#the boys are jealous

[aishangotome]

Main Story Chapter 17-09: The Third Bang (第三声巨响) | Light  and Night 光與夜之戀

Chapter 17-07

♡———♡

I had never looked forward to going to work so much.

I woke up early in the morning and couldn't fall back asleep. Seeing that there were still more than four hours before work, I simply went out for a run. Passing by the convenience store, I bought some souvenirs that I should have brought back from my business trip.

The early autumn morning air was already a bit chilly, but it was exceptionally fresh and clean. It seemed that no matter how restless my heart was, burning with something, I could regain control of my body with each inhale and exhale.

Although I couldn't help but think of certain things when I walked into the Wanzhen building, and I had seriously considered resigning when my emotions surged last night, I still logged out of my email after the impulse passed.

There was another voice constantly telling me that Pristine was the place I was most skilled and suited for, both in style and philosophy. I loved doing this kind of design. Having poured so much effort into it, would I just give up like this?

Besides, nothing could distract me and cheer me up more than a fulfilling job.

However, the warm welcome I had imagined didn't happen. The atmosphere in the office was a bit gloomy. I put down my bag and took out the local specialties I had just bought to share with everyone.

You: Mao Ge, here, the preserved vegetable and pork mooncake you said you wanted to try.

Mao Ge: Thanks.

You: What's wrong with you all? You look listless. Did something happen at the company?

I quickly browsed through the company email and didn't find anything special except for the notice of the change of chairman.

Li Manman: During the days you were away, everyone in Group A has been experiencing bad luck, and it's all been severe.

Manman, with two dark circles under her eyes, opened a bag of rattan pepper chicken feet and swallowed a mouthful angrily.

You: What happened? Tell me about it, but it's okay if you don't want to.

Li Manman: I don't mind, it's just...

She hesitated, her eyes involuntarily glancing at Mao Ge.

Mao Ge: It's okay, you can say it. We're all family here.

Li Manman: Simply put, Mao Ge failed his assessment again and was also cheated by a fabric supplier. Double whammy.

You: Fabric supplier? Pristine's? Which supplier? When did this happen?!

Even my work is betraying me? My heart raced, and I stood up with a "thud."

Li Manman: Look at you, such a workaholic. Not Pristine's, it's Mao Ge's side business. I just found out about it too.

Li Manman: He's always had plans in this area. After all, the company is constantly changing, and you never know when it might go under or when you might be laid off.

Li Manman: Look, even the chairman has changed.

Li Manman: Pristine was very successful a while ago, so he registered a small company overnight.

Li Manman: He found a low-priced fabric and thought he had found a treasure, but he discovered he had been cheated after receiving the goods.

Mao Ge: You'd think after five years as a designer, dealing with fabrics every day, I wouldn't make such a rookie mistake.

Li Manman: The chance to save a lot of money, isn't that tempting enough? Besides, the other party was pushing hard. If it were me, I would have definitely taken the bait too.

You: So what's the situation now?

Mao Ge: I can't get in touch with them. I went to report the case yesterday. Fortunately, the quantity wasn't large, and the loss isn't too severe.

Mao Ge: However, there's still a slight chance of recovering some of the money, but the assessment is definitely a failure again.

It was the first time I had seen Mao Ge so dejected. Although he usually acted nonchalant, always saying it didn't matter and there would be a next time, even the most optimistic person couldn't withstand the repeated blows and torment of reality.

Mao Ge: Do you guys think I'm really not cut out to be a designer?

You and Li Manman: Who said that! You have the most solid foundation among us!

Manman and I said in unison, and Mao Ge was amused by us. But after a few seconds, the smile slowly faded.

He opened his mouth, whispered two words, and then immediately closed it, no longer speaking. I vaguely heard the word "talent."

A wave of bitterness washed over me. I lowered my head and took a sip of water, pretending not to have seen anything.

Mao Ge: It's so hard for us ordinary people to turn our lives around.

Mao Ge: I don't want to be rich or famous, I just want to achieve something and establish myself here.

Mao Ge: When I was in school, I could get good grades if I put in the effort, but now it seems like no matter how hard I work, I can't change anything.

Mao Ge: I don't even know what my next step should be.

Mao Ge: But I wasn't like this before. I used to think I was the next Qi Si Li (Sariel), and the world would be different because of me.

When he said "different," his face was filled with longing and yearning, and Manman and I couldn't help but exchange smiles.

Li Manman: Then you're not bold enough. I always fantasize about being the long-lost daughter of a wealthy person, chosen to save the world.

Mao Ge: I've thought about that a hundred times since elementary school. Now, I'm as ordinary as can be, just a nobody.

Mao Ge: The world doesn't need me to save it, and compared to saving the world, I'd rather save my mortgage and my neck.

Mao Ge: I'm getting older, I can't live in a dream every day, right?

Li Manman: Totally agree. I even feel like the hardships I endured in school were useless.

Li Manman: In the end, we all become mediocre ordinary people. I'm so unwilling.

Mao Ge: If you hadn't endured those hardships, you might be worse off now.

Li Manman: You sound exactly like my mom.

Mao Ge: You don't know this, Y/N, but a company wanted to poach Manman, and they kept persisting even after she refused.

Mao Ge: It's also in her hometown, and her mom keeps urging her to go back.

Saying things like parents are always worried when their child is alone outside, life is more comfortable back home, and missing a good opportunity is foolish.

Li Manman: My ears are almost calloused from hearing it. You guys won't believe it, but last week they secretly came here and tried to trick me into going home by pretending to be sick.

Mao Ge: But if you think about it, your mom isn't wrong. When you're alone outside, you have to go to the hospital by yourself if you get sick.

Li Manman: So, are you going back?

Mao Ge: I'm not. Unless Jiang Lai doesn't want to stay here anymore.

Li Manman: There you have it. If I go back, my life will probably be predictable.

Li Manman: Work, get married, have children, live a life that adults consider proper.

Mao Ge: What's wrong with that kind of life?

Li Manman: Nothing's wrong with it, I just don't like it.

Li Manman: I like it here. There are endless exhibitions to see, and everyone is too busy to meddle in my affairs.

Li Manman: Besides, I interviewed three times to get into Wanzhen. It would be such a disservice to myself to just give up.

Whenever we face a dilemma, Manman is always the first to make a decision. However, she suddenly paused, a hint of confusion appearing in her expression.

Li Manman: But even though I always tell myself that so resolutely, sometimes I feel unsure deep down.

Li Manman: What if I never get promoted? Will I regret it then? But time will have been wasted.

For a moment, everyone fell into thought, and the large office fell silent.

Li Manman: If only there were a regret medicine in the world.

Li Manman: Forget it, let's not think about it. Mao Ge, if you didn't get your money back, what will you do for a while?

Mao Ge: Tighten my belt, take on more freelance work, and you absolutely, absolutely must not tell Jiang Lai.

Li Manman: Is that okay? You're together, and you're still keeping it from her?

Mao Ge: I won't keep it from her forever, but she's under too much pressure lately, so it's better not to add to her burden.

Li Manman: Alright. In that case, as a good friend, I'll cover your breakfast this month.

You: Me too, I'll cover your lunch this month.

Mao Ge: What do you two take me for? Am I the kind of person who takes advantage of a situation?

You: We take you as a friend, and friends should help each other, right?

Li Manman: Exactly, next time when we're broke, you have to remember to treat us to dinner.

Mao Ge looked at us for a while without speaking. He seemed to want to laugh, but something flickered in his eyes, as if he wanted to cry. His expression was happy, but in the end, he just nodded awkwardly.

You: By the way, I have a friend who's a bounty hunter - no, a detective. I can ask him to investigate the whereabouts of that fabric supplier.

Mao Ge was startled, immediately rushed over and grabbed my hand, shaking it vigorously.

Mao Ge: Y/N, you're practically my sister from another mother!

Li Manman: It seems like you're the only one who's doing relatively well.

I silently sighed in my heart.

You: Actually, I've also encountered something...

Li Manman: No wonder you don't look so good either.

Li Manman: What is it? Maybe we can offer some advice.

Seeing my hesitation, one of them quickly turned up the office air conditioner, and the other made me a cup of coffee.

You: I - I parted ways with a friend who was very important to me.

I picked up the coffee and put it down again, but the bitter aroma still lingered on the tip of my nose.

You: Also, the landlord is taking back the apartment, so I have to find a new place this month.

Mao Ge: I understand, that feeling is no better than a breakup.

Mao Ge patted my shoulder solemnly and was immediately glared at by Manman.

Li Manman: What are you saying? You people in relationships have no humanity.

You: It's okay, I'm fine. It has happened, and I've accepted it. I just feel a little regretful.

But Manman still put her arm around my shoulder and leaned my head on hers. Somehow, this gesture made me suddenly want to cry a little.

Li Manman: Hugs. I don't know what to say because I've also been constantly losing old friends and making new ones along the way.

Li Manman: I think feelings are a combination of fate and equal strength. You need both.

Li Manman: We meet different people at each stage of life. My best friend from high school is now just someone I occasionally like posts from on social media.

Li Manman: After we each have our own new lives, our paces are different, and naturally, we drift apart.

Li Manman: Later, I realized that walking alone is actually the norm.

The eyes of all three of us became somewhat vacant, as if we were all gazing at our own distant past.

Outside the window, the wind blew and the clouds scattered, with only a few migratory birds gliding across the sky alone.

Li Manman: As long as we've truly accompanied each other, that person's mark will always remain on us. Let's leave the rest to time.

Mao Ge: Maybe one day in the future, when you're in sync again, you guys can become friends again? Like a broken mirror reunited.

Li Manman: Exactly, just like Mao Ge and Jiang Lai!

Mao Ge: Our situation... is not a broken mirror!

Seeing them regain their spirits and start bickering again, I couldn't help but laugh. It's great that I still have so many friends.

Mao Ge: I can't help with much else, but if you need help moving, call me. Don't hire any moving companies, they're all rip-offs.

You: It's a deal then. You'll all come and be my laborers.

Mao Ge: It's a chance for you to see the results of my recent workouts.

As he said this, he stood up and almost bumped into Hao Shuai, who was walking towards us in a hurry.

Hao Shuai seemed to completely ignore Mao Ge, absentmindedly coming to his seat and sitting down.

You: What's wrong with him?

Li Manman: I don't know. He took a day off yesterday, and he was fine when he left work the day before.

Mao Ge: Hao Shuai is the kind of person who would post on social media even if the sky were falling. What could make him like this? He couldn't have been scammed too, could he?

He was acting so strangely that none of us dared to ask him directly. We silently watched him open a notebook and start writing.

Mao Ge: That notebook is the one he got when he joined the company. I haven't seen him open it in three years!

The three of us looked at each other, using our eyes to urge the others to ask first. In the end, this battle ended with Mao Ge's defeat. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and step forward.

Mao Ge: Mr. Handsome, what's wrong? You don't seem to be in a good mood.

Hao Shuai slowly raised his head.

Hao Shuai: How do you guys manage to take the subway every day? I almost got lost walking from the subway station to the company just now.

Mao Ge: Take the subway?? Are you really Hao Shuai?! Quick, tell me who you really are.

Hao Shuai: Mao Ge, that joke isn't funny at all.

Instead of bickering with Mao Ge as expected, Hao Shuai's reaction stunned us. Manman and I exchanged glances, and there was the same worry in her eyes as in mine.

Hao Shuai: Our family's factory, its capital chain broke.

Everyone: What?!

Hao Shuai didn't shy away and told us the whole story. The market downturn had affected their family business, leading to problems with their capital chain.

Hao Shuai: My mom sold everything that could be turned into money-- houses, cars, everything, except for the apartment in Guangqi.

The atmosphere became silent and heavy again. We looked at each other, not knowing how to comfort him. Compared to his troubles, ours were insignificant, and the words of encouragement we usually had on our lips seemed too pale to say.

Hao Shuai: You don't need to comfort me. Luckily, I'm already working and don't need to spend their money anymore.

Hao Shuai: Look, I'm going to start keeping track of my expenses from today. The subway is 4 yuan, breakfast is 3 yuan.

Hao Shuai: I just realized that 3 yuan can buy two steamed buns and an egg.

Hao Shuai: Before, a random cup of coffee would cost me dozens of yuan. I was such a spendthrift! You guys didn't even try to stop me!

Hao Shuai spoke a lot at once, as if he had been holding it in for a long time.

He said he had spent the whole night learning how to save money on everything from daily necessities to meals and transportation. He also said that saving money was actually a happy thing, watching the numbers grow and feeling like his efforts weren't wasted.

We listened attentively, watching his animated expression, our eyes a little sore, but gradually, for some reason, we felt a sense of relief.

Children who refuse to grow up will eventually be pushed to grow up by the world. Children who see the harsh realities of life too early also yearn for impossible dreams.

But no matter what, life's challenges always come suddenly, regardless of time or place, catching us off guard. So there was the game lost at age seven, the failing test paper at seventeen, and the empty bank card at twenty-seven.

Later on, the challenges escalate. Separation, betrayal, loss... they happen every minute and every second. He never tells us the solutions, as if whatever he gives us, we must grit our teeth and accept and digest.

But after each wound heals, we seem to grow a little.

Whether this is good or bad, no one can say for sure. Maybe one day, we can throw a beautiful punch at fate, but before that, we still need to put ourselves back together again.

Mao Ge: You've grown up. We were prepared with a bunch of comforting words for you.

Hao Shuai: Don't take advantage of me. Was I that childish before?

Li Manman: How should I put it? Maybe it's called... great wisdom appearing foolish?

Mao Ge: Seriously, if you need anything, just ask. We've got your back.

I felt a surge of strength coursing through us, binding us tightly together.

Sunlight filled the window panes, and a pot of asparagus fern on the windowsill grew lush and vibrant with a healthy dark green.

Li Manman: Mao Ge, look at that. How did it survive?

Mao Ge: Huh? Wasn't it almost dead a few days ago? You guys even accused me of mistreating the plant left by the director.

We all gathered around, discussing it until it turned into a bet on how many days Mao Ge could keep it alive. I saw Hao Shuai reach out and gently touch the leaves.

Mao Ge's eyes sparkled. He suddenly ran back to his seat and rolled up a draft into a trumpet shape.

Mao Ge: Everyone, I've made a decision - starting today, I'm going to spend an extra hour each day practicing my design skills.

Mao Ge: Before I completely give up, I still want to give it another try.

Mao Ge: After all, I won against so many people to get here. I can't just admit defeat.

Hao Shuai: Then I'll take the subway to and from work every day, and my lunch and dinner won't exceed 50... no, 40 yuan.

Li Manman: For me, it's practicing my fundamentals more and striving to pass the next assessment, so my parents can see me in a new light.

You: My turn. I'm going to make Pristine better and better, and strive to become a director as soon as possible!

Perhaps life is like this. The pitfalls we have to face cannot be avoided, and the lessons we need to learn cannot be learned a second sooner. But at least we still have expectations, and that's the most important thing.

Knock, knock, knock - a knock on the door, and Mya pushed the door open.

Mya: Y/N, come with me. I have something to tell you.

-

After sitting down in the meeting room, Mya closed the door and handed me a document listing Pristine's recent sales performance.

During the previous week's promotional period, sales had once again reached a new high, with even many celebrities spontaneously wearing the brand, causing quite a stir.

I stared at the numbers that far exceeded expectations, feeling exceptionally happy and gratified.

Mya: Although there are weekly recap emails, I thought you'd be happier seeing the specific results.

Mya: The company has decided to adjust your salary. This is the new package proposal, take a look.

I took the proposal and quickly skimmed through it.

In addition to a considerable raise, there was also a bonus based on Pristine's net profit, which was unexpected.

This was far beyond the treatment of a senior designer! I was slightly surprised. But after calming down, I felt that I deserved this reward.

Mya: Do you have any other thoughts?

You: I have no questions regarding personal matters.

You: But I want to advocate for better treatment for my team, as well as increased resources from the company for Pristine.

Mya: Of course, Pristine's sales performance is very impressive.

Mya: The company will reward each team member based on their performance and contribution.

You: Thank you.

Mya: You just now reminded me of the director. If he were still here, he would be very pleased.

Mya: Now, back to the main topic. The reason I called you here today is for something else.

Mya: I don't know if you've heard of Wanzhen's European brand, Epiphany.

I nodded.

Around the time I was in high school, this light luxury brand swept the world with its bold and avant-garde designs, bringing the modified Gothic style into the mainstream. You could often see its iconic clothing on the streets.

You: But I remember that Epiphany's brand stores all closed three years ago.

Mya: That's right. Due to a joint boycott at the time, most brands and channels suspended their cooperation with Wanzhen.

Mya: Epiphany's sales continued to decline, with losses of nearly tens of billions, forcing the group to make the decision to shut it down.

Mya: However, there's now hope to resolve this crisis. The board of directors has decided to reopen the brand and re-enter the European market.

Mya: And you are their most preferred candidate for the role of leader.

You: Leader?!

Still immersed in Pristine's achievements, I was momentarily speechless with surprise.

Mya: The group has decided to reposition Epiphany, adding appropriate ethnic elements to its original foundation to differentiate it from other brands.

Mya: Your performance at Pristine has been outstanding, and you have Director Qi's endorsement.

Mya: The board also believes that young designers should be promoted. After considering various factors, you are the most suitable candidate.

Being the leader of a European light luxury brand would be a significant leap forward in my career.

But being in charge of Pristine was already difficult enough. Now, taking on a brand new brand with a style I'm not very familiar with, could I really handle it?

You: I'd like to ask, does the leader's job involve designing the entire brand?

Mya: In addition to design, the leader also has management responsibilities. To compensate for your lack of experience, we will provide you with a year of training before you go to the European branch.

Mya: Of course, all of this depends on your personal willingness. If you agree to take over Epiphany, someone else will be chosen to lead Pristine.

Mya: This is a rare opportunity. Think it over carefully and give me an answer within three days.

I remember over half a year ago, Sariel also gave me a choice: to work with him on Pristine, or to continue preparing for the big show.

The former was a daily job, but I could learn from Sariel. The latter was Wanzhen's most anticipated show at the time, but the competition was fierce, and if I couldn't make it to the stage, all my efforts would be in vain.

Just like now, a difficult choice. At that time, because of Sariel, I didn't hesitate too much, but now, it's time for me to make the decision on my own.

A voice in my heart kept saying, who wouldn't be tempted by such a good opportunity? Let your ambition lead you forward and witness your own limits. Isn't this your dream? If you miss it, you might never have another chance.

Fate suddenly threw me an olive branch, but for some reason, I wasn't as excited as I imagined.

Because there was another voice constantly telling me that Pristine was the place I was most skilled and suited for, both in style and philosophy. Having poured so much effort into it, would I just give up like this? Had I forgotten my promise to Sariel?

-

While still pondering, I returned to the office, where everyone immediately gathered around.

Mao Ge: Why did it take so long? What did Mya want?

I told them about the offer, and they gasped in astonishment before erupting in cheers.

Mao Ge: Goddess, please carry us!

Li Manman: How do you know she'll definitely go? What if she doesn't want to?

Mao Ge: It's such a great opportunity. That guy from Group B who always has a stern face also had the chance to go to the branch company.

Mao Ge: But he refused because he's a local and didn't want to leave home. Now he regrets it because he can't get promoted, and I heard his parents blame him for it.

Hao Shuai: But I heard he also got the opportunity by chance and was worried he wasn't capable enough and would be sent back, so he made up an excuse.

Mao Ge: Really? There's more to the story?

Hao Shuai: I think this opportunity is great, but isn't it a bit too big of a step? My mom did something like this once, and she fell hard.

Mao Ge: But opportunities are fleeting. Hesitation leads to defeat!

Li Manman: I say, stop imposing your opinions on her.

Their back-and-forth made me even more uncertain.

Manman suddenly remembered something, took out a tarot deck and spread it on the table, saying she would do a reading for me. When people are lost, they're willing to try anything, even superstition, so I quickly grabbed onto this lifeline.

However, the cards told me once again that the opportunity was rare. Leaving might take my career to the next level.

Yes, it's a rare opportunity, an obvious truth. People work hard to strive for a better future, right?

But why didn't I feel enlightened after seeing this result? Instead, I felt even more conflicted. I even wanted to ask the tarot cards if staying wasn't that bad.

Li Manman: I really wish I could know what will happen in the future before making a decision.

The phone screen flickered on and off with my tapping. After thinking for a while, I decided to seek help from my friends again.

Opening my contacts, the top name was Osborn. He had sent me a goodnight text message after I fell asleep last night.

Looking at the short message, I suddenly felt a little unaccustomed. Shouldn't he have come directly downstairs and then knocked on my door a few seconds later? I had become used to his intrusion, and his restraint made me feel uneasy.

But the next second, I remembered Ye Chuan telling me that when Osborn was applying for college, he filled out applications for schools out of town, but in the end, he still studied locally. How did he make that choice?

I immediately sent him a text message.

My SMS: If you had a great opportunity in front of you, but it required you to give up everything you have and leave your family and friends for a while, would you choose it?

Almost immediately, I received a reply. He said, "Yes." But didn't he not go out of town in the end? I was even more puzzled.

I desperately wanted to know more, but I couldn't. He had never mentioned this to me before, perhaps precisely because he didn't want to talk about it. After much hesitation, I deleted the text message.

The morning passed just like that. Beside me, Hao Shuai was calculating his lunch budget, asking if I wanted to order together to save money. Mao Ge suddenly pushed the door open.

Mao Ge: Gossip, gossip! I heard there's a super handsome guy downstairs! Like a celebrity.

Li Manman: You were so down just now, but you get excited as soon as you hear gossip.

Hao Shuai: Where's the handsome guy? Where, where?

Mao Ge pointed out the window, and Hao Shuai immediately perked up, pulling me over to look.

Mao Ge: I don't know whose boyfriend he is. I heard from the next department that he's been coming for several days. Why is he facing away from us? Handsome guy, turn around!

Hao Shuai: He looks average. I don't think he's as handsome as me.

Mao Ge: Come on, even though we can't see his face, that figure is definitely a model's.

I stared at the blurry figure for a while, finding it strangely familiar. But since we were too high up to see clearly, I opened my phone camera and zoomed in.

You: Osborn?!

Mao Ge: You know him?

Mao Ge: Wait, that name sounds familiar...

As if sensing my gaze, he happened to look up at that moment and waved in my direction.

Hao Shuai: I think I've seen him somewhere too! Damn, he's so handsome, I'm not convinced.

Mao Ge: I remember! The guest from the Warson Prize! Come clean, how do you know him? What's your relationship?

You: Uh... just friends.

Mao Ge: A friend who hangs around the company building every day? Could he be here for you?!

You: Every day?

Mao Ge: Yeah, they said he's been here recently.

My heart tightened. Was it because I hadn't contacted him recently that he was worried?

-

The people from the neighboring group also came to inquire about Osborn. Taking advantage of their distraction, I quickly ran downstairs, partly to avoid Mao Ge's gossip attack, and partly, more importantly – I wanted to see him sooner.

From a distance, I saw him standing by the car, one hand casually resting on it, our eyes meeting. How long had it been since we last saw each other? But why did just looking at him from afar intensify the longing?

My footsteps faltered, and I ran even faster. In the end, I almost couldn't stop, and he lazily straightened up, reaching out to catch me.

Osborn: Why are you running so fast? There's no tiger chasing you.

I panted for a while before catching my breath, and Osborn looked at me with amusement.

You: Because I wanted to see you sooner, so I ran over quickly.

Osborn: Such sweet words. Why don't I believe you? How many people have you said that to?

You: There's no one else, just you.

Osborn: Is that so?

He raised an eyebrow in suspicion, vaguely looking like he was about to settle scores with me. Wasn't he here to make sure I was safe and see if I had returned to the company?

It was lunchtime, and there were people coming and going nearby, with many colleagues glancing our way.

You: When did you arrive?

Osborn: Ten minutes before you came down.

It wasn't lunchtime yet, so not many people should have seen him. We wouldn't become the center of gossip. He was so eye-catching that I had to take him away quickly, or else Mao Ge's gossip would definitely spread throughout the company tomorrow.

I breathed a sigh of relief, not noticing that Osborn's face darkened slightly.

Osborn: Aren't you going to ask me why I'm looking for you?

You: It's already noon. Let's go eat first and talk while we eat.

Osborn, however, crossed his arms and leaned against the car leisurely, looking relaxed.

Osborn: Not hungry.

Why was he acting like he was sulking? I tugged at the corner of his clothes again, but he remained motionless. I finally realized he was doing it on purpose.

You: But I'm hungry. Come on, let's go.

I pleaded with my hands clasped together and put on my helmet. I thought Osborn would finally agree, but he just cleared his throat and changed to an even more relaxed posture.

You: Oh, come on, stop it. So many people are watching.

More and more people were passing by. If this continued, we would definitely be the company's gossip headline tomorrow.

I poked him anxiously, but Osborn grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer.

Osborn: So impatient? Seems like you've been busy lately.

His warm breath brushed against the tip of my nose, and I was momentarily lost for words, nodding like a chicken pecking at rice.

Osborn: Oh, so busy that you disappeared for several days and didn't even answer a single call?

You: I texted you when I got home.

Osborn: Only saw the text, didn't see the person, doesn't count.

Osborn: Besides, you only bothered to send one text? I thought you had forgotten about me.

You: How could I? I was...

Osborn: You were what? Think before you speak.

Osborn's voice carried a hint of teasing, and he gently pinched the back of my neck.

You: I was sick those days, so I didn't check my phone much...

As soon as I quietly answered him, I felt the grip on my hand loosen. But he still didn't let go of me, instead pulling me to stand in the shade of a nearby tree, shielding me from the wind.

Osborn: Then why were you running just now, and dressed so lightly?

As he spoke, he took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

Osborn: Why didn't you say you were sick?

You: I'm all better now. Look, I'm full of energy.

I quickly jumped twice to prove my point, but Osborn immediately held my shoulders down.

You: So you were worried about me just now?

Osborn: You just figured that out?

You: But you looked like you were settling scores with me. Did you come here specifically for this?

Osborn: What do you mean "just"? Do you not take safety seriously?

You: No, no, safety always comes first.

You: But I'm suddenly curious, what if I didn't show up today?

Osborn: Then I would have had to post a reward notice in the union to find you.

Osborn: Your photo would be all over the streets.

Osborn: And I would specifically choose a photo of us together. You wouldn't be able to hide from it even if you wanted to.

It turned out he had seen through my worries all along. I couldn't help but laugh and cry, but my heart was filled with warmth.

You: I know, I'll keep it in mind and never worry you again.

You: If I disappear again and don't answer your calls, I'll owe Boss Xiao a wish, at your disposal.

Osborn: Alright, I'll remember that.

You: Okay, let's go, let's go. I'm starving, Xiao Yi gege (brother osborn).

As I was about to put on my helmet, he turned his head in surprise, looking at me with amusement and helplessness.

Osborn: When did you learn this trick?

You: I won't tell you.

Osborn tapped my helmet and gestured for me to get on the motorcycle.

I wrapped my arms around his strong waist, leaning gently against his back, feeling the warmth transmitted through his clothes.

Although there were still many things I couldn't explain to him for the time being, the trust between us seemed to have never wavered.

-

I chose a noodle shop not far from the company. The last time, that young man ate his bowl of noodles clean, so Osborn would definitely like it too.

Osborn: Why choose this small shop?

You: The noodles here taste great, and our colleagues all like to come here -

As soon as I said that, I regretted it. Wouldn't that mean there's a high chance of them bumping into Osborn and me?

You: I suddenly remembered that they don't have many noodle options here. Maybe we should go somewhere else!

Osborn, however, grabbed my hand, with a mischievous smile, as if he had seen through my thoughts.

Osborn: Perfect, I like places with fewer options.

I had no choice but to sit down next to him. We each ordered a bowl of noodles and added some toppings.

The phone on the table suddenly started vibrating crazily. Mao Ge had sent seven or eight photos, all of them taken from afar of Osborn and me.

Thinking back now, Osborn's actions today seemed a bit deliberate, as if he wanted everyone to see us. But he used to rarely appear near the company, always waiting for me downstairs at my apartment.

You: Osborn, you suddenly came to find me today. Is there something wrong?

He was about to answer when he suddenly stared at my face for a few seconds and leaned closer.

You: What are you doing -

Osborn: An eyelash fell on your face. Don't move.

He was a little too close, and his warm breath faintly brushed against my face. I froze, not daring to move, my ears filled with the sound of my own erratic heartbeat and the amplified noises around us.

???: Then let's leave it at that for today. If you recall any information about the victim, please contact us as soon as possible.

???: Absolutely, Inspector Xia. This way, please.

That voice sounded so familiar, but it was a bit unclear because it was too far away. I wanted to turn around, but Osborn held my face in place.

Osborn: There you go.

He finally let go of me, and I subconsciously touched my cheek, about to say something, when I suddenly saw someone standing in front of me.

That figure was once so familiar, but because it was wrapped in a neat dark uniform, I was momentarily in a daze.

You: Tangyuan?!

No wonder it sounded so familiar just now. It was him!

Those emerald green eyes blinked, then looked at me with a hint of grievance before quickly shifting to Osborn, with a hint of hostility in them.

One was a member of the Lianshan Society, and the other was a bounty hunter who walked the line between black and white... Alarm bells instantly went off in my head.

You: Tangyuan...

Seeing that he didn't respond, I called out again with some concern. He finally came back to his senses and gave me a bright smile.

Osborn, beside me, immediately straightened up, alertly, and leaned towards me subtly. I had to move aside a little.

You: Osborn, what's wrong -

The next moment, Jesse had already sat down beside me.

How did we end up squeezed onto one bench when I wasn't paying attention?!

Was there some past conflict between them? I had a bad feeling and could only try to ease the tension.

You: Tangyuan, what are you doing here?

Jesse: I'm just here to investigate a case. Young lady, eating at this hour is bad for your stomach.

Jesse: Remember that time you almost ended up in the hospital? Boss, a cup of honey water, please.

You: Thank you...

He seemed to completely ignore Osborn, diligently and thoughtfully wiping my utensils, his actions even more intimate than usual.

Jesse: Is it crowded? Is someone bullying you?

Osborn happened to put down his water cup at this moment, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, but it made my heart skip a beat.

You: It's okay, it's okay. The bench is quite wide.

I quickly glanced at Osborn out of the corner of my eye. He was calmly observing us, his expression seeming to say, "Carry on."

Jesse: I was so engrossed in chatting with you. This is...

You: Oh, let me introduce you. This is Osborn, a race car driver.

Jesse: Hello, we've met before.

Osborn extended his hand, briefly touching Xia Mingxing's fingers before quickly withdrawing it. Then he picked up his cup and slowly took a sip of water.

Osborn: Hello, little brother.

Jesse: You misunderstand. We just live close by and have a close relationship. I'm not really her younger brother, only older people like to say that.

Osborn: Is that so? I didn't notice when I went to her place last time.

Jesse: It's not very polite to go to someone's house without an invitation, is it?

Osborn: Then you can come to my place next time.

Jesse: Why does that sound a bit forceful?

I suddenly heard a suppressed gasp. It was clear that Osborn was getting angry.

Remembering how the last time I made up a story about a high school classmate, it made him look like he was ready to fight. This time, wouldn't he... I quickly pressed his hand, but Osborn immediately clasped it back, holding it tightly.

You: !

I tried to break free a few times but couldn't. Anxiously, I kept mouthing and gesturing for him to let go, but he didn't react, just looked at me with a half-smile.

Helpless, I composed myself and tried to smooth things over.

You: So, when did you two meet?

Osborn: It was a chance encounter a while ago. It wasn't important, so I didn't tell you.

Jesse: I didn't hear you mention him either, so I didn't tell you. You're not mad at me, are you?

You: Of course not. Am I the type to get angry easily?

Jesse: Of course not. Then let's formally introduce ourselves. Hello, I'm Jesse, Y/N's childhood sweetheart.

Jesse: We also know each other best.

Osborn: Is that so? Then it seems your relationship isn't good enough, unlike ours.

Osborn: Otherwise, she would have told you that we've known each other since we were kids.

Although his eyes were on Tangyuan, Osborni's grip on my hand tightened.

An awkward silence fell over the table. I could almost smell the gunpowder in the air, and beads of sweat formed on my forehead.

The next second, Jesse wiped away the sweat with a tissue.

Jesse: Why are you sweating?

Fortunately, the waiter arrived with our order just in time, temporarily rescuing me from the incredibly awkward situation.

You: Let's eat the noodles first, or they'll get cold.

After saying that, I quickly glared at Osborn as a warning, and he reluctantly let go of my hand.

I was about to pick up my chopsticks when Osborn grabbed them first and handed them to me. Not to be outdone, Jesse grabbed a spoon and also handed it to me.

I could only suppress the embarrassment in my heart and accept both items.

I nervously ate another piece of meat. Maybe I was too tense, but I couldn't pick up the noodles after several attempts, and they even fell into the soup, splashing some on my face.

Two hands reached out from both sides at the same time -

This time, Jesse got the tissue box first. He shook his head imperceptibly, and Osborn's face immediately darkened.

You: That's enough, you two.

I put down my chopsticks abruptly, but they both looked at me, one with a pitiful expression, the other with furrowed brows. The momentum I had just gathered instantly vanished.

You: I mean, I'm going to the restroom...

I cowardly avoided their gazes and fled the scene.

After the girl left, only two tense figures remained at the table, the last traces of smiles on their faces disappearing.

They seemed to have no interest in each other, one looking out the window, the other scrolling through their phone.

Time passed minute by minute. Finally, probably remembering that there were several uniformed people waiting for him outside, Jesse stood up and looked back at Osborn.

Jesse: I did hear her mention when we were kids that she was locked in a warehouse and almost encountered a wolf dog. It turns out it was you who always made her get hurt.

Osborn: I will protect her well. You don't need to worry about it.

Jesse glanced in the direction Y/N had left, then studied Osborn for a while before hesitantly turning and leaving.

Staring at the dark uniform on his back, Osborn narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

Osborn: Lianshan Society...

The Lianshan Society that Zhou Weicheng had mentioned came to mind, and Osborn couldn't help but frown. It seemed he would have to deal with this person often in the future.

-

At the same time, not far away on the opposite side of the street, a young man was expressionlessly watching everything happening in the noodle shop through the window.

Gradually, a hint of jealousy appeared on his face. Soon, the jealousy turned into self-mockery, and then into resentment.

(Osborn) Boy: Liar.

His phone vibrated in his palm, and a text message from an unknown number popped up on the screen: "The person has arrived." The young man pondered for a moment, then typed a few words in the reply box: "Bring the other person."

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 17-11

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here

[fighting-these-demons]

So I still like the idea of an AU around this so I made a separate post

Hello Internet Stranger looking up YYH on Tumblr dot com!

This is an idea for a College Alternate Universe involving Queer Non-Canon Relationships between the characters of the series.

It is based on the idea in the post that is linked above.

If you are not looking for this content please scroll on.

If you ARE looking for this content - and you're ok with reading my Headcanon for this Alternate Universe I've haphazardly spun up -

Then go ahead and feel free to:

Check The Tags Of This Post For The Pairings

and click the Read More below!

The quality of what lies under the cut is likely mediocre and may or may not actually be shorter in length than this warning.

--- Original Post Blurb had a summary of whats below the cut so: ---

I want a College AU where a character with similar proclivities for bugs and pain becomes friends with Kazuma in their Entomology program and then he eventually tries to shoot his shot and date Kazuma because he can just tell.

He can subconsciously smell the Kindred Spirit.

-------------

They become fast friends during field studies and when doing field work with wasps.

The friend decides to try to hang out with Kazuma on campus as much as possible. Eating lunch together, studying in the library, studying at cafes of campus in the evenings. As his feelings build he starts giving little gifts.

Some of the gifts in the lead up to the confession and asking Kazuma out on a date include Difficult to capture local specimens, snacks and drinks that he's picked up on being Kazuma's favorites, OmoChoco (that's secretly not so obligatory) that's actually homemade with spicy pepper in it for a kick (and boy does Kazuma get a kick out of that! He thinks he's been pranked and that it's pretty funny but loves the chocolate and eats all of it anyway - friend deflates at Kazuma thinking it's a prank but doesn't say anything), and eventually possibly a flower that has a little bee resting on it one cold wet April morning the morning he asks him out.

Meanwhile, right in the middle of all of this building up between Kazuma and The Friend: Kurama, Yusuke, and Hiei are Silently Seething.

Yusuke is plying Kazuma with extra toppings in his ramen and Tapes/CDs

Kurama is casually crashing study sessions and only ever bringing something for Kazuma, often coffee and cake or pastries. He makes it quite clear that he and Kazuma study together one-on-one on the weekends too.

Hiei is stalking the would-be suitor and scaring the local insect population away by disturbing bushes and grasses and trees that specimens are on whenever this dude is trying to take notes or pictures or capture something for study - conversely hes bringing Kazuma some harmless specimens from Makai to study along with some of Ningenkai's specimens that he scared away from the insignificant worm that keeps trailing after Kuwabara.

The first and only time Kazuma ever takes The Friend to Yusuke's ramen cart: Hiei and Kurama are both there, which is odd because normally Shorty only shows up for Mission Briefings and Kurama usually eats at home on Wednesdays.

Was there an Emergency Mission? He introduces his friend to The Guys. Kurama politely nods and greets him but looks stiff and sounds irritated, Yusuke makes some Crack about dragging customers across the city to his stall which is weird because he's always happy for more business, and Hiei is the only one acting predictably by flashing a look of disdain and then disinterest as he goes back to his food.

Yusuke acts like someone pissed in his cheerios for about 2 minutes before perking up and focusing on regaling The Friend with middle school and "high school" tales of street fights and competitions he's been in with/alongside Kuwabara and by himself.

When the ramen is ready Yusuke gives Kazuma extra toppings as usual. Kazuma adds some to his friend's bowl since Urameshi seemed less generous than usual with his portion. Probably a mistake. Urameshi usually adds extra to his anyway so it's no big to share. Yusuke's smile looks Very Strained for a moment.

Kurama chimes in every now and again with stories of past trips and hangouts whiIe leaning into Kazuma from his other side.

Hiei is mostly just being icy in the corner and makes a few inflammatory jokes at Kazuma's expense but he's also handing Kazuma a small cage with a rare beetle that Kazuma is impressed with, thanks him for, and is excitedly showing The Friend nearly instantly.

It's like whiplash as Kazuma's friend watches Hiei's expression cycle from the smug smirk as he handed over the cage turn to mild surprise at the praise and then resentment in his direction so quickly as Kazuma turned towards The Friend to show him the specimen.

Yusuke poorly hides a guffaw and Kurama hides a chuckle as a cough. Hiei looks half a step from murdering them, finishing his ramen and demanding another bowl. Yusuke obliges and heaps toppings onto his bowl in a peace offering.

The Friend takes it all like a champ after being primed via Kurama's small slights during crashed study sessions. He's starting to suspect that he's inadvertently walked into some kind of competition for Kazuma's attention and he may be the least qualified here with his lack of history.

He isn't going to let that stop him though because as far as he can tell Kazuma seems to prefer women but mostly likes people with soft and feminine features. He's never been more grateful to have been bullied for looking like a girl in Middle and High School.

It might be a Long Shot, but as far as he's concerned, he still has a shot!

Kazuma picks up on the rancid vibes of course, but can't quite figure out why all the guys seem to hate this guy. Kazuma has the best grasp on whether or not people are bad news and this guy is such a great guy! Everyone else is just massively annoyed by him for some reason and Kazuma just doesn't get it. It's not like he's ever been rude to anyone. Maybe it's because they need to discuss whatever mission it is as quick as possible? Yeah maybe that's it. 🤔

After they finish Kazuma and him leave and head towards the station. The friends apartment is a few stops away in a cheaper part of town. Kazuma apologizes for the weird atmosphere and explains that Hiei's just sort of grumpy all the time and Yusukes girlfriend may have nagged him a bunch before they got there since Yusuke usually closes and she's pretty particular about closing work. Kazuma asks him not to take it personally.

The Friend after seeing how open Kazuma is to physical touch puts his had on Kazuma's back and tells him not to worry about it with a wink.

The Friend flashes a salute to Kazuma as he walks backward toward the entrance, a pep in his step.

The Friend is grinning. Yusuke Has A Girlfriend! Kazuma thinks Hiei is Grumpy and Kazuma usually doesn't get along with grumpy people even if he is nice to them! His competition has just drastically narrowed down! (So he thinks anyway lmao)

The Friend stops and confidently hinges forward to look up and ask Kazuma if they can meet up for Bug Catching in the fields and forests outside of the city.

Kazuma looks surprised and blushes a bit as he sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. Kazuma says he's not sure how busy he is the next few days because he'smost likely helping his sister.

The Friend knows that Kazuma helps his sister - a tall, beautiful, and intimidating woman - with a family business that he doesn't talk about much.

At first The Friend wondered if Kazuma was somehow affiliated with the Yakuza after seeing him jump in to stop someone getting harassed by thugs on the street one day; but back in June during a field study Kazuma had taken off his over shirt and the racer back undershirt he wore showed a magnificently built back and absolutely zero tattoos - a major relief, although he'd probably be a little into it if Kazuma was secretly Yakuza if he was honest with himself. It'd definitely open up some exotic and interesting options for pain play if things worked out between them....

The Friend's grin shrinks a bit but he recovers and says "We'll Rain Check it! Text me when you're free!" Kazuma brightens up and says "Definitely!" with a thumbs up.

The Friend spins around with a wave saying "I'm off! Have a great night Kuwabara!" And Kazuma says "You too man!" Waving him off and heading back towards Yusuke's ramen cart to see if they have a Mission Briefing after all.

While The Friend walks off he considers the small sting of rejection from a near miss at a date and his mind starts to wander to school assignments.

They have an upcoming group research assignment.....

A Brilliant Idea Strikes Him. Or should he say Stings him? 🐝Bites him?🐜

He doesn't think it'll be difficult at all to convince Kazuma on his idea... especially if he starts with a spicy food challenge at lunch next week! He makes a note in his pocket notebook to look up spicy brownie recipes when he gets home.

-------------

The Friend giving Kazuma the flower with the cold sleeping bee is when he confesses and gets turned down. 😭

I imagine it taking place in the rain and they're sharing an umbrella because someone stole The Friend's from the outdoor umbrella hutch and Kazuma is such a nice guy that he gives The Friend his umbrella and he was about to just use his bag as cover but The Friend insists that they can share since it's Kazuma's umbrella anyway.

The Friend is bummed at the rejection, but he's happy to stay friends with Kazuma and thanks Kazuma for hearing him out and not being an asshole about a guy confessing to him. Kazuma says something along the lines of "No problem! A real man would never trample a friend's feelings that way." or something to that effect.

(We all knew this was coming. I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers y'all. I'm loving this little sort-of-OC but like the power of the Yu Yu Polycule cannot be denied!)

-------------------

As always- I'm not a writer or an artist! If you are a writer and you like this idea: Feel Free to take it and run with it!

I'd be happy for someone to use this for art or a fic!

Just shoot me a message or tag me when you do because I want to see it!

[bread-wizards]

Yasha, I'm so sorry to objectify your wife, but how do you work out? Like, what do you do? Because this such an amazing-- the abs.

[sweetlullabyebye]

When she tells you your best mate gets jealous when you say you want to shag someone

vs when someone wants to shag your best mate

[bludpudding]

artists who draw charles with elf ears. keep doing that you’re correct

[jezebelblues]

cherry | h.s

summary: drippin’ on me till my feet are wet

loosely based off this request [thank u thank u mwah]

cw: smut18+ fingering, slight exhibitionism, edging, jealousrry, alcohol usage, fratrry, fem!reader

word count: approx 3.4k

| frat boy harry please save us

YN tasted like cherries.

A cherry vodka sour, sweet with a hint of something sharper underneath—a taste that lingered, his very own narcotic, drawing him in sip by sip like a whispered invitation. The scent clung to her, rolling from her lips in quiet, careless breaths that brushed his cheek whenever she leaned too close. By the end of the night, he was close enough to catch the faintest trace of cherry chapstick, a soft tease of sweetness he was certain she left there just for him.

She stood in the neon glow at the edge of the room, light bleeding over her skin, casting her in shades that looked as alive as they did unreal. The dim purple and blue fractured over her collarbone, slipped across her cheekbones, hiding as much as it revealed. He watched her, and she knew it. Her gaze drifted past him, lingering just long enough for him to wonder if she'd felt his stare prickling across her skin. And when she smiled, he swore there was something in it meant just for him—a fleeting thing, a glimmer of knowledge that she understood exactly what she was doing to him.

Harry could feel the weight of it, her laughter bubbling like carbonation, fizzy and sharp as it hit his ears and curled around him, intoxicating as any drink in his hand. She was just out of reach, always a breath away, with eyes that seemed to say she knew every game he was trying to play, and she’d play them better.

He couldn’t remember the taste of his own drink anymore, something else sat on his tongue–bubbling from the top of his throat, igniting his chest. 

Her bottom lip pulled between her teeth as she smiled, her solo cup discarded from her hands and onto the broad shoulders of the man standing in front of her. She’d glance Harry’s way every few minutes, eye locking with his before turning back to the man, laughing at something she definitely didn’t find funny.

Yeah, she knew exactly what she was doing.

His fingers gripped his drink, watching as she tilted her head to the side, her tapping against his shoulders like a spell. And then–there it was. Her eyes flickered to Harry, a spark of something familiar dancing on the edge of her pupils, flashing just long enough to say, are you watching?

He was.

The man leaned in closer, his large hand resting against her hip while the other gripped the edge of the table behind her—caged in. Harry wanted to almost laugh. She wasn’t blocked in, no, the exact opposite. Men melted like ice in her palms, she was the ringmaster here. She played it perfectly, the tilt of her head, trailing her fingers up his neck as if she was spinning a web.

“Your cans getting crushed.” Came Mitch’s voice, low and amused as he nodded toward the aluminum Harry white knuckled. 

He exhaled, easing his fingers around the drink as he took a shallow sip, a wry smile slipping onto his lips. “She’ll be the death of me.” 

Mitch laughed, eyeing Harry over the brim of his beer bottle touching his lips. “Only ‘cause you let her.”

He let himself lean into the wall behind him, the cool surface doing nothing to temper the heat curling beneath his skin. Mitch was right. He let her—let her pull him under like a wave, let her play the part of his tormentor. His eyes held onto her, his cherry, wrapped in a game she orchestrated with the precision of a maestro. The room spun around her, and he was caught into her gravity, helpless to orbit at a distance.

Their gaze held each other every time she would flicker her eyes over. It was filthy, as if they were fucking, front and center of everyone. She pinned him in place with only a glance, that sly, knowing look. She lifted herself onto the table behind her, her laughter like a melody meant only for him. The music thumped against the walls, drowning out everything else, but it didn’t matter—he’d hear YN over it all, every soft breath, every little sound. She was everywhere in his senses, threading through his veins.

The man stood between her legs, saying something in her ear that Harry couldn’t make out, but it was enough to make her lips quirk into a smile—one he knew wasn’t for him. His hand tightened around his drink again, crushed aluminum forgotten, cold liquid seeping through his fingers. It was her doing; she knew exactly how to turn him into this, into a version of himself that held back only because the tension was a part of the thrill.

Another laugh escaped her lips, and he saw her bite down on it, that little nibble on her bottom lip that drove him mad. YN threw her head back, letting her hair fall around her shoulders like a heavy curtain, exposing the curve of her neck. A pulse beat just under her skin, one he knew he could feel if he got close enough.

And for a second, he thought he saw her crack.

The man’s hand slid further up her thigh, threatening to slip underneath the fabric of her small skirt. But her gaze drifted, almost instinctively, back to Harry. It was quick, so quick he almost convinced himself he imagined it, but Harry knew better. There was a question in that flicker, a question he knew was coming since the beginning of the night, are you going to let him keep touching me?

It wasn’t fair, none of it was, the way she played him like this, weaving in and out of his focus until he couldn’t remember the start of his own intentions. Every step he took toward her, its like she took one back, luring him deeper. He hated that she knew he’d follow, hated how she left him chasing shadows.

A hand landed on his shoulder, snapping him back, Mitch—although he was unsure if he wanted to be pulled back into reality or not. He watched him with a look that was half-amused, half-concerned. “You keep staring, mate, you’re gonna turn to stone.” He teased, though his eyes lingered on Harry’s hand, still clenched white around his drink.

He forced a laugh, hollow, strained. “Maybe I already have.”

The words barely left his mouth before he saw her slip off the table, her admirer’s hand slipping from her waist and interlacing his fingers with hers—as if they were heading out.

Something in him snapped. Before he knew what he was doing, he was pushing off the wall, letting his half-emptied can of beer clammer onto the wooden floor beneath him. He weaved through the crowd with a single minded purpose, ignoring the curious glances sent his way. Mitch muttered something behind him, but it didn’t register—couldn’t register. 

The guy with her hadn’t noticed him yet, too absorbed in whatever he muttered against her cheek. Harry saw her roll her eyes in amusement, stroking whatever ego the man had. Her gaze then slid sideways, catching sight of Harry. Her expression didn’t falter—if anything, her smile grew, just the tiniest bit, a flash of triumph dancing in her gaze as she held his.

The man finally noticed, his grin faltering as he slipped his hand from hers, turning to face Harry who was close enough to see uncertainty flicker over his face, a split second before he masked it with bravado. 

“H,” she mumbled, her voice warm, as if she were greeting just an old friend. She didn’t step away from the two, only allowing herself to lean against the table once again with her arms crossed over her chest.

He took another step forward, a smile curving his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Enjoying yourself?”

YN arched a brow, her gaze playful, almost defiant. “I was. Are you?”

The guy shifted awkwardly beside them, looking at them with a growing wariness, as if he wasn’t entirely sure what he put himself into. Harry spared him a glance, a cool, knowing look that revealed something simmering underneath. It was answer enough. 

His patience was fraying, thinning out thread by thread that she unraveled.

He placed his hand on the table she leaned onto, the tip of his thumb brushing against the fabric of her skirt. He was close enough for her to feel his cool breath, close enough for him to smell the faint hint of cherry lingering on her lips. His eyes burrowed into the man that still stood there as he whispered, low enough for only her to hear, “why are y’playing games with me?” 

Her smile sharpened, and there was something dark, something electric, sparking in her irises as she looked toward him. She shifted her weight, turning her shoulders into him. His eyes still bore into the man’s, his jaw clenched. 

He seemed nice enough, sure, but he didn’t fucking care when it came to her.

God, she ruined him. And Harry took it gladly, falling to his knees and worshiping her.

“Who says I’m playing?” She barely blinked, her words a challenge, a dare he couldn’t ignore. And then she reached out, brushing a single finger along the ink on his forearm, trailing it down with a touch that was featherlight, maddeningly subtle. “Or maybe,” she breathed, her lips a head-turn away, “you just don’t like that we’re not playing by your rules.”

His eyes finally flickered to hers, it was all he could do to hold himself steady. The guy beside them cleared his throat awkwardly, muttering something about getting another drink and slipping away into the crowd, clearly catching the drift.

Harry didn’t care, no. He’d claim her right now, in front of everyone, if she let him.

They ignored him, nothing more than a forgotten piece of her performance—a discarded prop, now that Harry was here, close enough to feel the heat of her skin and that slow, steady rise and fall of her breath.

“You don’t have to keep doing this.” He said lowly, laced with an edge he couldn’t quite hide. “Pretending you don’t want it.” 

Her smile was slow, spreading across her face with a satisfaction that bordered on wicked. She pushed up onto her toes, lips brushing his ear as she whispered, “Maybe I like seeing what it does to you.”

Her words wrapped around him, drawing him in, filling him with a reckless sort of need, one he’d tried to bury, tried to ignore. But she’d brought it to the surface, peeling him apart layer by layer until he was bare before her, all pretense stripped away,

“Careful.” He warned, his voice a rumble, shifting on his weight to place his free hand on the other side of the table, caging her in. His hand slipped up her thigh, past her skirt, his fingertips slipping underneath the fabric of her panties and gripping the bare skin of her hip. “Or I’ll show you exactly what it does, right in front of everyone.” 

Her gaze flickered down, lingering on the sharp line of his jaw, her own pulse quickening beneath his touch. She looked up at him through her eyelashes, a smirk tugging at her lips. “His name is Mateo.” She murmured, her lips brushing against his chin, just beneath his bottom lip. “He was gonna take me upstairs.” 

He didn’t say anything, he only tightened his jaw, slipping his fingers inward just barely, tracing the lace of her panties. 

She let out a breathy giggle, “seem a little tense.” She mumbled against his skin, her voice teasing, silk-wrapped around a blade. Her smile was innocent, close-lipped and coy as she leaned her head away from his mouth, but her eyes betrayed her, dark and hungry. “Something on your mind?”

“I think you like it.” His voice was rough, sharpened. The tip of his index finger slipped underneath the gusset of her panties, tracing down her folds that were already slick with arousal. “Seeing me like this.”

Her breath hitched, her eyes finally averting from his to the crowd over his shoulder. Everyone was enveloped in their own words, nursing solo cups of vodka or pupils wide with some sort of substance. She could feel his finger, the way it sat right at her entrance. He was teasing her, she knew it. She looked at him again, only seeing a man completely unraveled before her. 

Just like she wanted. 

“Said he wanted to hear me scream his name.” 

He eased his finger into her, knuckle deep. He watched through half-lidded eyes the way her forehead creased in pleasure, the way cherry fell from her breath. He curled his finger upward before slowly pulling out, a sigh escaping her lips. “What was his name?” Harry breathed, his lips against her temple.

Her eyebrows furrowed, scanning the people behind him again. In that moment, she was grateful the table was tucked into the corner of the room, an afterthought unless someone was looking for it. “Mat–”

He pumped into her again, this time adding his middle finger, her velvety walls fluttering around his digits. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, her spine straightening.

“Your cunt was soaked before I even touched you.” He spat, his voice low behind the music. His fingers were slow, teasing, teetering on the edge of her resolve. “Don’t think he did that for you.” 

Her chest rose as she drew a breath, deep, silencing. Her eyes found his ways back to his, so dark she could see herself in the reflection of them. A knot tightened in her belly, a pressure building between her thighs before his movements stilled.

His fingers remained, unmoving as he knit his eyebrows together, watching a silent desperation dance upon her features. “Who got you like this?” He murmured, pressing a kiss into her forehead. She clenched around him, drawing a chuckle that emitted from his chest. “Say it, YN.” 

“You.” She breathed. Of course he did, no one else could make her feel this way. 

Her effort to hold back her moans were poor, soft squeaks tumbling from her mouth as Harry pumped his fingers in and out—the wet sound of being finger-fucked only audible between the two of them.

“You seem tense, baby.” He echoed, pressing a kiss against her cheekbone, soft, barely there. “Something on your mind?”

She raised her hand toward his shoulder, balling the fabric in her hands as she struggled to stay quiet. His knuckles pounded against her pussy selfishly, a sick sense of pride spreading around his chest. “Fuck, H. Just like that.”

He could feel the way she fluttered around him, the way she was so close to coming just from his fingers.

But, he smirked, pulling his hand from her panties, her arousal glistening under the neon lights. A whimper fell from her lips, her shoulders falterning, a frustration bubbling over. His other hand sat on her bare knee as he took the smallest step backward, bringing those two fingers to his lips, licking the tip of them like he swiped them through a sweet dessert. 

His lips were slick as he leaned back in, kissing her. Her legs tightened around his own as she tasted herself on him, the heat between her thighs growing unbearable. 

And he smiled into it, biting her lip as he pulled away. A warmth settled in his tummy, he felt like he could float—

happy that he could taste cherries again.

[dcxdpdabbles]

DCxDP fanfic idea: Corporate Rivals

Bruce is really excited to hire a boy genius from a small time town. He found him by accident while scrolling through some creative writing competition past winners on various school sites. He originally wanted ideas for his own contest for the annual Wayne Young Writers Scholarship when he stumbled up Amity Parks Youth Authors.

Daniel Fenton's science fiction had won second place, and Bruce thinks he only lost due to the judges not realizing all the science of the gadgets his charaters used were real. Real, well explain and proper research. Daniel obviously knew his stuff and knew it well.

He had reached out to Daniel with a science scholarship opportunity, wanting to see what he would come up with. He gave him a basic assignment asking him to fulfill a prompt "Software or Hardware development for disabled" in either theory or model. If he created something worthwhile, Bruce would send him ten grand.

Daniel did not disappoint, not only doing the theory paper but also sending back a prototype of a pocket ASL translator. It would be an app on a phone that would have an AI watching through a camera of the person doing sign language and say out loud what the person was saying. It had a few bugs here and there, but for a high schooler, those were very impressive accomplishments.

Bruce found himself sponsoring the boy for early high school graduation. The young Fenton boy was a genius just like his parents, but he lacked proper motivation. Bruce suspected it was due to his school not challenging him enough much like Tim.

When Daniel got his diploma Bruce offered a few rid to Gotham University with the condition he would be a employee at WE. Daniel agreed under the condition it was as a proper employee and not a unpaid intern. A little daring for a kid getting already a amazing deal but Bruce liked his moxy and agreed.

Daniel Fenton was to be a worker in the RD department for WE tech in one week.

He couldn't wait to introduce him to Tim. Two young geniuses would get along swimmingly with their shared brain prowess!

______________________________________

Tim hated the new guy.

They were the same age, but everyone acted like he was amazing for finishing high school and starting university while also being a top WE reseacher and Devloper at such a young age.

Oh Tim was CEO, but as many people have whispered, he didn't graduated Highschool or have a GED so the only reason he got to be CEO was because of nepotism. Danny on the other hand got his position through hard work.

Which was ironic, seeing as the company has never done so well since Tim came on board. Their sales, PR, and production numbers all tripled because of him. Danny, on the other hand, was a sloth with little to no ambition. He didn't even work well with others! He mostly did solo projects and everyone seemed fine with that since genius "need their own space"

Tim has been networking since he was three years old, and failure to do so had always reflected badly on him and his company. He spent his entire life careful choosing his words and his actions. Even his appearance, what he wore, his hairstyle even the hand gesture when he talked, were planned before hand.

Then comes Fenton, who avoids crowds, dressed in the worst formal wear Tim has ever seen . Black jeans were not formal!- and acted like this important office was just a after school hang out spot. Now Tim was much more laid back than his board co-workers, who were all in their fifties or older, and even more relax then the mangers or superiors of lower stations but even he could not understand Fenton blaring music, bags of chips lingering everywhere and his ordination skills were none existing!

Not to mention the fact Daniel didn't believe in using computers unless he had to. His office was covered in towers of paper that he scribbled and work on! It was such a waste!

And yet, despite all of that, Daniel was rapidly becoming an asset to WE. His ASL translator app wasn't finished, but it had everyone buzzing with excitement and would be well received when it was released with Wayne Phones as a built in app.

Tim tried to avoid him as best he could least he get offended by his lack of work proper behavior

Daniel Fenton did not understand what it meant to put your all into something that you lost yourself along the way. Best to ignore him.

________________________________________

Danny couldn't stand his company CEO. Timothy Drake reminded him a little too much of the A-listers but without the bulling bit. Somehow, that made it worse.

Timothy was popular because he was well liked. He didn't need to relay on his good looks or aggression to make other yeild to him like Paulina or Dash. Even if he was ridiculously good looking to the point, Danny confused him for a siren when he met him.

He had the ability to walk into any room and take command if it. Timothy didn't even need to speak, his very presence commanded attention and awe. Not to mention how great he was at his job.

WE had always been a popular corporation but under Timothy's command they rose to one of the most important corporations in the world. Bruce Wayne was raised to run a company, Timothy Drake was born to run it. There was a large enough difference between the two that anyone could see Timothy was superior at running things.

Danny was nothing like that. He couldn't talk to people, couldn't make them like him, and often he was overlooked for his sister or his wacky but loveable parents.

He was the other Febton. The one that was there and nothing else. A few months ago he was even considered the dumb Fenton, who somehow was skipped over for intelligence.

Then he wrote a little story and everything changed.

Danny turned out to be a proper Fenton, after all, having gotten the attention of Bruce Wayne for his mind. His parents haven't been so proud of him in a long time, and he found himself accepting the job position after graduating high school early before he knew it.

Along with the job came a move to Gotham city. He went after debating it a great deal with his family and friends, but the deal was too sweet to turn down. Now he was in Gothem and he knew absolutely no one.

Danny didn't know how to make new friends here. Tucker and Sam had been the ones to approach him at the beginning of their friendships. He also was scared of getting close to his co-worker less they suspect his Phantom powers.

He knew that Metas was not welcome, and he thought Batman wouldn't care that he was technically dead and not with a meta gene.

So he focused on his work, avoiding large crowds and keeping his head down. He would turn on music to help pass the loneliness and would gater papers to write down his thoughts less they made him mad by running around his head all day.

This anxious insecurity was something Timothy Drake would never understand. He just shone like a fallen star, dazzling the masses with his neat press suits, easy charisma, and intelligent bedroom eyes. Best to ignore him.

________________________________________

Dick never really ventured to WE now that he moved out. He made a habit of trying to visit Tim every two weeks for lunch to fix this. He also really wanted to spend more one on one time with his little brother now that they reconsidled from Bruce's timeline fiasco.

He was still well known by the employees, even new ones, so when Dick arrived to the lobby he was waved in by security. The receptionists were all huddled together muttering to eachother and missed his entrance since security didn't call out to him.

Dick could tell the gossip they were talking about was juicy based on the way Lola was wiggling her eyebrows and Stacy and Isaiah's reaction.

He creeps closer to the front desk, hoping to hear something good.

"Isn't that against the rules?" Isaiah asks.

"WE doesn't have anything like that. Not since Thomas Wayne married his old PA and had Bruce. I think it's cute that Mr.Drake is following in his adoptive Grandfather's footsteps."

Dick paused, shocked. Tim liked someone at WE!?

"They aren't even dating yet, Lola"

"Yeah but you can cut the sexual tension with a- Mr. Grayson! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you. How can I help you?"

Dick blinks. "Oh I'm here to see Tim for lunch. But what was that about Tim you were saying?"

The woman pales as the other two quickly become busy with some email or another.

"Oh, um, I'm so sorry, sir. I shouldn't have -"

"It's fine I don't mind a little chat between co-workers. I'm just curious"

Lola stares before nervously blurting "Rumor has it that um, Mr.Drake has a thing for Daniel Fenton"

"The new boy genius?" Dick thinks about it considering what he knows of Tim's type and his past preferences in partners before nodding "That tracks actually"

He says his thanks and hurries away to Tim's office unaware he may have confirmed a relationship between Tim and Danny.

The gossip circles in WE exploded with the news everyone careful not to let the two subjects hear a whisper.

[luv4fushi]

jealous text messages from your jjk boyfriend

jjk - gojo satoru, nanami kento, fushiguro megumi, itadori yuji, inumaki toge x gn!reader

content: fluff, established relationships!, silliness, a bit ooc sorryyyy

click on my masterlist for more!

gojo satoru

nanami kento

fushiguro megumi

itadori yuji

inumaki toge

a/n: it was honestly so difficult to make this so idk if i want to make more in the future. i think these messages aren’t very accurate to the actual characters but i hope you still enjoyed regardless of that. thanks your for reading!

[stark-lord]

Which could, of course, mean nothing.

+ bonus

[calamitoustide]

thinking about frat boy James who tells Regulus he doesn't do "relationships" and Regulus agrees to just be casual and see other people which is completely fine... until there's a party they both attend with different dates and James sees Regulus with someone else for the first time and he loses his fucking mind

[coloursflyaway]

As much as I love (and understand) everyone being wild about Edwin in Port Townsend, you can't tell me that clients don't fall in love with Charles left and right, too.

Have you seen the boy?

The softest, warmest brown eyes you could imagine, surrounded by the longest lashes. A nose so regal it would make Greek sculptors cry with joy. Cheekbones so sharp you could cut a diamond on them. Curls you want to card your fingers through and never stop again. A smile so brillant it could replace the sun.

I'm sure there's an army of people just swooning over Charles back in England.

And Edwin? Edwin would have hated that ever since it happened the first time, but now he knows why it hurts that much when someone calls Charles babe or luv or darling and I am pretty sure that that would make it so much worse.

[havesomewafflefrys]

The doctor, standing there, with a face of pure jealousy and discust, as he watched Rose pet a fucking cat. Will NEVER not be funny to me.

[shaylogic]

[sweetlullabyebye]

Charles Rowland being so chill about Edwin's fanboys

[paintedcrows]

Assorted Gravity Falls doodles!

[joonieskinks]

I just read your blurb where reader wakes up and she’s married to Sergeant Soap and not Captain Soap but I feel like what if it’s reversed. What if she’s this young bonnie thing with a young husband and then she wakes up to be married to older, slightly more mature, Captain MacTavish.

uh- HELLO?? I love it. Sorry it took so long but here you go, hope I did it justice xx

warning: age gap so shoo if ur not into it

You sat up slowly in the bed, stilling orientating yourself and emerging from sleep. You had thought the sheets felt a little different, but assumed that maybe you were still dreaming. It was only when your eyes opened did you realize you weren’t at home anymore.

You were on base in the early morning, in a room that looked an awful like your husband’s when you would come to see him and stay with him for a couple nights. Well, that was what you did until his passing.

Johnny and you were a young love. He got down on one knee before he was even 23, and got to the altar before 24. You only got a couple months with him as husband and wife- a young widow they now called you. Everyday is hard, but that horrible day you received the news plays over and over in your mind all the time like a nightmare you just can’t shake.

John, Simon and Kyle all came to your door to tell you personally. They cried with you and stayed with you, they promised they would help take care of you, always. It’s what Johnny would have wanted.

The panic finally began to sink in as you could not remember how you got here. Everything was different but also incredibly familiar. This was the base alright, but the layout seemed altered, the paint a different colour. Looking around, you turned on the nightstand light, eyes briefly glancing at the framed photo beside.

It was like your blood turned cold.

There was your Johnny.

That’s your Johnny with his boys, with John, Simon, Kyle. But older, so much older. But he was alive, he was smiling, he’s so handsome and he’s there-

You shot out of bed, running into the hallway, searching for anyone, any familiar face. For your husband. Is he your husband? If he’s older? But how is he alive? Is he still alive?

The questions running around your head, threatening to ignite tears from your eyes. You turn a sharp corner, bumping straight into a hefty figure.

“Sorry” you stumbled out, trying to regain your balance.

“‘S alright.” The man started, looking down at the small, young girl who’s a frantic mess before him.

“Hey, hold on,” he starts again, and you glance up. Coming face to face with John Price. Much older, a thicker beard adorning his face, but that same damn hat. It was him.

“Slow down there a sec and-“

“John?”

The recognition in your voice stops him in his tracks, he looks you over for a couple seconds and shakes his head.

“Think you might be mistaken, love.” He smiles gently, trying to be as polite as possible.

“Johnathon Price- Captain. You, Kyle, Simon and my Johnny were all on Taskforce 141 when we met. You even came to our wedding, you were one of the groomsmen for crying out loud. I-“

“Stop right there.” John orders, his hands coming to grip your shoulders. “How could you possibly know about all that?”

“John, I know you. Now, what’s going on? How did I get here and why’re you older?” You asked, utterly confused and exhausted, you needed answers and you needed them now.

He glanced around the room before making his decision.

“Alright, come with me. We’ve gotta talk.”

-

John sat you down in a private room with a two-way mirror where you told him all about himself, how you woke up here and your marriage. Your Johnny MacTavish, your young husband who went by Soap. Everything, you laid it all on the table, the task force, the mission, the death. Everything.

And John believed you, as crazy as it sounded, from wherever you came from and however you got here- because how else could you know all this?

As he listened, he kept looking to your ring finger, the gold band adorning that you refused to ever take off. He admired your devotion.

John sat, silent when you finished, glancing towards the mirror every now again. Thinking and planning his next move.

“Wait here.” He stood up from his chair and left out the door, leaving you with your own thoughts. But only the same questions were on repeat.

Where am I? What was that photo? Why is he older? Is he still alive? Does he know who I am? Would he think I’m crazy? What now?

You almost didn’t register the sound of Price opening the door again until his figure reappeared. He could only stare at you, empathy in his eyes. Although this was a weird situation, he could tell you were genuine and wanted to help, so he trusted you. Anything for his boys, Johnny included.

“He’s been listening.” John starts and you draw in a breath.. You didn’t even know you were holding it.

He? As in your Johnny?

“He would like to meet you, if you’d like to see him-“

“Yes.” You reply without thinking.

Eager for anything, anything at all that could bring you a glimpse Johnny. The love of your life taken so young, life was so cruel and unfair. Taking him just as you were happiest. He was alive but was this still your Johnny? From the photo he was older, he’s different. He probably doesn’t even know who you are, for all you know he could be married, have his own kids. Who the hell are you to interrupt all of that?

“Then I’ll take my leave.” John huffs, interrupting your thoughts. He eyes you up and down one last time before exiting once again.

You sit up from your chair instinctively, playing with your ring. It’s only now that the doubt hits you like a truck.

Would he believe you? Would he laugh you off? Would he even like what he sees?

The thoughts raced until he opened up the door, reveling himself to you. Then you could only stare in shock.

That was your Johnny.

Older, yes. But that was him. Banged up with more scars, he looks tired yet wears his age well, you just wish you could’ve seen him grow older alongside you… But that’s your Johnny alright.

His eyes drag from the floor to meet yours and he offers you a small smile. It’s enough to shoot the air back into your lungs and for your heart to beat again. The tears starts to leave your eyes and your hands shoot up to wipe them away.

Johnny takes a good look at you and particularly that golden wedding band that he supposedly gave you. It’s still always been his dream to marry a girl like you, in some odd way he feels proud that in another life he got you. A gorgeous, caring and devoted wife that he could love up and spoil. Johnny knows himself and in any life, he would do the same: wife up a woman like you. Looks like he did. Looks like he still could.

“I ‘eard what ye said.” He softly speaks. You close your eyes at the sound. It feels so good to hear him again. A little different, but it’s still him.

“Bonnie, ye don’t have to cry.”

He steps forward to cup your face, wiping your tears away with his fingers. You place your own hands over his, keeping him there. Having him touch you again, it’s better than anything you could have ever prayed for. This is all you think about and to finally have it all come true. Even if it’s just for a second, you’d trade it all away.

“My wife, eh?” Johnny jokes to try and lighten the mood. You look up into his eyes and laugh with a smile despite the tears still leaking. He doesn’t mind, he wipes them still anyway.

“It’s so good to see you again.” You confess, a hand leaving his to touch his scarred face. From his cheeks, a thumb over his chin and his lips. He’s so hard to look away from, how handsome he grew up to be. His gaze and attention makes you bite your lip out of habit. A blush flooding your cheeks- he still has the same effect on you. Damn.

The feeling goes straight to your core, and you react before you can think. Bringing your face to his, foreheads resting against each others while your hands explore his back and shoulders, his neck and through his hair. Something he used to love, and it makes you whine a little when he moans at the feeling. He loves your touch just as much.

“Lass, yer doin’ somethin’ wild to me.” Johnny stumbles out, his hands coming to rest on your waist, pulling you in until you’re flush with his body. He feels so good, so toned under his clothes and solid. You didn’t want him to stop, your mind starting to spin.

He runs his hands up your sides, gliding your shirt up to touch the bare skin underneath. The slightest touch has you moaning his name out and he can’t help but swell with pride as he sees this gorgeous, young girl before him come apart, desperate for more of him. His ego has never felt so big until this moment.

“Johnny…”

“What do y’a need?” He mumbles out against your lips, brushing them with just enough touch to set your skin on fire, begging for more.

“Kiss me.” You lean further into his touch, eyes fluttering shut. It’s all too much, and yet you want more. God, you knew that if he were to take you right here in this room, you’d come undone within a minute. Easily. Happily.

“Please.”

“Well- what the wife wants, the wife gets.” He chuckles as he clashes his lips to yours, his large frame utterly engulfing your small one. The way he uses your title so easily, wife- you can’t help but need more of him everywhere, all over like a wife deserves from her husband. Your own hands itching for more of him to touch, your mouths moving together, tongues finding each other as he hums against you.

Johnny guides you and gently backs you up against the wall, a hand protecting your head as your body meets it. You try to pull him even closer to you, grabbing at his clothes when you realize you need him completely bare. It’s been so long since you’ve felt good, only ever wanting your husband. And now here he is just for you. You wonder if he’s even better now with his age... Hard to tell without a test drive.

But it’s only when you need to part for air that some of reality comes back to you.

Guilt.

“Wait, Johnny.” The alarm bells go off in his head and he looks at you worriedly.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing his eyebrows crease you immediately try to calm him. Another kiss to his lips and he eases up a bit. Just like he used to.

“I need to know. Do you- do you already have someone? A wife?”

Your nerves hit once more. He could still have someone in this universe or wherever you are. And even like this, you couldn’t be that woman that ruins a marriage. Even if he does feel rightfully yours.

Johnny smiles a bit at the question before glancing downward, almost as if he’s shy or embarrassed.

“Nay, never did.” He starts before taking your cheeks back into his hands, looking into your eyes.

“Just you.”

The biggest smile breaks out on your face, your hands tugging at his shirt to bring his lips back down to yours. He feels good, warm, right. Yours. Still yours. Always yours.

“I know I’m a little young, but that doesn’t bother you, does it?” You ask with a slight smirk against his lips.

Johnny just laughs, his hands working their way down your body to cup your ass almost possessively.

“Certainly not.” His eyes looking all over your face, taking you all in. Gods, you’re gorgeous and all his? He could still hardly believe it, but he’ll be damned if he didn’t at least get to know you and try to make it all work with you. He owes that much to himself.

“Does it bother you?”

“Hmm? You being older?” You ask innocently.

Johnny only nods, still admiring your beautiful face, his girl.

You shake your head no, not daring to look away from his gaze.

“I think it’s sexy, Sergeant John MacTavish.” You quip teasingly.

A groan escapes his lips, his pants straining against him almost painfully at this point. He needed you now or he might combust.

“This room or mine?” Johnny whispers, bringing his knee in between your legs and his mouth to your ear.

“And it’s Captain now, bonnie. Make a decision or I’ll make one for ya. Put on a show.” He glances to the two-way mirror and a nervous giggle leaves your lips.

Your husband most certainly would do such a thing.

-

Johnny was sure to make you use his proper title as he properly had you in bed, as well as used yours.

And with your volume and his reach, everyone on the base now knew he had a wife.

Things were complicated, sure, but you two would figure it out. He knew you both wanted to give it a try and were both willing despite it all.

And after a few weeks, he decides that all there’s left to do is buy a ring of his own that’ll match yours.