#that would not surprise me at all as his boss has put him through hell on at least a few occasions

[star-eyed-angels]

The Masked Ballerina

Mafia!Yunho x ballerina!reader

angst, light fluff 6k

TW: mentions of fighting, abuse, violence, swearing, weapons. As usual, please let me know if I missed something.

Please read at your own discretion.

Where Yunho's search for excitement leads him to the Ballet.

AN: Heavily inspired by the Ice On My Teeth MV. In my mind this exists in the same universe as my Mafia!Hongjoong fic. The chess lore goes hard in this one. Enjoy lovelies 🤍

Also in case anyone cares, the song reader dances to is Masquerade Suite: Maskarad at about 1:18 is when Yunho starts tapping and 1:23 is when he sees their face

MASTERLIST

It’s very rare that Yunho goes out alone. Normally he travels with his guards, a new rule put in place after the Wooyoung incident. He understands its another layer of protection in case someone decides to get a little too close. especially if one of their enemies decides to put a hit out on him. Which of course has happened more times than he can count, but his guards don’t let anyone get within talking distance. It's always kind of fun to him. Watching some dumb soldier try to charge at him. Part of Yunho wishes his guards would just let them through. That way he could have a little fun. Just the thought makes his hands twitch. God is he aching for a good fight. But he knows that would never happen. They would never allow it. It’s their sole duty to protect him. One of their eight bosses who are far too precious to lose. 

Yunho sighs at the thought. His breath coming out in front of him in the cold night air. He knows it's silly to want to get into a bit of trouble. With the power he holds he should be excited at the people who bow before him. But he can't help but want something more. A change of pace. Like tonight and his new habit of sneaking out once he knows the others are busy or sleeping. It started on a whim, his restlessness driving him over the edge. It was normally pretty bad, but this night he swore if he didn’t do something he would go insane. He found himself creeping down the hallway, waiting for just the right moment when he knew the guards would step away before making a dash to the street. He spent the next few hours wandering the city. The solitude was refreshing, not having anyone hovering over him. While it gave him a little rush the first few weeks , the thrill has already started to fade. His little nights out becoming something too close to a routine. 

He’s done his best to spice it up a bit, trying to find different routes. But with legs as long as his, there’s only so much he can do before he’s seen it all. The more he dwells on it, the worse he starts to feel. He tugs the hood of his sweater farther over his head, huffing in annoyance. With his mood slowly souring, he thinks it’s best to run back home. He finds himself turning towards the dark alley. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that he gravitates towards the shadows. He’s always been his skill, hiding in the shadows until he strikes. Of course nowadays he’s more of a boss, giving people his orders. And while it’s nice, can anyone really blame him for missing the action? I mean he’d even be happy to even do a simple hit. Give him a rookie task, hell he’ll take anything at this point. He realizes he sounds a bit like an addict. But God would it kill to have just a bit of excitement in his life? 

He turns to walk into the alley. He's so distracted he doesn't pay attention to the figure hiding in the shadows. 

“Hold it.” a voice calls out.

He’s pinned swiftly against a wall. A small breath knocked out of him, as he stumbles into it.

Yunho looks down to see a gun pointed at his chest. He’s so caught off guard it takes him a second to register what he’s looking at. His eyes trail up the arm holding the gun, finding a masked figure in front of him. At Least a head shorter than him and clearly in way over their head. 

He looks up at the sky, a baffled smile finding its way onto his face.

This isn’t what I meant.

If Yunho didn’t know any better he’d think he’s in a comedy movie. One where he’s the bud of all the jokes. 

“I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you,”

Ah yes the tiny thief. 

Yunho looks back down, the person digging the gun into his chest. He only blinks in response.

“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” they snap, “Just give me your money and no one has to get hurt.”

Yunho grabs the hand holding the gun, nudging it out of the way. 

“I don’t have any money. Now if you’ll excuse me-” he starts to say, but is swiftly cut off.

“What? Are you stupid, I said-”

Yunho rolls his eyes, any other night he’d probably entertain the idea of a brawl. But tonight he’s tired and just wants to be back home. This person clearly either doesn’t know what they’re getting themselves into. He supposes it’s the plain clothes he chose to wear out that make him somewhat unrecognizable. That and the fact that he doesn’t have his usual entourage hanging around him. 

Before they can get another word out he grips their arm, raising the gun up to the sky. He tugs the thief towards him, forcing them to stumble into his chest. They gasp in shock, grip loosening on the gun with the movement. Yunho pulls it away with ease, disarming it and dropping the remaining bullet in a single breath.

“What the fuck,” the masked figure says, clearly bewildered.

They look up, staring wide eyed up at him. It’s only then that Yunho takes notice of their eyes. One a normal color. And the other a stark contrast. Gray in color, mirroring the dark clouds above the pair. The snow continues to fall around the two, silence filling the air. It's in this brief moment that he’s able to really look at them. In the small window of the ski mask he sees the bruises around their eye, the skin clearly swollen and discolored with a black eye. It's easy enough to guess that a person must have given it to them, he’s seen enough beatings to know. As bad as he feels, he doesn’t have the energy for this. 

“Look. It’s been a long day. I’m tired,” he starts softly. 

Yunho calmly lowers their arm, dropping the gun into their open palm. He takes a step backwards, de-escalating the situation. 

“I’m just trying to go home,” 

The thief looks down at the gun in their hand briefly. They glance back up at him, eyes now teary. 

Yunho gives them a tight lipped smile, gently letting them go. He walks past them, the thief, turns only able to watch in shocked silence. Yunho only makes it a few steps away before he feels the need to stop. He can’t explain it, but there’s a nagging tug he feels in his mind. 

He turns to face the thief, who stands there silently, still watching him. They somehow look smaller like this, vulnerable, defeated. He thinks back to the bruising he saw underneath the mask. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know something is more is going on than just a petty crime. 

“For what it’s worth, I hope whatever it is you’re going through gets better,” he says sincerely. 

Despite the actions of the masked figure, he understands what it’s like. Desperation is an old friend of his. A friend that led him down an uncertain path, that thankfully ended in his favor. But he knows it isn't that way for everyone. He gives them one last smile, hoping it conveys more than what his words would.

“Have a good night”. 

With that he turns around continuing to walk down the alley. The thief continues to watch him go, watching him disappear into the cold night.

Yunho’s walks don’t last another week. He’d been able to squeeze in two more days of walking before he’d given up. Far too bored. The short-lived adventure was nice while it lasted. But again he finds himself looking for something else, something outside of his normal routine. 

That's how he finds himself squished into a small seat, front row to a ballet Jongho had been begging to see. Something very common for their household. He’d only tagged along because Seonghwa had to miss it, a last minute meeting with Hongjoong and another group.

And while this isn’t his usual thing, he will admit the show is quite good. To his right, San is clearly not as impressed, He’s only become more restless as the first hour passed by. Now practically squirming in his seat. He leans forward in his seat, glancing around at the others.

“Do we have to sit through this whole thing?” San asks, doing a poor job at whispering. 

“Shhh,” Jongho says from his left side. 

“Is it at least almost over?” he prods.

“Shhh!” Jongho shushes, louder than the first time. 

“But it's boring,” he says, having given up on whispering all together. 

Jongho leans forward in his own seat, shooting daggers at San. 

“It’s not boring, you just don’t know how to appreciate art,” he snaps. He gives one last glare before turning his attention back to the stage. Mingi snickers from his seat on San’s right. 

San pouts, sulking back into his seat. Yunho can’t help but smile at the exchange. He nudges his shoulder, leaning closer to him. 

“Lighten up, it’s not that bad. I’m sure you can find some part of it to enjoy,” Yunho whispers. Mingi grins leaning over as well. 

“The dancers are quite pretty," he says, nodding towards the stage.

Yunho rolls his eyes as San perks up at the mention of the dancers. It’s like he’s just noticed their existence after the past hour. 

“Not what I meant, but to each their own I guess,” he chuckles quietly.

San pays him no mind. Now hyper focused on the performance, or performers, in front of him. 

Yunho watches the dancers, enjoying how easily their movements flow with the music. He recalls the dream his teenage self had of dancing. He was quite good at it too. He even had a scholarship waiting for him, hell he’d all been packing to leave for school. But alas life doesn’t turn out the way it does in movies, now does it? 

A series of hiccups and stumbling led him to where he is now. One eighth of the biggest family in the country. A rook in a set so carefully crafted, that nothing could stand in its way. Never in his life did he think he’d end up here. But when he glances on either side of him, seeing his brothers makes him think that there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Despite the performance in front of him, he finds his mind wandering, still longing for something new. Anything really. He knows he sounds ungrateful, bratty even. But goddamn would it be nice for a sliver of excitement. 

Fate is funny with her timing as per usual. Clearly having enough of Yunho’s whining she’s intending to smack Yunho right in the face with his desires.

At that moment the dancers step forward right to the edge of the stage. Bodies dipping into a bow with the sway of the music. The costumes glint with the stage lights, drawing Yunho’s attention back to the present. 

Yunho ignores the low whistles undoubtedly from San and MIngi. He does his best to refocus on the performance. He taps his fingers along to the music, counting the beats of the dance in his head. 

It truly is comical the way the way the music builds, unknowingly leading Yunho to his fate. 

The dancers look up at the next beat and Yunho comes face to face with the person in front of him. A ballerina with an eye color that wouldn’t shock anyone, if it weren’t for the other resembling dark storm clouds in the sky. A set of eyes that he’s only seen once, but he could never forget. Yunho feels his heart skip a beat, a small smile tugging at his lips at the memory.

Now this is exciting.

Yunho also takes notice that the bruising is nowhere in sight. Aside for some light swelling, it’s practically invisible. He presumes it’s whatever makeup and other styling that’s required for the show. The dancer takes no notice of Yunho, clearly engulfed in the performance. In three beats the dancer is off, prancing to the other end of the stage. Yunho’s eyes now glued to them. A moth to a flame, a spark. 

Yunho continues to watch, taking notice of the way they glide. As if they were a wind up toy, made only to dance across the stage. The costume only adds to the image. While Yunho knows each costume is made to fit like a glove for every performer, this one is different. For this ballerina it doesn’t appear to be made, but to simply be a part of them. Everything about the way they bring the performance to life looks so effortless. This clearly suits them, in his opinion. 

The performance ends in a flourish, the audience erupting into a deafening applause. The dancers gather on stage, taking their final bows. Yunho glances on either side of him. Jongho no doubt will stop the conductor and offer his appreciation. San and MIngi both speak in hushed whispers, already planning their approach with whatever dancer that's caught their eye. But Yunho only has eyes for one dancer. He easily slips away from the others, off to meet his masked ballerina. 

“That bastard, that’s what he did to you?” Minji asks, turning your face in her hands gently. 

When you’d removed your makeup she’d all but elbowed her way through the others leaving for the night. She’d all but dragged you into her own dressing room, a murderous look in her eye as she scanned your face. After a bit of fussing, you reluctantly tell her about your interaction with your director. How after a bit of back and forth he’d swung his fist, leaving you with a swollen eye. if looks could kill, you’d swear Mr.Hak would be dead if he were in the room with the way Minji glares. You’d done your best to hide it from her, knowing she’d react this way. 

You grab her hands, pulling them away from you. 

“I’ll be fine, it’s nothing a little makeup can’t fix,” you say calmly.

She makes a face immediately, a lecture forming on the tip of her tongue.

“I know what you’re going to say. But you know I can’t leave. Not yet at least.

“I know. But that doesn’t mean you let him do this to you either y/n,” she says bitterly. 

“It was my fault, I kept pushing it and-” you don’t get to finish, Minji cutting you off.

“Like hell it was! I don’t give a fuck how long he’s been in charge, Hak has no right to be doing this to anyone,” she fumed, face growing red with each word. 

"Minji. I promise I’m okay,” You say soothingly. She sighs, taking a few calming breaths. 

“At Least let me give you something. I don’t have much, but hopefully the money will help you out,” she says, starting to walk towards her bag. You grimace, the thought of taking from her when she’s struggling just as much as you makes you feel sick. 

“You will do no such thing,” you say. You walk over to her, stopping her from looking through it.

“But-”

“I’ll find a way to make it work. You know I always do,” you say, giving her a small smile. Minji contemplates, before giving in.

“Fine, but please tell me if you need help. And I don’t care who he thinks he is, you say the word and I’ll kick his ass myself,” She says. 

That gets you to laugh, rolling your eyes. 

When you first started, you'd learned rather quickly that Minji was hot-headed. Fierce in a way that you weren’t. You think perhaps that is why she befriended you so quickly, sensing you’d need a backbone of a friend. Minji was like an older sister. Someone who wanted the best for you, even if her way of showing it could be a little over the top. But you loved her regardless. 

“Thank you Minji, really,” you say, pulling her into a hug. She hugs you back, holding you close. 

“Okay, well I’m heading out hun,” she says, letting you go. She slings her bag over her shoulder.  

“Get home safe,” you say, opening the door for her. She flips the lights off, leading you back out into the hallway. 

“You too. Don't stay here too long,” she says, giving you a pointed look. 

“I won't,” you say.

You walk her until you reach the door to your dressing room. She stops, turning to give you one final hug. With one last squeeze, you let her go. She gives you a final wave, before turning and leaving. 

When she’s out of sight, you sigh, shoulders dropping. You’re quiet as you open the door to your dressing room. You flick on one of the smaller switches, the lights of your vanity illuminating the room. 

You walk over, dropping yourself into the seat unceremoniously. You glance at yourself in the mirror, looking over the black eye for what feels like the hundredth time. The memory of that night, playing in your head like a loop. When you’d first graduated from your arts program you’d been so excited to start your career. It had been hell to make it through. Your heterochromia made it a nightmare to be a dancer. Every audition and casting left you feeling defeated. Each director or choreographer turning you away due to your condition. You’d had to claw your way to performing on a stage, fighting tooth and nail to just be given a chance. It was exhausting but it was worth it. Or at least you thought it was. 

Now as you stare at yourself in the mirror, the version that stares back at you is almost unrecognizable. How could you have ended up here? This couldn’t possibly be what life had in store for you, could it? Suffering for the sake of doing what you love? You could already see the way this vicious cycle was eating away at you. Cracking your soul into pieces bit by bit. You needed to get out. But only a miracle could save you at this point. 

You shake your head, doing your best to shake the thoughts with it. You lean down, tugging the shoes off your feet, and the tights along with them. You groan as you sit back up, muscles still sore from the performance. With a small grunt, you take the last bit of your outfit off, throwing the top to one of the chairs across the room. This late in the night you know you’re one of the only people left in the building, leaving no reason for you to rush to get dressed. You pull your robe down from the corner of the vanity, sliding it onto your shoulders. 

“That was a lovely performance,” a voice calls out, making you jump out of your skin.

You whip around clutching your robe closed as tightly as possible. 

A figure emerges from the shadows slowly, coming to stand a few feet in front of you. 

In the dimly lit room, you can make out the features of a man. He easily towers over you, dressed in all black like a shadow come to life. 

You recognize him as one of the men you tried to rob a few nights back. It takes you a second, with his appearance being a stark contrast to the man who stumbled upon you in the alleyway. Here he looks put together, black suit, hair pushed back, and expensive watch gleaming on his wrist. It's then you take notice of the insignia on his coat. The A against his heart is simple. A circle surrounding it, stitched in a darker shade of black. But the sight still makes your blood run cold. 

Holy shit, you’d tried to rob a member of Ateez, the most powerful family in the country. As if your luck couldn’t get any worse. Part of you wants to laugh at the entire situation, but the fear you feel keeps you rooted in place, scrambling for any escape.

“I didn’t think ballerinas were the type for armed robbery,” he hums thoughtfully. 

You subtly shift your hand to the side of your chair, fingers trembling as you reach under the armrest. 

“This is a private dressing room, you need to leave,” you say, doing your best to appear calm. 

The man hums, reaching into his pocket. He pulls his hand out, holding it in front of him. 

“Looking for this?” he asks.

Your heart sinks at the sight of your knife in his hand. He twirls it with ease, flicking it open to insect the blade. You press your hands into your thighs, swallowing nervously. 

“Please, I’m sorry. I don’t want any trouble,” your voice trembles as you stare up at him. He turns his attention back to you, taking in your fearful demeanor. 

He smiles, making a show of closing the knife slowly. He carefully sets the knife down on the shelf beside him, being slow in his movements. You eye it suspiciously, glancing between him and the knife.

“Don’t worry I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk,” he says calmly.

You nod slowly, still eyeing him warily. He nods back, still keeping his distance. 

“Do you know who I am?” he asks. 

Of course you know. Everyone in the country knows his name along with the other seven. The rook who stands in front of you is not to be messed with. 

“Jeong Yunho,” you answer.

The way you say his name sends a bit of a thrill through him. He likes the ways it rolls off your lips. 

“Hmm so you do know my name,” he says tilting his head to the side.

You can only give him a small nod. He begins to walk around the room examining the interior as he goes. You can’t help but keep your eyes trained on him. While he promised not to hurt you, you’d be stupid not to be on guard.

“Did you know who I was the other night?” he prods. 

“No,” you answer quickly. You were desperate, but not desperate enough to mess with him. You curse your past self for being so oblivious. He chuckles, the sounds sending a shiver down your spine. 

“It takes guts to step to a man twice your size like that,” he says, recalling your stupidity. He turns his sharp gaze towards you, further pinning you to your spot. 

“But considering I can see the way you're shaking, I think there’s something else,” he says.

“What were you looking for when you came at me?” 

“Nothing, I- I wasn’t looking for anything I swear,” you say a little too quickly. 

Yunho glances at your swollen eye, letting out a sigh. He knows you’re lying, but he can’t blame you. There was no doubt he was a man to be feared, but right now he needed you to trust him. 

“Look. I can tell you’re smart. So I know you wouldn’t have just decided to mug a stranger for fun,” he says, coming to stand in front of you once again. 

“So what is it that you need, sweetheart?” He says softly. 

You contemplate answering him. If he were here to hurt you, he would have done it already. He clearly wasn’t the type of man to waste his time. Despite your better judgement you choose to trust him. 

“Money. I needed money,” you say quietly.

He tilts his head thoughtfully. The movement kind of reminds you of a puppy. If you weren’t partly terrified, you’d think it looks kinda cute in a way. 

“You don't make enough, dancing?” he asks curiously. 

“No, not really,” you say, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over you. 

“And the black eye, is that part of it?”

You freeze, looking at him in fear. Instinctively you wrap your arms around the edges of your robe, tucking it tightly against you. He notices the way you curl in on yourself. His gaze softens, offering you a sympathetic smile. 

“I’m not here to judge you,” he says softly. 

“They’re from the director,” you confess, quietly. He nods in understanding. He hesitates clearly wanting to say more. After a moment he clears his throat.  

“May I?” he asks, nodding towards your face. 

You think for a moment, before giving him a small nod.

He’s careful as he steps forward, doing his best not to startle you. He leans down, one hand coming to lean against the back of your chair. You feel goosebumps rise against your skin, as he lowers himself to be eye level with you. His other grabs your face gently, tilting your face from one side to the other. He’s delicate with the way he handles you. Strong hand gentle as he holds your chin with his fingers.

“He did this to you?” He asks finally, warm voice fanning across your face. 

“Yes,” you answer, scared to speak too loudly. You feel your skin grow warm the longer he scans over your face. His cologne invades your sense with the proximity, it feels intoxicating in a way you can’t describe. 

His face hardens, a look of anger flashing across his features. It scares you for a moment. But something about the look makes you want to soothe him.

“I asked for more after our last performance. He usually never aims for the face. I just wouldn’t drop it,” you explain, thinking back to a few nights ago. 

Yunho is quiet, eyes scanning over the marks carefully. A fierce need to protect you burning inside him. He can’t explain it, but there’s something drawing him to you.There’s something about you he just can’t shake. A pull so strong, he doesn’t think he could fight it if he tried. Though he doesn’t think he’d want to anyways. He also takes the time to really look at you, finding you even more attractive up close. He’s already seen your eyes, but seeing them up close and personal, he can’t help but find them more alluring. After another moment of admiring you, he lets your face go, still keeping his proximity. 

“Is it just you? Or are there others?” he asks.

“A few. Most of them quit before the first season is up. But some of us can’t,” you answer.

He only nods, clearly thinking something over. The gears turn in his head quickly, looking for a solution to your problems. After a moment, you see a twinkle appear in his eye. A mischievous twinkle that excites you, if you're honest with yourself.

“What’s your name?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“Y/n,” you say softly.

“Y/n”, he repeats. 

The way your name drips from his lips, sends a jolt through you. 

“Will you let me help you, Sweetheart?” he asks. 

You don’t know what it is about him, but you find yourself trusting him. How crazy it is to trust a man like him. He could hurt you, with a snap of his fingers you’d be destroyed in an instant. But he could also be your miracle. You suppose you have nothing more to lose at this point.

You give him another nod, this one determined. 

“Good,” 

“Come with me,” he says, offering his hand out to you. 

Going against every rational part of your brain, you take it. His hand is warm in yours. Something about it feels right, his larger hand holding yours ever so gently. Yunho thinks the same as he looks down at you. He’s so used to holding weapons, things that cause pain. But your hand fits so perfectly in his. Like it’s natural, like it was made to be there. He gently pulls you up from your seat, ready to take his new found excitement into action. 

“Come in,” a voice barks out from the door in front of you. 

You grimace, glancing at the men behind you. Yunho stands with three of the other members of Ateez, who you were introduced to. After getting dressed, Yunho led you to the others, who all looked at you with curious gazes. From there he had explained his crazy plan to all of you. Or at least you thought it was crazy. The other three didn’t even bat an eye. Jongho even looked excited, beaming at the plan laid before him. 

Yunho looks down at you as you give him a small nod to enter. You open the door, walking inside. The other three follow you in. Mr Hak, your company director doesn’t bother looking up. He continues going through the work in front of him, only pausing to take another drag of his cigarette. The door clicks shut behind the last member. 

“Who is it?” he barks out again.

“It’s y/n, sir,” you say, eyeing the men behind you again. 

Your boss scoffs, rolling his eyes at the sound of your voice. 

“This shit again. Look I already told you, you work for me got that? Everything you make comes to me. I own you. Now get out of my office before I-” he starts, voice booming in the small office.

He finally looks up, mid rant, doing a double take at the scene before him. His face goes pale at the sight of you and the four men that tower behind you. You don’t blame him. The sight of them had you shaking where you stood. 

“Gentlemen, what a surprise. To-” he pauses, having enough sense to extinguish the cigarette.

He stumbles out of his chair, hastily coming to the front of his desk. He clears his throat as he does it, clumsily dropping into a deep bow.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asks nervously. 

They take over easily, polite smiles on their faces. 

“Mr Hak, is it?” Yunho starts, eyeing the man before him.

“We just wanted to stop by. And bring our praises for the show,” he says adding a touch of sweetness to his voice. 

“Yes, a spectacular performance indeed,” Jongho says, clapping his hands together. 

“Thank you, we do our best,” Mr Hak says, sounding far too prideful. The response makes you roll your eyes. 

Jongho hums, eyes sharp as he watches Mr. Hak. 

“Of course. And that’s why we’re glad to be buying it off of you,” he says casually. 

You do your best to hide the smug grin at the way your boss reacts. 

“Buying?” he asks, clearly confused.

“Yes the theater, the shows, the performers. All of it. 

“While I appreciate the offer, it's not for sale,” he chuckles. 

“Nonsense,” San says, stepping forward. 

He stalks towards Mr. Hak’s desk. Confidence leaking through each of his strides. 

“I think you’ll find we’ve arranged a rather gracious deal, isn’t that right Mingi?” he states, glancing over at the taller member. Mingi hums in agreement, coming to stand next to San. Similar to Yunho, he towers over everyone with ease. The closer he gets, the more Mr. Hak shrinks in his spot. With the four in front of him he’s easily surrounded. Like an animal cornered. 

“We have, but if you feel as though it needs some rearranging we could always have Hongjoong Hyung stop by. I’m sure he can squeeze in a few moments with his busy schedule,” his voice calm, but the implication clear. 

You swear you see your boss’ heart stop as his eyes go wide. He lets out a nervous laugh, quickly waving his hands in front of him. 

“That won’t be necessary,” he says quickly. 

Smart choice, you think to yourself. Even an asshole like him wouldn’t be stupid enough to go against what the men behind you ask. Especially Kim Hongjoong of all people. There was no dealing with Kim Hongjoong. You’d heard the stories of those he visited, none had ever lived to tell of their exchange. That thought sends a shiver of fear through you. 

“Good, then we have a deal,” Jongho says, clearly ending the conversation. 

“Our men will escort you out,” he says, snapping his fingers. The door opens once again. Two guards walk in calmly, looking to the trio for orders. 

“See to it that Mr. Hak collects all his belongings,” San orders, no longer smiling. 

“He should have no need to return to this building after tonight,” Yunho adds, throwing a pointed look at your ex-boss.  

The guards nod, moving towards your Mr.Hak quickly. With orders in place, the others begin to file out of the room. 

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Jongho calls out over his shoulder, continuing to walk out without a second glance. 

Yunho sets his hand on your shoulder, nodding towards the door. You follow him and the others out of the room. You glance back to see Mr. Hak warily eyeing the guards. You continue watching until the door to the office closes behind you. 

The members continue walking down out into the foyer of the theater, .leading you outside

“So you’re really buying the theater?,” you ask, breaking the silence. 

Jongho shugs, glancing up at the bright sign above the building. He has a soft glance in his eye as he eyes the theater appreciatively.

“I practically come here every other week, it was bound to happen eventually,” he says, waving his hand dismissively. 

“Will you close it?,” you ask warily.

“Of course not,” he chuckles. 

“And the other performers?,” you probe, Minji crossing your mind along with all the others, 

“They’re jobs are safe, they will have the choice to stay or seek employment elsewhere. But no one will be forced to leave, you have our word,” Yunho says, soothing your worries. 

You nod, letting out a shaky exhale. For the first time in months things were looking up for you. You were free of Mr. Hak, and you could continue to do what you love without being miserable. 

“I can’t possibly thank you enough,” you say, emotion creeping into your voice. 

You bow to them, taking a moment to wipe at the tears building in your eyes. The four smile at you, being unable to find you anything but adorable. 

“We're not as scary as we look,” San says, throwing his arm around you in a friendly manner.  “Well except maybe Mingi,” he says, glancing at the taller man. Mingi glares, reaching over to swat at him. San ducks out of the way, moving between Yunho and Jongho. 

The action causes you to giggle. Maybe they were right about not being as scary as they look. Something about their presence felt comforting. Part of you wished you could get to know them a little more.  

“So I guess this is goodbye then?” you ask somewhat disappointed.

“Well we do own the theater now, so we’ll be seeing you around,” Yunho says a little too quickly. You don’t notice the way his ears grow red at his mini outburst. The others do. Each of them giving each other knowing glances as they slowly make their way further down the street. Yunho mentally facepalms, knowing he’s never going to hear the end of this later. The next moment makes it worth it however.  

You laugh, the twinkling sound making Yunho’s heart race in his chest. God was he screwed. 

“I suppose that’s true,” you hum in agreement, a knowing look in your eyes. Something about seeing the tall man bush had the butterflies fluttering even harder in your stomach. 

“So I’ll see you around?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“I look forward to it,” you say, smiling brightly. With that you turn and walk down the street. You offer goodbyes to the others, before making your way across the street, an extra skip in your step. Yunho watches you go, content to watch you leave. Something telling him the adrenaline he feels is here to stay.

[wolfgang1097]

Is it just me or does Black Spy have a hearty appetite?

Here is a compilation of Black Spy basically having a healthy appetite (usually to the point of fault):

And this last one, of course, is probably the most disturbing food related prank/trap, which I had exposed in a previous post:

We all knew exactly where this was gonna go...

Anyhow, this makes me wonder why Black has quite a bit of a healthy appetite. I mean, we all know he has fallen for food related pranks on multiple occasions, especially in a few of the strips from one of the paperbacks (specifically "The MAD Fifth Reports of Spy vs. Spy," which was later reprinted for the first portion of "Spy vs. Spy Casebook of Craziness," except for the "Spy jr vs. Spy jr" strip from right at the beginning of that same paperback book). Apparently, some say that Black may not be getting paid enough (considering that it has been shown that his boss has put him through hell on at least a few occasions; *cough*Doggie Bagged*cough*). A few might say that the dude probably just likes food, plain and simple. Both of those assumptions could be possible, especially the first one. Either way, this makes me think that there might be a possibility Black Spy could probably be a potential candidate for the Big Eater trope (at least during Prohias's era, of course), to the point of fault that is. I wouldn't really be surprised as the images I provided basically say it all, or at least most of it.

Bonus:

(Taken from "Danger! Intrigue! Stupidity!" which is, of course, a reprint of "The All New Secret Files of Spy vs. Spy.")

The images of the Electric Spaghetti were screenshots taken from MADtv. That short was originally a one panel opening gag a little over three decades prior during the strips' early years.

I do not claim ownership of any content. Spy vs. Spy belongs to the defunct MAD magazine and Antonio Prohias.

[lanabuckybarnes]

Brats don’t get what they want.

18+ MINORS DNI

(I do not own any photos, credits to original owners)

I’ve been thinking about mob boss’ daughter Reader who is an absolute brat, she’s spoiled rotten and has the attitude to prove it— but, is there a reason why?

Pairing: Bodyguard Bucky x Reader (Princess)

Warnings: Brat Taming, Spanking, Hair pulling, Light Bondage, Degradation, Dacryphilia, Oral (M! Receiving), Face Fucking, Facial, Exhibitionism (?)

Word Count: 1.2k

Any bodyguard her father assigns to her crawls back to him begging to be put on any other job. She was hellish, brutal, arrogant and selfish, and they’d do anything to be far away from her shit storm of an attitude; hell, they’d even take shovelling shit over taking care of his ‘precious little angel’. 

After going through most of her father's men, Bucky is assigned to Princess. She smiles wickedly at him. He’s not as big as the last guy and certainly looks easy to knock down a peg or two. 

Her mind is quickly changed when, after going out to a party and not telling him, she ends up bent over his lap, dress bundled up at her hips, panties on display and her hands tied up all pretty with his tie. His middle finger runs over the gusset, from her sensitive little nub to her slick entrance. 

“My daddy will flip when he finds out ‘bout this” She warns with teeth bared, but she pushes back against the wandering digit anyway, her aching body betraying the fire in her eyes and the words falling from her lips.

He only chuckles, left hand gripping her jaw making her look up at him “Your daddy isn’t gonna know Princess” He smirks before gripping at her hair and pushing her face back down to meet the mattress.

Whatever protest is about to slip from her mouth dies on her tongue when his huge hand spanks her ass hard, the flesh rippling, her body jerking forward in surprise.

She squeals, knees slipping on the sheets when he smacks the spot again, this time gripping at the flesh. 

“You’re gonna count the rest of them for me; aren’t you princess?” He whispered, left arm wrapping around her midsection and massaging the flesh on her hip, teeth poking out under his lips as they curled into a smile at the frantic nods of her head.

Each smack across her ass is unforgiving, as if the resentment from each bodyguard she ever wronged powered the swing of his hand down along the flesh of her cheek.

“Ten” She wails, body rocking forward.

Her ass is raw, painful welts forming along the skin. She sniffles, shaky hands wiping away the tears falling from her eyes, and it almost makes him feel guilty.

Almost. 

“God, you’re fucking soaked, you like being knocked down a peg Princess?” His hand taps on her clothed heat, sending shocks of pleasure up her spine as the tips of his fingers reach her hard little clit. 

She doesn’t respond, too busy in her own headspace. He tuts, fingers carding through her hair and pulling her up until she’s leaning back on her haunches. 

“New rule sweetheart; when I ask you a question, you respond, that clear?” He tugs on the hair in his hand, smirking at her painful whine. 

“Yes!! I like being put in my place...please!” So much for that bratty princess act. In reality, she just wanted a man to treat her like a slut. 

“Mmm good girl” Bucky growled, free hand unbuckling his belt and unzipping his fly.

“You’re gonna suck me real good, then I’ll think about getting you off, alright?” His left hand pushes her cheeks together, puckering her lips and shaking her face. 

She nods, trying to murmur ‘yes’ despite the fingers digging into her soft face, but he gets the message. With a soft pat to her cheek, both of his hands moved away from her, hooking around his slacks and briefs and pushing them to the floor. 

He pushes his shirt up, allowing his length to slap against his stomach; her audible gasp reverberates on the pale walls. He was thick; she couldn’t fit all that in her mouth.

Bucky would make her try. 

He grips the base, holding it for her as she leans down, licking softly over his precum-smeared tip. Bucky shudders out a moan at the feeling. Her teasing mouth had his core tightening in restraint; he didn’t want to push her just yet, but the soft sucks on his head had his resolve wearing thin. 

“You gonna keep teasing me, sweetheart?” Bucky groans, head lulling back as her cheeks hollow out. When her tied hands slinked down to his sack, rolling a thumb along his balls, he broke, his hips jerking up and sinking half his length into her slack mouth.

“Shit! That’s a good girl, hah your sweet fucking mouth - you’ve done this before haven’t you fucking slut…you ever had that fucking throat fucked?” he asked, metal fingers gripping her hair again and pulling her off his length when she didn’t reply. 

“You forgot our rule already?” He snarls, emphasising his words with a spank on her raw ass cheek. She bounced up, a painful whimper falling from her slack mouth when he hit her again.

“Two spanks every time you forget to answer me, the next time you count them” he smiles when she replies with a bubbling ‘yes’ before he bundles her soft locks into a makeshift ponytail and gags her with his length.

Bucky thrust up to meet her awaiting mouth, which she eagerly accepted, not that she could do much else with the way he was all over her. He moaned unabashedly, jerking his length into her mouth until her nose hit his crotch, his head tickling her throat — he stayed there, biting back almost animalistic noises as her throat fluttered around him. He was close, head fuzzy, stomach bubbling and balls twitching. 

She moaned breathlessly. Only when darkness spotted at the corners of her eyes did he let off, allowing her to pull back and slip his fat cock from her mouth. She coughed and sputtered, gasping for air, fingers gripping the sheets of the bed. 

“Aww angel” his hand smoothed over her head “You’re doing a good job, such a good job…be a good little slut and help me finish”. 

His tip rubbed along her parted lips as he jerked himself, his head rolling back again and his jaw dropping as he fucked his fist.

“Hah oh fuck!” He sighed, hand rubbing faster as the muscles in his thighs rippled, clenching and unclenching at the shocks of his impending orgasm. He grasped her hair again, uncaring of just how tight of a grip he had on her, and angled her face just right.

“You ready? You want my fucking cum, Princess? Yeah, you do…mmm…fucking sluts like you…always ready for cum” He rambled, hips arching off the bed as his first wave of cum shot straight up over her nose, dribbling down to her open lips, the rest following the same pattern and decorating her tear-soaked face. 

His hand jerked until he was sure nothing was left. “Ohh princess look at you” he laughed heartily at how pathetic she looked; her entire body shaking with want, her chest heaving and her face covered in hot strings of his spunk, he was sure if he dipped a hand between her legs her panties would’ve been soaked through.

He groaned, leaning behind himself to grasp at his phone. When a bratty little slut like her looked like this; all pathetic, trembling and face soaked - he had to get a photo. The soft shutter noise brought Princess back to reality.

“Wha- no you can't!” she began to plead but he shut her up with a soft kiss, his lips smearing more of his thick cooling semen over her mouth. 

“Relax, it's just for me…now” His fingers expertly undo the knot holding her wrists together, soothing over the hot flesh before pushing her slightly. 

“Get out of here” 

She stumbles, like a deer learning to walk for the first time, eyes wide and mouth agape as she watches Bucky tuck himself back into his briefs. 

“But you said-”

“I know what I said but I don't think you deserve it, now go get cleaned up… and don't you dare fucking think about touching yourself” Bucky's strong voice silenced her protests. 

Princess sniffed as she shuffled out of Bucky’s room; she was so needy it was almost painful. She thought for sure he'd help her, she’d done what he asked.

But Bucky’s sweet little slutty princess would learn that Bucky was not a man she could mess with. He didn't tire quite like the others and he would not stand for her shit. 

-

I would 100% be down for writing more about Princess and Bucky, there’s definitely more to be learned and Bucky is willing to teach. Lemme know what you think :)

I hope you enjoyed x

[ladykailitha]

The Au Pair Boy Part 1

Surprise!!! I have six chapters of this and really need to start getting it out, so I figured with Act 1 ending last week and my backlog on this and Of Butterflies and Backstrokes (Olympic Swimmer) being so low thanks to me trying to the Halloween themed sequel to Icarus (Metal Band) that I would put this out until I build that back up and lower the amount of backlog this one has.

Summary: Eddie Munson is a in bind, set to go on a three month reunion tour, he is in need of nanny for his twin girls Janice and Joan since his partner, Ethan blew up their lives a year ago. Enter nanny extraordinaire, Steve Harrington. Both men struggle with treading the line between boss/nanny and their strong attraction to each other. Will Eddie learn to trust again? Will Steve realize that he was always meant to be right there by Eddie's side?

~

Eddie hung up the phone with a sigh. He wanted to do the tour, because of course he did. But he also had two very rambunctious little girls now. Eddie was a good dad, but he wasn’t the nurturing kind the way Ethan was. But sometime in the last year, Ethan had changed.

He had grown distant and cold, going as far as yelling at the girls which he never used to do. So Eddie quit producing music to give Ethan some much needed time for himself. Fat lot of good that did.

Because apparently Ethan was banging...well, just about everyone but Eddie’s friends. The pool boy, the guy who delivered their food, the cleaning lady, their personal trainer, hell even the barely legal dog walker got more of his husband’s dick than Eddie did.

Which he didn’t find out, by the way. Ethan had told him after handing him divorce papers and legally renouncing parental rights to Joan and Janice. He threw it in Eddie’s face the numerous affairs he had. The one thing he wouldn’t tell him was why.

Why was Ethan so unhappy when Eddie had done everything right?

He buried his head in hands. Janice and Joan were only four and they had been adopted at birth. They never met the mother and were only told that she didn’t want them and never wanted to see them ever again.

So how could Ethan look at those two little angels and decide the same?

Eddie was heartbroken and not ready to move on. So he had agreed to the tour as a way to cope with the sudden explosion of his life. His friends knew Ethan had left, but they didn’t know the extent of his ex’s destruction.

He thought about taking the girls with him, but they were too little. They wouldn’t have fun and would be more terrified then thrilled. So live-in nanny it was.

Thankfully he had a month to find someone who would cook and clean and watch the girls. Especially after having to fire all of his help in the wake of Ethan’s destruction.

He had this.

~

Eddie did not in fact have this. He only had three more days until he left and he was at his wit’s end. He had rejected candidate after candidate for a myriad of reasons. One only wanted part-time despite the ad before a live in nanny. Another said she was strict disciplinarian and thought spanking was the only way to teach a child. And even another just gave off weird vibes.

So he called the agency one more time.

“You’ve gone through all of our female nannies,” the woman huffed on the other end of the line. “We only have male nannies left, surly you don’t–”

“Just send the best male nanny you’ve got!” Eddie barked. “I don’t care about gender for fuck’s sake.”

“I’m not sure–” the woman protested but Eddie hung up on her.

He didn’t have time to listen to whatever excuse she was going to come up with. He was running out of time before the tour and needed someone. Anyone.

He got a call back five minutes later from another woman telling him that they would be sending over their best male nanny at 2pm if that was acceptable.

He sighed with relief. “Yes, that will be perfect. The girls will be down for their nap then.”

“That’s wonderful, Mr. Munson,” she said cheerfully. “The gentleman we are sending over, his name is Steve Harrington, and I sincerely hope he will be a good fit for you.”

“You and me both,” Eddie sighed again. “You and me both.”

~

When Steve got to the house, he would have liked to have said that he wasn’t impressed because he had seen dozens of large houses and even larger sprawling mansions in his time as a full time nanny, but he was. Very much so.

It wasn’t a gaudy modern monstrosity for starters. It liked a Victorian era manor that had been modernized for living in today. It gave off a spooky vibe, but in a fun way and not a horror movie way. Like the Addams family or the Munsters kind of vibe.

He really dug it.

He went up and knocked on the door. It swung open almost immediately to reveal a pretty, petite woman with sparkling green eyes and strawberry blonde hair. She had a sweet smile.

He knew this wasn’t the mother, the file said that it was a single father of twin girls. A rockstar of some sort, though Steve didn’t recognize the name. This must be some kind of servant or PA or something.

“Hi, I’m Steven Harrington,” he greeted putting out his hand for her to shake. “I have a two o’clock appointment with Eddie Munson about the nanny position.”

Her smile widened, dimpling her cheeks. “Hi, I’m Chrissy Cunningham, I’m Corroded Coffin’s manager. Come on in, he’s waiting for you.”

Steve followed her through the house. It was just as impressive as the outside. It was beautifully decorated in dark browns, reds, and black. God, he hoped he got the job. He could really see himself living here.

She opened the door to the office allowed him to walk through, closing it behind him. Which normally wouldn’t have been a problem for Steve but now he was in a room with the hottest guy he had ever seen in his life and he really didn’t need an erection at a job interview.

Eddie looked up, and yup. Steve was done for. He had the biggest brown eyes he had ever seen outside of a Disney cartoon.

“Mr. Munson?” he said, reaching out for a handshake, mustering up every ounce of professionalism he had. “Steven Harrington, how do you do? You can call me Steve.”

Eddie grinned back. “Hey, Steve. Thanks for coming at such a short notice. I understand you’ve been brought up to speed on everything I’ll be needed you to do?”

Steve crossed his legs and put his hands on his lap. Shit, even his voice was sexy as fuck.

“Yes, I’ll be watching the children twenty-four/seven,” Steve recited dutifully, “with doing all of the cooking and some of the cleaning.”

“That’s right,” Eddie said. “That normally wouldn’t be the case, but I’ve had to recently fire all of my staff. In fact, if you are hired on, you’ll be working with Chrissy over the next couple of months to help bring staff back on. I would be putting a lot of trust in you not to fuck me over.”

Steve nodded. It was a bit like Robin’s period dramas. He would be running the household while Eddie was away.

“Wouldn’t Chrissy be needed on tour with you?” he asked, not sure what her role actually was.

Eddie shook his head. “She usually does, but I need her here to help to get this house running again. It was hard enough trying to explain to the girls why everyone had to leave. Especially their other dad. She just has her own place and a very demanding job. And the other people I trust with my kids are going on tour with me, so...”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Steve said huffing out a chuckle. “I’m willing and able to take the job. There is just one more thing we have to do first.”

Eddie cocked his head to the side. “I don’t think I offered you the job yet.”

Steve burst out laughing. “No, I don’t suppose you did. But you really should. I’m really good with kids, I’m great cook, my references are impeccable, I have a degree in early child development, and you’re desperately out of time.”

“I noticed that all your previous families had older kids,” Eddie said picking up Steve’s resume. “Can you explain that?”

“Yes,” Steve said with a sigh. “Unfortunately, despite being practically perfect in every way,” Eddie huffed out a small laugh, “if I was a woman I would be the most sought after nanny in the whole god damned state. Even more so if I was older fifty. But because I’m a young man not even thirty yet and all they see is a predator.”

Eddie winced. He held up a finger. He picked up his phone and called the agency. “Hello? Hi Nancy, this is Eddie Munson. Yes, I will be taking Steve Harrington on as my nanny. Thank you so much for sending him over. Can you tell me who it was the first person I spoke to this morning? Yes, yes that’s the one. Kindly inform her that pushing harmful stereotypes only makes you look stupid. Mhmm. Yes. Yes. I want her fired. Thank you. Goodbye.”

Steve looked at him in awe. “Oh wow.”

Eddie grinned at him but before he could open his mouth to say something more, Chrissy poked her head in. “Sorry to disturb you but guess who woke up?”

“Janice?” Eddie replied with a fond smile.

“And guess who woke up her sister because she wanted someone to play with?” Chrissy said.

“Also Janice.” He sighed and turned to Steve. “You want to meet my little monsters?”

Steve smiled and stood up. “That was the one thing I was going to suggest we do before you hire me, is meet the girls. But having met their dad, I can already tell they’re going to be a handful.”

“Hey!” Eddie protested. But Chrissy laughed.

“Come on,” he said grumpily, “let’s go see the munchkins.”

Chrissy opened the door all of the way and Eddie and Steve followed her out. They reached the kitchen and there seating at a table were two of the cutest kids Steve had ever worked for. They both had light, curly brown hair and deep brown eyes, but that was where their similarities ended.

The one of the right had her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail with a denim overalls over a pink shirt. The overalls had a cute pink kangaroo on the pocket on the front. The girl on the left had her hair carefully braided and wore light blue shirt and a black pleated skirt. They were both munching on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

“Meet Janice and Joan,” Eddie said brightly. “Janice is the one on the right and the other is Joan. Janice is the oldest by seven minutes and she never lets Joan forget it.”

Joan stuck her tongue out at her dad around her sandwich and then went back to munching on it. Janice looked over at Steve and cocked her head to the side.

“Who’s that, Daddy?” she asked. And suddenly Steve was struck by how much the little girl acted like her dad.

“Girls,” Eddie said sternly, “do you remember when I said that Daddy was going to be gone for three months and you were going to be looked after by a new friend?”

Joan scrunched her nose and Steve was endeared. “Is he like one of those nannies that were so mean to us?”

“No, of course not, Joanie,” Eddie said, “not a nanny...” He looked to Steve for help.

“I’m what’s called an au pair,” he said brightly. “I’m here to watch over you and do a little of the cooking and cleaning, too. A nanny wouldn’t do that right?”

Joan and Janice shared a glance. And Steve was struck for the first time that they were really were twins. They acted so differently that he had already put them in separate boxes. But they moved in unison as they both shrugged.

“I guess not,” Janice huffed. “Are you going to be fun like Chrissy or strict like Daddy?”

The adults laughed as Steve walked over to the table. “My hope is to be somewhere in the middle. But I guess we’ll just have to see.”

He turned to Eddie and Chrissy. “If it’s all right, I’d like to get started now, give the girls time to get use to my presence while you’re still here, Eddie. That way we can smooth out any real problems before you go.”

Chrissy and Eddie shared a glance.

“Yeah,” Eddie said, “that’ll be fine. Great even. I’ll give you a couple of hours to get your things and come back here. Would you be okay making us dinner?”

Steve beamed at him. “Sure, give me an idea of what you guys like and I’ll find something to make you. Let’s consider it part of the interview.”

Eddie smiled back. “Well I think you have yourself a deal.”

Steve and Eddie shook hands.

This was either going to the best decision of Eddie’s life or his worst. Currently the jury and his brain were still out on that one.

~

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Tag List: CLOSED

1-@mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @zerokrox-blog

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @messrs-weasley @cryptid-system

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @justforthedead89 @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji

5- @anne-bennett-cosplayer @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten @genderless-spoon

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

8- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @beelze-the-bubkiss

[icarryitin]

Episode 24: Trade Deal

spencer reid/gn!reader

i started this bc i was ill and feeling sorry for myself and it turned into a very not to me not if it’s you kind of vibe, mostly bc i frankensteined a couple of my favourite translations of That Scene so they could have their own version🥰🥰

series masterlist

word count: 1.5k // warnings: reader has a cold and all the grossness that comes with it, spencer is so Cute™️ it causes me physical pain

summary: In which Spencer Reid, known germaphobe, pretends he doesn’t know exactly how many pathogens have made their home in your sinuses.

It starts with a scratchy throat on a Tuesday morning.

You don’t think much of it, blame it on seasonal allergies, knock back a multivitamin - you’re not about to be bested by a cough of all things. That is, until it gets to Friday afternoon. You’re trying, you really are. Your immune system has other plans.

“You stay right there, Patient Zero.”

Rossi’s comment would be funny if you didn’t think that laughing might trigger a coughing fit that could very well be the end of you, right there in the doorway of Hotch’s office. That’d be one hell of an epitaph - too stubborn to take a sick day, choked to death in boss’s office. Hotch, at least, already seems to know why you’re hovering.

“I’m-“

“Going home, I hope.” He interrupts you with all the fondness of a concerned father. You don’t have the energy to argue, or to hold up an unaffected front. The men standing by the window soften a little as they watch you visibly deflate. Dave promises to send you his Nonna’s minestrone recipe, there’s nothing it can’t cure; right now, though, you’re only thinking about your bed.

The well wishes follow you through the bullpen, old wives tales and family cures that have never failed. JJ tells you to sweeten your tea with honey, Derek swears that a hot water bottle on your back will work magic. Even Emily pipes up from behind her germ shield, the folder held across her face so you can only see her eyes, and tells you to take a hot shower first thing in the morning - the steam will clear you out for the day. There’s a chorus of agreement, or disagreement you’re not sure. It’s a struggle to hear much over the cotton wool in your ears.

“We’ll see, with any luck I’ll die in my sleep. Love you!” You sniffle as you back out of the office, feeling all kinds of sorry for yourself, and determined to make it as far as you can without touching anything. Lest you actually start the next plague.

Spencer watches you go, shuffling backwards out of the office and turning towards the elevators. He’d elected not to add his own suggestions to the plethora of options supplied by the rest of the team. Unable to focus on much beyond just how tired you look. You’ve been fighting this thing all week, he’d passed over his own supply of hand sanitiser only that morning when you ran out. Ultimately, you put up a good fight, but there’s no cure for a virus. It just has to run its course. Just like his own feelings.

Okay, maybe he shouldn’t be comparing a virus to whatever it is he feels for you. Has felt, will feel - if there’s an end to this tunnel, he can’t see it yet.

“What about you, Spence?”

JJ’s voice pulls him from his thoughts before he can start spiralling down that particular hole. It takes him a moment to recall what they’d been chattering about before your long overdue exit - drinks, right. Yeah, that’s not happening.

“I’m busy, actually.” He shrugs, content to miss out on one night in favour of the plan currently coming to fruition in his mind. They won’t miss him too much.

“Busy? You weren’t busy when we talked about it last week.” Emily makes no effort to conceal her surprise. To be fair to them, it’s not like him to blow them off. There’s just something that’s come up, something decidedly you shaped, that’s far more important.

“Yeah, I forgot. Sorry.”

Spencer doesn’t miss the look that JJ and Emily share, he doesn’t miss the eyebrow that Derek raises in his direction. He simply chooses to ignore them.

At least the walk to your apartment is short, there’s still heat leeching from the plastic bag around Spencer’s wrist as he fumbles with his keys. You’d given him a bright pink key cap, so he’d know which one was yours, as if he wouldn’t know anyway. Eidetic or not, that’s one he would have committed to memory. The excuse had been because he was helping you out whilst you were down an arm, takedown gone wrong, you’d dislocated your shoulder. And then you’d insisted he keep it, because someone should have your spare key, and he’s the least likely of the lot of you to lose it.

He thinks you might be asleep at first, open plan living area lit only by a salt lamp and a set of fairy lights draped over your kitchen window, it’s cosy. And then you appear in the bedroom doorway, wrapped in a jewel toned blanket. The low light is forgiving, but Spencer would be able to spot the bags under your eyes from a mile away. Without his glasses.

“I brought noodles.” He says as he turns back to set the steaming bag on your kitchen counter.

“I’m so gross right now.” As if to demonstrate your point, another cough racks your body. You just about manage to catch it under the swathes of blanket clutched in your fingers, but at least he can’t claim you’re not truly disgusting in this moment.

“I don’t mind.”

You’re so set on denying him entry that you don’t even really register what he said - Spencer Reid doesn’t mind that you’re ill. He doesn’t mind. A younger, healthier version of you would swoon. You might anyway, although that’s probably the vertigo talking.

“You’ll get sick.” Your rebuttal is weak, resolve crumbling. Warm noodles do sound pretty good right now.

“Will you let me help you, please?” It’s the firmest he’s ever been with you. No room for argument, doctor’s orders. So you have to relent. Not that you have much of a choice, he’s already pottering about in your kitchen in search of bowls. As if he doesn’t remember where they are.

“Did you get me a number three?” Your voice is brighter than he’s heard it all week.

“With extra toppings, of course.”

And those extra toppings go down a treat, of course they do.

Spencer watches you carefully as you eat - usually he’d be a little more subtle about it, but there’s not a lot that could pull your attention away from the bowl in your hands. You’re cross legged on the couch, blanket bunched around your middle, happy as a clam. Something his mother would say. He wonders what else she might say, what she might think about the abandonment of his germaphobia. Convenient, probably. Diana would say it with a raised eyebrow and a sly smile, the one that’s just for him. She has always liked you.

He promises he’ll be back tomorrow, once dishes are washed and leftovers are tucked neatly in your fridge, to make sure you get that hot shower Emily mentioned. The steam will definitely help, he’s read about it. Arguing with him would be pointless. You don’t have the energy, he’d only show up anyway, and it’s kind of nice to feel looked after. Spencer’s never failed to make you feel like that. You’re far too delirious to start thinking about that, not while he’s still standing in front of you at least. So you let him tuck you into bed, let him leave a glass of water on the table, let him dote. Pretending is a comfort when you feel as awful as you do. You’re already drifting off before he’s even ready to leave, content enough in your bed with the sound of him in the other room. Just, tinkering.

The sound of your front door opening rouses you the next morning, just about. Just enough to raise your head from your pillow and witness the sorry sight in your bedroom doorway.

Spencer’s trying - key word, trying - to suppress his sniffles, but the red rimmed eyes and tissue clutched in his fist give him away. It’s impossible to keep the sad little smile off of your face.

“Oh no.” You reach out a tired arm to pat the space beside you. There’s enough room for the two of you in amongst the blankets, and Spencer’s so far gone that he doesn’t even argue. His shoes and bag find a home at the foot of your bed as he lets himself collapse into the nest you’ve built. Tension leeches out of his body the moment he hits the mattress.

You have to lean across him to get your phone, right arm outstretched over his back - you can feel the heat rising off of him through his sweater and yours. Fever, that’s day two. Which means he spent yesterday evening taking care of you whilst he began to feel worse and worse. Softie.

“Egg or no egg?”

There’s an affirmative grunt from where his face is buried in your blankets. Egg it is, then. You dial the number mostly from memory, elbow still resting on his shoulder blade when you put the phone to your ear. You feel a little better than you did, but dragging yourself to the front door is still probably all you’ll be capable of today. At least you won’t be suffering alone. The line rings for a moment, then clicks, and a grainy hello sounds from the other side.

“Hi, can I place a breakfast order for delivery, please?”

i’m stuck on which chapter to work on next, do we want angst or yearning or fun flirty activities????🧡

[carmenberzattosgf]

u know what i think about ALL THE TIME… carmy being like, REALLY pissed off and truly at the end of his rope while you’re one of his staff members. you guys have been friends for a while with some simmering tension building between you two, but it’s never been fully explored.

the two of you have been fighting all day and it reaches a boiling point where he all but drags you outside (presumably to scream at you some more), but INSTEAD he grabs the back of your neck and bends you over face-first onto some empty pallets behind the restaurant. “you don’t want this, then get up and walk away.” and you’d be mouth open gasping, but STAYING THERE cuz you’re tryna see what happens. after a beat of silence, he pulls your pants down and roughly fucks you right then and there. he’d still be angry, with some terse kind of “you still want to keep running your fucking mouth?” punctuated by sharp, deep thrusts that make you clench your teeth together to avoid screaming 😍🤸 and you’d have to walk back inside on shaking legs a few minutes later trying to pretend that carmy’s cum isn’t dripping down your thighs💕💕

anyway that’s all JDHSKDJSKSK

ANON????? OH MY GOD?????? IM FREAKING OUT OVER THIS??? Like you just put a whole blurb in my ask box I am so honored and flattered???? Expansion on this under the cut!!

Dude dude dude. Yes. So you’ve been working at the bear for a few months now. It’s been months of built up tension between you and Carmy. Carmy knows, and you know it’s more than just a simple friendship between the two of you.

Carmy tries to keep it professional. He really tries. But, his attempts make him more cold and blunt towards you, which culminates in the big fight. It’s over something stupid really, but he gets so fucking pissed because it’s been one thing after another this day. He flips out over you not having a “properly cleaned station”.

“Chef. How many fucking times do I have to tell you to clean up your goddamn station? Look at this shit. It’s a mess.” He yells, pointing to your station.

“Are you being serious right now? I’m in the middle of fucking prep. How the hell am I suppose to keep it clean during prep when I haven’t finished yet-“

Carmen cuts you off in the middle of your sentence. “Syd! Take over y/n’s prep.”

“What the fuck, Carmen?” He doesn’t answer your question, instead he pulls you out of the kitchen by your wrist. Once he gets you out the back door of the restaurant, you expect some kind of explanation for his behavior. “What? Couldn’t yell at me for no reason in front of everyone else?”

Carmy is on you in an instant. His strong hand engulfs the back of your neck, leading you to a stack of empty pallets before bending you over it. He stands behind you, hand still on the back of your neck, but not holding you down anymore. Your mind races, but one thing is clear. Carmy’s hard dick is pressing your ass.

“If you don’t want this, get up and walk away and we’ll pretend this never happened.” He leans down to whisper in your ear. Carmy’s voice is rough, full of desire. Your breathing picks up, but you don’t dare move. Instead, you whine when he rolls his hips against your ass. “Fucking knew you would want me like this. Such a fucking slut aren’t you?”

Carmy wastes no time to pull down your pants and underwear all in one go. You bite your lip, trying not to moan when his fingers run through your folds. “So nasty to be this wet in an alleyway for me where anyone can see.” You should be humiliated. Your boss has you bent over for him in an alleyway, but all you can do is beg for more.

“Please. Please please please.” You cry out, not even quite sure what you’re asking for. You hear the sound of him undoing his belt, and his cock enters you with no warning. He doesn’t go slow, filling you up to the hilt in one quick thrust. You cry out in surprise; he’s bigger than anyone you’ve ever had before. He starts fucking into you a second later, setting a quick pace with his hands digging into your hips. Your fingers dig into the pallets in front of you, desperate to find something to hold onto.

“Fuck- maybe this will teach you to stop running that mouth of yours and listen to me.” He practically moans out, thrusting deep and hard into you. “You need to learn to behave.”

“S-sorry chef. I’ll d-do better.” You feel his movements falter at the title, before he picks back up the pace, hitting even deeper inside of you. You’re already seeing stars, nearing your climax. “C-chef, please I’m so close.”

“Yeah? Going to come for your boss in a filthy alleyway?” One of his hands leaves your hip to touch your clit, rubbing fast circles with his callused fingers. “Go on then. Come around my cock like the slut you are.” He was losing himself too. His voice is rough and thin as he speaks.

It only takes a few more seconds before you come, biting into your hand so you don’t scream. Carmy’s pace falters before you feel him spill into you with a muffled groan.

He pulls out of you promptly without a word, stepping back to put back on his own pants. You stay in the same position, trying to catch your breath.

“Be back at your station in five minutes” Carmen says, walking back into the restaurant. You quickly pull up your pants, trying to ignore the feeling of his cum slowly dripping out of you. You don’t have any spare pants in your locker. You’re going to have to work through the rest of your shift with his cum running out of you and down your thighs.

You swallow your pride and go back inside to your station. Everyone else thinks Carmy just scolded you outside of the restaurant, so no one says a word when you return, taking back over your prep from Sydney.

Yeah let’s just say that’s not the last time Carmen fucks you in the middle of a shift. I’m thinking a nice fuck buddies relationship forms after this hehe.

[tamas-love]

（ 제목 ） MR PARK.

PRESENT.⠀⟡​⠀your boss offers you a ride home?

（ 박종성 ） — pairing = fem!employee x ceo!jay ୨୧ warning = none ୨୧ wc = 618

a/n : this is my first time uploading one of my works on tumblr… i hope you enjoy! all my works are on wattpad @ tamas-love so you can check it out there <3

click me! ↓

ㅤ𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 midnight as you walked towards Jay's office. Most employees had gone home already, but you had to work a little later than usual. All the lights were off except for his office and the cubicle you worked in. The small knock at Jay's door caught his attention, to which he spoke out a quick "come in." Before going back to flipping through papers.

ㅤOnce invited into his office, you open the door and walk in. Surprised to see he was still hard at work.. "Mr. park, why haven't you gone home yet? It's very late.." You say with a more softer voice, sounding stupid since you did the same. "I could ask you the same question." Jay says, raising an eyebrow at you and squinting his eyes.

ㅤTo his surprise, you were wearing a formal skirt-he wasn't exactly surprised about the fact you were just wearing a skirt, but more about the fact that you're wearing a skirt in this weather. "May I ask why you're wearing a skirt? It's cold outside, adding the fact that it's pouring out there." Jay's eyes scan your outfit, not judging but more confused.

ㅤ"Oh, my skirt? Uhm.. you might not believe me but I thought it would be nice out today, I forgot to check the weather for the night and only checked for the morning." You mumble, adjusting your skirt by pulling it down. "Are you not cold?" He asked, tilting his head and furrowing his eyebrows. "That's absurd. Check the weather thoroughly from now on."

ㅤHe says, sounding like a protective dad or boyfriend. "Okay, yes.. I will. but, Mr. Park. when are you going to go home? You should go home especially if you haven't eaten dinner yet!" You say, sounding concerned which made him smile a little bit. The smile was subtle, and before you could notice the smile he went back to a straight-poker-face.

ㅤ"Don't worry about me. You should go home. Leave, go home, now." Jay ordered, pointing to the door behind you with his pen. You quickly bow in goodbye before leaving, the door closing behind you. "Did she even bring an umbrella.. or a coat at least?" He mumbled to himself, subconsciously worrying for your health.

ㅤAfter an hour or two, Jay eventually came downstairs, exiting the elevator and entering the lobby. He stopped when he saw you standing by the window, peering out and just staring at the rain. "What the hell.." He mumbled, making his way to you and tapping you on your shoulder. "Y/n, you shouldn't be here."

ㅤYou look at him in surprise when he taps your shoulder, adjusting your purse strap. "Oh- well.. I was waiting for the rain to stop so I could go to the bus station-" You attempted to explain yourself but the look on Jay's face told you to shut up. "Are you stupid? I'm genuinely curious as to how you got this job.."

ㅤ"The rain doesn't stop until the morning," He took a pause to look at his expensive watch. "The last bus has left by now," He stopped once more to look you up and down. "And you're wearing a skirt and some heels. Please, use your brain." Jay sighs, putting his bag down and taking off his coat before wrapping it around your shoulders.

ㅤ"Wear this so you don't get cold.." Jay's voice softens, adjusting the coat around you before buttoning it up. Your cheeks were slowly gaining a redder color, but you couldn't help but admit how warm it was.. and how it smelt like his cologne. "Oh- thank you.." You mumble, his big coat engulfing you in warmth.

"I'll drop you off home, don't catch a cold.."

© tamas-love on tumblr, © tamas-love on wattpad ㅤㅤ𓈒ㅤㅤ𓈒 taglist open.

[starillusion13]

TRUST ME NOT

Pairing: Bf!(boss unit except one) x f!reader

W.C: 9.1k

Genre: Fluff, Mafia, Angst

Warnings: keeping secrets, innocent reader(?), mafia deals, murder, blast, tracking device, spying on someone, anonymous mail, tying up with rope in basement, unconcious, feeling sorry, sad, regrets, forgiveness, lots of kissing, anniversary surprises lol, getting shot, mention of blood(not detail) idk what to add anymore

1 month late birthday gift to @mymoodwriting sorry🥀

Network: @kvanity-main

🎀 Your anniversary was supposed to be held in a month.

The excitement was brightly visible on your face and you had a lot of arrangements to make. Going out to different stores and contacting some very important people who all are of potential help in some urgent scenarios. It's been five years since you were in a relationship with the mafia gang, NCT. Yeah, some people won't believe you if you say that you are the secret girlfriend, because your appearance and attitude is far from the ruthless behavior of the bosses--- your boyfriends.

The first one to notice that you were busy was Jungwoo, as he is the one who doesn't go out of the house often. His hacking job lets you both to spend more time with each other and well, this makes him throw cocky looks to others. You have told him repeatedly not to tease others because of that, but who is he to listen to?

You have almost planned everything for the upcoming day, obviously keeping it a secret from them. And this made Jungwoo suspicious of you. Earlier he was ignoring your weird attitudes and your now and then excuses to go out but one day when you were out for a long time, he followed your location. Well, he tried to but he couldn't track it.

How the hell is that even possible?

Now, he can't obviously charge you for messing up with the tracking device as you aren't aware of any of these. So, he decided to talk this out with his gang members.

"Are you sure of the suspicion?" Taeyong asked with a dark look. He was already tired with the day and now one of his members is sitting in front of him with a doubt. He glanced at the rest of the members across the room but they all were pretty much similar attentive to the hacker like him. He sighed and urged him to speak more.

The hacker nodded and proceeded, "she is acting differently and when I asked her last week. She was in a hurry to reply as if she would spill secrets if she spoke more than necessary."

"Maybe she is tired. You know her café has a lot of work." Mark stated and Jaehyun nodded his head in agreement. They know very well how dedicated you are to your work and something that might be keeping you busy these days.

Jungwoo shook his head, "No. The surprising fact is that she is barely available at the cafe."

"Then where is she going every morning?" Winwin asked and glanced at him from the corner of the room. And this caught everyone's attention.

Jaehyun remembered his interaction with you from two days back over the call.

"When I asked to pick her up from the cafe, she denied and told me about having extra hours but ended up coming home by riding someone else's car. As far as I know no one from her cafe owns that car." he stated and looked around.

"What? And you are telling me now?" Taeyong banged the table with his fist making the ones sitting near to him to flinch. Doyoung licked his lower lips and ran his fingers through the hairs. He was still putting in the pieces together and hoping that whatever they were thinking should not be the actual case.

Are you hiding something from them?

Or are you planning for something to destroy them?

Mark put his phone beside him on the sofa, "Dude, don't think like that. We must be wrong somewhere. Don't doubt her for anything."

"You are not suspecting her for anything right?" Winwin looked at his leader expectantly who in return just poked his cheek with the tongue and turned towards Doyoung.

"Tell everyone to keep a closer look on her." he said and looked at everyone, "all of you will see what's the matter with her. If she is not going to the cafe and not talking with us that much. Then we should find out what's the matter that she is suddenly acting so differently."

"But-"

"Mark, don't argue with me now."

No one spoke anything after that. Four of them left the room, leaving the leader with Doyoung. The latter's eyes followed how frustratingly the leader was brushing his hairs back and sighing.

"I know, you are not doubting her like the way you are showing your anger."

The leader rested his elbows on the table and held his head with his palms, "I don't want to blame her for anything. I trust her so much but I want to know what's up with her. I love her so much, Doyoung."

Doyoung walked towards him and patted his back comfortingly, "we all love her, Taeyong. If she ever betrays us then nothing can hurt us more than that."

"I don't want to hurt her. She is precious to me. I want all these to be just a misunderstanding."

"She is not betraying us. We will just find out what's the matter with her and then everything will be fine."

The latter just nodded and tears fell from his eyes similarly like the one standing.

.

.

"Where are you going?" Jungwoo asked as he saw you hurrying towards the door. You were smiling all the way down the stairs while looking at the phone. His eyes were staring at you with curiosity and adoration. When he repeated the question again, you glanced at him away from your phone and raised your brows.

"Uh..I..somewhere...do you need something?"

"No. But where? Do you want me to go with you?"

"No!".

He was taken aback by your sudden scream, "what? Why are you shouting?"

You awkwardly laughed and brushed your hairs, "I'll be off to the place and will return quickly. Don't worry."

As soon as you took a turn, someone grabbed your forearm and made you turn around. The turn was so sudden that you almost lost your balance on your heels, "What the hell! Jaehyun?"

"It's late afternoon. I don't think you are going to the cafe right now. Your workers told me that you will be there in the evening. So where to now?" His tone was low and demanding.

His grip was firm and you glanced at the hold then at his face. He had just showered after returning home. The others were not there yet and these two were only at the house so you decided to leave without them noticing you but it's not the case now.

"Hey, I'm just going to meet someone." you smiled at the end of the sentence.

"Who? Let me take you there."

You held his wrist to take off his hand from yours, "No, it's okay. I can go there alone. He will be just a few blocks away and......and then everything is fine."

"he? Y/n, who is this person? Do I know him? Have any of us seen him before?"

"Oh my jealous baby, Jae. Come on, don't think like I am a child. And you don't have to know everyone."

He stepped closer to you, tugging your hairs behind your ears before holding your hands and smiling down at you with a soft look, "I just care for you too much, Y/n. I don't want anyone to hurt you. Please be safe out there as you know your life is always at risk because of us...and dont hide anything from us."

You couldn't hear the last words but you smiled at him, "I will be safe. I promise."

He leaned forward to peck your lips and then planted a soft kiss on your temple. Jungwoo came up behind you and hugged you, nuzzling his nose in your neck inhaling the recently applied perfume, you smiled at the tingling sensation. He whispered, "if you can't keep yourself safe. Then I will kill everyone who will hurt you."

You grabbed one of his hands and brought it to your lips, planting a kiss, "I know. I am always safe with you all."

.

.

.

You were safe. Your preparations and secrets, everything was safe. Only two weeks left and you couldn't contain your excitement. Skipping steps towards the flower shop, you were greeted by the familiar man holding a rose in his hold and smiling endearingly at you. Your smile widened brightly and a soft laugh escaped your throat when he kneeled down in front of you, "A rose for my queen." He extended his hand towards you and you took the flower from his hand.

"Oh please shut up, Wooyoung."

He again stood in front of you and smoothed his blazer and pants. The look was stating that he was on his way for the meeting but still his playful nature and his childish laugh was not setting right with his appearance.

"Why? I can call you anything."

"Just wait until I tell this to my boyfriend." you chuckled while looking around the flower shop, "Where is the owner?"

You never used your boyfriend's name in front of anyone, always referring to some silly names or simply 'my boyfriend'. No one has ever seen your so-called boyfriend but they know you always have the adoration while speaking of him—- of them.

"I don't know about him. Hey! Why are you asking for the owner when I'm here?" He whined and you shook your head in disbelief with the attitude.

"How old are you? And I need him to choose some exact flowers for the decoration and a perfect perfume to give my boyfriend." you smiled at the thought of surprising them with everything. He nodded with a pout and stood by your side while you were staring at some beautiful bouquets, "Is your boyfriend nice? You can tell me if you have any problems. You have said he lives outside this country but if he turns out as a cheater. I will show him hell."

"Of course, Wooyuong. There's nothing to worry about. I am fine and he is a very nice man. Maybe someday you can meet him and also, I'm doing all these preparations for our anniversary."

The owner just entered the door and greeted you both when the other one smiled at you before exiting the door.

.

.

.

One week left for your anniversary.

"So, I was right. She is going to this shop almost every day and according to Winwin, our enemy's last location was this shop."

They couldn't believe the pictures and the tracking location of the devices that were showing on the very big screen displayed in front of them. The undercover spy has clicked the pictures of you meeting with a young man well dressed up in a suit and you were hugging him with a smile, also in another picture, you were receiving flowers. The different gestures between you both were assuming that there was a deeper bonding than they can think of. Everything was pretty much fine until the call list and tracking device of yours and their enemy matches exactly.

"Jungwoo, have you gone to this shop before?" Taeyong asked when he placed himself on the sofa.

The hacker shook his head, "no, I never bought anything from there. I thought she knew the owner of the shop, that's why she is going there but it turned out she is meeting the owner of the device who is apparently our enemy. We need to find who is the owner. Winwin even followed her one day and guess what? They were planning for a big event and also went on a date."

"A date?" Mark had a confused look on his face.

Jungwoo nodded and Jaehyun continued, "yeah, she is meeting these certain people every often and that's why you can't find her in the cafe. And this one person is very common."

"That's Wooyoung, a member of the gang, Ateez. the shop owner is his best friend, just for cover." Winwin started from beside Doyoung who quickly turned towards him in surprise.

Taeyong scoffed in irritation, "So that's him? He blew our basement? I was so sure that somebody leaked our plan when we were having the mission in a different state and look, he took that advantage to attack on our base."

"And you think?" Doyoung raised a brow.

"She...she told him?" Taeyong didn't even want to say it but still he did. He blamed you. He doubted you. There was no other option left other than suspecting you with their recent events going on around them. He curled his fingers into a fist, suppressing the anger and hurt.

Mark leaned back into his chair, "we must be wrong somewhere. Or things have not been placed in the correct way."

"No. When I told Jungwoo for the first time, neither me nor him believed this but after one week of research. We are sure that she is involved with this." Winwin himself didn't want to believe what he was voicing out.

His own voice was betraying him. Was your love for them just a facade to destroy them in the end? Were you playing with their feelings? What? NO! This can't be, you are not like that. He couldn't convince anyone, maybe he was not even trying to convince anyone. No one was ready to believe that you were planning something worse behind their back, just to destroy them to get in with a man. The man who is apparently their enemy's gang member.

Mark stood up. A sad look visible on his face, fighting back the urge to cry in front of them. He couldn't hear more about suspecting you. Even if you are wrong, he still wants to see you and love you. His gaze shifted from the leader towards the large wide window, the setting of the sun was visible, "our anniversary is in almost 10 days. I hope we won't be doing something to ruin the day."

The words hit them altogether. Anniversary...they have bought a lot of gifts for you and they have arranged a trip for all of you to spend time together.

He turned around and Taeyong closed his eyes, heaving a sigh. Everyone was in disbelief and fighting whether they should blame you or...or what? There's nothing to think about anymore.

"Hey!  you all here?" your cheerful voice broke the silence. The atmosphere was already tense inside the house but your presence was making it worse. To your oblivion, they shared glances between them when Jaehyun noticed some things in your hold. His jaw clenched at the sight and he stepped towards you.

"Who gave you this?"

You furrowed your brows before looking down and then a smile cracked on your face. Everyone noticed the shift in expression when you held the flowers tightly, "Um...someone. A friend?"

"Friend." he scoffed and glared at you. His expression surprised you and then when you looked around the room, you noticed others were looking at you with no emotions visible. It felt so distant as if you were missing something. But what's even the matter? Mark was standing on the first step of the stairs, when you caught his eyes, there was a hurt look— the look of betrayal.

"Mark-" the young boy didn't wait to hear you when he abruptly turned around and ascended the stairs, without even looking back at you. What happened?

"Where were you?" Doyoung asked with folded hands above his chest, supporting himself against the table. His dark and sharp eyes staring at you, waiting for a quick reply.

"I...I went to the cafe."

"You were not there. Don't lie. Just tell me exactly, where were you?"

Taeyong darkly chuckled, "of course to meet her friend. Right? So, had fun on the date?"

"Date?"

Jaehyun turned to him, "don't pretend that you don't know. You went on a date with your little friend, right?"

You shook your head when Jungwoo pointed at your large plastic bag, "what's all these?"

You tried to hide it behind your back only to get yanked away, "why are you hiding it?" He glared at your action.

"What's wrong with you all?"

"What's wrong with you? Are you planning something behind our back?" His words hurt you. No, it shocked you. Are they doubting you for something?

The phone in your pocket started ringing and when Jaehyun didn't loosen his grip on you, you snatched your arm away and glared at him. Fishing out the phone, you held it to your ear and greeted the person. Before walking towards your room, you snatched away the plastic bag from him and no one protested but watched you going away.

No one moved from their places but only Winwin followed you behind.

.

.

.

Three days have already passed since that day.

You didn't talk with anyone normally. Everytime, they would be looking at you accusingly or asking you some weird questions about why you were hiding things from them.

but , there was nothing to hide in the first place---- except for the celebration.

Only one week left and when you just wanted to go out finally to arrange the last things of the preparation. Doyoung blocked your way.

"You are not going anywhere."

"Huh?"

Jaehyun came up behind you and harshly pulled you to a particular direction, "your game is over, y/n. Just give up now. You can't hide anything from us now."

The other one walked just closely behind you, gun in his hand. "I can't believe you that after the things we did, only for you to betray us."

"Please Jaehyun...Trust me. you must be wrong somewhere. I am not hiding anything. I promise." Your voice was broken yet he was not glancing at you but dragging you towards the stairs. The grip on your wrist tightened when you tried to pull your hand away. The wrist was burning from his harsh grip.

There were two uncoordinated footsteps from behind you both and when the youngest of them spoke up, you glanced at them. Mark was trying to stop the leader from stepping forward but the latter was just fuming and when he caught your glistening eyes, he sent a glare at you.

"please..." you whimpered when he took the turn and stopped at the first step of the stairs. He inhaled sharply and glared at you before glancing at the leader.

"take her downstairs." He simply ordered and the latter nodded.

Mark held Jaehyun's other hand, "No. Don't. Please, we should listen to her. We must be wrong somewhere. Please don't take her there."

But he dragged you down, stumbling over a few places but he didn't care. No one cared at the moment. As if your voice was not even audible to their ears.

You have never been to this place before and the dark, dimly lit room with a damp smell was making churn in your stomach. The others were already present inside the room and their focus was on you— the helpless figure. He harshly pulled you towards the chair behind the interrogating desk and made you sit on it. Your head turned towards each one of them, no one was having any sympathy for you. Maybe they had but trying not to show it.

"Why are you doing this? Please get me out of here." tears were flowing down your cheek. Before you could wipe off your tears, Jungwoo gripped your wrist and tied them to the armrest. Winwin took away the phone from you and placed it on the table. Taeyong placed himself on the chair across from you and stared at your tied up form. Doyoung stood beside him, palm resting on the head of the leather chair.

"So, from where should we begin?"

You remained quiet. Not because you didn't want to talk but because you didn't know what to say. Mind still processing the situation and why they all were keeping you tied up like a criminal. Do they not trust you?

You stared at him with silent tears falling from your eyes. Jaehyun and Jungwoo stood beside you on both sides, neither of them speaking anything and not even looking at you. Only glancing now and then.

"How do you know Wooyoung?" the leader asked the first question and leaned forward on the table.

"Wooyoung?"

Doyoung tilted his head to the side, "yes. Even that day he gave you those flowers. Having good times with the enemy. Right, y/n?"

"Enemy? He is my old friend from university."

The leader was not buying your words, "our enemy is your friend now. Since when are you against us?"

"What are you saying, Taeyong? I would never. I..." you were almost spilling the secrets but held back the words that were about to come out from your lips, "we just recently reunited at the flower shop. He was just...helping me out with something."

"Helping you out to chalk out a plan to kill us?" Winwin offered you an option for your choice of words. You shook your head at him and returned to face the leader. He didn't have any emotions for you. No more those endearing smiles and caring eyes looking at you but a strong and accusing eyes blaming you for everything.

"No, it's not like that."

"There's no point in you lying on our face. You can't fight back, y/n. There's six of us and only, you alone."

You parted your lips and tried to shift forward when Jungwoo held you back. You raised your head to look at him but he just avoided your eyes. Does he hate me so much?  "You all should understand this. I am alone, I can't do anything to harm you all and... I can never think of hurting any of you."

"Don't pretend to be the innocent one like always." Jaehyun spat at you. "It was all a facade to make us trust you. To make us weak for you so that you can easily break into our life and destroy us from the core."

"Jaehyun..." you whispered his name but a long silence followed your longing gaze on him. How could he blame you like this? They never used such a tone with you.

"He is correct. It was only you who knew about our absence for a whole week from the city and during that exact time, Ateez attacked our warehouse. Isn't this a coordinated plan?" Taeyong was irritated with each word coming out of his mouth.

"And you think I told him?"

Winwin caught your attention, "of course. The enemy whom we were tracking has his every location around you. His every location was colliding with yours. The flower shop belongs to them and it's just undercover to hide their spies in that busy street. Your activity was very frequent during the time of the blast."

"It must be a coincidence...I am not aware of all these." you plead to them for mercy but none of them were convinced. It all seemed as an act to break away from them and to run to their enemy for help.

"We thought that too but you have a deep connection with him. Even keeping your meet-ups a secret from us. Don't think of us like fools."

"Mark, you are a fool. All of you are foolish to think of me going against you. He is just my friend and we were just hanging out after some arrangements and if I knew he was the menber of a gang, I would never have spoken to him. But...but he won't hurt me or any of you. He doesn't even know you all are my boyfriends."

"Because for your benefit. So that you can go on dates with him." Jaehyun scoffed at the end of the sentence.

Taeyong slammed his hand to gain your attention back on him. His eyes were raging and he was fuming with anger. You flinched at the sound and scaredly turned towards him when he spoke up, "Now tell me, what do you want from us?"

You shook your head and bit your lips to prevent yourself breaking down more.

"I said speak up, y/n!"

Your broken voice and hiccups echoed the room, "I...I want n-nothing. I just want......your love."

"Shut up!"

"Jaehyun, keep quiet." Doyoung shushed the tall man beside you but you were already hurt too much. You were exhausted after crying so much, the unfamiliar and confined environment was suffocating you. You just wanted to get out of the place and run away, far away and hide from them. You were scared to say anything anymore or they could have done something more.

"You are going to stay here unless you are willing to tell the truth." Taeyong said and stood up to turn towards the door.

You shook your head frantically to not to leave you there. But no one minded your scared form. You were nothing more than a liar to them.

"Please listen to me..."

Jaehyun grabbed your cheeks, his fingers digging into your flesh, "you are only going to speak the truth or else shut your mouth." he harshly jerked your head to the side.

One by one everyone left the room except the one who was almost standing silently since he came here. He stayed back inside the room. When you noticed his gaze on you, there was a hurt look like that day.

"Why did you do this?"

"I did nothing."

He looked up at the ceiling and then at you, "then please confess the truth. I can't see you like this."

"I'm telling you the truth, Mark. he is just my friend. I didn't help him with anything."

Doyoung came back to the room to find the younger one standing at the door. He informed the younger one to stay with you, not to leave you alone down in the basement. He nodded his head in acceptance. You don’t know if It was because they told him to stay behind out of love or they think you could try to run away from them.

Mark actually wanted to stay with you though. He just can't leave you alone.

Doyoung stepped inside the room to take the phone from the table. When he came in sight of your vision, you looked away to avoid him. He waited for a moment but left the room eventually when you didn't look at him.

"Mark, don't get swayed by her?"

They had some whispering conversation outside the door and you zoned out to think about the day, how you were so excited to finally wrap the different gifts for them and then prepare the last arrangement because this last week was supposed to be spending time with them together. But everything went down the hill.

When Mark returned inside the room, he saw you sleeping on the chair uncomfortably. He stepped forward and tugged your hairs behind the ears to have a clear look of your face. You looked so peaceful but your face was stained with sweat and tears. He caressed your soft skin and tears fell from his eyes, he was sorry to you. He untied your wrists and pulled you on his lap on the floor. Resting your head against his chest, his fingers stroked you and he lulled you to sleep.

"I'm sorry, y/n."

.

.

.

The next two days were just you refusing all the foods they offered and you were getting weak. Even if they didn't hurt you physically, but their words, their hatred looks and their harsh and hurtful touches with their accusing tone was enough to break your every inch.

Doyoung didn't let you stay in the basement but kept you locked in his room. He promised his leader that he won't let you escape the house.

Just before the two days of your anniversary, they got an email from someone. It was labeled with a secret code so when they clicked on it, they found out that it was from someone unknown. They have sent some confidential documents. Jungwoo didn't waste any time before clicking open it only to get a shock. Everyone scooted closer to him.

'How is Y/n? Suspecting her now? Oh, poor girl. Don't worry. I will kill her soon anyways. '

There were all the details under the small links. Whatever they saw was right but the actual explanation to their assumption was what you were saying, not how they interpreted earlier. Wooyoung was just your friend, nothing more and he didn't have any intention to harm you or others. Ateez didn't even attack their base.

Then who is this person?

Is he alive?

Jaehyun threw the glass away in frustration.

"Where is this shit? I will kill him."

Winwin quickly followed some images, "the dreamies are trying to track the id. Hyuck is currently scanning the codes. but... I don't know why this person wants to kill her."

"I'm not leaving her alone for any more second."

Doyoung jogged towards the room only to find you sleeping beside the window stool. Taeyong followed him closely behind and he noticed the dried tears on your face and the other one was quick to pick you up in his arms, "y/n, look at me. You don't have to be here anymore. I'm taking you out of this place. I'm so sorry."

Your breathing was so faint and it scared him.

He peppered your face with kisses, you were so weak and exhausted. There was no reply from you and he shook your body again.

"She must be unconscious. Let's clean her up and let her rest for a while. When she wakes up, I will feed her." Taeyong offered him.

They both nodded and exited the room. Promising to themselves that they won't ever let you be in this sort of situation again.

When they appeared in front of the others, they saw your unconscious body in his hold. Their hearts clenched at the sight, the pain striking through their body.

How could they just blame you and act deaf ears to your pleadings?

"I'm coming with you." Mark approached him and took you in his arms before going towards his room with Doyoung trailing behind him.

Taeyong ordered Jungwoo and Winwin to contact Dreamies for further discussions about the situation and let others disperse to their respective activities.

No one was willing to leave your side but they had no option other than waiting for you to get consciousness. But Jaehyun quietly walked towards your room to take a glimpse of you.

He was hesitating to enter the room but eventually stepped inside and found them inside the bathroom. They were carefully looking after you.

"Is she okay?"

His sudden voice made the two males turn their head towards him, "of course she is. We are here to keep her safe."

After a while, you were dressed in a pair of comfortable top and loose pants. Mark carefully tugged you in the bed before sitting beside your sleeping figure and caressing the hairs, Doyoung sat near your legs and Jaehyun kept his distance from the bed.

"Let her rest for a while. Taeyong will bring her the food."

They all left the room but Jaehyun went near to you and caressed your head, kissing your temple he whispered, “I’m so sorry, love.”

After a while when you woke up, only to find Taeyong sitting by your side with medicines and food placed on the table that he pulled beside the bed. Your head was spinning a bit but still he helped you sit up and placed the pillow behind you to make you comfortable. Before you could say anything, he caressed your head and smiled at you, following a kiss to the side of your head.

"I'm sorry, Y/n. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I was so wrong about you."

You remained quiet and just observed how he lifted the bowl from the table and stirred the soup, tasting a spoonful and turning towards you with a spoon.

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"y-you are not mad at me anymore? Please trust me-"

He put the spoon back into the bowl and placed a finger on your lips, "I trust you. Y/n, I love you. I'm regretting treating you like that. It hurts you a lot to see us blaming you for something you didn't do. But I promise you, you will never have to be like this again. I will make this up to you."

"Really? And others...Are they?"

"they are equally sorry, y/n. we just couldn't help but think all that......why were you at the shop though?" he quickly asked you the thing that was still bugging his mind.

"Um...you will know soon. It's a secret." You expectantly stared at him to see his reaction but he just smiled when he brought the spoon to your lips. You quickly parted open your lips to taste the spoon and hummed in the wonderful warm taste. It melted on your tongue like you were melting under his touch.

"I won't ever hurt you."

"I know, Taeyong. You have so much responsibility but I think I made you scared going out here and there. But trust me it's a good secret, nothing to worry about."

"Can't you tell me now?" he pouted and blinked at you.

"No. Then what's the point of the secret?"

"Is this about-"

Someone entered the room and he was quick to sit on your other side and hugged you from the side.

"I'm so sorry baby. Please forgive me. I don't want you to stay away from me." he nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck and your fingers entangled with his hairs when he leaned to your body more. Taeyong was still making sure to finish the soup and shook his head at the boy clinging onto you.

"Hey, Mark. It's okay. I was just shocked with you all behaving like that." You said slowly and he nodded, muttering a flow of apologies. The leader wiped your mouth when you finished the food and handed you the medicine to take but when you refused it. Both of them tickled you and joked around and ended up with Mark holding you down on the bed and the oldest one putting inside the medicine and handing you the glass.

Three of you spent some time together before Taeyong left when he caught a call from Jungwoo and he hugged you before pressing a long and soft kiss on your temple then hurrying to take the call. Where you and Mark ended up cuddling together.

"That night..." he was spooning you while your back was pressed against his chest and his one leg was flung upon yours. His fingers were playing with yours when you both were watching the screen displaying a movie.

You hummed in response, "you made me sleep on your lap. I woke up from a nightmare but I felt so secure with you. Thank you."

"I love you. I love you so much baby."

"I love you more, mark." You turned around and cupped his face. Your eyes searched for a particular emotion before pressing your lips to his. He was surprised by your move but when you tried to pull away your face, he held the back of your neck and pulled you closer, making the kiss rough and passionate. Both fighting for dominance but still enjoying the power of each other. You smiled and squirmed when he slid his hand under your tee. His kisses traveled down to your jaw and sloppily kissed your cheek. Admiringly, watching each other, he dipped his head down and bit the soft flesh of your neck, he groaned when you moaned his name. When he hooked a finger with the band of your shorts, you held his wrist.

He quickly stopped his actions and looked at you, cupping your cheeks and shock visible on his face. You chuckled at his reaction and he worriedly asked you, "Is there something wrong?"

It's not like you haven't done this before with him but there was something for which you wanted to wait.

"Can you wait for one more day?"

"Before our anniversary?"

You nodded and he smiled before pecking your lips.

"Of course, I can."

.

.

.

The day before the celebration. You asked them if you could go out. They felt as if they did something wrong that you were taking permission like a child. You bit your lips and stared at them when they were all similarly staring back at you.

Taeyong broke the awkward moment, "I think someone should speak."

"You did just now."

He glared at Jaehyun, who looked away holding back his laugh. The others snickered and you laughed loudly. All of their attention turned back at your standing figure in an elegant knee length dress.

"You all can go with me."

"We?" Winwin asked you and you quickly nodded.

"So?"

They all looked at each other before agreeing and stood up. The one that was hesitant to come near you was Jaehyun. When they all walked towards the door, conversing and joking among them, he remained at the same place. He felt someone entangled a hand with his and when he looked down at his side, you were smiling brightly at him.

"Let's go, my prince."

"Y/n...you.."

You pulled him towards the door. But he was staring at you like a lost man, who knew nothing other than the directions you would give him. He smiled when he noticed the dress you were wearing was the one he gave you on your birthday last time.

"I'm trying to forget about that day so please don't remind me."

He stopped in his track and you turned towards him, "what happe-"

He pressed his lips to yours. He was laughing between the kisses when you were trying to say something. He pulled apart and you glared at him before looking at your appearance on the phone screen.

"you ruined my lipstick."

"I would have ruined you but it's okay coz it's just the lipstick for now."

"Jae..." you groaned but he grabbed your chin softly and other hand quickly went up , a finger wiping away the smudged out portion and then patted your cheek with the clean fingers.

"you look beautiful like always."

Doyoung came back and pulled you both towards the car.

The car ride was fun. Except for Jungwoo clinging onto your side ans asking you the same question repeatedly, "why can't we know the secret now? Please, y/n."

"I am surprised all of you are in a gang."

Taeyong chuckled, "don't add him. He doesn't do anything other than hacking and intruding other's business from his private place."

He scoffed in reply, "at least I keep company with our girl. Right?"

You nodded. It's not like they were not serious with their job. When the work mode is on, you wouldn't even match the people who are the same with the ones you are currently laughing with. Even you get scared. Okay, last time you really got.

Arriving at the mall, you quickly got out of the car to make a quick call with your friend. You told her to receive the perfumes and flowers from the shop tomorrow morning and keep them in the café. You wanted to celebrate your anniversary at the café and your friend was helping you to get all the orders ready for tomorrow so that today, you can spend your day with the boys.

You bought a lot of things, some necessary and some unnecessary. Jungwoo was with you and others went off to other places.

"you are buying us gifts but not letting us buy for you."

"tomorrow."

"Why? I can buy it today. Wait, I can buy for you everyday."

"Don't show off." You turned around to look at the dress when he picked one from the other row and handed it to you, "wear this tomorrow. This is so perfect."

"are you serious? Do you know my size?"

He smirked and bent to whisper in your ears, "I know every inch and curves how they would fit them and how it would be easy to rip off."

Your eyes went round and you hit his arm when he burst out laughing, "Jungwoo!"

You snatched the dress and walked towards the trial room and when you put on the dress, it seemed like it was the one for you. As if They will marry you tomorrow. Marriage...

Jungwoo knocked at the door and when you opened it, he pushed you inside and locked the door behind.

"what happened?"

"I don't want others to get to see you before me." his gaze moved and his breath hitched. You were looking more beautiful than he projected an imagery picture of you in the dress in his mind.

He pecked your lips and then your temple, "you look like mine. I love you, y/n."

"Always yours. I love you so much Jungwoo."

Done with the things you wanted to buy. Jungwoo went to where Jaehyun was and you were alone walking through the newborn section and smiling. You picked up a pink baby wrap towel and someone back hugged you.

"why are you buying this?" his deep voice sent a shiver down your body.

"I am not buying...just watching... they are so cute. Look at this, Taeyong."

He pressed a kiss on your cheek, "We can someday when we will have a baby."

You turned around when his arms dropped down, "it will be soon."

He smirked to see the excitement on your face, he tugged your hairs before raising a brow, "so am I getting the hint to spend some time with me and then we can expand our family. You and I and our daughter."

"you want a girl?"

"I'm fine with both but to have a girl. I love the idea of mini you running around the house and us all chasing her around."

You hugged him tightly, "I love you, Taeyong."

"I love you too, my princess."

"Wait for tomorrow, please."

"Of course."

.

.

You all went home after almost buying the whole mall and Jaehyun was casually showing off and showing smirks that he brought the costliest items. Oh boy! How wrong he is. He should just see the expenses of Taeyong. Winwin whispered to you that he would be sleeping with you because both of you haven't spent a night together. You agreed quickly.

After the dinner when you were going towards the room, Winwin asked you to go with him to the garden and of course, you would.

"So why are we here?" you were staring up at the sky while sitting on the outdoor swing with him by your side.

"I'm sorry." He muttered quietly.

"I know."

He turned towards you and shook his head, "don't forgive us so easily, y/n. we don't deserve it."

"Then don't say sorry. Stop reminding me about that. Think about tomorrow and let us enjoy the night."

He caressed your head, " you are the sweetest one. The innocent one in our life and I don't want to hurt you but still I did."

"And I forgive you."

He sadly chuckled and pulled you closer, "Can you tell me the secret for tomorrow?"

You stared at him and waited if he wanted to say something but when he didn't, you kissed his cheek and smiled, "No. You have to wait."

"Are you planning a surprise? For us?"

"Maybe...or something more than you can expect."

He furrowed his brows when you caressed his cheek softly, "see...you are the innocent one now."

"really?" he grabbed your neck and pulled you in for a hungry and deep kiss. You were laughing and clutching his shirt. His other hand was caressing your back and hands, melting you under his control. He pulled apart and started panting for air.

"And now?"

"still the innocent." As the words left your mouth, he swept you in his arms and turned round and round. Both of your laughs echoed in the garden.

"I love you...I love you...I love you, My innocent girl."

"I love you too, my innocent boy."

Your teasing made him tickle you in his hold and you laughed out more.

Taeyong was watching you from his balcony with the wine in his hand. He was smiling ear to ear seeing you so happy.

He would keep you safe till the end.

.

.

.

Finally THE DAY.

Winwin woke you up, calling out your name lightly and keeping you close to him. He peppered your face with kisses and you were giggling all the way when he scooped you in his arms and took you to the bathroom to get ready. You looked at the mirror and felt so happy, quickly did your morning routine before running down the stairs to greet your boys. But you could only find Doyoung at the table preparing the plates and decorating it with the final touch.

The house looked amazing.

"Don't tell me you all did this within a night."

"Then What do you think? You were blind to not notice it till yesterday?"

You reached near the table and when you went to pick up a pancake, he swatted your hand away and you whined.

"Let others come. No eating before greeting."

"No greetings to you."

You turned around and folded your hands above your chest, he chuckled and with slow steps went behind you and snaked his arms around, resting his head on your shoulder.

"Happy Anniversary, My love." He kissed your shoulder, the deep round neckline of the dress gave him access to your soft flesh. Your hairs were tied up and he kissed the crook of your neck and his teeth grazing the skin and licking the jaw, "I love you, y/n."

"Doyoung, I love you. Happy Anniversary."

He turned you around to kiss you. His kisses are always soft and takes his whole time to devour the moment. Just like now, he didn't care what others will see but he just wanted to show you his love for you.

You were smiling all the while but the sweet moment got interrupted by the one who could enter the place without any sound but to disturb you both, he purposely made sounds.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes. My love life." Doyoung spat at him and groaned but didn't let you go when the other one laughed and came near you.

You pulled apart from the kiss and looked at Taeyong. The other one was back hugging you and nuzzling his nose into your neck.

Taeyong cupped your cheek, "happy anniversary, princess."

"Happy anniversary girl's dad."

"Huh?"

"Nothing." You laughed out and noticed Jungwoo and Winwin entering the place when one of them muttered a quiet happy anniversary to you because he was always shy in front of others but the other one had to make it dramatic.

"Everyone. Present here. Wait two are missing."

All of you were watching his stupid act, standing on the chair. He craned his neck to look at the stairs and waited for a few seconds before Mark and Jaehyun walked down with bright smiles on their faces.

"Okay here we have Mark and Jaehyun. Then We have Winwin at the table. Mr. Taeyong and Doyoung with our special girl, y/n." He stepped forward to you and took out a flower and kissed it before extending it to you, " a token of love for my precious soul."

"Thank you. Happy Anniversary to my dramatic love."

"Happy Anniversary, y/n." He pulled you away from the one hugging you and stepped towards the table.

You sat between Jaehyun and Mark and they both greeted you following with a smile and soft kiss. Doyoung cut a piece of the pancake and brought it to your lips. You chuckled and quickly ate it.

"Are these all for me?"you asked them.

"Yes. All for the special one." Mark excitedly said and kissed your cheek.

Winwin cleared his throat from across the table, "so what should we do today?"

"Give her the gifts."Mark proposed the idea but you quickly shook your head.

"No not now. My surprise is still left."

"Wait. Yeah, the secret. So tell me." Winwin happily nodded and stared at you.

"No. Get dressed. We are going to my cafe and then everything will be revealed."

"Promise?"

"Of course, Doyoung."

They all quickly dressed up in some denims or leathers but of course they were looking fine individually. You couldn't take your eyes from one of them. Are you even matching with them?

You looked down at your dress and Jungwoo grabbed your shoulders to face them.

"How is she looking?"

The moment their gaze fell on you, everyone stopped, everything was still, a look of adoration and love painted across their faces. They approached where you were shyly looking away when Jungwoo was keeping you in place.

"You look like my queen, love." Taeyong took your hand and kissed the back of your hand. Jaehyun kissed the side of your head and pulled you towards him, "well, we have something more to say but let's go to the cafe first."

"Then let's go."

It didn't take much time to reach the destination but as soon as you stepped inside the door. You started to feel nervous and that did get noticed by them. They were mesmerized by the wonderful decoration that you did and planned for the day. Somewhere, they felt sorry to even blame you for keeping secrets for this. Doyoung didn't leave your hand when you were showing around the details you organized which perfectly matched all six of their likings but the moment they came across the pink box with a letter on top of it. You stopped them.

"Wait!"

They all turned towards you.

"There's something I want to tell you."

Taeyong smiled at you, "go ahead."

"No. First you gave me the surprise and then I did so now it's your turn to tell me first and then I will. How about this?"

Mark smiled and approached you, hugging you from behind and then you noticed Taeyong pulling out a box from his leather jacket.

"Woah! What's that?"

"It's-"

“Y/n!”

“Y/n!”

"Y/n!"

You knew your friend's voice and when you heard her screaming from outside, you ran towards the door and pushed it open.

The boys shouted out your name but you didn't listen and searched for your friend outside the cafe.

There was no one.

No one on the silent and peaceful afternoon street. You felt weird because you were so sure that you heard your friend call out for you so many times.

Are you hearing things?

You felt someone watching you. You looked in each direction but you couldn't see anyone. The boys already exited the cafe.

"Who was there?" Winwin asked while looking around.

"I heard my friend calling for me."

"Then where is she?"

"I don't know."

Doyoung stepped in front of you and held your wrist, "let's go inside. Maybe she was fooling around."

You nodded and turned around with them.

But the moment you took a step.

All of you heard a gunshot.

What happened?

"Ah...D-doyoung."

"Y/n!"

As soon as they saw you, blood was flowing out of your chest. You got shot? Who shot you? They frantically looked around but there was no one in their sight. Doyoung sat on his knees when he felt your limp body leaning on him.

"It's okay, y/n. I will save you. Just wait for a while. We will take you to the hospital soon."

He held your hand when Mark was searching for a way to stop the flow of blood. But his mind was not working and processing the things to do.

The day started with so much joy and love but suddenly what just happened?

Both of the men by your side were scared. Scared to lose you. You were fighting back the urge to seep into sleep but clutched his hand tightly to stay awake. Mark was repeatedly telling you to keep your eyes open.

"Baring the car. Do it fast." Taeyong pushed Jaehyun towards the car but you weakly called out their names and asked them to come to you.

"Just take her to the hospital. Now!"

"Mark. No...I-i don't think I can make it."

"No no y/n. You can." He pressed your hand, which was clutching your chest.

"Taeyong, tell me what you wanted to say. Please"

"Let's go to the hospital."

you shook your head and looked at Winwin, "Can you bring me the pink box? please..." you coughed. Jaehyun already went to bring the car and you were clutching Doyoung's hand tightly. tears escaping your eyes even though you didn't want to cry. Winwin jogged inside the cafe and quickly he picked up the note and the box and wasting no more time, he went towards you.

"Get inside." Jaehyun opened the door for you all.

"Taeyong, tell me please."

he was hesitant to tell you at that moment but wasting unnecessary time means risking your life more. your breath was heaving and Mark was trying his best to keep you awake. Winwin approached the scene and when you noticed him, you weakly smiled at him.

But Taeyong pulled out the black box from his jacket and opened it. your glistening eyes blinked slowly, everything was blur, you could feel a small thing placed on your palm. Taeyong took your hand away from Doyoung's shirt.

you brought the thing closer to you.

It's a ring.

before you could say anything. you all entered the care. you were still looking at the ring. When Jungwoo noticed your fixed gaze on the ring and your grip was about to loosen. He curled your fingers and held your fist tightly. 

Taeyong held back his tears and weakly said from the passenger seat, "we were going to ask you to marry us. A proposal ring."

you heard them. you wanted to say a lot of things but you couldn't. you wanted to say something else at the moment.

"Winwin, give the box to Taeyong." he was quick to follow your words. Jaehyun was often glancing at you from the rear mirror and to the front. their base hospital is a bit far away and they couldn't risk you reaching there so whatever problem they have to face, they were going to if they had to go to the city hospital.

Winwin kept the note in his hand and it was shaking in his hold. 

"trust me...i love you......" you weakly whispered but the one holding you heard it.

"Y/n...y/n...don't close your eyes...please..hey stay awake."

you didn't open your eyes.

nor you were clutching his hand.

"y/n..."

"drive faster!" Taeyong almost shouted at him.

Mark hesitatingly asked, "what's inside the box?"

Taeyong stared at it for a while and then when he opened it. A tear dropped inside the box. Jaehyun's breath hitched and looked at you but your eyes were closed. 

"Y/n...baby..."

aren't you going to smile at him? atleast for the last time.

Congratulations! It's a girl.'

Mark snatched the box from him and his eyes went wide. he urged the other to open the note and there it was, you have ranted everything like always and in the end,

'I collected some flowers for each day after I got the news of pregnancy. I could tell you earlier but I wanted to say it on a special day. I am not hiding anything from you except this. Just trust me. I want to give it to you all as a surprise.'

Jungwoo brought your hand to his lips to plant a kiss.

Doyoung pressed a kiss on your temple, "I trust you."

Are you just going to leave them now?

They won’t trust anything anymore when you didn’t even say the final goodbye.

Note: please I want to thanks to people for reading and reblogging. Reviews are always appreciated. Spread love not hate. If my favoritism is showing with some members then please try to understand oz they are my bias.

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[open!]

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - Not Ready Part 1/12

Part 2 and Part 3 are out on my Patreon for FREE!

This story is so beautiful, hopefully you'll think so too! 🥹

Readers sister dies in a tragic car accident, leaving reader and her boyfriend Ruben in the urgent custody of her niece and nephew. Readers life is suddenly flipped upside-down since having children hadn't been the plan for her and Ruben's life together. At least not now when his football career was reaching great new heights.

Enjoy! 💞

You could really get used to this life, because who else has an amazing girl boss who let's you off work in the honor of your birthday?

Well you did.

Instead of spending the last hours of the day sorting out paperwork, you were rushing off to see you your boyfriend who had surprise for you in the park.

"Oh my god, is he going to purpose?"

"I have no idea." You squealed, cellphone pressed to your ear. Your best friend Laleh was on the other end, helping you speculate why Ruben specifically wanted to spend the afternoon with you in the park.

"Do you think he had anything to do with you getting off work so early?"

"I really don't know. I would be surprised of he did."

"Yes, me too. If he did, what the hell was he thinking, leaving me to finish all this work by myself?"

You laughed. "I'm so sorry Laleh. I really owe you."

"Damn straight you do. Just make sure to send me a picture of the ring, okay?"

"I promise. Love you. Bye."

You hung up the phone and practically ran the last distance towards the park. Your heart pounded in your chest as you sighted it ahead. What if this was it? What if after three years together, Ruben, was finally ready to tie the knott. Lord knows that you were. Ruben was simply the man of your dreams.

"Y/N."

You spotted his tall figure amongst the trees. He stood with his hands in his pockets, hair stirring gently in the wind. The way your heart fluttered when you saw him could only mean one thing, no?

"Ruben, what is all this?"

He suprised you with a full on picknick. A blanket was laid out on the grass below. Beside it was a basket containing fruit, red wine and a fine collection of cheese.

"Happy birthday baby!" Ruben welcomed you to sit down.

"I can't believe you. Isn't today your rest day?"

Ruben lay down on the blanket, leaning forward to kiss you. "I can rest right here." He smiled.

You were perplexed. The amount of love you had for your boyfriend was simply too hard to grasp. He had gone so out of his way just for you. It made you giggle, how he cut you a slice of cheese with such caution, wanting it to be just the right amount to put on your cracker.

"Here you go."

"Well, thank you." You bowed with courtesy.

Ruben put down the cheese knife and licked the tip of his fingers. He licked them clean since his diet as a professional football player didn't allow him to have any dairy. Wine was also off limits. It was all just for you to enjoy.

"So..." He said, clasping his hands together as he rested on his side. "How does it feel to be twenty-five?"

"Old." You murmured through a mouth full of cheese and crackers.

"Old?" He frowned. "But I'm twenty-seven."

"Exactly my point. Twenty-seven is so old and now I'm getting closer to that age."

"Right." He snorted.

"Don't get me wrong baby. You look amazing for your age, but that's because you work out. I on the other hand...."

"If it's your fitness that you're worried about you can always come with me to the gym."

"Nah, I'm good." You chugged down the last of your cracker, dusting of the crumbs that had fallen into your lap. Ruben looked to you with admiration, the sun irritating his eyes.

"Did you know that my mom had my sister at twenty-one."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and me at twenty-seven."

"Interesting."

"Yeah and now my sister is trying to get pregnant again at thirty-one as if the two children she has isn't enough work already."

"How are they?"

"Emmy and Vale?"

"Yeah?"

"Oh, well they're great, I guess. Emmy has just started her forth year in primary school and Vale lost his first tooth the other day."

"Really?"

"Yeah. His dad forgot to slip him the money from the tooth fairy though. My sister totally freaked out."

"Tooth fairy?" Ruben tilted his head.

"Yes, the tooth fairy. Didn't you grow up with the concept of a wealthy winged midget sneaking into your bedroom at night, collecting all your teeth?"

"Erm...no. No, I didn't. " Ruben looked horried.

"Hmm.....I thought the culture in Portugal wasn't too different from the rest of the countries in Europe."

"It isn't." Ruben sat up. "But I guess my family wasn't into that kind of stuff."

"What stuff?"

"I dunno, make believe stuff. Fairytales etc."

"Oh."

"Yeah, my dad was the worst. When I first lost my tooth he made me stand in front of the bathroom mirror and pull the tooth out myself."

"Really? That's horrible."

"I still remember being hunched over the bathroom sink with blood pouring out of my mouth while hearing my dad flush my tooth down the toilet."

"Ruben, that's—"

"My dad for you." He smiled. It was obvioulsy a fond memory to him. A traumatic one to you.

"I just can't imagine myself raising children right now." You said, falling back onto the picknick blanket, a sense of peace washing over you. It was such a lovely afternoon. "If anything I'm still a child myself."

"How about a dog?"

You had gone to shut your eyes, but quickly reopened them. Ruben was standing up, hovering over you with a cardboard box in his hands.

You brought yourself to sit up. "Ruben, what is—"

Something shook the box. Followed by a low squeal. A frail attempt of a bark.

"Ruben....you did not."

His smile broadened. "I did." He lowered the box for you to see what lay within, and looking up at you with the most precious eyes was a brown sausage dog, less than four weeks old.

"Oh my god." You quickly reached for it and brought the puppy into your lap. "Ruben I can't believe you did this!"

"Happy birthday!"

You looked up at him, feeling how the dog nibbled at your fingertips. "What made you even want to do this?" It was such a commitment to get a dog. Ruben had never expressed the desire to get one before, although, you knew that he was good with them, seeing as his family had own several back home in Portugal.

"I guess I just thought it was time." He shrugged.

"Time for what?" You cried. Yes, actual tears were welling up in your eyes. Even more so when Ruben joined you on the blanket, petting the fluffy creature in your lap. He then looked to you with such a gentle gaze. "For us to start a family." He said.

"Oh, Ruben." You kissed him, apologizing for your wet cheeks. Ruben didn't mind, however, wiping them away with a stroke of his thumb. "I love you Y/N. I always will."

"I love you too."

It was the best birthday of your life, filled with wet kisses and a puppy. Hopefully it was the beginning of forever with Ruben. It's all you ever wanted

Part 2 and Part 3 are out on my Patreon for FREE!

[iridescentdove]

can you do a continuation of full power Lumine with Fyodor, Sigma, and Ranpo. I feel like Fyodor would interested because of how complicated she is and how he would have a hard time understanding something for the for the first time I’m assuming. Same goes for Ranpo. I think he would be exiting too because the traveler is always willing to help and his type is someone that spoils him. For Sigma I feel like he would understand her in a way because he is a supernatural being that came into existence under interesting circumstances. And he would have someone to help him because we all know how the Decay Of Angels is I would also feel unsafe 24/7 😭

feel free to take your time if you have a lot of requests! (this was longer than I anticipated)

Fyodor, Sigma & Ranpo x Lumine! Reader

Hi! ♡ I'm quickly zooming through requests to make up for the time lost in my absence lol. Lumine is skeptical but shares the same curiosity her twin has for everything, she's rational and courageous, along with being generous and helpful towards others that need assistance. And most especially, rather beautiful and somewhat quiet, yet considered rather expressive.

As if a primordial being – Lumine holds power able to destroy worlds and travel through them with ease, and yet, most of it having been sealed away by the Unknown God's own bidding. What happens when she regains her full power and travels through the world of BSD?

Soukoku, Jouno & Atsushi Ver.

FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY:

You're a strange new specimen, and he actually finds interest in you. Plus – Fyodor actually likes pretty people, so seeing you for the first time is actually surprising.

Who knew someone so beautiful in this world existed 🗿

But honestly, although this man can read you like book if he wanted to, that's not happening.

You're rather complicated. Like no fr. You're pretty and small as hell, but you're so fucking strong hello? And you're not very talkative yet so expressionable it's alluring

He has no idea what to think, but all he knows is that he wants to keep you around.

The fact you're helpful draws him to you more. He learns to trust you overtime, and you have no ulterior motives when you go warm him up and make him feel comfortable.

Whenever he needs help or basically just you spoiling him and comforting from his anemia, that's cloud 9 ok idfc

He's starting to really ... really like you and I don't

You're basically everything he'd want tbh. Since you're from a different world, his ability probably don't work on you.

And just be glad it doesn't honestly. You're like God level strong and rather smart yourself, so he isn't bored and actually finds you worthy of being with him.

Well even if you weren't, you'd be an interesting playtoy on it's own. Please let me punch him already.

He'll have you run errands and do different things to go according to his plans, but he doesn't tire you out or anything because he still pretty much cares.

BRO this guy reminds me of the Fatui idk 💀

Dude is fuckin unhinged, commits warcrimes, hot and is very strong. You can't tell me he's literally the emobidiment of the harbingers in an alternate world lmfao

Even though he's a red flag you don't really care 'cause you can kill him whenever you want. Slayyy girlboss.

One of the rare times he'd take his ushanka off, and put it on your head because you're just too adorable to resist. The innocent, curious look on your face afterwards sends him.

You're a cute, complicated being he's just addicted to.

He's rather amused himself – so whenever you're like beating up Dazai or something (much to his satisfaction), he's watching in the back with his popcorn or sumn.

Probably smirking the entire time. He loves you more now

Imagine Dazai being Childe and that weekly boss you always fucking destroy every week? Peak comedy.

He probably won't even bother trying to fight against you, man knows his place so he gets humbled. But that probably won't stop him from testing you a few times.

He'll purposely get you in a tricky situation so he can observe more of you, and you'll never fail to surpass his expectations every time.

P.S. expect yourself to beat up Nikolai often. His orders lol

Rat king's actually found his match <3 fuck you

RANPO EDOGAWA:

You probably crash landed in the agency or smth. How would I know that?

I'm the writer, bitch /hjq

Now let's say both of you were just acquaintances at first, you'd help around the agency a lot though. And that also includes him.

So here we are! At this point, you're basically just spoiling him from all the help that you give.

He doesn't even mind he fucking loves it I bet

Other than Atsushi, he now drags you with him to go and buy candy, or just makes you go out and do it yourself. Either way the candy is bought so 🤷🏻

Dw babe he shares it with you <3

Must I say you're pretty once more? It's not even annoying bro I am SPEAKING FACTS stan lumine

Ranpo is very interested in you and your specie, if he ever got bored he'd probably take breaks away from doing some cases and listens to your talking.

Will get extremely invested in the world of Teyvat, learning more about it.

DON'T TELL HIM ABOUT HEIZOU

"Hehe! Number one detective you say? Even more so than I am~? After all, I am the greatest detective in the world!"

We get it babe.

Like if you ever honestly tried to put them both together in Poe's book it is very obvious who will come out first. Bro will legit rub it in your face too, not even cap

Oh, speaking of which – he'd probably invite you into one of them too. It would be a fun hangout ... maybe.

You're the bodyguard that fucks up any murderer tryna get to him while he deals with the shit and puts his glasses on then DAMN BITCH we boutta go usain bolt on this shit.

It doesn't even take that long. You guys did it in a heartbeat.

Ranpo honestly adores you, that much you can tell. He likes mostly everything about you and finds you so entertaining.

Especially your expressions which are peak comedy.

Definitely the type to do something real smart and show off his skills so he could see your reaction.

And maybe even get a bit of praise. You know this guy loves it when you compliment him and agree with things that he says. That's already fulfilling his heart.

I'd say you'd help him out a lot honestly, the ADA is basically the adventurers guild 💀

You'd be relaxing and having a chill time until Ranpo or some other member comes up and tells you to fucking beat up Mori or something

Yeah. They entrust it all to your capable hands.

But of course, Ranpo wouldn't leave you alone with that. You both make great teamwork in all cases.

Right after each remotely easy to borderline difficult case, Ranpo will be a sweetheart and take you out somewhere nice to relax. His treat.

kisses in the ferris wheel pls

It's already easy enough to tell, but you can see all the affection in his eyes as the night comes to an end once more. More than that, even.

It's such a cute sight. But honestly, who could even say no to this guy? It's literally Ranpo.

SIGMA:

So here you've already been in the world of bsd for a while and you're just doing random bullshit the agency adventurers guild gives you.

Mersault arc timeskip. Dazai off sucking and teaming up with some Nakahara toes, Nikolai being a material gworl

Fyodor is mimicking Odasaku's ashes

And obviously you're here in the back forced to do everything yourself because shit goes down 🔥

You have a pretty good knowledge on yourself in this world you're stuck in again, and it's necessary to use that info to your disposal because wow, the situation is complicated.

Especially during this arc now, but it's less difficult when you're only focusing on the DOA.

We'll say you only be familiar with the different organizations because you often go around a lot and travel.

Then meet various people and ... fight over half of them 😐

By this time, you and Sigma have been well acquainted. Due to his ability, he managed to get info about you easily. And boy does he use that to advantage.

Asked begged you to help him out in the DOA.

Look man he's suffering, don't leave babygworl all alone with all these gay men who're too broke to afford proper therapy sessions

Don't worry Sigma, we're here for you <3

By now you had no idea what was happening, just getting random info from everyone around you

Moving place to place (teleport waypoints are real handy right about now), collecting random shit and beating up enemies along the way

Classic genshin ripoff moment :/

Although you don't actually do a lot of stuff for the DOA, it's mostly personal mishaps coming from Sigma. Because no we don't want to be a wanted terrorist tf

So you soon arrived at mersault and saw poor Sigma either dead or unconscious.

Bro is in need of tevyat fried eggs

Anyways, you of course could not LEAVE him out of your sight after that. The one time you thought it was okay to stay out of business ... that happened 🤡

Sigma was indeed alive, but at the same time it wasn't okay to leave him since he was barely clinging on.

By the time he awoke, he thought he saw heaven. He frantically sits up from bed.

Oh wait, it was just you <3

You brought him back to the sky casino, as he was resting at a safe distance away from the three psychopaths in jail

You guys do end up having to go back much to his dismay, although this time it felt more safer because you were around. He's down deep and he can't return.

Sigma really likes you. Not because you're helpful and quite beautiful, but strong and empathetic in a sense both of you relate to various things.

He's seriously lucky to have you, his little shooting star ❤️

[fraugwinska]

This is a prologue to 'Game Night' (about 80 years before) enjoy! TW: murder, gore, mentions of war, mentions of SA Minors DNI!

Getting called into you Boss's office was bad. But getting called into you boss's Boss office was even worse.

When Archie staggered over to you, almost tripping over his storck legs, he looked almost panicked. "I don't know what you did, but Zestial wants to talk to you. What the fuck did you do?!"

You didn't react. You kept on typing the end of the article you were currently writing, ignoring the worried stare from the other employees that were working on the same floor. Zestial was one of the overlords in hell and the owner of the newspaper agency you were working at, an extremely tall, thin and ancient demon that exuded a machiavellian charm, enticing yet dangerous. You had no idea why he would want to talk to you. You didn't remember doing anything wrong, or at least, nothing worth that would him getting personally involved.

When you finished the last sentence, you stood up and walked past Archie, who was still waiting nervously for an answer, his gaze fixated on you, a mixture of curiosity and horror on his face.

"Hey, aren't you even a little bit worried?", he called after you. You shrugged, and smiled.

"And what good will that do? If I'm in trouble, I can't change it now, can I?"

You walked through the hallway and knocked at the big, dark mahogany door. A deep, sonoric voice called out to you, and you opened the door. Zestial was sitting at his desk, his slender fingers intertwined on the tabletop, next to a steaming cup of tea.

"Ah, my dear. I wast awaiting thee. Cometh in and sitteth down."

"You wanted to see me, Sir?"

Zestial nodded, and smiled, gesturing at the chair in front of him.

"Ah, yes. Thy work has been quite outstanding for a while, mine lief. Thou hast impressed me greatly. Therefore, I have an offer."

Your smile widened, a little out of nervousness, but more out of curiosity. A job offer was the last thing you had expected from this meeting, based on Archibald's behavior and the fearsome looks of your coworkers. Zestial pushed the delicate cup in your direction.

"Drink, it'st not poisoned. It'st my own recipe."

"Thank you, sir."

You took the cup, careful not to spill the hot liquid, and sipped at it. The tea tasted unusual but delightful, earthy and tart and a little bitter. You couldn't quite identify the ingredients, but they had to be rare and expensive.

"A lovely blend, thank you."

"Thou art most welcome. So, my offer: One of mine aquaintances, Miss Rosie in Cannibal Town, hosts a party this evening. Sadly i wilt not beest able to attend... So i'd like for thee to go in mine stead."

Your eyebrows shot up. Not a job offer. This was a surprise, indeed. You had heard of Rosie and her own peculiar district. She was an overlord too, but in contrast to her peers she didn't show any desire to expand her territory, focusing instead on improving Cannibal Town as a community.

"I would be honored, Sir. What's the occasion for the party, if I may ask?"

"Ah, no occasion, really. Miss Rosie is just the kind to host parties whenever the fancy takes her. She'st a very charming woman, I am certain thou wilt enjoy thyself."

Zestial stood up and walked over to you, putting a hand on your shoulder and smiling down at you, a genuine smile, that even reached his four green eyes. You smiled back, and set down the cup. It was apparent that your work somehow got you in good grace with Zestial, and you would've been a fool not to seize the day.

"Thank you very much for the opportunity, sir. I shall be sure to make the best of the occasion."

***

Stepping out of the taxi, you made sure not to step on the hem of your ankle-length red dress, clutching the small purse with your invitation and essentials in one hand and a gift for the hostess in the other, and stepped onto the pavement. All the windows of Rosie's emporium were lit, creating a warm atmosphere and luring guests into the center of the colony with a glowing, eery yellow vibrance. There was music in the air, and a sense of unusual merriness as guests talked and laughed, holding colorful drinks and glasses in their hands.

You made your way through the crowd towards the towering demoness, who was greeting oncoming guests left and right.

"Miss Rosie, it's a pleasure to meet you."

The woman turned, her lips pursed as her pitch-black eyes focused on the source of the sound, on you. Your smile didn't waver.

"Pleasure is all mine, sweetie. You're... Zestial's little newcomer, aren't you?"

You nodded with a grin that matched hers. "Indeed, Miss Rosie, that's me. It's an honor to be invited." You handed her your gift - an embellished, silver cookie tin with long, golden filled cookies inside. "I hope you don't mind homemade treats? I made them myself - they're called langue de chat."

"Cat's tongue. How fitting... ", she giggled, peeking inside. "Thank you my darling one, I'll be sure to hide them from all the hungry mouths here - wouldn't want to waste them, wouldn't we? Now please, hop right in, mingle a little and have some fun tonight. No work! And enjoy my little buffet, you'll surely find something to suit your diet."

Relieved from your official obligation, you snatched a glass of rose colored champagne as you decided to wander a bit without being seen and made yourself invisible. It was the newest of your powers you developed, and a most useful one for looking around and observing, very interested in the strange but not unfriendly atmosphere that lingered. An atmosphere that was so different from the district you had settled in - It seemed almost human. The cannibals were old-fashioned - you appreciated that- but they were friendly, courteous and downright delightful sinners to be around (if you were minful of their diet).

You watched the dancing couples, women twirling around in colorful dresses, the men accompanying them with fine suits, everyone adorned with flamboyant bow ties and flashy hats, wearing shiny leather shoes and polished heels. And that music, jazz at it's peak. Everyone was laughing, joking, the air was electric with happy chatter and jokes and it felt as if all your worries simply evaporated. It had to be, one of the most unique places you had been, in Hell.

You made yourself visible again, startling a group of young cannibals next to the buffet. With a giggle and a swish of your magenta-and-black striped tail, you set down your emptied glass on one of the silver trays. Turning back to look for another refreshment, your vision was blocked by a red pinstripe suit. A man had stepped in your path, a charming smile on his lips, and he seemed amused.

"Moving is a funny thing to do when no one's watching."

He offered you a glass of wine with the same burnt red color of his hair, his teeth glinting as his eyes scanned your body - not in a lewd way, but with bemused interest and impish curiosity. You chuckled, taking the glass with a head tilt.

"Why thank you, stranger, but you know, moving without being seen is just half the fun. Getting where you want without being noticed is the other."

You twirled the glass in between your fingers, sipping the expensive beverage, watching his expression with delight - how his grin widened, eyes locked to yours, amused and captivated by what you just said. Of course you knew who he was, your tail shivered and bushed up as you thought about it. Hell, you wrote more than one article about him.

One couldn't exist in hell without hearing the stories about the radio demon - the up and coming overlord, toppling long-established powerholders like dominoes and broadcasting their screams on every radio in the pride ring. Known for his gentlemanly manners, his brutal ruthlessness - and his never-fading, signature smile.

"Spoken like a true feline. The name's Alastor, darling, pleasure to be meeting you.", he mused, and tilted his glass towards yours, awaiting you to clink it. His crimson eyes were shining like rubies, glinting dangerously yet so strangely intriguing as they watched your every reaction, and his lips curled up into a challenging, cocky grin as your glasses chimed together and you told him your name.

"Say, would you care for a little dance, dear? Your tail seems quite desperate for some frivolity, why it looks like it will come to life in a moment."

You glanced towards your backside, the traitorous appendage whipping completely out of control in anticipated excitement, the damned thing. You laughed, downing the rest of the drink, and made the tail disappear. Alastor rose a brow at your innocent expression.

“Seems like my tail has a full dance card. I, on the other hand, am quite free..."

His other eyebrow raised along the first one, and he chuckled ass he gave you a little bow, which he coupled with an outstretched, clawed hand.

"I can only hope you are able to compensate the loss - it looked quite eager."

The next thing you knew he had you on the dance floor, pulling you close to his body and guiding your steps, spinning you around with ease. One hand was around your waist, the other had a hold of one of yours. You quickly lost the feeling of time and space - all you were able to focus on was him.

"Your smile never falters, darling. I can't help but wonder why?"

You giggled, a gloved hand covering your mouth as he turned you, crimson glowing eyes never leaving yours.

"I don't know, really. My papan used to tell me that it was the only thing I had going for me, and it's what made silly soldiers so easy to kill."

You could feel the air around him tense and shift, his grin widening at your words as he turned you in again.

"Ah, a lady after my own heart. I can appreciate a woman who knows how to have fun."

You didn't say anything to his comment, just smiled, and he pulled you closer.

"Why don't we have a little fun of our own? I have the right mind for a little game, if you're up to it, darling?"

The music ended, everyone around you applauding but you were captured. Entranced. Frozen. By those eyes, this most unique and alluring voice. Oh, yes it was alluring. He was charming and intense, the mystery of this person was attracting you so hard, you could almost taste his taste, feel his touch.

The way he offered a game... he had the same dangerously mischievous expression you had, back when you planned what to do with your next victim. Only that you were absolutely sure, you were invited as a player, not as a pawn. And that made you burst with excitement, you hadn't felt such thrill and lust for a challenge in so long, you could almost physically feel your hunger taking hold of you, your craving for that sensation, for an opportunity to rise to this occasion.

***

The night was chilly, for hell's standards. You both had bid your farewells to Rosie, who in response only cocked an amused brow at Alastor and wished you both a fun rest of the night. After Alastor gallantly offered his arm, you had started walking, seemingly aimless, but you didn't mind. He proved to be a very pleasant conversation partner, and you soon found yourself very relaxed and amused around him.

You enjoyed listening to him, laughing in amusement about his animated gesticulation and his storytelling skills. And there was more, a tension, a strange attraction in the air, an electromagnetic current that almost hummed between you two. When he asked about your heritage, you were pleased to notice how enthralled he seemed that you were french in origin and the fact that you killed german soldiers during the still raging world war stirred up his sadistic and malicious sense of humor. When you explained to him how you met your end, a grin that could only be described as purely diabolic curled up on his lips.

"Why, you're my favorite type of femme diabolique, aren't you a scintillating creature?"

His ears flicked and he stopped in his tracks, grin widening as gestured for you to walk next to him into the shadows of an alley. Intrigued, you made yourself invisible and followed him, hearing faint voices as if in a fight.

"As exciting as I found our conversation to be, darling, the night is young - and I do owe you a little fun, wouldn't you agree?"

His voice sounded lower and remarkably more sinister, shoulders tense and almost trembling as he stalked forwards, pressing you into his side. "It seems we have found the finest opportunity. What luck he have."

The voices became eligible, and you instantly knew what he was talking about. Two shark sinners were standing in front of the back-entrance of some dubious bar, sharing a smoke. The fight seemed to be about a girl they intended to drug and take advantage of - both of them insisting to 'break her in' the first. Abominable scum. You felt your teeth itching to sink into their necks to break them.

"So, madame - two wasteful beings, two players. How would you like to set the rules for our game, hm?"

You shivered with delight. "Sometimes I find the most simple approach is the best, d'accord? You show me what you can do, I show you what I can. After they're dead, we vote who won best kill. If it's a draw, no one wins et la partie est perdue."

Alastor grinned wider and hummed, apparently delighted by your idea.

"An uncompromising game - I like the style, I say, game on! Now, for the winner's reward..."

"Une carte blanche? - but no souls, I'm afraid.", you grinned at him, slowly fading into nothing from the bottom to the top, until there were only your eyes and your smile left.

"Sounds fair enough, let the games begin, darling! I'll take the left one."

And with that, he melted into his own shadows, creeping up behind the left sinner who had just extinguished the cigarette to a tiny piece of tobacco butt on the floor. You followed him entranced, fully invisible now, and rounded the right one - he wasn't as fat and greasy as Alastor's victim, with droopy eyes and lanky legs - perfect for breaking.

"Fuck you, Ollie, I saw her first, so I get the first fuck, too."

With a last glance to the moving shadow you leaned into your prey.

"How about we make it a threesome, baby?"

The man spun around in a panicked startle, and you could smell the alcohol seeping out of his pores. He was intoxicated, and sloppy on his feet. Just how you liked it. His friend tried to say something in warning, but was quickly muffled by dark tendrils that shot out of the dark shade below him, binding his limbs and wrapping around his face.

"What the fuck... who are you, bitch?"

"Aw, come on chèrie, you don't need to know my name to have a great time. You don't even have to drug me first."

You shifted to become visible, the man's eyes bulging out of his skull as you did and took a tentative step towards him. His friend was screaming behind him, his arms and legs wrapped up in shadowy tentacles, the sound muffled and the tendrils slowly squeezing him, wringing him out like a moist rag. It was a truly bizarre and yet absolutely hypnotizing sight.

"Oh shit, Ollie... H-hey, listen, we didn't... uh, fuck, we can all just forget this and, and... fuck, get the hell out of here!"

You laughed, it echoed in the cold night, a sound so eerie that even the man before you shuddered, his eyes fixated on you as you advanced and circled him, claws dragging over his neck and shoulder, and a shiver went down your spine when you saw Alastor, emerging from the shadows, as fixed on you as your victim was, but with fascination and satisfaction rather than fear and panic.

"Oh no, cherie... let's make this a night to remember, oui?"

With that, you pushed the man forward, your tail wrapping around his ankle to swipe his leg off the ground. With a sickening crack he fell onto his back, a pained scream escaping his lips and rendered helpless as you pinned him down by kneeling right onto his crotch before he could even move. This bastard would never be able to use his dick on poor, unsuspecting women again. You let your head fall back into an unnatural angle, watching behind you to a still unmoving, enthralled Alastor.

"Are you just going to watch, cher? It's quite rude to stare at a lady like that."

For a split second, his grin faltered, before widening once more, a low chuckle resounding in his chest, a sound that made you shudder.

"Why, my dear, how could I not, when you're making such a captivating sight."

His words spurred you on and stretched your smile so wide it started to hurt, your body hot and eager - you wanted to impress him, make him crave more of this. More of you. You shifted, turning your head back, and reached a clawed hand onto the man's throat. You concentrated on the feeling of your claws against his grayish, leathery skin as he choked.

"Let's make it a real party, then."

You willed magenta glowing mirror images of your claws into existence, envisioned them scratching and slicing the sinners body into long, thin ribbons - his screams told you it was working. He was cut up alive, his thrashing restrained by a few of the many hands you conjured. They lifted his mangled body up, it looked almost like a bastardized version of a crucifixion, and gave him a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Cela ne fera que très mal."

You've only ever let your full demon form come out once - right after you fell and were attacked by other newcomers. It still felt new, almost untamable, but you were desperate to show him. For Alastor to see you, not as a damsel in distress, or some silly girl playing checkers where others played chess. So you let it take over, your form growing longer, your skin becoming black fur with glowing pink streaks, claws sharpening, and your maw growing. Your victim was still howling and fighting the hands holding him, his blood dripping onto the street and mixing with the puddles on the concrete. He screamed in terror as your jaws opened and you bit into his throat, ripping him to shreds with your sharp teeth, his intestines sloshing onto the pavement and the smell of blood filling the air and the sweet and bitter iron taste ran down your throat.

And just like that, the last remains of his body hit the floor with a mundane, squelching noise. The silence that followed was deafening. You couldn't hear anything, except for the rapid beating of your heart and the rush of blood in your ears. Then, you heard clapping, slow and rhythmical. You turned your head to see Alastor standing, the other sinner still bound, his face twisted in agony and his eyes bulging out of his eye holes.

"My my, a breathtakingly gruesome display, my dear. Truly enticing!"

He walked towards you, the shadows dissolving as he came closer, the tentacles retreating and the man falling onto the pavement. You watched him with a manic expression, your smile still on your face as your demonic form receded and you could feel the coolness of your victims blood on your fangs as a gust of wind blew through the alley, ruffling your hair.

"Now, for my own part... I have to admit, yours is a little hard to follow, but, oh well."

He snapped his fingers and his shadow stretched out behind him, towering above him with its head bowed, and you saw his eyes glow and transform into dials as a green glow and strange symbols surrounded the sinner's body, his limbs bending and his joints cracking, the sound of snapping bones and gurgling blood filling the alley, as the shadow slowly pulled the man's insides out through his mouth and ripped his head from his neck. It fell onto the concrete, and rolled right into your direction. You watched the eyes of the severed head turn gray, and smiled.

"Very impressive, cher. A true work of art, no?"

"Thank you, darling, I appreciate the compliment."

With another snap of his fingers the gore was gone, the streets cleaned and the corpses - or rather, what had been left of them - vanished, leaving no evidence behind. He turned to face you, the shadow retreating behind him as his dial eyes vanished and returned to their normal, intense red ones, an inquisitive grin plastered on his face as he came to a stop just before you.

"Now, there's only one thing left to do - the determination of the winner."

You laughed, brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear. You couldn't care less who won. Alastor's eyes darted downwards, to your lips, and you felt the corners of your mouth twitch, the urge to bite your lower lip growing.

"I'd say we're both winners, but rules are rules."

"I fear so, darling."

There was a pause, neither of you said a word. Then, slowly, he raised a hand and brushed his fingers over your bloodied cheek. You closed your eyes, your breath catching as his claws traced the outlines of your lips. The moment was charged and electrifying, you didn't want to say anything and maybe break the spell. He laughed, low and sweet, leaning into you.

"I think I'm inclined to give my vote to you, darling. Do I have a choice, really?"

Before you could respond, your words were stolen from your lips as they met his, crashing together in a passionate, heated, long overdue kiss. He wrapped his arms around your waist, lifting you and pressing you into his body with ease and your tail curved behind you, happy to know your feelings were mutual as his long claws buried themselves in you blood-stained hair. You sighed against his lips, your own hands clutching to his neck and shoulders, a feeling you couldn't describe in your stomach.

For the first time in forever, you were kissed without it being because you were just pretty, or just a girl, perceived as a weak thing to be taken advantage of. This kiss was because you were powerful, you were impressive, because you were something of an equal in his own image - and if the world wouldn't stop here, if it went on forever and on and if time itself would cease to exist, this kind of passion would not.

A purr escaped your throat as his tongue danced with yours, tasting you - the sweet yet bittersweet, almost metallic taste of blood - yours, the sinners, you didn't care. You'd die all over again, a thousand times more painful than the original time, just for another second of this bloody kiss.

All too soon, it ended and his mouth left yours, making you feel the strange warmth radiating from his skin as he pressed a light peck on your parted lips, brushing his fingertips over your soft skin, red-stained and glowing. You panted, opening your eyes, and your own magenta irises met his, staring deep into them.

"It's a draw, then.", you said, the corners of your mouth tugging up to a smirk as you gave your vote to him unspoken.

"Which means the game is lost.", he answered, and you laughed, knowing you'd never been happier to lose at anything ever, and with a smile your lips chased after his once again.

"Hmmm... with a reward like this, I suppose a victory wouldn't be near as satisfying, anyway." He chuckled into the kiss. "And there's always a next time, right, darling?"

Translations: et la partie est perdue - And the game is lost Cela ne fera que très mal - This will only hurt a lot

[shygirl4991]

Brewing Romance Chapter 5 Finding your Pride

A Collab Story with @lizaluvsthis

SMG3 and SMG4 design for the AU by Liz!

Last Chapter Next Chapter

Summary:SMG4 starts to struggle with his finances when he learns living in his newly built castle is more pricey than he thought. So when he gets an invite to the grand opening of SMG3 Coffee n Bombs he manages to land himself a second job as the cafe waiter where both men will learn that coffee won't be the only thing brewing in this cafe.

Tags: Slow burn, fluff, comedy, just two idiots in love, love confession, first kiss, angst

SMG3 gets back home from the dark web, he needs a better way to get items to make bombs. Yawning he takes the elevator to his bedroom, he changes into his pajamas before remembering he forgot to finish checking inventory “Ugh how the hell does four do anything with this little bit of sleep.”

Throwing his phone on the bed he takes the elevator back up, lazily slaps his hat on his head he attempts to take inventory fighting his strong need to sleep. That's when he heard pounding on the front door, he became confused on who the hell would be at his door this late at night.  He runs from the back from surprise to see who his guest is “SMG4?” He opens the door and gets tackled by a crying SMG4, the fog in his mind cleared as he holds the man close. He was concerned why the man was crying, he kicked the door close still holding the man close to him. He didn't notice the hat slipping from his head “Hey it’s okay what happened?” he awkwardly pats four’s back. After a few minutes standing there in each other's arms he felt the man relax at last, he stepped back sniffling “Sorry, I had a dream about…you know the god box and zero.” 

SMG3 sighs, he felt this was all his fault if he didnt rush the hat he wouldn't have triggered those memories.  He makes a mental note to take better care of himself as he takes the man’s hand, it feels as natural as breathing these days to do that. He pulls out a chair for him to sit before smirking at the man “Guess I'm making more coffee for us since it seems you can't stay away,” he teased. SMG4 giggled, that was music to Three's ears given how much of a mess the man was at the start “Can't help it if i have such a charming boss!”

SMG3 felt a smile grow on his face as he walked to the machine, that's when he felt the cold breeze go through his hair. His eyes go wide turning to grab his hat that slipped off his head, his lazily put together bun breaks free letting his hair loose. He stood there nervous at the reaction the other man would give “You..uh the er hair is long…you look haha so how about that latte?”

SMG3 blinks seeing the reaction “What? THAT'S YOUR REACTION?!” Four panics standing up from his seat “How am i supposed to react?! You have long hair that makes you look…ha uh like a…” his face goes beat red trying to find his words “knight? Yeah, like a charming prince, kind of like a coffee prince!?” 

Three squints at the man walking up to him, SMG4 could feel himself about to pass out from the heat his face was emitting.  He swears he is starting to see those strange anime sparkles he always sees happening in those romance anime that Boopkin watches, his eyes slowly drift to the side hoping he wouldn't drop dead. SMG3 crosses his arms and sighs “Sorry, I'm so used to you being an asshole I just assumed you learning that I let my hair grow…well you would have called me a girl or something stupid.” 

He walks to pick up his hair tie to put his hair back into a bun, Four watches him walk away confused by these strong emotions from seeing his hair loose. He sits back down watching Three slap his hat on and walk to make coffee, as he watches his mind start to drift. Daydreaming he pictures SMG3 with his hair loose visiting him at the castle, he grabs his hand smirking at him the light hitting him just right that his red eyes glowed “SMG4..i have been wanting to tell you something for a long time,” Four blushes leaning forward “What is it?” Three tightens his grip “I find your content super funny…i'm even subscribed to you and i always make sure that i'm the first to like it!” 

SMG4 giggles at his daydream making Three worried “That nightmare must have shaken something loose.”

Three finished making the coffee and gently placed the cup in front of him, SMG4 was still giggling to himself which was starting to really scare SMG3. He snaps his fingers in front of the man's face “Hello? OI IDIOT IS ANYONE HOME!?” Four jumps up and lets out an awkward cough “Er my bad was lost in thought about memes for some videos.” 

Three rolls his eyes “Are you serious? How you deal with your issues can be interesting, that's for sure. Now what's this about the god box?” Four frowns looking at his drink “Don't remember much of my dream but…the moment you got hurt plays on loop in my head right now…guess I still wish I did more to stop it.”  Three sips his coffee hoping it will give him enough power to be able to listen to Four, he can feel himself slowly nodding off. SMG4 leans back in the chair touching his left eye “Hey Three…if i was the one that got hurt, what would you have done?”

SMG3 stares at his empty cup thinking, back then all he wanted was the man to be dead. That was until he jumped in front of a sword to protect him, the man no matter how many years he has known him will always be an idiot protecting others before himself. He hums thinking “Not sure, things were so different back then. I mean Four think about it back then what would you do?” he lets out a chuckle “Not like you would give an eye up for me or anything, you did what you could when I got hurt and managed to save it.” 

Four frowns dropping his hand from his eye “Yeah..like i would do something that dumb…” 

Noticing the change in tone Three reaches out and pats Fours hand “It was a life changing event that had a bright side, i know it's easy to say let it go but don't let the guilt eat you alive. Trust me, the guilt about what happened at peach's castle likes to stab me too.”

SMG4 twitches remembering the keyboard, he gets up to stretch doing his best to not focus on the negatives. Thanks to those horrible events he gets to live in peace right now with Three and hand out coffee, he lets out a small chuckle realizing how domestic his living has gotten since he and Three got closer. He turns to ask another question to see Three has fallen asleep on the table, Four smiles softly as he gets closer to the sleeping man “You're so handsome like this…” he gently lifts up the man carrying him bridle style as he walks to the elevator. He hears a soft snore making him giggle, he blinks, staring at the sleeping man slowly realizing something “Three..maybe if you stayed this relaxed and not so cranky, i would find myself in trouble.” 

He goes down the elevator and tucks in SMG3 taking his hat off, then slowly lets his hair loose. He smiles softly and without a second thought kisses SMG3 on the head, blushing at what he did as he runs to the elevator to hurry home.

He slams the door to his room and throws himself onto his bed in a panic “AHHHH WHY DID I DO THAT?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!” He covers his face with a pillow trying to figure out what was going on with him. At least he knew for the rest of the night he won't be having nightmares given his mind is filled with SMG3.

It's the next day, nervously SMG4 gets dressed; he was still unsure what came over him last night. With a sigh he starts to walk outside staring at the cafe “Please don't let today be awkward.” he steps in the cafe to hear SMG3 yelling on the phone “THE HELL YOU MEAN PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING WE AREN'T LGBTQ PLUS FRIENDLY!?” He slowly turns to see Karen letting out a sigh as she sips her coffee while Three paces back and forth on the phone

SMG3 sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose “Have you seen our waiter? He is more fruit than fruit loops and you're telling me that's not enough?”  Four glares at his boss putting his hands on his hips “See he is doing something super gay right now need picture proof?”

Three’s face drops as he hangs up the phone, he then growls and throws his phone to the wall smashing it. Karen puts her cup down to get a broom “Told you we should have done what starbucks did.” Three glares at her “We aren't starbucks plus being a king living in one is enough for me to not want to be a starbucks. We need something different, unique to us..” 

MG4 walks up to Three rubbing his back to help him relax, Karen walks out with the broom and gives four a look. She has seen the two interact before, it was always funny seeing the two act like some old sitcom couple fighting about the strangest things. At this moment she noticed something different, SMG4 was giving such a soft look to his boss, one she never noticed before. She lets out a soft chuckle shaking her head as she starts cleaning the mess. Three relaxes as he takes out sticky notes “Thanks..also i didn't mean to pass out on you last night wanted to apologize before the day started,” Four shakes his head “Hey from how out cold you were it seems like you pulled one from my books!” he giggles as SMG3 looks away blushing “ugh baka.”

He walks to the back thinking what he could do to save the cafe “Do something gay with what you already sell…” he looks around the room. Pride cookies felt too low, he wasn't even sure how he could turn coffee gay after all he is lucky he can make the amount he knows without breaking the machine. With that thought he makes a note to study latte art in his free time.

It was time to open the cafe, SMG4 was in charge of making the coffees to cover for Three. Sadly due to the drama over the cafe being not lgbtq friendly people didnt come in,  works for Four given he was worried about having to make coffee and deliver them. He hears the door open, he smiles and waves “Hey Melony welcome should i get your usual?” 

She gives him a sad smile “uh yeah! And can you do something for me also?”  she hands him a note, he takes it confused as he reads the front of the note ‘To SMG3’ he sighs. After everything with Zero and the god box, SMG3 distanced himself from most of the crew.  Melony was one that never gave up hope that one day Three would let go and become her friend again. “I will try Melony, I will drop it off while I get your coffee beans.”  He steps to the back room to see sticky notes balled up on the floor around the other man. 

He casually walks up to Three dropping the note then grabs the bag of coffee beans heading out as fast as he can. SMG3 picks up the note and starts to read it, annoyed he gets up and walks to the front of the cafe “MELONY!”  she stands up straight turning to give SMG3 a huge smile “SMG3! How have you been?”

SMG4, noticing the other crew members walking in, he decides to serve them to give Three and Melony space.  He hands her the note “I told you to leave me alone, all you have done is harass me over this so-called friendship we never had! All we did was draw stupid shit together, leave me alone!” Melony’s eyes start to water. “I know we were friends please i just…I'm sorry I never wanted you to get hurt.” with that she takes her coffee and leaves the cafe. 

“Your parents sure raised a good one, was it really fair to just yell at the kid like that?” Karen frowns watching Melony leave. 

SMG3 lets out a bitter laugh “If by parents you mean a stupid USB ship then yeah i sure had family show me the way…unlike him.” His eyes drift to Four laughing with Tari and Saiko. “SMG4 had everything better…school everyone loved him, he then became the best at youtube he even managed to find himself a family. I came from nothing, but I grew into someone and I'm getting better day by day.”

He was going to walk away but was surprised to be stopped by Karen gently grabbing his arm. “You lived your life alone…i'm sorry for that but if i learn anything raising my kids is being able to see lost children. Right now you're lost, you don't have to listen to me but just think, is pushing folks away because you fear loss really worth being alone again?” 

With that she lets him go and returns to her station looking done with everything, he looks down thinking over her words. He pushed everyone away but SMG4 given the man doesn't know when to quit, otherwise Karen wasn't wrong he has slowly been putting himself in the isolated box he was in at the start. He walks to the back room and takes out his journal gently touching it “If you cant express your emotions through words you draw…right melony?” ripping a page from his journal he starts to draw. 

Four waves goodbye to his friends, the day has been extremely slow due to lack of customers. He was getting worried over how Three will take it if can't figure out how to save the cafe, he decides to try to come up with ideas but no matter how hard he thought he only ended up drawing memes that made him laugh.  SMG3 walks out from the back room with a huge smile “I GOT IT!” 

SMG4 jumps up in excitement “You have an idea how to show our pride?” 

Three nods, throwing a pin at Four, he catches it and his eyes light up.  In his hand was a pin in the shape of a bomb with the bisexual flag colors on it “Whoa these look amazing Three!” the man chuckles “I know! The idea came to me when I was uh…working on something personal. The two I have are prototypes I'm going to take to my people to make more! We show those pain in the ass HR our pride and make money, these bad boys five dollars want extra cost extra!” 

Four runs up to three and hugs him “This is great!” Three blushes as he slowly slips out of the hug and takes the pin from Four. He never would have pictured drawing an apology to Melony would help him find his own pride, he stares at the pin and chuckles to himself he was coloring in the drawing when he notices the colors he tested looked like a pride flag and went off from there. Never would he imagine that even after all this time Melony still can inspire him, he puts the pins in the box ready to make these pins a reality. 

“Time to get these bad boys out before HR arrives tomorrow, later losers!” He leaves the cafe determined to save not only his cafe but his lost friendships. SMG4 watches the man leave and softly smiles to himself “To think I was worried today would be awkward…but we didn't even talk.” Why did that bother him? He sighs confused by these strange emotions, shaking off the strange need for SMG3 company he finishes his chores in the cafe not noticing Karen was studying his every move. 

[zaebeecee]

Blitzø’s 13 ••

Written by @fletchingbrilliant and ZaeBeeCee

Chapter 4: The Croupier & the Bodyguard

First chapter | Previous chapter | Next chapter

Read on AO3

•••

CW: The extreme violence we all know and love from Helluva Boss, sexist language

•••

When Alastor had said he would deliver information directly, he hadn’t been fucking around.

Blitzø was taking a shortcut through an alley as he headed back to his apartment with the meat he had resolved to replace from Loona’s stash in the fridge when the first message appeared. He heard a noise that was odd, almost indescribable in its strangeness, and came to a stop. He glanced around, wondering what the fuck could have made that noise, when something wiggled its way out of the ground about a foot in front of him.

It was… a tentacle. A black tentacle, to be specific, shiny with some kind of gross goo that dripped from it in long, stringy, wet threads. Blitzø took half a step back, but on reflection, it looked a lot like those thick tendrils of shadow that followed Alastor around, and the weird goo strings weren’t actually falling onto the concrete when they dripped from the tentacle, they just vanished.

“…great, this is what I wanted. A sinner gifting me with surprise alley tentacle porn.” Blitzø crouched, putting his elbows on his knees, and glared at the tentacle. “What do you want?”

It didn’t seem affected at all by his attitude, but it did react to his words. In response to the question, it swelled and morphed and reshaped itself until it produced a business card and a piece of paper, like it was throwing them up into what was functionally its own hand. It offered the two objects up, and Blitzø took them gingerly between pinched claws, shadows clinging to the objects just like something viscous and thick that stretched from the tentacle to the papers before snapping, dripping away, and vanishing.

Blitzø looked at the card first. It was sleek and black, the material glossy and bearing the image of a spade (of the card suit variety) with curled, ram-like horns and sharp, spindly leather wings. There was no name, address, or any other identifying marks. He then looked at the paper, noticed it was folded, and opened it to find a hand-scrawled note in what he now recognized as Alastor’s handwriting.

Far down the west end of Larceny Blvd. in the Greed District, there’s a flat metal wall before the dead end. Find the slot to insert this card, offer a drop of blood to the bird, and then give the passphrase ‘Lucifer Likes Licking Lace’.

“…huh. Shady as fuck. I like it.” Blitzø lowered the note and looked at the tentacle. “You can go tell your buddy you did a great job. I’ll go tonight.” The tentacle seemed to actually wiggle, just a bit, before it retreated into the ground.

Blitzø headed back to his apartment, put up the groceries, left a note for Loona to tell her he’d be out again, and then got out his phone.

“Hey, Millie. Got something fun to tell you. Wanna meet up after you get off work?”

•

“I can’t believe you met th’ Radio Demon,” Millie said for the sixth time as she followed Blitzø down the streets of Pentagram City, basically skipping every third step.

“Well, believe it,” Blitzø said, without what he was certain was the reverence Millie thought the moment was due. “He’s a real piece of work, but he’s already helped me recruit one sinner and has promised to direct me to potentials. That’s worth something. And the money.”

Millie shook her head disbelievingly. “Only you’d be fuckin’ stupid enough t’ decide you need some finances and say, hey, I got it, I’ll talk t’ th’ most bloodthirsty overlord in Hell.”

“It’s not stupid if it works,” Blitzø said, giving her a grin over his shoulder before turning his eyes back to the street signs. They were hard to read in the dark, even with his vision that was kind of fucking made for this, but he eventually found the sign for Larceny Boulevard and followed it to the specified dead end.

“This is sketchy,” Millie said, squinting around at their surroundings. “You armed?”

“Yep. I assume you’ll be good with a chair or a table or an unsuspecting patron held by the ankles if something happens?”

“Y’ain’t never not armed when you got fightin’ skills.” Millie clapped her own bicep with an undue amount of enthusiasm, smiling cheerfully. “Let’s do it.”

Blitzø got her assistance to find the slot the note mentioned, and he was glad he did, because it was almost impossibly thin and practically invisible from any height level to or higher than it. When he slipped the card in, there was a soft click, then a small square panel slid away and a little black bird head popped out of it.

“Aww!” Millie cooed. “It’s so cute!”

It was cute, with its little beak and its shiny feathers and its big, sparkly eyes, and Blitzø couldn’t help murmuring an ‘aww’ of his own before he held his hand up to it. Immediately, the bird head pecked his finger with a deceptively sharp beak that pierced skin and drew a small bead of blood, and he winced and placed the finger in his mouth as the bird head chirped and then vanished.

“Motherfucker ow.” The square of metal stayed open, and Blitzø muttered, “Oh right. Lucifer Likes Licking Lace,” he said a little louder, and the square banged shut before there was a click deep in the flat metal and the whole wall panel slid open just wide enough to be used as a door.

“What a dumb passcode,” Millie said, peering into the darkness beyond the metal.

“I guess dumb is harder to guess.” Blitzø led the way inside, down a short hallway that stopped at a door. It was unlocked, and he opened it carefully, light flooding around them as they stepped through into what looked like a private and very exclusive casino.

There were quite a few people there—all sinners, as far as he could see—and with Blitzø’s coat and Millie’s work suit they blended in just enough that nobody gave them a second glance as they headed further inside. Blitzø glanced around, cataloging their surroundings: plush, dark carpets; low ceilings with warm recessed lighting; a wide and short set of stairs that led from the entry platform down to the floor, where booths of dark wood and deep green fabric lined the wall beneath a tile mural depicting Lucifer and Lilith’s fall into Hell at the hand of the archangel Michael; and several gambling tables, where croupiers dealt out cards to players entrenched in games of poker or blackjack or what the hell ever else.

There was a bar along the back wall with a large mirror behind a display of alcohol and high stools with low backs and cushions that matched the booths. Blitzø directed Millie to follow him, and they both sat at the bar, taking in their surroundings in what he was positive were very different ways.

They were approached by the bartender—some grumpy winged sinner, Blitzø wasn’t really focusing on him—and Millie ordered a whiskey for herself and a beer for him before she turned towards Blitzø, her elbow on the bar and her face looking out towards the rest of the room. “So, what are we here for, exactly?”

“A croupier, I think,” Blitzø said, glancing at the gambling tables. “I’m not actually positive, I was only given the location.”

“That ain’t a lotta help.”

“You’re going to find that Alastor’s idea of help is bullshit.” Blitzø sighed. “But, hey, he’s narrowing the field, can’t say I want to do this headhunting from scratch myself.”

“So… you brought me here because you want ‘em to get a job,” Millie guessed.

“Yep. You wouldn’t be in charge of hiring, would you?”

“Nah, but I can make recommendations, and I hafta vet everybody we do hire. Don’t think I’d have a problem gettin’ ‘em signed on.”

“Excellent. Now we just have to find the fucker.”

•

Husk’s hand curled around the beer tap lever, his ears rotating and twitching at the sound of particular words, phrases, and most of all… a name.

Alastor.

His eyes darted down the length of the bar, catching sight of the two imps who were being so cavalier. They were not the typical clientele. The taller imp could believably be a big spender, but he made it clear in an instant that he wasn’t. But… they had an invite. They knew the passphrases. They knew the Radio Demon, or at least, they claimed to.

He finished off the whiskey pour and brought the two glasses to his strange patrons, sliding them smoothly over the polished bartop.

“Been a while since we’ve had new blood in here,” he said as the imps caught their drinks. “Was starting to think the cards had dried up.”

“Well, the place doesn’t make itself easy to find,” the tall imp said, glancing back over his shoulder at Husk.

“Thanks,” the woman said with a smile as she lifted her glass, her Wrathian accent absolutely the thickest that had been heard inside this building in the entire time Husk had been here. “It’s a real nice place, tho. Makes me think’a th’ ritzier parts of th’ Greed Ring. What was that town… Extortionate…?” she added in a mumble.

“Not many nice places left there.” The tall imp tore his eyes from the tables to look at Husk again, and something in his eyes was oddly calculating for the casual ease of his expression. “Usually just slinging drinks to the same crowd of fuckers, huh?”

Husk kept his expression schooled, but he had the uneasy feeling that somehow the Hellborn already suspected something. “Yeah… but all of these guys know that this place is only meant to be found by folks who have already been invited. So that leaves me to wonder…”

He let them sit and stare while he leaned in close and dropped his voice low.

“...What are a couple of imps doing, strolling into a protected club with no idea what it’s about, yet talking about the owner like they just got brunch with him last Tuesday?”

The woman blinked wide eyes and muttered an ‘oops’ sound, but her tall companion spun around on his barstool and matched Husk’s posture and tone. “Oh, no, we’ve never had brunch. He took me to a strip club last night.”

Husk scowled. “Bullshit.”

“Yeah, wasn’t really what I expected either,” the imp said with a frown, looking upwards, before he shrugged. “But, Hell, what do I know, I’m not a soul collector and he’s got some kinda designs on a dancer out there. He’s a creepy fucker, though. Met him yesterday morning in the back of Rosie’s place.”

He then reached into an inner pocket of his coat, pulled something out, and placed Alastor’s black metal business card on the bar between them with an ominous click.

Husk didn't need to look to know what it was, but he couldn't keep himself from tilting his eyes down until he could see the glint of red antlers against black. He sighed. “Whatever the fuck you've gotten into with him, I ain't playing along.”

“Wasn’t asking,” the imp said, tucking the card away again and picking up his beer. “We’re looking for a croupier, not a bartender.”

He couldn't keep the heat in his gut down. And he knew that had to be by a certain someone's design. Husk flashed a sharp grin at the two of them, just a mimicry of the ferocity he long ago set aside. “Follow me, both of you.”

Husk came around the bar, ignoring an approaching waiter and heading to the nearest baccarat table. It was being used, so he just tapped the croupier on the shoulder and told him to scram. When he didn't instantly comply, Husk snarled at him, and chased him off, leaving the players staring in bewilderment. He looked at the imps, gathering the deck of cards and shuffling them in a long snake then working the cards in deft flips between his fingers. “I'll cover your entry if you're feeling brave.”

Both imps sat at two seats in the center of the table that had mysteriously vacated, both of them with vastly different expressions: the woman looked like she was being treated to some kind of exciting surprise for her birthday, but the man’s sharp grin and sharper eyes were calculating, if curious. “Oh, I’m always feeling brave,” he said. “You in, Mills?”

“Oh, Heaven yeah,” she said enthusiastically, clenching her fists.

“Bitchin’. Let’s do it, then.”

Husk flipped the baccarat shoe in the air, caught it with a flourish, then used the flat polished wood to start dealing, designating the male imp the first player hand. He opened the table to accept bets, then turned his focus.

“So what do I call you, friend?”

The imp placed his fingers on the two face-up cards, lining them up perfectly with a casual wrist motion. He then took his bet and placed the chips on the table, his claw on top of the small stack. “Blitz,” he said, sliding his bet into place. “The O is silent.”

“I bet it is,” Husk replied before reporting the bets. They were leaning toward Blitz’s hand. “What do you do, Blitz? Something about you seems familiar.”

“Freelance,” Blitz said, folding his arms on the edge of the table. “In business, I’m known as the Immediate Murder Professional. But I’ll pick up most any job if the price is worth my time.”

He raised a brow as he revealed the third-card deals. Blitz hit nine and happily gathered his winnings while the others followed suit. “Any job from anybody…?”

“Most any job,” Blitz corrected, humming as he arranged his chips. “From most anybody. But I’ve heard the Hellborn are a little blue and orange to sinners.”

“More than you might realize.”

He dealt out the next round, and this time, the female imp was the player. The other players were clearly uncomfortable but excited. That was good. It meant they would keep quiet. He didn't care what the other croupier was doing.

“And what about you, then? What can I call you?” he asked the female imp.

“Oh, y’can call me Millie,” she said with that same bright smile; everything about her said to Husk that she was too innocent to be here and probably needed to be kept at least 20 from Mister ‘I’ll murder anyone for enough money’ Blitz at all times. “And what d’you go by, stranger?”

“Husk. Just Husk.” He watched her, and then Blitz as he followed her lead in hedging on the side of the house. “You're both pretty coordinated, huh? Could make some casino operators pretty nervous.”

“Oh, we’ve worked together quite a bit,” Blitz said casually.

“Ain’t never played cards together before, tho,” Millie said, tilting her head as she calculated her current hand. “I don’t really… gamble? I ain’t got the temper’ment for it.”

Blitz snorted under his breath, raising his beer to finish it. “Been working here long, Husk?” he asked, instead of whatever he was clearly thinking.

“Longer than I'd like,” Husk growled. His ear started twitching. Something was wrong, or it was soon going to be.

The small crowd that had gathered around them was deeply invested, and it was possible some of them had come to a similar conclusion that Husk had about the two imps. They, however, seemed completely oblivious.

One sinner, a semi-regular called Heckle that Husk knew grew cocky after a few gin and tonics, put his hand on Millie’s shoulder. She froze, her eyes a little wide, as he leaned down and whispered something to her; with Husk’s hearing, he could at least pick out that it was a fairly lewd suggestion.

Millie didn’t look at him. “No thank you,” she said with a surprising amount of pleasantness. Blitz put one finger on his empty beer glass and slid it over just a bit, so it was right between him and Millie.

Heckle looked incredulous. “What’d you say?”

“I said no thank you,” she said, turning her head to look up at him, that pleasant smile still in place. “But what I meant was get yer fuckin’ hand off my shoulder b’fore I detach it from yer wrist. Respectfully.”

Husk gripped the edge of the baccarat table. An imp comfortably challenging a sinner like that… she really was as crazy as she looked.

“You know who you're talking to, bitch?” the sinner barked.

“Cool it, Heckle,” Husk warned.

“Naw, Husker! This piece of meat’s gotta know her place!”

Heckle tightened his grip on Millie's shoulder. That was, apparently, a mistake. Millie reached across her body with her other hand, claws protracted, and grabbed Heckle’s wrist. Husk saw a minor burst of blood from the sudden puncture wounds before he heard the distinct crack of bones not just breaking but separating; Millie yanked his arm so hard that it looked almost like the only thing keeping his hand on was his skin, throwing him off of her and into the baccarat table.

Before he had a chance to recover, Millie was standing on her chair and seizing Blitz’s emptied glass by the handle. In a classic but well-practiced move, she broke it against the side of the table and grabbed Heckle by the head, shoving the broken glass up against his throat as she bore down over him. While she did, Blitz calmly slid her drink out of the way of possible carnage, checking his phone.

“Call me a piece’a meat one more time, ya limp-dicked chicken-shit family disappointment! I will fuckin’ tear you inta so many pieces it’ll cause a rip in space-time and give yer mama a much desired miscarriage!!”

Husk held his ground, as did the rest of the crowd. They were worked up, on edge, livid at this act of imp uprising, but wanted to hear what he would say.

Heckle seemed to be bolstered by being surrounded by so many sinners. He grinned through what had to be terrible pain.

“You ain't shit… cunt.”

Millie bared her teeth at him in a violent smile. “And yer in for a real painful recuperation,” she snarled. She then began slamming the broken end of the beer glass into his face and head, sending up a spray of blood, brain matter, and even a few bone fragments.

There was another outcry from the sinners around, one of them drawing a knife and charging the now-rampaging imp. He didn’t get very far, however, before a gun went off and he staggered backwards with a spray of blood gushing out of a new hole in his throat.

“It’s not polite to attack someone from the back, bitch!!” Blitz yelled at her, still pointing a handgun that he must have pulled from his coat. He got to his feet, grinning like some kind of maniac. “Any of you other human rejects wanna go?!”

Turns out, the sinners did indeed want to go. Husk saw the gleaming club turn into a den of frothing maniacs as the sinners rushed Millie and Blitz. But Husk, a sinner himself, only saw one thing: a bunch of assholes who would reassemble their busted bodies eventually trying to permanently destroy two creatures they perceived as beneath them.

So it was with legitimate glee that Husk launched himself into the fray and hurled three of his special cards into the skull of one of the rampaging sinners.

The moment the other sinners saw Husk siding with imps, he instantly marked himself as another enemy. But Husk had something that almost all of the other sinners did not, and he immediately saw that Blitz and Millie had it, too: knowledge of how to fight.

What would have been a brawl under any other circumstances turned into something of a production. While Husk artfully slung his weapons and (mostly) gracefully dodged away from attacks to recover them and reuse them, he was able to keep an eye on the field as a whole. At one point, he saw that Millie had a knife straight through her entire calf, and she was still on her feet and beating someone with a heavy wooden chair until it broke. Blitz dropped the decorative chandelier on a few sinners and then followed by jumping into it and, from Husk’s perspective, shoving the long and sharp crystals into one sinner’s eye sockets.

But they were pretty soundly outnumbered, no matter how well equipped all three of them were to handle themselves. Millie was tackled to the ground, screaming again as the sinner did something that Husk couldn’t see. Blitz called out to her, just before he got hit in the head with a full liquor bottle and crashed into a table and then the floor.

Husk tried to push himself into the air, but the instant he unfurled his wings they were grabbed and he was pulled down. On his chest, arms pinned on the floor, Husk pushed up, whipping his tail. He caught one sinner—by the neck, it felt like—and threw them back, but it wasn't enough.

Fuck you, Alastor. Whatever the fuck you did that led to this, fuck you.

He was about to make another lunge for freedom, when the entire room suddenly froze at the sound of a fierce and powerful howl piercing the air.

Husk watched as the inner security door was torn off its hinges and flung into his bar. A single hellhound was behind the destruction, dressed in torn black clothes and with a wave of silver hair cascading over one side of her head. She turned her frenzied eyes onto the mob, and even Husk felt a twinge of alarm when she locked eyes with her target and snarled.

She charged, half using her hands and half not, and lunged onto Blitz, who made a sound something like a screech, hauling him out from under where the sinners were swarming him. She had him clutched in her mouth by the neck like a wild beast with a fresh kill. She got the imp behind her, then started tearing through the patrons indiscriminately. One, she got her fangs on and she ripped out their throat. Another two, she grabbed by the ankles and dragged them backward onto their stomachs, clawing out their sides to let reeking red and yellow guts spill onto the polished floor. The distraction was enough that Husk was able to get free, taking out a couple more targets, but the hellhound hardly needed the help.

“Loona!” Blitz yelled the moment he recovered from the bottle to the skull, his face wearing something close to genuine panic, but he didn’t move to stop her. Millie was up again, too, and had started throwing sinners to the hellhound’s mercy whenever she needed a new target and didn’t have one in immediate reach. A sinner of questionable intelligence but unquestionable bravery tried to charge the hellhound from outside her field of vision, but Blitz jumped onto them and wrapped his legs around their neck, slamming a metal votive holder against their skull over and over. “Don’t! Fucking! Touch! My! Daughter!!”

The hound (who was apparently Blitz’s daughter?) spun on her heel, tossing another eviscerated sinner over her shoulder. “Dad!! I'm fine!!”

“YOU CALLED ME DAD!!” Blitz yelled in sheer, unbridled glee as he slit the sinner’s throat in a cascade of red blood.

“Blitz! Focus, dammit!” Millie jumped onto a fleeing sinner, preventing her escape as they both collapsed to the ground. Millie then crawled up her, grabbed her by the head, and started slamming the sinner’s face into the tile.

The crowd had thinned, but everything went so fast, not a single piece of the mob had time to register that they were in a total bloodbath. The four of them were able to easily mow down the last remaining idiots, and were all panting and exhausted. They were all covered in blood, none more so than Loona, but the red sinner’s blood was clearly not her own.

Husk took in the pile of bodies (that would take a long time to revive), then at the three Hellborn. “You sure know how to make an impression,” he said, unsure how he was feeling just yet.

“I told him t’get his hand offa me,” Millie said, before she groaned and looked herself over. “Dammit, Blitz, y’shoulda let me change before draggin’ me out here, this is my work uniform.”

“Vox can afford dry cleaning,” Blitz said dismissively before turning to Loona. “What the fuck are you doing here, sweetie?”

“Fuck Vox, I’m gonna hafta do it myself tonight!”

While Millie raged and slowly pulled the knife out of her calf, Loona looked Blitz over. Her berserk demeanor had completely melted away and now she stood with all the care and concern of a surly teenager, complete with cocked hip and heavily lidded eyes.

“I followed you, dumbass,” Loona said. “I knew you were gonna get yourself in some shit, and behold: I was right.”

Blitz raised his hands up towards his head and looked, for a moment, like he was trying to prevent his brain from exploding. “Fucking fuck, Loonie, I told you not to get involved. Yes, okay, it’s— I’m not going to pretend it’s not good that you showed up,” he said reluctantly, throwing his hands up, “and you saved my ass and I know that and okay fine yes I’m grateful don’t make it a thing but you could have gotten hurt!”

Husk felt his lips tug up to one side in what he was terribly concerned was an actual smile, so he covered his mouth in the gesture of clearing his throat.

“No shit, but—” Loona’s ears rotated towards Husk and she looked at him. “Why the fuck were you helping us?”

“I got a thing for the underdog,” Husk said with a shrug, grateful for the distraction. He crossed to them, sticking his hands in his pockets and stepping directly onto a couple of the casualties. “So what in all the layers of Hell does Alastor have you doing, and why did he want you to drag me into it?”

“Huh? Oh, Alastor doesn’t have me doing shit,” Blitz said, turning to Husk on the ball of one foot. “I’m putting together a heist, and he agreed to be my backer. He recommended you, or at least, I’m gonna assume it’s you since you’re the only one still upright. We need a skilled croupier.”

Husk felt like he'd just been clotheslined. “He's backing your heist? Listen, bud, I been working with” for “the Radio Demon for a long ass time and I ain't never heard of him doing something like that. What's your angle that got him so interested?”

Blitz folded his arms behind his back and leaned forward slightly, his smile widening. “I’m out of my tiny little mind and planning to rob Lucifer’s Palace. Alastor thought it was funny enough to participate.”

“Damn.” Husk whistled, staring at Blitz with a whole new level of appreciation. “You got me, kid. That's exactly the kind of thing that would get Alastor excited.”

Excited Alastor. That was one of the scariest word combinations that could ever be uttered.

“Here’s the deal,” Blitz said, straightening up again. “If you agreed, you’d be taking on legitimate employment at the Palace for the duration of a party that’s being thrown there in two months. You’ll have as many assurances as we can give you about being free from culpability, if things go south, and you’ll also be compensated for your time with me.”

These guys didn't need to know that in reality, Husk had no choice but to go along with this. He chewed his lip and paced a bit, weighing his options for how to handle this. “You've really thought this shit through… Okay.” He stopped, turning to face them again. “I'm on board… pending a proper signed document covering my protection, and more importantly, my compensation.”

“Mills?”

“Oh! Yeah, ‘course,” Millie said, waving one hand limply and putting her other hand on her hip. “I’m gonna need t’work with you anyway, ‘cause I gotta give the Vees my recommendation for you gettin’ hired and we need t’work out yer specifics. Y’know, what work history and references y’wanna present—don’t matter if it’s true—if yer goin’ by an alias, whatever. We can go over your requirements and compensation from Blitz’s end, too.”

Oh yeah. Millie did say something about her uniform and Vox, didn't she? He looked at her torn and bloodied uniform and took in the VoxTech badge and armband. The Vees only knew of him and his past reputation, and even then only Vox and to an extent, Valentino. He wasn't important enough to warrant him meeting them face to face. “Yeah… we're gonna have to make damn sure they don't have any idea who I am. If you can do that too, Miss Millie, you got me.”

He flashed her a grin. Might as well have as much fun with this as he could before Alastor sent him back to the grind.

“Oh, trust me.” Millie’s returned grin held a sharp edge of mischief. “I can do that.”

“Beautiful,” Blitz said, giving Husk a torn scrap of notebook paper with a name and a phone number scrawled on it. “Here. Let me know the best way to get a hold of you here. Burn that after you don’t need it anymore, not because it’s all secretive, but because I get enough spam calls as it is.” He looked at Loona and jerked his head towards the door. “Come on, let’s go pick up food and go home.”

The imps and the hellhound went to the ruined doorway and disappeared, Husk standing amidst the gore and viscera, holding a ratty scrap of paper (Oh, that’s why the O is silent.) in his claws. In the years since Husk lost everything, he had little to do, little to look forward to. It was all about hoping that Alastor stayed away as frequently as possible so he could just cope with the soulless position he’d been placed in.

Now, his taskmaster was thrusting something on him that honored what he had always excelled at. It was pulling him from one addiction source, and throwing him into the other, but that was the Radio Demon’s idea of a favor.

Alright, alright. I’ll play your game. Husk pocketed the paper, exiting to the back of the club, resolving to leave the cleanup until he could be bothered to care. But the moment I catch the scent of a way out, I’m out.

You don’t get to control everything. Not as long as I’m around.

•••

The air of Pentagram City was an uncomfortable mix of muggy air and blasts of a cold wind that felt like being battered by a broken air conditioner. Loona wrapped her arms around herself, ducking her head in an uncomfortable slouch. Covered in sinner blood, some of which had seeped through her fur, she was totally miserable and wanting nothing more than to crawl into a hot shower and live there for a week. As she walked, that Millie chick behind her, she glanced down at Blitzø walking at her side. She watched his expression, trying not to let him notice. She had to know what he was thinking—at least how the asshole was feeling—before she said anything.

Blitzø looked… tired, that might have been a good word for it. He wasn’t fussing over the state of his coat, which was weird, and seemed more lost in his own thoughts than anything else. It was a look she had only seen on him when she’d found him still awake and slightly drunk, sitting up on the couch in the middle of the night. And it always vanished when he noticed her.

“This’s me,” Millie said when they hit a corner. “Later, Blitzø. Nice to meetcha, Loona,” she said, waving to both of them.

Blitzø raised his hand; almost predictably, his expression cleared entirely when he was addressed. “Thanks again, Mills. Lemme know how it works out with Husk.” Millie shot Loona a look that might have been concern, but she didn’t say anything, just nodding at Blitzø’s words and turning down another street.

“Keep an eye out for a car we can hotwire so we can get back to Imp City,” Blitzø said, rubbing the bridge of his snout slowly. “I fucking hate the bus system here. Fuck, I need to buy a… van. …or steal one.”

Loona immediately started scanning, mentally setting her filters to target cars with hateful bullshit stamped and stickered all over them. It was good to have something else to focus on. She needed it. Coming down from total frenzy mode without a dark corner to curl up in was basically the worst.

“That was pretty fun,” she said lightly as she walked and searched. “Did you see how much those sinners freaked the fuck out when they saw me?”

“Fuck yeah they did,” Blitzø said, his grin returning. He was clearly overtired and manic, something she had seen too many times to not identify immediately. “You fuckin’ turned them into mulch. They’re gonna be in a special second Hell while they wait to stitch themselves together.”

She barked out a sharp laugh. Maybe it was a little too loud. “We make a badass team, huh. Damn. Didn't think I'd actually have fun with you. Old man.”

“Fuck yeah we do. And I told you, I can keep my little red ass alive when I need to.” Blitzø went quiet for a minute. It was one of his thoughtful silences, the ones he pretended he didn’t have. “…you really do take to that pretty naturally, don’t you, Loona?”

“I was the pound’s resident problem child,” Loona said, before she realized that Blitzø was… “...You're serious. You're actually giving me a compliment that isn't just cringy gushing.”

“Cringy is my brand. Don’t strip me of my only character trait.” Blitzø sighed almost immediately after that. “…yeah. I’m serious. It’s just— you know. After what happened a couple of years ago, I guess I didn’t want to risk repeating it.” He hesitated again. “…I don’t think you’re weak, Loonie.” There was something he wasn’t saying, but he didn’t continue.

Loona stopped, making her adoptive father stop too. “Then why—... I just want to be able to—... We're supposed to be, like… a family, right?”

“Yes,” Blitzø said. He looked up at her. “And that’s why I can’t stand seeing you hurt. You’ve already been through so much, I don’t want to put you through more.”

She looked away, her torn ear tilting down. “Like you haven't. Would you want someone stopping you from protecting me just because your childhood sucked?”

Blitzø put the heel of one hand against his scarred eye, turning away slightly and muttering something that sounded like it had ‘fuck’ in it. He was silent again, tapping his fingers against his forehead before lowering his arm again. “…alright. You really that determined about this? Because after tonight, I’m pretty positive you’re planning on just following me to this job.”

Loona grinned, straightening and planting her hands on her hips. “And now you know for a fact I'd pull it off.”

“I knooooow,” Blitzø groaned, tilting his head backwards and delivering his annoyance to the deep red night sky. He then folded his arms, staring up at her with one raised eyebrow. “…okay. Look. Alastor gave me some… suggestions, and one of them was a personal bodyguard. That would mean spending a lot of time with me during the week,” he said with a sharp grin, but his expression softened almost immediately. “…but you’re the only person in all of Hell that I would trust with something like that.”

She didn't know if Blitzø knew just what he was doing. She stared at him, feeling that one muscle under her right eye twitching in the painful way it liked to do.

You trust me.

No one… no one has ever trusted me.

“I'm not gonna let some bougie fuck be the cause of your well-deserved demise. Now c'mon. I just saw a truck covered in iron crosses turn the corner.”

While they ripped the racist asshole out of his truck and tore his face off, Loona couldn't help but smile, something she tried to hide behind a splatter of blood before throwing herself into the driver’s seat. She avoided looking directly at Blitzø as she adjusted the mirror and the seat and whatever else she could busy herself with.

He trusts me.

For once, Blitzø didn’t bitch about not being the driver. He hopped through the broken window into the passenger seat and kicked his feet up onto the dashboard, his hands behind his head. “Let’s hit up that corner store with those tacos. And if they’re not open, they’re about to be.”

“Fuck yeah. Let's get those tacos, bitch!” She yanked the truck into gear and let the wheels squeal, backed up over the sinner's head and sped away. Loona and Blitzø hollered and whooped, and Loona felt happier than she'd felt in a long time. How to put words to it, if she even could give it words… she had no idea. But today, something happened that she didn't think would ever happen for her.

Loona finally felt like she had a family.

•••

Next chapter

[ladykailitha]

The Hellfire Exotic Club Part 11

Just two more chapters to go. The tension is ramping up and you're gonna want to hold on to your seats. This is the penultimate chapter before everything is revealed. And hooboy is it going to be great fun.

In this we find out who the cleaner was and he gives Eddie the final clue he needs to stop his troubles once and for all.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

~

Eddie enjoyed watching the cleaning crew. They were like bees in a hive, not bumping up against each other or trying to do the same tasks. Cleaning up after some days was hell, like Tuesdays and Saturdays and he always made sure to pay extra on those days.

That said, he really didn’t know any of them. The only familiar faces were the foremen. Eddie has asked the head forman about it once and was told that cleaning Hellfire was such a cushy job that he rotated teams so that everyone got a chance at it.

So imagine his surprise when one of the cleaners stopped Steve on his way out of the dressing room for a short chat.

It looked a little heated, if Eddie was being honest and was about to step in when Steve broke away from the conversation and drifted his direction.

Eddie cocked his head toward the cleaner. “Who was that?”

“An old friend of mine,” Steve said with a shrug. “I didn’t realize he had fallen on such hard times. Apparently his mom broke her hip and hasn’t been able to work for the last year.”

“That’s rough,” Eddie said, and waved his arm for Steve to go first. “I don’t know how much the cleaners make, but maybe if he puts in an application we can find him something to do here. Hell, he could work in the kitchen if Monty liked him well enough.”

His chef was a thin, wiry looking fellow, but he knew how to make the best club food anyone had ever tasted. He was also particular about who worked with him. But Monty could always use an extra hand or two and it would never hurt to try.

“I’ll let him know the next time I see him,” Steve said with a fond smile. “He’s also got a little brother in college, maybe have him apply too. Couldn’t hurt. What’s the least that’s going to happen, you say no? They won’t be any worse off for applying.”

“Yeah,” Eddie agreed. He didn’t think that he would hire either of them if he was honest, but like Steve said, they wouldn’t be worse off for it. “So how was Creepy McCreepy?”

Steve bumped Eddie with his hip. “Henry Creel was fine. He’s just passing through, by the way, Mr. Worry Wort. I think he has bigger fish to fry then some high end exotic dancing club. Not that this place isn’t worth scalping, but I think he’s aiming for higher?”

“World domination?” Eddie teased, leaning into Steve space.

He laughed and nudged him away with his elbow. “Yeah, probably.”

~

Eddie ended up meeting with Steve’s friend because the guy needed consistent money coming in and while cleaning job paid okay, it really didn’t have many regular clients other than the club. Mostly they cleaned up after major sporting events, political conventions, stuff like that. And with their boss Murray always rotating the crew who cleaned the club, some weeks were good, others not so much.

Eddie had to admit that guy cleaned up really good. With his hair out of his face and wearing nice clothes, he wasn’t bad to look at.

“Jonathan Byers?” he said, rising to greet him from a table he had sectioned off for the interview.

“Yeah,” he said, shaking Eddie’s hand. “Thanks for agreeing to see me.”

Eddie smiled. “No problem. I’m sorry to hear about your mom.”

“Thank you.”

Eddie pulled out three pages and spread them out in front of Jonathan. “There are three positions open right now, let’s see if you fit any one of them.”

He pointed to the first one. “This is for the busser position. Basically you go around after people have left to take away plates and glasses as well as pick up any tips. You’ll get a small portion of the tips but mostly it’s a flat rate of $15 an hour.”

Jonathan nodded.

“This one is for a cook’s assistant,” Eddie said tapping on the second one. “Often called a prep chef in bigger kitchens. Basically you’ll prepare everything for the chef and put it in the fridge for him to grab as he goes. You’ll get here at 4pm and leave at 8pm when the club opens. Pay is $22 an hour because it’s only four hours a day.”

Again Jonathan nodded. “That makes sense.”

“And finally the waiter position,” Eddie said. “This one in the highest paid, but also the most demanding. You’ll only have two days off a week and you’ll work from 8pm-2am. Base pay is $15 an hour, but you get a set amount of tips every night. Usually it’s percentage, but if it’s a rough night, you’ll see a base pay of $200 in tips for the night. You aren’t expected to pimp for tips as it were, as you aren’t the main attraction. You’ll be invisible for most of the time and some will even get mad at you for blocking their view of the show.”

“Wow,” Jonathan said. “That’s really fucking generous.”

“I try to be,” Eddie said cocking his head to side, “because living in this hellscape we call American Capitalism is hard enough without having to worry about not having enough money for shit.”

“Can I take these with me and then send over my resume for the position I’m most interested in applying for?” Jonathan asked, placing his hand over the a couple of the pages.

“Sure thing,” Eddie said. “I have copies on my computer. I’ll give you to the end of the week, otherwise I’m going to have to start looking elsewhere.” He stood up and Jonathan did the same.

“That’s fair,” Jonathan said, holding up the pages. “Thanks for this. Because you gave me a chance, even if I don’t end up working here.”

They shook hands.

“Let me walk you to your car,” Eddie said, waving his arm for Jonathan to go first.

He huffed out a laugh. “I don’t have a car right now, my girlfriend is coming to pick me.”

“Then I’ll wait with you,” Eddie offered.

Jonathan considered it a moment and then shrugged. “Sure, man. Whatever.”

They walked out to the curb and chatted about Jonathan’s family and how his mom was doing. “My brother is going to be famous one day,” Jonathan said with pride. “He is such an amazing painter, his work should be hung galleries.”

“Yeah?” Eddie said with a smile. He knew that tone of voice. It was the same tone Wayne got when he talked about him. “So what did baby Jonathan Byers want to be when he grew up?”

“This is going to sound so weird,” Jonathan said with a smirk, “but a bug photographer. Not wild life in general. Bugs. Creepy crawlies. Insects and spiders. I loved that shit as a kid. I don’t know how many times I freaked out my mom by bringing in a new bug to take pictures of and then release back into the wild.”

“Young Eddie would have loved you,” he said softly. “I liked bugs and critters you aren’t supposed to go anywhere near. Raccoons, possums, squirrels. Baby Eddie loved them all. My mom,” he wagged his hand back and forth, “not so much.”

“There she is now,” Jonathan said jutting his chin at the red hatchback pulling into the parking lot.

Eddie pursed his lips and resolved not to say a damn word until she did.

And oh boy did she ever. She got out of the car and immediately started yelling at Jonathan.

“What on earth are you doing here?” she cried. “I thought you had an interview.”

Eddie tilted his head to side. “Not an interview yet, more like a fact finding mission. But I like him.” He grinned at her.

“I forbid you from working here!” she shrieked. “This is a den of sin! I have vowed to take it down.”

“Nancy,” Jonathan said warningly. “We’ve had this discussion. If I didn’t work at every place you found morally objectionable, I wouldn’t be able to work at all. I just need something stable until Will graduates and Mom can move around on her own again.”

“When you told me that Steve was working in this hive of iniquity ,” Nancy growled, “I made it my responsibility to shut it down once and for all. To save Steve, to save you from having to sweep the vile filth from its floors.”

“What?!” Jonathan cried. “I didn’t tell you Steve was working here to have you go on one of your crusades. I told you because Steve was a good friend when both of you were dancing ballet together.”

“It’s a sin!” she cried one more time.

“So is fornication,” Jonathan huffed. “And breaking and entering and a shit ton of other things you do that are supposedly okay as long as you do them.”

Nancy folded her arms and stomped her foot. “That’s not the same and you know it. They have actual fucking nights dedicated to a specific deadly sin. I may have broken a few laws in my time, but I would never stoop the depths of depravity that his club sinks to!”

“You continue with this vendetta,” Jonathan warned, “and I swear to God, we’re through. There is nothing wrong with what they do. So what if people see them naked. Don’t go see it. Your rights stop at their personhood. You can only dictate what you do and not anyone else.”

He turned to Eddie. “Can you take me home? I don’t think I want to be in the same car as her.”

“Sure thing, man,” he replied, thumbing behind him. “Just let me lock up and I’ll be right out.”

When he came back Nancy had gone and Jonathan looked like a kicked puppy.

“You ready to go?”

Jonathan nodded and without a word followed him to his car. After get the address and putting it into the GPS, Eddie said, “I’m sorry about how she acted. Has she done this sort of thing before?”

“When I first graduated high school I got a job at a photography studio,” he muttered. “I took pictures of babies and toddlers. I had this cute little pink rabbit that never failed to get a smile.” He cleared his throat. “She found out that in addition to family portraits, bridal and wedding photos, they also did boudoir photo shoots.”

“Oh no,” Eddie moaned, completely seeing where this was going.

“Yeah,” Jonathan said with a sniffle. “She got the place shut down when she found out that some official’s daughter got them for the guy she was sleeping with, who was not her fiancé.”

Eddie frowned. That sounded too familiar.

“Anyway,” Jonathan continued, “this bitch got the whole place shut down and suddenly I was without a job. If I ever find her, I think I’d like to strangle her with my bare hands.”

“Her named wouldn’t be Heather Holloway, would it? Mayor Kirk Holloway’s daughter?” Eddie asked running his tongue over his upper lip slowly.

Jonathan snapped his fingers. “Yeah, that’s the snake in the grass.”

Eddie pulled off to the side of the road and closed his eyes. “It’s a fucking scam. Holy shit! It’s a fucking scam.”

“What is?” Jonathan asked.

Eddie turned around. “I just figured the whole thing out. All of it. The attacks against Steve, Billy getting caught with his hands up the wrong skirt, Jason fucking Carver. I’ve got to give it to your girl, she is one smart manipulative bitch. But I’m smarter.”

~

Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

Tag List: CLOSED

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10- @themoonagainstmers @gloomysoup @novelnovella @micheledawn1975 @garden-of-gay

[agendabymooner]

long story short ! max v. x ofc (hearth sister!ofc) - tltl series

"and he feels like home. if the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go."

summary: their closest friends are more surprised that they're playing house without the label. OR sylvie hearth wasn't impulsive - in fact her conscience came in the form of a red bull driver named max verstappen. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)

content warning: they give off found family vibe tbh, use of explicit language, moving in, they're just "friends" and everyone "agrees" that they are, lando is a lovechild, mentions of father figures and j*s verstappen (being shitty), mentions of protective!toto and supportive!tilly spoiling ofc.

note: I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOUR (shout out to @flowerchild-96 you literally give me the support and thoughts that had me motivating myself into writing more 😭)

masterlist

tagged max33verstappen

liked by lewishamilton, landonorris, charles_leclerc

comments have been limited

tillymarie incredibly happy for you lovie !! ❤️ liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford thank you soooo much for the g-wagon tillyyyyy ❤️

steviemarlz ok but whiskey looks hot in here ngl liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford RIGHT?!!! also don't say that as if you hadn't gotten your dream impala 🙄 don't cheat on winchester like that

aimeeyh are you seriously getting yourself a collection?? i could've sworn i've seen a caddy and a mustang on your garage 🙁 liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford don't tell toto that 😢

lewishamilton when's the housewarming? looking forward to it! liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford during my week off 😙 bring the good stuff

lewishamilton you mean the collection of niki lauda car figurines??

sylvieeford yes?! put an ayrton senna while you're at it ❤️

lewishamilton you better be lucky i love you lovie

charles_leclerc is this a new hangout location then? liked by sylvieeford

max33verstappen you're not allowed to step foot in the house if that's what you're asking 🤷‍♂️

danielricciardo sleepover at sylvie's when?? 👀 liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford five rooms available only, first come first serve, fee includes moet and daiquiri recipe

danielricciardo on it mini boss 😇

landonorris i'm not even allowed to drink yet :( liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford i hope you like shirley temple

landonorris yeah i'll take that bestie :)

She could admit that it was an impulsive decision, but her seven-bedroom and four-bathroom cottage was the best purchase that she’s made.

This was the first time she had purchased her own house. Not rent. Not a flat either, but a house. She loved staying in Brackley, if she was being honest, but there were times when she felt as if she needed a change in environment. Something more… like her. 

Sylvie could be considered a Wolff especially with the equally intimidating look that they would both give to people that wanted to speak business. Toto was a mentor to Sylvie and she’d often shadow him back when she wasn’t working at Red Bull. Over time, Toto had grown fond of her work ethics and enthusiasm. 

So to hear her say that she was buying a house halfway through Milton Keynes and Brackley (Buckinghamshire, if anyone asked) was kind of a disappointment for him. After all, she and her sisters had always been Mercedes girls. 

(Even if Tilly owned Red Bull, she too was a Mercedes girl.)

Regardless, he continued to express his admiration for her work ethics. Hell, he and Tilly had even bought her a Mercedes as a part of her new car collection. She never asked them for it— they didn’t understand that when she said “she was collecting them” as she meant that she had a wall of hot wheels displayed in her entertainment room. 

But regardless, her slate gray Mercedes G-Wagon — one that she called Whiskey — became her favourite car. She drove to the Red Bull headquarters every day using Whiskey. Everyone was rather appalled to see a Mercedes parked in the staff parking lot. 

By everyone, she meant everyone. 

The first time she parked it by Christian’s car, the first person who had greeted her was Daniel— who arrived with his Aston Martin.

“Holy shit,” Daniel wolf whistled as she stepped out of her car with a grin. “You’re planning to give the boss a heart attack, Blue.” 

“Do you like her?” Sylvie cheekily grinned as she patted the hood of her vehicle, “Her name’s Whiskey. She’s quite pretty and makes the greatest noise ever.”

“Oh yeah I bet,” Daniel snorted at the joke. “I don’t take you for a hard liquor type.”

“I’m not,” Sylvie beamed, “there’s just something about her that screams wild.”

“Like the 10 year old you were not?” Daniel raised a brow, amused smile written on his face. The Mustang donut had been discussed enough in the grid that everyone is permitted to make that joke.

Another Aston Martin pulled up to the parking lot before she could even respond, the sunglasses of the driver inside lowering down as his jaw dropped. Just as he parked, Max Verstappen stepped out of the car while gaping at the sight of her G-Wagon. He had just arrived from France and went directly to the office, bringing his Aston Martin along.

“I don’t recall you having that,” Max started. “I would have known.”

“Of course you would,” Daniel snickered, “you’d know when her cycle starts if I asked for it.” Sylvie stomped on Daniel’s foot before gesturing at her newest baby. 

“Toto said that I need some reminder of him whenever I enter the enemy realms,” Sylvie patted her vehicle once more, “enter Whiskey.”

“Whiskey?” Max’s brow raised at the response, “You should have called it Daiquiri. You’d throw your lungs up if you took a shot of whiskey without fruit on it.”

“No need to throw it out there, Maxie,” Sylvie rolled her eyes before walking off with her shoulder carrying her purse. “It’s not like you could shoot whiskey either.” 

Max peered at Daniel, who had a smile written on his face as he continued on.

“The girl isn’t wrong, Max,” Daniel shrugged before following the woman to the entrance. 

“I could tolerate it,” the Dutchman finally followed along as they all entered the facility. “But right now I’m just looking forward to seeing Christian’s reaction to your Whiskey.” 

“You fools aren’t renting a flat in London, are you?” 

“If we say no, will you go away?” Daniel started. It was one o’clock, and this was the first thing that Sylvie got for an answer on a genuine question. 

Sylvie looked at the Dutchman. Max shrugged, “You know I’m not.”

“What, are you two like— fucking mind readers or something?” Daniel joked, “You have some freaky shit going on with knowing each other.”

The younger ones glared at him.

“I know he isn’t renting,” Sylvie huffed out, rolling up the magazine on her hand and smacking Daniel with it. “He lives with me.” 

“What?” Daniel’s eyes widened, looking back and forth at the two. How easy was it for them to say that? How could they even say that aloud? 

The truth was that it wasn’t as easy. 

When Max told his family about living in England before the season started, his sister immediately rang Sylvie’s phone and giddily asked if Max and her were dating. Sophie was more than excited that she had flown in to give Sylvie a gift for her new home. Sylvie didn’t want to know how Jos reacted, and she and Max agreed that he wasn’t welcome in the cottage. The Hearth sister was pretty scared about the fact that they thought she and Max were dating— they were NOT. 

And when Sylvie and Max attended her family dinner and said that the Dutch were living in her home, Toto’s eyes told Max a lot about how he felt towards the news. Truthfully, Max wished that he could find a closet to hide in. Toto was going to kill him just by staring. Her sisters and mother were a different story; they knew Max well enough that they trusted him with Sylvie. Tilly had to nudge her beau just to get him to lay off the younger man. 

So yes, saying it aloud wasn’t easy for them. At first. But now it’s like a usual thing to say. 

“What?” Sylvie raised a brow at the Aussie. “You’ve never spent less than what you pay for before? We’re sharing the bills.”

She completely forgot to mention that she had already paid the estate fully. Max was only paying for the groceries. And they were barely at home.

tagged archdigest, max33verstappen

liked by georgerussell63, landonorris, steviemarlz

comments have been disabled

georgerussell63 ohhh so this is what you meant by car collection 😂 liked by sylvieeford

max33verstappen she also bought an orange cadillac after her mum got her the blue mustang - as if she'd ever replace the iconic mustang donut that she did when she was 10

sylvieeford we do not talk about blue like that

landonorris NAW BLANCHE GOT YOU THE WILD MUSTANG?!!

alex_albon no lad, she is the wild mustang liked by sylvieeford

steviemarlz geez max33verstappen your sim racing room is just as empty as lovie's soul not gonna lie

sylvieeford sleep with one eye open, steve.

max33verstappen 😂😂

victoriaverstappen i like the office! it's giving couple without labels vibes

landonorris what she said ^^

maxfewtrell i second that victoriaverstappen 👍

lewishamilton and you still want the senna and lauda car collection?? after all of that wall of hot wheels? liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford it's a necessity for my study 😿

lewishamilton unbelievable lovie 🤦‍♂️

sylvieeford hehe ❤️

view 12912 more comments

user1 max is giving househusband with all of that DIY shit he did at their offices HAHAHA

user2 she purchased the whole estate and had it renovated... jesus she is loaded

user3 how to tell if it's also a racer's home: have the endless collection of trophies displayed in the drawing room

user4 she also competed before so it could be her trophies and old helmets

user5 ok but she has a collection of helmets gifted to her by drivers like michael schumacher, alain prost and jackie stewart- that's saying a lot about how close her family is to formula one and shit

user6 these two moved in together, decided on what to put up in the house and people around them still think they're friends?

user7 soulmates is what people call them. there's a lot of articles saying that they aren't just childhood friends and this video clearly shows it

user8 the reason why they're so close was because they have a fair share of experiences with fathers who only want them for the glory of being in a podium. it's not fully discussed by them but the way of how tilly spoke about the two showed that these kids need a damn break lmfao

user9 julius and j*s get off their dick challenge 😩

The first time their friends came over for a night in, they were baffled to say the least. 

Lando Norris was the first to arrive at the small gathering, bringing a bottle of Moët as if they already hadn’t had enough of it during the last season. When Max opened the door on him the Brit’s first words were: “Holy shit, Max, you’re a royal, mate!” 

“Uh hello, too?” Max stepped aside to let him in. 

“This place is fancy,” Lando continued as his eyes twinkled in awe. “You should have said you were looking for a house, lad. I would’ve paid half of this just to live here!”

“I don’t own this house,” Max’s brows crinkled in confusion. 

“You don’t?”

“This is Sylvie’s house.” 

“Oh,” Lando trailed off, his eyes then widening at the realization as he gasped, “Sylvie’s?! Oh that absolute bitch— why didn’t you tell me you were getting a house Sylvia?!” 

Lando got lost for a moment inside the house, trying to find the sizzling and chopping sounds as he finally located his best friend. 

Lando was ready to give her a piece of his mind, if it hadn’t been for a small feisty figure that had him cowering a little. 

Sylvie didn’t even notice the smaller boy enter until a yapping echoed inside the already loud kitchen, looking up as she jumped at the sight of Lando. “What the hell— Lando!” 

“You’re telling me what the hell,” Lando argued back before pointing down to the tiny fighting figure in front of him, “you didn’t tell me you bought this house for yourself and now you’ve got a sewer rat for a pet?!” 

“Hey, don’t call the baby a rat,” Max called Lando out before walking past him, giving him a smack in the head before he knelt down and picked up the figure. 

“You have a puppy, Max! A puppy, Sylvie!” Lando was still shell shocked about this whole ordeal. There was too much to talk about. 

“Oh this little thing is my baby,” Sylvie told the boy, reaching out to pet the miniature schnauzer puppy. “Cute, no?” 

“Besides I have told you I was buying a place,” Sylvie told Lando. “You were the first one I texted. Even Max, who lives here, didn’t get a chance to know first.” 

“I didn’t think you’d get a cottage,” Lando cried out. “A cottage in the village, while you’re at it.” 

“It’s more peaceful here,” Sylvie admitted, Max nodding along as she continued, “At least I don’t have to freak out for living in the loudest places ever.” 

“Can I pet him?”

“Yeah, you can pet her,” Max corrected Lando with a scowl. “Her name’s Marinara.” 

Lando paused in his tracks, baffled at the name as he looked at Sylvie, “You named her, didn’t you? Don’t tell me no because she’s got an obscure name— no one would name someone so stupid but you.”

“What do you mean— fine,” Sylvie replied dully, “I did. But that’s because Max wanted to name her something basic like he is. Cookie— seriously, Max.” 

“It’s rather fitting for her,” Max shrugged, bouncing the puppy in his arms. “She got some Oreo features.” 

“She’s a bit lighter than a cookie,” Sylvie protested, “besides even if she was an Oreo, I’d call her Oreo instead of Cookie. Basic bitch.” 

Lando stared at the two of them with an amused expression. There was so much that had changed in the span of a year, and Lando didn’t want to point that out— he didn’t want to jinx it. He was just glad that the two were playing house once more. Hopefully this time, it becomes a permanent fixture in his life. 

After all, he was the first to witness the building and destruction of their relationship. He was certain that there was love shared between the two of them. 

Peering down at the dog’s name tag, his eyes twinkled with joy as he scanned the engraved letters repeatedly.

Marinara Ford-Verstappen

And they said that they were just being practical with living together. They have a puppy and they live in the same house— as of this point they might as well share a bed and get married. Nobody would stop them seeing as the decision to move together and have a support pet were made without telling anyone.

If you were to ask anyone else, Sylvie wasn’t really impulsive. 

She hadn’t just purchased this house just because. Talking to a real estate agent about making a decision was rather difficult, so she phoned Max and asked if he preferred having two and a half bathrooms or something. Then, the next time they met she dragged him to the open house in Buckinghamshire.

She also had him picking out a puppy from the litter in their local pet shelter, which ended up being Marinara. 

They weren’t exactly impulses if she got a second opinion from him. 

tagged max33verstappen

liked by roscoelovescoco, lewishamilton, steviemarlz

comments have been limited

alex_albon "sewer rat pet"

sylvieeford that's just lando lol

roscoelovescoco i luvs yous, friends! 🐶 liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford see u at the paduck, frend! -marinara

danielricciardo we want a marinara ig page 🤩 liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford max can barely run his own instagram lmao

max33verstappen rude!

tillymarie look at that baby girl 🐶😍 liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford you'll see her a lot on the paddock 👀 on her red bull outfit and everything

redbullracing is that our new mascot?!! liked by sylvieeford

sylvieeford she'll be replacing christianhorner on duty 😍

gerihalliwell haha! looking forward to meeting her, sylvie! liked by sylvieeford

max33verstappen i'm so appalled she stays still whenever you take her photo while all the photos i've taken of her are blurry 🙄

sylvieeford she already favours you over me. ME, the one who takes her out to go potty 😒 stop whining, maxie.

max33verstappen must be tough not being the favourite parent huh

sylvieeford i hope she pisses on your bedroom rug bitch 🤬

ps: the birth of the "ford-verstappen" household and marinara ford-verstappen hehehe ❤️

[paradox-insanity]

Last 10 fics meme

Rules: Post the first lines of your last ten fics posted to AO3. (Sort by date posted.) If you have fewer than ten, post what you have. 

Perceived by @seiya-starsniper

Rainy Days - Human AU (Sports commentator Dream, Sportsball Fan Hob) Hob had been drowning his sorrows at the White Horse.

Hitting Critical Mass - Dream splits himself into Dream and Nightmare “Okay, so what's the matter?”

1689 - What if Dream stuck around to help Hob “Don't touch me! Fսcking dungwit. Get out of my way!” Hob pushes against the bouncer trying to throw him out of the tavern.

The Chandrasekhar Limit - Interstellar war AU (Healer Dream, Opposite side Hob) "Gadling." "Endless."

Turn over a new leaf (turn the world upside down) - MEAN Hob cont of ep6 Hob looks up when a shadow falls across the essays he is grading. It is a dark clad man, hell bent on secrecy and enigma, filled to the brim with pride and arrogance.

The Immortal's Book Club - Good omens crossover "Apparently, Dream has a whole ass library which includes every creative work made or unmade. AND HE WON'T LET ME BRING ANY OVER TO THE WAKING WORLD." Hob is pacing across his living room, no doubt wearing a path into his brand new carpet. He feels a pang of guilt, after all, it’s only twenty seven years old, he intends to make it last.

Sweet Dreams are made of this - Dream Trying to work through the issues with Desire. Dreamling and surprise guest “Oh Sweet Dream? I stand in my gallery and hold your sigil. Won’t you visit your favourite younger sibling?”

Flying in a dream, Stars by the pocketful - Dream's self image issues and Complicated Relationship with Night Dream let out a content sigh as the last pieces of rubble slotted back into place. He had spent the past week travelling the Dreaming, and repairing everything he could.

I'll be the actor starring in your bad dreams - Organised crime AU (detective hob mob boss dream) “Greetings, Mr. Gadling. How may I assist you today?” Hob groaned internally. While he knew that checking out a crime scene at an Endless property would mean that he’d run into his beloathed, he hoped that he might have a break for once. “It’s Detective Gadling, Mr. Endless.”

Grey Matter(s) - Hob character study “You colour your hair?” Dream had popped into the Waking for the evening, only to find Hob standing in his bathroom, mixing a bowl of dark gunk to put in his hair.

All sandman except the one crossover

perceiving @sleepsonfutons @seiya-starsniper (yes tag back) @serenailith