#thank you Rebecca I hope you get some time to yourself away from these idiots | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

moonbeambucky · 4 years ago

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Hey Neighbor (Part 20)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader Word Count: 7235 Warnings: fluff, smut, angst

Summary: You had a plan and then life came along with one of its own. With your future almost derailed you worked hard to get yourself back on track and finally everything seemed to be going right… that is, until your new neighbor moved in.

A/N: I’m patiently waiting for some screaming! Feedback is always appreciated!

HEY NEIGHBOR PART 19 | HEY NEIGHBOR MASTERLIST

Making your way downstairs was a little awkward and you barely made eye contact with Bucky. Winnie was waiting outside by the idling car, laughing at the person who had their back to you. They were fairly tall in a pewter suit and had short brown hair that was closely shaved in the back. Winnie nudged her chin and the person turned around, a smile spreading across their unfamiliar and yet completely recognizable face.

They shared the same deep blue eyes and dimple on their chin as Bucky and you knew this had to be Rebecca. Their hair was longer in the front, falling just beside their eyes, sparkling with gold and plum shadow.

“Bex!” Bucky exclaimed, smiling just as widely to see his sibling, wrapping them in a big hug.

“You cut your hair!” Rebecca looked at it approvingly. “Tryin’ to copy me I see,” they joked.

You smiled watching them together, forgetting any awkward feelings between yourself and Bucky; they were now solely reserved for introductions with Rebecca whose effortlessly cool vibe had you on edge for some reason.

Bucky pulled away from the hug, placing his hand behind you, almost touching the bare skin of your back before he realized that might be too intimate.

“Bex this is Y/N,” he introduced with a proud smile you couldn’t see.

“So nice to meet you,” you said, not expecting the hug they gave you.

Winnie stepped in the moment Rebecca stepped back to give you a hug of her own. She turned to check in with George who stayed in the car listening to a classic rock radio station.

“Okay let’s not be late,” she chirped, pointing at the watch not present on her wrist. “James, you sit in the front. We’ll all squeeze in the back.”

Rebecca got in first, sliding across the black leather seats to take the smaller spot in the middle. It wasn’t crowded with the three of you sitting together but Winnie made a good call not letting Bucky’s bulkier frame encroach on you or Rebecca had he been seated back there.

You saw swirls of ink on Rebecca’s wrist as they shifted to pull out their phone, which prompted them to roll up their sleeves, showing off part of the tattoos that cover their arm.

“It’s not done yet,” they said, revealing a bare spot on their forearm beside a large watercolor macaw tattoo.

Bucky’s head turned back ever so slightly, his eyes trying to see as much as he could without being so obvious as he watched you and Rebecca interact. He knows why he’s so nervous, his family hasn’t met anyone in his life since Olivia.

He scoffed internally when he thought about it. He was a kid, a kid with a broken heart that should have gotten over it a long time ago. But had things been different maybe Bucky would have never met you. He smiled to himself, thankful for his choices– no matter how childish, because they led him here.

Softly colored roses in peach and pale pinks were draped along the wooden archway, the gossamer fabric wrapped around the posts fluttered delicately with the wind. A golden sunset on the water served as the backdrop for an even more beautiful ceremony, celebrating the love of two people that never expected to find it.

Bucky looked over to catch a glimpse of the fading sun sparkling in your eyes. The soft sigh he exhaled was masked by the sound of cheers that rang out amongst the crowd as the newlyweds kissed.

The crowd dispersed onto the adjacent patio where lanterns hung from large sturdy trees, white pillar candles flickering inside. Soft pink fabric was draped over the tables, some small with golden framed chairs surrounding them, others free standing high tops that were scattered around beside the neatly trimmed lawn. Each had a handful of tealight candles gently glowing on top.

You followed Bucky and his family to the table where the hors d'oeuvres were served, taking the plate he handed you and picking up a few things. The display at the end of the table made you burst out with laughter. Among the fresh fruit and crudité were oversized plastic ants, each with a piece of fruit on their backs arranged in a line as if they were walking away with them.

Bucky shrugged. “It’s a thing with Hope’s family… I never really asked,” he chuckled, picking up a few strawberries from the platter behind the fake ants.

George pulled a chair from another table so you could all sit together. Placing his plate down he asked Winnie if she wanted a glass wine and she nodded, confident in knowing George knew what her favorite was.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Bucky asked. He knew what you drank when everyone went out together but he didn’t want to assume, waiting for you to respond before he and Rebecca accompanied their father to the bar.

Winnie didn’t hesitate to talk once they’d left, specifically about how happy she was Bucky was able to bring you. “He caused such a fuss, begging Scott and Hope to give him a last minute plus one.”

At that moment you wished you had a drink to bring to your lips, covering up the way her revelation had left you slack jawed. According to Bucky you were invited because he responded for two, making it seem as if you were doing him a huge favor by coming but the more Winnie spoke you realized your invitation was never to fill a seat; he was begging and pleading to bring a guest, to bring you.

“I can tell you’re special Y/N. I’ve never seen James this way with anyone in a long, long time.”

You couldn’t speak if you tried, smiling back at Winnie as your mind raced to free your heart from the protective cage it was locked away in. For once they were on the same page, heart and mind, desperate to run together right to Bucky.

When he returned to the table you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him, maintaining a soft smile as your heart fluttered like a hummingbird inside your chest, desperate to break free and scream out your feelings from the top of your lungs.

You thanked him for the drink he brought back, letting your fingers linger on his hand for a beat longer than they should have, keeping your gaze locked with his before slowly turning towards Rebecca to answer the question they asked. Bucky’s cheeks were a blooming pink that practically matched the decor, his skin prickling with the memory of your touch.

Time passed quickly over conversation along with extended family members coming over to say hello. You didn’t miss the way Bucky smiled widely as he introduced you, simply as Y/N but wishing his lips had spoken the words written on your heart and called you his.

The grand doors of the ballroom opened when it was time for the reception. Bucky offered his arm which you took as he led you inside. Large chandeliers hung from the intricately detailed ceiling. Tall vases served as the centerpiece on the tables, each filled with a large arrangement of similar colored roses from the archway.

Pulling out the chair for you to be seated, Bucky happened to catch the approving smile on his father’s face, looking away to avoid an embarrassing flush to his cheeks if he held the knowing look any longer. He turned his gaze towards you and the beautiful smile that lit up your whole face as you and Rebecca were continuing your conversation from before.

Bucky sighed, feeling his heart swell even more as he realized he didn’t have to ask what his family thought about you, each of them unable to hold back their own smiles. They like you as much as he does, they want you to be with him as much as he does and if they knew how much of an idiot he’s been, denying his feelings for so long they would definitely cause a scene. But Bucky knows it won’t be long before he finally tells you.

So many scenarios went through his mind; inviting you to dinner next weekend and planning a whole speech, bursting through your door tomorrow night spilling out all the words in his heart in a mess of emotions, kiss you tonight, tomorrow, any day, every day! It doesn’t matter how, he just wants you to know.

His thoughts were interrupted by Scott and Hope making their entrance and sharing their first dance in front of everyone. Bucky reined in his thoughts that imagined the two of you in their place, a concept he never gave much attention to before believing it wasn’t for him, but with you by his side…

“Oh how sweet!” your voice beamed, pulling Bucky back to reality.

Cassie had run out onto the dance floor, swaying side to side with Hope and her father holding their hands. Scott lifted her into his arms, slinging her on his hip as Hope moved close enough for both of them to plant a kiss on both of her cheeks at the same time.

The photographer captured the moment along with so many more memories as the night went on especially when Scott’s best man Luis gave a very entertaining (and somewhat never ending) toast. You and Rebecca ran into him at the bar, unable to get much of a word in as Luis enthusiastically rambled on about how happy he is to be at Scott’s wedding.

“When I first met Scotty he was in a bed place, and I’m not talking about cell block D. His wife had just filed for divorce. And I was like, ‘Damn homie, she dumped you while you were in lock up?’ And he was like ‘Yeah I know. I thought I was gonna be with her forever but now I’m all alone!’ And I was like, ‘Damn homie, you gotta chin up. ‘Cause you’ll find a new partner.’ And he did! And it all started when I was at a wine tasting with my cousin Ernesto…”

You were focused on Luis’ very detailed story unaware of Bucky’s eyes on you from across the room. He was startled by Scott, squeezing his shoulders from behind and Bucky turned around to give his cousin a congratulatory hug.

“You haven’t told her yet, huh?” Scott said, his lips pulling into a crooked smile. Bucky’s brows knit together confused. “I see the way you look at her.”

Bucky sighed, looking at Scott without replying. There was nothing to say; he was caught staring at you from the far side of the room because he was too much of a coward to tell you how he felt.

“Hey I know you might be scared. After divorcing Maggie I was terrified, thought I’d never be able to put myself out there again and then I found Hope.”

Bucky sees the smile crinkling your eyes, hears your laughter that’s sweeter than music. “You’re right Scott, I have been scared… but I’m not anymore.” A content smile spreads across his face.

There’s a calm sense of relief that washes over Bucky as he knows with certainty that there is nothing he’s ever wanted more in his life. The universe is with him, ending the fast paced song that matched the beat of his heart to something slow and romantic.

Bucky strides across the hallway like he’s floating on a cloud until he reaches you. The words flow like smooth honey as he asked, “Would you like to dance?”

His hand is soft against yours, your whole body giddy with delight as he guides you to the dance floor. Time moves in slow motion, the world around you fading away as Bucky takes your hand in his, moving his other to the small of your back.

It was intimate, close and exactly how you wanted it to be. You let out a soft sigh as you relaxed into his embrace, letting your free arm glide up the fabric of his suit, curving it over his shoulder and looking deeply into his eyes. His pupils were blown with desire as Bucky stared back at you, the corners of his mouth twitching with an ever so slight smile.

Words were not spoken as you swayed together with the music but you both felt a change; like breathing foreign air, something felt different. You and Bucky danced in a world of your own, the past a distant memory that held your fears behind, finally allowing your heart to soar freely.

A smile pulled at your lips, one that felt brighter than the sun as you truly let go of everything that was holding you back. You moved closer, letting yourself drown in Bucky’s intoxicating scent, like cinnamon toasting over a warm fire as you nuzzled your nose into his neck.

He squeezed you tighter, his heart doing backflips in his chest, unable to fathom that this was actually happening. His nose grazes along the shell of your ear and you hear the soft inhalation of breath coming from his parted lips. A wave of tingles ran down your spine, shocking yourself into remembering you and Bucky were not alone but very much in the middle of a public setting surrounded by his family.

You pulled back to his surprise but the smile that would never cease to leave your face calmed his nerves.

“Follow me,” you purred, not letting go of Bucky’s hand as you led him outside.

A few people were scattered outside on the patio, some gathered around the high top tables that still remained, enjoying their drinks over conversation. You smiled over your shoulder back at Bucky, pulling him further away until you reached the area where the ceremony took place. The chairs had been cleared but the archway remained, the fabric wrapped around it still blowing in the wind.

You stopped at the edge of the railing, looking out onto the water as moonlight danced on the gentle waves. Goosebumps prickled all over your skin but you couldn’t be sure if it was from the breeze or Bucky standing close beside you.

The beating of your heart grew faster and you wondered if he could hear the drumming through your chest. A lump was caught in your throat as you felt Bucky’s hand cover yours on the railing. You turned your head to face him, slowly lifting your eyes from his perfect lips, the sight of them made you lick your own, meeting his eyes, the darkness reflecting a moonlit sparkle.

The memory of your New Years kiss made you shiver, letting a shaky breath out as you turned your body to face him, letting your hands wrap around his neck, his hands resting on your waist, closing the distance between you.

It wasn’t New Years, it wasn’t even the Fourth of July but you felt fireworks erupting in your stomach as you kissed, his soft lips massaging yours with a passionate fervor that grew by the second. You needed more, parting your lips for his skillful tongue to slip past them, deepening the kiss and loving the way he moaned as your hand scratched through his hair.

Distant laughter reminded you once again that you were still not alone but in the moment you really wanted to be. When the need for air became too great you pulled away.

“I missed that,” you admitted through a smile, catching your breath.

Bucky caressed your cheek gently with his fingers, his whole face lighting up in delight. “Would you believe me if I said the same?”

“Maybe,” you teased, wrapping your arms around his neck again.

“Would you believe me if I told you how I can’t get you off my mind? That ever since you came into my life I’ve been fighting the feelings I’ve had for you?” You nodded softly at his admission believing every word, knowing that what you’ve been feeling wasn’t just in your imagination, that things between you and Bucky had changed and finally the truth was out.

“I’m tired of fighting them,” he said, “I– ” You cut him off by pressing your lips to his, sweetly stealing a soft kiss as you hummed against him.

Your smiles could not be contained, staring deeply into each other’s eyes under the silver glow of the moonlight. You would have stayed that way for longer had you not heard the echo of a voice coming from inside. Bucky peeked over your shoulder to see other people heading back in for the cake cutting.

With your fingers laced together you went back inside, taking your seats and ignoring the smirk Rebecca and Winnie had on their faces after noticing your lipstick was no longer existent, not on your lips at least. Luckily their eyes were focused on the newlyweds and not on Bucky’s hand which casually found its way to your thigh, his thumb gently running back and forth over the smooth material of your dress.

Scott dabbed a bit of frosting on the tip of Hope’s nose as she smushed a larger piece on his face, laughing and happily kissing his messy mouth to a round of cheers. The night continued with more dancing and Bucky’s family leaving just after the garter and bouquet toss.

“Don’t be a stranger,” Winnie said, having added you as a friend on Facebook. “George barbecues a lot over the summer so I hope to see you and James more often.” She wrapped you in a strong embrace, followed by Rebecca who had given you their Instagram, hoping to keep in touch as well.

George said goodbye with a friendly hug, reiterating your invitation. “James may be the musician but I’m the maestro of the barbecue.”

Bucky let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose, his embarrassment making you chuckle even more at his dad’s joke. Opening their arms to each other they hugged, and Bucky said goodbye to everyone.

“Get home safe!” Bucky called out as they walked down the hall.

You and Bucky stayed for a little while longer before saying goodnight to Hope, Scott and a few others, waiting outside of the main entrance for your Uber to arrive. Your lower lip trembled from the cold but less than a moment later you felt the weight of Bucky’s jacket around your shoulders. He wrapped his arms around you from behind, pressing a kiss to your cheek that added to the warmth you felt.

The Uber arrived shortly and once you were settled inside you leaned your head against Bucky’s shoulder. His arm wrapped around you, rubbing your own through his jacket as your hand caressed his for the duration of the ride back to the hotel.

Bucky helped you out of the car, his jacket slipping off your shoulders as you stood up. You didn’t need it anymore, feeling warmth spread through your body from his touch. The walk to the elevator was short and quiet, both of you holding back awkward smiles and smitten feelings.

When the doors opened to your floor you felt your heart pounding louder with every step that brought you closer to the hotel room. Bucky swiped the card into the door, holding it open for you as it unlocked. The beating amplified when you heard the door shut and Bucky turning the locks. There was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide anymore, not with both of your feelings out there.

He laid his jacket over the chair as you set your clutch to the side. His steps were hesitant, full of tension as he got closer to you, finally finding the courage to take your hands in his. Up close you could see the blush that brightened his cheeks, smiling at the way he licked his lips, sucking his bottom one into his mouth and nervously chewing on it.

You brought your hand up to cup his cheek, feeling the beginnings of stubble scratch at your palm. Lifting his gaze to yours you locked eyes with Bucky, seeing the retreat of blue as they grew darker the longer you stared at each other. Exhaling a shaky breath you moved your hand to the nape of his neck bringing him closer as you pressed your lips against his.

With that touch the dam of restraint broke and Bucky was kissing you back, his hands cupping the side of your face, your jaw, anywhere and everywhere as he deepened the kiss. Your hands were roaming his body, grazing across the strong muscles of his back and down his sides again as you held on to his waist.

Gulps of breath were quick as the need to make out was greater than oxygen, but when you did stop to fill your lungs with air you smiled against each other, foreheads and noses touching before he would capture your lips again, sucking softly on your bottom lip. You hummed against him, parting your lips for his tongue to slip inside and caress yours.

You gasped when the back of your knees unexpectedly hit the edge of the mattress, quickly losing your balance and pulling Bucky down with you. He braced himself with one arm above you, smiling at the way your face lit up beautifully with laughter. Bucky waited for you to center your gaze on him again before he brought his lips back to yours. His kiss was soft and slow, passionate and needy, wanting to prolong every second with you and hoping this wasn’t a dream. If it was he never wanted to wake up, preferring to spend the rest of his existence here with you in this perfect world.

His mouth explored your body, running his tongue down your skin until you gasped when he discovered that sensitive spot where your collarbone and neck met. Bucky smirked as you writhed against him, letting a sultry moan fall from your lips as he sucked your skin gently.

The sound alone made him hard and your hips lifting against his didn’t help. Bucky pulled away breathless, knowing he had to stop despite wanting this to never end.

“I can’t, we…” He swallowed dryly, bringing one hand to cup the soft skin of your cheek. “I don’t have protection.”

Not bringing condoms on a weekend that practically guaranteed sex did not sound like the man you first knew who was banging his way through every woman in Manhattan, but Bucky hasn’t been that man in a long time. Somehow over the course of your friendship he’s grown, changed into the person that admitted to what even he thought was impossible, having feelings and wanting more than just sex.

Bucky crawled back off of you, digging his knees into the mattress as he blew out harsh breaths to try and handle his situation accordingly. A smile spread slowly across your face as you pushed yourself up from the bed, quickly moving out of the way as Bucky swung his legs over the side as you remembered what Wanda thankfully snuck into your bag.

Feeling awkward and embarrassed, Bucky didn’t pay much attention to what you were doing, not lifting his head until he saw you standing in front of him with something in your hand.

“I have them,” you said firmly, opening your palm to reveal the package of condoms, the foil reflecting off the light. Your chest heaved with anticipation until Bucky’s eyes met yours.

The shock on his face was clear, never expecting any of this to happen. His back stiffened cautiously as he asked with trepidation, “Are you sure? We don’t have to– ”

“I know. I want to.”

Simple words, simple truths.

The corner of Bucky’s mouth pulled into a smile as you stepped in between his legs, leaning in to tease your lips against his but not give in to what he wanted. Instead you pushed on his chest to make him lay flat on the mattress, lifting the fabric of your dress you got on the bed to straddle him.

Bucky swallowed a dry gulp, his hands skimming first up your thighs and then your waist as you leaned forward to hover over him again. This time he doesn’t let you tease him. He took your lips feverishly, letting your tongues dance in a passionate tango. Your hips begin to move, grinding against his arousal and he whimpers against your mouth.

He gets the urge to tear off your clothes and fuck you hard into the mattress and if you were anyone else he would have, but Bucky doesn’t want this to be about sex. He wants to do something he hasn’t done in a very long time, connect with someone physically and emotionally at once.

Soft hands cup your cheeks, holding your face above him as Bucky stares deeply past your eyes and into your heart. A tender smile pulls at his mouth, one that makes you slow down and smile back at him, letting out soft exhalations that try to match the beat of his.

He sets the tempo, lifting his head to press his lips gently against yours, his hand running up and down your back. Cradled in his arms, Bucky shifted so that you were both lying side by side, his lips never leaving yours, swallowing every moan that fell from your heavenly mouth.

Your hands roamed his body; caressing the back of his head as you deepened the kiss with your tongue, feeling solid muscle beneath his shirt as you rubbed down his chest. His hands brushed against your thigh, over the globes of your ass and giving it a firm squeeze. You can’t help the moan that escapes as a dull ache radiates from your core.

Instinctively, your hips move against him craving more friction as your hands make quick work of his belt. His hand skimmed up your side, cupping your breast, his thumb brushing over your stiff nipple.

The breath stilled in your throat like the measure of time around you, slowing down enough so you could see every touch, feel the brush of his lips; each one the scratch of a pen on a music sheet, creating a song one note at a time.

Open mouth kisses trailed down your skin leaving you breathless as his hands pulled down the fluttering sleeves of your dress. Unclasping the buttons of his shirt, you peeled it off his body as he reached around to tug down your zipper, letting the fabric fall off you. You were drawn to each other’s bodies, warm mouths on warm skin that grew hotter by the moment.

A steady cadence of moans falls from your lips as Bucky worships you with his mouth. It’s better than anything you imagined on those nights when headphones blocked out the primal sounds of pleasure coming from next door. The pitch of your cries reaches new heights as he sends you over the edge, hands grabbing at his hair from between your thighs to brace yourself.

Blue eyes tainted dark with lust peek open to watch your writhe in ecstasy as you come undone. Bucky stays with you through it, his hands laced with yours as your body comes down from blissful heaven. He kisses his way up your body pulling soft moans and gasps from you along the way until he found your lips again; aching, hungry, desperate for his tongue.

You ease him to his back, kissing down Bucky’s neck until you reach the band of his briefs. Your eyes widen at the outline of his arousal, he lifts his hips to help you slide them off and your legs clench together at the sight of his thick cock springing up and slapping his stomach. He quivered with anticipation as you take him in your hands, a low groan rumbling in his throat as he watches himself disappear into your warm mouth.

Euphoric pleasure washes over Bucky as you hum around him, his moans becoming a sweet melody to your ear. Before it’s too much he pulls you off of him, grabbing your face in a plea for your lips against his. He skims his hands along the bed searching for the condom, having to get up to find it as you settle onto your back. The wrapper is torn open, the condom sliding down on his length.

Bucky takes a moment to look at you, to really look at you in a way he’s never taken the time before when he’s been with someone. Your smile lights up his heart and he presses his lips against yours softly. You wonder if he’s waiting for a sign, staring up at his smile stretched out so far he can hardly contain it. With a roll of your hips you rock against him and after losing himself in your eyes Bucky almost forgets what’s supposed to come next– almost.

Wetness gathers on his length and he pushes in gently, his gasps harmonizing with yours as he fills you completely. His lips are on your again because Bucky can’t help it, hooked like a drug on the immediate relief that comes with the investment of his heart.

The rhythm is set by the slow thrust of his hips, you claw at his back as he deepens his sensual pace, the friction bringing you closer and closer. It’s not long before you shudder around him, the first of many times that have you crying out his name; wondering but ultimately not caring if these walls were as thin as the ones in your apartment.

Your cries reach a new octave as he orchestrates your pleasure, thrusting to meet your hips as you ride him. Together you create a symphony that crescendos as you ride the waves of bliss together, the melody forever imprinting on his soul. Breathless, your lips find each other’s, molding together perfectly as you slowly come down; bodies covered in a sheen of sweat that makes you glow.

You whimper as you untangle from each other, immediately missing his warmth. Bucky tied off the condom, getting up to toss it in the small bin beside the desk. The wiggle of his butt made a smile form on your face that grew as he got back into bed, the weight of his arm curling around you and pulling you close against him. Bucky’s fingertips stroked your skin as you rested your head in the crook of his neck. His lips pressing a kiss to your forehead as you rubbed his chest, humming softly as your spent body relaxed into his.

“Tired?” he asked through a rasped whisper. You hummed in response and Bucky adjusted the blankets over you. “Go to sleep, I’ve got you.” The breath of his murmurs fall gently against your head.

Reaching to the side he clicked off the table lamp. In the darkness his lips found yours a final time, stealing a sweet kiss before you adjusted yourself against him again. Your palm rested above his heart and Bucky wondered if you could feel the way it was still beating with elation. He covered your hand with his, hearing you let out a soft hum as you smiled against him.

The bed is warm, made warmer with your bodies tangled together. Bucky listens in silence to the gentle sounds you make as you drift asleep. He syncs his breath with yours, turning his head ever so slightly to place a soft, lingering kiss on your forehead. The rhythm of his heart relaxes to a beat he’s never felt before, one that fills his body and soul with a warm and fuzzy feeling that makes him feel like he would float away if you weren’t resting on him.

A smile secured itself on Bucky’s face as he fell asleep realizing that this feeling might actually be love.

You woke up feeling like last night was a dream, but the weight of Bucky behind you brought you quickly back to reality, one you never imagined would be yours.

His arm was wrapped around your waist keeping your bodies close, a shocking difference of the Bucky you knew that kicked his late night lovers out as quickly as possible. Then again Bucky isn’t that person anymore.

He was still asleep, feeling the breath from his nose against the back of your neck and as much as you needed to get up you stayed in bed for as long as possible, cherishing every moment spent in his arms.

You sensed when he woke up not long after. Bucky inhaled deeply, letting out a soft hum.

“Hey neighbor,” you whispered softly, rubbing his arm that was draped across your waist.

He tightened his hold, squeezing you even closer, smiling at the faint scent of perfume that lingered on your neck. You squirmed as he nuzzled the tip of his cold nose into it, leaving a trail of soft kisses along your skin.

“Mornin’ beautiful,” he rasped.

You tilted your head back, trying to get a glimpse of him but it was easier to turn around completely. Bucky still held you as you twisted to face him, staring up at his beautiful half-sleepy smile and soft gaze that shined like the sun as he looked at you.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, his fingers lightly tracing your face. You nodded, a smile pulling so strong as your eyes beamed with happiness. “Good.”

He kissed you sweetly, soft pecks for your sake that were mindful of the morning breath he felt. He should get up to brush his teeth but Bucky didn’t want to, instead he rested his head against your shoulder, curling himself around you and smiling when he felt your arms wrap around him.

Bucky never knew how badly he missed a feeling he never had, feeling comforted in someone’s arms. He never knew how amazing it was to wake up with someone, to cuddle with them, hold them and be held. He’s slept with countless people but no amount of sex has ever equaled what he felt in this moment.

He could scold himself for missing out on this for so long but he doesn’t, because now he has the opportunity to share all these firsts with you and he hopes you’ll be his last.

The scratch of your nails running lazily through his hair made Bucky practically purr against you, the simple act awakening all of his senses, igniting his body in a way that could only be quenched by the heat of your skin against his.

He smirks at the memory of your taste, lifting his gaze to find the coy smile curving your lips. It seems he’s not the only one craving more exploration of each other’s bodies. Bucky reaches forward to bring his lips to yours, morning breath be damned. Neither of you cared anyway, quickly giving in to the flames of desire that spread like wildfire through your bodies.

It’s different now, when the morning sun reveals more truth in Bucky eyes, in the way he looks deep into your own as you climb the heights of passion together. Fingers entwined, breathless moans falling from his mouth, foreheads pressed together as he claims your lips, holding your body tightly as you fall apart around him as if this would all disappear if he let go. Every look, every touch; that was the difference. Bucky was giving every part of himself to you, opening up in a way he had never done before with anyone.

His hips stuttered as he climaxed, crying out with a groan that softened as your hands cupped his cheeks, stealing what little breath he had left as you brought your lips to his. He smiled against you, catching his breath in between soft kisses.

Bucky was quick to discard the condom and reclaim his spot beside you, opening his arms for you to cuddle close against him, keeping you warm as the aftershocks of pleasure shudder through your body. His hand rubbed circles on your back and the press of his lips on your forehead made you exhale through a content smile.

You stayed in his arms for as long as you could before desperately needing to use the bathroom, with Bucky laughing as you untangled your legs from his and the covers, sprinting naked off the bed. He laid back, arms folded under his head unable to contain his smile. This weekend has been greater than anything he could have ever dreamed of and the best is yet to come.

You scurry out of the bathroom towards your bag, throwing on a t-shirt for modesty before pulling out the clothes you would be changing into. Bucky watched as the sun streaming in through the window glowed around you, the angel that broke the confines of his heart.

There was less of a rush to the rest of the morning, having missed breakfast but still having time before you needed to check out. You checked your phone in between changing, seeing a flurry of messages come in from the group chat, plus Wanda and Steve sending separate ones to check in.

You heard Bucky get up from the bed but didn’t turn around because it still felt awkward. A good awkward as the butterflies in your stomach were still fluttering wildly, bit still whatever this was between you was undefined and you didn’t want to presume anything.

“Hey…” Bucky began slowly, and turning around you saw he was fully dressed except for his sneakers, hands in the pockets of his jeans with his shoulders shrugged up.

He looked like a little kid who thought he might be in trouble and it made you feel good to know you weren’t the only one who didn’t know how to act around each other. When you flashed him a smile Bucky relaxed, letting the tension go from his shoulders. He reached his hands out to take yours, holding both of them close to his heart.

Letting out a nervous breath he said, “Y/N, I want you to know that I meant what I said last night, every word.” Your smile slowly reached your eyes as he spoke. “And I never expected us to…” Bucky licked his lips, looking down as he felt his cheeks begin to flush at the memory of what happened. “It was incredible, you’re incredible, but maybe we could take things slow?”

Bucky raised his eyebrows, sincerity woven through an unease smile as he waited for an answer. But he didn’t have to wait long. You nodded quickly, never losing eye contact as you smiled, reassuring him you could take things at whatever pace he needed. Bucky kissed your knuckles before letting your hands go, surprised to feel them around him instantly in a hug that dissolved any lingering concerns he had about his request.

Any awkward tension had dissipated by the time you pulled away, leaving nothing but the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the sound of your stomach hangrily rumbling. Bucky chuckled, feeling his own about to rival yours in volume so he sifted through the bag from your initial CVS run to find something to eat.

You satisfied your hunger with a protein bar each, splitting some almonds and topping it off with sparkling water, that you still worried would explode upon opening by the way Bucky quickly pulled it from the small fridge. Eating as you packed, you made sure nothing was left in the room. Bucky packed your dress up with his suit again and when you were ready he arranged an Uber to the train station.

Walking hand in hand to the elevator, Bucky stole an innocent kiss, unable to help himself. He wanted to show you just how much he cared now that the truth he held back for so long was finally out there. His affectionate touches continued all the way home, as Bucky slung his arm over you during the ride back to Manhattan.

“Wanna go out for some lunch?” he asked, as you approached your apartment building.

You nodded approvingly, listing a slew of places you could go for since breakfast wasn’t actually filling. Bucky opened the front door for you, resuming the placement of his fingers laced with yours once you were both inside.

The air in the building felt different, as if the walls themselves were watching you, whispering about what might be happening between two of their residents. The elevator opened, taking you to your floor with a jerking gasp when you and Bucky kissed inside of it.

Your bags were dropped off in your respective apartments, taking the elevator back down just as quickly as you came up to go for lunch, which was actually going to be breakfast. Bucky suggested a spot a few blocks away you had been to once before, an unassuming deli with an all day breakfast menu, though you hadn’t had the pleasure of trying their well known breakfast fare. You were looking forward to stuffing yourself sweet French toast and sugary syrup, hoping to spend the rest of the day lounging in Bucky’s arms.

“Bucky! Hey!” A woman's voice pulled you away from your lazy Sunday daydream.

You both turned around at the woman who just jogged past you, stopping to catch her breath. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get back to you.”

She was taller than average, showing off lean legs of unblemished light brown skin in the athletic shorts she wore. A large sweat stain soaked through the front of her grey tank top, her long dark hair a little messy but not really out of place.

“C-Claire?” Bucky stuttered, not expecting to run into her let alone remember her name. “Hey…”

“Sorry I didn’t get back to you. The hospital put me on night shifts the past week, it’s been hard to adjust. We still on for Saturday night?”

Sound was ringing in your ear like a bomb exploded in front of you and it had, in the form of Bucky being a lying scumbag. His snake like words charmed his way into your heart as a ploy to take off your pants and you complied with ease.

When the world was no longer a muffled haze you realized you and Bucky were alone again, with Claire probably continuing her work out; she has to look good for her date with Bucky at the end of the week. Maybe he was “taking it slow” with her too. You bit your lip before the quiver could show, feeling like an idiot for not knowing better. Bucky didn’t change and he never would.

“I’m so sorry about that. I never– ”

You were done with hearing any more of Bucky’s lies, retorting with one of your own.

“Shit! I just realized I was supposed to help Wanda finish unpacking today. She’s gonna kill me, I gotta run.”

You didn’t give Bucky the chance to speak, ignoring the way he pleaded for you to come back. Taking off towards the nearest subway, you ran down the stairs as fast as you could, at risk of tripping thanks to the tears that flooded your eyes. Wanda’s new place was much closer, and after a few quick stops you were in front of her door, sobbing heavily as you fell into her arms.

PART 21

#bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes smut

818 notes · View notes

adventuresinwonderlust · 4 years ago

Text

Title: Intermingle: part 1

Pairing: dom! yoongi x inexperienced reader

Warnings: co-workers to lovers, angst, smut, public sex, dry humping, oral (f) receiving (brief), oral (m) receiving (brief), fingering, squirting, orgasm denial, daddy kink, fluff, teasing, pussy spanking, talks of cheating

Rating: 18 and over

“You think I can make you cum just by sucking on your sweet little nub?” He questions from between your thighs, gripping tightly at your flesh. You nod desperate for him to lap up your arousal before it reaches your knees. “Beg me, I want to hear you beg for my tongue in your cunt.” “Please, Yoongi, eat my pussy. I want you to so bad.” He smirks up at you, moving slowly to your dripping sex. You drop your head back in anticipation of his tongue.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Your eyes shoot open as your alarm clock goes off at exactly 6:45am. You whimper like a spoiled child, flailing in bed with need, your panties soaked. Another painstakingly good dream about your office crush that never really goes anywhere. “Meow.” Your Chartreux cat hops onto the bed to inform you it's time for her feeding. “Go away Frenchie.” You shoo, leaning over to your side table and pull out your pocket rocket, deciding to take a few minutes to relieve yourself before you must hop in the shower. “Don't judge me.” You look down at her before throwing yourself back onto your pillow. You release a lustful sigh, your room soon filled with the sounds of your moans and the buzzing of your favorite toy.

“Good Morning everyone. Welcome. Let’s get started quickly, we have a lot to cover and not a lot of time to cover it.” Your boss begins the Monday morning meeting. You take a seat next to your friend Rebecca and hand her a coffee you bought for her. She mouths a Thank you and your boss begins. “Okay. The launch of the new game is in a month's time. We need all testers working with the graphics team to get this game up and running for release time,” He looks around the conference room, “Where is Yoongi?” You look around and realize that he isn't seated in the meeting this morning. “Someone get him on the goddamn phone!” Your boss commands, his assistant hoping up to run out of the conference room to make the call. Just as she twirls in her seat, as if summoned, Yoongi walks into the conference room looking like pure sin. Your breath hitches at the sight of him mouth open wide as if he's been running, dressed in all black with a thin diamond crusted choker around his neck, his messy hair covering his eyes enough to cause him to have to tilt his head up to scan the room. ��Fuck Yoongi, if you weren't essential to the team, I'd fire your ass.” Your boss calls out to him. Yoongi yanks his headphones from his ears and gives your boss a tight smile. “Sorry I'm late. There was traffic.” Your boss rolls his eyes while you bite your lip. It was ungodly for a man to look this good.

“As I was saying, for you Yoongi, we need to get the kinks out of this game before launch. The higher ups don’t want excuses they want results! I am putting you all in teams to finish up the last of the projected maintenance, testing, and graphics updates. I want all your work submitted to me one week before launch so we can revisit and correct any errors that pop up. Any questions?” He looks around at all the faces in the room. “Good, please see the assigned teams listed on the white board behind me. No excuses people. If it's my ass, its sure as hell your asses! Got it. Now get to work!” He stands quickly, exiting the room as his assistant flips the white board to reveal the assigned teams. You linger for a moment to gather your things. “Oh, girl, your dream has come true.” Rebecca elbows you. “What are you talking about?” You walk over towards the board and catch Yoongi pinch his nose. “Great looks like I'm stuck with Mother Teresa.” He whispers to himself. You swallow thickly, moving forward to catch a glimpse of the list. Your heart begins to thump heavily in your chest as you see in big bold letters under tester/graphics team 2: Y/N/ Min Yoongi. Never once had you had to work so closely with someone you were crushing over. You and Yoongi worked together in the same office but never.... closely. Hell, your conversations were so minimal you weren't sure he even knew your name.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

You jump at Yoongi hitting his knuckles against the white board before you. He gives you a perplexed look, “Are you ok? You spaced out I think.” “I’m fine.” You whisper. His eyes pop open in a worrisome way and you clear your throat, standing a bit taller. “I am excited to work with you.” You brighten up. He gives you a tight smile and quick nod before walking off. “What the hell was that creepy?” Rebecca scolds. “I have no idea. I just completely shut down.” You groan. “You think! He probably thinks you're a weirdo now, on top of the fact that you dress like a nun!” She points at your outfit. “What's wrong with my clothes?” You whine, stepping into your shared cubicle space. “You look like a librarian and not a hot one.” She notes, plopping into her seat. You run your hands over your favorite buttoned up black cardigan, tugging the fabric down to meet your black dress pants. “I think I look fine.” You shrug, taking your seat. She snorts. “You missed a button.” She teases. “That was purposeful!” You snap at her.

“Hey,” Yoongi appears at your cubicle, “If you have time today to go over our assignment, maybe we can grab lunch or something.” “Uh, sure thing.” You say quickly. “Cool, I’ll shoot you an interoffice message around noon.” “Yeah, sounds like a date… I mean plan…meeting. You know what I mean.” You ramble. He chuckles pointing at your shirt. “You missed a button.” You look down and fumble with your cardigan. “That was on purpose.” You mutter. “Oh, I like it. Living on the edge.” He teases, walking away with a wave. You drop your head into your hands, feeling your face heat with embarrassment. “Smooth Y/N, really smooth.” “Shut up Becca.” At noon your computer pings with a notification from the interoffice messenger:

Minyoon93: ‘I ordered sushi. Hope that’s ok. Going down to grab it. We can eat in my area. Meet you there.’

Y/L/N/Birth year: ‘Yum, sounds good.’ “Catch you in an hour.”

You tell Rebecca, scooping up your notes from today’s tests runs. “Mm, unbutton a couple more buttons.” She yanks at your cardigan. You swat her hands away, “Stop that! Goodbye.” You walk off towards the rear of the office, pass the larger glass door that separates where the graphics team sits, from where the testers sit. You walk past the single seated cubicles, catching everyone lost in their own worlds. You finally make it to the last cubicle before a left turn that’ll ultimately take you to your boss’ office. You run your fingers along the plaque with Yoongi’s name on it, surprised by how neat his cubicle is. He isn’t back from grabbing the food, but he’s set up another chair for you. You snoop a bit around his area, looking over his equipment, notes, and random Knick knacks on his desk. “You know its impolite to snoop.” You jump at the sound of Yoongi’s voice. “I’m sorry. I was just looking at your equipment. It’s really state of the art. I wasn’t snooping, I mean…” “I’m fucking with you. Are you always this wound up?” He tilts his head to the side looking you over. You feel your face heat under his gaze. “Uh, how much do I owe you?” You dig in your pocket. “Oh, don’t worry about it. You get next time.” You nod, your pulse racing at the idea that he wants to have another lunch with you before this one is done.

He opens the trays of food, handing you chopsticks, and begins to dig in. He points at the trays for you to join him. You smile, grabbing a sushi roll and popping it into your mouth. “I brought my notes on the levels I’ve tested so far. There are a few things that can use a bit of a makeover. Some general glitches that need software upgrades, and a few areas that need smoothing.” He nods, staring off, chewing his food. You don’t know why but you find yourself nodding with him. He says nothing, just keeps eating, and your eyes move down his neck as he swallows. You begin to look over his features. His sharp jaw, profound Adam’s apple, his cute button nose, how pink his lips are. God he’s gorgeous, you think to yourself, rubbing your thighs together. You’re almost tempted to reach up and run your fingers along his pretty little choker. He licks his lips, and a small moan escapes your throat. His eyes widen and he looks over to you. You collect yourself and grab a sushi roll, “So delicious.” You raise it up to him. He smirks.

“So, what’s you deal? You’ve been working here a while. You obviously like gaming. Why do you always seem so, I don’t know, reserved?” “Uh, I’m not reserved. I’m cool and fun. We just don’t hang out in the same circles. There’s no deal.” Yoongi looks you over, shaking his head so his bangs move away from his eyes. “If you have to say your cool. You’re not cool.” He replies with a point of his chopsticks. “Oh, and you’re the king of cool?” He sighs, thinking over your comment. “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, no, but I think you like what you see.” He licks his lips watching you squirm in your seat. “I, you are crazy.” You stutter. “Am I,” He leans in close to you now, “Then how come you keep staring at me the way you do?” You don’t know how to respond, instead opting to stand to escape the conversation. In your haste to get away, you accidentally flip over one of the trays and it lands right in Yoongi’s lap. “Shit!” He shouts, dusting the rolls from his lap. “Oh my god! I’m so sorry,” You reach for napkins and begin to rub at Yoongi’s lap, “Let me get it.” “It’s ok Y/N, it’s ok, hey, stop. Stop! Hey, your rubbing my dick.” He grasps your wrist to stop your movements. You gasp, realizing you’ve been rubbing aggressive circles against his shaft. “I, oh my God. I’m such an idiot. I’m so sorry.” “Hey, no, it’s ok. No harm done. Just a few fallen rolls and jeans that need washing.” He smirks. You cover your mouth feeling your face burn bright red. You apologize again and run out of his cubicle as fast as you can.

“So, what, you jacked him off?” Rebecca looks at you confused. “No, I was trying to clean up the mess. I didn’t realize I was rubbing his.... ugh. He probably never wants to speak to me again. Why oh, why am I cursed to be this clumsy, nervous wreck?” “Girl, you need to get laid. I think you should march over to that boy’s desk and tell him you’ve been craving him for the last two years!” “Are you crazy!?” Suddenly a notification pops up on your interoffice messenger:

Minyoon93: ‘Hey! I didn’t mean to scare you away. We didn’t get to talk about our assignment, and you left your notes here at my desk. I usually work late if you’re interested. I’ll be here. No pressure.’

You read and reread his message, unsure of how to respond. “Don’t! Just show up to his desk after work.” Rebecca suggests when you show it to her. You work your current levels until the end of the day. “Go get him tiger.” Rebecca winks, leaving you at your desk. You fix your hair, apply a little lip gloss, and unbutton two buttons on your cardigan. You grab your new notes from the rest of the day and head back to Yoongi’s desk. He’s seated with headphones over his ears, his face going from his computer screen to your notepad from earlier. You tap his shoulder gently and he turns to face you. “Hey,” He smiles wide taking in your fresh look, “I was just working on your notes.” “I have more.” You dance your new pad in front of him. He waves you in, patting the chair beside him. You clear your throat. “Sorry again about earlier.” “It’s cool, I came on a bit strong. I shouldn’t have grabbed your wrist like that, I didn’t realize you were, well you know.” Your brow furrows. “I don’t know actually.” He leans in to whisper to you, “A virgin.” Your eyes burst open and your mouth falls open. “I’m not a virgin!” You protest. “Really? You just seemed uncomfortable with, anyway, I’m sorry if I was inappropriate.” He smiles. You sit in shock, wondering how you got yourself in this embarrassing situation. “Well, you weren’t inappropriate, I’m was honestly. I shouldn’t have touched you like that so I should be the one to apologize for inappropriate behavior and just for the record I’m not a virgin, so how about we just forget this whole thing.” He leans into his computer screen, stifling a laugh. “Sure, yeah. I’m ok with that. Sorry for assuming.” “You should be.” You tease, batting your eyes a bit. He scoffs, looking your way and you decide to be brave and sit a little taller, raising an eyebrow and crossing your legs in what you hope is a seductive manner.

He leans back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. “Silly me, how could I have missed all the signs? What with your sexy cardigans and shiny loafers? You really know how to take a man's breath away.” He licks his lips, pressing his folded hands into his crotch. You swallow thickly, feeling your core heat. “Well you know we all don’t have the ability to don sexy little chokers and actually look good doing it.” His mouth falls opens as the realization of your own words hit you. “Did you just call me sexy?” He inquires with confidence. “No, I said your choker was sexy.” A large sly smile forms across his face and he reaches up to caress the diamond crusted choker. He reaches his hand back to undo the clip, removing it from around his neck. You watch him suspiciously. He soon hands the dangling accessory to you. “What are you doing?” You huff. “You’ll never know if you can pull it off, if you don’t try.” “Yoongi, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He rolls his chair close to you. “Maybe that’s the problem Y/N, you think too much.” He leans in close, bringing his arms up to either side of your head, and latches his choker around your neck. You touch the tight accessory once he's done. “There, see, sexy.” He tilts his head to the side with a sly smile.

“Ah, look at you two working late on your assignment.” Your boss interrupts. Yoongi straightens in his seat, turning to face your boss, you on the other hand jump up. “I was just dropping my notes off for the day. I’m actually heading out.” Yoongi looks at you puzzled. “Well any productivity makes me happy! Come Y/N, I’ll walk with you over to the elevator.” Your boss states. You nod, walking towards him, stopping to turn to Yoongi. “Your choker.” You whisper, moving to remove it. Yoongi shakes his head. “Keep it, it looks better on you anyway.” You smile and walk off with your boss towards the elevators. “Y/N, do you know why I assigned you to work with Yoongi?” “No sir.” “Well, while he is one of the best graphic designers we have here, he’s arrogant, late, unorganized. I could go on but I imagine you get the drift. You on the other hand are classy, quiet, neat, put together, always on time. I know you can get things done in a timely fashion. You are always focused and someone I can count on. My intent was not to have that boy corrupt you and believe me I know his charms. I have heard the office rumors. What I need here Y/N are results in favor of the company, now can I trust you to keep that chaotic Min Yoongi in line?” You couldn’t believe your ears. Your boss was standing before you gossiping about you coworker. You could only imagine the things he really said about you behind your back. You simply nod. “Excellent. You really are a gem.” The elevator opens to lobby. “Have a Goodnight Y/N. I’m counting on you.” “Yes sir. You too sir.” You wave, happy that you are both going in opposite directions.

“You really know how to take a man’s breath away.” He praises, pushing your head down further onto his cock. His head falls back as dark sultry moans leave his gaping mouth. He hitches his hips up causing tears to form as you gag all over his twitching cock. “So sexy”, He grips your hair tightly, “I’m going to cum down your tight throat. Would you like that?” You hum in approval. He cries out loud and you brace yourself for his seed.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

You wake with a gasp, covered in your own sweat, panties soaked through. “Ugh, this has to stop.” You whisper to yourself. “Meow.” You look down at your cat, who calmly licks herself “Alright, you win today, let’s get you fed.” You slide out of bed and head to your kitchen to set out her breakfast. She hops up on the counter and you scratch behind her ears like she likes. “Eat up kiddo.” You place a soft kiss atop her head and jump in the shower. Today you opt for a different outfit, you wear black jeans and white spaghetti strap tank, with a jean jacket. You apply a little bit of makeup and curl your hair. “How do I look?�� You turn to your cat who is now lounging on your bed. You nod and her unimpressed look and head out the door.

You arrive at the office and find your notepads on your desk with a post it stuck on it from Yoongi that reads ‘done’ with a wink face. You smile down at it and decide to stick the note onto your desk. You pull off your jean jacket and sit down at your desk, loading up your computer. “Damn Y/N, look at you. You have shoulders.” You roll your eyes, grabbing the coffee Rebecca is now passing to you. “Thank you. For the coffee, not the stupid comment.” You sip from your drink. “I guess you and Yoongi had a great night.” She smiles. “No, I dropped off my notes and left. I did however have an interesting conversation with our boss about Yoongi. He said he paired us because Yoongi is unorganized and he’s heard all these rumors about him and he wants me to keep him in line. How do suppose I do that? I can barely speak to him without creaming my pants.” Rebecca laughs out loud at your comment. “Who’s creaming their pants and why?” Yoongi appears with coffee in hand and your laugh catches in your throat. “Y/N was just telling a hilarious story about some movie she saw last night. You look great Yoongi, I love you in red. Y/N doesn’t Yoongi look great in red.” You look Yoongi over, he’s dressed once again in all black accept he offsets it with a red bomber. “Yeah, you look nice.” You compliment. “Speaking of looking nice, did you lose your cardigan?” He snickers. “Ha. Ha. It’s nice to change it up a bit.” You shrug. “You look good. So, you wanna grab lunch later?” “I can’t actually. I’m meeting someone.” “Oh, yeah, of course. Some other time then.” You nod as Yoongi gives you a nod and heads to his desk. “You’re meeting someone? Who, pray tell, are you meeting?” Rebecca slaps your arm. “Taehyung.” You murmur. Rebecca’s eyes pop open. “Get the hell out of here. Why? I thought we agreed, you were done with him popping in and out of your life. He broke your heart or did you forget?” “Of course, I didn’t forget,” You scold, “He’s in town ok. He just wants to check in and see how I’m doing. That’s it. It’s just lunch.” She shakes her head at you. “I’ll be fine Becca. Don’t worry about me.”

You sit, shaking your leg at the restaurant that Taehyung texted you the address for, he’s late. When he finally burst through the door, you’re livid. “I only get an hour for lunch.” You huff. “Sorry Jagi. I couldn’t find parking.” “Don’t call me that.” He nods. “Um, I wish you could’ve met me after work. This rush conversation stuff is hard for me.” He looks around for a waiter. “Well, how about you just start talking then.” You cross your arms in front of your chest. He frowns at you. “How’s Frenchie?” “She’s fine. Is that what you wanted to discuss? My cat?” “Our cat.” He whispers. “MY cat. She was left with me after YOU left me. So, she is MY cat.” “Still so angry Jagi. It’s not healthy to be this way. What was I supposed to do? Lie? Keep secrets?” “You did lie and keep secrets! You cheated! You cheat still just now it’s the other way around.” You hiss. He snorts. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I asked her to marry me. She’s pregnant. I want to do right by her. I love her. I can’t see you anymore in any capacity. I came clean and told her everything. She’s going to give me another chance so long as I end this for good.” You sit in shock. “Married.” Is all that slips past your lips. He nods. You grab the water from the table and toss it in his face. “Fuck you Kim Taehyung!” You spew as you head out of the restaurant. You allow yourself to get two blocks away before allowing your tears to flow. You run into the restroom when you get to your office and sob as quietly as you can. You wash your face of any and all makeup and head back to your desk. You find another post it on your desk this time from Rebecca. ‘Had to leave early, one of the kids is sick. Call me on my cell if you need me. Becca.’ You sniffle, curling the note and chucking it in the trash, immersing yourself in work for the rest of the day.

Its 5:15pm, when you get a tap on your shoulder. You yank off your headphones and give Yoongi a small smile. “Hey! You staying late tonight?” He asks. “Uh, I wasn’t planning on it. I lost track of time.” “You look stressed. You ok? I can take these notes off your hand if you’re done with them.” “Yeah sure. Thank you.” You hand him your notepad full of today’s fresh scribbles. He tucks it under his arm. “Go home and get some rest. I’ll handle this.” He throws a fist in the air and walks off. You smile weakly and begin to cry again thinking of the news Taehyung dropped on you. “Married.” You groan. You get up to leave but something pulls you in the direction of Yoongi’s desk.

You lurk a moment, watching him look over your notes. “Want company?” You interrupt causing him to jump. “Ah, you scared me,” He whines, “I thought you left.” “I was going to but the thought of going home to my uninterested cat made me kind of sad.” He smiles wide, exposing his gums and pats the chair beside him. “You have a cat huh?” He inquires. “Yeah. Her name is Frenchie. She’s cool.” You shrug. “I like cats.” “Oh yeah, wanna come meet her some time? She hates people.” You giggle. “You want me to come over to your house?” Your eyes widen and you begin to stutter. “I’m fucking with you calm down. You’re so uptight sometimes. You do know what joking around is right?” Yoongi says, stretching in his seat. “Sorry, I had a terrible lunch date today.” “Wanna talk about it?” “I don’t know. It’s weird.” “I like weird, try me.” He rests his elbow on his desk and props his head up with his fist. “I met up with my ex, which in and of itself should be a huge no no, but I don’t know part of me just hopes that one day, he’s gonna wake up and realize he made a huge mistake and we'll get back together.” Yoongi just nods, so you continue, feeling surprisingly at ease with him. “Well, it turns out he just wanted to inform me that he would no longer be reaching out to because the woman that he cheated on me with and then subsequently left me for is having his child so they are going to get married.”

“I’m sorry. I am sure that was hard to hear.” He whispers. You nod, swallowing back the lump in your throat. “I shouldn’t still have feelings for him. It’s stupid I know but, I loved him you know.” Yoongi nods again. “How long were you guys together?” “Three years.” “That’s a long time. How long was he cheating?” You cringe at the question but answer truthfully. “Two out of the three we were together.” “Damn, I’m sorry. What a jerk. How long since the break up?” You cover your face with your hands now, afraid to tell him. “Three years.” You whisper. “Say again.” Yoongi leans forward. “Three years ok! And before you judge me, just know he kept popping in and out of my life sporadically to sleep with me, making it hard for me to let go.” Yoongi stares at you like you’re crazy. “You just let go, you don’t do to someone what they did to you.” He replies. “Oh, what do you know ok. It was hard for me. He was my first.” “Heartbreak?” Yoongi inquires, still with the look as if you’re crazy. “No,” You turn your head away from his gaze, “my first, you know, sexual partner.” You look back at Yoongi to see his eyes wide and mouth agape. “Meaning, you’ve never been with another man…. since…when?” Yoongi squints at you. “I don’t know. Since he and I last hooked up. Maybe a year or so ago.” Yoongi’s mouth hangs open again. “Stop looking at me like that.” You shout at him. He suddenly starts laughing, rubbing his eyes, then drying his palms on his thighs. “You’re fucking with me, right? This is a joke. You got me.” He turns, shakes his head, and laughs some more. “Who jokes about stuff like that?” You remark and he snaps his head to look at the seriousness of your face. “You’re not kidding. So, you really are a virgin? Explains the button up cardigans.” He whispers to himself. “Alright, ha ha, very funny. Glad I could make you laugh. I’m leaving now.” You stand and he slides to the exit of the cubicle. “Come on,” He whines, “Don’t leave. I’m sorry ok. I just was…surprised by your story. Sit down, we are having a nice talk, getting to know each other. Please. I promise, no more asshole comments.” He gives you a thin smile and you sit down. “Well, what’s your story? I think we’ve heard enough about me.” You lean back in your chair.

He clears his throat. “I don’t have a girlfriend. Haven’t had one in a long time.” He fiddles with a character on one of the levels on his screen as he speaks. “Ah, I see. Not the commitment type. More of a tinder kind of guy.” He scoffs at your comment. “Uh, full disclosure, sure I’ve dabbled around in the tinder pool but after a while it gets boring and repetitive. I don’t mind commitment, I just haven’t found anyone worth committing to, you know?” “Yeah I get it. So, when’s the last time you, you know, did it.” You squirm awaiting his response. “Did it,” He cringes, “Uh, I don’t know like 3 or 4 months ago.” “Oh.” Is all you manage. “Does that make you uncomfortable?” He stops what he’s doing and turns to face you. “No, why would it?” You avoid eye contact with him, instead staring down at your feet. “Why do you ask then?” “Uh, I heard rumors. That you fool around here at work.” The words are out before you can think and he is completely taken back by the statement. “Oh yeah? Did you hear that from the boss?” You stutter unsure of what to say. “It’s all good Y/N, I know he doesn’t like me. I don’t sleep around with people from work. He made up that rumor himself because the person I screwed around with 3 or 4 months ago was his daughter. She passed by here once and left me her number. It was a one-time hook up but I guess she likes to throw it in daddy’s face. He can't fire me for it so he gives me shit instead.” “That sucks, I'm sorry I said that. I shouldn't have brought it up. It's a stupid rumor.” Yoongi shrugs, “Just admit that part of you wishes it were true cause you have a huge crush on me and we can call it even.” You giggle at his confidence. “I do not have a crush on you.” You attempt to look appalled. “Really,” He smirks suggestively, “That's too bad, cause I most definitely…” He leans in to whisper in your ear and you lean in close so you can feel his breath on your neck. “Think you're lying.” He whispers and you shove him away. He laughs, biting his lip. “You're too easy to tease.” “That's just mean.” You pout. “Don't do that.” He groans. “Do what?” “Pout like that. It makes it hard for me to resist kissing you.” You chuckle nervously, not sure if he's teasing or not.

You both stare at each other, the tight space filling with your heated tension. “You'd like that wouldn't you? If I kissed you right now?” His voice changes, deepens, as it fills with lust. You look up and around at the cameras on the ceilings afraid of being caught. “I could hack those you know. Make them see what I want them to see.” He reads your mind. Your heart beats rapidly in your chest, your core heating. You move your right hand over you left and pinch your own skin. “Oh, this is very real baby,” He smirks, “All you have to do is ask.” You lick your lips and watch as Yoongi's eyes flicker with excitement. You stand and move towards his desk, pushing his keyboard back so you can sit before him. He swallows hard watching your every move. “Here,” You whisper, “I want you to kiss me while I sit here.” His face changes and he becomes a man possessed hopping from his seat and leaping towards you. You pull him into a desperate kiss, digging your hands into his messy hair. His lips are warm and commanding, and you are surprised at how quickly you fall into rhythm with him. He glides his tongue along your bottom lip and you gladly open your mouth for him, allowing him to hungrily swirl his tongue around yours, claiming your mouth. You wrap your legs around his body, pressing your heat closer to his growing erection. He soon takes a hold of your hips, grinding your clothed sex against his length. You moan into his mouth while he nibbles and tugs on your lips. He growls quietly and you know you’re driving him wild. “Fuck you sound so sexy.” He confirms, lifting a hand up to grab one of your full breasts. You gasp at the sensation causing Yoongi to stop everything. “Is it too much?” He asks breathlessly, leaning his forehead against yours.

“No, I just wasn’t expecting it. Please don’t stop, touch me again.” You beg. Yoongi groans, pulling you closer against his jailed member. He begins trailing kisses along your neck, tugging on your earlobe with his teeth. “Tell me what to do. Tell me what you need.” He whispers, pressing kisses along your ear. You bite your lip, tugging at your tank top to free your left breasts. “I want your mouth on me.” You whisper to him, kneading at your heavy mound. His eyes are completely blown watching you touch yourself. He lowers his head, opening his mouth to latch onto you erect nipple. You curse under your breath at the feeling of him suckling and licking at your nub ever so gently. He kneads at the soft flesh with his large hand, pushing more and more of it into his mouth, eliciting loud moans to fall from your mouth as all your darkest fantasy of this man flood your mind. He releases your nipple from his lips to blow softly on it causing your skin to goose. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He tells you, gazing in your eyes from under his bangs while he lowers his head to suckle at your nipple once more. Your pussy clenches at the sight. You moan loudly, aggressively grinding against his massive hard on. He curses around your nipple, allowing it to fall from his lips with a loud pop.

He leans back a bit, pushing his hips forward, intrigued by your sudden burst of excitement. You are suddenly so overcome by lust and want that you've taken to a steady pace, thrusting along Yoongi's cock. He grips your hip with his left hand, panting heavily, still fondling your exposed breast with his right hand. He soon licks his thumb and index finger, tugging and yanking at your nipple. You curse under your breath as you fuck yourself shamelessly, your moans becoming more desperate and wail like. Yoongi watches you in awe, his mouth wide, and you wonder when the last time was that he had ever been dry humped. Suddenly, your eyes widen, as you feel that coil deep inside you tighten. You are in complete shock that this could even be happening but are too overcome with pleasure to care. You grip his desk tightly, moving your hips faster, dying for more friction. Your head falls back as that sweet sensation hits you, your coil snapping, sending you straight to heaven. You cry out, feeling your walls tremble, not stopping your thrust until your high has fully washed over you. When you finally come down, your eyes meet a sweaty Yoongi's impressed expression. You swallow hard realizing you're still at work. You raise your hand up in shock, covering your mouth, then your breast, pulling your tank over it. “Did you just cum right now?” He pants, adjusting himself in his jeans. “I need to go.” You shove him away. “Wait, what? Why? Hey, don't be ashamed. It’s ok, I thought that was so fucking hot.” You cringe. “What happened to not sleeping with people from work?” You snap. He looks at you confused. “That's a bit of a low blow isn't it. I've never done this before ok. Besides we didn’t exactly sleep together.” He responds angrily. “Oh really, mister I can hack the cameras. How many times have you done that before?” “Are you serious right now? You’re just attacking me to make yourself feel better about getting off at work.” Your mouth drops open at his comment. “Now that is a low blow. Excuse me please. I'm leaving.” He sighs but moves out of the way.

The following day, you arrive at the office early and get right to work so you can leave early and avoid Yoongi all together. Rebecca texts to inform you she will be working from home since her kid is still sick. You power through all the updates that Yoongi made to ensure that there were no more glitches. At exactly 9:15am, Yoongi saunters into the office late as usual, looking fresh faced and divine. You groan, drinking him in. His hair is still slightly damp from a morning shower but today he is in a crisp white shirt that brings out his pale complexion. You turn your head quickly as he passes by your cubicle. “Morning.” He grumbles as he passes. You don’t respond, instead choosing to put on your headphones and work on your levels. By 10:30am, you receive an email calling for an emergency meeting of all the teams working on the new game in the conference room. You curse under your breath, throwing your headphones down and grabbing your notepads containing everything you and Yoongi have been working on. You reluctantly head into the conference room, spotting Yoongi already seated at the table. He looks up at you, nodding his head towards an empty chair beside him. You opt instead for one across the table from him. You hear him scoff as you once again avoid him. Your boss flies into the room with his assistant in tow. “Good Morning everyone. I have just heard from the higher ups today that they want to move launch day up a week.” Everyone in the room either groans or sucks their teeth.

“I know, I know, believe me I fought hard to avoid this but unfortunately my hands are tied. I was shooting for a week three review with a launch at week four but unfortunately that’s not going to happen. Review is next week, launch at week three people. I hope you are all working your asses off to get this game ready for streaming. How have our teams been working out, Y/N?” He shoots his gaze at you. You jump up. “Uh, great! Yoongi and I have already cleared levels one through ten of all its glitches. I have been reviewing Yoongi’s work to make sure nothing was missed but all in all we are ahead of schedule.” You explain. Your boss nods as Yoongi shoots his hand up like a child in class. “Yes, Yoongi?” Your boss looks in his direction. “Why on earth is she reviewing my work. Isn't that what review week is for? In addition, she's not my boss. I don’t need her micromanaging me. I am more than capable of handling my side of things.” You begin to shift uncomfortably in your seat but luckily your boss cuts in. “She is just a perfectionist Yoongi. No one is having you watched or micromanaged. We all know what you are capable of, no one is doubting that we just need to ensure that everything is set for launch day. Now you two play nice. Review is next week people. No more bullshitting! Now get out and get to work.” You see Yoongi clench his jaw, unsatisfied with the response.

Everyone runs out of the meeting room and you race to catch up to Yoongi. “Hey,” You breathlessly catch his attention upon arriving at this cubicle, “what was that back there?” He leans back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. “What?” He drawls. “Your outburst.” You snap. He chuckles. “Go away Y/N.” He turns suddenly and begins starting up the new game. “Look,” You move closer to him, sitting on his desk, feeling awkward in the skirt you decided to wear today, “I am really sorry about last night. I get that I overreacted, and you're pissed but during work hours we need to remain professional.” He snorts, “So, after work hours we get to be unprofessional.” He leans towards you, grazing your knee with his slender fingers. You look around the office to see if anyone is watching the two of you. “Don't worry Y/N, I cleared the cameras after you left. No one is the wiser. Everyone thinks we’re just two regular co-workers discussing levels. Tell me, are you getting paid extra to keep me in line?” You are completely lost, and it shows. “What are you talking about?” “Funny what kind of conversations people have when they think no one is watching.” He runs his hand through his hair, his eyes never leaving your face. “I don’t know what you're talking...” Suddenly it hits you, “The elevator with...” You cover your face with your hand. “There it is,” He sighs, “I never took you for an office gossip, making dirty deals with the boss while no one is watching. Boy, if he saw you last night.” “Fuck you!” You shout. Yoongi’s brows shoot up as he looks around. You soon do the same, luckily no one has noticed. You drop your head. “I'll have you know that conversation was not what you think. I was horribly uncomfortable the entire time. If I agreed to anything it was because I like you and felt like I could protect you.” “You like me huh? Then why did you run off last night?” “Why do you think? I was embarrassed, I have never done anything like that before. Ever! To be frank, my sex life has been.... what's more basic than vanilla? Italian ice?” You cover your face with both hands to avoid Yoongi’s wide stare.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” He whispers, pulling your hands away from your face. You look at him with doubt. “I am so serious Y/N. I think you’re sexy whether it’s showing some skin or in your button up cardigans and loafers. Sure, maybe you can call what happened last night Italian ice and maybe someone really hasn’t been good to you emotionally or sexually, but I have never seen someone look more gorgeous than what you did last night when you made yourself cum. I couldn’t get that face out of my head.” “Oh yeah? Even though I left you with blue balls?” You laugh quietly. Yoongi’s face suddenly changes, his eyes darken, and you can tell he's turned on. “Is there something you wanna ask me baby?” He says in a low tone. You feel it straight in the pussy. You begin stuttering and he tsk at you. “No baby. No stuttering,” he leans in and whispers, “From here on out, you’re going to need to tell daddy exactly what you're thinking. Every. Single. Dirty. Thing.” He leans back in his chair, pressing his fist into his crotch, with sly smile. “I can't.” You whisper. “Yes, you can. I know you can. Your ex may have given it to you in vanilla, but I know you dream in rocky road. You wanna know if I went home with blue balls, if I still have them now?” He stands suddenly and moves closer to you, rubbing his fingers along your jaw. You shoot your head around, but no one is looking everyone still comfortable in their own worlds. “Yoongi, people will see us.” “Then you should act natural, so no one suspects anything.” He whispers, running the back of his hand down your arm now until his fingertips rub along the exposed flesh of your thigh. You shiver under his touch. “So, do you wanna know?” He asks again. You bite your lip to stifle a moan, gripping his desk tightly at the feel of his erection against the back of your hand. You nod your head. “I did and I went home last night craving you so bad that I lubed my hand up and stroked my fat cock until I drained my blue balls all over my belly. Then I laid there kicking myself because I never got your cell phone number so I couldn’t text you a picture of the mess you made me make because fuck if I didn’t wish you were there to lap It all up with your tongue.” You bite down harder on your lip, feeling your pussy clench around nothing. “Yoongi.” You mewl. “Yeah baby?” You respond by brushing his hard on with your fingers. “Say it, I need to hear you say it.” He leans into your roaming fingers. “I want…” “What do you want?” “I need…” “Tell daddy what you need.” You bite your lip, hearing him refer to himself as daddy has you bravely turning your hand to palm him through his jeans. His mouth falls opens, a small moan escaping his pout.

“She should be back there working with Min Yoongi.” Both you and Yoongi turn to the sound of the approaching footfalls. Yoongi swallowing hard, growling a bit before stepping away from you. You take a deep shaky breath, feeling the heat emanating from your cheeks. “Y/N?” Your eyes shoot open and you step out from the cubicle. “Taehyung? What are you doing here?” “Hi,” He smiles brightly, hugging you, “I hated how we left things. I needed to see you, make things right. I don’t want to end things poorly.” He takes your hand and you melt into his warm eyes. “Didn’t you guys end things years ago?” Yoongi states plainly with a clearing of his throat. Taehyung laughs, moving towards Yoongi and sticking out his hand. “Kim Taehyung. You must be Min Yoongi. One of the other testers told me you guys are working together on the new game.” “Among other things.” Yoongi gives a tight grin. “Right, well, I know it’s a bit early but maybe you can take a break and come grab lunch with me. I’d love to really talk, like really.” Yoongi scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Sure.” You respond. “Actually, we are really swamped. They pushed the deadline up so; we really have to get to work on these glitches.” Yoongi answers for you. “Oh, well in that case how about dinner?” Taehyung offers now. “Yeah I can do that.” You nod. “Ugh, we’ve actually been working late nights, double checking everything. Maybe next month, you know, after the launch.” Taehyung gives an awkward smile. “Can we talk in private?” He whispers to you. “You should really wrap this up Y/N, wouldn’t want the boss to see you just standing around.” “What’s your problem bro?” Taehyung snaps.

“Yoongi its fine! I’m fine. We are ahead of schedule. I’ll be back in an hour. Come on Tae, let’s grab a quick bite.” You push Taehyung towards the front of the office. “Uh, Y/N,” Yoongi calls out to you with money in his hand, “Can you grab me some sushi on the way back?” You nod and walk over to Yoongi to grab the money. “Please, don’t go to lunch with him.” Yoongi whispers to you, holding onto his money tightly. “Will you stop being so weird? I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” He looks you over, nodding in defeat. “Combo 13.” He says, releasing the money. “Got it.” You give him a smile, heading out with Taehyung. “Are you seeing that guy?” Taehyung asks once in the elevator. “Yoongi? Uh, no, we’re just friends.” Taehyung nods. “Really? You know you can tell me, right? It’s not like we are together. You can date whomever you want. He just seemed, I don’t know, jealous or something.” Suddenly your heart drops at the thought. “Really,” You suck your teeth, “I don't think so. He's just really serious about work.” Taehyung just hums in agreement. You both walk over to a nearby sushi restaurant and grab lunch, placing Yoongi's order to go. “So, let me just say that I'm sorry for tossing the water in your face. I was very angry. I'm sure you can understand why.” Taehyung nods. “Of course. I shouldn't have just thrown everything at you the way I did. It was insensitive. Look, I want you to know that despite what I did during our relationship, I really truly loved you. Even now I care so deeply about you. We were so young when we got together, we didn't know anything. I mean you were still a virgin; did you really think I was the one?” Your brow furrows. “Yeah actually, I did. I loved you with all my heart. I thought you were my forever. I thought WE would be getting married someday.” He frowns at your statement. “I'm sorry Jagi. I really messed up but I hope that moving forward we can remain friends. I think the world of you. You deserve nothing but the best!” You sigh, angry that you still had feelings for him.

“I agree. Thank you for saying that.” You tell him. He smiles, taking your hand from across the table, rubbing his thumb across your knuckles. “So, you’re not dating that guy?” You chuckle at the repeated question. “Like I said we are friends. He’s really nice to me. Doesn't judge me or poke fun like other people. He accepts me for me.” Taehyung gives you a thin smile. “Guys like that only look for one thing. They don’t care how you look or sound. He gives me bad vibes. Pushy you know.” “Well, he actually likes how I look. Unlike other men I know and to be honest I don’t know how you can determine his intent or pushiness from one encounter. He’s actually really sweet.” “Then I suppose you like him then?” “I never had an issue with how you look Jagi. I, for one, think you’re beautiful.” “Is that why you cheated?” You clip. Taehyung sighs. “I’m sorry again Jagi. I know it’s not enough but I really am sorry. What I did had nothing to do with you. It was my own issues. Maybe when things aren’t so painful, we can really talk about them you know. Right now, I think they’re still too fresh.” “Maybe you’re right. No point in opening old wounds.” You nod. You finish up eating, and allow him to walk you back to work. He insists on bringing you all the way upstairs. “Maybe when your game launches, we can grab dinner to celebrate?” He suggests on the elevator ride up. “Sure, that'll be nice.” “You're truly are so beautiful Jagi. Thank you for letting me set things right. Well, some things anyhow.” He leans in, taking you in a deep hug and you breathe in his cologne, taken by his much you miss his smell. He pulls away slightly and presses his lips to yours. You should shove him away, slap his face, but you don't. How could you? This man that that you loved so deeply, that took your innocence, that stole your heart, NO, that broke your heart! The elevator door opens on your floor and you push Taehyung away. You begin to stutter until Taehyung cuts you off. “Take care Jagi. Dinner soon.” You nod, stepping off the elevator, waving goodbye to Taehyung as the doors shut. He gives a cocky smirk. You take a deep breath and turn to bring Yoongi his lunch, only instead you slam right into his body. “Nice kiss?” “Yoongi, how did you?” “I'll take that, thanks.” He grabs his lunch from you and turns to walk away. “Hey! Wait. It's not what you think.” You whisper. “Don't care either way. Let me know when you finish levels eleven through twenty. Talk then."

You plop down at your desk and pull your phone out texting Rebecca, filling her in on all that has gone on in her absence. “FUCK!” She responds in big bold letter. You write back that you think you’ve blown it with Yoongi and now you don’t know what to do. It takes her a while, but she finally responds. “Be brave Y/N!!” You release a deep sigh and nod, knowing your friend is right. You’ve been in your neat little cage too long. It was time to be brave. You send her a kiss face and place your headphones on, determined to finish your next ten levels in record time. By 5pm, everyone is making their way out of the office, including your boss who makes it a point to say goodnight to you on the way out. When you’re sure everyone has gone, you walk over to the back with your notepad in hand. You slam the notepad down obnoxiously onto the desk of Min Yoongi. He doesn’t even react, pissing you off just a bit. You stand tall however, crossing your arms, awaiting a response. He turns his head slowly to look up at you. “Thanks, I’ll get to work on this. Have a goodnight.” He turns his attention back to his computer, pulling his headphones back on. You feel your resolve cracking. You remain standing there but Yoongi continues to ignore you. You tap his shoulder, but he simply raises one finger to make you wait. You fume at the gesture, yanking the headphone jack from the computer angrily. He swirls in his chair to face you. “I want you.” You say plainly. He opens his arms but says nothing. You begin to stutter, unsure of what to say next. He scoffs, shaking his and turning back to his computer. “Wait, um, I need you.” You pretty much whimper, biting your lip at how desperate you sound. Yoongi doesn’t turn around. “Please.” You whisper. “Go away Y/N.” He grumbles. “Did you hear what I said?” You whine. “Yeah, I did and to be frank, I don’t think you know what you want. Is it me? Your ex? And even if you did, you're so caught in your own head you wouldn’t even know how to verbalize it,” He turns suddenly, “I meant it when I said I liked you, but I won’t sacrifice my sanity for what you got going on with that guy. I play a lot of games Y/N, but what you got going on with your ex, isn’t one I’m interested in.” He moves to his computer once again, plugging his headphones back into the monitor.

‘Be brave! Be brave! BE BRAVE!’ You tell yourself.

You look up at the cameras for a moment, “Fuck it.” You whisper to yourself; you have wanted this man for too long to have him slip away now. You watch as Yoongi begins to work on the notes you left him. Your heart pounds in your chest, ‘Here goes nothing.’ You think to yourself. You lift your skirt a bit and slide your panties off, walking forward and dropping them onto Yoongi’s keyboard. He looks at the lacy fabric with intrigue, swallowing hard, and turning his head to you. His eyes are filled with desire, but he says nothing; does nothing. You lick your lips and move towards his desk; his eyes follow you the whole way. You push his chair back away from the desk just enough to lean against it. He smirks seductively, leaning back in his seat. You grab the sides of your skirt and slowly begin to tug the fabric up your thick thighs, stopping right before you are about to reveal your pubis. He releases a slow unsteady sigh, lightly clearing his throat. He didn’t say a word, but he didn’t have to, you knew how bad he wanted you in this moment. You glide your butt onto his desk now, being sure that you are seated comfortably. You slide your feet out of your loafers and rest one on each arm rest of Yoongi’s chair, parting your legs to reveal your dripping folds to him. His face soon drops, as if taken over by a completely different force, he watches you slowly caress and then part your lips. You dip your middle finger towards your entrance, collecting your juices before bringing it back up to your throbbing bud. You moan gently, staring straight at Yoongi who stares at you like a man possessed. “You see how wet I am?” You cry, arching your back as you rub circles around your needy clit. “I need you so bad.” You confess shakily. His eyes darken. “Careful,” He finally speaks, “You’re not in your right mind right now. You don’t know what you’re asking for.” You moan faster, feeling your core burn with the build of your orgasm. “I’ve wanted you for so long.” You cry out, slapping your clit now to keep from cumming too soon. “Fuck.” Yoongi growls, shaking his leg feverishly. You needed his hands on you, his mouth, something and soon! You were ready to burst. “Daddy.” You moan out the nickname you’ve heard him use on occasion, hoping to elicit a response, and boy a response you get. Yoongi’s eyes light up like a child on Christmas and he takes hold of one of your ankles pulling you forward a bit, his resolve seemingly holding on by a thread. “Don’t call me that. You have no idea what that does to me.” He warns. You rub your finger gently up and down your clit, opening your lips once again, “I need your hands on me, right here, in my tight hole. I want to cum on your fingers. Please…. daddy.” You say as sultry as you can. Yoongi springs up from his seat, wrapping a hand around your neck. Your eyes widen at the abrasiveness, your back pressing into his monitor. “Yoongi.” “No….no…. kitten, its daddy remember?” He pants, turning your head to suck on your neck. You moan at the feel of his wet tongue against your skin. He grabs your hand away from your cunt and places your sticky fingers in his mouth, sucking off your juices. “So, fucking sweet.” He groans, lowering his hand to your sex, cupping it gently, staring deep in your eyes searching for doubt. “Please don’t tease me. I want you to touch me.” You beg. He smirks, slapping your pussy hard. You cry out, arching you back. “Yoongi.” “Wrong again.” He corrects you with another slap, then another. “I’m sorry, I meant daddy.” He smiles now, gliding a finger through your slit. You whimper, pushing your hips forward.

“You’re a needy little kitten, aren’t you? How often have you dreamt of me annihilating this pussy?” His whispers in your ear. “Every night.” You admit. Yoongi moans at the confession. “What’s your favorite color?” He asks out of nowhere. “Uh, yellow.” “Yellow if its too much.” He tells you, kissing your lips hard, pressing one sole finger into your slick, pass your folds and into your entrance. Your mouth falls open, your moan trapped as he quickly adds another finger. He slowly begins to fuck your pussy with his long slender fingers, bringing them to the tips and shoving them in to the knuckles. His pace is so tortuous that you find yourself grinding your hips forward, trying to fuck his hand. He presses his forehead to yours, looking down, watching himself fuck your needy cunt. Your folds become more and more sodden with every thrust of his fingers, the sounds of your moans and slickness filling the small space. “God your so wet, I bet my cock would slide right in wouldn’t it? I can’t wait to fuck this tight hole. Make you mine.” His words cause a desperate cry to escape your throat. “I love that sound. I’m gonna make you scream so loud when I fuck you senseless.” You mewl just thinking of all the dirty things you want him to do to you. He begins to tighten his hold around your neck, moving his thumb to your clit, rubbing your swollen bud. “Yes, daddy. Please don’t stop.” You strain, your core burning with your impending orgasm. He curls his fingers, pressing on the soft bundle of nerves inside you and your body ignites. Your vision begins to blur, your walls clenching hard on his digits, a sharp yet warm flush overpowering you. Yoongi quickens his pace and you scream out his name your orgasm rising fast. “I’m going to cum.” He groans deep in his chest, removing his fingers from your clenching cunt. You gasp, reaching up to claw at his shirt. “Why? No. I was right there.” You whine. “I know baby. Shh.” He kisses you gently, entering your mouth with his tongue. He cups your sex once again, slapping it suddenly, you jump at the sensation. He enters you this time entering you with three fingers. You squeal with pleasure, causing curses to fall from Yoongi’s lips at the sight of you. You relish in the delightful burn of this newfound stretch, baring down, to clench around him, your legs are stretched so wide Yoongi takes to rubbing the soft flesh of your inner thighs with his free hand. “So, fucking sexy, pussy so tight. My cock is so hard thinking about how amazing you’re going to feel stretching around me.” “God, daddy please, I need to cum.” You nearly sob. He quickens his pace, fucking you relentlessly now. He curls his fingers inside you once again, rubbing large circles deep inside your walls. “Rub your clit baby. Cum for me.” He commands. You drop your hand quickly, rolling soft circles over your bud. Your breathing quickens as your climax once again climbs up your abdomen causing your skin to goose. Yoongi presses harder into your g-spot, dropping his head slowly to your sex. Your eyes roll back at the sight as white waves of pleasure soon wash over you, your body trembling with the most overwhelming orgasm you’ve ever experienced. His fingers curl at just the right angle to cause your entire body to tighten and your climax to shoot out onto Yoongi’s face and waiting tongue. Yoongi pants hard, swallowing your juices as you continue to thrust onto his fingers wailing through your climax. He lifts his head pressing gentle kisses on your face as you soon come down from your high. You wrap your arms around his neck, saddened by the empty feeling once he removes his fingers from inside you. He licks them clean, kissing you softly again, your juices coating his lips. “I’ve never done that before.” You whisper to him, “You should come over to my place and we can do it again.” He chuckles. “No, that’s all for tonight. I will however drive you home.” You pout but nod. Yoongi helps you off the desk and you dress watching as he clears the camera footage. “Where’d you learn to do that?” You inquire. “Sorry kitten you can’t have all my secrets.” He turns to wink at you. “I’ve never been touched like that. Tae could never…” You trail off. Yoongi stands after he finishes hiding the evidence of what you’ve both done. He puts his hand out for you to grab and you both walk over to the elevator.

“If you let me, I want to make you feel good all the time, in so many ways. I just need you to trust me, we have to trust each other. I’ll give you whatever you want, you just have to ask and its yours and if its ever too much, you use the safe word.” You nod at him. “Yellow.” He smiles, nodding with you. “Yellow.” You arrive at the garage and Yoongi unlocks his car. You hop in. “So, what’s with the daddy thing?” You inquire. He laughs. “It turns me on. I like to be in control. I mean if it makes you uncomfortable, we can try something else.” “Did other women call you daddy?” You can’t help but ask. “I don’t want to talk about other women. “So, that’s a yes.” You chide. He sighs. “Full disclosure, yes, some other women have called me daddy. It’s what I like, but like I said if it makes you uncomfortable then we can switch it up.” “Did you call them kitten?” “No.” He says plainly. “What did you call them?” “Honestly, I like calling my women sluts, whores, things like that. It turns me on.” You nod. “So why kitten?” He shrugs. “Its what popped into my head, what turned me on in the moment. Do you want me to use something else?” You shake your head. “I like kitten.” “Then we’ll use kitten.” He rubs your cheek with the back of his hand. He soon begins driving, “You know you really surprised me today. I was definitely not expecting that from you.” He laughs. “I wanted to be brave, I guess. I wanted to show you that I’m serious about you. That whole thing with Tae was nothing. I don’t want to look back anymore.” He nods, nibbling on his lower lip. “I’ll admit I was jealous when I saw you guys kissing. I know I don’t have a right to be, we aren’t dating but still, it really pissed me off.” He swallows hard. “Well, you have no reason to be jealous. I can assure you Tae has nothing on you.” Yoongi laughs out loud at your comment, exposing his gums. “I love seeing you smile like this Yoongi. Its rare.” He looks at you quickly, leaning his hand over the gear shaft to place it on your thigh. You trace the prominent veins in his hand with your fingertip. “Um, I was brave today but I might still be shy about things.” You tell him. He squeezes your thigh. “I’m not in a rush.” He pulls into the garage of your building. “We’re here.” You pout. He nods, leaning in to kiss you. You latch onto his lips, kissing him desperately. You pull him closer, sticking your tongue in his mouth. He moans at the contact. “Please come up.” You say against his lips. He shakes his head. “Some other time.” You lean back in your seat, saddened by his answer. “I’ll see you tomorrow kitten.” You smile at your new nickname. “Hey! Take down my number.” You light up. He gives a big smile and hands you his phone. You enter your digits and lean in to kiss him again. “Goodnight Yoongi.” “Goodnight Y/N.”

#bts smut #suga x reader #suga x you #yoongi smut

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falcqns · 4 years ago

Text

Free Fall

Pairing: Henry Cavill x Reader (First Person POV)

Chapter Summary: You finally work up the courage to tell Henry about your daughter, but he doesn’t react well

Word Count: 1098

Warnings: Mentions of childbirth, fluff, mentions of mental illness (mainly post partum depression), swearing, slight angst.

A/N: hope you enjoy!

chapter one |

Chapter Two:

The next morning you were awoken at 4:30 am sharp by your daughters cry. You sat up and grabbed her out of her bassinet, and immediately latched her to your breast, to nurse her.

You took a quick look at your phone, but seeing nothing important, you left it charging on your nightstand, before standing up with Lavender securely eating in your arms and heading to the kitchen for coffee.

You skimmed over the call sheet for the day while the coffee brewed, and realized you only had an hour and 15 minutes to get yourself, as well as a baby and a diaper bag for the day ready.

Your coffee finished brewing, and you put in your favourite mug before taking it, as well as Lavender, who had finished eating into the bedroom.

You changed her diaper before dressing her in a white diaper shirt, some mustard yellow muslin shorts, with a matching yellow fleece sweater and headband, along with white socks. After you laid her down in her swing which sat on the other side of the dresser, you began to get yourself and the diaper bag ready.

You pulled out a few more outfits, definitely more diapers than you would need but knowing that she was still technically a newborn, she’d probably use them all. You added some wipes, and a few of her favourite stuffies and soothers.

You didn't bother changing your outfit too much, other than the shirt which currently has baby spit and breastmilk on it, opting to leave on your grey sweatpants.

You glanced at the clock, before heading into the bathroom to brush your hair and teeth, and wash your face.

Once you were fully ready, Lavender had drifted off to sleep in her swing, and you didn't have to leave for another half hour, instead opting to go over your lines.

Lavender, to your surprise, stayed asleep for the remainder of the half hour, and when you moved her to her car seat. She woke up when the car started a few minutes later, but didn't cry. Instead, her little head turned and seemed to gaze out the window.

You smiled at her through the baby mirror, before focusing on driving.

The closer you got to set, the more nervous you got. You knew everyone was going to be supportive, especially Michelle, Rebecca and Vanessa, but you were worried about how Henry was going to react.

You two worked very closely, and became friends almost immediately after meeting. So much so, that you considered him your best friend. The best friend that you told everything to, except the fact that you had a daughter he didn't know about.

You pulled into the parking lot a few moments later, and quickly took notice of who was and who wasn't there yet. So far, only Michelle, Rebecca, Simon and Tom were there. You pulled into your parking space, and turned off your car.

You hopped out of the vehicle just in time to see Tom walking towards you. You smiled and waved, which he returned.

“Hey! How are you feeling about this?” Tom said, as you grabbed your purse and diaper bag, before hitting the unlock button on your side console to get your daughter out.

“I’m a little nervous, mainly about Henry’s reaction.” You said, as the door glided open, revealing Lavender, who had once again fallen asleep.

“How so?” Tom asked, before taking the diaper bag off of your shoulder to you could lift the carseat off the base.

“Thanks,” You said, and lifted the seat. “I’m worried because him and I tell each other everything and I’m worried he’s going to be mad that I hid this from him. I mean, I know she's not his or anything but I’m just worried.”

Tom nodded, as the two of you made your way on to set. You silent hopes of being able to get Lavender settled in before introducing her to everyone was shattered when you turned the corner to the trailers and saw Rebecca coming out of hers, and spotting the two of you.

Her eyes were suddenly clouded with confusion when she saw Lav.

“Y/N, did you have a baby?” She said. You smiled, feeling a blush start to creep onto your face. You nodded.

“Yeah. She’s two months old.” You said. Rebecca immediately smiled, and brushed her finger over your daughters cheek. She pulled her hand back, and took the diaper bag from Tom. The two of you headed to your trailer, while Tom was stopped by McQuarrie.

“She’s beautiful! What’s her name?” She said, looking down at her once more.

“Lavender,” You said. “I’m sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner, I was never asked if I had any kids, and then I just didn't know how to tell you,” you said, quietly.

“Dude,” She said, as you guys arrived at your trailer. “It’s totally okay. Everyone's going to love her!” She said, and watched as you set the carseat on the bed and took her out.

“I hope so. Do you wanna hold her?” You asked, and Rebecca immediately nodded, holding her arms out for the little girl. You smiled and handed her off.

Lavender woke up, but didn't cry, instead just gazed up at Rebecca.

Rebecca held Lavender the entire way to the make up trailer, with you walking beside her, diaper bag in tow.

You walked in first, so you could hold the door open for Rebecca.

Everyone in the room gasped.

“Oh my god! Did you have another baby Rebecca?” Simon asked, as he stood up and rushed over to see the baby, followed by Michelle.

“No, uh, I did.” You said, and Simon immediately pulled you in for a hug, while Michelle pressed a gentle kiss to Lavender’s forehead. Simon and Michelle soon switched, Simon going back to admire the baby, and Michelle giving you a hug.

“I’m sorry I didn't tell you guys,” you said, and Michelle hugged you tighter.

“It’s totally fine, honey. You’re the parent,” She said into your ear, and Simon nodded in agreement.

Everyone sat down to get their hair and makeup done. Thankfully you didn't have to wear too much makeup, and your hair just needed to be in a pony for your scenes today. Lavender was passed around to everyone in the hair and makeup trailer, and got lots of cuddles.

Not long after, everyone else had finished, Lavender was handed back to you, and you were the last one in there, your loose hair in your pony just being curled. You heard the door open again and your heart dropped, as you saw the large body of Henry step through.

He smiled at you before his eyes drifted down to where Lavender was sucking her fingers and looking around the room on your chest.

“D-did you have a baby?” He asked, but before you could answer, Eileen, the hair stylist announced you were done.

You stood up, supporting Lavender’s body. “Just, um, come to my trailer when you're done here, and I’ll explain everything, okay?” You said. He nodded, not meeting your eyes. You walked out and headed back tp your trailer to wait to be called to set.

You had just laid her down for her morning nap on the bed when you heard Henry enter your trailer. You took a deep breath, but turned towards him.

He cleared his throat before talking.

“You - had a baby?” He said, looking past you slightly to where Lavender was snoozing.

“I-” You began, before Henry cut you off.

“Why didn't you tell me? I thought we were friends.” He said, in a hurt tone.

“Henry, I didn't tell anyone here other than Tom and McQuarrie, and they only know because they met me when I was still pregnant.” You said, hopeful that that would calm him down. It only appeared to make him angrier.

“That doesn't change the fact that you didn't tell me you had a child. You gave birth to a whole ass human, and you didn't think that that was something I deserved to know?” He said, glaring at you.

“Henry, I-” you began again, before you were cut off again.

“I mean its not like you didn't have a chance! We work together every goddamned day, Y/N! You're one of my best friends! We hang out all the time! Why the fuck didn't you tell me?” He said, his voice become louder.

You walked up to him and led him outside, not wanting to wake Lavender up.

“I'm sorry okay. I didn't know what you would think-” You said, before Henry started to yell.

“WHAT I WOULD THINK? YOU DON’T THINK I WOULDN’T’VE BEEN HAPPY FOR YOU? HELL, I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW YOU HAD A BOYFRIEND!” He yelled, clearly hurt and confused at the whole situation.

You stayed quiet, waiting for it to be over.

“I FEEL LIKE I DON’T KNOW YOU AT ALL! I mean for gods sakes I was going to ask you out today.” He said, before turning away from you and running a hand through his hair.

“What? You were going to ask me out?” You said, shocked.

He looked back at you, that same hurt expression on his face. In that moment, you wanted nothing more than to make it go away.

“You know what? Yes. I was. I have liked you since the moment I met you in pre-production. I have been working up the courage to ask you out because everyone has told me that you liked me too! Everyone has told me you were single, and that you have liked me since BEFORE WE EVEN MET! I’m the idiot for thinking that you actually liked me too. Actually, I’m not even surprised that you hid this from me. You won't even tell me when you have a boyfriend for cryin-” He rambled.

You felt yourself getting angry and had no interest in stopping it. Eventually, your anger exploded and you lost your mind on Henry.

“YOU ARE AN ASSHOLE! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING THAT IS HAPPENING HERE! YOU IMMEDIATELY JUMPED TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I HIDE EVERYTHING FROM YOU, WITHOUT EVEN ASKING! FOR YOUR INFORMATION I DON’T HAVE A BOYFRIEND! HER FATHER HASN’T EVEN MET HER BECAUSE HE WOULD RATHER BLOW HIS MONEY AT A CLUB AND SLEEP WITH OTHER GIRLS WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND IS AT HOME PREGNANT THAT SPEND TIME WITH SAID GIRLFRIEND! SO YOU CAN FUCK OFF HENRY! YOU DON’T KNOW A THING ABOUT THE LAST YEAR OF MY LIFE!” You yelled, before storming back into your trailer to comfort your now crying baby, who had awoken when you yelled.

“Shhhh, baby, shhhh. Mama’s sorry,” You whispered to her, trying to will yourself to not cry.

Not long after, you were called to do a scene, thankfully not with Henry, but with Michelle. You tucked Lavender into her carseat and gave her a stuffy to hold onto, and headed to set.

You didn't see Henry on your way to set, and you were thankful for that as well. You knew you would have too speak to him about everything, but now was not the time, especially after a fight that big. You walked past his trailer and thought you heard him talking to someone, but dismissed it.

Lavender stayed asleep the whole time you were filming the scene, which only took about an hour and a half.

The rest of the day went smoothly, with Tom or someone holding her while you filmed, or her sleeping in her carseat at McQuarries feet.

You were glad that you only had one scene with Henry, and you and him didn't have to be close to each other. You took notice of how he kept trying to catch your eye, and how he kept stealing glances at your baby.

The day came to an end around 7 pm, much earlier than yesterday, and everyone eventually made their way home. You were one of the first ones to go, along with Michelle and Rebecca who wanted to give Lavender some more cuddles and kisses. You said goodbye to them and headed out when you saw Henry walking towards you with Kal in tow.

As you pulled out of the parking lot, you heard your phone go off with a ding, letting you know someone had texted you, likely Henry. You ignored it, and focused on the road, and getting home safe.

You didn't even glance at your phone until an hour later, after Lavender had gone down for the night, until 10, when she’d wake up to eat.

You opened the text and your heart sank when you saw what it said.

“I’m dropping Kal off at home, then I’m coming over. I know you're mad at me but we need to talk.”

Just as you finished reading it, you heard a knock on the door.

#henry cavill #henry cavill smut #august walker #mission impossible #fluff #angst #argument #baby

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nooneelsecomesclose17 · 3 years ago

Text

Am I a fool to think that there's a little hope - part 2

Not much really happens here, but they both had a lot to say, and I miss Aaron and Vic so I went with it. I promise Robert will actually appear in the next part!

It's dark when they arrive, the ferry being delayed and Aaron's tired of being in the car. Harry's been screaming for the past twenty minutes while they'd driven to the hotel and all he wanted was a shower and bed. He needed time to work out what he was going to do the next morning.

"We've got a bit of a problem." Vic comes back to the car, a set of keys in her hand. "There's only one room."

"Are you kidding? I told you we should've called when we stopped at the services."

"Alright know-it-all. How was I to know that the sodding Isle of Wight turns into holiday central? Anyway, there's a sofa in the room, and a double bed."

"Fantastic."

By the time they're inside he's in a foul mood and there isn't even a bar where he can drown his sorrows for a while.

"If you're just going to complain all the time, why did you come with me?"

"Vic, just leave it. I'm tired, that's all. I don't know what I'm doing here." Despite his words he gets down on the floor with Harry, smiling as the little boy passes him one of his blocks. "Thanks buddy."

"You're here because you're a good friend, and because deep down you want to see him because you still love him, even if you want to smack him for being so damn stubborn."

"What if...what if you're wrong? What if he did mean it, was just waiting for the chance to be rid of me. I ruined his marriage, I outed him to Chrissie...what if...what if he hates that I didn't support him with Lee, that I kept nagging him."

"Aaron you're talking rubbish. Robert loves you. Do you honestly think my big lump of a brother would've hung around in Emmerdale after everything if he hadn't loved you."

"You were there."

"As much as I know he loves me, I wasn't enough to keep him there. Do I have to remind you of every stupid thing he did when the two of you broke up? How many times you pushed him away and yet he still hung around because he couldn't bear to be without you? As for Lee, you were being sensible when he couldn't see how to. You're being daft, and you know you are. You're just trying to put barriers in the way and convince yourself of something so you don't have to face him."

"I hate you." He knows she's right, but that little voice kept nagging in the back of his head, maybe it always would. He could never rid himself of it, had done his best to ignore it but as soon as Robert wasn't around back it came.

"Yeah yeah. I'm going to take a shower. Can you keep an eye on him?"

"Clear off, me and Harry have manly things to talk about."

"Sexist."

"Pest. Go on, we'll be fine." He smiles as she goes, he's missed her. There'd been a gulf between them ever since Robert's sentencing, made worse by the Posner family hanging around. Maybe now they could get back to being friends. "Your Mummy is silly isn't she, eh?"

He picks the little boy up, holding him close. He's barely spent any time with him, it'd been so hard seeing him when he was first born, too much after losing Robert. It wasn't his fault though and he resolved to be a better uncle, if Robert couldn't be.

"So, you're going to meet Uncle Robert tomorrow, eh? He's pretty great you know, even if he does get himself into some messes. I know he's not been around and he'll just be this stranger, but he loves you already, and maybe if we're really lucky he'll be home soon, and then you'll see just how great he is, and maybe you can meet your cousin Seb too."

He swipes away a tear, thinking about Seb. He wonders how big he's grown, what he likes doing, whether he still hates peas. He wishes he'd fought harder, had tried to make Rebecca see sense, that cutting him off too was going to confuse him even more. He wonders if he even remembers Aaron at all, let alone Robert.

"Mama?"

"She's in the shower. You're stuck with me." He lifts him into his lap, letting him lean into his chest, nearly asleep. "What am I going to do, eh?" He checks his phone again, only a missed call from his Mum which he ignores. He knows what she'll want so there's no point answering. There's nothing from Ben and he's not sure whether to be relieved or hurt.

He doesn't sleep much, the sofa in the room is far from comfortable, and he ends up on his phone as dawn breaks. He still hasn't decided if he wants to go with Vic. It's not that he doesn't want to see Robert, of course he does, but he's tried so hard over the past year and a half to move on, he doesn't know if he can cope with seeing him.

He's about to get up when Vic suddenly dashes from the bed into the bathroom.

"Vic? You alright?" He knocks on the bathroom door gently. He doesn't hear anything until she opens the door looking as white as a sheet. "What's up?"

"It must be something I ate, maybe that sarnie on the ferry. I feel awful."

"Get back into bed, I'll make you some tea or something."

"You're going to hate me." She tells him a few hours later, when she wakes up, still looking pale.

"Doubt it." He gets back onto the floor to play with Harry.

"I don't think I can go to the prison, not like this. You're going to have to go." He looks up, half wondering if she's planned this. If she didn't look so awful he'd believe she had.

"What? I can't."

"You have to. He's expecting me. Do you really want him thinking I changed my mind? Thinking he's all alone?" She's right, it'd crush Robert. It'd taken so long for him to agree to see anyone, if no one turned up then he guessed Robert would never agree again. "Please. I wouldn't ask you if I didn't have to."

"Fine. What about Harry?"

"Can you take him? I need to sleep, and besides I want Rob to meet him."

"You owe me, you know that don't you?"

"Yeah, I know. Have you heard from Ben?"

"No."

"He'll come round, when you explain." He shrugged. "You like him, don't you?"

"Yeah. He's been great with Liv and everything."

"What about you? Just being there for Liv isn't enough is it? I know that...well me and Luke, it wasn't like me and Adam, but I still...I loved him."

"What's your point?"

"That he likely won't live up to Rob, just like Luke wasn't Adam, but if you like him, if you think you can love him then you should try...but if you're just with him because you're lonely, or because you think it's good for Liv then is it a good idea for either of you?"

"So...if no one will live up to him, I should just be on my own?"

"No. Look, if he wasn't in prison, you'd still be together right?" He nods because of course they would. "All I'm saying is make sure whoever you are with, you're with them for the right reasons. I feel for Liv with everything going on, but he can be there for her, and you as a friend, if that's all you think it'll be. Don't force it. just because you think you should." She smiles a little. "And if you still want him, then make sure you tell my stupid, stubborn brother that he's an idiot for cutting you off and that you're going nowhere."

He laughs at that. Now he was faced with no choice his mind was full of what he wanted to say to Robert.

"Ok. I better get sorted then." Suddenly he was glad he'd run home to get a change of clothes before they'd left. He didn't want to face him in the ratty old t-shirt he'd been wearing.

Robert was going to see what he'd missed. Maybe it was petty and it wasn't his fault, but it didn't hurt to look good did it.

#robron fic #i'm splitting this into sections of the story #mainly because i'm writing it on tumblr and it'll likely eat it if it's too long #also because i'm sweltering and i'm done for today #so part three is the visit

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peachpeachplumb · 4 years ago

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Welcome To The Fat Parade

Hey hey its time for the collab with @justanotherworthlessweirdo , hope you enjoy! This is more of a setup chapter so get a good look at the three ladies now because soon they’ll look very different 😉

It was Billy Corgan who said that the moment a band starts writing about themselves, and how hard it is being as famous as they are, and how tough being on tour is, is the moment they cease to be relatable, the moment they become egotists. Admittedly, Ebony thought, Corgan had never been regarded as a particularly humble man, but he was one of her main musical inspirations so she felt compelled to take his advice to heart. It seemed good advice after all: don’t forget how normal people live or they’ll forget about you.

That quote had been rattling around inside Ebony’s brain for months now. Ever since the tour cycle for Burial it felt like all she wanted to write about was how hard it was being famous and how tough touring was. Sixteen states, plus Europe, plus Japan; Ebony felt like herself and the rest of Juliet is Dead had spent ninety per cent of their time in airports for eighteen months. And the shows themselves were no better, because like idiots they’d decided to make Burial a hyper-elaborate concept album about the thought-processes of a young woman buried alive by her husband; that necessitated equally elaborate live shows with enough props and pyro to make Muse jealous, and Ebony being the control freak that she was couldn’t so much as sing a note until she knew that everything backstage was working as it was supposed to. And on top of all that she was supposed to write a new album while they were touring? Fuck that. Linkin Park had done it, sure, and it’d turned out amazing for them, but Bennington and Shinoda were musical prodigies. Ebony, meanwhile, was not. She knew that.

And yet, she was a rock star. An idol to millions of teen girls. A masturbation fantasy to just as many teen boys. As much as she felt otherwise, Ebony knew she had it all. Furthermore, she knew she’d come a long way. Back in high school, back when she was still Tara Smithers, she’d been the laughing stock of the classroom. Ten-Ton Tara they called her, the tallest and fattest girl in school, the big fat crybaby with no friends other than those goth-looking dweebs who hang around the parking lot. Ten-Ton Tara, who stress-ate her soul away. Ten-Ton Tara, who nobody would be seen dead at the prom with. Ten-Ton Tara, the basket-case. The loser.

But she’d moved past it. She’d lost the weight, she’d formed a band with her besties, she’d become Ebony Styles and written three platinum-selling albums. And if she was now forgetting where she’d come from, how awful her life once had been, what right did she have to sing for all these depressed fans and say she was just like them?

And so, Ebony decided that Juliet is Dead needed to break up.

When Ebony first suggested this to her bandmates the room went dead instantly. Even Raven was shocked into silence. Not for long, though.

“Of course it would be you,” the redhead muttered quietly. “It was always going to be you...”

“I don’t understand-” Ebony began, but she was soon interrupted as Raven let her rage fly free.

“Of course it would be you!” she screamed, in a shrill voice like distant thunder. “It’s always been about you from day one, you’ve got the fans, you’ve got the interviews, you’ve got the tits!”

“She’s not just eye candy,” Willow said softly, desperate to diffuse the situation. It hadn’t worked. It rarely did.

“Don’t you see?” The pint-sized fury turned to Willow. “This is all about her, just like always, she’ll ditch us and she’ll have a solo career, that’s what this about!”

“I love you two,” Ebony said, “I’d never-”

“Of course you’d say that! This is all about you, we’re just dead weight to you, aren’t we? We gotta be cut loose so you can really shine!”

“It’s not like that at all!” Ebony was shouting too now.

“Quit lying! We’re Michelle and Kelly, we’re JC and Chris, you fuck off, you get all the money and fame to yourself and boom! Nobody remembers who the fuck we are!”

“This is not about fame!”

“Yes it is, it might not be for you but it is for us, cause unlike you the rest of us stand to lose everything!”

“So what? We’re all gonna lose it all anyway!”

“What?” That hadn’t been the reply Raven had expected. Ebony was crying now.

“You know it’s over,” she said. “We all do. It’s 2010. Emo’s dead, it’s over. Everyone’s moving on. MCR’s gone prog rock, Panic’s gone pop and Paramore are doing whatever the hell Hayley Williams wants these days. The goth get-ups, the scene, it’s all beyond uncool at this point: made a punchline by Pitchfork and Tobey fucking Maguire. Today’s teens don’t want misery, they don't want relatability, they want dreams, laughter, they want Katy Perry and Rebecca Black. When they’re not laughing at tus they’re scared of us. We’re the man now. Everything we rallied against. And hanging on to our heyday means letting go of all we stood for.”

Raven, for once, was lost for words. But Ebony was right, she knew that, so did Willow. But none of them felt comfortable accepting that just yet.

So, the band decided to soften the inevitable blow as much as they could. One last album, one last tour, one last gift to their fans for being so loyal all these years. That album was Cliffjumper.

It'd earned the usual sneering reviews from middle-aged critics, but as she stood on stage at what she knew would be her final performance, Ebony didn’t give a shit.

Twenty thousand people, right there in front of her. Twenty thousand people longing to see her, desperate to hear her voice, elated to be so much as in her vicinity. Twenty thousand people who loved her. And when Ebony said she loved them back, she meant it. From the bottom of her heart, she meant it. These were the people who made everything worthwhile. She’d brought joy into their lives, even saved some of their lives, and in turn they had all helped save hers. Thanks to them, she didn’t feel like Ten-Ton Tara anymore, she felt like Ebony Styles, saviour of the broken, the beaten and the damned. They had transformed her.

And now, as the lights went out, they were gone.

#chubby girl #female feedee #weight gain #weight gain fat #tight clothes #wg kink #kink art #gaining weight #sudden weight gain #plumb draws #wg story #wg art #wg text

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whimsywispsblog · 4 years ago

Text

RED

A/N: ANGST! ANGSTTTT!

TW: Blood, gore, graphical descriptions of corpses, panic attacks

Chapter 2- Tears

Working with Hudson wasn't as bad as Rei thought it would be. Granted, he's one hell of a moody bastard, but atleast he let her have her peace instead of glaring at her with those predator eyes like Adler's.

"Mr Hudson! Who is Bell?" Hudson looked at Rei and glanced down at the file she was holding, a little spark of discomfort kindled in his eyes.

"He was one of Perseus' agents who we managed to brainwash using the MK-Ultra. He was the most succ-"

"Mk-Ultra?! I thought that was a myth!" Hudson rolled his eyes, irritated at the girl's sudden interruption. She muttered a small 'sorry', biting her lower lip. Gah, I'm an idiot. Control yourself, dammit.

"What happened to him?"

"He had to be killed." Rei's eyebrows knitted in confusion. Her face tilted slightly, in curiosity. Hudson sighed softly and sat up straight, readying himself to indulge in her curiosity.

"He was a loose end. He could turn his back anytime, we never know." Rei looked back at her file. It had a bloody handprint on it. She ran her hand over the handprint. "Who killed him?"

"His handler, Adler." Rei inhaled sharply. So, he is putting my life in the hands of a man who can kill a person mercilessly. Lovely. Rei started fidgeting with her necklace again- too many questions swirled in her mind. Can I trust Adler? What if he thinks of me as a loose end too? Is that why Hudson wanted him with me? He should never know about my fath-

"What's on your mind?" Hudson stared into her dark chocolate brown eyes. He could see several questions sprouting from her head.

"It's just...He doesn't seem like the kind of guy I would like to work with. He just feels too...too closed off. I don't know if I can trust him." Hudson's lips curled into a small smile. He expected this to happen. "Rei. If you're worried about Adler turning his back on you, remember this: Adler is responsible for you during the mission, after that you're under my wing. You won't be working with him as much as you will with me." Rei gave a small wry smile. I am definitely not the first person Hudson has convinced about Adler's trustworthiness and goodwill.

"Anyway, speaking of Adler, he will come in tomorrow. He will brief you more on Bell if you're interested." Her face dropped into a sullen expression. For one whole week, much to her happiness, the scary-looking Mr Shades never crossed paths with her. It was as if he disappeared into thin air. Where he was, what he was doing, she did not care for it- she just didn't want to meet him and she prayed to every single God to make it happen. For once, the Gods did listen to my prayers!

"And a word of advice: Try not to get into his bad books," Chewing her thumbnail unconsciously, Rei bombarded her head with several scenarios. Wait...he advised me. Does that mean- Oh God, I am already a red flag to him. Fuck.

"Okay. Thank you, Mr Hudson." Back to the theatrics again, huh.

"Also, your flight to West Berlin has been scheduled for tomorrow, 3 am. Don't miss it."

3am?! Goddamit Hudson! Rei dramatically banged her head against the table, earning a small chuckle from the older man.

"Is that all we have on her? Nothing more?" Adler asked Sims.

"Nope. That's all we have. She looks pretty innocent to me, Doc. I wouldn't worry about her if I were you." Adler kept skimming through Rei's file for the nth time in the week. He could find nothing about the girl, except whatever Hudson had told him.

"That's exactly what bothers me. It's always the innocent ones." Sims raised an eyebrow at Adler. He wasn't looking at him, he was looking elsewhere. Following his line of sight, Sims finally understood who he was staring at, or more like, glaring at. Rei Ivanov. When he looked closer, it wasn't Rei who was in his line of sight. It was the object that she held onto which Adler threw his fierce glare at.

She was busy playing with her pendant again and in her hands, she held the brown file with the bloody handprint. Bell's file. Stuffing the file into a little owl-shaped bag, the girl left Langely. Adler's eyes trailed after Rei for a bit, till she was out of the man's sight. Sighing deeply he walked back to the office.

"Ah should have got my favourite winter coat." The girl wriggled in her sweater dress uncomfortably.

Back in her home, she immediately rushed towards the kitchen for a cup of hot cocoa. It was a simple yet sophisticated home. Black sofas with pink rugs and fairy lights adorned on the walls. A few pictures of some of the places she had been to during her time as a War Correspondent was neatly arranged on top of the small fireplace that she lit up whenever she felt lonely. Today was one of those days.

Curling on one of the sofas with her favourite cat plushie in one hand and hot cocoa in the other, Rei stared at the fireplace, the fire blazing in its pristine orange. She slowly leaned back, closing her eyes lightly. A lone tear-drop fell off her eye as she slowly started to walk down the memory lane.

Fire.

Screaming.

Fire.

A smell of burnt flesh filled the air. The skin of the burnt victims almost melted away, bones painted with blood-red sticking out of the corpses. Little moths sat on top of the corpses, devouring the flesh. Limbs hanging from a tree or a broken pole, some corpses with a body part missing, others have their intestines splattered out. Suddenly, two bloodied hands engulfed her. Turning around, she saw a man without half a face- his inners sticking out.

Rei gasped for breath as she opened her eyes. She fell off her sofa, her coca spilt on her expensive rug. She couldn't breathe- there was a pain in her chest. Clenching her chest, Rei tried to crawl towards the phone, but she couldn't move. She cried and cried- her tears flowed endlessly from her big doe-like eyes.

"Stop crying. Stop crying." She whispered to herself, slowly focusing on her breathing- her therapist's advice. That did the trick. It took her a good 15 minutes to recover from her sudden breakdown- one she had every night. She looked up at the clock. It was 4 hours to 3 am.

"I should pack, then leave. The maid can clean my rug." She muttered to herself slowly, trying to stand up with the help of the handle of her sofa.

"In short, the flight was shit, I am sleepy and I am starving," Hudson chuckled at Rei's extremely irritates answer. He had agreed to pick up Rei, thankfully, and brought her some food too, a sub with a nice cup of hot cocoa.

"How did you know I love cocoa?" Hudson smirked lightly, his eyes glued to the road.

"I am an agent for a reason, Rei." Rei rolled her eyes at the very vague reply. She continued munching on her sub, hungrily and trying to not make a mess in his car, which was extremely difficult for the poor girl.

After a very boring and painful two hours of travel, including pestering Hudson every five minutes with the question 'Are we there yet?'; the duo finally arrived at the safehouse. It was a big rusty monstrous building. It did have an eerie aura to it. Rei looked around the safehouse- it was just a green barren land.

"Come on in Rei, I want you to meet someone." A wave of social anxiety splashed over Rei as she awkwardly walked into the safehouse. Her nails dug deep into the soft flesh of her thumb and her teeth bit into her inner lips, drawing a little blood from the force.

"This is Helen Park, from MI6. She will be the one who will help you around with cross-referencing any intel we get." MI6! She's British, then? Must be an old acquaintance of the team.

Helen was a beautiful woman. She had a certain light charisma that radiated from her- one that was hard not to ignore. She did seem like a person one would immediately open their hearts out to- maybe because of her friendly and warm aura that was strikingly different from Hudson's and Adler's cold aura. Especially Adler's dark and unfriendly one. Rei shuddered at the thought of her first meeting with Adler lightly, but lucky for her, both the agents never noticed it.

Putting on her famous charming smile, Rei politely introduced herself to her, overemphasising her innocent exterior. Atleast my innocent face should keep me out of trouble. She hoped. And just as she hoped, Park did take in her innocent act. Good job Rei!

"Alright time for work," Hudson shouted out to the women. While Hudson was busy talking to Park about some meeting that should happen later, the evidence board had a picture of an old man in black and white, with a few red strings connecting him to other pictures that caught Rei's eye. Perseus.

"Rei, go to that room, there are a few files there. Try to piece together whatever you can. Park, you know what to do." Rei nodded, walking towards the room that Hudson had pointed out to.

It was a dark and dusty room. Cold too. Rei placed her bag on her table and fished through it. She pulled out a few papers that she had kept in her bag. They were some information about the operational Gulags and another tattered picture.

Thank you Rebecca for pulling those strings.

Rebecca, a close friend of Rei's was one woman who could pull several strings to get any amount of information. She knew quite a lot of people in the CIA- a few of them high up the food chain. She got Rei whatever she could get her hands on about the Gulags. And a small photograph of someone by the name Victor Kuzmin.

Taking the files Hudson had asked her to study, Rei kept them in front, the papers of the Gulag and Victor on her lap. "Okay! Time to start my reading on these. Maybe after my homework, I can casually pick a conversation with Hudson about the Gulag. No, maybe not Hudson." Rei kept trying to break her head over who to approach for the info about any recent survivors from the Gulag, but then there would be a high chance that she would be suspected, not to mention, her last name itself would have definitely raised a lot of eyebrows. Especially Adler's antennas, no doubt.

"Interesting, you're into Gulags." That dark gravelly voice. Adler. How the fuck did I not see him come in! Now he's definitely going to doubt me.

"Nice necklace," He exhaled his smoke, closing the door behind him, walking towards the young girl. The girl prayed and invoked all the Gods- old and new-to help her get out of the situation alive and unharmed.

"Ah yes. They pluck on my imagination- the whole setting of it. Quite poetic too- darkly poetic if someone were to write about, you know, a survivor who's been rotting in there for years, now out of the hellhole ready to-" Rei stopped herself immediately. I should have just stopped with poetic. Now he definitely thinks I'm looking for someone and from the looks of it, he might as well think I'm one of them.

"Mhmm. True." He walked closer to Rei, standing right next to her.

"A few days back a certain someone, a sort of a ghost from my past who I believe was rotting in the Gulag, escaped from there. Intel has it that he's one of Perseus'." He now said, looking at the tattered picture of Victor Kuzmin below the papers of the Gulag. Ah. So it was him who escaped.

Rei kept her expressionless facade on. On the inside, she was breaking and churning in fear and panic. She put on her innocent smile with big eyes. "Ah. How unfortunate. I hope you get him soon." Adler kept his steady glare at the girl, a scowl now forming. Sensing the tension, Rei's first instinct was to leave before she accidentally slipped something else, which will be interpreted as further something else by Adler.

"Uhm. It is late. I should get back to my apartment." She tried to slip away from Adler, but he caught her arm, his fingers deeply dug in her skin. The girl slightly winced in pain, looking up at the older man. "Hudson trusts you, but I don't. If I catch you stepping out of the line again, I will kill you."

The girl now put on her bitter face. When the hell did I step out of the line, asshole?! She couldn't stand his arrogance anymore. "And maybe you should try and keep your nose off my life." Never in a million years did she realise that she would regret the words that fell of her mouth. Fool! He's a fucking spy!

"You forget who I am Ivanov. I run the show here." His eyes glanced at the red necklace. Grabbing the pendant to his eye level, he looked back at her. "I won't be surprised if you turn out to be one of them. Advice: If you are, don't let me catch you."

Rei scoffed at the man. "And what, you're little threat is supposed to make my knees go all wobbly and make my lips quiver in fear?"

"They are already wobbly, Ivanov." This man's ego...

"Wobbly out of anger! And I would like to be called Rei if you please!" The girl darkly growled at him, earning a sharper glare from the man.

"Fucking brat," Adler muttered, letting the girl go. Once he was gone, she immediately rushed to the washroom nearby, locking it from the inside. Uncontrolled tears rolled down her eyes. Never had she been this intimidated by anyone in her life. And he is the guy I am supposed to work with. Thanks, Hudson.

Outside the safehouse, Adler lit up another cigarette.

"Weaver, I need you to look upon someone for me. Her name's Rei Ivanov. Also, see if you can find someone in the Gulag by the name 'Ivanov'."

"Alright. I will see what I can get, Adler." Adler ended his call. Looking back up at the skies, he tried to mentally chart a connection between Rei and Stitch, but he could make none.

"Who is she and who exactly is she searching for?" Adler ran a hand over his chin, deep in thought.

#russell adler #russell adler x oc #cod black ops cold war #beautiful photos

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captnbarnesrogers · 5 years ago

Text

Fall: Pick Your Lover Over Prom Dresses

Pairing/Characters: CollegeAU!Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: Jealous Bucky, swearing, not much lmao alotta fluff Chapter Summary: WC: 2.3k+ A/N: 3 more chapters to go!!

PREVIOUSLY FALL MASTERLIST

When you woke up from your deep slumber, you were in Bucky’s arms, warm and secure. You felt more comfortable to walk down the stairs by yourself. To your surprise, Winnie had left a note on the fridge that she and George had gone to work for the day. She added that the plates of food for you and Bucky were inside the fridge, ready to be heated and eaten. You prepared two cups and made some coffee for the both of you. You heated up the food and placed them on a tray, carefully bringing them up the stairs. You placed the tray on the bedside table and snuck yourself in between Bucky’s arms once again.

He began to turn in his sleep before finally opening his eyes and peeping at you.

“Am I in heaven? Because I think I’ve seen an angel.” You laughed as he kissed your cheek.

“If you’ve seen me, you’re probably in Hell.” He let out a groggy chuckle, his arm resting across your stomach, “Hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Well, I’ve made coffee and heated up some food.” He sat up as you handed him his mug, taking a sip straight away.

“If this is Hell, I wanna stay here forever.” You handed him a fork and you both shared the plate.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Enters Rebecca, panic flushes on her face. You stood up from your spot and rushed over to her.

“Are you okay?” You asked with concern. She took a deep breath before beginning.

“Jessica bailed on me, now I have no one to pick prom dresses with and I’m gonna look like shit and Alex won’t take me if I look like shit.” She says without a breath.

“Well, if Alex won’t take you because you look like shit, he’s an idiot.” Bucky explains with a mouthful, “That’s why I’m dating Y/N, she looks like shit all the time.” You glared at him jokingly.

“Your brother’s right, prom night should be a time to have fun with your friends, not to focus on boys.”

“I dunno Y/N, I lost my-“

“James!” You laughed, “Your sister doesn’t need to know that.”

“Yeah, gross, you gremlin.” He couldn’t stop laughing.

“Besides your brother being stupid, I’d be happy to help you pick a dress out.” You gave her a hug, Bucky watching with adoration with his eye – although he hid it quite well behind his mug of coffee, “Half the fun is picking out a dress.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!!” She exclaimed, embracing you tighter. Rebecca looked at Bucky whilst you both hugged and mouthed, ‘Marry her.’ He shook his head and smiled, hiding his blush.

“Okay, let me get ready and we can go.” She nodded and ran off to her room to do the same. You walked back toward Bucky who finished off his coffee, you planted a kiss on his cheek, “Drive us over?”

“Sure.” He croaked, taken aback by your actions. Surprised at his tone, he laughed, “Yeah, yeah sure.”

He watched you from the bed getting ready. A sweater, some jeans, a beanie; all so simple but you made it look like something that took hours to put together. He began thinking through your entire friendship. How you were the only relationship he put in effort to keep and maybe this was an excuse to finally up the courage he didn’t have back at the university. He shook himself out of the thought and brought the fact back to himself that this was a fake relationship and it was only going to last two weeks. After the two weeks, you’d look back at him as Bucky: your flirtatious friend. You snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Helloooo? Earth to James Barnes?” You giggled.

“Yeah, sorry! I’ll just put some pants on.”

“Okay.”

Rebecca rushed down the stairs excitedly. Her crossbody bag over her shoulders. She described her perfect dress to you. Light filling her eyes and smile plastered across her face.

“Okay so, it’s going to be a red silk dress, right?” You nodded, “with like a dropped neckline and spaghetti straps.”

“Oooh! That’s going to look so good!” You rubbed her back as she entered the backseat of the car and you made your way to the front seat.

“And I’m thinking rose gold hoop earrings and red strappy heels.” Bucky rolled his eyes as he started the engine of the car.

“Geez, it’s senior prom, not a wedding, Bec.”

“Leave her alone, James, I think every seventeen year old senior girl should have a show stopping dress.” Bec agreed with you, hitting the back of his head, truly showing the relationship that she and Bucky had.

Rebecca asked for the Bluetooth in the car to Bucky’s demise. He scrunched his nose at every song that played which made you laugh. He parked in front of the dress shop and stopped the engine.

“Thank the Lord that’s over!” Bec rolled her eyes at her brother’s annoyance, “I’m gonna go meet some friends while you guys pick some dresses, that alright with you, doll?” You nodded. Bec leaned in the middle compartment of the backseat, eyes hopeful, “What do you want, squirt?” You both looked at her.

“Well?” She began.

“What?”

“Aren’t you guys gonna kiss goodbye?” You blushed. Bucky choked on air.

“Um, yeah, of course we were about to!” You said leaning into Bucky and giving him a peck.

“You guys are the most unromantic couple on earth… That? That was pathetic.” She exited the car and entered the store. You finally breathed out and your cheeks flushed a deeper crimson.

“That bad, huh?” You asked Bucky nervously.

“I’m not complaining.” He couldn’t stop staring at you and he began to lean in. His hand snaking its way to your cheek and behind your neck. He looked at your lips and back to your eyes. This was it. This was the kiss that would seal the deal.

Multiple loud knocks made their way through the window, disrupting the moment.

“I’m gonna kill her.” You smiled down.

“Duty calls.”

“I’ll see you later?” You nod and he plants a kiss on your cheek. When you exit the car, the icy cold breeze of the air hit your cheek, making you grasp a hold of your body against it. You entered the store and Rebecca was already trying on dresses. Bright lights shone down on the display dresses and the sound of the heaters running through the vents were loud. Bec grabbed a dress from the rack, a little bit different to how she described but she had stated that she was ‘keeping an open mind’. It made you laugh.

“Are you going to try some dresses on as well?” She asked. You shook your head.

“No, but I’ll be brutally honest with the dresses you try on?” You both came to that agreement. She tried on dress after dress after dress. Nothing seemed to look nice and fitting on her until, she found the red dress that she had described a few hours beforehand, “Now that, looks amazing on you.”

“Mind zipping me up, please?” You walked over and pulled the zip up. The dress fitting perfectly on her, “He likes you, you know?” You hummed in response, “Bucky, I can tell, he really likes you, loves you even.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, for starters, he brought you home.” She looked at herself in the mirror and walked over to the shoe section, picking out black strappy heels, “He doesn’t do that, he likes to keep his love life and home life completely separate.” She sat down and put the heels on before standing up and walking over to the mirror again.

“That might just be to keep your mom from asking questions.”

“Maybe.” She turned to you and smirked, “Also he looks to you a lot, even when someone else is speaking, ever notice that he’s always following you around like a lost puppy?” Come to think of it, now that she mentioned, he really did, even back at the university, “and how he’s always concerned about where you are, what you’re doing, and pushing himself in situations and places where you are?”

“Your brother and I have been friends for a long time, Bec, I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything.”

“I don’t know, Y/N, sounds like he’s pretty smitten, huh?” You couldn’t help but blush at the thought, “I mean, I guess you’ll just have to wait until he gets jealous, it’s always the better tell.” She winked. The sales lady walked over with a smile.

“That’s so fitting on you, love!” She fixed the straps and continued, “it’s the only one in the store, guaranteed no one else would have this dress at your prom!” Bec jumped with joy, clapping her hands together. She took off the dress and the heels, taking them to the counter to be bought.

“Do you wanna get a smoothie or something?” She asked.

“Know any good places?”

“You’ll have to learn that I know all the best places.” She said with confidence, propping up and walking down the street. You were distracted from how much Bec and yourself were talking that you didn’t notice someone heading towards you. Before you knew it, you had bumped into them.

“Oh my god,” you shrieked, “I am so sorry!” You looked up to find your friend, Peter, a guy from your screenwriting class.

“Hi, Y/N, what are you doing here?”

“Peter!” You gave him a hug and a smile, “I’m actually here with Bucky.” You turned to Bec, not wanting your little lie to get busted, “Why don’t you head on in? I’ll follow.” She nodded and when she entered, the bell above the door rang out.

“Little sister duty?”

“Yeah, kind of, she needed a prom dress.”

Meanwhile, in the smoothie shop, Bec was texting Bucky. He had asked where you were and she told him where you both were. She had also mentioned to Bucky that you had bumped into a friend. Almost to his convenience, he was nearby and ready to pick you both up.

He looked from afar; you laughed at Peter’s jokes and conversed with wonder. Something bubbled up inside of him. Almost like a fire ready to explode with each word that came out of Peter’s mouth. He started to wonder if you ever laughed like that at his jokes, if you listened with wonder in every conversation you both had. Finally, you both hugged goodbye and you entered the smoothie shop, following Bec.

“Hey!” Bec greeted with a smile, “I got you one of my favourites, it’s an orange sherbet smoothie.” You took a sip.

“Tastes good.” The door bell rang through the shop and in entered Bucky, “Hey.” You leaned in to kiss his cheek and he smiled but almost as if he didn’t want to accept it. His demeanour had changed from this morning and it made your stomach turn. Had something happened whilst you and Bec were picking out a dress?

“Ready to go?” He asked.

“You don’t want a smoothie, Buck?” He shook his head, no. Bec shrugged toward you and stood up from her seat, grabbing the plastic which contained her dress and her shoes. He almost raced to the car as rain started to spit onto the ground.

The ride on the way home was silent. Although, Bec was too busy to notice. You did though. There wasn’t a flirtatious comment coming anytime soon. You were so curious but didn’t want to bring up whatever it was in front of his sister. You tried to put your hand on his shoulder, comforting him somehow but he shrugged your hand off of him. It was you. He was upset at you. You don’t know what you had done but you were so desperate to know why he’d suddenly become so cold. He parked the car in the driveway and walked to the door, opening it and stepping inside. Bec followed and gave you a smile.

“Thank you for today, Y/N, I had fun.” You leaned forward and gave her a hug.

“No problem.” You looked around the room and noticed Bucky had disappeared, “Well, if you’re happy to do this again, I am too.” She nodded and headed into the kitchen. You made your way upstairs and entered the room. Bucky kept himself busy as you sat on the bed, “Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know, Y/N, is it?”

“I don’t even know what I did, Bucky.” You stood up from the bed and followed his each step. The room was quite small but you wondered why he felt miles away, “I can’t read your mind.”

“Didn’t say you could.”

“You’re acting like a child!” You stated, making him scoff. He cleaned his desk, stacking notebooks and notepads on top of each other. You walked over to him and hugged him from behind, “Please, Bucky?” He sighed.

“I just-” He turned to face you, “I don’t know, I don’t have the right to but I do- Bec told me that you bumped into Pete.” He hand made its way to your back, rubbing with comfort.

“And?”

“Don’t make me say it, Y/N.” He kissed your head, “I’m sorry.” You’d suddenly put two and two together. You and Pete. He had seen you with Pete.

“You’re jealous.”

“I don’t have an excuse to get me out of this.” He chuckled nervously.

“And you’re jealous because?” You were baiting him to say it, a smile plastered on your face. He shook his head, “Well, you don’t need to be.” You looked up at him. Your hand snaking its way to his cheek. Pulling him down, you planted a kiss on his lips.

“I’m convinced.” He laughed.

----

TAGLIST:

@captianlibby

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concealeddarkness13 · 4 years ago

Text

WHG Post Games Boat Heist Part 4

This is what happened to Nesri overnight! Trigger warning for torture. But then there’s a fluff piece right after that. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. :) Tagging: @ratracechronicler (also thanks for Rebecca and Elvira!), @maple-writes (also thanks for Cirrus and Asher!), and @pen-of-roses (I don’t think your characters show up in this one, but thanks still!)!

Nesri

Triel got ready for her meeting with Snow in our small room, and I waited with her. The best time to confront Churi would be when she was busy. She would normally figure out that something was wrong and follow me, but if she was busy, she couldn’t.

She stood in front of me, makeup re-applied and clothes freshly straightened. She grinned at me. “How do I look?”

I grinned back. “Like a dream. Make sure the dear president doesn’t try to steal you for being too beautiful.”

She snorted and sat down next to me, searching my eyes. Shit. I made sure not to look away, or she would know that something was wrong. She cocked her head. “You doing okay, Osprey?”

The nickname we came up with. I genuinely smiled a little. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

She didn’t look completely convinced, but before she could press, she glanced at the time and stood up. “I have to go. Don’t do anything stupid until I come back. I have to be in on it too.” She grinned at me, I nodded, and she left after kissing me on the forehead.

I waited half an hour before I stood up. “I’m hungry,” I mumbled and headed out. It wasn’t the most foolproof plan, but it was pretty believable that I was hungry.

It didn’t take me long to find Churi. He was standing idly by the entrance to the corridor that led to our rooms. I glared at him. How dare he so casually threaten my friends. “I won’t let you touch any of my friends.”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of bothering them, since you came to me yourself. Let’s go chat, and I’ll think about continuing to stay away from them.” He gestured for me to follow, and I did for my friends. He led me down a corridor that wasn’t populated until he stopped out of sight of the main deck.

I kept glaring at him, even though my hands were shaking. I spoke up first. “I escaped from your control, and I will do it as many times as I need to. Give up on trying to control me. It will only end in you hurt.”

He laughed and put a hand around my neck and breathed in deeply, and everything was gone. All my emotions. Except fear. I shook even harder. Shit. I was trapped. There was no escape. I was a fool to even try to escape from him and stand against him. Didn’t I know it was better to cower and hope that he didn’t hurt me?

“Ah, your emotions are always so strong, so delicious, Ness.” I flinched. Kiryth’s nickname. “Yes, I know about your ex. And your crewmates. And your tribute friends. And I won’t stop hunting you, even if you slip away tonight.” He smiled and fuzzed for a second into black smoke, letting go of my neck until he turned into Triel and wrapped his hand around my neck again. My other emotions fuzzed back into existence, not strong enough to affect the fear, for a second before he breathed in again. Something tugged at me when he fuzzed into his true form, but I had no idea what it was. And did that even matter at all? I was trapped, at his mercy, and Triel was threatening to choke me, and his smile on Triel’s face twisted it so she didn’t look human, and there was no escape.

Triel’s voice came out as Churi spoke. “Oh, hun. Did you really think I loved you? You’re a liability to my whole crew. I sold you out to the Shades. I don’t ever want to see you again. You’re nothing to me.” Tears streaked down my face as I stared at Triel’s face. I knew it wasn’t her saying these things, but what if…what if she really thought that? What if what he was saying was all true?

He cocked his head and grinned, still looking twisted on Triel’s face. “I heard the others talking as well. Kiryth thinks you’re an idiot. He doesn’t love you anymore. Cirrus finds you annoying. He’s just putting up with you until this is over. Zenith doesn’t care. He’s only cared about his old team this whole time. No one cares about you. You’re just a worthless piece of garbage who can never make friends because you annoy everyone around you. You’re alone, and you’re not safe. The Shades won’t stop hunting you. Ever. And no one will help you because no one cares.”

Some little shred of willpower tried to push against the suffocating fear, but it was only enough to choke out a few words. “No…that’s not—”

Churi/Triel squeezed on my throat, cutting off my air supply and what I was going to say, and the tears fell faster. He stopped after a few seconds. “What was that, hun? You think I’m lying? How do you know? Are they ever real around you? Do they ever really care? How do you know?”

Thundering footsteps. And Cirrus spoke up. “What’s going on?”

Shit. No, no, no, no…Churi/Triel turned to him with a normal smile. “Oh, nothing. Just a chat.”

“Looks like it.” Rebecca with an exaggerated voice. Double shit. “How’s about you remove that hand from that neck or I remove the hand from your arm, pal?”

I sucked in a breath to beg, plead that they escape, but Churi/Triel squeezed my neck again for a few seconds. He cocked his head. “And why would you care about this broken creature? We took her when she was eight and gave her the magic. She is our property. And she is broken beyond repair. That’s why I must take her back.” He paused and laughed. “Oh, you should have seen our artwork.” He flipped around so that my back was to Cirrus and Rebecca. No. He wasn’t going to show the scars, was he? No, no, no, no, no. They would never look at me the same again. A sob wracked my body as he lowered my collar (I had left my coat back in the room) so only my shoulders were exposed. They could see the scars. They now knew how broken I was. “It’s not as pretty now.”

The sound of ripping flesh cut through the air, but the hand still held me. Churi wouldn’t be dissuaded that easily. He sighed. “Now, that was rude.” He reattached the hand, flexing his fingers. “As I was saying, what is she to you? How much would you sacrifice for a piece of broken property?”

Cirrus snarled, and I tried to shake my head, anything to get them to leave, but he started pulling at Churi. “Get away from her!”

Churi actually let go, and I crumpled to the floor, curling up in a ball as my other emotions fuzzed into existence. But a faint existence. I could barely feel anything but the fear still. “Fine.” He grinned at Cirrus and misted into Asher. I felt that same tug when he shapeshifted, but I still didn’t understand.

I flinched as he started speaking to Cirrus. This was my fault. All my fault. I had led them into this. I was to blame. Only me.

Churi/Asher crossed his arms and glared at Cirrus, who had frozen. “You disgust me, clinging to anyone who tells you pretty lies. You’re so easily deceived. You’re pathetic. Did you think I really loved you, let alone Nesri loved you? They’ve all been lying to you. They’ll never care about you. Even Striker. He’d rather you were gone, and I agree with him. Of course you fell for Nesri’s lies; both of you are too scarred to be anything more than a pretty face. You worthless excuse for a son. Of course your mother doesn’t want you back. And she never will. You will be alone, begging her for forgiveness like you have month after month after month. Don’t you ever wonder why she never responds? Why no one comes for you? No one will listen, no one will ever care about you, Cirrus.” He laughed. “Stop fighting against the inevitable. Give up and help me take the rest of your fake friends into custody. It’s the only thing a pathetic excuse like you can do.”

He stiffened, frozen. “Stop. Stop that’s, that’s not true.” There were cracks in his voice.

“No…” It came out as just a whisper. Churi was going to destroy everyone I cared about. And I couldn’t do anything. Everything felt fuzzy. My thoughts were moving too sluggishly. The suffocating fear was still in control, and I couldn’t bring myself to move. There was nothing that I could do. I had trapped the people I cared about. It was all my fault.

Churi/Asher smiled. “Still trying to pretend that it’s not true. Pathetic.” He turned to Rebecca when Cirrus didn’t say anything.

Churi fuzzed into someone else, a man I didn’t recognize. But Rebecca did. I felt that tug again when he changed. It had to be my magic. But what did that mean? Was he made of something that I could manipulate?

But what did that matter? He was hurting the people I cared about, and all I was thinking about was some insignificant detail?

“I know you’re not Richard,” Rebecca snarled, her grip tightening on her sword. I flinched at the pain in her eyes. There was nothing I could do. I was useless, worthless.

Churi/Richard smirked and golf clapped. “Oh, yes, look at the smart little girl, figuring it all out. So clever and well-educated and tough with her big, scary sword. Not compensating for anything—certainly not any lack of tact, honor, basic hygiene, common sense—”

“Shut up!” Rebecca. Shit. I…I had to do something. But what could I do? There was nothing…

“You shut up,” he growled, stepping toward her, and she cringed back. “Who do you think you are? Someone better than the sniveling coward who was willing to die for a love that was never real? You never did a thing in your life to help yourself, just watched your family die and sat around waiting for someone to save you, and when your knight finally quit babysitting and tried to get free of you, you clung on, attempted murder, and seem so surprised that the shining armor doesn’t fucking fit.” He sneered at the sword shaking in her hands. Hopeless. It was all hopeless. “It never will. You’re fooling no one, you inbred street rat.”

“Aw, you’re just saying that,” she said, sarcastic, but her voice was cracking. She grit her teeth. “I’m not scared of some prissy boy’s mean words! Who’s the coward now? Show me your real face so I can—”

“Use physical violence to solve your problems, yes, I get the gist.” He sighed. “Very civilized, Becky. Good show. And you’re not special either—I’m only pointing out what you already know when I repeat that you still don’t know real love. Everyone just uses whoever they can to survive. Who do you imagine forfeits the opportunity? The wily thief who tried to kill you? The apathetic mongrel who’s killed more men than you’ve ever met? These jackasses who’ve known you for less than a month?” He gave her a snide, pitying smile. “You’re far too easy to use.”

Rebecca didn’t say anything. She just spluttered as she lowered the sword and stared at Churi/Richard. I sobbed. He was winning. They wouldn’t escape now. I had done this. My fault.

He turned to me and fuzzed back to Triel. I vaguely registered that it was definitely my magic that was tugging at me when he did that. He smirked at me. “See, hun? I own your friends now. I will take anything that you think you can have. You will have nothing. Your once-friends will hate you and hurt you. You all are mine.”

Anything, anything for the people I cared about. When he fuzzed again, I activated my magic and pulled at the tug. I blinked, and thousands of tiny crystals were falling to the ground in front of us. And he was gone. What? Everything still felt fuzzy. Had I…turned him to crystal?

Cirrus stared at where Churi had been standing then shook himself and turned to me. I instinctively flinched away from him. “Are you okay?” He sounded shaken himself.

I tried to smile. Everything was fine. Fine. He was gone, it seemed, possibly forever. But they had seen my scars and heard my story and I had led them into this mess. They probably hated me. “Don’t worry about me. What about you two?” I paused, trying to collect my thoughts, but that didn’t work, and the words rushed out. “It’s my fault anyway. You—you should hate me. I understand. I did something stupid. I tried to stop him before he hurt any of you, and I only made it worse. I’m a stupid girl who won’t think. Instead, I just rush in, damn the consequences.” Stupid idiot. I’m supposed to not be making this about myself. “But—but are you two okay?”

Rebecca stared at the pile of crystals, then at me, and she looked wary. She hated me, like she should. “I dunno. I dunno if I was okay before, now. I’m all…I just don’t understand.”

“We’re fine, I think.” Cirrus tried to sound calm, but he was shaken too, and it was my fault. He glanced up and down the hallway. “Come on, let’s get somewhere out of the way.” He led us back to the room. He shouldn’t be helping. He should just leave me. I didn’t understand. And they were the ones hurt more by this. I was used to their manipulation, even though it still worked on me, but they weren’t.

When we got to the room, I just blurted out an apology and headed to the corner. I shouldn’t even be here. I didn’t deserve it. I hid my head in my hands. But Cirrus was there, and he held out a hand, but I didn’t take it.

Instead I burst into fresh tears. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for fucking it up. I just wanted to protect you. But I was so terrified of him, I couldn’t let him hurt anyone else. You should hate me.” Please hate me. Because I don’t understand how you couldn’t. I messed everything up. How can you still look concerned about me? I don’t understand. I’m worthless and broken. How can anyone care about me?

Rebecca sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. “Look. Maybe we should. But we don’t. You fucked up. We all three kinda did. It’s what people do. We fuck up, and then we, uh…forgive each other.”

Cirrus nodded and leaned back against the wall. “I mean, if we didn’t care we wouldn’t have followed you either.”

“I don’t understand. Why do you care? I’m everything he said I was.” Shit. I knew this was all illogical. I knew that they actually cared. But I still felt fuzzy, and it was hard to fight against my mind. “Thank you both so much. I care deeply about you. I haven’t lied to you about that.”

“So does that mean that everything he said about us was true too?” He took a deep breath and lowered his voice as I quickly shook my head. “Between us, Asher’s said those things to me before. Doesn’t mean it was true. Doesn’t mean he meant it.”

It wouldn’t be so easy to believe what he said, but I just had to keep reminding myself that they weren’t true. I smiled a wobbly smile. “You wanna spar to blow off steam?”

Cirrus shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

I made a face at him. “You’re a meanie.” He sighed and rolled his eyes.

Rebecca spoke up. “Hey, so, Elvira says…that someone can get forgiven when the person they hurt or wronged or whatever—or even if you just think you hurt or wronged them—when they don’t expect anything else from you in order to right that wrong. So, I think what we need to do here is…tell each other what we need from each other so that we can trust each other, really trust each other and not worry about whatever we’re using each other or secretly don’t care or whatever. What do we need to do or say or promise? Does that make sense? Or do you not wanna do it?” She looked away.

That was a good rule for forgiveness. It made sense. I smiled, but it was still wobbly. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, and I’ll do anything you need me to. But you two don’t need my forgiveness. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Well, I’d love some sort of affirmoration that I’m accepted even though I’m not all that bright or proper, y’know, just a little something to boost the ol’ spirits after getting dragged by a monster wearing my ex’s face instead of everyone pretending I’m perfect and I never do nothing wrong, which I do, so it’s making me more suspicious, but that’s beside the point,” Rebecca said dryly. Then she became more serious. “Anyways, I think demanding that you don’t go off on your own or whatever is kinda against the whole thing. You want independence. From those creeps—the, uh, Shades—and I want that for you, too. So I won’t ask you not to go off after them…And it sounds like there’s more, and you’ll have to deal with them, and maybe the rest of us will too. So what I’m gonna ask you to do is stop beating yourself up about it, first of all. Blaming yourself for what they’re doing’s just gonna weaken you, and you’re our best shot at stopping them, so that’s not helping anyone. Second of all, just…let us know what we can do to help. What we can do to fight them. If you don’t know anything now, that’s fine, but, like, if you learn anything that’ll help us non-magical folks stand a chance against those guys, let us know. And if you do go after them, maybe try to have some sort of plan,” she snorted. “That’s what I’m asking of you. What do you think?”

I nodded. That was fair. “I just mean in this moment, you didn’t do anything wrong, following someone who was going to get herself hurt. I mean, you certainly aren’t perfect. We’ve still got to work on your popcorn-catching skills.” I smiled, but then grew serious. “I’ll try not to beat myself up. But it might take a little while. I don’t know how normal people can fight against the Shades. I didn’t even know I could use my magic on them. But if I find anything out, I’ll let you know. And I’m not the best at making plans, so I’ll consult you before rushing in.”

Rebecca smiled back, shoulders relaxing a little. “And I’ll come to you for lessons in popcorn martial arts. Thanks, Nesri. I officially forgive you.” We shook hands, and Rebecca glanced at Cirrus. “And what about you?”

He crossed his arms. “I think you beat me to it.” He paused and sighed. “I don’t want you to think you have to face anything alone. Don’t just brush off whenever someone offers to help you.” He tone dropped, a little bit of anger slipping in. “And don’t just pretend everything’s fine just to try and make us feel better.” He stopped with a glance up at Rebecca. “Is that too much?”

I nodded at his requests. Those would be hard. “I’ll—I’ll try. You might have to remind me, though.”

“Anything we can do to help,” Rebecca said.

Tears streaked down my face again. “Thank you so much.”

And then the worst thing that could happen, happened. Triel opened the door, took in the scene, her eyes flashed with panic, and she crossed her arms. “Okay, what the hell happened?”

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath. I forced myself to stop crying and stood up. “Churi was on the yacht, so I felt I had to confront him, and Rebecca and Cirrus were suspicious of what I was doing, so they followed me. But no one was hurt.” I smiled too widely.

“Except the psychological trauma,” Rebecca chimed in. “We’re working on it.”

Triel’s eyes widened, and her eyes flickered back to me. “You waited until I was busy on purpose, didn’t you? Shit, Nesri.” I nodded sheepishly, and she sighed and glanced at Rebecca and Cirrus. “I’m sorry about that. I probably should have briefed everyone on what the Shades could do. It slipped my mind. Do you need anything?”

Cirrus shrugged. “Some help talking sense into her?”

Well, that was rude. “Hey!” I lightly punched his arm.

Rebecca brightened. “Can we maybe hunt down some popcorn?”

I laughed, full and joyful. Triel laughed too and ordered some popcorn. She walked up to me afterwards and put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “What did he say to you, Osprey?”

I ducked my head. Did I really have to say it? “All the normal lies,” I mumbled.

She sighed. “Why the fuck would you think that no one cares about you? Shine doesn’t throw machine parts at just anyone. I don’t give flattering nicknames to just anyone. And these idiots wouldn’t go after you because they were concerned if they didn’t care. If you let those lies poison you, I really will make you as seductive as a fish next time I dress you up.” I sniffled but laughed.

“I heard that.” Cirrus crossed his arms at Triel, looking indignant. “The idiot part. Everything else is true though.”

Elvira walked in before we could say anything, and she was holding popcorn. She took in the scene. “Is everything all right? Should I leave?” I shook my head, and Triel did the same. Elvira relaxed and held up the popcorn. “Someone ordered popcorn?”

Thus started the great popcorn war of the century. And laughs and good food and friendship. During the night, I kept getting closer to Cirrus, until I finally leaned up against him and hugged his arm. And he didn’t object. It just felt better to be near someone else, someone who liked me. It helped keep my thoughts from going back.

When everyone else went to sleep, Triel and I stayed up a little bit longer. We talked about the Shades a bit more, but before we went to sleep, she glanced over at Cirrus, smirked at me, and cocked an eyebrow. “He’s a good man. I approve.”

I flushed. What? “Whatever do you mean?”

She laughed. “If you like him, you should just tell him. It won’t hurt my feelings, hun. But don’t think I’ll just give up. I’ll never stop flirting with you.” She winked at me and squeezed my shoulder. I just stared at her. My thoughts weren’t even working.

She laughed. “You should see your face! And your flush.” She brushed a finger across my cheek, and I finally unfroze.

We just curled up close together (there wasn’t much room in this room), and Triel draped an arm over me, but even after an hour, I couldn’t fall asleep. I wiggled out of Triel’s arm without waking her up (she was a heavy sleeper anyway) and sat up. Every time I closed my eyes, memories of the Shades would just invade my mind. I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep.

Across the room (admittedly, not that far away), Cirrus turned his head and propped himself up on one elbow after a little bit. “Can’t sleep?” he whispered.

I shook my head. “I think I might need some fresh air. If you can’t sleep too, why don’t you join me?”

“Gladly.” He slipped out of bed. “It’s too stuffy in here.”

I tiptoed around Triel and anyone else trying to sleep, and we got outside and started walking. Triel’s words about Cirrus came back, and I started flushing. Did I like him? It was so quiet, and my thoughts were so loud, so I grasped at anything to fill the silence. “Why couldn’t you sleep? Are you doing okay?”

He sighed. “I’ll be alright. There’s just…There’s just a lot to think about.”

Well, that wasn’t good. I needed a distraction. I smiled. “I could help you forget it.” I bumped his arm with my shoulder, since that was as far up as my shoulder could reach on him. But then I actually thought about what I said, and my face grew hotter.

Cirrus looked surprised, but then he smiled, hunching down closer to my eye level. “Have anything in mind?”

My face grew even hotter, and my eyes flicked down to his lips. Kissing? No, we hadn’t even said we liked each other yet. Was that too fast? It was definitely too fast. C’mon, Nesri! Think of something! Anything! “I—I…You know what? We could throw popcorn at the fish!” I looked away from him. Damn, that was embarrassing.

“Could be fun.” I glanced back at him, and he was grinning. He was so handsome when he smiled. “This time of night we might have the deck to ourselves.”

Oh shit. What did that mean? I nodded wordlessly, and we went to get popcorn and go to the upper deck. While we walked, I tentatively took his hand, and he held my hand back. He glanced at me with an unsure expression, but his eyes softened and he kept holding my hand. Oh shit. What did that mean?

We walked up to the upper deck, and we threw some popcorn in, and I moved closer to him, felt his warmth. I leaned against him, he put an arm around my shoulder, my face was hot enough to fry an egg on. But his hand brushed over my shoulders, and I felt the scars, and I stiffened and pulled away a little. What would he think if he saw them? Would he still want to be close to me?

I sucked in a breath. “I—I’m not as put together as I seem. The Shades—they tortured me mentally but also physically. You saw a little bit, but it’s all down my back, my stomach, my upper arms. I’m broken. I’m not pretty. You’d probably be scared off if you saw my scars. So, I wanted to tell you.”

He looked away from me and leaned against the railing of the deck. Oh shit. He really didn’t like that, did he? “I guess that makes two of us.” Wait, what? His face fell. “I had a run in with Asher’s father once. He burned me, and it…I try not to look at it too much.”

I sucked in a breath. “Shit. I’m sorry. We were supposed to be trying to get our minds off of painful stuff, and here I go—” Wait, Rebecca said don’t beat myself up. I tried to smile. “For the record, I wouldn’t think you’re any less handsome.”

“Easy to say,” Cirrus mumbled, looking down at the lake. He pushed off the railing to stand and face me. “May as well just get it over with.” He sighed and unbuttoned his shirt enough to show the scar. It covered about half his chest and part of his shoulder.

But I didn’t stare at that yet. My face grew hot again, but I tore my eyes away and to the scar. It was big and looked like it was gruesome when it happened, but…how could that make him any less handsome? His smile, how he cared in his own way, that was what made him handsome. Well, his looks and muscles didn’t hurt either. I tentatively reached out and brushed my fingers along the scar, and I shook my head. “You’re still as handsome as before,” I breathed. I backed up a little and pulled up my shirt. If he was willing to show off his scar he didn’t like, I should do the same. “Showing all of them would be a little inappropriate, but here’s most of them.” I let him see the scars on my stomach before I turned around and showed him the scars on my back. Scars from knives they etched into my skin.

“You survived all that?” I winced and turned around. He stared at the scars for a moment with a mixture of awe and horror, before he looked back up at my face. “That’s…That must have been hard.”

“Seven years of it.” And I still have nightmares. “They thought I should get special torture because they couldn’t control me as easily as they could the others.” I let my shirt down and threw another piece of popcorn in the water. Triel told me to just tell him. And I really thought I did like him. Even though he might not care anymore, I had to tell him. I squeezed my eyes shut. “But I understand if you don’t want to be around me. I—I think I might like you, but it’s fine.”

I opened my eyes as he reached forward, and I stiffened, but he just gently draped his arm over my shoulders and pulled me so I was against his side. Oh shit. He was warm and gentle and I was drinking in his scent and I couldn’t think. After a while, he spoke. “You know, when we danced earlier, that was my first kiss as a human.”

Oh double shit. Really? Why? What the heck? I couldn’t even figure out my thoughts, let alone my words for a little bit. “W—well, I hope you didn’t hate it.”

“Well, I didn’t. It was nice.” He hesitated, swallowing and taking a breath. “Except for the location.”

Well, this was a different location, and why not? Why not? “Would this be a better location?”

Cirrus lowered his head. “Much better.”

Wait, now? Why was I hesitating? I could flirt all day long but actually kissing? What the hell was wrong with me? “Uh. Now? Or…” I glanced down at the popcorn bag still in my hands. “I guess throwing popcorn at fish isn’t entirely romantic.”

“I don’t know.” He laughed kind of nervously. “I’m not so good at this.”

Now, random nonsense decided to just escape my mouth. “Well, I wasn’t either with Kiryth. Triel said that’s why it didn’t work. But Triel’s also said there’s a trick, and she told me about it.” I hesitated, eyeing him nervously.

He looked curious. “A trick? She does seem to know a few things.”

I dropped the popcorn bag and bit my lip. This was so ridiculous. How was I like this? I didn’t understand. I reached up to the collar of his shirt and brushed my fingers over his collar bone before I took his shirt collar and gently yanked him down to my level and closed the distance.

He was flustered for a second before he leaned in and kissed me back. And he was holding me and I felt safe and there was nothing else around us. Just us, no Capitol, no scars, nothing but us. And I couldn’t imagine a better kiss.

Little did I know that Asher and Triel had actually followed us, and when they saw us kiss, they grinned at each other and fistbumped.

#writeblr hunger games #whg #writeblr #tw: torture #I learned a lot about Nesri in this one #about her fears and insecurities #and that she can flirt all day long but when it comes to romance she gets flustered easily #this was so much fun!

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joannie95 · 5 years ago

Text

Wicked Game

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: You and him were not the same. His world is white picket fences and religion. You're from the rough side and dependency. He could do better but do you really want him to? Does he really want you or is this a faze.

Warnings: Some swearing, angst

A/N: This is my submission for @fvckingavengers quarantine writing challenge the song I used was Wicked Game by Chris Isaak I’m very excited with what I came up with and I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to @itsanerdlife for your help and allowing me to use one of your stories as inspiration and @mo320 and @luckyfiction17 for proofreading

A/N: song lyrics in italics and text message in bold

Word Count: 2k+ Bucky's POV

I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you

I was walking around with Steve when I saw her in the distance sitting underneath a tree, coffee in one hand and a book in the other. I was so enthralled in her I didn't hear my friend talking.

"Earth to Bucky, are you even listening to me." Steve starts to wave a hand in front of my face.

"Sorry what?" I quickly tried to compose myself.

"I said what are you going to do about Dot?"

I rolled my eyes. I didn't even want to think about her, she followed me around like a lost puppy. No matter how many times I tried to avoid her she just wouldn't get the message. "Don't even say her name, the girl won't leave me alone. I'm just going to keep avoiding her and hope she gets the message."

"It hasn't worked before so I don't know why you think it'll work now."

Before I could respond Steve had to leave for his next class and we both agreed to meet up later. I saw you collecting your things ready to leave, no better time to make my move.

Y/N's POV

You were so focused on the words on the page you didn't see him walking towards you till it was too late. Your book and what was left of your coffee fell to the ground. "Dammit, will you watch where you're going." When you look up you see a pair of familiar blue eyes. "Oh it's just you."

He bent down to pick up your book and cup. "Sorry about that, here let me get you a new coffee."

You let out a breath. "No, it's fine, I was just about finished anyways."

"Well then, let me take you out on a date to make up for it." His cheeks had a light tinge of pink to them.

You raised your brow. "Wouldn't your girlfriend be mad."

"What girlfriend?" He seemed genuinely confused.

"That girl you hang around with. Curly red hair, crazy eyes, shrill voice."

He shakes his head and lets out a breath. "She's not my girlfriend, just someone my folks want me to spend time with."

"Well you should go spend time with her."

"Maybe I want to spend time with you."

"I'm not the kind of girl you should be hanging out with."

"Maybe you're the kind of girl I want to hangout with." He had a little smirk on his face.

You chuckled and grabbed your book from his hand. You started walking off before shouting back to him. "See you around Barnes."

I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

The next day you had a feeling of deja-vu when someone bumped into you again. "Seriously Barnes, you should really start watching where you're going."

"Let me make it up to you, let me take you on a date." He seems a lot more confident than yesterday.

"Barnes." You were starting to get slightly irritated.

"Just one date and if you don't have fun you never have to see me again." He gave you the sweetest puppy eyes that were hard to resist.

You groaned knowing he broke you. "Fine, but. It's not a date, it's just 2 people hanging out."

"Whatever you say." He was beaming.

Later that day you were in your room with Natasha trying to find something to wear. You've spent the last hour going through your closet twice but you still couldn't decide.

"For someone who's insisting that it's not a date you sure are putting a lot of effort to look nice." The red head was laying in your bed scrolling through her phone.

"Will you shut up and help me please." You were frustrated, why were you stressing out so much? This most definitely wasn't a date.

"Fine, move." She pushed you to the side and started searching.

You heard your phone go off, as Natasha searched through your closet you responded to the text you saw was from Bucky.

Bucky: Send me your address, I'll pick you up.

You started to panic, you didn't want Bucky to see the rundown building you and Natasha lived in.

Y/N: Actually I'll just meet you there.

Bucky: Are you sure?

Y/N: Yeah it's no problem at all

Bucky: Alright, I'll see you at 7.

"Here wear this." In a matter of minutes Natasha managed to find something. She hands you a black skater skirt, a fitted gray shirt with a semi deep v and your beloved leather jacket. As soon as she noticed your raised brow she spoke up with a smirk on her face. "You know what they say, if you got it, flaunt it."

"I hate you." You grabbed your outfit and changed. You slipped on a pair of black sneakers, put your hair up in a messy pony and you were ready to go.

At 7 o'clock on the dot you pull up to an ice cream shop and see Bucky standing in front. He was wearing a pair of well fitting jeans and a maroon Henley that hugged his muscles. You have to keep reminding yourself that it's not a date.

"Hey, you look really nice." He tried to keep his voice steady to try and hide how nervous he was.

"Thanks so do you. So, ice cream?" You questioned him.

"Yeah, nothing says two people just hanging out like ice cream."

You chuckled. "Alright."

You both grabbed a cup of ice cream and decided to walk around a nearby park.

"So, tell me about yourself."

"There's not much to know, I grew up in a pretty bad home. Left with Natasha when we were 18 and never looked back." You tried to keep it as brief as possible, the less he knew the better. "What about you. What's the life of Bucky Barnes like?"

He chuckled. "Well I grew up in a relatively small town. It was my mom, dad, my younger sister Rebecca and I. My best friend Steve grew up there too, we were more like brothers. My dads a pastor in our town's church, once I'm done with school I'm supposed to go back and take over for him."

"Is that something you want to do?"

He gave you a quizzical look as if it's the first time he's been asked that. "I've actually never thought about it. I've always been told that was the plan so I never questioned it."

You both continue to talk into the night, about hobbies, likes and dislikes. You learned he's had an interest in fixing cars and he learned about your love for writing.

You looked down at your watch and were surprised at the time. "Oh wow, it's about to be 10. We've been talking for nearly 3 hours."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry about that, I guess I lost track of time. Let me walk you back to your car."

On your way there was an awkward silence between the two of you.

"I had a lot of fun." He looked down as he was starting to get nervous again.

You gave him a small smile as you felt your cheeks warm. "Me too." You noticed he was slowly leaning towards you. You wanted to lean forward too but you knew you shouldn't. He could do so much better than you. Before he got any closer you spoke up in a whisper you weren't sure he'd hear. "I'm not the girl for you."

What a wicked game you play to make me feel this way.

He leaned back and with a sad smile and disappointed voice he spoke up. "Have a good night Y/N."

He walked back to his car and you could feel the pain in your chest from how much you hurt him. But it's for the best, he could do so much better than you.

A few days have passed and you've been doing your best to avoid Bucky. When you got home that night you explained to Natasha what you did and she called you an idiot. She was right, but you were doing what you thought was best.

You were leaving class ready to go home after a long day. You were rounding the corner when you nearly bumped into the one person you were avoiding. "Hi." You looked at him but quickly lowered your head in shame.

"Hi." He looked and sounded tired. Dark circles under his eyes that seemed to have lost that light you were so used to seeing in them.

You were about to walk off when he quickly stopped you.

"What did you mean when you said you're not the girl for me? I should be able to make that decision myself"

You started to shake your head, you didn't want to do this again. "Bucky-."

"No." He interrupted you. "If it concerns me I have a right to know." He didn't sound mad, just very hurt.

"You and I are completely different. You come from a white picket fence life with an extremely religious family and I come from the rough side of town with a family who couldn't care less. It could never work." If avoiding him wouldn't work maybe being brutally honest would.

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do. That's just how life works." You were about to continue when you both heard a shrill voice calling his name.

"James didn't you hear me calling you?" She placed her perfectly manicured hands around his arm. She scoffed when she saw you. "What are you doing with her? You know your parents wouldn't like that James."

You gave him an I told you so look before walking away. "Bye Bucky."

Once the weekend arrived, Nat decided you needed to go out to get you out of your moping state. In her words "you got yourself into this so it's your job to get yourself out."

You both walked into a fraternity party and you internally screamed when you saw a certain group of friends on the other side of the room. You were about to ask your friend to leave when you made eye contact with him.

Bucky's POV

I'm not sure why I'm here, I'd rather be home wallowing in my own misery. According to Steve and Sam I need to go out and stop feeling sorry for myself. When I looked up there she was, skin tight jeans with a cropped band t shirt. Only she could make something so simple look so beautiful.

"Bucky are you even listening to me?" That shrill voice brought him back. "Why are we even here?"

"No one told you to follow us. If you don't want to be here you can go." I was done being nice, she obviously couldn't understand we didn't want her around. I walked outside to get another drink and to clear my head.

I couldn't understand why she'd try so hard to push me away, so what if we come from two different lives. That shouldn't matter. I walked back inside to talk some sense into her, maybe if she knew I didn't care about that she'd consider giving it a shot. I looked around for her, I saw her redheaded friend so she couldn't be far behind.

"Hey have you seen Y/N anywhere?"

She looked at me for a second before speaking up. "Yeah she said she was going to find a bathroom but that was a little while ago."

We both scanned the crowd when I saw her coming out of a room. She pulled down on her shirt and adjusted her hair. She looked up and saw us, immediately after a random guy came out of the room behind her. I thought I was going to be sick, I left and didn't look back.

What a wicked thing to do to let me dream of you

And I don't wanna fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)

No, I don't wanna fall in love (this girl is only gonna break your heart)

With you

Y/N's POV

After searching with no luck you finally managed to find an unlocked bedroom with a small bathroom in the back. Once you stepped out you saw a random guy with a drink in his hand. You quickly apologized thinking it was his room, you were about to go back to the party when he grabbed you around the waist and pulled you close. He said he wanted to have a little fun but you quickly twisted his hand and pushed him off of you.

When you stepped out you made sure to adjust your shirt and fix your hair. You looked up and immediately saw Bucky and Natasha. She looked confused and he looked so hurt, you were about to walk up to them when he turned around and left. You walked towards Natasha to ask her what happened when she questioned you first.

"What the hell was that?"

"What the hell was what?" You were genuinely confused about what she was talking about.

"You and that guy, did you really just do something stupid to try and push Bucky away?" She was getting extremely mad at this point.

"Nat I really don't know what you're talking about." The confusion in your voice seemed to calm her down.

"Bucky and I saw you walk out of that room with that guy, and by the way you walked out it seems like something happened between you two."

"What? No of course not. When I walked out of the bathroom that guy was already in there. He pulled me towards him but I shoved him away, trust me nothing happened." You were hurt that she thought you would do that.

"What are you still doing here? Go after him and tell him the truth." She gave you a nudge but you didn't move.

"No." You seemed confident in that decision but it pained you to say it. "It's for the best, he can do so much better than me."

She just shook her head and gave you a disappointed look. "Sometimes you really are an idiot. Why can't you just admit how you feel. You two are completely different but who cares none of that should matter. So just go after him and tell him how you feel."

She's right, you are an absolute idiot, you tried so hard to keep him from ruining his life that you only ended up hurting him. You ran out of the fraternity and frantically looked around you hoping Bucky hadn't gotten too far. You saw him walking in the distance.

You started to run after him and call out his name. "Bucky! Please wait, let me explain." You slowed down once you got near him.

"You don't have to explain anything." He wouldn't turn around, he kept walking.

"Bucky please just listen to me. Nothing happened."

That stopped him in his tracks and he turned around. "What do you mean nothing happened, I saw you leaving that room with him."

You noticed the tears in his eyes. "I went to the bathroom and when I came out he was just standing there. He grabbed me by the waist and I pushed him away but nothing else happened"

He started to walk towards you but you took a step back.

"Why do you constantly do that, why do you keep pushing me away?" He kept clenching his fists.

"Because I'm not good enough for you Bucky!" You shouted but started to calm down when you saw him flinch. "Why can't you just see that you deserve someone better, someone who's not broken." You felt the tears begin to fall. "I'm sorry that I can't be good enough for you." You turned around and started to walk away.

He pulled you back and turned you around. "Why can't you understand that you're all I want, you push me away and I keep coming back."

"But you shouldn't want me." Your voice started to shake as you spoke. "You should want someone who can share that white picket fence life with you. Someone you wouldn't be ashamed to be with, someone better than me."

"I don't want better, I want you." He put both his hands on either side of your face. "I don't want any of that if it means I can't be with you." He brushed the tears from your cheeks and put his forehead against yours. "I want you."

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.

You put your hands on top of his and share a heated kiss. "I want you too."

@agentmarvel13 @1v-kayla @5sos-wdw @a-dancing-hufflepuff @agent-barnes40 @agreatcheesecakestudentstuff @annoylinglyaries @antclottz @avngrsinitiative @bradfordsgreekgod @babypink224221 @captainam-erika-trash @carisi-sonny @chook007 @cosmiccomicloverqueen @daniellajocelyn @doctoranon @ecamille-xo @editsbyjenny @ellieababy @eternaleviee @futuremissstark @geeksareunique @gummiwormsandonedirection @henrietteoaks @hermionie-is-my-queen @imahoeforbucky @ineedmorefanfics @isabella-bby @jaemingold @junitorials13 @katykyll @klanceiscannon14 @lady-sigyn @littlephoenix-fire @lovemarvelousfics @l0kisbitch @luckyfiction17 @ludwigvonbaethoven @maddie-laufeyson @magnificentsoulecollector @mikariell95 @mistressoftorture @moli1497 @nanajaeminniee @orderoftheflamingflamingos @paintballkid711 @pastelpurplexoox @peteyparkersbabyy @princessizzy36 @shallowshawn @sillydecoy @spodermanpete @starstruckgardenstudentzonk @stuckyandsciencebros @superhero2552 @thatharrypotterfan13 @thatweirdchick147 @the-ducks-umbrella @tienna-laufeyson16 @trustme3-13 @wishiwasanavenger @xalinx @yougottalovefandoms @zaza-jones @izzyisavengersupernaturaltrash

#Bucky Barnes #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #wicked game

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imagine-that-100 · 5 years ago

Text

Drunk | Part 4 |

Description of Part 1: Matty Healy x Reader (Female) | When you come back home to Manchester from University, you get invited to a house party filled with your old friends from high school. You hadn’t seen most of them for 4 years and the house brings back some old memories of the parties you once attended. Getting drunk with old friends ends up being better than you imagined.

Word Count: 11.1k

Warnings: lil smutty but not really

A/N: I really hope you guys like this part. It was fun to write, and I really enjoyed your comments after the last one. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one when you’ve read it. Love you all, thanks so much for reading. Let me know if you want to be tagged x

btw haven't even read through it properly I just did spell check so sorry about that.

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| MASTERLIST IN BIO | Updates on Fridays |

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You were beyond excited that today was the day you’d get to see the band again. From speaking to them on the phone a few times over the past month you’d forgotten how fun they were to chat to.

So, you were thrilled when they walked through your Student Union’s (SU) doors and grabbed your attention.

“Y/N” You heard someone shout.

You were sat on a bar stool chatting to your colleague who was behind the bar when your head whipped around to find who called you. You smiled when you saw Ross and Adam come through the doors.

You got up immediately and walked towards them with a big grin on your face. You reached Ross first and he’d just put his bass case down so he could give you a hug.

When his arms wrapped around you, you felt like you were home again.

“Awh I’ve missed you guys” You grin as you gave him a tight squeeze.

Ross chuckled and let you go so you could move onto Adam who chuckled, “We’ve missed you too” as he hugged you.

“Nah, I’ve not missed you at all” You heard George call and you let go of Adam to send a dirty look his way.

“Ew, who do you think you’re speaking to?” You playfully shoot daggers at him and punch his shoulder which almost knocked him off balance because he was carrying the bass drum of his kit.

“Hey” George shouted back at you, but you could only grin at him because of the smile on his face.

“Where can I put my shit?” He questions and you laughed.

“Come on. Follow me” You instruct before walking through the bar and showing them to the staff’s section of the building.

You told them they could keep all their music stuff here for the night because you had a big storeroom and your flat wasn’t the biggest.

You opened the doors for them and flicked the light on and watched as George put his kit down. As soon as he did, he wrapped his arms around your waist and picked you up spinning you around a few times.

You let out a little screech of surprise at his antics and then giggled as you hugged him back. All the while trying not to spill your drink down him, which proved difficult as he span you around.

“Oh my god, I’ve missed you so much” George expressed as he put you back on the ground.

“Definitely not more than I’ve missed you” You chuckle, feeling slightly dizzy.

“I beg to differ, I’ve had no one to call when I’m bored” George told you, before giving you another tight squeeze.

“I told you that you could call me whenever you wanted” You sighed, shaking your head like a disappointed mum.

George shrugged before letting you go, “Well, I didn’t wanna disturb you”

“You’re an idiot, I’ve pretty much finished everything” You told him before Ross asked if he was alright to leave some other stuff and you told him it was fine.

“Thanks for making me carry all this shit whilst yous just chat” Matty said in a moody tone.

You watched with a smirk as he stumbled through the door with two drums in his arms and a guitar case on his back.You let out a snort at that and watched as he placed the drums on the ground.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the moody boy in front of you.

“Matty” You nodded at him with a grin on your face.

“Y/N” He responds before walking towards you to give you a hug.

You gave him a hug back and scoffed when he took your drink out of your hand and took a few mouthfuls of it.

You punched his arm hard for that and then pushed the bottom of the drink higher, so it spilt down his front a little. Served him right for stealing your drink and after not saying bye after Christmas.

“Bitch” He scoffs as he wipes the cider off his face, and you took back what was left of your drink.

You grinned back at him looking at the massive black wet patch on his top. At least it was a little bit of payback that he definitely deserved.

Once you’d helped them get all of their stuff into the storage room, you got them all a drink. It was entertaining watching them all order their drinks whilst looking around at the building.

You could tell they were trying to figure out what the people were like here. To see if they were like we all were back home.

You introduced them to your manager, who was behind the bar, and he seemed thrilled to have them here. The guys told him that they were grateful for the gig and your manager elected to embarrass you.

“Oh, from the way Y/N/N bigged you up, I’m expecting great things. She nearly orgasmed when I said that you could perform” He over-exaggerates, and all the boys burst out laughing.

Ross laughed putting his arm around you and gave you a side hug. You put your arm around him as well, but you were shocked at what your boss had just said.

“Fucking workplace harassment” You scoff with wide eyes, but you knew he was only joking.

He may have been your manager, but he was mostly just your good friend. He was only a year older than you, and you got on like a house on fire.

Your manager laughed at you before saying, “All jokes aside though, thanks for coming all this way”

“Ah we’d go all the way down to London for Y/N/N” Ross hugged you into him slightly tighter and you smiled up at him.

You saw that George also nodded at that and you paid for the drinks.

“I love these boys” You told your manager in front of them and your manager smiled.

“I can tell.” He smiles before glancing back at the boys, and then proceeds to make your jaw drop by asking, “Which one of you did she shag?”

“I never told you I shagged any of them” You half scoffed still a little shocked.

Matty held his hand up and said “Guilty” and your manager laughed.

“Right fuck off” You told your manager with a smile and pulled Ross, who you still had your arm around, over to an empty booth.

When you all sat down, you were chatting to each other like you never left. It felt so nice having them here with you. You loved it.

As you chatted you found out a few things that left you shocked. You found out that Adam had broken up with Rebecca a couple of months ago which you found really upsetting.

You climbed over the seats over to him to give him a hug. And when you released him you sat yourself down next to him and subsequently Matty.

Thankfully though, Adam seemed okay and you hoped one of your friends would take an interest in him this weekend. Which to be fair Adam seemed like he was up for too.

Everything had been going great and you loved that you were still joking with each other. However, throughout the night a few guys that you’d previously been with had come up to you.

One guy called Noah came up to you and gave you a one-sided hug. You lent into his chest as he wrapped his arms around you and smiled up and around at him.

“You busy tonight Y/N?” Noah asks confidently and you had to stop yourself from rolling your eyes.

“Yeah, busy this weekend” You told him.

You could feel the guys eyes on you and but you didn’t feel the need to introduce them. You were 99% certain that Noah was over here to try and get back into your pants, but the answer was going to be no.

You had to suppress a laugh when your theory was correct and Noah starts being shamelessly suggestive, “Shame, we could have done that thing you wanted”

“I already found someone else to do it, but thanks for the offer” You smiled up at him half-heartedly.

“Well, you know where I am if you need me” Noah smiles with hopeful eyes.

You smile up at him and watch as he walks away to his friends.

“When did you shag him then?” Matty grabs your attention back.

You smiled because it was blatantly obvious. You had to think back to when it was, you’d had a few guys since you got back after Christmas. You start counting on your fingers and saying names back in your head until you come across his.

“Jesus Christ” George says watching as you start counting over 5.

You chuckle at that before slapping his arm, “Hey, just because I know what I like doesn’t mean it’s gotta be with one person”

“I’m not planning to be married like you are until I get back home” You told them after taking a sip of your drink.

“Why until you get back home?” Adam asked curiously.

“Well literally everyone here’s from different places. If I’m going to end up being with someone properly, I’d rather it not be a long-distance thing” You told them honestly.

“People don’t tend to wait for what they want” You shrug with a sad smile.

“So, you actually want a relationship when you get back home?” Ross asked you.

“Why? You interested Ross?” You smirked, playfully shuffling closer to him.

Ross shrugged his shoulders and nodded slightly. This made the both of you giggle and you winked at him playfully.

You both laughed the joke off, and you gave your actual reason, “I’ve had my three years of fun. Probably time to settle a bit when I get back”

“You’re going to become boring then, you mean?” Matty asked and you stuck your middle finger up at him faking distain.

“Don’t think that’s possible” You smirk before finishing the rest of your drink.

“You guys want another round?” You asked and they nodded.

You got up and Matty came with you to get the drinks this time around. He looked so fucking good in his black skinny jeans, and the way his leather jacket hung off him made you want to bite you lip. Even his distressed black top was sure to look good if he took the jacket off.

You were still attracted to the guy. Yet you really shouldn’t be after how he left things after Christmas. But you guess the body wants what the body wants.

As you were waiting to be served, Matty curiously questions you, “So, what did you want that guy to do that he didn’t do?”

You looked at him with a smile and lent towards him a bit before saying, “I’m sure you of all people could guess”

You watched Matty’s reaction to what you’d just said, and you saw the flash of recognition in his eyes. He’s raised his eyebrows at you before quickly glancing at your neck. Once his eyes connect to yours again, he’s sending you a knowing grin.

Matty lent towards you and half whispered, “Found anyone else who does it properly?”

You grin back at him and nod your head. The guy that you’d been seeing recently did it much like how you remembered Matty did.

“Better or worse?” Matty asked and you shrugged your shoulders.

“It’s different” You told him, and you were sure he was about to ask you something else, but your manager asked what your order was.

Matty paid for the drinks before you could get your card out fast enough to treat them again. You thanked him for the drink and you both wait patiently and watch as your mate made them.

You exchanged light conversation, but you got interrupted. In your peripheral vision you see someone walk up to the bar next to you and you hear them say “Hey Y/N/N”

You look around to your other side and see that Cole was stood next to you.

“Oh hey” You smile at him.

Cole wraps an arm around you, which Matty notices straight away and he can’t help the smirk that grows on his face. Matty makes eye contact with you and you shake your head slightly almost pleading with him to drop it.

You knew exactly what he was thinking. Another notch on your belt.

“You down for tonight or are you busy?” Cole asks you not so subtly, and then you saw that his eyes flicked towards Matty.

You heard a snort of laughter come from Matty, but he quickly covered it up with a cough. You stopped yourself from chuckling at his reaction and answered Cole’s question.

“Sorry I’m busy this weekend, I forgot to mention” You move out of his grasp as you lean towards Matty a little more so you could get ready to get your drinks.

“Ah it’s alright. Maybe in the week or next weekend or something?” Cole babbled, obviously a little distressed that you’d turned him down when he wasn’t expecting it.

You took a hold of your drinks that your manager handed over to you and Matty.

“Yeah, maybe if I ever recover from this weekend” You chuckled to Cole before asking Matty if he could grab the other drinks.

“Yeah sure” Matty replied and you watched him as he grabbed the three drinks in his hands. You were so focused on looking at Matty’s large hands that you nearly missed Cole asking you another question.

“So... You got any plans this weekend?” He smiles at you.

“Yep I’ve got four great plans” You smile nodding towards Matty and then over to other three boys on the table across the room.

“Yeah, come on Y/N or we can’t start the gang bang on time” Matty nudged you.

Just before you could laugh, Matty shocked you by leaning in and kissing you out of the blue. It was a quick one but it also lingered, quite clearly his intention was to make Cole fuck off.

You kissed him back, and you almost wanted to pull him in for another. But before you could, Matty pulled away, winked, then he heads back over to the table.

You tried to hold your amusement back from your face as you go to follow after Matty, but it didn’t work. All you could do was smile and when you looked back around at Cole who now looked shell shocked as he stared at the band sat at your table.

“See you soon Cole” You hurried off and you heard him say a faint ‘bye’ before you sat back down. You put the drinks down in front of you and you shook your head at Matty.

“As if I don’t already look bad enough sitting with four guys, it’s gunna to look a hell of a lot worse when you all leave with me now” You glared at Matty, but amusement was clear in your voice.

Matty let out a loud laugh at that and you couldn’t help but laugh to. The other boys asked what had happened and you told them from the start of Cole’s interaction.

They all found it funny and George decided to highlight something to the group.

“Well, don’t you seem to know everyone here” He grinned.

A laugh escaped from your lips before you could even attempt to hold it back.

“Yeah, I’ve probably shagged one person from every group in here, you guys included” You joked, and they all laughed.

“Fun times innit” You joke, shrugging your shoulders before looking around the room to see if you were right.

As you looked around the room, Adam asked, “Go on then, which guys?”

You smile back around at him before you start pointing people out to them discretely. You give them the low down on what each one was like if you could remember. Some of them had been a long time ago, so you forgot some of the details.

You just know that most of them you’d had a good time with, so you regretted absolutely nothing.

“And the guy who’s at the bar right now, he’s the guy I shagged in the staff room” You told them, and they smiled and shook their heads at you.

  “What?” You questioned with a grin, “I didn’t wanna wait, and he was being a tease”

“Too much information Y/N” George shook his head before taking a long drink.

“Oh whatever, like he’s not told you worse” You said pointing to Matty. “And it’s better to be honest about it. Why lie about it when you’re just secretly wanting to know anyway? I’d rather just tell you”

“Okay, so if were being truthful, who’s the best guy you’ve shagged?” Matty asked you confidently.

The question causes you to sit back and sigh. That was a lot of people to filter through in your head.

After a few seconds, you shrug, “I don’t know, it’s a difficult one”

“It can’t be that difficult” Matty pulls a face.

“Who’s the best girl you shagged then?” You shoot back, not thinking it would be an easy answer for him either.

“Probably you” He shrugged.

“You’re saying that just cause I’m sat here” You sighed not believing him.

“Nah I’m not. It probably is you” He said bluntly.

“Okay” You dismissed it, not really knowing how to reply.

You did take a little gratification from it though. Definitely a good ego boost.

But you don’t get a second to appreciate the victory you never asked for, because the others push on asking you, “So, who’s yours?”

“I don’t know” You sighed but you couldn’t stop smiling because of how insistent they were being.

“How can you not know?” George asked trying to repress a smile but failing.

“Wait, so you all have just the one person at the top of your list?” You asked and they all nodded and looked at you like you were stupid.

“Shit. Maybe I am I slut” You laugh and practically facepalmed yourself.

You heard George let out a really loud laugh and you couldn’t help but smile. You owned it and you had fun, so why not reclaim the slur.

Enjoying is no sex is no crime.

“So, come on then who’s yours!?” Matty impatiently repeats himself.

“I don’t know, it’s all different. You obviously want me to say you and yeah you’re good, but you were different”

“A better different?” Matty smiles, letting curiosity get the better of him.

You shook your head, “No just different, like I shagged you loads of times but most of them in here apart from like two of them I only shagged once”

“Which two?” Matty pressed on.

“Jesus Christ, I don’t know. I’ve been shagging Cole recently and before him it was that guy over there who just made eye contact with me” You explain, quickly turning away from Kyle.

“Alright then out of me and them two, who was better?” Matty carried on and you sighed loudly.

“I don’t know” You express slightly louder than before.

“Just fucking choose” Adam starts to laugh.

The whole conversation became funnier as it went on. You just needed to make a decision at this point.

“That guys coming over here now by the way” Ross told you and when you look back, you saw Kyle walking in your direction.

“Fuck” You murmured looking down to the ground in hope that he wouldn’t come near you.

“Quickly” Matty ushered.

“Y/N” You heard Kyle call.

“Fine, you” You told Matty before you felt Kyle’s presence next to you. At least it meant that Matty’s victory would be short lived.

You turned to look at Kyle and half smiled.

“You alright” You asked half-heartedly.

“Yeah good thanks, how are you?” He asked in a friendly tone.

However, your tone didn’t match. You sounded bored of the conversation already when you replied, “Great thanks”

Why is it that most lads are only especially nice when they have other intensions?

“I heard about something going down at yours this weekend, is that still a thing?” The brunette asked you curiously.

“Definitely not. Who told you that?” You frown.

Nothing that he was invited to anyway.

“Stacy said that you were all going out tomorrow then it would be back to yours and you were having a flat party” He told you and you made a mental note to slap Stacy when you next saw her.

“Yeah that’s invite only sorry, and my flat will have enough people in it” You said dismissively.

“We could just go in your room if you wanted” He said, and you didn’t even stop your eyes from rolling this time.

“Again, it’s invite only and when you decided to use me to cheat on your girlfriend, you were very much uninvited. You know? Just in case you forgot” You told him with no hint of humour in your voice.

You sounded so condescending it was unreal.

He looked at you as if you shouldn’t have said it that loud but then quickly reverted back to his player ways. “Well I don’t have a girlfriend anymore so...”

“Fuck off” You scoffed shaking your head.

You looked round the table at the boys to see they were wide eyed at the situation that was unfolding.

“Come on, you know you want it” Kyle said and Matty of all people gasped.

At least he knew you well enough not to say shit like that.

“I think I can definitely do better than you and I've got four guys right here” You said pointing round to them all. “If I want a fuck, I’ll ask one. Now fuck. Off”

Kyle seemed to take the hint after that because you heard him walk away. After you took an angry mouthful of your drink, the boys were now looking at you, waiting for you to say something.

You looked around them and smiled as if the previous conversation didn’t happen. “So, you’re all up for the gang bang then?” You joked and they all burst out laughing, and thankfully the tension eased.

After that the night seemed to move along smoothly. None of your other past flings came up to you and you were left alone with some of your favourite people.

“I’m excited for the gigs! I haven’t heard your music in forever. I’m getting withdrawal symptoms” You told them, and they chuckled.

“We’re excited to” Adam smiles.

“Especially for the paid ones” Matty added and you laughed.

“I did tell you guys that you’re getting a hundred each on Sunday, right?” You asked, your mind becoming a bit hazy from the alcohol.

“What the fuck do you mean a hundred each? You just said one hundred” George questioned with wide eyes.

“Oh no sorry I meant you get a hundred each. I blagged it saying that you needed the money for the travel and expenses for the hotel for an extra night”

“Y/N, you fucking genius” Matty grins, before grabbing your face and giving you a kiss on the cheek.

When you were released, you laughed and flicked your hair to the side, “I know I’m great. Manager material”

They all laughed at you and after that round of drinks you all left the bar. You all thought it would be best before another one of your Ex’s showed up and started bothering you again.

When you got back to your flat the first thing you did was show them around. You loved your flat. The four of you who shared it made it feel like home and you loved it with the whole of your heart.

It wasn’t much but it was cute and homey. You had 4 bedrooms and the biggest one (which was yours) had an en suite. You also had another communal bathroom and a joint lounge area and kitchen.

The boys seemed to like your flat as they looked around and they were very excited when you told them that your flatmate Tom was away and that he said the lads could use his room. George got dips on it straight away, but you had no doubt he would end up sharing with another one of them. And they would more than likely swap over the weekend too.

The next thing you did was let them make their own drinks with the alcohol you’d bought them the previous day whilst you went to your room to get changed. You decided to change into your PJs which consisted of an oversized top and some shorts. You elected to keep your underwear on underneath as well because you didn’t want to accident flash anyone.

You also pulled your blanket off your bed and brought it through to the lounge. They had left a seat for you next to Matty, so you plonked yourself down next to him and lay the blanket over you.

Matty seemed to want some of the blanket though as he was pulling on it. You shook your head at him and shuffled closer to him and shared the blanket between the both of you. You lent on his arm slightly so you could get as much warmth from sharing the blanket as possible.

You hated being cold. Especially when you were getting drunk.

After a while you were all chatting shit again about nothing in particular and the alcohol was going to your head. You felt your eyes closing slightly so after you lent forward to put the rest of your drink back down on the table you decided you would rest your eyes for a bit.

When you lent back you felt that Matty’s arm was now behind you instead of to the side. You looked to him, but he was still in conversation with Adam, so you thought nothing of it and just lent into him and closed your eyes for a minute.

“You good Y/N?” George asked you a minute later. You opened your eyes and smiled at him.

“Yeah just resting my eyes” You said and smiled at him until he carried on with the conversation.

You pulled the blanket up and around your shoulders, so you kept warm. There was nothing worse than getting cold when you were drunk. You hated the cold in general, but it was worse when you were drunk.

This time you kept your eyes open and listened to their conservation. You only chirped in to ask the odd question, but you just liked being around them. You’d really missed them since Christmas.

You stayed practically curled up against Matty’s side like that for a good half an hour and you were enjoying your comfort. So, when Matty’s hand moved to firmly grab your arse you were surprised. You looked towards him, but he was just chatting away like nothing was happening.

You looked back towards George listening to his conversation and after a minute he squeezed your arse. The action made you jump slightly but not for anyone other than Matty to notice.

You looked to him, again he was fulling invested into his conversation, but you saw a faint smile on his lips. You tried to stay calm, but you could feel yourself getting excited. You definitely weren’t tired anymore.

Your skin already felt like it was on fire and he hadn’t even done anything yet. But the way he was holding you was driving you insane already.

You both sat there like that for a while Matty squeezing your arse every minute or so and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t enjoying yourself. It was exhilarating that he was doing it in front of other people.

It didn’t help when his fingers them started to roam around some more. His fingertips dragging over your skin was a sensation you forgot how pleasurable it was.

Your breathing became ragged but not for anyone to notice. You closed your eyes and lent your head against back Matty’s shoulder.

You could hear the chatter among you but the only thing you could focus on was Matty’s fingers. They were currently teasing you by tracing the bottom of your pyjama shorts.

You had no idea how he was continuing as if nothing was going on. You could hear him talking next to you and it seemed like he wasn’t doing anything to you at all. It was a skill really because you definitely didn’t think you could do it.

You were thankful that the blanket was covering his movements too because there was no way without it that one of the other boys would have noticed. And if they could see what was happening, you would have been mortified.

You felt Matty’s fingers slowly pull the bottom of your pyjama shorts up. His nails scratched along your leg slightly adding to the sensation.

When your shorts reached your hip, he paused himself and kept his hand on your bare leg for a moment. You were on edge waiting to feel what he’d do next.

After not moving for a good minute, you thought he’d done with you. That, however, was a mistake because a few seconds later you felt him start to trace small patterns on your hipbone with his fingertips.

He kept relentlessly teasing you by moving his fingers underneath your shorts. He was getting you excited for him again and at this point you already knew what the weekend would hold. A lot of sex.

Your breath was becoming deeper despite you trying to control it, but your heartbeat was through the roof. You were desperately trying to calm yourself down, so the other boys didn’t notice.

As far as they were concerned though, you’d fallen asleep and your head was resting on Matty’s shoulder. They kept their voices down slightly but the drinking and the talking carried on.

You turned your head towards Matty’s neck so you could hide the fact that you needed to bite your lip. You were struggling to keep yourself still as all you wanted to do was touch him.

However, you knew the game you both played very well, and you weren’t going to give in that easily. You were clasping on to fistfuls of your blanket as your sweet torture continued.

Matty could hear your uneven breaths as he carried on teasing you. He missed the fight that you’d always put up with him. He missed you.

The way that you were always up for anything and how you would always be willing to try something new. He’d even missed you coming to his gigs.

Matty felt your cool breath fan his neck and he smiled at the raggedness of it. It just drove him on more.

You felt him then slide your shorts higher, and knock your legs open a little so he could have all the contact he desired. You felt him run his fingers across the lacy material of your underwear and trace the line of it.

You knew what was about to happen and you didn’t think that you’d be able to control yourself for much longer if he carried on.

When the tips of his fingers found their way underneath, you released a shaky breath. Your heart was beating at a ridiculous pace and Matty heard the little whine slip out of your mouth when he paused himself.

God he’s missed that noise.

His fingers slowly moved underneath the thin material and your breath hitched. You were waiting for the inevitable and you weren’t even going to lie to yourself. You wanted it.

You wanted him.

You could tell he was moving at a slow pace to try and make you get him to move faster. He already knew he had the permission, he just wanted you to be the one to initiate it.

You wouldn’t do that though; you’d rather prolong the sweet torture.

Matty could feel your excited breaths fanning his neck and he could see the blanket rising and falling from your chest. He knew you were excited for him. Almost as excited as he was for you.

That was until George said, “Y/N” and Matty felt your whole body jump and you picked your head up off his shoulder to look at him. It probably looked as if you’d just been startled awake.

You placed your hand over Matty’s and moved his hand out of your shorts and back to your hip. You couldn’t even think about talking to George whilst Matty’s hand was in your pants.

Your fingers slotted between his and you held him at your hip. You knew what he was like and he’s most likely just go for it as George was speaking.

You cleared your throat because saying a small, “Yeah?”

He looked tired like the rest of them did. They looked how you felt half an hour ago but now your mind was wide awake.

“Why don’t you just go to bed? You’ll be comfier there and we won’t disturb you” George suggested, and you felt Matty try and move his hand back to where he was previously positioned. You held him back though, so you were okay.

You nodded at George, agreeing. No matter how much you actually wanted Matty, this time you would not be the first to give in. Especially since he didn’t even say bye last time.

You removed his hand from your hip, so it rested on the sofa and you got up wrapping the blanket around you. You looked at the boys in front of you and asked “Do you know what room you’re staying in”

Ross nodded, “The one next to this one, right?” And you gave him a thumbs up to confirm he was right.

“Imma go now actually to” George said raising his hand to you and you smiled helping him to his feet.

Ross stood up too and it seemed like he was going to be the one who shared with George. Which left Matty and Adam on the sofas.

“I’ll go and grab you two pillows and blankets” you say before leaving the room.

You felt like you were on fire as you found the spare blankets and pillows for them. You just about sorted your breathing out by the time you went back into the lounge with their stuff.

You saw Matty now spread out on the sofa lay down as if he didn’t have his hands in your pants less than 5 minutes ago. Adam was sprawled across the other sofa and you threw a blanket and pillow at each of them.

“Night boys” You called before leaving them to it and heading back to your room.

And for the first 10 minutes, you really hoped that Matty would follow you, but you quickly realised that he wasn’t doing. After half an hour, you tried to go to sleep but you found yourself tossing and turning.

An hour of trying to sleep passed, and because it wasn’t working, you didn’t even bother trying anymore. You lay there staring at the ceiling until you’d had enough and needed to move.

All you could feel was the ghost touches from Matty on your body and you craved him the more you thought about it. You really needed to stop though, you needed sleep. You had a long day tomorrow.

You found your mouth becoming dry and you wanted nothing more than a cold drink. You decided to bite the bullet and get up and grab a can of Dr Pepper out of the fridge.

You got up silently and made your way into the lounge quietly. It was nights like this that you wish you weren’t a night owl and could sleep like a normal person.

You hated not having a separate kitchen and lounge area but until you got a house of your own, that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. You slowly opened the door that separated you from the sleeping boys and quietly creeped in.

You could just about make your way around thanks to the glow from the streetlights beaming through the windows. You made your way to the fridge and pulled it open.

The light that came on nearly blinded you and caused you to hiss in pain. You quickly got your freezing cold can of Dr Pepper out and closed the door.

You turned back around and placed over at the boys as you made your way out of the room. You noticed that Matty had picked his curly haired head up off the pillow and was looking right at you.

You took no notice of him and didn’t rise to his antics. You slipped back out of the room and shut the door behind you.

You cracked open the can immediately and took a mouthful. You welcomed the cool liquid and the beautiful taste of it. There was no better feeling than finally getting a drink when you were dying for one.

You sat yourself down on your bed and picked your phone up and checked your social media. There was nothing that took your interest as you scrolled through the apps so after about 5 minutes, you’d already drank half of your drink and you weren’t even getting tired.

That, however, didn’t stop you from jumping out of your skin when your door handle rattled and a second later Matty was in your bedroom. You put the can on the table beside your bed and looked at him questioningly as he walked toward you.

“You’re too stubborn for your own good” Matty scorns before grabbing a fistful of the hair on the back of your head and using it to pull your lips to his.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning you woke up early. Disgustingly early. There was usually only one 6 o clock in the day, and it wasn’t the early one.

But you did wake up at that horrific time in the morning and you knew that there was no way you could get back to sleep. You’d woken up sweating despite wearing no clothes.

You could sense that Matty was still in the bed near you but thankfully not touching you. You were so hot you didn’t think you could withstand his body heat.

You desperately needed a shower and you really couldn’t wait for one. You elbowed Matty in his side and startled him awake.

“What’d you do that for” He practically growled in anger.

You rolled your eyes, “You need to get back in the lounge now before they see that you’re gone”

“Who the fuck cares?”

Good point. But you weren’t going to back down now.

“I do, and if you want to do it again later birthday boy, you’ll fucking move now” You press on before elbowing him again.

Matty scowled at you but started moving. You watched as he got back up and put his boxers on before walking towards your bedroom door.

“Thanks Hun” You sarcastically wave, and he stuck his middle finger up at you before leaving the room.

You didn’t know how, but you fell back to sleep again and woke up an hour later. You felt much better than earlier and more refreshed as well.

You quickly jumped into the shower and let the hot water run over your body. You welcomed the relief it brought and found that it soothed you immensely. Thankfully Matty hadn’t felt any marks on you this time around so you didn’t have to cover anything up before you left your room.

You got dressed into some black jeans and a baggy top and went into the living room. Inside you found that Matty and Adam were already up which didn’t surprise you. George was also in there, but his hair was wet like yours.

“Morning” You chirped as you walked into the room.

“Mornin’” The all called groggily.

“Who wants a bacon butty?” You asked, opening up the fridge and pulling out a packet of bacon.

They obviously all said they did, and you quickly started cooking. You started humming a tune that was stuck in your head.

“Why are you in such a good mood? You were well arsey when we woke up at Steve's”

“Yeah that’s cause I’d just woken up then, I’ve been up for like an hour” You told them before connecting your phone to your Bluetooth speaker.

“Any song requests?” You ask and no one replies so you just shuffle your playlist.

You cooked them breakfast and when you served it to them, they are all grateful. When you handed Matty his, you hummed the tune to happy birthday, and he smiled at you sweetly.

“Thank you” He says taking the plate from you and pecking your cheek before sitting back down.

You smiled as you made your own breakfast and then sat next to them. You could tell that today was going to be a good day.

And you weren’t wrong.

Matty’s birthday was great. You all had a lazy morning which is the best way to start off your birthday, you thought. Just chilling with your friends was something you could only dream of doing on your birthday.

There was no chance your Mum would let you get away with not seeing her on your birthday. You had no clue how Matty had escaped his family for the full weekend. You were extremely jealous.

That was one of the things that you’d always wanted to do. Just escape for the day on your birthday and have no one but your friends around you. You didn’t want the fuss and apparently neither did Matty. All he wanted was music and alcohol.

You all lazed about your flat until 5ish when you all decided to get ready for the night ahead of you. You’d informed them that your friends were going to meet you at your SU at 7 so you all decided to get there for a similar time.

After changing into fishnets and a black dress, which came down to your mid thigh, you finished your outfit with your black Dr Marten heels. Needless to say, you looked fucking stunning both before and after you put some make up on, and the way Matty looked you up and down when you came out of your room, that was all the praise you needed.

You looked hot. You didn’t need the verbal clarification.

When you got to the SU, you introduced the boys to the band that was on before them which went rather smoothly considering your boys sort of stole their usual spot. After that you saw that some of your other Uni friends were there and introduced the boys to them seeing no problem with it.

However, once you introduced them by name, you really wished you’d chosen to just keep them as strangers. When you introduced Matty you and the boys saw the looks your friends shared between them and the knowing smiles on their faces.

It didn’t help when Sophia said, “Oh, so you’re Matty”

The grin that was then plastered on Matty’s face said it all. He seemed pleased like he was someone famous being recognised.

You decided to escort the boys away and you took your seats in the same circular booth as the night before and you started drinking. Before you knew it, the other band has started playing and you couldn’t stop laughing at the boy’s reactions.

Matty looked down at you halfway through their first song and asked, “These play every week?”

You looked into his brown eyes and nodded at him.

You watched as he pressed his lips together and he hugged you towards him slightly more, before saying a quiet, “Poor you”

You sniggered at that and shook your head slightly before turning your attention back to the music. After the third song had finished you watched as Adam and Ross turned towards each other and shared a wide-eyed look.

This caused you and Matty to giggle because you knew you were all thinking the same thing. They were complete shit.

After the song after that finished and they started butchering covers of songs and after the second one George turned back around to you all and said, “I thought after a few songs it would get better… But I was wrong”

This caused your whole table to start laughing and after a minute you had to force yourselves to stop. The whole situation was funny, and you don’t think you’d had as much fun at one of these nights in so long.

“They are actually shit” Matty said rather loudly after another 10 minutes of the torture. Too loud for your liking and you hushed him quickly.

“Please don’t. I have to see these people every week” You told him sternly.

“Then get me out of here because I can’t listen to another hour of this shit” Matty retorted.

“And where do you suppose I take you? We can’t just leave and go back to mine, all your shit’s out” You deadpan, gesturing to the guys guitars that were propped up against the back wall.

Matty’s arm was around your shoulder and his other hand was stroking your leg, occasionally getting his rings caught in the fishnet tights you were wearing.

You didn’t stop him. You liked the way he didn’t leave you alone. You felt wanted and who didn’t want to feel wanted.

Matty lent his head into your hair and whispered into your ear, “We could go into the back?”

You knew that he was alluding to the fact that you’d had sex at work before and he wanted you to do it again with him now. When he pulled his head back you looked at him questioningly.

Matty flashed his flirtatious eyes at you and you shook your head smiling. After a minute, you felt him nudge you, “Come on”

“Do you want me to get sacked?” You question quietly.

“You’ve done it before, what’s stopping you now?” Matty asked and you rolled your eyes.

“Maybe he was just better than you at making me desperate” You whispered.

“If you want me to repeat last night Y/N, all you had to do was ask” Matty said into your ear and his hand travelled up until it met your skirt and it didn’t stop there. He kept going until he almost found what he was looking for.

You let out a little gasp at his actions because you weren’t prepared for it. You shoved Matty’s hand away as George turned back around to you, wondering why you were shocked.

“You okay?” George asked.

You nodded, “Yeah they are just shit. Want you guys on already”

George seemed satisfied with your comment and you sent a glare towards Matty. He smirked down at you and then placed his hand back on your leg after he moved your hair to expose your neck.

Jesus, you wanted him again badly already. You’d wanted him since this morning, but your pride wouldn't let you before tonight.

Matty’s hand climbed higher again as his lips attached to the skin on your neck and you were beyond thankful you were sat in the corner of the booth. Everyone’s attentions were on the band playing in front of you and no one took another glance in your direction.

You lent your head the opposite side so Matty had room to explore your neck and he went at it like a vampire. You could feel him sucking on your skin and you pushed him off you.

He was certainly good at teasing.

But Matty’s very pleasant torture carried on. He whispered dirty things in your ear, his grip tightened on your thigh and he loved leaving lingering touches on your bare skin.

You were originally going to be more stubborn than last night.

You wanted him to beg. Birthday or not.

He was a dick when you left home and he obviously couldn’t wait an extra day to find someone new to move onto.

However, his current actions were causing you to get a little flustered and you actually wouldn’t mind a quick fuck. So, you elected to make him wait a while longer and sit through more of the shit music until you decided it was time to give him a birthday treat.

You would let him think he had some sort of hold over you now but then later, when you get back to your flat, you’d prove that it was you who decided when and where it would happen.

When you’d had enough of the shit music and Matty’s teasing intensified you determined that it was time. You grabbed Matty’s hand and stood yourself up. George and Ross were in your way of getting out of the booth but at this point you didn’t want to wait any longer.

You stepped over them pulling Matty along with you and when George and Ross asked where you were going you mumbled something about going and having a fag.

You didn’t lead him outside though, you led him through the staff doors until you were met with the staff room. You practically pushed Matty into the room and locked the door once you were both inside and you let the fun begin.

~*~*~*~

20 minutes later, you left the staff room and shook your head at Matty. “You could have just waited a second, you didn’t need to rip them off” You said looking down at the ripped fishnet tights in your hand.

Matty threw an arm over your shoulder before he sarcastically teased, “I’m sorry, were you complaining about that twenty minutes ago?”

You elected to ignore his comment and put your tights into the bin just after leaving the staff only section of the building.

“You want another drink?” You asked Matty.

“Please” He replied, and you headed off to the bar to order yourself and the boys another round of drinks. Once they had been made you took them all over on a tray.

Matty had settled himself back into his seat and they all grinned at you as you put their drinks down on the table. If your looks could kill, Matty would be dead in his seat.

“Told them already I see” You sighed and sat yourself down next to Ross after throwing your tray at Matty.

It hit him in the chest, and he called you a bitch after the pain set in.

“What the fuck, no” Matty denies, picking the tray up and chucking it down on the table.

“No, it’s pretty easy to guess when you leave with fishnets on and come back with your hot legs completely bare” You heard a voice say to the side of you.

You looked around to see Ava standing with a few of your other friends that you introduced the band to earlier. Ava had gone home to see her family for the week but made an effort to come back early for the band’s gigs.

You shook your head, before standing up and pulling her into a hug. “I missed you” You told her honestly and she giggled repeating the same thing to you as she hugged you back.

You swayed in each other’s arms for a minute before you both broke the hug and you looked down at what she was wearing.

“Fuck me, you look stunning” You said probably louder than was necessary.

She was wearing high waisted leather pants with a black bralette on underneath a leather jacket. She laughed at your comment and did a little twirl for you.

You slapped her arse as she turned and you both started laughing.

“I gotta impressed your friends” She said giving you a knowing look.

A grin was instantly on your face and you span yourself around to look at the boys who were practically staring at the two of you. You saw a smirk on Matty’s face, and the others were just grinning obviously loving the show that you just put on.

“Guys, this is Ava” You grin, bringing her over to the table.

“We know” George said with amusement written all over his face.

You looked back to Ava slightly confused as to how they already knew her.

“I saw you head into the back with Matty and I thought it was best to tell your friends what you were getting up to” She said with a smirk.

You shook your head and laughed, before going round the table and introducing everyone. “Okay then, this is Adam, George, Matty as you know, and Ross”

“Nice to meet you all” She smiled down at them and you pulled her to sit down at the booth with them. After you asked Ross to politely shuffle around though.

“So, how do you know each other?” George asked curiously.

“Lesbians” You heard Matty say covering it with a fake cough.

Both you and Ava let out a little laugh at that and you looked round to Matty.

“You’d like that wouldn’t you?” You teased and ran your tongue over your bottom lip before biting down on it to try and contain your grin. You saw him practically stare at your lips as you did it and you couldn’t contain your grin.

You turned back to George when you heard Ava say, “Y/N wishes” and you let out a laugh.

“No, Ava’s my flatmate and… Ross’ new girlfriend” You announced to them all and Adam practically spat his drink out which made you hold back a laugh.

You looked at Ross beside you and smiled. He didn’t seem to reject the idea at all.

“So yeah consider yourselves set up” You said before climbing up on the seat and stepping across Ross to sit back beside Matty.

As you sat down beside Matty, his arm immediately went around your shoulder and you smiled looking at Ross and Ava start to chat. Unfortunately, only a matter of minutes later all the boys had to leave the table to set up their stuff.

At that point, you and Ava were sat watching them all set up chatting about them like they weren’t just in front of you.

“I can’t believe you shagged him in the back” She rambled with a grin on her face

“I can’t believe you haven’t taken Ross back there yet” You said, and she laughed.

“I know! I can’t believe how cute he is. And George is hotter in person too” She said, and you smiled shaking your head.

“George is very happily married. Keep to Ross” You told her and she gave you a playful look.

“Do you think Stacy will like Adam?” You asked and Ava’s head practically snapped towards you.

“I thought he had a girlfriend?” She questions, frowning a little.

You shook your head, “Not anymore”

“You realise that they will have gone from sharing a bed and sofas to each of them having a bed for the weekend” Ava pointed out and you let out a loud laugh.

That caught the attention of Matty, who then came back over to you and sat down opposite you.

“What’s so funny?” He asked with a suspicious look.

“Nothing” You said with a slight smile on your face.

But at the same time Ava said, “I was just giving her ideas about what you can do to her later”

Matty’s eyebrows raised at that revelation and then looked from Ava to you. The look in his eyes made you want to take him home right now. You found him so attractive it was probably unhealthy.

“Anything we’ve done before?” Matty asked.

You smirked and played along, “You know that thing that I’m the best at?”

You wanted to know if after all these months that you were still the best person he’d been with who’d tied him up.

“Yeah” Matty said without hesitation and you smirked.

You were happy with the confirmation and carried on not really thinking of a good answer.

“Well, she suggested something even better than that” You said with amused eyes.

You couldn’t even deny that you were excited to get back to your flat. You didn’t think there would be much partying happening when you got back though. Considering more than likely everyone except for George would be in a bed with someone.

At your comment Matty rubbed his hands together before standing back up.

“Looks like my birthday will be getting better and better” He smirked before grabbing the back of your neck and he pulled you into a kiss that took your breath away.

You couldn’t help but smirk into the kiss. You loved the way he just took you when he wanted you.

He made you feel like you were on fire. You had to be ready for anything and you fucking loved what Matty could do with that tongue.

When he pulled away, he left you wanting more because of the way he nipped at your lip. And he knew how he’d left you because he walked off to finish setting up with the boys with a slight spring to his step.

You bit your lip and watched as he walked off before turning back to Ava.

She was already looking at you with her jaw agape.

“That was the hottest thing I’ve ever fucking seen” She said, and you could tell she meant it.

She looked flustered.

You smiled at her and said a quiet, “Let’s hope Ross is just as good, ey?”

She giggled at that and nudged your shoulder, “If he’s anything like Matty, I should be in for a wild night”

“And you better tell me every fucking detail” You told her, and she promised she would.

Before you knew it, they were up performing, and you were left to watch them in awe. They gained quite a few people standing around them, so you and Ava joined everyone who was stood up.

You really did love their music and you loved their set. They sang some covers too which you really enjoyed but you were like their groupie you were singing along to their songs that nobody else knew.

There were a few new ones that Matty and the boys must have written after you left because you didn’t recognise them at all. They were also amazing though and from what you could gather they were called She Way Out and Settle Down.

It went off when they started singing Girls because after the first few chorus’ most people started to learn the lyrics after that though. You loved that song though along with Chocolate and you probably looked like a right idiot singing their lyrics back at them practically in their faces, but you loved it.

You loved music so much. It just allowed you to escape for a bit. It didn’t matter who you were listening to, if you could just disappear into a crowd of people and just appreciate music it was an amazing feeling. One that you loved even more when you went to concerts of festivals.

Halfway through the set Stacy had found you both and was getting really into the music. When she came over, she first started gushing over George and Ava agreed with her completely about how gorgeous he was.

You tried to stop them, but they made you admit that he was just as good looking as they were stressing he was. And George was fit., but that didn’t stop him from being like your brother. And he was practically married.

You then decided to point Adam out to Stacy, and she took an immediate liking to him. Like you, she was also a sucker for musicians and if literally anyone played the guitar, she would more than likely go for them.

The fact that Adam was a fucking genius when it came to a guitar, it probably made him irresistible to her. From her reaction to his guitar playing alone, you just knew she was going to try and get Adam into bed.

When they finished by playing Sex you loved it. You were actually shocked into silence when you looked back to see the crowd that they had accumulated. You hadn’t seen one of your music nights so busy in a long time.

You found it somewhat emotional that you’d helped them even get a few more fans tonight but seeing how many people were applauding them it made you want to cry. You felt like a proud parent.

“And we’ll see each and every one of you guys tomorrow night when we headline the music festival. We’re The 1975 from Manchester. Goodnight” Matty said into the microphone before he walked back towards George and he gave him a high five from over the drum kit.

You watched with a smile as he walked towards Ross and hugged him then did the same to Adam. You grinned when he made eye contact with you and he came over to your direction.

“That was amazing” You said as your arms went around his neck and his went around your waist.

You both gave each other a tight squeeze as Matty asked if you enjoyed it.

“I fucking loved it. The new songs are great too” You told him honestly and he grinned at you before he kissed you.

The kiss was one of pure adrenaline and you could feel his excitement as the kiss continued and his tongue found its way into your mouth yet again. His hold on your hips made you want to start grinding against him, as he’d pulled you into his body and you could feel his excitement pressed against you.

You felt yourselves getting carried away when you heard Stacy say, “It’s like I’m watching porn”

This caused you to practically choke laughing on air that you just didn’t have.

“Can watch us later if you want?” Matty winked at her and you slapped his chest.

He cackle laughed looking back at you and you shook your head. It would nice to be discussed before it was just offered, but you knew Stacy wouldn’t take him up on the offer anyway. Not when she had her sights on his bandmate.

“You can actually beg for it later” You told Matty with no hint of humour in your voice, but Matty chuckled probably thinking you were joking.

He was going to be in for a shock when you eventually got back to your flat.

You turned to look back at Stacy and you introduced the two. You point between the two of them as you say, “Matty this is Stacy. Stacy this is Matty”

“Yeah I’ve heard a lot about you” Stacy said with a smile.

“Really?” Matty asked in amusement, before pulling you by your waist back into his body. “Only good things I hope”

“‘Dirty’ would be the word I would use actually but…” Stacy trailed off with a knowing smile and you couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped your lips.

You turned your head to Matty and told him honestly, “Stacy likes the look of Adam”

“Really?” Matty asked with a smirk looking down at you and then to her.

Stacy nodded and Matty’s smile grew. You already knew exactly what he was thinking, and you couldn’t help but laugh when he said, “Looks like George is sleeping alone tonight”

After the boys packed away, you all had one more drink together at the SU before you all made your way out to the club. Once you got there you all had a great night.

You danced and drank your night away. You danced with Ava and Stacy and then you danced with George when classic songs came on. He entertained you and span you around a few times before you started dancing around in the group again.

Everyone but George was paired up which made you feel guilty, like you were leaving him out so you made an effort to entertain and dance with him when you could. Ava was very much with Ross and Adam seemed to have taken a liking to Stacy, so your girls were very pleased with where their night were headed.

And when you weren’t dancing with George, you were dancing with Matty. Well you were dancing on Matty. You were pressed up against him that much that you may as well be one person.

He moved. You moved. You spent the night attached to him in one way or another. Either at the hips or by the lips.

Your fingers pulled on his hair when his plump lips connected with yours. You were both buzzing with adrenaline for each other and probably from the amount of alcohol in both your systems as well.

His arms went around your neck and crossed over behind your head. He wouldn’t let you escape him, but you really didn’t want to. He was addicting. Your blurry mind was consumed by him.

You could still smell his expensive cologne as the night went on despite you both ending being extremely sweaty. He still smelt heavenly as his arms kept you in place.

Matty pulled your bottom lip between his teeth and then bit down on it slightly before pulling on it in hopes to encourage things to go further. You smirked at the feeling of him do it, but you were in control of what would happen tonight, and he knew it. He was teasing to ask if it was okay and you wanted him to wait a little longer.

You shook your head slightly before kissing him again and your tongue found its way into his mouth. You felt the vibrations of him groaning as you pulled on the back of his curls and that’s when his grip moved from behind your head down your body to rest on your arse.

He squeezed it and you laughed into the kiss. You pulled away for a second and looked into his eyes. You could see the lust in them when you pressed yourself against him and Matty could without a doubt see the humour in yours.

“Please” You watched him mouth and you shook your head again.

A smile was on your face the entire time and he just planted his lips on yours again which you didn’t mind at all. At least you could get some pleasure whilst you were out in public, and it was sort of socially acceptable.

And that was how you spent most of your night. When you weren’t singing, your tongue was either in his mouth or his was in yours. You were getting each other excited for when you eventually got back to the flat later.

And Stacy and Ava seemed to have the same idea. Multiple times when you put Matty down to take a drink or dance with George they were both getting very well acquainted with their new men for the weekend.

Ava smirked at you when you laughed and nudged her once she’d finished pulling Ross. And Stacy wouldn’t put Adam down. It was so funny to watch both of it unfold. You just felt a bit sorry for George.

However, he was in a loving relationship, so you didn’t feel too bad for him.

At 3am you all slowly left the club and made your way back to the flat with a few other friends that had followed you out. They all ended up coming back to your flat for a very late flat party, but no one seemed to be complaining when the alcohol was flowing once more.

By this point it was 4am and Matty was whispering and pleading with you to go to your bedroom. And you were loving every second of it.

When you all initially got into your flat, he tried to drag you straight into your bedroom, but you had none of that. This caused his disappointment to grow, especially when he saw Stacy lead Adam straight into her room.

Whist you were making everyone more drinks, Matty was stood behind you with his mouth attached to the skin on your neck. He was playing with it and biting it hoping to lead you astray and despite the pleasure it gave you, you didn’t give in then either.

About 10 minutes after that, when he watched Ava take Ross away, he practically growled down your ear pleading for you to take him to your room. You did almost give in at that point but then George pulled out a drinking game which caught your attention for another 20 minutes.

You watched and felt as Matty grew more and more agitated. You’d been building him up to this point all night and you had him right where you wanted him.

“Y/N please” Matty said lowly as his lips brushed against your ear.

You were ready to give him what he wanted but you decided to play for a minute longer. “I’ve got people to entertain” You turned to him and said in a hushed tone.

“I can entertain you. In different ways” Matty told you and you could see him begging with his eyes.

You held the smile back from your face and moved slightly closer to him asking “Yeah? Like what?”

Matty then proceeded to tell you a series of things he would do to you once you got into your bedroom and it started to sound like it was your birthday not his. You’d be the one receiving everything.

As he whispered all these dirty things into your ear you bit your lip. It was one of the hottest things you’d ever heard, and you loved how he kept purposefully brushing his lips against your ear.

As he spoke you let yourself get excited and you grabbed his hand. Once he’d finished spilling his dirty thought he looked towards and you could see he was completely yours.

“Come on Y/N/N. Please” Matty begged and you could hear the desperation in his voice. It was like he was in pain.

You smile and say a soft, “Okay” before you stand up.

Matty practically jumped up and followed you to your room where he then proceeded to make you feel like you were the only thing on earth that mattered. You felt like he was worshipping you and your body.

And by the time you’d both eventually finished, you were both exhausted and lay together in a sweaty mess, it definitely wasn’t Matty’s birthday anymore. But you could tell that he’d had the best birthday ever and you were by far his favourite present.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Taglist: @the-girl-before @friends-dont-lie-asshole @lololovestaylor @murderousginger @peachquestions @siwiecola @nostalgic1975 @fairyyyfloss @theycallmenefi @colette2194 @maroonmolly @sexycleopatra @mrsprescott @fullmoonremus @whenthe-smokeisinyoureyes

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xmxisxforxmaybe · 5 years ago

Text

Remnants, Part X

Closing Note: Well, kids. Saddle up because this monster has a word count of over 12k. I want to thank you for taking this journey with me, and I hope you have enjoyed reading this version of Ahkmenrah as much as I’ve enjoyed writing him.

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX

Story Summary: You are in the midst of formulating your dissertation, but you’ve hit a wall. Your doting aunt, Rebecca, has a solution that brings you face to face with Ahkmenrah, Fourth King of the Fourth King. As the connection between you and Ahkmenrah grows, and as the secrets of his ancient tablet unlock, the once-king will find himself faced with a difficult choice.

Tag List: @kitkatcronch @kpopperotp12 @seafrost-fangirl @sassystrawberryk @perfect-rami @txmel @limabein @rami-malek-trash @underworldsheiress and @sherlollydramoine

Thank you for reading, liking, reblogging, and leaving comments that kept me motivated!

Warnings: Little bit of swearing

Reading Note: 20--* = Borrowing from the writers of old, I left the exact year blank to let the story feel a little more timeless.

Larry was en route to the British Natural History Museum where you were waiting to meet him in Merenkahre’s and Shepseheret’s exhibit. According to the American museum, Ahkmenrah and his tablet would arrive the following day.

It took a bit of convincing to get them to ship Ahkmenrah early, but you insisted you only needed the sarcophagus and the tablet. The rest of his display could be shipped later at the arranged date. Larry explained to Ahkmenrah that there were experts at the British museum who could help with his tablet. Considering the relationship Ahk had with Jack, he readily agreed to return to England.

To pass the time while you waited for Larry, you fussed about, dusting even though the exhibits were spotless, and adjusting artifacts, some real and some recreated from your trips into Ahkmenrah’s memories.

Another thing you did to prepare for the awakening of Ahkmenrah’s parents was to write a letter in ancient Egyptian that would clarify what had just happened to them. Although your ability to speak their language was improving, it was nowhere near fluent enough to explain the urgency of Ahkmenrah’s situation.

The vibration of your phone pulled you away from your unnecessary tidying. Larry texted to say he was in the lobby; you had left specific instructions with the night guard, Tilly, to let Larry in, no matter what time he arrived.

Rather than wait on the elevator, you took the stairs two by two, both excited to see Larry and nervous to hear more about Ahk. When you entered the lobby just a little out of breath, Tilly and Larry were deep in conversation about their respective flashlights. You laughed aloud at the fact that Larry had brought his along.

Your laughter caused them to look up and Larry opened his arms to wrap you in a strong hug.

“I missed you, kiddo.”

“Me too, Lar,” you said, returning his smile. “Thanks, Tilly. We’ll be sure to let you know when we leave.”

You took the elevator up to Ahkmenrah’s parents’ exhibit.

When you entered the Egyptian wing, Larry let out a low whistle of appreciation as he took in each exhibit, including Ahkmenrah’s future room.

“Wow! This makes me feel bad all Ahk has in America is a dark room with a couple of hieroglyph walls and two giant guard dogs. This will be a real step up!”

“How is he?”

Larry shifted his gaze away from the fountain taps of the bath, and you could see the worry lines that had settled on his forehead.

“He’s getting worse. As of two nights ago, the tablet was visibly corroded.”

“How could this have happened? It’s existed in perfect condition for 4,000 years—over 4,000. It’s made of solid gold for Christ’s sake!”

“No one has any idea, least of all Ahk. He’s . . . angry, irritable. Not like himself at all.”

You frowned and looked at the ground, unwilling to meet Larry’s eye.

“Don’t, Y/N. It’s got nothing to do with you.”

“Maybe it does, though. Maybe I did something to it the last night we used it. This could be all my fault,” you said, crossing your arms and looking over Larry’s shoulder at the doorway that connected to Shepseheret’s exhibit, the peace of her garden a slap in the face to your churning guilt.

“What last night? What are you talking about?”

“The last thing Ahkmenrah asked of me was to return with him to the night he died. We saw him murdered by his brother. It was . . . I don’t even have a word. Worse than horrible. Ahk was in shock, so I had to use the tablet to escape his memory. Maybe my use of it did something.”

Larry was quiet for a bit while he worked through what you said.

“That was, what? Over a year and a half ago?”

You nodded.

“The tablet was fine until just a month ago. Besides, Rebecca’s used it. I’ve used it. Even Nick’s used it.”

You raised your eyebrows and asked, “Exactly what’s been going on at the museum, Larry?”

Larry laughed nervously, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he ran his hand through his dark hair.

“You know this gig isn’t easy. Sometimes, the exhibits get a bit restless, things get out of hand, elephants end up in Central Park, Custer recreates his last stand in Rockefeller Center, you know, typical museum shenanigans,” Larry finished, his foot tapping a nervous staccato on the floor as he hands settled on his hips.

You stared, slowly processing the strain of being a night guard in a museum where the exhibits come to life, a strain Larry had certainly done his best to keep hidden for the past few years.

“If you can handle all of that, Lar, you’re going to make an excellent teacher.”

Larry smiled that cute, crooked smile of his.

“Thanks. I sure hope so, but I have to admit I’m glad I don’t have to handle this one on my own. If something happens to Ahk—”

“It won’t,” you stated with a finality that hid your desperation.

Larry nodded, encouraged by your strong statement.

“Letting you go . . . it wasn’t easy for him, Y/N. I hope you know that.”

“I do. Doesn’t mean I like it any better now than I did then, but what is a girl in love to do?”

“Find his mummified parents, painstakingly rebuild pieces of their lives, and arrange an it’s been a long time, oh, say 4,000 years comin’ reunion?”

You laughed, at first, and then fell into Larry’s arms as the tears came. You gripped the front of his coat, and felt like an idiot, laughing and crying, but it also felt damn good to say aloud that you were still in love with Ahkmenrah.

Larry smoothed your hair and kept muttering that it was okay until you composed yourself.

Embarrassed by your spontaneous overflow of emotion, you stepped back and wiped away your tears, sniffing loudly before declaring, “I’m fine—really I am. I just had this all planned out, you know. Things were going according to plan and I needed that. Really, really needed that focus to keep me from thinking about him—about us.”

Larry smiled and shook his head. “Love’s like that. It enjoys laughing in the face of your carefully laid plans even more than god himself does.”

You narrowed your eyes, something deep in your mind struggling to make a connection.

“Love. That tablet—it was birthed from an act of pure love. It only makes sense that love will be able to restore it . . . or at least lead us to the right answer.”

On your way out of the exhibit, you stopped at Merenkahre’s coffin and laid your hand on top of it.

“Please help the son you loved so much,” you whispered.

* * * * *

The following cold, February afternoon, you and Larry met the delivery truck that housed Ahkmenrah and his tablet. You couldn’t help but to just stare as they unloaded the pine crate, a seemingly ordinary box that you knew contained the extraordinary. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath. You had no idea if it was just your imagination, but you thought you could feel his presence.

“Miss?”

“Hmm?” you answered as the deliverers scuttled back into the truck, their breath visible as they aligned two more similar, large crates with the tines of the forklift. “I’m sorry—what was it you asked?”

“I need a signature from the director of the museum or from the curator.”

You shook your head, took the proffered clipboard, and promised the man you’d be right back.

The British museum’s director was a woman by the name of Anastasia Waterhouse; she had been the director for the last twenty years and was damn near old enough to be an exhibit in the museum herself. She held more than one PhD and was one of the most knowledgeable people you had ever met. Dr. Waterhouse was also damn good at her job. She was the one who had negotiated for Merenkahre’s family’s exhibit, promising to relinquish the rights to all three mummies to Cairo once the exhibit spent a suitable time at the British museum.

She also hadn’t fussed when you exploded into her office, begging to bring the Ahkmenrah exhibit over immediately. You explained that something had happened to the tablet and the restorers in the British museum had far more experience with Egyptian relics than the Americans, so it was only logical that Ahkmenrah was brought here now so your entire life wasn’t ruined by being unable to display the famed Tablet of Ahkmenrah.

In typical Dr. Waterhouse fashion, she needed only to raise her weathered hand and your babbling came to an immediate cease. She told you exactly what needed to be done and that was that.

Rather than blow the old wooden door off the hinges again, this time, you politely told Dr. Waterhouse’s secretary you needed a signature and waited for her to clear you to go into the office.

After Dr. Waterhouse signed the delivery slip, she said she would head down to the storage area as she was most excited to see the famed tablet in person, not to mention Ahkmenrah’s ornate sarcophagus.

You rushed back to return the slip to the delivery man, and as soon as the back door on the truck was latched, Larry started a bumbling speech that included wild gesticulations in an attempt to bring your attention to the other two crates.

“No. No way—you mean to say those are not Ahk’s?”

Larry shook his head.

Fuck—you grabbed one of the crow bars that was hanging with the other tools on the pegboard and started prying open the crate closest to the loading bay. Sure enough, it was Teddy on his horse along with Atilla. You were certain that a little cowboy and his Roman friend were also buried in the packing straw.

“I’m not even going to attempt to open the other crate. The museum director is going to be here any minute to see Ahk’s crate. You have to stall her while I grab the forklift and hide these other two crates.”

“Wait—which one is Ahk’s crate?”

“Shit—open them and find out,” you said as you handed Larry the crowbar and hurried off in the direction of the forklift.

“Wait! What am I supposed to say? I don’t even know what she looks like! I’m not even British!”

“Can you drive a forklift?” you shouted over your shoulder as you jogged toward the ramp.

“Damnit,” Larry muttered before shoving the crowbar into the second crate.

You ran down the ramp of the loading dock to where one of the deliverers had parked the museum’s forklift. It was wedged into a corner, but its bright aqua coloring made it easy to see straightaway.

The keys were almost always left in the machine because the storage area was one of the most secure sites in the museum. But of course, today, the key was nowhere to be found—the deliverers must have returned it to the office. You slammed your hands against the wheel in frustration and climbed back out, your feet thudding on the concrete. You ran back up the loading dock and into the small office that housed more tools, delivery paperwork, and an ancient computer that checked artifacts in and out.

Hanging on the wall along with several other sets of keys was the forklift key—or at least what you hoped was the right key. You glanced at the logo etched into the key and it said “MITSUB.” As far as you knew, nothing else around the loading dock was of the Mitsubishi brand.

You ran back to the forklift and shoved the key in the ignition, uttering a nervous, crazy little laugh when the ignition sputtered before kicking on. You revved the engine and quickly backed out of the corner, silently thanking your own tenacity for always wanting to do things yourself. When you worked all hours of the night, you needed to know how to do every job in the museum.

As you approached the crates, Larry shouted and pointed to the box furthest from the dock: “This is Ahk!”

You gave him a thumb’s up and then furiously waved him in the direction of the door.

“Distract her!”

Larry took off as you maneuvered the forklift to quickly pick up the first box and scoot it back into the dark corner of the first aisle. The storage room was a massive maze of towering steel aisles that held thousands of artifacts of all shapes and sizes.

You almost did something really stupid by placing the second, unopened box on top of the other before you realized the panic that would ensue when the exhibits came to life. Instead, you backed out of the first aisle and dropped the box off at the back of the second aisle.

Just as you were driving back to head down the ramp, Larry and Dr. Waterhouse entered the loading bay, Larry cackling like a madman and talking her ear off.

You wheeled around and slid the prongs of the forklift under Ahk’s crate. You cut the engine, then jumped out to greet Dr. Waterhouse.

“Mr. Daley. For the last time, this is MY museum. I do not need a lecture about the proper care of any of its antiquities! I also have no interest in purchasing in American-made flashlight. The flashlights we have here are more than suitable.”

“I apologize, Dr. Waterhouse. This is my uncle-to-be, Larry Daley. He’s been working with Ahkmenrah for the past few years and feels rather attached to him. He also, clearly, believes in the versatility of well-made flashlights,” you finished lamely as you shot Larry a “what-the-fuck” look.

Dr. Waterhouse softened; first, she understood what it was like to get attached to a piece of history. Second, she was delighted to meet a familial relation, considering you were rather reserved about your personal life.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Daley. Perhaps you should have opened by explaining your relationship to one of the best anthropologists with whom I have had the pleasure to work.”

“That would have been . . . better,” Larry agreed, grimacing a bit.

“I was just getting ready to take Ahk’s—Ahkmenrah’s sarcophagus into the transition room. Better lightening there, of course.”

“Most excellent—carry on. I cannot wait to behold the famed tablet with my own eyes!”

Dr. Waterhouse walked off in the direction of the transition room, stopping to press the button that opened the garage-style door so the forklift could drop off the crate.

“She wasn’t exactly impressed with me, but I see the other crates are gone.”

“She doesn’t impress easily. And yeah, by an actual millisecond. The bloody key wasn’t in the machine!”

Larry chuckled as he said in a horrible British accent, “Righty-oh, miss. I see you’re pickin’ up on the language of the land, ya!”

You blinked several times before sighing, “That was about five accents rolled into one, so I don’t wanna hear it. Come on—make sure Ahk’s crate is secure before I move it into the transition room.”

You climbed back into the forklift and cautiously loaded the crate. Larry checked that it was securely tucked up against the back of the forks and you lifted it a few inches. Maneuvering into the transition room could be a bit tricky, so you drove slowly.

Dr. Waterhouse was waiting inside with a crow bar, still unafraid to get her hands dirty. One of the most exciting things about being a museum director was having the first access to new acquirements.

You set Ahkmenrah’s crate down on the marked patch of concrete and backed the forklift out of the smaller room. You parked at the end of one of the closest aisles and jogged back into the transition room.

The transition room looked like an operating room for antiquities. Tools lined the walls as did work benches that accommodated magnifying glasses of all sizes, microscopes, and other sensitive equipment used to run tests. Around the middle of the floor were some lamps that could be swung this way or that to capture the object on the floor in the best light. In this room, the curator worked with his team to get the antiquities ready for display, conducting as much restoration and preservation as was necessary.

“James will be delighted,” Dr. Waterhouse said quietly as she eyed the crate, clearly eager to see the sarcophagus and the tablet.

“James is our head curator,” you explained to Larry. “That’s actually what my aunt does now at the museum in New York.”

“Lovely,” Dr. Waterhouse whispered, more to the crate than as an acknowledgement to your comment. “Shall we?”

Dr. Waterhouse didn’t wait for a reply before she popped out the first nail of the crate. You thanked whatever cosmic power that existed she started at the end that had not already been pried open. She worked slowly, and you and Larry watched with bated breath.

When she was finished, she set the crowbar on a bench and stepped back to allow you and Larry to lift off the crate’s lid. The gold from Ahk’s coffin was blinding as it reflected all the lights in the center of the room. You pivoted some of them to an angle as Dr. Waterhouse ran her gnarled fingers over the face etched into the gold, then slide her hand down to touch some of the jewels that adorned the sides of the sarcophagus.

“Beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking,” she said.

Same, you thought, thinking of Ahkmenrah’s actual face.

Dr. Waterhouse moved around the crate and reached in to pull out the Tablet of Ahkmenrah. The gold of it was also blinding under the lights, but along the bottom, you could see the greyish hue of corrosion.

“You were correct, Y/N. The tablet is in dire need of restoration. I’ve never seen anything like this on pure gold, unless, perhaps this is not?”

“James can run some tests, but I am positive that it is, and that it is the real tablet,” you said, attempting to placate Dr. Waterhouse.

She nodded, and placed the tablet on the work table. “Shall we see what’s inside the sarcophagus?”

“No!” you and Larry both yelled, surprising Dr. Waterhouse so much that she took a step back.

“Goodness! What has gotten into you, Y/N?”

You felt the cold fingers of panic creep across your chest and squeeze as your mind raced for a suitable answer.

“The curse!” Larry yelled from beside you, startling both you and Dr. Waterhouse this time.

Oh, fuck me, you inwardly groaned.

Dr. Waterhouse’s eyebrows shot straight into her hairline before her mouth turned downward, irritation practically leaking from the corners.

“Americans and their superstitions,” you said, giggling nervously, searching for a way to prevent Dr. Waterhouse from prying inside the coffin. “The American museum just completed a full photographic report on the mummy, right Lar?”

“Report? Ah, yes! Yes, I know they did. Took the pictures myself,” he muttered.

Dr. Waterhouse looked offended. “A night-guard photographed a 4,000-year-old, precious artifact?”

“Larry just has a real attachment to Ahkmenrah,” you said as you moved next to Dr. Waterhouse and whispered, “They really just humor him.”

Dr. Waterhouse continued to frown, but nodded. “If the American museum was really just in there poking about, we shouldn’t disturb the mummy again for a suitable period of time.”

“Right! And our clear concern is the tablet,” you said while walking over to the work table and hoping that Dr. Waterhouse’s attention would be diverted.

“Indeed! I’ve never seen anything like this, except, well, let me think—” and Dr. Waterhouse began recounting an experience with a gold statue brought to the museum from the Mayan Temple of Tikal.

You shot a glance at Larry that conveyed your relief as she took the bait, but a quick glance at your phone let you know it was getting late. It was after 4:00, and in mid-February, sunset was around 5:00.

“So, in the end, the makers of the statue proved to be clever by housing the true statue within a false statue. It protected it for centuries,” Dr. Waterhouse concluded.

“That’s fascinating—I can’t wait to see what James discovers when he examines the tablet,” you said as Dr. Waterhouse agreed.

You made a bit of a production of pulling out your phone and checking the time.

“4:18—wow! Time has just flown by this afternoon.”

“My! It has—I need to call the American museum to let them know we received Ahkmenrah and his tablet. I would also like to request a copy of that report.”

You walked over to the interior door of the transition room and held it open for Dr. Waterhouse to exit. You clicked off the lights and as the three of you exited the storage room, Dr. Waterhouse pulled out her keys and locked the door; she also unclicked her radio from her hip and walkied for the head of security to make sure the loading dock and the storage area were all properly secured.

Larry’s face flickered with worry, but you shook your head and patted your jacket’s packet. You had already been entrusted with a key to the storage room.

After saying good-night to Dr. Waterhouse, you and Larry walked back to the lobby.

“Soooo what’s the plan?” Larry asked.

“You’ve got to get back to Ahk,” you said, handing Larry your key to the storage room. “I don’t want him waking up alone and in the dark, especially since he’s been sick. Just keep the lights off as long as you can—actually, put that damn flashlight of yours to good use!”

“Got it,” Larry said while patting over the pocket of his jacket that held his flashlight. “Then, I’ll bring him to you in his parents’ exhibit.”

“Yup. I’ve written a letter explaining what’s happening. There’s no way they are going to wake up speaking English. The real question is what the hell we are going to do about our stowaways.”

“I can’t believe they figured out how to ship themselves here,” Larry said, settling his hands on his hips after sliding the key to the storage room in his pants’ pocket.

“I’m sure they just want to help Ahk, but perhaps we just ‘forget’ they are here for the time being. Maybe they won’t even make it out of the storage room?”

“Y/N, they managed to ship themselves here from New York. We aren’t going to trick them by leaving them alone in a dark room.”

You sighed in frustration.

“Focus on Ahk’s parents. Leave the rest of the guys to me.”

“Thank you—shit, it’s late! Dr. Waterhouse leaves at 6:30 every day after security finishes its sweep. I’m sealing off the Egyptian wing to work, so they won’t walk in on Meren and Shep when they wake up. If you stay inside the transition room with Ahk until 6:30, you’ll be fine.”

“Got it,” Larry said with a firm nod. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes,” you said slowly, your stomach fluttering at the thought of seeing Ahkmenrah in less than two hours.

As you and Larry headed in your separate directions, you once again found yourself asking the cosmos to help you get this right—to help Merenkahre and Shepseheret wake up without losing their minds.

Armed with your letter, you sat in the tiny hallway between the two exhibits and waited for the sun to set. You took off your jacket and used it to cushion your seat on the floor.

As you were reading over your letter for the tenth time, the rattling of the sarcophaguses caused you to shoot up from the floor; unfortunately, your foot had fallen asleep and you fell face forward, just barely catching yourself with your hands.

“Fuck me!”

You shook it off and hobbled your way to Merenkahre’s coffin first; as you lifted the lid, up popped a very dusty mummy. His wrappings were badly decayed, so you figured he could fuss with them himself and you ran over to Shepseheret’s coffin. She had flung her lid aside and was already unwrapping her bandages. You could just see her eyes as you approached and she froze, clearly frightened. You relied on your knowledge of their culture, and bent at the knee, splaying your arms to show you meant only respect.

She spoke, but you were unsure what she said as it was still muffled by her bandages.

Merenkahre had made fast work of his own wrappings and came, dressed in his regal splendor through the opening between their exhibits, stumbling when he realized who had spoken.

Shepseheret began crying as she struggled with her bandages. You stood up and helped her, then helped her out of the coffin.

She looked equally as stunning as her husband, her full regalia much more ornate than anything you had ever seen. She was buried with the highest honors, and you wondered what exactly happened after Ahkmenrah was killed. Surely, Kahmunrah wouldn’t have allowed Meren and Shep to be buried in such ornate clothes because they were a dead giveaway of their identity.

You pushed your questions aside, knowing you had no way to ask them anyway, and watched as Merenkahre gathered his wife into his arms. They cried and hugged each other, whispering in ancient Egyptian. It pained you to break up their reunion, but their son needed them.

“Ahkmenrah,” you stated, hoping to get their attention.

They both turned and looked at you, Shepseheret’s blue-green eyes, the exact same as her son’s, widening. You began the speech you had rehearsed and hoped your ancient Egyptian was understandable.

“Ahkmenrah needs help. His tablet is dying.”

Merenkahre began speaking, much more rapidly than you could follow. You held up your hands and shook your head to indicate that you didn’t understand.

You jogged the few steps to where you had been waiting and grabbed the letter explaining how you knew their son, where he was, where they were, and about the tablet’s corrosion.

Their eyes flew over the hieroglyphs, and Shepseheret’s hand covered her mouth as it fell open, her face filling with concern.

Once again, they began to converse with one another, and you only picked up that they discussed Ahk and his brother, and they definitely did know Kahmunrah had killed them all.

Surprisingly, they didn’t seem all that shocked to be awake. That made you wonder just how much more they knew about their gift to their son.

Merenkahre frowned and tried speaking again. You shook your head and shrugged your shoulders, unable to follow enough of what he was saying. You had planned on Larry and Ahk having arrived by now. You wondered what was keeping them, and then, you remembered you had left your backpack and your notebook in Meren’s exhibit.

You ran to fetch it and hastily wrote out that you could read his language but not speak it.

Merenkahre stared at your pen for a moment and ran a hand over the paper in awe; then, he scrawled in the notebook:

“Where is my son?”

“He’s here, now. That’s why you’ve come to life. The tablet is with him. Can you help?”

“I need to see it, but yes, I believe I know what is wrong.”

“What is wrong?”

“The tablet is most likely in need of Khonsu’s light.”

You nodded, unsure exactly what the moon god had to do with Ahk’s tablet, but you were overjoyed that his father seemed to know what was wrong.

Shepseheret reached for the notebook and pen and scrawled a request:

“Explain more about when and where we are.”

“England,” you scrawled before drawing a crude map that showed them where they were in relation to Egypt. “The year is 20–.”*

“Did you find us?”

“Yes.”

“Did you find us for my son?”

“Yes.”

Shepseheret smiled at you, a soft, knowing smile. She turned and spoke to her husband, and he listened intently.

You stepped away to allow them to converse, and you used that moment to try to call Larry.

He answered, panting into the phone.

“We’ve got—a—slight—problem!”

“Where are you?!”

And in response, you heard some yelling and scuffling before the line went dead. You were left to stare at your phone and wonder what the hell had gone wrong.

You decided to stay in the exhibit with Ahk’s parents, trusting that Larry would get Ahkmenrah here. This was what Larry did best.

Merenkahre and Shepseheret were still deep in conversation but had begun to wonder around each of their exhibits, pointing at artifacts as they examined each room.

Just as you stepped back into the small hallway that separated Meren’s throne room from Shep’s garden, Larry and Ahk, followed by a small, very awkward crew of supporters, thundered up the stairs and skidded into the exhibit. Ahkmenrah’s mouth dropped open as he approached his mother’s garden.

Shepseheret ran to her son, the two of them melting into a loving embrace. Merenkahre followed and reached out to touch his son’s face in disbelief. They began to speak in hushed, low voices, and each of their faces was streaked with tears. Ahkmenrah’s smile was so blinding, it dulled the tracks of tears that had slid from his eyes.

Ahkmenrah asked his mother a question, and she turned and pointed to you as you stood in the shadow of the hallway between the two exhibits.

You walked out slowly, unsure if your legs would sustain you as you saw Ahkmenrah for the first time in nearly two years.

“Y/N,” Ahkmenrah breathed, and asked with awe, “What have you done?”

“I found your family, and my team built this for them. And I had hoped . . . for you, too,” you said as you gestured to the hallway separating Shepseheret’s garden from Ahkmenrah’s chamber.

Ahkmenrah glanced to the doorway and then to his father’s throne room, the golden sun that had been excavated and painstaking restored, glittered within a glass casing on the floor.

Ahkmenrah moved from his mother’s embrace, and he slowly closed the distance between you. When he stopped in front of you, he was so close that you could count his eyelashes, close enough that you could smell the rich scent of papyrus, sandalwood, and the open air of the desert that was so determined to cling to him, even after 4,000 years. Ahk took a deep breath and reached out to grip your upper arms.

You froze as he laid his forehead against yours and closed his eyes, breathing you in. When he opened his eyes, and locked them onto yours, he asked one simple question: “Why?”

You were still frozen, hypnotized by the intensity of his gaze and the only thing that would come out of your mouth was the truth.

“Because I love you.”

Ahkmenrah pulled you to him, and your body softened within his embrace as you wrapped your arms around his waist, sliding your hands across the smooth, warm skin of his back.

When he pulled away, he began murmuring, “I am deeply sorry, Y/N. I should have told you. I am and have been wholly in lo—”

Ahkmenrah’s face grimaced as he staggered forward, almost knocking the wind out of you as you caught him and struggled to hold him upright. As you looked into his face, you were horrified to see the black lines of decay that ringed his eyes, his smooth skin wrinkling to some grey-matter before slowly, slowly turning back to flesh.

His father rushed forward and wrapped his arm around his son, holding him steady, his face full of concern.

Ahkmenrah must have explained what was happening and Merenkahre followed up with talking about Khonsu. You could feel the tension between the two of them, and Shepseheret interrupted, speaking gently as she gripped her husband’s arm.

“That’s it?!” Ahkmenrah exclaimed in English.

“What? What’s it?!” Larry shouted, unable to wait any longer.

“All we need to do is expose the tablet to moonlight,” Ahkmenrah said, irritation tinging his speech.

You felt like your heart stopped—that was easy!

Too easy.

Larry sighed. “That would be easy. If we had the tablet.”

“Uhh, say what now, Lar?” you questioned. “Everyone is alive—the tablet is obviously here. We saw it an hour ago!”

“It was stolen by a loathsome metal man,” Ahk said through clenched teeth, clearly ready to destroy the thief as his fists clenched in anger.

You glanced at Ahkmenrah, worried because you’d never seen him so angry, and worried because of the way he had spoken to his parents.

“Lancelot. You know, of the knights and the round table. He stole the tablet,” Larry finished, looking at you.

“Why would Lancelot steal? That breaks like 500 codes of chivalry.”

“He said something about a quest?” Larry answered, clearly unsure about Lancelot’s motive.

You thumped your hand to your forehead, interrupting yourself.

“Of course! The display here was built around the knights’ quest for the holy grail. I bet he thinks the tablet can help him find the grail.”

“The grail, yes.” Ahkmenrah said, his teeth still gritted. “That’s what the little fuck was babbling about.”

You raised your brows, taken aback by Ahkmenrah’s language.

“Are you okay, Ahk?”

“No—I am clearly not o-fucking-kay as I nearly turned into a pile of rot and bones a moment ago,” he snapped.

Shepseheret, reading her son’s tone, scolded him.

He glared at her, anger tinging his cheeks, before something came over him, washing his anger away. His features softened and he apologized to you and to his mother.

“You don’t need to apologize to me, Ahk. This is all my fault.”

“My mother says I certainly do need to apologize—wait, what do you mean this is your fault?”

“I think I did something the night I used it to return us from your memory.”

Ahkmenrah shook his head before returning to stand in front of you, his hands grasping your face.

“No. This has nothing to do with that night. If anything, it’s my fault for overusing the tablet. I continued my experiments, and thanks to my parents, never knew it needed moonlight to survive.”

“Don’t be angry with them, Ahk,” you said as you reached up to grasp his wrist, stroking your thumb across his skin. “They made that tablet out of love.”

Ahkmenrah lowered his hands and sighed. “I know, Y/N. And I thank you for reuniting us. This means more to me than I can ever express.”

Merenkahre, every bit still a pharaoh, had grown tired of not knowing what was going on and tapped his staff on the floor, the loud clanging causing everyone except Ahkmenrah to jump.

Merenkahre spoke, and Ahk said while rolling his eyes, “He wants me to translate.”

As Ahkmenrah began speaking to his father, you took time to greet Teddy and the others, noticing how depressed and lethargic they seemed, before turning your attention to Larry.

“How familiar are you with Sir Lancelot?”

“He was a knight of the round table, a pretty good one, I think, at least until he fell in love with King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere.”

“Exactly. And guess who is in King Arthur’s display?”

Larry narrowed his eyes, “Y/N . . . I’m afraid of what is about to come out of your mouth.”

“They’re wax!” you barked, startling yourself and causing Ahkmenrah to look up from his conversation.

You huffed and pulled Larry through the hallway and into Merenkahre’s exhibit, damn near shoving him against the wall in your haste to explain.

“Ahkmenrah, his parents—they are flesh and blood! I don’t care if I have to throw that stupid hunk of wax into an incinerator to get the tablet back.”

“I know! I know!” Larry said, his hands raised in defense. “It’s just that, well, I don’t just think of them as wax. I’ve gotten to know all of them, Y/N, and they are real—at least the tablet makes them real enough. Think about it—Teddy and Sacagawea. Jed and Octavius. Those connections didn’t exist in their lifetime. They were forged after the tablet brought them to life. And they remember. Just like you and I do.”

You ran your hands through your hair in frustration.

Larry knew he wasn’t getting through to you, so he tried a different tactic.

“You can’t just take on a knight of THE roundtable.”

“I’m not planning on it,” you said before sighing. “I care about the others, too, Lar, but this is about Ahkmenrah, and now, his parents. What would you do if you were faced with losing Rebecca or Nicky forever?”

Larry answered without hesitation, “I would do whatever it took to save them.”

“So help me—I do have a plan, ya know.”

“Lay it on me, kiddo,” Larry said with a nervous grin.

* * * * *

“Alright, Gigantress,” Jed said from the display he and Octavius were standing on. “The queen is alone—she followed the trail of flowers we left, just like you said she would.”

“This version of Guinevere isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed,” you explained as you readied your rope, gag, and dagger.

“May Fortuna shine upon you,” Octavius said, giving you a tiny bow.

You shot him a nervous smile, muttered your thanks, and took off up to the Arctic exhibit. Larry had taken Ahk to distract the mummies that had risen and had been terrorizing most of the other exhibits, hoping that he would be able to command them.

There was also a very large, very angry rhinoceros that was charging through the museum. It was during that encounter that Lancelot happened upon Larry and Ahk and stole the tablet.

What a mess—Tilly should get a month’s vacation after this.

You hoped that your plan would be executed with a little less chaos. You chose the Arctic exhibit as the place to kidnap Guinevere because it was on the topmost floor of the museum, closest to the roof. Also, because it was kept really cool, the doors sealed shut. You wanted to get Guinevere far away from Arthur or any of the other knights. So far, Teddy had done an excellent job of sending Arthur and his knights on a chase across the museum, claiming to be in possession of the grail because he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ himself.

On the other hand, Atilla the Hun was busy herding Lancelot toward the Arctic exhibit, relying on a lot of chasing, screaming, and yelling to push the knight into a location where he would see the kidnapped queen.

You also knew the Artic exhibit mostly contained the Canadian Inuit and used dioramas and paintings to showcase their life. While the end of the exhibit displayed the animals, the polar bear and the caribou were behind glass, like Sacagawea had been. Your only real worry was avoiding the walrus. There was a massive re-creation of a walrus attacking a boat that served as the centerpiece in the room that housed the polar creatures. While walruses aren’t prone to attacking humans, they did not appreciate boats intruding on their hunting ground. They had proven to be formidable foes for the Inuit.

After slowly pushing the door open, you stopped to listen for any danger in the exhibit. It was eerily quiet, and the only light came from the dim, round floor lamps. You walked slowly, hoping to catch a glimpse of Guinevere’s silver gown.

As you wound through the entryway, you came upon a reconstruction of an igloo, and inside, seated with all the flowers she had gathered as part of Jed and Octavius’s trail, was the queen. Her entire being seemed to emit a silvery glow, like she was made of some unearthly substance. Her long blonde hair even seemed to glitter, nearly matching the silver of her gown.

You slackened the rope in your hands, hoping you would be able to loop it right over her head.

“You have come to kidnap me, I suppose,” Guinevere spoke up, her musical voice doing little to hide the sigh that escaped as she easily surrendered.

You raised your eyebrows, unaware how she even saw you approaching from the darkened hallway.

“Yes, I have come to kidnap you,” you said slowly. “But I don’t want to harm you. I honestly don’t have the time to.”

Guinevere placed the floral crown she had been weaving on the table in the igloo and stood, proffering her hands.

“Are you a witch?” she asked as you looped the rope around her wrists.

“Nope. Just a regular girl trying to save the not so regular guy she loves.”

“Oh! You are in love?” Guinevere sighed, a light springing into her eyes. “I love falling in love. There is no better feeling in all the realm!”

“Yeah,” you said, tightening the rope. “Camelot really appreciated that quality of yours. Do I need the gag?”

“I’ll scream only if you want me to,” Guinevere offered politely.

“Not yet, sis. But when we see Lancelot, I’m going to need you to scream like a bloody Banshee.”

“Lancelot,” Guinevere sighed. “Such a wonderful knight. It will be quite exciting to be rescued by him. Again.”

You narrowed your eyes, and even though you didn’t have the time, you had to ask.

“Why did you marry Arthur?”

“It twas my duty, and he was so very charming when first he wooed me. But then it all changed,” Guinevere said as she looked through you, clearly lost in the remnants of her past.

“He was trying to build a kingdom, to promote equality and—Jesus, why am I explaining this? You’re a myth.”

Guinevere looked at you again, her eyes looking just as real as any other person’s.

“But my name is known throughout lands and throughout time, and so it will always be. Can you say the same for yours?”

You didn’t answer her and instead took her by the arm and lead her in the direction of the exit. If Atilla had done his job, Lancelot would be on his way to the roof with the tablet to rescue his lover. If you got to the central balcony, you might be able to get Guinevere to scream loud enough to hurry the process along. Ahk and Larry should be on their way there, too, barring the mummies didn’t—

No. No time to think of the what-ifs.

As you hurried Guinevere down the hallway, you finally replied, “No, Queen Guinevere, my name won’t survive for centuries, but I do hope to live with integrity in this one.”

“You would have made an excellent knight.”

Before you could say anything else, the sound of a deep bark stopped you in your tracks.

“Can you run?”

“I am a lady. I needn’t bother with ru—"

“RUN!” you yelled as the walrus began crashing forward, his massive weight shaking the floor as he moved, much quicker than you would have imagined. You pushed Guinevere in the direction of the door, the flickering of her silver dress and blonde hair flashing in your peripheral vision.

The two of you crashed through the door and Guinevere stumbled, and unable to catch herself, fell to the floor.

You grabbed a nearby trashcan and shoved the rim under the door, hopefully buying you some time as the walrus crashed into the door, rattling the glass.

It definitely wouldn’t hold for long.

“Up you go, queen,” you said hoisting Guinevere to her feet.

“What was that?”

“It’s called a walrus, but right now, I need you to look over this railing and scream your head off.”

Guinevere immediately complied and you almost dropped the dagger to clasp your ears. You grabbed her arm again to stop her and looked over the ledge. Sure enough, Lancelot was bounding up the spiral stairs, Attila on his heels.

“FIEND,” he screamed. “You will die for touching the queen! Guinevere, your Lancelot is coming for you!”

“I’m counting on that,” you said, as you pulled her along before she could reply.

“How romantic,” she sighed as you hurried her up the stairs that let out to the roof.

Lancelot was not far behind and just as you shoved Guinevere on to the ledge of the roof, he burst through the door.

Lancelot’s eyes widened at the sight of you with your dagger against Guinevere’s back, her feet just the width of the bricks on which she stood. For the first time, Guinevere actually did appear frightened, and had you been able to see the look on your face, it wouldn’t have come as a surprise that she was.

Your teeth were bared and the hand that wasn’t clutching the dagger was balled into a fist. Rage radiated from you, unable to believe that this idiot was about to inadvertently kill Ahkmenrah.

“Give me the fucking tablet, Lancelot, or I kill her,” you said evenly and with excellent annunciation. Lancelot needed to understand your threat was not idle.

Just as Lancelot was about to reply, Ahkmenrah and Larry, along with Atilla, Teddy and his horse, Jed, Octavius, several mummies, and a few of the other British and American exhibits burst through the door. Larry was holding Ahkmenrah up, his face twisted in pain.

“The game’s over Lancelot—be a true knight—of the round table—and return what you stole,” Larry said through his pants.

“Stole?” Lancelot spat out. “This will lead me to THE Holy Grail. THE greatest gift left to man by THE Holy God!”

“A gift for which you will prove to be unworthy, Lancelot!” you shouted, poking Guinevere in the back so she uttered a sharp little cry. “Give the tablet to Ahkmenrah NOW!”

Before Lancelot could reply, Ahkmenrah’s knees buckled and Larry nearly lost his hold on him. Ahk was gasping for breath as life slowly began to wither out of him.

Attila was next, dropping to his knees, his eyes looking forward in a blank stare. Teddy began to freeze, his mouth an “o” of surprise.

Your scream was damn near feral as you dropped the dagger and abandoned Guinevere to run to Ahkmenrah.

“HE’S DYING!” you yelled through the sob that tore from your throat.

Ahk clung to you as you reached him, dropping to your knees to try to support his torso, cradling him in your arms like the night you returned from witnessing his murder by the hands of his own brother.

Ahkmenrah’s eyes were fixed on you as he tried to speak, but failed.

You whipped your head to look at Lancelot as you said, “The others—they’re wax and clay and stuffing, but Ahkmenrah is real. He’s real,” you repeated before looking into your rotting king’s face and whispering, “You are real.”

Ahkmenrah smiled, a sad quick upturn of his lips.

“Please don’t leave me, Ahk. Please, please, please,” you begged as you pressed a kiss to his greying lips, pieces of flesh wrinkling and falling away, his body becoming lighter, skeletal within your grip.

Ahkmenrah fixed his eyes on you and spoke, his voice faded but capable now, strengthened only by the imminence of his true death.

“Y/N, I love you. I have loved you all this time. I was wrong to push you away. Forgive me?”

“I love you, Ahkmenrah. I never stopped,” you said through the tears that were falling, landing on the greying flesh that was turning to dust, mixing to make tiny spots of ashy-mud.

“What have I done?!” Lancelot cried as he quickly pulled the tablet from within his armor.

“It needs moonlight!” Larry yelled.

Lancelot held the tablet high over his head in an offering to the night sky.

As the moon’s silvery rays hit it, the tablet’s corrosion stopped, then began to reverse; however, instead of just reverting to its golden state, it turned white as the moonlight restored its power, building until it flashed in a blinding white light that pulsed across the rooftop.

You watched in awe as Ahkmenrah was immediately restored, his body growing strong again in your arms, his flesh hardening and smoothing back into its familiar, brown coloring.

Ahkmenrah reached up to grasp your cheek with his palm, cupping it to pull you into a kiss. You could hear the others cheering and you pulled back, laughing with Ahk as the two of you clambered to your feet.

“I believe this belongs to you, your Royal Highness. Please accept my humblest apology,” Lancelot said with a bow.

You could feel Ahkmenrah’s anger, but you shifted into his arms, drawing his attention back to you. You rested your hand on Ahk’s warm abdomen and said to him in ancient Egyptian, “He is a remnant. That is all he is.”

Ahkmenrah’s eyes softened as he understood the implication of your words. Never again would you allow him to use the excuse of only being an artifact. He was bone, blood, and flesh. He was human.

Ahkmenrah tilted his head and accepted the errant knight’s apology.

Soon, the others gathered around you, cheering and celebrating that life would continue for them all.

Larry pulled you into a hug and whispered, “You did it, kiddo!” before releasing you to wrap Ahk into an even stronger hug.

“We saved,” Atilla spoke up, his gravelly voice speaking English and causing everyone to turn. “We PARTY!”

The group on the rooftop exploded into excitement, Ahkmenrah’s laughter warming you despite the cold air of the night that whipped across the rooftop.

* * * * *

You were quite certain the world had never seen a party like this. To an outsider, it might look like a really broadly themed costume party, but you couldn’t help but think about how to now define the word real. You and Larry and Tilly were real. So was Ahkmenrah, his parents, and the other mummies. But the other exhibits? Could you qualify them as real?

Even if you did, you would have shoved a dagger into Guinevere or melted Lancelot with a torch to save Ahkmenrah. Still, Larry’s earlier words resonated with you.

You smiled unabashedly as you saw Ahk manning the DJ table as usual, this time with his parents by his side, utterly fascinated by the technology their son could so easily use.

Someone had found a bubble machine along with an entire crate of Christmas crackers. Bubbles filled the air as tiny bangs burst along with the music, the exhibits dancing gleefully through the throngs of confetti that popped out of the crackers, some even fighting over the tiny prizes inside.

You closed your eyes for a moment and thanked whoever or whatever may be listening, then you turned away from the noise and began climbing the stairs to the Egyptian wing. You were so tired, but at the same time, it felt like your skin was thrumming with electricity. The very air felt different to you; things seemed brighter, more real than they had in the past year and a half. You assumed that’s what love was—finding someone who could electrify your life, brighten it, just with their presence.

You wondered through Ahkmenrah’s chambers, thinking about what the future would hold. It was clear that your life would never be “normal,” but normal was subjective.

You eventually returned to Shepseheret’s garden, settling into the roped hammock that closely resembled a porch swing. You closed your eyes and listened to the distant thudding of the music and the quiet trickling of the stream that ran through the grasses. It was almost as if you were back there, in Ahk’s memory. You could swear that you could even smell him—

“It seems that every time a crisis is averted, we throw a party,” Ahkmenrah said as his sandaled feet crunched along the tiny rocks of the garden path.

Your eyes popped open as you shook off the sleepiness that had nearly claimed you. Meeting his eyes, those beautiful, prominently intense and polychromatic eyes, you said, “Welcome to modern times. We party to forget our pain.”

“Definitely not a modern concept, my love,” Ahkmenrah said as he settled onto the hammock, scooting closer so you could use his lap as a pillow. One of his arms settled across your sweater-clad stomach, but the barrier of clothing didn’t stop your body from reacting to his proximity, your lower abdomen inwardly clenching at the remembrance of the pleasure this man had once given you.

Ahk had removed his crown, and now he kicked off his sandals. You could feel the muscles in his legs shift and tighten as wiggled his toes into the sand that was underneath the hammock.

“If only kids knew that historical figures were this into getting lit. They may actually pay attention in their history classes.”

Ahkmenrah chuckled, but it was clear he had something on his mind.

The atmosphere quickly grew serious. You could feel the tension rise in the air and in his body, his fingers rubbing a pattern, back and forth against your sweater. Suddenly, you were very awake. It occurred to you that you should’ve seen this coming, that you shouldn’t have been so goddamn stupid.

Well, this time, you’d beat him to the punch.

You sat up, Ahkmenrah pulling his arm back as you wiggled away from him. You swung your legs over the edge of the bench, sitting upright as if you were in a proper chair, your own body now taught, stress tightening your muscles.

Every fucking time you let a wall down, Ahkmenrah managed to come in à la Miley Cyrus and her wrecking ball; he flooded you with emotions and made you completely vulnerable.

So, you would babble. You would lie and then lie some more, all in the hope of stifling the blow that was about to come.

“I know, Ahk. You don’t even have to command me this time—I’ll ‘go gently into that good night’ before you even tell me that everything you said was because you thought you were dying. And if you were about to be dead, there was no harm in saying wonderful things because there would be NO issue of where the fuck we go from here because you’d be dead. So, it’s fine. It’s whatever. I did this once. I can do it again.”

Ahkmenrah was very quiet until you stopped speaking, allowing the silence to fill the room again, and just as it teetered on oppressive, he spoke.

“I love you,” he said, clearly and full of emotion.

You looked up from the hammock, your knuckles whitening as you gripped the edges of the woven ropes.

You dared to turn your head to look at him, only to find that he was staring at you.

“I love you,” he repeated, locking his eyes onto yours.

You looked away, the emotion too intense.

Ahkmenrah moved off the hammock and kneeled before you, placing his hands over your gripping fists. You looked down into his face, his beautiful face, and didn’t know what to say anymore. Your lies didn’t work; nothing would soften the blow of what was about to come.

Ahkmenrah continued while your heart pounded in your chest.

“I hurt you because I thought I had to—I thought it was the right thing to do. Never, have I ever regretted something so deeply as not coming after you, not running down the streets of the great city and yelling that I loved you, too. But I knew if I did, none of this would have happened. Look around you, Y/N. You have done this. You have built this. I will never ask you to give up your dreams, but what I am going to ask you for is any piece of your life you are willing to share with me. I will be with you in any way that you will let me.”

His eyes were bright and pleading. The irony of the once great pharaoh of Egypt on his knees before a commoner was not lost on you. This was as significant of a gesture as Ahk knew how to make. A god-king never kneeled, and here he was, his knees in the sandy dirt, begging for any scrap of you that you were willing to give him.

Your mind was engaged in a violent war: Lie, lie, lie, and keep lying your goddamn ass off, said one side. The other echoed only one simple plea: let him love you.

Ahkmenrah watched and couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his lips. “Let me in, Y/N. Let me know what’s going on in here,” he said as he softly touched the middle of your forehead.

It was your turn to let the silence grow, to let the war inside your head rage while the Fourth King of the Fourth King stayed on his knees, his eyes pleading for one more chance.

You took a deep breath and said, “You already have all my pieces, Ahk.”

Ahkmenrah pushed himself up from his knees and pulled you up from the hammock to take you in his arms and kiss you with that same passion you had once poured into your goodbye kiss after the night you witnessed his death. He kissed you with nearly two years’ worth of longing, of regret, and of heartbreak.

And most importantly, when he pulled his lips from yours to allow the both of you to breath, he cupped your face and rubbed his thumb over your cheek and told you he would never let himself become nothing more than a remnant of your past.

You both jumped when Merenkahre spoke up from the head of the garden, neither of you having heard the approach of Ahk’s parents.

You both turned, laughing nervously with your kiss-swollen lips. Ahkmenrah held your hand, tightening his grip when you tried to pull away to let him speak to his parents.

“I want to properly introduce you to them, Y/N,” Ahk explained as he pulled you forward.

“I already did that,” you said, trying to tug your hand away again.

Ahkmenrah stopped and turned to face you, awaiting your explanation.

“When Larry told me you were sick, I knew I wouldn’t have much time to explain to your parents what was happening and I certainly knew they wouldn’t wake up speaking English. So, I wrote them a letter and I . . . well, I told them that I loved you. That I’d do anything to save you.”

Ahkmenrah grinned and stepped forward to kiss you again, a gentle press of his lips to yours as he slid a finger under your chin.

His eyes danced with happiness as he said, “Then there is nothing to be nervous about now, my love.”

You sighed, clearly unable to avoid this awkward reintroduction.

Ahkmenrah spoke to first his father and then to his mother. You understood your name and the Egyptian words for love and for honor. He also referenced Shai, the god of fate. You were almost positive you caught Hathor somewhere in there, too.

When he finished speaking, he stepped back a little and nudged you forward.

“Say hello,” he said nodding with encouragement as if you were a toddler attempting to take your first steps.

You took a moment to gather your translated thoughts and said, “I am honored to be in your presence your Royal Majesties. I understand I am common, unworthy of your beloved son, but I love him and only wish to make him happy.”

Merenkahre and Shepseheret looked at each other and giggled, then Merenkahre clapped his somewhat embarrassed looking son on the back.

“What did I say,” you said, panic sweeping through your eyes.

“You just told my parents that you loved me . . . and wished to provide me with endless sexual satisfaction.”

Your mouth dropped open and you looked back at his parents who were grinning broadly, clearly amused by your gaffe.

You narrowed your eyes at Ahkmenrah and hissed, “This is your fault!”

Ahkmenrah, now grinning, too, clarified what you had meant by “happy.” You noticed the intonation of the two versions of the word were quite different.

Meren and Shep both nodded, laughing a little, clearly understanding what your intended meaning had been.

Shepseheret stepped forward and embraced you. You could feel the beads in her hair slide across your cheek and smell her sweet perfume, a mixture of lavender, rose, and of the subtle smell of papyrus, just like her son. She held on to your hands as she pulled back and said, “My son is lucky to have your love.”

You understood her and thanked her.

Then, Merenkahre moved forward as Shepseheret stepped back. He gripped your upper arms and thanked you for reuniting his family.

“I owe you a great debt, Y/N,” he said as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head.

You smiled, and Ahkmenrah took his place at your side, wrapping his arm around your waist. He leaned over to whisper in your ear, “That was not so bad, was it?”

You lightly elbowed him in the ribs in response causing him to laugh softly into your ear before he straightened, his father clearly waiting to tell him something.

“What is it father?”

“Son, your tablet does not just restore life temporarily. The magic within it contains enough power to return you, fully, to your mortal state.”

Ahkmenrah stared in disbelief as you furrowed your brow, trying to piece together what Merenkahre was saying.

Shepseheret stepped forward and took her son in her arms, hugging him while whispering, “You could have the life your brother stole from you, my beloved. All we have ever wanted was for you to live a full, happy life.”

Ahkmenrah continued to stare in disbelief, your heart dropping into your stomach as you caught the mention of Kahmunrah and his murder of Ahk.

“The tablet will need to be bathed in Khonsu’s light every night for fourteen days. Once it has soaked in all of Khonsu’s magic, it will have the power to restore you, permanently.”

“Father, what do you mean by only saying that it will restore me, not us?”

Merenkahre looked at his son, pride chasing away the sadness that had filled his eyes as Ahk questioned him.

“I did not wish for you to ask that question, but you have always been clever, my son. Once the tablet is drained of its restorative magic, it will turn to dust, as will we.”

Ahkmenrah stared in disbelief at his parents. They were offering to give up their lives for his.

Unable to wait any longer, you seized the gap in the conversation to ask, “What did they say about the tablet and its magic?”

“Y/N,” Ahk said quickly, his robes swirling as he turned to face you. “What if—what if I could be . . . human? Not just at night, but all the time. Would you still want me?”

Your first instinct was to laugh, but the seriousness on Ahkmenrah’s face told you this was not a hypothetical question.

“The tablet . . . can make you . . . totally human?” you questioned.

“Yes.”

You felt light-headed and reached for the hammock, but it was nowhere near you. Ahkmenrah reached for you and held you firmly to his chest. His eyes were boring into yours, searching for an answer.

“Ahk, I love you—you are it for me. You’ve ruined me because I really believe you are the love of my life. Pharaoh ‘alive-only-at-night’ you, or mortal ‘alive-all-the-time’ you. I want you any way I can have you.”

Ahkmenrah smiled one of those blinding, million-dollar grins that you had missed so much.

“I want to be alive-all-the-time with you, Y/N. I want a life.”

You wanted to return his joyful smile but worry niggled too strongly in your mind.

“You won’t be immortal. You will get sick. Get old. You will—you’ll die, Ahk.”

“I know,” Ahkmenrah said softly, the remnants of his smile still on his lips. “But I will also have lived.”

This time, your smile acted of its own accord, exploding across your features and reaching your eyes, your face the embodiment of joy.

* * * * *

For two weeks, the inhabitants of the British museum came to life at night; Larry had stayed for two more days to help Tilly develop a schedule for keeping order, and despite her awed confusion, she vigorously delved into her role as a guardian.

You had kept Ahk’s secret from Larry about becoming mortal. After all, you mostly lived your life waiting for the next hammer to fall, so you figured that if everything did go according to plan, you could give Larry and Rebecca one hell of a surprise when you and Ahkmenrah showed up on their doorstep in the middle of the day.

You and Ahk followed his father’s instructions and exposed the tablet to moonlight every night at midnight. The tablet’s appearance didn’t seem to change, but Ahkmenrah seemed to fill with an energy that you couldn’t explain. You weren’t sure if it was the magic of the tablet or if it was the possibility of him living a life of his choosing.

Ahkmenrah spent most of his time with his parents and you respected their privacy. Besides, it was exactly what you had worked for—to bring them together so Ahk could be happy.

While Ahkmenrah was with his parents, you spent time with the unidentified mummies, unbandaging them and working to identify each of them. While they were no longer in such a chaotic state, they were struggling to transition. They weren’t discovered by someone like you or Jack; they were jostled out of their slumber and thrust into a word they did not understand.

Currently, you were sitting in a circle, getting each of the mummies to share their history. A young boy with dark brown hair and eyes so big and dark they appeared to be black was talking about his parents—at least that was the gist of what you caught.

You knew Ahkmenrah had entered the room before you even saw him because each of the Egyptians stiffened and immediately shifted their positions to kneeling and bowing their heads.

Ahkmenrah told them to rise and to resume their discussion.

They hesitantly returned to more comfortable, seated positions, but their chatter was hushed, their eyes wide and glancing at Ahkmenrah.

“Hi, love,” you said, as he bent down to press a kiss to your temple.

“I do apologize for interrupting your meeting.”

“You are quite the distraction, King Ahkmenrah.”

He chuckled and said, “I only wanted to tell you that I’ll be with my parents until near dawn. It will be tonight, Y/N, that my father will reveal to me the final spell.”

“Oh,” you uttered, unable to articulate anything more than that tiny word.

Ahkmenrah smiled at you and nodded. “Come to the roof at 6:45 once the museum is quiet.”

“That’s cutting it awfully close, Ahk.”

“I am aware, but it needs to be this way.”

“Okay,” you said slowly processing what this meant. “Okay! I will see you then. Give your parents my love.”

Ahkmenrah said he would, and as he reached the door, he turned to look at you, reengaging the regenerated mummies, adding new scribbles to the scraps of paper that surrounded your seat on the floor. The corners of his mouth turned downward in a display of longing to bring them all to life again; while watching them, he felt so selfish.

Then, Ahkmenrah thought about the afterlife, something he and all of his people truly believed in. The tablet had ripped the souls in front of him from The Field of Reeds, including his own parents’. They all had families waiting for them there, and one day, Ahk would be reunited with his family again, too. By choosing to destroy the table, he was also choosing to bear the guilt of ending the earthly lives of the exhibits in the museum and of the mummies and his own parents.

Everything has its price.

* * * * *

“The mummies are all wrapped up and back in their coffins,” you said with a wave good-night to the Tilly.

“Thanks for your help, Y/N. Everyone else is all tucked in for their nighty-night!”

You smiled and popped into the elevator, heading to the roof.

When the doors opened, you were greeted by the bright grey of the pre-dawn. Ahkmenrah was looking toward the place where the sun would rise, a slash of pinkish-orange just barely visible near the line of the horizon.

His breath came out in little vapory puffs and you pulled your coat around you a bit tighter as you moved to stand next to him. You looked over, your eyes absorbing his regal profile. His eyes held a profound sadness that surprised you.

“Are you sure you’re ready to do this, Ahk? There’s no rush.”

“Waiting longer will not make this any easier,” Ahkmenrah said as he tore his eyes away from the growing pink and orange blur.

He turned to face you, his eyes locking on yours to draw strength. He took a deep breath and looked down at the tablet. You watched his lips as they issued a string of ancient Egyptian, his tone low and befitting of a spell.

The tablet began to glow as it did on the night it was reinvigorated by Khonsu’s light, but the light grew so bright that you had no choice but to turn away. Through your closed eyes, you saw a brilliant flash.

When you were able to see again, the bright white light was entering Ahk’s fingertips, slowly sliding its way up his arms. You watched the white light as it slid over his entire body. His eyes were closed and his breathing was even, so you knew that whatever was happening wasn’t painful. The bright light met at his chest and split, the light trailing up and down his torso. You watched as the light washed up and over his face and head, and then down his legs and over his toes.

There was a sudden gust of warm air that blew dirt and the remnants of the last snow out and away from the both of you. You searched Ahkmenrah’s face, and when he finally opened his eyes, you both looked to the tablet as it began to blacken.

In an instant, the tablet crumbled in Ahk’s hands, the black dust falling to the roof, blending in with the black of the dried tar that was partially obscured by the dirty snow.

“No,” you whispered. “Oh, no.”

You dropped to your knees and ran your fingers through the remnants of the tablet, your fingertips smudging with the ash. You rubbed your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger together in disbelief. You looked up at Ahkmenrah and he held his hands palm up. You slid your hands into his, the fingers with the ash drawing soft black smudges across his palm.

He pulled you up and slid his hands up your arms, gripping you.

“It’s okay, Y/N. I knew. I just . . . I just did not know how to tell you.”

“So that’s it? The tablet is gone. They’re all . . . gone. Forever.”

“Yes,” Ahkmenrah whispered, his eyes still the same intense, polychromatic swirl of blue and green, but they were filled with such hope, such infinite possibility that it took your breath away.

“You chose this?” you questioned.

“I chose you, yes,” Ahkmenrah said with a smile.

“But your parents! Did they know?”

“Of course they knew, and this is what they wanted for me. All they ever wanted was for me to be happy. For me to live.”

Your mind filled with an inability to believe what had just happened. The tablet was gone. No more would anything come to life in the museum—it was all, once again, reduced to wax, stuffing, and bone.

But Ahkmenrah was alive. You could feel that, and it squeezed at your heart in the same way his million-dollar smile did.

You took a deep breath and smiled at Ahkmenrah.

“Well, then how do you want to start living?”

“I want to watch the sun RISE,” Ahkmenrah said with firmness.

“And then?”

“I want to marry you.”

You laughed, and Ahkmenrah gave you that million-dollar grin.

“All in one day?” you questioned through your laughter. “Maybe we should take it a bit slower—"

“Do you doubt that this is our destiny?”

“I, uh . . . no. No, I don’t,” you said smiling at your eventual assuredness.

“Then let us begin our life together now. Let me teach you how to live like we lived, Y/N. I will prove to you that every day is a gift from the gods,” Ahkmenrah finished as he kissed you, his lips moving with practiced ease against yours, his tongue lightly twining with yours.

You closed the kiss, much quicker than you wished as you remembered what Ahk’s first request had been.

“You’re going to miss your first sun rise in 4,000 years!”

Ahkmenrah’s eyes never moved from your face, his gaze settling again on your lips.

“We have a lifetime to watch the sun rise, my queen. For now, kiss me until I cannot breathe.”

* * * * *

The streaks of pink and orange began to swirl together, combining until the ball of brightness that was the sun formed and burst above the horizon. The two figures on the top of the British Natural History Museum hardly noticed as the rays of the sun washed over their bodies, warming them as they continued to embrace, lost in what was considered a kiss for the ages.

Epilogue, forthcoming . . .

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