#start and finish i suppose since i only began working on it tonight

[killerqueen-ofwillowgreen]

.

[appocalipse]

MAKE IT EASY : ̗̀➛ STEVE HARRINGTON

・❥・part 1・part 2 ❥・3.8k words

Summary: steve asks you to pretend to be his girlfriend for a family dinner. the problem is: after all is said and done, he gives you the cold shoulder. have you done something wrong?

requested by my beloved @stevebabey 🥺

a/n: this was supposed to be a drabble, and now, oh well...I had to split it into two parts. here we go.

・❥・

It was the epitome of a terrible idea.

And it had started that day. 

The very moment Steve walked into the diner your family owned, you knew something was wrong. Not that it was uncommon for Steve to visit you at work — not at all. In fact, it was almost a weekly occurrence, the highlight of it, in fact, for you; the odd part was that Steve never showed up alone, without at least a few of the kids. On that Wednesday night, he was not only alone but also strangely nervous.

You rarely saw Steve get nervous. His confidence was as much a part of him as his signature perfect hair. But tonight, his hands fidgeted with the edge of his jacket, eyes darting around the diner as if searching for an escape route. He looked like he was trying to convince himself to leave.

Weird.

"Steve," you greeted him with a warm smile, hoping to ease his obvious tension a little bit as he approached the counter. "You look like you've seen a Demogorgon."

It was supposed to be a joke. You only felt comfortable saying that now because — luckily — things had been quiet at Hawkins. It had been a long time since you and your friends had to deal with one. But something about Steve's demeanor really made you wonder if there was more to this visit than just a friendly catch-up.

He tried for a convincing chuckle, but it came out tinged with a hint of sadness instead. "I wish," he said, and then quickly shook his head, "Actually no, of course not. I kinda…There's something I wanted to-"

You furrowed your brows, concern knitting your features together. At this point, Steve's tension seemed to be rubbing off on you.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine, just…can we talk?"

"Of course."

He glanced around the diner, gaze briefly flitting over the empty tables and the neon glow of the jukebox. "Not here," he murmured, voice barely audible above the din of conversation and clinking dishes. It was a busy night, despite being Wednesday. "Can you, like, take a break?"

For Steve, of course you could.

Curiosity mingled with concern, and you followed his lead, stepping out into the cool night air. The streets were bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, casting elongated shadows that danced upon the pavement. You leaned against the side of the building, your eyes fixed on Steve, awaiting an explanation for his beyond unusual behavior.

He raked his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit that seemed magnified in this moment. "Look," he began, his voice tinged with a vulnerability you hadn't heard before, "I need a favor- a big one."

Oh, Jesus. "Steve," you placed a hand over your chest, breathing a sigh of relief. "For a moment there I thought you were going to say something terrible. A favor? C'mon, sure. What do you want me to do?"

Steve's eyes met yours, his gaze earnest and…vulnerable?

"I... I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend... Just for one night!" he quickly added, like he was afraid you might misinterpret his request, say no even before he could finish… but no, of course you wouldn't. Far from it. 

Who wouldn't want to date Steve Harrington?

"But why would you-"

"My parents," Steve interjected, tone deeply tinged with unease, "they're in town."

"Oh." Steve rarely ever spoke about his parents, and their mere presence seemed to have stirred a sense of apprehension within him. "Are they still... difficult?" 

You knew you were touching scars, deep scars. You made sure to be gentle.

Steve sighed, gaze fixed on the ground. 

"Yeah, you could say that," a hint of frustration colored his voice, as if he were carrying on his shoulders the weight of every little judgemental glare they had ever sent his way. "Nothing I do is ever enough for them. They've always been focused on money and success. To them, that's the measure of worth. And because I don't fit their mold of the perfect, ambitious son, they treat me like…well, you know how they treat me."

Indeed, you knew.

Steve looked like he didn't know you were unable to say no to him.

And that's how you put yourself into one hell of a mess.

+

It's Saturday night and you're standing in front of the mirror, desperately trying to zip up your stupid dress. Why anyone would put a zipper in the back of a dress, in the most difficult possible place for a person to reach on their own, is something you are unable to fathom.

But then again, maybe you're the stupid one in this story, you think bitterly, since it was you who chose the dress with the zipper in the back in the first place.   

Why are you trying so hard, though?

"I'm not," you tell yourself out loud, stubbornly.

There is a big pile of discarded clothes on your bed that says otherwise.  

With a feeling akin to fear bubbling in your stomach, you glance at the clock. It's almost seven. For fuck's sake. 

You're late. 

Steve will arrive soon, and you are apparently unable to close the damn zipper of your own dress, no matter in which awkward positions you try twisting yourself into…you just can't reach it.

The doorbell rings.

The world is truly a dark place, isn't it?      

You freeze. It can only be Steve. Shit, shit, shit! For a moment, you consider the idea of simply not opening the door, turning off the lights and pretending you never agreed to take part in this madness that is dining with the Harringtons.

HA! As if you'd really be able to turn your back on Steve. 

You take a deep breath, accepting the battle you just lost, and decide that your only and best option is to simply open the door and ask Steve for help — mortified or not. With no choice but to leave the dress with the zipper still open and your back somewhat exposed, you quickly walk to the door to open it.

"Sorry, I'm late," you say, a little out of breath. "I had a little problem with the dress and I... flowers?"   

Flowers, for sure. Steve holds a beautiful bouquet of red roses. He looks at you for a moment, then his eyes run over the partly open dress and your exposed skin for a couple of seconds too long to be accidental. You swallow thickly.

"Yeah I..." he shakes his head, a little uncomfortable standing there, and then his eyes meet yours. "The flowers are for you. Do you want me to...?" he mimics the motion of closing a zipper.

You feel your cheeks burn with embarrassment, but there is no choice but to accept. You look at him, a mix of gratitude and nervousness in your eyes.  

"Yeah, that would be great," you reply, stumbling over the words. 

If he notices, he doesn't say anything.  

Steve comes closer and hands you the bouquet, your fingers briefly touching his. You catch a whiff of his cologne — citrusy fruit and wood notes — as you turn around, brushing your hair away from your neck.    

For a moment, Steve does nothing, and you wonder if he is just figuring out the best way to close the zipper…or something else entirely. 

His touch ghosts down your bare back before his hand finally, finally finds the zipper. Slowly, he pulls it up, inch by inch, and you hold your breath for a moment, lost in a feeling your best friend is definitely not supposed to evoke in you. You feel the dress tighten, fabric adjusting to your body, his fingers inevitably brushing your skin and sending unexpected tingles up your spine. You try to ignore the trail of electricity left by the tip of his fingers as you turn to face him, eyes finding his.

"There you go", he murmurs, taking his hands off you and taking a small step back. "You look very... girlfriend."  

You laugh.   

"Thank you", you say softly, your heart beating faster. "You also look very boyfriend."

A small smile plays on Steve's lips, a flush creeping up his cheeks. Or maybe it's just the cold night breeze coming through the open door...   

Steve's gaze drifts to your lips and lingers there for way too long to be accidental. He is so close that he starts crushing the bouquet between the two of you…

Something clicks inside of you. Common sense, perhaps.

"Thank you... for the flowers."

The spell breaks; he moves away so fast that you almost drop the flowers on the floor.   

"Yeah, uh, no problem," he says quickly, regaining his composure. "Ready to go?"

Disappointment stabs at you, but you try to hide it. Maybe you imagined too much, read signs where there were none.  

"Sure. I'll just put the flowers in a vase."

It's an excuse to catch your breath. You walk to the kitchen, put water in the first clean container you find and put the flowers in it. Deep breaths, deep breaths.

Your heart is racing and yet nothing has happened. It's just dinner, you tell yourself, I've had dinner with Steve and the others before. It's just dinner.   

So why did you try so hard to look beautiful? insists the other voice in your mind. You decide it's best not to answer.

"You okay?"  

Steve is at the kitchen door, all concern and soft brown eyes.  You must have taken too long.

"Yes, I'm fine," you reply, forcing a smile to calm your own anxiety. "I was just taking care of the flowers. Ready to go?"

Steve nods. A gentleman, he opens the car door for you to get in. It's a short drive to the Harrington house, and you take the opportunity to try to calm your nerves. Looking out the window, you watch the city lights blinking as you approach your destination.

You look at him. You have the impression that Steve is driving slightly slower than necessary.

"Can I ask you something?" you say, unsure.

Steve briefly glances at you before returning his attention to the road, looking so stiff you're under the impression he might break his back at any moment.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Why did you ask me to pretend to be your girlfriend? I mean, I understand the part about your parents…but why didn't you bring someone you're actually dating or something?"

There's a brief moment of silence before Steve responds, his voice a bit softer.

"Actually, I'm not really dating anyone at the moment," he admits. "And when my parents mentioned the dinner, I kind of panicked. I didn't want to show up alone and face more questions about my life, you know?"

"I know," you respond, understandingly. "And why did you choose me specifically?"

He looks away for a moment before answering.

"Because you're perfect," he says, finally looking back at you. Then quickly, as if he only just realized the words slipped out on their own, he adds, nervously staring back at the road, "I mean, my parents, they... you're perfect for them. They're going to love you."

You feel a mix of surprise, satisfaction, and confusion with Steve's response. You try not to read any deeper meaning behind the words, telling yourself not to notice how he quickly tries to disguise them.

"I see," you reply, although you don't really understand anything. Steve seems to say one thing when he means another. "Well, I hope I can do well. I mean, I'm not very convincing when I lie."

Steve smiles briefly and nods.

"I'm sure you'll be great. Just... be yourself."

You appreciate Steve's vote of confidence and focus on staying calm as the car approaches the Harringtons' house. Although there's still a lingering questioning in your mind about Steve's earlier response, you decide to set it aside for now and focus on the immediate task.

Steve parks the car, and you both step out together. Nervousness returns as you approach the front door. You exchange a quick glance with Steve, seeking mutual encouragement.

As you walk toward the house's entrance, Steve's hand finds yours. He gently squeezes it, and you're not sure if he's trying to convey or seek comfort himself. You don't mind anyway.

The door opens, revealing Steve's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrington. As you prepare to enter their house, they cast evaluative glances your way, as you had expected. Mrs. Harrington's smile seems a bit forced, while Mr. Harrington maintains a serious expression you can't even begin to try to read.

It's not like you expected anything different.

"Mom," says Steve in lieu of a greeting. "Dad."

"Steve, you finally made it," says Mrs. Harrington, her tone somehow a mix of relief and disapproval. "And this must be your... girlfriend."

Steve maintains his composure as he introduces you, although you can sense a slight tension in his shoulders. It's only when he says your last name that Steve's parents' gazes turn into something completely different, almost a scientific interest.

Hawkins is a small place. Your parents' business is respected enough in town.

All eyes turn to you, and you try not to show the insecurity you feel inside. Mr. Harrington studies you for a moment, his penetrating gaze seeming to assess your suitability for his son.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Mr. Harrington," he finally says, extending an unusually large hand for a formal greeting.

You shake his hand firmly, trying to convey a confidence you're not quite sure you feel. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Harrington. Thank you for the invitation."

Mrs. Harrington still seems a bit unsettled but composes herself as she invites you inside. You're making your way toward the dining room when you feel Steve's hand intertwine with yours again, and when your gaze meets his, he's smiling.

Thank you, he mouths.

You smile back.

During dinner, you make an effort to be as pleasant and interesting as you can possibly be in the eyes of Steve's parents, responding politely and trying to find points of common interest. In turn, Steve makes an effort to showcase his worth, defending his accomplishments, however small and sharing his plans for the future, painting an image of maturity that, you can tell by the look in his parents' eyes, they were not expecting.

Throughout the evening, you realize that although Steve's parents are demanding and neglectful in many aspects, they also seem to have their own insecurities and concerns. They want the best for Steve, even if their way of expressing it is at least…unusual.

As the night progresses, you find yourself navigating this strange family dynamic better and better, to the point where Steve's parents' attention is fully on you, and it doesn't even feel that uncomfortable anymore. You even laugh at one point.

By the end of the dinner, as you two prepare to leave, you notice a very similar expression of relief on the faces of Steve's parents. They seem to have found some kind of approval in the way you both behaved together during the evening.

As you say goodbye, Mr. Harrington extends his hand again, but this time, his handshake is warmer, less formal, and Mrs. Harrington's smile almost seems genuine. Almost.

"It was a pleasure having you here," she says. "You should bring her more often, Steve."

You and Steve exchange a look of surprise. Had you somehow managed to create a connection with his parents?

As you walk away from the Harringtons' house, Steve's hand finds yours for the third time that night, and an optimistic part of you registers the fact that there's no one else here to see. He gently squeezes it, his brown eyes filled with gratitude when they meet yours.

"You were amazing," he says, genuinely smiling.

In the car, during the ride back, you both talk animatedly about the night and his parents' reactions. The tension from dinner seems to have diminished, leaving you both more relaxed and confident.

When you arrive in front of your house, Steve turns off the car and gets out to accompany you to the front door, even after you— out of politeness, mind you — said it's really not necessary. 

"You know, I didn't expect everything to go so well tonight," says Steve, with a playful smile. "I can't believe I'm saying this about a dinner with my parents, but thanks to you, it was even fun."

You laugh. "I kinda had fun too. I think we did better than we thought possible."

"You're amazing," he says again, and this time his voice carries a softer, more intimate tone. His eyes meet yours, shining, and you see admiration there…maybe, you dare to think, something even deeper.

The silence grows tense. Your heart races. There's something special happening between you, you know there is; this goes beyond mere friendship or pretending to be a couple for one night…doesn't it?

Are you imagining this?

"Steve..."

You can't finish before he's leaning in slowly, and you're almost certain his eyes are fixed on your lips. For a feverish moment, you think Steve is going to kiss you.

He tilts his head last second. You feel the softness of his lips brushing against your cheek a moment later, a light and brief kiss, mouth almost uncertain against your warm skin….and then it's over.

Steve pulls back slowly. 

"Goodnight," he says, eyes soft, smile softer. "Thank you…for today."

"You're welcome."

It's only when you enter the house that the dress dilemma comes to mind. 

Well…shit.

The zipper at the back is still unreachable for you, and you can't undo it yourself unless you use scissors — which, considering the price you paid for it, you really don't want to do.

With few options and too much embarrassment, you decide to call Steve back while you still can.

"Steve?" you practically shout, your embarrassment immediately doubling. He's about to open the door of his trusted BMW when he turns to you, confused and unfairly handsome under the street light.

Suddenly using the scissors on the dress doesn't seem like such a bad idea anymore.

Well, too late.

"Could you, you know... " you ask, gesturing to the back of your dress, "help me with the zipper?"

His initial surprise quickly gives way to a nervous smile.

"Sure. What kind of fake boyfriend would I be if I didn't help?"

"I'm sure that's one of the many job duties."

"Definitely. And I strive to be a top-notch fake boyfriend."

He steps in. With the door closed behind the two of you, the atmosphere takes on a sense of intimacy and anticipation.

"I really can't reach the zipper," you feel the need to explain, even more flustered by his silence.

"No problem," Steve says with that gentle tone that makes your heart do funny things inside your chest. "Turn around."

You turn so that he can reach the dress' zipper, and now you're facing the large oval mirror in the hallway, with Steve standing right behind you.

He reaches out gently, his fingers lightly brushing the back of your dress.

Breathe in. 

The temperature around you seems to rise a few degrees.

Breath out. 

You feel the gentle pressure of his fingers as he starts to slide the zipper down. He touches your skin and you tell yourself that this is inevitable, that he didn't mean to…but he lingers. Lingers just enough for you to tense up and let out a breathless sigh you certainly didn't intend to.

"Are you okay?" Steve asks, his voice soft, filled with concern. You know he's looking at you through the mirror and that's precisely why you keep your gaze on the floor. "Are my fingers cold?"

"No, your fingers..." your voice sounds hoarse. You clear your throat. "...it's fine, I'm okay."

I'm great. I'm more than okay. Nothing out of the ordinary happening here.

However, when the zipper seems to momentarily get stuck — because of course  it had to — the two of you exchange equally panicked looks through the mirror, though perhaps for different reasons. An uncomfortable silence fills the air as Steve tries to fix the issue.

"I'm... it's just... sorry, it seems to be stuck."

There's a moment of awkward silence as he tries to figure out a way to open the zipper. You can feel the tension in the air as he struggles to handle the situation.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" you joke, desperately trying to ease the tension.

Steve lets out a low laugh, his warm breath gently caressing your neck.

"Absolutely," he replies, his voice slightly husky. Then, probably without so much as noticing, he adds, "I've taken off many dresses before."

Oh.

"Steve-"

Steve doesn't give up. With skilled fingers, he adjusts the position of the zipper and makes another attempt. It moves.

"We're almost there," he murmurs softly, his voice close to your ear.

Finally, with a smooth motion, the zipper gives way, sliding all the way down. A sigh of relief escapes your lips, and you turn around to face Steve, finding his eyes filled with excitement.

"I did it!"

His enthusiastic smile soon gives way to something else as he realizes how close — and technically partly undressed — you are.

And close you are, so very close. Close enough that you and Steve are somehow breathing the same air now.

Close enough, you realize, that a slight tilt of the head and...you'd be kissing.

Kissing.

Did he notice that too?

You hold your dress up over your chest to make sure it doesn't fall because, well…no matter how distracted you are, it's not enough that you'd risk a wardrobe malfunction that'll leave you standing there naked in front of Steve Harrington.

"...thanks," you manage a whisper, lips a hair's breadth away from his. You do know that Steve has no reason not to go now that dinner is over and everything went (surprisingly) well, but a part of you wonders if maybe…

Steve's hands hover around your waist as if unsure of what to do next. 

So close...

You hold still.

In that breathless silence, you're under the impression that Steve leans closer, even if just the slightest bit, maybe without even noticing. 

"Steve…" you slowly tilt your head to the side.

Steve's heart is pounding in his chest as he feels the warmth of your breath against his lips. Stop, he thinks. His eyes flutter closed, and Steve can't help but lean in just a little bit more. 

He raises his arm as if to touch you, wanting to touch you, to hold your face, to bring you closer…but he stops with one of his hands hovering near your cheek.

He pulls away with a gasp, his hands flying up to his face in shock. "I should-" he stammers. "I need to go."

Bam.

Door closed.

And just like that, he's out of the house before you can even open your eyes properly.

He just…pulled away. 

What the hell was that?

[bangtanintotheroom]

Just Like Candy (M)

She's just like candy, she's so sweet

But you know that it ain't real cherry, know that it ain't real cherry

🔊 candy - doja cat (spotify | soundcloud) 🔊

• Pairing: S.Coups x (F)Reader

• Genre: Non-Idol!AU, Strangers to Lovers, Angst, Smut

• Rating: 18+

• Words: 7.3k

• Summary: Following a breakup, Seungcheol is looking for a distraction for the night. You catch his eye with your red lips and the rest is history.

• Warnings/themes: mentions of a breakup, sulky Cheol 🥲, his friends are real ones, drinking, swearing, one night stand, flirting, making out, dirty talk, handjobs, fingering, oral (m. and f. receiving), c*me swallowing, strength kink, manhandling, hint of begging, OC’s lips are often compared to 🍒

• Notes: Welp, here it is; my first Cheol fic! I didn't plan to take this long to finish, but between work, getting sick and my bestie's birthday, ya girl has been busyyy 🥲 but here he is, so enjoy! 🎉 much thanks to @hobeemin for the beta! 💖

Seungcheol was barely paying attention to his friends' conversation, trying desperately not to go onto his ex’s Instagram and check her recent stories. But every time his thumb hovers over the multi-colored circle with her smiling face, the recent events play through his mind. It leaves a bitterness on his tongue, which ends up with him closing the app for what must have been the fifth time.

“Hyung, get off of there.”

He looked up to see Wonwoo giving him a stare of sternness mixed with worry, feeling sheepish that he was caught red-handed. Then again, he must have noticed earlier and only chose to say something now.

“Sorry.”

Wonwoo sighed, leaning in and speaking lowly, “If you keep going on there, I’m going to confiscate your phone.”

Seungcheol’s brows knitted at the warning.

“And what if someone tries to reach me?”

“Then I’ll give it back, but until then, you won’t have phone privileges.”

He couldn’t help but click his tongue. As annoying as the threat was, he secretly appreciated Wonwoo’s way of keeping him from doing something he might regret, like reaching out to his ex less than two weeks later rather than continuing to play it cool.

It wasn’t heartbreak, per se, just a loss of familiarity and a routine that bothered him. He was used to checking up on her at certain times, often receiving the same energy back. Plus, the lack of cuddling and deficiency of sex was about to start making him restless.

He appreciated the tough love because the rest of the men in the car showed their support by dragging him to an unruly house party that he wasn’t even sure he’d enjoy.

“Yah, is he on his phone again?”

Wonwoo replied to Seungkwan’s question from the front with, “He sure is.”

Every other occupant groaned in exasperation, Chan peering around him to scold, “Seungcheol-hyung, focus! You’re supposed to have fun with us tonight, not pine over her!”

“Just block her already!”

Seungcheol quickly snapped at Joshua’s quip, “No, because then I’ll look bitter.”

“So?”

Seungkwan turned around in the passenger seat to look directly at him, seeming to be about to give the most unhelpful advice ever.

“Hyung, you want my suggestion?”

“No.”

“Too bad. Fuck her feelings, respectfully—” He was quick to throw in that word after the elder’s face began twisting in displeasure. “—she decided to end it, and she’s out there living her best life while you’re moping around. Be selfish for once and focus on your well-being!”

Chan joined in, “Exactly! Are you going to let her distract you from having a good time with us tonight?”

The eldest wanted to fight back on instinct, but the more he stewed on his friends’ words, the more he realized they had a point. What was the use of getting in his feelings? He’d just end up being the downer of the group and waste the effort they put in to have him get dressed and come out. Even though it had been a while since he went to a party of this size, the tiniest part of him was excited. His ex was the type to avoid get-togethers like this, so he often put off the guys’ invites in favor of pleasing her.

But she wasn’t around anymore…

He sighed heavily. Hopefully, he’d be distracted enough that she wouldn’t run through his mind until he returned to his bed and deleted more of their couple pictures.

“No, I’m not.”

His response was met with a round of cheers, drowning out the hip-hop blaring from the speakers.

“That’s the spirit!”

Joshua took advantage of the red light to turn and shoot a proud smile.

“We just want you to have fun, yeah? So quit sulking.”

Seungcheol did himself no favors by narrowing his eyes and pushing his lower lip out.

“I’m not sulking.”

As expected, Joshua gave an eye roll amidst the chorus of laughter, turning back around to continue driving. Seungcheol decided to get more involved in the conversation for the rest of the trip, only glancing at his phone for notifications. Not once did he hop onto Instagram, choosing to entertain a heated debate over who would be the first casualty tonight. His money was on Seungkwan, who fought against the accusation with insistence.

Either way, he hoped his friends continued to distract him for the rest of the night like this.

The plan to distract Seungcheol was going poorly. Actually, no. Poorly was an understatement.

It was going horrendously.

Everything was fine when they stepped into the party. It was easy to get accustomed to the noise and the crowd of bodies, especially once a red cup was shoved into his hand. One of his favorite songs was even playing, his foot automatically tapping to the beat while listening to Joshua and Chan converse.

But it went horribly awry when a drunk Seokmin and Soonyoung bounded up to them, asking where his other half was.

His reaction was as instantaneous as his friends’, yet more subtle. Seungcheol tensed up and clenched his jaw, fingertips making a dent in the plastic cup. Of course, the duo was too far gone to see his sudden change in mood; they only blinked in confusion when Seungkwan began yelling at them for their goof. Just as Wonwoo started explaining why their greeting was poorly thought out, the eldest quickly excused himself, turning and making a beeline for the much less crowded kitchen.

He wasn’t sure if he needed something more substantial to drink or to remove himself from a messy situation. Either way, he ended up staring blankly into the icy assortment of beers in front of one of the many coolers.

So much for distracting himself tonight.

“Excuse me?”

A steady voice brought him out of his wallowing, looking over his shoulder to see a young woman standing behind him, pointing to the cooler.

“Mind if I get in there?”

“O-Oh. Sorry.”

Seungcheol swiftly stepped aside, feeling a bit abashed at getting in the way. You didn’t seem to mind too much though, sending a smile as you squatted down to begin rummaging through your options.

“Indecisive?”

He blinked at your query.

“Huh?”

You continued speaking while rifling through, “You were staring down here for a hot minute.”

Oh shit, was he? Damn. He must have looked like a party pooper, no doubt sulking as he tried to get himself back into a festive mood.

“Uh, yes, let’s call it that…”

A giggle escaped at the unconvincing reply. Within a few seconds, you popped back up with two different-looking bottles in each hand.

“Are you more of a fruity or bitter kind of guy?”

“Bitter.”

You held out one of the beers, waiting until he took it with a bit of confusion mixed with gratitude.

“Thank you…”

“Of course. You look like you need it.”

Seungcheol huffed, shoulders sagging a bit as he smiled pensively.

“That bad, huh?”

A nod was given, albeit paired with a sympathetic look.

“Yeah.”

He sighed at your observation, the urge to crawl away and hide in a corner until the party ended coming strong. This was another thing he wanted to avoid: the pity people would give him. In the words of Chan, he looked like a lost puppy whenever he caught him thinking about his ex. Surely, that’s what you were reminded of as you continued to gaze up at him.

“My friends dragged me here to distract me from…recent events, but I don’t think it’s working very well.”

“I can see that. I rarely see people not enjoying themselves at one of Seokmin’s parties.”

Your words might have had sincerity, but Seungcheol could only feel more insecure. He stuck out like a sore thumb; that was the last thing he wanted to happen tonight.

Just as he was about to excuse himself to wallow in misery, you asked something that caught him off-guard.

“Wanna talk about it?”

Seungcheol couldn’t help but blink rapidly, ensuring he didn’t mishear you.

A complete stranger offering an ear?

“No, I couldn’t burden you; I’m sure you came to have fun.”

But you were undeterred, shrugging nonchalantly.

“It’s fine, really. I could use some quiet time—” You grinned without an ounce of regret. “—and sometimes it’s good to have a stranger’s ear, no?”

Well…you weren’t wrong. Although Seungcheol wasn’t expecting to find a willing participant at a house party, of all places. But you seemed eager to help, and God knows his friends have probably heard enough of his lamenting by now.

A shrug of his shoulders was followed by, “If you’re offering, sure.”

Your smile stretched even wider at his approval, reaching for his free hand with your own before leading him to the sliding glass doors on the other side of the room.

“Step into my office.”

“Let me guess…a breakup?”

Straight to the point.

“Yeah.”

“How long?”

He needed to take a swig to answer this.

“Two years.”

It was no surprise to see a grimace on your face.

“Yikes. My condolences.”

Seungcheol wasn’t sure if he tried to ease you or himself with the comforting smile he gave.

“Thank you, but breakups happen all the time. I’ll be over it soon.”

“Doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck right now. Nothing wrong with wallowing in misery.”

He scoffed lightly, “Trust me, I’ve been doing more than enough of that.”

You hummed, seeming to understand.

“So was she ‘the one’?”

Seungcheol paused in raising his beer bottle, thick brows scrunching as he took a few seconds to ponder before shaking his head.

“No, I wouldn’t say that. It was serious, but not that serious.”

You nodded, yet there was a bout of silence afterward while he stewed on how to express his feelings since the first night his former girlfriend removed her possessions from his place.

“I think it’s…like something is missing. Like I was so used to having her around and there to talk to or spend time with, it feels off.”

“You got comfortable.”

Seungcheol continued, “I did. And now she’s not here anymore.”

Saying this admission out loud pulled the deepest of sighs from his lungs.

“It’s just going to take some getting used to.”

“But you’ll be okay…one day.”

Your sincerity in tone made his head turn, and he saw you gazing at him with something akin to optimism.

“It might not be tomorrow. Might not be next week. But it’ll get easier one day and you’ll be able to think about her without feeling like you’re missing out. Trust me—“ The way your mouth quirked humorlessly on one side as you glanced through the window spoke volumes. “—I know.”

Seungcheol watched as your eyes lingered on the house, seeming to allude to a specific person. He couldn’t help but turn to see if he could figure it out. His answer was received when he spotted a handsome man with cropped black hair getting close to a giggling woman. Sure enough, the look in your eyes was close to what he had expressed lately.

No wonder you offered to hear him out.

“I’m sorry.”

His words broke your trance, turning back to blink rapidly before chuckling.

“Thank you, but it was for the best. He wasn’t exactly the most faithful.”

Seungcheol frowned. “Ouch.”

“Mhm. Well, it is what it is. Now we’re free to fool around with whoever we want, so everyone wins!”

He couldn’t hold back a small laugh at your exuberant claim.

“You have a point.”

The grin you directed at him made his own wider. He didn’t expect a stranger to ease the trouble brewing inside tonight, but your perspective on the situation was refreshing. If anything, his determination to enjoy the party to the fullest returned. You probably wanted to get back to whatever you were doing before, too…

“Thank you for offering your ear. I’m sure you want to return to the party now, right?”

Just as Seungcheol started shifting to stand up, you held up your free hand to halt him.

“I don’t mind hanging with you some more. My friends are kind of bouncing around and doing their own thing, but if you want to go to yours, I’ll let you go.”

…but did he want to go to them?

“I…Honestly, I’m not in a rush, but please don’t feel obligated to stick around.”

Your expression shifted into one of ease.

“No obligation on my end. I kind of…want to keep talking to you.”

Seungcheol’s dark eyes widened at your admission, taken off-guard. “You do?”

“Mhm. You seem cool, uh—”

Right. Neither of you had given your names.

“Seungcheol.”

You quickly clasp the hand he held out, shaking it with a smile.

“Y/N.”

Your hold lingered for a bit, fingers dragging along his own when you finally released, making the tiniest of tugs occur in his stomach. He couldn’t help but be a little excited that you wanted to keep talking to him, expecting to go your separate ways after he vented. The mutual feeling gave him a burst of emotion that needed an outlet, excusing himself to grab another beer for the both of you.

Your ex was still in the kitchen, tongue now tangled with the other woman. Seungcheol couldn’t help but scrunch his nose a little at the sight, mainly thanks to what you had told him earlier. But he fought against the urge to toss an ice cube from the cooler at his head and left with a bottle in each hand, giving one to you as soon as he returned.

“Thank you!” Once he got back in his seat, you held your drink up in the air. “To a fun night! Oh, and fuck our exes.”

Seungcheol laughed at your ad-lib, joining in by tapping his bottle against yours. The two of you moved onto much lighter topics, getting to know each other while sitting on the quiet patio. You were better acquainted with the party host than he was, mentioning how you tended to attend most of Seokmin’s get-togethers. He wondered if he had ever passed by you before or vice versa; a shame it took this long to meet.

At some point, the gap between your bodies had dwindled, knees bumping into each other as you showed off pictures of your pets. The way you cooed and had stars in your eyes as he scrolled through his endless gallery of Kkuma pics didn’t fail to warm his heart. And seeing how your chest puffed while bragging about your own fur baby only made it worse.

But then the phones went down and the mood shifted eventually.

The alcohol and good conversation led to Seungcheol noticing little things about you. Like how you rubbed your collarbones whenever you were deep in thought. Or that you kept grabbing onto his thick forearm each time you wanted to emphasize your words, eyes wide and determined for them to sink in. He didn’t mind the touch at all, but it started encroaching into dangerous territory when he began focusing on your mouth a little too hard.

He wasn’t sure if it was the shape of your lips or how the thick gloss sat on them, but looking at them reminded him of cherries. Trying to ensure he responded to your words was becoming difficult by the minute, fighting the urge to lean down and sink his teeth in. It didn’t help whenever the lusciousness parted and showed off pearly whites and hints of tongue.

“Seungcheol.”

Out of nowhere, you called his name, making him jump as he tried to act like he wasn’t hardcore staring at your lips.

“Yes?”

The cherries tilted upwards as a hand came up and gently tapped a knuckle against his exposed forehead.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

Your compliment and touch only made his cheeks flare, mouth parting as he prepared to express himself in a way that wasn’t corny or desperate.

“Your lips are gorgeous.”

So much for that.

But you seemed to be pleasantly surprised at his admission, grinning wider as you tucked a hair behind your ear.

“Yeah? Thank you, but I can’t help but feel like that’s not all…”

Seungcheol swallowed hard as you challenged him, wanting to know precisely what he had running through his mind.

“I want to kiss you right now.”

Confidence was more present this time, watching your head tilted in thinly veiled curiosity.

“Oh?” A foot came up and caressed his ankle as you continued, “What’s stopping you?”

Well, he wasn’t the type to just go in for something like that without asking first, so—

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

You looked out into the backyard, humming as you pretended to be thinking deeply about your answer, even though the rubbing sensation on his leg hinted at it.

“Mm…yeah, I do—” Finally, your eyes landed on his again, a sparkle in them that wasn’t there before. “maybe I want more than that.”

Seungcheol felt a heat building inside that had been dormant for too long. This interaction was going in a completely unplanned direction, but surprisingly, he didn’t find himself against it.

“Do…do you?”

The nod you gave had zero shame and hesitation behind it.

Ah. Well. There wasn’t any room for confusion, but he had to get this out.

“I’m not looking for anything serious, I—“

But you halted him by putting your finger on his lips.

“I know. Neither am I. We’re just distracting each other—“ A simple smile. “—right?”

Thank goodness you were on the same page.

“Right.”

Pleased with that, you removed your finger before standing up, setting your empty bottle on the nearby table. You then held your hand out, waiting until Seungcheol took it and stood up, following close as you led him back inside the house. The two of you had to zigzag through the crowd, narrowly avoiding dancing bodies. Finally, the stairs were within reach, increasing his heart as you guided him. He looked back into the crowd, barely catching a glimpse of his friends before you continued to pull him out of sight.

When they realized he disappeared, there was definitely going to be some severe questioning later on.

You led him into one of the bedrooms, making sure there were no unwelcome occupants first. When Seungcheol pulled the door in behind him, you quickly spun around, directing the coyest of looks up.

“You might want to lock it; I’d hate for us to get interrupted.”

Realizing that you had a point, he swiftly turned the lock sideways, finding the act and noise a little more comforting. Being walked in on was never fun, especially when you were fooling around in a stranger’s bed.

As soon as he finished, you reached for his hands before stepping back to stand in front of the queen-sized bed in the middle of the room.

“Last chance to back out.”

Seungcheol couldn’t help but knit his brows a bit as he pondered. Was he really about to fool around with a complete stranger?

This was out of character for him. Even when he was single, getting in bed with someone he had only known for a couple of hours was a thought he never entertained. But this was now and he was, to put it lightly, yearning for some physical contact that would keep him distracted for the night.

And quite frankly, he didn’t want to say no to you.

“Seungcheol?”

The light call of his name brought him out of his thoughts, looking down to see you gazing up with mild concern.

“You alright?”

He was quick to nod and smile reassuringly, replying, “Yes. Sorry, just…got in my head for a bit.”

Your expression eased up, tongue clicking as you squeezed his hands.

“Well, we can’t have any more of that. C’mon.”

You maneuvered Seungcheol around so his back was facing the bed now.

“Quit thinking about your ex and focus.”

“Believe me, I’m trying. I might need a little more help on your end.”

His voice hints at encouragement, shifting you into a more domineering mood. Your cherry lips twist into an undaunted grin as you let go of his hands.

“Of course. Even if it’s for a moment—“ All of a sudden, he felt a push to his chest and found himself falling to the bed before looking up at your salacious smile. “—I’ll make you forget all about her.”

You crawled up and on to straddle his lap, making his breath hitch at the intimate contact. With your palms planted next to his head, you shot him a wicked ruby smile before leaning down to place your lips on his own. The kiss is quick to build back up whatever arousal he had lost on the way here, helped by the way your hips started ever so slowly to grind down. You’re in a perfect position to have your clothed center on top of his concealed cock, each ounce of friction awakening it.

Moans started to fill the dim room with each second that passed. Seungcheol found himself hesitating to lay his hands on you, too used to having them on another body instead. But then his brain was quick to remind him that there was no need to hold back.

And so he rested his palms on your waist, playing it safe for now.

But you didn’t let him remain stationary for long, breaking the kiss to place your hands on top of his and whisper, “Don’t be shy.”

The encouragement was a helpful trigger, fingers roaming your body as soon as you let go. He carefully ran them up and down the curves of your waist before taking a chance and moving them to the front and upwards. A quick glance was given to your face as he went and cupped your covered breasts, biting his lip at the soft sound you made. Giving a light squeeze earned him a louder noise and a roll of your hips.

“Knew your hands would feel nice…”

Your husky whisper only spurred him on, sliding one of his hands back down and around to give your bottom the same attention.

“Did you?”

“Mhm—” A firmer grope interrupted your sentence. “—kept staring while you were holding your beer.”

Seungcheol chuckled lightly at your admission, glad he wasn’t the only one fixating on mundane body parts. You allowed him to continue feeling your body, dipping down for an occasional kiss, only to halt him eventually. When his brows furrowed in confusion, your red lips curled as you moved down to sit on his thighs.

“I have to get my hands on you ASAP.”

There was no objection on his end as he removed his hands, letting them rest to the side as you got a feel of him. The heat of your skin penetrating his shirt brought a welcome warmth to his veins. He almost forgot what it felt like to be touched by another, feeling like it had been way too long. Before the relationship ended, he had gone a few weeks without being intimate. Only now was he realizing how badly he needed this.

You ventured downwards, nudging the hem of his tee up until a sliver of stomach and his belt buckle showed. A tap above his waistband brought his eyes to yours.

“You still sure about this?”

Seungcheol blinked at you checking in, not expecting it. But it was much appreciated, even though his answer was still—

“Yeah.”

That was all you needed to continue, smirking as you started to work on loosening the belt. It didn’t take long for you to get through to undo his fly, making his heart pound hard enough to rupture his eardrums nearly. It takes a good amount of self-control for Seungcheol not to jump when your hand slips into his underwear. And it takes even more for him to stay steady when fingers wrap around his cock.

“Can barely wrap my hand around you.”

Your hushed observation made him twitch in your grasp, pulling in his lower lip when you slipped his length out. You released him to spit into your palm, replacing your hold before beginning to stroke slowly. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until it came out. Soon enough, soft grunts left his mouth.

“Are you distracted now?”

Seungcheol licked his lips and hummed, “Yes, very distracted.”

The giggle you gave preceded your mouth, leaning up to start giving him kisses again, multitasking efficiently. When you seemed to get your fill of his tongue, you parted and crawled down his body until you were face to face with his fully stiff dick. It couldn’t help but give a jerk at the devious smirk you shot him.

“May I?”

Fuck if he would say no.

“Go ahead.”

His backing spurred you into action, giving his cock a kiss at the base before using your tongue to run alongside every inch. The sigh that left Seungcheol carried so much behind it. The weight from the last few weeks and tonight escaped as you lap him up with attention that he didn’t realize he was missing until now. There was never a dull moment with your mouth, making his hips buck occasionally and quiet groans fill the room.

He managed to keep most of himself under control until you took him past your lips, forcing his fingers to dig into whoever’s comforter was underneath. The tight heat and wetness around his dick eventually made his digits come up to weave into your hair, giving you a bit of guidance. You didn’t seem to mind as a moan vibrated, sending a shiver down his spine.

Seungcheol forgot about whatever was happening outside of this bedroom for a while. He couldn't care less that there was a party going on downstairs and at least one of his friends might be looking for him. They dragged him here; the least they could do was let him have some fun of his own.

But the best part was that his ex-girlfriend didn’t pass through his mind once.

A sharp and familiar pang soon came in his groin, forcing him to choke out, “Y/N, Y/N, I’m so close—”

You looked up at his warning before pulling off with a popping sound to ask, “You wanna come in my mouth?”

The offer made his jaw drop and his cock twitch hard, swallowing down his shock in order to answer you.

“I— Up to you.”

A knowing expression washed over your face, smeared cherry lips quirking.

“Judging by your reaction, I’ll take it as a yes. Don’t worry, I don’t mind.”

You swiftly returned to your previous position, letting a hand join in stroking what was still out this time. Seungcheol didn’t even get a second to process what you said before you continued pleasuring him, jumbling his brain as he got closer and closer to the end. It didn’t take long for his entire body to tense up, swearing out loud while he spilled into your mouth. His vision was spotty as he orgasmed, only clearing up when he went limp on the bed, panting hard.

Damn.

You definitely came through on your promise of distraction.

When he was finally back on Earth, you sat up, giving him a curious look.

“Did that help?”

Seungcheol lifted his head from the bed, chuckling breathlessly at your question.

“Fuck yes.”

A giggle that contradicted what you were previously doing to him escaped, your body wiggling side to side a bit.

“Good! I hate to disappoint.”

“Believe me, you didn’t.”

Your chest puffed out in triumph, looking like you were ready to receive a gold star for your hard work. At this point, you should have split up and returned to your respective groups. But Seungcheol found his instinct to return the favor rising to the surface.

“Y/N.”

“Yeah?”

Forcing himself to sit up and look you in your eyes, he licked his lips before asking, “Do you…need me to help you out?”

Your eyes widened at his suggestion.

“You…how?”

He’s already come this far; he might as well lay all the chips down.

“I could eat you out.”

How your hand flew up to land over your mouth had him wonder if he overstepped his boundaries. Maybe you just wanted to give him his and get out.

“I…I mean, you don’t have to. We could just end it here…”

Hearing you trail off with uncertainty only pushed Seungcheol further. The need to have his mouth on somewhere other than your lips was blazing in his veins. He just missed pleasuring another.

With his bottom lip pushed out and his dark eyes looking up in a specific way, he made a final plea for his case.

“Just…consider it part of the distraction. Please?”

Yes, Choi Seungcheol was nearly begging to eat a stranger’s pussy.

But much to his relief, the light laugh you gave lacked mocking. No longer hiding your mouth, you smiled coyly and cooed, “Well, if you’re insisting…”

Perking up at your approval, he took hold of your jaw with both hands, giving you a long peck. He could feel you giggling during it, becoming louder when he pulled off to take a firm hold of your hips. You weren’t given a second to ask where to move before he lifted and practically manhandled you onto your back. The look you directed up at him was filled with surprise and a hazy lust.

“So strong.”

Seungcheol smirked at your dreamy tone, waiting for your legs to spread before sitting between them. He wasted little time in reaching for the hem of your dress, languidly rolling it up until he got a clear view of your panties.

And the large wet spot in the middle of it.

“Shit.”

You wiggled your hips at his gruff swear, teasing, “Don’t be so surprised.”

He raised a brow at you.

“Yeah, I’m definitely not leaving you like this.”

Whatever mischief that would paint your words evaporated when you felt his knuckles run up and down your clothed center.

“A gentleman, aren’t you?”

Seungcheol grunted after seeing the spot grow larger, “Sure, let’s call it that.”

Not wanting to keep you waiting any longer, he maneuvered down to rest his head between your thighs. Even though he wanted to go straight to business, you deserved a little build-up as well. So Seungcheol planted soft kisses on your inner thighs, trailing up until his nose nearly brushed against you. He sped things up only when a whine of impatience came from above.

Reaching up to hook a finger under the fabric, he pulled it to the side and let it rest as he saw your dripping folds for a moment. But then he was quick to lean in and get to work.

He started off light at first, using the tip of his tongue to see what tickled your fancy. Soft hums left your mouth as your lover for the night, exploring every inch of skin. Seungcheol remained content with the gentle sounds until the need to hear more came over, pushing him to apply a little more pressure to make you louder.

“Mnh—”

“Doing alright up there?”

You hummed pleasantly, “Just wonderful. Keep it up.”

Seungcheol chuckled at your reply, using your encouragement to fuel his actions. He got a little more creative with his mouth, especially when it came to your clit. Closing his lips around it and sucking gently brought a stronger reaction out of you this time. He could feel a hand come down onto the back of his head before fingers buried into his dark locks.

“Right there, baby—”

A short groan vibrated against you from that. He made sure not to let up on what you wanted, finding that he had to use one of his arms to hold down your twitching hips at one point. He was starting to think that you had a thing for muscular guys, judging by your earlier reaction from being flipped over and how you giggled breathlessly from his recent move.

He continued to indulge in the taste of you until he felt the lightest of tugs on his hair. Pulling off with a pop, Seungcheol raised a thick brow.

“You good?”

“Uh huh, but—“ Your tongue ran along your bottom red lip. “—you mind doing me a favor?”

His eyes squinted playfully. “As long as it doesn’t involve feet or anything extreme, no.”

A laugh sounded while you released his strands and tapped his forehead.

“Dork. I want your fingers in me. That too extreme for you?”

The pang that hit his stomach influenced him to shake his head no.

“Good.”

Now you patted him, laying back and relaxing as you waited for him to follow through on his promise. Seungcheol used his free hand to sneak under his chin and pressed the tip of his index finger between your folds. Once he found your entrance, a glance into your eyes was given, receiving a nod in return. He began sliding inside, biting his lip at how you seemed to suck him in. You were wet enough that there was little resistance, making an obscene sound that brought a tingle down his spine.

Starting to thrust moderately, your louder moans filled the dim room. Seungcheol had to apply more pressure with the arm on your hips, nearly being thrown off by a strong buck. He got distracted by watching how you reacted to the friction. But then he remembered how much you also enjoyed his mouth and bent down to get back to work.

You were gracious enough to let him get his fill of you, so he wanted to ensure you got your distraction as well.

“S-Seungcheol—”

He didn’t know how much time had passed before your strangled call of his name cut into the fog, releasing your pulsating bud from his wet lips to rasp, “What’s wrong?”

Your hand darted down to press his mouth back against it, whimpering, “Don’t stop, gonna come—”

You didn’t need to say anymore.

Seungcheol continued licking and sucking, just the way you liked, ignoring how his jaw and finger started cramping up. Thankfully, it didn’t take that long to feel you clamp down tight, crying out as your thighs trembled next to his head. He kept the same pace, waiting until you pushed at his head to prevent overstimulation. Once the trembling of your body died down, he slipped his digit out and sat up, giving your hip a careful rub. The touch brought your attention down from the ceiling to him, eyes hazy with bliss and wonder.

An expression that brought the cheekiest of grins to his face.

“How was that?”

You remained silent for a few seconds, seeming to figure your words out.

“She’s missing out.”

It took a moment for Seungcheol to process what you said, but he laughed once he did, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“She is, isn’t she?”

The two of you shared another laugh before he felt his back pocket vibrate. Blinking, he reached in and slipped out his phone, frowning at the message on the screen.

[Wonu]: where’d you go??? We’re leaving soon

“Friends looking for you?”

Seungcheol looked up, nodding.

“Yeah. Sounds like they’re about to head out.”

A sigh left your lips, sitting up to give him a cherry-colored pout.

“Darn. I was having so much fun with you.”

His ears reddened at your complaint, grinning bashfully.

“Same.”

Tapping your foot against his thigh, you hurried back to adjust your clothing, leaving him to respond to Wonwoo’s text.

[Cheol]: my bad, hanging out with someone

[Cheol]: be down in a few minutes

When he received a thumbs up, Seungcheol followed suit, standing up to tuck himself back in and smooth out any wrinkles on his shirt. He didn’t want to be super obvious when he left the bedroom. Just as he finished, he turned to find you standing and facing him, looking up with scrutinizing eyes.

“Hey…what’s up?”

“You might wanna, uh—”

You pointed to his mouth, making him look in the nearby mirror to see what was happening. His eyes widened at the red smeared over and around his swollen lips. Clicking his tongue, he grabbed a tissue, wiped it off as best as possible and turned towards you afterward.

“Better?”

A thumbs up was given. “Much. As much as I like my lipstick on you, I don’t think you want everyone to know what you’ve been up to.”

Seungcheol’s mouth popped open. You complimented yet called him out simultaneously. A woman after his heart.

But you brought him back to Earth with a pat on his shoulder, reminding him, “Come on, don’t keep your friends waiting.”

Closing his mouth, he nodded in agreement.

“Right…thank you, Y/N, for, you know, distracting me. It helped. A lot.”

While not as red as before, your lips shone with vibrancy as they curled upwards.

“Of course, you looked like you needed it. Thanks for not leaving me hanging.”

“Not a problem.”

Another vibration in his pocket urged Seungcheol to hurry downstairs before getting stranded. He leaned down to kiss your cheek and made his way to the door, unlocking and opening it. Just as he stepped over the threshold, he looked back to see you watching him with an unreadable expression.

But it vanished when you caught him staring, brows knitting as you lightheartedly shooed him away.

Whatever that was was left behind as he shut the door behind him.

Seungcheol knew with every fiber of his being that his group would be in or lounging in the car, ready to leave any second. Patience was never their strong suit.

He could already spot a casualty or two as he walked across the lawn. Chan was laid across the hood of the vehicle while Seungkwan’s mouth ran off at Wonwoo, face flushed to all hell. He seemed to approach at the right time, the latter looking relieved as he pushed himself off from leaning against the door.

“There you are! We thought you walked home or something.”

Joshua’s voice could be heard calling out from inside, “Yeah man, where have you been?”

Seungcheol shrugged, hands buried into his pockets.

“I was busy.”

“Doing what?”

He looked Wonwoo dead in his eyes, trying to telepathize what he had been up to.

“Stuff.”

His close friend seemed to understand after a moment, brows lifting in surprise while his mouth twisted upwards.

“Doing stuff or someone?”

But there was little chance of keeping it between them when Seungkwan obnoxiously challenged him.

“I was just hanging out with them. You told me I needed to be distracted tonight, yeah?”

Joshua was busy setting up his GPS to tune in and Chan was fighting slumber, leaving Wonwoo and Seungkwan to make noises of wonder at the reveal.

“We did. Good job, hyung.”

Seungcheol smirked at his approval, still riding the high of the encounter.

“What? Choi Seungcheol having a one-night stand?” Seungkwan stumbled forward to rest a hand on his elder’s forehead. “You feelin’ okay? Too much to drink?”

The smile dropped and formed into a scowl as he got his hand smacked away.

“Fuck off, look who’s talking. Get your drunk ass in the car.”

A petulant whine left the younger as he turned to fumble with the door. Joshua honked the horn, sticking his head out the driver’s window to yell at Chan to move and get in. It did little to faze the youngest, mumbling something akin to ‘five more minutes.’ Seungcheol and Wonwoo worked on removing him from the hood and into the backseat to lean on a singing Seungkwan. The latter climbed in next to them, leaving the oldest to get ready to slide in the passenger seat.

“Seungcheol!”

But then a voice called out before footsteps thudded in the grass behind him.

Thick brows furrowed as he turned to gape in shock as he saw you running over. You stopped directly before him, catching your breath for a moment.

“Y/N! What’s wrong?”

“Didn’t think I’d catch you. I wanted to give you something.”

Seungcheol had no clue what this something could be. He was still trying to wrap his head around running into you again. This wasn’t how one-night stands were supposed to go…right?

But when you opened a closed fist to reveal a piece of folded paper, his brain ran ahead of itself and wondered whether this was going to go the opposite direction.

Seungcheol blinked rapidly, peeking at your face to see you giving him an expectant look. He took the paper and quickly unfolded it, jaw dropping at what was scribbled down. He couldn’t help but dart back and forth between it and you, the mischievous grin letting him know that this wasn’t a joke.

“In case you need more distraction.”

With a wink, you turned around, the skirt of your dress flipping and swishing as you walked back towards the house with a sway in your hips. He continued to gawk at your retreating form, only brought out of his reverie by the whooping of his friends and Joshua’s incessant honking. Spinning around to chew out the driver for making a commotion, Seungcheol swiftly got in, buckling himself before the group hit the road.

Of course, the ride was filled with interrogation, intermingled with Seungkwan’s singing and Dino’s freestyling. But he didn’t mind, feeling a burst of confidence every time the paper scratched the palm of his hand.

Maybe coming out to this party wasn’t a terrible idea after all.

©bangtanintotheroom, 2024. Crossposted to AO3. Do not repost to other sites or copy without permission.

[thatchickwiththecamera]

Ghost | Noah Sebastian One Shot

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x Reader

Y/N had always loved playing video games. She got settled into her gaming chair and readjusted the round glasses perched on her nose before tossed her hair up into a messy bun. She opened Steam on her computer and got the game she downloaded ready.

Her room was organized chaos. Her bed was unmade in the background in front of walls lined with framed vinyls of her favorite bands and a ‘Bad Omens’ flag covered her window as a makeshift curtain. 

An empty Starbucks cup sat next to her Stanley water bottle on her desk from her writing session that morning.

She was an author by trade, with one of her more recent books sneaking its way onto the New York Times Best Sellers list. So streaming gave her an outlet to connect with fans of the book who were eagerly waiting to see what she published next. But she also enjoyed the thrill of gaming. 

So every Wednesday and Friday night, she’d set up her Twitch stream, ready to chat with her followers while she worked on her newest story on her computer or let them watch as she tried to conquer a new game. 

Tonight was Friday night, which meant Game Night! She adjusted her headset and looked into the camera with a grin. 

"Hey, guys! Welcome back! Since we finished Hollow Souls in the last game night stream, we’re starting a new one requested in the Patreon called Nervous System. I downloaded it earlier today and I can’t wait to get started. So, grab your snacks and get comfy!” 

As the game loaded, Y/N glanced at the chat window. The usual usernames flashed by, but one stood out: TwitchGhost. 

“Hey, Ghost! Is this one of the games you’ve played or is this a new one?” She asked, her tone playful.

TwitchGhost: This one is new to me.

Ghost had popped up in one of her streams a few months ago when she was playing through the new Call of Duty storyline and had since become a regular viewer. She began to look forward to his comments almost as much as she looked forward to playing. 

Week after week her chat box was filled with Ghost’s banter and witty interactions with her and her other followers. He even started to watch her regular streams where she would chat with fans and answer questions while working on the draft of her next book.

As the game loaded and the eerie music of Nervous System filled the room, Y/N noticed Ghost’s usual cheeky messages lighting up the chat.

TwitchGhost: I’m ready for some jumpscares!

Y/N chuckled and adjusted her headset. “Yeah, I heard this game is supposed to be pretty intense. I’m excited to see how we’ll do.”

She clicked to start a new game, and the screen transitioned to a dimly lit hallway with flickering lights. The graphics were stunningly detailed, adding an extra layer of immersion. Y/N began exploring, moving through the unsettling environment and commenting on the game’s eerie atmosphere.

The chat was buzzing with excitement as the game’s tension built. Her followers were actively engaging, offering their own tips and sharing their favorite horror games. Ghost’s messages stood out, though. His comments were always well-timed, blending humor with insightful observations about the game.

TwitchGhost: I love how the game is making the mundane so creepy. The lights and music are driving me insane.

Y/N grinned, glancing over at the chat. “I know, right? It’s amazing how a simple light can make everything feel so unsettling. You’re going to help me out if I get stuck, right?”

TwitchGhost: Absolutely! I’ve got your back. Just don’t let the creepy noises get to you.

The game took a sudden turn as a loud crash echoed through the virtual hallway, making Y/N jump slightly. 

“Fucking Hell!” She yelled. 

She laughed nervously and played along with the chat’s reactions. 

“I’m definitely going to need that backup. This game is already getting under my skin.”

TwitchGhost: If you need someone to hold your hand during the scary parts, I’m only a message away.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. 

“Oh, is that so? I’ll have to keep that in mind.” 

The chat exploded with playful and teasing comments from other viewers reacting to their playful flirting. Y/N continued navigating through the game, her focus occasionally shifting to Ghost’s messages.

As she progressed through the game, Y/N found herself getting more engrossed at one point in the gameplay, her tongue peaking out of the side of her mouth in concentration. 

A short but loud alarm suddenly sounded causing her to jump and clutch at her chest. 

A message stating TwitchGhost played KEM Alarm for 0 bits popped up on the screen. 

It was one of the sound bits that she had added to the list when she was still playing COD and had never gotten around to removing it. 

“Fuck you Ghost!” She yelled after pausing the game to calm her racing heartbeat. 

TwitchGhost: 👀😏😈

“Behave.” She said, shaking her head with a smile. 

TwitchGhost: JK. 😉

TwitchGhost: You are doing pretty well with the jumpscares though. They’re my least favorite part of these games. 

Y/N’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. She replied with a playful tone, “Well, thank you! I’d say you’re pretty good at keeping the chat entertained too. Maybe we make a pretty good team?”

TwitchGhost: I like the sound of that. Maybe we should test that theory sometime—on or off stream.

With that the chat went wild with one user even commenting, “I ship it!” 

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat at the suggestion and her smile grew wider as she continued to play the game.

She took a deep breath and responded, “You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you? I’ll have to consider it. For now, I need to survive this game.”

Just as they were about to uncover a major plot twist in the game, Ghost dropped a message that stood out from his usual playful banter.

TwitchGhost: Have you ever thought about adding a horror element to one of your books? You seem to handle the scares pretty well!

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly as she read the message. She paused the game and looked directly into the camera. 

“You know, I haven’t really thought about that. But that’s a really good idea. Maybe mixing some horror elements into a future story could be really interesting. Thanks for the suggestion!”

The chat exploded with excitement, many viewers expressing their enthusiasm for the idea. Y/N smiled, feeling inspired by the unexpected suggestion. She turned her attention back to the game, ready to dive into the next part of the story with renewed energy.

TwitchGhost: Anytime. Looking forward to reading it. 

Another notication popped up - TwitchGhost sent you a friend request

She paused for a moment before eventually hitting the accept button.

Suddenly a direct message box opened.

TwitchGhost: Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to help you brainstorm over a cup of coffee sometime?

Y/N’s heart raced at the thought. She gave a teasing smile to the camera before typing:

Y/NUserName: Maybe. 

The rest of the stream flew by in a blur with Y/N accomplishing the first five objective missions before deciding to call it a night. The stream had left her both exhilarated and exhausted. She closed the game and thanked her viewers for joining her.

“Thanks so much for hanging out tonight! You guys made this game night unforgettable. And Ghost, your suggestion about incorporating horror into my writing might just spark my next big idea. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!”

She glanced at the chat one last time and saw Ghost’s final message.

TwitchGhost: Looking forward to it. Until next time.

With a contented sigh, Y/N closed her laptop and started to tidy up her desk. 

A few weeks passed and Ghost had been noticeably absent from the chat. 

Another Wednesday had rolled around and Y/N had finished up a full day of meetings with her management and publisher about the press tour for her next book, Michael. It was the first in her new Fallen Angels series and was due to be released at the end of the summer. 

It was completely different from her first book, Ace of Spades. Michael, was titled after the Archangel Michael and was more fantasy based while Ace of Spades was a gritty underground crime romance novel. 

She logged into twitch and the “Stream Starting Soon” graphic appears on the screen going live to her followers. She pulls up her manuscript for the new book she was starting, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the screen. Depending on how busy the chat was tonight she had planned on working on it. When she was ready she switched to the live view. 

“Hey, everyone! Welcome back to the stream. Tonight, we’re swapping out the gaming for some writing and a little Q and A session. I’m diving into outlining a new story and also wanted to let you know a little more about my next release and the series it will be a part of.” She stated.

The chat blew up with excitement and questions about the new series. 

“Okay, the next book is titled Michael and it will be the first in a seven book series called The Fallen Angel series. It will be a fantasy series of sorts and each of the books will be named after one of the seven archangels.” She excitedly answered. “I just finalized plans for the release with my team today and I am happy to announce that it is due to come out at the end of August.” 

She watched as a steady stream of happy and excited replies popped into the chat box on the edge of the screen at the news. 

She let the users chat with each other about the announcement for a bit and started working on the outline of her next story Nightmares. Which popped into her head not long after the stream where Ghost suggested she incorporate horror into one of her books.

She glanced over to take a peek at the chat and noticed someone had used 500 channel points to highlight their message. 

“Oh, that's a good question. Trickster24 asked what was my inspiration for Carter in Ace of Spades was.” She said, before adjusting her headset and looking directly into the camera. 

“So, Carter was inspired by a mix of classic noir heroes and a bit of real-life charm. I took some cues from those figures you would see in old detective films. But there’s also a touch of some famous personas in there as well in an overall aesthetic sense. It really helped shape Carter into a more nuanced character.” 

The chat continued to buzz with interest with viewers dropping comments about who they pictured as Carter when they read the book. 

GoldenGoddess45: Who did you envision as Carter when you were writing the book?

“So…when writing Ace of Spades, I honestly envisioned Carter as someone who looks similar to the lead vocalist of one of my favorite rock bands called Bad Omens.” She began, “If you guys aren’t familiar with them you should definitely check them out.” 

The chat fills with more questions, but her attention is drawn to a familiar username. 

TwitchGhost: Carter sounds like someone I’d love to have a coffee with. How about you? Do you think Carter would enjoy a coffee date?

The comment makes her laugh. 

“Welcome back Ghost! I’ve missed seeing your name in the chat,” She started, “I could definitely see Carter frequenting a little dimly lit cafe. And knowing him, he’d definitely be the type to keep the conversation interesting. What about you, Ghost? Are you as mysterious as Carter?”

TwitchGhost: I like to think I have a few secrets up my sleeve. 😉

She grins at the response and how the chat proceeded to blow up at the continuation of their flirty banter. She almost struggles to keep up with the steady stream of questions and responses flowing into the chat.

After a while one pops up about the outline for the new story that she mentioned. 

“Oh yeah, I’ll give you guys a little hint about what I’m working on. I got some inspiration from one of Ghost’s comments actually during a previous stream. I’m not going to announce the title just yet, but I will say it will be more of a horror based dark romance story compared to my other works. I'm in the very early outlining stages though so I am looking forward to seeing where it goes.” 

TwitchGhost: Glad you liked the idea! I’ll be first in line to read it. 😉

Y/N felt a flutter of excitement at Ghost’s message, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. She glanced at the clock. Her stream had been going for close to two hours, and she still had a lot of work to do on her outline.

“Alright, everyone, I think we’re going to start wrapping things up soon. But before we go, I want to thank you all for your awesome questions. I love how engaged and creative this community is. It really makes this whole process so much fun!”

The chat exploded with thank-yous and goodbyes as her viewers began to sign off. She glanced back at Ghost’s messages, his usual witty banter making her smile.

A new direct message pops up.

TwitchGhost: Sorry for missing so many streams. I hope you’ve been keeping things interesting without me. 😉

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat at the message. She typed back, trying to match his flirtatious tone. 

Y/NUserName: Oh, you know I always keep things lively. But it’s been a bit dull without your witty comments. How have you been?

TwitchGhost: Busy, had to travel for work and time zones got in the way of tuning in. You’ve been on my mind more than I’d like to admit. 😏

She felt a rush of warmth at his words. 

Y/NUserName: Well, aren’t you a charmer? I’ve missed our little banter. It definitely adds a spark to the stream.

TwitchGhost: Just doing my part to keep things exciting. Speaking of which, I’ve been dying to know—how’s the new book coming along?

Y/N’s smile widened, feeling a thrill at his compliment.

Y/NUserName: The new book is shaping up nicely, thanks for asking. I might even incorporate a bit of the intrigue you bring to our chats into it.

TwitchGhost: I’m flattered. Can’t wait to see how you bring a touch of me into your work. Maybe you’ll make a character who’s just as irresistible as you. 😉

Y/N’s cheeks flushed at his flirty remark. 

Y/NUserName: Well, if I do, I’ll have to make sure they have your charm. I think that’s a winning formula.

TwitchGhost: I’m all for it. And who knows? Maybe your characters will end up stealing more than just my heart.

Y/N’s heart raced at his bold comment. 

Y/NUserName: You’re quite the tease, Ghost. I’ll have to keep that in mind while I’m writing. For now, though, I’m glad you’re back. It wouldn’t be the same without you.

TwitchGhost: Glad to be back. I’ve missed our little moments. I’ll try not to stay away too long next time. 😉

Y/N responded with a flirtatious grin. 

Y/NUserName: I’ll hold you to that. 

She leaned back in her chair and stretched, feeling a mix of relief and exhilaration. She turned off her computer and added a few ideas inspired by their playful exchange to her outline. 

As she wrote, she couldn’t stop thinking about the chemistry she felt with Ghost. She had no clue who he was, but he had quickly become one of her favorite parts of streaming, and the thought of possibly meeting him one day was both thrilling and intriguing.

She quickly finished up her notes and decided to call it a night. As she settled into bed, her phone buzzed. She picked it up to find another message from Ghost.

TwitchGhost: Can’t wait to see where this story leads. Sweet dreams, Y/N. 😘

Y/N smiled and quickly typed back, her fingers dancing over the screen.

Y/NUserName: Goodnight, Ghost. 

She set her phone down, turned off the bedside lamp, and snuggled under the covers. As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts swirled with the possibilities that awaited both in her writing and her streaming.

A few weeks later, Y/N received an unexpected surprise. Bad Omens had announced their next tour and her manager, Andy, had secured a spot for them both on the guest list for the date in the city a couple hours from her hometown. She not only got to see her favorite band live, but she would get the chance to meet them after the show. 

She excitedly announced the news to her followers on the next stream.

“Hey everyone!” Y/N’s excitement was palpable as she spoke into the camera. “I’ve got some super exciting news to share! I don’t know what my manager did, but I’m going to see Bad Omens next month! Not only that, but I’ll also get to meet them after the show. I’m over the freakin moon right now!”

The chat exploded with enthusiasm, her followers sharing in her excitement and asking if she would be able to get any exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Y/N promised to do her best to share the experience and make everyone feel like they were part of it.

As Y/N wrapped up her stream, she noticed a new direct message notification from Ghost. Her heart raced with anticipation as she opened it.

TwitchGhost: Bad Omens, huh? That’s incredible! I’m jealous. Have you ever met them before?

Y/N couldn’t help but smile, her excitement bubbling up again.

Y/NUserName: I’ve never met them before. This will be my first time! I’m so excited I can barely contain myself.

TwitchGhost: I bet you’re going to have an amazing time. I’m curious, though—what would you say to them if you had the chance?

Y/N’s fingers flew over the keyboard as she typed her reply, her thoughts racing with the possibility of meeting the band.

Y/NUserName: I’d probably gush about how much their music has meant to me. And if I were feeling brave, I might even mention that I have a crush on their lead singer. 😉

TwitchGhost: Haha, that’s a bold move! I’m sure they’d appreciate hearing how much their music means to you. That lead singer would be a lucky guy. 😉

Y/N felt a flush of warmth at Ghost’s words, her thoughts wandering to the idea of meeting the mysterious person behind the messages that had become such a cherished part of her life.

Y/NUserName: Well it probably wouldn’t work out anyway. I kinda already have someone else who’s been keeping me on my toes. 

TwitchGhost: Oh? Celebrity crush has some competition then? Anyone I know? 😏

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat at his playful inquiry.

Y/NUserName: Maybe…

Y/NUserName: I need to get back to writing now. But I’ll let you know how everything goes. 

TwitchGhost: Can’t wait to hear all about it. Good luck with the writing, and remember, if you need any more inspiration, you know where to find me. 😉

Y/NUserName: Thanks, Ghost. I’ll keep that in mind. Talk to you soon!

TwitchGhost: Goodnight, Y/N!

Y/N closed her laptop and set her phone aside, her mind buzzing with excitement about the upcoming concert and the prospect of meeting her favorite band.

As the next few weeks passed, Y/N eagerly counted down the days until the show. She had tried to busy herself with writing Nightmares and unfortunately had to deal with finalizing all of the not so fun logistics of her upcoming book release, but the thought of seeing her favorite band live kept her spirits high.

The night of the concert finally arrived and the excitement was palpable as Y/N and Andy arrived at the venue. They received their passes from the ticket window and were guided inside by a staff member. As they grabbed a spot at the barricade, Y/N was recognized by a few of the fans who were already inside as part of their VIP pass access. She spent the next hour chatting with a few of them about the band and telling them what she could about her new books. 

The lights dimmed and the crowd's anticipation grew palpable as the guitarist, Jolly, walked on stage and the opening notes of Artificial Suicide began to reverberate through the venue. Y/N’s excitement was almost tangible, her eyes glued to the stage as the band’s electrifying performance unfolded. Her and Andy both sang along to each and every verse at the top of their lungs. The music was everything she had hoped for and more. 

As the last few notes of Dethrone echoed across the room an hour and a half later and the final bows were completed, they let the crowd disperse a little before they navigated their way to the side of the barricade. They showed their passes to Ash, the band’s head of security, before he allowed them backstage with a friendly smile. 

The adrenaline from the concert was still coursing through Y/N’s veins as they eventually met with the band’s tour manager, Matt, who introduced himself. 

“The guys are cooling off and getting changed really quick. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you ladies outside to where they’ll be hanging out while we tear down and finish up loadout.” He said leading them to a makeshift sitting area the band had put together outside their bus earlier in the day. 

After a few minutes the band members slowly but surely made their way outside, each introducing themself as they found a seat and fell into easy conversation with the two of them. 

The lead singer, Noah, was the last to emerge. He wore an oversized merch hoodie, a pair of joggers, and slides. Despite being comfortably dressed, his striking presence was undeniable.

“Hi, I’m Y/N?” She introduced herself, holding out her hand. 

Noah’s smile broadened as he stepped closer and took her hand in his.

“Oh, he knows who you are…” Jolly teased from where he sat at one of the picnic tables. 

She turned to look at him before looking back at Noah with a confused look. 

The tall man chuckled in response, before rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. 

“Eh, well, I had to make sure my favorite author enjoyed seeing her favorite band. And, I couldn’t miss the chance to meet the person behind the screen. I mean I am still holding out hope for that coffee date…”

Y/N’s eyes widened as she took in his presence, a mix of shock and delight washing over her. 

“You’re Ghost?!” 

“Guilty as charged,” Noah said with a wink. “I guess I managed to keep my two worlds separate for a while. But I couldn't resist. I wanted to see you. actually, I’ve been wanting to for a while.”

Y/N felt her cheeks flush as she took in his words. “Well, you definitely pulled off an incredible surprise. I never would have guessed.”

Noah’s gaze softened as he took a step closer. “I wanted to see if you’d react the way you just did. And I’m glad I did.”

They continued to chat, and Y/N found herself falling deeper into conversation with Noah. It felt surprisingly natural, almost like she had known him for a while. They talked about music, books, and even the quirky things that had happened during her streams.

As their conversation flowed effortlessly, Y/N noticed how Noah’s eyes seemed to sparkle with genuine interest. It was as if he was completely absorbed in the discussion, and she felt a magnetic connection.

Eventually, the band’s crew finished loading out and a few of them started to talk about wanting to go out before the bus call at 2am. 

“Hey, do you have any plans after this?”

Y/N shook her head. 

“Not really. Why?”

Noah’s smile widened. 

“Well, if you’re up for it, I’d love to maybe take you out for that coffee. There’s a café nearby that’s open late.”

Y/N’s heart raced. She glanced around and Andy gave her a knowing look, mouthing “GO!”. 

Her eyes met Noah’s, and she could see the sincerity in his expression.

“I’d like that,” she replied softly.

They walked together to the café, and as they settled into a corner table, the conversation continued seamlessly. They talked about everything from their childhood memories to their dreams and even their fears. The more they talked, the more Y/N felt an undeniable connection.

As the night wore on, Noah’s gaze lingered on Y/N with an intensity that made her heart flutter. Their laughter and shared stories created an intimate atmosphere.

On the walk back to the venue, Noah paused and reached out, taking Y/N’s hand gently into his. 

“I have to admit, I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you tonight.” 

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. She looked into Noah’s eyes, her feelings mirrored in his gaze. 

“I feel the same way.”

“I’d really like to keep getting to know you and see where all this goes, if that's okay with you?” He questioned, stepping closer. 

“I’d like that.” She answered, glancing up at him. 

He smiled down at her, his eyes briefly drifting toward her lips and back. 

Slowly, Noah stepped even closer and he cupped Y/N’s face in his hand, his touch sending a warm shiver through her. 

He leaned forward and their lips met in an electrifying kiss. It was gentle at first, but as the moment deepened, their kiss became more passionate. The connection they felt was palpable, and it seemed to solidify everything they had shared that night.

When they finally pulled away, their faces were flushed, and they both wore wide, contented smiles.

“I’m really glad you came tonight,” Noah said softly, his thumb brushing lightly over Y/N’s hand.

“Me too,” Y/N replied, her heart full. “This has been one of the best nights of my life.”

As they walked side by side, Y/N couldn’t help but think about how surreal and wonderful this evening had been. Not only had she met her favorite band, but she had also found her Ghost. 

With an exchange of phone numbers and the promise of staying in touch they went their separate ways. But not before Noah leaned in for one last, lingering kiss, making Y/N’s heart skip a beat.

The night had turned into something extraordinary. An unexpected but perfect blend of their separate worlds colliding into something beautiful. 

[thrillered]

You know I Mountain Dew it for ya Pt.1 | Spencer Agnew x F! Reader |

You started working at Smosh when you were 26, a few years after graduating college. In your down time you wrote and produced your own music. Not that you had much down time, which wasn’t necessarily a problem, you loved your job, you got to work with some of the most creative, talented, and hilarious people you’ve ever met. After working on it for months you finally finished writing and producing your latest single "Espresso". The song blows up but Smosh fans begin to wonder if the song is about her dear friend and coworker Spencer Agnew.

*Every piece of this work is fictional. I was inspired by Sabrina Carpenters song Espresso when I noticed how much it could apply to Spencer lol, I did NOT write or produce Espresso*

-

-

-

-

Pt. 1: Lunch

“Hello everyone!! And welcome back to another TRY NOT TO LAUGH!” Amanda started, a burst of energy shooting throughout the sound stage. “Don’t worry, we’ve heard your requests so we grabbed Josh to do another MUSICAL episode!”

The cast cheered, you smiled as you stayed ducked behind them. “Because we’re doing a musical episode we invited the one and only Y/N to join us!” Courtney smiled, the group— Amanda, Courtney, Shayne, Angela, and Chanse— splitting to allow you to pop up. 

“Hey everyone!!” You began, the cast and crew clapping and giving whoops of encouragement. “Okay, okay, that’s enough you’re making me blush” you joked, hands behind your back and twisting your foot.

“Don’t stop blushing yet Y/N, we aren’t done talking about you.” Chanse added, shaking your shoulder. 

“We may or may not have had ulterior motives for this musical episode.” Amanda continued. “We invited Y/N to join us because she is releasing a new song!”

“AND because I'm hilariously witty, right?” you joked, causing shayne to roll his eyes. “But! Yes, the day this releases my new single “Espresso” will be premiering at 10 pm PST, like, everywhere you get your music! This song is super fun so I hope you guys like it!” The group cheered and with that the round began.  

With Amanda in the stool first you decided to bust out your Sarah Christ impression for a beautiful ballad about how no establishments will let you smoke in them anymore. Amanda was quick to laugh, almost spraying you in the face, followed by a compliment about how good your Sarah Christ was. 

The game went by smoothly, or as smoothly as a smosh video goes, everyone making each other laugh. During your time in the stool Shayne sang, or rather yelled, one of the lowest notes you'd ever heard. You stayed strong until he had been holding the same note for probably 10 seconds and his face turned the most pained shade of red. 

“Oh thank god!” He said, leaning his hands on his knees as he caught his breath, “I think I would have gone until I passed out” 

The final round ended and you began the outro with applause, “That was so much fun! I demand to be invited to every musical TNTL from now on. Thank you guys so much for watching, we hope you laughed just as much as we did.” 

“Don't forget to stream “Espresso” by Y/N!” Chanse added, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder. 

“It’s SO good! Like, I swear to god, it's been stuck in my head since I heard it for the first time.” Angela added.

“And with that we must part ways..” You began, in a deep melodic tone. “Don’t forget to like and subscribe and check out one of these two videos on your screen! Okay bye!” 

—-

That was two weeks ago and the Try Not To Laugh was being posted today. Your single premiering tonight.  

You sat at your desk, anxiously bouncing your heel as you tried to focus on the doc in front of you. You were supposed to meet with the games team later that afternoon to discuss possible creatives for some upcoming live streams. But the only thing you could focus on was what people would think about your song. 

You aren’t new to making music. In fact, you’ve been writing it since college and even performing it at some open mics and small gigs. But, most people who knew you online knew you from Smosh, not from your musical career. You had about 3,000 monthly listeners, which always astounded you, but this was the first time that you were releasing music that was being promoted by such a large online entity. 

“Keep shaking like that and you’ll cause an earthquake” You turned to see Spencer approaching your desk, hands in his pockets. You opened your mouth to respond but he cut you off, “Everyone is gonna love your song, Y/N. You don’t need to worry.”

“You haven't even heard it yet, Spence” You retorted, having made Spencer (Along with the rest of the cast, minus Angela) swear that he would wait until the release party to listen to it. You leaned your head on your chair to look at him as he sits next to you. 

“Yes, but, you would only put out something good so I trust that the song slaps.” Spencer tried to ease your running mind, only to get a huff in return. “Okay fine.” He began, standing and grabbing your phone while simultaneously turning off your monitor. 

“Wha- Hey” You started, trying to stop him but reacting too slowly.

“We are going out to lunch.” Spencer said, matter of factly.

“But what about the games meeting?” You asked.

“Got moved back an hour, don’t you look at the slack?” he chastised.

“Okay, but isn’t everyone going out tonight anyway?” You questioned, remembering that some of the cast and crew insisted on going out to celebrate your song release.

“Yeah but that’s everyone.” Spencer began, already walking towards the door, “Consider this your pre-game with your best friend.” 

“A pre-game at..” You looked at your barren wrist, “two pm?” 

“One: you’re not wearing a watch. And two: okay, a social pre-game. Plus, I’m not taking no for an answer, so come on and let your wonderful best friend buy you lunch.”  Begrudgingly you agreed. You walked side by side to Spencer's car, him opening the passenger door for you before rounding the front and getting in the drivers side. 

You smiled as you realized where he was taking you. He took you to a little hole-in-the-wall ramen place you two had discovered the year prior. It quickly became you and Spencer's own little spot. Neither of you ever went there without the other unless it meant stopping by to take it to go on the way to the other's apartment for a game or movie night. 

The older Japanese-American couple that owned the restaurant greeted you with warm smiles, “The usual?” the husband, Kenji, asked. 

You both nodded as you took a seat in one of the four small booths that lined the wall. The comforting smell of hot broth and spices calmed your anxious mind as you closed your eyes to take a deep inhale. You and Spencer talked about some upcoming shoots and how his Baldur's Gate 3 save was going as you waited for the food to arrive. 

 It didn’t take long for Emi, the other owner, to bring out your food, “You two are just the cutest, such a wonderful young couple.” She cooed.

“Oh we’re not-” 

“Thank you Mrs. Ito, that's so sweet, we really love coming here.” You cut Spencer off, smiling at the woman's kindness. She walked off, heading to grab an order for a driver. 

You turned to find Spencer staring at you with an eyebrow slightly raised. “What?” You asked, sipping on the steaming broth.

“So you think we’re the ‘most wonderful young couple’ huh?”

“Of course I do honeybun.” You jested, leaning over the table and tapping Spencer's cheek sarcastically. Resuming your meal as Spencer rolls his eyes.

The rest of your lunch is pleasant, filled with chatter about everything yet nothing. You tried to pay for your lunch when Mrs. Ito brings the bill but Spencer insists on covering it since he wanted to take you to lunch to distract you. 

“Thank you spence, I really needed that.” You said, grabbing Spencer’s hand in thanks as you walked back into the office. 

He squeezed your hand lightly, “I always know what you need.” And he did, Spencer was a consistent support system for you, had been since you began at Smosh. Beginning as an editor you worked with Spencer a lot. Your friendship blossomed over a shared love of movies and games. 

Over the years you got closer and closer until you were unequivocally best friends. Weekly movie nights, breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates solidified that years ago. Now there’s hardly any time you spend without each other. 

You walked hand in hand to the conference room, ready for the games meeting now that your head was clear.

[sugarcoatedstarkey]

John B screwing his ex to get back at Sarah Cameron for hooking up with Topper, in the boat that they arrived back on, John B not realising that it is a Cameron boat so double win.

On my boat?

pairing: john b routledge x fem!reader

summary: see above

warnings: unprotected sex, oral, hair pulling, chocking, language. (18+ content)

a/n: as you read you will notice I felt the need of making reader the dominate one.

John B stormed away from the crowd; JJ tried to keep up but decided to let him go off alone. He knew he needed some time alone; no one would have expected Sarah to hook up with Topper.

John B was hurt, they were meant to be married. It was supposed to be, until death do us part. Apparently not for Sarah, she had different ideas.

His knuckles ached from the punches he threw at Topper; he knew topper didn’t try to fight back. He knew he would have been the one on the floor. He’s thankful that he got a few punches in, it helped with the anger that bubbled in his chest.

But he was half wishing Topper had fought back, he wanted to feel some sort of physical pain. It would be a lot easier to handle then this emotional pain he was going through right now.

“Yo John B”

He turned around to see you crossing the street, dressed in short shorts and a white crop. He could see your nipples through the thin material, usually he wouldn’t look but that’s where his eyes landed tonight.

“Eyes up here buddy” you laughed, crossing your arms over your chest. You had just finished work, walking along the kook side of the island. You worked for some fancy schmancy guy, he paid you well for what you did.

Of all the people you didn’t expect to see John B, you hadn’t seen him since he ended things with you and started dating Sarah. You didn’t have any hard feelings towards him, but you did hate Sarah, of course the kook princess would get the hottest pogue on the island.

You kept in touch with the rest of the pogues but with everything going on you hadn’t heard from them in a while, you also didn’t want to be caught up with the shit they were going through. Already having the cops on your back about the weed they found in the backseat of the car you may or may not have stolen.

“Y/N, what are you doing out so late?” John B questioned; you could already tell he was upset. His hair was dishevelled, and you could only guess the wetness on his cheeks where tears.. “Just finished work, you?”.

“Looking for a boat”

“Ooh sounds like another adventure” you winked; he nodded his head but didn’t say anything. Turning his head to look over at the water, boats littered the area.

“That’s the boat your friends came back on” you point, the huge white boat stranded on the side of the island. Well, you assumed stranded, you weren’t aware it was in fact the cameron’s boat.

“How do you know that?” He questioned, he started walking towards the boat. You stood on the spot unsure whether you follow or leave, but your question is answered when he stops and looks at you. “Seen them hop off it the other day”.

You both walk in silence; he helps you aboard the boat and you both look around. Checking to make sure no one was lurking around, every so often. The street lights gave you little light, you reached under a cabinet and grab a torch, walking away from John B you went down the stairs.

It was a large bedroom, the bed unmade. There were wrappers everywhere and empty cans of beer. You assumed the mess was from the pogues and rolled your eyes. “They made quiet the mess”.

John B’s voice made you jump, turning around to see him standing close to you. “Yeah, might need to teach them what a bin is” You laughed, looking up you were met with his chocolate brown eyes.

His skin had a slight burn to it from the deserted island sun, his hair was golden and messy. You quickly looked away when you noticed his eyes dropping to your lips, taking a few steps away you began to walk around the boat.

Rummaging through draws and cupboards until you came across the hidden liquor, pulling out a bottle of tequila. “Shots?”.

You didn’t wait for an answer and took a swig from the bottle, the liquid burning your throat. But you refused to have a coughing fit in front of John B. You could feel his eyes on you, pushing your arm out he grabbed the bottle.

“So, what’s got you down?” you question, you can see him physically wince at the question. Brining the bottle to his lips again and taking a longer gulp, this time he coughs as he swallows the liquid. “Damn, must be bad”.

Your dumfounded, was this chick stupid? She gets John B and runs back to her Douch bag ex? He looked like a foot compared to him.

“She hooked up with Topper”.

“Well shit” You sigh, grabbing the bottle from John B and take another swig. You walk over to the bed and sit crossed leg in the middle. “I have no words to give you friend”.

You really had no words, well you had words, but they were cruel and no doubt he didn’t want to hear about how Sarah was stupid and that you would gladly take him back.

“I don’t want to talk about it, just want to forget” he says, he joins you on the bed. Sitting crossed legged in front of you, reaching his hand out for the bottle. You pass him the glass and watch as he takes a swig, mentally slapping yourself for thirsting over your ex-boyfriend.

“Alright, well want to tell me about the deserted island?” You ask, he shakes his head though. Looking up to meet your eyes, that’s when you catch onto what he wants.

He’s moving himself from his crossed leg position and you find yourself untangling your legs and letting him crawl between them. “Can I kiss you?”.

“Thought you’d never ask”.

You let his lips touch yours, it’s soft and sweet like how it used to be. You don’t want to be like how it used to be, you know that’s exactly how he is with Sarah. So, you grip him by the shirt and flip the both of you over. Moving your legs to straddle him, you put more urgency into your kiss.

You tongue being the one to gain dominance, he let’s you grind yourself on him. Hands running up the length of your thighs until they sat on your hips, guiding you to dry hump against his board shorts. He was shamefully already hard.

“Shit-t when did you get this feisty” John B groans, you bite down on his lower lip pulling it slightly. Your vixen eyes stare up at him through your lashes, you pressed kisses down his jaw, using the palm of your hand to push the side of his face into the mattress and attacking his neck.

You had gotten rather adventurous in the bedroom since things ended with John B, not that they weren’t fun when you where together but now you dominated, and you made the men beg.

“Can I take this off” You mumbled against his skin, your fingers twisting at the buttons his t-shirt. He gives you a grunt of approval, you tear his shirt off and kiss down his chest. Letting your hands wonder over his toned stomach, flashes of old memories pop up in the back of your mind.

“How far do you want to go John B?” You question, your fingers on the waistband of his shorts. You wanted him to fuck you, wanted him to use you to forget her.

John B sit’s up and for a moment you panic he is going to change his mind, instead he grabs the material of your shirt and rips it over your head. His hands pressed against your spine, pulling you close to him. His mouth enveloping your nipple, tugging, and sucking.

You bite back your moans, not wanting to give him the satisfaction just yet. “I want to be buried deep inside of you” He moans, jutting his up against you. Accidentally letting out a loud whimper, you can feel his lips smirk against your skin.

You push him back down roughly, reaching down between you again and you reach inside his shorts. Wrapping your hand around his length, he sucks in a deep breath presses the palms of his hands into his eyes. You were dripping from his reaction.

You sat to the side of him, pulling his pants down and let him kick them off his ankles. You spread his legs so you could sit between them, holding firmly onto his throbbing cock. He looked down at you, begging you with his chocolate eyes.

“What do you want me to do John B” you purred, you got down to the level of his red tip. Leaving a soft chaste kiss before pulling away, you could see his stomach muscles clenching as he fought the urge to rock his hips up into your face. “Please Y/N”.

“Hmm? What was that?” You questioned, moving your hand softly against his shaft. Giving him just enough friction to edge him on but not enough to stop him from begging. “Y/N, put my cock in your mouth” he demands.

You’re squeezing your thighs together at his bluntness, not used to being told what to do from him. You open your mouth and take him in, you had been working on your deep throating. You were much better then when you had been together. “Holy sh-itt” he gasps, gripping onto the white bed sheets for dear life.

“Hmm” You gurgled around his cock, the vibrations of your mouth sending him into a frenzy. Your nose brushing against his trimmed pubic hair, sliding your hand under you begin to massage his balls, he lets out a strangled moan.

His chest is heaving, and his arms shake as he grips the sheets, you’re watching his face up through your lashes. He finally looks down at you, in that moment you know you have him hooked. He reaches down and grips your hair, rutting his hips up against your face.

You gag slightly from the roughness and your spit begins to drip around his cock, you can feel him twitching inside of your mouth. He is pulling your off him, his cock leaving your mouth with a satisfying ‘pop’. “Sit on my face now”.

You reach down and quickly strip your shorts and panties off, leaving your bare in front of him for the first time in months. “Face down here, ass up here” John B states, he signals for you to do 69. You nod your head and reach over his body, before you can even set yourself up, he reaches around your thighs and bring you down onto his face.

His tongue brushing through your folds, you let out a pornographic moan when the tip of his tongue presses against your bundle of nerves. You weren’t going to let him get his dominance back, instead you pushed your mouth down onto his cock again.

Sucking and swivelling your tongue against him faster than you thought was humanly possible, fingers caressing his balls once more.  He licked and sucked like it was his last meal, pushing two of his fingers inside of you. The vibrations from both your moans had you both tipping over the edge and coming, his warm seed hitting the back of your throat. You swallowed quickly as you came down from your high, your juice coated his face.

You were shocked when he licked his lips, something he had not done before. Before you could even think more into that, he was flipping you onto the bed and leaning over you, His lips on your again, fingers laced around your throat, giving you a soft squeeze.

You stared at each other while you kissed, both your tongue battling for dominance. You used all your strength to push on his chest until you were back on top, straddling him once again. “Buckle up big boy” You whispered, giving him a kiss on the chest.

You reach down between you and grasp his cock, looking up at him for approval he grabs your hips and pushes you down instead of giving you an answer. You moan in sync; your nails dig sharply into his stomach. You begin to rock your hips slowly, enticing him with the cushion of your walls.

He reached up to massage your tits that were squeezed together by your arms, your head thrown back as you road him. His fingers where suddenly around your throat and pulling your down to look at him. “Fuck, seriously how are you so good at this” he moans, his eyes boring into yours.

“Practice honey” You purred, moving your hips a bit rougher. Your ass bouncing against his thighs, you reached down and gripped his throat as well. Giving him a harsher squeeze then what he was doing to you, his eyes rolling to the back of his head in delight.

Who would have known John B would like to be chocked out you thought, you let out a soft snicker and his eyes pinged open. “You’re the devil” He states, he wraps his arm around your waist and begins to slide the both of you off the bed.

Walking over towards the seat that ran along the windows that had a view of under the water, fishes looking upon your naked sweaty bodies. He pressed you against the glass, pushing in and out of you at an ungodly speed. Biting down on the skin of your neck, pulling your hand away from his chest he puts your arms above your head and presses them against the window. Your chest and his pressing against each other.

“Harder John B, show me how angry you are” You moan, using your hips to grind into him. He drops his head into the crook of your neck and grips your waist, his speed intensifying. The sound of your wet skins filled the room, the boat felt as though it was swaying.

“Come on John B” You were pushing off him now, pushing him towards the end of the bed. He sat up as you sat back down on him, he wrapped him arms around your waist and let you take control, he was so close to coming, he didn’t have the energy to keep fighting.

“Come on baby, show me what you got” You whispered. Gripping his throat for a second time tonight, pressing your lips to his. Tongues and spit exchanging, both your hips moving in sync as you met each other in the middle, your clit rubbing against his stomach each time. “Yeah, just like that” You cried, dropping your head back and holding onto his shoulders.

He watched your skin glisten with sweat, your perfect perky breasts bouncing with each thrust. He was in another world; he couldn’t hold on anymore. “Y/N” he started, but you squeezed around his throat again to shut him up. “I’m gonna c-”

He didn’t get a chance to warn you as you came first, loud, and fast. Walls squeezing and fluttering around him, causing him to let go and cum inside of you. Both of you moaning and crying out in pleasure, your fingers still wrapped around his throat.

When you finally both caught your breaths and vision, you slid off him. “Well shit John B” you laughed, you began gathering up your clothes, searching for your panties. “More like well shit Y/N, your fiesty” he says, he however doesn’t reach for his clothes and watched you intently.

You turn your head to the door when you hear voices and the door rattles, head snapping back to John B who begins to rush around.

“I told you he would be her--” JJ begins, stopping dead in his tracks when he sees the both of you trying to get dressed quickly, eyes giving you a once over before offering you a wave. You give him a quick wave as he ushers everyone back and closes the door.

“In my fucking boat, John B?” You hear Sarah scream; you give him an apologetic smile and make your way to the door. Pulling it open, Sarah’s eyes meet yours and her eyes widen when she realises, he went to you not some random touron.

“Next time, try this in bed, he Loves it” You purred, wrapping your fingers around her delicate throat. You expect her to grab your arm, but she is too shocked to speak.

giving her a wink before walking away from the group, all eyes on you. You get a sudden rush of euphoria knowing you just fucked her boyfriend on her boat.

Part two

[maraschinomerry]

Rock Paper Scissors

Pairings: George Karim x gn!reader, background Locklyle

Summary: George is your best friend, Lucy's convinced there's more to it but he's not your type... is he?

Content: friends to lovers, oblivious flirting, misunderstanding, light swearing and suggestive thoughts, kisses

A/N: it's officially 1 year since I posted my first Lockwood & Co fic!! Thank you all for making it such an incredible year and continuing to support my writing, it means the world to me ❤️ and thank you to the Multiverse of George for fuelling the buff!George fire 🔥 I've even made a montage so everyone can see the vision, plus the gif above of George swinging the chains he's definitely strong 💪

Word count: 4.2k

Taglist: @neewtmas @marinalor @ettadear @honey-with-tea @mischiefmanaged71 (let me know if you want adding or removing!)

Ever since you'd started working for Lockwood & Co, you and George had had the most playful rivalry.

It had started on the very first day, when you came for your interview. Lucy had welcomed you into the living room while George went to fetch the biscuits. After breezing through the tests, Lockwood gestured to the plate still being clutched by the other boy.

“Biscuit?”

You frowned at the boy in the armchair, who looked like the last thing he wanted to do was to share. “Am I supposed to fight you for them or something?”

George had the audacity to snort. “In your dreams.” But then he did offer you the plate, albeit reluctantly.

Once you got used to one another, you found that you actually got on really well and gradually he became your best friend, but by then you'd set a precedent that neither of you wanted to drop.

“We're heading out soon,” Lucy informed you both as she slid cups of tea across the table. She and Lockwood had an appointment with a client, leaving you and George behind to keep working. “Can one of you oil the chains ready for tonight?”

You turned to George; he was already looking at you. A gleam came to his eye.

“Rock paper scissors?”

“You bet,” you grinned, already raising your hand. It took a few attempts, as you'd done it so many times by now that the two of you knew what each other was planning before it happened, but eventually you lost. Sticking your tongue out, you picked up your cup and headed towards the basement. Lucy followed you down.

“Can I ask you something?” she began cautiously.

“Course you can.” It wasn't like Lucy to not just ask straight out. This was odd.

“What's going on with you and George?” This was definitely odd. “It feels like you've gone past teasing, you're almost flirting with each other.”

Your gaze flew to your friend, who had lingered on the stairs. Was she being serious? “It's not like that, Luce,” you replied, wondering if it was warm in the basement or if it was just you. “I love him to bits, but the same way I love all of you. He's just not my type.”

Her eyebrow quirked up at that. “You have a type?”

“Don't say that like you don't,” you hit back. “You and Lockwood are made for each other! And George is great, really, but I prefer guys a bit more… buff?”

Lucy nodded. “Interesting.” It was spoken with the air of someone who knew exactly why it was interesting and someone who was absolutely not going to explain why. “Well… just don't rule anything out, but please be careful. I love you both too and I'd hate to see either of you get hurt.”

It was touching to hear her so candid about her feelings for you both. “I won't, I promise.”

—

You always forgot how ridiculously heavy the chains were. Just trying to hoist them up to make sure you'd oiled all the way round each joint was a workout. It was only adrenaline that carried you through working with them on cases. Thank goodness you were almost finished - your arms were beginning to ache and you were sure you were coated in sweat.

“Need a hand?” George's voice drifted from the stairs. You hadn't heard him come down, probably drowned out by the clanking links and your strained grunts, but there he was, sitting on one of the lower steps and watching you in amusement.

“You mean you want me to dishonour the sacred pact of rock paper scissors?” You mimed fainting in shock, taking the opportunity to slump back on the pile of chains and let the tension dissipate from your shoulders.

He chuckled, climbing down the final few steps and holding out his hand. “Will the sacred pact allow a lunch break? I made soup.” He'd got you there and he knew it. You loved his soup. Grinning, you accepted his hand and he pulled you away from the cold, hard metal.

There were two steaming bowls already set out on the table when you got back to the kitchen, and beside yours was a plate of sandwiches, cut exactly how you liked them.

“You're the best.”

“I know,” George smirked. He was eating with one hand, the other scribbling away on the Thinking Cloth. As he became more engrossed, he leant further forwards, his dark curls flopping over his brow. It was fascinating watching him get so engrossed in his work, the whole world melting away around him. Once you finished eating, you glanced across and took his empty bowl from in front of him. He looked up sharply, snapped from wherever his thoughts had taken him.

“Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you,” you mumbled.

“No, it's fine. We should probably get packed.”

You followed him down to the basement and pulled your kit bags from the shelf. Set side by side on the table, you both began to load up.

“You can carry the chains,” you told him over your shoulder as you picked up a half-empty box of flares and emptied it into your bag.

“Hey, you're the one who lost!”

“Only for cleaning them, I've done my bit.”

He huffed, but gave you a smile as he made his way over to the mound of chains. Your eyes widened as he scooped up a whole length in one easy movement and gave them a quick shake loose. You'd spent nearly quarter of an hour trying to manoeuvre that section earlier.

“How the hell did you do that?”

“They're not that heavy,” he shrugged, then added with a cheeky raised eyebrow, “or at least only when you’re trying to clean them.”

You threw the empty cardboard box at his head with a laugh.

—

A week later, the four of you were nestled in the living room. Outside, rain battered against the windows, which were almost being shaken out of their frames by the driving wind. You'd never have guessed it was June; it felt more like January. The fire was lit in the hearth, the occasional crackle of wood splitting the only other sound.

Eventually, Lockwood broke the silence. “I hate to say it, but someone's going to have to go out. We've got no tea left and barely enough food to last until tonight. We can draw straws to make it fair.”

He needn't have bothered. You and George already had your fists raised. One, two, three, paper. One, two, three, rock. Scissors. Paper. Scissors. Rock. Round and round you went, the symmetry only fuelling your competitive natures.

“This is ridiculous,” Lucy muttered. She was right, of course.

You raised your fist higher, leaning forward in an offered challenge. “Right. Arm wrestle. Loser goes.”

George leaned in, resting his elbow on the table. Lockwood and Lucy exchanged wide-eyed glances.

“Y/n…” Lucy began, but you weren't listening. Your elbow was already mirroring George's, hand in his. You weren't sure why you'd expected the easy, flexible grip of holding a rapier, but his fingers were clenched firmly around the back of your hand. Lockwood moved closer and counted you down.

Your hand hit the table almost immediately.

It felt like all the air had left the room. You stared in shock at the boy opposite, the triumphant toothy grin that crinkled his eyes, the unexpected tightness of his shirt sleeve around his arm. The similar tightness in your chest. Interesting.

Some sort of realisation hit you, and your attention shifted to Lucy. The look she was giving you was almost as satisfied as George's. Warmth flooded your cheeks. You drew in a shaky breath as you struggled to drag your eyes away from George's arm, which was still pinning yours to the table. After a moment, you felt his fingers loosen and with some reluctance pulled your hand away. The silence in the room was palpable. Lucy was still watching you in amusement. Lockwood was watching Lucy, trying to figure out why she had that “I know something you don't” look again over a simple arm wrestle. George was watching you too, his expression slowly shifting from victory to concern.

“Y/n? You okay?” he asked quietly. Your thoughts rushed back into your body, snapping your attention into the real world.

“All good,” you mumbled. “Just preparing to get drenched. If I'm not back in 20 minutes, assume I've been blown to the other end of the country.” At least that got a laugh out of Lockwood. Hurriedly, you stood and made your way to the front door. Why had you agreed to this? It was your own fault, of course, for continuing this whole competitive thing with George, but how were you to know he was that strong? A flash of bicep clouded your vision again, and you reached for the door handle before you did something regrettable.

“Hold on,” a voice came behind you. It was him. Keep it together, you told yourself.

“If you're about to volunteer to take my place, go ahead,” you forced yourself to stay casual.

George moved closer, and you swallowed a lump in your throat. “I was actually going to question why you looked like you were about to leave without a coat.” He reached to the rack over your shoulder, lifting yours from its hook.

“That might help.” You knew you were blushing again, but prayed he thought it was just from embarrassment at being so forgetful. Definitely not how close he was, how he was holding your coat in the same hand that had been holding yours moments ago.

—

By the time you made it back to the house, you were soaked to the bone and almost shivering. It seemed like the storm wasn't going to let up until at least the next day, so you'd decided to stock up on plenty of food which had seemed like a great idea until you tried to carry it all home. You'd had to stop several times on the way, ducking into doorways and bus shelters to escape the weather as you swapped hands, flexed your shoulders or relieved your fingers from where the handles of the bags had started to make dents. When you finally made it, you held the door open with one foot as you negotiated the bags in and dropped them unceremoniously on the hall floor. George emerged from the living room, alone this time; Lockwood and Lucy must have gone upstairs or down to the basement.

“You look awful.”

“Aww thanks, you're not so bad yourself,” you joked dryly. Oh god, Lucy was right, you were almost flirting. A shiver ran through you and this time you hoped it was from the cold.

For a second, you thought you saw George's eyelids flutter. “Well, I uh… I ran you a bath to warm you back up. I'll put this away.” He hauled up the bags of shopping with barely a huff, and you tried to reason that he hadn't just carried them through a storm.

The water was soothingly warm and scented with lavender salts, the smell wafting up in delicate bursts as it swirled around, relaxing all the tension in your aching muscles. As you lay peacefully, you reflected on what had happened earlier. You weren't sure you'd ever felt… You couldn't even identify what feelings you'd experienced during the arm wrestle. Shock? Embarrassment? No. It was something else, something that Lucy had noticed immediately and had been trying to get through to your oblivious self. But she was wrong, wasn't she? You said it yourself, you weren't into George, even if he did now fulfil your main criteria. Then again, so did plenty of other guys you'd met. Kipps was quite well built, definitely had muscles, but that didn't mean you'd considered dating him. He wasn't like George though - smart, funny, thoughtful George. You couldn't imagine Kipps running you a bath or making your favourite lunch, or doing any number of the things that with George felt so natural. And there were all the little things you did for him that you'd never do for anyone else. No, there were no two ways about it: you were a pair in whatever capacity that meant.

Still didn't mean you fancied him, you told yourself.

You volunteered to help George with the dishes after dinner that night. It was always nice to be able to spend time just the two of you in sync, but tonight especially you figured it was a good idea to be around him in perfectly normal circumstances. You'd chat or enjoy the companionable quiet, you'd both be at ease; nothing could possibly happen, which would give you time to prove your feelings were a fluke.

George picked up his blue rubber gloves and tossed you a tea towel. He was dressed casually, in sweatpants and an oversized T-shirt (so large that the sleeves almost met his gloves at the elbow). The radio was playing quietly in the background, giving you a welcome distraction. Whenever a song you recognised came on, you'd start humming along or singing under your breath, and George would smile at you, sometimes even joining in. Your heart leapt a bit when he did, but that was nothing, you were just happy to be sharing this moment with your friend. He stuck an arm deeper into the sink to grab something at the bottom and made a small noise. Water had splashed up onto the cuff of his sleeve. You giggled at the look of disgust he made at the wet fabric sticking to his skin. The sound died in your throat when he took off his gloves, draped them on the side of the sink and rolled his sleeves up out of the way. You were so used to him being hidden behind his giant tops, or at the very least being in longer sleeved shirts, that seeing his bicep completely exposed was a shock in more ways than one. It wasn't much wonder he'd beaten you so easily at arm wrestling with muscles like that. You wondered whether it was just his arms that were so toned, or was the rest of him the same? Was he hiding a set of abs under that T-shirt too? Were his thighs-

“You okay?” George nudged you, and you hastily looked away.

“I was just…” Come on, come on, find an excuse, your brain urged. “...thinking how this means we both got wet clothes today, if you want me to put that top in with my washing after this?” God that was lame. Not much wonder he wasn't interested in you. That wasn't the point, you reminded yourself.

“Oh,” he smiled. “That'd be great, thanks.” He leant over to put a chopping board on the draining rack, and his bicep brushed against yours. A shockwave of warmth resonated through your whole body. Oh.

“Tell you what,” you forced yourself not to stammer, “are you okay to finish up here and I'll go and grab the laundry basket?” He nodded, and you tried not to fall over your own feet as you retreated to the hallway and sucked in a breath to calm your racing heart. Oh.

—

You cursed yourself for ever starting this. No, this was Lucy's fault for pointing it out. No, still your fault.

Being around George was becoming unbearable. Not for anything he'd done, rather the things he wasn't doing. He was carrying on exactly as he always had, that inimitable blend of playful and caring, and it was driving you mad not knowing whether he meant any of it in the way you wanted him to. You couldn't say anything, of course. If you were wrong, it would mess up the whole dynamic of the group. That would hurt almost as much as any rejection. But the more things went on, the more you took notice of the little moments between you, the more your feelings grew until it felt like they would crawl out of your chest.

“What the hell were you thinking?” George snapped at Lockwood. He and Lucy had been out on a case which went badly, and now the four of you were sitting at the dining table in the early hours, George applying butterfly stitches to a cut on Lockwood's arm and you cleaning a couple of scratches on Lucy's face. The misty gloom of the night outside the window reflected the atmosphere within.

“I was thinking,” Lockwood snapped back, “that we only had to handle a couple of Type Ones, according to your notes.”

“I told you those weren't finished!”

“Well maybe next time, don't get distracted.” Was it your imagination, or had his gaze flickered to you?

“Maybe next time,” George replied darkly, “do your own research.”

“Fine.” Lockwood pushed his chair back and stalked from the room. Lucy shot you both an apologetic grimace and followed.

George began pacing round the kitchen, hands twitching angrily. You stayed at the table, knowing it was best to give him the space to say or do whatever he needed to let his feelings out. You were there if he needed you.

“Can you believe him?” It was rhetorical, you'd heard him say it enough to know, so you waited for him to continue. “We end up in this situation almost every week, because he's too reckless to wait! I know he'd rather be in the action, but he'd be able to do all that more if he'd let me give him the right information first.”

You gently waded in, trying to be reassuring. “We all know how useful your research is; he just gets overeager, especially when Lucy's involved.”

“I know you know how important it is,” his words sent butterflies through you, “but Lockwood just…” He gave a frustrated huff. “Maybe I should make him do all the legwork for a change.” You tried very hard not to think about whether George's legs were as muscular as his arms.

“I'll support whatever you decide, but for what it's worth I think you should just talk to him.”

He sighed heavily, placing his hands flat on the table and allowing his head to drop. “You're right. Thanks, y/n.” The sincerity in his voice caught you off guard, as did his deep brown eyes as he raised his head to look at you. You were already distracted by the tension which lingered in his shoulders, the rigidity of his arms as they supported his weight, the way he had leaned into the pose so much that now when he looked up his face was so close it almost filled your vision. You swallowed nervously.

“Any time. I- I have to go.” You stumbled up from your chair, ignoring George's confused stare and sounds of protest as you practically bolted from the room.

—

You lay on your bed in the attic, tears slowly soaking into the pillow you'd buried your face in. This was the end; it had to be. You couldn't carry on working for the agency like this. If George had shown any interest it would be okay - Lockwood and Lucy managed to balance being a couple who worked and lived together, there was no reason you two couldn't do the same, but it could never work being so one-sided. You'd just keep being weird, struggling to hold your nerve around the boy until it would start bleeding into cases and Lockwood would have no choice but to fire you for everyone's safety, if you hadn't already got one of you hurt by then. Not to mention the emotional hurt. It would happen either way, but at least if you walked away now you could control it.

“Y/n?” Lucy's voice came tentatively from the bottom of the steps. “George said you ran off, is everything okay?”

You flipped onto your back, drawing in shuddering breaths to recover from almost suffocating in the pillow. “You were right, Luce.” There was movement on the steps, but you kept your eyes on the ceiling. You couldn't bear to look at anyone right now. “I tried so hard to make sure neither of us got hurt, but George doesn't love me back and now I feel like even if I stay I'm going to lose him.”

The silence that followed dragged on longer than you could bear. Why wasn't she saying anything? You forced yourself to sit up.

George stood at the entrance to your room, eyes wide and lips parted.

You scrambled to your feet. “Shit! I mean, hi, um… how long have you been there?”

George continued to stare.

“I'm so sorry,” the words were rushing out of you now, “I just panicked but I don't want to make things weird so can we just pretend-”

“What do you mean, ‘doesn't love me back'?” he interrupted quietly.

You froze. There was no mistaking it: he'd heard you basically say you loved him and now there he was looking like the mere concept was so unbelievable, like the option hadn't even crossed his mind. Why would it? Time stretched on as you fought the urge to run again, as far as the ever-widening space between you would allow. Neither of you had moved, but you could feel the room expanding around you to make room for the bottomless pit you wanted to crawl into. “I…” you drew in a slow, deep breath, “I was fine just being friends but Lucy got in my head about you being exactly my type and now I think I'm actually flirting while you're still just pretending and I'm sorry…” Tears were pricking at the corners of your eyes and you hurriedly looked away, hoping he wouldn't see.

George stepped closer, and you shrunk even further into yourself. Your heart skipped a beat when he gently tilted your chin up to meet his surprisingly soft gaze. “I meant, why do you think I don't love you back?”

You faltered. Was he saying what you thought he was? “Well, I mean, I thought I'd made things super obvious and awkward but you didn't change so I thought you weren't interested.”

George's hand was still on your chin and his thumb rubbed soothingly across your cheek, wiping away the single tear that had spilled. “I thought you weren't interested! You normally go for those muscly gym guys so I figured I'd take whatever I could get with the arm wrestles and stuff, but then you started avoiding me so I thought you were done with it.”

A small laugh escaped you, and he looked at you in confusion. “Have you seen yourself?” Hesitantly, you raised a hand to his bicep, marvelling at finally being able to feel the muscle instead of just staring at it, and more amazed at the way the boy responded to your touch, drifting closer until you were barely inches apart.

“So then why did you run?” His voice was whisper soft against your face, eyes gazing down at you with an overwhelming blend of sincerity, bewilderment and something like longing. His cheeks were tinted as pink as you knew yours were.

“Got flustered.”

“Flustered? You? I don't believe you.” A smile tugged at the edge of his lips, the playfulness you were used to creeping back into his voice. It was such a relief to feel the tension dissipating from the room, to have your George back, that you buried your head in his shoulder with a giggle. He laughed too, wrapping an arm around your waist. “Oh, I see, you really want to do this? Okay, let's see ‘flustered y/n’ at their best.”

You yelped in surprise as his other arm hooked under your legs and swept you off your feet, your arms flying up round his neck for support. His arm was tense across your back but he looked the most relaxed he'd been since he walked in, and he shifted you closer to press a quick kiss to your lips before setting you down on the bed and sitting beside you.

“Lucy's going to be very smug about this, you know,” he nudged you.

“I know,” you whined, burying your face in your hands. “Rock paper scissors for who has to tell her.” George laughed again and placed his arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer as you leant into the embrace.

“Is this just a ploy to get more hugs?”

“Is it working?”

In response, he brought his other arm around your waist and kissed your forehead. You smiled, leaning up to kiss him properly, and he reciprocated eagerly.

—

Lucy had left George alone on the steps to your room once you started your confession, giving you both a bit of privacy, and decided when he didn't come back downstairs immediately that things had either gone very badly or very well. She believed, and hoped, that it was the latter. Her suspicions were confirmed when she came to tell you she'd made breakfast and found you fast asleep, wrapped in George's arms.

[starrylothcat]

Sparks

Hunter x Fem!Jedi Reader One-Shot

Summary: You and Hunter realize your long-hidden feelings for one another. Warnings: Wee bit of angst, kissing/making out, slight suggestiveness. This is my first fic! Excuse any formatting or grammatical errors...I haven't stretched my writing fingers in a long time. I also have no idea how Tumblr formatting works, haha. I needed some fluff after that finale. This one got away from me...3,000 words. Please leave your thoughts and enjoy!

@wanderer-six tagged as requested! :)

The bonfire was now huge, burning fast and bright, much to Wrecker and Omega’s delight. Sparks flew in to the clear night air, illuminating the figures sitting around it. 

Clone Force 99 and you had just finished a tiring mission and were taking the night to decompress on a desolate, forested planet. The bonfire was actually your idea, a memory you had stored deep in your subconscious from when you were a very young Jedi Padawan. After a tough training or difficult mission, your Master would often start a fire while you meditated and reflected. The heat and cackling from the flames helped calm you, oddly enough. It was something that you continued to do, even as a Jedi General during the war. It was something that burned bright in the darkness. Something that you were all now desperate for in this new Imperial galaxy.  

You didn’t speak much of your past as a Jedi at first. It was too painful, too fresh. But as you spent more time with Clone Force 99, you became more comfortable sharing small snippets on occasion, much to the excitement of Omega who hung on to every word. Echo would also sometimes add his own stories from his old squad, which would then inspire Wrecker to tell stories (sometimes embellished ones) of their missions, reminiscing on battles won. It was nice to connect again, to have those who understood you, as you were now all outcasts. Chewed up by the war and tossed to the side, now struggling to find your place in the galaxy.

Somewhat recently after Order 66, they rescued you from bounty hunters who had suspicions you were a Jedi. You tried to keep it a secret, but Hunter found you out with his heightened senses. You warily came clean to them, telling them the truth. 

You were only supposed to stay with them for a short time, only until you found a new place to hide. Hunter was wary with having a Jedi on board, especially since they already had a target on their back. But a short time turned longer. You were helpful on missions and were careful to never expose yourself as a Jedi. Omega became particularly attached to you, and Hunter saw how much Omega was benefiting from a woman on board. You also became close with them, especially Hunter. You both connected over the baggage of being a leader, and what it meant to fail as one as well. Other feelings began to blossom, that neither you or Hunter knew how to act on, or even if you should. You found yourself talking to him late in to the night, discussing next mission plans or plans from the past. But you both always left those conversations wishing you had said more. 

Tech had just carefully landed the ship on the empty, forested planet in the only clearing he could find. It was Hunter's idea to do inventory, seeing when you would need to do a supply run next. You casually mentioned the bonfire memory as you were all rummaging through gear and supplies, as this planet reminded you of that distant memory.

Omega’s eyes widened and asked, “Can we do that tonight? That sounds fun!” while looking excitedly between you and Hunter, who was sitting down and cleaning his knife. He chuckled, a low chuckle that made butterflies swirl in your stomach. Something you’ve realized has been happening more often. But you pushed that thought aside, for now. 

“Sure, kid. This planet is empty enough. I don’t think it will attract too much attention.” Tech adjusted his goggles and looked up from his datapad. “I do not see any settlements on this planet. There is no current need for worry.” He said before becoming absorbed once more in his research.

Wrecker, with much glee, shot up from begrudgingly organizing his gear, and announced, “Fire, I like this idea! This is boring anyway. Let’s take a break and go gather some wood!” He turned to look at Hunter for approval, who shrugged and nodded. “Omega, let’s go!” Wrecker hurriedly threw the rest of his unorganized gear on his bunk. Omega grinned, also happy to get away from inventory, and began after Wrecker down the ramp of the Marauder. She stopped at the top of the ramp and looked back. “Thank you!” She beamed at both you and Hunter, and skittered after Wrecker. 

Hunter had put his knife away and was now leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, gazing at you. You felt your heart beat quicken when you matched his stare.  “You’ve done it now.” He teased as he watched Wrecker and Omega run toward the tree line. You shrugged with a small smile as you stood up from putting the last piece of equipment back in your gear pack. “Well, I have to admit, I need a break too. Let’s just hope they don’t burn the whole planet down.”

Hunter released a low chuckle again and you felt heat rise up your neck. “With Wrecker involved, I’m not too sure.” Echo quipped from the pilot seat, where he was researching where they could get supplies before the next mission. “Given the current wind speeds and our distance from the trees, it would be difficult to start a blaze that big.” Tech called from under a piece of machinery he was now working on. “But I have to agree with Echo. With Wrecker involved, statistically the odds are higher.”

You gave a small laugh, which made Hunter’s heart involuntarily quicken. It was your laugh that he often thought of deep in the night, when he was having trouble sleeping. The way your shoulders moved when you chuckled, the way your eyes glinted when you smiled. How sometimes he’d find himself almost getting out of his bunk to wake you up and take you in his arms, telling you how he feels as his lips meet yours….

A sudden crash snapped him out of his thoughts, setting his senses haywire. You heard the sound too, and you looked at each other and ran down the ramp to see what the commotion was, hands on your blasters. Hunter breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Wrecker standing with Omega at the tree line, who were both excitedly picking up branches from a dead tree Wrecker had just knocked over. Hunter ran a hand through his hair. He couldn’t help but always be on high alert, especially with Omega. He could see relief in your eyes as well, once you realized it was nothing to be concerned about. You lightly touched his arm, asking “You okay?” “Yeah…” he breathed. “I’m not used to…calm.” You nodded, understanding.

“I guess we better enjoy it while it lasts.”

Your lips ghosted a smile, realizing you were still touching Hunter’s arm. You moved your hand, suddenly embarrassed. Hunter opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Echo coming down the ramp to see what the commotion was. He also needed a break, and was interested in this fire idea. “Yeah, you’ve really done it now, _____.” Echo teased as you all looked at the growing pile of logs and branches that Omega and Wrecker had collected. “Hey, don’t just stand there, come and help us!” Wrecker called as he balanced more giant branches in his arms. You gave Hunter a look and continued down the ramp to help.

The sun was getting low, and Wrecker was adding the last log to a massive pile he and Omega collected. You were collecting small sticks and brush for kindling. Wrecker put down the last one, wiping sweat from his face. “Phew! Do you think this is enough?” He huffed. “If you are trying to light a fire big enough for the entire Galaxy to see, then yes.” Tech said casually as he came down the ship’s ramp, also now having his interest piqued. “Oh, it’ll be a massive fire, I can’t wait!” Wrecker exclaimed as he winked at Omega. 

“So now what? I’ve never made a fire before. Hunter, can you teach me?” Omega asked, looking up at Hunter with large, pleading eyes. Hunter looked at her softly. “Yeah, sure kid.” He glanced at you and then put his hand on Omega’s shoulder, leading her toward the log pile. 

As Hunter and Omega began to make a space for the fire, you and Echo were maneuvering some of the bigger logs for everyone to have a seat once the fire was going. Since this planet was desolate, you used the Force to move some of the larger logs. Hunter noticed out of the corner of his eye, always secretly impressed with your graceful power. It was rare when you used it, and it captivated him. 

“What’s next Hunter? Hunter?” Hunter snapped out of his thoughts and Omega was looking at him, curiously. “You were staring again.” She said quietly. “I don’t know what you mean, Omega.” He lightly scolded, trying to change the subject.

She gave a small smirk. “You sometimes stare at _____.” Hunter cleared his throat. “And I see her stare at you sometimes, too.” She said matter-of-factly, looking back at the pile of kindling they had placed for the eventual fire. “I think she likes you.” Before he could respond, you had suddenly appeared behind them. “How’s it going?” You asked. Hunter bristled, hoping you hadn’t just heard their conversation, not even realizing you were approaching. “It’s uh…going well. I’m just about to teach Omega how to actually light the fire.” 

“I have something embarrassing to admit.” You said sheepishly. “I actually don’t know how to start a fire, either. My Master just always used his lightsaber.” You laughed and Omega smiled. 

“Mind if I watch?” You sat down next to Hunter, eager to learn as much as Omega was. Or maybe you were just eager to be close to Hunter. His senses were suddenly overwhelmed with your scent, another thing he was noticing lately. His stomach felt like it was on fire. Get a grip, Hunter. he thought. He snapped himself out of thinking about you once again, and continued with his lesson. “Im going to start with the hard way first. Say you’re stranded without gear. This is important to learn.” He took a small stick to use as a spindle and a small flat piece of wood. “This takes awhile and is a pain, but this is the most basic way to start a spark.” He began to spin the spindle between his hands quickly in to a divot he had made on the flat piece of wood on the ground, held steady by his foot. Omega watched intensely, soaking up every word and action. You saw a small gleam of sweat form at his brow, and watched the concentration in his eyes. Your heart fluttered again, suddenly imagining his sweaty brow and intense look above you in a moment of passion. The smell of smoke brought you back to reality, before your imagination went further. Hunter had made a small ember that was smoking. He carefully moved it to the kindling and gently blew on it to start a small flame.

“Woaaah, let me try!” Omega gasped excitedly and went to work the same way Hunter did on a new piece of flat wood. You watched as he patiently moved her hands to the correct position, gently correcting her when appropriate. For a dark and broody Sergeant, you recognized his moments of softness. Moments that he also sometimes shared with you, which you knew were special, especially coming from someone as guarded as him.

After trial and error, and some frustration, Omega finally got her own spark. “I did it!” She yelled. Hunter smiled.

“Good work, kid. You might just be a natural. Now, carefully put it in the kindling.”

She gently moved it to the already growing flame and looked at Hunter for approval. “There you go, you did it. That was all you.” Omega beamed and said  “Now it’s _____’s turn.” She jumped up and brushed dust and dirt off her knees, and began to walk away. “Wait, where are you going?” Hunter asked. Omega turned and called,  “I want to tell the others the fire is almost ready!” She gave Hunter a look and ran back to the Marauder where the rest of the boys had gone to rest, before Hunter and you could respond. 

It was suddenly quiet, only the gentle crackling of the small fire was to be heard. 

“I guess it’s my turn to try, huh?” You said softly, realizing it was just you and Hunter for a moment. The sun was almost set, and the small fire was casting a soft glow on the both of you. “You don’t have to-“ he began but you stopped him.

“No, I want to! What good am I to the team if I can’t even start a fire? I need to impress my Sergeant." You smirked playfully. "Also, I can’t let a kid get the best of me.” You teased as you began to spin the stick between your hands.

“You bring other skills to the team, you don’t have to worry about fire making.” He stated. “Leave that to Omega and I.” He smiled, looking at you. “Also, you don’t need to impress me. You already do that.” Suddenly, you felt shy. Hunter glanced away from you, embarrassed about what he just said, wrestling with his feelings, wondering if he had said too much. 

“Thank you, Hunter. I don’t think I’ve ever expressed how grateful I am to you, and to your brothers, for taking me in.” Hunter looked at you. “You don’t need to thank me. But I’m glad you’re here. Part of this team.” He murmured, turning away from you and looking at the fire. “Me too.” You acted before you could think, gently placing your hand on his shoulder, closing the distance between you, forgetting all about the fire lesson. Hunter stiffened a little while facing you, feeling your hand on his unarmored shoulder. The touch he often thought about late in to the night. The touch he wondered if he’d ever feel. If he even deserved it. 

Once again, you felt heat climb up your neck to your face and you began to remove your hand, but before you could, Hunter brought his other hand and placed it on top of yours. Your feelings for Hunter exploded in your chest, realizing how handsome he looked in the soft light, his brown eyes shining in the dark, wondering what you should do next as you felt the heat from his hand encapsulate yours. You were taught no attachments, but that had no meaning anymore. Was this just desperation for something that used to be taboo? You tried to read his face, as he gazed intensely at you. Hunter moved closer to you, “____...I want to tell you something…”

Your intimate moment was suddenly cut short by voices as Wrecker, Tech, Omega, and Echo emerged from the falling darkness toward you. Your hand left Hunter’s shoulder and you practically leapt away from him, startled by the intrusion. You caught a small look of disappointment on his face. “Aww yeah, it’s fire time!” Wrecker bellowed as he held a huge armful of sticks and logs. “Let’s get this going!” You were still sitting near Hunter, and Echo gave you and Hunter a sly look as he sat down on a log near the still small fire, carrying ration bars. You were suddenly distracted by the giant roar as the fire grew due to Wrecker and Omega gleefully adding more and more wood to the fire, blissfully unaware they interrupted…something. Tech tried to explain the optimal way to place logs to get the most efficient fire, but his remarks were ignored and Omega and Wrecked piled more in to the blaze, and he soon gave up.

The heat blazed and sparks flew in to the air, the wood cracking and popping. The fire was massive, and Omega had never seen anything like it and was in awe. You saw Hunter out of the corner of your eye as he stared in to the flames, his face unreadable. You all enjoyed the light and intense warmth the large blaze gave, sitting in silence for a bit. You desperately wanted to be alone with Hunter again, as you listened to Wrecker tell another taller than life tale, with an annoyed Tech trying to interject the facts. Your memory was brought back to you and your Master, quietly enjoying the fire and reflecting on your day’s mission. After Wrecker finished his story, Omega turned to you, waiting for another glimpse in to your past. She understood it was hard for you to talk about, but was hopeful to hear something from before the Galaxy she currently knew. “Omega,” Hunter warned. “____ might not want to discuss it.” He gave you a soft look. The look almost melted your heart. You wanted to desperately take his face in your hands and continue what had started before. 

“It’s okay, Hunter. I have a story.”

You told Omega of your first solo mission as a Jedi Knight. You had  infiltrated a pirate base. It wasn’t too exciting, but to Omega it was the most amazing story she’d ever heard. Echo passed out the ration bars as you told your story. After you were done, you nibbled on your bar as you stared in to the flames. There was a comfortable silence as everyone ate, enjoying the small bit of calm before you were all off again on another mission.

After awhile, the fire began to dim and there was no more wood to add. Omega let out a yawn, satisfied with her first bonfire. “We should do this more often.” She proclaimed as another yawn overtook her. “Yeah kid, we can.” Hunter whispered. Wrecker had already fallen asleep, laying over a log in an uncomfortable position, snoring away. Tech nudged Wrecker, also ready to go back to the ship to sleep. One by one, they went back to the ship, leaving you, Hunter, and Echo. Echo then stood up, bidding you both a good night. “I’ll leave you two to it, then.” He raised an eyebrow and then he was gone before you either of you could respond.

Once again, you were alone with Hunter and the slowly burning fire. He looked at you, the fire reflecting in his eyes. 

He never thought he’d be grappling with feelings like this. Especially for someone like you. But you cared about him. Worried about him and his brothers, something he’d never experienced before. It was new, and frankly, it scared him. He’d never admit it out loud, but that was the truth. But here he was, with you within arms reach again, staring at him and waiting for what might come next. You looked beautiful, ethereal in the glow of the now small fire. “Hunter…” you whispered as you maneuvered closer to him, like you were before earlier in the night. Your hand was close to his on the log you were both sitting on. You couldn’t wait any longer, the tension between you was about to snap. “You wanted to tell me something earlier?”

He stared intensely at you, trying to find the words to say.

“____, I…I wanted to tell you…I care about you.” His voice was deep, almost inaudible. You fully took his hand, looking right in to his eyes. He was suddenly overwhelmed, waiting for your response. “Hunter, I care about you too.” The second he heard you whisper those words, he boldly closed the distance, acting purely on instinct, pressing his lips against yours in a soft, quick kiss. He pulled back slightly, hoping he didn’t mess this all up. 

“____, tell me to stop and I will.” Hunter’s voice was husky and deep. Almost a whisper. It sent shivers down your spine. “Never.” You murmured as you brought a hand to his face, gently cradling his head. Relief washed over you, happy you finally revealed how you felt. He closed his eyes and leaned in to your touch, sighing a deep sigh. You moved your hand from his cheek and gripped his collar, needing more. You pulled him back to your lips for a more passionate kiss. He felt a weight lift off his shoulders as the tension between you dissipated, flying in to the sky with the embers from the fire.

It was his turn to bring his hands to your face, cradling your head gently as he deepened the kiss, your heart feeling like it was about to explode out of your chest. The sensation of your lips moving on his was almost overwhelming. His hands were strong, yet gentle as they maneuvered down to your hips, leaving a trail of fire down your body. You both pulled away again, panting slightly, looking in each other’s eyes. All the unsaid words, all the silent looks, were now completely understood by both of you. 

Your hand that was on his collar moved to the back of his head, threading your fingers through his long, soft locks while your other hand gripped his shoulder. You whispered his name as he pulled you in impossibly close for another kiss, getting drunk on your scent, your body. 

His tongue slowly made his way in to your mouth, which pulled a groan from deep in your chest. Your reactions spurred him on, his hands on your waist ghosting underneath your tunic, his gloved hands moving over your bare skin making the butterflies in your stomach explode. You desperately wanted those gloves off, to feel his skin on yours. After what felt like an eternity, you parted for air once again.  The fire had now died down quite a bit, leaving you both in almost total darkness. You were illuminated by the stars, the only sound being your shallow breaths. You both wanted so much more, but now wasn’t the time. Hunter nuzzled his face in to your neck, and moved one of his hands from your hips to grasp yours, which had fallen to your side. “I’m yours, if you’ll have me.” He whispered against your neck, his heart thudding against yours. “Yes, Hunter.” You whispered back, squeezing his hand. He moved his head from your neck and brought you against his chest in an embrace, his chin leaning on your head. You both gazed at the glowing embers of what used to be the giant fire, wondering what comes next. But at least for now, you were at peace.

[ageofbajabule]

Curtain Calls | Sam Kiszka

Sam Kiszka x F! Reader

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Fluff, Smut, Oral Sex (F! and M! Receiving), Unprotected Sex (WRAP IT UP PLEASE), Cockwarming

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Author’s Note: Hello my lovelies!! Here it is, the highly awaited request! Inspired by this anon, as well as having this moment included by this lovely anon. Also sorry if its poorly edited :(

Everyone was scattering around the hallways, the show was in approximately 45 minutes. Josh and Danny had already gotten their makeup done, and ready for the show. Jake had you touch up his eyeliner, and straighten out his new suit.

“Where is your brother Samuel?” You shook your head, Sam always got ready last minute. Even when it came to makeup, you were always yelling at him for being late for his makeup session.

“Probably snoozing with Rosie in the greenroom.” Jake shrugged, chuckling softly.

“Ugh…” Your feet began dragging you near his greenroom, knocking loudly. “Samuel Francis Kiszka, get your ass in the dressing room.”

Hearing a groan from the other side, “I’m coming Y/N.”

You huffed making your way to your station, everything was already set up to put his makeup on. And you had hoped he was smart enough to put his suit on, since by the time you would finish with him he would only have a few minutes till they had to be on stage.

Surely enough you hear footsteps making way to you, turning around your met by the handsome brunette. And he was indeed wearing his suit.

“Wow, you actually listened for once…” You clicked your tongue.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sam sat in the chair looking at you.

“Sam I’ve been working on tour with you these past two months, how are you still forgetting to show up early enough.” You started to prime his eyes, before getting the eyeshadow palette in your hands.

“I’m sorry, I'm just still new to all of this.” He slouched a bit.

“Sit upright, I need to make this look perfect.” You poked his shoulder.

“Yes ma’am.” He smirked at you, in response you roll your eyes.

Sam always did have the younger sibling personality that everyone would talk about. Sometimes you found it utterly annoying but deep down, you found it cute about him. But he was in fact an adult, who just liked to have his childish fun antics.

The relationship between the two of you this tour had been wonderful. Anytime there was a small break between shows, he’d take you around the cities or small towns to show you his favorite places. He even had you join him on a small vacation to the Carolina’s with Rosie.

You tried to get out of it, but he was consistent with getting you to join him. And you figured if you said no, you felt that would’ve changed your relationship and made work awkward. The only reason you didn’t particularly want to go, was simply that you had feelings for Sam.

There had always been casual flirting between the two of you. But nothing more than that, in fact the one time in the green room the two of you had fallen asleep on the couch and were woken up by Jenny. She was another makeup artist for the guys, she mostly worked with Josh and Danny but you would help assist her.

Ever since then, Sam and you have talked more. Sending recipes to one another, he even taught you how to make pickles. Sam was just a kind hearted man, that you truly didn’t know how to express your feelings to him.

“So, are we going with what we’ve been doing? Or are we taking a new approach tonight?” You looked through your palette and the liquid eyeshadow you had.

“The usual…” He said softly, taking a sip of his Topo-Chico.

“You know, I really think we can get more creative…” You smiled softly, applying a layer of the glittery liquid eye shadow to put on his lids.

“You’re the mastermind here… Not me.” He chuckled softly.

“Maybe in the next show we’ll try something new. If you’re up for it that is.” You smiled at him softly.

“Yeah, I think I’d like that.” He smiled softly his cheeks turning a rosy tone.

You giggled softly, grabbing a palette, taking a brush and dapping it into the silver shadow. You gently apply it to his eyelids, dragging it out, blending it softly into the underlayer.

“You’re really good at this ya know?” He kept his lids closed, fearing you would scold him for opening them while you worked on his look.

“I’d hope, I didn’t go to beauty school for nothing.” You giggled softly, grabbing another silver shadow packing it onto his lid.

Earning a chuckle from him, “Hard work pays off.”

You smiled softly, finishing the rest of his eye makeup. “Should I add rhinestones?” You pulled away from his face grabbing the pack of rhinestones.

“Yeah, might as well. Can’t out-do Josh though.” He smiled softly looking in the mirror at your work.

“Josh creates his own look before even having Jenny or I do his makeup.” You giggled softly, applying makeup glue to the rhinestones applying them gently to his cheekbone.

“He likes to be prepared, I guess.” He chuckles, you smiled back to him finishing up his look with about 15 minutes left till they hit the stage.

“Well, what do you think?” You asked as you cleaned up your workspace.

He stood up, looking at himself in the mirror. “It looks great, as always Y/N.” He smiled, turning towards you, his stare focusing towards your tits.

“Sam… my eyes are up here.” You snapped your fingers at him.

“You wore that top purposely. I know you took your sweatshirt off before I came in here. Don’t act all innocent. You wanted me to stare at your tits, didn’t you?” He chuckled softly.

He knew you all too well, you always wore a light sweatshirt no matter what. Sue me is what you thought to yourself. You couldn’t deny the attraction you had towards Sam. In fact your feelings had only gotten stronger towards him after the small trip you took with him.

“No… I just got hot.”

“Uh huh… I’m sure that’s what it is.” Sam drags his finger up your thigh, moving it slowly towards your center. The one day you chose to wear a skirt to work, and he pulls that stunt.

You stop him, grabbing his wrist “You at least gotta kiss me first.”

“Say less.” Sam straightens himself, putting both hands on the side of you, pressing you up against the counter, trapping you in.

“I was-“

“Look at you stuttering angel. Don’t get nervous now.” He smirked at you.

Sam looks deep into your eyes, leaning forward. You move your head a bit. “Playing hard to get are we? Or is that you retreating because you’re scared you might like it.”

Sam goes to move away but not before you pull him in tightly for a kiss. He places a hand on your waist pulling you closer to him deepening the kiss.

That is when you hear a knock, disrupting the kiss. The two of you break apart from one another.

“5 minutes till show!” Richard yelled through the door.

“Fuck…” Sam sighed softly, resting his forehead against yours.

“You should probably go, don’t want to be late to the stage.” You giggled softly.

“Josh already was, what would the difference be if I was.” He laughed softly.

“The difference is he is vocals, and can at least sing off stage. Whereas you play the bass and should be on the stage already.” You shoved him lightly to get him towards the door.

“Don’t think this is over…” He rubbed your cheek softly with his thumb.

“I’ll be on the sides cheering for ya Sammy.” You blushed.

He smiled, pecking your lips softly before making way out of the room. You sighed softly, shaking your head. Did that really just happen?

You cleaned up your workstation, getting everything packed up to be set on the trucks before making way to the side stage to catch the next song after the opening.

The guys weren’t kidding when they said they liked to blow shit up. The shows were always electrifying and exciting. Keeping the fans on their toes for what was next. Sam running back and forth between keys and bass.

It was absolutely amazing to see them live their dreams, and of course you were to. When you had been asked to be a part of Greta’s team you were absolutely thrilled after seeing Josh’s looks for the Dreams In Gold tour, not only that Jenny had put in a request for you to be a part of the team. She had liked your technique in makeup.

After an exhilarating show, you make your way back to Sam’s dressing room with makeup remover and cleaning cloths to remove Sam’s makeup after his show. He always had you helping him as he claims he doesn’t really know what to use, or what skin care products to apply afterwards.

But you lately have been finding it to become an excuse for him to spend more time with you. And after what happened earlier this evening, there was no denying it now.

Sam came into the room, locking the door behind him pressing you against the counter immediately pressing his lips against yours.

You were taken back a bit, but wrapped your arms around his neck kissing him back hungrily. It was like you were both starved and deprived of one another.

Tangling your hands in his hair, you tugged slightly earning a groan from him. Letting you slip your tongue into his mouth, exploring it for a bit not until you felt Sam’s hard-on pressing against your thigh. Earning a moan from you. He was lengthy, and average in girth from what you could feel.

“Sammy…” You whisper against his lips, panting softly.

“Angel, please…” He said with honey in his voice.

“Don’t stop…” You blushed, kissing him again, as he reaches to pull your top off. Lifting it over your head, breaking the kiss just for a moment. He then returns back to kissing you, while groping your breasts with his hands.

Moaning into the kiss, you feel his dick throbbing against your thigh. He wanted this just as much as you did. You began to palm him through his pants, he bucked his hips forward from your touch. Causing you to giggle softly.

“Eager aren’t we?”

“I’ve been dreaming of this ever since that trip…” He muttered under his breath.

“Then I guess all this pent up sexual frustration will make this worth the while.” You smiled softly, as his hands wrapped around you back to unclasp your bra.

He ran his hands over your shoulder and down to your breasts again, massaging the one with his hand and taking the other into his mouth. He licked over the mound of your hardened nipple, sucking and biting softly. Earning nothing but words of pleasure from you.

“Sam…” His name falls off of your tongue like sugar.

He looks up at you with his brown eyes, pupils blown lust filled. You bite your lip from the sight, as he removes his mouth using his other hand to pinch your nipple softly.

“What baby…” He smiled softly.

“I need more…” You tilt your head back slowly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you angel…” He smiled, kissing your lips softly. Moving you towards the couch in the room.

Once the back of your knees hit the couch you, Sam stood above you smiling down at you softly.

“You better remove those pants, I don’t think you want to be questioned on how they got dirty…” You giggled softly tugging lightly at his satin pants.

“They get dry cleaned anyways…” He chuckled lightly, removing his pants, leaving him in his briefs. His cock strained against the fabric. You felt your breath hitch in your throat from the sight.

Sam knelt down in front of you, moving his hand over your center. You had soaked through your panties already, practically pooling in them. He ran his fingers across collecting some of the arousal.

“You already made such a mess… Should I help clean it up?” He looked up at you, placing his hand on the hem lining of your panties.

You nodded your head fervently, “Please…”

He smirked, pulling them off of you, putting it with the rest of the discarded clothes. He placed your legs above his shoulder’s his face coming close to your center. You could feel him breathing against your thighs, causing goosebumps to rise.

Sam began kissing the insides of your thighs, biting softly leaving marks behind. Your head lolled back, as he licked a strip up your center. Causing a whine to slip from your lips. He continued to lick slowly, and languidly.

Your hips bucked forward against his face, causing his nose to brush against your clit. Making another noise slip past your lips. He held your thighs tightly, getting to work quickly. He flicked his eyes up at you watching the faces you made as he ate you out. He slipped two fingers inside tightening around him, as you were already close to the brim of your first orgasm.

He started to pay more attention to your clit, sucking and licking it more than before. Earning pornagraphic sounds from you, trying to keep your voice to a minimum as to not alert anyone potentially walking by the room. You felt the band start to break.

The next head nuzzle Sam made, had been the pushing point of your orgasm. Spews of, Oh fuck, Sammy… leaving your lips as he calmed you from your high. Your legs tremble above his shoulders as he slips away placing them down.

He looked back up at you, your arousal covered his lips. “Come here, taste yourself.” You met his face kissing his lips roughly. He kissed you back, biting your lip softly.

“Tastes like sugar…” He smirked against your lips.

“Sit…” You stood up looking at him.

Sam nodded, taking a seat on the couch. You knelt before him pulling his boxers down his legs, throwing them with your pile of clothes. His dick sprung up, hitting his abdomen. He was painfully hard, throbbing and some pre-cum spilling from the tip.

You moved your hands up his thighs slowly, and wrapped your one hand around him pumping him slowly. His mouth agape, letting out a quiet groan. “Y/N…”

“Don’t worry Sammy, I’ll make you feel good.” You blushed softly.

He nodded his head, caressing your cheek with his hand acknowledging you to continue. And so you do, licking the tip slowly teasing him. He shuddered underneath you, giggling softly. You wrap your mouth around him, inching your way down as you take him in. Careful not to make yourself gag, he let out another groan.

You moved your hand downwards to Sam's balls, gently cupping your hand around them, moving them around in your hand. He huffed, his head rolling back.

“Fuck angel…” He closed his eyes, feeling you work on him.

You hummed as you continued to bob your head, swirling your tongue around his shaft. Earning praises from him as you continued your little moves, getting him closer to release.

That’s when he tapped your cheek with his fingers. “Not yet, I want to fuck that pretty cunt.”

You removed your mouth from him, a string of saliva as you continued to pump him with your hand. You straddle his waist lining yourself up with him.

“Don’t worry, I’m on the pill.” You smiled softly at him, before sinking down on his length. Gasping as he bottoms out in you.

“Like fucking velvet…” He grunts, grabbing your waist softly.

After adjusting to his length, you started to ride him slowly. Wrapping your hands around his neck, he moved his face towards your breasts paying close attention to them as you started to gain some momentum.

He latched his mouth onto your right breast, licking and sucking on your nipple. Biting softly, earning moans from you. Starting to rotate your hips in figure eights, Sam starts to moan the vibrations against your breast making you wetter.

“Shit, Sam…”

He removed his mouth from your breast, cupping your face with his one hand. “Come on baby… I know you're close.”

You nodded, starting to bounce more on his cock. Everytime you would come down, he’d meet you with a particularly hard thrust, sending you over the moon.

Sam then held your waist tighter, picking up the pace by thrusting faster and harder into you. You pressed flush against his chest, running your hands into his hair pulling slightly as pornagraphic sounds left your mouth.

You felt yourself getting closer, and by Sam’s breathing you could tell he was near as well.

“I’m so close…” You moaned into his ear quietly.

“Let go… I'm almost there. I want to feel you all around me…” He groaned softly, rubbing circles on your clit.

Within the next minute you went into overdrive. Praises flew from your mouth as you clenched around him, seeing colors as you came. “Sam…” Your head rolled back.

“That’s it baby…” He moaned softly, within a couple more thrusts that became faltered and slow. He was spilling his release into you.

The two of you sat there on the couch, chests pressed against one another. Sweaty, and panting as you both came down from your high.

“That was…”

“Exhilarating…”

You giggled softly, kissing his cheek.

“Oh, Sam… Your makeup...” You went to move, but he kept his grip on your waist keeping you from moving.

“Sam.” You looked at him.

“Just let me stay inside a little longer. You feel like home.”

As He softens inside of you. And you can’t say no to such a pretty face, so you obliged.

With his strength, that surprised you he had stood up holding you not slipping out of you. Moving over to the chair where you had the makeup wipes and remover to clean his face.

“There, now you can take care of me.” He chuckled softly.

You blushed and started to remove the makeup off of his face while you sat there as his little cock warmer….

After cleaning him up, you moved off of him, wincing from the loss of him.

“Come on, let’s shower. I’m tired.” You motioned to him.

He stood up, following you to the shower off the right of the room. Then you heard pounding on the door.

“Next time, can you do that in the goddamn hotel!” A crew member yelled.

You and Sam looked at each other busting into fits of laughter. You blushed slightly from embarrassment.

“Well… I guess we’ll have to work on that pretty girl.” He pulled you into the bathroom, shutting the door behind the two of you, pulling you in for another kiss.

.

.

.

Finished

Taglist-

@lyndszee @fkfearandliveyourlegend @starcatcherry @hi-hi-hello11 @myleftsock @thunderstomp-and-tequila @sinsofstardust @holybananafuck @thecoldwind @gretasfallingsky @laneygvf @sacredthefran

[tearsfortheyouth]

OBSESSION - Steve Kemp, Part Two

Part two!! Welcome back guys :) Make sure to leave a vote/reblog/comment. It really helps!!

Five months into her best friend’s disappearance, (Y/N) meets someone new, and for the first time in months she feels as if she can finally breathe again. She never thought she’d become the newest obsession of a charming psychopathic cannibal.

- WARNING(S): NON-CON/DUB-CON, grief, drug abuse, kidnapping, Steve Kemp is a red flag himself, cannibalism, manipulation, blood

The car was silent, the heater the only source of noise between us. I fiddled awkwardly with the hem of my sweater, the purse in my lap. One of Steve’s hands held the wheel of his car, the other holding his half-finished cup of coffee, and he sipped at it, his eyes on the road.

From outside my window, I could see it had started to snow, and a thick white blanket began to slowly but surely coat the city's roads. It was pretty, but I shivered at the thought of walking to and from work in this weather.

I hated the cold.

“Thanks again for giving me a ride,” I broke the silence, eyes shifting to the man beside me. “I really appreciate it.”

He turned, grinning at me. “No trouble, (Y/N). The city can be dangerous, ‘specially for pretty girls like you.”

I blushed, turning away from the man to look back outside the window, hiding my face. He seemed to notice this and groaned. “I shouldn’t have said that, I was just meaning that— well, you’re pretty, and obviously it’s really late and—“ he shook his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “Jesus, I’m just gonna stop talking now.”

I smiled at his awkward nature, my teeth nipping at my inner cheek. It was cute, the way he got embarrassed. He seemed awkward, and part of me liked it. “It’s fine,” I assured quietly. “I just…I don’t know how to handle compliments.”

He glanced at me, eyebrows raised. “Really?”

I nodded. “I just don’t get very many, I suppose. They make me nervous.”

He hummed quietly, his brows furrowed as he stared ahead. “You—you don’t get any?” He sounded surprised, almost as if he were in disbelief, and I shrugged.

“I keep to myself,” I said simply, and his eyes flickered towards me briefly before quickly moving back to the road.

“I don’t see how,” he began, taking another sip of his coffee. “You’re definitely the cutest barista I’ve ever seen.”

I flushed red once more, an embarrassed laugh escaping me. “You’re just a charmer, aren’t you?”

He smirked, tilting slightly. “Guilty as charged.”

“Oh hey, you missed my turn, Steve,” I quickly pointed out just as we passed by the turnoff to my apartment.

Before getting into his car, he had told me he knew the city like the back of his hand, and I furrowed my brows, nipping at my bottom lip nervously.

“Oh, we did…” He replied, turning behind him to cast a quick glance to where we were supposed to have turned. “I know another way, don’t worry,” he said, turning to cast a charming smile.

I nodded slowly, my hands coming to grip my purse tightly. Part of me knew it was nerves. Afterall, I hadn’t been alone with a man since the summer of my senior year in college. The bundle of anxiety chewed the inside of my stomach.

What if Steve was a murderer? Was he going to take me and kill me? Was he going to kidnap me?

Suddenly, I remembered the paper on my medication bottle.

Paranoia was a side effect of my meds.

I took a deep breath, my eyes falling shut.

Steve isn’t going to kill me, I tried reasoning with myself. Steve seemed like a genuinely nice man. He was awkward and nervous and good looking. Creeps weren’t good looking.

Right?

I looked over at him, his handsome face concentrated on the road as he drove, his other hand gripping his coffee. He had mentioned he was a doctor, and that he had files to look over tonight. In the back, a stack of files sat, a thick yellow folder with a patient's name being all the proof that I needed to know he wasn’t lying.

Creeps weren’t doctors.

The silence in the car seemed to go on and on, and part of me yearned for him to break it.

Opening my mouth to speak, I quickly shut it when I realized I truly had nothing to say. Instead, I continued fiddling with my purse, every so often glancing over to the doctor beside me.

After a couple minutes, he seemed to catch up on this, and he turned to send me a quick look. “Do I have something on my face?”

I smiled, shaking my head with pink tinted cheeks.

“Just can’t get enough of me, can you,” he winked, a laugh leaving his lips.

“Dear god, just keep your eyes on the road, okay?” I giggled, rolling my eyes.

It was about another five minutes of driving before we turned onto a familiar street, and I breathed a small sigh of relief.

It had just been my paranoia.

See? Steve was a nice man.

“It’s this unit right here,” I smiled, and his car came to a stop outside the building, putting it into park.

Neither of us made a move.

Sitting in silence for a couple seconds, I picked up my purse, bringing it against my chest and hugging it, turning to face the man beside me.

He was already looking at me, his blue eyes soft and inviting. Even in the darkness of the car, they seemed to glow.

“Well, um,” I coughed awkwardly, brushing hair from my face. “Thanks for the ride.”

He smiled in response, nodding once, placing his coffee cup into his cup holder.

“Well, uh, I should…I’m just gonna go. Have a good night, Steve.” I smiled, my hand reaching to open the door.

When he said nothing, I hopped out, letting it shut behind me.

Snow fell around me, and suddenly, I longed to be back in Steve’s warm car. I shivered as I wrapped my jacket tighter around me, blinking away the snow from my lashes as I hurried up the sidewalk.

Just as my hand hovered over my building's door handle, a voice called from behind me, and I turned, squinting my eyes to see through the snow.

“Wait, (Y/N)!”

“Steve?” I called back, confused. “What-?”

Finally, Steve reached me, panting and drenched in snow. “I” he breathed heavily, “I’m gonna regret it so much if I don’t. Can I please have your number?” He held his phone out, lips parted as he scanned my shocked face. “I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I don’t wanna wait too long.”

Wiping snow from my frost-nipped face, I breathed a laugh, nodding my head quickly and taking his phone. My heart fluttered as I punched in my number, a handsome grin adoring his face. Handing back his phone, he took a glance at it before switching it off.

My breaths blew out in puffs of smoke, and I licked my chapped lips.

“I’ll text you,” he promised, watching as I pushed open the door of my apartment unit.

“You better,” I mumbled, flustered. “I’ll see you later, Steve.”

With a final smile, I let the door shut behind me, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I was once again greeted with the heater of the apartment lobby. Rushing upstairs and into my own apartment, I locked the door, a huge smile on my face.

I felt giddy, and I couldn’t stop myself from giggling at the thought of Steve. The way he had run into the snow after me, just to get my number.

I blushed at the thought.

Moving to my nightstand, I picked up my medication, quickly grabbing two from the bottle and shoving them into my mouth, swallowing them dry.

I quickly changed into my PJ’s, brushing my teeth and putting my tangled hair up.

Throwing myself onto the bed, I stared up at the roof, and soon, I found myself drifting to sleep, Steve on my mind.

————————————

It was only a few days later that Steve and I had our first date. It had been his idea that we have a picnic under the night sky.

It was a cute idea that I loved, so I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

He had come to my place around eight that night, a bag full of groceries and an expensive bottle of wine. Together, we put together sandwiches and other types of food before getting into his car and making our way to a park nearby.

So, here we sat, a blanket the only barrier between our bodies and the damp grass beneath us. It was cold, but we were prepared. A thick blanket covered each of our bodies on top of jackets and mittens. The cold was strong, but so was our ambition for seeing the stars.

Already on my second glass of wine, I sipped carefully, watching as my breath turned to smoke. Though it was below thirty degrees that night, I could hardly feel it thanks to the blankets and jackets that surrounded me.

Steve sat beside me, his chin lifted as he looked up at the dark sky above us. His eyes gleamed, taking in the beauty of the stars. Slowly, I did the same, staring up into the abyss.

It was truly beautiful.

“Do you see that one there?” Steve asked, his finger lifting to point to a constellation.

I glimpsed where he was pointing, my gaze falling on a clump of stars. I nodded, humming as I took another sip.

“That one’s Leo. The stars take the shape of a lion.” His finger drifted over to another bundle of stars. “Then there’s the Ursa Major. Over there is Cassiopeia.” His hand moved over once more, finger pointed. “This one’s my favorite— the Orion.”

I licked my wine stained lips, the cold nipping at them as I looked towards Orion, amazement gleaming in my eyes.

“In Greek Mythology, Orion was a hunter, just about the fiercest hunter ever. Achilles is the most well known Greek warrior, but I’ve always thought Orion was the greatest.”

I turned to look at him, eyes drinking in the man before me. He stared up at the sky, and suddenly, his eyes flickered to meet my own. I blushed, quickly turning away and taking the last sip of my wine. I didn’t miss the way he smiled in adoration.

“Are you going to have another glass?” I asked, eyeing what was left of the wine.

“Mmhm. It’s all yours. One of us has to drive tonight,” he teased, picking up the bottle and pouring me the last of its contents. I giggled, the alcohol making me feel warm and less awkward.

I liked this version of me.

Bringing the glass back to my lips, he watched me closely as I took another sip, and I looked at him, almost choking on the liquid. “Don’t look at me like that,” I said, flustered. “It makes me feel nervous.”

“I make you feel nervous?” He pressed, a teasing smirk resting on his face. He took a grape from the bowl of fruit, popping it into his mouth.

I snorted at his cocky attitude. “Maybe…just a little bit.” I held my fingers up to show him the amount he made me nervous, and he raised his dark brows.

“Just a little?”

“Mmhmm,” I confirmed, snacking on a strawberry.

His gaze lingered on my face, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He hummed, eyes scanning each detail of my face before flickering them back up to the sky. Suddenly, his hand gently pushed my shoulder, his finger flying backup to point to something in the sky. “Quick, look! It’s a shooting star.”

I glanced upwards, and sure enough, a shooting star passed over our heads.

“Make a wish,” he urged, looking back down towards me.

Quickly, my eyes fell shut, and I tried to find something I truly wanted in life.

A face flashed before my eyes, and my heart fluttered at the familiar warm eyes that once lit up my life.

My wish was decided.

Finally opening my eyes, Steve was still looking at me, his features soft. I smiled gently, taking one last sip of wine from my cup.

He shifted himself on the blanket, leaning to lay down and stare up at the sky. I followed suit, hugging the blanket closer to me.

“Tell me about your family, (Y/N),” he said quietly, his eyelashes fluttering as he looked upwards, his gaze observing the stars above us.

I forced a tight-lipped smile. “I grew up in the foster care system, so, I don’t really know much about them, honestly.”

“Oh,” he mumbled quickly. “I didn’t mean to-“

“It’s fine,” I giggled. “I don’t really mind not having a family. Definitely saves me from the family drama.”

He pursed his lips and nodded. “You’re telling me.” He adjusted himself on the blanket once more, arms coming to rest behind his head. “What about your friends?”

I bit my inner cheek. “I don’t really have any,” I admitted.

He turned to look at me, brows knitted together. “Not even one?”

Silently, I shook my head, ignoring his eyes on me. He looked back up at the sky.

“I had one.”

I sucked in a breath, pausing.

I didn’t really talk about Lilith. I hadn’t spoken her name since the moment everyone began to accept that she was dead and gone; however, this time, something felt right about saying her name. It felt like it would be…okay to tell her story.

To tell Lilith’s story.

“She was the only person in my life, really,” I continued, my eyes never leaving the stars above me. They seemed to urge me to speak, calling for me to continue my story.

“She went missing in May. She had told me she was going to Manhattan for a doctor's appointment, but I knew she was lying. My birthday was that Friday, and we had been in Manhattan together a couple weeks before.” I sighed sadly at the memory of Lilith and I walking the streets, glancing into the windows and gazing at expensive gifts we longed to afford but knew we never would. “I had seen these beautiful necklaces—two of them with pink heart diamonds and gold chains. They were the most beautiful necklaces we had ever seen, and I had promised her that one day, they’d be ours.” A solemn laugh fell from my lips, and I could feel Steve’s gaze burning into my face.

I could feel tears welling in my eyes, but I blinked them away.

“She had spent the next coming weeks saving every cent of her paycheck. She had picked up so many shifts from her job that I had hardly seen her during the time between our shopping day and the day she left. I waited and waited for her to come back.” A tear slid from my glazed eyes, trailing down my face until it reached my lips, and I licked it away, a sad smile gracing my lips. “My birthday came and went. So did Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and next week, it’ll be Christmas.”

Steve was silent beside me, and I felt a warm hand caress my arm, his thumb massaging the area in comfort. Leaning up onto his arms, he leaned over me, his face contorted into a look of grief. “I’m so sorry, (Y/N)…I-I couldn’t even imagine-“ His hand reached up to wipe away a tear from my eye, eyes trailing up and down my face.

It was as if a boulder had been lifted from my chest, and I breathed a shaky sigh. It felt good to be comforted, to have someone to wipe away your tears. I had forgotten what it was like to have someone care, and now, as Steve’s hand brushed against my cheek, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning into his touch.

His lips turned up into a gentle smile, blue eyes glistening in the moonlight.

Lilith would want me to be happy. That was all she had ever wanted for me in life, so wouldn’t she want the same in death?

Death.

All these months, I had been fighting the idea that Lilith was dead, battling a war in my mind that so desperately ached to see her again. When you’re alone, it’s easy to hyperfixate on daydreams, to fill your head with delusions and convince yourself that things aren’t the way they truly are.

Lilith was gone. My best friend was dead, and no amount of sulking and isolating myself was going to change that. No amount of depriving myself with human connection was going to bring her back.

Staring into his blue eyes awoke something in me. Staring into his blue eyes made me realize what I was missing in life. It made me realize I couldn’t go back into the abyss. I could no longer stare up at my ceiling longing to sleep and never wake up. I could no longer find comfort in scalding hot water, or spending all my free time in bed.

I couldn’t, and I wouldn’t.

Staring up into his blue eyes, I did something that even surprised myself.

I leaned upwards, closing the gap between us, and pressed my lips against his.

[harlowsbby]

Jack forgetting it’s Valentine’s days and he’s out all day working and y/n been mentioning it all the things she’s gonna do like dinner but he forgot or ir came in one ear and out the other he gets home really late after irban mention it’s Valentine’s Day and it’s late already so he rushes home to see the reader dried tears sleeping in her lingerie while waiting for jack ending how ever you want

Valentines Blues 💘

It was your first ever Valentines Day with Jack and of course you were beyond thrilled and excited you’ve been planning on things you were going to do a week before Valentine’s Day came around.

You woke up that morning before Jack so you were able to make him a big breakfast he was supposed to be going to the studio today but he’d be back just in time for dinner.

“You’re really going all out for Jack aren’t you?” Your friend Khloe asked as she set down some flowers you had gotten for decoration.

“Well it is our first ever Valentine’s together so I have to make sure everything is perfect for him.” You we’re literally on edge everything had to be perfect or you weren’t going to be happy.

“Do you need anything else before I leave?.” You looked around one last time before shaking your head no. You gave Khloe a quick hug before she left.

You began to make waffles and bacon for Jack he wasn’t really a big breakfast type of person so you didn’t really go out for his breakfast. You just finished putting the final touches on his plate when he came walking around the corner.

“Good morning baby girl.” He mumbled and stretched before rubbing the crust out of the corner of his eyes.

“Good morning Jack, how did you sleep.” Walking over to him you took his hand and led him to the table and set his plate in front of him as well as his orange juice. “I slept good baby, what’s all this for?” He licked his lips.

“I just wanted to do something special for you is all especially since you work so hard.” “Well I appreciate it very much baby thank you.” You both ate in silence for the rest of the breakfast. Once you finished you collected your plates and did the dishes before meeting Jack in the living room.

You took out your phone and opened up Instagram and smiled seeing all of your friends being posted by their boyfriends and girlfriends and them doing the same but your smile soon enough turned into a frown, you knew Jack wasn’t that big on pda but a story of you or something would’ve been nice to have seen.

“Why are you all frowns over there baby?” Looking up that’s when you noticed Jack was dressed and ready for the studio. You didn’t want to be a nag today or seem like you were complaining it was the day of love not the day of drama.

It ran across your head that maybe Jack forget it was Valentines Day but there was no way he could’ve because you talked about it non stop last week.

“Oh nothing I just saw a sad video of some puppy being lost but he found his family.” You lied and prayed Jack would fall for it because he was able to tell if you were lying.

“Well stop looking at stuff like that baby you know how sensitive you can be.” He teased, rolling your eyes playfully you helped him organize his folder he had filled with lyrics.

“You’ll be home for dinner right? I’m making homemade macaroni with salmon and some greens and for dessert homemade ice cream.” He licked his lips at the thought of homemade ice cream.

“I’ll be home tonight baby I promise, I love you and I’ll see you soon.” He bent down and gave you a quick little kiss before leaving and the moment the door closed you got to work right away.

You put the macaroni in first since it was obviously going to take a minute and then you got started on the greens, before you knew it the time was now 4pm and Jack said he’d be back by 7 so it gave you time to clean up and get ready.

At the studio

Jack was getting frustrated the pile of crumbled up lyric sheets on the floor was obviously the reason why but he wasn’t the only one annoyed.

“Jack, why don’t we call it a wrap man I mean it’s getting late and I’m tired and I’m hungry.” Urban complained as he paced around the studio trying his best to stay awake.

“Urban I’m almost done stop complaining.” Neelam looked down at her phone seeing it was now 5 minute till 10pm. “It’s literally almost 10 and we’ve been at this since 8am this morning we’re done for the day Jack.” Neelam was just as exhausted as Jack and she knew how much being in the studio and getting songs done meant to him but she was tired and wanted to be with her man.

“Dude I’m surprised you didn’t have anything planned with Y/N today like how did she even left you out the house.” Sunni asked, Jack looked at him as if he had three heads. “What are you on about Sunni? She’s my girl and all but she doesn’t own me.”

“What? It’s Valentines Day don’t tell me you forgot.” Sunni said making Jack almost immediately stop in his tracks. “You forgot it was Valentine’s Day? Oooo she’s definitely making sure you sleep on that couch till you’re 75.” Urban and Sunni joked.

“Fuck that’s why last week she kept going on and on about some dinner fuck I totally messed up big time.” Jack literally hated himself in that moment he knew there was no way you were about to forgive him. “Good luck Jack you’re gonna need it.” Sunni laughed with Urban but the two of them instantly shut up when Neelam glared at them.

The entire ride back home all Jack could think about was you he just knew you were going to hate him and you had every right to, this dinner was special to you especially since you spent hours with Maggie trying to make sure everything turned out right and you spent all your hard owned money on groceries.

He barley had time to shut his car door before he was speeding inside the house, his heart was pulling at sleeve when he saw all the millions of flowed peddles you had laid out in the living room that spread to the kitchen as well as the once lit white candles, you even had heart balloons floating on the ceilings.

“Oh baby.” He said sadly and made his way to the kitchen where he saw you sleeping on the chair with tears stained on your cheeks. The dinner you spent hours on laid untouched on the counter which meant you were waiting for him to come home.

You had your silk robe tied around you tightly and underneath was one of Jack’s favorite lingerie pieces you had owned.

“Baby” He shook you gently and you woke up slowly. “Jack?” You said sleepy “Baby, fuck I’m so sorry I feel like such an asshole i completely forgot it was Valentines Day today and I’m so sorry baby girl. Can you please forgive me?”

“I spent hours on this dinner Jack I waisted all my time and energy on tonight just for you to not even show up and I don’t see how you can forget when I told you about it all last week.” You were no longer tired all the tiredness completely left your body.

“I’m sorry Y/N, please forgive me.” He begged but you weren’t falling for it you understood his schedule got busy at times but not listening to you nor even putting you as a priority was your last straw.

“Just saying please isn’t going to cut it this time Jack. I think we need some time apart for a bit clearly you have several things on your plate and I don’t want to interfere with any of it.” Your voice cracked as you spoke.

“So what are you saying?” You sighed deeply and hugged yourself tighter and looked up at him. Jack had this fear in his eyes like he knew what you were going to say but didn’t want to come to the realization of it.

“I’m saying that you need to find somewhere else to say for a few days.” You bit your lip as it began to tremble. “Please Y/N let’s just talk about this baby please.” He tried to approach you but you stepped back making him stop.

“Just go Jack I don’t have anything else to say.” You whispered, he nodded and got his car keys before leaving out the door. The minute he did you instantly started crying. All you wanted to do was spend a day with Jack but you had no idea you came second to last.

Taglist

@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow

@nattinatalia @a-moment-captured

@awhore4moree @moody4world

@softtcurse @jackharloww

@jacksmoviestar @jackmans-poison

@lcandothisallday

[gaybitchfx]

I've finished the idea and finally worked up the courage to post it to you. I'm also sending it with my actual account instead of turning on anon mode because I'm proud of my work. So here it is, my very well thought idea with a bit of angst:

Just a heads up, this is the first time I'm ever requesting something like a story on anyone, and I know nothing about the omegaverse but I am somehow addicted to it, so I'm going to keep the prompt vague or wording stuff weird whenever I don't know what I'm talking about (it's problem why this whole thing will sound really choppy)

The character the reader will be interested in is Gorou who's a couple of years older than he canonically is. And the reader being a couple of years older than Gorou.

Gorou is a Alpha and the reader is a Omega

I imagine the reader being like gorou and having animal ears and a tail.

Gorou and The reader know each other from when they grew up in the same neighborhood. The reader being very adventurous one out of the two and Gorou being quite protective over the reader.

When the reader is an adult they were in a relationship with a different alpha and becomes pregnant by said alpha (who is pretty much an unknown entity) and for some reason that alpha leaves the reader as soon as he learns about the reader's prgnancy. Gorou learns about this and becomes even more protective over the reader who's taking the whole situation really hard.

Then the story goes on to the child being born and the kid looks coincidentally like Gorou and he pretty much adopts the kid and starts dating the reader, which ends up with the two marrying.

Feel free to change and add anything to this, because I feel like its missing a few pieces. Like I said before, this is the first time I've ever sent out something like this, so it's probably not the best but it's better than just having the idea and not doing anything about it (I've done that so many times).

-🍓 Character(s): Gorou

-🍓 Type of reader: M!Reader

-🍓 Category: SFW(?) + a/b/o

-🍓 Warning(s): Angst ✨

-🍓 Edited: ❌

“Gorou! Gorou! Look!” You exclaimed as you showed him a lizard you caught. He would flinch a little and back up.

“It looks gross.” He said sticking his tongue out. “I think it’s cute!” You said with a smile before letting it go, the lizard quickly running off.

You were always the one who find weird things cute, Gorou on the other hand was kind of the opposite.

“Y/n!” Your mother shouted from the distance making your ears twitch a bit.

“I gotta go, my mom needs me. I’ll talk to you later or tomorrow, bye Gorou!” You smiled and ran off, turning around a few times and waving bye.

Gorou smiled as he waved bye as well. It was now night and Gorou was supposed to be asleep till you poked your head into his room scaring him.

“Hi, Gorou!” You whispered shouted making him exhale as he placed a hand over his heart.

“It’s late Y/n, what are you doing here?” Gorou asked as he got out of his room since you began walking away.

“I heard the adults saying there were going to be fireflies tonight! I wanna see them with you.” You said and began marching to where they were.

“Isn’t it dangerous to be out this late thought?” Gorou asked as he stood close to you, holding onto your hand for comfort which you didn’t mind. “When you’re with me, there’s nothing dangerous.” You huffed till you two were in the middle of the forest.

“Touch the leaves.” Gorou hesitantly poked a leaf making multiple fireflies quickly leave it, their light brightening the dark and damp place. You ran around touching any leaves you could find while giggling, now making the place brighter.

“Isn’t it pretty?” You asked with a big smile making Gorou’s heart jump around in his chest. “Yeah..very pretty.” He said his attention was on you and only you.

By the time you were adults, Gorou was the general of the Watatsumi Army and you of course were something like his sidekick since he trusted you and knew you longer than anyone else. But you had to step down from that role after finding out you were pregnant.

The father? He left as soon as the news of you being pregnant got out leaving you devastated and heartbroken knowing your pup wouldn’t know or have another parental figure in its life.

“He left you?!” Gorou shouted as he clenched his hands, bawling them into a fist.

“I’m going to find him and—” “Gorou please calm down.” You sighed as you placed a hand on your stomach, a frown present on your face as your ears flattened at the side of your head.

Gorou’s facial expressions softened seeing you so sad. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to be by your side.” He mumbled and held you close to him, creating a comforting scent making your body relax.

Throughout your whole pregnancy, Gorou has been nothing but kind and sweet to you even when you’d yank his hair a get upset at him sometimes, but that was caused by hormones something you couldn’t control. Of course, he understood that.

“Gorou..” You whispered and shook the man out of his sleep. “Hm?” He grumbled and sat up, placing his hand to the side, and suddenly felt something wet.

“The baby..” You breathed out, sounding like you were in pain. His eyes shot open as he removed the blankets, now seeing your water had broken. Gorou didn’t waste a second getting you ready and running to the infirmary with you in his arms.

During the whole process, it was like hell itself came into Earth. You ended up kicking a nurse unconscious by accident and nearly broke Gorou’s hand as they helped deliver the baby.

“It’s a girl..” The nurse announced as she placed your pup onto your chest. “Is she mines? Is she my baby?” You asked as your consciousness slowly came back.

“Yeah, she’s yours,” Gorou said softly as he moved some of your hair that stuck to your face to the side. “She looks like you, so beautiful.” You sniffled and held her close.

“I know this may be a little too early and you’re not in the right mind right now, but…will you date me, Y/n?” Gorou asked as he fiddled with his hands, his tail swaying side to side slowly. “I mean..you don’t have to if you don’t want—”

You slowly sat up and kissed Gorou catching him by surprise, but he knew your answer right away.

You ended up naming her (daughter's name), a very beautiful and suitable name for her. By the time she was a year old, the two of you decided to get married.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight to join this man and this man in matrimony.” The priest began as he looked over the crowd of you and Gorou’s family, along with friends.

“Gorou, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?” The priest asks as he faced Gorou. “I do.” He answered.

“Y/n, do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?” He asked you and you nodded your head. “I do.” “Repeat after me.” The priest cleared his throat.

“I, Gorou, take you Y/n, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part,” Gorou repeated after the priest as he stared into your eyes already seeing tears form in them.

“I, Y/n, take you Gorou, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” You repeated, wiping away any stray tears. “Please place the ring on Y/n’s finger.” Gorou gently took your hand and slid the ringer on your ring finger.

“Now repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.” “Please place the ring on Gorou’s finger.” The priest said to you and you did just that and soon repeated the same thing Gorou said to you.

“Join hands please.” Gorou took your hands in his, squeezing them a few times. “Under the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband.” He said and turned to Gorou.

“You may kiss the bride.” Gorou removed his hand from your and took you by the waist, pulling you into a long and passionate kiss as everyone cheered.

Time felt slow, and the sounds of everyone cheering were muffled as well. It felt as if you two were the only ones there and you loved it.

-🍓tags: @jkloserdazai @reallyromealone @secretivemessenger @lostsomewhereinthegarden

[armandisdaddy]

Her Bodyguard Modern Au! Ser Harwin Strong x OC Targaryen

Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong (Bodyguard)x OC Targaryen (Heiress)

Word Count: 2,008

Content: Modern Au! 18 PLUS 🔞, Angst, Fluff, LOTS OF TENSION, Bratty, Brat-Taming,& Swearing

Summary: Rhaena very spoiled, conceited, headstrong, and very very naive. She needed his protection and his guidance, but will it be enough to save her?

Chapter One Difficult

Today was going to be a busy one she thought it was the day a party was being held in honor of her sister Rhaenyra’s wedding. She lay in her large canopy bed looking up at the champagne-colored linens that shrouded her. The sunlight peeked through the opening on the fabric kissing her skin ever so slightly with warmth. Stretching her limbs, she ejected herself from her bed after giving herself a well-needed pep talk. Making her way into the bathroom she did her regular beauty routine showering, exfoliating, plucking whatever it took for her to be perfect. Her gorgeous platinum locks were styled in voluminous curls that could give nothing but glamour. After all, she was the daughter of the richest man in King’s Landing, and she was to inherit it all.

There was so much to do with the last remaining details that needed to be taken care of and she was off to make it happen. She exited her room wearing a sleek black dress by Louis Vuitton that accentuated her small waist and rounded hips. Immediately following behind her was whom she called her “Shadow” Harwin or if she was being formal Mr. Strong. He had been her bodyguard since was sixteen and she refused to have another.

“Hello, Shadow.” She spoke in a sing-song tone teasing him with a coy smile, which she enjoyed immensely. He nodded to her, a smirk threatening to tug at the corner of his mouth, but he put his stoic face make own and straightened his posture. When it came to Rhaena he was a big softy, watching her grow it the beautiful young woman she was today warmed his heart, but she still was a brat, nonetheless. “Harwin, I must pick up my dress from the boutique at ten-thirty and then we must make sure the venue for the party is perfect at noon. Nodding in acknowledgment he opened the door for her and walked her to the sleek black BMW that waited outside for her. “Yes, Ms. Targaryen.”

They took no time getting her dress from her favorite boutique she put it on to make sure everything was just right and as always Rhaena looked beautiful. He smiled to himself staring in adoration, but quickly averting his gaze when she turned in his direction. Before he knew it was already noon and she was already scolding the party planner about something that wasn’t right. He was uninterested in what small unnoticeable mistake that poor woman had made that set the little demon off this time. She was so utterly picky it was a wonder she got anything done sometimes.

He could see the party planner on the verge of tears; Harwin decided it was time to wrangle the brat in. “All right, all right, Ms. Rhaena. I think we should let the lady do her job. The venue looks good. There is no need in insulting her work.”, He took hold of her arm pulling her away. “But I’m not finished. Get off me, Harwin!” He did not relent and began to pull her to a secluded area where he pushed her back against the marbled wall and hovered over her. “Listen, I get this is supposed to be a special day for your sister. But you are going to ruin it before the party even starts, little devil.” He spoke in a firm whisper so no one else could hear such an exchange. “Stop … being… difficult.” She rolled her eyes and sighed under her breath. “Fine…”

She thanked the planner, and they were off again this time it was to grab something to eat and head back to her home so she could start the long…long…long process of getting ready. Once they were back Rhaena ran to her room calling on a few maids to help her get ready for tonight’s festivities. Her Shadow followed only to part ways to get to his room which was next to hers.

He sighed in annoyance, never being the dapper kind of guy, but he had to admit he cleaned up well when he put some effort into it. He put on an all-black suit tailored just right to his frame. His brown curls were combed back to make himself look presentable, and he trimmed his beard to sharpen the look. He now sat waiting for his little devil to come out, but that might take a while.

Meanwhile, Rhaena was running her maids ragged as one styled her hair and the two others helped her put on her dress. Her platinum tresses were pinned up in a gorgeous style and her dress was a glamorous black dress with one shoulder strap and a long slit that came down her right thigh. She put a subtle amount of make-up on her milky white skin and for her shoes, she put a pair of sexy strapped heels with pearl accents on the shoes. She admired herself in her large body mirror and snapped a few pictures before grabbing her black clutch and walking out into the hall.

Harwin heard her door open and quickly followed coming up behind her. Rhaena turned to him, a smile as bright as the sun shown on her face upon seeing him. He looked good, she said to herself. He on the other hand was taken aback by how gorgeous she looked. His heart skipped a beat and his thoughts jumbled together. He shook his head slightly realizing she had been talking to him. “Helloooo…Earth to Harwin…how do I look?” He took her hand spinning her about, she giggled in response before standing back to take a good look at her. “You look gorgeous, my little devil.” She blushed, looking into his eyes before quickly turning away.

“Umm thank you, but we need to go, Mr. Strong.” They’ve had moments like this before but there was this feeling that seemed to build the more they were around each other and it had only started recently. Before, she was just a child he had to follow around and be annoyed by most of the time. Other times they played, and he made her laugh, but now she was a young woman, and he couldn’t help but see and feel the difference time has made, and neither could she.

Quickly they exited the home and were on their way. The car pulled up to the location of the event and Harwin was coming to the back passenger side to open the door. Stepping out she was almost flooded by all the paparazzi as well as the public that watched as all the elites of King’s Landing came together. Harwin connected their arms so that he could safely lead her inside without an issue. She blushed as she clung to him so tightly stopping to pose for pictures.

Finally, they were at the entrance and now that it was nighttime, and the mood was set the image she had in her mind for this grandiose occasion came together perfectly. Rhaena smiled at Harwin excited and giddy with delight. He couldn’t help but smile and laugh with her, but quickly became stoic again once approached by her father, Viserys. “Rhaena, my sweet girl. You’ve done an amazing job putting this all together. I’m sure Rhaenyra will love it.” He hugged her and kissed her forehead nodding to Harwin in acknowledgement before he left her side to greet more of the guests that came in behind them.

Shortly after Viserys dismissed himself, his new wife Alicent greeted them. Of course, Rhaena was not a fan of her being that Alicent grew up with her and her sister. “Rhaena, you look beautiful.” She was trying to be warm and loving, but she came off as cold and uninterested. “As do you... Come on Harwin let’s find something else to do.” Harwin knew the best way for Rhaena to keep up appearances and remain cordial was to avoid her stepmother at all times.

Now they awaited the newlywed’s arrival as it seemed Rhaenyra and Laenor were to be fashionably late. Rhaena saw her uncle Daemon who was keeping himself occupied with a glass of wine and she sent Harwin to bring her a drink as well before approaching him. “Guess who?” She giggled as she snuck up behind him covering his eyes. Daemon chuckled and turned to see one of his favorite people. “My darling, Rhaena. The two exchanged hugs and words pulling off to the side to talk shit about everyone that came in when Harwin handed her a glass of champagne. He knew her so well.

Finally, the long-awaited couple made their entrance and Rhaenyra looked gorgeous with her handsome new husband on her arm. Daemon seemed a bit annoyed, but Laena caught his eye and quickly approached the two stealing Rhaena’s uncle away. And now the party had begun. She danced with her sister and from the looks of it they were enjoying themselves. They giggled like they used to when they were playing tag or some silly Princess game; she was going to miss her.

Daemon took Rhaenyra’s hand whisking her away onto the dance floor. Rhaena objected, but Harwin approached her with his hand open to her. “May I have this dance?” She smiled sliding her hand into his., “Yes, you may.” Leading her out onto the floor a hand rested on the small of her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they began to sway to the sounds of “All of Me” by John Legend. Spinning her around pressing his chest into her back she giggled, and he laughed in return it was almost like they were the only two people there at this very moment.

After the dance, Rhaena could see Rhaenyra burning a hole into her from the corner of her eye before she was swept away by her into a secluded area. “What the fuck was that Rhaena?” Confusion furrowed her brow “What was what?” Rhaenyra scoffed. “So, the two of you looking like you wanted to suck each other’s faces off didn’t just happen? Or am I the only one who noticed how in love the two of you looked?” She busted out in laughter. “Harwin? Are you serious? He’s always been like a brother to me.” Rolling her eyes Rhaenyra walked away, “Suuurree.”

She couldn’t be serious, but she seemed serious. Rhaena raked her brain trying to figure out what her sister was seeing. Was she missing something? Instead of dwelling on it, she intended to enjoy herself before the party was over, but as she returned a fight broke out. Her father’s bodyguard Cole was pummeling into the face of Joffrey someone who came with Laenor’s entourage. Chaos ensued and a full-on riot erupted. Rhaena had been knocked to the floor getting stepped on and walked over. The sounds of hysteric partygoers snuffed out her screams, but Harwin was already pushing through the crowd to get to her, calling out to her.

He found her curled into a ball on the floor shielding herself. He busted a few people in the jaw who crowded around her, hoisting her up over her shoulder as if she weighed nothing. Making a quick getaway he placed her in the car. She had passed out and he placed her head on his lap ordering the chauffeur to rush them to the hospital. “Please, don’t leave me, little devil. Who will I follow if you’re gone?” He begged her even though she was out of it. He caressed her face and stroked her hair with so much care. “Please stay with me…” The faint sounds of the EKG beeping began to wake her. Everything seemed to be in a blur. Then the pain hit, and she remembered how she had got there.

Harwin lifted himself from his seat quickly finding his way to her side. He grabbed her hand and kissed it lightly. “I’m so happy to see you awake. You scared me, little devil.”

To be continued...

[corpocyborg]

WIP Whenever

Tagged by @illusivesoul. (Thank you!)

I'm going to share a bit from a future chapter of Secure Your Soul, which is my AU where Corpo!V never leaves Arasaka. I have previously posted this bit on tumblr, but it's been edited since then and it's been a while and unfortunately I don't have a lot of new content... so here it is again. 😅

--

CHAPTER TBD: FEED THE DEMON

V wasn't sure how much time had passed, but as she started to regain lucidity, she became gradually aware of Johnny's voice in her head.

"I mean, for fuck's sake, V," Johnny was saying. "I've seen your memories. The things you've done for 'Saka. You've killed. Blackmailed. Ruined lives. And for what? Corporate rep? Profit margins? How do you fuckin’ live with yourself?"

V stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't remember how she'd gotten here. The alley she was in was abandoned. Litter lined the sidewalk, and the street lamps were barely flickering. In a dark corner nearby, a stray dog was busy devouring a rat.

For a few seconds, V just watched it. Homeless dogs were a rare sight in Night City. This one was dark gray and half its left ear was missing. It looked lean and muscular, and it tore off chunks of its prize with a ferocity that domestic dogs almost never displayed.

"You see that?" she asked Johnny.

Johnny's physical image materialized in the alley. He leaned against the wall—appeared to lean, she reminded herself—and gazed at the dog. "See everything you see," he replied.

"You're looking. You're not seeing."

"That so? And what'm I supposed to be seeing?"

"The evolutionarily synchronized relationship between predator and prey."

Johnny looked up from the dog and stared at her. She could see the anger on his face, but she could also feel him manifesting that same anger inside her body. No matter. She'd make it hers. Anger was an emotion she could work with.

"You see one dog eating one rat," V continued, allowing some of Johnny's anger to seep into her voice, directing it back at him. "In your interpretation, there's one winner and one loser. It's accurate, in a way. The dog wins. Look at him. He's a survivor. Even you should be able to recognize that."

Johnny didn't answer. His image was looking away from her, eyes locked on the warring animals. But she could still feel him fuming. Only now it was hard to tell where his anger ended and hers began. She continued speaking.

"You don't see the bigger picture. For every dog having dinner tonight, dozens starve. For every rat providing the main meal, dozens get away. They're fast enough or clever enough to escape.

"Only the best dogs feed, only the best rats live. And because of this, over generations, both species improve. In the end, the prey species benefits just as much as the predator species does. And the world gets better."

"The world." Johnny repeated the phrase slowly. She tasted his revulsion on her tongue. "This world?" he asked. He gestured at the trash-strewn alleyway. The dog had finished its meal and had settled to sleep in a blanket likely left there before by a homeless person. "This is your brave new world?"

"No, Johnny," she responded, her voice echoing the revulsion he'd forced her to feel. "These are just the rats that got caught."

---

And, now for my tags...

@merge-conflict, @gamerkitten, @luvwich, @fereldanwench and @another-corpo-rat

No pressure of course as always.

[theoceanoasis]

Hot rod in an abusive relationship humanformers. He’s carrying and runs away running into soundwave before fainting. Soundwave takes care of him and they fall in love

"This is for your own good."

His boyfriend looked down at him in mock pity as he laid on the ground. His whole body hurt from the beating he'd just recieved.

He'd been tired after work and had fallen asleep. When his boyfriend got home dinner wasn't ready and in retaliation he was pulled out of bed and dragged to the kitchen.

His boyfriend had screamed at him beating him as he was forced to make him dinner. His boyfriend hated it when he cried and since he was disoriented from being woken up he started crying. Which meant the beatings got worse.

He looked up at his boyfriend who was sitting at the dinning table, while he lay on the ground. Since he didn't deserve to sit with him for being a bad boyfriend.

He was enjoying his dinner. Smiling with every bite. His knuckles bloody from the beating he'd given him.

He was so exhausted and all he wanted was to sleep. His eyes left his boyfriend and turned to the door. He stared at it in longing.

He wanted to leave but he knew there was no escape. No one would want him except his boyfriend. He was too annoying and wasn't even good enough for his boyfriend who barely tolerated him. His boyfriend was right. He was doing him a favor because he was so useless.

He looked away from the door because he knew he couldn't escape. His boyfriend would just find him and bring him back. He had no choice but to love him and deal with the pain that came along with it.

He found himself drifting off to sleep. Only to be awoken with a start, when his boyfriend angrily slammed his plate onto the ground, causing it to shatter. He winced as part of the plate flew at him cutting his skin.

"Sleeping again! What did I just say about sleeping without my permission?!"

"T--That I'm not supposed to."

He looked down in shame trembling in fear. When his boyfriend grabbed him forcing him to his feet.

"That's right."

He gagged. His hands coming up to claw at the hand choking him. He made a sound of pain as he struggled to breathe feeling lightheaded. Black spots entered his vision and before he could pass out his boyfriend let go.

He fell to his knees gagging and wheezing. His boyfriend walked away demanding he clean up after him.

Crying he picked up the shards with his bare hands cutting them in the process. However he barely registered the pain as he cleaned up the mess.

He then did the dishes. Not wanting his boyfriend to be angry at him when they were still in the sink.

"Hot Rod."

He looked over to see his boyfriend drunk with a bottle in his hands as he stumbled over. He flinched thinking he was going to throw the bottle at him.

"Are you scared?"

He shook his head trembling in fear.

"I'm sorry Hot Rod. I must have gotten carried away but you know how much I hate it when you don't listen."

"It's okay."

"Good."

His boyfriend wrapped his arms around him and he felt his cock brush against him. He stiffened in fear knowing what he wanted.

"Come to bed."

"I need to finish the dishes."

"Those can wait come to bed."

"But."

"I won't ask again."

His boyfriend squeezed him and he wheezed in pain.

"Okay."

His boyfriend pulled him towards the bedroom and he looked back at the front door which seemed to be calling him.

"Hurry up!"

His boyfriend yanked on him and he almost fell.

"Don't make me drag you. I won't go easy on you if you don't obey."

Tears fell and his boyfriend pulled harder looking angry he felt a slap to the face as he began drunkenly screaming and cursing at him.

"Stop crying you know I hate that. Why can't you be good for once and do as I ask? I'm not going to go easy on you tonight."

Sobbing as he was dragged towards the bedroom. His boyfriend ignored his pleas. Terrified of what's to happen he looked at the door which was calling him. Begging him to leave.

Feeling a rush of strength he pulled away not even giving himself a moment to think he ran out of the house. He could hear his boyfriend yelling and cursing behind him as he ran after him.

He frantically ran as fast as he could heart pounding in fear. Afraid that his boyfriend would grab him and force him back into his house.

Sobbing he turned the corner and ran into something. Looking up he saw a man staring down at him in surprise.

He heard his boyfriend shout his name and he sounded angry, in a way he'd never heard him before. Ignoring the pain he forced himself to his feet and felt someone grab him. He flinched trembling in fear.

"Are you okay?"

He looked up giving the strange man a confused look. His mind felt hazy and black spots entered his vision. His body unable to take it anymore collapsed. The only thing stopping him from falling was the stranger he ran into.

Later he woke up in the hospital with a strange man sitting at the bedside. Confused he looked around wondering what happened.

He must have voiced that out loud because the man turned to him.

"I'm Soundwave. I don't know if you remember but you ran into me before you passed out."

"Oh... Where's my...?"

"Jail. He tried going after you and I stopped him."

"Thanks."

He coughed. His throat feeling dry and the man brought him some water, which he quietly drank trying to get his thoughts in order.

"My name is Hot Rod."

He reached out a hand and the man took it.

"Soundwave."

"You don't have to stay."

"I didn't want to leave you alone."

"Thank you."

His heart fluttered and he felt himself blush when the doctor walked in.

"You're lucky to be alive."

The doctor explained everything that happened and reassured him that he was safe.

He spent the next few weeks in the hospital and Soundwave visited him every day. He got him caught up on what happened with his boyfriend and just life in general. It was nice because no one had ever cared about him like this. Usually they wanted something from him, but not Soundwave.

When he was released he didn't want to go back to his home. He didn't know if he could ever go back and Soundwave seemed to understand. Because he let him stay at his house which he was thankful for.

Soundwave helped get his stuff and helped him get settled. The next few months weren't easy with him trying to heal and deal with his boyfriend's trial. Luckily Soundwave was there the entire time supporting him. Even when he snapped at him after a bad day.

Over time he found himself falling for the man and from the looks of it, so was Soundwave. About a year and a half of the two living together he finally confessed. Happy when Soundwave reciprocated his feelings. The two of them began dating although they took it slow which was just what he needed.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

The Truth About Love ~ 16

THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,560ish

Summary: You and Steve’s relationship grows. Steve is worried about an upcoming event.

Notes: Sorry it’s taken me so long to update!

The next semester started and you and Steve were getting on better terms. The two of you made sure to go on weekly dates to help you. You were still working the two jobs, just fewer hours at both of them since this semester and your next semester was taken care of. 

You were back to studying in Steve’s studio, which made Steve incredibly happy. He made sure though to respect your boundaries when it came to being physical with you and the money aspect. Steve still visited you at your places of work, doing his own homework or sketching until your shift was over and then either taking you home or to the studio.

Currently, you were sitting on the floor of the studio, with your back against the windows. A textbook lay in your lap with your laptop open beside you. Steve was supposed to be working on his latest art project, across the room, but had been staring at you for the last twenty minutes. And you noticed.

“Steve,” you called, not even looking up from what you were doing. “Why don’t you try and get your own work done?”

“Sorry, it’s just so hard when you're across the room from me,” he responded.

You looked up. “Should I leave then? Allow you to get some work done?”

Steve shook his head as he stood up and walked over. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.” 

“But I’m a distraction,” you teased.

Steve crouched down in front of you. “A very welcome one.” He leaned in and brushed his lips over yours. 

“Yeah, well, you’re not.” You giggled as Steve’s lip formed into a pout. “I’m kidding, Steve.” You gave his lips a peck. “I do have to get this done tonight though.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “One more kiss?”

You smiled as you kissed him. Steve was quick to steal another kiss before you pushed him away with a giggle. He tried his best to look like a hurt puppy as he sulked back over to his spot. You bit your lip as you watched him, snapping your eyes back to your book when Steve turned to sit. He smirked as he noticed you had been staring. He couldn’t stop glancing at you and thinking about how lucky he was to have you in his life.

~~~

You could tell that something was bothering Steve from the moment he stepped into the coffee shop. His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes and his wave wasn’t as sure as it usually was. Sadly, you couldn’t go and figure out what was wrong because there was a constant stream of customers. You kept looking over to check on Steve. You were easily able to tell that Steve was too distracted to even sketch.

Unfortunately, there were customers in there up until closing time. So while you finished with them, Steve began cleaning up. Once the customers were gone and the door was locked, you studied Steve as he mindlessly went about cleaning. You sighed as you headed for him. He was so in his own head that he didn’t notice you coming and even jumped when your hand grazed his back.

“Sorry,” he quickly apologized before you could. He couldn’t even look you in the eye, seemingly in a rush to get back to work.

“Steve,” you called, only to go ignored. You went over to him again, this time getting in front of him. “Steve, what’s going on? Did something happen?”

“Nothing happened,” he shook his head. “Everything’s good.”

“I don’t believe you.”

He sighed. “Can we just finish cleaning up first? Then we can talk.”

You waited a moment before nodding. Getting back to work, you made sure to work as fast as you could. You were growing concerned over what Steve could possibly be so worried about. Once the store was cleaned and locked up, Steve took your hand and led you to the truck. He helped you in quietly before going around to the driver’s side. Steve began driving to the studio in silence.

“Steve,” you spoke softly, “you’re kinda scaring me.”

He was quick to grab your hand and hold it. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m really not meaning to… It’s honestly so stupid. I shouldn’t be as worried as I am—“

You stopped him by giving his hand a squeeze. “What’s up?”

He let out a long exhale, running through his mind what he was worried about. “Well, I— There’s— I—“

“Steve, just breathe. It’s just me.”

“Right, right.” He nodded. “But I guess that’s what I’m worried about… you.”

“Why?”

“Every year, Stark Industries hosts a gala. It’s really a way to show off how well the company is doing though the company uses it as a charity fundraiser.”

“What does this gala have to do with me?”

“Well, as a stakeholder in Stark Industries and Howard Stark’s stepson, I am required to go. And, honestly, I don’t want to go without you by my side.”

“I don’t see what the problem is. Of course, I’d go with you.”

Steve set you a smile and a slight squeeze to your hand as he continued to drive. “Thank you, though that’s not the problem.”

“What is?”

He sighed. “Tony. Tony’s the problem. He’s made comments about you and I absolutely hate them. I haven’t stood for them and I can only imagine what comments he’ll make there. I don’t want you to go through that. You don’t deserve that.” You nodded, taking in the information. “I’ve been spending the whole day thinking about what to do. I’m really close to skipping it because I don’t what to drag you through all that but I know Ma will be there and I’m expected to be there. And it will be the first one without Howard there and—“

“Steve, I’ll go with you. It sounds like it’s not going to be an easy night and I want to help you.”

He parked the truck in the parking garage and turned the best he could to face you. “You really don’t have to.”

“I want to.” You moved to face him better and leaned over to him. “I really do.” You pressed a kiss to his lips.

“You constantly amaze me… I’m too lucky to have you in my life.”

“I’m going to need your help, I don’t know what’s appropriate to wear to a gala. I don’t think I have anything that’s fancy enough in my closet.”

“Y/N, you could come in your pjs and would still be the most beautiful woman there.” He leaned in to give you a kiss this time. “Please don’t worry about it.” He pecked your lips again. “Let’s go upstairs and get some work done. I know you have a few big assignments to do.”

~~~

“Nat?” You called for your roomie as you entered the apartment living room. 

“Yes?” She hummed as she flipped through a magazine while lounging on the couch.

“Have you ever been to a gala?”

She lowered her magazine to look at you. “Did Steve invite you to the Stark Industries Charity Gala?”

You nodded. “Yeah… and I don’t think I have anything appropriate in my closet. Steve said that I shouldn’t worry about it, but I am. I have some money that I can buy I new dress but I still don’t know if it will be good enough.”

“Y/N, you could go to the Gala in rags and Steve would think you’re the most beautiful person ever. If you feel like you need a new dress, then let’s go dress shopping.”

~~~

Upon arriving at the first store, you told Natasha your budget and let her pick the dresses you were to try on. You tried on only two dresses at that store, with neither of them winning you over. The next three stores were similar experiences. You wanted to call it a day, but Natasha convinced you to go to one more store. That’s where you found it, your perfect dress. It was the right color, cut, everything. It even was in your budget.

“You’re gorgeous, Y/N,” Natasha complimented as you studied yourself in the mirror. “Steve is going to lose it.”

“Do you think it’s good enough?” You questioned. “I don’t know if it’s fancy enough.”

“It’s perfect.” You made eye contact with Natasha in the mirror. “Trust me.”

~~~

The day of the Gala came quicker than you would have hoped. Thankfully, Natasha was there to help you get ready. You were growing nervous about the whole thing, feeling kind of sick because of it. When Steve knocked on the door, you forced yourself to inhale and exhale long and slow to try and calm yourself before you opened the door. 

Steve stopped breathing the moment he saw you. His eyes slowly took in every inch of you, engraving it into his memory.

“Wow,” he breathed out. “You’re gorgeous.”

Your skin heated up and you looked away. “Are you sure?” You questioned.

“Y/N,” Steve stepped closer and gently prompted you to look at him as he grabbed your hands, “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

“Thank you, Steve.”

He came in for a sweet kiss. “You’re welcome.” He kissed you again. 

“We should probably get going.”

Steve hummed, kissing you for a third time. “Okay. Let’s go.”

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