#the girl's pack part 28 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

iwillneverforgiveyousunghanbin · 1 year ago

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airpods

read part two (posted 4/28/24) here!!! wc: 2k reader: femme!afab (matt calls reader a "bad girl", reader is wearing a denim skirt) warnings: smut 18+; MINORS DNI!!! -- specific warnings under the cut -- also a really bonkers scenario; funny & angst -- stepcest -- inserting foreign objects -- slighttttt dub-conn-ish summary: (y/n) will only give rivalnewstepbrother!matthew his airpods back if he promises to play a little game with them

ੈ��‧₊˚ this is a doozy lmao. pretty iconic tho if i do say so myself. i take literally no responsibility for it even tho i am 100% responsible for it. basically just wrote itself while i was in a fever dream-like state so pls enjoy. i think it needs a sequel personally but lemme know what you think!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

warnings: 18+ explicit smut, stepcest, insertion of foreign object into genitals (reader), kind of dub-conny, lots of taunting teasing and degradation from both characters, fingering (reader receiving), oral sex (female receiving), orgasm denial, hints of dom!matt and dom!reader and also sub!matt and sub!reader we really cover the bases and lay some groundwork lmao, lots of swearing and i used the word vagina once it was for something funny not for smut but people can still be triggered by that word so! you are warned.

“matty, what the actual f*ck are you doing?” you ask as the sight of your dumbass step brother admiring his shirtless reflection in the mirror assaults your eyes.

ever since you met matthew a year and a half ago, every holiday had been ruined by your family constantly comparing you to him. why couldn’t you be more like matt? he’s so passionate and hardworking towards his craft and you’re a waitress at a bar. and not a classy one.

though you don’t see him all that much, you have to share the house with him when he comes home to visit. this particular visit, you and matthew have the house to yourselves for the night— your parents having left this morning for a little new year’s getaway.

matthew’s flexing his (admittedly defined) triceps and dancing around a bit— headphones covering his ears. but when he sees your reflection staring back at him in his bedroom mirror, he jumps in horror.

“WHY ARE YOU WATCHING ME!?” he shouts, tearing off his headphones and sprinting across the room to slam the door in your face. “stalker.”

“freak,” you reply childishly, stepping back out of the doorframe to avoid a broken nose. once the door is shut, you knock sweetly.

tap, tap. tap, tap.

matthew opens it, cheeks as red (and canadian) as a pair of macintosh apples. “what do you want?”

“well, i was going to give you back your airpods that i stole yesterday so you didn’t have to wear those clunky headphones anymore, but,” you shake the airpods case in front of you teasingly before placing it back in the pocket of your denim skirt, “i don’t really wanna give them to you anymore after how rude you just were.”

“you—�� you stole my airpods!?” matthew exclaims. “i’ve been looking everywhere for them!”

you shrug. “i guess not everywhere.”

“ugh, you can be such a b—,” matthew starts to curse, but he stops; a little conflicted pout forming on his plush lips. “a b—…”

“you can’t even f*cking say it, can you?” you taunt, pushing matthew’s door open a little further and taking a step inside. “too much of a marshmallow to even swear at me. afraid of hurting my feelings or something, matty?”

“as i’ve said many times before, just matt is fine,” he spits, brows furrowing in frustration. “and i’m not a marshmallow. and, frankly, i don’t give a… shit… about your feelings!”

“cute,” you mock, inching closer to him. your eyes wander down to his torso, a six-pack of well-fed abs staring back at you. “what is it with all the muscles anyway? you think they’ll distract girls from seeing how much of a dumpling you really are?”

“i’m not a dumpling,” matthew huffs through gritted teeth. “and it’s none of your business.”

you consider this for a moment and then nod. “you’re right. it’s none of my business.”

“really? that was easier than—”

“but if it was my business,” you continue, stealing another glance at his chest. your eyes trail down further— waistband of his calvin klein boxers peaking out from his jeans. you hate to admit it, but he’s kind of hot. maybe that wasn’t an entirely appropriate thought to be having about your lameass new step brother, but it was unfortunately the truth. “i’d tell you it isn’t working. not bad to look at though.”

you turn on your heel, starting to walk back out the door when matthew calls, “hey, what about my airpods!?”

“what airpods?” you reply innocently before a smirk darkens your features. you pull the case out of the pocket of your skirt again and wave it in front of him enticingly. “oh, these?”

matthew tries to grab them out of your hand, but you’re too quick— the earbuds back safely in your pocket before he can steal them. his jaw sets, eyes ripe with anger as he pushes the door shut behind you. he inches forward, effectively trapping you between him and the door. “give them the fuck back, you insufferable bitch.”

a wave of desire rushes over you. there’s just something about driving a nice boy over the edge that really does it for you.

and matthew was the nicest of nice boys— and because of that, a giant pain in your ass. but hearing him talk like that as he corners you in; hovering only a couple inches from your face…

“oh—… i—… uh… sorry,” he stutters as he realizes how close he is to you, backing up and stuffing his hands in his pockets. matthew blushes again as he looks away from you nervously.

he’s resumed his dumpling form, but the glimpse of potential lurking underneath was enough to make you want to see more.

“fine, you can have your airpods back,” you relent with a sigh. “if…”

“if?” he asks, brow raised.

“if you can find where i hide them,” you finish with a proud smile.

“i’m not gonna play that game,” matthew replies with a frown. “besides, this house is huge! you’re gonna make me tear the whole thing up to find something that small? no way.”

“that’s too bad,” you say, shaking your head. “i guess they’re mine now.”

matthew groans. “at least make the playing field more reasonable.”

you tilt your head to the side, a devious plan entering your mind. “i think i can work with that.”

matthew sighs. “i can’t believe i’m entertaining this... but where are you thinking?”

“me,” you answer. “i’m thinking you can search me.”

“like, you’re gonna hide it on your person,” matthew clarifies, ears burning red. “like, in one of your pockets?”

“yeah, exactly,” you hum happily. “my pocket.”

matthew swallows nervously, purposefully avoiding your gaze. “that sounds too easy. there has to be a catch.”

“no catch. it’ll be in my pocket,” you confirm, extending your hand to him. “you just have to find the right one.”

matthew blinks at you, then at your hand. after a moment, he takes it in his own and shakes it. “fine. deal.”

“i’ll be back in a minute then,” you say, throwing open the door and running off to hide the airpods in one of your pockets.

—

“okay, so it’s not in your hoodie pockets,” matthew deduces after reaching a tentative hand in each one and coming up empty. “that means it’s in one of these pockets?”

you smile at him encouragingly as he blinks nervously at you, gesturing to your denim skirt.

“why are you making me do this?” matthew laments dramatically. “aren’t you, like… uncomfortable with me touching you and stuff?”

“not at all,” you reply with a smirk. “i do get a lot of enjoyment out of making you uncomfortable though.”

“so i gathered,” he says, starting to reach for one of your back pockets. “is it okay if i—.”

“just do it already,” you interject, rolling your eyes.

“okay, okay,” matthew says, reaching his hand down the pocket. “sue me for trying to be a gentleman.”

he pulls out his hand. it’s empty.

matthew reaches down your other back pocket, again finding nothing.

“should probably check the front,” you offer contentedly.

“thanks for the hint,” matthew huffs, walking back around to face you. cautiously, he sticks his fingers down your left, front pocket— moving them side to side before removing them. “are you f*cking with me? you didn’t even hide them, did you!?”

his rough tone sends another wave of excitement through you, but you force a little pout. “i can’t believe you think i wouldn’t play by the rules, matty.”

he sticks his fingers unceremoniously in the last pocket, coming up empty yet again. “then where the f*ck are they!?”

you tilt your head cutely, basically euphoric over how much you’re riling him up. “in my pocket.”

“i just looked through all your pockets! they’re not—…” matthew stops yelling, seemingly lost in thought before his eyes widen in total disbelief. “wait… you—… you don’t mean…”

“ding, ding, ding,” you reply with a malicious smirk. “you know, you’re smarter than you look.”

“you—… you put my airpods up your VAGINA!?” matthew yells: confused, horrified and impressed all at the same time.

you shrug. “i’ve had bigger.”

matthew is silent as you walk over to his bed and sit down, spreading your legs just a bit.

“well, the deal’s still on,” you offer, placing your hands behind you and leaning back onto them casually. “if you can find them, they’re yours.”

“you—… you want me to…” matthew stammers, eyes locked on your denim skirt. “to...”

“you don’t have to,” you assert, pulling up your skirt to reveal your bare core to him. his lips part, eyeing your center like it’s the forbidden fruit. and it kind of is. “if you don’t want to.”

“this is ridiculous,” matthew says breathily in a way that tells you that, though this may very well be a ridiculous thing to be happening right now, he’s a bit enticed by it all. he walks toward you, pushing you back a bit further onto the bed with one hand to expose your heat more. “this is absolutely f*cking…”

he kneels down on the hardwood floor between your legs, one hand finding each of your thighs and prying them further apart. he grabs your hips, pulling your naked core closer to his face. you hope he doesn’t notice you clench around his airpods at the man-handling.

matthew swallows hard as he examines every inch of you. scandalized eyes and bottom lip drawn between his teeth, you can basically hear his conflicting, depraved thoughts.

“i really hate you, you know that?” he asks rhetorically, licking his lips as your walls pulse again. he stuffs a finger up you suddenly, pushing it in further and further until he’s tapping on the case of his airpods. “if you’ve been looking for a reason that your whole family likes me better than you, i think both of our searches can end with this.”

the tiniest whimper escapes you at the degradation. it’s exactly what you’d been waiting for.

matthew looks up at you, knuckle-deep in your pussy. his lips part in shock at the sound. “did you--... did you just...”

“are you going to take it out, or what?” you reply, maintaining your rude, slightly bored disposition.

he looks back at your center, moving his finger to try to hook around the case and wiggle it out of you. it doesn’t budge. he inserts another finger into you, stretching your walls out in hopes that the case might come out with more space.

it stays put.

“it’s not coming out,” matthew says, panic in his eyes. “what did you do, gorilla glue it to your cervix?”

“i didn’t even know you knew that word,” you snort, averting his gaze. “i guess you’ll have to find a way to loosen it then.”

matthew’s eyes bulge. “and how the hell am i supposed to do that!?”

“hm, i dunno,” you muse, locking eyes with him again. “don’t they always say to put butter on your arm to make it slippery if it’s stuck in something?”

“you want me to put butter in your...” matthew trails off as he thinks more about your suggestion. “slippery?”

“yeah,” you reply with a nod, desperately trying to maintain your dominance. “you know, like... wet.”

“wet...” he repeats again, eyes meeting your cunt again. “you want me to make you... oh.”

“just a thought,” you shrug off.

matthew shakes his head quickly. “but, we can’t--... i can’t--”

“why can’t you?” you ask, tapping his bare chest with your toes. “oh, i remember now! it’s because you’re a f*cking marshmall--”

matthew’s hands grip your thighs roughly as he pulls your pussy even closer to his face. he licks a long, teasing stripe up through your folds-- ending and circling at your clit.

this time you don’t hide your moan.

“what was that?” matthew taunts, one eyebrow arching in amusement. “feel good?”

it does feel good-- better than you could’ve imagined matthew’s tongue would feel against you. you nod, moving your hips to try to push your core even closer to him. he slaps your right thigh hard, warning you wordlessly not to make a fuss. it just makes you need to fuss more, but he reattaches his tongue to your cunt anyway.

he laps at your clit with such dedication that you’re crying out within a couple of minutes-- begging him for more.

“pl--please,” you whine, hand running through his hair and pulling it from the base. “wanna cum on your tongue.”

“f*cking hell,” he moans into your core, the vibration sending more waves of pleasure through you. he closes his eyes as he starts to rhythmically suck on your bundle of nerves, only coming up for air to say, “how can you be so desperate with a pussy this perfect?”

“matty, i--”

“didn’t i tell you not to f*cking call me that,” he growls, inserting a finger into your now dripping cunt. “so this is what you wanted, huh? stole my airpods just so you could cum all over my fingers? you’re such a bad girl, (y/n).”

you’re right on the edge, just a few seconds more and you’ll be moaning matthew’s name like a prayer.

but then you feel it.

matthew’s finger latches around the now lubricated airpod case-- pulling it free from your warmest pocket as he detaches his lips from around your clit. you stare at him helplessly, the denial of your orgasm leaving you so frustrated you’re rendered speechless.

how could you have let him get the upper hand on you?

“but i guess you forgot,” he says with a smirk, standing up and walking toward the door. “bad girls don’t get to cum.”

you blink silently at him once. twice. matthew holds open the door, pointing into the hallway.

“now get out of my room.”

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amirasainz · 6 months ago

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Could do you please do amira is busy and is neglecting everyone making them have meltdowns ? ❤️

Hi guys. I hope you enjoy reading this and let me know if you have any requests.

-XoXo

No Part 2!!!

Busy Girl

It was not uncommon for Amira to be busy. Her career as an actress demanded a lot of her attention and free time. However, each time Amira declined Carlos’s invitation to one of the races, his heart broke. What do you mean his sister has to film the third season of Euphoria? Why can’t they film it at the race track? It’s not strange for high school students to suddenly spend all their time at a race track, thank you very much. Despite Amira giving him a thousand reasonable reasons why she couldn’t make it to one of his races, Carlos’s mind immediately jumped to the thought: “Doesn’t my little sister love me anymore?”

When Carlos finally ended his “short” call with Amira, which was only 4 hours long, he couldn’t stop himself from tearing up. Why does she have to work anyway? Their family is crazy rich; there is no reason for her to work. And why does she always have to show so much skin when she is playing the role of “Maddy Perez”? Why couldn’t Maddy wear long hoodies instead of bikini tops?

Carlos was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t hear his room door opening. “Chilli, are you ready to go?” asked Charles, still unaware of the phone call that happened 10 minutes before. “Whoa, hey, are you alright? You look… interesting.” Charles didn’t want to be rude towards Carlos. After all, the two were like brothers. But Carlos honestly looked like hell. Wild hair, shaking hands, and haunted eyes. Charles carefully lowered himself in front of Carlos. He gently placed his hands on Carlos’s thighs, patiently waiting for an answer. Taking one of Charles’s hands in his own, he answered, “Lord Perceval, Amira called and… and she said—dios mío, I can’t even say it. Well, she said that she couldn’t make it to the race this weekend.” Carlos watched as Charles absorbed this information. Charles looked down, his breathing becoming louder. “Charlie, are you crying?” asked a tear-eyed Carlos. “No,” Charles muttered, his voice thick. “Charles, please don’t cry. If you cry, I have to cry as well,” Carlos informed him, tears running down his cheeks. The two crying Ferrari drivers looked at each other, both unable to stop crying. It took them 2 hours of hugging each other and crying together for them to calm down.

Something similar happened throughout the week to the others as well. Kika and Lily were heartbroken when they heard about Amira’s absence. Alex even had to sleep on the couch because, according to Lily, “The only one that should lie next to me is my girl.” Not that Alex didn’t agree with his girlfriend. Amira was supposed to lie between the couple, all three of them cuddling after some “night exercises.”

George and Carmen had a completely different reaction. They believed that their girl just forgot to open her calendar to the right month and that she meant to travel there. “Our poor darling probably got confused at the airport and jumped onto the wrong plane,” was George’s reasoning. Carmen agreed with him 100%. Their silly darling couldn’t survive without the couple by her side. She was truly made for them.

The worst reaction was Lando’s. When he was informed that Amira was currently filming a new season of Euphoria, Lando fainted. The journalist joked about Amira’s absence after the Qualifying. Lando, outperformed by Charles, only got P2 instead of P1. When the interviewer said something along the lines of “Maybe the absence of your lucky charm made you miss pole position,” Lando, who didn’t know this little piece of information, went deathly pale. In front of 28 cameras, he fainted. Max F. never let him live that down, always teasing him with “You fainted like a Disney princess, waiting for her prince.”

The only one who truly did anything after hearing about Amira was Lewis. His assistant quickly packed his bags and bought a one-way ticket to America. Nothing could stop him from visiting Amira. After a full day, he finally had the chance to knock on her front door. He was met with Amira’s surprised face. Before she had the chance to say anything, he wrapped his arms around her. “God, baby, I missed you so much,” he whispered in her ear, turning his face to kiss her temple. Slowly, the couple broke the hug, Lewis still keeping his hands wrapped around her waist. “Lewis, I’m really happy that you’re here. But to be honest, I wasn’t expecting any guests. I had so much filming to do, a Vogue photoshoot, helped a friend set up her apartment, taking care of MY apartment, looking for—” Lewis interrupted her ramble with a sweet kiss. “Don’t worry, love. I’m here to help you.”

Bonus (+)

Once again, Carlos’s hotel room was filled with the other drivers, except Carlos himself. All of them had their eyes on Charles, who was breathing into a paper bag. “Charles, can you tell us again what happened?” asked Pierre, who was sitting next to his best friend. After Lando rubbed his back some more, Charles started: “When Carlos called me, I immediately went to his room. When I arrived, he showed me inside. He was busy packing his bags, muttering about finally getting his revenge. He said things like, ‘I won’t let it go this time,’ ‘No one can stop me,’ and ‘This is the last time someone will ever see him.’ When I asked him what was happening, he just took my phone, showed me an article, and left. He didn’t say anything else.” After Charles’s little speech, the room plunged into silence. Oscar hesitantly asked, “Charles… what did you see?” Charles started crying again, showing his friends the mentioned article. It was filled with pictures of Amira and Lewis, all of them just a few hours old. “Oh shit. Lewis is a dead man,” muttered George, sharing a panicked look with Alex.

#formula 1 #baby!sainz!sister #amira sainz #formula 1 x reader #charles leclerc x reader #lando norris x reader #carlos sainz x sister!reader #lewis hamilton x reader #pierre gasly x reader #george russell x reader #alex albon x reader #george russel x carmen mundt x reader #alex albon x lily minu he x reader #oscar piastri x reader #carlos sainz x reader

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luvrodite · 1 year ago

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OCTOBER 28: IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU BABY (NO ONE ELSE IN THIS WORLD CAN) JASON TODD (3.3K)

kinktober prompt: overstimulation | kinktober masterlist

synopsis. jason doesn't seem to understand just how attractive he is, so it falls to you to make sure he knows who he belongs to.

cw: f!reader, edging, overstimulation, oral sex (m! receiving), piv sex, public sex, exhibitionism, dirty talk, dom!reader, minor begging, switchy jason, possessive reader minors, blank and ageless blogs do not interact you will be blocked

You leave Jason’s side for one brief moment–the host of the party comes up to where you’re standing in the kitchen, asking for a favour as more and more people start arriving and you excuse yourself from his arms with a playful wink.

“We need to go on a drinks run,” she lets you know, running a hand through her hair, and you giggle when it moves away from her shoulder, exposing the spot on her neck to you. She grins, her gaze cutting across the room to find the perpetrator, a tall, brown skinned boy who, judging by the way he’s looking at her, is eagerly waiting for her to return to him. “Can you move your car for a sec? Sorry, I didn’t think I’d need to use the car tonight.”

Your eyes widen, shaking your head. “Oh! Yeah, no, of course.”

It’s easy enough to pull out of the driveway, Jason’s keys still in your purse from where he’d slipped them earlier but finding a spot on the crowded suburban street is difficult, and by the time you return to the house, you’re impatient to get back to Jason’s side.

It had taken a monumental effort on your part to even get him here, tonight, after the week the both of you had had, and you weren’t sure he’d be pleased at being left alone for too long. He’d only started to loosen up a little when you’d been called away, eyes slipping into a half lidded gaze that warmed you right down to your toes, hands possessively skimming the too tiny skirt you’d zipped yourself into.

A low bass reverberates through the walls when you enter, thumping loud enough that you feel it as you make your way across the floor, crawling up from the ground and settling in your veins. All around you, bodies are bathed in a soft blue and purple glow, glitter refracting off exposed collars and arms. Your own wrists twinkle with the residue as you bump into girls who giggle out drunken apologies, and you can’t help but smile.

Still, you weave your way through the packed first floor to the back of the house, where the crowd thins and tapers off. Only a few people mill about in the kitchen, and surprisingly, your boyfriend isn’t one of them.

You stop short in the entrance to the kitchen, sweeping across the space to make sure you haven’t missed him, but sure enough, not a single one bears any resemblance to your six foot something man.

“I think he went to the bathroom!” one of the guys nearby says, who’d been talking to Jason when you’d last seen him, and you shoot him a grateful smile before spinning on your heel.

You go no further than the foyer, about to climb the staircase, when your gaze pulls back into the living room and–

There he is. Standing at the far edge of the room, pouring himself a drink, bathed in bright violet and indigo, is Jason. You admire the lines of his face, lips shiny from the drink in his hands and catching the light.

As though tugged forward by some invisible thread, your feet propel forward of their own conviction, and you’re pushing through the throng again, swallowed by the sea of bodies but your gaze remains on the man ahead.

Even beneath the jacket he dons, the white t-shirt is tight around his chest and you stare shamelessly, flames sparking low in the pit of your stomach when you catch a glimpse of the chain around his neck, silver glittering low in the light as he shifts, tucked into the collar where its pendant remains unseen.

You reach the edges of the crowd and your steps slow as you approach him, blood icing over when you take in the girl he’s talking to. Reaching out, you murmur his name.

It mollifies you that he hears you immediately, head snapping your way and eyes lighting in quiet pleasure.

“Sweetheart.” He curls an arm around your waist unthinkingly and you settle into his side, offering the girl–still unnamed–a quick smile. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry,” you reply, peering into the cup in his hand. “Had to move the car, and it took forever to find somewhere to park. What’s in this?”

“Just juice–that was mine,” he chides, when you finish the rest of it off. “Nice, baby. Really nice.”

“You’re not drinking tonight?”

It takes you a moment to realise the question is addressed to you, Jason’s companion looking at you expectantly and you startle, jumping to answer.

“Sorry, yeah, I’ve got something tomorrow, so…” you hold the cup up by way of explanation, and she nods, face breaking out into an understanding grin.

She’s pretty, with sleek dark hair and eyes that are curtained by a set of thick, full lashes. You feel a little silly, when she smiles at you so nicely, for acting so childishly. She doesn’t seem to have noticed your little pout, though, or if she has she doesn’t let on, tucking a lock of hair behind her hair and introducing herself.

“I don’t think we’ve met,” she says, and you shake your head in agreement, giving her your name. Her eyes cut back and forth between you and Jason, and then she’s stepping back a little, jabbing a thumb over her shoulder. “I’ve gotta get going, but I’ll probably see you guys around.”

“See you,” you echo and behind you Jason mutters the same sentiment, his chin brushing the top of your head.

You wait until she’s out of sight before turning in his arms, hand coming up to slip under the neck of his top. Immediately he begins to squirm, sputtering protests laced with incredulous laughter. “Sweetheart–what are you–”

Your fingers hook under the chain of his necklace, and tug it out until it lays over his shirt, pendant settling against the white material, the blunt silver of your initial hanging over his heart. Only then do you let go.

When you go to turn back around, he catches your chin in his hand, eyes searching yours for a moment before his mouth breaks out into the most cocky grin you’ve ever seen, dripping with barely contained arrogance. You know then that you’ve been caught out but you simply raise a brow, keeping your face impassive as best as you can.

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” he lilts playfully, voice dropping as he bends his head closer, “is something wrong?”

“Everything’s fine, Jason,” you say coolly and if possible, his smirk only widens.

“You sure, baby?” he prods innocently, tilting his head, puppy-like and mockingly naive. Red skims across his jaw, a slash of light that highlights just how sharp his features are, pretty and inviting.

“I’m sure.” Flatly voiced, it’s a poor assurance and you both know it. You stare up at him for a moment before announcing, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

His brow quirks at the turn of subject but he bobs his head, setting down his empty cup on the sideboard. “Okay, let’s go.”

You turn on your heel and make your way to the stairs. Jason’s hands remain at your waist, close behind as he follows you through the crowd and up the steps. Most of the party is downstairs, and it grows quieter–only marginally–as you climb to the second floor. The music is muddied through the floorboards, pulsing beneath your shoes with every step.

You leave the door open behind you and moved further into the space. When it clicks shut, you know that Jason has followed you in. Good, you think, and lean over the sink to peer into the mirror.

For a few beats, there is only silence, words unspoken over the muffled pounding of the music below. You fiddle with your outfit, smoothing out the fabric of your skirt and wiping the corner of your mouth where the lipstick you’d applied has begun to smudge. In the corner of your eye, Jason leans against the door and you can feel the weight of his gaze on you.

You turn to face him, resting against the sink. He straightens under your gaze.

“Do you get off,” you say steadily, voice low, “on provoking me?”

“Provoking you?”

You push off the sink, taking slow steps towards him. Your shoes click against the floor, and downstairs the music shifts to something more upbeat. You watch Jason’s eyes lazily drag down your figure, his throat jumping when you close the small distance between the both of you.

You reach up, hooking your index finger under the chain around his neck. The letter rests against the pad of your finger, the accompanying birthstone twinkling with the movement.

“It’s funny,” you muse, your tone anything but amused. “You wear this, but it really feels like you don’t know who you belong to. Guess I’m gonna have to show you. Is that what you want?”

When he doesn’t speak, you tug on the chain and he jerks forward, lashes fluttering and pupils expanding as he stares down at you. In one breath, his teal irises are swallowed by onyx pools, lips parting in want.

“Yeah,” he rasps out. “Yeah, that’s what I want.”

You shake your head before pulling him down and slotting your mouth to his. He tastes sweet, the juice lingering on his tongue. Hands wrap around your waist and you press closer, feeling the heat of his chest against yours. The leather of his jacket squeaks with the strain of his arms and you can’t help but smile into his mouth, tongue darting out to lick at the seam of his mouth.

“Lock the door,” you murmur into his mouth, willing your voice to remain steady but it comes out a little breathless. He huffs out a laugh but reaches behind him nonetheless, twisting the lock with a click that echoes slightly in the tiled bathroom.

You twist away slightly, redirecting your attention to his jaw and grazing your teeth along the skin there. He shivers, head dropping against the wooden door and providing you better access. Control steadily unravelling, you surge forward to mouth at his neck. He squirms, pitiful little exhales bordering on whines as you lave at the skin, pulling it with your teeth and soothing it over with your tongue.

“Ah–sweetheart, I–” he stumbles over his words, hands gripping the fabric of your skirt tightly. It bunches up in his fists, and you feel the glide of it as it rides up your thighs.

Pulling back to survey your work, you grin up at him with spit slicked lips before swatting his hands away and sinking to your knees. Nosing at his thigh, you fumble with the clasp of his belt and undo his jeans hastily, tugging his pants and boxers down in one pull. One of your hands come up to push the hem of his white shirt upwards in silent direction, and obediently he bites the fabric. Unobstructed, his cock presses against his stomach and your smile feels filthy as you shuffle forward.

The tiles beneath your knees are cold and unforgiving, but you ignore them as you take him into your mouth. Above you, there’s a muffle whimper as you suckle on the head, drool gathering on your tongue as you close your lips around him messily. The pearl of spend settles on your tongue, salty and slightly bitter, and you relax your jaw to take more of him in. The muscles in his stomach contract and you hum, directing your eyes upward.

Jason stares down at you through lowered eyelids, lashes casting swooping shadows on his cheeks, breathing ragged. A flush settles over his face, a pink tint painted over his nose and cheeks that ruins any semblance of composure–he groans, eyes squeezing shut and straining open to gaze at you. His hand comes to settle on your cheek, cradling your head with trembling fingers.

Your own hands part ways, one reaching to his mouth and the other sneaking beneath your parted thighs. Jason spits into your palm, shirt falling back down and you close your fingers around the rest of his cock, squeezing the length your mouth doesn’t take in. He takes the dampened fabric into his free hand, balling the hem against his chest.

“Shit, jus’ like that,” he gasps, fingers against your cheek pressing into the flesh and you hum, bobbing your head.

Between your legs, your underwear has grown slick, thin and flimsy and not meant for much more than pleasing the eye. You tug them to the side, immediately greeted by wet strings that coat your fingers. Your legs ache as you shift, pressing circles into your most sensitive parts as you sloppily mouth at Jason’s cock.

You can barely hear the party over the sound of your heartbeat, thundering in your ears, but a garbled noise reaches you. Jason chokes on a breath, head tipping back and stomach tightening visibly as he approaches his peak. With an amused hum, you pull your mouth off him, hand splaying across his thigh as his orgasm is cut off abruptly.

He looks down at you, brows pinching confusedly.

“You didn’t think it’d be that easy, did you?” you coo. You shake your head, tutting. “What kind of a lesson would that be, baby.”

Your fingers continue to move beneath your skirt and a noise gets caught in your throat. Jazon zeroes in on it, eyes cutting to your legs and groaning.

“Not fair,” he grumbles and you lean against his thigh, cheek pressing against the soft flesh.

“Mm…no I think this is pretty fair,” you murmur, kissing the skin. “I wasn’t the one chatting up some other girl.”

“Wasn’t chatting her up,” he denies, and you shift up again, reaching for his cock. Mouth softly at the head, you swipe your thumb across the slit and watch him shudder.

“No?” you question. He shakes his head.

“Was just talkin’.”

“So I should let you come, huh?” you mumble, taking him into your mouth once more and his hips stutter forward when you suck a little harder.

“Fuck,” he grouses, breath hitching. “Sweetheart–please.”

You smile as best as you can with the weight of him pressing on your tongue, but don’t answer. Your legs have begun to tremble with the strain of supporting your body, knees aching terribly against the tile, but you take pleasure in watching Jason turn desperate.

For a little while longer, you continue your ministrations to the sound of Jason’s breathless whispers above you–

“Just like that–fuck, you’re so good–”

One, drawn out, “Ugh, sweetheart.”

You rock your hips against your fingers, your own whimpers muffled and vibrating against his cock. His breaths steadily grow shallower, movements jerky under your mouth and hands until he’s loudly gasping, teetering on the edge of release. Immediately, your lips pop off him, hand falling to your side and he kicks his head back into the door, face crumpling.

You raise on shaky knees, taking the hand he offers you to lean against him for a moment before you pull him with you to the counter, slipping onto the marble. Jason steps between your legs, pushing you against the mirror and you feel a few items clatter to the floor, the sound of hard plastic against tile echoing. You’re uncaring, slipping your fingers into his mouth and using the other hand to guide his along your hips.

Wordlessly, Jason tugs the hem of your skirt up, tongue soft and wet around your fingers. When you pull them from his mouth, he gives you a dippy grin, swooping down to kiss you messily.

“You think you deserve to cum?” you murmur into his mouth, and he hisses.

“C’mon, sweetheart,” he presses, pleading. “Need it so bad.”

You reach between the both of you, circling your hand around his cock once more before guiding him to your entrance, head catching against your clit for a moment and sending a shudder through the both of you before it slips in. Jason sighs, and you wrap your arms around his shoulders, angling your mouth to his ear.

“Prove it to me,” you say lowly, “that you deserve it.”

Like a switch has been flipped, he thrusts forward, setting a dizzying pace that makes it difficult for you to stay quiet. Sweat crowds at your temples as he stretches you out and fucks you, hips slapping against yours.

Downstairs, the party rages on and you’re grateful for the noise when it becomes too hard to hide the whimpers Jason pulls from you, teeth digging into your bottom lip in a weak effort to muffle the cries that slip loose when he angles his hips just so, sending sparks of pleasure shooting up your spine. Your toes curl in your shoes, legs hitched up around his waist.

“‘S not enough is it,” you find yourself gasping, fingers digging into his back through his shirt. “Gotta–fuck–gotta mark you up so everybody knows you’re–oh–taken!”

“So. Fuckin’. Jealous.” Jason times his thrusts with each word, sending you arching off the counter.

“You knew that when you d-decided to date me,” you grit, a few tears slipping from your eyes when you close them. “Knew that when you put that necklace on.”

He grins, a wild thing in the flickering bathroom light, almost feral as he drags his teeth down the side of your neck. “Mm…got me there,” he mumbles into your skin.

You catch his hair in your hand, pulling him away to look at you.

“Tell me who you belong to,” you say raggedly, “and I’ll let you come.”

His hips stutter and he slots his mouth against yours, the words coming in a rush. “Yours, baby, ‘m all yours,” he gasps. The slick sounds of your sex are loud in the bathroom, Jason’s fingers reaching between the both of you to circle your clit in time with his thrusts.

You kiss him back, feeling your own thread rapidly unravel with every slap of his hips, growing sloppier as he becomes more desperate. Spit smears across your lips, his tongue licking into your mouth greedily.

“Come for me, then.”

Jason manages to hold off until you break, sloppily fucking into you until you come with a broken moan, fingernails digging into his shoulder and likely ruining his shirt. He pulls out just as he finishes, coming all over your bare thighs, a wounded sound broken off in his throat.

You stare dazedly at the streams of white as you come down from your high, cum slipping down your legs slowly while you regain your breath. When you look up, Jason looks just as disheveled, hair mussed and clothes wrinkled from both your hands and his. The bruises on his neck have begun to bloom already, dark marks of purple that litter his skin.

“You’re ridiculous,” he huffs when he catches you eyeing them, reaching for some toilet paper. You sit on the counter and let him wipe you down, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Getting jealous over some random girl.”

“If I can’t have you…” you trail off in a hum and he rolls his eyes, swooping down to kiss you.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m yours, you freak,” he reminds you, and then catching sight of his reflection in the mirror behind you, he grimaces. He begins to complain, “Fuck, sweetheart, how the fuck ‘m I supposed to get out of here looking like this…look like I got mauled.”

You can only offer an innocent smile when he tugs a hand through his hair.

“You know I’m totally gonna get you back for this, right?”

Tugging down your skirt and fixing your top, you head for the door to unlock it. You look over your shoulder, halfway across the threshold.

“Kind of counting on it, handsome.”

The last thing you see before you slip outside is his slackened jaw.

this is so unedited because i was in a rush and i refuse to go through grammarly or any ai to check it. i'm sorry if there are any spelling errors etc i will hopefully come back to fix them but for now!! here is the 4th and second to last installment of kinktober!!!!

#mangacap by stepghost #mdni banner by benkeibear #ro's kinktober '23 #jason todd x reader #jason todd smut #jason todd fic #jason todd imagine #jason todd fanfiction #jason todd x reader smut #jasonsmirrorball #jay my heart #kinktober 2023

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yuriisclumsy · 9 months ago

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What if there was an AU for [Name] being one of the top ranked mages in twisted wonderland?

╰Description: [Name] is one of the top mage in Twisted Wonderland, right after Malleus Draconia.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (You are here) | Part 4 | Part 5

—April 28, 2024—

Thought… This is a continuation on the What if there was an AU for [Name] being one of the top ranked mages in twisted wonderland?

[Name] was contracted to teach spell casting, both theory and practice. She was given two freshmen classes, two sophomore classes, and one senior class, for her first year as a professor. Three of which were advanced classes.

Her material wasn't that different from regular classes, if you knew your stuff you could easily do her homework. It was the use of a different method that was peculiar.

But don’t be fooled to think her method is easy. Though her assignments may be simple, this is just for the first month of classes. Until her students adjust to her method of spell casting.

Notice how I said her students and not her? Yeah. It’s not her who will struggle.

Because of her unique way of casting spells, it helped [Name] in her ascension through the ranks, and the grounds of her enlistment to NRC by the headmage Dire Crowley.

[Name] was gifted in other fields as well. Given the demand for certain subjects, she could effortlessly teach those areas without having preparations beforehand. Just another reason for her being here.

Aside from talent, given her age, she could easily relate and connect with students–as they were her age. This leads to students wanting to be more in class, as they would feel comfortable, and the rise in student engagement in classes aside from her own. That is what Crowley thinks anyway.

Oh, how he couldn’t be far from the truth. Poor, sad, little, birdy.

…

The NRC campus has been cheery as of late. Perhaps it’s because of the new teacher. After all, this was a college full of boys. Boys that haven’t seen a girl since they entered and are now acting like a pack of hyenas. But don’t mistake them for Ruggie, he’ll take much offense to that.

Imagine getting compared to monkeys just because you’re human. You wouldn't like that now, would you?

As the early classes were about to begin, there was a class that stood out when you passed it as it had a mountain of students surrounding its doors.

This class was none other than [Name]’s classroom.

All the boys were lining up to see her. They were willing to be late to class. Of course, this took priority over all else.

Because it was [Name]’s first day, Crowley had decided it best to have all enlisted students from her classes gather for an introduction. Those present ranged between new freshmans to lousy sophomores, to seniors that wanted to learn something new before they graduated.

And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without our cast. The Housewardens, their Vices, and everyone affiliated with them, and last but not least, our troublesome ADeuce Duo and the two students of Ramshackle Dorm, would all have her.

The class was filled with students excited to see their new teacher. Some talked about her beauty, some gushed about her talents and achievements, and others just wanted to ask if she was single.

“Greetings everyone,” a voice spoke, cutting through the chatter making the room silent.

“I’m your new professor, [Name], [Name] [Last Name],” she introduced herself, placing a stack of papers on her podium. “But you all can just call me Professor [Name].”

Looking out into the sea of students [Name] continued. “I will be teaching spell casting to advanced and regular classes from all grade levels. So, all are welcome to enroll.”

[Name] walked up to the board and began to write, “today I won’t be teaching, given that it is my first day and still time to switch classes. Instead, I will be going over the basics of my class.” On the board was written ‘six rules’.

“As you can see, I have six rules you must follow.” Picking up the stack of papers left on the podium before disappearing into tiny white particles, leaving the students to gasp in surprise.

“Rule number one: Don’t be late. Unless you have a good excuse, I don’t want to hear it.” [Name] spoke from behind the class. She had teleported there to hand out the papers.

“Rule number two: I expect nothing short but sheer effort in this class.” The papers started to float from her. She was using her magic. The students stared in awe seeing the paper in the air, especially the freshmen. “Which means studying and practicing what I taught you.”

She began her descent from the back of the class, the papers slowly going down to the students grasp.

“Rule number three: There will be no time to laze around in class.” Saying so, Leona could feel her gaze on him in particular. The ones who knew Leona chuckled, knowing [Name] was referring to him in particular. He scuffed. looking to the side he saw Ruggie holding back a laugh. He glared at him like an angry cat, which only prompted him to hold even tighter that laugh.

“Rule number four: I prohibit sabotage; self-inflicted or deliberate. If anyone is caught they will get reprimanded.”

“Rule number five: There isn't going to be any kind of special treatment because of status. So don’t go running to your big influential mommy for help when you have a bad grade in my class. If you fail, you fail.” Students giggled as they heard her comment.

Malleus smiled in amusement. Not having to worry about being treated differently because of his position was nice. He was liking her more and more the more she talked.

Reaching the ground level floor, she walked back to the podium. Now that everyone had received their papers they read it. The rules were there… All minus the last one; number six was missing.

“Are there any questions?” [Name] asked the class

Riddle, being the high regards for rules and policy, extended his arm.

Seeing a hand go up, [Name] looked to see who it was. “Yes?”

“I apologize for disturbing you, but number six is not on the paper you’ve given us.”

“Hmmm… I thought it was a rule that everyone knew, so I didn't add it.” She said nonchalantly.

“Pardon?” He let out in confusion. “What do you mean by that exactly?” At this point Riddle wasn't alone. Something we all knew already? He thought.

“Well. Why don’t you all try guessing what rule six is?”

Students started raising hands left-and-right wanting to get the right answer. All the answers varying vastly:

“Follow all the rules!” not it.

“Rule number six is don't break the other rules” that’s the same as the last one.

“We should all respect each other!” cute, but not it.

“Do all of you really not know?” [Name] shook her head a bit saddened.

“Rule number six: Have fun.”

The students looked at each other in disbelief. That was it? They thought it was going to be something else. Something more… strictly. Like the other rules. Not this.

“Life is short. Go out, learn, explore, and live life. Even to those among you that have a longer lifespan. Before you know it, you’ll have lived long enough to tell tales from hundreds of years ago. That is something to cherish.”

“This is what my classroom is all about.”

(finished: 4/29/2024, at 12:43am)

𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚜: @scarabiafriend, @sleep-ydragon, @d3sperate-enuf, @elaemae, @lucky-whispers, @kiwiimochi, @emmorphine, @azriel-sama, @amora-ledezma, @writerstrashbin, @marinahavik, @twstwondersforyou, @lunatheroyal, @ririsun, @dyedscarletletter, @kuureii, @otomega, @valacz29, @busy-dadzawa-fish, @sarah22447, @valacz29, @wondering-again, @lucid-stories. Re-blog or Comment if you want to get added into the Tag section for Twisted wonderland. Back to The Mind

Back to Master-List

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squoxle · 7 months ago

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Sweet Like Candy ~ S.JY

pairing: bf!jake x gf!reader | wc: 500 | plot: you and Jake finally go on a date to the movies. but don't be late, because he wants to see the previews. | cw: pure fluff and a few kisses hehe

“Babe! Come on, we’re gonna be late,” Jake yelled as he grabbed the keys in his hands.

“No we’re not,” you shouted back. “The most we’ll miss are the previews.”

“Okay? I wanna see the previews too,” he pouted as he walked into the room to see you putting on your jewelry.

“Hmm, okay fine. I’m almost done. Just go wait in the car for me," you said as you saw a bright smile grow across his face.

You rubbed your lips together as you applied your candy-flavored lipgloss before tucking it in your purse.

You slipped into a pair of white tennis shoes before joining your boyfriend in the car.

"You got everything you need?" he asked as you buckled your seatbelt.

"Yup," you smiled as he pulled off. He was taking you out on a date to the movies. It had been a while since you guys did something alone together as a couple so he was really excited about this. To be honest, he was more excited than you.

He drove into the parking lot of the venue before hopping out of the car and coming around to open your door.

"Come on, let's gaurrr," he said, playfully pulling you out of the car as he grabbed your hands and took off running straight for the entrance.

"Hey d'you wanna go pick out the snacks while I get our tickets?" he asked giving you that confused puppy look he always had whenever he was feeling a bit indecisive. "Or I could go get the snacks while you get the tickets. Or umm..."

"I'll go get the snacks," you chuckled. "You just worry about the tickets, okay."

"Okay, thanks babe," he smiled before kissing you on the lips. His eyes widened as your lips parted. You watched as he licked his lips with one eyebrow raised.

"What?" you asked as you covered your mouth slightly with your hand.

"Your lips are sweet," he chuckled. "Sweet like candy."

"Oh," you sighed in relief. "I just tried out this new lipgloss I bought at the mall the other day."

"Well, I like it," he bit his lips softly before leaning in to kiss you again.

"The next viewing will start in 15 minutes," an announcer's voice said over the speakers.

"Oh, shoot!" he spat, raising his wrist to look at his watch. "I haven't even bought the tickets yet. You go get the snacks and I'll meet you back over here as soon as I finish, okay."

"Hehe, okay," you smiled as he ran off.

You grabbed a large popcorn, two sodas, and a couple packs of candy before meeting up with Jake under the stained glass dome in the middle of the cinema.

"Did you get extra butter?" he asked as he saw the large tub wrapped in one of your arms.

"Yup."

"Cheese?"

"Yes," you chuckled.

"Gummies?"

"Oh my god, yes babe," you laughed, handing him the bucket of extra buttery popcorn.

[a.n.] This short fic was inspired by a post on my girl's page @addictedtohobi (link to post)

❀ Thank you all so much for reading! Make sure to check out other works on my masterlist!

❀ 𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝: @chlorinecake @mimikittysblog @nikisvanillaccola @wonbinisbabygurl @mrswolfhard3 @laylasbunbunny @sussyjake @furious-eagle @cherrriesss @abbyizzy @weyukinluv @addictedtohobi @thatonenoona @wavykook @givemeyourtmihyun @jaeljn @hoonmywk @valennshit @19-yunalyn @hoonbby @frostedblankets @hoonsyo @no-mannerism @perfectxserendipity @chubbibish @ihrtlix @bunniesforsoobin @thereadersparadise @thatbooknerdfr @aiden2001 @belongstoheeseung @jakeybabe @donut-crazs @rizzhee @nikimeows @woonieees @uarmyxtae @rebecca-johnson-28 @they2luv1naia @isa-2007 @silcry @riverscafe @pearlwhitesoul @nikohiroshi @thatbooknerdfr @wonniewonwon @sughoonieeee @babyy-bambii @adrika04 @sehunsharpasseyebrows @wtfyangjungwon @fr-3-akn-4-stymf @rikiloversworld @shawyle @sunoosrightbuttcheek @uarmyxtae @lovesickxmina @urfavberry @urauntiefaye @breadlover01 @taehyunsfavmoa

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two-white-butterflies · 1 year ago

Text

invisible string | m33 | part one

Description: You face a career-ending injury, that forces you to give up your childhood dream. 7 years later, you return to the paddocks as a guest - and as the Team Principal of Prema Racing. What happens when feelings are too difficult to hide?

Author's Note: first part focuses more on the past. fc: courtney eaton.

Pairing: max verstappen/racer!reader

part two |

(2015, Mercedes-AMG Petronas.)

(2016, Mercedes-AMG Petronas)

your_name_updates: Y/N L/N wins first F1's German Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton third. @itsmee_yn

12 comments 1,293 likes

ynsupporter: I'm so proud of her

maxverstappen1: A well deserved win! WDC next? @itsmee_yn - itsmee_yn: depends if u give me a kiss for good luck - - maxverstappen1: 😳

lewisloversupports: Ya'll let girls into F1 and this happens...

iloveyoulewishamilton: This is totally unfair. Lewis should've won the GP 🤬

itsmee_yn: is it just me or is the redbull garage kinda crazy? @danydk1 @maxverstappen1

19 comments 2,183 likes

danydk1: Crazy because of a certain Mercedes driver.. 🤣

maxverstappen1: You are a spy sent from Merc loll - itsmee_yn: and ur an accomplice for letting me in

ynischampion: I hope that you win the WDC

bandanasupporter: I wish that you'll be the #1st woman WDC

LEWIS HAMILTON AND Y/N L/N'S FRIENDSHIP ON THE ROCKS: HAMILTON WILL NOT LET L/N WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.

It is no secret that Hamilton and L/N are friends. They have posted each other on instagram, and L/N talks about him in their interviews, but according to an insider - the friendship is reaching an end. With L/N's back-to-back victories and Hamilton's lousy attacks, a rivalry is not out of the question.

When asked why Lewis Hamilton tried to overtake Y/N L/N in the German GP his response was: "What am I supposed to do? Just let the girl win? Of course not, I'm fighting for my championship. This is sports and if she doesn't understand it - she can pack her bags."

L/N is yet to make a statement.

comments

reynaduoo: this is breaking my heart 💔

mercedeslovvvv: Is Mercedes so good that they're own drivers are fighting with each other? 💀

mercedessupports: Y/N L/N and Lewis Hamilton have unfollowed each other on social media. Y/N has also taken off the "Aunt to Roscoe" on her bio.

28 comments 82 likes

isupportmercedes: Mercedes has to talk to their drivers. It's not good to see them fighting with each other on social media. - ynlewiston: it's Y/N's time to shine, Lewis should take a chill pill - - lewislovercarlos: she's 17 years old, she can win her WDC another time. Lewis deserves it more.

itsmee_yn: Me when Max's mom tells him to go home :(

129 comments 3,458 likes

maxverstappen1: BRO? - itsmee_yn: wdym bro, just call me baby

dynastyoffleng: I love Y/N and Max's friendship

(2017, MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS)

mercedesupdates: L/N and Hamilton have crashed into each other in the Spanish GP (FIRST GP OF THE SEASON). The race has been halted and ambulances have made their way to the duo. According to bystanders and professionals, L/N has suffered a 50G crash and her car has crashed into the wall. Updates are coming soon.

taglist: @laura-naruto-fan1998 @eternalharry @milaeth @msliz @lifesuckslife @ellamae021 @1-800-simpingcowbaby @trashcanrat @ccallistata @shouq @fdl305 @iloveyou3000morgan @georgeparisole

AS ALWAYS. COMMENT TO GET TAGGED.

#max verstappen #max verstappen fic #max verstappen x you #max verstappen x female reader #f1 fics #f1 #f1 imagine #max verstappen x reader #f1 smut #f1 fanfic

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clarisse0o · 5 months ago

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Camp Wiegman-Part 28

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 5k

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Thursday, December 31; 12:00 PM - Home.

- What if your new friends don’t like me?

- Mapi, that’s enough.

- No, seriously, I don’t know them and they don’t know me either, remember?

- You’ve got nothing to worry about, I said, rolling my eyes for the umpteenth time.

Since we woke up, she’s been second-guessing her decision to accept my New Year’s invitation. She had a whole week to think it over, and now she’s reacting. She was so enthusiastic at first. Now I’m getting all these “Are you sure?” and “What if…?” questions. I don’t think I can take much more.

- Anyway, it’s too late to back out now, I replied calmly.

- Pff... Are you almost done packing your suitcase?

- Yeah, I’m good.

- Are you going to tell me who all these gifts are for?

- You’ll find out soon enough. Are you ready? We’ll be leaving shortly.

- I’ve been ready since yesterday, she chuckles. I think you’re the one we should be asking.

- I should have everything.

I’ve checked at least three times to make sure. Since I won’t be coming back to Barcelona, I need to make sure I don’t forget anything. My next return could be months away or just a week.

- Do you really think we made the right choice? We could always stay here.

- Stop it, my friends are great. You’ll love them just as much as they’ll love you, I’m sure of it.

- So, how’s it going to work, then?

Even though I’ve explained it to her a hundred times, I think it reassures her to hear it again. I still wonder why she’s so anxious. I’m sure everything will go just fine.

- Alexia and Alba are landing at practically the same time as us. We’ll wait for each other and then take a taxi together to Leah’s place. That way, you’ll get to know my roommate ahead of time. She’s really excited to meet you.

- Hmm... Anyway, I don’t have a choice, do I?

- Nope, I giggled. It’s time to go. Hector must be waiting for us.

She grabs her things without much enthusiasm. I laugh as I follow her out. Her suitcase is small compared to mine. We say goodbye to Samuel and Sofia, who were waiting for us at the door. My mother, Marcus, and Joan had already left around ten this morning to visit friends who live a few hours away. I got up at nine on purpose to say goodbye to Joan. It wasn’t hard since I was already awake.

- Have a great time, girls, Sam and Sofia wish us.

- Thanks, have a great evening too.

I give them one last hug as they thank me for the gift I gave them. It wasn’t much, but I wanted to mark the occasion. They leave at the same time as we do since no one will be home. I’m glad they can enjoy the rest of their day with family. As for Hector, he still has a bit of work to do, driving us to the airport. The return is close now.

Thursday, December 31; 4:00 PM - Manchester Airport.

I stretch and yawn loudly, to Mapi’s amusement. I need to stretch my legs after the two-hour flight. I slept really well, even with Mapi’s presence. Shay greeted me as we got off the plane. Mapi can’t believe I know a girl like her. She gives me a playful shove after we pass her, still glancing back.

- Goodness. Why do you always attract the prettiest ones? she laughs.

- You can have her, I say with a smile, knowing her tastes. She’s just friendly, that’s all.

- Uh-huh. It’s true you’re saving yourself for Bronze, she teases back.

I roll my eyes, keeping my smile, not responding to avoid fueling her idea. My only hope is that she’ll behave in front of my friends tonight. No one knows about my relationship with my boss. I’ve given her enough pointers on what to avoid saying or doing. I don’t know why, but knowing her, I probably should’ve avoided it. She might do the exact opposite just to mess with me. Her arm drops as we reach the airport. We’ve barely passed the arrival barriers when a new brunette practically leaps onto me. I laugh as I feel her legs wrap around my waist, forcing me to support her by the thighs to avoid a spectacular fall.

- I missed you sooo much! she exclaims, her voice rising into a high pitch at the end.

- I missed you too, guapa!

I glance to my side where Mapi seems to have trouble processing what she’s seeing, from what I can tell. These next few days will be very enlightening for her. She’ll probably understand why these exceptional people make me want to stay here. Especially Alexia, who remains one of my favorites because of her persistence. She somehow managed to break through my physical barriers with her tactile nature.

Her voice goes high-pitched at the end. I smile, noticing Mapi’s puzzled expression beside me. She certainly didn’t expect me to accept such an embrace from anyone other than her. She’s going to understand a lot over these next few days.

- You must be Mapi? I hear despite being muffled by Alexia. I’m Alba Putellas.

- That’s me, and I know who you are, Bonita, replies my best friend.

Mapi’s trademark tact hasn’t changed. As if remembering her presence, Alexia finally lets go of me. I’m barely surprised when she hugs Mapi next. Mapi seems slightly awkward at first but accepts the contact out of politeness. I take advantage of their meeting to greet Alba in turn.

- Good to see you again, Princess. Glad to be back where it all began?

- Princess, huh? Mapi interjects before I have a chance to reply. Why don’t you ever tell me things like this? They’ve got you figured out, she laughs.

- Should I tell them how you were acting a few hours ago so you don’t start? I jokingly threaten.

- I think that’s enough, she says, pulling a face. By the way, what time is it? Is it normal that I’m starving?

- Four o’clock, but it must be the jet lag, comments Alexia.

- Yeah, that’s exactly it. Good thing I came prepared, right?

- Awh, you’re the best anyway.

I smile, digging into my bag to pull out some cookies I grabbed at the last minute in the kitchen. I expected she’d be hungry. I was just like her on my first trip here. She munches on them as we head to the baggage carousel to collect our luggage. Alba and Alexia have already retrieved theirs, which means they landed well before us. Once we’ve all got our bags, we head out. Alexia had reserved a taxi to take us to Leah and Alessia’s place. The taxi is late, making Mapi grumble, who now, instead of being hungry, is cold. I had warned her there’d be a big temperature difference between Barcelona and here, but she didn’t listen. From what I can see, it hasn’t snowed too much yet. To our relief, the taxi finally arrives, shutting my best friend up. Alba sits up front while I find myself sandwiched between my two friends in the back seat. I regret my spot when they start chatting with each other the whole way. At least I don’t have to worry about them getting along, though I had very little doubt. I knew everything would be fine. Thankfully, the trip was short. Leah and Alessia live just outside downtown in a spacious house, not too big and not too small. Alba takes care of paying the taxi while we unload our bags from the trunk. Leah herself opens the door before we even have to ring. I’m at the front of the group, so I’m the first to hug her.

- Hey, Princess, I didn’t know you were so sentimental, she laughs. You’re slipping in my book.

- Be grateful you’re getting a hug from her, I had to work hard to get the first one, comments Alexia.

- Seriously! You wouldn’t believe how long it took me to get the first one, Mapi chimes in.

- Hey, you two, I can manage you separately, but if you team up, this isn’t going to work.

They exchange a knowing look that tells me I’m going to regret bringing them together. In the end, the one who’s going to be jealous will probably be me. They get along even better than I imagined. I move forward when Leah invites us in. Alessia arrives shortly after we enter to greet us as well.

- Are we the first ones? Alba asks.

- Yeah, Patri and Claudia should be here soon, Leah replies. They said they’re picking up Maya and Ella on the way.

- Owh, that’s a lot of names to remember, Mapi comments.

I smile, understanding her on that point. Not long ago, I barely knew half of them, but I eventually learned everyone.

- There aren’t that many, Alexia reassures her.

- Maybe, but at the same time, Ona never talks to me about you guys, she retorts.

- Are you kidding me? I exclaim, offended.

- OK, how about I give you a tour of the house? Alessia suggests to avoid our debate.

- Good idea, let’s do that, Alexia agrees, not without teasing us.

We follow Alessia through the house. We start in the large living area we’re already in. It combines the living room and dining room, along with the kitchen in the back left corner. This layout creates a big, well-divided space. The decor is neither too old nor too modern. It’s a lot like the house I grew up in. We continue upstairs where we bring our luggage. She shows us the bathroom, the toilets, then the three main bedrooms, and two smaller guest rooms. She explains that there will be four rooms with three people each tonight.

- Well, I guess the three of us will be together, Alexia says. Is that okay with you, Alessia?

- Yes, yes, of course. Whatever you want.

She lets us choose between the two guest rooms, even though they’re practically identical. A mattress has been added to each room, leaving little space for our stuff, but with some organization, we manage. Alessia leaves us to help the other with the preparations. We thank her before she disappears downstairs.

- Want to share a bed? Mapi suggests. I mean, if you don’t mind, Alexia.

- No problem, she replies. You’ve known each other longer, so it’s only natural.

- Ona?

- We’ve been sharing a bed for almost two weeks. One more night won’t bother me.

- So it’s settled, she concludes.

I silently thank Mapi for her suggestion. She’s saving me from a tricky situation. I love Alexia, but I’m not ready to share a bed with her. That’s still a boundary for me. Before joining the others, we finish bringing up the rest of our things. Well, mostly Alexia’s and mine since Mapi doesn’t have as much as we do. She still comes down with us to take Alba’s things, which we put in Leah’s room as requested.

- You could’ve told me Alexia was so gorgeous, Mapi comments once we’re alone. Do you think I’ve got a chance with her?

- No, forget it, I giggled. I already told you she has a girlfriend and it’s serious. I didn’t bring you here to hit on my friends, I frowned.

- I was joking, she giggles. But still, what a shame. She must be a heartbreaker... Just like you, it seems.

- Really? Why do you say that?

- Didn’t you see how Alessia was eyeing you?

- What? Alessia? I laugh. Are you out of your mind?

- Didn’t you notice? she’s surprised. I’m telling you, she’s got a crush on you! Pay more attention when you’re with her.

- If you say so...

We stop talking when Alexia returns from Leah’s room. She smiles at us as she approaches.

- Everything good?

- Yep, we can go down and help the others.

And that’s what we do. The conversation with Mapi leaves me a bit puzzled, though. I would’ve liked to keep talking about it so she could explain how she came to that conclusion. I’ll pay more attention; maybe I’ll figure it out myself.

When we get downstairs, we find a completely transformed living room that we had barely recognized earlier. Leah and Alba have totally changed it by moving the couches and some furniture to create more space. They’re currently adding a table and chairs for tonight.

- "Alessia is in the kitchen if you’re looking for her," someone says.

We thank them and head to the kitchen, where we find Alessia busily working at the stove. Alexia immediately volunteers to help her. As for Mapi and me, to avoid overcrowding the kitchen, Alessia suggests we take care of the drinks in the meantime, which delights Mapi to no end.

- "The garage door is here," Alessia shows us at the entrance. "Everything’s in the car trunk. Just put whatever you can in the fridge."

- "For the alcohol, I’ve set up a table here," Leah tells us, not far away.

- "Got it, we’ll handle that."

Everyone goes back to their tasks as Mapi and I head to the garage. It’s a very well-organized space, divided into three areas. The first area near the door has a lot of storage cabinets and even a collection of wine bottles that we definitely don’t have permission to touch. On the other side, there’s a workshop space that’s just as orderly. In the middle, there are two parking spaces, one of which is empty, presumably because their parents are using the car since they’re not here. We don’t waste any time and open the trunk, which is indeed full of various bottles. Since most people stayed in Manchester, we agreed that Leah and Alba would handle the shopping and we’d split the bill among the participants tonight. All we had to do was bring the money and list our preferences to make sure everyone was happy.

- "Wow, there’s enough here to really get hammered," comments Mapi. "Beer, vodka, tequila, Jack Daniel's..." she lists off as she sees them. "They thought of everything!"

- "Help me out instead of snooping!"

- "Yeah, yeah, easy there, mini-commander."

- "Shut up, idiot," I say with a small smile.

She mocks me while balancing several bottles in her arms. We start by filling the kitchen fridge, then the garage fridge that Leah showed us. After that, we set up the alcohol on the table in the living room, preparing the cups that go with it. For what we can’t store, we place them next to the garage fridge to refill it as needed. When we return to the kitchen, the girls have finished preparing the meat platters. We agreed to have a raclette grill, as it was the simplest and least troublesome option given our group size. All we had to do was prepare the platters, as the butcher had already cut the red and white meat. Alessia added some salads and sauces like mayonnaise and ketchup to go with it. Another raclette machine is supposed to be brought by Patri. Speaking of her, they just arrived, right as we finished the final preparations. Leah and Alba had time to change in the meantime. I’m surprised to see that they all made the effort to wear a dress tonight. Now it’s our turn to get ready for the party. Maya and Ella join us as we go upstairs. I learned that they’re from here, like Patri and Claudia. I also learned that the only person not coming tonight is Misa, who already had plans. I don’t know her very well, so it doesn’t really bother me. In a few minutes, Alessia’s room turns into a real mess. Six girls just invaded her space with a ton of clothes.

- "How about this?" I ask for their opinion, showing a pair of black jeans and a shirt.

- "Ugh. Are you kidding?" says Mapi. "Good thing I brought you some clothes."

Oh no… I’m already dreading this just from hearing that sentence. I knew she would bring me things without asking. I already regret it just seeing her pull out my navy blue dress with a long V-neckline. I love wearing it, but it wasn’t at all what I had in mind for tonight. She holds it up to the others, who gasp just at the sight of it. The back is covered in lace. As for the length, it reaches mid-thigh, like almost all the dresses Mapi managed to make me buy.

- "Oh my God!" exclaims Alexia. "It’s gorgeous! You have to wear it!"

- "Really?" I say, groaning.

- "Absolutely!" adds Ella. "It must look amazing on you!"

- "It looks incredible on her," agrees Mapi. "And don’t forget the heels, right?"

She says this while dangling the matching stilettos on her finger. I hate her so much right now. It’s like she chose my outfit without asking for my opinion.

- "I’m sure it’ll look great on you," comments Alessia.

- "Of course it’ll look good on her. Sexier than this and you die, right Batlle?" she says, slapping my butt.

I glare at her, knowing exactly what she’s trying to do. She’s trying to prove she’s right about Alessia.

- "Come on, go put it all on," urges Alexia.

She hands me everything and practically throws me out of the room, leaving me no choice but to pick another outfit. I sigh as I head to the bathroom to change. At least Mapi had the sense to think of everything. She brought me a pair of tights. She’s not my best friend for nothing. She knows I hate wearing a dress without tights. When I’m ready, I return to the room, and it’s no surprise that my outfit is approved. Then it’s Alexia’s turn, followed by Mapi and Alessia to change. Everyone has put on a dress, so I feel somewhat reassured. Mapi hasn’t had any trouble fitting in with my new friends so far. I’m glad she gets along with everyone. Then again, she’s never been unsociable, quite the opposite. I still wonder why she was so anxious. She especially gets along well with Alexia. My best friend’s extravagant personality blends perfectly with Alexia’s good mood. For the next part of the preparations, we return to our room to do our makeup. It’s impossible to do it in Alessia’s room, where we’d all be crammed.

- "Don’t you think Alessia has a thing for Ona?"

- "Stop with that," Mapi.

- "No, she’s absolutely right," agrees Alexia. "I wanted to talk to you about it before we left, but Bronze came too quickly. Even though your exchange was intense, she seemed to like that you’re lesbian."

- "Aha!" exclaims Mapi. "See!"

- "Yeah, yeah, whatever!" I roll my eyes.

Alexia teases us. Seeing that I’m not thrilled with the conversation, she changes the subject to our plans for the end of the evening. She still hasn’t changed her mind about joining her girlfriend. She’s very careful when she talks about it, knowing how I reacted in the messages. She must have realized I wasn’t too keen on the idea.

- "What’s the plan?" Mapi asks excitedly.

I had filled Mapi in. If I leave, it won’t be without her, which Alexia completely understands. Although I know she can handle herself alone, there’s no way I’m leaving her here.

- "If Alba finds out, we’re dead…" I whisper.

- "Don’t be a killjoy," Mapi exclaims. "If the love of your life were two blocks away, you’d go too. I know it! I’m surprised Alba doesn’t know, though. You seem close."

- "She’s very… protective," she grimaces. "If she knew who I’m dating, she’d lock me up for life."

She’s joking, but knowing Alba, it’s not far from the truth. I’ve never seen anyone so caring about their family as she is. It’s like Alexia is the most precious thing she has. That’s probably true.

- "So, where will your guy be?" she continues her questioning.

- "Not far. She’s spending the evening with her friends, maybe five or ten minutes’ walk away. We haven’t seen each other in a while, so I really want to go. She wasn’t too keen at first, but she finally gave in to my insistence."

- "So, if I sum up the situation, we just need to distract Alba long enough for us to leave. The best plan is to get her drunk, right?"

We laugh with Alexia. She’s just proving she’s still far from knowing my friends. Alba will probably be the last to get drunk tonight if we all start drinking. Over time, I’ve learned that she’s very attentive to those close to her and likes to look after the people she cares about.

- "I doubt she’ll drink much alcohol. Am I wrong?"

- "No, you’re right," Alexia sighs, shaking her head. "She’ll drink, but not to the point of forgetting the evening. But," she starts with a mischievous smile, "I want you to drink."

- "Me?" I ask in surprise when she points at me. "Why?"

- "Because this is the first party we’re having together. I know you drink at parties, and I want us to go crazy, like it’s our first and last night together."

I smile sadly. I know exactly what she’s thinking. Will we get to have another night like this? Tonight is an exception, and no one can say if it will happen again.

- "Bronze won’t be happy if she finds out…"

The words slip out before I can stop them. Once again, she’s the first thing I think of. I know she kind of gave me a free pass for tonight, but I promised her I’d be reasonable. Knowing that I didn’t listen to her will bother me more than I’d like to admit. Mapi groans in frustration.

- "Stop thinking about her for two seconds," she grumbles. "She’s not your mother, and you have the right to have fun."

- "I know, but… I don’t know," I shrug. "I just don’t feel the need anymore."

- "You say that now. We’ll see after your third drink."

I chuckle, shaking my head in amusement. She’s probably right. Mapi often plays bartender for me at parties. If she serves me things that go down like water, I’ll probably break my promises quickly.

- "I don’t want to lie to her when I get back, and we’ll definitely talk about the party."

- "No one’s asking you to lie. Just leave out that little detail."

My best friend’s determination makes me sigh. I won’t win on this topic. If she’s decided to make me drink, she’ll do it, and she’ll succeed. She has this persuasive influence over me that I can never resist. Sometimes I wonder who would win between her and Lucy now that she’s in my life. Has she dethroned her? I can’t say at this moment. Our conversation is interrupted by Alessia, who comes to check if we’re ready. We’re surprised to see it’s already seven o’clock. It seems everyone is already waiting for us downstairs.

- "We’re coming," Alexia announces.

She nods, lingering a bit. I realize when I turn around that she’s looking at me a little longer than the others before quickly leaving and closing the door behind her. The girls giggle, teasing me about the moment. After that, we decide to head down to start our last night of the year. We greet the last to arrive, Laia, before sitting in the remaining seats. Leah and Alba did a great job setting up the little appetizer table. They added chairs so everyone has a place. Of course, I’m seated between Alexia and Mapi. My eyes linger on the many appetizers arranged on the small living room table in front of us.

- "Alessia made everything this morning," Leah, who’s sitting next to Mapi, tells me.

- "Impressive," I say sincerely.

- "I know, right? She was on a mission. No one could stop her," she says with a laugh.

I smile timidly before looking around. I’m happy to be here. I really missed everyone. I feel like I belong here with them.

- "So, what can I get you guys?" she asks the group.

The evening starts off slowly. The drinks so far range between beer and champagne. I opted for a glass of champagne, as I'm not particularly fond of the other option. This drink is tricky because it doesn’t taste strong, but it can go to your head quickly if you don’t eat something with it. The first conversation revolves around our holidays and Christmas. I realize that it was a disaster for most people.

- "No way, seriously?" Alba laughs. "Your dad gave you condoms for Christmas?"

- "Don’t laugh, Girl," Patri responds. "He said it was time for me to find a someone. It's like he’s afraid I that I’ll end up alone."

I sink into my chair as my friends laugh. Mapi Is very touchy with me and It seems she’s not planning to stop anytime soon as she kisses me on the corner of my lips. Her intention hits me immediately when I see Alessia's eyes, half surprised, half upset. Mapi is trying to provoke her to prove she’s right, and I’m forced to admit she is. I must be appealing to Alessia, given her reactions. I feel sorry for her that it’s not mutual. I sigh and gently pull away from my best friend. No one comments on the little moment. They must have noticed by now that Mapi is important to me. She’s the only one I let touch me freely.

- "I forbid you from doing that," I growl at Mapi immediately.

- "You won’t stop me," she retorts with a playful smile.

- "I’m giving you credit. Now stop."

- « No," she smiles even more. "You’ll see, it’s going to spice up our evening. »

- « You two were dating right ? » Alessia ask

-« Yep » I answer

- "At least you’ve managed to keep your friendship," Alba says.

- "Our friendship was too valuable to lose. We’ve become pillars for each other," Mapi replies.

After that little exchange, the evening continues, though I remain a bit on edge. Knowing Mapi, she’ll stick to her plan just to have fun tonight. Her inevitable bluntness doesn’t reassure me, and I’m worried Alessia won’t get through the night unscathed. Alexia seems to be in on it, as every time Mapi drops a hint about our past relationship in a conversation, Alexia insists on getting more details, further crushing Alessia with each revelation. Everyone is always surprised by what my ex says, as if they’re discovering a bit more about me with each little snippet of my past before I became who I am now.

We sit around the table around eight o’clock. Everyone’s already had at least three drinks. Mapi managed to position us opposite Alessia so that she can clearly see Mapi’s hand resting on my thigh under the table. Alexia can’t stop quietly laughing, watching Alessia simmer. She even asked us if we were back together, referencing our necklaces. Mapi delighted in telling her no, but that we care a lot about each other. I think Alessia might lose it before the night is over.

We eat while mostly talking about school. Leah recounts all the antics she’s gotten up to since her arrival, and the others quickly join in. I realize that no one at Camp Wiegman is really serious. They’re just lucky no one’s there to notice. If I were in their place, Lucy would’ve had my head for everything they’re describing. Bottles of wine are being passed around since Alessia offered us some sweet white wine. I recently discovered that it’s my guilty pleasure, so I couldn’t refuse. I’ve been drinking only that since she brought it out, it’s so good. Mapi wisely put a stop to it so I wouldn’t be drunk before midnight, and she’s right to do so. I almost forgot for a moment that I’m supposed to stay reasonable.

- "So, are you still studying, Mapi?" Claudia asks.

- "Yeah, in mechanical engineering."

- "Seriously? I like you more and more," Patri responds.

- "I’ve always liked anything related to mechanics," she shrugs. "I got into school thanks to Ona’s support."

- "Don’t say that, you would’ve gotten in regardless."

- "Maybe, but it was mostly your support that encouraged me to apply. You were there when I needed it most. We stick together, remember?"

I smile as I fist bump her. It’s true, we’ve always been like that. Just because I went through a rough patch doesn’t mean I abandoned my principles when I came back. I’ve always been there to help her when she needed my support, whether before or after my time with Feli. As for her studies, that was just before. She was really down about choosing her field. She didn’t know what to pursue, so I encouraged her to follow her dream, without worrying about what her family thought. Mostly her parents, actually. There was a real rift between them after her choice. They never saw her in that field at all. Yet, she doesn’t regret it one bit now, even though her parents have become even more distant.

The meal eventually ends. Everyone helps clean up. We take a break before having dessert. The girls dive into the alcohol, as does Alessia, who’s decided not to hold back tonight. My friends can’t get enough of her reactions. Poor thing, if only she knew that Mapi is doing it on purpose. I really feel for her.

We continue with the other bottles of alcohol we had brought out. Mapi chose tequila shots for the two of us. She’s starting off strong, making us take several in a row, but not enough to be out of it. I know when to stop, and I’m especially careful to snack between drinks to balance it out. We’ve turned up the music that’s been playing in the background since the beginning. As usual, Mapi drags me to dance even though I hate it. We’re quickly joined by Alexia, as well as Ella and a few other. Alessia joined us when Mapi started having fun dancing close with me like she does at almost all our parties.

We eventually return to the table when we decide to have dessert around eleven o’clock. We opted for ice cream with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Some people had coffee with it. This break was short-lived as we quickly moved on to some drinking games. For once, I managed to escape. I didn’t feel like participating when I remembered my last few parties. Mapi surprisingly left me alone. I suppose it’s thanks to Alexia, who decided to stay with me. We laugh at Patri, who is really getting drunk, unable to hold her alcohol. Surprisingly, Lotte is also feeling the effects, and even Alba is starting to let loose, much to her sister’s delight.

Midnight is approaching. There are only a few minutes left before we ring in the new year. We’ve stopped everything to gather in the living room. Leah is busy filling glasses while Alessia finds a channel doing the countdown on the TV. Once everything is ready, we just wait for the countdown, which isn’t far off. We all shout it out loud together.

- "Ten… Nine… Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One… HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

I take hold of my two friends who had the idea to jump on me at the same time. We go around and kiss everyone. We even had some surprises when Patri suddenly kissed Claudia. Mapi confessed that she gave Patri the idea after seeing them practically devouring each other with their eyes. Mapi won’t let go of me and even forces me to dance with her. I really hope this year is the one where I can finally start fresh. So far, it’s off to a great start. I’ve never felt so well surrounded. The changes I’ve been waiting for are finally happening, little by little.

#woso #lucy bronze #woso community #ona batlle #barca femeni #woso soccer #lionesses #sefutbol fem #ona batlle x lucy bronze #leah williamson #mapi leon #alexia putellas

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jinnieboosworld · 1 month ago

Text

Raspberry Tea

Jacob Bae x Female Reader

Genre: Fluff, Romance, Coming of Age

Summary: Jacob Bae works night shift at a convenience store and every night at the same time a mysterious girl comes in and buys two bottles of raspberry tea. Usually when she comes in they only exchange a few greetings but tonight is different.

Part of The MeetCute Series

@deoboyznet @a-dream-bookmark @k-labels

Word Count: 5182

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The fluorescent lights of the convenience store buzzed faintly, casting a pale glow over the rows of neatly stacked snacks and drinks. It was past eleven, the streets outside empty save for the occasional passing car. Jacob leaned against the counter, absently strumming his fingers on the edge of a magazine. His guitar, propped up in the corner near the employee cubby, seemed to taunt him with the promise of distraction.

“Another thrilling night,” he muttered to himself, staring at the clock.

It wasn’t that he hated the quiet. There was something peaceful about the solitude of night shifts, but sometimes, he wished for a little more excitement—or at least a familiar face.

As if on cue, the familiar chime of the door startled him out of his thoughts. He looked up, and there she was.

She always showed up around this time, like clockwork. Tonight, she wore an oversized sweater and a pair of faded sneakers, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Without a word, she made her way to the refrigerator, grabbing two bottles of raspberry tea.

“Right on time,” Jacob said with a small smile as she approached the counter.

She returned the smile, sliding the drinks toward him. “Late-night tea runs are my thing,” she replied, her voice soft but steady.

Jacob scanned the bottles and bagged them, the transaction as smooth and practiced as their nightly exchanges. “You must really like this stuff,” he teased, handing her the bag. “What’s the deal with two bottles every time? One for now, one for later?”

She shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m preparing for the apocalypse. Gotta stay hydrated.”

He laughed, the sound breaking the stillness of the store. It was such a simple interaction, but it made his shift feel a little brighter.

She lingered for a moment longer than usual, her fingers drumming lightly on the counter. Jacob tilted his head, curious. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” she said quickly, then paused. “It’s just… do you ever feel like this place is too quiet?”

“All the time,” he admitted with a grin. “That’s why I keep my guitar around. Helps pass the time.”

“You play?” she asked, genuine interest flickering in her expression.

“Only when the snack aisle doesn’t mind a few wrong notes,” he joked.

She smiled again, but this time it felt different—like she was letting her guard down, if only a little. “Maybe I’ll catch a concert someday,” she said, stepping back toward the door.

Jacob watched her leave, the door chime ringing softly behind her. As the silence returned, he realized he didn’t even know her name.

But he knew she’d be back.

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Jacob leaned against the counter, absently turning a pack of gum in his hands. The store was even quieter than usual tonight, and the dull buzz of the overhead lights was beginning to wear on him. He glanced at the clock—11:28 PM.

Right on time, the door chimed.

She walked in, her familiar presence a welcome break from the monotony. Tonight, she wore a dark jacket zipped up to her chin, her cheeks tinged pink from the cold night air. She didn’t look at him immediately, heading straight to the refrigerated section as always.

Jacob couldn’t help but notice how easily she fit into the rhythm of the store—like a quiet melody that played in the background of his shift.

She returned to the counter with her usual two bottles of raspberry tea. As he scanned them, Jacob smiled. “Late-night tea run again?”

Her lips quirked up in a faint smile. “You know it.”

Their usual exchange was light and predictable, but tonight, something was different. She didn’t leave right away. Instead, she lingered at the counter, her fingers brushing the edge of her bag.

“You okay?” Jacob asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

She hesitated, then gave a small shrug. “Yeah. Just… do you ever feel like this place is too quiet?”

Jacob chuckled softly. “All the time. That’s why I keep my guitar around. Helps fill the silence.”

“You play?” she asked, her voice holding a hint of surprise.

“Mostly just to keep myself awake,” he said with a grin. “But yeah, I guess you could say that.”

She tapped her fingers lightly against the counter, as if considering something. “You should play here sometime,” she said, her tone half-teasing.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. “What, like a concert for snack enthusiasts?”

“Exactly,” she said, her grin widening. “I’ll bring popcorn.”

He laughed, and for a moment, the quiet store felt alive with an energy he couldn’t quite explain. There was something about her presence that made the stillness less heavy, less lonely.

As she reached for her bag, she knocked a small notebook off the counter. It hit the floor with a soft thud, and Jacob bent down to pick it up.

“You dropped this,” he said, holding it out to her.

Her cheeks flushed as she quickly took it back. “Thanks. It’s, uh, just for sketches.”

“Sketches, huh?” Jacob asked, intrigued but not wanting to pry.

“Yeah. Nothing fancy,” she said, clutching the notebook tightly. “Just little things I notice.”

She offered him another faint smile before heading for the door. Jacob watched her leave, the notebook still lingering in his mind.

As the door chimed shut, he found himself wondering what kind of sketches filled its pages—and what kind of story she was living outside the quiet walls of his store.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

Jacob leaned on the counter, staring at the clock as it ticked closer to 11:30 PM. The door chimed every so often, but it wasn’t her, just the occasional customer grabbing chips or energy drinks.

He glanced at his guitar in the corner, debating whether to pick it up and play something to pass the time. But tonight, the quiet felt heavier. For weeks now, she’d come in like clockwork, her arrival the one predictable highlight of his shift.

But tonight, 11:30 came and went.

“Guess she’s taking the night off from tea,” Jacob muttered under his breath, trying to ignore the twinge of disappointment settling in his chest.

Just as he was about to lock the door for his break, the chime rang.

She rushed in, her hair slightly disheveled, cheeks pink from exertion. She was clutching her bag tightly, her breath coming in short bursts as if she’d been running.

“Sorry!” she said, hurrying toward the counter. “My train was delayed. I thought I wouldn’t make it before you closed.”

Jacob raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “You know, it’s okay to skip a tea run every now and then. The world won’t end.”

She laughed, the sound soft but warm. “You say that now, but I think you’d miss me.”

Jacob blinked, caught off guard by her boldness. She didn’t give him a chance to respond, already heading to the refrigerator to grab her usual bottles.

When she returned to the counter, she placed the teas down and smiled sheepishly. “It’s been one of those days. Raspberry tea fixes everything.”

Jacob scanned the bottles, still amused. “You’ve got me curious. What’s so special about this tea?”

“Trade secret,” she said, her grin widening. “But trust me, it’s worth the hype.”

As she reached for her wallet, her notebook slipped out of her bag again and hit the floor. Jacob picked it up, handing it back to her like the night before.

“You really need to secure this thing,” he joked, but his tone was light, more curious than critical.

She cradled the notebook protectively against her chest. “It’s my sketchbook. I’m kind of… attached to it.”

“Any chance I get to see what’s inside?” Jacob asked, his voice teasing but genuine.

She hesitated, her fingers tracing the edges of the notebook. “Maybe someday,” she said quietly, her smile softer now.

Jacob nodded, sensing her reluctance and deciding not to push. As she walked toward the door, he called out, “Hey, thanks for not switching to another tea brand.”

She turned back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Never. Raspberry’s my favorite.”

The door chimed as she left, and Jacob found himself smiling at the empty store. She was a mystery he couldn’t quite figure out, but for now, he was content with the small glimpses she offered.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

Jacob leaned against the counter, a familiar sound snapping him out of his thoughts: the soft chime of the door. He didn’t even need to look up to know it was her.

But this time, she wasn’t carrying her usual air of quiet mystery. Instead, she strode up to the counter with an unexpected confidence, holding out a bottle of raspberry tea.

“For you,” she said, sliding it across the counter with a grin.

Jacob blinked. “What’s this?”

“Payment for putting up with my midnight tea obsession,” she teased. “And because you clearly don’t know what you’re missing.”

Jacob chuckled, twisting the cap open. “I feel like I’m being recruited into some secret raspberry tea cult.”

“Not a cult. A lifestyle,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

He took a sip, the tangy sweetness surprising him. “Alright, I’ll admit—it’s not bad. But now you’ve got me hooked. What’s the plan, drain my paycheck one bottle at a time?”

“Maybe,” she said, leaning on the counter. “Or maybe I just wanted to say thanks.”

“For what?”

“For being here,” she replied simply, her voice quieter now. “Late nights can get lonely, you know?”

Jacob studied her for a moment. She always carried herself like someone who had everything figured out, but there was something vulnerable in the way she said it.

“Well,” he said, leaning on the counter to meet her gaze, “if it helps, I’d say this store is a lot less boring when you’re around.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out her sketchbook, setting it on the counter.

“Wanna see something?” she asked, her tone casual but her expression a little nervous.

Jacob nodded. She flipped the pages until she landed on a sketch—a drawing of the store at night, its fluorescent lights glowing softly against the dark sky.

“This is amazing,” he said, genuinely impressed.

“Thanks,” she said, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s kind of my thing—finding ordinary places and moments and making them… feel special.”

Jacob tapped the edge of the sketchbook lightly. “Well, you nailed it. That’s exactly what this place feels like when you’re here.”

Her smile grew, and for a moment, the quiet convenience store felt like the most alive place in the world.

As the night stretched on, she stayed longer than usual, sitting on the counter’s edge while Jacob played his guitar softly in the background. They didn’t talk much—didn’t need to.

When she finally stood to leave, she paused at the door, glancing back with a grin. “Same time tomorrow?”

Jacob raised the bottle of raspberry tea she’d given him earlier. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

The door chimed as she stepped out into the night, and Jacob found himself wondering if this routine of theirs might be turning into something more.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

The nights began to blur into a comforting rhythm. By now, Jacob knew the exact sound of her footsteps on the tile, the rustle of her bag as she approached the counter, and the soft way she said, “Hey, Jacob,” as if they were old friends.

But tonight, there was something different in the air.

“You’re early,” Jacob said as she placed her usual two bottles of raspberry tea on the counter.

“I figured I’d give you some time to prepare,” she teased, leaning against the counter.

“For what?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“For this,” she said, pulling out her sketchbook and flipping to a blank page. “I decided tonight, you’re my subject.”

Jacob blinked. “What, like a portrait?”

“Sort of. But don’t get too excited—I’m terrible at faces. It’ll probably end up looking like a potato.”

He laughed, leaning forward on the counter. “A potato? That’s a little harsh.”

“Hey, it’s a compliment! Potatoes are versatile,” she said with a grin. “But seriously, stay still. I need to capture the ‘quiet musician stuck in a convenience store’ vibe.”

“Sounds like a movie waiting to happen,” Jacob joked, but he stayed put, resting his chin on his hand.

For a while, the store was silent except for the scratch of her pencil against paper and the hum of the refrigerators. Jacob watched her, noting the way her brow furrowed in concentration and how she chewed the end of her pencil when she paused to think.

“Do you do this often?” he asked after a moment.

“Sketch people? Sometimes. But usually, it’s strangers on trains or people at coffee shops. You’re the first person who knows they’re being sketched.”

“Should I be honored?”

She glanced up at him, her eyes twinkling. “Maybe.”

Jacob chuckled and reached for his guitar. “If I’m gonna be your model, I might as well provide some ambiance.”

As he strummed a soft tune, she smiled, her pencil moving across the page again.

When she finally finished, she turned the sketchbook toward him.

“Ta-da!”

The drawing was simple but warm—Jacob leaning on the counter, his guitar propped beside him, the store’s glow softly framing the scene.

“Wow,” he said, genuinely impressed. “You weren’t kidding about the potato thing, though.”

She gasped, pretending to be offended. “You’re lucky I didn’t draw you as a stick figure.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “I’m kidding. It’s… amazing. Really.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly, but she shrugged it off. “It’s nothing, just a quick sketch.”

“Well, I’m keeping it,” Jacob said, reaching for the page.

“What? No!” she protested, pulling it away. “It’s not good enough to give away.”

“Too bad,” he teased. “I think it’s perfect.”

They locked eyes for a moment, the playful energy between them softening into something quieter, more intimate.

Finally, she sighed, tearing the page out of the sketchbook and handing it to him. “Fine. But only because you bribed me with your guitar skills.”

“I’ll take it,” he said with a grin, carefully tucking the drawing into his notebook.

As she left that night, Jacob found himself lingering on the way her laugh echoed through the empty store.

And for the first time, he wondered what it might be like to spend time with her somewhere other than under the store’s fluorescent lights.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

The night felt heavier than usual, the silence of the store almost pressing down on Jacob. He was restocking the chips aisle when the familiar chime of the door echoed through the quiet.

“You’re late,” Jacob teased as she approached the counter.

“Late?” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Since when did I have a set schedule?”

“You’re like clockwork,” he said with a smirk. “I can practically hear the tea bottles calling your name at 11:30 on the dot.”

She laughed, pulling the usual two bottles of raspberry tea from the fridge and placing them on the counter. But tonight, she didn’t grab her wallet immediately. Instead, she leaned against the counter, her gaze thoughtful.

“Long night?” Jacob asked, scanning the bottles.

She shrugged. “Sort of. It’s just been one of those days, you know?”

Jacob nodded, setting the tea aside. “I get it. Want to talk about it?”

She hesitated, her fingers drumming softly against the counter. “It’s nothing major. Just… sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough. Like I should be better at… everything.”

Jacob leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the counter. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself.”

“Yeah, well,” she said with a small smile, “that’s kind of my specialty.”

He studied her for a moment before grabbing his guitar from its spot in the corner.

“What are you doing?” she asked, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

“Providing a distraction,” he said simply.

Sitting on the stool behind the counter, Jacob began strumming a soft, easy tune. The melody filled the small store, wrapping around them like a blanket. She watched him, her expression softening as the music replaced the weight of her thoughts.

“That’s nice,” she said after a while.

“Yeah?” Jacob said, glancing up at her.

She nodded, her lips curving into a genuine smile. “You’re really good.”

Jacob chuckled. “Music’s my therapy, I guess. Whenever things feel overwhelming, I just… play.”

She tilted her head, studying him with a mix of curiosity and admiration. “How long have you been playing?”

“Since I was a kid. My parents wanted me to focus on more ‘practical’ things, but I’ve always come back to music,” he said, his fingers moving effortlessly across the strings. “What about you? What keeps you going?”

She thought for a moment before answering. “Drawing, I guess. It helps me see things differently. Makes everything feel less… heavy.”

Jacob nodded, his strumming slowing. “Sounds like we’ve got a lot in common.”

“Maybe,” she said, her smile turning playful. “But can you draw a decent stick figure?”

“I’ll have you know, my stick figures are world-class,” Jacob said with mock seriousness, earning a laugh from her.

The moment stretched, the quiet of the store no longer feeling lonely.

“Thanks,” she said softly, breaking the silence.

“For what?”

“For not making me feel silly for venting,” she said, grabbing her tea. “And for the music. It helped.”

“Anytime,” Jacob said, his voice warm.

As she walked toward the door, she paused, turning back to him.

“Hey, Jacob?”

“Yeah?”

She hesitated, as if debating whether to say something, then shook her head with a small smile. “Never mind. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he called after her, watching the door swing shut behind her.

Jacob sat there for a moment, his guitar still in his lap, wondering what she had almost said.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

The store was quiet again, save for the steady hum of the refrigerators. Jacob leaned against the counter, absently plucking at his guitar strings. He wasn’t playing anything in particular, just letting his fingers wander.

The chime of the door startled him out of his thoughts. She walked in, her sketchbook tucked under her arm.

“Hey,” she said, offering a small smile.

“Hey,” Jacob replied, setting his guitar aside. “You’re a little early tonight.”

She shrugged. “Felt like taking a longer walk. Thought I’d stop by sooner.”

Jacob glanced at the sketchbook she carried. “Working on something new?”

“Sort of,” she said, placing it on the counter. “I’ve been experimenting, trying to sketch more… moments, I guess.”

“Moments?”

“Yeah. Like this place,” she said, gesturing around. “It’s got a vibe, you know? Quiet, but not in a bad way. Comfortable.”

Jacob chuckled. “That’s one way to describe it.”

She flipped open the sketchbook, revealing a page filled with quick, detailed drawings. Jacob immediately recognized the counter, the shelves of snacks, even the faint glow of the neon sign in the window.

“You sketched this?” he asked, his voice full of admiration.

She nodded, a little shyly. “I wanted to capture it. This place feels… safe, I guess.”

Jacob studied the page, impressed by the way she’d captured the store’s simplicity and turned it into something beautiful.

“These are amazing,” he said. “You really have an eye for detail.”

“Thanks,” she said softly. “I’m trying to see things differently, to notice the little things that make ordinary moments special.”

Jacob leaned on the counter, his gaze still on the sketchbook. “You know, I’ve never thought of this place as special. It’s just… work.”

“It is special,” she said, meeting his eyes. “You’re here every night, keeping it running, creating a space for people to come and go. That matters more than you think.”

Jacob felt a warmth in her words, like she’d peeled back a layer of his life he hadn’t paid attention to before.

“You really see the world differently, don’t you?” he said, smiling.

She grinned. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just too sentimental for my own good.”

Jacob reached for his guitar again. “Well, if this place has a vibe, I guess I’d better live up to it.”

She laughed, leaning on the counter as he began to play a soft tune. The music filled the space between them, blending with the faint hum of the refrigerators.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. She flipped to a blank page in her sketchbook and started drawing as Jacob played.

“What are you sketching now?” he asked after a while.

“You,” she said without looking up.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. “Me?”

“You’ve got that ‘quiet musician’ aesthetic,” she teased. “It’s perfect for the mood I’m trying to capture.”

Jacob chuckled but didn’t protest. Instead, he kept playing, letting the music flow as she sketched.

By the time she finished, the tea bottles sat untouched on the counter, forgotten in the easy rhythm of their interaction.

When she finally stood to leave, she tore a page from her sketchbook and slid it across the counter.

“For you,” she said, smiling.

Jacob glanced down at the drawing. It was him, sitting with his guitar, surrounded by the warm glow of the store’s lights.

“This is incredible,” he said, looking up at her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, grabbing her tea. “Consider it a thank-you for the music.”

As the door swung shut behind her, Jacob stared at the sketch, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

Jacob waited eagerly for her arrival that night. The sketch she’d given him was carefully tucked away in his bag, and he’d spent the day thinking of a way to return the gesture. He wasn’t an artist like her, but he had his own way of expressing himself.

The door chime rang, and there she was, her familiar smile lighting up the dim store.

“Hey,” she said, setting her tea bottles on the counter.

“Hey,” Jacob replied, his fingers drumming on the counter nervously. “So, I’ve been thinking.”

“Uh-oh,” she teased. “That sounds dangerous.”

He laughed, grabbing his guitar from its usual spot. “You gave me something yesterday, and it meant a lot. So, I figured I’d return the favor.”

Her eyes lit up with curiosity. “What kind of favor?”

Jacob strummed the first few chords of a song. “It’s something I’ve been working on. It’s not finished, but… I thought you might want to hear it.”

Her expression softened, and she leaned on the counter. “I’d love to.”

Jacob started playing, the melody soft and inviting. His voice was low at first, almost hesitant, but it grew stronger with every verse. The song wasn’t polished, but it was heartfelt—a mix of gentle rhythms and lyrics that spoke of quiet nights and unexpected connections.

She listened intently, her hands folded under her chin. When he finished, the store felt still, as though the walls themselves were holding onto the music.

“That was beautiful,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jacob’s cheeks flushed. “It’s not much, but… it’s inspired by you. By these little moments.”

She didn’t say anything at first, just smiled in a way that made Jacob’s heart race.

“I’m flattered,” she said finally. “And really impressed. You’re seriously talented, you know that?”

“Coming from you, that means a lot,” he said, setting the guitar down.

She glanced at the clock, a slight frown crossing her face. “I should get going soon. Long day tomorrow.”

“Right,” Jacob said, trying to hide his disappointment.

She hesitated, then reached into her bag and pulled out a small envelope.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“Open it after I leave,” she said, her smile turning playful. “Consider it a mystery.”

Before Jacob could respond, she grabbed her tea and headed for the door.

“Goodnight, Jacob,” she called over her shoulder.

“Goodnight,” he replied, watching the door swing shut behind her.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he opened the envelope immediately. Inside was a sketch of the two of them, sitting on the counter together, tea bottles in hand. The detail was impeccable, down to the faint glow of the store’s lights and the guitar resting against the counter.

At the bottom, she’d written: Thanks for making the nights a little brighter.

Jacob smiled to himself, tucking the sketch back into the envelope. He had a feeling that the best part of his nights was just getting started.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

The next night, Jacob waited for her with a plan in mind. He hadn’t stopped thinking about the sketch she’d given him, the way it perfectly captured their quiet connection. For weeks, they had danced around the idea of being more than just strangers who shared the same convenience store, and tonight, he wanted to see if they could take one step closer.

The door chime rang at her usual time, and Jacob’s smile came instinctively.

“Hey,” he greeted, already pulling out her raspberry tea bottles and setting them on the counter.

“Hey,” she said, her eyes crinkling in that way he’d come to look forward to. “Are you always this prepared?”

“Only for my favorite customer,” he teased, earning a soft laugh from her.

After paying, she didn’t leave right away, instead leaning against the counter like she often did when she had time to linger. Jacob took a deep breath, deciding to go for it.

“Do you have a few minutes?” he asked, stepping out from behind the counter.

She tilted her head, intrigued. “Sure. What’s up?”

Jacob gestured toward a small table near the back of the store. “I figured we’ve talked about your art a lot, but I haven’t shown you much about mine.”

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You mean your music?”

“Yeah,” he said, grabbing his guitar. “I know it’s not exactly Carnegie Hall, but I thought you might like a private performance.”

Her smile widened, and she followed him to the table. “A midnight concert in a convenience store? Can’t say I’ve done this before.”

Jacob chuckled as he sat down and strummed a few warm-up chords. “First time for everything, right?”

She nodded, settling in across from him. As he played, her expression shifted—soft and attentive, the way she always seemed to listen so deeply. He sang a new song, one he’d been working on just for her. The lyrics were simple but sincere, weaving together themes of quiet nights, unexpected company, and the kind of magic found in ordinary places.

When the song ended, she clapped softly, her eyes bright. “That was incredible,” she said. “You’re so talented, Jacob. Seriously.”

He set the guitar down, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks. It’s, uh, inspired by someone.”

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked down at her tea. “Well, whoever she is, she’s lucky.”

Jacob hesitated, then decided to test the waters. “What if I told you she comes in here every night and buys two bottles of raspberry tea?”

Her head shot up, her eyes wide. “Oh,” she said softly.

Jacob grinned, leaning forward a little. “Think she’d be interested in hearing more songs?”

Her laugh was quiet but warm, and she nodded. “I think she might be.”

For a moment, the two of them sat there, the hum of the refrigerators filling the silence. It wasn’t much, but it felt like the start of something.

Before she left that night, she turned back at the door and gave him a small, shy wave.

“See you tomorrow, Jacob.”

He waved back, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. “See you tomorrow.”

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

The next night felt different. Jacob couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was an energy in the air—a quiet anticipation he couldn’t shake. He’d spent the entire day thinking about her reaction to his song, replaying their conversation in his head.

When the door chime finally rang at her usual time, Jacob looked up to see her walking in with a bag slung over her shoulder and a small, determined smile on her face.

“Hey,” she said as she approached the counter.

“Hey,” he replied, setting her raspberry tea bottles down like clockwork. “You’re right on time.”

She didn’t immediately reach for her wallet, instead pulling out the notebook she always carried. “Actually,” she said, placing it on the counter, “I wanted to show you something.”

Jacob leaned forward, curious. “What’s this?”

She flipped it open to a page filled with sketches of the convenience store—its shelves, the neon sign glowing faintly through the window, and, most prominently, Jacob himself. One sketch showed him strumming his guitar, another had him laughing behind the counter, and the last one was a quiet moment of him resting his chin in his hand, looking out the window.

“These are incredible,” he said, genuinely stunned. “You’ve been drawing me this whole time?”

She laughed, a little shy. “It’s not as creepy as it sounds, I swear. You just… you’ve got this way about you. It’s like you belong here, but you’re dreaming of something bigger. I wanted to capture that.”

Jacob looked at her, his heart doing somersaults. “I don’t even know what to say,” he admitted. “This is—wow.”

“Well, there’s more,” she said, flipping to another page. This one had a sketch of two people sitting on the curb outside the store, sharing raspberry tea under the glow of a streetlamp.

“That’s us,” Jacob said softly.

She nodded. “I figured, if I can draw it, maybe we can make it happen.”

Jacob felt a grin tugging at his lips. “Are you asking me to have tea with you?”

“Technically, you owe me one,” she teased. “Remember the tea delivery I brought you?”

He laughed, grabbing two bottles of tea from the fridge. “You’re right. I can’t leave a debt unpaid.”

They stepped outside, the cool night air wrapping around them. The streetlamp cast a warm glow over the curb as they sat down, their knees almost touching.

“So,” she said, popping the cap off her bottle. “What’s next for you, Jacob? Still dreaming of music school?”

He looked at her, realizing he didn’t feel quite so unsure about the future anymore. “Yeah. But I think I’ve found something just as good in the meantime.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What’s that?”

Jacob tapped his bottle gently against hers, a soft clink echoing in the quiet street. “This,” he said simply. “Late nights, raspberry tea, and good company.”

Her smile was radiant, and Jacob couldn’t help but think that this moment felt like the kind of magic she always talked about finding in the ordinary.

As they sipped their tea, sharing stories and laughter under the glow of the streetlamp, Jacob realized he didn’t need all the answers right now. For once, just being here—with her—was enough.

And as the lights of the convenience store flickered behind them, he couldn’t help but wonder what other moments like this the future might hold.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

31 notes · View notes

robthegoodfellow · 9 months ago

Text

I'm Glad My Dad Died

mungrove | slightly expanded version of fic written for @strangerthingscharityzine | ao3

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Billy had a secret: he was glad his dad was dead. So glad that even when his mom sold their house in Ocean Beach and moved them to Hawkins, Indiana, uprooting him from his friends and the sea and everything Billy loved, he still wouldn’t go back to the way things were. Given the options—California, dad alive; or Indiana, dad dead—he’d pick the second every time.

He would, even though Hawkins was its own hell. Learned the hard way that among prepubescent country bumpkins, embroidered roses on your shirt and hair like Shirley Temple bought you a one-way ticket to Loserville.

It was the fall of 1979. Disco was dying and former flower children were gearing up to vote for Reagan. Kumbaya over, time to make America great again.

So, yeah—sixth grade sucked, but stuff at home was world’s better. They were living with Aunt Doris—because San Diego was too expensive, his mom said, and wouldn’t it be nice to get a fresh start?

Mom was really into the whole fresh start thing—which Billy suspected was fueled by guilt and determination to be the kind of mother she hadn’t been before. And… he appreciated that. He did.

But—he wished she would stop? Put down the pen, step away from the extracurricular sign-up sheets.

Because if the outfit put a target on his back, swim team aimed the bow, and band fired the arrow.

You’ll miss the water, honey. And you love music!

She wasn’t wrong. He did love those things—but not enough to willingly wear a Speedo in public or blunder through some Beethoven on the flute. Also in public.

Oh—why the flute? Because she’d fed him a steady diet of hippie tunes from the cradle and knew how much he dug Jethro Tull. Perfectly reasonable explanation—his peers would definitely understand.

Here lies Billy Hargrove, innocent victim of social homicide.

The bullying was relentless, but Billy figured he could take it. No middle school bully could come close to the one he’d lived with all his life.

You know, the one he was glad was dead.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Billy hadn’t wanted to attend the talent show, but Mom insisted it was important to support his friends. By which she meant her friends—women she’d been palling around with who had kids in said show.

Kids she’d been aggressively arranging playdates with like Billy was five.

Patrick’s talent was making twenty free-throw shots in a row. Robin’s was singing “This Land is Your Land” in four different languages. His mom and Mrs. Buckley had laughed about keeping the less than patriotic lyrics, assuming the Spanish rendition would fly over people’s heads.

Billy felt bad even thinking it, but he did wonder if his mom pushing these particular friends at him was part of her fresh start campaign.

Pat was black. Robin was a girl. And his dad had a habit of muttering snide remarks about anyone who wasn’t a WASP packing a sizable stinger—who wasn’t a clone of Neil Hargrove, basically.

And look, Pat and Robin were—fine. But he knew and they knew that they were only hanging out because their moms wanted them to, which was awkward as hell. Made his palms sweat whenever they were together or whenever they said hi at school despite him being a fairy freak according to kids whose opinions mattered.

They were nice, but it felt like pity. Embarrassing in a way that made him shrivel up inside.

So he wasn’t in the best mood, slumped in the auditorium between his mother and Doris, praying no one pelted him with shit from behind. Mom felt crappy enough about all those years with Neil—Billy didn’t need her kicking herself for scooping him out of the fire and into a frying pan.

Pat set a record—28 in a row—and Billy clapped. Robin sang her song wearing a daisy crown, and Billy clapped. Dully, he watched as stagehands set up the next act, hauling out a drum kit.

Gareth, this shrimpy sixth grader, sat at the drums. Then an eighth grader came out, followed by a couple kids in seventh, the former bearing an electric guitar, one of the latter a bass. The guitarist waved, leaned into the mic—skinny guy with a buzzcut, eyes big and dark as an alien.

We are Corroded Coffin—paused as a contingent of the audience went nuts—and this song is called Paranoid.

In the next row, a kid whispered, excited: Think they’ll make Coleman pull the plug again?

Gareth banged his drumsticks, counting them off.

The opening riffs were like nothing Billy had heard before—this grind of chords that rattled teeth, thrummed in the chest. He straightened, compelled forward, a fishing line hooked deep.

Buzzcut was bent over the strings so low that all you could see was the top of his head, a fuzzy cue ball. Then Gareth kicked in, and the front man wailed the first verse, this nasal staccato, sort of speak-singing.

Billy scrambled to decipher the rapidfire—caught bits of the first verses. Then the bridge begged for help, and the rest landed loud and clear.

I need someone to show me The things in life that I can't find I can't see the things that make true happiness I must be blind

The words were meant for him—just for Billy. It’s me. The guitarist leapt, plunged into a driving solo. The song’s about me.

Make a joke and I will sigh And you will laugh and I will cry Happiness I cannot feel And love to me is so unreal

Helpless, Billy turned to his mom, who grinned, whispering they’re great, aren’t they? He could only nod, swinging back to the guitarist, riveted until the final blaring note.

For Christmas, Billy unwrapped the smallest package under the tree—a cassette. It was all he’d asked for: Black Sabbath’s greatest hits album.

Because that night of the talent show, he sold his soul for rock n’ roll.

More specifically, for heavy metal.

More secretly, for the boy with the big brown eyes.

Eddie, he’d found out at school the next day, gossip overheard at lunch. The boy was Eddie.

Eddie Munson.

And whenever Billy caught a glimpse of him, the rest of that year, he thrummed like an electric guitar.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Unfortunately, his passion for headbanging and powerchords did not meaningfully improve the remainder of middle school, and by the time he walked the stage at eighth grade graduation, Billy resolved to make a change—give himself a fresh start on his terms.

First, he mowed endless lawns and bought a new wardrobe: bootcut jeans with matching boots, which lent him some height and a certain swagger; button downs in dark colors worn open to his sternum and white tees like the crew from Outsiders; a bitchin’ leather jacket.

His hair had progressed from Shirley Temple to Farrah Fawcett, so he trotted to the barber for a Bon Jovi bi-level. Almost chickened out at the mall when he got his ear pierced, but loved the way the earring swung from his left lobe… though the right would’ve been more accurate.

He quit band and swim. Thought maybe he’d try basketball instead, and enlisted Pat to help him practice.

They were actual buddies by then.

Lastly, he took up smoking. Marlboro Reds, because they were badass. Soldiered through the pack all summer, suppressing a gag on every pull till he was puffing like a chimney.

August before ninth grade, Pat’s brother let them tag along to a party at the quarry; if Billy got in good with upperclassmen, it could pave the way to social acceptance—maybe even… popularity?

Total pipe dream, but then… it worked.

That night was one for the record books: first time smoking dope, shot-gunning a beer… first time a girl went down on him.

First time he’d seen Eddie in two years. Wouldn’t even have recognized him, except the eyes hadn’t changed. Eddie was a junior and looked it: taller, wild dark hair to his shoulders, tattoos peeking from his sleeves. He made a brief appearance and vanished—there to sell some supply, not socialize.

Billy wished he’d stayed. Admitted then what he was most excited about for high school: the chance to see Eddie Munson again.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Ironically, the object of Billy’s obsession had suffered a fall from grace in the transition to the big leagues: swirling rumors swore he was a Satan-worshiping anarchist and a burnout to boot. A weirdo who played geeky games with his loser friends.

Except—unlike Billy, Eddie didn’t give a fuck. While Billy strutted around vaguely unsettled, ill at ease with his costume, this immersive performance for the foreseeable future, Eddie had unveiled his freak flag—reveled in it, let it fly.

Regret gnawed at him, grew in Billy’s gut—knew if he were a little braver, he could trash this cool kid stuff and…

End of Eddie’s senior year, Billy was sick at heart. Knew he’d missed his shot.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

So imagine his confusion, surprise—his hidden euphoric delight—when Billy spotted that dark mop atop a wiry frame loping across the parking lot on the first day of eleventh grade.

Eddie should have graduated, but for whatever reason… hadn’t.

Thus, a new resolution: seize this chance. Be Eddie’s friend.

By second semester, Billy had worked his way up to casual chit chat and also, incidentally, was a raging pothead—so much so that his mother was worried, and she had spent the 60s stoned out of her gourd.

Let him experiment, Doris advised, winking at Billy over dinner. His grades are fine. What’s the harm?

The following evening, Doris showed him her special cookies stashed in the freezer, cautioning him to only ever take one bite and be patient. Billy asked if he could give one to his friend.

Top tier moment, right up there with Dad dying. Eddie’s eyes lit up all starry, demanded Billy come hang so they could make like Keebler—try the old elfin magic—and Billy was blessed to learn that Loaded Eddie = Handsy Eddie.

Blessed and cursed, because Eddie learned that Blazed Billy = Honest Billy. Tell me a secret, Eddie said, tickling. Tell me a secret.

Nothing happened. Eddie was just… affectionate. Bit of a snuggler. Who now knew he was the reason Billy was such a metalhead.

And that Billy was glad—about his dad.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Eddie was held back again, and suddenly math and history were Billy’s favorite classes because Eddie sat next to him in the back row. Seemed to do decently with Billy there egging him on.

Thus, his final resolution: graduate with Eddie. Drag him across the finish line if necessary. Billy held study sessions he didn’t need at the library after school, invited Eddie to join—and Eddie did.

Eddie invited Billy to come see his band play at a local bar on Tuesdays—and Billy did.

Tell me a secret, Eddie said one weekend, when they were sharing a bowl, and Billy snorted, gazed into bloodshot eyes. Glad you got held back. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be doing this. Eddie smirked, soft. Getting high? Billy laughed. Hanging out.

Billy turned eighteen that March, and the Buckleys and McKinneys came over to celebrate, as usual. Unusual was the doorbell as they were about to eat, Eddie and Wayne trooping in, sorry for being late.

Robin picked up on something that night—cornered him in the bathroom. Are you and Eddie…? Billy went tight, and she rushed to reassure. It’s okay if you are. I am, too. So Billy breathed, calmed. I am. I dunno if he is. Robin arched her brow. From where I’m sitting, odds are good.

Billy spent weeks yanking hope by the roots.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

Come May, they walked in green cap and gown—hugged in the milling crowd, Eddie cackling wet in his ear, a clinging koala. Didn’t think I could do it.

Billy brought him along to Robin’s graduation party. In the backyard, her old childhood treehouse beckoned, and they heeded the call.

Tell me a secret, Eddie said, sitting back against mossy boards. They weren’t even high. He flicked Billy’s earring—set his heart swinging. That should be on the other side, Billy said, and stared until Eddie flushed red, understood. I got a secret, he said, and Billy didn’t dare to know but did.

Eddie said it: I’ve wanted to kiss you all year.

A click as Billy swallowed, bone dry. Then do it.

And Eddie did.

.🌱.💀.🌱.

#mungrove #when characters meet as kids you know the drill #apologies to jennette mccurdy #eddie munson #billy hargrove #guest appearances from billy's mom robin buckley and pat mckinney

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kellyvela · 3 months ago

Note

How is Joan? Is it considered successful or not?

I think it is a success.

Comments on Twitter are vastly positive. You can read some here:

The first episode won over the BBC show airing at the same time.

The papers and magazine reviews are vastly positive as well, and even the ones that are negative, about the script for example, praise Sophie's acting despite their critics.

The Daily Mail gave it 5 stars:

Collider praises Sophie with these words:

Given that the real Joan Hannington's reputation was the talk of the time, with her even being nicknamed "The Godmother," this series' mission seems to be showing an alternate side to the woman who made headlines. What was she like when not in the middle of a scheme? The TV drama is able to deliver on this by relying on a compelling performance from Turner. The actress, who has played minor roles in projects like the X-Men franchise and Netflix's Do Revenge, successfully explores multiple facets of her character in this series. Turner captures Joan's vulnerability when it comes to proving herself to social services, her motherly instincts whenever she is granted the right to visit her daughter, and her cleverness when it comes to pulling off high-risk heists.

Turner's level of dedication to the part shines throughout the entire plot of Joan, showing that she is more than capable of embracing any genre, from an action-packed Marvel production to a noir drama like this. If it weren't for the emotions she conveys onscreen beyond her lines, Joan wouldn't successfully have showcased its lead's underlying motivation of fulfilling her dream of being in a picture-perfect family. Although her actions consequently draw her away from her goal, we can believe that Joan becomes immersed in the crime world for a deeper reason.

[...] Yet, the production does function as a testament of Turner's ability to take on meaty lead roles, and the character's stunning wardrobe will surely make you wish you could steal it.

~~~

The Times gave it 4 stars:

Turner’s main achievement in this role is making the multilayered Hannington real, human and believable, not just a one-note “rough diamond with a heart”. Turner is famous for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, but this performance is surely a career-best.

You could absolutely believe that Joan was a loving mother of a little girl and quite a hard-faced criminal. You could believe she was a woman used and abused by men, but also willing to make victims of others (wealthy “others”). That she was poor and vulnerable, but also had rhino-hide resilience.

[...] But Turner steals every scene with a magnetic performance, such as when the pervy jewellery shop manager tried it on with her and she cleverly swerved him by pretending she had “the painters in’’, or when she swallowed loose diamonds on impulse and she later retrieved them in the bathroom with the help of, er, a sieve. Let’s not dwell too long on the mechanics of that.

~~~

More from the Sunday Times:

~~~

More praise to Sophie:

As for Turner, I could watch her forever. In part, it’s her face: the cheekbones that make you think of bone-handled knives. Whether from Etam or Harrods, the clobber suits her. And boy, she can act. Hannington was a notorious shape-shifter – a brilliant impersonator – and Turner has a way with voices, layering poshness on top of light cockney just thinly enough for the audience to feel nervous, jeopardy trailing her character like Dior Poison.

She looks to me like she’s having the time of her life, and who can blame her? What a jewel of a role: a diamond as big as the Ritz.

~~~

From The Guardian:

Sophie Turner is spectacular as notorious real-life jewel thief Joan Hannington in this slick 80s-set drama. The six-parter starts with devoted mother Joan reluctantly giving her daughter up to social services after underworld bosses come for her abusive husband. Determined to get her kid back, she uses her glamour, charm and sharp mind to build a new life – starting with taking a job in a jeweller’s that specialises in diamonds.

~~~

From Radio Times, read the last part about Sophie:

~~~

More positive comments:

~~~

From Tatler Magazine:

~~~

From New Zeland Magazine Flicks:

~~~

And the list continues . . . .

#anon asks #sophie turner #JOAN #💎

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daichiduskdrop · 1 year ago

Text

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚⋆·˚ ༘ *𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 ⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Chapter 28

Pairing: BTS Ot7 X fem! reader

Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers,

Warnings: none!

Words: 3370

Taglist:@thelilbutifulthings @ilovemoneymorethenmen @singukieee @cherrysainttt @felicityroth @mageprincess7 @lucis-noctiana @danielle143 @osakis-gf @girl-nahh @vintageoldfashion @neverthefirstchoice @juju-227592 @silentreadersthings @i-have-no-life-charlie @everyonehatesshani @iamkookiesforyou @dragons-flare @fangirl125reader @roseidol @frieschan @popcatx0 @liz67900 @exfolitae

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

You and the pack members spend some time in the meeting room for sure, with the alphas carefully discussing all of the details about the filming.

While they have gone to similar locations before, this time the filming would be held in a completely different space, which required a bit of information for sure.

The manager, Sejin, showed them all a few photos of the place, mostly overlooks of the spot where you would all (hopefully) be staying.

The photo, taken presumably via a drone, showed a beautiful, healthy-looking forest surrounding a large, modern villa.

There were many things around the area, including a very well-kept tea garden and a large wooden pier leading to water. You weren't sure if it was the ocean or a lake, but the water was a nice dark shade of blue and teal.

On another photo, taken from a different view, you could see a part of a beautiful pool, partly hidden inside a building. Was it also indoors?

There was a beautiful patio, and behind the house was a nice view—mountains ripping through the ground, forest, and trees mostly all the way around.

„We won't spoil you everything, but just know it's a similar style or even better than last time. I think you guys will like it. We also decided that you guys could include more activities this time since it's not lockdown anymore.

We have ordered you all a stay at the traditional spa, and one day we will take you there for a few hours. I'll call in later to see if it's okay to bring Y/N too...”

The older man said gently, smiling at you all. Seriously, a spa too? You didn't get to really visit a proper one ever, since it was always sort of classified as a useless expense, so you never went.

But after seeing a few visits to traditional spas online, you wanted to try yourself. Maybe you would enjoy it!

„It looks nice, hyung." Jin murmured, looking over the photo on his phone since they received it through email.

The alpha, just looking at the place for a few glances, felt satisfied. Neither of them would really complain under the given situation; this was treated partly as a vacation for them; therefore, it already had them excited as it is.

But if they would travel with you, to which all the points have been looking so far, it would mean you would have to get settled in the place well.

After all, they would leave to record in a few months, which most likely will mean you will already, hopefully, be settled with the pack, used to their scents and the packhouse.

The pack members weren't sure how well you did with travelling, especially long distance.

Sure, they were planning on taking you to their families some time soon if everything would go well, but that wouldn't mean you might do well in a completely new area.

Since they took you to Hybe this morning, you have been quite timid and unsettled; don't think they didn't notice.

Of course, it was given that it would happen, and the alphas were neither angry nor disappointed with you and understood that it also had to do with the many staff employed.

With all the new scents of people you didn't know, the giant majority of them were alphas and sometimes betas, and that was okay.

But still, would you be okay if you went with them to their homes? How about the new cities? If you would go to visit Hobi's home in Gwangju, that would be the farthest from Seoul and therefore their packhouse.

The scent would naturally be quite different, and it might be difficult for you to adjust in the short time frame. They were hoping to spend a night with their families too; would that go okay?

The eldest alpha knew that any of them would pack right back up and be on their way to the train station if they noticed you were not adjusting well.

Maybe one of the family members wouldn't be nice to you, though Jin hoped that wouldn't happen. Maybe you would just have a bad day overall; the train ride was not smooth and too long for you to sleep through, and you just wouldn't be happy at all.

Or maybe you would miss them too much, the sudden separation too quick and harsh on your small, gentle, and sweet little heart.

You could start crying and just fully drop on them if that would happen, and the alpha was so sure if that would truly happen, though he prayed for it not, they would all gather as quickly as possible.

The alpha felt his thoughts run quickly, thinking about all the possible issues and problems that might occur.

Of course they would take you with them. You seemed to be so excited that it made him want to give anything to you to make you happy again, but still, naturally, he felt some worry.

„Yeah, it's nice. Would you like to go to the spa too, princess?” Gently running his fingers through your hair, Jimin softly smiled at you, his eyes gentle.

Nodding a little bit, you shrugged your shoulders. There was a possibility you wouldn't be able to go at all after all, so what was the point in getting too excited?

„Alphas will take you then, little kitty.” Yoongi whispered to you, pecking the top of your head as a gentle gesture. Rubbing his thumb over your knuckles, the alpha smiled softly at you.

It didn't take much longer for them all to go through the tremendous amount of details—they had to discuss how many hours of footage would be filmed every day, if there would be cameras installed, then where, and go over the staff and security members included in.

The camera team would stay in a smaller cabin, close but still far enough to be out of range to really see, where they would go over the recorded footage and help with any issues if needed.

After Sejin told them about the den room, they could get prepared for them if they wished for it to be in the location too. After having you whisper out a soft 'yes, please', the alphas were quick to get a little worried about any cameras in the area.

The packmembers could imagine you being shy and quiet in front of the cameras, and while they would try their very best to keep you calm and not too worried in front of the seemingly very intimidating devices, you might have a hard time adjusting in such a short while.

It would be only about 14 days after all, and even when they hoped you wouldn't just feel too timid in front of the camera team, they had already started thinking about the possibility you would be.

In such a case, a space for you to just bundle up and rest for a while without any worries or stress for you to endure would be key. They had to have that possibility for you; it was very important.

And therefore, after a short discussion about only the very minimal footage that would be taken in the den, and only if you all agreed and there would be permission to film, Sejin agreed, quickly writing himself a note to make sure to remember.

The packmembers didn't want you to get worried over the fact that your nest—something so visibly and obviously vulnerable to make and keep for omegas—would be shown to, frankly, to millions of strangers.

Soon, the documents have been signed after minor adjustments were made. Taking your hand in his, Jimin gently pulled you from the table, leading you to the doors after discussing a few things with Sejin and the other manager too.

„Come on, my princess, do you want to go home already? Or do you want to stay here for a little while longer?” The alpha asked you softly, both of his hands placed near your temples as he watched you fondly.

„Can w-we go home, please?” You whispered softly. You didn't really like the building too much. You were getting used to it now that you have been here for a longer time, but still, the many, unknown people passing by and giving you odd glances got to you a little.

Pecking your forehead gently, Jimin pulled you to himself for a few moments. „I'm sorry, my sweet precious baby, but alphas will have to stay in for a little while longer. I have to go to a dance practice, princess, but Taehyungie can take you home. How about that?”

Gently telling you, the older man watched how a small, obviously dissatisfied frown settled on your face. Giggling to himself, the alpha pecked the small scrunch formed between your eyebrows, smiling widely.

„O-okay, oppa...” You whispered, hoping to go home with all of them, but it was okay. They would get home eventually. When did you start calling the packhouse your home anyway?

Hugging you close to himself, Jimin let his soft scent linger on you. He was gentle and caring as he said his sweet goodbyes.

The other packmembers soon also left, a mingle of: „Stay close to Hyung Little Bunbun; Alpha will see you soon.; „Be a good little kitten for alpha."; „We will be home soon, Sunny-Bub, don't worry!” ringing through the hallway as Taehyung took your palm in his, leading you over to the entrance.

After you both got over to the lobby, with the alpha already calling one of their personal drivers, the man gently hugged you, sighing softly, his chin tucking your head under his face.

You were left in a small surprise, shocked at the blatant display of affection, even though you were both standing quite close to the reception desk.

Though the calm beta sitting behind the computer didn't pay either of you much mind, the gentle clicking noise of the keyboard was soft to your ears.

„What would you like to do, baby? It's only the afternoon still, sweetheart. We can go somewhere if you want." Taehyung asked you softly, smiling from ear to ear at how close you were to his scent gland.

Gently running his fingers through the very tips of your hair, the alpha kept his voice gentle, even though the naturally deep rumble was quite far from it.

„Okay, oppa,” you answered softly, breathing in his heavy scent. Happy that you agreed, the alpha's phone softly dinged, notifying you both that the driver was in front of the building.

Adjusting your coat for you, he found a mask in his pocket, helping you put yours on, smiling sweetly at you, and giggling softly. „You're adorable, my baby." He whispered gently, kissing your forehead in a quick peck.

Hiding most of his face himself, Taehyung adjusted his coat, taking your hand in his as he led you through the doors outside, the suddenly much colder air hitting you both like a tidal wave.

There was a black car right in front of the building, its engine running. Opening the back doors for you, the alpha gently helped you slide behind the passenger seat, bending over to adjust the seatbelt around you.

Smiling so widely you could see it in the alpha's eyes, he closed the doors gently, making sure the sound wouldn't be too harsh.

Sliding into the passenger seat next to the driver, the alpha buckled up himself, turning to you and checking if everything was okay. You were looking out of the car; the windows tinted for privacy.

Telling the driver to just take him to their packhouse for now, Tae looked through the available music and radio stations, though there wasn't really anything.

Sighing softly, the alpha hoped he could make the drive pleasant for you, but hopefully you would be okay. He prayed.

Their drivers, and mostly all of their security guards too, had to wear scent blockers so their scents wouldn't accidentally stick to the alpha's clothes.

They wouldn't necessarily mind, but it could be unsettling and agitating, and now that you were with them, it was even more important.

They could imagine you not liking the scent of another alpha on them or yourself, and so it was a good precaution to take.

The driver was quiet, not really striking up a conversation, only making sure to drive extra safely after Taehyung told him he needed to be careful with you in the car with them.

The vehicle stopped in front of the house, the engine turned on as the alpha climbed out of his seat, opening the doors for you before he helped you undo the seatbelt, seeing your fingers struggling.

„It's okay, babycheeks; Alpha will do it, sweet baby.” He whispered gently, his arms then wrapping around your waist, pulling you up to his chest.

He didn't let you stand on your own; the freshly fallen snow and the ice hidden underneath were worrying him on the inside too much to let that happen.

And so, the alpha gently pulled you closer to his body, helping you wrap your legs around his waist. Holding you close to himself, he softly chuckled at how close your face was to his scent gland. The slight tickle made him feel sweet.

Waving the driver off, the car soon backed out of the driveway. Taehyung took you to the packhouse entrance, putting in the long passcode and then using his key to unlock the door.

Switching on the lights, he sat you down on the floor carefully, shutting the doors behind you. „Come on, babycheeks, let's go rest for a little while.” He whispered gently, helping you untie the cute, fluffy boots they chose for you.

Setting them aside, the alpha hung your coat up before he quickly got rid of his own and his boots too. Seeing you waiting for him, a soft yawn escaped your lips had him smiling once again.

„Are you sleepy, baby? Aigoo... cute... Come on, let's go, babycheeks..." He said gently, picking you up once again, not letting you even have a chance to go on your own.

Taehyung walked you both over to the couch, too lazy to go upstairs to his room. Settling you on the sofa, he crawled next to you, laying behind you.

Pulling you close to his chest, the man gently let his chin and cheeks rub against your hair, his scent fully covering yours. You smiled a little, basking in the affection with your eyes closed.

He scented you for a few seconds, his lips occasionally meeting your cheek and forehead, but after he noticed you getting more and more sleepy and tired, he slowed down and rested himself.

Turning on the TV, he gave you the remote, letting you choose whichever movie or series you wanted to see.

Covering you both with a soft blanket, Taehyung let you rest against him, slight rumbles coming from his chest in content.

„Narnia? What a great choice, my sweet babycheeks! I haven't seen that in a long while...” The alpha whispered, pecking your temple as you rested your eyes. The noise turned on just quietly.

You found comfort in the movie, but since you were used to watching it in Japanese as your brother was obsessed with it when you were young, you never heard the Korean dubbing.

It sounded quite weird to you, but after you realised the dialogues really just stayed the same, you settled well, Taehyung's hands gently caressing your sides and arms, sweet and gentle.

You soon fell asleep—a nap that you didn't even know you needed comforting. When the alpha noticed you were in dreamland, he smiled widely, so happy you let him rest with you.

Having you close to himself while sleeping, he felt his deepest needs and wishes he didn't realise he even felt—until now—fullfill.

There was something so deeply satisfying for him, and honestly, for all of them, in having you let your vulnerable side fully out in front of them, leaving them to protect you and take care of everything while you napped.

There couldn't be much of a better feeling than this, the alpha realised, pulling you even closer.

Well, maybe if it were in the den. They seriously needed to get the room started, considering how much both they and you seemed to start to need it.

He could already imagine it so well—all of you falling asleep together in a soft, cuddled-up, warm mess, invited into your nest if you would let them.

They might not need the blankets to cover themselves with; after all, even though it was very cold this December, most of them slept with a summer duvet that was thin and not too heavy.

On the other hand, you had been carefully tucked away into many thick duvets, blankets, and pillows, the alphas making sure you wouldn't wake up from coldness.

Sometimes, when Namjoon would take them out on a camping trip, they would bring hammocks to sleep in.

In theory, they sounded quite comfortable and nice to lay around in; they were a lot less heavy too, so their backpacks wouldn't be that big and bulky.

But when it got to the aftermath of the sleep, most of them would have issues falling asleep in the night.

Sure, Yoongi or Jungkook did drop out within a few minutes; they are just naturally tired, and both could sleep anywhere. But he or Jin sometimes struggled with going to sleep.

And on that one trip, the one that they had this may, the nights were so unreasonably cold that it reminded him of late autumn weather.

During the day, it was more than fine; the occasional breeze was nice to feel as they would get too hot and sweaty otherwise throughout the hike, but as it got into the night, it wasn't that pretty.

They had sleeping bags and even brought the heavier ones, but still, not being able to sleep because of the cold wasn't that nice.

The packmembers wanted to take you camping; they might do it early this spring when it would get nicer out and would be possible, but a hammock was out of options for Taehyung.

The alpha didn't want you to grow cold during the night like he did. He wanted you to sleep comfortable, warm, and with no reason to worry; after all, they would take care of everything now.

He didn't want you to fall asleep because of pure exhaustion, like they would sometimes do in their earlier, more stressful years.

Tae knew that Namjoon would very happily plan a two-day trip for all of you, and while Yoongi would usually grumble and say how it's unreasonable and they could just stay home, the young alpha also knew that if you would look forward to it, which he could imagine you doing, Yoongi would not say a word.

The packmembers would bring a tent then, most likely, maybe two or three, so they wouldn't have to worry about the large space the giant one would take up.

Well, maybe you would like to sleep as a pack, and then they would carry it. But it was okay; that was only a small issue to worry about.

Taehyung knew he would keep you well warmed up during the night. It would be most convenient for all of you to bring sleeping bags, and so you wouldn't be able to truly cuddle during the night like you all might want to do.

But the alpha knew that if you would wake up during the night, the air too chilly and cold for you to rest properly, shivering with your lips blue, he wouldn't hesitate to zip you up into his own sleeping bag.

Just the thought of you being cold and uncomfortable had him hold you closer, his hands gently caressing your sides in gentle circles.

„My babycheeks, it's all good now...Alpha is here."

He whispered gently, more to calm himself, as his imagination felt too real for a moment there, the need to comfort you too strong.

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

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queenshelby · 1 year ago

Text

Yes! Mr Murphy (Rewritten)

PART 28: RUNAWAY

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Warning: Lots of Angst, Age Gap, Teacher x Student, Pregnancy Loss, Infertility

Danielle's hands gripped the steering wheel with a white-knuckled intensity as she sped towards Cillian's apartment. Her heart raced with a mix of anger and betrayal while Nina sat by her side, watching the emotions on her mother’s face.

“Mum, please don’t make a big deal of this”, Nina told her mother, seeing that a storm was brewing both in the skies and within Danielle herself as she pulled up in front of the towering apartment building.

“Nina, quiet”, Danielle spat before taking a moment to steady her breathing.

Danielle climbed out of the car with Nina, grabbed her bags, and stormed into the building.

“Mum, please!” Nina tried to reason with her mother as determination was etched across Danielle’s face. She didn't pause to greet the doorman, nor did she notice the poignant gazes of the other residents. She had a mission, and she was going to confront Cillian head-on.

Nina followed her upstairs with nausea building up in the pits of her stomach, and upon reaching his apartment, Danielle pounded her fist against the door. After what felt like an eternity, it swung open to reveal Cillian, his typically suave demeanour replaced with a mix of surprise and unease, seeing the anger on Danielle’s face.

"Go to your room Nina” Danielle ordered immediately before she barged inside.

“Okay, come on in”, Cillian hissed sarcastically while his ex’s eyes blazed with fury as she pushed past him, ignoring his comment.

"How could you, Cillian? What were you thinking, getting involved with someone as young as Y/N? She is half your fucking age, and she's your daughter's dance teacher, for God's sake! Is this a midlife crisis or something?” Danielle spat, and Cillian closed the door behind him, the silence only amplifying the tension in the room. "I understand how it looks, Danielle, but I didn’t know. Despite this, it is over. I am not seeing her anymore,” Cillian told his ex, trying to calm her down.

Danielle scoffed, her face twisting with disdain. "God, you disgust me, Cillian. First your assistant and now her. You're old enough to be her father. This isn't some movie scene where the older man sweeps away the young, innocent girl. This woman is part of Nina’s life, and your little fling has serious consequences for her” Danielle grimaced while Cillian's face reddened as anger flared in his eyes.

“Fuck, you have some nerves, Danielle, accusing me of doing the wrong thing while all you did for months was to alienate me from my children’s life”, Cillian pointed out, and these words hung heavy in the room, each syllable a dagger to Danielle's pride. Her voice trembled as she struggled to grasp the reality of the situation.

“Clearly, I did the right thing by withholding custody from you. You are disgusting, and trust me, Cillian, I will inform the courts of this and fucking fight you. You aren’t going to see Nina again any time soon. Not until you come to your fucking senses,” Danielle spat before the arguments between her and Cillian came to a head.

***

Just as Nina closed the door to her room behind her, the turbulent argument echoed through the walls of her father’s apartment, and Nina could not bear the constant clashes between her parents any longer. Their fights were like tearing her world apart.

This one was a particularly heated exchange, and Nina decided she had enough. With tears in her eyes, she scribbled a note and packed a small bag. She left it on her bed, a message to her parents that read, "I need some space to breathe." Then, she silently slipped out of her bedroom and into the hallway.

Her parents were so engaged in their arguments that they did not even notice as Nina disappeared into the night, where she wandered the streets, unsure of where to go or what to do next. She felt a mix of fear and freedom, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

She spent about twenty minutes in a nearby park, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city. Caught in the crossfire of their emotional battles, Nina was struggling to find her footing in a world that had suddenly become chaotic and unpredictable and wanted to leave her life behind.

She could not cope with the hate her parents had for each other, and tears streamed down her face as, after spending some time at the park, she walked through the dimly lit streets, desperately trying to escape the painful argument she had just witnessed between her parents. Their heated words still echoed in her ears, reminding her of the broken pieces of her once-happy family.

Feeling lost and alone, Nina eventually remembered you and the things you had said to her in the past. Amidst the chaos and confusion, you had always been a source of stability and guidance for Nina, and thus, Nina fumbled for her phone and dialled your number, praying that you would answer.

"Hello?" your voice came through, filled with concern.

"Y-Y/N, it's Nina," she choked out between sobs. "I... I need help. Can you meet me?" Nina begged, and, of course, you would never turn your back on her.

"Of course, Nina. Where are you?" you asked, sensing the urgency in Nina's voice.

Nina quickly provided you with her location, a café not too far from her father's apartment.

“I will be there shortly. Until then, don’t go anywhere, all right?” you said before calling yourself a taxi which, clearly, was the fasted line of transport available in Dublin right now.

Meanwhile…

By this point, Cillian and Danielle, too, had realised that Nina was gone, and just as they were standing in her room, their eyes scanned the note that their daughter had left behind. It was a simple piece of paper, but the words written on it held a weight that neither of them expected.

"She's gone. It’s almost eight o’clock and too late for her to be out on her own," Danielle hyperventilated, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and sadness.

“This is your fucking fault,” Cillian spat, his eyes darting from the note to the front door as if he was expecting Nina to suddenly materialise outside.

"We have to find her”, he then told his ex as she reached up, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "I know, Cillian. But where do we even begin? She could be anywhere,” Danielle worried while Cillian grabbed his car keys from the table, determination burning in his eyes as, suddenly, he saw a message from you, informing him that Nina had contacted you and that you were going to meet with her, nothing more.

***

Informing Cillian of Nina’s meeting with you was the right thing to do as you knew that he would be worrying about his daughter, and since you were out with some friends that evening, it only took you five minutes to get to where Nina was hiding away from her parents.

“Oh god, Nina”, you sighed with relief when you saw her, and just as you arrived at the local Starbucks, Nina collapsed against the back of one of the seats, her body trembling from a mixture of fear and desperation.

You sat down beside her, concern etching lines onto your forehead. "Nina, what happened? Why are you here, on your own, this late?" you asked, assuming that she had run away from home but not knowing why.

Nina took a shaky breath and wiped away her tears. "I... I overheard my parents arguing. They were yelling at each other, and it was like... like the world was falling apart. I couldn't take it anymore," she said before finally opening up about her parents’ break up.

Flashback

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon when Nina was about to go to a friend’s house, and her parents sat her and her brother down at the kitchen table. They seemed uncomfortable, and Nina knew that something was not right, but she tried to stay optimistic. Hesitantly, Cillian announced that he was getting a divorce from their mother, Danielle and that he would move out the following week.

Whilst Max was shocked, Nina had seen it coming and, yet, she wanted to pretend that it did not happen. Sure, her parents fought a lot, but she also knew most parents fought at one time or another. Her friends often spoke about these arguments to her within their own families, and the arguments Nina’s father had with Nina’s mother were not too dissimilar.

Nina, of course, did not want Cillian to leave but knew that this was something she could not do anything about. It was her father’s choice to leave, and Cillian told her and Max that none of this had anything to do with them.

At the time, when talking to her parents about the separation, Nina managed to keep it together. But when she was back in her room, the tears came like a flood. She called her friend immediately but was crying too hard to even get the words out.

Cillian eventually followed Nina into her room and gave her a comforting hug. He promised that he and their mother would work things out with respect to care, but what he clearly did not anticipate at the time was that Danielle had no intention of letting him see his children.

Max, of course, pretty much did what he wanted, but Nina was too young to make decisions on her own and missed out on valuable time with her father for weeks until, finally, the court made an order for shared care, giving Cillian as much as four nights per week considering Danielle’s erratic work schedule.

With these arrangements in place, Nina finally found some routine, and this routine was now about to be interrupted again as her mother threatened her father to seek a review with the courts, seeing what he had been up to with you.

End of flashback

“This is all my fault”, Nina cried, telling you how the argument eventuated and what it was about, namely Cillian’s involvement with you, and you listened intently, your eyes filled with compassion.

“Listen, Nina; I know that this is upsetting. All the fighting can be difficult to deal with, but none of this is your fault. I am certainly not angry about it, and I am sure your dad or mum would be either. Their arguments are between them, and it is for them to figure it out,” you explained to her while taking her trembling body into your arms.

“If it wasn’t for me, though, they wouldn’t be fighting so much. All of their arguments are about me and spending time with me, so I figured that, if I am not around anymore, they could finally stop fighting,” Nina explained, and you ought to seek clarification.

“Is this why you ran off?” you asked, and Nina nodded.

“Yes, because if I didn’t exist, then they would stop fighting”, she cried.

“Nina, your parents both love you and whilst they might be fighting about spending time with you, I can assure you that neither of them blames you for anything. Your running off will make them worry a lot, and I can tell you that it will make matters worse as now they are probably blaming each other for your actions. Divorce is a hard thing to get through for grown-ups, and grown-ups certainly don’t know everything either. Emotions can take the better of them no matter how mature they are, and clearly, your parents haven’t worked out how to cope with not having you around all the time just yet, and this makes them very emotional. But at the end of the day, you have to remember that you have two parents who love you an awful lot, and that is something pretty amazing. Trust me. Because I did not have that growing up,” you told her, raising some questions.

“You didn’t have parents growing up?” Nina wanted to know, and you nodded.

“No. I grew up in foster care. My parents gave me up when I was ten, and most of the couples I lived with were only in the system for the money,” you explained before telling Nina that, in the US, funding was available for foster carers, and often those carers abused the system.

“Why did your parents give you up?” she wanted to know, but you were not entirely sure about their reasons. All you could do was make an assumption.

“We migrated illegally and got caught. I like to think that my parents thought that me growing up without them in a country as wealthy as the US was better for me than growing up poor and with love,” you guessed, before getting back to the problem at hand.

“But, where I am getting with this is that, yes, having parents separate sucks, but it is still better to have two parents who love you fight about you than having no parents at all,” you told Nina, and Nina immediately felt a mix of guilt and relief wash over her. She knew deep down that you were right, but her emotions had overwhelmed her at that moment, clouding her judgment.

“I shouldn’t run off”, she determined, causing you to nod.

“No, you shouldn’t have,” you told her gently.

“Do you think Mum and Dad will be angry?” Nina worried, but you shook your head.

“Maybe, but they will forgive you, and they will be very relieved to see you,” you assured her before lightening the mood by making a joke. “Despite, your dad is a big softy, and I have a sneaky suspicion that you have got him wrapped around your fingers big time”, you then said before suggesting that you take her back to his house as, no doubt, he and her mother would be worrying about her by now, even in spite of the message you had sent Cillian earlier that day.

***

As you walked back to Cillian’s apartment, your mind churned with thoughts of the conversation you would have to have with Cillian and Danielle.

You knew that you had no choice. You could not let Nina face this by herself, and you knew that you would need to explain the depth of Nina's distress to them and how crucial it was for them to address their differences, not just for themselves but for their daughter's well-being.

Cillian’s separation from his wife was something you always wanted to stay out of, but now you were faced with a situation where you could not do this, knowing that Nina needed your help. You cared for her, and it was a situation that was both awkward and emotionally draining.

As such, when arriving at Nina's father's apartment, you approached the door with trepidation. You took a deep breath and knocked firmly with determination to advocate for Nina unwavering.

When Cillian opened the door, his eyes widened in concern as he saw Nina standing with you beside her. He took her into his arms without any hesitation whatsoever, a sigh of relief leaving his lips, and before he could speak, you began, your voice strong and unwavering.

"You need to pull yourself together. Both of you,” you spat, glancing at Cillian first and then at Danielle, who, at this point, was on the phone with the police, not trusting Cillian’s intuition that Nina was safe with you.

Tears welled up in Danielle’s eyes as she realised the impact of her actions on her daughter again. She gave you a nod and said, “I know,” before walking towards her daughter as well.

“Thank god you are okay,” she said, hugging Nina while your gaze was softening.

“This is none of my business, but, as an outsider, I can tell you that you need to work towards resolving these custody issues and providing a safe space for Nina. She needs both her parents right now, more than ever," you lectured them as all three of them looked at you in silence, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the air. And at that moment, they all understood the importance of helping Nina through this difficult time.

For Danielle, in particular, the realisation dawned upon her that no amount of arguments could change the path that Cillian had chosen for himself when she saw you standing there in front of her.

Her daughter liked you, and clearly, you cared enough to keep her safe which was something that provided some reassurance to her.

There was no point in making life harder for Nina than it already was, and, as such, with a sigh, Danielle wiped away her tears.

“I will pick you up on Monday from school”, she then said, her voice barely a whisper while hugging her daughter.

“You can stay for a bit if you like, Danielle,” Cillian said. His gaze softened as he reached out to touch her arm, a silent acknowledgement of the pain they both felt while you stood there awkwardly and smiled.

“Thank you, Cillian, but no. I don’t want to stay, but I am sorry for what I said to you earlier. I was overreacting,” Danielle told him before thanking him again for bringing Nina back to Cillian’s apartment.

“You are welcome, Danielle”, you told her, no longer caring about formalities as Danielle turned to leave.

“How about you? Will you stay for a drink?” Cillian then asked, just as the storm outside mirrored the conflict within your hearts right now.

“Please?” Nina asked, and regardless of how hard it was for you to turn her down, you knew that it was the right thing to do.

“I shouldn’t. I am sorry, Nina, but maybe you could add me to your socials, and we can connect and chat whenever you like if that’s okay with your dad,” you told her, knowing that Nina had recently been allowed to join Instagram and Facebook.

“Of course”, Cillian reassured his daughter with a smile before thanking you again as well, to which you simply responded with “My pleasure. Take care” before leaving the building as well and heading back home, and it was to your surprise that when you arrived at home, you received a call from Cillian himself.

Cillian felt the need to thank you again more formally over the phone, and after he thanked you for returning Nina to his house, he also offered to talk to the dance academy so that they could reinstate your employment.

Apparently, had spoken to Danielle about it just minutes ago and, much to your surprise, she concurred.

But you did not want your job back after how you had been treated, so you declined.

What you did, however, do as well as point out to Cillian that he should be liaising with the people he knew as, clearly, someone in his midst had revealed your secret relationship to the academy, which made Cillian think.

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy smut #cillian murphy imagine #cillian murphy x reader #cillian murphy x y/n #cillian murphy x you #cillian murphy x y #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy fanfic

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justagalwhowrites · 2 years ago

Text

Lavender - Ch. 28

You get ready to leave the QZ - probably forever. A continuation of Lavender Ch. 1-27 found on Tumblr here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader

Warnings: Canon typical violence. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only

Length: 4K

A/N: If you're seeing this and feeling behind, it's probably because I put up two chapters in a day! Go back for chapter 27 first :)

You kept Ellie close, flanked by Joel and Tess as you made your way back across the QZ. They slowed down a bit once there was some distance between you and the Firefly hideout, reassured that FEDRA wouldn’t be showing up at any second to start arresting people.

You weren’t sure there was a safe way out of this situation. Not that you actually thought Joel would kill a child - you doubted Tess would but didn’t know her well enough to know for sure - but if you managed to slip away, the Fireflies would be after you immediately.

In a time where you could freely move between cities, you might have taken Ellie to a bus stop or train station and gotten the hell out of there. But the QZ was an immensely finite space. There weren’t many rocks under which to hide.

“OK,” Tess said, looking between you, Joel and Ellie. “I’m going to check on our path out. Doc, you go do whatever you need to do, be back here in three hours. The kid stays with Joel.”

“No,” you shook your head. “Ellie stays with me.”

“Then you stay here,” Tess shrugged. “We’re not about to let our key to a way across country out of our sight.”

You sighed and turned to Ellie, a hard look on her face, and tugged her into the kitchen.

“You’re not seriously considering leaving me with these psychos?” She asked, voice low.

“They’re not bad,” you said. “Joel… he’s a good person, he’s not going to do anything to hurt you. He just might be an asshole.”

“How much of an asshole,” she narrowed her eyes at you.

“Enough to be annoying about it, not enough to do any damage,” you smiled. “Promise. But I have to go shower and change and grab some things, if I try to cross the country smelling like this they’re going to throw me out of the car before we even make it to Pennsylvania.”

“Fine,” she muttered.

“Try not to poke the bear though,” you said, looking back toward Joel and Tess talking quietly in the living room. “Not worth the hassle.”

She sighed dramatically in the way that only teenaged girls seemed to be able to do and stomped back to the living room.

“Back in three hours,” you said.

“Should probably tell Andrew you’re leaving this time,” Joel muttered, flopping on the couch.

“Yes, the next time the Fireflies grab me off the street and hold me captive for two weeks, I’ll try to leave a note first,” you snapped. He sat up a bit, looking at you, frowning. “What, did you think I was there on purpose?”

He settled back into the couch.

“Figured you and Tommy’d decided to do something stupid,” he replied, looking you up and down. “You OK?”

You were taken aback by the question.

“Fine,” you replied. “Just really need a shower. Back soon.”

The shower might have been cold but it might have been the best one you’d ever had. You took your time, scrubbing every inch of yourself, washing your hair twice. You were shivering when you were done but you knew it was probably the last time you’d be clean for a while, you wanted to take advantage of it.

You tried to pack as quickly as you could but you took a few minutes to make your bed and clean the glass that Ellie had used two weeks earlier, putting it away. You knew you’d likely never see Boston again, let alone this apartment so you wanted to leave it in a good way. You’d lived here for nearly half your life. It was small, parts were worn, but it had been yours. It was hard to reckon with leaving everything behind.

You packed some clothes, trauma gear, all the research notes you had about the effective treatment you’d found, water bottles, the book of poetry Beth left you. For the second time in your life, you took the picture of you, Joel and Sarah out of its frame and tucked it into your bag, knowing you likely would never return. You did the same with the pictures of your grandmother and Becca. You got the photo of Joel and Tess out of the notebook in the drawer and tucked it away, too. You grabbed a handful of ribbons that you’d collected through the years, like bringing them meant you weren’t leaving part of yourself behind. You took all the food you could from your kitchen - jerky, dried fruit. Every birth control pill pack and broad spectrum antibiotic you had. Finally, you put the old sweatshirt you’d worn during the outbreak in your bag. You still wore it when you felt lonely, put it on and remembered how you’d felt when Joel had given it to you the day you graduated. You’d been tipsy on champagne and he looked so goddamn proud it made your heart ache.

You sat at your kitchen table and wrote a short note, the only one you felt you needed to write. “Derek,” you wrote. “I’m sorry for everything that happened. Know that I loved you the best I could and know that you deserve more than that. Thank you for everything.” You put it with the framed photo you had taken of him reading in your apartment.

Before you took a last look around, you went into the stash below the floorboard and brought up all your extra ration cards and ammunition. Not that you had your gun any more thanks to Marlene but hopefully Joel or Tess could use it. You pocketed some ration cards and put the rest in the bag you usually brought to school, along with the photo, the note and as much of your other research as it could hold before setting off to Andrew’s.

Elizabeth was shrieking with laughter when you got to their door. You waited a second before knocking, savoring the sound while you could. The thought of never hearing it again put a knot in your throat. You took a deep breath before you knocked.

There was some chaos on the other side of the door, you could hear Andrew trying to herd his children out of the way, followed by the frantic turning of the deadbolt and him ripping the door open, the knob slamming into the wall as he all but jumped into the hall to hug you.

“Holy shit I thought you were dead,” he held you tight, backpack and all, crushing you to his chest. You hugged him back, trying to remember what it was like the first time you’d held him. You’d both been so different then - he’d just been a teenager, he’d gotten slightly taller since then. It was hard to think of leaving him behind.

“I’m sorry,” you said, your voice thick. “I’m really sorry…”

He stepped back, pulling you inside, looking you up and down.

“Are you coming back or are you leaving?” He asked.

“Leaving,” you said quietly.

“Auntie Doc!” Elizabeth ran over to you, her little bare feet slapping against the linoleum floor. “Did you know that giraffes’ tongues can be 20 inches long? That’s almost two feet!”

“No way, really?” You smiled, trying not to cry. “That’s so long! What do they do with it all?”

Jess ran out from the bedroom and hurled herself at you, her red hair flying. You barely caught her.

“Thank God!” She said tearfully. She clung to you for a second before falling back. “Where the hell were you? We’ve been worried sick!”

“I know and I’m sorry,” you said. Elizabeth was looking up at the adults, confused. “Can we stash the kids for a minute? I need to talk to you guys.”

Jess nodded before taking Elizabeth’s hand and scooping up Jonah, setting them up in their room with some toys before closing the door.

“We’ve got about five minutes before one of them winds up dead,” She said.

“I’ll try to be quick,” you said, handing the canvas bag to Andrew who took it with a frown. You slid your pack off your back and to the floor before sitting on the couch. He sat beside you.“That’s for you. My apartment keys are in there, too. When you can or want, go take whatever you might like.”

Andrew looked at you and frowned.

“You’re talking like you’re not coming back…”

“I don’t think I am,” you said quietly.

“No,” he shook his head, looking away from you for a moment before turning back, tears in his eyes. “No, see, we don’t do this. You and me, together, that’s how we do this…”

“It’s not going to happen this time,” you said. “I have a student, the one I’ve told you about… The Fireflies are taking her across country. Something happened with her and… They think she might be immune.”

“Immune?” Jess frowned, sinking onto the couch beside her husband. “Like can’t turn?”

You nodded.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Andrew said. “That… we’d have seen that by now if it were possible.”

“That’s where I’ve been the last two weeks,” you said. “She showed up at my house with a half healed bite, I was trying to take her to the clinic to see if I could get the cordyceps out and the Fireflies found us. They’ve been monitoring her for the last two weeks. She hasn’t changed, the cordyceps haven’t advanced. I never got a chance to remove them, they just… aren’t attacking her. They’re bringing her to their lab out west and I’m going with them.”

“No,” Andrew said again. “Fuck the Fireflies, who the hell knows what they’ll do with anything they get from her…”

“That’s why I have to go,” you said. “I have to make sure whatever they’re doing they’re doing it right. But more importantly, I have to protect that girl. No one is on her side, Andrew, no one. She has no one. She’s going to vanish and no one is going to notice, they’re all going to assume she fell through the cracks. Someone has to be on her side, she can’t go through it all alone.”

You didn’t want to give them time to argue.

“In the bag is all the research I didn’t want to try to haul in the backpack that I might want,” you said. “I’m hoping I’ll have access to a radio so if there’s something I desperately need, I’ll get word to you and you can relay it over. There’s more at my place but it’s even older. I’d appreciate if you could get it and hold onto it for me, though.

“There’s also something in there for Derek, if you wouldn’t mind dropping it off. Doesn’t need to be soon, whenever you want but I’d appreciate if you waited until I’d been gone for a week or two first. I don’t want him thinking I took off because of him or something. I also put my stash of ration cards in there. I kept some to hopefully bribe someone with if I need to on the way out but the rest are yours.”

“What am I supposed to do without you?” He asked.

“I don’t know,” you sniffed, starting to cry. “Let me know if you figure it out because I’m going to be lost without you.”

He pulled you into a tight hug and you pressed your face into his shoulder.

“I owe you everything, you know,” you said, voice muffled by his shirt.

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” he replied, holding you close for another moment before pulling back. “The end of the world fucking sucked but I’ve always felt like it at least got me my wife and my best friend out of the deal. And now you’re leaving.”

“You’re my family,” you smiled tightly, putting a hand on his knee. “But you’ve got your own family now and you’re doing a hell of a job with them. Keep it up, OK?”

“Yeah,” he nodded.

“Never thought I’d get another sister,” Jess sniffed. “But damn, I lucked out.”

“I never had one to begin with,” you smiled at her. “But if I had, I think she’d have paled in comparison to you.”

There was a clatter from the bedroom. Jess dried her eyes.

“Let me get the kids before they hurt themselves,” she said. “You have to say goodbye to them, too…”

It took everything you had to not cry as Elizabeth babbled to you about giraffes - the animal from today’s science book - and Jonah tugged at your shirt. You hugged them both tightly, told them how much you loved them, tried to cover the feeling of your heart cracking open with longing to hold them just a while longer.

Andrew walked you to the door, his arm around your shoulders.

“Even if we never had to save each other, I’d still be so glad we met,” he said.

“Me too,” you smiled through the tears.

“I’m just deciding this isn’t goodbye,” he said. “It’s see you later, OK? We’ll see you again. It’s you and me, that’s how we do this.”

“Yeah, OK,” you laughed a little and he pressed his lips to your forehead.

“Radio when you make it, OK?” He said. You nodded. “Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

The walk to Joel’s felt both too long and too short. You wanted to get your tears under control before you got there but walking through the QZ while crying was a little too vulnerable for your taste. There were still tears in your eyes when Joel opened the door.

“You OK?” He frowned down at you as you stepped inside.

You shrugged with a sniff.

“Said goodbye to Jess and Andrew and the kids,” you said softly. “I never thought I’d know when I wouldn’t see them again, you know? At least not for a few decades if we got that lucky.”

You wiped your eyes on your sleeves.

“You’re not coming back,” he said it more than asked it.

“No,” you shook your head. “I don’t think I am.”

“Doc!” Ellie came out from the bathroom, a proud grin on her face. “I figured out their smuggling code. 80s means trouble.”

You glanced up at Joel.

“Bill and Frank?”

He added once.

“Shit,” you muttered.

Tess wasn’t too far behind you, letting herself in just as you’d managed to stop crying.

“Let’s move.”

***

This girl was going to drive Joel insane.

She was nosey, a smart ass and too clever for her own good. And she damn well knew it, too. Which only made it worse.

Thankfully, she seemed to have a modicum of respect for you and actually listened when you told her to be quiet and do whatever Joel and Tess told her to do.

“They’re pros,” you’d told her as they got ready to leave the apartment. “You’ve got to trust them. Stick close, obey, you’ll be fine.”

She’d sighed dramatically but seemed to listen, Joel in the lead, the girl behind him, you behind the girl and Tess bringing up the rear.

He wasn’t huge on any part of this plan. You were a liability outside the QZ. He’d given you a gun and a knife so you weren’t totally unarmed but you were far from a great shot and he wasn’t sure you’d even be willing to shoot or stab anything but an infected.

And then there was the kid.

Joel hadn’t been around kids such since… Regardless, he didn’t remember them seeming quite so small or disturbingly fragile. It wasn’t that she was particularly delicate by any means, it seemed like she approached everything that crossed her path the way a freight train would: loudly and head on. It was more that she was inherently breakable, something that was in desperate need of protection.

Protection that you’d, apparently, decided fell to you from the way you kept close to her. It set Joel’s teeth on edge. You might have been capable of protecting her in the QZ - you had connections, after all, and you could certainly patch her up when she got hurt. He was sure you’d have no problem shouting down some FEDRA asshole on the girl’s behalf. But raiders and infected? Those were another story.

But he only had to get the two of you across Boston. Then he’d have a car and could go find Tommy. And leave you to the Fireflies.

He ground his teeth.

He’d cross that bridge when he came to it.

He made it to the fence line, ducking under first while Tess held it up for you and the girl to scramble through before following behind.

“Holy shit,” the kid breathed, looking up as though the sky should be fucking different a few feet outside the wall.

“Ellie!” You hissed, grabbing her and tugging her down beside you.

“Sorry,” she winced. “I’ve just never been outside!”

Joel watched the searchlight and you tugged the girl lower against you as it passed overhead.

“Go,” Tess ordered once it had cleared.

He led you along the wall, staying pressed close against it, until they were close to the next gap… and ran almost head first into a guard.

“Hey!” He yelled, raising his gun.

“Fuck,” Joel muttered, putting his hands up, trying to maneuver himself in front of you. You grabbed the girl and tucked her behind your body before raising your hands, too.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” The guard snapped. Joel tried to not groan.

“Look,” he began but he cut him off.

“Thought I warned you that we were cracking down and now you’re just, what, leading a fuckin’ field trip?” He demanded.

“This is all just a big misunderstanding,” you smiled a little. “I’m sure we can work it out…”

“Did I tell you that you could fuckin’ talk?” The man pointed his gun at you. Joel’s jaw twitched.

“If you just want to give me a second,” your voice was calm. “There are some cards in my back pocket. I’m going to get them out, you can have them, they’re yours, OK?”

The man paused, gun still pointed at you.

“Let’s seem ‘em,” he said.

Joel glanced back at you as you moved slowly, just one hand, and pulled out a wad of cards, approaching the guard slowly and handing them over. You stepped back, glancing behind you as you did, lining yourself up with the girl, staying in front of her.

“Thanks,” he pocketed them. “For that, I won’t kill you.”

“What more do you fuckin’ want man?” Tess asked. “Let us do this run and we’ll give you half.”

“Need a lot more than fuckin’ half if you want me risking my neck for you assholes,” he snapped. “Turn around, down on your knees, hands on your head, let’s go.”

You looked at Joel, your eyes wide. Your head moved, ever so slightly, once. A shake. For some reason, this was a bridge too far.

“You can have it all,” he said quickly. “All the cards from this run, they’re yours.”

“I said down on your fuckin’ knees!” The gun was up.

“Alright, Jesus,” Tess muttered, turning around and looking to you and Ellie. “Just get down…”

You and the girl shared a look as you got to your knees and Joel followed, watching you out of the corner of his eye.

“I know a lot of high up people in FEDRA here,” you said as the man went to Tess. “Want a nice, cushy gig? I can make that happen…”

“Yeah I bet you fuckin’ can,” he scoffed. “Crawling out of the QZ like a fuckin’ rat screams power…” He pressed his scanner to Tess’ neck.

“Seriously?” She snapped. “We were coming from inside…”

“Unauthorized exit,” he showed her the screen. “That’s a hanging offense.”

“Pills,” Joel said quickly. “Half off.”

“All off,” the man countered.

“I’m a doctor,” you said quickly. “You won’t even need to wait for them to do a run, I’ll get you as many as you want, I’ve got access…”

The scanner pressed to Joel’s neck.

“Two for two,” he shook his head. “Not lookin’ too hot for the field trip…”

He scanned you next.

“Looky here,” he turned the scanner around. “Unauthorized. Exit. Hope your powerful friends are free to bail you out…”

“Name it,” you said quickly, pleading. “I’ll give you whatever you want…”

He pressed the scanner to the girl’s neck and she screamed, leaving him yelping in pain, clutching his leg.

You moved quickly, twisting and grabbing the girl, all but throwing her behind you as you scrambled to your feet and the guard yanked a knife from his leg.

“Fucking bitch!” He raised the gun.

Joel jumped between you and the guard.

“She’s freaked out, I’m sorry,” you said quickly. “It’s a misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding. I can still get you whatever you want, I can get you more cards, I can get you pills…”

“No, fuck you,” he snarled, pressing forward.

“We can work this out,” Joel kept his hands up, glancing behind him. Your eyes were wide, the girl peering over your shoulder. Your arms were behind you, trying to hold her back as you shielded her. He looked back at the guard. “Just put the gun down.”

“I don’t fuckin’ think so.”

The man’s finger twitched toward the trigger and, for half a moment, it was 20 years ago. He was holding Sarah. He was scared. He needed to protect her. Life without her wasn’t worth it, he needed to keep her safe.

He lunged for the guard before he was fully aware of what he was doing, knocking the gun aside and bringing his fist down on the man’s face again and again and again.

There was something deeply satisfying about it, raining blows down on the man who would have killed Sarah, just tried to kill you, just tried to kill the fragile girl whose body you were protecting with your own. This time, he wasn’t failing. This time, he was doing what was needed.

“Joel!” Your voice snapped him back to reality, the man’s face a bloody mass below his hand.

The girl was leaning behind you, watching him intently. He looked back at the man, his hand covered in his blood. You darted forward, putting one hand gently on his back, the other taking his bicep, tugging him slowly to his feet. You pulled his hand into yours, looking at his bloody knuckles.

“Come on,” you said quietly. “I’ll take a better look when we’re clear…”

He nodded to you once. You got to your knees and checked the guard’s pulse, wincing after a few seconds. Joel took the gun from the ground.

“Joel!” Tess yelled, panic in her voice. She was holding up a red scanner.

“No,” the girl shook her head and you ran past Joel so fast you were barely a blur, throwing yourself between Tess and the girl.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Doc?” Tess snapped. “You’ve got me hauling an infected girl out of the goddamn QZ! You have us risking our asses for this?”

“I’m not infected!” The girl said, slipping below your arm and holding out her own. “Look, I got bit weeks ago, OK? Weeks, no one lasts that long…”

“It’s true,” you said quickly. “It’s true, she came to me two weeks ago and it was already a week old then, Marlene got us and held us another two weeks, I saw all of it, I swear she’s not infected I don’t know what it is…”

“I should fucking kill you both!” Tess snapped.

“Then let’s do it away from here before more guards show up!” You said quickly, putting the girl behind you again. “Tess, you know me. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t have a reason, do you think I’d leave everything here if I didn’t have a reason?”

She panted for breath, staring you down.

“Let’s move before we have more fucking problems,” she snapped, stalking for the fence, Tess ducking below first. You nudged the girl behind her and you stopped, looking back at Joel, waiting for him. He came and stood beside you, his mouth a grim line.

“I promise there’s a reason,” you said softly. “I promise.”

He gave you a single nod. You ducked below the fence and he followed you and the girl into the dark.

A/N: And we say goodbye to Boston and the Boston OC crew! I hope you enjoyed Andrew and Jess at least half as much as I have. Andrew quickly went from a small side character to probably the second favorite character I've ever written. It's the only reason he survived the run with Tess and Joel - I couldn't handle killing him!

I'm really looking forward to exploring some of the dynamics of these characters in the next chapter and, of course, some fun with infected - with some added drama on the books because why not.

I have a taglist! If you'd like to be added, comment below.

Thank you again for reading! I know I say this all the time but this has been such a joy in large part because the readers are such a joy. Thank you thank you thank you for this experience. Love you all!

Taglist: @paleidiot@ayamenimthiriel@ginger-swag-rapunzel@drewharrisonwriter@flugazi @pedropascalsbbg@taoyuji@starstruckmusiciansartghost@splendsay@bigboiseason123@jpbplvr @ashleyandring @mrsyixingunicorn10@sloanexx@ninaminaromina @lady-bellyn @hufflepuffriver @sarap-77 @storyarcscribe @mellymbee @jasminedragoon @lemonmeli @reds-ramblings@arizonadaydreamer@mumma-moonchild@blackroseguzzi@candypeaches16@kittenlittle24@wrappedinfiction@oatmeaiboy

#fanfic #joel miller x female reader #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #enemies to friends to lovers

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