#the dates are either way before the deadline or after it

[honeekyuu]

talk too much. [suna rintarou x reader]

twelve. lipstick

previous || masterlist || next

a/n. you ever just miss a man so much you pick up a hobby again?

warnings: suna rintarou

✗ !!! minors do not interact !!! ✗

✗ !!! ignore timestamps !!! ✗

“We’re still on for Saturday, right?”

You swallow down the bite of dinner, smiling nervously into the camera. Suna’s got two fries in his mouth, and he’s not looking at you. His gaze focused very carefully on his drawing pad, stylus gripped loosely between his fingers and following the path his wrist sets with care.

It’s just after seven o’clock, but you’d been on the phone since two. He’d clocked quite a few extra hours in the studio this week due to some project deadlines, and you’d dutifully sat on the other end of a facetime call every night. Your own work remains undone, the problem set haunting you from the corner of your desk. You have a draft of a chapter for your writing class up on your monitor, your messy notes open on your laptop. 

You’d been doing that more recently, too. Blatantly ignoring the responsibilities of your major to actually invest in your electives, this one in particular. You’d always been interested in writing, but it’d been more of a passing hobby than anything else. This class – and the encouraging feedback from your professor – had made it scarily real for you in the last few weeks, with a terrible, lingering hope filling you. A terrible hope that this might be what you’ve wanted to do this whole time. A terrible, nagging thought that the unopened problem set on your desk might be indicative of something bigger that you’ve been trying not to acknowledge.

You’re more than happy to set that issue aside to engage Suna’s conversation.

“Saturday?” you say, spooning more of your rice bowl into your mouth while you give him your attention. He only glances at you, eyes dropping to your mouth before flitting toward his own dinner shyly. He shoves nearly half of his burger in his mouth, only snorting when you watch in horror, before nodding.

“‘aturday,” he mumbles plainly, and you have to pull up your calendar because you know that’s all you’re getting.

PUMPKIN PATCH – DON’T FREAK.

Well, that’s not helpful.

Your chest swarms with nerves, and you do your best to appear as though a brick of fear hasn’t just come down over your head.

“Oh, yeah. Yeah, that sounds good.”

He sees right through it, swallowing while he cuts you a disbelieving glance. “You’re so nonchalant and cool.”

You laugh, hiding behind a hand. “Sorry, I’m freaking out.”

“Me, too.”

His honesty is disarming as always. 

“Yeah?”

“Incredibly. But I still wanna do it.”

You purse your lips, warming. “Me, too.”

A beat passes, and then a voice full of fond amusement. “Yeah? You sure?” 

A roll of your eyes, the draw of his laugh when he sees it.

“Yes, Rinnie. I’m sure.”

A sigh of frustration masked as a laugh. “You’re so cruel for that.”

It’s hard to focus on your draft that night.

–

You take a deep breath and exhale slow. Slow. 

Breathe in, turn to look at yourself in the mirror, this way and that. 

Breathe out slow. Slow. 

“It’s okay,” you say to yourself, breathing in slow and then breathing out slower. “It’s okay, it’s Suna.”

It’s Suna, the same boy you’ve been talking to for weeks – months, really. The same boy who’s proven again and again that he’s not like any boy you’ve ever met before. The same boy who’d asked to pick you up this morning, who’d asked to walk entirely out of his way to pick you up for a date. A date that he’d been pushing for since before either of you could consider it one.

“It’s Suna,” you breathe again, forcing yourself to be okay with how your hair looks. “Just a first date. With Suna.” 

There are three quiet knocks on the front door, echoing around your apartment and into your bedroom.

Just a first date with Suna.

You start to sweat almost immediately.

“Okay,” you breathe, fanning your face with nervous hands and walking on shaky legs to your bedroom door. “Okay, I can do this.” You look around the living room as you cross it, making sure the space is tidy and lacking anything potentially embarrassing. You’d already checked five times, but one more couldn’t hurt.

By the time your hand is on the doorknob, your face is burning and your hands are clammy.

The man on the other side of the door doesn’t look much better.

It’s weird, meeting someone you’ve known for months.

The first thing you notice is that he’s tall. You’d known. You’d known he’d be tall, but fuck, he’s tall.

The second thing you notice is that he’s got dark features but light eyes. Green eyes, but black hair, black eyebrows. Green eyes, but inky black eyelashes that flutter over them. You’d known that too, from the photos and the calls, but his eyes are greener and his hair is darker in person. His clothes are just as dark, grey shirt tucked into black jeans and dark plaid flannel thrown over the top.

You notice the piercings and tattoos, too. The lip ring he tugs nervously between his teeth, the uneven number of piercings on his left ear and right ear, glinting in the light of your apartment hallway. The black ink peeking out from under the sleeves of his flannel, dark ink and pale, ringed fingers.

Pale, ringed fingers that are shaking just slightly, wrapped tight around a bouquet of flowers.

He looks exactly the same as he does in his photos – the familiarity is nearly overwhelming – but everything is new, intense. The reality of Suna Rintarou is stronger than it had been before.

“Hi,” you whisper, staring up at him with wide eyes. He stares back, looking just as stunned.

“Hi-” he breathes, cutting short and swallowing hard. You watch his Adam’s apple bob, ink on his throat moving with it. “-pretty girl.”

You’re not sure you’ll survive this day.

You shiver, breaking eye contact nervously and trying not to let the chills that his voice induces run rampant on your skin. “Do…” You glance over your shoulder and then back at him. “D’you wanna come in? For coffee or something?”

You watch his face redden in real time, watch his ears turn pink as he looks away from you. 

He’s as nervous as you are.

“Sure,” he says quietly. “That sounds nice.” He follows you inside, stepping carefully into your foyer and looking around curiously while he takes his shoes off. “I like your place.”

You warm, padding into the kitchen to start making coffee. You’re distracted beyond belief, distracted by the overwhelming sense of Suna’s presence. It only worsens when you glance back to thank him and realize that he’d followed you down the hall. “Oh. Hi.”

His eyes scan your face – your wide eyes and surprised blush – and then he bites down on his lip ring, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “Hi. Am I making you nervous?”

Laughter bubbles out of you, and that wave of familiarity returns, washing away some of your anxiety about meeting him. You already know him.

“Maybe,” you tease, nodding back at the bouquet hanging limply in his hand. “But not any more nervous than I’m making you.”

Suna glances down, realizing that his hand is gripped so tight around it that petals are starting to shed off of the flowers onto your floor. “Oh-” He holds out the bouquet, grimacing when more petals float down between you. “This is for you.”

You smile, feeling a swell of giddiness rise in your chest – the one that you’ve always gotten with him, from the moment you started to fall for him. “I have some vases in that cabinet over the fridge,” you say, still grinning stupidly at him. His eyes twinkle, and you know he’s caught the tinge of domesticity in the way you talk to him. “Help me out, 6’3”?”

He sets the bouquet on the counter, never taking his eyes off of you. “Whatever you say, pretty girl.”

Oh, good lord.

You press a clammy hand to your heated face, watching him cross the kitchen toward you. You lean into the corner of the counter when he stops close enough to you that his scent washes over you, warm and comforting and so Suna and new that you have to fight not to gravitate toward him. 

Suna reaches up with ease, pulling the cabinet open and plucking a small vase from inside. He smirks to himself while he does. “Why d’you keep these up here if you can’t reach?”

“So I can get pretty boys like you to do it for me,” you joke, basking in the nervous flutter of those inky black lashes and the sharp cut of those green eyes down to yours.

“Got a lot of pretty boys on your roster?” His voice drips in annoyance, but his face is a lovely pink color and he can’t seem to keep eye contact with you.

“Just one,” you say, your confidence leaving you when he hands over the vase. Your fingers brush against his, and your heart flies to your throat, the nerves unbearable. You turn away, filling the vase with water from the tap and putting far too much care into arranging the bouquet. You feel him behind you, feel his eyes burning through your skin as he takes you in.

“I like your jeans,” is all he says. 

You glance down, taking in the light denim jeans and burnt orange cardigan you’d spent way too much time picking out last night. You’re not the biggest fan of how the jeans fit you, mainly because they’re much more form-fitting than you’re used to, but you’d really wanted to try something new for him. To show him how far you’ve come.

“Thanks,” you whisper nervously. “I’m still getting used to them.” He doesn’t say anything, but there’s a large part of you knows that he doesn’t need to. You can feel his pride from here, washing over you in waves of heat.

You turn back to him, leaning all your weight on the counter so you don’t collapse. “I like your outfit, too.”

His grin is torture, you’re sure of it.

“Thanks,” he mumbles. “I tried really hard today.” When you just beam up at him playfully, he sighs in defeat and looks away. He scans over all the things on your fridge, lingering on the polaroids of you with your friends while he speaks. “‘s probably better if we skip the coffee and just go.”

Your face drops, and you blink in confusion. “Why?”

He just smiles in a way that feels self-deprecating, eyes locked on a photo of Alisa and Suga kissing each of your cheeks while you laugh. He swallows, staring down at it with something warm in his gaze. “If we stay here much longer, I’m not gonna wanna leave.”

He has no idea how okay with that you just might be.

Still, he’d promised you a pumpkin patch.

You step toward him, closing the distance and watching as his gaze flits to yours nervously. You press your chest to his while you reach past him for the fridge, pretending you don’t feel his breath stutter or the fingers that brush against your waist.

There’s another photo, just under the one he’d fixated on – it had been taken the same night, just last week in fact. A weeknight when the three of you had decided that bellinis and Breakfast Club could be the only cure to your end-of-semester stress. When Alisa had whipped out a cheap polaroid camera and demanded a photoshoot, when Suga had only been so glad to order delivery for more alcohol and raid your closet for stupid photoshoot outfits. When the three of you had gotten drunk and giddy enough for your newfound confidence – still shy and small and in no small way nurtured by the very man in front of you now – to make an appearance, encouraged in the whoops and hollers of your friends when they’d seen the new you come out.

When you’d climbed drunkenly into Alisa’s lap and let her take a sexy – incredibly blurry, but still sexy – snapshot of you, the memory of Suga cheering in the background while shaking his ass to the end track of Breakfast Club embedded in the glossy film of your smeared lipstick. 

You’d kept the photo, too in love with the memories that had come with it. But you think maybe it would belong better elsewhere.

“Here,” you say, pressing the front of the photo to his chest while you back away, watching with warm ears when he takes it but keeps his eyes on yours. “You can keep that one in your wallet, if you want.”

His eyebrows lift in surprise, but you turn away and move back down the hall before you can watch him look at it. 

Still, the hushed ‘holy shit’ echoes all the way to the foyer while you put your shoes on, and you bite down a laugh.

“Ready to go?” you call, tying up your sneakers and hearing Suna rush unsteadily out of the kitchen. 

“Y-Yeah, sorry,” he calls back distractedly. Glancing up through your lashes, heart pounding in your ears at your own courage, you catch as he tucks the photo away in his wallet, just behind his ID. He folds his wallet carefully and slips it in his front pocket, inked fingers still trembling slightly. 

You walk out after him, locking the door and following him down to the nearest bus stop. He can’t seem to decide if he should stand a friendly distance from you while you wait or if he should press his side against yours, so you linger closer to him to let him know it’s okay. He flushes but steps right up to you, facing you and using his frame to block the wind when he sees how you tense against it. 

You stand in a silence that’s somehow both comforting and unnerving, meeting his eyes and then looking away nervously. He just watches you, lips pulling into a fond smile every few moments before he remembers to smother it. He reaches out to you after a while, running cold fingers over your ears and tapping the tips of his fingers against your done-up hair, grinning when you give him an empty glare.

“I like these,” he mumbles, toying with your dangly pumpkin earrings. His thumb brushes over your jaw and then your cheek, and then he finally drags it lightly against your bottom lip, your lipstick coming off a little on his skin. “Pretty.”

You inhale sharply, head swimming with the feel of his fingers and the smell of him – of his clothes and his cologne. So gentle and warm, yet so goddamn overwhelming.

You look up at him through your lashes, parting your lips just slightly, and his eyes grow wide as he stares down at you. He blinks in surprise, and you’re not totally sure what’s just happened. But his thumb leaves your lip, and you find yourself turning toward it, chasing the feeling for just a moment longer. Chasing him for just a moment longer.

The sound of the bus turning the corner breaks the spell Suna Rintarou’s put you under.

You blink rapidly, taking a small step back and watching Suna swallow hard. His face is redder than you think the wind can be blamed for, but he just turns and holds a hand out to help you onto the bus. Your skin burns where it touches his, and you shyly show the driver your student ID before leading Suna down the aisle, his fingers interlacing with yours the moment you start to pull away.

He’s grinning to himself when you finally choose a seat. You roll your eyes but let him rest your hands in his lap. 

After a moment where he’s checking how many stops are left, he pulls out a pair of corded headphones, holding one out to you.

“Want me to show you my sick music taste?”

You laugh, thankful you’d chosen a seat in the back, because the way you’re looking up at him is nothing short of pathetic.

He unlocks his phone, but it opens immediately to a paused YouTube video of a famous Pokemon gamer streaming a playthrough. You lift your brows, staring up at Suna with knowing eyes. He flushes and hurries to close it out.

“Sorry,” he mutters. “I was watching it on my walk over to calm my nerves.”

You giggle and point down to his screen. “Put it on, then.”

He scoffs. “Yeah, okay.”

“No, really,” you insist. “Put it on. I wanna watch it.”

He turns to you with wide eyes. “There’s no way in hell you want to watch this.”

You roll your eyes and take his phone, rewinding the video a bit and pressing play. You try to catch up with all the new information while Suna just stares down at you. You hum after a second.

“So, it’s a Nuzlocke?” 

He doesn’t answer you, only blurting out, “You’re the girl of my dreams”. You laugh, glancing around the crowded bus before shaking your head and returning to the video.

“Yeah, you mighta mentioned that once or twice.”

–

The wind is sharp out in the middle of the pumpkin patch, but you can’t tell if your cheeks are red and stinging from that or from the sheer force of smiling so much.

Suna makes you laugh like it’s his job. He whispers quick one-liners in your ear or into your hair, smiling against the crown of your head when you hide your grin behind your hand.

He treats you like a princess, holding your hand so you don’t trip on the vines and uneven ground while you pick out a pumpkin to take home. He carries everything for you, despite your complaints, and makes a point of still holding your hand. 

And when you finally manage to find a large tote bag to shove all your souvenirs into – designated home pumpkin, popcorn, apple cider donuts, and a variety of knick knacks – he all but fights you for possession of it in the middle of the gift shop. You let him win, and as a reward, he keeps his chest pressed against your back while you wait in line for a short hay ride, one hand – fingers cold and rings colder – pressed to your waist under your cardigan, your skin pebbling under his touch.

He leans down to listen to you talk about nothing in particular, and you wonder, as the line trudges slowly along, if he realizes that his other arm is wrapped tight around you, his thumb hooked through one of your belt loops. You wonder if he realizes that the quiet push and pull of mutual nerves that had kept its hold on you all day is finally falling away, his comfort shown in the way he grabs and holds you like you’re his.

You wouldn’t mind that so much.

You finally reach the front, and he helps you up onto the hay ride, the two of you finding a little spot in the corner. Suna sets your bag between his knees but lets it sit right on his feet, the cloth tote never touching the floor of the wagon. You hum, watching him do it.

“Do you have sisters?”

He blinks, glancing at you in surprise. “A younger one, yeah.”

“Are you close with her?”

He smiles, still confused. “Sometimes…?”

You just laugh, looking away and taking in the view outside the ride. “I can tell. You don’t let bags touch the floor.”

He glances down at his feet. “I-” He laughs. “She told me it was bad luck. Smacked me over the head with her purse once.”

You grin fully, your cheeks hurting again, and shake your head. “Not tryna risk any bad luck today, Rinnie?”

He barks out a laugh, hiding his face in your hair when a couple glances back in amusement.

“I’m still not sure how I got you to like me,” he whispers against you. “I’m not risking shit.”

The ride stops outside of a large corn maze, and other people file off of the wagon slowly. You wait until it’s nearly empty to stand, taking him with you, but you stop him from leaving, pulling him back quickly and rising onto your tiptoes to whisper in his ear.

“You can afford to risk a little bit more.” 

And then you plant your lips on the corner of his mouth in a kiss so chaste that he barely has time to inhale before you’re gone. You hop off the ride on your own, taking off toward the maze. He calls after you loudly, laughing when you just disappear into a wall of corn.

You race through a whirlwind of corn stalks and trip over the uneven ground, hearing as Suna crashes into the maze behind you. Your heart jumps to your throat, and you lead him deeper into the middle of nowhere, accidentally scaring no fewer than three other groups of people and apologizing quietly while your name echoes behind you. 

You stop after a few minutes in a clearing, instantly regretting the decision to run and doing your best not to pass out right there. You barely hear him behind you, slowing to a stop and watching as you bend over to catch your breath.

“You lost, pretty girl?”

You jump, whirling on one foot, only to find Suna’s already crossed over to you. There’s a smudge of lipstick on the corner of his mouth.

“Okay, listen,” you start, laughing wildly as you back away. “Just listen for a sec-”

He grabs your outstretched hand and yanks you toward him, keeping you there with one arm wrapped around your waist.

“Did you mean that?” he asks, smiling as you try to wriggle free. “That I should risk more?”

“Okay, listen-” you laugh, pushing your hands against his chest. “I was just playing around-”

Suna’s mouth on yours tells you that he’s not.

The chills start in the crown of your head and wash down over you in an instant. Your heart stops in your chest, and when it starts again, it’s everywhere, all at once. His lip ring is cold on your mouth, but his lips are so unbelievably warm. And when he pulls away just enough to whisper to you, his breath triggers every nerve ending in your body.

“Fuck,” he whispers, breath unsteady in his chest. Your head swims at the feeling of his heartbeat under your fingers. “Was that okay?”

You can only nod, your vision hazy and your mind completely blank. He shuffles against you harshly, and you realize belatedly that your bag had slipped off his shoulder and he’d fumbled to catch it.

“Sorry,” he breathes. “Didn’t want to let it touch the ground.”

You stare up at him, wondering how you could have possibly gotten so lucky with Suna Rintarou.

You take his face in your hands, pushing your lips against his and swallowing the quiet whine he breathes into your mouth. 

He pulls you tight against him, and you push onto your tiptoes anytime he starts to lift too high, and he nearly drops you when you tug his lip ring between your teeth, your tongue passing nervously against it when he makes a sound that makes your toes curl. 

You only realize that maybe this isn’t totally appropriate for a family-friendly venue when you hear a family in the distance, trying to figure out the way out of the maze. You push against Suna’s chest, watching as he takes a moment longer to process what’s going on. When he does, all he can do is blink down at you dumbly. 

“Huh?” he breathes, face gradually burning a beautiful, rosy red that makes you want to do terrible things to this man.

You swallow your nerves.

“I think I’m ready to go,” you whisper, watching as confusion and then concern passes over his face. “If you’re ready to go.”

It clicks in an instant, and your heart skips when his eyes flick between yours before dropping to your lips, swollen and warm and completely his.

“Your place or mine?”

[trivia-yandere]

payment plan 2

“how long do we have?” part one

@investedreader @sweetempathprunetree @darkuni63 @momnomnom @bangtans-momma @chimmy-licious @princess-sunshyn @

word count: 3.707 warning: smut, affair/cheating, dirty talking, jin is conniving and sneaky, but he's also kind when he wants to be, car sex, kissing, unprotected sex, creampie, dirty talk, licking, face-slapping

kinktober masterlist - early release :3

“No.” Jin scoffs, not raising his eyes to look at his elder brother. “You know we’ve been extra busy. We have deadlines coming up.”

“I've never asked for a day off.” his brother responds with a frustrated sigh. “I already missed our anniversary.”

Jin halts his writing, slowly lifting his eyes to his brother. He sits in his office, the quiet scenery was something he always enjoyed on the days he was supposed to be at work. However, his brother has ruined that for him once more - this time infiltrating his office demanding requests. 

“You didn’t miss your anniversary, brother. You forgot it.” Jin scoffs, tossing his pen aside and leans back into his office chair. “There’s a difference.”

“You overwork me and I barely have time to eat or sleep.” his brother grits through his teeth. “I never forgotten before-”

“But yet you have.” Jin waves his brother off. “And I don’t like your tone, either, brother. Have you forgotten just who you’re speaking with?”

Jin would never allow him to forget. For months he had allowed his brother to overwork him to the bone to pay off his debts. He appreciated his brother for allowing him and you to stay with him, allowed him to drive his cars and allowed him to have the highest paid job his company offered. Only it was such a high demanding job, as well, that required him at all hours of the day for weeks on end.

On his off days, he was far too tired. He recalls the times he and you would spend together - the dates he would take you on. Even if they were simple dates such as movies or walks in the park, to the restaurants and expensive vacations. He missed you - his wife - who could barely manage to look at him most times.

He could never blame you and he is positive that you’re growing to despise him. He had no time for you and it was entirely his fault. He had gone bankrupt and completely broke. It was his wrongdoings that caused him to lose his job, the house, car - everything. It was embarrassing to bring his wife into another man's home, even if it was his brother.

With the amount of work he busied himself with, he realized that he’s come to neglect you and your needs. You and he no longer slept in the same bed. He cannot remember when he had a home-cooked meal from you that was hot instead of warmed up after a long day. 

“No, brother.” he murmurs, defeated. “I…I just don’t want to lose my wife.”

Jin wants to laugh, to cackle in the face of his older brother. Of course he didn’t want to lose you, but he has already.  You were left alone the majority of your time and that only meant that you had more time for him - the brother that didn’t leave you broke and bankrupt. Over time, you’ve grown to enjoy your time together. He would say it began after Valentine’s Day after your time with him. He had spent thousands to assure you had the gifts he felt you deserve - the gifts his brother couldn’t take time off to give you. 

“She’s still there, isn’t she?” Jin questions. “After you’ve gone bankrupt?”

Jin watches the way his brother faces drops, biting the inside of his cheek. He cracks a smug grin and nods his head. “She is, brother. She isn’t going anywhere.”

Jin crosses his arms and tilts his head. “Besides, her birthday must’ve not been that important to you.”

“Of course it does!”

“If that was so, you would’ve requested the weekend off instead of trying to do it the day before.” Jin raises one brow and he wants to scoff, but he doesn’t want to appear too harsh to his brother. “You’re a last minute person, brother. Have you forgotten that you were needed in the meeting at our partner company?”

It was intentional, of course. He knew his brother would be too caught up in work that he would forget your birthday until the last minute. He understood that it would take his brother far too long to realize just what he was going to do, and by then he had since already planned for his brother to be away for the entire day.

Without you.

“You have hundreds of staff that-”

“You,” Jin roughly slams his hand onto his desk. Several items scattered across his desk bounces but it causes his brother to fall silent. “are who I pay to go to these meetings, brother. You get paid handsomely for the amount of work I give you.”

He remains silent, his eyes blinking away from his younger brother and slowly he nods. There was no arguing with Jin - he was the man who signed his checks at the end of it all. He understands that what his brother says is true - he should have requested the necessary days off, but he also wished that he could get a little weight cut off his shoulders. 

“Anything else?” Jin sighs. “I have to get through this paperwork by the end of the night, brother. Your ticket is bought."

Witnessing his brother shake his head sullenly, Jin nods. “Good. The meeting starts in…�� Jin checks his watch. “In about an hour. You should get going, brother.”

He doesn’t say anything else and instead makes his way out of the office. Jin could only scoff at how pathetic his brother was. To be the eldest but yet always depend on his younger brother. 

Jin had tried to warn you countless times that his brother was not the one for you - that he couldn’t provide for you; especially since technically he was. He had missed Valentine’s day, your anniversary and now your birthday.

Sure, it was Jin’s doing by scheduling him to work extra on certain days, but if he truly desired to be with you, nothing would stop him , right?

Right.

Jin taps his foot against the ground, his mind thinking back to just how long he could have you to himself if he ever decide to send his brother on a weekend work trip. He could wake up to you without you worrying about if your husband would come to your bedroom to look for you. He could hold you closer at night and inhale your sweet aroma; your favorite perfume you’d douse yourself with. He would get to wake up to you after a long night of fucking you into submission.

“You look beautiful.”

Your eyes flicker up from your drink to Kim Seokjin. Your lips turn to a low smile at his compliment.

“You look sad.” Jin takes a sip of his wine and raises his brow. “Why is that? Is my restaurant not enough?”

You roll your eyes. 

You were disappointed - but never surprised - when you realized your husband would be missing your birthday this year. You’ve come to celebrate most things without him, but you were never truly alone.

Seokjin always made sure to accompany you and after a while, your fear for him slowly lessened. You would joke around with him just as much as he would you. You enjoyed his company even if it was outside of sex. 

Sure, you still felt terrible after it all. You were cheating on your husband, but he didn’t make it any better. Him never being around was what made it easier - but you could blame Jin for that as your husband wasn’t the one who set his own hours. 

“Of course it’s enough.” you respond. “It’s a five star restaurant that you closed tonight just for my birthday.”

This is a restaurant you could never afford to go to alone as of late. One of the many businesses Jin owned, this restaurant was a spot that was always littered with wealthy individuals and it was difficult to find a table without a reservation. You could only imagine the money lost by being closed earlier than usual.

“Your birthday is a special day that deserves to be celebrated.”

“At least one of the Kim brothers agrees.”

You take a deep breath. You shouldn’t be angered with your husband - not now. Remember that it isn’t his fault; not completely. At the end of the day, you were just as bad as him. You know what Jin wants from you - the same thing that you were giving to him willingly.

“Thank you, Jin.”

Your eyes connect with Jin’s as you take a sip of your wine. You and he were alone in the restaurant, him having sent everyone home. The meal was cooked by him entirely, an act you had laughed at when he told you. “We could’ve stayed home if that was the case” was your response to him. However, the act warmed your heart.

“Thank you for joining me.” Jin sets his wine glass down and picks up his chopsticks to eat. “It doesn’t look like I dragged you here tonight.”

You snicker. “You’re funny.” you murmur. It’s true, however, that you don’t appear to be as frightened as before. You were walking on eggshells and allowing Seokjin to do whatever he desired because of how frightened you were of being kicked out. 

Now, however, it’s evident that Seokjin had no true intentions of letting you go. It’s an adrenaline rush for him to do what he does with you behind closed doors; an ego boost, as well.

You continue to drink the expensive wine, enjoying the moment of serenity. The music is low, but it’s nice. You hum along to it, nodding your head a bit as you continue to revel in the experience.

 “Do you….do you want to dance?”

Your eyes flutter open at Jin’s question, realizing that your food and his is already eaten and you’re slightly buzzed due to all the wine. He has an amused look on his face as he watches you. 

“Dance?” you snort. “You dance?”

“You couldn’t see me on the dancefloor, Y/N.” Jin jokes. “You’re drinking yourself tipsy as we speak. We’re the only ones here…”

Jin’s chair squeaks as he pushes himself back from the table and lifts himself up. He holds out his hand for you to take. You’re truly skeptical of dancing with him, even if it was something juvenile. Or maybe it’s because it felt more intimate; more than just two terrible humans being in an affair.

Jin licks his lips at the way your eyes look up at him. They’re clouded thanks to the wine, but they’re staring right through him the way they always do. 

“You better not let me fall in these heels.” you mumble, taking his hand in your own and allowing him to help you up.

Jin only chuckles at your words. He doesn’t take you far from the table until he’s holding you close. The music isn’t upbeat for you two to dance faster than you are, but even if it was it’s a different world you and he are in. 

“To the untrained eye…” you look up towards Jin and scoff. “...someone might think you’re in love.”

You’re only teasing him. You’re positive that Jin does have a sort of love for you - in a ‘I’m fucking my sister-in-law’ way - that you have for him. He does allow you to live for free in his home and drive his cars. The gifts he buys you are expensive just as they are unexpected. 

“Oh?” Jin raises a brow. “What would make people think Kim Seokjin was in love?”

Jin grasps both of your hands as he hears the music change to a song that's more upbeat. He begins to raise your arms up to dance along with him, to wave them from side to side. 

“I never seen Kim Seokjin dance before.” you catch yourself laughing at how idiotic you two possibly look. “Or have any type of fun.”

“Ah,” Jin’s eyes widened a bit. “you make me sound like an old, grumpy man that has no fun.”

You don’t respond - it’s all the response you need.

You weren’t accustomed to this Jin - the carefree man who’s laughing as the two of you dance around the empty restaurant, spinning and twirling. It’s a new sight from the usual reserved and, oftentimes, cold individual he usually is. 

It’s a refreshing sight to behold, truly. It made Jin more human, you think. Sure, you were no longer afraid of the man, but witnessing him smiling and laughing is still a breath of fresh air.

Suddenly, Jin turns you around so that his chest is against your back. 

“Do you like gardening?” Jin asks. 

“What do you mean?” you ask. You swallow, once again the music changes to a more calm tempo. “That’s a random question.”

“You usually tend to garden.” Jin states. “You’ve been planting flowers all around. You’ve even added a few inside the home.”

You nod slowly. You lean your head back to lean against him. “I do like gardening. It keeps me occupied.” you then shrug. “Is that a problem? You and your brother tend to have allergies.”

It’s true. Jin finds himself sneezing a bit more due to all the pollen inside the home, yet he doesn’t complain. He’s decided that taking allergy medication was best seeing as content you appeared to be when you watered the plants inside the home. “If it was a problem I would’ve gotten rid of them.”

You roll your eyes. 

“I do think someone like you should have a greenhouse.” Jin sits his chin on top of your head. “I have ordered one to be placed in tomorrow. Think of it as…a birthday gift.”

You turn around to face him quickly - so quick that it almost gives you motion sickness. 

“Well…say thank you.” Jin is taken aback by your reaction; or lack of one. “Are you alright?”

“You…are getting me a greenhouse?” you murmur, trying to understand him fully. “All because I like gardening?”

Jin blinks. 

“Yes?” Jin is unsure if that was the right decision or not. “It’s something you’d like to do, is it not? It’s large enough for you to grow more than just flowers-”

Jin is interrupted by the loud sound of a ringtone. He turns his eyes to where your phone is sitting on the table. You and he aren’t too far from him to witness the name on your phone. 

“Your husband’s calling.”

Jin wants to tell you to not answer it - that if you didn’t, it wouldn’t raise alarms - but he doesn’t.

“R…Right.” you click your tongue and move yourself from Jin. You grasp your ringing phone and for a moment contemplate actually sending it to voicemail.  “Yes?” you answer the phone, not an ounce of emotion in your tone.

“Baby. Hey.” your husband sounds apologetic. “I know you’re mad at me for missing your birthday but I managed to get out of the meeting on time.”

Jin is directly behind you as he hears his brother speak and he scoffs to himself. 

“Did you?” you swallow. 

“Yes. I know you’ve been wanting to try that new restaurant.” your husband speaks on the other end. “I’ve made a reservation for later tonight. I should be back in another hour.”

Jin understands that he technically couldn’t be upset with his brother for having luck on his side. He couldn’t be upset that his brother was trying to spend time with his wife on her birthday.

However, Jin was upset. He was pissed that his brother was ruining the moment you and he were having, no matter if he had the right to be or not.

“I can’t wait.” you murmur, clenching your phone tight in your hand. “See you then.”

Just as you hang up your phone, you can feel Jin directly behind you. His hand snakes around your waist, pressing you against him. 

“How long do we have?” Jin murmurs against your ear; a low tone that causes goosebumps to ride up your skin.

It happens entirely too fast. Jin dragged you to his car. It isn’t ideal for him, but he didn’t have enough time like he intended. 

You don’t care either way, finding that even you were craving Jin at this moment and not a minute later. Your lips crash along with his tongue dancing along with one another. It’s hot and wet, just like this moment you and he were sharing. 

“No time for foreplay this time.” you say between rushed kisses, your hands going to tug at his belt. 

“You know foreplay is my favorite.” Jin sighs in protest. 

“We only have a little under an hour, Jin.” you shake your head. 

“Fine.” Jin grumbles. “One condition is all I ask from you.”

Jin’s hands are sliding beneath your dress, embracing the smoothness of your skin. He shudders with a groan. His slender fingers find your panties and he proceeds to push them aside. “I’m gonna cum in you.” Jin murmurs. “I want you to keep my cum in you while you’re with your husband.”

Your hand is tugging at his cock, a need to have it inside of you. 

“Speak.” Jin demands.

“Yes.” you nod your head in agreement. “I will.”

“Good.”

It’s easy when you’re already wet. Jin always did this to you when he spoke with a certain tone of voice along with the correct authority. 

You center Jin at your entrance, slowly allowing him inside of you. Both of his hands are atop of your hands and he licks his plump lips as you sit on top of him fully. 

“Shit…” you and Jin say in unison and at any given moment you’d laugh about it; but there was no time now. 

Your hands place themselves onto his shoulders, fingers gently digging into his shirt and you begin to buckle your hips.

Jin wants to feel more of you. He’s accustomed to having you naked in the comfort of his bedroom, not rushed in a cramp car. He supposed beggars can't be choosers.

Jin’s hand squeezes your hips encouragingly, his eyes fixed on the way his cock disappears inside your pussy with each bounce you do on top of him. He’s panting, probably going to regret not turning on the car for some air first - but fuck it. 

“Ah…” Jin’s eyes turn to your face. Your head is leaned back slightly as you continue to fuck yourself, mouth slightly agape. “...to the untrained eye someone might think you’re in love. Especially the way you’re fucking yourself.”

Jin doesn’t allow you to respond. Instead, his hands go to grip your neck roughly to force you to look at him. He begins to thrust upward, meeting your hips halfway and allowing his cock to plunge deeper inside of you. 

You hiss at the newfound pleasure, your eyebrows knitting together to focus. You lick your lips once Jin’s words register in your mind and the way he throws your teasing back at you. 

“It makes you feel dirty doesn’t it?” Jin continues, his lips pecking your neck. “Fucking your brother-in-law in the backseat of his car. Anyone could just come by and see us.”

Your pussy clenches at Jin’s words. It does make you feel dirty - adrenaline boosting. You haven’t felt anything like it before with your husband in years. But the idea of being caught was always such a rush, especially with the person you’d be caught with.

“I think you love doing this with me, huh?”

You nod your head, biting your lip. The car is full of pants and aggressive skin slapping. 

“You love it, too.” you moan, allowing Jin to take over completely. Your right hand grips his shoulders for support. “That’s why you keep coming back for more.”

Jin groans, the grip on your neck only tightening. He’s appreciative of your words and the way you were only growing more comfortable with this affair; he would be honest and say what it was instead of sugar coating it. 

“It’s not like my brother’s fucking you.” Jin grunts. “It’s a shame you’re on birth control, Y/N. It’d be funny to see you pregnant with my child and have to explain to your husband who fucked it into you.”

You clench your eyes shut, juices leaking onto Seokjin’s cock by the second. 

“My idiot brother wouldn’t suspect a thing. He wouldn’t know it’s mine. Wouldn’t that be funny, Y/N?”

Jin couldn’t tell you the issues he had with his own brother - at least he couldn’t face them aloud to himself. A therapist would tell him that he was jealous of his brother. That even if Kim Seokjin had it all - fortune, notoriety and fame, he didn’t have you. He didn’t have a wife like his idiot older brother; a wife that stayed regardless of his financial situation - even if said wife was with him tonight.

You yelp upon feeling a slap onto your cheek. It stings, sure, but it’s the sting that causes you to cum. 

“Yes, sir.” you gasp, knowing full well what Jin wanted to hear.

Jin grunts, eyes dark and clouded with lust and adoration for you. He embraces you with both arms and begins to thrust sloppily, fully intended on cumming inside of you. He couldn’t have you all to himself - yet - but he could still have you in ways that his brother wouldn’t know about. 

“Gonna cum so deep in you.” Jin hisses. “Mark you as my own. I want you to sit there with your husband with my cum in you.”

Jin cums hard, his legs twitching. You fall against the back of the passenger seat for support, panting to yourself.

Jin doesn’t remove himself from you until he’s softening. His head sits against the back seat as he attempts to catch his breath. 

“We have 20 minutes to get home.” you murmur, wishing you’d told your husband to raincheck as you were growing sleepy. 

You fix yourself, placing your panties back to where they belong. You can feel his cum daring to be released, staining your panties in the process. 

Just as you were going to remove yourself from atop of him, Jin grasps your wrist. 

“Jin-”

“Happy birthday.” Jin murmurs, his eyes fluttering open. 

Your eyes soften, nodding slowly. “Thank you…” you respond lowly.

[b0tster]

As a "not contract bound" dev who works on a project that you are (I assume) completely in control of, how do you choose the release date and why'd you choose one before finishing the project? Asked not in a "why'd you do that to yourself" way but in a "I wanna understand what's the logical process behind it, maybe it is smart to do it and I wanna know why".

I thought that it'd be logical to first have a finished thing and then say that it'll be released at "date_name_wgenever", instead of setting a certain date and then crunching yourself to fit it. But maybe it helps you somehow to not overwork yourself on the project thinking that if you have all the time in the world, why not add a thing or two, which results in project taking forever to be marked complete, or maybe you just have a pet birthday at that date and wanna make it symbolical lol, idk.

let me be clear here

i am not crunching on bbkart, or any of my projects for that matter

---

now, with that out of the way, time to talk about time frames and productivity. our labor doesnt operate on a linear scale. spending a decade on a game compared to a year will not mean that that game will be 10 times bigger. humans just dont work like that.

something ive picked up over the years is that productivity is like a gas: it will expand to fit the box its put in.

if u give urself infinite time, the gas will just dissipate. but of course if u squeeze it into a release thats too tight, u get an explosion (crunch).

now, im more of a 'find the fun' kinda developer. i make my tools and mechanics based on a loose concept and then decide what the game will be after once i have everything in front of me. in that initial period i do not set a release date, its impossible to predict how a games dev cycle will play out, so i dont bother and just focus on finding whats fun.

once the final game actually starts to take shape, i am capable of making an informed decision on how much labor is needed to finish, and i set an internal date that i do not make public. once im a few months out from that date, i will make an adjustment if neccesary (both bbpsx and kart had their internal date pushed back by a month) and then announce it. that sets it in stone and I have a runway to release.

mark darrah (bioware) talks about something he calls the 'hockey stick', which is the idea that once u get to a certain point, completion urgency kicks in and u get the drive to make the decisions neccesary to finish the game. cut this, reroute focus to that, crunch on this (dont do that last one, ever, but its important to bring up where crunch manifests. some advice: you either cut or you crunch. choose cut).

darrah talks about how to trigger completion urgency (one example is making a demo, be it publically released or exclusive to an event) and the fact of the matter is that a deadline will do it. of course, if completion urgency kicks in too close to the deadline, you get crunch, but if it kicks in earlier u will get things done in a way that doesnt leave permanent damage on your body and mind.

i know this is a very long winded answer, but i hope i was thorough enough to explain the benefits of setting a deadline and how that doesnt always have to end in crunch, like the question implied.

[sentientfunfetti]

Yandere! Actor Wally, please...

possessive actor!wally/reader hcs

(actor wally and his au was made by @/frillsand on tumblr! go support their work!)

REBLOGS AND FEEDBACK APPRECIATED!

CW// POSSESSIVE THEMES

-

-

-

of course, like any other version of him, this one would be very cautious and closed off at first. he wouldn’t share much with you and if he does it’s brief, but after you ‘prove yourself’ to him he immediately becomes attached to you. he's absolutely stuck by you. you're just his assistant but he falls hard. harder than he ever has.

seeing as how you’re the first person to ever see him for who he is, he lets you get away…with a lot. it’s all bias of course, and you may not even use it but you start to notice that your small mistakes barely go noticed. he doesn't even allow anyone else to scold you either. you can tell that his patience is still thin, however.

he values your time with him. in his downtime he’s hellbent on spending time with you and you only, even if this means dragging you along on subtly planned ‘lunch breaks’ with him. (these are dates) or calling you for petty tasks he could have easily done himself just to see you.

he likes spoiling you, and that becomes very obvious very fast. he loves it when you tell him ‘thank you’ for buying you lunch or getting you coffee. he goes from sending you in to get these things for him to go in with you, bringing his bodyguards along.

you take up so much of his mind he starts to stumble in rehearsal. this actually frustrates him at first. he takes his frustration out on you a tad before finally cooling down.

practically demands all of your attention. he goes to you for just about everything. input, script reading, any excuse to see you. any excuse to get closer. he hates the fact that you two have such a professional relationship and wants to be more, even if that means breaking a few rules. it's not like you're a fan, you're his assistant. no harm done.

ignores fanmail entirely. when you ask why he brushes it off the way he usually does. "why would i want a bunch of strangers telling me what i already know?". the truth is very different, however. he secretly wishes to be praised by you and you only.

speaking of, he may not show it but he soaks up any and all praise you give him and internalizes it almost immediately. no matter how small. he loves it when you compliment him.

it's hard to keep his cool when he sees you getting the same treatment from others, however. he silently watches from the corner, fuming. how dare they. until he can muster up the courage to fully compliment you himself, he glares daggers at people who do. repeat offenders get fired and blacklisted from acting entirely.

he is not above blackmail to get his way. not to you, no of course not! other people, however? free game. he has dirt on just about everyone. they don't even know.

even though he has a tendency of doing horrible things to get his way, he always tries to steer away from that entirely. he keeps trying to convince himself that he’s above that and he’s a changed man. unfortunately, you make that a bit hard with how many other people you seem to attract every other day.

appreciates your patience with him most of all. set aside the fact you're not weird about the fact that he's a puppet like most people, he loves your kind heart and wants to protect that, even if that means burning bridges to see more of you. he craves intimacy with you. he hates how weak you make him feel, but he can't help but let all of those walls come crumbling down when you're that nice to him.

isn't good with physical contact at first, so he sticks to small things: 'accidental' brushes against you, linking pinkies with you, shoving you along. he’s experimenting, give him time.

drags you along to rehearse his lines. he loves using his 'deadlines' as an excuse to get your help. he knows he could ask anyone else but why would he? you say yes every time anyway because that's how nice you are. he absolutely loves the scenes where he gets to subtly flirt with you. did the script call for improv? ssssh. doesn't matter. your red face makes it all worth it in the end.

is not above using the character he's playing mannerisms to get his way. he knows he's good at what he does, and he knows he's adorable. he uses this to his advantage, even incorporating past character's mannerisms into his own when he notices people stick to them. this includes you. if he notices you like a certain thing about a character he's playing he is quick to pick up on this and use that against you.

in the end, his end goal is for you to date, and maybe be something more in the future. he's willing to do whatever that takes, even if that means working on himself more just to make sure you're more comfortable with the idea of dating. has no issue with having a 'secret' relationship if that's what you want.

isn't much of a pet name person but he would call you 'hun' sarcastically at first but over time it would become a genuine pet name for him.

if you two do something together then expect that to be something you two do together. he would get upset at people who try and 'butt in' in the things you two do together. those things are for you two and you two only. certified gatekeeper.

author’s note ⊹˚. ♡

funny thing! i actually got two requests to do this guy!

it was a bit hard to do seeing as how i don’t really know much about the au, but thank you for requesting it anyway! (both of you LMFAO). i have a few more planned, and two more requests to do. i’m still working on my reboot wally/reader fic so if i seem a bit slow that’s why. please be patient. i already have the outlines and things like that made for the requests i’ve gotten.

thanks for the request, neighbor!

[genericpuff]

I've been seeing you say/speculate Rachel Smythe has been cut loose from webtoon, could you elaborate what you mean by that?

It's only a tinfoil hat theory that people should take with MOUNTAINS of salt (seriously, I'm more likely to believe that Rachel really is just done with LO), but there's a general suspicion that LO wasn't meant to end here and that Webtoons decided to cut the cord. I've made a post about it before but some new stuff has surfaced since then.

1.) The announcement the series was ending was made quietly at NYCC and not shared to either Webtoons' socials or Rachel's socials.

The only way fans initially knew about the series ending was through a screencap from the Discord where someone else who had been attending NYCC passed on the info from a Q&A that LO would be entering its final arc.

For a good while the only other way to know the series was ending was through the Discord, a Cosmopolitan article, and my own post.

Though it sounds odd for a series to get cancelled halfway through its third season, it's not uncommon for Webtoons to suddenly axe series while they're on their midseason hiatuses, it's happened before. So there's a general suspicion that Rachel may have found out during NYCC that LO would only be given one more arc.

2.) The actual finale announcement was made in a text post on Instagram that suddenly announced it would be ending on May 11th, despite the fact that there was still lots to wrap up in the story.

What this implies is that Rachel was given one more arc, with no concrete end date... until Webtoons told her to wrap it up in a limited number of episodes, hence why despite us knowing it was in its final arc, the end date still felt too soon. This is also supported by the fact that her initial announcement was vaguely "early/mid 2024" - she couldn't give a more accurate end date because she didn't plan for the actual ending.

3.) Things that Rachel has said implies that she was either hoping for the final arc to go on longer, or that she didn't think LO was going to be ending now.

(that "nothing is set in stone" quote further supports the theory that she may have been hoping to get renewed in spite of the lukewarm ending announcement - that the only reason the announcement was so quiet was because WT hadn't fully committed to it yet and wanted to see how the series would do upon its return; now that they see it falling behind to other series, it might mean WT became more sure in their decision to cut it and gave her an actual deadline to wrap it up by.)

4.) Webtoons has stopped promoting Lore Olympus despite it ending.

Any promotional spots that it has gotten have been stuffed into the dead zone of the banner reels (seriously, anything past the 3rd spot is practically useless because it takes actual committed scrolling to get there vs. the first 1-3 banner spots which can be seen as soon as you open the app/site) and the banner art itself does not in any way advertise the series being in its final arc. These banners also only seem to be appearing for a day at most, compared to the days upwards of weeks they used to get.

Webtoons also hasn't been doing any sort of promoting on their socials for it. Considering The Mafia Nanny has been consistently beating out LO in the top rankings for weeks now, and that LO's rating and view count is still dropping, it appears that Webtoons has finally given up on shoving it down people's throats and put their focus elsewhere.

Again, this is all tinfoil hat speculation, so take it with massive doses of salt. Considering this is Webtoons, I wouldn't be surprised if they finally decided to put LO out of its misery, but this is also Rachel and I wouldn't blame her in the slightest if she finally wanted to be done with it after the past two years of people clowning on it. And I say that knowing I, myself, am a clown LOL

Either way, I feel like either outcome is plausible in its own ways, but whatever is the true reason, it doesn't change the fact that LO is ending and has 3 episodes left to wrap itself up. And whatever comes after will likely involve the launch of Inklore which was estimated for the spring.

[digiflora]

🥣 ᯓ★୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ

𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑!

⊹ ࣪ ˖ animator!welt x apprentice!reader

request ؛ ଓ @gonuclear do you think i could request welt yang with a reader that’s working as his apprentice (whether it’s a modern au or not is up to you! i don’t mind either way :) ) and he ends up starting to fall in love with them? maybe he even confesses 👀 up to you! thank you so much!! 💖

gia's notes ؛ ଓ haii thank u for requesting welt i loved writing for him!! unfortunately no confession because i am a sucker for pining 😔 it's also kinda short sorry

word count ؛ ଓ 0.8k ( + pining, fluff?? no warnings, kinda weird perspective changing cos its kinda from your pov at the start but from his later idk )

WELT'S A GOOD TEACHER. he's good at his craft, well-versed in tips and tricks and adequate enough to not only tell you about them, but ensure that you fully understand him too.

it's a pleasure to watch him work, too- a master at his craft, though he'd shake his head and chuckle in denial if you were to ever say it to his face. his face a perfect picture of concentration, velveteen voice narrating his actions as you watch on in awe as if he makes life itself sprout from the screen before him, as the sequence begins to take cohesive form.

it was that tiny screen that connected the two of you as well, two separate frames now working in tandem, many late nights spent trying to reach a deadline in time drawing the pair of you intangibly closer to each other.

so really, welt should have anticipated his feelings for you transitioning from a mild fondness to... something more profound.

it creeps up on him gradually, of course.

you're quite the talkative type, as opposing to the more reserved nature of welt. you can't help but share little tidbits about yourself, anecdotes about you and your friends, or little facts about yourself that welt surreptitiously makes a mental note of.

he can't help himself, either. he'll find that aspects of you bleed into his life away from work, too. even after he leaves the building so late, bidding you a good night that you cheerfully return, the next morning he'll be brushing his teeth, eyeing his weary reflection in the mirror, shuffling around his modest apartment until he catches something that brings his mind back to you, and he'll stop for a second to wonder just why he's thinking of you, his apprentice.

some point along the way, all the forced proximity with all of those late nights, you had ever so sneakily been promoted in his mind from an apprentice to something else altogether.

your eagerness, your determination- the passion with which you spoke and the way peals of laughter left you are not the first things that should be coming to mind when he thinks of you. the way you're like a breath of fresh air to him, how soft your hair looks, the bright shine in your eyes- no, welt mustn't think about it for too long.

and despite his reluctance to admit the true nature of his feelings- to break apart his forced ambivalence- your conniving self managed to sneak through anyway.

the realisation hits him one particular late night. it was just the two of you in his dingy office, though it was no deadline that caused the two of you to be the only ones left within the building. instead, it was a rather special occasion.

you had been making fine progress whilst being his apprentice, your own talent for animation beginning to really hone itself- to the point where he was confident in encouraging you to enter a competition.

and when the announcement of the winners rolled around (a date that he definitely had not written in his diary), he had the joy of seeing your beaming fave as you bounded into his office, telling him all about how you had won first place.

and then you had procured two containers of takeout from behind your back- saying how you wanted to say thank him for his guidance and celebrate with him, waving him off as he stammered out some flimsy excuse of not wanting to keep you here later than necessary.

nonsense, you had told him. besides, you liked spending time with him.

that sentiment had him sitting up straighter in his chair, allowing an indulgent smile before he half-heartedly schooled his expression into one of neutrality again. his heart was beating a little faster, he noticed, his silly physical response to you making him feel like a schoolboy with a crush.

but it's not until he opens the takeout box in front of him to see his favourite meal- you had asked himeko what it was to get it right- and your beaming face watching for his reaction, did it truly hit him.

he realised just how much he had fallen for you. how strong the fondness for you has taken root within him, how light his soul feels when he returns your smile with an approving nod of his own.

but for every reason he finds to love you, he can't help but continue to bite his tongue, to remain restrained and merely smile and nod along to what you say instead of offering more of himself to you.

maybe one day, he tells himself. the half-promise leaves a bitter taste on his tongue.

but it doesn't change the fact that as of right now, he's more than content just basking in your company, a mere planet orbiting the bright sun that you are, revelling in the brightness and warmth that comes with you.

IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY ... because love can burn like a cigarette

hsr men as your high school crush

alternatively, you can find my hsr masterlist here! ୨ৎ

[ihrtsevyn]

— PRETTY BOY . . . 𖤐 | j.g x reader

moved to: @kiemiu

genre fic, fluff, slight angst, hurt to comfort, oneshot.

warnings no smut, no use of specific race/age/gender. no pronouns used. no use of y/n. lowercase intended. loosely proofread. reader and johnnie are both emotional in this lmao.

summary after countless weeks of being cramped into your studio, you finally reveal the reason of your absence to a worried johnnie with one of your songs from your new album.

requested by anon you can find the link here !!

wc 1.6k

masterlist | main page <3

[ 03:46AM ]

your eyes continued to drift back and forth from your computer to the digital clock. you couldn't keep doing this. johnnie had already chewed you out earlier in the week for working so late.

you needed to get your sophomore album out before the deadline came and unfortunately the date of your release was set much earlier than you expected, meaning you had to cram yourself into your studio practically all day and night until you were finished.

it's hard to admit but your time spent in the studio had taken a toll on the relationship. johnnie didn't like it at all. he knew you weren't properly taking care of yourself in there, any time he'd peek his head in to check on you his worried state only increased.

your eyes were red from crying in frustration and staring at a computer screen all day long, your movements slow as a sloth because of the immense exhaustion, as well as boxes and bags of food discarded to the side, some untouched and left to rot while others remained half-eaten.

when you and johnnie got together you had vowed to each other that you'd be reliable to one another and help each other out in all situations. you wouldn't bottle things inside and you'd speak about your problems to each other. that was a promise. a promise you had seemed to forget as you ignored his countless advances to take care of you for your work.

johnnie quietly shuffled into your studio, trash bag in hand as he started to grab handfuls of wrappers and water bottles. you wouldn't have even realized he walked into your studio if the doorway wasn't left open.

you wanted to say something to him. a simple 'i love you' or even a 'thank you' but you couldn't build the strength to turn your head away from your screen even when he rested his hand upon your shoulder and gave you a soft kiss on the top of your head. and before you knew it, he was gone just as quick as he had arrived.

[ 5:33AM ]

you sighed in relief before plopping your head onto your desk. a watery almost pathetic laugh escaped your lips before you brought your hands to your face to muffle your sobs. you were finally done. so much work and effort had been put into your first independent album and the solace of being finished was the final nail in the coffin for you to burst into tears.

your eyes drifted drifted over to the digital clock on your desk again. you double-checked that you had your files saved and prepared to be sent out the following week before closing your laptop shut and stretching your limbs.

johnnie was either still awake or had fallen asleep by now, you were hoping for the latter as you made your way out of the studio and into your shared bedroom.

quietly you opened the bedroom door, peeking your head in only to see johnnie fast asleep on your side of the bed. you carefully shuffled into the bedroom with a small downturned smile on your face until you were standing over johnnie.

you crouched down in front of him to get a closer look at his face. he had been crying. his cheeks were rosy and puffy and around his eyes looked red and irritated as if he had been harshly scrubbing at them.

you resorted to giving him a quick and soft peck on the top of his head before evacuating to the bathroom. you felt so bad for neglecting johnnie the past few weeks. you truthfully hadn't meant to. work had overpowered your schedule and demanded all of your focus which meant there was no time for anyone and anything else.

you took to the shower to clear your thoughts. letting the warm water cascade down your body and relax your muscles. finally getting the chance to wash off all filth and grime from your body.

everything around you felt lighter and less depressing. you finally had the time to properly take care of yourself and not rush the routine because you had a pile of work to get to.

when you finally exited the bathroom you were surprised to be met with a dazed johnnie, fully sat up in bed and unconsciously picking at his cuticles. you could tell he was still tired but was forcing himself to be up, was he waiting for you?

"hey, sleepyhead." you murmured softly before making your way towards your shared bed.

"hey, taking a break?" he asked softly, his eyes wide and hopeful.

a knowing grin grew on your face.

"i'm all done. i just finished my final track an hour or so ago."

it took a full 10 seconds for it to fully registered in johnnie's head, his face contorting in confusion before settling on a blissful smile and wrapping his arms around your body.

his arms hugged around you tight before he tugged you on top of him. "you're not leaving my side for a month." he whispered in your ear, a serious tone in his voice but you knew he was joking.

you laughed lightly before settling comfortably on top of him. "i don't plan on leaving anytime soon."

a comfortable silence relaxed over the two of you as johnnie's hands smoothed over your waist, gently dragging his hands up and down.

you felt your eyelids get heavy before you suddenly jolted awake, rising above johnnie with wide eyes.

"are you okay? what's wrong?"

johnnie had a sense of urgency in his voice as he had slightly risen up himself, his now wide eyes trailing over your body to see if you had hurt yourself or if he had hurt you.

"before i get too comfortable i need to show you something." you quickly muttered. before johnnie could even respond you hopped out of the bed and grabbed one of his arms, dragging him right behind you and into your studio.

you were very private about your music, usually not letting anyone else listen to it besides another producer or composer, so johnnie was surprised when you plugged in a pair of headphones to your computer and handed them to him.

he slightly hesitated before taking them with wide eyes. "really? .. are you sure?"

you only nodded in return, eyes not straying away from your screen as you set up the audio for him to listen to.

he waited patiently next to you with the headphones secured on his head. he looked around your studio silently while fiddling with the wire.

"this was the last song i was working on...i made it for you so, it'd only make sense for you to hear it first, right?"

you voice was quiet and timid. you were nervous even though you shouldn't be. you've jokingly experienced with different instruments and vocals in your studio with johnnie right by your side joining in on the fun.

"you made a song about me?"

you nodded slowly, unsure eyes failing to keep in contact with his.

"it's basically a thank you to you as well as an apology."

"an apology? for what?"

"for not being an attentive significant other and just..being cooped up in my studio all day. that's not fair to you and..i'm sorry. really, i am."

he grabbed your hand softly before bringing it up to his lips. "don't be sorry, baby. work gets overwhelming sometimes. i know, just please...let me take care of you."

you nodded your head bashfully before whispering a quiet 'okay.'

"i can tell you're nervous, don't be. i already know im gonna love it." he murmured before pecking your fingers individually.

because you didn't want johnnie to stop being so affectionate with you, you resorted to using your other free hand and clicking play.

your eyes would nervously trail over to johnnie to gage his reaction at certain lyrics.

you could feel your palms getting sweatier as you waited for the song to end. writing love songs for people wasn't easy, but it was even harder to sit and watch johnnie listen to it with an unreadable expression.

you watched as his jaw clenched before he looked down at his lap, your hand still resting on his lap while he toys with your fingers.

you didn't know if he was loving the song or absolutely hating it which caused you to tense up.

you could hear the song slowing to an end in his headphones.

you watched as he slowly took the headphones off, his voice soft and slightly watery as he continued to avoid eye-contact with you.

"you think i'm pretty?" he asked, a small smile growing on his face.

"of course i do, johnnie. you're the prettiest boy i know."

he quickly wiped the stray tears that had fallen from his waterline before letting go of your hand to pull your chair closer to him, not that there was much space in between you two to begin with anyway.

without warning he wrapped his arms around you tightly, pulling your body into his once more.

"i love you so much, you don't even understand."

his sentence was muffled as he rested his head on top of yours but you were still able to fully understand his affectionate words.

"i love you more, my pretty boy." you whispered, rising your head from his chest to be able to look into his eyes that had already been trained on you.

he brought his hand from your waist to the side of your face. gently caressing the soft skin of your cheek with his thumb.

adorning eyes watched over you before he brought his lips to yours making your eyes flutter closed before leaning your full body into his, creating no room in between your bodies. you had forgotten how much you missed this feeling, the feeling of unabashed love and soft kisses.

johnnie was your safe place, your pretty boy, and you couldn't have been happier to be in his arms than in that moment.

a/n: i'm kinda shit at writing fics which is why i choose to write headcanons lol, hope you guys enjoyed it tho and ty for reading :D <33

[httpdwaekki]

bad day | s.c.

summary: you messed up at work, leading to an anxiety filled, draining day but luckily your beautiful boy is there to make it all better.

wc: 1.7k

warnings: not proofread, lots too many of pet names, nudity (nothing sexual), mentions of anxiety and dissociation, pure fluff. lmk if i missed any.

a/n: v self indulgent because i fucked up at work a few days ago and have been anxious and need some good ole binnie fluff in my life. i haven't written in a while so feedback is always appreciated. love u, drink ur water, take ur medicine and remember ur loved <3

*lowercase intended*

my library

(pictures not mine! credits to owner)

to say you were having a bad day would be an understatement. you were tired, you were grumpy, and didn’t feel good. but it all came crumbling down the moment you realized you had missed an important deadline for work. you misread the date for an important project, which meant you had to send in it yesterday and not today.

you were defeated. you wanted to go home and curl up into a soft blanket and shut the world out. but unfortunately you had to finish out an anxiety riddled work day, waiting for your boss to come in and berate you. luckily that never came but it didn’t stop the side comments from your coworkers, about how much of a headache you’ve caused. you finished your work day but the anxiety never left.

you’ve never driven home faster, just wanting to shower and cuddle with your boyfriend and forget about your day. as you opened the door to your apartment, you kicked off your shoes, threw down your work bag and leaned against the door, letting out a sigh of relief.

“jagiya?” you had to keep your tears at bay, just hearing his voice after the day you’d had, made you crumble. you make your way to the living room where you find your boyfriend in sweats and a t-shirt, hair in its natural, slightly disheveled state and glasses, slightly slipping off his nose. 

you couldn’t stop the pout from forming before dropping yourself next to him, shoving your upper body into him. “yah! jagi, what’s wrong?” he asks, confused by your sudden move and mood. you just shake your head, burying yourself further into him. he understands immediately, wrapping his arms around you, kissing your head.

“okay, jagi, okay, it’s okay.” he whispered, rubbing soothing circles on your back. you two sit like this for a while, him whispering sweet nothings, pressing kisses anywhere he could reach. once he felt you relax a bit,  he pressed a long kiss to your hair before pulling back a bit. “bunny?” he moves his hand to the nape of your neck. “can you look at me for a second please?”

you sniffle before wiping your eyes, moving so you were sitting in front of him on his lap, legs resting on either side of him. his hands drop to your waist, rubbing soothing circles on your hips with his thumbs. you start playing with the hem of his shirt, just collecting your thoughts.

“what’s going on, hm?” he taps your chin lightly, “ what’s got my jagi so upset?” you sigh, finally glancing up to meet his eyes. “i just had a really bad day.” you mumbled, fiddling with the hem of his shirt once more. “oh, bunny.” he coos, placing his hand on your cheek, wiping a stray tear because gently caressing the soft skin.

“do you wanna talk about it?” he asked softly. you shook your head, “i just want cuddles and maybe a nap.” he nodded, “okay sweet girl. come on then.” he slowly scoots to the edge, “ wrap your legs around me, sweet girl.” he whispered, tapping your thighs. you wrapped your legs around his torso, before wrapping your arms around his neck, shoving your face in his neck.

“good job baby, you ready?” he asks, placing his hands under your thighs. you nod against him, tighten your limbs wrapped around him. he effortlessly stands up, adjusting slightly before making way to your shared bedroom.

once in the room, he gently lays you on the bed. “i’m gonna get you something comfy to wear, okay baby?” you nod, reluctantly letting go of him. you grab a blanket, hugging it, waiting for his return.

minutes pass, you feel yourself dissociate before your beautiful boy appears in front of you with shorts and your (his) favorite hoodie. he places the articles on the bed before sitting in front of you, placing a gentle hand on your cheek. snapping you back to reality, looking at him, a small smile forming on his face. “hi my baby.” he whispers, thumb gently caressing your cheek. your eyes soften looking back at him, “hi.” you mumbled back.

“i’m gonna help you get changed, okay?” you nodded, gently grabbing the hand on your cheek, kissing the palm, a token of your gratitude. he smiles, rubbing your cheek, kissing your forehead, standing up.

“i’m gonna take off your shirt. okay?” you nod, putting your hands up. he grabs the hem of your shirt, bringing it up and over your head. “do you want me to take your bra off too, baby?” you nod, reaching behind to undo the clasp. he grabs the straps, pulling it from your body, giving each shoulder a peck.

“my beautiful girl.” he mumbled, kissing your cheek before grabbing the hoodie, slipping it over your head, letting you slip your arms through the sleeves. “do you want shorts or no?” he asked holding them for you to see. you pondered for a second before shaking your head no. he nodded, putting the shorts back on the bed, before lightly tapping your thigh, “stand up for me bunny.” you stand up, pulling the sleeves over your hands.

changbin makes quick work of unbuttoning and unzipping your itchy jeans, leaning down to pull them down gently. you place your sleeve covered hands on his shoulders to stable yourself as you step out of the uncomfortable material. he lays the jeans to the side for him to deal with later.

he places a soft kiss on each thigh on his way back up. he reaches behind you, moving the soft blankets, to give you space to slip under them. “come on, jagiya.” he says softly, watching you make home under the covers. he pulls the covers up to your chin, tucking you in before placing a callused hand on your cheek, stroking it a few times before placing a loving kiss on your forehead.

you let out a sigh of relief, feeling the anxiety leaving your body little by little. he pulls away, grabbing the shorts and your work clothes from the day, making his way to your closet, throwing the clothes in the laundry baskets and placing the shorts back in their place.

he walks back over to his side of the bed, repeating the same process with the blankets before pulling you into his chest. you relax into his chest as he wraps his arms around you, placing a kiss on the top of your head. you place a soft kiss over his heart, as a silent thank you for taking care of you.

“i don’t know what happened,” he starts softly, rubbing soothing circles on your back. “but whatever it was, i hope you know how proud i am of you and love you no matter what. you put your all into what you do and i know you and i know you’re beating yourself about it but please don’t” he pauses.

“ i know it’s easier said than done but fuck baby, i hate seeing you tear yourself down. you work so hard, and you never give yourself a break and it breaks my heart.” you feel the familiar lump begin to form once more. you shake your head before covering your face with your hands, before shoving it back into his chest.

“i just feel so stupid and defeated.” you cried. you feel him tightened his arms around you, one arm around you back, the other cradling the back of your neck. “baby you’re not stupid, please never say that again.” he places a kiss on your hair. “you’re the smartest, most intelligent person i’ve ever met.”

you shook your head, pulling away slightly, before taking a breath. “what’s going on, what happened today?” he asked softly, wiping your tears. “i fucked up.” you whispered. “i thought i had another day for my project but it was due yesterday.” you explained, playing with strings of your hoodie. “my boss is upset, everyone’s mad at me, they keep making side comments about how i’ve caused a headache and it’s all too much.” you roll onto your back, looking up at the ceiling, trying to stop your tears.

“baby.” you don’t move, scared of what he’s gonna say next. “baby, look at me.” you turn head to face him, tears glistening on your eyelashes. “ you are not stupid. you are human and you made an honest mistake, okay?.” he paused, waiting for you to respond.

you nodded. “and you know what, fuck your coworkers and your boss, they’re all bitch made and complain about the stupidest things anyway.” you giggled, covering your face once more..

“shut up, bin.” you laughed. “no no no, i just got you smiling again, don’t hide from me.” he joked, grabbing your hands, revealing your smiling, tear-stained face. “there she is.” he cooed. you blushed looking up at him, suddenly tugging im down to you. “yah!” he exclaimed, giggling with you.

you hugged him tight, his arms coming to do the same. you shove your face into his neck, staying there for a moment before placing a kiss there. “thank you, bubba,” you murmured into his skin. “i don’t know what i’d do without you.” squeezing him one more time before feeling him pull away.

you let him go, arms resting on his biceps, looking at each other for a moment. he then starting smothering your face in kisses causing you to giggle once more. “binnie! oh my god, please.” you say laughing pushing him back. 

“okay okay, i’m sorry i just wanted to hear you laugh again.’ he conceded.”but seriously, you never have to thank me for that, it’s what i’m here for, okay?” you smiled and nodded. “good, now naptime for my favorite sleepy girl.” he said before giving you a kiss followed by a loud “muah!” laying down, pulling you into him again. 

you settle against his chest once more, feeling lighter and tired. “i love you so much my sweet, smart girl, never forget that.” you blush, kissing his heart once more. “i love you too binnie, more than you know..” a light smile, gracing your face once more as you feel yourself falling into dreamland, in the arms of your favorite boy.

a/n: ngl i got lost in the sauce and it was taking too long to finish this so i kinda rushed the ending but i'll try to revisit it when i proofread it to improve it :)

[femmefatalevibe]

Hello darling! I’ve tried several times to do time blocking and have my app calendar organised but it never works. I have adhd so it’s like I don’t know how to keep it up because I never found a method that it works for me. Can you share how you do it in case you do it? And some tips? I feel like it’ll help me to organise my life but I feel stuck every time I have to do it. Thank you <3

Hi love! Sharing my method below. Hope it's somewhat useful xx

To-Do List Planning:

Spend an hour or so on the weekend to list all of the important assignments/errands, etc. you need to complete during the week. Fill your calendar with your school/work/activity obligations first see an overview of how you will need to spend a considerable amount of time dedicated to each non-negotiable activity. Use this overview to help you map out the "free" time" you have and pre-schedule when you will do specific work projects, study for a particular exam, when you will run certain errands, engage in leisure activities, etc.

Before bed/dinner, use this weekly framework to finalize the next day – your agenda for the upcoming day. Determine the big 1-3 tasks you want to complete the following day and when throughout your day you will focus on these specific tasks. Giving yourself this pre-assigned schedule will eliminate decision fatigue and allow you to go into a more "autopilot" mode by completing the action you've already planned to take at any time of the day.

Important Date Reminders:

Utilize your Google Calendar and sync it to your iCloud (make sure it's private!) to allow you to write down any important dates available for viewing on your phone, computer, etc. at all times.

Create a color-coding system to organize your calendar (i.e. make any big projects due in blue, regular/smaller assignments to complete in red, important job reminders in yellow, errands tasks in green, family/friend obligations in purple, appointments in orange, etc.)

If you need to remember to submit certain paperwork, run an errand, etc., use your Reminders app to alert you at the time when you're able to complete this task before a deadline, going home, etc.

Use the location function or invite other participating members on a specific Google calendar event for any obligations where you need to be at a certain place at a specific time and/or are working on a group project, having a meeting, or need to be at a location with someone else.

I'm very into my "bookend" routines aka the rituals I do before I start my tasks for the day and how I wind down at night.

In the morning: Skincare, outfit, makeup, 2 big mugs of black coffee, reading articles & newsletters

In the evening: A long walk outside or a 15-30 minute YouTube workout/dance party session when the weather isn't optimal. Shower, skincare, get into sweats, make dinner, clean up around the house

To plan out my work week/days:

I use the 3-Month Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change (linked here). It's been my holy grail while building my business for the past 3-4 years. I also love having a physical "To-Do" list notepad next to me for tasks that come to mind or come up throughout the day that I want to organize/come back to later. (I always try to plan my week out on Sunday evenings and for the next day either before my evening routine or after dinner) I was gifted this one from The Daily Edited a few years ago and love it. Very much worth refilling the inserts.

For meetings: I use Google Calendar that's linked to my iCal. The notes section is essential for me.

For small tasks/bills/errands: I set scheduled Reminders for the day/time I need to pay a bill, write an email, schedule something for work or life, create a reminder for something I need to take before heading out to a meeting or appointment, something I need to buy at the pharmacy, etc.

As someone who in certain ways completely embodies the stereotypical "creative" type, my brain naturally goes in a million directions at once, so streamlining everything has become an important, deliberate habit and way of life for me. People think I'm naturally organized at this point in life, so I hope this system works for someone else out there too! x

[webanglikethat]

A Different Kind of Valentine at Rosewood House

— or SIM-ply the best Galentine's day.

📝: word count: 1,146.

🎶: there’s glitter on the floor after the party, girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby, candle wax and Polaroids on the hardwood floor, you and me from the night before.

or — Simon and Jaynie make the best out of Valentine’s Day because love comes in different shades, and their friendship is their own kind of forever. ♡

the house was empty, which was uncharacteristically so. by now, Jaynie would’ve expected doors to be opened in a rush, sonorous chatter to be followed and linger on the couches and between the stairs, music to be played loudly (albeit, badly) and for the quiet that stuck onto the walls to be broken. but today, it seemed the house had been forgotten, and only her and Simon were left behind. Valentine’s Day usually came with empty houses after all; for lovers always flew away from their nests to show off their best characteristics in order to gain the most adored of luxuries; love. 

she'd heard that Logan was on a date with his ex — or was she his girlfriend again? she didn't quite know — and that Jasper and Avery had gone to the Vault for Jasper's performance. James was off to Paris and Tristan and Grant had respectively been quiet about their plans, leaving Simon and Jaynie to make up conspiracy theories about them — perhaps everyone being so lowkey about their plans was because of some secret agenda, and they were using Valentine's day as cover! or maybe it was a love cult they were secretly joining beforehand to then convince the rest. either way, it was suspicious. (was it?)

for Jaynie, this year it was different; between assignments piling up (till her lungs were unable to take a single breath without remembering the deadlines) and her familiar responsibilities tugging at her sleeves whenever she sat down to rest, Jaynie had had no time to even try and care about romantic relationships. she had never been properly asked out before anyway, so she wasn't feeling the absence of anything important or relevant. if anything, she was glad that she hadn't wasted money on some overpriced chocolate box that spelled out girlfriend or some bouquet of roses that would only last a week— truly, everyone should know that Chrysanthemums lasted longer!  

so instead, she had dragged Simon out of his room and declared it was the first official Galentine’s Day of the Rosewood House! cut to Simon asking how it could be Galentine if he was a boy and to her just shrugging his comment off.

they had quickly adorned the house with decorations left behind from their old parties — a disco ball neither of them remembered ever seeing, a happy birthday banner (with birthday now replaced with Galentine scribbled all over) and string lights from their New Year’s party now dangling over the door. it wasn’t much, but to them it was enough.

—

       the kitchen smelled like fresh dough and oregano, the oven humming as Jaynie dusted flour off her hands and reached for the papers. “you look like a ghost”, Simon remarked, to which she threw some flour at him in retaliation and said “at least I look sexy even in the afterlife!”.

he sat cross-legged on the floor, a deck of cards in front of him, eyes narrowed in deep concentration, as if it was a task to overcome, a kingdom to save.

“so… the goal is to get rid of all my cards first?” he repeated the question for the third time, brows furrowed.  

“yeah,” Jaynie said, grinning as she sat down in front of him and shuffled effortlessly. “but you also gotta pay attention, or I will kick your ass.”  

Simon huffed, already foreseeing the results, but mirrored her movements, his fingers clumsy compared to her practiced ease. she’d picked up a lot at the diner, she’d told him while they were convincing Esmeralda to take a day off — how to shuffle like a pro, how to keep a poker face even while losing (especially then), how to knead dough without making a mess (which Simon had failed at), how to shape pizzas perfectly (they'd made a heart) and how to keep herself entertained during slow hours so as to not drive herself crazy (if the customers didn't already). and now, she was passing it all on to Simon like a sceptre, like a source of wisdom for someone who had been hopelessly out of touch with these little joys. after all, what is a pack of card compared to the luxuries a rich guy can experience? what was the thrill of winning at a mere game compared to ski resorts and nights on a mountain? but in the dimly lit kitchen, as he failed to yet again shuffle his cards, leading to Jayne laughing and asking what was wrong with him, perhaps it wasn’t too bad. perhaps this is what he was missing all along.

—

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎‎‎“okay, pizza’s ready,” she announced after her third triumph, standing up and brushing her hands on her jeans. she took the pizza cutter, holding it like a crown, “Sir Simon, would thee honour us by cutting this delicacy?”  

“depends,” Simon mused, rolling his eyes and laying down the treacherous cards that refused to help him win. “am I gonna get roasted if I mess it up?”  

“oh absolutely”, she grinned and he took the challenge.

they passed a joint between them while waiting for the cheese to cool, the warm haze of weed mixing with the scent of melted mozzarella. Jaynie leaned back against the couch, exhaling lazily as Simon tapped the ash into a ceramic dish.  

“you know,” he said, voice slow and eyes closed, “this is probably the first Valentine’s Day I’ve actually enjoyed. away from all those corporate shit they keep pushing down our throats and from my parents calling to ask whether I’ll come home with someone.”  

before Jaynie could respond, the door creaked open, and Lilian popped her head in, her signature smile painting her cheeks pink, with arms full of colourful sheets and bags of papers. 

“I come bearing gifts!”, she announced, kicking off her shoes, while a surprised Simon looked at her and said “I didn't know Santa comes early”.

Lilian laughed as she took off her coat, laying it on the couch, “Jaynie told me about your plans — which by the way, I shouldn't been notified ealier so I could've escaped brunch with my father — and we are so making this into a DIY night.”  

Jaynie smirked, reaching for another slice of pizza to give to her. “oh, you’re gonna love this, Simon. stickers are serious business. I hope shuffling prepared you for this.”

Simon groaned, but there was no real protest as Lilian plopped down beside him, dumping her supplies onto the floor. sparkly paper, glitter, and stickers now decorated the brown rug, and soon, their hands were covered, card games forgotten in favor of decorating random objects — Simon’s lighter and hat, Jaynie’s phone case and boots, even Lilian’s own arms.  

perhaps Galentine’s Day wasn’t so bad.

who needed Paris when the light of their smiles and constellations of their eyes shone brighter than some old red tower?

[ficthots]

Tracking

A/N: Wow, just yeah. I know it's been a long while since I posted for Peter, but like I promised, I was working on things for him and here it is! Now, I'll crawl back into my cave until my next writing is ready. As always let me know what you guys think and enjoy!

Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence

Word Count: 6.4K+

Time is a fucking thief. Really, it is. Waking up with the rising of the sun, getting ready to go to a job you despised, remaining in a windowless cubicle for eight hours, making dinner, then time to sleep again. Watching the clock as each passing minute was taken from you over and over again. Now when you throw being a superhero into the mix, it makes it even worse.

Holding down relationships, careers, any and all of the important things in life were always seemingly snatched away when it came to the personal life of crime fighting vigilante Spider-Man. That’s why when you entered his life it was like getting another opportunity to engage with time he had never experienced before.

Looking forward to coming home and eating dinner, stopping by on patrol nights to give you a goodnight kiss no matter what, to Peter Parker, he would do everything in his power to devote as much time as he possibly could to you.

Perhaps you were the time thief in his life now. Either way he didn’t mind when it came to you.

Were there times when it just simply wasn’t possible to shovel all of his waking energy towards you? Of course! The problems came when it had been that way for months. Yeah, you read that right.

In the span of four months, Peter had become so ravaged with his other entities responsibilities that his time with you was drastically rescinded. Unanswered text messages for days, not a peep from him for a week at a time, no more windowsill kisses. It was like he had vanished into thin air.

You understood at first. Hell, you had been dating the man for three years! What was happening, though, was unlike anything he had ever dealt with before. A group of men, identities undisclosed, were wreaking havoc throughout New York City. For months on end, like clockwork, every other week a crime would occur.

Each more gruesome than the last.

Peter had never really been on a deadline like this. Knowing that with each ticking second it was growing closer to the next attack. Spending all nights on the streets, trying to spot whoever could be responsible for this.

The worst part was that he had no leads. A few locations that were all pointless distractions. No semblance of an inkling as to who was committing all of these atrocities. In the span of time since their starting, over eight lives had been taken. A mind boggling number for such a short span of time.

Police were just as useless and he had decided to not take up any more time than necessary with them in tow simply because they weren’t taking this as seriously as they should have been. Instead of confronting the public, reminding them to be careful and not to wander alone past sunset, they were sweeping it under the rug.

Not wanting to cause a public disturbance. No need to fear monger they had told Spider-Man. Assuring him that all of those victims were tied to a gang in one way or another and it was criminal activity work. Something that he shouldn’t spend too much time dwelling on.

That was not a good enough answer for Peter. He didn’t believe them. Honestly, he wasn’t even sure it was a group behind all of this. It could have been a serial killer that was on one hell of a spree.

There was no pattern with their victims either. Randomly selected from the streets. What you didn’t understand was why Peter was involved with all of this. Of course, you knew he wanted to do all in his power to save as many lives as he could, but you warned him to be careful after the initial police warning.

Sticking his nose in places it didn’t belong was not going to end well. It had been the first time you two had argued to that extent. Shouting at the top of your lungs you weren’t ready to lose him and that’s what you were afraid was in the works.

He called you silly for thinking such things. That you needed to have more faith in him than you were giving. It still didn’t answer why he was so invested in this. You knew there were details he was purposely not giving you. Maybe he didn’t want to frighten you or maybe he thought you wouldn’t be able to handle it, but to you, you were a partnership, a pair.

All you wanted was to have Peter back around. Who knows, you might be able to actually help him if he came to you and showed you what he did and did not have. Instead, he hid it from you. Becoming cold and aloof. Distant and consumed.

If there was something you knew about Peter it was that he did not like being bested. Truly holding himself to a standard that was near impossible. Knowing he was above average intelligence, to put it lightly, when people tried outsmarting him, it was always a humorous effort. No one bested Spider-Man.

This time, they were.

Following that night of your monstrous bickering, you hadn’t seen or heard from Peter in over a week. Honestly, you weren’t making much of an effort yourself. Having no interest in being around him when he was in a head space like this. Knowing that there really was no way to help him if he presented nothing to you.

Peter on the other hand was not okay with you going dark on him. Despite knowing that the clock was dwindling down before their next attack, it was the first time in weeks you had been at the forefront of his mind. The little voice in the back of his head was telling him he needed to smooth this over with you or he would regret it.

Which is why he was climbing into your living room window with a bouquet of your favorite flowers, opting to take the night off even though it could be a crucial turning point. He ended up convincing himself it would be alright because if he didn’t have a direction to go in an hour before arriving at your apartment, then hunting tonight was pointless.

He didn’t have a direction.

Even though you hadn’t spoken to Peter, your thoughts were consumed by him as well. What was the bit of information he wasn’t giving you? Was there even anything he was leaving out? There could be the slim possibility he had actually divulged all he knew to you. But you knew better than that. Peter was hiding something, you just couldn’t figure out what it was.

The notes.

Discovered next to each of the victims he had come across. Given he was the only individual to find them and when he tried bringing it to the attention of the police, they had shrugged him off. They were trying to get to him.

Sheets of white printer paper, the typical horror movie fashion of assembly. Varying letters from magazines, newspapers, old letters, all taped and pasted on the paper in a note. Each one was different, but told in a fashion of a word problem. Some were like riddles.

Either way, with each new victim that appeared, so did a new note. It was one of the things he dreaded the most. Seeing what possibly innocent person had been selected in order to deliver the paper to him. His stomach turned just at the thought of it.

Tonight was not for that, though. Instead he chose to bury it in the back of his brain and spend some much needed time with you. So why weren’t you home?

If there was one thing Peter knew and loved about you was that you were a schedule person. Totally type-a, your day planned to perfection and given it was just after six o’clock that evening, you should’ve been in the kitchen plating your dinner.

Except, there was no you in the kitchen, there was no music or television playing in the background, it looked as though nothing had been touched all day. Until he stepped further into the kitchen.

When his eyes darted over to the corner of your counter, partly covered by your fridge, he froze. There it sat. An uneaten bowl of cereal. The milk on the counter next to it, the cereal box still opened and there.

As he approached it, observing the contents, you hadn’t even gotten a spoon out yet. It was filled to the brim, more so than you would’ve liked, but given it hadn’t been touched some of the cereal had inflated from the milk.

“Bug?” His voice, calm and collected echoed out into the quiet flat. Finally prying his eyes away from the alarming sight he had just seen, he was stumped. Everything else in the living room and kitchen was exactly as it should have been.

Maybe you were running late this morning and didn’t realize until after you had made your breakfast. Yes, of course! That’s exactly what it was.

Peeking into your bedroom, his heart rate decreased, a sense of relief and ease settling over him at the entirely bogus reasoning he had used to calm himself down. Until the most unusual sight of all was spotted.

Your phone sitting soundly on your nightstand, still connected to the charger. His hand rubbed at his closed eyes, trying to will his breathing to return to a normal rate. Tapping the screen, it lit up with dozens of texts. Some from Peter, some from coworkers, a few missed calls from work.

Never would you ever forget your phone. Never would you ever not put the cereal back in its place. Something was wrong.

His trembling hands removed his own phone from his pocket, before entirely losing any semblance of sanity, he dialed your boss’s number. It picked up on the third ring and Peter did his best to sound as normal as he could.

“Hey, Guy! It’s Peter Parker,” he was instantly cut off by his chipper voice on the other end. “Peter! How the heck are you?” He sighed, a shaky laugh escaping him. “Great, great. I just have a quick question for you,” as Peter asked if you had made it into work today, Guy responded fast.

“No, actually she didn’t today or yesterday. Didn’t even call. It’s not like her at all. I think a few of her team members tried texting her and didn’t hear from her either. Everything okay?” It was the worst thing he could have been told at that moment.

Clearing his throat, he tried to remain calm. “Mhm, yeah, yes. She’s just, uh, very sick. It might be a few days before she’s well enough to get back to the office. I didn’t call earlier because I wasn’t sure if she had or not.”

Guy’s laugh of relief was palpable. “Whew, thank goodness! Okay, well tell her to rest up and we’ll see her when she’s all better.” Thanking him and quickly ending the call, Peter tore your apartment upside down.

Any clues he could think of, any sign of forced entry, anything at all. But there was nothing. It was all still in the pristine condition it had been left in. Not a single thing out of the ordinary despite the two big red flags. Even going through every app on your phone, just in case, but it was fruitless.

Alarm bells were chiming in his head, he knew something was wrong. He knew you were in some sort of danger. He collapsed on your couch, wracking his brain for anything that could have given him something to work with.

Then he saw it. Out of the corner of his eye. A small piece of white paper stuck to the tongue of a running shoe you never wore. Turned on its side. He couldn’t remember if he had knocked it over during his rushed search of your apartment, but as he picked it up, his blood turned to ice.

Taped to the shoe were the letters he dreaded seeing. Had been haunting him in his sleep for weeks. When he could sleep that was. Unlike the others, it was almost a clue as to where to go next. His eyes quickly saw the time and knew they were going to strike again soon. Far too soon.

One step forward, three steps back, find her quick before she’s the next attack

It was an anger unlike anything he had ever felt before. Not when his parents had died, not when uncle Ben died, it was so overpowering, Peter truly didn’t know how to control it. Darting out of your window, knowing he was on limited time, he began his search.

A near pointless search. A pill that was hard to swallow. Knowing the chances of actually finding you were so slim. He had the list in the back of his mind, places he had scouted previously that he knew they had used at one point or another.

That was the only thing he could think to do. Which is exactly what he did. Searching one by one individually, spending no more than thirty seconds to one minute at each location before going down the list. Did he destroy some of those places during his searches? Absolutely.

He only grew angrier with each location he arrived at that you weren’t in. His hope was running out. Knowing he was at the last two possible places you could be at that he knew about. It was an abandoned warehouse by the river. The first place he had ever tracked them to, but it was far too late when he made his discovery. They had been out of there for over a week by the time he found it.

They were always just a few steps ahead of him and it drove him mad. His masked face searched the premises from what he could see. Through one of the partly shattered windows, there appeared to be a figure on the far end of the building.

A single light shining on them, their back facing where Peter stood. Sitting in a chair, only a wisp of a shadow, no identifying features to be made out. Assuming it was going to be a fight he was about to step into, Peter broke the remainder of the window and launched himself in.

Eerily silent. No noise in the entire building apart from the howling wind outside. It was beginning to become mid-fall in the city and it was always your favorite time of year. No one was enjoying the crisp autumn air that evening.

It was unbearably stuffy in there. No fresh air had swept through the place in years. The stale scents made that abundantly clear. Peter hesitantly approached the figure, the lighting just so he couldn’t make anything out until only a few hundred yards away.

The minute he saw the tied hands behind the back of the chair, his heart soared. “Bu-bug!” His voice shouted, relief flowing off of him in waves, but they came crashing down just as fast.

He wasn’t even sure if it was you. Incredibly deformed from obvious beatings, your face was swollen, bruised, and bloody like he had never seen before. The zip tie around your wrists had cut into the skin, pieces of flesh hanging from it.

As he looked down, the sticky floor was a deep crimson, continuing to pool from your countless open wounds. No shoes were on your feet, they too were cut and dangling from your seated position, totally limp.

He wasn’t entirely sure what was in your mouth as a makeshift gag, but whatever it was had been there so long, your skin was raw and bruised around it. It was the first thing he removed and as he did, your chipped teeth entered his view.

A blanket was draped over you that was covered in things Peter did not even want to begin to imagine. It was the next thing he went to remove, but he halted the moment it was off your body.

There, stapled to your bare chest, was his next note. The same haunting letters, covered in either your own or someone else’s blood. Based on the missing fingernails, he assumed it was a fight you had given which made him silently pray it was someone else’s, yours already spilled too much.

It took him a second longer than he realized to see that your toes were mainly all facing the wrong way. Your arms bruised from newly broken bones, legs in the same condition.

His trembling voice was the first thing you heard as he cut the tie from your hands, whimpers and choked cries trying to escape your hoarse throat. Immediately going limp, Peter caught you. Your body was convulsing in ways he had never seen, unable to open your eyes and see that Peter had found you.

His tears made heavy tracts on his sweat riddled skin. His gloved hands smoothed over the inflamed sections of your face. “I’m-I’m here bug, I got you. I found you, baby. I got you, okay? It’s okay now, baby.” Despite knowing how difficult and incredibly painful his next actions were going to be, he had to get you out of there.

Medical attention was the only way you were going to be able to survive. That meant Peter was going to have to carry you to the hospital. No possibility of emergency services being able to get to you before it was too late.

He was right. Had he waited for emergency services you would have died. You had been in the hospital for three weeks now. Finally in a state where you were fully conscious, despite the pain that never subsided, you were doing better than everyone thought.

It was unclear how long you had been in their “care” before Peter had found you. Based on the little memory you had from the snatching, it was assumed you had been with them for at least forty-eight hours, possibly more.

Peter hadn’t left your side since. Growing tired of hearing the nurses and doctors praise Spider-Man for having found you and saving you when he did. Hardly. He had hardly saved you.

In fact, this was his fault. It was the conclusion he had made. His careless and reckless behaviors had led them straight to you. He hadn’t spoken to you in a week and look what they had done. They thought they had killed you. There hadn’t been another attack yet. It meant nothing though.

No, the note left for him said otherwise. You’ve made it three steps back, how long until the grand final act?

Peter was frightening you. Since you had been awake and aware of what was happening, he had hardly spoken to you. The deep purple bags under his eyes were only growing worse, skin a sickly gray you had never witnessed in a human before, face hollowing out from lack of rest and food.

All he did was write in his notebook.

Curled up in a chair, he stared at the pages for hours on end. Occasionally writing and scribbling in it. His eyes never rested, constantly darting around the pages. It had been weeks of this. Total silence from him, not sure how to talk to him when he was like…this.

It was another late night in the hospital, having drifted in and out of painful sleep all day. Based on the lack of staff and visitors present, you assumed it was the middle of the night. The hospital floor just outside your door was quiet. An easy night for the staff, you thought.

Trying to figure out how to eat a pudding cup, one of the only things you could keep down, was your current task at hand. The tv playing with hardly any sound, it being the only main light in there, Peter silently re-reading whatever was in that book. That was the current mood of your room.

Eating was difficult. Only having three working fingers on your non-dominant hand, luckily one being your thumb, you struggled to pick up the spoon, also knowing you couldn’t move your arm to bring the spoon to you or bend over to get closer to consume anything. Just trying to move to secure the spoon in your mangled fingers had you on the verge of tears, losing your breath along the way.

You could do nothing without help. Not wanting to ask Peter for any assistance because of how poor his mood was. That was where you two currently sat with one another. Scared to speak to him more than absolutely necessary. Hardly speaking since being here.

His eyes briefly glanced at you before realizing what you were trying to do, throwing his notebook onto the side table. “Hey, hey, hey! What are you even trying to do, bug?” His voice was soft, a slight laugh in his voice, exhaustion evident with each word spoken. Taking the spoon from your hand, he pulled his chair closer to the bed, beginning to bring it to your lips.

It was silent until your eyes darted back at the book, deciding to take a leap. “Whatcha writing?” Your cracked, gravelly, and weak voice echoed through the silent room.

It made him want to revert to a blind rage attack. Your voice that was usually so full of life and excitement. Strong and loud that could command an entire room with only a few words. Now, he could hardly hear you, understand you, look at you. Jaw clenching at the question, his teeth grinded together.

When he closed his eyes, he saw visions of you beaten in that warehouse, left for dead. The immense pain you had been suffering through ever since then. Scars that would never fade, both physically and mentally meant he couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. Not until he found them.

Your face was doing better, still black and blue, but healing. Able to open your eyes and look at him despite the popped blood vessels. Bandages littered every inch of your skin, wrists tightly wrapped with special medicine for the skin loss.

“Notes,” he murmured, eyes darkening as you asked your question, obviously not wanting to speak about it more. Changing the topic as your pudding came to an end, his hand brushed through your hair, knuckles lightly brushing against your cheek. “What do you need? Anything?”

It was silly. A simple question to see if you really did need anything. It didn’t stop the tears from hurriedly falling down your face. “Yo-you, Peter. I need you. I don’t know where you’ve been, but it hasn’t been here with me. I feel like I’m healing on my own. Like you’re not even here. You sit in that chair, staring at that notebook for days on end. You’ve hardly looked at me, spoken to me, listened to me. Please, just come back to me. Please, Pete.” It was borderline begging, but months of pent up frustration had broken the dam.

Peter’s heart continued to crack with each additional word you said. Realization of what he was doing to you, slamming into him all at once. He nodded, chin resting on one of the side rails, sniffling himself. “I’m here, bug. Whatever you need. I’m so sorry.”

Your only non-fully broken hand you extended towards him, wincing in pain from the movement. Scared to touch you, he only placed your hand back down, removing the side rail to get as close as possible to you.

The rest of the night, you two sat chatting ,watching whatever movies you wanted. It was a glimpse at the man you had seemingly lost all those months ago. Peter was back.

You were released from the hospital just shy of a week later. Peter’s plan to nurse you back to health was his moving in with you. While it was just supposed to be while you recovered, you two ended up enjoying it so much, he was now permanently living there.

It felt like your relationship was shooting by leaps and bounds, spending time together like you had never experienced before. Him being there when you went to bed at night and his face being the first thing you spotted when your eyes opened was a treat you didn’t know you needed.

Feeling content, cared for, respected, and loved like never before. Peter admitted, with your confession to him in the hospital about how distant he had become, tore him apart. He had never seen you moved to tears in such a way, especially over him.

He didn’t realize how deep he had been sucked in until that moment. From then on, Peter swore to keep his other persona on the sidelines for a bit whilst you healed and needed him. Did that mean he was going to stop being Spider-Man in the meantime?

Of course not. It meant that side of him was reserved for the span of time from when you fell asleep to about forty minutes before you would wake up in the morning. Absolutely clueless as to the fact that he had been out all night.

Hunting. Stalking. Tracking.

It was the first night in which you didn’t need him to help lay you down in bed. Peter knew his sleep schedule was already fucked, each time his eyes would drift shut all he could see was you strapped to that chair, nearing death.

And the fact that he hadn’t caught them.

Keeping him up at night, when he could sleep it was plagued by nightmares. Peter knew that there was no opportunity for him to rest while these scumbags were still wandering the streets, looking for another prey to select for their sick games.

Which is why he was doing this without you knowing. Not wanting to worry you and cause you further stress. No, Peter could do this. Would do this. Had to do this. He had made amazing moves. Truly spectacular given the place he had been stuck in before.

They had no idea he had found them, watched their every move, plotted what he was going to do to them. Honestly, when he first spotted one of the three he had discovered had been involved in your…incident, it took every ounce of strength he had to not murder the man right then.

He had to remind himself that all he had to do was provide some patience and the reward would be unlike anything he imagined. And imagine he did.

It was what plagued his thoughts every single day as he watched you hobble around such short distances that only offered pain and tiredness from. His eyes would drift over your still bruised skin as he helped you bathe and it was like witnessing it all over again.

Your hand would tip his chin up, forcing him to lock eyes with you. It was nearly impossible to not see the sadness and hurt in his eyes. Disappointed in himself for letting this happen to you. It didn’t matter because what had happened was now in the past and all you were looking forward to was healing.

The emotional and traumatic scars left on you were not easy to mask. Perhaps that was another reason why Peter was so furious as well. If he moved too quickly behind you, you jumped and a small scream would follow. Trembling for upwards of an hour before settling down. Peter would have to tell you small things to gather your thoughts.

Feel my hand? I`m right here, bug. Here, I want you to use the remote and put on whatever you want. You feel the couch under you? You’re home, baby. You’re safe.

If it weren’t for Peter, you weren’t sure what you would do. He was your rock, your other half, offering reason for unreasonable thoughts. He was your Peter.

The rain was pattering against the window, a sort of white noise you weren’t expecting tonight, but were grateful for it nonetheless. It helped you drift off to a dreamless sleep, exhaustion from trying to do some basic things today taking too much out of you.

Peter was already out of the house before he knew you were soundly asleep. He couldn’t risk being late. Tonight was the night.

Weeks of following them, understanding and breaking their odd patterns, he watched as they went according to plan perfectly. A construction sight for a new high rise. This was their new rendezvous sight for the next attack.

There wouldn’t be another attack.

Counting silently in his head, as he saw a flicker of a small light near the top floor, his count was perfect. They entered exactly on schedule. Crawling down the side of the building and using the thunderstorm to his advantage, he shattered a window a few floors up.

There was no other way that he knew of other than how they had entered and that was far too risky as they had all other doors blocked. As he slowly descended the staircase to scout the floor and determine which room they were in, his hair stood on end as a voice hit his ear.

Three of them. All there. The monsters who were behind your attack. Simply waiting for him.

Except, they didn’t know they were waiting for him. No, tonight was a setup night. Preparation for the coming days of their next plan. Peter had determined fairly early on it was not going to be their final act like they had claimed.

The door was kept slightly ajar with a cinder block, no handles on them yet meaning if it closed, there was no way out for them. Which was their plan for their next victim. Leave the poor soul trapped here with no means of getting out alive.

Peter’s skin was crawling, every instinct shouting at him to just do it. End them now. It would be so easy. He shook off those thoughts, knowing his plan was the correct one.

He dropped to the floor behind them, one of them catching him out of the corner of their eye, a smirk taking over his face. “Spidey boy finally found us, boss.” The thick accent made him hard to understand. Peter kept silent. Very silent.

The other two turned to face him, matching looks on their hideous faces. “How’s your girl? You otta be more careful next time or she could get seriously hurt.” A chuckle escaped them. Peter still didn’t move, watching them from a few paces away.

Quickly deciding they weren’t a fan of the silent treatment, the largest man in the center who Peter knew to be their ringleader drew his gun. In the blink of an eye, web flew towards the gunman, pinning the weapon to the wall behind him.

“Come on now, you didn’t think I knew what you have on you? Just like how I know tweedledee over here is about to throw a knife at me,” Peter ducked out of the way as the blade hurdled towards him. “Now how about we all play nice and introduce ourselves?”

An over exaggerated sigh escaped Peter’s lips as the three men darted towards him, but he acted quickly, webbing them to the surrounding walls, letting one approach him to fight him. “Guess not. Okay, then. I guess I’ll be the one making the rules tonight then.”

Peter grabbed the three chairs from one of the corners of the room before leisurely strolling towards the door and pushing the cinder block from the opening. He whistled a made up tune as he removed them one by one, webbing them to the seats to the point of them not being able to move an inch.

“You know, it’s such a shame sometimes that I wear this mask because I would love you guys to see how big of a smile I have right now. Scouts honor, I am overjoyed that we finally get to do this!” He took his own seat directly across from them.

His head scanned them before pointing at the one on the right. “Let’s start with you bumblebee. What’s your name?” His black and yellow striped shirt was what appointed him his nickname. “You think we’re going to talk? I have nothing to say.”

Peter nodded at his words before looking at the other two. “Same goes for you two then, I assume?” When they didn’t respond, instead only seeing spit hurl towards him, he dropped his head, shaking it. “Such a shame. Alright, last chance. Just give me a name.”

Silence.

A shrug. “It brings me no joy to resort to this, fellas. I’m truly not a violent person. I pride myself on being as gentle as I can be. " He began pacing around, his chair discarded behind him now. “Igor, Viktor, Sasha.” He pointed at each of them individually as he divulged their names.

He gave himself a small satisfactory pump into the air at his success. He could tell he was correct by the little one on the lefts eyes growing slightly wider. It was just the start. As Peter continued on, he got tiny tidbits of information. Only when he presented to them what he knew. Which at this point was everything.

Names, date of births, addresses, spouses, children, education records, dental records, you name it, Peter had it. It still wasn’t enough to get them talking like how he wanted. Instead, Peter fell into the second part of his plan earlier than he had expected.

With seven toes, five fingers, three teeth, many beatings, and an ear, they were beginning to squeal. The leader, Igor, was suspended from the ceiling by his bound hands submerged in webbing. He was entirely nude, body cut up in ways that had blood spilling from him ferociously.

Viktor was webbed entirely to the floor, his entire body covered in fluid despite only one singular nostril. He was the one who cracked first which Peter expected after his reaction to his grandmothers home address in his tiny village in his home country. It was quickly discovered that he was mainly an action man, simply doing what he was told, not a mastermind of any sort.

The other one, Sasha, was who most of the beatings had gone towards once Viktor had divulged it was him who had mainly been the culprit in your beating. Webbed to the wall with no chance of escape, Peter mimicked all the injuries you had sustained on him and then some. Just missing a few fingers and toes now as well.

As the night drew to a close, Peter admired the work he had done. He wiped his gloved hands in a motion to signify he was wrapping up. They were hardly conscious enough at this point to understand what was happening to them. To understand the fate they had drawn themselves to.

There was just one final thing he needed to do. Grabbing the needle and thread he brought with him for tonight and tonight only, he walked slowly towards the nude man. “Did you know that I sew all of my suits? Crazy right! How in the world does he have the time to do this, you might ask. It’s a valid question, but you know what, if I took it to lets say a seamstress, I would be unbelievably broke. Not to mention, how does one drop off the Spider-Man suit without drawing suspicion. First world problems, am I right?” 

The man didn’t respond, but as Peter pierced the needle into his skin, his yelp rang in Peter’s ears. “Ah, ah, ah, don’t be moving around now, you’ll make my stitches go all out of wack here.” Peter took his time, but as he finished he admired the handy work.

Sewn into the man chest was a letter of his own. Crafted just for them. A message curated specifically for their enjoyment.

“How time flies, boys. Suns coming up here shortly. Time for me to be heading out.” He smashed a window, ready to crawl out, but he remembered one final thing he needed to do. Walking back over to Igor, he pulled his head back by the hair on his scalp, making him look into the bug eyed mask.

The whimper that fell from the grown man was laughable to Peter. “If you or your dogs come near anyone I love again, our next visit will not be as enjoyable as this one. If you get out of here, I mean.” Tears fell from the corner of his eyes as Peter released his head to fall back into its resting position.

“See you later, guys! Make better choices!” He called out behind himself as he crawled out the window, webbing it shut behind him before making his way home to you.

It was the first time in months that Peter felt like he could breathe. Taking in the fresh morning air, just minutes before the sun began to peak on the horizon, signaling the arrival of a new day. His lungs expanded with the deep breath of air, wanting to sob at the weight removed from his shoulders.

As he made his way back into the apartment, he spotted you in bed. Still curled up in the comforter, sound asleep, none the wiser of his whereabouts the night before. The brusing getting less and less noticeable by the day.

When he crawled into bed next to you, he refused to fall asleep, not tired in the least. No, instead as the sun began to shine through the curtains, he watched you. Watched as your chest rose and fell with each breath, grateful you were taking those breaths.

Because Peter knew that it wasn’t long ago where those breaths weren’t guaranteed. Now, he counted each one, to make sure you were okay. Of course you were okay now. Peter just needed to make sure.

It wasn’t too long after when you began stirring, eyes blinking open to see his golden eyes staring down at you with the softest gaze Peter had ever had. “Morning,” you mumbled, he whispered it back to you.

“You sleep okay?” He asked, to which you nodded, asking him the same. “Of course I did.” You smiled, getting up and ready to start your day.

You just needed to pretended you didn’t see the bruises adorning his knuckles. “What’s for breakfast?”

[ash5monster01]

Getaway Camp : Eighteen

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x OC!Fem

Warnings: language, implied smut, confessions, mentions of death, mentions of suicide, minor angst, start of goodbye, fluff, acceptance

Summary: Valerie and Charlie leave camp to go on a real date but it instead turns into Charlie finally baring his soul. In the end they both accept the beginning of the end.

word count: 3.2k

Masterlist

Seventeen ←→ Nineteen

August 13th 1961

Sunday happens to be the only day they get off from practice. That’s why Charlie is in no hurry to wake a sleeping Valerie in his arms. Still angelic looking as she lays naked against him. Andy had spent the night with Alice and they both took full advantage of the empty cabin. Neither of them worked or practiced, and as much as Charlie didn’t want to admit it, there was only one week of camp left. He needed to make the best of it while he could.

“I can feel you watching me” Valerie says, voice groggy and hand running down his chest. He tries to ignore his desire when her fingers tangle in his chest hair.

“Just admiring the view” Charlie answers, softly kissing the crown of her head and running his own fingers through her hair. He couldn’t believe he only had a week left with her. Just the idea of a short countdown made guilt swirl in his stomach. She still barely knew a thing about him when he knew so much about her.

“Someone is feeling charming this morning” she says, opening her eyes and hooking her leg between his own. He wished they could stay pressed together like this forever. Feel her heart beat against his chest, run his calloused hands over her smooth skin.

“I’m always charming” he tells her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her weight on top of him. When her breasts settle against his chest he’s quick to kiss her. Needing to do it while he still had the opportunity.

“What do you want to do today?” she asks once he pulls back, hands settled on his shoulders and admiring his soft features. The very ones that captured her attention the first day they met.

“Maybe we could go for a drive, spend some time in the town outside of camp. I probably should make sure my car still runs” and even if it isn’t direct, the reminder of their deadline is enough to make Valerie stiffen above him. Yet also the idea of spending the day away from camp made her happy. She would finally have a taste of what it’s like being with him in the real world.

“That would be fun, I know a great diner. We could have a lunch date” she smiles at him, masking the idea of losing him so soon. She hated that everything she did with him this week she would view as their last.

“I love that idea” he tells her and she quickly kisses him before she dwells too much. They still had right now and that’s what should matter. Plus in a week she gets to see her Dad and brothers. That’s what it should be about.

It only takes another hour for them both to get up, Charlie struggling to keep his hands off her and Valerie insisting she needed a shower before they go. He said it wasn’t fair they couldn’t shower together and the process started all over again. Yet after a while they both finally find themselves getting ready and excited for the day. Charlie holds her hand the entire hike to staff parking and remembers the last time he took this trail he had no idea who Valerie even was. Any moment before her now just felt useless.

“This is your car?” Valerie giggles when she sees the big white Chrysler. The thing was practically a boat but the red leather seats were gorgeous. She just never expected him off all people to have a family style car.

“Graduation present from my father, though I’m quite certain my Mom forced him to buy it to make up for everything. Either way it’s got a lot of room in the back seat” his eyebrows jump with suggestion and Valerie blushes bright red under his stare. Not entirely hating the idea herself.

“You’re terrible” she tells him lovingly as he pops open the passenger door for her. Once inside she scoots all the way to the middle, not wanting to be so far from him during their last week. When Charlie gets in she just grins as the engine rumbles to life and he pulls it into gear.

It was weird driving down the dirt road and past the gate, having not left the vicinity of camp for two months. It almost felt like he was doing something wrong. The other part of him was over the moon, having dreamed of driving around with a pretty girl in his car. Finally he was living out that fantasy and feeling a lot like normal kids who weren’t forced into preparatory school. What was even better was when they reached the town and how full of life it was. He hadn’t realized how unattached from civilization he was until he could smell the heavy exhaust from all the cars and see all the people walking down the street. It was practically heaven on earth when they pulled into Mel’s Diner and Charlie spotted all the neon lights.

“Man I can practically taste the cheeseburger and milkshake already” Valerie buzzed in her seat and Charlie laughs as he pops open his driver door, both of them sliding out. Valerie plants a quick kiss on his lips that he’s sure is sweeter than any milkshake in there.

“Did you know that back at home I’m actually a waitress. I have a yellow uniform and everything. It should be ugly but I’ve always looked good in yellow” Valerie shares as they walk in, smiling at the workers and customers. People their age and younger fill the booths and enjoy their weekend. Charlie tries to ignore the heavy weight of knowing another fact about her.

“Table for two?” An older woman asks, her waitress uniform with the name tag Sharon on it. Charlie smiles quickly as he squeezes Valerie’s hand within his own.

“Yes please” he responds and she smiles at the two before grabbing some menus and leading them to an empty booth. Despite the woman placing a menu on either side of the table, Valerie is quick to slide into the spot beside Charlie, and he has to try not to grin.

“Any drinks?” Sharon asks, ignoring the close proximity and more than likely used to hundreds of kids coming here on dates. Just another normal day.

“Two chocolate milk shakes please, an extra cherry with mine” Valerie answers and even if Charlie would rather have vanilla he finds her ordering for him sexy enough not to complain.

“Extra cherries huh?” Charlie teases as the waitress walks away, looking at the menu that would probably become useless when Valerie orders for him again.

“They’re my favorite. My brothers hate them so my Dad always made them give me theirs” she tells him, another fact about her life and childhood burning straight through him.

“You can have mine too then” Charlie tells her and she grins, settling beside him and glancing at her own menu.

“My Dad said my Mom loved cherries so that must be why I do too. I assume that’s why my Dad always gave me his even though I know he likes them too” Valerie tells him and Charlie hates that he burns with guilt, unsure what to say to her, when in reality all she wanted to do was share more of herself with him.

“Neil loved cherries” he finally says and Valerie freezes, glancing at Charlie to find he’s looking anywhere but her. She realizes why when she sees the tears that rim his eyes.

“Who’s Neil?” she asks and Charlie lets out a slight laugh, hand dragging over his mouth as he looks out the diner windows.

“Neil’s my best friend. I’d never share my cherries with him though.” He says with a soft laugh and Valerie quickly goes over the friends she met in his head. If she was correct none of them were named Neil. None of them even had a name that started with N.

“How come Neil didn’t visit last weekend?” she asks but then the past tense he had used registers with her, the tears burning in his eyes. Now she felt like such an asshole for asking.

“Neil took his life two years ago. I like to blame that for the reason I got kicked out of school but that’s just because I had no where else for my anger to go” and Valerie can’t ask anymore questions when two chocolate shakes are set in front of them.

“Ready to order?” Sharon’s bored voice asks and Valerie quickly turns to her with a smile she can barely muster.

“Two cheeseburgers with fries please, nothing else. Thanks” and Sharon nods, writing the order down and stalking off so Valerie can turn her attention back to the boy.

“Charlie I’m so sorry, I didn’t know” she says, wincing when she realizes it sounds silly. Of course she didn’t know, he didn’t want her to know, probably for this exact reason. Having to accommodate one more person who would never understand. Yet Valerie did, it was the same way she felt when people tried to relate to having a dead Mom.

“It’s okay V, I’m better now. I’ve come to terms with it and I finished out school. Of course not without the resentment of my father but I’m pretty used to that” he tells her, hand rubbing her shoulder as if she was the one who needed to be comforted.

“You don’t have to tell me all this Charlie, it’s okay” she assures him, having become content with him keeping to himself. It never stopped her from loving him.

“Yes I do. You deserve to know me, even if we only have one more week together. I love you too much to not give you all of me” His words are syrupy sweet and now tears fill Valerie’s eyes as she moves to hug him close.

“Where is all this coming from?” she asks, a hand rubbing up and down his back as he hugs her back. Charlie realizes nobody ever really hugged him after Neil died. It’s nice.

“You just kept sharing stuff about your family, the fun and important things. You deserved to know mine too” he tells her and Valerie pulls back, revealing the tears that fell down her cheeks that Charlie hadn’t dared to shed yet.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty. I just really miss them. As much as I hate the idea of saying goodbye to you, I love that I get to see them soon too” she says, wiping her tears away and Charlie smiles as he pushes some of her hair behind her ears.

“You should be, it’s the same way I feel about my friends. Last weekend was the first time I got to see them since Neil passed and now I feel helpless without them all over again” Charlie explains, realizing when his friends left that day that the hole in his heart wasn’t just from Neil but them too. They always were his real family.

“What was Neil like?” and it’s not the question Charlie expects. Nobody ever asked him about Neil anymore, only offered condolences or refused to bring him up in fear of reopening old wounds. It’s the first time Charlie realizes he should be talking about Neil, sharing his legacy, and sharing how proud he was of him.

“Neil was the best guy I know. Confident but also smart and kind. He was good at keeping me out of trouble. He used his head way more than I ever did. He was also good at accommodating everyone. In spite of my pride he was sorta the leader of the group, kept us all together” Charlie explains, smiling about moments and memories passed. The few times he was able to get Neil to bend the rules. How warmly and openly Neil loved him when no one else ever really did.

“He sounds amazing, sounds exactly like the kind of guy you would make your best friend” Valerie says and Charlie chuckles, nodding his head as he tried to recall exactly what his brunette friend looked like.

“You remind me a lot of him actually” Charlie admits for the first time to her and himself. He always knew he found companionship in her because of Neil, he was just finally accepting it for what it was.

“That’s sweet, I wish I could have known him” Valerie says earnestly and Charlie pulls her close, smiling at the kindness and trying to not be so love sick over this girl.

“I really wish I didn’t have to say goodbye to you next week” Charlie whispers against her head and Valerie sighs, the tears springing to her eyes once again.

“We always knew there was an expiration date, but I swear I’ll never forget you” she says, accepting his embrace and hoping one day, years from now, these past two months will be more than just a blip in time. Meaningless and faded in a lifetime of memories and instead the good old days.

“Does that mean there’s no chance we can keep in touch?” he asks with a chuckle but Valerie just closes her eyes, knowing it would be no good for either of them if they went their separate ways and tried to pretend phone calls and letters would be enough. Her silence is the only answer Charlie needs.

“You’re going to do so much good in the world Ace, let’s just make this last week as amazing as it can be” she says and Charlie nods, realizing this was the first time they were both acknowledging that this was just a fling even if all that love was there. A healing moment for the both of them before they were thrust into the real world.

“So are you Val, they have no idea what’s coming” and right on cue, two burgers are placed in front of them. A jump back into the real world and facing the now instead of what if.

“Enjoy” Sharon tells them and Charlie and Valerie share a look, knowing the woman had meant the food but in this moment they were only thinking of each other.

The two of them don’t mention their dwindling timeline for the rest of the evening. Instead they enjoy the food and each other, exploring the town and making memories they both hoped to keep. All while Charlie shared as much about himself as he can. Charlie also finds he can’t stop himself from spending money on her, forking over probably too much money for a new yellow sundress she had tried on. She argued with him for only a little but then he said she could wear it whenever she missed him and she quickly shut right up. It’s nearly dusk when they finally make it back to camp, both a little lovesick, and trying not to focus on the fact that would be their only real date.

“Hey lovebirds, where the hell have you been all day” Levi asks from his cabin, still only in his small red swim trunks and a blushing Mia standing next to him.

“Went to Mel’s and I showed Charlie the town. We had fun!” Valerie explains as she drags Charlie past their own cabins and towards her friends.

“Damn, should’ve brought me some of that cherry pie. Best I ever had” Levi says and Valerie gives a sheepish look knowing her and Charlie had split a very piece of that pie.

“Sorry but we were too busy running around. Next time” she says as if there wasn’t a week left and they both had to work pretty much everyday. Levi accepts this answer and wraps an arm around Mia’s waist.

“Yeah okay, well I’ll see you two tomorrow” Levi teases, starting for his cabin door and tugging Mia along. Nate more than likely at a night event back at main camp. Dancing with bungalow bunnies and enjoying the staff band. All Charlie can picture is poor dorky Leonard and being told what to do by Nate.

“Goodnight guys” Valerie waves happily before dragging Charlie back down to their cabins. She doesn’t want to night to end and she especially doesn’t want to sleep without him. Yet that more than likely won’t happen when they spot the white sock hung from Charlie’s cabin door, Andy more probably making up for time with Alice inside.

“You think Chrissy would mind me hanging around?” Charlie asks and Valerie pictures her blonde friend, the one she was lucky to have and had come to appreciate.

“She doesn’t really have a choice” Valerie says as she leads him in, dropping the shopping bag full of memory tokens from their day as they enter. Chrissy is laid in her bed, reading a magazine when she looks up and spots them both.

“Hey guys, good day?” she asks with a kind smile and Charlie briefly wonders why Nate genuinely could never get serious about her. She deserved so much more.

“The best actually, Charlie’s cabin is occupied so hopefully you don’t mind us hanging out here” Valerie says as she slides off her shoes and starts for her closet. Surprising neither of them as she sheds her dress and looks for something comfier.

“No that’s fine, I was actually going to meet Nate at the mess hall for dinner” she says and Valerie looks at her with shock, pulling a black t-shirt of Charlie’s over her head.

“What? Why?” Valerie questions, hands pulling her brunette locks out of the collar and Charlie sits on Valerie’s bed, curious himself to see what Chrissy would say.

“We decided to be friends. In a week we’ll both be back home anyway. I swear I’m not falling into his trap, but if I can forgive you I can forgive him too” Chrissy defends and Valerie sits beside Charlie, him more focused on the fact she never put pants on then Nate and Chrissy drama.

“Okay, I just don’t want you to get hurt again. You deserve your own Charlie” Valerie says and the brown haired boy smirks at both of them when Valerie says this. His girlfriend is quick to elbow him and remind him to dial down the cockiness.

“I know, which is why I got Charlie’s little red headed friend’s number. I’m exploring my options” she shrugs as she stands from the bed, grabbing a staff hoodie and pulling it over her head. Valerie knows to take her seriously when she realizes she wasn’t even dressing up for the occasion.

“Meeks is a good one, definitely don’t count him out” Charlie tells her and Chrissy nods as she waves goodbye and steps out the cabin door. Leaving it for just the two of them. The second it’s closed Charlie is turning to his girl, a devious smirk on his face.

“Do you need something Ace?” Valerie asks, feigning innocence but Charlie’s hand settles between her bare thighs, gliding up her skin until he meets the heat of her core through her underwear. His smirk only widening when her legs tighten around him. He can’t believe in a week he’d actually have to give this up.

“Yeah, to make love to you in my black t-shirt”

Taglist: @eden-punk @octaviasdread @pursuedbyamemoryy @poetsinnyc @linmichea1

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist :))

[magicfootballstuff]

Just Friends (claudia pina x reader)

Summary: After your cousin set you up on a blind date with her teammate, you’re too stubborn to give Alexia the satisfaction of knowing her matchmaking was a success, but it’s harder than you thought to keep your blossoming romance with Claudia a secret.

Can be read as a sequel to Blind Date - shouldn’t be necessary to read that one first but it does provide a bit of context.

———

“So how was it?” Alexia asks.

You should have known that your cousin’s invitation to meet her for coffee two days after your blind date with her teammate was just an excuse to be nosy and find out how it went. Still, you decide to play dumb.

“How was what?” you ask, as you sip from your coffee.

“Don’t be an idiot, you know what I’m asking,” Alexia scolds you with an eye roll. “How was your date with Pina?”

“It was nice. She was … nice.”

It was way more than nice. Part of you wants to gush about how well the date went, about the kiss and the fact you haven’t stopped thinking about Claudia ever since and how you can’t wait for the second date, but you’ll save that for your friends rather than your over-invested cousin.

“Nice enough for a second date?” Alexia asks, raising her eyebrows in hope.

“It wasn’t that kind of vibe. We got on well once we got past the awkwardness of being on a blind date, but we both agreed it felt more like friends.”

“Damn, I was sure that you two would hit it off. Never mind, now that I’ve opened your eyes to the wonderful world of dating women, there are so many options…”

“Alexia,” you warn her. “I’m an adult. I can date on my own. Do you know how embarrassing it was to have to admit to Claudia that my cousin is interfering in my love life?”

Alexia grins and counters, “Equally as embarrassing as Pina having to admit that her teammate was interfering in hers?”

“Yeah, about that… don’t ever set me up with one of your teammates again. You might like that kind of drama, but footballers aren’t it for me.”

“How about musicians? I think I know a girl who…”

“Alexia!”

———

Your second date with Claudia is a cute afternoon coffee date. Her busy football schedule and your university deadlines mean you don’t have much time, but after the success of the first date you agree to meet again a few days later just before Claudia has to go away for a Champions League game.

“Did you get interrogated by Alexia too?” Claudia asks, as you sit on the terrace outside the coffee shop waiting for the waitress to bring over your drinks.

“Yup,” you confirm with an eye roll. “I think she’s disappointed it didn’t work out between us.”

“Didn’t it?” Claudia asks, with a smirk.

“You know what I mean,” you grin back at her. “Anyway, she’s already trying to set me up on another date.”

“Really?” Claudia’s eyebrows shoot up. “Anyone I’d know.”

“Well, I’ve warned her against setting me up with footballers,” you reply. “Been there, done that.”

“Ouch,” Claudia says, clutching her chest dramatically as if pretending you’ve wounded her heart. “You were a lot more charming on the first date.” 

“Anyway, I’ve told her not to bother setting me up with anyone else either. Not that Alexia needs to know, but I’ve already got my eye on someone.”

“Oh yeah, what’s she like?” Claudia grins at you. “Should I be jealous?”

“She’s stunning,” you tell Claudia. “Quite funny, got these really nice eyes, a really pretty smile. And she’s not a bad kisser either.”

“Well I think you should date her then,” Claudia shrugs, as the waitress brings over your coffees and sets them down on the table between you.

“So do I,” you agree, with a smile.

———

What you didn’t consider is that by keeping your continued dates with Claudia a secret from Alexia, she would keep trying to find you the perfect girlfriend. 

It’s been four official dates with Claudia now and it’s going well. Far from being jealous of Alexia’s determined matchmaking, it’s actually a big source of amusement between you. There’s a bit of a thrill to keeping this to yourselves, the excitement of your first ever romance magnified by the secrecy, like you and Claudia are living in your own little bubble as you get to know each other. And it’s going so well that you’re starting to catch real feelings for her, so you know the bubble will have to pop sooner or later, but the longer you can keep this away from Alexia’s scrutiny, the better.

Which means Alexia still thinks you’re single and perfect for her matchmaking experiments.

You don’t know if Claudia was just more resilient in telling Alexia to stop or if your cousin has just reserved the special ‘family only’ wingman approach for you, but it seems to be just you on the receiving end of Alexia’s plans. Since the first date with you, Claudia seems to have escaped unscathed, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t find endless amusement in hearing you complain about Alexia’s latest plot.

Tonight, your cousin has brought you to a gay bar. Alexia has a week off from football matches and has decided that you’re not fully out of the closet until you’ve experienced Barcelona’s gay scene. Plus, as you expected, she thinks it’s another opportunity to find you a girl.

You’re perfectly happy with the girl you’re already seeing. The girl you’re currently texting to fill her in on your latest predicament.

You Alexia’s brought me to a gay bar

You glance over at your cousin, who is currently talking to a group of three girls close to the bar, and try to guess which one she’s going to send in your direction. Probably all three, one after the other, as you politely explain to them each in turn that you’re not actually looking for anybody and even if you were, you’d approach them yourself instead of asking Alexia to do the hard work for you.

Luckily, Claudia responds to your message almost immediately.

Claudia Still trying to set you up?

You Desperately. What are you doing tonight?

Claudia Night in with a couple of the girls. Wish I was with you instead

You let yourself imagine that scenario, mentally banishing Alexia from this bar and replacing her with Claudia. Though this is your first experience of a gay bar, you’d much rather be enjoying it with her than your cousin. You like the idea of being glued to Claudia’s side all night, holding her hand in yours, dancing with her, kissing her, so that all the other girls here tonight know there’s no point hitting on you anyway because you’re already taken.

Maybe one day in the future, if things get serious enough between you that you decide to come clean to Alexia, you can enjoy nights like those with Claudia.

But for now, you’ll have to settle for Alexia and her determined matchmaking.

You quickly text Claudia back.

You You wish you were in a gay bar watching Alexia try to set me up? Weirdo…

Claudia Can I come over later?

You You seem pretty confident Alexia’s not going to find me a girl tonight

You put your phone away as Alexia returns to you, thankfully alone, and fills you in on the latest gossip.

“So the one in the middle, the one in pink, is called Nadia and she’s single,” Alexia says, having to raise her voice to be heard over the music. “Plus she thinks you’re cute. You should talk to her.”

“Don’t you think it’s weird that you’re still trying to set me up with someone?” you ask, hoping to deflect Alexia’s attention away from her mission. “Like, what if one of these girls you introduce me to ends up being a serial killer and you send me home with her. How are you going to live with yourself if my mutilated body shows up in two weeks time? How will you show your face at family Christmas this year?”

“You’re such a little weirdo,” Alexia says, draping an arm around your shoulders and pressing a feather-light kiss to your temple. “You know, that’s why I thought you and Pina would be a perfect match. She’s weird too.”

“We do get on well,” you admit to Alexia, adding, “As friends.”

You manage to wriggle free from Alexia’s embrace and at the mention of Claudia, take your phone out again, angling your phone away from Alexia as you read the latest message.

Claudia I think you’ve got your eye on somebody else 😉

You glance up at Alexia again, who is already scanning the room for her next target. You don’t know how much more of this you can put up with before you crack and confess what’s been going on between you and Claudia.

You Give me thirty minutes then I’ll make my excuses

———

It’s starting to feel dangerously like an actual relationship.

Claudia invites you to watch her next home game and it’s easy to accept. You go with your aunt and your other cousin Alba and everyone thinks you’re there to support Alexia, but when Claudia nets a stunner of a goal in the second half, you cheer much louder for her than you do for either of the two goals that Alexia scores.

At full time, you make your way down to the side of the pitch and wait patiently as Claudia signs a few shirts for fans, before she finally gives you her full attention.

“Congratulations,” you tell her, your chest bursting with pride. “That was some goal you scored.”

“Helps to have my number one fan in the crowd,” Claudia quips back.

“Oh really? Where is she?”

You look around, pretending to scan the crowd, until Claudia slaps your arm.

“Idiot,” she scolds you. “Thank you for coming today. It means a lot.”

You sat with your family to watch the game, wearing an old jersey with Alexia’s name on the back, but the two of you know that you probably wouldn’t have come to the game if Claudia hadn’t asked you to be here. She’s the one you came to see.

You’re prevented from being able to express any of this, however, by Alexia’s appearance at Claudia’s side.

“Hey, lovebirds,” Alexia greets you teasingly, draping an arm around Claudia’s shoulders. “You’re not corrupting my baby cousin, are you Pina?”

“I told you, we’re just friends,” you say to Alexia.

She raises her eyebrows and says, “If you say so…”

“As if I’d want to date a Putellas anyway,” Claudia scoffs.

“You’d never be so lucky,” you tease her right back.

“Okay, I’m gonna leave you two to flirt,” Alexia says, giving you a deliberate look. “Are you coming round for dinner at Mami’s tonight?”

“I’ve already got plans,” you answer elusively, because while you haven’t yet asked Claudia, you’re hoping she’ll want to come over and celebrate her goal with you tonight.

Alexia backs away and greets a few young fans a little further down, and you can focus all your attention on Claudia once more.

“So we’re just friends, huh?” Claudia asks in a low voice. “Do you let all your friends do the things I did to you last night?”

“Only you,” you say, cheeks flushing at the memory of having Claudia in your bed last night. “Do you want to come over and do it again tonight?”

Claudia grins.

“Like you even need to ask.”

———

Claudia spends the night at yours again, claiming you as her reward for scoring in the match, and you wake up the next morning with her arm draped around your middle and her head on your chest.

“Morning,” you mumble sleepily, pressing your lips to the top of her head as she stirs against your side.

Her arm tightens around you, fingertips squeezing your waist, and she nuzzles her face further into your chest.

“You’re a great pillow,” Claudia replies, her voice still husky with sleep. “I could get used to this.”

“Me too,” you agree, your fingertips tracing absent-minded patterns up and down Claudia’s naked back.

Moments like this, the two of you spending a lazy morning in bed together, are like a little glimpse of heaven. And to be honest, it’s these moments that make you question the decision to keep your budding relationship a secret. You could do this all the time, spend more nights together than apart, hold each other’s hands and gush about how much you like each other and cheer Claudia on at her games instead of pretending you’re there to watch Alexia, if only you stopped hiding the fact that you’re dating.

It’s been almost two months since that blind date. To be honest, you’re not really sure why you’re still keeping it from Alexia. Claudia is starting to become too important to hide.

“What if we told Alexia?” you suggest. “I mean, we’d tell everyone but she’s the reason we’re keeping this to ourselves, right?”

Claudia lifts her head, hair tousled in a really cute way, and frowns at you.

“You really want to?”

“Don’t you?”

Claudia pauses to think, then says, “I guess so.”

You’d been hoping for a little more enthusiasm, but Claudia doesn’t seem convinced.

“We don’t have to,” you quickly backtrack. “It was just a suggestion.”

“I’m not saying no,” Claudia says, her eyes going wide as she realises you’re doubting yourself. “I want to tell the whole world about us. It’s just a big step. Like you say, it’s not just telling Alexia, it’s telling everyone.”

“It’d be nice though, don’t you think? I love that this is our little secret, but wouldn’t it be great to not have to hide. I could wear your jersey to watch your games instead of Alexia’s.”

“I like the sound of that,” Claudia grins. “But that would mean … well, we haven’t really put a label on this yet, but if you’re going to wear a jersey with my name in public, that sounds pretty official, don’t you think?”

You know what Claudia is implying and this is new territory for you. You’re not sure if being able to refer to Claudia as your girlfriend is something that just happens or if you need to ask her permission first, but you agree that when you tell Alexia, you want it to be with that label.

You’re just about to open your mouth to ask Claudia if she wants to be your girlfriend, when there’s a loud hammering on the front door of your apartment.

“Shit,” you say, as Claudia rolls off you. “Stay here.”

You clamber out of bed and grab the nearest clothes you can find, a pair of sweatpants and the t-shirt that Claudia wore yesterday when she arrived at yours, before you race out of your bedroom to the front door.

You peek through the spyhole before you open the door and are immediately glad that you did because you can see Alexia standing in the hallway outside your apartment.

Rushing back towards your bedroom, you tell Claudia, who is still lounging about amongst the crumpled sheets, “It’s Alexia. Get dressed and hide.”

The banging on the door resumes, and you know you need to answer it and hope that you can somehow keep Claudia hidden away in your bedroom until you can get rid of Alexia.

Quietly closing the bedroom door behind you and trapping Claudia inside, you return to the front door and pretend to be surprised to see Alexia as you open it.

“Alexia? You woke me up.”

You rub at your eyes for dramatic effect, which goes ignored by Alexia as she doesn’t wait for an invitation and steps into your apartment. You spare a glance at your bedroom door, hoping that there’s no sign anybody is behind it.

“Do you want to come for brunch?” Alexia asks, dropping onto your couch. “You skipped out on family dinner last night, I thought we could hang out today instead.”

“What if I’ve got plans?” you ask, thinking of how you’d much rather spend the only day this week when Claudia doesn’t have training with her, especially as she has to go away later in the week for an away game.

The problem with dating your cousin’s teammate is that Claudia’s schedule is Alexia’s schedule, Claudia’s free time is Alexia’s free time.

“Do you have plans?” Alexia asks.

“Yes.”

“And what are those plans?”

“None of your business,” you retort, because you haven’t been awake long enough to come up with a good excuse. Searching the depths of your brain for an escape, the best you can think of is, “I have to study.”

“You can study later,” Alexia counters, shaking her head. “Does Pina want to join us for brunch?”

You feel all the colour drain out of your face.

“I don’t know,” you manage to choke out. “Why don’t you ask her? She’s your teammate.”

“I’m not stupid,” Alexia says, with an amused smile. “You think I haven’t noticed that you’ve been like a different person since you went on a date with her?”

“So what if I have?” you shrug, determined to keep up the lie until you can resume your conversation with Claudia from earlier and get her consent to tell Alexia. “It was a nice date. Maybe finally going out with a girl was good for my confidence.”

Alexia ignores your deflection and continues, “Then there’s the fact that Pina has turned up to training with a hickey twice in the last few weeks, and both times were the day after you’ve had mysterious evening plans you won’t tell me about.”

You’re starting to realise that there’s no way out of this, but you continue valiantly.

“What Claudia does in her own time is…”

“You know, I really thought that taking you to the gay bar last week would force the secret out of you, but you’re really committed to keeping this from me.”

You close your mouth and clamp your lips together, knowing that there’s no escape. Silence is perhaps your only option.

“I know,” Alexia continues, “why don’t we just ask Pina now if she wants to join us for brunch?” Alexia pauses, and you only have a split second to prepare yourself for what comes next, before she raises her voice and shouts through the apartment, “Pina! We’re going for brunch - do you want to come too?”

You think this might be the most humiliating moment of your life, until it’s overshadowed a few seconds later when Claudia sheepishly opens your bedroom door and peers out. She’s at least dressed, of that you’re thankful, but with you grabbing her t-shirt in your haste earlier, she’s thrown on a hoodie from your closet that both you and Alexia recognise as yours.

“She knows,” you tell Claudia, with an apologetic shrug.

“Of course I know, I’m not a fucking idiot,” Alexia says, rolling her eyes. “It’s very cute that you thought you were hiding this from me. But you’re both very into each other and it’s disgustingly obvious.”

“Is this where you warn me against hurting your cousin?” Claudia asks, stepping further into the room and coming to stand by your side.

Now that the secret is out, you reach for Claudia’s hand and give her fingers a reassuring squeeze, before dropping them again.

“No,” Alexia shakes her head. “You’re adults and I love you both. But this is where I say I told you so. I knew that setting you two up was a good idea!”

“And this is why we didn’t tell you,” you blurt out. “I know that winning is your thing but this isn’t about you winning at matchmaking, it’s about…” You pause, and turn to look at Claudia, taking a deep breath before you address her directly and continue, “It’s about how much I really like you and want to wear your jersey at matches because I want to be your girlfriend.”

“Are you asking me?” Claudia asks with a smirk, Alexia’s presence completely forgotten.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” you ask.

“Yes,” Claudia says, stepping closer and reaching for your waist with her hands as she goes in for a kiss.

A kiss that is interrupted by Alexia pretending to retch in the background.

“Okay, no,” Alexia cuts you off. “I take it all back. You’re not cute together and I definitely don’t need to watch as you defile my baby cousin, Pina.”

“It’s a good job you arrived when you did,” Pina tells Alexia, her hand dropping and finding yours as she turns to look at your cousin with a mischievous look in her eyes. “If you’d been ten or fifteen minutes later, I’d have been doing a lot more to your ‘baby cousin’ than just kissing her.”

“Claudia…” you whine, cheeks burning in shame, though a part of you is disappointed that Alexia did show up when she did if that was the wake up treat Claudia had planned for you this morning.

“Yeah, that’s too much information,” Alexia grimaces. 

“You’ve only got yourself to blame,” Claudia shrugs. “You set us up, remember?”

Alexia’s eyes rake down your bodies, from your mismatched clothes to your joined hands, and she lets out a groan.

“Yes, and I regret it every day. Now go and get dressed - in your own clothes. I’m taking you both to brunch to celebrate your relationship. Don’t make me regret that too!”

Claudia turns and starts to walk back to the bedroom but you’ve got an appetite for winding up your cousin so you pull Claudia back by your joined hands and flip Alexia off with the middle finger of the other as you dip your head and press your lips to Claudia’s in a deliberately messy kiss.

The cushion that Alexia launches at your head is more than worth it.

[kwanisms]

Under the Cherry Tree — c.san

❀ ateez masterlist ❀

➮ bff!San × fem!Reader wc: 2.1k summary: Y/N has something important to tell her best friend San and asks him to meet her at their favorite cherry tree on campus. genres/themes/au: fluff; friends to lovers; non idol au, college au warnings: adult dialogue, female reader, slightly suggestive content, mention of alcohol consumption

permanent taglist: @yoonguurt @wonderfulshinee @candidupped @dejavernon @violagoth @tigermoonbiss @katsukis1wife @luvsooby @thesolarplanetarysystem @salty-for-suga @devilsmatches @dmnspiit @simeonswhore @yangracha @seonghwalover @atinypurr @aikyubi @labyrinthonmymind @bintificreads @toxic-babexe

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join my taglists! Strikethrough means I cannot tag you. MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED.

a/n: part of the 2023 Meet Me Under the Cherry Tree event for @cultofdionysusnet. I'm sorry this is so late. I meant to have this done and up way before the deadline for this event but other events wnd collabs got in the way and took up more of my time. Writing this one was easy. When the randomizer paired San with fluff, I knew I wanted him to be the reader's best friend. After that, it practically wrote itself lol thank you for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. banner and line breaks made by me. Creator reblog banner template by @cafekitsune. I do not allow reposts, translations, or continuations of my works. All my writings are ©️ kwanisms.

For most people, cherry blossoms signify the start of something new.

New beginnings.

For you, cherry blossoms have always made you think of your best friend.

Choi San had come into your life when you least expected it.

He’d been a stranger you ran into on the playground and again on the first day of junior high. He’d been an awkward, thin, shy, and quiet boy and to an extent, he still was.

Well, except for the thin part.

Late into senior high, San had filled out, spending more time at the gym than at home reading or playing video games with you. Not that you were complaining. San used his new found strength to keep unwanted attention off you.

Of course, it also meant he had a gaggle of giggling girls following him, constantly asking him out and to be their boyfriend. San never took any of it seriously. Always preferring to spend his free time either in the gym or with you, studying so you both could attend college together.

When graduation came, you were ecstatic to finally be free from the confines of high school and onto the upgrade that was higher education. Your parents hadn’t been on board with a co-ed dorm at first until San promised to keep an eye on you which was made even easier when you were assigned to the same floor but unfortunately not as roommates.

Your roommate ended up being a girl who you befriended well enough but she was no replacement for San. For you, no one could compare to your best friend. No one could ever replace him.

You soon learned that it wasn’t the case for him towards the end of your freshman year of college when San finally gave in to one of the girls in his class and agreed to go out with her.

One date turned into two and then into three and soon he was introducing you to his new girlfriend, Hanna. You tried to be happy for him, you really did. After all, college was all about new experiences, right?

That’s what you kept telling yourself as San spent more time with Hanna and less time with you. Your roommate, Bee, decided enough was enough and took you out with her one night. A very rare night out where you met the man you would both later dub as “trouble.”

Wooyoung was kind enough, albeit a bit loud and boisterous. He took an instant liking to you however he wasn’t the one who ended up turning your life upside down. That was Yeosang, Wooyoung’s best friend.

Yeosang was a lot like San in that he was quiet, a little shy, studious, loved to work out and always had a group of girls fawning over him. The only difference was where San was spending more time with Hanna, Yeosang, wanted to spend more time with you.

Winter break brought with it a visit back home where you spent a lot of time at home, seeing your family and only seeing San a couple of times. When you went back to school, it was like you and your best friend had become strangers. The movie nights you usually held in your dorm room had been replaced with date nights with Yeosang, your first official boyfriend.

The second semester brought with it Valentine’s season and with that, San got his first dose of heartbreak when Hanna broke up with him.

The night it happened, you woke up to your phone vibrating on your nightstand and that was the first time you spoke to San in months. You listened to him rant, cry, and vent until eventually you both fell asleep.

You weren’t sure how but San managed to reintegrate himself into your friend circle. He got on very well with Wooyoung surprisingly but the real issue was with Yeosang. The two, despite being so similar, did not get along at all.

You tried to keep the peace, mediating and keeping them physically separated when the circle was together. It became exhausting until you finally put your foot down, telling both of them to grow up and stop acting like babies.

San seemed to handle this as he normally would have but Yeosang didn’t handle it as well. A lot of fights were had between you and Yeosang and thus began the long, complicated on and off again relationship with him.

It was clear San didn’t like this but out of respect, he never said anything. For an entire year, Yeosang and you fought, broke up, made up, and got back together. It seemed like every two weeks, you were making up.

You’d be lying if the fights and breakups weren’t exhausting but the makeups always seemed worth it until the final explosive fight that ended things for good.

It was junior year at a house party at one of the frats. You were enjoying yourself, drinking and having a good time. You and Yeosang had just gotten back together and he promised for good this time. Your finals had gone well and you were riding on cloud nine. Nothing could have prepared you for what was to come.

Ever since your last makeup with your boyfriend, San had seemed distant and indifferent. Perhaps he was just upset that he hadn’t found anyone to occupy his free time like you had, or perhaps finals week hadn’t gone as well for him.

Whatever the case, he had been sulking all week and it was starting to get on your nerves. You had come with San and Bee and met up with Wooyoung and Yeosang and almost immediately, Yeosang had pulled you onto the dance floor.

Unbeknownst to you, San watched the two of you bitterly as he sipped on whatever punch the hosts had prepared. You weren’t sure how many cups he’d had but someone later told you about six.

When Yeo had disappeared to get drinks for the two of you, San made his move. He swooped in, pleading with you that he needed to talk to you. You could immediately tell he was drunk and had told him he needed to go home but he refused. He had to tell you something important before the moment slipped away forever.

It was then that San drunkenly blurted out that he was in love with you and had been for a while. It was the reason he and Hanna broke up. Uncertain what to say, you had told San that it wasn’t the time to discuss this but he insisted, saying he’d been in love with you since before college.

It was that moment that Yeosang overheard the conversation and decided to step in, telling San to back off. Drunk and fueled by his overconfidence, San blurted out that Yeosang was sleeping with another girl the whole time he and Y/N had been off and on again.

A scene had formed and soon it turned into a scuffle in which Wooyoung and one of the hosts who you later learned was named Changbin broke up the fight, pulling both men apart while Yeosang warned San to stay away from you.

Changbin managed to get San outside the party while Wooyoung managed to calm Yeosang down while you made your way to the bathroom, having had the drinks Yeosang got for you spilled all over you when San lunged at him.

Bee had spent part of the night helping you try to get the smell of booze out of your clothes but you knew the only way to really fix it was to go home and wash your clothes.

As you left the bathroom, you were confronted by a girl you’d seen a few times before. She confirmed San’s story that Yeosang had been sleeping around while you were off and on. She apologized, being under the impression that what you and Yeosang had was casual.

You decided to confront Yeosang and break up with him once and for all.

He put up more of a fight than you expected but when you left, pulling from his grip one last time, he seemed to get the message and let you go.

San remembered everything from that night from the fight to confessing to you. He promised that you didn’t need to reciprocate his feelings he simply wanted you to know how he felt and he wanted you to know the truth about Yeosang.

Your friend circle fell apart shortly after the party, Wooyoung being Young's friend after all. Bee stuck by your side as did San. You focused on your school, making time only for your friends between classes and studying.

It had been almost a year since the party.

You hurried down the steps, careful not to trip as you pulled out your phone and shot a quick text to your best friend.

You: the cherry blossoms are blooming

You sent the text and hurried across the lawn, ignoring the stares from your classmates as you did. Your phone vibrated in your hand and you came to a stop to read the text.

Sandwich 🥪: big deal? We see them every year Y/N

Big deal? It was a big deal! Since breaking up with Yeosang and focusing on yourself and repairing your friendship with San, you’d come to realize three things.

No matter what, your friends would always be there for you

Boys were icky and men weren’t any better

You were in love with your best friend.

You sighed heavily as you typed a quick response.

You: oh whatever sourpuss, just meet me there!

Sandwich 🥪: 🙄 aye aye captain 🫡

You pocket your phone and continued, running across the lawn huffing as you reached the top of the hill. On the other side stood the south lawn which was home to a cluster of cherry blossom trees which were in full bloom. Pinks, whites, and everything in between decorated the branches, the blossoms swaying gently in the breeze as you started down the hill.

Running downhill was much easier than uphill and you reached the cluster in record time, gazing up at the delicate flowers as you walked past many of your classmates as they took pictures of the trees and each other.

You continued walking until you reached the furthest tree. It was your favorite one. It had clearly been there longer than the others and was much larger. In fact, it was large for a cherry blossom tree to begin with. Blossom covered branches hung down, shielding the trunk from view.

Pushing one of the branches aside, your eyes widened as you took in the sight of your best friend standing under the tree, phone in his hands as he snapped a couple pictures. It only took a moment for him to notice you, quickly hiding his phone as you approached.

“You got here fast,” you said, slightly out of breath. San shrugged. “I’ve been here the whole time,” he admitted softly, pocketing his phone and moving to sit at the base of the trunk, setting his bag next to him.

You moved to sit beside him, shrugging your own bag off and setting it down before taking a seat beside him. You looked up at the blossoms blowing in the breeze, a smile on your face.

Next to you, San watched you with a fond smile. When you turned to look at him, he didn’t look away like he had over the past year. He held your gaze. “What?” you asked with a shrug. San shook his head but reached forward, picking up one of the blossoms that had fallen from the branches.

“Nothing,” he murmured, inspecting the flower before reaching up and swiftly tucking it behind your ear. Your cheeks burned as you glared up at him but he merely smiled back at you. “Pretty,” he said simply.

Your gaze softened before looking down at the ground. “Shut up,” you murmured before leaning into his side. San accepted the gesture, draping his arm over your shoulders. “You are,” he said simply. “Pretty,” he added.

“I’ve always thought so.”

Your cheeks burned even more. “So are you,” you whispered, hoping he wouldn’t hear you but when he shifted to look at you with wide eyes, you knew he’d heard you. His shocked expression morphed into a smirk. “You think I’m pretty!” he teased only to stop talking when you leaned in to kiss him quickly.

“Yeah, and?” you replied, puffing your chest indignantly. “So what if I think you’re pretty? I think lots of people are pretty! I just happen to think you’re the prettiest and I’ve also always thought you were pretty and—”

Your rambling was cut short as San cupped your cheeks in his hands, pulling you into another kiss, this one much more tender and longer. When he finally pulled back he nuzzled his nose against yours.

“You think I’m prettier?” he asked, smiling when you nodded.

“Well, I think you’re the prettiest.”

[nogenderbee]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝕊𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @miya-akane request: Ok perhaps one more req since i need nore gaming fanfic in this app

Gaming with s/o that kins Akito and Ena like I used to req before perhaps? I want to req him along when i first req but i knew you didn't wrote him yet so I go ahead and took my chance again

(Perhaps with kaveh if you don't mind)

-🌹

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ YES WE DO!! Omg I love this idea sm ^^ And thank you tor waiting <3

Also you asked for Kaveh too, right? I'm not going crazy... RIGHT?! Well even if you didn't... I did him 0w0 Hope you like it! ^^

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ fluff

✧ Ga ming didn't mind your personality at all, if anything he found it quite charming

✧ you're feisty but also very loyal...

✧ it's almost intriguing how you can change between moods so quickly... in one second you're lovey dovey and then you're suddenly pointing out his mistake like madman

✧ but he finds it adorable, same goes for you being tsundere! He loves how your anger just washes away when he kisses your cheek and gets replaced with blush and shy expression while you try to play your cards correctly

✧ whenever you fall into anger because of whatever reason, he's gonna stop you from doing anything that caused it if possible and take you to bakery or some restaurant in hopes to calm you down

"Hey, hey! Let's drop it and go get some dim sum! I'm REALLY craving for some right now... you can't finish what you're doing later! Besides, a little break can't hurt, can it?"

✧ he also adores how loyal you are to what you love! He loves dancing too and totally understands why you'd get so competitive

✧ then again... he does his best to help you stay away from the troubles when you get emotional over it

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@bleachtheidiot @vodka-glrl @miya-akane - come get your dim sum lover!

✧ Kaveh finds you both adorable and hard to deal with...

✧ don't get him wrong, he loves you very dearly but when after long day at work you get mad at him for tiniest mistake... he's starting to consider if Alhaitham really is this bed... after 3 seconds he realizes he is in fact worse than you

✧ but something that you both share is complaining about your passion!

✧ of course you're determined to achieve your goal and fing it enjoyable somehow, do does he! But when you're running to a deadline set by client or yourself... you can't really not get upset

✧ pulling all nighters together? Pulling all nighters together. It's like your night date by now, when you're both keeping each other company to not go crazy

"Uh... I swear I'm so tired... I'll go get myself another coffee. Do you want some too? I'll make it exactly as you like it, so don't worry."

✧ you're either cheering him on when he gets angry and maybe even fight for him, or try to calm him down

✧ he always tries to calm you down BUT if someone clearly deserves to be yelled at... he just looks the other way and pretends he's so captivated by something he can't hear what's happening

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@bleachtheidiot - come get your architect beuty~

[jpmarvel90]

I'm just so tired

Masterlist Scarlett Masterlist

Word Count: 3342

Relationship: Scarlett x Reader

Summary: Y/n is struggling with a demanding job whilst Scarlett is away filming, with no idea the toll it's taking on her girlfriend.

Y/N’s POV:

It’s 9pm and I’m finally driving home from work. I really hate my job. After I left college, I got what I thought was my dream job working at a global marketing firm. But boy was I wrong. The management team treated their staff like shit and the pay was crap. When I first started working there, I had to get a second job at a café just to be able to pay rent.

Thankfully, my second job brought me the one greatest happiness in my life, and that’s my girlfriend, Scarlett Johansson. Yep, you heard me right, me a small town girl working two jobs, is dating THE Black Widow. She would come into the shop 3 times a week on her way to set and would always take the time to chat. Over time our chats became more flirty before she finally asked me out on a date.

That was just over a year ago. I’ve had a promotion at work, so I was able to quit my job at the café, which in turned allowed me to have more time with Scarlett. That was until my stupid boss started to hammer me with more work than anyone else, setting ridiculous deadlines. Unfortunately finish at 9pm was not a rarity.

I feel so run down and lost. I thought I had everything planned out, but I any enthusiasm I had for doing this job, for being in this marketing world was gone. I could feel the tears starting to roll down my cheeks as I drove home. All I wanted to do was get home and cuddle my girlfriend. But I can’t. She’s been in Atlanta filming for the last month.

We’ve spoken as often as we can, but as filming has picked up it’s become hard to talk. I dropped her a text before I left work to see if she was free for a call this evening, but I didn’t expect a response. So here I am trudging up to my apartment ready to collapse on my bed.

Just as I open my door, my phone starts to ring, and the name causes me to smile for the first time today.

Y/N: Hey Babe, how are you?

Scarlett: Hey gorgeous, I’m doing better now I’m talking to you. How was your day?

Y/N: It was busy, I’m just getting back to my apartment now.

Scarlett: Babe, it’s like nine thirty. Why are you so late?

Y/N: Oh, it was just a busy day and I’ve got a deadline tomorrow so needed to get it done. Anyway, how is filming going?

Scarlett: Filming’s fine. You sound tired. Are you sure you’re ok?

I paused for a moment, trying so hard to stop my tears from falling. I hadn’t told Scarlett how bad work was. She had so much going on that I didn’t want to bother her with it.

Scarlett: Babe? I want to see your face; I’m switching to face time.

Y/N: No, I’m fine. It’s just been a rough couple of weeks. I’m fine….

Facetime request

I reluctantly accept knowing that either way she’s going to know something is wrong.

Y/N: Ah man, did you have to tease me being in costume?

I try to lighten the mood and move the conversation on but it’s not working.

Scarlett: Have you been crying? Babe, please tell me what’s wrong.

Y/N: I’m just tired. Like I said, work has been busy, you know what my emotions are like when I’m tired.

Scarlett: Y/N, don’t lie to me. In the year I’ve known you, I think I’ve only seen you cry twice. Just because I’m not with you, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be there for you. Now please, tell me what’s wrong.

Her face contorts into a worried frown and it causes me to cry but I’m able to prevent a full-on crying session from ensuing. 

Y/N: I’m just so tired. I don’t know how much longer I can push myself. I’m not getting anywhere at work. I’m getting more work but no benefits. I just feel like my whole life is revolving around work, there’s no time for anything else.

Scarlett’s face turns soft, and I can see her own eyes are glossing over.

Scarlett: Oh baby, I’m so sorry. Hopefully this will all pass, and they’ll see what an amazing worker you are. You are so great at your job, it will all come together.

I just nodded as I compose myself. I want to move on from this subject. I don’t want to worry her anymore.

Y/N: I know. I’m just being silly. It’s almost the weekend and I can take a break. Anyway, we barely talk at the moment, so I don’t want the time we do have together to be taken up by me being an emotion mess. How is filming going?

Scarlett rolls her eyes and lets out a little chuckle.

Scarlett: It’s going really well. We’ve almost finished the night shoots which will mean that I’ll be able to call you more. I miss talking to you every day.

Y/N: That’s great. I’m glad it’s going well. I miss you so much. We’re over halfway, not long to go now.

I smile, trying to keep my eyes open.

Scarlett: Babe, go to bed. You’re tired.

Y/N: Noooo, I’m awake, I’ve not spoken with you in 3 days!

Scarlett: I promise I’ll call you tomorrow. But you need sleep.

Y/N: Urgh, fine! But you’re bring that suit home.

I huff but giving her a cheeky grin and eyebrow wiggle.

Scarlett: If it’ll make you go to bed, deal! Now off to sleep!

Y/N: I’m going to hold you to that! Ok, I’m off. I miss you and I love you!

Scarlett: I love you more. Speak tomorrow.

I close off the call before grabbing a quick protein bar. These work hours are really playing havoc with my eating habits! Walking into my room, I barely have the energy to change. I leave my clothes in a pile on my floor before collapsing into my bed.

*beep, beep*

Urgh, I’m woken up at 5:30 by my obnoxious alarm. One more day and then it’s the weekend and I can spend it sleeping in. I jump in the shower and then make myself a proper breakfast, so I know I’ll be getting at least one decent meal today. 

I feel like I’m just coasting through the motions as I get ready and head off to the office. My heart sinks as I see the new paperwork sat on my desk for the admin of the latest marketing campaigns. I guess it’s another late finish for me today!

Scarlett’s POV:

It’s times like this I hate being so far away from Y/N. I just wanted to reach through the phone and give her a hug. I know she’s hiding how bad she’s really feeling. I’ve barely seen her cry and it breaks my heart that I’m not there for her when she is clearly struggling.

Whilst still deep in thought about my girlfriend, I’m called back to set to finish up the scenes for tonight. As I’m walking back over Joe pulls me aside. “Hey Scarlett, we’ve had to change up the schedule to fit in a couple of reshoots on the stunts. That means after tonight we won’t need you for a few days. You’ll be due back on set on Wednesday next week.” I feel relief wash over me.

I can’t wait to have a long weekend off. “Am I needed for anything else or am I completely free until Wednesday?” I ask, starting to get an idea. “Yep, get some rest and enjoy your time off!” He responds rushing off to his next location.

I work as hard as I can to get the final scenes completed and they go really well, and we get them done pretty quickly. I decide that I’m going to fly back to New York and surprise Y/N. As soon as I’m in my trailer I’m on my laptop searching for available flights. I book one which will get me in with enough time to set up a surprise.

Timeskip

I finally arrive at Y/N’s apartment a little before 4. I let myself in and get to work with preparing her surprise. The best thing about Y/N’s apartment is the roof access she has. Every Friday night she comes up here with a glass of wine and chills. The views are pretty cool and whenever I’m home, I join her.

Knowing how stressed and tired she’s been, I decide on setting up a movie night. I arrange a big projector which I have help setting up from my brother. I then arrange a makeshift bed with loads of comfy pillows and of course, get Y/N’s favourite snacks.

By the time I’ve finished it’s 6 and Y/N should be home any minute now. I plan to hide up on the roof and wait for her to join me. Time goes by and it’s now just after 9 and Y/N still isn’t here. I decide to drop her a text and pretend that I’ve got some time between filming.

Scarlett: Hey Babe, I’ve got an hour break if you’re free to call? Are you home?

Y/N: I’m just leaving work. I’ll call you when I’m home. Give me 30 minutes.

She’s working late again. I thought her deadline had already passed. I start to wonder how bad work really has been for her recently. We’ve always been honest with each other, but I feel like she’s been hiding this from me. I just wish I knew why.

From the roof I hear Y/N’s car pull up and I get ready for when she comes up to the roof. For some reason I’m getting nervous, I can’t wait to see my beautiful girlfriend again. About 5 minutes later, sure enough I hear the handle of the roof turn and I stand up facing the door.

I watch as Y/N walks through the door, wine glass in hand, in a pair of black shorts and one of my hoodies. I smile at how cute she looks, but it doesn’t go unnoticed how tired she looks too. She has bags under her eyes and her whole body seems deflated. My poor baby.

As she turns the corner her eye’s light up as she sees what I’ve set up. “Oh my God.” She whispers, before noticing me stood in the middle. Without saying anything further she runs and jumps up into my arms. I hold her tight. “Hey Baby. I’ve missed you.” I say into her hair.

I place her on the floor, and she looks at me directly in the eyes, I can see that she is holding back her tears. Her eyes flick down to my lips, so I pulled her close, putting a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before connecting our lips in a soft kiss full of love. I can feel that her tears are falling now, so I hold her tight letting her know I’m there.

After a minute or so, she pulls back, still clasping my hands. “What are you doing here?” She asked. “Our schedule was changed last minute so I’ve got 5 days off. After speaking with you yesterday, I knew I had to come back to you.” She smiles at me as I talk. Her eyes searching my face like she’s taking in every detail.

I lead her towards the makeshift bed, and we lie down together. She snuggles into me, her head on my chest and an arm over my stomach, slowly tracing random patterns just under my shirt. “Babe, please tell me what’s going on. Please tell me the truth.” I ask calmly, hoping she’ll share.

I look down to her as she takes a deep breath before she sits up. I turn to face her and take both of her hands in mine. “I hate work.” She blurted out. I furrow my eyebrows at her but allow her to carry on. “I work my ass off and it gets me nowhere. Each day I go in and there is more shit they want me to do in short timelines. I try and explain, and they just tell me I’m lucky I work there and that there are hundreds of other people that would do anything to be where I am.” She looks at her lap as she’s talking as if she is ashamed.

“I try so hard to prove myself above everyone else, but it gets harder every day. I’m exhausted and I just have no motivation for anything anymore. I just feel like the dream I had has turned into a nightmare.” Her voice breaks as does my heart. I can’t believe my baby has been feeling like this and I didn’t know.

“How long has this been going on?” I ask. She hesitates. “I mean it’s always been tough but these last 4 months have been unbearable.” There’s a silence as I take in that she has been feeling this broken for 4 months I hadn’t even noticed. What kind of girlfriend can’t see the person they love is hurting?

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask holding back my own tears. “I didn’t want to worry you. You work so hard and do so many great things. I felt stupid for breaking down over this.” Her words are like daggers to my heart. I feel such guilt for not providing her with an environment where she can share these feelings with me. I pull her onto my lap and hug her so tightly. “Listen to me. You are not stupid. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. But I want to know when you’re feeling like this. I’m your girlfriend, I’m meant to be able to help you. It breaks me to think you’ve been going through this on your own.”

I can no longer stop my own tears as I cling to her for dear life, like I’m going to lose her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just didn’t know what to do.” Y/N says into my chest. I pull her face into my hands so she’s looking at me. “No, you do not need to apologise. Just know that I am here for you, even when I’m miles away. I want to know how you’re feeling. Both the good and the bad. Ok?” She nods and I place a gentle kiss on her lips.

“I don’t know how I’m going to solve this.” She said, rubbing her thumb over my knuckles. “Quit your job.” I said without hesitation. “What? I can’t do that I need to pay rent, buy food!” She argues. “Firstly, you clearly haven’t been spending money on food, don’t think I haven’t noticed how thin you’re getting.” I lightly scold. I know she’s not doing it on purpose, she’s probably been too tired to eat working so late.

“Secondly, move in with me.” I ask almost at a whisper. She lifts her head and looks at me with confusion. “What?” she questioned. “I said move in with me. We’ve been together for a year. It’s about time.” She still looks confused as she rubs her hand against her forehead.

“Scar, you don’t have to ask me to move in out of pity.” She spoke cautiously. “Hey! No no, that’s not what this is. I had planned to ask you when I got back from Atlanta. You’re it for me. I don’t want to wait any longer, I want you to move in with me.” I say with conviction to show I mean it.

Her eyes fill with tears again, as she slowly nods her head. “Ok, I’ll move in with you. I’d love that.” She pulls me into a big hug and whispers “I love you.” I don’t want to ever let her go. “But I can’t quit my job.” I’m shocked by her response. “But babe, it’s not good for you.” She shakes her head. “I don’t want to be reliant on you. I want to be able to contribute to bills and treat you to fancy dates and surprise gifts.” She explains.

“You don’t need to do that. I want to take care of you. You don’t need to buy my love.” I pause thinking for a moment at how we can work this out. “How about, you quit your job on Monday. You can fly to Atlanta with me and then when I’m done filming, we’ll take a month to go travelling for a bit. Then when we’re back, you can look to get a job that you actually want. One that isn’t going to drive you into the ground.”

I can see her thinking for a while before responding. “Ok, I like the sound of that.” She says. I squeal in excitement and tackle her in a hug, resulting in us being a tangled mess on the bed. “We’re moving in together!” I exclaim. “God, I love you.” Once again I pull Y/N towards me into a passionate kiss. She giggles against my lips as I roll her over. “I love you too. Thank you for all of this. Shall we watch a movie?” She asks, looking at me with her love eyes. I nod and start the first movie. We snuggle up on the bed and spend the night watching movies.

We didn’t wake up until 12 the following morning. I woke up before Y/N and just watched her sleep, grateful she was finally getting rest. Once she wakes up, we lie in comfortable silence for a while before she slings a leg over me straddling me. “I’ve missed waking up to you.” She says, placing feather like kisses over my face causing me to giggle.

We hold eye contact for a while whilst she rubs her thumb over my cheek. “I can’t wait to move in with you if all my mornings start with you straddling me.” I tease, giving her hips a squeeze. Y/N leans down kissing up my neck then along my jaw before meeting my lips. “I’ll wake you up this way every morning if that’s what you want.” She whispers before smashing out lips together into a deep kiss. She gives both my top and bottom lips equal attention before swiping her tongue across my bottom lip asking for permission, which I instantly give.

Her tongue invades my mouth deepening the kiss with every move. I let out a small moan which results in Y/N pulling back and smiling at me. I hook my leg around her waist and flip us so I’m on top. I leant down and whispered seductively into her ear. “I brough home the suit.” Her eyes widen and a big grin appears on her face. “Well, what are you waiting for?” She responds. I jump off the bed to be greeted with a slap to my ass. I squeal and run to get dressed.

This was what I had always wanted in life. Someone who I adored and who adored me. I couldn’t wait to spend the next few months with Y/N and then the rest of our life together.

Timeskip

Y/N’s POV:

It was three months after Scarlett surprised me on the roof and asked me to move in with her. Whilst travelling she had proposed to me on a beach in Bora Bora. I of course had said yes. Once we got home, I started looking for jobs and I’m now working for a local company. It’s small but I love it. I’m actually paid more than I was, and I have much more responsibility. But the best thing is I’m happy. I’ve got a great work/life balance. I enjoy going to work and then I get to come home, at 5 every day, to my beautiful fiancé who I cannot wait to marry. My life feels like a dream and I hope that I never wake up.