casually joked “I doubt that I even talk to at least 5% of the whole school population. And you didn’t even mention that you had a relative studying here.”  You crossed your arms while her hand was still intertwined with yours. 

“Yah, I’ll introduce you to him later! He’s pretty cool you know. He’s really good looking and smart, too.” She wiggled her brow teasingly. “Maybe you’ll like him and he’ll like you back.”

You pinched her cheek and stressed, “If he’s as good looking as you make him out, he’d never fall for a girl like me.” 

“Why?” She then gave you a foxy stare “I know someone who’d kill 10 men just to be your boyfriend.” 

“Really, who would that be?” You playfully wrapped your arm around her neck and placed her in a choke hold, coaxing her to spill. 

“I-I can't tell you.” She wailed through her laughter “I promised him that I won't tell you and that he’ll be the one confessing.”

You let her go as a sign of defeat. “Fine, fine. Whatever.” You looked at her and grinned “You owe me a cup of coffee for making me worry about you, I seriously thought something important came up to make you skip class.” 

“Okay!” She pulled on your hand and finally headed to class.

-

The rest of the day was so-so. Lectures, presentations, lab activities and what not. Just a few more months, after finals you were already graduating and a free woman. You can’t believe that you actually managed to send you self to school and actually make it out alive. But you had to admit, being a working student wasn’t all that fun and games and even if your part-time job was not something to brag about, you still felt pride well up in your chest as you were one step closer to reaching your goals. 

For now, the only thing that you’ve been looking forward to this afternoon was the coffee Jisoo was gonna treat you. You walked into the shop you bought the cookies from earlier, the image of what had happened in the supply room flashed inside your head the moment she handed you the same pastry you gave to Jungkook.

“Hello? Y/N?”

Your friend’s words cut you out of your thoughts. “Yeah?” You confusedly reply. 

“Want a cookie?” She hummed sweetly. 

“Ah..” You hesitated for a bit before finally taking the sweet treat from her hands. “Thanks..”

“Taehyung said he’d meet us here after his class.” Her gaze turned to her watch wrapped around her tiny wrist. “He said that his class ends at 5 o'clock. It’s 5:30. He’s late.” She scoffed, slightly irritated at her cousin’s act of tardiness. 

“Wait.” The wheel started to turn inside your brain when she mentioned her cousin’s name. ‘Taehyung, taehyung...Where have I heard that name before?’

“Jisoo.” A low voice called out from behind you. You slowly turned your head to the direction of where the voice was coming from. 

“T-taehyung?!” You exclaimed, recognizing the gorgeous boy standing in front of you. “K-Kim Taehyung?”

“Y/N?” He was in complete disbelief as you “Y/f/n y/l/n? Is that really you?” 

“Wait, hold up.” Jisoo stood up from where she was seated and interrupted this weird ass mini-reunion. “You know each other??” She questioned with an inquisitive look written all over the face.

“ Uhh..” You rubbed the back of your neck, thinking of ways to explain the situation to your equally shocked friend. “You see, Jisoo...” 

“We dated,” Taehyung announced, without a hint of embarrassment in his tone.

"Jisoo, wait let me explain!" Your hands were shaking, your eyes flickered back and forth from Jisoo to her not-so-stranger of a cousin. Taehyung took the seat next to you which only made your heart pump blood faster. He still looked good, or even better than you last saw him. 

 "It was only for a few months, Jisoo. 4 months? To be honest I can't remember. I didn't mention it to you because it wasn't something too serious, a fling probably and I didn't know he was your cousin! If I had known that he was I would have never even considered dating him in the first place." You rapped the words out of your mouth, now your lungs were trying so hard to catch your breath. 

 "Ouch." Taehyung chuckled, he placed his hand over his heart. "I really liked you, Y/N." 

"Oh. My. God." Jisoo shrieked like a little child. "I can't believe you two dated!" Her facial expression changed in an instant, looking over to her cousin sitting beside you. "Why did you guys break up?" 

"Ah..." Your voice once again faltered at her questions, you didn't have the guts to tell her that your relationship with her cousin went awry because you didn't want to go all the way with you know what.

"We moved, remembered?" Taehyung's tone shifted from a calm and collected one to a slightly irritated and annoyed one. "Stop making everything into a big deal, Jisoo. So what if we dated? We're not children anymore, we can date whoever we want to date. And for your information, it sure is none of your business so stop sticking your nose up my or Y/N’s ass. " He scolded her harshly. 

Your eyes grew wider at his sudden outburst, one minute he was chill and the next he's like a volcano with his words like lava spewing out of his mouth. "Hey!" You balled your hands into a fist and aimed at his shoulder. "Don't talk to my friend that way, you little shit."

"Y/N.." The flustered girl tugged at your hands, tightly gripping at it. "It's okay, Y/N. It was my fault." 

The expression on your face grew softer as you saw your friend grew guilty over being too nosy. "I didn't mean to pry or anything. I was just really surprised that you dated my cousin without me knowing." She laughed "Who would have thought, huh?" 

She then turned her attention over to her cousin scribbling something with a pen on a piece of a napkin on the table, he sure had the attention span of a squirrel she thought to herself. Maybe that was the reason why the did not last long. "Would it kill you to pay attention, Taehyung?" 

"I'm listening, I'm listening... Sheesh. Would ya stop putting your panties in a bunch, cous?" He pointed out, stuffing the piece of paper in his back pocket. 

"Okay okay... I think I've had enough of this bickering." You explained "Jisoo, sorry for not telling you about me and Taehyung dating. It was no big deal back then so I hope that it won't be a big deal right now. And Taehyung.." You looked to you right, now eye to eye with the guy who had the face of a Greek god. Fuck, what did he ever do in his past life to be given a face like that? Well, He is Jisoo's cousin. Beauty really does run in their family. 

"It's great seeing you again, really. The fact that you’re my best friend’s cousin is flipping amazing and proves what a real small world it is. And you're totally right, we're not kids anymore, we should act like the adults we are and not let whatever happened in the past ruin the way we treat each other now." You put your hand out in front of him, waiting for him to shake it. He watched you intently, his eyes scanning your seated body up and down before reaching his hand to hold yours. 

 "Lets." A small smirk found its ways onto the corner of his lips, though you were too busy to notice it because you were now smiling happily at your best friend.

--

45 minute passed by so quickly, you wouldn't have noticed it until a text from Jin popped up on the screen of your phone. 

 [Jin 6:15 PM]  -You coming in tom hun? xoxo

 [You 6:15 PM] -Yes! See you then! 

 [Jin 6:16 PM]  -Yes girl, thanks so much for helping out! I'll buy you dinner next time, promise! 

You smiled at how sweet Jin was to you, he really was the sister you never had.

The small bell attached to the door went off every time a customer entered the shop, casually mixing in the music playing in the background. You were too immersed in the conversation you were having with your friends that you failed to notice the light tap on your shoulder until a stunned Jisoo pointed a finger behind you. 

“M-M-Mr. Jeon?” You abruptly stood up from where you were seated, causing you to lose balance and fall straight into the arms of your teacher.

“Are you alright, Y/N?” He asked, holding your waist and giving you the much-needed support. “Are you feeling sick?” He checked again, holding a hand on top of your forehead.

“Ahh..” You quickly pulled away from his grasp, fixing your messed up hair in the process. “I’m alright.” 

Teahyung carefully studied you, deciphering the look on your face as well as your body movement. He knew from just looking at how you reacted so anxiously around the other male that something was up, but he had to make sure of it.

“Taehyung, Y/N Ex-boyfriend.” He rose from his place and greeted the man. “And you are?” He quirked a brow.

Why the hell were things turning out this way? What the hell was this, a battle of who has the most testosterone in his body? They seriously looked like two wolves ready to kill each other for the title of alpha male and you and Jisoo could only watch in terror. 

“Jeon Jungkook.” He smirked with no intent of backing down form this little fight “Y/N’s Anatomy professor. Nice to meet you, Taehyung.” 

“Pleasure’s all mine.” The blond haired boy took his seat again, combing his fingers through his hair. “What brings you here, Mr. Jeon?” Jisoo cheerfully asked the young man.

“I was actually on the way home when I spotted Ms. Y/N here and thought it would be nice if I could join you guys.” He beamed, eyes sparkling like a puppy dog. Taehyung could only scoff at the man’s cheesy words.

“Excuse me?” Jungkook snapped at the rudeness younger boy.

“No, no. I’m sorry, you’re free to join us, Mr. Jeon. “

“I will after I buy Y/N a cup of coffee.” The black haired boy insisted with a sweet smile plastered on his equally sweet face. You looked at your friend with a pained expression and telepathically asked whether or not you should, of course, she understood and gestured you to stand with the curl of her lips. 

“O-okay..” You shyly followed him to the counter and ordered,

“Okay, what's the deal with him?” Taehyung hissed through his teeth, glaring at the man who was obviously flirting with you.

“What the hell is your problem?” She told off  her cousin “It’s not like your still dating Y/N to be jealous.” 

The boy’s cheeks immediately turned pink, he then covered his hands over his entire face to hide his uneasiness. 

“Shut up!” Jisoo gasped, she leaned in closer to her cousin and hypothesized based on Taehyung reaction to Jungkook “You still like Y/N, don’t you?” She reckoned that her assumption was true as Taehyung sealed her mouth with his hands. 

“Pipe down.” He growled, “Now, are you gonna help me get back together with Y/N or not?” 

Jisoo slapped the boy’s hand away from her face and shared “Sorry to burst your bubble but I’m already helping someone out with Y/n, and he’s a better match for her so I can’t help you sorry cous’.” She mocked Taehyung. The blond clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth in dismay. 

--

“Jisoo... Taehyung..” You whined, standing in front of them with a warm cup of coffee in hand. “I have to go. I remembered that I had the only key to the apartment, I have to get home before she does or she ends up waiting for me outside the house. I’m really sorry.” You frowned. 

“Let me take you home.” Taehyung implied, waving the keys of his car in the air. 

“Uh.” You hesitantly mouthed “Mr. Jeon already offered to take me home.” 

Both of the Kim’s eyes were about to pop out of their sockets and their mouths were hanging wide open. 

“And we’re going in the same direction as well so... I thought it’d be okay.“ You quietly noted. 

“Whatever.” Taehyung irked while eyeing Jungkook from head to toe. “Let's head home too, Jisoo.” 

And with that, the four of you left the shop and bid farewell to each other. Before you could even get into Jungkook’s car, Taehyung suddenly called out to you one last time, trotting in your direction. 

“Y/N.” He grabbed you by the arm and pulled you closer, sneakily sliding the piece of napkin he’d been hanging on to this whole afternoon inside your back pocket which caused you to jolt. He inched his lips closer to your ear and you could swear that you could feel his hot breath dance inside your ear canal. “Call me.” 

You’re entire body froze and his bold actions left you speechless. 

“Y/N..” Jungkook wrapped his arms around your waist and guided you back to his car. 

The car ride was silent, too silent. 

"Taehyung." Jungkook suddenly worded out of the blue. You felt a hard lump stuck in your throat as you try to swallow your saliva, needing something to wet your dry throat. "That was years ago." You nervously replied. "And It was only a few months." He simply nodded in response, placing his free hand on your clothed thigh, humming to himself. When you arrived at the convenience store he picked you up earlier, he suggested that he drop you off directly at your house. You politely refused and said that it was too much already. He was your teacher and not your personal driver. "Wait." He stopped you before you could open the car door and planted a chaste kiss on your forehead. "Take care." You nod and got out of the vehicle. The walk was calm and refreshing, the cool wind caressing your skin felt wonderful. You thought about the crazy things that had happened today.  Doing inappropriate things at school with your teacher, finding out your best friend's cousin was actually your ex-boyfriend and that said teacher giving you a ride back home. Today was kind of a wild ride, unexpected plot twist and what not, but you smile and sighed looking forward to a good night's sleep. -- You spent your Saturday afternoon lazing around the house, munching on Cheetos and binge-watching the new season of Riverdale. You decided to text Jungkook, asking if he's free later tonight. [You 7:56 PM] -Jungkook? He instantly replied. [Jungkook 7:56 PM] -Yes, Y/N? [You 7:56 PM] -Are you free tonight? [Jungkook 7:57 PM ] -Yes, What did you have in mind? [You 7:58 PM] -I'm heading to Jin's bar later, they need extra people. 10 PM [Jungkook 7:59 PM] -Okay, see you. You took your time in the bathroom, shaving whatever patch of skin your arms and back were flexible enough to reach. Vigorously scrubbing your body with a loofah sponge until it was squeaky clean. You then put on your favorite pair of sweats and not to mention your grimy old ass hoodie, slinging your backpack on your shoulder and left for work. "Y/N! C'mere!" Jin exclaimed when he saw you enter through the back door. "Whoah, I just got here and you're already screaming at me." You playfully giggled at the older man. "You know I don't allow you to do special service, right?" He hummed sweetly, something definitely smelled fishy and judging by the tone of his voice, he wanted something from you. "Right?" You looked at him reluctantly, anticipating what he was going to say next. "Jungkook." He deadpanned. "Jungkook?" You absentmindedly repeated his words. "Jungkook. Wants. Your. Services." He stated word by word. "If you want, I'll give him the heads up and personally assist him to one of our private rooms." You were dumbfounded that you didn't make a sound. "If your not comfortable enough, I'll tell him to try his luck next time. So, whatchu say hun?" He added. Your heart was beating rapidly inside your rib cage, each thump ringing inside your ears, you had to decide and you had to decide right now because Jungkook was waiting on the other end. "I'll do it." You confirmed. Jin's face was filled with delight, he knew that you fancied the young man and that the young man fancied you too. This could either go right and bloom into a wonderful relationship or tragically end into an awkward situation. "Then it's settled, you don't have to perform tonight if you're catering to one of our VIPs. Get underdressed and meet me back here, I'll inform hot legs that his date is set." He winked and carried on to whatever he was doing. "Fuck.." You exhaled, your chest feels tighter with every breath you take. "Y/N! What are you standing there for? Come on and get dressed!" Jin yelled, he was few feet away from you, signing papers in his hand. You shook the jitter off your entire body and headed towards the dressing room. --

"You're really gonna make me wear this, huh?" You whined, looking at your self in the mirror. "Yes, doll." "Can I at least lose the bunny ears?" You mewled. "That's the best part about that lingerie, doll. Can't wear it without the bunny ears." He proclaimed, admiring how well the makeup, done by him of course, matched your outfit.

"Whenever you're ready, Y/N." Jin peeped through the door, wiggling his eyebrows. 

"I'm ready." You announced, following Jin since this was your first time being near the special rooms. 

"Don't worry, I gave you the best and cleanest room in this section. You only need to worry about yourself." He joked, nudging his shoulder against yours. "Go ahead, he's been waiting inside for at least 20 minutes. Wouldn't want to make a man that beautiful wait any longer." 

You bit your lip and sucked in a deep breath, releasing it before knocking on the door. 

"Mr. Jeon?" 

END 

a/n: Should mc lose the v tonight (on chapter 3)?  sorry for typo and errors, will proofread tom. thank u

[orangememory]

Meng Zhi and Fei Liu being friends!

So I wrote this inspired by the part in the drama where Fei Liu allows Meng Zhi to finally touch his hair. Set post-canon. Warning for angstiness!

The land is caked with blood,even the fresh summer streams trickling down from the glaciers smell putrid toMeng Zhi.

They are on the last leg of theirstay here, before they return to Jinling, proud victors of the terrible waragainst Da Yu. They won in the bitter winter, and Meng Zhi has personallystayed back with his troops to cleanse the land, bury the dead and re-organisethe defence of the North.

But all that is a veiled excuse,as Master Lin has rightly pointed out, as he casually flits in and out, savingthe last couple of lives. Meng Zhi doesn’t want to go back to Jinling becausehe has no strength to face the Crown Prince. Meng Zhi couldn’t save the oneperson most precious to Xiao Jingyan, and the younger brother of his own heart.Lin Shu, for that is who he was, died valiantly and gloriously in the finalcharge against Da Yu, leaving a mess of grieving hearts behind.

Zhen Ping hid his pain among hisdaily errands, Master Lin behind his laughter, Meng Zhi with his duties, andthe Crown Prince with the sheer distance that had been put between them.

But there was one person who hurtopenly, and when Meng Zhi saw him, he felt the wounds in his skin rip open,fresh with blood again. Fei Liu, the mischievous child, would cry for hisSu-gege every day. Fei Liu, the child who loved to fight and fly had seeminglylost all hope in the world. He threw away any of the melons Zhen Ping would procurewith great difficulty. He barely left the tent, and even Master Lin could notconvince him to part from his Su-gege’s furs.

Meng Zhi has a son, his nephewthat he has adopted, and sees the child in little Fei Liu. He wishes he coulddo something, anything to help the boy, but all he can do is wallow in his owngrief.

Xiao Shu, why did you have to go?

XXXX

Meng Zhi is directing his men onthis fresh spring day, and the weather is so beautiful, that even the dog-tiredsoldiers cannot avoid the cheer, smiling and singing out loud. As Meng Zhismiles, he spots a lone, little figure walk slowly to the bank of the stream. Theboy doesn’t fly anymore, his martial arts rotting away inside his body becauseof the doom inside his heart.

It is time for Fei Liu’s bath,and Meng Zhi has seen him arrive like clockwork all this time. He knows Fei Liuused to run away from Li Gang and Auntie Ji when they even uttered the word ‘bath,’but now, he comes to the water on his own. Maybe it’s a balm to his young soul,maybe the ice-cold water is enough to numb his pain. At least, it works forMeng Zhi himself.

In a while, Fei Liu finishes andwalks back to the tent, his body drenched and his hair loose, matted and ugly.Meng Zhi worries for the child, that the cold winds will make him sick afterthe bath, but he has been rebuffed every time he has tried to put his cloak onFei Liu. It hurts Meng Zhi, that they have lost the bright spirit of this child.Meng Zhi would eat all the sour fruit in the world, if he could see Fei Liu flyagain.

As Meng Zhi shakes his head, hehears a screech and finds Master Lin being kicked out of Xiao Shu’s old tent,the print of a boot quite clear on his face. It is a never-ending story, MasterLin trying to coax Fei Liu to do things, to come back to normal but Fei Liunever listens, and Master Lin never uses his actual strength to defeat him –quietly taking all the punishments Fei Liu metes out.

“Aah, Master Lin, your martialarts are getting sloppier, this time you even have a mark on your face,” saysMeng Zhi, eyes crinkling with humour as he helps the physician up, trying tolighten the sombre mood. These moments of levity are rare, so Meng Zhi takesthem when he can.

Lin Chen grumbles, no he doesn’tneed help, thank you very much, but Meng Zhi picks him up anyway. He starts tochuckle when he spots an odd object in the physician’s hand, instead of hisusual, magic fan. A comb.

“Master Lin is experimenting withnew weapons or hairstyles? I hope it’s hairstyle, because I have had enoughcomplaints from my vice-generals about yours,” Meng Zhi adds with a guffaw.

Lin Chen rolls his eyes,brandishes the comb like a saber, and grins. “Oh, I’m just trying to help FeiLiu.”

Fei Liu with his hair? Meng Zhihas never bothered much, but now that he thinks back, for a long time, Fei Liu’shair has been free-flowing, growing ragged and they boy hasn’t neatened hisappearance in the longest time. Meng Zhi knows it is because of abjectdepression, but has never voiced his worries for the child to Lin Chen.

Lin Chen, ever observant and areader of people’s minds, quietly remarks, “If you’re wondering about Fei Liu,he…he has never liked to comb or tie his hair. Only Changsu was allowed totouch it, and he would comb Fei Liu’s hair every day in the morning, and tie itup. I am trying to teach him a normal routine, but there are…certain things FeiLiu still doesn’t have the heart to do. Getting him to eat alone was a majorachievement.”

Meng Zhi is left speechless. Inmany ways, he was hurting and still missing Xiao Shu, but for Fei Liu, who hadspent so many years by Xiao Shu’s side, even the little things brought him suchdeep hurt. Fei Liu had probably only known one father-figure in his life, oneperson who treated him with such kindness, and the fates had been cruel enoughto take him away too.

Xiao Shu, that silly boy, hebroke so many people on his way to the next world. The sudden onslaught offeelings pooled in Meng Zhi’s eyes, and he could dimly feel Master Lin pressingan object into his palm, and walking away. The sharp edges of the metal prickhis skin.

“I shall see if you have betterluck,” says Master Lin. And poof, he is gone.

Meng Zhi holds the comb tight, andgulps.

XXXX

At night, Men Zhi reaches XiaoShu’s old tent and enters without resistance. Fei Liu is curled into Xiao Shu’sfurs, and Meng Zhi can see that the boy is sweating from them, yet he remainsswathed in them. Fei Liu is turning pages of a war manual that he cannotpossibly read, smelling the old red ink annotations on the pages, trying tosmell Xiao Shu in them.

“Fei Liu, your Uncle Meng ishere, won’t you welcome me?” Meng Zhi tries to ask jovially, but of course, he isn’tgood at hiding things, so the pitch is high and unnatural.

“Su-gege not here,” comes thesniffling reply. “Uncle Meng come later.”

“Ah, I know your Su-gege is nothere! In fact, your Su-gege asked me to help you. All young, handsome childrenshould groom themselves, look what I came….”

Meng Zhi’s voice falters as hesees Fei Liu burst into sobs. “Su-gege not here! Su-gege never here!”

The boy’s tears trickle into thepages of the book, and the red ink starts to flow and stain the paper. Fei Liu’sheart is bleeding so badly, and all Meng Zhi wants to do is staunch it.

He doesn’t speak any words, butgoes close to Fei Liu, sits next to him, and lets him cry. Meng Zhi’s own tearsbegin to fall – and a faint memory resurfaces.

“He likes you. He never lets anyonetouch his hair!” Xiao Shu had remarked, laughing delightfully as Fei Liu hadbounded off after a pigeon.

Meng Zhi extends his hand, andsoftly begins to pat Fei Liu on the shoulder, gently moving up to touch hishair. Its greasy, matted, and smells like death.

Meng Zhi keeps patting it,silently, not saying a word to the sobbing boy, just comforting him in his ownway. He knows that if he speaks now, Fei Liu’s heart will break even more.

Fei Liu doesn’t shirk him offlike Lin Chen, but he keeps crying and repeating his refrain, sobbing until hiseyes can no longer stay open and he falls asleep.

Meng Zhi puts him to bed.

Xiao Shu, have mercy on this little one, is the last plea that MengZhi sends up to the gods before he leaves.

The comb is still on his person.

XXXX

It happens slow, and steady, butMeng Zhi starts visiting Fei Liu every day. He doesn’t notice that for each day,there is one less teardrop in the boy’s eyes – because Meng Zhi’s own are soblurry.

Meng Zhi never brings up the hairwith Fei Liu, instead trying to cheer him up in his own way – a toy he hadcarved, a funny defensive move, making fun of Lin Chen. Fei Liu starts eatingoranges and melons, one piece at a time. It is a wonder to Zhen Ping, whoprofusely thanks Meng Zhi.

Soon, the final tasks are done,and it will be time to depart for Jinling, a fact that Meng Zhi dreads. In twodays, they will leave this place of stunning beauty and godforsaken war, and hewill have to face the Crown Prince once again.

Stressing over the inevitable, MengZhi goes outside to take a stroll by the banks of the stream, when he finds FeiLiu sitting there, feet in the water, hair wet, so quiet. Meng Zhi feels a rushof paternal warmth and settles in next to the boy, patting his back.

“Back to Jinling?” Fei Liu askssolemnly. Meng Zhi affirms it, knowing that they will go back to Jinling, yes,but for Fei Liu and Master Lin, the journey will be in a completely differentdirection. He hopes they will come to visit, even though Langzhou and Jinlingare far from each other, and even though Xiao Shu is no longer in the world.

The next words out of Fei Liu’smouth stun Meng Zhi.

“Water-buffalo crying. Take careof water-buffalo. Su-gege miss him.”

Meng Zhi’s yes is awkward, stillrecovering from the easy way the child refers to the future Emperor, and amazementat the fact that Fei Liu has the time and the heart to have concern for theprince, far, far away. Our Fei Liu hasalways been very smart, Xiao Shu used to proudly declare, and Meng Zhi understandsit now.

“Uncle Meng,” Fei Liu continues, “Hair.”

“Hair?” Meng Zhi is puzzled.

Fei Liu shakes his head and cluckslike Master Lin, before reaching for Meng Zhi’s palm, and placing it on his head.

“Uncle Meng go. Do Fei Liu hairnow.”

A sudden wave of deep emotion strikesMeng Zhi as he realises what Fei Liu means. The depressed, broken child onlyallowed Su-gege, and him to touch his hair, and now, before he was set to goaway, Fei Liu was opening himself up to healing, accepting Meng Zhi’s kindness.Tears start rolling down Meng Zhi’s face.

“Uncle Meng not cry. Face notcute like Su-gege.” Fei Liu’s eyes are red, but his wan face cracks a slowsmile.

Meng Zhi starts bawling openly,as he curses Xiao Shu for teaching the child terrible jokes as well as how toinflect terrible pain on others, and not just physically.

Xiao Shu, if you’re watching, keep helping the child, protect him,he prays.

Amid tears, Meng Zhi calls a nearbyguard to bring him a comb, and the man rushes to get one, panting all the way.

When the comb finally arrives,Meng Zhi places his hand among the now fresh-smelling locks, and starts combingthrough them, willing his tears to stop and his heart to stop bursting withrelief.

“Uncle Meng, no braids,” Fei Liuinstructs anxiously, wincing as the comb pulls a tight tangle free.

Meng Zhi pats the boy’s head again,and makes sure he is real. If this simple act could help save a man and achild, he would do it, a thousand times over.

Xiao Shu, you’ve done many good deeds in this world, for you to beloved so deeply by so many, especially Fei Liu.

“Okay, xiao-Fei Liu, no braids.”

[gregthekiller]

Greag_The_Killer_Origin

gazing across the screen, an epic story that must be seen, Jeff the Killer is hinting at what I should have been.

How could I have missed out all of my life, all of my 14 year life, of shuch great prose , diction, and storytelling. Perfect narative structure delivering a briliant tale of that which is most human, revenge. Jeff the hot boy of my dreams that makes me want to creams! I was once blind but now I do see, Jeff has the life and styles for me.

I look across the table and see the many letters I have received since the antelope incident.

It was last tuesday . . . the day that further ruined my life , for ever. The school was in for an assembly,a horrible assembly. Well the assembly itself wasn't horrible it's what happened to me when I went there that was horrible but you get the jist of it. So I go into the gym hall and get readu to not pay atention for the next hour, possibly masturbate while I'm at it TBH. I get up to the door and can see in, I can see it all the principle the uncomfortable bleachers the over price vending machines and . . . the antelope of achivement, the school mascot.

I walked past him, not know what hid inside him,Harold my bully!! He jump off of the ground and on to me. I screamed " NOOO ANTELOPE I AM YOU FRIEND" but it proceded to cut off my tow infront of the entire school. The princible told him to stop but then he ate my tow and everyone left and then came back and laught at me then he ripped my clothes off and cut off another tow. I tried to get my parents to do something but they said I had to fight my own battles, the cops were too dirty to do anything and all the judges said "boys will be boys" he wasn't even supended! But I did, I got suspended for indecent exposure and gay PDA, which is worth twices as much as strait PDA because I live in the south. and the whole time I've been up in my home I've been getting nothing but hate mail, through actual letters! who goes through the effort for that any more?

I'll tell you who , Harold, and his gran parents probably.

But now I look over to my mirror and now I see, I see what I can be! A CREEPY PASTA KILLER. first things first let me start a word doc listing the character design and make sure it represents my personality. okay so I got .a pale white face .dark eyes with some sort of goop dripping (possibly face paint lines?) dirty hoody

okay I have my outfit picked out and I guess I'm supposed to have a catch phase or something but I'm too exited to wait ro oom so I'll just go with " it is time for me to murder you to death"

Watch out Jacksonville Fl, here come GREG THE KILLER!!!

I jump from the window and break my anckle, "AHHHH, THAT'S THE SAME ONE THAT I LOST MY TOWS ON!!!!!" luckilly no one seen me but I quickly limped into the woods so no one would find me when they came to investigate. A tough start I'll admit but no one who acomplished the thing they wanted to ever did that by quiting as soon as they brok e their ankle jumping out of their window! I had my goal set in mind, I was going to murder Harold!

He lived down the street from from me so murdering shouldn't be too hard, or atleast it wouldn't be if it weren't for this injury. I figured I could probably reach his house from the section of wood from acrooss the street that the section I was in was at. but by the time I rapped my foot up people allready came out to investigat the screaming, two people to be exact " Hey does any one need any help" those idiot should have known better. I reached into my aeropostle brand sachel and grabbed some batteries (I'll tell you why I took them with me later =D) and tossed in front of them as they walked and quickly dashedto the other side, I think I heard one of thjem say "Heg" I don't know why, /shrug

After about 3 hours of wandering around aimlessly in the woods I finally made it into Harolds backyard. I could see him through the window, he saw me and said "Greg why are you wearing makeup" then he took out a gun and came into the backyard where I was. Get off my propery "No" he shot me in the foot (same as the tow cuts and ankle break) it felt like when you kep stubing the same tow over and over again, the anger of this made me cut off his arm, also I tripped because he shot me which was also a factor in the arm cut. "It's time for me to murder you to death" "why are you trying to cut a batery" "I'm going to cut open the batery to realease a lightning bolt thats my thing dude" "That'snot how that works" Fuckj you asshole!" I stabbed Horold in the neck killing him instantly

Make sure to foll ow me at greg the killer.tumblr.com to get more epic stories of my murdes and murder related exploits. Eventually I want to meet the writed of Jeff the Killer and fuck him but that's neither here nor there I'll keep you guys up to dat but until then remember

It is time for me to murder you to death

oBpsIffS6CA

[firewarrior117]

The Witch and the Tambourine, Part 6

Sorry for the wait. Had an idea for another story, but I wanted to get this one out of the way, first.

After successfully warding off the Chimera and saving the luminous stars caravaneers from its jaws, the group wakes up the next morning only to find out the attack was orchestrated by Lord Severus Braxton of the Republic! Angered and shocked, the group now marches to the Capital by order of High Chancellor Damien to sort out this situation and see justice done!

*The Luminous Stars and the Infernus Party march toward the Capital Gates!*

Despoire Soldier3: Huh...? HEY! CARAVANEERS AREN’T WELCOME HE-

Despoire Captain: *Raises Hand!* Stand down, Soldier!  *Approaches the group!* Akimoto Infernus...Are these Caravaneers with you?

Akimoto: *Back in his Normal outfit due to the other one being ripped apart!* Yeah! They ARE with me! These are the Luminous Stars! The ones your Bratty Lord sent to try and kill us?

Despoire Captain: I had no control over my Lord’s actions, and nether did the chancellor...*Gestures to the gate!* You may enter, But keep yourselves in check. Allowing Caravaneers into the city is not something the Council usually grants..

Akimoto: Hm...Don’t expect Severus to be in one piece when we leave, Captain...

Despoire Captain: *Raises eyebrow!* I wouldn’t hold it against you...But I would advice AGAINST it...

Akimoto: *Enters the capital with the others* Grrrr...I still can’t believe he was the one who sent that Chimera after us. How did he even get one of those things?!

Vayle: if that’s one of the Republic’s ideas of “Exotic Pets”, then I pray for its future...

Tulio: I cannot let something like this slide...Lord Severus will pay for his crimes! One way or-...Another...*Is suddenly distracted by the silent ambiance of the Capital!*

*The Republic Capital, Black-watch, is rather quiet amongst its people, they occasionally converse and exchange greetings, but other than that, they seem to remain mostly quiet...*

Miguel: This...This is the capital? Is it truly THIS quiet?

Rosalita: This is nothing like where we’ve been before...It’s almost kind of sad to see it so quiet...

Gerardo: No Performers...No Lively Marketplaces, No friendly faces...These guys are seriously up inside the tightness!

Fiona: I’ve been here plenty of times, so I’ve come to get used to there quiet unsocial nature, but still...It could always use a little more color and entertainment.

Akimoto: But I doubt that’s ever gonna happen, knowing these guys...Come on! Let’s get inside the castle...

*Castle Dragonclaw, the Republic council’s meeting place, as well as the home of the Braxton Family!*

Despoire Soldier: *Gestures to the door ahead of them!* The Council chamber is straight ahead! We’ve been expecting you...

Tulio: *Whisper!* Now, I am starting to get concerned this is a trap...

Akimoto: Heh! Yeah, it always does around here. No worries! We won’t let them hurt you guys!

Fiona: The only one getting hurt is SEVERUS!

Despoire Soldier 2: *Raises Eyebrow at Fiona!* Heh...Get in line, Kid! *Opens the door, giving way to a large golden decorated room where Chancellor Damien sits upon his throne, looking down at the group below him. Several other members of the Council, including Sirius, who sits next to his father, sitting in chairs above them as well!*

Damien: Luminous Stars Caravan! Akimoto Infernus...Fiona...Vayle...I Thank you all for coming before the council on this day. Now, I understand my son released one of the beasts we imprisoned in the Raven’s nest last night...

Akimoto: *Bows head!* Yes, High Chancellor, he did...And it was a total dick move! What the hell went through his that made him want to sick a CHIMERA of all things on an innocent band of entertainers?!

Sirius: He believed the Caravaneers were plotting to perform a song of rebellion and cause a revolution within the city...

Chancellor Rothschild: Pfffft! The Boy thought WHAT?! That’s utterly ridiculous! I support many things he says, but...How the hell would a bunch of Gypsies cause of Revolt in the Republic?

Tulio: *Glares at Rothschild!* Sir, Please do not call us that! That is highly offensive to us!

Rothschild: *Raises eyebrow with a smirk!* And I give a damn? No...

Tulio: *Clenches fists!* Mmmmm...

Chancellor Mathilda: Even so, I don’t see the Caravaneers being of any danger to the city! Why in blazes would he waste one of our reserve creatures for this?

Akimoto: Reserve Creatures?!

Vayle: *!* You have MORE beasts like that?!

Damien: *Groans!* Yes. We do. But we only use them for emergencies, or as a last resort! My foolish son believed this was such an emergency! And according to our scouts, the creature was completely and utterly disintegrated by a powerful Holy Magic...*Looks to Fiona* Magic cast by YOU, in fact... 

Fiona: Y-Yes, Chancellor...*Politely Curtsies to chancellor!* If the creature costed many valuable resources to maintain, I Deeply apologize, but I...I-I was not going to allow it to kill anyone dear to me! Especially not these Caravaneers after all they’ve done for me and my friends!

*a Couple of the council members exchange whispers to one another!*

Severus: Hmph! Well, if that creature was republic Property, then SHE should be the one punished, Father!

Damien: *!* Severus! Who let in you in here?!

Miguel: *Grits Teeth!* THERE HE IS!

Valmiro: *points!* You SCOUNDRIL! How DARE you send that Chimera to try and kill us!

Severus: SILENCE, GYPSY! What I was doing was for the Greater good of Despoire!

Kaseem: do NOT call us that!

Severus: *Slams hands on table!* I’ll call you whatever I DAMN WELL PLEASE!

Damien: ENOUGH! *Glares at Severus!* Mika...Escort my son from the council chamber immediately.

Rothschild: Now hold on, my lord! I think Lord Severus makes a good point...That Chimera was one of our reserve creatures, right? So by Technicality, she destroyed Republic military property! I think if anyone here should be punished for this crime...*Smirks!* It’s her!

Fiona: *Stares in shock, her eyes shaking!* W-What...?!

Akimoto: *Fists Clenched!* You can’t be serious!

Severus: *Grins!* Ha! Finally, someone with some sense in the council!

*The Council once again whispers amongst eachother!*

Vayle: Hold on just a damn minute! You’re not all seriously AGREEING with this, are you?

Mathilda: Quite the opposite, Lady Vayle...We think his ploy is utterly ridiculous!

Severus: *!* What?!

Chancellor Benjamin: Those creature have been in the reserves since the old days of Despoire! They’re nothing more then Relics of the Mad King’s Twisted Rule...We keep them down there so they DON’T cause trouble within our lands! Using them for battle is a last resort, and ONLY as a last resort!

Chancellor Edgard: Being a General of the Despoire forces, I can pretty much assure from the higher ups that we have absolutely no intention of using those monsters for battle! Not in our lifetime!

Fiona: *Sighs with Relief!*...

Akimoto: Thank god! I’m not sure what I would’ve done if they bought into that crap...

Tulio: But what about the Creature that WAS released upon us?! What about the one that nearly took the lives of my family and almost killed the Travelers who performed with us?

Damien: Tulio, Was it...? What exactly would you like for the trouble we caused you?

Tulio: I want JUSTICE! That is what I want! Such an act like this cannot be forgiven! I desire that Severus be punished for this as harshly and brutal as possible! I do not wish his death, I would never wish death upon anyone, regardless of there actions...I Only ask he is Punished for his crimes!

Damien: Hah...You and everyone else in the Republic, my friend...*Sighs* Unfortunately, I cannot fully grant this request, as while he causes more trouble than he is worth...He is still my son...*Glares!* However, He WILL be grounded for this! And will be spending two weeks in the Dungeons below the Castle!

Severus: *!* THE DUNGEONS?!

Sirius: I think That’s completely fair, Father...

Rothschild: *Sneers!* Yes, cuddle up to them why don’t you, Damien...

Damien: Oh? Would you like to join him, Rothschild?

Rothschild: I’ll pass, My lord...*Glares at the Group!*

Damien: Is that all you wanted, Tulio? For me to punish my son for attempting harm you?

Tulio: *nods!* So long as he gets justice for his act, my lord...That is enough for me!

Damien: Should you need it, we could also spare some compensation for any damages done to your Caravan, if need be...

Miguel: Well, We could use more funds for supplies, but then again, some more food and blankets wouldn’t be bad, ether.

Fiona: ...*Clenches fists!* Chancellor Damien! I have a suggestion of how you can repay us...

Damien: *Turns to her, a more calm expression on his face* Hmmm...?

Fiona: I...*Glares directly at him!* I Think you should allow Caravaneers to perform in your city!

*The Council stares in shock at her, once again whispering and raising eyebrows toward her!*

Tulio: *!* Little sister...

Vayle: Fiona...

Fiona: Chancellor, I have seen the people on your streets more times than I can count...They barely exchange emotions to one another...The streets are silent...it is clear they are all bored and uninspired! That’s why I think you should allow Caravaneers into the city to perform for them! To give them inspiration they need!

Rothschild: *Glares!* And what? Allow you to enlighten them with your songs of Rebellion and uprising?

Fiona: *Glares back!* That is not at all what the Caravaneers stand for, Chancellor Rothschild...*Turns back to Damien!* We are a happy, nomadic, proud group of Performers! We travel the Lands of Vitaria! From Speranza to the Northlands! From Despoire to Fortune’s Harbor! From Lebenia to Fort Hades! We stand as a merry group who only desire to perform and make others happy through song and dance...*Hand on her heart!* We don’t do so for fame, fortune, or glory...We do so from the good of our hearts! And to bring happiness all across Vitaria to those who need it! And Chancellor...*Looks at him, determination in her eyes!* I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF BLACK-WATCH NEED IT MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE IN VITARIA!

*The Room is silent,  the silence it then broken by the small whispers of the council!*

Damien: Hmph...Well said...And, were it so simple, I would allow it! However, matters such as this are a decision all the council must make!

Rothschild: And we WON’T allow it! You know this, Damien!

Mathilda: *Glare!* You don’t speak for all of us, Rothschild!

Rothschild: *Shrugs!* The way I see it, I’m the voice of reason in this bloody council, Lady Mathilda!

Edgard: Tis a simple ploy, Chancellor! Why not allow them to perform for the Republic?

Damien: Again, unless we are all in agreement on this, It can not simply be done...

Sirius: *stands up!* If I may, father.

*The Council goes silent, all heads turning to Sirius!*

Sirius: I personally agree with Miss Fiona’s Words, however, If they truly are performers that dance through there hearts...then her heart can do the speaking for her!

Fiona: Huh...What do you mean?

Arcana: (If he means ME, then it’s going to be persuasion by force! I hope he knows this!)

Sirius: If what you are saying is true, then Prove it to us all! Let us see how the Caravaneers perform!

Tulio: (Blink!)...You...want us to perform? For...all of you?!

Rothschild: Lord Sirius, are you joking?!

Sirius: I say consider it a free show! I simply wish to see if what Miss Fiona says is true...

Fiona:...I...I don’t think...I-I...

“Just close your eyes…let the rhythm possess you…let it flow through your body! let it into your heart, my child...”

Fiona: *!!!*...Of course...I think I know what to do...Akimoto! Lady Vayle! I know what to perform!

Tulio: *!* W-What do you mean, little Sister?

Fiona: Tulio...Just leave this to me! I know something from the white Sparrows that will surely get there praise.

Miguel: Something from the Sparrows...?

Fiona: Lady Vayle, I need you play your Violin! Miguel! Gerardo! I need your Drums and Lute!

Miguel: W-Wait! What are we performing?!

Fiona: It’s okay! Just trust me...*Smiles!* Just close your Eyes...Let the rhythm possess you...

Miguel:...*Blink!*...Hmph...*Nods!* Alright! I trust you!

Gerardo: Gerardo not understand what she is saying, but he go along for ride anyway!

Tulio: Wait a minute...Is she talking abo-...No...It can’t be...

*The Lights in the room dim from Silica messing with the lights, then rushing over to Damien and Mika standing with them. Fiona, steps forward, a lone spotlight shining down upon her with the Council’s eyes focused on her...*

Fiona:...*Phew!*...Okay...*Looks at her Tambourine!* I’ll do this, Esmeralda! For you!...*Gets into her pose!*

*As the Caravaneers start to play, they suddenly find themselves playing a tune perfectly in sync, the haunting chimes of the Violin and drums emitting into the sound...Fiona, then shakes her tambourine, raising it to the sky above her...Before opening her eyes, with her look of determination! She begins performing furiously and Elegantly, her movements like nothing she’s done before!*

Damien: *watching in awe!*...

Silica: *Smiling* So Pretty...

*Fiona then begins singing in a language not known by most Vitarians, her angelic voice echoing throughout the council chamber!*

Akimoto: *!* What...Language is this...?

Tulio: Ancient Drowling...It truly is...*a Tear runs down his cheek as he smiles!* Cantec de Lacrimosa!

*Fiona continues to dance and sing, her movements and chimes roaring loudly to the rhythm! Sudden bursts of blue light and cold flame illuminating the room and she dances, the lights taking on the forms of the white sparrows themselves, performing along with the band and dancing in the lights... Esmeralda herself appearing beside Fiona as they unknowingly dance together with the auras that surround them!

Tulio: *!* Is that...Esmeralda?!

Vayle: Goodness...*Continues playing!*

Fiona: LACRIMOSAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaa-!!! *Continues dancing to the rhythm, the Spirits of the sparrows dancing alongside her!*

*The Council stares in awe, Rothschild simply looking bored and irritated, each reminiscing to themselves about there pasts and histories, remembering those close to them as Fiona continues to dance...Akimoto having Visions of his Parents, Vayle having a vision of her Mother, Tulio having Visions of Esmeralda...And Chancellor Damien, having visions of his Wife...*

Fiona: *Finishes off to the final rhythms of the song! Striking a final pose in sync with the spirit of Esmeralda as the magic auras and flames fade, the lights of the Council chamber coming back on!*

Damien:...*Smiling, as he wipes away a tear!* Beautiful...Truly...I was not expecting something such as that...

*The other Councilmen begin clapping and Cheering, Except for Rothschild and Severus.*

Fiona: *Phew*...*Phew*...*Smiles up at them!*

Esmeralda: ...Take a bow, Fiona...You’ve more than earned it! *Winks to her, before vanishing with the rest of the spirits and flames!*

Fiona:...*Smiling to the fading Esmeralda...She then wipes away her tears, Turning back, she proudly bows and Curtsies to the Republic Council!*

Sirius: Hehehe...Truly, that was a wonder! *Still wiping away tears!* If this is truly the power and beauty of the Caravaneers, I see no Reason NOT to let them perform in our city!

Rothschild: Dark Magic! Chanting! NECROMANCY! I see multiple Reasons, Lord Sirius!

Severus: Agreed! Who’s to say she didn’t cast a HEX upon all of us, Father?! I say we BANISH THEM from despoire itself!

Damien: *Glares at his son!* I don’t recall giving YOU a seat on the Council, Severus...Nor do I EVER intend to, if that is what you are going to suggest...And as for the matter at hand, the council will decide what happens now! *Stands up!* All in favor of Allowing Caravaneers into the City! Speak now! *Raises hand!* Aye!

Sirius: Aye!

Mathilda: Aye!

Edgard: Aye!

Benjamin: Aye!

*Almost all of the other Council members raise there hands, Voting “Aye!”*

Damien: ...All who OPPOSE the notion! Speak Now! *Raises eyebrow!*

Rothschild: NAY!

Severus: *Slams hands on table!* NAY!!!

*Only one other person saying Nay...*

Damien:...Hmph! Then it is decided! *Stands up!* As of this day, let it be recorded, that the council has voted, and decreed, that all Caravaneers, of any race, are hereby allowed full entry into the city to Perform for its people!

*The Council chants “HERE! HERE!”*

*Fiona: * Hahaaaaa! C-Chancellor! Thank you! *Bows head!* T-THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! *Tears rolling down her face!*

Tulio: LITTLE SISTER!!! *Hugs Fiona Tightly, spinning her around!* That was Beautiful! Elegant! Absolutely Breath-taking! I-It was...It was...-

Akimoto: *Raises an Eyebrow with a smirk!* “foarte bine”?

Tulio: YES!!! That, and SO MUCH MORE!

Severus: Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT ALL!!! HOW DARE YOU POISON THE MINDS OF THE COUNCIL, You insolent Witch! I’LL KILL YO-*CRACK!* Grrr....Urk...Grraaaaah...*Passes out once more!*

Mika: *Sighs!* At this rate, I’m just going to give him a Concussion...

Tulio: We are truly blessed to witness this Day, Little Sister...This...This needs to be celebrated!

Sarisa: YES! A Celebration! We should share this celebration with all the capital!

Sirius: *smiles!* Well, in that case, Perhaps I can arrange such a celebration for you in the park square of the city. That is where we hold many of our celebrations.

Tulio: Lord Sirius! *Bows his head!* That sounds excellent! Thank you so much!

Damien: Of course! *Nods!* We would be glad to arrange it.

Mika: Um...My lord? *Gestures to the Unconscious Severus!*

Damien: *Raises Eyebrow* Just throw him in the dungeons...We’ll deal with him later.

*Some time later that day, a massive festival is held in the square of Black-watch in honor of the Caravaneers! The People laugh, drink, and dance to the rhythm of the Caravaneers, Fiona dances with her Tambourine Alongside Silica, who has also dressed herself up as a Caravaneer. Damien simply taps his foot with a smile and a drink in his hand.*

Mika: *Clapping her hands with everyone else!* Goodness! How mesmerizing...

Fiona: And then, like this! *Twirls, jingling her tambourine!*

Silica: Like This? *Mimics the movements!*

Fiona: Ehehehe! Yeah! Exactly!*The Two then begin to dance in sync together!*

Akimoto: * Takes a swig of a cup of juice!* Hehehe! It’s good to see Despoire lightening up for a change!

Vayle: Indeed! I’m glad they had a change of heart and decided to allow Caravaneers into the city.

*The Festivities continue for a while, until the next morning, after a long rest, the party finds themselves back in Speranza just outside the Green-Hollow Forest, The Group back in there normal outfits!*

Tulio: Hehehehe. Quite a Journey we had, no? *Thumbs up!*  foarte bine!

Akimoto: Yeah! That was fun! You caravaneers are pretty fun to travel with!

Miguel: And you make fine company yourself, Sir Akimoto!

Vayle: We should do this again, sometime! Perhaps with the others in our party as well!

Tulio: Hahahaha! The More, The Merrier! *Turns to Fiona!* And you, Little Sister! You are a very talented dancer as well as a talented Mage! Esmeralda would be so proud of you...

Fiona: *Smiles, Nodding at him!* Thank you, Tulio. I know she would be happy with me, too...

Tulio: Hehehe...Yes...I’d ask you if you would like to continue traveling with us...* an envious smile on his face!* But, I think I already know what your answer would be.

Fiona:...ehehe...Yeah...I Appreciate the thought, and you guys are a very fun family to travel with... *Gestures to Akimoto and Vayle!* But, I already have a family of my own. They need me as much as I need them. And I don’t know where I would be without them.

Tulio: Yes! *Nods! Smiling at Fiona!* I figured as much. I can think of no finer Family to be in the hands of!

Fiona: I enjoy Dancing with you all, and I would gladly dance with you guys any time! But, I have an even greater ambition...One that I know I can achieve with the help and Guidance of my Friends and Family... *Smiles at him with a look a determination!* To become a Magical Prodigy! A legendary Scholar of the Arcane arts!

Akimoto: *Smiles!* Heh! Damn right!

Vayle: And we shall help you in any way we can!

Tulio: Ehehehe...Of course! I wish you the best of luck in this Pursuit, Little sister! But before we go our separate paths...At least let me leave you with THIS...*Kneels next to her, fiddling with her left ear*...

Fiona: *Flinches a little* Ow...Ow...Ow!

Tulio: S-Sorry! Heh...*Gets up!* There we are...Looks good on you!

*Fiona looks in a mirror at her Ear. a Silver Earring engraved with the mark of the White Sparrows now clasped upon her left ear!*

Fiona: *!* Oh my-...It’s...It’s Beautiful!

Tulio: *Smiles!* I had it crafted by a fellow Caravaneer in Despoire during the Festival! I made sure to engrave with the mark of the White Sparrows in honor of Esmeralda...*Smiles!* May it serve as a marking to all Caravaneers you meet in your travels...Wherever you go, Whoever you meet, They will know proudly that you are Family! And they will take care of you, no matter what!

*Fiona stares at Tulio, her eyes shaking with tears!*

Tulio: No matter where your Journeys take you...Wear that Earring with pride, Little Sister! You are one of us...*Winks to her!* a Caravaneer!

Fiona: *Her eyes shake!*...Tulio...*Wipes away tears, giving him a big hug!* Thank you!

Tulio: *Hugs her Tightly!* Of course...*Looks down at her!* I’ll be sure to send word the next time we’re in town! We would be honored to have you dance with us again, sometime!

Fiona: Ehehehehe! I’ll gladly perform with you guys anytime!

Miguel: O-oh! Um...Sir Akimoto! You wanted pay for the journey, yes?

Akimoto: Eeeeeh, don’t worry about it! I’d say traveling with you guys and warding off a Chimera is Pay enough!

Miguel: Hahahahaha! You’ll have an interesting tale to share with your Friends, yeah? *Thumbs up!* May out paths cross again, Friends! You are always welcome on our Caravan!

*The Other Luminous Stars wave and bid farewell to Akimoto’s Party for the time being. As they ride off, Fiona, Vayle, and Akimoto Return to Centurion’s Tower. a feeling of Happiness and comfort engulfing her heart, Fiona returned home stronger then she was before...Will they cross paths with the Luminous stars again someday? Will Despoire truly improve with the song and dance of the Caravaneers? Only time will tell...*

The End!