#sorry 4 any mistakes 2 I DID rush a little

[splatcat64]

WOOO okay, just got back from a small outing so I can finally post this!! I did a huge borderlands artfight attack with one of my own, and a bunch of people's ocs! This version has a few minor tweaks n' fixes, and is in general higher quality [I think???] than the artfight file!!

If any of you have tags for your ocs, let me know, and I'll add them if you want!

@doglintime @xdeewolfx @splashtail @sketchbloom

[kentoxo]

friction | reader (f) x crush!nanami pt.5

pairing: reader (f) x crush!nanami

synopsis: [AU] you have always had a crush on nanami. since the day you were hired as his personal assistant, you've been right at his side combating numbers and making money within the finance department for the company you two worked for. but, things take a turn when nanami catches wind of your feelings, and rejects you. little did he know the weight of his mistake.

warnings: angst, heartbreak, sexual tension, jealousy (future smut)

a/n: AHHH sorry for the late update! work and school are beating me up! thank you all for your patience and kindness-- your compliments for this fic have been lifting my mood! i have added (i think) everyone who has asked to be added. i will be closing the taglist as its getting quite large.

all parts: pt.1, pt.2, pt.3, pt.4,

December | Tokyo, Japan | Monday

The moment you entered the office, relief washed over you as the intense heat from the vents warmed your body. 

The weather was unkind during the winter in Japan, proving its rudeness by coating you completely in snow. A handful of your coworkers brushed the snow off of you as you passed by them. With rosy cold cheeks and heavy breaths, you get settled into your desk and shake your legs in an attempt to get warm. As you brought your hands up to your mouth to breathe warm air, you looked to your right to see Nanami’s desk. 

It felt barren, despite only a few folders and documents missing. His computer was still there, but he was likely using his laptop for the day instead. A few pens were picked out of his holder/cup, along with his notebook in the small cabinet that hung beneath his desk. His favorite mug was gone as well. It almost felt like Nanami was never there. 

Coffee. You reluctantly left your seat, and began walking over to the cafe. You continue to blow warm air into your hands, walking haggardly over to get Nanami’s usual coffee, and a hot chocolate for yourself. After the short line, you walk up to the cashier, getting kindly greeted with a curt bow. 

“Ah– good morning,” you say quickly, ushering for her to stand straight once more. “How is everyone today?” You eye over at the rest of the baristas and chefs within the space of their cafe. The cafe was round and large enough to allow the cafe team to walk around one another. There were cashiers all around the circle of the cafe, allowing them to tend to more staff easier.  

A sea of ‘good morning!’ and ‘good’ responses follow your question. You smile, “I’m glad to hear it. Is Tae in by any chance?” 

The manager of the cafe quickly rushes out to greet you, “ah, Y/L/N, good morning! How was your weekend?” Your question gets lost in the chit chatter. 

After a brief exchange of weekend plans, you look around the cafe staff. “Is Tae in today?” 

“He is,” the manager began, her voice soft, “he’s in the back preparing the coffee for Nanami kacho.” 

You tilted your head, “I… didn’t even order yet. Surely he must be psychic.” 

The manager chuckles, “if only. He’s such a peach, Y/L/N– that boy immediately got to work the moment he stepped into the cafe.” 

“I’m surprised he isn’t nervous,” you began curiously, “today is his first day.”

“You guys hired right when it came to this boy,” the manager praised, “it has yet to be an hour and he already cleaned and set up his own station. He made sure to be quick so he could ask for this time to prepare your boss’ cup of coffee.” 

You were really glad that he was acclimating well. Although you always had trust within the cafe team that they would help him assimilate, it was also good to see he was taking initiative on his own. And, since you helped him get hired, it only felt right to check in and make sure he was starting off well. 

“Did you want your usual as well?” The cashier chimed. 

“Oh no,” you shake your head, “it’s way too cold for an iced coffee. But, I’d love a hot chocolate if possible.” 

“Anything for you,” the cashier insisted, informing another barista about your order. Although the cafe was technically free for the office as the entire cafe staff was salaried, you still left a good tip in their tip jar. “Y/N, you always do this! You know you don’t have to.” 

“Do what?” You feigned confusion, amusing the cashier as she thanked you for your constant kindness. You turn to the manager, “if you can spare Tae for a few minutes, I’d like to bring him over to meet Nanami personally.” 

“Is that allowed?” The manager quickly questions. She was right to be careful. Only the Finance team is allowed in the department. Other departments and outsiders can only enter upon invitation, unless they are heads or leaders of other departments. 

You nod, “I invited him, so don’t worry. Plus, my boss’ office is just to the side there, so we won’t go through any of the offices at all.” 

The manager quickly nods, “then he’s all yours. Tae, please come out with the drinks once they are ready.” 

In minutes, the young barista comes out, two cups in his hand. It was surprising to see him without his usual uniform, as he no longer works for the cafe that you poached him from. He was comfortable in a black crew neck and joggers. His eyes were emerald green, and he had a slit cut in his left eyebrow. His lack of uniform hat also allowed you to notice his shaggy chestnut hair. Particularly, he had a small braid dangling from the back left side of his hair.

He was suddenly flush when meeting your eyes, giving you a curt bow in the midst of his nerves. “K-kacho,” he lets out firmly. You couldn’t help but giggle a bit. You move forward and pat his shoulder gently. 

“Tae, I’m not your higher up,” you begin quietly. “It has a ring to it, though. But, please feel free to call me by my name.” 

He stands up straight again, but tilts his head a bit, “are you sure?” 

You nod, “you won’t be disrespecting me, I promise.” 

Tae eyes you skeptically, but he gulps hesitantly, “Y/N…-san.” 

The cafe team swim in giggles and chuckles. You join them, grinning widely at the man, “close enough. I’ll be borrowing you for a few minutes if that’s alright with you.” 

“O-of course!” Tae quickly rushes to your side, smiling down at you eagerly. You didn’t quite realize how tall he was until he was beside you. You think he’s just about as tall as Nanami. What is up with these tall men? You huffed at the thought. 

You wave goodbye to the cafe team and walk towards Nanami’s office. You weren’t necessarily eager to see him, but you always got his cup of coffee no matter what. Even with your feelings in a rut, he was still the best boss you’ve been under. Although, if Shoko heard that, she’d throw quite the tantrum. She is the head of the Sales department, and you were under her before you were transferred to Finance. You were humored by your thoughts, which were quickly interrupted when Tae offered you a cup. 

“The hot chocolate you requested,” Tae hums with glee. 

“Ah, thank goodness,” you sigh in relief, taking the hot coffee from his hand. You wrap both hands around it, relishing in its warmth. You bring it up to your cheek, warming up part of your face. “It’s great, thank you so much.” 

Tae chuckles at you, “you haven’t even tried it.” 

“There was a reason my boss wanted to hire you,” you begin, putting the cup away from you before you burn yourself. “I have no doubt that this will be the most delicious hot chocolate I’ll ever have.” 

“You two… are extremely kind,” Tae hums quietly, “I don’t mean to be so sentimental, especially as we’re still just strangers, but taking this job feels like the best choice I’ve made in a while.” 

You smile warmly at him, “well, I’m glad! My boss really appreciates your craftsmanship and figured it would be best utilized here.” 

Tae smiles from the flattery, “is there only one cafe in this whole company?” 

“Oh goodness, no, this building and its staff is way too big for that,” you immediately point out, “there’s a cafe on every floor here. We weren’t hiring for another barista until my boss decided he wanted you in our department.” 

Tae looks over at you, a light pink hue on his cheeks, “is that so? There’s so many really good baritas in this city– I’m just some guy.” 

You shrug, “we’re all just some people. But of all the cups of coffee we’ve had, you make it the best.” 

“Well, I’m very grateful,” Tae hums, “everything about this place is so much better than my last job. I can finally do more.” 

You could feel your heart warm from his words. You could see the relief and calmness in his expression. Whenever you went to retrieve Nanami’s usual cup of joe, Tae would be practically muted as he would focus on his orders. But never within his business has he ever made a bad drink. 

“Well, thank you for making such delicious drinks,” you chime, “not to intimidate you, but the President of this company also works from this floor. So you will see him fairly often.”

“Ah well,” he brings a hand to the back of his neck. You notice he pushes his little braid a bit. “I’ll do my best.” 

Before the two of you could continue, Haibara runs out from Nanami’s office. His usual lively eyes were hanging low, a hand covering his forehead in stress. His usual pulled down hair was up and pointed every which way. You could only imagine how many times he’s passed his fingers through his hair without fixing it back. You rush over to him, with Tae right behind you while still careful with Nanami’s coffee. 

“Haibara?” Worry escapes your tongue. “What’s wrong?” 

“Please tell me you have his coffee,” Haibara murmurs. He holds your shoulders, fear in his half-closed eyes. “Please tell me that’s why you’re here.” 

You nod, gesturing to Tae, “I had asked Tae, the barista he just hired, to come bring him his usual morning cup.” 

Haibara looks over at Tae, putting a hand out to shake it, “it’s very nice to meet you, thank you for your service.” You kindly take the cup of coffee from Tae’s hand and grin over at him. Tae could only smile back while Haibara shook his hand with purpose. 

“Is… Nanami okay?” You quickly ask, looking over at Nanami’s now closed door. 

Haibara lets go of Tae and shakes his head, “he’s over the edge. Takada shacho sent a few of his assistants to help out as we host our clients for the next few days. They’re lovely, but they don’t know Nanami…” 

Is that right… You let out a sigh. Whenever something doesn’t go Nanami’s way, he can become agitated beyond approach. But, it was a little annoying for him to pass off your help during this client visit, only to get assigned other assistants to help instead. “Did they not get him his usual coffee?” 

“Y/N, they don’t know what he usually gets,” Haibara points out. 

“Did he not tell them?” 

“He conveniently forgot how he likes it made.” 

Rolling your eyes, you turn over to Tae with a sympathetic smile, “I’m sorry, Tae. Let me introduce you to him another day. I wouldn’t want you to meet him during his… less ideal moments.”

Tae understood the situation well and curtly bowed to both you and Haibara, “I hope this coffee helps. It was nice to meet you, Haibara-kun, and thank you, Y/N-san.” You gave him silent gratitude when you lifted both drinks and nodded at his departure. Tae lingered his stare at you for a few more moments before going back to the cafe. 

“Is he the one that makes Nanami’s coffee?” Haibara hums curiously. 

“That is him, yes.” 

Haibara squints at Tae before he disappears from view. He looks back at you, noticing the confused expression on your face. He could tell you were curious about his question, and reaction, but Haibara was quick to bring back the topic at hand. “Please come into his office.” 

You kindly knock on the door, and receive an irritated response, “who is it?” 

“It’s Y/N,” you call from behind his door, “I have your cup of coffee.”

Immediately, the door opened, and Nanami rushed from his desk to meet you at the doorway. In the corners of your eyes, you could see the assistant standing at the sides of his office. They looked straight at one another, with hands attached in the front of their waists. 

But, Nanami’s relieved face distracts you from the suddenly filled office. Though he looked well kept and groomed, you could tell he was off. Exhaustion defined his eyes, those hazel orbs not being able to stand out from his sunken circles. A vein protrudes from his temple, almost beckoning for a headache to start. He smiles down at you, almost like you were the greatest thing to happen this morning. 

“Is that my…” he begins, his voice low and hoarse. 

You offer him the coffee, which he immediately takes a whiff before taking a desperate swig. In seconds, he practically gulps it down, both you and Haibara jumping from how bold he was. The coffee was piping hot still, despite it being done just a few minutes ago. A stream of coffee begins to go down the end of his lips, slowly making its way to his chiseled chin. 

As he finishes the cup, you fish out a napkin from your back pocket. You kindly take the finished cup of coffee in exchange for your napkin. He graciously takes it, patting his mouth dry with no trace of coffee to be seen. It was like magic, the way life returned to Nanami’s eyes and body. 

“Truly, what would I do without you, Y/N,” Nanami hums. Even his tone was more at ease. “Thank you very much for bringing me that cup, you really didn’t have to, considering what I asked of you during this time.” 

Peeking over his shoulder, you could see over 12 cups of coffee on his desk. Unknown to you, only a sip has been taken from all of them. “I’m still your assistant, even if I’m currently inactive. Besides, it’s already a habit that I get your morning coffee.” 

“Please, if you can,” he rushes back to his desk to come back with a notepad and a pen, “write down exactly what you ask for when you get my coffee. I’ll have the girls here memorize it so they can bring it for me from now on.” 

You look at him, hesitant about his words, “it’s only until Wednesday, no? There’s no need for them to memorize something that takes me only a few minutes to get for you.” 

“Speaking of, ladies,” he calls to them without leaving his gaze from you. “Can you fetch me the documents from the printer? They should have my name on it all– it’s 100 pages or so.” The assistants nod before walking past the both of you. You could swear they had malice in their intent when they grinned at you. “Anyhow, the reason I’d like for them to memorize it is only in the case that this might extend past the 3 days I set.” 

“Can I ask about that?” You gestured to the spots where the assistants just were. “You told me that I would not be needed for the next few days due to confidentiality reasons. But they’re here– why is that?” 

Nanami stayed quiet for a moment. While gathering his thoughts, you take a sip of the hot chocolate that Tae prepared for you. The delicatably, chocolatey drink greets your tongue kindly, the deliciously sweet taste enhanced by cinnamon and clove that was added. You smile subconsciously, content at its inviting taste and warmth. 

“Did you hear me, Y/N?” 

“A-ah, no, m’sorry!” You exclaim. Your admiration for the hot chocolate completely deafened you from Nanami’s explanation. Which was a first, considering you’d listen to Nanami talk your ear off about stocks and the ever changing currencies of different countries. “Please, repeat that.” 

“They are tenured assistants of Takada shacho,” Nanami says simply, “it is critical to have assistants that know how to host clients, ensuring our space is comfortable and catered to them. Which, speaking of.” He looks up at Haibara, “our clients should be here any minute– please head downstairs and meet with them.” 

“On it,” Haibara replies. Before he leaves, he subtly gives you a poke on your back, a weak attempt to ease you. 

You walk over to Nanami’s trash and toss the two cups away, silently collecting your thoughts. “So, what I’m understanding is I couldn’t be guided to do the same thing?” 

“It is your first year as my assistant, Y/N,” Nanami explains. “And these clients were sudden. There was no time to show you, nor did I want to bombard you with something like this.” 

“But I’m your assistant,” you urge, “it is my job to do what you need me to do.” 

“That’s right,” Nanami points out, “and what I need you to do is continue carrying out work independently under Haibara’s guidance. Do not worry about fetching me my morning coffee. Write down the order and I’ll end them the email.”

Reluctantly, you scribble down the order on a note and hand it to him. It’s not fair. You understood that he would be hosting these clients and wouldn’t be able to actively be your supervisor as his hands would be completely full. But to instead accept other assistants to do your work and beyond that was obscene. Sure, you weren't tenured, but there was a reason why you were transferred from Sales to Finance. There was a reason why you were praised so often. Nanami used to jokingly worry about you potentially being transferred to another department as he’s become comfortable with your work aptitude. 

But, in this moment, you try to remind yourself of Haibara’s words. Nanami never wanted a female assistant until you came along. You worked hard to prove yourself as someone dependable at this job, and that has yet to go wrong. And… you were sure Nanami wasn’t doing all of this because he didn’t believe in you. He didn’t want to overwhelm you, and that is a very considerate gesture. 

Right? 

“Understood,” you say sternly, “good luck with everything. I know everything is going to go well. I’ll take my leave now, Nanami kacho.” 

Once again, another unsettled stare from Nanami comes through. You turned around quickly to go back to your desk, but you felt a hand cup your shoulder. Turning around a bit, you widen your eyes to see Nanami right behind you. He quickly lets you go when you turn around to face him completely. His cheeks were lightly painted with hues of pink, hazel eyes frantically looking to not meet your own. 

“Y/N, before you go, I’d like to ask you about something.”

Before Nanami could continue his inquiry, he saw Haibara coming down the hallway from the elevators. Several men with suits followed right behind him, pitting nerves into Nanami’s stomach. You turn around to look as well, quickly making yourself disappear as you rush back to your desk. Nanami looks at your distant figure lamentably before looking towards his clients with a wide smile. 

Taglist: [Now Closed]

@blossomedfloweroflove @numblytemporary @everyoneandtheirmothers @animechick555 @inthedarkshadows000

@m-arj-1 @julk4e @hadassery @swoozleee @angxlsatvrn

@v1x3n @s-witch-bitch @furgusonn @watyousayin @thechaoticarchivist

@simp-manhwa @5sos-wdw @ffyona1214 @phantombaby @evangel44xxcds

@ukiyodestiny @jasminelee324 @eurydxceorphxus @moonlightazriel @s3rp3ntsssc0ve

@dusty-dweller @wifenanami @bokuatsubro

[streetlight11]

The Boy Next Door

Summary: Being friends with a regular customer is great. But finding out that their cute friend turns out to live right next door to you? Sounds like fate to me...

Theme: neighbours au, strangers to lovers

Genre: fluffy

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, drunk people, clubbing, an elderly falling down but no major injury or death

W/C: 7k

Pairing: Kim Seungmin x Fem!Reader

a/n: Hihi! I got bored and wrote this with no particular reason. Just saw him on my phone screen one day and felt like writing a fic about him 😅 This wasn't proof read so my apologies if there's any mistakes in my writing. Hope you enjoy! ✨

Today was another day at work as it was a Thursday afternoon. You were just making the coffee orders when your manager said she was going to bank in yesterday’s profits. She would probably take about 2 hours before she comes back so you would be left alone to mend the cafe. She’s done this multiple times because she trusts you and that she knows you are well capable of running the cafe alone.

Although that sounds horrible on your end, you did feel glad that you are indeed able to make all the drinks and foods on your own after working here for almost 4 years. After you had just finished making the order, you pressed the buzzer number. Once the girl had taken her drink and returned the buzzer to you, you went over to the cashier only to see a familiar face.

“Hey… You’re early today?” You asked as Chris smiled at you. Chris is a regular customer here at the cafe you worked at for a few months now and he even became friends with you and your co-worker.

“Hey, yeah. My friends and I wanted to sit somewhere and discuss our next song. Are you alone?”

“Yeah. My manager went to the bank so I’m assuming she won’t be back for quite a while.” You shrugged as he passed you his phone with a whole list of orders. You began to key in the orders while he continued to talk to you.

“Does she do that often? Leave you to mend the cafe alone?"

“Sometimes, yeah.” You sighed.

“But that’s staff abuse, isn’t it?” Chris looked genuinely concerned for you.

“If you think about it, yeah.”

“Aren’t you gonna do anything about it?”

“No? Must I remind you that I need this job?” You chuckled softly and he sighed.

“You can search for other places, Y/N.”

“I know but… I’ve grown to like it here. Minus my manager of course.” You said with a sad frown on your face and he sighed yet again.

“It’s just that… I think you should reconsider changing-” Chris was about to finish his sentence when a guy with dirty blonde hair came over to cut him off.

“Hyung, can I add something to our order?” He asked as you looked back and forth between them.

“Yeah, of course. What do you wanna add?” The guy glances over to you briefly before he whispers into Chris’ ear with his hand covering it and you stifle a laugh. Then, Chris cracks a smile and relays the message to you.

“Can you add one chocolate muffin please?”

“That’ll be an additional $5 charge to the final bill.” You teased, only for the guy to look surprised.

“Just kidding.” You giggled, hearing Chris chuckle while his friend relaxed a little.

“O-Oh…” He whispered quietly to himself.

“He’s cute…” You thought to yourself.

Just then, another guy rushes over to make a change to the order.

“Hi, sorry but can you change the Ice Blended Hazelnut Latte to Iced Mocha? Thank you!” The purple haired guy with adorable cheeks and muscular arms directed his words to you and this made you smile.

“Hi. And sure.” You said, making the change before looking back up to ask, “Any last changes before we proceed to make payment?”

The 3 of them looked at each other before Chris shook his head to you.

“Great.” You smiled at all of them and told Chris the total price. Once he was done paying, you gave the buzzer and receipt to Chris before they went back to their tables. You prepared their drinks while humming to the song on your playlist that was playing through the speakers in the cafe. Meanwhile, Seungmin kept glancing over behind the counter where you were by the espresso machine making the drinks.

Chan noticed this since he was sitting opposite Seungmin so he smiled as he nudged Seungmin’s arm and nodded his head towards you.

“What’s wrong, Seungmo?”

“H-Huh? Nothing, hyung. Was wondering if I should get some pastries to go.” Seungmin made up an excuse as he pretends to listen to the conversation. However, a couple of minutes later, Chan caught him looking over at you again. Suddenly, their buzzer began to buzz indicating that their orders were ready for collection. Changbin was about to stand when Chan stopped him.

“Hey Seungmin? Maybe you should go.” Chan said as the rest began to pick up the situation.

Minho then poked Seungmin’s side to tease him.

“Yeah, go talk to your new crush while you’re at it.” Minho said. Seungmin hissed at him but got up nonetheless. You were just wiping the collection counter when Seungmin came up to you.

“Uh… Here you go. Thanks.” Seungmin said as you smiled at him and took the buzzer from him. The only thing is, there’s two trays for them but only one person to carry. So you decided to offer some help.

“I’ll help you with this tray.” You said as he opened his mouth to say something but you were already leaving the back counter with their second tray. Both of you made your way to the table as Seungmin began to distribute the drinks while Chris helped with the ones on your tray. Once all the drinks and dessert had been placed on the table, you tapped Seungmin’s arm softly to get his attention.

“I can take the tray.” You said and he passed it to you.

“Um, thank you.” Seungmin gave you a small smile which you couldn’t help but return.

“No worries. Enjoy your drinks.” You politely said before you walked off.

The minute Seungmin sits down, Hyunjin and Changbin began to tease him in a good way. Seungmin could only brush them off and occasionally threaten them to shut up and it worked. They stayed at the cafe for about two hours or so, discussing their new song.

You were busy the entire two hours with the cleaning and making orders but it was still manageable.

About 10 minutes ago, your manager came back when there was a queue at the cashier. She didn’t bother to help as she went directly into the back room to do god knows what. You handled the orders as best as you could without her help. Not like she’s ever been much help all these while anyways. Not too long after, your co-workers who were working the evening shift just came and they both quickly put their bags down on top of the fridge and helped to make the drinks before they could even take their aprons.

After all the orders were completed and the last customer had taken her drink, only then did they let out a sigh and talked to you.

“Where’s Manager-nim?” Jimin asked, looking around.

“In the back room. She went to the bank 2 hours ago and she just came back like 15 minutes before you guys arrived?” You explained and they scoffed.

“She’s a nightmare. I don’t understand how she’s even a manager.” Jungkook said with a disgusted face and you laughed.

“Well, while you’re both taking your aprons, you can go say hi to her.” You teased them, only for Jungkook to pinch your side and you squeaked.

Another 30 minutes passed, your shift had just ended. Your manager had already left work unusually early, not like you guys cared anyway. You went to the back to change out of your uniform and wore the clothes you did when you came to work this morning. After you’ve kept your uniform in your bag, you leave the back room to say bye to your colleagues. Jimin was making his iced tea while Jungkook was just leaning against the counter and talking to Jimin.

You walked over to steal a bite of Jungkook’s apple pie and he scoffed at you.

“Excuse me, Missy? Go get your own pie.” Jungkook said with a growing smile on his face.

“Nah. I love stealing yours.” He laughed as Jimin poured the tea into the cup filled with ice cubes.

“You’re working tomorrow right?” Jimin asked.

“Yeah, morning shift again.”

“Are you doing anything at night?”

“Hmm, I don’t have any plans if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Jungkook and I are planning to go to the club tomorrow night. Wanna come?”

“Why should I? You’re both just gonna get drunk and go hook up with someone halfway through, leaving me all alone.”

“Nah. I don’t do hookups anymore. I’ve changed.” Jungkook says proudly but you could only giggle.

“Yeah right.” You said as Jungkook rolled his eyes jokingly to you.

“Fine. I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” You said before turning to leave, not forgetting to wave goodbye to them. As you were leaving the back counter, Chris and his friends were leaving the cafe as well.

“Oh Y/N. You’re leaving too?” Chris asked.

“Yeap.” You smiled at him, only for your eyes to naturally glide over to the blonde guy from earlier who was just behind Chris.

“So I’m guessing you’re heading home right now?” Chris asked, making you nod.

“Yeah. Gotta feed my parrot.”

“You have a parrot?” Seungmin asks curiously and you nod.

“Mhm! I’ve had him for 3 years now.”

“Oh, that’s nice. What’s the breed?”

“He’s an Indian Ringneck parrot.” You said as you showed them your phone wallpaper which was a picture of your parrot.

“Oh, he’s so cute!” Chris squeaked.

“Does he have a name?” Seungmin asked.

“His name is Zico! You guys should meet him one day.” You naturally blurt out this suggestion which kind of surprises him a little. Chris, not so much since he’s known you a little longer than Seungmin did.

“That would be nice. Maybe one day.” Chris smiled at you. Just then, you turned to Seungmin who had a soft smile on his face.

“I’d love to meet your parrot some day.” He said softly which made you smile. You then bid them goodbye since you would be parting ways now. You didn’t forget to say goodbye directly to Seungmin before you left and this woke the butterflies in his stomach.

The following day after work, you went home and suddenly remembered the proposal Jimin had offered you yesterday. It would be nice to just relax and cuddle up on your sofa alone at home, watching your favourite movies. However, going out to spend the night with two of your close buddies from work also sounds nice. Therefore, you decided to go ahead with the plan. You told them you’ll meet them there and so they got excited. You picked out your outfit which was a simple black sleeveless dress with strings to hold the back material together.

You paired it with a simple 3 inch heel so your feet don't hurt. When you made it to the club, you struggled to find your friends at first. But when you did, you caught them chilling at the bar. So you slinged your arms over the outer shoulders so that you would be in between them.

“Hi, handsome. Ready to party?” You asked and they smirked. Jungkook openly checks you out as he winked at you playfully.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Jimin said and you cheered. For the next 40 minutes, you drank a whole glass of Daiquiri and were now dancing on the dancefloor with them both. Jimin was standing in front of you while Jungkook was behind you.

They were your human shields from other drunk people who prey on drunk girls in the club. You held both Jimin’s hands as you danced with him to the song. Meanwhile, Jungkook was just moving to the beat behind you when suddenly, the song changed into a romantic but slightly slower beat. Jimin let go of your hands while he slowly got immersed in the song. You were just closing your eyes, allowing your body to move with the rhythm of the song when you felt a pair of hands sliding onto your waist and over your stomach.

You glance down to see Jungkook’s full right sleeve tattooed arm wrapping around your body while he pulls you into a back hug. He pressed his cheek against the side of your head only to say something in your ear.

“Whoever you date next, will be the luckiest guy on this earth.” You smiled as you pulled away only to find him smiling at you. He danced with you for a bit before the song changed again. After another hour or so, all 3 of you decided to go home and call it a night. Jungkook made sure to send you back home to your doorstep which you appreciated so much.

He unlocked your apartment door for you and brought you inside, removing your heels by the door and led you to your bedroom. Jungkook made sure to tuck you in before he wished you goodnight softly and made his way out of your apartment. He had just locked your front door just before he slammed your door shut and twisted the knob to make sure it was really locked when he turned around to find a guy walking past him. The guy flashed him a small smile and Jungkook did the same. Jungkook strolls slowly back to the lift lobby, stumbling a bit in his walk but was quick to recover.

Seungmin watched him walk to the lift lobby as he then glanced over at your door, not knowing that you lived there. Nevertheless, Seungmin enters his apartment which is right next to yours.

A week had passed and it was a Sunday afternoon. You were going to run some errands so you prepared to leave. You had just opened your door to leave when Chris shocked you.

“Y/N?! You live here?” Chris asked.

“Apparently…” You laughed as the rest of his friends were behind him only to walk around him while exchanging their hellos with you.

“What are you doing here?” You asked as you locked your door.

“We were going to just hang out at Seungmin’s place today.” Upon hearing that name, you turned around confused.

“Seungmin?”

As soon as you said his name, the door next to you opened and Seungmin peeked his head out from the doorway. He was surprised to see you but still greeted you nonetheless.

“Y-You… Hi?”

“Uh, hey!” You said with a smile on your face.

“She lives here, Seungmo. Didn’t you know?” Chris asked, only for him to shake his head.

“We’ve never bumped into each other before, hyung.”

“Really?! That’s so weird.” Chris said but then Felix joins in.

“Well, it seems like it’s fate.” Felix giggled as he rushed into his friend’s apartment while Seungmin was left standing there awkwardly blushing. You couldn’t help but giggle at how cute he looked.

“Since you guys live right next to each other, you guys can hang out more often.” Chris wiggles his eyebrows at you and Seungmin cheekily.

“Yeah. That would be nice.” You said while Seungmin glared at his friend.

“Okay then. I shall leave you guys to it. See you around Seungmin… And I’ll see you at the cafe, Chris.” You laughed as he did the same but nodded to your words. They briefly watched you leave before Seungmin grabbed Chan by his arm and forced him into his apartment.

“What are you doing, hyung?! Are you crazy?” Seungmin grumbles while Chan removes his shoes to join the others in the living room.

“Relax Seungmin, I’m doing you a favour.”

“What favour is there to do if she already has a boyfriend?” Seungmin asked and the rest of them went silent.

“Boyfriend? What are you talking about?” Chan asked, slightly confused. Seungmin sighed, feeling a little hesitant to tell them but he did anyway.

“Last weekend, when I was about to reach my apartment, I caught that guy who works with her leaving her apartment. He looked a little tipsy when he left too.” Seungmin sighed as he plops down next to Jeongin.

“Which guy?” Chan asks since he knows a lot about you at this point.

“He’s the one with the full sleeve tattoo on his right arm.” Immediately, Chan lets out a relieved sigh.

“Oh, Jungkookie… They’re just friends. He’s quite touchy with almost everyone he’s close with. But Y/N once told me that Jungkook and her are just very close friends, nothing more. So don’t worry. He’s not her boyfriend. You’re still safe to continue.” Chan encouraged Seungmin while the others did the same as well.

“W-What if you’re wrong? What if they decided to date each other now? What if she’s not telling you the truth? What if-” Seungmin was about to go on about his questions when Hyunjin stopped him.

“Kim Seungmin… Just ask her out. You can’t just assume things without getting a proper answer. Ask her out and see what she says. If she rejects you then maybe she is dating someone. If she accepts then hey? That’s one step closer for you.”

“Yeah, Seungmin ah. Just go for it. You wouldn’t know if you haven’t tried.” Jisung said as Seungmin let out a soft sigh, knowing his friends were right. He was afraid of getting rejected but at least he’ll get his answer on whether you’re single or unavailable. Then from there he could decide whether to go on or not.

A couple of days later, you were working as usual when you saw Seungmin enter the cafe alone. You didn’t expect to see him here because normally, it would be Chris who walks into the cafe at this hour. Nonetheless, when he meets your eyes, you flash him a warm smile.

“Hi.” You greeted softly and he grins at you adorably.

“H-Hi.”

“What can I get for you today?” You asked as he glanced over at the fridge to point at one of the cakes before looking back at you.

“I’ll have a cheesecake and one iced vanilla latte to go, please? Thank you.” Seungmin said and you keyed in his order.

“Anything else?”

He shook his head and you proceeded with the payment. After he had paid for his order, you gave him the receipt and he went over to wait by the collection counter. While you were preparing his order, Seungmin couldn’t hide his nervousness so he texted Chan.

Seungmin [sent at 2:13 pm]: I can’t do it

Chanie Hyung [read at 2:13 pm]: What?!

Chanie Hyung [read at 2:13 pm]: Don’t you dare back out now, Kim Seungmin >:(

Seungmin [sent at 2:14 pm]: What if she says no?

Chanie Hyung [read at 2:14 pm]: You haven’t even tried asking, how would you know she’ll say no?

Seungmin [sent at 2:15 pm]: Shit, she’s almost done. Hyung I can’t do it…

Chanie Hyung [read at 2:16 pm]: Seungmo, you’re gonna regret not asking her out afterwards… Trust me. There’s no harm in asking…

As Seungmin tries to process Chan’s last message, you gently call his name to get his attention. You slide the bag which has his drink and the cake in a small box towards him with a smile.

“Thanks for coming. Have a good weekend.” You said to him.

Seungmin simply flashed you a small shy smile before he thanked you and took the bag from you. Seungmin was about to open his mouth but then he saw Jungkook leaving the back room while tying his apron string around his back. With that being said, Seungmin left without a second thought and this somehow disappoints you a little. After he left in a rush, Jungkook pokes your side and questions.

“Who was that? Your friend?” Jungkook asked casually as he removed the portafilter from the coffee machine and gently slammed it upside down by the handle to remove the used ground coffee into the bin.

“He’s Chris’ friend actually and apparently my neighbour too.” You chuckled while he wiped the filter with a towel to clean the leftover coffee grounds.

“Oh right. He lives right next to you. I think I bumped into him that night when I sent you home after we went to the club with Jimin hyung.”

“You did?” Your voice was soft now as he nodded.

“He probably thinks I’m your boyfriend or date.”

“Well, if you saw a random guy leaving your crush’s place and is slightly tipsy, you would assume they at least hooked up.”

“Fair point. But hey, I can tell him we aren’t a thing if he ever swings by again. He probably has a crush on you.” Jungkook teased with a cheeky smirk on his face. You could say something but you didn’t wanna sound like a fool so you opted to continue with your work. You were currently seated on the floor in front of the bottom fridge, keeping the new stock of milk cartons when Jungkook’s voice catches your attention.

“Hey Cinderella, someone’s looking for you.” Jungkook said from the coffee machine with a smirk and this terrifies you. So you closed the fridge and stood up, only to be met with Seungmin.

“Hey? Did I make a mistake with your order?” You asked, only for him to shake his head.

“A-Actually, no. I um… I came back cause I wanted to… Well, I was wondering if you were free later tonight. I-It’s okay if you’re not. You don’t have to say yes.” Seungmin stuttered and from his shaky voice, you could tell he was nervous. But his simple courage to even come back and ask you this was really admirable.

“Yeah. I’m free tonight. I end at 5.” You said and he seemed shocked.

“Oh.” He paused as if to process your answer.

“Uh… Great? I’ll knock on your door at 8?” He continued from where he left off.

“Sure.” You smiled.

Finally, his lips curled up into a smile that leaves your heart fluttering.

“Alright then… See you later.” He said as you bid him goodbye. After he left, Jungkook squeaked whilst turning off the steaming wand.

“Finally! You scored a date!” Jungkook said happily as you laughed.

“Shut up, silly.” You said before going back to what you were doing previously.

Hours later, you were getting nervous for your date. You tried to pull up a nice outfit to wear instead of your usual jeans and hoodie. It took you almost an hour to decide on what to wear. In which you finally chose a black denim mid thigh skirt, a white long sleeve fitting top and a pair of white sneakers to finish off your look. This wasn’t your usual outfit so you think it was somewhat decent. When the clock strikes 8 o’clock, your door receives a few knocks and this triggers your nervous heart. Nevertheless, you went to the door and opened it, only to find Seungmin standing there looking twice as handsome as he normally does.

He wore a black shirt, a varsity jacket, a pair of jeans and a pair of sneakers. His hair was blonde and long enough to fall past his eyes. The minute you opened the door, Seungmin couldn’t help but give you one quick glance from head to toe before meeting your eyes again shyly.

“Hi… Y-You look really nice.” He said, making you blush.

“Thanks. I could say the same for you too.” You said and this time, it was his turn to blush.

“Shall we go?”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” Seungmin said and this sparked your curiosity. You locked your door and soon left with him. He brought you to his car as he drove off without telling you the destination. In the car, you bonded with him and got to know more about each other. Everything was going smoothly so far and you were so happy. He brought you to a Korean BBQ restaurant and you were excited for the beef.

Dinner went well as you found yourself being comfortable around him. He was very gentle and calm around you, making you relax and not have to pretend to like being with him. After dinner, he drove you to a lookout point where you both sat on the hood of his car, admiring the stars in the night sky while you talked to him more. Though you never really opened up to him completely about your private life, he never forced it out of you also.

Simply out of respect since you two were only just starting to get to know each other anyway. About an hour or so, both of you decided to call it a night. When you made it outside your door, he made sure to thank you for tonight.

“Thank you for agreeing to hang out with me tonight. I really enjoyed it.” He says.

“No worries. I really like it too… And I don’t mind doing this again.” You gave him the hint which thankfully, he caught.

“Really?” He asked and so you nod.

“Then in that case… Do you have any plans next Saturday?” You asked.

“Hmm, that depends… Do you wanna schedule a plan for us next week?”

“I’d love to.”

“Great. I’ll see you next week then. Does 2pm sound good to you?” He asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Alright then. I’ll see you next week at 2pm. Goodnight Y/N.” He smiles.

“Goodnight Seungmin.” You smiled, turning to unlock your door and enter your apartment. He internally cheers for himself before heading into his apartment. He made sure to update his friends about his date and also the upcoming one. Only for his friends to freak out and encourage him to keep pushing forward.

For the next few weeks, you’ve been on a couple of dates with Seungmin but neither one of you have actually gone past the simple hand holding and slight cuddles. No one has been brave enough to kiss the other. The feelings were mutual and they were there. However, kissing the other person was just too nerve wracking to think about, let alone do it. Today was going to be your 8th date with Seungmin and you planned to somehow kiss him. Maybe just a peck at least. You had planned it all in your head, playing out the scenario to see if it would turn out okay or weird.

It’s been about 2 hours into your date where you were just chilling on his sofa when you received a phone call from your mum. So you picked it up instantly without a doubt.

“Hi mum!” You said cheerily into the call but all you heard was your mum’s frantic voice.

“Y/N. Come home quick. Grandma just fell in the toilet and we’re heading to the hospital now. She’s not in good shape…”

“What? O-Okay! I’ll come now.” You said as you had a tear roll down your cheek and he saw.

“Y/N? What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Seungmin asked and you quickly got up to leave but he stopped you.

“Hey? Is everything okay?” Seungmin asked as he gently held your wrist and caressed it with his thumb.

“Y-Yeah. I’m so sorry but we have to postpone the date. I’m really sorry, Seungmin.”

“No, no, it’s fine. You don’t have to apologise. But, you sound like you’re heading somewhere. Do you need a ride?”

“I-I… I can get an uber. I don’t wanna trouble you.”

“No, please. I insist.” He said kindly and you were hesitant.

“But it’s a 2 hour drive from here…” You said and he smiled.

“At least you won’t be alone on your way there.” Seungmin said and your heart instantly melts for him.

“A-Are you sure?” You asked just to double confirm since you weren’t forcing him to take you to your destination.

“Absolutely. Come on. Go grab whatever you need and we’ll head out.” Seungmin says and you couldn’t help but lunge yourself onto him. You wrapped your arms around his waist as you buried your head in his chest.

“Thank you so much…” You whispered and he heard you. So he gently wrapped his arms around your shoulders to hold you for a bit before letting you go.

“Don’t mention it.” Seungmin smiles down at you as you both leave his apartment.

You went back to yours to quickly grab your belongings and soon left after locking your apartment door. Half an hour into the drive, neither of you were talking while the music played softly in the background. You have been texting your mum for the past few minutes to get an update on your grandma. Which he gave you the privacy to do so. When suddenly, you spoke up and Seungmin glanced at you briefly before he focused his eyes back on the road.

“My grandma fell down earlier and my parents are rushing her to the hospital…” Your voice was soft.

“I’m so sorry… Did they make it to the hospital?”

“Yeah. She’s in the A&E now, with the doctors.” You stared at your phone, unable to hide your emotions. Seungmin gently reaches over to scoop one of your hands. He tangles his fingers with yours while he rubs soft circles into the back of your hand with his thumbs.

“She’ll be okay.” Seungmin said, looking at you briefly only to catch a growing small smile on your face despite the tears in your eyes.

“I hope so.” You whispered and he turned back to the road. Through the entire drive, you held his hand in yours on your lap for comfort. The drive was surprisingly faster than you thought but thankful to have made it to the hospital safely. You rushed into the building after texting your mum for updates. When you make it to the ward, Seungmin trails behind you as you open the isolation ward door to find your parents on either side of the bed while your grandma lays there with a hip brace.

“Grandma!” You called as you rushed over to them. You cried upon seeing her there with a weak smile on her face.

“Hi my dear. How are you?” She asked.

“Why are you asking me? I should be the one asking you that question.” You said sadly and she chuckled.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m perfectly fine, sweetheart.” She says, making you sigh. Just then, your dad spoke up to acknowledge Seungmin as he came to stand next to your dad after bowing to him politely.

“Oh, hello son. You are?” You dad asked.

“Hi Sir. Um, I’m Seungmin. Y/N’s friend.”

“We were hanging out when mum called and he kindly offered to drive me here.” You explained to your parents only for them to feel thankful.

“Really? Oh how nice of you, dear. So sorry to trouble you to come all the way here.” Your mum said.

“It’s fine, Ma’am. I saw how shaken up she got after she received the call so I didn’t feel good to leave her on her own.” Seungmin said.

“Thank you for being here for my daughter.” Your dad said and Seungmin smiled.

The four of you spent the next hour there before your parents told you to head home. You frowned as you said you wanted to stay over back at your old home with them so you could come and visit your grandma for the next few days.

“What about Seungmin?” Your mum asked as you both turned to look at your dad talking to Seungmin by the door, a few metres away from you and your mum.

Seungmin did send you all the way here on a 2 hour drive because he didn’t want to let you be alone. So wouldn’t it be selfish if you told him to drive back home for 2 hours on his own now?

“Will you and dad be okay if he stayed with us for a couple days more before we head back?” You asked and she smiled.

“Of course sweetie. Besides, it wouldn’t be nice if you sent him home now after all that he’s done for you.”

“I know… Okay, I'll go and ask him.” You said as you got up and made your way over to him and your dad.

“Hey dad? I was thinking of staying with you and mum for a couple of days so I could come here and visit grandma.”

“Of course you can sweetie.” Your dad said before you glanced at Seungmin and then back at your dad.

“And I was wondering if you’ll be okay with Seungmin staying with us too before we head back together?”

Seungmin’s jaw drops slightly while your dad smiles, “Definitely.”

“B-But I-” Seungmin didn't finish his sentence when you cut him off.

“You offered to drive me here for 2 hours just so I wouldn’t be alone. I can’t just tell you to drive back home for another 2 hours on your own now. That’s unfair.” You smiled at him.

Meanwhile, your dad was just silently watching from the side with a fond smile on his face. Seungmin was shy but he knew you had a valid point. So he decided to agree with your offer. With that being said, you stayed for a little while more before all 4 of you made your way back to your old home. Your mum prepared the guest room quickly before she showed him to the room on the ground level next to the laundry room. Seungmin thanked your mum as he went inside to make himself comfortable.

In the meantime, you went through your closet to try and dig out whatever mens clothing that you bought for yourself to lend to him during his stay here. You came back down to find him sitting on the bed just staring at the window. So you knocked on the door softly to not startle him.

“Hey… You okay?” You asked and he smiled.

“Yeah. I’m okay.” Seungmin said before you walked in to pass him the clothes. He carefully took them from you and placed it next to him. You sat down beside him as you softly spoke up.

“You don’t have to stay if you have important things to do back home like work. I just felt bad if I told you to go back now after you’ve driven me all the way here.”

“It’s okay. I can just call in sick. They’ll understand.”

“Are you sure? I really don’t want to hold you back.”

“Don’t worry. I want to stay.” Seungmin said, awakening the butterflies in your stomach.

“Okay…” You whispered to him.

He glanced down at your lips briefly and you caught him. Seungmin then looked back into your eyes and gave you a gentle smile.

“You should get some rest.” He said, making you nod.

With that being said, you wished him goodnight and was on your way back to your room upstairs. A few hours went by and you couldn’t really sleep. You had a lot on your mind, especially thinking about your grandma. You sighed as you turned to the clock on your bedside table to see that it was half past midnight. You wondered if Seungmin was already asleep but you didn’t want to text him. So you got out of bed and tip-toed your way down the stairs. You carefully walked over to the guest room to see the door closed.

You hesitate at first, knowing you shouldn’t disturb him. But at that moment, you were yearning for his comfort so you decided to try your luck. You went up to his door and gave it two very soft knocks. You told yourself to wait for 3 seconds and if you got no reply, then you should just head back upstairs. However, before you could count to 2, the door swung open slightly and he looked wide awake.

“Y/N? Why aren’t you asleep yet?” He asked gently to which you bashfully smiled at him.

“U-Uh, I can’t sleep… Was I disturbing you? I’m so sorry.” You said but he shook his head and pulled the door open wider.

“No, you weren’t actually. Do you wanna come inside?” He asked and so you nodded. You walked towards his bed while he closed the door quietly before joining you.

“What were you doing before I came?” You asked.

“I was actually about to text you to ask if you had any spare charger that I could borrow.”

“Oh. I do. Let me go get it. It’s in the living room.” You said and he patiently waits for you. 2 minutes later, you came back with a charger in your hand and plugged it to the socket next to his bed.

“Thanks.” He says before plugging his phone in. You were about to leave, thinking you'd already disturbed him enough when he spoke up.

“I know you have trouble sleeping but do you maybe wanna lay down and at least try to fall asleep?” He asked.

“But, what if I end up falling asleep here?"

“I can just sleep here too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah? Why not?”

“Okay.” You whispered softly as he pulled the cover back so that he could climb in and you followed after. Once you were both snuggled in the guest bed, he turned to you with a gentle look on his face.

“Come here.” Seungmin said and so you took this chance to scoot over. You snuggled into his side, resting your head on his chest while he held you close. Seungmin’s lips brushed over your forehead and you could feel it. He caressed your wrist with his thumb that was resting on top of his chest. The room fell silent for a good minute or so. With him just softly running his fingers through your hair to smoothen the tangles out. Your eyelids finally began to droop down . Suddenly, Seungmin began to sing sweetly above you. His voice was sultry and smooth.

If he was a supernatural being, he could be a siren.

This works like a charm and you slowly begin to drift off to sleep. The next morning, you woke up to the feeling of someone hugging you from behind. You let out a soft sound from trying to stretch, only to hear him whine behind you.

“What time is it?” His raspy morning voice says from behind you.

You grabbed your phone to check the time and it was just a quarter to 8 in the morning, “It’s 7:45 am.”

“Mmm, more sleep then.” Seungmin hums as he nuzzles his face deeper into your neck while hugging you tightly. You fell asleep for another hour or two before you got woken up by your mother’s voice at the door.

“Kids, I’ve made breakfast.”

Seungmin groans softly before he responds to your mum, “Okay. Thank you.”

A few seconds later, you jolted up when it finally hit you.

“Shit… She knows I’m here.” You panicked, only for him to look at you and finally caught on.

“Oh…”

With that being said, you quickly got out of bed and left his room in hopes you don’t bump into your parents. However, when you were about to dash past the kitchen to head to the staircase, your mother caught you just in time.

“Oh good, you’re up. Where’s Seungmin?” She asks with a smile on her face while she pours fresh orange juice into the glasses.

“U-Uh… He’s awake, I think?” You replied and she simply laughed.

So you excused yourself to head back upstairs and wash up. You ended up spending another two more days there to visit your grandma before deciding to head back. While you were saying goodbye to your parents on the front porch, your mum said, “Seungmin is a sweet boy. It’s still not too late, you know?”

You knew what she was saying so all you did was smile at her. After you left, you never spoke about it throughout the drive. Instead, you talked about other things so that he does not get suspicious. When you finally arrived outside at your apartment unit, you turned to say thanks to him.

“Thank you again for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” Seungmin smiled as you were running out of words to say purely out of nerves. Just then, you wanted to cut the awkwardness so you excused yourself.

“Yeah, I’ll just head back inside. Thanks Seungmin.” You quickly said before rushing in.

You let out a heavy breath while leaning against your door. You wanted to get up and move on with your day but a huge part of you was screaming at you for leaving him out there.

Maybe he already went back into his apartment.

Maybe he went back downstairs to go for a drive.

Maybe he left because you abruptly left.

However, all your assumptions were false because when you decided to open the door and find him, you were surprised to find him standing outside your door with a sad frown on his face.

“Y/N?” He whispered your name.

With that being said, you threw yourself forward to wrap your arms around his shoulders and pull him in for a passionate kiss. You used both hands to gently hold his face while his hands slid around your lower back. When you pulled away to breath, he looked at you with a growing smile on his face.

“T-That um… Wow t-that was really nice.” Seungmin said softly and you blushed. He gently tugs you back in to kiss you again. You felt him smile against your lips, squeezing your waist softly. This time when he pulled away, he guided you back into your apartment as you giggled.

“I like you, Y/N.” He confessed to which you pushed your front door closed and smiled.

“Good… Because I like you too.”

Once you confessed your feelings, Seungmin kissed you again, more passionately as that would be the start of your relationship.

[bucketsofmonsters]

Deep Water - Part 3

cw: the ocean, almost drowning, kidnapping, more tags to be added as the story continues

merman x fem reader

Word count: 5k

read on ao3

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

On your first day of work, you were already regretting not pushing harder to get your siren to promise you he would stay away, glimpses of a snaking tail under the water every few hours stopping your heart for a beat every time. 

You ignored your first sighting, reporting into the office, getting a list of duties and of expected intake for the day. 

You asked when you’d be paid, part of you worried he’d say at the end of the month and you’d be stuck without a place to stay for weeks. You let out a sigh of relief when he said at the end of the week. Only two more days then. You could manage two more days. You were sent off on your way without much else said. 

No one was assigned to help you, to figure out what you were supposed to do or how to start, so you did the only thing you could think of. You went and found Finn.

His face lit up the second he saw you, dropping the box he was holding to run over to your side. 

“Hello little lady, how’s your first day going?”

You glanced back at the discarded cargo. “Do you not need to get that?”

“Is this going to take long? Okay, you probably want help, I’ll be right back.”

He rushed over to the dropped box that at the very least didn’t look like it had been damaged and hauled it over to a safer location, amidst some other unpacked boxes. 

He was back at your side before the incredulous huff of laughter managed to escape you, giving you a sheepish look. “Sorry if I’m overeager, we don’t get many pretty girls out here, I’ve gotta try and help you before someone else snatches you up.”

You gave him a humoring laugh, more polite than anything. 

You had a feeling your intentions with one another did not align, but he seemed pleasant and helpful and whatever his intentions happened to be, you could use that right about now. 

And he held true to his word. For the rest of the day, he helped you figure out your various duties, largely abandoning his own, only occasionally popping out to make excuses or run and do something that others laughed and insisted really couldn’t wait. 

The day passed quickly. The work wasn’t particularly hard, just repetitive. Finn did his best to help but once you realized he couldn’t read, it became a little more difficult. 

He still hovered over your shoulder, something that you appreciated but had the unintended consequence of you having to struggle to pull his attention every time you caught another flash of scales out of the corner of your eye. 

They seemed particularly likely to appear whenever Finn set off from his latest task he was ignoring to help you again.

You bristled at the thought, trying to tell yourself you were making up patterns, that it wasn’t anything at all. 

At least you hoped you were. If it was a pattern, you were going to kill him. 

Even once you got the hang of things, Finn refused to actually leave you, insisting that it was improper to abandon you on your first day. You just smiled and continued on, set on getting everything done. First impressions were important after all, and you needed to look just as valuable as your sister had been. 

Before you knew it, the day was over and people had begun filing out. It wasn’t empty, the dock was never really empty, but it had quieted down and you finished the last of your work, marking everything down as neatly and perfectly as you could. 

“I can take that back for you!” Finn exclaimed as you carefully looked over your work for any glaring mistakes. He seemed excited to find something he could actually help you with. 

Part of you wanted to refuse, to take it back yourself, but he seemed too excited, refusing felt like kicking a puppy. Besides, you imagined he’d have a few kind words to say about you and that couldn't hurt. 

He came darting back over in minutes, that persistent, goofy smile plastered across his face as he skidded to a halt. “Mission accomplished, ma’am,” he said with a little salute. 

“Thank you, I really appreciate it,” you said, trying to push as much gratitude as you could into your voice.

“Now that that’s done, I was wondering if you wanted to go out or something. I could get you some drinks or food or whatever, celebrate your first day being over.”

There it was, exactly what you’d worried this had all been leading to. “Finn…”

Water came splashing up through the gaps in the wood on the dock, drenching the pair of you. 

You jumped, reflexively and far too late to save yourself from any of the water. 

As you looked through the slats, you could have sworn you saw the glint of scales. 

“Yes,” you blurted out, bringing Finn’s attention back to you. “That sounds great.”

You gave him what felt like a poor approximation of an excited smile. 

“Really? That’s amazing. The ocean seems to have something to say about it. She’s nervous, poor girl. Promise I won’t leave you behind.” He spoke down to the waves, attempting to lighten the mood as he saw your face go white in your newly wetted skirts. 

You smiled, your heart hammering in your ears, and after another quiet little bit of reassurance, he scurried off, telling you to stay put while he found a coat he’d discarded earlier in the hot sun and promptly forgotten about, and then you could be off.

Simon, you guessed that was what you were calling him now, decided that was an opportune time to breach the surface of the water and look up at you with those big, golden eyes. 

An anger that had been simmering quietly inside of you at every flash of scales you’d seen throughout the day came to a head as he had the audacity to simply appear like this. “Go away,” you hissed, the words coming out louder than you meant them to. 

This wasn’t like the day before. You knew Finn would be back any moment, you didn’t have time to argue on the shore. 

He remained resolutely above the water, looking up at you with a determination that almost frightened you set across his impish features. 

When he opened his mouth, you held your hands out, trying to tell him to stop, that it wasn’t safe. 

And then he started speaking and your hands fell limp to your sides, warning him not seeming quite so important anymore. 

The words sounded different. Maybe he was singing? It was hard to tell. You couldn’t even make out the words, couldn’t understand any of it. All you knew was that he was there. Why were you all the way up here? You should be down there with him. Maybe then you could understand. 

Whatever noises he was making, ones you were too far away to really hear, wormed their way right through your ears into your head, snaking their way around inside you, taking up the space where your thoughts were moments ago. 

There was nothing but him. 

Everything else faded away until all you could see was amber eyes. 

And then, walking carefully and intentionally, you tumbled into the water, seemingly of your own accord. 

The second you hit the icy water, the warm calm you’d been pulled into dissipated. You weren’t sure if it was the shock of the water or your head going under, no longer able to hear the hypnotic noises from the siren you’d thought was harmless. At least to you. 

And what a foolish notion that was. He was a siren. It didn't matter if he'd saved you or not, of course he was dangerous. You weren’t special to him. Why would you be?

As you tried to come up for air his arms met your shoulders and pushed you deeper and you realized, horrifically, just how wrong you’d been. 

You didn’t understand why he did what he’d done, why he’d helped you before. Maybe he’d just been playing with his food, toying with you until he got bored. 

Your mind newly cleared, you fought to swim up. As you did, his tail wound around your legs and you saw a pout break out across his face. 

Panic rose in your chest and he watched, head tilted, examining you carelessly, with your legs still bound together under the water. 

He looked at you, eyes big and bright and expectant, flicking across your face as he tried to fight back a smile. 

You struggled and his hand grasped yours, keeping it in place, effortlessly keeping you under the waves. The bright look in his eyes shifted to confusion, seeming baffled as to why you’d rather breach the surface than steal a kiss from him and let the cold water invade your lungs. 

As he stared expectantly and confused at you, you wiggled just enough to free one leg, something he seemed unconcerned with as he continued to hold you under. He knew he was stronger than you, that you had no real shot of escape. You both did. 

That didn’t matter to you. You brought your knee up as swiftly and firmly as you could in the cold water that forced a horrible, sluggish feeling into your limbs, and kneed him right in his gills. 

That seemed to activate some instinct in him and he wrapped entirely around you, effortlessly countering you at every point of struggle. They were the movements of a practiced hunter. 

You kicked and fought and made every attempt to break away and breach the surface but he was too strong, too practiced at this. At holding people down. 

You wondered how you matched up to them, how hard you fought compared to his other prey, if he’d remember this at all once you were gone?

At some point in the struggle you must have kissed, in the loosest sense of the word. You missed it in the flurry of movement, just another brush of skin against skin in the struggle. It must have happened though because as your lungs burned just a bit too much and your brain forced you to inhale, you didn’t choke on water but instead felt the burning soothe and your instincts calm, despite the salt water flooding inside you. 

Regardless of your newfound ability to breathe, the fight and lack of oxygen had weakened you and your struggle slowed. 

As it did, he rose to the surface

When you breached the waves, the dock was nowhere in sight. You had no idea when in your fight he’d dragged you out to sea or how far you’d gone. 

“You can breathe,” he said, looking at you with that same quiet confusion as when you’d fought against him. “I made sure you could breathe. Why do you still worry?”

You inhaled in an attempt to answer him with a screamed admonishment and then, before a word could escape you, you were coughing up water

He sat patiently as you did, his arms wrapped carefully around you. 

The last time you’d coughed up water like this, you’d been too relieved to be alive to really notice it. You did not have that luxury this time. The saltwater burned coming up, your lungs feeling heavy in your chest as the water poured out of you. 

It felt like you were dying. You didn’t understand how you weren’t. 

He didn’t seem concerned, just holding you as you fought to empty your lungs so you could finally inhale, every attempted inhalation just stirred the churning water in your lungs, agitating them further. 

As you finally emptied your lungs, you sucked in air. Your chest filled and it hurt more than it brought you relief. 

“You have to take me back,” you forced out, the burning in your lungs exhausting you past the point of screaming at him. 

His lips pursed into a pout and his eyes darted away from yours. “You don’t even like it there,” he said, sounding openly disappointed, not even attempting to hide it. But then, why would he? You were at his mercy, he could do whatever he wanted to. 

“I like it better than I like it here,” you said, gesturing around you at the open ocean. 

He looked around at the ocean surrounding you and then returned his gaze intently to your face. “I can take you somewhere else.”

“You know that’s not what I mean, you’d better not…”

And then he was off, swimming quickly through the waves. 

He kept your head above water carefully, although you still had to keep your mouth firmly shut to avoid inhaling anything, but even that didn’t slow him down. 

And then, with no warning, you were going down, back through thick water. You didn’t have a chance to gather your bearing before it was too dark to see anything, Simon’s grip on your arm was the only thing cutting through the cold black abyss around you. 

Your arm brushed against hard rock, scraping painfully before it was gone and you found yourself disoriented in the space around you once more. You could be surrounded by rock for all you knew, inches away from it. There was no way to tell, no way to really know anything about where you were being dragged. 

Your fight renewed as your air began to run out and the darkness still imposed itself around you. You knew better, knew you couldn’t get away. Even if you did, you didn’t even know which direction was up anymore. Your instincts, however, were not so easily suppressed by silly things like facts. 

You couldn’t help but wonder if he was going to kill you. Even more than that, as your time under the water dragged on, why he was going to kill you? Maybe you’d upset him, made an unforgivable mistake when you kicked him or complained just a little too much. The way it looked now, you guessed you’d never know. You didn’t have the oxygen left to figure it out, your brain starting to get foggy. 

And still, it continued. He dragged you down and down and then your head breached the surface and as you gasped in air, the word flipped right side up once more. 

You dragged air into your pleading lungs, this time no wretched water biting your throat as you did. 

Your lungs still hurt though. A quieter ache. 

Your eyes adjusted slowly to the dark and you could barely make him out in what appeared to be a cave, the moon shining in through a few holes riddled in the rock above you. 

“You could’ve killed me,” you said, desperation creeping into your voice. 

His head tilted. “No. I know how long it takes a human to drown. You were fine.”

His words did nothing to settle your unease

“Is this better?” he asked, gesturing around to the cave you’d approached from beneath. 

The water was just a small pool in a larger cave, leading off a few feet before revealing a glimpse of the outside world through the holes that let the light in. 

You hauled yourself out of the water to look and saw that there was no other way out, only the horrible, dark path through the water he’d taken you through. 

You couldn’t get out of here on your own. 

Even if you could, you had nowhere to go. There was probably just more open water outside these walls. Even if there was land, you had no idea where you were. 

You wondered if Finn was worried about you yet. Maybe he was. Or maybe he thought you’d abandoned him, left him alone on the dock in lieu of having to go out to dinner with him. 

You weren’t sure which you were hoping for, which was better for him to believe. Which would be easier to explain when you returned? If you returned. 

“You need to take me back,” you said, trying to force some authority into your tone. 

“Can I ask you some questions about humans?” he asked, completely ignoring you. 

“No,” you snapped. “You can’t. You can take me back.”

He drifted towards you and you pulled back further onto the patch of dry land. 

That seemed to hurt him, like he couldn’t understand why you would possibly be wary of him. 

He rested his head on the rocky shore, looking defeated, slowly drying blonde hair curling up around his eyes as it was freed of some of the weight of the water, and you fought to not think that if he hadn’t just done what he did to you, maybe he’d look sweet. 

“Who was that?” he blurted out, his head lifting with his words as his jaw moved against the stone below him. 

“What?”

“On the dock. He was talking to you, you were leaving with him. Who was that?”

“Who, Finn? Why do you-” A thought began to dawn on you. “His name is Finn. You hang around the dock, do you not know him?”

He shrugged in the water. “I’ve seen him.”

“And you care now? That’s kind of sudden.”

“I guess.”

“Alright. Did you kidn- Did you take me so I wouldn’t go with him.” You did your best to keep your voice measured in an attempt to get an honest response from him. 

“You’re supposed to go to the beach. You weren’t going to the beach.”

“No, you rejected my deal, remember? I thought I wasn’t going to the beach because you were just hanging around.”

He rolled his eyes just barely, enough to make a quiet irritation stir in your stomach. “Can’t talk to you when I’m around,” he said, matter of factly. “You said you’d go to the beach.”

“I know, but something came up. I’d have come back. I can’t miss one day?” you said, trying to reason with him. 

“One day? It was the first day!” he said with a huff. 

“I hadn’t even left yet, how did you know I wasn’t going to go meet you.”

“Were you?” he asked, and you didn’t have a good answer for him. 

“We’ll never know, will we? Because you decided to kidnap and almost drown me.”

“I didn’t almost drown you. I would never drown you.”

Now it was your turn to roll your eyes. “Alright, well at the very least you decided to hurt me.” Sharp words bounced off the stone walls of the cave. 

His eyes widened. “I hurt you?”

“Yeah, of course you did. I couldn’t breathe. And that’s beside how bad coughing up sea water hurts.”

He shook his head. “You’re fine, why would it hurt?”

“Simon,” you said, “It hurts humans when we can’t breathe. And we aren’t meant to have to breathe water, it burns when I have to get it out.”

For someone who presumably had drowned dozens of humans, he seemed to have little idea how drowning actually felt. To be fair, he probably didn’t have many chances to learn about the human side of the experience, you didn’t imagine many survived long enough to tell him about it. 

“Oh,” he said, deflating a little. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Right, just to kidnap me.”

He nodded with no air of shame regarding his actions. “Yeah.”

You settled back against the wall of rock behind you, trying to think of what else you could say to get yourself out of there. 

He looked up at you and suddenly he seemed unbearably nervous. “You want to leave.”

“I thought we discussed this, I have to leave. I can’t just disappear, there are people waiting for me.”

“Finn,” he asked, saying the name like it tasted rotten in his mouth. 

“Yes, Finn. I told you, I can’t just disappear.”

You had to lean closer to him to hear his next words at all, his voice unbearably quiet. “It’ll hurt you.”

You slid back into the water beside him, hope sparking through you. “I’ll be fine, I just want to get out of here.”

His hands snaked around your sides, pulling you close to him. “Do you want to hold your breath or breathe the water?” You could feel his breath on your skin as he spoke. You didn’t understand how breathing worked for him, where his lungs ended and his gills began. 

You shivered as you thought back to retching up the water, how it had burned coming up, how the attempted gasps felt inside already heavy lungs. “I’ll hold my breath.”

He nodded solemnly. “I will be fast.”

You sucked in a breath before he pulled you down, a luxury you had not been granted last time. 

He was true to his words. You could feel the water rushing past you as you held your breath, clinging to him the whole way. 

When you breached the surface, your lungs didn’t hurt quite as much as they had the first time around. His grip on you was tighter than when you’d arrived, a fear present in him that wasn’t before. 

Your hands were wrapped around his neck, the desire to get yourself away from him gone now that you were fairly certain he’d bring you back, even if he wasn’t happy about it. 

He brought you to the shore, a familiar spot.

Something occurred to you as you found yourself in shallow water. “How’d you even know where to take me? When you first found me, you took me right here.”

“I know where the ships are going. Always to the same spot.” He sounded almost annoyed at the ships’ predictability. 

“Well, they have to go to a dock.”

He grumbled in response, his discontent evident. You weren’t sure how much of it was from this grudge against ships and how much was because he’d had to bring you back to shore.  

You pulled yourself out of the water and wanted just sit there for a while, regain some of your energy. 

The second you hit dry land, Simon was gone, disappearing before you could say so much as another word to him. 

You didn’t really have time to talk or rest anyway, running back onto the dock as quickly as you could, hoping Finn hadn’t left yet. 

You found him standing alone on the dock, looking dejected right until his eyes drifted towards you. His eyes widened as they met yours and his expression shifted from surprise to concern, rushing towards you. 

“What happened?” he asked, pulling the jacket he’d run off to retrieve over your shoulders. “I thought you’d gotten bored and abandoned me but a swim at this time of day hardly seems like a good idea.”

“I fell in. Guess I’m more tired than I thought,” you said with a sheepish smile, hoping it was anything close to convincing. 

His hand drifted up to push wet hair away from your face. “I’m sure you’re not feeling up to going out anymore…”

“No,” you said, not thinking of Finn at all but instead set on rebelling against the attempts to stop you from going. It wasn’t fair to Finn, but by the time that occurred to you, you’d already spoken. “I mean, you waited all this time for me, it would be rude not to go.”

He seemed too excited to notice how suspicious you were being. “Alright, but make sure you’re not overextending yourself.”

You nodded with an unenthusiastic smile and let him lead you off to a tavern somewhere. 

It was a largely uneventful evening, all things considered. He bought you some soup, something nice and hot that you could feel in your bones, creating a comfortable warmth in your core. 

Your reticence to talk was barely noticed. Finn seemed more than happy to fill the silence, letting you bundle up under the thick wool of his coat and focus on your food. 

Before you knew it, it was gone and there was nothing left to distract yourself with. 

You waited for Finn to finish whatever story he’d been telling that you hadn’t been listening to and said, “This has been lovely, but I should be getting back.”

He laughed. “What, back to work? I’m not that boring, am I?”

You started as he pulled you fully out of your head back into the tavern. “What? No, of course not.”

“So where are you staying then?” he asked.

You shrugged. “Nowhere. I’ll find an inn after I get paid but until then-”

“You could stay with me!” he blurted out before you even had the chance to finish your sentence. 

You weren’t quite as enthused. “Look, Finn, I don’t…”

“This isn’t me trying to come onto you, honest. You shouldn’t have to stay out in the cold, it’s not right. I mean, no wonder you're tired. If you don’t get some proper sleep you’ll drown, and then who am I supposed to try and impress every day?”

It was most certainly untoward, but the offer was tempting nonetheless. 

You reevaluated Finn, trying to determine how much you really trusted him. Enough for dinner, sure, but enough for this?

You thought about spending another night alone on the cold shore and decided that yes, you did trust him enough for this. 

As soon as you nodded your assent, he grabbed your hand, pulling you towards the stairs in the tavern. 

You couldn’t help but think that taking you to the tavern he was staying at felt presumptuous but the allure of a warm room and blankets were too strong for you to say anything to that effect. 

His room was decently sized, with a large bed pressed against the back wall. Reassuringly, he started to set up a space on the floor for you, moving some blankets from a chair in the corner to the floor. 

To your chagrin, he began to settle into the nest of blankets on the ground and you immediately moved to set it right. 

“Absolutely not, you will not sleep on the floor in your own room.”

He looked up at you with big, sad eyes. “But-”

“No buts, I will leave.”

He sighed. “Fine. But know that I’m not happy about it.”

You settled onto the floor and he slid another blanket off the bed onto you. You accepted it without argument, allowing him this at least. Besides, you were in no state to be turning down blankets. 

It was late and the blankets helped against your still damp form. The calm itself was refreshing and you fought the urge to thank Finn, who seemed like he’d already drifted off to sleep since you’d begun to settle down. 

You had no choice but to try and follow him. 

You slept restlessly but at least you slept.

[tiramissyoucake]

Bimbo doll

MINORS + AGELESS BLOGS DNI, Satoru gojo x reader, all characters are 18+, reader is heavily bimbo coded and loves pink, satoru's gross here, 1.3k words approx

CW: Masturbation, satoru gets horny over reader sending him pics of her dresses, satoru has fantasies of reader and she's unaware, again satoru is gross here you've been warned, some proof reading but very little

Notes: I'm so sleepy and I'm too lazy to fix any other mistakes so if you see mistake no you didnt. had to write sth for Satoru, as wit all of my creative works I hate this but I hope u like it though!!

Satoru thinks you're absolutely adorable. From the moment he was blinded by the absurd amount of pink you were wearing, he thought you were the cutest thing on this planet. The coordinated color palettes of your clothes that always had a splash of pink, that shiny layer of gloss on your lips that you regularly reapplied, he gets so happy when he hears the clack of keychains because that means you're near.

Of course he couldn't keep himself away and you both exchanged numbers at one point, you gladly gave it to him after he shot you a lame pick up line— to which you laughed and smiled, simply telling him "you're funny! Sure!"It was almost too good to be true.

You got along well with each other, you both liked sweets, complimented each other's fashion sense, shared a similar sense of humour— when satoru asked you to describe him, you told him that you love being around him because he's fun (you said something about how he 'gets it', a quote about girls.. getting it and others not getting it..? He didn't understand, but he deduced that you like him, and that's all that matters.)

Satoru notices you love sharing tidbits of your day, and most of the time, you usually share a photo related to it in some way along with multiple typos, abbreviations, and emoticons.

"(Name)💘: Toru omg look at these shoes! Super cute right :3" Attached image sent.

"(Name)💘: I went 2 that cafe u told me, the strawberry shortcake is soooo good" Attached image sent.

"(Name)💘: I have 2 go 2 a party tonite, which dress should i choose!1!!??" 4 images sent.

Being friends with you had its benefits, you were comfortable with Satoru, so comfortable that he almost dropped his phone when he opened the images you sent; all of them were minidresses, all of them different shades of pink, all of them hugging your figure so tightly and snuggly he was tempted to stalk your social media to know where this party is.

He couldn't see the details that differentiated each dress, or at least he didn't focus on them as he felt his cock throb in his sweatpants.

"Ooooohhhhhfffuuck..." he mumbled longly to no one in particular, Satoru almost choked on his spit as he sat up from his position in his bed, all the heat rushing to his face as he examined your photos closely. Your poses so cute as you stared at your phone screen in the photos with a small pout, you had the pretty sparkly gloss on this time, that's his favorite..

(Name)💘: TORU OMFG PLZ ANSWEERRRR MY RIDES ALMOST HERE >:(

he almost forgot your little dilemma.

"Sorry lol I was eating, go with this one!!" he forwarded one of the four dresses with his response and sent his text, he felt guilty about lying but what was he supposed to say? 'My bad! You were so hot I got a little hard like some Virgin!' No way in hell.

You answered back quickly, how did you type quicker than he did with nails longer than his? He has a hunch it's because you don't care about typos but the dedication is admirable.

(Name)💘: TGANK UUUUU ill text u after the party!

(Name)💘: thank* lol

He let out a small laugh at your typo, scrolling back to the photos he zoomed in on one of the four he hadn't picked, and the reason why he didn't choose this dress is that he knows no sane rational person with a sexual libido would be able to resist you in this.

You looked so cute, so perfect, Satoru let out a small sigh as he pulled his dick out of his pants hissing at the cold air, his thumb smeared the precum over his tip. He should feel bad– terrible even, but how can he resist? There's no way you have no idea what you do to him, he tried justifying in his mind as his cock throbbed desperately in his hand.

Biting his bottom lip, the image of you in his phone fueled his imagination as he envisioned arriving with you at this party you mentioned, having such a pretty thing like you on his arm would be a major ego boost too. The length of your dress could easily allow him to pull down your panties (did you even have a pair on under that dress?), bend you over the host's bathroom sink and slam his cock balls deep inside you, relentlessly filling you then demanding you to pull your panties back up and come back to the party with him as his cum would be dripping between your thighs.

As Satoru bucked his hips up into his hand, he stopped briefly to spit into his hand, deciding there's no time to look for lube, he went back to fucking his hand to the thought of you. If only you knew your new friend got off to these innocent pictures you sent him, if only you knew what he wanted to do to you– he's confident you wouldn't wanna be friends anymore. Shaking his head he pushed aside those thoughts and focused on his current pleasure, his fantasy, his goal of cumming from the pictures of you in those dresses you handpicked to show him.

He mumbled words of encouragement as if you were there with him right now bouncing on his dick instead of the reality of his hand moving up and down, mutters of 'good girl's and praises like "so good, baby" and "yeah? You like that?", desperate to convince himself of his fantasy. Satoru tossed aside his phone long ago after making sure the photos were engraved in his mind, he wasn't expecting you to update him until sometime near midnight.

his eyes closed as his other hand slid up his stomach pushing up the material of his shirt until it reached his collarbone, his fingers trying to find any weak points on his body to rub, pinch or entice as his hand rubbed his dick to the pace of his imaginary storyline; where he dreamed of driving you back home and stuffing you full of his cock until the only word that was in your vocabulary was his name.

"Yesyesyes, (Name)..! Mmmmmhffuck..!" He groaned out as he felt his end near already, his face warming up to a soft reddish pink reminiscent of the tip of his dick as he fucked his hand, soft gasps and groans escaped him as he imagined all the filthy things he could do to you, all the filthy things he wanted to know about you.

What type of panties do you always wear? What type of men make you horny? Who have you been with? Would you let him fuck you? 'Please lemme fuck you, lemme fuck you..! Wanna fuck you..!'

The vulgarity of his desperation made him blush but brought him dangerously close to the edge, squeezing the base of his cock Satoru covered his mouth instinctively, he bucked up his hips as his cum coated his abdomen, stomach and some droplets even reached his chest. He moaned behind his hand as he felt the waves of pleasure shock through his body. He slowed his hips, mumbling for the imaginary you once more. "Take it, take it all, baby.."

He didn't want to move, he knew he had to but he wanted to relish in his fantasy a little longer, he wanted to pull you close and sloppily kiss your cute glossy lips and praise you for being a good girl, taking his load like that. He imagined his cum oozing from your slit but he wouldn't let it go to waste, he'd use his finger to slide it back in where he knows it belongs.

He remembered to save those photos for.. 'next time', reaching over to get his phone, he paused as he received a notification.

(Name)💘: party was lame, coming 2 ur place!! >:3c

Sitting up, the sweat that collected at his back from his 'session' cooled him off, he cleaned himself up and couldn't help but grin at your adorable message.

You don't need to worry, he'll entertain you more than any dumb party could.

[becomingmina]

MAD. w/ CHANGBIN.

18+ ONLY! MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

pairing: changbin x female reader genre + warnings: established relationship, fluffy, a little steamy at the end but not too much wc: 1.2k

mad master list here ; other works here ; any comments and thoughts you can drop them here ; ty for reading.

“Princess!” Changbin brightly greets you as he hops out of his car to help you drag your drunk best friend who is also Han’s girlfriend inside his back seat.

“Hi Binnie. Hi Han,” you shoot them a small smile. “Sorry she drank so much. We couldn’t stop her,” you say timidly standing back now that the two boys got her.

“That’s okay Y/N, thanks for looking out for her,” Han smiles at you before he getting in the car with his girlfriend.

“Did you enjoy your night?” Changbin asked with a smile, pulling you by both your arms into a tight hug.

You hum in respond, hugging him back tightly, feeling guilty.

Changbin had told you at the start of the week that he was finishing up a song and needed some time to perfect it, so you decided it’ll be best to give him some space to do so.

Although you know how much he would miss you, you also know how bad he was at multitasking. A simple “how are you” text will instantly turn to him calling you up and asking you to come over. You have learnt from the past that that’s not the way to go. You rememeber him rushing the last 2 days to fix up his song and boy, was he a mess.

For the week you had sent him only good morning and night messages, with some little I love you thrown in during his winding down time. The lack of interaction with him made you confide in your friends for a little bit of comfort. So when Han’s girlfriend messaged you to go drinking and clubbing with other girlfriends you were quick to say yes.

The night started off great. You and all the girls probably had about 4 shots and a couple of drinks each making everyone tipsy. But you were nearly at the end of your limit though, you could barely steady yourself on the dance floor.

It was midnight when you feel your phone buzzing inside your bag. You pull out your phone and could barely read the caller ID with your blurred vision. When you finally saw it was your boyfriend calling your face instantly lights up.

“You coming over yet Princess?” Changbin cheerfully asks on the other line. The club music was way too loud that you had to excuse yourself from the circle to run to the secluded bathroom to talk.

“Sorry Binnie, what did you say?” You asked and you hear him softly chuckle back.

“I said are you coming over yet?” He repeats himself.

“For?” You slurred on your words, confused at what he was asking.

“It’s our date night, silly,” Changbin giggly replies and instantly you froze.

You had forgotten it was the last Friday of the month and which means it was your designated date night with Changbin. It doesn’t matter what time he gets off work on the last Friday, you would spend your afternoon at his house anyways so you were able to get ready for what ever he had planned. You gasp, putting him on speaker as you search through your phone to visually confirm the date. It was already 12:03 Saturday. You had forgotten. You couldn’t blame anyone but yourself for this mistake.

“Did you forget?” He asks when hears you struggle on the other side.

“YES!!” You say, a hand coming to hit your temple. “I FORGOT I’M SO SORRY,” you cried, squatting on the bathroom floor, trying you best to calm yourself down.

He must’ve been so confused patiently waiting at home for you to come over the whole day.

“I’ll come home now, I’m sorry.”

“No! That’s okay princess, are you out with the girls?” He asked, his voice was still so soft.

“Yeah.. I.. I—” you scrambled to apologise but he doesn’t let you.

“Dont worry Princess. Go and enjoy your night with the girls. Call me when you want to come home and I’ll get you,” he giggles.

That’s one thing you can never understands about Changbin, he never gets mad or show a little bit of annoyance with you, even when you’re in the wrong. He never lets you take the blame for anything.

“I feel bad.”

“Don’t, you silly girl. We’ll talk later.”

“Okay,” you puffed with a pout and he giggles.

“Love you!” He shouted before hanging up.

How could you forget such an important day. You glance at your phone and realised he had send you a couple of messages throughout the night asking when you’ll be over and you hadn’t reply.

“Oh shit!” You quietly beat yourself up again.

The rest of the night you didn’t take anymore drinks and sobered up quickly. Although you still enjoyed the rest of the night with your girlfriends, your boyfriend was on your mind alot of the times.

“Come on, let’s go before she throws up,” Changbin says pulling you both into the car.

The ride home was just Han’s girlfriend drunk whining that she wanted to throw up so you really couldn’t bring yourself to talk to Changbin as your attention was on your friend’s well being.

“You reckon you’ll be okay Ji? Me and Y/N want to go on a drive,” Changbin says looking in his rear view mirror at younger boy. You glance to your side where your boyfriend was sitting, confused, because you never stated you wanted to go for a drive.

“I’ll be okay hyung, she’s just all talk. She’s probably gonna sleep like a baby once she’s get home,” Han giggles, assuring you both.

After dropping them off, Changbin drove around for a bit, sitting with you in silence. He keeps glancing to your side but looks away the second you look up at him. Once he reached the secluded lookout you guys always go to, he parks the car and reaches for your hand.

“Why are you not mad, Bin?” You nervously ask, breaking the silence.

“Why would I be?” He replies back with a smile caressing your hand.

“Tonight was suppose to be our date night and I ditched it to go clubbing,” you say unable to look at him.

“Well, we are on a date right now aren’t we?” He replies, the smirk is still on his face.

“At 2am.”

“So?”

“Im sorry—”

“Don’t. Don’t feel bad, don’t apologise,”

“But you never get mad at me,” you voiced out your concern with him being so lenient.

“You forgot. You’ve been so cute all week giving me space to finish my song. We didn’t talk all week so you just forgot. It’s not like you planned to ditch me,” his hand comes to cup your cheeks as he looks deep into your eyes, waiting for your reply.

“Right?” He says sounding a bit more serious as you don’t answer him. You giggle in response shaking your head.

He’s right though. You just forgot due to the lack of conversation you guys had all week.

“You okay now?” He leans in to peck the corner of your lips.

“Yes,” you reply, smiling at his kiss.

“Also, you look very sexy though Princess,” he smirked eyeing you up and down. “I couldn’t stop staring at you when I was driving,” he says glancing at the hem of your dress that was riding up your thighs.

“Is the dress new?” You can tell he was still trying to get you to forget about what happened.

“I got it last week,” you reply to him, neatly smoothing over the material by your thighs.

“It’s very sexy. Can I see it up close?” He raises his eyebrow and you giggle knowing what he was referring to. So you climb over the car to straddle him, your dress instantly riding up.

You loved date night.

[boiohboii]

Our wedding menu (Lando Norris x reader)

When your friend leaves you to entertain yourself you decide to try something really new.

or

in which you wanted to have fun and a really handsome, curly haired british boy is your victim.

N.B: just a silly little drabble inspired by this video, hope you guys like it! WARNINGS: not proof read, spelling mistakes maybe? Also, don't do that in public, this is just for fun really. Let me know what you guys think!

masterlist

When people are bored they watch a movie, read a book or maybe go outside and look around. But you weren't feeling like doing any of those things, your friend has left you to go on a date and honestly you can't blame her, the guy was extremely handsome and so so polite, which is why you are currently sitting in a cafe doing what you do best- people watching.

There was an old couple sharing their lunch and smiling (they are what anyone dreams of, in Monaco with each other after however many years of marriages), there was an employee on the phone behind the counter probably arguing with someone by the movements in her hands and the chewing of her own lips, and there was a group of guys (fuck off, why are they so handsome) who you are pretty sure are famous- if the guys, girls and old rich people coming up every few minutes asking for photos and autographs weren't enough of a sign the billboards you've seen scattered around Monaco in your short visit of 4 out of these 9 guys (that's a big ass friend group) were confirmation of them being models at least (which adds up to these looks).

Now you weren't much of a jokester in front of strange people, especially not a group of 9 handsome guys, but hey life is all about trying new things which is why you decided it'd be fun to try and see what their reactions would be.

Standing up you rushed out of the cafe, was it a good idea? No. Did you have enough social energy to pull this off? No. Do you have enough confidence to talk to one handsome dude who is in the middle of his handsome friends? Also no. But none of that stopped you from going to the burger truck a few blocks down asking for 2 double cheeseburgers and 2 chocolate frosties. After taking your receipt you stood in line, waiting for your order.

"I love their variety so much! Everything is available"

"Yes! I am so happy that they have no meat options"

Oh shit. What if he's vegan!

Leaving your place in the line you went back to the cashier and ordered the most appealing name from their non meat menu.

After finally having your food in hand you went back the same way stopping in front of a flower shop, what flowers should you get? would he even accept the flowers? What if he's allergic to flowers?

Opening up Google you searched for the flowers that don't cause allergies, seeing roses on top of the list you decided to get a small bouquet of 4 roses before placing it carefully in your bag (in another zipper away from the food).

Entering the cafe for the 2nd time today you took a look around, extremely happy that the barista kept her word and made sure that all of the tables are taken and the only chair empty is besides the curly haired boy laughing at something his friends have said.

"Hi, I'm sorry to interupt but can I sit here?"

You asked as you looked around the table, upon seeing all of them looking at each other you explained further "it's just that there's no other chairs available, as soon as there is one I'll be gone, promise"

"Oh yes, of course, you can stay as long as you want"

The guy with green? or is it blue? eyes replied, while everyone else gestured for you to take a seat.

"Thank you," as you placed your bag you asked the one question that would decide if you should move on with whatever it was you were going to do "oh, sorry, do you have a girlfriend? I don't want to overstep or make any misunderstandings" you asked the victim of your plan, upon shaking his head you took a seat.

Sitting down you decided to start your plan, fishing the necklace out of the small zipper you turned to the boy sitting beside you holding the necklace between both of you

"Can you please do this for me? I can't reach"

All chatter around the table stopped, you can feel 9 pairs of eyes on you as you gave the boy a small, apologetic smile.

"Oh, uhh- yeah of course," ohhh, he's british, damn you might actually fall in love "let me just figure out how it works."

As he clasped the necklace together you thanked him, moving onto your next step which consisted of you bending down to get your mirror and your lipstick out of the bag, staying in your position you moved the bag a bit to the right before adjusting yourself a bit so that what you're doing would be noticed. Not bringing your mirror onto the table but still visible enough for the 9 guys to see you applying a new layer of lipstick, you can hear them questioning what you are doing and it just made you want to get up and run back to your hotel room.

You already started, no going back now.

Being satisfied with how the lipstick looked you placed it back in the bag before sitting properly, smiling at the blue eyed guy in front of you.

Waiting a bit so that the guy besides you isn't speaking to someone before you move onto the main plan.

Upon seeing him get his phone out you decided to go ahead, it's now or never

"We had a date, no?" you whispered to him as to not get the attention of his friends, at least not this soon.

The man blinked at you before looking around him, wanting to make sure you are talking to him "I'm sorry?"

Before he could even question you any further he saw roses within his eyesight

"These are for you," you pushed the bouquet into his frozen hands "hope it smells as good as you"

Red started covering his face, looking around at his friends, who quietened down as soon as they saw the red roses, searching for an explanation.

When you kept looking at him with that smile he let out a small thanks before smelling the flowers.

Okay, nice, so far so good, why is he so flustered oh my god, he's the cutest.

"Oh, I also bought burgers"

"I'm sorry, what is this about?"

"I also bought drinks, one is oreo and one is hershey, well it was supposed to be hershey kisses but they ran out so let me just," leaning over to him, you kissed his cheek "there you go, now you can take the hershey one"

The other 8 boys howled in laughter at the wide eyed, red faced boy staring at the drink in front of him on the table. He bite his lips, trying to prevent a smile from breaking out onto his face.

You decided to get your phone out and wait a bit before you moved on further with the plan, the group going back to their conversations while the brit besides you kept taking glances at you, thinking you wouldn't notice, but you did and you also noticed that he is not touching his burger, only drinking the frosty.

Dipping your hand into your bag you got out the other burger "that's a non meat burger, bought it just in case."

"Oh," he took the food from your hands, nodding his head in thanks "you didn't have to."

Giving him a full smile you went back to your phone, waiting for him to eat a bit of his sandwhich so you could make the next move. The way he gets flustered and shy makes you want to ask him out on an actual date, he is so fucking pretty.

"Do you like it?"

Nodding, he smiled at you as he gave you a thumbs up as he can't answer while chewing.

"I'm really glad, I was thinking about adding it to our wedding menu," the dark haired man sitting on the other side of the british boy choked onto his drink, looking at their group of friends wanting to make sure that he heard correctly "not as a main dish, more like a snack really."

The boy besides you shrugged, thinking about how a burger truck would look in a wedding.

"Mate, you better not forget my invite if you're gonna have burgers at your wedding."

[newcaptainofsquad9]

Was This Vacation a Mistake? ~Crazy Rich Asians( Astrid x black! fem! reader)~Part 4

Parts: 1 2 3 4 5

Summary: Finally back home, you resume your life as a professor but find yourself still thinking about Astrid and the events of the vacation. Lucky for you, someone comes to spare you of any grief you still had.

Word Count: 2.4k

Tag List(I added folks were commented and enjoyed) : @madeleinecamilanightwood16, @ladydragonpurplefire,

Author's Note: Here's part 4 guys. Sorry this has taken so long. I'm going to try and end this fic this year within the next three chapters. Thank you for reading as always. And if you wanna be added or removed from tag List, let me know.

Classes finally started back, normalcy followed and that was all I could hope for. Everything that happened in Singapore is still there, how can I even try to forget it that fast? Rachel promised to speak about it whenever yet she had her own issues to deal with.

Apparently, she called it off with Nick after the debacle in his homeland; the entire situation has had me torn. I'm sure they'll talk it out, or take a long enough break to figure something out. Or maybe it was my fault, I shouldn't have even gone on the trip in the first place and Rachel would have been engaged right now. Nick's family would love her and not turning up their nose at me, her random Black friend.

I know, I shouldn't think like that. Rachel will nag me about it if she saw me here in my office frowning down at a student's paper. My red pink has marked it enough, perhaps a break is in order.

A soft knock rapped at my door. A student perhaps, Rachel would have texted or called if she needed something.

"Come in," I said, eyes still steady on the page.

A clack of heels and the clack of the door shut follows.

"What can I help you with?"

My pulse quickened at who's in my office now. From the heels I suspected an international student and their fancy abundance but here Astrid was dressed in a low cut white top, black blazer and high rise jeans. Her hair was pulled up and her shades sat on her head.

"I had to see you," she said, smiling softly. "How have you been, darling?"

I stood up, put away the paper I was grading and rushed toward her.

Astrid met me halfway, embracing me gently like I was made of glass, like she did when she first hugged me at her house a few weeks prior. It got firmer once she caressed my back, resting her chin down on my shoulder.

"Everything OK?" she whispered. "Nick's been worried."

"No, he shouldn't be," you groaned. "He should focus on himself, did he send you all the way here? W-What about Cassian?"

Astrid frowned. "Did I come at the wrong time? Cassian has the best nannies looking after him, and I wasn't going to be here long. Was my coming here not what you expected, wanted even?"

I caught the twinge of sadden edging in her voice.

"Y-Yeah, it's unexpected but it's not that I wouldn't want it," I tried explaining through burning cheeks. "You being here is great. I think it'll help."

Astrid stepped back, studying me and my office around us. Everywhere her eyes swept caught me with enough self consciousness to scold myself to clean a bit more around here, take some books back to my apartment sometime during another holiday.

"Your office is quaint, reminds me of you," Astrid said, stepping over to a stack of books I had on the cover of my desk that's stuffed with loose papers. "I bet you've read these dozens of times over, dissected them to bits for classes, yeah?"

I just nodded as our eyes met again.

"Yeah, mostly during undergrad and downtime between semesters now," I said. "I usually just read what the board signs off for my classes and short stories for my kids to tear into during discussions. Rachel and I had a little book club during our mfa time here ages ago."

Astrid chuckled. "Ages?"

"Seven years, give or take, ages to me considering where we are now."

"And where are you both right now, y/n?" Astrid said, crossing her arms.

"We're fine," I said a little too quickly. "Rachel just needs her time, and I-I don't want to mess up things more."

"She'd like to know how you're doing."

"Why? Did she beg you to come here?"

"Of course not. Y/N, are you truly all right?"

I bit my lip; that's a simple but loaded question. Astrid's concentration on me wasn't helping with me being entirely truthful either.

"Not really, no," I admitted.

"I'm so sorry, darling," Astrid said. "Do you have plans or classes for the rest of the day?"

"Well, I have another half hour of office hours."

"Have they really be in and out of here as of late, dear?"

Astrid stepped back over to the door, peeking from under my blinds for some sort of added measure.

"Ok, I guess my office hours are over today," I said, returning to my desk to push the paper I was grading back into my folder. "The rest of my schedule is clear. Did you have something in mind, Astrid?"

"Let me get your mind off of things, let me take you out?"

My face flushed at her words; she doesn't mean what I think she means, right?

"A-Are you asking me out, Astrid?"

"I don't know, if I say yes will that convince you?"

....

Is this a date or not? I didn't ask, yet the feelings were still there--deep in my stomach, my hands barely worked once we got to the restaurant--a chain not too far from campus.

Astrid even pulled the chair out for me, an act of common courtesy right? Rachel's not here and I can still detect her incredulous stare, hopelessly shaking her head--she'd believe it to be more. Should I text her? No, she needs space, I need to focus on this myself.

"Have you decided?" Astrid said, peeking over her menu. "Or do you need more time?"

"No, I'll have the grilled chicken club sandwich with a side of Mac and cheese."

Astrid nodded. "Great, I'll have the salmon and potatoes."

The waitress returned, took our menus and orders, and deposited our drinks at our sides.

Alone now, our eyes keep meeting and I need to try and not make it as awkward as it already is.

"So, do you usually do chain restaurants when you visit the states? Do you visit the states often?"

"Sometimes I visit when Nick is here and he's with Rachel," Astrid explained. "Not often but they have character to them. Not a lot of them have good options but their fries are a guilty pleasure of mine."

I giggled. "Really? Why didn't you order any?"

Astrid shrugged. "I wanted to try something different. Do you prefer chain restaurants? Or do you like something more lower scale? Higher scale, maybe?"

Her eyes swept to me once she said higher scale, smiling to spread the beauty mark on her face magnificently.

"Oh, I'm much more lower scale," I chuckled. "Still a struggling college student at heart but I'm not cheap as I used to be--I'm not cheap at all but--"

"Darling, I get it," Astrid said, laying a hand over my own. "Although, I hope I can give you a taste of that higher scale."

I wanted to draw back, not voluntarily but a knee jerk reaction; she's saying those things again and it's making me feel amazing. I know she means them but I'm not sure why I feel like she doesn't. Astrid's not like those ignorant people back in Singapore, not like the family who ridiculed you and Rachel. I don't even know if she likes women in that way, perhaps she is and I'm overthinking all of it. Maybe I should have contacted Rachel.

"Y/N? Are you all right?"

I decided to be honest and said, "No, not really. But I don't want it to ruin the night, or our time. We don't have to discuss it anymore, at least not right now."

Astrid started for a moment, thinking before nodding. "Of course, darling."

The waitress soon returned with our food, placing it in front of us before retreating to another table swiftly. My sandwich looked fine, Mac and cheese too but the taste wasn't terrible--not good, mediocre, nothing on Kraft or even what they fed us during grade school.

Astrid must have noticed my displeasure, frowning behind her bite of salmon. "Do you not like it?"

"It's not that good, but I'll manage."

"Do you want to replace it? I can tell the waitress."

I flushed, inching into my seat subconsciously, holding my fork tight. "Astrid, it's all right. I can just eat it."

"Why? I want this to be a great experience with amazing food," Astrid explained. "You deserve it, so why can't you let me do this for you?"

Do I really deserve it? I have been feeling shitty since the vacation in Singapore, since Rachel and Nick's supposed split and since--since I couldn't get over being singled out for something I can't control and shouldn't feel ashamed of being: Black. Black American for that matter.

And here Astrid is being so caring and genuine, willing to spend time and money on me; she does feel more for me more than Rachel or Nick's friend--I'm not entirely sure if it's romantic but there's something more here. I hope I'm not reading this wrong.

"Y/N? Whatever you decide, I'll do it for you," Astrid declared.

"Sure, you can order us some fries. Is it all right if we share?"

Astrid smiled; I could have sworn I saw a hint of red peak through her face.

. . .

After some amazing fries and some superb ice cream (thanks to some convincing from Astrid, flashing another smile and heavy eye contact).

She's even more convincing when we're sharing an Uber, laughing lowly at a joke I told. It wasn't that funny, well at least when Rachel's heard it but she's heard it a thousand times; something minuscule about an old job I had, something dry, something existential. Astrid's laugh though, how close she is and the contact--arms brushing mine due to how smaller the car is or for the fact that she's nudging me--or how she pays attention. I can't look at her without smiling which leads to more of the attention.

"You have a wonderful smile, has anyone ever told you that?" Astrid admitted. We finally got back to my apartment, still talking.

I invited her in without thinking, holding her hand so she doesn't trip over the hitch in the last step going up my floor.

"I think my mom told me before? Lots of times, maybe an ex boyfriend, maybe?"

Astrid scoffed, nudging me gently with her elbow. "I'm serious. Every time I see you, there's something new. Something that amazes me."

I pushed the door open, locking it fast as we both rush inside.

"Are you sure you're serious," I said, leaning against the door. My heart is pumping fast, hyper-like all in my ears. "What's with these things you've been saying?"

Astrid tilted her head. "Y/N."

"You have a child! You divorced someone--you're loaded and gorgeous, and I-I'm--"

"You're a beautiful woman I'm having a great time with," Astrid said, finishing my sentence before the words could come out. "Is my being a divorcee an issue?"

She asked the question with an air of humor and walked away from me, finally giving me a chance to breathe from her intoxication. At my bookcase by the wall that sat ways from the threshold to the kitchen, Astrid's attention swept over it, placing a finger up to the spines of the concealed books.

"No, of course not. I-I that's not an issue. Astrid, I-I-"

Everything's hot, burning, my face especially and I can't speak anymore.

"Darling," Astrid's in my presence again, worried.

"Is it OK if we talk more? If I can ask you more things?"

She nodded and I led her to my tiny sofa across from the bookcase, plopping down on it together; our eyes met yet again.

"Ask me anything, darling," she said. "Anything."

"Well, being divorced doesn't matter," I explained. "I just wanted to ask if you, um."

Sexuality is her business, anyone's personal business that they can choose to tell or keep to themselves. Yet she's here asking me and granting me the chance to get to know her better; I can show her a piece of me that I've only shown to the people closest to me.

"Tonight you were very touchy, encouraging and just overall flirty tonight and I--"

Astrid took my hand, slid so close that our thighs now touched. "And?"

It's obvious. So obvious or I'm just idiotic; Rachel would slap me over the head if she could.

"I-I'm bisexual, my liking includes guys, women, gender nonconforming people and everyone in between and around that umbrella," I explained. My hands couldn't stay still, Astrid saw, tightening her grip and rubbing her thumb over my knuckles. "And I-I'm into you Astrid--it seems like you're into me so, do you like women too or not?"

Astrid giggled. "Darling, I've been flirting with you since Nick and Rachel brought you home. I can tell this is a deep issue to you, so yes. I've married a man before, had boyfriends but I fancy women too. Dated a few in university but--that's not important right now. Y/N I'm mad about you too."

I'm giggling now too. It's an organic head-high, almost doubled over with stomach cramping and mouth hurting. Astrid followed in, hands high now: at my arms then shoulders and to my face; I wonder if she can feel the heat radiating from it and noticed how my laughter stopped.

It just happened. I didn't speak, neither did Astrid. Our lips met.

[shegatsby]

Hello there,

Just an idea while your requests are still open. What about a Hannibal x reader fic / oneshot where Hannibal is at an event or mutual friends party, and one of the guests has some sort of medical emergency. So, the reader (being a doctor herself) takes the initiative to take control of the situation to help the guest. Like she's telling people to make space, she's pointing to a guy telling him to call the ambulance, she's doing chest compressions, all in some sparkling sleek gown. Could Hannibal help? Yes. Did he? No. He'd rather watch unless he gets asked by the woman herself for help (like the egotistical bastard he is), or he could swoop in to assist her without asking simply to impress her?

Deeply intrigued by the readers' audacity and clear intelligence, Hannibal makes a move to properly introduce himself once the guest has been whisked away by the ambulance and the party continues on (or is cancelled, depends on you).

Idk I think it would be cute to see how Hannibal would flex his medical jargon (since he was a surgeon before he became a psychiatrist) and all that shit. Not to mention, he'd 100% use her patients as a way to get to know her deeper.

Thank you

A/N: Hi bestie! Thank you so much for the request. Sorry for any mistakes since English isn’t my first language. Enjoy!

The evening party was going smoothly. It was her first time attending a fancy dinner party where all the guests were accomplished individuals who were from high society. As she entered the house of her colleague who was the head of the hospital she worked for ahe felt a bit “little” compared to her surroundings. These people here were actual doctors, psychiatrists or psychologists, deans of universities etc. but she was also proud of her job, even though it could be hectic all the time.

She was working at the state hospital, the emergency wing. She was assigned there 2 years ago, since she was single and her family living in another country she dedicated her life to help people in need. She took shift after shift. Even in her off day she was ready to go and be helpful.

“Ah! Y/n!” She heard Dr. Chilton’s joyful voice, that man was always energetic all the time. She smiled at his group of friends and approached in her long, dark purple and shimmery dress. “This is Y/n Y/l/n from our hospital.” He introduced her to his group of 4. Others kindly smiled and introduced themselves one by one, at last a tall man with deep maroon eyes extended his hand, “Dr. Hannibal Lecter, pleasure to mee you Ms. Y/l/n.” He had an accent if one listened closely could tell. She wanted to ask where he was from originally but thought it would be rude, “Pleasure is all mine Dr. Lecter, I’ve heard so much about your studies on criminal psychology.” He was popular in Baltimore, Maryland. Chilton often mentioned him and it made her read Lecter’s work. “Oh really?” He asked in bafflement, to be honest he didn’t think someone from the emergency wing would be interested in his work. “Yes. Your last paper on The Chesapeake Ripper was very educational and thrilling at the same time.” She said, she could feel herself getting excited about it, “I, I took criminal psychology lessons for extra credit when I was at college.” She wanted to give a short explanation. Her eyes burning bright which didn’t go unnoticed by Hannibal. Before he could comment on it they heard a woman’s cry for help on the other room and Y/n rushed for aid. The poor woman’s husband was on the floor, “Clear the area. Let him breath.” She started to give orders. She knelt, not knowing a certain gentleman who used to be a surgen before becoming a psychiatrist was observing her, his heart besting fast.

She opened the man’s shirt and got rid of the tie, “Someone call 911.” She ordered and Chilton immediately got his phone. She was giving him, Hannibal exhaled and finished his drink, put the empty wine glass on the near desk. He rolled up his sleeves and knelt next to her, “Need a hand?” He said charismatically and winked at her, she was startled at first, but let him help her.

Soon the ambulance came and took the patient. Guests started to thank her and praise her for being calm and calculated. An old woman approached her, “You and Hannibal would be a perfect team, he was a surgeon before, you know.”

She didn’t know that, her eyes looked for him in the room, the panic was gone and guests were calm now. Hannibal was talking to someone and noticed her looking for him, he smiled and winked at her. Hannibal knew he will be seeing her more often.

Thank you for reading. (:

[aebi12]

"Resentment" - Chapter 16 [AemondxRhaena]

Summary

He is the cause of her sufferings. He took her dragon, her betrothed, and her father. Now, he will also take away her future by having to marry him.

With so much history and bad blood between Rhaena and Aemond, their forced union has everything to fail, except that the proximity will make them discover that perhaps they have more in common than it seems.

AU - the Greens win the war.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15

Masterlist of my other works.

Tags: enemies to lovers, slow burn, romance, angst, drama, eventual smut, hurt/comfort

Please remember that english is not my first language, so I'm sorry for the mistakes...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Aemond leaves first.

Having accepted her proposal for a truce, the prince is quick to rise and stand in a deft and graceful movement. Rhaena tries to do the same, but her knees feel sore after falling on them during their argument, so it takes her a little longer, but she eventually manages it too.

And, once they are both standing again, Aemond just nods in her direction and leaves the room, which Rhaena is grateful for, because truce or not, she needs space. She needs to think and clear her mind. She needs to calm her heart, still tormented by the fight with Baela.

She sighs and slowly walks out of the small hall, without any particular destination. Her twin probably fled to her room, so it is best not to go there. Not until she feels strong enough to face her sister. So Rhaena walks through the fortress, avoiding the main halls and corridors, instead walking through the corridors reserved for the servants and messengers who are clearly rushing from one place to another, all of whom are surprised to see her there. None of them, however, say anything to her. They simply greet her and go about their business, basically ignoring her. Which suits her just fine, because she cannot hold back her tears any longer. So, sitting on a windowsill, Rhaena cries. Her hands cover her face, but there is nothing she can do to hold back her sobs. Or to soothe the pain in her heart.

She had dreamed so much of her reunion with Baela. She had wished so many times to leave the Vale and go to Driftmark and see her sister again. But never in her fantasies had she imagined that she would speak to her with rage and disappointment. With so much indignation and reproaches. With so much pent-up resentment.

Did she say things that aren't true?

Rhaena wipes away her tears and bites her lip so hard that she ends up tasting the coppery taste of blood, shaking her head, even though there is no one around her. No. Baela is not entirely wrong, but things are not as she’s painted them either. Rhaena is not… she is not an opportunist looking to rise in society. She had not wanted any of this.

Standing up, Rhaena heads back toward the busiest parts of the palace. She needs to talk to someone. She needs to let out her feelings or she’ll continue to cry uncontrollably and drown in her thoughts.

“Where is Lady Westerling?” she asks a maid.

“In her chambers, my lady.”

Rhaena thanks her for the information and heads toward the wing of the castle that houses the highest-ranking nobles. She soon reaches her friend’s room and knocks on the door, hearing Marianne’s voice from inside asking her to come in.

“Rhaena? What are you doing here?”

Rhaena walks over to her friend, who is sitting on soft cushions directly under the sunlight streaming through her window, apparently working on some kind of ornament she has in her hands.

“What happened to you?” she asks with a gasp when she notices Rhaena’s expression.

“Do I look that bad?” she tries to smile. Her face must be a mess. Her bulging eyes tend to swell after crying.

“You look sad,” Marianne replies, pushing the object she was working on aside and taking Rhaena’s hand, who has sat next to her on the cushions, “Do you want to tell me?”

Rhaena nods. That is what she came for. To find a friendly shoulder, “Baela and I had a disagreement.”

“Oh,” Marianne squeezes her hand, “It must have been something serious for you to be in this condition.”

Once again, she agrees, “She accused me of betraying the… the memory of my family, I suppose.”

“Why would she say such a thing?” she asks, her expression clearly confused.

“Because she interrupted Aemond and I when we were alone in one of the halls.”

“Still, it seems like an exaggeration on her part.”

“I suppose, from her point of view, the situation seemed more… intimate,” Rhaena blushes at the admission, “We were… I suppose we were very close to each other and it seemed as if he…”

Rhaena tries not to flinch at the memory of his light touch on her throat, though her hands instinctively close around the butterfly pendant. Marianne follows suit, her eyes seeming to light up with the glint of understanding.

“It was nothing, not really,” Rhaena continues, “But Baela has the impression that I harbor… I don’t know… feelings or something similar toward Aemond.”

“And is she right?”

Her friend looks her straight in the eyes, waiting for her answer. Rhaena considers her question. Her mouth wants to say a resounding “no,” but her mind seems to have doubts.

“No, of course not,” she says finally, though her voice cracks, “You know I am only friendly with him out of convenience. And Baela knows it too, she just does not like the idea, she thinks it will not do any good and that I am a traitor for even speaking to him or saying his name.”

Marianne remains silent for a moment and frowns, “There would be nothing wrong with it if your feelings changed.”

“What do you mean?”

“I am not blind, Rhaena,” she replies with a sideways smile, “Certainly whatever the prince felt for you seems to have… transformed.”

“No, no, Marianne, surely you are not implying that he could…”

“I am not implying anything,” she tells her, “I am just stating what I observe. At first, the prince seemed very irritated whenever he saw you, clearly resentful of your presence. Like when he invited you to that dinner at the Tower of the Hand and was terribly rude. And after everything you told me, I was afraid he might be cruel to you. But now… there is something new in the way the two of you interact when you are together. I noticed it at Lady Blackwood’s dinner. Also, it is clear that Prince Aemond is looking for you more often now. I caught him staring at you several times these past days.”

“You are imagining things,” she replies, her face flushing.

“Am I?” she shrugs.

Rhaena feels the weight of her gaze and thinks about her friend’s words.

“We get along better, yes, but that is mainly because I try hard to tolerate him than because he is… I don’t know…” her mind goes blank momentarily, “I do not have feelings for him. I could not possibly have feelings for him, there is too much bad blood between us and…” she shrugs, “Most of the time he just infuriates me. He is arrogant, controlling, and has no sense of humor.”

Liar.

“I saw you two laughing during that last dinner.”

“Yeah, well, just an isolated incident,” she asserts, “Aemond is…”

Smart. He takes your suggestions into account and trusts in your abilities. Plus, he defended you from your sister.

“Seven hells. This should not be happening,” she ends up whispering, “I should not be feeling whatever it is I am starting to feel.”

Rhaena drops down and lays on her friend’s lap, Marianne’s hand stroking her hair, comforting her, “As I said, I do not think what you feel is wrong. The prince will be your husband in a few days and perhaps this is your chance to build something good with him.”

“But he is my enemy,” she retorts, “I should not even consider the idea.”

“And you did not, it was others who put you in this situation. And as you said, you should try to make the most of it. Does it change anything if, in the process, you find peace and happiness?”

Rhaena shudders at the possibility, “With Aemond?”

“You are both Targaryen, it is in your blood, is it not?”

“You know well that is not the only impediment.”

Marianne sighs and they both remain silent for a few minutes.

“I should go find my sister and make peace with her.”

“Surely she is eager to do the same.”

“I hope so,” she says fervently, pushing herself up to a sitting position again, “I would not want her to leave Kings Landing without having this resolved first.”

“She will understand your reasons,” her lady-in-waiting tries to soothe her, “She is your sister and she loves you, that is obvious, Baela will not want you to spend the rest of your days bitter and trapped in a hate-filled marriage.”

Rhaena bites her lip, but nods, “I hope she sees it that way too.” Except there are the other things Baela had said. And unable to contain herself, Rhaena continues, “She accused me of wanting attention all the time and feeling superior for being friends with most of the ladies at Court.”

“That is not fair!” Marianne looks indignant, “You are not doing such things.”

“She was angry,” Rhaena retorts.

“She should not have said that to you, anyway. If the ladies like you, it is because you are charismatic and a good person, Rhaena. Besides, you are funny, clever and graceful. And you will be the future princess of the Court, it is only normal that you receive praise and attract attention. Not because you seek it, but because it is what you deserve.”

“Aemond said… Aemond said my sister resents all these things because she lost them. She should have been the crown princess and reigned alongside Jace. And she lost her dragon too. Now I am here at court with a new position, and I have my dragon beside me.”

Marianne frowns, “I suppose it must be hard for Baela, when you put it that way, but it does not justify her words. You grew up without a dragon, did you envy her for it? Were you cruel to your sister?”

“No, never,” she replies, “Though there was some misgiving and envy. Perhaps a lot,” she admits, “I wanted my father to notice me too. I wanted to have something to contribute to Rhaenyra’s cause.”

“Still, you were never mean. You never acted on those feelings. So, you do not deserve to be the object of your sister’s bitterness now that she is in your place.”

Marianne’s words fill her heart with relief, though it hurts at the same time to think that her sister could actually feel such dark emotions inside. Rhaena prefers to believe that everything Baela said was out of anger at the moment. It is better to think that way.

“I think I’d better go see her. I won’t have that much time once the tournament starts.”

“Of course”

Rhaena is about to stand up when her gaze catches the object Marianne had been working on before she was interrupted.

“What is it?” she asks.

“My favor,” she admits taking the token, a headband made of delicate little flowers, and showing it to her friend.

“It is blue,” Rhaena answers, examining the elaborate work, “It is not the color of your house.”

“No, but it is the color of Tessarion’s wings.”

Her friend blushes and Rhaena suppresses her smile. “It is beautiful. And appropriate,” she replies, handing her the ornament, “Daeron is going to love the color.”

“If he asks for my favor.”

“When he asks for your favor.”

***

Rhaena returns to her room and finds it empty.

Where is her sister? She cannot be gone, can she? Aemond had technically expelled her, but she would not leave without saying goodbye.

With a heavy heart, Rhaena goes to the closets and exhales a breath when she finds all of her sister’s belongings there.

More relieved, she drops onto the bed and closes her eyes. Her body feels strangely heavy and her limbs do not respond when she tries to move them. She just needs to rest for a minute. Just a minute and then she’ll go after Baela. But when consciousness returns to her and she opens her eyes, the room is pitch black.

“Baela?” she whispers into the darkness

“I am here”

Her sister’s figure steps out of the shadows until she comes into her field of vision and sits on the edge of the bed.

“Where were you?” she asks hoarsely

“Walking around the keep. I needed to think.”

“Yes, me too,” Rhaena nods, “Are you still mad at me?”

Her sister gives her a sad smile, “No, of course not. Are you mad at me? I said some very harsh things, I regret losing my temper and accusing you of being disloyal.”

Rhaena moves closer to her sister, “I do not want us to fight anymore. Please,” she asks softly, caressing her twin’s hands, “You are all I have in the world.”

Baela nods, a tear rolling down her cheek and she quickly wipes it away, “I agree with that. We must stay together at all times,” she brings their foreheads together, “Forgive me, Rhae, this place brings back unpleasant memories and feelings.”

“I know, but…”

“That is why it is best for me to leave,” she interrupts her

“What?” Rhaena pulls away from her sister, “No, no, you cannot leave. The wedding is in just a few days and I need you here.”

“Do you really need me?”

“Baela, please, of course I need you,” Rhaena looks at her, confused, “I asked Aemond to bring you here early because I miss you every day and I need you by my side.”

Her sister grimaces at the mention of the prince, “Your betrothed ordered me to leave anyway.”

“That was out of line. He cannot do that and besides, he already agreed that you must stay here,” she clarifies.

“Oh, did he? Do I want to know how you managed that?”

Her sister’s voice has a distinctly accusatory tone. Rhaena’s stomach clenches in nerves, but at the same time, part of her mind experiences frustration.

“Do not make this any harder, Baela. Take my words, I explained to you that it is better to…”

“Yes, yes, I know all that. And you are right,” she admits, interrupting her again, “But do not ask me to stay here to witness it. It makes me physically ill to think of seeing you enter the sept and say the oaths. I thought I could bear it, but I cannot. I’d better go back to Driftmark and not ruin what you have built here.”

“You will leave me alone then.”

“Alyn will be here in the morrow. He will be the representative of House Velaryon at the wedding and he will help you.”

“But I do not know him.”

“He is kind and knows how important you are to me, he knows well that he must support you at all times. He will enter the sept with you and, whatever you need, anything, he will be able to help you. We can trust him”

“I do not care for Alyn, I wanted you to be with me,” she says in a sad voice

“Look, Rhae, you were right. Acting like none of this bothers you is the best action course you can take for now,” her sister takes her hands, “I have been thinking and it is good that we have you in a position of influence and power in Court. So, continue with what you have been doing so far.”

“I already told you that I do not do any of this in order to have power.”

“You have it anyway,” she shrugs, “Stack it up because the time will come when we will need it. We have allies and more will join us, but for now, we must be careful.”

“I do not like what you are implying.”

“Do not worry about it now. I will not involve you in anything yet,” Baela denies, “It will be better this way. Just… be careful. And protect your heart.”

“Baela…”

“He will give you attention, maybe he will be sweet and protective of you, I do not know, but you cannot let it become real. Promise me”

“Promise you what?”

“That it will all be a farce. That you won’t fall in love with him. That you will be careful not to give him your heart,” she explains, “You are fragile because you are sweet and think everyone has honorable intentions, but the world is not like that. Men only want…”

“I know what men want,” she interrupts, “I may not have your knowledge, but I am not a fool.”

Baela smiles. A smile that reminds her a lot of their father’s. Rhaena sighs and hugs herself.

“Promise me, Rhaena. Let me go in peace at least in that respect.”

Baela fixes her eyes on her, her gaze anxious and there is clear concern in them. If making that promise will put her at ease, then she will do it without any problem. Besides, she is not in any danger of falling in love with Aemond. Not really.

“I promise”

Baela sighs, relieved and hugs her.

“I love you, Rhae, never doubt that.”

Then, she leaves her side and calls a maid to help them get ready for the night.

***

Four gold cloaks and two white cloaks form part of the procession that accompanies them to the docks.

As the carriage makes its way through the increasingly crowded streets, Rhaena can't take her eyes off her sister. Baela, for her part, looks through the curtains at the bustle of the city, seemingly indifferent to the fact that in a few minutes they will be going their separate ways again. The thought tightens her heart.

“The city seems more orderly than the last time we were here.”

Rhaena does not answer, and Baela does not press any further, although she does occasionally make a random comment. Until they stop by the dock and one of the guards helps them off.

“What ship is Alyn supposed to arrive on?” she asks as they follow one of the stevedores.

“The Queen Rhaenys, I assume,” she replies as she adjusts her cloak. Despite the sun, the morning is very cold, “I will take the Lady Baela back home.”

“Did he name a ship after you?”

“It seemed appropriate,” she replies with a shrug, but a smirk, “I hope you can visit me sometime. I know it is unlikely, but I would like to.”

“Maybe later.”

The Lady Baela is a huge, clearly new galley. Rhaena does not know much about ships, but one look at it is enough to tell how ostentatious it is.

“I would like some privacy to say goodbye to my sister,” Baela asks the guards following close behind.

The men seem to hesitate for a moment, but considering that the ship is still firmly tied to the dock and that the only other option for them to escape would be to jump into the sea, they relent.

Once they are a safe distance away from them, the playful smile Baela has been sporting all morning fades and her face becomes serious again. “We do not have much time, so listen carefully,” she asks, “One of your maids will bring you moon tea in due time and whenever the kinslayer summons you to his chambers. If you need more, just ask.”

“What?”

“Moon tea, Rhaena, is the tea to avoid…”

“I know what it is,” she cuts her off, looking at her in shock, “What I do not understand is why or… how you’ll get someone to get it to me.”

“I have told you, we have allies,” she replies, “Just drink it and do not let his seed settle inside you. You cannot give him a child.”

Her words sound harsh and her eyes bore into Rhaena’s, making her insides turn.

“I do not know if…”

“It is vital that you avoid giving him a child at all costs, Rhaena. You know that as well as I do.”

“But they will want to get rid of me if I don’t…”

“No, no, believe me, we are close to finding… just trust me. We will be okay,” Baela hugs her tightly.

“Do not go, Baela,” she asks one last time, even though she knows it is useless.

“I have to,” she replies, breaking the hug, “Alyn will assist you in whatever you need. Now you just have to focus on keeping up the farce. I have been doing some research and apparently the kinslayer does not enjoy being violent with women. I learned that he frequents a pleasure house on the Street of Silk, but they were all very secretive, the only thing I managed to find out was that he always visits the same woman.”

Rhaena tries to remain impassive at that information, although her heart is beating fast and a lump form in her throat.

“Maybe it is not all that horrible for you,” her sister ends up saying and her expression becomes one of sadness, “Hold on a little, Rhae, I will come back for you.”

She does not quite know what that means or what she wants to say, and she does not intend to find out either. She just nods and gives her one last hug before watching her leave. Rhaena remains on the dock until her sister boards the galley and waves her goodbye from the bow as the men cut the lines and are lost at sea.

Even when the ship is barely a dot on the horizon, she does not move. Her mind is frozen, repeating the information she’s just received. Does Aemond make a habit of visiting a brothel? Does he have another mistress there? A new Alys Rivers?

For what other purpose do men go to brothels?

The idea disgusts her and also fills her with rage. How dare he? Does he have no regard for his betrothed? For her?

“It is time to return to the castle, Lady Rhaena,” one of the royal guards says

She nods once more and returns to the carriage.

Perhaps your sister only said that to play with your mind, she thinks. Perhaps she is just looking to harden your heart towards Aemond.

Hadn’t Marianne told her that there were no rumors at Court about Aemond’s habits?

Even if there were, didn’t you say a while ago that it is only normal for a man to have lovers? Why would it bother you now that Aemond had them too?

Rhaena crosses her arms, frustrated and angry with herself.

“It does not matter,” she says quietly to herself, “Baela did not tell you anything you did not already know. Not really.”

But even though she tries to rationalize her feelings, the bitterness inside her only grows and hurts.

***

Aemond fiddles with the marble sphere as he listens to the Master of Coin.

“The tents are set, the horses ready, and the arena prepared for tomorrow’s tourney,” Lannister says, “Over fifty knights entered for the jousts and nearly forty for the melee.”

“All surely seeking glory,” Lord Hayford comments.

“And the golden dragons that the victors will get.”

Aemond nods. “What about the mood in the city?”

“The city?” Tyland Lannister seems taken aback by his question.

“Yes, Lannister, the city. What do the common people think of the tourney?” the prince asks again.

“Well, my prince…” the man looks at the others on the council.

“The city is clean and tidy, my prince” it is Criston Cole who comments, “We have doubled security so that the wedding guests can move around without fear. There have been no disturbances detected in the last few days. The inns are full, the taverns sell more ale than ever, and the blacksmiths have almost as much work as during the war. The people benefit from the presence of the nobles and their men in the capital.”

“Good,” Aemond sets the sphere back down, “Lady Rhaena had the idea of ​​distributing part of the royal banquet for the people. An idea I approved of, so I will leave it to you, Cole, to ensure that the delivery of the food is peaceful and that they are satisfied.”

“Of course, my prince,” his master-at-arms says immediately.

“It is a… a noble intention of Lady Rhaena,” Tyland Lannister looks curiously at Aemond, “One more way to please the people.”

“Indeed, Lord Lannister,” he states, “Anything else?”

“The last gifts from the North arrived a few hours ago,” Maester Orwyle says, “Lord Stark regrets that he could not come, but he renews his oath of loyalty to the Iron Throne and King Aegon. And also…”

“Also?” Aemond stares at him intently.

“Gifts arrived from Pentos,” the maester shifts uncomfortably in his chair.

“I do not recall extending an invitation to the Free Cities,” Aemond frowns.

“We did not, my prince,” Lannister assures, “Our agreement with them ended when the Triarchy became engulfed in its civil war. Once again.”

“The Prince’s message said that he is pleased that the new princess is a daughter of Pentos.”

“Mmm,” Aemond stands and paces slowly around the long table. He tends to forget the fact that Rhaena was born in the Free Cities.

“It would not hurt to cultivate this relationship with Pentos,” Lannister says, “The city prospered greatly in recent years. It might be useful in brokering some agreement to keep the pirates at bay.”

“I will think about that,” Aemond finishes, “Anything else?”

“Lord Alyn Velaryon has requested an audience with the small council”

“Is he here already?” he asks, raising his eyebrows.

“He is currently waiting outside for you to let him in, my prince” Hayford nods.

What could Velaryon possibly want with the council? Aemond wonders. They do not have much in common. After the war his house remained loyal, staying out of the politics of the Seven Kingdoms and contributing what was agreed upon on time. There had been no new conflicts in the Stepstones either, so what was the bastard doing here?

“Let us hear from Lord Velaryon then.”

The guards open the double doors and a young man, whom the prince has only met a few times, enters. Alyn Velaryon, heir to Driftmark, strides forward to the chair at the end of the table and bows. Aemond notices his fine clothing, embroidered with seahorses. Unlike the last time they had met, the man now looked like a true noble. He even had the confidence of one.

No one would guess that he was a bastard, he thinks.

“My prince, my lords,” Velaryon greets

“Lord Alyn,” Aemond replies, “You requested an audience with the royal council.”

“Indeed, Prince Aemond. I know we all have important matters to attend, so I will be brief. I wish to marry.”

“That is fitting given your position, Lord Alyn,” Tyland interjects, “Surely you know that you do not need royal permission to do so.”

“I thought it only right to request one considering I plan to marry Lady Baela.”

There is a moment of silence among those present.

“Taking my cousin Baela as a wife? How convenient,” Aemond says, his good eye fixed on Alyn.

“I feel the same, my prince,” the man nods, “Lord Corlys wished me to care for Baela. It seems to me that taking her as a wife is the best way to ensure her well-being. Besides, she is a Velaryon as well. Surely, my prince, you understand as well as I do the importance of keeping Valyrian blood and traditions alive.”

Aemond does not respond immediately, only stares at him.

“You did well to seek royal approval,” he says finally, “Baela is a Targaryen. I will raise this matter with the king and then give you his answer.”

“Of course, my prince. I hope the king and this council remember that House Velaryon is an ally of the Throne.”

With a bow, Alyn leaves the room. Grand Maester Orwyle speaks. “Would it be wise to allow them to marry?”

“We should have foreseen this,” Lord Hayford comments, “No one is more suitable than Lady Baela to be the new Lady of Driftmark.”

“What we must consider are the possible repercussions if Lady Baela has a child. There would be those who would consider the child as a possible heir to the throne.”

“Who would dare?” Aemond asks, annoyed, “Such a possible child would be just another distant relative.”

Everyone shifts uncomfortably in their seats. Aemond knows what they want to tell him, but no one seems to dare for a moment. Not until Lord Lannister speaks.

“You know, my prince, that some lords bent the knee because they had no other choice. A child of the blood of Prince Daemon, grandson of King Jaehaerys, could cause… confusion.”

“Ridiculous,” he mutters.

“Unless you and Lady Rhaena produce an heir first,” Lannister continues, “A child between the two of you would have more legitimacy, his claim would be greater, and it would quell any…”

“Confusion?” finishes for him.

“Indeed, my prince,” Tyland nods.

Aemond fiddles with the dagger at his waist.

“I will speak to my brother. Until then, you are excused”

***

His mother is waiting for him in his private parlor in the Tower of the Hand.

“I did not know you were coming here,” Aemond says, “I would have hurried if I knew you were expecting me.”

“It is fine, Aemond. I thought we could go to the banquet together.”

Aemond just nods and approaches his mother, offering her his arm, which she takes. As they walk forward, however, the prince cannot help but wonder why his mother has suddenly decided to come looking for him. Did she wish for his company? The thought gives him a hint of satisfaction.

“I hear Lady Baela has already returned to Driftmark.”

Aemond nods, “She decided to cut her stay in the capital short.”

He does not plan on telling his mother about the altercation with Rhaena. It is best to keep it between the three of them.

“It is probably for the best,” Alicent replies.

On that I agree, Aemond thinks. He had been relieved at the news of Baela’s departure. He did not like the version his betrothed portrayed when she was around her twin.

“Alyn Velaryon asked for permission to marry her.”

“What?” Alicent gasps, stopping and causing her son to stop as well, “You cannot grant it to her.”

“I see no reason not to do so,” he replies, “Technically they are our allies, and he could marry her without royal permission.”

“I do not like it,” the dowager queen replies, “It bodes ill right now. It reminds me… it reminds me of the start of the war.”

Aemond gently strokes his mother’s forearm, pleased that she does not pull away from his touch, “Fear not, mother. Rhaena and I will do what is expected of us.”

At his words, Alicent raises her face towards him and seems to search for something in her son, “You seem more resigned to your future these days.”

“I understand the sacrifice expected of me.”

“And the importance of such a sacrifice.”

“Of course.”

“Good,” she sighs, squeezing Aemond’s free hand, “It is expected of all of us.”

Without another word, they advance into the royal hall, where the banquet welcoming the nobles invited to the wedding is about to begin.

The dowager queen immediately releases her son and takes up her role as hostess, greeting men and women with a cordial smile.

Aemond walks to the head table and looks for Rhaena, finally finding her standing next to a small group of giggling ladies.

Without thinking too much, he walks toward them, simply nodding to those who stop to curtsy for him.

“Lady Rhaena,” he calls as he approaches the group of women.

She turns at the sound of her name, her violet eyes locking onto him and a good-natured smile appearing on her face.

“My prince,” she greets

“A few words, cousin.”

She frowns, but nods, excusing herself to her companions and approaching Aemond.

The prince takes those few seconds to examine her appearance. Her petite figure looks elegant in a tight red dress with black detailing that accentuates her cleavage. His good eye lingers a little longer than necessary on the rise of her breasts before moving up to her face. Is it his impression or do her lips look more rosy tonight? And her perfume… her perfume overwhelms him when she is finally at his side.

“Well, cousin?”

There is a hint of annoyance in her voice and the way she is looking at him tonight. Aemond feels curiosity rising within him, “You seem angry.”

She raises an eyebrow at him, “Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“I thought you enjoyed these kinds of events,” he retorts, “What is bothering you?”

“I do not know what makes you think something is bothering me,” she replies, trying to mask her clear annoyance, which amuses him. Aemond smirks and she narrows her eyes, “Why are you smiling?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Rhaena sighs and bites her lip, which distracts him for a few seconds, his gaze landing on her lips and causing that increasingly familiar feeling of desire he feels when he is in the company of his cousin.

“If that is all, I will rather go back to the ladies.”

“Were you aware that your sister plans to marry Alyn Velaryon?”

The question leaves his lips when he sees her back turned.

“What?” Rhaena turns back to him. From the look on her face, she clearly did not know either.

“What you heard. Your cousin Alyn asked the king’s permission to marry your sister.”

“Baela never mentioned,” she frowns, confused, “No, it cannot be true. My sister would have told me something”

“If they marry, it puts more pressure on us.”

“How so?”

Aemond does not explain his reasons because a voice interrupts them.

“Lady Rhaena.”

They both turn at once and are met by the figure of a tall man with light brown hair who is wearing a doublet with designs of three ravens holding hearts. Aemond does not recognize the emblem or the man, but clearly she does.

 “¡Corwyn!”

The prince watches a smile spread across Rhaena’s face. A genuine smile, not the forced smiles she reserves for him. Anger builds within him as she closes the distance between them, approaching the stranger and embracing him.

When he whispers something in Rhaena’s ear, his blood boils and his hand goes straight for his dagger. Who is this man who has such familiarity with Rhaena? Aemond glares at them both and she probably senses his scrutiny because she breaks the embrace and immediately steps away from him, moving her face between the prince and the stranger.

“Aemond, this is… this is Ser Corwyn Corbray, an old friend from the Vale,” Rhaena says.

“My prince,” the man greets in a respectful tone.

“Ser Corwyn, this is Aemond Targaryen, my cousin and…”

“Her betrothed,” Aemond states.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

@user05152535456 @pugetprincess @draftswriting @hopefulnovelwritingland @maymunahar @niocel @goldenjoyboyy @gracelessbeach @jenmakeusin10 @dagma18 @atargcvnt @iidontgiveafuckuniverse @ammo23 @qyburnsghost @ithoughtulikedme @avidreader73

Let me know if you want to be tagged

Thanks for reading :)

[imagines--galore]

||Mind Over Matter|| Part Thirteen

Summary: Evelyn is Penelope Garcia’s protégé. She is a tech wiz, and knows her way around any kind of security and just like her mentor knows  how to dig deep and get into the past of anyone and has a knack for   anything with a chip in it. Including potato chips. The one thing she fails at is figuring out is the mind and how it works.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Evelyn Richardson(OC)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure. Family. Some language, blood and violence in later installments.

Previously - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve

A/N: Well what do you know! Heres another chapter. Random moments happening in between episode really. And please lemme know what you think! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Takes place during Season 2 Episodes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

A low humming sound filled the air as Evelyn put away the last of her files, having gone through them already. They were the files for the Team's most recent case. And Evelyn was of course, in charge of putting them away. One of her minor duties as part of the BAU Team along with being assistant techie. A position that hadn't been randomly made up by her mentor. Stepping out of the room and locking the door behind her, she very nearly bumped into the figure that was rushing by. Rather she did bump into them and instantly started to apologize.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see where I was-"

"Evelyn? What're you doing down here?" The red head blinked, finally catching on who she'd bumped into.

"Spencer?" Her instant reaction was curiosity as she stared at her team member, trying to figure out what was new with him. Spencer stared back at her quizzically and questioningly, raising an eyebrow at her. Realization dawned and the red head grinned.

"You got a hair cut!" Instantly his hand went up to run his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit, Evelyn had noted long ago. "Yeah, I figured it was time to get a new look." The genius replied with a shrug. "So what're you doing here?" He asked, coming back to his previous question.

"I had to box away a few files." She responded with a small smile. "It is part of my job to clean after you guys." She added with a teasing tone, prompting him to smile back at her. Blue eyes flickered to his newly cut hair.

And unable to resist Evelyn reached out to gently run her fingers through the ends of his hair, having pushed herself up to the toes of her shoes so she could reach easily. The position pressed her a little close to him, but neither of them seemed to notice as she smiled at him. "I like it. You look cute."

Cute.

She'd just called him cute!

As if the realization of her words just hit her, Evelyn stepped back, cheeks flushing, a nervous smile playing at her lips as she avoided Spencer's gaze who only looked back at her which she found more cuter then his haircut. Like that of a confused puppy. The red head however did make the mistake of looking at him, and instantly regretted it as her heart sped up and her voice reached new levels of high pitch as she quickly managed to squeak out a goodbye before dashing past him, leaving a slightly confused Spencer, who was confused by her behavior to say the least, yet none the less pleased at her words.

Evelyn for her part avoided Spencer for the entire day.

Of course they were both back to discussing(arguing) over a new theory the very next day.

Though Evelyn still felt that strange warmth in her cheeks any time their eyes would accidentally meet and she would be reminded of the little run in a few days ago.

So embarrassing!

                                              ————————–

JJ traced the tip of her finger along the rim of her coffee mug. She was sitting on a stool in a little café a few miles from the office and was waiting for Evelyn to show up. Said red head was making her way towards her friend, holding her own coffee mug and setting it on the small table between them, before hoping onto the stool as well. Outside rain splattered against the glass window of the café, the coldness of it seeping through the window, one that both women felt, yet neither minded. They had their coffees to help keep them warm.

"So how did the assignment go?" JJ asked, once she'd taken a small sip of her beverage.

Evelyn gave a small nod. "It went well. And that is all I can tell you." She said with a slightly pointed look to which JJ chuckled.

"Right! Top secret, I know." The red head gave a low chuckle, before taking a sip of her own drink, frowning as the steam from the coffee fogged up her glasses. Handing her friend a tissue with a smile of sympathy she watched as she wiped the glasses clean.

"So what was it you wanted to tell me?" JJ asked. Evelyn sighed before reaching into her bag and pulling out a magazine from her bag and placing it in front of the blonde. JJ pulled the magazine closer, frowning at the bold title that greeted her in big bold letters.

NEW YORK SOCIALITE EXPECTING.

"After five years of marriage." JJ glanced up at the red head sitting across from her, who had her lips pursed as she stared at the image of the smiling woman on the cover. Along with a man, who was obviously her husband, going by the way they had their arms wrapped around each other. JJ bit her bottom lip before she sighed and reached out to lay a hand atop Evelyn's in a gentle grip.

"I've tried everything I could JJ. But she still refuses to listen to me. Even Gideon has tried to help but she's just so stubborn." Evelyn sounded almost heartbroken as she spoke, finally raising her eyes to meet JJ's gaze.

"I don't know what I did to her JJ, but I wish there was some way I could find out." Her friend sighed.

"I know you're trying Evelyn, but sometimes one person's effort isn't enough. The other party has to put in some effort as well." The younger woman sighed before nodding. "I know, but I was just hoping if I did my best it would get something out of her."

Her gaze, which she now focused on JJ was desperate and hopeless. "Why are people so hard to figure out JJ?" The other woman sighed and shook her head, squeezing the hand she held.

"It's a good thing that we have the BAU then isn't it?" The small joke prompted a smile out of Evelyn. "I wish I could ask their help but I don't want this turning into a professional thing. Its why I've only ever talked to Gideon about it. Penelope doesn't know either, and she's my mentor."

JJ frowned. "Then why tell me?" Blue eyes blinked as they caught JJ's. "Because you asked." The response had a wry smile pulling at JJ's lips, which had Evelyn smiling back and shaking her head.

"I don't know JJ. I'm still surprised I even told you about all of it. But I'm glad I did. It doesn't seem as much of a burden as it did before." JJ smiled at the response. "And I will gladly help wherever and whenever I can."

The smile she was given, sent a surge of affection and protectiveness through the older woman. She understood what Morgan had meant when she spoke to him about Evelyn. There was something so….pure about the red head that a person wanted nothing more then to protect her. Or as Penelope said, wrap her up in a bubble sheet and store her away someplace safe.

"Now! On to other topics, is there anyone you're seeing these days?" The groan of dismal she was rewarded prompted her to laugh loudly, one which Evelyn joined in soon after.

                                              ————————–

Morgan suddenly slammed his file shut a thought occurring to him. The motion caused Penelope to look away from her screen and frown at him. "What?" The blonde asked. Though he turned his head towards her, his eyes were still trained towards the floor, though they were unseeing.

"Have you ever realized that Reid and Evelyn have the same glass frames?" Penelope looked taken aback at the question. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it as Morgan finally met her gaze and raised an eyebrow as if questioning her.

"Coincidence?" The blonde suggested, looking and feeling uncertain.

"More like unconscious retention?" The confused look had him explaining further. "Basically he picked them out unconsciously because he's seen Evelyn wear them all the time." Penelope frowned. "He sees me wearing glasses all the time." Her hand raised to touch the side of her own glasses which were a bright orange that day. Morgan nodded.

"Yeah, but you change them all the time. Evelyn never did." Penelope sighed before shrugging and turning back to her computers.

"Unconscious retention it is then." She muttered under her breath before starting to type away on her keyboard. Morgan went back to his own files, pushing the observation to the back of his head.

                                              ————————–

Cupping her hands around the paper cup she watched it scrunch between her fingers. It was more out of worry and sadness then anything else.

"I take it you heard." Evelyn glanced up just in time to see Gideon take Spencer's unaccompanied desk chair and turn it towards her. The red head shrugged.

"More like saw." Both their gaze turned towards the desk that had been previously taken by Elle. It was completely clear now.

"Its for the best." Evelyn's gaze snapped to look at Gideon. "She knew she couldn't handle the pressure any longer." She only nodded in agreement her face grim.

"Still, doesn't make it any easier does it?" Her superior shook his head at her question.

"Leaving is never easy. Neither is letting go." At that he gave her a slightly pointed look which she countered with a sad smile.

"No. Its never easy."

                                              ————————–

Hotch glanced up from where he had been signing up the last of his papers to see his wife enter the bullpen. Pushing Jack's pram in front of her. He frowned. Hailey was meant to take Jack to her mother's for the night so that the two of them could go on a date. Quickly standing up he met his wife midway as she walked to his office. "Hailey? Is everything alright?" He asked, once he'd greeted her hello and smiled at his son who made delighted sounds at the sight of his father.

His wife nodded. "Yes, only my mom won't be able to look after Jack for the night. She has a cold, and Jack might catch it." Hotch sighed at the news, looking disappointed. "Great, now what?" He grumbled to which his wife shrugged helplessly. "I called the babysitter, but she's out too." The night was getting better and better with each second.

"Agent Hotch! I managed to scrounge up those reports you asked for. Who in their right mind would file them under X instead of Y when clearly it's a Z and-oh hello Mrs Hotchner! I didn't see you there! Is everything alright?" The woman only ever came when there was something going on, and for a minute Evelyn's heart stopped out of terror. But then restarted once the older woman smiled at her.

"Everything is fine Evelyn. Aaron and I just hit a bit of a snag, since we can't go on our date." The red head frowned, even as Hotch pursed his lips, thinking of the reservations that he would have to cancel.

"Oh? Why is that?" Seemingly catching sight of Jack the red head was quick to move forward and wave at the baby, who seemed fixated on Evelyn's hair. "No babysitter." At the answer Evelyn shrugged.

"I can look after him for a few hours. I used to babysit around the neighborhood when I was a teen."

And that was how Evelyn found herself holding a baby in one arm, the other holding up two baby bags. She turned her head to look at Jack who was looking right back with a fistful of her hair in his chubby fingers.

"That went well didn't it?" The baby only responded with a giggle before proceeding to pull at her hair, making her wince.

                                              ————————–

For once the Team had the chance to eat together in their little conference room. Chinese take out boxes were set atop the table while they all assembled chairs around it. "I love take out with you guys. Its always so much fun." Penelope said with a grin as she settled into her chair and reached for her box.

"Hey, where're the other three?" Morgan asked, glancing up from his box of chicken. Spencer shrugged through his mouthful of rice. JJ answered for him.

"Gideon had someplace to go, Hotch had a dinner date with Hailey, and Evelyn is-"

"And this is where your Daddy and the rest of the Team are briefed about the cases." The four of them stared as Evelyn entered the room with an inquisitive baby Jack, staring around with wide eyes. The woman holding him looked as if she'd been through some kind of storm that had knocked her glasses askew and her hair to be completely frizzy and her pony tail lopsided and barely holding up.

"Look Jack! Dinner! Excellent! Because I am starving!" So saying she dropped into a chair, and started to drop the two baby bags that were weighing her down onto the floor.

"Jesus! How much stuff does one baby need?" She grumbled to herself as she held Jack around the waist, having set him down on her thigh. The baby had his head turned to look up at her. Evelyn met his gaze and the two had an intense stare down. Which was broken when Evelyn made a face and the baby giggled loudly.

Morgan smirked. "Pint-size? Mind explaining what you're doing with Hotch's kid?" He asked the question that was on everyone's mind. Evelyn grunted as she picked up one of the bags and placed it on the table, doing her best to use only one hand while her other was occupied with keeping Jack secure.

"Babysitting Morgan. Something I happen to be good at. And Spencer? Help a girl out. I can't make his formula without some help." She'd already taken out the thermos with the water and the bottle which already had the formula in it. Jack was starting to fuss so she quickly stood up and cradling the baby to her chest starting to walk around while bouncing him a little. Spencer quickly stood up to do Evelyn's bidding, pouring the water into the bottle. JJ met Penelope's gaze and the two of them smiled at the sight of Spencer standing in front of Evelyn with the bottle in hand. She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Did you check the temperature of the bottle?" Spencer frowned. "No." The two of them were oblivious to the other three members of their team looking at them.

Evelyn sighed. "All those random facts and you didn't read about babies? Honestly Spence, what're you going to do when a case calls for a random baby fact?" She asked, her tone dry, wincing slightly as Jack pulled at her hair yet again.

"Just squeeze a bit out on your arm. If it burns, obviously we wouldn't give it to him." Rolling his eyes Spencer sighed before moving to unbutton his cuff and pulling up the sleeve. A few seconds later, little Jack was greedily drinking from his bottle while Evelyn cradled him, slowly walking around.

"Why don't you sit down honey?" Penelope said, pulling a chair next to her, if only to coo at the baby. Evelyn shook her head. "Can't. Hailey said he likes to drink while walking around."

"So much fuss over a baby." Spencer grumbled as he munched on a piece of carrot, prompting Evelyn to glare at him. "Oh, and aren't you particular about your eating habits Dr. Reid." She only ever called him that when she was especially ticked off. And Morgan had to say, seeing Evelyn jump to defend Jack was hilarious. Especially when Spencer pursed his lips in response, licking them before speaking.

"Aren't you?" The words had the red head glaring at him even more. "I'm not the one calling a baby out on his eating habits." Morgan laughed loudly. "Alright you two. Reid, leave them alone." The man chided earning a look of triumph from Evelyn who turned her attention back to the baby.

"Spencer is just being mean Jack, don't mind him." Of course, Spencer had to ruin her little bubble.

"I doubt he understands you Evelyn." This time it was JJ who chuckled reaching out to pat his shoulder in a reassuring manner. "Let it go Reid. I know you're jealous, but you'll have Evelyn's undivided attention soon enough." The words only reached Reid's ears who turned to stare at his friend, cheeks flushed and mouth agape.

"Why would I be jealous?" He managed to say quietly, despite having the urge to shout the words in surprise. JJ only gave him an amused look before she turned her attention back to her food. Reid glanced at Evelyn, who was now setting the baby on the floor after spreading a small blanket and placing his various toys around him to play with while sneaking in bites of food for herself here and there. "I was just teasing Spence." The blonde beside him spoke up, knowing he would most likely beat himself black and blue trying to find out why JJ would think he was jealous, when he wasn't.

After eating the four of them left to finish up their tasks for the night. While getting ready to go home, Spencer realized he'd forgotten his bag in the conference room. Quickly walking in he very nearly missed the sight of Evelyn and Jack on the floor. Jack was sound asleep, laid out on his back, one hand still clutching his toy. Evelyn was curled around the baby in what Spencer could only describe as a protective manner. She was asleep as well, her hair falling over her face, her glasses placed beside her head. She'd shed her cardigan to drape it over Jack so he wouldn't get cold and she was on the floor while Jack was on the blanket.

Spencer didn't know how long he stood there. Simply watching the two of them sleep. It was strange how the simple sight of Evelyn sleeping so peacefully had him feeling peaceful and somewhat calm. The notion had him frowning in confusion, yet he still didn't walk away. Not until Hotch arrived with his wife after their night out and the scene was disturbed by Hailey waking up Evelyn. At Hotch's questioning look he simply held up his bag and left without glancing at Evelyn, trying to ignore the flush on his cheeks and the calmness that stayed with him every time he'd think of his red haired friend.

                                              ————————–

Tag List - @cillsnostalgia @kathaaaaaaa @lovelyygirl8

[the-queen-and-the-king]

A little piece of paradise - 2

Summary: Aaron and Emily have revealed their feelings for each other. Now, Emily wants to go to the next step. Knowing Aaron's past, it won't be that easy to convince him.

Characters: Aaron Hotchner and Emily Prentiss

Contents: the story follows Minimal loss, so Emily is in bad shape. So mention of bruises and every consequences of Cyrus blows. There's also a mention of cheating and sex injuries. And, most of all, it's smut: handjob (m receiving), protected sex. NSFW/Minors DNI

PS: I always had this hc that Aaron comes from a jewish family (but he's not a believer himself), it'll be mention in this text only.

This text will be an AU with a sudden canon-divergence. I wrote it when I was rewatching the show, so many chapters will be directly related to some episodes of season 4. There will be 28 chapters.

PS : English is not my mother language so they are necessarily mistakes. Sorry about that.

___

Read on AO3 / lire sur AO3

___

Emily felt so good there, against Aaron's chest, that she could have stayed there for days, weeks, whole months, but a part of her wished they'd leave the premises and go to a place where they could enjoy each other fully. Cuddled up on this bench, they remained out of sight of potential nocturnal visitors – at random, the staff in charge of housekeeping or some agent behind on a file. So, they weren't entirely safe from an inquisitive eye that wouldn't mind snitching into a superior's office. And if Strauss were to find out what was going on between him and her, the section chief wouldn't do the agency director any favors.

A concern that didn't seem to cross the mind of the giant, who smiled idiotically as he absentmindedly stroked the back of her hand.

“What do we do now?”

“What?” flinched Aaron, narrowing his eyes at her as best he could.

“It’s late. I think it's just the two of us left in the building.”

It was dark outside and there was not a sound coming from the bullpen.

“Oh. Well, there are two possibilities,” advanced the unit leader, his arms still wrapped around her.

“Which one?”

“We can either be satisfied with that for tonight and make arrangements later to... deepen our relationship,” he continued with a smirk. “Or we can go straight on to the next step.”

The profiler felt a pleasant sensation tingle in her lower abdomen at the mention of this second option. She'd wanted him for so long that, now that they'd reached this point, she refused to wait any longer to confirm their feelings. But she was clearly not the only one to decide.

“What do you want?”

“I’ll follow your decision.”

This answer did not surprise her, but neither did it satisfy her. She straightened up, freeing herself from his embrace, and planted her gaze in his.

“Aaron. You can give your opinion.”

“I did.”

“No. I want you to tell me what you want.”

She understood that after spending the day giving orders and choosing between various options for the good of his entire agency, he didn't have the motivation to cut into his private life again; but Emily didn't want to be the sole captain of the boat they'd both just embarked on. And, more than that, she didn't want him to perpetually repress his own desires to please her or not rush her. They were to be free to express their respective wishes, which they would then discuss together.

A prospect that made his neighbor uneasy. His brown irises drifted to the coffee table, and he scratched his head nervously. 

“… Well… I… No, forget it.”

“Aaron. Speak,” she commanded, placing the palm of her hand on his pectoral.

She had no intention of frightening or stressing him any more than he already was but given the difficulties he had in expressing the substance of his thoughts, she had no choice but to be a little firm with him. Later, she hoped he'd get the hang of it and open up more easily about his felt.

“… Well… it’s been a while and… uh…” - he kept observing the decoration rather than her, and she felt his heart quicken under her fingers – “I’m a man so… I’d like to… go straight to the next step. But I can understand that you…”

“I want to,” she interrupted without hesitation.

“What?” he said, finally looking at her.

“I want to go straight to the next step tonight.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Oh, yes, she was sure. Sure, and certain even. Given the pressure she was feeling between her legs at the moment just at the thought of spending the night with him, she had no doubt what she wanted.

“No, because according to your theory, it's not... a good plan.”

She frowned, confused, then remembered the discussion they'd had one night, months earlier, in that hotel room they'd had to share involuntarily. Sitting in his pajamas on the balcony, he'd asked her why she thought a woman who had everything would have an affair. At the time, he and Haley were only separated, each living at a different address, but the divorce papers hadn't been signed. She had understood that he was talking about his own relationship and had been somewhat unsettled that he should confide in her in this way but had played along. And she'd come to the conclusion that the mother had slipped into someone else's bed because her own husband wasn't up to the task. She'd wanted to soften her words – aware that she was talking about her own superior – but he'd nodded in agreement, adding an edifying statistic about the fact that less than half of all women experienced pleasure during coitus with a male partner. She now regretted her words even more.

“Well, now's your chance to prove me wrong,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“Since it's been such a long time, it's going to be difficult.”

He smiled shyly, but she could sense the fear that was beginning to seize him. She leaned over and kissed him tenderly.

“So, I wouldn’t take our first try into account.”

“Cool! I get one free ride.”

She laughed and pretended to slap him, before placing her lips on his again. They exchanged a long kiss, Aaron's arms returning to gently encircle her.

“Another question: are we going to your place or mine?” he asked then.

Emily thought for a moment, considering the extent of her desire and the distance they had to travel.

“… You live closer.”

“Okay,” he added, “so we'll have to make a stop along the way.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t have any condoms.”

“Oh,” she commented, caught off guard by this response. “O… okay.”

She hadn't thought for a second about this important detail. She was on the pill, so she didn't have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, but there was more to it than that, and the fact was they didn't really know each other. Clearly, he wasn't a womanizer, unlike Derek, and was as so unlikely to have any infection. For her part, she'd had a few temporary partners since joining the BAU, but she'd always taken precautions. Her last medical check-up had revealed no abnormalities, but it had taken place months earlier and she'd had a few conquests since then. He was quite right to be cautious, and she certainly wasn’t going to stop him.

“Let’s go.”

Without waiting, he got up from the bench, kissed her and headed for his desk to record his work and tidy up the documents spread out on his desk. She watched him do it, a smile on her face, excited by what was to come. She didn't know how it would all turn out – maybe the whole evening would turn into a catastrophe – but she couldn't wait. No anguish, no fear pulsed through her veins, just envy and joy. She was happy to have opened her heart, happy to know that her feelings were shared and happy to extend this day by his side.

He held out his hand to her as he retraced his steps, and she realized he was ready to leave. She leapt to her feet, slipped her fingers into his and kissed him again. She loved the taste of his lips. And for someone who was supposedly untalented, he was an excellent kisser. They crossed the deserted bullpen shoulder to shoulder and reached the elevator. A handful of minutes later, they were in Aaron's car, on their way to downtown Washington DC. They kept glancing at each other and smiling like teenagers. She'd always imagined that the day she met her soulmate, they'd spend the whole time chatting away, but as it happened, they didn't exchange a word. And they didn't mind at all. She was perfectly relaxed, sitting next to this giant in a suit who stared at her, his eyes shining.

They parked near a small grocery store still open at this late hour, and she noted the tremor in his hand as he engaged his car's parking mode. Clearly, he wasn't comfortable with the idea of going in there to buy nothing but condoms.

“Would you like me to go instead?” she offered, grabbing his wrist to caress his skin and soothe him.

“No, it’s okay. I’m not living nearby.”

“Oh, so the cashier won't be thinking, ‘Mr. Hotchner is going to have a good time tonight. ‘”

She was trying to play down the situation to alleviate his stress, and it worked, judging by the broad smile that split his face. He met her gaze and she read the "thank you" he didn't pronounce. He kissed her and took a breath before opening the car door.

“… I’m back. Don’t move.”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

He got out of the car, and she saw him push open the convenience store door. She had the curious impression of having gone back twenty-three years and of being preparing to make a big mistake without her mother's knowledge. Except that she was over thirty, Aaron was over forty and she hadn't been accountable to Elizabeth Prentiss for a long time. Nonetheless, the forbidden feeling was there, and it was far from curbing her ardor – quite the contrary. She wanted more than ever to be at his place to take the next step with him.

A quarter of an hour later, he reappeared beside the sedan and resumed his place behind the wheel.

“Here,” he said, handing her a white plastic bag.

“How was it?” she asked, grabbing his purchase.

“Embarrassing.”

She smiled and caressed his cheek. He smiled back, placed a kiss on her hand and drove off. Emily then realized what she had in her hands and reflected that a quick glance would give her a slightly clearer idea of what to expect. But she didn't dare when he was right next door and might misinterpret her curiosity.

“Oh, you can look,” he suggested at the next traffic light. “You won't see anything out of the ordinary.”

He smirked, proving that he understood exactly what she had in mind. However, his smile abruptly disappeared when he asked:

“I hope you're not allergic to latex, by the way.”

“I put on latex gloves every fourth morning.”

“Ah, yes, true.”

His shoulders relaxed and he started again. For her part, her heart pounding against her ribs, she allowed herself to pull aside the opaque flaps of the bag to read the details of the packaging. She then discovered that he'd taken standard-size condoms.

“Disappointed?”

“No. More like reassured,” she contradicted him at once, in all sincerity.

“Why?”

His question was as honest as Emily's answer had been. She sighed.

“You guys need to stop thinking that size is everything! You must get it into your head that the size of our vagina is limited. So, there's no point in having a big one if half of it stays outside.”

She challenged him with her eyes to find something to say about it. Especially since she really meant it.

“… In this case, it won't be,” he retorted as he turned into an avenue.

“All the better. Because hitting the bottom doesn't feel good. Not at all.”

“Bad experience?”

“Yes. And it hurts like hell.”

She had never been in so much pain in her life and had no desire to relive the experience or face even worse pain.

“Sorry,” he apologized with a pained look.

“It only happened once,” she tranquilized him immediately.

She hadn't given the culprit a second chance. 

“And that's not going to happen tonight.”

“It's really how you use it that's important, you know,” she reminded him, pushing the unpleasant memory from her mind.

“And since my ex-wife has gone elsewhere, I think you'll be bored stiff.”

“Stop it.”

Her tone had been firmer than she'd intended, and Aaron looked at her as if she'd just hit him. In the meantime, he had stopped their vehicle at another red light.

“What?”

“Stop thinking bad things about yourself like that,” she ordered him, suddenly aware that this was a flaw she was going to have to deal with – at least, until he regained all his self-confidence. “I'm sure you're doing very well and you're going to prove it to me this evening.”

“You're optimistic,” he reacted, far from serene.

“I trust you.”

To back up her words, she smiled at him, and a shy grin appeared on his lips. She stroked his cheek and the back of his neck as confidently as she could, then took his hand again when he engaged a gear. She already knew Aaron's anxious nature and seeing him uneasy with what was to come was no surprise in itself; she just hoped it wouldn't completely block him for the next step. She hadn't incorporated this into the scenario she'd drawn up in her head but began to consider it. The hardest thing would be to make him understand that this was just a hazard, and that he could do the right thing, when he had to.

                This shadow was brutally dispelled from her thoughts when her chauffeur's palm came to rest on her thigh. Their irises clashed, and to his slightly silly smile, she responded with an equally unintelligent expression. She intertwined her fingers with his and they pursued on their way, without speaking. Twenty minutes later, they entered the ground-floor apartment cluttered with boxes he couldn't empty. She gave him time to throw the keys on the dresser before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him fiercely. He answered her call, intertwining his tongue with hers in a surprisingly fluid ballet. It was as if they'd been doing it all their lives.

                Plastered against the back of the sofa, Emily in his arms, their bodies pressed together, they prolonged this languorous kiss for many long minutes. She loved what she was experiencing, the taste of his lips, the smell of him rising in her nose, the warmth emanating from his chest, his hands venturing to the small of her back, the relief she felt against her belly.

“Emily,” he managed to articulate between kisses.

“Hmm?” she said, catching his lips.

“Are you hungry?” he asked as she kissed his chin.

“What?”

Without removing her arms from his shoulders, she moved away from him to see his face. He was dead serious.

“It's late, but not that late,” he explained, as he caught her puzzled look. “We can still order food before getting down to business.”

It was worth thinking about. Indeed, she was hungry, so she wasn't against taking a bite, but another kind of hunger was nagging at her, and she was eager to give in to it. The problem was, if she engaged them both in a romp, it might be too late afterwards to call a caterer. But if they fulfilled their desire for each other right away, the question of their chemistry would no longer arise, and they could enjoy their meal in peace. 

“… Here's what I propose,” she resumed, after weighing up the pros and cons of the two solutions. “We order dinner, take delivery, and make love before we eat. That way, there's no tension or stress during dinner.”

His eyes escaped while he analyzed her suggestion, then came back to rest on her. 

“… I’m fine with that,” he agreed with a smile.

He kissed her right afterwards, and she parted her lips to welcome his tongue again. Their kiss had grown in intensity in the meantime, and soon their hands were exploring each other's bodies. Aaron's palms left her sides to knead her buttocks, while she pulled his shirt out of his pants so she could slip her fingers under the fabric. He was still wearing a white tee-shirt underneath, but she moved past that to gain direct access to his burning skin. His belly twitched at her touch, but he said nothing, continuing to mingle his mouth with hers. Beneath her knuckles, she could make out finely drawn muscles and reduced body hair. What she imagined moved her as much as her partner's caresses. She delicately followed the line of his hips before diving into his back. She wanted to feel his bottom too, then realized he was hard against her leg.

                In a surprising burst of consciousness given her state of arousal, she pushed herself away and put her hands back on his chest.

“Maybe we should order now,” she suggested, her cheeks reddening.

“Yes. I… I'll get the... flyers,” he hemmed and hawed, promptly ceasing to touch her.

“Yes. Go. Go… get them.”

They detached themselves from each other, a little embarrassed by the suddenly very realistic turn the evening had taken, and he moved away towards the hall dresser. He returned with several brochures, and together they chose one of the caterers. Aaron stepped back to place the order. Emily's heart beat violently against her ribs. It was strange that she should want something so badly and, at the same time, be so overcome with apprehension about the same subject. She wanted to sleep with him, but it involved so much on both their parts that she was beginning to wonder if it was such a good idea.

                They were going to have to give themselves up to each other, expose their nakedness, reveal their intimate inclinations, and hold back from wanting to control everything. All the while knowing that, if things didn't work out between them, they'd have to continue working side by side without anyone on the team suspecting a thing. It was a risky bet, but in a way, they were in the same boat. They were putting each other in danger tonight, and they would have to face the consequences together. Did she trust him enough for that? The answer was immediately obvious to her.

“How much time do we have?” she asked when he reappeared in the living room.

“Fifteen minutes.”

“Okay. Come and sit on the couch.”

“What? Wh… why?” he stuttered, bewildered.

She took the three steps between them and put her arms around his chest. He was back to normal. What she didn’t care for.

“Since it's been so long, you're likely to... come very soon,” she said, unable to find a more polite way to put it. “Unless I give you your free ride right now.”

He raised an eyebrow, concerned.

“… What do you mean?”

“Come and sit.”

Circumspect, he stood still for a moment, his leaflet and landline phone in each hand, then put the former away and rested the latter on its base before settling down on the sofa. Emily took her place beside him. She kissed him and advised him to let himself go. Under her hand, she could feel the drum beating in his chest, to the same rhythm as hers. It was a big leap for both of them.

                She kissed him again and, gently, unbuckled his belt, pulled down his zipper and reached into his pants. Passing under the elastic barrier of his boxers, she reached his sex, which was hot and hard. But not completely. She dared a first caress, and a shiver ran down Aaron's spine. He didn't object and she went on. When she realized that she was going to need more room to maneuver, she suggested that he undress. He obeyed, helping her pull his pants down over his ankles. Now in his underwear, he could no longer hide his excitement. She observed the bulge distorting the fabric and looked away, kissing him to reassure him.

                Then, without letting go of his lips, she pulled at the shorts until he was entirely naked. She then discovered what he was hiding underneath and couldn't conceal her surprise. 

“Oh!”

“What?” he replied shortly, defensively.

“I… Well…”

Her thoughts raced through her head, as if this were the first time she'd seen an erect penis, when it was absolutely not the case. She saw him lower his eyes to his member and return to her.

“I'm Jewish,” he declared in a tone of obviousness.

“Oh! Yes. Yes, of course. It's just that... I hadn't made the connection with... the fact that…”

She remembered hearing him talk about certain family gatherings at the time of the various Jewish holidays that marked the year, but in recording the fact that he wasn't a practicing Jew, she hadn't considered that he had not escaped this tradition, which was perpetrated when the boy had barely been born. It also had to be said that, at the time, she didn't yet care what he looked like totally naked. And she suddenly felt very silly for having stopped on this detail of his anatomy.

“It doesn’t matter. I don't mind at all,” she asserted, more embarrassed than he was.

“Either way, you don’t have much choice.”

She smiled at this surprisingly poised reply, then burst out laughing. He himself smiled, and the tension hovering over their heads dissipated in one fell swoop.

“No, indeed,” she confirmed, kissing him again.

She then reached into the box of condoms she'd left on the coffee table and pulled out one of the plastic squares. Aaron watched her movements without opening his mouth. A hint of worry lingered in his mind. She wondered if he'd ever received this kind of attention, as not everyone appreciated the practice. 

“We're going to avoid putting it everywhere tonight,” she said to fill the silence. “Then, we’ll see.”

He said nothing, smiling shyly and blushing up to his ears. She placed a kiss on his lips and carefully tore off the wrapping. She extracted the latex ring and meticulously unrolled it on the erect shaft of her neighbor, who closed his eyes before a shudder ran through him. Having had no such intimate contact with anyone for over a year, he was more sensitive than ever to the presence of her fingers around his sex. She deduced that she wouldn't have to make much effort to get him to surrender. Which was rather convenient for her since the moment would remain special for both.

                She began caressing him, watching his reactions out of the corner of her eye. It hardened again, swelling against her palm, and she heard Aaron's breathing become choppier, hoarser too. Eyelids closed, he gritted his teeth, muscles clenched. He was holding back.

“Come. Let yourself go. That's the whole point, remember?”

As if he'd realized the truth of her words, he abruptly gave up the game and came under Emily's curious gaze. A long orgasm, equal to the waiting time, that made him tremble from head to toe. Then he gradually recomposing himself, regaining his senses, and Emily accompanied the descent of his limb. Satisfied, she kissed him, and he answered her call. They exchanged a few furtive but tender kisses.

“You’re okay?”

He nodded, still out of breath.

“… Yes. Thank you. Sorry.”

“Everything is fine.”

She smiled at him, her fingers running through his dark, perspiration-soaked hair. She wasn't surprised that he apologized for the show, but she wanted him to know that it didn't bother her at all. He wasn't the first to take advantage of it, and she hoped to do so again on other occasions. They kissed, under his impulse, and gasped when the doorbell rang. She experienced a moment of confusion before remembering that they were expecting a deliveryman for their dinner.

“I'll take care of it,” she said, rising to her feet. “Go… You know what you have to do.”

“Yes.”

She waited for him to get up and go to the bathroom before opening the door and taking the order. When Aaron returned to the living room, the courier had already left. She had placed the bags on the dining table and a delicious aroma filled the air. But that wasn't enough to distract her from the desire pulsing inside her. And so, when he asked:

“What would you like us to do?”

She answered:

“Let’s go in your bedroom.”

“Okay,” he bowed, much more relaxed than fifteen minutes earlier.

He even held out his hand to invite her to follow him. She pounced on the box of condoms and slipped her fingers into his palm, a smile up to her ears. They entered the sleeping room less than a minute later. The decor was basic, the space being essentially practical. It was his resting place and nothing more. But she didn't dwell on the surroundings, as her host was the focus of all her attention.

They kissed, caressed, and stripped each other, galvanized by the excitement soaring through their bodies. He'd naturally sat on the edge of the bed and, once he'd got rid of his pants, she'd settled on his thighs so she could continue to kiss his lips, cheeks, chin, neck. He himself put his mouth everywhere he could. Then his hands reached under her blouse and a spike of pain reminded her of the origin of this tête-à-tête. So, she grabbed his wrists and brought them down to her hips.

“Uh... Maybe I'll keep the blouse on tonight,” she announced, panting.

“Wh… why?” he wondered, before remembering why she had come to speak to him in his office. “Oh! But… maybe it's not such a good idea to do it tonight, actually. I… I can wait, you know. It’s not a problem.”

He was talking way too fast.

“Aaron. Aaron, calm down,” she stopped him, taking his face in her hands. “I… I want you. So, we'll try and... if it hurts too much, I'll say so and we'll leave it for another day. Okay?”

“Okay,” he agreed, nodding.

“But, for tonight, I’ll keep my top on.”

He instinctively lowered his eyes to her chest, and she saw his eyebrows furrow. His hands had moved away from her skin; he was afraid of hurting her.  

“Is it really that bad?”

“Let's just say... I'd rather you discovered this part of me when it's in better shape.”

She herself had recoiled when she had seen herself in the bathroom mirror a few hours earlier. And she'd had to remind herself that it was only temporary if she wasn't to lose her mind completely. The marks on her face were not representative of what her top was covering at this hour, and she was even convinced that it had gotten worse since she'd left her apartment. So, no, she didn't want him to discover her breasts and belly like that.

“Okay. I’m fine with that.”

They smiled in unison and kissed tenderly. Beneath her, her partner's excitement was felt. She undulated slightly to make sure she wasn't fantasizing, and the relief amplified. She got up to retrieve the box of condoms. She took what she needed and pulled off his shorts again. She noted instantly that he wasn't ready enough for her to equip him, but quickly found a way to motivate him. She got to her feet and, after making sure she had his full attention, ostentatiously removed her panties from under his nose. The stratagem worked and she was able to do what was necessary.

“Are you all right?” she asked, stepping back over him. 

“Yes.”

He hadn't answered in the affirmative to show off, but because he felt confident. She kissed him again, then directed his sex between her thighs. Her intimate lips parted, her cervix flared to offer him passage and her mucous membranes voluptuously enveloped Aaron's spear. They sighed synchronously as their bodies merged into one. Emily savored this presence in the depths of her intimacy. She felt no embarrassment or discomfort, quite the contrary.

She kissed him for the umpteenth time and began to rotate her pelvis. He subtly grabbed her hips and began to push from his side too. The hearth that had been crackling inside her until that moment soon turned into an inferno, and judging by the way her lover's appendage was expanding inside her, it was undeniable that pleasure was rising inside him just as much. The first tip stopped her for the blink of an eye, but she pursued her gesture. A second bolt of lightning shot through her ribcage, this time forcing her to freeze. Her lover, whose eyes were closed, didn't notice her grimace.  

“Wait.”

“Am I hurting you?” he worried, resting his gaze on her.

“No, but… let’s change positions.”

She reluctantly withdrew and lay down on her back beside him. He stood up and towered over her. She had already spread her legs to welcome him properly.

“If I hurt you, you stop me right there.”

“Yes. Go ahead,” she ordered, fearing that the moment would pass, and their union wouldn't end as well as it had started.

Obediently, he entered her at once, very delicately, and captured her mouth with his own. She moaned as sparks sparkled in her lower abdomen and released his lips to whisper to him to continue. Gently, he moved back and forth between her loins, attentive to her changing expressions, only quickening his pace at her command. And, inexorably, the flames smoldering at the core of her being grew and swelled, until they devoured her thoughts. As the fire threatened to overwhelm her, she couldn't hold back her words. Clinging to the shoulders of her lover, who was thrusting into her with ever-increasing intensity, she openly verbalized what was going through her mind.

“I’m coming! Don’t stop. Aaron. Aaron! AARON!”

She came with force and trembled under him several times, her eyes rolling back, her breath coming in short gasps. Her brain ceased to function for the quarter of a second when the orgasm paralyzed her, then she regained her footing in reality the moment her benefactor died inside her. He exhaled an agonized rattle in the hollow of her ear as she wrapped her arms around him protectively. All his muscles quivered, electrified by a wave that spread from his pelvis to all his extremities. With a smile on her lips, she stroked his hair and sweaty skin, also enjoying this suspended moment.

He rolled up beside her and they stared at the ceiling, catching their breath. Shoulder to shoulder, their fingers brushed awkwardly. Then she had this absurd thought: they'd just made love. And she added knowingly over the top that she'd enjoyed it.

“Are you okay?” inquired Aaron, turning his head towards her.

“Yes. And you?”

“… I’m fine.”

They grinned like two idiots.

“You talk a lot,” he remarked.

“You gave me a lot of pleasure.”

He immediately laughed, and she couldn't help but smile in return. The giant laughed very little, if at all, and to hear him laugh like that brought tears to Emily's eyes. It had been brief but it was proof that he was more relaxed and, above all, comfortable with her. Still, she was concerned to know the origin of this reflection. 

“Does it bother you?”

“No. As long as it’s sincere, no.”

“It was.”

She then rolled onto her side to rest on her elbow and observe her lover. Their eyes met and they smiled in unison. Her fingers roamed over his sweaty torso, enjoying the hollows and bumps they found, and she thought back to the fusion they'd both just experienced. To the delightful sensations he had given her. First times with a new partner were rarely satisfying, as a period of adaptation was normally essential, but they didn't need it. They had known how to place themselves in relation to each other, had listened to each other's desires, without judgment or coercion, and it was quite natural that they had found their rhythm until they came intensely.  

“You know what?”

“What?”

“I think my theory was completely wrong.”

He burst out laughing again and a pleasant tingling ran through Emily's insides. Then he shook his head vaguely, smiling, and encouraged her to move even closer. Delighted, she curled up against him and they exchanged a tender kiss.

“Maybe we should go for dinner,” he suggested afterwards.

“Oh, yes! I’m starving.”

Her stomach grumbled under her skin. She'd left home without eating much, and with what they'd just done, her energy resources were at an all-time low. She could have devoured an entire fridge.

“We'll see what we do next.”

“I've already got a little idea,” she said as her lower belly awoke from its post-coital torpor.

If she hadn't been so hungry, she would have offered another round on the spot. Now that the first trial was over, all the tension had vanished, and they could give free rein to their desires. They were going to be able to frolic without putting pressure on each other and have fun with the thousand and one ways of giving their partner pleasure. 

“Really?” Aaron raised an eyebrow, with a sneer at the corner of his lips.

“Yes,” she added with the same expression.

“And is my contribution required?”

“Oh, yes!”

They laughed and kissed, before getting up to eat, wearing only the bare essentials.

___

First chapter >> https://www.tumblr.com/the-queen-and-the-king/771016298484334592/a-little-piece-of-paradise-1?source=share

Next chapter >> https://www.tumblr.com/the-queen-and-the-king/772284657730469888/a-little-piece-of-paradise-3?source=share

___

I hope you have enjoy this ride. :)

And happy new year 2025 to all of you again! /o/

[kyndredravenstories]

Eyes of Infinity: Chapter 14

Hello, I have been posting my work on AO3 and recently decided to venture here to Tumblr. Please note: This story is 18+. No minors. Please read tags carefully. Link to AO3 below but I will also be posting the chapters here.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53564641/chapters/151115194

Pairing: Sylus/Female MC with some elements of Xavier/Female MC

Genre: Romance, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst, Adventure, Smut, Porn with Big Plot and Big Feelings

Content Warning (For the entire fic): Explicit sexual content, spoilers and alterations to existing lore and cards/memories/tender moments/secret times, size kink, size difference, vaginal sex, cunnilingus, anal sex, fingering, all kinds of fingering, elements of consensual somno, dom!Sylus, jealousy, possessive!Sylus, Mephisto stalking, typical game violence, battle and combat

Summary: To love him meant stepping over the threshold and crossing into darkness. To be with him meant accepting the lure of the shadows. And to protect him from betrayal meant sacrifice. I knew not how, only that I would not let time sever our paths ever again.

Previous Chapters: Ch 1 / Ch 2 / Ch 3 / Ch 4 / Ch 5 / Ch 6 / Ch 7 / Ch 8 / Ch 9 / Ch 10 / Ch 11 / Ch 12 / Ch 13

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Master Felix whips around and slaps Alfie's face. Hard. Alfie had been carrying a tray of glass vials, and he holds onto it with all his strength to make sure none of them fall to the shiny white floor. His small hands shake. It hurts. It hurts so very much. Master Felix likes to slap him when Alfie makes a mistake. Likes to see the tears in his eyes and the welts his rings leave behind when he hits him just right.

"I'm sorry, Master Felix," Alfie mumbles on instinct.

"Do you know what you did wrong, Number Eight?" Felix asks, towering over him in his white lab coat. His black eyes look like the vats of tarry goo in the basement rooms, his white teeth gleaming like a shark's in the pulsing blue lights of the lab around them.

"I wasn't quick enough, Master Felix. I'm sorry. Please don't punish me." Alfie doesn't really know what he did wrong. He had made a mistake, of course. But, what was it? He had to figure it out so Master Felix wouldn't be angry anymore. He brought the vials just like the Master asked for. Maybe he didn't run fast enough. And the guards had stopped him, too. They liked stopping Alfie. Liked it when Master Felix punished him.

"Useless freak." With a sneer, the man licks his fingertips and smooths them over his gray stubble. He turns away from Alfie and back to his writing desk, sitting down in his black chair and sliding close to the desk on its wheels. "Get those vials processed. That's twice you've made a mistake today."

Oh no. One more time and Master Felix will put Alfie in the tank. He hated being in the tank. It's so cold and the frozen sleeping man floating inside likes to whisper things in Alfie's head. Master Felix calls him the Progenitor, but he's more like a monster. He says things and makes Alfie see things while he feeds off of his Evol until everything goes dark and his heart feels like it will stop. It's worse than Master Felix's slaps. A lot worse.

Trying to overcome his dread and fear, Alfie rushes over to the big red spinning machine and starts putting the vials inside their matching colored slots. It's up so high that he has to pull up a step stool. He's careful not to make any more mistakes. He's careful not to break any vials or to spill any of the clear liquid. It's precious, Master Felix says. There isn't much of it, so every drop is important. If Alfie spills even a little, the Master will put him in the tank until the Monster drains every bit of his Evol.

That's how the other kids died. Now the cages are empty, but not for long. Every once in a while, the guards bring more of them to the prison in the basement. They come from all over. Sometimes, they speak words nobody can understand. But, Alfie stopped trying to talk to them a long time ago. It's sad when he makes a friend and they get put in the tank. Nobody else has ever come out of there alive. Nobody except Alfie. Maybe that's why the Master made him his assistant. Maybe Alfie is special.

Once he finishes putting away the vials, Alfie begins cleaning the laboratory. Luckily there isn't any blood to clean today. Seeing blood makes Alfie nauseous. He mops and sweeps, dusting the counters and wiping away anything that could leave a stain. That's what Master Felix likes him to do when he isn't running errands. The lab has to be clean and tidy. Leaving even a spot on the floor or the counters will be a mistake. The Master will be angry, and Alfie will get slapped. Or put in the tank. Or left without dinner. None of that sounds good.

While Alfie is cleaning, Master Felix takes out his blue recorder and begins talking to it. He does that a lot. Usually, he talks about all the things he learned and did that day. Kind of like a diary. He really likes talking to himself, and Alfie likes to listen. He pretends that Master Felix is telling a story, and it helps calm Alfie's fear. Today, he talks about how Malakai came to the lab to ask about the Progenitor. Alfie remembers that. Everyone always acts so different when the man with violet eyes comes to the lab. They say he's the strongest ever and that's why he's the leader of Noxis. But, if he's the strongest, why is he trying to become even stronger by using the Progenitor? 

"The recent failure is a setback, but at least a partial transference was achieved. If only Malakai hadn't been so wounded, perhaps..."

While he talks, Master Felix licks his fingertips a few more times and brushes them against his stubble. He does that a lot, too.

When Alfie is done cleaning, he puts everything away and sits in his place in the corner of the lab between the spinning machine and the computers. It's warm here. He curls into a ball, hoping Master Felix will not notice him for a while. Interrupting his stories would be a mistake. Alfie's attention shifts to one of the screens on the table in front of him. It's a big monitor showing cameras in different rooms. He sees something moving in the basement. In the room with the cages. They're empty now, so why would anybody be there? Nervous, he squints at the screen. More movement. Like shifting shadows. He glances at Master Felix. He can't interrupt him, but he's supposed to tell someone when he sees something strange. Alfie trembles, confused.

"Number Eight," Master Felix calls. Alfie holds his breath as he rushes over to the big black chair. Alfie hates that everybody calls him by his number here. In his mind, he holds onto his name. It's the only thing he can remember before he was brought here with the other kids and put in the cages. 

"Y-Yes, Master?"

"Go to the basement and leave this list with Orla." He hands Alfie a laminated piece of paper with handwritten names on it. "After that, you are free to go to the kitchens and take a meal. If you are not back in one hour, it will be a mistake. Do you understand?"

Alfie nods. "Yes, Master. Thank you, Master. I won't make a mistake, Master."

"Get out of my sight."

Alfie runs out of the lab, tucking the piece of paper against his chest. Orla is the Floor Warden for the basement. Maybe he can tell her about the moving shadows on the camera. Maybe she'll be nicer to him if he tells her something that will make her look good in front of the Master. If he could just talk to her. But, she's so scary. She hates the kids, and she likes to hit Alfie with her cane. She knows how to hit without leaving bruises. Master Felix doesn't like Alfie to have bruises from anything except his slaps.

He makes it to the elevator and presses his thumb to the fingerprint reader. With a green flash and a ping, the double doors hiss open to let him inside. He chooses the basement floor and scans his thumb again. The screen flickers with some letters and a message, but Alfie can't read anyway so he ignores it. In seconds, the elevator takes him four floors down to the lowest place in the compound. When the doors open, Alfie steps out.

It's really dark and cold here. A lot colder than anywhere else in the lab. They have to keep it cold so the bodies don't rot, Master Felix says. Alfie smells the bittersweet stuff the other scientists use to keep dead things fresh longer. He can never remember the name for it; the word is too long. The smell is stronger than usual, which means the scientists must be doing something with the bodies. Maybe they're making more tarry stuff. Or maybe it has something to do with the "failure" Master Felix was talking about in his stories today.

Orla gives Alfie a glare when he walks timidly up to her office. She's an older woman with streaks of grey in her hair and ugly wrinkles. She's wearing the grey and indigo Noxis uniform. Her pants are creased at the backs of her knees from sitting all day and watching her monitors. He holds out the paper as he walks up to her, hoping she'll understand that he's here to run an errand.

"It's from Master Felix," he says. "I just have to give you this list and then I have to run."

Orla stands up and marches the rest of the way up to him; he can hear her heavy breathing. When she's close enough, she takes the paper then steps around and closes the door behind Alfie. He tries to stay calm. She likes it when he's scared, and she really likes it when he cries. If he can just avoid doing what she likes, she'll get bored and maybe let him go with just a few smacks on the backs of his knees with her cane. He hopes he can get this over with fast. Master Felix only gave him an hour, and Alfie didn't have dinner yesterday.

"Looks like Felix wants me to take you to the cages," Orla smiles after reading the paper, reminding him of a picture of a shark he saw once on one of the monitors on the TV in the kitchen. Alfie doesn't believe her, but he can't fight her if that's what she wants to do. She's a lot stronger, especially because Master Felix just put him in the tank last week. He still doesn't have all of his strength back.

"That's not what the Master said," Alfie frowns. "The Master said to give you the list and go to the kitchen."

"You talkin' back to me, kid?" Her cane comes down hard on his back. Alfie doesn't expect it and falls down. She hits him again, on the head this time. He raises his hands to shield himself, confused now and on the verge of tears. This isn't how this normally goes. She's never hit him this hard. Curling into a ball, he screams when she keeps hitting him. She's shouting something, yelling. The more she hits him, the sweatier she gets and the louder her breathing becomes.

And suddenly, the pain stops.

Her voice stops.

Still terrified, Alfie squints open his eyes and looks up above him. Orla has a weird look on her face, like a robot disconnected from its plug. Her face is kind of limp. Her mouth hangs open and her eyes are rolled back into her head. She wavers for a second before a fountain of blood spurts from her neck. Alfie screams as her head falls off her shoulders and onto the floor, bouncing and rolling towards him. Horrified, he scrambles backwards on all fours. When he opens his mouth to scream again, a hand wraps around his face.

"Shh. Don't shout, unless you want to end up like that hag."

"I'm s-sorry," Alfie whispers. "I made a mistake. Please don't hit me. Please don't put me in the tank. Please don't hurt me. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"Calm down," another voice says.

Alfie realizes that he covered his face with his hands instinctively.

"Look at me," the same voice demands. The hand leaves his mouth. Someone shifts around him. Alfie moves his hands away, peeking up towards the voice. Two figures are standing above him dressed in all black. Their faces are covered with crow masks. The tips of the beaks are red like they've been dipped in blood. One of their hoods says "06" and the other says "07". Otherwise, he can't tell them apart.

"P-Please don't h-hurt me," Alfie whispers again.

"If you do what we ask, we won't," Six says.

"W-Who are you?" Alfie asks.

Six sits down next to him. "Tell me your name first."

"A-Alfie...I think. I can't remember because..." he stops there. Suddenly, he's wondering if this is another test from Master Felix. The Master is always testing him. They killed Orla, but she liked to disobey the Master and the rules. She liked to hit Alfie and make him cry. He's glad she's dead. He just wishes there wasn't so much blood. He really hates seeing blood.

"Everybody calls me Number Eight. That's who I am. I won't tell you anything," Alfie says, his bottom lip quivering. "I won't say anything. I have to go to the kitchen. Master said to go after I was done here. Please let me go."

Six looks at the headless corpse on the floor then at Alfie again. "We just killed your friend. Aren't you upset?"

"Orla wasn't my friend," Alfie insists. "She hit me and beat me. She was a bad worker. She broke the rules, and she deserved it."

Nobody ever listened to him when he complained anyway. They all just liked to hit him. If he complains to these people right now, it might be a mistake. He might end up in the tank. He has to show Master Felix that he's loyal. That he's special.

"What do you do around here, Alfie?" Six asks him. Seven stays silent, occasionally glancing towards the closed door. Six had said his name. Not Number Eight. His name. Maybe this means Alfie is doing well. Maybe this is a reward.

"I'm Master Felix's assistant. I help him."

"I see. And, do you like helping him?"

"Yes," Alfie answers without hesitation. "Master Felix is amazing. He's smart. He's merciful. He gave me a place. Made me special. A nobody like me can be helpful if I serve him."

"I see," Six sounds impressed. "You must be really important here. Are you the youngest?"

Alfie puffs up his chest. Nobody had ever told him he was important.

"I was before, but not now. The other kids that came with me and after me were put in the tank, so they're dead. They were weak. They weren't worthy of serving the Master."

Six nods. "The tank sounds like a scary place."

"It is," Alfie shivers. Six was really easy to talk to, and he didn't look like he was going to hit him. He liked this. Maybe he could talk to him just a little more. "It's really really scary. It's cold and there's the Progemator. I don't like him."

"Progenitor?" Six asks, correcting Alfie's pronunciation. "What's so scary about him? He's just a floating dead guy, isn't he?"

"No!" Alfie insists. Nobody's ever been this interested in Alfie before, and he doesn't want Six to think he's scared. "The Progemator isn't dead. He's alive, and he gets stronger when he takes our Evol."

"Oh, really?" Six sounds surprised. "Have you been in the tank with him?"

"Yes. Master Felix puts me there when I make a mistake. When I do something wrong. I deserve it, of course. It's all my fault. I deserve to be punished and have my Evol taken."

Seven comes over and sits next to Alfie, too. He crosses his arms over his chest, listening intently. Alfie can't help but feel proud. He's said only good things about Master Felix and the Monster. Only good things. That means he's passing the test, right?

"You sound like a brave young man," Seven says. "After all, you're such an important assistant and you've survived going into the tank."

Alfie's eyes sting with tears. This is the first time anybody's ever given him so many compliments. He hopes this test will go on just a little longer.

"Does that mean your Master trusts you to go anywhere here in the lab?"

"Yes, anywhere he needs me to go."

Seven reaches for Alfie's wrist. "Can I look at something?" he asks.

Alfie hates being touched, but if its for the test, he can be patient. He nods, and Seven gingerly takes hold of his forearm and pulls up his ratty sleeve. His mark is tattooed into his skin; the black ink looks as fresh as though it only happened yesterday. It's the number Eight.

Six and Seven look at each other. They don't say a word, but Alfie feels like they're talking to each other. After a minute, they shift to sit closer together and hold out their forearms to him.

"Wanna see something neat?" Six asks.

"I think you'll be surprised," Seven says.

Alfie hesitates. Is this the next part of the test? He nods, clasping his hands together nervously. In perfect unison, Six and Seven pull up their sleeves to show their wrists. Alfie gasps when he sees the same tattoos on their skin in the exact same place as his: the numbers six and seven.

"Alfie," Seven says, "how would you feel about a trade?"

"T-trade?"

"Yes. In return for taking us to see your Master, we'll take you home with us."

"Take me...to another lab?" Alfie holds his breath, not daring to hope.

"Take you home," Six says, his tone suddenly different than before. "No more labs."

"Away...from here?" Alfie whispers, his eyes going wide.

Seven nods. "Yes, that's right."

This is a test. This is Master Felix's test. Alfie has to stay strong. This is all a trick. The second he says 'yes' someone will come out and hit him. Master Felix will laugh and slap him then put him in the tank. Maybe forever.

"No," Alfie shakes his head. "No, I won't. I'm happy here. I belong here. Master Felix made me special."

A tear runs down Alfie's cheek despite his best efforts to hold it in. It's lies. It's all lies. If he could, he would run away from here. If only these people were real. If only this wasn't a test.

"You don't trust us?" Six asks him. "What reason do we have to lie to you?" He sounds sincere. He sounds real. Alfie takes a step towards him, digging his nails into his palms. 

"If..." Alfie swallows past his fear. "If this isn't a test. If you're not with Master Felix. Then...you killed Orla...and you could kill me too."

"Believe me," Seven says to Alfie's left. "If we wanted to, you'd already be dead."

"But, you won't." Alfie frowns. This is how everybody is. They all want to use him or hit him or hurt him. "Until you're done with me." 

Six chuckles. "Smart and special. I definitely want to keep him now, Kieran."

"He's not a puppy, Luke. Boss won't like it."

Luke and Kieran. Were those their names?

"Boss?" Alfie asks, suddenly curious. Did they have a Master, too? They had tattoos like him and a Master like him. But, they were so strong. And they weren't in a cage. Was their Master nice? Did he hit them, too?

Luke looks over to Alfie. "Yeah, our Boss. Strongest guy you'll ever meet."

"But I thought Malakai was the strongest. He's our leader."

Kieran snorts. "That chump is going to be fish food soon."

"Fish food?" Alfie doesn't understand.

"Yeah," Luke says. "Like getting thrown into a tank but in pieces."

"Your Boss is that strong?" Alfie asks, amazed. He can't imagine anybody stronger than Malakai. "Is he...nice? Does he hit you?"

Luke shakes his head. "Never. We get to play as much as we want as long as we do our work."

"Does he let you go to the kitchen?"

"As much as you want," Kieran says, his arms still crossed over his chest.

"But, what about the numbers? Aren't you his prisoners?"

"He took us from our prison," Luke says. "And gave us the strength to kill all those who hurt us."

Alfie takes a slow shaky breath. All who hurt him. Kill them? Kill Master Felix? Kill the guards that always stopped him and got him in trouble? Killing others was for the strong, and Alfie was weak. He'd imagined so many times what it might be like to hit Master Felix back. To hit the guards that abused him. To take Orla's cane and hit her over and over until she stopped moving. But, he'd always been too weak.

"I can't do that," Alfie mumbles.

"What, kill? You don't look like a softie to me, kid," Kieran says.

"I'm not strong enough."

"You don't have to be strong to fight for your life," Luke explains. "You don't have to be strong to give back an eye for an eye." He reaches out and puts a hand on Alfie's shoulder. "You just have to have one thing. The instinct to survive. Like any beast, really." 

"That's all any of us are," Kieran concludes. 

Alfie wrings his hands together. "Can you...or your Boss...can you teach me that?" 

"We can," Luke assures him.

It was too good to be true. Too good. But, Alfie wanted to believe it so much.

"Then...then..." 

"Do you want to trade now?" Kieran asks, sounding impatient.

"Yes," Alfie breathes, scared and excited all at once. "I want to leave here. I want to kill Master Felix. He hurts me. He treats me like dirt. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him." The last part comes out as a growl, and the walls around him shake with Alfie's anger.

Luke rubs his hands together. "Alright then, it's a deal."

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Felix Blaze is a man of logic and action. His lab ebbs and flows in perfect order. Not a hair out of place. One might say he runs a tight ship. His direct reports don't dare to step a toe out of line. There are no terminations here. At least, not in the traditional sense. Young bloods come to work here to prove themselves to the organization, and one word from Felix is enough to either earn a promotion or earn a place among his cages of test subjects. It's a risk a surprising many are willing to take.

Felix has earned quite a reputation of success in his endeavors and assigned projects. He grew quickly in rank, and in just a few short years, he's taken A.R.C.A.N.E and Noxis to a whole new level. An accident -- something involving an introverted young bookworm working too hard for her own good and a tenth story ledge calling her name -- led Felix to a method of mass producing LUMINIS. With her notebook and knowledge in hand, he was a rising star among his toxic and quite envious collective. A figure of envy.

But, after flying so high, the brilliant scientist's fall is all the more painful. Malakai's failed operation just hours ago is a new stain on his record. While most of his colleagues had gone home for the night, Felix remains alone in his frigid, dark, lab. He sits at a desk, the only light a pulsing blue glow coming from the eight foot tank beside him. His hands move at blinding speed as he scribbles notes and observations in impeccable penmanship. Only Number Eight remains by his side, bringing him hot cups of coffee and carrying out menial tasks.

Foolish naïve little child. An unexpected bonus brought to Felix among a cartload of worthless bodies. He possesses an interesting Evol, one full of the potential to either destroy or to elevate the RE-Birth project. For that reason, Felix keeps him on a tight leash. A prisoner given the illusion of limited freedom. First, Felix had made sure to crush his mind and his spirit. Then, he ensured that he continued doing so. The child must never know his true worth or purpose.

Now if only the other factors of the project could line up as well. Lost in his own anger and frustration, Felix laments that no one is here to witness his heroic actions. If only Malakai could see him now, picking up the pieces after their recent set-back and planning for the next attempt. See how alone he is; how he's clearly the only worthwhile worker in this lab. Damn the other scientists. So what if they'd been working without rest for over 48 hours? They're on the verge of a breakthrough. Doesn't that mean anything to them? Unworthy rats. Not even fit to lick Malakai's boots. They would need to be dealt with soon; their incompetence cannot be tolerated. Every failed attempt puts Malakai's life at risk, puts the Progenitor at risk.

Intolerable.

Disgusting.

So furious his hands shake, Felix reaches up to lick his fingers and smooths them over his growing stubble.

The Master must be informed. There must be another purge of the staff. They can start over; build again. Bodies are plenty to push buttons and fill beakers. After all, it is he - Felix - that is the true mastermind and the brains behind it all. Only men of his caliber are fit to work at A.R.C.A.N.E. Men with ambition, fortitude, and a strong understanding of their role in the great machine that is Noxis.

Hands trembling, he writes up the last of his report. Compiling data for this last attempt isn't easy. Something had gone disastrously wrong. No. Disaster isn't a good word. A glitch. Yes, that's it. Just a glitch. They'd needed more bodies than usual. More of the Blood, too. And still -- still -- Malakai couldn't couple with the Progenitor. His leader had left frustrated and weakened, his Evol unchanged, his memories only partially transferred. If only Malakai hadn't been injured, they could have tried again. But, the wounds needed a Proto-bath treatment to heal.

Again, Felix reaches up, licks his fingers, and smooths them over his stubble.

If only the Specimen hadn't escaped over a year ago. The search for him had borne no fruit, and there were no more Lemurians readily available to pull from to replenish the Blood. At this rate, LUMINIS production would be compromised and the RE-Birth project will need to be put on hold. Unless, of course, Malakai made progress in obtaining a new resource.

The girl.

The Core.

With her, none of these things would be obstacles at all.

So, why did their leader hesitate? Why did he not capture her in this last encounter? A.R.C.A.N.E needed her so badly. No tissue, no cell, would be wasted. Every piece of her body would be put to good use. The Core to power the Progenitor. Her blood for LUMINIS. Skin and bones and organs for research and analysis. She would be reborn; they'd find her, capture her, and use her again. She was perfect. A timeless resource that would never run dry.

Setting aside his notebook, Felix picks up a clipboard and walks closer to the Progenitor's tank. A man floats within, his long black hair waving with the current, his violet eyes closed in repose. One of these days, Felix would see them open. Malakai will succeed in transferring his Evol and his memories to this new body, achieving true rebirth and reincarnation in a form that will be unstoppable. Noxis will rise like a phoenix from the ashes, and the vermin of Onychinus would fade into the shadows, never to be heard from again.

Of course, these are only Felix's ambitions. Malakai has much grander plans, including the slow and methodical elimination of his greatest rival - Sylus. Felix wants to see this, too. Wants the man with the red eyes to kneel before them all and beg for his life. Once, Felix had been a part of Onychinus. Once, he had been the greatest among the ranks of their scientists. Until Sylus had swept in and destroyed his research. All of his life's work pertaining to the Aether Core, gone in a single vicious night of flame and smoke.

Felix reaches up and smooths his moistened fingers across his stubble.

Revenge would be sweet.

And, what could be better than claiming Sylus's body for research and experimentation? A power like his had never been known or seen anywhere. A monster, some called him. Or, perhaps, a result of some machination by an unknown hand. Many feared the unknown, but Felix welcomed it. All mysteries could be solved, and monsters made for fruitful study.

A ringing. Felix's phone. Blinking at the flashing screen, he frowns when the caller ID looks glitched and fragmented. The metal in the walls tends to interfere with calls here. Concerned that it's a summons from Malakai, he picks up.

"Downstairs," a familiar voice says.

"Right away, Sir."

Felix grows worried. Had Malakai's wounds been worse than they'd thought? Was the Proto-bath not sufficient? Were more Protocores required? His breathing quickens as he gathers his things and makes his way outside with his briefcase in hand. Number Eight follows him like the obedient dog he is. On the way, Felix throws on his thick winter jacket. He exits the building with a swipe of his badge, stepping out into a flurry of falling snow. A pair of headlights nearly blind him, and he rushes around the car's front. Someone opens the door for him, and he slides inside. Number Eight follows suit.

"Sir, I --"

He stops. Two men sit before them dressed in all black identical clothes and armor. Their faces are hidden behind crow masks, but somehow even without seeing their expressions, Felix can tell they are smiling. They're wearing hoods with the numbers "06" and "07" printed on them. Recognition flares. His jaw clenches. He swallows past a lump of terror in his throat, for he's heard rumors of these men and what they do at Sylus's side. One of them takes a phone out of his pocket and taps the screen.

"Downstairs," the recording of Malakai's voice plays. "Downstairs...downstairs...downstairs..."

"For a smart guy, you sure fell for this trap way too easily," Seven says.

Felix lunges for the door handle, but he doesn't even make it an inch before one of the men seems to teleport to his side. A gloved hand wraps around Felix's wrist hard enough to break bone. He shouts in pain, but this only seems to amuse his captor.

"Now, now," Seven chides from above him. "You're our guest of honor. Just stay put, would you?"

The man across from him -- Six -- chimes in, "we're not in the mood to play right now."

Felix's eyes snap to Number Eight. Six is holding a glowing dagger to his throat. The boy's bright silver eyes are dead as always, devoid of any kind of human emotion. He doesn't look scared or concerned. In fact, he looks almost angry, an expression Felix has never seen on his face.

"Let me go," Felix demands. "I don't have anything you want. You can keep the kid." He gestures with his head towards Number Eight. "He knows more than I do."

Seven shakes his head, "Speak again without permission, and we'll start removing fingers."

Felix gasps at the threat, but doesn't dare to say anything else.

"Now, if you're a good boy and you answer our questions, we might be merciful and kill you quicker."

"That's not much fun, though, is it?" Six sighs. "And who's this extra?" He shakes Number Eight, but the boy doesn't say a word. Strange. For as long as Felix has known him, the boy was terrified of his own shadow. He'd capitalized on that; had made sure to make his fears much worse. He should be shivering and shaking now, especially with a knife at his throat. 

"Looks like a cute little assistant," Six snickers. "I guess he's a freebie, so I can do whatever I want, right?"

"Boss said we could do whatever as long as the scientist squawked." Seven shrugs. "No mention of the kid, so he's bonus loot."

"Let's take them to the cell," Six whines. "I wanna try out my new kit."

"He needs his tongue to talk," Seven counters.

Felix's body starts to shake in terror.

"Oh, look, he's scared," Seven chuckles, leaning forward until the sharp beak of his mask is nearly touching Felix's face. His voice drops to a low thundering threat. "Is the big bad scientist going to pee his pants?"

"You better not. These are leather seats," Six says.

Felix bites his lip, tasting blood. "W-What...do you want with me?"

The second man's mask tilts down. "Well, those documents in your bag are a good start. But, mostly, we need you to tell us where Malakai is and everything you know about that half frozen clone of his that you've been growing in your lab."

Felix starts to say something when an armored fist flies out of nowhere and punches him in the face. He goes down like a bag of rocks, coughing and sputtering as his vision spins.

"Rule one," Seven says, "no lying."

"Didn't...lie..." Felix coughs.

"You were about to. I can sense that a mile away, you know."

Number Eight whispers something. Felix balks when Six moves the dagger away from his neck and leans down towards him.

"What was that, Alfie?"

"Slap him," the child answers. His silver eyes gleam in the low light. "He made a mistake. Slap him."

"You're right," Seven says then turns and slaps Felix's face. The impact is so severe that Felix thinks he might have broken his jaw. He coughs and sputters past the pain and dizziness, spitting out a mouthful of blood along with a tooth.

"You...little freak..." Felix hisses, glaring at the child. "It was you that led them here?"

How? How was this possible? Betrayal from the child? Felix had done everything by the book. He'd been certain that he'd broken this boy long ago. Yet the silver eyes looking back at him now weren't the same ones he was used to seeing. Had these two men done something to him? Had they influenced him somehow? If so, when? This wasn't something that could have just happened on a whim. 

"Careful, Master Felix," Number Eight says, his face and eyes still dead as rotting pond water. "Don't speak without permission."

Felix flinches back. Six knocks on the pane of glass separating the passengers and driver. The car takes off, and Felix struggles to get his emotions and fears under control. No matter what happens to him here, he cannot give them any information about Malakai and his plans. He glares at the twins, then at Number Eight.

"I think we've got a true loyal pawn here," Seven says. "He looks determined."

"Loyal till we really get started," Six shrugs.

Seven grabs Felix by his collar and pulls him forward. "Hey, just so you know, I want you to fight me. I've been bored lately, and I could use some human dissection to get my mind right again."

A phone rings somewhere behind Felix. Six reaches across the seat and picks up the phone.

"Yeah, Boss, we got him. We're on our way now."

A deep voice says something Felix can't make out.

"Understood, Boss."

When he hangs up, Seven speaks up. "So? What's the Boss-man want?"

"We can't kill him 'till the Boss gets a turn with him," Six practically pouts.

"So as long as we leave his eyeballs in tact, we can do whatever?"

"That was my understanding."

Both men turn to look at Felix, and he comes close to soiling himself despite the earlier warning. All of his earlier bravado vanishes, shrinking and withering like a slug in saltwater. They're taking him to Sylus, and they're planning on torturing him. No amount of fortitude or sanity will be enough to survive that. 

"P-Please...I take it back...I'll tell you anything you want."

The twins both laugh in unison. "Oh, you will," they say simultaneously. "But we'll have some fun first."

[johanna-masons-wife]

Fic request for Gale Hawthorne. Can be on the shorter side. Exposing the aftermath on his mental health after experiencing and witnessing a near genocide. Maybe he gets triggered by some sort of accidental kitchen flame and, much like Katniss, has found his own closet he runs to. This one’s got a vent where air blows through and it calms him.

Hi! Sorry this took so long. At first I was a bit iffy about writing for Gale because I personally know so little about him, but I got a little more confident in my ideas, so here we are. Sorry in advance about any grammar mistakes, or general mistakes in lore.

Contains spoilers, and slight mentions of death.

જ⁀➴

Things were calmer in district two. The war had ended, and the presidents were dead.

Gale trudged through ‘2. The cold, crisp air bit at his skin and ruffled the strands of his short, dark hair.

He did regret walking out on Katniss and leaving her after everything had ended, yes, but he knew that was the best decision for both of them. Katniss had suspected that he had been the direct cause of Prim’s death, when in reality, he wasn’t sure whose bomb it was, or under whose order it was dropped.

Since then, the slightest things had set him off. Simply walking past a sewer drain reminded him of everyone they had lost attempting to sneak into Snow’s mansion. However, the worst of it came around fire. He was brought back to the bombing of '12, and how he felt so useless when he couldn’t get everyone to safety. Cressida’s words of reassurance rang in his head, 'You saved so many people, Gale. Without you there’d be no District Twelve, not even the memory of it.' But that’s not how he saw it. He saw it as he head done the bare minimum, and he could’ve done so much better. And with Prim…had the bombs not been dropped, or not dropped so soon, the girl would still be here, with her mother and sister.

So you can imagine what happened when he zoned out while cooking breakfast, and it set on fire.

He watched the flames for a moment, wide-eyed as he backed away in panic. Everything came flooding back, and found himself backed into a closet, leaning against the hard, cold wooden walls. The vent above him blew out a rush of cold hair, ruffling his hair as he sat under it. He let out a breath. It was just a small flame, and everything was okay.

The war was over, Snow was dead. He didn’t have to worry anymore. He sat in the closet for a few more moments, before opening the door and walking over to assess the flames.

Sorry about any mistakes, or if it just doesn’t make sense in general. I’m writing this at 3 AM, almost 4, so forgive me. (+ I haven’t wrote anything in months)

[morballs]

Write a 10 page APA format essay on the TWDG character that you hate the most.

You have until Friday to submit this 🙌🏾

professor Everett i'm paralyzed on my deathbed i cannot do this!!! anyways, sorry to the three Jane fans that exist, but I DO NOT LIKE HER!! AT ALL!!!! Maybe this is biased given my very normal attitude regarding Kenny, but you can obviously see that her role as a character was extremely rushed in the last episode; I don't even think she was supposed to survive! Outside of budget problems or interpersonal bullshit happening in TTG, I just genuinely fucking hated her in the last episode. ANNNDDD IM GONNA RANT ABBOUT ITT GRAAAAAGHHH!!!!

When Jane's introduced to the story she's intriguing, and in general a character that I really wanted to see develop in my first playthrough; She KNEW what she was doing on a completely different level compared to every other character then introduced in the season 2 roster, because as opposed to let's say Kenny or Luke, she's been treading in the shoes of a walker for roughly two years at that point, she knows the enemy in a way that only Clementine (and Lee (LMAO)) knows, if that makes sense. You can see her as an ally in some strange form only based on shared experience. Her character is a bit intense, but she carries herself like she's more important and above the others, extremely self assured and all that bullshit, which is quite the comparison with Nick, Alvie and Luke where they prefer to keep themselves at ground level, and in a way that's more personal and opens their character and personality up for us to explore. It makes her somewhat like a big sister stand-in for Clementine, and its extremely obvious that she see's all her own flaws inside Clem and tries to snuff it out before she makes the same mistakes she did (Any scene revolving around Sarah, and how she was trying to convince Clem to leave her alone to get eaten alive and then SULKING when she doesn't). It's interesting, and I wont deny I deeply enjoyed the scenes where she's teaching Clementine some of her survival tricks! But it all really falls apart by the last leg of episode 4, with the whole Luke thing. It's strange, their entire dynamic and relationship is strange because frankly by the second time they interact they're already mapping eachothers insides dawg... completely fucking shocked me man... Her "leaving" the group didn't really create any swell of emotions inside me (neither did her returning), if anything I felt relieved and neutral as her character had mostly served its purpose in Clementines' story; but that's where the problem begins, she's exhausted her use as a character.

In episode 5 her character is dull and useless until she slowly tries to convince Clem that Kenny is a liability, in which yes, she's not WRONG but if she opened her two eyes and compared to his one functioning fucking eye she'd realize that "Hey the kid that he's beating the FUCK out of and the reason why my little fuck-buddy died was because I STOLE A BAG OF SUPPLIES THAT?? ULTIMATELY?? DIDN'T EVEN MATTER IN THE END??"

I have to accept the fact that actions in the ttg series often don't matter at all. Like NADA. NUH UH. And alot of shit doesn't get mentioned ever again despite the fact that it was a serious part of the story (Omid and Christa, Ben dying, Carlos/Sarah/Nick dying, ETC), But to have shit like that be ignored? completely? no one held her against herself for stealing the bag? ever? like ever ever? Clementine steals the pills, which would've been enough in the first fucking place. (bag is never seen again after that btw). But that part does also show us how deceptively selfish Jane is, in a way that is almost fucking messed up; because it isn't petty, it's straight up murder in some cases (Arvo's group, Luke/Bonnie, Kenny/herself, ALMOST AJ.)

But the part that drove me up the wall with her was the final scenes, where she manages to corrupt an 11 year old's brain into thinking, "WOW Kenny's going off the deep end and MIGHT theoretically KILL ME all because this FREAKY white woman told me so!" Fuck man, her hiding AJ while not even being SURE that she'd live to tell them where she hid him? Her witnessing Kenny getting beat up until a part of his skull got crushed for his adoptive kid and then being able to look Clem in the eye and go "he's a selfish monster"? when her selfish actions is what caused the ENTIRETY of the ep5 events? (sans Rebecca dying) She got into that fight not because she WANTED Clem to be safe but because she WANTED to be proven RIGHT!! ARRGHHH!!!!! (SHE COULD'VE CALLED IT OFF TOO BUT SHE JUST WANTED SO BADLY TO BE THE "SAVIOUR")

Don't get me started on her shitty "ending" either...

ANYWAYS, kenny dickrider alert... wow i got heated bruh ion fw this mf at all anyways thanks for the ask, russ!!! appreciate it :)

[agirlwholovesrockstars]

out of touch part 3 ♡

OUT OF TOUCH PART 1 ♡

OUT OF TOUCH PART 2 ♡

OUT OF TOUCH PART 4 ♡

word count : it's a bit long so enjoy yourself here get comfortable

summary : after your first 2 days at school, everything changed, the moment you laid your eyes on Eddie but you're scared to give your heart and trust on someone again after traumatic experience at all of the schools you've been to and only if you knew how he feels for you.

IF ANY OF THESE WARNINGS TRIGGERING YOU PLEASE DON'T CONTINUE TO CONSUME ANY MEDIA

warnings : 18+ Eddie Munson x FEM!reader, the reader has a bullying trauma, language, no use of y/n but the reader is Amanda Jones, s*xual harassment (but don't worry, the reader defends herself cause' she's a strong woman), alcohol consumption, vi0lence, Jason Carver appearance sorry, mentions of bl00d, age gap the reader is (19) and Eddie is (21), yeah that's all

what to expect : stranger to lovers, fluff, angst, mutual pining drama, action, clueless idiots who can't make the first move lol

author note : I'm sorry if I took long to create the part 3 of the story! I hope you enjoyed and liked reading my very first fiction! 🥺🫶🏻

THE STORY IS SET IN 1987!

and I removed the part where Eddie DIDN'T DIE! 😤

You and Eddie both ran towards to the school's parking lot

In a rush, Eddie still helped you get in the passenger seat and he slams the door quickly as he runs to the driver's seat

even when you guys are in a hurry he always reminds you to put on your seatbelt

The street lights on the road at night the light hits your face everytime you pass them and the cool breeze from the window makes you feel complete and just right like this is the thing that you always wanted but somehow it feels so fast for you and it feels weird at the same time, maybe, Eddie's friends were right about you two, you guys were made for each other....

the sudden insecurity takes over you, he doesn't deserve someone like you, he deserves someone better, "what am I even doing?" you think to yourself at the thought that you finally already know what the truth is that, you really do like Eddie, you finally realize it after 2 days being with him, but you don't want to dive deeper into it because you might lose yourself.

You're overthinking right now, you pick your dry lips, "what if's" is all what you're thinking right now at the moment.

What if he gets tired of you?

What if you gave him your whole heart and he might just throw it all away?

What if he's just playing with you

What if he broke your trust

What if he is just like the same people that are mean to you at school

What if, what if, what if keeps repeating all over your head

You can't believe that this is happening, you've never think like this before and you never thought of it, maybe, it's because of the victim blaming and the confusion that bullying has done to you....

You we're so confident, happy, all smiles, you never worrying about everything but that all went down when that happened, you thought you can carry it, you thought you can handle it, you thought you can just ignore it, but now, you all bottled up and you can't take it anymore so you let it go....

you've been depressed, you have no energy anymore to go to school, you always been absent, but you try to attend as much as you can, you finish it all off so that you can finally go leave the fucking school that it broke your whole being...

It's so hard to recover after all you've been through those years, but you remind yourself that it's okay even it's just a little small and slow process... your parents might don't understand what's happening to you at first and you did have arguments before but it takes time for them to fully understand what's going on and you thank them for that and they apologize and they also realized the mistake that they did in the first place...

It's been tough to socialize again with everyone, new environment, new school, new faces, it's hard for you to trust someone now, so that you've been thinking a lot since you came into Hawkins High...

You're afraid that Eddie or anyone you met might done the same thing with you

This maybe a good time at first but soon you will never know what will happen, maybe tomorrow will be different, maybe this school might be the only exception as you thought yesterday....

You scratch your forehead as you take a deep breath and you shake your head after so you can forget all of those thoughts, you want to avoid them all, but, sometimes you can't help it, you're just scared that someone will put another trauma to you that it will take time to recover again....

2 days, the first 2 days went so perfectly and it give you goosebumps of how everything is going so well....

For what you didn't know after all of these thoughts going on inside your head

Eddie always take a chance to glance at you to see what you're doing...

every minute, every second that he can get to take a look at you...

he saw your habits and your eyes and your expression, he knows something is wrong but of course he doesn't want to ask you about it right away, he doesn't wanna disrespect your boundaries but he still wants to know what's going on of your sudden change of emotions

he puts his hand on your shoulder "hey, Amanda, are you doing okay?"

you jumped by his touch because of how deep your thoughts are- you let out a breathy "Oh" and you chuckled nervously

"Eddie, I'm fine, don't worry but thank you" you give him a slight sad smile

Eddie nods at you but he saw something in your eyes, a look that you're longing for care and belief for someone

You look away from his gaze as you look on the road sightseeing at the places passed

His eyes softens while he watches you, looking back at the road and looks back at you again as he can, he really wanted to know so badly so that he can help you like he just wants you to be okay with everything, but he is also afraid you that you might get mad at him for asking such personal stuff so he brushes off at the thought of that...

The drive to the Hideout might took a while to get there but you guys still made it right on time...

He stopped taking glances at you as he thinks to himself about you....

ever since Eddie met you, he saw your eyes and he can see how much you are in pain, you just hide it with a sweet smile, but he can still see that you're still, you, just grown and matured but nevertheless about everything has happened to you, even he didn't knew the whole story, he still loves you just the way you are, every imperfection and flaws and all he likes everything about you ever since he saw you for the first time in the school hallway, he wanna spill this feeling at you so bad but he also wants to wait and to say it in a right right time... he knows that you're carrying something inside you for too long and you're just shutting and avoiding everyone else who is trying to love and care for you... he just wants you to open up and not seeing you like this, it's killing him to see you like this...

He also feels the same way, he can feel the spark and he feels complete whenever you're with him... he smiles a little bit at the thought of that... as he parks up the van...

Eddie turns off the engine and he turns to you and grabs your hand

You're about to reach for the door handle but you felt Eddie's touch on your hand so you turn to look at him

"Not those eyes again" you think to yourself he looks at you with such concern

"Are you sure you still want to come?" eyes still glued to you as he try to analyze your face

"I- I'm sure, Eddie, I still want to go with you." you can't even keep a straight eye contact with him and you shift from your seat and you look away from him

"Ah- ah" he tuts and he holds your face to make you look at him "I need sure answers, sweetheart, if you're not feeling up for it, then it's okay, I won't feel bad." as he rubs his thumb on your cheeks

your stomach twirls on how he holds you, you just can't understand why you feel so safe with him

You stare at him for a while and you hold his arm where he places your hand on your cheek and you say "No, Eddie, I think- I'm just overwhelmed at everything, but I'm okay, I still wanna go with you."

He nods as he leans down to kiss your cheek again and it sends shiver down to your spine of how his lips touch your soft skin

He always loves to caught you off guard by his actions and he snickers of how you're still unfazed of what just happened

You blinked and you look down and look back up at him and give him a shy smile

"Let's go" he says

He helps you to get out of his van as always and you look at the place

There's disco lights everywhere from the inside and outside of the building and you can hear the loud music inside even though it sounds cloudy you can still recognize the song, Guns N' Roses Welcome To The Jungle is playing

Eddie checks his beloved van for the one last time and he appears beside you

He looks at you and he can see that you're observing the place

"So, what do you think?"

"Huh?"

he chuckles "the place?"

"Oh, uh- it looks fine to me."

"Really?" he fears that you might not like what he's doing like yeah he knows that you love also rock bands but he became anxious at the thought of you wanting to go home because you feel uncomfortable at the place

"Yeah" he sees your curious smile while still looking around the place so that made him feel a little bit better

"I bet you never been to a bar before?"

Your eyes still traveling around the place and you saw there's 2 guys drunk together as they struggle to balance themselves you giggle quietly but Eddie can hear it and he stares at you more longer and you saw people coming outside to take a cigarette break and lots of people coming in with a group of friends laughing as they enter the bar

you look back at him and nod

"It's your first time, are you nervous?"

"No, I don't, I'll be fine." You reassure him

"Okay then, um- can I ask you something?"

"yeah, sure, what is it?" you respond without looking at him

"Can I hold your hand?" he asks with a hesitant tone but he really wants to

"What?" a bolt out of the blue runs down to blood and veins and it made your hands feel cold

He laughs as he taken you by surprise as he reaches for your hand and he intertwines both of your fingers and you did the same and you both walk towards to the bar

"I'll take that as a yes." Eddie says to you while you're still dazed of his actions

You kept looking down at your hand while he holds it, you felt butterflies on your stomach as he tightens his grip on you and he knows that you're looking at it and you keep looking down and you smile to yourself and you blushed

of course, Eddie always notices it as he chortled he turns to you and he teases you gesturing to your cheeks

Your face become even more redder as you put on a smirk on your face you roll your eyes playfully and you push him on his chest

He laughes even harder as he continues to tease you

You remove your hand on him and you cross both of your arms and you turn away from him and your cheeks is red as a tomato and you're avoiding his eye contact as he try to tease you more and more as he chases your eyes and he always appears infront of you everytime you try to look away from him

He jumped and chuckled with his hands throw up in the air and he plays with it to annoy you more

"Oh my god, please stop!" you uncross both of your arms in frustration

"Oh my god, please stop!" he mocks you with a same tone that you did and he lets out an evil laugh

Your face don't stop reddening and you shoved both of hands in your face in humiliation

You removed your hands away from your face and you glare at Eddie with a smug on his face "You're getting on my nerves, Munson."

"Aw, are you vexing me now?"

"Yes, oh yes, absolutely, you're making my blood boil."

Eddie can see at your expression that you're really really upset at him and oh yeah he loves when he does that to you and he also loves that you both have the same temper and he can see your forehead scrunching and your eyes filled with irritation and it looks like you're ready to slap him off the face

Eddie leans down on you and he pinches your cheek harder that it made you hiss at how harder he squishes it

"You're so cute when I successfully annoy you." he laughs as he runs away from you with his mouth open wide to make you chase after him

You massage your cheek with circling motions and you shouted out loud to him "that fucking hurt, Eddie! you're going to pay for that!"

"Yeah, yeah, you will! if you can catch me!" Eddie shrugs as he stops running for a minute

Eddie bends over to hold his stomach from laughing too hard he sees you like a kid, he watches you stomping on the ground and he imagines that both of you are in a cartoon show, he can see that your face blowing up like kettle that he can picture a smoke coming out of both your ears.

You ran so fast towards him that it made Eddie flinched as he chuckles breathlessly he laughs of how serious you are chasing after him

Marlon the bartender at the bar while wiping the counter, he looks up and he sees the both of you running around the all over the place

He snorts as he hears you "You're so infuriating, Eddie!" You complained cause you can't catch him on the other side of the room

"Aw, that's that mean that I won? princess?"

You shake your head ignoring that it made your heart flutters at the nickname "No, you fucking don't that's so unfair!"

You continue to chase after him as he almost trips to the ground

You laughed as he looks back at you he flips you off until he halts his tracks as he sees his bandmates already arrived in there watching the both of you playing around the bar

You stopped infront of him and you furrow your brows as you follow to where his looking at and you turn around and you saw his bandmates and you let out a breathy "Oh" and you giggle catching up your breath as you put both of your hands on your knees

"They're ridiculously so cute." Gareth exclaims to Jeff

Jeff nods and waves at the both of you playfully wiggles his fingers teasing you both

He looks back at Gareth with a smirk on his face "Are you seeing this shit? they just met 2 days ago and they act like they've been together before, Eddie needs to act up like literally right now." he gestures to the both of you

Gareth agrees while he pouts his bottom lip raising both of his eyebrows and he nods his head aggressively

Eric appears beside them the one member you haven't met yet and you look at him with curiosity and you stand up straight and you look back at Eddie

He's already looking at you and he says "uh- yeah, there's one more member his name is Eric, he's the one that graduated first." he shrugs

"Oh" you both walk towards to them

"How's the chase? Who won?" Gareth grins at the both of you and Jeff snickers to the flushed cheeks that Eddie is having

You grin back at Gareth and he raise his eyebrows at you and you look back at Eddie with a smirk on your face

Eddie is taken a back of your expression as he pulled his brows together as he look back at his friends raising his both of his shoulders

all of them shrugged and Jeff throws his hand up in defense

You take the opportunity of him being distracted

You elbowed him in the stomach that made him cough and you made a loud smack to his forehead

Gareth closes his fist puts over his mouth and said a loud "Ohhhh" and Jeff laughs as he throws his head back and Eric's jaw dropped of what just happened

"OW- JESUS H. CHRIST!" Eddie yells that made people stare at all of you and he coughs as he glares at you

"What the hell is that for?"

You look at him with a sassy expression and you raise your eyebrow to him

"Payback." You say it with such confidence with your hand over your hip

Jeff laughs and he claps his hands and he says "Alright, alright, feisty girl, you done your job and I'm proud of you, as much as I want to watch more." He glares back at Eddie

Gareth and Eric smirks at each other as they communicate with their minds

He huffs while recovering from what you did to him "Dude." with his hands gestures in annoyance

"Now, let me take you at the back stage before you could do so much harm to him." Jeff says it when a sarcastic tone as he pouts at Eddie while he flutter his eyes at him

Eddie shakes his head "Piss off, Jeff!"

Jeff looks at you and you both shrugged

At that moment you knew that Jeff and you will get along together because you both love to tease Eddie the same way he did.

Jeff walks towards you offering his arm to hold out for you and he say with an accent "Milady?"

"Well, of course my good sir."

You both chuckled and you both glare at Eddie and you wink at him teasingly and you say "See ya later, rockstar!"

He rolls his eyes with a hint of smile in them he watches you as you both and Jeff enters at the backstage, he can still hear the echoes of laughter from you two.

Eddie look back at his two friends left and Gareth with a smirk is still on him and Eric with a confusion on his face but in a good way

Eric can't hold it any longer as he still continues to wonder why Eddie has a girl with him, it's not that he doesn't like it but he never sees him having one and he is now dying of curiosity as he groans both of his friends

"Can someone please update me of what's going?!" Eric exclaims as he nudges Gareth's arm so harshly

"What?!" Gareth's face falls and he turns to look back at Eric with annoyance "Well, it's not my fault that you've been away for college!"

"Education is important to me, you guys know that, but you could at least tell me over the phone!"

Gareth and Eddie sighs

"Look is not like she's been here for a long time now we just met 2 days ago." Eddie says while looking back at Eric with a apologetic smile

"I'm sorry? Come again?"

"She just came to the school 2 days ago-"

Eric cuts him off by saying "Yeah, yeah I heard that, the way you said 2 DAYS AGO just freaking blew my mind." he gestures both of his hands over the sides of his head to make a mind-blowing action

Gareth laughs and he agrees with Eric "Exactly, man! This is why I'm so excited to see you again because we need to wake the fuck up of his clueless dumb brain!" Gareth says with such passion as he moves back up and down with frustration

Eddie scoffed "you guys have no idea what you're talking about."

Gareth and Eric looks back at each other and darts back to Eddie

"Yeah, right." Eric nods sarcastically

Gareth shakes his head and puts the finger on his temple at the thought of Eddie acting cool not admitting that he's truly have feelings for you

he says "they're literally falling over each other everytime they're together and I'm surprised they're not even official yet." he put both of his hands inside of his pants pockets as he sighs lowering his back leaning to the both of his friends

Gareth looks down in disappointment and Eric loses his mind of what he just heard

"Oh, you're going to be fucking kidding me! right now, Eddie?!?" Eric shouted at loud at Eddie

"Wha- what's wrong, calm down." Eddie startled as he stutters at his friends sudden exclaims

"This" Eric points to him "This isn't like you" he gestures you from the top to the bottom

"You always been so honest like you always said the truth if you like someone like literally! You just said it right away! out of all of us you're the only one has the guts to tell someone how you feel and now you're so worked up about some girl that you met 2 days ago?!? fucking 2 days ago?!? and hell- that is different everything about you look right now is different." Eric finished as he crosses both of his arms

Eddie stared at him with guilt coming over his eyes

Eric's words went straight to his chest because all of what he just said is painfully true

He remembers the time last year, all of them having a bet whose going to confess at their crushes

Back in 1986

Eddie is the only one confessed his crush to Chrissy before

Chrissy Cunningham is sweet, kind, pretty cheerleader popular girl, the queen of Hawkins High

They already knew each other back in middle school, Eddie couldn't believe that his crush was in the same room cheering with his band performing for a talent show... Chrissy realization flashes back in her eyes as she remembers the band's name "Corroded Coffin" she apologize to Eddie that she didn't recognize him at first she said that he looks so different before, Eddie said it was okay and he understands why...

His hair was buzzed and he doesn't have those "sweet" tattoos yet...

Chrissy even mentioned that he plays guitar and he still does until now, Eddie made her laugh and that's enough for him to see her liked that it was full bliss to him... after that Eddie confess his feelings to her...

Even though Chrissy didn't reciprocate her feelings to Eddie, they're not mutual and Eddie understands and respects that...

Chrissy expects him to be mad at her but Eddie doesn't mind it at all and he still continues to treat her like he always does, Chrissy is just in awe on how Eddie is being so nice to her and that's the reason why she changes her perspective on other people and she also realizes that Jason is manipulating her and clouding her thoughts with judgement that Jason has thought to her.

And that also made her to breakup to the son of bitch bully school jock Jason Carver... Eddie made her realize her worth that Jason doesn't deserve someone like her...

Eddie finds out about that and he lets out a smug as he sees Jason crying like a kid throwing tantrums as Chrissy leaves him in the school's parking lot, he can't believe that Jason behaves like that when he acts all tough at school...

Chrissy focus on her studies after graduating senior high school she went straight to college and she takes on becoming a fashion designer someday

Jason on the other hand, he haven't changed still being a jerk to everyone as he struggles to earn money for his college his parents are in real debt, sucks to be him...

Eddie and Chrissy remained friends till this day

Eric is one of the realest friend that Eddie has ever had in his life, he's like the big brother of the friendship

Unlike Jeff and Gareth are the most unserious ones, but they're still decent and very understanding to the group..

Yeah, he can be fun and silly but when times get tough, he will always be there for his friends and he listens to them

Eric remembered back when they're in junior high school, he's a freshman, he never lets anyone bully him, that's the reputation that he has back then, if you mess with him you're doomed

But deep inside all he wanted is to have friends, he was all alone, until Eddie introduced himself to him, Eric couldn't forget the day that Eddie, Jeff and Gareth welcomed him to their club and they became bestfriends for life

That time in his life was so special to him and it's also nice to think about that he was known for such a rebellious kid at school but that didn't stop Eddie to become friends with him...

Obviously, Eddie is the most purest of them all, the kind-hearted human being ever, he is not like what the people been talking about him at school, he can be scary and mean when it's needed...

People are afraid of him or maybe even interacted with him, they would just ran off with his presence and he would just laugh and shake his head off and he just got used to it at the way that he's being treated at school

But Eric knew that Eddie wished people have different perspective at him

"they judge me before they even know me." Eddie thinks to himself

Eddie didn't like bullies at all, he despises them, he likes to teases them all the time but Jason is the only one who is brave enough to face him which Eddie thought it's so silly to watch him act like he's the hero to the school bullying the so-called "freaks" as he calls them

Steve, Dustin, Mike, and Lucas loved Eddie because of how open minded he was, he never sticks to what other people say about him, he never cares about what opinions people have on him, if some of his friends wants to do something new, he lets them, he is so caring and understanding person which all of his friends wished they knew, they knew how good hearted Eddie is...

But sadly... they just don't give him a chance...

Eddie didn't mind it all, he tried so many times to fit in, but he couldn't, that's why he gave up trying to be someone that he's not, so he just continue to be himself...

That's what Eddie sees in you, he sees himself in you, you also left the world like he does and you both have in common in literally everything...

In music, fashion, you both have the same temper, doesn't give a fuck about everyone thinks to the both of you, you both hated mean people until....

All of that changed when you both met, 2 days ago...

You and Eddie have the same thoughts that you both couldn't believe that you can think of something like that....

You both we're never insecure, you both never get scared easily, you both never get nervous when you with each other...

All of this feelings are new to you and to himself

But why this is happening?! is it true?! is it a Destiny?!

Eddie sighed "Alright, Eric, fine you got me! I already asked her out on the first day and I respect her decision that she wanted us to get to know each other first, but she said she would love to come with me, soon" he says with uncertainty in his eyes

Eric saw it, he knew Eddie all of his life, he knows, he just knows it

"Oh, boy"

"What now"

"You thought she likes someone else, don't you?"

Gareth eyes widened as he looks back at Eddie

Eddie stumbles as he says "I- I don't know- mm- maybe she is." he stutters

"I don't think so, dude." Gareth says it's so unlike him to be this serious but when Eddie sees him acts like this way is no joke

"I see the way she looks at you and the way you look at her, I've never seen anyone looks like that at each other." He added

Eric looks at Gareth and darts his eye back to Eddie with confusion on his eyes

"Why'd you think something like that?" Eric asks with eagerness waiting for his answer

Eddie can't even look at Eric in the eye as he stutters to respond to him again

"I think it's because of Steve, Steve Harrington, she's a childhood bestfriend." Gareth says

Eric glares at Eddie with displeased expression across of his face

"What?! that was the reason?! Steve is a good guy, why do you think of him something like that?! why do you assume it? I thought you trust him?" Eric says while ignoring the fact that you both crossed the same paths together being friends with Steve and he thought of Destiny as he trying to look at Eddie eyes

Eddie looks back up at Eric and he says "I know, I know, I don't know what came over me ever since I met her, man, I couldn't think clearly, I know I can handle rejections before but I don't think I can handle it, if she rejected me." he says it with a shaking voice

Eric and Gareth raise both of their eyebrows

Just that alone, Eric and Gareth knew that Eddie is truly and deeply in love with you...

"You know, you should talk to Steve." Gareth says

"What?"

"He's your bestfriend, right? I'm sure he'll understand it like talk to him of how you feel about her."

"I second to that" Eric added while shrugs at Gareth

"What if, he saids something that-

"But what if he's not?"

You and Steve ever since when you we're kids back then until now are simply just platonic friendship, you haven't even talked to him yet but you regret your actions back then after what Nancy said to you and she probably didn't even mean to hurt your feelings but it made you realize how much you changed back then and you feel sorry and bad for Steve and you will make it up to him soon... even though Steve it doesn't matter to him of what you did back then all he ever wanted is to be there for you and listen to you...

"What if, they're just friends?! you should talk to him, so you can have a peace of mind! not like you looking a miserable piece of crap." Eric gestures to Eddie's stressed expression

Gareth laughs while holding his chest

Eddie glares at Gareth

"Wait- dude, he's right, stop assuming something and find it out for yourself!" Gareth holds his hands out in surrender

Eddie lets out a big sigh and Eric walks beside him and pats his back

"You'll be okay and I know she's only have eyes for you, I can feel it and I'm always right."

"You think so?"

Gareth leans down "We know so."

Eddie looks at Eric and Gareth with hopeful eyes and a smile

Gareth leans back as he looks over at Eddie shoulder squinting his eyes as he heard someone's voice familiar entering the bar

Eric and Eddie furrowed their brows at Gareth until they heard the same thing as they turn around

"What the fuck"

"Is he fucking serious?"

"No, fucking way."

Jason with his 2 friends entered the bar, he looks horrible like he hasn't slept the whole day, shouting out loud while he walks inside the bar, his friends laughing as they steal drink from someone's hand and smashing the glass down to the floor...

Eddie glares at Marlon as he already watching Jason entering his bar

Marlon looks back at Eddie where he leaves the counter and walk towards him

"Don't worry, son, I'll handle this."

"You better." Eddie says it with a serious tone as he watches Marlon walks over to Jason

Gareth and Eric looks back at each other with their eyes flaming with anger as they try to control it

"Is there a problem here?" Marlon asks

"Oh, no- sir, there's no problem here."

2 of his friends laughs with a mischievous look at their faces

Marlon glares at them while he scrunches up his forehead

"We promise, old man, we're here to drink, not to cause any trouble." Jason says throwing his hands up in defense

Marlon doesn't trust them but he is still kind and lets them in but he looks at his security guards giving them a warning to look after them and they nod

Marlon scoffed "I'll let you have your fun but don't fuck around with my bar and the other guests in here, alright?"

Jason chuckles "Yeah, sure, whatever you say, man" he says it sarcastically

Marlon walks away while shaking his head heading back to his counter until Eddie stops him holding his arm

Marlon looks at Eddie with anger on his eyes "What did he say?"

"He said they'll just have a drink."

He huffed "and you believe that?"

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Kick them out!"

"It will just make the scenario worse, you know that he will never leave."

Eddie sigh in frustration as he looks down

"Kid, you got a show to do, don't mind them."

Eddie nods as he lets Marlon walks away from him

Eric and Gareth breathes heavily and they all look at Jason who is already looking at them

Jason raises his glass to them, giving them a backhanded smile and he takes a sip of his drink with his eyes flashes with anger

Eddie clenches his jaw as he flips him off while Eric and Gareth stares at him intensely

Jason laughs while he watches the three walk away heading towards at the backstage

"Oh, he wants to make me the bad guy, huh, let's see about that." Jason mumbles to himself

Jeff gives you tour of their dressing room

you expected to be messy and not so interesting but holy shit-

You look all over their tables like ones that you've seen in the movies and obviously you recognized which one is from Eddie's and you smile at it

Jeff saw your awestruck expression while your eyes still roaming around

He chuckles to the sight of it as he walks beside you

"Uh- hey, Amanda can I ask you something?"

You turn to look at him noticing a curious expression from his face

You tilt your head at him and nod and you say

"Fire away, Jeff"

"Do you like Eddie?"

You blink rapidly and you avoid looking at his eyes

he giggled and he holds your hand

"Hey, hey, don't worry about it, Amanda, I knew it since I saw you for the first time at the cafeteria."

You look at him for a sec and you shake your head and look down

"Oh, god" you throw your head back and sighed

You can't lie to him now and he already caught you

"I don't even know- why I-" you stuttered you breathe deeply

Jeff nods at you with eagerness as he waits for you to answer

"I've never felt this to anyone before and I don't know what to do." You swallowed harshly

Jeff can see it in your eyes and the tone of your voice- he can feel that something is pulling you away to finally tell him about your feelings but he knows it's unnecessary for you to think something like that and he knows Eddie.

Eddie is his best pal, even he's a real pain in the ass to him sometimes but he knows when Eddie loves someone he truly means it and he will always kept his word.

"Whenever what's been troubling with you, I just wanna let you know that Eddie would never ever hurt you, he would kill himself if he does something to hurt your feelings." Jeff paused as put his hand on your shoulder

"I hope you both get your shit together sooner or later." he jokes lightly

It made you chuckle "Thanks, Jeff." you give him a grateful smile

"You're always welcome." he pats your shoulder as you both look at the front door of the dressing room opened

both of you and Jeff furrowed your brows as you saw all of them with a tense expression from their faces

You walk towards to Eddie as he looks back at you he calms down at a bit when you cupped his cheeks and you say "What's the problem, Eddie?"

"What's going on?" Jeff asked them as he glares at everyone

even you felt that Eddie calmed down but you can still see his eyes, his piercing eyes filled with fury coming right out of them

Gareth sighs in exasperation and he says "Jason and his thugs are in the bar."

"What?!" Jeff exclaimed and now his face looks the same with his band

You look back at Jeff and Gareth watching them grab a beer

Meanwhile Eric sits down at a couch as he tries to calm down

You look at them all with concern and confusion and you glance at Eddie still at rage

He looks back at you and somehow his gaze softens at you everytime he takes a look at you

He holds your arm where you hold his cheeks and he looks down and he sighed as he try to explain the situation

"Jason Carver, is the one who gave us fucking terror to our highschool life." he scoffed

You nod at him and you rub your thumb to his cheeks

"I just hate it whenever you do to them, they won't ever stop tormenting your life."

"I can relate to that."

Marlon came into the dressing room saying they're up in 10 minutes

Everyone gets up and get ready

Before you remove your hand from his cheek and you said to him "just pretend that he isn't there, Eddie, don't let your night ruin because of him." You let out a small smile

He smiles back at you and he lets his hand rests at your hold and he closes his eyes for a moment

Your heartbeats even more faster as you watch him and you can feel yourself lifting like you were on a cloud nine

You can't even resist yourself to lean down and kiss him on the cheek

Eddie startled at your action as he jumps back into reality remembering that he is in a dressing room with his friends and you

ignoring the fact what you just did infront of his friends- you just giggled and you told him "I'll be in the front watching you guys play."

Gareth, Jeff and Eric all of them glare at each other with a knowing look and they smirk at Eddie

Eddie flushing up at the moment can't even look at you straight in the eyes with his lips parted and he darts his eyes at his friends

you and the boys noticing the red cheeks on him

He rolls his eyes with a smile on the side and give his friends a disapproving look

"alright, alright," Gareth throw his hand up in defense

Jeff flutter his eyes at Eddie teasingly and Eric wiggles his brows at him

You look back at them and you laughed

"Okay, fine, I'll leave- so you won't feel embarrassed anymore." You shake your head

Eddie face became even more red and he clears his throat

You removed your hand from his cheek and Eddie already misses your touch and he watches you leave and you give him a blow kiss

Eddie smirks at you

Gareth whistles while he watches the scene from his reflection in the mirror

"Our boy is done for." Jeff while fixing his outfit

"and you're telling me that she's likes someone else?! are you that fucking blind?!" Eric gestures to the door from where you walked out and grabs his guitar

Eddie must've flipping his friends off at this moment but all of what they just said to him is all blurry to his ears

He is locked in you, he had fallen so hard that he can't even breathe, he is still unfazed....

He shakes his head off and turns around to his friends with a warning glare and cursing all of them and he walks away

"Man, he is so fucked up with Amanda." Gareth says it while he couldn't believe what just strucked at Eddie to you...

You feel like you needed a drink so you walked towards at the counter and you sat down

Marlon walks over to you and he asks "could I get you anything, doll?"

"um- yeah just one bottle of Budweiser please."

He nods and grabs the beer from fridge and removes the cap off using a bottle opener

He puts it down on the counter and you grab it and take a sip of it

Marlon wanted to ask something but he doesn't want to pry but he is just curious why you're with the boys, especially Eddie...

"Uh- are you Eddie's girlfriend?" Marlon hesitant tone coming out from his voice

"Oh, no, no, we're just friends." You respond as you shift from your seat

"You looked good together though, just saying." He chuckles while he prepares another drink for the customer

"Why does everyone keep saying that?!" You exclaimed at him while you slam your hands down on the counter

Marlon laughs while shaking his head "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself to you, I'm Marlon, I am friends with Eddie's uncle since highschool."

"Oh, wow, that's so cool! I'm Amanda by the way." You waved at him

"pleased to meet you, Amanda- so uh- yeah, I'm the one who influenced that kid in music and I remember him saving up his money so he could get his dream guitar"

You smile and you nod at him to continue

"I wanna teach him but he is so stubborn that he said can learn by himself.... I gotta admit even he is so difficult sometimes, he's a true artist he takes this very seriously."

You giggled "Tell me about it." You start

"He always gets mad when I try to carry my stuff to school or going outside from his van." You scoffed and you raise your bottle to drink it

Marlon crossed his arms and he leans down at you

You lean backwards and you eye him in confusion

"What's the matter?"

"He likes you"

You roll your eyes and you look down at your bottle and you sighed "I know"

Marlon leans back with a questioning look "huh"

You look back at him and you blinked rapidly "I know ever since I came to the school 2 days ago."

"Damn"

You laughed "yeah, damn"

"Then why you guys aren't dating yet?"

You scratch your head not knowing what to say "He already asks me out on my first day and I told him that I want us to get to know each first, I- I told him I would to come with him- I don't know, I guess I'm scared."

He uncrosses his arm and put his hands on the counter to lean down on you

"My dear, you have nothing to be afraid of, Eddie is a good kid, yeah he can be really annoying but I can see it.... it's something."

You eyes light up to his words and you smile at him

"And I'll tell you a secret, he may acts that he doesn't like any other music genres, but his most beloved song?"

You grin at him waiting for his answer

"He worships the song I've Had The Time Of My Life."

You bursted laughing "No kidding?" you smirk at a idea that pops into your head and you saw a jukebox across on the other side of the counter...

"No- I don't! He always denies it." He chuckles

You suddenly turn around and the guys are on the stage, they greet everyone and they introduced themselves everyone cheered on them

Marlon was right, he takes this simple show like he was performing at a concert like a rockstar and you're very impressed at his stage presence, he owns the stage, he belongs in there...

You screamed and clap your both of your hands as you shout everyone names in the stage

All of them laughed and smile as they turn their heads at you

You wave at them happily and Eddie looking at you with his heart beating in such full joy seeing you infront of the audience

"We have a special guest here tonight, my darling... Amanda." Eddie says and points at you with a wide smile

You blushed at his words and the crew put on a spotlight in you and you keep saying "no, no, no" and everyone's attention is at you right now but there's nothing you could do so you just nod and wave and smile at everyone shyly

Marlon applaused and you look back at him with a smirk on his face

You can hear all of them saying "aww" and "oooh"

Jason saw you on the other side of the bar thank god he's far away from you but he had already made a plan to his head and he looks back at his friends with a look that says something.... something bad....

"I would like to dedicate to this song to Amanda." he winks at you and you shake your head in humiliation

Marlon holds both of your shoulders and shakes it playfully and teasing you and you just keep telling him to "Stop" while you're laughing

They start playing Sunshine Of Your Love by Cream

Your eyes widen of how beautiful Eddie's voice is

You and his eyes are locked in together he doesn't try to tear away his eyes from you while he's singing to you

You take a gulp from your beer nervously and Eddie smirks at your action

after a few songs they play, you applauded very loudly and keep screaming at them

while they're singing their last song, Jason sits beside you unknowingly that he is the guy that Eddie and his friends are talking about

Jason's eyes trails from your chest down to your thighs

You're wearing a AC/DC bandshirt and a black short skirt just above your knee with stockings and black boots

You feel eyes looking at you and you turn to look at him "Can I help you?"

Jason removed his eyes from your body

Your stomach drops as you already felt something that this man have bad intentions with you

"I just wanna be friends with you" he touches your thigh and you push him away

"What the fuck?! get your hands off me!"

"Oh, come on, I know you want it" as he tries to reach for your thighs

Your eyes flashes with anger and you slap him in the face

"stay the fuck away from me, get lost!" You yelled at him

Jason glares at you breathing heavily as he leans closer to you

Marlon heard your voice and he came outside from the storage room runs back quickly to his counter

"I thought we had an agreement."

You're still mad but your eyes flicker with questions as you look back at Marlon

Jason chuckles "oh yeah, right, but remember, I'm not done with you yet."

He walks away back to his table

You shake your head and you finished drinking your beer putting it down on the counter afterwards

"Hey, I'm sorry about that- are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine, thank you." you sigh of relief and you smile at him

Marlon nods at you and tells you just call him whenever you need something and you hum in agreement

You look back at Eddie as you watch him sighing in exhaustion from performing, his forehead is sweaty but he still looks amazing

Jeff notices the sudden change of your expression and he nudges Eddie

Eddie looks back at him and Jeff points to you

Eddie's eyes flashes in worry and concern and as he remembers that Jason is in the bar, as he tries to understand your face

"I'm okay" you waved them off to get back to what their doing

He shows you a small smile and nod at you and he travel his eyes to Jason drinking a lot and he notices something is not right to him... It looks like he already done something bad to you... judging by the way he aggressively raises his bottle...

The show is over and Eddie and his band bid farewell to the audience and a big applause while they're walking out of the stage

You removed yourself from the seat and you ran towards Eddie and you hug him and you say "you guys are fantastic! I love it!"

Eddie tries to not stick himself to you as if you already feeling his sweat on you but you didn't care and he doesn't want you to get dirty from his sweat and you frown by his action

"Wait- no- let me go change- I just don't want you- okay, fine you can hug me." he protests but he couldn't do anything so hugs you back

You let out a wide smile at him

Gareth, Jeff and Eric admiring you both from afar

You and Eddie and the gang walk towards to the dressing room and Eddie asks you to wait outside for a minute and he promises you he'll be back and you nod at him

A sudden bang that came from the back door and you gasp and look around you saw the same guy that harassed you but before you can knock at the guys dressing room and call for help

He covers your mouth with his hands and holds you tightly that you can't remove yourself from him as he drags you away outside

You saw the two guys locking the backdoor and they ran towards to you and they grab and carry your legs so that you can't fight them off and try to escape

Eric heard something from outside and he opens the door and he looks out for you and you're not there anymore

"Eddie?"

"Yeah?"

"Where is she?"

"What?" Eddie rans quickly at the door and he look out for you and he can't see you everywhere as he tries to look for you and he walk towards to the backdoor and it won't open

Eric walked behind him and Eddie looks back at him with a knowing look and all of them know that Marlon don't lock the backdoor that early so they already know what's up

Jeff and Gareth walked outside from the dressing room as they tried to understand what's going on

"I'll get Marlon" wastes no time as he tries to run as fast as he can to him

Jeff and Gareth are sharp they picked up and knew what's going on

"Me and Gareth will look for her at the front entrance." Eddie nods at Jeff with worry flashes before his eyes

He watched them running off and he tries to open the backdoor, he kept kicking on it as he felt finally opening

Jason and his thugs panicked as they tried to put you to the car

You managed to elbowed Jason's stomach and the two guys loosens their grip on your legs and you shouted "Eddie!"

Eddie heard your voice as his expression from worry to a complete wrath as he can feel your horrified emotion

The door peeked through a little while keeps banging it and he can finally see what's going on outside

Eric didn't care to run over the side of the counter instead he jumps off over at the counter as he looks for Marlon in the storage room

Marlon furrowing his brows at the boy who try to catch up his breath

"What's the matter, boy?"

"Amanda, she's in danger"

Marlon eyes widened and he is so pissed off as he walks away from the storage room with Eric

Jeff and Gareth keep looking for the guards and they finally found them brutally beatened at the men's room as they frightened at the thought of your being, they're afraid of what might happen to you

"I'll call Hopper" Gareth says he picks up the phone

"I'll look for her outside" Jeff saids and Gareth nods at him

Jeff can't open the front door as he tried many times to open it but he doesn't stop as he tries harder and harder as it finally opened

You dodge at the two boys trying to knock you out and you kick them at their sensitive part so that they can't move to try and grab you again

you glare back at Jason

"You seriously have no idea who you're dealing with." You told him giving him a warning look

Jason winced at the pain that you did to his stomach "trying hard to get huh? you're just like any other bitches that I've met."

"Oh, you just met your worst nightmare." You stare at him intensely in the eyes and you reached down for the wood that is heavy enough and he loses his cool as he watch you

"Wait- woah- wait!" he stammers and you ignore his objections and you hit him right in the face that his own blood splatters everywhere loosing a tooth from his mouth

His friends we're alarmed by your actions as they try to move away from you

Jeff founds you and punches the other guy and keeps beating him repeatedly as the guy can't defend himself anymore and the other one rans away

You had enough, you want justice for what's happened to you, so you chase after him still holding the wood that you hit with Jason

You hit him in the legs and falls down in pain and you grab him by the collar "I hope this is a lesson to you that girls are not some toys that you would fuck around and belittle us afterwards- we are human beings for christ sakes!" You screamed at him in exasperation and you push him down on the ground as he grunts

Marlon, Eddie, Gareth and Eric are finally outside as they laid their eyes on the scenario

Eric's eyes flashes with shock as he couldn't believe that you handled yourself quite well as he is so petrified they might be too late but here you are- defended yourself

"Oh my god" Gareth says while putting his hand over his head

Eddie saw you shaking with such anger while still holding the wood and Jeff falls back down on the side while the guy he just beaten up struggling to breathe

Jason kept wailing in pain as he tries to stop the bleeding from his face

Marlon helped Jeff get up takes him over at the bench to sit down and grabs a first aid kit

Eddie walks up behind you and he called your name and you turn around to look at him still upset with horror in your eyes as you think he might be spooked of what you just did but instead he brings you into his arms and hugs you tightly

You dropped the wood on the ground and your body calms down and you melt and collapsed to his touch and you breakdown crying on his chest and you hugged him back

"I- I was so scared- Eddie." You hiccuped from your tears and that breaks his heart "Shh- I'm so worried about you- you just did what you had to do." he says while he rubs your back your hands

Eddie walks over to your side still hugging you and both of you walks towards at the others

"You got a lot of nerve to do such a thing, Jason!" Gareth exclaimed at him while Jason is still perplexed by his wound and the situation

"Jason?!" You halt your tracks of what you just heard "he's Jason?!" You point at him

All of them nod at you

you huffed and you lean down at Jason "If you try to hurt me again or any of my friends I wouldn't think twice of killing you instantly."

Jason couldn't even look at you straight in the eyes as his words caught up from his throat

The guys are intimidated by tone of your voice as they look at Eddie

He blinks and shrugs at them behind you and he is still very surprised what you're capable of

Hopper arrived at the scene with 2 more police cars behind him and walks out of car and drops his cigarette on the ground

He stopped walking towards them as he saw everyone hurt and in pain

"What the hell happened here?!?"

Marlon walked over to Hopper and tried to explain everything

"Jason tried to kidnapped Amanda with his goons and maybe even-" he can't even bring himself to continue the last word

but Hopper already knows it just by looking at Marlon's eyes "Oh fuck no-" while he shakes his head

Eddie and his friends are worried they might put you in jail even though they know that you did the right thing and they can trust Hopper but still he wanted to make sure that you're innocent and a victim

Eddie called out to Hopper "Please- don't do anything to Amanda, she only made a self-defense to herself- this fucking prick started it." He points at Jason and he holds you even tightly afraid that he you might disappear from his side

Gareth, Jeff and Eric starts raving and begging that you only did what you had to do and they starts rambling uncontrollably

"Hold on- guys" Hopper raises his hand up signalling them the boys to stop talking and he looked at you in the eyes

He sees your eyes stricken with fear, regret and anger

He sighs "I can see that." he starts "and I believe you"

He looked at Jason with a pointed look as he shouted "if you don't stop with this bullshit, I will fucking lock you up forever, Carver, you should be ashamed of yourself!"

Your eyes filling up with tears as you say "Thank you" is the only thing you croaked out

Hopper nods at you and shows you a sad smile

"Thank you so much, Jim" Marlon says while he shakes his hand

Hopper walks over to where Jason is sitting still hisses at the pain "That's what you fucking get for disrespecting girls, young man."

You chuckled at his words while your tears coming down from you cheeks

Hopper is tired of putting back Jason on the police headquarters again and listening to his oblivious parents that keep saying that he's not doing anything wrong but he's gonna change that once and for all cause he's done enough damage to the town

The policemen grabbed the two beaten boys and cuffed their hands put them behind of the car and Hopper nods at them as he watch them drove away

You ran over to Jeff his hands were bruised from punching too hard on the guy

"Ugh" you exclaimed as you take a glimpse over to his wounded covered in blood knuckles

"Oh- god- I'm so sorry, Jeff you didn't have to do that."

Jeff chuckles slightly "I just wanted to help and I'm glad that I went on time."

You nod at him with a sympathetic smile

Marlon finished cleaning and disinfecting his hands and put a bandage over them

Marlon stands up and goes over to you with guilt coming out from his eyes "Amanda, it's my fault, I should've taken the boys advice earlier, I'm so sorry I didn't meant for this to happen, if only I followed what they told me to do this wouldn't happen.'

You look back up at him and you admire his consideration at the tone of his voice

Your eyes are filled with warmth and you hold his shoulder "Marlon, it's okay, don't ever blame yourself, I'm fine and all of us didn't know that this is going to happen, don't worry about it."

Marlon swallows thickly and he nods at you with a sad smile

"Uh- guys if it's okay with you I'm headed at the diner? I think I need a coffee." Gareth says as he removes himself against the wall

"Wait- I'm coming with you." You say as you pulled Eddie's hand with you and Jeff runs behind you

"Eric are you coming?" Jeff asks him

Eric still talking to Hopper and he looks at Jeff "yeah, I'll be there in a minute."

Eric tells Hopper that you're a new student at Hawkins High and it confuses him why he hasn't met you before but Eric further explains the reason why he told the same story that Gareth and Jeff already told him about you- being Steve's childhood bestfriend, you and your family moved away and then came back, you being a Jones- Hopper has no idea who you are except from your parents he is familiar with them- it's kinda odd for him that you're not as popular as the other rich kids it's not that it's bad it's different for him and that got his attention

Hopper saw your hands splattered in Jason's blood and judging by your behavior, he knows you're a upright person and for some reason you already gained his trust on you...

You guys walked inside the diner and your body is still trembling after what happened earlier, Eddie's arms goes over your shoulder as he tries to calm you down and you headed to sit down at the table

Eric enters the diner in about a minute since you guys arrived inside

Eddie sits down across from you and you sat down on the other side and he holds both of your hands and rubs his thumb on the back of your hand

Your heart still palpitates at the scenario earlier as your mind starts to replaying the scene over and over inside your head as you began to weep again

You remove your hands away from Eddie and you snuck yourself down putting your arms on the table and lean your head down on it...

Eddie panicked by your actions and lick his lips together as he tries to think to make you feel better- he watches you quavering in terror and sadness he can hear how hard you're breathing from crying....

He wants to do something but he is afraid to make you even more upset so he just sits there his eyes roams all over you in concern

Eric, Gareth and Jeff appears on the side of the table and they saw you

Eric felt unsettled as he laid his eyes on you

Jeff became even more worried to see you like this

Gareth "is she okay?" he whispers to Eddie

Eddie looks back at them and remembers you wanted to something so he quickly reaches down to his pocket fishing his wallet but Eric stops him "I'll get it- it's on me."

All of them walk away from the table as Eddie tried to follow them but you stop him by holding his hand

"Wait- Eddie don't- I've shouldn't act like that, I'm sorry, please- stay with me."

Eddie's eyes brimmed with tears as he sees your face distressed from the scenario

"I won't ever leave you alone, sweetheart."