#seriously feel free to holler anytime

[sentfromwolves]

◈—⌈ SENTFROMWOLVES ⌋ writeblr introduction ²⁰²⁴

Hi everyone, and welcome to my writeblr 2024 introduction. My name is Eran (they/he & freshly thirty) and I've been on writeblr for awhile, so you might've seen me around. ( •̀ ω •́ ) This is my yearly post to introduce the projects I'll be working on this year, what I write, and who I am. I'll be keeping it short and sweet.

I'd love to meet more writers this year, so if you write any of the following, or just like these genres, or even just wanna shout about ocs together, come holler and I'll give you a follow!

◈ — sci-fi and fantasy of any kind! cozy fantasy, romantasy, epic fantasy, space opera? this is my bread and butter, and I love shouting about it from the rooftops with others! ◈ — found families, ot3s, complicated soulmates. I am almost always writing about soulmates who have either killed each other at least once in the past or are planning some sort of murder. Complicated relationships, especially found families that aren't all rainbows and butterflies, are right up my alley. ◈ — queer and trans protagonists, large queer casts! all of my wips feature trans/nonbinary leads, and I'm always looking for more queer writer friends to connect with! ◈ — hope at the end of the tunnel, but hell to get to. I write stories with hopeful endings, with the sun on the horizon, with the promise that something better might now at long last be on the way. I love seeing characters get put through hell, but I love it even more when they make it to the other side. (if you write tragedy though, please know I will still cry on your doorstep if you'll have me) ◈ — corruption arcs, redemption arcs, sometimes both! Deeply nuanced characters with messy attitudes, and even messier actions. I'm just as equally obsessed with cool worldbuilding as I am with character-driven things, and I will yell about ocs all day, and maybe draw them too >:3 ◈ — big, epic, and sweeping worldbuilding! I am a huge fan of delving into the worldbuilding aspect of my wips. I love building magic systems, cultures, geographies, and more. One of my 2024 projects is doing a worldbuilding experiment blog at some point. I am always down to clown over worldbuilding, whether to sound board or just holler together!

There's a lot more I could say here, but this post can only get so long! Σ(っ °Д °;)っ my dms are always open, and I will follow back most of the time! But just to get all of the basics outta the way:

◈—« here's a quick and dirty rundown of how I work! »—◈

➺ I interact and follow from @calamityeden, so if you see that username, it's just me.✌️I am most active on discord, and if we become friends, you're more than welcome to ask to add me there. ➺ I am open to being tagged in writeblr games! Just know that I am not online all the time, and might be slow to respond to them. 🐌 ➺ My ask box and DMs are open, just please be respectful. I love meeting new writers and talking about projects! I am happy to chat and make new friends. You're always welcome! 💌 ➺ This is a strictly 18+ writeblr. Please DNI with me if you are a minor and respect my boundaries.

🪄You can find my core tags here under my writing and my graphics, as well as writer reminders, game train and catharsis. (❁´◡`❁) And now onto the fun part! My 2024 main project line up!

I have my main four listed here that you'll probably hear me yelling about pretty consistently, but I've also got a lot of other projects rattling around in my brain. So if you're ever curious about a project that's not here, feel free to yell at me about it! >:3

Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Standalone.

Status: First Draft Complete (117k)—Revising for beta round one.

There's a clock tattooed on Nemesis's wrist, and when it reaches midnight on his 21st birthday, it will kill him. It doesn't help that his mom is the one that cursed him, and the demon currently possessing his car ate her before Nemesis could convince her to break the damned thing. Thankfully, Judge came prepared with an alternative: help him break into a mythical living city and steal its heart, and in return, he'll shatter Nemesis's curse for free. Accompanied by a three-headed hellhound, a haunted holy sword, and an excommunicated exorcist, Judge and Nemesis set their sights on an impossible heist. But the closer Nemesis gets to the heart, the more he begins to realize that he isn't the only one under a curse. And if he doesn't find a way to break Judge's soon, his own life will be forfeit as well.

Genre: Space Opera

Status: 2024 zero drafting from scratch

Two hundred years ago, humanity expanded to the stars only to find a cosmos filled with graves. But then their children began displaying the strange ability to commune with the alien ruins scattered across the planets, waking ancient, extrasolar mecha from their sleep, and turned the struggling colonies of space explorers into the fledgling galactic nation of Sol Galatea.  Now, Wren Akane is on the run from the whole galaxy, wanted for the strange alien powers throbbing through his veins. His luck runs out when he accidentally awakens an ancient Relic in the desert of his planet, only to be embedded with the memories of its last pilot and the revelation that the war that littered the cosmos with graves is far from over. But no one believes Wren when he tells them that continuing to wake the Relics will bring the hostile alien empire that destroyed them back to Sol Galatea’s doorstep. Only Wren’s rival pilot, Marek Khalid, seems interested in a word Wren has to say. But Marek doesn’t want to save Sol Galatea. He has big plans for what to do when the aliens arrive, a rebellion to lead, and if Wren isn’t on his side, he’s in his way. With time running out, Wren must soon decide how far he’s willing to go to save the people that never tried to save him—or if Marek is right, and he should let the stars burn instead.

Genre: Adult Romantasy

Status: First Draft (1k/100k)

Once a year, Celestials from all across the Lumina Kingdom gather together for Eventide, the season of courtship, hoping to win the hand of the most eligible star at court. Sirius knows the game they play all too well: by day, he is the forgettable, miserable daughter of the Lumina Family, least of his seven siblings and wanted only for the royal blood running through his veins.  By night, however, Sirius is the Starweaver—the mysterious dressmaker taking the kingdom by storm. Everyone wants to know the identity of the one responsible for elaborate outfits that turn even the quietest Celestial in the room into the star of the show, outshining even Sirius’s luminous sibling, Diana. When the infamous King Beyond Midnight arrives with the intent to wed Diana, Sirius finds his secret in jeopardy when the condition for their hand in marriage is a simple challenge: reveal the Starweaver's true identity. There’s no outsmarting Octavian for long, and soon, Sirius will have to make a choice: give up on his passion and stay hidden forever, or risk everything to stay true to who he really is.

Genre: Second World Urban Fantasy

Status: Outlining

Something changes the day that Nakano Touya returns to the crumbling city of Soma Lux. It starts with voices in the radio static, blurry figures caught on camera, always out of focus. When a monster crawls out of Touya's television screen and eats him, the last thing he expects is to find a strange, shadowy otherworld lurking on the other side. But his biggest problem isn't the monsters of the otherworld that want to eat him, or the talking cat that saved him, now living in his apartment without a care in sight. Soma Lux is experiencing a strange new epidemic—one that Touya is completely unaffected by. But when his half-sister falls comatose, Touya knows he has to get to the bottom of it all to save her—and find out why he's the only one immune. Accompanied by his jaded ex-boyfriend, Touya’s nosy classmates, a part-time fortune teller, and a cantankerous old hag, Touya dives into the murky underbelly of Soma Lux, where the realities have begun to bleed together between his world and the next. 

That's all for now! >:3 Here's to an amazing 2024! (also my actual blog is a mess right now please do not mind it ksjndfskfn)

[nctsworld]

gifts galore

✩‌ jaehyun ‌x‌ ‌reader‌ ‌|‌ ‌smut‌ ‌|‌ fluff | ‌2.3k

SUMMARY‌ ‌⇾‌ you and jaehyun agree to not exchange any gifts this christmas, yet both of you break your agreement for the better. // part of the x-mas in ncity collection WARNINGS‌ ‌⇾‌ ‌smut,‌ costume/roleplaying (sexy mrs. claus outfit), playful dirty talk, unprotected s*x, f*ngering, couch s*x, mentions of alcohol/drinking, established relationship    ‌ ‌ RATING‌ ‌⇾‌ mature

⇾‌ gif created by me, please don’t repost or share without credit!

Snuggling underneath a blanket on the couch by the crackling fireplace, you and Jaehyun are casually watching a Christmas movie in your new apartment. His hand listlessly switches between playing with your hair and lovingly rubbing your shoulder.

You beam happily, absolutely content about your updated living situation and being with your one and only on Christmas Eve, and soon to be Christmas in half an hour or so.  

Breaking apart from his arms momentarily, you sit up to reach the coffee table. You refill your empty glass with wine. Noticing the one beside it is empty too, you pour a splash in, assuming the owner will want some more.

“Thanks, babe,” Jaehyun coos, his fingers brushing over the bottom of your back.

You’ve known each other long enough to know what the other wants without exchanging a word. Needless to say, you and Jaehyun were a perfect fit on every level. You couldn’t ask for anything more from him.  

Taking a sip, you gaze over at the little Christmas tree set up in the corner of the room and pout at the sight of the empty space surrounding it.

Because you two spent so much on the new place, money was tighter than usual, so you mutually agreed to not exchange any gifts this year. It hurt you so much since you loved seeing Jaehyun’s face light up brighter than Christmas lights when he unwrapped his presents. 

Despite the agreement, you may have had one small gift hidden up your sleeve.

You check your phone for the time. 11:48 PM reflects back at you. With a sly nibble of your lip, you rest your drink back onto the table and snuggle once more with your beloved for another several minutes.

At the stroke of midnight (which you know from constantly checking your phone), you glance upwards.

“Merry Christmas, Jaehyun,” you whisper softly. His rosy cheeks rise and his dimples show; the smile he gives you meets his starry eyes.

“Merry Christmas, my love.”

He cranes his neck to capture your lips, delving into a sweet embrace. Your hand lays on his firm chest while he rests his palm atop your cheek. Parting the kiss, you’re both forehead to forehead, sharing this moment amidst the warm atmosphere. However, without a word, you depart from his body and bolt towards the bedroom. Jaehyun’s left on the couch with ruffled eyebrows.

As he opens his mouth to say something, you call out from the bedroom. “I know we said no gifts this year, but I sorta maybe have a teeny, tiny gift this year...”

He chides you with a holler of your name. “I thought we both agreed—”

“You know I can’t help myself, okay? And anyway—”

Jaehyun’s jaw immediately drops.

You’re leaning on the doorframe with your hand stretched on the wood beside your head, donning a fitting, strapless red dress with white fleece trimming at the top and bottom, which barely covers your uncovered goods, and a Santa hat as the cherry on top.

“I thought you’d like this,” you shrug, feigning innocence. Looking off to one side, you twirl some hair around your finger. “It was cheap, so it’s not like a big gift—”

Suddenly, Jaehyun’s lips cut you off. His body presses up against yours, barring you between the doorframe and himself. A hand snakes up your thigh and, with a little help from the lack of fabric, his hand quickly grasps your bare ass. 

His kisses are eager and hungry, and when he desires more of you, he captures your neck. Your eyelids tremble, head leaning back on the doorframe.

“You really didn’t have to get me anything, you know,” Jaehyun mumbles into your skin. He’s now moved onto your exposed shoulders, but never forgetting to squeeze your ass throughout. “Not that I’m complaining...”

“Do you like it?” you moan aloud as Jaehyun leaves chaste kisses across the top of your chest. You already foresee the answer from his reactions, but you yearn to hear it explicitly. He brings his face up to you once more.

“Of course.” And his lips find a home upon yours again. The pressure against your hips strengthens and you’re certain he’s about to reward you with an emerging present of his own.

“Now, Mrs. Claus...” he says in between kisses. Light giggles let loose from you.

“Have I been on the naughty or nice list this year?” You inhale his question with his forehead against yours.

“Definitely naughty.”

He cocks his head to the side and his fingers dance away from your ass towards the front of your thighs.

“How can I prove to you that I’ve been a good boy?”

Said fingers are now being dragged along your thigh, upward to your arousal. Your breaths become shallower, thoughts melting fast from his touch, but you hone your focus, wanting to make this a proper gift for Jaehyun.

“I can think of a few ways…”    

Hurriedly, you take his wrist and lead him back to the couch. You playfully push him by the chest to sit down. Your seated love feasts his eyes on you taking your time to straddle him.  

For the longest time, your lips intertwine deeply, as if your lips are soldered together. Hands flounder over every part of your body, only intensifying the craving for you both. Exhausted from kissing, Jaehyun draws back and strips off his shirt with ease, perspired from both the passion and the fireplace.

Rising yourself off his thighs to devour his neck, your burning desire hangs overhead his own. Taking the opportunity, he slides a digit over it and you sigh into his touch. 

“I don’t think Mr. Claus would appreciate you touching what’s his,” you tease, nibbling on his ear lobe with your hands resting on his chest.

“You’re mine, and you know it,” he growls half-seriously. Without warning, Jaehyun swiftly releases his touch to grip onto your ass and waist, then lays you on your backside onto the couch. He hovers over you with fierce eyes and directly sticks two fingers into you.  

Your hat drops over the arm rest and onto the floor as your back arches from the immediate delight. Ardently, Jaehyun’s free hand pulls down the top half of your dress and your tits are pleased by his heavenly mouth.

“Am I a good boy yet?” he asks on the way towards your other breast, hot breath searing your supple skin.  

“F-fuck,” You shake your head, desperate for more. “Not quite, ah—”

Responding to your words, Jaehyun’s wrist fires up. The muscles in his arm flex greatly alongside the acceleration of his thrusting digits, and yet, he’s still maintaining the puckering around your acute nub. The excitement builds in your chest and delicate moans develop into harsh groans.    

“Babe, babe,” you call out, pausing the roleplay talk. Your fingers are falling weak within his hair and upon his arm, losing strength by the second. “I don’t want to come just yet. This is all for you, and I haven’t even touched you yet.”

With one last inhale of your chest, he then hangs his head overs yours. 

“Seeing you in pleasure is a gift in itself, honey,” Jaehyun states gently.  

Behind your half-lidded eyes, you notice Jaehyun’s fixed stare, not deterring eye contact with you whatsoever. Despite the lust, your love plants a kiss atop of your forehead.

“Now, come for me and I’ll show you how good I can be to you.”

Embracing his relieving reassurance, you relax into his touch and unwind over his full fingers. After you’re fulfilled, Jaehyun tastes your slick off his fingers with a wink prior to the undressing of his pants.

Finally bare, your sight wavers between his beautiful figure and his equally beautiful cock as he lines up with your entrance. When his possession disappears entirely, engulfing within your desire, you simultaneously moan at the initial gratification.

Your beloved’s grip is safe around your waist, feeling the downy fabric of the dress still scrunched around your body. 

Jaehyun drinks in everything—your face drenched in delectation, the constant bouncing of your bosoms happening in tandem with his deep plunges, his name spilling sweetly from your pretty lips, and the raw pleasure of it all.

He braces a hand onto the arm rest next to your head. Looking up at him, you bring your hands that were gripping tightly onto the couch towards his cheeks, cupping them. 

“I can’t believe you’re all mine,” he utters. His spare hand moves towards your sprawled upper arm, rubbing the tender muscles. You nod, whimpering in agreement.

“Are you all mine?” you moan unevenly, intoxicated by the passion.

Jaehyun nods too with hazy eyes, running fingers through his mussy hair to view you clearly.

“Of course, of course...”

The kiss you share is overpowering, as if he was kissing you upon every inch of your body all at once. Flares flood over your body, but they’re not stopping anytime soon. 

Following more fondling of one another’s bodies and the never ending orgasms he consistently draws out of you, Jaehyun can only last so much and eventually stirs, his pleasure reaching the brim and pouring onto your inner thigh.

Like clockwork, Jaehyun is quick to clean-up you and himself, and the two of you lay on the couch with him spooning your backside. You both agree to no blanket since each of you are sweltering because of the fireplace, in addition to what you just endured.

“If you think you’re going on the nice list after that, you’re wrong,” you pant, glancing over your shoulder slyly. “That was naughty from head to toe.”

Jaehyun pecks the back of your head, stuffing his nose in your hair. 

“Coal is worth the price of having you.”

He hugs you tightly and you burst into a flutter of giggles as he kisses the crook of your neck.

Morning comes and you’re surprised to not find Jaehyun in bed with you, especially after the tiring events from last night. In your pajamas, you tread towards the living room and see him in his knitted black sweater by the kitchen counter on his phone. He glimpses up, grinning ear to ear, and places his phone down.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he greets, walking to you.  

“Jae, why are you up so ea—”

Your gaze falls upon the Christmas tree in the corner and you notice a gift box as tall as a book. Puzzled, you make your way over.

“To get back at you for your gift last night,” he says next to you beside the tree and watches your next moves carefully. “I got you a little something too.” 

You laugh as you unravel the large bow, thinking it’s likely a joke gift he often does or, on the other hand, maybe more lingerie since he loved the way it looked on (and off) you.

However, your breathing stills and your entirety stiffens.

A tiny velvet box is inside, with a folded piece of paper leaning against it.

One of your hands darts to your mouth, covering it. Shaking slightly, you peer up at Jaehyun.

He nods softly, urging you to continue.

You read the letter addressed to you quietly to yourself: 

“Can you believe this is the fifth Christmas we’re spending together? Time flies by so fast, and this is our first Christmas in our own place. Hopefully the first of many!

I’m always grateful to spend the holidays with you and I couldn’t imagine anyone else to spend it with. I know it’s cliché, but I mean it when I say you mean the world to me. I can’t ask for a better gift than being with you.  

On the topic of gifts, I know you might be disappointed that we agreed on no presents this year, but please don’t hate me for going against my word (if you want, you can gift me something from Boxing Day and we’ll call it even).

I’ve been waiting to give you this gift for a really long time... 

I hope you like it.

Merry Christmas, my dearest.

Love,

Jaehyun ♡”

As you lift your head, tears blur your vision and you can’t stop them from falling. You try your best to muster up the biggest smile and squeak a simple, “Yes!”

The love of your life chuckles tenderly, caressing your cheeks in his palms. His thumbs swipe away the oncoming waterworks. “Honey, you didn’t even open the box yet.”

“I don’t need to. I have x-ray vision,” you joke. “My answer is yes.”

“You sure?” he asks. Even with the fog in your eyes, you see a sliver of worry and rejection flash by on Jaehyun’s face. You’re nodding fervently, not wanting him to doubt your love for even a second.  

His expression fades and he gently grabs the letter and box out of your hands. Getting onto one knee, Jaehyun opens the velvet box, revealing the not-so surprising sparkling ring. He holds your hand in his and slowly places the ring on your left finger.

It’s a perfect fit. 

Jaehyun stands up, still cherishing your hand in his. You’re enraptured by the light hitting the gemstone, twinkling back at you like a familiar smile.  

“Guess we’re even now?”

Sniffling, you shake your head at Jaehyun before you wipe the tears away with the back of your hand. “I’m definitely getting you a proper gift tomorrow.”

Neither of you are aware of it and will find out later that day, but snow begins to fall outside at about the exact moment you lock eyes.

You take a deep breath, trying your best to sound as normal as you can, as if you weren’t just bawling your eyes out.

“I love you, Jaehyun.”

Your love moves some of the stray strands of hair out of your face and whispers:

“And I love you.”

The next kiss is ardent and heartfelt. A kiss you’ve shared with Jaehyun many times before, but it’s a little different than the rest.

It’s a kiss that signals the new beginnings for you and Jaehyun. 

[4stars-uswnt]

Eyes for Only One [Alex Morgan x Reader]

requested by @androgynousmoneyflowervoid: Hey could you write a alex morgen x reader Where reader is new in the team and a couple of players are mesmerized by her. They try to make a move on reader and try to get her attention. But reader has only eyes for one person and that is Alex Morgan.

A group of the USWNT players stood agape on the sidelines, watching you do your pre-training workout. You had taken your shirt off about half way through your workout, leaving you in only your sports bra.

“What are you guys doing?” Alex Morgan confusedly asks her teammates, approaching the group.

“Admiring our new teammate and her extremely fit body.” Emily explains.

Alex directs her attention to where you’re wiping your face, and she can’t help but stare at your body. They certainly had a good reason to admiring, as you were the most beautiful woman Alex had ever seen.

“Why is she working out before training? She’s gonna be exhausted.” Alex points out, tilting her head.

“I dunno, but by looking at her body, I can tell she can go for a long time.” Kelley smirks, nodding in approval.

Alex rolls her eyes at her best friend’s innuendo. “Kel, you have a girlfriend.”

“And? It doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the female figure. In fact, I’m sure if my girlfriend was here, she’d be admiring (Y/N)’s body as well.” Kelley remarks.

Before Alex can respond, Vlatko blows his whistle. “(Y/N), get over here!” He waves you over to meet the rest of the team. “As many of you have noticed,” he glances knowingly at Kelley, Emily, and the others who had been ogling you, “we have a new call up. Everybody, this is (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

“Hey.” You wave at the team, smiling. You scan the group, recognizing many of the world-class players, and your eyes fall on Alex, your breath hitching. Obviously, you’d heard of Alex Morgan and seen pictures of her, but nothing could compare to seeing her in real life. Feeling someone’s eyes on her, Alex looks around and makes eye contact with you. You immediately look away, embarrassed you had been caught staring.

“You can get to know (Y/N) later and ask her all the questions you later after practice.” Vlatko continues, holding up his hand to stop Emily, who had opened her mouth to ask you something, before he begins to explain the plan for training and the first drill.

To say that the USWNT had been impressed with your play would be a massive understatement. Your touch on the ball was extremely controlled and quick, and you worked well in the middle, connecting the back line to the forwards. Not only were your soccer skills outstanding, but your strength, agility, and speed were something worth mentioning. By the end of training, you had more than proved yourself as national team caliber, leaving the rest of the team wondering why you hadn’t been called up earlier.

—————

As you slide into an empty seat on the bus, Emily turns around in her seat, already starting the inquisition. “So, where are you from?”

Looking up from your phone, you answer the blonde defender. “LA.”

“Another California girl!” Kelley hollers, and you chuckle and nod.

“Sonny, wait till dinner to question the newbie.” Megan shouts from the front of the bus.

Emily humphs and turns back around in her seat, making conversation with Lindsey.

You slip on your headphones and listen to your music undisturbed for the rest of the ride back to the hotel.

—————

At dinner, you find yourself staring across the room at the forward who’d been occupying your thoughts all afternoon and evening.

“(Y/N)!” Ashlyn calls out from behind you, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Time for your interrogation!” Ali slaps her wife’s shoulder and scolds her.

“(Y/N), it’s not an interrogation.” The older defender reassures. “We just wanna get to know you a little better.”

“Sure.” You nod, as the entire team turns their chairs to face you.

“How old are you?” Kelley starts.

“29.”

That definitely raised some eyebrows, as the team was still curious as to why and how this was your first call up, especially given your talent.

“Why haven’t you been called up before?” Christen asks from next to you.

“I’ve received call ups ever since I was 18,” you reveal, shocking many of the women, “but I’ve never been able to attend camps or actually be on the team. It just was never the right time. I had to take care of my younger siblings, and my family was tight on money.” You tell the team a shortened version of your story so they get the gist of it. “And we all know FIFA doesn’t pay women enough money.” You add on with a small chuckle, causing the entire room to laugh and roll their eyes.

“Well, we’re glad you’re here now. We could definitely use your skill going into the Olympics.” Alex admits, smiling.

You turn to meet her blue eyes and return a smile, nodding in appreciation. “Thanks, it’s really great to finally be here. This has been a dream of mine since I was little.”

“Who was your favorite player growing up?” Tobin asks, muffled by the food in her mouth.

“Michelle Akers, definitely.” You affirm, taking a bite of your own dinner.

“Good choice.” Tobin hums in approval.

“Are you single?” Kelley shouts, earning an elbow to the rib from Alex.

“Kelley!” She chides harshly.

“What? It’s a serious question.” The freckled-woman insists before turning to you, awaiting your answer.

“Uhhh, yeah I am.” You nervously scratch the back of your neck, and Kelley smirks at Alex, whose cheeks tint pink, as she looks down at her lap. You feel your own face flush, as you watch the older forward. Something about this woman captured your attention, making you feel things, but you couldn’t exactly put your finger on it.

“(Y/N), where’d you get that banging body?” Megan jokes, smirking, and you chuckle lightly.

“I guess just a lot of working out and playing soccer in my free time.” You shrug nonchalantly.

“Well, it definitely paid off.” The pink-haired woman winks, as you duck your head.

“(Y/N)! How’d you do that shifty move to beat Tobin down the sideline?” Mal pipes up eagerly.

“Yeah, how’d you meg the nutmeg queen?” Christen smiles, teasing Tobin, and the rest of the team laughs.

You grin at the women around you, feeling lucky to have this opportunity to not only play with some of the best players in the world, but also to get to know these incredible people. You, once again, find your eyes landing on Alex and can’t help but admire how beautiful her laugh sounds and her infectious smile.

After answering a couple more questions from the team and finishing up the dinner, you all head back to up to your rooms.

You enter your room, with your bag rolling behind you, and find that you’re rooming with Kelley, who’s crouched down, unpacking her suitcase.

“Hey roomie!”

“Hey, Kel. I assume this is my bed.” You point to the one closer to the door, as the other woman had already dispersed her stuff on the other side of the room.

“Yeah, sorry. Is that okay?” Kelley stands up, looking worriedly at you.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.” You smile and nod, reassuring her.

The two of you unpack, shower, and get ready for bed. As you pull back the covers and get into bed, Kelley puts down her phone and looks over at you.

“What’s up with you and Alex?”

“Uhhh…what do you mean?” You freeze and your eyes widen.

“Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.” Kelley says with faux seriousness. “You couldn’t stop staring at her all throughout practice and dinner, even with everyone else’s attention on you.”

“No I wasn’t!” You vehemently deny, ignoring the blush arising on your cheeks.  

“Mhmm.” Kelley raises her brow. “Just so you know, Al was staring at you too.”

You slightly tilt your head, hesitantly peeking over at the other woman. “Really?”

“Yup.” She pops, smirking. “And, she’s texting me right now, desperate to know what I know about you now that we’re roomies.” Kelley sings, shaking her phone.

You feel butterflies flutter in your stomach at the thought of Alex Morgan asking about you.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I gave her your number.” The defender winks.

“What? Kelley!” You exclaim, your eyes widening. “How did you even get my number?”

“I— uh — I might have got it from your phone while you were in the shower.” Kelley winces, bracing herself for your reaction. Luckily for her, you were a chill and laidback person.

You just roll your eyes at your roommate and chuckle. “Of course you did. You trying to play my wingwoman?”

“Well, based on the minimal interaction between the two of you and the incredible sexual tension, I could tell neither of you were gonna make a move anytime soon, so I just nudged you along!” Kelley bursts with an explanation.

Before you could respond, you hear a ding from your phone.

“Oh! Is that Alex?” Kelley jumps from her bed onto the foot of yours and peaks over your shoulder, trying to see the name on your screen.

You bring your phone close to your chest, out of the other woman’s sight. You glance down at the screen and see a message notification from an unknown number:

Hey (Y/N)! This is Alex Morgan. I hope you don’t mind that Kelley gave me your number.

“Well?” The freckled woman bounces with anticipation.

“Yeah, she sent me a message.”

“What does it say?”

You show her your screen, allowing her to read the message.

“I can’t believe she ratted me out. What a snitch.” Kelley mutters under her breath, and you snicker at the other woman.

“What do I say?” You ask nervously.

“Just be like ‘Hey. Good to hear from you’ or something simple like that.” She shrugs, moving back to her bed.

You nod and type out a response.

(Y/N):

Hey Alex! How’s it going?

A few minutes later, you get another message from the star forward, sparking a conversation between the two of you.

Alex:

Good. Just watching some random show Emily put on. How bout you?

(Y/N):

Haha sounds fun. Kelley and I are just hanging out.

Alex:

Nice nice. How was your first day of camp?

(Y/N):

It was amazing! The team’s awesome and super welcoming

Lol the soccer is also fun.

Alex:

I’m glad!

Haha yes soccer is fun, especially when you’re as talented as you are

Your cheeks redden upon reading that message, and you feel like a teenager all over again.

“If you two get married, I better be given credit for setting you two up.” Kelley teases, noticing your flushed face, as she goes to turn off her lamp.

“Shut up, Kel.” You respond, shutting off your own light. “G’night.” You throw over your shoulder, as you turn over on your shoulder.

“Night, (Y/N).”

You reopen your phone and respond to Alex.

(Y/N):

Wow. Thanks Al that means a lot esp coming from you 🥰

Alex:

No problem (Y/N/N) 😊

Do you maybe wanna grab some coffee tomorrow before breakfast?

You beam at your phone, a giddy and nervous feeling overwhelm your body before quickly typing out a response.

(Y/N):

I’d love to!

Wanna meet in the lobby at 8:30?

Alex:

It’s a date! Can’t wait :)

Goodnight (Y/N)

(Y/N):

Night Al

You power your phone off and set it on the night stand. Pulling the covers up to your chin, you can’t help but feel excited for your plans with Alex tomorrow. Today was the beginning not only for a new experience on the USWNT, but it was also the start of a new adventure with a woman who would ultimately become the love of your life.

[clumsyclifford]

god its nice to be back in your ask box mm tasty your blog looks so professional now i never go on it on desktop its a brand new world also my prompt for you is “That’s okay, I bought two.” for ot4 xoxo love u my darling

hello my wonderful helen, u lookin kinda leng still <3 happy anniversary, hope you like this

side note i realise ashton is not a vegetarian but pretend he is ok carry on

read on ao3

-

“Hey,” Calum says, sliding into the chair across from Michael at the kitchen table. Michael looks up from his book and smiles.

“Hey.”

“Any idea what we’re doing for dinner?” Calum asks. “Luke doesn’t know and Ashton doesn’t care.”

“Pizza,” Michael says immediately. “Please? Pizza, please? Movie night with pizza? Did I mention pizza?” 

“I’m in,” Calum says. He smiles a little. “I was kinda hoping you’d say that, actually.”

“You know me,” Michael says cheekily, offering up his face. Calum, struggling to lean across the table, kisses his cheek. “I’ll order.”

“I was hoping you’d say that, too,” Calum says, reaching up to brush Michael’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “You’re the best.”

“I am,” Michael agrees solemnly. “The best. I agree. Well said.”

“Although Luke did let me play Oasis the whole drive home from work today,” Calum says thoughtfully.

Michael pulls a face. “Hey! If I worked with you, I’d let you play Oasis on the drive home.”

“Yeah, but you don’t.”

“Yes, but it’s the thought.”

“For Luke it was the action,” Calum says. “I don’t know, Mikey. You might have to battle Luke for top spot.”

Michael doesn’t really have a comeback for this. Frankly, most of the time he also thinks Luke is the best. He’s pretty evenly divided, actually, thinking his three boys are the best. 

“We can share,” says Michael. “Luke is small.”

Calum laughs. “I’d feel bad leaving out Ashton.”

“Ah, he’s a big boy. He can take it.”

“Boyfriend of the year, you are.”

“I’m ordering the pizza, aren’t I?” Michael holds up his phone like evidence, even though the screen is still dark. The real reason he’s the one ordering is because he’s the only person with the number of the pizza place saved to his contacts. According to Luke, this is “on brand” for him. If that means Michael’s brand is having access to pizza delivery anywhere, then he’s absolutely okay with that.

“I’ll have to run the numbers again,” Calum says lightly. He pushes his chair out. “I’m gonna go shower.”

“Please do.”

“Hey!”

“Joking, love you,” Michael says quickly, offering Calum a smile. Calum narrows his eyes, but after a moment he shrugs it off.

“Okay. Love you too.”

He sweeps past Michael through to the bathroom, and Michael unlocks his phone to scroll through his contacts.

-

The doorbell rings. 

“Dinner!” Michael shouts. He makes for the front door and pulls it open. “Hey. Thanks so much. Have a good night.”

“You too,” says the delivery guy, already turning away to return to his car and probably deliver more pizzas. That, Michael thinks, is his dream job. Driving around for hours, transporting pizza from hot ovens to eager hands and hosting one-man-concerts in his car. Not to mention that working for a pizza place must come with pizza-related perks. Free pizza, for example. Not for the first time, Michael wonders if their pizza place is seeking drivers. Also not for the first time, he pushes the thought aside.

“Dinner!” Ashton hollers, sliding into the living room on his socks. He’s shirtless in joggers for no reason Michael can identify. Sometimes Ashton is just like that. None of them are complaining, because, well. Obviously. “I love dinner!”

“Someone say dinner?” Calum appears in the room. “I love dinner.”

“Fuck’s sake, just get married already,” Michael says, rolling his eyes.

Ashton giggles and turns to Calum. “Same brain.”

“We are the wisest,” Calum says, nodding like this is an established fact. A careening force rams into him at full speed and he staggers forward, barely catching himself. “Motherfucker, Luke.”

“I heard talk of pizza,” Luke says, tucking his chin over Calum’s shoulder and hugging Calum from behind. “I’m starving. Gimme gimme.”

“We’re all starving. No hogging the pizza,” Calum informs him, angling his head to lean back onto Luke’s shoulder. They’re cute, Michael thinks. Maybe Luke should be best boyfriend for today. Or maybe Calum, if Michael’s honest. Everyone seems to generally concur that something about Calum today is extremely distracting.

The smell of pizza, however, is equally distracting. Possibly more so. Another day, Michael may need to reexamine his priorities.

“We all know Mikey’s gonna hog the pizza,” Luke grumbles.

“That’s okay, I got two,” Michael says. “One for me, one for the rest of you.”

Ashton takes the pizza out of Michael’s hands. “Sharing is caring, you arse.” 

“I did this for you!”

“Is this pepperoni?” Ashton sniffs the air. “Definitely yes.”

“Other one’s half cheese, half veggie,” Michael says, taking the box of pepperoni back but leaving the other box in Ashton’s arms. “Luke, you and I are on this one.”

“Fuck yes,” Luke says fervently. “You read my fucking mind.”

Like Michael hasn’t ordered pizza for them all dozens of times. He knows the general preferences.

Case in point: “You got veggie?” Ashton says, prying open the box. “Hey, Mikey, have I told you I love you today?”

“You have not,” Michael says, even though he probably has. “So let’s hear it.”

“Hold on a sec,” Ashton says, stepping over discarded shoes and someone’s jumper — probably Michael’s — to set the pizza down on the coffee table. Immediately, Calum makes a beeline for the box, leaping over the back of the couch and reaching to open it before he’s fully settled. Michael grins at the move before Ashton reappears in front of him, redirecting his attention.

“Well,” Ashton says seriously, putting both hands on Michael’s shoulders, “there’s something I have to tell you.”

Michael stifles a laugh. “Yeah, go on.”

“Don’t freak out,” Ashton says, “but I think I’m in love with you.”

“Fuck,” Michael says. “Ashton, I don’t know what to say. This is kind of awkward. I don’t actually feel the same.”

Ashton’s jaw drops in mock-offence. “What the fuck? I thought we had something.”

“We did, we did! But you eat veggie pizza, and I’m more of a pepperoni kind of guy, so…”

“Wow,” Ashton says, appalled. “So this is how it ends.”

Michael smirks. “Guess so,” he says, and tugs Ashton into a kiss. It’s laughable how quickly Ashton relents, melting into it like ice cream on a sunny day, sweet by all standards. When Michael pulls back he grins. “Kidding, by the way. I love you too.” 

“You’re on thin ice,” Ashton says, very unconvincingly, considering he’s smiling like a kid on Christmas. “Thin ice, Clifford.”

“I got you veggie pizza.”

“I can’t believe I’m dating a guy who doesn’t like vegetables,” Ashton says, shaking his head.

Michael scoffs. “I’m dating two vegetarians! Imagine how I feel.”

“You’re welcome,” Luke, the other resident carnivore, chimes in from his position on the sofa.

“Objectively, one of these things is worse than the other,” Calum points out as Ashton and Michael traipse over to the couch. “At least we eat healthy.”

“I respect your dietary choices,” Michael says. “Respect mine.” He wedges himself between Luke and Calum and Ashton takes a seat at Calum’s left. The TV is already on, set to play a DVD of their choosing, although it seems to have been abandoned for the moment in favour of pizza. Calum is happily munching away at a cheesy slice, Luke on one with pepperoni.

“What are we watching?” Ashton asks, reaching over Calum to pull a slice of veggie out of the pizza. It’d be civil to eat with plates, but the four of them are well past civil. 

“Whose turn is it to choose?” Calum asks. He’s already almost done with his slice. That boy can fucking eat. Not one to be outdone, Michael takes a big bite out of his own slice. 

“Oh my God,” he manages through his mouthful. “Oh my fucking God, I love pizza. This was such a good idea.”

“Agreed,” Luke says, hooking his foot around Michael’s ankle and briefly leaning into him. Michael hums as a feeling of bliss settles like a blanket cape over his shoulders, a gentle hug of happiness. This is the life. Four boys crammed shoulder-to-shoulder on one couch, not because there’s not enough room but because to be anything short of pressed together would leave too much space between any of them. God, Michael loves his life. Weird boyfriends and diverse pizza tastes and uncivil eating habits and all. He wouldn’t want it any other way with anyone else.

A minor argument between Ashton and Luke resolves into the decision that Luke will pick the movie, which of course means they’re watching High School Musical 3, though Michael can’t complain. Everyone knows the third movie is the best. Also, Michael suspects Luke just doesn’t want to pick a movie everyone will groan at. Ever the peacekeeper, that one.

As Luke goes to put the movie in and Ashton rises to grab a shirt from his room, Calum leans against Michael’s other side, reaching for his face and then pulling back at the last second.

“Greasy fingers,” he says apologetically. 

“The true homewrecker,” Michael deadpans. “Grease.”

“Hey, I like Grease.”

“Oh, shut up.”

Calum smiles, and Michael struggles to come up with a single thing more beautiful in the world. “Thanks for getting us pizza. I love you.” 

Michael quirks his lips. “That’s a bit cheesy.”

Calum rolls his eyes with impressive force. “Seriously? I’m being cute.”

“And I’m being hilarious,” Michael returns. He captures Calum’s mouth with his own, delighted to find that he can taste the faintest trace of Calum’s last slice on his lips. Calum hums softly until Michael pulls away. 

“One day you won’t be able to kiss your bad jokes better,” he says. He, too, is smiling. Michael doesn’t think that day will come anytime soon. 

“Whatever you say,” he says airily, licking his lips. “But until then, just know…you’ll always have a pizza my heart.”

Calum stares at him as Michael’s grin slowly spreads until he’s cackling, pulling a squirming Calum into his arms and saying “Get it? A pizza my heart?” over all of Calum’s futile protests.

[obsessive-ego]

Hot and sweaty

Anyone else hate hot weather and get super sweaty?

Musical beetlejuice x reader

Warning nsft

Voyeurism, masterbation

You come home sweaty and beej has a thing for that smell

You hated summer, you hated the heat, unfortunately your home town was known for its gross summers, it was hot, heavy, and muggy. Running errands openly sucked on days like this, you didnt drive, and the grocery store was only 2km from your home, which was fine during any other time.

The Deetz have asked you to "babysit" beetlejuice while they were on a vacation, the maitlands also pleaded this so they could have some alone time, you didnt mind, you enjoyed the demon's presence, and he yours, ever since you sucker punched him after a jump scare gone wrong, he became very clingy to you.

You were walking back home after retrieving misc groceries and snacks for movie night with Beej, unfortunately today was one of those hot and muggy days, you could feel the sweat rolling down your back, you felt so gross, hopefully you can steal some time to yourself and shower when you got home. Beetlejuice was already there, you summoned him this morning, but realized shortly after you still had adult things to do, he pouted about it, like usual, but shit needs to get done, that's how it is for the living.

Heading up to your apartment you felt sorta relieved, you felt so slimy and gross form the heat, but you were home.

Unlocking the door and heading inside to you small apartment, before you could even take your shoes off the bags you were carrying were gone, and you were pulled into the tight, cold embrace, of your undead friend.

The sudden temperature drop made you sigh in contentment, you weren't exactly the touchy feely type, but this was nice.

"Happy to see me doll? You missed me that much in the hour you were gone? Glad to see we're on the same page sugar" he laughs

You pull away, obviously embarrassed

"Where did you put my bags?" You sigh, finally removing your sneakers

"Away, dont worry about it" the ghoul pauses before leaning in close and taking a deep breath through his nose. "You smell different, stronger"

Your deodorant must have crapped out on you, you sigh, you probably smelled really bad, you could feel your shirt clinging to you back with how sweaty you were.

"Sorry, it's just really hot out and-" your babbling was interrupted with Beej leaning in closer, mouth practically against your ear.

"You smell really good sweet heart" he purrs, you flinch and move away out of panic.

For once his flirting and your reaction wasnt followed by his awful cackle, looking back he had that awful smug smirk he always wore when he got a rise out of you, but also the electric pink hue mixed in with the green mess of his hair, was he actually serious?!

Regaining yourself, you take a deep breath "I'm gonna shower okay? Please-"

You were interrupted by the snap of him fingers "Please Mr Beetlejuice, would you like to join me and scrub my back~?" You cover your mouth at that.

Beetlejuice laughs "I would love to doll, but I ain't a fan of water, I wouldn't mind watching though" he hollers after you as you had to the washroom.

He was messing with you and he was disgusting, so he probably did like the way your sweaty body smelled, you huff through your nose, you wish he was a tad easier to read, the hair helped, but it only went so far, the man never took anything seriously so he could be almost impossible to read, all you knew was that he liked to mess with you, and despite how awful and gross he could be, you honestly really enjoyed him being around, slipping out of your clothes, you couldnt help but smell you shirt, yup, it was as bad as expected, not to mention a little damp, gross, at least a shower will make you feel better.

Alone in the living room, the ghoul sighs, shame you decided to shower, he thought you were fine the way you were, smelled real good too, he knew how sweaty you got and how good it smelled from digging in your dirty laundry basket, you were the type to work out, so it was no surprise, he just never got to smell it straight from the source, would have LOVED to get to lick your neck and get a good taste though.

Lost in his own thoughts he is brought back with the sound of running water, you were gonna take a shower, you NEVER did that when he was around, and here he was not taking the opportunity.

With a snap of his fingers he was invisible, as much as he hated being invisible, this was an exception. Walking into the bathroom, he sits himself on the sink, your shower didnt have a window door like the Deetz, I was a a normal curtain, but transparent enough where he could see your silhouette. he sighs, content in the little show you're providing, he catches something out of his peripheral vision, your clothes you were wearing when you came in, they were thrown in a little pile on the floor, on top of the pile laided a bright red pair of panties, freshly worn, this was perfect, but the real question was 'would you notice?'. There was a real good chance you wouldn't, there was no way youd put back on your dirty sweet smelling clothes after a shower right? Right, youd probably just toss them in the laundry, it felt like an eternity debating on if he could get away with adding this crown jewel to his collection of cum rags he stole from you, he bit the bullet and took them, praying on your oblivious nature to not notice.

Once the lacy fabric was in his hand he was gone, leaving you to enjoy his new treasure. With a small apartment there really wasnt much places he could hide when you were around so he could tend to his urges, the bathtub was the go to, but that wasnt an option right now. Instead he took the hall closet, the only things it held were a vaccum, a few coats, and a pair of rain boots.

The running water stopped, beetlejuice carefully listened for you, hearing you move from the bathroom to your bedroom to get dressed, at frist he debated should he watch you dress or enjoy his new treasure asap, he chose the panties, the ghoul could watch you dress anytime, but these, fresh off your sweaty body panties, were rare and the opportunity probably wont come again.

With that thought he was set, bringing the crotch of the garment to his nose and inhaling deeply, he let's out a low quiet groan. These were so much stronger then the others, he fumbles with the fly on his pants, eager to free his ever hardening cock. Curious he licks the crotch, pleasantly surprised by the lingering taste of you, he let's out a soft whine, god slash satan he wanted to taste you from the source, but damn this was pretty close. The demon began lazily stroking his cock, your red panties pressed to his face, giving him the ability to both lick and smell them, bucking into his hand, the ghoul couldnt help but imagine you sitting on his face, fresh from a long workout or a walk in the heat, whatever would make you nice and sweaty for him, you would be shouting out how much you loved his tongue while you reached around and jerked him off.

Jerking himself a little faster he mumbles "you like that sugar? Yeah you do, you smell just as good as you taste sweetness, no wonder I call ya sugar~".

The closest was completely illuminated but BJ electric pink hair, he was completely lost in his own pleasure, his heart, if it was still beating, would have stopped completely when he herd you call his name, he completely forgot you were in the other room.

The ghoul had to think fast, get you off his trail until he finished, yes he liked you in a romantic way, soft kisses, dumb jokes, and pound you into the mattress kinda way, and yes he knew you liked him, but he was still unsure of how much, so finding him in his current situation could really ruin what chance he had with you, youd probably be sick to your stomach and banish him for good.

With that in mind he had the perfect little distraction.

You were finally dry and freshly clothed, feeling much more comfortable, wandering around your home looking for the demon who was so eager minutes ago when you walked in. This was odd, Beetlejuice would normally wait infront of the bathroom door or bedroom door when you were doing something private, normally chatting with you, but not this time, it was always worrying when beetlejuice was quiet.

Wandering around you start calling out his nicknames, you stop in your tracks as a little note appearing from no where flutters down in front of you, grabbing it, it was obviously written by Beej, the hand writing alone screamed it.

'Gone scaring, be back soon, love the ghost with the most' you sigh, he must if got bored waiting for you, you shurg it off heading to the living room to play some Nintendo while you wait for him to return.

Assuming that you bought his little note, he returns his attention to your panties, moving them from his face after one last long sniff, he stifles a moan, bringing the cloth to his throbbing cock, wrapping it with your panties. As much as the ghoul wanted to fuck you proper this was a close as he was gonna get for the time being, having his aching cock envelope by your heat would be a dream cum true, but having your fresh scent wrapped around his meat was a close second.

With the image of you moving your sex from him mouth to his cock for a ride, he began stroking himself once again, the image of you bouncing up and down on his cock, shouting out praises and your chest bounces. biting his knuckles while little moans and groans slip out, the demon couldnt help mumbling "you're so good for me Y/N, you like that? You love it dont you?". Bucking hard into his hand, his precum being soaked up by your undies, he knew he wasnt gonna last any longer, the thought of you begging him to finish inside of your pussy was more then enough to send him over the edge, soaking your little red panties with his cum, removing the garment, he cleans up the rest of his mess with the lacy cloth before pocketing it, he'll toss it in the wash later, as much as hed loved to slip it into your underwear drawer in Hope's youd wear them, you weren't that oblivious.

He finishes adjusting himself, straightening out his jacket and sliding his now soft cock back into his pants, the ghoul hums to himself completely content in himself.

Chilling on the couch playing animal crossing you are interrupted but a loud gravely voice "HONEY I'M HOME" glancing up in the direction of his voice the ghoul was next to you in a flash, you flinched at the sudden movement, beetlejuice drapes an arm over you shoulder and pulls you close

"Ya miss me babes? You smell real nice, but I'd rather you be hot a sweaty for me again, I got a few ideas in mind to get ya-" you shove him off

"Haha very funny, keep it up and no home delivery pizza tonight" you tease

Bj frowns for a second before pulling you back into him arms "babes you live for what I do too much to deny yourself the pleasure of my performance" he cackles

As much as you hate to give him the satisfaction, you admit your defeat and agree.

This was gonna be a great week together

[i-am-beyoutiful]

31 Days of Resonance Day 31 - Faded (Faded In My Last Song)

I wanna thank all you guys who have read these one shot during this month!! I started this as a test for my own writing but in the end, it was just fun to sit down and write something for NCT. I hope all you reader took the time read or see other peoples works during this month. Also, don’t be shy! Feel free to send me a request anytime!! Enjoy me entry for the last day of the 31 Days of Resonance challenge. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

You were avoiding him. 

Why? Because he lied. 

You met him during math class. He sweet talked you, made you feel special. 

He planned dates for you. He introduced you to his friends. He took you to football games, parties, the movies, the amusement park. He even bought matching couples clothes. 

It was a lie

It was all a lie. 

You were waiting for him outside the school, the day you found out. 

You knew he had gym last period with all his friends. They usually hang out after in the lockers to talk more like gossip. You decided to head that way. He usually was never late. As you approached the boys lockers, you heard voices. Your steps picked up as you neared the door. 

The words you heard flow out, stopped you in your tracks. 

“So how’s the bet going?” said Jaemin. 

“Dude. Stop.” Your boyfriend said. 

“What! We’re just saying you’ve already passed the 90 day mark. You could have been broken up with her. Whats stopping you?” Renjun asked.

“Yeah Babe. What’s stopping you?” You stood in the entrance, hot tears running down your face. The seven boys in the room shocked at your appearance. Donghyuck slowly put down his towel and took a step towards you. You took a step back. You held your hand out to stop him for coming closer. 

“Tell me truth. Was I a bet? Was everything we’ve done a bet!” You took his silence for a yes. 

You shook you head in disbelief, “So what, we you supposed to have sex with me before the 90 days were up. Were you supposed to find out my darkest secret so you and your friends could spill it to the school? OOOOO I know!” You walked closer until you nose to nose with Donghyuck. His eyes showed remorse but you could care less right now.

“I know what you were supposed to do. We were supposed to celebrate our 90 day mark. And then the next day you would break up with me. Humiliate me in front of the whole school. Call me pathetic. Call me a waste of your time and money. Get the entire school to see what a loser who got played looked like.” You circled him like a lion hunting prey. 

“But you fucked up, Donghyuck. You fell in love with me. That wasn’t apart of the plan. You kept this going, hoping your friends would forget the bet even existed. Then one day, years later, you would work up the courage to finally tell me that you started dating me for a bet. And I would just laugh and let it because I. Love. You.” You stopped in your tracks and shook your head. 

“But no. You don’t get that. You get to watch me walk away. The final thing you remember from this relationship is the crying face of the girl whose heart you destroyed.” 

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

Which lead you here. The tears had stopped. The rage was gone. All that was left is the love you still had for him. You wanted to forget but no matter how much you tried. It didn’t worked. You looked at Donghyuck jacket hanging on your desk chair. The strip of photos from your third date. The polar bear that Donghyuck brought because he couldn’t win it for you. Everything you saw reminded you of him. 

“Y/n! There are sevens boys loitering on our front lawn. I think they want to see you!” Your mom hollered up the stairs. You already knew who was on your lawn but why all seven of them. 

You came downstairs and made it to the door. Your mom patted your shoulder before you stepped outside. The seven boys were arguing on your front lawn, well six were. The seventh, Donghyuck stood in silence, eyes locked on yours. The other boys piped down once they notice you waiting on your front porch. 

“What do you want?” You said, venom spitting dripping in your tone. 

Mark stepped forward from the line, hands held up in surrender, “We want to explain the bet. We only made it because we were sick of Donghyuck.” 

You felt confused, “Sick of Donghyuck? For what?”

“Because He constantly gushed about you without making a move.” Jaemin spoke up. 

“Seriously, It’s been constant since you helped with his math homework one time. Literally months ago.” Renjun added. 

“He’s been obsessed with you. We just wanted him to finally approach you. We know Donghyuck best. He wasn’t gonna do it without a push.” Jeno explained. 

“Look noona, the whole bet was for Donghyuck to date you for 90 days. Then all he had to do after was admit that we were right that he had nothing to worry about when it came to dating you.” Jisung looked remorseful. You eyes locked on Donghyuck again as you considered his friends words.

“Is this true?” You addressed him. 

He finally walked to you. He stopped in front of you and held your gaze.

“Its true. I-i really like you Y/n. I still do. I am so sorry. I wanted to tell you but I was afraid of this. I-i didn’t want to lose you.” Donghyuck stuffed his hands into his jackets pockets. 

“How do you haven’t lost me?” 

“..........because you haven’t sent me away.” Donghyuck stepped closer. You had to look up to keep eye contact. 

“I want this ....But I can’t be hurt again Hyuckie. This whole week I’ve been a mess. I don’t want to feel that again.” You looked down. Donghyuck grabbed your hands in his, grabbing you attention again. 

“I won’t. Just give me a chance to prove it.” 

You contemplated what Donghyuck said. What his friends revealed. How you felt about everything. You had your answer. 

“Hi, I’m Y/n. I’ve seen you around school and I think your really cute. Would you like to go out with me?” You eyes held hope. His face filled with mirth. 

“Hey, I’m Donghyuck and I would love to go out with you.” 

[simsadventures]

Only Mine:Chapter 5: Can’t Seem to Let You Go

Summary: Bucky needs to take care of the men trying to rape you. But when his men won’t stop taunting him about you, he tries to forget all about you. But it doesn’t seem to work the way he’d like to. Warnings: violence (kind of explicit), murder, death, blood, fluff, mentions of sex (blowjob, but it’s really quick and nothing too explicit), swearing

Word Count: 3732

A/N: A lot of the chapter is written from “Bucky’s POV”, hope that’s ok. Just wanted to give you an insight into his life as well. And because he’s got some decisions to make.

What did everyone think of this chapter? Let me know, love you 3000 guys! xx

Series Masterlist __ Masterlist

< Previous Chapter 

The car ride towards the mansion was silent and tense. He knew Steve would be in the cells, beating the crap out of the guys, and he smirked at the image. He couldn’t wait to get there and take care of the matter. He hated scumbags like that, running around forcing themselves on women, in the death of a night, two on one. Bucky knew he could be an ass towards women, but he would never push himself on them sexually, that was a huge no-go for him and his men. They might have been mobsters, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have any morals.

Bucky was so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t recognise they were at home before Peter tapped his shoulder lightly. When he saw the murderous look on his boss’ face, he took a step back, and let Bucky get out of the car.

He couldn’t hear anything even when he started to descend the stairs, because he made sure the cells were sound-proof, precisely for situations like this one. He didn’t need his maids to hear the deathly yells and whines of some assholes.

When he finally entered the room, a gruesome sight welcomed him.

The two men from the city were tied to chairs, their heads hanging low, sobs leaving their bodies. Their faces were bloodied and bruised, their breaths shallow. His men had to take a number of them for them to look that way. But Bucky didn’t care. All that mattered to him was that they were still alive, waiting for him and his judgement.

Steve was standing beside the guy who tried to run away, while Brock was holding a collar of the other one. They both looked at their boss and nodded their heads before letting the guys go and stepping behind Bucky.

Bucky could see as the two lowlives sighed in what seemed to be a relief after countless minutes of being tortured. Bucky grinned wickedly, the most fun part was just starting, and they had no idea of that.

“Gentlemen, can you tell me why we’ve gathered here?” Bucky said nonchalantly, and both men in front of him swiftly raised their heads and dread set in their eyes. Neither of them was willing to talk, and it only spurred Bucky on.

“You’ve been naughty boys, I must tell you. You know, your fate would be much happier and easier if you took on someone who could defend themselves, you know? If you like, I don’t know, fought other two guys, or something, we wouldn’t have to be here. But no. You had to get out of your fucking way to find easy targets, women walking alone, rushing home at night, and you jumped at them and raped them. Does it seem fair to you? There is two of you, and you aren’t the smallest guys ever, and you deliberately chose women who you saw were no MMA fighters. Doesn’t seem fucking fair to me, what you think boys?”

Bucky turned around to face his men who all shook their heads, grunting their no, not fair at all and letting Bucky retake the floor.

“You know, I thought of what to do to you, and there was one particular thing that I thought was, you know, fair. You were raping women, so, how about we raped you?”

Their eyes went wide, and their skins got two shades lighter, blood rushing from their faces. They grunted and tried to free themselves, but there was no running away from their fates. Bucky strutted towards the table at the farthest side of the room and opened a cupboard, pulling something out. When he turned around, chuckles could be heard booming throughout the cell.

Bucky was holding two massive wooden sticks.

“Prepare to lose your virginity boys, this is gonna hurt,” Sam hollered from one of the corners and smirked. Bucky chuckled darkly and handed him one of the sticks, to which Sam’s eyes gleamed like child’s on Christmas Eve. The second was given to Steve, who only nodded with a grin plastered on his face, and Bucky brought a chair in front of the guys, to watch the whole thing comfortably.

“Let’s begin, shall we?”

—-

Beams of sunlight made it to the stairs leading towards the cells, on which many of the men were now walking upwards from the room. The deed was done, and they were all tired. Bucky made Peter and Luke, the other new guy, clean up all the blood and dispose of the bodies. He didn’t have the energy nor the need to take care of that as well.

Bucky was exhausted, but he still needed to make sure you were alright. He checked his phone and found out that it was already past 8 AM. He still wasn’t sure if you were asleep or not, and if you were, he definitely didn’t want to interrupt your so needed relax. He typed a quick message to you, asking you if you were alright and if you needed anything.

He made it to his room, which to a surprise of many wasn’t a dark, cold room, but was actually very welcoming, with the ivory walls and matching satin sheets on the massive mahogany bed. But before he could delve into the beautiful slumber, he needed a shower. There was blood on his hands, both literally and metaphorically, and he needed to wash it away. He didn’t feel remorse or anything like that, he was actually happy the world was rid of two assholes. He was more pissed than anything that a splatter of blood stained his shirt.

He made quick work of discarding his clothes into the washing machine, hoping the stains would come out. When the first splatter of hot water hit his body, his form and soul both relaxed at the same moment. He was actually glad the night was over. New York was a little safer, his men could have some good old-fashioned fun with torture, and their relationship with the police was better than ever.

And she is ok, a voice in his head whispered, and he let the water touch his hair. Yeah, and you were ok, and somehow, just the image of you not being ok made his insides clench involuntarily. He didn’t understand what was going on, but he didn’t necessarily like it. He pushed the image of you laying on the pavement, unconscious to the back of his mind and quickly finished in the shower.

He then checked his phone for a new message from you, but when he saw nothing was there, he told himself that you were genuinely ok and that he deserved at least a few hours of peaceful sleep.

It was little after 11 when he heard a soft buzzing next to his head. He was still drowsy, so he looked for the source of the small noise, and when he could feel his vibrating phone in his hand, he mindlessly picked up.

“Hey, Bucky,” your tired voice sounded from the speaker, and he was suddenly awake. Multiple possible scenarios ran through his head, all of them dark and evil.

“Are you ok? Where are you? Should I come for you? TALK TO ME, Y/N.” He raised his voice, and he could hear a sigh at the other end of the phone.

“I’m fine, calm down. I just woke up and wanted to let you know I was ok, but if I should call another time…”

Bucky listened to your sleepy voice, and he calmed his head down. You were fine. You were at home and in your bed, and nothing was trying to kill you, or anything like that. He heard a light knock on his door before he could see Sam’s head in the door. When he saw that Bucky was awake, he made it to one of the chairs in the middle of the room. Bucky didn’t pay him any attention and continued with his phone call.

“No, I’m glad you’re calling, I just woke up as well. So, how are you feeling?”

“Good, I’m good. Not really into the idea of ever leaving my apartment but other than that, I’m great.”

Bucky sighed and closed his eyes. “I know, doll, but you gotta get out of there someday.”

Sam raised an eyebrow but didn’t say a thing, just sat there and listened.

“Duh, I’m aware of that, it’s just the feeling of safety left my body when they ambushed me, and now I feel like they’ll be there every time I walk out of my door, waiting because they have unfinished business.”

“Don’t you worry about them, Y/N. They’ve been taken care of, and they won’t ever hurt anybody else, most definitely not you.”

Silence followed, and Bucky could almost hear the wheels in your mind, turning. “I shouldn’t be glad that you killed someone, but I just can’t help it. So thank you for taking care of me and of all the things, because you didn’t have to and you did it anyway. Thank you, Bucky.”

He smiled at your soft tone. “Anytime, doll, anytime.”

“Well, let’s hope you won’t have to do anything like that ever again, most definitely not for me.”

Bucky chuckled and imagined your face, all doe-like, with your eyes a little wider and your mouth agape, telling him not to kill people for her. “I’ll try my best, Y/N. Go back to sleep, you sound like you need a few more hours.”

“Aye aye, Captain. You do too, ok?”

“Ok, doll. Sleep tight.” Bucky said and hung up the phone, looking at snickering Sam.

“Oh, I’ll try my best, m’lady. Oh, oh, oh.” Sam mocked him, and Bucky threw a pillow his way. Sam couldn’t see it over his hysterical laughing, and so it hit him square in the head.

Bucky chuckled at his best friend and got out of bed.

“But seriously, dude, you sound so fucking whipped that it ain’t nice. Where’s the fuckboy I grew to love, huh?” Sam didn’t let the matter go.

Bucky growled in annoyance and continued to ignore him. He dressed in his usual attire: tight black jeans, a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket.

“You wanna settle down with the chick or what?”

Bucky turned around swiftly to face Sam, murderous look on his face. “I’m not fucking settling, ok? She was almost raped last night, so I just wanted to make sure she was ok.”

“Whatever, man. You know better than I do that it’s not just about yesterday. You’ve been thinking about her ever since you met her at the bar, we can see she’s all you think of. And that’s ok. But be a fucking man and do something about it, or go back to your old self. Don’t tell me you’re still the same guy while you’re in love with some pussy.”

“I’m not fucking in love. Jesus fucking Christ, Sam. What do you want me to do? Fuck some random slut so that you see I don’t give a shit about Y/N?”

Sam didn’t react to that and only shook his head at his friend’s behaviour. He always tried to be the spitting image of what his father couldn’t, and Sam was sick of it. Bucky’s whole existence was about not letting a woman rule over his life, and he was always determined to show everyone that no pussy could sway him.

But Sam saw that Bucky was into the new girl, the soft chuckles and his actual friendly side which he was showing her were betraying him. Sam just wanted Bucky to admit that there might be a possibility that not all of the women were that bad and that having one by his side wouldn’t be the end of the fucking world. He just feared he pissed off Bucky enough for him to do something stupid he would regret later.

“You came in to give me a lecture about my love life or was there something you actually needed?”

“Stark is coming. He said he’s got some new things for you, if you wanted, and he wanted to show you.”

Bucky nodded and ascended towards his office, where most of his meetings took place. Stark Industry was one of the biggest players on the gun market, and Bucky was one of his main customers. Over the years, they build a steady relationship, even friendship, to the point where they’d call each other from time to time, just to check on the other. Bucky was actually glad Tony was there, just to put his mind on a different course, not having to think about what Sam bugged him about.

—-

When the night came, and Tony left the mansion, Bucky thought of what to do with his night. He might have been in the club just a night ago, but he was there for business. He wasn’t there to take someone home, as he usually did.

Bucky knew you called him two times while he was at the meeting and he had to do everything in his power not to get up and call you just to make sure you were ok. But he told himself that he’s not gonna be somebody’s bitch and that he’s got better things to do than making sure one girl was ok.

He told Sam and Steve about his plan for the night, to which they only raised their eyebrows but said nothing. From the determined look on his face, they both knew they couldn’t sway him even if they wanted to.

They all silently sat in the car and let Peter drive them towards the Compound. Neither Sam nor Steve knew how to cut the tense atmosphere in the car, so they just sat there, staring blankly out of the windows. They really hoped Bucky wasn’t making a mistake by trying to prove to them something they really didn’t need him to.

When they got to the club, all eyes were on them. It wasn’t far from truth to say they were probably the most eligible bachelors in town, and all the women there knew it. Sure, some of them were obviously scared shitless so they wouldn’t even look their way, but most of them were running towards them, pantiless.

They all sat down at their usual places, watching as the bodies on the dance floor mingled and became one sweaty form. Bucky could see a few of the women watching him intently, waiting for a sign that they have been chosen to be the fun of the night, or a month for the luckiest of them.

One caught his eye. It wasn’t even that she was attractive to him, but her hair matched the colour of yours perfectly. He whispered something to Drax who got up and when towards the girl, gesturing that Bucky would like to talk to her. She giggled and almost run towards where Bucky was seated. He wanted to roll his eyes. You would never run toward him like that. He scolded himself internally because you weren’t supposed to be on his mind, not when he was trying to get another girl to bed.

He checked his phone to see if you called him again, or at least texted him, but after the few missed calls, there was radio silence from you.

The girl made her way towards Bucky and sat so close Bucky could smell her perfume. He didn’t particularly like it, but that didn’t matter. She would have to do for the night, he told himself and smiled at her.

She giggled stupidly and took a lock of her hair and started twirling it between her fingers, looking at Bucky through her obviously fake lashes. Bucky could swear he saw the glue stuck to her eyelid, but he didn’t want to make her feel too bad, so he just smiled politely.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Dennise. It’s so nice to meet you, Bucky, I’ve heard so much about you, you’re like a legend here, haha, and look at me, sitting in your booth, chatting with you like we’re old friends.”

Bucky had to stop himself from actually cringing. She was nothing like you, and it irritated him. He suddenly missed your personality, when you would tell him off as easily as if he was just another John. This girl was clinging to him already, and he didn’t even have to try. Whatever, Bucky! You’re here to show everyone you’re no whipped pussy. He told himself and ordered the girl a drink of his choice. Bucky knew you’d hate it, especially if he ordered you something you didn’t particularly like.

The girl, Dennise, was taking care of all the conversation. Even if she asked Bucky a question, she would never wait for him to answer and would keep on talking. Bucky was taking shot after shot, trying to get himself drunk enough so that he’d forget all about you, and would enjoy a night with a stupid girl, just like he always did.

But no matter how much alcohol did he take, he couldn’t get rid of your face in front of him. It was as if you were haunting him, always there, even when he blinked. Damn you and your Y/E/C eyes. He felt like you were staring right into his soul, and you weren’t even there. No girl had ever made think of her, not even when they stayed for a whole month.

But Bucky was nothing if not determined. He suddenly gripped Dennise’s hand and dragged her out of there, her girly giggles with her. He stopped before the car and turned to face her.

“I’d like to fuck, are you up for that?” He asked, and she eagerly nodded with what sounded like a forced moan of yes spilling out of her mouth.

“Good, get in the car, and we can have some fun together.” She obediently followed his orders.

The car ride was nowhere near as sexually fuelled as the one he took with you. Dennise was on his lap, kissing down his neck and grinding on his crotch, but no matter how much he tried, he just couldn’t get in the mood. He thought it would get better when they were finally at his apartment, but he was wrong.

Even in his bachelor pad, he couldn’t bring himself to actually enjoy what Dennise was doing. Bucky was sitting on a sofa, Dennise between his legs. He closed his eyes, trying to really get into it, and he could feel a warmth spreading from his lower belly when she gave him few kitten licks. He grunted when he took him into her mouth properly, and before he could stop himself, he moaned out your name. He forgot where he was, and his brain took him to the place where he actually wanted to be if he admitted it to himself or not.

Dennise giggled and whispered, probably thinking she was seducing him. “I can be whoever you want me to be, baby.” She winked at him and made her way back to his crotch, but his hand stopped her.

“Look, I bet you’re a really nice girl, but I’m not feeling like myself tonight. Maybe another time, ok?” She was staring at him blankly, not understanding what he was saying, both from the alcohol coursing through her veins and from the disappointment she was feeling.

“But, I could make you feel real good, Bucky, I promise, let me show you.” But Bucky was already on his feet, taking her by her elbow and leading her towards the door. “I mean it, Dennise, goodbye.”

Before she knew it, she was standing in front of a closed door, with Bucky’s bodyguards leading her away from the building, being so nice to actually drive her whenever she wished.

Sam and Steve watched the girl leave with confused looks on their faces. Steve knocked reluctantly, and when the door opened, they revealed dishevelled Bucky standing there. He motioned for them to come in and shut the door behind them.

“Don’t you dare tell me I’m whipped man, ‘cause I’m not. I just wasn’t feeling like it today.” Bucky mumbled and brought a glass of water to his lips.

“I was just joking this morning, man. You’re taking it all too seriously. So what, you like Y/N, what’s wrong with that? She seemed like a girl who could actually deal with you on a daily level and not going completely nuts from your bullshit.”

Bucky smiled at that a little because he had to admit you were the only girl who ever spoke up in his presence. You had an attitude, you were always yourself, and Bucky admired that.

“I just don’t want to make the same mistake my father did, you know? I mean, mum died because dad couldn’t protect her properly, and Julia almost took all of his money. Just because he was blinded by love. I don’t want any of that to happen to me. For fuck’s sake, I’m the most feared person on the East Side, and here I am, whining about a girl like some sappy teenager. What the fuck is wrong with me?”

Steve chuckled lightly and patted Bucky’s thigh. “Just give her a chance, pal, that’s all we’re saying. Nobody’s telling you to marry her tomorrow, but maybe stop being the mafia boss around her and show her that you can be your own person as well.”

Bucky thought for a second before he mumbled. “What if she doesn’t like that person, huh?” Steve dishevelled his hair even more. “Then she’s not worth it. We’re old enough to not be lonely all the time, and fucking different pussy every night, it gets old, man.”

Bucky looked at his friends thankfully, giving them a cracked smile, and feeling a little better about the whole thing. They were right. He couldn’t be scared till the rest of his life. And maybe you didn’t even like him that way. All he had to do was to find out and let you in, at least a little bit. Bucky smiled to himself before he remembered that you called him multiple times that day and that he ignored each one.

He groaned and threw his head back. Why did he always have to be such a jerk?

/ Next Chapter >

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[apex-academy]

Chapter 5: Caring Is a Hazard to Your Health (#27)

We keep shuffling through the room, and I make sure to check behind the file cabinet with Mahavir’s help, but nothing new is turning up. That’s all right. Wasn’t really expecting anything. 

“So, we good?”

“Yeah, I think we’ve checked everything.”

“Thanks for tagging along.”

“No prob, brah.”

“...”

“Are we going to rejoin the others? I’d like to rest for a bit, but that still requires a group, so to speak.”

“I wouldn’t mind settling down for a while.”

“Like, I still got sports ‘n’ stuff to talk about?”

“I might stick with that side ‘f things.”

“Okay. Guess we’re moving the groups around after all. Think you can make it to the gym, Mahavir?”

“Yes.”

Awful lot of trouble, but off we go. Yuki and, surprisingly, Aidan end up joining our “group” to split up in the dorms. All very exciting.

“...”

Guess I’ll be spending a lot of time in here. It’s roomy, at least. The bath’s fine. Conditions could certainly be worse.

Aside from the killing game.

It’s fine. I can’t see everyone respecting the lockdown rules 24/7, but if the opportunities to kill are still harder to come by... we shouldn’t have much to worry about, right?

...

Yuki, Mahavir, and I have our last cooking lesson for a while, with Tsunyasha hanging around to round out the arrangement. I’d like to think I’m getting better at this, but...

Considering where I started, that may not mean much.

...

“Hello, students! It is now nighttime, so, um! Don’t try to go in the cafeteria or anything, and don’t sleep anywhere but the dormitories! I-I’ll see you in the morning…!”

...

“Um, hello! Good morning! It is now 7:00, so the off-limits areas have been reopened! And, um! You have three days left if you want to save your loved ones! Everyone do your best today…!”

Don’t appreciate the countdown to death there. But I guess it’s also our countdown to going back to normal. 

Well, whatever counts as normal in this place.

Kind of have to wonder what “normal” would even be for us without all of this happening. Considering the people in this class, I doubt it would be any closer to “ordinary”. I can only wonder who’s supposed to be in that resident director office. Are they used to managing crowds like this? I’m sure Apex Academy has turned out its fair share of eccentrics, but it’s hard to imagine this class isn’t full of top runners.

Anyway. I’d better get to breakfast.

I ready myself for the day and head out. Guess I put the speed on today, because I’m the first one in the hall. Then again, half of us are seriously injured, so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.

I start for the main set of doors and reach for a handle. My usual amount of hesitation may be a boon today, because there’s a holler from behind before I can touch it.

“Hey, hey, hang on!!”

I pull back and turn around.

“Good morning to you, too?”

Aidan, still only halfway through his door, pants for a second before wheeling himself farther along.

“Er, yes, that, too, thank you.”

“Anyway, I believe I stated we would all gather before leaving the dorm area for breakfast, so if you don’t mind...”

“Oh. Right. Sorry.”

I step back just in time for more of us to start filtering in.

“Goooooood morning, everybody!”

“Good morning...”

“Everybody ready to have A Day?”

“Do we have a choice?”

Tsunyasha, when she comes, attempts to shoulder past me.

“Excuse me?”

“If you insist. Consider this a pardon.”

“...”

“What? Do you truly expect me to kowtow to some sinner’s demands?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Goodness.”

“The foolishness in this building is even worse than I had imagined.”

“As fair as that might be, do you mind staying back for one more minute?”

“We only have one more person to wait on.”

“The legless one, yes? I’ve no particular need to greet him.”

“Rude.”

A sudden ripping noise makes me turn around. Aside from Aidan guarding the door with his back to us—guess it’s easier than trying to wheel himself around the other way—nothing seems off.

“Is everything all right...?”

“I think so?”

“Yes, as far as I can tell. At any rate, we might as well keep up conversation.”

“Okay! Does anybody wanna play a game?”

“I spyyyyyy...”

“There’s nothing to spy except doors and each other.”

“Yup!”

Well, he’s sure not disappointed, somehow.

Before he can try to stir up a rousing game of I Spy regardless, Tsunyasha goes over to Kaichi’s door and knocks loudly.

“Fool! Are you yet slumbering?”

So she... is cooperating?

For now. I’m sure she’ll give it up soon enough.

“Let the dude sleep if he wants.”

“Not an option at the moment, I’m afraid. Even if Mister Riseiin will have to go off notes, he is needed at the meetings.”

“Are we discussing x-rays today?”

“My ankle is fine.”

“I doubt that’s the issue.”

“Er, no, I only mean that everyone needs to be present. We’ve gone over this, haven’t we?”

“Uh...”

“I think so!”

Just before Tsunyasha tries to rip the whole doorknob off, Kaichi’s door opens.

“ ‘s there a fire ‘r something, brah?”

“No, you’ve a while yet before you face the pits of Hell.”

“Sweet.”

“Are all of the notes on your door intact, Mister Riseiin?”

Kaichi ducks back to check.

“Looks like?”

“Good. Are we all ready to go, then?”

“Ummm-hummm...”

She heaves a sigh. “At long last, yes.”

The procession heads to the cafeteria, then halves for the kitchen. Apparently Kaichi and I are the guest chefs today, with Yuki and Mahavir at their normal stations. Better than everyone trying to cook in here at once.

And certainly better than trusting Tsunyasha and Ichiriki to make my food for me.

Eventually we settle down for the meeting. Still have a lot of cooking to do after we get through the agenda, though.

“...”

“...”

“Are we... starting the meeting at some point?”

Aidan looks up from his toast.

“Of course! Excuse me.”

He clears his throat.

“All right! Is everyone ready to get down to business?”

“I do wonder, do you even intend to ask anyone besides yourself for announcements this time?”

“If you have anything that goes against our current emergency plan, then no, I would prefer you not announce it or otherwise go through with it!”

“But if there’s anything else of importance, by all means, feel free to announce it!”

“Hmph. What a farce.”

“Kay, if we’re, like, done bashing on each other for no reason?”

“IT’S SPORTS DAY, BABY!″

“A whole day, huh.”

“That’s correct! We’ll begin in the gym, with the possibility of moving on to some other rooms depending on how long the event lasts!”

“You don’t know?”

“We’ll pretty much have the event until one or more of us need to leave, so it’s hard to be sure, yes.”

“Considering certain parties, I’d like to hope we’ll at least be able to start on those terms.”

“By ‘certain parties,’ you mean Tsunyasha, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Yo, Tsuntsun? If you screw this up for us, like, I will beat the crap outta you. Just sayin’.”

“No threats!!!”

“Oh? Don’t you wish you could do such a thing, whelp.”

“Dude, I don’t care what kinda assassin you are, you’re totally not invincible.”

“Like, with all the fancy holy stuff prolly at least mostly? But not totally.”

“How impious.”

“It would be nice if you cooperated, though...”

“We don’t have that many opportunities... to have fun like this, you know?”

“Hmph. I need not bend to your whims.”

“Do you want some dorayaki...?”

“...An exchange could be suitable.”

What a trump card.

“Okay! Once we’ve prepared all our food for the day, we’ll return to our rooms for a few minutes before the sports begin.”

“So we doing, like, Jap’nese school sports festival stuff ‘r what?”

“That would be, like, super fancy?!”

“A bit ambitious for our current situation, I’m afraid.”

“We’ll just have some games that should be manageable for those interested in participating.”

“And plenty of room for those who prefer to watch.”

“Oh, oh!!! Are you gonna do the color commententating?”

“No. He is not.”

“...”

“Aw...”

“But yeah, we got, like, a list of stuff to try and go through?”

“Should I read ‘em off, or should it be a surprise? Hmm...”

“Considering the high likelihood we won’t get through all of them, it may be less disappointing to keep it a surprise.”

“Tru.”

“Is there any setup beforehand?”

“Not really. At least, not for the first event. There may be some setup after that, but we’ll have time to work on it then without keeping everyone waiting.”

I was more concerned about a group going off ahead of time, but I guess that answers the question.

“Any more questions?”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“All right! We’ll have a good deal of time left in the meeting to get the rest of our meals prepared, so if there are any other concerns or announcements, feel free to bring them up anytime!”

“Until then, that’s all I have to say.”

I turn back to my breakfast.

Sports Day, huh? I have to wonder what most of us can do in our condition. But I guess it’s not a bad idea. Get some team spirit going, or something.

Better than sitting around alone thinking about that little sliver of a possibility Monochap’s going to follow through on his threat if no one dies.

“...”

Well, it won’t do me much good to think about it surrounded by people, either. Let’s just keep moving.

[BACK] [NEXT]

[mymelodyheart]

Starting Over Chapter 31 ~The Unravelling~

A phone rang sometime in the early hours of the morning. Claire knew it wasn't hers, and she remembered Jamie had turned his off. Thinking he must have a second phone she didn't know of, she didn't stir, too bone-tired after they'd made love twice more during the night. She felt Jamie get up, heard his footsteps as he switched it off, then he returned to bed, his hand slipping around her waist to pull her in. His chest against her back was warm and soothing, as Jamie softly kissed the nape of her neck. She smiled and snuggled closer, sleep pulling her back under once more.

When she woke, his arm was hot and heavy around her, and a hand possessively cupped her breast. Sunlight streamed through the windows, and she squinted at the bedside clock, to see the time. It was eight-fifteen, and in their books, they'd slept late. She carefully slipped out from underneath Jamie's hold and walked into the bathroom. 

After a quick shower and pulling on Jamie's shirt, she made her way to the kitchen, retrieving the ingredients for pancakes and hiding the pizza boxes left by Rabbie. She remembered Geillis' love for deep-fried leftover pizzas and shook her head in disgust. Her friend had told her once it was the ultimate Scottish hangover and booze food. Ugh! No thank you, she muttered to herself, thinking of the high-fat content, not to mention the calories. 

She was about to scoop some flour when Jamie hollered her name from the bedroom.

"What?" she shouted.

"Come back to bed!"

"No! I'm making breakfast!" she yelled out, tipping the flour into the sieve. 

He bellowed something incoherent, but she ignored him, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. A few minutes later, his feet hit the floor, and she heard him trudge out of the bedroom. "Morning," he mumbled, his voice still laced with sleep. 

Holding a knife on the one hand, and an egg on the other, she turned around to face him. Her eyes did a full sweep of his body, and she grinned. He stood there naked, his right hand absentmindedly cupping his balls. Seeing Jamie with no clothes on and after the memorable encounter with Rabbie last night, Claire mused it must be a Fraser trait to walk bare around the house. Hair tousled and face all soft in the morning light, Jamie looked charmingly boyish, relaxed and free of the worries he'd harboured last night. "Morning sleepy head!"

"What are ye doing? I thought we were going to talk," he recalled, yawning loudly and clasping his hands behind his back to stretch. 

She winced when his joints began to pop and crack. God, I hate that sound! "Breakfast first and then we talk," she replied, her eyes purposely averting his impressive display of taut muscles and hard planes, and refocusing on the task at hand.

"Can't we do that in bed?" he asked, sounding hopeful.

As tempting as he and the suggestion were and so adorable looking he was right now, she steeled her resolve. "Nope," she answered, cracking an egg into the sifted flour.

He grunted in response as he brushed past her to grab a pair of cups and saucers from the cupboard and switch on the coffee machine.

She turned to look at him and pointed a wooden spoon in his direction. "Oh no, you don't, Fraser! You can't have breakfast if you don't put some clothes on."

Holding her gaze, a slow mischievous smile spread across his face as he wandered over to her spot and planted a kiss on the side of her neck. "Why is that?" he asked, his hands going under the shirt.

"It's bloody distracting," Claire mumbled, ignoring the hot breath on her skin and concentrating on pouring the milk and melted butter onto the flour.

"Mission accomplished then," he murmured, his hands sliding down and slipping under the waistband of her panties.

"Jamie, I'm serious!" she huffed, putting down the whisk and closing her eyes. She started this day vowing not to be sidetracked by their sexual chemistry since neither of them understood the definition of a quickie. Even though their lovemaking was their way of finding themselves back to each other and reconnecting, they still needed to talk to clear the air and get things off their chest. Well, at least that was the case with her. Addressing the elephant in the room was the way forward, and she needed to see this through. The few times they'd been together, Jamie had looked drawn, tired and maybe troubled and she'd put it down to her obvious disappointment whenever work got in-between them. They had enough distractions in their lives without putting her doubts into the melee, and she didn't know when they would have a chance to have a morning to themselves again, especially with the development of Jamie's rugby academy in full swing. It was imperative to keep Jamie at arm's length for now if she was to achieve her plan.

His chest rumbled against her back as he let out a chuckle and squeezed her hips. "Fine, I'll put some clothes on if that will make ye happy," he conceded, slapping her buttocks before backing away. "And meanwhile put that loaded sexy bum away. It's bloody distracting too."

Unbelievable!  She let out a sigh of relief and waited until his footfalls faded before continuing to make their breakfast. Setting the crêpe pan on medium heat, she allowed her thoughts to twist around themselves, and when the most pessimistic outcomes surfaced, she immediately dismissed them. She'd always reminded herself that she's a fiercely independent person, but when loving someone as much as she loved Jamie, a certain amount of doubt came with the territory. She'd never adequately dealt with her insecurities, and thoughts of her lacking kept prodding at old wounds, making them hurt.

After she'd stacked the pancakes and prepared the coconut yoghurt, granola and nectarine for toppings, she prepped the breakfast bar and quickly got dressed. She was just pouring some orange juice into their glasses when Jame came out of the bedroom freshly showered, shaven and dressed in a black long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans. 

"Mmmm, my kind of breakfast," he smiled, plonking down on the stool and helping himself to the pancakes. 

She'd made enough portions to feed the whole street knowing Jamie had a beyond healthy appetite. And even before she sat down to eat, he already downed two glasses of orange juice and drank two-thirds of his coffee.

Minutes later, Jamie pushed his plate and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He ended up eating everything whereas she settled for one pancake, a granola and coconut yoghurt. If she'd eaten as much as him, she knew for sure she wouldn't be able to move for a week. As it was, she barely made it through her portion of granola before she raised the white flag.

Jamie pointed to what's left on her plate. "Are ye done with that, Sassenach?"

She rolled her eyes and handed her plate to him, and then rolled them again when he finished it in one mouthful.

"Where the hell do you put all those calories?" she asked, incredulous. "Looking at you, I'd say you only have two per cent body fat."

He grinned. "I've got hollowed legs."

She crossed her arms and frowned. "I probably did too at one point, but now they're filled out, and I have a suspicious feeling they're still expanding."

"Dinnae do that, Sassenach. Ye're perfect."

She saluted him with her cup of coffee. "I'm not really fussed with my body. It's just that you're a walking, breathing wonder, that's all. Seriously, you have a metabolism of a hyperactive horse."

He laughed out loud. "Speaking of horses," he said, "One day I'll take ye horse riding and trekking through parts of the Highlands, and then we can stay a few nights in some remote bed and breakfast cottage. There are incredible views and locations near Tomich I ken ye'll love."

As he piled their plates and got up, she went to refill their coffee. "But that's not going to happen anytime soon, is it?" She placed a fresh cup of coffee in front of him as he loaded the dishwasher.

"I could disagree with ye, but it would be a lie. I ken we haven't been spending as much time together as I'd liked to. But that's all going to change very soon." He cleared his throat. "I just need a few weeks, Sassenach and then I can fully concentrate on the academy and on us. No more traipsing across the country." He paused for a bit and stared into space. "It's good Willie is in construction, and he's the one designing and refurbishing the complex, so it's been a great help he's overlooking things for me while I'm away."

She cleared the breakfast bar and wiped the top. "I didn't mean to sound like I'm complaining, Jamie. But I have to admit it's been hard not seeing you for long periods." Then she leaned back against the counter and watched him work, sipping her coffee. "I understand that us ...our relationship is new territory for you and I'm still grappling with the idea that you're idolised by a lot of women. Throw in long separation that sometimes lasts a week at a time, we have a recipe for disaster." She took a deep breath and put down her cup. "What I'm trying to say is, we need to find some semblance of balance. The last few times I've seen you, you look withdrawn, beat as if you're chasing something unattainable and I worry what it's doing to us."

He placed a detergent tablet in the dishwasher dispenser and loaded the cutleries into the cutlery rack, and when he's done, he shook his head. "I ken all that, and it's no' what I hoped for us either. I've been so focused trying to tie loose ends so that I could concentrate on the academy and us, but something pulls me the other way, and I get lost for a moment, and I forget everything. It's like I'm needed everywhere, and I'm running around in circles doing my bit to finish off something but never quite accomplishing anything."

Her heart sank. "Jamie, I'm sorry for pressuring you to take this morning off when you could be ..."

"No, Sassenach. No." He walked over to her and braced her face in his hands. "We both need this. And you're more important than any of the things happening right now, but there are things I need to do ...obligations if ye will. But I need you to trust me."

A thought started to niggle at her. "Jamie ...is it the funds for the complex that's bothering you? Have you taken on something more than you can handle?"

Jamie's face fell. "Christ, Sassenach ...no, not at all. It's just that I need time to sort things out ...endorsements that I have already signed a contract for and then that's it. Three weeks tops. And then we can put the celebrity world behind us." When he looked away for a brief second, she could tell he was holding something from her back.

She searched his face, wondering if she was missing something. "You know you can trust me too, don't you?" she asked gently, not wanting to push too hard.

He took both of her hands in his. "I trust ye with all of me. Ye're my world, and I ken it's hard, but I'm doing everything I can so we can be together. I've taken ye for granted, thinking everything will be fine while I focused on things that I thought are important. And then somehow yesterday I had some sort of epiphany that ye're slipping away." He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. "That scared the shit out of me. I was arrogant, thinking I could have it all and that ye'll always be there. But I realised all I've worked for would mean nothing if ye're not by my side. Sometimes I feel like leaving everything behind and giving up on my dreams of the academy and taking ye somewhere where we can start all over again ..."

Claire shook her head. "No Jamie ...if you give up on your dreams, you'll only end up losing a part of yourself that makes you who you are. And I don't want you to do that. But I don't want you to lose yourself banging your head on a door that won't open. What I mean is you can't do everything and still come out whole. It's like you are spending so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, how much you have always loved to swim. You're starting an academy, and I understand all these self-promotions on the media is giving your project the much-needed exposure. But sometimes I can't help but wonder if ..." She glanced away for a few seconds before looking him straight in the eyes. "...if the celebrity status and the mass adulation is important to you too. I know you've already said you want to leave that part of your life for good but ..."

"No, God, no ...Sassenach. All that pap walk and media presence don't mean a thing. Sure, I'm grateful to all my fans. Without them, I'm just yer regular rugby bloke. But there are things I need to fix, and I've already agreed to do a few commercial shots and photocalls for men's magazine. All I'm asking for is three weeks, Sassenach. I promise after that we'll have more time for each other."

She tried to pull her hands away from his hold, but he did not let go. Instead, she unseeingly stared past his shoulder, forcing herself to look anywhere but at him. "It's difficult for me to say this, but I can't shake the fear that you'll break this promise. You've broken a total of five these last few weeks." She bowed her head feeling like an utter fool for sounding whiny, but she pressed on, this time looking at him squarely in the eyes. "I understand it's all very hectic at the moment, and the last thing you need is a girlfriend putting more pressure on you on top of all the work you're doing, but I need to understand what's going on. It's not your absence that was bothering me ...well, maybe a little. What's bothering me is, I feel like I can't see the whole picture and I feel left out. Perhaps it has to do with us not communicating, and I was left to wonder when I'll see you again." 

Jamie glanced down at their intertwined hands, his expression conflicted. His jaw was tensed, and when he looked like he's about to say something, he stopped himself.

She let out a humourless laugh. "God, I must sound pathetic."

He took a few cleansing deep breaths and looked at her. "No, ye're not! I've been so wrapped up with this project, having ye in my life, and the other obligations that come with it …I didn't even stop to think to ask ye what ye felt about the whole thing. Fuck I didn't think at all, period. I'm such a prick."

She was about to disagree when he stopped her, placing a finger against her lips. "Sassenach, whatever is happening right now ...this is on me. Not ye. I dinnae want ye to feel like ye're a burden. If anything, you are my rock, and you're the one that's keeping me together when there are days I feel like I'd disintegrate into pieces. My life has been one big mess ..." He shook his head like he's angry at himself and then her phone rang.

Ah, damn ...bad timing!  She hesitated for a bit and then stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. "I'm so sorry, but I have to take that. It's probably my uncle." When he nodded, she ran to the hallway to get her phone.

It was an unknown number; nevertheless, she answered it. "Hello?"

"Claire, dear? It's me, Ellen, Jamie's mother. I'm so sorry to bother ye, but I've been trying to call Jamie all morning, but I keep getting the unavailable voice message. Willie has given me yer phone number. I think Jamie turned off his phone. I ken he's a very busy lad but do ye ken by any chance where I could reach him? It sort of important."

"Oh!" Suddenly she felt guilty for being the reason Jamie had turned off his phone.  Oh, dear, God!  "Hang on a minute, Ellen. He's right here." She quickly rushed back to the kitchen and handed her phone to Jamie, mouthing it was his mother to him.

Jamie took the phone and walked over to the window. She watched from the corner of her eye the way he ran a hand through his hair, his back muscles bunching as if he was bracing for something. 

He glanced over to her. "It's alright ma, I will sort it out."

Claire looked away and focused on putting things back in the cupboard and rewiping the countertops. 

"Aye, dinnnae fash, I have everything under control," he said quietly as he arched his head back and stared at the ceiling. He kept his voice low, but she could hear the strain in his tone. "I love ye too, ma. Aye, I will do."

He hung up and allowed his head to drop before walking towards her.

She took a breath and summoned a smile. "Is everything alright?" she asked as Jamie handed back the phone to her.

"Aye," he sighed, taking her in his arms and planting a kiss on her forehead. When he drew away, his shoulders loosened up a bit but kept his hands on her hips. "My ma needs me to run a few errands for her. But I would like to continue this ...our talk. There are things I should have told ye, but I don't have time to get into it now. Want to sleep here tonight? Or if ye wish, I can come over at yer place."

"I have a late shift, remember?" she reminded him.

"Oh, aye that's right." He pressed a finger and thumb to his eye sockets. "How about I make ye breakfast tomorrow when ye're done with work? And then we'll talk some more."

She nodded and forced a smile. Something was troubling Jamie, and she wished they had more time. Tomorrow would have to do. "I'll come here tomorrow morning, right after my shift. It's nearer from the hospital, and your bed is snugglier than mine," she joshed, trying to lighten the mood.

He glanced at his watch and cursed under his breath. "Ah fuck, I have to go." He took her face in both hands and kissed her like he didn't want to let her go. And when he finally released her, he ran his thumb over her lower lip. "See you tomorrow morning?"

She sighed. "I'll be here."

"Good." He smiled before grabbing his keys and wallet and heading out. 

As soon as the door closed, her phone rang.  Geillis! A breath of fresh sarcasm!

Making her way to the bedroom, she shook off the tension on her shoulders and answered the call. "Hey, you!"

"Hiya chick!" Geillis greeted breathlessly. "First things first ...I ken ye dinnnae like fuss on yer birthday, but Lamby wants to break yer wee family tradition and proposed a surprise party. I ken that would do yer head in if ye were caught off guard; hence I'm giving ye a heads-up."

Claire stopped in her tracks and groaned. It was true she never celebrated her birthday ever since she found out, at the age of ten, her parents died on her fifth birthday. It never felt right to celebrate on her parents' death anniversary. "Good God, what is uncle Lamb thinking? He never liked parties or any form of celebration. What the hell, he doesn't even buy me a birthday or a Christmas card. Has he gone mad?"

"I ken. Lamby took me by surprise, too, when he called me up, trying to hook me into making yer surprise party. Maybe his wee jaunt at the hospital scared the hell out of him, and he thinks life is short and la-di-dah."

"Still, very odd and so unlike him to do that. Perhaps you're right. The trip to the hospital must have really frightened him."

"And ye ken what's odder still?"

"Spill."

"I just saw his neighbour, Mrs Crook at Tesco. Ye ken how she rabbits on about other people's business in Lamby's building ..."

"Yeah, she does like to gossip. I don't really take much notice of her. She's kind though to my uncle, always dropping off food at his apartment."

"Weel, she told me yer Jamie has visited Lamby a couple of times these past few weeks."

"Wot?" Claire's mind started to race in circles, going over through her memory bank, looking for an explanation as to why Jamie had spent time with her uncle despite his hectic schedule. Not that she had anything against it. In fact, she liked the idea of them bonding together. But how many times had Jamie said he missed her, but couldn't come over to spend a little time with her, citing the amount of work he was buried in?

"Apparently while ye've been hankering for some Jamie-love, yer boyfriend was busy having coffee and brandy with yer uncle."

"Coffee and brandy?"

"That's what Mrs Crook said. She walked in one day to drop off a Sheperd's pie and there they were in the kitchen having coffee and brandy. She thought it was sweet of yer boyfriend to come visiting when Frank had never stepped into Lamby's apartment when ye were together. And Mrs Crook told me it happened at least twice. What do ye suppose does that all mean?"

Claire could only shake her head, flabbergasted and at a loss for words.

"Chick, ye still there?"

"Yes, yes, I'm still here," she breathed. "I don't know what to think. Jamie never told me."

"I didnae think so." Geillis was silent for a long while before she spoke again. "I dinnae think it's a bad thing yer Jamie visiting yer uncle. Maybe they're colluding with one another about yer birthday."

"Oh for the love of God!"

"Dinnae fash, hen. I'm sure Jamie has something up his sleeves, and it's supposed to be a surprise. And I ken how much ye hate birthday parties. So when he does surprise ye, please look shocked!"

Claire laughed. "At the rate with all the things happening right now, I think I'll manage to look surprised on the day. Thanks for telling me."

"Weel, as I said dinnae fash. I'm quite sure it's all very innocent even if it seems like they're up to nae good. Anyway, I have to run. I'll see ye when I see ye.

After they signed off, she threw herself into chores around Jamie's apartment to keep her mind from over-thinking. She stripped off the bedsheets and loaded them into the washing machine, and while she was at it, she did the same for the guest bedroom. Even though she had a night shift coming up, she knew it was useless to attempt to take a nap. Her brain would simply go into over-drive thinking about her conversation with Jamie and Geillis. If she were going to have any chance of keeping herself sane, she would have to make sure she and Jamie continued their talk tomorrow morning.

Looking for fresh linens for the beds, she went through Jamie's wardrobe until she found what she was looking for. Everything was neat and tidy, and she wondered if Jamie did the laundry himself or if he hired someone to do it. She grabbed a pile of bedsheets, and as she drew it out, she managed to extract a heavy leather document envelope. Before she could catch it, it fell on the floor, spilling the contents everywhere.

Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!

She hunkered down to gather all the papers that had fallen out, carefully peeling them off the floor so as not to crease them. Before putting them back into the leather encasing, she checked first if they were supposed to be in a particular order. Seeing they were only random photocopies of documents and bank statements, she began to neatly stack them before putting them back where they belonged. As she gathered the last of the papers, she noticed one had Forbes' name scrawled with Jamie's handwriting. Intrigued, she took a closer look. It was a bank statement of money transferred to Forbes' bank account from Jamie, and it was a considerable amount. She checked the date and was surprised the payment was made three days ago.  What the hell?  Piqued, she examined the other papers, and there were two other payments conducted in the last few weeks.

When she was done looking over the statements, she just sat there on the floor, dazed and confused, trying to force her brains to make sense of what she had discovered.

She went several times more through the documents that had Forbes' name, and still, she couldn't come up with an explanation as to why Jamie was paying him money. The evil bastard was in jail, and if anything, it should be Forbes compensating Jamie.

She got up to grab her phone from the bedside table, hesitated for a few heartbeats, slapped her forehead a couple of times before she tapped the screen and called up the hospital. When she got through, she informed the person on the other line that she wasn't feeling well enough to come to work. It wasn't really a lie because all of a sudden she was feeling queasy and out of sorts.

..........

Claire padded over to the window and looked down at the street below. At the end of the road, partially hidden in the shadows of a huge oak tree was Jamie's car. He must have just parked as his headlights were still on.

She walked back to the living area and sat down on the recliner, her gaze dropping onto the bank statements on the coffee table. It had been a warm day for Autumn, but now that it was early evening, it was much colder. She hadn't bothered turning on the heating, too deep in her thoughts to notice the cold.

Moments later, she heard the door unlock, open and close. She stilled her heart, waiting for Jamie to come into the room. When he finally walked in and saw her, his posture immediately tensed, but worry immediately replaced the surprise on his expression. 

"Sassenach, ye're not working!" When his eyes landed on the papers on the coffee table, he stared at it for a few seconds. Then he walked over to where she was sitting and tried to reach for her, but she remained immobile.

"Please sit Jamie. We're going to talk." 

With a large intake of breath, he nodded in understanding and took a seat opposite her, his hands rubbing his face, looking exhausted and worn.

"I wasn't snooping into your things," she explained as if it mattered how she found the bank statements. "It fell out of your wardrobe as I was getting some fresh bedsheets."

"I was going to tell ye about it, I swear," he said, dropping his head. "We've had so little time and so many things going on."

He looked so beaten, she wanted to throw her arms around his neck and forget about those damn bank papers. Instead, she stayed put, the need to resolve the situation paramount. "What's happening, Jamie? Why are you paying Forbes such a substantial amount of money?"

He puffed out his cheeks and shook his head. "I've imagined having this conversation with ye a million times in my head, and whichever way I chose to word it, there didn't seem to be an easy way of telling ye. But I didn't anticipate I'd feel like throwing up." He ran a hand at the back of his neck and took deep breaths. "Everything I've ever told ye, about my past and what I feel for ye are all true. It was never my intention to lie, but I did. A lie is a lie even if it's by omission." He opened his hands as if by looking at it, he'd find the words he was looking for. "Those bank statements ye found, it is what it looks like. I am paying back every penny I owe Forbes."

She swallowed hard, keeping her emotions in check. "I've gathered that much."

"Christ, where do I start?"

"How about from the beginning?"

He stared at her, his eyes clouding as if he was going back in time to relive the past. And then he sighed. "When Forbes first approached me," he began, "I was a young lad, very naive in so many ways. I got caught up with fans' adulation and all the sensationalism after being awarded rookie of the year. My uncle Dougal, who's a former player himself, told me to grab my newfound fame by the balls and enjoy it. I felt like a fucking superstar, and I believed every hype that was written about me. Forbes took advantage of my youth and lack of experience and approached me and told me he could make me even bigger and better. He invited me to his office for a meeting, and with his promise in my head, I accepted."

She nodded as the memories of seeing him play rugby for the first time as a professional flooded her mind. Like all the supporters that had watched the game that day, she had been impressed with his performance. And when she'd seen his close-up photo in the social media, she'd fallen in love with the idea of him.

"So I went to his office where he had all sorts of cameras setup. He'd explained it was for my portfolio. They took a few headshots and plenty of body shots, making me pose in all sort of ways. And then he told me to take my shirt off." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I was confused as to why that was necessary, but nevertheless, I complied. When I couldnae execute the poses instructed by the cameraman, Forbes would come to me and show me how to angle my body, his hand often touching me in places where he shouldnae. And then he told me to undo my jeans' button. When I hesitated for a bit, he reassured me the pants werenae coming off, and that they just needed a shot with my boxer shorts on display to highlight my abs. I did what I was told as I've seen such poses for Calvin Klein campaigns. But when the cameraman requested to lower the zipper, Forbes was immediately there doing it for me. And that was when he fondled me down there."

Her heart faltered. "Oh, Jamie, he didn't..."

He shook his head and continued. "After that, nothing more happened. Even though I wanted to punch Forbes on the face and hated the way he touched me, I blocked the thoughts and presumed it was some sort of test. I went home and thought nothing more it, and five days later I had a call from an Irn Bru rep asking me to do a TV advert for them. I was so excited I immediately agreed, signed the contract with Forbes as my agent and before I knew it, I had a lump sum of a hundred grand, sitting in my bank account. It was easy money, and the shoot didn't last for more than a day."

Without warning, Jamie got up, walked to drinks' cabinet and poured them a whisky. Her eyes followed his every move and nuance in his expression. She could tell, he was trying to keep it together. When he handed her the drink, he returned to his seat.

"Over the next few months, more endorsements came. As Forbes had promised, I became even more well-known and a household name representing all sorts of consumer brands. Money started pouring in, which became quite handy as our family's distillery was still suffering from the brunt of the recession. The family business was heavily indebted then, so I poured my cash into it to save it from bankruptcy, but it wasn't enough. When Forbes found out about our family problem, he offered to help. I refused his offer at first because I still remembered the way he'd inappropriately touched me, and something told me, he would want something in return. As if he knew what I was thinking, he told me straight that his offer for help came with no hidden agenda." Jamie shrugged. "Forbes was a smooth talker ye ken, and I didnae have much experience with people like him. So I agreed to accept his help, and our distillery was saved in the nick of time."

Claire remembered reading about the Frasers' distillery's financial troubles, and the bidding war between Laphroaig and Lagavulin distillery to take over. But she never had a chance to find out what happened next as the story was buried not long after.

"I realised there, and then, I didnae want to be indebted to Forbes because I've always felt there was something dodgy about him even though he'd taken a shine to me. He didnae make any more moves after that fondling incident, but there were hints he wanted to get into my pants. He was careful though and wasn't overtly obvious about it, perhaps he was worried about sexual harassment lawsuits. So I started taking on more PR stunts for brands that returned bigger money so I could clear the loan quicker. It paid off, and little by little, I worked to pay Forbes back. With my parents' help, I made some wise investments on the side, and they kept me grounded for the most part, unfazed by the attention I was getting. I guess Forbes hadnae seen that coming. He thought I'd be out partying after my newfound fame and throwing my money left and right. But I didnae do that. I concentrated on being the best as I could in rugby, and after I became the youngest player to captain a team for Scotland, I received a pay rise. And that helped a lot in going towards what I owed."

Claire smiled at the thought of a younger Jamie, pouring everything into perfecting his craft. She'd always known of his dedication to the sports he loved so much, and over time he became well known for his work ethics, the one thing that stood out whenever she read articles of people talking fondly about him. 

Jamie downed his whisky before he continued, unintentionally slamming the glass on the coffee table. "I had a feeling Forbes was pissed off with me for not being more dependent on him and that I had my life all figured out. He apparently thought if I was reliant on his help, I'd be more receptive to his subtle seductions. Then one day, Forbes held a party in his mansion and invited all his talents and clients. I wasnae interested in going, but I went anyway ...maybe partly because I was grateful for the things he'd done for me despite his indiscretions. It ended up being a great party, and I met a lot of interesting people. I began to relax, and before I knew it, I was drunk as a skunk." He got up to get the bottle of whisky and refilled himself and her glass a healthy measure. When he sat back down, he leaned back on the sofa and squeezed his eyes shut. He stayed like that for a long while.

"Jamie, are you alright?" she asked quietly, watching his throat work.

"Sorry. Just tired." He straightened up and braced his elbows on his knees, his hands clutching the whisky tumbler. This time he stared into his drink as if he could see the memories unfolding there, the muscles on his shoulders and biceps more pronounced, unveiling a pent up tension waiting to unsnap. "I woke up the following morning, and I was in one of his guest bedrooms. I didnae have my clothes on, and I had nae idea how I became that way. Forbes walked in as I woke up, and had a bloody smug smile on him. My first thought immediately I'd been buggered."

Claire stifled a gasp, and her heart floundered. She was about to go to him, but he shook his head, his eyes telling her he needed to see this through on his own.

"I've heard a lot of stories about buggery in the men's locker room and one of the things I learned about it, yer arse would be sore, and ye wouldnae be able to sit on it for days if that happened. That wasnae the case in my state, but still, I wasnae too sure, and I was too angry and troubled to feel anything. Anway, Forbes sat by my bedside and showed me a printed photo, and in it, I was naked and lying on my stomach, and I had an arm across a naked man's body, but the identity of the man was not visible, but mine was. I had a strong feeling it had been staged. And if there's anything I've learned about Forbes beside his obsession for me, he was obsessed with money. I asked him what that was all about. He said it was just a little something to keep his investments in line, referring to me. I knew then if that photo ever got out to the media, I was done. And my sponsors and the brands I represented would drop me like a hot coal, disabling me to earn money to pay back Forbes, meaning I'd be more susceptible to his advances. I dinnae care about my reputation, but I was more worried about dragging my family's name through the mud. They would think I've hoored myself to save the distillery. That would have devasted my ma and da."

"Oh, God, Jamie ..."

"I was frightened, but I tried my best to keep my wits about me. So I did the first thing that came to my mind. I offered to buy the photo, and after a while, we agreed on a price. So I paid."

Claire descended into silence, feeling like they were a high-wired duo who'd just come plummeting down to earth. But she still had questions.

"Did you try to get help? Have you told anyone?"

Jamie shook his head. "After I left Forbes' house, I went to see Ned. I told him about my concern that I might have been taken advantage of without telling him where I'd been and about the bribe. I trusted Ned, but he's been a family friend for so long, and he's like a father to me, so I didnae mentioned Forbes' name knowing what he might do. I was already ashamed and embarrassed, having to tell him the predicament I was in and I didnae want him thinking I've sold my soul to Forbes. Ned knew the hospital was a no-go as there were that possibility stories would leak out. So he accompanied me to a discreet private clinic he knew of. I didnae care about the money, but the thought of Forbes doing things to me made my stomach turn inside out. As it turned out, I was untouched except for traces of semen on my back. Forbes probably wanked himself, while watching me knocked out cold. I guess he was smart enough not to touch me because of my family's connection to the best legal team in Scotland. And I dinnae think he would have jeopardised his name and his business for that as he'd often said enough I was too much of a loose cannon. Even though nothing really happened, I still felt violated, so later on that day, in the middle of the winter, I purged myself by jumping into a freezing loch."

Claire winced, thinking he could have suffered hypothermia with no one around to help him and died. "But why did you stay with him after all these years?"

"I was so young and naive back then. I stayed because I thought Forbes was my only means of a way out. I kept him sweet with all the commissions he was getting from me. He had connections to big brand names that would guarantee me lucrative bookings. All that time, my family and the distillery was at the forefront of my mind, and I still had a long way to go before I've paid off every penny I owed."

"He's in jail now, Jamie. You don't need to keep paying him," she reminded him. "Besides, you had those properties in London that could have easily wiped out the loan. Why didn't you use them?"

He let out a humourless laugh. "He doesnae ken about my investments. Only ye, my family and a handful of trusted friends know. If I'd paid him in all in one go, he would have gone snooping into my affairs, and that wasn't any of his business. It'll be a cold day in hell before he found out anything about my financial situation. I've already paid him for getting rid of the photo, but there is still a small amount I need to pay for the distillery's loan. The loan he gave to our family was no secret. A few days ago, I cleared the distillery's debt, that's why mother called earlier wondering if there was some mistake. So the only obligation left is my debt to Forbes. I will not have the rugby academy tainted with his money, that's why I'm returning the money he loaned me, and that's why I'd been taking on other works."

Staring out into space, he took a breather before he continued. "After I was forced to early retirement, I was devastated, not only because I wouldn't be able to play rugby anymore, but Forbes has been piling on bookings I wasnae interested in. It's not because of the money, but they were just any shite endorsements to keep the cash flowing. Thinking I'm nothing more than a cash cow for him, I fell into heavy depression and started drinking. Christ, there were days I wanted to end it all because I couldn't see any way out ..."

"Jamie ..."

"...and then ye came along. You were this light shining in every corner of my darkness." He gazed at her, his beautiful blue eyes filled with such sadness and sincerity, she had to swallow the lump forming in her throat. "And when ye offered yersel' to be my pretend girlfriend to change my image and get the network job, it was like the universe was giving me a second chance to redeem myself. I wanted to keep ye a secret from Forbes for as long as I could, but I knew it was only a matter of time. I could tell he saw ye as a threat when he began to see I was coming out of the hole I've dug myself into. "

Claire crossed over to his seat and knelt in front of him. She took his hands in hers and kissed his fingers. "Forbes got away with so many things, and God knows what those things were." She shuddered at the thought. "I still think Ned could have helped you if you've told him everything that happened."

"Aye. I thought that too. So I told Ned everything that happened all those years ago after Forbes was sent to jail," he admitted, brushing his lips across her cheek. "I ken Forbes could be vindictive, and I was afraid he might do something, knowing he's got loyal cronies working for him." He lifted her in one swift move and settled her on his lap, urging her to lay her head on his shoulder. "That's why I was so mad at ye for going after him. And so mad at myself for not telling ye everything that went on with Forbes. I did try many times, I swear to God, but I was too embarrassed because it would look like I didn't have the spine and courage to leave Forbes' clutches."

She slipped her arms around his neck, drawing him gently in. There's a twinge inside of her pushing against her rib cage - it was a mixture of sadness for the boy he once was and pride for the man he turned out to be. But there's also that spark of hope and promise that's been stifled by problems, trials and doubts, slowly stirring back to life as the picture began to form and make sense. "Jamie ...all these years you've carried all that burden on your own. You saved your family's business and still managed to come out on top of your game. Even after all of Forbes' attempt to break you, you remained steadfast and true to yourself. There is no shame in that, Jamie. I think you've done good and you are truly amazing. It's just a shame your parents will never know what you had to go through, but I'm quite sure they are very proud of you."

He turned her around on his lap, so she was straddling him. "I'm so sorry for not telling ye everything sooner," he whispered, his hands stroking her back and thighs. "With so many things happening, it was hard to think straight at times."

Putting her hands on his shoulders, she leaned down and kissed him, a small, gentle kiss. "And I'm so sorry for doubting you. I may not have voiced it loud, but it must have been quite apparent."

"I instilled those doubts, Sassenach. It was my fault. I promise I won't keep anything from ye ever again. I ken I'm piss-poor at being a boyfriend sometimes, but I'll work hard at being better at it. Just promise me ye willnae leave me," he said earnestly, his hands travelling up beneath her shirt.

She stared at him like she was seeing him for the first time and falling for him all over again. How could she not love a man who would work hard at being better at everything? 

"What? Why are ye looking at me like that for?" he asked, his hands moving everywhere, making it hard for her to concentrate on their conversation.

She laughed out loud. "Like what?"

He stilled his movements and just stared. "Like I just climbed Mount Everest when ye should be angry at me." 

She was having a little trouble holding his gaze. "Maybe because you do look like you just climbed Mount Everest and there's no reason for me to be angry at you. You've been through a lot, and I'm glad you told me everything. Because if I don't know what's going on, how am I supposed to help you?"

He moved her closer, his lips coasting along the hollow of her neck. "So ye'll keep me then? Geillis told me ye told her I'm quite a catch."

"Is that so? The little traitor!"

"Never mind the wee traitor. Ye havenae answered my question."

"What question?" With his lips creating havoc in her addled brain, she honestly forgot what he'd asked her

"I asked if ye'll keep me."

"Yes ...yes ...I guess you'll do!" she said in mock exasperation.

"Good, I can live with that," he murmured. "Now, enough talk and let's make up."

Before she could say anything, he kissed her hard and deep, like his life depended on it, standing up with his arms wrapped around her, he carried her to the bedroom in long, determined strides and kicked the door shut.

[jjsjuiceboxx]

LOVE TRIANGLE

POPExREADERxTOPPER

REQUESTED FOR: @letsgofullkook

SUMMARY: a love triangle between readerxtopper and readerxpope

⚠️WARNINGS⚠️: underage drinking, smoking, cuss words, angst.

︎A/N- revamping my stuff so I’m just editing for decoration and stuff to make it pop more and draw attention ( no changes to the actual fic ), happy reading :).

☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎

You were currently on hms pogue with John B, Kie, pope, and JJ you were zoning out looking how the suns reflection could be seen from the water of the marsh, you were pulled out of your thoughts when Kie started to talk about the kegger tonight at the boneyard.

“ok so who is going to bring what?“ Kie asked looking to everyone expectantly.

Across the boat you can see JJ smirk “you all already know I’ve got the weed.”

“I’ll have the kegs filled up and take them both to the boneyard.” John B stated

You were about to speak but was cut off suddenly when you felt a cold chill approaching, “hey are you ok y/n?” Pope asked you slightly concerned.

“Yeah dont worry Pope I just got a cold chill suddenly it’s gone now tho.” You smiles sweetly at him for even noticing and then instantly be concerned Pope eyed you suspiciously he could still see chill pumps on your arms so he walked to his bag and pulled out his hoodie, his favorite one that he won’t even let John b or JJ wear.

Instead of Pope handing it to you he put it over your shoulders letting you slip your arms into them then he zipped it up for you, you blushed at the action heart pounding pope smiled at you.

“Really she can wear your hoodie without asking but when we ask nicely you don’t let us? Man I even say please I never say please!” JJ explained shocked

“She isn’t a cluts like John b and doesn’t spill beer everywhere and I cannot have you making my hoodie reek of weed, besides it’s Y/N we are talking about she doesn’t need to ask” Pope state’s non challenger

“Wow pope you’re a changed man.” Kie said laughing at the end and sending a wink your way

You were close with all the pogues but you and kie were the closest gossiping with one another about kooks and the boys while you did face masks and painted each other’s nails she knew you had a crush on pope which is odd considering he isn’t your type but he is so smart and it’s almost mysterious and he isn’t afraid to tell random people he wants to be a coroner and then proceed to tell them facts about what happens after you die and you couldn’t help but catch feelings.

“Wow pope you’re a changed man.” Kie said laughing at the end and sending a wink your way.

☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎ ☮︎

You and the rest of the pogues were now at the boneyard setting up for the kegger kie brought chips and a speaker to blast music, John b had the kegs and was setting them up, JJ sat down on a big fallen tree with his small contribution his weed, pope had a cooler with ice and more drinks inside while you carried a beach chair and solo cups kie also had you pick up straws for some of the beer in the cooler and it HAD to be recyclable.

“Y/N you know even at parties we have to save the turtles and other animals and our only earth.” She said seriously when you went to object she gave you a stern look.

“Yeah yeah....right the straws” you said kinda scared

“recyclable straws recyclable is important” she hollered after you now you were putting the straws on the table and putting solo cups out to be easily grabbed when you saw a few kooks show up a little earlier probably to set up their own beers and what not

But you couldn’t help but think Topper would be here yes he was dating Sarah but he always flirted with you before and during the relationship you at first hated it but one day when he stopped you realized you miss it so you decided the next time you saw him you would flirt first and so you did he then offered to get you a coffee and eat and you really got to know topper not kook topper, he hated pogues and was rude to them but he has never said anything bad about you atleast not to your face he always bullied the others.

As more people showed up you started to get anxious about toppers arrival you knew he was coming he always does the question was when ? And do you go up and talk to him ? When it’s just him and you you guys always talk about real stuff and you see that topper is just like the rest of us just slightly more perfect and put together.

You decided to start getting drunk to calm your nerves once you had two cups you were tipsy still sober enough to remember things and control yourself but a lot more relaxed and care free you saw pope walk away from taking to a girl and decided to dance with him.

“Pope come dance with me I love this song” you said cheerfully while spinning around

“Fine but If you get sick from spinning I’ll be mad” he laughed grabbing your hand

You and pope danced for 30 mins or something laughing and joking around and then suddenly you caught a glimpse of a tall tan boy with frosted tips along with Sarah and Kelce right by his side a slow song was playing and pope had you facing the entrance to the boneyard suddenly you and topper made eye contact he Gave you a slight nod in which you returned with a smile but it suddenly shifted when he looked away shaking his head so pulled back from pope and started taking his hoodie off

“I’m getting hot from all the Dancing I’m gunna grab a drink and cool off” you told him Pope pulled you into a tight hug that lasted about a minute.

“Thank you for dancing with me I’ve always wanted to slow dance with a pretty girl.” Pope stated shyly scratching the back of his head.

“Aww I’ll slow dance with you anytime handsome” you said blushing getting on your tip toes and kissing his cheek letting it linger for a bit you back off seeing him blush under the moonlight you handed him his hoodie and walked to get a drink.

While waiting in the line for a drink you looked up to see Sarah climbing a red buoy and Kelce and topper trying to get her down safely you looked away not wanting to catch their eyes. You hadn’t noticed but topper gave up as Sarah was being rather difficult while kelce climber up with her to pry her hands off the top of the buoy.

You felt a light tap on your shoulder prying your eyes away from John b trying to impress tourons by juggling some beers, your eyes met a pair of eyes you were all familiar with, topper.

“Hey there ken of the outerbanks, hows it hanging in the Barbie dream house?” You questioned amused

Topper laughed at your nickname you gave him “it isn’t the Barbie dream house when she isn’t my Barbie you’re” topper declared

You and topper during many of your hang outs tho you like to calls them private dates where you just talk and laugh he was wearing a bright salmon polo and khaki shorts with a belt and some sperrberrys to match and let out a little chuckle and said he looked like your old ken doll you have “accidently” taken from school, oops.

Topper laughed “ok ok fine I’ll take it but you have to be my Barbie” he said laughing

“Ok I’ll be the Barbie to you ken”

And hence the day the nicknames had been born. By this time it was your turn to get your drink topper took your cup and filled it up and gave it back to you while he did his.

“Wow who knew topper Thornton could be such a gentlemen” you mocked

“Oh haha you’re so funny aren’t you Barbie” topper said sarcastically

You were about to come up with a remark when he suddenly turned to you stopping you in your tracks looking at you seriously.

“Hey can we like uh talk somewhere?” He questioner awkwardly.

“Yeah of course top Ik a good place” you motioned him to follow you in a set of bushes near the woods looking around once you got there for any horny drunk teens only to find none.

“Is everything ok topper? You’re never really serious unless something is wrong” you said worrying you know a conversation with topper was serious when you said his name and not a nickname.

“I know you’re friends with pope and I’m with Sarah but I can’t talk to Sarah or rafe and Kelce the way I can with you I feel like the real me I had forgotten about and you help me find it again, I don’t know I guess I got slightly jealous seeing you dance with Pope and laughing while wearing his hoodie” topper said quickly

You put your hands on either side of his cheek making him look you in the eyes you stared at him in an adoring way “topper I feel the same but I’m a pogue you’re a kook even though we understand one another not everyone can see it that way, I mean rafe could unfriend you Sarah wouldn’t be around and I don’t want you to lose that because of me” you said softly

“I know I know it just sucks because I do really like you I want To be with you, don’t get me wrong I like Sarah too but I feel pressured because of my parents saying and putting words into my head makes me wonder if I really like her or if I just think I do, but one thing for sure I know I like you” topper stated stepping closer

By this time Sarah was looking for topper him being gone far to long for “getting a drink” when she neared the keg topper was no where insight “hey kie I know you hate me but have you seen topper? He was getting drinks and now he is gone” Sarah explained looking around

“ I saw him walk down the beach following someone too dark to tell who, I know what you’re thinking that I’m saying that to upset you like or whatever but I’m not” kie defended rolling her eyes.

“No I can tell when your lying I believe you thank you” Sarah said walking off in the direction joe pointed too.

“Topper I like you too but I don’t know how this could work and I don’t want to hurt you saying this but I also like pope but we don’t flirt nearly as much as we do he doesn’t know I like him��� you said looking down not wanting to hurt him

“ hey hey it’s ok friends who spend all the time together are bound to catch feelings whether it’s one sided or not I’m not upset thank you for being honest” he said smiling softly tucking some hair behind your ear you smiled leaning into his soft touch.

Pope was a little further down the beach then Sarah was pope sat in front of the fire with a marshmallow on a stick while John b laughed at pope trying to teach JJ how to roast a perfect marshmallow for the worlds best s’mores, “JJ you need to hold both hands one on top of the other at the bottom of the stick and then push your marshmallow down at the top till the stick poked through the marshmallow so it won’t fall into the fire and waste the marshmallow, then you hold it just above the flames. No not like that it’s too close you will catch the marshmallow on fire....again. Now you wait 5 mins then rotate it to the other side and then wait 5 mins and do the same all over so it gets a perfect brown shade don’t catch it on fire because one it’s bitter two it is a lot more hot and three some sparks could be left on it that you can’t see and will burn the shit out of your tongue possible 2nd degree burn that grants a hospital visit now you see mine is perfectly brown on all sides now you take your graham crackers and put the marshmallow on one then the chocolate then you sandwich it all together like so and bam you’ve got yourself the worlds best s’more” Pope said with a chefs kiss after he did a technical tutorial on the proper way to make a smore for the poor boy who has never learned how.

“Eww mine looks like toe cheese” JJ said grimacing.

“ I don’t want to know why you know that man.” John b said watching it play out amusingly.

“Just eat it JJ it’s good the best ever honestly, off topic have you seen y/n I havnt seen her in 30 mins” pope asked curiously

“Aww pope you have a crush on the baby pogue” JJ said teasingly

“JJ leave him alone who cares if he likes her damn, but uh I saw her walk the way” John b Pointed in the direction you had went

Pope stood up nodding his head going in that direction to look for the girl he was soo in love with still ahead of Sarah.

You could feel the tension between you and topper being so close to one another he started to lean on slowly and you did too not being in control of your body you were so lost in his eyes your lips finally touched and it was slow and passionate and it felt like time has stopped just as it was getting more heated you heard a twig snap and looked behind topper to see a wide eyed pope standing there.

“ y/n....what’s going on why are you kissing topper ???” Pope asks shocked

“I..I” you stuttered startled that pope who you like caught you kissing another guy you also like

“Topper you there?” You heard Sarah’s voice from behind a tree

“He’s right here” Pope deadpanned looking you straight in the eye

“ topper there yo- what are you two doing?” Sarah asked confused

“We were just talking babe.” Topper said softly

“Yeah If by talking you mean tongues in each other’s mouths” pope said angrily

Sarah stares between you and topper shocked “is..is this true topper?” Sarah asked quietly when topper looked down and didn’t say anything she knew her answer.

“Wow and after all I’ve told you about my past and you do this, you told me you loved me” Sarah said walking away.

“Pope look I ca-“ you were cut off by pope speaking

“No no you don’t get to talk right now, I thought you liked me? I know you never said it but I can pick up some ques, I gave you my favorite hoodie so you were warm I danced with you and I stood for an hour waiting for you and you never showed. Was I just a toy for you to use when topper isn’t here?” Pope asked sad

“What no of course not I like you a lot Pope I really do, but I also like topper as well and I’m so confused I don’t know why or how anything would work with any of us with the no pogue on pogue macking rule and the whole kook vs pogue thing I...I just don’t know” you said ashamed

“Wow, you were just talking shit about topper the other day and now you like him? I’m sorry y/n I can’t do this right now you don’t like me because if you did you wouldn’t have has another guy so pick topper” Pope said tears in his eyes leaving the seen fast.

You looked at topper tears running down your face he immediately wrapped you In his arms rubbing your head as a loud sob shot out of your body and a bunch of oh my gods.

“Hey hey it’s ok just let him cool down and then you can speak it him rationally I’m not mad you like us both I get it all I ask is that you give me a chance and Pope too and then when you’re ready you can choose who you want or choose neither of us” topper said reassuringly.

You pulled out of his embrace nodding your head as you wiped your tears away planning on what to tell pope when everything is calmed down.

[r3b3lgrrrrrrrl]

A LunaTic and her Gunn (Part 79)

"Burning Memories in Massachusetts"

@creatureofthen1ght-v3

@lovemythsworld

@crystalbaby12

Yo!! You fuckers up!?" Slim is banging on the door to the backroom of The Bus. "Wake your bitch asses up!" He continues to bang.

Luna groans, pulling the pillow over her head. Colson pulling the blankets over them. Slim continues to bang.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" Colson yells after a few more minutes of banging. This stops it.

"What the hell, Man?" Luna moans, rolling into his warm body. "I'm so fucking tired of being tired..." She complains.

Colson strokes her hair, kissing her lightly on the head. "I know Kitten.... You can stay asleep until rehearsal." He offers.

"I can't." She sighs, snuggling in closer to him. Tangling her bare legs in his. "I have that meeting at 2P..."

"With the DarkWeb Guy?" He asks to her nod.

Her hand is stroking his chest, making his semi a full on. Keeping her warm under the blankets with him, his fingers begin to roam her body.

Down the curve of her waist, up her hip bone around to her plump ass. Squeezing it tight. Her coos tell him to continue. Rolling her on her back, he kisses her neck softly. Making his way to her breasts. Tonguing and flicking each peircing. Luna moans, pulling his head up.

"Come'mere." She pleads, pulling him into her mouth.

They kiss deeply. Colson moving in between her willing legs. Running his hands through her hair as he kisses her. Feeling how hard he is, Luna grabs his dick. Shifting her hips as she works him into her.

"Oh fuuuuck..." Colson let's out lowly as he buries his face into Luna's neck.

Shifting together, Colson slowly drives deep inside of her. Making them both moan. Their sex is sweet and lazy. Kisses sprinkled with closed eyes.

Their pace picks up as they both become close. Luna clinging to Colson's body. Breathing heavy, she feels the warmth of an orgasm begin to wash over her. Bucking harder against him as she grips his body.

"Oh, Bunny...." Luna breathes out.

"One more second, Kitten..." He tells her.

Pulling his closer with her thighs and arching her back. Luna makes them both cum when she clenches her walls around his thick cock.

Sighing, Colson lays on her chest to catch his breath. She strokes his hair as she closes her eyes. Enjoying the way he stays inside of her afterwards. They're just about to drift off again when there's another bang.

"We heard y'all fuck. It's time to get up." Slim hollers from the other side of the door again.

"I'm gonna murder your fucking friend." Luna states to Colson's laughter and kisses.

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

Dressed in one of Colson's long sleeve t-shirts and over the knee socks, Luna follows him out of their room.

"You are not my favorite person today. At all." Luna states to Slim as she grabs a cup of coffee.

"Am I ever?" He snorts at her.

"No." She shakes her head with blunt words. "Maybe Top 5 if your lucky, but your ass is LowMan today." She continues as she climbs on the couch.

Slim and Luna have a love/hate relationship.

Slim would love to hate her. Luna can be such a raging cunt with no limit at times. Which genuinely worries him but he respects her loyalty to Kells too much. Plus, he can't help but find her fascinating when she does pop off.

Although Luna respects Slim as a person and Colson's bestfriend as a whole, she simply doesn't give a fuck. Ya like her, ya like her. Ya don't, Fuck YOU. That's pretty much been her motto her whole life. It's not changing anytime soon.

"Oh Shit!! Top 5 somedays??" Slim teases her.

"Don't hype yourself up. It's a rarity." She smirks at him. "Now what the fuck were you banging about?" She asks as she takes the joint from him. Hitting it a few times before passing it to Benny.

"Mothafucken' charts, B!" Slim hollers.

"Oh Fuck!! New music Friday!" Colson exclaims coming out of the bathroom. "Pull that shit up." He instructs anyone.

It's up and they're on it. Everything higher then before. Luna and Ashley are still sitting at #1 for their fourth week. Colson and Dom bumping up one to #2, right behind them. Bad Things is still holding the #5 slot for it's fourth week also. While THAT Type bounced from #12 up to #7, breaking into the Billboard Top 10. Keeping Hollywood Whore at #9. El Diablo jumping five slots to #13. Almost making all of their singles Top 10 Hits. The most surprising move this week is from BeBe Rexha. Break Up With Your Girlfriend sliding into #10 all the way from #22 last week.

"YOOOOO!!" Colson exclaims as he pulls a bottle of champagne from the fridge and pops it. "We murken' this shit!!"

Everyone is hype. Handing a glass over for some bubbly. Luna sits curled on the edge of the couch with her coffee, lighting a joint.

It's been said before, Luna is A.) Not a morning person and B.) Doesn't really care where she charts. Knowing how important it is to others, she shoots Ashley a LOVE text.

Plopping down beside her, Colson is like a jumping bean. Sometimes he's seriously too much.

"We're fucken' shit up, Kitten!!" He says excitedly, pulling her face over for a kiss.

"I heard..." She answers after, hitting the joint.

He chuckles at her nonchalantness. Colson knows things like this don't matter to Luna. Sometimes it makes him a little jealous. The way her art is her own. How she has no one over her shoulder with a money bag, telling her what she can and can't do.

"I'm so fucking proud of you." She smiles sweetly, wrapping her free arm around his neck to kiss him. "Ya killing the game, Son!!" She exclaims before she kisses him again. It being interrupted by his laughter.

"You're fucking awesome." He grins at her before kissing her again.

Smiling at him, she lifts her joint to his lips. Both comforted by how she knows exactly what he wants and needs.

Two more bottles of champagne are popped. Everyone is pumped and beyond excited for Hotel Diablo's debut. Luna pulls Slim, Rook and Baze in for a group hug.

"Thanks." She tells them, kissing each of their cheeks.

With a cocked eye Slim asks "For what?"

"Because THAT Type is US. WE got a #7 hit, not me. That's was all us. From my lyrics to you guys helping figure out the beat to how you recorded me, back to Rook's directorial fucking debut!!" She beams, pulling them in close again as she kisses their grinning cheeks.

"Yo!!" Colson shouts, grabbing their attention.

Turning towards him, Luna pulls them back. "Don't forget. You're #1 too. All of us. We murked that Motherfucker."

Before they can respond, Colson stands up on one of the couches. He's so tall he has to duck down as he starts belting out Queen.

🎶WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS🎶

The whole Bus, including Luna, Baze, Rook and Slim start singing along with him. Arms over each other's shoulders. Swaying as they sing and grin.

🎶AND WE'LL KEEP ON FIGHTING. TILL THE END🎶

The group of friends bellow in happiness together. One grabbing another's shoulder until everyone is linked. All of them singing loudly.

🎶WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS🎶

Slim quickly pecks Luna on the cheek as he grins through the next lyrics.

🎶NO TIME FOR LOSERS🎶

🎶Cause we are the Champions🎶

Laughing, they all belt out loud and horribly.

🎶OF THE WORRRRRRLD🎶

Bursting into uproarious laughter, they all hug each other before toasting their success again.

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

The band heads to The Palladium. Luna gets dressed for her meeting with Travis.

Getting stoned as usual, she showers on The Bus. Which sucks. Sipping on champagne, Luna bangs three 30s before she throws on skinnies and green hoodie. Pulling on her Vans and red baseball hat, Luna grabs her board. Out The Bus's doors she goes.

Hitting the streets of Worcester, Luna skates over to meet Travis. Grinding, rail sliding and ollieing the whole way. Ripping through the town, things start to look oddly familiar to Luna. She can't place why though.

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

Meeting Travis in the back of the diner, he's nervous. Luna pops a untraceable hotspot to his relief. They decline any food. Asking only for water and coffee.

"Okay..." Travis begins feeling more secure over Luna's line. "We're up but not Live." He explains.

Typing on his laptop, he shows Luna the logistics of getting to the site. In the search bar with no www. if you type in h2h it automatically directs you to the site. Travis explaining he chose h2h as help to help. Luna thinks it's perfect.

Travis goes on to talk about the protection of the site. For both it's patients and providers. The way he had figured it, they would enter their phone number in the box to submit. He explains that almost like a RoboCaller, he has a device to weed out contracted lines from disposable ones. Hoping this will keep the police off their trail.

His idea is, once the phone number's entered and its confirmed as a secure line, the program then texts another link, asking to provide ID for both the patient and the buddy accompanying them.

Luna's confused by this. Travis explains his idea. In order to keep everyone safe, patients need to be vetted. Not for criminal reasons but to make sure it's not a part of a sting. He goes on to explain how the accompanying buddy is to make the patient feel safe because ultimately, he thinks they should be picked up at a third party location. Never knowing where the facility is. His idea is that they would be safely transported, treated and returned. Ideally placing neither party in danger.

Luna thinks this is ingenious. Praising his thoughts, efforts and work. Next is how to get the word out. They're thinking old school. Graffiti, stickers, word of mouth. The question is how to be clever about it....

Having an idea, Luna pulls up a photo of Persephone.

Knowing the truth behind the Greek mythology and wondering about her fish, she suggest they use Persephone with a simple h2h on the bottom for stickers.

Luna not worried about tagging the diluted state of AL with the message. Nor worried about walking the streets or into shelters to spread the word.

Her only obstacle being, that her line is secure enough to reassure the doctors of any unexpected repercussions.

Travis can't help but admire Luna's ideas and dedication. Her enthusiasm solidifying what he does. The two depart satisfied. Both agreeing to not go Live until Luna is confident in the Drs agreeance.

Luna leaving the waitress a twenty for her. Part for her discretion. Mostly for her profession.

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

Standing outside the diner, Luna's body guides her. Finding herself outside of Colombo Park, Luna's flooded by emotions. She's been here before.

Things weren't always rough with Justin. Like life with any addiction, it had it's cycles. He could be clean for a month or he could be clean for 18... It was all a guessing game. When it was good. It was fucking fantastic. Luna could see her bestfriend again in those crystal blue eyes. One of those times was in Massachusetts.

Luna being obsessed with odd things, Justin had obliged her a roadtrip to Salem. Making a pitstop in Worcester. Stopping to eat and get stoned in this same park.

Luna finds the treeline they sat along.

Laying down on the cool ground, She lights a joint. Mind drifting to Them.

"Hi." Luna says into the air in a tiny voice. Running her fingers through the grass, she continues to talk. "I miss you... So fucking much." Luna starts to gently sob. The last couple of days catching up with her. "I hope you're okay. Sometimes I think I am, but I don't really know." She tries to catch her breath. "Things are really weird in my life right now. It's like our bubble popped when I left home and now I'm splattered everywhere. For all too see. Fuck. I have a number one single right now, Babe. Like, what the fuck is that? How much more anti-me could could I be??" She asks the light breeze. "Everything is so big and excessive. I miss being quiet so much......" She trails off, pulling her hood over her head.

Thinking of the nights her and Justin would hang out at home, creating together or meeting up with Mack, Tim and everyone else for small intimate performances, dinners, drinks or whatever..... Wistful plots of them overthrowing their government.... Marching through Manhattan together protesting against Trump's inauguration... Drunkenly laughing as they planned strategies for The Zombopocolypse.... Luna's breath shudders. "Fuck." She thinks as the tears drop.

"I'm getting married. Never thought I'd say that...." She sniffles. "Not really an Us kind of thing, hunh...?" Luna stares up at the clouds for any sign from her dead lover. "I love him. And he asked. And I wanted to say Yes." Luna bites her lip, trying to fight the new tears. "You two are so fucking different but have these same strange similarities." Luna sighs through the pain in her heart thinking of them both. "You wouldn't believe my life anymore.... You'd probably make fun of me for being a fucking sell out." She chuckles lightly. "Ugh. We were such fucking snobs."

Luna lays on her back, staring at the sky. Remembering what it was like to be obscure. She can't breathe as her heart rips apart thinking of a time when she was more important to Justin than any other substance.

Tears dripping out of the sides of her eyes. Trying to control her breathing, just as a cardinal lands upon the tip of her Van. The bird sits as they stare at each other for a moment. Adjusting it's self, the cardinal cranes it's head, peering at her for what feels like an eternity. Another bird sqwauks from above, causing it to turn it's head. Looking back to her, the cardinal stares again before blinking at Luna and flying away.

"Bye." She whispers. Noticing she can breath again.

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

Colson and Tech are working through some difficulties when Luna pops in at The Palladium.

Luna heads to the bus and changes. She's warm from her emotions and skating through town. Throwing on black shorts and mini cowboy boots. She sits for a minute. Getting high while she thinks of Colson and Justin. Two completely different beings but both owning a piece of her heart.

Walking off of The Bus, Luna stops. Snapping a picture of her legs. Sitting down on The Bus's steps she manipulates the photo before she Snaps it to Ashley.

Before she makes it into the venue Ash Snaps her back.

Laughing, Luna calls her as she walks into the venue. Ashley has a show in Mexico City on the 24th that she wants Luna with her for.

Not knowing anyone's schedule, Luna agrees. She had already said if Ashley leads, she'll follow on this one. Luna's never been one to go against her word.

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

It's rounding out 6P. The Band goes on at 8P. Backstage is hectic as always.

Colson flying. He's been bumping the half ounce from Philly. Moving and talking quicker then his usual mile a minute.

Luna notices the change but can't put her finger on it. If she doesn't know EXACTLY what the fuck she's speaking on, Luna won't say a word. So, she does as she always has. Watches and waits. Until she KNOWS something of substance.

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

Colson kisses Luna with an unusual jitter before he hits the stage. She knows he lives off of amphetamines but this is the first time she's felt it.

Standing with Ashleigh as usual on the side of the stage, Luna goes against her better judgment.

"He aight?" She asks Ashleigh.

She gives Luna an odd look. "Yeah... Why?"

Luna respects Ashleigh too much to simply snap on her. Choosing her words wisely.

Luna shakes her off with a "He seems different." Before turning to give Ashleigh with a stern, unamused look.

"That's just Kells.." Ashleigh tries to reassure her.

Luna's not having that bullshit. Grabbing Ashleigh's elbow, she looks her directly in the eye.

"Don't fuck with me." She warns.

Ashleigh never being on the receiving end of Luna's maddness. She easily submits.

"I'm NOT!!" She exclaims. "I don't know half of what the fuck he does!! Unless he tells me!"

"I'm sorry." Luna immediately relents. "He's not right though...." Luna trails off.

Appreciating how Luna can tell the difference in Kells like she can, she slides her arm around Luna's waist.

"You're a smart cookie, Loons. And I truly love you."

Ashleigh's words distract Luna. Her heart exploding like The Grich's. She adores Ashleigh. Not only as a woman but THE woman who manages to keep Colson in direction.

"I love you too, Ash. You're my G-H... Get Higher!!" Luna laughs hugging her tightly. "I gotta change. Thank you though. For simply being you." Luna kisses Ashleigh's cheek and disappears before she has a chance to respond.

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

Colson and The Boys rage. Flying through their beginning setlist.

Sex Drive being an unknown but welcome treat to his family. Kicking in with the same opening of Habits and Bad News 2. Ripping into El Diablo. Colson's shirt being lost during. LOCO, GTS and Wild Boy following.

Lighting a joint as he starts Let You Go, Colson glances over to find Luna's body SideStage.

"That's MY girl." He grins. Looking over to sing certain lyrics to her.

He changes the lyrics again on Candy and Hollywood Whore. Promising he'll only get a Wife because She's the Baddest Bitch He Trusts.

Fittingly so, considering he quiets the crowd down after.

"Yo, Yo, Yo!!" He shouts "FAM!!!"

Luna begins to play the opening chords of Bad Things on the piano.

"This Bitch. This Bitch is who I trust." Colson declares as he walks over to kiss Luna. "You know when you got a RideOrDie, right? You just feel it." He declares, lifting Luna's chin for another kiss. "THIS." He dips down to kiss Luna again, tears welling in his eyes. "Is my RideOrDie. My Now or Never." He chuckles at his reference to Ashley. "My Mary J to my Meth... Tell em, Kitten."

Luna opens up flawlessly. Voice strong and thick. Colson taking her CenterStage. Displaying her like a doll as he raps. Until the chorus and Band slam.

Luna is no one's doll. She commands Colson and the audience. They're hers as she prances around the stage. Pushing against Colson to assert her dominance. Her voice striking the lyrics as she teases him. This is HER stage. She does what the fuck she wants. Skipping and shouting to the crowd. Integrating them into her lyrics.

There's a different feel to their set. Luna's in rare form. Not touching him as much but egging the crowd more. Colson watches her in awe. She has no trouble commanding his crowd of over 2K people.

Allowing him to stand behind her, they belt the ending lyrics together.

🎶I'm all in🎶

🎶There is no maybe🎶

Luna turns and grips Colson. Her tongue dipping deep inside his overwhelmed mouth. Taking anything and EVERYTHING she wants.

Colson has no breath when she's done. Grabbing his mic, she shouts Thank You. Sliding her hand down his loose jeans, she rolls his balls in her fingers.

"You're on" She whispers before shoving the mic in his loose hand and disappearing off stage.

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

Colson and The Band continue to destroy the audience. Ripping them apart as they perform See Through My Tears, and Till I Die.

Rook's performance of ShoutAt The Devil is easily becoming one of Luna's favorite.

Colson goes on to perform Rap Devil and Till I Die. Slamming through Golden God, Alpha Omega, Lately, Bad Motherfucker, Wake&Bake, 27 and Sail.

The lights go down to the crowds moans. Looking at Luna, he pulls up a stool next to his only mic.

In the dark he starts to speak. "I covered this because it hits home.... Loons. Please." He taps the stool next to him on stage. Arena still dark.

Heart pounding, Luna walks on stage. Taking Colson's hand as she slides onto the stool. His smile is to sweet to resist as he runs his hand along her skull. Bringing her in for a kiss.

He sits the microphone just over Luna's right shoulder. He knows that's the good one.

"Ready?" He asks the band before he starts to strum

🎶I've been watching you🎶

🎶For some time🎶

🎶Can't stop staring🎶

🎶At those ocean eyes🎶

Luna's heart swells as tears well her eyes. There's an honesty between them to the cover. Both of them knowing it all too well.

Colson ends to the crowd's cheers and Luna's tears. It touching them each in different ways.

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

For the first time, Luna and Colson walk of stage calm. There was something about Billie's cover that hit them hard.

In his dressing room, they're soft and delicate with each other. A welcome but strange change from their norm.

Instead of bending Luna in front of a mirror, he lays her down. Wanting to take his time with her. Sucking on her neck and kissing her lips. Moving down to her collarbone. He can feel her pulse for him. Moaning as she juts her hips towards him.

They're interrupted by a BANG and YO!!!

Irritated, Luna knees Colson. "Fix your shit." She tells him.

Climbing off of her, he notices the doorknob is hot. Not wanting to panic Luna, he looks around, thinking quickly.

"Baby. We gotta move." He tells her.

"Why the fuck are you calling me Baby?" Luna asks immediately alarmed.

Wrapping his elbow, he busts out their dressing room window. It's a small basement window. Most wouldn't make it out but he knows him and Luna can.

"Colson..?" Luna asks.

This is the first time he's ever seen her scared. Collecting their things and throwing them through the window, he makes sure to hit any shards hanging.

"Baby. I know you don't like that word. But we gotta move. You gotta go out that window."

Luna's eyes are wide. She doesn't know what's happening. Her breath starts to pick up as her body freezes.

Colson takes her face in his hands. He can feel her shaking.

"LUNA. It's okay." He reassures her, only having time to push her towards the tiny window. "Go, Baby. Go!" He hoists her out.

Stunned and unusually scared, Luna grips the Earth as Colson shoves her on to it. The night's air snapping her back, she turns and bgrabs Colson's shoulders. Pulling him out behind her.

Breathing hard with him between her legs, Luna shouts "What the FUCK WAS THAT!!!" as tears of fear and rage drop from her eyes.

Gripping Colson against her, she doesn't know what the fuck just happened.

Benny appears, dragging them both away before the whole building goes up in flames.

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

Once Colson and The Band had finished, someone threw a Moltov cocktail. The fire catching on to the extra drinks left over from their set. Exploding the whole stage.

Slim had grabbed Ashleigh. Rook, AJ and Baze making a quick exit with them.

Benny banging on Colson's door to no answer. Fucked up, he headed outside. Luna and Kells being his only concern.

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

Relieved to see Benny, with Colson between her legs. Luna doesn't know what THE FUCK is going on.

Benny pulls them both up. Colson to his feet, then scooping Luna in his arms.

"We OUT, DAWG!!" He shouts to Colson, who's collecting the couple's things.

Luna's not normally a ballsack but this is too much. Burying her face in Benny's neck, she holds tight. Not knowing what to expect.

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

The Bus is shook. The only one who speaks is Ashleigh. And she's fucking livid.

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAAAAAAT!!!!!!" She screams. "I gotta fucking kid now, you motherfuckers. I'm more than just your BITCH!!! WE COULD'VE FUCKING DIED!!! AND FOR WHAT!??!" She explodes.

No one has anything to say. Luna is shook. Curled in a corner on the couch next to Colson. He's speechless. Slim sits next to him, silently shocked by the night's events. Narrowly making it out, Rook and Baze have their own thoughts. AJ is silent. He didn't sign up for this shit.

Realizing it's his duty, Colson collects himself. Standing up he hugs his friend.

"I'm sorry, Ash. I don't know what happened. I thought shit was all good..."

Everything inside of Colson is on the verge of breaking. They almost died. All of them. Him. Rook. Slim... He can't bring himself to think of the loss of Luna or Ashleigh.

Ashleigh shakes her head. "That wasn't you Kells." Sighing, she adds "I don't know who the fuck that was." A rare tear dropping from her eye.

Colson pulls his friend closer. Knowing somehow it was him.

"Can we all sleep together tonight, please?" Luna asks in a weird tone.

Agreeing they fold up whatever tables, dragging out mattresses.

Sitting on the couch amongst the tons of mattresses, Luna can't help but giggle. It's a defense mechanism. So is smoking pot.

"It's SLEEPOVER TIME BITCHES!!!" She grins at the group of them piled into the front of The Bus as she lights a joint.

"I'll tell you a scary story if you tell me one....." She grins, hitting it.

Luna's trying to claim her sanity and lighten their near death experience.

"BITCH, WE ALMOST DIIIED!!!" Ashleigh shouts out.

"I knoooow.... But we didn't. So shut the FUCK up."

This being the first time Luna has ever gotten loud with Ashleigh. The second time tonight that she's gotten real.

"I'm sorry... I know shit was fucked up tonight." Luna opens up the end of the blanket wrapped around her. "I have weed and xanax..." She smiles as Ashleigh climbs in.

Luna hugs her with a genuine I'm Sorry to Ashleigh's acceptance.

Crowded together like it's Summer Camp, the eight of them spook each other out. Ashleigh calming down after a football. Laughing and passing joints as they tell or make up stories. Fuck Massachusetts, they decide. Ain't Nobody got shit on US.

ESPECIALLY FUCKING Massachusetts.

Curled up snug, hitting joints passed to her, Ashleigh enjoys the Summer Camp sleepover. Feeling secure before she falls asleep, she shouts to Luna's relief and everyone's laughter.

"FUUUCK WORCESTER!!!!"

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

Rolling over into Luna, on a bus littered by Assholes. Ashleigh thinks how she wouldn't trade her hand of fools for a deck of Aces any day.

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

To be continued....

[immawritestuff-blog]

The Demon Boy: Day Two - Afternoon

    It took several hours before the boy stumbled into town. He’d have arrived sooner if he hadn’t gotten the hair-brained notion to trail blaze a shortcut through the underbrush. He got lost instead. Twice. Had an unwelcome run into a bush too.

    The boy cannot understand why everyone says greenery is good for the body and soul. The greens you get fed taste like mud slop and feel the same going down. The greens you run into scratch and cling stubbornly in your hair. He can’t stand any of it.

    Then there’s a warbling in the air. The boy swings his gaze over in its direction. Perching on a branch not too far into the trees is yet another bird. The mottled brown of its plumes blends in well with the forest pallet. It can barely be seen, but there it is. It repeats its brief chorus and vanishes.

    The boy stares dumbly in the direction he thinks it went. Recalls this morning.

    Maybe the green isn’t all bad, he decides as he strolls out of the forest shade and into the bright lanes of Glenholm town.

    It’s quiet today. He can’t hear the easy ebb and flow of the rumor mill drifting down the street. Come to think of it, what rumor mill? There’s nobody here!

    The boy approaches the town square. There’s the hum of someone talking very loudly coming from inside the first building he passes. Not a hide or hair of anyone else.

    Stranger and stranger.

    The boy gingerly sidles up to the building. Tries to hear a few words through the door. Discovers yet another one of Glenholm’s trademark damn thick doors. At least the kook inside is hollering loud enough for him to make out some disjointed words.

    Let’s see… “Father.” ... “Blood.” ... “Sacrifice.” ...

    The boy backs away immediately. Doesn’t know what he heard. Doesn’t want to know. Half-sprints down a block before curiosity gets the better of him and drags him back. This time he decides the door is too risky. Anyone could open it and find him snooping. Plus the door swinging out will give him a good whack. Instead, he moseys to the shaded side of the building. Crouches beneath the sill of one of the narrow, stained glass windows. With utmost caution, he peers inside.

    It takes some awkward maneuvering to find a section that’s clear enough for a decent look through. In the meantime, the warped panels stretch the building’s occupants into leering fiends, the coloured ones dye them into tableaus of ghastly red. Such visions make the boy uneasy. He hopes it’s the glass casting illusions on an otherwise ordinary and benign scene.

    Finally he finds a piece of glass crammed in by the right edge that doesn’t act as a grisly funhouse mirror. Through it he sees people (not fiends) sitting in rows upon rows of long benches (not drenched in red). Moreover, these are people he recognises in passing from yesterday.

    What in blazes is going on?

    He notices the people’s stares fixated on a singular point toward the back of the building. His gaze follows theirs.

    There’s a broad, raised platform spanning the entire back wall. On it is placed a speaker’s podium. Behind that podium is a balding, middle aged fellow in long black robes swinging his arms in sweeping gestures. It’s that fellow’s voice the boy is hearing.

    The boy studies the madman at the podium. What’s he doing? More importantly, why is anyone listening to him? And with a great deal of respect too. What gives?

    Then he spots the large, wooden emblem hanging on the wall above the stage. It’s a simple construction. Two pieces of wood centered at eachother and joined at right angles. It’s a cross.

    Ah. Now things make sense.

    The boy eases immediately. There’s no stealth as he walks from the window. Why bother? Nobody was ever arrested for loitering around a church.

    The boy strolls back to the tree line and finds himself a nice oak to sit against for a quick nap. The thought of joining the sermon doesn't cross his mind. The priest was in full swing and it’d be embarrassing to interrupt him. Like the sisters said, either you come on time to congregation or you don’t come at all. There was one little catch if you decided to play hooky. The sisters took attendance. Deserters would be flogged when they got caught.

    The boy grimaces as he remembers how he got those particular scars. A few among many.

    He shifts on his seat of earth. He’s not comfortable anymore. Some of the marks on his back have a habit of pricking when he remembers how he got them.

    He curls up on his side against the foot of the trunk. Shifts a few times to dislodge the edge of a spoon that's stabbing his stomach. Closes his eyes. Thinks of other things.

    Thinks of bird songs and the graveyard calls of crows. Thinks of rolling green, blue skies, and fiends through red windows. Thinks of bright country lanes and long, dark corridors. Thinks of new beginnings.

    Eyes spring open.

    If he falls asleep now, he’ll have naught but nightmares.

    He stills his nerves and tries to resettle himself. Compromises and attempts a light doze instead. Eyes close again.

    This time he thinks of nothing. Lets the sounds of the world soothe him. The rhythmic drone of the sermon. The flutings of birds. The spring breeze as it breathes through him.

    But it’s still so quiet compared to the city. There’s no steady chug and clank of industry, a thousand iron arms strong. There’s no work whistle shrieking. There’s no gasp of steam through pipes. What was once an annoyance leaves a sense of loss in its absence.

    The boy lies there, listening to the sounds of his new world spinning around him. He doesn’t know how long he’s been there in the dirt when the chapel doors finally burst open.

    He springs at the sound. The town floods back to life in a steady pulse of people flowing out the door and into the streets. The boy staggers up, pats himself off, and follows.

    The first place he goes is, of course, the general store. He didn’t need to pay last time. Maybe he’ll get lucky again. Or he could work for his food. That’s all he ever did in the workhouse, so he figures he’s good at it. There’s no machines to work here, but he could sweep the floors. He could wash windows. Or he could do... whatever else needs doing. He’ll figure something out when he gets there.

    When he does get there, the door is closed. Locked tight too. There’s a sign left out, but the boy doesn’t know what it says. May as well be Greek. Can’t make out heads or tails of it, try as he might. Squinting at it this hard gives him a headache. He gives up and tries the pub instead.

    This door’s not closed and locked. One good shove and it screeches open. The barmaid peers curiously at him. Her face lights up once she recognizes him.

    “Hullo again,” she beams. “Fancy meeting you here.”

    The boy shyly hullos back.

    The barmaid leaves her cleaning rag on the bar counter and approaches the boy for a quick chat. “And why have you come this time? Still looking for that uncle of yours?”

    The boy freezes. The less people know of his uncle, the better, he decides.

    “I- I found him,” the boy says, “but I don’t think he’ll be coming anytime soon.”

    “Is that so? A pity. I’d like to meet this mysterious uncle. Never did hear of any Myrs before. You’ll have to introduce me sometime,” she winks.

    The boy laughs. He hopes to god he keeps the tension out of his voice. If not, it’s going to prompt more questions he doesn’t want asked.

    The barmaid, in fact, does not catch on. She continues as cheery as before. “Anyhow. We’re not ready to open yet. And,” she adds, playfully pointing a scolding finger at him, “like I said before, we don’t let minors around here. Isn’t that right Gerry?” She yells to the kitchen doorway behind her.

    “What?” Gerry answers.

    “S’alright Gerry. You’re doing a great job back there. Keep at it!”

    “Err. Awright.”

    The boy giggles at the exchange. Mirth smooths his frayed nerves.

    The barmaid smiles back at him. “In all seriousness, what did you come here for?”

    Oh. Right. “I’m wonderin’ if I could get a bite to eat,” he replies.

    “Uh huh. And why here? Don’t your uncle feed you at home?”

    Questions, questions, questions. The lady is full of them. The boy came here for a meal, not an interrogation. Why can’t she have the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy his buyers did? Life would be so much simpler if she did. Moreover, he’d be served and digging in by now.

    He wracks his brains for some excuse, any excuse. The pause stretches into stiff silence. The barmaid’s searching him for an answer he doesn’t have, doesn’t want to give.

    She gives him a final once over. Sighs. Shrugs as she says, “Suit yourself kid, but if you get chewed out for ruining your appetite at supper, it’s your own fault.” Strolls up to the counter, then turns back to him. “I’ll get Gerry to serve you a little something, but, in return, you gotta help me set up shop and you gotta be outta here before we open up. Do we have an agreement?”

    The boy nods so fast his head near falls off his shoulders. The barmaid is surprised by his enthusiasm. She sets him straight to work wiping the countertop and tables while she calls in his order.

    The boy, for his part, works well and works fast. He's a blur streaking from table to table to counter. Stretches himself thin to reach the far corners of the bar. Something writhes free from his pockets mid-stretch. It shines bright as a falling star. It rings sweet bell chimes when it hits the flagstone floor. The small sound reverberates strong as a gong in the building. Of course someone's going to notice.

    “What was that?” The barmaid asks. She was talking to Gerry through the kitchen doorway at the time and doesn't see the shimmering object laying on the floor. Not yet.

    “Nuthin’,” the boy reacts. He places his foot lightly on top of the silver spoon, hiding it from view. He acts nonchalant. “I didn't hear nuthin’,” he repeats.

    “Uh huh.” The barmaid gives the boy and the room a quick inspection. Sees nothing out of place. Shrugs off her suspicion and goes back to chatting with Gerry.

    The boy slowly lets out the breath he’s holding. That was close. The second he's certain the barmaid isn't keeping a corner of her eye on him, he dips down in one fluid motion, snatching up the spoon. Looks back to the kitchen. Barmaid’s still laughing at Gerry’s stories. Good. He returns the spoon to where it came from. Gets back to work, though now he moves carefully. He doesn't like to repeat past mistakes.

<== Day Two - Morning     ==> Table of Contents <==     Day Two - Evening ==>

[superrman]

Another Time Another Place

For my WonderTrev Secret Santa @mythsdraws! I hope you like it!

During the JL Holiday Party, Diana flashs back to the last time she and Steve had a chance to be young carefree lovers. However, unlike before this time she isn't alone she has a family to support her come to terms with her grief.

A03

Diana stood in the hall of justice, just months ago it was a destroyed manor and now it was a elegant and tasteful fortress. The center of the hall was framed by a magnificent fireplace, with stockings all over it, on the top was a menorah. All around beautiful holiday decorations from Atlantis, Themescriya and even Krypton and Earth decorated the main room for a holiday party hosted by Wayne.

Diana couldn’t believe how fast Bruce built the manor, but then again he said anything was possible for a billionaire.Hell he got holiday decorations for a planet that didn’t even exist anymore. Diana new that wasn’t the whole story, considering she knew that he had put in a lot of the physical labour himself, she wondered when the man slept, for a human he didn’t seem to sleep often.

She could see Bruce mildy smiling at something Barry said. Barry had such a fascination with Bruce, and even though Bruce wouldn’t admit it, he loved the kid. Barry wormed his way into the heart of every league member.

Bruce was right when he said the league would grow. Heroes from around the universe were ready to take a stand against injustice, it was a beautiful site. Clark was laughing with Lois and Dinah in the corner. Victor was laughing with Alfred and his father, it was so good to see him smile Diana mused. Oliver Queen and Arthur looked to be having a good natured argument over drinks. For the first time in a century Diana felt like she had a family again.

Near the fireplace Diana saw the young Dick Grayson smile shyly at Barbara Gordon, the young couple looked up to see the mistletoe, the were so young, so in love. Diana could see it in every look, every touch, they shared such a gentle kiss, everyone else hollered in good natured way, but Diana felt her heart swell.

With a deep breath Diana closed her eyes, her mind travelled to that dingy hotel room, in another century, in another country Diana remembered the last gentle kiss she shared with her love.

*

The sun and started to break through the curtains in the room. It framed Steve’s face so perfectly. Diana marvelled at how young Steve looked as he slept, he had always looked so tired, but each time he slept he seemed at peace. Steve had said he was above average, but the more men Diana met the more she was sure that Steve was extraordinary.

“You know us humans considered watching people sleep to be creepy” Steve said with his eyes still closed.

“How did you know without opening your eyes?” Diana smiled.

“Somethings a man knows” Steve said he stretched out, and pulled himself onto his arms, now looking at Diana with complete focus. “Such as when he has caught the eyes of a beautiful women.”

Steve leaned in gently, Diana smiled into the kiss. It was wonderful way to wake up for sure.

There were noises from around the building. Steve pulled away, but he didn’t move far, there was a seriousness in his eyes Diana couldn’t quite place. “Umm...breakfast?”

“Of course, I am too understand that it is the most important meal of the day.” Diana wondered if that was truly what Steve wanted to say.

“I’ll go round something up.” Steve got out of the bed. Diana was firm that she did truly enjoy the view of a naked man, it was something so new to her yet really great.

Steve pulled on his pants and his shirt quickly, and head out of the room. Diana dressed and waited for his return.

“We're in luck, I was able to find some bread and eggs!” Steve said eagerly, Diana new this was a huge treat, Steve had explained the ration system. Diana was still horrified how hard it was for humans to find food during this war. She had to get to Ares no one deserved to wonder if not when they would get there next meal.

“Wonderful, I am famished.” Diana smiled.

Steve smiled at her, but Diana could still see the heaviness in his eyes.

“Is there something you would like to say?”

“Um...yah actually” Steve said, he was so reserved. “I guess I just wanted to say...in this war I have been used to not planning for anything...not really thinking about the future, or too hope for anything.”

Diana wished she had gotten here sooner, she should have spared him the pain.

“Until I met you.” Steve looked into her eyes, and there was such passion, such adoration that Diana’s heart skipped a beat. “I just...I don’t know you get me, even though you are quite literally from another world, you give me hope for something better, something away from violence and ugliness. I just last night meant a lot to me, and I see it as the start of something”

“Steve…” Diana felt so lost in this world of man, she wasn’t sure what the correct thing to say to Steve was. She just knew that he mattered more to her than she thought possible.

“You don’t have to feel the same way or anything.” Steve rushed. “I just needed you to know. You know before you go back to a magical island I can’t find or whatever.”

“I am not going anywhere Steve Trevor” Diana said. “One thing I am certain of is my future is in the world of man, and I cannot imagine being in this world without you.”

Seeing Steve smile Diana was sure she said the right thing.

“Oh okay.” Steve said, his smile widened and it reached his eyes, there was something magical about those eyes, Diana was sure.

“I’ll show the real world, soon, when this war is over, I’ll show the countryside near London its gorgeous, you can see the streets of Paris when they are full of artists and musicians and no soldiers in sight. There is a whole other side of humanity, and you deserve to see it.” There was a child like wonder for a moment in his eyes, there was parts of humanity that were good.

“I cannot wait, we shall defeat Ares, and free man from the fate of war.” Diana was sure of this.

Steve moved towards her. “And then I’ll take you on a proper date, and we will build a future together.”

“What is a date?”

Steve pulled Diana into his arms, “Well its when two people who like each other spend time together to get to know each other, but there isn’t a war, or fighting or anyone else really, just the two of them being happy.”

“Sounds wonderful”

“It usually ends with a kiss” Steve smiled and leaned into for a gentle kiss, shared between lovers who had all the time in the world, there would be time for passionate kisses, and everything in between.

There was no time.

“Steve, Diana!” Charlie shouted.

“Duty Calls” Steve laughs as he pulls away, the two exited the hotel room.

*

“Diana!” Clark wakes Diana out of her memory.

“Kal” Diana smiled softly, reminding herself again that she couldn’t live in that moment forever, no matter how much she wanted too.

“You looked like you were a world away.” Clark noticed.

“Just a memory.” Diana replied. She looked around she had a future, but there was no Steve.

“What’s wrong?” Clark seemed to sense other people's distress, Diana wondered if this was another one of his powers.

“I was asked out on a date today.” Diana said softly she hadn’t told anyone else yet.

“Oh” Clark said softly. “You are an amazing women Diana I am sure there is a line out the door that would want to date you.”

Diana smiled. “I don’t know about a line, but he was very sweet. I���ve worked with him for sometime now, he’s a good man.”

“I don’t see the problem then, this is a good thing.” Clark wrinkled his nose slightly, as his eyebrows furrowed, he was clearly so perplexed, Diana wondered how such a large man could look so adorable.

“Nothing is wrong, I just...I’ve been shut off from love for so long, and wondering if….” Diana trailed off.

“I didn’t know Steve, but speaking as a man who died, I wanted Lois to be happy.” Clark said clearly he didn’t need Diana to find the words, he just knew what troubled her. “I would have hated if she stayed alone her entire life, I felt so guilty for leaving her, for giving her unhappiness.”

Diana leaned into Clark, she was so glad that Bruce’s stubbornness turned out to be right. They needed Clark.

“I miss him.” Diana said.

Clark held her. “Finding happiness with someone else will never take away the happiness you shared. He will always be in your heart.”

Diana took a deep breath. In her heart she knew it was time, she had put her life back together again, Bruce was right she had stepped into the light, it was time she took the final step and open her heart to love again.

“Thank you Kal”

“Anytime Diana, and just so you are aware, Bruce will be doing an extensive background on this new man.”

“He is a tad overprotective” Diana laughed.

“A tad” Clark laughed. “He has a file on the barista I get my coffee from.”

The two saw Bruce stare at them, he knew they were talking about him for sure, Diana suspected if Bruce did have superhuman abilities he would never admit.

What a strange wonderful family Diana thought, she was lucky again, and this time she would protect her own.

[haramnamjin]

Suga The Carpenter || Two

Part 1

Status: ONGOING

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Reader + BTS Boys

Genre: Fluff, Hope, Smitten

Word Count: 2.3 K

Summary: You are an aspiring architect who dreams big and Yoongi is the realist, a carpenter whose road crosses with yours. Will your roads stay on the same course or will your dreams lead you to different destinations?

   Your alarm clock started to ring and you turned to find out that it was already 7 AM. Leaning back in your chair, you recollected what had happened in the last 24 hours. You had gotten ready to fight for your dream job to only get rejected and humiliated in the end, had a small episode of faint bouts when you bumped into a strawberry-headed giant, proceeded to get off the wrong foot with a matte black-haired smirking statue, left a wood & design service shop with an offer of a totally different job scope and came back home. Suga said to come back in 3 days to prove your worth and you were on a roll. You picked up your cluttered things, setting them aside and pulled your shirt over your head. Heading to the bathroom and stepping under the showerhead, you let the water wet your hair whilst you take a breather from all the chaos of the past 24 hours. Once you were done, you got out with head-wrapped hair and jumped onto your double-size bed, letting the sunrays that sifted through your blinds kiss your skin. You sat upright, combing through your hair with your fingers. You were ready, you’ve never been readier to get someone's approval before.

  Half an hour later, you walked down the same path that Jin had helped you go down smoothly; besides mistaking an ice cream parlour as your destination, and managed to find the tiny sign that said ‘Suga & Family. Co’ again. You knocked the door a few times to no response so you pushed it, finding it unlocked. As you came in, a pang of aromatic spices hit you and you breathed it in, following the imaginary swirl of the scent down the corridor and found yourself chuckling once you reached the kitchen where you found Jin, his back to you with a pink apron strapped on him. Jin turns around, holding a plate of minced meat that he had just cooked and nearly dropped it when his eyes met yours.

“Hello Jin! I didn’t want to disturb –” You said as your raised your hands up, excited to be there again but Jin grabbed your hands down and pressed a finger to his lips, shushing you.

“Y/n, does Suga know you’re here?” Jin asked, letting go of your hands.

“Not yet, where is he anyways? I’m back for the interview, or test, whatever you call it.”

“He’s still asleep. Did you call him to tell you were coming?” Jin continued, raising an eyebrow.

“Ah, I was supposed to, right? Will he mind that I came this early? I have all my things together and spent the last night sketching and-” You started but Jin cuts you in once again.

“Suga’s not fond of surprises. Especially when I use his credit card to buy more ingredients,” Jin thought for a moment and proceeded to imitate Suga ‘Salmon isn’t cheap. You can buy some earphones with all that money. Do you think money falls from the sky?’ Jin mimics and bends his knees to be slightly shorter to get near Suga’s height. You can’t help but laugh loudly and Jin shushes you again, faking anger. He keeps away the minced meat in the oven and takes off his apron. He grabs a piece of paper and pen and you peered over to see him writing in bold letters ‘DON’T TOUCH OR I, JIN, WILL KISS YOU’ which you can’t help but laugh at.

“Seriously though, Suga doesn’t like surprises and he won’t be awake anytime soon. So, let’s go for a walk.” Jin says as he takes his coat off the dining chair and leads you out.

“Ah,” Jin snaps his fingers once you both got out, you look at him waiting for a response. “Want ice-cream? There’s an ice-cream parlour-”

“Right down the road? I know, I thought it was Suga’s shop earlier.” You said as you both continued walking down and Jin belts out laughter that sounded like a car’s windshield wiper.

You both reached the ice-cream parlour, choosing your flavours and toppings. Once you both had received your cones, you chose a table to sit down at and Jin whipped out his phone and started texting. Being your curious self, you peered over before Jin caught you once again and called you nosy.

“Who are you texting?” you asked, taking another lick of your ice cream.

“Yah, we just met yesterday. How can I trust you?” Jin remarked, looking at you and up and down as a joke.

“You practically saved my life yesterday so I trust you a lot,” you said pointed out and Jin did a superhero stance, making you laugh again.

“It’s just a group chat that the boys and I are in.”

“The boys?” You head lolled to the side.

“Yeah, ‘Suga & Family.Co’ has family in it. You should know that it’s plural. Aish, so dumb.” Jin shook his head, making you slap his arm lightly.

“Yah! That hurt,” Jin pouts, “but yeah. We all somehow met each other 5 years ago and since then we’ve been like a family. There’s actually seven of us.”

“There’s seven of you?” you asked, not hiding your reaction in time and Jin leaned back.

“Yeah, why? The shop may look small but we can fit 7 tall boys in there okay.” He said, looking a bit confused.

“No, no. Just that when I met you and Suga yesterday, you quys are pretty-”

“Handsome? I know.” Jin rests a hand under his chin. “But don’t be greedy y/n, you’re already eyeing one of us so that’s enough.” Before you could reply, the parlour’s door opened and a tall boy walked in, wearing a black hoodie and loose jeans. He was walking over to you and Jin before taking a seat next to Jin and now it was your turn to be confused.

“Y/n this is Jungkook, Jungkook this is y/n. He’s the youngest and, also the ugliest.” Jin said casually, earning a glare from Jungkook.

“Says the fat one.” Jungkook snarled and snatched Jin’s ice-cream cone away, eating up the rest of his ice-cream hurriedly whilst leaning away as Jin protested, trying to get his dessert back. You could only laugh at the two of them bantering and once Jungkook had ate it all, wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve; to which he earned a disapproving look from the Hyung and introduced himself to you.

“Go get me another cone! You’re so rude, Kookie.” Jin exclaimed and they started bickering again when Jin’s phone started to ring. He picked it up and made a gesture to Jungkook to keep quiet.

“Yeah? No. I’m out at the parlour. Ah, okay.” Jin said into the phone and then turned to you.

“We can go back now. You ready to go against Jungkook?” Jin asked you and you nodded, feeling anxious yet excited at the same time. You both got up to leave, leaving the confused Jungkook trailing behind, asking Jin about what was going on.

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

   Jin knew that Suga hated surprises but for some reason, he kept bringing home another surprise every day. That was what went through Suga’s mind when Jin had walked in with you by his side with Jungkook following behind. But now it was three hours later and he didn’t know if he was still disturbed by the constant unannounced presence of you. Suga had told Jungkook to get one of his blueprints that was a design of the one of the future planetariums in Gangnam. When Jungkook rolled it out on the drawing table, Suga had noticed how entranced you look. You had eyed Jungkook’s drawing and realized that Jungkook was not your average intern but more than that, someone with talent and an eye for perception and space. Suga noticed you shift your weight nervously as you sat at the drawing table, focused on the task in front of you. In your head, different ideas sprouted in your mind when Suga gave you the task to draw out a space for a learning hub. You had loved how vague and general the task was and knew that Suga wanted to not only test your skills but creativity as well. So, you went all out, giving some of your best ideas till your hands hurt. You felt that Suga was staring at you but you didn’t want to turn around, not wanting to encounter another awkward stare-off.

“I’m done.” You said, leaning back and stretching your arms.

“You sure?” Suga asked, voice lacking any emotion. He walked over, only taking a few strides before he leaned into your drawing. You inched away slowly as his face was right next to yours and you cleared your throat.

“You should bring this hangar up higher because the depth of it could throw off your whole scene. You don’t need that many entrances and why a low ceiling when you have the means to make it higher? Also, I don’t think this interlink is necessary.” Suga pointed out, ranting on till Jungkook walked past the both of you and looked over.

“I like how it is. I say yes.” Jungkook said to you.

“Yes, to what?” Suga asked, looking to over to Jungkook.

“In hiring her.” Jungkook smiled and you thanked him.

“Did I hear someone say y/n is hired?” Jin asks, walking in and shooting you’re a grin.

“Is no one going to ask for my opinion on it?” Suga exclaims, looking at the two men.

“Well, what do you say Yoongi?” Jin looks at Suga, expecting an answer.

“Yoongi?” You asked, confused.

“Yoongi is his real name. We call him Suga just as a nickname though,” Jin explained. “So Yoongi, what do you say?”

“Well, I don’t mind.” Suga says and upon hearing that, you immediately felt as if Suga had disregarded your work for the sake of the others approval. You got up off the chair and turned Suga to you.

“No.” You stated and all three men looked at you at the same time, all three with different expressions.

“No?” Suga asks.

“If you’re going to hire me, I want you to say it properly and tell me why. Hand me a contract so I can sign and then I’ll take you all out for a celebratory dinner.” You crossed your arms across your chest whilst Jungkook and Jin were hollering at the back at the news of free dinner.

“You just lost your job didn’t you? How’re you going to pay for dinner for the 8 of us?” Suga raises an eyebrow.

“Take it out of my new paycheque then. Meaning you pay for tonight.” You smiled and took out your hand.

“Fine.” Suga took your hand into his and shook it firmly, letting go quickly before sliding them into his pockets.

You smiled gleefully as Jin and Jungkook both hugged you and you hugged them back. You noticed Suga walking away and then coming back a few minutes later with a contract. He took out a pen from his back pocket and handed it to you.

“Welcome to the family.” Suga said.

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

   It wasn’t long till you met the rest of the boys that night. You were taken aback by how naturally good looking they all were and felt a bit regretful for not trying to dress better today. The boys were too tired to go out and eat that night so you all had agreed to order in some pizza. Everything was going smoothly, at least for you. Suga on the other hand felt unease because of three things. One; he was kissed on the cheek by Jin for eating Jin’s minced meat, two; he had to use his credit card again to pay for dinner, much to Jin’s amusement and three; he knew he had just met you but he felt something more. He couldn’t figure out what it was but he knew that to get rid of this feeling, he had to somehow get you alone. His plan of trying to talk to you alone didn’t work out in the end, as trying to get a lengthy conversation with you was hard as there were 7 other boys who would cut in asking if you wanted more food or questions about yourself. Suga had given up around midnight, after locking himself away in his room to get back to work. He opened his door, looking around as the place got unusually quiet. He walked into the tiny living room and sighed. You were all sprawled across the room, snoring away. Jungkook and Jin were both on the couch, Namjoon was snoring on one of the single chairs and Hoseok, Taehyung, Jimin and you were spread on the floor. Suga went to the cupboards, taking out a few blankets and carefully placed it on each and every one of you. Suga couldn’t tell you were awake, as you watched him go to each member to cover them with a blanket.

‘So he’s not all that cold.’ You thought. You shut your eyes quickly when Suga came closer to you. You felt the soft blanket being put on you slowly. You could feel his eyes on you and heard him sigh. After a couple of seconds, you felt him moving, about to get up when you muttered sleepily.

“Thank you, Suga.” You said, raising your eyes to meet his and mutter a small welcome.

“Why’re you awake?” He asks.

“I’m not really a good sleeper.” You admitted.

“Sad.” Suga managed a small smile. “Do you want to watch another movie then?” he asks.

“Not tonight. Maybe next time.” You yawned and Suga felt his heart beating harder. He nodded and got up to leave.

“Goodnight, Yoongi.” You said softly, not wanting to wake the others up.

Suga stopped in his tracks when you called him his real name. He turned sideways a bit before going into his room.

“Goodnight, y/n.” Yoongi said softly, but loud enough for you to hear.

[restlessmaknae]

Step by step [pt.2]

Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Genre: fluff, comedy, romcom, haters to lovers

Main Characters: Park Chanyeol; Kang Yushin (OC); Kwon Soonyoung; Byun Baekhyun; Kim Jongdae; Do Kyungsoo

Setting: college AU; art college AU; dance class AU; college band AU

„We take a dance class together and our next routine calls for partnership, and we got put togeth−STop standing on my foot!” AU

A day later, I found myself in the university’s practice room with a sly Soonyoung and a never-been-clumsier Chanyeol.

Actually, let me tell you that this class was for amateurs only. If it hadn’t been for Soonyoung’s internship, he wouldn’t have to teach classes for people who were – to be honest – quite analphabetic when it came to dancing. Not to mention that if it weren’t for my best friend and for the extra credits, I wouldn’t have joined his class, let alone let him tease me with my non-existent dance skills, no matter how much I enjoyed it. Dancing wasn’t my field, I just loved doing it from time to time but I guess we were all there for such reasons. We were all art students but keen on expressing ourselves in a different way. For example, Jungkook was at the Fine Arts departure as a photographer prodigy, Soonyoung was – if it wasn’t obvious enough – at the Dance departure as a soon-to-be choreographer and I… well, I was just an ordinary student majoring in Critical Writing in Art and Design. According to my best friend, even the name of my major tells a lot about me. Well, decide it for yourself.

You can easily see that we weren’t professionals, therefore I didn’t even expect Chanyeol to be any different. He was talented in singing and writing lyrics but he wasn’t particularly good at dance. What now? The thing was that he wasn’t just bad, he was literally the worst amateur that I had ever met. I know we had exactly 2 classes together so far but that 3 hours that I had to spend with him – as his partner! – were the definition of Hell. The epitome of wasted time.

Small wonder why I continued on my rampage when after another terrific dance class with my absolutely “flawless” dance partner, I heard Soonyoung’s plan – or to be precise, it was more of a demand coated with sweet, friendly words.

“Guys, you’ve been doing great since I put you in pairs, so now, I want you to do something without my guidance,” he announced energetically and some guys even hollered in joy while others clapped enthusiastically. On the other hand, Chanyeol became like a living statue beside me, his features firm and his smile replaced with a worried flinch.

“I want you to find yourselves a choreography that you think would fit both of your personalities – or even better, you can come up with a choreo on your own – and show it to us,” he not-so-obviously winked at me while I glared at him like I wanted to eat him alive. “I know you are probably busy, so you can perform your dance anytime until the end of the semester. Of course, I want you to challenge yourself, so you can also dance with chairs or blind-folded, you can dress up as your favourite kpop member. Whatever. Just work together and enjoy yourselves!”

A wave of undeniable bafflement and ecstatic euphoria filled the room, leaving students bouncing up and down like two-year-old kids, flinging their arms in the air in disbelief or standing in bewilderment with their mouth agape. Needless to say but I was the member of the last group.

“What?” Chanyeol snickered, apparently unable to process what he had just heard and I soon joined in, too.

“What?” I exclaimed frantically, my voice higher than usual. I was seriously struggling to keep my rage at bay because I didn’t want to look offended or anything but… I was undeniably offended! How could that Soonyoung guy come up with such a gruesome idea? How could he think that we would be able to learn choreographies without his guidance? How could he do this to us? To his best friend?

“If you have any questions, you know where to find me. But for now, let’s call it a day! See you next Monday!” he waved to us with his trademark grin and made an attempt to scamper away. Of course, I couldn’t let him run away without being scolded.

“What were you thinking, Kwon Soonyoung?” I spat fervently but all the rage that I had accumulated lately decided to come to surface right then and there. The blonde guy’s tiny eyes widened in shock, probably more because of my way to express my anger, rather than my accusing tone. He knew just as well as I did that I only called him by his full name when I was pissed off. When I was really, really mad. Utterly mad.

“I was thinking that you would see it as an opportunity to finally get to know your partner a little bit better.”

“Why on Earth I would want to know him better?” I cried out in annoyance and flailed my arms around wildly. From the corner of my eyes, I saw as Chanyeol flinched but I couldn’t care less. Not when my life was falling apart thanks to the on-going divorce of my parents and the significant decrease in my grades. I had far worse things to deal with, so I didn’t need anything else to make me lose my mind.

“Yushin…” he let out a tired sigh and looked at me dearly. It was that kind of best friend look that you get before the huge life lesson comes. “Dance is about so much more than just moves after moves and beats after beats. It’s about exploring the deepest parts of your soul. Without exploring it, you can’t express your feelings, let it be joy, hatred or disappointment. The same goes when you dance with someone else. If you don’t know them, you can’t work with them,” he pronounced with the utmost care and his wide words cut into my soul a bit.

Honestly, I couldn’t agree more with what he had said. Dance was a way of expressing our feelings just like any other forms of art. For me, writing was the one which turned out to be the most accurate way to voice out my opinion but dance was also another compass of my emotions. Not until Soonyoung actually made me remember why I had initially enjoyed dance so much, did I actually realise why I found it so hard to indulge in it lately. Because I was afraid of my own feelings. I was terrified to present them to others. I didn’t want anyone to know about them since I always tried to prove that I was so strong and invincible. Yet, I wasn’t. I was a fragile human being and I wanted someone to figure that out. Just that someone still hadn’t come and I was trapped in an ice castle built up by my own worries.

“I know,” I whispered with wavering lips and immersed into toying with my fingers. I had already told him what was going on with my parents because he noticed my mood swings and rebellious behaviour but he couldn’t help me. He was there as a shoulder to lean on but I also had to learn how to overcome hardships on my own.

“I know you are going through a really hard time but that’s exactly why I think that Chanyeol and his usual optimism would do good to you,” Soonyoung added gently, letting the words sink in. Due to the fact that I was looking down at my own hands rather than his mesmerizing orbs and I got caught up in my worrisome thoughts, I didn’t even notice when he bid his goodbye and left the practice room. That meant that I was left alone. Or not really…

Luckily, there was no soul in sight, except Park Chanyeol. I wouldn’t want anyone else to hear the conversation that I had with my best friend. Not like they would know what kind of hardships I had to face lately but still, I needed a little more privacy in my life. It’s so upsetting that Soonyoung had to choose this period of my life to come up with the idea of having a group project. Dance should be a fun free-time activity but now… it seemed like it would turn into an irritating burden.

“So, I guess it means that we have to work together even more…” Chanyeol started vaguely and glanced around instead of looking into my eyes. I couldn’t really detect what was going on with him because he was uncharacteristically shy but hey, maybe he had a rough day! Or, worse than the fact that the happy virus Chanyeol had his first bad day during the semester was that he had heard something from our little chat with Soonyoung and he didn’t know how to act in order to avoid being too obvious. I seriously hoped it wasn’t the latter.

“Yep,” I nodded in agreement.

“So, I guess it also means that we have to see each other more often.”

“That’s right,” I bobbed my head again because I had no idea what else to do. I tried my best to keep my deadly serious face on but it was so hard when Chanyeol’s eyes suddenly lit up at the thought of us spending more time together. His Oreo-like eyes were immediately filled with blossoming joy and overflowing excitement, he became radiant in an instant. He glowed like a shooting star hovering on the pitch-black sky.

“Wow, I’m so happy! I can finally learn something from you!” he beamed excitedly while I directed a suspicious glare at him. He caught sight of the doubt written all over my face, so he made an attempt to clarify himself. “I mean, as far as I could see, you are probably the most passionate and most talented dancer in our team, so I’m sure you could teach me a thing or two. I know I have a lot to learn, so you would be an excellent teacher for me,” he giggled a bit at this part and I just stood there, cursing the whole universe (and especially my beloved best friend) for putting us in a pair. I predicted a serious outburst in the near future. There was no way that I could be with him without shouting his head off.

“Please take good care of me!” he bowed as a sign of respect but I didn’t know what it was for. I didn’t do anything to earn such a behaviour from him. I was seriously taken aback. My deadpan expression must have not leave an impact on him since he acted just like his usual self. Weird. Really weird. This guy could never get angry?

After pondering for a thought, I cleared my throat in an attempt to get his attention.

“How about we meet on Friday and watch some choreographies together, so that we can decide what we will choose?” I suggested with a mediocre friendly smile and his reaction couldn’t have been better. The guy clapped his hands and I swear he could have won the award for the widest grin ever. There was no other like him and his trademark grin.

“Amazing! I can’t wait to see you! I’ll be sure to check out some choreographies, even before our encounter, so that I can be prepared for Friday,” he promised gleefully and fished a post-it note out of his pocket. He looked at it for a mere second and then, he reached his hand out and motioned me to get it. “Here’s my number if you want to decide on the time and location. I’m usually available, so look at your schedule and call, okay?” he glanced at me and sputtered so rapidly that he had to catch his breath at the end. I assumed that he finally shut up for a minute and I had the chance to say anything but no, he casually started speaking again. “But now, I’ll have a band practice, so see you on Friday! Have a nice afternoon!” he hollered like he was in the 7th heaven and left the room while humming a funky song and dancing his way past the door.

I couldn’t quite process what I had just seen. Did Chanyeol really get on cloud 9 after realising that we would get to spend more time together? Like, what was wrong with him? Did he – perhaps – like me?

Oh, no way! Why would he? We hadn’t even talked to each other before Soonyoung’s dance classes. Oh no, that’s totally and absolutely impossible. There was no way that he liked me. No, not at all. Plus, why would I be appealing to him? There was nothing lovable about me. So why was he so hyped up?

Gosh, he was weird. Guys were weird.

[thespace-dragon]

So, i realized i never posted one of my works here and that needs to be fixed. I based this off of a piece by @istehlurvz which can be found here. (yeah this fic is super old)

Ao3

Word Count: 2022

Summary: Just holy shit... Lance was desperate. He had an assignment due and nothing was working. What could possibly happen when he spots a cute guy running around on campus and happens to bump into him. Something good right?

Goddammit…

Nothing was working. The flowers looked flat. The birds were blurry…Even though they were just sitting there. Hell, Lance couldn't even manage to take a different picture of a tree. And those never moved!

Ready to throw his camera in frustration, Lance groaned and fell back on the grass. He loved photography, he did, but this? This stupid freaking assignment was going to be the end of him. Might as well strap him to one of the aeronautic or astronautic majors' rockets and launch him into space.

He had one measly hour left before he had to show up to class and start editing photos. But what was he supposed to capture? The assignment was to take pictures of something he was a natural habitat.

And yet here he was, one of the few people in class who never ran out of ideas, and he was bone dry.

Forget the birds, the flowers, the bees… he had nothing. The student population was boring, they were all doing bland things…studying and working on homework, much like him. But that didn't fit the prompt. He needed someone who was doing something they wanted to do, not what they had to. Or nature in general.

Lance glanced at his watch. Forty-five more minutes till class. With every passing minute, he was closer and closer to going through with that rocket idea. Hunk could build it, Pidge would do whatever they did to get the thing to outer space and Lance would be as free as a bird.

"Fucking midterms…this is the most stupid prompt ever!" he grumbled to himself, albeit loudly. A couple students looked over at him but he ignored them, he had no time for them.

Sitting back, he fiddled with the settings on his camera. There hadn't been a restriction on whether or not this had to be in color, and he was feeling the black and white setting. The lighting was perfect for it, thank you California sun.

He snapped a couple pictures of the fountain in front of him, just to see if his decision would look right. If not, he could always adjust it on the computer.

Eh, they weren't the best, best take them in color then. He switched back to color and took a couple more before inspecting them. Conversation was rising around him, but he still paid no attention. Color was the way to go. He stood up about to move to another area with a lot of activity.

In the corner of his last picture, there was a group of guys. Cross country team? They had one of those here at this school? Lance shrugged it off and kept walking. The group of guys ran by him, all hot and sweaty from their run. As they all thundered by, one of them suggested coming back on the way back to run through the fountain.

All of them whooped and hollered, calling some guy named Keith a genius. Lance glanced over at the head of the group and saw one of them with a haphazard ponytail and a radiant smile on his face looking over his shoulder at the rest of the pack. He had a gray tank top on and athletic short…and damn those legs…and not to mention his back? He could run over him any day-

What the hell Lance? The guy had a ponytail! He was hiding a mullet with that, what was he thinking? Mullets are a no go… But that smile?

Lance face-palmed. He did not have the time to be fantasizing about some guy on the cross country team.  A guy he didn't even know to boot!

"Alight, men! Five more minutes and we'll head back to the fountain!" The guy, Keith, shouted from the front. Damn, even his voice was sexy.

No, Lance. Stop right there. No going there.

Too late.

Lance made his decision. He can face the wrath of his professor for the day, but damn if he wasn't going to get a picture of this Keith out of it.

…Okay, that sounded really bad. Dammit, Lance, what was he getting into?

Who knows maybe he could actually catch the guy before they all ran back to the locker rooms, where ever they were on campus and talk to him. Oh lord, he pining already…

A little mortified at himself, he made his way to one of the trees that had the best view through the fountain. Forty minutes. He could wait. Lance prayed when Keith had said five minutes, he meant five minutes.

Jeez, he must be incredibly thirsty to start looking at some guy out of nowhere and think he's instantly cute. Sure, Lance was bi, but he had standards, and that mullet should have been a red flag if anything. Yet, here he was, taking pictures of more students around the fountain to pass the time as he waited for the cross country team to make their way back. A frown never left his face as he looked at all of the pictures. None of them were up to par. Could he fool his teacher and say he lost his memory card for the assignment?

Out of nowhere, a cat bolted past him, chasing a butterfly. A Russian blue of all cats too. Lance out of instinct started taking pictures, capturing the cat leaping in the air after the butterfly, it landing, it running after the colorful insect, waiting to pounce…he got it all. Who would have thought? Lance flipped through all the pictures and shocked to find that they weren't all that bad.

The blue hopped onto the side of the fountain and licked its paw, not a care in the world given. Such a cat. Lance stood up and made his way over to the cat, still taking pictures. He was going to get every picture he could. Would the dorms let him keep a cat? Pidge liked cats, didn't they?

As soon as the cat saw him coming, it bolted. Good-bye, model.

"Aw c'mon! Come back!"

Yeah, no, it was gone. Well, at least he had some decent pictures he could slap together on the compu-

"Hey, watch out!"

Lance was body slammed and he ended up flat on his back. Thankfully his camera was strapped to his neck and didn't go flying. He really couldn't afford…Wait, why was he worrying about that when he should be yelling at the idiot who ran into him?

"Hey man, you ok?"

Lance snapped his eyes to look up above him. No way…

There he was, Keith from the cross country team, standing above him and offering a hand to help him up.

Holy shit, Keith was even more gorgeous from the front than he was the back. Shit, Lance, there was no getting out of this on. Keith was flushed from his run, and thankfully he hadn't gone through the fountain like the rest of the team. The smile he had on could match the sun that was shining behind him. He was only kind of out of breath, but damn, that ponytail and the bangs that were framing face…

Yep, Lance was a goner.

Crap, he was staring, and as soon as he realized that his face betrayed him and broke out into a blush and there was no saving him.

Slowly, he reached up and took a hold of Keith's offered hand. If it were possible, Keith looked like he was blushing now and his smile was even bigger than before.

Holy shit…

Keith hauled Lance to his feet and to hide his embarrassment of being crashed into, Lance checked his camera. Couldn't this blush go away anytime soon?

"Hey, Keith? We done?" Some guy called from the edge of the courtyard where the fountain was.

Keith finally looked away from Lance, shouting for the team to go hit the showers and he would see them in the morning.

Lance let his camera hang from the neck strap and he took to busying himself with dusting his jeans off.

"You good man? Sorry about running into you, didn't see you until the last second."

Could this guy get any more perfect?

Lance went on autopilot and his mouth ran away from him.

"Yeah, I'm good, I mean, I didn't see you either, did you see that cat, though? Man that thing was chasing this butterfly and I was just taking pictures, I didn't even hear you guys coming so I guess it's kinda my fault too, but you should have totally been looking, I mean what were you paying attention to? I was looking at pictures of a cat and then yo-"

Keith laughed halfway through his rant and Lance found him smiling and awkwardly scratching the back of his head, waiting for Keith to get ahold of himself.

"Oh man, you're a talker…" He wiped a stray tear. Could this guy get any more beautiful?

"Haha, sorry…" But for real, Lance just admitted to looking at pictures of cats to this super cute guy and he was still a blushing mess and he was still... oh just forget it.

"I'm Keith, sorry for the run in."

"Oh, I know-wait I mean, the name's Lance, and yeah I knew who you were-no that's not right either. I mean, I heard the team call your name and yeah I just figured out your name." Smooth, Lance, smooth.

Keith was laughing again, but it wasn't that condescending laugh that Lance was used to hearing from everyone. But after letting his frazzled thoughts voice themselves, it was a wonder that Keith was still standing there, talking with him. Well, at this point, Lance was talking at him, rambling was the correct term, but let's face it, he was trying to save face at this point.

Before he knew it, while Keith was still laughing at Lance's nonsense, Lance raised the camera and took a photo. Thank god the flash wasn't on, but Keith still caught the motion.

The guy with the ponytail stopped and stared at Lance, slightly confused. "Did you just…?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess I did, couldn't help it-I'm a photography student and I have an assignment due and you just looked, well, uh, you and you don't mind do you? I can make it up to you cuz I know taking pictures of some guy that you just met is kinda weird, but I swear that this is for an assignment and I just need like one picture-"

"Lance."

"Oh, shit, yeah what's up?"

God could this get any more awkward. Lance was a puddle of emotions and it felt like he was ready to crawl into the ground and die. He was so going to call Hunk and Pidge up to make him a rocket. No way was he going to make it.

"It's fine, seriously. I'm not offended. I, well, I guess I'm…flattered? You could have just asked."

"B-but, we just met like two minutes ago? We haven't even gone on a date to make this…." Lance trailed off. Hunk and Pidge were going to have that rocket to go by the time he was done with class, once he was done with his class.

Because what if Keith wasn't into guys? Shit, with all the sexualities on campus it was hard to pin anyone into one category. It took Lance his senior of high school and his freshman year of college to come to terms with his. But that still didn't make this right in any sort of way.

"Where do you want to meet?"

Wait, hold up. What?

"Uh, the photography building?" Shit, Lance, really?

"Cool, see you there…Lance."

And with that, Keith jogged away, following the same path that the cross country team.

Lance stood there in a daze. Did…did that really just happen? Did he just get a date with Keith, a guy he knows nothing about other than his smile is to die for and is on the cross country team?

He looked down at his camera and saw the thumbnail.

Holy shit…