#taylor jewel fic

[girlkisser13]

taylor jewel masterlist

* indicates smut

headcanons

dating taylor jewel would include

nsfw headcanons *

imagines

lacy

drabbles

[loveeharrington]

summer sun forever | t.j.

warnings: heavy kissing

summary: taylor comes to visit belly at the beach house, but secretly just wants to hang out with you.

word count: 0.8k

prompt: holding their hands ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

writer’s note: first time writing for sexy tay! lmk if you like this because i love writing for her ;D

cousins beach was perfect in the heat of the summer sun. the wind blew softly in through your hair, and you could smell the sweet smell of summer in the air. the waves crashed against the water in the distance, and you could feel your arms tanning from the sun rays.

the summer was beautiful, but nothing was better than the feeling of your hand in hers. her fingers entwined with yours, underneath the table as she sipped on her drink.

“oh my god, it feels like it’s been forever since i was here,” taylor exclaimed.

taylor jewel. the only girl for you, the only girl you had ever felt anything for.

she doesn’t come to cousins often, only to visit belly, but the week that she is here is the best time of your life.

she spent time with your family and the conklin’s, but the best times were just the two of you alone.

your mom rambled on about some event happening at the country club later in the week, but you were barely listening.

you lean over to taylor and whisper in her ear, “you want to get out of here?”

she gives you a smirk and points at the beach. you smile and nod, while trying to get your moms attention.

she looks over at you and you say, “tay and i are going to go to the beach, okay?”

your mom nods and the both of you stand up and start running down from the beach house to the boardwalk.

taylor is screaming and smiling as she runs, all of it gibberish because of the wind masking her voice. you still smile along with her, chasing her to the water.

you catch up with her and grab for her hand. her soft fingers entwine with yours and she looks over at you. you notice all the freckles across her cheeks and slight sunburn under her eyes.

“you’re gorgeous, you know?” you say.

she just smiles in return and reaches for your face to kiss you. her soft peck yours for a second, but as her hand slips from yours, her lips do as well.

she smiles, the creases reaching her eyes, before she turns and runs towards the water. you follow after her, desperate to not let her go.

she flung her top off as she ran and her shorts when she reached the water. you watched her run into the waves and disappear beneath the surface as she dove in.

a smile crossed your face as she can back to the surface. she yelled something at you, but you couldn’t here over the sound of the waves. she waved her hand in the air, signaling you over.

once your clothes were abandoned along with hers, you dove into the water. the cold water encompassed you and left you gasping for air.

the sun rays peered down in the water, and you felt them on your face as you rose out of the water. the first thing you saw was her face.

she laughed at your wet hair and wrapped her arms around you.

“you’re so funny, lover girl,” she said, her fingers combing through your hair.

you smile at her, tracing the lines across her face and through her freckles.

her hands wrapped around you neck and she placed her lips on yours. her arms relaxed on your shoulders as she pushed her lips against yours. the soft pillows sucked and bit yours and her tongue slipped into your mouth.

your hands squeezed her hips beneath the water, grabbing tightly onto her. her tongue explored every inch of your mouth and you push against her.

she gasps slightly into your mouth and you squeeze her hips. she pulls away, a look of amazement on her face.

she pulls you in for a hug, her head hitting heavy on your shoulder. you squeeze her tight and she lifts her head to whisper into your ear, “i love you.”

“i love you, too,” you say, running your finger through her hair. she pulls away and grabs your hands in hers beneath the water.

she pulls away and grabs your hands beneath the water, saying, “thank you for always being there for me, tay.”

you smile and let go of her hands. taking a deep breath, you dive in the water and swim away from her. you hear the faint sound of her giggle above the water before the sound of her splashing into the water hits you.

she’s starts chasing you but you don’t swim faster. she’s going to get you, and when she does, you’ll get another kiss as a reward.

taylor jewel was the light of your life, the girl that gave you air to breath.

and you loved every little thing about her.

[mvltisstuff]

going, going, gone - c.f

summary: y/n’s the only person who can get conrad, and he realizes that maybe he’s been falling for the wrong conklin.

conrad fisher x conklin!reader

gif from @conradfiisher

a/n: this will likely have a part two, so it probably won’t end here!! no promises as to when pt 2 is out but it will be there eventually ;)) this is literally me wishing i could slap some sense into belly

part two

“hey,” y/n greets, stepping into the beach house and finding conrad unpacking.

“hi,” he smiles lightly. the past few months have been nearly impossible. trying to crack conrad open is like trying to break into a safe. it took y/n forever to be able to understand conrad, and now that she finally did, there was an undeniable spark. she could sense the tension in his mind, knowing that something had set him off. he looked like he just wanted to break down, but he didn’t want to. if he did, he doesn’t know how to put himself back together.

“you ok?” she asks, cautiously. he’s almost like a wild animal, get too close and he runs away. especially since susannah died, he hasn’t been able to find a connection like the one he had with his mother.

“fine,” he mumbles, folding a few blankets onto the couch and placing some pillows beside it.

“conrad, don’t play this game with me again,” y/n sighs, stepping closer to him. he pauses in his movements to look up at her, slapping one last piece of decor on the mantle. “can we at least talk about the exam?”

“i, um,” he stutters, unable to find the right words that have disappeared in his mind. it’s like he completely pushed out the exam, all the other events had forcefully taken the excitement from it. “i feel really good about it, but it’s just an exam.”

y/n can tell in his slumped stance that something is truly disturbing him. he looks broken, and whoever did it certainly failed to put the pieces back together. it appears that they didn’t even try. “talk to me, conrad. please?”

he stops, breaking eye contact. he can’t look at her while he tells her because she can’t see his face when he says it. he doesn’t want y/n to see him crack under the pressure again.

“jeremiah and belly were making out on my car when i came out of testing. i walked out and there they were.”

“what?” y/n spits out, thinking about everything belly had told her before. “i thought she said she moved on-“

“yeah, i did, too,” his voice breaks, still avoiding any looks to y/n. if y/n sees him falling apart over belly, y/n would probably say something. the last thing conrad wants is for belly to know the affect this had on him.

“conrad, you know you can talk to me, right?” she steps closer, wanting to reach out her hand to him but knowing he probably doesn’t want it. he wants belly’s. “anything you say to me won’t get back to her.”

he slightly turns, finally letting his eyes wander up y/n’s body until they meet hers. he’s always found a trust in y/n. she’s been there since they were little kids, but it’s always felt different. there was an innocence to her, she felt like home and he could always run back to her if he needed her. he wouldn’t be able to handle it if he ruined that.

“i’m just so tired, y/n. it’s just one step forward and two steps back. i thought we could finally be over this, but they both just stabbed me in the back. on my car, during my test, in my hoodie. my mom always said belly was destined for me, but it just feels like jere took that.”

y/n can feel the hurt as well as see it on conrad’s face. she’s able to read him so well now that he’s not afraid to open up. she feels like they’ve gotten through a door, a point where they can share secrets and find a safety net in the other. “belly doesn’t deserve you, conrad. she’s not as mature as you, and you can thrive without her, i swear.”

“i’ll be ok, i just need a break from all this shit,” he groans, allowing y/n to finally walk up to him and hold his hand. “i don’t know if we can go back to the way things were after this.”

“i know i can’t change what happened, but i need you to understand that you’re not alone. at this point, you come first to me.” he nods, and y/n can see the sunrise in his face a bit more, but his mind is still covered with darkness. “if you need anything, please call me or come see me, ok?”

“deal,” he cracks a little grin, making y/n smile a bit in return.

“take care of yourself, connie,” she says before opening the front door. she starts the long drive home knowing what’s waiting for her there.

she plants her stuff down on the counter, letting her body relax after the hours behind the wheel. she starts to clean up some of the mess that she left on the counter when she hears squeaky footsteps come down the stairs.

“hey, you’re back already?” belly says, lurking into the kitchen to lean against the frame. y/n doesn’t say anything, she just looks at her and continues to organize everything. “what’s wrong, why do you look like that?”

“honestly, belly, i’m just trying to figure out what to say to you.”

“what do you mean?” belly asks, trying to think about why her older sister could have a reason to be mad at her.

“i stopped at cousins on the way home,” y/n informs her, belly knowing exactly where she left conrad.

“y/n, you can’t be pissed off because of what he told you-“

“no, belly, i have every right to be pissed. i’m pissed for conrad. you left him in the dust and you have no shame about it.”

“it just happened, jeremiah and i. i never wanted to hurt conrad, but im in love!”

“yeah, you were also in love last week with conrad. and the week before with jeremiah. you need to move on from them, bell,” y/n sighs, allowing belly some time to build another response.

“who are you to even say that?”

“because i’ve been there for both of them! i was there for jeremiah when you wanted conrad. i’m there for conrad because you are playing with their hearts like they’re toys. i can tell your hearts not fully in it with jeremiah, but i’m not gonna let you destroy those boys even more.”

“how am i destroying them?”

“belly, wipe that innocence off your face. you’ve managed to rip apart the fisher brothers because you cannot pick which one you like more.”

“but-“

“no, belly! listen to me,” y/n cuts her off before she can try and make anything better. “you couldn’t even contain yourself at susannah’s funeral because you were too worried about conrad. i know we are all grieving, but you are acting like you’re more worried about which brother likes you more. it’s exhausting having to clean up the mess you make over and over again. you’re slowly ruining this bond for me, for steven, for mom! you know i love you more than words, but if you keep playing with their feelings, belly, this family is going to be destroyed.”

“y/n, susannah told me-“

“use susannah as an excuse one more fucking time, belly.” the room goes deadly silent, y/n sick of the excuses and victimized mentality of belly. when steven comes stepping quietly into the room, he ganders softly into the chaotic mess that has formed between his sisters. she swipes her keys back off the table, grabbing an extra bag out of the closet. “i’ll be back.”

“where are you going?” belly says, eyes full of tears from her fear of confrontation. her voice was shaky, and y/n could still feel a sting of guilt in her chest. she hated to build a bigger wall between everyone, but belly had to hear it.

“i’m going to look after conrad, because you failed to do it,” y/n ends their conversation, slamming the front door behind her and moving to the car. she left the house with a terrible tone, but someone else needed her more. belly had jeremiah, taylor, steven, laurel, anyone she wanted. conrad had y/n, and that became enough for him.

[ilysource]

CRUEL SUMMER:

❛ she looks just like a dream, the prettiest girl i've ever seen ❜

. . . jj maybank && shelly acosta

credits: [ jj maybank, style, psd ]

[mapleymood]

crooked love (in a straight line down)

@mapleymood, @thelonelybrilliance

Part 1: Summer

“It is to be broken. It is to be torn open. It is not to be reached and come to rest in ever. I turn against you, I break from you, I turn to you. We hurt, and are hurt, and have each other for healing. It is healing. It is never whole.”

― Wendell Berry, The Collected Poems, 1957-1982

Broken promises, distant memories... Taylor Jewel and Jeremiah Fisher should have nothing in common but mutual resentment. Why do they share a growing understanding instead?

[lily-fics-11]

The Girl Next Door: Chapter 2 (Hazel Callahan, Bottoms)

Fic master post here (feel free to comment to be added to taglist)

The Girl Next Door

You hadn't been close with your neighbor Hazel for years. But you find her beat up in the locker room after fight club and all of that changes.

Chapter 2

Car rides with Hazel have you falling for her harder than ever. 

CW: mentions of blood and injury, mentions of violence, cursing, Taylor Swift references (I know not everyone is a fan so if people don't like it, I won't add anymore) *not beta read

You and Hazel walk to your car in silence. You get in the car and pass her the aux. “You still listen to Taylor Swift?” She asks shyly. 

“Of course I do!” You tell her with the biggest smile. She remembers your favorite singer. Does she remember all the times you would sing those songs together?

“What do you think about the new albums? And the re-recordings?” Hazel sounds excited to talk about Taylor Swift too, she remembers. 

“The 10 Minute Version of All Too Well has literally changed my life.”

“Should I put it on?”

“Absolutely!”

Before you know it you are on your way home, scream singing the 10 Minute Version of All Too Well, with Hazel. Since the song came out you’ve been listening to it over and over and thinking about her. There were so many lyrics that reminded you of your relationship with her. 

Her sweet disposition, and your wide eyed gaze. Being able to picture it after all these days. You might be okay but you’re not fine at all. How you got lost in translation. You had lost the one real thing you had ever known. It was rare, you were there, you remember it all to well.

But singing these lyrics with her, it was healing all those old wounds in a way you didn’t know was possible. You were stealing glances to see the smile on her face. Sometimes she would catch your gaze. As the words “ever lovely jewel” play she’s looking right at you.

Usually you were happy to live so close to the school. It was convenient. But with Hazel beside you it just wasn’t enough time. It’s hard to keep the smile on your face as you pull into your driveway, knowing that your time together is about to end. 

As soon as you are parked Hazel throws open the door, like she’s trying to run away. 

“Wait!” You yell at her, wondering why she’s so anxious the get out of your car. You do have to admit that this was a little overwhelming for you and it probably was for her too. She was the one that left you. She probably never wanted to be in this situation. 

She’s halfway out the door when she acknowledges you. She doesn’t say anything, just stares at you. 

You nervously clear your throat. 

“I just wanted to see if 8:00 was good for tomorrow morning…”

“Yeah. Yes. See you then.” Is all she has to say before she’s out and walking away from your car.

You were hurt for a moment but you started to watch her walk away and you realized that her wearing your sweatshirt meant that she was wearing your last name across her back. You just started giggling and then you punched your fist in the air and said “yes” when you thought about the smell of your perfume being stuck on her, even if it was only for a little while. You were never religious but you point up at the sky and say thank you. 

That night you spent about an hour curating the perfect outfit and set your alarm for an extra hour early so you would have time to perfect your makeup. 

When your alarm goes off the next morning you are immediately up and getting ready for the day, which is as stark contrast to your usual slamming of the snooze button. 

You usually just filled in your eyebrows and put on mascara for school but today you were going to be the first person Hazel saw and you wanted to stay on her mind all day. 

You start with your face. A little bronzer to warm up your face and a little blush to liven you up. Some highlighter on your cheekbones and the tip of your nose to catch light, and Hazel's attention. You also add a bit of highlighter to the inner corner of your eyes to draw her eyes right where you wanted it. You add a subtle wing to further accentuate your eyes and then do your usual mascara and brow routine. You finish off with your lips. You over-line them with a darker brown and fill them in with a nude lipstick to make them look as full as they can. You add a layer of lip gloss on top to make them look as inviting as possible. Not that you expect anything to come of this, but you can dream, right?

Your light wash ripped jeans are high waisted and perfectly hug the shape of your body. Your shirt is the perfect amount of low cut to highlight your assets and short enough to expose a tasteful amount of midriff. You put on your trusty pair of converse for good luck. 

You are in your car a few minutes early feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. You sip on your coffee as you wait for Hazel. 

The clock hits 8:00, no Hazel. Not a problem though. You told her a few minutes early because you know she has a tendency to run late. That girl is nothing if not easily distracted.  

Hazel emerges from her house at 8:05 looking a little disheveled. She’s got hair sticking up out of place and she’s wearing… holy shit she is wearing your sweatshirt again!

Hazel plops down into your car. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be late. I was just thinking about… things, and lost track of time.”

“Don’t worry about it.” You tell her, and you can’t help yourself from pointing out “I see that you’re still wearing my sweatshirt.”

Her eyes widen, pupils dilating, and a bright red flush appears on her face. 

“I, um, fell asleep in it last night. And I didn’t have time to find another sweatshirt after getting dressed,” she tries excuse but you don’t need any justification. It takes everything in you not to giggle and kick your feet. Your sweatshirt. On Hazel all night. The smell of your perfume on her and now on her pillows and sheets. 

You just nod, “makes sense.”

“I didn’t even have time to make coffee,” she shakes her head in disappointment.

You are not really sure what caffeine would do to someone like Hazel but you still offer “you can have some of mine.” You didn’t think it was possible, but she is blushing even more.

“No, it’s totally fine. It’s my fault I don’t have any coffee. I’m the one that got distracted. You shouldn’t have to give up any of your coffee because I’m a mess.”

“I don’t usually finish it before it gets cold. So feel free to go for it.”

She doesn’t say anything.

“We used to share everything, right?” You remind her.

“We used to share everything.” She echos. 

She mumbles something under her breath that you can’t quite make out. But to your surprise she picks up the coffee and takes a sip. 

You bite down a smile when you see a bit of your lipstick on her mouth, it must have gotten left behind from when you were drinking it. 

“What?” She questions, seeing your failed attempt at holding back a smile.

“You’ve got a little something…” you motion to your mouth. 

She looks confused and opens the visor to look in the mirror. You expect her to be upset that your lipstick got on her but she just giggles. “Believe me, this color looks very good on you, but I think it looks even better on me.”

You can’t help but giggle too.

To your surprise she doesn’t bother to wipe the lipstick off, she just leaves it there. Leaving behind the indirect connection of your lips for anyone to see. Not your ideal way to leave your lipstick on her lips but you can’t complain either. 

Your sweatshirt. Your lipstick. You feel like you are going to pass out. 

You clear your throat, “we should probably get going…” Hazel nods in agreement. 

You turn on the car and put it in reverse. 

“Can I have the aux?” She asks.

“Go for it.” You pull out of the driveway. 

“I made us a playlist.” Your jaw drops and you accidentally slam on the breaks. 

You look at Hazel and Hazel looks at you in a panic. “I’m so sorry!” You tell her.

“It’s ok, it’s fine, it’s all good,” she tries to assure you but she is clearly fearing for her life. How stupid could you be? Hazel will never get in your car again after this!

You just stare at her for a minute trying to gauge where she’s at. She clears her throat. “You should probably drive now…” she suggests.

You just nod and start to drive, focusing on the road, afraid to make eye contact. 

“So, the playlist,” she says very hesitantly, “it’s all the Taylor Swift songs we haven’t gotten to listen to together.”

Your mouth drops open and you are speechless.

Her eyes widen, and she quickly tries remedy the situation “if you don’t want to listen to it we don’t have to!”

“No! That’s not it. I’m just surprised. That’s all.” You mumble, just clear enough for her to understand what you are saying. 

“I always used to make us playlists,” it’s her turn to remind you. The memory is a little bittersweet, tainted by the years of separation.  Music starts playing over the speaker. 

If there is one thing people should know about Hazel it’s that she’s a talker. She can talk about anything and everything for hours on end. But in the best way possible. She always puts a smile on the face of whoever she is talking to. It’s quite endearing. 

Hazel goes off on a tangent about fight club. After telling you the story of how she ended up in the state you found her in yesterday she pauses for a moment. 

“You could always come with me today, to fight club. We meet everyday after school.” She shyly offers.

“Hazel I don’t know if you remember the blood all over you yesterday, but I do. And you have a black eye.” You are thinking it but neglect to mention how the black eye and smear of your lipstick are making you feel a certain type of way. 

“Yes there are, side effects, but it’s worth it to learn how to defend yourself. I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you.” That last part comes out as more of a mumble that may not have been intended for you to hear. 

You start to take the offer into consideration. How far are you willing to go to spend more time with Hazel? You don’t want to seem desperate, doing something you clearly don’t want to do just for her. So you ask “Isabel and Brittany are in the club, right?” They are two of your very close friends. 

“Yeah, and a bunch of other girls. I promise that everyone is really nice. Everyone except PJ. No one is trying to hurt you. Everyone except PJ. But if you are worried about who you are going to have to fight, you can just pair up with me until you get comfortable. You know I would never do anything to hurt you.” A lump forms in your throat and you focus on the road, afraid that if you look at her you will burst into tears. If asked at the age of 13 you would have said that Hazel would never in a million years do anything to hurt you. You absolutely believe she would never physically harm you. But she didn’t just break your heart, she ripped it out of your chest and stomped on it. If anything you would have preferred for her to have punched you square in the face. That pain would have only been temporary. A million thoughts are swimming through your mind but you snap back into reality once you realize that you just parked your car. 

You thought the pain of losing Hazel was the worst thing you would ever feel. But now that you are thinking about it, missing out on the opportunity to get Hazel back would be astronomically worse. You remind yourself that you wouldn’t be getting Hazel in the way that you truly want her. But it was better than not having her at all. You turn towards her and she is looking at you expectantly. 

You let out a deep breath you don’t know you were holding in when you tell her: “fuck it, I’m in.” Her face lights up.

“It’s going to be great,” she assures you, “I promise.” She holds out her pinky and you feel butterflies in your stomach. You hook your pinky around hers and you both kiss your thumbs. The way you always used to.

[gojoswhitebabydolllashes]

"Everybody wants somebody"

A song mingi x reader fic

Based on keshi's new song "bodies"

Songs could also vary to "skinny love" by birdy. "Exile" by Taylor swift and Bon iver. And also "the story never ends" by lauv

----

Overview: Mingi used to be your everything. Meeting at his debut performance, you were enamoured by him. Enchanted at first sight. And soon you found yourself 3 months into dating the man who stole your heart. But as time went on, mingi's fame became too much for you to handle and your relationship fell apart right infront of your eyes.

-

Warnings: mingi is a bit of an ass but he doesn't mean it. Rockstar themes. Idol!mingi. non idol reader. Rich!mingi. Kinda sugardaddy!mingi. Angst. Upsetting themes. Heavy themes of suicide and drug use by reader. Drinking. San and wooyoung are readers' comfort. Yunho can't pick sides. Seonghwa is adorable. Partial fluff. Band leader mingi! Mingis is a bit of a criminal. Mingis is a bit toxic but only a lil.

----

Mingi was everything you dreamed of. His personality, his laugh, his smile, and every part of him were intoxicating to be in the presence of.

The way he acted to you had you feeling like the Queen of the world. Being with mingi was all about expensive dates. helicopter rides, and private jets everywhere. Luxurious hotels and penthouses full of lush interiors and champagnes worth thousands of dollars. He would shower you in lavish jewels like emeralds and sapphires. special edition Cartier bracelets he Somehow got a hold of first. Rings of 24k gold encrusted with diamonds worth more than your house and earrings that could put a chandelier to shame.

Despite mingis rockstar attitude and tough exterior. He wasn't scary to you. A big softie at heart to you and you only. People often were confused at how he could upkeep your princess looks. A rockstar with alcohol dripping from his mouth every day so that his baby could wear the pearl earrings she wanted last week.

Mingi would do absolutely anything for you. But he wouldn't acknowledge that your relationship was falling apart at the seams. After one of Ateez's concerts in LA, you stood backstage, staring at yourself in the mirror, considering if runny eye-liner and smudged lipstick after every show was how you wanted to spend your life.

San knocked gently at your door, and you quickly turned your head away from him.

"You can't hide from me"

San came and sat on the red leather couch, his knees entering your sight as you stared at the black carpeted floor. Your head was racing a million miles an hour with the haze of a vodka + raspberry gin combination and the smell of cigarettes flowing into the room from outside.

"I can't do it anymore, San. This life is killing me, I can't take another die-hard fan on the internet telling me to kill myself because I get to fuck mingi and she doesnt"

The both of you lightly laughed, but San knew how serious the situation was. Threats and hate online were a normal thing you got. People messaging you and telling you that you're "just with mingi for his money" or that you were a "homie hopper" and are actually the groups sex slave.

Hundreds of fans harassed you in real life and otherwise. You felt that no matter what you did, you couldn't get them to like you. Luckily, there was a bigger portion of the fan base that defended you and gave you praise online, defending off the haters for you.

For that, you were grateful, but you couldn't take it anymore. Having to keep up with it was like trying to run on sand.

"It's a tough life" San started "everyone accepts that in this industry"

He cleared his throat. "But you don't have to"

You looked up at him with a messy face and glossy eyes. Your bun was in a tragic state and you had lost one of your dior earrings during the concert which you felt guilty about, you knew mingi had waited months to buy them for you.

You didn't feel like a million bucks anymore.

And while you tried to excuse the fans' behaviour toward you, tonight you had truly reached your limit.

"I can't just leave. What am I if I'm not the rockstar's girlfriend San?" Your hands were flopping around as you tried to make your point.

Gesturing toward photos of you and mingi at his vanity and the table beside you and on the wall. Photos that held memories worth billions. Ones that have and will last eternally. He had one lone photo of your tugged into his vanity mirror frame of you in a wedding dress the day you messed around and bought one for the fun of it.

In the photo, you're laughing and holding a dainty rose in your hand as your body tilts to the side. Moments before disaster. You smiled to yourself before turning back to San.

"There's always a person behind the rockstar. That doesn't have to be you. Everyone in the group knows how much you and mingi love each other, but you're not his shadow love, he knows that, everyone knows that"

San leant his arms on the arm of the couch and put his head in his hand as he looked at you. You picked at the diamonds of your fishnets before you heard the door open to reveal wooyoung.

As he walked to the couch, the smell of strong deodorant came into the room, and you coughed slightly. "I know you don't like the smell of cigarettes"

Wooyoung smiled at you. You were grateful for his gesture, but the strong smell of roses was somehow worse than tobacco.

"Where's mings?" You asked him as he sat at his vanity rubbing off his thick eye-liner.

"He's headed to the shops to pick some food up for everyone. Should be back soon. " Woo shrugged and threw away the ruined tissue.

Mingi, unlike most, didn't care for driving while intoxicated or high. Luckily, you knew he had taken a private ride as it had popped up on your phone that the bands car was arriving at the takeaway.

You rubbed your eye and put your phone on the table. You wanted to undo your tight denim shorts so badly as they crushed your stomach. Hopefully, when mingi returned, he would do it for you.

But you know what the answer will be, so you smile and lay back in your chair waiting for him to return as the rest of the band and their partners huddled into the room.

You weren't close with the girls. Keira, san's girlfriend, was a short dark skinned girl with tattoos and long black braids who had once tried to bring you to one of her and the girls smoking sessions but she was quickly told the fact that you didn't like smoking without mingi, which she immediately understood and politely apologised.

Milani had short red hair with black tips and a bunch of piercings. She was with hongjoong. Milani was quite shy and rarely spoke to you but often waved and gave small smiles. You got the feeling she was afraid of you and your demeanour, which you could only hope joong had told her wasn't personal, but you weren't gonna pry.

And then there was Ashley and Beth, two blondes who had it out for you. Despite the band's warnings that you weren't to be played with, they still tugged your strings like needle to thread. They never did it in front of mingi, afraid that he might tear them apart with his bare hands, but they did do it when the band wasn't around which made you laugh knowing just how pathetic their efforts were.

"Mingi just texted. He's running late because of traffic" Jongho announced.

You sighed and put your head in your hands. Seonghwa stood up and walked to you.

"Let me take you home" he smiled softly.

You didn't want to decline his offer, knowing that he was still sober for now, but later, he would be drunk with everyone else and then you'd have no way home but the bands car and you hated using it.

"Cmon I'll let mingi know okay?"

You nodded and grabbed your phone and purse, waving everyone goodbye before leaving with the hyung. You felt safe with seonghwa as he was the most responsible out of the lot. Of course he still did coke and drank a shit ton, but sober he was like a father to the group, which you were grateful for.

You couldn't deny you felt stood up by mingi. He had promised you that he'd come backstage with you after the show and let you show him your new dresses he ordered you. But he didnt show, and despite the fact that he was on his way here now, you were absolutely exhausted and truly did just want to go home.

On your way into the car park, you watched the bands black Mercedes pull in. Immediately, a confused looking mingi hopped out of the car, his hands curved at his shoulders.

"What's going on?" He asked before he leant down to kiss you softly.

You missed his touch and taste. The feeling of his leather jacket and tailored suit pants rubbing against your exposed skin made your head fuzzy. He smelt divine, and you wanted nothing more than to just push him onto your bed and have him to yourself.

"She wasn't feeling the best so I offered to take her home" seonghwa spoke.

Mingi blinked and looked at you with sympathy. "Are you alright, babygirl?"

You nodded and smiled sweetly at him. Mingi sweeped his fiery orange hair out of his face and turnt to seonghwa.

"Here," he handed the hyung the bag of takeaway containers. "I'll take her home. You go with the others"

Seonghwa politely nodded and accepted mingi's actions. "You want me to cancel the surprise?"

Mingi waved his words away. "No, just have them send it to the pent." he opened the door of his own car, a black vintage corvette.

"Will do. Drive safely, mings. " seonghwa waved the two of you off and walked back inside the building.

As you sat in the soft beige leather seat of his corvette, mingi knew something wasn't right with you. The way your body felt tense under his touch and your eyes drifting off to all different things around you.

"You wanna tell me what's going on?" Mingi looked at you briefly before turning back to the road.

He gripped the steering wheel as he drove with one hand, the other arm leaning on his window, of which was slightly down to let in a cool breeze.

"I just drank something nasty I think"

You yawned and rubbed your neck, sore from constantly jumping up and down to the songs.

"I'll run you a nice bath when we got home okay?" His voice soft and sweet as he reached for hand, switching to his steering wheel arm.

"That sounds really nice, mings."

----

At home, you were greeted by your lush penthouse. Ceilings of dark blue and tiles of black. The smell of sweet vanilla cherry candles wafting through the air made you feel warm and fuzzy inside as you sat down to the couch to take your tight heeled boots off.

Mingi came to you with two freshly poured glasses of orange juice. You tilted your head at the rockstar. "You're staying?"

Mingi nodded as he unlaced his heavy boots. "Yeah," he grunted as he took his shoes off. "I don't feel up to drinking tonight"

You wanted to gasp as a joke, but mingi had been struggling with his drinking for a while. He's been trying to cut back for you because he knows how much you hate the smell, and while you appreciated it deeply, you hated taking away that joy of being with his friends from him.

"Mings you don't have to stay here with me. You just bought all that food for the group, " you tried smiling at him but guilt was sucking at you.

"Ah," he put his index finger to the air, stopping you. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be that here with my-"

Mingis loving speech was interrupted by a phone call in his pant pocket. He reached for it and immediately on his face you knew it was one of the boys.

"I'll be back in a sec" he kissed your cheek and walked away. All you heard was a "Hey san" before his voice faded down the hall.

You were left alone with your thoughts, and the fresh juice mingi poured for you, and as the lights of the crystalline chandelier smashed, the clear view of the quiet TV channel became blurry and your ears rung out with voices and humming, you suddenly felt like this would be the last time you would see mingi tonight.

You stood up, shook off your thoughts, and walked down the hall toward yours and mingis bedroom where the conversation on call became more prominent.

"I'm not gonna do that San, I will not accept that fucking answer!" Mingi slammed the bedside table making you jump. "Either you tell them that I'm not doing it or I'm going to tear that pricks head off"

Mingi angrily ended the call just as you approached inside the room, softly pushing the door open to see him in full. Mingi turnt his attention to you and his face immediately softened.

"Did you hear all of that?" He asked as he put his phone by the bed.

You shook your head. "No. I just came from the lounge room, I was gonna make some food but I came to check on you first"

Mingi scoffed and sat on the large bed, sliding his slender tattooed hand through his bright hair.

"You're too sweet, babydoll. I don't deserve you," mingi smiled at you before moving two fingers at you, gesturing for you to come to him.

Like a moth to a flame, you immediately walked to him and straddled his lap. Mingi's large, ringed hands found your waist, snaking up your back. The rockstar let out a throaty sigh of pleasure as you rocked your hips against his bulge.

You whined and tucked your head into his nape as his strong arms held you close to him. Mingi's fingers fiddled with the strings on your Chanel corset top as he smirked up at you with his gleaming, mischievous black eyes. His delicate pink lips parted so slightly.

"You want me?" His voice was soft and taunting.

Mingis' hands held your waist, causing his sleeves to slide down his arms, revealing his rich black tattoos. The pieces were intricate and fine, detailed to precise specifications. His hand tattoos were your favourite. Roses all on the larger area on the top of his hand while thorned vines snaked up his fingers.

On his ring finger was your initial of your first name in a small delicate font.

"Mingi?" You spoke softly.

"Yeah, baby?, what's up?" He drew soft circles on your palm with his thumb.

You looked into his lustre dusted eyes, dark and smooth, like a captivating void. Something lingered behind them, something innocent and harsh. For the first time in a long time, you felt like you couldn't tell him anything. Your breath was tangling your words in your throat.

"Do you like me?"

You regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth.

"Baby, I love you so much. More than anything on this earth." mingi smiled and let a breathy chuckle out, assuming you were joking.

"I know you love me. But do you like me?"

Your eyes pleaded for an answer of any kind. You just wanted a few words or one or maybe two or however many words mingi could let out. You wanted to hear anything fall from his pink lips of despair.

"You're asking if I still like you? After 5 years of being together?" Mingi let go of your waist. "Well of course I do baby"

You shifted off of his lap. The silvery midnight light caught your body, creating a silhouette of ethereal glow. Mingis eyes drifted through your body, staring at your curves. You could tell he was looking past the bigger picture.

"Do you? I think maybe we've been on a date or two in the past 6 months. I mean, I don't even get to stand in the crowd of your concerts!"

You threw your hands up. Your voice was breathy. Mingi stood up, immediately mousing you in stature. "You know why that is baby, it's for yo-"

"For my own safety, I know," you nodded. "That's not the point I'm trying to make mingi"

He wished he could understand what he knew you were trying to say. Because he did love you to the absolute ends of the earth. Mingi would do everything and anything for you. He buys you jewels and clothes. Dresses and hair clips worth hundreds, shoes, and accessories worth thousands. He took you on dates that put billionaires to shame, to clubs and bars full of VIPs and high rollers. Brought you to parties and galas that held people who owned more money than your entire street combined.

But he didn't like you. He gave you the world, but he didn't like you. And while one would say you were stupid and foolish for saying that, but even a fool, deaf and blind, could agree.

"Where is this coming from, baby? Aren't you happy with me?"

You had hoped that mingi would've agreed that he wasn't treating you right so that he wasn't staring at you with his honey sweet eyes. You felt sobbing, breaking down and crying, like falling apart at your loose seams.

"I'm happy mingi. But I want our lives to move forward. I want to have a normal life with you. I can't keep doing this every time, i can't handle the drinking, and the drugs every night"

Tears were brimming your eyes sharply, and as much as it hurt mingi's heart, he didn't know what to do.

"I can't keep trying to kill myself because of your fans. I won't live like this mingi. I won't"

"Please baby, don't do this, I swear I will stop drinking, and I will stop doing drugs, I can change this I can!" Mingi pleaded with you.

You wanted to believe him.

"It's not just you, mings, its the band and their girlfriends and the life you live I just can't do it anymore"

As you said it, the realisation hit you like a bus. If you left, you might never see the band again. You might never get the chance to hug wooyoung again or play Mario kart with yunho, or see hongjoong's little sister graduate.

And you wouldn't marry song mingi.

"I want to believe you, mings, I do, but lately, I just don't believe anything you say. It's hard to when you keep changing dates and times and standing me up"

"I admit I have been doing that a lot, but I can't help my schedule. I have a lot to do and plan. I don't have a say in that"

You knew he was telling the truth. Mingi was in charge of the band themselves, but he wasn't in charge of the scheduling, unfortunately for his behalf. But time was fading quicker and quicker each day. Every night, you felt the sand of the hourglass dripping in grains of torture. Gripping onto you like a pathetic God was faith.

"I will leave the band!" Mingis eyes were hazed over and glossy.

His small plump lips fell into a frown, his nose and cheeks tinted in light pink hues.

"I will leave the band, and I will never speak to any of them again!" Mingi had damn near fell to his knees before you.

You scoffed. "Is that what you think I want for you?! Mingi, you love those boys more than that stuffed rabbit your own mother bought you! I will not let you leave them behind!"

You pointed sharply at the floor as if making your point. Mingis face became contorted into something you felt in the future would be all too familiar. In this moment, you couldn't imagine a future with him anymore. You wouldn't let yourself get to that point of even trying to find it.

"Please," Mingi's hands found your arms.

Slender ringed fingers slid up your arms in a dizzying motion. Slow and tortuous were his actions. Mingis smell invaded your nose, the intoxicating scent of tobacco and candied apples made your knees weak. You felt like jelly in his presence.

"Mingi-" you looked up at him.

How unfortunate it was that he was so beautiful. So pristine and picturesque like a museum of fine art on legs.

"I'm leaving tonight with or without your permission"

You pushed his arms off and went out to the kitchen, terrified of the footsteps approaching rapidly behind you. "You can't just leave! What about us? And our life together? What about all that I've given you? Aren't you grateful for this?"

He meant the penthouse. And the jewels and thousands maybe millions of dollars worth of items and clothing he's bought you. And the dates in helicopters and the VIP tickets into galas. And the beach house he gave you for your 25th and the number of times he's bought decorations for the penthouse that you wanted.

He didn't mean the love. He didn't mean him holding you against walls and fucking you into oblivion. He didn't mean the baths he's given you and the showers you've had together. Or the movies you've watched in bed while eating ice cream or the books you tell him about or the way that late at night he reads his lyrics to you.

You are always the first to hear them.

"What am I if I'm not your man?"

You suddenly felt deja vu.

"I'm so unbelievably grateful for the gifts you give me and the dates and all the things we've done together. But I can't take not having you anymore. Your barely around most days and when you come home after weeks or even months, work still beckons you. I can't have this anymore!"

"We were supposed to get married and spend our lives together! In case you forgot, you were the one who made me want that, " Mingi cried.

Ouch. That stung more than it should have. But you knew that was true. Mingi never wanted to be married or have domesticity before you. Before you he was happy with fucking 3 different girls every night and having flings he couldn't care less about. He was fine with getting drunk and passing out in a bush by the side of the road. He would sign girls boobs and lick whiskey out of their mouths to get them wet. And, of course, he would sneak bucks into their bras with a wink.

But this was before you. And since then, mingi wouldn't even touch another girl if She was his last chance to survive.

"I can change. I can. I know, okay? I know you don't believe me. I know I've been an idiot and a fool and that I've been sloppy with you and lazy in my actions, but I can change that. I will change it all for you in a heartbeat. Your absolutely everything to me"

It hurt you in every possible way that you wanted to just leave. But it hurt you more that feelings of wanting to stay was bubbling inside you. It hurt more that you wanted to get on your knees and hug him and tell him you were sorry for acting like this and that you won't ever be like this again and that you can live happily ever after now.

And it hurt, just a bit, that you knew mingi would forget it all in a blink.

"If" his voice broke "if your going to leave, if this might ever be the last time I'm going to see you in this lifetime"

He reached into his back pocket and gave you a wrinkled piece of paper.

"What is this?" You asked him.

"I won't tell you. I want you to experience it on your own" he rubbed his tears from his eyes.

"I'd hoped it would be easier than this", you whispered.

You sniffled as mingi pulled you into an embrace. "As much as I would kill to have you stay, I can't force you" he spoke into your jacket.

"A part of me hopes you'll grab my leg and tie me to the couch so that I can't" you lightly joked.

Mingi chuckled into your coat. You stood there for five minutes. "You should go", He mumbled.

"I should"

You could have broken down sobbing right then and there as mingi pulled off you. "Please" his lip trembled "please just go. It feels less painful if I ask you to leave",

You nodded and painfully, slowly, trembling, you walked to the door. This was it. This is it? Is this truly how you were going down? Would you really never see mingi again? Not wooyoung or San or yunho? Not any of them? You would never be picked up by seonghwa again or have jongho invite you to movie nights or have yeosang bring you cakes from the bakery he lived near.

You wouldn't have any of it.

"Goodbye, mingi. I hope in the next life we I can kiss you Goodnight"

"Goodbye to you too___, I hope you get everything you want in life"

---

Ngl I hope this broke some hearts🙏🥰🥰

[mer-acle]

I made a playlist with songs that reminded me of your Zeus and Athena

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7IGVcHtLI3kirsWV0HB3Ju?si=T-djgtDbRHGRa9a0otrRag

Don't know if you like character playlists but I wanted to share with you since your fic is the reason for my recent obsession with Athena and Zeus relationship

Jdhfjcbhfbfhhfudj

Thank youuuu

I'll link it again bc ask links are pain

I love character playlists :) I did like a big one for one of my older fanfics where every chapter had a song and stuff

Some thoughts after the cut

Tolerate it - Literal chills. Ahhh the bridge too. Why is it perfect hgxixbdjh

The Prophecy - You know it's gonna be good when 'lightning' is in the first line. Gold.

Castles crumbling - Honest Question, what pov do you imagine this with? Bc honestly both kinda work and I'm obsessed

Better man - Gods I could put half the lyrics here they are perfect. "Staring in the mirror, Saying to myself, you know you had to do it" hits so hard after God Games

Nothing New - "Girl go out and have your fun, then they hunt and slay the ones who actually do it" scuse me?? Who gave you or Taylor the right?

The Family Jewels - @starlitvick and you agree on that one hehe

Family Line - I saw this one and was like the playlist is gonna be good. Btw I hc that Athena refers to her eyes glowing at night and comparing it to Zeus's when he's angry and his eyes are white with lightning, hence having "her father's eyes"

Jigsaw - I kid you not @evermorecatra and me talked about Zeus disapproving of Athena's clothes and passions in general like what two days ago? Gdhxbxjxb

Regular People - *sings* generational traauuumaa

Top of my school - guess being the favorite isn't so great, is it? Sobbing actually

Thank you again, I had so much fun listening 😊😊

[imeanitplsmorenamifics]

OMG BLESS YOU FOR YOUR WORK HERE 😭💘💘 I'm starving for more Nami fics as well and I'm so glad I found you. Plus your writing is delightful omg. <3

I just have to drop by and make a request of my own now 🥺 could I please please have some Nami hurt/comfort? I feel like she needs it so much. I was thinking of something along the lines of right after the ending of season 1, Nami has had feelings for the reader for quite some time now but was too scared to act on it, especially because she was afraid of what Arlong might do if he found out she cares about someone. And now that she's finally free of Arlong, Nami realizes that she doesn't know what to do, because she never had something real like that, someone she cares about and actually wants to do things right with. Nami thinks the reader wouldn't reciprocate her feelings, so she's basically in this state of admiring and longing from a distance, until maybe something happens and they are alone together, and the reader is being all soft and gentle with Nami (insert Nami being touch starved here because I jus know she is), and Nami gets like, all emotional 🥺 and the reader is worried and asks what's wrong, if she did something wrong; and Nami finally admits that "I'm sorry I don't know how to do this, but I like you so much"; and then just Nami getting all the hugs, kisses, love, and reassurance that she so deserves. ❤️

I'm sorry that was a little big 😭 you can change anything you want, I'd just love some angst/hurt/comfort with her. Thank you so much already. <3

Hi! And thank you so much! I was tired of the lack of Nami fics and couldn't stand it anymore. I needed content and I was going to make it myself if I had to 😭. Don't worry about it being long, it actually gives me a lot more to go on when writing so I don't mind it! I would be more than happy to write this for you so I hope you like it! This felt like more of a headcanon request to me so I wrote this has a headcanon post. If you want an imagine/oneshot instead, message me and I'll rewrite it! Also, this has some minor spoilers for the Alabasta arc so if you don't want to be spoiled for it if you're not far then I would advise that you don't read this. Flower Asks Hozier Asks Taylor Swift Asks Masterlist Rules Taglist Request Characters: Nami, Fem!Reader, Arlong (mentioned), Strawhats (mentioned), Vivi (mentioned), Dr. Kureha (mentioned), Chopper (mentioned) Pairing: Nami x Fem!Reader TW: Trauma, fears of one-sided feelings, angst. That's all I can think of but tell me if there's more!

The Art of Pining

.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.

The last thing Nami needed was to fall in love. Her life was too stressful and too dangerous to have any kind of relationship. Being forced to work with Arlong to buy back her village would do that to a person. But, somehow, some way, she ended up falling in love with you.

She tried to deny it. She really did. But it was impossible for her to deny being in love with someone as amazing and beautiful as you. You had somehow captured her heart in a way no one ever had, despite not even knowing each other for that long.

Guilt was mostly what she felt when she realized there was no pushing those feelings down. She felt guilty for unintentionally putting you in a risky situation. She felt guilty for not being able to deny herself of something she really wanted to keep you safe. Still, either way, there was no way she could be with you. Not with Arlong still around. Especially not while she was working with him.

There was a part of her that was worried about what you would think when you found out she was only going to betray you and the others when the time came. She only joined up with the crew to have her hands on the map of the Grand Line. If she got some money and jewels along the way, it was a bonus. There was still a tremendous amount of remorse she felt. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt you. But that was what was needed to keep you safe.

So, she revealed herself to be working with Arlong during Luffy’s fight with him at the Baratie. She couldn’t bring herself to look at you. She could already feel the look of betrayal and hurt on your face without even facing you. A pang was sent through her heart at just the thought of seeing that expression so she avoided looking at it altogether. Still, as she was walking back to Arlong’s ship, she managed to catch the smallest glimpse of you. The look you were giving her was one that would be seared into her mind for as long as she lived.

Quickly, she covered up the feelings she had let slip through onto her face. She didn’t need Arlong to be suspicious of her. That would only put you in danger if he found out about her feelings toward you.

She honestly didn’t expect to see you again after that. She thought that you and the others would walk the other way, licking their wounds, hating her for doing what she did to them. She was more than shocked when she showed up at Coco Village just to see you and the others there. Nothing could stop the panic that she felt upon seeing you there. This was too close to Arlong. You were too close to him. This would get you hurt.

So she did what she had to do. She said whatever she could to make you guys angry or sad enough to leave her alone. She put as much false hatred into her words as she could to get the point across… But you all just wouldn’t leave.

After Arlong worked with the Marines to take the gold she had been stashing, she thought that was the end. But as she lay broken on the ground, knife in her hand, wound on her shoulder where Arlong’s symbol was etched, she was met with you and Luffy. Both of you staring at her with no judgment, understanding was in your eyes. While Luffy was the first to take off to fight Arlong, you stayed behind to tend to her. You treated her wound as gently as you could and gave her all the care that she had been lacking. What a horrible time to feel as she did toward you.

To her shock, Arlong managed to be defeated by Luffy. For the first time in a long time, Nami was free from him. She could do whatever she wanted, go wherever she wanted, and speak with whoever she wanted without fear of having to leave them behind.

You’d think that with this opportunity, she would go for it with you. She would try to see where things landed and tell you how she felt. None of the sort happened. Something inside her still stopped her. The threat was no longer there so why did she hesitate?

It was fear. She was scared that you resented her for betraying the crew like she did. She was afraid that if she told you how she felt, you would laugh in her face and reject her. Nami had never felt love and care since Bellemere died. All she had been met with was manipulation and abuse. What if she put herself out there only to get hurt in the end?

Time passed and she still couldn’t bring herself to tell you how she felt. Eventually, the crew met a princess named Vivi whose country was falling apart. The crew agreed to help her. Everything started out rocky but seemed to get even worse when Nami got sick. Everyone was worried for her, but you seemed especially worried.

Nami was in and out of consciousness the whole time. But every time she would regain consciousness, you would be there, taking care of her. It was almost like she never left her side. Then, when she woke up in Dr. Kureha’s castle, she found you asleep at her bedside. That’s when she found out that you had, in fact, never left her side.

You took care of her while she was unconscious. The others had to beg you to get something to eat, to shower, or to at least sleep in your own bed. When they had to take Nami up the mountains of the Drum Island, you were one of the first ones to volunteer to come along. When they said you couldn’t come, you snuck your way with them, joining them and not listening to them when they said to go back. They got too tired of fighting with you and it was already too late at that point so they relented.

It warmed her heart to hear everything that you did for her. It made her wonder if you did actually feel something toward her. She could’ve been connecting dots that weren’t actually there, but a small part of her hoped that it was true.

So when you woke up, she took the chance. Dr. Kureha could sense that it was an intimate moment so she left you alone and had Chopper tend to the other two so you could be alone. You were thrilled to see her awake and fine, you practically tackled her in the biggest hug.

When Nami finally managed to get a word in (you fretted over her for the first few minutes, it was hard to get a word in), she spilled her feelings. She told you she didn’t know how to say it but she loved you and she has been in love with you for as long as she’s known you. No matter how much she tried to tell herself she didn’t, she couldn’t deny it.

It was silent once she was finished. She was worried that she did make up everything. That was until you leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. When you pulled away, you locked eyes with her and said one thing, “I was waiting for the day you would say that.”

.·:·.✧ ✦✧.·:·.

Taglist: @3v37773, @marvellousdaisy

[girlkisser13]

the summer i turned pretty masterlist

cam cameron

conrad fisher

isabel "belly" conklin

jeremiah fisher

steven conklin

taylor jewel

[augment-techs]

Sorry, @ajgrey9647, this was supposed to be a proper fic, but my brain wasn't cooperating so an approximation was the best I could do with web weaving and basic (so basic) summary.

Title: a machine to rage against//not asking permission Rating: M Relationships: Lord Drakkon/Coinless Jason; Jason Scott/Tommy Oliver; Coinless Zack/Coinless Trini; Kimberly Hart/Zack Taylor/Trini; Billy Cranston/Matt Cook; mentioned Coinless Bulk/Slayer Kim. Characters: Lord Drakkon; Coinless Jason Scott; Prime Jason Scott; Prime Mighty Morphin Rangers; Prime Tommy Oliver; Prime Matt Cook; Coinless Zack Taylor; Coinless Trini; Coinless Bulk; Coinless Kimberly Hart. Additional Tags: Drakkon Very Pointedly DOES NOT raise Skull Back to Life; Because He's Still a Petty Bitch; So Many Uses of Mirrors; Nirvana Lyrics; Jewel Lyrics; eating snails; Drakkon had a thing for The Lost Boys and it SHOWS; I am Talking About the Saxophone; watching someone sleep; gently stalking (not stabby with a knife stalking); drive-in theaters; masturbation; makeout sessions. Summary:

When the Grid Beasts appeared in Drakkon's perfect world, he saw the writing on the wall and shifted gears instead of just fighting and fighting until the strongest alternate version of Tommy Oliver could break through into his personal dream. He wiped the slate clean from his trying to be a superhero on his own and played with another option.

This go around he made everything as simple as it ever was in his own Coinless dimension. Yes, there would be no poverty, no starvation, crime held at bay by competent individuals he plucked out of space time to make a go at civil order, actual medical assistance and free housing, but--there would be nothing akin to mass technology. Drakkon couldn't stand the idea of smart phones and plastics and the constant noise of planes and jets and the like.

There were wind and sun powered sailboats, steam powered trains for mass transit, horse drawn carriages, and bicycles.

The wildlife, the natural world prospered, and people...connected.

There were also the Rangers in positions and lives they never would have lead (that seemed too dangerous to lead into now), with a sort of...grunge aesthetic lurking at the edges.

He takes up learning an instrument in this version of the Youth Center to see if he can expand his flirtation techniques.

(Which is why BOTH Jasons woke up on their own.)

[mvltisstuff]

could you please write ANYTHING for steven! no one writes for him and i love your writing!

would love a friends to lovers story but im working with crumbs so anything will do

you are in love - s.c

summary: request

steven conklin x reader

a/n: he looks so cute in this gif i’m crying 🩷 i hope you enjoy this, one of my fav tropes :))

the years had passed by so fast, each one leaving lost confessions in the dust. y/n would always regret it, but then new years came around and she promised herself she would say something. then year one passed, and year two.

she didn’t say anything to steven. she only gave small hints and signs, but he never really saw any of them. little did y/n know was that he was doing the same, sending her little messages with his mind and he broke every time she didn’t notice. it was pure oblivion, neither of them seeing the pure love they had for each other.

they lived as friends for too long. the runs on the beach, the bakery trips, the boardwalk dates were still friendly engagements. it was the complete opposite of what they wanted.

y/n had no idea how steven was missing it, even being valedictorian. he was the first to stand up at her sport games, or any of her activities that she did good at. he’d always have the most loving beam on his face when she showed him a good grade she got on a test. and she was the first one on her feet at his graduation.

she helped him practice his speech all the time, over the phone and even some long weekends in person. y/n was always there for steven, through the good times and the bad. when he achieved his goal, or when he lost susannah. she held him while he cried, listened to every agonizing word that left his mouth. he has no clue how to thank her for any of that, as she was the only consistent support system in his life, the constant source of love that he could never be derived of.

she drove hours to his school, sitting right in the audience with his family as he walked up to the podium. each word of his speech left with such grace, being delivered with his class in a mature way. the moment the last word in the paper left his mouth, she was on her feet, clapping her hands together and getting his attention first. his eyes wandered to her, the most alluring smile illuminating the room he was in. he was surrounded by classmates and their families, but suddenly, he and y/n became the only people there. he stepped down, accepting his diploma and making his way out after the graduation ceremony.

y/n pushed through the crowd of people in their blue gowns and caps, trying to find the only one who mattered to her. as she twisted and turned around the people, seeing no one that was remotely close to steven. he noticed her from far away, pulling away from an embrace with his mother and sister, seeing y/n trying to shuffle through the crowds.

his feet started moving toward her before he could even think straight. he just saw her gorgeous face, the one he just wants to love out of the silence. she finally landed her eyes on him, seeing the diploma being handed off to laurel. she started stepping quicker toward him, but it still felt like slow motion.

her heels clicked on the ground outside, trying to contain the wide smile she had on her lips. she was preparing to be there for steven after his graduation, but only as a friend. she so badly wanted more, but she pushed through their friendship with what seemed like ease.

when they finally reached, he pulled her into his arms, lifting her legs off the ground and her knees bent. y/n wrapped her arms around him, softly squealing in his ear about how proud she was, and that his speech was perfect. she started to blabber on about how amazing he is, moments away from spilling her whole heart out on the floor.

he giggles at her words flying out of her mouth at an insane speed, placing his hands on her shoulder and stealing her from her own mind.

“steven, you don’t even understand how good that was!” she rants in the most adorable way. “i don’t know how else to say how proud of you i am!”

“y/n, listen,” he grins, lifting her chin up to look at him, who stands tall over her.

“i’m sorry! i just needed you to know how amazing you are.”

he can only manage to smile back, tilting his head a bit at her. “can i talk now?” he asks, jokingly, as she quiets down to let him talk.

“i just wanted to say, that i’m leaving the stupid steven in high school,” he begins, leaving y/n’s brows and nose to scrunch up.

“huh?”

he places his two fingers back on the tip of her chin, lifting it closer to his face and planting his lips on hers. it felt so natural, as if they could’ve been doing it for years. y/n simply let it happen, the moment she’d been praying for finally happening.

his soft, warm lips touched against her own, the faint taste of mint gum on lips and the strength of his cologne. a weight was lifted off stevens shoulders as he deepened the kiss, the same load being swiped off y/n’s.

when they finally fell back down to earth, y/n smiled against stevens lips, the sweet grin only making him further infatuated with her.

“you’re the only one i want, y/n,” he says. “i can’t hide it anymore.”

“don’t ever hide it again,” y/n replies, reaching up on her toes to peck his lips again. the firework had finally been ignited, and burst beautifully in the brightest colors in the sky.

[aralezinspace]

~Read It Here~

Based on asks sent to @gabessquishytum, now with more angst! This is definitely one of the fics I’ve written that’s dearest to my heart. CW rest of author’s note, mentions of genocide

My dad’s family is Armenian, and according to my grandfather, his father, and his father before him were all jewelers. Back in 1914, they fled the Armenian genocide, selling their pieces to make ends meet as they journeyed from Armenia to Istanbul to end up settling in a small town outside Paris, where my grandfather met my grandmother. They then married and immigrated to the states. It always warps my mind how easily I could have not existed, had my ancestors not had the means, courage, and luck to survive the genocide. If they hadn’t been jewelers, and hadn’t had those pieces to sell, would they have survived? Gives me chills every time I think about it. So you could say jewelry making is in my blood, it runs in the family- my grandparents had a jewelry store at one point, and when it closed they kept the tools. I remember sitting on my grandfather’s lap as a kid and him showing me how to use them. I’ve made a few crystal/wire pieces, and even though they’re not very good the act of making them helped me feel closer to them. According to family legend, the famous bulgari emerald necklace worn by Elizabeth Taylor was made by my great grandfather. This story will contain some elements of that history. And now for something completely different: Dream and Hob and their mutual love of Shiny Things. Enjoy! 6 chapters is a rough guess, may be more or less depending how wordy I get.

[evan4ever]

I think I have a good idea for you write haha what about Evan taking reader to see her favorite artist (Taylor Swift or Harry Styles) but he is also planning to propose when they start singing her favorite song 👀 Like he proposes during Love Story by Taylor Swift or Love of my life by Harry Styles

And they didn’t go unnoticed by the artist

idk it is just an idea haha xx

Baby Just Say Yes

Evan Peters x reader

a/n: not me listening to love story and Great War on repeat throughout this entire fic 🙈🫶🏻 and omg this was so fun to write

—

Evan had surprised you for your birthday with 2 concert tickets to your favorite artist, Taylor Swift. It was 3 months before the concert but you could hardly wait, already having you concert outfit picked out and re-listening to every possible Taylor Swift song you could. Evan was ecstatic watching your excitement over the months only grow and the anticipation become more and more the closer it got. Though he was growing more and more nervous by each passing week leading up to, not for you but for himself, his plan. He had bought a ring the same time he bought the concert tickets — he wanted to propose to you at the concert during the perfect song.

‘Love Story’ by Taylor was your guys’ song. It was the moment you started dating and has been ever since. Not one single car ride went without playing it, even if only for one verse. It always put a huge smile on your face and that was something he lived and breathed for. His plan was perfectly planned out in his head, but of course worries and doubts had to creep in on him the closer he got. What ifs always eating at him once in awhile. But he did everything in his power to push them aside and keep his plan in place. It was everything he wanted, and everything he hoped you’d love.

The night came quicker than he’d expected it to. He was dressed in more causal wear — and long sleeve white T and black jacket over and some simple jeans. You, on the other hand, looked like a goddess in his eyes. You worse a deep V black tank top and some silver sparkly loose slack like jeans. Your hair curled and laid perfectly over your shoulders, your makeup darker than usual but beautiful nonetheless, breathtaking even. You had a few jewels place on the corners of your eyes and he couldn’t keep his eyes off the accent. You were jaw dropping and god, he wanted to paint this picture of you in his mind forever.

“Ready?” You smiled excitedly , your hands clasped together held under your chin and your shoulders up as you nearly jumped in the anticipation of seeing the woman you adored live tonight.

“Ready as ever.” Evan grinned hoping you wouldn’t catch on to his nervous, cracking voice. You let out a small, half contained squeal and took ahold of Evans hand pulling him with you out the door, him closing it behind him as you excitedly skipped down the hallway. Your personality was always outgoing, extroverted, bubbly even — you were a girl who loved to have fun and you never failed to smile as much as you could. People were drawn to you, happiness was drawn to you. It was something Evan really adored, you never failed to make his worst days better. There was no such thing as negativity when it came to you. It was just who you were. Perfect.

The car ride was filled with none other than Miss Swift herself, you singing along to every lyric as the wind from the rolled down window blew your hair back making each song that much more perfect. Evan would peak over at you with a large smile every few minutes and he hoped other people were admiring your true happiness as much as he was. It made him want to take you to every concert he possibly could just to see you this excited.

You both turned in your tickets and found your spots on the floor that was filled with so many other people who were just as excited as you. It didn’t take you long to befriend a few different groups and when Taylor herself came out in stage, Evan was sure you nearly passed out. She started the concert with the perfect song — Ready For It? — which you screamed every lyric perfectly along with the other girls who held onto you and you onto them. Your eyes were on Taylor through every song while Evan’s eyes were on you, not leaving your perfectly relaxed, beautiful body once.

He loved seeing you make friends so easy. Like before, people were drawn to you. It’s like they sensed the positivity you gave off and they just felt comfortable. It was just who you were. He stood close behind you girls to keep any possible threat away, and you’d look back to him with the widest smiles he’d ever seen to reassure yourself he was there and reassure him you hadn’t forgot about him, reaching out to take his hand at times and a few times turning and giving him the most loving, passionate kiss you could.

You were in your element and there was nothing more beautiful than it.

During her song ‘This Love’, another of your favorites, you had held onto him and sang it in his ear. Goosebumps all over his skin from your beautiful voice and kind words that were the lyrics. You sang with such meaning to him. He knew it was your words to him in the form of a song and it took everything for him not to propose to you then and there. God he just wanted to hear you say “yes” and to know that you wanted to be his forever, as much as he wanted you to be his forever. But he wanted it to be to ‘Love Story’. So, he contained himself and watched as you turned back to your new group of girlfriends and sang to the next few songs.

His heart thumped harder and louder in his chest as each song came and went, growing more eager for the moment to come.

Your hands were in the air, the music was blasting but all Evan could hear and focus on was your voice singing along to every song. All he could do was watch and admire the woman he was lucky enough to call his. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up. If he could stay in this moment, watching you be so effortlessly perfect, he absolutely would.

And then he heard the start of the song he had been waiting for and his knees nearly gave out. His hand immediately reached to his back pocket for the millionth time to assure himself the ring was there placed in the beautiful maroon velvet box, his eyes closing in relief when he felt it. As soon as his eyes opened they met yours as you turned to him even more excited than before. It was your guys’ song.

You made your way to him, your hands snaking around his waist wanting to hold him to you so you could sing this one together. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you to him while you both watched Taylor sing, your own voices singing in unison to the words. You glanced up at him, him looking down feeling your gaze with a smile and you quickly went to your tip toes placing a kiss on his cheek and whispering an “I love you” in his ear before settling back on your feet and looking back out to the singer all while Evan’s eyes remained on you.

He went over it in his head again, waiting for the middle chorus to begin.

“Is this in my head I don’t know what to think he melts to the ground..” he whispered lowly in your ear, you smiling thinking nothing of it until he pulled away from you and as the song went on, he followed the words and once your eyes were completely on him, widening in realization, he pulled the box out and revealed to you the beautiful oval diamond.

“Marry me.”

It had felt like your heart stopped, sucking in a sharp breath at his words and blinking back the immediate tears that formed. The song continued playing but you were no longer paying attention, only watching the most beautiful picture unfold in front of you. Your hands had made their way to your chest, clinging on for dear life as you nodded.

“Yes…” your nodding got more aggressive as you dropped to your own knees in front of him, taking his face in your hands. “Oh my god yes. Please, yes!” You cried tears of complete joy and passion, pulling his face to yours in a tear filled kiss. His own hands instantly found their way behind your head, holding you to him as you both laughed through the kiss before he pulled you into his arms in a tight hug. Your hands held him to you, never wanting to let this precious man go.

He used his own strength to bring you both back to your feet before parting himself from the hug while still keeping you close. You looked up at him then down to your hand that he had taken in his own, watching as he slid the beautiful ring onto your 4th finger, biting onto your bottom lip to keep happy sobs from escaping.

All eyes from the surrounding people were on you, but neither of yours ever left each other never minding them. ‘Sparks Fly’ began playing and you couldn’t even comprehend the perfect timing. You let out a breathless laugh as you gazed back down at the ring that was now on your finger, looking back up to meet Evan’s eyes that still never left you.

“It’s so beautiful, Evan..” you whispered and brought him back in for a hug. Your hands found their way into his hair for your comfort, your eyes closing as your head rested in the crook of his neck. You felt his lips place a gentle kiss against your temple before he lowered his head near your ear, placing another kiss.

“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”

—

Tags: @evanpetersmood @witchsbitchestime @demxnicprxncess @yes-divine-ruler @shjjpm @evanpsrealwife @iruzias @jangsuzchap @quicksilversg1rl l @submissiveforahsmen @angelmenace @lovelizzie-blog1 @justa19 @daylas-life

[yetanothersparrowofthedawn]

The Way I Loved You

Series Masterlist

Word Count: 9k

Pairing: Jake x Reader

Genre: Angst, hurt, ex!Jake

Context: YN has some big news. Chaos ensues, as per usual.

Disclaimer: THIS IS UNEDITED, this chapter has been driving me insane and I just wanted to get it out of my drafts. Also, English isn’t my native language, so I apologize in advance for mistakes and awkward wordings to come. Also, I guess this fic could be triggering for some because it’s kind of sad and angsty.

Previous Track: Style

Chapter soundtrack: That’s the way I loved you – Taylor Swift

(By the way, for every ‘Chapter Soundtrack’, basically the idea is that it’s a song that YN eventually wrote with that chapter of her life in mind)

He is sensible and so incredible

He opens up my door and I get into his car

And he says, "You look beautiful tonight"

And I feel perfectly fine.

But I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain,

And It's 2 a.m. and I'm cursing your name.

So in love that you act insane,

And that's the way I loved you.

Breaking down and coming undone,

It's a roller coaster kind of rush.

I never knew I could feel that much

And that's the way I loved you.

Alright, let’s get into this.

The plane cut through the clouds, having left the US behind as YN and the band embarked on a journey together. YN couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation as the Paris skyline unfolded beneath them.

The past six months had been quite a personal success. A mosaic of regular shared experiences had broken down any residual tension that might’ve lingered between her and Jake. Their casual encounters at shows, festivals, and birthdays-alike had served as genuine moments of connection, reforging the group dynamic they had all missed.

YN’s relationship with Harry, on the other hand, had blossomed into a real spectacle that constantly adorned the front pages of tabloids. This, of course, earned her a lot of suffocating attention, but amidst the whirlwind of it all, she managed to find refuge in the simplicity of the few moments she spent with the band.

The purpose of their Parisian escapade was twofold — YN was set to attend the art exhibit opening of an old friend of hers, while the band sought out some specific piece of music equipment that Sam had simply refused to order online.

It was a perfect opportunity to blend business with pleasure.

The jet touched down at Charles de Gaulle Airport and as they stepped onto the tarmac, the crisp Parisian air infused the atmosphere with a sense of adventure.

As the day unfolded, the city of lights revealed its magic. Goofing around in a place where no one paid attention to them was exactly what they’d needed. It felt just like old times.

They explored hidden corners and indulged in local delicacies until the jet lag simply became too much to bear. With tired but cheerful eyes, they returned to the hotel as the city lights began to shimmer.

__________

The lobby buzzed with the chatter of a day well-spent. YN got off the elevator on her floor, wishing the boys a good night with a smile.

As she stepped into her hotel room, her gaze wandered across the space. The muted ambiance contrasted sharply with the vibrant memories of the day.

The blinking light on the telephone caught her attention, and curiosity compelled her to check the answering machine.

With the press of a button, none other than her fiancé's voice resonated in the room, a familiar warmth despite the miles that separated them.

"Hi, love, hope you're havin' a good time with the guys. Wish I could be there with you, but I'm still in London.” She smiled softly as his words wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

“Listen, I just wanted to let you know I just got off the phone with the jeweler,” a pause hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the unspoken, “they said they're done."

 YN fell back onto the bed with a huff, the mattress embracing her in its soft contours.  Stretched out on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, the weight of the secret she’d been keeping pressed on her conscience.

Harry’s voice, a distant echo, continued to fill the room, “The ring should fit perfectly now."

The next day arrived, and jet lag had firmly taken hold, but YN shook off its drowsy grip to join Josh, Jake, and Danny in the hotel's dining room for some brunch.

The fatigue was evident on everyone's faces. She inquired about their plans for the day.

 "Well, we have an appointment at the music store in an hour," Danny replied.

Josh scoffed, "If Sam ever decides to—"

"If Sam ever decides to what?" Sam's challenging voice cut in as he strolled over, taking a seat at their table.

"Samuel, how nice of you to join us," Jake teased.

"You know I need my beauty sleep, brother. Don't be jealous," Sam retorted. YN chuckled at the banter, enjoying the familiar dynamic.

As the conversation continued, Danny, with a raised eyebrow, steered the discussion back to the important topic, “As I was saying,” he resumed, “we have an appointment at the music store in an hour. How long do you reckon that will last?” he asked.

 Sam, with his typical nonchalance, replied, “Not sure; the call was all in French. Might be ten minutes, could also be ten hours.”

The eye rolls from Josh and Jake were nearly audible, a synchronized response to their younger brother’s signature unpreparedness.

“Alright, we should probably head out right about now,” Jake declared, scanning the surroundings. He sighed in anticipation, “For all we know Sam may have gotten the address wrong as well.”

The youngest, catching wind of the ribbing, protested with a whine, “Hey now, that’s not fair,” as the group headed out through the bustling lobby.

__________

Once they stood outside the hotel, Danny turned to YN, “Are you heading to your friend’s thing?”

One of YN’s old friends was having the opening night of her new art exhibit, an event which they were all planning on attending later that evening, and YN had mentioned the possibility of going early to lend a hand.

“Yeah,” she replied absent-mindedly, “I’ll see if she needs anything.” She looked away in apprehension.

“Alright then,” Sam said, “we’ll see you later.”

As they were about to part ways, YN nervously blurted out, “Do you all need to be at that appointment thing?” She paused, turning to Josh, “I mean… the equipment is just for the players, isn’t it?”

Josh instantly scoffed, feigning an offended expression, “Well, I happen to play something called the vocals, YN, thank you very much.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” she insisted, an unusually tense expression on her face, “please?”

Sam was about to retort with a whole bunch of technical issues but Josh, catching on to his friend’s unspoken plea, quickly intervened, "Uh, you know what, guys? I think I'll stick around with YN for a bit. I can catch up with you later."

The others, slightly taken aback, glanced at each other, then at Josh and YN.

“Sure, no problem,” Danny smiled.

YN grabbed Josh and the pair strode away, arm in arm, leaving the others slightly dumbfounded.

Josh couldn't help but shoot YN a puzzled look, to which she responded with a silent gratitude that spoke volumes.

The rhythm of their footsteps echoed a subtle tension in the air. After twenty minutes, Josh, usually the easygoing one, couldn't help but enquire, "So, what was that about?"

She glanced at him, her expression a mix of urgency and hesitation. "It’s nothing, let’s keep going we’re almost there.”

He stopped dead in his tracks, “come on, there clearly is something,” he stated, crossing his arms, “and I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on.”

She stared at him, tempted to call out his bluff, but decided against it, knowing it was only a matter of minutes anyway.

 “Alright,” she sighed nervously, “I have some news.”

___________

The air hung heavy with the weight of revelation. YN's eyes, now wide with anticipation, searched Josh's face for a reaction, a sign that he had processed the bombshell she had just dropped. The silence echoed like a distant melody, the street a quiet stage for the unfolding drama.

YN finally broke through the deafening quiet. "Aren’t you going to say anything?" her voice carried a mix of vulnerability and desperation, a plea for connection.

Josh, still processing, stared into the distance as if searching for answers among the unseen horizons. The creases on his forehead deepened, and the corners of his lips twitched with unspoken thoughts. "I just—” he finally uttered, “this- it’s is a lot to take in."

 "I know, I'm sorry to spring this on you like that," YN said, her words softening the room's tension. She continued, "I've been dying to tell you- or anyone for that matter, but- with the boys and other people always around, I was afraid it would turn into a big thing, and the news would get out."

Josh remained silent; his eyes still locked on some distant point.

"So..?" YN pressed on. She needed a reaction, a response, anything to bridge the chasm that had opened between them.

"So..." Josh hesitated, choosing his words with measured precision, "we're not heading to your friend's exhibit, are we?" he finally inquired, his question cutting through the haze with unexpected clarity.

"Well,” YN couldn't help but let a smirk play on her lips, “remember we always said you'd have dibs on giving your- style opinion if I ever tied the knot?" she teased, the corners of her lips curling with a hint of mischief.

Josh’s eyes widened with surprise, "Hold on, what?" he exclaimed. The tempo of the conversation had, once again, caught him off guard. "Didn't you just get engaged?"

"I know, it's all going a bit fast," she admitted with an excited sigh. "But Harry and I were at this Westwood show a week ago and the bridal look was just exquisite," she paused, “one thing led to another and we just- booked an appointment.”

Josh returned to his silence; surprise still etched on his face.

"Come on, don't be mad," she implored, her tone softening. "You know you love a private fitting," she added, attempting to inject a bit of lightness into the atmosphere, to soften the edges of the unexpected news.

 After a while, Josh looked up, meeting her eyes. "There’d better be a lot of champagne involved," he finally quipped.

She smirked, a sense of relief washing over her. Finally, a normal reaction from her friend. "And only the best,” she assured, “this is Paris, after all."

_____________

The boutique, nestled in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, exuded an air of exclusivity that transcended the ordinary. As YN and Josh stepped into its realm, they were greeted by the hushed whispers of luxury. The walls, adorned with mirrors, reflected the rare creations that hung elegantly on display.

An impeccably dressed man emerged to welcome them with a pronounced French accent. Every detail of his attire spoke of an innate understanding of elegance, a testament to the boutique's commitment to excellence.

It was the kind of boutique that dealt exclusively in one-of-a-kind couture looks, each piece meticulously curated through age-old relationships with some of the most illustrious maisons in the world. It housed creations that transcended mere garments; they were wearable art, destined for the most exclusive clientele.

 Led by the man, Josh and YN were ushered into a private fitting room. A sanctuary of privacy, it was adorned with soft, indirect lighting and the air was filled with a faint scent of peonies.

With a polite nod, the man assured them that he would return shortly with the dress YN had come to try on. As he exited the room, Josh couldn't resist calling after him, sending a playful reminder to bring in the champagne.

The leather sofa cradled them in its plush embrace as a delicate silence lingered, both YN and Josh settling into a cocoon of thoughts.

Josh, breaking the quietude, voiced the question that hovered between them. "So, you're really engaged, then?" His words hung in the air.

“Yeah,” a wistful smile played on YN's lips at the surreal nature of her situation. "I guess I am."

"How did it happen?" Josh asked, the question laced with genuine curiosity and a hint of brotherly concern. Her eyes sparkled as she recounted the proposal.

Josh listened attentively, a complex array of emotions crossing his features. He wanted to be solely happy for her, to share in the joy of her new life, but the reality of the situation still needed time to settle.

"It's all moving so fast, isn't it?" he mused, a thoughtful expression clouding his features. YN nodded in acknowledgement.

The atmosphere shifted as Josh leaned back against the velvety cushions, his eyes fixed on a distant point. "On the bright side of things,” he suddenly stated, “Sam owes everyone twenty bucks.”

She looked at him with a confused smile, “What?”

Josh sighed, memories flashing through his eyes. “About four years ago, the guys and I made this whole wedding bet thing” he giggled, “Sam, of course, bet the first marriage among all of us would be him and Carole King,” they both laughed, “guess that’s not happening.”

 “Did you bet on anyone?” YN asked playfully.

Josh nodded silently, a serious expression quietly returning to his face. “Yeah," he finally admitted, a veil of nostalgia covering his eyes. YN's smile softened, a hint of understanding in her eyes. Of course, Josh would’ve bet on her and Jake.

"Life takes unexpected turns," she gently stated as she leaned back into the sofa. “Who would’ve thought?”

“Yep,” he mirrored her words, “who would’ve thought?”

 As the minutes passed, the pair found solace in the shared silence.

The man finally returned with a garment bag that made YN’s eyes sparkle in excitement. Josh, taking charge of the celebratory mood, promptly popped the bottle of champagne, the effervescent bubbles escaping with a soft hiss.

He poured the bubbly liquid into two crystal flutes, the delicate clink resonating in the air as a toast to the unfolding moment.  

_____________

As YN disappeared into the changing area, Josh took a seat, sipping the effervescent liquid and allowing its crisp taste to dance on his palate.

Amid the subtle symphony of sips and the rustle of fabric, Josh suddenly heard some noise emanating from the main area of the boutique. Curiosity piqued, Josh set down his glass and ventured toward the source of the commotion.

“I don’t think this is the place, it’s all clothes in here.”

Josh closed his eyes as he recognized the all too familiar voice. Sammy. He sighed, recognizing the imminent chaos that his baby brother, in all his oblivious glory, was probably about to unleash upon the sophisticated boutique.

 Josh let out an exasperated breath, mentally preparing for hurricane Sammy. As the chaos drew nearer, he glanced toward the main area.

 « Puis-je vous aider? » the owner inquired, attempting to bring order to the unfolding comedy.

“Oh, um, oui, oui, oui, Bonjourrrr Monsieurrrrr, ” Sam stammered in response, « nous, uh- ouch! Daniel, my foot!” he whined.

Danny interrupted, mercifully ending the linguistic massacre, “I’m sorry, do you speak English?” The owner nodded in response. “Great, um, I don’t suppose this building is also an art gallery by any chance? We’re looking for our friends.”

“I’m afraid not. Who are your—” the manager began before being cut off.

“It’s okay,” Josh interjected, stepping out from the doorway to the fitting room with a mixture of amusement and mild irritation, “they’re mine.”

“There he is!” Sam exclaimed before turning back to the owner, “merci very much, pal,” he said, tapping the flabbergasted-looking man on the shoulder.

As Sam and Danny approached, Josh wasted no time addressing the impending chaos. "How did you even find us her—” he interrupted himself, “Danny, how many times do I have to tell you to stop tracking my phone?"

Danny, caught off guard, stammered, his ears turning red, "I don’t know what you’re talking ab—"

"I swear to G—" Josh began, frustration evident in his tone.

 “It doesn’t matter,” Sammy interjected, nonchalantly dismissing the potential drama. “Weren’t you going to some gallery?”

“It’s- a long story, not really mine to tell,” Josh replied, visibly nervous, “weren’t you going to the music store?”

 “Well, we did go,” Danny rolled his eyes, “only someone apparently booked an appointment for the year 2032-”

“Here we go again!” Sam groaned, throwing his arms up, in the air “I already said it was my bad, what more do you want from m-”

“Alright,” Josh sighed, his patience wearing thin, “you guys should head out, like, right now. Where’s Jake?”

“Jesus, chill out, he’s just outside, on the phone with Ma’,” Sam informed, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Danny, with his signature grin, couldn’t resist adding his two cents. "You know," he said, "if you guys wanted to go shopping, you could’ve just said so."

"That’s- not it," Josh retorted, his tone carrying a mix of irritation and urgency. "Will you please just listen to me and go before—"

“Hey!” Jake suddenly appeared from behind the other two, “Ma’ says hello,” he slowly looked up from his phone. “What are we doing here?” He took a moment to assess his surroundings, “Are we going shopping?”

“No, we were just about to leave, actually,” Josh replied nervously, his words rushing out. “Y/N will meet us later.” The air seemed to tense with an unspoken secret, the ambiance of the couture boutique now a battleground for conflicting interests.

"Is she not here?" Sam asked, glancing around the shop.

"No, she’s—" Josh began, but he was suddenly cut off by a voice from behind him.

“Alright, I’m coming out…” a voice range out.

Lord, help us all.

“…but I swear to God if you start crying, I will kick your—" YN’s figure materialized from the fitting room, and instantly froze. Her eyes widened, and her words hung in the air as she recognized the crumpling faces in front of her.

The four guys, equally dumbfounded, if not more so, slowly took in the sight of their friend wearing, what very much appeared to be a wedding gown.

Sammy was the first to break the silence, “What the—”

Fuck.

___________

"So… now you know," Josh announced, absurdly loud, attempting to divert attention, "This year’s MET Gala theme is all-things-white, I know, I know, controversial, but, uh—"

“Josh,” YN cut in. She was thankful for her friend’s futile attempt to cover for her, but it was time to be honest. She turned to the boys.

“So…” She sighed hesitantly, “I guess the cat’s out of the bag, then. I’m kind of—" she paused, the word struggling to come out, “engaged?”

“You’re joking,” Sam blurted out.

“I don’t have my ring,” she clarified, “It’s getting resized, but—”

“Are you for real?” Danny interrupted.

There was a moment of palpable silence, and then YN timidly confirmed, “Y-yeah.” She wore a shy smile, and they scanned her face for any sign of dishonesty, finding nothing but sincerity. The realization hit them like a freight train.

“When’s the due date?” Sam couldn't resist adding.

“I’m not pregnant, Sam,” she snapped back, her eyes rolling with annoyance.

“Holy shit,” Danny exclaimed, rushing towards her and spinning her around. She laughed, feeling the tension dissipate.

“Someone’s making an honest woman out of YN, that certainly wasn’t on my bingo card” Sam teased, earning a look from YN, a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Alright, come here,” he opened his arms, and she gladly stepped into the embrace. “Congrats, superstar,” he mumbled into her scalp.

YN’s eyes finally landed on the one person who had yet to say a word.

Jake stood there, completely still. His gaze remained fixed on YN, an array of emotions flickering across his face. Surprise, disbelief, and perhaps a touch of realization danced in his eyes as he took in the sight of YN in a wedding dress.

 In that moment of stillness, Jake's mind raced. The news of YN's engagement hit him with an unexpected force. Despite knowing that they had both moved on, seeing his ex-girlfriend on the verge of marriage obviously stirred something within.

He watched as YN stood before him. She radiated excitement, yet looked at him with nervous doe eyes, as though seeking approval. Jake's features softened into a faint smile and he finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m so happy for you.”

She instinctively wrapped him in a soft embrace. Taken aback, he eventually wrapped his arms around her waist. “Thank you” she mumbled against his chest, “that means the world.”

“Okay,” Sam’s voice interrupted the moment of tenderness, “now that this is out of the way, let’s talk about this” he said, motioning to the dress she was wearing with an expression of disgust.

The atmosphere lightened as the group transitioned seamlessly from the weight of the revelation to their usual playful banter. "You don't like it?" YN inquired with genuine surprise, her eyes flickering from Sam to Josh, seeking confirmation.

Josh’s mirrored expression conveyed that his baby brother may have had a point, the unison hinting at a rare consensus. YN sighed with playful resignation, a mischievous grin creeping across her face as she hatched a plan to address the situation.

"Alright,” she announced, the glint of mischief in her eyes, “you know what we have to do, then." The boys, catching on to her playful intent, mirrored her smirk in anticipation.

"Fitting Frenzy!" they chanted with a jump, as Danny and Jake shook their head with both amusement and despair. The impromptu decision dispelling any lingering tension as they embraced the whimsical spirit of the moment.

____________

The boutique transformed into a whirlwind of shades, fabrics, and laughter as said fitting frenzy ensued. Each member of the group contributed their unique flair to the impromptu dress-hunt, turning what was initially a stressful situation into a memorable experience.

"Eggshell, Daniel?" Josh's voice echoed through the boutique, a mock sense of outrage coloring his words. "Have you gone mad? Do you think our Y/N will have some barn wedding?"

Danny, unfazed, shot back with playful defiance, "Well, I'd rather have her in an eggshell gown than that horrendous bedazzled mess you suggested." Their banter echoed through the fitting rooms, punctuated by bursts of laughter that drew bewildered glances from the boutique staff.

YN, caught in the middle of the sartorial crossfire, couldn't help but chuckle at the playful antics of her friends.

Amidst the banter, Sam emerged from a changing room, strutting down the shop in a princess ballgown layered over his shirt. "You know, this is actually much more fun than what we had planned for today," he declared, twirling around.

The boutique's managing director, growing increasingly concerned with the boys' chaotic energy which clashed with the usual etiquette of his establishment, observed the spectacle with a mix of confusion and disapproval.

As the afternoon continued, YN found herself submerged in a sea of fabrics and styles. The excitement that had initially fueled the endeavor was now tinged with a hint of desperation as she tried on dress after dress, searching for the perfect one. Despite the growing frustration, she maintained a sense of fun, laughing at the playful banter of her friends.

 Throughout the disorder, Jake moved around the boutique, occasionally offering suggestions but seemingly preoccupied with his own thoughts. His attention wavered here and there.

“Hey how about this one?” Sam interrupted his brother’s train of thoughts holding up a dress to him, but Jake wasn’t paying attention, his gaze seemingly stuck on something. “Jake?” Sam inquired.

 Breaking from his distracted reverie, Jake finally voiced his suggestion, pointing at the specific garment that had captured his attention. "No," he said definitively, "She should try this one."

The owner's enthusiasm echoed through the opulent boutique, his thick French accent lending an air of sophistication to his words. "Aaaah, I see you have the American eye, don't you? We curate very few pieces of American design, but this one," he declared, his fingers delicately grazing the luxurious fabric of the dress in contemplation, "yes, it is… quite delectable, is it not? Tom Ford, 1986. A good year."

As he held the dress with a certain reverence, Sam eagerly announced, "We'll take it," seizing the hanger from the poor man's hands and dashing toward the fitting room. "YN, look what we found!" he gleefully shouted through the boutique, the proclamation carrying a hint of mischief that made the owner flinch.

Apologizing once again for his brother's exuberance, Jake offered a sincere "Sorry about that" to the slightly rattled proprietor. The old man, despite the chaos Sam had caused, chuckled halfheartedly as he returned to the meticulous task of sorting the upscale garments.

After a pause, he turned back to Jake, his eyes holding a glint of appreciation. "If I may," he said with a knowing smile, "you have a good eye. She will look exquisite in it."

Jake nodded in acknowledgment, a sense of satisfaction warming his chest.

__________

As he headed back towards the fitting room. A chorus of oohs and aahs reached Jake’s ears.

There she was, YN, adorned in the dress he had chosen just moments ago, the sleek and elegant silk hugging her frame in a way that seemed tailor-made for her. The dress accentuated YN's beauty in a way that left him momentarily breathless.

Caught in the moment, YN looked around the room and inquired, "What do you think?" A chorus of enthusiastic responses filled the air.

"Now that's what I'm talking about," Sam chimed in, eliciting a genuine smile from YN.

Turning to Josh for his opinion, YN received a heartfelt compliment that seemed to catch her off guard. "You look really beautiful," Josh admitted, his voice slightly breaking with emotion.

"Gosh, stop it,” she playfully remarked, attempting to lighten the mood, “You're going to make me cry, and I haven't even seen it."

“Well go on, then,” with a helpful hand from Danny, YN was guided onto the small platform, facing the grand mirror. Taking a deep breath, she finally looked up at her reflection, and the room held its breath in anticipation.

Her eyes began to glisten as she took in her own reflection. The dress reflected Jake’s taste for the understated, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity and allowing YN's natural grace to shine through. It was a creation of plain elegance, a sleek masterpiece crafted from immaculate porcelain silk that draped effortlessly on her frame.

A soft smile played on YN's lips as she stood there, momentarily rendered speechless by the sight before her. "It's-” she eventually said struggling to find the right words as emotions bubbled to the surface. “It’s so…"

"…you," Josh finished the sentence for her, “it’s so you.”  The collective affirmation in the room conveyed a shared understanding—the dress wasn't just an exquisite garment; it seemed to be an embodiment of YN's essence, a celebration of her being.

The owner, with an air of grace, stepped forward, breaking the tender moment. He inquired, "Now, what are we thinking in terms of hair?"

 "Up," Jake and Josh said in unison. Jake glanced down, slight embarrassment coloring his expression.

YN nodded with a radiant smile, "Up it is."

"Would you like to see our collection of hair accessories? Just to get an idea." the owner offered, leading to an affirmative nod from YN. A skilled stylist promptly approached, delicately crafting an elegant updo, revealing YN's delicate collarbones.

As she perused the display case of accessories, YN settled on a sophisticated white gold pin adorned a single pearl. The owner, appreciating her choice, carefully retrieved the accessory.

However, the pin slipped through the owner's fingers, hitting the floor with a delicate clink. Before anyone registered the mishap, Jake had descended to one knee. He delicately picked it up, his movements fluid and confident, as if the gesture had been rehearsed a thousand times before. The boutique seemed to hold its breath as Jake rose to his feet. Sam and Danny exchanged a knowing glance.

The clearing of Jake's throat pierced through the stillness, drawing attention from the clandestine intensity of the scene. His eyes met YN’s through the mirror, seeking permission.

A nod from her, gentle yet affirmative, signaled her consent, along with a soft flutter of her eyelashes. With a deliberate step, Jake closed the distance between them, the air charged with unspoken anticipation.

He extended his hand, gently placing the pin in her hair. In a moment suspended in time, his fingertips accidentally brushed against the nape of her neck. A feathery touch that let an electric current pass between them.

As the two stood side by side, the lavish Parisian boutique provided a glamorous backdrop to a silent interlude. YN, adorned in the white gown, and Jake beside her, found themselves momentarily immersed in the alternate reality painted in the mirrors. The soft ambient lights seemed to cast an otherworldly glow.

In that suspended moment, their reflection seemed to carry whispers of the 'what-ifs' and the divergent narratives that fate had penned for them.

As their gazes met in the mirrored picture, an unspoken understanding lingered in the air—a shared acknowledgment of a parallel universe where the threads of destiny had woven a different tapestry.

The boutique owner, sensing the shift in dynamics, played the role of an artful conductor, steering the ensemble away from treacherous territories. "Beautiful!" he exclaimed, his voice serving as a gentle reminder of the present moment. “Isn’t it?”

The spell broken, Jake and YN found themselves back in the shared reality of the Parisian boutique. The moment dissipated, leaving behind a trace of wistfulness and a shared understanding that some paths, no matter how enticing, were to remain veiled in the realm of what might have been.

In that fleeting moment, Josh and Sam exchanged another knowing look. They understood the silent undercurrents that had rippled through the room, visible only to those attuned to the intricacies of their story.

 "Yeah,” echoed Jake softly, a touch of unease in his voice “Beautiful."

Suddenly, a voice breaks the contemplative atmosphere, announcing, "Hope I’m not interrupting." To everyone's surprise, the figure standing at the door is none other than that of YN’s fiancé.

Harry’s entrance cut through the atmosphere like a gentle disruption, eliciting a swift reaction from the gathered ensemble. In the blink of an eye, Jake stepped away from YN, creating a visible distance as the unexpected visitor approached.

The shift in dynamics was palpable, the subtle recalibration of postures a silent acknowledgment of unspoken boundaries.

"Oh my god,” the surprise painted across YN's face turned into sheer joy as she hopped off the platform, and sprinted towards Harry, her hand tenderly finding its place on his neck. In an impulsive burst of delight, she planted a kiss on his lips, an expression of unrestrained affection that spoke volumes to those around. “What are you doing here?" she exclaimed in disbelief.

 Harry, with a casual charm, explained, "Just landed an hour ago, thought I’d surprise you." His eyes then shifted to greet the boys, who still bore the remnants of surprise on their faces. As the initial shock settled, YN, still wrapped in the delight of the moment, turned to Harry with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

 "Are you coming to the opening tonight?" she asked, anticipation of his response lingering in the air.

“No, I’m flying back as soon as I’m done with my interview,” he said, “Actually, I have to run right now, I’ll make sure to send Camille flowers though, tell her congrats for me, will you?”

Camille, Jake thought reluctantly. Harry knew YN’s other friends. How come Harry already knew her other friends? How come he’d never heard of Camille before?”

“Are you sure you can’t stay just a little while longer?” she pleaded.

“Sorry, my manager’s expecting me back in London by tonight,” he said, prompting a subtle pout from YN. “Aw, come on, don’t make that face, love. Here, I have something that’ll cheer you up.” He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a small leather box and Josh cast a quick glance at his twin brother, who observed the scene. “I swung by Cartier on the way here,” Harry opened it to reveal a dazzling engagement ring. “There,” with gentle precision, he slid the ring onto YN's finger, “fits like a glove.”

"Thank you," YN smiled, her words accompanied by a tender kiss Harry planted on her hand.

“I left a little something at your hotel as well” he murmured, and she smirked sheepishly in response. She, by nature, may not have been driven by material gifts, but she knew how excited Harry always got.

“You’re the sweetest” she said softly.

“You are,” he retorted, “and would you look at you!” he exclaimed, eyes dancing with admiration as he twirled his fiancée around, reveling in the enchanting vision she presented. The moment, however, took an unexpected turn as he took a closer look at what she was wearing, “Hey, this isn’t the dress we’d talked about,” he questioned.

“Yeah, the Westwood didn’t exactly pan out,” Sam interjected, before YN could respond “that’s on us, mate.”

“Is this the one, then?” he said, gesturing to the gown she had on.

The room seemed to hold its breath as his question lingered. A wave of discomfort washed over YN. The very thought of walking down the aisle to Harry in the dress felt terribly inadequate for some reason.

“Uh, no,” she gently admitted after a pause, "I think I'll keep looking,” she shrugged. Her words prompted groans of disapproval from Sam and Danny. "It should be perfect for us," she insisted with a smile, though in truth, she was uncertain whose feelings she was trying to spare.

"Whatever feels right for you," Harry said, "I’ve got to run. It was nice seeing you all," and with one last peck on her lips, he exited the room.

Harry's departure left the boutique enveloped in a subtle sense of relief as Jake grappled with an internal turmoil that mirrored the brewing storm outside.

Irritation, disguised beneath a veneer of nonchalance, slowly began seeping through his veins.

 Suppressing the inconvenient truth that lay dormant within him, Jake found himself grappling with an internal struggle between acknowledging the depth of his feelings and maintaining the carefully constructed walls he had erected around his heart.

YN silently turned back to the boys, casting a quick glance at Jake. The subtle creases of his brow, a silent acknowledgment of a storm brewing beneath the surface.

“I think we’re done for today,” she declared, as she fumbled with the ring on her finger. “We don’t want be late.”

______________

As the day melted into the evening, YN's wardrobe transitioned from the sleek ivory gowns of the boutique to a fun silver dress that shimmered with each step she took. The metallic fabric reflected the neon lights that illuminated the night, outside of the art gallery they were heading towards.

Adorning her ears were emerald earrings, thoughtful gift left by Harry at the hotel, glinting subtly as they caught the sporadic flashes of the vibrant light.

The anticipation of the evening's celebration seemed to clash with the subdued mood that had settled among the group as they approached the venue,

YN, still tense after the afternoon's emotional rollercoaster, maintained a dignified composure, though the echoes of her emotional turmoil lingered beneath the surface.

Jake, who hadn't uttered a word, let alone glanced in YN’s direction since their departure from the boutique, appeared increasingly tired as resentment simmered beneath the surface.

The vibrant energy that had characterized their friendship now hung in a delicate balance, disrupted by the unexpected currents set in motion. YN, though saddened and upset by the palpable shift in dynamics, chose to endure the silent treatment. It was true that she could have handled things with more thoughtfulness earlier.

They were welcomed into the space by the sound of music and sight of a decent crowd, a mix of art enthusiasts and socialites, swirling around the vibrant works of art.

Camille, with cheeks flushed and a self-soothed confidence fueled by a few drinks, spotted YN from across the room. "Oh my God, you're here!" she exclaimed, rushing towards her old friend with genuine excitement. She enveloped YN in a warm hug, her voice reflecting both joy and intoxication. "How have you been?" The two of them chatted for a minute.

The attention then shifted to the Greta boys, looking as handsome as ever. Camille, her eyes gleaming with mischief, greeted the boys with a seductive charm. "Well, bonsoir, gentlemen," she cooed, extending her hand with theatrical elegance, "Enchantée."

Seizing the opportunity for a flirtatious exchange, Sam pushed his brothers aside, positioning himself at the forefront. With a confident flair, he lay a delicate kiss on Camille's hand. “The pleasure is all mine,” he said, prompting the others to roll their eyes.

________

As the evening unfolded within the pulsating confines of the neon-lit gallery, Jake sought refuge at the bar, carefully avoiding any contact with YN like a sailor steering clear of a storm. His deliberate avoidance, a self-imposed exile, left her feeling adrift amidst the swirling currents of tension.

Distressed by the unspoken chasm between them, YN ended up seeking solace on the terrace, where the crisp night air provided a temporary respite from the stifling atmosphere inside. Her eyes were fixed on the ring on her finger, it glistened delicately in the light, yet felt heavier than ever on her finger.

“What are you doing out here?” Danny's voice interrupted the solitude, breaking the quietude of the night. He approached YN, his breath forming visible puffs in the chilly air.

"Is that a cigarette I see in your hand?" he asked, genuine surprise coloring his words.

"Old habits die hard, I guess," YN responded with a wry smirk. She wasn’t a regular smoker, but when days were high in stress, she sometimes found comfort in the smell and taste of tobacco, a weakness from years past. She took one last drag before moving to put out the cigarette.

"No need to put it out," Danny reassured her.

"It's okay, I don't mind," YN replied, extinguishing the cigarette with a flick of her fingers. The cool night air seemed to match the tense atmosphere lingering between them. Danny, breaking the silence, finally broached the sensitive topic that loomed over the night like a specter.

"So…" he began, his words hesitant.

"So…" she echoed, her eyes teasing him.

"Marriage, huh?" Danny eventually voiced, the question lingering in the air like an uncharted path in the dark.

"Yep," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. Danny and YN shared a glance that conveyed an unspoken acknowledgment — a few years back, the notion of YN embracing matrimony was nothing short of an absurdity. She and Jake had broached the topic once or twice, but it simply wasn’t her style. Not at the time, at least.

As her short response hung in the cold night air, Danny's eyes held a mix of curiosity and concern. "Are you happy?" he gently probed.

"You know…?" she paused, the words carrying the weight of introspection, "I think I am." As she spoke, the echoes of her own journey reverberated through her voice.

There was a time, not too long ago, when the prospect of happiness felt elusive, hidden in the shadows of heartbreak. After Jake, she had wandered through life with difficulty. The idea of happy-ever-after had seemed like a distant dream, an illusion shattered by the echoes of what had been.

Yet, Harry had entered her life like a gentle force, a subtle breeze that whispered promises of new beginnings. It wasn't the same love, nor did it intend to be. The edges were softer, the hues more muted, but it felt right, it felt- sensible.

She had once believed that devotion could only wear the guise of what she had known with Jake, but life had a way of rewriting its own narratives.

Danny, leaning against the cold metal railing of the terrace, absorbed YN's words with a thoughtful expression.  "You've come a long way," he remarked, his voice gentle, “Both of you.”

"Yeah," YN responded, her gaze momentarily drifting to the city skyline. “He hasn’t said a word to me all afternoon, though.”

Danny nodded, understanding the weight of unspoken words. "You know him, better than most. It doesn't mean he's not happy for you; he’s just never good with change."

Amid the day's tumultuous atmosphere, Danny once again stepped into his role as the voice of reason. His words carried a soothing reassurance, a balm to the unease that had settled over YN.

She sighed, the night air carrying a hint of hesitation, "I hope so.”

 A gust of wind swept through, eliciting a shiver from YN.

“You should go back inside,” Danny said with a gentle nudge, “Wouldn’t want you to catch death before you make it down the aisle.”

 “Yeah,” YN chuckled back, “that would not be a good look.”

_______

As YN walked back inside, her eyes locked onto Jake, who, upon meeting her gaze, promptly diverted his course, striding purposefully in the opposite direction and disappearing into the men's room. The continuous avoidance and unspoken tension had reached its breaking point, and Danny’s reasonable words seemed like no more than a distant echo.

Fuck it.

Fed up with the unspoken rift, YN briskly followed the guitarist, determined to confront the lingering unease that had shadowed them throughout the day. With each step, her resolve strengthened. The hallway echoed with the clicking of her heels, a stark contrast to the lively hum emanating from the exhibit area behind her.

The door to the men's room swung open, revealing the dimly lit space within, and YN was met with the sight of Jake standing near the row of sinks. His posture, while seemingly casual, hinted at an anticipation that sent a ripple through the charged atmosphere.

She tried to hold onto her tenacity before it inevitably slipped away. "Can we talk?" she ventured, unnecessary loudly.

A flicker of discomfort crossed Jake's downturned gaze as he replied, "This is hardly the place."

"Since when has that been a problem?" she retorted, frustration seeping into the words. Jake's silence, an unnerving response, hung between them like an unspoken challenge. "We need to talk; you've been avoiding me all day," she continued, the weight of the unsaid pressing down on the confined space. “See? You won’t even look at me.”

"Alright," Jake finally shrugged, looking up at her, "Get on with it."

Caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze, YN hesitated for a moment, collecting her thoughts.

"Are you okay?" she finally asked, concern evident in the furrow of her brow and the subtle quiver in her voice.

Jake scoffed, turning away. "What do you think?" he spat, his words cutting through the air with a sharp edge.

"You said you were happy for me," she countered, a flicker of hurt in her eyes.

"Yeah, well, what the hell d'you expect me to do?” he shot back, “I wasn't exactly about to make a scene in front of everyone."

"Jake,” she sighed, her voice softening in the face of his evident frustration, “I'm sor—"

"And to find out about it like that?" he interrupted, hurt evident in his eyes. "I mean, I know we've had our ups and downs, but Jesus, I thought we still had some respect for each other."

"I'm sorry," she offered sincerely, "this— it wasn’t supposed to happen like that. I wasn't—"

"Sure,” he pressed, his voice carrying a bitter edge, “and when exactly were you going to tell me, huh?"

"I— I don't know—" she stammered, her words an acknowledgment of the disarray surrounding the situation, a vulnerability laid bare.

"Were you just going to wait until paps got a shot of that huge rock you carry on your finger?" he continued, and YN wished she could sink into the ground.  The rapid clenching and unclenching of Jake’s fists revealed the intensity of his emotional turmoil. "Or better yet, wait for me to see photos of your fucking honeymoon in the press—"

"Stop it, you know I'd never do that," she interjected defensively.

"Actually, I'm not sure I know anything about you right now," he retorted.

"And what's that supposed to mean, exactly?" she demanded, her voice tinged with defiance.

Jake looked at her for a moment, his own frustration simmering beneath the surface. "You're seriously going to make me say it?" he shot back.

"Well, I'm not a fucking mind-reader!" she roared.

"Come on, YN” he rolled his eyes, “Marriage? Mrs. Styles?" he mocked, his words carrying a weight of disbelief as if grappling with an inconceivable reality.

"Yeah, well, what about it?" she spat, attempting to conceal the hurt that flickered in her eyes.

"Please," he shook his head dismissively, as if challenging the very essence of the decision she'd made. “That's not you."

"And what do you know, huh?" she said, the echoes of her frustration reverberating off the restroom walls. "We haven't been together in years; what makes you think you know what I want for my life?"

"Because I know you!" he yelled, the force behind his words revealing a desperation to be understood. Silence hung in the air, a palpable tension between them before Jake pressed on, "and better than that jackass does, apparently,"

"You don't even know him!" she shot back, her defenses rising.

"See, that's the thing," he scoffed, a bitterness underlying his tone, "I don't need to know him. I know your taste in men."

Her eyes flickered with pain, a wounded expression betraying the impact of his words. "That's a low blow," she eventually said, a mix of hurt and indignation coloring her response, "even from you."

"Yeah, well, only the truth hurts, I guess," he mumbled, a bitter acknowledgment hanging in the air as he walked past her and headed towards the exit.

"So what?" she called out, the desperation evident in her voice. "Was I supposed to stay single for the rest of my life?" He turned around, his heart breaking as he met her sad eyes. She continued, "I—After everything- do I not deserve a chance?"

"No, that’s not-" an instinctive pull drawing him closer to her. His hand gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "You know all I want is for you to be happy."

"Well, I am. For maybe the first time in years, I am," she whispered, nuzzling her cheek into the palm of his hand. "Harry, he's good, he makes me feel- safe."

He felt a pang in his chest at her words. "I'm sure he does," he said sadly, his words weighted with an unspoken ache. "That— that's not the problem."

"Well, then, what is it?" she searched his eyes, desperate for understanding.

"It's just— " he hesitated, the words burning in his throat, unwilling to ever come out. His fingers delicately brushed her hair behind her ear, and his gaze lingered on the emerald earring that dangled from her lobe. "He’s-” Jake continued, his eyelids flickering, “he's got good taste."

 With those words, he walked out, leaving YN behind, paralyzed, the weight of the unspoken lingering in the air.

________

YN found herself back in the exhibition area, but the vibrant artwork was a blur as her mind wrestled with her recent exchange with Jake. The odd thrill of their heated encounter served as an unsettling reminder of what she’d left behind.

She’d messed up and he’d messed up, a pattern that seemed to keep on haunting the both of them, even in friendship.

Truth was, he’d probably been right. She wouldn’t have had the guts to tell him about her engagement.

Why, though, was a question she couldn’t quite answer. Perhaps she’d enjoyed that in-between. On some level. Perhaps she’d wanted to witness his unfiltered reaction, or she’d been curious as to what might happen if she let the news come out on its own. Perhaps she’d simply been bored out of her mind.

Her songwriting had seemed to have run dry recently. The more time passed, the more she found that ‘happiness’, whatever that was, presented a ridiculously uneventful subject. After all, there would be no grand choirs to sing, no chorus could come in about two people sitting doing nothing.

Perhaps Patty had been right when she’d said YN had always needed to go to war to find material to sing. But it was a dangerous game, one she’d renounced a long time ago. Too much of her blood had been shed. She had let the sword fall to the floor, only to be replaced by the ring on her finger.

Immobilized by a sea of emotion, YN suddenly felt a comforting presence beside her. Josh's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Don't worry about him,” he offered, “he'll come around eventually. It's just a lot to process."

"I know," she replied with uncertainty, her eyes still fixed on the artwork as if seeking solace in its silent forms.

"One of you was gonna end up getting married someday," Josh continued, "you just happened to be the first. That's nothing to apologize for." His hand found hers, the silent gesture conveying a silent promise of support.

_________

The following day unfurled with an air of quiet tension. It was YN’s turn to deliberately avoid Jake as they moved through the day's activities. However, the serendipity of travel arrangements had a laid out different plans for them.

As they boarded the plane, YN's eyes darted across the cabin in search of her seat, her desire to maintain distance palpable. Yet, the universe seemed intent on weaving a narrative of its own.

There, in the vast expanse of plane seats, she had apparently been expected to sit next to none other than the very person she’d been trying to avoid.

A flicker of reluctance crossed YN's face as she hesitated near the row, contemplating her options.

Just as she decided to retreat, Jake's hand gently reached out, “YN, come on,” a silent plea evident in his touch, "please?" His words hung in the air, soft yet compelling. It seemed he had renounced his fighting mood from the day before. She relented, sinking into the seat beside him.

The hum of the plane engines served as the backdrop to a charged silence, unspoken tension echoing in the space that stretched between their bodies.

Once takeoff was done, Jake hesitated, glancing towards YN with a contemplative expression. Breaking the uneasy silence, he began, "About yesterday..."

She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions, a silent invitation for him to continue. "I shouldn't have reacted the way I did," Jake admitted, his voice carrying a blend of regret and vulnerability. " It's just... it all caught me off guard."

YN, too, felt the weight of remorse settling in. "I should've told you. I should've found a way to tell you before,” she looked down at her hands, “but everything happened so fast, and I-I didn't know how…"

He nodded, a mix of regret and understanding in his eyes. "Still, I was an ass.”

"I get it," YN replied softly, meeting his gaze. "It's a big change. I never intended for you to feel blindsided."

He sighed in acknowledgment, "I guess we both have a lot to process. I never expected- I mean, I didn't think it would hit me that hard."

She met his gaze, a shared understanding passing between them. "To be fair, I never expected to find myself here either," she admitted, her voice soft. "But things change, I suppose."

"Yeah," he whispered, "they do."

The tension that had gripped the air between them began to slowly dissipate as YN chose to inject a much-needed dose of levity into the confined space of the plane.

"If that makes you feel better," she remarked with a gentle smile, "I’ll make sure to have a full-on meltdown when you get married, that way we’re even."

“Deal,” Jake chuckled, a warmth spreading through him, "just make it memorable, okay? Maybe hire a choir or something."

"Oh, absolutely," she nodded with mock seriousness, "I'm thinking fireworks, synchronized swimmers, the whole shebang. It's going to be an event."

“And of course, you'll need a soundtrack.” He mused, “Maybe something like ‘I Will Survive’ or ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’?"

"Solid choices," she laughed, "but I was thinking more along the lines of Cryingby Aerosmith. Really amp it up, you know?"

"Ah, a woman of refined taste," he quipped, "I'll be sure to add it to the playlist.”

She nodded, playing along, "And a fog machine as well, for my dramatic entrance.

"Well, naturally," Jake responded, “Can't forget the fog.”

The banter continued, a familiar cadence of playful exchanges that danced on the edge of shared memories. YN, feeling a sense of relief, leaned into the easy camaraderie they had always shared.

"So," Jake eventually needled, a curious glint dancing in his eyes, "have you set a date?"

“No, not yet" she responded with a casual shrug. "But knowing us, it's probably going to be a while. We're constantly swamped with work. You know how it is.”

“Too busy to plan your special day?” he smirked, “I don’t believe it, you were already picking your dress, weren’t you?”

“Well, I do have my priorities straight,” YN laughed. “But seriously, though,” she insisted, “I swear you might end up tying the knot before I do.”

Jake chuckled in response.

__________

He would contemplate the conversation in the following weeks, assuming the wedding talk had merely been banter. The idea of YN getting married seemed like a distant future, perhaps years away.

Little did he know that merely a month later, a small, elegant envelope would arrive in the mail, bearing news that would unknowingly alter the course of their fate.

Miss YN YLN and Mr Harry Styles Request the pleasure of your company at their Wedding Save the Date

Next Track : St Jude

Series Masterlist

Hope you liked it! Once again, I am begging you all to interact and leave comments it makes me so happy to get feedback and reactions xxx

Also, this is only the beginning lol. I have a billion drafts for other chapters so stay tuned, peaceful army.

Taglist

@aintthatapity

@sinarainbows

@vanfleeter 

[afterdarkprincess]

Beginner's Guide to Afterdarkprincess's Fanfics

Thank you so much @crxssjae for the tag!! 💖

intro: Hi I'm Taylor, but you can call me Tay (she/her), I'm 30 and I've been writing and reading fics for a very long time but only starting sharing them on tumblr and AO3 in the last year!

pairings: Samijey of course!! 💕 Along with Ambrolleigns (and any combination of those three) LA Knight/JD McDonagh, Jey/Cody, The Wargames Polycule lol, Zowens, and many others 😅

warnings: Oh so many lmao- the Majority of my fics are Explicit/18+ with sexual themes, all of them are tagged appropriately, read at your own discretion

where to start?

---

my first fic: First WWE fic is Aftershocks, a Samijey fic set in the aftermath of Summerslam

my longest fic: That would be my current WIP Devil's in the Details (But You've Got a Friend in Me) which is an AU where Sami gets injured before he can betray Roman and the Bloodline. Jey assists in his recovery, slowburn friends to lovers. Currently sitting at right around 30k words.

my shortest fic: Sweet Like Justice a short lil Samijey ficlet inspired by the events at Crown Jewel when Sami stole Damien's briefcase

my most popular fic: my most kudos'd fic is Aftershocks, but tangled up with you all night (burning it down) is a very close second, a Ambrolleigns fics where 2012 Shield Era Seth meets 2023 Tribal Chief and Jon Moxley.

my personal fave fic: ... it's Ours - a Bloodline/Sami gangbang fic that was pure self indulgence. Readers beware it is VERY explicit.

About Me!

I am bi/pansexual, love anime, music, and wrestling obv. I've only been watching WWE for about a year, but it's completely taken over my life and rekindled my love of writing!

I've spent the last year really working on myself, getting into yoga, growing my confidence and making lots of new friends, so many of which I've gotten to know on here in our lovely little wrestling community 💘

Y'all are the absolute best and ILY ALL SO MUCH!!

tagging: I've actually seen a few people do these already so if you've done it already sorry lol BUT I'm tagging @feelschicken @elementaldoughnut12 @jeyuwuso @jeysbvck @harmshake @southerngirl41 @little-jey @theninthwonder @imabillyami and anyone else who wants to!