#so far I'm curiously watching it not sure about the main couple

[dropthedemiurge]

At this point I feel like if I'm gonna start making translation notes to Boys Be Brave as well if I'll continue to watch it because boy, I'm like 10 minutes in and I already want to translate 3 scenes differently xD

[simpingcowboy]

Un Millón de Primaveras//A Million Springs

Pairing: Pero Tovar x GN!Reader, no use of Y/N, ambiguous Spanish speaker don't worry translations are provided, reader runs an innn

Word Count: 3k+

Warnings: Yearning! Softness!! Kinda enemies to lovers??? Stalkerish tendencies, mentions of people drinking, Pero being annoying and weird

Summary: Since his first day at your inn, Pero Tovar has dutifully followed you without either of you knowing why.

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day!!! Enjoy Pero and reader both not knowing how to deal with their feelings. Can y'all tell I like making songs into fics lol? I am not super great at Spanish so if any of this is wrong please don't be afraid to correct me I am well aware that Pero is a Spaniard idc he loves Vicente Fernández. Ranchero music sLAPS

Everyday.

Everyday.

Everyday since Pero had arrived at your inn, he'd been following your every move.

Stalking you in the kitchen.

Watching as you swept the main hall.

Peering over your shoulder from the front desk.

Even doing his morning sparring routine off the side of your cabin, waiting to see you first thing in the morning.

All of this and yet, Pero had barely spoken to you. Most of his communication came in grunts and nods. His silence drowned out by his companion, William's, sweet talk and polite conversation.

It hadn't always been like this. It started slowly. The first few days upon their arrival you'd discovered the mercenary lurking outside the kitchen before meal time. Glaring up at you through the service window, barely out of view. You'd only noticed him as you moved to set out dishes. He catches you off guard, almost making you drop the bowls you held.

"Oh Pero! You know food will not be served for another hour, right?"

"Yes, I know." He said in his usual monotone tone. His glance shifts to the dishes you've set on the counter. He takes a bowl in hand. "I will wait."

You shrugged it off trying to rationalize his odd behavior. Pero was usually first in line anyways…and always came back for seconds when available. Maybe life as a mercenary had made him weary of eating food he had not seen be prepared. Maybe he really was just that eager to eat your cooking. It could be plenty of things you suppose. As long as he kept out of your way, you could live with it.

And then- you'd noticed him taking a peak at you at the front desk. You were sitting at the desk, doing some bookkeeping when a creaky floorboard alerted you to someone approaching the desk. When you looked up, Pero, wide eyed and silent, stood a couple feet off the desk.

"Pero, can I help you with something?"

His right hand fidgets at his side. "No." He says solemnly.

"A-are you sure?" You ask curiously, unsure of why he'd be here if he didn't need anything. He still had another month paid for so he needn't worry about that.

He responds with a grunt and a nod, "Mmm."

"Okay…well I'm here if you need me."

He nods again before turning on his heels and settling over on a chair in the far corner of the lobby. Pero simply sat, busying himself with cleaning his weapons. Every couple minutes you'd caught him staring up at you. He remained there until the end of the day, waiting to see you off. You wished him a goodnight as you stepped out to return to your cabin for the night. Even as you turned back to look at the inn, you swore you saw Pero's silhouette watching you through the window.

After that night, you decided to ask William a bit more about Pero. Eager to get some answers about this strange man. You tried not to make much of a habit of bothering guests, but this was a more than reasonable exception. You managed to catch him alone when Pero went off to the bathhouse.

"William? I'm sorry to bother you, but may I ask you a question or two?"

He offers you a bright smile in turn. "Of course! How may I be of assistance?"

"It's about Pero."

The blonde man chuckles when you mention Pero's name. "Is he causing you trouble?"

"Not exactly, he's just been…around alot. Around me alot to be exact. I was just wondering if I've offended him or anything? If you know?"

William flashes you a slightly mischievous grin. "Offended? Oh no not at all. In fact, I'd say he's rather fond of you!"

"Fond?" You repeat.

He nods "Very fond."

It continued on through the weeks. You'd slowly grown accustomed to Pero's silent presence. Making use of him once or twice a week to help around the inn. Putting his body to work to help clear the snow, or set the dining hall for more formal dinners. If he was going to be in your way, the least he could do was help out a bit. You'd learned more about him. Learned the most whenever you watched him work.

Pero was a quiet man, this was certain. His strengths are not so much in his tongue. Nor charm. Nor sensibility. No- that was where his partner shone. Pero's qualities were not so surface level. It took a bit of pressure to reveal his best qualities. The first you noticed, grace.

Though he trudged through the house with all the elegance of a drunken fool, when given a task he moved so beautifully. Reorganizing furniture as if it were the sole key to your heart. With total care and efficiency. You saw it in his sparring too. Pero had absolute control of his body, and welded his weapon with an unimaginable ease. You'd learned he was once a bull fighter. Though it was obvious by his tone, he did not care much to discuss it.

Secondly, you saw more of his character. How noble he was. "A sellsword with morals!" William had laughed at you when you said as much. But it was true. Pero would steal, yes. Fight, often. Even kill, for the right price. Yet through it, he'd maintained his empathy. His honor. You'd seen him stand up to brutish figures who'd picked on those weaker than themselves. Witnessed him aid a child who was lost late at night wandering the halls. Pero Tovar was not a good man…but certainly not a bad one either.

The last quality you grew to admire had appeared rather abruptly on a cold winter morning. You and Pero had grown into quite the routine. Every morning long before the other guests had awoken, Pero would be waiting patiently at the door for your arrival. Greeting you with a silent nod as you entered. You did your usual opening tasks at the Inn, before settling in and making your cup of coffee. Which had since grown to two cups of coffee. You rounded the kitchen, two mugs in hand, to sit with Pero by the fire when the strangest thing happened.

In the soft light of the fire, Pero's eyes looked so bright…so warm, so inviting. Suddenly, you wondered how his nose would feel nuzzling against yours, how his arms would feel wrapped around you. An urge awoke to sit in his lap, and play with the loose ties of his undershirt. Even the menacing scar he wore on his eye transformed into the perfect line to run your kisses across.

"Coffee." He grumbles, turning his face to you.

"Hmm?" You respond, snapping out of your day dream.

Pero sniffs the air, "You have our coffee, no?"

"I-I yes! Yes, I do." Your words stumble over the butterflies in your stomach. You jolted over to his side handing him his cup before taking your place next to him.

He silently takes a sip. "It's good."

"Thank you…" you murmur.

You realize, Pero Tovar is so handsome.

So yes, you'd grown well accustomed to his presence…maybe even enjoyed having Pero around on occasion. Perhaps you even missed him on the days he and William would go to town to do some work. Maybe you missed him even more when he would be away for a day or two, no doubt working to earn more coin in preparation to leave come Spring. Only in the quiet moments without him by your side did you think it was not so bad to have him around. Maybe you even silently wished Pero would stay by your side.

But what were you to say to the ill-tempered Spaniard…Tales of affection and romance? Admit your feelings and make a mockery of yourself; of your business? So, you remained silent. Willing the loneliness away that came without Pero. Remembering that come Spring, he will leave and you'd likely never meet again.

The last couple days had been excruciating. Several things in the inn had broken and needed repair. Some drunken guests had made a mess of the dining hall. The incessant snowfall meant continual clearing of both walkways and entrances. Not to mention the need for extra firewood. The last snowfall of the year was typically heavy and this year was certain not to disappoint. Though you knew it best to keep your mind on your tasks, your mind betrayed you with thoughts of Pero instead.

William had taken Pero off to town to be bodyguards for some state officials who'd come to visit. Right now you envision Pero in his armor, glaring menacingly at an empty hallway guarding the statesmen while they slept. Huffing his annoyance out at William for making them take this job. The vision makes you smile. You can't imagine he was in a good mood for the trip, considering how he left that morning.

"You will be okay?" He asked quietly as he saddled his horse.

"Yes, Pero I'll be fine." You roll your eyes at his sudden protective streak.

His dark brown eyes find yours "You do not need more wood or-"

"Pero!" Called William, already mounted on his horse. "Come on! You're gonna make us late!"

Pero shoots the blonde man a glare before turning back to you. "Take care, Girasol…" he sends you off with a nod before mounting his horse. "I will be back!"

That was four days ago…this was the longest you'd gone without him. It was beginning to feel like a lifetime. Silently you wondered, how you would ever survive Spring without him.

But for now, the snow fell. And the world was still cold. So you rest. Perched on a chair outside, overlooking the snowy forest surrounding your home. Letting your body sink into the padded chair. A February breeze sends chills up your spine with each low whisper. The rustling of the pine trees play their dashing melody. The air is seasoned with the first of Spring's pollen. You think maybe the first of the animals has awoken from their slumber, as the soft crunch of snow is heard. You smile for the first time in days. Finally free of the heavy burden these past days had presented you with.

He watches in admiration…catching glimpses of you from around the bend of your home, not wanting to frighten you. As soon as Pero had returned from his job, he came to find you. Wanting to asure to himself that you had been just fine without him, as you'd need to be soon when he was gone. Pero finds himself smiling at your cheerfulness. He feels at home.

The dark of night quickly catches up to you. A yawn escaping from your throat. As you turn your head to stretch you see him.

"Pero!" You screamed at the unexpected intrusion, causing you to jump out from your chair.

The mercenary steps out from the shadows into your view, hands held high. "Mira, it's okay mi coraz-"

You snap. The stress finally breaks you down, "Why do you always do that?"

Pero stood up straight when you yelled at him, a dumbstruck look on his face. "Do what?"

"Follow me everywhere. You're always watching me! You don't think maybe I would like a second with you not breathing down my neck, huh?"

Pero is quiet for a moment, eyes flicker between your eyes and the floor. "I- ¿Te molesta?" He asks, his voice sounding much softer than usual. "It bothers you?"

For just a moment, you feel a bit guilty. Seeing the big scary mercenary be humbled so quickly. "I well, only sometimes."

"I am sorry. I will go." Pero goes to turn on his heels back to the inn, head hanging down.

"W-why?" You manage to squeak out.

"¿Qué?" Pero turns his head back to you, slowly shifting his body back around.

"Why do you always follow me? I asked William and he said well…I haven't done something wrong have I?"

Pero's usual scowls scrunches up more into a look of annoyance. "No."

"Then why?"

Why? Why? Why? Pero thinks to himself. It's the same question he's asked himself everyday since arriving. Why do you make his brain go all blurry? Why does he have such an incessant urge to be near you every moment of the day? Why does he pray that Spring never comes?

And no answer came. At first he felt suspicious of you. His instincts telling him you were something nefarious. So he watched. Watched and watched. His permanent scowl matched with squinted eyes as he observed you. And nothing. You were not the evil innkeep his mind had made you out to be. No. You far exceeded his suspicions of you.

As he watched you work he learned just how incredible you were. Strong. Kind. Reasonable. Respectable. Pero watched in awe at the way you handled the inn and kept everything running smoothly. You were serious like him, but equipped with more than enough pleasantries about you to not frighten off every patron that came through your door. Far from the evil he once believed you to be.

It wasn't until that first cup of coffee he really understood. Pero lingered out by the front desk, keeping an eye out for you as you did your morning tasks. Dark eyes quickly fixate on you as you remerge from the backroom. Two cups of coffee in hand instead of your usual one.

"Pero, if you're gonna get up with me you might as well have some coffee." You say, sliding one mug towards him. You'd noted the grimace on his face at the offering. "Are you alright?"

Pero froze. No, he was not alright. The warm bright smell of coffee hitting him like a train. And his stomach flips again, as it did the first time he laid eyes on you. And finally he understands. His body did not react to you with distrust, but with desire. All at once, Pero Tovar's world fell apart.

The question swirls again in his mind, "Why do you follow me?" It was simple. Because you were far more than he'd ever seen before. More great than the royals of the Spanish court. More beautiful than the ocean shores. Stronger than any bull he'd slain. Kinder than any nurse who'd tended to him. Worth more than any coin. Rarer than black power. He followed you, because there was no greater honor than serving at your side.

He huffs, averting your gaze, eyes shifting around the blank snow. Mind racking with how to explain himself. Searching for those perfect fairytale romance words that always won the prince the heart of their beloved. But all Pero can muster is, "Solo falta un millón de Primaveras…" muttered under his breath.

Only a million Springs

"What was that?"

"Only a million Springs." He repeats in English. Dark brown eyes matching your gaze, a look of wonder captivating him. As he looks upon you, his words and his world falls back into place. Pero marches through the snow, standing before you. His chest threatens to push against you. "Please wait, mi amor. Sí te molesta que I follow you." His eyes look into yours, a large hand cupping your cheek.

Please wait, my love. If it bothers you that I follow you.

"Pero I don't-"

Another hand greets your waist, pulling you in against him. "Solo falta un millón de Primaveras. A few centuries he de adorarte. Give me that at least, Hermose." He pleads.

Only a million Springs. A few centuries I have left to adore you. Give me that at least, gorgeous.

A warmth spreads through you. The look of annoyance on your face washed away with his touch. "Only a million Springs, huh?" Your arms move to encase Pero in your grasp.

He nods, the most subtle of a smile on his face. "Sí."

You smile back to him. "And after that?"

Pero smirks, his wide hand rubbing up your spine, "Después de eso…I'll never bother you again."

After that…I'll never bother you again.

"And if I want you to stay?"

"My time here…" Pero falters, wishing his words were not true, "William and I will need to go back to work, but after. Next winter, I will return for you."

"And begin our Springs?" You ask, eyes full of hope.

Pero's eyes relax as he looks down at you, joy radiating through his body. "Sí, mí amor…let there be a million of them."

Spring.

Summer.

Fall.

Winter.

You waited patiently. Looking over the hill each day in hopes of seeing your mercenary bounding over the fallen leaves. The shortened days grew long and weary, but you remained eager. Knowing once he returned, he would never again depart.

You'd seen lakes thaw and freeze again. Seen ducklings be born and since leave. The leaves turn green, then red, then yellow, then fall off the trees. You'd seen the wonders of each season, yet you only dreamt of Spring.

Just dreams…until one early morning, after making your cup of coffee.

"No coffee for me?" A voice comes from behind where you sat in front of the fireplace.

A faint tear pricks at your eye at the voice. It's one you'd know anywhere. "Pero!" You jump out of your chair in excitement, tossing your mug haphazardly on the side table.

"Aye, mi alma!" He greets you, enrapturing you in his arms. "Knew you'd wait for me…" he whispers into your neck.

"Of course, Pero." You snuggle as close as possible into his body.

He smirks teasing lightly "I thought maybe…te olvidaste de mí. Maybe you forgot about me."

"I could never forget about you…not in a million years."

"No?" He chuckles.

"Never."

And though the snow had just begun to fall, the whole world felt like Spring. With Pero back in your arms, you only wished for a million more.

[sanghyukstattoos]

SF9: sexual expressions

Genres: multiple au's [warnings: brief mentions of death, trauma, anxiety]; fluff-fluff-fluff; smut-smut-smut [contains mention/description of somnophilia kink (gentler than it's description), semi-public sex, baby-making, oral, mutual masturbation]

A/N: None of the images in the collage are mine, refer to here for more; For more SF9, read here, for iKON, read here and for optional bias writings, read here

Youngbin:

There's something in his expression, that rolls off his tongue when crass bursts of arousal coarse through him, rushing everywhere in such a natural manner, whether he's found something nice or in joy, his breathy moans and gasp-less breaths are something that awaken arousal, specifically yours. At first his moans may be muffled but as he relaxes, he opens up in the comfort an safety of being with you, you whose presence allows him to lower his tense state. To watch you would be his first thought but as your head bobs and you use your hand in a way that makes his back arch and moans fervently spill, he gets distracted, closing his eyes and losing himself in everything that floats around him. At the end, his thighs may quiver but he's already reaching for you, pulling you into his arms. Onto the bed or tent or the sheet that is rumpled in the back of his truck, he slips into you, groaning, sighing an settling into you. He takes his time to start moving, kissing your cheeks as he does. With every rush of arousal, he lightly bites your shoulder, enough for you to feel his teeth but not enough to hurt you. He caresses your backside the most, squeezing the flesh, especially as he releases. But even when you are on all fours, he makes sure to admire your backside, responding to your moans when he softly hits the flesh or uses your waist as a guide along his cock. He'll describe how feels, ''You're so warm'' or something like that, something that wrecks you and also him to pound into you, picking up the pace. When it's the end of a long day and you want to make love, he'll settle with you under the covers and gently rock himself against you, allowing you to vent or just speak to him then, killing two birds with one stone. This is because he knows that both of you will fall asleep immediately. In line with this, there is also something I want to try: Youngbin with somnophilia kink. This won't be as intense as it's description. Two to three hours after the both of you have fallen asleep, he wakes up, with a small desire already in his mind but it's when he sees you that his desires grow and he wakes you, kissing your tired self out of the haziness of falling back asleep. He feels a little guilty yes, but his thoughts are hay-wired at the moment towards you. If you respond to his desires with your vocal agreement, he won't hesitate to slip into your heat, groaning in relief at the way your core swallows every inch of his cock and soon, he'll pound you into the mattress. ''Binnie'', you ask as he slows down to see your sex taking in his cock, he hums, placing his head in between your breasts or on your chest, listening, ''Go faster please.'', which he chuckles and immediately agrees too. When you release and neither of you are ready to fall back asleep, he tugs you towards the window- one of your favourite places to have sex, it was where he took you when you had sex for the first time. Your chest against the glass, he takes you from behind, quietening himself to hear your moans and whimpers and well-demands. Demands which when came from you, he would easily comply too.

Inseong:

His sounds? Beautiful.

I'll try out this idea as well, since you asked about expression during sex: speaking. Perhaps out of excitement, he'll tell you stuff from the top of his head. Sweet words like, ''You're so beautiful'', ''so pretty, my love'', or whisper to you, ''I'm so excited'' always eliciting a a beautiful laugh from you, ''heh, cutie'', you may reply with this nickname which soothes his ears and tickles his sides with excitement. The first couple of time you have sex, he may be serious, furrowing his brows in concentration on how he is feeling. Accordingly, his sounds may alert you to his status, breathy moans are his main type of vocalisation he would let out, maybe when you suck him off or you have sex. He may even struggle on sounds the first couple of time but it's something that he doesn't dwell on too much after speaking to you about it, ''Don't worry, just let out how you feel about it.'' you said and he did exactly that. His type of sex with you is to make every moment last, each significant piece of memory stamped with your intimacy on it. When he eases himself into the comfort of having sex with you, he'll start to tell you jokes, inciting a bright atmosphere between you two. Armed with his jokes, he'll make you laugh and it'll always be something between you two, leading to or being inside jokes, never something from outside your intimate space. He's also the type to make a haven out of you bedroom space, together, you would attach a cover above your bed and leave the lights on, glazing your naked bodies like sleeping in a tent under the stars, except that it is in your bedroom. The space is safe, free to speak each other about anything and everything. During discussions, he would love to hold you, your waist or lean on his elbows and listen to you, about your day and how you are feeling. It's there that you'll make love to one another, setting each other's minds free from the ongoing troubles and/or enjoying your peace. He's got a nickname for you, maybe something from your name that he'll tell you really sweetly when he starts his conversation with you as he enters you. He'll pay attention to your sounds, ''You feel good baby?'' is his question, filled with his innocence behind them. You nod. ''Fuck- I feel so good baby'' is one of them, he'd whimper it out, followed by his stuttering moans, open and filling your ears. He sounds absolutely beautiful. ''Seongie, let me take care of you'', ''You don't have to baby'' he'll say and if you do continue, he'll go on to then lose himself in the pleasure you give, you curiously peeking eyes at his state that once your eyes connect, he doesn't leave your gaze.

Jaeyoon:

Regal Jaeyoon

He's got it out for you in the most playful way possible. He could've met you just yesterday, last week, two months ago or you've been childhood friends, regardless he sees the beauty in you. He's got many sides to him as does everyone, but unlike being around them, he understands that he can freely show them to you for example, his anger which would not be a suitable look on the king-to-be. When he's angry, he paces around in the study room before thinking that he should ask you for your opinion. So he comes to your room in the palace or picks you up outside your house, sitting side by side on the stone sculptures that are topped with granite to make for a seat or just to hang by when looking outside, swinging his legs. His hand on the cool granite and yours are not far from one another, he wishes to hold your hand and to hold you in his arms but he's not sure, he would want you to be okay with it first. But how does he get there? You can bet that he'll chase you around the market, his heart beating extra fast when he catches you. Having just recently figured out his feelings for you, he hesitates to tickle you as he usually does, instead he feels the need, the desire to connect your lips. His lips are soft and warm and he tastes of a fruit he just ate, apple or mango slices and to him, your response is everything. Your hands wander up his coat lapels, reaching his shirt collar and tugging him closer, lovingly. He giggles when you break away and he can't stop the smile that lights his whole expression, looking at you with possibly all the love in in his eyes and he doesn't notice that this occurs whenever he looks at you. ''Jaeyoon...'' you start, chuckling when he's just about to kiss you but then he pulls away to hear what you have to say, nodding to tell you that he's listening. You laugh at his adorable movement, bringing him closer for another kiss, ''I have so many questions'', ''shoot!'' he adorably says but you shake your head instead, wrapping your hands around him and the two of you bring yourselves together, under the bright summer lights and muffled screeching of seagulls arguing over who gets the last bread crumb.

I'm not sure if Jaeyoon's one for semi-public sex or not, I've been quite conflicted in my thoughts about this. He may not be or he may be, especially if he's horny for you, more often that not, in places he shouldn't do. Imagine that you are moving to a new place, your sofa is strapped at the back of the moving truck. He's going to drive you but he's not ready to move the truck all morning. He'd let you know that he's in the mood by having you in his arms and well grabbing your ass, dipping his hand in between your thighs, ''y/n, I want you.'', he'd say, plain and simple. You'd kiss and kiss till he's settle you down on the sofa, the truck parked in between two tall structures on a sun-out, non-traffic studded cobble road. ''Really?'', you shouldn't be surprised as you look at your boyfriend rolling on the condom and entering you, ''Really?'', ''yes'', he says laughing, ''Yes baby, god I love you so much.'', he's overcome with emotions. He loves when you grab his ass during sex, especially when he has you under him, filling you up with his cock till he's released and is looking around, tugging his trousers up. He gives you his hand, leading you into the front seats. For whatever reason, he doesn't let go of your hand, ''So you going to drive or?'', ''I'm not sure that we should leave right now.'', ''We need to be there by noon, it's already oh!- five thirty. We have to leave now.'', ''Okay'' he nods, picking up the pace to your new house. You unload all your stuff into the house and then, it's the cardboard boxes. He's looking around, trying to make this work. At the back his mind, he knows that he's going to help you unpack and maybe even move in with you but for now, he's a little distracted. You can't help but ask, ''Babe'', ''Huh?'', ''What's going on? You are just staring at the boxes'', you say smiling when you spell it out. ''I'm just uh- come here?'', you go over, going to look at something. He sits on one of the boxes and pulls you onto his lap, placing soft kisses along your neck. The ache in his groin stirs and he groans into your neck. The image of you having sex moments ago is still engrained into his head, your sweaty skin and visual expressions, sounds are still on his mind. He gently slips your open shirt over your shoulders and your bra strap along with it, placing a kiss on your breast, hands wandering up and down your waist all the time. ''Don't stress over the move, you've got a lot of time.''. The moment is forever in your mind, fresh or not, it's a significant period of time, the time in between a few moments ago and getting accustomed to your new house. You manage to find a place outside, on the lawn with it's fresh grass, your clothes off and him making love to you. All the energy he had before comes back, as the sounds of hips snapping against yours can be heard as compared to his words, ''You're so beautiful'' and other random mumblings about you. It's too sweet. The scene I imagine now is that you are riding him in your new background, his back on the grass and you circle your hips, steadying yourself on his toned tummy. His moans sound sweet, just like when he whines softly, muffled, stuttering ever so often. When he's close and the snapping of your hips grow quicker, his moans get more breathy and the look on his face is one as a result of his closeness to releasing. The look of his as he releases could best describe the phrase, 'like the crashing of waves on a summer day'.

Dawon | Lee Sanghyuk:

Oh, what a cutie! His part in Fanatic!

I have an inkling that he sounds pretty when he's in his element of safety and comfort around you and especially, with you. Let's take our imaginations somewhere, possibly fun!: With his regal stage outfit, the one of blue and white, imagine that you meet him in Narnia, transported via the painting. The room that was once filled with water from the Sea on High Waters painting leaves you and washes you onto a beach of an island, dry. You are surprised but also pleasantly happy to be back, it's been some time since you've seen your relatives. Forward, there's nothing for miles except for water, happily splashing around in the midst of a summer day where breeze gently blows past your ears. Behind are walls of rock of an impossible feat, at least to climb. Further on top, you have to squint to see, there are the unmistakable green flashes of leaves and trees with sways a result of stronger breeze. On this beach is where you meet Sanghyuk. He's dressed in a way that a royal would, if not, that's how he walks, along with his soldiers. The buttons to his sleeveless blue coat are open and his crew look tired, as if it's been a long journey here. ''Excuse me, who are you?'' he asks customarily, not sensing any danger. His soldiers hang back but not too far. ''I'm...'' but you are lost for words. How do you explain it? Crowned by Aslan? You have no idea who they are. ''Come with me" he says, looking here and there, urgency in his tone. It's funny how he disarms your cautiousness, with his honesty and personality- humour that goes straight to your heart. ''Give me a minute'', he mentions to one of his crew members and with that, he shows you past the railing of the huge boat. It has it's name engraved in white right below you but you can't make out it's name. ''See, after we crash landed- the storms'' he clarifies, ''we've been stuck here''. He smiles even as he says it and then you realise, even in such a terrifying situation, how beautiful his smile is. He's optimistic, it should help with the rest of your journey, you think. And it does. You begin. Just before you make your first stop, you encounter magic in the form of gold, so much gold just scattered all over the valley. A trap. Anybody who came here died. You found skeletons under all of it. ''We need to get out of here'', at that moment, dust swarms your vision in a regulated dance, as if it has had time to practice on all the people that came before. You collectively shudder at the thought but at the end, you live. It is your bravery and ever longing passion to fight for what is right that impresses him. Along the way, you tell him the truth, one secret for the other except that it's not a secret and neither of you have anything to hide. Because it's something to be hidden either. You get to know one another after that, introduced properly after your revelations. You find somewhere inside the forest to rest, on a thin sheet, here to rest for the night. You are anxious. He hovers over you, running his hands up and down your arms. Soothing you, that is the feeling, with him it feels safer, almost as if your anxiety about the previous fight has been sucked away, into the lost abyss of any voice in this forest. His crew members are searching. ''Look at me'', he says, softly, like a command but sincerely, ''Does it work on your crew, when you speak to them like that?'' you tease softly from under him, curiously committing his features to memory. Out of all your adventures, this one was going to be your favourite, you could tell. ''If they knew..'' he trails off sweetly kissing your neck, ''They would never leave me alone.'', he ends with a chuckle. You chuckle at it too. You take in a breath and it occurs to you that as much as you are relaxed, you haven't taken a breath in a while. He eyes you, keenly, wondering if you should be okay with this. Your secrets are out in the open and he has no reason to worry, the last thought along calms him. ''Less talking Hyukie'', you murmur, grappling at his coat lapels. He perks up, it is because of the name. That name, he thinks, uttered

so softly, containing so much love. It is as if you read his mind that you murmur once again, ''Hyukie'', ever so softly now, drawing him upwards and connecting your lips to his. The world is silenced, it's noise drowned out as well your tension, long forgotten now. He loves the nickname. It stirs him up, the way you say it, how you say it, he wants to keep hearing it. Then is the other concern that he will never see you after this, that you will be transported back to the world beyond the painting you came from.

He pushes it away as he reveals your top, exposing the curve of your breast ever so beautifully. And then he makes the brave move of uncovering your breasts, lingering his lips over the supple skin. Your stretch marks or not, your tattoos or not, or not, he kisses the skin, taking your perky bud into his mouth. He makes you gasp, swallowing the bud into his mouth and flickering his tongue around it. It's so arousing. There's a fire in your belly, of all the things he does to you, he cares for you. There's enough room for that. The most poignant is his voice, his groan when he's entering you, holding you and gasping at the unholy loving expression on your face. There are some things about you like your moans as he makes your toes curl and his face when you release for the nth time throughout that would make him release, immediately, on the spot, if he were to ever witness it if the two of you were not under such circumstances. He wants to hold you close to him, to relish in these moments he has with you because he doesn't know when it's going to finish, the expedition or- what the two of you have. So he does exactly that, gasping so prettily when you straddle him, ''You're so pretty you know?'' you can't help but say. Everything about the way he sees you right now, through hooded eyes that struggle to stay open because he wants to see, to commit, your waist that he holds as he guides you up and down on his cock, the way your breasts bounce, your expression and how you can't hold in your moans. From this position, you feel him in deeper, he moves his hands from your waist to holding your own, gently coaxing another release out of you. He takes in everything and moves in tandem with you, like two people on opposite sides of a street, instinctively walking when they see the signal turn green. Visually, he absorbs everything which is why, he couldn't be finished, not now. You lay in his arms, awake at almost six in the morning when the sun is barely peeking out from behind the mountains. You have a conversation about moments before when he awoke to you rustling your trousers on. He has his arms wrapped around you, like he doesn't want you to leave and from you confessing that you like him moments earlier, you suspect that you won't go now. His insatiability comes back when confesses that he likes you to, swathing you in his kisses, making you moan and grab him everywhere as you ask him of all the things he would gladly do for you.

Rowoon | Kim Seokwoo:

Possible au?, I'm in love with au's these days: I suspect that Seokwoo would introduce you to his cabin that is not to far away from civilisation. He could have met you as a new neighbour who recently moved into town and someone you grew close to very quickly or more towards the angel/demon au trope, he rescues you from a little accident which explain why he lives where he lives, there is nobody to bother him but is close enough for him to gather supplies. Truthfully, you could think of anything but the main principle applies: he is someone that you can trust and a person who lives in a balance of ambience and peacefulness whilst having fun. Every resident is excited since winter usually prolongs the days, making it seem as if its been cold for very long which some people enjoy and some people don't. Either way, summer dwindles the ice on the tree leaves, reducing it to puddles but it also brings out the playful sounds of birds and children and adults playing in the parks. If you are the new resident, he makes it a point to show you around, the parks, the offices, the restaurants, places to shop and relax. He also catches feelings for you, much more in a slow burn kind of way than fast falling and right from the start. Little touches or closeness makes him pause a beat and think about what he felt but sometimes he doesn't get that chance of thinking. It just occurs-when he's flustered. Say for example that you touch his hand or stand close to him, the proximity rises pink onto his cheeks, a prominent colour on him. You definitely go on a trip together, maybe a picnic on a day that is not particularly windy. This is different from meeting up outside of work or going on little adventures to the restaurants to try out a new cuisine or the pub or for shopping groceries. It's possible that he may not be shopping for himself but he'll accompany you where you go. All the times you go on a picnic are special to him, especially if you make some food for it, he'll appreciate it gladly but if you don't, he'll make it a point to make something. If you feed him, be assured that at first he may pull back but will like it very much, like the type that you love on second tries and continue loving it. It's then at the picnics that he'll gravitate towards what you like, he's curious in your tastes for example cotton candy or sweets or what games you like to play and your life before you came to this place. At pubs, you know what you like but he's not afraid to try out something new. It may be something that he'll want to share with you. Going to the pub becomes a thing when you want to speak to the other, tell each other about your day and eat and drink but most of all, to see the other person. Grocery shopping is well, the domestic side of him that makes you melt with his recommendations after staying in the place for so long that he knows what's good and what's not. It's only after you acknowledge your feelings for one another that he dwells on his sexual feelings for you, growing them one by one.

His voice is husky and it feels weird for me to describe it in this way but very naturally, it's a part of him. A part that you love. When he sees you from the back and surprises you, his voice makes it never sound like a surprise. Instead it soothes the tense posture you immediately assumed when you felt a figure come from behind you. His hugs are bear hugs, that he showers you with constantly, when he sees you, to hold you when you are upset and even when he is. When he nestles into your neck on a gloomy day, he can feel his stress seep away and bring something better- calm. It only goes to say then that when you make love, he loves to hold you in his arms, thrusting into your core. His moans make your feverish with delight, with a reflection of the icy weather melting into little puddles. It also become something that the two of you do, mutual masturbation, when you make out and as if on cue, you giggle and pull part. You lay on your back and he hovers above you, stroking his cock, small, breathy moans falling from his lips at the wonderous sight in front of him. At first if you are shy, he'll coax you softly with his voice, whispering, ''You can do this'', that little edge that it takes to soothe your mind and give it a go. In his eyes, you are a beauty and to see you fill yourself with your fingers makes him have to hold onto something, like grip the end of the bed or it's sheets tightly. After you release, he may take you to some other part of his cabin, maybe the kitchen to eat something but distracted by your naked body will he rub his cock in between your ass cheeks, putting you onto the counter and taking you from behind. In the way that makes your mouth fall open.

Zuho | Baek Juho:

Frustrated typing at his keyboards fills the room drawing a raise of your eyebrows half way up your forehead at the absolute demolition you hear. He leans back in his chair, sighing, ''You know, when was it?'', ''hm?'' he turns to you. The same chair he uses for producing, you are currently in his studio. ''Jaeyoon said that you couldn't game because you would... destroy the keyboard.'' and you have to laugh at this. He pretends to be unimpressed but a small smile peaks up in automatic response to seeing you smile. After seeing his expression, you laugh even more, his arms are crossed and he's staring at you as if to say, ironic but he won't say it out of a false hope at retaliation. You were pretty good, alright but to him, it was wonders! How could you do such stuff?! Moments later, he quits the game and opens a file, the studio grows peaceful as the keys of the keyboard are tapped in near silence, a huge contrast to the clickety-boom!-clackety of before. You grow bored. Feet shuffle from behind him and onto his lap, distracting him from his hold on his mouse and screen, your figure covers it. He smiles, innocently, very cutely in fact as you play with the material of his jumper, feeling his embrace bring him in-line with your chest which he nuzzles into. He sighs, asking, ''do you want to take a break?'', eliciting a yes! in thought and sound, tugging him to the sofa. The sofa is... comfy. You lay on it, extending your arms. He settles into them, hugging your waist and resting on your tummy. ''Ju?'', you ask, waiting a beat, ''How is it going?'', another way of asking his progress on the song, further leading to when you can listen to it. It's as if he knows your true questions because he says, ''Soon'', voice muffled by his hiding in your tummy. He pulls your top up, staring for a beat with a look that takes your breath away. His eyes... they marvel in deep thought that you think you know what he's about to ask you for your ''talk'' later. Your breath is taken away. You know what he wants to say, it's on the tip of your tongue but you can't voice it. Surely, you want to hear it from him even more. You would marvel even more then. ''Let's have that talk now?'', your breath hitches, pauses in your throat. He's got more reasons to come inside of your now and the thoughts makes your core ache. You squeeze your thighs together out of reflex. You sit up and so does he, his hands rests on your thigh. You can feel the heat from his legs that are so close to yours, suddenly becoming aware of his cologne that invades your senses. He reaches for your hand, eyes wide, looking around before he starts, ''Babe, I-'' but stops short. You hum, realising that it's importance made him pause. You give him an encouraging look, ''Go on, just say it, blurt it out, anything baby'', squeezing his hand in comfort. He sees your eyes, the love they have in them and he just says it, without a pause or hesitation. ''I want to have a baby, with you of course.'', he says and the last part provokes laughter. ''A baby?'', you ask, he nods, ''With me?'', now he sees that you are teasing and pulls back, ''But why? Why with me?''. Your laughter and playful teasing ease the tension he feels. At least you aren't averse to the idea. When you stop laughing, you reach to cusp his cheeks, ''Baby, I'd like that idea.''. Those words are enough for him to lose his mind. He thought that this decision would take time, weeks if not for just one day but his questions have been answered. Just like that, his shock wears off. It takes him less than a second to pull you up and start jumping around, out of pure joy. He sobers up pretty quickly though, must faster than you anticipate, he's pulling his stuff off the table, switching off the lights. ''Home?'' you ask, taking the lead. When you get into the car, you say, ''This is kinda funny, we couldn't possibly be running home for this.'', ''Why not?'', ''There's no expiry, at least not for now. We've got... time.'', ''Yes?'', ''Yes'' you confirm, nodding your head, heading home. ''Also, why are we going home?'' you ask,

''What do you mean?'' he replies, not believing why you have no idea that you're leaving his studio early. ''It feels weird to leave early.'', you want to stop over somewhere. He sees your anxiousness, ''Lets stop over the station and buy something to eat.'', pointing at the turn. When you get out of the car, you can finally breathe, leaving the anxiety accompanied by your decision earlier. He takes your hand, holding your cheek and pulling you closer. He needed to do this. To give you a kiss which he first places very delicately on your cheek and then on the corner of your lips, finally on your lips. The moment is everlasting. He cups both your cheeks, gently, kissing you lovingly as if to say a multitude of unspoken things.

*sigh*, dear anon, I did it again: I strayed off-topic. I should be ashamed but the above writing is gold so I will include the little titbits after this: Ju's voice colours everything he feels, even if it's just a little bit, his hands may twitch or he'll sound a low sound that will alert you of what he's feeling. His best sound is when he gasps, it's not too much neither too little. He throws his head back and his back arches, it takes a small breath for him to resume. The scene I imagine as I write this is him receiving a blowjob. Otherwise, he would love to try out having sex in new places with you. Against the counter? Having you lean against it as his cock fills you up? Slowly, lovingly? He's all for it, whatever or wherever you imagine yourself to be, with him.

Yoo Taeyang:

We'll start from the end: when he releases, his soft pants are capturing, distracting you even a little from your agenda of releasing your juices around his cock. His favourite position to have you ride his cock with your hands clutching his waist, circling your hips on his, he can't control the haziness that cloud his expression. His hands wander a lot though, to your nipples, pinching them but ever so often, he feels like tasting you. Having you in his mouth, to swirl his tongue around and relish in the beauty of how you taste. He brings you down, close to his chest so that he can take your bud in his mouth, ''I neglected this didn't I?'' and at your whines, he nods, chuckling, ''I'm sorry about that...'', trailing off to add extra vibration of pleasure that travel straight south. He's charismatic, without even trying.

Imagine another set of scenarios: Taeyang punishing. It's at a party, in a house containing lots of rooms save for the fact that the party is only on the first floor, you know that it's progress to the upper floors throughout the night. He takes you somewhere remote, messily clashing his lips against yours, tugging at your clothes. You've moved past the need for words. On your knees, you take his cock, bobbing your head and for the god lack of co-ordination, you stumble at first but he's quick to reassure you that you can do whatever for the first couple of times because he'll teach you well. His yelp is disappointingly loud when you playfully run your teeth along his cock and you peer up, to see his heated eyes, out of annoyance. ''On purpose?'' is the question that his expression seeks to answer but to which there is no answer. His moans are concealed when his hands land harshly on your ass, his cock red and hard no doubt. But instead, you pant and so does he, his breathing heavy and he struggles to stop just to fill you up. There's a hint of body worship that peeks out there, running his hands up and down your body, even into the dip in between your legs, coating his fingers in your juices. He loses control for a bit there, turning you around and kissing you with such high energy. His feelings for you- all over the place. In surprise, to contrast his previous energy, he gets down on his knees. He wants to. One leg over his shoulder, he dives in to taste your juices, placing kitten licks everywhere before pumping you with his digits, sucking greedily and only after he's wrecked you with one release or more as seen by your quivering thighs and shaking body but heated for more does he come back on top. If you don't think that you could release one more time, he's completely okay with it, equally loving your mouth on his cock that pushes him over the edge, once again with sheer force.

How about a best friends to lovers au now?: The suspect of loving you in this long-winded game is Taeyang, long-winded as in the past couple of months you've gotten to know one another. He's straightforward, to tell you that he likes you when the chance is there, an electric energy present, just before the two of you are about to kiss. He tells you how he feels about you. From there, your words satiate his nervous composure with relaxation. He kisses you, somewhat compose, majorly giddy from your confessions. He kisses you till your back hits the covers, passionately. Kissing your breasts (or chest), he loves to uncover you, to take his time, rocking his hips against yours in a pace that is just in between making love and fucking, he'll take your hot skin into his mouth, nipping and sucking and then hold your hands above your head, when a release rips through you. His groans beautifully grace your ears when he releases, kissing you once again. He would settle in beside you, giggling about what just occurred with a smile so shiningly bright or go to sleep and then wake up later to explore your attractions to one another, once again.

Hwiyoung | Kim Youngkyun:

Kyun has attitude

I'm sure that it may be not what you asked for but what is this blog without my ramblings??: When you first have sex together, he reaches for you. To touch you, to feel you and to remember every intimate moment he has with you. He'll feel your body, every part of you, your cheeks, chest, waist, tummy, inner thighs, backside and even places where stretch marks and/ or tattoos lie because those are personal to you. He'll show you and perhaps even tell you that your body is beautiful, multiple times. A beautiful session of making love follows. Where every moment is spent in each others arms as he fills you again and again, revelling in the sounds you make, Your cries, moans, whimpers incite him to hold you and continue his love-making.

His sounds vary but the majority are audible: his grunts when he enters you, his moans when he holds the headboard as he fucks into you or his cries that he let's out into the crook of your neck as you ride him. When he receives a blowjob, he doesn't hide his moans but it's not about hiding, he wants you to know. All in all, his sounds are low in tone, very pretty and arousing.

A little story for you, dear anon: It's summer! Unlike the others, this one is comparatively cooler. The breeze blows past your cheeks. You return home to find Youngkyun with an apron tied around his waist, delicately chopping the food and placing them into the utensil. The apron is an adorable sight that crinkles your eyes. For your boyfriend that regularly throws gang signs, it adds to the overall clarity of his cute demeanour. "Babe" you start your greetings but upon seeing you, he immediately throws off his apron and comes towards you, eliciting peels of laughter from you. He picks you up and places kisses all over your cheeks, ''I missed you'', he says, pouting. At your smile, he takes you to the bedroom, placing you on the bed. You wait, smiling, he's changing, ''Right now?'', ''Right now'', he nods, energy on full blast. He straddles you, placing smooth kisses everywhere, ''You are so pretty, you know that?'' he whispers, taking off your top and bottom. "Babe, really, how was your day?" you ask, the both of you laugh at the question as you switch positions, straddling him instead. Filling yourself up with his cock, you hear his little grunt upon entering and a sigh of relief comes from the both of you when he's completely in. The sounds he makes is beautiful in every tone. His hands on your backside guide your hips along his cock and ever so often, he let's out these pretty high-pitched moans, throwing his head back and swallowing all the arousal flooding through his body. You chuckle, moaning in his mouth as you give him a soft kiss. After you release, droplets of sweat can be seen on both of you and pink clouds his face, heated. Panic sets in his features. "What's going on-?" you ask, he doesn't move but points to the door, "the food". "We have to go save it", you say, little, displaced confessionals occurring now. You go to the kitchen and while he assesses for damage, you lean on your elbow, peeking at him in his naked form. It would very hard to argue with him if he was naked, you think. He nods, picking you and placing you on the counter, cuddling you. The moment could last forever. In between your legs, he doesn't bother with anything but laying peacefully in the crook of your neck, "Baby, I love you, I also feel like this was overdue", you chuckle, "of course not peach, I love you too" you say. A beat later, he kisses your neck, not hesitating to take a little bite that draws a laugh from you, ''Kyun!'', ''huh, babe?'' is his honest reply as he continues, till his mouth has reached your core.

Chani:

He grasps the back of your head, gently easing you along his cock. Eagerly, he watches your mouth swallow his cock, his own growing dry at the sight. A slight twitching to be expected, you chuckle at the expression on his face, ''Chani'', you take yourself off his cock, snapping his attention to you. Truthfully, he was so aroused by the sight, he lost himself in it. You chuckle, brushing away strands of hair from his face. ''What is it?'', you ask to which he responds by taking you hands in his and squeezing ever so subtly to let you know that nothing is wrong, ''I was just staring, I'm sorry-'' he goes to apologise but you shake your head, already knowing that he was absorbing the visuals. He is surprised that his mouth works, could he even speak after watching something so heavenly? He's not sure that words could be formed. He leans on one hand, sitting on the bed with you in between his legs, taking him into your mouth once more, eliciting a groan from him, soft to begin with, accompanied by the scrunch of his nose at the feeling of warmth. He looses him hand on the back of your head when he feels like he's about to fall on his back. Your hands slowly trail up his inner thighs, squeezing the flesh along the way, pumping his shaft to kitten lick his tip, a trail of saliva coating your mouth and connecting to his tip. His eyes, although occasionally close out of pure arousal, he makes sure that they are open. By the time he's about to release, a layer of sweat lines his pink-dusted, heated temples. When he's close, his moans grow louder and he pants, making unconfigurable noises. The words that he wants to tell you, how he's feeling, how good you are for him and to him get strangled in his throat, instead coming out as muffled noises and quivering thighs. If you let him release into your mouth, he collapses on his back after as you straddle him. After a few moments, he would be in the mood to eat you out and have sex with you after. If you take him out of your mouth and pump him, he would prefer to release all over your backside, your butt that he'll repeatedly squeeze and even take a bite out off when he eats you out before he fills you up. He's ready to make love with you, surprising you and himself with his energy, pent-up, ''I'm surprised'', ''About what? This?'', ''Yes, very much.'', ''Babe, look at me.'', ''Huh?'', ''After sleeping for half your life, you have accumulated these reserves of energy...'', ''Babe please'' he says, stifling his laughter at your teasing.

For his sounds, he could also be non audible. For whatever it is that the two of you are doing, he could be exploring what he is feeling, especially the first couple of times that he has sex or receives a blowjob or mutually masturbates, a new situation.

How about a detective Chani au?: He's a rough character, particularly because of his past experiences in his job, naming more death than life, he once found it hard to stay afloat all the floating bodies in his nightmares. He's been there and he's not willing to go back, he's struggling and he knows. In this au, you are a random stranger, cross-pairing from a different department to hunt down a very articular group of organised crime. Around you, his control on his behaviour slips, like his physical affection and how much he speaks, he guards himself on a daily basis, stubborn to keep it that way. He fights with you, demeaning you and when he hears your words, they ring in his ears and also bring about a familiar, painful feeling in his chest. Even when he kisses you. He's rough, pushing you on your hands and knees, taking you from behind. Then, unconsciously, he brings you to his chest when he realises that you must be close and praises you, ''You're doing so well''. He also realises that he wants you by his side. You don't pretend to know who he is, despite his true horror stories of dead backlogging teams and ruined missions, unlike the people he works with. Guilt long suppressed clouds his chest, it's a weird feeling, even when the two of you are done and you take him into your arms. He's crying. You give him some space. He looks up when you come back into the room with water and some tissues, ''Here, tell me why you've been such a dick.''.

[holdingforgeneralhugs]

Bitter Pill to Swallow

Chapter 19 (Chapter Masterlist)

"There's only enough room on the trucks for one platoon of Easy, so Harry I want you and First in Uden with Nix and I."

"Hang on," Valerie interjected in disbelief, "you're taking Harry and Lew with you to Uden and leaving me here alone with second and third?"

"Yes Valerie," Dick sighed, glancing at her briefly, "do you think you can manage them?"

"Are you questioning my capabilities?" She asked acidly, raising an eyebrow at him and glaring darkly. Lew and Harry shared a look across the table, but otherwise remained silent.

"Oh for Pete's sake," Dick snapped, slamming his pencil down on the table, "you're the one who complained about being left here with second and third so don't turn this around on me."

"I'm just questioning why you get to take them both with you and I get dumped here alone," she grumbled, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.

"I don't have time for this," he growled, "you can think whatever the hell you like, but you'll be thinking it here. Now if you don't mind, we've got to get moving." He stormed out of the room without waiting for another reply. Valerie glared stonily at his retreating back, her fists clenched at her sides.

"Val...." Harry started, but she held up a hand and stopped him.

"I don't want to hear it," she warned, giving him a pointed stare, "I'll see you both in a few days." With that she marched out, her teeth grinding together roughly.

"Grant, Guarnere," she shouted as she marched into the square. She cleared her throat as the men came to stand in front of her, crossing her arms over her chest. "We're going to remain here in Veghel while first go with HQ company to Uden. I want patrols covering all main access routes into town, and lookouts in the church tower."

"You got it ma'am," Bill replied, giving her a quick salute and a wink before turning away and heading back into the group of Easy men, Grant not far behind him. She watched them go for a moment before glancing down the street at the men loading onto the trucks. Her gaze landed on Dick as he climbed into a jeep beside Lew, and her stomach churned with irritation. Her eyes narrowed, and as the jeep pulled away Dick's eyes met hers. He stared back at her for a beat, his jaw clenching as he turned away and sped off.

"I'm guessin' you didn't talk to him then?"

Valerie turned and met Gene's disapproving look. "No, I didn't," she replied, unable to maintain eye contact with him. He furrowed his eyebrows in disapproval, but before he could respond she held up a hand and cut him off. "I don't want to hear any lectures alright? I have enough to be dealin' with."

"Just try'na look out for you chérie," he sighed, holding up his hands in defeat. Valerie softened slightly and squeezed his arm gently.

"I know Chouchou," she said, "but I'm fine. Right now I have more important things to think about than Dick Winters. Now I hate to leave you but I gotta make sure everyone's where they should be."

Gene patted her hand and shook his head fondly, letting her head off without further complaint. He watched her for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. She'd always been too stubborn for her own good, always having to get the last word. But nothing was ever certain in war, and he just hoped there was never a time she'd have to regret her stubbornness.

~~~~

"We saw a couple of them heading for Uden," Liebgott explained, taking a puff of his cigarette before continuing, "but there wasn't many and they didn't get far. Winters sent them running with their tails between their asses pretty quick."

"I'm sure he did," she replied, trying and failing to keep the bitter note out of her voice and taking another drag of her own cigarette. Lieb huffed out a laugh beside her and she raised an eyebrow at him.

"What's the deal with you and Winters anyway?" He asked curiously, smirking when she bristled slightly, "Well it's just that you two were all buddy buddy until a few days ago, and now you look like you want to scrawl his eyes out. And don't try to deny it, me and Luz saw you two arguin' the other day after Nuenen."

"Do you make a habit of gossiping about your superiors?" She grumbled, narrowing her eyes at him darkly. He didn't pay her a tack of notice though.

"No, just you sweetheart," he grinned, chuckling when she elbowed him roughly in the side, "the more you avoid the question the more likely I am to think it's something scandalous."

"Oh for chrissakes Lieb," she huffed, shaking her head, "we just had a disagreement. There's nothing scandalous for you and Luz to gossip about.'

"I'm sure we'll find something, you never fail to entertain," he teased, laughing again when she glared at him.

"Clearly I ain't giving you enough duties since you have so much time for all that rubbish."

"Aw c'mon Val," he mocked, "you love me too much to do that to me."

"You keep telling yourself that," she grumbled, but she couldn't fight the grin that was rising on her lips. She finished her cigarette and stubbed it out under her boot before turning to him again. "Now if you're done givin' me....."

"Take cover!"

Valerie's eyes widened as Grant ran down the street, waving at everyone to take cover. She shared a worried look with Lieb before sprinting down the road and grabbing Grant's arm to stop him.

"What's going on Chuck?" She asked, looking around frantically.

"They've cut the highway between here and Uden, and the tanks are heading straight for us. And the fucking bombers will get here before them."

Valerie looked up into the sky, and her stomach dropped at the sight of the planes heading their way. "Everybody take cover," she screamed, "try and find shelter in a basement." She began to shove people towards houses, where mercifully the locals were opening their doors and frantically gesturing the soldiers inside. Valerie stood in the middle of the street, trying to make sure everyone got inside before the shelling started.

"Chrissakes Val get the hell out of here," Lieb cursed as he ran over and tried to get her moving .

"I need to make sure everyone's safe first," she replied tersely, eyes roving up and down the street, "now go get yourself into a basement."

"Everyone's inside except you, now come on." He didn't give her a chance to respond, grabbing her arm and dragging her across the street to where a young Dutch woman was desperately waving people into her basement. The woman ushered them in and slammed the hatch closed behind them, and before they even reached the bottom step they were thrown from the force of the first shells dropping right outside the door.

"Goddamit," she cursed as she straightened herself up. As she glanced around the room she counted half a dozen of her fellow Americans huddled by the walls, as well as four Dutch locals. Her eyes landed on Gene and she made her way over to him, collapsing against the wall beside him and closing her eyes. The barage seemed endless, the heavy thud of each shell shaking the walls around them and causing dust to drop from the ceiling.

"How much longer can this go on?" She whispered, hugging her knees tightly. 

"Hopefully they'll break off soon," Gene murmured, rubbing her arm soothingly. And as though he'd wished it into reality, they did break off, and the silence they left behind was smothering. Valerie pushed herself up off the floor and straightened herself up.

"Stay here," she instructed, making her way to the small stairs leading up out of the basement, "I'm just gonna take a quick look and make sure nobody's hurt." She pushed up the basement door and peered out, but she quickly slammed the door shut again as she heard the tell-tale whistle of another incoming shell.

"Goddamn artillery," she cursed as she ran back down the stairs and fell in between Gene and Lieb again.

"Must be the 88's," Lieb grumbled as the ceiling shook with the intensity of the barage. Valerie sighed, wrapping her arms around her knees again and resting her forehead on them. Thankfully it didn't last too long, and Valerie once more made her way to the cellar hatch and peered out cautiously. The church steeple had been blown clean off, and she sighed in dismay at the loss of the crucial vantage point. She turned her head sharply when she heard a jeep screeching around the corner at the end of the street, sighing in relief when she saw it was Colonel Sink. "Get up here guys," she called back into the basement, "the good Colonel just rolled into town."

She stepped out of the basement and made her way over to the jeep, Speirs from Dog and Robertson from Fox coming from the other end of the street. "One helluva barage they sent in, but we've got to get back out there. I want a perimeter defense set up, and by god you shoot anything that moves out there. No matter what, they're not getting in here, ya hear?"

"Yes sir," they replied in unison, snapping off salutes to the Colonel. He replied in kind before jumping back into the jeep and speeding back down the road he'd come.

"So how do we want to do this?" Speirs asked them matter of factly.

"Well Easy is a platoon short," Valerie sighed, "so I'd rather only send out two squads and keep the rest in reserve."

"Fine," Robertson agreed, "Fox and Dog can cover the rest." Once Speirs had agreed and they decided on who would go where, Valerie made her way back to Easy to give them the bad news. She felt a nervous pit start to form in her stomach as she approached them. There was no doubt that the Germans would strike again, she just hoped that all of her friends would make it through when they did. If anything happened to any of them out there she'd never forgive herself for putting them in harms way.

"Bad news boys," she called as she reached them, her gut further sinking as they groaned, "Sink wants a perimeter defense." She turned to Bill and Shifty before continuing on. "I want you two with your squads out on the north flank of town, and we need to hold that main road at all costs. Dog and Fox will be on either side of you for support."

"Goddamn Yokels," Bill cursed, which pulled a chuckle out of the group. Valerie crossed her arms tightly over her chest and clenched her jaw, trying her damnedest to keep her face neutral. She needed to show a strong face for them, because fear was the biggest killer in war and it spread like wildfire. Her thoughts briefly landed on Dick, a constant pillar of leadership in the face of adversity, and her heart gave a nervous flutter in her chest despite the animosity she'd been feeling towards him. Were they okay in Uden? Their numbers were limited and if the Germans were heading for them too then....

"Chérie? Are you alright?"

Valerie's eyes snapped up and met Gene's worried gaze. "Yeah sorry, zoned out for a sec. Everythin' okay?"

"I was telling you that I'm going out with them," he replied, and Valerie thought her stomach might drop right out. She opened her mouth, fully prepared to tell him he was not going, but then she closed it again. The rational Lieutenant in her knew he had to go, that he'd be crucial out there if someone got hurt.

"Alright," she croaked, a heavy lump clogging her throat, "be safe." Gene squeezed her arm reassuringly and then he was gone, jogging to catch up with the two squads making their way out of town. Valerie watched him go and sent a quick prayer to whoever might be listening to keep them safe.

The next few hours were thick with tension, everyone waiting with bated breathe for the next round of shelling to begin. Valerie couldn't stay still for too long, constantly fluttering from one end of town to the other and checking in on everyone to see if they were alright. Webster had found an orchard earlier that afternoon, so she made her way there and filled her pockets to the brim with shiny red apples. They were deliciously sweet, and the repetitive motion of crunching through the apple in her hand gave her mind a brief respite from her worries. 

As she looked up at the dusky sky she froze, the apple core slipping from her fingers as she heard the familiar whistle of an incoming shell. "Take cover," she shouted as she ran down the street, stumbling slightly as the ground trembled under the force of the first explosion. She spotted an open basement door and raced towards it, taking the steps down two at a time. The shells were raining down on them by the time she'd settled against the wall beside Liebgott. Her gut twisted as she thought of the guys out in the foxholes. What hope would they have to survive under hellfire like that? Would she ever get the chance to tell Gene she loved him one more time? Would she ever get to chat with Shifty or laugh with Bill again?

She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on her bent knees, but when she did she was haunted by the image of Gene being blown out of a foxhole, or shot down in the crossfire and her body began to shake despite her best efforts. She felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her and she willingly allowed herself to be pulled against Lieb's warm chest.

"Hey don't worry sweetheart," he whispered into her hair, rubbing her back gently, "everythin's gonna be just fine. Those boys out there are the toughest there is, no need to worry about them."

She wasn't quite sure how he knew what she was worried about, but in that moment she was infinitely grateful that he did. He didn't talk anymore after that, content to just hold her and give her a little comfort. "I'm sorry," she mumbled after awhile, her body finally getting itself back under control, "I'm supposed to be setting an example."

"Honestly I'd be more worried if you weren't afraid because you'd be the only one," he chuckled before sobering up again, "I know you an' Doc are close, but he's tough as nails. He'll be fine, don't you worry."

"Yeah, it's the guys in Uden I'd worry about," chimed in a private from Dog, "if they're facing the same thing we are they haven't a hope of surviving with the small group they have."

Valerie felt an icy pit of dread in her chest at that, because he was right. There were so few of them in Uden they'd never be able to hold it, no matter how clever a leader Dick was. And if the Germans knew just how few of them were holding Uden, which they surely did, they'd rain hell down on them to wipe them out in one fell swoop. The thought of it alone made her stomach churn with bile. What if she never got to see them again? She thought back on her last conversations with them and it made her feel even sicker. She'd been so peevish with Harry and Lew before they'd left, and Dick...oh god Dick. She'd said so many nasty things to him and now she might never get the chance to make it right. She absently felt that someone was gently shaking her, but her mind was reeling and she couldn't bring it back into focus.

"Earth to Valerie?" Lieb asked, shaking her a bit more insistently. She shivered harshly and looked up, her glassy eyes meeting his worried ones. "Jesus Val are you alright?"

Perhaps it was the concern in his voice, or maybe it was the worry on his face, but something finally snapped her out of her daze. She cleared her throat roughly and nodded, looking around and seeing the others settling in to try and sleep. It was then she registered that all was quiet up above them, and she quickly pushed herself to her feet.

"I need to check in with the guys on the perimeter," she murmured, already making her way to the stairs. If he responded, she didn't hear, too focused on the need to get out there and make sure the guys were okay. The dark streets of Veghel were quiet, none of the locals daring to come outside the tentative safety of their homes. As she made her way towards the perimeter line her heart thumped in her chest, and she wondered what kind of mess she was walking into. The knot in her stomach loosened slightly as she approached the foxholes and heard the whispered conversations of her men. She caught sight of Bill walking between the foxholes and jogged up to him.

"How's everybody doing?" She asked quietly, looking both left and right and trying her best to assess the situation despite the darkness.

"All good Val. I ain't gonna pretend it was fun sitting in a goddamn foxhole watching those shells dropping in, but we all made it through."

"Glad to hear it Bill," she sighed in relief, and it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "Where's Gene?" She asked, glancing around to try and see him. Bill directed her down the row and she gave him a grateful smile before leaving him.

"Hey Chouchou," she whispered as she slid into the foxhole beside him, "hell if I ain't glad to see you." She sighed as she settled in next to him, and for the first time that day she didn't feel the pressure to show a strong face.

"What the hell are you doing out here?" He replied in disbelief, "you should go back into town and get some proper sleep."

"I came out to check in with you guys," she mumbled, "and I'm not gonna get much sleep anyway so I'd rather be out here with you than sitting like a rat in a cage in that basement."

Gene didn't reply for a moment, his searching eyes surveying her and his brows furrowing. "What's going on chérie?" He asked, his gaze never straying from her. Valerie stared at the opposite wall of the foxhole, a thick lump beginning to form in her throat. She opened her mouth to tell him she was fine, but the words just wouldn't come out. She'd spent the whole day holding it all together and in that moment it felt like the dam was about to burst.

"Valerie?" He persisted, placing his hand on her arm. The lump in her throat felt like it was choking her, and though she tried she couldn't ignore the sting of unshed tears welling in her eyes. Her body began to tremble, and when she could resist no more she put her head in her hands and sobbed.

"Oh chérie come here," Gene murmured, wrapping his arms around her and cradling her against his chest. She fisted her fingers in his jacket and sobbed into his shoulder. The worry she'd had for Gene and the guys, the worry she had for her friends in Uden, it all came spilling out of her. She cried until her eyes felt raw and her chest heaved, and all the while Gene rubbed her back and held her close, content to wait until she was ready to talk to him.

"All I could think about while I was in that basement was you out here. I was so scared I'd come out and find you'd been hurt or worse," she croaked after awhile, "Sitting there and hearing the shells drop in...I just...."

"Shhh," he soothed, "no need to worry about me I'm just fine."

Valerie nodded and considered ending the conversation there, but when he mind flitted back to Uden and her friends there she felt her throat tughten again. "Do you think they're okay in Uden?" She asked quietly, her fingers tightening in the fabric of his jacket.

"There's no way to know chérie," he sighed, "just gotta hope they make it through."

"God I hope they do," she sniffled, "I wasn't all too nice to Lew and Harry before they left....and Dick, God I was so unfair on him...and the last conversation I had with him was so..."

"Can't let yourself think like that," Gene butted in, shaking his head,"you just gotta hope they're okay and that we'll link up with them again soon."

Valerie nodded slightly, but she couldn't stop herself from dwelling on it all. She'd been poking at him since Eindhoven, but the fear of never seeing him again made her question the point of it all. She thought back to how Dick had comforted her in Normandy, how he'd saved her in London, how he'd looked into her eyes in Son as she'd held his hand in hers, and her heart fluttered as she revisited all those moments. Then she thought of Eindhoven, seeing him kiss that woman, and the flutters were replaced by that cold, gnawing feeling she'd grown so used to. It was only in that moment that she finally had to admit to herself what that feeling really was and what it meant.

"I think you were right Gene," she admitted in a whisper, "when you said I was....jealous."

"I was wonderin' how long it would take you to figure that out," he teased gently. She pulled away from him slightly so she could look up at him, and she huffed at his amused smirk.

"It doesn't matter anyhow," she dismissed, "he's never gonna speak to me again after how difficult I've been, and honestly I wouldn't blame him. I wouldn't forgive me either."

"I think he might surprise you," Gene said, rubbing his palm up and down her spine, "I've seen how he looks at you when you're not lookin'."

"Oh don't be ridiculous," she scoffed, dissmising the notion immediately, "There's no way he...."

"All I'm sayin' is don't be so quick to dismiss it," he cut in, giving her a knowing look.

"Even if that was true, and he did maybe...." she started, ignoring the tiny flutter of hope that had bloomed in her chest, "it doesn't matter. We're at war, it isn't the time or the place for all that. " Gene hummed noncommittedly, but didn't comment further, and Valerie took that as permission to end the conversation and tuck herself against his chest. She hoped the Germans would settle down for the night and she could get a few hours shut-eye before starting it all again.

The shells bean to whizz overhead not five minutes later. It was going to be a long night.

Taglist:  @tvserie-s-world @geniedocroe @generousdreamlanddestiny @sunsetmando @cagzzz107 @howunexpectedlyso @alejodi0nysus @sunflowerchuck @now-im-a-belieber @its1000cuts @50svibes @eugene-emt-roe @pennyllane @televisionboy @sparkyluz @ask-you-what-sir @parajumpboots @mads-weasley @tetragonia

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Four // Wanda Maximoff

chapter three | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter five

author’s note: I hope you all don’t mind the slow burn because it’s like my favourite thing and i promise things will get spicy soon 😂

Since my rather abrupt revelation about Wanda, I found myself racked with guilt.

Not because she was a girl – I couldn't help my feelings in that sense – but because she was my brother's fiancé. And every time he came to me, gushing about how great of a date they had or how much he was falling for her, the guilt hit me like a sharp pain in the chest, because I understood what he was saying. I felt the same.

And it didn't help when they would occasionally go on dates in front of me, and all I could feel was an unexplainable jealousy in the pit of my stomach. I had no right to feel like this when she was an engaged woman. Her naturally flirtatious personality was simply that: a personality. And even though we'd had a genuinely lovely day a week ago when she invited me to her home, it was no reason for me to think of her in such a way.

The next date on Y/B/N and Wanda's journey to marriage was at our house in the garden. I wasn't actually aware of it until I saw them sat on some garden furniture.

My mum wanted me to help her with some gardening and I found her kneeling by some plant pots, a fair distance away from Wanda and my brother. As I approached her, I glanced in the couple's direction, seeing them sat opposite one another and enjoying a selection of finger foods and tea. They were far away enough to have privacy, but close enough for me to make out their expressions.

"For goodness sake, Y/N," my mother said when I kneeled down beside her to help. "Do you have to wear those horrendous trousers?"

I rolled my eyes, sitting on the ground comfortably. "I'm curious, mother. Do you like anything that I do?"

She gave me a disapproving glance. "I'm only looking out for you, dear. That outfit is very... unladylike."

"Well, they're comfortable," I quipped, before grabbing a spade and getting to work.

"So are dresses," she pointed out, continuing repotting her plants. "And they're prettier, too."

"Considering I have to wear a dress all the time and that I'm in the comfort of my own home, I'm going to pretend you didn't just make me feel bad for wearing these."

She didn't say anything, but I could tell she wasn't happy. I didn't mind wearing dresses, but I would be lying if I said trousers weren't more comfortable. The only time I could wear them was at home when doing chores or simply lounging around. I'd make the most of it whilst I could, no matter what comments my mother made.

I wasn't afraid to get my hands dirty as I helped her repot the plants before digging into the soil and planting some seeds she'd bought this morning. My mother, despite adoring gardening, hated getting messy, so you can imagine the look on her face when I got soil all over my clothes.

"I wish you would act like a lady sometimes," she mumbled to herself, but I didn't let it faze me. It was all I heard, so I was used to it.

Laughter sounded from behind us and I risked glancing back, seeing Wanda laughing at something Y/B/N said. I rolled my eyes subconsciously before looking back to what I was doing. My fingernails dug into the soil with irritation, directed at them and also myself. Though, despite my irritation, I still had an urge to glance back at Wanda, and when I did she was looking my way this time. A mere glance on her part, but she directed a smile my way before looking to my brother again.

I'd like to say that was it, but I continued to steal glances of her as I worked alongside my mum, taking what I could get as I admired her from afar.

She looked stunning today, as she always did. Her long curls were left out, flowing over her shoulders and pretty green dress; I wasn't close enough to be able to tell, but I was sure that her dress complimented her eyes. A dark forest green colour with golden flecks, matching the deep green of her dress. Or so I assumed.

"They seem like they're getting on well," my mum said at one point, earning my attention. She was talking about Y/B/N and Wanda as she continued, "They make such a lovely couple."

I swallowed hard, nodding lamely. "They sure do, mum."

She gave me a sideways glance. "You know, your brother will be married soon and then it will be your turn."

I groaned quietly, knowing where this was going. There was no point trying to stop her because once she started, that was it.

"You can't just keep locking yourself in your room and writing stories," she was saying, but I attempted to tune her out which sometimes felt impossible since she had no off button and her shrill voice always managed to break through my bubble. "You have to find a husband. An actual person who you can marry and who can take care of you."

"I can take care of myself."

"Y/N, you know that's not what I mean..." but I stopped listening as she got started going on another ramble about the benefits of having a husband.

Instead, my eyes darted around the garden until they naturally gravitated towards Wanda. It was definitely the wrong time to get distracted by her though, since she seemed to be sucking some food off her thumb. As she did, her eyes found mine and she took that as her opportunity to wink in my direction playfully, hiding a smile as her thumb remained between her teeth. Y/B/N didn't seem to notice, as he was looking the other way, and I felt my cheeks heating up as I looked away quickly, remembering my dream.

She's going to marry your brother. She's going to marry your brother. She's going to marry your brother.

A stupid mantra that didn't work, but I attempted to drill it into my brain anyway.

"...and it would be nice to be able to do all the wedding stuff for you next time around," my mum continued to ramble, unaware of my flustered self.

The image of Wanda sucking her thumb was permanently engraved in my head and I struggled to wish it away. No more staring for today, I told myself, before getting lost in gardening again.

After ten more minutes of nonstop nattering about finding a husband for me, my mother excused herself to refill the watering can. I was grateful for her momentary absence, appreciating the silence and lack of guilt-tripping. Until I heard footsteps behind me shortly after, making me groan loudly.

"I'm not finding a husband right now!" I snapped, unable to take it any longer. But when I spun around to give her a piece of my mind, my mouth hung open like a fish out of water.

"I'd sure hope not," Wanda answered with a stifled laugh. "Then I'd have to share your company with somebody else."

Closing my mouth and standing up, I cleared my throat. "Sorry. I thought you were my mum."

She nodded, eyes roaming my whole body for a second, making me nervous under her stare. I hadn't actually seen her since my inappropriate dream and it was growing increasingly difficult to be so close to her without thinking about it.

"I figured. I just wanted to say hi," she said, expression softening as she met my eyes.

I was right about the dress bringing her eyes out more. A forest green colour, as I'd predicted.

"Hi," I said, giving her a small, nervous smile. "Erm, how is your date going?"

She shrugged, raising her hand to hold her forearm comfortably. "It's okay. It's wonderful out here, I'll give him that."

Relaxing into the conversation, my awkwardness fading already, I smiled in agreement. "Yeah, it is pretty."

A smirk appeared on her lips. "Yeah. So are the gardeners."

Admittedly, it took me a few seconds longer than it should have to realise she was talking about me. When I did, I felt a heat creeping up my neck and to my face and looked to the grass to distract myself. See, when she did stuff like that, it made me question a hell of a lot.

She chuckled. "So, gardening. Another dislike of yours?"

I shook my head, risking looking back up to her. "No, actually. I don't mind it. I'm just not a fan when it gives my mother an opportunity to discuss marriage."

Wanda's interested was piqued as she quirked a brow. "Oh? Your mother has suitors for you?"

I squeezed my eyes shut at the possibility, shaking my head. "I'd rather not ask, Wanda."

She let out a short laugh. "You've got time anyway. At least until Y/B/N and I are married."

I hoped she didn't see the involuntary wince I did at the mention of that. "Honestly, I'm not even thinking about that now... I'm nowhere near ready for that."

"Would you not want to get married?" she asked curiously, tilting her head to the side.

I sighed, looking around, unable to keep my eyes still. "I don't know, I guess? Eventually? But to somebody I love, not some arranged marriage just for the sake of it." My words sank in quite quickly and I straightened up, instantly looking to Wanda with apologetic eyes. "Bloody hell, that is not what I meant to say–"

"It's fine," she reassured me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I get it. And, well, you're not wrong."

I smiled halfheartedly, the guilt at my previous words still present. I could honestly say that I wasn't aiming that comment at her, but I wouldn't blame her if she took it that way.

"It's important to fall in love with the person you marry," she said, gaze locked on mine. "You have to learn about them, who they are. Their likes, their dislikes. Their personality. If they have a sense of humour or if they're as dry as cardboard. If they're into you as much as you're into them."

Nodding slowly, I wasn't sure what to say. My mouth went dry the longer she watched me, eyes dancing with an emotion I couldn't recognise. Then her eyes fell to my lips and my knees began to shake subtly, wanting to give in because of how confused I was.

"Y/N, dear, don't dirty Wanda's dress with your muddy hands!" my mum called, breaking the strange silence that had built between the brunette and I.

Stepping back with realisation (and grateful for the interruption), I wiped my hands on my shirt subconsciously, making a further mess of my already mud-stained clothes. "Sorry."

When I looked up, Wanda was chewing on her lip, eyes doing a once over on me yet again. It was moments like this when I couldn't tell if she was teasing me or if she actually had an interest in me, maybe, like that.

"Wanda, honey, let's get you inside," my mum spoke, approaching the two of us and looking to her.

Nodding, Wanda glanced at me once more, shooting me a sweet smile, before being led away by my mum. I breathed out slowly, knowing it was wrong of me to feel this way about her. But it was hard not to fall for her when she had so much about her that was interesting.

Her passion for art, her teasing, playful attitude, her sense of humour... and then there were the physical aspects, like her beaming smile, her luxuriant brown hair and her entrancing hazel eyes. She was literally perfect and my brother was one lucky man. For once in my life, I was actually jealous of something he had that I didn't.

"Y/N!"

Speaking of the devil...

"Y/B/N, hey," I said with a smile as he approached me with an extra jump in his step. "What's up?"

Grin on his lips, he smacked my arm. "Did you see, Wanda? Didn't she look stunning?"

The guilt was cutting real deep. "She did."

"I think I'm in love," he gushed, eyes rolling backwards with delight. "She's perfect, Y/N, you don't get it."

"I can imagine...," I mumbled, but he barely noticed, too lovestruck to realise.

"Every date I've been on with her has been amazing," he continued. "If we weren't already engaged, I would've proposed!"

I raised my eyebrows with surprise, definitely not expecting this. He'd made his attraction to her known since the moment we'd met her, constantly talking about how gorgeous she was, but he'd never sounded happier than he did now.

"Mum adores her," he said with a content smile. "Dad would probably marry her if we was thirty years younger. And you–" He looked to me gratefully. "You're making an effort and I appreciate it."

Oh, God, the guilt was overwhelming.

"Everything is going perfectly," he finished with a sigh. "I just– I can't wait to marry her, Y/N."

I smiled for his sake, but my insides were shrivelling up and failing me. I was a horrible person, wasn't I? What kind of monster falls for her brother's fiancé? Me. I'm the monster. But not anymore. I couldn't let this get out of hand. I had to do better.

I promised myself I'd do better.

—

Doing better was going well, I'd like to think. I mean, it had only been two weeks, so I couldn't guarantee, but I was no longer having... thoughts... about the Maximoff in question.

Yes, there was that familiar inkling of jealousy tugging away in my stomach whenever Y/B/N would talk about her, but I think I was getting better at ignoring it. I had convinced myself that my feelings towards Wanda were not true but merely a schoolgirl crush (which I wasn't allowed to have, but still) and that I'd get over it after some time.

I'd liked, maybe two girls in my life before her. The first being when I was a child, about five, and a girl in my class did something different to her hair. If I remember correctly, she always had one ponytail that sat at the back of her neck, then one day, she came in with two braids down her head and it really wasn't a massive change, but five year old me developed a huge crush on her. That was when I learnt that a girl liking a girl was not only forbidden, but viewed as a sin.

The second girl I liked was in my Literature class in secondary school. She was probably the first person I'd fallen for in a way that was considered more than a simple crush. Something about her way with words was so attractive to me, as was the cute smile she'd send my way whenever she'd be my partner for an assignment. I never told her how I felt for she only ever treated me as a friend and the last thing I wanted was to bring shame to my family for liking girls.

Those instances, and the fact that I regularly found myself admiring women in a way I found incapable with men, made me realise I was different and I always would be. And so, the chatter about finding a husband and getting married always scared me because I was afraid that I'd be stuck in a place that I would never get to be myself in. Even though that was the reality of most women anyway.

So, in addition to the fact that it was wrong of me to like women (though it felt anything but) and that the woman I liked now was my brother's fiancé, I convinced myself it was just a mere crush I had on Wanda. She was a pretty girl with an attractive personality and that was it.

Or so I thought.

"Go get your brother, Y/N," my mum said one evening. "He's in his study. Dinner is almost ready."

I nodded and headed to my brother's study across the hall. He was sat at his desk, focusing on something specific that he was writing and barely acknowledging my presence. I glanced around the room, taking in the bookshelves filled with manuscripts, both published and unpublished, and notebooks of ideas piled on desks.

I wasn't jealous of this place, I really wasn't. And I wasn't jealous of my brother either, even when he got credit for things I'd written. I was just angry and hurt that I couldn't have the some privileges he got, such as his own personal study to write whatever he pleased.

"Dinner's almost ready," I called to him from the doorway. "C'mon."

He didn't turn around as he answered, "I'll be with you, one second."

Curious to what had captured his attention, I pushed myself from the doorway and approached his desk. He had a lamp turned on, the yellow light lighting the page he was scribbling on. I peeked over his shoulder and saw him pause from writing, stuck in thought. It gave me the chance to read some words and I tried not to laugh.

"Oh my god, is that a love letter?"

Surprised at my presence, he covered the page with his elbows and leaned on them, looking to me with red cheeks.

"What? No, that's... no," he stumbled out, shaking his head.

Stifled smile on my lips, I looked to him with humoured eyes. "You have to let me read it."

He shook his head frantically, trying to play it cool. "I don't think I can do that."

Well, now I was really curious.

"C'mon, I've read pretty much everything you've ever written," I told him, perching myself on the edge of his desk. "Just a little read and I'll drop it."

Pondering my words, he slowly began to straighten up, uncovering the page. With a sigh of submission, he nodded to it, wordlessly giving me permission to look. I grinned, grabbing the page and holding it to the light so I could read it.

It was mostly ramblings – unfinished sentences, phrases, clauses – but it was all about a certain someone, a love letter as I predicted. It talked about this person's body and lips and humour and fingers and because I was so caught up in teasing my brother, I failed to realise that I was reading about Wanda. At least until it mentioned her accent.

My smile faded when I saw the way he wrote about her, with such passion and ferocity and– he was seriously in love with her. And it may or may not have stung a little because everything he'd written was accurate and I felt the same way. Well, not the in love bit, but pretty much everything else.

"So? Is it bad?" he asked nervously, and I lowered the page to see he was waiting for a verdict. "It's messy, I know. I was just journaling and then it kind of happened."

"It's sweet," I told him truthfully, offering him a reassuring smile.

His shoulders relaxed as I put the page back on the desk before him. "Thank you, Y/N." He paused, before glancing up at me sheepishly. "Now that you're here, you may as well tell me if there's anything I can do to improve."

I raised my eyebrows. "Why? Are you planning on giving this to her?"

He shook his head instantly. "No, oh God, no. That would be severely humiliating. I just thought you could help me for me. You always make my writing better."

I snickered, shaking my head with amusement. Behind the scenes was where I thrived apparently.

"Quickly," I told him as he held out the paper to me. "Mum is waiting for us."

He nodded obediently and I took the paper from his grasp, getting another look at it. Skimming it with my eyes yet again, I found the first criticism and pointed to it so he could see.

"This bit here," I said gently. "You talk about her eyes and say they're magnetic."

"Is that not good?" he asked with a frown.

"It is, it is," I said politely, not wanting to offend him. "But that's all you've written. You want to give the reader a reason to believe you. Why are they magnetic? What about them do you find yourself attracted to?"

He nodded, seeming to get it. Leaning back in his seat, he had a think. I waited patiently, curious to what he would come up with, but then he sighed defeatedly and looked to me.

"What would you write?" he asked, and I smiled with disbelief. It always ended up like this. Me helping him, challenging him with a thought, then him ending up using what I say.

"Okay, let me think," I said, crossing my arms and staring ahead. "Wanda's eyes."

"Here," Y/B/N said, making a gesture to placing something invisible on my head. When I quirked a brow of confusion, he added, "It's your thinking cap."

I rolled my eyes but laughed quietly at his stupidity, then tried to think about what to describe Wanda's eyes as.

It wasn't difficult to imagine them despite having not seen them in a few days. They were always bright, animated, lively. Whether it was green, blue or brown, they were irresistible and as my brother wrote, they were magnetic.

I breathed out, speaking from the heart without thinking. "When Wanda Maximoff looks into your eyes it's like she holds all of the elements in a single gaze. At times, they're greener than the earth itself, captivating and tranquil and daring you to look away. But then they're also bluer than the brightest of skies and darkest of oceans, deep and and liberating and easy for you to get swallowed up in."

A smile fell on my lips at the thought. She truly was something.

I continued slowly, "In the light, you can make out golden flecks, like the first sliver of the sun in Spring. It's hopeful and guiding and fills you with warmth. But what isn't obvious upon first glance is how tempestuous they are, like air itself. She's got a passion behind her eyes that is scary at first, but when you get to know her, you realise that it's a storm worth raging."

It went quiet when I finished and I zoned back into reality, Wanda's eyes blinking away from my mind in an instant. I pursed my lips and looked to Y/B/N with mild concern, realising just how much I'd rambled. He raised his eyebrows with surprise, staring at me.

"Y/N, that was amazing! How did you think of that?" he asked in bewilderment.

I shrugged, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment. "I don't know. I just thought about a random set of hazel eyes and applied my thoughts to it."

He smiled, impressed. "Amazing. I love it."

Grabbing a pen, he began to write furiously on the page and I stood up, dusting myself off.

"You sure that's not going to her?" I asked, still feeling fuzzy from what I'd said and hoping she'd never see it.

"Very sure," he promised, not looking up. "It's just for me."

I studied him judgementally. "Okay, well, maybe get rid of that part about her breasts then. It's a little creepy."

He looked up to me with a boyish grin. "I'm only a man, Y/N. Can you blame me?"

I rolled my eyes, shuddering at what he was implying. The mere implication of a thought of him and Wanda... nope, I didn't want to go there.

"I'll see you at dinner," I said, pointing a thumb over my shoulder. "Try to hurry, yeah?"

"Yes, I'll be right with you," he assured me, his hand moving in a flurry as he wrote. "Just writing what you said so I don't forget. Could be good for a future book, who knows?"

I forced a smile, humming in agreement. "Right. Well, I'll see you at the table."

He nodded and I left his room, letting out a deep breath. Just another day in the Y/L/N household.

—

Popping into town for errands was surprisingly not a task I found boring. If anything, I preferred it, using it as a chance to get away from my mother's incessant marriage-related conversations and my father's constant praising for anything Y/B/N did. Nowadays, it was also a way to escape anything wedding-related, which was a plus.

This time, I was only nipping out to return a book to the library, but my mum caught me before leaving and asked me to deliver some letters to the post office since I was already heading that way. Happy to prolong this outing as much as possible, I accepted the errand and headed to the post office after returning my book.

When I was there, an advertisement caught my eye. A chalkboard outside the store displayed a deal the train station were doing. I probably would have ignored it if it weren't for the mention of Blackpool.

2 FOR 1 ON BLACKPOOL TRAIN TICKETS THIS WEEKEND

Remembering my conversation with Wanda, I realised I hadn't actually followed up with her on my promise of taking her there to paint. She probably didn't even remember, since it was a while ago when we spoke of it, but the idea of going there with her made me excited. Was it stupid to get the tickets? Probably. But did I go inside and get them? Of course.

It was only when I got home did I realise how silly it was. Would she even want to go? What if she made an excuse to get out of it? Oh, this whole thing was stupid. I was overthinking it. Friends went on day trips all the time, it's wasn't a big deal.

To my surprise, when I poked my head into the living room to tell my mum I'd posted her letters, Wanda was sat on the couch with her. They were drinking some tea and having scones, chatting away. I'd called my mum before noticing, so when they looked my way, I clumsily entered and straightened up to make myself look presentable.

"Sorry, I didn't know you had company," I apologised with an awkward smile, eyes flickering to a smiling Wanda before looking to my mum. "I just wanted to let you know that I dropped the letters off by the post office."

"Perfect, Y/N, thank you," she said in response, before looking to the setup before her. "You can join us if you'd like."

I was quick to smile gratefully, though shook my head. "It's okay, you guys enjoy. I'll just be in my room if you need me."

My mum shrugged, sipping her tea, and Wanda watched me with a small smile, nodding in greeting, before looking away. I licked my lips uncomfortably before backing out the room and heading upstairs.

I was working on yet another manuscript that wouldn't see the light of day at my desk when I heard a knock on my door about an hour later.

"Come in!" I called, not looking up.

The door opened and I finished my train of thought before turning around, surprised to see Wanda walking into my room.

"Oh, hi," I got out suddenly, words falling from my mouth without me thinking first.

She smiled softly, stopping before me. "Hey. I'm heading home now, but I just wanted to say goodbye."

I stared at her, forgetting how to speak because she was wearing a lovely floral dress that complimented her figure perfectly.

"Oh, and I thought you might like these," she added before forgetting, then held out a box towards me.

Recovering from my initial stupor, I reached out and accepted the box, realising they were chocolates.

"I got them for your mum, but she said she's not a fan of hazelnut," she explained, and I looked up to see her looking elsewhere with a nervous smile on her lips. "You don't have to have them of course. I can just... eat them myself."

An amused smile tugged at my lips as I quirked a brow. "You'd eat them all yourself?"

She was very much aware of how silly she sounded, but she was adamant on appearing confident, so she nodded with certainty. "Yes... apparently I would."

Lighthearted laughter escaped my lips as I set the box to the side. She was trying to stand her ground, but then she sighed and began to laugh, too. My heart fluttered in my chest at the sound and I appreciated the crinkle by her eyes when her smile widened.

"Thank you," I said, settling on a smile as I watched her with amusement.

She nodded, smile of her own still present, before pointing behind her. "I'll, erm, go now."

When she turned to leave, I felt inclined to say, "Wait!"

She paused, turning around patiently, and I knew there was no going back now. Standing up, I grabbed my purse from the side and pulled out the train tickets.

"When I was out today, I saw that the train station were doing this deal on tickets to Blackpool," I started, hoping she couldn't see my hands trembling slightly. "And I remembered that I promised to take you so you could see the water." I closed my eyes, praying that this wouldn't be a mistake, before opening them and looking to Wanda. "We can go, if you'd still like to." 

She raised her eyebrows, eyes glued to the tickets in my hand. No words were being said and my heart thumped in my chest with the realisation that I may have done something insanely stupid. Before I could even think to apologise, a grin spread across her face and her dazzling blue eyes met mine, freezing me in place.

"Are you serious? Y/N, I'd love to!" she exclaimed, then proceeded to launch herself onto me, arms wrapping tightly around my neck.

I gulped as she did, not expecting that reaction, but returned the hug by folding my arms around her waist loosely. She smelt really good, which was probably wrong of me to note, and I enjoyed the feeling of her so close to me, also wrong of me to note.

"Okay, well, the tickets are for this weekend," I said, desperately trying not to stammer when she pulled away. "I can meet you at the station in the morning. Eight."

Her eyes danced with excitement as she accepted the ticket I held out to her. I reminded myself that this was just a friendly day trip and nothing more.

"Eight," she confirmed, attempting to stifle her eagerness by biting her lip and nodding.

I swallowed hard, trying ever-so-hard not to let my gaze drop to her lips. Because then I'd think about kissing her and that was definitely not what I should be thinking about my soon-to-be sister-in-law.

Oh, God, I was screwed.

[freereignwritingprompts]

"The only reason I haven't kicked you down this cliff yet is that you have my gun in your bag. And I really liked that gun before you put your greasy hands on it. So hand it over so I can clean it before shooting you in the head with it." The man held out his hand and waited patiently.

The younger man shook his head and backed away another step.

"No, I rather take it with me to the rocks, unless you let me go past you without killing me first, then I can leave it somewhere after I'm sure I'm far enough from shooting range."

"No can do son. I've been paid a pretty penny to bring you to town, so it doesn't matter to me if you're dead or alive. So just give me back my gun. I promise you I won't break your legs and let you even ride the second horse while we go back, how's that?" He talked back and tried to smile to reassure him over his words, even if it wasn't the prettiest sight to see before dying.

"Say goodbye to your gun then you old shit!"

The young man announced, but before he had his chance to take even a step toward the cliff's edge, there was a loud sound of a gun going off. And then he collapsed on the ground, groaning in pain and holding down his bleeding shoulder.

"Did I get him?" Abel asked, pushing his way out of the thicket

"Yes, you bloody got him, you blind idiot. Now come out and help me drag his sorry ass back down to the horses. And I take my gun back, thanks for not getting your blood on it. The only good thing for being a leftie, am I right."

He plucked his bag out of the boy's grip.

"What was that, sir?" Abel asked curiously watching his master rummage his way to his price.

"This man here, Elijah is a left-handed man, so he holds most of his stuff like the bag on the right side of his body while we right-hand users usually hold things on the other side. So we can shoot with our main hand. Isn't that right Mr. Fosler?"

"I'm not Elijah, you stupid bastard! That's my brother." The boy screamed, still in pain on the ground.

There was a moment of pregnant silence before the older man could open his mouth again, after getting stunned with shock.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" He kneeled down over the squirming young man and rolled him to face him while looking at him more closely.

He was right. This wasn't the damn Elijah Fosler he was after. How didn't he see it before this? Was he so blinded for almost losing his beloved gun? The man had green eyes and sandy brown hair while his brother Cyril Fosler, that was now rolling under his hand, had brown eyes and chestnut brown hair. Were they both left-handed? Was that why he hadn't noticed anything else about this boy when he ran and he pursued?

"Abel, we seem to have the wrong brother here."

"Oh dear, I was sure we had the right one." He huffed in frustration.

"Me too, but it seems we might be able to use this one as bait to lure the right one in."

"Don't bother," the boy hissed. "We haven't talked in months, he doesn't care what happens to me. Just kill me here if you must, you already shot me once," he continued and closed his eyes like he was already waiting for the second bullet.

"To think that the famous Elijah Fosler would leave his baby brother to rot in the hands of a couple old bounty hunters. Don't you worry little Cyril, he ain't leaving you as he has been following your trail for at least a week now."

"What? No, he hasn't." The boy squeaked.

"Yes, he has, so be a good little hostage till then and walk with your own feet to the camp. I will have a look at that shoulder of yours if you can act civil."

[reignstormz]

| Lion & The Lamb |

INTRO; After hiding your secret crush on the hottest guy in school since freshman year, senior comes around and you finally come face to face with the Samoan, sharing an intimate moment together.

WORD COUNT; 2,300 (maybe, not sure, had some issues, pretty short)

WARNINGS; Takes place in 1984, Bullying, Sweet interactions.

CAST; Y/N ( Yourself) Y/B/F/ N ( Your best friend's name) Roman, Jey, Jimmy, Naomi, and Galina Anoa'i. (Just a story, not saying Galina is anything like her character in this fic)

MINI PLAYLIST; Give Me Your Love - Pebbles/ Two Occasions - The Deele / Ready Or Not - After 7 / Rock With You - Michael Jackson / Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper

🦋

NOVEMBER 9th, 1984

The sounds of teenage laughter filled your ears as you sat in the passengers seat of your best friend's car. You sighed, trying the best you could to block out the noise as you read your book that was sitting in your lap. It was a hectic, busy Friday night. Your school's football team had just won yet another game and everyone was at the Drive In Movie Theatre to celebrate, goof around, or get down to business. Typical things that high school students would be up to. You on the other hand, didn't go to the game and was only here because your best friend practically dragged you out of the house.

You were not so big into the normal teenage, high school experiences. You were very quiet, antisocial, and didn't have many friends. School dances weren't your thing, especially parties. Instead, your way of having fun was just keeping yourself company. You were one of the smartest, if not, the smartest girl in school; You were a straight-A student, and you loved to read. Reading brought you joy and gave you the opportunity to escape to a different reality. Many people labeled you as nerdy, but you could care less.

You were over people picking on you, and judging you, which was one of the biggest reasons why you were so reserved. You got bullied heavily up to 4th grade, and your parents decide to homeschool you until high school came around. They wanted things to turn around for you, but it was the exact same. The only difference was, you made one solid friend and you ate school lunch, something other than food from your refrigerator.

Currently, the theatre was going to show Prince's "Purple Rain" and you were in the car waiting for it to start with your best friend. She also happened to be a cheerleader. You met her in PE class, one joke led after another and you guys became very tight. You were kind of surprised that you two were friends since you were so opposite from each other, and from different crowds.

Y/B/F/N's turned her head to look at you. She sighed, rolling her eyes briefly before she snatched your book out of your grasp. You groaned with irritation, and turned as well to make eye contact with her, "Can you stop? You made me lose my place."

"Can you just have fun for once? Girl. We're at the movies and the first thing you want to do is shove your nose into a book." She shades, throwing your book into the backseat.

"I didn't want to come tonight." You stress to her, "I have studying and homework I need to do-"

"That's all you ever do." She cuts you off. "Come on, you've known how long I've wanted to see this movie. Just do this one thing for me, please?"

"So you want me to sit in a car for an hour?" You questioned. A smile slowly creeped onto her face, which quickly answered your question.

You sighed, unbuckling your seatbelt to get out of the car. She furrowed her eyebrows, "Wait, where are you going?"

"I'm getting snacks." You replied, and before you got out of the car she grabbed onto your wrist.

"Can you get some popcorn? Please?" She asked, with clear as day begging look on her face. You rolled your eyes and got out of the car before she asked for candy as well. Any ounce of candy in her system was a not an option, especially since she had to still take you home tonight. As you walked to the concession stand, you saw just about every single familiar face from school. You were so focused on not making eye contact with anyone that you accidentally bumped into another person in front of you, causing their drink to spill all over your white long sleeved shirt. A couple people who were walking by giggled and the girl you bumped into couldn't of been worse.

"Even those ridiculous glasses you wear still can't help you watch where you're going." Galina dissed, looking you up and down before pushing past your shoulder. Her best friend, Naomi, looked at you apologetically for a second before following behind her. You sighed, looking down at your ruined shirt and turned your head, glaring at her. You saw Galina and Naomi walk back to their car, where the the most popular guys in school happened to be. The twins, Jimmy and Jey Uso, were sitting in the trunk of the car while the guy you've had the biggest crush on for the longest was leaning against it.

Roman Reigns was by far the hottest guy you've ever laid eyes on. He was the captain of the football team, he was smart, and also very kind as well believe it or not. You've only talked to him once, and that was when your chemistry teacher paired you two up for a project not too long ago. Roman was nothing but sweet to you, but since you were extremely shy and quiet, you barely said a word to him the entire time. Not only that, you didn't want any rumors to get out that you liked him. You would get teased nonstop, and Galina, who happened to be his girlfriend, would go out of her way to publicly humiliate you. However, it was nothing new. She was the typical mean girl that everyone was afraid of; You, well you weren't afraid of her really, you just didn't have the energy to deal with her bullshit so you always held your tongue.

"What happened to my fruit punch?" You heard Jey ask Galina. She sighed, wrapping her arm around Roman's waist while he looked down at her.

"Some nerd bumped into me and got it everywhere." She replies, and Roman raised his eyebrow.

"What nerd?" He says. Galina nods towards you. Before you and Roman made eye contact, you quickly turned back around and hurried to the bathroom to try to clean yourself up. This night couldn't get anymore embarassing, you thought.

You stared at yourself in the mirror with a lost expression. There was no way you were going to get this stain out of your shirt. You heavily sighed, adjusting your slightly crooked glasses. As you let a hand fall from your nose to your chin in stress, a strand of your sleeve ended up getting caught on a piece of your braces.

You rolled your eyes, groaning. You hated wearing braces for a million reasons, but this was the main reason why you couldn't wait to get them off soon. They got caught into everything. You tried again and again to get the strand to untangle itself but it wasn't budging. Shit, you thought. Now you had no choice but to go back to the car so your friend could help you. So many things were going wrong tonight and all you wanted to do was just go home at this point.

You took a deep breath before exiting the bathroom. As you turned the corner, you almost ran into someone else for the second time. You sighed, closing your eyes for a second before looking down.

"I'm sorry." You apologized, sounding a little funny since the strand was still stuck on your braces.

"Damn, you need some help with that?" An attractive voice said, that you immediately recognized. Fuck, you cursed in your head. You slowly looked up and saw the tall Samoan tower over you with a concerned look on his face. You nervously started to tap your foot and your heart began to beat very fast.

His facial expression turned into an amused one and he gently took the strand out of your hand to help you get it loose, "I'll take that as a yes."

Within a minute, he got the strand loose from your braces and you were finally able to rest your arm by your side. You shyly pulled your sleeve shirt down, "Thanks.."

He nodded with a faint smile on his face. Little did you know, Roman always had a thing for you as well. He knew you as the quiet girl in class, ever since freshman year. It was now senior year and you haven't changed a bit. You guys were in classes together but never spoke before, or even sat together until one project. He admired the fact that you were different; Girls threw themselves at him all the time, which made you think that you could never stand a chance but you were wrong. He loved the fact that you were extremely smart and had a head on your shoulders. You had a unique type of beauty that he adored; The glasses, braces, the infectious laugh and the shyness. Roman deep down has a weak spot for the nerdy girls, even though no one knows about that at all. People assume all the time of what his type is or who he was as a person, when really no one knew who he truly was. The only people that knew him best were his family, and Galina at one point but as time went on Roman wasn't happy with the person she's become.

Galina was practically Roman's day one, they've known each other since they were kids through a family friend. She was never like this intimidating, rude person that she was now. Galina actually use to be very sweet, but ever since high school came around and she started hanging out with certain crowds, that's when the popularity really went to her head. Even though it made Roman sad at times that she wasn't the same person she used to be, he was not afraid to let her know how he felt about it. She promised him she'd change, but she's so far gone that it's out of control. You can't make people change, they have to do that on their own and if not, it's time to let them go. Roman thought about doing that many times, but he just didn't want to hurt her, especially with the history they had. It was just hard all around, and you made it even more tough for him.

"Whatchu' doin here all alone?" Roman asks curiously, then looked down at your shirt subtly. He saw a huge red stain and his mind went back to Galina saying she spilled her fruit punch on someone. He couldn't really make out your face since you walked away so fast, but now he figured out that you were the person that she might of spilled it on. Shit, he cursed in his head. Roman felt very guilty.

You noticed that he looked down at your shirt, causing you to slightly cover yourself from embarrassment. Chuckling nervously, you say "Oh, um. I accidentally spilled my drink everywhere..so I came here to clean it up."

He knew that you were lying since he was aware of what happened, but he didn't push it. He's noticed a lot of people cover Galina's ass so they don't get on her bad side. Roman nodded, looking down and unzipped his black jacket that was apart of his track suit, "I got sum' for you then."

"No no that's okay," You kindly reject. You look behind him to see if anyone walks in on the two of you and your heart starts to race. Lord knows that no one can see you in his jacket. Especially Galina, if so, everyone would be on your ass. You didn't feel like dealing with that drama.

Once he took the jacket fully off, your eyes went directly to his arms. Damn, his biceps were huge. You were completely glued to them until Roman jokes out of the blue, "You know, if you wanna' feel them you can just ask."

You snapped out of it and you covered your face, trying to hold back a laugh while blushing. You looked back up at him with a smile on your face, "That's hands down the corniest thing you've ever said to me."

"At least it made you laugh." Roman says with a small smile on his face. You admire his gorgeous smile while you had one of your own, gently grabbing the jacket out of his hands. You couldn't help but take it after that. This reminded you of all the times Roman would crack the dumbest jokes in class just to get you to smile, since you were so quiet and rarely talked to him. It went over your head that he only did it to impress you.

"I should probably back to my friend before she freaks out." You say shyly, thanking him for the jacket before getting ready to leave. Roman didn't want you to leave since he was enjoying this moment alone he had with you, so he thought fast and quickly stood in front of you. Real smooth, Roman.

You looked at him weirdly and Roman's face turned red. He was going to say something but he completely forgot his train of thought, making you want to laugh. The look on his face was priceless. The both of you grinned at each other before you fell out laughing.

"Don't look at me like that, girl.." Roman said bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck while you giggled.

"I'm sorry, but you should've seen the look on your face." You pointed towards his face, not being able to contain your laughter, making him laugh even harder. He had the cutest laugh, you could listen to it all day. Once you guys both pulled it together, you both stared at each other in a comfortable silence before he asked, "Do you mind if I can buy you some popcorn or something?"

"Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that Roman-"

"Don't worry bout' it, come on." He chuckles, nodding towards the exit. You smiled at him, secretly loving every second of this. Never in a million years you would've thought a crush of yours would go out of his way to do this for you. Roman was such a good guy; You were having such a bad night before and he instantly made it better.

You both walked out of door and to the concession stand. The entire time, you guys stood there goofing off and talking while you waited in line. As you guys were occupied in a conversation, you noticed that you were getting a couple of suspicious looks since you were wearing Roman's jacket. However, no one dared to mess with you or give you slick comments either since they were shocked that you happened to be friends with him. Roman wouldn't hesitate to defend you if they did anyway in a heartbeat, but they knew better. You've seen Roman on multiple occasions stick up for people who got picked on at school, and it made your heart beat even harder for him. If there was a way you could just tell him how you felt, you would, but there was just no way in hell that was possible.

"Thanks, Roman. Even though I really don't need all of these snacks-" You giggled softly, looking down at the bag of snacks he had gotten you. Even though you couldn't never complain about snacks.

"Shh." He joked, cutting you off and took the opportunity to sneak cotton candy in your mouth so you'd stop talking, making you laugh. Roman smirked, taking his thumb and wiped off your bottom lip a little bit.

A frog got caught in your throat again as he flirtatiously wiped your lip. You both gazed into each other's eyes for what it seemed like forever until you both heard the movie start. You cleared your throat, and from behind him you saw Galina, Naomi and the Usos stare at you while they were still at the car. The Usos looked at each other with dumbfounded look on their face, like they wanted to laugh but they knew Galina would kill them. Naomi softly smiled at the two of you, while Galina had the most pissed off look on her face.

"Hey..I'll see you at school?" You say to him, with a soft smile on your face but not too noticeable since you knew Galina was staring at you.

Roman simply nodded, returning the smile and just stared at you in awe quietly. You said your goodbyes before you went back to your friend's car.

"Damn, Y/N. I just said popcorn not the whole concession stand." She says, looking at me weirdly. Then she just blankly stared at you for a minute before her eyes widen, realizing what you had on.

"Bitch, is that Roman's Jacket?" She squealed, and you hushed her real quick before she got excited.

"I'll explain later, okay?"

Your friend alternated looks between you and the movie, giving you the side eye as she took the popcorn out of your lap, "This conversation isn't over."

TAGS; @gold--gucciempress @wwzentertainment @flawlessglamazon @nicolewoo @romanreignshairdresser @sassymox @pennysky @lemonjvicey @thandiwethagirl @haharollins @rollinshield3 @sheerbeautyreigns @zaddyreigns @brookethegamer @alination @vir-tual @reigns-5sos @wickedsunfire

[boop-le-snoot]

masterpost ☀️ main masterlist ☀️ taglist

previously on...

Chapter 5. We have stucky, we have stevesambucky friendship, we have a new place to live and strange being a good guy because tony definitely ranted at him. Also, we're beginning the creepy part of the plot. I have decided that sam will be one of the main platonic characters in this story because I love sam.

fun fact: I used to be a creepypasta writer! Going back to my roots here, hehe.

Things had stated changing, for better or worse, much sooner than I had been prepared for - but was anyone, ever, really ready for the next big step? Certainly not me - the view that greeted me after I'd finished my shift at Jeremy's was peculiar and unexpected, so I froze, eyebrows high at the two super-soldiers parked, once again, illegally, right in front of the entrance door.

"Hi, doll," Bucky was reclined against his boyfriend comfortably, his bike standing a pace behind Steve's, who nodded companionably, a sheepish grin on his face.

"G'day," I nodded, eyeing them warily. "I think I know where this is going..."

"No, no, nothing like that," both men frantically waved their hands around, Steve coming up close to approach me slowly. "You're not in trouble. I came out here to say thanks," giving a sappy look to the grouch that was his boyfriend, Steve reached into his pocket and handed me a slip of paper. "Just, uh..."

"Those are our phone numbers. Don't hesitate to give either one of us a call if someone bothers you," Bucky took over the stammering blonde, shaking his head at the soft blush that blossomed on the good captain's face. The brunette wrapped an arm around Steve's shoulders with a shy smile of his own. "Or if you, I don't know, need someone to carry your groceries or something," he snorted. "The punk wouldn't leave it alone until we came out personally to thank you, the sap."

The laughter bubbled up from my chest as I grabbed and pocketed the paper, throughly amused and at the endearing gesture. "Sure, thanks."

"And, uh," Bucky's eyes briefly looked to the side. "We'd appreciate if you keep the status of our relationship to yourself for now. We're not, like, officially out yet."

I froze in place, mouth falling open. Surely they were aware that anybody with a functional pair of eyes could see that they were much more than 'good, lifelong friends'. "No problem, guys. Lemme know if anyone gives you shit about it though, this place," I gestured to the café behind me, "is strictly paparazzi and homophobe-free."

Steve's grin grew even more genuine. "Yeah, we heard all about it from Tony and Stephen. Said 'twas the only place they go these days."

I wasn't aware of that. "It's the paps, isn't it?" I remembered Tony's remarks.

Bucky shook his head, the metals of his prosthetic arm whirring as it recalibrated. "Not only. The public hasn't had the best reaction to a man goin' out with a man," the brunette looked away to the side, where Steve's face had fallen considerably. "And Tony's an eccentric rich man. We're jus' two soldiers. The US Army won't be too happy if we... Came out," both men were crestfallen yet determined.

I had a hunch nothing would be able to separate the two - seeing as not even seventy-odd years and brainwashing and ice couldn't keep the captain and his sarge apart, I doubted that a few government weasels could successfully do the job. Even so, it was unpleasant, to say the least, to see them deny themselves something that technically was perfectly fine in the 21st century.

I chewed on my lip, gathering my wits. "I've clocked out, I can tell you this as a friend- as a person. You don't owe the army jack shit. They do not own you, you are your own person that they experimented their German knockoff steroids on. Respectfully, fuck that shit." I firmly stated my opinion, figuring that there should have been at least someone that told Steve that he is more than his star-spangled uniform and giant metal frisbee.

The blonde scrunched his eyebrows together, fingers gripping onto his belt until the knuckles went white, the hard line of his jaw set firm.

Bucky laugh took me by surprise. "Agreed, doll. I'm too old to be hiding in back alleys and shit," he clapped on his boyfriend's shoulder. "Although I'm happy enough with just not going to prison for bein' in love with this idiot."

"Jerk," Steve's responding pout was downright adorable now that I knew the circumstances surrounding their relationship.

Which wasn't exactly surprising. As a barista, I knew my fair share about my regulars' love lives, their jobs, their kids. The tea was almost always piping hot. "Bye, boys," I smiled at them warmly, throwing a glance at the time, adjusting the strap of my bag for comfort. "Stay outta trouble!"

Steve scrambled for his bike, having noticed my pointed gesture. "Sorry, didn't mean to hold you back. There, I have a spare helmet," he gestured behind him. "I'll give you a ride."

"There's no way in Hell I'm getting on that death trap!" I shouted cheerfully, walking briskly towards my second job, hiding a laugh in the warmth of my scarf as two very offended motorcycle-loving gay fossils sped past me, making truly incredible amounts of noise. Good for them.

Odette was content to let me rummage around the bodega without showing herself more than necessary, taking her appointments and doing- well, witch stuff, I guess, only coming out to poke at the various jars for ingredients.

"Star, I have a proposition for you," right before closing time, Odette's voice filled out the store with its low drawl. "A good friend of mine owns an apartment building, not far from here actually, and one tenant recently moved out. It's a safe space for those who are different," she enunciated the last word, fixing it with a pointed stare. "She's not overly fond of total strangers coming to live there. The rent is reduced and the apartment itself is slightly bigger and more fashionable than yours..."

"Where's the catch?" I found myself interrupting her. I wouldn't lie: the reduced rent and increased size of the apartment did interest me, as well as the probability of a kinder, more involved landlord. My current one was - not the best, but such was life in the NYC.

"There are a few rules to follow, rules that might seem strange at first but they'll make sense in time. And your neighbors might be also a little... Unusual," Odette carefully studied my face for any signs of displeasure.

I sighed.

And then I sighed some more as I was signing my new lease in a few days' time, having spoken with Porter, my new landlord, and his boyfriend who had claws and fangs- after so much time spent around Odette's, I didn't even blink. The couple liked me enough to extend a secure but flexible offer and some furniture to choose from the attic where they kept the spares.

I quite liked the large, vintage couch I placed next to the wide bow windows in the living room. The floors were hardboard and well-kept, the walls a nice, homely shade of green and Porter didn't mind any new holes in them that might arise from hanging up decorations. I scheduled a thrift crawl at the next possible opportunity, happy with the "good employee" bonus Odette had given me after I sealed the deal.

My stuff was boxed up, a sleepless night and a call to a begrudging Jeremy to have a couple of days off to move; I was, thankfully, not late on my schedule and all that I had left was to rent a car to move the boxes of my things and the few pieces of furniture I had decided to keep - my haul in Porter's attic had been incredibly rewarding and my new apartment had all the basics to make it look like a warm, inviting bohemian home in a while.

My phone rang suddenly, startling interruption to the romcom I was watching as I ate my last lunch in my old apartment. "Hello?" I answered the number without looking.

"Hi, doll," Bucky's voice rang out cheerful. "A little witch told me you were moving. I thought you might need a hand?"

I blanked momentarily, the thought of enlisting two very busy super-soldiers to haul ten boxes and two endtables worth of stuff not having crossed my mind at all. "Is this the moment when you stop by my house just to unattach and put your prosthetic arm somewhere and leave?" I asked, hearing distinctive snickering - several more people were with him.

The cheer in his voice blossomed into a full belly laugh. "You're funny," he teased me. "And thanks for the idea. But no, I have a room full of men that have nothing better to do but get on my nerves. Might as well make 'em useful," his accented drawl thickened the more we spoke. Muted cheers rang out in the background.

"Uh, sure," who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth? I rattled off my address and warned them I didn't have a car, after which Bucky assured me it will be taken care of. The last remaining knick-knacks packed away, I went down to take out the trash, and returned to four people standing in front of my apartment building, all except one unrecognisable in their civilian clothes. "Hello," I waved at them, side-eyeing the tallest, grumpiest man of the bunch.

Stephen Strange was there, looking around curiously, hands in the pockets of his plain grey hoodie. I had already forgotten how normal he looked without his robes, and, frankly speaking, I preferred him like that. His title and the attire that came with it were quite intimidating.

"Hey there," a dark-skinned man who I recognised to be the Falcon, raised his hand. I had not met him yet. "I'm Sam, Sam Wilson. You must be the Star we're helping?" His quick once-over and the tilt to his lips; the ease with which he flirted had me brandishing smirks of my own. I led them all upstairs, Stephen's silence being just so loud. Sam, however, had no such reservations. "So, you're a witch, right?" Wow, subtlety was his middle name.

"Yes, I'll show you my broomstick," I deadpanned, wiggling my eyebrows at him with a grim look.

"Woah woah," Sam raised his hands as the three men behind us snickered loudly. "What happened to 'how are you? let's have dinner sometime'?"

I did my best imitation of an evil cackle as I let them through my front door. The four newcomers looked around my nearly empty apartment with muted interest before zeroing in on the pile of things in the corner: a few pieces of furniture and nearly taped boxes. Should be a walk in the park for four men.

A hand on my arm pulled me from the stupor of observing Sam, Bucky and Steve act like a well-oiled trio, bantering and teasing each other as they discussed how to best move the things.

"Look," Stephen Strange had all the appearance of a chastised puppy. "I wanted to apologize for my behaviour that day. I was out of line," the low notes in his voice made the appearance of the apology being somewhat reluctant. Tony probably put him to it after our little burger run.

Irregardless, I wasn't looking to make any enemies. "Me too, I was under stress - not that I'm using it as an excuse," to give where it's due, I nodded at the sorcerer, immediately awestruck by the easy, boyish smile that stretched on his lips.

"You are strong," he added. "If you would like to learn our ways, we would welcome you." There was a spark in his eyes, something belonging to man that respected and collected knowledge. My own respect for him grew immensely just from that one thing.

"I'll think about it," I offered amicably, however, I still leaned heavily towards a negative answer to that particular proposition. I liked my current way of life.

Strange's grin made a momentary second appearance, until Sam's voice rang loudly: "Fire in the hole, Wizard-man," causing the former to groan loudly and look at me.

"Think about your new place for a second," he spoke, briefly touching out fingertips. As soon as that was over, a golden circle with my new living room on the other side of it appeared quietly, Strange's hands immediately going back into his pockets after that. I sighed and pointed the men into it, stepping in a second after. The sorcerer wasn't far behind. "You could learn that, too, you know," he added wryly, having seen my look of mild envy directed at him.

"I think I'll be good with having the 'pissed off the sorcerer Supreme and lived' pass for now," I retorted with an eyeroll, turning around to stare him down.

He had the decency to look somewhat sheepish, at least. "I'm not like my predecessor," his words were chosen carefully. "And, to be honest, I have no clue as to why your... Boss is so hostile towards me- us," Strange looked around the room before unceremoniously beelining for the couch and plopping down on it.

"Not to be a gossip," I started, slightly intrigued. "But Odette and some lady she called ancient had mad beef," I slipped into casual language easily, trying to recall the details of Odette's, quite often jumbled, stories. "Sounded almost like territorial disputes," I shrugged. "And the apprentices Odette took on before me found themselves in all kinds of compromising situations," I chewed on my lip. "Like the Arctic."

Strange rubbed his face with a noisy groan, large hands doing nothing to mask the resignation and slight embarrassment.

I focused on the thin, red scars on his hands - they had to have been something serious, the way slight tremors betrayed the deteriorating state of the nerves in his fingers. I frowned, quickly averting my gaze before he could catch me ogling him. The fact thag Stephen kept his hands in his pockets or covered by gloves at all times didn't go over my head.

He muttered something to himself, something that sounded like he was often forced to clean up his predecessor's mess. "I see," was the only thing he'd offered me, looking slightly pitiful and apologetic.

"Well," I started, noting the last of my stuff was about to be in its rightful place, "as long as you don't toss me into the ocean, I think we can coexist peacefully."

"Tony would kill me if I'd tried," Stephen groused.

"Probably," I agreed. "Considering the fact he hit on me, for you, it would make one hell of a lover's quarrel," my hand pointed towards the kitchen as Steve and Sam carried in the boxes aptly labeled "kitchen", looking around a place to put them down.

"Tony did what now?" Stephen's tone dropped, a wry smirk decorating his lips as he eyed me through his lashes.

"Don't ask me," I raised my palms, feeling my eyes widen. "He's chaos personified and Satan only knows what he's got on his mind."

That squeezed a laugh out of the tall man, followed by a fond, sappy smile as he looked out of my large, panoramic window, probably thinking of Tony himself. There was no doubt, Stephen Strange was utterly and throughly head over heels in love with Tony Stark. Good for them, good for them.

"A-and that's it," Bucky walked in, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel I'd provided them earlier. "I took some liberties and assembled the furniture, Steve is stacking the dishes as we speak," the brunette noisily plopped down next to me, arm carelessly thrown behind me on the back of the couch.

"Oh, um," I stammered, unused to such random gestures of kindness. "Thanks a lot, you saved me a day's worth of time and a backache," I smiled, scooting over to make some room for Sam.

"No problem, not like we had anything better to do than argue which part of the Lord of the Rings is the best," Wilson rolled his eyes, elbowing Bucky none-too-gently.

Bucky elbowed back, thus starting a horsing war between the two, causing me to scoot closer to Stephen as I attempted to avoid any flailing limbs; the sorcerer and I shared an identical, perplexed sigh as to how two grown men could easily bait each other into such juvenile behaviour.

Whatever. It was kind of endearing.

Steve emerged from the kitchen dusty but smiling, having heard the commotion, and quickly herded his guys into a semblance of decent behaviour before all of three of them left, leaving me and Stephen to go back to my old apartment and give the keys to it to the guard. That was done, too, and a portal from an alley behind my old building straight into my living room had me and Strange awkwardly hovering, saying out goodbyes and waving to each other as the golden circle rapidly shrunk in size and disappeared, golden sparks scattering across my living room carpet for a short second before they fizzled out, too.

I used the brief moment of respite to find the small piece of paper containing the rules Porter had insisted I read and take seriously; figuring it might be a good idea to give them a read before beginning to unpack, I popped open a bottle of soda, holding the itemized list written in neat cursive to my face.

The further I read, the further my eyebrows rose:

"1. Keep your door locked at all times.

2. If a person knocks on your door claiming to be the mail man, do not open the door under any circumstances. You are free to ignore the knocking - it only lasts a minute or so. After the person has left, you may open the door and check for any packages.

3. If Samantha from 3B visits you and asks you to babysit, you may do so at your personal discretion. Her twins are a handful and their daily habits are not for the ones with a weak stomach, however, they mean nothin ill and will not harm you in any way.

4. Do not use the elevator between the hours of 1 and 4 AM.

5. There are no apartments under number "7". If someone claiming to be from those apartments knocks on your door and requests entry, come up with a polite excuse to decline and send me a text message. I will take care of it.

6. There is no garden on the premises of this building. If a man approaches you, claiming to be a gardener, don't interact with him and simply walk away. He will leave you alone.

7. You may meet a girl in a polka-dot dress playing in the hallways or in the stairwell. This is Lucy. Always be polite to Lucy - you won't like what will happen if you're rude to her. She does not talk but she knows limited ASL and may request to visit you. Allow her in ONLY if you have fresh meat in your fridge (beef or mutton, preferably bloody). You might want to avoid seeing her eat, however, it might be very beneficial to make friends with Lucy. She knows a lot of things.

8. If, when taking the stairs, you encounter inconsistent numeration of the floors, such as floor 2 followed by floor 5 and etc, simply walk a flight back. It will sort itself out. The building is old and sometimes it gets confused.

Important notice: these rules apply to your guests as well. Please make sure to introduce and educate them on these matters. We will help as much as we can should a situation arise but ultimately, there are fates far worse than an untimely, however swift, death.

- Porter and Lance."

A slow, creeping dread began to gnaw at my nape, curling on like a cold snake deep in chest. As if laughing at me, the warm, welcoming embrace of the green walls and the toothy, wide smiles my landlords had given me encouraged my recently found sense of adventure, all of it mixing into a cacophony of exhilaration and unease, equally steadily driving my running brain insane.

I sighed again, immediately going to the box containing my altar and the rest of the protective items. So much for peace.

Taglist: @couldntbedamned @mikariell95 @letsby @sleep-i-ness @toomanyrobins @mostly-marvel-musings @persephonehemingway @schemefrenzy @lillsxd @bluecrazedandbeautiful @slothspaghettiwrites @xoxabs88xox

[thoughts-on-bangtan]

This is gonna sound dumb. I'm a JKer, but Vmin is making my head spin. Do you think it's possible both JK and Tae are in love with JM? Tokyo video, hints of living together, the way JK looks at JM like he's his world. The way Tae looks at JM like he's his world. The songs Tae wrote. SN confirmed what I already suspected. It's about JM. The tension JK & Tae had and JM being the one to lie to JK/set up them talking seems sus. Its making me wonder if JM is in the middle. Vmin's wrecking my ship LOL

One thing I want to get out of the way right away is this—this is the last time we’ll answer a question that concerns another ship. Our blog is supposed to be about vmin, namjin and BTS as group, and while we are all for everyone shipping whatever they like, I’d prefer to not talk about other ships on our blog. Not because we don’t like them, we don’t, but because the only ship we see as having true potential to be real is vmin, and perhaps namjin, and that’s it. Therefore, there isn’t really a point for us to talk about other ships in a romantic sense at all. If someone would like for me to talk about JinKook, for example, I’d gladly do it (I adore their bond and dynamic) so long as it isn’t meant as the romantic ship but the friendship between those two.

The only reason I’m replying to this, and a second mildly “similar” ask, is because it, in a way, plays into what I recently said about JK here. That’s it. So, now that that’s out of the way, the actual reply:

Let’s put it like this—it doesn’t sound dumb, necessarily, and the fact that as someone who ships a different pair you can still acknowledge that perhaps another might be true, that shows that you see things much more realistically than some others do. But, at the same time, I can’t agree with your statement, not because I don’t like your ship (quite honestly your ship has never even for a second made me go “huh?”) but because it would create an awful situation within the maknaes and I don’t think there’s any kind of hint for that. At least not in a romantic sense.

A while ago Admin 2 wrote a reply in which they argued that JK might simply be a vmin ally, as in that he helps them shield their private life and relationship from prying eyes because he loves his hyungs and all three of them know that the two main maknae ships are powerful “tools”. Here, again, it’s important to differentiate between ships and the real-life bonds between the members.

More below the cut because, as always, this got very long:

Do I think JK is in love with Jimin, or has been at any point in time, romantically? No.

From all the arguments you’ve mentioned, the one that stuck out to me the most was “he looks at JM like he’s his world”, which might simply be a shipper bias. We all have that. But I especially think it happens a lot with JK. While I’ll admit he does look at Jimin with deep admiration, it’s also true that he does the exact same thing with Namjoon and Seokjin, as examples. It’s very hard to properly read someone’s eyes and body language in general and do so without a bias (especially a confirmation bias). I actually wrote a post on that a while ago.

And yes, I would make the exact same argument for vmin (and namjin) as well. While yes, there are instances where we see what some have lovingly dubbed ‘Taehyungie’s Jimin smile’ or ‘Jimin’s TaeTae smile’, I don’t take any of those as “proof” or arguments for why I think vmin might be real. We have a plethora of other far stronger and more convincing arguments, so using different looks and expressions in one or the other members eyes, to me, is a bit pointless. Just look at the way Namjoon sometimes stands off to the side and looks at all the members with this deep love and pride. Does that mean he’s in love with all of them? No, of course not. Or the way Tae might look at Hobi or Yoongi. Does that mean he’s in love with them as well? No.

(The pictures of JK looking at Tae and Jimin in the blue suit, as far as I’m aware, were at the same award show. The last picture of JK on the right is him looking lovingly at ARMY, does that mean he’s in love with all of us as well? No.)

Unfortunately a loving expression doesn’t come with a precise label of “this is a loving gaze for a person I admire deeply” and “this is a loving gaze for a person I’m in love with”, so while we can identify their expressions as something related to “love”, everything else is us projecting and speculating. At the end of the day all the members deeply love and admire each other and have moments where they look at each other like they’ve hung the stars in the sky.

So, while these moments and pictures of JK looking “lovingly” at Jimin or Tae, or Tae looking “lovingly” at Jimin, or Jimin looking “lovingly” at JK or Tae, are very cute and lovely, they don’t really represent any kind of evidence for the presence of romantic feelings, even more so when those pictures are taken when another member sings or is saying something.

Placing Jimin as “the one in the middle” would cause drama that I quite honestly think has never been an issue within BTS in such a manner. One thing that I think all members value insanely, because otherwise the group would’ve long stopped working and fallen apart (and not just come close to it for different, unrelated reasons), is communication. Yes, it’s something they had to learn over time and haven’t always been great at, but with something as big as this, they would have to do it, especially if two members would’ve realized they’re in love with the same member. To me, and I don’t want this to sound mean or like I’m belittling your feelings/thoughts, this simply sounds like something straight out of a YA novel or teen drama on TV, or one of those manipulative, agenda driven videos on YouTube.

“The tension JK & Tae had and JM being the one to lie to JK/set up them talking seems sus. Its making me wonder if JM is in the middle.” This I think is a bit of a misinterpretation on your part, which I totally get, there were a million ways in which people interpreted this moment and perhaps I shouldn’t position myself as ultimate unbiased judge, but, well, you asked for my opinion so…The way I see it is that, if we believe Tae’s and JK’s words like we should, then it makes sense that JK might’ve been a bit apprehensive about the conversation with Tae, which would’ve called for the ‘need’ to involve Jimin (after all we know that Tae asked Jimin to help him) and have him “trick” JK. But, what I think is much more likely, is that it was simply staged in such a manner for entertainment purposes. I highly doubt Tae and JK didn’t discuss wanting to have this conversation for the cameras sometime beforehand but maybe they simply hadn’t decided on when to do it, so Tae used the chance on that evening to do it. But honestly that’s basically speculations on my part, and everyone else’s.

I don’t believe for a second that the conversation in ITS was the real, proper one JK and Tae had about this topic, because that would simply be way too personal and a breech their own privacy. Much more I think it was simply a conversation set up in order to communicate the situation between JK and Tae to us, show that while they had these awkward parts between them they still want to make an effort to “fix” things, and that they are still getting along no problem. Which they obviously do. That is the most important part for me in all of it, the fact that they felt comfortable enough to share this with us, to face the uproar I’m sure they were aware it would cause within certain parts of the fandom, and yet…they still did it.

The whole scene of involving Jimin might’ve simply been for theatrics and to make it more interesting to watch (and offer for a great episode cliffhanger) and also to loosen up the atmosphere a little.

One thing though I’ve found very curious since the time when the episode aired was the question of why Jimin and Seokjin remained close by and played with a ball in the dark, of all things. But I’ll never know the answer beyond theories and that’s fine. The bottom line is that Jimin didn’t act as “the one in the middle of a love triangle” but more as a third party who has a strong friendship with JK (thus it was clear that JK would listen and follow him outside) and who’s soulmates with Tae (thus it makes sense that he would help him arrange that conversation and help him get rid of his nervousness). Admin 2’s theory is that Jimin was nearby as support for Tae and Seokjin as support for JK, since we know they share a close and deep bond as well.

As for the “living together hints”, which rely mostly (if not entirely) on the car sharing argument, I spoke about it here and here, and GCF Tokyo. Well. I know that one is used as crown argument but if we apply the same logic, I’ve seen applied to it, then we could also say that GCF Osaka was JK’s “couple vlog” for vmin, since they were the main focus in that video. We could say that GCF Helsinki was him hinting at the band falling apart/breaking up since the song was a sad one seemingly talking about a relationship coming to an end and each party going a different way, one taking the ocean and one the desert. Others claim that GCF are J*k*ok specific because Jimin is the main model, but that’s something JK himself has negated at least twice to my knowledge.

Personally, GCF Tokyo has been in late 2017 while we have 2021 now. It was a moment in time where, according to some, vmin were “d*ad” and J*k*ok on the rise, but we know the former isn’t true. It was a hard time for everyone, a challenging one, and curiously enough, a few months after the Tokyo trip, Tae began working on Happy Christmas, a duet for himself and Jimin that’s very much romantic sounding and was likely meant as gift for Jimin. If he knew JK was into Jimin romantically, that his feelings might be reciprocated, that Tokyo was a romantic trip, I think there is absolutely no way he (Tae) would’ve done that.

So, all in all, while you, anon, can think whatever you like and what you think is likely, this is my opinion which can be summed up easily as: vmin are vmin and JK is their close friend, but there have never been romantic feelings from JK toward Jimin, while it seems that there are a lot of (requited) romantic feelings from Tae toward Jimin.

Admin 2 has a theory, and perhaps it’s delulu and unsubstantiated, but they want to share it anyway: We know that when Tae started filming Hwarang and the Wooga squad was formed, Tae spent quite a bit of time with them. Perhaps that has a kind of loose correlation with the timing of the Dumpling Incident and their 4am meeting at the park and all the implications of what meaning it truly might’ve had for Tae and Jimin, that he saw spending time with his Wooga squad as a form of “”escape””. The Tokyo trip was simply a gift from JK to Jimin that was meant as a kind of cheer up gesture for Jimin. I don’t think it was their romantic/intimate trip, as so many try to show it as such, because if it were so, we wouldn’t have heard so much about it because we know Jimin is a very private person. Also, if it were such an intimate thing, why would they have created so much around it in form of videos and even interviews, a whole PR thing? Shippers, of course, created this entire mythos out of their trip, a whole fantasy.

Let’s be real, some of the stories and theories being shared by some about the trip are not only impossibly unrealistic but also insane and stupid at times, since they contain twisted “facts”, agenda-based interpretations and things that are simply impossible, like them supposedly having gotten married during that trip. In a country that doesn’t have same sex marriage. Just to return to a country that, also, does not have same sex marriage. As idols.

If Jimin and JK would’ve wanted to go on a romantic, intimate couples’ trip together, I’m 100% sure we would’ve never found out about it. Easy as that.

Lastly, the way these questions are set up and thought out, this whole thing about drama and jealousy and love triangles, they sound like stereotypical “teenage girl” thinking, classic by the book like YA books and teen movies marketed toward girls. Which isn’t meant as shade against you or teenage girls, but there’s a difference between how boys act and how girls do, how of course boys and men also cause drama but it’s a different kind of drama, while this whole jealousy thing is more of a girl thing. It’s part of nearly every plot written by and for girls. And if you notice, most of those YT videos are built upon this scheme, and why is that? Because mostly girls watch it and they’re made by girls/women.

I, just like Admin 1, think that if Tae realized that there’s something romantic between JK and Jimin, Tae would’ve immediately stopped with all the romantic songs, the picture, and everything else. But instead vmin progressed the way they did, and we are where we are today.

The second ask we got is this one and it might be the first time Admin 1 truly got angry and went on a rant:

From anon: Its kinda obvious Vmin use JK to get to each other. No doubt they all have a special bond, but I noticed in one vid, JM slaps JK's ass, but turns and smiles smugly at V and V smiles, but when JM walks off, the smile fades and V tilts his head and gives JM a go to hell look. lol. V grabs JK to sing to him, but V's not looking at JK, his eyes are glued to JM. When JM walks off, V just leaves JK standing there. Jikooks cooking live V calls. JM knows V's watching and nuzzles JK's neck. Kinda obvious

Let me be frank for a moment—this is completely bizarre to me, nasty and stupid. I’m sorry. I know it makes for fantastic drama, it fuels analysis videos (which brings in clicks and thus more revenue), but IF this were at any point in time real, do you really think BTS would still be BTS today? Do you really think the members would be as close as they are today? Do you really believe something as ridiculous as this happening in real life would fly? That Namjoon, as leader, as well as their managers and team, would allow for something like this to happen? And perhaps that last question might sound weird to you, but it’s true.

Also “I noticed in one vid” this fascinates me, and also confirms everything I need to know about this ask—I know where theories like this come from and I think I’ve made my stance on it clear in a previous reply, but I’ll repeat it one more time: analysis, theory and compilation videos are manipulative, inherently biased and agenda pushing and, in most cases, have zero connection to real life. They create bizarre scenarios and theories that push ideas of jealousy, betrayal, and powerplay because that’s what brings in the clicks, because people love drama, because that means things are happening and that’s exciting. But, with a band as big, kind, humble, and beautiful as BTS? That’s rude, disgusting, and presents the members as the exact opposite of who they are as people.

Things that happen on stage are, in many cases, preplanned “fan service” meant to entertain the audience. A split-second facial expression or supposed “mean eyes” between members are usually a bias reading or might simply have a completely unrelated cause, depend on the angle you watch the moment from, and a billion other factors that have nothing to do with drama, jealousy or any such nonsense.

Presenting the maknaes, and especially Tae and Jimin, the way you do, do you know what that would make them? Abusers. It would mean they abuse their position of seniority over JK and use him for sick games, knowing that age hierarchy wise he wouldn’t be able to “defend” himself quite the way same age friends would between each other, or an older member. It presents Tae and Jimin as evil, nearly vile, and toxic, like they see JK only as a toy to be used for some kind of game between each other, and that is truly disgusting and uncalled for.

Also, all of this erases JKs autonomy and place in the band, as artist and human, and presents him as just a toy to be used and played with, which again is the same thing shippers also do with him. I have a whole post about it. Read it and maybe think about everything you just said again and why you did so.

I don’t know what the point of this ask was, but for future reference—we will never answer such an ask again and I will not allow such ideas any kind of space on this blog.

That’s all.

Admin 2: Everything that happens on stage during concerts is more or less preplanned by the members. We know that vmin love roleplaying. I’ve noticed that in their interactions on stage they occasionally also use some elements of their roleplays. I wouldn’t be surprised (I think I know which video you are talking about, I’ve seen it) that what’s shown in that video is one of those typical vmin moments/behaviors. Especially if the video you mean is the one I’m thinking about is the same video that ends with JK standing between Jimin and Tae and while they bow, he brings Tae’s and Jimin’s hands together, which would mean there are no hard feelings at all and that JK is consciously involved in it all.

We should also remember that Tae interacts and does fanservice with him, so why do people not suspect that Tae also uses Jin for his “games” with Jimin? Or when Jimin does something with Namjoon, that he does that in order to make Tae jealous? Because we know it’s all planned and done on purpose for fans and there is no space or reason for anyone to do jealous or “use” another member for anything like what you suggested.

If there really were a reason for Jimin and Tae to want to make each other jealous or anything else, it wouldn’t happen in places where we see it, wouldn’t be happening on stage during a BTS concert since it would threaten their image. What happens on stage has no correlation with their private life, as in, that you don’t take your issues on stage.

Think about Burn The Stage and the conflict between Tae and Jin. Namjoon at the time wasn’t mad at Tae for bringing up the issue, he was merely mad because he’d done so just before going on stage, meaning that hurt feelings would go on stage with them and it could interfere with their performance and interactions. Knowing that, would Jimin and Tae do what you claim they did? No. If they interact and do things with JK on stage, none of it is meant as a way to “get at” another member or to create jealousy, it’s simply entertainment, fanservice, things meant to get a reaction out of the crowd. They are professionals. And such behavior has no space on a stage during a professional concert carried out by artists who are professions.

[efyra]

🌷 OK SO i'm bee, a female who goes by she/her pronouns. i'm a hufflepuff but many people say i could be a ravenclaw, so idk what do you think? i'm a huge empath, and i like to think i'm very thoughtful, too. i think love letters should still be a thing and i would die to get them, i love children, and i really do believe in soulmates 🥺 i love journaling, reading and watching movies. oh, and i'm an infj, too! hope that helps, baby, ily!!!!

hi, my sweet bee 🥺 i hope you like this! 💕

✨ 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ✨

you two would be such a perfect couple and i ship you with...

george weasley

Little Notes & Chocolate

The first time George Weasley saw you, he thought, "I'm going to marry this girl."

And there you were; sitting under a tree while reading a book he couldn't identify the title, you looked beautiful - as always -, your Hufflepuff robes perfectly delineated your figure. George couldn't help but admire the smallest details about you; he liked the way your eyes were widening while you read, immersed in the fantasy world of the story, he thought it was adorable the way you put the locks of your hair behind your ear, he was hypnotized when he saw you biting your lips - George imagined how it would be to kiss them. 

Breathing deeply and filling himself with courage, he walked towards you. In a bold move, he sat beside you and leaned over you, trying to read what was written in the book, but, to his shock, George hadn't understood a word. 

You jumped in your place, surprised to feel the presence of someone else beside you. "Hello?" raised an eyebrow towards the redhead, who seemed a little ashamed by his sudden approach. An involuntary smile appeared on your face when you saw the Gryffindor's beater freckled cheeks redden.

When George saw you smile, he felt a mix of emotions: confidence - you hadn't been scared after all -, amazement - Merlin, you were even more beautiful up close - and a bit of frighten - he had lost the ability to speak because you dazzled him. The redhead saw your confused look and cleared his throat, settling before saying: 

"I was wondering what book this is" he pointed to the copy in your hand. George really didn't care about the book - he just wanted to meet you without looking like a fool. "I don't know the language" he admitted. 

You laughed shyly - you'd be lying to yourself if you said the younger Weasley twin didn't interest you. "It's Dom Casmurro," you answered. "It's Brazilian literature," you explained when you saw George frown in confusion. 

A surprise expression appeared on his face - he was fascinated by you. George wanted to spend more time in your company, so, without even thinking twice, he said: 

"Can you read it to me?" 

In every free period or time, you two would sit under that same tree. You would translate what was written in the book to the redhead, but it didn't take long for the story of Bentinho no longer to be the main subject between you. 

You and George found out that you had many things in common. And without even realizing it, you became inseparable. 

The redhead wouldn’t know how to explain it, but he knew that you were the one.

Maybe because of the stars and planets alignment in the night both of you were born, but you felt that your souls were connected.

George knew he was in love with you. He didn't deny it - he didn't want to deny. The redhead loved many things about you; the sound of your voice while reading to him, the way your eyes brightened up when you laughed, the gentle way you treated everybody. 

You also noticed that you were in love with George, but you didn't know very well how to act on your feelings. Did you confess? Did you keep it to yourself? 

Then, during a Charms class, George threw a little paper on your table. 

"Let's meet in our tree today, little bee?", was what was written in the note. And being careful to not be caught by professor Flitwick, you wrote back: "Sure, George bear". 

You really didn't expect an answer, but the little paper landed on your book again. 

"You look pretty today. I like you in blue". 

Since then you and George always exchanged notes. 

On a trip to Hogsmeade, you two left Honeydukes carrying a bag of candy. In a far corner, you were savoring your Liquorice Wand when George asked a question that changed your relationship forever. 

"Can I try some?" he asked, pointing to the candy that was in your mouth. You just nodded, holding Liquorice Wand towards the redhead, but, unexpectedly, George held your face with both hands, the contact of his cold palm with your warm cheek made a chill run down your spine, but you didn't have time to think about it, because the next thing he said was: 

"Can I taste it?" 

"Yes" you answered in a whisper. 

The next second, George's soft lips connected with yours. And in a passionate kiss, you shared the sweet taste of Liquorice Wand. 

You started dating. 

You were his. He was yours. 

When George left Hogwarts, he had begged Angelina, "Please, Angie. You won't have to pay anything in our shop for three years!". And she agreed to his request. 

And the next day, you'll find a little note: "I may not be there right now, but I'm sure you look wonderful."

Not long after, you received a letter. 

"My dear bee, 

I miss hearing your voice reciting Camões to me. I don't understand anything, but you make it sound like the most beautiful poetry in the world. 

I miss your kiss. I bought some Liquorice Wand as soon as I arrived, but they are not as tasty without your lips. 

At least we'll soon be together. I'll be waiting for you.

With love and yours forever, 

George" 

And you didn't take long to answer it.

"My George bear, 

I miss your smell of gunpowder and nutmeg. You left me your sweater, but it's not the same thing. 

I miss your hug. It's my favorite place in this world. 

Saudades.

I am going as fast as I can. 

With love and yours forever, 

Bee" 

In the next letter George asked: "but what is 'saudades', little bee?" and you answered: “a word to say that I miss everything you represent for me - that I miss your love.”

You graduated.

The Second Witch War began. 

You and George fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. 

George almost lost his twin brother. You almost lost your friend. 

Life is back to normal. 

He left early to go to work at the store, but always left a little note glued to the bathroom mirror. 

"Have a nice day. Don't forget that I love you." 

"Let's go out to dinner tonight?"

"I bought you a present. I want you to wear it for me when I get back." 

"You're the woman of my life." 

"I love you, my little bee."

And when you felt anxious, George would cook you your favorite food, prepare you a relaxing bathtub, he would give you a massage and whisper in your ear how wonderful you are. 

"You'll do fine, my love" he would give you a tender kiss on the collarbone while his hands were resting on each side of your arms. "You are incredible." 

You once made brigadeiro for George. 

"That's delicious!" the redhead exclaimed, he brought another spoonful of the sweet in his mouth.

"Did you really like it?" you smiled. 

George looked at you and pulled you close with one arm. "Of course I did” he gave you a peck on the lips “but you know what?" he also smiled. 

"What?" You asked curiously.  

"I prefer honey."

[incorrectunrulyprincesses]

Underland’s Unruly Princesses: March of the Witch Hunters (aka the crossover) chapter 7

Ember IV

Later that evening Rosalind, Mum, Stayne and I gathered in the great hall for our usual "family" meal. We were hardly family, well, a perfectly functioning family, that is. Rosalind took her usual spot to the left of Mum, Me to her right. Stayne sat across from us, sided by all the courtiers.

As we ate, Mum and Stayne got into conversation about possibly raising a Red Armada of warships and sending them off to other lands, in hope if overpowering them, taking them over, and adding them to Mums Underland empire. I listened carefully, as it had always been an interest of mine to learn to sail the seas.

After a while, Mum, being as unobservant as ever, took notice that neither Rosalind nor I were wearing our royal jewels.

"Girls, where are your cwowns?" she asked. Ros shoveled food into her mouth to avoid answering the question.

I eyed Rosalind curiously.

Clearing my throat, I filled my fork full of tadpoles. "I set them off to be polished, is all," I said, the quickly shoving my mouth full of food. "My rubies require a good shining," I added. Rosalind swallowed, patted her mouth daintily with a napkin and nodded in agreement.

Mum nodded. "Always assuring you girls look your best, well done, Ember."

Thankfully she had not noticed our gown change. Soon dinner was over and she was heading up to her chambers, Stayne in tow. Rosalind and I watched them as they ascended the staircase.

"Disgusting," Rosalind remarked. "We'll probably have another sibling soon." There was utter disgust in her voice.

I cringed. "Dear Underland, I hope not. I think we are all she needs," I explained. The idea of Mum having any sort of intimate contact with any man turned my very stomach. "Let Mum have her fun, but I forbid there be another child in this castle."

Rosalind laughed.

With a couple hours left until nightfall, Rosalind and I went to my chambers and began a heated card game.

"What do you think she'll do when she finds us gone in the morning?" asked Ros. "I couldn't live with myself if Mum hated me."

"If you that concerned about it, you don't have to come. As much as I'd like you to go with me, you don't have to," I explained to her.

"No, I want to go. I want to stop the witch hunters and save Auntie Winnie. I can't let you go on your own."

I smiled. "Alright then. I'm glad your up for it. And Mum won't hate you, if anything she'll probably wonder where I've run off with you. I may lose my head when we get back," I teased. I loved my Mum.

"If she hasn't killed Aunt Mirana yet, she won't kill us." Rosalind reminded. "And she hates Mirana. Besides, you're her heir, and I'm her baby."

That was true. As much nonsense as Aunt Mirana had put her through, Mum still managed to curb her temper and not have her executed. However, that did not mean that Mum was completely level-headed when it came to family. Her first husband, the King, Bertrand, had been a bastard to her, and she had had him killed long before she even started relations with my father. He had been her own husband, he misbehaved, she killed him herself. It wasn't as if she hadn't thought about executing Aunt Mirana, it's that she harbored enough self control to not actually go through with it.

Besides, she needed me and Rosalind.

When the dark swept over Underland, and we could tell that the castle was quieting down, I went to the window and opened it. Sticking my head out, I surveyed the ground below me. The torches that lined the castle had all been lit, but there were no guards in sight. Quickly I snatched my cloak from its rack and threw it around me. I grabbed Aunt Winifred's spellbook from my bed and shoved it down my corset as far as I could.

"Tie the bedsheets, sis," I instructed.

Rosalind tied the sheets to each other to make a ladder so we could leave out the window.

I tied the very end of the sheets around my waist. I would lower myself down first. "I'm going to go first, Ros. Don't come down until I say it's safe."

Ros nodded.

I had done many a risky things in my lifetime, but lowering myself from a fourth story castle window was something I never dreamed of doing. The whole time I descended down the side of the wall, I bit my lip nervously. I held my breath in until my feet touched the flat of the ground.

Once I was sturdy, I gestured up to Rosalind. "C'mon, Ros, your turn." Rosalind gingerly lowered herself down the tower.

As soon as Rosalind was safely beside me on the ground, I gestured to the stables and I took off at a jog. Rosalind followed, running as fast as she could laced up in Nellie's corset. I whipped open the stable doors and I headed in, not caring that the building was dimly lit by only a few lanterns. A few of the horses made a small nicker at our presence but otherwise hardly made a peep.

My black mare was in the very last stall. We had no real time to tack up properly so I hoisted myself onto her back right in the stall. I walked her out into the aisle way while I watched Rosalind struggle up onto the broad back of her grey and white stallion.

"Got it, sis?" I asked.

"I think so," she replied, finally mounting her horse.

She rode out next to me.

"Are you ready?" I asked. She nodded.

"Then let's shred some dirt," I said, wailing my heels to my mare. She bound forward.

Her hooves pounded heavily on the cobblestone. Rosalind got her horse to canter out of the stable as well, her blonde ringlets flying behind her as she rode. I held my breath as we rounded the outer courtyard, and headed for the main bridge out of the castle. At one point I thought I heard a guard yell something behind us, but I swallowed hard and hoped for the best.

After awhile, we reached my father's house. Ros hesitated as she dismounted. "Are you sure we can trust him, sis?" she whispered.

My father lived in an old windmill out in Trotters Bottom. It was rather dark out, the only light source being the candles that flickered in his windows.

"I trust him more than I trust Aunt Mirana," I told her.

"Fair enough." she shrugged. She rapped sharply on the door. "Hat man! Wake up! Open the door in the name of the princesses!"

I knocked on the door myself with a hard fist. "Father! I need you!"

It actually got to the point where Rosalind and I were both pounding on the door simultaneously. Our rapping became so intense then when the door opened, we both fell face first inside the windmill.

"Dear Underland!" my Father cried. "Ember? Rosalind? Have you any notion of what time it is?"

"Owww," Rosalind said.

"Father," I said, pulling myself off the floor. "I am well aware of what time it is. But I need your assistance right now."

With his big brows, he gave a curious look. "With?" he asked.

"We need to get out of Underland to stop a bunch of witch hunters from destroying the realm as we know it," Rosalind explained.

"Yes, father," I declared. Without asking, I went into my father's sitting room and plunked down on his settee. Rosalind sat in a chair next to me.

"Now, tell Me, what are you babbling on about?" My Father asked us.

Sighing, I relaxed in my seat. "Aunt Winifred informed Mum that there are Witch Hunters afoot. They are determined to end anything magical, alien, anything wondrous. You know how unique Underland is compared to Above. If the Witch Hunters get the upper hand, all of Underland will be lost." Ros put her feet up on the ottoman.

My Father moved across the room and sat beside me. By all means, he wasn't the sanest person in existence, but he had a good heart, and that's all that truly mattered to me. He hadn't known me my entire life, only the last five years or so, but he had done his best to be the best Father he could. That was more than I could say for Stayne. Stayne was Rosalind's father, and a bad one at that.

"You need to get Above, is that it?" my father asked after a few moments of silence.

I nodded. "Yes."

"And what of your mother?" he asked

Rosalind and I looked at one another.

"She doesn't know," I stated.

"We're not supposed to leave the castle until further notice." Rosalind clarified.

He took another few minutes to ponder. Somewhere on the second floor of the windmill, a cuckoo clock sounded off. Finally, he let out a big sigh.

"Although I detest you running off and getting into Underland knows what, you are twenty-two now, and I suppose I can't ask you not to do what your heart tells you to." He eyed Rosalind for a minute and I saw her possum in her chair. "If you want to go Above, then I will show you how to get there. However…" he rose from his seat and he towered over me. His vibrant green eyes shifted to the dark red they took on when his temper spiked. "You are not to tell your mother who took you," he said in his thick, scottish accent.

"Deal," Rosalind and I said in unison.

[pennys-th0ughts]

Loser... 🥀

Neibolt Street 🏡 (Chapter 2)

After a long time living in the same town, that night became in a peculiar experience I would hardly forget. Liz and I took the first train to Derry at midnight wearing our outfits and carrying only a small bag of clothes. The night was pleasant and the sky was starry and clear. Summer nights were slowly leaving making way to cooler ones and bearable days, hot season was coming to its end and Liz and I would need to find some where to protect ourselves from the future cold.

Liz was sleeping using my legs as a pillow whilst I was resting against a feed bale using my bag of clothes also as a pillow. The train was at its full capacity and there was no room in the passengers wagons so we had to travel in the freight car until we could get to our destination. I woke up in the middle of the night with a start feeling a little disoriented and thirsty. I placed Liz's head in a comfortable position and got up to stretch my legs for a moment and drink some water. After having a couple of sips I began pacing from one corner of the wagon to another trying to remember the awkward dream I just had but most parts of it were blurry. Getting the pieces back together of a dream was usually not difficult for me but this time I couldn’t even remember, the only thing I was aware of was the feeling it left in me that was still making me shiver and those bright lights​...

I was adrift in my thoughts when a hand landed on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. Liz was standing behind me with a soft smile and an inquiring look in her face. She was trying so hard to figure me out that sometimes I kept asking myself if I was worthy enough to be with her and her seemingly endless patience and understanding. She had become in my calm when tempestuous thoughts threatened to take away my inner peace. We had shared so much in so little time that thinking of spending the rest of my life with her and the time we still had ahead of us often took my sleep away at night. I grabbed Liz by the waist and hugged her gently whilst we were watching the moving night landscape.

Morning light and the first rays of sun began caressing our skin with its warm fingers and the distant chirping was far but still charming. We arrived to Derry nearly at noon and it seemed it would be another hot day. Liz and I took the chance to change our clothes to more fresh ones while we were still on the train to avoid the blazing air bursts. It was mandatory in order to remain healthy, otherwise fever and dizziness would surely affect us. We got out of the wagon and made our way to the nearest motel; we would wait there and begin looking for a job next day. If we wanted to get our lives back on track we would have to start covering the primary holes in the walls​ of our existence, but for now we would enjoy the rest of the day and rest. It had been a long night and Liz and I were starving, exhausted and full of dirt so we paid a room at the Holiday Inn motel, left our belongings and went straight to the diner.

Being low-key and not drawing much attention to us was our best choice for now until local people get used to our faces, we didn’t want to be spotted by unwanted eyes. Fortunately, before leaving the circus, we managed to gather some money to endure the hard times lying ahead of us. Liz had many qualities and she wouldn’t reject any opportunity for she was clever, dynamic and gentle and I could bet she would do anything to get us through any situation and so would I. Curiously in the diner we were about to have lunch there was a job notice stuck to the door, the owner was needing a new waitress since the one working there was expecting family and it was a wonderful opportunity for Liz. Once we finished eating she approached to the counter and asked to speak with the owner of the place. A few minutes later an elderly man came out from the kitchen’s door, he seemed to be in his mid-sixties, white hair covered most part of his head and beard and his expression was serene. I watched them talk all the way and the man’s manners were extremely polite, he kept his distance from my wife and that gave me some confidence about her working here. Once they finished they both shook hands and Liz made his way to the table.

– I got the job, my love – she gave me the good news with a wide smile on her face-. I'm taking the night shift for now until the owner figure out the new schedule.

– ¡Congratulations, sweetheart! – I kissed her knuckles and proposed a toast to celebrate.

We got to the motel with our bellies full and feeling less tired but the need of taking a shower was imperative so we headed to the bathroom taking our clothes off on our way. Liz opened the hot water tap; we waited a little and got under the shower. The sensation of the warm water crashing against our bodies was instantly pleasant and, above all, relaxing. I took a piece of cloth Liz used to use in her baths and began rubbing her shoulders slowly and following the vertical lines of her back. A soft moan came out of her mouth that let me know she was enjoying the moment as much I was and that was the encouragement I needed to go further. I pressed her against the wall and made her mine until both got satisfied.

The nap that followed repaired my energies completely making me feel like a new man and optimistic so I took advantage of that and decided it was now my turn to go out and find something to do for living since Liz had already taken the initiative. I had already set myself the goal of getting a job that very same day or the next day at most. Liz got dressed, brushed her long hair and put a discrete makeup whilst I got ready to go out with her and take a different path and acknowledge the new town we decided to live in. I would go and pick her up by the end of her shift so she didn’t have to make her way back to the motel on her own so late at night.

I decided to take the main street and walk until its end and then take another street and so on. Having an afternoon stroll wouldn’t be bad idea and would speed things up in matter of job so I kept walking. After half an hour wandering I stopped in front of an old house for sale, it was a little spoiled but it had its charms. I was feeling confident enough so I decided to have some words with one of the neighbors. I knocked at the door and some minutes later an old lady showed up carrying a small Pomeranian dog in her arms. I introduced myself and told her about the house I just saw.

– ¡Oh yes! – She exclaimed with what seemed to be a mixture of enthusiasm and upset.

– ¿What can you tell me about that house, Mrs. Marsh?

I asked her all I wanted to know about the property whilst we were drinking a refreshing lemonade she just had made and kindly offered me when I sat down on her sofa. The lady was very kind and attentive. Before having a sit I walked around the living room looking at all her family portraits. She apparently came to town when the house in question wasn’t built yet, what was in fact the reason why she would get so upset every time she would have to talk about it. After a fire that burned said house to the ground, the people that kept on building in that place would start suspecting that the ground was cursed since every time a construction ended something bad would happen. Fortunately I wasn’t the kind of man who based his life on superstitions and Liz based her beliefs that as long you put love in everything you would do, then the outcome will surely worth any kind of sacrifice, so it would be easy to do something about that house.

I thanked Mrs. Marsh for the hospitality, and before I could leave her house, she stopped me at the front door holding me softly by my forearm.

– Be careful, Mr. Gray – she warned me and let go of my arm-. The foundations of that place my not be good to build or live there for a reason…

I nodded in silence but with a cordial smile and left. I passed by the property once more and pictured a wonderful house, simple but cozy with a front garden, some sunflowers in it and a not so tall tree to sit under its shadow during the hot days of summer. I started my way back to pick up Liz from the diner since it was surely about to close. I speeded up the pace the last couple of blocks to get there just in time she was getting out. Once she saw me she waved her hand in the air with a big smile and walked towards me. I greeted her with a kiss and gently pinched her cheek as I always did; we hold hands and made our way to the motel. As we headed back I revealed to Liz my thoughts about owning that house at almost the end of the Neibolt street. She showed a great predisposition and excitement to the idea and couldn’t stop talking about it until we got to the motel and went to bed.

A month later…

Hard work, a few bruises and some tears of joy followed before we could finish refurbishing the future place we were about to live in. The house looked splendid and all our efforts worth it. Liz was more than satisfied with the results in the garden and several plants were giving their first flowers despite autumn was getting close. I got a low labor season and getting a job was giving me hard time but despite a few setbacks and being bumping from one job to another, I finally managed to get one at the local fair for a whole season. Liz jumped with joy when she knew I will have a stable work at the fair and congratulated me preparing a rich dinner that night.

Halloween was coming and the preparations were keeping everyone in town hectic as if the town itself was one big anthill. People were coming and going taking with them paper bags full of groceries, ornaments and pumpkins. Every single store was ornamented with orange, yellow and red lights; witches and bats card board figures were hanging everywhere and some carved pumpkins with evil faces were already meddling on the way on the sidewalks​.

– This is amazing – Liz couldn’t keep at bay her admiration for such creative season of the year. She was holding my arm and squeezing it from time to time as if she were a little child about to get her new present.

I proposed to take a walk in the park and maybe sit in one of the benches to have some fresh air. She happily accepted, we turned back in the next corner and headed there. While walking our way back to the main park some little kids passed us by, some of them laughing and some others encouraging the current race. Liz put her head on my shoulder whilst watching the children get lost among other pedestrians. In that moment I knew what she was trying to tell me without using words and the thought made me smile.

Once we could find an empty bench and take a sit, Liz grabbed my hand in the way that could only mean one thing. It didn’t take me long to figure her out and how she liked to express the important things she often had in mind. I took a deep breath and listened to her carefully. She revealed me what she was longing and the idea of starting a family was something I hadn’t ruled out since I also wanted to experience that whilst I was still young and strong. Liz made a pause and I took the chance to step in to express what I was also feeling. Her sparkling eyes, despite the sun was already long gone, were the reason my heart would always melt. It was an unknown territory but we would get through it together. The statue of a lumberjack with an ax on his right shoulder and his friendly smile standing in front of us became the only witness of a new phase in our lives.

Back at home I was preparing dinner and Liz was in the backyard sitting on the edge of the old well. She used to like to spend some moments there, surrounded by the sounds of the crickets and the nature. Every time she came inside the house she often brought some new ideas and this time she brought more than ideas. We had dinner, drank some red wine and stayed for some minutes staring at each other in silence, then she grabbed my hand and took me to the bedroom. I was more than sure she would definitely take the best of me that night.

To be continued…

Image: Jeffrey Everett