#still got that polite Sorrow in his eyes but like. not that silly. he needs time to cultivate that. and wolfwood is just chugging by

[ruporas]

that one trope for high school au... (ID in alt)

[eijie-cavies]

Wen Kexing, Scorpion King and Gu-Xiang raised together in ghost valley.

This lovely user had produced a VERY interesting Au that I couldn't help myself but make a lil drabble/one shot on it. @naniya27 I hope you like it! I had fun playing around with Xi'er hahahah. (one shot under the cut)

Zhou Zishu didn't know if he should gape in surprise or tilt his head in confusion at the sight of Wen Kexing and a VERY familiar man clad in black conversing by their table. He had only stood up to order himself some more wine and all of the sudden there was an assassin sitting beside Wen Kexing, more so, this assassin wasn't even trying to kill him.

"Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you-" The man whined.

"I told you I will be "around" little brat, didn't A-Xiang inform you of my whereabouts?" Wen Kexing retorted, his carefree smile widened as he tilted his head back to drink his beverage as if this assassin was not in the least bit dangerous.  "Da-ge, you know I would be busy, did you purposely send me away to have your little adventures?" The man pouted, POUTED, as though he was a little brother feigning hurt just to gain favor from his older brother.

'Have I missed something here?' Zhou Zishu internally blanched, approaching their table slowly.

When the man's eyes landed on to him all the traces of playfulness disappeared and a hard mask was set in place. The man straightened in his seat like a proper gentleman with his eyes cold and observant. Zhou Zishu internally shivered, The man looked every bit like he was once did back when he was still serving the prince.

"Ah! A-Xu, come come, you took too long" Wen Kexing whined pettily which gained a slightly shocked but nonetheless passive expression from his companion. "I was gone for 5 minutes Lao Wen-"

"Five minutes too long, a-xu don't deprived me of your beauty" His soulmate winked.

The scandalized look on the scorpion's face ALMOST made Zhou Zishu want to play along with his fan man's antics, but his mind was still too muddled to comprehend just WHY this man was even here.

"Lao Wen, i don't think you need me here if you got a companion?" Zhou Zishu challenged, the man's eyebrows twitched. Either from annoyance or anger he didn't know. "Ah, my bad, A-Xu this is Xie Wang, Xi-er say hello to my beautiful A-Xu" Again, Wen Kexing had that silly sparkling look in his eyes that quiet frankly Zishu decided he would never tire from. "Wen Gongzi, I was not aware you harbored stowaways in your journey" Zishu wanted to snort at that. as if he had not seen the way this "Xi-er" acted while he was not there.

"I know who he is Lao Wen, did not know the Ghost valley is familiar with the Scorpion" Zhou Zishu tilted his head, sitting down across from Wen Kexing. Xi-er looked ready to retort a smartass reply, probably something Wen Kexing had taught himself when the older man beat him to it.

"Ayiah, the ghost valley and Scorpions had always been allies A-Xu, is it not a common knowledge?" he asked.

Zishu only shrugged his shoulder. being an ex-assassin he could always read people based on their body language, and though the man in front of him was of similar occupation, Zishu could not help but chuckle at the way Xi-er's knee slowly moved to touch Wen Kexing's in a protective manner ,or how his jaw flexed slightly indicating that he was grinding his teeth behind his mouth, the piercing eyes never left him for a moment as if anticipating Zishu's attack at anytime. truth be told he looked about ready to drive Zishu away himself.

"Ah that reminds me, I seemed to have forgotten to buy some herbs too take back to the manor, eh A-xu i'll be back in a bit" He smiled warmly before standing up to leave. Zishu knows it's bullshit, Lao Wen would never run off to "buy" something not unless he asked for money first, so Zishu figured that this was his chance to get to know this person, whatever Lao Wen had in mind anyway.

"So...Leader Zhou, we meet again" Xi-'er smiled politely, though the ex assassin knew that that was FAR from a friendly one, more like a challenge. "Yes, after you abducted Chengling" he fired back, smile as taxing. Xie'er ,in a moment of weakness, groaned "Please, don't remind me, i already got an earful from Da'ge about that, I don't want to hear the same from you"

Zishu raised his eyebrow in surprise and confusion, okay so he was not hallucinating then. this scorpion DID call Lao Wen "Da ge"

"Pardon?" said Zishu.

"How was I supposed to know that Zhang boy was your ward and you were with Da ge anyway? he hadn't contacted me ever since he got out of the valley" he pouted...again. "Besides, I already said sorry to him" he reasoned again. Zishu smirked at that "So you said sorry to him and not me or Chengling?"

"Hell no, I don't even know you. and why are you even sticking to Da'ge anyway? this wasn't even in his plan" Xie'er rolled his eyes so far back he was sure it would pop out. The ex- assassin only laughed at that. No, Lao Wen did NOT anticipate their meeting nor did Zishu himself, but he'd be damned if he was the one sticking to Wen Kexing. that fan wielding man was the one who clung to him in the first place.

Just before he could retort Chengling arrived just in time to See Xi-er slightly leaned forward at the table as if he was about to attack Zishu. "Chengling" the swordsman started, but Chengling was fast to run to his side and position himself just behind Zhou Zishu. Xie'er was not pleased. "Little idiot, I thought you went off to buy more supplies for-"

"I was! but Shishu told me to come back here and that he would handle it himself"

'Lao Wen I swear to-'

"Shishu? hah, who are you calling shishu? my Da'ge would never let anyone call him that" Zi'er

"Your Da'ge, definetly did" Zishu almost could not contain his laugh at the scorpion King's scandalized and shocked expression. "This is ridiculous" the scorpion King stood up with al the gracehe could muster in anger "I'm going to find him and set this right" he harrumped, swishing his robes as he disappeared out the tavern.

Chengling, who was still slightly cowering behind him stuttered. "Sh-Shifu, wasn't tha-"

"Yes, don't worry i'll talk to your Shishu about this, come on. Let's go and finish getting those herbs before we go home"

____________________________________________________

"Lao Wen"

"Hmmn?" Wen Kexing hummed, stirring a pot of hot steamed vegetables with chicken soup simmering by the side. "Xie'er was...something" at the mention of his brother Kexing stopped for a second before continuing his minstrations. as if reading Zishu's mind on wanting a clearer explanation, Wen Kexing caved "I found him when I was still in ghost valley. he was one of the children who had been abducted and brought to us" the taller man swallowed hard, clearly struggling, though his face showed little emotion.

"He almost died, luckily I got to him in time and managed to save him, hiding him away was the hardest part. it took a while before he trusted me but once he did I found that I could not turn him away"

Zhou Zishu sighed, with a burst of bravery he walked over to his Zhiji and wrapped his hands around his waist, his head came to rest on Lao Wen's shoulder. "He lived with me for several years,and then Gu-xiang appeared. We barely managed to save her but when Xie'er promised ties with the Scorpion to the former Ghost valley chief he let her go, when I became chief I finally let him go back to his home where he can see his parents again" Wen Kexing stopped, longer this time. His hand shook as he removed the pots from the fire to prevent them from burning, he turned to Zhou Zishu, eyes full of guilt and sorrow.

"But...it was too late, his parents had been killed and with no one to take the title Xi'er had to assume the role and had to band together the scorpions that we know today. He was only 17 that time A-Xu, it took years before he could properly  get a hold of the others and most of the time I wasn't even there to help him. I still had Gu-Xiang to raise and it wasn't time for me to emerge from the valley. He had to come to me multiple times-"

Wen Kexing faltered. Zishu figure that was enough, he didn't think Lao Wen would actually tell him that much. The shorter man steadily turned his soulmate to face him, his eyes soft and understanding as he slowly leaned in, just enough to let Lao Wen back out if he so wanted. but the other man stayed in place. He finally rest his forehead against Lao Wen's. in an instant, his partner loosened up, hand began to encircle around his waist as Zishu moved closer, feeling their noses touch.

"Lao Wen, you did great"

At that high praise and implication, Wen Kexing could not help but to shed tears of relief and gratefulness. Zishu understood, Zishu accepted. and most of all Zhou Zishu stayed.

Bonus: Timeline.

Wen Kexing was around 7 or 8 when he was brought in to Ghost valley. so let's say he was 7.

Xie'er came to ghost valley when he was 8 years old making Wen Kexing 15.

Gu-xiang came to valley when she was 7 making Wen Kexing 18 and Xi'er 11.

Wen Kexing was 20 when he took over, Xie'er now 17 years old and given free reign over the scorpions and Gu xiang 9.

Finally current drama:

Wen Kexing - 28

Xie Wang- 21

Gu-Xiang - 17

(These aren't the real ages btw XD just estmation. i had big brain moment trying to sort out the timeline hahaha)

[darling-dummy-blogs]

A Broken Promise- Victor Li

Summary: It's the day Cassandra has been waiting for her entire life. Her and Victor's wedding day. However.. Victor doesn't show up to the wedding…

Paring: Victor Li X OC (Mentions of Victor Li x F!MC [Mia])

Genre: Angst, Fluffy Ending (And a bit of an Angst Ending as well..)

Warnings: None!

Fandom: Mr. Love Queen’s Choice

Word Count: 4k

Notes: In spirit of the re-run of the wedding event in MLQC I had written this piece a while back with the help of my dear friend @silv3rrin! (Thank you so much for your help with this!) This had also been written on the idea of my own experience of the wedding event haha (so enjoy my pain lol.) Based off the prompt below:

“Don’t promise me you won’t leave. Just don’t leave. I don’t think I can handle another promise right now.”

The day had finally come. One that Cassandra had looked forward to since the day she got engaged to Victor.

Their wedding day. Her excitement and nervousness really got to her, making her feel extra bouncy and happy. The moment she woke up, she didn’t get to see her soon to be husband.

He had to do a few things at work so he had come in quite early in the morning to prepare for that.

Victor had left her some breakfast and the schedule for today. He had even let her know that he would be back at least an hour or two before the wedding to get himself ready.

Although just because Victor had to work, that didn’t mean she could slack off, she had to prepare and get herself ready for the wedding. Which luckily started later on in the afternoon. She did her usual morning routine.

She had to prepare herself for the arrival of her hairdresser and makeup artist. Once they had finished with her hair and makeup: Her hair had been curled and styled into an elegant bun, small strands of hair on the sides of her face along with her bangs, overall she loved how her hair had been styled.

She now has to get herself dressed. Her dress was stunning, it was off the shoulder, laced and fitted to her body, which showed off her curves in the best way, while at the bottom it had flowed out beautifully.

She loved how the dress had looked on her and with her hair and makeup done, it felt as though the dress complimented and completed her look. Now all she needed to do was to head to the church to make sure things were running smoothly.

When she got there, she could not believe how beautiful the scenery was.

Everything had been set to perfection. From the church that was beautifully decorated to their wedding reception.

Of course there was no limit to it, given Victor being the wealthy man he was. However he had wanted the day to go smoothly, and for it to be perfect just for her.

As the time grew closer to her getting married, she grew more and more nervous. But she tried to stay as calm as possible.

Only 2 more hours…

While the nervous bride had been trying to calm her oncoming nerves, Victor had been at LFG, finalizing a few things before leaving to prepare for the wedding.

However a sudden knock on his door had interrupted his train of focus, he looked towards the door, confused. Nobody would be bothering him considering he was leaving relatively soon for his own wedding. “Come in.” he called out.

The door opened, revealing Mia, who he was slightly surprised to see. Yet he kept his usual stoic expression

She smiled softly at him, "Hey Victor!"

“Mia, what are you doing here?” He asked, genuinely confused.

“Ah well.. I should be asking you that! Don’t you have a wedding to prepare for?” She walked over to his desk after shutting the door.

“Yes I do, I was just finishing up. But why are you here exactly? We don't have a meeting today and shouldn’t you get yourself prepared to come to the wedding?”

Of course, he had invited Mia to his wedding, even though he used to have feelings for her, they were still friends and Victor was still her boss. It was only polite of him to do so.

Mia had been more than happy to come, however, one of the main reasons as to why she came was because of the fact that she wanted to see him on his big day.

Her expression changed from happiness to one of nervousness. “W-well.. I came here to tell you something actually..”

He raised an eyebrow, his attention focused on her, “What is it..?” He hesitantly asked.

She gulped, taking a deep breath, “I know this isn’t ideal timing nor is it something I should be doing right now, on the day of yours and Cassie’s wedding but…” She took a pause, “I’ve been thinking about this for such a long time and it was bothering me to the point where I have to tell you.”

“..Go on…” He pressed, awaiting her answer.

A moment of silence had passed before she said, “I’m in love with you.”

His breath hitched in his throat. The words he wished to have heard a few years ago suddenly came out of her mouth.

“Why are you telling me this now?!” Victor’s voice boomed.

“...I-I don’t know.. I only just figured it out myself and.. I just wanted to tell you this. I know it's too late and I know you are with Cassie now but..” She looked down, growing quiet.

“I would never want to get in between you two because I care for both of you but you deserve to know how I feel.” She spoke firmly, as she looked at him, “I’m sorry...” She spoke with sincerity

“You saying this to me now is getting in between the both of us!” his voice was cold. “What do you gain from telling me now? Satisfaction that you could possibly ruin our relationship?”

“No! I don’t….I-I just... “ She balled up her hands into fists, stumbling on her words, “I just needed to tell you, if I didn’t then it would continue to eat at me for god knows how long..” A pause, her heart was pounding loudly within her chest, “I’m not trying to gain anything from it. Nor would I be trying to, I just had to tell you. You don’t have to respond or reciprocate my feelings.”

“If… if you told me earlier, then maybe, just maybe we could have been together instead… but it’s too late now.”

She didn’t know what else to say, she knew that there was no possible way that he would reciprocate her feelings now that he was marrying someone else. If only she could go back and realize earlier. “...I should have known sooner..” Tears welled up in her eyes

“I have tried to make it obvious though..” She muttered, tears sliding down her face. “But I guess since you were with her, you never noticed.” She sighed, wiping away her tears, as she shook her head.

“I shouldn’t have done this…” She couldn’t look him in the eye. “I’m sorry.. I shouldn’t have mentioned it..”

“You realized that now?”

“I really am an idiot for doing this..” Mia muttered, the doubt that she felt suddenly kicked in, she finally looked him in the eye, “I’m sorry… I am so sorry.. For doing this.. I-it was stupid and.. I shouldn’t even go to the wedding.. I ruined it..” She sniffled.

A part of Victor felt conflicted, he didn’t really know what else to do, and he didn’t like to see Mia like this, he let out a sigh, “Mia.. It’s not your fault. Don’t apologize.”

A moment of silence passed, “...I’m sorry.” Victor suddenly said, in a slightly gentle tone. Mia looked at him, shocked, however he continued, a look of sorrow had covered his features. “I’m sorry that I didn’t realize at the time, that you had feelings for me.”

“However, I don’t think you’ve realized that, before I met Cassie, I had feelings for you. And I was very obvious about it. Yet you didn’t notice.”

Mia’s eyes widened, she didn’t seem to realize that he had been in love with her before. How could she have known? She never took into consideration that he had even remotely liked her in such a way. After all, he was her boss.

“I never knew…” She trailed off.

‘And that’s not your fault. I should have been more clear at the time, but I wasn’t. That was my mistake.” He spoke earnestly, as he gazed at her.

“I’m so sorry again Victor.” She spoke up. “You don’t have to apologize, but I am sorry that I just don’t feel the same way anymore.”

“I understand.” She spoke, slightly dejected but she knew that there was no going back now. She has to move on.

Mia glanced at the time, her eyes widening, “U-Um..Victor… Y-Your wedding is going to start soon, shouldn’t you be leaving??”

Victor looked at the time. His eyes widening as he abruptly stood up, “Oh no..” He checked his phone, seeing several missed calls from Cassandra and many angry and anxious messages from her. How did his phone not go off?!

He grabbed his belongings as he rushed out the office.

He was in so much trouble now...

--

‘The wedding is going to start soon... why isn’t Victor here?’ Cassie thought to herself, she tried calling him and messaging him but she wasn’t getting any replies. Which stressed and worried her very much.

She was pacing back and forth in the hall of the church, still trying to call him. “Is his phone off or something???” She was growing frustrated and was getting anxious, suddenly her thoughts were getting to her.

‘What if he doesn’t want to marry me all of a sudden?’ She gulped, shaking her head as she tried to keep those kinds of thoughts from taking over her mind.

‘No, that’s just silly, he wouldn’t do that to me, he said that he would never hurt me like that..’ She thought to herself as she tried once again to get a hold of him. However to no avail, it would go straight to voicemail.

Her pacing didn’t slow down, it got to the point where her feet began to hurt due to her wearing heels. ‘For someone who doesn’t enjoy being late OR wasting time, he is very much late! To his own wedding especially.’ She groaned, as she peaked her head into the church where all their friends and family had sat, idly chatting with one another, waiting for the bride or groom to show up.

She looked at all the bridesmaids and groomsmen who had been standing at the end, and glanced over the spot where Victor would be standing, had he been there.

She whimpered quietly, ‘Come on Victor.. Where are you...’ She shut the door, the panic never really settling with her. It only seemed to continue to grow more and more as more time had passed. She was barely managing after the first few times she tried to reach him.

50 minutes. No Victor

40 minutes. Still no sign of Victor, she tried calling him yet again, no response.

30 minutes. Cassie kept checking the clock, still not a trace of Victor to be seen

20 minutes. She trembled, the anxiety building up again, she was beginning to feel as though he will never show up.

10 minutes. Tears appeared in her eyes, as she tried to not let them out, she couldn’t risk ruining her make-up now. He wasn’t coming. That was clear.

...2 hours late… She slowly opened the door, tears in her eyes as she slowly made her way to the front of the aisle, everyone gazed at her, worried and saddened as she kept her head low. Once she made her way to the front, she looked out at everyone, giving them her best yet weakest smile.

“..The wedding is cancelled. I am so sorry.. You all may go home.” She spoke, her voice wavering as she felt a sudden pang in her heart, which had split into two.

She watched as everyone got up, they felt sympathetic for her, wishing her better before saying their goodbyes. She was soon left alone, her whole body shook as she quietly stood there, the only sounds of her ragged breathing could be heard before she let out a loud sob and scream.

Which echoed throughout the entire church. She sat down on the edge of the step by the wedding arch. Sobbing as she gazed down at the engagement ring on her finger. The white diamond shone brightly in the church.

Cassandra then looked over at the rings that laid tied gently on a plush white pillow which was placed on a pillar next to the arch. She leaned forward, grabbing it and yanking off both the rings, staring at both of them, sniffling, her hands shaking as she couldn’t calm down her nerves.

Suddenly the door to the church had opened and in came a very panicked Victor. He looked around frantically, seeing that the church was empty, and had spotted Cassandra, sitting at the end by herself. His heart panged with guilt.

As she looked up, they made eye contact, tears staining her face as she glared at him. Pure anger and hurt evident on her face as she stood up, clenching both the wedding rings in her hands. Her hands balled up into tight fists.

Victor quickly walked over to her although halted as she suddenly spoke up, anger in her voice, “Don’t come anywhere near me.” She spat, her voice wavering with hurt.

“Cassie..” he spoke, his voice laced with despair.

“I can’t believe you.” She spoke, ignoring his sudden plea of her name, “You.. are 2 hours late, Victor. 2 HOURS!” She cried out. “You left me WAITING here for you! I have never felt so hurt and so embarrassed to have to come up here to both our friends and family BY MYSELF and CANCEL our wedding.”

“I-I’m sorry..” He spoke up again, he tried moving closer to her but she stepped back, shaking her head, she let out a bitter laugh, “You know.. You always say to never be late to anything and to not waste your time.. But yet, you were the one who was late.”

“I just got caught up with things,” he reasoned.

“Things that are more important than our wedding?!” she screamed. “Something we’ve been planning for months? You chose something trivial over our wedding?!”

“It was not trivial,” Victor defended Mia without a second thought.

"Oh? Well then tell me, WHAT exactly was it then?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

“I… I was talking with… with someone and I got caught up.”

"Who is this 'someone' Victor?" She inquired, impatiently

He let out a sigh, knowing what would come once he uttered that name but he couldn’t avoid it. “I was talking… with Mia…”

A moment of silence. She stared at him, unable to say anything. She knew of their history, she knew of his feelings for her.

Cassie didn't have anything against Mia. However, that didn't change the fact that she had fears and insecurities of Victor leaving her for Mia.

"...Alright." Was all she uttered. She looked down at the wedding rings in her right hand, she sniffled.

The only feeling she could feel was the numbing pain in her heart. Tears slid down her face even more, her makeup completely ruined.

She cleared her throat, "What exactly did you talk about with her?"

His lip tightened. He didn’t want to disclose anything to her, know that it would just continue to ruin what they have… well now it seems more like ‘had'.

“She… she needed to tell me something before our wedding… for some closure I suppose,” he tried to beat around the bush, hoping she wouldn’t push it any further.

"Victor… I am not an idiot, cut the crap and tell me the damn truth! I deserve to know after all that has happened today!" She screamed at him, glaring.

Guilt rose up in him. “It was her confessing to me that… she… loves me…” he didn’t want to say it but pushed himself to utter those words.

"..." Her eyes darkened, those words echoing throughout her head, she could faintly hear the cracking of her heart which went from being split into two, to shattering into itty bitty pieces.

"..What did you tell her?" She spat out, her voice void of any emotion.

“I… I asked her why… and if- if she had told me earlier… then maybe… we- we could have been…” he trailed off, afraid to hurt her further.

Just as he had said that, the door to the church had opened. Both Cassie and Victor looked over, seeing Mia walk in.

If this was a nightmare, Cassandra would definitely want to be awake now.

Cassie’s breathing pace quickened as she began shaking again. She wanted to let out a scream but she couldn't seem to move or let out a sound, she was silent.

Mia, locked eyes with both of them. She immediately made her way over to them. “H-hey guys..”

Cassie clenched her fists, she gave her a hard glare. She was the last person that Cassie had wanted to come into contact with. “What do you want?” She spat out, anger evident in her voice.

Victor tensed at her tone, ready to intervene.

Mia gulped, already knowing that Cassie did not want to see her. “I-I just came here.. To apologize. Specifically to you, Cassie.” She stepped closer but Cassandra didn’t move, nor did she want to hear what she had to tell her.

“Sorry, isn’t going to change the fact that because of your conversation with Victor, you made him late to our wedding.” She spoke in such a cold tone. One that she never uses, unless she was very much pissed off.

And in this case, she was.

Mia shrunk at the coldness of her words. She looked down fiddling with her fingers. “I-I know… I know I cannot change what I have done.. B-But you deserve to know that I am sorry. I didn’t mean for my feelings to take over and to make Victor late.. I-It’s just that… He needed to know how I felt about him before..-”

“Before what?” She spat out, anger only growing within her.

Mia looked up at them, looking at Cassie’s angered expression, then to Victor’s. She kept her gaze on him, as she spoke out these words:

“Before it was too late.”

“It was already too late when we got engaged.”

“Don’t invalidate her feelings, Cassandra. She wasn’t sure at the time until now,” Victor finally spoke, trying to diffuse the situation.

Cassie looked at Victor, a laugh escaped her, “You are already on thin ice, and you are defending her right now?!” She glared, there was no way that she would calm down.

Victor faced Mia before speaking. “Wait outside, We’ll talk later.”

Mia nodded, as she quickly turned onto her heel and left the church, leaving the two of them alone once again.

Cassandra watched her leave, her arms crossed over her chest. She then turned to Victor. “So. Care to explain what that was about?”

“I don’t want to deal with anymore fighting, and I don’t want to drag anyone else in our problem.”

“Kind of hard to do that when she caused this problem, Victor.”

She looked at him, staring into his eyes. Finally after a rather dreadful silence she asked a simple question:

"...Do you still have feelings for her?"

“I…” he hesitated. “I don’t… not anymore...”

"Why did you hesitate?"

Victor kept quiet. Even he didn’t know why he hesitated when the answer was so obvious. “SHE was the reason why you were late.”

“Maybe it’s because I don’t want to be married to you! Maybe it’s because Mia makes me happier than what you’ve done, these past years!” Victor snapped.

Cassie staggered back slightly from that. Her eyes watering as new tears began trailing down her face. Her heart now throbbed in aching pain at his words which only added salt to the wound.

Sudden anger welled up within her as she dropped the two wedding rings that were in her right hand to the floor as her hand made an impact with Victor’s face.

SMACK! Right across the face. The sound echoing across the grand hall loudly.

She let out a sob as she spoke, “How dare you?! IF YOU FELT THAT WAY, WHY DID YOU ASK ME TO MARRY YOU?! WHY DID YOU KEEP ME IN YOUR LIFE?! WHY BOTHER LOVING ME WHEN SHE MAKES YOU HAPPIER THAN I CAN?!” She screamed at him, her whole body growing numb with pain and sadness.

“Are you just toying with my feelings now?! Do you even love me!? DO YOU EVEN CARE ABOUT ME?! OR WAS EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH TOGETHER A LIE!?” She sobbed, her heart unable to handle the unbearable pain. She let out a scream of pain.

She looked down, wrapping her arms around herself, she couldn’t even look him in the eyes, "Y-You told me…” Her voice ached as she swallowed, “You don't have feelings for her anymore the first time when we were dating. But I cannot help but wonder… Was that a lie too?"

Victor’s eyes widened in disbelief. There was a dull throb on his cheek as he brought his hand to it. The pain snapped him back to reality as he finally registered the unfiltered words that came out of his mouth.

“No, wait! I don’t mean anything I said just now! I promise that I don’t love her anymore! I love you! It’s always been you ever since! I promise I won’t leave! I don’t want to lose you… I can’t lose you…”

She shook her head, "..Don’t promise me you won’t leave. Just don’t leave. I don’t think I can handle another promise right now.”

“I- Then I won’t… but for now… just know that I won’t leave you again. I’m not making the same mistake twice.”

She wiped away her tears, as she looked at him, "I don’t know Victor, I really don’t know trust you again… It's going to take a while to fully forgive you for this… What you said, r-really hurt..."

"I know. I know that I messed up and it’s not easily reversible.... You shouldn't have to forgive me for what I've done." His voice filled with sorrow.

"I regret doing this to you. You don't deserve to be treated this way… Not when all you’ve been is understanding and loving. " Victor took a step forward, gently taking her hand, the one that held her engagement ring. He gazed at that ring for a long moment.

"There is one thing that I don't regret though.." His thumb swiped over the ring gently. The shimmering gem glistening back at him. "I don't regret proposing to you, nor do I regret loving you." His voice came out softer, as he looked at her.

Cassie didn't flinch. She watched his actions, sniffling lightly, she was met with a soft and loving gaze. One that he had always given her.

Victor continued, "Cassie, Everything I've ever told you is all genuine, I love you and only you. That will never change. No matter where you are, or whatever timeline we’re in, I will always find you." He brought his other hand to her cheek, wiping away stray tears that still shed from her eyes.

"I know words cannot make up for what I did, but I will show you that I am sorry. I didn't mean to ruin this day for the both of us." He frowned.

"I may have had a history with Mia, but you are my future. And you are the only person I can see myself spending my life with."

Cassandra was at a loss for words. He always knew how to make her feel soft and warm, with just words alone.

She felt more tears well up in her eyes, however they were less of sad tears and more of happy tears. She couldn't hide the big smile on her face.

Victor smiled upon seeing her beautiful smile, he loved seeing her happy. She looked beautiful whenever there was a smile on her face.

Although in this moment, she looked even more beautiful.

“You’ve made it really hard to stay upset at you.” She let out a giggle as blush dusted her cheeks lightly.

He chuckled slightly, “Dummy… You are just very easy to please.”

“Just shut up and let me kiss you.” She shook her head, as she moved to wrap her arms around his neck.

He shook his head, smiling as he leaned in, still cupping her cheeks in his hands, placing a loving kiss to her lips. One that she reciprocated happily.

---

He slowly approached Mia as he called out to her. She quickly turned before letting out a small, regretful smile.

“Mia, I don’t hold any feelings for you anymore. I wish for you to respect that. I want us to keep a professional relationship as boss and employee in the future,” he spoke in his typical stern and unapproachable tone.

Mia’s smile dropped for a second before another bigger but faker smile rested on her lips. “Of course Mr Li. I apologize for stepping out of line.”

Victor gave a quick nod before returning back to Cassie, leaving a broken Mia behind. Tears welled up in her eyes, as her body collapsed to the ground, knees and legs unable to keep her up.

She quietly sobbed as she watched him walk towards the love of his life before picking her up in his arms, his eyes filled with adoration and pure happiness. ~ (Lowkey remembering how we wrote this ending and Rin was just adding more angst even though it is initially supposed to have a happy ending. That was a fun time for both of us XD)

[tywrites]

reaction to s/o being flirted with | headcannons

request: can I get an imagine on how bokuto and ushijima would react if they turned a corner and suddenly saw there fem!s/o getting cornered against a wall by a random 3rd year that has been recently flirting with her. And s/o is small 152cm/5'0 please make them seperate scenarios :)

a/n: ahh i'm really trying to get the hang of characterisation rn so i'm sorry if they're a lil ooc :( but please leave me any feedback, it'd honestly be really helpful! hope you enjoy anon <3

warnings: hmm, some swearing but that's all :))

pairings: ushijima wakatoshi x fem!reader

BOKUTO

After winning a match, Bokuto's first instinct is to run to you and allow you to shower him in the praise. Especially if it had been a particularly hard match with strong opponents.  He'd run to you and scoop you up into his arms, not caring about the deadpan looks he'd get from his team mates, holding you close as you told him how well he'd done. Knowing how proud of him you were just made him so incredibly happy and to see you waiting for him at the entrance to the auditorium was the thing he looked forward to most during matches.

However, on this particular day, you were nowhere to be found.

He looked high and low when the match had finished, but he just could not seem to find you. You weren't waiting by the entrance like you usually were, nor were you by the vending machines getting him a post-game snack like you would occasionally do. You also weren't answering any of his excited texts. Due to this, Bokuto simply became more and more dejected as he and the rest of his team mates walked towards the receptionists area, his emo-mode settling into place.

"Bokuto-san, she's probably just in the bathroom," Akaashi reminded him, sighing quietly to himself as Bokuto looked to him with sorrow in his eyes.

"But... but Akaashi, she always waits for me after games. She wouldn't let her BLADDER stop her! And I saw her in the crowd! So she's here somewhere, maybe she just didn't wanna see me..." he cried dramatically, allowing his arms to drag by his sides.

Rolling his eyes, Akaashi rounded the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. Immediately, he put one hand on Bokuto's shoulder to gain his attention and pointed down the hallway. There you were. In quite the predicament. Caged between a tall third year's arms, the discomfort was incredibly clear on your face, even from the distance Bokuto and Akaashi were standing. The boy was talking animatedly to you while you smiled politely up at him, though anyone would have been able to tell the smile was really forced.

Bokuto knew this boy. He'd seen him talking to you when he'd come to pick you up after classes, sliding his arm around your shoulders and getting far too close for comfort. Of course, Bokuto wasn't the type to immediately assume the worst. He trusted you and knew you wouldn't do anything to prove him otherwise. However, it was the third year he didn't trust.

The aura radiating off Bokuto switched quickly, going from downcast to fiery.

What the fuck did this dude think he was doing?

In a few quick steps, he was standing right behind the perpetrator and (more aggressively than he'd intended to) pulled him back from you by his shoulder. Frustrated at the interruption, the boy flew around to face him and was met with 6'1 of pure muscle, this clearly intimidating him quite a lot. This boy may have been tall, but compared to Bokuto, he stood no chance.

Shrinking back, the boy spoke timidly. "What do you w-"

"Y/N, I found you!" Bokuto let out a happy cry and pushed the guy aside while wrapping his arms around your waist, hugging you tightly to him as the third year watched on awkwardly. Keeping one arm around your waist, Bokuto then turned to the cowering boy. "Is this what was keeping you?" He asked you, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked him up and down.

"Uh, look man, I'm sorry. We were just talking, I swear," the boy babbled, holding up his hands in defense, not wanting to provoke Bokuto even more. Bokuto frowned at him and looked down at you for confirmation. Playing with the sleeves of your boyfriend's jersey that was wrapped around you, you avoided his gaze, not wanting to make the situation worse. Luckily for you, Akaashi decided to step in.

"I'm glad we found you, Y/N-san. Bokuto-san, let's go, we have to get to the bus," he said pointedly, taking your boyfriend's elbow and dragging him gently, but firmly, in the opposite direction. Bokuto's gaze didn't waver for a few seconds, honestly looking more comical than intimidating at this point—walking away with Akaashi pulling him, his arm wrapped around you while craning his neck to glare at the boy who'd been heavily flirting with you.

No sooner had you rounded the corner before he threw his arms around you yet again. "Y/N! I thought you were avoiding meeee," he said childishly, as he held you tightly to him. "Did you see me hit that awesome spike!!"

You giggled lightly at his antics. "I sure did! You were amazing, babe,"

Your praise made everything totally worth it.

USHIJIMA

For Ushijima, seeing you just before a match had become a routine. You'd help him stretch or simply sit in eachother's company while you did most of the talking, chatting about how excited you were for the game or about something silly you'd seen Tendou do that day. He wasn't the type to get nervous before a match, but having you there with your soft voice filling the air, set him at ease.

Which is why right now, he was beginning to get slightly worried.

Not about the match. He was incredibly confident that they'd be able to win even without your presence. But he was worried about you.

After you'd exited the bus, you'd mentioned that you needed to go to the bathroom before parting ways with the team. They'd continued onto the auditorium and hadn't really paid much attention to your absence until now. The whole team was so used to your encouraging tone and they way you'd fuss over them to make sure they had everything they need; not having you there felt strange indeed.

"Y/N-senpai sure is taking a long time..." Goshiki mentioned to Tendou as he looked around the room. "I hope nothing's happened. I want her to see me ace this match! Do you think she's okay?"

Tendou looked down at him, pondering, before turning to Ushijima and repeating the question. "Hey Wakatoshi, you worried about Y/N? She's taking a long time for just a bathroom break, dont'cha think?" he asked, tilting his head slightly while attempting to read Ushijima's current feelings.

Ushijima stayed silent; though for Tendou, the sight furrow in his forehead answered his question. Without saying a word, Ushjima rose up from his stretching position on the floor and left the room, the eyes of his team mates following him curiously.

As he wandered the halls, all the ace could think about was where you were. You were honestly one of the only things that could push the thought of volleyball out of his mind, even for just a brief moment. In the beginning of your relationship, it wasn't uncommon for Ushjima to blow off your plans to practice late or leave you waiting while going over strategies with the team. However, your patience with him and the progression in your relationship since then truly showed how much he cared for you.

Ushijima was not a very expressive man, that was for sure. He never exactly had much to say and really only spoke him mind when it was necessary. Jealousy wasn't an emotion he was accustomed to to say the least and he rarely got jealous, even when you were spending a lot of free time with a certain friend of yours. Though he was slow with social cues sometimes, Ushijima was no fool and knew when someone was flirting, and this friend of yours was certainly crossing the line with you a few weeks back.

You being one of the only people able to read him, you had understood immediately that the ace was jealous and had tried to distance yourself from this friend as politely as possible. But still, while he was looking for you, all that seemed to go through Ushijima's mind was images of you and your friend together.

And his worries were correct.

As he rounded the corner of the hallway that led to the bathrooms, Ushjima stopped in his tracks and took a second to process the situation in front of him.

He'd found you. But so had someone else. You were gingerly leaning against the wall while your friend (that seemed twice your size at this point) was cupping your face with one hand, bending down slightly to really invade into your personal zone. Ushijima honestly had never felt an emotion quite like this before. A frown on his face, he approached quickly and cleared his throat viciously once he'd gotten behind your friend.

Scoffing, the boy turned around, coming face to face with your boyfriend's intense stare. There was something in his eyes that just screamed danger—or maybe it was more accurate to say it screamed "get the fuck away from my girlfriend."

Due to the change in position, you were finally able to free yourself from in between the wall and your friend, moving to the side and awkwardly watching the staring contest that was going on between Ushijima and his fellow third year. If you didn't break this up, they'd be there forever and neither seemed to be backing down. Though you couldn't tell whether your friend was frozen in defiance or fear.

Stepping forward, you took Ushijima's arm in your hands and tugged it gently, causing him to look down at you.

"Babe, can we go? You'll miss the match," you said, trying to diffuse the situation before anything got out of hand.

At the sound of your voice and the reminder of the match, Ushijima calmed down a considerable amount. "Yes. You're right," he replied, turning his body towards you and starting to walk away. Before you turned to go around the corner, your boyfriend stopped walking and looked behind him to your friend standing alone in the middle of the corridor.

"Don't touch her again."

[obscureoperations]

#8 for the prompt thingy

<3

Dude... first off, I'm sorry it took so long. I just really didn't know where to go with this prompt. I stuck to the basics, y/n (reader) finding out about his sickness. Self indulgent angst ensues.

For the longest, you had convinced yourself that it wasn’t him. There was no possible way he could be The Count. You had been tuning into that old radio station for years, Monday through Thursday at nine pm sharp. For the longest, you didn't connect the dots, the stranger’s voice was so much deeper than Martin’s. Though they did share the same odd way of speaking. Cryptic at times--and at others exceedingly blunt. At one point, you had to admit, you had a small crush on the anonymous caller-- you always had a thing for the macabre and bizarre. He explained his crimes in a way that was akin to reading lines from a textbook.

The young man was sick-- that much was clear, but you felt somewhat sympathetic towards his predicament. His thirst for blood was most likely a medical condition. No one in his family cared enough to get him any help. And then there was the loneliness--being othered by everyone around him. Sometimes, you could clearly hear the sorrow in his voice, still mourning the loss of a proper upbringing. You often wondered what he looked like. Was he some scrawny kid living in his parent’s attic? At times, his voice didn’t sound natural.. As though he was intentionally masking his tone.

He became your instant crush. That one hidden desire that no one needed to know about. The long and stagnant work days seemed to drift by--with the slight hope that the Count would call in that night. At one point,you were clearly becoming a bit overly invested...you needed a distraction. As always--your wishes were granted. The distraction came in the form of one beautiful boy

~~

When you first met Martin, he seemed to be too good to be true-- he had a quiet sort of way of invading your thoughts. The moment you spotted him behind the counter in Cuda’s shop, you couldn’t understand why his face looked so familiar. There was a far away sort of look in his eyes as he stared off in the direction of the windows. He looked, somewhat out of place-- almost as though he belonged to another time. His skin was luminescent under the sunlight.

You felt as though you had just been punched the moment your eyes met. He looked just as startled, all color seemed to drain from his face-- he regarded you with the most curious expression.

Your relationship was almost effortless, it all started with you visiting him at the shop. Did you really need a can of coke every day around noon? Apparently you did. He seemed to catch on quickly enough, he was no longer as flustered whenever you’d arrive. He even went out of his way to make polite conversation, stepping away from the counter as soon as the lines cleared.

It was pretty silly in your opinion, why were you so drawn to this kid? A month ago, you didn’t even know he existed-- and now you were left figuring out ways just to see him.

He told you his schedule, the time he usually went on break--what time he usually got off. “Just in case… I like talking to you y/n.” The two of you were pretty much inseparable.

~

“P-please don’t leave.” His voice was barely a whisper. He sat crouched down in the far corner of your room. Close to the window, he seemed to like surprising you in that way-- the look on your face when you let him in very nearly broke him. You had been crying, that much was clear. The moment he asked you what was wrong, you flinched away. You didn’t want him to touch you. Had he done something wrong? “Y/n What did I do?.. why are you crying?”

He had truly screwed up, why couldn’t he just leave well enough alone? He hadn't called in to the station in months. Since being with you, he didn’t need to. He finally had someone to talk to. The crushing loneliness quelled by the sound of your voice. The assurance that you actually saw him. You entered his life like a dream-- you were the person he had been searching for. He was sure of it! Even your face looked so familiar--he would catch glimpses in the midst of his dreams.

But now, he had messed it all up. He just wanted to check in. Assure his ‘followers’ that he was still alive, and at this point actually happy. In his most recent call he had disclosed that he met someone--the best person in the world. Obnoxious sounds of broken glass streamed over the airwaves “Ya hear that? I’m sorry ladies--but the Count is officially taken!”

You had felt a slight flicker of disappointment, but it was more so fueled by nostalgia. If you didn’t have Martin, you might be a bit more upset-- but you were glad that the caller was coming out of his shell. They might convince him to get help! The more and more he spoke about the union, things began to fall in place. He mentioned everything from the way they would laugh-- to the way that he wished they would finally quit their job. “It just leaves them so tired and overwhelmed.. I-I just want them happy-- and with me all the time.”

You were just ranting about your job the other day. Martin… Please say that it’s not you.

~

“Don’t leave? Martin,“You broke me! You ruined everything we had and- for what?”

He was sobbing, knees buried against his chest, as you try to explicitly explain why everything in your relationship was wrong.

Why couldn’t he just tell you?! He could tell you just about anything..right? Why leave you so afraid for his well being every night. You would have loved him through anything. Sickness, doubt and old age, But he was somehow still insecure. He still felt the need to hide this part of himself-- you knew all about his addictions. You had yours as well.

Your mind was reeling--- you really wanted to crawl over and wrap your arms around him. He looked so small huddled against your windowsill, fingers lightly covering his ears. Gently rocking himself back and forwards, muttering breath his breath-- “I should have said something… y/n. J-Please don’t leave…”

So this was him. You actually Had the Count. In a way, your prayers had been answered. He cared for you enough to keep this part of himself hidden for so long. Perhaps you overreacted--but you really just needed Martin to trust you.

You tried your best to still yourself, absentmindedly wiping at the corners of your eyes. Out of all things, you weren't going to cry. At least, not in front of him. His tears were enough. You wanted to forgive him,you really did. It didn’t sit right in your soul, to be angry with him. It was much like the nights that he would disappear,without any reasonable explanation.

Your fingers card through his hair, as your irritation continues to rise.Dampness soaks into the fabric of your jeans-- at one point you want to physically pry him away from you.

“Why should I care about your tears, when you clearly don’t care about mine?!”

He seems almost startled for a moment, as he blinks. His expression alone continues to tug at your heart strings.

“Y/n.. I care… so much. I love you.”

There it goes again

“Where? I can’t see it. I can’t touch it! Martin...where is your love?”

He remains immobile for a moment as another wave of sobs wracks through his slight frame. He clutches his knees to his chest, fingers digging into the cuffs of his jeans--

You didn’t expect an answer. You didn't have the answer. You just wanted him out of your sight.

“The trees…” He mumbles..almost incoherently.. “Y-you can feel it in the trees. a--and in the sunlight….that’s when you love me too.. Right?”

And you did.. Unfortunately so. You nod briefly as you reach for your overnight bag.

“And in the breeze? You think of me then?”

He looked so small, crouched down in the corner of your room with tear stained cheeks.

If it was anyone else, it would have been so easy to cut them loose. But this was Martin. 

“Darling, I need you to talk to me.”

[ugh-againwiththenames]

A Musical Social Experiment...Destiel.

Alright, so I thought to myself, while playing along with @thenightwemetnatural​‘s Destiel song picks, that despite my musical tastes, and them tending typically (although not exclusively) towards the Metal genres, that EVERY song can in some way, be paralleled to Destiel. This is such a ridiculous experiment, and I apologize, but I’m at the cottage, and it’s fucking pouring with rain, so let’s play…

Here are the rules: take your Music library and throw it on Shuffle – every song that comes on for an hour(ish), connect it to Destiel...(below the cut for my results).

You can access the playlist here (if you have any interest in listening along!). I am not going to necessarily describe every possible connection - I think that a lot of them are SUPER obvious...like *eyes rolling out of my head* obvious...

In the End – Black Veil Brides – Well we’re off to a hell of a start, as this song from start to finish screams Destiel and sacrifice. In the end As my soul's laid to rest What is left of my body Or am I just a shell? And I have fought And with flesh and blood I commanded an army Through it all I have given my heart for a moment of glory Who will remember this last goodbye 'Cause it's the end and I'm not afraid I'm not afraid to die A Modern Way - The Exies – only on song 2, and it’s once again, really hard to cut out any of this song, as the repeating “I’m bound by my insecurities” SCREAMS Dean at me.

I’m Bound by my insecurities

Open your eyes and Throw your arms around me I need the right not to fight To breathe

Swallow the lies I'm the one to blame Having no voice left to choose Am i so blind, feeling justified When i'm alone and confused

Brother – NEEDTOBREATHE – I have to laugh…as I added this after watching Jensen sing this at a Con (for J*red), and no lie, I’m in LOVE with it, but it’s somehow now determinably connected to the brothers for me but I can/WILL draw the lines here…EASY.

Everybody needs someone beside em’ shining like a lighthouse from the sea Face down in the desert now there’s a cage locked around my heart I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were Now my hands can’t reach that far I ain’t made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone I know that in my weakness I am strong, but It’s your love that brings me home Summoners Rift – Dangerkids – Um. Well. The first line of this song just made me laugh out loud.

There's no room for martyrs in a dying scene Well I'm not quite dead I'm something in between

And if I had another chance I would tell you

I guess I'm not afraid of what comes after We are the only ones We stand alone in the dark

Question everything you blindly follow Truth's a bitter pill, it's hard to swallow You think you're winning but your time is borrowed We are the only ones We stand alone in the dark

Royal Beggars - Architects - I mean…the repetition of my sentiments is going to get a bit silly…so i will not. read on...

All hope is dead, but we're coping

Somebody save our souls

Like a bird in a cage, trying to fly away Is this the price that we have to pay? Overflowing with rage, yet we still obey 'Cause we're asleep in a hurricane

We sit on a throne, waiting for God to bend the knee But we're nothing more than royal beggars

Edge of your Bed - Thousand Below - “why’d you have to go and keep calling out my name” Calling out my name” pure purgatory “where’s the ANGEL” “I prayed to you Cas, Every night” The rest of the next verse is also poignant, very Dean again “where I can only feel peace when the wave hits”, “and I’ve become what I thought was wrong, I love the feeling when it feels too strong”.  

Why'd you have to go and keep calling out my name? Calling out my name

I found sorrow at the edge of your bed

Is it now a bad habit? Where I can only feel peace when the wave hits And I've become what I thought was wrong I love the feeling when it feels too strong

Animals – Siamese - “It takes a killer that thinks he’s a saint, it takes believing to be this insane” – well. yes. ok. 

Shattered not broken We stand our feet Houses rebuild on These bloody streets I fill my lungs into this beat With closed eyes we're hoping for remedy

It takes a killer That thinks he's a saint It takes believing To be this insane

Spineless Crow - Hands Like Houses

We were young together but I've grown ancient Cracked and weathered and filled with regret Waiting to sink, rushing to sink in my sleep

The realization sinks in through the skin Like a disease, a blight inside of me Missing your touch, your weight on my fingers

My Underworld - Tonight Alive

Now we sail into deep blue storm clouds Overhead now, strangely I feel at peace as I dive into My underworld, world I dive into my underworld, world Down in these depths I'm adding up the numbers Of all I've suffered in past lives, tied down in the darkness Finally I begin to learn what I've returned tonight Time has come to begin again, leave something else behind

Ever After - Marianas Trench - All this talk of being someone’s disaster – Welp! Hello!

Don't you move Can't you stay where you are, just for now I could be your perfect disaster You could be my ever after

Apologies, I'm not myself but I can guarantee That when I get back, you won't believe That you knew me well Don't want to think about it

I'm fuckin' tired of getting sick about it Now stand back up and be a man about it And fight for something, fight for something, fight for something Nobody told ya this is gonna fold ya We go marching in like toy soldiers To have and hold ya over sold ya They’re marching like toy soldiers I'll be your disaster, ever after So fire away Goodbye

Room 138 - Asking Alexandria - While this song is clearly actually about an overdose of some kind, it’s parallels shockingly well to the post confession scene.   So these are the walls that have to hold this moment Somebody hear me, someone open up the door Get me up off of this floor and stop the shaking, the shaking Through the haze I saw a face A second chance, another life to live How did you forgive me? Held my head against your chest Told me everything's alright, don't be afraid Close your eyes and rest

Witness – Daughtry

Does it feel like you're just wasting time Here without a reason or a rhyme The answer you've been looking for Is standing right before your weary eyes And if the weight of the world is on you now But you know you can turn it all around again How Many Walls - Rise Against  - Guys, seriously, I’m not even going there...How many years have we wasted….how many walls can you put up? How many guns til you feel safe? This is a song about war – this is Rise Against, this is purely political and somehow can STILL be pulled together with Destiel.

 How many walls can you put up?

How many guns 'til you feel safe? How many times can we watch this story Over and over and over again? And how many years have we wasted Counting the lies that we've been fed? For something to change we have waited Over and over and over again Pray – Picturesque - Nope. Don’t even need a description here. Once again this is FAR TOO OBVIOUS!

I should pray a little more and think a little less The devils in my head and he won't let me rest Everyday just like the last since you up and left I should pray a little more, I shouldn't pray for death I Knew You Were Trouble – We Came as Romans (Swift Cover) - SwiftNatural is a thing for a reason… 

It's like a kaleidoscope of memories. It just all comes back. But he never does. I knew his world moved too fast and burned too bright. But I just thought, how can the devil be pulling you toward someone who looks so much like an angel

I think that the worst part of it all wasn't losing him. It was losing me. Once upon a time, a few mistakes ago I was in your sights, you got me alone You found me

I knew you were trouble when you walked in (you were right there, you were right there) So shame on me now Flew me to places I'd never been Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground Texas Is Forever - Pierce the Veil – lack of communication anyone? I don’t know, do we know anyone like that? If anything should happen to me I want you to know, I’ve loved you since ever…

Here we are If anything should happen to me I want you to know I've loved you since ever since then Don't dance around me I know what it means No communication, cannot be received But I'm such a sucker for the rain, yeah Oh, here we are Butterfly - Wearing Scars – the Butterfly/Angel parallel alone…go with it.

Seems we're alone We're fixated Just waiting for something As time goes by And when we're way up high We'll look back down with different eyes Let's take our time Awake this life So spread your wings And take my hand Tonight will be the end

With Grace - The Weight of Atlas

This place looks like hell to me I cast myself into the sea Picked up my conscience and left my disease I don't know, I don't know if I can make it through this storm Keep your eyes shut it will be okay. Will we make it out alive? Will we make it out alive. When all you have is hope I will be your anchor I know that I can let you down But I swear I'll pick up the pieces. And be reborn again I Always Wanted to Leave - The Plot In You

I guess it's a shame I'm so damn destructive And you're so reluctant to mean what you say The way you act so abused The things you confuse You know I always wanted to leave "Hello... You can sing, I'm here And I love you more than anyone or anything With all my heart."

Unsteady - X Ambassadors – just a stay parallel. Don’t leave, don’t let go. If you love me. Don’t let go. #I haz the sads.

Hold on to me 'Cause I'm a little unsteady If you love me Don't let go Bury Me Alive - Normandie – pick a line – ANY LINE!!! 

I guess I'm not going to heaven now I got caught in the chase Now I'm falling from grace But I never stood a chance Could've given me a sign I'd be giving you blind obedience Mantra – Bring Me The Horizon Before the truth will set you free, it will piss you off Before you find a place to be, you're gonna lose the plot Too late to tell you now, one ear and right out the other one 'Cause all you ever do is chant the same old mantra Could I have your attention, please? It's time to tap into your tragedy Think you could use a new abuser Close your eyes and listen carefully Imagine you're stood on a beach Water gently lapping at your feet And now you're sinking, what were you thinking? That's all the time we have this week

Oh Lord - In This Moment – cutting any of this out was actually hard. Cas, my love, are you there?

Oh Lord won't you save me Save me from my soul Oh Lord won't you forgive me For I have lost control Oh Lord won't you tell me Am I the righteous or the damned? Oh Lord won't you please hear me Do I obey or do I command? Oh Lord please forgive me For what I'm about to do Oh Lord won't you believe me I'll burn in hell for you Oh Lord won't you teach me Teach me how to see Oh Lord tell me you love me Am I Lillith or am I Eve?

Bleeding is a Luxury - Atreyu

I’ve talked the talk, I've walked the walk, It's taken ten fucking years, For them to see I don't need their approval. I've paid the piper, I've stayed my course, Lived chomping at the bit. With only blood, sweat, and tears to adhere to- Take it for granted, Forsake the costs, Wear a big, shit-eating grin (with only blood, sweat, and tears to adhere to) Now bear the burden to chase your fate Grind your teeth 'til it fucking hurts So they can see I don't need their approval. Seize the day, Take your beatings, Lead the way, Or decay as you fall down... You fall down.

Would you Still be There - Of Mice & Men – wow, this song in full. All of it. I can’t.

If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, If I could turn back time would you still be there? I can't stop thinking about the way I left you sinking with no escape. Now there's no lifeline, no way to save. But maybe next time I won't throw it all away. Dislocated, I lie awake Suffocating in my mistakes. I lost my halo when I fell from grace, But maybe next time I won't throw it all away. I ask myself everyday... If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, If I could turn back time would you still be there? If I could find the words to say, If I could shake the world to break you down, Then would you still be there?

The Broken - 3 Doors Down 

This is the call to the broken, the broken Take it from me. They don't care if you're lonely. As you can see, They don't care if you're scared. Your heart Is the only friend you have in this whole world. Don't start, Think you can do this yourself. I know what you're thinking. You say you're tired of keeping score, keeping score. Trust me, You're not the only one going through this. You see, I've been through this before, this before.

Wow, I Hate This Song - The Used – this one took a little imagination – hardest one so far – because it really is just about hating a song! So we’re HC’ing the Zepp track that reminds Dean most of Cas, post Empty.

Every time I hear the key I see you in the melody It never was a part of me Heart feels like it's being stabbed Kills me emotionally Dirty Little Secret - Bullet For My Valentine – let’s take this back to – take your pick…Leviathan!Cas, Godstiel, Casifer, any of the times that Cas did the wrong thing for the right reasons…and did not tell his boy. 

There once was a time Where everything was just so perfect Now everything has changed And you've become a total stranger I've seen another side to you I never even knew existed Dirty little secrets, dirty little secrets Giving in to your primal instincts There once was a time When anything I do is for you But everything has changed And I've become a lonely prisoner I'd kill, even die for you You never even tried resisting

Kill Plan - Parabelle

I'm sitting stunned just like a lesson I never learned Made of emotions and mistakes And what you say Leaves me lost and in the way And that's the place you stay Remember silence Now we're painted into corners So we can watch the world get sold out Hold me closer don't let the sun in Hold me closer don't let the sun in Cuz the setting sun feels like a cage Don't let me defend the kill plan

Roman Sky – Avenged Sevenfold – This song only has a few lyrics, but we can definitely make them work.

As the embers rose through the Roman Sky Tell me, were you calm when they took your life? Just before you go, tell us how the heavens flow Weightless evermore, as you walk beyond that door Shine forever true To Those Left Behind – blessthefall – these boys might be my favourite band ever, but these are ANGRY lyrics – these are about betrayal.  This is a relationship gone wrong. I feel these best work with the divorce arc, the Angry Dean that we see, or Dean’s mood after any of the “Cas fucked up again” moments. You found me at my worst When I was far too weak to grow In spite of all my fears And how I may have lost my way Only now I know the truth

Awake and coming clean

If you can't sleep It's your conscience That's eating away At the mess you made So let's end this Sew this last stitch Lift this weight off my chest I'll put you to rest The past should stay dead

How did we find ourselves here? Haunted by our own design With everything that's come to pass Makes it harder to confine

[taeyongdoyoung]

summary: the forest is your only escape from the everyday troubles with your family until you find danger lurking behind the trees. or rather, danger finds you. your fateful encounter with the vampire ravn leaves you wishing for a different life. you strike an unexpected deal with the stranger that will soon turn into something more…

pairing: vampire! human ravn x reader

side characters: seoho, xion, non-binary oc named robin inspired by the wonderful @byccn 💜

genre: vampire!au, romance, humour, FLUFF

warnings: i don’t think there are any?? just sweet tooth-rotting fluff, some biting, a few shakespeare references, some swear words and a lot of cheesy lines, i mean, they’re eating pizza in italy and it’s valentine’s day soo...

word count: 2.3k

author’s note: the final chapter of twilight has arrived, i just want to thank you all so much for embarking on this journey with me, for reading it and for leaving your comments, it truly feels like the end of an era but i hope everyone enjoyed reading my story as much as i enjoyed writing it, i don’t know what else to say other than “parting is such sweet sorrow” 🥺🥺💞💞

part one 🌙 part two 🌙 part three 🌙 part four 🌙 part five 🌙 part six  🌙 part seven 🌙 part eight 🌙 part nine 🌙 part ten🌙 part eleven  🌙part twelve

You felt like you were dreaming but no matter how many times you pinched yourself, you didn’t wake up, because this was reality. Ravn was safe and sleeping soundly, his arms wrapped around you. And he was so warm you’d have a difficult time getting used to it. But it didn’t matter, because you loved him for him and that was all that mattered. You ran a gentle hand through his dark hair. He was still so beautiful, still so soft, still your Ravn. And despite the fact that he, too, was mortal now, you had the strange feeling you had all the time in the world. And in a way, it was true. You were so far away from any dangers that this newfound sense of freedom seemed eternal.

“Are you watching me sleep?” Ravn murmured curiously.

You attempted to withdraw your hand, but his reflexes were still fast enough to catch you.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” he opened his eyes and smiled at you fondly.

“I just can’t believe this. You’re alive,” you pointed out.

Ravn chuckled.

“Me neither. I’ve wished for this for so long that now when it actually happened it seems unreal.”

“Well, no use questioning it, let’s just enjoy ourselves,” you quickly kissed his lips and intended to get out of bed to brush your teeth, but Ravn stopped you by holding onto your hand and pulling you close.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He kissed you once more, this time more deeply and not willing to let go.

“Mmm, Ravn, darling…” you tried to argue.

“Stay a bit longer,” he pleaded sweetly.

“You’re impossible to resist,” you laughed and started kissing his neck, occasionally biting him gently, which amused him immensely.

“Oh, no, I’ve corrupted you entirely,” Ravn wailed.

You rolled your eyes and pressed your hands against his cheeks.

“I love you,” you said seriously.

“I would not wish any companion in the world but you,” Ravn replied and your eyes filled with happy tears.

“My favourite Shakespeare nerd,” you stroked his chin.

“Am I not the only Shakespeare nerd you know?” he challenged.

“Well, he will never admit it, but Seoho is secretly as much of a Shakespeare enthusiast as we are,” you joked.

“But you like me more, right?” he had to make sure.

“Of course, silly, is this even a question?”

“Let’s get up and annoy him about it, then!” Ravn suggested excitedly.

“Unbelievable,” you giggled and sneaked out of his arms. “Bathroom’s mine first!”

Ravn hurriedly chased you but to your complete amazement, you beat him to it. Now that he was human, too, it was all fair and square.

“Come on, sweetheart, let me in!” Ravn complained, knocking on the door.

You smirked triumphantly as you were putting toothpaste on your new brush.

“What will I get out of this?” you bargained, suddenly remembering one of your initial encounters. It felt like a century ago.

“More kisses? My undying affection? Anything you wish, I just really need to…”

You quickly opened the door upon hearing the desperation in his voice. He was only human, after all, the thought making you laugh.

“Thank you!” Ravn rushed inside. He was obviously on a mission.

A couple of minutes later, you were both out of the bathroom and dressing up for the day.

“Being a human is so hard,” he complained. “So many needs.”

“Come on, you’ve been human before,” you reminded him.

“How do you deal with all this?” Ravn asked, overwhelmed by everything new.

“It’s just life, I guess,” you shrugged. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it soon enough. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Unless when you lock me out of the bathroom,” he teased you.

“A mistake I won’t repeat again,” you chuckled. “We’ll have to share.”

“I can live with that,” he winked. “For the rest of my life.”

These were words you’d never expected to hear and yet, they’d somehow turned into the much needed reality.

🌙🌙🌙

“Now that Ravn’s human, you won’t say stuff like ‘all humans are trash’, will you, Seoho?” you joked over breakfast as you were spreading jam over a slice of bread.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been forced to change my mindset,” Seoho groaned and added under his breath. “Ugh, humans.”

“Hey, I heard that!” Ravn scolded him.

“I thought your super hearing was gone?” Seoho asked awkwardly.

“It is, but I can still hear shit,” he punched his friend playfully.

“Fine, fine, I’ll try not to be a dick.”

“Thank you very much,” you said. “I’m thinking of checking out the local bookshops today. Ravn, do you want to come with?”

“You know it,” he gave you a high five.

“Seoho, do you want to join us?” you offered politely, because after all, if it hadn’t been for Seoho’s magical abilities, you probably wouldn’t be here, in Verona, alive.

“So I can watch you lick each other’s faces between the bookshelves? I’ll pass,” Seoho scoffed.

“Hey, if it makes you uncomfortable, we’ll stop doing it in front of you,” you promised.

“Nah, it’s fine. I have other plans, anyways.”

“You do?” Ravn eyed him suspiciously.

“I’m not telling you anything,” Seoho finished his juice, got up from the table and grabbed his jacket. “Have fun, nerds!”

Before you could register where he was going, Seoho had teleported himself out of the room.

“Okay, that was weird,” you pointed out.

“Definitely. We’ll grill him for more information when he comes back,” Ravn vowed. “But for now, let’s finish our human breakfast and explore the town.”

“It would be my honour,” you smiled.

🌙🌙🌙

Seoho’s POV

Was I being too obvious? I knew that sooner or later I’d have to inform Ravn and Y/N what this was about, but I didn’t want to jinx it. After all, there wasn’t much to tell. Not yet, at least. The truth was that yesterday when I’d gone to buy pizza and pancakes for my friends, I’d seen someone that grabbed my attention rightaway. They had beautiful short hair, a vibrant smile and they were selling ice-cream. At the time, I couldn’t muster up the courage to talk to them, even though I was usually confident and carefree. There was something special about this person. And despite my previous distrust of humans, I realized I could no longer be so prejudiced about them. My best friend was now human and his girlfriend had proved me wrong countless times. Maybe it was because I was in a new town, where no one knew me. Maybe it was because after almost losing Ravn, I had realized that life was too short and precious and I had to make each day count. I don’t know what exactly came over me but when I lied to my friends about having plans, I decided I want to see the person selling ice-cream again. And this time, I would talk to them.

Luckily, I was good at finding my way around. I quickly remembered where the pizza place was and that the ice-cream stand was right around the corner. I felt a bit nervous, but I knew that I had nothing to lose, so I approached it. They were there. The minute I saw their smile I forgot everything that I had planned I would say. How I wanted to play it cool and tell them I really like their style and their hair and…Before I could open my mouth, they’d spotted me and spoke first.

“Hi, would you like to order some ice-cream?” were the cheerful first words they said to me.

“Um, hi, yeah, what would you recommend?” I asked.

“My personal favourite is chocolate,” they replied.

“Alright, then, I’ll have that.”

“Sure thing,” they smiled and started scooping up a ball of chocolate ice-cream as I placed the money on the table. Now was my chance to say something dumb or remain silent and regret it forever. Or I could just come back again tomorrow. I wouldn’t do that, right?

🌙🌙🌙

I was a fool. I did come back again the following day. And the day after. I came back to that ice-cream place every day for two whole weeks, without succeeding to say much to the person I was obviously crushing on, other than the usual small talk surrounding the process of buying ice-cream. I tried all the different flavours until one day the unimaginable happened.

“I’ll see you again tomorrow,” I murmured instead of goodbye.

“Actually, I won’t be here tomorrow,” they responded sadly. “You see, this was just a summer job for me and I’m going back to college so I won’t have time to work.”

“Oh, I see,” I replied dumbly. “Well, in that case…”

“Can I get your number?” they beat me to it. “Or at least your name?”

Internally, I was screaming with joy. Externally, I attempted to maintain a perfectly composed expression.

“Seoho,” I said, already writing down my phone number on a napkin. “And yours?”

“Robin,” they chuckled. “Wow, you’re so old-fashioned, you could have just typed it in.”

I shrugged and handed them the silly napkin.

“Better not lose it,” I warned them.

“No worries, I’ll treasure it forever.”

“Well, technically, the ink will probably wear off with time…”

“Wow, way to kill the mood,” Robin laughed and I could swear, I would never get tired of that beautiful sound.

“Sorry,” I looked down apologetically.

“I can’t help but wonder what took you so long?” they further amazed me with such a straightforward question.

“Um, I’m shy?”

“Me too, but it had to be done,” Robin winked.

In that moment, I had already made up my mind. Maybe humans weren’t so bad after all…

🌙🌙🌙

One year later

You were sitting next to your fiancé, holding hands under the table at a pizza restaurant because you didn’t want your engagement rings to show. You intended to surprise your friends Seoho and Robin and had kept it a secret for a while. A week had passed since Ravn proposed to you. He had booked plane tickets to Paris for a weekend getaway and what you thought was simply a short vacation turned into the best moment of your life. Forever the romantic, Ravn had completely amazed you with the unexpected question. An evening walk alongside the Seine River and under the city lights, French music playing all around…You had been so overwhelmed by positive emotions that you burst into tears before managing to respond. Ravn had gotten worried that he’d upset you and you’d somehow succeeded in letting him know you were happy crying and that of course you’d marry him. It felt like a dream come true.

As you were waiting for your friends to arrive, you and Ravn exchanged a knowing look.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Born ready,” you replied, completely certain of your feelings for him.

He squeezed your hand in support and soon after, your friends showed up.

“Hi, darling,” you hugged Robin tightly. “Seoho.”

“We have news,” Ravn announced directly.

“Can it wait?” Seoho inquired. “We kinda have a surprise that’s waiting outside.”

“Oh? You got us a puppy?” you asked, guessing wrongly.

“Nah, it’s not a puppy,” Seoho chuckled. “Much better, actually.”

“Come on, tell us already!” Ravn insisted.

“Okay, stay here, I’ll get the surprise rightaway. Robin, keep them occupied.”

Robin rolled their eyes.

“So bossy,�� they complained affectionately after Seoho was out of earshot. “Anyways, how have you two been?”

“Splendid,” you squealed. “We can’t wait to tell you the big news, but apparently Seoho’s going to steal our thunder.”

“Yeah, so rude of him,” Ravn joked.

“Oh, trust me, it’ll be worth it,” Robin promised, already aware of who was standing outside.

“It better be,” you laughed.

As soon as you’d said that, Seoho returned, holding a young-looking guy you’d never seen before under his arm. The first thing you noticed was his pale skin that looked so out of place next to Seoho’s flushed cheeks. And your limited experience led you to the conclusion that this was probably a vampire.

“X-xion,” Ravn stammered in shock and quickly rushed to get up and hug his friend he hadn’t seen in way too long, completely forgetting about the secret you were supposed to hide under the table.

“It’s been a while,” Xion replied. “Sorry for showing up unannounced…but I wanted to see you.”

“Of course, it’s not a problem,” Ravn reassured him. “This is Y/N, my…fiancée,” he introduced you, dropping the other big surprise for the evening.

“HOLY SHIT,” Robin exclaimed, finally noticing the rings. “Congratulations!”

Seoho didn’t seem shocked at all, the magical bastard had probably read your thoughts a long time ago.

“T-thanks,” you murmured nervously. “And it’s really nice to meet you, Xion. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

He shook your hand awkwardly and smiled.

“So, what brings you here?” Ravn asked his friend.

“Well, Seoho mentioned about…you know…how Y/N and you…and how you’re no longer…you know.”

“It’s okay, Xion,” Robin chuckled. “Seoho told me everything about the supernatural world, you don’t need to speak in riddles.”

The vampire scratched the back of his head bashfully.

“And like, I was wondering if it was possible for this miracle to happen to me, too. So I came to ask for advice.”

“You want to be human, too?” Ravn inquired. “Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”

You gave your fiancé and Xion an encouraging smile.

“There’s nothing I’d like more,” he confessed openly.

“Well, I don’t know what to tell you, it’s not like I was planning for this to happen.”

“Anything can be helpful,” Xion pleaded. “Just tell me the whole story. How you met Y/N. How you fell in love. Don’t leave anything out.”

“It’s gonna be a long night,” you teased.

“Well, it all started at twilight…”

The end

[undergroundkid]

11. If I can have you I can do anything

What was supposed to be a sweet release, turned into obstinate mania.

However soothing Hyungwon’s affirmations were, there was no denying; your ego grew bigger than you let yourself realize. He might kiss your stained hands, hazed your thoughts, and erased doubts for a moment, but after toe-curling ecstasy, you were left with a bitter truth.

I am a bad person.

When you got off your new-proclaimed throne it didn’t hit you right away. Your wobbly legs barely held you up, hair stuck to your face, the muscles groaned in exasperation and hummed with delight simultaneously. Probably too many sensations still occupied your body and mind; so of course, it had to be Chae’s words that put you back in reality.

- This is your sin – he said, half-laying on the bed with an open shirt and sweat-kissed skin. Then he added with a small laugh:- Pride, Miss Y/N.

How this man could take you to the highest peak of pleasure and then throw you off straight into a freezing stream of maliciousness was beyond you. But he did it, time after time, always leaving you shocked when you should already learn.

Few days passed without sign of any of the apartment’s guests. Such a restful way should give you some peace when you could focus on your job in quiet. No sudden meetings, no suspicious events, no unprofessional situations with clients – just how it worked before.

It did work before you were aware of yourself. In the past, you didn’t have to ponder on your actions, because you always believed them to be the best you could do. Now the seed of the doubt was sowed, uncertainty always behind your back questioning your true motives.

It was tiring; you wished to be a silly doe once again.

You worked slower, not so actively pursuing your guests' attention. If your manager noticed, she didn’t mention it, simply burying you in paperwork. Or maybe she didn’t want to? Maybe she’s also like me? Perhaps we’re all egocentric creatures, pretending to care, only for our own advantage, without any selflessness?

- Child, you’re spacing out again. Everything’s alright?

Or perhaps not – there may be people with personal interest, like your mother. She looked at you intently, her hands moving uneasily; she must be worried.

- Oh, yes – the answer came out automatically:- Yes, I’m okay.

As you furrowed your brows, concerned why you won’t simply voice out your thoughts, your mom managed to drop her troubles. Your short reply sufficiently good to go her own merry way.

- Good! Hurry up sweetheart or you will be late to the hotel!

You nodded, empty inside once again. Only one purpose: work.

Chae told you there was greatness in evil. How could you not believe him, swept by powerful affirmations? Such a beautiful face of his will convince anyone. Sour veracity flowing from pretty lips, drowning you in his ideals.

- It does feel good, doesn’t it? – he took a rich grip of your thighs, not urging you, just enjoying the heat of your flesh. You looked at him with a small smile, relishing in the way his manhood slid sweetly along your slick walls. No hurry, only the delectation of erotic closeness, fulness again.. having him below you, the stunning man that downgraded you.

His hands moved to your backside, coercing you to move up his shaft. Betraying his lust like this, instinctual pressure to chase the climax made you tilt your head back with a chuckle.

You sat down fully, gripping him tight with inner muscles. Delighted by male’s hiss, you placed your hands on his sweated arms comfortably.

- You tell me – you responded, voice calm as you rose and sink down again; his broken sigh already an answer, but you couldn't help yourself and had to ask:- Does it feel good, Mr Chae?

It definitely did.

At that moment, you ate his words easily. Driven by his praises, easy acceptance of your dark side, you really felt like a goddess. But that was it, just a moment; the person changing into the receptionist’s uniform wasn’t a deity anymore. Not a scared doe either – just a fool, more angered by the idea of being arrogant shrew than the fact she jumped at another’s client's dick.

The discomposure after the encounter with Hyungwon fell short of the one with Mr. Changkyun. Shame ate you alive then, now just warmed up your ears and moistened the hands. The morals? Fitfully unstable.

- Y/N, I left the shift report on the desk, take a look – your colleague chirped at the exit in a typical pink-collar worker’s voice:- There were some complaints to take care of, I know you will do your best! See you next time!

Placing the responsibilities on me over and over; you had to bite your tongue to stop the thoughts. Where do they come from? Am I always presumptuous like this?

- Uh, Miss Y/N?

- Sorry, what’s up?

- The report? – young intern handed you papers, deciding to summarize it anyway:- Guests from the third floor claimed there’s loud music coming from somewhere.

- Music?

- Ah, it’s stated here – she pointed to the last paragraph. If the hotel has musicians or any other vocalists under their roof, the curfew doesn’t work? However skilled, 3 AM piano performance isn’t appreciated.

- Probably someone’s played the CD too loud.. can we even find out who was it?

- Oh hey, something’s wrong? – Yoonho cut in, emerging from behind the corner; your eyes met briefly before he focused on the apprentice. He didn’t stay in your company for long since your silly argument – if you could call it an argument at all. Funny boy, obvious to the suddenly high-pitched voice of the girl between you.

- Loud music? I didn’t hear anything yesterday and I stayed until midnight?

Huh, so he does avoid me.

- Well.. what.. what can we do? Should we stay tonight longer too? – her voice toned down with uncertainty.

- Ah, it doesn’t make sense.. you want to sit at the stairs and pretend to just chill out?

- Probably best if we check it out personally? I mean.. maybe we will hear this wonderful piano serenade room 322 wrote about?

You cringed your nose involuntarily, third-wheeling the awful teenage romance drama. Why the heck she’s so obsessed with him was unclear. He was sweet but way too childish.. proper good-looking at the best, especially among the clients here.

- You said piano? – porter chuckled with annoyance:- Oh, no worries then, your supervisor will solve this puzzle.

Did I say childish?

Yoonho looked at you with an upturned nose. He reminded you of an offended kid; still cute, but definitely testing his limits. Who the hell he thinks he is, little shit-

This is your sin, Miss Y/N.

Wait, why am I getting angry already? It’s nothing for the God’s sake..

Pride.

Oh no, I am better than this, better than you, him and everybody here-

- That’s true – you smiled your best service’s worker smile, taking younger acquaintance by surprise:- I think I can take care of it.

*

You could hear the song on the second floor already; it felt like you were the only one, the other guests not paying any attention to you or elegant tones vibrating in the air. It was a different melody than before, accompanied by a graceful male’s voice, singing the song in a language unknown to you.

The source of the complaint was found in the emergency staircase: the duet of an old piano and young man.

- Looks like we’re meeting again, Miss – the gentleman welcomed, changing the tempo of his song to more relaxing. His white sweater matched the room perfectly; with the new line of chords, he gave off a cozy aura.

- Mr. Yoo – you bowed:- I was looking for you. Did you decide to wander here last night perhaps?

- Is that a proper question from a young lady? – he shifted on a small bench, offering you a seat. You took it without hesitation, feeling at ease in his presence. The effect of his music, harmonic vocals, and polite behavior was soothing for your soul. Exactly what you needed after the vortex of the last events.

- We had a complaint about the noise, sir. You should finish the concert before 10 PM for everybody’s comfort.

- I see.. my apologies – he slouched a bit, big glasses sliding down his nose. He stopped playing to adjust them:- I thought it wasn’t a big deal. There’s a lot of loud singing at the night here.

Frowning was enough to make him explain.

- Intense, melodic .. and greatly feminine.

You could see the rising panic in your face from the reflection in Kihyun’s lenses; he just smiled, a little, almost with adoration.

- It was very beautiful – he assured, calming you down instantly. Soothing came naturally to him – surely he meant your latest stunts, yet his short affirmation was enough to put discomfort for later. No judging, maybe even a bit of understanding. Now you could simply enjoy his appeasing company.

His fingers started waltzing lazily on aged piano keys, filling the silence.

- It made me lonely – Mr. Yoo admitted:- Music makes me feel less miserable.

- I see.. hotel is full of people, but it doesn’t matter. I am sorry to hear this, sir.

A simple nod was the only answer. Seeing the man who until now provided nothing but comfort for you in sorrow mood was upsetting. He deserved better.

You lightly brushed your shoulder against his to lighten up the mood.

- I am here now, sir. With you.

He chuckled.

- That’s what I was hoping for.

Tiny tingling danced under your ribs for a few seconds. Letting it warm you up, then quelling it out habit – you shouldn’t let the simple compliments captivate you. Why you still held to the old manners you were taught? You didn’t exactly follow them lately. Quit the act already.

- Your presence.. conciliate me – hushed words, spoke with caution:- It did last time and so do now. I am afraid I will need it more.

- I.. can help, sir. Please call reception next time, we can talk?

Kihyun laughed, shaking his head with amusement.

- Dear Miss Y/N.. this solitude is a bottomless pit, unfortunately..

His hand came to your jawline, following the path behind your ear. He touched the delicate skin with eyes full of wonder.

- It will never be enough – he stated, then added with a sigh:- I am gluttonous like this.

Nobody wants to be lonely, after all – it’s human nature. He found out your dirty secrets and might want to take his own piece of this cake, hiding it under lame excuses.. but why would he do that? How can you suspect the most courteous man in this hotel? Always polite to you, adding some smarty remarks to keep you on your toes. No pushing your boundaries though – he acknowledged your actions without any criticism.

Maybe he is just alone, wishing for someone to heal the emptiness. What’s wrong with looking for affection anyway? It’s what led you to previous encounters, too. You were touch-starved. Both Changkyun and Hyungwon made you aware of it, appeased the basic hunger, then left you to hunt for yourself.

The doe became huntress, so you closed the gap between you and Yoo with an urgent kiss. He melted with pleasure, almost as if he was waiting for your move.

- So am I – you agreed, clenching his white sweater:- I am greedy, too, sir.

- Oh I can tell – he whispered with a snicker, staring at your moving hands.

The kisses became heated quickly. You were torn between admiring his foggy glasses and reddened lips. The gentleman was focused on chasing your mouth though, arms encircling your frame to close any possible space between you two. His soft touch contrast to your previous lovers, both Im and Chae more fervently urgent. Even your ex-boyfriend, your first.. however considerate he was of your virginity, his inexperience was clear. You didn’t blame him; he was a sweetheart, head over heels in love with you.. at some point at least.

Nonetheless, you couldn’t help but contemplate if he ever loved you for real. Maybe it was a stupid young crush and you stayed together out of habit, playing it safe. It looked like he wanted another type of partner inferring from his social media. No point in complaining now, you were both adults, going their own path.. his more of a party animal, yours.. well. Boring, uneventful, and stable until now; even so, still regretful.

Kihyun’s approach unlike anyone was making you feel treasured as if he was waiting a lifetime for a chance to have this moment. Hyungwon set you on a pedestal, that’s true, but he did it with mendacity, leaving you more mentally confused than before. The male beside you handled you with utter care, gracing you with a love-struck smile. You answered with a grin before you could catch yourself. What a lovely man, worthy of the best, yet he was with you and it seemed to make him the happiest.

Maybe I can honestly bring him joy, maybe I.. maybe I am not as bad as I thought of myself.

Your hands trembled, which didn’t go unnoticed by your partner. He instantly shifted to meet your eyes properly, observing your face for any kind of discomfort. His concern practically startling, given how unused you were to that level of care. Nobody paid attention to your feelings much, obvious hardship dismissed even by your own mother.

This man did on the other hand. He worried about trivial troubled gesture, despite the hollowness of his heart.

I can help; I can be virtuous, whatever Chae implied. You felt he can be wrong this strong for the first time since his arrival.

- Something’s wrong, dear?

You shook your head dismissively.

- No – you answered, grazing male’s legs briefly:- Actually, quite the opposite.

He tried to ask again, however, was silenced with a quick kiss – to stop him from questioning and to provide a distraction from sneaking hands down his trousers, towards a recognizable bulge. He moaned straight into your mouth, such a pure noise you thought of it as your new favorite sound. You needed more of this dissolute melody then and there.

Driven by a desire to take care of your sweet lover, you slid between his legs on your knees.

- Ah, Miss Y/N – blush prominent on cheeks, he still tried to play it cool:- Don’t you favor me way too much?

You shushed him, massaging his crotch that was now your eye-level. He weakly tried to pry your hands with some gentle words, something among the lines of ladies first, although it didn’t stop you.

- Mr. Yoo – unzipping his pants, freeing him from briefs and still you didn’t shy away from his heated gaze:- I want to hear you sing more..

You had your goal now. Clear purpose helping you redeem yourself.

- Please, play the piano and sing – you requested, kissing the head of his erected member. He answered you with a shaky breath, which determined he needed a moment to collect himself. Cute.

The moment he started the new tune, your tongue glided along salty skin. He faltered for a few seconds, picking up the tempo with trouble.

It made you smile; it made you powerful, once again, but at your own rules.

When Kihyun decided to sing, you swallowed him as much as you could. The vocals broke into a loud whine, fueling you to go even deeper, faster, wilder.

You could give him a piece of heaven, sneak peek into oblivion. It was possible without looking for own gain or offensive commentary. Just two people searching for the warmth of intimacy. He chanted foreign words above you out of breath, still harmonic as always and you sensed both your climaxes coming; his primal, your spiritual.

Cure the loneliness out of the pure heart. I don’t want anything, after all; just feel better.

Is that nothing? Or am I seeking for my own benefit?

The piano stuttered, chords losing original pace, throwing the song into chaos. Yoo’s voice slowed down to sinful groans with infrequent lyrics. He was close, exhalation hasty just like the thoughts coming through your head.

Am I proving Chae’s word wrong?

The piano stopped abruptly, some keys pressed together with a smash of Kihyun’s arm. He hid between his elbows and your head, uttering an uncommonly bashful cry. Bitter substance filled your mouth along with an even more savage realization.

You gulped down his cum, stunned enough to not care for typical male’s taste. Tucking him back into pants, mental nausea grew stronger every passing second. You hoped to bolt before facing him, however difficult it might be.

Pointless as expected, when your rose back again he embraced your hips with wobbly palms.

- Not so quick, Miss – sweated from orgasm, not any less handsome:- Let me return the favor.

Favor? It wasn’t a favor. Only a confirmation; you were corrupt as Hyungwon said you were. Determined to convince him you can be good simply because you couldn’t stand the insult. Too proud to admit the truth over again. Not able to accept the accusation so much it made you blow the first willing guy. Extra violation on your naughty list.

- You don’t have to – there was no use to drag the show anymore, so you opted to give up before you could regret it all even more. Kihyun opened his mouth to protest with what could be another wise-ass reply, but you beat him to it:

- We are all lonely in our pleasure in the end.

thank you for reading

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[spookymultimedia]

Doubt

⚠️ CW: themes of Christianity and a brief mention of conversion therapy⚠️

   It was Sunday evening when I knocked on the door of Ned Flanders and waited for a response. It had been a few weeks since I had seen Ned at church and it was starting to worry me. It just wasn't like him to miss church. He always showed up on time,but  he had been absent for a while. I hadn't even received a call from him. Nothing. I needed to know he was okay. I knocked again and Ned opened the door. He looked less peppy than usual. He was wearing an old tee shirt and black basketball shorts. He looked tired and his glasses were missing. He squinted at me, put on his glasses and gasped. 

 "Reverend! I-. . .what brings you here?" He looked to the left.

       "I'm sure you know why." 

He bowed his head slightly and crossed his arms nervously. He sighed, "Yeah. . I'm sorry, please come in." He stepped aside and let me in. I stepped in and waved at the two boys in the living room watching a movie. It was one of those Muppet movies. Ned led me to his room to talk and sat on the bed. "Maude is out with Helen on a date." 

       "I know Ned. And you can call me Timothy if you want you know." I put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's okay really." 

       To explain the situation, Helen and I had been out as bisexual and polyamorous, although I'm biromantic ace actually. We still ran the church but it was different now of course. It was more progressive in a way now, politically speaking. It was just love. Love is love is love, it wasn't political at all. I knew how Ned felt about me, being gay and all with Maude being an out and proud lesbian. Me and Ned were just close friends/maybe sorta dating, l we wanted to take things slow. Take things at our own pace. I love him and feel the same of course. We just rather take time to figure it out in our own time and get to know each other on a more informal basis. I think we'll end up ok. Ned and Maude both seemed to enjoy church still, despite unfortunate past grievances. Or so I had thought until recently.

      "Oh, right. I'm sorry." Ned apologized at his forgetfulness.

"You're fine." I sat by him and offered my hand. He took it. He was a bit warm. I felt his forehead and then his cheek with my freehand. He leaned against it slightly.

       "Are you ill?" He shrugged. He teared up and looked away. "What's wrong darlin?" He whimpered. 

        "I- I'm sorry."

 "For what?" I was shocked. He didn't do anything wrong as far as I knew. 

     "Re- . .Timothy, I've been having doubts."

"About?" I pet his palm with my thumb trying to soothe him. 

      "My faith." Tears ran down his face. He set aside his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

    "I shouldn't feel this way. I just. .Tim it hurts." He looked down at the bed. Life  was sucked out of his once hopeful eyes. He looked tired. He looked sad. I knew those eyes too well. Eyes that were burned out and full of doubt. Eyes that looked like mine.

        "I understand." 

     He looked up at me surprised. "You. . .?"

I nodded, "I lost my faith years ago."

 His eyes were wide. "But you.  . .you."

    He shrugged. "I haven't told anyone."

I frowned. I now felt like I let him down. Like I had lied to him.

                    "I just couldn't believe anything I was speaking. I didn't care anymore. Ridiculous passages just made me take things less seriously. It was lonely though. I had to pretend to be something I wasn't. I was really hurting. I even thought about-" A pang of pain shot through my chest. I shook my head and sighed. "But the church needed someone to look up to and get advice from." I shrugged. 

"I understand if you think this makes me a hypocrite. I really am."

He nodded admittingly. "But I don't blame you."

       I could see something else in his expression outside of weariness. I saw bitterness and frustration.

     "Do you want to talk about it Ned?" He stared off and furrowed his eyebrows. He was staring at a King James Bible. He opened it and glared at a verse he bookmarked. 

      "Ned. . .?" My concern grew. Suddenly he viciously ripped out the pages and threw the book across the room. He grunted and hiccuped in anger.

     "Ned!" I said shocked. I didn't care at all about the silly book but I hadn't seen Ned in so much pain before.

       "I was sent to conversion therapy as a teen!"  He blurted out and started to cry. He didn't need to say anything more. It was very clear now. He was trembling. He doubled down against the bed and laid there sobbing. I laid in front of him and held out my arms. He didn't waste a second and laid into my arms. I wrapped my arms around his waist. His head rested on my shoulder as he cried and wrapped himself all around me. "You're wonderful. You're absolutely precious Ned. There's nothing wrong about you." I held him firmly. He started to calm down. "You don't have to do anything if it hurts you. I understand Ned. I'm sure the girls will too. I promise." He hiccuped and nodded. I pet his back. "I love you so so much." 

       He relaxed. "And I love you."

"I think, I think I want to retire." I admitted.

        "Ok." He still trembled. I pet his back tenderly trying to cure those shakes. "I'm scared." He said.

        "Of what?"

               "The church is all I've ever known."

       "I'll be here to support you. I always have and I always will."

       I gently hushed his whimpers. "It'll all be okay. I'm right here. Maude has always had your back and I trust she will now more than ever. She's got a strong heart Ned." He nodded. They weren't a thing romantically but their companionship had only grew stronger. He pulled out a bit from my hug and rubbed his eyes.

     "Can- can I kiss your cheek?" I asked with my hands still on his back. I couldn't help but blush like a young school boy. He nodded and smiled. I pressed a warm kiss to his cheek, attempting to dry off any pain or tears that lingered there. I pressed a second one to his forehead and held his back. If I could take away all the sorrows in his soul I would do it in a heartbeat. He smiled and hugged me once again. He was at peace now. 

[lostbbygorl]

REVERSING EACH DAMAGE (LEVI X F!READER):

Mr. Ackerman frequently visited the Magaths home after that afternoon. Isabel would sometimes accompany her elder brother, but Levi came alone most of the time. Levi and Y/N were getting closer and closer, and unknowingly, Y/N had fallen for Mr. Ackerman! She didn’t understand these new feelings at all, but she did know that no matter how difficult they were, she liked them.

One day, Mr. Ackerman decided to bring his aunt, Ms. Katrina de Lancey and her daughter, Amanda with him, much to Y/N’s annoyance. Ms. Katrina was a nosy, snobby elderly woman. She and Y/N had met in Shiganshina previously when Y/N had gone to visit Nifa and cousin Elias. Lady Katrina had tried her hardest to belittle Y/N, and force her to answer her interrogative questions, which Y/N didn’t give her the satisfaction of succeeding with. Never having been denied anything in her life, Lady Katrina was flabbergasted and decided that Y/N was someone she deeply distrusted and disliked.

“ Ms. L/N, meet Amanda, my daughter”, Lady Katrina introduced. Y/N smiled politely at Amanda. Amanda was a very thin girl with her braided brown hair and square glasses. She was dressed in different shades of brown, and she was awkwardly fidgeting with her fingers. She didn’t smile or say a word the entire trip to the Magath’s household, and occasionally whispered to her mother. Never before had Y/N met such a plain, boring girl!

“ Amanda is engaged to my nephew. They’ll be married by next summer”, Lady Katrina said, staring intensely at Y/N for a reaction. Lady Katrina had figured out that Levi was in love with Y/N, and that unlike the first time they met, Y/N now returned Levi’s feelings. To say she was furious would be an understatement! How dare Levi fall for a poor, rude girl whilst engaged to her daughter (who had no desire to marry Levi either)? Levi winced for a fraction of a second and Y/N remained calm even though her mood just got spoiled. Why was she bothered by this news?

“ That’s terrific news, my lady. I congratulate both Amanda and Mr. Levi. I’m sure they’ll be ever so happy together for the rest of their lives. I can’t wait for the invite, Mr. Ackerman”, Y/N murmured.

Suddenly, the door to the fireplace burst open and an apologetic Mrs. Magath made her presence in the room.

“ Y/N, read this quickly!”, she said out of breath, handing a letter to Y/N.

“ A letter, at 9.00 PM? It must be urgent”, Mr. Magath said. Y/N’s hands trembled as she finished reading. She threw the letter at the wall, and an inhuman shriek left her mouth! Lady Katrina held onto Amanda, and Levi rushed to her side.

“ Stupid, selfish, foolish girl!”Y/N screamed.

“ What happened?”, Uncle Magath queried in a concerned voice.

“ It’s that idiot, Sasha! She went to Yarkcel with the Forsters. The group noticed she was missing for a whole day when a letter notified them of her whereabouts' ', Y/n said, fully crying now.

“ And where is Sasha?”, Uncle Magath asked.

“ In Ragako, miles away from Yarkcel, engaged to Mr. Yeager who she plans on eloping with! Sasha has eloped!”, Y/N loudly completed, breaking down in Levi’s arms.

“ Ragako isn’t that far from here! Theo, grab your coat and your horse this instant! You must find our niece”, Mrs. Magath ordered.

“ Don’t need to tell me twice”, he replied getting up.

“ I’ve been ordered to go home immediately”, Y/N sniffled.

“ I’ll arrange a carriage for you, ma’am”, Levi comforted.

“ I’m deeply sorry for this unexpected fiasco. I assure you that your journey back to Trost will be safe and comfortable. It’s the least I can do”

“ Mr. Levi, I can’t thank you enough!”

“ Don’t mention it, ma’am”.

The scenario back at home was incredibly messy! Mrs. L/N was sobbing on the couch out of worry for her youngest daughter, and the L/N sisters clutched onto their mother. Christa was back from Ermich, and Mr. L/N was out searching for Sasha in Ragako. Christa and Y/N shared a look. The entire night, nobody got a wink of sleep. Mikasa tried getting her mother to eat, whilst Ella fanned her. Ella wasn’t entirely shocked at the news of her sister running off. Sasha was a reckless, mindless flirt! She was desperate to snatch a handsome officer, and now she’d been seduced! Y/N had confided about Mr. Yeager’s true nature to Christa only.

“ He’s a notorious womanizer, Christa, and Sasha had to run off with him of all people! God, I swear I’ll behead that man when I see him next!”, Y/N snarled. Christa stroked her back, attempting to calm her down.

“ You’ll do nothing of the sort. Calm down, we’ll see what happens”, Christa soothed.

“ You’re right. I must divert my mind from all this”, Y/N sighed. She then implored Christa about her time in Ermich, which excited her.

“ Oh it was marvelous for the most part. Remember those letters I sent to Mr. Smith? Well, it turns out Marceline isn’t a true friend! She hid them from him. Mr. Smith reached out to me by himself and apologized for leaving me so suddenly. We spent so much time together!”, Christa giggled. Finally, some good news, Y/N thought. The two sisters chattered all night before falling asleep together. In the morning, they awoke to hyper shouting! At once, they ran downstairs to see what the commotion was all about.

There she was, grinning from ear to ear and dressed in a posh whiter gown: Sasha L/N! She was holding hands with a serious looking Mr. Yeager, and Mrs. L/N was stroking her cheeks and talking hyperly to her. As one track minded as ever, Mrs. L/N was just glad that Sasha came back home married! Rita, the maid, served lunch at the table. The atmosphere in the room was tense. Papa and the rest of the sisters didn’t say a word. It was only Mama and Sasha who spoke. Papa interrogated Mr. Yeager. Sasha finally switched her attention from Mrs. L/N to Y/N, who she was seated beside.

“ Isn’t my husband handsome?”Sasha poked. She was under the impression that Y/N loved Mr. Yeager, and that she had stolen away the heart of her much more popular elder sister’s object of affection. Y/N nodded coldly, not wanting to discuss this imprudent match at all! She made no eye contact with Sasha, and was too busy fearing what events would lay out in the future. Mr. Yeager didn’t love Sasha at all, and he was only after money. Y/N internally winced at the heartbreak Sasha would experience should Mr. Yeager not ditch his womanizing ways.

“ Our wedding was intimate, but my god, it was heavenly!”Sasha gushed.

“ I looked like a goddess in my wedding dress, If I do say so myself, and Mr. Yeager was as handsome as ever. Oh, silly me, I call him Zeke now. Anyways, only Uncle Theo and Auntie Magath were present, along with the priest, Mr. Nick, and Mr. Ackerman. Of course, me and Zeke too”. Y/N’s head shot up at this news. What was Mr. Ackerman doing at Sasha’s wedding?

“ What was Mr. Ackerman doing there?", she questioned.

“ Oh, Mr. Ackerman searched for us everywhere before we got discovered in our hiding spot: a quaint little inn on the outskirts of Ragako”, Sasha began.

“ Who do you think paid for the wedding? Mr. Ackerman had us married at a small church the very next day. But you mustn’t tell anyone, promise you won’t!”Sasha instructed.

Later on that afternoon, Y/N cornered Mr. Yeager. She tried so hard to get her anger under control, but she couldn’t.

“ Listen to me, you blasted buffoon from hell”, she started with a look so vicious Mr. Yeager flinched and took a step back.

“ I know of your true nature, and I know of your drama with Isabel Ackerman. I’ve been enlightened about all the lies you spit”, she continued. Subconsciously, Y/N neared Mr. Yeager’s face.

“ If heartbreak of any sort ails Sasha, and I discover that you’re the root cause of it, nobody will ever hear from you again”, Y/N threatened.

“ I’ll expose every dirty secret and lie of yours. Moreover, if word about the little fiasco between you and Isabel gets out, you’ll be met with the same fate. You’re so fond of playing with the adolescent feelings of 15-year-old girls and leading them on, now you must keep your promise to Sasha. Never again will you court or seduce any other young girl, as Sasha is now your wife who you claimed to be so enamoured with back at Ragako. Have a nice life”, she spat before stomping off to her room. Christa sensed Y/N’s disapproval and anger the second she slammed the library door shut and dashed upstairs to her room. Christa entered the room tentatively, horrified upon witnessing the sight of her dear sister sprawled on her bed, weeping into a pillow.

“ Y/N? Y/N? Oh, do answer me, darling. Are you still dismayed about the wedding after threatening Mr. Yeager?”, Christa urged, gently shaking Y/N.

“ Not only that”, Y/N sniffled. She finally sat up and wiped her tears.

“ Remember when I told you that Mr. Ackerman proposed to me? Well, it turns out ages after that little event, I’m hopelessly in love with him”, Y/N tearfully confessed.

“ Mr. Ackerman paid for Sasha’s wedding and all the commissions and all that. I’m not entirely sure, but I think he was behind your rekindling with Mr. Smith too”, she finished.

“ All of that is great. Why do you cry?”, Christa probed.

“ It’s because I have a strong feeling he’s fallen out of love with me! I’m much lower than him in rank socially, and I’ve rejected him once in a horribly rude manner, and now with this whole elopement tosh, I’m from a family ripe with scandal”, Y/N sobbed, her figure shaking so much even the bed creaked.

“ Why would any man of birth as noble as Mr. Ackerman still love me? He’s over me, and I’ve just learned to love him”, she finished, her voice laced with bitter regret and sorrow. Christa pulled her into her chest in a hug.

“ If he truly loves you, he’ll overlook all of this”, she assured.

“ If he didn’t truly love you, he wouldn’t have gone as far as to search for Sasha and secure her marriage. If your hunch is right, as they always are, and he’s urged Mr. Smith to contact me again, then that’s not for my happiness, it’s for yours. Don’t you see, Y/N? He’s doing everything in his power to win you over! He’s fixing all his mistakes”, Christa explained, her expression one that said: “ How does someone of your level of intelligence not realize the things I just enlightened you about?”

Y/N smiled at her sister. She realized how stupid she had sounded 2 minutes ago.

“ Christa, what would I do without you? All you’ve said makes so much sense to me now. I just wish there was a way for me to meet Mr. Ackerman now. He’s the person I most wish to see as of present. And oh how I wish to wed him. But alas, that could never be”, Y/N sighed.

“ Why not?”, Christa inquired.

“ For he’s engaged to another woman against his will. And worse, she seems to be highly uninterested in him, and he has never been interested in her".

[dex-xe]

If you are still taking Ghosts fic prompts, could I please request Pat/Julian angst #37? Thank you!

Pat & Julian Angst #37: “Lie to me. I don’t care what you say, just lie to me. Make me feel okay again.”

(Ngl I would never have thought about putting Pat and Julian together for this but I actually really love how it turned out!! That’s why I love this game,, makes me think outside the box. Thank you so much for this one!!)

Prompt list

Inbox

She had cheated on him. Cheated on him and he hadn’t even noticed. Of all the emotions coursing through Pat’s ghostly form, frustration was the primary motivator for his tears. How had he never noticed? In life, he had been so caught up in creating wonderful experiences for his scouts, so caught up he hadn’t spotted what was happening right under his nose. Now that he looked back he could see the glances Carol and his best friend shared, how they took care of Daley while Pat was at scout camp, the way he always seemed to be the third wheel, despite being the connecting factor between the two.

Pat rested his forehead against the piercing cold window pane, he couldn’t feel the soothing cool he so desperately desired but the attempt was there. Any death day at Button House led to a quiet and subdued atmosphere as the ghosts were all reminded of the very real, very human lives they once lived. But today had been different, marred not only by the mourning of Pat’s passing but also the shock that Pat’s sweet family life hadn’t been the perfect picture of domestic bliss he had always portrayed.

The others had tried to comfort him - they’d tried to reach out and break the tense atmosphere of the house - but no one had managed to get through to him. As soon as the other ghosts had discovered the truth as to why Pat was in a melancholy trance at the library window, individual plans were made to reach him.

Kitty had come running. She’d been the first to find him crying, curled up with his knees pulled to his chest sobbing quietly into the stormy night. She’d barrelled into the room and engulfed Pat into the biggest hug.

“She didn’t deserve you, Pat,” Kitty had cried. Tears were rolling down her face before she even made it to Pat, she just loved love and couldn’t cope with the break down of her friends marriage - even after death. “You are so wonderful, Pat. You deserved better.”

“I appreciate it, Kitty, I do. But we’re dead, my life was spent on someone who didn’t love me.” Pat yanked his glasses off violently and scrubbed at his eyes, blurring his vision of Kitty sat beside him. She’d stayed for ages with her arms around him, whispering reassurances quietly into his ear but the Kitty’s suffocating grip and even more smothering emotion couldn’t snap Pat from his miserable daze, if anything floundering in his own misery was making the situation worse.

Kitty had disappeared once she’d finally cottoned on to Pat’s yearning to be alone and Pat had been able to return his head to his knees and resume his sorrowful tears. A quiet cough broke the silence. The Captain had towered over him trying to catch his attention.

“Stand to, Patrick,” the Captain had said. “Can’t have you moping for the evening when there are troops to wrangle!”

“I’ve had a rough day, mate. Let me have a few hours,” Pat had told him, sniffling softly.

“It’ll do you no good - wallowing.” The Captain coughed and straightened up. “Your life was the way it was, nothing can be changed now so bury it deep and let’s go to Food Club.”

“With all the love in the world, Cap, the repression tactic isn’t exactly working out for you, so forgive me for not participating.”

Humphrey had also thrown his hat into the ring: “This doesn’t negate the life you lived, Pat. You gave her the most amount of love you could and that’s what matters the most.” But Pat hadn’t wanted a therapy session.

Thomas hadn’t opted for discussion but had instead perched beside Pat composing harrowing poetry around his doomed relationship, which certainly wasn’t helping the mood of the house.

But once they’d run out of ideas, the ghosts had left him alone in the cold library surrounded by nothing but shelves upon shelves of classic love stories and romance novels, mocking him with their happy endings. He curled close into the window and watched the droplets of pelting rain race their way down the glass, tracing them slowly with his ghostly fingers wishing his heart were still beating so he could leave tracks in the steamed window.

“I cheated on my wife,” a voice said from the darkness. Pat startled and jerked up to see Julian had faded through the heavy wooden door and was stood awkwardly in the shadows.

“Cheers, mate,” Pat said. “That makes me feel so much better.”

Julian threw himself down on the sofa opposite Pat, rearranging his shirt tails before lounging back to face the still crying Pat.

“I cheated. A lot. You know, I got up to all kinds of shenanigans: Norwegian noodle parties, lot of them. And raucous nights with-,” Julian gazed off in to the distance as he reminisced.

“Can I stop you there, Julian? Because if I had any lunch, I’d be worried about keeping it down,” Pat said. “Your forgetting I was here, I saw what you got up to.”

“Oh I did worse than you ever saw, don’t doubt that.” Pat shrugged: he didn’t doubt that at all. “I got up to all this fun and Margot was just sat at home. She took care of Rachel; she was a great mother, I imagine. Sure, she wasn’t quite as clueless as you but she suffered what you did.”

“This really isn’t making me any better, Julian,” Pat said, adjusting his glasses carefully. “I don’t want to hear your life story.”

“Well, what do you want? You’re dead! What does it matter? What does it matter if your life wasn’t the perfect artery-clogging Christmas film you always thought it was, you’re stuck here now. What do you want us all to say?” Julian shrugged.

“Lie to me. I don’t care what you say, just lie to me. Make me feel okay again!” Pat’s voice got higher and higher, squeaking at Julian who simply rolled his eyes. The two men sat in the dark. Rain hammered hard against the windows but Button House remained quiet in a melancholy trance.

“What I’m trying to say is my wife did nothing wrong. I wasn’t unhappy with her, per say, she didn’t do anything to harm me, nothing to stop me loving her. Just life, it got in the way, you know? Some people are just like that and others get left hurt in their wake,” Julian admitted. “You’re the same as my wife, Pat. You did nothing wrong to Carol. You didn’t do anything.”

“I didn’t make her happy either,” Pat said.

“Who cares?” Julian huffed. “Who cares about some woman who clearly didn’t value you the way you did her? You made your son happy, and those boys - the scouts. You make that lot downstairs happy, sometimes. They don’t know how to show it particularly well but you do.”

Pat sighed. “I thought seeing them, learning about my family’s lives, I thought it would make me feel better. I really believed I was moving on because I found out about what Carol did. Silly idea really!”

“Seems logical enough, but probably a good thing you weren’t sucked off.” Pat turned away from the window and shot a quizzical look at Julian. “If I don’t have someone to delegate my leadership to, I’d be forced to herd that bunch of berks - they’re worse than the electorate. I’d have better luck organising monkeys at the zoo to do the quickstep than getting any order out of them.”

“Your leadership?” Pat chuckled.

“I’m the only elected official in this house,” Julian straightened his tie and stood to leave. “But I don’t like to force my authority; delegation is an important tool for a powerful political player.”

“Of course,” Pat smirked to himself.

Julian marched across the room towards the closed door, only turning back at the last second.

“Anyway, buck up your ideas, Pat. You’re needed.” Pat furrowed his eyebrows and shot a confused look at Julian. “The Captain’s trying to keep Robin from throwing Humphrey onto the fire - you know how he gets around a flame. They’re making a bloody scene and could do with some of your childcare expertise.” Pat grinned and followed Julian out of the library - leaving his despondent stupor for the first time in hours.

He couldn’t go back and change what had happened during his life, he wasn’t even sure he knew what he would change if he could. He’d tried his absolute best t everything he did during his short life. He tried to be the best husband to Carol, the best father to Daley, the best mentor for his scouts - even if something had gone wrong, there was nothing more he could give. And if he couldn’t be the best in life anymore, Pat was certain he’d be the best in death - the best friend, the best father-figure, the best mentor for a gang of needy ghosts.

[marvel-and-mischief]

🎄December Writing Challenge🎄

Day 9 - Falling In Love - LLewyn Davis x F!Reader

Warnings: Alcohol consumption, couple of swear words, insinuations of sex Words: 1130

December Writing Challenge Masterpost

You hadn’t intended to fall in love with a stranger, but that’s what happened at The Gaslight Cafe one night in 1961. 

You had been drowning your sorrows, glass after glass of whiskey being slid across the bar to you by a bartender who couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off the dip in the top of your low cut shirt. You were barely keeping it together, the more liquor you swallowed the harder it was to hold back the dam of tears threatening to spill over. 

It was during the fourth drink (or was it the fifth? You couldn’t remember) that you heard the sweetest, softest, saddest voice. The singers up until that point had been generic and boring but this voice was emotional, meaningful and had you spinning in your barstool to look at the man it belonged to.

He was wearing browns and blacks that made him blend into the background of the poorly lit stage, and it frustrated you that he wasn’t in something more vivid that would force everyone in the room to pay attention to him, because he deserved that, you thought. His voice was powerful, not in a loud, commanding sense but in a I have something to say sense that spoke to your soul. His eyes were squeezed shut, concentrating wholly on the world he was building up in song. His deft fingers were flying across his guitar, pulling and strumming but if you were being honest, you would have been equally happy to listen to him without the instrument. 

You wanted him to look up, catch your eye, sing to you, sing for you. You couldn’t stop staring, your glass long forgotten on the bar whilst you went about committing him to memory. He had a dark mop of curls on his head, some of them bouncing on his forehead when he moved to the rhythm he was creating. His beard was thick but neat, and shaped his face in a way that made him look soft and approachable. 

He finished the song about love lost and memories of a better time and said a witty one liner that was more self-deprecating than funny, you thought. He lit a cigarette and left it to hang in the corner of his mouth then went straight into the next song. You felt disappointed when he didn’t notice you, as though he should have, considering you were giving him the most attention. You felt silly for thinking that and downed the rest of your drink. The guy behind the bar raised an eyebrow at you but you shook your head to decline another. You wanted to be sober to listen to this man you were fascinated with. 

Time went too quickly as you were absorbed in his voice. You noticed the permanent crease where he pulled his eyebrows together in concentration, and the way his left leg, the one his guitar wasn’t perched on, bounced quicker or slower depending on the tempo of the song. 

The audience clapped politely when the song came to an end and the folk singer began to stand from his seat and put his guitar away in a case. You sighed and spun back around to face the bar, holding up your empty whiskey glass to demand another. You supposed the singer would find his friends and enjoy the rest of his night, never the wiser about the part he played in your evening.

“I’ll have what she’s having,” came the sound of the man from the stage, except he was now perching on the stool to your right and looking at you with a curious frown on his face. “Did you like it?” He asked, taking his drink but not taking a sip, waiting for you to reply.

“Yeah,” you nodded, trying to regain your breath, finding it only after gulping down half of your whiskey, “your voice is beautiful. And you sang with such conviction, it was like I was living the lyrics with you.” Your honest response shocked him, not because of your honesty but because everybody else’s honesty usually came in the form of shitting on him in one form or another. No, your honesty came with a genuine kindness that hadn’t been directed at him in a long time. 

“Th-thank you,” he took a sip then, embarrassed by your admission and regretting asking at all. He didn’t deserve your generosity.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to be weird,” you felt foolish for saying too much, and now you knew for certain he was going to make some excuse to leave and you’d be left alone at the bar once again to drink yourself into a stupor. 

“It’s not weird,” he quickly shook his head at you, “I don’t get many compliments these days,” he confessed with a dry smile, his eyes looking away in shame.

You heard the sincerity in his words and felt a mixture of sadness and frustration, both not being helped by the copious amounts of drink in you. What sort of people was he surrounding himself with who didn’t tell him how brilliant his music was? The whiskey was definitely encouraging you to be brave, so you introduced yourself and thrust out your hand for him to shake.

“Llewyn Davis,” he replied, tentatively shaking your hand, a look of amusement in his eyes. You recognised the name, and maybe when you had a clear head you would remember where from, but it didn’t matter. “Do you live nearby?”

“I have an apartment at the end of the street,” you told him, your features brightening subtly at the insinuation. 

“You want to get out of here?” Llewyn asked hopefully, swallowing the last of his drink. 

He didn’t take advantage of your kindness, or your drunken state that night (except to ensure he had a roof over his head), insisting he sleep on the lumpy couch under the window that let in a draft. You piled blankets on top of him and made sure he knew exactly where everything was in the kitchen incase he needed something in the middle of the night. He stayed the next night too, this time agreeing to your invitation to join you in your own bed. It wasn’t the last time either.

And now you sit next to him in your shared house, sixty years later, watching your grandchildren playing and laughing on the floor at your feet. You’re both happy, fulfilled by the life you created together. You could still remember that night you met, still hear his beautiful singing and taste the sharp whiskey on your tongue that you associated with Llewyn for the rest of your life. 

You were one of the fortunate ones that got to fall in love. 

[romanianseba]

Salty Pasta

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Reader

Summary: Dinner with Sebastian.

Warnings: none, but fluff!!!

World Count: 1.4k

A/N: i believe I wrote this when seb was in greece last year filming monday, so tanned sebastian was in my mind just so you know. this is one of my favorite things i've written and i don't know why i didn't post it sooner (also, hope this doesn't make sense only for me) i hope you enjoy this in this weird times we're living.

—

"You don't like the pasta." Sebastian commented suddenly from across the table.

It was a nice, chill, summer night you were spending on a small table situated outside a quaint Italian-themed restaurant. You looked up at him with a slight frown, taken aback when he said just what you were thinking.

"Do you?" He quirked an eyebrow when you didn't respond, his eyes on you.

You shrugged unbothered, not wanting to let a small thing ruin the beautiful moment you were having together because, knowing Sebastian, he wouldn't let it down if you said the truth.

"Babe, I know you. You always eat what you don't like first; completely. If you happened to like everything in your plate right now, you'll be eating it all together."

"It's too salty." You mumbled, giving up. Known to be a terrible liar, you didn't really stand a chance.

"Is it?" His brows frowned together as you nodded. "And why are you still eating it?" He chuckled.

"It's okay." Shaking your head you smiled softly as he leaned to take a taste of your pasta.

"Babe, it's too salty!"

"I know." You winced.

"Why didn't you say anything? Let me call the waitress."

"No! Sebastian, it's fine, really." You grabbed his wrist when he reached to take your plate.

"Babe, we're paying for this. As customers we have the right to give opinions."

"Look, I know that. But what if this person gets fired? I couldn't carry with the guilt."

His expression softened. "Your heart is pure gold, doll. But we need to tell them. In a nice way obviously, as a suggestion only. Maybe they made a mistake. They'll thank us you'll see."

"Seb..." You begged when he turned around his chair to call the waitress.

"I'm not gonna enjoy the rest of this dinner knowing that you're not enjoying yours, I'm not letting you finish this pasta. So we tell them or I'll eat it myself because I know you don't want to feel like we're wasting food." He said firmly.

You sighed. "Okay, but just don't tell them to bring a better pasta. Just give them the suggestion and I'll order something else."

"Of course, sweetheart." He leaned across the table to kiss your forehead and turned around to call the waitress. The young woman approached the table as soon as she realized she was being called.

"Is everything okay?" She asked with a lovely Italian accent, wearing a kind smile on her face.

You smiled at her and looked at Sebastian who was looking at you. He smiled and looked up at the waitress.

"Yeah, thank you very much. It's just that the pasta my wife ordered is very salty." He explained politely.

Your smile grew bigger. You loved to hear Sebastian letting people know you were his wife. Your heart would always jump happily inside your chest. You just loved the reminder of it coming from his voice, because one; you were his wife and two; he would always say it with a joyful little smile on his face. Your smile reached your eyes because you loved the condition he was in. Slightly sunburned, a simple white t-shirt, shorts, messy hair, and a relaxed expression on his beautiful, beard covered face. He was finally not looking tired after the past exhausted months he went through, between traveling, filming, press tours and premieres.

Your hand supporting your chin, all sounds and all actions happening around him being blocked out; you were in the middle of admiring your husband when you felt your plate being retired and Sebastian returned his attention to you. You came out of your trance to realize that the waitress was also looking at you now, a polite smile still on her face. You looked back at Sebastian, completely lost at where their conversation had gone and now, apparently, they were both expecting you to say something.

"She asked if you want to try a different kind of pasta. She says that's how people usually eat it here, saltier than pasta usually should be. Most costumers are regulars here and that's how they like it." Sebastian informed you when he saw the confusion in your eyes, urging him to explain to you what was going on.

"Uhm, yes, of course." You said nervously to the waitress, embarrassment taking over your features after being caught not paying attention, flush creeping up your face.

"I'll bring it back to you, Mrs." She said politely and walked away.

When you turned back to Sebastian, he was looking at you, his lip between his teeth in an attempt to hide his amusement. You laughed, playfully throwing your napkin at him.

"What happened, babe? Got a little distracted?" He made fun of you.

"I was just thinking how relaxed you look right now. Makes me happy to see you in such state of peace."

"C'mon, just confess you're utterly in love with me."

"Oh, that I am for sure. You're out here looking beautifully sun-kissed, it's just unfair for the rest of us. My pregnancy hormones are not helping either."

He grinned. Leaning across the small table -so small, your knees were touching his- he cupped your cheeks in his hands and pressed a tender kiss to your lips.

"You look wonderful." Sebastian murmured against your lips. "The most stunning momma out there."

He kissed you again as you wrapped one hand around his wrist. This kiss lasted longer and you were almost positive you had eyes on you already but you didn't care. It was a soft kiss and you rarely kissed in public. Not wanting to be that clingy couple to the world, you two enjoyed those moments to yourselves really most of the time.

But you melted with his touch immediately against his soft lips. You felt like jelly, only being held together by this man.

"I do feel relaxed." He said when he pulled away, leaving you floating in the air.

"That's what you deserve, honey." You managed to say after composing from the feeling of his lips against yours, and reached to steal some veggies from his plate. "The amount of times I saw you in the verge of collapsing during the past months. I would cry my eyes out, specially after you got me pregnant. I got very sensitive."

You saw the quick change of emotion on his eyes, a glint of sorrow when you mentioned crying for him and a joyful sparkle when you pointed out he got you pregnant. And his response was the exact reflection of those emotions; he said; "Oh God!" In the most adorable way, something he always said when he felt joyful and excited about something, and then; "I'm really sorry." Something he always says because that's how Sebastian is, it's his nature.

"Are you sorry for leaving me pregnant or for making me distressed?" You teased, already knowing the answer.

"I could never regret leaving a baby in you, is the most amazing thing in the world. You look gorgeous with a pregnant belly and I cannot wait to meet that little human being you're so courageously carrying with." His voice broke a little, his gaze full of love and emotion causing happy tears to come rushing to your eyes. "I do feel sorry for making you worry about me. I promise it won't happen again."

"I'll always worry about you not matter what, Sebastian." You giggled.

"Okay, yeah I know, but I won't give you reasons to get over worried. Not anymore."

"Thank you very much, sir." You beamed at him and he grinned back, playfully rolling his eyes.

"Here it is, Mrs. We're sorry for the misunderstanding, I hope you enjoy." The waitress came back and she placed your plate back in front of you.

"Thank you very much." You smiled at her.

Flushing once again for being caught when you and Sebastian were in your own bubble, looking at each other with goofy smiles on your faces. She kindly asked if you wanted something else and then just walked away.

"How is it now?" Sebastian asked as you both continued talking, pointing at your pasta.

"It's real good." You said, chewing some bread.

"Is it?"

You nodded.

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure. I'm fine. Wanna try?"

"Oh, I know you are. But I'm asking how's your food."

You rolled your eyes. "Dear God."

"What?" He smiled innocently. "Hey, I thought you were talking about yourself."

"Stop it, silly."

You laughed, he laughed. And the night continued like that. Just you and Sebastian talking about everything and anything. From silly little things to how life would be as parents to more silly comments to what you were both most afraid about being new parents, baby names, encouraging comments to each other, loving glances, getting lost admiring each other's features and just a magical perfect night.

[jjobxx]

-- Fallin’ All In You;

Pairing: Topper Thornton x Reader

Words count: 2,767

Request: I love your stuff so much😭 could you please do a Topper imagine (where he’s a good person) with the prompts 8,9, 10,14 and 33?Sorry that it’s quite a few prompts lol. I just saw that and thought it would be perfect for a pogue and that she has a crush on Topper and the others are like “Should we let her know we’re onto her?” and Topper also has a crush on her and they others try to like push them together but y/n thinks Topper likes someone else? That would be so cute and thank you for writing!

Warnings: A couple curse words, mentions of fighting. I think that’s it? Not really a warning but a cheesy!Topper at the end.

A/N: I was able to get the rest of this done at work today (shhhh, I had to wait on a coworker before I could do my paperwork so I figured why not ;D) so here you go! Anywho, if this isn’t to your liking please let me know and I’d be happy to try again. As usual, not proofed so any mistakes are my fault.  ^_^

--

Being in the background was something you were good at. You didn’t like being the center of attention, much like your older sister, and you definitely didn’t like conversations with people outside of your bubble. It wasn’t that you didn’t like people, something your older sister always seemed to aggressively tease you about, it was more-so that you were quiet by nature. You were calm and well, she was not, which is why she never understood your choice in friends. Though the both of you were raised as Pogues, your sister never stopped trying to climb the social ladder into the world of the Kooks. You on the other hand stayed close to home and kept your social circle rather small.

Everyone knew “the” Pogues – John B, Pope, Kie, and JJ – they were loud, rowdy, and lived for a good time, or three out of the four at least. You and Pope had hit it off from the beginning, your personalities similar to one another. While you were glad to have found someone who understood your quiet nature, he was glad to have found someone to at least attempt to help him keep his friends out of as much trouble as he could. Try as you two might, however, there really was no stopping the others from doing what they wanted – especially when it came to a few certain Kooks on the island. 

You never quite figured out the issue between the two classes on the island, seeing that your sister didn’t have much of a problem getting in with the Kooks when your family first moved to the Banks, but you came to a realization fairly quickly when you befriended the Pogues that the rivalry did indeed exist. Perhaps it was your sister’s beauty and flirtatious personality that got her in, or the fact that she so graciously hid her Pogue status, but nonetheless, you tried your best to stay in the middle of the fence for two reasons; it wasn’t your fight and you weren’t about to choose between your sister or your friends. So, any time a fight took place between your friends and the Kooks, you tried your best to stay out of it – not that it was hard, you were like a mouse; quiet and practically hiding behind anything or anyone you could. What you didn’t know was that, over time, you had caught the attention of one of the Kooks, Topper. You were intriguing to him. He was used to the rowdiness of your friends, expected it, but he wasn’t used to your timid nature and that someone like you would run around with the likes of the others. He didn’t know you by any means, just your name, but you confused him and he wasn’t sure if he liked the feeling or not.

Likewise,  any time there was a run-in with the Kooks, you often felt a pair of eyes on you. For the longest time you weren’t sure who they belonged to, too nervous to let your eyes wander anywhere else than on Pope, the friend you worried about the most in these situations. But you eventually gave in one day, your eyes travelling to everyone on scene. Your breath hitched as soon as your eyes met Topper’s, followed by the burning of your cheeks. He kept his gaze but you broke it, your eyes skimming the ground and then back to Pope who had been trying to hold back JJ from Rafe. Your eyes widened at the scene, knowing full well that Pope wasn’t going to be able to contain JJ much longer and that both would end up hurt if they kept at it. That’s when you decided to try something, your eyes searching for Topper’s once more, pleading him to do something. It had taken a couple moments before he spoke up. “Let’s go,” Topper nearly hissed at his friends, his hand applying pressure to Kelce’s shoulder so as to get him to follow suit. “Bullshit,” Rafe muttered. “We’re not done here,” he was matter of fact as he continued taunting JJ and Pope. “They’re not worth it,” Topper countered, “lets. go.” He enunciated his words, his jaw clenching as he waited for his friend to follow him. You could hear Rafe spew some colorful words as he gave up his position and stormed off. The five of you looked at one another, then at the trail the Kooks left behind, and then back at each other. “So, is no one going to talk about how weird that was or what?” Kie spoke up, the others agreeing with her and adding on their own opinions. The only thing you could do in this case however was mutter a small ‘yeah’ accompanied by a nervous chuckle.

The next day after that particular Kook versus Pogue fight, you had coincidentally run into Topper, though it wasn’t much of a shock running into him as you were the one on his territory. You were looking for your sister, your parents needing to speak with the both of you and she wasn’t picking up her phone, thus you had to find her. You knew to go to Figure Eight but from there you were clueless. That’s when you had heard your name being called. “Y/N!” Topper’s voice was hesitant, but much softer than the day before. “What brings you to Figure Eight?” he inquired, his gaze burning your cheeks once more. “Oh, I’m looking for my s.. friend. Layla,” you spoke just as soft, catching yourself from saying your sister as you knew she would be less than thrilled if her secret got out. She had gushed about Topper and his friends to you several times, so you knew that Topper had to of known who she was. “She’s probably at Sarah’s, I can show you the way if you’d like?” He had offered, his eyes showing a glimmer of excitement. You chalked it up to him being able to see Layla, because why would he not want to see her, but little did you know it was because he could be in your company for just a little longer. You didn’t talk much during the walk but laughed every so often as Topper would crack off some silly joke, a sound he decided he very much liked.

As you arrived however, he was a little stand offish, his attention now on your sister and her friends. You didn’t waste time in getting your sister by herself so the two of you could converse without anyone overhearing. “Mom and dad need to talk to us, but they didn’t say about what and they couldn’t get ahold of you so they wanted me to come find you,” you explained in a hushed voice. Over your conversation you could hear Topper and the others in the other room, Topper’s laugh echoing. Today was probably the first time you had heard his real, genuine laugh and much like Topper enjoying yours, you couldn’t help but to enjoy his, too. But you quickly subsided the feeling, knowing someone like him wouldn’t be caught dead with someone like you, his withdrawal from you evident when the two of you walked into the Cameron household.  

Weeks went by and the two of you seemed to walk on your tiptoes around one another. The Pogues noticed a significant difference in Topper whenever him and the others were around. He was less abrasive and not as confrontational as usual. While Kelce and Rafe would keep up with their usual shenanigans, Topper was more in the back of it all – he still uttered nonsense towards your group so as to make it seem he was still in the fight but none of it had any meaning to it. The more he saw you, the more he didn’t want to keep up with the rivalry. You felt the same way, though the thought of him liking you was unimaginable as your sister’s voice rang in your head any time your eyes met with Topper’s.  Your thoughts convinced you that your sister fancied him, and he fancied her. But the Pogues could tell otherwise by his lingering looks your way and the sorrow etched on his face whenever his friends began their tormenting. 

Your friends figured out pretty quickly that you had it bad for the Kook, as JJ had mistakenly made a comment about your sister and Topper being together one day, even though none of them really knew for sure, but they assumed that’s what Topper’s changed behavior was about. The deflation on your face was pretty obvious as you excused yourself from the group that night and hastily went to sleep. It was then that Pope had spoken up, “Should we let her know we’re on to them?” he questioned. “Both of them are crushing on one another but no one has the guts to come forward,” Pope exclaimed. “Now, where is the fun in that?” JJ offered. “You know Y/N thinks he has it bad for her sister, she’s never going to fess up to him. I say we do something about it.” The group knew JJ had a point but nonetheless it took some convincing to get the others to meddle.

A few days later and currently you were sitting next to the water at one of the many Boneyard parties your friends liked to throw. There were voices all around you, but it was white noise compared to the sound of the waves crashing onto the surface. Unbeknownst to you, your friends had just finished talking Topper into coming over to you to start up a conversation with you, while they stood opposite to observe the interaction.

You hadn’t realized someone was standing behind you until they lightly cleared their throat then spoke a gentle “Hey” towards you. You pursed your lips but politely responded with a hello of your own. He was quiet for a moment but then continued, “It’s really nice, isn’t it? The sound of the waves, I mean.” The small talk wasn’t making you feel any better about your silly crush on him. “Um yeah, it’s nice,” you gracefully stood up from your position. “I’m going to go get some water, I think Layla is around here somewhere,” you mused softly. “Wai-“ but before he could ask you to wait up, you had already disappeared into the crowd of people.

Topper’s eyes landed on your friends, a questionable look on his features. While your friends all agreed that they loved you, they felt that sometimes you could be very dense. Of course they meant it in the nicest way possible but this situation was only proving their point. Kie mouthed a silent “I’m sorry” Topper’s way before turning to the others to see about another plan. “I think it’s time for Plan B,” she smirked before explaining their next move in operation.

The next afternoon you had received a text from Kie instructing you to meet the group at her family’s restaurant. What you didn’t know was that they were currently setting up a table for just you and Topper, their Plan B to finally get the two of you together.

When you arrived inside The Wreck, the first thing you noticed was a small table with a candle sitting in the middle, the flame casting  shadows on the tablecloth. The second thing you noticed was the figure that was currently occupying the table: Topper. The timing in which your friends asked you to meet them and the timing in which Topper was there waiting on someone was unbelievable. You couldn’t believe your friends had asked you to meet them the same time Topper was going on a date with someone, someone who you assumed was your sister.

When your eyes landed on Topper, you let out an inaudible gasp and hesitantly turned away. You had just taken a few steps when you heard his voice behind you. “Where do you think you’re going?” His word choice was harsh, but his tone gentle. You squeaked out a quiet ‘what do you mean?’ before turning yourself back around to face him. “I just mean, you walk away from me every time I try to talk to you,” he responded, running his hand through his hair nervously. You bit your lip, unsure on how to answer him. “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” you finally uttered. “And besides, you have Layla to keep you company,” you countered, your voice a tad harder than you meant for it to be at the mention of your sister’s name.

The expression on his face was blank before his eyes narrowed.  “Wait, why are you so jealous of Layla?” Your shoulders shrugged. “I wouldn’t say I’m jealous, it’s just she’s so much prettier than I am,” you confessed, “she’s beautiful and she’s confident. She’s experienced, and fun, and I’m none of that,” you went on, your voice breaking at the end.

As you finished your sentence, your friends had made their way into the restaurant to see how things were going… which was clearly not what they had expected. They stayed in the sidelines though, watching to see where things were going to go.

He always knew you were timid, but he didn’t think you would be so insecure. To him you were so much more different than any one he had met on the island before. You were beautiful in your own way, kind, and caring. There was more to you than any girl he had encountered, and probably more than anyone he would ever encounter in the future, and he didn’t even know you to your fullest extent yet.

“I don’t want her though, Y/N, I want you. You make me feel… you make feel. And I hate it. I hate that someone I don’t fully know can make me feel this way, but I like you, Y/N. Not Sarah Cameron or any other girl, or even Layla, but you. You are the best kind of different there is and it’s unimaginable how you don’t see that,” he ranted on. You were quiet for a moment, soaking in the words he had just told you. You couldn’t believe that he felt this way about you, always assuming he was interested in your sister by the things she had told you. Now you felt kind of foolish to be jealous when you didn’t even have his side until now. “I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I had no idea,” you confessed, a small smile forming on your lips. He brought his hand up towards your face and lightly brushed your cheek, nearing your lips, with the pad of his thumb. “It’s okay, you had no idea,” he agreed, a goofy grin adorning his features. You closed your eyes for a few moments at his soft touch, then opened them, only to be met with his.

“Do you want to kiss as bad as I do right now?” he spoke up, a light chuckle. You smiled and nodded your head, “absolutely.”

He was slow in leaning in and when your lips finally met, nothing but lightness enamored your thoughts.  Everything about this was right, and good. You and Topper were right, and good.

As the two of you finished, you both couldn’t help but giggle wholeheartedly at what just happened. And behind you, you had heard an array of reactions. There were some hoot and hollers, a couple of awes, and of course a gagging sound made by the one and only JJ. You playfully rolled your eyes at him over Topper’s shoulder.

“So, should we proceed with the date that that your friends set up for us?” he wriggled his eyebrows as he turned his attention towards the table that was still empty waiting for you two. With that, you let him lead the way and he even pulled out your chair for you.

The two of you sat there for hours, discussing anything and everything about one another. You learned there was more to Topper than just the rich party boy who desperately wanted to fit in, especially with Rafe and Kelce. Sometimes he could do or say dumb things, but he was a good person. Furthermore, even though he knew you were a genuine person, he learned that that was what you were through and through. It wasn’t a façade, and he admired you even more than before. The two of you realized how well you could balance each other out, and how much of a good thing you two were about to become.

[ficsnroses]

Let It Go II - Keanu Reeves x Reader

Here it is! By popular request, a second part to Let It Go. This *may* be read as a stand alone on it’s own, however, I recommend you read both parts to get the full feel. Find part 1 here! I hope this meets everyone’s expectations. Enjoy :) 

Word Count : 2996

Warnings : Lots of angst, lots of fluff. Some swearing, and very minor sexual reference.

Requested : No

Summary / Prompt : Reader and Keanu see each other for the first time in 10 months, following their *heart wrenching* split. 

      You’ve tried to completely repress that night from your memory. Tried to drown it, refusing to feel the absolute, sheer agony and torment ever again.

      You refused to think of him holding onto you, muttering sweet, heart wrenching nothings into your ears every now and then, begging you to reconsider your decision. You refused to remember the warm, saltiness of his tears as you kissed them away, hoping they would stop once you inevitably left.  You refused to remember how his hands never let go of yours the entire night, hoping that if he held long enough, placing soft kisses on your knuckles, kissing your palms, your wrists, holding them close to his face, that you would change your mind. You refused to remember the feeling of his trembling figure send vibrations through your entire body, as you rocked each other, grasping, feeling each other’s skin close into the early hours of the morning when the sun would rise again, signaling the end of an era. The end of you and Keanu.

       Once you had got up, finally letting go of each other, it was as if everything had changed right that second. Despite spending the entire night together, wrapped in each others arms, holding on as if your entire being depended on it, the morning had brought complete contradiction. You remember quietly packing your bags as he stood in the door way, looking down, refusing to see the reality of the situation. He couldn’t bring himself to look at you leaving. His already fragile heart couldn’t take it. He trailed behind you as you walked down the hallway of your shared house, the foundation of it built on memories of your time together. Pictures hung on the walls of you two, showcasing your love. Neither of you were able to look their way anymore.

      As you gripped the handle of your suitcase, the gaping hole in your heart grew bigger as you noticed his lack of eye contact. Keanu had always been a man of little words, and they became even more scarce when he was hurting. Who better to know that than you? You had helped him through all the pain and sorrow he ever felt in your 7 years together, you had been his perfect remedy each and every time. But you couldn’t be there for him this time. You wanted so desperately to rush into his chest, grip his delicate face in your hands and kiss him, telling him everything was going to be okay as you ran your fingers through his hair.

But you couldn’t. You just couldn’t.

      You were both silent, at a loss for words. What was there even left to say? As you stepped foot out the door, you turned to look at Keanu once more. Perhaps, one last time. He was still looking down, avoiding eye contact. But when he did look up, you saw perhaps the worst form of pain to your heart you ever had felt.

      You’ve tried long and hard to forget his face in that moment your eyes locked. His eyes were red, as were yours. They were pleading. They spoke a million words. You had saw your entire world in those same, earthy hued eyes for the last 7 years. Those beautiful sienna tinted, almost married with a hint of honey droplets eyes of his were once your favourite sight. Just the thought of them could send butterflies flying in a haze through your mind. But now, that once comforting thought of his beautiful, warm, brown eyes had been replaced with the pair of eyes you saw that dreadful morning. They haunted you now. They reminded you of what you lost.

      Everything came crashing down that night, and it quite literally changed your entire life. You didn’t realize it at the time, but your relationship with Keanu had been the most prominent part of your life for the 7 years you spent together. The 7 years you spent smitten with each other, being each other’s lifelines. You left a lot of your stuff at the house you shared. You never really discussed it, but it was just his house now. You couldn’t bring yourself to go back to collect the rest of your belongings. You didn’t think you could face him again.

           You had bought your own tiny apartment in the city and tried to carry on with your life, but heart break is hard. You can never really describe it, unless you’ve felt it for yourself. It’s easy for people to tell you to “suck it up” or “move on”. But how are you supposed to move on, when you feel you left a big piece of yourself somewhere else? That’s exactly how you felt in the last 10 months. Heartbreak burns you constantly; it doesn’t just go away when you love someone as much as you loved Keanu. It burns and burns, eats away at you, sending daggers, piercing, cutting away at you.

           You continued to work your 9-5 job, and spent most of your weekends alone in the security of your home, although you begged to differ that you could call it home. It was just an apartment, a place you stayed. Your home in your mind was still the house you shared with Keanu. You felt like you had been away from home for the last 10 months. Your friends had managed to get to you to come out every now and then for an evening out, perhaps at the movies or a casual dinner out, catching up. You appreciated them for trying to keep you sane. But they saw how broken the last 10 months had left you. You didn’t enjoy much anymore.

           You almost felt like your spirit and soul had died, and you were just dragging around lifeless weight of a body with you.

           They had tried to bring up the idea of you dating again many times. They were just trying to help, but you hated the mere thought of dating anyone else. Perhaps it was temporary, and maybe you would be ready to give yourself to someone again in the future. Maybe a year from today, maybe 5. You didn’t know, because right now, in this moment, it felt like you could never love or let anyone love you like Keanu. He was still plastered over your mind, he lived in every part of you still. You couldn’t give that up just yet, despite the fact that you let him go. You let him go because you wanted him to be happy, even if it wasn’t with you. You prayed every day that he had come to understand that.

           After work on a customary Friday, you had promised your friends to join them at a house warming party for a mutual friend. You had been dreading it for the entire week, but deep down inside you agreed that maybe, it would be nice to go out on a Friday evening and surround yourself with people you like and appreciate. Of course, a glass or two of red shared with good company wouldn’t hurt.

           It felt like the shadow of Keanu followed you through everything you did. As you scanned your closet looking for a suitable outfit to wear, memories came flooding back. A heart wrenching memory associated with each and every piece in your closet. How long would life go on like this? You had allowed yourself a span of a few months to “get over” him, however, till this day, it was like a part of him was stuck, bound to you, unable to let go.

           Opting for a modest, long sleeve black dress and some block heeled ankle boots, you examined the look in your mirror. A loose thread on the fabric of the shoulder caught your eye. That’s when it hit you, another painful memory reminiscing in your mind.

~~~~

           “Gosh baby, you look fucking amazing. I love this dress on you.” Keanu smiled into your neck. He had walked up behind you while you put the finishing touches on your makeup, scanning yourself in your vanity mirror. Of course, he had snaked his arms around your waist and pulled you into his chest.

           With your back to his chest, you had moved to rest your hand on top of his hand that was securely holding your waist.

           “Thank you, babe. Are you ready to go?” You asked him, blushing at the way he was showing just how affected he was by you.

           “Hmmmm, I’d rather we stay here, so I can properly show you just how beautiful you look tonight.” Keanu cooed into your ear. You felt him smirk against the skin of your neck, as he left a sloppy, wet kiss just behind your ear. He nipped at the skin of your neck, almost leaving a few marks. He moved his lips over the fabric of your clothed shoulder, leaving a kiss, accidentally pulling a thread out with his teeth.

           “As much as I would love to, we’re getting late! Keanu, let go of me.” You laughed, soothingly rubbing the back of his hand with your thumb. “also, control yourself before you rip my entire dress to shreds.” you smiled, pointing to the loose thread.

           “Couldn’t help myself, darling”. He pressed another kiss to the back of your head. “I love you.” He said, staring right into your eyes through the mirror. You blushed, a grin carving through your face in response.

~~~~

           Feeling numb, you grabbed your purse and left for the night.

******

           With a wine glass in hand, you mingled with a few acquaintances. Reaching over to grab another cherry tomato to pop into your mouth, you felt proud of yourself for being able to come out tonight. And to be honest, you were having a good time. It was a good way to get your mind out of its usual somber state.

However, perhaps you had spoke too soon. In the flash of a second, your eyes found the most familiar pair known to you. They locked, unable to look away.

           You felt silly for a moment. You should have known that he’d be here. Keanu and you shared mutual friends, both staying in contact with them after your separation. He was bound to be here; you should have known better.

           His eyes looked the same as they had looked that morning you left. You weren’t able to face him yet, not now, not here. With the sound of a light clink, you set your glass down and politely excused yourself. You needed to get out of there. You didn’t think twice before heading to the balcony of the house for some fresh air. 

********

      “Y/N?” Keanu’s voice filled your ears. He had obviously followed you to the balcony, he had been dying to see you for the past 10 months, even just for the slightest moment. But he was too much of a gentleman to follow you around, searching for you or trying to track you down. He knew you wanted space, and he respected that. But tonight, you were there, and so was he, in the same place at the same time. He made a mental note to thank the sky for giving him this moment.

           “Hey..” you said lowly, unable to make eye contact.

           “How’ve you been?” Keanu asked, his voice also quiet. The tension in the air felt awkward. It hurt you both to acknowledge that.

           “I’ve been okay. You?” You asked back, politely. Keanu shifted so he was now standing beside you as you looked down at your shoes, hands fiddling together. He could tell you were tense. He wanted nothing more than to scoop you up into his arms, hold you tight, and soothingly run his fingers through your hair. But he knew he couldn’t. He kept his distance, respecting your space and boundaries.

           Keanu bit his lip, hesitant to talk again. He sighed, looked away into the dark distance of the night for a few moments. “Can we talk?” he questioned.

           Tears threatened to spill from your eyes right that second. You didn’t want to think about that night you went your separate ways. It killed you to even remember. There was no way you could talk to him about it, and what was the point? It would just be salt to old wounds.

           You couldn’t reply. It was as if your voice lost itself in your throat, making camp in the lump that formed.

           “Y/N…I..” Keanu started. He chuckled slightly, but the pain in his voice was still just as prominent. “It took me a while to get a hold of myself. I tried so hard for you, Y/N, I really did. But seeing you here today, after so long…I…” his voice choked in his throat.

           “Y/N I haven’t took a single fucking breath of ease in these last 10 months without you. How much more can I want you?” his voice was drowned in sorrow.

           A tear spilled out of your eye, moving past your lips, and falling to the pavement floor. If you thought the last 10 months were painful, this was perhaps worse in every possible way. He was right there, in front of you. But you couldn’t bury yourself in his chest like you wanted to. You couldn’t trail kisses over his entire face, telling him everything was going to be okay.

           You finally brought your eyes up to meet his. He had bags under his eyes, he looked restless. He hadn’t been taking care of himself, and you could tell. You knew him like the back of your hand. His beard had gotten scruffy and you could tell he hadn’t been trimming it.

           Keanu shoved his hands into his pockets and chuckled slightly, his eyes beginning to water as well.

           “Look how cruel time has been to us. Look at you, Y/N. You’re hurting, and I’m ruined. I’m fucking ruined.” He almost whispered the last part, looking down, tears rolling down his cheeks now as well.

      “I can’t do this anymore, Y/N. I’m so drained, so fucking tired.” He ran his hand through his rugged, un tamed hair.

      “I can’t even go home. I can’t bring myself to sit in that house without you. It haunts me every fucking time, your clothes still in our wardrobe, your novels and CDs still in our library, I didn’t have the heart to even take down the pictures of us. I can’t even fucking look their way, Y/N.” his voice was raspy. It killed you to see him like this.

           He finally reached for your hand, unable to hold himself back anymore. “Come home baby, please. I need you, I can’t be without you, and I know you can’t be without me. Who are we lying to?” he whispered, staring at your hands intertwined. He was pleading.

           You both instinctively walked closer to each other, he brought your hands up to his lips, kissing them delicately. “Please, baby. I promise we’ll figure this shit out, together, okay? I can’t stay away from you longer Y/N, I don’t have it in me.”  You felt his tears roll onto the skin of your hands as he kissed them.

           You couldn’t say anything. You just cried, you were crying your heart out at this point. Keanu seemed to be doing the same, both unable to control your sobs in the silent evening breeze. It was triggering you, the remembrance of that dreadful night 10 months ago creeping back into your mind. The memories of all the fights, the arguments, the times you spent the night in separate rooms because you were upset with each other also came flooding back. You couldn’t put yourselves through that again, you knew that. It hurt too much the first time.

           “Keanu, we can’t and you know that.” You stated firmly.

           “Why Y/N? We love each other, isn’t that enough? I can’t be happy with anyone other than you. If you can look me in the eyes right now and tell me that you’ll be able to move on and find someone other than me, I’ll let you go Y/N. I’ll let you go right now, and I’ll never bother you again. I love you so much, and I promise I’ll never keep you from being happy. Just tell me right now that you’ll be happier with someone other than me so I can force myself to move on. I just need to hear it once.” His voice killed you.

           You couldn’t do it. How could you tell the love of your life that you could ever be happier with anyone else?

           “Keanu, please. I can’t go through this again. We can’t do this. Let me go.” You spoke, still crying. Keanu didn’t budge however, he held you even tighter and pulled you into his chest, burying his face in the croak of your neck. He was holding on for dear life. You couldn’t bring yourself to move either. You craved his touch more than anything in these last 10 months.

           “I can’t.” Keanu cried in a low whisper.

You both stayed like that for a few minutes it felt like. You holding him, him holding you. It was as if the world went silent for a second, and stopped for just the perfect amount of time where you both could indulge in each other once again.

           “Keanu..” you exhaled a breathy, weary sigh as you tried you pull yourself away from him. Once you managed to fully untangle yourself from him, your eyes locked again. His were restless, pleading silently, yours were filled with melancholy regret.

           “I...I have to go, Keanu.” You wiped away your tears, swallowed, and began to walk away back into the house. Keanu was left standing there, feeling completely hopeless, all alone once again. He balled his left hand into a fist, and felt warm tears flood his mahogany eyes once again. 

Read part 3 here!

[harringtonheartache]

Daybreak | Part Five

Part Six

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Lab Escapee! Reader?

Summary: Part five of this fic. Trauma unburiable and comfort unfamiliar. 

Word Count: 2,200 +

Warning(s): Mild cussing, PTSD/trauma

A/N: Yay chapter five! Thank you to anyone who is reading (-:

While he had previously been roped into driving only Dustin to the arcade, Steve had now upgraded his chauffeur position and become responsible for driving all four kids back to their respective houses. Nine still sat shotgun - her spot was reserved at this point - and this time around she was left void of questions from the kid in the back. The boys (squished into three seats despite their headcount of a higher number) talked with one another at a slightly above reasonable volume. 

“If I had like, one more quarter, I totally would have beaten your high-score,” Dustin spoke. 

“No you wouldn’t have,” Lucas responded, the look on his face communicating just as much self-righteousness as his tone. 

“Okay, one of you out,” Steve said as he stopped the car in front of a house.

“One of us? Whose house are we at?” Mike questioned him, the darkness of the sky leaving it hard to see exactly where they were through the back windows of Steve’s car. 

“Technically Lucas’s, but as long as one of you gets out, I don’t care who I leave here,” he said.

Lucas, hearing his destination announced, ignored Steve’s attitude. He still had Dustin to argue with. “You wouldn’t have beaten my score,” he said. He ducked out of the car. “And you never will!” He said with a slick smile and a louder voice, shutting the door before Dustin could respond. His mouth hung open for a second, as his chance of shooting back was taken away from him at the closing of the car door. 

With every stop, the noise from the back got lesser and lesser. Will was the last to be dropped off (although he could have sworn his house came before Mike’s), and he gave a polite farewell to Steve and Nine. He was the only kid of the four who verbally thanked them, although they were all grateful despite their lack of expressing it upfront. “No problem, Will,” Steve said as Will climbed out of the back seat. “It was nice to meet you, Nina” he told Nine. She had almost forgotten she had a second name. “You too,” she said to him. 

Once Will had gotten about halfway up his driveway (Steve always watched to make sure they got inside okay), she spoke again. “I think he’s my favorite”. 

“What, not me?” Steve said to her, his eyes scrunching in a false dissatisfaction.

“Of the kids,” she clarified.

“Ohh,” He rolled his eyes, not aggressively, but rather to signify that he understood, or that he just got it. “Okay,” he said, throwing his head with a dramatic nature, his hair (messy but somehow still immaculate) bouncing as he did so. Nine chuckled at this, and it was only after she did so that he dropped the act and cracked a smile too. 

—

By the time the two arrived back at Steve’s house, the sun had completely set. He decided that entry through the backdoor was the safest bet, as it was less likely to alert the attention of his parents than it’s alternative. He guided Nine with his own movement. “This way,” he told her as they circled the house to his backyard. The night was quiet, their feet making soft strides through the grass. It was dark since the absence of the sun, but she could still make out his tall figure in front of her as for the serene moonlight that illuminated her view. Once they had made it to the concrete of the back porch, a new light showcased his silhouette: the ones that lit the pool. 

She paid it significant mind, uncertain and slightly curious of the body of water’s purpose, but chose not to ask Steve for answers. She was sure that he wasn’t fond of explaining things that seemed nothing but ordinary to him. They walked the curve of patio around the water’s edge, himself leading the way, three small steps up to the backdoor. “Shit, did I really leave the house key in-” Steve broke the quiet nature of the atmosphere, but only slightly as he said this in a whisper. He felt his pant pockets up and down, patting the fabric to feel for metal underneath. “I don’t know why I don’t have the house key on the same ring as the one for my car,” he continued with his soft-spoken ramblings. “Shit, okay I gotta go back,” he told her, spinning on the heels of his feet to face her with an apologetic yet lighthearted look on his face. It was humorous. Nine was standing below those three steps, as she hadn’t climbed them yet. She raised her eyebrows slightly, but only communicated a look with an understanding and untroubled essence.  

He took up the lead again, back to the car to retrieve the key that his misorganization placed there. She followed him, not because she was required too or even asked, but because she hadn’t even considered waiting there for him instead. Taking a few steps backward to give him room, she intended to follow him right back to the car. “Sorry,” he threw her a quick apology, although she didn’t think that he really needed to. 

She stepped without quite looking where she was going. The back half of her foot was met without ground, and the lack of balance threw her body backwards into the cold of pool water. Without much time to realize her mistake, a small yelp could be heard for but a second before she was submerged underwater. Steve heard it though, and turned swiftly to watch her disappear under the surface. The first splash in the deep end was followed by a second. He had jumped in willingly, and now directed himself to where he had watched Nine fall. His pool was deep. The lower end of it sunk to eleven feet to allow diving from the board above. Gravity’s victim kicked with no particular swimming stride at the bottom of those eleven feet, water filling her lungs as she couldn’t help but scream. The feeling of hands, strong but struggling against her movements, made her want to scream louder. As she was unable to put up a true fight, they gripped around her center, underneath her breasts but above her stomach. Arms tightly around her, she was pulled upward, and she inhaled sharply when her head broke the surface of the water. “Hey, hey I got you,” she was told. Her breathing was erratic, interspersed with coughs combating the water she had swallowed. “You’re okay, I got you”. With the voice’s second sentence of reassurance, her mind was able to fully realize who it was that had her within their hold. She stopped thrashing. Steve swam gently without lessening his grip, pulling her with him in the direction of the pool stairs. Her hands found the arm that wrapped itself around her upper half now, and she clutched onto it. ‘I’ve got you, you’re safe,” he said again. 

Steve could now touch the bottom of the pool, and Nine probably could too, but he still did not let go of her. Once reaching the stairs, he turned her around to help her to dry ground. Once she was met with the familiar feeling of concrete beneath her feet, she sunk, her body too weak from it’s unintentional swim to stand. Her left leg bent in front of her, as if she were sitting cross legged, but her right bent slightly further out rather than stacking on top, left foot to the side of her right thigh. Her hands, flat against the pavement in front of her, gave her support as she leaned forward somewhat. Steve, removed from the water as well, trotted over to a poolside chair to gather a towel. “Can- can I touch you?” he asked her when he returned with it in hand. Perhaps a silly question to someone whom he had just hauled from a pool, but one he made sure to ask. Breathless, she nodded. He wrapped the towel around her back, tucking it over her shoulders. His left hand did not leave her when he was done though, as he placed it lightly against her back. 

He now sat next to her, his own wet clothes leaving a pool of water next to the one Nine’s body produced. She closed her eyes, struggling against unwanted thoughts that filled her head like it’s own eleven-foot swimming pool. “You’re safe now, I promise,” he spoke. A promise he could now guarantee. His hand circled against her back soothingly. 

—

Returned to the true safety of his bedroom, Steve now shuffled through his closet for dry clothes to offer Nine. This time he fished out a sweatshirt and a pair of shorts. He turned around to hand them to her, taking notice of how intensely she was still shaking. “Hey, do you want to take a hot shower? Then you can change into these clothes,” he said. Her hands still gripped the pool towel he had given her outside. “I can wait just outside the door, no one will bother you,” he told her. She agreed. He walked her to the hallway bathroom, letting her inside and placing the clothes on the closed toilet seat. He folded them neatly, as his mother had done with the blanket he used for his bed on the floor. “You can use whatever you want in there,” he said, referencing the various soaps and shampoos that lined the hollowed segments of his shower. “Okay,” she told him. “Thank you,” she added, looking into his eyes completely. It was a sincere thank-you, one that held the weight of more than just gratitude for the granted use of the shampoos. “Yeah,” he responded softly, holding eye-contact with her beyond his response. He ducked his head as he stepped out of the bathroom, carefully shutting the door. Keeping his vow, he stood with his back against it as he waited for her. 

Her hair now smelled like Steve’s, and her body was dressed in a large sweatshirt that almost completely covered the shorts she was also given. The hood tucked nicely against her neck, her and Steve retreated to his room. “Do you feel better?” he asked once they were inside. “Yes,” she said, a small smile following her words. It was a genuine expression, but it still had a thread of sorrow sewn somewhere within it. “That's good,” he said. 

—

Sitting up with great speed, Nine gasped louder than she would have preferred as she violently pulled herself from sleep. After taking into consideration her surroundings, she decided to be grateful she hadn’t screamed instead. Sat slightly off-centered on Steve’s bed, she took panicked inhales and exhales, trying to remove herself from her brain’s idea of a dream. “Are you okay?” a voice in the darkness startled her a little bit more. Gazing over the bed’s end, she saw Steve, who sat up too, gazing right back at her. “Yeah,” she responded. “Just,” a pause, “a bad dream,” she finished. “Oh,” his voice spoke.

 “Do you want to talk about it?” he questioned. He had actually been awake for a few minutes, and the idea of conversation comforted him as he hoped it would her as well. Her breathe calmed, chest rising and falling with less rage. There was a pause before she spoke again; she was contemplating her own speech. “Back at the lab.. They would lock me in these big tanks of water. In my dream I was back there. They wouldn’t let me out.” A nightmare Steve had surely never endured himself. He sat silently for a moment, and Nine worried she had taken an invitation to discussion he had not truly intended for her to take. “Is that why it scared you so much? Falling into the pool?” he asked, connecting the day’s events with her confession of trauma. His voice was soft, perhaps as soft as it had been earlier when he had reassured her that she was safe. “Yes,” she said quietly. “My mind just brought be back to those tanks”.   

Silence fell as it had before, Steve’s inexperience battling with his kind and consoling nature. “I’m sorry,” he spoke again, not wanting to leave her too long without a response. “I,” he paused once more, contemplating words. “I can’t exactly relate to, or even imagine that feeling. That’s terrifying.” He shook his head in disbelief and sincere empathy.

No one spoke for another twenty seconds or so, but the silence was comfortable. A steady calmness settled over Nine just knowing that he was awake and sitting with her. “I won’t let them take you back,” Steve’s voice found itself in the room again. Nine had been focused on her hands as she provided her segment of the conversation, but with this assurance, she looked up to meet his eye in the darkened room. A smile graced her face, but not to reassure Steve this time. Since she had first staggered into Steve’s car, with every moment leading up to now, a feeling of true security had been increasing inside of her. It was with his last sentence this sensation of safety derived from being within Steve’s presence was finalized. He smiled back at her from the floor, that same calmness reaching him as well.

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