#so i asked her where the regular one i use is she said we're out. i said do we have any other foaming ones I need them to be foaming ones

[sistertotheknowitall]

Some Guy Bingo

Masterpost.

Nearly three months into (what Jason called) The Haunting, the siblings kinda started a game. (“Either we're haunting him or he's haunting us, I haven't decided yet." "Considering he's the one appearing randomly, I'd say he's haunting us.")

Technically Tim had started it with, “five bucks says Danny went to class today.” (Gotham university was having an out break of fear toxin curtesy of Dr. Crane.) However, it was Jason who kicked it off with, “ten if he says something about actual scarecrows.”

Dick had snorted and said, “fifteen if it’s a personal experience about a farm.”

“I call bingo if he makes a vague statement on agriculture.” So it was actually Steph who started it.

“Bingo? We were placing bets.”

“Unlike you Hood, some people don’t get adopted by money.”

“As if Bruce doesn’t give you an allowance.”

(“As if he didn’t offer to adopt you,” Tim tacked on.)

It became a running joke where they started calling out "bingo if -" whenever they had to go out on a call. The joke had later formed into a running game when Danny had told Cass, “fighting gods is a pass-time, it is humanity that the real fight is against.” (He had trip over a curb and laid on the ground for several minutes before she asked if he was okay.) She said it wasn’t the most concerning thing he said to her and Steph chimed in claiming, “on a scale of one to ten that statement rates at a three.”

Jason had asked why Cass and Steph always got the weird ambiguous statements and he got cryptic shit about his “soul”.

(Damian had pointed out that at least he wasn’t being constantly referred to as a baby.)

I Call Bingo, which they still played whenever a situation required more than one of them, became “on a scale”

Dick was sure that “having given up on optimism, I find your enthusiasm to be overly bright” should be ranked higher then “I don’t like two-stepping but I’m from the mid-west, so do you know how to line dance?” (Danny and Duke had gotten into an awkward side step where they kept blocking each other.) Damian said the wording seemed passive-aggressive but the tone was too positive to be rude so he gave it a three. Jason said it sounded like a bad pick up line and gave it a two.

They often debated and defended the score they gave with Barbara chiming in over coms. She had never met Danny as Oracle but he was a regular at the public library. He was always polite and respectful and had quickly become one of her favorite patrons. Like Steph and Cass she also got odd statements but hers felt more like half-hearted jokes.

Bruce didn't always join in on their game but it wasn't surprising to see the occasional score placed in their reports. (They had a file dedicated to Danny's remarks. Originally it was to keep track of what they knew about him but at this point it was just to let the others know what he said this time.) Alfred was roped into it even if he didn't really participate unless asked. ("Hey Alfie, what would you give 'i'm glad i don't have to fight my food to eat it but if Batburger keeps giving me the wrong thing I'm summoning Lunch Lady.' Cause Tim says two but I think it's a five.") (He gave it a four.)

Post 4

[makeitmingi]

When Flowers Bloom In The Dark [Chapter 15]

Genre: Romance, Mafia!AU, Violence, Angst, Slow burn

Pairing: Hongjoong x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Florist!Reader, Mafioso!Hongjoong, Mafioso!Seonghwa, Mafioso!Yunho, Mafioso!Yeosang, Mafioso!San, Mafioso!Mingi, Mafioso!Wooyoung, Mafioso!Jongho

Summary: When you appeared and wept at his mother's funeral, Hongjoong found himself wanting to find out more about you. A regular girl, who owns a flower shop in his territory and has a relationship with the mother that he hasn't spoken to in years, why hasn't he ever noticed you before?

[Warning(s): 18+ for violence, use of weapons, smoking, alcohol consumption, slight gore, gang affiliation, tattoos and character deaths. Minors DNI. This is a work of fiction and does not represent the Ateez members in real life.]

Word count: 3.2K

Chapter warning(s): Alcohol consumption, violence.

"(y/n)! There you are! Are you okay? Where were you?" Nana came to you with a worried Eve behind her.

"H-Huh? Oh yeah. Was just wandering around. Sorry, I didn't realise I was gone for so long." You forced a smile. There was a foreign feeling in your chest at how Hongjoong looked at you and spoke to you but you pushed it down.

"The big event of tonight is going on. The drivers look cute." Eve giggled as you all moved to a different spot to watch. Wooyoung was one of the drivers.

"That driver in the black car always wins. Him and his team." Nana leaned over to tell the two of you.

"They're all so good looking." Eve squealed, catching a glimpse of Hongjoong and the others who were seated together.

"Winner! Team Ateez!" The announcer yelled as Wooyoung's car passed the finishing line. Everyone cheered for him as Wooyoung stepped out with a confident smirk.

"It's getting a little stuffy. Can we go?" You asked your friends.

"Sure. The major events are over already anyway. And we can always come back." Nana chuckled as the 3 of you headed for the exit.

"(y/n)? Is that you?" You didn't expect Wooyoung to cross paths with you since the exit was near the finishing line. You could feel the prying stares of your friends on you.

"Hey..." You awkwardly waved. Wooyoung sent you a friendly smile and a wink before slinging his arm around San, who jogged over to congratulate his best friend. Before Wooyoung could tell San about you being here, San led him away. At the same time, you ushered your friends through the exit.

"YOU KNOW HIM?!" Eve and Nana shouted at you once you were outside, making you wince.

"Kind of...?" You rubbed the back of your neck.

"Ah, guys. It's complicated, I don't really want to talk about it." You sighed as your two friends threw all sorts of questions at you. But at your words, their eyes widened.

"No! It's nothing like that!" You knew what they were thinking and immediately shot it down.

"San, quit pushing me. I was gonna tell you that (y/n) was there." Wooyoung slapped his best friend on the arm.

"We know... We're not supposed to draw attention to ourselves remember? The whole secret... We cannot be seen with her when we don't know who is here." San reminded.

"You all saw her already?" Wooyoung raised an eyebrow as he lit a fresh cigarette. San nodded his head.

"Damn... She must be shocked. WAIT! Did she seem Hongjoong hyung?" His eyes widened. San nodded glumly but judging by his reaction, it wasn't good. Wooyoung let out a curse and clicked his tongue as they walked to where the others were.

"But she looked hot. I barely recognised her, could have mistaken her for someone else." Wooyoung said and Mingi nodded in agreement, having almost flirted with you.

"Tell me about it. I was gonna ask her to come to the afterparty." Mingi mumbled.

"Shut up, you two." Seonghwa hissed, watching Hongjoong's stoic expression as the two talked behind him.

"Here." The organiser came over with their cut of the money. Seonghwa, Wooyoung and Yeosang took their stacks, flipping through to money to count.

"It's all here. Thanks." Seonghwa nodded to the guy, keeping his money in his jacket pocket.

"Let's go." Hongjoong rounded everyone up.

"Yes, captain." The 7 got up and they all walked together, keeping at Hongjoong's pace since he had the cane. Everyone looked on in awe and slight fear of them, no one dared to approach or even make eye contact with any of them. Jongho opened the door to the passenger seat of Mingi's car for the captain.

"Thanks, Jong." Hongjoong sighed, annoyed that he couldn't even drive his own car with how busted his knee was. With that, the sports cars all peeled out of the parking area.

"How's the cane, hyung?" Mingi asked.

"The raven skull top is easier to hold than the human skull one." Hongjoong held up the cane.

"Also because Wooyoung and Seonghwa hyung bedazzled the human skull so it hurt to hold the top, right?" Jongho pointed out from the backseat.

"Exactly." Hongjoong rolled his eyes.

"They need better arts and crafts projects." Mingi laughed. And soon, the car pulled up to the back of Wooyoung's club, the VIP entrance.

"Boss, the VIP room is ready for you." The manager was out to greet them as they stepped out of their cars. Mingi handed his keys to the valet and ran to his place by Hongjoong's side.

"Slow pokes!" San stuck his tongue out as Mingi, Jongho and Hongjoong walked in.

"Not our fault grandpa takes so long to go up the stairs." Jongho snicked and Hongjoong jabbed him with his cane. Once they all sat down, in a private room, with a two way mirror to watch the rest of the club, they gave their orders to the manager.

"What's with you?" Yeosang asked Wooyoung, who was bouncing his leg as he spread his arms across the back of the couches, looking out into the club.

"Race adrenaline taking a while to wear off. I'm going for another smoke." Wooyoung stood up and went out.

"He's gonna beat someone up." Yunho chuckled.

"It's his place, he can do whatever he wants." Seonghwa shrugged. The manager brought the tray of drinks and some snacks, giving out the drinks to the respective members.

"I still can't believe we ran into (y/n) there." Yeosang shook his head as he took a sip.

"She was with friends, she said that they were the ones that brought her there. It's her first time at the races." San said.

"She shouldn't be there, it's too dangerous. It's even more dangerous that she recongised us and tried to talk to us." Hongjoong sighed with a click of his tongue.

"But hyung, she doesn't know that... We haven't told her anything so we can't blame her for not knowing. It's only natural that she says hi or talks to us when she sees us." Yunho spoke. Hongjoong shot Yunho a confused look while Seonghwa sighed, not liking where this was going.

"I never said I blamed her." Hongjoong frowned.

"I know but she just looked so hurt when you gave her the cold shoulder." Yunho shrugged and drank his drink.

"Why do you suddenly care so much about her?" Hongjoong stood up. Yes, Hongjoong got to know you first but for some reason, it irked him to see how easily friendly Yunho was with you.

"It's not that I suddenly care or anything. She's a friend, hyung. That's all." Yunho said, keeping completely calm.

"Okay, you two, stop it. Enough about (y/n). We're here to celebrate wins and relax." Seonghwa stood up between the two.

"Sorry, hyung." Yunho apologised to Seonghwa. Hongjoong clicked his tongue and grabbed his cane, leaving the room. He limped to the bar to get a refill.

"I need a stronger drink." Seonghwa mumbled, rubbing his temples.

"Woo." Hongjoong stepped out into the back alley, a filled glass of whiskey in his free hand.

"Oh, captain. What are you doing out here?" Wooyoung turned to see the leader and stood up from his crouched position over the body that was on the ground. Wooyoung shook his hands to relieve the slight ache that settled in his joints.

"Feel better?" Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, holding out his glass to Wooyoung to let him drink. The younger grinned and took it, taking a sip of the golden liquor.

"Yeah, the winning adrenaline wore off. Luckily we had this guy come here and stir trouble." Wooyoung nodded over to the body.

"What did he do?" Hongjoong scoffed.

"Does it matter?" Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. Hongjoong conceeded and didn't ask further. Like he said earlier, this was Wooyoung's place, he could do whatever he wanted.

"Is he dead?" Hongjoong asked.

"Nah, I punched his face in but not hard enough to kill him. I'll get my boys to move him somewhere." He took his phone out.

"Wooyoung sshi." A meek voice interruted them. Hongjoong didn't know the guy but Wooyoung seemed to. He gave the man a nod before he was handed something.

"Thanks." Wooyoung said and the man bowed before walking away. Wooyoung tucked the small item into his pocket.

"Looks like I got my next invite." He smirked to the captain. Finally, something that made Hongjoong smile that night. Wooyoung was doing well at the poker games, and with their reputation, he was constantly getting invited for the following games. This was good, it meant he could get information.

"I'll take San with me as my plus 1 for the next game. Take the chance to promote the casino too." Wooyoung informed, to which Hongjoong nodded.

"That's a good idea, it provides an opportunity for one of the next private games to be held there." Hongjoong said.

"Are you ready to head in? Or are you still angry at whoever fought with you?" Wooyoung chuckled.

"I didn't fight with anyone." Hongjoong rolled his eyes.

"Sure~" Wooyoung teased and held the door open for Hongjoong to walk in. The two headed back to the VIP area, where the others were. San was passed out in Yunho's lap and Seonghwa was half asleep.

"Hwa? Did you drink too much too fast again?" Hongjoong asked his best friend, who was swaying back and forth.

"You're an idiot..." Seonghwa punched Hongjoong's arm lightly before leaning his head on his shoulder.

"I know, I'm always causing you trouble." Hongjoong chuckled, patting Seonghwa's thigh as he drank his drink. Seonghwa hummed, snuggling against Hongjoong's shoulder.

"Yes! You are... You are... the worst... out of all the kids..." Seonghwa said amidst a tired yawn. Seonghwa and Hongjoong have always been there for each other, they are complete opposites but that's why they work so well together.

"Mingi, help Hwa. Let's go home before more of you pass out here." Hongjoong said.

"Yes, captain." Everyone who was awake/ sober replied. Hongjoong stayed in his spot, waiting for Mingi to come over and help Seonghwa up first.

"Careful, hyung." Yeosang helped Hongjoong stand.

"I'll call our drivers..." Jongho stumbled a little as he took his phone out. None of them were in the condition to drive.

"Alright, we should go. Make sure we have people come pick up the cars tomorrow." Hongjoong put a stack of money down on the table and they all left the VIP area to wait for the cars out back.

Once all the boys were loaded into the vans, the drivers drove them back home.

"I'm fine, help the others." Hongjoong stopped the butler from going to help him. The butler bowed and went to help the others instead.

"Ah, hyung. You should really move to one of the downstairs rooms. It'll be much easier on your knee." Yeosang said as he and Wooyoung supported each other up the stairs.

"There's no point since my office is upstairs anyway. It's easier to move between my room and office if I remain upstairs, I'm in there most of the time." Hongjoong reasoned as he went into his room, closing the door behind him. He tossed the cane aside, frankly annoyed by it already.

"Yun, I know you’re awake and sober." Mingi came crept into his best friend’s room. As if on cue, Yunho walked out of his bathroom, wiping his face with a towel.

"Mmm?" Yunho hummed and headed to his dresser to grabbed a t shirt, pulling it over his head.

"What did you need?" Yunho yawned, watching as Mingi climbed into his bed. It was such a common occurrence, they always slept in each other’s beds.

"Dude, why were you starting shit with Hongjoong hyung earlier? And don't blame the alcohol." Mingi raised an eyebrow.

"Geez, I wasn't trying to start anything. And no, I don't have a crush on (y/n)." Yunho said when he saw Mingi open his mouth, who closed it.

"(y/n)'s a nice girl and she's navigating grief just like Hongjoong hyung is..." Yunho started.

"Wait, hold on. Stop right there. Are you trying to set them up?!" Mingi let out a gasp of realisation. Yunho couldn't help the mischievous smirk that crept onto his face as Mingi gave a wary look.

"I'm not trying to set them up... actively trying, at least. I'm just trying to create opportunities for them to get to know each other better. But that aside, (y/n) is still human, Hongjoong hyung should be treating her nicer instead of treating her like us." Yunho shrugged.

"Look man, as your best friend, I just hope you know what you're doing." Mingi said, laying down on the pillow and pulling the blanket over him.

"And I'm not saying that for Hongjoong hyung. But I'd hate to see (y/n) be the one to come out of this hurt." He added.

-

"Ohhh..." Nana and Eve said in unison as you told them the gist of how you knew Hongjoong and the others. You nodded, nursing the hot cup of tea in your hands before you.

"So he's Mrs Kim's son?" Eve asked. You nodded in confirmation.

Instead of heading home after leaving the race, the 3 of you settled in a quiet 24 hour cafe to relax.

"Met him at the funeral and we've been acquainted ever since? I do gardening work at their house, that's it." You said, purposely leaving out that you and Hongjoong were 'friends'. Because after tonight, you were doubting this whole friends thing. Maybe it was all in your head and you weren't friends at all.

"But they're like... big, you know? I mean, I've seen them at the races, even thought I've only just started going. But they win, all the time." Nana said, sipping her coffee.

"Just be careful, alright (y/n)? They seem a little dangerous." Eve sent you a worried smile.

"I will, Eve. Don't worry." You smiled and finished your tea.

"And Mrs Kim was so nice! But we know she was very close with you, (y/n). It must not be easy." Nana sent you a sad smile. You let out a soft sigh at that.

Since it was a nice night out, you decided to split ways with your friends and walk home. It wasn't a far walk and you wanted some fresh air to breathe a little.

"What were you thinking, pabo?" You hit your temples with your fists as you walked home, thinking about what you did.

Maybe you shouldn't have approached Hongjoong. Who were you, compared to someone of his status?

"Ah, whatever." You let out a sigh of defeat as you entered your house. After taking a shower and changing into more comfortable clothes, you sat down and did some work. With a really big event coming up, you wanted to plan the floral designs.

You assumed that the event must be big or important because you were only given brief details about it like the time, date and location. And since you were on your own, your friends volunteered to help.

"Silver and black, huh?" You did a rough sketch of the table arrangements and floral pillars that would go by the doors.

*1 attachment sent to (y/n)'s Flower Fairies*

'I still question the name of this group chat... Why can't we have a normal name. - Jihoon'

'Shut up. It's cute! And the designs are cute, (y/n)! Also, why are you still working at this hour? Go to sleep and design stuff tomorrow! It's time to bed. - Nana'

'Yeah, sleep is important to stay healthy! - Hyunwoo'

'I will soon! I couldn't sleep so I thought I would tire myself out by doing some design work... - (y/n)'

'The designs are so prettyyyy but yes, go to bed (y/n)! And everyone else too - Eve'

You were grateful for your friends. It was a small group but you would always be ready to help each other if needed. They, along with Mrs Kim, made your world feel a lot less lonely.

With that, you put your iPad aside and tried to sleep since you knew you had to work tomorrow. You let out a sigh of relief when you realised that you were not working at Hongjoong's house tomorrow but just your own store. That would give you a few days to get over the odd ache in your chest that you felt.

Luckily work the next day was busy. On top of orders, you had to make some draft designs for the big event and send them over to the organiser for approval.

"(y/n)? Are you here?"

"Yeah, I'm at my work desk Hyunwoo!" You replied. Hyunwoo appeared from the hallway leading to the back door.

"Hey~ Is that the design for the event? It's pretty." He complimented as he took a seat across your work table. You hummed in confirmation and continued working.

"I hope you don't mind, I'm here to escape from stuffy clients and have my lunch in peace." He grinned.

"Of course I don't. Go ahead. You own the place and yet, you're running away." You giggled.

"The reality of business." He sighed exasperatedly and took his lunch box out. Since you were working during your lunch, you had packed a sandwich from home to make it easier to eat and work.

"That's not enough, (y/n)." Hyunwoo said, noticing your small sandwich compared to his huge lunch box with many layers.

"I'm not bulking like you so it's more than enough for me. You know I don't really eat much for lunch when I am distracted. Plus, I have a box of fruit in the fridge that I'll eat later." You said, nodding over to the fridge. Hyunwoo sent you a suspicious look.

"You shouldn't even be working during your lunch in the first place." Hyunwoo whined.

"I know but I'm excited to get this done. I haven't really done such a big event like this on my own before. Usually, I'm asked to be a part of an event team, never lead it." You chuckled.

"It's a great opportunity. I'm glad someone recognises your talent." Hyunwoo smiled as he ate his food.

"Thank you, Hyunwoo. I just hope I don't mess it up." You smiled.

"You won't. Have more faith in yourself. And maybe this will be the chance to get your shop's name out there. Get bigger and grow the business." He laughed.

"That's a very far dream. But I am happy where I am now too. Gives me time to work on my botany and practice it." You giggled.

"Which by the way, the recovery elixir I've added to my bone broth is super good. I feel amazing and have lesser muscle cramps, definitely quicker recovery after my work outs." He complimented.

"That's a relief. I'm glad it worked." You said, taking your journel down from the shelf and flipping to the page with the elixir recipe. You jotted down the notes and good review from Hyunwoo with a satisfied smile on your face. Then you went back to your previous task, which was photo taking.

"There, sent to the organiser. Hopefully they like it." You crossed your fingers and typed out the email with the photos attached to send to the organiser.

~

Series masterlist

[wroetominter]

Clueless - George Clarke

In which George and Fem!Reader are both entirely unaware how the other feels about them.

Warnings: alcohol, fluff, insinuations of NSFW but nothing actually nsfw.

———

"Becky how did I let you talk me into this?" I asked sitting across from her. She shrugged, laughing and agreeing that she had no idea how we ended up here. We were in Amsterdam with the group of boys who we almost always found ourselves with - typically getting drunk for content on the internet. We were doing a sequel to our previous London pub crawl that had everyone begging for more.

The summer heat beamed down on us as we sat in a beer garden at a large picnic table that our waitress had just placed eight pints down on. One for each of us. Myself, Becky, Chris, Arthur TV, Bach, Arthur Hill, George, and Harry.

We had decided to theme this pub golf around a set of challenges, a say it or shot it or who is most likely to for each pub, to enhance the fun, and the intoxication levels for everyone.

I sat between Arthur TV and George who were in a heated debate over something I had not entirely been paying attention to. My attention had solely been focused on the group of girls who had situated themselves at a booth across from ours. They were staring in our direction and you could hear faint whispers and giggles tossed in our direction.

I was used to this by now honestly, it wasn't exactly a secret to anyone that the lads were attractive, and the majority of them were single which gave more fuel to the fire of which is a fangirls desire.

We had chosen specific attire for this event, Becky and I having slightly more feminine versions of the pub golf shirts Chris had made, which happen to be the most cringe tshirts known to man. They all had a different bright color, and said "I'm here for an Amster-damn good time". Becky and I had on a cropped-tank top version of the shirt, and the boys had cutoffs or regular tshirts, depending on which style they had preferred.

Turning to my side, I saw George had now noticed the table of girls as well. His gaze lasted a few moments, redirecting to me when he noticed I had been staring. "What's up?" He took a drink from his glass.

"See anything you like?" I joked nudging his arm with mine. Noting how good his biceps looked in the cutoff he was wearing.

"Usually do when we're together." He smirked back quickly.

George and I had this strange relationship where we were constantly flirting with each other, but it had never gone further than that. We would play fight, tease each other, be far too handsy for just friends - yet we never fully crossed that line. Not to say I didn't want to, but I had this stubborn side of me that didn't want to be one of the many, many girls throwing themselves at him. I had seen the way those interactions turned out for people, and it usually didn't end well.

"You're such a tease George. Say it with your chest." I retorted.

"If you two love birds would stop eye fucking each other we could get this video started." Chris snapped, giving us a very sassy look. I smiled at him and flipped him off.

"Right, so!" Chris imitated Arthur as the intro began. The game started with a shot being given to who we thought fit the 'who is most likely to' question the best.

The who is most likely to in question was 'most likely to have three or more dates in a week?' A member of the camera crew read the question and we all immediately pointed to Chris, who's little hand stuck right out and pointed to me.

"Me?" I exclaimed. "You're actually insane if you think I'm going on three or more dates a week." Chris shook his head.

"I don't know, you did seem pretty cozy with that last guy you brought home." Becky added, her being my roommate she had seen her fair share of the few dates I have had in recent months.

"Gotta be honest with you, that wasn't a date Becky. That was a thirty minute max event.” I finished the remainder of my beer, earning a few wide eyed looks and Arthur TV giving me a "come on!"

We then got up from the first beer garden and made our way to the next location. I found George with a frustrated look on his face, which he quickly wiped away as the cameras began rolling again, capturing some of the banter happening throughout the groups.

Needless to say, by the time we made it to hole six, the majority of us were severely too drunk to be functioning.

"I'm seeing double of you." I said to Bach as I sat across from him.

"How do we look?" He asked flexing his muscles.

"Only slightly egotistical." This earned a laugh from the group.

"Okay enough enough. I've got a fun game this round." Harry had now had his turn to pick the game. "This is going to be a blind question. Everyone has a shot in front of them. We are going to start at this end of this table and each person except the person giving the shot will close their eyes. Once that person has placed their shot they will close their eyes and the next person will open, give their shot, and that continues until the last person has given their shot. You will be giving your shot to the person you find the most attractive." The group of us 'ooooh'ed' and 'ahhhh'd' at the idea.

It got to be my turn after the first two had placed their shots. I opened my eyes, very briefly scanning the table but needing no time to choose. I gently placed my shot in front of George, ensuring the glass didn't make noise as I placed it.

Only a few rounds later we were finished, and everyone now had a shot. These were double tequila shots - again Harry's choice. "Now to guess. If you correctly guess who gave you a shot, you only need to take half. If you guess incorrectly you take the whole thing."

This added a new element to the fun. None of us could really afford to be wrong considering how absolutely plastered we already were.

My turn to guess was now up, and I gazed around the table, tapping my finger to my lips in thought. I of course wanted to guess George. I honestly just selfishly wanted that to be the answer. To know that throughout this constant flirtation we had going that he found me attractive would be very telling to where this could go. I also was indecisive as I didn't want to be wrong, and then have my ego crushed.

Deciding the worst that happens is I get even more pissed, I finally made my decision. "I'm going to say George gave me this shot." I locked my eyes with his, looking for confirmation. He slowly nodded, and everyone cheered for me getting it right. I took half the shot, handing the other half to one of the crew members to have if they'd like.

Arthur Hill guessed that Chris had chosen him, and unfortunately he was wrong. Becky guessed that Harry said her, and she had been right. George was up next, seemingly very confident picking up his shot and taking half of it without a word. "What the hell! Cheating!" Chris shouted at him. George's eyes hadn't left mine.

"Not cheating. It was Y/n." I felt heat creeping to my cheeks this confident move from him. It was unfortunately insanely attractive to me.

"Was it?" Chris turned to me, the alcohol in his system causing him to borderline scream in my face.

"Yes Christopher, it was. You can sit down now." He began to pout and we laughed it off.

The end of the night was finally here, and we were all walking - stumbling - in a large group back to our hotels. We had finished the outro for the video at the last pub, with some of the boys jumping into a fountain. This had become somewhat of a tradition for our pub golf videos.

I was still incredibly energetic from the nights events. Even though it was nearing one the morning I felt like I had just woken up from a very restful nap.

"You alright darlin?" George asked wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we walked.

"Just fine handsome, how about you?" He smiled and shook his head slightly, laughing at the nickname.

"I'm far more drunk than I intended to be. But other than that I'm feeling pretty good." He said.

My memory flickered back to the beginning of the event and the liquid courage urged me to question his earlier expression after Becky had revealed to the group a one night stand I had. "George I have a serious question for you." I said. He slowed his pace, looking around and spotting a bench near us. He led me over to it and we sat down together, facing each other on the bench. I brought my leg up to rest on the seat, the other dangling over the side.

"What's your question?" I sensed some nervous energy behind his words.

"Earlier Becky outed me bringing a guy home. You made a face at the comment. Why?" His glance left mine for a moment, drifting to his hands where he was nervously picking at his nails. This was a different George to the confident flirty one I was used to.

"Dunno I guess, I mean..." he trailed off. I stared at him waiting for an answer. "I mean you and I flirt often, and I thought I had been making myself pretty clear that I was interested in you. So I guess just hearing that you had been with someone else just hurt me a little." I continued to stare at him. This time in disbelief.

"Are you telling me you're interested in me?" I normally wasn't this blunt in these kind of situations but the alcohol in my system was clouding my better judgement.

"I'm more than interested." He replied.

"George, why didn't you tell me? I've been watching you go on dates for months wishing it was me you were taking out." It was his turn to stare in disbelief. He took a few moments before speaking again.

"I thought you were just naturally the flirty type. Most girls are usually pretty straightforward with me." I let out a small laugh at this statement, scooting myself closer to George.

"You're more used to girls coming up to you and basically throwing themselves at you?" I teased.

He laughed, nodding slightly. "I guess I am."

I placed my hand on his thigh in front of me. "I can throw myself at you if you'd like." I said cheekily, giving his thigh a small rub. His hand found its way to the small of my back, his warm hand a stark contrast to the cool touch of my exposed back.

"Don't threaten me with a good time. Maybe we start with at least a kiss first?" I leaned in at these words, hand pressed to his chest as our lips met. It was a breathless taste of alcohol and desire. I pressed myself closer to him as the kiss deepened. I held my other hand still on his thigh, instinctively sliding it further up towards his crotch, pulling away almost immediately realizing we were in public.

"If we don't get back to the hotel I'm going to end up with an indecent exposure charge and in a foreign jail" George laughed at my joke, standing up and offering me his hand.

"Let's go then." I took his hand in mine and stood up, he pulled me into him as we began the walk back to the hotel.

“How did we end up both being so clueless?” I asked. He pulled me into his side, placing a soft kiss on my head.

“We’re stupid I guess.” I laughed in agreement as we entered the hotel to turn in for the night.

[xomakara]

Sweat and Seduction

(re-posting from my old account seulrinnie-rinrin/xomakara-secondary)

SUMMARY | You're a yoga instructor that teaches yoga and well-being. When the girls in your class get distracted by Yeosang, a regular gym client, you can't help but fall for him too.

PAIRING | Yeosang x Reader

GENRE/CONTENT/WARNINGS | gymrat!Yeosang, yogateacher!Reader, non-idol au, smut (with some plot), consensual sex, vaginal sex (wrap it up y’all!), oral sex, dirty talk

RATING | Mature, Explicit, 18+, NSFW, MDNI

LENGTH | 4,119 words

TAGLIST |  @yeostinys

NETWORKS |  @cromernet (reuploaded so only tagging nets that haven't reblogged it yet)

AUTHOR’S NOTE | Took me a bit to write this so I hope it turns out well. I hope you all like, comment, reblog since it would mean the world to me.

ATEEZ Main Masterlist

Here's the original request:

“Girl, look at him.”

“Oh my god, he’s so hot.”

“You think he’s single?”

You looked at the man that the girls from your yoga class were oogling over. He was wearing a tight fitting black muscle tank with gray sweatpants. You knew who he was because every other day they made some sort of comment about how good looking he was or how great his body was. The one that really caught your attention was when one girl said ‘I want to lick his abs all day long.’

Not that you don't blame her. You had thoughts like that about him too.

Kang Yeosang was a regular at your gym and you’d often see him about three or four times a week. He’d always work out at the same time and leave at the same time. Some days he would bring his equally attractive friends with him but most days it was just him. His beautiful face and rock hard body really stood out amongst the rest of the guys there. Most of the guys in the gym usually dressed up a bit but Yeosang stuck to more basic workout wear which really highlighted his features.

A lot of women probably felt the same way you did about him, wanting to be close to him and feel the strength he exuded. It wasn’t an easy task for him though, being a muscular hunk in a fitness center where everyone has good looks and muscles.

You always noticed him.

He noticed you too.

So when the girls started acting like little teenage girls and asking if he was single, you couldn’t help but overhear them as you finished stretching after your yoga class. You waved as some of the women in your class, happily married or taken, went on their way while the clearly single ones lingered around trying to get a glimpse of Yeosang again.

You walked up to the front desk and leaned against the counter to look at your friend who was finishing up checking in a client. Ari, your friend, shook her head as she looked at the girls that were still waiting for Yeosang to come back.

"Looks like they're at it again." She muttered.

You shrugged, "I'm already used to it. They did that when they saw Seonghwa a few weeks ago. Now he comes and works out at night only."

Ari laughed. "I don't blame him. The girls in your yoga class are horny as fuck."

You laughed. "Only the single ones."

"What about you?" Ari asked, a teasing smile on her face.

"What about me?"

"Aren't you horny for him too?" Ari nudged you. "I see the way he looks at you and the way you look at him."

"Pfft. He's just a regular here. Of course, we're going to look at each other. I teach classes here, remember?" You scoffed.

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Ari said. "He's so damn handsome. Just imagine if he wanted to… explore those muscles with you. Wouldn't you be down?"

"I mean..." You paused for a moment before answering. "Maybe... If he came on to me then sure, why not? But until then..."

Ari grabbed your hand and gave it a squeeze. "Do you think you'd be able to turn him down?"

"With a face and body like that..." You bit your bottom lip. "Hell no. I'll take whatever I can get."

Ari laughed. "Well good luck my friend. You'll tell me all about it, won't you?"

You grinned. "Yeah, yeah. You have my word."

You watched as Ari chased out your students since your class was over. It wasn't time for you to leave the gym yet, so you were helping some of the staff disinfect equipment and do last minute cleaning. While you were wiping the handle of the dumbbells, Yeosang came walking towards you.

The hair on the back of your neck stood up and goosebumps spread across your arms as he walked closer to you. His body language seemed casual, but you could tell something was different about him today. There was something else behind his eyes, like he was determined.

“Ms Y/N?” You heard his deep voice call out your name and you couldn’t help but shiver at the sound of it. You slowly turned your head and found yourself staring into his dark chocolate brown eyes.

“Yes?” You replied, suddenly feeling very nervous. What was wrong with you? This guy is just another normal customer at the gym!

“By chance, do you have any openings in your yoga class?” Yeosang asked. “Preferably anything at night or with your married students because I’m worried that the single girls in your morning class would jump me.”

“Sure. Come by tomorrow afternoon after my last class. We’ll discuss the details then.” You smiled at him.

Yeosang nodded and flashed you a dazzling smile before heading off to work out somewhere else in the gym.

Ari was by your side in an instant. "Ohhhhhh, did I see you talk to Mr Hunk? What did he say? Did he ask you out?"

You shook your head. "He wants to take one of my classes. That's it."

"Ouuuuu." Ari nudged you. "You'll tell me all about it, right?"

"Yes. Definitely." You laughed. "Now go help somebody else. I've got work to do."

As you continued working, you kept thinking about Yeosang and the possibility of teaching him. Not many men had this much confidence to approach you directly without being creepy. That coupled with his physical appearance meant that he would likely have no problem doing yoga poses during the class and showing off his rock hard body.

His muscles and stamina could easily rival yours.

And maybe you’d get a good workout in yourself along the way.

The next day, after your yoga class, you had an idea. You were curious if Yeosang was the type of man who could keep up with you or not.

"Hey Yeosang, do you mind sticking around for a few minutes after class?" You asked, watching him carefully. "I need someone to try out a new pose with."

Yeosang looked at you curiously. "Sure, no problem. I'll be here."

"Great. Thank you."

After everyone left the room, you pulled Yeosang into the back to discuss the details of him joining your class. You explained to him that you needed a male volunteer so you could have him try out the different poses and make sure that it was suitable for both genders. He agreed and the two of you walked back to the front of the gym.

"Are you ready to try some of these poses?" You asked him.

Yeosang smirked and nodded.

"Okay, let's start with a simple one." You said, getting into a position and waiting for him to copy it.

Yeosang followed your lead, mirroring you. His eyes never left yours, making you blush slightly.

"Alright, now try the next one." You told him, demonstrating the pose.

Yeosang took a step forward and reached down, placing one hand on the floor. Then he placed his other hand next to his foot.

"Perfect." You praised him, smiling widely.

Yeosang stayed there for a moment before lifting his head up and staring into your eyes once more. He moved forward, his lips inches away from yours. Your breath hitched and you swallowed nervously.

"How did I do?" He asked quietly, his breath ghosting over your skin.

"Good job." You whispered.

"Thanks." He mumbled. "What's next?"

You gulped, your mouth suddenly dry. "Um... let's try something harder."

Yeosang nodded, keeping eye contact.

You led him through the rest of the poses, taking your time with each one. Yeosang watched intently, making sure to follow every direction. You tried not to stare at his body too much, but it was difficult not to.

His shirt clung to him tightly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and muscular chest. The sleeves of his shirt stretched tightly across his biceps, showing off their impressive size. He wore loose fitting black track pants that hung low on his hips.

After the last pose, Yeosang sat down beside you. You glanced over at him, seeing him wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Well done. You've got a natural talent." You complimented him, trying to act normal despite the butterflies in your stomach.

"Thanks." Yeosang said, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"It's getting late. Why don't we call it a day?" You suggested, standing up.

"Okay." He replied, standing up as well.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

As soon as Yeosang walked away, you let out a heavy sigh.

Holy shit.

You didn't expect him to be so fucking attractive.

It took a lot of self control not to stare at his ass while he walked away. You wanted to touch him so badly.

Your heart rate was racing and you could feel heat spreading throughout your body. You couldn't stop thinking about his beautiful face.

His lips.

His strong jawline.

His muscular arms.

You were absolutely smitten with him.

And you had no idea how to deal with it.

The next day, you met up with Ari to talk about the situation.

"Oh my god." She gasped when you told her what happened. "So you're gonna start teaching him every night? That's amazing! Are you excited?"

"Yeah, but I don't know if I can handle it." You groaned, covering your face with your hands.

"Why not? What happened?" Ari asked, her brows furrowed.

"He's so fucking hot." You whined, leaning forward and placing your head on the table.

Ari giggled. "Everyone in the whole gym knows he’s hot.”

"I know, but it's different. I've never had a guy affect me like this before." You sighed, shaking your head. "I can't focus on anything else when he's around."

"Maybe it's because he's a new student?" Ari suggested. “I mean sure he’s a regular gym rat but he’s new to yoga, isn’t he?”

"Maybe." You mumbled.

"Look, just take it easy. Don't overthink it. Just enjoy teaching him yoga. It'll be fun!" Ari assured you.

You nodded, sighing.

"Alright! Class is done for the day!" You called out to your class, waving goodbye to them as they exited the studio. "Good job everyone!"

Some of your students left quickly, wanting to get home to spend time with their family. Others stayed behind to chat. You welcomed them to stay and socialize a little longer but your mind kept drifting to Kang Yeosang.

It had been a few weeks and while most people enjoyed learning yoga and meditation, Yeosang seemed to take pleasure in challenging himself. At least that’s what you assumed seeing the way he worked so hard during your classes. He’d push himself to the limit and beyond. Whether it was practicing his leg stretches and balance or using light weights to challenge his core strength, Yeosang took your class seriously and tried to better himself.

Seeing someone appreciate your teaching like that always brought a sense of pride and happiness to you.

“It feels so good to stretch and loosen up after sitting at the computer all day.” A girl in her early twenties said as she stretched out her legs. “I swear it makes my back hurt less.”

You chuckled and nodded. “I totally agree. You should come to my evening class next week. Would you be interested?”

The woman nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! You’re so amazing Ms. Y/N. I love coming to your classes.”

Another woman came over to you and clasped your shoulder. “Your students seem to adore you. How long have you been teaching?”

“This will be my fifth year actually.” You replied. “Why do you ask?”

She smiled and gently squeezed your shoulder. “You deserve a big promotion or raise or something. Teaching others is your calling and you make us all feel so special.”

“Thank you.” You blushed.

“You’ve got such a positive aura around you and your presence seems to make everything so peaceful. You must have some kind of magic powers or something.” The woman giggled.

The compliments were nice to hear. Even as a young adult, you could understand how people responded to you. You didn’t consider yourself special, especially compared to the yoga teachers you’ve met throughout the years. However, the fact that people related to you made you happy. Your job isn’t exactly a typical 9-to-5 office job either.

Working in a school was fine for the first two years but then you became bored of having to sit through endless meetings and pointless lectures about students and parents. It was only when you began teaching yoga classes and participating in the training of new instructors that you found meaning in your life again. Seeing the transformation of people that first come to class as a total stranger and end up leaving a few hours later as a happier, calmer person was priceless. Being part of someone’s journey to becoming healthy and mentally stable was truly rewarding. You waved as the remaining students left the studio.

"Ms Y/N."

That deep voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You looked up and found a familiar pair of brown eyes staring back at you.

Your heart stopped.

Your mind immediately went blank. All you could focus on was that one word that you'd heard from his mouth.

You turn to look at Yeosang, the black muscle tank he wore hugging his body tightly, revealing every bulging muscle and ripple of toned skin. His perfectly sculpted abs were visible through the fabric and even his skin tone appeared darker against the stark dark material. His slightly messy hair covered his forehead, framing his face.

Everything about him screamed sexy and you instantly felt a stirring in your pants. As if you weren’t aroused enough already from having to stare at him throughout the entire class. You cleared your throat awkwardly, looking away as you mumbled, “Ah, Yeosang.”

Yeosang couldn't help but run his eyes over your body and even though he had just finished a grueling workout session, he was still dripping with sweat. Your outfit clung to your curves and his gaze lingered at the jade green crop top that exposed a sliver of cleavage and hugged your chest. The yoga pants you were wearing were form fitting, showing off your perfect ass.

There was no doubt that Yeosang knew exactly how fucking hot you looked.

"That was a great class," he says, his voice deep and smooth as velvet. "You have a real talent for teaching."

You feel yourself blushing even more deeply, pleased by the compliment. "Thank you," you reply, your voice a little hoarse. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"I especially liked the way you emphasized the connection between the body and mind," he continues, stepping closer. "It's a very sensual approach."

Your heart is pounding in your chest as you feel the heat radiating from his body. "Well, yoga is all about exploring and embracing our senses," you respond, your voice steady, although your insides are quivering with anticipation.

Yeosang's smile widens, and he leans in closer, his breath tickling your ear. "I think you're right," he whispers. "And I'd love to explore more of those senses with you."

Your breath catches in your throat as you place your hand on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart under your palm. "I think that can be arranged," you murmur, your voice low and inviting.

Without another word, Yeosang takes your hand and leads you out of the gym, his fingers gently entwining with yours. The touch of his skin against yours sends sparks racing through your body, and you can feel your nipples hardening, pressing against your sports bra.

He takes you to his place, a cozy apartment just a short walk away. As soon as the door closes behind you, he presses you against it, his lips crushing yours in a passionate kiss. You moan into his mouth, your hands roaming over his broad chest and down his strong back.

He breaks the kiss, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along your jawline and down your neck. "Let me worship your body," he whispers, his warm breath fanning over your sensitive skin. "Let me show you how much I've wanted this."

You nod, unable to form words as you're overcome with desire. Yeosang kneels before you, his strong hands sliding up your thighs, lifting your legs and wrapping them around his waist. His lips find the sensitive spot just behind your knee, and he kisses and nuzzles the delicate skin, sending shivers up your spine.

His fingers skirt the hem of your yoga pants, and with slow, deliberate movements, he peels them down your legs, exposing your bare pussy. You gasp as the cool air washes over your heated skin, and your eyes close as you feel his hot breath on your most intimate place.

Then, his tongue, wet and warm, laps at your clit, sending shocks of pleasure through your body. He teases the sensitive bud, circling and flicking it with the tip of his tongue, driving you wild. His fingers find your hole, and he slides one long digit inside, curling it to find that sweet spot that has you crying out.

You clutch at his shoulders, your fingers digging into his strong flesh as he works his magic on your pussy. With each stroke of his tongue and finger, your pleasure builds, coiling tighter and tighter in your core. You can feel the orgasm building, a tidal wave of sensation ready to crash over you.

"Come for me, baby," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire. "Let me taste your sweet cum."

At his words, your climax hits, washing over you like a tsunami. You cry out his name as you shudder and tremble, your juices flooding his waiting mouth. He licks you clean, savoring every last drop.

After your release has passed, you sag against the door, breathless and satisfied. You gaze up at Yeosang, a smile playing on your swollen lips. "That was..." you trail off, unable to find the right word. "Incredible."

"Let's not stop there," he murmurs, taking your hand and guiding you through the apartment. He leads you to a bedroom where a queen sized bed sits in the corner. The comforter is smooth and inviting, the perfect contrast to the solid wood bed frame.

Yeosang kisses you once more, deep and tender, tasting of your juices and his own spicy scent. With deft fingers, he tugs your sports bra up, setting your breasts free. His lips find your nipples, sucking and teasing the hardened peaks as his hands roam over your body, exploring every curve and valley.

"You're so fucking beautiful," he breathes, pulling you flush against him so that you can feel his hardness pressing against your thigh. "I want to see all of you. Every single inch."

You oblige, stepping out of his grasp to remove the last bits of clothing on your body. You feel no shame or hesitation, only pure, primal desire. Yeosang looks like he wants to devour you whole.

Once you're fully nude before him, Yeosang begins removing his clothes as well. It takes everything in you not to whimper at the sight of his hard cock springing free, bobbing heavily between his legs. Your core aches with need, and you step toward him, wrapping your hand around his thick length.

Yeosang groans, his head falling back as you stroke him. You take the opportunity to place hungry kisses along his neck and collarbone, before trailing down to his muscular chest. Your tongue darts out, flicking his nipple, and he shudders in response.

"God, baby, you're driving me wild," he murmurs, gripping your hips and pulling you even closer.

"I want you," you whisper, your eyes shining with desire. "I want to feel you inside me."

With gentle but eager hands, he lifts you, pressing you against the mattress, your legs wrapped around his waist. Slowly, teasingly, he guides himself into you, filling you inch by inch. You moan loudly, your head falling back as you feel him stretch and fill you.

"So fucking tight and wet for me," Yeosang groans, rolling his hips, the movement sending delicious sensations coursing through your veins. "So fucking perfect."

You move with him, matching his rhythm, each thrust sending sparks of ecstasy through your body. You grip his strong shoulders, holding on for dear life as your passion grows. Your voices ring through the air, a mixture of moans and cries as the pleasure mounts.

Your toes begin to curl, your muscles beginning to tighten as your release grows ever closer. "Fuck, Yeosang," you gasp.

"Yes, baby," he growls, thrusting deeper, hitting that sweet spot inside you.

"Harder," you pleaded, your nails digging into his shoulders.

His hands find your ass cheeks, squeezing roughly, his hips smashing into yours, taking him even deeper than ever before. "You sure? You want more?"

"Oh god, yes," you whimpered, your eyes rolling back as his cock drags across that sensitive spot again.

With another sharp thrust, you can feel your release building within you, white-hot and desperate. Yeosang can feel your walls tightening around him, and his movements become almost frantic, driving the both of you closer to the edge.

"Y/N, you're so fucking good," he moans, his voice low and deep. "You like it when I fuck you like this? You like the way my cock fills you, stretches you?"

"Oh god, Yeosang, yes!" you cry, the filthy words spilling from his lips driving your pleasure higher than ever.

Yeosang grips your ass tighter, his fingers sinking into your flesh, as he picks up the pace. With each powerful thrust, he hits the deepest parts of you, sending waves of unadulterated ecstasy rushing through your body.

"That's right," he groans. "Come for me, Y/N. Come all over my cock."

"Oh, Yeosang...oh, fuck...I'm gonna...I'm..." Your words trail off into a loud cry as you feel your orgasm wash over you like a tidal wave. Pleasure crashes through every inch of your being, rippling through your core and leaving you weak and trembling.

Yeosang can feel your pulsing walls tightening around his throbbing cock, and it's more than he can bear. With a few last, savage thrusts, he finds his release, his hot seed shooting inside you, filling you completely. His hips stutter to a stop as his release washes through him, and he collapses on top of you, spent and utterly satisfied.

The two of you lay there in each other's arms, breathing ragged and hearts racing. For several moments, there is nothing but blissful silence. Finally, Yeosang speaks, breaking the tranquil stillness of the room.

"Y/N..." he trails off, shaking his head as a small, wondering laugh leaves his lips. "That was unbelievable."

You laugh along with him, feeling light-hearted and joyful. "You were pretty unbelievable yourself," you murmur, snuggling closer into him, breathing in the heady, masculine scent that lingers on his skin. "But honestly," you continue, smiling up at him, "I think I've got you beat. There's nothing like sex after yoga."

He raises an eyebrow. "No?" he says teasingly.

You shake your head, giggling as his fingertips trace idle patterns on your naked back. "Nope," you reply, your tone mischievous. "Nothing beats that feeling of relaxation, that deep satisfaction and contentment, knowing your body is now completely in tune with itself."

"That sounds pretty intense," he muses, nuzzling your neck, the warmth of his breath sending tingles along your spine. "And you know what? I can get down with intense. How do you feel now, after...all that?" he asks, his gaze meeting yours, full of heat and curiosity.

You pretend to consider, your brows furrowing in thought, before a wicked grin curls your lips. "Pretty damn incredible."

A pleased hum rumbles in his throat and a devilish twinkle appears in his eyes. "I guess I'll have to start coming to your class more often then," he murmurs, bending to capture your lips with his.

Your kiss is gentle and lingering, filled with emotion and understanding. After a few moments, you reluctantly pull back. "You sure about that? Might give everyone the wrong impression."

"Let them look." He smiles, kissing you deeply.

His warmth envelops your naked form as he wraps his arm around your back, his other hand settling over your breast, giving it a playful squeeze.

With your bodies tangled together, limbs entwined, you forget all about the outside world and lose yourselves in each other's company. You drift off to sleep, safe and comforted in Yeosang's embrace.

[changingplumbob]

Day Nineteen - Connor Group 2/2

Berenice doesn't have any strong feelings about being in a park, but she is glad to have some space from everyone.

Deanna: When you were a kid did you enjoy school?

Berenice: Ooh yes! Well the school part was easy. And I liked most of my teachers. I would have preferred it if I didn't have to deal with the other kids though - they could be so mean! Ha, but I did the homework for the kids the year or two above me so they protected me

Deanna: Sounds smart

Berenice: Thank you! But maybe not that smart because I didn’t have a Plan B for when they went to high school! And I hadn’t yet manifested as a - well it’s important to always have a Plan B, and not just for after woohoo! That was uh… a joke. (But it is important to have a Plan B…)

Deanna: When you were little did you have a dream job?

Berenice: A travelling librarian! Or an astronaut. Though I wouldn't have wanted to reach the stars on a spaceship - unless it's a regular ship but made for space? That could be possible!

Deanna: The traveling sounds fun. I wanted to be a pirate

Berenice: Ha! With my flying ship we could have been galaxy plunderers together. Except I'm not very good at fighting - how good are you with a cutlass?

Deanna: Surprisingly, not terrible. Devin liked to act out sword fight scenes when we were growing up

Deanna: How about you? Any strong childhood memories?

Berenice: Okay so when I was still wearing my hair in space buns as a 10 year old, other kids made fun of me and said that was only for "babies." But the strange thing was that it was cool to wear your hair that way for college girls too! So how could it be for babies? That's why I never liked other children. They make no sense. Anyway I found out where the main girl lived, which turned out to be in the same neighbourhood as a really mean boy the year above us I was doing homework for. He wasn't actually mean! He just didn't think he was very smart and acted mean to hide it. So I told him about it and - they stopped teasing me about my space buns *grins*

Deanna: *laughs* Cunning and cut throat, maybe you should have been a pirate

After the date we head back to the villa where it is once again skill time! Will contestants focus on short term needs or play the long game with their study choices?

Today comedy was the popular choice! Isla and Isabella agreed it was a good idea to help calm them while Berenice was keen to read a joke book. Kaye learned more about rock climbing, wondering what extreme sports she was missing out on at the moment. Nyami thought it was sensible to work on fitness while Dee decided to sharpen her logic.

While contestants are busy Deanna works on grilling a treat for dinner. Time to see how she felt the date went.

Devin: What do we have here

Deanna: Vege patties for vege burgers

Devin: Very nice, was Berenice very nice

Deanna: Nice? Yes. Odd? Yes. They'll probably cut around it but halfway through she got up and sat at the table on the opposite side of the tree to me. I mean... why? She kept talking but we were kind of talking through the tree? But I did try Devin

Rather than heading to the dinning room for dinner contestants are asked to put on their active clothes and head out. They arrive at the local spa where they are greeted by Deanna and... someone else.

Deanna: Thanks for coming everyone. I know that this round must have been stressful. Meeting new people, competing, trying to decide if I'm worth staying for. That's why we're here with my best friend Reece, this guy. He is an outdoors loving genius with a desire to spread zen so he's going to lead us through a guided meditation

Reece: Hello. I look forward to meeting you all properly later. For now follow me to the meditation garden. It's outside but in the shade so we won't need to worry about sunburn

Reece led the group through a meditation, successfully lowering heart rates and ensuring everyone was in a good mood for the rest of the evening. Before going in the spa however, one more surprise. Deanna had grilled up a picnic for everyone!

The vege buns were a smash success! Even the meat eaters enjoyed them. Dee and Reece sat at the picnic table and talked while the rest of the ladies chose to sit on the pillows. Nyami told some good jokes while Kaye decided to talk about fish? Deanna loves the outdoors so was entertained.

Heading in to the spa everyone got a face mask! They were assigned to either relax in the sauna, relax in a massage chair or get a proper massage as their first activity. Autonomy was toggled on full from the moment the meditation ended so contestants had some time to chat or further pamper themselves. Remember, if they do not win a date from the upcoming cast challenge then this will be their last opportunity to talk to Deanna before the commencement ceremony. Reece is also around but friendship gained with him will not be judged.

In the sauna were our humourous trio of Dee, Nyami and Berenice. Alas bad luck struck again and Berenice's mask was… not right. Berenice tried to laugh it off, claiming she merely looked like a sad freezer bunny. I know she wanted to have matching animal masks with her friends though. Kaye and Deanna relaxed, and of course our two refined ladies Isabella and Isla got the gold facial masks!

When Isla had finished with hers she made sure to give Isabella a big hug. Being in the same group had meant that they could spend their days in the villa together as well as their days off set. Unsure if they would be in the same group again Isla expressed her happiness at having made a friend. And what do we have here? Nyami sneaking in another flirty compliment with Deanna? Clearly she wants her to know she's still in this even if she hasn't had a date yet. And of course, poor Berenice could do with a facial…

@corrienteallita, @eljeebee, @ethicaltreatmentofcowplants, @hashimasims, @jonquilyst, @riverofjazzsims

[potatoesenpaii]

Not fair

CW : Angst. One-sided pining. Not really comfort. Platonic ship. Cursing.

Rating : E

Pairing : Eddie Munson x you, platonic you x pining Gareth.

Prompt : Gareth gets his heart broken.

Tag list : @iitsmandii @1lostsoul0fishbowl @week-old-tiramisu

Friday.

To say he was excited about you two regular babysitting routine was an understatement.

Every friday without a fail, he was babysitting his sisters and you were tagging along. Gave the pair of you an opportunity to hang out and be closer. He loved that, be comfortable and be yourself with him..He really loved that. And he wanted to tell you tonight, how much he loved being with you. How much you meant to him. He wanted to ask you out when the girls would be asleep.

When was time to meet up at your car after the bell rang...He was met with an empty parking spot. Weird. But not that unusual since you often tagged along Eddie when you were too tired to drive. Guess he'll just walk and hope you're already waiting at his place.

It took around 15 minutes before he reached his home, his sisters playing outside and his mother smoking out front waiting for him to get there. He frowned when he failed to see you. Where were the fuck were you? You never missed out, so why now? He saw you earlier at school, you were sitting even next to him and laughing at everyone's stupidity.

It made him anxious, unsure why you skipped routine, but all he could do was do his babysitting alone and wait saturday morning to beg his mother to drive him to the trailer park to see what's up.

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

Saturday.

He had to promise a whole loads of tasks down for a month to his mother just so she could drive him out of town to your place. He didn't really care, he needed an explanation to why his best friend, his..crush bailed on him without warning him prior.

The car ride was quiet, his foot tapping the carpet of the car while they got closer and closer of the trailer park. His mother wasn't that much used of bringing him to your place, but luckily she knew where Munson's lived.

The closer they got, the lower his heart dropped. His eyes slowly tearing up as he witnessed Eddie fucking Munson holding your waist and kissing you while you were giggling.

He didn't know what to do. He wanted to beg his mother to drive back, but no words got out of his mouth. When the couple heard a car approaching and that your head turned with a look of dread on your face, he understood he was never meant to see this. His mother also understood that her oldest was about to cry and she needed to pull him out of this situation.

All Gareth could hear was your voice calling go him and screaming i am so sorry

The ride back home was just a silent mixed his quiet sobs and his rage building up as they got closer to home.

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

Sunday (morning).

Music echoed the empty street of the suburb, loud booming annoying the residents but after 3 painful years of trying to stop the oldest Emerson's kid…They all knew better than to stay in their lawn and blast their old christian music to outweigh his music.

Even a yell would not get Gareth attention, so many attempts but the blueyed teen would not look your way.

“Gareth, I said I'm sorry!” You yelled once again, desperate to get him to stop but he would only get louder.

The more you tried, the faster he played and palms were getting bloody. It hurted him badly but his ego was always bigger than he would admit.

“Stop!” Your yell was at two inches of his face, hands gripping his wrists down and forcing him to finally stop to look at you.

“You're bleeding for fuck sake, Gare!” You were quieter, but still as anxious.

“I don't care!” He tried to push you back, but failed as you dug your nails in his wrists.

“Yes you care. That's the whole reason we're having this stupid argument!” That earned an embarrassed scoff from him.

“What does it change anyway?” He threw his arms to the sides, almost ashamed to look at you.

“It changes a lot, as a matter of fact! Do you not even realize how you're talking to me right now?!” It hurted a lot to hear him yell at you, he would always avoid it the best he could.

“You chose Eddie, everyone always fucking choose Eddie!” He bit back the need to yell at you, wanting to stay calmer despite how unfair this was.

Of course you didn't forget that the whole reason he was upset was because he saw you kissing Eddie. You did not have much defense other that you did not know Gareth had this stupid crush since since freshman on you, and, it wasn't like he was loud about. Gods above no, he did not want anyone to know about it.

“And I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I fell in love with Eddie. It's not like I had any control of what my heart wanted.” You hated hurting your best friend's feelings, you did love him of course.

“And you didn't want me? Not even for a single second?” He said absolutely in pain, he hated himself for not being enough.

“You know it doesn't work like that Gareth. Don't blame me for something out of my control. It's not like I plan to disappear on you because I'm dating Eddie now”

“That's not the point! The point is I'll always be the best friend to you and never your fucking lover!” He pushed himself up, making his drum kit struggle to stay up while he made his way inside his house leaving you alone in the garage.

“Seriously?!” Offended you threw your hands up that he just left you in the middle of an argument. Best you could do is leave him his space and talk to him after the weekend.

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

Sunday (afternoon).

Spending the rest of the day with Eddie was filled with a lot of silence while being cuddled up in his bed, since you didn't tell him what happened with Gareth this morning it's safe to say that Munson is worried about the two of you. The friendship with Emerson was extremely important to the both of you and you'd be stupid to not admit you were terrified of losing your best friend.

“Do you think he will forgive me?” Your voice was quiet and muffled due to how you buried your face in your boyfriend's chest.

“He’d be stupid not to” He sighed, pressing a kiss on the top of your head.

“How was I supposed to know? It's not like it was obvious he had a crush on me!” A whine left your lips as you rolled on your back and gave Eddie an opportunity to lightly hover you.

“Well…Kind off?” Eddie awkwardly said, like he had known about his friend's crush since forever. “I mean, sure he kept denying it and shit, but the way he looked at you? It even made me jealous”

“Jealous? You're never jealous, Munson, come on!” You laughed at the thought of Edward Munson being jealous.

“Exactly, I'm never jealous because I know there's no way I'd lose you” He rubbed his nose with yours to remind you how stupid you were.

“You're saying I'm just extremely blind?”

“...No…” He slowly said, trying to not hurt your feelings.

“Edward” You looked at him absolutely unimpressed.

“Okay, fine yes, but it's not really your fault?” He closed an eye, almost expecting a slap on the back of his head.

You grunted, covering your face in your hands. “I feel so fucking stupid and I messed up our friendship, great!”

“You did not mess up shit, sunshine. He is pissed, but he'll get over it” He pecked your nose, a soft smile on his lips while he started pestering you with kisses all over your face.

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

Monday.

Monday morning had you stressed over nothing. Picking your nails by default due to the anxiety blocking the air of your lungs as you made your way to your best friend's locker. He knew you'd be coming, and he did look like he needed you as much as you needed him.

“I'm sorry-” He tried to say, but the oof that left his throat when you hugged him without a warning cutting him short.

“I am really sorry, Garebear. I didn't wanted to hurt you.” You muttered against his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around your waist.

“I'm just butthurt Munson gets to kiss you...It's fine” He scoffed followed by a sigh.

“You're not losing our hand holding, or hugs, or cuddles you know? Pretty sure I'd die without your hugs” You tried to reassure, fidgeting with the end of his shirt.

“I'm not losing any of that? Are you sure Eddie is okay with that?” He had to be suspicious, you did have a boyfriend now. He wouldn't be okay if that was him.

“I talked with Eddie and he agreed that as long as it stayed friendly, he didn't care” Guess it made sense, but still didn't sit right with Gareth.

“I..I guess I'll take it. Better than nothing, i guess” A win is a win…Even if it doesn't fully make him happy.

[jinnie-ret]

destined at the VMAs

stray kids x musician!reader (platonic)

genre: fluff

content warnings: none.

word count: 1.7k

summary: a musician under the name CLOVER is starstruck when she meets her favourite group Stray Kids at the VMAs, only to find that they're big fans of her too

This imagine is written in first person under the name of an artist called CLOVER.

As voted for by you! Make sure follow to have a say in regular polls for what I'll post next!

Or if you have any ideas you want to see them you can send in asks!

Hope you enjoy!

MAIN MASTERLIST

"Okay guys, I'm really excited right now because we have the one and only CLOVER, all the way from the UK and making her debut American television appearance here at the VMAs!" an interviewer for Entertainment Tonight introduced me to the camera whilst other celebrities arrived and walked the pink carpet.

"Hi!" I greeted her politely and waved at the camera. I felt so excited to be here at the VMAs, my first time in America and it was on such a well known awards show, I couldn't believe it. I hoped my fans liked my bold type of outfit too, a beautiful black gown with a daring slit up the side where it rested against my thigh.

"Welcome to the US, CLOVER! We're so happy to have you here, how are you finding it?" the interviewer asked me, holding the mic out.

"It's big. America is so much bigger than I expected it to be, especially compared to back home," I said with wide eyes, wearing a shocked expression on face which made the woman opposite me laugh.

"That's right, you've come all the way over here from England, right? How excited are you to perform here?" she asked me.

"I'm incredibly nervous, if I'm honest haha. There's so much talent here so I just hope that people will enjoy what I bring too," I smile, wiping my hands down on my dress awkwardly. I really hoped the camera didn't somehow pick up the sight of my sweaty palms.

"Well I've seen some of your performances before and let me just say, I'm a big fan myself!" she confessed, which made me heart feel warm.

"Wow thank you so much!" I blushed, hands clasped together now. I really couldn't stop fidgeting with them.

"I mean, you've been nominated for best new artist! That must feel amazing right?" she smiled at me.

"It really does, to be nominated for an award, let alone perform here is just beyond my imagination. Like Ice Spice, Peso Pluma, Pink Pantheress my UK sister is nominated too! It's crazy!" I exclaim, hoping I'd meet my fellow UK artist too, not realising that later on I'd meet a different honorary British artist.

"Speaking of, is there anyone else you're excited to see here today?" the interviewer leaned towards me, like she was ready for any gossip.

"Wow, pretty much everyone!" I laughed, "but I'd have to say Demi for sure! I'm excited to see them perform I've loved their music for years! Also Maneskin and there's Stray Kids and TXT too! I'm so excited for Stray Kids oh my god..." I ramble, waving my hands in the air as I talk excitedly, unable to hide my big smile.

"Stray Kids certainly seem to be stealing everyone's hearts this year, I spoke to them earlier, and... wow," the interviewer laughed with me, and it felt like having a conversation with a friend at that point.

"I don't blame you haha," I giggled.

"Well, thank you so much for chatting with us, CLOVER, we'll see you out there later tonight, best of luck!" she smiled at me before turning to the camera and ending the interview. I waved bye to her and the camera and walked round the corner, heading backstage with my manager and taking a deep breath in.

It all felt so surreal, I was sure I caught a glance of Taylor Swift and waved and smiled at her, shocked to have gotten the same actions returned and squealed, unable to help myself as I jumped around and bumped into someone behind me.

"I'm so sorry!"

"Oh my god sorry!"

We both apologised at the same time. And when I turned around to see who it was I thought I was going to spontaneously combust right there and then.

It was Felix of Stray Kids.

"Felix?!"

"CLOVER?!"

What. The. He knew who I was?

"Oh, you know Stray Kids?" he asked me shocked, an adorable expression on his face as he helped me rebalance myself, I was wearing heels after all.

"I should be asking you the same question, I've been listening to you guys for years!" I gushed, probably embarrassing myself a bit but Felix didn't seem to react to that, seeming to get excited himself.

"You have? Wow... Stray Kids are such huge fans of your music, we really love your songs," Felix happily explained to me, still holding onto my hands as he waved them excitedly.

"No way... that's insane!" I couldn't put everything I was thinking into words.

"Tell me about it," he laughed, pulling his hands away to scratch the back of his neck.

"Felix!" the other members walked over, not noticing me at first, which was lucky otherwise they would have seen me looking at them like they were ghosts.

"We've been looking everywhere for you!" Bang Chan patted his shoulders, speaking in Korean and then turned to see me, a shocked expression painting his face.

"Sorry I didn't mean to be keeping Felix," I then spoke back in Korean, some of the members seeming to jump back in shock at hearing their native language.

"Woah, CLOVER?! Wait, you speak Korean?!" Han bounced on his feet, beaming at me.

"Yeah my best friend is Korean so I ended up learning it, definitely helped when watching you guys. This is just like a dream, I can't tell you how amazing it is to meet you guys!" I felt myself getting almost hyper by seeing them in front of me.

"We could say the same to you! We're all big fans of you!" Changbin stepped up, whilst some of the other members stood back nervously.

"If I'm being honest I didn't believe Felix when he told me that," I shook my head in disbelief.

"Well believe it now," Seungmin laughed, seeming to feel more comfortable now.

"I'm so hyped to see you guys perform tonight! How are you feeling?" I asked them, feeling more confident now as the ice had been broken.

"I think we're nervous but we're going to do our best out there," Lee Know shyly admitted.

"We could do with some words of encouragement, could you say Stray Kids hwaiting?" Han asked cheekily.

"Han we've just met her, don't scare her away," Hyunjin did his iconic laugh.

"It's fine, it's fine haha. Stray Kids hwaiting!!!" I cheered for them and they all clapped for me after, making me blush and hide my face.

"Your Korean is really good," Jeongin commented.

"Thank you, well, like I said, it's all thanks to my friend. She's so cute, she'd cheer me on before every gig I used to do like, CLOVER hwaiting!!" I share, hoping they wouldn't find it weird how I'm rambling on.

"Hahaha, that's cute, is she a stay too?" Bang Chan asked hopefully.

"Oh, big time! She's the reason I got to know your music and watch your variety stuff too," I nod back at him. They all let out sounds of amazement.

"You watch our other stuff?" Changbin asked shocked.

"Yeah! I'm a big fan of SKZ Code!" I admit sheepishly.

"Wow that's a good friend you got there," Seungmin nods, smirking.

"She's the best, she's supported me through my music the whole time," I grin, thinking about my best friend. I wish she could have come to America with me but she was too busy.

"Are you planning on releasing any new music soon?" Felix asks me.

"Well, I'll let you in on a secret, I'm working on some right now!" I fake whisper to them, but it didn't really matter. I was speaking to them in Korean at this point so it wasn't very likely anyone backstage would expose the fact.

"You are? Wow I'm looking forward to it already, you have such a unique sound," Han praises my music, making me a hold a hand over my heart.

"Wow that honestly means a lot coming from you guys. You have such a unique sound too and it inspired me to go with the direction I really wanted to in my music," I compliment them, seeing their eyes light up.

"Thank you! Have you ever thought of collabing with another artist?" Changbin asks, seeming to be hinting at something as Minho pats his shoulder warningly.

"Well, now that you've brought it up, I've always wanted to make some songs with you guys," I confess shyly, blushing even more when they all ask 'really'?!

"That would be amazing, I think we could create something great together," Bang Chan nods, a more professional tone as he thinks about their music.

"Perfect! Well I have to go now, but I could get our managers to exchange numbers?" I say, realising I should be getting ready to find my seat.

"We'd love that!" Felix claps his hands together happily.

"Great! Well it was lovely to meet you guys!" I wave as I start to walk away, before I turn snack around quickly and call over to them, "oh, by the way Han, thanks for representing us British Stays, your accent is the best," I daringly tease, giggling to myself as I walk away.

I felt like I was on cloud nine. I met my favourite people in the world... and we were going to try and collab together. It really doesn't get better than this.

Except it does.

For my performance I had changed into a beautiful green dress to match the nature filled scene behind me, performing one of my songs called 'Salvia'. It was a reassuring song to comfort a partner, before the scene behind me started showing dying flowers as I transitioned into a song called 'Rotten to the Core', the pure opposite of the first song. As I ended the performance I saw Stray Kids up and applauding for me, and I smiled and nodded in their direction.

Then I saw them perform too. And the remix they did blew my mind. I was so happy they were getting recognition from other artists too, who may not have seen them before. And I returned my admiration for their performance as I gave a standing ovation of my own, seeing them look my way too.

It all felt like a dream. The future was really looking up, especially with a collaboration with my favourite people in the midst of it all.

[jailforwriter]

Let's get into...

Look, at the end of the day, writing is word choice. You're choosing which words to put in what order to make other people feel Some Type Of Way about the result. But there are 4 bits of advice perennially swirling about the bowels of writing forums that, misapplied, might make you shit the metaphorical bed of optimal communication, and I very much don't want that for you. I'm staunchly pro-avoiding the literary runs, in fact. So let's get into how.

On the chopping block today is my nemesis:

"Cut all adverbs"

I'm not going to pretend that I don't know why this advice exists. All two reasons it exists, even. Let's break them down:

Too many adverbs: we're all guilty of inundating sentences with adverbs. There are many moving components to scenes, and there's often a desire to express every last one of them. It's not enough to say that the ball rolled down the empty street; the reader simply must know that the ball crept exceedingly slowly, cautiously inching downwardly and toward the eerily empty street. But see, that's clunky. It doesn't flow well, doesn't add anything that couldn't have been expressed more concisely through better wording, and, most importantly, it insults the reader's imagination. By overexplaining, you're taking away their (admittedly limited, but crucial!) agency to picture things themselves. Womp womp.

Redundant adverbs: pretentious people have invented far too many words over the years for anyone to be out here saying "ran quickly". Running is inherently quick, my guy. Otherwise, we'd be saying walking or jogging or promenading (yes, really). This is the moment to break out the thesaurus and realize that sprinted, raced, and dashed all say what you wanted them to say and bring an evocative, nuanced vibe to the sentence. And nuance is tasty. Nuance is the sauce that the quirked up white boy (the sentence) was goated with. So we're better off just saying "ran" and saving that adverb for when it's actually trying to communicate complexities, which we'll expound on once we get into why adverbs are hot, actually.

NOTE: this crops up particularly often in dialogue. "Said angrily" is a dialogue tag that may seem inoffensive — until you remember that snapped exists, and furthermore, so does slamming the door in their face.

So then when/where in the annoyingly nondescript hell should I use adverbs?

Fundamentally, when they add meaning to stuff. To elaborate:

Substance: a sad smile is different from a regular smile, and should be described as such. If you just say "they smiled", people will assume it's a "normal" (i.e. happy) smile and call it day. If someone almost smiles, it's also telling us something different than if we'd said that they didn't smile at all; now we can't tell that they found the joke funny but chose not to smile, and the interaction loses substance. (Moreover, waiting and waiting patiently aren't the same thing, as I'm sure your mom pointed out when she still told you off because you "gave her attitude" by breathing too hard while you waited for her to press play on the VCR.)

Pacing: someone shaking their head slowly is different from them shaking their head at regular, normal human speeds. The latter is simple negation, whereas the former has an element of emotional nuance, of why the hell did they do that that way? Was it anger or regret? Denial, maybe? No idea! But now the reader gets to ponder about it, and that's where interest is born, methinks.

Tone: there aren't too many ways to interpret someone saying "I hate you". It's a pretty straightforward phrase, for the most part, deployed with devastating expertise by schoolchildren whose parents won't give into capitalistic fads and buy them a Stanley cup. But if I were to say "I hate you" softly, then ah. Things change. We have contrasting emotions now. Depth. Is it really an "I love you" in disguise? Am I just mad that you're making me order at the counter when you know I get, like, weird when I have to ask them for no pickles? Perchance. The takeaway here is that the adverb made it so that you can't take the sentence at face-value, and that, unlike pickles, is very satisfying.

The other 3 horsemen of the misconstrued writing advice apocalypse (word choice edition) will be coming soon, so please keep an eye out for seals breaking on ominous scrolls. Happy writing!

[phylliecheesesteak]

My Cap. Barnacles Headcanons

-I say he's 37, but he could be anywhere from 36-41

-Strongest on the Octopod

-The epitome of dadbod

-Gay

-Cross eyed (got it from this post)

-Regular polar bears would stand at about 10 feet tall bipedally, but if we're talking in Octonauts size, he's probably around 6'5. Tallest on the ship.

-Barnacles' name is Barnaby. He chose this name after being adopted. Barnacles is just a nickname.

-He started getting called Barnacles by Prof. Natquik, because Barnacles got caught up in a nasty snowstorm when he was 17, fell in the ice and nearly drowned and froze to death (one of his MANY near-death experiences) and somehow ended up in the Antarctic at Natquik's research station. He was covered in barnacles by the time Natquik found him, and when he said his name was Barnaby, Natquik thought the name was just too perfect. It stuck, and now his name to everyone is Barnacles. He doesn't even say Barnaby anymore.

-Barnacles won't say how he managed to get caught in that snowstorm. Actually, he wont speak of anything before he met Natquik.

-Barnacles and Bianca aren't related. They say they're twins, but that's because they coincidentally have the same age-Bianca is older by a whole month, but they both celebrate 2 weeks after her birthday and 2 weeks before his together. Barnaby's last name is

-Barnacles is in fact adopted, and got adopted when he was 17. He only got one year of being a cub scout. He hit a HUGE growth spurt when he was 17, so Natquik and his adoptive family met him when he was 6'3", and Professor Inkling met him when he was 6'5" just a year later.

-I headcanon that he's from an Inuit tribe, then was sent elsewhere. He knows what happened, but never talks about it. Like I said, chronic secret-keeper.

-He was too scared to hit Bianca, so she started calling him feather paws.

-His adoptive last name is Finnley, and his middle name is Nanuq (ᓇᓄᖅ) which is the Inuit word for polar bear. almost every male polar bear of his bio family's sleuth has the middle name Nanuq.

-Before he was adopted, Barnacles was declawed. This is why we never see him pull out claws in situations where it would very much be helpful and or necessary.

-Barnacles has been in FAR too many near-death situations, and EVEN MORE how-the-fuck-did-you-survive situations. He's seen shit, I know it.

-Barnacles does not swear around the Octonauts, because somehow, Professor Inkling always hears. He only dares to cuss around Natquik, because Natquik's authority will override Inkling's authority every. single. time.

-even then, it's still very little.

-Barnacles told the claustrophobia story VERY sugarcoated. He was in that hole for a week with a broken tailbone. He only survived because one of his fellow scouts, Bowie, tossed him hot water bottles so he didn't freeze or dehydrate, and because Bianca brought him food regularly.

-on that note, his adoptive parents are..less than present. They forgot to help Barnacles for an entire week before Bianca had to ask the other scout's parents to help get him out. Bowie's parents in particular gave the Finnley's a good, long lecture.

-Barnacles is never caught without his hat because that's where the barnacles were, and now he has ugly, patchy scars on his head that he is absurdly ashamed of.

-His birth name is Sesi, but he's the only one who knows that. He came up with Barnaby on the spot when Natquik asked his name.

-He's trained his voice to sound more neutral, but his inner dialogue has an Inuit accent. Sometimes it slips out, particularly in front of Inkling, Bianca, or Natquik.

-He has way more health problems then one would assume-Kwazii and Tweak are trained to be captains in his stead just in case anything happens, and Peso is often asking them both to be ready when he has one of his worse days.

-One of these problems include heart problems, and because hot cocoa is often used as caffeine for the octonauts, Peso has repeatedly urged the Captain to stop drinking it. He never listens.

-he has a short torso and awkwardly long arms and legs, for some reason. He looks fatter because of it, which makes him insecure.

-Natquik and Professor Inkling both serve as his father figures.

-He chose each of the Octonauts to be Octonauts because they reminded him of old friends from his birth tribe. He sees potential in them, but when he sees just potential and no past reminders, he'll make them an agent-Paani, Ranger March, Tracker, Natquik, Calico Jack, you name it.

-Barnacles makes sure to have contact with each of the members' parents when they join in case something goes wrong.

-Barnacles always tells someone else to sound the octo-alert because he doesn't like the noise it makes. He has time to prepare if he tells someone else to press it.

[loveesiren]

Doing It All For Us (Pt. 5)

Masterlist

Rafe Cameron x Reader

Summary: Midsummerrrssss and sex :P

Warnings: Smut, language, alcohol,

Word Count: 4.5k+

Midsummers had finally arrived and you were ecstatic. Courtney had been telling you all about it for years and it always sounded so amazing. The fact that you'd be walking in with the Cameron's made it even more exciting.

In the short amount of time you'd been on the island, you'd become the official Kook Queen. People feared you and that fueled your fire. Even though your dad was never around, everyone knew who he was and respected him.

You'd made a reputation for yourself. You weren't one to fuck with. You were loyal to your friends. And you and Rafe were a packaged deal. When it came to him, you were a lioness, ready to protect him at all costs. He did the same for you.

"You look amazing!" Courtney gushed as she looked over your dress. It was light blue, to match Rafe's suit. Floor length and silk, it hugged your body just right. Slits coming up both sides, dangerously close to exposing you. Your breasts pressed against the fabric perfectly, showing just the right amount of cleavage.

"Thanks, Court! So do you!"

You and Courtney sported matching hair. Straight and long. Simple, but the two of you made it look breath taking. You decided against your regular gold body jewelry and opted for the silver necklace Rafe had gotten you. A diamond studded R hung from the simple chain and it was absolutely gorgeous. You were proud to wear it. Proud to make it known that you belonged to him.

"So, are you nervous to meet his family?" Courtney asked.

"Yeah, kind of," You admit. "I just hope they like me."

"What's not to like?"

"I don't know, maybe the fact that I'm a violent junkie who's richer than everyone on the island, including them." You say, anxiety coating your voice.

Courtney sighs. "Listen," She starts as she picks up your brush and runs it through your hair. "You're strong and smart as hell. You hold your own and you'd do anything for Rafe. Just be yourself. They are going to love you."

You smile at her in the mirror and nod. "Okay," You agree.

"Y/N?" You hear Rafe call from downstairs.

Your stomach drops. "Fuck, I'm not ready for this."

"Here," Courtney says, pouring you a shot and handing it to you. You throw it back quickly and ask for another. She pours you one and you drink again. "Now go be the bad bitch you are!" She says, pressing a kiss to your temple.

You and Courtney make your way downstairs. You stop in your tracks when you see Rafe. Holy shit. His hair was slicked back, blue suit and bow tie, flowers in his hand. You swear you'd never seen a more perfect person in your life.

Courtney ran and jumped into Kelce's arms. You snapped out of your trance and walked over to Rafe. You could see a nervousness on his face.

"Oh my God," He said. "Y-You look like an angel."

You bit your lip, looking down to hide the red glossing over your cheeks.

"You don't look half bad yourself, Cameron." You said with a nervous giggle.

"What are you two like in the fourth grade?" Kelce asked. Him and Courtney laughing at your nervous exchange.

Rafe shot him a look.

"We're gonna head out," Courtney says, pushing Kelce towards the door. "We'll see you guys there!"

"Uhm, these are for you," Rafe said as he handed you the bouquet of pink and black roses. Your favorite.

"They're beautiful," You say with a smile. You walk over to the kitchen and grab a vase. Setting the flowers up in the middle of the island.

"Baby," Rafe says as he walks over to you. "You look so fucking perfect."

Before you could say anything, his lips were pressed to yours, kissing you hungrily. You knew you were going to have to fix your lipstick but you didn't care. You brought your hand up, running your fingers through the back of his hair and you pulled him deeper into the kiss.

"Hands where I can see them," You heard your dad enter the room.

Rafe backed off quickly, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Dad," You hissed. "What are you doing here?" You hadn't even heard him come in.

Your dad just laughs. "Don't worry, son," He says, placing a hand on Rafe's shoulder. "I don't own a shot gun."

Rafe relaxes with a nervous chuckle. "Good to see you again, Mr. Y/L/N."

"Please, call me Elliot." He says with a smile. "I assume you are taking my daughter to Midsummers?"

"Uh, yes sir. We were just about to head over to meet my family."

"Dad," You interrupt. "What are you doing home? I thought you were gone this week."

"I head out again in the morning," He said. "But I have a few business strategies to run by some folks at Midsummers tonight. Including Mr. Cameron." He says as he looks to Rafe again.

"I-I'm sure my dad would appreciate that, Sir." Rafe says with a smile.

"Okay, well, we have to get going," You say as you pull Rafe towards the door. "See you tonight, dad!"

"Drive safe!" He calls after you.

Once you reach Rafe's truck, he pulls the door open for you and helps you in. Once he's in the drivers side, he lets out a sigh of relief.

"Sorry. I had no clue my dad was going to be home."

"It's okay, baby girl," He said, placing his hand on your thigh. "Just, caught me off guard is all."

You smile at him. "You look so handsome."

He looked away as his cheeks turned bright red, making you giggle.

"Let's go," He said, starting the car. "Rose will kill us if we're late."

____________

"Wow," You said as you pulled into Tanneyhill. "This is beautiful."

"Yeah, uh, Rose works really hard on the garden."

Rafe goes to get out of the truck but you stop him. "Rafe?" You ask, a tinge of fear in your voice.

"Yeah, baby? What's up?"

"Uhm...What do your parents know about me? Do they know about the...uh...the overdose." You ask disappointed in yourself.

"Y/N, baby," He starts, cupping your cheek and brushing his thumb across your skin. "Look, I have no idea what they've heard but I know they will love you. And we are both clean now. That's what matters."

You smile at him. You always got lost in his ocean eyes. The way his eyes could change from a calm sea to a hurricane in an instant was one of the many things that turned you on about Rafe Cameron.

"You ready?" He asks.

You shake your nerves away. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Rafe comes around and helps you out of the truck, being careful of your dress.

You cling to his arm as he walks you up to the front door and into the house.

"Dad!" He yells as you enter the home.

You swallow your nerves and put on your confident front.

"You're late," A young girl scolds at she enters the foyer.

"No, we're not, Wheeze."

"Who's this?" She asks, looking you over.

"Wheezie, this is my girlfriend, Y/N. Y/N, this is my youngest sister, Wheezie."

"Nice to meet you," You beam.

She offers you a small smile. "You too,"

"Wheezie, go tell your sister it's time to go." A tall blond walks into the room, fiddling with her earring. "Ah! You must be Y/N!" She squeals as she comes over and hugs you. You were taken aback but returned the hug. You watched as Rafe rolled his eyes. "I'm Rose!"

"It's really good to meet you!" You say with a big smile. Happy that his family was taking to you well.

"Ward! Y/N and Rafe are here!" Rose yells. This makes your stomach turn slightly. Rafe has told you all about his father and you know how badly he wants his dad to accept him.

"Coming, honey," Ward says as he steps out of his office. You could feel Rafe tense up at the sight of his father. You brush your thumb over his, reminding him you're there. "Son, good to see you," He says as he approaches you and Rafe. Then he turns to look at you.

"Dad, this is Y/N." Rafe says without hesitation. "She's my girlfriend."

Ward gives you a kind smile. "Y/N Y/L/N," He says. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm looking forward to meeting your father tonight."

"He's looking forward to it as well, Mr. Cameron." You say, confidence filling your voice. You knew your dad had influence over the island. Whether Ward really liked you or not, he was going to respect you. And seeing the way you clung to his sons arm seemed to make him almost proud. The fact that his son was now dating you gave him an instant in to doing business with your dad.

"Y/N! Rafe!" You heard Toppers voice cut through the moment.

You turn to see him and Sarah descending the stairs. "Hey, Y/N," Sarah says. Offering nothing but a glare to her brother.

Topper approaches you and gives you a hug and dapping Rafe up.

"Are we all ready to go then?" Rose asks, impatiently ushering everyone out the door.

"I'll drive Y/N, Topper, and Sarah." Rafe offers.

"Okay perfect. We will meet you all there." Ward says.

Rafe helps you into his truck and Topper and Sarah climb in the back. Sarah seems less than happy to be here but you couldn't care less.

"Y/N," Topper says, leaning forward and offering you his flask.

"Oh thank God," You say as you take the flask and begin to chug.

"Hey, Top?" Rafe says as he backs out of the driveway. "Don't get my girlfriend wasted." He scolds.

"Just gonna get a little buzzed," You promised your boyfriend before handing the flask back.

Rafe smiles at you as he drives. His arm rested on the center console and you ran your fingers over his open palm.

"They like you," He said, grinning from ear to ear.

"They like her dad's money," Sarah scoffs.

"Sarah," Topper hisses.

"What was that?" You turn and look at her.

"Oh you really think you're anything special? Rafe's just dating you so my dad will let him back into the house." Sarah spits.

You feel Rafe's hand on your chest, pressing you back against the seat as he slams on the breaks.

"What the fuck, Rafe!" You hear Sarah yell.

Rafe turns around and points his index finger in her face. "Don't you EVER say some fucking dumb shit like that again, Sarah!" He says, chest heaving. "You don't know shit about me or my relationship and if you wanna keep running your mouth I'll kick you out right here and you can walk your sorry ass to the club."

You smile, loving the way Rafe stands up for you.

He turns back around and places a kiss on your cheek before settling back into his seat and driving off.

You can hear Sarah and Topper bickering in the back seat as Rafe clutches your hand tightly. You run your fingers over his skin in attempts to calm him down.

As much as you didn't want to believe it, Sarah's words lingered in your head.

When you pulled up to the club, it was already packed with people. Sarah and Topper got out to meet up with Rose and Ward. You began walking with them but Rafe grabbed your wrist and pulled you back.

"Y/N, listen," He said, his eyes following Sarah as she walked off. "I don't know why Sarah is being such a bitch but I need you to know what she said isn't true."

"I know, Rafey," You said as you reached up and fixed his hair.

"Baby, whether my dad says I can come home or not I really don't care. As long as I have you I'm happy. There is nothing I want more than you."

You smile up at him. You believe every word he says. Sarah hasn't liked you from the beginning and you know her and Rafe had never been close. She was just trying to get under your skin.

Rafe cups your cheek and pulls you into a kiss. You smile against his lips as you savor the moment.

"Rafe!" Wards voice cuts through the air.

You pull away from each other quickly. Your cheeks turning red as you'd been caught for the second time today.

"Coming, dad!" Rafe shouts back. He holds out his arm to you and you link yours through it and smile up at him. "Shall we?" He asks.

People began clapping as the Cameron's entered the party. Rose and Ward walking in first. Rose's golden head piece making an instant talking point.

Topper, Sarah, and Wheezie just behind them.

You and Rafe walked in last and all eyes instantly fell to you. Rafe stood tall and proud knowing he had the islands prettiest girl hanging on his arm. You took confident strides, smiling and waving at people as you walked by.

"What an entrance," Courtney said as you approached her and Kelce. You flipped her off. She chuckled and handed you a glass of wine. "So, how was meeting the family?" She asked as she pulled you slightly away from the boys.

"It went really well for the most part," You said. "But Sarah..." You said as your eyes trailed to where her and Topper were arguing.

"Yeah, she's always been a bitch."

"She said Rafe was only dating me for his fathers approval." You confessed.

Courtney snorted. "That's a load of fucking shit. Rafe's been drooling over you since the second he saw you."

You smiled at her words. You knew deep down Rafe really loved you.

"I think...I think I'm going to do it. Tonight."

Courtney's eyes widened. "Really?! Oh my God I'm so proud of you!" She said as she brought you into a hug. "Are you positive you're ready?"

You nod your head excitedly. "I love Rafe so much. I want it to be him."

Courtney gives you a genuine smile. "I'm really, really happy for you, Sunflower. Rafe's a good guy. I like him."

You beam up at her. "Me too."

You feel Rafe's arm snake around your waist as he pulls you close and kisses the top of your head. "What are you ladies talking about?"

"Oh, just girl talk!" Courtney shrugs.

"Greeeeat," Kelce intervenes. "They're probably talking shit."

"Exactly." You confirm with a shit eating grin before sipping your wine.

"Man, fuck this shit!" Topper said as he approached your little group. He stole Kelce's drink and downed it quickly.

"Alright, alright, guess we're getting shitfaced." Rafe laughs.

"Your sister's a bitch man," Topper snarls.

"Tell me about it," Rafe says, taking a sip of his beer.

"She's cheating on me. I know it."

"Fuck Top, I'm sorry." You said, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You deserve better."

Topper laughs. "I, uhhh, I'm pretty sure it's John B."

"What?" Courtney asks. "She's sneaking off with a fucking Pogue?"

"Why can't they just stay on their goddamn side of the island?" You add as you glare over to where Kiara and Pope were standing.

"Come on," Courtney says dragging you to the dance floor. "Let's have fun!"

_____

You were smiling up at Rafe as you swayed to the music. Feeling lost in the moment when people started clapping again.

You look over to see your dad entering the party. You sigh and lean your head into Rafe's chest.

He smiles and runs his fingers through your hair. "We should probably go say hi." He says.

You nod in agreement. "Fine,"

You make your way over to where your dad and Ward were talking.

"Ah, there they are!" Ward says as you approach. "He places his hand on Rafe's shoulder. Beaming with pride. "Elliot, this is my son, Rafe."

"We've met!" Elliot smiles. "Spends more time at my house than I do," He laughs.

Rafe smiles uncomfortably.

"You two seem to have gotten really close," Ward smiles at you.

"Yes sir," You respond. "Rafe's been really great to me since I moved here. Your son is really special, Mr. Cameron." You smile up at Rafe, lacing your fingers with his.

He glows at your words. "I love you," He mouths.

"I love you, too."

"You help your father out with the business, Rafe?" Your dad asks.

"I, uhm, I-"

"He does!" Ward interjects. "He's been on a bit of a break, you know, to be there for Y/N. But now that she's doing better I think he's ready to get back to work."

Your father looked at you, slight disappointment in his face at the fact that the island knows about your overdose. You bite your lip as your eyes fall to the floor.

"Well thank you for being there for her," Elliot says. "It's nice to know she's in good hands when I'm away."

"Of course, sir." Rafe says. "I'll always be there for her."

"You kids go have fun," Elliot says. "Ward and I have a lot to discuss." He smiles.

"See you later dad, Mr. Cameron." You nod in their direction before pulling Rafe away quickly.

"My dad wants me back at work," Rafe said with a smile.

"That's great, babe! He seems proud of you."

Rafe gushes, smile wide on his face and it makes your heart swell to see him so happy.

Courtney and Kelce come stomping over to you. "JJ's here," Courtney announces. You glare in JJ's direction as you see him pass something to Sarah.

"You know? I could go for a drink. What about you Kelce?" Rafe asks.

"Yeah, I'm feeling a bit thirsty myself." Kelce responds.

You and Courtney watch as the boys head off in JJ's direction.

"When will they learn?" Courtney sighs.

"RIP to JJ," You laugh as you watch the boys take off after JJ and chase him through the club.

"So," Courtney says as she turns to look at you. "Did you tell Rafe you wanna do the dirty tonight?" She teases.

"No. I want it to like happen naturally."

"Are you nervous?"

"Kind of. I mean yes and no. I just want to make him feel good."

"Remember what I taught you," Courtney winks.

Topper approaches you, drink in hand, wearing a look of irritation.

"What happened, Top?" Courtney asks.

"Saw Sarah talking to someone. When I asked her about it she denied it but it's so fucking obvious."

"You can do better, Top. If she wants to be a Pogue then she can go live on the Cut." You say.

"I'm sorry for what she said in the truck," Topper says.

"It's not your fault she likes to run her mouth, Top."

"Yeah, but she's wrong for that. I was there the night Rafe saw you for the first time. If that wasn't love at first sight then I don't know what is. He hasn't shut up about you since."

You couldn't help the smile that spread across your face.

The three of you turn to look at the commotion that suddenly started. JJ was being dragged from the club by security.

"Hey baby," You heard Rafe say from behind you as he wrapped his arms around you and rested his chin on your head.

"What'd you guys do?" Courtney laughed.

"Just told him where he belongs," Kelce said as he stood beside her.

"Safe travels back to the Cut!" Courtney yelled as the four Pogues walked away from the club.

You turned around in Rafe's arms and wrapped your arms up around his neck. "What do you say we go back to your place?" You suggest, giving him lustful eyes as you pull your bottom lip between your teeth.

Rafe smiles down at you knowingly. "We're gonna head out guys," He announces, not taking his eyes off yours. "We'll see you tomorrow," He begins to usher you out of the party before you could even say bye to your friends.

"Subtle," Kelce chuckles.

Courtney smiles as she watches you walk away, skipping happily alongside Rafe as the two of you hurry out to his truck.

____________________

The ride back to Tanneyhill was full of sexual tension. You were both quiet for the short drive back but you could feel yourself getting more aroused with each passing second.

Rafe helped you out of the truck and led you inside. The rest of the Cameron's were still at the party so you had the house to yourselves.

The second the door closed behind you his lips were on yours. Kissing and nipping at your lips down to your neck. You jumped up and wrapped your legs around him. He gripped your ass tightly as you went at each other hungrily.

"Take me to your room," You breathe. Rafe did as you asked, careful not to trip up the stairs as he carried you.

Once you were inside his room he put you down. Still keeping his lips locked on yours as he ripped his jacket off and threw it to the floor. He brought his hands up to cup your face. "I love you," He whispered between kisses.

"I love you too, Rafey." You smiled. You reached behind you and unzipped your dress. Rafe watched you as it fell to the floor. Staring at you intently, taking in all of your beauty.

You stood before him in your bra and panties and bit your lip. He loosened his bow tie and unbuttoned his shirt, adding it to the growing pile of clothes on the floor before picking you up and carrying you to the bed. He let out a moan as you sucked at the sweet spot on his neck, leaving as many marks on him as you could.

He unhooked your bra and pulled it off of you slowly. He kissed his way down your neck and chest before sucking on your left nipple, palming the other one as he did.

"Fuck, babe." You moaned. You could feel his erection growing against your core.

"Is this okay?" He whispered against your skin.

"Yes, baby, please keep going." You beg.

Rafe kisses you down your stomach, running his fingers over your clothed pussy. You squirm beneath him, silently begging for him to do more.

He places kisses up and down your thighs. Feeling his breath on your skin sent shockwaves through your body. You felt him tuck his fingers under the hem of your panties and pull them slowly from your body. You were completely exposed to him now.

"So fucking beautiful," He says against your skin. "I want to make you feel so good."

Before you could say anything his tongue was exploring your folds. "Holy fuck!" You cry out at the sensation. Your fingers found his hair and you grasped onto him for dear life as he tongued circles around your clit.

Your legs were over his shoulders and you were afraid you were going to suffocate him as you climbed to your high.

"Oh...my god," You moan. "I'm gonna...I'm-"

You couldn't even get your words out as you reached your orgasm, your body vibrated as you squirted on Rafe's face.

You gasped and clamped your hands over your mouth, completely embarrassed at what you'd just done.

Rafe looked up at you wide eyed and smiling. "Holy fuck, that was hot." He panted.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know I could do that!"

Rafe crawled back up your body and pressed his lips to yours. "Do NOT apologize. You're fucking amazing." He says as he licks his lips. "You taste so fucking good."

You smile and pull him in to kiss him again. His hands run freely up and down your body and you can't deny that you want him. Need him.

"Rafe," You whisper. "I need you."

Rafe pauses for a moment, lips hovering over yours as he looks you in the eyes. "Are you sure, baby?"

You nod eagerly. "Yes. Yes, please." You find yourself begging again.

He smiles and quickly stands up, ridding himself of his pants and boxers.

You bite your lip with both nerves and excitement as you take in his size.

He climbs back into the bed, pulling you under the covers with him. He places kisses all over your face as his hand strokes your hair.

"You really want this?" He asks, unsure of himself.

"Yes, Rafe. I'm in love with you. I want it to be you." You respond.

He presses a kiss to your forehead. "I'm in love with you too." He says. He positions himself between your legs, running his tip through your folds. "It's going to hurt for a second, babe." He told you.

"I know."

"I'll go slow,"

"Okay," You nod, clinging to his biceps.

He lines himself up at your soaking entrance and slowly pushes into you.

"Ow, ow, ow!" You cry as your fingers dig in to his skin.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No, keep going." You demand.

Once he bottoms out he stays still, smiling down at you. "Are you okay baby?" He asks as he lets you adjust to his size.

"You're fucking huge," You laugh.

Rafe smiles and kisses you again. You run your fingers through his hair as you enjoy the feeling of him inside you.

"Do you want me to move?"

You nodded needily. "Yes, please."

He pulled out slowly and pushed back into you again. The first few thrusts hurt but as he kept going it began to feel good. Really fucking good.

"Go faster," You breathed.

You kept your hands tangled in his hair as he rested his head against your shoulder, thrusting into you faster. He brought his thumb down to circle your clit and and your breath hitched at the sensation.

"Fuck, baby, I'm close." He whispered in your ear.

"Me too, oh my God."

You wrapped your legs around his body as you climaxed together.

His thrusts got sloppier as he released himself inside you. Your body vibrating under his.

Rafe was still inside you as you both fought to catch your breath.

"That was fucking amazing," You sigh.

Rafe pulled out of you and laid on his back beside you. "I'd do fucking anything for you," He admits, eyes closed and a smile wide on his face. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"A little bit." You admit. You run your hands over your legs, feeling the wetness that lingers there. "Fuck, I'm bleeding." You say as you bring your hand up to examine it.

"That's okay. That's normal, baby. Let's go take a shower." Rafe says as he gets out of the bed.

You scoot towards the edge of the bed but Rafe picks you up and carries you to the bathroom.

"I'm sorry," You whisper as Rafe sets you down and starts the shower.

"Sorry for what, baby?"

"I'm bleeding everywhere." Your eyes begin to water.

He turns to you and cups your face, forcing you to look up at him. "Sweetheart," He begins. "You were a...a...you were a virgin. Bleeding is normal."

"I just don't want to make a mess."

"D-do you regret it?" Rafe asks, his voice almost pitiful.

"No!" You say without hesitation. "No, I don't regret it, baby. I'm just...overwhelmed." You give a small laugh.

"Let me take care of you, pretty girl." He says as he pulls you into the shower with him. He sits down and pulls you back against him.

You lean back and rest your head on his shoulder as he slowly spreads soap over your body.

"Do you realize how perfect you are?" He whispers in your ear. "I'm the luckiest man in the world."

"I can't remember what life was like without you," You confess. "Please don't leave me."

"Leave you?" He scoffs. "I can't live without you, Y/N." He reaches down and takes your hands in his. Rubbing his thumbs over your fingers. "One day I'm going to put a ring on your finger."

You smile at his words. "Endgame baby."

"Endgame." He promises.

[serensama]

I think we're getting low on onions...

Chapter 13:

I thought I posted this ages ago, but either Tumblr ate it... or I deleted it? Hahah OH WELL. Mostly crack, slightly NSFWish fun. Approx 2.7k long.

Read on Ao3 Prompt 5 out of 25: Mistaken

Lucanis had wanted to explain himself, apologise, and throw himself at her feet for that appalling display in the pantry earlier in the day. He just wanted to tell her that his abrupt departure had nothing to do with her; it was all about him working out his thoughts and feelings and... time... he just needed time. Preferably more time where a particular demon wasn’t screeching in his ear to ‘just do it, let Rook be your favourite too!’.

He spent all afternoon hiding out on the makeshift balcony at the side of the kitchen, obsessively ruminating over the interaction between them, remembering how her eyes raked over him and the warmth radiating from her hand as she traced over the buttons of his vest. He didn’t need Spite reminding him of just how good she smelled, licking his lips automatically at the thought of it. Mierda, he wanted to kiss her, he did- and he was right there!- but he couldn’t do it. Not yet. But at least he knew what he was feeling. It had taken far too long for him to wade through his complex emotions, but at least he got there; there was still a chance to fix things. A chance that Rook wasn’t completely out of his reach. He just needed to apologise.

So that was how he found himself outside Rook’s quarters, summoning the courage of all Dellamorte’s past and present to knock on her door and speak to her.

Stop being so difficult. Knock. On. The. Door. She will open it. She always does.

“I know that,” he spat back, his tone clipped and sharp, his ire directed more at himself than the demon crouched beside him.

Then why do you not knock? Have you forgotten how to do it? I could show you. It’s easy. You take your hand-

“Mierda, Spite! I know how to knock on a damn door!”

... So why aren’t you doing it?

That was the question. Why wasn’t he?

Lucanis lifted his balled fist, rapped at the door and patiently waited; it was late, after all, so there was a chance that she was already asleep. He softly called out her name knowing that she was a light sleeper and would answer him... if she wanted to speak to him. As minutes ticked by, he had to assume that she was either very deeply asleep, or she did not wish to see him, the latter being the more likely of the two considering Rook was almost as bad as him or Neve when it came to keeping regular sleeping hours.

He rubbed at his face in irritation; of course she didn’t want to speak to him. She had put herself out on a limb for him, and instead of catching her, he left her to fall. He considered himself lucky she hadn’t set Davrin or Harding after him for humiliating her; the two were always vocal about skinning him and using his carcass for gryphon food if he stepped a toe out of line.

I would not let them. Unless Rook asked for it.

“You are not being helpful,” he murmured, levelling the demon with a flat stare. Spite grinned, a menacing aura exuding from him as he stood to his full height, meeting Lucanis eye to eye.

Wasn’t trying to be. If you did what I said. Wouldn’t have to apologise. Wouldn’t have to worry about being cat-bird’s dinner.

“Yes, yes, you’re very insightful. Now do me a favour. Shut up.”

The demon raised his eyebrows before scoffing at him and turning away, offended but complying with his snarky request. He knew he would have to apologise to him later if there was ever to be peace between them again; perhaps he’d be placated with another tour of Treviso’s markets, but one problem at a time.

Lucanis sighed and resigned himself to come back first thing in the morning; he would not let a new day start with the prospect of Rook being upset because of something he did. He motioned for Spite to follow him as he made his way down the corridor, noting the way the ethereal green lights played against Spite’s spectral form. He paused at one of the great statues that stood guard at Emmrich’s hallway and debated whether to find a book to pass the time. He knew he would inevitably remain awake and needed to try to keep his mind occupied if only to stop himself from trying to suffocate himself with his pillow from his mortification.

He settled on making another pot of coffee when he heard a soft moan from the necromancer’s room. Lucanis scolded himself for being ridiculous. Emmrich was not the kind of man to bring back random women to the Lighthouse just for a little... no, he must have been hearing...

“O-oh... Oh Maker, Emmrich!”

Lucanis’ eyes widened as his heart fell to the pit of his stomach.

That was no random woman. That was Rook. That was Rook in his quarters, moaning and calling out the professor’s name.

Spite turned to Lucanis, a similar look of concern on his face. For once, the demon had nothing to say at a time when Lucanis wished for nothing else but a cacophony of sound to block out the noises that seeped out of Emmrich’s door, left slightly ajar to mock him, as if the man had known that he was going to be there.

“Yes! Yes, right there – r-right there! I can’t believe you’ve found-”

“My dear, I am... familiar... with the finer points of... anatomy-”

Lucanis noted how strained Emmrich’s voice was, how much effort he had to exert to say each word, his words punctuated with gasps of breath and quiet grunts that made his blood run cold and boil at the same time. A day hadn’t yet passed, and she had run off to the first person she could find-

No. That wasn’t Rook. She wouldn’t do that to him.

Lucanis slapped himself mentally to get himself together. There was no proof that anything untoward was happening; they could have been doing anything in there-

“Fuck! Fuck yes, just like that!”

“Rook- my dear... how can anyone be this tight?!”

Lucanis had somehow found himself right on the other side of Emmrich’s door, his mind frantic with gratuitous imagery of their two entangled bodies, mouths exploring each other, fingers grasping in hair, onto flesh, into... Stop.

Flashes of what Rook’s face would look like in ecstasy. Biting her lip, brows furrowed, skin flushed prettily and slick with sweat. Were they together atop his desk? On one of the steps of his winding staircase? Against one of his many bookcases, Emmrich bent over her as he took her from behind so hard the books were perilously close to toppling from their shelves?

He knew he shouldn’t have been there; he knew better, but he couldn’t help it, and he could not find it in himself to move. Lucanis squeezed his eyes shut and willed himself to think of anything else. To leave and forget the afternoon ever happened. Yet, he stayed and prolonged his torment. Another of her whimpers floated out of the room, Lucanis doing his best to drown it out by reciting the most common poisons and symptoms to watch out for.

“Are you ready for this, Rook? It’ll be a big adjustment for you.”

Bastard. He had a big adjustment for him, too. A big, booted foot right up his-

“I trust you, Emm. I can take it- a-ah! Oh... Oh- it was a big one!”

Is Curiosity’s Keeper hurting Rook?

Lucanis shook his head, unwilling to answer.

She sounds like she’s in pain. She needs help!

Lucanis tried to tell him that she didn’t and that he needed to stay where he was through hand signals, but the demon either ignored him or did not understand, or a combination of the two. Spite spared him no mind, wandered freely into the room, and left his host behind to suffer alone.

“Rook, dear, take a breath for me... long... and deep-”

“I... I don’t think I can take it any deeper.”

“You can. And you will.”

He wanted nothing more than for the hallway around him to crumble and crush him to death. What fate could possibly be worse than becoming a pathetic little pervert? Listening to the person you have feelings for, having sex with someone else?

Spite rushed out, a harried expression on his face as he tried to find the words to describe what was happening to Rook.

Rook and Curiosity’s Keeper. Together. Her clothes are off, and he touches her. Everywhere! Don’t know if it’s pain or pleasure or both. Smells like-

The Crow raised his hand as a firm ‘stop, ’ and the demon paused, closing his mouth at the wave of hurt that flooded over Lucanis at his description. He didn’t need to know any more. He just quietly prayed to Andraste, the Maker, fuck, even Solas in his desperation, to give him the strength to move his legs and leave. The last thing he needed was for the two to finish up and find him plastered to the spot, exposed as the lecher that he was, listening in on their very private moment.

A few more minutes ticked by as Lucanis replayed the afternoon in his mind, decrying himself for the missed opportunity to truly show Rook she was more than just a friend or a colleague. She was special to him, the reason he could breathe again after the Ossuary, and he had messed it up. He heard the rustle of clothes and yet another happy, satiated moan from Rook. In a different situation, he may have had a very visceral reaction to that sound. Instead, a mixture of hurt, rage and disgust roiled in his gut, unable to shake the pure envy it aroused in him.

“Emmrich Volkarin!” he heard her purr, her voice coloured by whatever pleasure still lingered in her veins. “That was amazing! If I had known it would have been that good with you, I would have asked you the moment we returned from Nevarra!”

Lucanis’ teeth grated against each other, bitter emotions bubbling up his throat, urging him to speak out, lash out- anything. Anything other than just standing there like an idiot.

“My dear, if I had known you were in such need, I would have offered myself sooner.”

That was it. He was going to have to take out a contract on the professor. He’d have Viago do it. Create a new poison just for him- name it something ridiculous- like ‘Profess or Death’ or ‘Emmrich Volkarin fucked the woman I care for and I hope this will make his dick fall off.’ Something catchy like that.

“I hope you don’t mind if I tell Bell and Neve how good you were. I know how long it’s been for them, and I know how much they’d enjoy it!”

... What fresh hell was this...

“To be honest, Vorogth or Myrna are better versed at this than me these days; I’ve been out of practice. Not many people I can do this with deep in the catacombs, you see. Vorgoth is quite renowned in Nevarra for their skills. Very popular, that one.”

“Truly?”

“Why yes, they’ve proven their skills to our colleagues many times over, and I don’t have to tell you that we Watchers know when someone is that prodigious, that in tune with a person’s body. I’m proud to say that we’ve even done it together on occasion.”

“Really!”

“Yes, a very important patron, one of Nevarra’s royal family, hired us both to render our services simultaneously. He told us we were the best he’d ever had.”

... Vorgoth?

Vorgoth?!

The pile of mist and bangles in a robe? Vorgoth was renowned for their sexual abilities?! Could one even poison mist? Was it similar to trying to kill a cloud face? Oh, why were all his mortal enemies made of gas?

“Well then, next time we’re in the Necropolis, if we have the time and they’re available, hopefully, I can bother you both to help a girl in need. Or girls, if Neve or Bellara want to join us.”

Lucanis could clearly see the broad smile she must have been giving Emmrich, even when he was obscured by the door. He could hear it in her voice.

“Darling girl, anytime. No Watcher would stand idly by and see someone in such discomfort. Truly, Rook. Next time your neck or back is out, please do not delay in telling me. Your muscles were close to becoming petrified; they were that knotted and tense! What am I here for if not to aid you in your journey, both through the Fade and through any injury?”

... Muscles? Neck? Wait- he wasn’t... they weren’t...

Lucanis looked at Spite, who was grinning at him madly.

“You knew,” he hissed, hearing Rook and Emmrich chatting excitedly about some mage nonsense about etheric balances and wisps or whatever, confident they would not notice them.

The demon nodded.

“Why?” he ground out, suddenly wishing he could stab the spiritual manifestation.

You said to shut up. So, Spite shut up about what they were doing. 

Lucanis felt a migraine blossom at the back of his eyes, but he couldn’t have been happier. There was no need for envy, pain or anger; he still had a chance. Rook was not yet beyond him. He would stick to his plan; he would find her in the morning to apologise, and once he got everything squared off with the Venatori and Illario, he would have the clarity and time to focus on her. She deserved more than his muddled thoughts and clumsy attempts of wooing patched together from romance novels and his training.

Maybe you could do what he did for Rook. So she doesn’t need to go to him. Or anyone else.

“That is actually a decent idea, Spite.”

The demon stared at the Demon of Vyrantium and sighed. At the very least, the journey ahead would not be boring. Nothing screamed ‘entertaining’ like two hapless people trying to figure out their feelings, as if it was such a hard thing to do! Now, trying to understand what was and was not edible in the physical world, that was hard.

“Spite? Is that you? Lucanis, are you there?” Emmrich called out, the heels of his boots growing louder as he approached the door.

Lucanis felt himself lift off the ground as the demon panicked and unfurled his wings in a hasty getaway. He let out a relieved breath as he heard Emmrich close the door behind him, offering thanks to whatever deity had been listening to his prayers.

“Lucanis?”

Por la sangre del Hacedor.

“Lucanis? Why are you sitting on top of the astrolabe?” Bellara asked, craning her neck as she squinted up at him.

“I’m... Dusting?”

“Oh! That’s nice! I didn’t even think of doing that!” she chirped, before scanning the library for the text she had ventured into the Lighthouse for, forcing Lucanis to wipe at random parts of the magical machinery with his handkerchief, hoping that no one else wandered out to witness what was objectively, one of the top ten most humiliating points in his life. “Oh Lucanis- hey, sorry- but you missed a spot, no to the left- no more left. Yup, you got it!”

Make that top three.

“Spite, would you stop swinging on the damn thing!”

“...Lucanis?”

Of course Rook caught him on the astrolabe.

“What are you, and I take it, Spite, doing up there?” Rook asked, looking like an absolute vision in a loose nightshirt and mismatched pyjama bottoms.

“... Dusting.”

Rook took a moment to blink up at him, looking like she had a million questions she wanted to ask but didn’t know where to start. “Well, so long as you’re both being careful. Goodnight, Lucanis.”

“Goodnight, Rook.”

She smiled at him reassuringly, her warmth and kindness reaching him even from so far away. He knew this was just another hurdle and that they would be just fine.

“Oh, by the way, Emmrich is available in case you need to have a massage from him; he really is a miracle worker. That is, of course, unless you’d prefer Vorgoth?”

...Mierda.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 48

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 7K

TW: Violence

Masterlist

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Saturday, February 6th; 8:30 PM - At Miller's.

I don't feel very comfortable being here. Miller's house is packed. After getting out of the pool, Mapi received a message from him, inviting us to his party tonight. Surprisingly, our friends were tempted to go. I didn't expect Lucy to be one of them; she usually prefers to keep me away from parties. The fact that she's coming with me must change things a lot. So here we are, standing in front of the house, frozen, unsure if we're going in or not. I don't know about the others, but for me, that's definitely the case. The music is so loud it's making the walls shake. It's a typical college party, the kind we all know. Just on the porch, we can already see a dozen young people with red cups or cigarettes in hand, maybe even joints.

"I feel like I'm going back five years," Ingrid comments.

"That's probably true," Mapi giggles, earning a glare.

"Is this a fraternity?" Lucy asks.

"Oh no," Mapi laughs. "It's Miller's house, a friend of ours. His parents are often away on weekends, so he takes the opportunity to throw parties. Since it became a regular thing, his parties ended up becoming well-known."

"So, are we going in, or are we just going to stand here staring at them like idiots?"

The girls look at me, astonished. I was the one who wanted to come the least, so it's no surprise. However, I feel really stupid just waiting here. Besides, if we don't go in soon, I might end up turning back because of overthinking. Memories of my last parties are starting to resurface. If Lucy knew this was where I woke up with a rubber band around my arm, she might not have agreed to come. Ingrid and Mapi are the first to move forward. Lucy gives me a smile, which I return. I grab her hand as she extends it to intertwine our fingers. It's comforting to have her by my side tonight. We follow the girls through the crowd. Some people look at us like we're oddities, while others whistle at us. I chuckle as I see Lucy roll her eyes at their futile reactions. Initially, I always saw Lucy as a party girl, given how badass she seemed, but after getting to know her, I realize it's quite the opposite.

"Are they always like this here?" she murmurs.

"Are you overwhelmed?" I tease.

"No. I was just wondering if students are the same everywhere, but it seems like I have my answer."

"I've always said it gets worse every year."

"You're right. That's one more reason not to leave me alone tonight."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

I press against her to accompany my words. She wraps her arm around my waist in return, kissing my temple. I feel safe by her side, just as Lucy seems reassured, given how tightly she's holding me. What bothers me is that she doesn't seem very comfortable in this environment. We walk through the hallway where I greet a few high school acquaintances who recognize me. I glance around to make sure Feli isn't here. I sincerely hope she's given up by now. I don't know how I'd react if we ran into her. I take a deep breath at the thought. We're interrupted when Lucy has to take my hand again to navigate through narrower passages. She leads the way, firmly holding my hand. This gives me a chance to enjoy the view. I haven't had many opportunities to see Lucy in anything other than her uniform, but it's definitely worth it. I love her style. Right now, she's dressed all in black, which must clearly be her color. A sweater, jeans, and little boots that accentuate her already well-toned legs. It's safe to say she's irresistible. I feel almost pathetic in my black skinny jeans and denim shirt. I look back up at her face when I sense her turning around. Her expression makes me realize I've been caught red-handed. I blush with embarrassment, and fortunately for me, we arrive in the kitchen. This is where the guys usually hang out at the beginning of the party. It seems that's the case tonight as well.

"And here come the queens of the party!" Wick comments when he sees us. "Hey, girls... And you're accompanied too."

He looks at us all one by one, lingering first on Ingrid, then especially on Lucy. I frown, forcing Lucy to lean back against me.

"Go elsewhere, Wick. She's already taken," I reply sharply.

Lucy chuckles, wrapping her arm around my waist again. I don't find it funny. Wick is a big flirt when he's single. As far as I know, he doesn't have anyone right now, so he better not try to get close to my girlfriend. No one will get close to her, not tonight, not any other day. She's mine now. Under the laughter of our friends, Wick stammers an apology as he realizes our relationship. I never really showed off with Mapi back in the day, but I won't hesitate to do so with Lucy. We do a brief introduction before Miller speaks up.

"Well, welcome, and make yourselves at home. We're happy to see our girls accompanied," he smiles. "The girls will show you around; they're regulars here."

"We gathered that," Lucy mutters.

"We were thinking of heading out if you'd like to join us," he continues.

"We'll grab a drink first, and then we'll join you," Mapi announces, looking at us to give us a chance to object.

"Yeah, no problem," Miller finally responds. "See you soon, then."

Our ritual remains intact. We each go our separate ways, stopping at the drinks table while the guys head out. I don't worry about Mapi, who prepares my drink as usual.

"What can I get you, girls?" she asks after handing me my drink.

"Definitely not the same as Ona," Lucy grimaces after sniffing my drink. "What did you put in there?"

I smile at her expression. Something tells me Mapi made my drink strong.

"Do you want a taste?" I joke.

"No, thanks. But I think one drink is enough for you."

"Come on, it's not that strong!" Mapi protests.

"It's not up to you to decide," Lucy retorts.

"Oh, don't be such a wimp, Miss Picky. We'll show you what real fun is like here in Barcelona!"

"Hey, don't say that," I interject. "That's not what tonight is about."

"Of course," Mapi replies, rolling her eyes. "Your responsible one is here, and you're going to play the goody-two-shoes."

"Don't push it," I exclaim, playfully hitting her arm. "I've just decided to be reasonable."

"Sure," she mocks. "And the drinks?"

"Two beers will do," Ingrid replies.

"Pff. You guys are no fun," Mapi comments as she opens the two beers.

Having gone out with them before, their choice of beer no longer surprises me. It seems to exasperate Mapi, though. She probably expected something different from tonight.

"Times change, Maps."

I give her a wink, grabbing Lucy's hand to pull her outside with me. I needed some fresh air with all the people starting to suffocate me. We join my friends around the patio table.

"Hey, Ona! I didn't think I'd see you here again."

"Hey, everyone. And you're Alex, if I remember correctly, right?"

The poor guy gets booed by his friends because of my response. It's hard not to remember him. He was Joan's friend's brother.

"Um, yeah, that's right," he sulks. "I hope you still remember me. We met in Manchester."

"Yes, I remember very well. You tried to hit on me and convince me to reply to your messages."

Once again, his friends roast him because of me. It wasn't my intention. I just wanted him to understand that I still wasn't interested. I sit next to Lucy, who had found a spot, and smile when she immediately places her hand on my thigh. I catch Alex out of the corner of my eye, looking at us strangely. He must have figured it out. I don't pay him any more attention, preferring to focus on Mapi and Ingrid, who have finally settled in front of us. Now that we're seated, I take my first sip of my drink. I quickly regret it. I force myself to swallow the liquid that almost ended up being spat out.

"Damn, Maps! What did you put in this?!"

"The usual. Why?" she teases.

"No, this is not the usual! It's super strong!" I complain.

"Wimp," Ingrid mocks.

I hand her my drink, challenging her to take a sip. She laughs, raising her beer.

"Sorry, I've already got my drink. You only have yourself to blame for trusting Mapi to make your drinks," she replies, making my best friend laugh.

I grumble, giving them a grand middle finger. They've really hit it off.

"It's not like I didn't warn you," Lucy adds.

"I have to admit," Mapi chimes in. "I was afraid you'd stop her from drinking it, but I'm glad you didn't. Her face was priceless!"

"You learn through experience," Lucy teases.

She pulls me closer when she sees me pouting. That was really not cool. Lucy takes advantage of my mood to steal a kiss, which instantly cheers me up. She takes my glass and places it on the table.

"How about we go get you a new drink, hmm? I'd rather you have something else. »

I nod while smiling. We apologize to the others before heading back inside. Lucy stands by the table while I prepare myself a new drink. I opt for vodka with orange juice, measuring it much more carefully this time. I glance at Lucy, who seems completely absorbed by what's happening in the living room. People are going wild to the music. She turns back to me, tilting her head with a small smile when she notices me.

"So, this is the kind of party you like to attend?"

"Let's just say it's Mapi's thing, and I've always gone along with her."

"But you've grown to like it. You seem comfortable in this environment."

"Let's just say I've gotten used to it," I reply, shrugging. "I don't care about all these people. If I'm here, it's only for my friends who make it a good time."

And that's the truth. It's the only reason I used to enjoy coming. There were times I didn't come and later regretted it. I always felt like I missed out on the best moments, like I was excluded for not being there to share in the latest craziness.

"And you? Did you go to parties when you were in high school or college?"

She takes a sip of her drink, covering her little smile. A few days ago, she confessed to me that she was a bit of a nerd, but I still have a hard time believing it.

"No. I wasn't very popular, and I have a rather rational mother. I guess she passed those traits on to me."

"You can be rational and still go to parties."

"True, but it wasn't my style."

"Not even in college?" I ask, surprised.

"Well... Jenni did try to take me to a few parties when we were in Manchester. It was at a place like this that I met Kiera," she admits.

"I see..."

"I went with Jenni sometimes, but those weren't the places I preferred to go."

Now that I know all this, I understand better why she didn't like knowing I was here alone. Kiera was a junkie who used drugs at parties after all... She must have been afraid I'd do the same. I push that thought away to avoid dwelling on it here.

"So, what's your thing then?"

"My thing?"

She smiles again and finally looks at me. I nod.

"I prefer going to bars, restaurants, or the movies. Things like that. It might be more boring than parties full of drunk people for you, but it's what I enjoy."

"I don't find it boring at all. After everything I've been through, it'll probably be better for me to move on to that kind of gathering."

"I don't want to stop you from doing what you love."

"You're not stopping me, Luce. If my mom wanted me in this school, it was so I could find myself and grow, and that's exactly what's happening thanks to you."

"That doesn't mean you have to adopt my lifestyle. It's okay to have different styles."

"I know, but you were right about one thing. Parties aren't the best places for a former junkie, so I can make some concessions."

"Hmm..." she smiles behind her beer. "Then let's enjoy it. Do you want to dance?"

"I'm not a big fan of dancing," I giggle.

"Oh, come on. You could make an effort. Come on."

I glance at her hand for a moment, biting my lip. Her offer is very tempting.

"It's just that I don't really know how to dance. I don't want to embarrass myself."

"Ona, no one here knows how to dance if you watch them," she laughs. "Please. I really want us to dance together."

"I'll need several drinks first, in that case."

"Definitely not," she says, grabbing my hand. "I'll show you that we can have fun without drinking."

I groan as she pulls me toward the living room. We quickly find ourselves among strangers dancing together. I feel uncomfortable being here. Lucy tries to reassure me by placing my hand on her waist and smiling at me.

"Relax," she whispers.

She lets go and starts moving her hips in front of me. Damn... She must want to kill me. I'm practically frozen by the provocative scene she's giving me. She syncs with the rhythm of the music. I snap back to reality when she places her hands on my waist to get me to move too.

"You know, you'll look more ridiculous if you let me dance alone. Maybe I should find another partner."

"Definitely not," I growl.

She chuckles and slips her hand around my back to pull me closer. We're so close that I can feel her breath brushing my cheek. The tension is strong. So strong that I grab her neck without warning to claim her lips. It's been a long time since I felt such a powerful desire. Lucy softens our kiss to make it less rough. I then bury my head in her neck to collect myself.

"Let go," she murmurs to me through the music. "I'll take the lead."

I could almost believe she's talking about something other than dancing. She probably is, since it's clear she'll be the one leading our relationship. As she said earlier, she's the one with the rational nature. I don't doubt that she'll find our balance. In a surge of confidence, I wrap my arms around her neck to feel even closer to her. We've never been this close outside of a bed after one of my anxiety attacks. She pulls back slightly to look between our bodies moving in sync, thanks to her hands on my waist and one of her legs between mine.

"You told me you didn't know how to dance. That's not the impression you're giving."

"It's because you're guiding me," I giggle, making her shake her head.

"No. Your body moves very well. You just don't have confidence in yourself."

She's probably right. I enjoyed dancing when I was in high school. That's why Mapi insists so much when we're here. I brush her neck with my nose, focusing only on her presence that gives me the confidence I was missing.

"Ona...?"

Our bubble is burst by the one person I wanted to avoid tonight. Of course, she would be here... I force myself to turn around to make sure it's her.

"Finally, I was starting to lose hope!"

She tries to touch me, but Lucy steps in front of me, pushing me behind her. Feli doesn't seem pleased, furrowing her brow. Recognizing those eyes perfectly, I cling to Lucy. I can't tell if it's to protect myself or to stop her from tearing Feli apart, given the way she's looking at her.

"Who is this?" Feli asks harshly.

"Her girlfriend," Lucy answers before I can.

Feli's eyes narrow even more as she looks at me. Reflexively, I pull Lucy back, and this time it's out of fear that I do it. I recognize the signs of Feli when she gets angry.

"Please," I murmur to Lucy, tugging on her sleeve.

It's all I can manage to say, but Lucy must have understood my distress signal. She takes a step back, which immediately triggers Feli, who literally explodes.

"No! You're not going to run from me again!"

She tries to get close to me, but Lucy acts, shoving her away forcefully.

"Don't come near her. She doesn't want to see you or talk to you. Don't you think you've hurt her enough already? If you loved her as much as you claim, you'd do well to never contact her again."

"What business is it of yours, you little bitch? You don't know anything about what we've been through," she snaps.

"I know enough to convince Ona to take you to court."

Those words were too much for Feli, who decided to lunge at Lucy. I scream, closing my eyes to avoid seeing what happens next. I expected an imminent impact since I was standing right behind Lucy, but nothing happens. I slowly open my eyes, and what I see petrifies me. I expected to find Lucy on the ground, but it's quite the opposite. She's overpowering her... Feli, my ex, who traumatized me for years. This seems to enrage Feli even more as she tries to hit her repeatedly. Lucy dodges her punches one after another with great agility. She waits for her to lose steam before landing a punch on her cheek. Faced with this action, which I didn't expect at all, I cover my mouth to keep from screaming again. The blow was so strong that Feli stumbles backward, completely shaken. From the look of her, she must not be sober right now.

"That's for drugging Ona at a party. And this..."

She hits her on the other side, making her lose her balance again. She doesn't wait for her to regain her senses before grabbing her by the collar. The silence that reigns makes me realize the music has been turned off.

"And that's for daring to touch her. Now, stay away from her. Otherwise, she won't hesitate to press charges for what you did to her and for harassment too. Do I make myself clear?"

Feli is so stunned and intimidated by Lucy that she nods frantically. I knew she was intimidating, but not to the point of making my enraged ex give in.

"Good. Then stay out of her life, or I'll destroy yours by making sure you end up in jail," she threatens her.

"Oh my God, Ona."

I turn toward Mapi's voice as she immediately pulls me into her arms. I'm too shaken to understand anything. She steps back to examine me, keeping her hands on my shoulders.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so," I murmur.

"Let’s go," Lucy announced, extending her hand to me.

I took it without hesitation. Given her mood, this wasn’t the time to refuse her anything. I glanced over her shoulder to see Feli watching us with sorrow.

"We're coming with you," Ingrid said.

"There's no need," Lucy replied. "Enjoy the evening. We'll meet back at home later."

"Please take care of Ona," Mapi conceded.

"That's my intention," Lucy reassured her with a small smile.

We wished them a good evening, and then I let Lucy lead me toward the exit. The crowd that had formed had dispersed, and the music had resumed. I forced myself not to look back. It was a relief to finally be outside, where I could breathe again. I still couldn't believe she had hit her—twice, no less.

"Thank you..." I murmured once we were far from the house.

"You shouldn't thank me," she sighed in frustration, rubbing her forehead.

"You defended me."

"I'm not proud of hitting your ex, Ona. Even if she deserved it, it makes me feel like I'm just like her."

I stopped abruptly, making her do the same since our hands were still linked.

"You're nothing like her, Luce. You have nothing in common with her. Feli was violent and angry. You're not that kind of person, as far as I know."

"That's all the more reason to take her to court," she retorted. "I really don't understand you on this!"

I bit my lip, staring at the ground. I couldn’t give her an answer to that question. Feli had been a part of my life. No matter how much she hurt me, I still care about her.

"She's not a bad person deep down," I murmured.

"Oh, so hitting her girlfriend is being a good person!? When will you open your eyes, Ona? This isn't the Feli you met! If you do nothing, she won’t hesitate to hurt others, if she hasn't already! Is that what you want? For her to hurt other people!? Because I can assure you that’s what she'll do now that she knows she’ll never have you again!"

Lucy had never yelled at me like that before. Sure, she had scolded me, but never like this. I still didn’t dare look at her, now that tears were in my eyes. She was right. Of course she was right. When was she ever not right? She sighed again as she approached me, cupping my face in her hands. She must know me well to instinctively wipe my tears away with her thumbs.

"I know it’s painful, honey, but it’s the truth. I just saw Feli for the first time, and I can assure you there's nothing good in her. All she wants is to make you feel guilty for leaving her, so you’ll go back to her. Is that what you want?"

I shook my head and threw myself into her arms. Of course not, that’s not what I want. She pulled that trick on me for months. I literally collapsed in her arms. Everything I had kept bottled up since our encounter finally spilled out. I would have preferred to do this at home, but it was inevitable that the subject would come up on the way. I tried to speak, but nothing coherent came out, making her hold me tighter against her.

"Shhh. Calm down. I'm sorry for being so harsh, but it’s the only way for you to open your eyes."

"I-I don't want to... Y-you know that, right?"

"Of course I know, baby. But if you really want to move on, you have to take action. She won’t leave you alone otherwise."

I resigned myself to nodding. I had to do it. I’d been putting it off for far too long.

"D-don't leave me."

"Never. We’ll face this together, okay?"

I clung to her desperately, nodding again. She was my lifeline. Without her, I would have drowned in an endless ocean. She kissed my temple and rocked me until I pulled myself together.

"I'd love to stay here holding you forever, but I’m sure your bed is much cozier. Besides, my hands hurt."

I pulled away from her and wiped my cheeks with my hand.

"Sorry for thinking only of myself... Let me see your hands," I murmured.

"Don't apologize. And as for my hands, you can see them when we get to your place. Then it'll be your turn to take care of me... The idea of having a personal nurse sounds quite appealing."

I smiled at her attempt to lighten the mood. It wasn’t surprising that she was in pain. Having dealt with Feli myself, she must have used considerable force to destabilize her twice. She was really strong.

"Let’s head home, then... It’s my turn to take care of you. And even if you were joking, it’s non-negotiable."

"Is that an order, Princess?" she teased.

"Absolutely, Commander."

"Then let’s hurry. I can’t wait to be pampered by you."

I kissed her tenderly before we finished our walk without another word, staying close to each other. I appreciated the way she held me against her. I felt like I belonged. It was as if I could already see my whole future. It only took two weeks apart for my world to fall apart. She had become my everything, my reason for living, to the point where it was almost frightening. We arrived at my place, where a royal silence reigned in the hall. Well, that was until Joan came to greet us as we took off our jackets and shoes. It was so early that she was still awake. She was quickly followed by a very surprised Sophia.

"You're already back?" she asked us. "It’s only ten o'clock."

"Yeah... The party wasn’t that great."

I lied to avoid worrying her over something so small. She didn’t seem to question it. Lucy, on the other hand, remained silent, much to my relief. Sophia would have panicked if she knew the truth and would likely have insisted on making a diagnosis before I could even explain anything. I smiled when Lucy hugged my brother at his request. That was something new I hadn’t expected from Joan.

"Still up, huh?" she asked her.

"I was just about to put him to bed," Sophia admitted.

"We'll take over then. Thanks again for watching him tonight."

"No problem, Ona. What time are you leaving tomorrow?"

"Same as usual. Early in the morning."

"Well... I guess I'll see you next time then."

"We'll be back, I promise. Now go home, you’ve earned it."

"Thanks," she smiled. "Sleep well, girls."

"Good night to you, and be careful on the road."

"I will."

We exchanged a hug, and she gave Lucy a friendly nod before leaving. As for us, we headed upstairs, leaving Joan in my girlfriend's care. They went to my room while I searched for a pajama for him, as he had declared that he could still sleep with us. Given the circumstances, I would have preferred that he leave us alone tonight, but I said nothing since we already see each other so little. When I joined them, I found them deep in conversation. The bond between them was working out wonderfully, which delighted me to no end.

"Here, Jo," I said, handing her the pajama. "Can you get dressed by yourself? I need to take care of Lucy."

My brother pouted at my request but accepted without protest. Lucy smiled softly at me and let herself be guided to the bathroom, where she sat on the edge of the tub. I took her hands in mine and noticed that her knuckles were extremely red. I bit my lip, imagining the pain she must have felt.

"It’s not that painful," she reassured me calmly.

"Don't move, I’ll be right back."

Without another word, I went downstairs to fetch an ice pack for her. When I returned, my brother was keeping her company while brushing his teeth. The sight made me smile. It was the first time I didn’t have to fight with him about it. She gave me a smug smile when she saw what I had in my hands.

"Really, Ona? I'm not in that much pain, you know," she teased.

"Don’t argue. I promised to pamper you tonight, so you’re not allowed to protest," I replied in a mock-threatening tone.

She chuckled and nodded, not losing her smile. Before starting anything, I glanced at my brother to see how he was doing. He was wiping his mouth.

"All done," he said proudly.

"Go to bed, we'll be there in a minute."

He nodded, smiling. He then rushed into my room. I closed the door behind him for some privacy. As soon as I did, Lucy pulled me between her legs, making me let out a small cry of surprise. She smiled at me with that goofy grin again.

"So, where do we start, nurse?"

"Stop, it’s not funny," I giggled, playfully pushing her shoulder. "Come on, give me your hands."

Her hands, which had been caressing the back of my knees until then, slid to the sides and moved up to my waist. I grabbed them before they could go any higher and looked at her sternly.

"That’s enough, bad girl," I warned her as best I could. "Be serious for a moment!"

"Bad girl, huh?" she grinned, crossing her feet behind my legs. "Is that how you see me now?"

This action brought us even closer, making me blush. She was distracting me from my examination. I let my thumbs gently caress her knuckles.

"Of course not... Does it hurt? »

"I already told you it doesn’t."

"Put the ice pack on them anyway, please. They’re very red."

"Anything my princess wants."

I realized she was lying about the intensity of her pain when I tried to flatten her hand in mine. I looked up to see her grimacing, even though she was trying to hide it. I bit my lip to keep from commenting. This was definitely not the right time.

"Hold this. I’ll see if I have any cream to help with this," I said, placing the ice pack on her hand.

She held the ice pack without saying anything. The roles had changed drastically in such a short time. If she did this, it was for me, so I could only be grateful. I searched through all my drawers for the tube I had brought back from Manchester. A victorious smile spread across my lips when I finally found it. Even though I’m a doctor’s daughter and studied in this field, I don’t doubt that my care won’t be as good as hers, but I’ll do my best. I’ve always thought that it takes a certain instinct to take care of people. As for me, it’s clear that I don’t have any. 

Returning to her, I noticed that she had alternated the ice pack between her two fists. I took over as I moved back between her legs to apply cream to her first hand. I made sure not to look at her to avoid being unsettled.

"Why does she call you 'Oni'?" she asked suddenly, making me chuckle at the memory of that story.

"I’m not really sure, actually. I think she was confused that we don’t have the same last name so he wanted to give me a nickname to feel close to me. »

"Oh... So she has her father’s name?"

"Yes. His name is Joan Pascual."

"And your mother?"

I sighed at that question. It was a rather sensitive topic, but I played along and answered.

"She kept my father’s name. I never really understood why, knowing that they’ve been divorced for several years."

"Maybe to keep the same name as you?" she guessed, making me shrug.

"I don’t really know."

"And what about him?" she redirected the conversation. "Do you like him?"

I didn’t need more information to know she was talking about Marcus. Her change of topic wasn’t the best, given what I think about him. She seemed to understand because she removed the ice pack to stroke my cheek.

"You don’t have to talk about it."

"I will talk about it," I said, taking her hand again to give it the same gentle caresses as the other. "To be honest, I don’t have anything against him specifically, but I had a hard time accepting the relationship he had with my mother."

"Why?"

"I thought it was too soon. My mother wasn’t even divorced yet, and then, she didn’t tell me about it. I found out when I saw them in bed together... Imagine what that does to a troubled teenager..."

She nodded in understanding. The fingers of her free hand stroked the back of my knee like earlier.

"You weren’t a troubled teenager... You had the right to be hurt, confused, and angry about discovering that. How is your relationship now?" she continued, gently pulling me closer to her.

"Strange. I never really accepted it, but I was lucky to have him as a stepfather. He always tried to ease my relationship with my mother, and he’s always been a good father to Joan."

"How would you feel if he married your mother?"

I froze for a moment at that question. Of course, I had already thought about their marriage. I had already wondered why they weren’t married yet. After all, they’ve been living together for almost ten years now, and they have a daughter together.

"I’m not really sure... Better than a few years ago, for sure... If my father were still here, he would have told me to accept it because he would have been happy for them."

"He must have been a good man."

"He was," I said, wrapping my arms around her neck. "You remind me a lot of him, if you want to know the truth..."

"I doubt that. He seems much wiser than I am. Anyway, I’ll support you in all your decisions, no matter if I think they’re right or not."

"See, that’s exactly why you remind me of him," I giggled. "He used to say the same thing. I wish you could have met him... He would have adored you."

"And I imagine I would have adored him in return."

"Enough about me. What about your adoptive parents? Was it always smooth sailing?" I joked. "You’ve never told me much about them."

"There’s not much to say. My mother seems cold and strict at first glance, but she’s really kind. I wouldn’t be who I am now without her."

"I’m already dreading the first meeting," I muttered. "She’s going to terrify me..."

"Definitely," she laughed. "She loves to scare my partners. She always does that to see if the person will let themselves be intimidated or not."

"That must be unsettling..."

"It is," she smiled. "I’ve never seen anyone stand up to her."

I groaned just thinking about it. I know we’re not there yet, but if we stay together long enough, I’m sure I’ll meet her one day.

"Don’t worry, baby," she said. "She just keeps that tough exterior to make sure the person is right for me. Then she’ll warm up over time."

"Her opinion matters to you, doesn’t it?"

"A lot. No matter how much I cared about someone, she always opened my eyes when it was someone bad."

"Should I be worried...?"

"Of course not," she smiled. "You’re not a bad person; she’ll see that. But if I can give you some advice, don’t let her walk all over you... Otherwise, you’re doomed," she laughed.

"Oh my God," I muttered in despair. "Finding the right balance will be tough. Tell me your dad isn’t like that too."

"Oh no, he’s the opposite. He’s a bit naive, gentle, calm, and very caring."

"You must have your father’s heart and your mother’s character then..."

"I’ve never seen it that way, but you’re probably right."

We exchanged smiles after her response. She slowly leaned in to capture my lips. The kiss was very gentle and restrained. She timidly asked for access to my mouth by teasing my lower lip with her tongue. I granted it willingly. My stomach flipped in response to this unexpected affection. With her newly freed hand, she gently moved it up to my stomach. I immediately realized she had placed it on my bruises, which I could hardly feel anymore. She pulled back to whisper softly.

"It’s my turn to put on some cream."

"I already applied some this morning..."

"The more you apply, the faster it will heal. Isn’t that what you want?" she arched an eyebrow.

"Fine," I resigned, though I pouted.

I would have preferred to get back in bed now, but there was no point in arguing when she was right. She smiled victoriously as she grabbed the tube of cream.

"Lift your shirt."

I took a deep breath and decided to take it off entirely. After all, it wasn’t the first time she’d seen me like this. My action surprised her. She lifted her head to find my eyes.

"Come on, do your job..."

Without a word, she started applying the cream to my bruised stomach. She took great pleasure in doing it thoroughly.

"On your face too?" she murmured when she was done.

"I need to take off my makeup first."

She nodded, letting me move to the sink. I quickly removed my makeup, reminded of the situation I was in. When I turned around, she was looking at me in a way that made me blush. Her smile slowly widened.

"What is it?"

"Nothing... I’m just happy to be with you, that’s all."

"We could have been together sooner if it weren’t for your behavior," I teased.

"I have a feeling you’re going to remind me of that more than once," she laughed.

"That’s the only mistake you made, so... yes, definitely."

"Come here, you little rascal, so we can finish up."

I laughed, knowing full well she was joking. At least the tension had time to dissipate before our night. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been sure I’d sleep well. I returned to her so she could finish the job before putting away the cream. I went to brush my teeth, giving her time to change. As for me, I did it in the walk-in closet where there was enough space. We came out of our rooms at the same time.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" I suggested.

Our evening had fallen through, but that didn’t stop us from continuing it. To my surprise, she shook her head.

"I’d rather we go to bed. We can watch one during the flight."

"Okay," I agreed, looking at my bed.

I sighed when I saw my brother in the middle of my bed. It was going to be more complicated than expected to spend our night in each other’s arms. He must really like Lucy to have placed himself there.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," I muttered. "We can always go to another room. There’s no shortage of them here."

"Don’t be silly," she giggled. "He’d be upset if he didn’t find us here tomorrow morning. Hang on, I’ll move him."

"Be gentle; he can be a light sleeper when he wants to be."

To our relief, she managed to move him without waking him up. She motioned for me to lie in the middle, and she quickly filled the last space in the bed. The light was quickly turned off, and Lucy’s arms tightened around me. A sigh of contentment escaped me as she kissed my forehead. I snuggled up against her, trying to close any gap between us.

"Going back to school is going to be hard," I murmured with a groan, making Lucy laugh.

"It’ll be over soon," she said, holding me a little tighter. "The hardest part is behind us now."

She was right. We were closer to the end than the beginning. I leaned up to reach her lips. Then I settled back into her arms, where I truly felt I belonged. Our evening didn’t go as planned, but it ended much better than it could have.

[makeitmingi]

When Flowers Bloom In The Dark [Chapter 2]

Genre: Romance, Mafia!AU, Violence, Angst, Slow burn

Pairing: Hongjoong x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Florist!Reader, Mafioso!Hongjoong, Mafioso!Seonghwa, Mafioso!Yunho, Mafioso!Yeosang, Mafioso!San, Mafioso!Mingi, Mafioso!Wooyoung, Mafioso!Jongho

Summary: When you appeared and wept at his mother's funeral, Hongjoong found himself wanting to find out more about you. A regular girl, who owns a flower shop in his territory and has a relationship with the mother that he hasn't spoken to in years, why hasn't he ever noticed you before?

[Warning(s): 18+ for violence, use of weapons, smoking, alcohol consumption, slight gore, gang affiliation, tattoos and character deaths. Minors DNI. This is a work of fiction and does not represent the Ateez members in real life.]

Word count: 3.2K

With an iced tea in hand, you unlocked the glass doors of your shop and entered. You turned on the lights, placing your tea on the counter and your bag in your locker. Since you were the only worker here, there was no one else to use the lockers but you.

"Roses, tulips, carnations..." You grabbed your notepad to check the incoming deliveries today. The first thing you did was check on your plants and water them.

"You're growing well." You smiled softly, seeing the plant that you sprout, moving the pot away from the direct sunlight.

"(y/n)?" You heard the familiar voice of your supplier at the back door and went over.

"Good morning, Mr Lee. Do you have any surprises for me?" You giggled. You had a good relationship with all your suppliers, they always helped you bring in quality products.

"Well, besides your usual orders, I have some hydrangeas if you would like." He climbed into his truck.

"Here." He pushed the bucket to show you.

"Oh, they're absolutely beautiful. I'll take them." You smiled. He nodded and helped you bring everything in, he usually knew where everything went.

"Sunflowers aren't selling too well." You shook your head in disappointment, seeing your sunflowers there.

"Sunflowers aren't trendy anymore. Have you seen what's on the internet? My daughter told me that girls are content with just bouquets of baby's breaths now. How times have truly changed, right?" He chuckled with a click of his tongue. You nodded and moved the roses into the refrigerated area.

"It's a minimalist thing, no? Bigger isn't better anymore. No one comes in for traditional bouquets anymore." You sighed, going to the cash register to get the money.

"Tell me about it... And this should be everything." Mr Lee said, glancing over the flowers that he brought in.

"Thank you, this is the payment." You handed the money to him. He nodded and placed it in his pouch.

"Also, Mr Lee. I remember you mentioning that Mrs Lee keep getting her hands burnt when she's working at her restaurant. I made her an aloe balm. This should help soothe the burns." You held the tin out.

"Oh, you're too kind, (y/n). Thank you so much for making this." He patted your shoulder.

"Have a nice day. See you next week." You walked him out.

"See you." The both of you bowed to each other and he jumped into his van before driving off. You returned to your counter and began your work for the day.

"Let's see..." You checked the online orders that you had and printed it out for reference.

Moving to your work bench, you began to prepare the flower preparations for each other. You trimmed the stems, removed the excess leaves and cut thorns away before wrapping them up with either cellophane or tissue paper.

"Hello? Are you open?" The bell above the door jingled. A girl walked into store, carrying a pot with her. You cleaned your hands and walked out to the front.

"Yes, we're open. How can I help you?" You smiled.

"My fern seems to be wilting and I can't seem to revive it. Can you help?" She asked.

"Let's see what's the issue." You escorted in. She placed the pot on your work table and you inspected it. The girl patiently waited, watching you as you checked it.

"From what I see, the soil isn't draining water properly. It's retaining too much water and suffocating the roots of the plant." You said.

"What? Can that happen?" She blinked.

"Yes, so that suffocation prevents the roots from absorbing the vitamins and minerals. You should mix a well drainage soil of this ratio and move your fern in." You wrote the ingredients down.

"And I can find this at the plant store?" She asked, reading through what you wrote down.

"You should be able to find the components. But if you don't mind waiting, I can mix some for you to take home." You offered. Hearing that, she let out a sigh of relief and nodded her head excitedly. You went to your storage area to grab the different soil components that you need.

"Peat moss, sand and potting soil." You mixed the components into a bag, adding some fertiliser as well since the fern currently lacked essential nutrients.

"For two weeks, put two drops of this plant reviver into the soil even if you are not watering it." You handed her a small vial.

"Thank you. Actually, do you mind repotting it into the new soil for me? I'll pay you." She requested.

"Alright." You took the fern out and got rid of the old soil. You poured the new soil in, creating a well to put the fern in. After that, you loosely covered the roots with the soil.

"Done." You smiled, removing your gloves.

"Thank you. This is actually my mum's plant and I'm helping her take care of it. I know nothing about plants." She said in embarrassment.

"No worries, the plant should be fine from here. If there are anymore issues, you can come back." You chuckled and rang up her bill. She nodded and paid.

"Thanks again." She bowed and walked out of the shop. After that, you went back to preparing your orders. There were some pick ups today so you wanted to make sure that everything was in order for a smoother pick up.

"Hi, I'm here for a pick up?" A guy walked into the store.

"Sure, can I see your order number?" You asked. He showed you the confirmation email and went to retrieve his order. It was a flower box instead of a bouquet.

"Just make sure everything is okay for you before paying." You said, rounding the counter to the cashier.

"Do you mind changing the ribbons to pink too? She really likes pink." He requested.

"Of course." You grabbed the ribbon. With pink flowers, you wanted to add contrast with a different coloured bow but since he wants it to be pink, there was no issue with changing it.

"That's better. Thanks." He handed you his card.

"I wrote the congratulatory message as you stated in request email but if you'd like to write your own message. This is a spare card, on the house." You handed him the blank card.

"Thank you, I don't know what else to write but if I come up with something I'll add it." He rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. You hummed and rang up his bill, writing the invoice and handing him a copy, along with his credit card. With a grateful bow of his head, he left the shop.

Before you knew it, the clock hit 1pm, with customers coming in to buy, place advance orders or collect orders they've placed.

'Closed for lunch.'

You sat behind the counter with a tired sigh, taking out your lunch box. Your meals usually consisted of sandwiches or leftovers from dinner the night before.

Which was why Mrs Kim would usually come with food for you, always disapproving of how your eating habits.

RING!

"Sorry, we're closed at the moment." You said from behind the counter, not looking at the door. But you didn't hear the second ring of the door opening again so you stood up.

"Oh!" Your eyes widened in surprised as Hongjoong stood there, looking around the shop.

"Hongjoong sshi..." You blinked, maybe you were dreaming. Maybe your guilt was too much that the male was appearing in your dreams.

"Good afternoon, (y/n) sshi. Is this a bad time? Should I come back at another time?" He asked with a slight tilt of his head, fingers resting on the buttons of his blazer. You shook your head, reaching to get a tissue to wipe your mouth.

"It's fine. What can I help you with?" You came out from behind the counter to properly greet him. He patiently waited as you pulled a chair for him to sit.

"Please, would you like something to drink?" You offered.

"No, I'm fine. Actually, (y/n) sshi, I came to apologise for my reaction during my mother's funeral." He stood back up.

"What? There's nothing for you to apologise for, Hongjoong sshi. I should be the one apologising, I overstepped and said too much. It wasn't appropriate of me." You bowed deeply.

"You didn't overstep at all. Your intentions were good, I reacted poorly." He bowed back.

"No, you're grieving, it's normal." You smiled softly.

"Thank you for understanding." Hongjoong held his hand out but remembered that it was bandaged and cursed under his breath, hiding it and putting his other hand out for you to shake. If you were phased by his injury, you didn't show it. You smiled and slipped your hand into his to shake.

"I should go and let you carry on with your meal." He said once you both let go.

"No, it's fine. You can stay if you'd like." You smiled softly. He let out a small hum and continued to look around your shop, observing all the plants around.

"So, this is where my mother hung out?" He asked, picking up a stalk of rose from your work bench and twirling it.

"Sometimes... She would come for lunch or tea. We would just chat over food." You replied awkwardly.

How much were you supposed to say about Mrs Kim to her own son? You didn't want to sound like you were boasting about your time with her either, that wouldn't do any good.

"I see." He said, placing the flower back down.

"Hongjoong sshi..." You rubbed your arm, unsure of how to continue this conversation.

"Sorry for making you uncomfortable. Just... The truth is, you know a lot about my mother that I don't. You've spent time with her while I didn't so I can't help but feel curious. My relationship with her wasn't as good as she made it out of be." He informed.

"Oh. Hongjoong sshi, it's not my place to judge you or your relationship with Mrs Kim. Whatever relationship I had with her is vastly different from your own." You said.

"You're very kind, (y/n) sshi." He complimented. Your cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

"I should go." He stood up.

"Wait before you go. Your bandage, do you want me to help you replace it?" You pointed. Hongjoong looked down and saw the blood beginning to seep through.

"It's fine, I shouldn't take up more of your time." He shook his head.

"Not at all. I can help if you'd like." You offered. With a soft sigh, Hongjoong sat back down.

"I'll go get my medical kit. Be right back." You told him and went to the back room to get what you needed. You also took a salve that you usually used for wound care.

"I'm not a doctor but I am first aid certified and I study medical plants in botany so you don't have to worry." You smiled and took a pair of cutters to cut away the bandages that Yeosang had wrapped around Hongjoong's hand. Hongjoong quietly observed you, not saying anything else while you focussed.

"I made this salve for wounds. It should help with soothing the wounds and healing." You explained, cleaning the blood.

"Do you always make your own medicine?" He asked.

"No, I just make simple stuff. I'm still learning." You giggled, tucking your hair behind your ear before applying a thin layer of the salve over the cuts and wounds.

"Does it hurt?" You looked up at him. He shook his head and you sighed in relief.

"You can bring that home with you to apply when you change bandages. I have some more." You explained.

"You do a better job than my brother." Hongjoong said after observing how you properly wrapped a new bandage around his hand and secured it in place.

"You should remove the bandage after 3 days to let the wounds breathe and dry." You said.

The entire time, you never once asked Hongjoong about how he got injured or acted differently. You treated it like any other scrapped knee and healed him. Usually, people would be scared or ask him how he got injured like that.

"Thanks." He looked at his newly bandaged hand.

"You're very welcome. If you see signs of infection or get a fever, go to a doctor." You advised. He nodded and took the small pot of salve, putting it into his pocket.

Will he use it? Probably not. But he saw how dedicated you were and for some reason, didn't want to disappoint you by not taking it.

"Bye, Hongjoong sshi. I'll see you around?" You blinked at your own words, uncertainty in your voice.

"Have a nice day, (y/n) sshi." He didn't address it, merely bowing his head and leaving your shop. You let out a long exhale, feeling like you've been holding your breath the entire time.

"Ah!" You suddenly remembered the silk handkerchief that you had washed and in your bag.

"Too distracted." You scratched your head and went to the counter to eat a few more bites of your lunch before you had to reopen.

You were not too bothered that you hadn't returned the handkerchief to Hongjoong. Even if you did feel guilty, you had an inkling that you would be seeing Hongjoong again soon. What ate at you more was how foreign Hongjoong spoke about his mother, like she was a stranger that he didn't know.

"Hongjoong, where are you?"

"I went out to run an errand, Seonghwa. Don't worry, I didn't drive. I got the driver." Hongjoong sighed, sinking into the backseat of the Rolls Royce he was in.

"I'm not worried about that. I just wanted to make sure you didn't do something dumb like blow up a building."

"Geez that happened ONCE, let it go... And I'm going to work, I have to go to my club." Hongjoong said, looking at his bandaged hand.

"You don't have to go back to work right away, Hongjoong. The boys and I can take over while you take a few days. You've needed to take a break for a while."

"I'm the leader of Ateez, Seonghwa. I don't need all of you to take over my work." Hongjoong replied.

"But..."

"Yes, my mother died. But sitting around isn't going to bring her back to life. I still have roles to fulfill, I'm not going to let anyone strike us just because I'm down. There are people counting on us, relying on us." He continued.

"Alright. Stay safe then, Hongjoong. I'll see you at the docks meeting at 5pm?"

"Yeah, thanks Seonghwa. I'll see you later." Hongjoong hummed and hung up. The car stopped before Hongjoong's club and the manager came out, opening the door for him.

"Good afternoon, Mr Kim." The manager bowed. The club wasn't open yet so Hongjoong could get some administrative work done.

"Get me a drink and come up to the office." Hongjoong said, walking into the club.

"Yes, sir." He bowed. Upon his entrance, all the workers stopped and bowed down to greet their boss This was the main club Hongjoong worked out of so they were used to seeing him around.

"Give me 10 minutes. No one is to enter." Hongjoong told the guard who stood by his office door.

"Yes, sir." The guard bowed.

Hongjoong entered his office and sat down in his chair. There were some things he needed to do and catch up on privately, without any interruptions. As the leader of Ateez, he had to keep track of the other Ateez members and their work, on top of his own. But the boys always did their work so it wasn't hard on him.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"S-Sir?" Hongjoong heard the timid voice of the club manager outside his door, making him look up from his phone where he was sending messages to Yunho.

"Has it been 10 minutes?" Hongjoong asked back, tucking his phone into his blazer pocket.

"Yes, sir." The male on the other side replied.

"Come in." Hongjoong said. The door opened and the male came in with his iPad and Hongjoong's whiskey in hand. Hongjoong nodded over to the chair and the manager bowed, taking a seat opposite him.

"Update me." Hongjoong took a sip of his drink. The manager began to update Hongjoong on the business.

"We have been thinking of letting our bartending apprentice go. He had been drinking on the job and getting drunk." He informed.

"Who?" Hongjoong leaned forward.

"This is his profile. The next page has some employee complaints and customer complaints that were logged." The manager informed, pulling up the ex employee's profile and handing it over to Hongjoong to look it over.

"I won't read this, let him go. I won't let anyone be caught lacking in my business. One complaint is as good as ten. Make him compensate for what alcohol he took." Hongjoong instructed.

"Of course, sir." The manager nodded, taking back the iPad and going through the other updates.

"Continue to manage necessary manpower and suppliers to the club. Revenue is still good." Hongjoong told him.

"I will. Thank you for giving me this responsibility, sir." The manager bowed from his seat.

"This is the list of VIPs coming. As usual, make sure they are well taken care of." Hongjoong slid over the list of VIP names and the dates that they would be coming.

"Of course." The manager folded the paper and put it in his pocket.

"You can go." With that, Hongjoong waved him off and he left. Hongjoong may seem cold and merciless but he treats his employees right, at least those that do their job well. He is a perfectionist and always wants the best, there shouldn't be anything that's lacking when it came to his business.

"Send Wooyoung and San for that private poker game. That's wheret they'll meet our informant." Hongjoong said to those that were in the group call.

"Oooh, I can get a new suit done." Wooyoung's focus and excitement was obviously on other things.

"What about the governor meeting that's coming up, hyung? Are you going with Seonghwa hyung?" Jongho asked.

"Seonghwa should go with Yunho. They know how to work the charm. Plus the governor's wife seems to favour Yunho." Hongjoong thought out loud, making the other laugh.

"No one can resist that face." Seonghwa chuckled.

"Yunho's ears just turned bright red." Yeosang informed and the others could hear Yunho's yell of protest in the background.

"Wait, what time is Seonghwa hyung and Hongjoong hyung settling the issue at the docks? I want to tag along, I could use some action. It'll be fun." Mingi asked.

"Oh! Me too! If Mingi's going, I want to go!" San agreed. Hongjoong could hear Seonghwa wanting to interject but it was ignored. Hongjoong and Seonghwa could never fight the younger ones, they were simply outnumbered.

"You guys always make a mess when you get involved... This time, call your own clean up crew." Seonghwa hissed.

"You gave in way too easily, Seonghwa ah." Hongjoong laughed and leaned back into his seat.

"I already have enough to think about. I have to pick my battles. Plus, if they can handle it for us, I won't risk getting blood on my new coat." Seonghwa said.

~

Series masterlist

[helloalycia]

𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐎 [𝐓𝐖𝐎] — 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐘 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐃

summary: as your relationship with Lucy Gray grows, it becomes a little harder to keep it a secret from your dad, especially when Mayfair has something to do with it.

warning/s: mentions of minor violence and the Hunger Games obvs.

author's note: okay so the song mentioned in this part and the next is called ‘forever & always’ by zeph, which i chose for the lyrics, not necessarily the rhythm as it’s not a folk song. But i did imagine it in a more lucy gray-style, so i thought it worked! plus it’s a really good song and i’ve tagged it below if you wanna have a listen :)

one / three / masterlist / wattpad

Being in a relationship with Lucy Gray was all I could have dreamed of and more. Of course, it was a complete and total secret from my father, who could never know I even befriended the girl let alone dated her. It meant sneaking around was a regular thing for us, to my dismay, but she didn't seem to hate it.

I was visiting her home one Saturday, hoping to spend some time with her since it was a lovely day. Even if it meant helping out the Covey with some chores or simply rotting away inside, I didn't mind as long as it was with her. But she seemed to have other plans when she answered the door and kissed me hello.

"I was just about to come get you," she said with an excited grin. "I have a date planned if you're up for it."

I quirked a brow curiously. "Oh, really?"

She curled her fingers between mine as she nodded, humming. "Best part is, your daddy won't find us neither."

i couldn't help but laugh at the prideful expression she wore. "That sounds perfect, Lucy Gray."

And just like that, she grabbed her guitar case and a basket before leading me into the meadow behind her house.

"You gonna tell me where we're headed?" I asked her, taking the heavy guitar case from her hand as we walked.

"This one has manners," she teased, making me nudge her in the arm as she continued, "To the lake. I got a whole day planned."

We chatted about everything and nothing as we strolled through the woods. Having grown up in town and having no need to visit the meadow or woods, I was a little unfamiliar with it all. But I knew that I felt at ease immediately, finding the scent of the earth and the view of the trees and ripples of sunlight peeking through the leaves to be refreshing. Lucy Gray reminded me of it all, I soon realised, of nature, and it only made sense why she put me at ease, too.

We soon reached the lake, which she'd told me about many times, but it looked even more beautiful than she was able to describe. She wasn't wrong about my dad not finding us here, that was for sure.

After setting down her guitar case in the cabin beside the lake, which she told me was nobody's in particular but the Covey used it when they were out here, I watched as she grabbed a cloth bag from the basket and led me outside.

"You ever been foraging before, darlin'?" she asked with an amused smile, already knowing the answer.

"I have not," I said, somewhat entertaining her teasing.

"Then we can start there," she said with a girlish grin, before tugging me by the hand into the trees.

Through vast experience and knowledge, she knew all the spots to take me to then showed me which plants were edible and which weren't. We collected a bunch of edible roots in our cloth bag, conversing in between, and I was growing accustomed to nature as we worked. Personally, I found it was an activity made even better because of Lucy Gray, who was as radiant as the sun was as it shimmered down on us. She looked so carefree, and I couldn't stop stealing glances at her.

"Oh, Y/N, come here!" she called to me as I was picking some berries from a bush she'd confirmed was safe.

"One sec," I said, tying off the bag, before heading to Lucy Gray not far behind me.

She was kneeling down into some taller grass, before glancing back at me with a delicate smile. Waving me over, she returned her attention to whatever was in front of her, and I had no choice but to kneel beside her. As soon as I saw the snake coiled around her right hand however, I fell back onto my butt reflexively, startled.

"You're okay, she won't bite," Lucy Gray said between a chuckle, resting a hand on my leg and meeting my eyes. "She won't harm you if you won't harm her."

I swallowed thickly, trusting her words but also still very much scared of the brightly coloured snake before me. This was normal to her, as evident by her nonchalance and intrigue when handling the snake, but the opposite for me.

"Lucy Gray, I don't think I–"

"You trust me?"

I blinked, eyes glued to the snake, as if it would come at me if I dared look away.

"Hey, sweetie, over here," Lucy Gray coaxed my attention away, and I relaxed slightly when I saw the way she smiled at me. "You trust me?"

"Of course I do."

She nodded. "Then come here, slowly. I promise she won't bite."

Knowing it was awfully embarrassing to look so terrified before something so small in front of someone I liked, I sucked up a breath and kneeled beside her again, though not letting go of her left hand which was still on my leg for assurance.

"They're harmless," she said softly, admiring the snake as it stretched up her hand. "I love 'em because of their bright colours."

"Naturally."

She chuckled, glancing at me sideways. "You're doin' good."

"Uh-huh..."

Again, she chuckled, before lowering her hand into the tall grass and watching as the snake uncoiled itself before shooting away. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding as Lucy Gray helped me stand up.

"Thanks for not runnin' away," she said appreciatively. "I know snakes aren't everyone's thing."

I shook my head. "It's okay. I'm scared, sure, but they're not that bad with you."

Her smile widened and I wasn't sure what I said to make her so happy, but she kissed my cheek and began to walk away. I followed after her, eyes acutely aware of any tall grass around us now, until we reached the lake yet again.

After grabbing some fishing rods from the cabin, we sat at the edge of the dock and cast our lines, hoping to catch something good for an afternoon picnic. I'd never been fishing before, so Lucy Gray was, expectedly, much better at it than I was, catching a few small fish that wouldn't be filling on its own. It wasn't until I felt a tug on my line that I grew hopeful, eyes widening.

"I think I've got something!" I exclaimed, before standing up to get a better grip on the rod.

"Pull back and gently wind the rod," she encouraged brightly, standing up too.

I did as she said, but whatever I had was a strong swimmer and pulling me forward slightly. So much, in fact, that I almost stumbled over the edge and into the water, making me drop the rod completely to catch myself.

"That was close," I said with a racing heart, but knowing I'd need to somehow collect the rod now.

"Can't you swim?" Lucy Gray asked with a mischievous smile, and that should have been my first hint. 

"I can, but I wasn't planning to get my clothes–" I didn't even get to finish because all she had to do was nudge me slightly and I lost my footing, falling straight over the edge and into the lukewarm water.

My first instinct was to swim upwards, head resurfacing as I spat out the water from my mouth and wiped my eyes. Lucy Gray's laughing caught my attention, and I raised my brows with disbelief.

"Seriously?!"

"You had to get the rod somehow," she joked, and I shook my head disapprovingly before grabbing the rod that was floating beside me.

After Lucy Gray accepted it, she surprised me by jumping in next to me, still fully clothed, and splashing me in the process. Again, I wiped my face and narrowed my eyes at her as she resurfaced, eliciting more laughter from her.

"Oh, c'mon, it was funny," she tried to defend, swimming up to me and wrapping her arms around my neck. "Plus, don't you feel nice and refreshed now?"

I sighed, unable to stay mad at her when she was grinning at me so carefree. "I suppose so."

She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my lips. "Knew it. Now let's stay here for a little longer then I'll catch us a real fish and we can start on some dinner. Sound good?"

I nodded in agreement, and we did just that. It was fun to just be able to swim around and do nothing but enjoy each other's company. My heart was full as Lucy Gray filled the forest with her laughter. Between the terrible jokes I told and her contagious happiness, she was just so bubbly, and I couldn't blame her because I felt the same.

She ended up catching a big enough fish for the both of us and, using the roots and berries we picked earlier, we cooked up a lovely little bit of dinner to share by the water. I'd eaten some pretty good food, by District 12 standards anyway, thanks to my dad's job. But this was truly the best thing I'd ever eaten in my life, no doubt because of the company also.

Just as I finished rinsing our plates off in the lake, I heard Lucy Gray leaving the cabin with her guitar case in hand.

"Come here!" she called, waving me over.

I left the dishes to try on the basket before joining her where she was sat under a tree, pulling out her guitar.

"Am I about to get my own private concert?" I asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes, though a smile ghosted her lips. "I'm startin' to regret this."

I chuckled, crossing my legs and getting comfortable opposite her. "No, go on, I'm all ears."

The truth was, I'd never get tired of listening to Lucy Gray sing, and to have her sing just for me would be a downright honour.

"I actually wanted to show you a song I was workin' on," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I haven't finished it yet, but I was just too excited to show you and thought today would be perfect. I hope you like it."

It took me a second to realise that she'd written the song for me, and my playful nature subsided momentarily. "Wait, what? A song for me?"

"Well, duh," she said with a laugh, before strumming her guitar gently, tuning it. "Remember, it's not finished, so be nice."

Still surprised she'd written a song for me, I could only nod in response. She strummed for a few more seconds, trying to settle on a pitch, before clearing her throat.

"Love songs are fleeting,

but the melodies stick with you.

I have learned your heart,

and memorised the tune.

It's my favourite,

I'll sing it in any occasion.

It'll be my soundtrack,

beyond our youth..."

I was entranced by her voice, the softness of it and the way it carried towards me like a siren to a sailor. She was always beautiful, but when she was singing, it was something else entirely.

The tune played aloud as she strummed gently with her fingers, and her eyes found mine, a brief smile on her lips before she continued to sing.

"Every note you hum,

is a classic through and through.

I'll add them to a list called

'All Things I Look Forward To'.

It's my favourite,

even if no one will play it.

I only want a future

filled with you..."

She strummed a little longer, a delicate tune that was a little different to her jauntier tunes she performed at the Hob, and then she left her last note hanging and finished. My heart was suddenly racing, in a good way, and I was embarrassed by the tear that escaped my eye, rushing to wipe it.

"Well, gee, was it that bad?" she joked, but I still felt the need to shake my head quickly.

"No way," I told her, meeting her eyes. She was more nervous than she was letting on, so I grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. "Lucy Gray, that was beautiful. Is that really how... how you feel?"

Her cheeks turned pink and she avoided my eyes with a shy smile. "Of course. The song's not finished, but I wanted you to hear it. To know that you mean a lot to me."

I nodded slowly. "You mean a lot to me, too. Nobody has ever said such heartwarming things to me before, let alone written them into a song for me. I'm honoured."

Her smile relaxed as she met my eyes again. "I'm glad you liked it."

My heart wouldn't stop beating so fast, not when she was sitting right there, making me forget the world existed. I couldn't stop myself as I leaned forward, taking her bottom lip between mine.

Nobody had ever made me feel the way she had, and though I'd never truly experienced it before, I decided that this had to be what falling in love felt like.

There was no other word for it.

"... and I thought I liked the colour, but it just reminded me of that time she threw up on my favourite shirt."

I blinked, trying my hardest to care about what one of my classmates was telling me over a drink at the Hob. How I'd ended up in a conversation with him was beyond me, but it felt rude to just walk away.

"Hey, isn't that Billy Taupe with your girl?"

At this, I tuned back into the conversation, confused. Following my classmate's gaze, I saw Lucy Gray standing by the bar, drinking from a glass of water and trying her very hardest to ignore Billy Taupe, but he was adamant on speaking to her. I would have left her any other time, knowing she could handle herself, but she'd mentioned recently how he'd been annoying her and trying to make things right despite being in a relationship with Mayfair. And because of this, I approached them calmly.

Lucy Gray spotted me and relaxed a little, but if Billy Taupe noticed me, he didn't acknowledge me in the slightest.

"Lucy Gray, can we go somewhere private?" he asked her desperately.

"Why would she do that?" I answered him, quirking a brow.

He glanced at me sideways, irritated. "It's none of your business."

"Hey, don't talk to her like that," Lucy Gray scolded him. "This is over, Billy Taupe, now leave me alone."

"It's not," he retorted.

"I'm saying it is," I told him in a warning tone. "Now go."

Scoffing, he finally turned to look at me. "Don't you have some whorin' around to do?"

Before I could even register his words, Lucy Gray slapped him sharply across the face, surprising even me. I opened my mouth, taken aback, as he widened his eyes and touched his face. He looked from me to her, and as soon as his expression contorted into a scowl and he took a step forward, I didn't think, I just shoved him backwards so he couldn't hurt her. That was probably the second mistake from the two of us, as he immediately stumbled back into someone with a drink, making them drop it.

"Oh, shit," I mumbled, before grabbing Lucy Gray's hand and making a beeline for the exit.

In no time, a fight broke out and the once calm, lighthearted atmosphere of the Hob turned into a violent, rough boxing ring. After some shoving and avoiding the odd swing, Lucy Gray and I successfully managed to make it outside unscathed, away from the rowdiness.

I was bent over, catching my breath, as I witnessed several peacekeepers nearby rushing in to break up the fighting, and then I looked over at Lucy Gray questioningly.

"Did you really have to slap him?"

She straightened up, having caught her breath. "He doesn't just get to talk to you like that."

I sighed, a reluctant smile on my lips. It was nice of her to defend me, but starting a fist fight wasn't on my schedule for the evening. She began to smile too, the two of us amused with what just went down, but our happiness was short lived when Mayfair came out of nowhere, spotting us.

"There you are!" she shouted angrily.

I swallowed hard, losing my smile. "Mayfair, look–"

But before I could sweet talk my way out of it, she was already yelling for the nearby peacekeepers to get us, and there was no way for us to escape this time.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as my dad paced back and forth, his anger threatening to burst out. Stupid Mayfair and her stupid big mouth. Because of her, Lucy Gray and I were sat before him in his office at the peacekeeper's base.

"Witnesses say they caught you both arguing with Billy Taupe," he finally spoke, stopping to look at me with a disappointed stare. "Then all hell broke loose."

"It wasn't her fault," I defended Lucy Gray, not wanting her to be punished because of my father's irritation with me.

"What the hell were you doing there, Y/N?!" he asked. "You're supposed to be at home! It's–" he checked his wristwatch, "–almost midnight!"

I avoided his eyes awkwardly, trying my best to sound believable. "I just wanted to hear the Covey perform and I knew you'd never let me go. It was only tonight. But then I saw Billy Taupe harassing Lucy Gray and I stepped in. Just tried to do what was right, like you taught me."

Okay, maybe a little on the nose, but it could work.

He sighed deeply, shaking his head. Deliberating momentarily, he finally said, "Go home, Y/N."

I raised my brows. "Lucy Gray too, right?" He narrowed his eyes warningly, but I continued, "Dad–"

"Now," he ordered in a voice that meant I wasn't to argue.

I glanced over at the quiet Covey girl beside me, and she nodded reassuringly.

"It's fine," she said in a low voice. "Thanks."

I frowned, feeling guilty, but was forced to obey my father and leave. As I closed his office door behind me, I lingered for a few seconds longer.

"You should stay out of trouble, Miss Baird," he told her authoritatively. "We don't tolerate–"

"Y/N, c'mon," my father's second in command found me listening, stopping me from hearing the rest of their conversation.

I nodded reluctantly, hoping Lucy Gray wouldn't be punished, and followed the peacekeeper outside.

My dad hadn't uttered another word about the Hob incident when he came that evening. I was waiting for him to yell at me or punish me or something, but he didn't. it wasn't until the next morning, after half my night was spent thinking of Lucy Gray, when my mum told me I was grounded for the next month, only to leave the house for chores. School was finished for the summer now, so I wouldn't even be able to see my friends and Lucy Gray that way.

It was annoying, especially because I just wanted to check on her, but I couldn't exactly fight my punishment when I was caught red handed.

That same morning, my mum forced me to accompany her to the markets to pick up some things. I was lucky enough to see Y/BF/N hanging around, also buying some things, and subtly slipped away to see her as my mum asked about some carrots.

She instantly pulled me in for a hug, mumbling, "I was sure I'd never see you again. I heard what happened last night."

"It wasn't intentional," I said with a sigh. "But I'm grounded for the next month, so you won't be seeing me much."

"Y/N, you've gotta be careful," she said in disapproving voice. "No more sneaking around. You're lucky it was just a fight and your dad didn't find out everything else."

"I know, I know," I mumbled, glancing over my shoulder to see my mum still talking to the vendor. "I should get back to my mum. She might kill me if she sees me doing something other than helping."

Y/BF/N tried not to laugh as she nodded. "Good luck, Y/N. I'll see you around. Please, try not to get an extended punishment."

"Yeah, yeah."

By the end of the first week of my punishment, I couldn't take not seeing Lucy Gray anymore. So, I concocted the perfect plan to visit her on the way back from nipping to the markets for my mum, sneaking a detour to her and the Covey's place in the Seam. I could always use the excuse that there was a queue at the meat stall if my mum asked why I took so long.

After buying everything I needed, I headed straight for Lucy Gray's, anticipating seeing her. I hoped she wouldn't be upset at me, though I wouldn't blame her if she was, considering my father was the one who had punished her. Or, at least I was assuming he had.

When I knocked on her front door, I held my breath until she opened up. As soon as she realised it was me, she exhaled deeply before pulling me in for a hug. I returned it instantly, closing my eyes and savouring her presence.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't see you sooner," I said quickly. "I've been grounded and I wasn't allowed out. How have you been?"

She shook her head. "It's okay, I've been okay. He didn't do anythin' when you left, just yelled at me a bit then sent me home with a warnin'. I think he was just annoyed at you."

I frowned, but was relieved she didn't get the brunt of it. "Good. I mean, not good obviously, but it could've been worse."

She cupped my cheek, thumb rubbing gently on my cheekbone. "I'm sorry you got caught. It was Mayfair. She's still pissed at me and now you by association."

"It's not your fault," I told her, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Have they been annoying you still? Her and Billy Taupe?"

"Not since then, no."

"Good," I breathed out with relief, before hugging her again. "I can't stay for long. My mum will be expecting me back. I'll try to visit when I can, but I won't be able to sneak out for at least another month."

She chuckled quietly. "It's okay. Try not to get in trouble, darlin'."

I cracked a small smile. "I'll try."

My punishment ended quickly enough and everything returned to normal, kind of. My dad had bigger fish to fry with work, and seemed to forget about my mishap at the Hob, so his suspicions of me disappeared and I was able to sneak out again sometimes. My mum was satisfied after my punishment and didn't suspect a thing afterwards.

I enjoyed another few weeks of my relationship with Lucy Gray before the energy in District 12 grew rotten once Reaping Day arrived. It was the tenth annual Hunger Games which meant a boy and girl would be chosen to fight to the death with tributes from the other eleven districts. It wasn't a happy time, for obvious reasons, and it was the worst part of the summer break. It was a slim chance of being picked, but a chance nonetheless, and all I could think about was who would be chosen.

The morning of the reaping, my parents pulled me into a group hug at the breakfast table, and I couldn't help but hug them back.

"I'm praying for you," my dad mumbled as he kissed the top of my head.

I smiled a little, hoping to reassure him, but I knew it wasn't genuine. It was a hard time for everyone today, but I always pitied my parents the most, knowing if I was chosen, they'd have nobody left and, somehow, the thought of leaving them alone was scarier than facing the Hunger Games.

My dad left sooner than my mum and I, needing to make sure all the peacekeepers were doing their job in the square where I'd be lining up soon. And then after my mum and I finished eating, she walked me down to take my place. After exchanging a final hug with her, she went to join the other parents in the crowd and I was left to find my place with the other sixteen-year-old girls.

Before I could even attempt to, Lucy Gray found me. I was going to ask her how she was, even wish her luck, but I didn't get chance to as she approached me with a determined expression before kissing me hard. I accepted the kiss, though when she pulled away, her hard stare met mine.

"I'm in love with you," she said the words we'd never uttered to each other before.

I widened my eyes, surprised, but a peacekeeper broke us up before I could reply, and we were separated though in the same line. Of course, it soon made sense why she'd chosen now to tell me how she felt.

She was chosen as tribute.

It all happened so quickly after that. Lucy Gray's name being chosen, the snake she threw down Mayfair's back, the mayor slapping her onstage and in front of the cameras, her song of defiance, and then her getting ushered into the Justice Building never to be seen again.

She was really gone. She'd been chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, which clearly had something to do with Mayfair, and I would never see her again unless she won. I could barely believe it, still in shock, even when the reaping ended and everybody began to disperse or rejoin their families.

"Y/N, I'm so sorry," someone said, and I turned to see Y/BF/N approaching me with a frown, pulling me in for a hug.

I was admittedly still in disbelief – denial if you will. Because she couldn't just be gone, not when she'd told me how she felt only minutes ago.

"Y/N!"

It was my dad. Y/BF/N pulled away as he found me, soon taking her place. Again, I was too awestruck to return the gesture. Lucy Gray. My Lucy Gray. Gone.

"I'm so glad you didn't get chosen," my dad said with relief. "I'm sorry about your friend, but I'm glad it wasn't you."

His words only bounced off me. I was too numb to acknowledge much more after that, stuck in my own head as my mum appeared and began to lead me home. I was quiet the whole way, trying to replay the events that had just happened. Only when I reached home and went to my bedroom did I finally realise all I'd lost in a single moment. And that's when the tears finally arrived.

How could she be gone?

I was swinging on the swing gently, next to Y/BF/N in the park. I appreciated her company, feeling a little better having someone who understood the severity of what Lucy Gray being gone meant to me.

"She might have a chance," I muttered with a broken voice. "She could hide. Wait it out."

"Maybe," Y/BF/N said softly, but I knew she didn't agree. It didn't matter though. Hope was all I had left at this point.

Since yesterday at the reaping, I couldn't help but think about what Lucy Gray was doing. Was she scared? Was she strategising? Did she stand a chance against the other tributes?

Fucking Mayfair and her jealousy was the cause of this, it had to be. Why else would Lucy Gray throw a snake down her dress? It meant she must have known. It explained why she told me she loved me before going in. She'd discovered Mayfair's plan. Why didn't I tell her I loved her too? Now she'd never know.

"Do you wanna go to the Hob tonight?" Y/BF/N asked as I continued to sulk.

I shook my head. I wasn't sure I could ever go to the Hob again, not when it held so many bittersweet memories of Lucy Gray and I. It was where I'd made my first move on her, where I'd watched her perform many times, where we'd shared our first kiss. How could I step foot in there again without seeing her everywhere?

After spending some time lost in my thoughts with Y/BF/N to keep me company, I left to go home for dinner. But before I made it there, I found myself making a detour for the Seam, where the Covey lived. I hadn't spoken to them since before the reaping, and if I was taking Lucy Gray's fate hard, I could only imagine how her family were feeling.

Only after I knocked on did I realise I had no idea what to say. What if they didn't want to see me? Or if I said the wrong thing? What if I–?

"Y/N," Barb Azure said once she answered the door. "Hi."

I swallowed hard. "Hey, Barb Azure. I– I just wanted to stop by and see how you were all doing. I'm sorry for not showing up sooner... I'm so sorry about Lucy Gray. And I just want you to know that I'm here if you–"

She suddenly hugged me, and I was glad because it said more than words could. I relaxed into her embrace, feeling comforted in our shared grief. I wasn't alone, even though it felt like I was at first.

"I'm sorry too," she muttered apologetically. "I know she meant a lot to you. We're here for you too."

I nodded, squeezing her tight.

[asarajaa]

hi sarah 🥰

it’s so hard to find regular blue lock writers omg

can i make a request? it’s alright if you can’t tho

can i request the reader meeting chigiri’s mother and sister after the u20 match? i feel like it’d be so funny bc they kinda embarrassed him during the match by calling out to him lmao 😭

imagine him getting embarrassed by them in front of his gf (who they didn’t know about until they saw her at the u20 match, she’s like the manager of bllk) and he tries to drag her away but ends up getting teased by his sister 🥰

Hii, ikr? I'm dying to find a good bllk ffc author 😩

Just woke up, had breakfast and went straight on it 🫡

Hope you like it!

Warnings: Implied fem!reader Words: 627 Disclaimer: English isn't my first language so I apologise for any mistakes or misunderstandings!

The stadium buzzed with excitement as the U-20 match between Blue Lock and their rivals reached its climax. Chigiri's performance on the field was incredible, his skill and determination evident with every move. Meanwhile, in the stands, you watched intently, the official manager of Blue Lock, cheering on the team you had grown so close to.

As the match concluded with Blue Lock's victory, the players celebrating in the field with the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd as background. You couldn't be more proud of them, a bunch of teenager boys- your teenager boys- just win against profesional team. Chigiri, in the middle of celebreting his win with his teamates, locked eyes with you.

You smiled brightly, so brightly that your watery eyes were half-closed by your big smile. Chigiri start running at your spot in the stands, ready to start a conversation with you.

"Hey, we win" he said breathlessly, a broad smile on his face as he reached you.

"I know, baby! You did it so well I'm so proud of you!" you replied with enthusiasm, jumping to give him a big bear hug. "You guys did it! You guys won- and you're my guys! My boyfriend just won against Japans u-20!

Chigiri just laughed as he lifted you off the ground and spun you around.

Before your conversation could continue, a voice interrupted from behind. "Chigiri!"

Letting you down, you turned around and you saw a woman approaching, her features mirroring Chigiri's in a softer, maternal way. Beside her was a younger girl, who bore a striking resemblance to Chigiri.

"Mom, Sis," Chigiri exclaimed, a mix of delight and apprehension in his voice.

His mother's eyes twinkled with pride. "You were amazing out there, sweetie! We're so proud of you."

Chigiri's sister nodded in agreement, but whe her gaze shifted to you she grinned mischievously. "And who's this? You're not gonna introduce her to us?" she asked, her tone playful.

Chigiri's cheeks reddened slightly. "Uh, this is y/n," he introduced, glancing at you nervous but happily. "She's the team manager... and my girlfriend." He ended up with a big soft smile

Both his mother and sister looked pleasantly surprised. "Oh, we didn't know you had a girlfriend!" his mother exclaimed, her smile widening.

"And a beautiful one!" his sister continued while she gave you a smile. "Damn, Chigiri," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. "You never told us you had such good taste in girlfriends."

Chigiri's embarrassment finally showed, and he tried to subtly nudge you away. "Mom, Sis-please." he muttered.

Chigiri's face turned an even brighter shade of red, much to the amusement of his family. You couldn't help but chuckle at the scene unfolding before you.

"It's a pleasure finally meeting you, Chigiri has told me a lot of things about you." You decided to step in, giving them a little but a respectful bow.

His mother beamed. "Well, it's lovely to finally meet you too. You must come over for dinner sometime."

"Who knew that the boy who used to make dance shows for his family would get a girlfriend? Where did our little singer, dancer and hairdresser go huh?" His sister said teasing.

Chigiri shot you an imploring look, silently begging for some form of rescue. But his sister only grinned wider, clearly enjoying her older brother's predicament.

As you exchanged pleasantries with Chigiri's family, you couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for this young man who had captured your heart. Despite his embarrassment, seeing him interact with his loved ones-and knowing you're one of them made your heart skipped a beat- filled you with warmth. Maybe, just maybe, these unexpected family encounters would be a new chapter in your relationship with Chigiri—a chapter that both of you will be expecting with enthusiasm.

Idk what I just write, I did my best so here you go :)

Please, feel free so send more request! I have a whole month free 'cause I'm getting recovered from a surgery so I have a lot of time.

26/04/24

© asarajaa — Please, do not copy, translate or reuse my work without my permission.

[dsireland86]

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Author's note:

I was sick this whole weekend and was able to get some writing out. Finished "At Odds Pt2" and had no intention of a pt 3 but it happened anyway. Thankfully, pt 3 didn't take me long to write at all 😊 so here it is. If you haven't read the first two parts, you can find the links to the below!

Love you all sooooo much and thanks for reading!!!

At Odds Pt.1 At Odds Pt 2

Noah stood there in the lobby of the hotel watching Y/N follow Matt, Jolly, and Folio to the elevators. She didn't look back once, and he knew why. She didn't want either of them to see her cry. He turned and looked at Nick who'd sat down on one of the stools at the breakfast bar, pulling at his tie to loosen it.

 "What the fuck?" Nick just shook his head, refusing to look up. "Don't start, Noah." "No, I'm gonna start. Why would you say that to her?" "What, the truth?"

Nicholas looked up at Noah, his best friend, the only guy who knew him better than himself, and saw how frustrated he was.

"This thing started out between me and her, Noah. Y/N was supposed to be only mine. But then you got involved." "You told me I could!" "I know!"

The receptionist at the desk cleared her throat, informing Nick and Noah they were being too loud. They decided to move towards the elevators where they'd be less or a nuisance.

"What the hell is going on with you, Nick?" Noah asked, undoing the top buttons of his dress shirt. "I don't know, alright. I just... I like Y/N. A lot. I hate all the sneaking around that we all have to do when we're out together because people can be so fucking stupid. It just sucks. I wish I never agreed to letting you watch that night. If I hadn't, maybe it would be just me and her."

The elevator opened, and they both stepped in. Noah held his tongue, but inside, he was a raging bull over the things Nick had just said.

"That's a really fucked up, selfish thing to say, especially to me. We've been through hell together, man." "Yeah, I know," Nick sighed. "But, I've come to realize that Y/N is the only thing I've ever really felt possessive over. I don't want to see her with anyone else."

Noah's jaw clenched. "That's not your choice to make. Y/N isn't property, Nick. She's a person. A person who's capable of making her own decisions." Noah paused before letting the next words spill out. "But I bet you weren't holding yourself to the same standards, where you, when you let that girl at the wedding put her hands and lips all over you, huh? You're basically cheated on Y/N right in front of her."

The doors to the elevator opened, and they both stepped out.

"That's bullshit, Noah! How can you accuse me of cheating when Y/N gets fucked by the five of us on a regular basis?" "Because that's the definition of a closed poly relationship, Nick! It's only the six of us. What you did was wrong, and it hurt her. If you're feeling so insecure or left out, then talk to Y/N about it. But none of this is supposed to be dramatic. We've been there, done that." "I'm not trying to make it dramatic." "But you are." "You know, why do you care so much about how she feels anyway. Didn't think about it much when the two of you were at each other's throats before all of this started."

Noah suddenly stopped and it took Nick a moment to realize. "What?" "What? Nick, that was like two years ago. Why are you bringing that up? It has nothing to do With right now." "You're not perfect, Noah, that's all I'm saying," Nick stated. Noah scowled, his brows fixed in two creased lines. "I never said I was." "Well, you act like it," Nick stated forcefully, knocking on the hotel door. Noah glared at him. "Fuck you, Nick."

Jolly opened the door, shirtless with sweat glistening on his chest and forehead, and eyes darting between the two of them.

Folio closed the door, locking it behind them, completely unsure of what his next move should be. He stayed quiet, sitting on the edge of the tub as Y/N looked at herself in the mirror, wondering what she was thinking about.

"Are you okay?" Y/N's met his gaze through the glass. She grinned. "I'm fine. I'm just waiting." Folio's heart started to race. "Waiting for what?" Y/N turned around. "For you to come take this dress off me."

Folio huffed a light laugh, letting his head drop before peering back up at her. Loose tendrils of hair fell over his eyes, making Y/N's center wet again.

"You still want me?" Folio asked honestly. "Why wouldn't I?" He shrugged. "Just asking. That's all." They stared at one another for a moment before Y/N reached out for him. "Come here," she beckoned.

Nick obliged her, standing to his feet and coming closer. She slid her arms around his waist and drug her lips lightly over his bare chest before placing soft kisses over his warm skin. He sighed from the feeling, bringing his hands to her head and running them through her hair, as she dragged her nails down the skin of his back.

"You have no idea what you do to me, do you," Folio muttered into her hair. "How painful it was for me to watch Jolly have you the way he did when I wanted you first." "Is that what this is all about? Who has me first?"

Y/N undid his belt and unbuttoned his dress pants again, this time making sure to get them completely off of him.

"No. Not really. It's just the point," he said, releasing a light laugh that vibrated through his chest. Y/N felt it on her lips and smiled when she did. "Well, you have me now," she whispered, kissing his chin as her fingers brushed against his swollen length. "So now what?"

Folio slowly released the breath he'd been holding, clearing his throat and shifting his sight down to the eyes that were watching him. "Come shower with me," he answered, pulling her over to the edge of the tub and turning on the hot water. "Unzip me," she said, turning her back to him and moving her hair out of the way.

His calloused fingers unzipped her dress and pushed it off her shoulders, following it down to her waist where he pushed it off her hips until it fell to the floor, pooling at her feet. Her back was bare, proof she'd gone braless the entire night, and the only thing covering her lower half was the barely there strap of her thong. Her bottom still bore the slight red mark of Jolly's hand from earlier, forcing him to bring his own hand gently down on her skin and caress it.

"God, your ass is so smooth," Nick sighed, leaning down to kiss her shoulder. He pulled her back against his chest, slipping his arms around hers that were covering her breasts.

Y/N gently rubbed her bottom against Folio's erection that was covered by the thin layer of fabric of his boxers. She reached behind her and tugged at the waistband of them, giving him a clear message. Letting her go, Folio removed his boxers and pulled her into the bathtub beneath the pouring hot shower water. Both of them gasped at first, giggling at each other's reactions but were soon tangled up in each other's embrace.

"I don't know what feels better, you or the hot water," Folio teased, kissing the side of her face. "I do," she answered, taking him in her hand. He was thick and warm, throbbing repeatedly against her palm as she squeezed him and teased his tip by rubbing herself against it. "Fuck, yeah you definitely do," he sighed, taking her lips with his.

"Nick," she whined, running her hands over his wet skin. "Yeah, sweetheart." "I need you inside me, please." "Are you sure? Jolly wasn't enough?" "Nick!" "Okay! I'm kidding," he chuckled, walking her back until her back hit the wall of the shower. Lifting her leg and locking it around his hip, Folio lined himself up with her entrance.

"I know I should take my time with you, and if I was feeling nice, I'd let you cum on my tongue before pushing inside you, but I don't want to be nice tonight. I need you, all of you, right now."

To prove his point, he ran the tip of his cock against Y/N's clit, making her moan, and before she could protest, he kissed her: not gently, not sweetly, but hard, pouring his frustration and need of possession of her into every movement. When he pulled back, Y/N was breathless, cheeks flushed, with eyes that burned with something intoxicating. Folio ran his thumb over her swollen lips, smirking when they parted to release a slight moan.

"Don't forget who you belong to," he murmured against her lips, "even if it's just in your head."

Y/N grabbed his face and slammed her lips on his just as he entered her, slipping easily between her folds. Folio's tight, hard thrusts stretched her open, making her moan over and over. Her nails dug into his shoulders as he held her up just enough to keep them connected as hot water poured over his back. Between the water and her arousal, Folio was able to feel her nice and deep, hitting that one spot that he knew her body would react to. Liquid heat coursed through her veins at his touch and her body shivered at his words.

"Oh god you feel so good," she moaned against his lips as he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up until her breasts were mere inches from his face. She wrapped her legs tightly around his torso and grinded against him.

"Needy girl," Folio teased, thrusting harder into her, forcing a short cry of pleasure out of her. He took one of her nipples into his mouth, nipping and sucking it, causing Y/N to huff out a tiny breath. "Are you ready to cum for me, pretty girl?" he whispered. Y/N nodded enthusiastically. "That's my girl."

Picking up his pace, Folio gripped her legs and forcefully thrusted in and out of her as moans and groans of erotic pleasure escaped both of them. Some of his words might have seemed degrading and harsh to some, but to Y/N they were the precipice from which she would fall from, plunging all the way into her orgasm. The back of her head hit the shower wall and she screamed Folio's name the moment he bore his teeth into her skin, biting and marking her.

"Holy fuck, goddamn!" he cried against her neck the second he came inside her, thrusting a few more times before stopping.

He stayed there letting Y/N go to brace himself against the wall as she slowly lowered her legs and feet to the floor of the tub, but remained pinned against the wall. Folio kissed her forehead, breathing hard as the hot water continued pouring over the two of them and eventually moving out of her way. Without speaking, Y/N washed herself then Folio, taking time to pamper him by scrubbing and messaging his back, working out all those over worked drum muscles. They got out, dried off and embraced, staying there in the moment before deciding to leave. Y/N wasn't prepared for what waited on the other side. 

"What's the matter with you two?" Jolly asked, looking from Nick to Noah. He had a feeling it was about earlier in the lobby. "Why are you in Y/N's room?" Nick groaned. "Really, Noah? Are you that dumb?" "Did you and Y/N just have sex? "Oh my god, that's enough," Nick cried, pushing past Jolly and walking into the room.

Y/N was nowhere to be seen but sounds could be heard from the bathroom. Nick's guess was Folio, considering the Matt comment struck a nerve. He sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the sounds they both were making, wondering what it was they were doing to each other to get that kind of reaction.

"Don't think too much into it, Nick," Noah suggested, patting Nick lightly on the shoulder. Nick shrugged him off, crossing his arms over his chest.

The water in the bathroom turned off, and for a while things were quiet. Noah laid back onto one of the beds, scrolling through his phone, when the bathroom door opened and out came Folio and Y/N, still wet and wrapped up in towels. Y/N gasped the moment she saw the two of them.

"Yeah, they just kind of showed up," Jolly muttered to Y/N after picking up his dress shirt from off the floor. "Are you good?" he asked quietly, leaning in closer to her ear.

Y/N couldn't take her eyes off Nick, nor would the surprised look leave her gaze. Yet, she nodded slowly in response to Jolly's question, glancing slightly at him when he kissed her forehead and convinced Folio to leave with him. Folio kissed her cheek then pecked her lips, taping her on the bottom with his shoes as he walked by. The door to the hotel room closed loudly, leaving the three of them alone finally.

Y/N stood still, clutching her towel close to her body, no longer needing to dry off. Her hair was still wet, but already it was partially dry in some spots as she continued staring at the floor, unsure of what to do next. Noah sat up, clearing his throat.

"Do you need some help?" he asked, resting his arms on his knees. Y/N looked over at him, narrowing her eyes "With what?" "I don't freaking know!" Noah sighed, standing up and walking over to her. "Clothes, underwear, a drink, anything?"

Y/N fought the urge to laugh, turning her back to him and walking over to her suitcase where she started rummaging through it for what she needed. Suddenly, it fell off the chair, dumping just about everything onto the floor.

"Crap!" she cried, growling in frustration. "Here, I gotcha," Nick assured her, bending over before she could and grabbed her things, gently placing them back into the case. "Thank you." "You're welcome," Nick replied, turning to face her.

Y/N shuffled through her stuff, grabbing what she needed. "I'm sorry," he apologized softly, grazing the top of her hand with his fingers. "It's fine, Nick," she said quickly, turning away. Nick reached out and grabbed her hand before she could get away. "No, it's not. I was a dick. You didn't deserve what I said. I'm sorry," he apologized again, this time looking up and meeting her eyes. There were tears in their corners and Y/N was fighting hard to not let them fall.

Y/N nodded slowly. "Thank you." "You're welcome. I, uh," Nick stuttered, glancing over at Noah who stood slightly behind Y/N. "I'm sorry about earlier tonight, too, with the, um, the girl at the bar."

That's when the tears fell. They dripped onto Y/N's arms as she squeezed her eyes shut, as if the memory was too painful.

"She was really pretty, Nick. Look, I get it, okay. I know this situation between the six of us isn't normal. None of what we do together is exactly right, but that doesn't change the way I feel about any of you. I love all of you, so freaking much. My heart is big enough to love all of you, I promise. I'm not ready to lose any of you.”

Y/N started to cry, letting the tears fall as if she were afraid she would drown in them if she didn't.

"If you want out of this, that's fine. I completely understand, and I don't blame you, honestly, I don't. But don't stay just because you're afraid of hurting me. I'll be fine, I promise. I just don't want to be the one keeping you from finding the one thing that makes you happy." "You are the one thing that makes me happy, Y/N! That's the whole point! That's why I'm so angry."

Y/N sniffed, looking up into Nick's face, confused. "What do you mean?" "You were mine first! Remember? When you and Noah couldn't even be in the same room together because you couldn't get along? I want to go back to that. I want it to just be us again." "But it can't, Nick! That night between you, me, and Noah changed everything, and you were the one who initiated all of it. You were the one who told him he could watch. This was all you're doing, not mine. So don't punish me because of something you did. It's not right, it's not fair!"

Y/N was right and Nick knew it. What he was feeling was simply nothing short of jealousy and his own selfish pride. He still had her. It wasn't like she'd ever left him. He was the one in the wrong, and had broken the one thing he loved the most. He really was a dick.

"Fuck... Y/N... I'm sorry," he sighed, running his hand over his forehead to the top of his head. "Fuck! I'm such an idiot."

"No you're not," Y/N disagreed, shaking her head. "You're not, Nicky. You're just confused, as am I, and probably Noah, too, but that's okay. We can figure it out together because that's what you do in relationships, you fight for them and grow as people, together. I want to grow with you Nick, and love you through all the highs and lows for however long this thing between the six of us will last. I’m happy with the way everything is right now, as long as you are."

Nick squeezed his eyes shut, wiping the wetness from them quickly. Suddenly nothing else mattered than the girl right in front of him and making her know how he really felt about her. No one was trying to take Y/N from him. It had been his own insecurities; Noah was right. She really did love him just as much as she loved the others. If Y/N said her heart was big enough, then Nick would believe her from then on out.

"Fuck it."

Nick grabbed her hand and pulled her into him, slamming his lips onto hers. The towel dropped and the clothes Y/N held fell out of her hands as she wound her arms around his neck, arching her body against his. She kissed him back like her life depended on it, and tilted her head for the perfect angle which Nick found without even trying. The kiss deepened, as they both stole a little of each other's souls with each swirl and slide of their tongues coming together. In seconds Nick had her on the bed caught up in kisses and touches from Noah as he quickly undressed.

"I owe you, remember," Y/N reminded Noah, helping him with the buttons of his dress shirt.

She unzipped his pants and pulled them down just enough to free his erection, giving her access to all of him that she wanted. Licking the tip, she savored the taste of him that had already collected there, grinning the moment she heard Noah exhale with a loud satisfied groan.

"Holy fuck, you do that so well, princess," Noah muttered, watching her intently while gripping the bed sheets.

Y/N dragged her tongue up his length, watching him fall backwards against the mattress and close his eyes in ecstasy. She took him between her lips and sucked down the smoothness of him, hearing all the exhaled words of appreciation. Nick watched every second of it. His eyes were wide, showing her every shade of green in them the moment she looked over at him. Noah pulsed in her hands after she took him out, forcing Noah to sit up for a moment.

"Whadda... what are you doing? Why'd you stop?" he asked,the panic in his voice, thick. Y/N smiled. "I want to play you with you," she teased, curling her fingers around this hardened length. Noah took a sharp breath as her hand moved up and down his shaft, in slow, steady strokes. Pre-cum leaked from the tip and like a magnet, her tongue was drawn to it, lapping it up gently. "Ohhhh, god," Noah moaned, running his hands down his face.

He fell back into the mattress, gathering a handful of her hair as she hallowed out her cheeks with his tip hitting the back of her throat. Slightly she gagged, letting the excess saliva run down her hand, gipping him tightly as her hand moved up and down smoothly, bringing Noah towards the edge.

"Oh god, oh god, baby, don't stop," Noah begged, gripping her hair tighter as her head moved up and down. "Fuck, yeah! I'm almost there, princess," he panted, licking his lips and looking down meeting her gaze. Her tongue swirling one more time around his tip as she licked him up and down, sent a shudder through him and with one more loud groan for a warning, Noah exploded inside her mouth. Some she swallowed, but the rest she allowed to spill out onto his stomach as she continued to hold him tightly in her grip as he came down.

Noah laid there, chest heaving up and down while Y/N cleaned him off after rinsing her mouth and downing a cup of water. He ran his hands down his face one more time before sitting up, meeting Y/N's cool, wet lips instantly. He returned her kiss, pulling her into his lap as their tongues tangled and danced, the bodies craving more of each other. Y/N pulled back, her breasts still pressed tightly against Noah's chest. He knew, without her even having to speak, what she was saying.

"I'll wait," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

Y/N climbed off, into the arms of Nicholas, who'd been patiently waiting for her. Once he had her it was as if all time had stopped. He took her face in his hands and kissed her slowly, relishing the taste of her lips and tongue. She tasted like sunshine and chaos, just like she was making Nick feel; and he loved it.

"On the bed. Lie down," he ordered her. She did, feeling the shaking of her thighs as she nibbled her bottom lip. "It should've been me," Nick said, climbing onto the bed and running his hands up her thighs. "only me; to touch you, to taste you," parting her legs.

He leaned in and ran his tongue up her slit, feeling her squirm beneath his touch, before sharing her taste with her lips as his tongue passed the flavor onto hers. Nick kissed her slowly, lining himself up with her entrance and pressed into her, pulling out and pushing back in slowly a few times before reaching past her barrier and into her slick walls. Y/N cried out and shuddered from the welcomed intrusion, grabbing onto Nick by his shoulders and digging her nails into his back.

"Nick," she cried, as his thrusts were slow, pulling out so only his head was stretching her wide. "Say it again," he growled, softly. "Nicky," she gasped, gripping him tighter. "Who's fucking you, baby?" A choked sob left Y/N's lips. "You are Nicky, you are," she breathed.

Then he slammed into her, her whole body jerked as her grip on his shoulders tightened. Nick brought his hand to her throat and tightened his grip, allowing himself to unleash as he pounded into her until she was crying and begging for more. Each time he somehow managed to give it. Pulling her legs up, Nick placed them on his shoulders, bending her until she cried out from how deep he was, filling her completely.

"Fuck," he swore. "I need you with me, beautiful. Tell me you're close!"

Y/N could only moan in response. Nick thrusted into her one last time, holding himself there, buried deep until he felt his release and quickly pulled out, spilling himself over the skin of Y/N's stomach. She laid there, completely spent, exhausted in so many ways.

Nick was out of breath and weak, yet managed the perfect aftercare for Y/N in the sweetest ways, like always. That night was some of the best sleep for both of them, and when morning came and Y/N was still wrapped up in Nick's arms, they knew things would be okay from then on out.

Being at odds with one another was a task to overcome for all of them, but little by little it happened until eventually everyone was comfortable in their own skin and each had their role and place in the whole thing. It eventually felt normal to all of them even if their normal was different than everyone else's.